Marty and Karla Grant

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Robert Wilson (c1781-1856) and Mary Mackey and Rachel Savage of PA, NC (Mecklenburg, Burke) and MO (Gasconade, Osage and Polk)

[Wilson Home] - [Table of Contents] - Robert & Mary (Mackey) Wilson

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Robert and Mary might be my 5 times great uncle and aunt. My connection isn’t quite proven, though I believe I’m descended from Robert’s brother William Wilson (1777-1847).

There were several Robert Wilsons in Burke and environs during the time of interest. Thus, it isn’t always evident which is which in any particular record.

Robert Wilson was born ca 1780/81 per his age on the 1850 census (69). The same record shows he was born in Pennsylvania. I don’t know what county.

Robert Wilson is a proven son of Robert Wilson and Isabella (—) Wilson of Pennsylvania, Mecklenburg and Burke Co., NC.

Robert would have been about 9 by the time of the 1790 census, so should be home with his parents in the under 16 age group. It isn’t clear where his parents were in 1790. There was a Robert Wilson in Mecklenburg who had two sons that age which works for William and his Robert (Jr). That could be them, but perhaps not. We do know his parents were in Mecklenburg by 1793.

Robert would have been about 19 by the time of the 1800 census. He married around that time, but probably after the census was taken since I didn’t find him listed in Burke. There are two Roberts in Burke, one of which is possibly his father, Robert Sr. The other is unidentified, but is too old to be Robert (c1781). Robert (c1781) does not appear to be home with his father, nor with his brother William.

Robert Wilson (Jr) married Mary Mackey ca 1800/1801, presumably in Burke Co., NC. She was a sister to Ann Mackey who married Robert’s brother William in 1799. Mary was born ca 1783/84 per her age on the 1850 census (66), in Pennsylvania (same source), county unknown. She is a proven child of Samuel Mackey (alias McKey) (1730/40-1831) of PA and Burke Co., NC. I have not yet found the name of Mary’s mother. The Mackey family moved to Burke Co., NC between ca 1785 and 1790 from somewhere in Pennsylvania. I don’t know if the Mackey and Wilson families were acquainted prior to 1799, though both originated in Pennsylvania.

They may have made a temporary move into Georgia because son Elisha C. Wilson was born in that state ca 1808 per his 1860 and 1880 census entries. However, his 1850 entry lists North Carolina as his birth place.

Robert Wilson is listed on the 1810 census in Burke Co., NC. He isn’t near any other Wilsons or known relatives.

1810 Census - Burke Co., NC

Page

Name

M0-9

M10-15

M16-25

M26-44

M45+

F0-9

F10-15

F16-25

F26-44

F45+

FPC

Slaves

343

Robert Willson

4

~

~

1

~

1

~

~

1

~

~

~

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

1m 26-44 (1765/1784)       Robert Wilson (c1781)

4m 0-9 (1800/1810)            1. Samuel E. Wilson (c1801) son

                                               2. Michael Wilson (1803) son

                                               3. Elisha C. Wilson (c1808) son

                                               4. Ripley M. Wilson (c1810) son

1f 26-44 (1765/1784)         Mary Mackey Wilson (c1784) wife

1f 0-9 (1800/1810)              Daughter? (1804/1810)

Robert is listed in Burke Co., NC on the 1820 census next to his brother William Wilson, his father-in-law Samuel Mackey and brother-in-law Fielder Norton.

1820 Census - Burke Co., NC

Page	Name	M 0 - 9	M 10 - 15	M 16 - 17	M 16 - 25	M 26 - 44	M 45 +	F 0 - 9	F 10 - 15	F 16 - 25	F 26 - 44	F 45 +	F P C	S l a v e s
25	William Wilson	1	1	2	3	1	~	~	1	~	~	1	~	~
25	Robert Wilson	1	2	1	1	1	~	4	1	~	1	~	~	~
25	Samuel McKey	1	~	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	1	1	~	~
25	Fielder Norton	2	1	1	1	~	1	2	1	1	1	~	~	1

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

1m 26-44 (1775/1794)       Robert Wilson (c1781)

1m 16-25 (1794/1804)       Samuel E. Wilson (c1801) son

1m 16-17 (1802/1804)       * Same as above

2m 10-15 (1804/1810)       1. Michael Wilson (1803) son

                                               2. Elisha C. Wilson (c1808) son

1m 0-9 (1810/1820)            Ripley M. Wilson (c1810) son

1f 26-44 (1775/1794)         Mary Mackey Wilson (c1784) wife

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

4f 0-9 (1810/1820)              1. Elizabeth S. Wilson (1812) daughter

                                               2. Daughter? (1810/1815)

                                               3. Daughter? (1815/1820)

                                               4. Mary Wilson (c1820) daughter

Robert Wilson is listed on the 1830 census in Burke Co., NC. No known relatives were listed nearby.

1830 Census - Burke Co., NC

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+
143	Robert Wilson	~	1	~	~	2	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~
	No slaves	~	1	1	2	1	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~

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

1m 40-49 (1780/1790)       Robert Wilson (c1781)

2m 20-29 (1800/1810)       1. Elisha C. Wilson (c1808) son

                                               2. Ripley M. Wilson (c1810) son

1m 5-9 (1820/1825)            William M. Wilson (c1822) son

1f 40-49 (1780/1790)         Mary Mackey Wilson (c1784) wife

1f 20-29 (1800/1810)         Daughter? (1804/1810)

2f 15-19 (1810/1815)         1. Elizabeth S. Wilson (1812) daughter

                                               2. Daughter? (1810/1815)

1f 10-14 (1815/1820)         Mary Wilson (c1820) daughter

1f 5-9 (1820/1825)              Nancy P. Wilson (c1821) daughter

On 31 Mar 1831, a deed was made in Mecklenburg County naming the heirs of Nancy Thompson Purviance. While it never says that Nancy is a sibling to the others, it is strongly implied.

Whereas heretofore Nancy Thompson before her marriage with Joseph Purviance executed a marriage contract or settlement whereby she secured to herself of certain Negros viz Kitt and Sylvia during life & afterwards to be divided among her heirs at law and appointed Robert Wilson her trustee. Now we the sd Robert Willson, Wm Willson & Levi Fincher the heirs at law of sd Nancy Thompson have agreed among ourselves to divide sd negroes & it is agreed that Wm Willson shall take the negro Woman Sylvia, Robert Willson to take the three children, Jim, Sila & a young child name not known & Levi Fincher to take negro man Kitt & in consideration of this division we each of convey to the other all the right & tittle to the negroes thus divided Robert Willson & Wm Willson hereby convey negro man Kitt to Levi Fincher, Robert Willson & Levi Fincher convey negro woman Sylvia to Wm Willson & Wm Willson & Levy Fincher convey the three children Jim, silas & the youngest child to Robt Willson, with all the interest title & claim we have to them as before mentioned. Witness our hands & seals March 31^st 1831.

               Signed: Robert Willson, Wm Willson, Levi Fincher.

(Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 22, page 96.)

In 1832, Robert Wilson’s father in law Samuel Mackey died in Burke Co., NC. The earliest record in the estate is dated Jan 1832. There are numerous documents, but the heirs are named as William Wilson in right of his wife Ann, Michael Trout* in right of his wife Jane (* Michael Trout is frequently written clearly as Michael Grant, but the surname is indeed Trout.), Ripley Norton, Martha McKey, Fielder Norton in right of his wife, and Robert Wilson in right of his wife Mary. Another document includes heirs James McKey and John McKey as heirs. James Askew and wife Nancy are also mentioned, though I believe they are not heirs, but were part of a suit that the estate had to deal with.

Ripley M. Wilson, son of Robert was given power of attorney to act on his father’s behalf regarding affairs in Mecklenburg Co., NC. The court record below doesn’t mention Mecklenburg, but records in Mecklenburg show Ripley acting there for his father Robert.

 

Jan 1834 Burke Co., NC Court:

A power of attorney from Robert Wilson to Ripley Wilson dated 10 Sep 1832 proved in court by Thomas Carlton a witness ...

A deed was made on — Sep 1833 in Mecklenburg between Ripley M. Wilson (as attorney for Robert Wilson), Levi Fincher and wife Mary to Benjamin Fincher for land on Four Mile Creek inherited from their sister Nancy Wilson Thompson Purviance. William Wilson is also named as an heir, though he didn’t sign the deed. (Mecklenburg Co., NC Deed Book 24, pp.464-465).

A list of heirs of Samuel McKey in his estate papers is dated 24 Mar 1838. On the back, John H. Pearson, Sheriff, stated that James Mackey, John Mackey and Robert Wilson & wife Mary are not residents of the state. We know that Robert and Mary had moved to Missouri by then. John Mackey had moved to Tennessee before ca 1805 and to Missouri before 1830. I don’t yet know where James Mackey moved to.

In January 1838 court in Mecklenburg Co., NC a petition was filed by the heirs of Robert Wilson Sr which proves three of his children. His death date was left blank.

 

To the Worshipful County Court of Mecklenburg the Petition of Robert Wilson, Levi Fincher, who intermarried with Mary Wilson & William Wilson, all of the County of Mecklenburg aforesaid, represents unto your worships that Robert Wilson Signr departed this life in the year ----, intestate seized & possessed of the following tracts of land lying in the County of Mecklenburg aforesaid, being on the waters of four mile, adjoining the lands of Benjamin Fincher, John Ritch & others. Your Petitioners further represent unto your worships , that they are the heirs at law of the said Robert Wilson decd and entitled to the aforesaid land as tenants in common. Your petitioner further represent unto your worships, that Levi Fincher who intermarried with Mary Wilson & Robert Wilson have transferred and conveyed their interest in said land unto Joseph Starnes.

 

May it please your worships to appoint five commissioners unconnected with the parties to lay off, and make partition of the aforesaid land between your Petitioners, Robert Wilson Joseph Starns & William Wilson agreeable to law, and your Petitioners as in duty bound will pray

Signed: Jno Hutchison atto for Petitioners.

 

(Source: Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Court fo Pleas and Quarter Sessions, filed with Perquimans Co., NC Probate Estate Files for some reason.)

The above document was found in Perquimans Co., NC estate records for some reason. It was either misfiled, or there was some legal reason they needed a copy of it in that north eastern North Carolina county which is quite far from Mecklenburg.

Note that the document lists all heirs as residents of Mecklenburg Co., NC. That wasn’t true, as Robert (Jr) and William resided in Burke at that time, or Robert might have already been in Missouri by then, or on his way.

Another petition was filed in October 1838, this one showing that Nancy was another heir, though it doesn’t explicitly say she was a child of Robert (Sr) it does show that William, Robert and Mary Wilson Fincher were her heirs, so that places her in the same family. Ripley M. Wilson was representing his father on this record.

 

To the worshipfull the Justices of said Court, The Petition of - Benjamin Fincher - Ripley M Wilson Levi Fincher & his wife Mary Fincher - Robert & William Wilson represents unto your worships, that, Nancy Purvines some time in the year 1830 - departed this life seized & possed of of a Tract of land situated in said County , on the waters of Four Mile Creek , adjoining the lands of Andrew Wintz - John Hodgs & others Containing Two hundred & ninety five acres - Your petitioners further represent, that the said Nancy Purvines, died intestate, leaving the following heirs - William Wilson, Robert Wilson & Mary Fincher, who are entitled to the said lands, as tenants in Common - Your petitioners further represent, that the said Ripley M Wilson - Levi Fincher & his wife Mary Fincher, have bargained sold, aliens? & confirmed unto the said, Benjamin Fincher the heirs & assigns forever, all their title, interest, in that part or piece of land aforesaid - Your petitioners pray your Worship to appoint five Commissioners good & lawful men of said County, to go on the premises and divide the said land, agreeably to law & in duty bound your petitions will in pray

               Signed: G W Caldwell

Commissioner

               John Williamson

               Thos O. Black

               Robert Small

               Thos J. Williamson

 

From Mecklenburg Co., NC Probate Records 1873

Some of Robert’s children moved to Missouri in the early 1830s. Robert and Mary and most of the other children moved there also. We do know Robert was no longer in North Carolina by March 1838 per a notation in the Samuel Mackey estate records.

They moved to Gasconade Co., MO which is about three counties west of St. Louis. They lived in the western part of that county in the section that was later cut off to form Osage County.

Robert is listed on the 1840 census in Gasconade Co., MO. No known relatives are listed nearby.

1840 Census - Burke Co., NC

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+
255	Robert Wilson	~	~	~	1	2	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~
	Slaves=0	~	~	~	2	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~

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

1m 50-59 (1780/1790)       Robert Wilson (c1781)

2m 20-29 (1810/1820)       1. Elisha C. Wilson (c1808) son

                                               2. Ripley M. Wilson (c1810) son

1m 15-19 (1820/1825)       William M. Wilson (c1822) son

1f 50-59 (1780/1790)         Mary Mackey Wilson (c1784) wife

2f 15-19 (1820/1825)         1. Mary Wilson (c1820) daughter > m bef 1847

                                               2. Nancy P. Wilson (c1821) daughter > m 1844

In 1841 Osage County was formed from western Gasconade. The Wilsons fell into that new county. However, I don’t know how long they remained there. At some point before ca 1844 they moved about four counties southwest to Polk Co., MO. They may have gone there to join his brother-in-law John Mackey who was there by 1840. Robert and Mary are found on the 1850 census. Their son William is a few houses away from them.

1850 Census, Polk Co., MO Page 24, House # 303, Family 303

Mary Mackey Wilson died sometime between 1850 and 1855 in Polk Co., MO. There is a findagrave.com entry for her showing her buried at the Wilson Cemetery, apparently unmarked.

That same entry mistakenly lists her as Mary Elizabeth Thornton Wilson. I followed up on that and there is a Robert Wilson marriage to a Mary Thornton on 17 Sep 1805 in Perquimans Co., NC. That Robert Wilson was a Quaker and was disowned for marrying a non-Quaker. Those two are not the same as Robert Wilson and Mary Mackey Wilson of NC and MO. Is it coincidental then that some of Robert Wilson Sr’s Mecklenburg Co., NC Estate papers were filed in Perquimans? I think it is a coincidence, but could be wrong.

On 1 Feb 1855, Robert Wilson married Rachel Neal in Polk Co., MO. They were married by William Brown, Minister of the Gospel. According to other researchers, Rachel was born Rachel Savage, on 28 Oct 1796 in Tennessee and was first married to Jesse Neil who died ca 1852 in Polk Co., MO.

Robert Wilson made his Will on 14 May 1855 in Polk Co., MO. He named:

Wife Rachel

My children:

  Samuel E. Wilson

  Michael Wilson

  Elisha C. Wilson

  Ripley M. Wilson

  Elizabeth S. Clement deceased

  Mary N. Robertson

  Nancy P. Robertson

  William M. Wilson

He named William Brown as Executor.

Robert Wilson signed the Will.

 Witnesses were James Grider and William L. Grider (or William Q. Grider).

The Will was proven in court on 14 May 1856 meaning he had died by then.

His findagrave.com entry lists him as Robert Preston Wilson at the Wilson Cemetery, apparently unmarked. What is the source for that middle name? I’ve found no documents at all showing him with a middle name or initial so far. It also lists his death date as Apr 1856 which works with the probate date.

Widow Rachel is listed on the 1860 census in Polk County next to John Neal age 33, perhaps her son from her first marriage?

1860 Census, Polk Co., MO, Green Township, Sentinel Prairie PO, House 1171, Family 1150

She is listed on the 1870 census in Polk.

1870 Census, Polk Co., MO, Jackson Township, Hermansville PO, House 57, Family 57

In 1880 she is back to living alone, though several Neil households were nearby, all presumably relatives.

1880 Census, Polk Co., MO, Hamilton Township, House 67, Family 74

Rachel’s findagrave.com entry shows she is probably buried in the Courtney Farm Cemetery in Polk Co. MO which is where her first husband may be buried as well. Apparently both graves are unmarked. The same source lists her dying 6 Jun 1888. A notation on her entry says she is a daughter of Samuel Savage and Emily Wilson. Is that correct? If so, is Emily Wilson somehow related to Robert Wilson, or is it a coincidence? It is a fairly common surname.

---

Children

Robert and Mary had eight children as named in his Will. Census analysis shows at least two other daughters who weren’t named therein. They may have died young and unmarried. Robert and his second wife Rachel had no children together. She probably had some with her first husband Jesse Neil, but I have not researched that.

 

1.         Samuel Elder Wilson was born ca 1801 in Burke Co., NC. He may have been named in part for his grandfather Samuel Mackey. His middle name of “Elder” is proven on an 1866 voter registration form. Samuel seems to be with his parents for the 1810 and 1820 censuses.

 

On 26 Mar 1827, Samuel E. Wilson obtained a marriage bond in Burke Co., NC to marry Sally M. Thompson. Robert Wilson was the bondsman. That could be his father or possibly his 1^st cousin Robert C. Wilson. Sarah “Sally” Thompson was born ca 1795/96 in North Carolina. I don’t know who her parents are. It’s possible she’s a sister to Sinai Thompson who married Michael Wilson earlier the same month.

 

I didn’t find Samuel E. Wilson on the 1830 census. There is a Samuel in Burke Co., NC that year, but I’m reasonably sure that’s his cousin Samuel C. Wilson.

 

Samuel did not accompany his parents or siblings to Missouri in the 1830s, instead remaining in Burke Co., NC.

 

Samuel is listed on the 1840 census in Burke Co., NC ten houses from his uncle William Wilson and cousin Samuel C. Wilson.

1840 Census, Burke Co., NC

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+
284	Saml E. Wilson	~	1	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
		1	1	1	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       Samuel E. Wilson (c1801)

1m 5-9 (1830/1835)            William Wilson (c1833) son

1f 30-39 (1800/1810)         Sarah Thompson Wilson (c1796) wife

1f 10-14 (1825/1830)         Margaret Wilson (c1829) daughter

1f 5-9 (1830/1835)              Cynthia Wilson (c1831) daughter

1f 0-4 (1835/1840)              Jane Wilson (c1835) daughter

 

They are still in Burke for the 1850 census.

1850 Census, Burke Co., NC House # 549, Family # 550

 

Samuel E. Wilson was named in his father’s 14 May 1855 Will in Polk Co., MO.

 

Samuel and family left Burke Co., NC in the 1850s, perhaps stopping awhile in Missouri among his siblings (or not). He was in California by the time of the 1860 census, and wife Sarah had apparently died before then, though where or when exactly I don’t know. “M. C. Wilson” next door is probably their son who was listed as William in 1850. The age is a good match for him anyway. Samuel was apparently trying his hand as a grocer, though he would return to being a blacksmith after this.

1860 Census, Sacramento Co., CA, Fourth Ward Sacramento, Sacramento PO, Page 234, Houses 1962 and 1963, families 1903 and 1904.

 

Samuel had moved to Placer Co., CA by 1866. That borders Sacramento on the north and is quite a large county.

 

Samuel is listed on an 1866 document:

"Certified List of Names on the Great Register of Placer County, California"

Samuel Elder Wilson, 67 b NC, Blacksmith, Township No 2

 

The above proves his middle name.

 

Samuel is still in Placer Co., CA for the 1870 census, though now as a Miner. He was with his daughter Cynthia and her family.

1870 Census, Placer Co., CA, Township No 2, Auburn PO, House # 128, Family 128

 

I didn’t find Samuel E. Wilson on the 1880 census. He wasn’t with his daughter Cynthia who was still in Placer Co., CA in 1880. He may have died before then.

 

I found an article in The Placer Herald 15 Mar 1879 that referred to a court case involving mining. It mentioned the mining company of Samuel Wilson, I. S. and W. C. Belcher. I don’t know if this is the same Samuel Wilson or not, but the name, occupation and location are all right.

 

Samuel and Sarah had four children.

 

2.         Michael Wilson was born 22 Apr 1803 (per tombstone) in Burke Co., NC. It is possible he was named for his uncle Michael Trout (married Jane Mackey), or perhaps for an older Michael Wilson (bef 1755-aft 1802) who could be related.

 

Michael (1803) seems to be home with his parents in 1810 and 1820.

 

On 21 Mar 1827, Michael Wilson obtained a marriage bond in Burke Co., NC to marry “Sina Thompson” (Sinai Thompson). Robert Wilson was the bondsman. Sinai Thompson was born ca 1809 in Burke Co., NC, quite possibly a sister of Sarah M. Thompson who married Michael Wilson’s brother Samuel five days later. I don’t know who their parents are though.

 

Michael is listed on the 1830 census in Burke Co., NC. He isn’t listed near any other Wilsons.

1830 Census, Burke Co., NC

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+

139

Michael Wilson

1

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

1

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

~

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

1m 20-29 (1800/1810)       Michael Wilson (1803) s/o Robert & Mary

1m 0-4 (1825/1830)            Robert M. Wilson (c1829) son

1f 15-19 (1810/1815)         Sinai Thompson Wilson (c1809) wife m 1827

 

The family moved to Gasconade Co., MO by ca 1832, perhaps the first in this family to go there.

 

They are listed on the 1840 census in Gasconade.

1840 Census, Gasconade Co., MO

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+
249	Michael Wilson	1	2	1	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
		1	~	~	~	~	1	~	~	~	~	~	~	~

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

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       Michael Wilson (1803) s/o Robert & Mary

1m 10-14 (1825/1830)       Robert M. Wilson (c1829) son

2m 5-9 (1830/1835)            1. Samuel Wilson (c1831) son

                                               2. John M. Wilson (c1833) son

1m 0-4 (1835/1840)            William T. Wilson (1837) son

1f 30-39 (1800/1810)         Sinai Thompson Wilson (c1809) wife m 1827

1f 0-4 (1835/1840)              Mary E. Wilson (c1840) daughter

 

Osage County was formed from western Gasconade in 1841 taking the Wilsons into the new county.

 

They are on the 1850 census in Osage Co., MO.

1850 Census, Osage Co., MO, Crawford Township, House 395, Family 395

* I believe this means Gone to California, but still counted in this household?

 

Michael Wilson was named in his father’s 1855 Will in Polk Co., MO.

 

Michael and family also moved to California in the 1850s, and were listed on the 1860 census in Amador Co., CA. From the way the entry is recorded, it appears they are residing with son John, but it’s probably him residing with them instead.

1860 Census, Amador Co., CA, Township No 2, Ione City PO, House 244, Family 222

 

They moved to Mendocino Co., CA in the 1860s.

 

Michael Wilson made his Will on 6 Sep 1869 in Mendocino County. He named:

Wife Sinai

             Son George Washington Wilson under age 21.

             Son Robert M. Wilson

             Infant child of my daughter Nancy Jane, deceased.

My children:

              Samuel Elder Wilson

              John Mackey Wilson

              William Thompson Wilson

              Mary Elizabeth Burns

              Margaret Caroline Wilson

              Martha Matilda Wilson

              Sina Minerva Wilson

             Executors my wife Sina Wilson and my son John Mackey Wilson.

The will was recorded on 21 Jan 1870, so he was apparently dead by then. This agrees with his tombstone which shows he died on 23 Dec 1869. He is buried at the Old White Ranch Cemetery.

 

Widow Sinai Thompson Wilson is listed on the 1870 census in Mendocino Co., CA.

1870 Census, Mendocino Co., CA, Little Lake Township, Cahto PO, House 26, Family 26

 

Sinai is listed on the 1880 census in Mendocino near several of her children.

1880 Census, Mendocino Co., CA, Long Valley Precinct, House # 29, Family 29

 

I didn’t find Sinai Thompson Wilson after 1880 census. There is a Geneanet entry for her that lists 20 Aug 1894 as her date of death, in Mendocino Co., CA. I don’t know if that is accurate or not. I don’t know where she’s buried.

 

3.         Unidentified Daughter (1804/1810). Robert and Mary had an unidentified daughter born ca 1804/1810 per census analysis. She was with them in 1810, aged under 10 (born ca 1800/10), and home in 1820 aged 10-15 (born ca 1804/1810), and still home in 1830 aged 20-29 (1800/1810). She was not with them in 1840 so either married or dead by then. She was not named in Robert’s 1855 Will, so it seems likely she died without children.

 

4.         Elisha C. Wilson was born ca 1807/08 per his age on the 1850 census (42). His 1850 entry lists his birth place as North Carolina, which is to be expected. However, his 1860 and 1880 entries list his birth place as Georgia. If correct, then his parents must have made a temporary move into Georgia around that time. I don’t know who he might have been named for, nor what his “C” initial stands for. He seems to be home with his parents on the 1810, 1820 and 1830 censuses in Burke Co., NC, and probably still home in 1840 in Gasconade Co., MO.

 

Elisha married Sarah Athey on 17 Nov 1844 in Polk Co., MO. She was born ca 1804/05 (per age on 1850 census, 45) in Virginia (also per 1850 census).

 

They are on the 1850 census in Polk Co., MO. Elizabeth Athey, age 12, is living with them, undoubtedly related to Sarah.

1850 Census, Polk Co., MO House 477, Family 477

 

They are still in Polk for the 1860 census. Elisha is listed as born in Georgia on this census, which isn’t too likely, though certainly possible.

1860 Census, Polk Co., MO, Looney Township, Brighton PO, House 966, Family 949

             Sarah Athey Wilson died between 1860 and 1863, presumably in Polk Co., MO.

 

On 5 Dec 1863, Elisha Wilson married Mary Ann Brashears (spelled Bershears on marriage license) in Polk Co., MO.

 

I couldn’t find them on the 1870 census.

 

They are on the 1880 census in Polk County.

1880 Census, Polk Co., MO, Looney Township, House 303, Family 303

 

Elisha C. Wilson died before 1900. Mary Ann died on 8 Sep 1893 per her tombstone at the Morrisville Cemetery in Polk Co., MO.

 

Elisha’s son John W. Wilson is on an Indian census for “Mississippi Choctaw Indians” dated 1903. He was then age 55. Listed his father as Elisha Willson, dead, “non citz” (meaning not an Indian), and mother as Sarah Willson, dead, “Claims Choctaw.”

 

Elisha and Sarah only had two children as best as I can tell.

 

5.         Ripley M. Wilson was born ca 1809/1810 per his age on the 1850 census (40), in Burke Co., NC (though his 1850 census entry lists him born in Missouri). He was clearly named for his aunt Ripley Mackey Norton. “Ripley” was usually a male name during that era, so it’s interesting his aunt was named that. I don’t know if Ripley’s “M” initial stands for “Mackey” but it certainly could.

 

Ripley was apparently home with his parents for the 1810, 1820 and 1830 censuses in Burke Co., NC. He was in Mecklenburg Co., NC in the early 1830s for he did some business there on his father’s behalf and had Robert’s power of attorney.

 

Ripley left North Carolina for Missouri by 27 Aug 1835, for on that date he married Dorcas Davenport in Gasconade Co., MO. I have no information on her age or birth place or parents.

 

Dorcas may have died soon after their marriage, for it appears Ripley was back with his parents for the 1840 census in Gasconade (though perhaps not, as this is only based on census analysis, not an exact science).

 

Osage County was formed in 1841 from western Gasconade, taking the Wilsons into the new county.

 

On 29 Jan 1845 Ripley M. Wilson and wife Sally made a deed to Elly M. Sitton (?) in Osage Co., MO. Unless they are the same person, this deed suggests that Dorcas had died and Ripley had married Sally sometime between 1835 and 1845. I don’t know her birth date nor her maiden name.

 

Ripley, like several of his Wilson kin went west to California in search of gold, perhaps in 1849 along with the other “49'ers.” He is listed on the 1850 census there.

1850 Census, Sutter Co., CA, Auburn & Vicinity, House 909, Family 908 

 

His wife Sally wasn’t with him in 1850. I didn’t find her in Osage or Polk Co., MO either (where his relatives were residing in 1850).

 

Ripley went back to Missouri after 1850. He married a 3^rd time on 31 Dec 1854 in Osage Co., MO to Mrs. Nancy Page. Since listed as “Mrs.” that means she was a widow and Page was her late husband’s surname. I don’t know her maiden name. She died sometime after 1858.

 

Ripley M. Wilson was named in his father’s 1855 Will in Polk Co., MO.

 

Ripley is listed on the 1860 census in Miller Co., MO, apparently widowed with three children at home.

1860 Census, Miller Co., MO, Richwoods Township, Iberia PO, House 407, Family 404

 

On 6 Dec 1861 Ripley M. Wilson married a 4^th time, to Britania Jenkins in Miller Co., MO. She was born ca 1836/37 in Tennessee (both per her 1860 census entry).

 

Despite his age, Ripley M. Wilson enlisted on 11 Dec 1861 for Civil War service as a Private in Company E, 3^rd Battalion, Missouri Cavalry for 12 months. He was discharged 5 Aug 1862 for disability according to one document, but another said he died July 1862 as a Sergeant. That date must be off somewhat. A letter in his file says he was born in Burke Co., NC and was then aged 55, 5 foot 7 inches, dark complected, blue eyes, gray hair and was a farmer when enlisted. Dated 31 Jul 1862.

 

He died sometime after his discharge dated 5 Aug 1862.

 

I didn’t find widow Britania Jenkins Wilson on the 1870 census. She married Samuel C. Honaker on 26 Mar 1871 in Miller Co., MO. They are on the 1880 census in Cole Co., MO.

 

Ripley appears to have three children per his 1860 census entry, presumably via his 2^nd wife Sally. However, a notation from another researcher says those three children were actually surnamed Page, not Wilson. If that is correct, then they must belong to Ripley’s 3^rd wife Mrs. Nancy Page who he married in 1854, and thus be his stepchildren.

 

6.         Elizabeth S. Wilson was born 19 Jul 1812 (per tombstone) in Burke Co., NC. I don’t know she might have been named for, nor what her “S” initial stands for. She appears to be with her parents for the 1820 and 1830 censuses in Burke Co., NC.

 

On 14 Apr 1840, Elizabeth Wilson married James C. Clement (“James Clemens” on marriage record) in Gasconade Co., MO. He was born 7 Apr 1807 (per his tombstone) in Kentucky.

 

I was unable to find them on the 1840 census.

 

The area they lived in became Osage County in 1841. Elizabeth and her family moved to Polk Co., MO before 1850 (as did her parents) and are listed there on the 1850 census.

1850 Census, Polk Co., MO, House 119, Family 119

 

Elizabeth S. Wilson Clement died on 2 Oct 1852 (per findagrave.com entry). Though I don’t know what source they used, it does seem a reasonable date for she was listed in her father’s 1855 Will as being deceased. The findagrave.com entry shows her buried in the Wilson Cemetery.

 

James C. Clement married again on 9 May 1854 to Patience Cousins in Polk Co., MO.

 

I didn’t find the family in 1860.

 

James and Patience and their children are listed on the 1870 census in Grayson Co., TX.

 

James and Elizabeth had five children per the 1850 census, and the same five were named in court records related to the estate of Robert Wilson. James and his 2^nd wife had at least two children.

 

7.         Unidentified Daughter (1810/1815). Robert and Mary had an apparent daughter this age. She was home in 1820 aged under 10 (born ca 1810/20) and home in 1830 aged 15-19 (1810/1815), but gone by 1840 so dead or married by then. I don’t know who this was. She wasn’t named in her father’s 1855 Will.

 

8.         Mary N. Wilson was born ca 1820 based on census analysis. She was apparently home in 1820 aged under 10 (born ca 1810/20) and home in 1830 aged 10-14 (1815/1820) and still home in 1840 aged 15-19 (born ca 1820/1825). Assuming all of those are the same person, she was likely born ca 1820.

 

Mary N. Wilson married George W. Robertson sometime before ca 1847 in Missouri, county unknown, though probably Polk County. She was named in her father’s 1855 Will as daughter Mary N. Robertson, but her husband wasn’t mentioned, nor was a marriage record found.

 

Mary died sometime in 1857. Her children were named in a Polk Co., MO court record where a guardian was appointed, presumably to deal with their part of Robert Wilson’s estate. They were listed as non residents of the state. I was able to trace some of those children which is how I figured out that George W. Robertson was Mary’s husband for they were living with him.

 

I searched high and low for George and Mary on the 1850 census but was unable to find them. Based on their children’s birth dates and places, they should have been somewhere in Missouri then.

 

They apparently moved to Texas in the early 1850s which is where Mary N. Wilson Robertson would have died, though I don’t know what county.

 

George W. Robertson married Sarah Ann Vaughn on 7 Jan 1860 in Palo Pinto Co., TX.

 

They are listed on the 1860 census in that county.

1860 Census, Palo Pinto Co., TX, Precinct No. 6, Palo Pinto PO, House 48, Family 48

 

They moved from Texas to Arkansas by ca 1861, then back to TX by 1864, then back to Missouri by 1866 and were listed on the 1870 census in McDonald Co., MO.

1870 Census, McDonald Co., MO, Prairie Township, Pineville PO, House 30, Family 30

 

They were in Lamar Co., TX by 1880. I didn’t find George or Sarah after that.

 

George and first wife Mary N. Wilson had five children per the 1860 census. George and his second wife Sarah had several as well.

 

9.         Nancy P. Wilson was born 1820/21 per her age on the 1850 census (29), presumably in Burke Co., NC. I would assume she was named after her aunt Nancy Wilson Thompson Purviance. I don’t know what her “P” initial stands for. (I doubt it would be “Purviance” but it could be of course.) Nancy P. Wilson seems to be with her parents for the 1830 census aged 5-9 (born ca 1820/25) and with them in 1840 aged 15-19 (1820/1825).

 

On 22 May 1844 Nancy Wilson married William H. Robertson in Polk Co., MO. He was ca 1818 in Kentucky. I would imagine he’s a brother, or otherwise closely related to, George Robertson who married Nancy’s sister Mary.

 

They moved to northwestern Missouri by 1850 and are listed on the 1850 census in Harrison County.

1850 Census, Harrison Co., MO, District No. 27, House 125, Family 136

 

Nancy P. Robertson is named in her father’s 1855 Will. Her husband wasn’t mentioned.

 

They moved back to southwestern Missouri before 1860, listed on that census in Barry Co., MO which is close to Polk County where they resided before 1850.

1860 Census, Barry Co., MO, White River Township, Roarin River PO, House 89, Family 88

 

 

Nancy P. Wilson Robertson died on 4 Sep 1863 in Barry Co., MO per a findagrave.com entry. I don’t know what source they used as there is no tombstone pictured. It shows her buried at the Browning-Robertson Cemetery.

 

I couldn’t find William H. Robertson on the 1870 census. His findagrave.com entry lists his death date as 20 Oct 1873 and that he is buried at the Browning-Robertson Cemetery.

 

William and Nancy had at least seven children per the 1850 and 1860 censuses.

 

10.       William M. Wilson was born ca 1821/22 per his age on the 1850 census (28), presumably in Burke Co., NC. He was probably named for his uncle William Wilson. I don’t know what his “M” initial stands for, though his findagrave.com entry has “Monroe” for his middle name. I don’t know the source for that.

 

William seems to be with his parents for the 1830 census aged 5-9 (1820/1825) and with them in 1840 aged 15-19 (1820/1825).

 

On 1 Jun 1848 William Wilson married Martha Ann Coats in Polk Co., MO. She was born 20 Jul 1830 in Tennessee.

 

They are on the 1850 census in Polk Co., MO two houses from his parents. They are next door to Perry W. Coats 29 TN, perhaps a brother to Martha?

1850 Census, Polk Co., MO, House 305, Family 305

* Written as Jasper Malice “, the ditto mark meaning he’s also a Wilson. I’m not sure if it actually says “Malice.” It’s indexed as “Mabes.”

 

William M. Wilson was named in his father’s 1855 Will.

 

They are still in Polk for the 1860 census.

1860 Census, Polk Co., MO, Jackson Township, Orleans PO, House 1367, Family 1343

 

They are on the 1870 census in the same place as before.

1870 Census, Polk Co., MO, Jackson Township, Hermansville PO, House 257, Family 254

 

They are in the same place for the 1880 census.

1880 Census, Polk Co., MO, Jackson Township, House 278, Family 279

*She is listed with Cholera Morbus in the sickness column.

 

They are in the same place for the 1900 census. (The 1890 census is lost.)

1900 Census, Polk Co., MO, Jackson Township, House 49, Family 50

 

Martha Ann Coats Wilson died on 11 Apr 1907, and William M. Wilson died the following year on 18 Sep 1908. They are buried at the Wilson Cemetery in Polk Co., MO.

 

Census records show at least six children for them. Their 1900 entry shows that Martha had given birth to eight children in total, but only one was still living as of then. This agrees with the undocumented entries on findagrave.com at the Wilson Cemetery which includes two daughters who died very young, making for eight children in all. The only one still alive in 1900 was son Monroe Wilson.

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For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for Robert Wilson and Mary Mackey.

Revised: September 28, 2025

Copyright © 1996-2025 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

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