Samuel TALBERT

Other Events:

• _UID: 4D522D3F906A4848944B35FD42281DE41167

Other Events:

• _UID: 84ADC20798294605B4B3C37D4EAC51251DB1

Notes:

1860 Washington Co.VA Census  David Talbert, 49, Mary Talbert, 39, Samuel Talbert, 3 and Thomas Talbert, 2 years.

Deed Book 23 Washington Co. VA dated 5 Mar 1857 page 305, David Taylor Talbert and Mahala Ann, wife, Washington Co. VA and Andrew H, Taylor..$195. to Andrew Taylor one undivided half..land both sides of North Fork Holston River ...113 acres, same tract of land which Richard Whitaker, dec., grandfather of said Mahala died seized...sold at death of his widow, Elizabeth ...equally divided between three grandchildren and heirs...Mahala is one...5 March 1857.

David married Mahala Ann WHITAKER. Mahala (daughter of Elizabeth WHITAKER) was born 1821, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 20F151F15A884FCC9739C70F87921F82B0EA

Notes:

1860 Washington Co.VA Census  David Talbert, 49, Mary Talbert, 39, Samuel Talbert, 3 and Thomas Talbert, 2 years.

Deed Book 23 Washington Co. VA dated 5 Mar 1857 page 305, David Taylor Talbert and Mahala Ann, wife, Washington Co. VA and Andrew H, Taylor..$195. to Andrew Taylor one undivided half..land both sides of North Fork Holston River ...113 acres, same tract of land which Richard Whitaker, dec., grandfather of said Mahala died seized...sold at death of his widow, Elizabeth ...equally divided between three grandchildren and heirs...Mahala is one...5 March 1857.

Other Events:

• _UID: BBA06950B5C5497FAEE4B695342B172BD4A5

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children.  Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by  John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Never married. She had three children who were named in her father, Richard Whitaker's will.

1830 Washington Co. VA Census - Elizabeth is head of household with 1 male child, 2 females.

1840 Washington Co. VA Census - Elizabeth head of household  with her children.

Other Events:

• _UID: CDFDA936E78348BFA469B23A8407826B8B7C

Notes:

Richard Whitaker of North Carolina and Washington County, Virginia by Joye Boardman

The significant portion of the information on Richard Whitaker and Rachel Bentley's descendants comes from Joye Boardman's book which is out of print. She kindly provided me her material via email with permission to post on this website.

"For a time it was thought Richard Whitaker, born 1752, was a son of Richard,Sr. and wife, Elizabeth Cary of Halifax Co., NC. After careful and extended research from many different sources,this Richard is not a son of the Halifax County Whitakers. It is possible he is a relative of the large Whitaker family from Virginia and North Carolina but that must be researched further." 

David Whitaker, son of Benjamin and grandson of Richard, tells in the History of Oregon, page 886, that "Grandfather Richard Whiteaker emigrated from Wales previous to the Revolution and settled in North Carolina, where he married Rachel Bentley and reared a family of five sons and four daughters. He was a participant in the Revolutionary war and lived to be eighty-two years of age."

Richard may be the son of either Mark Whitaker or James Whitaker whose adjoining plantations lay southeast of the Bentley plantation on Bear Creek.

Cheryl Duke's notes: The evidence is pointing in this direction for several reasons. No immigration record has been located o his coming from Wales, nor is there any record of his being an indentured servant.

Given the patterns of families and neighbors migrating from one location to another,it was unusual for a man without any ties to come into an area and be readily accepted. Especially to marry into an extended family like the Bentley's. Also, a person needed to have farming and survival skills to settle on the frontier. Coming from Wales and settling in the wilderness, a person would need friends or family to help in the process of adjustment. With the Whitaker's and the Bentley's both being from counties in Maryland that were close to each other, there would probably be a comfort and connection that would make it easier to establish communication and being neighborly.

So it is more likely that Richard is the son of James Whitaker, as the name Mark doesn't appear in the names of his son or his descendants. On the other hand, Mark Whitaker Jr.'s offspring do continue its use. Only DNA evidence will ultimately confirm what written records do not.

Continuation of Joye Boardman's research

NORTH CAROLINA COURT AND LAND RECORDS

The Rowan County North Carolina Court Minutes dated 8 Aug 1778 list those persons who "refused of neglected" to take the Oath of Allegiance to the state. Included in the list for Capt. Lyon's District is the name Daniel Bentley, and the names of Bentleys neighbors: Mesheck Davis, John Willcockson, Snr., Mark Whitacre, Adam Hall Snr., Samuel Willcoxson and Israel Willcoxson being also on the list.

From Civil Action Papers, Lincoln Co., NC Richard Whitaker vs Michael Buff. In same papers, Whitakers on a 1782 List of Rowan County property owners, summoned with regard to confiscation of their property: Alexander, Henry, James, Jiles, Richard. See Rowan County Register August 1988 by Jo White Linn.

A list dated 3 November 1782 details the names of men living in Capt. Pearson's Company who were summoned by William Butler, constable, to show why their property should not be confiscated. Included in the 1782 list are the names of Anthony Pealor [Peeler], John Wilcockson, Danul [Daniel] Lewis, and "Richard Whitaker Runaway." "Runaway" simply meant the individual was no longer in the area. This was Richard Whitaker's case as he moved with Thomas Bentley's family in 1782 to Lincoln County, North Carolina, having married Thomas Bentley's daughter, Rachel Bentley.

Note from Cheryl Duke: It appears the families were victims of claim jumping, In 1777, a confiscation act was passed during during the Revolutionary War, seizing the lands of Lord Granville for the state of North Carolina. Settlers on Granville lands had to reapply for a new state land grant to their farms, and many lost everything to claim jumpers. Also on this list were John, Henry, Alexander and James Whitaker, along with Jiles Whitaker listed as a runaway (meaning he was no longer in the area).

Rowan County, North Carolina Tax Lists 1757-1800 Annotated Transcriptions, by Jo White Linn, 1995, Preface pp. xi - xv. "Because Rowan County lay within the Granville Proprietary and because the Granville Land Office snapped shut in 1763 and never reopened, there was no way for a person to gain title to vacant land for the fifteen year period until the State Land Office opened in 1778. Because many of the settlers who flooded into the area during the period could not gain title to land, their names do not appear in the deed records and cannot readily be confirmed by other records."

"Conscientious objectors, such as Quakers, Moravians, Menonists, and Dunkers, and those who refused to swear allegiance to the State were charged a three fold tax." Mark Whitaker was listed on the list of those not taking the oath of allegiance, so if the family was percieved as being Loyalists or Tories, then they paid in money and enmity from Patriot neighbors.

In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannah's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC.

Rachel's sister Mary married Aaron Freeman according to the Rowan County records. "Freeman, Aaron to Mary Bently, 17 dec 1769, Bentamin Bently, bondsman, Thomas Frohock, wit consent from Thos. Bently for his daugher Mary, 17 dec 1769, Benjamin Bently, James Freeman, wit."

Richard Whitaker was a very good friend of Aaron Freeman, and they named their sons Aaron, Benjamin & Thomas.

On 1 September 1795 the widow Hannah Bentley and her son, Daniel, sold to George Savage and Catherine Bollinger the plantation on which Hannah lived.

1 September 1795. Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley of Lincoln County to George Savage & Catherine Bollinger, both of Lincoln County, for 20 pounds, a tract of land that Thomas Bentley bought of Thomas Welch in Lincoln County on the waters of Indian Creek on the south side of the creek, it being the plantation she [Hannah Bentley] now lives on. It being the land [25 acres] that was accepted [excepted] in the deed that Daniel Bentley made to Jacob Bollinger [doesn't give boundaries] Signed: Hannah Bentley (her mark), Daniel Bentley. Witnesses: Benj. Moore, Richard Whiteakker, William Yonts. Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 18, page 146.

Richard and wife, Rachel, moved to Washington County, Virginia, from the Lincoln County area of North Carolina. This is where Richard resided until his death on 18 October 1838.

WASHINGTON COUNTY VIRGINIA RECORDS

Richard Whitaker came into Washington County, Virginia from North Carolina sometime around 1796.  [Ref: Washington County, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840].  Listed are Giles Whiteacre and Richard Whiteacre. Richard Whitiker  is listed with various spelling of the name from 1796 until his death. The 1810 Index to the Census of Virginia lists Richard Whitaker living next door to James Whitaker.  Isaac Whitaker is listed under a different household.
 
It can only be conjectured as to why Richard and his sons came into Washington County, Virginia; perhaps they were attracted to the salt deposits on the North Fork of the Holston River.  They evidently had means as they purchased land shortly after coming in the County. Dr. Joseph E. Williams, Professor at Emory & Henry College suggested they perhaps came for the salt at Saltville, VA.

Benjamin Whitaker  stated he had 5 brothers and 4 sisters. Absalom Rufus Whitaker, grandson of Richard named seven brothers and three sisters in his Bible.  Why the others were not named remains a mystery. They could have been older or died as youngsters. 

1810 Federal Census Washington Co., VA. Richard Whitaker is listed with 1 free white male, 10-16 [Thomas}, 2 males 16-26 [Benjamin & Moses], 1 male, 45 or older, [himself], 2 free white females under 10, [Mary & Elizabeth], 1 female, 10-16, [Catherine], 1 female 26-45, [Rachel]

Nov 25, 1814 Washington Co VA [Deed Bk 6, page 21; page 319 in DB index]  Richard Whitechor  [Whitaker] and his son, Moses  purchased two [2] tracts of land belonging to Charles Thurman and his wife, Barbara, all of Washington Co VA for $600. containing 113 acres, patent bearing date of 10 Sept 1787 and 50 acres, patent bearing date of 5 Nov 1798, lying on both sides of the North Fork of the Holston River. The 113 acres begins at a beech tree in an island corner to John Lee and crossing the river and a corner to John Lee on the south side of Little Mountain. p.6

1815 SW VA Tax Assessments : Julius Davenport, one farm on the North Fork Holston River joining Richard Whitarker.

1820 Census
Name: Rickard Whitecar [Richard Whitaker]
Home in 1820 (City, County, State): Washington, Virginia
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1
Free Colored Persons - Males - 14 thru 25: 1
Number of Persons - Engaged in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - Under 16: 1
Free White Persons - Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 5
Total Free Colored Persons: 1
Total All Persons - White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 6

1822 Washington County VA:  Richard and John Whitaker  witnessed the will of Rev. Isaac Chapman in 1822, the year Chapman died.  Richard went bond to settle his estate which was settled in 1825.

1824  Washington County VA Deed Book 8, 1822..25, pages 300/301  between John Logan, one and William S. & John Logan, Richard Whitaker, William Apperson, Jacob Morrell, Trustees of Maiden Springs Meeting House and lot-land and tract conveyed to John Logan to Henry's corner Jan 1804.  Recorded 20 July 1824.

1830 Census
Name: Richard Whitaker
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Washington, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 70 thru 79: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 60 thru 69: 2
Free Colored Persons - Males - 10 thru 23: 2
Free Colored Persons - Males - 24 thru 35: 1
Free Colored Persons - Males - 36 thru 54: 2
Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 3
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 23
Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: 8
Slaves - Males - 55 thru 99: 1
Slaves - Females - Under 10: 5
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 2
Slaves - Females - 36 thru 54: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 3
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total Slaves: 43
Total Free Colored Persons: 5
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 55

WILL

Will Book, page 158 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA dated Jan 13, 1834, probated May 25, 1840.... My wife, Elizabeth to have 1/3 of the land the rest of her natural life. [Elizabeth Blair Chapman married Richard in 1829 and was in his household in 1830 CV Census]
 
My three grandchildren, Ruth E. Whitaker, Mahala Whitaker and James G. Whitaker to receive the other 2/3 of said estate. [NOTE: These three grandchildren were children of his daughter Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry.  See 1830/1840 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Census] p7
 
At my wife's death, the plantation is to be sold and equally divided among my three grandchildren.
 
My son, Moses, to get $1.00
 
My son, Benjamin, the $40.00 which I owe him.
 
I appoint James Whitaker my Exor.
 
Signed: Richard Whitaker  Witnesses: David Campbell, Michael S. Fleenor and John L. Taylor, Bond $1000. Security by N. Snead.

REFERENCES

The following are the references from Joye Boardman's book Richard Whitaker of North Carolina and Washington County, Virginia along with contributions from fellow Whitaker researchers and related families.

Washington County, Virginia Birth, Death, Marriage, Deed Records

1810 Index to Washington Co.Virginia Census

1810 Federal Census

Washington County, Virginia Census.

Hayter/Litton Cemetery, Washington Co.VA.

Washington Co., VA Death Register

Obiturary: Hettie Woodward, Chess F. Woodward, and Dorothy Woodward Montgomery.

Dorothy Ann Callahan Serber, Damascus, VA...Information of Callahan family.

Reserach on Callahan Family by D. B. Callahan, Saltville, VA.

Marriage Records, Smyth Co., VA.

Camp Chase, Ohio Register, Death Record, Grave # 1581.

Russell County, Virginia Census, Birth Records

Washington County, Virginia Wills

Research: On Richard Whitaker and James Whitaker by Joseph E. Williams, Emory, VA.

Marriage Records Washington Co., Virginia

Research by Thomas Colley, Hancerville, AL

Research by Jack Hockett, St. David's, PA

Marriage record research by Linda Gilley, Bristol, TN.

Research by Joye Boardman, Palm Coast, FL

Research by Charles Nelson, Alexandria, VA

Poston Research, Jack Hockett, Thomas Colley

Whitaker Cemetery, Independence, Oregon..Stones copied in 1973 by Mrs. James L. Dyal.

Pinckney's Map of Lee County, Illinois

Williamette Valley Genealogical Society

State Library, Salem, Oregon

The Oregon Argus, Oregon City, Oregon

Frank T. Gilbert, Historical Sketches of Walla Walla, Whitman, Columbia and Garfield Counties.

Hiram Ogden's Description of the Trip across the Plains (2700 Miles).

County Court House, Walla Walla, WA

Polk Co Census, 1850, 1860, 1870, 1889, 1900, 1910.

Oregon Donation Land Claims Book 1, 1241 Book V, #1241

Pacific Christian Advocate Newspaper

History of Willamette Valley, 1885   by H. O. Long

Photographs sent by Bette Hardinge, Palmdale, California

History of Oregon

Lyman's History of Walla Walla County, Vol 1, Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.

Walla Walla, WA Court record,

Polk Co., Oregon Marriage Records

Probate Records, Walla County, WA.

1870 Washington Territory, Waitsburg Township Census

Birth, Marriage, Death Records, Wills Washington Co.VA; Russell Co., VA.

Research by Betty Hardinge, a great-great-great granddaughter of Benjamin Whitaker. Bette died in Florida in 1994 from a heart attack.

J. Gareth Pearson - Information on Benjamin Whitaker line.

Research sent to me on Martha Ann Snodgrass by Mildred Elaine Wilburn Spencer, Houston, Texas.
 

Updated all along Corrections and Additions send to:
Joye Boardman
396 445-8343
7 Waldron Place
Palm Coast, Florida 32164
 

Birth:
Other possibilities are Wales according to his grandson.

Name:
In legal documents he spelled his name Whiteaker.

Richard married Rachel BENTLEY Abt 1782, North Carolina. Rachel (daughter of Thomas BENTLEY and Hannah) was born 1750, Frederick Co. MD; died Bef 1810, Washington Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: BD7EAB91C23A465891ED380F485F1AA53C07

Notes:

It is believed Rachel is also a daughter, due to Richard Whitaker signing as witness to the Bentley land deed.

About 1782 Rachel Bentley married Richard Whitaker while her parents were yet living on Bear Creek in the Forks of the Yadkin.

Rachael Bentley married Richard Whitaker. No record of this marriage has been found either in North or South Carolina, however the proof of their marriage comes from a statement made by their son, Benjamin Whitaker, taken from "The History of Oregon", where he states his parents were Richard Whitaker and Rachel Bentley. In later years, a great-great granddaughter stated Richard and Rachel were married in North Carolina about 1781. Recent research shows the marriage date is probably much earlier as the older sons would have been born by ca 1774. In this same report, Benjamin Whitaker states he was born in North Carolina.

In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannahâ's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC.