Alexander Mackey (Jr) (c1726-c1793) and Susannah Lewis of Albemarle Co., VA and Rutherford Co., NC

Marty and Karla Grant

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[Mackey Home] - [Table of Contents] - Alexander Mackey (Jr)

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Alexander Mackey (Jr) *might* be my 5 times great uncle, if he is the brother of my ancestor Martha Mackey Grant, which isn’t proven.

Alexander Mackey’s birth date is listed by many as 1726, but I’ve seen no primary source for that. It could be accurate, but can we prove it? The short answer is no. I believe it is based upon his wife’s birth date also being ca 1726, assuming they were about the same age. However, he might have been a few years younger than her. He was born before ca 1742 if we assume he was at least 16 when he witnessed a deed in 1758. That, as far as I know, is his first public record. His children were born in the 1750s through 1770s, so a 1726 birth date works for that, but he could have been born up to the early 1730s and that works too.

He was likely born in Ireland, most likely in Ulster Province (Northern Ireland), though I can’t be more specific than that.

He is a son of Alexander Mackey (Sr) as proven by 1777 and 1779 deeds in Albemarle Co., VA.

Alexander Mackey (Jr) married Susannah Lewis in the mid or late 1750s in Albemarle Co., VA. She was born ca 1726 per other researchers, but I’ve seen no primary source for that. It does fit based upon her siblings birth dates, or those that are known. Her parents were David Lewis (c1695-1779) and Anne Terrell. Susannah Mackey was named in her father David’s 1778 Will.

On 16 Dec 1758, David Lewis of Albemarle Co., VA made a deed to Joel Terril of same place for 3000 acres on the branches of Moores Creek and Meadon Creek being land patented to the said David Lewis and Joel Terril deceased, one of which is 2300 acres the other 700 acres. The deed was signed by David Lewis and witnessed by Henry Carter, Alexander Mackey Junr and Prudence Lewis (her mark). (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 2, pp. 94-95.)

David Lewis was Alexander’s father-in-law. Joel Terrell (deceased) was David Lewis’s brother-in-law. The younger Joel Terrell was David’s nephew and son-in-law. I don’t know who Prudence Lewis nor Henry Carter were.

On 25 Oct 1760, Jacob Sneed made a deed to Alexander Mackey Junr, both of Fredricsvill (sic) Parish, Albemarle Co., VA. For nine pounds current money of Virginia, he sold him 50 acres on north side of Ivy Creek, on Lewis’s corner, Rebecca Burch’s line ... Michael Holand’s line ... Jacob Sneed made his mark. Witnesses were Wm Terrell Lewis, Joel Terrill, Nat. Whitlock (his mark), and Sarah Lewis. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 4, pp. 366-368.)

William Terrell Lewis was Alexander Mackey’s brother-in-law. Joel Terrell was also his brother-in-law. Sarah Lewis may be William’s wife as his wife was named Sarah.

On 23 Feb 1767, Alexander Mackey Sen and Alexander Mackey Junr and Gray Haggard witnessed a deed from Nathaniel Harlow of Fredericksville Parish, Albemarle Co., VA, to Samuel Boyd of St Anns Parish, Albemarle County. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 4, pp. 440-441.)

On 14 Feb 1770, Thomas Graham, Alexander Mackey Junr and Joel Mackey witnessed the Will of Samuel Boyd in Albemarle Co., VA. (Albemarle Co., VA Will Book 2, pp. 259-260.)

On 19 Dec 1771, Alexander Mackey, Joel Mackey, and Andrew Sewray? witnessed a deed between Samuel Rae (also spelled Reay) and wife Jane, to William Ferguson. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 5, p. 447.)

On 13 Nov 1777 Alexander & Joel McKey of Albemarle Co., VA, made a deed to Menoah Clarkson for 150 pounds for three different parcels on branches of Ivy Creek containing 262 acres in total. “The course of which Except Twelve acres will appear by the Records of Albemarle Court, which twelve acres are bound as follows, by a new dividing line between the said Alexander & Joel McKey and the said Alexander McKey land.” Signed by Alexander Mackey Junr and Joel Mackey. Witnesses were John Lewis Junr, William Chenault and Reuben Lindsay. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed book 7, pp. 128-129.)

The above appears to be Alexander and Joel selling land deeded to them by their father. Though both men are listed as residents of Albemarle, I believe both actually already lived in North Carolina by that time. This is a common issue with deeds.

On 21 Oct 1778, Susannah’s father David Lewis made his Will. He named her as “my daughter Susannah McKey” and left her Ten Pounds. (Albemarle Co., VA Will Book 2, p. 382.)

Alexander Jr was named in a deed dated 15 Mar 1779 where Joel Mackey and wife Sarah Mackey, residence not listed, made a deed John Harvie for 375 pounds Virginia currency. They sold Harvie 297 acres on Ivy Creek the same being one moiety (half) of a tract patented to Rebeccah Burch in 1741 and conveyed by her to Alexander McKey and divided by him to his “two sons” Alexr McKey Junr & the said Joel McKey; and 97 acres adjoining the above patented to Alexr. McKey in 1758, both of which conveyed to the said Joel McKey as deed of gifts. Signed by Joel Mackey and Sarah Mackey (her mark). Witnesses were Fortunatus Sydner (or Lydner), Thomas Marks, James Shores and Henry Carter. All made their marks except Carter who signed. (Albemarle Co., VA Deed Book 7, pp. 421-423.)

It was around 1777 when Alexander Mackey Jr moved his family to the North Carolina frontier and settled in what was then Tryon County (now Rutherford County). Several members of his wife’s Lewis and Terrell families also made the same move as did other Albemarle Co., VA families, some connected, some not. Alexander’s sister Mary Mackey (m Lewis Music ca 1780) and potential sister Martha Mackey (m Andrew Grant 1788) also made the move, presumably with Alexander and family since their parents were dead, unless the parents weren’t dead and also made the move.

In January 1777 Tryon County Court, a deed of sale was proven in court by Samuel McFaddon a witness to the deed from John Baxter to Alexander Mackey for 300 acres. I don’t have the deed itself, but it was dated 14 Oct 1775 per the court record. This (1775) may be the first record for Alexander Mackey in North Carolina. He didn’t have to reside there yet to purchase land there. (Tryon County North Carolina Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1769-1779, Brent H. Holcomb, 1994, p. 166.)

On 10 May 1777, Alexander Mackey Junr witnessed a deed between Anna Terrell, Steven Willis and William Terrel of Louisa Co., VA. The deed is significant in that it establishes several relationships (all of these were relatives of Alexander Mackey’s wife Susanna Lewis). The deed mentioned Joel Terrell of Albemarle Co., deceased, late husband of Anna, left her certain property, and that she was about to marry Stephen Willis, this deed protected her inheritance (this is a “marriage contract,” an early version of the “pre-nuptial” agreement). With full consent of her intended husband, she deeded all that property to William Terrell of Louisa Co., VA (perhaps her son). This Anna was a sister to Susanna Lewis Mackey. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 5, pp. 68-69.)

That Alexander was “Junr” on this document suggests his father was still living then.

On 30 Jul 1778 Alexander Mackey entered 150 acres in Tryon Co., NC on Horse Creek of North Pacolet River including Howards improvement. It was surveyed 9 Dec 1778. Chain Bearers were Abraham Musick and Moses Dickey. It was granted to him on 13 Aug 1779. (Grant # 49, File 1516, and Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 96.)

On 6 Oct 1778 Alexander Mackey entered 100 acres in Tryon Co., NC on a creek that runs into Green River at Wm Mills on the south side of Green River on north side of said creek. The land was surveyed on 4 Dec 1778. Chain Bearers were Joseph Henry and David Musick (his nephew). It was granted to him on 13 Aug 1779 (Grant # 31, File 1498 and Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book C., pp. 291-292.)

On 28 Oct 1782, Alexander Mackey was granted 100 acres on the north side of Broad River adjoining his own land and David Lewis. I didn’t find the associated warrant, survey, etc. (Grant # 44, File ?, and Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book A, pp. 96-97.)

On 6 Oct 1778 Alexander Mackey made a land entry of 200 acres in Tryon Co., NC on Wheats Creek beginning at a Shoal above David Lewis’s improvement. It was surveyed 4 Dec 1778. Abraham Musick and George Musick were chain bearers. It was granted to him on 13 Aug 1779. (Grant # 45, File 1512, and Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book A, p. 97.)

Alexander Mackey was listed as a juror in January 1779 Tryon County Court.

In 1778 (effective 1779), Tryon County was split into Rutherford and Lincoln Counties. The Mackeys were in the Rutherford County section.

In January court, 1779, Alexander Mackey was listed as a member of the grand jury. (Tryon County North Carolina Minutes of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions 1769-1779, Brent H. Holcomb, 1994, p. 208.)

On 10 May 1779, Alexander Mackey entered 200 acres in Lincoln Co., NC on the North Fork of White Oak of Green River including John Owen’s improvement. This should have said Tryon County, but apparently someone got confused about where the lines between the two new counties would be, and this land became Rutherford County this same year, not Lincoln. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book C., p. 291.)

In the 20 Oct 1779 Will of John Lewis (Alexander’s brother-in-law) he named his executors as his son Taliaffero Lewis and Alexander Mackey and Jonathan Hampton, Esquire. (Rutherford Co., NC Wills and Miscellaneous Records Book A page 2.)

Alexander Mackey is listed on the 1782 tax list in Rutherford Co., NC in Cpt. McFadden’s district. He is the only Mackey on the entire list. He had 550 acres, 8 horses and 23 cattle, all valued at $443.

In July 1782, Alexander Mackey and Anthony Dickey were Security (bondsmen) for the Rutherford County Administration of the John Musick estate by Lewis Music, Administrator. (NC Secretary of State Papers. Probates.)

In October 1782 Rutherford County Court, Alexander Mackey and others (including his son-in-law Robert Young) were listed as jurors in the case against John Goodbread charged with Treason and Felony against the State of North Carolina (for alleged Tory activities during the War).

Also in October 1782 court, Alexander Mackey and Mary Musick (his sister) were appointed Administrators of the estate of Lewis Musick (brother-in-law). James Miller and Thomas Rowland were securities. (NC Secretary of State Papers. Probates.)

In Jan 1783 court, Alexander Mackey and Mary Musick, administrators of the estates of Lewis Musick and John Musick, deceased, returned the inventories of the said estates to court and requested sales of the estate be granted. Lewis Musick’s brother John Musick died the same year he did, a few months earlier. Alexander Mackey was his administrator, though this court record makes it appear Mary was also.

On 10 Jun 1784 Alexander Mackey entered 50 acres of land in Rutherford Co., NC on the south side of Main Broad River adjoining his own land. The land was surveyed on 26? Aug 1784. It mentions John McLean’s line. Chain Bearers were John Lewis and James Keat? (Perhaps that should say Keith.) It was granted to him on 9 Aug 1787 (Grant # 354, File 393.)

On 12 Jul 1784 Alexander Mackey Junr of Rutherford made a deed to Abraham Musick Senr for ten pounds he sold him 200 acres on Wheats Creek near a shoal above David Lewis’s improvement ... granted to him by patent dated 30 Aug 1779. He signed as Alexander Mackey. Witnesses were William Grant, James Lawson and William Bish?. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book F, p. 110.)

The above deed is interesting. Why is Alexander listed as “Junr” on this deed? Was his father still alive and in Rutherford at the time, thus the need to distinguish them? Or is this actually a younger man, perhaps Alexander (III) potential son of Alexander (Jr). The land was entered, surveyed and granted to Alexander Mackey, no suffix, so why is one used here? Is it a mistake?

Susanna Lewis Mackey died ca 1784 in Rutherford County, North Carolina of Small Pox. (Per The Lewis Family of the Seventeenth Century).

On 14 Jun 1786, Abraham Musick of Rutherford, made a deed to Alexander Mackey of the same place for 30 pounds money, he deeded 100 acres on Wheats Creek, a branch of Green River, granted to him 28 Oct 1782. Signed by Abraham Musick. Witnessed by Joseph Williams, David Mackey and Susannah Mackey. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book F, pp. 121-122.)

On the same date, 14 Jun 1786, Alexander Mackey made a deed with Joseph Williams, for 30 pounds, he sold 150 acres on Horse Creek a branch of Pacolet granted to him 13 Aug 1779. Signed by Alexander Mackey. Witnessed by Robert Young, David Mackey and Richard Still. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book I, pp. 413-414.)

On 3 Jul 1786 Alexander Mackey made a deed to James Coward (or Howard) for 14 pounds money, for 25 acres on a branch that runs into Green River above Mills’ on the south side of the river being part of a grant to Mackey 13 Aug 1779. Signed by Alexander Mackey. Witnessed by John Young, Benjamin Henson (his mark), Lette Lewis. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book J., pp. 51-52.)

On 18 April 1788, Alexander Mackey proved his attendance in court in the suit of John Cummins against James Miller on behalf of the defendant for nine days at 4 shillings per day. (This was to pay his expenses for traveling to the Court House and being away from his regular work, which was most likely his crops).

At the same time (18 Apr 1788), Alexander Macky proved his attendance in court as a witness in the suit of John McClain Senior against William Green on behalf of the plaintiff, for 20 days.

On 29 Aug 1792 one Alexander McKay, assignee of John Nichols, entered 640 acres in Davidson Co., NC (now TN) on waters of Drakes Creek of Cumberland River. I don’t know if this is our Alexander Mackey or not, but his son John Mackey along with John Young and Robert Young appear in these same records, so perhaps it is him. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 101)

Alexander Mackey was listed on the 1790 census in Rutherford County. They were in the 1st Company, and listed next to his son David Mackey on one side and Robert Taylor on the other. Sister-in-law Ann Terrell was two houses away, and next to her was her future husband Stephen Willis (who married Ann shortly after this). Andrew Grant (who married Alexander’s half-sister Martha Mackey) was 3 houses away.

1790 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, 1^st Company

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
130	Alex Macay	2	~	2	~	1

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

2m 16+ (before 1774) 1. Alexander Mackey (c1726)

2. William Lewis Mackey (1773) son

2f (before 1790) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

On 11 Oct 1791, Alexander Mackey made a deed to Robert Young, for 30 pounds, 200 acres on North Fork of White Oak a branch of Green River granted to him 13 Oct 1783. Alexander Mackey signed. Witnesses were Thos. Rowland and Robt. Patterson. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book J., pp. 6-7.)

Alexander Mackey made his Will on 23 Feb 1793 in Rutherford County. He named:

∙ to my son Jhon (sic)

∙ to my daughter Mary ... 200 acres on waters of White Oak ... know as Oings place.

∙ to my daughter Susanna 100 acres on waters of White Oak known as Isbels place.

∙ to my daughter Rebekah one twenty pound horse that Robert Young owes me ...

∙ to my son David all the land I have on the north side of Broad River ...

∙ to my son William my dwelling house where I now live and plantation and all the land I have on the south side of said river ...

∙ to my friend Nancy Walker ten pounds

∙ what is coming to my son John to be left with William until John comes for it ...

∙ A deed be made to Anny Willis of 50 acres including “the Bigg Spring.”

∙ My sons David & William Mackey & Thomas Wheary my Executors.

∙ Signed by Alexander Mackey

∙ Witnessed by Robt Young and John Young.

The above Will was proven in court in April 1793 which shows he died between February and April 1793.

On 21 Mar 1796, David and William Mackey and Thomas Wharey, made the deed as the Will demanded, deeding 50 acres to Joel Terrel, Anna Willis having agreed for it go to her son instead of her. Witnesses were Robert Dickey and David Dicky. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 3, p. 209.)

By this time (1796), the only known member of the Mackey family still in Rutherford was Martha Mackey Grant, who is possibly Alexander’s younger half-sister.

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

C 2. Susannah, daughter of David Lewis, by Miss — Terrell, his first wife, was born in Hanover county, Va., about 1726. She married Alexander Mackey, and moved from Albemarle county, Va., to Rutherford county, N. C., before the Revolutionary war, where she died, in 1784, from small-pox, on Broad river, a few miles from Rutherfordton. Alexander Mackey died in the same county soon after the close of the Revolutionary war. They raised six children, viz.:

D 1. John, died a bachelor in Robertson county, Tenn.

D 2. Susannah, married Rob. Young and died near the Ohio river, perhaps in the State of Ohio, or Kentucky. [Note, this is incorrect, Susannah married Charles Grant.]

D 3. Rebecca, married John Young and died near the Ohio river. [Note, this is correct, but Rebecca married 2^nd, William Powers.]

D 4. Mary, married a Mr. — Powers and died in Kentucky. [Note, this is incorrect, Mary married Robert Young, not Mr. Powers. Rebecca married Mr. Powers.]

D 5. David, married Sally Potts and resided at New Madrid, New Madrid county Mo., where his wife died, leaving two children. After the death of his wife he started to move. He placed his two little children on a boat and went by land himself in order to carry his stock. He was taken sick on the road and died in the Choctaw Nation. His children were never heard of afterward.

D 6. William Lewis Mackey, the youngest, was born in Rutherford county, N. C., about 1773.

Elizabeth Ashbrook, whom he married in Rutherford county, N. C., about the year 1792, was born in 1769 in Rutherford county, N.C.

Wm. L. Mackey was about six feet in height, of fair complexion, with black hair and blue eyes, and weighed about one hundred and sixty pounds. After his marriage he remained in Rutherford county until after the birth of his two eldest children. In 1795 he emigrated to Tennessee through the wilderness without a road or guide, in company with one or two other families, and settled in Christian county. From thence he moved to Robertson county, then to Smith, then to Bedford, and finally settled in Maury county, where he died in 1862 or 1863. He worked a short time at Tuscumbia, Ala., and helped to put up the first log-cabin that was built at that now flourishing city. While engaged in putting up this log-cabin, above mentioned, he cut his knee with an ax.

Children

Alexander Mackey’s Will of 1793 names six children, John, Mary, Susanna, Rebecca, David and William Lewis Mackey. I believe there might also be a son named Alexander (III) who died prior to 1793, leaving no children, thus neither he nor any of his heirs were included. However, I don’t have any primary evidence that this Alexander (III) was a son of Alexander (Jr), but there is really nowhere else he could belong, assuming he actually existed.

1. Alexander Mackey (III) (bef 1763-bef 1793) - might not have existed.

2. John Mackey (bef 1761-1821). Never married.

3. Mary Mackey (bef 1766-aft 1816) m. Robert Young.

4. Susannah Mackey (bef 1772-aft 1804) m. Charles Grant, 2) Robert Friatt.

5. Rebecca Mackey (1770/80-1840/50) m. John Young, 2^nd William Powers.

6. David Mackey (c1765/72-aft 1816) m Sarah Potts.

7. William Lewis Mackey (c1769-c1862) m Elizabeth Ashbrook.

Alexander Mackey (III) was born before ca 1761, assuming he was at least 18 when he obtained a land grant in 1779. He was probably born in Albemarle Co., VA.

To be clear, I have no solid evidence that an Alexander III actually existed. However, certain documents hint at a man of this name being part of the family, but I could easily be misinterpreting that evidence and the records in question refer to either Alexander Sr or Jr.

As mentioned in his father’s section, the above land was entered, surveyed, and granted to Alexander Mackey in 1778 and 1779, no suffixes were used, suggesting he was the only one of that name in the county then, or at least the only one of legal age. It’s entirely possible this 1784 deed is in error listing him as “Junr” and this is Alexander (1726-1793) and not his son. If it is his son, then this shows Alexander (III) was in Rutherford by 1778 and still there in 1784.

Alternately, the above deed clearly says “Junr” but what if it was meant to say “Senr” instead and was transcribed wrong when the clerk copied it into the deed book? That would also mean there was a need to distinguish that Alexander from a younger man of the same name, thus also evidence of Alexander (III) being in the area and of age then.

This ends the evidence I have for Alexander III. What is your opinion? Did he actually exist, or am I conflating records of Sr and Jr and making them into an imaginary third person?

A theory I have, which I can’t prove at all, is that Alexander III did exist, and he married my ancestor Martha sometime in the 1780s, and that he died before 1788. She, then a widow, married Andrew Grant in 1788 in Rutherford, listed on the marriage bond as a McY (which was a semi-common way to render Mackey, McKay, etc. back then). Currently, I have Martha Mackey as a potential sister to Alexander Jr, thus a child of Alexander Sr, but I can’t prove that connection. I can’t prove my Alexander III theory either, but it works, if true.

John Mackey was born before ca 1761, assuming he was at least 16 when he enlisted in 1777, probably born in Albemarle Co., VA.

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

D 1. John, died a bachelor in Robertson county, Tenn.

The above is only half right. It’s true he never married, but he lived and died in Montgomery Co., TN, not Robertson, though he might have been in Robertson briefly which is next to Montgomery.

He is listed on the 30 Oct 1777 Roster of Captain Robert Porter’s Tryon County Company of soldiers as “John Mackey” the only Mackey included.

On 14 Sep 1786, John Mackie, with Timothy Riggs Esqr, witnessed an article of agreement between Richard Coulter and Rachel Surry. (Rutherford Co., NC Court Minutes October 1786.)

He was not listed on the 1790 census. He may have been with his father, but I don’t think so. Alexander did have two males over 16, one being himself, but I rather suspect the other one was William L. Mackey (c1773), his youngest son, and not John. This means John had already moved out and perhaps gone to Tennessee by then.

On 28 Dec 1784, John Mackey made a land entry in Tennessee Co., NC, as the area was then known. It was surveyed on 15 Nov 1785 and granted to him on 20 May 1790. By then the area was Davidson Co., TN. The land was described as at the fork of Blowing Grove the first creek on the north side of Cumberland River below the mouth of Red River. Entered 28 Dec 1784, surveyed 15 Nov 1785. (Montgomery Co., TN Deed Book A, p. 33.)

He may have already been living on the above land by 1790. Unfortunately, there is no 1790 census for Tennessee.

He was named in his father’s 1793 Will as his son “John.” Alexander left John’s share with his son William until John came to claim it.

Montgomery and Robertson Counties are on the Tennessee / Kentucky border just a little west of the northern center of the state. The two counties formed in 1796 when Tennessee County was split into Montgomery and Robertson. Part of the county was also claimed by Kentucky until 1821 when the line was established, with the Tennessee counties getting the disputed land.

Christian Co., KY bordered Montgomery and Robertson Co., TN. I mention this because John’s brother David Mackey moved to Christian Co., KY in the late 1790s. Perhaps John sent back good word of the region and they moved out there relatively nearby. The other Mackey siblings also wound up in the region.

On 13 Nov 1796, Robert Young, assignee of Duncan Morrison, made a land entry of 640 acres in Montgomery Co., TN on the Red River about two or three miles above Renfores station on said river joining where Williams lives ... including the plantation John Young and John Mackey tends. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 235)

The above shows Robert Young, John Young and John Mackey together in Tennessee in 1796.

John Mackey was listed in 1797 with 8? head of cattle valued at 6.80, apparently strays he brought in. (Tennessee Robertson County Wills Inventories & Bonds Vol I 1796-1812, p. 53.)

John Mackey is listed on the 1798 tax list in Montgomery Co., TN with two tracts of land, 590 acre home tract, and 640 acres on Blooming Grove. He was in Cpt. Wilson Gibson’s Company. I didn’t see any known relatives living in the same district with him on that list.

John Mackey and brother William Mackey are on the 1799 tax list in Montgomery Co., TN in Cpt Wilson Gibson’s Company. John is either listed twice, or there are two Johns. I believe the second entry was due to late filing and is the same John Mackey.

1799 Montgomery Co., TN Tax List

Cpt. Wilson Gibson’s Company

John Mackey no land, no white polls, no black polls,

William Mackey no land, one white poll, no black polls.

Came into court April & July

John Mackey, 590 acres, Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

On 15 Oct 1799 John Mackey sold Robert Prince his 640 acre land grant in Montgomery Co., TN. Witnessed by John Shelby and John Hyde. (Montgomery Co., TN Deed Book B, pp. 365-366.)

There are more records for John Mackey in Montgomery Co., TN. I didn’t abstract them all, only those that seemed most interesting. I could have missed something.

The 1800 census is lost for Tennessee.

John Mackey is on the 1801 tax list in Montgomery Co., TN with 590 acres. His brother David is listed with 1000 acres, but he didn’t live there apparently as there were no male taxables. Brothers-in-law John Young and Robert Young also owned land in that district, but didn’t live there. David was likely in Christian Co., KY then, and the Youngs were in Livingston Co., KY then. William Terrell Lewis was also there. This is either their uncle or another kinsman of the same name.

1801 Montgomery Co., TN Tax List

Cpt. Turner’s Company

David McKee, 1000 acres on Elk Creek, no white polls, no black polls.

John Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Wm & Robt Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Given at July court 1801

Wm T. Lewis, 4096 acres in different places, no white polls, no black polls.

John Mackey, 500 acres, 1 white poll.

Rebecca was John Mackey’s sister. Livingston Co., KY was about 90 miles from Montgomery Co.,TN, so that was a journey for John to travel there. He probably stayed awhile.

On 18 Dec 1809, John Mackey signed an Administration bond in Montgomery Co., TN for John Johnston to administer the estate of Nancy Fowler, deceased. The bondsmen were John Johnston, Archellus McFarlan, Marvel McFarlan, David McFadden and John Mackey. John was listed as John McKey in the upper section.

The 1810 census is lost for most of Tennessee, including Montgomery and Robertson counties.

On 3 Oct 1810, Achilles McFarland of Robertson Co., TN made a deed to John Mackey of Montgomery Co., TN for $80.12, he sold him land in Robertson on North side of Red River ... below James McFadden, ... in the barrens ... being 120 acres. Achillis McFarland signed. Witnesses were Alexander Brown and T. (or J.) Rogers. (Robertson Co., TN Deed Book ?*, pp. 318-321.) * Neither the cover or title pages of the deed book are included with the microfilmed records, so I don’t know what deed book this is in.

On 19 Apr 1814 John Mackey was listed as a juror in Montgomery.

On 19 Oct 1814 John McKey, Administrator of John Young, deceased, sued John Steele, Henry H. Bryan and Stephen Cocke, his securities, in Montgomery Co., TN court.

John Mackey made his Will on 24 Dec 1816 in Montgomery Co., TN, “being sick and weak in body but of sound sense mind and memory.” He named:

∙ to Joseph Moseby the land I now live on ... south side of the river

∙ Remainder of my land on north side of river to Alexander Young

∙ my friend Ruthy McFadin a Negro woman named Hannah

∙ to Peggy McFadin ... young bay mare ...

∙ Remainder to be sold and divided among:

∙ William Mackey twenty dollars

∙ Mary Young twenty dollars

∙ the balance equally divided between:

∙ David Mackey, Rebecca Powers and the heirs of Charles Grant deceased.

∙ My worthy friend David McFadin and Joseph Moseby my Executors.

∙ Signed: John Mackey

∙ Witnessed by Thos Morris, Blake Masingill

∙ Codicil (no date) my will is that Alexander Young and my executors make a good deed to William McFadin for the land I let him have. Signed John Mackey. Witnessed by James Walker, Jonathan L. McFadin.

The above wasn’t proven until April 1821, so he lived over 4 years after making the Will.

Since he had no wife or children of his own, John named siblings and their family as his heirs. Joseph Mosby is his nephew, married to Susannah Young, d/o John & Rebecca. Alexander Young is a nephew also, probably a brother to Susannah.

The McFadden’s were friends and neighbors.

The rest of those named are his siblings. Brother William Mackey, sister Mary Mackey Young (m Robert Young), brother David Mackey, sister Rebecca Mackey Powers (m 1 John Young, 2^nd William Powers), and sister Susannah Mackey Grant, who married Charles Grant, though he didn’t mention Susannah by name. Both she and Charles were dead by then.

John Mackey is listed in a newspaper ad dated 15 Apr 1820 as haven taken in a stray horse in Montgomery Co., TN.

He is listed on the 1820 census in Montgomery, next to Lewis Terrell, undoubtedly a kinsmen on his mother’s side, but I don’t know how exactly. Charles Grant is a few houses away, but this isn’t his brother-in-law Charles (who was dead), but another man of the same name.

1820 Census, Montgomery Co., TN

Page

Name

227

John McKey

Slaves=0000-0010

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 45+ (before 1775) John Mackey (bef 1761)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804) Nephew? Could be Alexander Young s/o John

1 slave

John Mackey died ca April 1821, for that’s when his Will was presented in court by Blake Massingill and Jonathan L. McFadden, witnesses.

On 25 Apr 1821 David McFadden came into Montgomery court and qualified as Executor of John’s Last Will and Testament.

On 1 Jun 1821, an estate sale was held for John Mackey’s estate. The purchasers included his nephews Alexander C. Young and David Grant.

On 20 Apr 1824 Elizabeth Young sued David McFadden, administrator of John Mackey, deceased. Apparently Mackey had been her guardian and she was entitled to something from the estate.

I would assume that Elizabeth was probably a sibling of Alexander C. Young.

Mary Mackey was named in her father’s 1793 will simply as daughter “Mary” with no surname given. She was named in her brother John Mackey’s 1816 will as “Mary Young.”

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

D 4. Mary, married a Mr. — Powers and died in Kentucky.

The above is incorrect. Mary Mackey married Robert Young. The author had Robert Young married to Susanna Mackey:

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

D 2. Susannah (sic), married Rob. Young and died near the Ohio river, perhaps in the State of Ohio, or Kentucky.

The above is also wrong, as the Youngs died in Missouri.

If Mary was married by ca 1782, which she may have been, then she was certainly at least 16 by then, thus born before ca 1766, probably in Albemarle Co., VA.

She married Robert Young, presumably in Rutherford Co., NC, perhaps in the early 1780s. He served on a jury in 1782, so at least 21 then, thus born before ca 1761.

Robert Young is a son of John Young (Sr), and a brother to John Young who married Rebecca Mackey.

There were two Robert Youngs listed on the 1782 Rutherford tax list, a Senior and Junior. I would assume ours is the younger of the two men.

1782 Rutherford Co., NC Tax List

Cpt. William Nevil’s Company

John Young, no land, no slaves, 4 horses, 6 cattle

Robert Younge Junr, no land, no slaves, 2 horses, 2 cattle

Robert Younge Senr, no land, no slaves, 4 horses, 16 cattle

William Younge, no land, no slaves, 4 horses, 7 cattle

In October 1782 Rutherford County Court, Alexander Mackey and Robert Young and others were listed as jurors in the case against John Goodbread charged with Treason and Felony against the State of North Carolina (for alleged Tory activities during the War).

On 31 Jan 1784, Robert Young made a land entry in Tennessee Co., NC for 640 acres of land on the west fork of Red River. The land was surveyed 26 Feb 1785 and granted on 11 Jul 1788 when the area was Davidson Co., NC (now TN). (Robertson Co., TN Deed Book A, p. 42.)

The above land was sold by Robert Young of Hawkins Co., TN to Duncan Stewart on 24 Sep 1800, which location suggests this wasn’t our Robert Young as ours wasn’t known to be in the Hawkins area in 1800. Signed by Robert Young, witnessed by W. Armstrong and Geo Mosewell. (Montgomery Co., TN Deed Book C, pp. 123-124.)

On 14 Jun 1786, Alexander Mackey made a deed with Joseph Williams, for 30 pounds, he sold 150 acres on Horse Creek a branch of Pacolet granted to him 13 Aug 1779. Signed by Alexander Mackey. Witnessed by Robert Young, David Mackey and Richard Still. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book I, pp. 413-414.)

On 18 Dec 1788, Robert Young signed as the bondsman for the marriage bond of Andrew Grant and Mashew Mcy (Martha Mackey) in Rutherford County, North Carolina. Martha is probably Mary’s aunt.

Robert Young was listed on the 1790 census in Rutherford County. I don’t know if this is our Robert Young or the older one. Judging by the size of his household this might very well be the older one. On the other hand, it could still be ours. Two John Youngs were just a few houses away, one his father, the other his brother.

1790 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, 12^th Company

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
145	Robt Young	3	2	3	~	3
145	Jno Young	2	~	4	~	~
145	Jno Young	2	1	2	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

3m 16+ (before 1774) 1. Robert Young (bef 1761)

2. Son? Brother?

3. Son? Brother?

2m -16 (1774/1790) 1. John Mackey Young (c1774/1790) son

2. Lewis Musick Young (c1774/1790) son

3f (before 1790) 1. Mary Mackey Young (bef 1766) wife

2. Susannah Mackey (c1785), daughter

3. Daughter?

3 Slaves 1. Tom

2. Harry

3. ?

I’m not entirely sure the above is our Robert, but it could be. If so, the older “sons” may be siblings instead unless he was old enough to have sons aged 16 and up by 1790.

On 31 Dec 1792 Robert Young signed as the bondsman for the marriage bond of Littleton Sims and Hannah Mitchell in Rutherford County.

On 23 Feb 1793, Mary was named in her father’s Will as “daughter Mary.” He did not include her surname nor mention whether she was married or not, however, he left her the very same land he deeded to her husband in 1791 (though he didn’t mention the deed in the Will), thus proving that’s who she was married to.

On 17 Jul 1793, Robert Young sold two slaves (Tom, age 28 and Harry age 20) to James Miller. Witnesses were Richard Lewis and Jams Norris. The 1790 census showed that Robert Young had 3 slaves that year. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book A page 18.)

On 2 Jun 1795, Abraham Musick Sr, Robert Young and Jannet Musick, all of Rutherford, sold 50 acres to John McKinney, this being the same land granted to John Musick deceased on 8 Oct 1783 on the head waters of Skiwaka Creek known by the name of the “Great Table of Tryon Mountain.” Witnesses were Allin Twitty and David McBryer. I believe this shows that Robert as well as Abraham and Jannet Musick were the executors or Administrators of the estate of John Musick, deceased. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book Q page 121.)

It appears that Robert and Mary and family joined their brother John Mackey in the west ca 1796. John resided in Tennessee very near the Kentucky border.

On 17 Oct 1796 Robert Young, assignee of the heirs of Duncan Morris, made a land entry of 640 acres in Davidson Co., NC (now TN) on north side of Red River on Spring Branch some distance below the Virginia line (now would be Kentucky line). I don’t know if this is the same Robert Young, but I mention this since John Mackey was in these same records in this same area. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 224)

The above is in Montgomery Co., TN now, I believe, or possibly in Robertson County.

On 13 Nov 1796, Robert Young, assignee of Duncan Morrison, made another land entry of 640 acres in Montgomery Co., TN on the Red River about two or three miles above Renfores station on said river joining where Williams lives ... including the plantation John Young and John Mackey tends. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 235)

The above shows Robert Young, John Young and John Mackey together in Tennessee.

On 19 Jan 1797, Robert Young and James Norfleet witnessed a deed between James Taylor of Montgomery Co., TN to Isaac Dortch of Robertson Co., TN. (Robertson Co., TN Deed Book B, p. 8.)

On 6 Feb 1797 Robert Young, assignee of John Morris, entered land in Davidson Co., TN on south side of Cumberland River joining upper boundary of Sparklers Preemption at the mouth of Sams Creek and running up the river. I don’t know if this is the same Robert Young.

(Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 247.)

On 17 Aug 1797, Robert Young, assignee of Shadrack Modlin, entered 228 acres in Montgomery Co., TN on north side of Red River in the “barron” ... including the Frenches improvement ... 17 Aug 1797, surveyed 5 Jun 1801. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 353)

On 16 Sep 1797 Robert Young, assignee of Shadrach Modlin, entered 228 acres on the west fork of Red River joining Col. Barton’s survey and Rosses line. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 368.)

On 29 Aug 1798 Robert Young, assignee of Martin Armstrong Sr, entered 25 acres of land on Spring Creek waters of West Fork Red River above Thompsons Survey. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 359)

Robert Young is not listed on the 1798 tax list in Montgomery Co., TN where John Mackey was at that time. Nor was he listed on the 1799 tax list there, though John Mackey had been joined by brother William Mackey by then. Him not being listed suggests his land was actually in Robertson County, which may be where he resided.

Records suggest they were already entering land in Missouri (then Louisiana Territory) by 1799, and may have moved there right around the same time.

The 1800 census is lost for each area of interest, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri.

Robert Young is not listed on the 1800-1806 tax lists in Livingston Co., KY where John Young and wife Rebecca Mackey Young resided those years. He was already in Missouri by then.

On 9 May 1801, Robert Young, assignee of Martin Armstrong Sr, transferred 75 acres of land on Spring Creek to Caleb Lindsay, joining Blunts 1000 acres. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 359)

Robert Young (with William Young), John Young, David Mackey and John Mackey were all listed on the 1801 tax list in Montgomery Co., TN. However, of those, only John Mackey resided there. The rest had land there which they were taxed for.

1801 Montgomery Co., TN Tax List

Cpt. Turner’s Company

David McKee, 1000 acres on Elk Creek, no white polls, no black polls.

John Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Wm & Robt Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Given at July court 1801

Wm T. Lewis, 4096 acres in different places, no white polls, no black polls.

John Mackey, 500 acres, 1 white poll.

They were in Missouri for sure by late 1801, for on 15 Dec 1801, a marriage license was issued for John Richardson, son of James Richardson and Lady Spencer, native of Pennsylvania, Protestant, to marry Susannah Young, minor daughter of “Robert Young and Marie Mackey,” native of North Carolina, Protestant. Those present were: Susanah Young, Rob Young, John Young, Vincent Cannio, L. Musick Young, John Young, Marg. Young.

On 23 Feb 1802, Robert’s father John Young made his Will in St. Louis, MO. In it, he named:

∙ my son Roben Young

∙ grandson John Mackey Young son of Roben

∙ grandson Lewis Musick Young son of Roben

∙ sons John and Roben

∙ dau Aner Cockerham

∙ gr dau Sarah Cockerham

∙ dau Sarah Lindsay

∙ grandson Alexander Young and Polly Young son and dau of my son John Young

∙ my sons Roben and John my Executors.

∙ Signed: John Young

∙ Witnessed by James Richardson.

“Roben” or “Robin” is a nickname for “Robert.”

In July 1804, Robert Young made a sworn statement that about the year 1800, James Macky* surveyed a tract of land on which Joseph Williams now lives and that Robert Young was a chain carrier for the survey. In the next statement it is stated by someone else that Robert Young now lived on that land. Robert Young enters (claims) 520 arpens of land. Next, John Sullens states that he and Robert Young cleared that land in 1802. Then, David Musick makes a statement that in 1801, he (Musick) was a tenant on Joseph Williams land. (Land Record Book, pp. 22-25.)

* James Mackay (d 1822) was not related to our Mackeys. He was a surveyor, judge, and commander in the region and from Scotland, a son of George Mackay. However, I did see James Mackay’s name on several of the Robert Young documents, but that was mostly in his official capacity, not as a kinsmen. In his lengthy Will, James bemoans not having any relations on “this side of the ocean” thus we can conclude he isn’t related to the Alexander Mackey family. James is included in the Mackey book on page 353.

There is a record, in English of Robert Young, William Woodward and Asa Musick claiming 500 arpens of land, of which Young transfers 2/3 of it to the other two men. This appears to be in 1804.

The next entry, in French, refers to Robert Young and Mary Mackay. I don’t know why she’s listed as a Mackey here, unless it was necessary to include her maiden name. James Mackay is also listed in that document. I translated part of it, perhaps accurately:

Robert Young has explained that he has lived in the country for more than ten years with his wife and six children ...

If I’m reading and translating it correctly, he was applying for an appointment to some post, though this record is in the land book. James Mackey was listed in an official capacity, not necessarily a relative. (Missouri Record of Land Titles, Book C., p. 207.)

On 2 Feb 1805, Robert Young and wife Mary made a deed to James Mackay for $150, for 160 acres being the south part of a grant to Robert Young. Robert Young and Mary Young signed the deed. Witnesses were Elizabeth Long, John Long, J. Mackey Young. (City of St. Louis, MO Deed Book A, p. 336.)

On 26 Nov 1805, Asa Musick and wife Elizabeth, of St. Louis, Territory of Louisiana, made a deed to Robert Young of the same place, for 240as French measurement, being near the lower end of Point Labadie, south side of Missouri. Signed by Asa Musick and Elizabeth Musick, both with marks. Witnessed by David Bryan and Ephraim Musick. It was acknowledged in court by Asa Musick before James Mackay, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. (Missouri Record of Land Titles, Book C., p. 302.)

Asa Musick is almost certainly a relative, but I don’t know how exactly. Ephraim Musick is Mary Mackey Young’s 1^st cousin.

In the same book above and on the same date (26 Nov 1805), Robert Young and wife Mary made a deed to Asa Musick for $400 for 169 acres. This one was signed by Robert Young and Mary Young, witnessed by David Bryant and Ephraim Music. (Missouri Record of Land Titles, Book C., p. 208.)

There is a record in French just above the 2^nd deed that lists Robert Young and Mary M. Young, William Woodland, William Campbell, John McQuick and James Mackay, dated August 1804, I don’t know French well enough to translate that document. (Missouri Record of Land Titles, Book C., p. 208.)

On 29 Nov 1805, John Richardson and wife Susannah Richardson made a deed to Robert Young “my father in law.” John and Susannah signed. Witnesses were David Bryan, James Richardson and Jene Richardson. (City of St. Louis, MO Deed Book A, pp. 233-234.)

On 17 Apr 1807, Robert Young and wife Mary, of the District of St. Louis, territory of Louisiana, made a deed with James Stephen of the same place, for $455 they sold him 240 “arpens” [an Arpent is about 0.84 acre] of land that they purchased from Asa Musick and wife on 25 Nov 1805. Robert Young and Mary Young both signed. Witnesses were Robert Owen and John Richardson. The receipt of the payment, same date, was witnessed by J. Mackay, listed in the next paragraph as James Mackay a judge of the court of St. Louis District. (City of St. Louis, MO Deed Book A, pp. 449-450.)

There are other deeds and court records for Robert Young in St. Louis. I didn’t abstract them all, many with James Mackay as the registrant, so in an official capacity. Sometimes as Santiago Mackey. Santiago is Spanish for St. James.

The 1810 census is lost for Missouri.

Robert Young is on an 1811 tax list (or land entry list, not sure) with 500 acres in St. Louis.

Mary Young was named in her brother John Mackey’s 1816 will in Montgomery Co., TN, though he didn’t state a relationship nor give her residence, but she was in the section with his other siblings. He left her $20.

The 1820 census is lost for Missouri.

The 1830 census is extant for Missouri. I didn’t find a listing for either Robert or Mary Young in St. Louis nor elsewhere in Missouri. Both may have been dead by then, or residing with married children.

Robert said in 1804 that he had six children. I’ve only identified three so far, daughter Susannah, proven by her 1801 marriage record, and sons John Mackey Young and Lewis Musick Young, proven by their grandfather John Young’s 1802 Will.

I have no additional data on Robert and Mary at this time. I have only done a cursory search for records in Missouri. There might be much still there waiting to be found.

Susannah Mackey was named in her father’s 1793 will simply as daughter “Susannah” with no surname given. She was not yet married at that time. She wasn’t named in her brother John Mackey’s 1816 will as she was dead by then, but the heirs of Charles Grant, deceased were left something. That was her husband.

She was born before ca 1772 if we assume she was at least 16 in 1786 when she witnessed a deed. She was likely born in Albemarle Co., VA.

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

D 2. Susannah, married Rob. Young and died near the Ohio river, perhaps in the State of Ohio, or Kentucky.

The above is incorrect. It was Mary Mackey who married Robert Young. Susanna Mackey married Charles Grant of whom the author made no mention. (See 1816 Will of John Mackey, above.)

The above has to be the daughter Susannah Mackey, and not Alexander’s wife Susannah Lewis Mackey, as it would be improper for his wife to witness a deed to him, and was also supposedly dead by then.

In January 1789 Rutherford court, Susannah Macky charged her attendance in the suit of John Callahan against William Grant, Esqr on behalf of the plaintiff for five days. This could be the mother or the daughter, except the mother was supposedly dead before then.

On 23 Feb 1793, Susannah was named in her father’s Will as “daughter Susanah.” No surname was listed. She was still single at this time.

On 22 Sep 1794 Shuanna Mackey (a very odd way to spell Susanna, but occurs a lot in Rutherford County records of this era), and David Mackey, both of Rutherford, made a deed to David McBrayer for (sum left blank), they sold 100 acres on Wheat Creek a branch of Green River granted to Alexander Mackey on 28 Oct 1782. Signed by Shuanna Mackey. Witnessed by Samuel McBrayer, Robert Young and Charles Grant. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book O, p. 184.)

Susanna Mackey married Charles Grant between the above 1794 deed and ca 1796 in Rutherford Co., NC.

Charles Grant was born before ca 1767 in Virginia, a son of William Grant and Mary (—). He is my uncle. His brother Andrew Grant is my ancestor. Andrew married Martha Mackey in 1788, who was probably an aunt to Susannah Mackey.

Susannah’s brother David Mackey moved to Christian Co., KY by 1797. Soon afterward, the Grants and David Mackey’s mother-in-law, Mary Potts, and several of her children joined them there. Christian Co., KY bordered Robertson and Montgomery Co., TN at that time, so this put them very near brother John Mackey, who’d been there awhile by then.

Charles Grant died ca 1803, leaving Susannah widowed with three small children.

Susannah Mackey Grant remarried on 9 Jul 1804 to Robert Friatt in Christian Co., KY. He was born ca 1759 in Berkeley Co., VA (now WV), and was a Revolutionary War soldier. He was 45 when he married Susannah, so it’s reasonable to assume he’d been married prior to her, but I have no information on that.

Robert is listed on the 1804 through 1809 tax lists in Christian Co., KY.

He is listed on the 1810 census in Christian County. Susanna isn’t with him, having probably died before then. There is one young child at home.

1810 Census, Christian Co., KY

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

595

Robert Friat

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 45+ (before 1765) Robert Friatt (c1759)

1f 0-9 (1800/1810) Daughter? Granddaughter?

Robert moved to Illinois by ca 1812 and lived until ca 1845 in Jefferson Co., IL. He seems to have married again based on his 1830 and 1840 census entries, each showing a woman in her 50s residing with him (same age group both censuses). I don’t know who she was.

Susannah’s brother John Mackey never married. In his Will dated 1816 he left money to the heirs of Charles Grant, deceased, but didn’t name them. One of them, David Grant, purchased items as John’s Estate sale. John didn’t mention any Friatt children, so Susannah must not have had any with her second husband, or none that lived.

Court records proven that Susannah and Charles had three children, David Grant, William Grant and Alexander Grant, all likely born in Christian Co., KY.

See my Grant pages for more on this family. Charles Grant is a brother of my ancestor Andrew Grant who married Martha Mackey.

Rebecca Mackey was named in her father’s 1793 will simply as daughter “Rebekah” with no surname given. She was named in her brother John Mackey’s 1816 will as “Rebecca Powers.”

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

D 3. Rebecca, married John Young and died near the Ohio river.

She was born between 1770 and 1780 per her age on the 1830 census. This agrees with her 1810 census entry showing her born between 1765 and 1784.

She was probably in Albemarle Co., VA though could have been born in Rutherford Co., NC if born between 1777 and 1780.

She married John Young, presumably before 1790, though I don’t know for sure when they married. John Young was a witness to Susannah’s father’s 1793 Will, so probably married by then. John Young is a brother to Robert Young (married Mary Mackey), both sons of John Young Sr.

John Young (Sr) is listed on the 1782 Rutherford tax list. This is the father of our John.

1782 Rutherford Co., NC Tax List

Cpt. William Nevil’s Company

John Young, no land, no slaves, 4 horses, 6 cattle

Robert Younge Junr, no land, no slaves, 2 horses, 2 cattle

Robert Younge Senr, no land, no slaves, 4 horses, 16 cattle

William Younge, no land, no slaves, 4 horses, 7 cattle

On 8 Sep 1787 John Young, assignee of Isaac Sellon, entered 274 acres of land in Robertson Co., TN on the north side of Saplin Lick Branch near the Yellow Bank on the north side of Cumberland River and on waters of North Fork of Red River. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 363)

I don’t know of the above is our John Young or not, but he was in that same area later.

There are two John Youngs on the 1790 census in Rutherford County, both near Robert Young. One of these is our John, the other is his father.

1790 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, 12^th Company

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
145	Robt Young	3	2	3	~	3
145	Jno Young	2	~	4	~	~
145	Jno Young	2	1	2	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

2m 16+ (before 1774) 1. John Young (bef 1774)

2. Son? Brother?

1m -16 (1774/1790) Alexander Young (1774/90) son

2f (before 1790) 1. Rebecca Mackey Young (1770/80), wife

2. Mary Young (bef 1790) daughter

On 23 Feb 1793, Rebecca was named in her father’s Will as “daughter Rebekah.” Her surname wasn’t stated. Her husband John Young was a witness to the Will.

The above shows Robert Young, John Young and John Mackey together in Tennessee by 1796.

On 14 Aug 1797 Duncan Stewart, assignee of John Young, entered 228 acres on the south side of the Piny Fork of the west fork of Red River edge of the barrons run ... (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 353)

The above might be a different John Young. It’s difficult to be certain.

On 13 Sep 1797, John Young, assignee of William Scott, transferred to Thomas Smith, 228 acres in Robertson Co., TN on Sumners Branch of the North Fork of Red River 300 yards west of Kentucky Road. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937)

On 20 Sep 1797, John Young was mentioned in a deed from Archibald Young of Rutherford, as agent and attorney for John Young to sell property to David Miller, being on Walnut Creek, formerly belonging to John Young Sr. Witnesses were D. Dickey, and Thomas Grant. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 7 page 76.)

The 1800 census is lost for Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, the places they might have been at that time.

However, John Young is listed on the 1800 census in Livingston Co., KY. Another John is listed, perhaps a nephew (I think John Sr was already in MO by 1800.) Brother-in-law William Mackey is in Livingston as well.

1800 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

John Young, 1 white male over 21

William Young, 1 white male over 21

District 2

William McKey, 1 white male over 21

John Young Senr, 1 white male over 21

John Young Jr, 1 white male over 21

Josiah Young, 1 white male over 21

On 4 Jun 1800, John Young, assignee of “frnas” Byrd, entered land in Robertson and Sumner Co., TN on the waters of Middle Fork of “said river” in the barrens running east and south ... to include land on both sides of the Kentucky road. (Tennessee Davidson County Land Record 1788-93, WPA, 1937, p. 208)

In 1801, I found John Mackey, David Mackey, John Young and Robert Young listed on the 1801 tax list in Montgomery Co., TN. David, John and Robert were land only listings, with no white male taxables meaning they didn’t live there. That agrees with what we know about them. David was likely in Christian Co., KY then, and John Young was in Livingston Co., KY and Robert Young in Missouri.

William Terrell Lewis was also there. This is either their uncle or another kinsman of the same name.

1801 Montgomery Co., TN Tax List

Cpt. Turner’s Company

David McKee, 1000 acres on Elk Creek, no white polls, no black polls.

John Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Wm & Robt Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Given at July court 1801

Wm T. Lewis, 4096 acres in different places, no white polls, no black polls.

John Mackey, 500 acres, 1 white poll.

Two John Youngs are on the 1801 tax list in Livingston Co., KY. This is our John and perhaps a nephew. It’s not his father, and I don’t believe it’s his son as he’s too old.

1801 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 2

William McKee, no land, 1 white male over 21

John Young, 200 acres Crooked Creek, 2 white males over 21

John Young, no land, 1 white male over 21

William Young, no land, 1 white male over 21

There is an 1801 deed in Livingston that shows that William Young’s wife was named Polly (mentioned just for reference, as Polly is short for Mary, and we are also interested in Mary Mackey Young, not to be confused with this one).

On 5 May 1801, the Livingston court added 400 acres of taxable land for John Young. This doesn’t appear on his 1802 tax entry though, nor on Rebecca’s after John died, but Rebecca has it removed in 1805.

1802 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

Joseph Reed’s District

William Young, no land, 1 white male over 21

John Young, 200a Crooked Creek, no land, 1 white male over 21

On 23 Feb 1802, John’s father John Young (Sr) made his Will in St. Louis, MO. In it, he named:

∙ my son Roben Young

∙ grandson John Mackey Young son of Roben

∙ grandson Lewis Musick young son of Roben

∙ sons John and Roben

∙ dau Aner Cockerham

∙ gr dau Sarah Cockerham

∙ dau Sarah Lindsay

∙ grandson Alexander Young and Polly Young son and dau of my son John Young

∙ my sons Roben and John my Executors.

∙ Signed: John Young

∙ Witnessed by James Richardson.

I didn’t find any Youngs listed on the 1803 Livingston tax list. A Powers appeared for the first time. I believe John Young and family may have temporarily moved to Missouri.

1803 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Zelemon? Powers, 1 white male over 21

John Young died in 1803, presumably in Livingston Co., KY, or perhaps in St. Louis Co., MO.

On 5 Dec 1803, in Livingston Co., KY court, Rebekah Young and John Mackey came into court and entered bond for administration of the estate of John Young, deceased. Securities were Enoch Prince, John Young and Robert Kirk. I suspect the younger John Young was a nephew, but I don’t know who his father was. It’s possible he’s John’s own son.

Rebecca Young is listed on the 1804 Livingston tax list as “Widow Young” with 200 acres on Crooked Creek.

1804 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Zelemin Powers, 1 white male over 21

Widow Young, 200a Crooked Creek, no white male over 21

Jno Young, no land, 1 white male over 21

Wm Young, 1 white male over 21

In Dec 1804 court, Rebekah Young and David McKey (her brother) and Richard Minner signed an Administration bond for her to administer the estate of John Young Senr, deceased. In the same court sessions she registered her “ear mark” (how she marked her livestock). (Livingston Co., KY Court Records 1804-1807.)

On 6 Mar 1805, Rebecca Young & John Mackey, adm. of John Young, deceased, brought a suit against Zachariah Askey, for debt.

On 1 Apr 1805, in court, Rebecca Young had 400 acres removed from her taxable property. She didn’t have that much land on the previous tax list. Her late husband had 400 acres added in 1801, but I never saw it on the tax lists. Perhaps it was land entered, but never granted.

On 8 Oct 1805, in Livingston Court, Rebekah Young removed 150 acres from her taxable land. It doesn’t say why, perhaps she sold some. (Livingston Co., KY Court Records 1804-1807.)

On 5 Nov 1805 in Court, John Young removed 152 acres and Rebekah Young removed 200 acres from their taxable property. (Livingston Co., KY Court Records 1804-1807.)

Rebecca Young is listed on the 1805 tax list in Livingston. John Young now has 200 acres on Crooked Creek, but I don’t know if that’s the same land Rebecca had. It could be. If so, this strongly suggests he’s her son, unless she simply sold it to him.

1805 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Wm McKee, 1 white male over 21

Wm Powers, 1 white male over 21

Wm Young, 1 white male over 21

Jno Young, 200a Crooked Creek, 1 white male over 21

Rebeka Young, 200a (marked out), no white males over 21

On 7 Jul 1806 the Livingston court ordered that John Givens, Edward Lacey Sr, and Robert Kirk be appointed to settle with Rebekah Powers late Rebekah Young related to her Administration of the estate of Webb Nance, decd. (Her late husband John Young had been administrator of that estate.) This record show that Rebecca had remarried by this date.

Rebecca wasn’t listed on the 1806 tax list by name. However, by this time she’d remarried to William Powers. He was on the 1805 tax list, but not the 1806 list, unless I missed him.

1806 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Wm McKee, 1 white male over 21

Zelimon Powers, 1 white male over 21

John Young, 200a Crooked Creek, 1 white male over 21

Wm Young, 1 white male over 21

District 2

Joseph Young, 1 white male over 21

Benjamin Young, 1 white male over 21

James Young, 1 white male over 21

John Young, 200a Lick, 1 white male over 21

Note, some of the Youngs in the other district were children of Josiah Young, deceased.

The 1807 tax list shows William Powers with land Rebecca entered, proving he’s her husband.

1807 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Jos Young, 1 white male over 21

Benj Young, 1 white male over 21

Jas Young, 1 white male over 21

Jho Young, 200a Lick Cr, 1 white male over 21

District 2

Wm McKee, 1 white male over 21

Wm Powers, 200a Hurricane? Creek. Entered in Rebekah Young’s name, 1 white male over 21

“” and 200a Hurricane, entered in Walter Trimble’s name.

Zeleman Powers, 1 white male over 21

Wm Young, 200a, 1 white male over 21

John Young, 200a Crooked Creek, 1 white male over 21

Henery Young, no land, 1 white male over 21

William Powers is listed on the 1808 tax list.

1808 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Wm McKee, 1 white male over 21

Wm Powers, 200a, 1 white male over 21

Sofia? Young, 200a Hurricane, 1 white male over 21

Henery Young, 1 white male over 21

Wm Young, 1 white male over 21

District 2

Danl Young, 200a [the enumerations for this page were missing]

Benj. Young, 400a

Jno Young, 200a

Geo Young

Josh Young

William Powers is listed on the 1809 tax list. Robert Young appears on the list for the first time, but that isn’t Rebecca’s brother-in-law. It could be her son though, but it’s more likely the same Robert who is a proven orphan of Josiah Young.

1809 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 2

Zeleman Powers, 1 white male over 21

Wm Powers, 200a, 1 white male over 21

S. John Young, 200a, 1 white male over 21

Robt Young, 200a, 1 white male over 21

Wm Young, 1 white male over 21

William Powers is on the 1810 tax list.

1810 Livingston Co., KY Tax List

District 1

Wm Powers, 100a Hurricane, 1 white male over 21

Ditto, 200a Crooked Creek

Zilman Powers, 1 white male over 21

William Young, 200a Deer Creek, 1 white male over 21

Robert Young, 200a Trade Water, 1 white male over 21

John Young, 200a Crooked Creek, 1 white male over 21

James Young, 1 white male over 21

William Powers is on the 1810 census in Livingston Co., KY. Other names of interest are included below.

1810 Census, Livingston Co., KY

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

708

Zillman Powers

709

William Young

713

Robert Young

715

John Young

715

William Powers

727

James Young

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) William Powers (1780/84)

1m 10-15 (1794/1800) Son? Step-son?

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Rebecca Mackey Young Powers (1770/80), wife

2f 16-25 (1784/1794) 1. Daughter? Step-Daughter?

2. Susannah Young (1790/94) step-daughter > m 1812

2f 0-9 (1800/1810) 1. Daughter? Step-Daughter?

2. Rebecca Powers (1806/10) daughter

On 19 Oct 1814 John McKey, Administrator of John Young, deceased, sued John Steele, Henry H. Bryan and Stephen Cocke, his securities, in Montgomery Co., TN court.

On 15 Jan 1816 Rebekah Powers administratrix and John McKey, administrator, [of John Young, deceased], returned and inventory and appraise bill of said decedents estate.

Rebecca’s brother John Mackey never married. In his Will dated 1816 he left money to Rebecca Powers. He didn’t state that she was his sister, but she was in the section with his other siblings.

On 16 Dec 1816, in Livingston Co, KY court, John Young, Arthur Love and Richard Minner commissioners appointed to settle with Rebekah Powers and John McKey, administrators of John Young this day made return that the (sic) find in the hands of said Administrators the sum of $722.24 cents after making all reasonable allowances. (Livingston Co., KY Court Records 1816-1822, p. 40.)

The above proves that John Young can’t be a child of Rebecca, because he couldn’t be unbiased in settling the estate of the elder John Young, to which he would be an heir. However, a nephew, still related, could claim to be unbiased, as not an heir. Still improper by the standards of today, but very common back then.

There were no Powers listed on the 1820 census in Livingston Co., KY. They were still alive though, but not listed for some reason. They may have already moved into the newly opened territory and been missed by the census taker.

In 1821, McCracken County was formed from part of Livingston, becoming effective in 1825. The family either lived in that section already or moved there after it opened up. (It had been Indian Territory until 1818.)

On 29 Oct 1825, Henry Buckler obtained a marriage bond in McCracken Co., KY to marry Rebecca Powers (not Rebecca Mackey Young Powers, but her daughter). Joseph Mosby (the younger Rebecca’s brother-in-law) was a witness. They were married 30 Oct 1825 by P. Williams, Justice of the Peace. William Powers gave permission for his daughter to marry.

I wasn’t able to find the Powers on the 1830 census, but interestingly enough, two of their sons-in-law, Henry Buckler and Joseph Mosby, were in McCracken Co., KY that year, near each other. Buckler had an older man and woman with them, aged 50-59 each, i.e. born 1770/1780. Is that William Powers and wife Rebecca? It could be, or it could be Buckler’s own parents instead. The Powers were still alive at that time, so it might be them.

William Powers is on the 1840 census in McCracken.

1840 Census, McCracken Co., KY

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

William Powers

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 50-59 (1780/1790) William Powers (1780/1784)

1f 60-69 (1770/1780) Rebecca Mackey Young Powers (1770/1780), wife

I didn’t find either of them on the 1850 census. They may have died in the 1840s in McCracken, or in Ballard county which was created from McCracken in the 1840s.

Rebecca and her first husband John Young had children Alexander and Mary as proven by John’s father’s 1802 Will. They also had a daughter Sarah Young who married in 1807 with William Powers as bondsman (doesn’t prove she was Rebecca’s child, but strongly suggests it), and Susannah Young who married in 1812 with William Powers as bondsman. There is an Elizabeth Young for whom John Mackey was a guardian, likely a child of John and Rebecca’s. Finally, Rebecca and her second husband Willam Powers had Rebecca Powers, proven by her 1825 marriage bond which lists William Powers as her father.

There are possibly other Young and Powers children as well, but they remain unidentified.

David Mackey was born ca 1765/1772 based on two records. First, he had to be at least 14 to witness a legal document, so an 1786 deed puts David’s birth date at ca 1772 or before. The 1810 census lists him as 26-44, or born ca 1765/1784. The two combine to ca 1765/1772 which is right in line with what we would expect.

He was probably born in Albemarle Co., VA.

He was named in his father’s 1793 Will as son “David” and also named as one of the Executors. He was named in his brother John Mackey’s 1816 will as “David Mackey” no relationship stated.

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

On 29 Oct 1788, David Mackey obtained a marriage bond in Rutherford County to marry Sally Potts. Henry Lewis (probably a cousin) was the bondsman.

Sarah “Sally” Potts was born ca 1765/84 per her 1810 census entry. Combine that with her marriage date of 1788, assuming she was at least 16 then, she was born before ca 1774, thus we can narrow it down to 1765/74. She is almost certainly a child of John Potts and wife Mary.

On 31 Dec 1788, David Macky, William Grant, Jeremiah Smith and Charles Grant, all witnessed a deed from Edward Hagon to his wife Christian Hagon. (Rutherford Co, NC Wills and Miscellaneous Records Book A page 34.)

David Mackey was listed twice on the 1790 census, both times in the 1st Company of Rutherford. It is possible that there were two David Mackeys, but since both listings were the same, I assume one was an accidental duplicate. The first entry had David next door to his father Alexander on one side, and Uncle Stephen Willis on the other side. The second listing showed him between John Evans and James Morris.

1790 Census, Rutherford Co., NC, 1^st Company

Page	Name	Males 16+	Males under 16	Females	Others	Slaves
130	David Macay	1	~	1	~	~
130	David Macay	1	~	1	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 16+ (before 1774) David Mackey (1765/1772)

1f (before 1790) Sarah Potts Mackey (1765/1774) wife

On 23 Feb 1793, David was named in his father’s Will as “son David.” He was also named as one of the Executors of the Will.

On 16 Oct 1794 David Mackey made a deed to Thomas Wharey, both of Rutherford, for 100 pounds, two tracts, combined at 100 acres. Signed by David Mackey. Witnessed by Richard Lewis. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book M, pp. 103-104.)

On 21 Mar 1796, David and William Mackey and Thomas Wharey, all of Rutherford County, as Executors of the Will of Alexander Mackey, made note that he (Alexander) had bequeathed 50 acres to Anna Willis, and that she has agreed for the executors to make the deed over to her son Joel Terrell, for land on Main Broad River. This being land granted to Alexander Mackey on 28 Oct 1782. Witnesses were Robert Dickey and David Dicky. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book 3, pp. 209-210.)

Around 1796, David Mackey, his sister Susannah and her husband Charles Grant, his widowed mother-in-law Mary Potts, several of her children, and probably other families from Rutherford, moved to Christian Co., KY. This was on the Tennessee border next to Montgomery Co., TN where his brother John Mackey had moved a few years earlier. Their sisters Mary Young and Rebecca Young also moved to that region around this time, though both of them moved on from there pretty quickly.

David Mackey is listed on the 1797 tax list in Christian Co., KY as is brother-in-law Charles Grant. His Potts in-laws hadn’t arrived yet, apparently.

1797 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date

Name

Land

Tith.

Tot

Horses

6 May

Charles Grant

6 May

David McKey

I didn’t find him on the 1798 tax list. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that I couldn’t find the Grants or Potts on this tax list either. A section could be missing, or the family moved en mass somewhere, but soon returned. I doubt that’s what happened.

David was in Christian Co., KY for the 1799 tax list. Brother-in-law Charles Grant is listed, as is future brother-in-law Robert Fryatt. William McKee is listed in the other district. That *could* be his brother William Mackey who supposedly lived in Christian County briefly.

1799 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 1
-	William McKee	-	1	-	-	-	-
	List 2
3 May	Robert Fryatt	-	1	-	-	-	1
3 May	Charles Grant	-	1	-	-	-	2
3 May	David McKey	-	1	-	-	-	3

The 1800 census is lost for Tennessee and Kentucky, but he would likely have been listed in Christian Co., KY. He was on the tax list there that year. Brother-in-law Charles Grant is also listed, and future brother-in-law Robert Fryatt. David’s mother-in-law Mary Potts makes her first appearance. She has a male over 21 with her, which is probably John Potts.

1800 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
17 Jun	Robert Fryatt	200a 2^nd - Little R - R. Friatt - same	1	-	-	-	1
6 May	Charles Grant	200a 2^nd - Little R - C. Grant - same	1	-	-	-	1
6 May	David Macky	120a 2^nd - Little R - D. Macky- same	1	-	-	-	2
17 May	Mary Potts	150a 3^rd - Little R - M. Potts - same	1	-	-	1	5

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

David Mackey is on the 1801 tax list in Christian Co., KY with the same in-laws as before also listed.

1801 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 2
14 Apr	Robert Fryatt	-	1	-	-	-	2
14 Apr	Charles Grant	200a 2^nd - Little R - C. Grant - same	1	-	-	-	2
	“	200a 2^nd - Little R - A. McWatters - same
	“	200a 2^nd - Little R - D. Persithe - T. Morris
	“	105a 2^nd - Little R - T. Morris - same
14 Apr	David Macky	120a 2^nd - Little R - D. Macky - same	1	-	-	-	2
14 Apr	Mary Potts	150a 2^nd - Little R - M. Potts - same	-	1	-	1	7

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

David is also listed on the 1801 tax list in neighboring Montgomery Co., TN, but only as a landowner. He wasn’t living there. His brother John Mackey was also listed, as well as William Terrell Lewis, who was either his uncle or a cousin of the same name.

1801 Montgomery Co., TN Tax List

Cpt. Turner’s Company

David McKee, 1000 acres on Elk Creek, no white polls, no black polls.

John Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Wm & Robt Young, 640 acre Shacklers Bottom Little West Fork Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

Given at July court 1801

Wm T. Lewis, 4096 acres in different places, no white polls, no black polls.

John Mackey, 500 acres, 1 white poll.

David Mackey is on the 1802 Christian Co., KY tax list.

1802 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
7 Aug	Charles Grant	200a 2^nd - Little R - C. Grant - same	1	-	-	-	2
7 Aug	David Macky	200a 2^nd - Little R - D. Macky - same	1	-	-	-	4
25 Aug	Mary Potts	150a 2^nd - Little R - M. Potts - same	-	1	-	1	5

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

David is on the 1803 tax list. Note that his brother-in-law Charles Grant had died. Charles’s widow, David’s sister, Susannah, was listed in his place. David’s brother-in-law John Potts appears on the list for the first time.

1803 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
2 Aug	Robert Fryat	-	1	-	-	-	-
28 Aug	Susana Grant	200a 2^nd - Little R - C. Grant - same	-	-	-	-	1
27 Jun	David Macky	200a 2^nd - Little R - D. Macky - same	1	-	-	-	3
2 Aug	John Potts	200a 2^nd - Little R - J. Lyn - same	-	-	-	-	-
22 Jul	Mary Potts	100a 2^nd - Little R - M. Potts - same	-	-	1	1	2
	“	200a 3^rd - Little R - M. Potts - same

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

David is listed on the 1804 and 1805 tax lists in Christian Co., KY.

1804 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 1
20 Sep	Robert Fryatt	200a 2^nd - Little R - C. Grant - same	1	-	-	-	2
	“	200a 3^rd - Mud Fork - R. Fryatt - same
	“	316a 3^rd - Mud Fork - S. Fryatt - same
10 Apr	David Macky	200a 2^nd - Little R - D. Macky - same	1	-	-	-	2
26 Sep	John Potts	150a 3^rd - Little R - M. Potts - same	1	-	2	2	6
	“	200a 3^rd - Little R - M. Potts - same
	“	200a 3^rd - Little R - J. Lynn - same

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

1805 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 2	In good shape.
10 Sep	Robert Fryatt	200a 2^nd - L River - C. Grant - same	1	-	-	-	4
	“	316a 3^rd - L. River - R. Fryatt - same
28 Jun	David Macky	200a 2^nd - Little R - D. Macky - same	1	-	-	-	2
4 Oct	John Potts	150a 3^rd - Little R - M. Potts - same	1	-	2	2	6
	“	200a 3^rd - Little R - M. Potts - same
	“	200a 2^nd - Little R - C. Lynn - same

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

On 14 Oct 1805 and 12 Sep 1809, William Grant and David Grant, infant orphans of Charles Grant were brought into court by David McKey and Charles Taylor so they could choose their guardian. (Christian Co., KY Book B., Part I and Book B., part II.)

David is on the 1806 tax list in Christian.

1806 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 1	In good shape.
13 Jun	Robert Fryatt	200a 2^nd - L River - Chs. Grant - same	1	-	-	-	5
14 Jun	David McKey	200a 2^nd - L. River - D. McKey - same	1	-	-	-	1
7 May	John Potts	150a 3^rd - L. River - M. Potts - same	1	1	1	1	10
	“	200a 3^rd - L. River - M. Potts - same
	“	200a 3^rd - L. River - Jos. Lynn - same

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

David is on the 1807 tax list. He has a second tract of land.

1807 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 1 West	In good shape.
	Robert Fryat	200a 3^rd - Little River - Charles Grant - same	1	-	-	-	4
	David McKey	120a 3^rd - Little River - his own name - same	1	-	-	-	3
	“	80a 3^rd - Little River - his own name - same
	John Potts	150a 3^rd - Little River - Mary Potts - same	1	-	1	1	8
	“	160a 3^rd - Little River - his own name - “
	“	200a 3^rd - Little River - Joseph Linn - same
	Mary Potts	-	-	1	1	1	1

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

In Christian Co., KY court on 8 Sep 1807, “An affidavit of David Mackey & William Armstrong in behalf of the infant heirs of Charles Grant decd produced in court sworn to & ordered to be certified to the Register. (Christian Co., KY Court Records 1807-1812, p. 143.)

David McKey is on the 1808 tax list in Christian Co., KY. He only has one tract of land now. There is an entry for John “McCay” who could be his brother John Mackey if he had moved into Christian County by this time. On the other hand it might be a badly written McCoy instead.

1808 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 2
	Robert Fryet	-	1	-	-	-	3
	John McCay	-	1	-	-	-	6
	David McKey	200a 3^rd - Little River - his own name - same	1	-	-	-	3
	John Potts	200a 3^rd - Little River - Joseph Linn - same	1	-	1	1	8
	“	150a 3^rd - Little River - Mary Potts - same
	“	160a 3^rd - Little River - do - do

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Whites Over 16 to 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

The 1809 tax list is interesting. First, David’s brother John Mackey is listed with several tracts of land. Deeds prove this is the same John, “of Montgomery Co., TN,” but perhaps John lived here awhile during this period. To confuse matters, another “John McKee” settled in the county around this time. He died in 1814 leaving nine children.

There is also a William listed, but I don’t think that’s their brother William L. Mackey, but it could be.

1809 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 1 East
5 Sep	Charles Grant	-	1	-	1	4
5 Sep	Moses Grant	-	1	-	-	4
29 Sep	William Makee	160a 3^rd - E. Fork Red River - H. Rese - same	1	-	-	2
29 Sep	John Makee	200a 3^rd - W. Fork Red River - T. McFaden	1	-	-	2
		345a 3^rd - W. Fork Red River - T. Bolsh
		200a 3^rd - W. Fork Red River - E. McFaden
	List 2 West
29 Jun	Robert Froyatte	200a 2^nd - Little River - Charles Grant - same	1	-	-	3
12 Jun	David Mackey	200a 3^rd - Little River - Jesse Resco? - same	1	-	-	4
14 May	John Potts	200a 3^rd - Little River - Joseph Linn - same	1	3	6	8
	“	200a 3^rd - Little River - John Potts - same
	“	150a 2^nd - Potts Creek - Mary Potts - same
	“	150a 3^rd - Potts Creek - Mary Potts - same
14 May	Mary Potts	200a 3^rd - Little River - Susanna Grant - same	-	-	-	1
14 May	Cumberland Potts	-	-	-	-	3

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

On 13 Nov 1809, David Mackey of Christian Co., KY made a deed with John Roberts for $240, he sold him 80 acres on Little River. David Mackey signed. There were no witnesses. David himself acknowledged the deed in court 1 Dec 1809. (Christian Co., KY Deed Book B, pp. 323-324.)

David is on the 1810 census in Christian Co., KY just a few houses from brother-in-law John Potts and mother-in-law Mary Potts.

1810 Census, Christian Co., KY

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

588

David Macky

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 26-44 (1765/1784) David Mackey (1765/1772)

2m 10-15 (1795/1800) 1. Son?

2. Son?

1f 26-44 (1765/1784) Sarah Potts Mackey (1765/74) wife

1f 0-9 (1800/1810) Daughter?

David is on the 1810 tax list as are several McKee entries including John, who might be his brother John Mackey, or maybe not.

1810 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
16 Jun	Robert Friate	-	1	-	-	2
16 Jun	Charles Grant admr, that is John Potts	200a 3^rd - M F Little River - Chs Grant - same	-	-	-	-
2 Jun	Moses Grant	-	1	-	-	2
18 Jun	Robert McKee	160a 3^rd - Elk Fork - L. Loury - same - M. Medlin*	1	-	-	2
2 Jun	John McKee	200a 3^rd - West Fork - Jno McFaden	1	-	-	3
		200a 3^rd - West Fork - E. McFaden
		345a 3^rd - West Fork - Jno Balch
2 Jun	Thomas McKee	245a 3^rd - West Fork - Jno McKee - same	1	-	-	4
28 Jul	David Mackey	-	1	-	-	7
28 Jul	Mary Potts	200a 3^rd - Little River - Susanna Grant - same	-	-	-	1
30 Jun	Arington Potts	-	1	-	-	4
30 Jun	John Potts	150a 3^rd - Little River - Mary Potts - same	1	3	6	10
		160a 3^rd - Little River - Mary Potts - same
		200a 3^rd - Little River - Jno Potts - same
		200a 3^rd - Little River - Jos Linn - same

Land key: Acreage, 1st, 2nd or 3rd rate, Water Course, For Whom Entered, For Whom Surveyed

Enumerations: Whites Over 21 | Blacks Over 16 | Total Blacks | Horses

David Mackey is on the 1811 tax list for Christian Co., KY with no land, one tithable male, and 1 horse. It was difficult to find that entry. I had to look several times. It’s written in between two other entries in small letters and spelled oddly to boot, but I’m reasonably sure it’s him.

1811 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21 +	W 16 +	Bl 16 +	T. Bl	H
15 Jun	Moses Grant	-	1	-	-	-	3
29 Jun	Robert McCay	200a 3^rd - Sinking Fork - R. Reader - same	1	-	-	-	6
10 Jun	David McAe	-	1	-	-	-	1
15 Jun	John McKee	50a 3^rd - W F R River - J. McFadin - same	1	-	-	-	2
	“	200a 3^rd - W F R River - E. McFadin - same - Jno McKee (patented)
	“	345a 3^rd - W F R River - J. Balch - same
15 Jun	Thomas McKee	245a 3^rd - E. Fork - Thos McKee - same	3	-	-	-	4
	“	128a 3^rd - E. Fork - Roberts - same
15 Jun	William McKee	160a 3^rd - E. Fork - H. Rice - same - B. Pitts	1	-	-	-	2
-	John Potts	150a 3^rd - Little River - Jno Potts - same	1	-	3	6	8
	“	160a 3^rd - Little River - Jno Potts - same
	“	200a 3^rd - Little River - blank - same
	“	200a 3^rd - Little River - Jos Linn - same
	“	200a 3^rd - Little River - Chs Grant - same
9 Jul	Cumberland Potts	-	1	-	-	-	5

David Mackey is not on the 1812, 1813 or 1814 tax lists in Christian Co., KY. It would appear he moved away ca 1811. His brothers-in-law John Potts and Arrington Cumberland Potts remained there through ca 1821 at least. The section they lived in became Triggs County in 1820.

The Mackey book states that David and Sally resided at New Madrid, Missouri, where Sally died, leaving two little children. The book further states that he prepared to move, placing his two little children on a boat, and went by land in order to carry his stock, and that he got sick and died on the road, dying in the Choctaw Nation, and that his children were never heard of afterward.

It appears that they made this move ca 1810/11. At this time New Madrid County was extremely large and covered most of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. This was south of St. Louis where sister Mary Mackey Young resided.

David Mackey was named in his brother John’s 1816 Will. He didn’t state his place of residence, nor give any other details. However, he didn’t mention his “heirs” or otherwise suggest he was deceased, so he was still alive, at least as far as John knew.

By 1816 New Madrid County had been greatly reduced in size and was primarily in what is still Missouri today.

The 1820 census is lost for Missouri.

I didn’t find David Mackey on the 1830 census. There was a Walter Mackey in New Madrid Co., MO that year, connection unknown.

I wasn’t able to find any records for David Mackey in Missouri, but it wasn’t an exhaustive search.

It is of special note that the Choctaw Nation was not in the Missouri or Arkansas area but rather in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana, so the author of the Lewis book might have been a bit confused, or perhaps David left Missouri and headed east into the Choctaw Nation when he died.

We know for a fact that David’s sister-in-laws Ruth Potts and husband Lewis Wolf, moved to St. Helena Parish, LA by 1820, then to Marengo Co., AL by 1830. David’s brother-in-law Cumberland Potts also went to Marengo, then later to Louisiana. This suggests to me that perhaps we should look in those places for David Mackey instead of in Missouri.

I did find a David Mackey on a grand jury in Madison Co., AL in 1818 and another in 1819. Could be ours, potentially. There is a marriage record in this same county for a David Mackey and Mary Mount dated 25 Mar 1823. If ours, then he remarried after the death of Sarah Potts.

I discovered a James Mackey listed just two houses from Lewis Wolf on the 1820 census in St. Helena Parish, LA. As noted, Wolf was our David Mackey’s brother-in-law (both married to Potts sisters). Is this a coincidence?

1820 Census, St. Helena Parish, LA

Page

Name

James Mackey

Slaves=2100-1000

Lewis Wolf

Slaves=0000-0200

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

3m 26-44 (1775/1794) 1. James Mackey

2. Brother?

3. Brother?

3m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Son?

2. Son?

3. Son?

1f 16-25 (1794/1804) Wife?

1f 0-9 (1810/1820) Daughter?

Could James and his apparent brothers be children of David Mackey, recently deceased? It’s certainly worth checking into. I found nothing else on this James Mackey after a cursory search.

I didn’t find the above James Mackey on the 1830 census.

Lewis Wolf was in Marengo Co., AL by 1830, as was Cumberland Potts, but there were no Mackeys, McKees, etc., listed there on that census.

I don’t know who any of David Mackey’s children were. His 1810 census entry showed two sons and one daughter. The Lewis book mentioned two “little” children who were never heard from again. Is the James Mackey in 1820 one of his sons? Maybe, but more research is needed.

William Lewis Mackey was born ca 1768/69 per his age on the 1850 census (81), or ca 1770/71 per his age in 1860 (89). Those are close enough. He was born in Albemarle Co., VA. He was named in his father’s 1793 Will as son “William” and also named as one of the Executors. He was named in his brother John Mackey’s 1816 will as “William Mackey.”

From The Lewis Family In America, by William Terrell Lewis, 1893, p. 118:

D 6. William Lewis Mackey, the youngest, was born in Rutherford county, N. C., about 1773.

Elizabeth Ashbrook, whom he married in Rutherford county, N. C., about the year 1792, was born in 1769 in Rutherford county, N.C.

William was probably at home with his father for the 1790 census, and listed in the age 16 and up category (born before 1774).

On 23 Feb 1793, William was named in his father’s Will as “son William.” He was also named as one of the Executors of the Will.

On 24 Jan 1794, William Mackey was the bondsman for the Rutherford County marriage bond of Samuel Parks and Pheby Cauldwell.

According to the Mackey book, William Mackey married Elizabeth Ashbrook ca 1792 in Rutherford Co., NC. There was a Moses Ashbrooks in 1790 Rutherford Co., NC. Perhaps he is Elizabeth’s father.

On 23 Nov 1795, William Mackey of NC made a deed to Thomas Rowland for 150 pounds part of a 100 acre tract, on north side of the river, granted to John Baxter 16 Apr 1764, and from Baxter to Alexander Mackey 14 Oct 1775. Also 50 acres on south side of Main Broad River granted to Alexander Mackey 9 Aug 1787, both tracts bequeathed to William Mackey by Alexander Mackey’s Will dated 23 Feb 1793. Signed by William Mackey and Elizabeth Mackey (her mark). Witnesses were Nicholas Day and David Dickey. (Rutherford Co., NC Deed Book P, pp. 442-443.)

On 21 Mar 1796, David and William Mackey and Thomas Wharey, all of Rutherford County, as Executors of the Will of Alexander Mackey, made note that he (Alexander) had bequethed 50 acres to Anna Willis, and that she has agreed for the executors to make the deed over to her son Joel Terrell, for land on Main Broad River. This being land granted to Alexander Mackey on 28 Oct 1782. Witnesses were Robert Dickey and David Dicky. (Rutherford Co, NC Deed Book 3 page 209.)

Around 1797, William Mackey went west with his siblings.

1799 Montgomery Co., TN Tax List

Cpt. Wilson Gibson’s Company

John Mackey no land, no white polls, no black polls,

William Mackey no land, one white poll, no black polls.

Came into court April & July

John Mackey, 590 acres, Red River, no white polls, no black polls.

William McKee is listed on the 1799 Christian Co., KY tax list which is where his brother David was at the time, and brother-in-law Charles Grant. This entry might be William Mackey, though it could be someone else.

1799 Christian Co., KY Tax List

Date	Name	Land	W 21+	Wh 16+	Bl 16+	T. Bl	H
	List 1
-	William McKee	-	1	-	-	-	-
	List 2
3 May	Robert Fryatt	-	1	-	-	-	1
3 May	Charles Grant	-	1	-	-	-	2
3 May	David McKey	-	1	-	-	-	3

The 1800 census is lost for Tennessee and Kentucky.

There is a William McKee/McKey listed on various Livingston Co., KY tax lists 1801-1808, which could be our William Mackey, but perhaps not. See the section above for his sister Rebecca Mackey Young (wife of John) for those listings. I think our William was in Tennessee at this time, so this man in Livingston is probably someone else, but I could be wrong.

The 1810 census is lost for Tennessee and Kentucky.

He is listed on the 1820 census in Maury.

1820 Census, Maury Co., TN

Page

Name

116

William McKee

Slaves=3000-5120

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 26-44 (1775/1794) William Mackey (c1769)

2m 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. William T. Mackey (c1808) son

2. Moses A. Mackey (c1814) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Elizabeth Ashbrook Mackey (c1767) wife

1f 10-15 (1804/1810) Daughter?

4f 0-9 (1810/1820) 1. Daughter?

2. Daughter?

3. Daughter?

4. Elizabeth Mackey (c1813) daughter

11 slaves

There are two William Mackey’s on the 1830 census in Maury. There is also a William E. McRee who is indexed as McKee, but it clearly says McRee on the original document.

1830 Census, Maury Co., TN

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

342

William L. McKey

Slaves=0

399

William McKey

Slaves=130000-451000

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 50-59 (1770/1780) William L Mackey (c1769)

1f 60-69 (1760/1770) Elizabeth Ashbrook Mackey (c1767) wife

1f 20-29 (1800/1810) Daughter?

0 Slaves

William is listed on the 1840 census in Maury along with two others of the same, or similar, name! Ours again used his “L” initial to distinguish himself.

1840 Census, Maury Co., TN

Page

Name

(Males first row, females on second)

0-4

5-9

10-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-99

100+

328

William L. McKey

Slaves=020000-001000

367

William McKee

Slaves=512000-225100

369

William M. McKey

Slaves=0

My analysis (who each person *might* be):

1m 70-79 (1760/1770) William L Mackey (c1769)

1m 10-14 (1825/1830) Grandson?

1f 70-79 (1760/1770) Elizabeth Ashbrook Mackey (c1767) wife

1f 30-39 (1800/1810) Daughter?

1f 5-9 (1835/1840) Granddaughter?

3 Slaves

William is listed on the 1850 census in Maury as are the other two from 1840.

1850 Census, Maury Co., TN, District 11th, House 1468, Family 1468

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
Wm Mackey	81	M		Farmer	550	VA
Elizabeth	83	F				“
Ellen Eason	45	F				TN
Wm H.	20	M				“
Emeline Tennessee “	17	F				“

Here’s the other one for reference.

1850 Census, Maury Co., TN, District 19, House 1030, Family 1030

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Birth Place
William McKee	73	M		Farmer	3000	NC
Mary	30	F				TN

Elizabeth Ashbrook Mackey died in the 1850s in Maury Co., TN.

William is on the 1860 census in Maury.

1860 Census, Maury Co., TN, District No 11, Spring Grove PO, House 277, Family 277

Name	Age	Sex	Race	Occupation	Real $	Pers $	Birth Place
Wm L. Mackey	89	M		Farmer	1845	300	VA
Elender Easom	43	F					TN
Emeline T.	24	F					“
W. H. Eason	29	M		Farmer			“
Sarah A.	16	F					“
Ann E.	9/12	F					“
Genetta A. Howard	5	F					“

William Lewis Mackey died in the 1860s in Maury Co.., TN.

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Alexander Mackey and Susannah Lewis.

Revised: February 15, 2026

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