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Location: Cumberland, Virginia, United States
Surname/tag: Walker
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Includes transcripts and analysis of William Walker's will and the proceedings of the court case arising therefrom. Also includes the Revolutionary War pension application of William Walker.
Contents |
Introduction
William Walker (1757-bef.1840) was a large land and slave owner in Cumberland County, Virginia. This page gives the instructions on how to find the image of his will and a transcript thereof. Also provided here are the instructions on how to find the transcript image of the court case that arose out of William Walker's will and a best effort transcription thereof. Both documents, but especially the court case, provide a wealth of genealogical information about the William Walker family and the spouses of William's children and some of William's grandchildren. The clerk of the court had horrible handwriting! The transcription of the court proceeding has a lot of words that proved to be undecipherable. As a result, the transcription is not of sufficient quality to understand the legal intricacies of the case but MOST of the genealogical information seems accurate. The court case was NOT acrimonious. Everyone seemed to agree on the actions requested by the plaintiff. It was basically to get the estate's executor to finally (after 5 years) distribute the money to the heirs and to get court clarification as to exactly who should be the beneficiaries of the estate.
If anyone is able to improve the transcription of the court case, please feel free to do so.
Unrelated to the will, but of great relevance to understanding William Walker as a person, this page also includes instructions on how to find the image of the Revolutionary War pension file for William Walker. William enlisted in the Continental Army for a total of 24 months as a private (rifleman) and sergeant and fought in a large number of the decisive battles of the war. A transcript of relevant parts of the 31 page pension application folder has also been included.
The Will (source)
William Walker's will can be found on the FamilySearch catalog
United States, Virginia, Cumberland
Probate records
Will books, with inventories and accounts, 1749-1887; general indexes to wills, 1749-1975
Author: Virginia. County Court (Cumberland County); Virginia. Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery (Cumberland County); Virginia. Circuit Court (Cumberland County)
Will book, Vol. 9-11 1832-1852
pages 230 and 231 (and does NOT continue on page 232) which are in image 335
URL : https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-ML7?i=334&cat=367904
The Will (Transcription)
Wm. Walker's Will
In the name of GodAmen, I William Walker being of sound mind and memory do make and ordain this my last Will and testament in manner following. When my spirit is turned out of this earthly tabernacle, wherein it has abided for upwards of Eighty years, I have a firm hope that it will go to my Redeemer. My body I wish to be decently intered by the side of my wife in a plain coffin made by my own domestics, hoping that Edward Blanton will render some assistance.
In the first place, I give and bequeath to John or Jack Miller who married my daughters Sarah & Judith and went off with a strumpet and left his wife in distress, which was the cause of her death, a head board with this inscription "Here lies The Body of Jack Miller, who was the cause of the death of his wife".
Secondly, I give and bequeath to my grandson William T. Miller who treated(?) his grandfather and the ashes of his mother with so much contempt as to go off to his father and to refuse to return, saying that he would work up to his chin in mud first. To him I give ten feet square to be picked out of the muddyest part of my farm.
Thirdly, I give to Allen S. Miller the following four negros Aliez(?) Franhey(?), Milley, Martha and Mat together with my dark bay mare Uieginia(?), commonly called Fly.
Fourthly, My will and desire are that Sam Lehbber and his wife Patty shal have the privilege of choosing their master from among my children for whom the child chosen as their master is to pay the valuation to be put upon them by Allen Telilson and Dr. Wm. L. Morton or any other two good neighbors.
Fifthly, I give and bequeath unto my son William B. B. Walker Kith(?), upon condition that he maintains old aunt Aggy during her life.
Sixthly, I give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Mary Ann Wilson the following slaves, to wit Loury, Hannah and Independence together with the ones new in their possession named Emmeline.
Seventhly, I give to my grand daughter Mary Ann Blanton, Penny and her five children, to wit Betsey, Sam, John, Judy and Chisled(?). And if Penny shall have any other childor children,during my life, I wish them to go likewise to my said grand daughter.
Eightly, To Harlow Cadwell for his disrespect to his wife's relations both by words and deeds, I give twenty five cents. Intending at the same time to give his wife's children, my daughter Rebecca B. Cadwell, one equal childs part.
Ninthly, I will my lands to be sold and the proceeds thereof, together with all the rest of my property to be equally divided among my children. That is to say Kennen Happuch Ligon, Mary A. L. G. M. Hines, Nancy T. Blanton, Virginia McGehee, William B. B. Walker, and the children of my son John viz Susan L. Blanton and William A. B. Walker which two each mentioned grand children are to take such part only as their father would have taken in sharing equally with the rest of my children. And to my daughter Rebecca B. Cadwell's children I also give the like equal parts with the children of my son John.
Lastly, I appoint my son William B. B. Walker my sole executor of this my last will & testament. As witnes my hand seal this 20th February 1838.
(signed) Wm. Walker
Witnesses : Danl. A. Wilson, Wm. L. Morton, Joseph Lehen, Abadiah Harris
---
Codicil to my last Will and testament now in the hands of Dr. William L. Morton which will was written by Daniel A. Wilson some time past in which I bequeath to my grandson Wm. L. Miller a small lot of land therein named. I now revoke that bequest, and will and direct that he shall at my death have the following property, to wit Sarah and her two sons Coleman and Henry, and the increase of the woman if any forever and direct that this codecil shall be appended to and made a part of my last will and testament now in the hands of Dr. Wm. L. Morton. In testimony of which I have set my hand and affixed my seal this 27th day of June 1839. The interlineation(?) before assigned was made.
(signed) Wm. Walker
Witnesses : A. Wilson, Abadiah Harris
---
At a court held for Cumberland County the 24th day of August 1840, the following last will and testament of Wm. Walker deemed(?) with a codecil thereto annexed was presented in Court and the will proved by (ends).
The Will (Analysis)
Names of family members in order of first appearance in the will with contextual notes on how the person relates to William Walker:
William Walker, testator
John or Jack Miller, former son-in-law married both to daughter Sarah and later to daughter Judith
William T. Miller, son of Jack and grandson of William Walker - which mother unknown
Allen S. Miller, son of Jack and grandson of William Walker - which mother unknown
William B. B. Walker, son of William Walker and executor of William Walker's estate
Mary Ann Wilson, granddaughter of William Walker - parentage unknown - possibly the married name of daughter Rebecca Cadwell's Mary Ann
Harlow Cadwell, son-in-law of William Walker and second husband of Rebecca B. Cadwell
Rebecca B. Cadwell, second married name of daughter of William Walker
Kennen Happuch Ligon, married name of daughter of William Walker
Mary A. L. G. M. Hines, married name of daughter of William Walker
Nancy T. Blanton, married name of daughter of William Walker
Virginia McGehee, married name of daughter of William Walker
John Walker, deceased, son of William Walker
Susan L. Blanton, married name of daughter of John Walker and granddaughter of William Walker
William A. B. Walker, son of John Walker and granddaughter of William Walker
The Court Case (Source)
The subsequent court case (which concluded on 22 Dec 1845) can be found at :
Library of Virginia Chancery Proceedings HEIR(S) OF William Walker vs EXR OF William Walker. Index Number: 1845-007. Names: Blanton, Cadwell, French, Hines, Ligon, McGhee, Miller, Walker, Walthall
URL : http://www.lva.virginia.gov/chancery/case_detail.asp?CFN=049-1845-007
The Court Case (Transcription)
The proceedings of the court case :
(some punctuation has been added to this transcription for readability)
PAGE 1
(Index Number:) 1845-007
Cumberland County (Virginia)
Chancery Cases : Heirs of William Walker vs Exr. of William Walker etc.
(Names:) Blanton, Cadwell, French, Hines, Ligon, McGhee, Miller, Walker, Walthall
PAGE 2
I W. W. Co: Ch:Walker etc. vs Walker's Exr. etc. Chancery Papers
PAGE 3
To this worshipfull(?) the county court of Cumberland in chancery sitting recently(?) (?...)plaining showeth(?) unto your worships your orator James Blanton and Nancy his wife, formerly Nancy Walker, James Walthall and Elizabeth his wife, one of the daughters of Rebecca Blanton, formerly Rebecca Walker, Henry Hines and Mary A. S. M. his wife, formerly Walker, [the following is written but crossed out - Elijah McGehee and Virginia his wife, formerly Walker,] James Blanton and Kewhim(?) Blanton in right of Elijah McGehee and Virginia his wife, formerly Walker, that Wm. Walker of this county departed this life some time in year 1840 after just having made and published his last will and testament which is of record in the clerk's of the county court of Cumberland, an office copy of which is herewith said and prayed to be taken as a part of this bill, in which said will; after making several arbises(?) He makes the following dispositions of his land, to wit that his lands be sold and the procedes thereof together with all the rest of his property to be eaqually divided among his children, that is to say Karen Happuch Ligon, Mary A. S. M. Hines, Nancy T. Blanton, Virginia McGehee, William B. B. Walker and the children of his son John (viz.) Susan L. Blanton and William A. B. Walker, the two last mentioned grandchildren are to take such part (an by?) as their father would have taken in sharing equally with the rest of his children {note that Rebecca Walker is missing from this listing of William's children}. Your orators and oratresses present that the said William Walker the father and grandfather of (taurora?) (Ins coralnas?) left a (case cousianata?) estate (lorthe hut ?) and personal that his son William B. B. Walker qualified as executor under the last will testament of the said William and took upn himself the execution of the said will.
PAGE 4
Your orators and (oratresss?) are of the opinion that said Executor has long since paid off all the costs that were due (as our?) his testators Estate and has since sold the (land muhorn a?) in the testator's will and that the money has all been collected for the same or might have been collected by the said Exr. and that they know of no reason to prevent the distribution(?) of the money & of the proceeds of the sale of the said land from being distributed(?) as mentioned in the testator's will (auong?). Those entitled(?) as these (in?) mentioned your orators & oratresses alledge that the following are the children(?) and (aestbkytees?) in the will of the said William Walker deceased to wit: Wm. Ligon who intermarried with Karen Happuch, Henry Hines who intermarried with Mary A. S. M. Walker, James Blanton who intermarried with Nancy T., Elijah McGehee who intermaried with Virginia, the daughter of the said William Walker deceased, William B. B. Walker, Susan L. Blanton who intermaried with Joseph Blanton, William A. B. Walker, the last two are the only children of John S. Walker deceased, one of the sons of the said William Walker. The said Susan & William as aforesaid are entitled to their Father's portion as if he were living. Your orator James Walthall intermarried with Elizabeth Blanton, one of the daughters of Rebecca, now Rebecca Cadwell, formerly Rebecca Walker, one of the daughters of the said Wm. Walker, who intermarried with Lindsay Blanton, who long (?) departed this life without any interest in this suit, just the said Rebecca Cadewell by her first marriage, to wit with her husband Lindsay Blanton, had the following children, to wit Elizabeth Blanton who intermarried with James Walthall, Judith F. Blanton who intermarried with John French, Allen Blanton & Adolphus Blandon, the last two of whom, to wit Allen & Adolphus, are infants whom, it is prayed, may be represented by a guardian ad litem appointed by the court to
PAGE 5
take care & protect their interests and rights in this suit. And the said Rebecca after her intermarriage with Haslan Cadwell had the following children, to wit Uriah F. Cadwell, John W. Cadwell & Mary Ann Cadwell, all of whom are infants underthe age of twenty one years whom, it is prayed, may be represented by their guardian ad litem appointed by the court specially to (?) care of their interests in this suit and your orator & oratress not knowing the exact time of the birth of the children of the said Rebecca by her present husband Harlow Cadwell, begs leave to propose the following suit how to be (aicisnd?) by the court in order that the rights of the said Uriah F. Cadwell, John W. Cadwell & Mary Ann Cadwell, infant children of the said Rebecca Cadwell since her marriage with the said Caldwell on (candled?) to participate (man?) the will of the said Wm. Walker. That is whether the children of the said Rebecca that have been born since the (creation?) of the said will to wit, since the 20th of Feb , on all (?) and whether the children that have been born since the death of the testator Wm. Walker which occur(nad?) just previous to the 24th day of August 1840, that is to say on the _____ day of ______ 1840 are entitled atall(?) which (suisbous yum?) or a less (Losulney?) pray may be settled and adjudged by this court so as to determine the rights of the said children to participate (in an?) the said will in the (Cuonscow?) of the money belonging to the Est. of the said William Walker deceased, also Edward Blanton who intermarried with Mary A., formerly Mary A. Miller, Wm. T. Miller and Allen S. Miller, the last three,
PAGE 6
to wit Edward Blanton & Mary A., his wife, Wm. T. & Allen S. Miller, your orators and oraratresses alledge have no interest whatever with the subject matter of the (aivestone askr los?) your orators & oratresses. To the End these low(?), that justice(?) may be done, your orators & oratresses pray that the said Wm. B. B. Walker, Exr. of the said William Walker deceased and in his own right may be made Deft(defendant?) to this bill and answer the several allegations here in containd. And that William Legon & Kerun Happuck, his wife, Joseph Blanton and Susan, his wife, and William A. B. Walker, the last two, to wit Susan & William, are the only children of John S. Walker deceased, Edward Blanton and Mary, his wife - formarly Mary A. Miller, Wm T. Miller and Allen S. Miller, the last three of whom are grandchildren of the said William Walker deceased. And John French and Judith, his wife - one of the children of Rebecca Cadwell by her marriage with Lindsay Blanton, her first husband, and Allen Blanton & Adolphus Blanton, the last two to [wit], Allen & Adolphus, are in fact children of the said Rebecca by her marriage with Lindsay Blanton, whom it is prayed may be represented by a guardian ad litem And Uriah F. Cadwell, John W. Cadwell & Mary A. Cadwell, infant children of the said Rebecca Cadwell by her present marriage whom it is prayed may be represented by a guardian ad litem be (moan or mean?) (Defts or defendants?) to this will and that they answer the the several allegations herein(?) contained and that your worships will order and (cursee?) a settlement of the Executoral accounts of the said Wm. B. B. Walker with the Est. of the said Wm. Walker deceased. And that this worshipfull court will also oversee(?) a
PAGE 7a
distribution(?) of the money or what other Estate may be subject to (cutr?ion?) answering(?) those that one rightfully entitled under the will of the said Wm. Walker or by purchase(?) from those that were entitled as therein described and grant to your orators & oratresses such other and (justhr?) relief in the (pressecses?) as their case may (require?) one or more (spa??) in (chcing?) and in (an by or only?) (taun?) a your orators & Oratresses will (?) pray. {signed} JC
PAGE 7b
{some sort of signature page}
J WtVikar(?)
atty. for Pttfs. {presumably 'attorney for the plaintiffs'}
PAGE 8
{some sort of title page}
Walker Heirs vs. (S bill?) Walker Estate
PAGE 9
The joint answers of Allen Blanton and Adolphus Blanton, infant children of Rebecca Cadwell by her first marriage to wit to Lindsay Blanton, Uriah Cadwell, John W. Cadwell, Mary A. Cadwell, infant children of the said Rebecca Cadwell by her present marriage to Haslaw W. Cadwell by this guardian ad litem Blake B. Woodson appointed by the court specially to take care of the interest of the said Allen Blanton & Adolphus Blanton, Uriah Cadwell, John W. Cadwell, Mary A. Cadwell in (absent?) in (chaing?) now depending(?) in the county court of Cumberland in which James Blanton & Nancy, his wife, and others are complainants and Wm. B. B. Walker & in his own right and others are defendants, your responders for answers by them. Said guardians ad litem say that they know of no reason why a decision should not be had as prayed for by the complainants. Your respondant, knowing of no reason why the prayer of the county court to(?) should not be granted and just(?) be more (cornnetd?) the interest of the said infants to the case(?) of the court and if the interests of the ssid infants are to be effected they(?)can & will suggest the same to your respondent. Your respondent having answered, prays to be dismissed. JC
Allen Blanton, Adolphus Blanton, Uriah Cadwell, Jno. W. Cadwell, Mary A. Cadwell by B. B. Woodson, Gdn. ad litem
PAGE 10
The joint answer of Edward A. Blanton & Mary A., his wife, William T. Miller and Allen S. Miller to a bill of complaint Examined(?) in the county court of Cumberland by James Blanton & Nancy, his wife, & others against your respon(dants?) clients and others. Your respondants joint answer (?) to say that they have no interist whatever under the clauses in their Grandfather Wm. Walker will concerning the sale of the land & the division of the proceeds of said sale and that they have long since recd. the specific legacy to which they were entitled (?) their Grandfather Wm. Walker's will. Having answered, pray to be dismissed with their costs. JB
Wm. T. Miller, Allen S, Miller, Edward A. Blanton, Mary A. Miller.
PAGE 11
The joint answer of Wm. Legon & Kerun Happuck, his wife, Josheph Blanton and Susan, his wife, William A. B. Walker, John French and Judith, his wife, Allen Blanton & Adolphus Blandon, the two last are infants under the age of twenty and over the age of fourteen, to a bill of complint (extubeud or exhbeud?) against William B. B. Walker Exr. of Wm. Walker and in his own right & your respondants and others by Jas. Blandon & Nancy, his wife, & others in the county court of Cumberland. Your respondants have answered thus to say that they admit the (one word which seems to be crossed out or is anyway unreadable?) of the complainants bill and are willing that a division shall be made as prayed for in the complainants bill. Your respondants prays to be dismissed with their reasonable costs.
Wm. B. B. Walker Ex. of W. Walker dec., James D. Walthall, Joseph Blanton, Wm. B. Legon, Harlon B. Cadwell, Richard A. Blanton, Allen S. Blanton, Jno. French by (somebody - not readable)
PAGE 12
The answer of Wm. B. B. Walker Executor of Wm. Walker deceased and in his own right & others to a bill of complaint in (tubeud?) against him by James Blanton & Nancy, his wife, & others in the county court of Cumberland, your respondant for(?) answers thus(?) to admits that he is the Exr. of the said Wm. Walker & that he is also one of the distributors(?) under the will of the said Wm. Walker and that he has sold the land mentioned(?) in the will of the said Wm. & (lke?) provided(?) these of are(?) now in a (dy?) for(?) (conversion or distribution or division?). Your respondant also admits the (lrreth?) of the complainants bill as far as the facts (these in?) stood (romy?) within his own knowledge and he knows of no just reason why the division should not be had as prayed for by the compts (presumably complanants). Your respondant having answered prays to be dismissed with his reasonable costs.
Wm. B. B. Walker, Wm. B. B. Walker ex. of W Walker
PAGE 13
Walker Heirs vs. Walker exr. & others
In chancery
This day this cause(?) came out to be heard by consent of parties upon the bill and our(?) was (Jikd?) and on motion Blake B. Woodson was appointed by the court guardian ad litem for Allen Blanton, Adolphus Blanton, Uriah Cadwell, John W. Cadwell & Mary A. Cadwell, infant children of Rebecca Cadwell, who filed(?) their answer in this cause consideration where of and after (treating?) the argument of council. The court doth first(?) (adjudge?) and (decide?) that only those children borne of Mrs. Rebecca Cadwell, the daughter of Wm. Walker at the period or up to the date of the death of the said Wm. Walker & taken under his will and those that have been born of Mrs. Rebecca Cadwell (Ein..?) the death of the said William Walker have no interest whatever in the est. of the said Willam Walker and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the following are the children of the said Rebecca Cadwell that are entitled under that(?) will of the said William Walker, to wit Elizabeth, who intermarried with Jas. Walthall, William & Blanton Judith, who intermarried with John French, Allen & Adolphus Blanton, Uriah F. Cadwell, John W. Cadwell, Mary A. Cadwell. The court doth adjudge (?) orders and causes that Allen Witgrove, Wm. S. Morton, Thos. W. Grouder, Edward Hughes & John W. Wilson be appointed commissioners the whole or any three of whom may act and that they settle the Executoral account of Wm. B. B. Walker with the Est. of William Walker deceased (?) and that the same commissioners do distribute the Estate of Wm. Walker (?) (?) the (?) of his Executor into seven eaqual
PAGE 14
parts and (assign?) one sevenths to Wm. B. Legon & Kernin Happuch, his wife, one seventh to Henry (Hezus or Hines?) and Mary A. S. M. Hines, one seventh to James Blanton and Nancy T., his wife, and, it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that 'Jas. Blanton & (Beubus?) Blanton are entitled to the interest(?) of Elijah McGehee and Virginia, his wife, by (purchases?) the court adjudges (?) and devises. But the said (?) (?) (?) as (assignee?) to Jas. Blanton & (Beubus?) Blanton in right of Elijah McGehee & Virginia, his wife, one seventh part of the said Estate And (Neuf?) the said commissioners as assignee to Wm. B. B. Walker, one seventh part of the Est. and that (?) as also (assigned?) Joseph Blanton and Susan, his wife, & William A. B. Walker, one seventh part of the Est. to be eaqually (distributed or divided?) between them, and that they do also assigned to Rebecca B. Cadwell's children, to wit Jas. Walthall & Elizabeth, his wife, William L. B. Blanton, John French & Judith, his wife, Allen Blanton, Adolphus Blanton, Uriah F. Cadwell, John W. Cadwell and Mary A. Cadwell, one seventh part of the Estate to be eaqually (distributed?) among them, that is to say the one eighth of the said seventh to each of the said children of Rebecca Cadwell and that the said (distribution?) do (?) into (?) and (?) to the said Exr. to (?) (?) proper proportions of all just (?) that may (?) after (?) against the Est. of the said Wm. Walker before they shall be (?) to the benefit of this (?) if the (?) shall (?) the same & that the said (?) part (?) proceedings to court.
December 22nd 1845.
The Court Case (Comments)
- The will of William Walker stipulated "that his lands be sold and the procedes thereof together with all the rest of his property to be equally divided among his children". At lease one or his children pre-deceased William and that child's offspring were among the heirs that receved a share of the value of the estate. It is probably safe to say that the seven children of William mentioned in the will are all his children except for children who might have pre-deceased William but had no offspring.
- The wife or wives of Willaim Walker are NOT mentioned in the court case.
- The court case states that William had three grandchilden with the surname Miller. These were the children of one of Williams daughters. See the will.
- Richard A. Blanton is mentioned only once in the court case (page 11). It is unclear how this person fits into the family. There is a possibility that this is the same person as Adolphus Blanton and that the full name was Richard Adolphus Blanton.
- There are other persons mentioned in the court case but they are court appointed officials and a business partner of James Blanton. These persons have not been highlighted nor included in the analysis.
The Court Case (Analysis)
(references are page number in the court proceedings transcript)
Names
James Blanton (titular complaintant)
3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 14, 14
Nancy T. (Walker) Blanton
3, 3, 9, 10, 11, 11, 12, 14
James D. Walthall
3, 4, 11, 13, 13, 14
Elizabeth (Blanton) Walthall
3, 4, 13, 13
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell
3, 3, 4, 6, 9, 9, 13, 13, 14, 14
Henry Hines
3, 4, 14
Mary A. S. M. (Walker) Hines
3, 3, 4, 14
Elijah McGehee
3, 4, 14
Virginia (Walker) McGehee
3, 3, 14
William Walker (testator)
3, 4, 4, 4, 5. 5, 6, 6, 6, 7a, 10, 11, 11, 12, 13, 13, 14
Karen Happuch (Walker) Legon
3, 4, 6, 11, 14
William B. B. Walker (executor of will & titular defendant)
3, 3, 4, 6, 6, 9, 11, 11, 12, 13, 14
Susan L. (Walker) Blanton
3, 4, 6, 11, 14
William A. B. Walker
3, 4, 6, 11, 14
John S. Walker
3, 4, 6
William B. Legon
4, 6, 11, 11, 14
Joseph Blanton
4, 6, 9, 11, 11, 14
Lindsay Blanton
4, 6, 9
John French
4, 6, 11, 11, 13, 13, 14
Allen S. Blanton
4, 6, 9, 9, 11, 11, 13, 13, 14
Adolphus Blanton
4, 6, 9, 9, 11, 13, 13, 14
Haslan Cadwell (first name is possibly Harlow, Haslaw, Harlon or Haslow)
5, 9, 11
Uriah F. Cadwell
5, 6, 9, 9, 13, 13, 14
John W. Cadwell
5, 6, 9, 9, 13, 13, 14
Mary Ann Cadwell
5, 6, 9, 9, 13, 13, 14
Edward Blanton
5, 6, 6, 10
Mary A. (Miller) Blanton
5, 6, 6, 10
Wm. T. Miller
5, 6, 6, 10
Allen S. Miller
5, 6, 6, 10
Judith F. (Blanton) French
4, 6, 11, 13, 14
Richard A. Blanton
11
William L. B. Blanton
13, 14, 14
Reltionships
James Blanton is husband of Nancy T. (Walker) Blanton
3, 4, 11, 12, 14
John French was the husband of Judith F. (Blanton) French
4, 6, 11, 13
Henry Hines was the husband of Mary A. S. M. (Walker) Hines
3, 4, 14
Elijah McGehee was the husband of Virginia (Walker) McGehee
3, 4, 14
William Walker was the father of Karen Happuch (Walker) Legon
3, 4
William Walker was the father of Mary A. S. M. (Walker) Hines
3, 4
William Walker was the father of Nancy T. (Walker) Blanton
3, 4
William Walker was the father of Virginia (Walker) McGehee
3, 4
William Walker was the father of William B. B. Walker
3, 4
William Walker was the father of Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell
4, 13
William Walker was the father of John S. Walker
3, 4
William Walker was the grandfather (via John) of Susan L. (Walker) Blanton
3, 4, 6
William Walker was the grandfather (via John) of William A. B. Walker
3, 4, 6
William Walker was the grandfather (via ???) of Mary A. (Miller) Blanton
6, 10
William Walker was the grandfather (via ???) of Wm. T. Miller
6, 10
William Walker was the grandfather (via ???) of Allen S. Miller
6, 10
William B. Legon was the husband of Karen Happuch (Walker) Legon
4, 6, 11, 14
Joseph Blanton was the husband of Susan L. (Walker) Blanton
4, 6, 11, 14
Lindsay Blanton was the first husband of Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell
4, 6, 9
Haslan Cadwell was the second husband of Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell
5
Lindsay Blanton was the father of Elizabeth (Blanton) Walthall
4
James Walthall was the husband of Elizabeth (Blanton) Walthall
3, 4, 13, 14, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of Elizabeth (Blanton) Walthall
3, 4
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of Judith (Blanton) French
6, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of Allen Blanton
4, 9, 13, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of Adolphus Blanton
4, 9, 13, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of Uriah F. Cadwell
5, 6, 9, 13, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of John W. Cadwell
5, 6, 9, 13, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of Mary Ann Cadwell
5, 6, 9, 13, 14
Rebecca (Walker) Blanton Cadwell was the mother of William L. B. Blanton
13, 14, 14
Edward Blanton was the husband of Mary A. (Miller) Blanton
5, 6, 6, 10
Dates and other information
William Walker - died in 1840 3
William Walker - died "just previous to the 24th day of August 1840" 5
John S. Walker - died pre 1840 3, 4
Lindsay Blanton - died "long before" 1840 4
Allen Blanton was a child in 1845 4
Allen Blanton was between 14 and 21 y. o. in 1845 11
Adolphus Blanton was a child in 1845 4
Adolphus Blanton was between 14 and 21 y. o. in 1845 11
Uriah F. Cadwell was under 21 years old in 1845 5
John W. Cadwell was under 21 years old in 1845 5
Mary Ann Cadwell was under 21 years old in 1845 5
The will of William Waker was written on 20 Feb 1838 5
The court case was concluded on 22 Dec 1845 14
The Pension Application (Source)
The application for a Revolutionary War pension can be found at Revolutionary War pension file at Fold3 (paid subscription required). Compiled ca. 1800 - ca. 1912, documenting the period ca. 1775 - ca. 1900. Publisher: NARA, Record Group: 15, Roll: 2477.
The Pension Application (Transcription)
Note that pages without genealogical or historical interest have been explained here but not transcribed.
Page 1 - title page
Page 2 - William's service record and pension decision
"William Walker of Cumb. Co. in the state of Virginia who was a Serg. & Prv. in the combat commanded by Captain Morton of the Regt. commanded by Co. Lawson in the Virginia was for 19 months & 18 days Priv. and 4 months 12 days Sergt."
"Included in the roll of Virginia at the rate of 86 Dollars 90 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831."
There is other material on page 2 but it's relevance is hard to understand.
Page 3 - There is material on page 3 but it's relevance is hard to understand.
Pages 4 & 5
1832 testimonials from Joseph Jenkins, Daniel A. Wilson and John Robinson saying that Wm. Walker was a soldier in the revolution and they believed him to be 76 years of age.
Page 6 - the actual application in the words of William Walker
14th July 1832, Airygreen, Cumberland Cty. & State of Virginia. The declaration of William Walker of the place, County and State above named in order to obtain a pension as a revolutionary soldier, answers the questions posed by the secretary of the board of war viz.:
When and where were you born? Agreeable to the register handed to me by my father, I was born in the county and state above written on the 26th day of February 1757 and from that time until now, when at home, have ever lived within a mile of the same place. I enlisted as a rifleman under Capt. John Morton of Prince Edward County the 19th day of February, 1776 and in a few days after marched to Portsmouth, Virginia and was organized in the 4th Virginia Regiment. The following are the names of the captains composing the regiment, viz. Morton, Lark, Brent, which were rifle companies, Lucus, Forkner, Riddly, Mason and Mathews, Lawson being Col. commander. We remained at this place until about the 10th of Sept. when we were called to go to the north to reinforce General Washington whom we met in his retreat to the farther part of the state of Jersey.
The first combat that I was in was at Brunswick covering a party that was taking down the bridges. The next was at Currell's Ferry Christmas morning 1776 on picket at that place a party of the enemy fired upon our Ferry boat, killing one man, when several fired(?) papers(?) from each side. The same day in the evening we escaped(?) the ferry moving on to Trenton, the 4th Virginia Regiment being the vanguard. The company to which I belonged being the oldest company, commanded by Capt. Wales, who formerly had been an officer in the British army, were in the front of the whole. After taking the Hessians we returned back to Currell's Ferry from which place I was sent as a guard with some wounded Hessians and sick Americans to a hospital which prevented one from being with my much beloved General and brothers in arms at the battle of Princetown. I rejoined my regiment about the 10th of January at a village called Chatham. From which time until some time in March I never was at any one 48 hours out of active(?) service. In this place I beg leave to bring in the names of a few officers whose conduct in this winter campaign claims a monumention the breast of every American. Col. Morgan, Richard Parker, Jos. Parker (continues next page)
Page 7 - application continues
and Charles Scot with each of whom I was in several combats. But passing over many interesting circumstances, from the above time to the latter part of August 1777, when on our march to meet the enemy in the State of Virginia as we supposed we were met immediately after Chester with an express(?) that the enemy was landing at the head of Elk(?). At this place 8 hundred men, chiefly volunteers, called the detached light infantry, I being among them. The following are the names of the field officers commanding this party, Rick Parker, Col. Heath with a glass eye, Col Crawford with his bathe(?) of hunting shirt, pantalons and Rifle, Col. Martin from North Carolina, General Maxwell, being the commander. We marched to a place called Iron Hill where we remained until the 2nd of Sept. the enemy being as yet stationary then a very bloody conflict ensued. As no historian has noticed this I refer you to Washington's official letters, for myself I can say that this detachment on that day deserved well of their Country. Between this and the 11th of Sept. second combat and on the 11th commenced the action of Brandywine in which we were engaged the greater part of the day with some few intervals. The next combat that I was in was at the white horse on the 16th of Sept. after which I rejoined my regiment and was at the battle of Germantown on the 4th Oct. omitting to notice many interesting circumstances. From this time until sometime in February 1778 at Valley's Forge I received my discharge from Brigadier General Charles Scot, which is either misplaced or lost.
After this I returned home but I did not remain idle. I rendered my country very essential service in exercising and training the militia of my County and met the enemy at every point where they ventured to come into Virginia. In February 1781 I volunteered myself in a Company of militia commanded by Capt. Dick Allen in the grade of 1st Sergeant for the term of 3 months in defense of the neighborhood of Portsmouth. When we got to headquarters in the vicinity of Suffolk we were Organized and placed under command of Col. Pray, a continental officer until he was called called to go (to?) the action at Guilford in North Carolina after which we were placed under Col. Lowenman. General Mulingbuy in his tower, I was in a very warm(?) combatman the long (continues next page)
Page 8 - application continues
Bridge when Fondice Fell the 9th of Dec. 1775. After serving 3 months I returned home for a short time. But when the enemy made their appearance at the Point of York, I volunteered myself and joined Stuban (Gen.). In this short tour, I was organized in no particular company, but served only as a reconnoitrer. After the enemy fell below Richmand I returned home a while. On or about the 11th Sept 1781, I marched from the County of Cumberland to the siege of Yourk under the Command of Capt. Dick Allen. I was 7 weeks on this tour having to march to the Barracks beyond Winchester. tour, I likewise served in the grade of 1st Sergeant under which grade I claim my pension. Soon after this I was appointed by the worshipful Court of Cumberland Capt. of their Militia. In the year 1787 I commenced a preach of the gospel and the next year resigned my military commission. I appoint the Rev. Luther Rice as my agent to receive payment of my pension as it shall become due. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension of annuity except the present declairs(?) that his (?) is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state.
(signed) Wm. Walker
Prince Edward County, State of Virginia
I do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with the above named Wm. Walker in the year 1776 at which time he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War in the 4th Regiment and continued so to be until 1778 at which time he was discharged. He discharged his duty to his country as a faithful soldier and has been a respectable citizen ever since to my knowledge. Given under my hand this 16th day of July AD 1832
(signed)John(?) Cresity(?) Lt.
Late of the Army of the Revolution
Page 9
This is a typewritten letter from the pension department dated 14 Sep 1938 to a Mrs. F. W. Ziese of Decatur, Illinois replying to a query received from Mrs. Zeise (the query can be found on p. 23). The letter is readable though the quality of the scan leaves much to be desired. It repeats or summarizes what William Walker wrote in the application so this letter has not been transcribed here.
Page 10
This is a list of all the people to whom William Walker's pension history had been sent. It would seem that his story was quite popular :
On 15 Dec 1902 to Mrs. Egbert R. Jones of Holly Springs, Mississippi
On 10 Mar 1921 to Miss Inlena Sheldon Benedict of New York City (see page 16)
On 11 Oct 1921 to Mr. M. L. Cash of Bristol, Virginia
On 21 Oct 1921 to Mrs. C. A. Turrell of New York City (see page 21)
On 24 Jun 1929 to Miss Mary C. Dame (U. C. J.?) of Richmond, Virginia (see p. 22 & pp. 28/29)
On 31 Oct 1930 to Hon. Clarence Cannon (rest of line unreadable)
On 11 Jan 1934 to Mrs. Avis Hillsman Totty of Petersburg, Virginia see pages 17-18)
On 14 Sep 1938 to Mrs. F. W. Ziese (M. C. S.?) of Decatur, Illinois (see pages 9 & 23)
Also on this page is a printed and hand completed card entitled "INVALID" - meaning or use unknown.
Page 11
This page is a preprinted and hand completed form which says that William Walker had been paid his pension for the period 4 Sep 1838 to 4 Mar 1839 at the rate of $86.90 p.a. via the Richmond, Virginia office of the US Treasury.
Page 12 - An incomprehensible receipt for something that somebody had paid.
Page 13
A letter dated 14 Jan 1835 to the pension office from Bains Taverh of Richmond on behalf of William Walker questioning whether the amount of the pension being paid to William is correct and noting that another pensioner with similar length of service and rank is receiving more.
Pages 14 & 15
An answer from the pension office saying that the current pension amount is correct and explaining why - other pensioner had longer service.
Page 16 - a query (from Miss Benedict) looking for genealogical information
Page 17 & 18
A query (from Mrs. Avis Hillsman Totty of Petersburg, Virginia) looking for genealogical information about William Walker. Letter dated 6 Jan 1934. This has the advantage that the letter contains information about the wife of William Walker.
(from) "1639 Westoner Ave., Petersburg, Virginia, Jan 6, 1934"
(to) "Department of the Interior, Pension Bureau, Washington , D.C."
"Dear sir: I would appreciate it very much if you would send me the pension record of Capt. (Col.) William Walker of Cumberland County, Virginia. He died 1840. He was married to Mary Anne Smith, Prince Edward County, on March 31, 1785. Any family data on your files would be very much appreciated, as he is my great, great, great grandfather and I wish to enter the D. A. R. Chapter in Petersburg on his record as a revolutionary soldier. In order for me to enter the chapter as a charter member, I must have my papers completed and in Washington by January 16, 1934. Thanking you for your earliest attention.
Truely yours, (Mrs.) Avis Hillsman Totti."
Page 19 & 20
Handwritten letter
(from) 1008 Fairmount Avenue, Bristol, Virginia
(to) Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
To complete D. A. R. papers for Mrs. J. H. Baker, Bristol, Tennessee will you kindly give me the war record of her maternal ancestor, Daniel Walker, "S. of W. 1833, Pen. 2.169"?
Also of William Walker "S. of W. 1833, Pen. 2.129"?
Thanking you I am yours respectfully Mr. W. L. Cash.
(receiving stamp of Record Division, Sep 22 1921)
Page 21 - a query (from Mrs. C. W. Turell) looking for genealogical information
Page 22 - a query (from Miss Mary Dame) looking for genealogical information. Answer on pp. 28/29.
Page 23 - a typed query (answered on p. 9) (from Mrs. F. W. Zeise seeking genealogical information
(from) 463 South Crea Street, Decatur, Illinois
Dated August 8, 1938 - receiving stamp August 10, 1938
(to) Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I would like to have the name of the birthplace or place of residence or any other information concerning William Walker who served in the War of Revolution as a private in Captain John Morton's Company, also designated (to?) Captain John Holcombe's Company, 4th Virginia Regiment, commanded successively by Col. Thomas Elliott, Col. Robert Lawson and Major Isaac Beall. He enlisted for two years, date not shown. His name is first borne on the company muster roll for May 1777, which bears the remark "Received pay to the 1 April. Present." He was reported on the company muster roll for January 1778, date Feby. 4 "Dischd 4 Feby." and on the company muster roll for February, 1778, dated March 6, "Dischd 14 Feb."
Thanking you, I am very sincerely, Mrs. F. W. Ziese
Address: Mrs F. W. Ziese, 468 S. Crea, Decatur, Illinois
Pages 24 & 25 - a typed answer to the request of Mrs. Avis Hillsman Totty (pp. 17 & 18).
This supplied the information she requested - an answer very similar to page 9 so not transcribed here. But of interest is that there is a handwritten note with an arrow pointing to "the engagement at Coryell's Ferry on Christmas Morning, 1776". The note says "See Lossing's Field (Borley?) Rev. Volume 2, page 147 for correct spelling of this ferry." (William Walker, in his application for a pension, had spelled the place name as "Currell's Ferry".)
Name of the Ferry Crossing on the Delaware River can be seen in the historical map which accompanies the WikiPedia account of the Battle of Trenton.
A further handwritten note says "Soldier's death not in Agency Book."
Pages 26 & 27 - parts of a typed answer to a request.
This is probably parts of (or possibly a draft of) an answer to the request of Clarence Cannon (mentioned on p. 10). It would appear to be dated 31 Oct 1930. Content similar to page 9. There is a handwritten note saying :
"This letter addressed to Hon. Clarence Cannon, U. S. House of Representatives, and beginning(?) but is in (drim?) of William Walker, S.14780." The name of the ferry crossing on the Deleware River has again (ref. p. 24) been hand corrected from "Currell's Ferry" to "Coryell's Ferry".
Pages 28 & 29 - Answer to request from Miss Mary C. Dame of Richmond, VA - similar to p. 9
Page 30 - A printed answer form, partially hand completed
This gives information from the pension file of William Walker - content similar to p. 9. There is no date or any indication that this was ever sent to anyone.
Pages 31 - source information for the pension folder of William Walker
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