The Descendants of Lewis Roberts and Mary D. Ivy
of Sullivan and Hawkins Counties in Tennessee

A family history report prepared by Russ Bralley <EMBralley@bellsouth.net> who adds: “Hopefully this will help somebody somewhere, as this family is not well documented in spite of the fact they’ve been here a long time.”

Our family descends from Lewis Roberts and Mary D. Ivy, who moved to the Bays Mountain area from Henry County, Virginia in 1809 or 1810. Lewis Roberts was born on the frontier during an exciting and turbulent time in American history – the period following the long and hard-fought American Revolution. In fact, his father was probably a soldier of the Revolution.

The 1850 US Census was the first federal census to contain detailed information about the birthplace, age, etc. of American citizens. It places Lewis and Mary Roberds in Hawkins County District 17 and gives their ages as 65 and 60 respectively. If accurate, this means Lewis could have been born as early as 1785 and Mary would have been born circa 1790. They are also both listed as having been born in North Carolina, but this may have been an error since Lewis Roberts married Mary D. Ivy in Henry County, VA on 28 August 1809, Elisha Arnold, bondsman. Later records state they were born in Virginia.

Lewis Roberts’ father may have been George, Sr., John or William Roberts, Sr., each one a Revolutionary War veterans from Henry or Pittsylvania County, Virginia with Hawkins County, Tennessee ties. Many of the old families who settled near or on Bays Mountain in the earliest days came from Pittsylvania, Henry or Grayson Counties, Virginia.

It is possible that Lewis may have been a grandson of the George Roberts who received a land grant for property on the north side of the mountain above the Holston River. He had a son named George Roberts, who died in 1809 – the same year that Lewis Roberts married Mary Ivy and moved to Hawkins County. George Roberts, Jr. came from the Henry/Pittsylvania area and died in Louisiana. The land owned by Lewis Roberts and his family is probably part of the old grant to George Roberts, Sr. When referring to the land in later years, the expression “the old grant line” is frequently used.

Will of George Roberts, Sr.

Virginia State Library
Pittsylvania County Deeds and Wills
No. 5, 1767-1780, page 394

In the name of God amen, March the 10th day in the year of 1773, I George Roberts, senr. of Pittsylvannia County, being sick and weak in body but of perfect memory and Calling to mind the mortality of all men have made and ordained this my Last Will and Testament to wit: as touching such Worldly estate where with it hath pleased god to bless me with to be disposed of in the following manner and form- Item. I will and desire my Land to be equally Divided between four of my Children, viz. George Roberts, Junr. Dorothy Coldwell, Sarah Blair, and Alie Hamlin and my bed and furniture to my dauther Dorothy Coldwell. Item. I give to my Daughter, Alie Hamlin, all the woman Close that is now in my Chest and all rest of my estate of goods and Chattels to be equally Devided between the above sd, four children, except one shilling Sterling to all the rest of my Children, namely, Mary Hamilton and John Roberts, to the which sd. Tennement, goods and Chattels to be In Joyd as their proper estate forever. I also ordain and Constitute Allen Coldwell and William Durrett my sole Executors of this my last Will and Testament and I do hereby disalow and disanull all other Wills or Legacies whatsoever and this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and afixt my seal the day and the year above written.

his                      
George (x) Roberts L. S.
mark                   

Tests.
Gabriel Richards
             his
John C. (x)Coldwell
            mark
               her
Mary M. (x) Durrett
              mark

At a Court held for Pittsylvania County the 27day of May 1773

The within last Will and Testament of George Roberts, Deceased, was presented
in Court by William Durrett and Allen Coldwell, the Executors therein named
and proved by the oaths of the Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded
and on the motion of the sd. Executors who made Oath according to Law, a
Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.
Giving Security, Whereupon they together William Thomas, their Security,
entered into and acknowledged their bond according to Law.

Test
Will. Tunstalle Cl.

According to George Roberts, Sr’s. will his children were:

George Roberts, Jr., who married Rhoda Payne and moved to Hawkins County and then to Louisiana.

Dorothy Roberts, who married a Caldwell.

Alie Roberts, who married a Hamlin.

Sarah Roberts, who married a Blair.

Here is the will of his son George, who married Rhoda Paine (Payne) of Pittsylvania County:

Will of George Roberts, II

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana

Successions, Drawer R-4

Will of George Roberts, Senior

In the name of God a men I George Roberts of Hawkins county State of Tennice
Being in perfect health and memory at present thanks be to god for it calling
unto mind and mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed once for
man to die do make and ordain this my last will and testament that is to say

principally and first of all I give and recommend my soul into the hand of
the almighty god and give it and my Body I recommend to the earth to be
Buried in a decent christian manner at the discretion of my Executors hoping
at the general resurection I shall receive the same again By the almighty
power of ----------.

And as touching such worldly estate where with it hath pleased God to bless me
with I give devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form- first I give to my dearly Beloved wife Rhoda Roberts the land and plantation
where I now live with all the moveables thereto and stock of horses cattle
hogs and sheep during her widowhood and if she should mary then let her be
put to her thirds and if the children Should mary then I give them some
things to Begin to keep house with and keep account of such things:

my daughter Anned Lee I give to her one dollar

my son George Roberts I give him also one dollar

my son John Roberts I give him likewise one dollar

my son William Roberts I give him one dollar

my son Elisha Roberts I give him one dollar

my son Samuel Roberts I give him one dollar

my daughter Milla Schim one dollar

I give to my son Isaac Roberts one hundred and twenty five acres of land
it being the place where he now lives and the rest of the land to be devided
between Thomas Roberts and Absolom Roberts and James Roberts an Equal
division Between them three so the same and Equal division of the whole at
their mothers death and as for my negro woman lettis and her child Catherine
to Belong to my wife as long as she lives and at her death Both to be free.

If my wife should dy before the child is twenty-seven years of age she may
give it to one of the children to have tel she is of that age and to be free.
I have not left the other children one dollar for anything I have against
them I have given to them their part.

Before ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament
in witness whereof I set my hand and seal this nineteenth day of november in
the year of our lord one thousand Eight hundred and five.

Samuel Smith George Roberts (Seal)

Wm. Paine

On back:

Estate of George Roberts

Last Will of George Roberts

Bogue Chitto

Will of George Roberts

The following two documents were folded within the will:

Whereas William Roberts left a will in the Hands of the Comandant that George Roberts Snr. made in his lifetime, we have By your Consent agreed to Recawl the sd. will Back into our possession as we have Come on the termes and agreed to Settle in Regard to the Estate amongst our Selves.

Given under our hand this 29th day of September 1809

(Signed) Thomas Roberts
(Signed) James Roberts
(Signed) Isaac Roberts

her
Milla (x) Chisum
mark

Based on his will, we can reconstruct his family as such:

George Roberts

Thomas Roberts

James Roberts

John Roberts

William Roberts

Elisha Roberts

Isaac Roberts

Samuel Roberts

Absolam Roberts

Millicent Roberts, who married a Chisum

Lewis appears to have named his oldest son William, which may be in honor of his father. Lewis Roberts married Mary D. Ivy in Henry County, Virginia one month before the estate settlement above was signed. Shortly thereafter, he appears on the Tennessee frontier with his new bride in Sullivan and Hawkins Counties. I propose that he was a son of George Roberts and Rhoda Payne or a grandson through one of George’s male children. Many of the names associated with this family were commonplace in the Bays Mountain area, such as Blair, Hamilton and Chisholm (Chisum). On 24 August 1791, William Rosebury sold to William Roberts 250 acres lying on Rosebury’s Creek on the north side of the Holston River in Hawkins County. (Hawkins County, TN Deed Book 1, p. 107). Curiously, on the other side of Bays Mountain, near Little Horse Gap and the residence of our Roberts family, there is a Rosebury Ridge.

On 12 January 1795, James Roberts of Washington County, VA sold 150 acres to John Grigsby of Hawkins County, TN on the south side of the Holston River on the waters of Dodson Creek, including Walker’s improvements. The deed was witnessed by Thomas Jackson and James Breeden. (Hawkins County, TN Deed Book 1, pg. 193). By 1799 we find the name James Roberts listed 3 times on the Hawkins County Tax List, along with John Roberts.

The 1787 census of Henry County, Virginia lists James, William, John, Elisha, and Samuel Roberts. A Lewis Roberts is found on the 1810 Henry County Tax List along with Lewis Roberts the miller, John Roberts, Jeremiah Roberts, Henry Roberts and two William Roberts’. The 1810 Henry County Tax List also includes Peter, Gilbert and Francis Ivy. According to Our Family Heritage written in 1956 by Minnie Speer Boone and published by the American Historical Co, Inc., New York. The records also reveal that a Gilbert Ivey was born in 1701 and residing in Lower Norfolk County and had Peter, Henry, Charles and Francis Ivey.

The Elisha Arnold who was a bondsman on the marriage bond of Lewis Roberts and Mary Ivy was also found in Henry County in 1810 along with James Arnold. Elisha Arnold’s name appears with “those soldiers who left from Henry County for the Revolutionary Army in March 1781.” [Ref. History of Henry County, Virginia with Biographical Sketches of the most Prominent Citizens and Genealogical Sketches of Half a Hundred of it’s Oldest Families, Judith Hill, Southern Historical Press, 1925, reprinted 1995, p. 12.]

A James Roberts was in Capt. James Dillard’s Company during the American Revolution. [Ref: History of Henry County, Virginia, p. 14.] Other members of the same company were William Fee, Jesse Witt, John Atkins, John Taylor, William Roberts, Augustus Sims, Bartlett Reynolds, Morris Humphreys, Joseph Sewell, Josiah Smith, John DePriest and Thomas Hambleton. Elisha Arnold married Sally Marshall, daughter of Dennis Marshall (1768-1843) and Frances Harper and had the following children: Samuel, John, James, Elisha, Franklin, Nancy, Cynthia and Lucy. [Ref: History of Henry County, Virginia]

In 1810 Lewis Roberts is found residing in Sullivan County, Tennessee, where his name is found on the Tax List for that year along with a Simon Roberts. He appears on the 1812 Sullivan County Tax List, again with Simon Roberts. His name appears on a petition dated 1 May 1813.

1813 Petition: Sullivan County So. of Holston River

Pg. 1a.

We the humble petitioners do pray do pray to the Assembly of the State of Tennessee for a certain favor concerning Our Battallion Muster Ground.

Viz There are certain grievances, -- attending the place where We Muster at. 1st To wit. The River to be crossed with great difficulty and at certain times not at all, also not so centrical at the place it is now held at (meaning Francis Holley's) as was when held at Mr Brunstutters formerly where Mr Walter James lived. We your petitioners further, considering your knowledge of our difficulties and also of our disadvantages we labor underrest in hopes of this our petition to be considered by no means unreasonable therefore hope it will be granted us.

Signed by James Mays, Hugh E Martin, Frank Branstetter, William Hulse, John Chester, Robert Baxley, George Fink, Nathan Bachman, Jonathon Bachman, Richard Murrell, David Bragg, John Chester Sr, John Peoples, Charles Jones, William Barkett, Thomas Vincent, Edmund Davis, John Brown, Timothy Dalton, George Brown.

Pg. 1b.

Vincent Easley, Thomas Smith, John Hall, Simeon Grissom, George Crouch, James P Hultz Esq, Peter Easley Esq, George Vincent Esq, Thomas Bragg, William Maulton, William Edgman, Daniel Branstutter, John Hultz, Henry Branstutter, Daniel Payne, Joseph Smith, William Hulse, Stephen Easley, Daniel Easley, Samuel Cade, David Parry, William Jones, Jacob Maul, Henry Allison, Thomas McClain, James Arterborn, Jeremiah Chase, John Prophet, Walter Chase, Benjamin Britt, Walter Cox, John Britt, James Cox, Adam Raget, Daniel Sheets, -ingham Riggs, James Birdwell, Charles Basket, William Alton, Smith Copenger, Hagaine Copenger, John Billingsley, John Cox, Abraham Cox, William Jones, David Peekins, Michael Fisk, Samuel Jobe, William Jones, Joseph Coven, William Lester, Jonathon Tussy, Joseph Webb, William Copas, Tomas Copass, George Crudgingder, William Faulks, Jacob Keene, Joseph Clark, Mathias Keene, Jones Boyd, William Boyd, William Britt, James Williams, Ezariah Jobe, George Jobe, William Guttisry, David Harlarger, Eli_m Emery, Nathaniel Jobe.

Pg. 2.

Samuel Job, William Jones, Samuel Hall, Joseph Hall, Thomas Hensley, Robert Henard, Thomas Ford, James Pickings Sr, William Hulse Sr, George James, Robert Pickings, Jacob Slaughter Esq, Abraham Slaughter, Samuel Strickler Sr, Samuel Strickler Jr, Barnabas Hughs, John Ford, Jacob Strickler, Joseph Clark Sr, Simeon Hathoway, Robert Tritest, Joseph Keen Sr, Robert Kean Sr, David Paxton, John Addwell Sr, Jesse Poor, Louis Baher, Joseph Smith Jr, Thomas Pearce, Joshua Pearce Sr, Ezekiel Jones, Levi Nescarn, Mahlon Jones, Alex Birdwell, Major Russell, Aaron Russell, William Moseley, John Brown, John Moseley, David Parry Esq, David Jones, John Lesley, Thomas Brown, Charles Jones, John Fulks, George Cochrin, John Piece, William Waller, John Waller, John Hunt, J C Reynolds, John Gott, John Jones Sr, Samuel Bachman, John R Young, Samuel Newcomb, Lewis Clark, John Hathway, Leonard Hathway, Richard Murrell Sr, Alexander Smiley, John Easley, David Easley, Joseph Ware, Lovet Reid, Peter Golden, Aron Brown, John Crawford, Jonathon Buckaloo, Stephen Steadman, William Hudspet, George Marr, Joseph Robinson, Elijah Woods, Joseph Hedrick, Henery Morris, William Ralph, Lewis Rickett, John Rickett, John Cox Sr, Gabriel Morgan, Jacob Hickam, Robert Treadway, John Treadway, Richard Baskett, Nathan Job Sr, Charles Allen, Henry Mawk, James Haggard, Benjamin Agee, George Willard, William Edgman Sr, John Crosse, James Frazer, Thomas Backman, Henry Ritter, Thomas Bragg Jr, John Jones Jr, John Jones Sr, Henery Moul Sr, Benjamin Moul, John Ritter, Ely Keen, Onen Baze, Patrick Smiley, Samuel Edgman Jr, Thomas Easley.

Pg. 3.

William Mullings, Christopher Ashworth, John Burrsee, Lofton Grimsley, George Hasbarger, Thomas Bragg, Samuel Hensley, George Carr, David Moore, Lewis Dalton, Lewis Robert, James Naples, Hardy Norris, Horace Berger, Isaack Riggs, Jonathon Cooper, Edmond Bacon, Joseph Smiley, Enoch Keene, Lewis Clark, Charles Baskett.

He enlisted in the United States Army on 13 November 1814, serving in Colonel Samuel Bayless' Regiment of East Tennessee Militia, Captain James Landon's Company. Lewis Roberts was a wagon maker by trade. In a declaration dated 13 September 1851, Lewis Roberts neatly recounts his military career:

Declaration of Lewis Roberts in order to obtain a pension, makes the following declaration, aged about sixty‑three years, to wit: I do declare that I served a year in the War of 1812 against the Creek Indians, with the years 1814 and 1815 in Captain Landon's Company, 4th Regiment of East Tennessee Militia. I was mustered into service at Knoxville in the state of Tennessee in the fall of 1814 and was well, strong, stout and hearty, and from that place to a town called Washington and from that place to go to the Lookout Mountain and from that place to Fort Strawther (sic) and from that place to Fort Jackson. Between Fort Jackson and Fort Clabourn (sic) I was called to repair a waggon (sic) after night, and after cutting timber to repair said waggon (sic) I had to roll the timber. I was by myself ‑‑ I busted the rim of my belly in rolling said timber whilst in the service aforesaid and in the line of my duty, the last of January or February, and was not able to do military duty, and then marched from Fort Clabourn (sic) and from that (place) to the Mobile Town down on the bay, and left that place on the 25th day of March 1815 to go home again and was honourably discharged on the 18th day of May 1815, tinder which disease I an now suffering this 13th day of September 1850.

Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year above written.

It is extremely difficult to collect information which might shed light on this particular Roberts family because of the scarcity of court records (the Sullivan County Court House was burned in October 1863,) the absence of church records dating from that period, and the loss of family Bibles and other memorabilia which might supply us with names and dates. George Hale’s ledger from the Boatyard Store in Old Kingsport on the Holston River (at the site which was to become Kingsport, Tennessee) includes Lewis and John Roberts under the year 1820 and John Roberts under the year 1823. Lewis Roberts is not found in the 1830 Census for Sullivan, Washington, Greene or Hawkins Counties. He is found in the 1840 Sullivan County, Tennessee Census; the 1850 Hawkins County, Tennessee Census and the 1860 Hawkins County, Tennessee Census. A great deal of information can be obtained from the service papers of Lewis Roberts found at the National Archives in Washington, D.C., which date from 1851.

We the undersigned are acquainted with Lewis Roberts, who was a private in Captain Landon's Company, 4th Regiment of East Tennessee Militia and we the undersigned belonged to the said company and was his messmates. We do know that he was mustered into service at Knoxville in the State of Tennessee in the fall of the year 1814 and do know that he was strong, well and hearty. The army was ordered to march to a town called Washington on the Tennessee River, from that place to the Lookout Mountain an the waters of the Tennessee River, and from that place to Fort Strawther (sic) in the district or territory of Alabama on the waters of the Coosy (Coosa) River, and between Fort Jackson and Fort Clabourn (sic) in rolling of a cut of timber in order to repair a waggon (sic) an the last day of January or February that had broken down sometime between sunset and midnight, the aforesaid Lewis Roberts busted the rim of his belly and was badly injured while in the service aforesaid and in the line of duty and was rendered unfit for military duty, and from that place to Fort Clabourn on the Alabama River and from that place to the Mobile Town at the Bay, we further state that the aforesaid Lewis Roberts left that place the 29th day of March 1815 and marched back home again, under which disease he is now suffering as we have examined him today, September 13th, 1851.

This day personally appeared before me, R, A. Thompson, an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County; Lewis Hale and George Carr, after being duly sworn according to law the truth to speak, deposeth and says as follows: That we do know that Lewis Roberts, a Private in a company commanded by Captain James Landers (sic), 4th Regiment of East Tennessee Militia, served a tour of six months in the years 1814 & 1815 & was mustered into service at Knoxville in. the State of Tennessee, and was in good health at that time ‑‑‑‑‑‑ We do further certify that the aforesaid Lewis Roberts, by rolling a cut of timber to repair a waggon (sic) for Col. Samuel Bayless, Commandant of sd. Regt., broke the rim of his belly on the right side, and brought on the disease called hernia, some time in the month of January 1815 while in the service aforesaid and in the line of duty, between Fort Jackson and Fort Claibourne. We have lived near neighbors to Lewis Roberts ever since we returned from the Army and being well‑acquainted with him, do further certify that we have frequently heard the 5d. Roberts complain Of sd. hernia ‑‑‑‑‑‑ His present condition is as follows, to wit: His hernia is very much increased in size, and in addition to the hernia, he is laboring under other diseases connected immediately with the parts concern'd. in said hernia, to wit: an enlargement of both testicles and spermatic cords, and perhaps some other diseases the name of which is unknown to deponents. We do further certify that Capt. James Landers is dead and the other commissioned officers are so removed that their residences cannot be had ‑‑ the sd. Roberts was honorably discharged in the month of April 1815 in the Tennessee Valley.

I, Tho. P. Ford, Clerk of the County Court in and of said County and state do hereby certify that J. W. Fulkerson, Esq., whose name appears to the attached declaration and attached certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same, an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly qualified according to law and that his signature appears to be his own proper handwriting. In testimony hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office in Blountville this 27^th Day of Sept. 1850.

(seal) (Signed) Tho. P. Ford, Clerk

On this fourteenth day of November A. D. One thousand eight hundred and fifty, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid, Lewis Roberts, aged Sixty‑three years, a resident of Hawkins County in the State of Tennessee, who being duly sworn according to law, declairs (sic), that he is the identical Lewis Roberts ‑‑‑ who was a private ‑‑‑ in the company commanded by Captain James Landars (sic) ‑‑‑ in the 4th Regiment of East Tennessee Militia commanded by Col. Samuel Bayless, in the War with Great Britain, declared by the United States an the 18th day of June 1812, that he was drafted at Sullivan County in the State of Tennessee on or about the first day of November A. D. 1814 for the term of six months ‑‑‑ and continued in actual service in said war for the term of six months and twelve days and was honorably discharged at home ‑‑‑ on the Eighteenth day of May A. D. 1815 as will appear from the muster rolls of said company, his discharge, or piece of it, all on file in the Pension Office, where they have been sent with a declaration filed for the purpose of procuring a pension. He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which he may be entitled under the 'Act granting bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States,' passed September 28th 1850.

We the undersigned do further say that James Landon, Captain, is dead and the other commissioned officers have so removed that their evidence cannot be obtained as we have no further account of them for the space of thirty or forty years and have made diligent enquiries of them and further, these deponents sayeth not, this 13th day of September 1858.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned,

I do further certify that Lewis Hale and George Carr are entitled to credit the day and year above written.

The above witnesses, Lewis Hale and George Carr, are personally known to me to be respectable and their statement entitled to credit.

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. And I hereby certify, that I believe the said Lewis Roberts to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated.

If my claim should be found a good one, 1, Lewis Roberts, do hereby empower L. H. Rogan, for and in my behalf, to receive from the Department of the Interior my land warrant. given under my hand and seal this the 14th day of November 1850.

I, James H. Vance, Clerk of the County Court of said County, do certify that Lilburn H. Rogan, Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavit #as made is now and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, legally commissioned and qualified and that his signature thereto is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal at office in Rogersville, the 16th day of November 1850. J. H., Vance, Clerk

Descendants Of Lewis Roberts

Generation № 1

Lewis Roberts was born Abt. 1785 In Henry/Pittsylvania County, Va, And Died Abt. 1870 In Hawkins Co, TN He Married Mary D. Ivy August 1809 In Henry County, Va. She was born 1790 In Henry/Pittsylvania County, Va, And Died Abt. 1870 In Hawkins Co, TN

Children Of Lewis Roberts And Mary Ivy Are:

1. George C. Roberts, M. Nancy M. Reynolds, March 13, 1845, Hawkins Co, TN
2. William Roberts, b. Abt. 1810, Sullivan Co, TN
3. John B. Roberts, b. Abt. 1815, Sullivan Co, TN
4. King Lewis Roberts, b. Abt. 1821, Sullivan Co, TN
5. Thomas Murrell Roberts, b. Abt. 1822, Sullivan Co, TN
6. Miranda Roberts, b. Abt. 1826, Sullivan Co, TN
7. David Ivy Roberts, b. June 1829, Sullivan County, Tn; D. Abt. 1913, Hawkins Co, TN
8. Meredith Dillard Roberts, b. June 1831, Sullivan Co, TN; D. Pulaski County, Mo
9. Jessee Wells Roberts, b. Abt. 1832, Sullivan Co, TN

Generation № 2

William Roberts (Lewis1) was born Abt. 1810 in Sullivan Co, TN He married Mary Arnold or Hensley. She was born Abt. 1820 In Hawkins Co, TN

Children Of William Roberts And Mary Are:

1. Louisa Roberts, b. Abt. 1839
2. Lewis Roberts, b. Abt. 1842
3. Miranda Roberts, b. Abt. 1846
4. Amanda Roberts, b. Abt. 1849
5. Thomas J. Roberts, b. Abt. 1860
6. Flora Ann Roberts, b. Abt. 1866

---

John B. Roberts (Lewis1) was born Abt. 1815 In Sullivan Co, TN He Married Mary. She was born Abt. 1815.

Children Of John Roberts And Mary Are:

1. Perry H. Roberts
2. Peter Roberts, b. Abt. 1843
3. Mary Roberts, b. Abt. 1846
4. Napolean Roberts, b. Abt. 1848
5. Marinda Roberts, b. Abt. 1850
6. Margaret Roberts, b. Abt. 1854
7. Elizabeth Roberts, b. Abt. 1856
8. Jennette Roberts, b. 1858
9. Catherine Roberts, b. Abt. 1860

Hawkins County, Tennessee Will Book 3, pp. 24-25:

Will of John B. Roberts

In the name of God, Amen. I John B. Roberts in the County of Hawkins and State of Tennessee being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament that is to say, first after all my lawful debts aire (sic) paid and discharged the residue of my estate real and personal I give, bequeath and dispose of as follows, to wit: to my daughter Catharine Crawford and her heirs, the land and appurtenances situated thereon known and described land lying in Hawkins County and State of Tennessee in Civil district no. 5 lying on the( head waters of Walkers Fork) beginning on a Poplar on the South side of the creek then running direct to (Pleasant Barrett South East corner) on a white oak thence with said (Barretts line) West to (Anderson Crawford line) thence with (Crawford’s line) South to a Pine corner thence with the (top of the mountain) to a Hickery (sic) corner thence with the top of the mountain until square with the Poplar thence a direct line to the beginning. I am to have all the cleared land lying on the rite (sic) of the road as you would go West during my life time and the said land is to help keep up my wife during her life and after her deceased (sic) is to go to Catharine Crawford and her heirs. I bequeath to my daughter Genetty Snap Crawford and her heirs the land and appurtenances situated thereon known and described as lying in Hawkins County and State of Tennessee in Civil District no. 5 beginning on a White oake (sic) (Crawfords corner) thence with (Crawfords line) to a Hickery (sic) corner, thence a direct line to a Beech (John Wards corner) thence to (Pleasant Barretts North-East corner) to a poplar thence with (Barretts line) to a White oake (sic), thence a direct line to the beginning. I except two fields next to (Samuel Barretts) to rent out during my life time and my wife her life time my two daughters must furnish my son Peter with clothes. I bequeath to my wife, Mary Roberts and my son Peter Roberts the remainder of my land known as wher (sic) my house stands and appurtenances situated thereon known and described beginning about half way up the mountain on the (East side of Blair’s Gap) thence West to a Pine in the (head of the hollow) thence a direct line to (William Crawfords South West Corner) on a White oake (sic) thence to Pleasant Barretts South West corner thence South to the (top of the mountain) to the beginning my mule must be for the support of my wife and my son Peter and the cows will be for the support of my wife and my son Peter they calves will haft to be sold my tools is to be equally divided between my two daughters. My house-hold and kitchen furniture is to belong to my wife and my son Peter likewise I make constitute and appoint my son and dauters (sic) and wife to be Executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal this the thirty first day of July one thousand eight hundred and eighty two.

(Signed) John B. Roberts (SEAL)

The above written instrument was subscribed by the said John B. Roberts in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instrument so subscribed to be his last will and testament and we at the testators request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses hereto and written (sic) our names.

Residence Blair’s Gap
Hawkins Co.

(Signed) Anderson Crawford
(Signed) Amais Louis Goade
(Signed) William Crawford

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King Lewis Roberts (Lewis1) was born Abt. 1821 In Sullivan Co, TN He Married Malvina Thacker August 11, 1839 In Washington Co, TN

Children Of King Roberts And Malvina Thacker Are:

1. Amy Roberts, b. Abt. 1839
2. Mary Jane Roberts, b. Abt. 1848
3. William M. Roberts, b. December 1848, Hawkins Co, TN; D. 1913, Hawkins Co, TN
4. Elizabeth Roberts, b. Abt. 1853
5. Sarah Roberts, b. Abt. 1855
6. Delphia A. Roberts, b. Abt. 1856
7. Martha A. Roberts, b. Abt. 1860

A King Robards or Roberds is listed in the Index to Tennessee Death Records 1914-1925, Hawkins County, Part 3 (M-S) as having died in 1924 at the age of 74. (Hawkins County Death Record #122). Who was he?

Hawkins County, TN Will Book 3, page 404: Last Will & Testament of William M. Roberts. First to son W. J. Roberts the place known as James McClain place “provided he pay my daughter Millie Smith $410.00;” second, daughter Lou Archer to have the “old homeplace”, 75 acres more or less; third, daughter Sue Roberts the balance of the land that joins the old homeplace, 100 acres more or less; fourth, son Bird Roberts, 84 acres on Beech Creek known as the Beard land; fifth, money and personal property be divided equally among “my five children:” sixth, wife Sarah Roberts to have maintenance of the children. Oldest son Willie J. Roberts executor of the will. Filed and proven 6 October 1913.

---

Thomas Murrell Roberts (Lewis1) was born Abt. 1822 In Sullivan Co, TN He Married Margaret. She was born Abt. 1825.

Children Of Thomas Roberts And Margaret Are:

1. Thomas Roberts, b. Abt. 1845
2. Mary Roberts, b. Abt. 1846
3. Sarah Roberts

---

Miranda Roberts (Lewis1) was born Abt. 1826 In Sullivan Co, TN She Married Peter Goad. He was born Abt. 1823.

Children Of Miranda Roberts And Peter Goad Are:

1. John B. Goad, b. Abt. 1843
2. David Goad, b. Abt. 1846
3. Nancy Jane Goad, b. Abt. 1848
4. Nathan Dillard Goad, b. Abt. 1851
5. Amos M. Goad, b. Abt. 1856
6. Mary Ann Goad, b. Abt. 1860

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Bays Moutain about 1905 - 1910 which shows old (front row, left to right) David Roberts, his son Elbert E. Roberts and Elbert’s wife, Mysnire Simpson and (back row, left to right) four of Elbert’s children: James Curtis Roberts, William Noah Roberts, Marietta Roberts and Belle Roberts.

David Ivy Roberts (Lewis1) was born June 1829 In Sullivan Co, TN, And Died Abt. 1913 In Hawkins Co, TN He Married (1) Rebecca Ann Arterburn August 26, 1847 In Hawkins Co, TN, Daughter Of Issac Arterburn And Matlida Elsea. He Married (2) Rebecca Creighton He Married (3) Rachel Emaline Blakely September 12, 1890 In Sullivan Co, TN, Daughter Of William Blakely And Mary Whitaker. David Ivy Roberts Died Circa 1913 And Is Buried Beside Rebecca Arterburn In A Private Cemetery On Top Of Bays Mountain Near Kingsport, TN.

Children Of David Roberts And Rebecca Arterburn Are:

1. Marietta Roberts, b. 1848
2. Drucilla E. Roberts, b. 1851; M. George Pulliam, October 06, 1867, Hawkins Co, TN
3. Elbert Elsea Roberts, b. March 22, 1852, Hawkins Co, TN; D. June 04, 1917, Rossville, Ga
4. Hannah M. Roberts, b. 1855
5. George W. Roberts, b. June 1856, Hawkins Co, TN
6. David Roberts, b. 1866
7. Elizabeth C. Roberts, b. 1867
8. Cleothia Roberts, b. 1868
9. Nathan J. Roberts, b. 1870
10. Mary E. Roberts, b. 1878

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Meredith Dillard Roberts (Lewis1) was born June 1831 In Hawkins Co, TN, And Died In Pulaski County, Mo. He Married Margaret.

Children Of Meredith Roberts And Margaret Are:

1. Constant F. Roberts, b. Abt. 1857
2. Burjine C. Roberts, b. Abt. 1861
3. David Roberts, b. Abt. 1873

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Jessee Wells Roberts (Lewis1) was born Abt. 1832 In Hawkins Co, TN He Married Mary Simpson January 17, 1852 In Washington Co, TN She was born Abt. 1829.

Children Of Jessee Roberts And Mary Simpson Are:

1. King Lewis Roberts, b. May 1847
2. Mary D. Roberts, b. Abt. 1853
3. Louisa J. Roberts, b. 1856
4. James H. Roberts, b. 1858
5. Samuel Roberts, b. 1860

Generation № 3

Jennette Roberts (John B.2, Lewis1) was born 1858. She Married Daniel Crawford.

Child Of Jennette Roberts And Daniel Crawford Is:

1. Anderson Crawford, b. 1879

William M. Roberts (King Lewis2, Lewis1) was born December 1848 In Hawkins Co, TN, And Died 1913 In Hawkins Co, TN He Married Sarah Hudgens.

Children Of William Roberts And Sarah Hudgens Are:

1. Millicent R. Roberts, M. Robert Lee Smith, March 23, 1898
2. Lou Roberts, b. January 1881; M. Daniel H. Archer
3. Susan Roberts, b. June 1888, Hawkins Co, TN
4. Bird Or Byrd Roberts, b. April 1884, Hawkins Co, TN
5. William J. Roberts, b. August 08, 1875, Hawkins Co, TN; D. October 26, 1945; M. Mary Archer; b. 1880, Hawkins Co, TN
6. W. L. Roberts
7. Roscoe Roberts
8. Debbie Roberts
9. Stella Roberts
10. Mary Roberts, M. A Dinsmore

Nathan Dillard Goad (Miranda Roberts, Lewis1) was born Abt. 1851. He Married Elizabeth.

Children Of Nathan Goad And Elizabeth Are:

1. Stenie Goad
2. Samuel Goad
3. Wallace Goad
4. Thomas Goad
5. John C. Goad
6. May Goad
7. Burley Goad
8. Lily M. Goad

Marietta Roberts (David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born 1848. She Married James Pratt.

Children Of Marietta Roberts And James Pratt Are:

1. Evelyn Pratt
2. Claude Pratt, b. March 20, 1914; M. (1) Gracie Harless, February 19, 1938; M. (2) Virginia Sizemore, August 15, 1946, Hawkins Co, TN

Elbert Elsea Roberts (David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born March 22, 1852 In Hawkins Co, TN, And Died June 04, 1917 In Rossville, Ga. He Married Mysnire Simpson March 10, 1874, Daughter Of William Simpson And Malinda Jane Arnold. She was born July 04, 1857 In Hawkins Co, TN, And Died June 24, 1924 In Rossville, Ga.

Children Of Elbert Roberts And Mysnire Simpson Are:

1. Martha Jane Roberts, b. July 08, 1885
2. James Curtis Roberts, b. March 07, 1887, Greene Co, TN; D. May 17, 1969, Greene Co, TN
3. William Noah Roberts, b. January 16, 1890, Greene Co, TN; D. October 23, 1970
4. Luna Belle Roberts, b. December 14, 1891
5. Marietta Roberts, b. October 23, 1893; M. Charles Fowler; b. April 22, 1980

Hannah M. Roberts (David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born 1855. She Married James E. Gregg September 03, 1875 In Hawkins Co, TN

Children Of Hannah Roberts And James Gregg Are:

1. Elbert Elsea4 Gregg, M. Sarah Fulweiler
2. Cleophus Gregg, b. 1880
3. Rebecca Gregg
4. Josephine J. Gregg, b. July 1883; M. Joe Gregg
5. George Gregg, b. June 1881; M. Lily Hickman
6. John Gregg, b. May 1888
7. Charles Gregg, b. June 1891; M. Linda Dykes
8. William "Willie" Gregg, b. May 1892; M. Deborah Dezarn
9. Cora Gregg, b. 1893; M. Robert Wines

George W. Roberts (David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born June 1856 In Hawkins Co, TN He Married (1) Nannie P. Luster. He Married (2) Mary Jane Willis May 17, 1878. She was born January 1855.

Children Of George Roberts And Mary Willis Are:

1. Phoebe Roberts, b. March 05, 1890, Hawkins Co, TN
2. Millicent Roberts, b. June 1882, Hawkins Co, TN; M. (1) Walter Mcclain; M. (2) A Smith
3. Jessee David Roberts, b. August 1884

David Roberts (David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born 1866. He Married Caroline Crawford February 08, 1878 In Sullivan Co, TN

Children Of David Roberts And Caroline Crawford Are:

1. Eldridge C. Roberts
2. John Roberts
3. Dove Roberts
4. David Roberts

David Roberts (Meredith Dillard2, Lewis1) was born Abt. 1873. He Married Cora.

Child Of David Roberts And Cora Is:

1. Lewis J. Roberts, b. September 1899

King Lewis Roberts (Jessee Wells2, Lewis1) was born May 1847. He Married Nancy Bailey December 14, 1873 In Hawkins Co, TN She was born April 1836.

Children Of King Roberts And Nancy Bailey Are:

1. Samuel P. Roberts, b. August 1874, Hawkins Co, TN
2. Nancy L. Roberts, b. April 1878

Louisa J. Roberts (Jessee Wells2, Lewis1) was born 1856. She Married Samuel Hensley May 24, 1877 In Greene Co, TN

Children Of Louisa Roberts And Samuel Hensley Are:

1. Irena Hensley, b. Abt. 1878
2. Andrew Jackson Hensley
3. James H. Hensley
4. Isom Hensley

Generation № 4

Susan Roberts (William M.3, King Lewis2, Lewis1) was born June 1888 In Hawkins Co, TN She Married Lon Archer.

Child Of Susan Roberts And Lon Archer Is:

1. Mary Archer

Martha Jane Roberts (Elbert Elsea3, David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born July 08, 1885. She Married Frank Whitaker July 07, 1902 In Hawkins Co, TN

Children Of Martha Roberts And Frank Whitaker Are:

1. Rosa Whitaker, b. September 03, 1903; M. Allen Evans
2. Blanche Whitaker, b. June 15, 1905; M. John Reed
3. Hobert Whitaker, b. July 01, 1907; M. Maggie Cox
4. Leona Whitaker, b. February 25, 1909; M. Glen Evans
5. Lola Whitaker, b. February 25, 1911; M. Robert Crawford
6. Viola Whitaker, b. September 03, 1913; M. James Reed
7. Bernie Whitaker, b. 1915
8. Elza Whitaker, b. August 23, 1917; M. Ruth Lamons
9. William Whitaker, b. March 01, 1920; M. Tilda Massey

James Curtis Roberts (Elbert Elsea3, David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born March 07, 1887 In Greene County, Tn, And Died May 17, 1969 In Greene Co, TN He Married Agnes Malinda Dezarn, Daughter Of Hezekiah Dezarn And Nancy Bellamy.

Children Of James Roberts And Agnes Dezarn Are:

1. Worley H. Roberts, D. June 09, 1971; M. Nora Montgomery; b. August 25, 1913; D. June 13, 1979
2. William Noah Roberts, b. January 16, 1890
3. Homer Clinton Roberts, b. June 04, 1909; M. Alberta Bishop
4. Rome Guy Roberts, b. December 31, 1910, Greene County, Tn; D. May 05, 1984, Greene County, Tn; M. (1) Rosella May Bowser; b. February 09, 1913, Washington County, Tn; D. November 17, 1937, Greene County, Tn; M. (2) Bonnie Dykes; b. May 08, 1919; D. December 05, 1994, Kingsport, Sullivan Co, TN
5. Martha Roberts, b. March 10, 1915
6. Nelson Roberts, b. January 16, 1916; M. Clara Mccamey
7. Paul M. Roberts, b. April 05, 1919; M. Mary Jane Mccamey
8. Benjamin Oren Roberts, b. July 26, 1921; D. May 02, 2001; M. Mary Belle Wines
9. Nell Elizabeth Roberts, b. September 25, 1923, Greene County, Tn; D. March 15, 2007, Sullivan County, Tn; M. Robert Byington; b. March 02, 1922; D. November 17, 1993, Sullivan Co, TN
10. Berthel H. Roberts, b. October 01, 1925
11. Virgil Roberts, b. August 14, 1914

William Noah Roberts (Elbert Elsea3, David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born January 16, 1890 In Greene County, Tn, And Died October 23, 1970. He Married Ruth Ernestine Dykes.

Children Of William Roberts And Ruth Dykes Are:

1. Ray Chester Roberts, b. February 21, 1912
2. Ometta Roberts
3. Bertha Roberts
4. Eunita Roberts

Luna Belle Roberts (Elbert Elsea3, David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born December 14, 1891. She Married Phillip R. Daley. He was born August 16, 1875, And Died March 03, 1962.

Children Of Luna Roberts And Phillip Daley Are:

1. Geneva Clyde Daley, b. May 09, 1913; M. James Gregory
2. Cecil Frona Daley, b. July 12, 1917; M. John Reattoir
3. Mary Frances Daley, b. April 01, 1919; M. L. D. Wallace
4. Laura Menervie Daley, b. June 07, 1920; M. William Alfread Wheat
5. Blanche Elizabeth Daley, b. February 08, 1920; M. (1) William Davie Denny; M. (2) Charles Reattoir
6. Felix Milo Daley, b. January 29, 1925; M. (1) Kaye Rhodes; M. (2) Hazel O'connolly
7. George Robert Daley, b. June 07, 1926; D. July 05, 1962; M. Ruby Smith
8. James Allen Daley, b. September 16, 1931; M. Barbara Dean Brown
9. Doris Jeanette Daley, b. April 23, 1930; M. Luther Vernon Wheat

Phoebe Roberts (George W.3, David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born March 05, 1890 In Hawkins Co, TN She Married (1) George Shipley. She Married (2) James Harless.

Child Of Phoebe Roberts And George Shipley Is:

1. Wilbur C. Shipley

Jessee David Roberts (George W.3, David Ivy2, Lewis1) was born August 1884. He Married Cornie Fields.

Child Of Jessee Roberts And Cornie Fields Is:

1. George L. Roberts

Samuel P. Roberts (King Lewis3, Jessee Wells2, Lewis1) was born August 1874 In Hawkins Co, TN He Married Margaret.

Child Of Samuel Roberts And Margaret Is:

1. Margaret E. Roberts, b. April 1895

Roberts Land Records

Hawkins County, Tennessee Deed book 29, page 660 – 661

Written September 8, 1854 and Registered May 20, 1874 (?) at 2 o’clock p.m.

Hawkins County, Tennessee Deed Book 24, Page 53

Written March 9, 1857 and Registered March 23, 1857

Hawkins County, Tennessee Deed book 27, page 394 – 395

Written September 30, 1866 and Registered May 15, 1869 at 10 o’clock a.m.

Hawkins County Tennessee Deed book 27, page 83 – 84

Written October 1, 1867 and Registered October 9, 1867 at 2 o’clock p.m.

Hawkins County Tennessee Deed book 28, page 140 – 141

Written May 10, 1868 and Registered February 12, 1870 at 12 o’clock M.

A King Robards is listed in the Index to Tennessee Death Records 1914-1925, Hawkins County, Part 3 (M-S) as having died in 1924 at the age of 74. (Hawkins County Death Record #122), Also,
ROBERTS Lousinda 70 1917 Hawkins #75
ROBERTS Wm 76 1922 Hawkins #59

Hawkins County, Tennessee 1850 Census extracts from Karon Simpson:

Gleanings of Virginia History, An Historical and Genealogical Collection, Largely From Original Sources, compiled and published by William F. Boogher, Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD, 1976:

Sullivan County Death Records: Margaret L. Wines (27-33) died April 5, 1927; born in Sullivan County district 15 and died at same place of bronchial pneumonia at age 4.

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After Pittsylvannia County.....the Paynes and Robert's wound up in Hawkins
County Tennessee (Wautauga Settlement - Holston River) then the whole clan
moved to Louisiana and Mississippi.