Ancestors of Isaac T. Lafaver 1801

by Jeffrey La Favre
jlafavre@jcu.edu

1. Abraham Lefever

b: 1659 in Germany or France⁵⁸
d: 1733 in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania³ (Abraham's will probated July 2, 1733³).

Mary __________? (wife)

Abraham Lefever's ancestry remains an open question. Chidsey claims he was the son of Isaac Lefevre, who arrived in America in 1683 and married Janneken Boudounck at the Reformed Church of New York.¹ That Abraham was baptized July 3, 1687. A better candidate would be Abram le Fevre, age 50, on John Tribbeko and George Ruperti's list of first arrivals, German Palatines who came to London in 1709.⁵⁸ Abraham belonged to the German Reformed faith in America, which would lead us to look in Germany for his ancestry. But it is possible that Abraham was not born in Germany. To find his heritage, we need to consider his name.

Lefever or le Fevre is clearly a French name and Abraham's ancestry surely traces back to that country. But I am not aware of any research that has documented a connection to France. George Newton LeFevre was successful in tracing his ancestors back to France, but there is no known connection between his ancestors and our Abraham.⁶² Nevertheless, it is helpful to examine the work of G. N. LeFevre as it may provide clues to Abraham's family. In fact, the two ancestral lines have a connection of sorts in London in the year 1709, when 15,000 immigrants left southwest Germany in search of a better life in America.

The province of Lorraine was incorporated into the French province of Alsace in 921 by the Treaty of Bonn. Lorraine was the home of Mengen LeFevre, born in 1510.⁶² He was the early ancestor of Isaac LeFevre, of G. N. LeFevre's line, who is believed to have arrived in New York, January 1, 1709, on the ship "Globe." His story has some parallels to our Abraham and is helpful in understanding the life of a Huguenot, a term Roman Catholics in France applied to those of the Protestant faith.

Henry, King of Navarre, ascended to the French throne in 1589. Friendly to the Huguenots, he issued the Edict of Nantes in April of 1598, which put an end to religious wars for a short time. Upon his assassination in 1610, his wife, Maria de Medici, became queen regent because Henry's son, Louis, was a minor. Louis XIII took the throne in 1617, and about that time persecutions of the Protestants in France gradually arose again. In 1643 Louis XIV became King of France. In 1666 the Regulations, 59 articles, invaded all rights of humanity. These were so severe that several articles of the worst were rescinded or modified three years later. The conditions in France were particularly unfavorable for the Huguenots, who began to immigrate to foreign lands.

On October 18, 1685, Louis XIV signed the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Huguenots were no longer allowed to hold public office. Their marriages were declared illegal and pastors were ordered to leave the country within 15 days. Parents were no longer allowed to instruct their children in the Reformed faith and they were to be baptized and instructed by priests. Huguenots were forbidden to emigrate; their churches and records were destroyed. About 400,000 Huguenots fled the country.

Isaac LeFevre was 16 years old at the time of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and lived with his parents in the valley of the River Yonne, near Chateau-Chinon.⁶² His parents, three brothers and three sisters, lost their lives in the conflict. Isaac was the only survivor of the family. He left France with his father's bible, baked into a loaf of bread by his mother to conceal the book.

In Strasburg Isaac was taken in by Daniel Ferree, another Huguenot, who was married to Marie de la Warembur. The Ferrees had left their home in France in hope of escaping the religious turmoil. Together they fled into Germany, where they lived in Landau, Rhenish Palatinate, Bavaria, on the River Quiech, 18 miles northwest of Karlsruhe.⁶³ Here Isaac married the daughter of Daniel and Marie Ferree, Catherine. Later the families moved to a nearby village, Steinweiler, 10 miles west of the Rhine, where Daniel Sr. died. This was the last home for the LeFevres and Ferrees before they made the decision to find a better life in America.

Life, while far from ideal, was undoubtedly better in Steinweiler than in France for these Huguenot families. We know they were not satisfied in Germany because they left for America in 1708. Their reasons for leaving may have been similar to those of our Abraham Lefever, as well as many people living in southwest Germany during the first decade of the 18th century. Philip Otterness provides an excellent account of the human condition in southwest Germany during this time in his book about the 1709 migration to New York.⁶¹

The seventeenth century was a particularly difficult time for the people of southwest Germany, devastated first by the Thirty Years War (1619 to 1648), then the invasion by French troops of Louis XIV during the War of the Grand Alliance (1689 to 1697). They suffered again during the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714). These wars certainly contributed to unhappiness in the region but were not the sole cause of the mass exodus in 1709.

In order to appreciate the living conditions of these Germans, it is necessary to consider the repressive societal structures of the times. Germany was a myriad of city-states controlled by local princes, who in turn were under the jurisdiction of regional electors. Those in power invariably belonged to one of three religions: Catholic, Lutheran or Reformed. The sanctioned religion of local peoples was controlled by the princes and electors and therefore could change when new leadership took power. Those who belonged to one of the three acceptable faiths were relatively free to practice their religion, but perhaps only in private. Public worship could be limited to the religion of a current ruler. Sects, such as the Mennonites, experienced more difficulties. Thus, restrictions on religious practices may have been a contributing factor to unhappiness, but not to the extent of the Huguenots in France.

Life for the average German in the southwest was in reality one of poverty or at least such that one could dream of a better life elsewhere. The lower classes were heavily taxed by princes who needed to pay for the costs of war and their increasingly elaborate castles. Poor Germans who wished to get ahead in life might need to look elsewhere for a home and there were foreign agents sent to southwest Germany to publicize such opportunities.

Several books were circulated in southwest Germany extolling the virtues of life in Pennsylvania. In the 1680's William Penn wrote or commissioned books promoting his colony in America. In 1700, Daniel Pastorius, who helped found Germantown, Pennsylvania, wrote another book praising Pennsylvania. Daniel Falckner published another book in 1702. While most Germans in the region were illiterate at the time, there were sufficient numbers who could read and share the contents of these books. And as information was spread by word of mouth, it is easy to suppose that the virtues of Pennsylvania might well be exaggerated to a greater extent. Clearly the Germans were aware of a land in the New World, where others claimed they would find a better life.

The book that influenced the mass exodus of 1709 to the greatest extent was apparently the so-called "Golden Book." The book had a picture of Queen Ann and the title page was embossed in gold. There were glowing reports of Carolina in the British Colonies, authored by the Reverend Joshua Kocherthal. The first edition of the book appeared in 1706, but it was subsequent editions published in Frankfurt, near the center of the emigration, that appear to have triggered the avalanche of Germans headed toward America. These later editions included an account of the experience of a small group of Germans who traveled down the Rhine River in 1708 under the leadership of Rev. Kocherthal and who arrived in New York on January 1, 1709. Key to our story, the families of Daniel Ferree Jr. and Isaac LeFevre were in the small group of Germans with Rev. Kocherthal. Of even greater interest is the fact that Daniel's mother was not with him when he arrived in New York. She was on the same list of first arrivals for 1709 in London with our Abraham LeFever! According to the old French custom, Daniel's mother, as a widow, had reverted to using her maiden name. Thus, we find on the London list of first arrivals, dated May 6, 1709, under the name subcategory of Unmarried Persons, Widows, etc., Warambour, Mary, age 56, sons of age 24, 23, 19, 17 and a daughter age 22, of the Reformed faith.⁵⁸ One could wonder if Madame Ferree might have known our Abraham, but let us not get sidetracked in our story.

While in London in 1708, the Rev. Kocherthal managed to gain support from Queen Ann for his group of fifty Germans. She provided free passage to New York, free land, and sustenance until the Germans were established in the New World. The 3rd and 4th editions of the Golden Book published in 1709 included a letter dated July 1709, relating the experience of Kocherthal's Germans, describing the charity received along the Rhine, Rotterdam government support and Queen Ann's generosity. The news in this letter probably arrived in southwest Germany late in 1708. The news appears to be a key factor in influencing the decision of many Germans to seek a better life in America. They were under the impression that they too would be treated the same as those who went before them a year earlier.

Another contributing factor to the mass exodus in 1709 was the severe winter of 1708/9 in southwestern Germany and an even wider area of Europe. The places that Germans left were centered along the Rhine River, with agricultural areas containing orchards and vineyards. The trees and vines were severely damaged, resulting in devastating losses to the German farmers. Elderly Germans reported that they could not remember another winter in their lifetime that approached the severity of this winter. Cattle and humans froze to death. Even the birds in the forest froze. The Rhine froze over for several weeks. The grain mills halted operations due to the lack of flowing water. People resorted to eating cattle fodder and there was widespread hunger.

As the ice broke up on the Rhine River in late February, Germans wasted no time in attempting to escape their misery by boating down the river to Rotterdam. The migration began in the region near the confluence of the Rhine and Neckar Rivers.⁶¹ For many, the hope of a better life in America would be dashed and for those who did make it to the New World, the majority did not find a land of milk and honey, at least not at first. In March of 1709 the Germans began to accumulate on the outskirts of Rotterdam, many living in squalid conditions. They received permission from the English government to enter the country, but most did not have the resources to make the passage. Support from the Rotterdam government and charitable contributions from private parties provided the means for survival and transport across the channel to London.

The Germans had certainly not escaped a life of misery upon reaching Rotterdam. There were eight parties, each containing three to eleven ships, which departed from Rotterdam for London during the period April to October 1709.⁶⁴ The departure lists of the second to the sixth parties have survived. Abram le Fevre was presumably in the first party, based on the fact that he appears on the list of first arrivals. The first party is believed to have numbered about 925 upon departure. There are 825 individuals on the arrivals list, indicating a loss (death) of 73 people or 7.9 percent of the passengers. This loss is all the more appalling upon the realization that the trip across the English Channel was about five days in length (departing about April 30, 1709 from Rotterdam and arriving in London about May 5). It would seem incomprehensible that healthy individuals would loose their lives in a five-day trip, even under the poor conditions they must have experienced. One could only assume that many were in poor health prior to departing from Rotterdam. Lest we doubt this high figure for deaths, consider that for parties two through four, where departing and arrival lists exist, the death rates were 7%, 6.7% and 2.7%.

Faced with an influx of 15,000 Germans in 1709, the English government struggled to provide support for these people and to decide their fate. More than 3,000 were sent to Ireland but by November of 1711 only 1,200 remained, the others returning to London or other places. A large number were sent back to Rotterdam, particularly the Catholics. Some 3,000 were sent to New York and it is within this group that we should focus.

Robert Hunter was appointed governor of New York on September 9, 1709. He played a key role in the fate of the Germans who went to New York. Hunter's plan was to put the German immigrants to work making naval stores (tar and pitch) for the British. Ultimately, a large fraction of the Germans shipped to New York were sent to camps, collections of rude villages along the east and west banks of the Hudson River, about 100 miles upstream from New York City. The whole endeavor was a fiasco from start to finish, and while the Germans did considerable work in the initial phases, only a few barrels of product were realized before the project was abandoned. Hunter provided the Germans living in these camps with sustenance and the paperwork involved included lists of the Germans, which have survived. These are valuable documents for those researching the German immigrants of 1709. But alas, our Abraham was not among the group that went to make naval stores.

The operations for transporting the Germans to New York began with the loading of ships in late December of 1709, prior to final approval of the plan on January 7, 1710 by the Queen. Bad weather and poor planning delayed the voyage and the Germans awaited passage, crowded in the ships anchored off the English shore until mid April. On June 13, 1710, after a two-month voyage, the Lyon of Leith with 330 Germans on board arrived in New York. During the next two weeks seven of the remaining nine ships arrived. The Medford arrived in July and the Berkeley Castle in August. I believe there are no existing lists of passengers on these ships. Unless our Abraham found other transportation, he must have been aboard one of these ten ships. If he arrived in New York in the summer of 1710, he did not linger there because he purchased land in Philadelphia County, PA in early October of the same year.

We now rewind our story back to May of 1709 in London, where our Abram le Fevre and Madame Ferree, aka Mary Warambour, are temporarily quartered in the parish of St. Catherine's, near the Tower. There were 188 families and 40 single men in the first arrivals to London. I believe there is a fair chance that Madame Ferree discovered that a man by the name of Abram le Fevre was in the party of Germans that she traveled with from Rotterdam. Surely this would have aroused her interest since her son-in-law was also a LeFevre. Did they meet in Rotterdam? Perhaps they even knew each other in Germany? Is it possible that there is even a close ancestral connection between Isaac LeFevre, who fled France at age 16 and our Abraham? Our search for Abraham's roots should include a study of Daniel and Madame Ferree's family and Isaac LeFevre.

I believe it is a family tradition that Madame Ferree met with William Penn while she was in London and that he introduced her to Queen Ann. William Penn provided Madame Ferree with a large land grant in his colony (the land, 2,000 acres, was actually granted to Daniel Fierre and Isaac Lefever in 1712 for £140⁶⁵). Upon her arrival in New York, it is believed that she was united with the families of her son Daniel and son-in-law, Isaac LeFevre, in New Paltz. Two years later these families moved to Pennsylvania. If our Abraham was with Madame Ferree when she arrived in America, they perhaps traveled together to New Paltz, the early locus of the New York LeFevres. But if he did, he did not linger there for any length of time.

It seems to me that the key to further progress in discovering more about our Abraham is in the London list of 1709. Therefore, we should take up a discussion of the list in more detail.

The Board of Trade employed John Tribbeko, a Lutheran chaplain at St. James Palace and George Ruperti, pastor of London's German Lutheran Church in Savoy, who investigated the living conditions of the German immigrants in St. Catherine's parish. Tribbeko and Ruperti submitted their first report to the board on May 9, 1709, with the following statistics: 852 immigrants, 390 adults and 462 dependent children. In Lists of Germans From The Palatinate Who Came to England In 1709, there is this statement: "The following lists are copied from the original documents preserved in the British Museum Library, London, England..." Then there is reference to Board of Trade Miscellaneous. Vol. 2 D. 57. "A list of all the poor Germans lately come over from the Palatinate into this kingdom taken in St. Catharine's the sixth May, 1709." In the table, under the name column, with the subheading "These are only Husbandmen" there is le Fevre, Abram, age 50, [and] wife, 7 year old son, 20 year old daughter, and in the Church column "Ref." [German Reformed]. Ten lines below the entry for Abram le Fevre, under the same name subheading, there is Wentzen, Peter, age 25, single, and in the Church column "Ref." Two lines above the entry for Abram le Fevre there is Trumph, John Michael, age 48, "none" in the wife column, 18 year old son, "Ref." in the Church column. ⁵⁸ In addition, one line below Abram, there is Schrager, Andrew, age 53, wife, daughters age 23 and 20, Baptist;and two men listed as husbandmen and vinedressers, 33 and 34 lines above Abram, Kolb, Henry, age 30, wife, daughters ages 6, 3 and 1/2, Baptist; Clemens, Gerhard (also a linen cloth weaver), age 28, wife, sons ages 5, 1 1/2, Baptists. And finally, a cloth and linen weaver, Ziegler, Michael, age 25, single, Lutheran. More on all these men will follow soon.

Another Palatine possibly tied to the Lefever family is found in the English records. In Letters of Denization [a type of English naturalization] found in Deed Book X. 241 with a date of August 25, 1708, is the name Lorentz Schwisser, Anne Catherine his wife, Johannes their son.

In New Bristol Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania (later Worcester Twp. and Montgomery County), starting in 1710, records document the presence of an Abraham Lefever [or Lefevre , Lefeber, Lefebre, Lefebber, etc.] and his descendants. His neighbor to the southeast was Peter Wentz. The gravestone of Peter's wife is engraved E L W and she is believed to be the daughter, Elizabeth, of Abraham Lefever. I am told, and can confirm by inspection, that the engraving of E L W on the gravestone was done not long ago because the original engraving was no longer legible.

According to Gene Rooks, Peter Wentz married Elizabeth Lefever on June 5, 1709 in London, England:

"The IGI shows a marriage of Peter Wenz to Elizabeth Ruberti/Ruperti on this date in London, at Savoy. The German Lutheran Church in London was at Savoy, and the minister there was George Ruperti, it is his Palatine list on which are found the names of Peter Wentz and Abraham LeFever in May of 1709, prior to the marriage when Peter and Elizabeth were still single. The IGI does not give a church record citation, but someone must have seen an actual record to have a specific date. The Elizabeth whom Peter married is, according to Abraham's will, his daughter or step-daughter, referred to as daughter-in-law, at that time meaning a stepdaughter If she is not the same person as Elizabeth Ruperti, then this would not be his marriage record.

I have heard from a researcher who has seen the actual record, and it is Elizabeth Ruperti. George Ruperti did not die until 1730, so his wife would not have remarried Abraham LeFever. But there still may be a family connection which I can't find, if the 1709 marriage in London is indeed that of our Peter Wentz. It seems fairly obvious that Elizabeth, wife of Peter Wentz, is definitely in the family of Abraham LeFever, whether a daughter, or stepdaughter"

A Lorentz Schwisser [surname with various spelling variants] was also a resident in New Bristol and was the husband of Catherine SWITSER, named as a "Daughter in Law" in Abraham Lefever's will probated in 1733.

The seven year old (born about 1702) son of Abraham on the London list would be Johannes Lefever, who married a daughter of another neighbor, Antonious Heilman, who witnessed Abraham's will. The will establishes that Abraham had two daughters (or step-daughters) and one son. But he had another daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who died before the will was drafted. She married Michael Trump in 1710 in Abington Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania and died in 1727 in Upper Dublin Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Michael's will was written November 25, 1719 and probated July 20, 1723. The executors were wife Mary Elizabeth, Abraham Lefever and John Cunrade. Mary's will was written September 11, 1725/6 and probated February 1, 1727. The executors were Peter Wence and Lawrence Switcher. In a biography of Samuel Newbold Trump, we learn that he was a descendent of Hans Michael Trump of Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In Michael's will he has dropped the name Hans. "In it he leaves his property to his wife, Mary Elizabeth, not to be divided until his youngest son, Michael, should become of age, sixteen years hence. He speaks of having given his eldest son Casper a sum of money to buy a plantation, the rest to be divided between the three minor children, Johannas, Catherine, and Michael."⁶⁰ The three minor children would be Mary Elizabeth's while Casper would be the 18 year old son of Michael on the London list (from a previous marriage). There is just one problem with the information in the biography of Samuel Newbold Trump. It claims that Hans Michael Trump purchased 150 acres in what would become Upper Dublin Twp., Montgomery Co., in 1707, which would not be possible if he were in London in 1709. I presume that further investigation will prove the 1707 date to be in error.

In tracking the movements of ancestors, our only clues may be circumstantial. By studying groups of families, rather than individual families, we can have greater confidence in our theories and hypotheses. In the area where Abraham lived in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, 30 men signed a petition in 1713 asking for the construction of a road, which would become the Skippack Pike. The men were Dirk Renberg, Heinrich Frey, Gerhard In den Hoffen, Claus Janson, Gerhard Clemens, Heinrich Pannepacker, Johannes Umstat, Johannes Kolb, Jacob Gaetshlack, Mathias Tyson, Jacob Kolb, William Renberg, Hermanns Kuster, Martin Kolb, Johannes Scholl, Heinrich Kolb, Jacob Op den Graeff, Peter Sellen, Hermans In den Hoffen, John Newberry, Daniel Desmond, Peter Bunn, Thomas Kentworthy, Peter Bellar, Peter Wentz, Abraham Lefevre, Jan Krey, Andrew Schraeger, Lorentz Scheitzer, James Been.

We have already discussed the men who were related to Abraham by marriage to his daughters. In addition, note that three men on the London list, and described as Baptists, match the names of three men on the petition for a road, the Skippack Pike. In the case of Gerhard Clemens, there can be little doubt that the signer of the petition is the same man on the London list. On the London list he is listed with an additional occupation as a weaver of linen cloth. The man by the same name living in Skippack was known to have supplemented his income by selling linen cloth of his manufacture. The three "Baptist" men mentioned are known to have been Mennonites in Skippack as well as another on the London list, Michael Ziegler, who converted from his religion as a Lutheran.

Taking a look at the London list again, two lines below Abram, there is Oberholtzer, Mark, age 45, wife, sons ages 10, 8, 3 and daughters ages 6 and 1, Baptists. This man died in 1726 in Coventry Township, Chester County, PA. So now we have identified six men on the London list who lived near Abraham Lefever in Philadelphia County, PA and an additional man who lived in Chester County. Further study of of the names of first arrivals in London in 1709 will likely turn up additional names of men who found their way to Pennsylvania. I would suggest that the London list is a valuable key to further revelations regarding Abraham Lefever's ancestry or at least his story of immigration.

The identity of the 20 year old daughter of Abraham on the London list appears to be in question. Was she Elizabeth, who married Peter Wentz soon after the list was recorded? Or was she Mary Elizabeth, who married Michael Trump? If Abraham's entry on the list is accurate, then why does he only have one daughter, there should be two. Either we are missing a piece of the puzzle or the list erroneously lists one daughter instead of two. Is it possible that Elizabeth is not accounted for on the list because she was in transition between the single daughter of Abraham and the wife of Peter? An inspection of the original document is needed to confirm that Abram le Fevre was listed with only one daughter.

In any case, the children of Abraham and Mary Lefever were:

Ann Catharine who married Lorentz Sweitzer

Elizabeth who married Peter Wentz

Mary Elizabeth who married Michael Trump

Johannes who married Christina Hallman

In New Bristol, Abraham purchased 500 acres of land on October 5, 1710³. If he was really poor, how did he manage to purchase this land? On June 6, 1720, Abraham sold 100 acres of the 500-acre tract to Lorentz Switzer. This deed provides the history of ownership as follows. George and Frances Rogers obtained 5,000 acres from the proprietor of Pennsylvania, William Penn, on March 23, 1681. George and Frances sold the land to George Collet, who by his will of November 28, 1690, bequeathed the 5,000 acres to his two grandsons, Nathaniel and Joseph Pennock. Nathaniel died in testate and Abraham Lefevre bought 500 of the 5,000 acres from Joseph Pennock and his wife Mary of Marlborough Township, Philadelphia County, PA.³

On June 2, 1713, Abraham Lefevre signed a petition for a road to "Wide Marsh," Whitemarsh, or Farmer's Mill. The petitioners were residents of Skippack and adjoining plantations.³

"The property of Edwin and Margaret Markel, Green Hill and Kriebel Mill Roads, is the site of the Kriebel Mill, one of the oldest mills in Worcester, and among the oldest in Montgomery County. Here a grist mill and a house was built by Abraham Lefever between the years 1710 and 1720. A highway (Kriebel Mill Road) coming from the Skippack Pike winds its way up the steep hill in back of the mill site southwest toward Fairview Village. The Zacharias Creek flows in front of the mill site.

In 1710 Abraham Lefever purchased 100 [actually 500] acres from Joseph Pennock. In 1747 Cornelius Tyson purchased fifty acres of this land. Jacob Wentz, son of Peter Wentz, purchased the property in 1749 and in 1758 added one acre. In 1762 Jacob Wentz sold the whole property to Thomas Bean who continued to be the owner and miller during the period of the Revolution. Bean held it until 1786 and when he sold the property to Jacob Smith for £1465. Jacob Smith added forty acres to the farm. After sixteen years Smith sold the parcel to two brothers, Abraham and Samuel Kriebel."

"In 1858 William Kriebel built a large three-story stone house which stands today."

In 1917 Amos Z. Kriebel, son of William, sold the property to William R. Powell. The mill was dismantled in 1930 using the stones to build a wall along the road, embedding the old mill stone in the wall facing the corner of Kriebel Mill and Green Hill Roads." ⁵⁹

Building on Kriebel Mill Road, near the intersection of Kriebel Mill Rd. and Green Hill Rd. Note mill stone incorporated into wall.

Mill stone in wall, intersection of Green Hill Road and Kriebel Mill Road.

Zacharias Creek, at bridge on Green Hill Road, near intersection with Kriebel Mill Rd.

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Will of Abraham Lefever³

"I, Abraham Lefever, of Skepack, in the County of Philadelphia, yeoman, give and bequeth unto my son, Johannes Lefever all and singular my real and personal estate. I give and bequeath unto my oldest daughter in law, Catharine Switser, one English shilling, and to my youngest daughter in law, Elizabeth Wink, likewise one English shilling. All the rest and residue of my estate I bequeath to my son Johannes and my son Johannes is to be the sole Executor. Signed, Tenth of March, 1729/30. Abraham Lefever, his mark" Probated July 2, 1733.

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Transcript of Will of Abraham LeFever of Philadelphia, PA Recorded in Will Book E, p. 251-2 Transcribed from an actual copy of the recorded will by Gene Rooks

In the Name of God, Amen, I Abraham LeFEVER of Skepack in the County of Philad.a yeoman, being now in health & of a sound & disposing mind & memory-Thanks be given to God. Therefore, considering the uncertainty of this transitory life & the certainty of death, Do make & ordain this my Last Will &Testament in manner & form following: That is to say, First of all, I recommend my soul into the hands of God my mercifull Creator & Savior, & my body I commit to the earth to be decently buried at the discretion of my Exec. Hereafter named, whom I also desire to pay & satisfy all my just debts and dutys wch. I owe in right or conscience to any manner of person, as also Funeral Expenses, within a convenient time after my Decease. And for the setling of my worldy & temporal estate wherewith it hath pleased the Lord to bless mine Endeavors I Devise & Dispose of the same as followeth. Imprimus I Give & Bequeath unto my son Johannes LeFEVER all & singular my Real & Personal Estate. Secondly I Give & Bequeath unto my Eldest Daughter in Law Catherine SWITSER one English Shilling, & unto my Youngest Daughter in Law Elizabeth WINSE Likewise one English Shilling. All the residue of my Estate both Real & personal House & Land or creatures-whatsoever it may be I Give & Bequeath & Devise unto my said Son Johannes LeFEVER & to his heirs & assigns forever. Lastly I do Depute and Appoint my said Son Johannes LEFEVER to be my whole & sole executor of this my Last Will & Testament, hereby utterly Revoking & Annulling all other wills & testaments, Confirming this & no other to be my Last Will & Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal the Tenth Day of March 1729/30. Abraham (his mark) LeFEVER Seal Signed Sealed Published & Declared by the Testator of as his Last Will & Testament in the presence of us, the hereunto subscribed Witnesses. Antonius Helmas(n), Richard Jacob, Johanes Re?efer In the County of Philad.a July 2nd, 1733. Then personally appeared Antonius Helmas & Rich. Jacob two of the witnesses to the foregoing will & on their Oath did Declare they saw & heard Abraham Lefever the Testator Sign, Seal, publish & Declare the same will to be his Last Will & Testament & that at the doing thereof he was of Sound Mind, memory, & understanding to the best of their knowledge. Coram Caspar Leitbecker by authority from P?. Evans Reg.Gen. Be it Remembered that on the 2nd day of July, 1733, the Last Will & Testament of Abraham LeFever dec'd was proved in due form of Law, & Probate & Letters Testamentary were Granted to Johannes Lefever sole Exec. Therein named having first sworn well & truly to administer the sd. Dec'd estate and bring an Inventory thereof into the Register General's Office at Philad.a at or before the Second day of August next, and Rendering a true & just Acct. when thereunto Lawfully Required. Given under the Seal of the sd. Office P? Evans Reg. Gen.

Note: The copy I received is from the actual original will book, where the documents presented to the clerk by the probate witnesses were handwritten into the records. The handwriting of the clerk who copied the will into the will book was relatively easy to read. Two names are of particular interest, that of daughter Elizabeth WINSE, and that of witness Antonius HELMAS. Elsewhere her name has been abstracted as Elizabeth WINK. This is incorrect, the word was written by the clerk as WINSE. For comparison, the very next word was 'likewise', which included both a K and another ending SE. I believe this is Elizabeth WENTZ, wife of Peter. The witness Antonius HELMAS had his name written twice, and it is copied ending in an 's', not an 'n'. Nevertheless, I believe this is Anthony Hallman/Heilman also of Skippack who had a daughter Christiana Leffeber mentioned in his will of 1759. He also had a daughter Barbara who was married to Richard JACOBS. Johannes Lefever was married to a Christiana. Notice also Abraham refers to Catherine and Elizabeth as daughters-in-law. This is usually taken to mean step-daughter, which raises some very interesting questions, or it may simply mean a reference he chose because his daughters were now married women. I have run into this before where there was no question but that the daughter was an actual daughter. I am open to further interpretations as to why that wording is in the will. Gene in Gotha

2. Johannes Lefever, Sr. [John Lefever or John Lefevre or John Lefebre]
b: ABT 1702 in Europe
d: January 1779 in Hereford Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. At the time of his death John is believed to have been living with his daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Leonard Griesemer, who had property in Hereford Twp.³

Christina Hallman/Heilman (wife)

Children of Johannes and Christina

Catherina (or Anna Catherine) Lefever
b: 15 DEC 1724³ New Bristol, Philadelphia Co., PA
d: 19 MAR 1816³ Easton, PA

Jacob Best (husband)³
m: 1742 Northampton Co., PA
b: 1718³ Northampton Co., PA
d: 9 MAR 1789³ Northampton Co., PA

Abraham Lefever, I
b. 1728 New Bristol, Philadelphia Co., PA
d: ?

Elizabeth (wife)

Anna Mary Lefever
b:

Peter Mellig (husband)

Christina Lefever
b:
d: 1778

John Mellig (husband and brother of Peter)
m: 21 MAR 1750

 

Margaret Lefever
b:
d: Rowen Co., NC
moved to Rowan Co., NC in 1775

John Van Etten, Capt. (husband)
m: 1757
b: 17 APR 1720
d: 20 MAR 1786 Rowan Co., NC

Nicholas Lefever
b:

Susanna Lefever
b:

Gabriel Frey (husband)

Isaac Jacob Lefever
b: 21 JUL 1732 New Bristol, Philadelphia Co., PA
d: 20 AUG 1799 Oxford Twp., Chester Co., PA

Mary Magdalina Seiffert (wife)
m: 1758
b: 1740
d: 1799

Elizabeth Lefever
b: 4 OCT 1739 New Bristol, Philadelphia Co., PA
d: 14 JAN 1814 Upper Hanover Twp., Montgomery Co., PA

Leonard Griesemer (husband)
m: 30 JUN 1757 New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church
baptized: 11 JUN 1732 New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church
d: 5 JAN 1821 Upper Hanover Twp., Montgomery Co., PA

Henry Lefever
b:
d: 1807

Sally (wife)
m: 1746

Johannes (John) Lefever
b:
d: 1813

Eva? (wife)

Johannes belonged to the German Reformed faith and was a member of the Skippack congregation in New Bristol (now Worcester Twp., Montgomery Co., PA). John Philip Boehm, a schoolmaster from Germany, was the first minister to serve the congregation. Boehm served three congregations in the area without pay and was not an ordained minister. Against his will, Boehm was replaced as pastor at Skippack by the Rev. George Michael Weiss, an ordained minister of the faith. This action split the congregation. Johannes was one of six elders of the Skippack congregation who signed a document in July, 1728, sent to the Classis of Amsterdam in support of Boehm.⁴

Johannes was one of 25 taxpayers in Worcester Township in 1734 and paid quit rents previous to that time. He obtained his father's land in Worcester Township by "several conveyances and descents."  The 500 acre property was resurveyed by Nicholas Scull by a warrant dated April 8, 1743 and found to be 576 ½ acres.  This survey mentions the following abutting property owners: George Good, Peter Wentz, John Negley, Paul Hendricks, John Newberry and James Bean. A scan of this survey is available here. At the time of the resurvey, the land was subdivided into four tracts: 300 acres to William Johnson, 53 acres to Robert Jones, an unspecified acreage (est. 50 to 75 acres) to Lawrence Piersen, and the remainder retained by Johannes. A scan of the subdivided survey is available here.

The subdivision survey is plotted below on a modern topographic map (WJ300 = William Johnson, JL = John Lefever [Johannes], RJ53 = Robert Jones, LP = Lawrence Piersen).

In August, 1743, Johannes purchased 368 acres from William Allen, just north of the present day town of Tatamy, Pennsylvania.  The Proprietors issued a confirmatory patent for the 368 acres on June 5, 1745. Sometime between 1743 and 1745, Johannes moved to this property and constructed a log cabin not far from the banks of the stream known as Tatamy's Creek, a short distance above the point where it joins Lehicton Creek (now known as Bushkill Creek).  The east branch of Bushkill Creek, where the cabin was located, is even today sometimes called Lefevre's Creek.  About the time of the move to this property, Johannes started to use the name John.¹

John's log cabin was on a path or road between the Scotch-Irish settlements of Lower Mt. Bethel and Allen Townships and was a convenient resting place.  Recognizing a business opportunity, John started to use his cabin as a tavern and later constructed a stone building to replace the log tavern.³ In a 1752 mortgage document he is listed as an "innholder".  William Parsons, the foremost citizen of the county seat of Northampton County, often stayed at Lefevre's Tavern during his trips.  Thus, one might imagine that John's tavern was of a higher quality than many in the same area at that time.  During the spring of 1752, while Parsons and Nicholas Scull were surveying for the layout of Easton, Pennsylvania, they stayed at John's tavern.¹

An enumeration of horses and wagons in 1758  lists John as owning 1 wagon and 3 draught horses.  His son Abraham owned 1 wagon and 2 draught horses.  His son Isaac owned one pack horse.¹

During the mid and late 1750's the French and Indian War created an atmosphere of fear in Northampton County and many residents fled to safer ground. Near the end of the decade, John decided that his life would be better elsewhere.

------------------------------

"Deposition of Michael Roup"

"The 24th day of April, one thousand, seven Hundred and Fifty Seven, appeared before me, William Parsons, Esquire, one of His Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Northampton, Michael Roup, of Lower Smithfield, in the said County, aged 52 Years, a Person to me well known and worthy of Credit, and being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and declare, That His Neighbour, Philip Bozart, being at Fort Norris last Saturday week, heard a letter read there, which was dispatched by Major Parsons to acquaint the Garrison that he had receiv'd information that some Enemy Indians intended shortly to come and attack the inhabitants at and about Minisink and to desire them to be upon their Guard; which was soon made known to all the Neighboring Inhabitants. And this Deponent further saith, That on Friday Morning last John Lefever, passing by the Houses of Philip Bozart and this Deponent, informed them that the Indians had murder'd Casper Gundryman last Wednesday Evening; Whereupon This Deponent went immediately to the House of Philip Bozart to consult what was best to be done. Their House being about half a Mile apart. That they concluded it best for the Neighbors to collect themselves together, as many as they could in some one House. And this Deponant further saith, that he immediately returned home and loaded his Waggon as fast as he cou'd with his most valuable Effects which he carried to Bozart's house. That as soon as he had unloaded his Waggon he drove to his Son-in-Law Peter Soan's House, about two miles, and loaded as much of his Effects as the Time and hurry wou'd admit, and took them also to Bozart's, where 9 families were retired; That a great Number of the Inhabitants were also retired to the Houses of Conrad Bittenbender & John McDowel; That Bozart's House is 7 Miles from Fort Hamilton and 12 miles from Fort Norris."

The Indian Forts of the Blue Mountains by H.M.M. Richards, p. 287-88. In Report of the Commission to Locate the Site of the Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania, vol. 1, Clarence M. Busch, State Printer of Pennsylvania, 1896.

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Sometime after 1761, John moved back to the property in Worcester Township, which he still owned.  By 1764 he had sold all of the 368 acres on Lefevre's Creek. During John's absence from Worcester, the Skippack congregation became scattered, with the last known formal church meeting taking place in 1755. Old members of the congregation met in conference in 1760 for the purpose of planning a new church building. Neighbors John Lefever and Peter Wentz each donated one acre for the new church. Construction began in 1762 but was not completed until 1771.⁹ The new church was known as Wentz Church and exists today as Wentz's United Church of Christ. The building finished in 1771 served the community for 89 years.

In some manner, John Sr. secured a tract of land in Loudon County, Virginia.  In his will he gave to son John 125 acres and to son Henry 150 acres.¹

John Sr. wrote his last will on October 28, 1778 in Hereford Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania.  His wife was not mentioned in the will, presumably because she preceded him in death. He bequeathed to his favorite son, Isaac, his Dutch Bible, which contained birth, marriage and death dates of his children.¹

John neglected to mention land he owned in North Carolina in his will. He may have lived on this land for a time. Abraham, as eldest son, was declaired heir-at-law for this property, which he sold in 1789. The deed of sale for this tract is key in connecting Abraham Lefever, living in Augusta Co., VA, with his father, John, living in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

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Will of John Lefever Will Bk R p. 229, Phila. Co. PA

In the name of God Amen, I John Lefever of Hereford Township in the County of Berks in the State of Penna Yeoman And far advanced in years, find myself weak in body but of perfect mind memory understanding, God be Thanked, do this eight twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight make and ordain this my last Will & Testament in manner following. First I recommend my soul into the hands of Creator, my body to the earth to be decently buried at the discretions of my executors & as for my worldly good and effects wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in this life, I give and devise the same in manner following. First I will that all my just debts & funeral expenses with the probate thereof be duly satisfied and paid out of my estate.

Item  I give and bequeath unto my son John Lefever all that piece or tract of land now belonging to me situate & lying in Loudon County in the State of Virginia adjoining to my son Henry's land that hath been a part thereof containing one hundred and twenty five acres of land be it more or less with all and singular the appurtenances there unto belonging to hold to him and his heirs & assigns forever & which is to be in full of his part share and portion out of my whole estate Real & personal And where as I have given unto my youngest son Henry Lafever a certain piece or tract of land situate and lying in Loudon County in the State of Virginia adjoining to my son John's land and hath been a part thereof containing one hundred and fifty acres of land be the same more or less with all & singular the appurtenances thereunto belong to hold to him his heirs & assigns forever which also shall be in full of his part share and portion out of my whole estate both real & personal.

Item  I give and devise unto my two daughters Margaretha now wife of Jno. Van Eaten to Susanna now wife of Gabriel Frey the sum of five shillings to each of them money of Penna. which shall be in full of their shares & portions out of my whole estate as I have given to them in my lifetime sufficient for their part and share & which shall be paid unto them within twelve months after my decease.

Item  I give to my son Isaac Lefever my dutch bible in folio, first and foremost before he shares with the rest of my children.

And all the remainder & residue of my whole estate whatever I leave behind me at the time of my decease, I give to all my children here after named share and share alike named Abraham, Isaac, Nicholas, Catharina now wife of Jacob Best, Anna Mary now wife of Peter Mellig, Christina late wife of John Mellig and Elizabeth now wife of Leonard Grisemer to be equally divided amongst them only share and share alike.

                                                                                                 Will of John Lefever p. 2

Lastly I nominate constitute and appoint my son Isaac Lefever and my son-in-law Leonard Griesemer to be my sole executors of this my last Will and testament and I will and decree that they will do and perform the same according to true intent and meaning thereof. And I do hereby disannull & make void all former Wills and Bequests by me theretofore made ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last Will & Testament. In witness whereof the said Jno. Lefever Gent have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

                                                                                                           John Lefever (seal)

Signed sealed published and declared by the said Jno. Lafever Gent as his last will Testatment to us in the presence of us the subscribers, Nicholas Marsh, James Krieble

Phila Feb 3, 1779. Personally appeared Nicholas Marsh and James Krieble the witnesses to the foregoing Will and on their soiemn oath did declare that they saw and heard John Lefever Gent the testator therein named sign seal and publish & declare the same for and as his Last Will and Testament & that at the doing thereof he was of sound disposing mind, memory and understanding to the best of their knowledge and belief.               David Morris Regst.

Be it remembered that on the 3rd day of Feb 1779 the last Will and testament of Jno. Lefever Gent in due form of law was proved and probate letters testamentary thereof granted to Isaac Lefever and Leonard Griesemer executors therein named they having first been duly qualified according to law well & truly to administer the said deceased's estate to bring an invy (inventory) thereof into the Registers office on or before the 3rd of Feb 1780. Given under the seal of the said office
                                                                                          David Morris Regst.

3. Abraham Lefever [Abraham Lefever (I)]
b: 1728 in New Bristol, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania - this date needs verification
d: Aft. 21 JUN 1796

Elizabeth (wife)
b: Unknown
m: 1748 - this date needs verification
d: Aft. 21 JUN 1796

Children of Abraham Lefever (I) and Elizabeth

Abraham Lefever (II)
b: abt 1750

Catherine (wife)

Christina - needs verification
b: 1751

Balthasar Lefever
baptized 8 MAY 1757⁶

Susanna Lefever - needs verification
b: abt 1758

Anna Barbara - needs verification

Andrea Jaeger (husband?)

Margretha - needs verification

Jacob Senger (husband?)

Anna Maria - needs verification

Johann Henrich Scheib (husband?)

Philip Vetter (husband?)

Catharina

m. Capser Zilling April 8, 1766, Market Square Presbyterian Church, Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (they had a child Abraham, b. Feb. 15, 1767)

Abraham served on the Northampton County Grand Jury in June of 1759¹ and was a witness to the baptism of his sister's child, Abraham Van Etten, on May 2, 1760.⁶ The baptism was most likely performed in Northampton County. 

Abraham moved to Norriton Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, where he purchased 200 acres on January 15, 1761.⁵⁶  On October 22, 1766, he and his wife, Elizabeth, sold half of the tract to John Martin Abish.^{1, 56} The following is the description in the deed of the land sold: Beginning at a corner of Mathias Rittenhouses land thence by the same North 49 degrees 30 minutes West 62 perches to a stone thence by the other land of Abraham Lefevre the five following courses, North 22 degrees 45 minutes East 127 1/2 perches, to a stone, North 47 degrees 45 minutes West 5 1/2 perches to a stone, North 46 degrees 30 minutes East 30 perches to a stone, South 47 degrees 45 minutes East 18 perches to a stone, North 42 degrees 15 minutes East 35 perches and thence by the same South 46 degrees 20 minutes East 88 perches 3 feet to a stone in the line of Robert Shannons land thence by the same and lands of Jacob Slough and the late James Shannon South 42 degrees 15 minutes West 181 1/2 perches to the place of beginning - 100 acres 90 perches.

Abraham's land in Norriton Township was mentioned in a deed of a neighbor, Matthias Rittenhouse, who sold 72 acres and 148 perches to his son, David, on January 12, 1770.² The description of this tract allows us to locate Abraham's land. The Old Norriton Presbyterian Church, erected in 1698, still stands today (see this web page). This church is said to be located on a corner (the north west corner) of the Rittenhouse land (see this web page). Here is the description of David's land in the deed: "Beginning at a large Black Oak tree marked for a Corner. Thence, by Land of Doctor Robert Shannon North forty two degrees and an half East ninety seven Perches to a Stone. Thence by land of Christian Recup and Abraham Lefever North fifty degrees West, one hundred and thirty four Perches to a Stone. Thence, by other part of the said Matthias Rittenhouses Land South forty two degrees and an half West ninety five Perches to a Stone in a line of Ephraim Armstrongs Land and at the Manhatawney Road. Thence, down the said Road South Sixty two degrees East ninety two perches to a Stone. Thence by other part of the said Matthias Rittenhouses Land, South thirty two degrees West, Twenty Six Perches to a large Whiteoak in a line of the afforesaid Ephraim Armstrongs Land. Thence by the same South fifty degrees East thirty nine perches to the place of beginning."

The Manhatawney Road became the Philadelphia, Germantown and Perkiomen Turnpike Road sometime between 1801 and 1804. If we plot the Matthias and David Rittenhouse tracts on a modern topographic map,with the north west corner of Matthias' tract at the intersection of Germantown Pike and Trooper Road, the border of the tracts aligns well with Germantown Pike. Then it is an easy matter to plot Abraham's land adjacent to David's. A large scale map is provided HERE. This map includes most of Worcester Township as well because this area was important to the Lefever family history. If we plot a route by modern roads, it is apparent that Abraham had to travel four miles from his home to worship at Wentz's Church on Skippack Pike in Worcester.

While we don't have the description of Abraham's original 200 acres, the deed of sale for half the land in 1766, coupled with the description of David Rittenhouse's land, allows us to reconstruct an estimated description as follows: Beginning at a corner of Mathias Rittenhouses land thence by the same North 49 degrees 30 minutes West 172 perches, then North 42 degrees 15 minutes East 190 perches, then South 46 degrees 20 minutes East 172 perches, then South 42 degrees 15 minutes West 181 1/2 perches to the beginning.

A plot of the tracts in Norriton is provided below (MR = Matthias Rittenhouse, DR72 = David Rittenhouse, JMA100 = John Martin Abish, AL 100 = Abraham Lefever [I])

Abraham was listed on the transcript of the assessment of provincial tax for Philadelphia County, in Norriton Township, for the year 1769. He was taxed for 100 acres with dwelling, 1 horse/cow, 6 sheep and 1 servant (on October 4, 1764, Abraham purchased the servitude of Ludowick Rainbold [Ludwig Reinbold] for a term of 2 1/2 years. ). The deed of sale for Abraham's remaining 100 acres in Norriton Township is not listed in the index of deeds for Philadelphia County. Norriton was included in a new county, Montgomery, on September 10, 1784. Further searching in Montgomery County may shed light on the fate of Abraham's last 100 acres in Norriton. However, it appears that Abraham did not own land in Norriton at the time of the 1774 tax assessment, because he is listed without any property.

(image below page 353, Philadelphia County tax assessment for Norriton Twp., 1774 - triangular arrow to right of Abraham Lafevor's name applied to photocopy as a place marker)

As mentioned above, Abraham's land in Norriton was four miles from Wentz's Church, where we find the family in the church records. Abraham and Elizabeth were sponsors at Wentz's Church (present day Worcester Township, Montgomery County, PA) at the baptisms of Elisabetha, daughter of Jacob and Margretha Senger on Dec. 28, 1766; Abraham, son of Capser and Catharina Zilling on March 22, 1767 - Abraham and Elizabeth were the grandparents; and Elisabetha, daughter of Andrea and Anna Barbara Jaeger on May 23, 1768. Also Abraham, son of Johann Henrich and Anna Maria Scheib on May 15, 1769; and Adam, son of Philip and Anna Maria Vetter on May 13, 1770.⁵⁷ Some, or all of the mothers listed, may have been daughters of Abraham and Elizabeth, but the records are clear only for Catharina Lefeber Zilling. Further investigation of the married couples may provide clues to the fate of Abraham and Elizabeth later in their lives.

The first two children of Abraham's son, Abraham Lefever (II), are said to have been born in Pennsylvania in 1772 (Abraham III) and 1774 (Andrew). It seems likely that Abraham (II) would also attend the church of his father if he lived with him in Norriton. If this was the case, then why don't we find records for the baptisms of Abraham (III) and Andrew? Further investigation is needed to solve this mystery.

The details of Abraham's migration movements are not certain. Sometime between 1770 and 1777 it appears that he and his son, Abraham (II), left Pennsylvania and moved to Virginia. There is documentation that Abraham Lefever (I) lived in Washington and Augusta Counties. Either of these counties could have been his first place of residence. In the Augusta court records¹⁶, on 20 AUG 1777, there are instructions to create tithables lists for various companies, including Capt. Patrick Buchanan's. I believe the tithables lists contained the names of all taxable persons within each militia district, identified by the name of the captain in charge of the company. If this was the case, then the list of names was not the captain's roster, but all taxable individuals in his neighborhood. On a 1777 Tithables list for Capt. Buchanan's company¹⁵, there are two Abraham Lefevers. I believe the exact spelling of the surnames are as follows: Abraham Lefevor and Abraham Lefevour, but you may judge yourself using the image below. The number of tithables for each Abraham is listed as one and in the land column no number is present (i.e., they did not own land in Augusta Co.). Note that the person listed just before the Lefevers was John Buchannan Sen. Our confidence that the two Lefevers were related might be stronger if they were indicated as senior and junior, but the designation does not guarantee a relation, only that one was older than the other. Furthermore, we should not rule out a relation between the two Abrahams due to a minor variation in the spelling of their surnames.

Could the men on this tithables list be Abraham Lefever (I) and Abraham Lefever (II)? Abraham (I) would have been 48 or 49 years old at the time the Tithables list was created if he was born in 1728. Waddell reports in his book that the age range for militia duty was 16 to 50 years old¹⁰. Only one Abraham Lafavour is listed under the command of Capt. Buchanan in a list of Virginians in the Revolution.⁵ Since Abraham (I) was near the upper age limit for duty, I would presume that it was Abraham (II) who served in the militia. An Abraham Lefever was certainly in Captain Buchanan's company because the captain listed him as a delinquent due to his absence at one Private muster 25 OCT 1777. Abraham was fined 5 shillings for failing to come to the muster¹⁷.

(the image below was derived from Augusta County 1777 Tithables, Library of Virginia, Augusta Co. microfilm reel #110 - in a previous image there appeared to be "Jr." applied after the name of the second Abraham, but this must have been penciled in by a researcher)

The date of arrival of the Lefevers in Washington County is tied to a tract of 171 acres of land on the north side of the Middle Fork of Holston River, immediately west of present-day Chilhowie. However, documents examined to date do not clearly establish when the Lefevers came into possession of the land. The surveyor's record¹⁸ contains a survey for the 171 acre tract done for Abraham on February 24, 1785. At the bottom of the entry of this survey, the details of a Commissioners' Certificate are copied as follows: "We the Commissioners for the district of Washington and Montgomery Counties do certify that Abraham Lefever assignee of Josep Bullen who was assignee of George Hine who was assignee of Aaron Horn is entitled to 400 acres of land in Washington County joining Captain James Thompson on Holsten 261 acres of which was surveyed the 8th day of June in the year of our Lord 1774 ... to include his improvement he having proved to the court that he was entitled to the same by actual settlement made in 1774." The certificate was signed by the commissioners on April 18, 1781. Abraham received a grant from the State of Virginia for this land on May 2, 1787.

The certificate seems to indicate that Abraham settled the land in 1774. Then there is the confusing statement that 261 acres was surveyed on June 8, 1774. In order to clear the confusion, it is necessary to examine the original survey of 261 acres¹⁹. At the time of the 1774 survey, the land in question was in Fincastle County (Washington County was formed in 1777) and we must look there for the survey. The survey of June 8, 1774 was done for Aaron Horn. Therefore, Mr. Horn was in possession of the land at that date. The certificate indicates that Horn sold the land to Hine who in turn sold the land to Bullen who in turn sold the land to Abraham. If we are to believe that Abraham settled this land in 1774, then all of the transactions from Horn to Abraham would need to have occurred in a period of 6 months. While possible, it seems more likely that someone other than Abraham was the person who settled the land, probably Aaron Horn. If so, Horn sold his right in settlement, which was eventually documented as a Commissioners' Certificate in Abraham's name. In any case, Abraham was in possession of the land no later than the date of the certificate, April 18, 1781. We can't be sure which Abraham (I or II) owned the 171 acre tract but it was Abraham (II) who sold it in 1795 because his wife, Catherine, also signed the deed.

An examination of the survey data, along with neighboring tracts, indicates that the 261 and 171 acre tracts shared land in common as can be seen in the plots provided below. Plotting of the surveys reveals that they are not accurate because they don't close. The 171 acre tract has greater errors and was left open in the plot below. The errors of the 261 tract were adjusted slightly to create a closed survey, using neighboring tracts as guidance in fitting the tract to the available space. In reality, the 171 acre tract was probably much larger than the acreage calculated by the surveyor. A large portion of the error may have resulted from the difficulty in accurately determining the long line on the south east side, part of which runs through steep terrain near the river. This area of the tract was undoubtedly heavily wooded as it still is today. It is clearly evident in the surveyor's own plot that this long line was simply shifted from the actual angle given in the survey so that a closed survey could be displayed in the book. Clearly the surveyor knew his survey was not accurate but we must not be too harsh in our judgment. His instruments were vastly inferior to modern day surveying instruments and his work load was very heavy.

Abraham's 171 acre tract was bisected by the Great Road. We know this because the road is mentioned in his survey and in the survey of his neighbor, Conrod Hennegar. The survey data and topography of the area leave little doubt that the old road crossed Abraham's property in nearly the same path as US Highway 11, which is seen on the modern topographic map above. Interstate 81 runs next to Hwy. 11, but was removed from the map for clarity. The Great Road, also known as the Main Road, was an excellent location for a business that catered to travelers. Abraham surely selected this tract of land because he intended to operate a tavern along the road. In fact, there were several taverns in Abraham's neighborhood. This road was the main artery for white Americans moving to the surrounding frontier settlements and business must have been brisk.

On May 15, 1781, we find that Abraham Leafavour was in trouble with the county of Washington for serving alcohol to the public without a license. We can't be sure if Abraham (I) or (II) was charged with serving alcohol. Nevertheless, Abraham Lefeavour, Sr. appears on the personal property tax list for Washington County in 1782 and again for the last time in 1786. Also in 1782 and 1786 there is an Abraham Lefeavour, Jr. on the lists. Therefore, father and son were living in Washington County by 1782.

Given the evidence to this point, we might construct two scenarios of the Lefevers in Virginia. The first scenario would have them arriving as early as 1774 in Washington County. Then they moved to Augusta County where we find them on the 1777 Tithables list. After living in Augusta County for a short period of time, they returned to Washington County, where we find that one of the Abrahams obtained a Commissioners' Certificate on April 18, 1781. In order to believe this story, it would be helpful to find a motivation for Abraham to abandon his 171 acre tract in Washington County for a few years, spending some time in Augusta County.

During the Revolutionary War, agents for the British encouraged the Native Americans to attack white Americans on the frontier settlements. On July 20, 1776, the Virginia Militia fought Cherokees near the Long Island of the Holston River, about 55 miles south west of Abraham's property. On the same day, 400 to 500 settlers came together at Capt. Joseph Black's farm (present day Abingdon, VA) and started construction of Black's Fort, to be used as protection against Native American attacks. Abingdon is about 17 miles south west of Abraham's property. There were attacks on the settlers around Black's Fort in the summer of 1776. On James Thompson's land, Abraham's neighbor, a stone house, known as Kilmachronan, was constructed in 1776 to serve as a neighborhood fort. While many stayed on their land during the hostilities, perhaps the Lefevers felt their families would be safer in Augusta County.

The second scenario would have the Lefevers traveling from Pennsylvania to Augusta County sometime between 1770 and 1777. They would have lived there a few years, but did not purchase any land. Perhaps this county was only a temporary residence in their plans, with the goal of going soon to Washington County. They may have been discouraged from proceeding to Washington County for a time by stories of the hostilities in the area. Then sometime near the end of 1777 or not long after that, the Lefevers moved on to Washington County.

Three years after issue of the Commissioners' Certificate for the 171 acre tract, Abraham Lefever, Sr. (I) started the process of securing a second tract of land in Washington County²⁰. In the surveyor's entry book we find the following entry with a date of March 16, 1784. Abraham Lefever assee of John Barr by state warrant No. 10941 enters 200 acres of land in Washington County lying on the waters of the south fork of Holston River beginning on the south west line of John Bakers old survey and bounded on the east by Joseph Cole and on the south by John Boles including the sugar camp and extending to Jam. Kithcarts [or Samuel Kithcart] for quantity and including Abraham Caseys improvement.

The survey for the 200 acre tract was done on May 5, 1784²¹. This tract was located about 2 miles south east of the 171 acre tract. The neighbors mentioned in the survey were Adam Mourow [Morrow}, John Bowles and Robert Reagh [later granted to Nathaniel McClure]. Abraham obtained a grant for the tract from the state of Virginia on December 2, 1784.

The ownership history of the 200 acre Washington County tract is invaluable in tracing the Lefever family history over the years following the purchase by Abraham. As mentioned previously, Abraham Sr. (I) was listed for the last time in 1786 on the Washington County Personal Property Tax list. For some unknown reason, Abraham Sr. (I) decided to move to Augusta County, VA, leaving his son behind in Washington County. In Augusta County he purchased 280 acres from Phillip Barrick on February 18, 1788²². On July 9, 1789, Abraham Lefever (I) appointed his son, Abraham Lefever, Jr., to be power of attorney to convey land owned by Abraham Sr. in Washington County [the 200 acres] to the same Phillip Barrick²³. Two years after Abraham Sr. gave power of attorney to his son, Abraham Jr. (II) sold the land to Phillip Barrick on November 15, 1791²⁴.

While Abraham Sr. was living in Augusta County, he sold some land in North Carolina, which documents a connection to his father, John, back in Pennsylvania.

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Lincoln Co., NC Deed Book 4, p. 89

April 6, 1769. Boston Cline of Mecklenburg County to John Leufever of Berks County, PA of same, 350 acres where John Leufever now lives at branches of Lyles Creek in Lincoln County, granted to Boston Cline April 28, 1768...lease has Jacob Cline signing, release has Boston Cline "wrote in Dutch", Margaret Cline (x). Witness: Matthia Barringer with a Dutch name. (Mecklenburg Co. was formed in 1762 from Anson Co., Lincoln Co. was formed from Mecklenburg Co. in 1779)

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November 11, 1789, Abraham Lefever & wife Elizabeth of Augusta Co., Va to John Cressimore of Lincoln Co, NC: for 50 pounds sold 350 ac; was sold April 6, 1769 by Sebastian Cline (then of Mecklenburg & now of Lincoln CO, NC) to John Lefever (late of Berks CO, Pa), father of Abraham Lefever; John Lefever's will dated Oct. 28, 1778 (registered in Berks CO, Pa) divided his land in Pennsylvania but failed to do anything about above tract; Abraham Lefever is eldest son and is declaired heir-at-law. Signed Abraham & Elizabeth Lefever's marks. Witness John Jarrett, Michael Garber, & Henry Mowrey (or Monrey). Rec. Jul. 1790. Book 4 p. 89; Book 15 p. 342 Lincoln CO, NC Deeds New Book 4 & Old Book 15.

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Less than a decade later, on June 21, 1796, we learn that Abraham Sr. and his wife Elizabeth sell their tract of 280 acres in Augusta County to Samuel Huff²⁵. Apparently, a will for Abraham Sr. has never been found in Augusta County. The fate of Abraham Sr. and Elizabeth, after the land sale in 1796, remains a mystery. No documentation of their death in Augusta County has been found. No documentation has been found in Augusta County for any of Abraham's children other than Abraham Jr. (II). Did Abraham move back to Pennsylvania or some other location to live the remainder of his life with a family relative? Further research may shed some light on the mystery.

CLICK HERE for a detailed map of land owned by Abraham in Augusta Co., VA

4. Abraham Lefever [Abraham Lefever (II) or Abraham Layfevers]
b: abt 1750 probably in Bucks Co. (Forks of Delaware, which was included in Northampton Co. founded in 1752), Pennsylvania. Abraham's brother, Balthasar, was baptized May 8, 1757, probably in the Forks of Delaware.⁶
d: 1807/1808 in Wayne County, Kentucky. Will signed October 2, 1807, probated January 18, 1808.

Catherine (wife)
b: abt 1751 - needs to be verified
m: abt 1770 - needs to be verified
d: 1824 in Wayne County, KY - date needs to be verified

Children of Abraham Lefever (II) and Catherine

Abraham Lefever [Abraham Lefever (III), Lafaver, Lafavre]
b: June 12, 1772 in Pennsylvania - needs to be verified
d: December 06, 1838 in Morgan County, Indiana

Mary Magdelaine Brock (wife)
b: January 17, 1780 in Shenandoah County, Virginia - needs to be verified
m: August 25, 1795 in Washington County, Virginia
d: April 03, 1844 in Morgan County, Indiana

 

Andrew Wesley Lefever
b: 1774 in Pennsylvania - needs to be verified
d: 1847 Bunker Hill, White Co., TN
moved to TN about 1825

Nancy Ard (wife)
b: 11 JUL 1776
m:
d: 1845, Sparta, White Co., TN

Elizabeth Lefever
b: 14 JUL 1776
d: 31 AUG 1842 Morgan, MO

Reuben Ard (husband)
b: 14 APR 1769
m:
d: 1 JAN 1845 Morgan, MO

Sarah Lefever
b: abt 1778, Augusta Co. or Washington Co., VA?

Jacob Loudon Lefever
b: abt 1780, Augusta Co. or Washington Co. VA?

Sarah Davis (wife)
m: 16 JAN 1804⁴⁶ by Elliott Jones, Justice of the Peace, bond 19 NOV 1803³³, Wayne Co., KY

Cathrina Lefever
b: abt 1782, Washington Co., VA

David Lefever
b: abt 1785. Washington Co., VA
d: 1 SEP 1843, Wayne Co., KY

Rebecca Coughman (wife)
m: 24 OCT 1815 Pulaski Co., KY

In Abraham (II)'s will, signed October 2, 1807, his children are listed as follows: "...from the Eldest to youngest which ar these my well beloved sons and Daughters Abraham Layfeevors Junior Catareena Leyfevors Andrew Lafevors and Elizabeth Layfevors & Sarah Layfeevors and Jacob Layfeevors..." . David is also identified as a son and as an executor of the will, which is why he is not listed in the section where the other children are named. A transcription of the will was entered into new Will Book A in 1840. In the transcription, Abraham's children are listed from eldest to youngest as follows: Abraham Jr., Andrew, Elizabeth, Sarah, Jacob and Catarena. The revised order of children in the transcription may have been intentional, to reflect the correct order of ages. The birth year estimates given above for Sarah, Jacob and Cathrina are probably based, at least in part, on the 1840 transcription of the will. The will is not helpful in determining David's age, relative to his siblings, because he is not named in the ordered list. However, other documentation, when considered collectively, places David as one of the youngest siblings.

The first land owned by Abraham Lefever (II) in Virginia appears to be the 171-acre tract on the middle fork of the Holston River in Washington County.

A paper entitled The Meeks and Their Neighbors states that Abraham Lefever was the neighbor to the east of Joseph Meek, Sr.'s home:

"The neighbor to the east was Abraham Lefever who also had a tavern and trading post and also lived on the Great Road. The list of things sold at his sale after he was deceased showed that he had customers who lived in great style. His customers were numerous."

"Major Aaron Lewis was in the Revolution and later became a Lt. Colonel of the Virginia Militia. He lived just across the road from Lefever."⁷

While there is no doubt that Abraham had a tavern, there does not appear to be any documentation of his death in Washington County. We know he sold the land where his tavern was located and that a man by the same name appeared on a Personal Property Tax list in Lee County, VA, less than two years later. Lee County is near Washington County, to the west. Rather than transport his merchandise to Lee County, Abraham may have opted to hold a sale (going out of business?). This sale could have been misinterpreted as an estate sale done after his death. Further research may shed light on the alleged sale.

CLICK HERE for a detailed map of land owned by Abraham in Washington Co., VA

Records from Washington County also reveal that Abraham was in the tavern business as follows.

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15 MAY 1781 Presented to Grand Jury - Jacob Hise, Abraham Leafavour, and Widow Meek for keeping Tipling Houses on information of Joseph Snodgrass. Also Abraham Leafavour and Thomas Berry Jr. on information of James Montgomery. Michael Montgomery, William Malyard, Stephen Bailey and Abraham Leafavour on information of Hugh Berry. Hugh Johnston, Abraham Leafavour and John Gaynes on information of James Kincannon. (Annals of Southwest Virginia, p. 1078 - 79)

19 JUN 1781 Court case. On motion of Abraham Leafevour leave is granted him to keep an Ordinary in his own House he giving bond and security as the law directs. (Annals of SW Virginia, p. 1083)

19 JUN 1781 Court action. Ordered that Konrad Carlock, Abraham Heiter, Konrad Hinnergar "view the way for the main road from the hill on this side of Lefevours to the branch at the town house the nighest and best way and that the Overseer open the road as the said viewers lay it off. " (Annals of SW Virginia, p. 1083 -84).

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It is very likely that both Abraham (I) and (II) were living in Washington County in 1781, which makes it difficult to judge who was charged with keeping a Tipling House. The tavern may have been a father-son venture. Abraham (I) would have been familiar with this type of business because his father, John, had a tavern back in Pennsylvania. In any case, the problem was rectified quickly by the granting of a license to serve alcohol about a month after the charges were raised. The mention of the "main road from the hill on this side of Lefevours" in another court action indicates that the main road was near (or on) the Lefever property. And if we examine the survey data for the adjoining tract on the east, owned by Conrod Henneger [Conrad Henninger], we find that one point, in common to both tracts, was adjacent to the Main Road, where the modern US Highway 11 enters the Lefever tract from the east.

We have already discussed personal property tax data for the years 1782 and 1786 regarding both Abraham Sr. (I) and Abraham Jr. (II). By 1788 Abraham (I) was living in Augusta County and subsequent personal property tax data for the "Upper District" of Washington County is applicable to Abraham (II) as follows [Abraham Lefever or Lefaver or Lafaver - not distinguished as Sr. or Jr.]: 1788 - 1 white county levy; 1791 - 1 white county levy; 1792 - 1 white county levy; 1793 - 1 white county levy; 1794 - 2 white county levies; 1795 - text for Upper District is too faint to read; 1796 to 1810 - no Abraham Lefever listed in Upper District. In the Lower District there is an Abraham Lefeaber listed for the years 1796 and 1797 only, one white county levy each year.¹¹ The Abraham Lefeaber of the Lower District is Abraham Lefever (III), who we judge was the son of Abraham Lefever (II). Abraham Lefeaber of the Lower District happens to be on the same lists as Abraham Lefever (III)'s in-laws: George Brock, his father-in-law, and the Zinks, related to his mother-in-law, Catherine Zink Brock [Many references on the internet identify Catherine Zink as Abraham (III)'s wife, which is incorrect. Abraham's wife was Catherine, but her maiden name remains a mystery.].

When a young man turned 16, he became eligible for militia duty and became taxable, reported under his father's name unless he was independent. The tax data for the Lefever family appear to be problematic. We have said that Abraham (III) was born in 1772 and therefore would have turned 16 in the year 1788. Then we would expect Abraham (III) to show up under his father's name as the second levy in 1788 or 1789. Perhaps Abraham was not living with his father when he turned 16. Then we should look at Andrew, born 1774. But this does not solve the problem either. Andrew would turn 16 in 1790 and should appear on the tax list in 1790 or 1791. Then Jacob, the next oldest son, born about 1780, would not yet be 16 in 1794 (unless he was really born in 1776). Therefore, we would need to postulate that Abraham and Andrew were not living with their father in 1794 and that Jacob was born in 1776. Taken collectively, those circumstances don't seem likely. Either the birth data reported for Abraham (II)'s sons are erroneous or there is something peculiar with the personal tax data.

Abraham Lefever and Catherine, his wife, sold the 171 acre tract on the middle fork of the Holston River to John Jamison on September 15, 1795²⁶. Our story of the Lefevers in the upper district of Washington County might end with this event, except for the fact that another tract of land, not far from the 171 acre tract, was owned by Abraham (II). On July 30, 1795, the state of Virginia granted to Abraham Lafavour 88 acres on a fork of Bakers Creek, branch of Thompsons Creek, waters of the middle fork of Holstein River. One week after Abraham sold his 171 acre tract to John Jamison, he gave a power of attorney to John to sell his 88 acres²⁷. In the power of attorney, Abraham states that he is living on the 88 acre tract. Therefore, it is likely that Abraham had moved to the 88 acre tract before the sale of the 171 acre tract was documented. John Jamison sold the 88 acre tract for Abraham in 1800²⁸.

The power of attorney indicated that Abraham had yet to receive the grant document. Apparently, Abraham was unsure of the acreage of his tract because the quantity of "100 acres more or less" was given in the power of attorney. These facts suggest that the sale was pending, awaiting arrival of the grant document from Richmond. The buyer, Mr. Leach, may have agreed to pay a certain amount per acre and was awaiting word of the exact amount of land in the tract. Perhaps he did not have sufficient funds at the time and delivered a partial payment to Abraham.

Abraham was clearly preparing to leave Washington County in the fall of 1795. Whatever the details may have been in the transaction, he was not willing to stay in the county until the sale of his last tract of land was completed. In Lee County, Virginia, there was an Abraham Lefavers on the 1797 Personal Property Tax list. As further evidence will indicate, this was Abraham Lefever (II). His name does not appear on the lists for Lee County in 1795 - 1796 and 1798 - 1802. The tax lists were recorded in the spring of each year and therefore, Abraham arrived in Lee County sometime between fall 1795 and spring 1797. Abraham was listed with two taxable individuals (probably a son was the second taxable). Abraham (III) was married in 1795 and was listed in Washington County in 1796 and 1797. Therefore, he would not be in Lee County to be listed in 1797. Jacob L., born about 1780, would turn 16 about 1796, making him fit as the second taxable.

During this period of time Abraham Lefever (II) was on the move. He lived briefly in Lee County, VA, Hawkins County, TN and Cocke County, TN. Sometime during the first year of the 19th century, Abraham found his way to Green [later Wayne] County, Kentucky, his last place of residence. His trip there from Tennessee likely included passage through the Cumberland Gap, made famous by Daniel Boone. Perhaps the Lefevers traveled down the Cumberland River to their new home. The reasons for Abraham's migratory movements may never be known, but let us continue on with his story.

While living in Lee County, Abraham purchased some land just across the border in Hawkins [now Hancock] County, Tennessee. This was bottom land on a scenic stretch of the Clinch River. His tract of 100 acres was bounded on the west by the Clinch River with the south west corner near the mouth of Wallings Mill Creek. Abraham bought the land on March 28, 1798 from John Young²⁹. The deed was witnessed by his son, Andrew, and Robert Royle. Abraham sold this tract less than 2 years later on December 10, 1799 to Henry Knase³⁰. The deed of sale indicated that Abraham was living at the time in Cocke County, Tennessee.

Just two miles upstream on the Clinch, where the north fork empties into the main river, George Brock, Abraham Lefever (III)'s father-in-law, purchased two tracts of land on August 2, 1797. The witnesses to the deed of purchase were Abraham Lepeor [Abraham Lefever] and Reuben Ard [Reuben Ard who married Abraham Lefever (III)'s sister Elizabeth]³¹. George sold one of the tracts on September 6, 1805³². During the period of 1797 to 1805, George was living in Washington County, VA, as documented by his presence on personal property tax lists. Abraham (III) was on the Washington County, VA personal tax lists for 1796 and 1797, but not thereafter. Considering these facts together, a likely scenario would have Abraham living on his father-in-law's land on the North Fork of the Clinch River starting sometime in 1797. His presence there may have influenced his father's purchase of land just 2 miles down stream on the Clinch. Perhaps Abraham's brother-in-law, Reuben Ard, also lived on George's land for a short time. However, Reuben obtained a certificate of settlement in February of 1800, in what would soon become Wayne County, Kentucky. Thus, he was living in Kentucky before 1800. Reuben was on the tax list for Wayne County, Kentucky in 1801^54.

Why did Abraham Lefever (II) move on to Cocke County after living on the Clinch River less than two years? He may have been lured to the Clinch due to his son's presence there. Here was a chance to keep the larger family together. But the topography of the area surrounding the Clinch was mostly steep terrain. There may not have been enough land there for Abraham (II)'s younger children, who were soon to start families of their own. Perhaps he moved on to Cocke County in search of a more suitable area. But he was not satisfied with what he found in Cocke County. Soon thereafter he made his way to Kentucky.

CLICK HERE for a map of the Lefever and Brock tracts in Hawkins County

When the Lefevers arrived in Kentucky, sometime between January and June 1800, they settled on the north bank of the Cumberland River, just inside the southern border of Green County. Two years later, their land was incorporated into the new county of Adair. In 1804, part of Adair County, along the Cumberland River, was transferred to Wayne County. These transfers explain why the earliest Lefever records in Kentucky are found in Green and Adair Counties.

On June 16, 1801, Jacob Leafever obtained a certificate of settlement for 105 acres from Green County, KY (Green County Court Order Book 3, 1800 1804, page 38). Jacob's father, Abraham Lefever (II), paid tax on this land in 1802. Jacob assigned this land to his brother, David, in 1807. David obtained a grant from Kentucky for this land in 1811 under the patent series South of Green River. Under this series, settlers could obtain a certificate from the county after a one year residence period (other requirements had to be met as well). Thus, Jacob must have arrived no later than June 1800 in order to obtain a certificate in June of 1801. We assume that Jacob traveled to Kentucky with his father and other family members. However, his brother, Abraham (III), arrived later, between 1804 and 1806.

On August 9, 1802, Abraham (II) appeared on the tax list for Adair County, Kentucky, owning 100 acres on the Cumberland River. He was listed with one white male over 21 years of age and one white male between 16 and 21 years of age (his son David or Jacob?). Also on the tax list with the same date was Andrew Lefever, who did not own land and was listed with one white male over 21 years of age and no white males between 16 and 21 years of age. Jacob obtained a certificate for land on the Cumberland River, October 25, 1802⁴⁷. Jacob Ard obtained a certificate for 200 acres on Cub Creek, a tributary of the Cumberland River, on the same date⁴⁸. Then Abraham Leefevers (II) obtained a certificate for 150 acres on the waters of Cumberland River, July 4, 1803⁴⁹. As we shall see later, Abraham (II)'s sons acquired additional land on the Cumberland River.

CLICK HERE for a map of some Lefever and Ard tracts in Wayne County

On November 4, 1805, Abraham Lefever of Wayne County granted Power of Attorney to his "trusty friend" William Armstrong of Hawkins County, Tennessee, to collect from John Hannah of Hawkins Co., TN, money due said Lefevers by said Hanna's note for $50.00³⁴. We can't be sure if this was Abraham (II) or Abraham (III), because Abraham (III) may have been in Wayne County in 1805.

In George N. Lefevre's genealogical chart of the Lefever family⁸, Abraham's arrival in Wayne County is dated 1806. However, the chart lists only one Abraham living in Wayne County, who died in Morgan County, Indiana. There are no source citations in the chart, leaving the informed reader to wonder if the 1806 date is the arrival of Abraham (II) or (III). We have seen evidence already that Abraham (II) arrived in Kentucky before August, 1802. An arrival year of 1806 would be reasonable for Abraham (III). In 1805 George Brock sold one tract in Tennessee where we judge Abraham (III) may have lived. The tax lists for Wayne County contain the names Abraham Lefever Sr. and Abraham Lefever Jr in 1806, establishing that the younger Abraham had arrived by 1806 (there is only one Abraham Lefever listed in 1804 on the tax list and the microfilm copy of the tax list for 1805 is too faint to read - thus we place Abraham (III)'s arrival in Wayne County between 1804 and 1806).

In Wayne County the will of Abraham Layfeevers was probated on January 18, 1808. In the court records related to the probate, his name is given as Abraham Lefever. In the will Abraham listed his children from oldest to youngest, with Abraham [III] being the oldest. In addition, Abraham's wife was identified variously as Catarunah, Cattaruna, Catareena and Catarena, but she is named as Catherine in a court record related to probate of the will.

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Below is the will of Abraham Layfeevers of Wayne Co., Kentucky, recorded in [old] Will Book B, p. 39 -40.

Transcribed by Jeffrey La Favre, July, 2009

In the name of god Amen. I, Abraham Layfeevers, of the County of Wayne and the State of Kentucky, being very sick and weak in; or; in perfect health of body but; or; and of perfect mind and memory thanks be given unto god calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it appointed for all men once to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say principaly and first of all I give and recomend my soul into the hands of god that gave it and my body I recomend into the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my Executars nothing doubting but at the general Reserection that I shall received the same again by the mighty power of god and as touching such worldy Estate wher with it has pleased god to bless me with in this life I give demise and dispose of the same in the following maner and form.
     
      1st I give and Bequeath to Catareenah [or Catarunah or Cataranah] Layfeevers, my dearly be loved wife all of my lands and my property and possesions as long as she lives in my name and at the discretion of my dear beloved wife Cataranah Layfeevers then of this my will [well] beloved son David Layfeevors Whereas Likewise I constitute and ordain the sole Executars of this my last will and testament all and singular If then the said David Lafyvers who is well my beloved son he the same sees cause at the death of his Mother who is the above named Catarana [may be Cataranah - at edge of photocopy and h may have been cut off] Layfeevor for to take the land that is now given to her His Mother unto her death then if the said David Layfeevors sees cause for to have the land given unto him as then it may be in his power to obtain the land by his copy to his fathers will at his death which is this the will to take too [two] good sadeceans men and have the land valude and then for the said david Lefeevors to pay unto his Brother an Sister from this land an eaqual shears but what they have got must stand in cont [count] gains [against] them And for them my worthy childern He may pay them in property at its worth as becomes a Ragular [regular] will paying order being from the Eldest to youngest which AR these my well beloved sons and Daughters Abraham Layfeevors Junior Catareena Leyfevors Andrew Lafevors and Elizabeth Layfevors & Sarah Layfeevors and Jacob Layfeevors whom I likewise constitute and ordain the sole Executars of this my last will and testament to Recover of the same David Layfeevors by payment from two to three years between Each of them if he cant make payment no Sooner but and if he can he may pay sooner but and if he dont see cause for to take the land then the land is for to be Sold and the value of the land to be Eaquly divided amongs my Childern and that property that is left at my wife Catarana Layfeevors death then taken and divided as Regular as posible amongs the Childern wars [as was] before mentioned & I Do herby utterly Disillow, revoke and disanul all and ever Other former testament, will, legases bqueaths and Executars by me in any wise before named willed and bqueaths Ratefang and Confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have herunto sent my hand and seal this 2 day of October AD 1807

Signed, sealed, published and pronounced and declard by the sad [said] Abraham Layfeevors seal [note that the signature runs into the seal and it is difficult to read the last few letters of the surname]

as his last will and testament in the presants of us who in his presants and in the presants of Each Other have hereunto subscribed our names Thomas Willson, Stephn Sayer, William Catten

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The will was copied to [new] Will Book A, p. 4-5, in 1840, which includes the text below after the transcription.

      Common Wealth of Kentucky, Wayne County Court Set I William Simpson Clerk of the County Court for the county afore said do certify that the foregoing last will and testament of Abraham Layfevers deeds (which appear from the records of the Wayne Court by the oath of Thomas Wilson and Stephen Sayers subscribing witness there to) has been duly recorded in my office agreeably to an order of said county court made pursuant to an act entiteled, an act to authorize certain records of this Wayne County Court to be transcribed.

      Given under my hand this 9th day of June 1840.

                               William Simpson, Clerk

[In the transcribed will of 1840, Abraham's child, Catarana, is listed last, which would indicate she was the youngest child in the ordered list - the list does not include son David, an executor of the will. The original will places Catarana second in the list of descending age. Perhaps this was an error, corrected in the transcribed will?]

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Wayne County Court Record Book A, p. 124. January Court, at Monticello on Monday, January 18, 1808.

The last will and testament of Abraham Lefevers was produced in court and proved by oath of Thomas Wilson and Stephen Sayers, two of the witnesses thereto subscribed, and ordered of record.

On motion of David Lefever, one of the executors therein named, who made oath and entered into and acknowledged bond with Jacob Lefever and Abraham Lefever his security for the faithful administration of said decedent's estate and performance of his in the sum of $500.00 penalty as the law directs, probate was granted.

Page 127, February 15, 1808: On motion of Catherine Lefever, widow and relict of Abraham Lefever, who made oath with Thomas Wilson as security entered into bond, penalty $500 as law directs, and leave is granted her to join with other executor in the probate.

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Wayne County, KY, Inventories and Appraisement Book A, p. 71 - 72

Inventory of the estate of Abraham Lefevers decd squable to an order of court we met on the 4th day of February to praise the estate of Abraham Lefevers decd and praised as follows to wit

Signed: Cornelius Phillips, John Scott, Thomas Wilson

[At the top of page 71 there is a short entry not related to Abraham's estate and it is headed "Wayne County May Court 1807." Then on page 72, following the signatures of the appraisers of Abraham's estate, there is an inventory for another estate, dated 9 APR 1821. Thus, it is not possible to assign a year to the appraisal of Abraham's estate.]

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One item of particular interest in the inventory is the two potter's spindles. Abraham's son, Andrew, moved to White County, Tennessee, about 1825. He established a well-known pottery business there that lasted many years. The inventory indicates that Abraham was also a potter, at least on a part-time basis. He undoubtedly passed on the craft to Andrew. Pottery manufacture was also known in Washington County, Virginia during the time Abraham Lefever (II) lived in the county. Was he making pottery then and selling it at his trading post?

The tax lists of Adair and Wayne Counties are invaluable in tracking the land owned by the families and their presence in the area. There are no lists for the years 1818, 1831 and 1832 and the lists for 1805, 1807 and 1812 are difficult if not impossible to read. Details for the remaining years are listed below.

Abraham Lefever (II) appeared on the Adair County Tax Lists for 1802 and 1803, then on the Wayne County Tax Lists in 1804 and 1806. He was not found on the county lists starting in 1808, consistent with his death at that time.

Abraham Lefever (III) appeared on the Wayne County Tax Lists from 1806 to 1817. In the years 1811 and 1817 he was listed without any land. Shortly after Abraham (III) arrived in Wayne County, he was living on 150 acres, probably the tract that his father obtained by certificate in 1803, on the north side of the Cumberland River (as of this writing I have not located this tract). Between 1808 and 1810 Abraham (III) lived on a 190/191 acre tract which may have been a short distance north of Monticello. Then Abraham (III) purchased a 200 acre tract on the south bank of the Cumberland River, just upstream from the mouth of Cub Creek, where he lived from 1813 to 1817. Abraham (III) moved to Washington County, Indiana in 1817, in order to be closer to his in-laws, George Brock and the Zinks.

Andrew Lefever appeared on the Adair County Tax Lists for 1802 and 1803, then on the Wayne County Tax Lists from 1806 to 1825. He was listed owning land only in 1803 and 1814, land that was entered by his mother-in-law, Susanah McHenry, in 1801. McHenry's tract may have been near David Lefever's 105 acre tract, but that has not been proved yet. I suspect that Andrew lived most of his time in Wayne County on the 105 acre tract of his brother, David. This tract may have had clay deposits suitable for pottery manufacture. Andrew became a famous potter in Tennessee and it is likely he was making pottery in Wayne County as well. This may explain why he was usually listed without any land (i.e., farming was a secondary occupation for him). Andrew moved to White County, Tennessee about 1825.

Jacob Lefever appeared on the Wayne County Tax Lists from 1804 to 1841. He was listed without land in 1804, 1806, 1815, 1817, 1820, 1823, 1826, 1829, 1840 and 1841. He was not found on the Wayne County Tax Lists for 1819, 1821, 1822, 1825, 1828, 1830, and 1834. Jacob's lands were probably spread out more across the region than any other Lefever. He obtained a certificate for 105 acres in 1801, the tract he later signed over to his brother David. He obtained a certificate in 1802 from Adair County for 250 acres, which would have been north of the Cumberland River (I have not located this tract). During the period 1810 to 1814, Jacob is listed with land on Goose Creek, Adair County. However, his entry is on the Wayne County Tax List, which should indicate that he was residing in Wayne County (probably on a brother's land). Then for a brief period, in 1816, he lived on a 100 acre tract, close to his brother, Abraham III, on the south bank of the Cumberland River. Starting in 1824, Jacob had land on Beaver Creek on the tax list for Wayne County, land which appears for the last time in 1839. I don't know if Jacob lived out his life in Wayne County. There is a Jacob Lafever on the US Census for 1850 in Scott County, Tennessee, age 65 years old.

David Lefever appeared on the Wayne County Tax Lists from 1804 to 1843. He was listed without land in 1804 and 1843. He is not found on the Wayne County Tax Lists for 1806, 1808 and 1826. David died in Wayne County in 1844. His wife, Rebecca, is on the Wayne County Tax List for 1844. David owned three adjacent tracts, one containing 105 acres entered by his brother, Jacob (certificate 1801 - Green County, KY). This land was on the north bank of the Cumberland River, across from the mouth of Fall Creek. David was perhaps the only son of Abraham (II) who remained in Wayne County after traveling there with his father in 1800.

Reuben Ard (husband of Elizabeth Lefever) appeared on the Wayne County Tax Lists from 1801 to 1841. He was listed without land in 1801, 1840 and 1841. He was not found on the Wayne County Tax Lists for 1806, 1828 and 1836. Reuben's land in the tax lists is perhaps the most difficult to follow. He owned a 150 acre tract near Fall Creek and was granted a certificate for this land in February of 1800. In order to obtain this certificate of settlement, he must have been on this land no later than the year 1799 (unless he purchased the certificate from someone else). Therefore, he may have arrived in Kentucky before the Lefevers, at least before Abraham (II), who was in Cocke County, Tennessee in December of 1799. Reuben also purchased a 180 acre tract not far north of his 150 acre grant and also a 100 acre tract across the river from the 180 acre tract. Reuben also owned a 200 acre tract for a brief time with his brother Jacob, located northwest of Reuben's 100 acre tract. Reuben moved to Missouri about 1841.

Jacob Ard (brother of Reuben) appeared on the Adair County Tax List in 1802 and the Wayne County Tax Lists from 1804 to 1820. He was listed without land in 1817 and 1820. He was not found on the Adair County Tax List for 1803 or the Wayne County Tax List for 1809. He was listed with his mother's (Susanah McHenry) 95 acres, or a portion of it, in the years 1804, 1806, 1811, 1813, and 1815. Jacob obtained a certificate from Adair County in 1802 for 200 acres on Cub Creek. He is listed with that tract in 1804 and 1810, Wayne County Tax Lists. Jacob apparently left Wayne County about 1820 but I don't know his destination.

John Ard (brother of Reuben) appeared on the Wayne County Tax Lists between 1802 and 1822. He was never listed owning land. He was not found on the Wayne County Tax Lists for 1804, 1817 and 1823. John apparently left Wayne County about 1822 but I don't know his destination.

James McHenry (stepbrother of Reuben Ard) appeared on the Wayne County Tax Lists between 1801 and 1838 (his name may appear in subsequent years, which remains to be checked). James was granted 322 acres by the state on the Cumberland River in the vicinity of the mouth of Fall Creek, across the river from David Lefever. James had additional properties, including 180 acres, part of the 1521 acre military survey done for Thomas Matthews. The 180 acre tract was near the 322 acre tract. Two of James McHenry's sons, William and John, owned land near their father.

CLICK HERE for detailed land and tax data for Lefever, Ard and McHenry in Adair and Wayne Counties

Below you will find additional details about selected Lefever properties.

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Jacob Lefevers bought 100 acres of land in Wayne County on the Cumberland River for $500 on November 18, 1815³⁵. The property included or was near a "disputed" salt peter cave. Charles Dibulls [Dibrell] owned an adjacent tract of land. Jacob purchased the tract from the executors of Edmond Singleton, deceased, and witnesses to the deed were William Walker and James White. Jacob and Sally, his wife, sold the land a year later, September 30, 1816 to Micajah Philip for $500³⁶. Witnesses to the deed of sale were Cornelius Philips and Alfred Philips.

This land was part of a military survey of 1521 acres awarded to Thomas Mathews for his service as a Lt. Col. in the Virginia State line during the Revolutionary War. All or most of the large tract was purchased by Edmond Singleton. Singleton and his heirs divided the survey into a number of smaller tracts, as documented in Wayne County Deed Book B. The following individuals purchased tracts from Singleton and his heirs: James McHenry (stepbrother of the Ard brothers), Jacob Lefever, James Crooks, Aaron Turpin, Reuben Ard, Joel Bond, Isaac Sinclair, James White and Abram [Abraham] Lefever.

The northern end of 1521 acre survey was located across the river from the mouth of Cub Creek. Part of this land is now underwater, due to construction of the Wolf Creek Dam in the 1950's. The land is included on the USGS map Mill Springs, KY (7.5 minute series) and is labeled "Cumberland Ridge." Jacob's tract was located on the east side of the military survey, where the Cumberland River used to make a very sharp turn, just down stream from Conley Bottom.

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Abram Lefevers (III) bought 200 acres of land in Wayne County on the Cumberland River, the south side, for $770 [or $720] on March 6, 1813³⁷. This tract was near the above tract, owned briefly by Abraham's brother, Jacob. The land was also part of the 1521 acre Military Survey done for Thomas Matthews. Abraham purchased the land from Edmond Singleton and witnesses to the deed were John L. Dibull and Martin Tarpen. Abraham and his wife, Mary, sold the land 4 years later, March 7, 1817 to Thomas Simpson for $1,300³⁸. There were no witnesses listed on the deed of sale.

The east and north borders of this tract were the bank of the Cumberland River and the northwest corner of the tract was not far upstream from the mouth of Cub Creek (on the other side of the river).

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David Layfeevers sold to his mother, Catharina Layfeevers, 30 acres of land in Wayne County on the Cumberland River³⁹. Adjacent tract owners were Thomas Wilson and Benjamin Golston and the deed witnesses were Abraham Layfevers, John Hick, and Thomas Wilson. This land was most likely part of Abraham Lefever (II)'s land, which was in control of his son David, as executor of the will.

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David Lefever obtained a patent from the Commonwealth of Kentucky on January 4, 1811 for 105 acres in Wayne County on the north side of Cumberland River as is referenced in a deed of sale for the land on October 21, 1842^{42, 43}. Then on October 28, 1818, David purchased 20 1/2 acres of land in Wayne County on the north side of the Cumberland River, adjacent to his 105 acre tract. This land was purchased from Thomas Wilson, who also owned an adjacent tract⁴⁰. David acquired a third tract of land on October 24, 1826, 100 acres in Wayne County on the north side of the Cumberland River, part of a 400 acre survey done for the heirs of Thomas Cameal, who sold the land to John L. Dibrell⁴¹. David purchased the land from Dibrell. This tract was adjacent to both of David's other tracts listed above. Then on October 21, 1842, David and his wife Rebecca sold the 105 acre, 100 acre and 20 1/2 acre tracts to Solomon E. Tuttle⁴².

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Jacob Lefever bought 50 acres of land in Wayne County on Beaver Creek for $100 on November 5, 1831⁴⁴. Adjacent tract owners were John Stephens, Hly? Daffron? and Wilson. Jacob sold this land on October 19, 1838 for $100. An adjacent tract owner was Boon⁴⁵.

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For a detailed treatment of Lefever and Ard properties in Wayne County, CLICK HERE

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Family of Andrew Wesley Lefever, son of Abraham Lefever (II) - sources: Internet and US Census data

Andrew Wesley Lefever
b: 1774 in Pennsylvania - needs to be verified
d: 1847 Bunker Hill, White Co., TN
moved to TN about 1825

Nancy Ard (wife)
b: 11 JUL 1776
m:
d: 1845, Sparta, White Co., TN

Children of Andrew and Nancy (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dpenix/pennock/PS06/PS06_084.HTM)

Zachariah b: 1797

John b: 1799

William b: 1801

Eli b: 1803

Catherine b: 1805 m: John Allen Dunn

America b: 1807 m: Allen Dunn

infant b: 1809

Asher b: 1812

Andrew Wesley Jr. b: 1814

James b: 1816

Andrew's entry for the 1810 US Census, Wayne Co., KY lists 5 boys and 2 girls. Apparently, the infant who was born in 1809 was a boy. Andrew's entry for the 1820 US Census, Wayne Co., KY lists 4 boys and 2 girls. The Wayne County, KY tax list for 1819 contains a listing for Zachariah and the 1823 list contains a listing for Eli (an ehaustive search of the tax lists for Andrew's sons was not conducted).

The US Census data reveal that Andrew and most of his children were living in White County, Tennessee in 1830 as follows: Andrew [Sr.] and in his household a male 10 - 15 [James] and a male 15 - 20 [Andrew Jr.]; Asher [7 lines below his father on the same page]; Zachariah [2 pages after his father]; Eli [next line below Zach.]; John [2 lines below Eli]. The 1830 Census for White County also lists a John Dun with a female age 20 - 30 [Catherine Lefever]. Thus, all children of Andrew Sr. are listed in White County in 1830 except William and America [William is not on any US census in White County]. The 1830 US Census does not list occupations or industry of occupation, but we assume many in the family were engaged in the pottery manufacturing business.

The US Census data for White County in 1840 contain the following heads of households: Andrew, Andrew Jr., Asher and James, all employed in manufacturing [pottery]. Zachariah is on the 1840 US Census in DeKalb County, TN, working in agriculture. Allen Dunn is on the White County list in 1840 with a female age 30 - 40 [America Lefever Dunn] and two individuals working in agriculture and one in manufacturing [pottery].

Data for each household expanded beginning with the 1850 US Census. In White County, TN, the 1850 Census lists: Andrew Lafever, age 36, potter, born in KY; Asher Lafevers, age 38, potter, born in KY; Thomas Lafevers, age 20, potter, born in TN [he is next line down from Asher so possibly Thomas is Asher's son]; James Lafevers, age 35, potter, born in KY and James' son George, age 16, potter. In 1850 we find Eli Lufever in Dekalb County, TN, age 47, a farmer, born in KY. And Zachariah Lefevers is found in Wayne County, KY, age 52, a farmer, born in KY. Thus, we find that the fourth generation of Lefevers, 2 of Andrew Sr.'s grandsons, are working as potters in 1850. America's husband, Allen Dunn, is also found on the 1850 census in White County, listed as a potter.

Ten years later, in 1860, the census lists Asher Lafever, age 64 [an error], Thomas Lafever, age 30, James Lafever [Sofever] age 43, all living in White County, TN, and working as potters. In 1870, the list for White County contains the names James Lafaver, age 56 and son James, age 17; and in Putnam County, TN, Asher Lafever, age 59; Thomas Lafever age 39 and in DeKalb County, TN, Zachariah Lafever, age 73. All men listed here for 1870 were listed as potters.

In the 1880 US Census, for the last time, we find Lefevers in Putnam County, Tennessee, engaged in pottery manufacture: Thomas Lafever, age 49 and his son, James H. Lafever, age 26, in separate listings, both potters. Unfortunately, the 1890 US Census was destroyed by fire. A search of the listings in 1900 for White and Putnam Counties did not reveal any Lafevers engaged in the manufacture of pottery. We do not know when Abraham Lefever (II) started manufacturing pottery but it is clear that the tradition was handed down to include at least five generations of the Lefever family and may have covered a time period of nearly 100 years, perhaps more.

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Family of David Lefever, son of Abraham Lefever (II)

David Lefever
b: abt 1785. Washington Co., VA
d: 1 SEP 1843, Wayne Co., KY

Rebecca Coughman (wife)
m: 24 OCT 1815 Pulaski Co., KY

Children of David and Rebecca

John W. b. abt. 1817 m. Telitha Cooper 19 SEP 1839, Wayne Co., KY

Amanda A. b. abt. 1819 m. Jesse E. Couts 17 SEP 1845, Morgan Co., Missouri

Angeline b. abt. 1821 m. Commodore Perry Couts 3 AUG 1845, Morgan Co., Missouri

Telitha b. abt. 1823 m. John McHenry 25 DEC 1840, Wayne Co., KY

Harriet b. abt. 1825 m. Ewing Tucker 10 NOV 1844, Morgan Co., Missouri

Julia Ann b. abt. 1827 m. Edward Moore 16 MAR 1862, Morgan Co., Missouri

In Wayne County, KY we find David listed on the 1820 US Census with one boy and one girl, both under the age of 10. In the same county, David's listing for the 1840 US Census contains 2 girls age 15 to 19, 2 girls age 10 to 14 and one girl age 5 to 9.

On the Wayne County, KY tax list for 1843, we find David Lefever listed for the last time. The next year, 1844, his wife, Rebecca, is on the tax list as is his daughter Amanda and his son John. Rebecca and probably all of her children moved in 1844 to Buffalo Township, Morgan County, Missouri. Harriet was married in November of that year in Morgan County. We find Rebecca, age 56, and her youngest daughter, Julia, living in the home of her son-in-law, Commodore Perry (C P) Couts in 1850 (US Census Buffalo Twp., Morgan Co., MO).

Birth years for David's children are estimated from age data in the US Census for 1850, Buffalo Twp., Morgan Co., Missouri: John age 33, Amanda age 31, Angeline age 29, Telitha age 27, Julia age 23 (note that these ages do not exactly fit data for David's family in the 1820 census). An 1850 census entry for the family of Ewing Tucker could not be located. However, in Wayne County, KY, the tax listing of David Lefever in 1842 includes 2 children between the ages of 7 and 17, while in 1843, only one child ages 7 to 17. Therefore, it appears that Harriet turned 18 in 1843 (born about 1825). Marriage data for Amanda, Angeline, Harriet and Julia Ann were obtained from Morgan County Missouri marriages 1820 - 1909 (http://files.usgwarchives.net/mo/morgan/vitals/marriages/lmc1820-09.txt)

Rebecca's decision to move to Missouri was undoubtedly influenced by the fact that her in-laws, the Ards, had recently moved to Buffalo Township. We find the son of Reuben Ard and Elizabeth Lefever Ard, David Ard, on the US Census in 1840, Buffalo Twp., Morgan Co., MO. Reuben Ard is found for the last time on the tax lists in Wayne County, KY in 1841, which appears to be the year he moved to Missouri. Elizabeth is said to have died in Morgan County 31 AUG 1842. Reuben died in the same county on 14 JAN 1845.

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Family of Jacob Lefever, son of Abraham Lefever (II)

Jacob Loudon Lefever
b: abt 1780, Augusta Co. or Washington Co. VA?

Sarah Davis (wife)
m: 16 JAN 1804⁴⁶ by Elliott Jones, Justice of the Peace, bond 19 NOV 1803³³, Wayne Co., KY

Children of Jacob and Sarah

Sally b. abt. 1804 m. Washington Hicks, Wayne Co., KY, bond 13 AUG 1822⁵⁵

Gilliam b. abt. 1810 m. Nancy Michael 12 JAN 1831, Wayne Co., KY

possibly four or five additional sons

possibly seven additional daughters

Efforts to discover the names of Jacob's children have to date yielded one daughter and possibly one son (if you have additional names, please contact me at jlafavre@jcu.edu). Sally must have been the oldest child. The bond for her marriage to Washington Hicks was signed by her father, Jacob Lefever. Sally's husband, George W. Hicks, appears on the US Census for Morgan County, Indiana in 1840 and in the same county in 1850 as Washington Hicks. In the 1850 census, Washington is listed as age 54, born in Kentucky and Sally is listed as age 48, born in Kentucky. They have a daughter, Mencca, age 16, born in Indiana.

Gillan [Gilliam] Lefever appears on the Wayne County, KY tax lists in the years 1833 through 1835, listed without land all three years. Checking the lists of sons for Jacob Lefever's three brothers, we do not find the name Gilliam. Therefore, by the process of elimination, it is suggested that Gilliam was a son of Jacob. There is a Gilliam Lafevers listed on the 1840 US Census for Lawrence County, Alabama. He is listed in the same county in 1850 with the following data: Gillam Lafever, age 40, born in KY; Jarwsha, age 22, born in Alabama [apparently a second wife]; Margaret, age 16, born in KY; William, age 14, born in Alabama; Mary, age 12, born in Alabama; John, age 8, born in Alabama. From this we can conclude that Gillam Lafever moved from Kentucky to Alabama about 1834 to 1836, which matches with Gillan Lefever on the tax lists in Wayne County, KY for the last time in 1835.

How many children did Jacob and Sarah have? An answer, at least partially, can be gleaned from the US Census data in 1810 and 1830 from Wayne County, Ky. These are the only years that Jacob appears on the census in the county. In 1810 Jacob is listed with one boy under 10 years of age, one boy 10 to 15 years of age, two men 16 to 25 years old, two girls under 10 years of age, two girls age 10 to 15, one women age 16 to 25. Clearly, some of the individuals listed could not be the children of Jacob and Sarah because they were married only six years prior to the 1810 census. A better estimate of the number of children can be derived from the 1820 census: one boy under age 5, two boys age 5 - 9, one boy age 10 - 14, one boy age 15 - 19, two girls under age 5, one girl age 5 - 9, one girl age 10 - 14, two girls age 15 - 19. Assuming all of the children on the 1830 census were sons and daughters of Jacob, he would have had 5 sons and 6 daughters. But we must not forget children that were born in the period 1804 - 1810, which may have become independent in 1830. Sally was already married in 1830 and would not be on Jacob's list. Gilliam may or may not have been on Jacob's list. Since Jacob had two girls under 10 living with him in 1810, then the second daughter was probably too old to fit in the 15 - 19 year old category in 1830. Thus, it seems that Jacob may have had 8 daughters and 5 or 6 sons. But we must remember that names of children were not listed until 1850 on the US Census, so there remains the possibility that some of the children living with Jacob were not his own.

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Family of Reuben Ard, son-in-law of Abraham Lefever (II)

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/5614/ard.html

Reuben Ard
b: 14 APR 1769 Anson Co., NC
d: 1 JAN 1845 Morgan Co., MO

Elizabeth Lefever (wife)
b: 14 JUL 1776
d: 31 AUG 1842 Morgan Co., MO

Children of Reuben and Elizabeth

Abraham
b: 1 JUN 1799
d: 1884

Lydia Crutchfield (wife)
b: abt. 1817
m: 5 MAR 1849 Wayne Co, KY

James McHenry
b: 18 AUG 1804 Wayne Co., KY
d: 31 OCT 1889 Wayne Co., KY

Dianna Price (wife)
b: 10 JUL 1810
m: 23 AUG 1827 Pulaski Co., KY
d: 15 AUG 1861

Talitha
b: 3 OCT 1807 Wayne Co., KY
d: 10 NOV 1878 Morgan Co., MO

Jacob Joseph Cline (husband)
b: 25 FEB 1811
m: 18 MAR 1835 Wayne Co., KY
d: 22 NOV 1864

Charles Calvin
b: 21 APR 1812 Wayne Co., KY
d: 24 FEB 1864 Allen Co., Kansas

Susan Maholy Barrow (wife)
m: 15 OCT 1840 Wayne Co., KY

David
b: 19 JAN 1814 Wayne Co., KY
d: 15 DEC 1862 Elsmore, Allen Co., Kansas

Elizabeth Dalton (first wife)
m: 14 MAR 1836 Wayne Co., KY

Mary Hogg Shover (second wife)
m: 25 FEB 1847 Morgan Co., MO

Reuben Jr.
b: 6 OCT 1815 Wayne Co., KY
d: 3 JUN 1901 Pulaski Co., KY

Mary Ann Crutchfield (wife)
m: 23 MAY 1837 Wayne Co., KY

The will of Reuben Ard [Sr.] is recorded in Morgan Co., MO Will Book A, page 81, dated 9 JUL 1844. The will names his children as Abram, James M., Talitha, David, Charles and Reuben. Reuben Ard [Sr.] is found for the last time on the tax lists in Wayne County, KY, in 1841, which appears to be the year he moved to Missouri.

Reuben's sons, Abraham, James McHenry and Reuben Jr. remained in Kentucky, where we find them on the US Census as follows: 1850 Pulaski Co., KY, Abraham and Lydia Ard, ages 50 and 33; 1850 Wayne Co., KY, James M. and Diana Ard, ages 45 and 39; 1860 Pulaski Co., KY, Reuben and Mary Ard, ages 44 and 34 [note: 1870 census lists Mary's age as 48, which is more reasonable].

Reuben's son, David Ard, and his son-in-law, Jacob Clyne [Cline], are on the US Census in 1840, Buffalo Twp., Morgan Co., MO, which indicates that they probably moved to Missouri before Reuben Sr. Charles Ard is found on the Morgan Co., MO US Census in 1860, but not in 1840 or 1850. In addition, Charles is not found on the US Census in Kentucky for 1840 and 1850. It seems likely that Charles moved to Missouri about the same time as his father.

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1810 US Census Wayne Co. KY

Abram Lipevar (son of Abraham II) - Abraham moved to Washington Co., IN in 1817
Andrew Lefever (son of Abraham II)
David Lefever (son of Abraham II)
Jacob Lefever (son of Abraham II)
Reuben Ard (Elizabeth, daughter of Abraham II, married Reuben)
Jacob Ard (brother of Reuben)
John Ard (brother of Reuben)

1820 US Census Wayne Co. KY

David Lefevers
Catherine Lefevers (Abraham II's wife)
Andrew Lefevers
Reuben Ard
Jacob Ard (brother of Reuben)
John Ard (brother of Reuben)

1830 US Census Wayne Co. KY

Jacob Lefever
Reuben Ard

1840 US Census Wayne Co. KY

David Lafevers
Reuben Ard

5. Abraham Lefever [Abraham Lefever (III), Lafaver, Lafavre] (I have decided to apply "III" to this Abraham - J. La Favre)
b: June 12, 1772 in Pennsylvania - needs to be verified
d: December 06, 1838 in Morgan County, Indiana

Mary Magdelaine Brock (wife)
b: January 17, 1780 in Shenandoah Co., Virginia
m: August 25, 1795 in Washington County, Virginia (Annals of Southwest Virginia)
d: March or April 3, 1844 in Morgan County, Indiana
Mary was the daughter of George Brock and Catherine Zink, who lived in Washington Co. VA in 1795.

CLICK HERE for information on Mary's family

Children of Abraham Lefever (III) and Mary Magdelaine

Elizabeth Lefever
b: 7 JUN 1796⁸ Washington Co., VA. 1870 US Census for Henderson Co., IL lists Elizabeth Harbison, age 72, born in VA. If she was born in 1796, then the birth place would have been Washington Co., VA. If she was born in 1798, then birth place may have been Hawkins Co., TN.

John Harbison (husband)
m: 7 MAR 1822 Washington Co., IN

Sarah Lefever
b: 7 MAR 1799⁸ possibly Hawkins County, TN

William Sells (husband)
m: 20 MAR 1817 Washington Co., IN

Isaac T. Lefever - a prominent and successful farmer, a Justice of the Peace, and a preacher of the M.E. Church⁸
b: 1801⁸ in Virginia (possibly Hawkins County, TN) or April 11, 1801 Wayne Co., KY (the birth location as Wayne County has been published but is not compatible with tax lists for Wayne County, which place the arrival of Isaac's father between 1804 and 1806).
d: March 24, 1890 in Baker Twp, Morgan County, Indiana

Mary Cooper (wife)
b: June 25, 1803 in Virginia
m: October 23, 1823⁸ in Washington County, Indiana
d: September 17, 1877 in Baker Twp, Morgan County, Indiana

Jacob B. Lefever
b: 6 OCT 1803⁸ or 1807¹² possibly in Hawkins County, TN (note: if born in 1807, he would have been born in Wayne County, KY, where his father was living at the time)
d: 1880 in Indiana⁸

Lydia Snyder (wife)
b: 4 OCT 1808
m: 1825 Washington Co., IN¹²

Mary Magdelaine Lefever
b: 19 MAY 1806⁸ or 19 APR 1806 Wayne County, KY (US Census 1860, 70, 80 list birth state as KY)

James Johnston (husband)
b: 9 MAR 1803
m: 24 MAR 1824 Washington Co., IN

Catherine Lefever
b: 21 JAN 1808⁸ Wayne Co., KY (US Census 1850 & 1870 list birth state as KY)

Jacob Harriman (husband)
m: 13 JUL 1826 Morgan Co., IN

Jane Lefever (aka Jincy)
b: 10 NOV 1810⁸ Wayne Co., KY

John Alloway (husband)
m: 21 AUG 1834 Morgan Co., IN

Nancy Lefever
b: 22 MAY 1813⁸ Wayne Co., KY (US Census 1850 gives birth state as KY)

Caleb Stairwalt (husband)
m: 2 AUG 1827 Morgan Co., IN

Abraham Brock Lefever - early settler in MO⁸
b: 17 JAN 1816⁸ Wayne Co., KY or Washington Co., IN
d: 1 MAY 1863⁸

Martha Smith (wife)
b: 1820⁸
m: 16 JAN 1839⁸
d: 18 DEC 1873⁸

Daniel Lefever - early settler in MO⁸
b: 20 NOV 1819⁸ Washington Co., IN (US Census 1850 gives birth state as IN)
d: 19 SEP 1896⁸

Eleanor Vandeventer (wife)
b: 1819⁸
m: 1841⁸
d: 16 MAY 1897⁸

Susannah Lefever
b: 19 JAN 1822 Washington Co., IN (US Census 1850 gives birth state as IN)

Wilson R. Downs (first husband)
m: 8 FEB 1840

Cyrus W. Steele (second husband)
m: 17 SEP 1851

Abraham (III) spent part of his childhood in Washington County, Virginia. We presume that he met his future wife, Mary Magdelaine Brock, in the same county. They were married by Mary's uncle, Jacob Zink, the well-known Lutheran minister. After his marriage in 1795, we find Abraham on the personal property tax lists for the lower district of Washington County in 1796 and 1797. Abraham's father lived in the upper district but Abraham's father-in-law, George Brock, lived in the lower district. No deed or grant with Abraham's name has been found in the lower district. Therefore, it is likely that Abraham was living on land owned by his father-in-law on Beaver Creek, Washington County, Virginia. We can't be sure where Abraham lived after leaving Washington County, but perhaps on land bought in 1797 by his father-in-law, at the mouth of the north fork of the Clinch River, Hawkins [now Hancock] County, Tennessee. Abraham (III) was in Wayne County, KY by 1806 because he is on the tax list for the county. The year of 1806 has been claimed to be the year of Abraham (III)'s arrival in Wayne County⁸. In 1810 an Abram Lipevar [Lefever] appears on the US Census for Wayne County, KY. We presume this is Abraham (III) because his father, Abraham (II), died in late 1807 or January 1808. Abraham (III)'s brothers, Andrew, David and Jacob, also appear on the US Census in Wayne County, 1810.

Two short biographies of Abraham (III)'s son, Isaac, disagree on the place of Isaac's birth, either Virginia in 1801¹³ or April 11, 1801 on the Cumberland River in Kentucky¹⁴. US Census data for Isaac are not helpful: in 1850 and 1870 the birth state is listed as Kentucky and in 1860 and 1880 the birth state is listed as Virginia. However, tax data for Wayne County place the arrival of Isaac's father between 1804 and 1806. Therefore, Isaac was not born in Wayne County. Apparently, Isaac's brother, Jacob B., was also unsure of his place of birth. In an article entitled Recollections of Jacob B. Lafavers appearing in the Martinsville Republican, February 6, 1879: "I was born in Wirth [Wythe] County, VA, in the year 1807. My parents moved to Wayne County, Ky., when I was a mere babe. When I was about 9 years old we moved to Washington Co., In." Abraham (III) was not found on personal property tax lists of Wythe County up to and including 1805. Considering also the tax data for Wayne County, it is clear that Jacob B. Lefever was not born in Wythe County, VA in 1807. The US Census data for Jacob are inconsistent: in 1850 and 1870 the birth state is listed as Virginia and in 1860 and 1880 the birth state is listed as Kentucky. It is possible that Jacob was actually born in Hawkins County, TN, where we judge his father may have lived in 1803.

The George Brock tract in Hawkins [now Hancock] County, Tennessee was about one mile south of the present Virginia border. Assuming Abraham (III) lived there, subsequent reporters of family data for the US Census may have been confused, thinking the land they lived on was in Virginia.

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1810 US Census Wayne Co. KY

Abram Lipevar [Lefever]
2 males under 10 years old (Isaac b. 1801 and Jacob b. 1803 or 1807 - good match)
0 males 26 - 44 years old (should be 1, Abraham III b. 1772)
0 females under 10 years old (should be 2, Catherine b. 1808 and Mary b. 1806)
3 females 10 - 15 years old (should be 2, Sarah b. 1799 and Elizabeth b. 1776)
2 females 16 - 25 years old (should be 0)
0 females 26 - 44 years old (should be 1, Mary, Abraham III's wife)

family total = 7 (should be 8, Abraham III not included)

 

In 1817 Abraham sold his land in Wayne County, Kentucky and bought property in Washington County, Indiana. This point in time marks the beginning of the migration of some of Abraham (II)'s children to different states. There is little doubt why Abraham (III) moved to Washington County, Indiana. When Abraham married George Brock's daughter, Mary, we find the beginning of documentation that suggests a strong tie between the families. Abraham may have been torn between living near his father and his father-in-law. But a decade after his father's death in Wayne County, he decided to move away so that his family could be near Mary's father, who was living in Washington County, Indiana.

Abraham's brother, Andrew, moved to Tennessee; his sister, Elizabeth, moved to Missouri; his brother David remained in Kentucky for the remainder of his life. Abraham's grandsons served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Some descendants of Abraham's siblings served in the Confederate Army. It is unknown to this writer whether any Lefevers actually met each other in battle during that terrible war.

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Deed Book B, p. 400, Wayne Co., KY - 7 MAR 1817

Abraham Lefever & Mary his wife to Thomas Simpson for $1,300. 200 acres along the Cumberland River [Same description as deed of 6 MAR 1813 - see section for Abraham Lefever (II)] Recorded 15 APR 1817

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Deed Book A, p. 476-77, Washington County, Indiana - 19 SEP 1817

Daniel Zink and Elizabeth his wife of Washington Co., IN [to] Abraham Lafever of Washington Co., IN for $1100 the south east quarter of Section 24, Township 2 North Range 3 East, Washington Co., IN [1/4 section = 160 acres]

Note: Daniel Zink made an entry for this tract on April 18, 1814.

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1820 US Census Washington Co., IN - enumerated 7 AUG 1820

Abraham Lepever [Lefever]
2 males under 10 years old (Abraham b. 1816 and Daniel b. 1819 - good match)
1 male 10 - 15 years old (if Jacob was born 6 OCT 1803⁸ he would be 16, if born in 1807 he would be 12 or 13)
0 males 16 - 18 years old
1 male 16 - 25 years old (Isaac b. 1801 - good match)
1 male 45 years old or more (Abraham III b. 1772 - good match)
3 females under 10 years old (should be 2 females Jane b. 1810 and Nancy b. 1813)
1 female 10 - 15 years old (should be 2 females Catherine b. 1808 and Mary b. 1806)
1 female 16 - 25 years old (Sarah b. 1799 - good match)
1 female 26 - 44 years old (Mary, Abraham III's wife, born 1780 - good match)

family total = 11 (good match if we assume Elizabeth is not living at home)

---------------------------------

In 1823 Abraham (III) sold his land in Washington Co., IN and moved to Morgan Co., IN. He lived the remainder of his life in Morgan County and died December 6, 1838.

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Deed Book B, p. 579-81, Washington County, Indiana - 15 JAN 1823

Abraham Lafaver and Mary his wife of Washington Co., IN [to] Peter Zink, Jr. of Washington Co., IN for $710, three tracts:

1. Beginning at the south west corner of Section 19, Township 2 North Range 4 East thence northwardly with the line of said section 160 poles to the stake dividing the south west from the north west quarter of the aforesaid section then eastwardly with the line dividing said quarter 50 poles to the middle of Blue River, thence down Blue River meandering with the middle thereof to the east and west sectional line of the section aforesaid, thence westwardly with the said line 35 poles to the beginning containing 30 acres.

2. Beginning at the north west corner of Section 30, Township 2 North Range 4 East, thence running south seven degrees east 19 poles to a stake, thence east seven degrees north 34 poles to a stake, thence north seven degrees west 19 poles to a stake in the said section line, thence with said section line westwardly to the beginning containing 4 acres and 6 poles.

3. south east quarter of Section 24, Township 2 North Range 3 East

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U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 - Crawfordsville Land Office, Indiana
Issued 25 JUL 1826 to Abraham Lafavers 75.56 acres
The east half of the north east quarter of Section 13, Township 11 North Range 2 West

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US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 - Crawfordsville Land Office, Indiana
Issued 26 SEP 1831 to Abraham Lafevre 109.88 acres
The south west fractional quarter of Section 30, Township 11 North Range 1 West

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US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 - Crawfordsville Land Office, Indiana
Issued 26 SEP 1831 to Abraham Lafevre 80 acres
The west half of the north east quarter of Section 30, Township 11 North Range 1 West

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US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 - Crawfordsville Land Office, Indiana
Issued 1 MAY 1833 to Abraham Lafavre 80 acres
The east half of the north west quarter of Section 13, Township 11 North Range 2 West

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US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 - Crawfordsville Land Office, Indiana
Issued 30 SEP 1834 to Abraham Lafavre 80 acres
The west half of the south west quarter of Section 3, Township 11 North Range 1 East

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US General Land Office Records, 1796 - 1907 - Crawfordsville Land Office, Indiana
Issued 20 MAR 1837 to Abraham Lafavre 56.38 acres
The west half of the north west fractional quarter of Section 18, Township 11 North Range 1 West

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1. A Frontier Village Pre-Revolutionary Easton By A. D. Chidsey, Jr. Chapter 4 - John Lefevre, Tavern Keeper, pages 59 - 73. Volume III Publications of The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society, Easton, Pennsylvania, 1940.

2. Matthias Rittenhouse to David Rittenhouse, page 169 in Genea-Biographical History of the Rittenhouse Family by Daniel K. Cassel, 1893

3. John Lefebre, Innkeeper by Charles R. Roberts, read before the Northampton County Historical Society

4. The Spare Family: Leonard Spare and His Descendants by The Spare Family Association, printed by The Norristown Press, 1931

5. Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution: Soldiers - Sailors - Marines - 1775-1783, p. 453 by John H. Gwathmey, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc., Baltimore, 1979

6. A History of the Tohickon Union Church, Bedminster Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania by Rev. William John Hinke, 1925, p. 84

7. The Meeks and Their Neighbors, p. 20 - 22, compiled by Publications Committee, The Historical Society of Washington County, VA, Publication Series II, No. 10 and 11, September, 1973

8. Genealogical Chart of Isaac Le Fevre, a Huguenot of France, who Settled in Virginia by George N. Lefevre, published in 1933.

9. Wentz's Church Through Two Hundred Years. Wentz's United Church of Christ, Worcester, Pennsylvania, 1962.

10. Annals of Augusta County p. 157, by Joseph A. Waddell, published in 1886

11. Washington County Virginia Personal Property Tax Lists, vol. 1, 1782-1786, 1788-1790; vol. 2, 1791-1799, abstracted by Thomas Jack Hockett

12. Recollections of Jacob B. Lafavers, Martinsville Republican, Feb. 6, 1879.

13. Counties of Morgan, Monroe and Brown, Indiana. Historical and Biographical. Charles Blanchard, Editor. Chicago: F.A. Battey & County, Publishers.1884, Page 366.

14. Martinsville Republican Newspaper for Nov. 9, 1882

15. Augusta County 1777 Tithables, Library of Virginia, Augusta Co. microfilm reel #110

16. Augusta County, Virginia, Order Book 16, p. 222

17. Augusta County Court Martial Records, p. 108, Library of Virginia, Augusta Co. microfilm reel #111

18. Washington County Surveyor's Record, 1781 - 1797, p. 275. (Surveyor's Entry Book vol. 1 1781 - 1797, p. 275, Library of Virginia, Washington County microfilm reel #436)

19. Record of Plats A 1773-82, Fincastle County, VA, p. 105, Library of Virginia, Montgomery County microfilm reel #110 (the records of Fincastle County were housed in Montgomery County).

20. Washington County, VA. Land Entry Book 1780 - 1856, page 59, Library of Virginia, Washington County microfilm reel #78. A similar copy in Surveyors' Entry Book #1 1780 - 1856, page 100.

21. Washington County, VA Surveyor's Entry Book Vol. 1 1781 -1797, page 227, Library of Virginia, Washington County microfilm reel 436.

22. Augusta County, VA Deed Book 26, p. 99

23. Washington County, VA Record of Deeds #1, p. 235

24. Washington County, VA Record of Deeds #1, p. 236

25. Augusta County, VA Deed Book 28, p. 543

26. Washington Co., VA Deed Book #1, p. 444

27. Washington Co., VA Will Book 2, page 70, 22 SEP 1795

28. Washington Co., VA Deed Book 2, p. 342

29. Hawkins Co., TN Deed Book 2, p. 495

30. Hawkins Co., TN Deed Book 4, p. 494

31. Hawkins Co., TN Deed Book 2, p. 311

32. Hawkins Co., TN Deed Book 4, p. 164 - 165

33. Wayne Co., KY Old Marriage Certificates 1800 & up, Book 1, p. 54

34. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book A, p. 132

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35. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book B, p. 282-283
18 NOV 1815
John & Margeret Hawkins to Jacob Lefevers

This indenture made and entered into this 18 NOV 1815 between John Hawkins executor and Margeret Hawkins executrix of the county of Jessamine and state of KY and Jacob Lefevers of the county of Wayne and state of KY. Lefever paid Hawkins $500 for tract of land. Tract of land in Wayne County on the waters of the Cumberland River containing 100 acres more or less. Beginning at my beginning corner Charles Dibulls lower corner on the Cumberland River thence on with the same to Dibulls corner on the clif [ie., Lefevers line is also Dibulls line] thence square off to the road that runs on the top of the [here the word ridge is crossed out] clif then down with the road to the disputed salt peter cave leaving the salt peter cave running round the mouth along the clif

[end of page 282]

to the upper end of the narrow and thence up the River to the beginning Signed John Hawkins executor Margeret Hawkins executrix of Edmond Singleton Acknowledged in presence of William Walker, James White

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36. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book B, p. 398
30 SEP 1816
Jacob and Sally Lefevers to Micajah Philip

Jacob Lefevers and Sally his wife of Wayne County, KY sell to Micajah Philip of same county. Philip paid Lefevers $500 for tract of land. Tract in Wayne County on south side of Cumberland River. Jacob Lefevers purchased from John Hawkin executor and Margaret Hawkins executrix of Edmund Singleton deceased, whereon said Lefevers now lives, 100 acres more or less. Beginning at Edmund Singletons beginning corner Chas. Dibrills lower corner on Cumberland River thence out with the same to Dibrells corner on the clift thence square off to the road that runs on the top of the clift thence down with that road to the disputed salt petre cave leaving the salt petre cave running round the mouth along the clift to the upper end of the narrows and thence up the River to Beginning. Signed Jacob Lefevers, Sally Lefevers Witnesses: Cornelius Philips, Alfred Philips

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37. Wayne Co. Deed Book B, p. 100 - 101
6 MAR 1813
Edmond Singleton to Abram Lefevers

This indenture 6 MAR 1813 between Edmond Singleton of Jessamine County, KY and Abram Lefevers of Wayne County, KY. Lefevers paid Singleton $770 for tract of land. Tract of land in Wayne County on the waters of Cumberland River containing 200 acres. Beginning at a beech on Cumberland River on the south below the mouth of a small hallow or branch thence down the river N 40 W 150 poles thence N 50 W 60 poles thence N 86 W 90 poles to a beech on the River Bank thence Out 33 degrees East 290 poles to a stake thence To the beginning. Be the same more or less the same being a part of Thomas Matthews Military Survey.. Signed Edmond Singleton Acknowledged in the presence of John L. Dibull ,Martin Tarpen

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38. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book B, p. 400 - 401
7 MAR 1817
Abraham & Mary Lefevers to Thomas Simpson

This indenture made 7 MAR 1811 [note year can't be correct since Abraham can't sell land before he has purchased - other sources give year as 1817 - perhaps I did not read the year correctly] between Abraham Lefevers and Mary his wife of Wayne Co., KY and Thomas Simpson of same county and state. Simpson paid Lefevers $1,300 for tract of land. Tract of land in Wayne County on the waters of the Cumberland River containing 200 acres more or less. Beginning at a beech on Cumberland River on the south side below a small hallow or branch thence down the river N 40 W 150 poles thence N [or S?] 50 W 60 poles thence N 86 W 90 poles to a beech on the River Bank thence Out from the same 33 degrees East 290 poles to a stake thence To the beginning. Signed Abraham Lefevers, Mary her X mark Lefevers. Entered into the record on 15 APR 1811 when Abraham and Mary appeared before the county clerk.

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39. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book B, p. 49 - 50
10 APR 1812
David Layfeevers to Catharina Layfeevers

David Layfeevers of Wayne County, KY sells to Catharina Layfeevers of same county 30 acres in Wayne County on the Cumberland River Joining land with Thomas Wilson and Benjamin Golston. To Catharina Layfeevers for her use as long as she lives - but she can't sell land. Signed David Lefevers Witnesses: Abraham Layfevers, John Hick, Thomas Wilson. Recorded 15 JUN 1812

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40. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book B, p. 491 - 492
28 OCT 1818
Thomas Wilson to David Lefevers

Thomas Wilson of Crawford County, IL to David Lefevers of Wayne County, KY. Lefevers paid Wilson $100 for tract of land. Tract in Wayne County on north side of Cumberland River, 20 acres. Beginning at a large red oak running thence N 42 W 132 poles to a hickory and small beach [beech] and said Wilson's north line thence N 70 E with said line 42 poles to a bunch of white wallnuts [walnuts] thence S 22 E 112 poles to the beginning [There is no signature here] Wayne County Court Clerks office January 3rd 18__ [the numbers are blotted out by an ink smear] Thomas Wilson appears, etc. [i.e., Wilson appeared before the clerk to confirm the deed]

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41. Wayne Co., KY Deed Book D, p. 287
24 OCT 1826
John L. Dibrell to David Lefevers

John L. Dibrell of Wayne County, KY to David Lefevers of the same county. Lefevers paid Dibrell $300 for tract of land. Tract of land in Wayne County, KY on the north side of Cumberland River containing by supposition 100 acres, part of a 400 acre survey surveyed by Thomas Cameal's heirs to said Dibrell. Beginning at a walnut on Lefevers line field on the military line running S 70 W 100 poles to an ash thence N 43 W 57 poles to a beech at the fork of a path thence S 73 W 30 poles to a poplar thence N 40 W 24 poles to two sour woods thence N 84 W 28 poles to a poplar thence N 70 W 26 poles to a dogwood on the road thence N 7 W with the road 8 poles to a poplar on the military line thence with the military line N 74 E 180 poles to the military corner thence S 28 E with the military line 196 [poles] to the beginning. Signed Jn. L. Dibrell

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42. Wayne CO, KY Deed Book J, p. 200 - 201
21 OCT 1842
David & Rebecca Lefever to Solomon E. Tuttle

David Lefever & Rebecca his wife of Wayne County, KY to Solomon E. Tuttle of the same county. Tuttle paid Lefever $1200 for 3 tracts of land, 105 acres, 20 acres and 100 acres. Tracts of land in Wayne County on north side of Cumberland River. Beginning at a corner of a military survey on the bank of the River at a sugar tree thence with the military line N 34 W 170 poles to a black walnut thence N 16 W 38 poles to a white oak and beech thence N 54 E 38 poles to two bushes, thence N 32 W 112 poles to 2 beeches thence N 55 E 40 poles to a sugar tree on the bank of the river thence Down the meanders of the River to the beginning. The above tract of land said David Lefever holds by patent from the Commonwealth of Kentucky bearing a date of 4 JAN 1811. One other tract of land containing 20 acres by deed of conveyance

[end of page 200]

from Thomas Wilson to said Lefever

Beginning at a large red oak running thence; N 42 W 132 poles to a hickory and small beech on said Wilsons north line thance; N 70 E with said line 42 poles to a bunch of white walnuts thence; S 22 E 112 poles to the beginning

The other said tract of land said David Lefever holds by deed from John L. Dibrill and is supposed to contain 100 acres being part of a 400 acre tract conveyed by the heirs? of Thomas Carnals heirs to said Dibrill

Beginning at a bunch of white walnuts said Lefevers field on the Military line thence; S 70 W 100 poles to an ash; N 45 W 57 poles to a beech; S 75 W 30 poles to poplar _?_; N 40 W 24 poles to two sourwoods; N 84 W 28 poles to a poplar; N 70 W 26 poles to a dogwood on the Road; N 7 W with the road 8 poles to poplar and the Military line then with the same; N 74 E 184 poles to the Military corner; S 28 E still with the Military line 196 poles to the beginning.

David Lefever and Rebecca his wife.

Signed: David x Lefever and Rebecca her x mark Lefever

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43. Grants South of Green River, survey #6477
surveyed 25 JAN 1804

Surveyed for Jacob Lefever 105 acres in Adair County by virtue of a county court certificate __?__ settlement N 42 granted by the county of Green.

Beginning on the north side of Cumberland River at a sugar tree corner of Military Survey on the bank of the River thence with the line N 34 W 170 poles to a black walnut; N 16 W 38 poles to a white oak and beech; N 54 E 38 poles to two buckeyes; N 32 W 112 poles to two buckeyes; N 55 E 40 poles to a sugar tree on the Banks of the River thence down the meanders of the River to the beginning.

Jacob Leafever and John Davis - chain carriers
Jacob Leafever Sr. - marker [could this actually be Abraham Lefever Sr. (II)?]

In margin of survey document: David Lefever asse [assignee] Jacob Lefever 105 acres Recd 10 NOV 1807 Grant 4 JAN 1811 [grant for this survey was made to David Lefever]

[note: the survey document does not have date of survey, but grant dated 4 JAN 1811 states the survey date of 25 JAN 1804]

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44. Wayne County, KY Deed Book F, p. 11
5 NOV 1831

Jacob Back of Wayne County, KY to Jacob Lefever [does not state his residence] Lefever paid Back $100 for tract of land Tract of land in Wayne County on Beaver Creek Beginning at a sugar tree and beech John Stephens corner thence with his line S 5 W 52 poles to 2 dogwoods thence S 5 W 122? poles to a hickory and lynn being a conditional line made with Hly? Daffron? & Wilson and which line be heretofore marked thence S[N?] 30 W 22 poles to a white walnut N[S?] 61 W 85 poles crossing Beaver Creek to the beginning Containing 50 acres Signed Jacob Back

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45. Wayne County, KY Deed Book H, p. 154 - 155
19 OCT 1839

Jacob Lefever of Wayne County, KY to Jesse Lynch of same county Lynch paid Lefever $100 for tract of land Tract in Wayne County on the waters of Beaver Creek Beginning on a beech at the ford? of Beaver Creek running S 5 E 48 poles to a dogwood on Boon's line thence S 52 W 130 poles to a hickery binding on Boon's line thence N 22 poles to a stake N 60 W 30 poles to a white oak on Beaver Creek N 50 E up the creek and crossing the same 60 poles to a stake thence N 60 E to the beginning Containing 50 acres Signed Jacob Lefever Acknowledged at clerks office 19 OCT 1839 Recorded 17 JAN 1840

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46. Wayne County, Kentucky Marriages and Vital Records 1801 - 1860, vol. 2, marriages K - Z.

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47. Adair County, KY Court Minute Book A, p. 32
October 25, 1802

No. 38 Wm. M Keely made satisfactory proof vs a cert. & granted him for 50 acres of land under act of 1801 location filed

[then several other numbered entries]

No. 47 Jacob Leafevers 250 acres on Cumberland - same order [i.e. under act of 1801]

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48. Adair County, KY Court Minute Book A, p. 33
October 25, 1802

No. 49 Jacob Ard 200 acres on Cub Creek water of Cumberland - same order [i.e. under act of 1801 - see reference 47 above]

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49. Adair County, KY Court Minute Book A, p. 75
July 4, 1803

No. 99 Abraham Lefevers made satisfactory proof to the court Vs files his location for 150 acres of land on the waters of Cumberland ordered that a certificate issue Vs location filed Vs

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50. Grants South of Green River, survey #10496
surveyed 23 MAY 1811

Reuben Ard 150 acres by virtue of a duplicate No 676 to him granted February Court 1800 lying in
Wayne County on the waters of Cumberland River the south side.

Beginning at a black oak on Mathews Military line running thence S 85 E 76 poles to two? black oaks; S 46 E 20 poles to a post oak and black oak corner to Benjamin Upton thence binding on his line; S 5? E 90 poles to two black oaks; S 15 W 100 poles to a black oak; S 16 E 46 poles to a post oak; S 70 W 36 poles to a black oak; N? 85 W 176 poles to a post oak; thence to the beginning.

C_?_ McHenry and Jacob Ard - chain carriers
Reuben Ard - marker

Granted to Reuben Ard 19 FEB 1833

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51. Grants South of Green River, survey #14688
2 MAY 1817

Surveyed for Jacob Lefever assee of John Persley assee of Thomas Crow 100 acres of land in Adair County on the waters of Goose Creek by virtue of a certificate granted by the county court of said county N 312 entered September 16th 1810

Beginning at two white oaks said Crows south west corner of his old settlement claim thence S 46 W 204 poles with said Crows and John Dunbars lines to a stake thence along a ridge S 80 W 56 poles to a black oak and post oak; N 9 E 60 poles to a stake, N 31 E 95 poles to a post oak and dogwood, S 85 E 145 poles to the beginning.

Josiah Wilson and Andrew Shepherd - chain carriers

I assign over my right of the within plat & certificate to John Spencer May 10, 1817 signed Jacob Lefever

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52. Kentucky Land Warrants, warrant #17657
20 DEC 1827 on the waters of Hammonds Creek

David Lafever, 50 acres
Surveyed for David Lafevers assignee of Rodes Garth

Beginning at a hickory ash and beech; S 28 W 30 poles to a sugar tree and beech; S 71 W 8 poles to a hickory and beech; S 6 W 16 poles to an ash and beech; S 75 E 10 poles to two beeches; N 54 E 28 poles to an ash and beech; S 60 E 20 poles to a beech and sugar tree; N 28 E 12 poles to a white oak and sugar tree; N 39 W 26 [or 36] poles to a hickory and beech; N 14 E 29 poles to a sugar tree; N 30 E 100 poles to a beech; N 7 E 40 poles to an elm; N 15 W 40 poles to a stake on James Conns line; S 75 W with said line 25 poles to stake then a straight line to the beginning.

25 AUG 1829 David Lafevers assigned equal interest to Alfred Phillips, John McHenry, James Allif, Jacob Eader, Charles Mullins.

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53. See this document for details

54. See this document for details

55. Wayne Co., KY Old Marriage Certificates 1800 & up Book 2 page 130 - 13 AUG 1822 bond for marriage of Washington Hicks and Sally Lefevers, signed by Washington Hicks and Jacob Lefever

56. Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Deed Book I vol. 4 pp. 174-176. Abraham Lefevre of Norristown, yeoman and his wife Elizabeth sell to John Martin Abish 100 acres 90 perches, for 260 pounds, October 22, 1766. This deed includes the tract history back to Wiliam Penn. In this deed we also learn that Abraham purchased 200 acres from James Shannon on January 15, 1761.

57. Records of the Wentz's Reformed Church of Worcester Township, Montgomery Co., Pa (copied [and translated?] by Rev. William J. Hinke). Collections of The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania. Vol. 173. Philadelphia, 1907

58. Immigrants to the Middle Colonies: A consolidation of Ship Passenger Lists and Associated Data from The New York Genealogical and Biographical Record. Edited by Michael Tepper. Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1978.

59. A History of Worcester Township 1976. Worcester Historical Society. Boyertown Publishing Co., Boyertown, Pa.

60. American Biography: A New Cyclopedia. Vol. 7. American Historical Society.

61. Becoming German: The 1709 Palatine Migration to New York, by Philip Otterness. 2004. Cornell University Press.

62. The Pennsylvania LeFevres, by George N. LeFevre and Franklin D. LeFevre. 4th ed. 1998. The LeFevre Cemetery and Historical Association, Strasburg, PA

63. Madame Mary Ferree and the Huguenots of Lancaster County, by C. I. Landis, pp. 101-124, Papers Read Before the Lancaster County Historical Society, Vol. 21, 1917.

64. Even More Palatine Families : 18th Century Immigrants to the American Colonies and their German, Swiss, and Austrian Origins, by Henry Z. Jones and Lewis Bunker Rohrbach. 2002. Picton Press

65. Historic Background and Annals of the Swiss and German Pioneer Settlers of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and of Their Remote Ancestors, from the Middle of the Dark Ages, Down to the Time of the Revolutionary War, by H. Frank Eshleman, 1917, Lancaster, PA.

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