Descendants of Robert Fletcher Sr. in Kentucky

In 1792 Kentucky became a state. Up until then it had been a part of Virginia. Prior tot the establishment of Kentucky as a state, Virginia had reserved for her soldiers all the land in Kentucky south of the Green River. These were encompassed by a line from the head of this stream to the Cumberland Mountains and with these mountains to the Carolina line, thence to the  Tennessee River, to the Ohio River, and with the Ohio to the Green River . This huge area was known as Military County. Until 1797 no person could enter a survey within this County except a veteran. When Kentucky, as a sovereign state, took charge of her vacant lands, new legislation opened up this great reservation to any person possessed of family and over twenty-one years of age. Such persons were entitled to not less than one hundred acres or more than two hundred, but as stated before must have been a settler on the land for one year before they came into actual possession. (The Kentucky Land Grants by Willard R. Jellson. 1925.) 

After The widow of Robert Fletcher, Christina, her sons Robert and John and their families got things squared  away in Virginia, with the trial over the John Hindman land finally over, and after they sold out their holdings there, with that great American spirit migrated west to Green County, Kentucky where they lived, worked, raised their families for the next sixty or so years until that western call came again at which time my line of Fletchers went to Missouri. 

Robert Fletcher Jr. and Agnes (Nancy) Casey had already married back in Rockbridge Co., VA on 29 March 1788 or in Lincoln Co., KY. Various people have stated the marriage place as Lincoln C., KY but no record has been found. Agnes was the daughter of John Casey. her brother, Colonel William Casey was one of Kentucky's "favorite sons". (History of Cedar County, Missouri by Goodspeed, page 771) Robert and Agnes had at least six children. They are all mentioned in Robert's will. The children of Robert Jr. and Agnes Fletcher are listed below. 

Ca. 1789 - Birth of Margaret Linsey. Page 770 of 'History of Cedar County, Missouri by Goodspeed states that Margaret was born in Greenbrier Co., VA, however, it is beleived she was born in the settlement of Greenbrier, which was on the west side of Bath County, VA. Oren F. Morton speaks of Greenbrier settlement several times in 'Annals of Bath County, VA. Margaret married James Powell on 4 April 1808.  (Marriage Records of Adair County, Kentucky 1802 - 1840, page 93.) James Powell was a blacksmith in his early life but later became a farmer and was owner of a number of slaves. Margaret and James Powell had four sons and seven daughters. At this time only one child, Capt. James Powell, is known. Goodspeed covers his life in History of Cedar County, Missouri, pages 770 and 771 from which most of this information is taken. They spell the name 'Prowell'.  Margaret Linsey died in Adair County in 1848. In 1851 her husband and at least some of their children went to Boon County, Missouri. James Powell Sr. died there in 1852. 

Ca 1790 birth of John H., in KY.

Ca 1794 birth of Green in bath Co., VA 1819 - Approximate date for the marriage of Green, son of Robert and Agnes. Green married Nancy, daughter of Samuel and Martha
(Mc Korkle) Scott. about 1819. Green and Nancy had children; Patsy born 1820,
married Elsy Rice, Larkin born 1822, married Elizabeth Barnes. 
Samuel Woodson born 1824, married Susan Barnes. James born 1827,
married Nancy Nell. Robert born 1828, first married Lousa Pickett 
second married Mary Snell. Christopher Columbus born 1831, married Martha Bigare Young. Green Fletcher died between 1835 and 1840. Nancy is shown on the 1840 Adair County census with four sons and one daughter still at home. Nancy's age was forty to fifty years.

Ca. 1796 Lewis was born in Bath Co., VA. Lewis married Betsey Walker on .7 November 1816  (Marriages of Adair County, Ky.)

1799/1800 - Birth of Christiana in Green Co., KY. Birth date is judged by her marriage date which was 30 Oct. 1816/1817 to Joseph Walker (Marriages of Adair County, Ky.) 

Silas (birth date unknown) Green Co., KY. Green married Martha (maiden name unknown) about 1827. The date is judged by the age of the oldest child listed on the 1850 census of Adair County. Silas and Martha had at least two sons, They were mentioned in their grandfather's will.

John and Elizabeth (Harvey) Fletcher were married back in Rockbridge, Virginia on 30 August1791. It seem that John and Elizabeth had at least nine children. The following is a list of their children. 

Ca. 1800 - Birth of Dicey. Green Co., Ky.

 Ca. 1801 - Birth of Andrew .Andrew married Cynthia Harvey  on 28 June 1839. (Marriages of Adair County, Ky., 1804 -1840, page 39). The 1850 Adair County census shows Andrew and Cynthia had children; S.A. (female) age 19, Jno. D. age 18, E.J. (female) age 14, M.E. (female) age 12. and John age 2. Cynthia had already died when the census was taken. Judging from the age of the youngest child she died between 1848 and 1850. 

 James (birth date unknown), James married Jane, daughter of Elias Powell on 28 Sept. 1826. (Marriages of Adair County, Ky. (page 23). After their marriage James and Jane went to Morgan County, IL. (indenture dated 18 Sept. 1832). They later moved to Macoupin County, IL where James died about 1845 (judged by the age of the youngest child listed on the 1850 Macoupin
County census). By 1850 Jane had remarried to John W. Bainbridge. The Fletcher children were; Mary age 19, Burril age 13, Elizabeth A. age 11, John age 9, and Elisa J. age 6. Each Fletcher child had five hundred dollars, which was probably their inheritance from their Father, James.

Robert (birth date unknown)  Robert married Sarah Powell on 22 April 1818. (Adair County, Ky. Marriages, page 15).

1808 - Birth of Micajah, son of John and Elizabeth Fletcher (1850 and 1860 U.S. census of Adair County, Ky.)  Micajah married Sally Kelso, daughter of Thomas Kelso on 25 Oct. 1825 (Marriages records of Adair County, Ky. 1802 - 1840.) In 1830 Micajah and Sally were living in Sangamon County, IL among the Fletcher cousins there. They had two male children in their household. Sally probably died there. Micajah returned to Adair Co. where he married Polly Spoon 27 Feb. 1833.

Cynthia (Cyrena) birth date unknown. Cynthia Ann married Allen Wheeler  on 3 April 1828. (Marriages of Adair County, Ky., 1804 -1840 page 122.)

1810/11 - Birth of John J. Adair Co., Ky. (1850 u.s. census of Adair County, Ky.) 10 April 1833 John Jr. married Pauline, daughter of William Stotts on 10 April 1833. (Marriages of Adair County, Ky.) It is not known how many children John and Pauline had, but in 1850 they had these children still at home; M.J. (female) age 15, Emily age 12, Amanda age 9, George
W. age 6, and Samuel age 3.

1813 - Birth of Jane Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth, Adair County (1860 U.S. census of Adair County, Ky.) 1 February 1831 - Jane married John Rice Tilman  on 1 Feb. 1831. (Adair County, Ky. Marriages, page 27.)

1816 - Birth of Oliver C., son of John and Elizabeth in Adair County (1850 U.S. census of Morgan County, Missouri and the 1860 US. census of St. Clair County, Missouri.) 

1800 - The 1800 tax lists of Kentucky show that John, Robert Jr. and Christiana Fletcher were taxed in Green County. All three were heads of their household.

18 March 1800 - One hundred acres, on Pettit’s Fork of Russell's Creek, was conveyed to John Fletcher from William and Sarah Hunt. This information is from the land deed, dated 18 September 1832.

1802 - Adair County was formed from Green County. The Fletchers were still in the same place, only the county name had changed.

8 February 1804 - Daniel Harvey Sr. named his son-in-law, John, as his power of attorney.

25 October 1805 - Robert Fletcher was granted fifty more acres in Adair County. The land was on Butler Fork, a branch of Russell's Creek, which forked from the Green River (The Kentucky

Land Grants, page 311.)

29 July 1806 - Christiana Fletcher made her will. The following is a list of how she divided her belongings between her children and grandchildren:

To her grandson, Matthew Walkup, one Negro boy named James, two cows, one red heifer, one feather bed and poster, one rug, one linen bed quilt, one pot and Dutch oven, one iron pot rack,

one large pewter basin, one large pewter dish, and one quart basin. 

To her oldest son Robert, one Negro woman named Grace, and one Negro boy named Abraham. Abraham was to be freed at the age of twenty-one. (This is probably the same woman and child

listed in the inventory of Robert Sr. in 1796.)

To her granddaughter Margaret Linsey, daughter of Robert, her side saddle.

To her son John, one Negro boy named Jack.

To her grandson Andrew, son of John, one white heifer, and her Spinning wheel.

To her granddaughter Dicey, daughter of John, one large pewter basin, three plates, six spoons, and one coffee pot.

To her daughter-in-law Elizabeth, the wife of John, all her clothes.

Since no land was mentioned, Christiana probably lived in the household of one of her sons. Her name was recorded as Christiana B. Fletcher.

9 February 1807 - Christiana had made her will six months earlier but must have decided to go ahead and give her grandson, Matthew Walkup, the things she intended him to have at her death. She gave him a bill of sale; "for and in consideration of the natural love and affection she had for him".

6 April 1807 - The gift to Matthew was proven in court. Job Harvey and William Davis were subscribing witness.

6 April 1807 - The will of Christiana B. Fletcher was probated at a court in Adair County, KY. Her son Robert was executor. (Adair County Court record available)

Christiana Fletcher died between 9 February 1807, when she gave her grandson, Matthew, the bill of sale, and 6 April 1807, when her will was proven in court.

1810 - The U.S. census of Adair County in 1810 shows in the household of John and Elizabeth Fletcher, three males under ten years of age (Andrew, James and Micajah), two males sixteen

and under twenty-one (unknown son and Robert), and one male between twenty-six and forty-five years (John). It shows one female under ten years (Dicey), two between ten and sixteen

years (unknown daughter and Cynthia), one between twenty-six and forty-five years (Elizabeth), and one over forty-five. It is not known who this female is, but one possibility is that she might be Elizabeth's mother, --?-- Harvey. This woman is in the household of John and Elizabeth in 1810 but does not show up in their household in 1820. Perhaps she was staying with one of the other Harvey children at the time the census was taken. Then she is in Elizabeth's household again in 1830

where she is eighty to ninety years old.

1810 - Robert Fletcher does not show up on the 1810 census. He evidently was missed by the census taker. This makes it much harder to judge the number of children he and Agnes had and their ages.

1810 - The tax list of Adair County shows Robert Fletcher was taxed on one white male (himself), three black males (slaves), nine horses, two hundred and fifty six acres on Butlers Fork, one hundred and fifty acres on Crocus Creek, and one hundred and ten acres on Russell's Creek.

1810 -The tax list of 1810 for Adair County shows John Fletcher was taxed on the following: one white male twenty-one years or older (himself), one black male sixteen years or older (Jack,

the slave Christiana left to him), eight horses, one hundred acres on Russell's Creek, one hundred acres on Pettits Fork and one hundred and fifty acres on Crocus Creek.

1816 - Death of John Fletcher, Adair County.  This is also the year his youngest son, Oliver was born.(1850 U.S. census of Morgan County, Missouri and the 1860 U.S. census of St. Clair County, Missouri.)

1817/1820 - Death of Dicey daughter of John and Ellizabeth. Dicey died after her father's death but before the 1820 census was taken (deed to Elizabeth from sons Micajah and Andrew, dated

4 October 1832).

1820 - The 1820 U.S. census of Adair County sshows in the household of Betsey (Elizabeth) Fletcher; one male under ten (Oliver), two males ten to sixteen years (John Jr. and Micajah), one male sixteen to eighteen years (James), and two males eighteen to twenty-six years (Andrew and James again). The column showing males sixteen to eighteen was used for military purposes causing an eighteen year old male to be counted twice.  Females in the household were; one under ten years (Jane

Elizabeth), and two that were twenty-six to forty-five years (Cynthia and Elizabeth). Elizabeth should have been forty-seven years old by 1820 but many times ages are inconsistent on the, census. Also the census taker sometimes wasn't very competent. Many times names were misspelled or persons might be left- off the census altogether. Other times the wrong column was marked. Elizabeth owned four slaves and there was one free colored person listed.

1820 - The 1820 U.S. census of Adair County shows in the household of Robert Fletcher; one male sixteen to eighteen years (Silas), two males eighteen to twenty-six (John H. and ?), and one male of forty-five years and up (Robert), two females under ten years, one female sixteen and under twenty-six, one female twenty-six and under forty-five, one female forty-five years and up (Agnes), and six slaves. It shows that eight of these were engaged in agriculture.

17 August 1824 - Andrew, son of John and Elizabeth, was granted fifty acres of land in Adair County, Ky. on a fork of Russell’s Creek. (The Kentucky Land Grants page 551). In 1815 the Kentucky

State Legislature passed an act relative to land distribution. The act opened for sale, at twenty dollars per one hundred acres, all the vacant lands east of the Tennessee River to anyone in

Ky. except an alien. The younger Fletchers were beginning to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire land for themselves. It looks as though Andrew only had ten dollars to spend on land,

or maybe fifty acres was all the vacant land in that particular area, because on 19 February 1825 he was granted another fifty acres on Barn's Creek in Adair County.

27 May 1825 - James, son of John and Elizabeth, was granted one hundred acres of land in Adair County on Hedleston's Branch of Crocus Creek (The Kentucky Land Grants, page 551.)

1830 - The 1830 U.S. census of Adair County names Andrew Fletcher head of household. Actually, Andrew and Cynthia, with their daughter were probably living with his mother, Elizabeth. The census

shows in the household: two males of fifteen and under twenty years (John Jr. and Oliver C.), and one of twenty and under thirty years (Andrew). Females in the household are; one under five years (daughter of Andrew and Cynthia), one of fifteen and under twenty (Jane Elizabeth), one of twenty and under thirty (Cynthia wife of Andrew), one of forty and under fifty. (This does not work out for Elizabeth. She would be fifty-six or seven by now. Maybe the census taker just marked the wrong column.  (As stated before the census takers sometimes seemed a little incompetent.) Then there is the female who is eighty and under ninety. Elizabeth's mother?

1830 - In the household of Robert Fletcher, one male forty and under fifty and one male sixty and under seventy (Robert). Females were: one ten and under fifteen, one twenty and under thirty, two forty and under fifty, and one sixty and under seventy (Agnes).

There is an Abraham Fletcher listed on the 1830 census of Adair County, but there are no marks in the columns showing ages. Even though free colored persons where not enumerated along

with free white persons, this is probably the slave that Christiana left to Robert and requested him to be freed at the age of twenty-one. Slaves often took the surname of theirmaster when freed.

18 September 1832 - Elizabeth Fletcher paid her son, James, who was living in Morgan County, Illinois by then, one hundred dollars for his part of the inheritance from his Father, John.

4 October 1832 - This indenture mentions all the children of John and Elizabeth that were still living at the time of John's death in 1816 except Oliver C. who would have been only about sixteen years old in 1832 and still at home. He was paid for his share of the Fletcher estate later. As in most of these deeds, and other documents, some names are misspelled such as Cyrena for Cynthia.

This indenture made and entered into this 4th day of October 1832 between Elizabeth Fletcher of the first part, Andrew Fletcher and Cynthia, his wife of the second part, Micajah Fletcher of the third part, and John R. Tilman and Jane, his wife of the fourth part all of the county of Adair and the state

of Kentucky. Witnesseth: That whereas John Fletcher died seized and possessed of a certain tract or parcel of land situated, lying, and being in Adair County on Pettits Fork of Russell's Creek, containing by estimation one hundred and one acres and adjoining to the lands of Cole James Gilmer and others, being the tract on which he resided at his death, and dying intestate it descended to his heirs at law among whom are said Andrew, Micajah, and Jane. This indenture further Witnesseth that an allotment of dower to the said Elizabeth has been made of said tract but no division thereof made among the children and heirs and in this undivided state the said Elizabeth purchased the

undivided shares of Robert, James, and Cyrena Wheeler, children and heirs at law of said John Fletcher, deceased. This indenture further Witnesseth: Dicey Fletcher, one of the children and heirs at law of John Fletcher, deceased, has since his death died intestate, unmarried, and without issue. Now this indenture Witnesseth that the said Elizabeth for and in consideration of the sum of fifty seven dollars, eighty and cents paid to the said Andrew and Cynthia, and of sixty five dollars paid to the said Micajah, and of the sum of fifty seven dollars and 88 cents paid to the said Tilman and wife, the receipt of which sum the serially acknowledge have this day granted, bargained, and sold unto the said Elizabeth all right title and interest which they or either of them have in the tract of land aforesaid and do by these presents hereby bargain, sell, release, confirm, and convey unto the said Elizabeth for the consideration aforesaid their several undivided interest to and in the tract of aforesaid with it's proper metes, bounds, and attainments and with all and singular it's appurtenance

and privileges to have and to hold to the said Elizabeth and her heirs forever in fee simple without reservation on their parts and the said Andrew, Cynthia, Micajah, John R. Tillman, and Jane Tillman being 2nd, 3rd, and, 4th parties hereto do severally for the considerations by them severally received

and heretofore expressed severally warrant each for themselves the interest they have hereby sold and conveyed and against all and every claim whatever to the said Elizabeth and her heirs forever and they-;--the parties to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th parts, do hereby release all and every interest they may have to the lands aforesaid in possession, reversion, or remainder and do severally, without warranty on their parts, confirm the purchases in said tract theretofore made by the said Elizabeth from the heirs, Robert and James Fletcher and from Allen Wheeler and Cyrena, his wife. In testimony whereof the said Andrew and Cynthia, his wife, Micajah Fletcher, John R. Tilman and Jane, his wife, have set their hands and affixed their seals the day and date first above written.

Signed -Micajah Fletcher, John R. Tilman, Jane Fletcher, Andrew Fletcher, and Cynthia Fletcher.

Each person involved acknowledged this to be their act and deed. (Original record available)

As stated before, by 1835 James and Jane Fletcher were living in Macoupin County, Illinois. Oliver, youngest brother of James, probably was living with James and Jane at that time. The following marriage license states that he and his bride was from Macoupin County.

3 October 1835 - A marriage license was issued to Oliver C., son of John and Elizabeth Fletcher, and Elizabeth L. Roberts, Carlinville, Macoupin County, Illinois.

State of Illinois - Macoupin County

The people of the State of Illinois to any regular Minister of the Gospel authorized to marry by the Church or society to which he belongs, or to any Justice of the peace of said County to celebrate and certify: You are hereby licensed and permitted to join together in the holy estate of matrimony as husband and wife, Mr. Oliver Fletcher and Miss Elizabeth L. Roberts of our county aforesaid. And for so doing this will be your sufficient warrant. Given under my hand as Clerk of the County

Commissioners' Court of said County at Carlinville this 3rd day of October 1835.

Signed, Tristram P. Horsy

(Original record available)

6 October 1835 - Marriage of Oliver C. Fletcher and Elizabeth L. Roberts.

I do hereby certify that on the sixth day of October 1835 I joined together in Holy Matrimony as husband and wife, Mr. Oliver Fletcher and Miss Elizabeth L. Roberts. Given under my hand

this the 21 say of October 1835.

Signed -James Bristow -M. G. (Minister of the Gospel)

(Original record available)

Nothing is known about Elizabeth L. Roberts, or her family, to date. Elizabeth's son, John Wesley, named one of his daughters Fannie Lee and one Mary Lear. Maybe, Elizabeth's middle initial stood for either Lee or Lear.

The minister who performed the marriage ceremony for Oliver and Elizabeth, James Bristow, lived in the second household from James and Jane Fletcher on the 1840 U.S. census of Macoupin

County, Illinois. In 1850 this same minister was still living two households away from Jane, who by now was married to John Bainbridge. Evidently, Bainbridge and his children moved into the Fletcher household after his marriage to Jane.

1 May 1836 - Birth of John Wesley, son of Oliver C. and Elizabeth L. (Roberts) Fletcher. John Wesley's birth was probably in Macoupin County, Illinois. As long as he was at home with his

father and stepmother in Missouri, they answered the census taker for him and said that he was born in Illinois. After he was out on his own, in Union County, Arkansas, he answered that his birthplace was Kentucky. (The birth date is taken from the Fletcher family Bible.)

1836 - 1840 - Sometime between the birth of John Wesley and 1840, when the U.S. census was taken, Elizabeth L. (Roberts) Fletcher died.

1840 - The U.S. census of Adair County, Kentucky shows in the household of Elizabeth Fletcher, mother of Oliver C. Fletcher; one male under five years (John Wesley) and one under thirty years (Oliver C.). It shows one female sixty and under seventy years (Elizabeth). Oliver and his baby son lived in the household of his mother after the death of his wife, Elizabeth L. (Roberts) Fletcher.

15 July 1840 - Fifty acres of land was granted to John H., son of Robert and Agnes. The land was on Pettits Fork of Green Riverin Adair County. (The Kentucky Land Grants, page 551)

15 August 1840 - Marriage of Oliver C. Fletcher to Jane Harvey.  (Marriage Records of Adair County, Ky., 1802 - 1840, page 40)

23 March 1842 - Oliver C. and Jane Fletcher, John R. and Jane (Fletcher) Tilman, and Elizabeth Fletcher sold their right of inheritance in the tract of land on Crocus Creek to Andrew, [brother of Oliver and Jane, and son of Elizabeth. This is the one hundred and fifty acres that was granted to John Fletcher on 29 November 1798.

This indenture made and entered into this 23rd day of March A. D. 1842 between Elizabeth Fletcher, John R. Tilman and Jane, his wife, Oliver Fletcher and Jane, his wife, all of the County of Adair and State of Kentucky of the one part and Andrew Fletcher of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth, that for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and twenty one dollars in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, The said parties of the first part hath bargained, granted and sold and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and convey, unto the said Andrew Fletcher, his heirs, and assigns forever all their right, title, interest, and claim in a certain tract or parcel of land situated, lying, and being in the County and State aforesaid on the waters of Crocus Creek and bounded as follows: (to wit):  Beginning at a white oak and dogwood, thence N. 40 E. 155 poles crossing a branch at two white oaks, thence S. 55 W. 155 poles,

crossing said branch at a white oak and ash thence S. 40 E. 155 poles crossing a branch at a beech and hickory, thence N. 50 E. 155 poles to the beginning. Containing 150 acres together with all and singular the appurtenances thereunto belonging or any wise appertaining to have and to hold the said

tract or parcel of land unto the said Andrew Fletcher, his heirs, and assigns forever, the said parties of the first part doth hereby covenant and agree to warrant and forever defend the title in and to the aforesaid tract of land to him the said Andrew Fletcher, his heirs, and assigns forever against the

In testimony whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals this the day and year first therein written.

Signed by John R. and Jane Tilman, Oliver and Jane Fletcher and Elizabeth Fletcher.

Each person involved acknowledged this to be their act and will to the County Clerk of Adair County. (Original record available)

18 May 1842 - Birth of Martha Ann, daughter of Oliver and Jane, Adair County, KY. The birth date is from her headstone inscription. Martha Ann was married to Oliver C. Marquess 27 Nov. 1878 at St. Clair, County Missouri. She is buried in Scotland Presbyterian Cemetery, Union County, Junction City, Arkansas.

1843 - The Oliver Fletcher family moved from Adair County, Kentucky to Cole County, Missouri. (History of St. Clair County, Mo., page 11) Go to St. Clair County, Missouri to continue following the Fletcher.

1844 - Birth of Nancy M., daughter of Oliver and Jane, Cole County, Mo. Nancy was deaf and dumb (1850 U.S. census of Morgan County, Mo.)

20 January 1845 - The following is a deed from Robert Fletcher Jr. to Hiram Royse. Robert was selling the one hundred and fifty acres of land granted to him on 14 August 1799.

This indenture made and entered into this 20th day of January 1845 between Robert Fletcher of the County of Adair and state of Kentucky of the one part and Hiram Royse of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth: That the said Robert Fletcher for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars to him in hand paid the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged have given, granted, bargained, and sold and by these presents doth give, grant, bargain, sell, and convey

unto the said Hiram, his heirs, and assigns forever, a certain tract or parcel of land situated, lying, and being in the County and State aforesaid on the waters of Pettits Fork of Russell's Creek and waters of Rocklick, a branch of Harrods Fork of Crocus Creek.  Beginning at a black oak running thence North seventy-five degrees, West one hundred and fifty-five poles, crossing several small drains, to two dogwoods and a white oak, thence North fifteen degrees, East one hundred and fifty-five poles to two live oaks and a black Oak tree, thence South seventy-five degrees, East one hundred and fifty-five poles to a hickory and chestnut trees, thence South fifteen, West one hundred and fifty-five poles to the beginning.

To have and to hold the said tract of land, one hundred and fifty acres hereby contained with all and singular the appurtenances thereby, unto, belonging as in any wise appertaining, unto the said Hiram Royse, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Robert Fletcher further covenants and

agrees to and with the said Royse that he will warrant and forever defend said tract of land free from and against the claims of himself, his heirs, and clear and free from the claim or claims of all and every person or persons claiming by, through, or under him in any way whatsoever. In testimony whereof the said Robert Fletcher hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. Signed Robert Fletcher. The deed was recorded 20 March 1845 by William Caldwell, County

Clerk. (Original record available)

22 February 1847 - Elizabeth Fletcher sold one hundred and fifty acres of land on Pettits Fork in Adair County to William C. Paxton. The actual copy of the deed is to blurred to copy.

This indenture made this 22nd day of February 1847 between Elizabeth Fletcher of the County of Adair and state of Kentucky of the one part and William C. Paxton of the same County of

the other part. Witnessed that the said Elizabeth Fletcher for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars to her in hand paid the receipt of which she does hereby acknowledge ]has bargained and sold and by these presents does sell and convey unto the said William C. Paxton, his heirs, and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the said County of Adair on the waters of Pettits Fork and bounded as follows, (to Wit) Beginning at a white oak marked

thence South 155 poles to two cherry trees and dogwood, thence E. 155 poles to three hickories, thence N. 155 poles to a white oak, hickory and ironwood, crossing a branch, thence West 155 poles to the beginning, crossing said branch twice. To have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land containing by survey one hundred and fifty acres with it's appurtenances to the said William C. Paxton, his heirs, and assigns forever to his and .his only proper use, benefit, and behoof and the

said Elizabeth for herself and her heirs does further covenant and agree to and with the said William C. Paxton that she will warrant and forever defend the said tract of land with it's appurtenances against the claims of all persons whatever in testimony whereof the said Elizabeth has hereunto set her hand and affixed her seal the day and year first above written.

Signed - Elizabeth Fletcher

Kentucky, Adair County

William Caldwell - Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that this day this deed from Elizabeth Fletcher to William C. Paxton was produced to me in my office and acknowledged by said Elizabeth Fletcher to be her act and deed. Whereupon I have recorded said deed with this certificate in my office. Witness my hand this 24th day

of February 1847.

William Caldwell, County Clerk

By James Caldwell, Deputy Clerk

23 February 1847 - John R. and Jane Tilman bought sixteen acres, on Pettits Fork from Jane's Mother, Elizabeth. This deed too is too blurred to copy.

This deed or indenture made this 23rd day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty seven by and between Elizabeth Fletcher of the County of Adair and State of Kentucky of the one part and John R. Tilman of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty eight dollars to her in hand paid by the said John R. Tilman the receipt where of she doth hereby acknowledge, hath given, granted, bargained, sold,

and conveyed and by these presents doth give, grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said John R. Tilman, his heirs, and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land situated, lying, and being in the County and State aforesaid on the waters of Pettits fork of Russell's Creek, it being part of 100 acres surveyor ? by the said Elizabeth Fletcher and bounded as follows: (to wit) Beginning at a sugar tree the beginning corner of said 100 acres and also the beginning corner of said Tilman's 17 acre survey thence with said Tilman line S. ? E. 137 poles to a beech tree ---? small black walnut and poplar on the bank of said Fork and corner of said Tilman 17 acre survey thence --? W. 10 poles to a ---? on the edge orr side of a bluff bank, thence N. 89 ? poles to a rock set in the ground, thence

_? W. 250 poles to another rock set in the ground in a line Of said 100 acre survey, thence with the same East 17 poles to the beginning, containing sixteen acres with it's appurtenances to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land with all and singular appurtenances and all things appertaining thereto and the said Elizabeth Fletcher for herself, heirs, etc. doth hereby warrant and agree that she Wl.II warrant and forever defend the right? and claims of the said tract or parcel of land against the-claim of herself, her heirs, or any other person claiming by, through, or under her and against

the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whatsoever unto the aforesaid John R. Tilman, his heirs and assigns forever for his and their only proper use, benefit, and behoof. In witness whereof the said Elizabeth Fletcher hath hereunto set her hand and affixed her seal the day and year above written.

Signed - Elizabeth Fletcher

Kentucky, Adair County

I William Caldwell, clerk of the above County Court for said County do certify that this day this deed from Elizabeth Fletcher to John R. Tilman was produced to me in my office and acknowledged by said Fletcher to be her act and deed. Whereupon I have recorded said deed with this certificate in my office.

Witness my hand this 24th day of February 1847.

William Caldwell -Clerk

By James Caldwell -Deputy Clerk

By 1847 Elizabeth was seventy-four years old, and was probably selling off her land with the intention of moving into the household of her daughter, Jane Tilman. She was living with the Tilmans when the 1850 census was made.

11 December 1847 - The will of Robert Fletcher.

Robert wanted his son, Silas, and his wife, to have his house and farm, which included one hundred and fifty acres, and after their death he wanted their sons, William and Robert, to have

it. His son, John H., was to have the remaining land. He left to his son Lewis, one slave named Toby. He mentioned his other children, Margaret, Leeorista (Christiana), and Green. He said

he had already given them their part and so left them nothing. Green was already dead by the time Robert made his will. He had five slaves to divide between his children and grandchildren.

He also divided his furniture, horses, cattle, hogs and sheep between them. He wanted his blacksmith tools rented out, the income to be divided between Silas and John H. All the money and cash notes he had at his death was to be put into good safe hands to draw interest for the education of Silas's children. It was Robert's will that one half acre that included the graveyard and graves should remain in the family and used only for burying the dead. He appointed Matthew Walkup his executor but on 5 November 1849, when Robert's will was proven, Matthew refused to qualify,

and Josiah Hunter was made executor. (Original record available)

Robert Fletcher Jr. died between 11 December 1847 and 5 November 1849 when his will was proven at Adair County, Kentucky.

28 December 1849 - Birth of James, son of Oliver and Jane Fletcher, Cole County, Missouri (History of Henry and St. Clair County, Missouri, by Goodspeed, page 1181).

19 March 1860 - The will of Elizabeth Fletcher. 

Elizabeth first gave her soul to God. She left to her daughter, Jane, thirty-four acres of land, all her furniture, and her stock. Her executor was to sell the remaining fifty acres of the old tract

on the ridge where he~ son, Micajah was living, and out of the proceeds of the sale, one hundred dollars was to be given to Micajah and one hundred dollars to her son, John. Two hundred

dollars was to be given to her son, Oliver. The remainder of the money, from the sale of the land, was to go for the education of Jane's son, Samuel. She felt that she had already paid her

son, Andrew, and the heirs of her son, James, and so left them nothing. Elizabeth made her friend, Hiram K. Turk her executor.

Evidently Robert and Cynthia were both dead by the time Elizabeth made her will. Since Elizabeth mentioned James' heirs and not Robert's or Cynthia's, it is possible that they had no children

or none living at the time.

Elizabeth was living in the household of her daughter, Jane Tilman when the 1860 census was made in June. She was eighty-seven years old. She gave her birth place as Augusta County, Virginia. By this time Jane's husband, John R., had died. The children of John and Jane still at home in 1860 were, Nancy age 27, Marg. M. age 19, Emily S. age 16, John O. age 15, Albert age 15, Margaret A. age 11, Francis age 9, and Samuel age 6.

Elizabeth died between 19 March 1860, when she made her will and 9 July 1864 when Jane bought the land that Elizabeth had wanted sold at her death. The following is a copy of the deed

from Hiram K. Turk, executor of Elizabeth, to Jane Tilman.

This indenture made and entered into this 9th day of July 1864 between Hiram K. Turk, executor of the last will and testament of Elizabeth Fletcher, deceased, of the County of Adair and State of Kentucky of the one part and Jane Tilman of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars in hand paid to said Hiram K. Turk by said Jane Tilman, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has this day given, granted, bargained, and sold and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, and convey unto the said Jane Tilman a certain tract or parcel of land, lying and being in the County and State aforesaid

on Pettits Fork of Russell's Creek adjoining the land of said owned in her lifetime and which she directed by her last will and testament to be sold by her administrator supposed to contain

about fifty acres more or less. To have and to hold the above tract of land with all it's appurtenances unto the said Tilman and her heirs forever and the said Hiram K. Turk, executor as aforesaid, does hereby covenant and agree that he will warrant and forever defend the title of said land against the claim of all and every person or persons whatsoever unto the said Jane Tilman and her heirs forever in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day and year above written.

H. K. Turk

Executor of Elizabeth Fletcher

State of Kentucky

County of Adair

I, J. w. Butler, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing deed from H. Turk, executor of the last will and testament of Elizabeth Fletcher, deceased, to Jane Tilman was this day produced to me in my office, duly stamped as required by act of Congress, and acknowledged by said Hiram K. Turk, executor as aforesaid, to be his act and deed whereupon I have recorded said deed with this certificate in my office. Witness my hand this 9th day

of July 1864.

J. W. Butler - C.A.C.C. (Clerk at County Court)

This deed was examined and delivered to Jane's son, Albert Tilman, on 16 July 1864. 

9 March 1865 - Jane (Fletcher) Tilman sold Hiram K. Turk two tracts of land. One being the fifty acres (more or less) that she had bought from Turk, executor of her mother, Elizabeth,

on 9 July 1864. The other tract was the thirty-four acres willed to Jane by her mother. Jane had already or, was about to move to Cole County, Kentucky. She died there the following year.

9 March 1865 -This indenture entered into this 9th day of March in the year 1865 between Jane Tllman of the County of Adair and State of Kentucky of the one part, and Hiram K. Turk of

the same county and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth; that the said Jane Tilman for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen hundred dollars, part in hand paid and the balance hereafter to be paid, hath this day bargained and sold and by these presents doth give, grant, bargain, sell,

and convey unto the said Hiram K. Turk, his heirs, and assigns forever two certain tracts or parcels of land lying and being in Adair County, Ky. on Pettit's fork, a branch of Russell's Creek. The first tract contains fifty acres, more or less, and the same land that Elizabeth Fletcher directed by her will

to be sold by her executor and the same land that Hiram K. Turk, as the executor of said Elizabeth Fletcher, sold and the same conveyed to said Jane Tilman by deed from said Hiram K. Turk, which deed is now of record in the office of the clerk of the Adair County Courts, which deed is hereby referred to for greater certainty. The other tract contains thirty four acres, which was willed to the said Jane Tilman by her Mother, Elizabeth Fletcher. Said thirty four acres is to adjoin the land, said

Jane Tilman now lives on, the line to be run parallel with the line that divided Tilman's land and said Elizabeth Fletcher's. The will of said Elizabeth Fletcher, now of record in the County Court Clerks office of Adair County, is referred to for a description of said tract of land and to show her title to the

same and the manner she devised title. To have and to hold said two tracts of land, with all and singular the appurtenance thereon to the said Turk, his heirs and assigns forever, and the said Jane Tilman for the consideration aforesaid doth convey and agree to warrant and forever defend the title to said two tracts of land to the said Turk, his heirs, and assigns against the claims of all persons whatever. In testimony whereof the said Jane Tilman hath hereunto set her hand the day and year

first above written".

State of Kentucky, County of Adair

I, J. W. Butler, clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid do hereby verify that the foregoing deed from Jane Tilman to Hiram K, Turk was this day produced to me in my office

duly stamped as required by act of congress, and acknowledged by said Jane Tilman to be her act and deed, whereupon I have recorder said deed with this certificate in my office. Witness

my hand this 9th day of March 1865.

Signed -J. W. Bulter, C.A.C.C. (Clerk at County Court)

30 December 1865 - By now, Robert, the son of Silas Fletcher, was living in Scott County, Illinois. He sold the land that his grandfather, Robert Fletcher, willed to him. Only a typed copy of the deed is available at this time. This indenture made and entered into this 30th day of December

1865 between Robert Fletcher of the County of Scott and State of Illinois of the one part and Josiah Hunter of the County of Adair and State of Kentucky of the other. Witnesseth, that the said Robert Fletcher for and in consideration of the sum of one thousand one hundred and fifty dollars to him in hand paid by the said Josiah Hunter the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, has this day bargained and sold and do hereby sell and convey unto the said Hunter and his heirs and assigns

all of that tract or parcel of land that was willed to me by my grandfather, Robert Fletcher, deceased, which will was executed and made on the 11th day of December 1847 by said Robert Fletcher, deceased, and is of record in the clerks office of Adair County, Ky. Said land is situated and lying in the County aforesaid on the waters of Russell's Creek and bounded as follows: (to wit) Beginning at two dogwoods about 1/2 pole South of a poplar (now gone) marked H, thence with the meander of

the old road leading from Columbia to Glasgow and bounding on Clayton Miller's line, South 88 W. 114 poles to a rock in said road, thence South 72 W. 34 poles to another rock in Said road, thence 73 W. 24 poles, thence North 86 W. 33 poles to a stump in said road, thence North 3 West 15 poles to a black gum, thence South 88 West 15 poles to a sugar tree and beech, thence with Thomas Hamilton's line, now Robert McAlary's, North 50 poles to a stone corner to said McAlary, thence with a line of said survey East 90 poles to a hickory and black gum, thence with another line of the same North 1 W. 100 poles to a sugar tree and? corner of said survey, thence with a line of said survey, North 81 West 210 poles to a sugar tree at the mouth of a large branch running into Butler's Fork and the beginning corner of the land on which said McAlary now lives, thence North 57 E. 26 poles to ---?--- (now gone?), thence N. 29 W. 10 poles to a stake, thence North 60 E. 64 poles to Simpson's corner,

thence South 58 E. 17 poles to 12 sugar trees marked as corner on a branch and corner to Mathew Walkup, thence with said Walkup's line S. 45 E. 76 poles to two sugar trees, corner to said Walkup, thence with his line N. 43 E. 105 poles to a dogwood, corner to said Walkup, thence with his line South E. 22 poles to a hickory near a large beech marked R. F., thence S. 56 E. 245 poles with said walkup's line to his corner, a sugar tree, and thence with Mrs. Adkins' line part of the way and, thence with Clayton Miller's line, south 100 poles to the beginning, containing about 329 acres more or less, subject to a reduction of forty acres willed out of said survey to John H. Fletcher and Malinda, his wife, and sold by them to said Hunter and by Hunter to J. G. Adkins. For courses and distances, reference is hereby made to said deed, also one half acre containing the grave yard, the balance of said tract after the above deductions, I hereby sell, convey and bind myself, my heirs, and assigns to and with said Hunter to warrant and forever defend the title to the same against all claims of all and every Person or persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof the said Robert Fletcher has set his hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above written.  

Signed -Robert Fletcher

I, J. W. Bulter, Clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing deed from Robert Fletcher to Josiah Hunter was this day produced to me in my

office, duly stamped as required by act of Congress, and acknowledged by said Robert Fletcher to be his act and deed, whereupon I have recorded said deed with this certificate in my office. Witness my hand this 30th day of December 1856.

Signed - J. W. Butler, C.C.C. (Clerk of County Court)

It appears that the one half acre graveyard was left in the Fletcher name, as directed by the will of Robert's grandfather, Robert Fletcher Jr. Perhaps Matthew, being a part of the Fletcher family, and living nearby, took care of the graveyard. This is probably the graveyard that Christiana was buried

in as well as the other Fletchers in Adair County.

1866 - Death of Jane Tilman daughter of John and Elizabeth Fletcher, Paradise township, Cole County, Illinois.  Jane was buried in The Prairie Sleeps Cemetery, Cole County, Illinois.

1866 - Death of Oliver C. Fletcher, son of John and Elizabeth. It is believed that Oliver is buried in Landacres Cemetery, five miles east of Lowery City, St. Clair County, Missouri.

6 April 1867 - Jane Fletcher of St. Clair County, Missouri, widow of Oliver C., paid ten dollars to a lawyer firm to collect an amount of money through Hiram K. Turk of Kentucky. The amount

is not specified on the receipt. (Original record available)

Hiram K. Turk, executor of Elizabeth Fletcher, was supposed to give Oliver two hundred dollars out of the proceeds of the land sale at Elizabeth's death. It appears that he failed to do so. Oliver died in 1866 and had not been paid his share. Jane, as his widow, was trying to collect the money. Elizabeth's

will was then brought into open court to be proven. It is not known what the outcome was.

2 March 1869 - "At a court, began and held for the County of Adair, at the courthouse in Columbia on Monday the 2nd day of March 1869, an instrument of writing purporting to be the last

will and testament of Elizabeth Fletcher, deceased, was this day produced in open court and proved by the oath of Josiah Hunter and Hiram K. Turk, subscribing witnesses thereto, to be the true and last will and testament of said deceased, and said will is ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of Hiram K. Turk, the executor mentioned in said will, the execution thereof is granted him." (Original record available)

This concludes the records at hand on the descendants of Robert Fletcher Sr. in Kentucky.

Now please click the next button to go to Missouri with the family of Oliver C. and Jane (Harvey) Fletcher where they will go through the Civil War and the hard days of "Reconstruction"