Hargis, Abraham

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A Hargis Family
by
A Hargis Family
Descendants of Abraham Jr. Hargis
Generation No. 1
1. Abraham Jr.1 Hargis was born Abt. 1780 in North Carolina (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.), and
died Bet. 1860 - 1870 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1870 Marion Co., TN census.). He married
Rebecca Floyd Abt. 1803, daughter of William Floyd. She was born Abt. 1787 in South Carolina (Source: 1850
Marion Co., TN census.), and died Bet. 1860 - 1870 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1870 Marion Co.,
TN census.).
Notes for Abraham Jr. Hargis:
From 3 sources we are told that Abraham Jr, the patriarch of the family in Marion County, was born in North
Carolina: the 1850 Marion County census, the 1860 Marion County census and the biography of his grandson,
Abraham Dallas Hargis, in the "Compendium of Biography" printed in 1898.
Evidently he had family ties to the Hargis clan in Person County, North Carolina. In a letter written Sept.27, 1819
by Jeremiah Blackard of Franklin County, TN. to his uncle, William Hargis in Roxboro, Person County, NC,
several names are added as if all these people are sending greetings to "Uncle William". Included in this list of
names is Abraham Hargis.
A descendant of Abraham, James Cunningham, states he had been told that Abraham Jr. and Rebecca rode horses
back to North and/or South Carolina to visit every year or so after they came to Tennessee until one of their
children died while they were away and they didn't go back anymore.
It is possible Abraham was in Rutherford County, NC, Greenville SC, and the Pendleton District of South
Carolina before migrating to Tennessee. There are several families, namely Box, Tubb, Gotcher, McElroy and
Floyd, which are in these areas with an Abraham Hargis. These families are later in Franklin County where
Abraham and other Hargis families settled in the early 1800's. It seems as if there was a mass migration.
It is likely Abraham and his family went briefly to Warren County, Kentucky before settling in Franklin County,
TN. In a somewhat lurid McGowan vs. Hatfield trial in Coffee County June of 1844, "p.41 (paraphrased
testimony) Abraham Hargiss says he became acquainted with Hatfield in about 1804 in Warren Co. Kentucky"
and that "Witness was acquainted with Hatfield from the time of his marriage to 1814." Abraham's daughter,
Mary, always stated on the census reports that she was born in Tennessee, but her daughter Nancy who married
Samuel Thompson stated on both the 1880 and 1900 census of Marion County that her mother was born in
Kentucky. Mary was born about 1810.
In the Franklin County 1812 tax list, there are 6 listings of Hargis tax payers: Abraham Hargess page 4, Abraham
Hargiss, Abner Hargiss, Thomas Hargiss and John Hargiss page 5, and William Hargiss on page 8.
On July 21, 1812, in Deed Book A page 191, Abraham Jr. sold 59 acres of land located on the waters of the Elk
River to William Tubb. We can be sure this is our Abraham for Rebecca Hargis also signed the deed. The
attestators were Thomas Hargis and E. Floyd. The really interesting thing about this day is that an Abraham
Hargis Sr. also processed a deed the same day. Abraham Sr. purchased 70 acres of land on the waters of the Elk
River and the attestators are E. Floyd and Thomas Hargis.
Abraham was listed on the 1820 Franklin County, TN census. His household was composed of 1 male under 10, 1
male 10-16, 1 male 26-45 years old, 3 females under 10, 1 female 10-16 and 1 female 26-45 years old.
An Abraham Hargis is listed on the Marion County, TN. Land Entry Takers Book on May 5, 1824 as taking
ownership of 24 acres of land on headwaters of Battle Creek.
On the 1830 census Abraham is in Marion County, TN. His household consisted of 1 male under 5 (David Floyd
would have been 6), 1 male 15-20 (Abner would have been 16), 1 male 50-60 (Abraham would have been 50), 2
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A Hargis Family
females under 5 (twins Sarah and Louisa would have been 1 year old), 1 female 5-10 (there was a child who
died), 1 female 10-15 (Polly would have been 10), and 1 female 30-40 (Rebecca would have been 46).
From the Marion County deed records, in 1833 Abraham purchased 40 acres of land in Cave Cove from John W.
Salmon. The deed reads: "This indenture made this sixteenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thiry three between John W. Salmon of the State of Tennessee and Marion County of the one
part and Abraha (sic) Hargiss of the State aforesaid of the other witnesseth the said John W. Salmon for and in
consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to me in hand paid the receipt where of I do hereby
acknowledgeed hath bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain, sell, alien, remiss and convey to said
Abraham Hargiss a certain tract or parcel of land containing forty acres more or less situate lying and being on the
head waters of Battle Creek in the Cave Cove being a part of a occupant held by said Salmon and Thos. Arra
Smith and located by John Arra Smith beginning at ___ corner of said 100 acres ____on a stake, and pointers at
the foot of the mountain thence with the meanding the same more south sixteen degrees west one hundred and
twelve poles thence South fifty poles thence South forty six West sixty poles, thence South twenty five West
Seventy two poles, thence South forty six poles to a stake and pointers at the foot of the mountain, thence West
ten poles to Dooley's corner, thence with the same South eighty degrees West sixty poles to a sugar tree at Hays
or Darvins Corner on the bank of the dry creek, thence a conditional line up said main run of the creek to the
beginning, said bargained premises to have and to hold together with its rights members appertaining unto him the
Said ______ to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining unto him the said Abraham Hargiss his heirs and
assigns forever, the said John W. Salmon for himself his heirs executors, administrators and assigns doth
covenant and agree to warant and forever defend said bargained premise against all lawful clain or claims.
In Witness I set my hand and seal the day and year above written. J.W. Salmon"
Witness
James Holley Senr.
John W. Wooten
State of Tennessee
Marion County
Personally appeared before me William I Staandefer Clerk of the circut Court of said County, James Holley, Senr.
and John W. Wooten subscribing witnesses to the foregoing deed, who being first sworn depose and say that they
are acquainted with John "W. Salmon, the bargainer and that he acknowledged the same in their presents to be his
act and deed upon the day it bears date.
Witness my hand this 19th day of May 1834.
Abraham is listed on the 1836 tax list for Marion County in District 10.
During the 1840 census of Marion County, Abraham's household consisted of 1 male 10-15 (David Floyd would
have been 16), 1 male 50-60 (Abraham would have been 60), 1 female 5-10 (Anna would have been 8), 2 females
10-15 (Sarah and Louisa would have been 11), 1 female 15-20 (Polly would have been 20), and 1 female 50-60
(Rebecca would have been 56).
At the time of the 1850 census in Marion County, Abraham and Rebecca still have 2 daughters at home, Louisa
age 20 and Anna age 17.
This census shows Abraham to have been born in North Carolina and Rebecca in South Carolina.
In the 1860 census Abraham and Rebecca are still in Marion County. He is 79 and "insane with old age" and she
is listed as 70 years old. Again the census taker is told Abraham was born in NC and Rebecca in SC. They are
living next door to their son, David Floyd Hargis, and other family members are very near.
As they are not in the 1870 census, we can conclude they have died and the biography of grandson Abraham
Dallas Hargis says they were "laid to rest at Oak Grove, on Battle creek".
More About Abraham Jr. Hargis:
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Battle Creek, Marion County, TN
Notes for Rebecca Floyd:
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A Hargis Family
Rebecca Hargiss was listed as one of the petitioners at the Union Primitive Baptist Church Book--whose name
changed in 1834 to Sweeten's Cove Primitive Baptist Church-- for "letters of dismission from us for the purpose
of Constituting a Church at the head of Battle Creek to go by the name of Oak Grove which was granted".
More About Rebecca Floyd:
Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Battle Creek, Marion County, TN
Children of Abraham Hargis and Rebecca Floyd are:
+ 2 i. Thomas2 Hargis, born 21 Jun 1804; died 26 Dec 1871 in Marion County, TN.
+ 3 ii. Mary Hargis, born 1810 in Tennessee; died Aft. 1880 in Marion County, TN.
+ 4 iii. Margaret "Peggy" Hargis, born Abt. 1812 in Tennessee; died Bet. 1870 - 1880 in Marion County, TN.
+ 5 iv. Abner Hargis, born 1814 in Tennessee; died Aft. 1880 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN.
6 v. Polly Hargis, born Abt. 1820.
Notes for Polly Hargis:
According to Mag Tate, Polly had a child out of wedlock. In her later years she was known as a family
eccentric to the point that the family called her crazy. Supposedly she consorted with Billy Raulston at
one time. Limmie Jane Braden laughed when she recalled that when the girls in the family were
misbehaving they were threatened "You're going to turn out just like Aunt Polly." Buster Jackson
recalled Polly was terribly frightened of thunderstorms.
She is buried at Tate Cemetery but there is no tombstone.
7 vi. Unknown Hargis, born Bet. 1810 - 1820.
Notes for Unknown Hargis:
According to James Cunningham, Abraham and Rebecca had a daughter who died on one of their trips to
the Carolinas to visit family and they never went back again.
+ 8 vii. David Floyd Hargis, born 1826 in Tennessee; died Bet. 1883 - 1900 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN.
+ 9 viii. Sarah "Sallie" Hargis, born 03 Sep 1829 in Tennessee; died 19 Oct 1881 in Battle Creek, Marion Co.,
TN.
+ 10 ix. Louisa "Eliza" Hargis, born 03 Sep 1829 in Tennessee; died 15 Sep 1902 in Battle Creek, Marion Co.,
TN.
+ 11 x. Anna Hargis, born 16 Apr 1832 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN; died 30 Apr 1899 in Battle Creek,
Marion Co., TN.
Generation No. 2
2. Thomas2 Hargis (Abraham Jr.1) was born 21 Jun 1804 (Source: Pigeon Springs Cemetery tombstone.),
and died 26 Dec 1871 in Marion County, TN (Source: Pigeon Springs Cemetery tombstone.). He married Mary
"Polly" Gunter Abt. 1825, daughter of Augustus Gunter. She was born 28 May 1804 (Source: Pigeon Springs
Cemetery tombstone.), and died 13 May 1895 in Tracy City, Grundy County, TN (Source: Pigeon Springs
Cemetery tombstone.).
Notes for Thomas Hargis:
During the 1820 Franklin County census, Thomas' father's household was listed as having a male 10-16 years old.
This would have been Thomas.
Thomas served in the Florida War with the Al. MTD Vols. Mary's widow pension of Oct.18, 1892 was #WC-
2344 TN.
From the 1830 Jackson County, Alabama census, it would seem Thomas and Mary moved across the state line
into Jackson County for a few years. This was the time Jackson County sale of public lands was being done.
There is a Thomas Hargis listed as being from 20-30 years old with 1 male under 5, 1 male 15-20, 2 females
under 5 and 1 female 20-30 years old. These ages would be correct for Thomas and wife Mary, the two females
under 5 would be correct for Jane and Rebecca, the male under 5 would be correct for William Lee, but the male
between the age of 15-20 is unknown. The family would not have been in Alabama very long, for the next child,
Thomas, was born in Tennessee in 1837.
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In 1838 he began serving as postmaster in Kellysville Post Office located near the mouth of Battle Creek.
The "Compendium of Biography" article on Thomas's son, Abraham Dallas Hargis, states Thomas "was born in
what is now Franklin county, in 1804, and died in Marion county on December 25, 1873. He was a a very
prominent and influential man; for a quarter of a century was a member of the county court; and for a great many
years was a minister of the Primitive Baptist Church. Politically he was a Democrat and socially a member of the
Olive Branch Lodge F & AM."
Thomas is mentioned in the Marion County Court Minutes Aug.7, 1843, Dec.4, 1843, Jan.1, 1844, June 2, 1845,
Oct. 1845, and Nov.3, 1845.
The Dec. 4, 1843 item is concerning the will of Augusta Gunter, father-in-law of Thomas. It states "Ordered by
the court that a notice issue to John Gunter, Thomas Hargis and Polly Hargis his wife to come in at next term of
the court and contest the probate of Augusta Gunter capation will if they think proper".
The 1850 Marion County census District 10 list Thomas and Mary with 7 of their children. Their sons James and
John show a birthplace of Alabama, but the other children (both older and younger) were born in Tennessee.
Thomas was a farmer and this census states he was born in North Carolina.
During the Marion County census of 1860 Thomas and Mary are listed with one child, Abraham Dallas, still
home. Thomas is a Baptist clergyman. This census states he was born in South Carolina.
The Jerry Blevins book of "Sequatchie Valley Soldiers in the Civil War" list "Lt Thomas Hargis A 34th TN Inf
56 yrs rsgn 62 Marion (CSR)"
I read this to mean a Thomas Hargis aged 56 served a short time and resigned in 1862.
The 1870 Marion County census list Thomas and Mary living alone with sons on either side of them. Thomas was
listed as 65 and Mary as 66. This census states Thomas was born in South Carolina.
Thomas and Mary are buried at Pigeon Springs Cemetery which is located on the mountain above Hargis Cove in
Battle Creek. Their graves have a single tall pointed tombstone with their birth and death dates on opposite sides.
More About Thomas Hargis:
Burial: Pigeon Springs Cemetery, Marion Co. TN
Notes for Mary "Polly" Gunter:
The Gunter genealogy written by Barbara Price states "About 1804 (which would have been the year of Mary's
birth), the Gunters from the Burke-Buncombe Co. area moved into Tennessee and settled near "Short Mountain."
....not present in the 1820 census of Warren Co. was Augustus Gunter and four of his sons. They were living close
together in 1830 with lands partly in Tennessee and partly in Alabama, as they were living astride the state line at
the border between TN and AL---Marion Co., TN at South Pittsburg.
Children of Augustus Gunter were Augustus Jr., Mary (m. Thomas Hargis), John G., Samuel, Sally, James, and
William."
On June 11, 1823, Augustra (sic) Gunter sold a slave child to Mary M. Gunter. The deed states " Know all men
by these presents that I, Augustra Gunter of the county of Marion and State of Tennessee for a consideration of
the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars to him in hand paid the reciept whereof is hereby acknowledged. I have
this day bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain, sell and deliver unto Mary M. Gunter of the County
and State of Tennessee one negro girl named Silvy near four years old which said negro girl I do warrant to sound
and healthy and rite and property of such negro girl aforesaid mentioned do hereby forever warrant and defend
unto her the said Mary her heirs, assigns, & bargainors the lawful claims of claim of all and every person or
persons whomsoever. In Testimony whereof I have in these presents set my hand and seal the 7th day of
November 1822." Signed by Augustra Gunter and Testators were Joseph Burton and Wm. Kings.
It seems questionable that this Mary M. Gunter is Augustus' daughter,Mary, the wife of Thomas Hargis. Slave
owners at this time frequently gave slaves to their children at the time of their marriage, but as a gift.
During the 1880 Marion County census, after the death of Thomas, Mary is living with her youngest son,
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A Hargis Family
Abraham Dallas in the Battle Creek area of Marion County.
After Abraham Dallas moved to Grundy County, Mary lived with him in her later years.
The "Compendium of Biography" article of Abraham Dallas states "Mrs. Hargis died in Tracy City on May 12,
1895, at the advanced age of 91. Her mental and physical facilities were still unimpaired and no doubt she would
have lived to be one hundred had she not been accidentally burned one night while lighting her pipe by her dress
catching fire."
The Ike Woodward "Chronicles of Tracy City for 1893-1910" in May 1895 states "Aunt Polly Hargis
accidentally burned to death".
Notice the "Compendium" states date of death as May 12 while her tombstone states May 13.
More About Mary "Polly" Gunter:
Burial: Pigeon Springs Cemetery, Marion Co. TN
Children of Thomas Hargis and Mary Gunter are:
+ 12 i. William Lee3 Hargis, born Nov 1826 in Marion County, TN; died Abt. 1907 in Tracy City, Grundy Co.,
TN.
+ 13 ii. Jane King Hargis, born 23 Dec 1827 in Tennessee; died 23 Sep 1882 in Marion Co., TN.
+ 14 iii. Rebecca Ann Hargis, born 1830 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN; died Bet. 1860 - 1870 in Battle Creek,
Marion Co., TN.
+ 15 iv. James G. "Jimmy" Hargis, born Feb 1831 in Alabama; died Nov 1907 in Tracy City, Grundy Co., TN.
+ 16 v. John Wesley "Jack" Hargis, born 1832 in Jackson Co., AL; died 25 Jun 1915 in Pelham, Grundy Co.,
TN.
+ 17 vi. Thomas Menton Hargis, born May 1837 in Marion Co., TN; died 14 Sep 1921 in Grundy County, TN.
+ 18 vii. Mahala Caroline Hargis, born 1839 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN; died Bet. 1862 - 1867 in Pelham
Valley, Grundy Co., TN.
+ 19 viii. Melvina "Vinnie" Hargis, born Dec 1840 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN; died Abt. 1928 in Marion
Co., TN.
20 ix. Tabitha Hargis, born Abt. 1842 (Source: Estimated by gap in children on 1850 census.); died Bef. 1850
(Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.).
Notes for Tabitha Hargis:
The "Compendiun of Biography" article of Abraham Dallas Hargis states Tabitha died in childhood.
+ 21 x. Abraham Dallas Hargis, born 04 Jan 1843 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN; died 13 Nov 1924 in
Eldorado, Saline Co., Illinois.
3. Mary2 Hargis (Abraham Jr.1) was born 1810 in Tennessee (Source: Judge James Lewis Rollings.), and
died Aft. 1880 in Marion County, TN (Source: Census reports.). She married James Lewis Rawlings Abt. 1833,
son of Benjamin Rawlings and Martha Powell. He was born Abt. 1810 in Tennessee (Source: 1850 Marion Co.,
TN census.), and died Bet. 1870 - 1880 in Marion County, TN (Source: Marion County census reports.).
Notes for Mary Hargis:
It is possible Mary was born in Kentucky. She always told the census taker her birthplace was Tennessee, but her
daughter Nancy, who was married to Samuel Thompson, states in the 1880 and the 1900 census that her mother
was born in Kentucky.
Judge James Lewis Rollings states in his biography that Mary, his grandmother, was born in 1810. The Marion
County census of 1850 gives Mary's age as 40, although the census of 1860 states 45. Judge Rollings also stated
Mary had brothers Abner and Dave.
During the Marion County census of 1850, 1860 and 1870 Mary and Lewis are in the 10th District of Marion
County with their family.
At the time of the 1880 census, Mary, listed as 69 years old, is living in the same district, but she is widowed with
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A Hargis Family
children Rebecca and Abner living with her. Rebecca is 31 and Abner is 25 years old.
Children of Mary Hargis and James Rawlings are:
+ 22 i. Nancy3 Rawlings, born Aug 1834 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN; died 06 Jun 1900 in Marion
County, TN.
+ 23 ii. Benjamin Franklin Rawlings, born 13 Aug 1837 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN; died 17 May 1900
in Marion County, TN.
24 iii. Jackson Rawlings, born 1840; died 1862 in Battle of Murfressboro during Civil War.
25 iv. Rebecca Rawlings, born Oct 1844 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN (Source: Grundy County death
certificate #450.); died 18 Feb 1917 in Pelham Valley, Grundy County, TN (Source: Grundy County
death certificate #450.). She married Thomas W. Clepper 12 Jul 1887 in Marion County (Source:
Marion County marriage records.); born 1835 (Source: 1860 Marion Co., TN census.); died Bef. 1900 in
Marion County, TN (Source: 1900 Grundy Co., TN census.).
Notes for Rebecca Rawlings:
At the time of the 1850 Marion County census, Rebecca was listed as 6 years old, living with her parents
and siblings in Battle Creek.
She was listed as 16 years old during the 1860 census, living in Battle Creek with her parents and
siblings.
In the 1870 Marion County census, Rebecca, at the age of 22 was living with her aged parents and
brother Abner with his new bride, Virginia (Birdwell) Rollings in Battle Creek.
Rebecca was the 2nd wife of Thomas. While Rebecca and Thomas had no children, she helped raise the
children of her brother Frank after the death of their mother.
By the time of the 1900 census, Thomas had died and Rebecca was living in Pelham Valley with her
nephews, Andrew and James and her brother Abner. Rebecca was listed as 54 years old and widowed.
Rebecca died in Pelham at the age of 73 of tuberculosis where her nephew A.J. Rollings supplied the
information for her death certificate #450. She is buried at Red Hill Cemetery in Pelham Valley, Grundy
County. He does give her birthdate as Oct. 1844, which is 2 years younger than the date on her
tombstone. Other information on the certificate is death date of Feb. 18, 1917, birthplace as Marion
County, father Lewis Rollings born in Marion County, mother Hargiss born in Marion County.
The Grundy County newspaper reported "Mrs. Rebecca Clepper died at her home in Pelham valley
Monday at the age of 73 years. Funeral services were held at the home and she was buried in the Pelham
cemetery."
More About Rebecca Rawlings:
Burial: Warren Cemetery in Pelham, Grundy Co. TN (Source: tombstone at Warren Cemetery.)
Notes for Thomas W. Clepper:
Thomas, a Confederate veteran, was named as the first postmaster for the Dove, Tn. Post Office that was
established Sept.4, 1879. Following him was Joseph S. Clepper on Sept.27, 1893, David C. Martin on
March 1, 1898 and Thornton H. Martin on July 6, 1905.
Judge James Lewis Rollings (name slowly changed from Rawlings) said in his biography written in 1954
"My aunt Beck, who raised me, also married a Confederate soldier, T.W. Clepper, who was a
Quartermaster of the 4th Tennessee Reg. C.S.A. He was quite a different character from Uncle Sam
(Samuel Thompson) and had a fair education and had served as County Court Clerk of the county and
held other responsible positions. He lived in the finest house in the valley. the house had separate rooms
for all his five children. The house still stands and is still one of the best houses in the community......My
aunt was his second wife, but he treated me better than he did his own children....He was an ardent
Democrat." Judge Rollings was a son of Benjamin Franklin Rollings, a brother of Rebecca.
26 v. Abner "Duck" Rawlings, born 1844 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN (Source: tombstone at Warren
Cemetery.); died 1911 in Pelham, Grundy County, TN (Source: tombstone at Warren Cemetery.). He
married Virginia Birdwell; born Jan 1854.
Notes for Abner "Duck" Rawlings:
During the 1850 Marion County census, Abner was listed as 3 years old, living in Battle Creek with his
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parents and siblings.
At the time of the 1860 census, he was 12 years old and living with his parents and siblings in Battle
Creek.
When the 1870 census was taken, Abner, who was listed as 20 years old, was living in Battle Creek with
his new wife. He and Virginia Birdwell had married in January and were living with his parents and
older sister. This marriage did not last long and he continued to live with his mother until her death, and
then he moved to Pelham valley with his brother Benjamin Franklin and sister Rebecca.
During the 1880 Marion County census, Abner, listed as25, was living with his mother, who was
widowed, and sister, Rebecca
In the 1900 and 1910 census, Abner is living in Grundy County with his nephew, Andrew Jackson. He
and his sister, Rebecca, lived the balance of their lives with their nephew.
James Lewis Rollings, son of Benjamin Franklin, talks about Abner in his biography. He says "I must tell
of another character that I loved as a father. My father had a brother named Abner who fell in the fire
when he was a baby, and, as a result of this, had a club foot. This affliction impaired his mental facilities
to the extent that he had the mind of a child even to old age. His mother called him "Duck" and by this
name he was known all his life. He lived in our home all his life of 70 years, except for a brief period
when he was married, but he and his wife separated and he came back to our home to live the rest of his
life. Uncle Duck as every one called him, was beloved by all children, and especially by me, as he never
went anywhere and returned but that he brought me some gift such as an apple or orange or a knife or
some other toy."
More About Abner "Duck" Rawlings:
Burial: Warren Cemetery in Pelham, Grundy Co. TN
4. Margaret "Peggy"2 Hargis (Abraham Jr.1) was born Abt. 1812 in Tennessee (Source: 1850 Marion Co.,
TN census.), and died Bet. 1870 - 1880 in Marion County, TN (Source: 1880 Marion Co.TN census.). She
married John W. Wooten Abt. 1829 (Source: 1830 Marion Co., TN census.). He was born Abt. 1810 (Source:
1840 Marion Co., TN census.), and died 1847 in Marion County, TN (Source: Marion County court record.).
Notes for Margaret "Peggy" Hargis:
Mag Tate was the first person to tell me "Peggy" , as she was called, was a sister of Polly, Sarah and Louisa
Hargis.
Margaret and John were married by 1830 for their household is listed on the Marion County 1830 census as 1
male under 5, 1 male 20-30 and 1 female 15-20.
In 1840, they were on the Marion County census living next door to Margaret's brother, Abner. The household
consisted of 1 male 5-10 (Abraham), 1 male 10-15 (probably the unknown son), 1 male 30-40 (John), 2 females
under 5 (probably Caroline and Sarah), 1 female 5-10 (Anna), and 1 female 20-30 (Margaret).
John died in 1847 and during the census of 1850 Margaret was living in Battle Creek beside her brother, Thomas.
The census taker has listed her as Margarett Eaton, age 38. She had 4 children with her, Abraham, Caroline,
Sarah and John.
In the 1860 census, Margaret again is listed incorrectly. She is called Marget Ewton and is listed as 45 years old.
She is living beside her sister, Sarah Martin. Living with Margaret is her son Abraham and a 4 year old boy,
Josiah C. He is listed as Ewton, but I have been told his last name is McBee.
It is easier to understand how the census takers have called Margaret by the names Eaton and Ewton when we
realize the Wooten name is pronounced Ooten. The W is silent.
Margaret is listed on the 1862 Marion County Tax List as being assessed for 43 acres at a value of $400.
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In 1870 Margaret at age 58 is living in Battle Creek beside her sisters Louisa and Sarah Martin. Living with her is
a young boy 11 years old, called William H. Wooten. This is incorrect. The boy is William H. Martin, a son of
her sister Louisa. Sarah, Margaret's daughter, at age 30 is back home living with her mother.
Notes for John W. Wooten:
According to Eliza Byrd White, the Wootens were Black Dutch from Pennsylvania.
John was an early settler of Marion County. In the Land Entry Takers Book there are 8 listing for him. On Oct.15,
1820, he and James Bryson are listed for 25 acres that "adjoins Wooten" that includes a saltpeter cave, 100 acres
on headwater of Battle Creek March 2, 1825, 21 acres on water of Battle Creek Sept.3, 1825, 100 acres on waters
of Battle Creek in Ashley Cove April 4, 1826, 300 acres on side of Cumberland Mtn. Nov.25, 1826, 25 acres on
waters of Battle Creek which include a saltpeter cave in Overturf Cove March 7, 1827, 15 acres on waters of
Battle Creek adjoining Ann Wooten on March 20, 1827 and 300 acres on Battle Creek Oct. 10, 1828.
John's death date can be established by the Marion County Court record of March 1847 that states "Phillip Bible,
administrator of John W. Wooten, decd. made additional report of the estate of the said deceased, which was
ordered to be recorded."
Children of Margaret Hargis and John Wooten are:
27 i. Unknown3 Wooten, born Abt. 1830 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1840 Marion Co., TN
census.).
+ 28 ii. Anna Wooten, born 12 Jun 1832 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN; died 13 Oct 1897 in Marion Co., TN.
29 iii. Abraham Wooten, born 1834 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.).
Notes for Abraham Wooten:
Abraham is listed as 16 years old during the 1850 Marion County census, living with his mother and
younger siblings in Battle Creek.
He was still living with his mother when the 1860 census of Marion County was taken. He was listed as
24 years old at this time. All the other children have left home.
Eliza White related Abraham went to California and came back with a gold nugget.
+ 30 iv. Caroline Wooten, born 04 Jul 1836 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN; died 1878 in Marion Co., TN.
31 v. Sarah Wooten, born 1838 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.).
32 vi. John Wooten, born 1841 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.).
5. Abner2 Hargis (Abraham Jr.1) was born 1814 in Tennessee (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.), and
died Aft. 1880 in Battle Creek, Marion Co., TN (Source: 1880 Marion Co.TN census.). He married Jane
Rowline Abt. 1838. She was born 1809 in Tennessee or Kentucky (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN census.), and
died Bet. 1870 - 1880 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN (Source: 1880 Marion Co.TN census.).
Notes for Abner Hargis:
In the 1840 census, Abner was in Marion County living between his father and sister, Margaret. His household
consist of 1 male 20-30 (Abner), 1 female under 5 (Rebecca) and 1 female 30-40 (Jane).
In June of 1844 Abner, along with his father, was a witness in a Coffee County, TN Circuit Court case, McGowan
vs Hatfield, which is in the Tennessee Supreme Court Case Files. "On page 40 (paraphrased testimony) Abner
Hargis age 31 states that in 1831 or 32 he was at a match at cards between John Hatfield and John Price, the game
called Seven Up. Price was considered an excellent gambler, but Hatfield come off greatly winner. Hatfield
played as long as he could get anyone to play against him, and after two or three days he had been so successful
that no one would play against him. Hatfield was sober and talked sensibly all during this time. When witness'
brother asked Hatfield to have a drink with him, Hatfield said he had not drank anything in a long time. This took
place in the upper end of Jackson County. Witness understood Hatfield had come there from low down in
Alabama at the request of some gamblers by the name of Jones to play against said Price, who had won some
money from Jones before that time. Never heard of Hatfield being insane or say anything to indicate it. Witness
understood from a conversation between Hatfield and witness' brother that he had once married a woman by the
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A Hargis Family
name of Sally Thompson and that he was the father of Samuel Hatfield. Witness and his brother bet $40 on
Hatfield against one of the best gamblers present. Witness went to get Hatfield to play, but when Hatfield arrived
the other parties to the bet backed out."
The brother referred to by Abner has to be Thomas because David would only have been 7 or 8 years old.
In the 1850 Marion County census 10th District Abner (called Absolem) at age 36 and Jane, at age 41 are farming
in Battle Creek. They have 4 children, Rebecca age 11, Abraham (called Abner on this census) age 9, Martha age
5 and Abner age 1.
It is unknown if this is the same Abner, but the Union Primitive Baptist Church Book 1821-1868-name changed
in 1834 to Sweeten's Cove Primitive Baptist Church-states on the records of 4th Saturday in Nov. 1853 that
Abner Hargiss was "received" by "experience". Abner was listed later, on the 3rd Saturday in July 1854 as one of
the petitioners "for letters of dismission from us for the purpose of Constituting a Church at the head of Battle
Creek to go by the name of Oak Grove which was granted".
On the 1860 Marion County census of the 10th District, Abner age 44 and Jane age 51 have 3 children at home.
They are Abraham age 19, Martha age 15 and Abner age 11. The oldest daughter, Rebecca, lives next door with
her new family. Abner is a farmer.
In 1870, Abner and Jane, both listed as 55 years old, were in the 10th District of Marion County where he is
farming. Their sons, Abraham and Abner are living with them.
In 1880, Abner, at age 56 was living in Marion County, Battle Creek area, with his son Abner and his family
living with him. Evidently Jane is dead at this time. Their daughter, Rebecca Kennedy, with her family, is living
beside Abner.
Judge J.L. Rollings talks of Abner in his booklet. He says "There is also another name I fain would mention in
collection of memories of my boyhood. Uncle Abner Hargis, a brother of my grandmother, for whom Uncle Duck
was named, was one of the most remarkable men I have ever known. He was uneducated in school, but could
solve problems mentally that many could not solve with a pencil. He was well versed in the Bible and history and
had a phenomenal memory. He was a county officer and served papers although he could not read a word. He
would have someone read the papers to him and he would memorize the contents, and thus would be able to serve
in this capacity."
Notes for Jane Rowline:
Jane maiden name is called Rowline on her daughter's death certificate, although it may have been Rawlings and
was written incorrectly. This is Tennessee Death Certificate #317 for Rebecca Kennedy.
On the 1850 and 1870 census for Marion County, the census taker list her birthplace as Tennessee, but the 1860
census says the birthplace was Kentucky.
Children of Abner Hargis and Jane Rowline are:
+ 33 i. Rebecca3 Hargis, born 1839 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN; died 03 Jul 1917 in Marion County,
TN.
34 ii. Abraham Hargis, born 1841 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN (Source: 1850 Marion Co., TN
census.).
Notes for Abraham Hargis:
Abraham was in Marion County with his parents during the 1850 census as 9 years old in Battle Creek.
During the 1860 census, he was listed as 19 and still living with his parents in Battle Creek.
When the 1870 Marion County census was taken, Abraham, at the age of 29, was still with his parents
and younger brother in Battle Creek.
+ 35 iii. Martha Jane Hargis, born 03 Mar 1844 in Battle Creek, Marion County, TN; died 25 Nov 1881 in South
Pittsburg, TN.
+ 36 iv. Abner "Harg" Hargis, born 11 Jul 1849 in Marion County, TN; died 26 May 1887 in Marion County,
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