| Sources |
- [S394] Ancestry.com, Public Member Trees, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;), Database online., Skinner/Schinzel-Ahlemeyer/Haines Tree J_Ahlemeyer.
Record for Alexander Vance
Vance's Station & Harrison's Fort in Sinking Creek, Holston,Washington Co, Virginia
Jeremiah Harrison's Fort
This fort was located on the North Fork of Holston. In the year 1782 tithables of Washington County, Virginia, three adult Harrisons were listed. They were Amos, Isaiah and Jeremiah, and from the Biblical names they are assumed to have been brothers. Jeremiah bought a tract of 400 acres and the later took up a tract of 340 acres. The 400 acre tract was on Sinking Creek of the North Fork of Holston and is dated in the Fincastle Survey, May 28, 1774. Yet the 340 acre tract appears in the Washington County Survey Book, and it is this tract he sells to David Smith on June 14, 1787. (31) Washington County was formed in 1776 from part of Fincastle. The north part of Washington later formed Russell County in 1786.
The first mention of any fort here comes in a letter of Arthur Campbell to William Preston, dated October 6, 1774, (32) in which he says: "He was stationed on the main path to Clinch, opposite the Town House (33) to protect the settlers, and he mentions the families of Vance, Fowler, Harrison, etc., including John Campbell who had been serving as an Ensign to Captain Daniel Smith on Clinch."
This Jeremiah Harrison and others, probably brothers, must have come to the area very early as the settlement certificate mentions settlement in 1772. They certainly appear to be the same family as lived in Augusta County, Virginia, from the earliest times, for instance, entry of 15th of September, 1742, shows Jeremiah Harrison and Isaiah Harrison as delinquents in the company of Hugh Thompson. (34) They appear to be sons of Joseph Harrison who died in early 1748, with Isaiah as Administrator of his estate appointed on May 18, 1748, (35) with Jeremiah as his security.
In the summer of 1774, Jeremiah Harrison was paid for the pastureage of 135 steers for use at the Maiden Springs Station. (36) There were two Jeremiah Harrisons in Augusta County and they have different named wives. Apparently Jeremiah Harrison left the Holston and moved on to Kentucky where he is listed in a deposition at Woodford Courthouse, Kentucky, dated July 14, 1781. (37) That these men were old, or aging, when Dunmore's War broke out is likely as they are not reflected in any muster lists.
Isaac Crabtree in making a supporting statement to his brother Abraham's pension application filed in Wayne County, Kentucky, in 1828, tells of their being sent to Jeremiah Harrison's Fort in 1776, and Jacob Crabtree, says that he was discharged from the militia at this fort in 1776.
It is fairly evident that Harrison's Fort was a stockaded affair, but probably small due to the fact that it did not lie on an exposed frontier, and how long it remained in use is unknown, as no reference have been found concerning it, other than those above mentioned.
Vance's Station
This was a sister station to Jeremiah Harrison's Fort, and about five miles separated the two forts on the North Fork of Holston. This fort, like some others came to light in Revolutionary War pension statements. Vance's Station was no doubt the home of old Alexander Vance. The station is mentioned in both the pension statements of Abraham and Isaac Crabtree, who lived with their father, William Crabtree, on the North Fork of Holston, near the present Saltville, Virginia. The Crabtree brothers mention going to Vance's Station after a tour of militia duty at Blackmore's Fort and at the Flat Lands, which is believed to be another early name for Flat Lick, that section around Duffield down to Pattonsville in present Scott and Lee counties.
Old Alexander Vance owned 289 acres of land on the North Fork of the Holston River surveyed and recorded in Washington County, Virginia, in June, 1783, although he had been living on the land many years prior to this survey and entry. This land included the mouth of Beaver Creek. Somehow, later, this land became the property of General William Tate who lived at Broadford in Smythe County, just upstream from Saltville.
There were two Vance families in the area, one living on the North Fork of Holston River and the other on Beaver Creek near Bristol.
In 1818, one Abner Vance (the brother of Alexander) of the North Fork of Holston family was hanged at Abingdon for murdering a member of the Horton family who had debauched Vance's daughter. Vance felt he had gotten an unfair trial and while in prison wrote a very stirring and tragic ballad which in early days virtually became a folk song and was widely sung around the hearthside of the pioneers and known as the "Vance Song."
On October 6, 1774, Colonel Arthur Campbell wrote concerning Vance and Harrison's Stations in this manner, and this may be the clue to the dates one, if not both of these forts were built.
"Upon the alarm of (Samuel) Lammey being taken Vance and Fowler's wives, with several other families convened at Mr. Harrison's, which lies upon the main path to the Clinch in the Rich Valley, opposite the Town House. Upon request of several inhabitants on both sides, I ordered six men to be stationed there for ten days, two of which were to be out ranging. Henry and John Dougherty moved their families to this side of the mountain, disagreeing with ye majority of ye inhabitants, as to the place to build a fort. Mr. John Campbell's wife has been on this side of the mountain this past two months and (Campbell) himself has acted as Ensign to Captain (Daniel) Smith on Clynch ever since that Gent was ordered to duty.
Archibald and John Buchanan's families and Andrew Lammey came here, (to Royal Oak) who has continued on this side yet. Captain Wilson went immediately with 15 men, and ranged near a week in the neighborhood where Lammey was taken," and left four of his best woodsmen with neighbors for several days longer. I also ordered two of the most trusty persons I could get to act as Spys along Clinch mountain for ten days, which they performed, I am satisfied, faithfully; besides the six men at Harrison's I ordered Mr. Vance's and Fowler's wives three men a week, particularly to assist about saving their fodder, which they got secured safely." (38)
Campbell's reference to a disagreement between the settlers as to the proper place to build a fort, it undoubtably the beginning of both Vance and Harrison's Stations, thus placing their erection in the year 1774.
Samuel Lammey was taken captive by the Indians on Holston, carried into captivity and never returned. He was taken by a band under the leadership of the Shawnee Black Hawk
http://www.newrivernotes.c om/swva/hssv-4.htm
Shawsvil le yard may be site of Revolutionary fortArchaeological clues suggest the property may have been the location of Fort Vause.
By Tonia Moxley
381-1663
Editor's note: A line was omitted in the printed story that explained efforts to reconstruct a second fort after the first one was burned. It has been restored in this version.
SHAWSVILLE - Archaeologists found evidence Sunday that may prove a Shawsville couple's back yard was the site of a pre-Revolutionary War fort visited in 1756 by George Washington.
University of Kentucky archaeologists Steve and Kim McBride and geologist Greg Adamson, along with more than a dozen others, chopped, scraped and scooped through layers of drought-hardened ground this weekend to verify the location of Fort Vause. The crew found a handful of artifacts and a dark stain in the layers of soil. The stain especially looks like promising evidence that at least one British Colonial fort was built on the hill behind Jack and Laree Hinshelwood's house, Kim McBride said.
In early 1756 French, Shawnee, Miami and Ottowa troops attacked a fort, which was built by a settler named Ephraim Vause somewhere in present-day Shawsville.
The forces burned the installation and killed or kidnapped many of the settlers, indentured servants and slaves sheltering inside the palisades. The attack was part of a French-led campaign to destabilize British settlements in Virginia.
"The French and Indian War was really an international conflict" between two old-world superpowers that wished to control the valuable natural resources in the new world, said John Kern, director of the Roanoke office of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.
The Indian tribes who joined the French in battle hoped to force British settlers, whom they considered invaders, out of the country. But other Indian people, including many Cherokee, sided with the British.
Official military letters and reports from the day document the existence of the first fort and spell out efforts to quickly reconstruct it after the attack. But locals have long disagreed about the locations of the two forts.
Some say both forts were built on the spot now owned by the Hinshelwoods. Others say only one of the forts stood there.
Pinning down the location is important because Washington, a young British Colonial officer at the time, likely visited only the second fort.
He came there to settle a dispute with soldiers who were demanding higher wages to finish the reconstruction, a fact that tickles Jack Hinshelwood.
"Washington was not very happy when he visited here," Hinshelwood said.
So geologist and weekend archaeologist Greg Adamson secured a $5,000 grant to try to settle the location question.
Archaeologist Steve McBride said the evidence so far suggests that only the second fort stood on the Hinshelwood site because the crew has so far found no evidence of a fire.
Submitted by Cheri Fox Smith, 2012
maksiccaradded this on 26 Nov 2012
gerryw4655originally submitted this to Cheri's Family Tree on 11 Jul 2012
- [S394] Ancestry.com, Public Member Trees, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;), Database online., Skinner/Schinzel-Ahlemeyer/Haines Tree J_Ahlemeyer.
Record for Alexander Vance
Will Records of Green County, KY 1796-1824, published by Elizabeth
Name: Alexander Vance
Sex: M
Birth: 1732 in VA
Death: 1804 (Will))- huh? written 1805?- jcw 02.10.2012
Note: Page 58 Will of Alexander Vance
Written: 30 March 1805
My wife, Jane
My son, William
To Jemimah Cleatheron
My children: Nancy, Ruth, Trent, William V., Cleary, Belfnez (Belcher?-jcw), and Ann Skaggs
My two son in laws: William Vance and Brummitt Trent Cleys, exe.
Witnesses: Thomas Holt, John M. Danniel, and William Downing
Probated: 24 December 1810
I Alexander Vance being in health and sound memory to make and ordain this my last will and testaments. First I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth. All expenses to be taken out of my estate and all just debts to be paid. Then I will to my loving wife Jane Vance the plantation that I now live on during her life and all my part of the timber adjoining and after her decease to my son William Vance. Also to my wife my bed and bedding and all household furniture and two of my horse beasts and four cows, she to have choice of all my horses and cattle's and as many of th hogs as she sees fit and one third part of the sheep, one negro man, William, during her life and at her decease to be divided amongest all my children that is mentioned in my will.
To Jeremiah Matthews that is living with me one bed and bedding one cleavis and jearling colt the said Cleavis she now has in her possession and the remaining part of my estate to my living children, divided equally - namely - Ruth Trent, William Vance, Mary Belcher, and Ann Skaggs.
My son William Vance and son-in-law Bryant Trent to be executors. 30 March 1805
signed - Alexander Vance
Witnesses- Thomas Hall
John McDaniels
William Downing
Probated 24 December 1810
Green Co. Ky. Deed Book 8, page 149, 2 January 1818
Heirs of Alexander Vance, decd., Thomas Skaggs and Nancy Ann his wife, late Vance, William Vance and Fanny his wife, Bryant Trent and Ruth his wife, late Vance, John Belcher and Mary his wife, late Vance, to Lena Lemon, land in Green Co., Ky.
The Vance family were among the original inhabitants of Pitman's Station established by William Pitman and others in March 1780. Alexander Vance was one of the early settlers of Green County. It is believed that the Vances and the Pittmans were living in Kentucky in the 1780s, as evidenced by a deed recorded in Nelson County involving Isaac Shelby, later the first governor of Kentucky. Shelby was an assignee for a military warrant for 500 acres 'on waters of Green River on a creek heading opposite to the Indian Licks near Vancies and Pitman's Stations.' The July 1980 issue of the GREEN COUNTY REVIEW contains an interesting article on this subject.
The April 1978 issue of the GREEN COUNTY REVIEW quoted a letter written by Silas L. Vance, a great-grandson of Alexander Vance and his wife Jane.
Silas Vance stated that he used family traditions to convey the story of his family because he had no written records. Silas's great-grandfather, Alexander Vance, moved from Virginia to West Virginia before 1780, then moved to Kentucky in the 1780s, settling at Pittman's Station in Green County. Silas's grandfather, William Vance, was the only son of Alexander. Alexander had two daughters. One of them married Bryant Trent and the other married an Abbot. Silas Vance thought there might have been two other daughters.
After the Vances moved to Kentucky, they lived on wild game for two years. Sils's grandfather, William, supposedly never shot at an Indian, nor was he shot at by one. Once William Vance had chased a bear into a cave with an opening that was just large enough to crawl through, but the interior widened into a considerable room. William made a torch of dry wood and tied it to a pole, set fire to the torch, and crawled into the cave until he got close to the bear. The bear knocked out the torch with his paw. William then backed out of the cave, relit the torch, crawled back in with his torch and a gun and shot the bear, killing him.
Silas Vance served in the 27th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company C, from October 12, 1861, to March 27, 1865. He was honorably discharged. He wrote this history of his family when he was 76 years of age.
From this account and the court records of early Green County, the family of Alexander and Jane Vance has been constructed. Alexander Vance left a will dated March 30, 1805: 'Wife Jane gets plantation I now live on during her lifetime and the negro, William; son William Vance to get estate after Jane's death. Personal property and negro William to be divided amongst rest of children after Jane's death; Jeremiah Matthews, now living with me, gets bedding and colt; remainder of estate to my four living children, Nancy; Ruth Trent; William Vance; Cleary Belfries; and Ann Skaggs; Sons-in-law William Vance and Briant Trent.' The will was witnessed by Thomas Hall, John M. Daniel, and William Downing and proven December 24, 1810.
The inventory of Alexander Vance's estate was appraised by Benjamin Baylis, Benjamin Greer, and Eli Murray. The administrator was Thomas Skaggs, son-in-law. The report of the appraisers mentions 'one black woman which we are of the opinion is not worth anything.' The black woman was no doubt elderly and unable to work.
A deed in 1818 from the legatees of Alexander Vance to John Milby gives the names of his children: Nancy Skaggs; William Vance; Ruth Trent; and Mary Belcher. These names are the same as those listed in the will, but this deed gives more clearly defined evidence of the family.
Green County Deed Bk 1, p. 1 14 March 1793
Alexr. Vance and wife Jane of Gr. Co
to John Hall of same, 100 acres on waters of Gr. R.; part of 714 acre patent bearing date 15 Mar 1790
Green Co. Deed Bk 1, p 2, 14 March 1793
Alexr. Vaunce and wife Jane of Gr. Co.
to Wm. Vance 307 acres on waters of Pitman; part of 714 acre patent dated 15 Mar 1790
ljcurtis1959added this on 28 Jul 2011
drfredadeskinoriginally submitted this to Freda Jones Deskin Family Tree on 2 Dec 2006
______________________________
"Some Vances and Related Families" compiled by Hester Elizabeth Garrett.
The Vance family and others are well documented in "Some Vances and Related Families" compiled by Hester Elizabeth Garrett.
John's Will is printed in Joyce Kessler's book "Kentucky's Green County Connections"
William Vance, son of Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance, was born, 1765 in Virginia. The first mention of Willim Vance in what is now Green Co. Ky. is in the Illinois Papers document 156, page 1. Payroll Captain George Adams Co. of Militia 1782. The heading on this document reads. A payroll for Captain George Adams Company of men of horse and foote in actual service on the Frontiers of Lincolnb County 1782.
The Certification at the bottom of the page is signed by John Logan, Col. The second reference to William Vance is the marriage bond in Nelson Co. issue for William Vance and Fanny Wooldridge, James Shield surety. The bond is dated 15 December 1785. There are several deeds and tax records for William Vance in Green Co. This tax list for 1819 shows over a thousand acres in Green County, 100 acres in Adair County and 50 acres in Barren County. William Vance will was written 5 February 1831 and probated December 1831. It is in Will Book 2, Page 193, Green Co., Court records.
Will of William Vance
In the name of God Amen; I William Vance of the county of Green and State of Kentucky being weak in body but perfect in mind and senses, and not knowing how soon it may please God to call me from time to eternity and after my burial charges and just debts are paid do leave this as my last will and testament - Mainly - wqhereas two of my daughters Ruth Vance and Rachel are still living with their mother who is in a helpless condition if they shall after my decease, and she is still living see proper to continue to keep house with her they have the priviledge as long as their mother lives to rent the plantation where I now reside for their support, with corn, meat, household and kitchen furniture sufficient for a comfortable subsistance and as commadation. Their beds and furniture they now claim are their bequest. I like wise bequeath to my aforenamed two daughters twenty five dollars cash each, also as long as their mother lives they are to have a sufficient supply of stock such as horses, cows, sheep and hogs as will support them. All which after their mothers death shall fall back to the general estate. I also will and bequeath to my son Richard Vance fifty dollars.
The land and property is to be divided equally among all my children, Alexander Vance, Richard Vance, heirs of my daughter, Jane Hudson, dec'd are to have their mother's part and likewise to my daughter, Margaret Hudson, Elizabeth Hudson, John Vance, Mary Marcum, William Vance, Nancy Milby, Ruth Vance, Fanny Wilson, Rachel Vance, and Charlotte Wilson; exec., my sons, Richard Vance and John Vance; signed, William Vance; Teste: Thomas Henry; Produced in Court 21 March, 1831 by Richard and John Vance and proven by Thomas Henry and Alfred Calhoun; Recorded by John Barret.
To settle the estate of William Vance the Green County Court at its December term 1831 appointed three commissioners to divide the lands of which William Vance died possessed the heirs of said Vance. The commissioners divided the land into 13 parcels and lots were drawn for the parcels by the heirs. In February 1832 the commissioners returned their completed report to the court.
The 857 acres owned by William Vance at the time of his death included 307 acres on Ptman Creek deeded by his parents Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance and 104 acres in Russell County deed him by Richard Woolridge father of his wife France.
Alexander Vance, son of John and Jean or Jaine Wilson Vance was born probably in Shenandoah County, Virginia. John Vance moved his family to Bath County then to Washington County, Virginia. Records in Washington County, Virginia show Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance as being there. The court records and activities of Alexander Vance as a citizen.
This line of Vance men were surveyors and moved all over south western Virginia and into what is now Kentucky as they worked. John Vance, father of Alexander was in Kentucky by 1774 according to records of surveys there. Surveyors frequently took their pay in land and the Vances acquired much good land in Virginia and Kentucky this way, resulting in considerable wealth in the families. Records of surveys by Alexander in Kentucky by 1788.
Alexander and his son William both owned land in Nelson, Russell, Green, and Adair Counties as these counties were formed from Fayette and Lincoln and from each other.
ljcurtis1959added this on 28 Jul 2011
drfredadeskinoriginally submitted this to Freda Jones Deskin Family Tree on 2 Dec 2006
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Vance family crest
vance crest ljcurtis1959added this on 28 Jul 2011 incuvent8503originally submitted this to Scott Family Tree on 5 May 2010 |
- [S394] Ancestry.com, Public Member Trees, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;), Database online., Skinner/Schinzel-Ahlemeyer/Haines Tree J_Ahlemeyer.
Record for Jane Matthews "Some Vances and Related Families" compiled by Hester Elizabeth Garrett. The Vance family and others are well documented in "Some Vances and Related Families" compiled by Hester Elizabeth Garrett. John's Will is printed in Joyce Kessler's book "Kentucky's Green County Connections" William Vance, son of Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance, was born, 1765 in Virginia. The first mention of Willim Vance in what is now Green Co. Ky. is in the Illinois Papers document 156, page 1. Payroll Captain George Adams Co. of Militia 1782. The heading on this document reads. A payroll for Captain George Adams Company of men of horse and foote in actual service on the Frontiers of Lincolnb County 1782. The Certification at the bottom of the page is signed by John Logan, Col. The second reference to William Vance is the marriage bond in Nelson Co. issue for William Vance and Fanny Wooldridge, James Shield surety. The bond is dated 15 December 1785. There are several deeds and tax records for William Vance in Green Co. This tax list for 1819 shows over a thousand acres in Green County, 100 acres in Adair County and 50 acres in Barren County. William Vance will was written 5 February 1831 and probated December 1831. It is in Will Book 2, Page 193, Green Co., Court records. Will of William Vance In the name of God Amen; I william Vance of the county of Green and State of Kentucky being weak in body but perfect in mind and senses, and not knowing how soon it may please God to call me from time to eternity and after my burial charges and just debts are paid do leave this as my last will and testament - Mainly - whereas two of my daughters Ruth Vance and Rachel are still living with their mother who is in a helpless condition if they shall after my decease, and she is still living see proper to continue to keep house with her they have the priviledge as long as their mother lives to rent the plantation where I now reside for their support, with corn, meat, household and kitchen furniture sufficient for a comfortable subsistance and as commadation. Their beds and furniture they now claim are their bequest. I like wise bequeath to my aforenamed two daughters twenty five dollars cash each, also as long as their mother lives they are to have a sufficient supply of stock such as horses, cows, sheep and hogs as will support them. All which after their mothers death shall fall back to the general estate. I also will and bequeath to my son Richard Vance fifty dollars. The land and property is to be divided equally among all my children, Alexander Vance, Richard Vance, heirs of my daughter, Jane Hudson, dec'd are to have their mother's part and likewise to my daughter, Margaret Hudson, Elizabeth Hudson, John Vance, Mary Marcum, William Vance, Nancy Milby, Ruth Vance, Fanny Wilson, Rachel Vance, and Charlotte Wilson; exec., my sons, Richard Vance and John Vance; signed, William Vance; Teste: Thomas Henry; Produced in Court 21 March, 1831 by Richard and John Vance and proven by Thomas Henry and Alfred Calhoun; Recorded by John Barret. To settle the estate of William Vance the Green County Court at its December term 1831 appointed three commissioners to divide the lands of which William Vance died possessed the heirs of said Vance. The commissioners divided the land into 13 parcels and lots were drawn for the parcels by the heirs. In February 1832 the commissioners returned their completed report to the court. The 857 acres owned by William Vance at the time of his death included 307 acres on Ptman Creek deeded by his parents Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance and 104 acres in Russell County deed him by Richard Woolridge father of his wife France. Alexander Vance, son of John and Jean or Jaine Wilson Vance was born probably in Shenandoah County, Virginia. John Vance moved his family to Bath County then to Washington County, Virginia. Records in Washington County, Virginia show Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance as being there. The court records and activities of Alexander Vance as a citizen. This line of Vance men were surveyors and moved all over south western Virginia and into what is now Kentucky as they worked. John Vance, father of Alexander was in Kentucky by 1774 according to records of surveys there. Surveyors frequently took their pay in land and the Vances acquired much good land in Virginia and Kentucky this way, resulting in considerable wealth in the families. Records of surveys by Alexander in Kentucky by 1788. Alexander and his son William both owned land in Nelson, Russell, Green, and Adair Counties as these counties were formed from Fayette and Lincoln and from each other. Guacarockadded this on 14 Oct 2011 drfredadeskinoriginally submitted this to Freda Jones Deskin Family Tree on 2 Dec 2006 ______________________________ Will Records of Green County, KY 1796-1824, published by Elizabeth Name: Alexander Vance Sex: M Birth: 1732 in VA Death: 1804 (Will) Note: Page 58 Will of Alexander Vance Written: 30 March 1805 My wife, Jane My son, William To Jemimah Cleatheron My children: Nancy, Ruth, Trent, William V., Cleary, Belfnez, and AnnSkaggs My two son in laws: William Vance and Brummitt Trent Cleys, exe. Witnesses: Thomas Holt, John M. Danniel, and William Downing Probated: 24 December 1810 I Alexander Vance being in health and sound memory to make and ordain this my last will and testaments. First I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth. All expenses to be taken out of my estate and all just debts to be paid. Then I will to my loving wife Jane Vance the plantation that I now live on during her life and all my part of the timber adjoining and after her decease to my son William Vance. Also to my wife my bed and bedding and all household furniture and two of my horse beasts and four cows, she to have choice of all my horses and cattle's and as many of the hogs as she sees fit and one third part of the sheep, one negro man, William, during her life and at her decease to be divided amongest all my children that is mentioned in my will. To Jeremiah Matthews that is living with me one bed and bedding one cleavis and jearling colt the said Cleavis she now has in her possession and the remaining part of my estate to my living children, divided equally - namely - Ruth Trent, William Vance, Mary Belcher, and Ann Skaggs. My son William Vance and son-in-law Bryant Trent to be executors. 30 March 1805 signed - Alexander Vance Witnesses - Thomas Hall John McDaniels William Downing Probated 24 December 1810 Green Co. Ky. Deed Book 8, page 149, 2 January 1818 Heirs of Alexander Vance, decd., Thomas Skaggs and Nancy Ann his wife, late Vance, William Vance and Fanny his wife, Bryant Trent and Ruth his wife, late Vance, John Belcher and Mary his wife, late Vance, to Lena Lemon, land in Green Co., Ky. The Vance family were among the original inhabitants of Pitman's Station established by William Pitman and others in March 1780. Alexander Vance was one of the early settlers of Green County. It is believed that the Vances and the Pittmans were living in Kentucky in the 1780s, as evidenced by a deed recorded in Nelson County involving Isaac Shelby, later the first governor of Kentucky. Shelby was an assignee for a military warrant for 500 acres 'on waters of Green River on a creek heading opposite to the Indian Licks near Vancies and Pitman's Stations.' The July 1980 issue of the GREEN COUNTY REVIEW contains an interesting article on this subject. The April 1978 issue of the GREEN COUNTY REVIEW quoted a letter written by Silas L. Vance, a great-grandson of Alexander Vance and his wife Jane. Silas Vance stated that he used family traditions to convey the story of his family because he had no written records. Silas's great-grandfather, Alexander Vance, moved from Virginia to West Virginia before 1780, then moved to Kentucky in the 1780s, settling at Pittman's Station in Green County. Silas's grandfather, William Vance, was the only son of Alexander. Alexander had two daughters. One of them married Bryant Trent and the other married an Abbot. Silas Vance thought there might have been two other daughters. After the Vances moved to Kentucky, they lived on wild game for two years. Sils's grandfather, William, supposedly never shot at an Indian, nor was he shot at by one. Once William Vance had chased a bear into a cave with an opening that was just large enough to crawl through, but the interior widened into a considerable room. William made a torch of dry wood and tied it to a pole, set fire to the torch, and crawled into the cave until he got close to the bear. The bear knocked out the torch with his paw. William then backed out of the cave, relit the torch, crawled back in with his torch and a gun and shot the bear, killing him. Silas Vance served in the 27th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company C, from October 12, 1861, to March 27, 1865. He was honorably discharged. He wrote this history of his family when he was 76 years of age. From this account and the court records of early Green County, the family of Alexander and Jane Vance has been constructed. Alexander Vance left a will dated March 30, 1805: 'Wife Jane gets plantation I now live on during her lifetime and the negro, William; son William Vance to get estate after Jane's death. Personal property and negro William to be divided amongst rest of children after Jane's death; Jeremiah Matthews, now living with me, gets bedding and colt; remainder of estate to my four living children, Nancy; Ruth Trent; William Vance; Cleary Belfries; and Ann Skaggs; Sons-in-law William Vance and Briant Trent.' The will was witnessed by Thomas Hall, John M. Daniel, and William Downing and proven December 24, 1810. The inventory of Alexander Vance's estate was appraised by Benjamin Baylis, Benjamin Greer, and Eli Murray. The administrator was Thomas Skaggs, son-in-law. The report of the appraisers mentions 'one black woman which we are of the opinion is not worth anything.' The black woman was no doubt elderly and unable to work. A deed in 1818 from the legatees of Alexander Vance to John Milby gives the names of his children: Nancy Skaggs; William Vance; Ruth Trent; and Mary Belcher. These names are the same as those listed in the will, but this deed gives more clearly defined evidence of the family. Green County Deed Bk 1, p. 1 14 March 1793 Alexr. Vannce and wife Jane of Gr. Co to John Hall of same 100 acres on waters of Gr. R.; part of 714 acre patent bearing date 15 Mar 1790 Green Co. Deed Bk 1, p 2, 14 March 1793 Alexr. Vaunce and wife Jane of Gr. Co. to Wm. Vance 307 acres on waters of Pitman; part of 714 acre patent dated 15 Mar 1790 Guacarockadded this on 14 Oct 2011 drfredadeskinoriginally submitted this to Freda Jones Deskin Family Tree on 2 Dec 2006 ______________________________ Vance's Station--from Frontier Forts of Southwest Virginia, North Fork of Holston River [This is from 'Frontier Forts of Southwest Virginia,' by Emory L. Hamilton. It was published in "Historical Sketches of Southwest Virginia," Number 4, 1968, pages 1 to 26. Made available by the courtesy of the Historical Society of Southwest Virginia and Rhonda Robertson. On the Russell Co., VA genweb at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~varussel/other/forts.html] VANCE'S STATION "...This was a sister station to Jeremiah Harrison’s Fort, and about five miles separated the two forts on the North Fork of Holston. This fort, like some others came to light in Revolutionary War pension statements. Vance’s Station was no doubt the home of old Alexander Vance. The station is mentioned in both the pension statements of Abraham and Isaac Crabtree, who lived with their father William Crabtree on the North Fork of Holston, near the present Saltville, VA. The Crabtree brothers mention going to Vance’ Station after a tour of militia duty at Blackmore’s Fort and at the Flat Lands, which is believed to be another early name for Flat Lick, that section around Duffield down to Pattonsville in present Scott and Lee Counties. Old Alexander Vance owned 289 acres of land on the North Fork of the Holston River surveyed and recorded in Washington Co., VA, in June, 1783, although he had been living on the land many years prior to this survey and entry. This land included the mouth of Beaver Creek. Somehow, later, this land became the property of General William Tate who lived at Broadford in Smythe Co., just upstream from Saltville. There were two Vance families in the area, one living on the North Fork of Holston River and the other on Beaver Creek near Bristol. In 1818, one Abner Vance of the North Fork of Holston family was hanged at Abingdon for murdering a member of the Horton family who had debauched Vance’s daughter. Vance felt he had gotten an unfair trial and while in prison wrote a very stirring and tragic ballad which in early days virtually became a folk song and was widely sung around the hearthside of the pioneers and known as the "Vance Song." On December 6, 1774, Colonel Arthur Campbell wrote concerning Vance and Harrison’s Stations in this manner, and this may be the clue to the dates one, if not both of these forts were built. Upon the alarm of (Samuel) Lammey being taken, Vance and Fowler’s wives, with several other families convened at Mr. Harrison’s, which lies upon the main path to the Clinch in the Rich Valley, opposite the Town House. Upon request of several inhabitants on both sides, I ordered six men to be stationed there for ten days, two of which were to be out ranging. Henry and John Dougherty moved their families to this side of the mountain, disagreeing with ye majority of ye inhabitants, as to the place to build a fort. Mr. John Campbell’s wife has been on this side of the mountain this past two months and (Campbell) himself has acted as Ensign to Captain (Daniel) Smith on Clynch ever since that Gent was ordered to duty. Archibald and John Buchanan’s families and Andrew Lammey came here, (to Royal Oak) who has continued on this side yet. Captain Wilson went immediately with 15 men, and ranged near a week in the neighborhood where Lammey was taken, and left four of his best woodsmen with neighbors for several days longer. I also ordered two of the most trusty persons I could get to act as Spys along Clinch mountain for ten days, which they performed. I am satisfied, faithfully, besides the six men at Harrison’s I ordered Mr. Vance’s and Fowler’s wives three men a week, particularly to assist about saving their fodder, which they got secured safely. (38) Campbell’s reference to a disagreement between the settlers as to the proper place to build a fort, is undoubtably the beginning of both Vance and Harrison’s Stations, thus placing their erection in the year 1774. Samuel Lammey was taken captive by the Indians on Holston, carried into Captivity and never returned. He was taken by a band under the leadership of the Shawnee Black Hawk..." Guacarockadded this on 14 Oct 2011 fiddlestix2007originally submitted this to Riffe Family Tree on 19 Nov 2009 The home of "old Alexander Vance."
"Some Vances and Related Families" compiled by Hester Elizabeth Garrett.
The Vance family and others are well documented in "Some Vances and Related Families" compiled by Hester Elizabeth Garrett.
John's Will is printed in Joyce Kessler's book "Kentucky's Green County Connections"
William Vance, son of Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance, was born, 1765 in Virginia. The first mention of Willim Vance in what is now Green Co. Ky. is in the Illinois Papers document 156, page 1. Payroll Captain George Adams Co. of Militia 1782. The heading on this document reads. A payroll for Captain George Adams Company of men of horse and foote in actual service on the Frontiers of Lincolnb County 1782.
The Certification at the bottom of the page is signed by John Logan, Col. The second reference to William Vance is the marriage bond in Nelson Co. issue for William Vance and Fanny Wooldridge, James Shield surety. The bond is dated 15 December 1785. There are several deeds and tax records for William Vance in Green Co. This tax list for 1819 shows over a thousand acres in Green County, 100 acres in Adair County and 50 acres in Barren County. William Vance will was written 5 February 1831 and probated December 1831. It is in Will Book 2, Page 193, Green Co., Court records.
Will of William Vance
In the name of God Amen; I william Vance of the county of Green and State of Kentucky being weak in body but perfect in mind and senses, and not knowing how soon it may please God to call me from time to eternity and after my burial charges and just debts are paid do leave this as my last will and testament - Mainly - whereas two of my daughters Ruth Vance and Rachel are still living with their mother who is in a helpless condition if they shall after my decease, and she is still living see proper to continue to keep house with her they have the priviledge as long as their mother lives to rent the plantation where I now reside for their support, with corn, meat, household and kitchen furniture sufficient for a comfortable subsistance and as commadation. Their beds and furniture they now claim are their bequest. I like wise bequeath to my aforenamed two daughters twenty five dollars cash each, also as long as their mother lives they are to have a sufficient supply of stock such as horses, cows, sheep and hogs as will support them. All which after their mothers death shall fall back to the general estate. I also will and bequeath to my son Richard Vance fifty dollars.
The land and property is to be divided equally among all my children, Alexander Vance, Richard Vance, heirs of my daughter, Jane Hudson, dec'd are to have their mother's part and likewise to my daughter, Margaret Hudson, Elizabeth Hudson, John Vance, Mary Marcum, William Vance, Nancy Milby, Ruth Vance, Fanny Wilson, Rachel Vance, and Charlotte Wilson; exec., my sons, Richard Vance and John Vance; signed, William Vance; Teste: Thomas Henry; Produced in Court 21 March, 1831 by Richard and John Vance and proven by Thomas Henry and Alfred Calhoun; Recorded by John Barret.
To settle the estate of William Vance the Green County Court at its December term 1831 appointed three commissioners to divide the lands of which William Vance died possessed the heirs of said Vance. The commissioners divided the land into 13 parcels and lots were drawn for the parcels by the heirs. In February 1832 the commissioners returned their completed report to the court.
The 857 acres owned by William Vance at the time of his death included 307 acres on Ptman Creek deeded by his parents Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance and 104 acres in Russell County deed him by Richard Woolridge father of his wife France.
Alexander Vance, son of John and Jean or Jaine Wilson Vance was born probably in Shenandoah County, Virginia. John Vance moved his family to Bath County then to Washington County, Virginia. Records in Washington County, Virginia show Alexander and Jane Matthews Vance as being there. The court records and activities of Alexander Vance as a citizen.
This line of Vance men were surveyors and moved all over south western Virginia and into what is now Kentucky as they worked. John Vance, father of Alexander was in Kentucky by 1774 according to records of surveys there. Surveyors frequently took their pay in land and the Vances acquired much good land in Virginia and Kentucky this way, resulting in considerable wealth in the families. Records of surveys by Alexander in Kentucky by 1788.
Alexander and his son William both owned land in Nelson, Russell, Green, and Adair Counties as these counties were formed from Fayette and Lincoln and from each other.
Guacarockadded this on 14 Oct 2011
drfredadeskinoriginally submitted this to Freda Jones Deskin Family Tree on 2 Dec 2006
______________________________
Will Records of Green County, KY 1796-1824, published by Elizabeth
Name: Alexander Vance
Sex: M
Birth: 1732 in VA
Death: 1804 (Will)
Note:
Page 58 Will of Alexander Vance
Written: 30 March 1805
My wife, Jane
My son, William
To Jemimah Cleatheron
My children: Nancy, Ruth, Trent, William V., Cleary, Belfnez, and AnnSkaggs
My two son in laws: William Vance and Brummitt Trent Cleys, exe.
Witnesses: Thomas Holt, John M. Danniel, and William Downing
Probated: 24 December 1810
I Alexander Vance being in health and sound memory to make and ordain this my last will and testaments.
First I commit my soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth. All expenses to be taken out of my estate and all just debts to be paid.
Then I will to my loving wife Jane Vance the plantation that I now live on during her life and all my part of the timber adjoining and after her decease to my son William Vance.
Also to my wife my bed and bedding and all household furniture and two of my horse beasts and four cows, she to have choice of all my horses and cattle's and as many of the hogs as she sees fit and one third part of the sheep, one negro man, William, during her life and at her decease to be divided amongest all my children that is mentioned in my will.
To Jeremiah Matthews that is living with me one bed and bedding one cleavis and jearling colt the said Cleavis she now has in her possession and the remaining part of my estate to my living children, divided equally - namely - Ruth Trent, William Vance, Mary Belcher, and Ann Skaggs. My son William Vance and son-in-law Bryant Trent to be executors. 30 March 1805
signed - Alexander Vance
Witnesses - Thomas Hall
John McDaniels
William Downing
Probated 24 December 1810
Green Co. Ky. Deed Book 8, page 149, 2 January 1818
Heirs of Alexander Vance, decd., Thomas Skaggs and Nancy Ann his wife, late Vance, William Vance and Fanny his wife, Bryant Trent and Ruth his wife, late Vance, John Belcher and Mary his wife, late Vance, to Lena Lemon, land in Green Co., Ky.
The Vance family were among the original inhabitants of Pitman's Station established by William Pitman and others in March 1780. Alexander Vance was one of the early settlers of Green County. It is believed that the Vances and the Pittmans were living in Kentucky in the 1780s, as evidenced by a deed recorded in Nelson County involving Isaac Shelby, later the first governor of Kentucky. Shelby was an assignee for a military warrant for 500 acres 'on waters of Green River on a creek heading opposite to the Indian Licks near Vancies and Pitman's Stations.' The July 1980 issue of the GREEN COUNTY REVIEW contains an interesting article on this subject.
The April 1978 issue of the GREEN COUNTY REVIEW quoted a letter written by Silas L. Vance, a great-grandson of Alexander Vance and his wife Jane.
Silas Vance stated that he used family traditions to convey the story of his family because he had no written records. Silas's great-grandfather, Alexander Vance, moved from Virginia to West Virginia before 1780, then moved to Kentucky in the 1780s, settling at Pittman's Station in Green County. Silas's grandfather, William Vance, was the only son of Alexander. Alexander had two daughters. One of them married Bryant Trent and the other married an Abbot. Silas Vance thought there might have been two other daughters.
After the Vances moved to Kentucky, they lived on wild game for two years. Sils's grandfather, William, supposedly never shot at an Indian, nor was he shot at by one. Once William Vance had chased a bear into a cave with an opening that was just large enough to crawl through, but the interior widened into a considerable room. William made a torch of dry wood and tied it to a pole, set fire to the torch, and crawled into the cave until he got close to the bear. The bear knocked out the torch with his paw. William then backed out of the cave, relit the torch, crawled back in with his torch and a gun and shot the bear, killing him.
Silas Vance served in the 27th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company C, from October 12, 1861, to March 27, 1865. He was honorably discharged. He wrote this history of his family when he was 76 years of age.
From this account and the court records of early Green County, the family of Alexander and Jane Vance has been constructed. Alexander Vance left a will dated March 30, 1805: 'Wife Jane gets plantation I now live on during her lifetime and the negro, William; son William Vance to get estate after Jane's death. Personal property and negro William to be divided amongst rest of children after Jane's death; Jeremiah Matthews, now living with me, gets bedding and colt; remainder of estate to my four living children, Nancy; Ruth Trent; William Vance; Cleary Belfries; and Ann Skaggs; Sons-in-law William Vance and Briant Trent.' The will was witnessed by Thomas Hall, John M. Daniel, and William Downing and proven December 24, 1810.
The inventory of Alexander Vance's estate was appraised by Benjamin Baylis, Benjamin Greer, and Eli Murray. The administrator was Thomas Skaggs, son-in-law. The report of the appraisers mentions 'one black woman which we are of the opinion is not worth anything.' The black woman was no doubt elderly and unable to work.
A deed in 1818 from the legatees of Alexander Vance to John Milby gives the names of his children: Nancy Skaggs; William Vance; Ruth Trent; and Mary Belcher. These names are the same as those listed in the will, but this deed gives more clearly defined evidence of the family.
Green County Deed Bk 1, p. 1 14 March 1793
Alexr. Vannce and wife Jane of Gr. Co
to John Hall of same
100 acres on waters of Gr. R.; part of 714 acre patent bearing date 15 Mar 1790
Green Co. Deed Bk 1, p 2, 14 March 1793
Alexr. Vaunce and wife Jane of Gr. Co.
to
Wm. Vance
307 acres on waters of Pitman; part of 714 acre patent dated 15 Mar 1790
Guacarockadded this on 14 Oct 2011
drfredadeskinoriginally submitted this to Freda Jones Deskin Family Tree on 2 Dec 2006
______________________________
Vance's Station--from Frontier Forts of Southwest Virginia, North Fork of Holston River
[This is from 'Frontier Forts of Southwest Virginia,' by Emory L. Hamilton. It was published in "Historical Sketches of Southwest Virginia," Number 4, 1968, pages 1 to 26. Made available by the courtesy of the Historical Society of Southwest Virginia and Rhonda Robertson.
On the Russell Co., VA genweb at: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~varussel/other/forts.html]
VANCE'S STATION
"...This was a sister station to Jeremiah Harrison’s Fort, and about five miles separated the two forts on the North Fork of Holston. This fort, like some others came to light in Revolutionary War pension statements. Vance’s Station was no doubt the home of old Alexander Vance. The station is mentioned in both the pension statements of Abraham and Isaac Crabtree, who lived with their father William Crabtree on the North Fork of Holston, near the present Saltville, VA. The Crabtree brothers mention going to Vance’ Station after a tour of militia duty at Blackmore’s Fort and at the Flat Lands, which is believed to be another early name for Flat Lick, that section around Duffield down to Pattonsville in present Scott and Lee Counties.
Old Alexander Vance owned 289 acres of land on the North Fork of the Holston River surveyed and recorded in Washington Co., VA, in June, 1783, although he had been living on the land many years prior to this survey and entry. This land included the mouth of Beaver Creek. Somehow, later, this land became the property of General William Tate who lived at Broadford in Smythe Co., just upstream from Saltville.
There were two Vance families in the area, one living on the North Fork of Holston River and the other on Beaver Creek near Bristol.
In 1818, one Abner Vance of the North Fork of Holston family was hanged at Abingdon for murdering a member of the Horton family who had debauched Vance’s daughter. Vance felt he had gotten an unfair trial and while in prison wrote a very stirring and tragic ballad which in early days virtually became a folk song and was widely sung around the hearthside of the pioneers and known as the "Vance Song."
On December 6, 1774, Colonel Arthur Campbell wrote concerning Vance and Harrison’s Stations in this manner, and this may be the clue to the dates one, if not both of these forts were built.
Upon the alarm of (Samuel) Lammey being taken, Vance and Fowler’s wives, with several other families convened at Mr. Harrison’s, which lies upon the main path to the Clinch in the Rich Valley, opposite the Town House. Upon request of several inhabitants on both sides, I ordered six men to be stationed there for ten days, two of which were to be out ranging. Henry and John Dougherty moved their families to this side of the mountain, disagreeing with ye majority of ye inhabitants, as to the place to build a fort. Mr. John Campbell’s wife has been on this side of the mountain this past two months and (Campbell) himself has acted as Ensign to Captain (Daniel) Smith on Clynch ever since that Gent was ordered to duty.
Archibald and John Buchanan’s families and Andrew Lammey came here, (to Royal Oak) who has continued on this side yet. Captain Wilson went immediately with 15 men, and ranged near a week in the neighborhood where Lammey was taken, and left four of his best woodsmen with neighbors for several days longer. I also ordered two of the most trusty persons I could get to act as Spys along Clinch mountain for ten days, which they performed. I am satisfied, faithfully, besides the six men at Harrison’s I ordered Mr. Vance’s and Fowler’s wives three men a week, particularly to assist about saving their fodder, which they got secured safely. (38)
Campbell’s reference to a disagreement between the settlers as to the proper place to build a fort, is undoubtably the beginning of both Vance and Harrison’s Stations, thus placing their erection in the year 1774.
Samuel Lammey was taken captive by the Indians on Holston, carried into Captivity and never returned. He was taken by a band under the leadership of the Shawnee Black Hawk..."
Guacarockadded this on 14 Oct 2011
fiddlestix2007originally submitted this to Riffe Family Tree on 19 Nov 2009
The home of "old Alexander Vance."
- [S394] Ancestry.com, Public Member Trees, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;), Database online., Skinner/Schinzel-Ahlemeyer/Haines Tree J_Ahlemeyer.
Record for William Vance
- [S733] Public Member Trees, a new rotation 20130407, Database online. will of Vance, Alexander in Green KY.
Record for Alexander Vance
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will of Vance, Alexander in Green KY
Alexander Vance Green KY Will jefre1added this on 15 Jan 2013 Will Records of Green County, KY 1796-1824, published by Elizabeth Name: Alexander Vance Sex: M Birth: 1732 in VA Death: 1804 (Will))- huh? written 1805?- jcw 02.10.2012 Note: Page 58 Will of Alexander Vance Written: 30 March 1805 My wife, Jane My son, William To… |
- [S394] Ancestry.com, Public Member Trees, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2006;), Database online., Skinner/Schinzel-Ahlemeyer/Haines Tree J_Ahlemeyer.
Record for Alexander Vance
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1732 - 1829 (97 years)
[1, 2, 3, 5] 
