TTJohannes Heinrich AusamusTT TTHenry AusmusTT

TT(3 Jan 1774 - 3 May 1849)TT

Genealogy report prepared by Eric D. Ausmus

Chico, CA © 2001 Eric D. Ausmus

TTLast Updated 11/04/11T

Copyright Eric D. Ausmus Chico, CA

Outline

• Henry Ausmus o Father: HHHTUTUPhilip Ausimus UUTTHHH o Mother: Catharina (Crescilius) Bollinger o Born: 3 Jan 1774 o Christened: April 6, 1774 o Married: Malinda "Linda" Price on Feb 16, 1799 in Washington

County, NC (later TN)

Children:

• HTUBenjamin AusmusUTH (27 Jul 1801 - 10 Oct 1862) m. Anna Christina Dunn • Rachael (5 Aug 1803 - 15 Aug 1871) m. John Dunn (30 Jan 1793 - 18 Sep

1878) • Lou Anne (6 Jun 1805) m. John Moyers • Sarah (1809 – aft 1870) m1 Joseph Berry m2 Berry Ellison Jr. • Hiram (1 Dec 1810-13 Dec 1888?) m. Sarah "Sally" Sharp • Eliza (1812-aft 1880) m. James Ellison Jr. (1809 - Mar 1851) • Jane (24 Sep 1815 - 29 Sep 1889) m. Rev. Wm. Crutchfield (19 Oct 1820

- 25 Apr 1900) • John Canaday (14 May 1816-14 Jul 1904) m1. Cynthia Susan Sharp m2.

Zelphia Haynes

• Susannah (abt 1817-?) m. Cornelius Braden (abt 1816-?) • Malinda E. (4 Oct 1818-?) m. Nicholas Sharp • Katie (1821-?) m. John Braden • Matilda (Dec 1824 -?) m. Jacob Sowder • Catherine (1826 -?) m. Harve Butler

Summary

Prior to Henry's birth, his father Philip baptized three daughters at the St Jacobs Union (Stone) Church between 1762 and 1768 while farming 148 acres in Manheim Township, York County, Pennsylvania. In the summer of 1772, Philip and his third wife, Cathy Crescilius, recent widow of Isaac Bollinger and her three orphaned children removed to Frederick County, Maryland. On January 3, 1774, Philip and Cathy gave birth to Johannes Heinrich Asmus. Henry, as he was later anglicized, was christened at the Monocacy Lutheran Congregation and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick County, Maryland on April 6, 1774 P

[29]P. The church was named for the river that runs south from the

Pennsylvania border and empties into the Potomac and was located near present day Jimtown, Maryland which is a few miles south of the Mason Dixon line in Frederick County, Maryland.

According to tradition P

[14]P Henry was a dark brown-haired man, about five feet, ten

inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds. Henry Ausamus and his wife, Linda Price farmed all their life, as did most early Americans. They led simple lives, never joined the military, never ran for public office and primarily kept to themselves. They would have witnesses the early struggles of a growing country with its ever expanding borders to the west and would have witnessed the countless failures of the Indian Peace Treaties. They would have never witnessed the harnessing of electricity or the birth of the Industrial Revolution.

When Henry was 3 years old, his parents moved to that part of Augusta County, Virginia that would become Rockingham County where several siblings would be born. Henry’s parents remained in Virginia for about nine years, when just after the Revolutionary war ended, newly opened Indian lands in the Watauga settlement enticed the citizens to move west to what was then Washington County, North Carolina. This area would become the HTUState of FranklinU TH. Then ultimately, Washington County, Tennessee.

According to P

[14]P Henry Ausmus was fairly well educated. he was a good business man;

bought land in Washington County which he sold for profit. He bought land several times in Claiborne County, totaling over a thousand acres, and also sold it for a profit. He helped James Stewart, a surveyor in Washington County, as a young man. He learned how to lay out roads and property lines, which helped him get a job in Claiborne

County building roads. The roads he built from Old Town Creek to Wilson Gap from 1820 to 1843, a part of Highway 63 in Powell Valley, is still being used as he surveyed it 140 years ago [1962].

Timeline

1782 (age 8)

The Ausmuses and some of their neighbors packed up their belongings sold what they couldn't carry and settled southeast of Jonesboro, just one mile southwest of present day Johnson City, Tennessee.

Henry’s father purchased 200 acres from former Virginian, Jonathan Tipton in February of 1783, and settled on vacant land near Sinking Creek and Little Cherokee Creek in then Washington County, North Carolina. Jonathan was a soldier who fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain and was the brother of, HTCol. UJohn TiptonUTH, Virginia delegate along with Thomas Jefferson. This land would later be annexed by the State of Tennessee. In 1786 Colonel John Tipton sent North Carolina troops into the area dividing residents whose loyalties belonged to North Carolina and those of the "State of Franklin" under governor, General John Sevier.

The move to Sinking Creek near Jonesborough. Johnson City was non-existent at the time.

During this era and in this location, standardized currency was non-existent. People settled debts using foreign money, corn, tobacco, apple brandy, and animal skins. Because of this, government infrastructure and economic development of the area was slow. Citizens were given a two-year reprieve on paying taxes because no one had currency to pay.

1787 (age 13)

when the local tax assessment was recorded, Henry’s parents with a total family of 11 appeared in Washington County, North Carolina paying tax on the same 200 acres, with one male over 60 years old, one married female, two unmarried females, one male minor, four male infants, and two female infants. Henry would have been about 13 years old and not taxable until age 16.

1791 (age 17)

Henry's father appears in Captain North's List for Washington County, North Carolina.

1791 Washington County List of Taxables

Capt. North's Company *nearly complete list*

TTNameTT TTLandTT TTWhite pollsTT

Cpt. George North - 1 John North 100 - John Fine 250 1 Phillip Ozemus no taxable dependants living at home 200 -

John Hunter 850 1 Jacob Hunter 1 1 Charles Hedrick 140 1 Jeremiah Horn Compton - 1 Soloman Goodpasture 62 1 David Hufman 250 1 John Leman Jr. - 1 James Boring 750 - Hosea Rose 320 - John Bales 300 1

John Got 100 1 Solomon Goodpasture 62 1 Jonathan Tipton 150 1 John Leman sr. 450 1 Frederick Andis 750 [could be 950] 1 Daniel McCree 100 1 Robert Rodgers 200 1 Thomas Rodgers - 1 John Rodgers - 1 Ezedkiel Boring 70 1 Chene Boring - 1 Joseph Caper 69 2 Isaac Goodpasture - 1 Jonathan Watson 115 - James Moor - 1 Charles young 320 1 (with 1 black) Thomas young 320 1 (with 2 black polls) James Allison 1100 1 (with 2 black polls) Edward Smith 218 1 (with 2 black polls)

27 Jun 1794 (age 20)

Henry Ausamus first record as an adult comes as a witness to his neighbor and brother-in-law John Hunter Junior's purchase of Abraham Riffe's 100 acres in Washington County, Tennessee PP

[Rae; 155]PP. John Huner’s brother, Henry married

Henry’s step-sister, Barbara Bollinger.

1795 (age 21)

Thirteen years after the Ausmus’ arrival in Tennessee, the population increased to nearly 60,000 residents.

1798 (age 24)

Henry began working for his neighbor, HHHTUTUMordecai PriceUUTTHHH and fell in love with his daughter, Malinda Price "a 16-year old sandy haired girl about five feet tall with a good personality" PP

[14]PP. Malinda was born in 1782 in Baltimore County, Malinda and

was the daughter of Mordecai and Rachael (Boring) Price who had moved to Tennessee circa 1791 although they had purchased land on Brush and Sinking

Creek in 1789. The Price's and Borens can be seen amongst their relatives (The Tiptons) in Baltimore County, Maryland in the 1790 Census. Their relation to Col. John and Jonathan of Tennessee, if any is not known. According to tradition, the Price family were Welsh and wealthy having imported, feather beds, looking glasses, silver, chests, much stock, such as cattle and horses, sheep, guns and all kinds of things that they had brought from their old homestead.

According to Harry L. Ausmus’ book, Henry’s wife, Malinda (Price) Ausmus

... was jolly and always had something funny to tell. In her later days, she would tell about riding along Brush Creek (Johnson City) and seeing deer on the other side. She would tell about slipping up on a deer, catching and holding it until someone came and killed the deer. She shot at three Indians trying to steal something or perhaps trying to kidnap her while the men were in the field working. She evidently shot one, as the other two picked up one Indian and carried him away. She never knew what happened to the one she shot.

The Price family can be traced to Saint Mary’s County, Maryland as some of the earliest settlers of Baltimore.

Nov Term 1798 Washington County List of Taxables

Capt. Joseph Young's Company All had one poll - no land acreage was documented

TTNameTT

David Bayles [name Daniel written next to it] Malicas Herby Joel Pewet George North James Moor James Wiett Ares Wiett John Francis Frederick Miers George Fitzgerald Chane Boring Araham Hunt? Joshua Boring

Absolem Boring Edward Smith John Swangor David Huffman Frederick Anderson [probably Andrews] Elisha Roads John Caseday John Bubb David Grate Mordicai Price Abraham Hartsell Charles Headrick John Fine John Chrisilles [Cresilius] Joseph Young Benjamin Erwene Robert Erwine Jacob Hunter John Petner John Parker Robert Caseday Jacob Ruble Adam Rader Willias Gray Peter Boman Henery Taylor Nichael Pilner Nicholes Boring Ephraim Murry Giles Brooks Henery Osimas

Mordecai Price of Washington County fined 16 pounds for allowing one horse to stray. Thomas Price fined 8 pounds for allowing one mare to stray.

Mordecai Price fined 78 cents for allowing two sheep to stray.

16 Feb 1799 (age 25)

Henry Osmas married his 16-year old girlfriend, Linda Price in Washington County, Tennessee. The bondsman "surety" was their cousin, Joshua Boran [Boring].

20 Mar 1799 (age 25)

Henry’s father sells his land to his son and temporarily removes with Peter and John Ausmus to Speedwell, Tennessee where Philip and Peter are both listed in a 1799 petition for (then) Grainger. Henry paid his father $300 for half of his father’s estate along the west fork of Cherokee Creek. As stated in the deed, this land in Washington County was along the West Fork of Cherokee Creek.

This indenture made this twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine Between TTPhillip Ausummust and henry AuseimmustTT of the Other part TTboth of the County of WashingtonTT and State of Tennessee Witnesseth that for and in consideration of the sum of three hundred Dollars to the said Phillip Ausumust in hand paid the Receipt whereof the said Phillip Ausummust doth acknowledge hath given granted Bargained and sold and by these presents doth grant Bargain and sell allien Enfcoff? convey and Confirm unto the said Henry Asummust his heirs and assigns forever a Certain Tract or parcel of land lying a& being in the County of Washington and state of Tennessee on the west for of Cherokee Creek & bounded as follows...Containing One hundred acres...

Henry's father, Philip did not sign the deed as the signature was made in the handwriting of the creator of the document. Philip's mark was given "PI" or “PF”

Linda’s father Mordecai Price died shortly after their marriage in August of 1799 in Washington County.

Ordered by the court that Rachael Price, Chana Borin and Horatio Ford have leave of administration on the estate of Mordecai Price & have given Absolom Boren & Amos Ball their securities in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars.

PRICE INVENTORY & ESTATE RECORDS

INVENTORY: Washington Co., Tennessee; Inventory Book 00, pgs. 126-127; November Sessions 1799; Mordecai Price An account of the property of Mordecai Price, deceased. Seven head of hoges, five cows & three calves, two 2 year old & five yearlings, nine Sheep, twenty four head of hogs, fifteen geese. One Rifle gun, one still & three tubs, one waggon and geers, one straw knife and bone, one anvil, Two feather beds & furniture, Two pewter dishes & eleven plates, four basons, Five knives & forks, Fifteen Spoons, eight tin cups, Six cups & seven saucers, Two bowles & one coffee pot. One bottle, one mug and Six crocks. Two pails & one bucket. One tub, three iron pots, two ovens, one skillet, one frying pan. Seven chairs, one chest, One looking glass, one pair of fire tongs, two smoothing irons, one pair of --, one table, one wheel, one pair of wool cards, one brush, Three saddles & one bridle, one p. of bridle bits, three books, Two kegs, one Ladle & flesh fork, one razor, one pair of presses, one log chain, one loom, two slays & a pair of gears. Three axes, one wedge, one mattock, Three Bells, one auger, two handsaws, five ploughs , six ?, one seythe, four reaf hooks, two pot racks, one branding iron, one pair of stirrup irons, one drawing knife, one half bushell, one ? box, Two baskets, a quantity of flax-sixteen pound, & one quarter of wool, one pound of cotton, three clevises, seven ?, one pair of saddle bags, one pair of hinges.

ESTATE SETTLEMENT: Washington Co., Tennessee; Receipts belonging to the settlement of the Estate of Mordecai Price, dec'd. 1815 thru 1818 pgs. 127-128; Where as I Benjamin Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael [Boren] Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being part of my fathers estate as our of the Legatees rec. by me Feb 11th day 1815.Benjamin Price ( his seal). James Robinson. Where as I Henry Ausmus Legatee of the estate of Mordecai Price deceased, received of Rachel Price forty three dollars it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees Rec. by me February the ? day 1815. Henry (X ) his mark Ausmus. (his seal).

Where as I Thomas Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me April 4th day 1815.Thomas Price (his seal) Test. James Robinson. Where as I Christopher Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February 11th day 1815.Christopher (X) his mark Price. (his seal). Test James Robinson. Where as I James Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two

dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February 11th day 1815.James (X) his mark (his seal). Test James Robinson. Where as I Mordecai Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February the 25th day 1818. Mordecai Price (his seal). Where as I Dolphin Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees February the 25th day 1818.Rec. by me Dolphin (X) his mark Price. (his seal). Test. James Robinson. Where as I Sarah Price Legatee of the Estate of Mordecai Price deceased received of Rachael Price forty two dollars & eighty four cents, it being the money of my fathers estate as one of the Legatees rec. by me February the ? day 1818.Sarah (X) her mark Price.

4 Aug 1800 (age 26) TTJohn Francis TTof the County of Washington purchased two hundred acres from the Administrators of Mordicai Price, Deceased PP

[26]PP. As stated in the deed, the

land is adjacent to TTChainy Boran. TTWitness were Chainey Boran, TTRachael TT(Boren) TTPriceTT and TTHoratio Ford. T

In 1800, 26 year old Henry and his now pregnant wife purchased 100 additional acres on the East Side of Sinking Creek from Absalom Scott for $200. This was probably the same land the Henry's father sold to Absalom just a year prior. Now, Henry would have recaptured his father's original 200 acre lot from 1783 after its subdivision. Four years later, this land was again sold to local resident, Thomas Disnee for $325. Henry signed the deed with his initials “HA”.

Also in this same year, Washington D.C. became the Capital of the United States and the second President, John Adams and his wife Abigail moved in the President’s House later to become known as the White House.

27 Jul 1801 (age 27)

Henry and Malinda’s first child, HHHTUTUBenjamin Franklin Ausmus UUTTHHHis born. Benjamin was the name of Malinda’s brother, Benjamin Price. On March 4th of the same year, the second President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson took the oath of office.

According to PP

[34]PP, residents of upper East Tennessee based their economy on

agriculture. Of the many crops grown by the 1790s, corn formed the mainstay. It could be ground, grated, roasted, broiled, eaten whole, converted into molasses and whiskey, and fed to livestock. Because it was easy to cultivate and matured quickly, corn became so ubiquitous and so central to the people's lives that it

could serve as a monetary standard and a form of currency. According to a French Botanist who traveled through Upper East Tennessee in 1802, Indian wheat was also one of the principal branches of agriculture. He reported that wheat, which grew seven to eight feet tall and yielded as much as thirty bushels per acre, was raised whenever possible. Other grains, such as oats, rye, timothy, and barley played a less important role in the economy. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees were also found throughout upper East Tennessee.

16 Nov 1802 (age 28)

Henry’s aging father, now living in Speedwell, Tennesse purchased 197 acres for $434 from Jonathan Tipton adjacent to his son’s property on Cherokee Creek in Washington County. Henery Assimuss appears as witness during the transfer of title. This sale shows that Henry and his father, although separated by about 130 miles, continued to communicate with each other, giving advice on cheap land to be acquired.

5 Aug 1803 (age 29)

Henry’s and Malinda's eldest daughter, Rachael Ausmus is born in Washington County, Tennessee. Rachael later marries the brother of her brother’s wife, John Dunn (30 Jan 1793 – 28 Sep 1878) in Speedwell, Claiborne County, Tennessee. John was born in Sullivan County, North Carolina as the son and fifth child of TTThomas DunnTT, and his wife, TTPeggy BeelerTT TTSmith.TT John Dunn and Rachael (Ausmus) Dunn had thirteen children: Henry, Thomas, William, Benjamin, Madison, John Jr., Rachael, Anna, Malinda, Catherine, Joseph, James F., Marvin, Marion, and Elizabeth. Rachael and John spend their life in Claiborne County and can be seen in the 1870 census.

The following year, the United States purchased 820,000 square miles of land from Napoleon

Bonaparte for 15 million dollars (about 3 cents per acre), effectively doubling the size of the United States. In 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition began, whose purpose was to discover and survey a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. At that time, absolutely nothing was known about land beyond the Missouri River except that the Pacific Ocean was at some distance beyond.

Also in 1804, Vice President, Aaron Burr killed Federalist Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Thomas Jefferson is elected to a second term as President.

1805 (age 31)

After the death of Linda’s father the Henry Ausmus family packed up their two-oxen cart, mules and horses and moved where their relatives had settled in 1797 . They moved to what would become the community of Speedwell in Powell’s Valley, Claiborne County, Tennessee. The settled along Davis' Creek named after Nathaniel Davis, first settler of the area who owned thousands of acres in Powells Valley. Henry and his father and brothers including Frederick Bollinger moved adjacent to the Bollinger girls and their husbands, Henry Hunter and Samuel Weaver.

P

aPNathaniel Davis (4 Jul 1753 – 1838) According to Governor Campbell in 1911, Nathaniel and his three

brothers, John, James and Samuel (24 Dec 1755 – 17 Oct 1842) [Samuel m. Jane Allison, sister to the Allison brothers of Jonesboro] were among of the first settlers in Washington County, Virginia. Nathanial was born in that part of Augusta County that would become Rockingham along Beaver Creek, adjacent the the Dever plantation but his family moved to the Muddy Creek settlement in what would become Greenbrier County, West Virginia where his father and Valentine “Felty” Yoakum were murdered by Indians in the summer of 1763. His family remained close to fort Blackmore where Davis became an Indian Spy traveling to the Kentucky wilderness. Nathaniel and his Washington County, Virginia neighbors, the Vanbebbers, Gerorge & Coonrod Yoakum, Stephen Keywood (Cawood) who were the first settlers of Powells Valley, Tennessee. Nathaniel participated in the Battle of Kings Mountain and served under the eldest brother, Captain John Davis pension application. Although Davis owned thousands of acres of land in Powells Valley, he appears to have remained in Washington County east of Jonesboro near Little Limestone. According to court records, Nathaniel Davis of Washington County was on jury to view and lay out a road from where the path leading to Nathaniel Davises turn out of the big road leading to Jonesboro to the mouth of Wattauga River, the nearest & best way to the Sullivan line near John Billings grist Mill to a road leading to the iron work near the big Tslana? In Holston. A deed of conveyance from Nathaniel Davis Jr. to Frank [Francis] Allison for three hundred acres of land proven by the oaths of John Bowman and Nathaniel Davis, Sr. & admitted to record. Davis enticed his Washington County neighbors to purchase and move to Powells Valley of which dozens did eventually move. Between 1801-1808 Claiborne County court records. Davis or a relative of the same name married Margaret W. Deavor on Christmas Eve 1793 in Washington County, Virginia near Glade Spring.

Henry's chose a tract of land adjacent to a natural bubbling spring and a sink hole along the south side of Davis' Creek and likely began to construct a fence to secure his property. They would have spent the days felling trees using them for both the fence and for a temporary lean-to for shelter.

Henry and Malinda settled near the Davis Creek Baptist Church which was constructed in 1797 by Samuel Weaver, Henry Hunter, Isaac Lane, John & Peter Vanbebber and TUTUGeorge YoakumUUTTH

Sam Mars III and Ken Ausmus, 2010.

6 Jun 1805 (age 31)

In Powell's Valley, Henry and Malinda's second daughter, Lou Anne Ausmus was born in Speedwell, TN. Lou Anne would later marry TTJohn MoyersTT who was born in 1798 in that part of Grainger County that would become Speedwell, Claiborne County, Tennessee. John was the son of MichaelTT MoyersTT and his wife Elizabeth (__). They Moyers were neighbors of Henry’s father in Manheim Township, York County, Pennsylvania. John had three brothers and three sisters, Rachael, Henry, Ava, Abraham, Betsy. TTBetsy MoyersTT married TTJoseph HunterTT, son of TTElizabeth Osman TTand John Hunter Junior PP

[16]PP. Elizabeth Osman was the

daughter of Charles Osman and of no relation to the Ausmus family.

In 1805, Lewis and Clark reached the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Until this time, no one knew just how far the Pacific Ocean was to the west.

June 1805 Claiborne County Court summoned the following persons jurors to June Court 1805 [partial]:

• Nathaniel DavisPP • David Cain • Henry Hunter • Abraham Hunter • Moses Overton, Esq • Evin Douthat • James Vanbebber • Henry Ozomus

June 1805 Henry Ausmus becomes security for the estate of the deceased James Dever administered by Henry’s step-brother Frederick Bollinger.

Whereas Jacob Dobbins, John Miller & John Graves who was heretofore bound as security for Henry Hunter in the administration of the Estate of James Devera deceased. Whereas the said Hunter wishes to release his said securities from further liability as such, the court receives for Hunter’s security in room of the securities so released Henry Ozomus, James Vanbebber & Thomas Adkins – who came into court and acknowledged themselves bound as securities in room of the released as afforsaid and under the liability of the said former securities.

aAccording to PG Fulkerson, Claiborne County’s first Historian, “James Deavers came long before the county was organized to Powell Valley and owned the little farm on the Campbell and Claiborne County line. He was very wealthy for his day and was a merchant in 1801”. The Devers or Deavers were early settlers of that part of Augusta County that would become Rockingham where the Ausmus, Hunter, Davis and orphaned Bollinger children resided. On 22 May 1746, Rev. John Craig of Augusta County baptized James & John Diver, both sons of Hugh Diver. James and John were not listed as twins. Also baptized a few days earlier at the same church was Elizabeth, daughter of Nathaniel Davis [Sr.]. When the 1782 tax list for Rockingham County was created, Hugh and William Devier were listed living near Henry Ausmus and Frederick Bollinger. When the 1783 tax list was taken William, Hugh and John Devier are living near Margaret and Ann Devier who are heads of households. James Devier and Dennis Divier are now also listed as head of household. Some of the Dever and Davis families then removed to Mocassin Creek in present day Russell County andjacent to the Cain, Tate, Keewood (Cawood) and Fugate families. Upon removal These families were then among the earliest settlers of Powells Valley settling in the community of Speedwell, Tennessee along Davis’ Creek. Upon James’ death circa Nov 1803, his likely brother, William was executor of his estate. However, his estate was so complex, the job was given to his neighbors, John VanBibber and Henry Hunter. Jesse Dever, the unnamed orphan of James was looked after by Andrew Miller becoming both guardian of James’ widow [Jane Owens] and his orphan in 1806. James’ son was adopted by Samuel Tate upon Marying Jane. They moved to Indiana.

Claiborne County Court Minutes 1805: The Court Allowed William Devers administrator for the estate of James Dever deceased, $75 for services done also allowed $28.91 for money paid by said Devers and the court allowed William Rogers $3 for services done [attorney] to said estate & Jane Devers allowed for services done said estate $211. Allowances for part of her account against said estate is $45 petitions for said allowances filed.

Feb 1808: Proven in open court by the oath of Frederick Bowlinger & ordered to be recorded, November 29PP

thPP 1806 then received of

Henry Hunter [m. Barbara Bollinger] one hundred and twenty five dollars and twenty five cents money of the estate of James Devers deceased. Isay received by me of the interest – Andrew Miller, guardian for the orphan.; test William Cantriel, Frederich Bowlener. Sept 22PP

ndPP 1807. Then received of Henry Hunter four hundred and fifty dollars money of the Estate of James Devers

Deceased. Isay received by me Isay received by me Andrew Miller, guardian; test Frederick Bowlener.

The administrators of the estate of James Dever deceased reported to court as follows:

The amount of the whle estate: $2,160.94 ¾ Henry Hunter’s account brought in: $267.91 After subtraction $1,893.03 ¾ Amount of the estate not collected: $288.75 Money in the hands of the Administrator: $1,604.28 ¾

Andrew Miller guardian for the widow & orphan of James Devier, deceased by attorney motion to court for an order directing Henry Hunter the present administrator of the said James deceased to pay to the said Andrew all money by him as administrator collected & the court refused the order to be made in favor of said Andrew

James Dever’s relationship to the Ausmus Hunter and Bolinger families has one common tie, that of their mother/step-mother, Catherine (c1734- c1799), widow of Isaac Bolinger (c1730 – May 1770) who then married Philip Ausmus (c1728 – c1809). Thus, James Dever was likely a younger brother to Catherine. Henry

Hunter was executor of James’ will because his wife, Barbara Bollinger was the niece of James Dever. Frederick Bolinger, nephew, a beneficiary of the estate of James Dever

June 1805 (age 31)

Ordered by the court that, Thomas Adkins, David Caine, Henry Ozomus, Henry Sharp, John Shropshire, John Horner, Henry Hunter & John Graves, view & mark out a way for a road from the mouth of the cave springs on Clinch river the nearest & best way to the Powels Valley road near the Haw branch or near HHHTUTUStephen Keewood’s UUTTHHHwhich way the Jury may find best of the two.

Sept 1806 (age 32)

Ordered by the court that the ferry of James Rodgers on Powels river be rated at eight and one third cents for a man and horse and that all other parts of the rates of said ferry be and remain.

May 1, 1807 (age 33)

Ordered that Henry Ausmus be overseer of the road that leads from Powels Valley and that all the hands liable to work on roads in the following bounds all be alloted to him to wit; Beginning at Silas Williams Esqr. Thence directly to Bollinger’s shop and from thence to John Douthets and from thence to Davises Mill from thence to John Crowlye on Powels river thence with the river to the Beginning.

According to Harry L. Ausmus, Henry helped TTJames StewartTT, a surveyor in Washington County, as a young man. He learned how to lay out road and property lines, which helped him get a job in Claiborne County building roads. The roads he built from Old Town Creek to Wilson Gap from 1820 to 1843, apart of Highway 63 in Powell Valley, is still being used as he surveyed it. It is the opinion of this author that this tradition is a bit overstated due to the above mentioned road order. Typical road orders were court issued mandates for neighbors of roads to keep their roads in working order for the benefit of the public. If there are any records of Henry surveying, none have been found by this author.

1806 (age 32)

Henry and Linda gave birth to Sarah Ausmus (1806- aft 1870). She married first, Joseph Berry (c1800 – 1832). Joseph was the son of John Berry (17 Jul 1779 – 26 Oct 1855) and Elizabeth Cawood (c1782 – 22 Jan 1851) who settled in Macoupin County, Illinois in 1831 PP

[41]PP. John was born in Maryland and both he and his wife

died in Macoupin County. Joseph Berry and Sarah Ausmus had five children:

1825 John F. Berry 29 Mar 1827 Benjamin Berry m. Sarah Ellison on 24 Feb 1854 16 Jun 1828 Henry M. Berry 1831 Elizabeth Berry 1832 Prior L. Berry

Elizabeth Cawood was born in Washington County, Virginia along Moccasin Creek on the north side of the north fork of the Holsten was the daughter of either John, Stephen, Moses or Berry Cawood who were early settlers of Washington County Virginia. The Cawoods lived adjacent to David and Jesse Cain and James Berry and the Sharp families who all settled in Powells Valley before 1805. According to the Census of the Cumberland Settlement, 1770-90, Davidson County, Census; pg 66: April 1780, “Keywood, was a hunter who escaped and Indian ambush in which Miliken was killed at Richland Creek”.

Claiborne County, TN Court Minutes: 1806: William Rogers, John Berry & Sarah Cawood was sworn lawfully to execute the will of Stephen Keewood, deceased; as proven & filled this term.

Sarah Ausmus, widow of Joseph Berry married second, Robert Ellison (c1810 – 10 Aug 1868) about 1834. He was the son of James Ellison, Sr. (c1778 – 1835) and Elizabeth Berry (1783 – a1850) who were both born in South Carolina and can be seen on the 1833 tax list for Claiborne County. Robert’s brother, James Ellison, Jr. married Sarah’s sister, Eliza Ausmus. Sarah Ausmus and Robert Ellison are buried in the Braden Cemetery in Union County; TN. They had the following children:

1835 George Ellison 1838 Mary Ellison 1839 Susan Ellison 1840 Hiram Ellison 1841 Christian Ellison (10 may 1842 – 24 Aug 1908) m. Elizabeth Lynch dau of Chaney Lynch and Malinda Hunter 1842 Eliza Ellison 1845 Joseph Ellison (5 Feb 1844 – 3 Sep 1914) 1846 Berry Ellison m. Martha Boruff.

When the 1862 tax list was taken, Robert Ellison and Sarah were listed as owning 200 acres of land valued at $1,200. After the death of Sarah’s husband in 1868, Sarah moved into her son’s home in Lost Creek, Union County, TN. Tradition states that

Robert died on 10 Aug 1868 while another PP

[7]PP November 1868 and that Robert

Ellison weighed over 400 lbs and fell over in his chair killing himself. What appears to be a contemporary headstone in the Braden Cemetery in Union County lists a headstone marking a common grave. The death date of Sarah is incorrect as she can be seen in the 1870 census for Union County, TN living in her son, Barry’s home.

Nov 1808

Claiborne County Court Minutes:

State against Thomas Plummer the said defendant the court ordered that the defendant Thomas Plummer who is found guilty receive on his bare back forty lashes by the sheriff between the hours of ten and twelve in the four noon – tomorrow.

1 Dec 1810 (age 36)

Henry and Malinda's second son, Hiram TAusmus Tis born. Hiram was a sandy haired man of about five foot six and weighed 200 pounds. He married TSarah SharpT. They were married Dec 24, 1829. She was a little blue-eyed girl with silky black hair. She was the daughter of TGeorge Sharp, JuniorT. Hiram and Sally had two sons: Benjamin and John "Red John" [11 Mar 1839 - 4 Feb 1931] and four daughters (Martha, Malinda, Nancy, Vinny. Hiram lived in what became Union County in 1850, from the time he married until January 21, 1835. At that time he bought 80 acres of land from his father and paid him $260 for it. The land had the log house on it that his Uncle TJohn AusmusT (b. 1778) had built on a rise just east of the spring and across the creek from Davis Creek Church. John built the house in 1801 or 1802. A part of the logs are still there (1962), but have been converted into a crib, and another house built where the old one stood P

[14]P. Hiram can be found in the 1870 census living in

the home of William W. Taylor in Claiborne County. Hiram was buried beside his wife in the Hunter Cemetery near the old home place, near Davis Creek Church P

[14]P. Hiram would give birth to Benjamin Ausmus "Ridge Ben" who

would give birth to David Ausmus, grandfather of the author of the 1963 book, "Ausmus Family History 1711-1962". This line would also spawn HTUBradley David AusmusUTH, catcher for the Houston Astros and Dodgers, Major League Baseball team.

Through most of Henry and Linda's life, they had used candles and oil lamps to provide light at night. It wasn't until 1810 that the first arc-lamp was created by Humphrey Davy leading to the invention of the light bulb. It is likely that Henry never witnessed an electric light bulb in his lifetime. Also in 1810, the first tin can is invented leading to shipments of preserved meat. Until this time, meat was salted to prevent decay.

1809 (age 35)

When Henry was about age 35, his father Philip Ausimus passes away and is buried on his land behind Davis Creek Baptist Church. He was buried in an above-ground crypt which was subsequently flooded and the location of his grave moved to higher ground.

1811 (age 37)

In 1811, after the death of Henry's father, his brothers (TTJohn, Peter & Philip JrTT.) moved to western Bedford County, Tennessee and eventually settled in Illinois by 1820 as some of the counties first white inhabitants. Henry became the sole Ausmus male to remain in Speedwell, Tennessee.

Henry would have experienced the largest earthquake ever recorded in American history; it was felt by millions of people. Many had to re-build their stone foundations and chimneys. The tectonic shift was so great, that eighteen or twenty acres of land on Piney River in Missouri had suddenly sunk so low, that the tops of the trees were on a level with the surrounding earth. Two aftershocks with similar intensity struck one year later.

Folklore and traditional remedies helped people treat common ailments. Cures and treatments for this era were strange at best. Leaches were no longer being widely used for curing and blood letting. However, interesting cures for cancer can best be described by the following, found in published journals of Governor TJohn SevierT:

Boil west Turkey figs in new mild which will thicken in boiling - apply them broken or whole to the affected part which must be washed every time dressed with sour milk. Use a fresh poultice night & morning and oncst in the middle of the day, & drink one gill of the mild the figs are boiled in twice in 24 hours.

1811 (age 37) Henry Ausmus, Moses Overton and Henry Hunter witness deed transfer to their neighbor, Nathaniel Davis to Michael Moyers in Powell Valley, Tennessee P

[32]P.

19 Nov 1811 (age 37)

Henry's step-brother, Frederick Bolinger carves his name and date on a powder horn. The horn still survives in the Dunn family. "Frederick was a hero of the War of 1812, a fighting giant, six and one-half feet tall and weighing two hundred and fifty pounds, a mechanic of cannon at the Battle of New Orleans....” P

[31]P

In 1812 (age 38)

Henry and Linda gave birth to another daughter, TEliza Ausmus (1812 – aft 1880),T who was also born in speedwell, Tennessee. Eliza married HTUJames Ellison Junior UTH(1809 - Mar 1851) circa 1829 in Claiborne County, TN. James was born near Weavers Creek in Laurens County, South Carolina in 1809 and moved with his father and brother Berry Ellison to Blue Springs Hollow near present day Lost Creek in Union County, TN. According to Eliza's widow's pension certificate, her husband would later die in March of 1851. Eliza and James had at least the following children:

1. Nancy Ellison b 1829. She m. John Clemmins 2. Henry Ellison (Jul 1831 - 17 Apr 1895) m. Elizabeth Mahaley O'dell 3. Berry Ellison (23 Feb 1836 - 4 Oct 1924) m. Piety Boruff 4. Benjamin Ellison (c1842 - 18 Apr 1862)

In 1812 (age 38)

In December 1812, a severe winter rocks Tennessee and British Redcoats burn the Whitehouse

The Creek Indian War

When Henry Ausmus was 39 years old and On August 30, 1813, nearly 1,000 Red Stick and Creek Indians massacre 553 American settlers on the Tennessee River

at Fort Mims. The attack was prompted by American born, William Weatherford who joined and united the Indians against the White settlers.

TTAt noon, a drummer sounded the call to mess, and the soldiers and settlers headed for their midday meal. Some of the girls and young men were dancing, and the soldiers were playing cards as they waited for their food. The rattle of the drum was the Creek’s signal to attack and the death call for most of settlers and militia. Hundreds of Red Stick warriors, hidden in a ravine only 400 yards from the fort, stormed across the open field and crowded through the open gate, their war whoops mingling with scattered musket shots from the soldiers and screams of terror from the pioneer women and children. TT

TTBefore the attack, the prophet Welsh had performed a magical ceremony to make four braves impervious to bullets. He stated that the bullets would break in two and pass around their bodies. These warriors were to lead the attack through the gate and divert the defender’s attention long enough for other Red Sticks to occupy the stockade’s loopholes and fire into the fort from outside the walls. The "bullet-proof" braves were the first to rush into the gate, and three were immediately shot down. The soldiers tried to close the front gates, but the gates were stuck in mud due to the recent rains. The fastest of the warriors made it through the gate and trampled the soldiers trying to close them. The Indian warriors were heavily painted weilding guns, bows and arrows pointed with iron spikes. Most of the Indians were naked except for a few who wore a girdle with a cows tail hanging from the back.TT

TTDespite the failure of the magic, the militiamen were occupied long enough for the Red Sticks to take many of the loopholes and open fire on the whites running for cover inside the fort. As the settlers hid in the stockades of the fort, the Indians set it a fire killing every man, woman and child inside, except for a dozen survivors who cut a hole in the stockage and fled to the woods. A few other survivors were some of the black slaves that were kept by the Indians. TT

TTThe Indians spared no lives. All were scaled; even pregnant women had their babies cut from their woom and left to lay by their bleeding mothers.PP

[25]TPTP

In response the Fort Mims attack, Tennessee Governor, Charles Claiborne appointed Major General John Cocke and General Andrew Jackson "Old Hickory" to round up Tennessee Militia to fight the Indians. Andrew Jackson, then a resident of Nashville, had lived in nearby Jonesboro, Tennessee. Jackson led the Tennessee militia to fight the Creek and Red Stick Indians at who had fled to Horseshoe Bend. John Cocke gathered militia to fight the Indians in Hillabee, Alabama.

No record of TTHenry AusmusTT has ever been found fighting in any war. However some of his relatives did. Henry's step brothers, TTFrederick Bollinger and Captain Henry Hunter joined the Tennessee Militia.TT

War of 1812 Muster Roll and Pay Roll for Feb. 8, 1814 (from the National Archives). The Muster Roll states "TTFrederic BolingerTT Appears with the rank of Artificer on a Muster Roll of Artificers attached to Maj. Gen. John Cocke's Division (B) of East Tennessee, USA Militia, Roll dated Feb. 8, 1814. When appointed, Oct 14, 1813. When discharged, Feb 8, 1814." Pay per month, 16 dollars 0 cents. Amount of pay, 64 dollars, 51 cents." This packet of papers is signed by E. W. Moore, copyist.

In 1814, the steam powered locomotive is patented but isn’t introduced for another decade. Also in 1814, the first photograph is taken and takes 8 hours to develop.

Feb 1815

Claiborne County Court Minutes:

State of Tennessee, Feb Term Ordered by the court that the following jurors be summoned to view the situation of Caty Moyers and her children and report there situation to the next term o this court:

• Wm. Rogers • James Walker • Wm. Norvell • Thos. Dunn

• Wm Bowman • Thos McLane • John Lynch • Jos. Evans

• Peter Beeler • John Rogers • John Karr • Henry Ozomus

Aug 1815

Claiborne County

The very first occurrence of the commonly accepted spelling of Ausmus is first recorded. The middle syllable has been dropped:

Ordered by the court that Joel Bays be appointed overseer of the road leading from Powels Valley to Cain’ s ford on Powels River from Powels Valley to the top pf the ridge between the valley and the river in room of Henry Ausmus and have the same hands and bounds of hands said Ausmus had.

24 September 1815 (age 41)

One of Tennessee's founding fathers and former Rockingham County Virginia neighbor, John Sevier dies and is buried on the east bank of the Tallapoosa River. The same day, Henry and Malinda give birth to Jane Ausmus (24 Sep 1815 - 29 Sep 1889) PP

[36]PP. She m. Rev. Willaim Daniel Crutchfield (19 Oct 1820 - 25

Apr 1900) on 5 Jan 1841 PP

[35]PP.

William was the youngest son of Richard and and Mary Elizabeth Ray who were originally from North Carolina. They settled in Claiborne County about 1813.. Jane and William named one of their sons John Tipton – arch nemeses and political rival of John Sevier who ironically died the same day of Jane's birth. After their marriage William and Jane moved to Grainger County and gave birth to the following children:

1. Mary A. Crutchfield (c1842 – aft 1860)

2. Eli K. H. Crutchfield (c1844 – Jan 1864) Private in the Company A of the 12PP

thPP Tenn

Cavalry mustered 24 Aug 1863. Died Jan 1864PP

[37]PP.

3. Aliza Crutchfield (c1846 – aft 1860)

4. Manerva Crutchfield (c1848 – aft 1870)

5. John Tipton Crutchfield (9 Apr 1850 – 17 Jun 1929) m. Catherine Owens on 12 Aug 1871

6. Jerry Crutchfield (c1853 – aft 1860) 7. Margaret Crutchfield (c1855 – aft 1870) 8. Sarah Catherine (c1857 – aft 1880) 9. William (1860 – bef 1870) 10. Rose A. (c1861 - ?)

Claiborne County's primitive transportation system was by ferry. John Rodgers was one of the first ferry owners in Speedwell, Tennessee. The Bullards operated a ferry across Clinch River. The charge allowed was 12 1/2 cents for each man and horse, 50 cents for a two-wheel carriage, and 6 1/4 cents for each head of cattle PP

[33]PP.

February 1816 (age 42)

A few years after his father’s passing and the removal of Henry’s brothers, Henry begins to subdivide his father’s 600 acres.

Claiborne County Court Minutes; February Term:

Deed from Henry Ausamus to Frederick Bolinger for Thirty acres of land was acknowledged in court by the grantor therein named and ordered to be recorded

Deed from Henry Ausamus to Zackariah Cadle?? For twenty five acres of land was acknowledged in court by the grantor therein named and ordered to be recorededl

Deed from Henry Ausmus to William Mnew? For forty acres of land was acknowledged in court by the grantor therein named and ordered to be recorded.

Deed from Samuel Weaver to Henry Hunter for fifty acres of land was proven in court by the oaths of Henry Ausamus and Frederick Bolinger

Deed from Sanuel Weavor to Henry Ausamus for two hundred and forty seven acres of land was proven in court by the oaths of of Henry Hunter and Frederick Bolinger.

14 May 1816 (age 42)

Henry and Malinda give birth to TJohn Canaday AusmusT who later marries Cynthia Susan Sharp (b. Oct 24, 1820), sister of Sarah Sharp who marries John’s brother, THiram Ausmus TP

[27]P. John’s second wife was TZelphia Haynes (see

photo)T. The Sharps were very early settlers of Claiborne County. John and Cynthia can be found in the 1850 and 1860 Census for Speedwell with many children and can be found still living in Speedwell in the 1870 Census. John died July 14, 1904 at age 88. John's son, Benjamin A. Ausmus and Ike Bollinger moved to Brush Creek, Colorado in 1887. John was buried in the Ausmus Cemetery in Speedwell, Tennessee.

14 May 1816 Claiborne County, TN

John Sharp and Martin Sharp is admitted with a will to administer all and singular the goods and chattels rights and credits of Nicholas Sharp, deceased given bond of one thousand dollars with John Graves and David Wilson for their securities to lawfully perform – and took the necessary oath and returned an inventory of the good and chattels of the deceased Estate likewise sworn to be true which is filed and ordered recorded.

…Joseph Russel, Peter Bealer, John Berry, Henry Ausemus, George Sharp, Sr., Ezedkiel Dodson, Amos Johnston…bring the children of Sally Markum? to court house in Tazewll.

…the following jurors to ?? upon the view Henry Hunter, Henry Ausemus, Joseph Powell, Beverly Markum

16 May 1816 (age 42)

Henry Ausmus is appointed juror of the next term in Claiborne County P

[39]P.

Between the years 1816 and 1840, Henry’s younger brothers, Peter, John and Philip Jr. purchase thousands of acres of land in Illinois. The majority of the purchases are after the Black Hawk War. Henry's nephew, Thomas Ausmus was also a very early purchaser of Illinois land. Thomas was the son of TUJohn AusmusU Hand Nancy Hill.

Circa 1817 (age 43)

Henry and Linda give birth to Susannah Ausmus who married Cornelius Braden (c1816 -?) on January 29, 1839. The marriage bond was acquired a week prior. Reverend William Williams performed the marriage PP

[30; pg 3]PP. Susannah can

be seen when the 1840 census was taken living with a young daughter (Sarah J. Braden) at home with her husband as the head of household. They also had sons named Franklin Ausmus, Braden, Milton and William. When the 1850 census was taken for Subdivision 17, Campbell County, TN, Cornelius can be seen living in the home of his relatives with his children. However, Susannah is not to be found and may have died prior. In 1851, Cornelius m2. Nannie Smith.

4 Oct 1818 (age 44)

Henry and Malinda’s tenth child, TTMalinda AusmusTT is born in Speedwell, Tennessee. She later married TTNicholas SharpTT and can be found in the

1850 Census for Claiborne County and the 1860 census for Union County, TN.

7 Feb 1820 (age 46)

Henry Ausmus is listed as a juror in Captain Moses Davis Company, John H. Lee Esquire In Captain Rogers Company John Lynch Esquire: ordered by the court that the following named persons be appointed jurors to the next term of this court is as follows to wit:

William Ely, William Lea, James Monday, William Ragan, Jesse Powers, Moses Willis, James Brasfield, Jacob Shoults, Senior, Thomas Whitmore, Bluford Woodall, William Copper, Tidance Lane Junr., David Hudleston, Dennis Condray, Jesse Neil, George Campbell, John Bransfield, Elijah Vanoy, John Stakely, John Howell, Samuel Wilson, Isaac Vanbebber, John Rogers William McNew, William Bowman, Henry Ausmus.

1820 (age 46)

Daniel Boone dies at age 85 in Missouri and the population of the United States is estimated to be 9.6 million. Also the state of Missouri is added as the 24th state of the United States.

Tuesday May 9, 1820 (age 46)

Henry Ozmus is juror in Debt & Damage claim of Solomon Sailor & George Brittain vs. William Norvell. PP

[25]PP

Thursday, May 17, 1821 (age 47)

Henry Ausmus is listed as a security to defendant, Hugh White in a Claiborne County Court. PP

[25]PP

John Wallen vs.

Hugh White

This cause by their attorneys into open court and thereupon came a Jury to wit

Ambrose Day Sen. David Huddleston

John Hust Jacob Vanbebber

Joseph Cloud

Isaac Vanbebber Tidance Lane Joseph Hust

Edward Jennings David Rogers Josse Devers John Bunch

who being Elected Tried and sworn the Truth to speak upon this matter of controversey upon their oaths do say they find for the plaintiff and assesses his damage to fifty seven

dollars whereupon It is considered by the court that the plaintiff Recover of the defendant and his securities Robert Gibson & Henry Ansmus the debt aforesaid sum of fifty seven dollars his damages aforesaid in form aforesaid assessed also his costs by him about his suit in this behalf Expended from which verdict and Judgment the Deft. by his attorney

prays and appeal to the next term Cercuit Court of this County Enters into bond a security files his reasons and the appeal is granted -

10 Jan 1822 (age 48)

Henry and Linda's oldest son, HHHTTTTUTTUBenjamin Franklin AusmusUUTTTHTHHTT marries TTAnna Christina DunnTT (b. May 4, 1802) in Claiborne County. Anna was the daughter of TTThomas DunnTT and was a large woman. It is tradition that she weighed 300 pounds. She and Ben had 12 children. TTBen AusmusTT was over six feet tall, weighing about 225 pounds PP

[14]PP.

Also in 1822, The Superintendent of Mails in Washington, D.C., complained about the need to hire 16 extra mailmen because of the volume of Christmas cards and holiday mail. The tradition of Christmas cards had become so popular it became a burden for the United States Postal System, which petitioned Congress to limit the exchange of cards by post. But the cards kept coming and the postal burden worsened.

Dec 1824 (age 50)

50 year old Henry and 42 year old Malinda give birth to TTMatilda AusmusTT in Speedwell, Tennessee. Matilda later marries TTJacob E. SowderTT (21 Mar 1822 – 26 Nov 1907) on March 13, 1848 in Claiborne County, TN. They removed to nearby Pine creek, Kentucky, then to Brush Creek, Knox County, Kentucky. Matilda names most of her children after her siblings; six of nine survived to adulthood. They can be found in the 1900 Census for Knox County, KY married for 57 years with two daughters, Polly and Melissa. She states that her parents were born in North Carolina which was not correct.

1826 (age 52)

Henry and Linda's last child, TTCatherine TTis born in Speedwell Tennessee. She later marries TTHarve ButlerTT. Catherine was named after Henry’s mother. She is enumerated in the 1830 census and her name is listed in “Old Speedwell Families” by Joy Edwards Davis. Nothing else is known.

Also in 1826, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams die on the same day, the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In 1828, the seventh President of the United States and local Tennessee hero, Andrew Jackson enters the White House. In 1829, after nearly two centuries of atrocities against the settlers, the Creek Indians receive orders to relocate across the Mississippi River.

1830 (age 56)

"Henry Ausamus" appears in the 1830 Census for Claiborne, County as head of household with Malinda at age 48 with two boys and six girls. His neighbors are his eldest son, HHHTUTUBenjamin AusmusUUTTHHH and Malinda's brother, Mordecaih Price [Jr.], Thomas and John Dunn who married Henry’s eldest daughter, Rachael. Neighbors also include Frederick B.[ollinger] Hunter, David Hunter, Elizabeth Hopper and Lewis Rogers.

Although the census doesn't explicitly list the children's names, Henry (age 50-60) and Linda's (age 40-50) children are known to be:

Hiram Ausmus (15-20) age 20 Eliza Ausmus (15-20) age 18 John Canaday Ausmus (10-15) age 14 Catherine Jane (under 5) age 4 Matilda (5-10) age 6 Katie (5-10) age 10 Malinda (10-15) age 12 Susannah (10-15) age 13 Jane (15-20) age 15 Linda (Price) Ausmus

In 1830, the population of the United States is 12.8 million and the Indian Removal Act is executed. The Inflationary Boom begins. The boom of the early 1830s was led by the construction of new canals and schemes that would eventually provide the first network of railroads. The Federal government encouraged the speculative fever by selling millions of acres of public lands in western states like Michigan and Missouri, mostly to speculators, who resold and bought, in hopes of assembling well-located parcels that would quickly increase in real value as well as paper value, once the turnpikes and canals and the promised railroads brought settlers and traffic.

The U.S. Treasury was accumulating a budget surplus, which members of Congress voted to distribute in the spring of 1837, passing the funds to their home districts, where the windfall was quickly invested-- in canals, turnpikes and railroad companies.

In 1832 The Black Hawk War begins and President Andrew Jackson is re-elected President.

In the summer of 1833, Benjamin Cloud collected taxes in Claiborne County's district 2. The list comprised adult white males older than 21 years of age who were taxed. On the list were several hundred names, some of which were:

Arthur Price Bartlet Odle [O'dell] Charles M. Hooper Jesse Hooper John, William and Thomas Dunn Jacob Bolinger Benjamin Ausmus [age 32] Hiram Ousms [age 22] Henry Ausmus [age 59] David W. Rogers Joseph Hunter Frederick Bolinger John Hunter James Edwards Thomas Quillen James Hunter John Hill Thomas Ellison William M. Hooper William Hooper Jr. James Hooper Lewiston Hopper Sion Vance Christian Boroff Berry Ellison Robert Ellison Joseph Dunn Hezekiah Hooper Jesse Hopper Spencer Edwards William Hopper John Vance William Price

11 Jan 1834 (age 60)

TTHenry AusmusTT sold his oldest son, Ben Ausmus, 160 acres of land for $600. This land included the house-like fort that Henry's father, HHHTUTUPhilip AusmusUUTTHHH had lived in until his death PP

[14]PP.

In 1836 (age 62)

Mexico's General, Santa Anna leads 3,000 men and raids the Alamo in Texas, killing 187 Texans.

1837 (age 63)

Son TTJohn C. AusmusTT marries TTCynthia SharpTT and appears as preacher to Davis Creek Baptist Church.

The Panic of 1837

Widespread bank failures and unemployment in the United States occur during the Panic of 1837. This was caused by President Andrew Jackson ordering the National Bank to release its control to State Banks. As a fledgling nation, the effects of the panic of 1837 on Americans cannot be overstated.

1838 (age 64)

Cholera Epidemic and Malaria outbreak in Tennessee. 15,000 Cherokee Indians are removed known as the "Trail of Tears". Also in 1830, the "Underground Railroad" is established.

1839 (age 65)

Another tax list was created for Claiborne County's second district. Henry and Linda Ausmus and their two sons were once again listed. However, this time their recently married son, TTJohn AusmusTT is now listed.

1840 (age 66)

when the census was taken for Speedwell, Tennessee, Henry is listed as having three daughters living at home. His three sons, Benjamin, Hiram and John, are living next to him. No other males are living in the home. The daughters are Katie (age 19) and & Matilda (age 17) & Catherine (ages 14) are tallied.

In 1840, the population of the United States is 17 million.

5 Jan 1841 (age 67)

Henry's daughter, Jane Ausmus marries Wm. Crutchfield in Claiborne County, TN. Her last name was spelled Ausman PP

[35]PP.

In 1841, forty eight covered wagons travel the Oregon Trail to what would later become City of Sacramento, California and John Sutter would complete Sutter's Fort. The rehabilitated fort can still be seen in downtown Sacramento, California.

TT3 May 1849 (age 75)

TTHenry AusamusTT died on the third day of May 1849 in Speedwell, Tennessee. He was buried in an above-ground crypt in the Ausmus cemetery as shown in the photo above.

After Henry's death,TT Ben AusmusTT, the oldest of the children, inherited his father's homestead, just southwest of Davis Creek Church. Ben died two years before his own mother, the date of Ben's death being October 10, 1862, at the age of sixty one years and two months.

Henry's wife,TT Malinda (Price) AusmusTT died on April 4, 1864 just prior to the end of the Civil War at the age of 82 and was buried next to her husband in the Ausmus Cemetery.

Conclusion Unknown Author: Since [Henry’s father] Philip Ausmus was a friend to both John Sevier and to Col. John Tipton and witnessed the war between them, he may have felt he wanted to remove himself and family because of the bitterness of our patriot neighbors. Malinda[Price Ausmus], his daughter-in-law used to relate the war in detail to her sons and daughters, and always she was sad because it had happened. Often a tear would drop form her blue eyes. She told them of the first governor of the State picking her up in his lap and giving her a kiss when she was a child, and she mentioned the friendship with the sheriff, Valentine Sevier. Of course, the Tiptons were her folks and she loved them, too, and very much.

Unknown author: TT"My great-great grandmother, Malinda (Price) Ausmus continued to live in an adjoining house on the homestead inherited by her eldest son, Ben Ausmus, and she is remembered by the older generation as she used to go down to the spring with

her small pail and walking cane for a pail of fresh water. Their home was located southwest of Davis Creek Church with the spring, sheep-nose apple trees, and sink hole so well remembered by the older generation."TT

The following is a speech given at the dedication ceremony for Philip Ausmus' grave in 1967 PP

[28]PP with regard to Henry and Malinda Ausmus is as follows:

Two of the great army of unsung heroes and heroines who played parts in the opening up of the frontier when our country was young, when strong hearts and determined minds and willing hands were every day necessities. The proof that they succeeded is patent in the fact that their progeny not only still inhabit the Speedwell environs but can be found in most of the States of the Union.

1. Records of St. Jacob’s (Stone) Union Church, Codorus Township, York County, Pennsylvania, 1762-1793Original PA Land Records Survey 338, Warrant Application 5158; Neil Otto Hively

2. Minutes of the Cherokee Baptist Church 3. Strassburger, Ralph Beaver. Pennsylvania German Pioneers; 1727-1808;

Pennsylvania German Society, 1934. 3 vols Vols. 1 & 3 reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1964. Repr. 1983. Vol. 1 (1727-1775). 776 p. (Page 493)]

4. TTLand sales from the Illinois public domain, State of Illinois. Illinois Land Records,TT

5. Register of Deed Book 3 Page 272, Washington County, Jonesboro, NC

6. Church: Part VI - ST. MICHAEL'S & ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH (later changed to St. Peters Church) Marriages 1793-1800: Philadelphia, PA page 435

7. Old Speedwell Families; Edwards, 1955 8. Naturalizations 1740-1773, Lancaster County, PA, Lancaster Legacy

(Southwest Pennsylvania Genealogical Services). Vol 4:3 (Dec. 1986), pp. 29-32; Vol. 4:4 (Mar. 1987), pp. 39-40. Page 30. Ancestry.com Source Publication Code: 6045.13

9. Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement of Virginia; Vol 2 pp 420-429 by Lyman Chalkley

10. WESTCOTT, THOMPSON. Names of Persons Who Took the Oath of Allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania between the Years 1777-1789.... Philadelphia: Campbell, 1865. 145p. Reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1965. page 91

11. HESSISCHE TRUPPEN IM AMERIKANISCHEN UNABHAENGIGKEITSKRIEG (HETRINA): Index nach Familiennamen. (Marburg: Archivschule) (Veroeffentlichungen der Archivschule Marburg, Institut fuer Archivwissenschaft, Nr. 10). Band III. Marburg, 1976. page 55

12. GERMAN SOLDIERS WHO TOOK THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 1777 AND 1784. In Journal of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association, vol. 5:2 (1994), pp. 16-20.

13. WESTCOTT, THOMPSON. Names of Persons Who Took the Oath of Allegiance to the State of Pennsylvania between the Years 1777-1789.... Philadelphia: Campbell, 1865. 145p. Reprinted by Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1965. Page 88

14. Harry L. Ausmus, Ausmus Family History (1711-1962) 15. US and International Marriage Records 1560-1900 16. PA German Immigrants, 1709-1786, Pennsylvania German Pioneers from

the County of Wertheim. 17. Washington County, Tennessee Register of Deeds: Roll# 197 Vol. EHI

Page 258 (Old Book H page 102nd) 18. To be added 19. Source: Heritage Quest Microfilm: Claiborne County Minute Docket,

Court Pleas and Quarter Sessions; Copied under works Progres Administration 1815-1818

20. Claiborne County Court Minutes 1821-1824 Minutes of Court Pleas and Quarter Sessions Minute Book 1821-1824

21. Washington Co., Tennessee; Inventory Book 00, pgs. 126-127; November Sessions 1799; Mordeci Price’s Will

22. Familysearch.org, Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, batch file C507701

23. Andrew Jackson, H.W. Brands

24. Washington County Register of Deeds Roll #197 Vol. EHI Page 292 25. Claiborne County, Tennessee Court of Pleas & Quarter Session 1819-1821,

Nashville, TN The Historical Records Survey Feb 2, 1939 26. Frederick Co., VA Marriage Bonds, by John Vogt & T. William Kethley, Jr.,

Iberian Publishing Company. 27. Dedicatory Address by Dr. Graydon Ausmus, July 30, 1967 at the

Memorial Marker at the Grave of Rev. Philip Ausmus; Author by Rosalie Ausmus Keever, retained at Tennessee State Library (vertical files)

28. Old Speedwell Families; Lawrence Edwards; 1955 29. Maryland German Church Records Vol. 3 Monocacy Lutheran

Congregation and Evangelical Lutheran Church Baptisms 1742-1779; Frederick, Frederick County

30. Marriages of Cliaborne & Campbell County, TN 1838-1853; Whitley; 1983 31. History of the Carlock Family p389 “John Carlock 32. "Old Speedwell Families, Revised & Updated; Edwards & Davis; 1983 pg

368 33.

33. HHHTUTUhttp://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~pruittsintn/claibornecountytennessee.htmlUUTTHHH

34. Two worlds in the Tennessee Mountains: exploring the origins of Appalacian; David C. Hsiung

35. Ancestry.com. Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2008. Original data: Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002. Nashville, TN, USA: Tennessee State Library and Archives. Microfilm.

36. Claiborne County Crutcfield Family Tree; Ancestry.com; username: srunions160, Clinton, TN

37. Report of the Adjutant General of the state of Tennessee : of the military forces of the state, from 1861 to 1866.. Nashville, Tenn.: S.C. Mercer, printer to the state, 1866.

38. Dodd, Jordan R.. Tennessee Marriages, 1851-1900 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2000.

39. Claiborne County, Tennesse Court of Pleas & Quarter Session 1819-1821, Mountain Press.

40. RW Pension File R10023, Virgil D. White's "Abstracts of Rev. War Pension Files," p. 815, Extracted by C. Hammett from

41. Praire Pioneers of Ilinois; Illinois State Genealogy Society, 1986 42. Records from State & County Archives, Rev Warrants; Pg 23 43. Virginia Colonial Abrstracts, Vol. III, Wash County Marriage Reg.

Misc Abstracts

Nathaniel Davis

Some Tennessee Heroes of the Revolution, First Pamphlet, pg 6

1780; Capt Nathaniel Davis served in John Sevier’s NC regiment

Tennessee Soldiers in the Revolution, Index to Wills of Washington County, Pg 35

21 Feb 1781

Nathaniel Davis of Washington County, State of NC,

Brother Robert Davis and his sons: James

Mother:

Sisters Mary, Ann, Elizabeth

Teste: Robert Davis, Mary Davis; Recorded May Sessions 1781

1789

Listed in Will of James Allison of Washington County, TN

1790 US Census

Nathaniel Davis is living in 96th District of Spartanburgh, South Carolina.

Tennessee Soldiers in the Revolution, Index to Wills of Washington County, Pg 45

Nathaniel Davis Executor of Will of Charles Hay written 23 Dec 1792

Tennessee Soldiers in the Revolution, Index to Wills of Washington County, Pg 46

21 Sep 1794. Will of James Allison

Wife Jane. To Elizabeth Scott, Hannah Scott, Rachel Sharp, Ester Allison; To daughter Elizabeth Allison. Robert Allison, Nathaniel Davis, James Chastin, Exs.

Teste: Frank [Francis] Allison, John Adams, Michael Harrison

Proven May 1795

Records of Commissions of Officers, 1796-1815, Part 1

Davis, Nathaniel, Jr., Lieutenant Oct 10, 1796

Records of Commissions of Officers, 1796-1815, Part 1

Davis, Nathaniel, Capt 29 Sept 1800

TN Bible Records and Marriage Bonds, Vital Records, pg 437

Warrant 104: Sterling Dean, private in the NC Cont. Line; 640 acres; issued 11 Dec 1804. Shadrick Wooten and John Wooten certify they had signed over their rights to warrant to Nathaniel Davis, 9 April 1805. Abraham Hunter, George Wiggins and Grays Westrook, Witnesses. [42]

John Davis

8 Aug 1780; Greenbrier County, Virginia; Muddy Creek settlement

John Davis 400 acres at great levels adjacent to Charles Lewis, deceased. George Davidson, William McClung; Part of survey made to order of Council for Robert McClanahan, deceased on 16 Feb 1774, entered to by settlement by his wife who was the daughter of Archibald Clendenin, deceased.

John Davis was neighbor to John Rogers per Early Court records of Greenbrier County. A John Rogers would be living near Nathanial Davis in Powells Valley. John Rogers operated a Ferry.

18 Jun 1782 [ibid]

Present: Samuel Brown, William Ward, Michael Woods, John Henderson, John Anderson. John Davis allowed four pounds five shillings for beef furnished to the United States.

6 Sep 1786 [ibid]

Walter Davis 400acres by commissioners certificate for 369 acres assignee John Davis & 31 acres by land warrant for 200 acres No. 1143 asignee John Davis on both sides of the Greenbrier River.

16 Oct 1786

John Rogers 360 acres adjacent William Comer, Thomas Hughes, John Davis & Henry Hunter, inc. old survey in 1751 by commissioners certificate assignee George Scee

March Term 1787 [ibid]

John Davis allowed 30 shillings for riding express 5 days – state service

May 1790 [ibid]

Thomas Drennon and Sarah Drenon orphans of Lawrence Drennon deceased made choice of William Johnston for their guardian. John Davis and Joseph Maze securities

June 1791 [ibid]

John Davis commissioned to take the privy examination of Priscilla Miller of her relinquishment of Dower in land sold by John Miller her husband.

1796 [ibid]

Henry Hunter, Walter Davis, John Davis and Robert Knox appraisers of estate of William McDowell.

3 Sep 1804 [ibid]

George Sibert labourer of Monroe to John Davis of Red Springs personal property in trust. Wit. John Nesbit, Hervey McLaughlin.

20 Dec 1805 [ibid]

John Davis of Monroe to Mathew Harvey and James Breckenridge of Botetourt; 425 pounds; 7 Shillings; 2 pence for slaves and other personal property to secure James Breckenridge; Wit. L. Bowyer, Robert Wiley, Robert Douthat

Records from the State and County Archives, Davidson County, TN

Received of Major Mountflorence the following warrant to wit: No. 295 Capt. John Davis 3840 acres.

Unpaid Taxes for landholders for Montgomery County, TN for 1808

Heirs of John Davis – 3,840 acres at the mouth of Barton’s Creek

Heirs of John Davis, a pvt in NC cont line 640 acres issued 16 dec 1797. On 20 Jun 1797 Matthew Davis transferred the warrant to Jobe Smith who assigned to William Patterson on 25 Aug 1797.

Records from the State and County Archives, Smith County, TN

John Davis, inventory and sale; proved 1813

Pensioners of the War of 1812, Surnames, C-D

John Davis served in 24th reg’t inf; drew pension in Sullivan County d. in service Oct 1814; his heirs were Anna, Mary and John Davis (1812)

Records of Commissions of Officers, 17961815, Part 1

Sumner County Regiment; John Davis, Lieutenant

Records of Commissions of Officers, 17961815, Part 1

Davis, John; Captain 1st Tennessee Regiment; May 19, 1809

Davis, John; Captain 49th Regiment; July 24, 1812