JOHN AND POLLY COUTS
Apparently John (probably named for his uncle and possible Wright grandfather) and Polly (Polly is the nickname for Mary, usually the third daughter, named after her mother) were neighbors. According to the early tax lists of Warren County, Kentucky 1803, the Couts and the Caldwells lived along the Trammel Creek/River. So, it seems it would be quite natural that a romance would develop, leading to their marriage on Aug. 9, 1809. Polly would have been about 19 years old, being born approximately in 1790, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the child of Matthew P. {Perry} and possibly Mary Caldwell.
[Father: Matthew CALDWELL, born between 1758-1763 in Warren or Union Kentucky;
died before Feb 1827 in Gasconade County, MO. His will was recorded 8 Feb
1827. Married abt 1783 To his first wife, name unknown. Married second wife,
Nancy WHITE in 1802. Some of the children names I sent you from first wife,
may be children of this second marriage, but it is unclear.
Polly's grandparents are Curtis CALDWELL, and Sarah FONDERN or WILKINSON.
Curtis (Referred to by researchers as Old Man Caldwell) was born in 1735
possibly in So. Carolina. He died before 5 June 1784 and lived in Abbeville
Co. South Carolina. Estate was settled in York Co. SC in 1784. The papers
list his wife as Sarah. Security was signed by John Fondern and James
Wilkinson. Courtesy of GeorgeAnn Brooksby]
John’s parents were Chrisley Couts and Sarah Wright. It is estimated that they were married in Lincoln County, Kentucky circa 1784. Chrisley and his brother John Couts bought or claimed land in what is now the Armstrong Farm in Springfield, Robertson County, Tennessee. (Believed to be an Indian burial ground.) Chrisley died circa 1790 and Sarah, who married Capt. William “Big Bill” Collins, died circa 1811. John probably lived in Warren County, Kentucky at this time.
Christly Couts Sr., William and Richard Collins, and William Wright lived on Drakes Creek Warren Co. Ky. Christly Couts Sr. died in 1790 and his properties were sold.
John Couts filed the land records of Moulton to Chrisley Couts 1790, Jacob Pennington to John Couts. Each referring to their "corner" on the Sulphur River.
Oct. 5, 1790 in Tenn. Co/Sulphur Creek/Red River, a deed, sales to Mathew Mouldin to heirs of Chrisley Couts, Christley Couts Jr., John Couts, and Aaron Couts. Robertson Co. Tenn Deed Book J page 121.
Oct. 15, 1790 in Tenn. Co/Sulphur Creek/Red River, a deed, sales to Stephin Cantrill to John Couts and Chrisley Couts of Tenn and state of No. Carolina.
John Couts bought land from Jacob Pennington January 7, 1796. Land adjacent to property owned by heirs of Crisley Couts.
1797 Warren County Tax List (Transcriber Unknown - Source The Kentucky Library) 1797 found no John Couts (sic other spellings) on the Tax List in Warren County, Kentucky.
Early Tax Lists of Warren County, Kentucky 1797-1807 Barbara Oliver Ford, Patricia Ennis Reid Bowling Green Kentucky 1986
Tax List 1803 Page 64
NAME WATERWAY FROM
Collins, Richard Drakes Creek self
Caldwell, James Trammel Creek self
Collins, Henry Bays Fork self
Caldwel, Mathew Trammel River Curtis Caldwel / Self
Coutch, John Trammel River self
Collins, William Drakes Creek self
p. 96. Page 343: WILLIAM DURNAL assign CONROD BRIGHT 120 a. #1465, beg corner to BANISTER BARTON'S survey on waters of Trammel's Creek, white oak standing on a line of survey made for JOHN COUCH-(sic Couts)
Barton's line to his corner then so as to include all vacant land between Barton's survey, THOMAS PUTMAN'S, ABSALOM CHISUMS (CHISM'S) , GREEN GRAYHAMS (sic Graham) & JOHN COUCH'S. 23 Jan. 1810.
John was not indicated in the court records, when his brother went to court to change their guardianship from William Collins to Bailey Anderson. This record is a good indication of the possible birth dates for John, Christley, and Aaron. John did not need a guardian. Christley and Aaron had to be between 14 and 21 in order to choose their own guardians.
"At a County Court held for the County of Warren at the Court house in the Town of Bowlinggreen on Monday the 3rd day of December 1804"
"Christley Couch and Aaron Couch orphans of Chrisley Couch Came into Court and made choice of Baily Anderson as their guardian, Who entered into Court in the penalty of $500 conditioned as the law directs with Jesse Kirby Sec" From Anne Miller
[Christley and Aaron Couts, orphans chose, Bailey Anderson as their guardian. They had to be 14 to 21 yrs by law to so "choose". Bailey Anderson, acc. DEED ABSTRACTS, p. 3 of vol.1 in Warren Co., KY, was of Pendleton, Co., SC. The date of the record was 3 Oct. 1797. the witness was Jesse Kirby. QUESTION? Does one suppose a family relationship in such an important choice? Bailey Anderson was the first born son of John Anderson and wife Sarah Carney. His father and two brothers, Scarlett and Joshua died in the Rev War in SC, the father in 1781 and the brothers, of Roebucks's brigade in 1783. Bailey was in the same brigade. The Anderson's with mother and most of the other children moved west to Warren Co., KY, later most settled in Graves Co., KY. Bailey Anderson appears to have gone to Indiana Territory (Warrick Co.) ref. THE DUNN - ANDERSON STORY, by Virginia Dunn Kraut, copyright 1980. The COUTS/ANDERSONS/ BARTONS all originated in VA then NC and SC and KY and IN. Interesting! Courtesy of Mary Barton] Aaron Couts wife was Sarah Kirby
ORDER BOOK B, # 567, Warren County Kentucky 3 December 1804
John was able to secure his part of the marriage bond, but was unable to write his name.
Note the misspelling of COUCH. Mary Polly's security on the marriage bond was guaranteed by
Curtis Caldwell, probably her older brother of twenty-three years. Mary’s father, Matthew P.
Caldwell, had married Nancy White in 1802, and was believed to have moved to Missouri.
Curtis, Mary Polly's brother was not married until March 2, 1812, and could apparently guarantee
the funds for securing the marriage.
This is time by those present that said John Couch and Curtis Caldwell are held and firmly bound unto
his excellency Charles Lasiter Esquire _________________- of the commonwealth and his successors in office
is the _______________sum of __________ for the true payment in which we bind ourselves, our
heirs, (our lives) and Family _______________ and finally by those present sealed with our seals and dated
this 9th day of August 1809.
The conditions of the other obligation to each other if there be no legal cause to obstruct a marriage
shortly intend to be solemnized between the said John Couch & Polly Caldwell._______
WM Chapline John his Couch Seal X Mark Curtis his Caldwell X mark
EARLY LIFE IN WARREN COUNTY KENTUCKY – Western Kentucky University
http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/rrr1/Pages/Mainpages/earlyhis.html
Introduction-
In 1784, Virginia opened the Green River district in Kentucky to her Revolutionary War Veterans. Settlers quickly populated the land south of the Green River. Andrew McFadden, an early pioneer, built a station near the mouth of Drakes Creek. McFadden's Station was a frequent stopping place for travelers on the Cumberland Trace. Kentucky became the United States' 15th state on June 1, 1792.
[John’s father, Chrisley Couts served as a Matross (artilleryman) under George Rogers Clark, in the Western Division, during the Revolutionary War. He appears in early Kentucky starting with the Revolutionary War in 1781. ELEANOR S. HUTCHESON (LETTER) Crisley Couts -His duty was to guard the Falls of the Ohio (was a fort built on the land-island that Louisville was built, also an early name for Louisville)1781-1782.
Rogers Clark Papers 1781-1784, by James Alton James August 4, 1784 Christor. Coontes, not allowed - Those Continentals who came up with Capt. George, and never re-enlisted in the Illinois Regiment are not allowed.
Davidson County Tax List for 1787 History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, by Prof. W. W. Clayton, J. W. Lewis & Co., Philadelphia, 1880, p.58 Contes, C. 1; Nashville, Davidson Co and Mero District TN - Springfield TN Lib.
Pg. 8 Chrisley Couts - Nov. 1788 Assembly (w) Jomes Tennia, Wm Johnson, Jonathon Price
Pg. 9 C. Couts fined for not appearing as a juror-Nov 1788
Pg. 15 Chrisley Couts served on a jury in State vs. Thomas Hendrix - found not guilty of horse stealing - Nov. 1788.
1788 Middle Tenn. Vol. II page 52, No. Carolina and Mero District, Chrisley Couts to show Cause.]
John was a few years older, but had been out on his own. He was too old for a guardian. He was the son of Chrisley and Sarah Wright Couts, probably the fourth son, named after his Uncle, John Couts of Tennessee. Chrisley had died in 1790. His land was sold by his heirs in 1792 and 1811. Sarah was not mentioned, apparently she too had died. A tombstone was placed on the original land (then, Uncle John's property) in 1811.
1811 Robertson Co. Tenn., Cemetery records/10-10 Couts Cemetery- Chrisley Couts, brother of John Couts.
EARLY LIFE IN WARREN COUNTY KENTUCKY – Western Kentucky University
http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/rrr1/Pages/Mainpages/earlyhis.html
Warren County
Warren County, formed from Logan in 1797, was named after General Joseph Warren, a Massachusetts physician and political leader, who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The county built its first courthouse on Bowling Green's present day Fountain Square. In March 1798 court was first held in the 20' x 24' log structure. In 1805 the county court established the communities of Jeffersonville and New Town nearby. For several years these three settlements battled to become the county seat.
In 1807, the court ordered a courthouse erected in Jeffersonville located on the banks of the Barren River. When construction was delayed, a legislative commission decided the old log structure should be moved from Bowling Green to Jeffersonville. The 1809 Kentucky General Assembly proclaimed Bowling Green the county seat and two years later the county built its second courthouse on the square
SEEKING NEW LANDS – A DIVISION OF A FAMILY
William Collins, second husband of Sarah had remarried in 1815 and moved to Missouri, with Chrisley Jr., Aaron, Matthew Caldwell, some Wrights part of the Barton clan, and the rest of the Collins Clan.
John and Mary Polly Caldwell Couts arrive in Indiana by 1813. They moved with Wrights, Collins, and Grahams soon following. They followed Andersons and Baileys, who were some of the first settlers, in 1807. (Kathy Upham).
Indiana became the decisive conclusion to the War of 1812. Many Kentucky and Tennesseans fought to defeat the British and their Indian allies. After the war, many of the soldiers moved into Indiana. We are still searching to see if John was one of the soldiers.
War of 1812 - Battle of Tippecanoe. by Wikipedia
On November 6, 1811 approximately 1,000 riflemen under the command of Harrison approached Prophetstown.
Battle of Thames Harrison's force totaled at least 3,500 infantry and cavalry. Harrison had two regular infantry brigades under generals Duncan McArthur and Lewis Cass. Colonel Richard Mentor Johnson commanded the Kentucky cavalry; five brigades of Kentucky militia were led by Isaac Shelby, the sixty-three year-old governor of Kentucky and a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Many of the volunteers under Johnson were from the River Raisin area and enlisted with the slogan "Remember the Raisin". Harrison's army was eager for a fight.
Procter had about 800 soldiers along with about 500 American Indians led by Tecumseh. The British soldiers were becoming increasingly demoralized and Tecumseh's warriors grew even more impatient with Procter for his unwillingness to stop and fight, giving Procter reason to fear a mutiny by the warriors.
JOHN (INDIANA) COUTS AND MARY (POLLY) CALDWELL
Life in Indiana
John and Polly as Early Settlers
The History of Warrick Co. Indiana, page 27: Boone Township is by far the largest in the county and occupies a central position It is bounded on the north.... Ohio was recognized by the early settlers, and the land entries for this township are larger in proportion than in any other part. The following is a full list, prior to and including the year 1820: John Couts, 1813, James Wright, 1816; Joshua Anderson, 1813, Ratliff Boone, 1812. Early Election On the first Monday in August, 1814, and election was held in Anderson Township-John Couts, voted for Sparks.
STATE OF INDIANA - WARRICK COUNTY
The History of Warrick County Indiana Pg. 27
This it must be remembered, was about two years prior to the birth of Boonville, and while the county-seat was located at Darlington.
Boon Township is by far the largest in the county and occupies a central position. It is bounded...
The following is a full list, prior to and including the year of 1820 of settlers, and the land entries for this township: William Graham, 1818, Ratliff Boon, 1812; John Couts, 1813; James Wright, 1816; Joshua Anderson, 1813.
Overseers of the poor were as follows: Ratliff Boon and Wyatt Anderson, in Anderson Township; October term of the court: Ratliff Boon Inspector of Anderson Township.
In May, 1814 a new township was being organized called Lynn. At the same term Daniel Grass was recommended to the Governor as a suitable person to be appointed Associate Judge in the place of Bailey Anderson, who had resigned.
In 1807, Bailey Anderson came into this township from Kentucky and for the succeeding ten years was one of the leading men of the county.
Early of Anderson Township- On the first Monday in August, 1814, an election was help for a delegate to Congress and for members of the Territorial Legislature. Forty-eight votes were cast. These seven voted for Sparks: Joseph English, Bailey Anderson, Josh Anderson and John Couts...
Jennings received forty-one votes, as follows Wyatt Anderson, Anderson McFadden, Bailey Anderson...
Ratliff Boon was a candidate for Representative. Boon received forty-seven votes.
By many it is supposed that Ratliff Boon was the first settler on Boon Township, but of this there is some doubt. Others go so far as to claim that his son Perry was the first white child born in the county; but many families settle the county three to four years earlier than Boon.
Ratliff Boon as a native of Georgia, but while young moved with his parents to Danville, Kentucky (the same area, Dix River, where Dietrick “Teter” Couts was believed to have lived with son Henry, until his death circa 1795), where he learned the trade of gunsmith. He came to Warrick County not earlier than the year 1809, although it is claimed by some that he came two years earlier than that date. His (Ratliff's) father-in-law was Bailey Anderson, who had come in 1807. Election on May 13, 1816 for delegates to the Constitutional Convention... Bailey Anderson was elected by Ratliff Boon, Bailey English, Bailey Anderson, Joshua Anderson... (Boone was married to Lavinia Anderson, daughter of Bailey Anderson Sr. of Stafford County Virginia-b. 1753 and Mary Wyatt. Both her father Bailey Anderson Sr. and her brother Bailey Anderson Jr. were living in Indiana by 1807. Elizabeth Couts, born 1787, sister to John Couts, married Joshua Anderson, another brother of Lavinia, in December of 1803. Their son Joshua Anderson Jr. was born in 1808 in Knox County, Indiana). The family must have been a tight knit group, to leave and go to Indiana, while other family members left for Missouri. The bonds besides marriage may have been the price of land and religion.
John and Polly as Land Owners
John bought and owned a great deal of property, farm land. The first land was purchased probably with the funds from the sale of his Kentucky properties. He bought his early Indiana land from Ratliff Boone.
This Indenture made and entered into this twenty fourth day of November in the year of our lord, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, between John Couts and Polly his wife of the county of Warrick and the State of Indiana of the one part, and Ratliff Boon of the county and State aforesaid of the other part, Witnessed that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars, current money of the United States, to the said John Couts and Polly his wife in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and said John Couts and Polly his wife, have given, granted, bargained, and Sold, and by this presents, do give, grants, bargain and Sell, Alien, release, convey, and confirm, unto the said Ratliff Boon his heirs and assigns, a certain tract on parcel of grand, situate, lying and being in the county and State of aforesaid and boundaries as follows, (To with) Beginning at the south East corner of the south west quarter or lots of section Number twenty nine in township number five south of range Number Eight West on the District of lands office, for sale at said ---- running thence West along the South boundaries of said lot or quarter section eighty pole, thence North by a straight line is the Northern boundary of said quarter to the North corner thereof thence south with the line dividing the south west and ___- East quarter of the section range and township of or said to the place of ___to have and to hold unto the said Ratliff Boon his heirs and assign for together with a and singular the appurtenance thereto belonging, or in any appertaining and the said John Couts and Polly his wife their executors, or administrators, will forever warrant and defend, the right and a title of the said tract or parcel of ground, unto the said Ratliff Boon his heir and assign, agent ___ and every person or person whatsoever. In testimony hereof the said John Couts and Polly his wife and their heirs and their hands are affirmed heir seals the day and ate herein writing.
Singed sealed, delivered his
Matthew Nealey John X Couts Seal
Joseph Deforret mark Her Polly X Couts Mark
John and Polly were Primitive Baptists
There congregation met in a small log cabin, located in the wilderness, in Warrick County . Members were very devoted. Their church governed their lives. All things were brought to the simplest terms and related to God and his will. Their beliefs could have been the reason they did not follow the family to Missouri, but split off and lived with the Andersons and Baileys.
The Primitive or Old School Baptists cling to the doctrines and practices held by Baptist Churches throughout America at the close of the Revolutionary War. Primitive Baptist churches in southern Appalachia can be traced back to the late 18th century when the first generation of settlers moved into the region. When the Baptists split in the 1830s over missionary work, these churches adopted a conservative position, believing in a predestinarian interpretation of the doctrines of grace and election, and took the name Old School or Primitive Baptist. They remained a leading denomination in the region throughout the nineteenth century and small churches aver aging about twenty-five members are vigorously supported today. (Patterson,161) Primitive Baptists are known popularly for their religious rituals; unaccompanied congregational hymn singing, the practice of foot washing, a chanting preaching style used by older elders, and their originally maintained church houses. Although these descriptions are true, they have problematically come to symbolize "Old Time Religion" in America. Primitive Baptists have preserved and continued to practice these rituals, and as a result, a far too simple conclusion has been drawn about their development within the larger framework of American Religion: The Primitive Baptists are a living religious history. Their lives and religion are thought to resemble life as it existed yesterday. This view of the Primitive Baptists is reminiscent of the in age of Appalachians as too ignorant, passive, and poor to progress on their own and to integrate into mainstream American society. In order to understand Primitive Baptists, it is essential that one realizes that the Primitive Baptist religion remained un changed not because of an unchanging time and place, but because they chose to emphasize traditionalism. This was a matter of choice for Primitive Baptists. (Sovine,364)
The religious traditionalism emphasized by Primitive Baptists has political and historical roots. The decision to maintain an unchanged religious system of belief and behavior was made by Primitive Baptists over one hundred and fifty years ago. The Primitive Baptists chose to maintain the Baptist religious system of beliefs that was operative before the addition of missionary and educational systems. Many denominations were incorporating missionary, educational, and benevolent societies into the church and the Baptists joined competitively, adding these societies to their regular church activities. The Primitive Baptists chose not to adopt these societies, resulting in a Baptist denomination fully divided between opposing and nonfellowshipping f actions, the "missionary Baptists" and the "antimissionary Baptists." The antimissionary Baptists chose to call themselves Primitive, which symbolized continuity. Their main objective was to maintain a spiritual continuity with the Apostolic or Primitive Church and to follow that faith and practice without deviation and change. They also placed a special sense of value on the history of the Primitive Baptist Church, promoting a cultural continuity with the past members of the church and agreeing to deliberately preserve the much-loved traditions of their past. As mentioned earlier, "traditionalism" was a matter of choice for Primitive Baptists and without understanding the historical context of this decision, there is a failure to see the Primitive Baptists as conscious actors within their own history. (Sovine,364) http://www.les.appstate.edu/courses/appalachia/religion/primbapt.htm
Some very early churches in the State of Kentucky included: Severns Valley; Cedar Creek; Gilbert's Creek; South Elkhorn (1783); Head of Boone's Creek (1785); Great Crossing; Bryan's (1786); Tate's Creek; Boone's Creek (1787); Marble Creek (1787); David's Fork (1786); Forks of Elkhorn (1788); Hickman's Creek (1790); Cox's Creek; Bear Grass; Old Providence; Lulbegrud (1793); Nolynn; Indian Bottom; Sand Lick; and many more.
Some churches which we have not yet been able to locate by county include the following: East Hickman, Dry Run, Brush Fork, Flat Lick, 2nd Town Fork, Mt. Carmel, Little Huston, Forks of Silas, Otter Creek, Bethlehem, Rough Creek, Gilead, Little Flock, Mill Creek, Green River, Providence, Back Run, Ephesus, Lick Fork, Mt. Pleasant, Trammel's Fork, Middle Fork, Covington, Ash Run, Bank Lick, and Providence. There are hundreds more which we have not yet located. http://www.carthage.lib.il.us/community/churches/primbap/FamHist-KY-IN.html
Unlike other churches, the Primitive Baptists kept no church records of a vital statistics nature. They believed in a totally independent church government, thus there was no central point where records were stored. The records of each congregation were kept by the clerk, and might or might not have been kept as the books passed along to succeeding clerks. Some books helpful to understanding this church are the History of the Church of God, by Cushings B. Hassell, 1886; Portraits of Primitive Baptist Ministers, by Walter Cash, 1896; Biographical History of Primitive or Old School Baptist Ministers of the United States, by R.H. Pittman, 1909; Souvenir of Ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church, by Lemuel Potter, 1895; and Autobiography of Elder Wilson Thompson, 1867. Some Primitive Baptist material is located at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, and at Samford Univeristy in Birmingham, Alabama. Genealogy Etc. by Donna Potter Phillips
http://www.genealogybulletin.com/archives/HTML/etc64.html
The Marriage of their Children:
Indiana State Library Genealogy Division "C - D" Indiana Marriages Through 1850
Infant Couts b: Abt. 1809 d: Abt. 1810
Eliza Couts b: January 1809 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky
+Thomas Fleener b: March 05, 1813 in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana d: 1871 in
Walbash, Warrick County, Indiana m: February 22, 1835 in Warrick
County , Indiana
Rhoda Couts b: February 1810 in Bowling Green, Warren County Kentucky d: Abt. 1854 in Warrick County , Indiana
+Bluford H. Chriswell b: 1812 in Kentucky m: July 23, 1831 in Warrick County , Indiana
Sarah C. Couts b: April 1811 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky
+Charles S. Hill b: Abt. 1813 in Kentucky d: in Warrick County , In m: October 12, 1837 in
Warrick County , Indiana
Martha Ann Couts b: Abt. 1813
+Stephen V. Price m: May 03, 1839 in Warrick County, Indiana
Dolly Couts b: June 1815 in Bowling Green, Warren County Kentucky
+John Price b: 1813 in OHIO m: July 04, 1839 in Warrick County , Indiana
William Levi Couts b: 1816 in Warrick County , Indiana d: 1880 in Believed Pike County, Indiana, Census 63 years, in 1880, Consumption
+Elendon (Ellen Or Eleandor) b: 1814 in Illinois d: Abt. 1850 m: Abt. 1844 in
Warrick County, Indiana
*2nd Wife of William Levi Couts:
+Nancy Reed b: May 1829 in Virginia m: March 28, 1852 in Warrick County, Indiana
Matthew Perry Couts b: August 1818 in Warrick County , Indiana d: September 26, 1864 in Gibson County, Indiana
+Mary Hannah b: 1823 in Tennessee m: April 06, 1844 in Gibson County, Indiana
Matilda Couts b: 1820 in Warrick County , Indiana
+John (Sevrein) Swinn b: Abt. 1824 in Warrick County, Indiana
*2nd Husband of Matilda Couts:
+Samuel Lowe m: January 11, 1848 in Gibson Co, Indiana
John C. Couts b: November 1823 in Warrick County , Indiana d: Bef. February 1855 in
Warrick County , Indiana
+Elizabeth Caroline Sidden b: 1828 in Ohio m: September 06, 1853 in Warrick County,
Indiana
Elizabeth Couts b: Abt. 1826 in Warrick County , Indiana
+John (Swinn) Charles Levin Severin (Sevrein) m: January 11, 1848 Warrick County, In
Mary Ann Couts b: October 05, 1830 in Warrick County , Indiana d: April 21, 1903
+Aaron T. Gwaltney b: December 22, 1828 d: June 11, 1861 m: June 02, 1853
Warrick County , Indiana
*2nd Husband of Mary Ann Couts:
+James Madison (Sr.) Ricketts m: December 05, 1864 in Warrick County, Indiana )
{June Kifer Ricketts }
Aaron Carl Couts b: 1831 in Warrick County, Indiana d: in Pike County, Monroe
Township, Log Creek Cemetery, Indiana
+Sarah Ellen Wallace b: 1839 in Indiana d: in Noble,
Richland Co. Illinois m: May 07, 1857 in Warrick County,
Indiana
The Death of John Couts Probate Order Book No. 1 page 420 Vol. 2 page 421
Now at this time comes Levi Couts and his mother the said Levi Couts is by the court appointed Guardian of the minor heirs of John Couts deceased to wit: Matilda, John , Mary Ann, and Aaron C. Couts and file his bond to the acceptance of the court and is sworn as said guardian. May 10, 1842.
John died supposively died in February of 1846. The above document however, stated that a guardian was needed for the minor heirs. My guess is that John died in February of 1842. Mary Polly died between 1860 and 1870. After John's death, his properties were sold. John's stepbrothers guaranteed his securities and became the curator of his will, to protect his heirs to the State of Indiana, in 1846.
IW Bellouse Clerk Show all men by these present that I, Thomas Collins as principal and we, Richard Collins and William Collins as security all of the County of Lafayette in the state of Missouri are held and firmly bound unto the State of Missouri for the use and benefit of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased in the sum of one hundred Dollars for the payment of which well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs and jointly and severally firmly by there presents sealed with our Seals and dated this 6th day of July 1846.
The condition of this bond is such that whereas the said Thomas Collins has this day been appointed by the Lafayette County Court Curator of this estate of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased. Now if this said Thomas Collin shall faithfully discharge all the duties of Curator of said heirs according to law then this bond shall be void otherwise to remain in full force.
Attest- I. Edgar Thomas Collins SEAL
William X [his mark] Collins SEAL
Richard X [his mark] Collins SEAL
The conditions of this obligation is such that whereas the above bound IWB Moore has this day been appointed by the Probate Court of Warrick County Indiana Guardian of the infant heirs of John Couts Deced to with: Ann C. Couts and Mary A. Couts. Now it said IMB Moor promptly pay over all sums of money which should come into his hands as such Guardian to the proper person or persons authorized to receive and obey all legal order and decrees of the Probate Court of Warrick County tracking? his guardian ship then and in the se the above bond to be null and void else to be and remain in full force and virtue in Law
Approved in open Court I. Waite B. Moore SEAL
July 10th 1847 Erzekiel Perigo PSEAL
J W B Morris Admin of the Estate of John Couts dec'd and Widow and heirs of Dec'd Estate Now comes Administrators and files petition…the court for ….against certain of the heirs in said petition named to appeal and answer under oath and to the amount of by them recieveth in the life time of said decedent. And now come Mary Couts widow of said John Couts Dec'd Levi Couts, Matthew P. Couts, Bluford H. Christwell, and Rhoda his wife. Charles S. Hill and sally his wife, Thomas Fleener and Eliza his wife, John Price and Dolly his wife, and Stephen V. Price and Martha his wife heirs at law of said John Couts, Dec'd defendants hearin and file their written and answer marked A hearin verified by affidavit which reads in words and figures following to wit: and it is ordered by the court that the several amounts in said answer set forth as received by the said heirs stand charged against said Admin. And that the heirs stand charged with the several amounts by them received of the said decedent in his life time on the final distribution of said estate.
State of Indiana Warrick County
I John Abraham ____ in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the way the above names John Couts and Polly his wife _____ appeared before the ___ and ___ to indenture _______________sale to Ratliff Boon as and for their voluntary ______- Couts IN guardianship Ann and Mary Couts
Know all men by these present that we I.W.B. Moore and Erzekiel Perigo are held and firm bound unto the State of Indiana in the penal sum of five hundred dollars the payment of which well and truly to be made and done we bind ourselves his heirs Executors and administrators timely? And Severally firmly by these present sealed with our seals and dated this 7th day of February AD 1849.
J W B Morris Admin of the Estate of John Couts dec'd and Widow and heirs of Dec'd Estate
Now comes Administrators and files petition…the court for ….against certain of the heirs in said petition named to appeal and answer under oath and to the amount of by them recieveth in the life time of said decedent. And now come Mary Couts widow of said John Couts Dec'd Levi Couts Matthew P. Couts Bluford H. Christwell and Rhoda his wife. Charles S. Hill and sally his wife, Thomas Fleener and Eliza his wife, John Price and Dolly his wife, and Stephen V. Price and Martha his wife heirs at law of said John Couts, Dec'd defendants hearin and file their written and answer marked A hearin verified by affidavit which reads in words and figures following to wit: and it is ordered by the court that the several amounts in said answer set forth as received by the said heirs stand charged against said Admin. And that the heirs stand charged with the several amounts by them received of the said decedent in his life time on the final distribution of said estate.
Vol. 2 page 421
Now at this time comes Levi Couts and his mother the said Levi Couts is by the court appointed Guardian of the minor heirs of John Couts deceased to wit: Matilda, John , Mary Ann, and Aaron C. Couts and file his bond to the acceptance of the court and is sworn as said guardian. May 10, 1842. {William} Levi would have been twenty-six years of age, fifteen years younger than his brother, Aaron C. Couts. Levi also had consumption, like his father and died about 1860, from it.
State of Indiana Warrick County In the ??? Judge of Warrick County of the county of Warrick re November Term of 1847
Levi Couts, former Guardian of Malilday Couts, John Couts, Aaron Couts and Mary Ann Couts infant heirs of John Couts deceased and by? Leave to report the condition of the funds in his hands to use Rec of check Probate Court Share of Matilad Couts
JOHN AND POLLY COUTS
Apparently John (probably named for his uncle and possible Wright grandfather) and Polly (Polly is the nickname for Mary, usually the third daughter, named after her mother) were neighbors. According to the early tax lists of Warren County, Kentucky 1803, the Couts and the Caldwells lived along the Trammel Creek/River. So, it seems it would be quite natural that a romance would develop, leading to their marriage on Aug. 9, 1809. Polly would have been about 19 years old, being born approximately in 1790, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the child of Matthew P. {Perry} and possibly Mary Caldwell.
[Father: Matthew CALDWELL, born between 1758-1763 in Warren or Union Kentucky;
died before Feb 1827 in Gasconade County, MO. His will was recorded 8 Feb
1827. Married abt 1783 To his first wife, name unknown. Married second wife,
Nancy WHITE in 1802. Some of the children names I sent you from first wife,
may be children of this second marriage, but it is unclear.
Polly's grandparents are Curtis CALDWELL, and Sarah FONDERN or WILKINSON.
Curtis (Referred to by researchers as Old Man Caldwell) was born in 1735
possibly in So. Carolina. He died before 5 June 1784 and lived in Abbeville
Co. South Carolina. Estate was settled in York Co. SC in 1784. The papers
list his wife as Sarah. Security was signed by John Fondern and James
Wilkinson. Courtesy of GeorgeAnn Brooksby]
John’s parents were Chrisley Couts and Sarah Wright. It is estimated that they were married in Lincoln County, Kentucky circa 1784. Chrisley and his brother John Couts bought or claimed land in what is now the Armstrong Farm in Springfield, Robertson County, Tennessee. (Believed to be an Indian burial ground.) Chrisley died circa 1790 and Sarah, who married Capt. William “Big Bill” Collins, died circa 1811. John probably lived in Warren County, Kentucky at this time.
Christly Couts Sr., William and Richard Collins, and William Wright lived on Drakes Creek Warren Co. Ky. Christly Couts Sr. died in 1790 and his properties were sold.
John Couts filed the land records of Moulton to Chrisley Couts 1790, Jacob Pennington to John Couts. Each referring to their "corner" on the Sulphur River.
Oct. 5, 1790 in Tenn. Co/Sulphur Creek/Red River, a deed, sales to Mathew Mouldin to heirs of Chrisley Couts, Christley Couts Jr., John Couts, and Aaron Couts. Robertson Co. Tenn Deed Book J page 121.
Oct. 15, 1790 in Tenn. Co/Sulphur Creek/Red River, a deed, sales to Stephin Cantrill to John Couts and Chrisley Couts of Tenn and state of No. Carolina.
John Couts bought land from Jacob Pennington January 7, 1796. Land adjacent to property owned by heirs of Crisley Couts.
1797 Warren County Tax List (Transcriber Unknown - Source The Kentucky Library) 1797 found no John Couts (sic other spellings) on the Tax List in Warren County, Kentucky.
Early Tax Lists of Warren County, Kentucky 1797-1807 Barbara Oliver Ford, Patricia Ennis Reid Bowling Green Kentucky 1986
Tax List 1803 Page 64
NAME WATERWAY FROM
Collins, Richard Drakes Creek self
Caldwell, James Trammel Creek self
Collins, Henry Bays Fork self
Caldwel, Mathew Trammel River Curtis Caldwel / Self
Coutch, John Trammel River self
Collins, William Drakes Creek self
p. 96. Page 343: WILLIAM DURNAL assign CONROD BRIGHT 120 a. #1465, beg corner to BANISTER BARTON'S survey on waters of Trammel's Creek, white oak standing on a line of survey made for JOHN COUCH-(sic Couts)
Barton's line to his corner then so as to include all vacant land between Barton's survey, THOMAS PUTMAN'S, ABSALOM CHISUMS (CHISM'S) , GREEN GRAYHAMS (sic Graham) & JOHN COUCH'S. 23 Jan. 1810.
John was not indicated in the court records, when his brother went to court to change their guardianship from William Collins to Bailey Anderson. This record is a good indication of the possible birth dates for John, Christley, and Aaron. John did not need a guardian. Christley and Aaron had to be between 14 and 21 in order to choose their own guardians.
"At a County Court held for the County of Warren at the Court house in the Town of Bowlinggreen on Monday the 3rd day of December 1804"
"Christley Couch and Aaron Couch orphans of Chrisley Couch Came into Court and made choice of Baily Anderson as their guardian, Who entered into Court in the penalty of $500 conditioned as the law directs with Jesse Kirby Sec" From Anne Miller
[Christley and Aaron Couts, orphans chose, Bailey Anderson as their guardian. They had to be 14 to 21 yrs by law to so "choose". Bailey Anderson, acc. DEED ABSTRACTS, p. 3 of vol.1 in Warren Co., KY, was of Pendleton, Co., SC. The date of the record was 3 Oct. 1797. the witness was Jesse Kirby. QUESTION? Does one suppose a family relationship in such an important choice? Bailey Anderson was the first born son of John Anderson and wife Sarah Carney. His father and two brothers, Scarlett and Joshua died in the Rev War in SC, the father in 1781 and the brothers, of Roebucks's brigade in 1783. Bailey was in the same brigade. The Anderson's with mother and most of the other children moved west to Warren Co., KY, later most settled in Graves Co., KY. Bailey Anderson appears to have gone to Indiana Territory (Warrick Co.) ref. THE DUNN - ANDERSON STORY, by Virginia Dunn Kraut, copyright 1980. The COUTS/ANDERSONS/ BARTONS all originated in VA then NC and SC and KY and IN. Interesting! Courtesy of Mary Barton] Aaron Couts wife was Sarah Kirby
ORDER BOOK B, # 567, Warren County Kentucky 3 December 1804
John was able to secure his part of the marriage bond, but was unable to write his name.
Note the misspelling of COUCH. Mary Polly's security on the marriage bond was guaranteed by
Curtis Caldwell, probably her older brother of twenty-three years. Mary’s father, Matthew P.
Caldwell, had married Nancy White in 1802, and was believed to have moved to Missouri.
Curtis, Mary Polly's brother was not married until March 2, 1812, and could apparently guarantee
the funds for securing the marriage.
This is time by those present that said John Couch and Curtis Caldwell are held and firmly bound unto
his excellency Charles Lasiter Esquire _________________- of the commonwealth and his successors in office
is the _______________sum of __________ for the true payment in which we bind ourselves, our
heirs, (our lives) and Family _______________ and finally by those present sealed with our seals and dated
this 9th day of August 1809.
The conditions of the other obligation to each other if there be no legal cause to obstruct a marriage
shortly intend to be solemnized between the said John Couch & Polly Caldwell._______
WM Chapline John his Couch Seal X Mark Curtis his Caldwell X mark
EARLY LIFE IN WARREN COUNTY KENTUCKY – Western Kentucky University
http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/rrr1/Pages/Mainpages/earlyhis.html
Introduction-
In 1784, Virginia opened the Green River district in Kentucky to her Revolutionary War Veterans. Settlers quickly populated the land south of the Green River. Andrew McFadden, an early pioneer, built a station near the mouth of Drakes Creek. McFadden's Station was a frequent stopping place for travelers on the Cumberland Trace. Kentucky became the United States' 15th state on June 1, 1792.
[John’s father, Chrisley Couts served as a Matross (artilleryman) under George Rogers Clark, in the Western Division, during the Revolutionary War. He appears in early Kentucky starting with the Revolutionary War in 1781. ELEANOR S. HUTCHESON (LETTER) Crisley Couts -His duty was to guard the Falls of the Ohio (was a fort built on the land-island that Louisville was built, also an early name for Louisville)1781-1782.
Rogers Clark Papers 1781-1784, by James Alton James August 4, 1784 Christor. Coontes, not allowed - Those Continentals who came up with Capt. George, and never re-enlisted in the Illinois Regiment are not allowed.
Davidson County Tax List for 1787 History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, by Prof. W. W. Clayton, J. W. Lewis & Co., Philadelphia, 1880, p.58 Contes, C. 1; Nashville, Davidson Co and Mero District TN - Springfield TN Lib.
Pg. 8 Chrisley Couts - Nov. 1788 Assembly (w) Jomes Tennia, Wm Johnson, Jonathon Price
Pg. 9 C. Couts fined for not appearing as a juror-Nov 1788
Pg. 15 Chrisley Couts served on a jury in State vs. Thomas Hendrix - found not guilty of horse stealing - Nov. 1788.
1788 Middle Tenn. Vol. II page 52, No. Carolina and Mero District, Chrisley Couts to show Cause.]
John was a few years older, but had been out on his own. He was too old for a guardian. He was the son of Chrisley and Sarah Wright Couts, probably the fourth son, named after his Uncle, John Couts of Tennessee. Chrisley had died in 1790. His land was sold by his heirs in 1792 and 1811. Sarah was not mentioned, apparently she too had died. A tombstone was placed on the original land (then, Uncle John's property) in 1811.
1811 Robertson Co. Tenn., Cemetery records/10-10 Couts Cemetery- Chrisley Couts, brother of John Couts.
EARLY LIFE IN WARREN COUNTY KENTUCKY – Western Kentucky University
http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/rrr1/Pages/Mainpages/earlyhis.html
Warren County
Warren County, formed from Logan in 1797, was named after General Joseph Warren, a Massachusetts physician and political leader, who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The county built its first courthouse on Bowling Green's present day Fountain Square. In March 1798 court was first held in the 20' x 24' log structure. In 1805 the county court established the communities of Jeffersonville and New Town nearby. For several years these three settlements battled to become the county seat.
In 1807, the court ordered a courthouse erected in Jeffersonville located on the banks of the Barren River. When construction was delayed, a legislative commission decided the old log structure should be moved from Bowling Green to Jeffersonville. The 1809 Kentucky General Assembly proclaimed Bowling Green the county seat and two years later the county built its second courthouse on the square
SEEKING NEW LANDS – A DIVISION OF A FAMILY
William Collins, second husband of Sarah had remarried in 1815 and moved to Missouri, with Chrisley Jr., Aaron, Matthew Caldwell, some Wrights part of the Barton clan, and the rest of the Collins Clan.
John and Mary Polly Caldwell Couts arrive in Indiana by 1813. They moved with Wrights, Collins, and Grahams soon following. They followed Andersons and Baileys, who were some of the first settlers, in 1807. (Kathy Upham).
Indiana became the decisive conclusion to the War of 1812. Many Kentucky and Tennesseans fought to defeat the British and their Indian allies. After the war, many of the soldiers moved into Indiana. We are still searching to see if John was one of the soldiers.
War of 1812 - Battle of Tippecanoe. by Wikipedia
On November 6, 1811 approximately 1,000 riflemen under the command of Harrison approached Prophetstown.
Battle of Thames Harrison's force totaled at least 3,500 infantry and cavalry. Harrison had two regular infantry brigades under generals Duncan McArthur and Lewis Cass. Colonel Richard Mentor Johnson commanded the Kentucky cavalry; five brigades of Kentucky militia were led by Isaac Shelby, the sixty-three year-old governor of Kentucky and a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Many of the volunteers under Johnson were from the River Raisin area and enlisted with the slogan "Remember the Raisin". Harrison's army was eager for a fight.
Procter had about 800 soldiers along with about 500 American Indians led by Tecumseh. The British soldiers were becoming increasingly demoralized and Tecumseh's warriors grew even more impatient with Procter for his unwillingness to stop and fight, giving Procter reason to fear a mutiny by the warriors.
JOHN (INDIANA) COUTS AND MARY (POLLY) CALDWELL
Life in Indiana
John and Polly as Early Settlers
The History of Warrick Co. Indiana, page 27: Boone Township is by far the largest in the county and occupies a central position It is bounded on the north.... Ohio was recognized by the early settlers, and the land entries for this township are larger in proportion than in any other part. The following is a full list, prior to and including the year 1820: John Couts, 1813, James Wright, 1816; Joshua Anderson, 1813, Ratliff Boone, 1812. Early Election On the first Monday in August, 1814, and election was held in Anderson Township-John Couts, voted for Sparks.
STATE OF INDIANA - WARRICK COUNTY
The History of Warrick County Indiana Pg. 27
This it must be remembered, was about two years prior to the birth of Boonville, and while the county-seat was located at Darlington.
Boon Township is by far the largest in the county and occupies a central position. It is bounded...
The following is a full list, prior to and including the year of 1820 of settlers, and the land entries for this township: William Graham, 1818, Ratliff Boon, 1812; John Couts, 1813; James Wright, 1816; Joshua Anderson, 1813.
Overseers of the poor were as follows: Ratliff Boon and Wyatt Anderson, in Anderson Township; October term of the court: Ratliff Boon Inspector of Anderson Township.
In May, 1814 a new township was being organized called Lynn. At the same term Daniel Grass was recommended to the Governor as a suitable person to be appointed Associate Judge in the place of Bailey Anderson, who had resigned.
In 1807, Bailey Anderson came into this township from Kentucky and for the succeeding ten years was one of the leading men of the county.
Early of Anderson Township- On the first Monday in August, 1814, an election was help for a delegate to Congress and for members of the Territorial Legislature. Forty-eight votes were cast. These seven voted for Sparks: Joseph English, Bailey Anderson, Josh Anderson and John Couts...
Jennings received forty-one votes, as follows Wyatt Anderson, Anderson McFadden, Bailey Anderson...
Ratliff Boon was a candidate for Representative. Boon received forty-seven votes.
By many it is supposed that Ratliff Boon was the first settler on Boon Township, but of this there is some doubt. Others go so far as to claim that his son Perry was the first white child born in the county; but many families settle the county three to four years earlier than Boon.
Ratliff Boon as a native of Georgia, but while young moved with his parents to Danville, Kentucky (the same area, Dix River, where Dietrick “Teter” Couts was believed to have lived with son Henry, until his death circa 1795), where he learned the trade of gunsmith. He came to Warrick County not earlier than the year 1809, although it is claimed by some that he came two years earlier than that date. His (Ratliff's) father-in-law was Bailey Anderson, who had come in 1807. Election on May 13, 1816 for delegates to the Constitutional Convention... Bailey Anderson was elected by Ratliff Boon, Bailey English, Bailey Anderson, Joshua Anderson... (Boone was married to Lavinia Anderson, daughter of Bailey Anderson Sr. of Stafford County Virginia-b. 1753 and Mary Wyatt. Both her father Bailey Anderson Sr. and her brother Bailey Anderson Jr. were living in Indiana by 1807. Elizabeth Couts, born 1787, sister to John Couts, married Joshua Anderson, another brother of Lavinia, in December of 1803. Their son Joshua Anderson Jr. was born in 1808 in Knox County, Indiana). The family must have been a tight knit group, to leave and go to Indiana, while other family members left for Missouri. The bonds besides marriage may have been the price of land and religion.
John and Polly as Land Owners
John bought and owned a great deal of property, farm land. The first land was purchased probably with the funds from the sale of his Kentucky properties. He bought his early Indiana land from Ratliff Boone.
This Indenture made and entered into this twenty fourth day of November in the year of our lord, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, between John Couts and Polly his wife of the county of Warrick and the State of Indiana of the one part, and Ratliff Boon of the county and State aforesaid of the other part, Witnessed that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars, current money of the United States, to the said John Couts and Polly his wife in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and said John Couts and Polly his wife, have given, granted, bargained, and Sold, and by this presents, do give, grants, bargain and Sell, Alien, release, convey, and confirm, unto the said Ratliff Boon his heirs and assigns, a certain tract on parcel of grand, situate, lying and being in the county and State of aforesaid and boundaries as follows, (To with) Beginning at the south East corner of the south west quarter or lots of section Number twenty nine in township number five south of range Number Eight West on the District of lands office, for sale at said ---- running thence West along the South boundaries of said lot or quarter section eighty pole, thence North by a straight line is the Northern boundary of said quarter to the North corner thereof thence south with the line dividing the south west and ___- East quarter of the section range and township of or said to the place of ___to have and to hold unto the said Ratliff Boon his heirs and assign for together with a and singular the appurtenance thereto belonging, or in any appertaining and the said John Couts and Polly his wife their executors, or administrators, will forever warrant and defend, the right and a title of the said tract or parcel of ground, unto the said Ratliff Boon his heir and assign, agent ___ and every person or person whatsoever. In testimony hereof the said John Couts and Polly his wife and their heirs and their hands are affirmed heir seals the day and ate herein writing.
Singed sealed, delivered his
Matthew Nealey John X Couts Seal
Joseph Deforret mark Her Polly X Couts Mark
John and Polly were Primitive Baptists
There congregation met in a small log cabin, located in the wilderness, in Warrick County . Members were very devoted. Their church governed their lives. All things were brought to the simplest terms and related to God and his will. Their beliefs could have been the reason they did not follow the family to Missouri, but split off and lived with the Andersons and Baileys.
The Primitive or Old School Baptists cling to the doctrines and practices held by Baptist Churches throughout America at the close of the Revolutionary War. Primitive Baptist churches in southern Appalachia can be traced back to the late 18th century when the first generation of settlers moved into the region. When the Baptists split in the 1830s over missionary work, these churches adopted a conservative position, believing in a predestinarian interpretation of the doctrines of grace and election, and took the name Old School or Primitive Baptist. They remained a leading denomination in the region throughout the nineteenth century and small churches aver aging about twenty-five members are vigorously supported today. (Patterson,161) Primitive Baptists are known popularly for their religious rituals; unaccompanied congregational hymn singing, the practice of foot washing, a chanting preaching style used by older elders, and their originally maintained church houses. Although these descriptions are true, they have problematically come to symbolize "Old Time Religion" in America. Primitive Baptists have preserved and continued to practice these rituals, and as a result, a far too simple conclusion has been drawn about their development within the larger framework of American Religion: The Primitive Baptists are a living religious history. Their lives and religion are thought to resemble life as it existed yesterday. This view of the Primitive Baptists is reminiscent of the in age of Appalachians as too ignorant, passive, and poor to progress on their own and to integrate into mainstream American society. In order to understand Primitive Baptists, it is essential that one realizes that the Primitive Baptist religion remained un changed not because of an unchanging time and place, but because they chose to emphasize traditionalism. This was a matter of choice for Primitive Baptists. (Sovine,364)
The religious traditionalism emphasized by Primitive Baptists has political and historical roots. The decision to maintain an unchanged religious system of belief and behavior was made by Primitive Baptists over one hundred and fifty years ago. The Primitive Baptists chose to maintain the Baptist religious system of beliefs that was operative before the addition of missionary and educational systems. Many denominations were incorporating missionary, educational, and benevolent societies into the church and the Baptists joined competitively, adding these societies to their regular church activities. The Primitive Baptists chose not to adopt these societies, resulting in a Baptist denomination fully divided between opposing and nonfellowshipping f actions, the "missionary Baptists" and the "antimissionary Baptists." The antimissionary Baptists chose to call themselves Primitive, which symbolized continuity. Their main objective was to maintain a spiritual continuity with the Apostolic or Primitive Church and to follow that faith and practice without deviation and change. They also placed a special sense of value on the history of the Primitive Baptist Church, promoting a cultural continuity with the past members of the church and agreeing to deliberately preserve the much-loved traditions of their past. As mentioned earlier, "traditionalism" was a matter of choice for Primitive Baptists and without understanding the historical context of this decision, there is a failure to see the Primitive Baptists as conscious actors within their own history. (Sovine,364) http://www.les.appstate.edu/courses/appalachia/religion/primbapt.htm
Some very early churches in the State of Kentucky included: Severns Valley; Cedar Creek; Gilbert's Creek; South Elkhorn (1783); Head of Boone's Creek (1785); Great Crossing; Bryan's (1786); Tate's Creek; Boone's Creek (1787); Marble Creek (1787); David's Fork (1786); Forks of Elkhorn (1788); Hickman's Creek (1790); Cox's Creek; Bear Grass; Old Providence; Lulbegrud (1793); Nolynn; Indian Bottom; Sand Lick; and many more.
Some churches which we have not yet been able to locate by county include the following: East Hickman, Dry Run, Brush Fork, Flat Lick, 2nd Town Fork, Mt. Carmel, Little Huston, Forks of Silas, Otter Creek, Bethlehem, Rough Creek, Gilead, Little Flock, Mill Creek, Green River, Providence, Back Run, Ephesus, Lick Fork, Mt. Pleasant, Trammel's Fork, Middle Fork, Covington, Ash Run, Bank Lick, and Providence. There are hundreds more which we have not yet located. http://www.carthage.lib.il.us/community/churches/primbap/FamHist-KY-IN.html
Unlike other churches, the Primitive Baptists kept no church records of a vital statistics nature. They believed in a totally independent church government, thus there was no central point where records were stored. The records of each congregation were kept by the clerk, and might or might not have been kept as the books passed along to succeeding clerks. Some books helpful to understanding this church are the History of the Church of God, by Cushings B. Hassell, 1886; Portraits of Primitive Baptist Ministers, by Walter Cash, 1896; Biographical History of Primitive or Old School Baptist Ministers of the United States, by R.H. Pittman, 1909; Souvenir of Ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church, by Lemuel Potter, 1895; and Autobiography of Elder Wilson Thompson, 1867. Some Primitive Baptist material is located at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, and at Samford Univeristy in Birmingham, Alabama. Genealogy Etc. by Donna Potter Phillips
http://www.genealogybulletin.com/archives/HTML/etc64.html
The Marriage of their Children:
Indiana State Library Genealogy Division "C - D" Indiana Marriages Through 1850
Infant Couts b: Abt. 1809 d: Abt. 1810
Eliza Couts b: January 1809 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky
+Thomas Fleener b: March 05, 1813 in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana d: 1871 in
Walbash, Warrick County, Indiana m: February 22, 1835 in Warrick
County , Indiana
Rhoda Couts b: February 1810 in Bowling Green, Warren County Kentucky d: Abt. 1854 in Warrick County , Indiana
+Bluford H. Chriswell b: 1812 in Kentucky m: July 23, 1831 in Warrick County , Indiana
Sarah C. Couts b: April 1811 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky
+Charles S. Hill b: Abt. 1813 in Kentucky d: in Warrick County , In m: October 12, 1837 in
Warrick County , Indiana
Martha Ann Couts b: Abt. 1813
+Stephen V. Price m: May 03, 1839 in Warrick County, Indiana
Dolly Couts b: June 1815 in Bowling Green, Warren County Kentucky
+John Price b: 1813 in OHIO m: July 04, 1839 in Warrick County , Indiana
William Levi Couts b: 1816 in Warrick County , Indiana d: 1880 in Believed Pike County, Indiana, Census 63 years, in 1880, Consumption
+Elendon (Ellen Or Eleandor) b: 1814 in Illinois d: Abt. 1850 m: Abt. 1844 in
Warrick County, Indiana
*2nd Wife of William Levi Couts:
+Nancy Reed b: May 1829 in Virginia m: March 28, 1852 in Warrick County, Indiana
Matthew Perry Couts b: August 1818 in Warrick County , Indiana d: September 26, 1864 in Gibson County, Indiana
+Mary Hannah b: 1823 in Tennessee m: April 06, 1844 in Gibson County, Indiana
Matilda Couts b: 1820 in Warrick County , Indiana
+John (Sevrein) Swinn b: Abt. 1824 in Warrick County, Indiana
*2nd Husband of Matilda Couts:
+Samuel Lowe m: January 11, 1848 in Gibson Co, Indiana
John C. Couts b: November 1823 in Warrick County , Indiana d: Bef. February 1855 in
Warrick County , Indiana
+Elizabeth Caroline Sidden b: 1828 in Ohio m: September 06, 1853 in Warrick County,
Indiana
Elizabeth Couts b: Abt. 1826 in Warrick County , Indiana
+John (Swinn) Charles Levin Severin (Sevrein) m: January 11, 1848 Warrick County, In
Mary Ann Couts b: October 05, 1830 in Warrick County , Indiana d: April 21, 1903
+Aaron T. Gwaltney b: December 22, 1828 d: June 11, 1861 m: June 02, 1853
Warrick County , Indiana
*2nd Husband of Mary Ann Couts:
+James Madison (Sr.) Ricketts m: December 05, 1864 in Warrick County, Indiana )
{June Kifer Ricketts }
Aaron Carl Couts b: 1831 in Warrick County, Indiana d: in Pike County, Monroe
Township, Log Creek Cemetery, Indiana
+Sarah Ellen Wallace b: 1839 in Indiana d: in Noble,
Richland Co. Illinois m: May 07, 1857 in Warrick County,
Indiana
The Death of John Couts Probate Order Book No. 1 page 420 Vol. 2 page 421
Now at this time comes Levi Couts and his mother the said Levi Couts is by the court appointed Guardian of the minor heirs of John Couts deceased to wit: Matilda, John , Mary Ann, and Aaron C. Couts and file his bond to the acceptance of the court and is sworn as said guardian. May 10, 1842.
John died supposively died in February of 1846. The above document however, stated that a guardian was needed for the minor heirs. My guess is that John died in February of 1842. Mary Polly died between 1860 and 1870. After John's death, his properties were sold. John's stepbrothers guaranteed his securities and became the curator of his will, to protect his heirs to the State of Indiana, in 1846.
IW Bellouse Clerk Show all men by these present that I, Thomas Collins as principal and we, Richard Collins and William Collins as security all of the County of Lafayette in the state of Missouri are held and firmly bound unto the State of Missouri for the use and benefit of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased in the sum of one hundred Dollars for the payment of which well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs and jointly and severally firmly by there presents sealed with our Seals and dated this 6th day of July 1846.
The condition of this bond is such that whereas the said Thomas Collins has this day been appointed by the Lafayette County Court Curator of this estate of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased. Now if this said Thomas Collin shall faithfully discharge all the duties of Curator of said heirs according to law then this bond shall be void otherwise to remain in full force.
Attest- I. Edgar Thomas Collins SEAL
William X [his mark] Collins SEAL
Richard X [his mark] Collins SEAL
The conditions of this obligation is such that whereas the above bound IWB Moore has this day been appointed by the Probate Court of Warrick County Indiana Guardian of the infant heirs of John Couts Deced to with: Ann C. Couts and Mary A. Couts. Now it said IMB Moor promptly pay over all sums of money which should come into his hands as such Guardian to the proper person or persons authorized to receive and obey all legal order and decrees of the Probate Court of Warrick County tracking? his guardian ship then and in the se the above bond to be null and void else to be and remain in full force and virtue in Law
Approved in open Court I. Waite B. Moore SEAL
July 10th 1847 Erzekiel Perigo PSEAL
J W B Morris Admin of the Estate of John Couts dec'd and Widow and heirs of Dec'd Estate Now comes Administrators and files petition…the court for ….against certain of the heirs in said petition named to appeal and answer under oath and to the amount of by them recieveth in the life time of said decedent. And now come Mary Couts widow of said John Couts Dec'd Levi Couts, Matthew P. Couts, Bluford H. Christwell, and Rhoda his wife. Charles S. Hill and sally his wife, Thomas Fleener and Eliza his wife, John Price and Dolly his wife, and Stephen V. Price and Martha his wife heirs at law of said John Couts, Dec'd defendants hearin and file their written and answer marked A hearin verified by affidavit which reads in words and figures following to wit: and it is ordered by the court that the several amounts in said answer set forth as received by the said heirs stand charged against said Admin. And that the heirs stand charged with the several amounts by them received of the said decedent in his life time on the final distribution of said estate.
State of Indiana Warrick County
I John Abraham ____ in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the way the above names John Couts and Polly his wife _____ appeared before the ___ and ___ to indenture _______________sale to Ratliff Boon as and for their voluntary ______- Couts IN guardianship Ann and Mary Couts
Know all men by these present that we I.W.B. Moore and Erzekiel Perigo are held and firm bound unto the State of Indiana in the penal sum of five hundred dollars the payment of which well and truly to be made and done we bind ourselves his heirs Executors and administrators timely? And Severally firmly by these present sealed with our seals and dated this 7th day of February AD 1849.
J W B Morris Admin of the Estate of John Couts dec'd and Widow and heirs of Dec'd Estate
Now comes Administrators and files petition…the court for ….against certain of the heirs in said petition named to appeal and answer under oath and to the amount of by them recieveth in the life time of said decedent. And now come Mary Couts widow of said John Couts Dec'd Levi Couts Matthew P. Couts Bluford H. Christwell and Rhoda his wife. Charles S. Hill and sally his wife, Thomas Fleener and Eliza his wife, John Price and Dolly his wife, and Stephen V. Price and Martha his wife heirs at law of said John Couts, Dec'd defendants hearin and file their written and answer marked A hearin verified by affidavit which reads in words and figures following to wit: and it is ordered by the court that the several amounts in said answer set forth as received by the said heirs stand charged against said Admin. And that the heirs stand charged with the several amounts by them received of the said decedent in his life time on the final distribution of said estate.
Vol. 2 page 421
Now at this time comes Levi Couts and his mother the said Levi Couts is by the court appointed Guardian of the minor heirs of John Couts deceased to wit: Matilda, John , Mary Ann, and Aaron C. Couts and file his bond to the acceptance of the court and is sworn as said guardian. May 10, 1842. {William} Levi would have been twenty-six years of age, fifteen years younger than his brother, Aaron C. Couts. Levi also had consumption, like his father and died about 1860, from it.
State of Indiana Warrick County In the ??? Judge of Warrick County of the county of Warrick re November Term of 1847
Levi Couts, former Guardian of Malilday Couts, John Couts, Aaron Couts and Mary Ann Couts infant heirs of John Couts deceased and by? Leave to report the condition of the funds in his hands to use Rec of check Probate Court Share of Matilad Couts
JOHN AND POLLY COUTS
Apparently John (probably named for his uncle and possible Wright grandfather) and Polly (Polly is the nickname for Mary, usually the third daughter, named after her mother) were neighbors. According to the early tax lists of Warren County, Kentucky 1803, the Couts and the Caldwells lived along the Trammel Creek/River. So, it seems it would be quite natural that a romance would develop, leading to their marriage on Aug. 9, 1809. Polly would have been about 19 years old, being born approximately in 1790, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. She was the child of Matthew P. {Perry} and possibly Mary Caldwell. |
|
[Father: Matthew CALDWELL, born between 1758-1763 in Warren or Union Kentucky; |
died before Feb 1827 in Gasconade County, MO. His will was recorded 8 Feb |
1827. Married abt 1783 To his first wife, name unknown. Married second wife, |
Nancy WHITE in 1802. Some of the children names I sent you from first wife, |
may be children of this second marriage, but it is unclear. |
|
Polly's grandparents are Curtis CALDWELL, and Sarah FONDERN or WILKINSON. |
Curtis (Referred to by researchers as Old Man Caldwell) was born in 1735 |
possibly in So. Carolina. He died before 5 June 1784 and lived in Abbeville |
Co. South Carolina. Estate was settled in York Co. SC in 1784. The papers |
list his wife as Sarah. Security was signed by John Fondern and James |
Wilkinson. Courtesy of GeorgeAnn Brooksby] |
John’s parents were Chrisley Couts and Sarah Wright. It is estimated that they were married in Lincoln County, Kentucky circa 1784. Chrisley and his brother John Couts bought or claimed land in what is now the Armstrong Farm in Springfield, Robertson County, Tennessee. (Believed to be an Indian burial ground.) Chrisley died circa 1790 and Sarah, who married Capt. William “Big Bill” Collins, died circa 1811. John probably lived in Warren County, Kentucky at this time. |
|
Christly Couts Sr., William and Richard Collins, and William Wright lived on Drakes Creek Warren Co. Ky. Christly Couts Sr. died in 1790 and his properties were sold. |
John Couts filed the land records of Moulton to Chrisley Couts 1790, Jacob Pennington to John Couts. Each referring to their "corner" on the Sulphur River. |
Oct. 5, 1790 in Tenn. Co/Sulphur Creek/Red River, a deed, sales to Mathew Mouldin to heirs of Chrisley Couts, Christley Couts Jr., John Couts, and Aaron Couts. Robertson Co. Tenn Deed Book J page 121. |
Oct. 15, 1790 in Tenn. Co/Sulphur Creek/Red River, a deed, sales to Stephin Cantrill to John Couts and Chrisley Couts of Tenn and state of No. Carolina. |
John Couts bought land from Jacob Pennington January 7, 1796. Land adjacent to property owned by heirs of Crisley Couts. |
|
1797 Warren County Tax List (Transcriber Unknown - Source The Kentucky Library) 1797 found no John Couts (sic other spellings) on the Tax List in Warren County, Kentucky. |
|
Early Tax Lists of Warren County, Kentucky 1797-1807 Barbara Oliver Ford, Patricia Ennis Reid Bowling Green Kentucky 1986 |
Tax List 1803 Page 64
NAME WATERWAY FROM
Collins, Richard Drakes Creek self
Caldwell, James Trammel Creek self
Collins, Henry Bays Fork self
Caldwel, Mathew Trammel River Curtis Caldwel / Self
Coutch, John Trammel River self
Collins, William Drakes Creek self
p. 96. Page 343: WILLIAM DURNAL assign CONROD BRIGHT 120 a. #1465, beg corner to BANISTER BARTON'S survey on waters of Trammel's Creek, white oak standing on a line of survey made for JOHN COUCH-(sic Couts) |
|
Barton's line to his corner then so as to include all vacant land between Barton's survey, THOMAS PUTMAN'S, ABSALOM CHISUMS (CHISM'S) , GREEN GRAYHAMS (sic Graham) & JOHN COUCH'S. 23 Jan. 1810. |
|
John was not indicated in the court records, when his brother went to court to change their guardianship from William Collins to Bailey Anderson. This record is a good indication of the possible birth dates for John, Christley, and Aaron. John did not need a guardian. Christley and Aaron had to be between 14 and 21 in order to choose their own guardians. |
|
"At a County Court held for the County of Warren at the Court house in the Town of Bowlinggreen on Monday the 3rd day of December 1804" |
|
"Christley Couch and Aaron Couch orphans of Chrisley Couch Came into Court and made choice of Baily Anderson as their guardian, Who entered into Court in the penalty of $500 conditioned as the law directs with Jesse Kirby Sec" From Anne Miller |
|
[Christley and Aaron Couts, orphans chose, Bailey Anderson as their guardian. They had to be 14 to 21 yrs by law to so "choose". Bailey Anderson, acc. DEED ABSTRACTS, p. 3 of vol.1 in Warren Co., KY, was of Pendleton, Co., SC. The date of the record was 3 Oct. 1797. the witness was Jesse Kirby. QUESTION? Does one suppose a family relationship in such an important choice? Bailey Anderson was the first born son of John Anderson and wife Sarah Carney. His father and two brothers, Scarlett and Joshua died in the Rev War in SC, the father in 1781 and the brothers, of Roebucks's brigade in 1783. Bailey was in the same brigade. The Anderson's with mother and most of the other children moved west to Warren Co., KY, later most settled in Graves Co., KY. Bailey Anderson appears to have gone to Indiana Territory (Warrick Co.) ref. THE DUNN - ANDERSON STORY, by Virginia Dunn Kraut, copyright 1980. The COUTS/ANDERSONS/ BARTONS all originated in VA then NC and SC and KY and IN. Interesting! Courtesy of Mary Barton] Aaron Couts wife was Sarah Kirby |
ORDER BOOK B, # 567, Warren County Kentucky 3 December 1804
John was able to secure his part of the marriage bond, but was unable to write his name.
Note the misspelling of COUCH. Mary Polly's security on the marriage bond was guaranteed by
Curtis Caldwell, probably her older brother of twenty-three years. Mary’s father, Matthew P.
Caldwell, had married Nancy White in 1802, and was believed to have moved to Missouri.
Curtis, Mary Polly's brother was not married until March 2, 1812, and could apparently guarantee
the funds for securing the marriage.
This is time by those present that said John Couch and Curtis Caldwell are held and firmly bound unto
his excellency Charles Lasiter Esquire _________________- of the commonwealth and his successors in office
is the _______________sum of __________ for the true payment in which we bind ourselves, our
heirs, (our lives) and Family _______________ and finally by those present sealed with our seals and dated
this 9th day of August 1809.
The conditions of the other obligation to each other if there be no legal cause to obstruct a marriage
shortly intend to be solemnized between the said John Couch & Polly Caldwell._______
WM Chapline John his Couch Seal X Mark Curtis his Caldwell X mark
EARLY LIFE IN WARREN COUNTY KENTUCKY – Western Kentucky University
http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/rrr1/Pages/Mainpages/earlyhis.html
Introduction- |
In 1784, Virginia opened the Green River district in Kentucky to her Revolutionary War Veterans. Settlers quickly populated the land south of the Green River. Andrew McFadden, an early pioneer, built a station near the mouth of Drakes Creek. McFadden's Station was a frequent stopping place for travelers on the Cumberland Trace. Kentucky became the United States' 15th state on June 1, 1792. |
|
[John’s father, Chrisley Couts served as a Matross (artilleryman) under George Rogers Clark, in the Western Division, during the Revolutionary War. He appears in early Kentucky starting with the Revolutionary War in 1781. ELEANOR S. HUTCHESON (LETTER) Crisley Couts -His duty was to guard the Falls of the Ohio (was a fort built on the land-island that Louisville was built, also an early name for Louisville)1781-1782. |
Rogers Clark Papers 1781-1784, by James Alton James August 4, 1784 Christor. Coontes, not allowed - Those Continentals who came up with Capt. George, and never re-enlisted in the Illinois Regiment are not allowed. |
Davidson County Tax List for 1787 History of Davidson County, Tennessee, with |
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, by Prof. W. W. Clayton, J. W. Lewis & Co., Philadelphia, 1880, p.58 Contes, C. 1; Nashville, Davidson Co and Mero District TN - Springfield TN Lib. |
Pg. 8 Chrisley Couts - Nov. 1788 Assembly (w) Jomes Tennia, Wm Johnson, Jonathon Price |
Pg. 9 C. Couts fined for not appearing as a juror-Nov 1788 |
Pg. 15 Chrisley Couts served on a jury in State vs. Thomas Hendrix - found not guilty of horse stealing - Nov. 1788. |
1788 Middle Tenn. Vol. II page 52, No. Carolina and Mero District, Chrisley Couts to show Cause.] |
|
John was a few years older, but had been out on his own. He was too old for a guardian. He was the son of Chrisley and Sarah Wright Couts, probably the fourth son, named after his Uncle, John Couts of Tennessee. Chrisley had died in 1790. His land was sold by his heirs in 1792 and 1811. Sarah was not mentioned, apparently she too had died. A tombstone was placed on the original land (then, Uncle John's property) in 1811. |
|
1811 Robertson Co. Tenn., Cemetery records/10-10 Couts Cemetery- Chrisley Couts, brother of John Couts. |
|
EARLY LIFE IN WARREN COUNTY KENTUCKY – Western Kentucky University |
http://www.wku.edu/Library/onlinexh/rrr1/Pages/Mainpages/earlyhis.html |
|
Warren County |
|
Warren County, formed from Logan in 1797, was named after General Joseph Warren, a Massachusetts physician and political leader, who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The county built its first courthouse on Bowling Green's present day Fountain Square. In March 1798 court was first held in the 20' x 24' log structure. In 1805 the county court established the communities of Jeffersonville and New Town nearby. For several years these three settlements battled to become the county seat. |
In 1807, the court ordered a courthouse erected in Jeffersonville located on the banks of the Barren River. When construction was delayed, a legislative commission decided the old log structure should be moved from Bowling Green to Jeffersonville. The 1809 Kentucky General Assembly proclaimed Bowling Green the county seat and two years later the county built its second courthouse on the square |
|
SEEKING NEW LANDS – A DIVISION OF A FAMILY |
William Collins, second husband of Sarah had remarried in 1815 and moved to Missouri, with Chrisley Jr., Aaron, Matthew Caldwell, some Wrights part of the Barton clan, and the rest of the Collins Clan. |
|
John and Mary Polly Caldwell Couts arrive in Indiana by 1813. They moved with Wrights, Collins, and Grahams soon following. They followed Andersons and Baileys, who were some of the first settlers, in 1807. (Kathy Upham). |
|
Indiana became the decisive conclusion to the War of 1812. Many Kentucky and Tennesseans fought to defeat the British and their Indian allies. After the war, many of the soldiers moved into Indiana. We are still searching to see if John was one of the soldiers. |
War of 1812 - Battle of Tippecanoe. by Wikipedia |
|
On November 6, 1811 approximately 1,000 riflemen under the command of Harrison approached Prophetstown. |
Battle of Thames Harrison's force totaled at least 3,500 infantry and cavalry. Harrison had two regular infantry brigades under generals Duncan McArthur and Lewis Cass. Colonel Richard Mentor Johnson commanded the Kentucky cavalry; five brigades of Kentucky militia were led by Isaac Shelby, the sixty-three year-old governor of Kentucky and a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Many of the volunteers under Johnson were from the River Raisin area and enlisted with the slogan "Remember the Raisin". Harrison's army was eager for a fight. |
Procter had about 800 soldiers along with about 500 American Indians led by Tecumseh. The British soldiers were becoming increasingly demoralized and Tecumseh's warriors grew even more impatient with Procter for his unwillingness to stop and fight, giving Procter reason to fear a mutiny by the warriors. |
|
JOHN (INDIANA) COUTS AND MARY (POLLY) CALDWELL |
Life in Indiana |
|
John and Polly as Early Settlers |
|
The History of Warrick Co. Indiana, page 27: Boone Township is by far the largest in the county and occupies a central position It is bounded on the north.... Ohio was recognized by the early settlers, and the land entries for this township are larger in proportion than in any other part. The following is a full list, prior to and including the year 1820: John Couts, 1813, James Wright, 1816; Joshua Anderson, 1813, Ratliff Boone, 1812. Early Election On the first Monday in August, 1814, and election was held in Anderson Township-John Couts, voted for Sparks. |
|
STATE OF INDIANA - WARRICK COUNTY |
The History of Warrick County Indiana Pg. 27 |
|
This it must be remembered, was about two years prior to the birth of Boonville, and while the county-seat was located at Darlington. |
|
Boon Township is by far the largest in the county and occupies a central position. It is bounded... |
|
The following is a full list, prior to and including the year of 1820 of settlers, and the land entries for this township: William Graham, 1818, Ratliff Boon, 1812; John Couts, 1813; James Wright, 1816; Joshua Anderson, 1813. |
|
Overseers of the poor were as follows: Ratliff Boon and Wyatt Anderson, in Anderson Township; October term of the court: Ratliff Boon Inspector of Anderson Township. |
In May, 1814 a new township was being organized called Lynn. At the same term Daniel Grass was recommended to the Governor as a suitable person to be appointed Associate Judge in the place of Bailey Anderson, who had resigned. |
|
In 1807, Bailey Anderson came into this township from Kentucky and for the succeeding ten years was one of the leading men of the county. |
|
Early of Anderson Township- On the first Monday in August, 1814, an election was help for a delegate to Congress and for members of the Territorial Legislature. Forty-eight votes were cast. These seven voted for Sparks: Joseph English, Bailey Anderson, Josh Anderson and John Couts... |
Jennings received forty-one votes, as follows Wyatt Anderson, Anderson McFadden, Bailey Anderson... |
|
Ratliff Boon was a candidate for Representative. Boon received forty-seven votes. |
By many it is supposed that Ratliff Boon was the first settler on Boon Township, but of this there is some doubt. Others go so far as to claim that his son Perry was the first white child born in the county; but many families settle the county three to four years earlier than Boon. |
|
Ratliff Boon as a native of Georgia, but while young moved with his parents to Danville, Kentucky (the same area, Dix River, where Dietrick “Teter” Couts was believed to have lived with son Henry, until his death circa 1795), where he learned the trade of gunsmith. He came to Warrick County not earlier than the year 1809, although it is claimed by some that he came two years earlier than that date. His (Ratliff's) father-in-law was Bailey Anderson, who had come in 1807. Election on May 13, 1816 for delegates to the Constitutional Convention... Bailey Anderson was elected by Ratliff Boon, Bailey English, Bailey Anderson, Joshua Anderson... (Boone was married to Lavinia Anderson, daughter of Bailey Anderson Sr. of Stafford County Virginia-b. 1753 and Mary Wyatt. Both her father Bailey Anderson Sr. and her brother Bailey Anderson Jr. were living in Indiana by 1807. Elizabeth Couts, born 1787, sister to John Couts, married Joshua Anderson, another brother of Lavinia, in December of 1803. Their son Joshua Anderson Jr. was born in 1808 in Knox County, Indiana). The family must have been a tight knit group, to leave and go to Indiana, while other family members left for Missouri. The bonds besides marriage may have been the price of land and religion. |
|
John and Polly as Land Owners |
John bought and owned a great deal of property, farm land. The first land was purchased probably with the funds from the sale of his Kentucky properties. He bought his early Indiana land from Ratliff Boone. |
|
This Indenture made and entered into this twenty fourth day of November in the year of our lord, one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, between John Couts and Polly his wife of the county of Warrick and the State of Indiana of the one part, and Ratliff Boon of the county and State aforesaid of the other part, Witnessed that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and eighty dollars, current money of the United States, to the said John Couts and Polly his wife in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and said John Couts and Polly his wife, have given, granted, bargained, and Sold, and by this presents, do give, grants, bargain and Sell, Alien, release, convey, and confirm, unto the said Ratliff Boon his heirs and assigns, a certain tract on parcel of grand, situate, lying and being in the county and State of aforesaid and boundaries as follows, (To with) Beginning at the south East corner of the south west quarter or lots of section Number twenty nine in township number five south of range Number Eight West on the District of lands office, for sale at said ---- running thence West along the South boundaries of said lot or quarter section eighty pole, thence North by a straight line is the Northern boundary of said quarter to the North corner thereof thence south with the line dividing the south west and ___- East quarter of the section range and township of or said to the place of ___to have and to hold unto the said Ratliff Boon his heirs and assign for together with a and singular the appurtenance thereto belonging, or in any appertaining and the said John Couts and Polly his wife their executors, or administrators, will forever warrant and defend, the right and a title of the said tract or parcel of ground, unto the said Ratliff Boon his heir and assign, agent ___ and every person or person whatsoever. In testimony hereof the said John Couts and Polly his wife and their heirs and their hands are affirmed heir seals the day and ate herein writing. |
Singed sealed, delivered his |
Matthew Nealey John X Couts Seal |
Joseph Deforret mark Her Polly X Couts Mark |
|
John and Polly were Primitive Baptists |
There congregation met in a small log cabin, located in the wilderness, in Warrick County . Members were very devoted. Their church governed their lives. All things were brought to the simplest terms and related to God and his will. Their beliefs could have been the reason they did not follow the family to Missouri, but split off and lived with the Andersons and Baileys. |
The Primitive or Old School Baptists cling to the doctrines and practices held by Baptist Churches throughout America at the close of the Revolutionary War. Primitive Baptist churches in southern Appalachia can be traced back to the late 18th century when the first generation of settlers moved into the region. When the Baptists split in the 1830s over missionary work, these churches adopted a conservative position, believing in a predestinarian interpretation of the doctrines of grace and election, and took the name Old School or Primitive Baptist. They remained a leading denomination in the region throughout the nineteenth century and small churches aver aging about twenty-five members are vigorously supported today. (Patterson,161) Primitive Baptists are known popularly for their religious rituals; unaccompanied congregational hymn singing, the practice of foot washing, a chanting preaching style used by older elders, and their originally maintained church houses. Although these descriptions are true, they have problematically come to symbolize "Old Time Religion" in America. Primitive Baptists have preserved and continued to practice these rituals, and as a result, a far too simple conclusion has been drawn about their development within the larger framework of American Religion: The Primitive Baptists are a living religious history. Their lives and religion are thought to resemble life as it existed yesterday. This view of the Primitive Baptists is reminiscent of the in age of Appalachians as too ignorant, passive, and poor to progress on their own and to integrate into mainstream American society. In order to understand Primitive Baptists, it is essential that one realizes that the Primitive Baptist religion remained un changed not because of an unchanging time and place, but because they chose to emphasize traditionalism. This was a matter of choice for Primitive Baptists. (Sovine,364) |
|
|
Some very early churches in the State of Kentucky included: Severns Valley; Cedar Creek; Gilbert's Creek; South Elkhorn (1783); Head of Boone's Creek (1785); Great Crossing; Bryan's (1786); Tate's Creek; Boone's Creek (1787); Marble Creek (1787); David's Fork (1786); Forks of Elkhorn (1788); Hickman's Creek (1790); Cox's Creek; Bear Grass; Old Providence; Lulbegrud (1793); Nolynn; Indian Bottom; Sand Lick; and many more. |
Unlike other churches, the Primitive Baptists kept no church records of a vital statistics nature. They believed in a totally independent church government, thus there was no central point where records were stored. The records of each congregation were kept by the clerk, and might or might not have been kept as the books passed along to succeeding clerks. Some books helpful to understanding this church are the History of the Church of God, by Cushings B. Hassell, 1886; Portraits of Primitive Baptist Ministers, by Walter Cash, 1896; Biographical History of Primitive or Old School Baptist Ministers of the United States, by R.H. Pittman, 1909; Souvenir of Ministers of the Primitive Baptist Church, by Lemuel Potter, 1895; and Autobiography of Elder Wilson Thompson, 1867. Some Primitive Baptist material is located at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, and at Samford Univeristy in Birmingham, Alabama. Genealogy Etc. by Donna Potter Phillips |
The Marriage of their Children: |
Indiana State Library Genealogy Division "C - D" Indiana Marriages Through 1850 |
|
|
Infant Couts b: Abt. 1809 d: Abt. 1810 |
|
Eliza Couts b: January 1809 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky |
+Thomas Fleener b: March 05, 1813 in Vincennes, Knox County, Indiana d: 1871 in |
Walbash, Warrick County, Indiana m: February 22, 1835 in Warrick |
County , Indiana |
|
Rhoda Couts b: February 1810 in Bowling Green, Warren County Kentucky d: Abt. 1854 in Warrick County , Indiana |
+Bluford H. Chriswell b: 1812 in Kentucky m: July 23, 1831 in Warrick County , Indiana |
|
Sarah C. Couts b: April 1811 in Bowling Green, Warren County, Kentucky |
+Charles S. Hill b: Abt. 1813 in Kentucky d: in Warrick County , In m: October 12, 1837 in |
Warrick County , Indiana |
|
Martha Ann Couts b: Abt. 1813 |
+Stephen V. Price m: May 03, 1839 in Warrick County, Indiana |
|
Dolly Couts b: June 1815 in Bowling Green, Warren County Kentucky |
+John Price b: 1813 in OHIO m: July 04, 1839 in Warrick County , Indiana |
|
William Levi Couts b: 1816 in Warrick County , Indiana d: 1880 in Believed Pike County, Indiana, Census 63 years, in 1880, Consumption |
+Elendon (Ellen Or Eleandor) b: 1814 in Illinois d: Abt. 1850 m: Abt. 1844 in |
Warrick County, Indiana |
*2nd Wife of William Levi Couts: |
+Nancy Reed b: May 1829 in Virginia m: March 28, 1852 in Warrick County, Indiana |
|
Matthew Perry Couts b: August 1818 in Warrick County , Indiana d: September 26, 1864 in Gibson County, Indiana |
+Mary Hannah b: 1823 in Tennessee m: April 06, 1844 in Gibson County, Indiana |
|
Matilda Couts b: 1820 in Warrick County , Indiana |
+John (Sevrein) Swinn b: Abt. 1824 in Warrick County, Indiana |
*2nd Husband of Matilda Couts: |
+Samuel Lowe m: January 11, 1848 in Gibson Co, Indiana |
|
John C. Couts b: November 1823 in Warrick County , Indiana d: Bef. February 1855 in |
Warrick County , Indiana |
+Elizabeth Caroline Sidden b: 1828 in Ohio m: September 06, 1853 in Warrick County, |
Indiana |
Elizabeth Couts b: Abt. 1826 in Warrick County , Indiana |
+John (Swinn) Charles Levin Severin (Sevrein) m: January 11, 1848 Warrick County, In |
|
Mary Ann Couts b: October 05, 1830 in Warrick County , Indiana d: April 21, 1903 |
+Aaron T. Gwaltney b: December 22, 1828 d: June 11, 1861 m: June 02, 1853 |
Warrick County , Indiana |
*2nd Husband of Mary Ann Couts: |
+James Madison (Sr.) Ricketts m: December 05, 1864 in Warrick County, Indiana ) |
{June Kifer Ricketts } |
|
Aaron Carl Couts b: 1831 in Warrick County, Indiana d: in Pike County, Monroe |
Township, Log Creek Cemetery, Indiana |
+Sarah Ellen Wallace b: 1839 in Indiana d: in Noble, |
Richland Co. Illinois m: May 07, 1857 in Warrick County, |
Indiana |
|
|
The Death of John Couts Probate Order Book No. 1 page 420 Vol. 2 page 421 |
Now at this time comes Levi Couts and his mother the said Levi Couts is by the court appointed Guardian of the minor heirs of John Couts deceased to wit: Matilda, John , Mary Ann, and Aaron C. Couts and file his bond to the acceptance of the court and is sworn as said guardian. May 10, 1842. |
|
John died supposively died in February of 1846. The above document however, stated that a guardian was needed for the minor heirs. My guess is that John died in February of 1842. Mary Polly died between 1860 and 1870. After John's death, his properties were sold. John's stepbrothers guaranteed his securities and became the curator of his will, to protect his heirs to the State of Indiana, in 1846. |
|
IW Bellouse Clerk Show all men by these present that I, Thomas Collins as principal and we, Richard Collins and William Collins as security all of the County of Lafayette in the state of Missouri are held and firmly bound unto the State of Missouri for the use and benefit of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased in the sum of one hundred Dollars for the payment of which well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs and jointly and severally firmly by there presents sealed with our Seals and dated this 6th day of July 1846. |
The condition of this bond is such that whereas the said Thomas Collins has this day been appointed by the Lafayette County Court Curator of this estate of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased. Now if this said Thomas Collin shall faithfully discharge all the duties of Curator of said heirs according to law then this bond shall be void otherwise to remain in full force. |
|
Attest- I. Edgar Thomas Collins SEAL |
William X [his mark] Collins SEAL |
Richard X [his mark] Collins SEAL |
The conditions of this obligation is such that whereas the above bound IWB Moore has this day been appointed by the Probate Court of Warrick County Indiana Guardian of the infant heirs of John Couts Deced to with: Ann C. Couts and Mary A. Couts. Now it said IMB Moor promptly pay over all sums of money which should come into his hands as such Guardian to the proper person or persons authorized to receive and obey all legal order and decrees of the Probate Court of Warrick County tracking? his guardian ship then and in the se the above bond to be null and void else to be and remain in full force and virtue in Law |
Approved in open Court I. Waite B. Moore SEAL |
|
|
J W B Morris Admin of the Estate of John Couts dec'd and Widow and heirs of Dec'd Estate Now comes Administrators and files petition…the court for ….against certain of the heirs in said petition named to appeal and answer under oath and to the amount of by them recieveth in the life time of said decedent. And now come Mary Couts widow of said John Couts Dec'd Levi Couts, Matthew P. Couts, Bluford H. Christwell, and Rhoda his wife. Charles S. Hill and sally his wife, Thomas Fleener and Eliza his wife, John Price and Dolly his wife, and Stephen V. Price and Martha his wife heirs at law of said John Couts, Dec'd defendants hearin and file their written and answer marked A hearin verified by affidavit which reads in words and figures following to wit: and it is ordered by the court that the several amounts in said answer set forth as received by the said heirs stand charged against said Admin. And that the heirs stand charged with the several amounts by them received of the said decedent in his life time on the final distribution of said estate. |
|
|
State of Indiana Warrick County |
I John Abraham ____ in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that the way the above names John Couts and Polly his wife _____ appeared before the ___ and ___ to indenture _______________sale to Ratliff Boon as and for their voluntary ______- Couts IN guardianship Ann and Mary Couts |
Know all men by these present that we I.W.B. Moore and Erzekiel Perigo are held and firm bound unto the State of Indiana in the penal sum of five hundred dollars the payment of which well and truly to be made and done we bind ourselves his heirs Executors and administrators timely? And Severally firmly by these present sealed with our seals and dated this 7th day of February AD 1849. |
|
J W B Morris Admin of the Estate of John Couts dec'd and Widow and heirs of Dec'd Estate |
Now comes Administrators and files petition…the court for ….against certain of the heirs in said petition named to appeal and answer under oath and to the amount of by them recieveth in the life time of said decedent. And now come Mary Couts widow of said John Couts Dec'd Levi Couts Matthew P. Couts Bluford H. Christwell and Rhoda his wife. Charles S. Hill and sally his wife, Thomas Fleener and Eliza his wife, John Price and Dolly his wife, and Stephen V. Price and Martha his wife heirs at law of said John Couts, Dec'd defendants hearin and file their written and answer marked A hearin verified by affidavit which reads in words and figures following to wit: and it is ordered by the court that the several amounts in said answer set forth as received by the said heirs stand charged against said Admin. And that the heirs stand charged with the several amounts by them received of the said decedent in his life time on the final distribution of said estate. |
|
Vol. 2 page 421 |
|
Now at this time comes Levi Couts and his mother the said Levi Couts is by the court appointed Guardian of the minor heirs of John Couts deceased to wit: Matilda, John , Mary Ann, and Aaron C. Couts and file his bond to the acceptance of the court and is sworn as said guardian. May 10, 1842. {William} Levi would have been twenty-six years of age, fifteen years younger than his brother, Aaron C. Couts. Levi also had consumption, like his father and died about 1860, from it. |
|
State of Indiana Warrick County In the ??? Judge of Warrick County of the county of Warrick re November Term of 1847 |
Levi Couts, former Guardian of Malilday Couts, John Couts, Aaron Couts and Mary Ann Couts infant heirs of John Couts deceased and by? Leave to report the condition of the funds in his hands to use Rec of check Probate Court Share of Matilad Couts |
$125.30 and Int. ?? 2.45
By and Recipt of Augt. 19/44 $127.75
Amount recd of clerk Share of John Couts $125.30 Inventory collected 2.45
$127.75
By amt recipt as of Aug/ 19/44 $127.75
Amt Rec ? of Clerk Aaron Couts Share $125.30
By amt paid CS. Hill for his share of land $45.00
" " Tax on 2 shares of land 3.00
$48.00
" " Enfunl? Making decd? Vincelly? 1.75
$49.75
75.55 Recd Interest 12.00
$87.55
Amt Rec ? of Clerk Mary Ann Couts Share $125.30
Tax paid 1.50 1.50
Cash for clothing 2.25 3.75 121.55
Interest received up to this date Sept: 17/46 20.00 $141.55
Note and Mortgage herewith returned
226.10
229.10
John Couts Note 187.80
Carry A Couts note 15.09
Mary Couts Note 14.99
John? Hayes? Note?? 67.90
To be as named amount bal due? 53.80
189.49?
Amt bal ??? by Guardian $39.61 39.61 respectfully submitted that
I am recd chg??/gift? On bal ??? ??? $227.70
I shall not charge my fees Levi Couts Guardian
Nov. 10 / 47
Sept. 19, 1846 -marked out
|
Deed Book L, page 532 - Gibson County, Indiana |
Jan. 12, 1848, Matilda Couts of the first part and john Couts of the second part for the sum of $45.00 paid to the party of the second part all of the right, title, claim and demand of what so ever nature of which the said part of the first part or either of them, their heirs, executors, administrators, hold as heirs or heir of John Couts, late of Warrick County, Indiana, deceased, being the undivided 11th part of the following tract of land lying and being in Gibson county, Indiana, known as the S W 1/4 of the N E 1/4 Section 10, and the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 Sec. 9 and the West 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Sec. 9 and the NE 1/4 of Sec. 10 and the E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Sec. 9 all in TWp. 4 South of Range 9 West of the lands to be sold at Vincennes, Indiana. |
Recorded Feb. 22, 1848 Matilda Couts |
|
Book L, page 686 |
|
Levi Couts & Ellen (Eleanor) his wife to Aaron Couts, both of Gibson County, Indiana for the sum of $45.00------------------------- |
Both heirs of John Couts, late of Warrick County, deceased, (land same description as above) Levi sells to Aaron his 11th part. |
|
This means there were 11 heirs of John Couts. |
|
Taken up by Levi Couts living in Green Township, Warrick County+ one red Brindle Heriffer Supposed to be one year old last Spring and marked with cross in the right ear and swallow fork in the Left Ear and under bit in each ear. Appraised at five Dollars by Enoch Taylor and Cs.W. Hill. Subscribed and Sworn to before me on this 20th Day of January 1860. |
Manson French J.P. SEA |
|
Please hand the enclosed notes G.P. Hudspeth. Filed Jan. 24, 1860 Joseph Masters-clerk |
|
MARY POLLY'S DEATH |
Mary died, during the Civil War years and between census counts in the years 1860-1870. Logically, since she had so many persons helping her manage John affairs and she had so many children, that she would have relied on them for her care. She may not have been in good health herself. My guess would have been Levi for a while until his death in 1860 and then, one of the younger children or older grandchildren. |
|
Mary, like her husband were pioneers. Willing to go out into the world and not just survive but, make a living and raise a family. [{William} Levi would have been twenty-six years of age, fifteen years younger than his brother, Aaron C. Couts.] |
|
AARON C. COUTS-THE 4TH GENERATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
JAMES MONROE COUTS 5th Generation |
Written by Janice Couts, Thelma (Couts) Welbaum & Wilford Herschel Couts, Jr. |
|
Our grandfather, James Monroe Couts, was born on 1 December l865 at Wheatonville, Warrick County, Indiana (about 15 miles north of Evansville). He was the first child of his parents, Aaron C Couts (born in 1831 in Warrick County, IN) and Sarah Ellen Wallace. They are believed to have married on 7 May l857. Figure 1 shows Aaron and Sarah Couts. It is undated but was probably taken in the 1857-1870 period. Aaron was a farmer. The family moved from Warrick County to Pike County when James Monroe was a small boy. |
|
|
|
In addition to James Monroe, there was a son George whose descendants live in southern Indiana, a son Fred, another son Simeon who drowned while fording a stream and is buried in Grayville, IL, and a daughter Etta who later married a Baker. |
We have no knowledge of when Aaron died or where he was buried. After his death, Sarah married a Benton. At some point she moved to live near or with her daughter Etta Baker in Noble, Richland County, IL. However Sarah returned to visit her eldest son James and his wife for a week each summer. Our Aunt/Mother Edith remembers her vividly. Sarah had a special pocket in each dress for her tobacco pouch and stone pipe and she enjoyed a smoke after every meal. |
James Monroe Couts went to school but only for a few years. He learned to read with the McGuffey readers. The Couts family lived on a farm and there must have been many chores. As the eldest son, James Monroe must have been encouraged to become independent and he did. He arrived in Spurgeon, Pike County, IN where he met Mary Elizabeth Connor. They married on 31 Jan 1886 which they remembered as a very cold, snowy day. Including the preacher there were seven at the wedding. Fig. 2 is undated but James Monroe appears to be 25-30 years of age. |
The Connor parents, James and Ellen (Mulvahill) Connor, lived on the top of a small hill about 3 miles north of Spurgeon (in an area later called Enos Corner) and were farmers. James Monroe and Mary Elizabeth started married life about 4 miles away from her parents but they soon acquired about 100 acres at the foot of the hill where her parents lived. He also worked part-time at a sawmill. James Monroe must have already had some carpentry skills because he built a two-room house for them. But shortly thereafter the local creek flooded. Water just covered the kitchen floor but the carpet strip prevented it from flowing into the living room. The seven pigs had been put in a corn crib and the chickens were shut up in their coop. But the water rose too high and drowned them all. In a taped interview years later, they remembered this as their greatest blow. They had to get extra work to get cash to buy replacements. |
But James Monroe solved the flooding problem. He raised the foundation with three courses of concrete block and built up the yard around the house with fill. Later he added a second floor of two bedrooms, and then still later he added two rooms on the back to house the growing family. The house had no cellar because of the water table but there was a huge attic closet for out-of-season clothes and storage of the feather beds in summer. |
The kitchen had a big coal range but the other rooms downstairs had fireplaces and those upstairs were unheated. As kids, we picked up coal along the tracks near the coal mine. The coal was high-sulfur and the bed of |
coals protruded out in the room for best radiation but the flues were well-designed and had a tremendous draw. James |
Monroe built these flues himself. He had the skill to build a fireplace with an extremely strong draft and was asked by many neighbors to build or re-build their flues. There was a big side porch with a cistern. Water was heated in two big iron kettles out in the driveway and washing was done on the porch. When it rained, the clothes hung on the porch to dry. Drinking water came from a well near the back porch. We would drop the bucket on a rope down into the water and then pull it up using a pulley. The water was always cool and clear. Near the side porch was a large, square, double-brick-walled building with a huge heavy wooden door for insulation. Total wall thickness was two feet with sawdust in the middle. It had a concrete floor and was used for year round food storage (milk, onions, potatoes, canned vegetables, fruits, etc.) There was a huge garden and just past it was an outhouse. The house was electrified (in the 20’s?) but never plumbed. An electric powered water pump was installed in the kitchen in the l940’s. .There was a “bathroom” with a tub but it was filled by hand and it drained into a dry well. Beyond the garden was a large poultry yard and a barn for the cows and the mules. It had a big haymow of fond memories. James Monroe had built all of these himself. It is thought that he had gained additional carpentry skills while working on the Enos Coal Co. tipple construction in 1920 about a quarter-mile from their home. Carpenters earned $1.50 per day. |
James Monroe and Mary Elizabeth Couts had nine children, all living to adulthood. They were: |
James Aaron born 27 May 1887 |
John Edward 26 March 1889 |
Mary Ellen 31 March 1891 |
Emery Virgil 3 November 1893 |
William Carl 30 November 1895 |
Wilford Herschel 15 November 1900 |
Theodore Cecil 26 March 1902 |
George Henry 23 November 1905 |
Edith Mariah 8 November 1907 |
|
|
|
All went to the Farmer’s School about a mile from their home. All are shown in a 1907 photograph, |
Fig. 3, |
|
|
|
|
except James Aaron (already married) and Edith Mariah (not yet born). Note that the mules were also honored family members. The house is partially visible. At a later date, a front porch with a swing was added. |
The two daughters became housewives. The two eldest boys became coal miners. One son (William Carl) left home and his fate is not known. And the remaining four sons were all high school mathematics teachers and coaches during their careers. Mary Ellen married Sam Allen and moved to near Findlay, Hancock County, Ohio. But all of the rest lived fairly close and were frequently at the homestead for weekends and holidays. It would take three shifts at the dining room table to feed everyone (usually Mother and Father and sons first, kids second, and daughter and daughters-in-law third.). |
The house wasn’t large but it had some big furniture in it. Mary Elizabeth’s mother, Ellen, was responsible for the children’s clothing for some wealthy families in Evansville and the furniture was hand-me-downs from them. Mary Elizabeth insisted that it all get a coat of varnish each year. It did and it was shiny black. With a coal tipple almost across the street, it certainly showed the dust. And dusting those intricate pieces was a kid’s job. After James Monroe and Mary Elizabeth died, some of the furniture was sold and some was distributed among the children. After stripping the varnish, many of the Victorian pieces revealed beautiful wood grain. |
James Monroe kept a diary of some of his carpentry and Fig. 4 is a contract to build a pole barn for a neighbor. He had his sons assist him as they reached appropriate ages. Wilford told me how his Dad would ask him to determine the length of a rafter. |
|
My Dad would square the two sides, sum, and then figure the square root. His Dad would turn his back for perhaps 5 seconds and then approve the answer or tell him to try again. After my Dad consistently obtained the right answer, then his Dad showed him how to measure across the two dimensions on an L-square. |
James Monroe retired from carpentering at age 65 (about 1930) and our first memories were of farm activities like riding the wagon full of hay from the field to the barn or pushing hay from the mow down into the stalls. Part of the farm was really a slough covered with water in the spring but it was rich in blackberries. Grandpa never smoked but he chewed tobacco. A spittoon was always placed beside his rocking chair. He liked to read dime novels (westerns and WW1 flying) which he kept behind the mirror above the dining room mantel. Mary Elizabeth had cataracts and couldn’t see well but she still bossed the kitchen. The cooking was always in quantity. Flour and sugar were in barrels in the pantry. Usually there was a banana cake or pineapple upside-down cake on a table. Macaroni-and-cheese was available three meals a day, seven days a week. |
James Monroe had a ’27 or ’28 Model A Ford. To us kids, the most important trips in the Model A were to Oakland City where we bought ice, wrapped it in braided rugs, tied it on the running board, and returned home to make ice cream. The sons had to walk the 8 miles each way to college in Oakland City but there was one buggy and one horse, Maude, for courting. |
Once established, James Monroe and Mary Elizabeth lived all their married life in the same house. They enjoyed fairly good health until 1-2 years before their deaths. In fact they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and Fig. 5 shows them on that occasion. At this time, they had 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. James Monroe died on 12 Nov 1956 and Mary Elizabeth on 9 April 1957. Both are buried at |
Montgomery Cemetery, Oakland City, Gibson County, IN with many of their children and Mary Elizabeth’s parents. After their deaths, the homestead was sold outside the family. Soon the coal company bought it and, in 1976, everything was demolished. Only a catalpa grove, which served as their wood lot, remained. But it is still fresh in our memories. |
|
GEORGE HENRY COUTS – THE 6TH GENERATION |
|
Please note that this title continues the convention described in references (1) and (2). This assumes that Dietrich (Kautz?) Couts is our first ancestor. This is patently absurd and we hope that new research by the readers will render this assumption obsolete. |
|
Henry’s parents were described in reference (1). James Monroe and Mary Elizabeth (Connor) Couts lived most of their life in Monroe Township, Pike County, Indiana. James Monroe farmed, carpentered, and brick masoned while Mary Elizabeth managed the house and their nine children. George Henry was born on 23 November l905 into a family that already had 6 boys and 1 girl. One more girl ( Edith Mariah) was destined to be born in l907 to complete the family of parents, seven boys, and two girls. Throughout his life (at least all that we nephews and nieces know about) he was called Henry and that wi |
