Samuel VanHook of Southwest Virginia

Samuel VanHook was born in New Jersey in the late 1740’s. He migrated to Orange County, North Carolina, in the early 1750’s with Aaron VanHook (1698-1760) and members of his extended family. Samuel came of age in North Carolina, and then settled some land in Elk Garden, Virginia, on Cedar Creek (now located in Russell County, Virginia, slightly northeast of present day Lebanon). In the 1770’s he probably moved between Elk Garden in the summer (to raise corn and hunt) and back to North Carolina in the winter. Eventually, he settled permanently in Virginia and raised a large family there. In March of 1791, he sold 4 tracts of land he owned in Virginia, and then lived for a few years in the early 1790’s in Elbert, Georgia.

Samuel was in Harrison County, Kentucky, in 1794, where he purchased 50 acres on Beaver Creek and where he married Hannah Trousdale (presumably his second wife). He stayed in Kentucky (near his oldest son Benjamin) until 1796/1797 when he moved back to Russell County, Virginia – this time southwest of present day Lebanon, Virginia. Deed and tax records there show he owned 140 acres at that time. In 1803 he moved to Nicholas County, Kentucky, near a number of his children who had settled there. While he apparently never owned land in Nicholas County, he remained as a resident on the tax roles there through 1813. During that time, he did own some land in Scioto County, Ohio (and may have lived there part of that time).

In his 20’s and 30’s Samuel was in a number of frontier militia’s – helping guard the forts in the Clinch River Valley in Virginia, and serving at the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 (part of Lord Dunmore’s War) as well as at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. In 1777, he traveled to Kentucky for a few months to help defend the early settlements from the Shawnee. He appears in numerous court and land records from this time and signed a number of petitions. When he returned to Russell County around 1797, he assumed various civic jobs such as road surveyor and coroner.

From the records available, Samuel died sometime after 1813, probably in Nicholas County, Kentucky. If he reached 65 about that time and was no longer eligible to be taxed (with a poll tax), then his birth date would be about 1748.

Samuel VanHook’s Parents

Samuel’s parents have never been definitively proven. No birth or baptism record has been located, nor has any linkage through a will or other document emerged. Any attempt to determine his parents has been made through speculation, association, deduction and exclusion. However, the following provides a strong argument as to his parentage.

I believe Samuel VanHook (of Southwest Virginia) was a son of Aaron VanHook and Catherine Balck. The following points support this conclusion:

1) From records, Samuel’s birth date is estimated to be 1745-1750. If he was not Aaron’s son, he would be a very small child to accompany Aaron and his family to North Carolina in the early 1750’s (not very likely).

2) While baptisms for only 2 of Aaron’s children have been found (Lawrence and Jacob), and he only mentions 2 of his sons in his will in 1760 (where he names them executors – Lawrence and David), it is assumed he had other children. Aaron VanHook’s will (10 May 1760, Orange County, NC) does not name any children as heirs, only his wife “Katherine.”

3) Aaron owned 400 acres of land in Orange County, NC, at the time of his death in 1760. One would expect that this land would pass to his children. I believe these 400 acres were eventually divided 4 ways between Lawrence VanHook, David VanHook, Samuel VanHook and Isaac VanHook, all sons of Aaron – either at the time of his death or later when the younger sons reached maturity. The following records indicate that these 4 sons ended up with this land (and Lawrence sold his portion in 1778):

a) From a deed in Orange County dated 16 Jan 1778 (Deed Book 3, Pages 220-221) deed states that there was “no consideration given” for this land (no money changed hands) – Indenture made 16 day of Jan. 1770... between Katherine VanHook widow, Lawrence VanHook, David VanHook, all of the County of Orange, Province of North Carolina, Executors of Aron VanHook deceased of the one part and Samuel VanHook of the same place of the other part, witness that the above said Katherine, Lawr. & David VanHook have given, granted, released and confirmed & by these presents doth fully freely & absolutely give, grant, release and confer a certain tract and parcel of land situated and lying and being in County of Orange and on both sides of the North part of Flat River, begin at a polar tree, 5 23 chains ( 1 chain of 66' 4 poles of 16.5') to a white oak& Black Oak, W 28 chains to a black oak, N 10.5 chains to a red oak & black oak saplin, W to David Vanhook's line, N45 degrees West to the old corner White oak 17 chains East to the first station, ...100 acres of land, it being part of 400 acres consigned to Aron VanHook decd. by Hosea Tapley deed dated 9 June 1756... signed Katherine VanHook, Lawr. VanHook, David VanHook, witnessed William Rankin, Morning (her X mark) Letman. Deed was registered by April Court, 1779.

b) Caswell County deeds (Deed Book A, Page 101, 6 November 1778) “Between Lawr. Van Hook of the County of Caswell, State of North Carolina, Planter, one part, and Robert McReynolds of the same County and State, said Van Hook for and in consideration of 250 Pounds, land situated Caswell Co. on the waters of Flat River…adjoining south side of Isaac Vanhook’s tract, containing 104 acres more or less, part of a tract grated to Hosea Tapley by James Innes & Francis Corbin Esq. which was grated by Hosea Tabley to Aaron Van Hook, which came to Lawrence Van Hook by descent, with all profits, privileges & appurtenances etc. etc. Signed – In Presense of Alex Rose, Loyd Vanhook. Lawr V Hook (Seal)”

c) Caswell County deeds (25 Oct 1784) “Robert McReynolds of CC to Demsey Moore of same for 500lb current state money 104 ac on Flat River adj Isaac VanHook, a part of a tract granted Hosea Tarpley by James Innis and Francis Corbin … and granted by Tarpley to Aaron VanHook, then to Lawrence VanHook by descent and by VanHook to McReynolds. Wit: Henry McNeill, Wm Ryley, Ambrose Arnold.”

d) In Aaron’s estate inventory (administered by Lawrence VanHook, his son and recorded in Orange County, NC, court May 1763) the 400 acres doesn’t appear, but rather is specified as “By one plantation containing 200 acres with the improvements…” This may indicate that Lawrence and David had already received their inheritance of 100 acres each from the original 400 acres.

4) Also in Aaron’s estate inventory there is a notation regarding the sale of some personal property (probably a horse) for 7 pounds that were purchased by Lawrence, where he noted “I bought for the 2 children of the deceased.” This seems to indicate some underage children at the time (which could be Samuel and Isaac).

5) Could Samuel be the son of someone else?

a) Samuel could not be the son of Lawrence VanHook Sr. (Aaron’s oldest son) and Bridget Lloyd as Lawrence’s will clearly defines his children and their families.

b) Samuel could not be son of Aaron’s brother Henry, as that Samuel was born in 1733 (it is believed) and migrated to Kentucky in 1779 (these 2 Samuel’s would be first cousins)

6) Samuel appears in Southwest Virginia with Aaron’s descendents as they were all settling the Clinch River valley. His neighbors there would be his sister Sarah VanHook (who married Thomas Hendricks), his brother Isaac VanHook, his nephews Lawrence, Aaron and Thomas VanHook.

For the above reasons, it is assumed that Samuel is the son of Aaron VanHook (1698-1760) and Catherine Balck.

Migration to North Carolina

Aaron VanHook, Samuel’s father, disappears from the New Jersey records in the mid-1740’s and doesn’t surface again until the summer of 1755 in North Carolina. It is believed this family moved from Hopewell, Hunterdon Co., New Jersey to Bucks Co., Pennsylvania about 1746, then relocated to Orange County, North Carolina about 1753. Samuel would be in is early childhood during this time. During the 1700 and 1800’s, many families relocated to new areas in large groups or “clans” of extended family members.

Aaron VanHook and family and his nephew Solomon Deboogh (who was about 15 years younger than Aaron) and his family all were in Orange County, North Carolina by 1755 living on the Hico River living a few miles apart. Hugh McAden, the first itinerant Presbyterian minister passed through that area in July and August of 1755 and also on his return trip in May of 1756. He visited with Aaron VanHook and Solomon “DeBow” both times, and mentions in his journal that Solomon DeBow was an "emigrant from Bucks Co., PA". In June of 1756, Aaron purchased 400 acres on the Flat River (a bit further east) and established his “plantation” there. Today, this land is just east of Roseville, NC, off highway 49, and “VanHook Road” leads into the heart of these 400 acres (now subdivided many times over).

There are various reasons that could cause Aaron and family to leave New Jersey (or later Pennsylvania) and head south. Among these are:

1. Running out of land - as each generation of a family happened, as immigrants showed up, etc. there wasn't enough land (or enough cheap land) to let every family have their own. This drove a lot of migrations south in the 1700's.

2. Sick of New Jersey and its weak currency - for many years in the early 1700's New Jersey had lousy monetary policies. They refused to impose much in the way of taxes (taxes were very cheap in New Jersey at that time), and would issue "letters of credits" to pay for things (like supporting the war against the French). These letters were pretty worthless, and the "paper money" in circulation would be devalued. Each colony ran its own "currency exchange,” and in the New Jersey exchange 100 "pounds sterling" (100 pounds of sterling silver) would only buy 160 pounds "paper money" by 1741 (one of the lowest rates in the colonies). By contrast, 100 pounds sterling was worth 525 pounds paper in New England and was worth 1400 pounds paper in North Carolina! In the 1740's riots ensued in New Jersey over these policies, essentially because there was not enough paper money in circulation and it wasn't worth enough. Not only was land cheaper in North Carolina then but your money was "worth more" (true, this was monetary inflation, but people liked feeling richer).

3. Sick of "Crown Colony" colonial rule – New Jersey, like most of the colonies, was a Crown Colony ruled under the King with an appointed Governor. The area where the VanHook's relocated in North Carolina was the "Granville District." This was a "proprietary colony" owned and controlled by one man - John Carteret, 2nd Earl of Granville. It was almost like another country unique unto itself. The Granville District was a 60 mile wide stretch of land just south of the Virginia border running from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean! Settlement was happening then at a pretty quick pace. Maybe people thought they would be better off if they were not "under the King" - although they were very wrong as demonstrated by the Regulator Rebellion in NC in the 1760's (see “The Regulators” below).

4. Dramatic changes in the family - Aaron's brother Henry had just died in 1750 and left some minor children. His brother-in-law, Rev. Samuel Blair had just died in 1751. Aaron heads for NC with his family and some nephews to help them start a new life.

5. Religious upheaval - While the first 2 generations were segregated in the Dutch Reformed Church, by the third generation (Aaron), these "reformed" churches started merging with the Presbyterian lines brought to America by the Scotch-Irish. Aaron's younger sisters married into the Scotch-Irish (Frances married Samuel Blair, who was a major Presbyterian minister and one of the original trustees of Princeton University, his sister Mary married Robert Cumming). During the "Great Awakening" revival of the mid-1700's a lot of people’s thinking was changing and caused them to imagine new possibilities and view their role in the world in new ways.

Route to North Carolina

What path or road did these families take south when they went to North Carolina? There are a couple of possibilities, one being the “Great Wagon Road,” the other being what was known as the “King’s Highway” connecting to the “Upper Road.” This second route is the more likely.

Great Wagon Road

From Philadelphia, hordes of early settlers (mainly German and Scotch-Irish) used what became known as the Great Wagon Road to move from Pennsylvania southward through the Shenandoah Valley through Virginia and the Carolinas to Georgia, a distance of about 800 miles. Beginning first as a buffalo trail, then an Indian road (the Great Warrior Path) ran north and south through the Shenandoah Valley (between the Alleghenies and the Blue Ridge), extending from New York to the Carolinas. At Salisbury, North Carolina, the Great Warrior Path was joined by the Indian's Great Trading Path that ran east and west. By the early 1740s, a road beginning in Philadelphia (sometimes referred to as the Lancaster Pike) connected the Pennsylvania communities of Lancaster, York, and Gettysburg. The road then continued on to Chambersburg and Greencastle and southward to Winchester, Virginia. From Winchester to Roanoke the Great Wagon Road and the Great Valley Road were the same road, but at Roanoke, the Wagon Road went through the Staunton Gap and on south to North Carolina and beyond whereas the Valley Road continued southwest to the Long Island of the Holston (now Kingsport, Tennessee). Thousands of families moved south along the Great Wagon Road into western Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. It was the most traveled route in the country in the 1700's.

The VanHooks could have taken the “Wagon Road” to Salisbury, NC - then headed to the east on the Great Trading Path to what is now Hillsborough, NC on the Eno River. From there going a bit north along the creeks and streams of Orange County to settle land on the Hico. The problem with this route is that it wasn't really a "Wagon Road" until about 1766 when it was widened for wagons to negotiate. If they did take that route, they would have ridden horses or walked, and used horses to pack all their worldly goods. However, it is more likely they went the following route:

The King’s Highway and Upper Road

This road's origins are traced to the old Delaware Indian trail (across Jersey) which Peter Stuyvesant used to force out the Swedes in 1651. Then in 1673, in response to King Charles' wish that communication be established between his colonies, the first crude riding trail was created for mail service between Boston and New York. Named the Boston Post Road, it eventually expanded into the King's Highway. By 1750, a continuous road existed for stagecoach or wagon traffic from Boston to Charleston, South Carolina, linking all thirteen colonies, about 1300 miles. While the road was a difficult one to travel, it was possible to travel this road by wagon, averaging about 20-25 miles per day. A traveler making the entire journey would have taken at least two months. Conestoga freight wagons, drawn by four to six horses, were especially designed for mud with iron-rimmed wheels nearly a foot wide. During the Revolutionary War, the King's Highway as a link between the colonies helped them to coordinate their war efforts.

The Upper Road branched off from the King's Highway at Fredericksburg, Virginia, and went southwest through Hillsboro, Salisbury, and Charlotte in North Carolina, then on to Spartanburg and Greenville in South Carolina. The road generally followed the old Occaneechi Path (the Great Trading Path) which went from Bermuda Hundred on the James River, and Old Fort Henry (now Petersburg, Virginia) southwest to the Indian trading town of the Occaneechi which existed by 1675 on an island in the Roanoke River at about the location of today's Clarksville, Virginia, close to the present Virginia and North Carolina state line. From that location the trading trail went both north and south. The Trading Path divided at the Trading Ford of the Yadkin River, one branch turning toward Charlotte, the other through Salisbury to Island Ford on the Catawba, to the north of present Lake Norman. From 1700-1750, active trading was carried on by white emigrants with Indian villages. After 1740, the proprietary governor of the Granville District began to issue grants to Quakers and others from the tidewater counties of North Carolina and Virginia, attracting them into the northern half of North Carolina. By 1750, the Upper Road became an important wagon route for southbound migrations into that portion of North Carolina. During the Revolutionary War, the road was used extensively for troop movements in the South--relating to the battles at Guilford Courthouse, King's Mountain, and Cowpens.

The Regulators

Beginning in 1764, the residents of the “back counties” (Anson, Orange and Granville) of North Carolina started complaining about the tax collection practices of the local government officials. Originally called “the mob,” these lose bands of citizens created a number of local disturbances that escalated over the years. As they gained more organization, they adopted the name “Regulators” (taken from a reformist group in South Carolina). The conflict between this group and the formal government (under Governor William Tryon) continued for 7 years, culminating in the Battle of Alamance on 16 May 1771 where a number of militias defeated the completely disorganized Regulators in a 2 hour battle. Thus, the Regulators attempt to secure reform in local government by force did not succeed. Many of the Regulators (and those sympathetic to them) were disillusioned and compelled to leave what they felt was an oppressive and dishonest government controlled by the English elite on the east coast of North Carolina. Many migrated, some going to Tennessee and down into the Mississippi River Valley. Others followed Daniel Boone's trail into Virginia or Kentucky. In fact, by 1772, just one year later, about 1,500 of the former Regulators left North Carolina.

This upheaval in the North Carolina back counties often split families with some migrating to new frontiers. Aaron VanHook had died in 1760, but a number of his children and grandchildren and their families decided to migrate out of North Carolina beginning in 1769. This move is indicative as to their involvement in (or sympathy for) the Regulator movement.

Settlement in Southwest Virginia

Along with many others from the Orange County, NC, area, Samuel VanHook and his relatives migrated to the Clinch River valley in Southwest Virginia beginning in 1769. Samuel would have been in his early 20’s at this time. As families grew, they were always looking farther west or south for cheap land. At that time, there were 3 possible routes from the Orange County area of North Carolina to the Clinch valley – all of them crossing through Moccasin Gap in the Clinch Mountain:

· First, there was the route west down the “Great Trading Path” from Orange County, NC, to Salisbury, NC, then north along the “Great Philadelphia Wagon Road” (previously the “Great Warriors Path” or “Great Valley Path”) to Abington, Virginia. From there, heading down the Holston River valley to Anderson’s Blockhouse (present day Weber City) to the beginning of Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road, fording the Holston River, then up over Clinch Mountain through Wadlow Gap (or Waterloo Gap, but more correctly called Dug Hill Road), then down through Moccasin Gap into the Clinch River Valley.

· A second possible route was through eastern North Carolina to the Tennessee border and up the Holston River valley to Anderson’s Blockhouse).

· A third route would be north across the Dan River into Halifax County, Virginia. Then a bit northwest to Bedford, Virginia, joining up with the Great Warriors Path, then southwest to Abington, Virginia – which would lead them down the Holston River valley to Anderson’s Blockhouse.

For settlers bringing wagons down over Clinch Mountain into the valley, the steepness of the descent was such that they would often “rough lock” the wheels (placing a log or pole through the spokes of the wheels to lock them in place) and slide their wagons down the hill. Even today, the rutted-out wagon tracks across the Holston River ford are visible in the river's sandstone bottom, evidence of its high usage as a crossing.

Early on, these initial settlements in Virginia were often occupied for just a few months out of the year (usually in the summer) with the owners moving back to North Carolina for safety in the winter or during dangerous periods of Indian activity (sometimes land was owned but never permanently settled). Specifically establishing settlement in Virginia over the following years were:

· Aaron’s son Samuel VanHook (the subject of this narrative) and his family (first settled in 1771). Samuel’s children started appearing in the records there as they reached maturity (beginning in 1790). Starting in 1795, much of this family migrated to the Nicholas/Harrison county area of Kentucky.

· Aaron’s daughter Sarah VanHook and her husband Thomas Hendricks – some of their children and descendants stayed in the Clinch valley for many years, while others migrated to Pulaski County, Kentucky.

· Aaron’s son Isaac VanHook and his wife Sarah Davy and family (While Isaac does own 96 acres there adjoining Samuel’s land, its unclear as to whether he ever made permanent settlement there. He mainly appears in the North Carolina records and he died in Person County there in 1800. The Virginia land was not sold until 8 years later.)

· Aaron’s son Lawrence VanHook and his wife Bridget Lloyd (settled 1769) and their children who also established settlement in Clinch Valley as they started families. Most of these families migrated to Pulaski County, Kentucky beginning in the early 1800’s. They were:

o Aaron VanHook (b. 12 Aug 1753), his wife Jemima Russell and their children

o Elizabeth VanHook (b. 18 May 1755) and her husband Zachariah Jones

o Catherine VanHook and her husband William Lea and their children

o Bridget VanHook and her husband Thomas Hargis and their children

o Thomas VanHook and his wife Sarah Palmer and family

o Lawrence VanHook (b. 1760, d. 1807) and his wife Rachel Sargent and their children

These families mostly settled in the Elk Garden area in the Clinch River valley (just east of present Lebanon, VA in “upper” Russell County, VA), while some of Lawrence’s children ended up a bit further down the valley over time. At the time they moved there, this land was in Botetourt County, VA. In 1772 it became part of Fincastle County, about 1777 part of Washington County, and finally part of Russell County in 1786.

During that period in southwest Virginia no one had land deeds before the first commissioners sat in 1781 to register and sort out the land claims. Everyone just had land “warrants” and these warrants were reassigned and changed hands many times before they were officially recorded as deeds beginning in 1781 (and land tax collection began). These early land warrants, the surveyors records beginning in 1781 and the later land “grants” that created an official deed gives much information about who was in the area, and who were neighbors in what part of the valley.

Surveyor’s records show that Samuel VanHook settled in 1771 on 200 acres on the north fork of Cedar Creek running into the Clinch River. He owned this land for 20 years until he sold it in March of 1791 (along with most other land he owned in the county) when he migrated to Georgia. While he later owned other smaller tracts, these 200 acres are probably where he resided for the entire time in this valley. His immediate neighbors on this property were Thomas Hendricks, Lawrence VanHook, Alexander McClanahan, Thomas Price Sr. and Thomas Price Jr.

Elk Garden was the site of an early fort. The settlers at that time (in the 1770's) had crowded into a series of small forts located every five or ten miles along the length of the Clinch River valley. Indian (primarily Shawnee) attacks were still common at this time. An excellent account of this period in Virginia and Kentucky can be found in Daniel Boone, the Life and Legend of an American Pioneer, by John Mack Faragher (Henry Holt and Company, copyright 1992), especially chapters 4-6.

Samuel is listed as a private in the Fincastle County, Va. militia in 1774 participating in Dunmore’s War. The only battle of that “war” was the Battle of Point Pleasant on 10 October 1774 (on the Ohio River in present day West Virginia). This was considered the last battle of the French and Indian War. He served in Captain Daniel Smith’s company of (Fincastle) militia from the Clinch valley area. He was an ensign in the Washington County militia 1777 to 1780, and was at the battle of Kings Mountain in 1780. He also served as a constable in Washington County 1777 to 1784.

First Trip to Kentucky

During the spring and summer of 1777 the Shawnee chief Blackfish with a group of over 200 warriors had been attacking various settlements in Kentucky. During this campaign the settlers were unable to farm or hunt, and were in for a hungry winter. They sent for relief from Virginia, and in early August of 1777 Colonel John Bowman arrived with over 100 men. Over the next couple of months William Bailey Smith came with 50 men from the Clinch and Yadkin River valleys, and then Captain Charles Gatkin with 50 volunteers from Bedford County showed up.

Since Samuel was associated with these same militias in Virginia, it would be natural that he came to Kentucky with one of these groups. It was a lean winter (1777/1778) in Kentucky and the men there filed a petition to the Virginia general assembly in November of 1777 requesting permission to manufacture salt. Samuel’s signature appears on this petition. Apparently the petition was granted, as in January of 1778, Daniel Boone and about 30 men camped at the Lower Blue Licks (downriver from Boonesborough on the Licking River) to manufacture salt. Perhaps Samuel was in this group. However, from court records we know by late spring, 1778, Samuel was back in Virginia.

Back in Virginia

Samuel is found in many of the early Washington County, Virginia, records. In 1781 he was licensed to keep a tavern. In 1782 he was granted an additional 80 acres of land. In 1783 he was granted another 277 acres of land in Elk Garden, also on the north fork of Cedar Creek. This 1783 grant was given in 2 tracts, one of 130 acres and the other of 147 acres. The 147 acre property was adjacent to a 96 acre tract owned by Samuel’s brother Isaac VanHook.

In the 1782 Washington County personal property tax list for this section of the county (Captain John Kinkead’s precinct – what became “upper” Russell County) we find Samuel VanHook, Lawrence VanHook and Aaron VanHook (Lawrence’s son). Of the 64 men identified in this tax list, the “wealthiest” ones are Lawrence VanHook (9 horses, 27 cattle, 8 slaves), William Gilmore (21 horses, 45 cattle, 7 slaves), Richard Price (41 horses, 42 cattle), Samuel VanHook (8 horses, 31 cattle). There were only 7 slave owners, and Lawrence VanHook and William Gilmore were the only ones with more than 1 slave.

In 1786 Russell County was formed from western Washington County - the Clinch River valley portion, so Samuel and his relatives start showing up in the Russell County records after that date. In 1786, Samuel was elected as “overseer of the poor” for the upper district of Russell County. The 1787 tax list there shows that Samuel had 1 slave, 7 horses and 17 cattle. Also in that year Samuel witnessed a deed for Lawrence and Rachel (Sargent) VanHook to Zachariah and Elizabeth (VanHook) Jones (this would have been his nephews and nieces). In 1788 Samuel bought another 200 acres, this time on Copper Creek.

The VanHook name remains in that area to this day. In 1787, Samuel VanHook, Thomas Price (his neighbor) and others were appointed as “viewers” (overseers) of a road from Elk Garden over Clinch Mountain to Poor Valley Road. This ran through Hayter's Gap (named for Abraham Hayter), and is the present day Route 80 running from Russell County to Washington County. Just past the gap heading east the route crosses over Price Creek and VanHook Branch, which were named for Thomas and Samuel.

Beginning in the 1790’s Samuel’s children started reaching maturity and his sons began appearing in the tax lists and records in Russell County (Benjamin first appeared 10 March 1790 as “1 tithable over 21”).

Archibald / Archelaus Woods

In July of 1783, the Washington County court granted Samuel VanHook administration of the estate of one “Archelaus Woods.” Lawrence VanHook (Samuel’s nephew), Richard Price, Robert McFarland and Alexander Scott were selected to inventory Archelaus’ estate. Prior to this date, Archelaus appears in various other Washington County land and court records. For VanHook researchers the identity of Archelaus Woods has been something of a mystery, especially since Samuel had a son born in 1777 named Archelaus. Was there some family connection?

Archibald Woods (also known as “Archelaus” and “Arch”) was married to Elizabeth (Betty) Cooper, daughter of Francis Cooper and sister to Benjamin Cooper. Archibald appears in Washington County records with this brother-in-law and father-in-law. He is listed on the militia list for the Glade Hollow Fort in the Clinch valley in the fall of 1774 (when Samuel was up north at the Battle of Point Pleasant). Also, in 1774, Lawrence VanHook (Samuel’s nephew) had settled on land that Archibald Woods and the Cooper’s had originally claimed, but they eventually signed over this land to Lawrence and Thomas VanHook (from a 1781 survey). In 1778 he appears as a witness with Samuel in a court case involving Francis Hopkins (who was charged with counterfeiting).

In the early 1780’s, Archibald Woods and the Coopers went to Kentucky and appeared on the militia roles associated with Boonesborough at that time. He fought and was killed at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky on 19 August 1782 (and his name is on the memorial at that site). In the George Rogers Clark papers (21 March 1783) is the “Appraisement of Arch Woods' horse, saddle and bridle, which were lost at defeat of Battle of Blue Lick. Names: Benjamin Cooper, Townsend Fuegate, Capt. Samuel Scott, Major Hugh McGarry.” Benjamin Cooper and Townsend Fugate were Archibald’s brothers-in-law (Fugate was the husband of Malinda Cooper, Elizabeth’s sister). Benjamin Cooper had settled on “Cooper’s Run” in central Kentucky and claimed land there in 1779. Benjamin Cooper later lost his two brothers (Sarshel and Braxton) in the War of 1812. He also had a rather extensive pension application (rejected multiple times, but finally accepted) in the 1800’s.

When Archibald died in Kentucky, he left a widow Elizabeth there and 4 children; William, Franklin, Nancy and Archibald. Elizabeth remarried in Kentucky quickly to a James Wood. He was killed the next year (1783) by Indians just as he returned home from a hunting trip. Elizabeth remarried again – this time to a John Peake. Benjamin Cooper, Elizabeth’s family and others resettled in Missouri in the early 1800’s.

When he was killed, Archibald apparently still had property in Washington County, Virginia, and this is the “estate” that Samuel VanHook administered. It’s unknown if Samuel and Archibald were related in some way; they may have been nothing more than neighbors. There were other Archibald Woods in other parts of Virginia at this time, and the family supposedly originated from Ireland.

William Webb

In 1788, we find Samuel got into some trouble for “disturbing the peace.” He was fined and placed on “good behavior” for 1 year and a day. In 1789/1790, Samuel was involved in lawsuits and countersuits with a William Webb (see below). From these records it shows Samuel had a daughter named Frances, when she is named in the court records. William Webb charged Samuel with trespass, assault and battery and claims flew back and forth. In the end, Samuel prevailed in this case.

William Webb was born in Oxford, England, 2 January 1739, and was educated and lived there until about 1760 when he emigrated from England to the colonies. He was employed by Lord Fairfax in his land office in the northern neck of Virginia. During this time George Washington also used this office while surveying on the six million acre Fairfax estate (most of present day northern Virginia). Washington was seven years older than Webb but both were comparatively young men, well educated, and each working for the same employer.

After coming to America, William Webb spent the rest of his life in Virginia. During the American Revolution his home was in Botetourt County. Records there show he owned considerable land and livestock, served on grand juries, and was a soldier in the Catawba Company of the Botetourt County, Virginia, Militia under the command of Captain Robinson. After the war was over he moved to Abingdon in Washington County where he was employed by County Clerk John Campbell as a deputy clerk, recording deeds, wills, court orders and other clerical work. During a short term each year he also taught school in a building Mr. Campbell had caused to be built for the Abingdon community.

Wherever he lived he usually taught school for a short period each year; also he usually was the local "scrivener," writing deeds, contracts, wills, etc., in communities where lawyers usually were not available. To read some of the documents he prepared would lead one to believe he had at some time studied law. A splendid example of his work is in the will of his father-in-law, Benjamin Oney, which is dated January 11, 1790 and is recorded in Will Book 1, page 5, in the Tazewell County, Virginia Circuit Clerk's office.

In 1786 he moved to Russell County, Virginia, where he taught school and farmed the remainder of his life. From the court records involving his disagreements with Samuel VanHook it is unclear just what the whole affair was about, but it dragged on for a number of months. William Webb died in Russell County March 19, 1818, aged 79 years, 2 months, and 17 days.

Georgia Period

In 1791 Samuel sold all of his land in Russell County, Virginia (although these deeds were not recorded until he returned again to Virginia 1795), and migrated to Elbert County Georgia with his nephew Aaron VanHook (Note: it is assumed that this Aaron was Samuel’s nephew. A second option is that this Aaron was a son of Samuel’s, but no other records have been found to suggest such a connection). Elbert County is due south from where Samuel was in Virginia. He lived there for about 2 years – Aaron perhaps a bit longer. They both appear in early land records for that county.

Kentucky and the Trousdales

Things must not have been great in Georgia, as Samuel next relocated to Harrison County, Kentucky about 1794. His oldest son, Benjamin, moved there about the same time. In that county in 1794 Samuel married Hannah Trousdale, daughter of William Trousdale. This was undoubtedly Samuel’s second marriage. His first wife most likely died in Georgia as his youngest daughter, Catherine (“Caty”) was born about 1792.

Samuel and Hannah appear in later records settling the estate of Hannah’s father. These records give us Samuel’s later connection to land he purchased in Ohio. Samuel’s son Archelaus VanHook also shows connections to this family, where he co-signed a note with William Trousdale in 1801.

Samuel and his son Benjamin owned adjoining 50 acre tracts of land on Beaver Creek in Harrison County and appear on the 1795 and 1796 land tax records there. After a couple of years Samuel decided to return to the Clinch Valley, and transferred his 50 acres to his son Benjamin (after that time, Benjamin is shown as owning 100 acres).

Return to Russell County

In the spring of 1795, Samuel made a trip back to Russell County, Virginia, and recorded all the land sales he made when he initially left in 1791. In recording these land records he is listed with his new wife Hannah. They settled on Sinking Creek on his return to Russell County. Samuel either had (or bought) 66 acres there and appears in the 1796 tax lists. He eventually accumulated 140 acres during his second time living in Russell County.

Samuel appears in court and land records in the 1790’s and into the early 1800’s in Russell County. He was appointed coroner there. In September of 1798 the court found Samuel’s old friend and neighbor, Thomas Hendricks Jr. in a “state of insanity” and Samuel was on the committee to take over his affairs. That same year Samuel’s signature appears on an interesting petition requesting “more time to complete land surveys” because the surveyor had been drunk! In 1800 there is a record where it appears he had to take in (or adopt) a child named William Bash Bailey (under orders from “overseer of the poor”). Samuel remained in Russell County until about 1803.

Kentucky and Ohio

By 1803 Samuel had moved to Nicholas County, Ky. where his sons Archelaus, Abner and Martin were living at the time, and Benjamin was not living very far from there. Samuel’s travels get somewhat confusing at this point. He bought some land in Scioto County, Ohio in 1803 and sold it in 1810. He may have lived on that land for some time as he appears in the tax lists in that Ohio county for 1806 and 1807. Most of the rest of the time he was still in the Nicholas County, Ky. tax lists.

In 1804 William Trousdale (Samuel’s father-in-law) died. Samuel was in Nicholas County in October of that year to help settle this estate. At the same time Samuel sold all the land he had remaining in Russell County, Va. All of these deeds are dated 30 October 1804. In the Virginia deeds Samuel and Hannah are shown as being in Nicholas Co., Ky. In the Kentucky deeds (of the same date) they are shown as living in Ohio. All of these deeds are signed the same, with Samuel signing his name and Hannah making an “X”. Hannah Trousdale (Samuel’s wife) had a sister Mary who married William Endicott on 17 December 1801 in Bourbon County, Ky. [marriage bonds, book 2, page 9].

Samuel and his descendents were early members of the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Harrison Co., KY, and he was a founding member of the Beaver Creek Baptist Church on 27 May 1809 (no longer in existence). Some of his children also joined there.

Samuel was in the 1810 Kentucky census in Nicholas County. He is shown in that county until 1813. After that he disappears from the tax rolls. This 1813 entry is the last entry found in this area of Kentucky for Samuel VanHook. Martin disappears off the Nicholas County tax lists in 1815, Archelaus in 1816, and Abner in 1817. They moved a short distance from Indian Creek in Nicholas County to Beaver Creek (and Mill Creek and Sycamore Creek) in Harrison County, but no Samuel showed up with them there. Samuel would have been at least 64 years old at this time, so he would have been exempt from the tithable tax in the following years. He may have died about this time or living with one of his children.

Samuel’s grave has not been located. He may be buried at Indian Creek Baptist Church or in the old Beaver Creek Baptist Church cemetery – but with a stone that is no longer readable. He could also have been buried in a family plot in that part of Nicholas or Harrison County.

Children of Samuel VanHook of Southwest Virginia:

§ Benjamin VanHook – born Feb 1768 (or 1771), married first Frances (Higgins?), and married second Susannah Higgins 21 Oct 1808 in Pulaski Co., KY, daughter of Peter Higgins and Susannah Craig. Benjamin died 27 Jul 1854 in Rockcastle County, KY.

§ Mary (Polly) VanHook – born 1770, married John Lee about 1795. Mary died Aft 1826.

§ Frances VanHook – from June 1790 court case in Russell County, VA. Nothing further on this child.

§ Abner Lewis VanHook – born 7 Feb 1775, married 6 Feb 1808 Freelove Hall. Abner died 12 Mar 1852.

§ Archelaus VanHook – born 7 Jun 1777, married 17 Oct 1798, Jemimah Whaley. Archelaus died 20 May 1858. Thomas VanHook – born 1779, married 14 Apr 1805, Mary Davis. Thomas died 1814.

§ Martin VanHook – born 1780, married 15 Aug 1815, Sarah Hardin. Martin died 1832.

§ Winnifred VanHook – born 16 May 1781, married 1802 Thomas Whiteley (in Russell County, Virginia )

§ Nancy Ann VanHook – born 28 Sep 1788, married 13 Apr 1815, Rev. John Baden Austin. Nancy died 28 Feb 1852.

§ Catherine (Caty) VanHook – born 1792, married 15 Sep 1809, Joel Thomas Munson.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Records and Timeline of Samuel VanHook (son of Aaron VanHook)

10 Feb 1767 Orange County, North Carolina – Catherine VanHook to Samuel VanHook, 200 acres. William Rankin, witness.

(Note: As there was more than one Samuel VanHook in Orange County at this time, it is unclear which one this is. But since “Catherine VanHook” is mentioned – it is assumed that this is Samuel VanHook, her son.)

1771 From surveyor’s records (25 August 1781) Samuel VanHook settled on the north fork of Cedar Creek (waters of the Clinch River) in Botetourt County, Virginia, on 200 acres he bought from James Laughlin. This land became Fincastle County in 1772, then Washington County Virginia on 7 December 1776. 10 years later, in 1786, the land was located in Russell County when it was created from Washington County.

1774 Annals of Southwest Virginia, page 1423 – Samuel VanHook Private in Captain Dan Smith’s Militia, Fincastle County, Virginia.

1774 Virginia’s Colonial Soldiers, Lloyd DeWitt Bockstruck, Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., Baltimore 1988, page 150 – Service records of participants in Dunmore’s War (from collection of Lyman Draper at the Wisconsin Historical Society, document number 4XX61) - Samuel VanHook is listed in Captain Daniel Smith’s company.

(Note: This is where Samuel participated in the “Battle of Point Pleasant”).

1775 Washington County Clerk’s office, John Breden (“Breeding”) proved to the court that they, Samuel VanHook and John Breden were entitled to 400 acres of land lying on the Clinch River at the south of Weaver’s Creek, and on both sides of the river to include their improvements made in the year 1775. In 1781 Samuel VanHook assigned his part of the 400 acres to John Breden.

25 Nov 1777 Petitions of the Early Inhabitants of Kentucky (to the General Assembly of Virginia 1769 to 1792), Petition No. 6 – Samuel VanHook signed a request of the inhabitants of (the County of) Kentucky for the erection of salt manufactories on salt springs. (This petition is also signed by Daniel Boone, Levi Todd, and John Bowman, among others.)

16 Jan 1778 Orange County, North Carolina, Deed Book 3, Pages 220-221 –

This Indenture, Made the 16th day of January in the year of Our Lord One Thousand and Seven Hundred and seventy eight and in the 8th year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the 3rd, by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith etc., between Katharine Vanhook, widow, Lawrence Vanhook, David Vanhook, all of the County of Orange and Province of North Carolina, Executors of Aaron Vanhook, deceased, of the one part and Samuel Vanhook of the same place of the other part, Witnesseth, That the above said Katharine, Lawrence and David have given, granted, released and confirmed and by these presents doth fully, freely and absolutely give, grant, release and confirm a certain tract or parcel of land situated lying and being in the County of Orange and on both sides of the North Fork of Flat River, Beginning at a poplar tree, then South 23 chains to a White Oak and Black Oak, then running West 28 chains to a Black Oak, then North 10.5 chains Red Oak and Black Oak saplings,then west to David Vanhook's line, then North 45 degrees W. to the old Corner White Oak 17 chains, then runs east to the first station, containing one hundred acres of land it being part of 400 conveyed Aaron Vanhook, deceased, by Hosea Taply Sr., dated 9th June1756, by virtue of a Deed from the Hon Earl Granville, Esq., bearing date the first day of November, 1751, TO Have And To Hold the said granted premises with all the profits, priviledges, hereditaments and appurtenances to the same belonging with the Houses, fencing and improvements to the said Samuel Vanhook, his heirs, executors and administrators forever, he or they paying the quitrents and being accountable for all the forfeitures held forth in the above mentioned deed and we, Katharine Vanhook, widow, Lawrence Vanhook, and David Vanhook, do agree for ourselves and heirs executors and either of us, that we have full power and absolute authority to dispose of the same as Executors of Aaron Vanhook, deceased, and further do agree for ourselves, our heirs & executors with the said Samuel Vanhook his heirs & assigns that any time hereafter we shall such other means as shall be needful for the better sure making of the said given & granted premises to the said Samuel Vanhook his heirs & assigns forever In Witness whereof the parties to these presents have herewith set their hands & seals the day & year first above written

Signed Sealed & Delivered Catherine Vanhook (Seal)

in the presence of Lawr Vanhook (Seal)

William Rankin

Davie Vanhook (Seal)

Morning (her mark) Letman

April Co 1779 The execution of the within Deed was proved in open Court by the oath of William Rankin one of the subsenting witnesses thereto & ordered to be registered. Test Y(?) Nash Co Cl

(Note: This appears to be a record of Samuel VanHook finally receiving his ¼ part of Aaron VanHook’s 400 acre property in Orange County. There was no “consideration given” for this land – that is, Samuel didn’t pay anything for it. Samuel would have been past 30 years old at this time. Also, the William Rankin who witnessed this deed died between 1784 and 20 Oct 1786 in Caswell County, NC. His widow, Victory Alcorn Rankin married Lawrence VanHook Sr. 1 Nov 1787in Caswell County, NC)

4 May 1778 Washington County, Virginia, Court Records – “for the examination of Francis Hopkins on suspicion of his feloniously counterfeiting or erasing & altering sundry Treasury Notes the currency of this Commonwealth knowing the same to be bad... Be it remembred that Francis Hopkins, Samuel VanHook, Patrick Dowel, & Andrew Linam severally acknowledged themselves indebted to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of five Hundred pounds current money... Be it remembred that Samuel VanHook, Patrick Dowell, Andrew Linam, & Archelaus Wood this day in Court severally acknowledged themselves indebted...in the Sum of fifty pounds each...they shall personally appear at the next Grand Jury Court to be held the third Tuesday in this month to give evidence in the Charge depending between the Commonwealth of Virginia & Francis Hopkins.”

19 May 1778 Washington County, Virginia, Court Records – On motion of James Anderson administration is granted him on the estate of Richard Linam deceased who made oath thereto and entered into and acknowledged his bond with John Lewis and Samuel VanHook his securities in the sum of four hundred pounds for the faithful administration of the said decedents estate. (Note: Richard Lynam (or Linam) was the brother of Andrew Lynam (see 4 May 1778 entry), and lived on Thompson’s Creek in New Garden, and was killed by Indians in Powell Valley in 1777 according to the pension claim filed by Robert Sinclair (son of Charles Sinclair of Sinclair’s Bottom) in Madison County, Missouri, 1 August 1832).

19 Aug 1778 Washington County, Virginia, Court Records – Ordered that James Leeper be recommended to his Excellency the Governor as a fit and proper person for second lieutenant of the Militia of the County of Washington..., Samuel VanHook and Patrick Campbell for Ensigns, and Soloman Litten for second lieutenant.

17 Mar 1779 Washington County, Virginia, Court Records – On motion of Samuel VanHook it is ordered that James Anderson, administrator of the Estate of Richard Linam deceased, be summonned to next court to render an account how he transacts the said estate.

17 Aug 1779 Washington County, Virginia, Court Records – On motion of Elizabeth Litten and James Laughlin administration is granted them on the estate of Burton Litten deceased who made oath thereto and give bond with John Kinkead and Samuel VanHook in the sum of one thousand two hundred pounds for the faithful administration of the said decedents estate.

(Note: Appraisers of this estate were, Thomas and Richard Price, James Scott and John Lewis. Burton Litton was killed by Indians at Glade Hollow Fort – officially called Fort Christian - in 1778. He was with Captain Daniel Smith’s company at the time. This is according to the pension deposition of Isaac Crabtree filed on Overton County, Tennessee, on 27 September 1832. Burton Litton’s wife was Elizabeth Laughlin, James’ sister. Burton Litton’s brother was Solomon Litton, who was captured at Ruddle’s Station, Kentucky in 1780.)

7 Oct 1780 Samuel VanHook, Lieutenant at Battle of Kings Mountain, probably under Captain Andrew Cowan and Colonel William Campbell.

15 May 1781 Washington County, Virginia, Court Minutes, book 1, page 112 – William Robinson and Samuel VanHook for keeping a tipling house on the information of Drury Puckett.

24 Aug 1781 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Records, Page 77 – (abstract) Charles Neal, assignee of Samuel Vanhook, assignee of John Lewis...100 ac...in New Garden on Lewises Creek, includes improvements, actual settlement made in 1773.

25 Aug 1781 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Records, Page 46 – Samuel VanHook given title to land he had settled on. “We the commissioners for the district of Washington and Montgomery Counties do certify that Samuel VanHook, assignee of James Laughlin is entitled to two hundred acres of land lying in Washington County on the north fork of Cedar Creek running into Clinch to include his improvements he having proved to the court that he was entitled to the same by actual settlement made in the year 1771. As witness our hands this 25th day of August 1781.” Signed by: Jos. Cabell, Harry Innes, R. Cabell, Commissioners. Teste: James Reid, CCC. (This land was sold to James McFarland on 22 March 1791).

25 Aug 1781 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Records, Page 335 – “We the commissioners for the district of Washington and Montgomery Counties do certify that Samuel VanHook & John Breden is entitled to four hundred acres of land in Washington County lying on Clinch River at the mouth of Weavers Creek & on both sides of the river to include their improvement he having proved to the Court that they were entitled to the same by actual settlement made in the year 1775. As witness our hands this 25th day of August 1781.” Signed by: Jos. Cabell, Harry Innes, R. Cabell, Commissioners.

“I assign my part of the within Certificate to John Breden”… (not dated) Sig: Samuel VanHook.

This 400 acres was surveyed 18 Jan 1786.

1782 Washington County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Lists, Capt. John Kinkead’s Precinct - Samuel VanHook, 1 poll, 8 horses, 31 cattle

1782 Washington County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists – Samuel VanHook, 200 acres.

20 Feb 1782 Washington County, Virginia, Court Minutes, book 1, page 128 – Ordered that Samuel VanHook’s Account be Received and that the Clerk give Certificate thereof. (see April and June, 1783 entries)

24 Sep 1782 Washington County, Virginia – Samuel VanHook granted 80 acres in Washington County (later Russell County). Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 14383. (note: land was surveyed 8 September 1788)

24 Sep 1782 Washington County, Virginia – Samuel VanHook granted 104 acres in Washington County (later Russell County). Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 14384.

3 Dec 1782 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Records, Page 46 – Survey for Samuel VanHook - 199 acres in Washington County, by virtue of a certificate from the commissioners (25 August 1781) lying on both sides the north fork of Cedar Creek the waters of the Clinch River. Beginning at a white oak... Signed: Benj. Sharp, Apt., Robt. Preston, S.W.C. (Notice survey shows 199 acres and the certificate shows 200 acres.)

16 Apr 1783 Washington County, Virginia, Court Minutes, book 1, page 189 – Claim - ordered that Samuel VanHook be allowed seven hundred and ninety-two pounds paper money to be settled by the scale of Depreciation for February 1781.

17 Jun 1783 Washington County, Virginia, Court Minutes, book 1, page 210 – Samuel VanHook, Eleven pounds, claim certified.

1783 Washington County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Lists, Capt. Andrew Cowan’s Return – Sam’l VanHook, 1 poll, 3 horses, 22 cattle.

15 Jul 1783 Washington County, Virginia, Court Minutes, book 1, page 212

On the Motion of Samuel VanHook Administration is granted him on the Estate of Archelaus Woods deced who made oath thereto and entered into and acknowledged his Bond with Thomas Price and Elijah Smith his securities in the sum of one hundred and twenty Pounds for the faithful Administration of the said Decedants Estate. Ordered that Richard Price, Robert McFarland, Alexander Scott, and Laurence VanHook or any three of them being first sworn appraise the Estate of Archelaus Woods deceased and make return to the Court. Inventory and appr. of this estate was exhibited in court 19 Aug 1783 and ordered to be recorded.

(Note: 20 Aug 1778 court, Archelaus Woods vs. James Leeper (see 19 Aug 1778 entry). Lawrence VanHook and Thomas VanHook are named assignees of Francis Cooper, Benjamin Cooper, and Archelaus Woods in a Washington County survey dated 21 Aug 1781. Lawrence VanHook settled on the land in 1774. Archibald Woods was on the militia list at Glade Hollow Fort in the fall of 1774, and died at the Battle of Blue Licks in Kentucky in 1782).

19 Aug 1783 Washington County, Virginia, Will Book 1, page 60 – Inventory and appraisement of the Estate of Archelaus Wood(s) deceased by Lawrence VanHook, Robert McFarland, Richard Price and Alexander Scott. Listed among the items were shoemakers tools.

12 Sep 1783 Washington County, Virginia – Samuel VanHook granted 138 acres in Washington County (later Russell County). Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 14187. (Samuel sold this land to Charles Carter by May 1791)

16 Sep 1783 Washington County, Virginia – Samuel VanHook granted 150 acres in Washington County (later Russell County). Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 19435. (Samuel sold this land to Charles Carter by May 1791)

19 Nov 1783 Washington County, Virginia, Court Minutes, book 1, page 228 – Ordered that Samuel VanHook be Constable in Captain Cowan’s Company.

12 Dec 1783 Samuel VanHook granted 277 acres in Washington County. Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 21257.

1784 Washington County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Lists, Capt. Andrew Cowan’s Return – Sam’l VanHook, 1 poll, 5 horses, 15 cattle.

1784 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Extra Book No. 1, page 46 – Surveyed for Samuel VanHook, 199 acres of land in Washington County on both sides of north fork of Cedar Creek, waters of Clinch River.

1 Apr 1784 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Extra Book No. 1, page 60 – Surveyed for Samuel VanHook, 200 acres of land in Washington County on north side of Clinch River, and joining his and John Breeder’s settlement at mouth of Weaver Creek. (Note: see 1774 entry on John “Breden”)

17 Aug 1784 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Extra Book No. 1, page 62 – Surveyed for Samuel VanHook, 100 acres of land in Washington County on a branch of Cedar Creek, waters of Clinch River.

11 Feb 1785 Washington County, Virginia, Will Book 1, page 100 – Inventory and appraisement of the estate of Sampson Christians, deceased taken on this date by Samuel VanHook, Thomas Price, and John Wells.

20 Jun 1785 Washington County, Virginia, Land Office Grants Q, 1785, p. 160 (Reel 57) – Samuel VanHook, 199 acres an the south fork of Cedar Creek the waters of Clinch River adjoining Thomas Hendrick and Lawrence VanHook.

Patrick Henry Esquire Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting: Know ye, that by Virtue of a Certificate in right of Settlement given by the Commissioners for adjusting the Titles to unpatented Lands in the District of Washington and Montgomery and in consideration of the amount Compensation of one pound Sterling paid by Samuel Vanhook assignee of James Laughlin a certain tract or parcel of Land, Containing one hundred and ninety nine acres by Survey bearing date the third Day of December one thousand, seven hundred and eighty two Lying and being in the County of Washington on the North and fork of Cedar Creek the waters of Clinch River and Bounded as followeth (to wit) Beginning at a Large White Oak near a branch a corner Thomas Hendricks Land and with his lines South twenty nine degrees East thirty eight poles to two white oaks on a Steep bank near said Branch South five degrees West one hundred and Six poles Crossing the Creek twice to a Black Oak and a Dogwood South fifty nine degrees East fourteen poles to a Large white Oak on the West side of the Creek by a field and Leaving said lines South thirty eight degrees East forty four poles Crossing the Creek to two white oaks and maple on the West side of a hill North Eighty seven degrees East twenty two poles to a white oak and Dogwood Corner of Lawrence Vanhooks Land and with his Lines East fifty one poles (2 words undecipherable) and Dogwood on a Steep bank near the Creek North fifty five degrees East twenty poles to a (?) a tree on the bank of the Creek by a path North Sixty six degrees East fifty one poles along the side of a Steep Spur to a white oak Walnut and Hickory on the Top of the same Leaving said Lines North nineteen degrees East Seventy seven poles along near Alexander McClannahan Patent Land to a black oak and white oak on a rocky ridge North Sixty degrees West fifty two poles Leaving said Patent Land to a white oak and Buckeye North forty degrees West twenty eight poles to a white oak and Sugar tree Sapling North Sixty degrees West fifty two poles Crossing the Creek to two Large white oaks near the same North thirty four degrees West fourteen poles to a Large white oak & Black oak North four degrees East Seventy five poles to two white oaks in the head of a Brushy Hollow South forty eight degrees West one hundred and thirty six poles to the Beginning With its appurtenances; to have & to hold the said tract or parcel of Land With its appurtenances, to the said Samuel VanHook and his Heirs forever. In Witness Whereof the said Patrick Henry Esquire, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, hath hereunto sat his Hand & Caused, the Lesser Seal of the said Commonwealth to be affixed at Richmond on the Twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty five, and of the Commonwealth the Ninth.. (signed) P. Henry

1785 Washington County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Lists, Capt. Andrew Cowan’s Return – Sam’l VanHook, 1 tithable, 1 slave over 16, 3 horses, 12 cattle.

1785 Washington County, Virginia, Petitions – Residents petition to the General Assembly of Virginia to remove militia law. signed by Samuel VanHook.

29 Nov 1785 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Records, Page 325 – Survey for Samuel VanHook’s grant of 12 Dec 1783, 130 acres, lying in Elk Garden.

9 Dec 1785 Washington County, Virginia, Petitions - Residents petition to the General Assembly of Virginia for the formation of Russell County. signed by Samuel VanHook.

9 Dec 1785 Washington County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Records, Page 323

“Survey for Samuel VanHook one hundred and forty-seven acres of land in Washington County by virtue of a Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 21257 and dated the 12th of December 1783, lying in the Elk Garden on the North side of Cedar Creek on the waters of the Clinch River. Beginning at a stake on a line of James Shoemakers, corner to Isaac VanHook, thence S46W205 poles with said Shoemakers line to a double white oak and hickory by a path near said creek said Shoemakers corner, N23W142 poles to 2 ashes and a large white oak on the north side of a ridge, N74E80 poles to a white oak and dogwood corner to Isaac VanHook, S44E102 poles with said line to beginning.” Signed: James Moore, Apt., Robt. Preston S.W.C. (Isaac VanHook had 96 acres adjoining this property.)

10 Dec 1785 Washington County, Virginia, Petitions – Residents petition to the General Assembly of Virginia against formation of Christian schools. They felt this was an infringement on freedom of religion. signed by Samuel VanHook.

1786 Washington County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Lists, Capt. Andrew Cowan’s Return - Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 1 slave over 16, 3 horses, 20 cattle.

1 May 1786 Russell County, Virginia formed from Washington County.

1786 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists – Sam’l VanHook, 200 acres.

13 Jun 1786 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 8 – Election held, Samuel VanHook for appointment of overseers of the poor for the upper district of Russell Co: Richard Price, Samuel Robenson & Josiah Fuget.

14 Nov 1786 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 22 – Christopher Cooper, foreman, Charles Hays, William Gilmore, Jr., John Frazer, Jonathan Wood, Joseph Blakemore, John Bustard, William Bustard, Samuel VanHook, Jacob Crabtree, John Wells, Thomas Price, John Bowen, Robert Belshe, Henry Hamblen & Euricus Smith sworn as grand jury of inquest.

15 May 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 41 – Ordered that Thomas Price, Samuel VanHook, Thomas Johnson & Drury Puckett view a waggon road from the Elk Garden over Clinch Mountain to the Poor Valley Road.

4 Jun 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 205 – Lawrence and Rachel VanHook (for Moses and Aggy Damon) sold land to Zachariah Jones. Witnessed by Samuel VanHook.

(Note: Zachariah Jones was brother-in-law of Lawrence. He was married to Lawrence’s sister Elizabeth. Lawrence and Elizabeth were children of Lawrence, Sr., and Bridget Lloyd. Lawrence’s wife was Rachel Sargent).

18 Jun 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 white male above 21, 1 negro above 16, 7 horses, 17 cattle.

19 Jun 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 43 – Thomas Price, Samuel VanHook & Thomas Jackson to view a road from Elk Garden over Clinch Mountain, ordered that the road be cut.

20 Oct 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 82 – Samuel VanHook, foreman, Samuel Robenson, John Wells, Thomas Price, Francis Browning, James Shoemaker, Robert Tate, James Paetton, William Huston, Jonathan Woods, Daniel Davison, Champ Faris, James Osborn, Henry Hamblen. Not being a sufficient number of jurors they were dismist. Clerk ordered to summons Jacob Crabtree, John Payne & John Smith to appear at next court and show cause why they should not be fined for not attending as jurors.

Nov 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Land Entry Book 1, page 3 – Samuel VanHook enters 104 acres of land adjoining his own tract on the north side, and ajoining the land of Thos. Price Sen’r & Thos. Hendricks by virtue of a Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 14384 dated 24 September 1782. Thomas Price Jr. also claimed 104 acres on this same warrant.

Nov 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Land Entry Book 1, page 6 – Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 19435, dated September 1783 Samuel VanHook enters 150 acres of land by virtue of the above named warrant lying joining the land of Wm. Gilmore and James Scott on the north side of s’d Gilmore’s land beginning at a corner of s’d Gilmores on the line of s’d Scott and extending over Gilmores Creek for qty. Isaac VanHook also claimed 100 acres on this warrant.

Nov 1787 Russell County, Virginia, Land Entry Book 1, page 25 – Samuel VanHook removes one hundred acres of his 150 acre entry made by Warrant No. 19435 and reenters the same 100 acres lying on the North & Northeast side of Jacob Neases open line leaving some space of stony and poor ground between the same including a sinking spring on the west end of the land the waters of Copper Creek running toward the Copper ridge for quantity.

18 Mar 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 47 – William Sprat and Easter his wife sold to Samuel VanHook for 100 pounds, 200 acres on Copper Creek. (Samuel sold this land to Robert Vickers on 22 Mar 1791).

16 Apr 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 91 – William Robenson, foreman, William Huston, Daniel Davison, James Davison, Joseph Davison, Jonathan Wood, Robert Tate, Thomas Alley, John Wells, Samuel VanHook, Thomas Johnson, John Frazier, Patrick Porter, Francis Browning, Henry Hamblen. Grand jury. Presentment against John Ball, Richard Davis, James Campbell, Fredrick Jones for retailing spirituous liquors by oath of Willoughby Lewes, Presentment against John Cowen for not oppening the road of which he was overseer. Against William Smith for not opening the road for which he was overseer. Against Joseph Whitely for not opening the road for which he was overseer. Against Charles Payne for not opening the road for which he was overseer.

17 Apr 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 96 – Patrick Porter vs Samuel Haddox, in case - Jury: James Compton, Laurence VanHook, Aaron VanHook, Samuel VanHook, Austen Bush, William Sprat, James Alley, Benjamin Nicholson, Samuel Stalliard, Daniel Young, Thomas Bird & Joseph Blakemore, Defendant found guilty.

21 May 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Land Entry Book 1, page 27 – Samuel VanHook assignee by virtue of a Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 11998 enters 100 acres on North side of William Spratt’s land.

17 Jun 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 103 – Francis Browning, foreman, James Osborn, Robert Tate, William Huston, Champ Faris, Joshua Ewing, Samuel VanHook, Abraham Beavers, Samuel Robenson, James Mcfarland, Laurence VanHook, Henry Mahon, Richard Thompson, Daniel Davison, John Frazier, Joseph Davison & Jonathan Woods, grand jury, bill found against Obadiah Payne for abusing John Countz and robins said county of his papers and for forgeing an order in the name of Francis Hines present on the oath of John Countz. A bill against Thomas Jackson for not opening the road from Elk Garden to the top of Clinch Mountain. Presentment against Robert Vickers for not opening the road to the top of Clinch Mountain. Presentment against Phoeby Puckett for having a base born child. Bill found against Edward Baker for leaving his own wife and cohabitating with Willey Blelcher. Bill found against James Skeggs for leaving his own wife and cohabitating with Leah Carter. Presentment against Josiah Fugate for not opening the road by oath of Henry Smith

28 Jun 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 3 horses.

8 Sep 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Book, Page 70 – Surveyed for Samuel VanHook, 80 acres lying on Cedar Creek, bordered by Thomas Price’s land (400 ac.), by virtue of a Virginia Land Office Treasury Warrant No. 14383, dated 24 September 1782.

18 Nov 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 126 - Ordered that Thomas Nash, James Hendrex, John Hargiss, Benjamin Johnson, Solomon Litton, Abraham Beavers, Judah Puckett, Thomas Price, Elizabeth Price, John Wells, Thomas Colley, Jane Price, Samuel Hendrixs, Jeremiah Fields, Margaret Wells, Elizabeth Wells, William Price, Francis Browning, Joshua Ewing, Richard Price for 1 days attendance as a witness in the suit between Webb & Vanhook

19 Nov 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 129 – Commonwealth vs Samuel Vanhook, breach of the peace. Vanhook fined and placed on good behavior for 1 year and 1 day

19 Nov 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 130 – Thomas Nash, Thomas Hendricks, Jacob Crabtree, Lidia Hargess, James Scott, Francis Browning, Jeremiah Fields, 1 days attendance in the suit of Commonwealth vs Vanhook

16 Dec 1788 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), P130 – Thomas Nash, Thomas Hendricks, Jacob Crabtree, Lidia Hargess, James Scott, Francis Browning, Jeremiah Fields, 1 days attendance in the suit of Commonwealth vs Vanhook.

1789 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 Tithable over 21, 5 horses.

1789 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 200 acres. (This is the land Samuel purchased from William Sprat. In this tax list Sprat was also assessed for this same land and a correction is entered at the end of the tax list.)

22 Apr 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 137 – Court of Quarterly Sessions – Samuel Robenson, foreman, William Gilmore, Samuel Vanhook, Thomas Price, Abraham Beavers, Richard Thompson, Jacob Crabtree, Solomon Litton, John Wells, Francis Browning, William Bustor, John Buster, John Arthur, Lawrence Vanhook, Euricus Smith, Sr., grand jury, Bill against Spencer Speares for selling liquors by oath of Samuel Haddocks. Bill against George Roberts for profane swearing and blasphemy, oath of Robert Craig. Bill against Robert McFarling for profane swearing. Bill against Alexander W. Farland for profane swearing

23 Apr 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791)

Page 140 - William Webb vs Samuel Vanhook, in case, Jury: William Huston, William Robenson, Christopher Cooper, Zachariah Fuget, William Brice, Daniel Davison, John Whit, Robert Tate, Daniel Freel, William Blanton, Henry Hamblen, James Dickenson . Def. found not guilty.

Page 141 - Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb, in case, Jury: John Alley, John W. Crunk, Edward Faris, Benjamin Salliers, Champion Faris, Mann Smith, David Craig, Charles Smith, William Nash, Samuel Haddox, James Osborne, John Woods. Def found guilty.

Page 142 - William Webb vs Samuel Vanhook, in case, Jury: William Huston, William Robenson, Christopher Cooper, Zachariah Fuget, John Graham, Daniel Davison, John White, Robert Tate, Daniel Freel, William Blanton, Henry Hamblen & James Dickenson. Def. not guilty.

Page142 - Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb, continued.

Page 142 - in suit between Vanhook & Webb, the following proves attendance: Thomas Nash 2 days, John Hargiss 2 days, James Cumpton 2 days, Abraham Beavers & wife 2 days, Solomon Litton 2 days, Thomas Price, Jr 2 days, Samuel Hendrick 2 days, William Price 2 days, Elizabeth Price 3 days, Jean Price 3 days, James Hendrick & wife 2 days, John Wills 2 days, Margeret Wills 3 days, Elizabeth Wills 3 days, John Price 2 days, Francis Browning 2 days, Stephen Ogden 2 days, Jacob Crabtree 2 days, Thomas Price, Sr 2 days.

24 Apr 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 144 – William Ordered that the states atty commence suit on the recognizance bond of Samuel Vanhook for good behavior, appears to have forfeited.

19 May 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 147 – Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb, dismissed by pltf.

19 May 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 148 – Crunk vs Haddox, in case, Jury: William Thompson, William Blanton, William Buster, William Brice, Nathan Hobbs, James Gibson, Thomas Osborn, Robert McCoy, John Breeden, Henry Hamblen, James Osborne & Samuel Vanhook. Def. found guilty.

17 Jun 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 151 – Motion of Samuel Haddox, injunction granted for a stay of judgement that John W. Crunk obtained against said Haddox. Present: Andrew Cowan, Samuel Vanhook, special bail for William Brin, John Wier, Robert McFarland, and Richard Price at the suit of Charles Cocke.

17 Jun 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 151 – William Webb vs Samuel Vanhook, trespass, assault & battery, Jury: Simon Cockrell, William Huston, James Davison, Patrick Porter, Moses Skegs, Robert Vickers, John Horton, Christoper Cooper, James Jones, Alexander Scott, Edward Young, Colbert Fugate. Decision in favor of def.

Page 152 – Richard Price 2 days attendance in the suit of Webb vs Vanhook. George Roberts 2 days

17 Jun 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 153 – Enyart vs Craig. Champion Faris, special bail, judgement set aside and tinder? and refusal plead? Jury: Jacob Casels, Samuel Haddox, Alexander Scott, Edward Young, James Rodgers, James Cumpton, James Dickenson, Moses Skeggs, James Howard, Samuel Vanhook, James Hendrick, Christopher Cooper. Withdrawn and the suit continued

17 Jun 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 154 – Commonwealth vs Samuel Vanhook, dismissed. John Puckett proves 2 days

9 Jul 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Land Entry Book 1, page 54 – Samuel VanHook withdraws 50 acres of his entry made page 6 by Warrant No. 19435 and also his entry of 100 acres page 27 Warrant No. 11998 and enters same 150 acres and 50 acres more by Warrant No. 11998 and ajoining his former entry page 25 to join Henry Dickenson’s land. (Samuel sold this 150 acres to Charles Carter by May 1791).

29 Jul 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Land Entry Book 1, page 62 – Samuel VanHook transfers 200 acres (his entry page 54) and 100 acres (his entry page 25) to Charles Carter.

18 Aug 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 163- Ordered that Samuel Vanhook be from paying the cost of court over William Webb

16 Sep 1789 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 167 – Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb, in case, Alexander Smith, atty for the def. Decision in favor of def.

Page 173 – Vanhook vs Webb. John Hargiss & his wife, James Henry Hendrix & Stephen Ogdon proves 2 days.

10 Mar 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable over 21, 6 horses.

21 Apr 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 190 – Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb, case, suit continued. Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb & Wife, continued.

21 Apr 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 191

Absent: Henry Smith, Charles Bickley. Commonwealth vs Obediah Payne, committed to jail for feloniously taking and carrying away a fox? & kin? - Def rather than wait the expiration of 5 days that the trial should begin. Def. pleaded not guilty. James Blair, atty for Commonwealth. Jury: Henry Hamblen, Samuel Porter, Thomas Alley, John Enyart, James Bush, William Robinson, John Carder, Samuel Vanhook, John Fugate, Christopher Cooper, Thomas Price, John Puckett. Decision of Jury: We of the Jury find the prisoner guilty of the charge and condemn him to receive 15 lashes, well laid on his bare back. To be inflicted by the sheriff.

15 Jun 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 200 – Commonwealth vs Vanhook, Thomas Hendrix 1 days attendance for def, James Hendrix 1 day. Webb vs Vanhook, Samuel Hendrix 1 days attendance for def

1790 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, assignee of Spratt, 200 acres, and Samuel VanHook, 140 acres.

7 Jun 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Book, Page 92 - Charles Crumwell - 116 ac - 2 Treasury Warrants: 50 ac by 8432 dated April 4, 1782 & 66 ac by 11961 dated May 10, 1782…corner to Thomas Price, Sr. & Thomas Price, Jr. - corner to Samuel Vanhook

16 Jun 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 201

Page 201 – Present: Henry Smith. Samuel Vanhook vs William Webb, case, Samuel Robenson, special bail. Jury: James Gibson, Henry Davis, William Blanton, Thomas Francis, Zachariah Fugate, Nathan Hobbs, Edward Dorton, Thomas Hobbs, James Bush, Richard Davis, William Dorton, Christopher Cooper.

Page 202 – Samuel Vanhook, father and next friend of Frances Vanhook, infant under the age of 21 years vs William Webb & Mary, his wife, case.

Page 203 – Vanhook vs Webb. Samuel Hendrix, James Hendrix, John Hargess, Thomas Price, Jeremiah Fields, Lydia Hargiss, Stephen Ogdon, 2 days attendance, Solomon Litton 2 days attendance and 2 days from last court

1 Sep 1790 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 209

Francis Browning, foreman, Robert Tate, James Osborn, Laurence Vanhook, Champion Faris, John Smith, Patrick Kendrick, Samuel Vanhook, James McKenney, James Osborn, William McClane, James McFarlane, Samuel Porter, William Thompson, Jonathin Woods, John Frazier, grand jury, presentment against John Horton for assaulting, beating & wounding Bean Smallwood, against John Enyart for not opening the road of which he is overseer, Benjamin Pendleton for profane swearing 3 oaths on August 20, against James Bess for profane swearing on August 20.

13 Mar 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 145 - Samuel and Hannah VanHook sold to Benjamin Johnson for 61 pounds, 130 acres on Cedar Creek (this is probably part of land Samuel received 12 Dec 1783 and surveyed 29 Nov 1785. Deed says this land ajoins William Heraldson and Enos Browning). Recorded 22 March 1795.

Note that the above deed record of sale and the following 3 records were recorded 22 March of 1795 – 4 years after they were sold. The “Hannah VanHook” shown in these deed records is Samuel’s wife Hannah Trousdale who he married in Kentucky in 1794.

21 Mar 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 149 - Samuel VanHook and Hannah his wife sold to William Cope for 50 pounds, 147 acres in Elk Garden on the north side of Cedar Creek. Recorded 22 March 1795. (The deed shows the land was granted to Samuel by patent on 10 September 1787.)

1791 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists – William Cope, assignee of S. VanHook, 140 acres

22 Mar 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 135 - Samuel VanHook and Hannah his wife sold to James McFarland for 200 pounds, 199 acres on the north fork of Cedar Creek. Recorded 22 March 1795. (Deed says Samuel was granted this land 20 Jun 1785 – this is the land he settled on in 1771 and was surveyed 25 Aug 1781. The deed shows this land as adjoining Thomas Hendricks, Lawrence VanHook, and Alex McClanahan).

1791 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists – McFarland, assignee of ___ VanHook, 200 acres

22 Mar 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 147 - Samuel and Hannah VanHook sold to Robert Vickers for 125 pounds, 200 acres on Copper Creek. Recorded 22 March 1795. (Samuel bought this land from William Sprat on 18 Mar 1788).

22 Mar 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 224 – Samuel Vanhook & wife to Benjamin Johnson, deed. Samuel Vanhook to William Cope, deed. Samuel Vanhook to Robert Vickars, deed. Samuel Vanhook to James McFarlane, deed.

(Note: multiple other land transactions involving Samuel VanHook’s neighbors appears on this same page in the Law Order Book – 3 deeds from James Scott & Rebeccah to Thomas Johnson , recorded, Thomas Price & wife to John Jessee, deed, Samuel Vanhook & wife to Benjamin Johnson, deed, Thomas Hendricks to Benjamin Johnson, deed, Thomas Hendricks to Samuel Fields, deed.)

6 Apr 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 Tithable over 21, 1 white male 16 to 21, 10 horses. (This is last entry for Samuel in Russell Co. tax lists until 1796.)

25 May 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Surveyor’s Book, Page 118 – Charles Carter, assignee of Samuel Vanhook - 438 ac - part 3 Treasury Warrants: 150 ac by 19435 dated September 16, 1783; 150 ac by 11998 dated May 13, 1782 & 138 ac by 14187 dated September 12, 1783

23 Aug 1791 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book I (1786-1791), page 236 – Solomon Litton appointed Capt., Samuel Vanhook appointed Lt., Zechariah Fugate appointed Ensign.

27 Nov 1792 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 41 – On motion ordered that the judgment obtained by Samuel VanHook plaintiff against William Webb Defendant at a Court of Quarterly Session held for Russell county the 16th day of June 17-- be enforced and that the plaintiff recover against the Defendant the damage aforesaid and his costs by him in this behalf expended.

8 Dec 1792 Calendar of Virginia State Papers: Disbursements from Auditor’s Office - List of Warrants issued from this office between 1st October, ’92 and Dec’r 31, 1792, (except interest warrants). Gen. ac. Revenue: Dec. 8. Sam VanHook, 48 pounds, 19 shillings.

1793 The Official History of Elbert County, Georgia 1790-1934, by John H. McIntosh, Copyright 1940, Stephen Heard Chapter of D.A.R., Elberton, Ga. Page 166 lists some early Elbert County Residents taken from various records. In this list is Samuel VanHook, in Elbert County in 1793. Samuel is also shown in The Reconstructed 1790 Census of Georgia, by Marie De Lamar and Elisabeth Rothstein. On page 84 Samuel VanHook is listed with “some early settlers whose names appeared on records 1790-1795.” Aaron VanHook from Virginia (formerly from North Carolina) was in Elbert County by June 1792 when he purchased 287« acres (Elbert County, Ga., Deed Book B, deed #341, page 237). Aaron is found again on 29 September 1795 when he brought suit in the Elbert County Court (Inferior Court minutes 1791-1801, page 59).

13 May 1794 Harrison County, Kentucky, marriages, bond number 5 - Samuel VanHook to Hannah Trousdale. surety Nathan Rawlings.

3 Sep 1794 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 2, page 15 – between Aaron Alderson & Ruth and Stephen Ogdon...60 ac...on Clinch River part of a larger tract of 330 ac granted to Benjamin Alderson by patent dated March 20, 1785...Beginning on the south side of the river...crossing the river, down the river below the ford. Signed: Aaron Alderson & Ruth Alderson. Witnesses: Richard Price, Samuel VanHook, John Stacy

22 Mar 1795 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Pages 135, 145, 147, 149 - Samuel VanHook and Hannah his wife appeared at the clerk’s office and recorded 4 deeds on land they sold in March of 1791.

10 Jul 1795 Harrison Co., Ky. Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook - 1 white male, 1 horse, 4 cattle, 50 acres 3rd rate land on Beaver Creek.

(Note: Benjamin VanHook is also listed here with 50 acres on Beaver Creek.)

28 Jul 1795 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 221 – An Indenture of Bargain and Sale of Land from William Webb and Mary his wife to Thomas Johnson was acknowledged in Court by said William and Ordered to be recorded. Same from Aaron Alderson to Stephen Ogdon was produced in Court by the oaths of Richard Price, Samuel Vanhook and John Stacy Witnesses thereto & ordered to be recorded.

28 Jul 1795 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 225 – Samuel Vanhook, James Dickenson, Richard Long & Jacob Robinson view a road from Castles Run to where it intersects the main road near Samuel Vanhooks

22 Sep 1795 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 235 – Joseph Whiteley vs David Evans, trespass, Def found guilty, Jury: Samuel Haddox, Oliver Hughes, Samuel Vanhook, Simon Cockrell, John Gilbert, Henry Hursk, George McCoy, John Jesse, Robert Mitchel, Abram Oxer, James Ovelton & Colebert Fugate, dismissed at def cost

28 Jun 1796 Harrison Co., Ky. Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook - 1 white male, 1 horse, 4 cattle, 50 acres 3rd rate land on Beaver Creek.

(Note: Benjamin VanHook is also listed here with 50 acres on Beaver Creek. This is the last entry in the Harrison Co. tax lists for Samuel until 1807. In 1797 and later Benjamin is shown with 100 acres on Beaver Creek.)

1796 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 2 Tithables over 16, 4 horses, 66 acres.

28 Sep 1796 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 313 – Samuel Haddox vs William Huston, case, judgement set aside, Claiborne for the def, 5 years for unlawful gaming. Jury: Jeremiah Patrick, William Owen, Samuel Cornet, Abner Vance, Stephen Ogdon, Joseph Culbertson, Benjamin Fugate, Robert Masey, Henry Davis, Samuel Vanhook, John W. Crunk & John Hargis

Page 313 – Reuben Jones vs Norris Carter, order of reference set aside, office judgement set aside, def by Augustus B. Woodward, states that he is not guilty of the trespass and that it is the pltfs original trespass that he is ready to verify. Jury: Jeremiah Patrick, William Owens, Samuel Comeck, Stephen Ogdon, Abner Vance, Joseph Culbertson, Benjmain Fugate, Robert Masey, Samuel Vanhook, John Haris, Andrew Shortridge, Jacob Francisco, def found not guilty

Page 317 – Henry Davis vs George McCoy, trespass, Jury: Colebert Fugate, John Bennam, Jeremiah Piercifiedd, Austin Bush, Thomas Stapleton, Patrick Riley, James Howard, Thomas Colley, Samuel Vanhook, Samuel Hendricks, Moses Damrion & Anthony Hinton, case continued

21 Oct 1796 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 2, page 176 - between James McFarland & Jane and John Irvan...279 ac...on both sides of the north fork of Ceder branch, the waters of Clinch River...land granted to Samuel VanHook by patent dated June 22, 1785...Beginning near a branch a corner to Thomas Hendricks land...on the west side of the creek by a field...corner to Lorence VanHooks land...on the bank of the creek by a path...along near Alexander McClenahans patent land...corner to Thomas Prices 400 ac survey...Signed: James Mcfarland & Jane Mcfarland. No witnesses.

28 Feb 1797 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 2, Page 258 - Richard and Lucy Price sold to Samuel VanHook for 35 pounds, about 40 acres of land on the head of Sinking Creek. (Deed shows land adjoins Samuel’s current land, Alexander McFarland, and Samuel Hendrix.)

28 Feb 1797 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 2, Page 264 -Richard and Lucy Price and Samuel and Hannah VanHook sold to Samuel Hendrix (Hendricks) for 60 pounds, two tracts of land totaling about 100 acres. (Deed says Samuel bought his tract 7 June 1796, but I did not find this sale recorded).

28 Feb 1797 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 341 – Samuel Indenture from Richard Price & Lucy to Samuel Vanhook & Hannah to Samuel Hendricks, recorded

Page 342 – 3 Indentures from Richard Price & Lucy to Samuel Vanhook, 1 to Pemberton Burch and 1 to Alexander McFarlane, recorded

26 Apr 1797 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 348 – Grand Jury: Simon Cockrell, foreman, Timothy Burges, Zachariah Fugate, Henry Hurst, John Dollerhide, Jacob Raresnake, Richard Price, William Owens, Samuel Cornet, Joseph Bevens, John Phillips, John Back, Thomas Colley, Patrick Coil, Caleb Friley, Richard Long & Samuel Vanhook

28 Jun 1797 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 377 – Samuel Vanhook, John Fugate, William George & Austin Bush to view a road from Double Springs to John Smiths

27 Aug 1797 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 393 – Samuel Vanhook, John Fuget, Austin Bush viewed a road from the Double Springs to John Smiths. Report: beginning at the mouth of the double springs at the main county road, going up the branch and bearing with the old walk to the top of Copper Ridge then crossing over the ridge at Colhams (Colhains) Gap down to Jacob Robinsons a direct course to the north side of Samuel Porters Plantation near the school house a straight course to the French Road near the fork, ordered that the road be cut

Page 398 – Grand jury, Francis Browning, foreman, Jonathan Wood, William Tate, John Back, Samuel Cornet, Edward Young, Michael Elliott, George Francisco, Joseph Fields, Richard Fields, Andrew Martin, John Horton, George Belsher, George Assbury, Thomas Colley, Samuel Vanhook, James Davison, Francis Price & Jacob Crabtree

1797 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 2 Tithables over 16, 3 horses, (for R. Price 40 acres).

27 Feb 1798 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 430 – Samuel Fields entered another recognizance with Samuel Vanhook & Thomas Colley, securities. Be of good behavior particularly towards Sarah Miller for 12 months and 1 day

27 Jun 1798 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 473 – Commonwealth vs John Gaddis, presentment of the grand jury, Sheffey for the def who pleads ot guilty. Jury: William Welch, Thomas Stapleton, Jacob Casel, Isaiah Salliers, Francis Browning, Jesse Belsher, Patrick Coil, Alexander McFarlane, Samuel Vanhook, Henry Hursk, Stephen Ogdon & Stephen Miller, def found not guilty

Page 474 – Commonwealth vs Thomas Ross, presentment of the grand jury, Jury: William Welch, Thomas Stapleton, Jacob Casel, Isaiah Salliers, Francis Browning, Jesse Belsher, Patrick Coil, Alexander McFarlane, Samuel Vanhook, Henry Hursk, Stephen Ogdon, & Stephen Miller, def found guilty, fined and ordered to pay damages

Page 476 – John Horton, plaintiff, against Simon Cockrell, et al. Jury members were Daniel Sears, Joseph Staleton, Samuel Fields, William Lee, Leevis Gereen, Robert Duff, Alexander McFarlane, William Owens, Samuel Vanhook, Benjamin Smith, Robert Tate, and Alexander Dunlap

Sep 1798 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book II (1792-1799), page 501 – An Inventory of the Estate of Thomas Price junr who is adjudged to be in a State of Insanity was produced in Court Whereupon, it is Ordered that James McFarlane Samuel Vanhook and John Price be appointed a Committee for the safe keeping and good management of the said insane’s Estates, and to proceed in every instance as the Law in that case directs.

27 Dec 1798 Russell County, Virginia, Legislative Petition – requesting more time to complete land surveys (since the surveyor has been indisposed because he’s been too drunk to do his job) – signed by Samuel VanHook

1798 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 2 Tithables over 16, 4 horses.

1799 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 3 males over 16, 3 horses.

1799 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 180 acres.

22 Oct 1799 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 32 – Samuel Vanhook made oath that he was charged in the commissioners book for 1798 with 180 ac and he only had 140 ac

27 Nov 1799 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 38 – Richard Thompson appointee to collect and preserve the estate of William Roman, decd vs Smith Deskins, detinue, Jury: Samuel Vanhook, Frederick Trent, Reuben Owenss, Thomas Collie, William Owens, Christopher Ranes, John Gilbert, George Kindrick, William Dorton, James Osborne, John Vandike & Alexander McFarlane, case continued

15 Feb 1800 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 49 – Samuel Vanhook & John Wood recommended as coroner

27 May 1800 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 57 – Samuel Vanhook be surveyor of the road above the courthouse to Carrs Creek in place of Joseph Whiteley and that James Dickenson furnish him a list of tithables

24 Jun 1800 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 69 – Overseers of the poor bind William Bash Bailey an infant under age to Samuel Vanhook

26 Aug 1800 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 74 – Samuel Vanhook vs William Robinson, petition & summons, def confessed that he owes the pltf, judgement granted the pltf

23 Dec 1800 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 98 – Samuel Vanhook appointed coroner

25 Jun 1801 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 144 – David Calhoon vs John Candler, debt, Jury: Moses Dorton, Robert Tate, Zachariah Salliers, Abraham Childris, Richard Daniel, Matthias Kimbple, Samuel Vanhook, James Bradley, William Griffeth, Robert Duff, James Best & Colebird Fugate. Judgement granted the pltf

1801 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District, Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 male over 16, 3 horses.

22 Apr 1802 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 184 – Commonwealth vs Samuel Vanhook, dismissed

22 Jun 1802 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808)

Page 193 – Commonwealth vs Hugh Porter, presentment, Jury: John Jessee, William Nash, William Lee, John Murphey, Wesley Short, James Sargent, Robert vickers, Samuel Vanhook, John Colley, Jonathan Davis, Temple Sergeant & Elijah Webb. Judgement granted the pltf

Page 193 – Commonwealth vs Patrick Pearson, presentment, Jury; John Jessee, William Nash, William Lee, John Murphey, Wesley Short, James Sargent, William Vickers, Samuel Vanhook, JOhn Colley, Jonathan Temple, judgement granted the pltf

23 Jun 1802 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808), page 199 – Commonwealth vs Benjamin Harris, presentment, def by Smith, atty. Jury: William Stuart, James Bast, Samuel Vanhook, Andrew Harvey, Patrick McDavid, William Davis, Morgan Carter, William Owens, Joseph Jones, Dennis Mullowney, Stephen Ogdon & Michael Elliott, def found guilty

24 Jun 1802 Russell County, Virginia, Law Order Book 3 (1799-1808)

Page 206 – George Kindrick vs John Horton, case, jury: Jonathan Davis, Michael Elliott, Samuel Vanhook, George McConnel, Charles Carter, James Best, Peter Carter, Samuel Hendricks, Andrew Hebourn, Richard Price, Abraham Fuller & John Back, def found guilty

Page 207 – James McFarlane vs James Robinson & wife, case, def by Andrew McHenry, atty, def pleads not guilty, jury: Andrew Hebourn, Michael Elliott, Samuel Vanhooks, Samuel Hendricks, Drury Wood, Jonathan Davis, Stephen Ogdon, Joseph Taylor, William Manadue, James Best, John Reed & Dennis Mullowney, def found guilty

1802 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District Personal Property Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 male over 16, 4 horses. (This is the last entry showing Samuel residing in Virginia.)

1802 Russell County, Virginia, Land Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 140 acres.

1803 Russell County, Virginia, Upper District Personal Property / Land Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, no tithables, no personal property, 140 acres.

19 Dec 1803 Petition by citizens of Washington and Russell County to Virginia – Petition against the claims of the Loyal (Land) Company – Samuel VanHook was signer

(Note: 303 citizens signed, and Samuel is the only VanHook)

1803 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists - Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 6 horses.

(Note: In these tax lists are also found Archilaus, Abner, and Martin.)

29 Jan 1803 Scioto County, Ohio, Deed Book ABC, page 3 – This indenture made this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and three between John Beasley and Sally his wife of the County of Adams and Northwestern Territory of the one part and Samuel VanHook of the other part... sum of one hundred dollars... parcel of land containing fifty acres situated lying and being on the waters of Turkey Creek in the County aforesaid and bounded as follows... signed John Beasley and Sally Beasley.

(Note: Scioto County was formed from Adams later the same year)

12 Jun 1804 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 9 – Samuel VanHook, 2 tithables, 6 horses, 200 acres on Second Lick Creek in Harrison County.

30 Oct 1804 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 4, Page 92

Between Samuel VanHook and Hannah his wife of the county of Nicholas and State of Kentucky first part and John Hackney of Russell County, Virginia second part. For 225 pounds, sold a tract of land being part of 2 tracts: 1 granted to Richard Price by patent 24 Nov 1792, and the other granted to Samuel VanHook 7 June 1796. 140 acres total. Signed: Samuel VanHook, Hannah (her X mark) VanHook. Witness: Alex Dunlap, William Foster, John Stone. (an Alexander Dunlap married Jane VanHook, Augusta County, Virginia, 21 June 1791). At Russell Court 5 August 1806: Indenture sworn to by Foster and Stone. 7 July 1807 Court: Dunlap gone to parts unknown, Ordered deed be recorded. Teste: Henry Dickenson, CRC.

30 Oct 1804 Russell County, Virginia, Deeds, Book 1, Page 140 – Samuel VanHook to John Hackney 60 acres.

30 Oct 1804 Nicholas County, Kentucky, deed Book A, pages 249-251

This Indenture made this 29th day of October in the year Eighteen hundred and four between Samuel VanHook and Hannah his wife of the state of Ohio, and William Endicott and Mary his wife, heirs and representatives, of William Trousdale deceased, of the County of Bourbon, and of the State of Kentucky of the one part and Thomas Endicott of the County of Bourbon and the state of Kentucky of the other part, witnesseth: That said Samuel Vanhook and Hannah his wife and William Endicott and Mary his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds Kentucky currency to them in hand paid to wits, fifty pounds to the said Samuel Vanhook and Hannah his wife, and fifty pounds to the said William Endicott and Mary his wife, at and before the sealing and delivery of these present, the receipts whereof and hereby acknowledged, they the said, Samuel Vanhook and Hannah his wife and William Endicott and Mary his wife, have bargained, sold, aliened and confirmed and by these presents doth bargain. Sell, aliened and confirmed, unto the said Thomas Endicott two equal undivided, third parts of one hundred acres of land, as heirs and representatives of the said William Trousdale, deceased, which one hundred acres of land is situated in Nicholas County on the waters of Indian Creek, bounded as follows to wit, Beginning at a dogwood and beech corner to Gabriel Scott, running south forty five poles, east one hundred and twenty eight poles to a sugartree and beech, corner to said Scott, thence south forty five, west one hundred and thirty one poles to a boxelder and honey locust, corner to Fox, thence north forty five , west one hundred and twenty five poles to a boxelder and an elm, thence North forty east one hundred an thirty one poles to the beginning. To have and to hold, the said two equal undivided third parts of the afore said one hundred acres of land, with all and singular appurtenances there unto belonging, or otherwise appertaining unto the said, Thomas Endicott, his heirs and assigns, forever, to his and their only proper use, benefit and behoof. Any the said Samuel Vanhook and Hannah his wife and William Endicott and Mary his wife for themselves, their heirs, Vc, do covenant and agree to and with the said Thomas Endicott, his heirs and assigns that they will forever warrant and defend the aforesaid two equal undivided third parts of the one hundred acres of land, in the manner following, to wit, the said Samuel Vanhook and Hannah, the one third equal undivided part, and the said William Endicott, the other equal undivided third part of the aforesaid one hundred acres of land from against the claim or claims of themselves and their heirs, and against the claim or claims of all and every other person or persons whatsoever. In witness where of they the said Samuel Vanhook and Hannah his wife, and William Endicott and Mary his wife, hath here unto set their hand and affixed their seals, this day and year above written,-

Witnesses present Saml Vanhook Seal, William Lowe, Hannah (her X mark) Vanhook seal, Thomas Endicott, William Endicott seal, Efhramin Adams, Mary Endicott seal

1805 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 9. Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 7 horses, no land.

1806-1807 Scioto County, Ohio, Tax Lists - Samuel is listed in the tax lists of this Ohio county for these 2 years. Scioto County is Portsmouth, Ohio, up the Ohio River from Maysville, Ky.

1807 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 10 – Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 9 horses, no land.

1808 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 13 – Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 5 horses, no land.

27 May 1809 Southern Baptist Convention, Publication #5598 (Microfilm).

"The [Beaver Creek] Baptist Church of Jesus Christ constituted upon the principles of the Elkhorn Association [Harrison Co., KY] this 27th Day of May in the year of our Lord 1809 at Moses Raridens' School house on Beaver Creek by the helps of Indian Creek brethren Isaac Munson, George Eaton, Moses Endicott, Samuel VanHook, Greason Forrester, and from Union Church Charles Web and Richard King and by motion Brother Isaac Munson chosen to supply as our preacher and brother Adam Miller, Clerk. Adjourned until the 3rd Saturday in July."

Don Lee notes: Membership of this Church listed John Lee and Mary Polly Lee the daughter of Samuel VanHook and Samuel VanHook Lee, his grandson who lived nearby on Beaver Creek. At the second meeting of the new Church John Lee son-in-law of Samuel VanHook joined the church 24 June 1809 by letter from the Indian Creek Church. Mary Polly VanHook Lee joined by Baptism on 14 October 1809. Benjamin VanHook was living very near the Beaver Church at this time but I don't see him on the membership list. Samuel VanHook Lee became a preacher at this Church. John Lee was chosen a deacon on 15 September 1810.

21 Mar 1810 Scioto County, Ohio, Deed Book ABC, pages 311-312 This indenture made this 21st day of March in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and Ten Between Samuel VanHook and Hannah his wife of the County of Scioto and State of Ohio of the one part and Daniel McKinney Senr. of Scioto County and State of Ohio the other part... the sum of Four hundred and fifty dollars... parcel of land containing Fifty acres situated lying and being on Turkey Creek in this county aforesaid... being a part of a tract of Four hundred and fifty acres granted by patent by the United States to John Beasley... signed Samuel VanHook and Hannah (her X mark) VanHook. (23 Mar 1810, justice of the peace took Hannah’s statement separately that she signed the deed of her own free will).

1810 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 18 – Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 5 horses, no land.

1810 Census of Kentucky, Nicholas County, page 435 Samuel VanHook 1 male 10 to 16, 1 male 26 to 45, 1 male over 45. 1 female 16 to 26, 1 female over 45.

1811 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 27 – Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 1 horse, no land.

1813 Nicholas Co., Ky. Tax Lists, page 20 – Samuel VanHook, 1 tithable, 4 horses, no land, no service (Tax list shows Archelaus, Abner, and Martin as serving in 13th regiment, Capt. C.A. Collier’s company).