~~HOPPER*FOLEY~~
GENERATION ONE
James Wilson was born on October 16th, 1703 in Virginia. He died in 1777 and his will was probated 7/24/1777. He was married to Martha COWARDING in 1730 in Virginia. Their children were Ann, William, James, Thomas, Moses, Daniel and Peter.
In the name of God, Amen, I, James Wilson, Sr. of the County of Henry and Parish of Camden, being sick and weak, so make this my last Will and Testament, revoking all others by me made. First: I desire my Executrix and Executors hereafter named to pay my just debts and funeral charges, then I lend unto my dear and loving wife, Martha, two horses, two heifers and three sheep and one bed and warmer to her and her assigns forever. I also give and bequeath to my beloved wife, during the time of her life in quit possession, one negro woman named Sarah and one negro girl called Sal and after decease to fall to my son, Thomas, they and their increase to him and his heirs forever. I also give unto my beloved wife, during her widowhood, one negro boy named Adam and then to fall to my son, Moses, to him and his heirs forever. I also give to my beloved wife, Martha, my plantation on which I now dwell, to hold in quit possession, with all the improvements thereunto belonging to be at her will and disposal so long as she liveth and after her decease to be sold for cash at public auction the land and the stock pertaining thereunto for ready money as before mentioned, and the money above mentioned to be equally divided between my two daughters, Martha Bailey and Ann Breshear. Lastly I do appoint my wife, Martha Executrix and my two sons, Thomas Wilson and Moses Wilson, Executors of this, my last Will and Testament, revoking all other Wills by me heretofore made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 1st day of April, 1777.
His
James X Wilson
Mark
Signed, sealed, published and delivered in the presence of the Testatar, as and for his last Will and Testament. Tests: Toliver Cox, Russell Cox and Joseph Goodwin. At a court held for Henry County on the 21st day of July 1777. The within last Will and Testament of James Wilson, deceased, was exhibited in court and proved by the witnesses, Martha Wilson, Executrix, and Thomas Wilson and Moses Wilson, Executors, therein mentioned who made Oath and with John Blagg and Toliverfisc Cox their Sureties entered into bond and acknowledged the same according to Law. Whereupon, the court ordered the same to be recorded (Book 1, Page 2) by the court they having obtained a probate whereof in due form.
Test John Cox, Clerk
GENERATION TWO
Moses WILSON, son of James and Martha was born in 1742 in Virginia and died on 7/10/1830 in Henry County, Virginia. He was married to Elizabeth UNKNOWN about 1764 in Henry County, Virginia. According to his will dated 7/4/1829, proven 7/20/1830, named wife Elizabeth, Abner his son, Sole Executor of his estate to support Mother, unnamed sister, son Moses Wilson, daughter Patsy Whitlock and son Thomas Wilson. (Source: The Wilson Book 1982 p.4). The children of Moses WILSON were Thomas, Moses, Abner, Patsy and Nathaniel WILSON.
GENERATION THREE
Nathaniel WILSON was born 1773 in Henry County, Virginia to Moses WILSON and Elizabeth UNKNOWN. He died in 1829 in Pulaski County, Kentucky. He was married to Susannah STEPHENS on 5/19/1793 in Henry County, Virginia. Susannah STEPHENS was born in 1773 in Henry County, Virginia. The children of Nathaniel and Susannah were Nancy, Dorcas, Partheny, Jane, Elizabeth, Hester, Meridy, Letty and Moses Harkness WILSON. According to the Source: Wilson Book 1982 p.6-7, Nathaniel came to Adair Co, Ky, ca. 1805 and in Aug of 1807 he was listed as a charter member of the Wolf Creek United Baptist Church since it's organization on the 2nd Saturday in August of 1807. Located on the hill between House Fork and Wolf Creeks, at the same location as the New Pleasant Point Baptist Church now occupies, Nathaniel WILSON was also a Baptist preacher, receiving his license in Virginia. The church here gave him the same authority and privilege. He later joined a church known as Stephens Baptist Church in Adair Co., Ky on 10/17/1807. He owned 300 acres of land on Alligator Fork of Wolf Creek in Pulaski Co., Ky. Below is a copy of the will of Nathaniel Wilson:
In the name of God Amen, I Nathaniel Wilson, of
Adair County, Kentucky, being in perfect mind to make this my last will and
testament.
First I wish all my just debts to be paid. I give
my wife Susannah Wilson the farm whereon I now live and the following slaves,
Pomp, Fillis and John, also as much of the stock, farming tools, household and
kitchen furniture as she may need.
I have made some advancements to my children and
take notice of it. To my son Daniel Wilson at death of my wife, the slave named
Pomp, one horse and gun valued at $440. My son William has received $115, also
to have negro boy John at the death of my wife. To son Nathaniel Wilson one
negro boy named Frank at $200 and 200 acres land of Price's Creek at $200. My
son James Wilson has received $60. My son Meredy Wilson has received a boy
named Dick and horse at $550. My daughter Nancy Robertson has received $222.
My daughter Parthenia McGlasson $12. My daughter Dorcas Whitely has received
$115. To my daughter Jane Estes $70, and negro boy Andrew at $200. At her
death he is to fall back to my heirs. To daughter Hester Bragg one negro girl
Mariah at $150 and one tract of land on Harrod's Fork of 60 or 70 acres at
$123. To my daughter Letty Hamilton one negro girl named Cynthia at $150 and
100 acres of land where I now live at my wife's death, at $100. 50 acres of
land on the East Fork of Big Creek at $50. The balance to be equally divided
among my heirs except my son Meredy has got his part. The division to be made
agreeably to what each has received.
My son Nathaniel and John Hamilton to be
executors. In addition to the above Thomas Bragg has received $30 more in a
horse.
Signed April 6, 1848 Nathaniel X Wilson
(his mark)
Witnesses: G. C. Elliott, Bethel Compton, Meredy Roach, Thomas Rowe
Codicil: If Pomp or John shall die before my
wife's death my estate shall lose them, and sons Daniel and William come in for
an equal share. My woman Fillis at my wife's death to daughter Letty Hamilton
at $150. as I do not wish her sold out of the family. My little girl (Betty) to
my daughter Betty Bragg at $100 and they to pay the estate if it comes to more
than their part. My son Daniel a boundary of land where he lives willed to him
at .25 cents. My executors to sell any of my estate necessary to make a
settlement.
Nathaniel X Wilson (his mark)
Will was Probated Monday, December 4, 1848.
Nathaniel's will was probated in Adair County,
Kentucky, 4 Dec 1848. Will Book F-154, Settlement of the estate of Nathaniel
Wilson by his executors.
Cash: $1630.66
(1851) out of the estate of Susannah Wilson, decd.
$231.25
Interest on two items makes total: $2,013.24
$1795.89
For distribution: $217.35
Credits:
Amounts paid Whitely and others each $40
Amounts paid Joshua Robertson $178
Paid Joseph Whitely and wife
$138
Paid Joseph Whitely and wife
$104.50
Settled May 5, 1852
Page 486, June 2, 1855
More distribution
By Thomas Whitely's receipt: $8
GENERATION FOUR
Moses Harkness WILSON was born to Nathaniel WILSON and Susannah STEPHENS in 1808 in Kentucky. He was married to Militia (Melissa) HOPPER on 09/25/1825 in Wayne Co., Ky. Melissa was born in 1810 in Adair Co., Ky. Their children were, Josiah, Moses, Cyrus Walker, Rebecca, Malish Malinda and Sampson WILSON. Like his father, Nathaniel, Moses was also a Baptist minister and was called "Preacher Moses", and is referred to as that to this day by his descendents. He was pastor of the church mentioned heretofore from 1840 to 1851 and was also a member during his service as pastor. He was originally a member of Friendship Church and served as pastor for some time, and as a pastor for other churches, as well as for other business activities.
GENERATION FIVE
Sampson WILSON, was born to Moses Harkness WILSON and Melissa HOPPER on 01/19/1839 in Russell County, Kentucky. He died 08/26/1917 in Russell Co.,Ky. He married Lucy Ann HOPPER (See HOPPER Page) on 10/30/1856 in Russell County, Kentucky. The marriage was performed by Moses Harkness WILSON, Baptist Church. Their children were William R, Cyrus M, Squire Marcus, Celestia, Christeeny M, Electia, General and Moses Samson (Bud) WILSON. Sampson was a farmer by occupation.
***Note: Additional information on Squire Marcus Wilson can be found at:**** www.tribalpages.com/tribes/marypetary
GENERATION SIX
Moses Samson (Bud) WILSON was born on 03/10/1865 in Font Hill, Russell County, Ky. to Sampson WILSON and Lucy Ann HOPPER. He died on 04/18/1936 in Font Hill, Russell County, Ky and is buried at Selby Hopper Farm in Russell County, Kentucky. On 09/19/1883 in Font Hill, Russell Co., Ky., he married Talitha Ann FOLEY (See FOLEY page). Their children were Ella Florence, Elvert B, Emily J, Ethel M, Esther M, Effie M, Evadie P, E. David, Flossie E, Evay, Herbert J, Flonnie Ree WILSON (See SMITH page)
BUD AND TALITHA ANN FOLEY WILSON AND THEIR CHILDREN
Bud and Talitha (Foley) Wilson with their children, Ella, Elvert, Emily and Eather Marcus
Taken in 1891
David, Ella, Emily, Eva, Talitha, Bud, Esther, Flonnie and Herbert Wilson
FLONNIE REE WILSON SMITH
UNKNOWN WILSON
POSSIBLY Moses (Bud) Wilson
Courtesy of C. Yowell
Cyrus Matterson Wilson
Brother of Moses Sampson "Bud" Wilson
Courtesy of C. Wilson
Celestia Wilson
Sister of Bud and Cyrus Wilson
Courtesy of C. Yowell
SAMPSON AND LUCY (HOPPER) WILSON
AND CELESTIA WILSON
Wilson.jpg)
Courtesy of C. Yowell
Josiah and Sarah Wilson
Son of Moses Harkness Wilson
Courtesy of B.Putnam
Alva Jane Rexroat Wilson (wife of Squire Marcus Wilson)
and her daughters, Alta Mae and Valine Wilson
OLD WILSON HOPPER HOMESTEAD
Courtesy of C. Wade
***I have had the pleasure of getting to know Charlie Wilson, the Great Grandson of Cyrus Matterson Wilson, through email. Charlie has written a manuscript about his Wilson family which mainly revolves around his Grandfather, Simeon Wilson. He has graciously granted me permission to use an excerpt from his manuscript in which he describes the Old Wilson/Hopper Homestead.***
EXCERPT OF CHARLIE WILSON'S MANUSCRIPT
The old Wilson homestead, is located just outside of Russell Springs, Kentucky, on the land of distant relative Mr. Selby Hopper. His son, R. B. Hopper will no doubt inherit this land. The old home's original construction was of roughly hewn logs as were many of the homes of that era. Just when the Wilson home was built is difficult to ascertain, but it did, in some point and time, go through some structural modifications. A room was added and boards were later placed over the logs. I have had the pleasure of visiting the old home on two occasions. Once with my Aunt Marjorie Sutton of Lexington, Kentucky and a few years later with my Dad. I shall never forget this trip to "Old Kaintuck" with my Dad as this was, for both of us, a genealogical pilgrimage if you will. It was a trip I shall always cherish and remember. Mr. Selby Hopper was very hospitable and kind enough to show us around the old home as much as we wanted.
The house had an attic which was the most interesting feature of the place, and I also understand that this is where my Grandfather, Simeon Wilson, slept as a young lad. In the attic, there are old photos, trunks with clothes, letters and other items. An old spinning wheel is usually the first thing that catches ones eye upon ascent into the attic. The attic is actually comprised of two separate rooms divided by a narrow staircase, the only means of access to the attic. The lower level of the home is now being used as a storage area for old discarded junk. **My Dad said that he had heard from someone in Russell County, Kentucky, that the old Wilson home was built in 1802 which would substantiate my previous guess that it had been built by Moses Wilson.**
Generally, the old home is in disrepair and could certainly use much renovation although, the main structure appears to be basically sound. I fully well expect this house will eventually be torn down someday. I hope that will not be the case. In any event, I'm quite glad that I took numerous photos from many angles. It was in this house that Simeon E. Wilson was born and, in all probability, his father Cyrus M. Wilson. My guess would be that Moses Wilson Jr. built this house, but cannot be certain of that.
Not too far from the old home on the property of another distant relative, a Mr. Charlie Wilson, is situated the old Wilson graveyard. This graveyard has not obviously been tended to in many years as it is grown up in weeds, briars, underbrush and small trees. In fact this small family plot would not even be recognizable as a graveyard, until one trips or stumbles over a headstone. It was quite by accident that I discovered the over-turned headstone of Sampson Wilson, grandfather of our Simeon Wilson. It was really sad and disheartening for me to see the final resting place of some of our ancestors in such a state of neglect.
Excerpt Courtesy of Charlie Wilson
***Charlie believes that possibly Cyrus M Wilson was born in this house. Cyrus being the brother of Moses (Bud) Wilson, leads me to believe that this is also where my great-grandfather Bud Wilson was also born. The headstone of Sampson Wilson that he found overturned in the graveyard, would be the stone of the father of both Cyrus and Bud Wilson.***
THIS IS A DRAWING OF THE OLD WILSON HOMESTEAD BY CHARLIE WILSON
COURTESY OF C. WILSON
****NOTE: I was recently in Russell Springs and went to the Old Wilson Homestead and it is still standing and seems as if it is being cared for. I didn't find the old graveyard, but intend to make that a priority if I can on my next visit. Sandy Richardson 6/7/2005***