Rev. Moses Renfro

• DAR Ancestor #: A095451

Moses' service in Revolution was a captain, minister, land proprietor, Found of Settlement in Tennessee (Red River Valley) Furnished Provisions and was an Explorer. He took Oath of Allegiance to Colonies, Oath Allegiance, 1772 in Daughters of American Colonies Lineage Book Volume XI, Bedford Co., VA Order Book #4, p. 130. 1772, p. 77.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122575080/moses-renfro

Rev. Moses Renfro born 02 Jan 1728 in Jamestown, James City Co, died 14 Jan 1824 in Crab Orchard, Lincoln Co, KY134; married (1) Hannah Rentfro 1755 in Bedford Co, VA; born 1731 in Bedford Co, VA; died 1772 in Bedford Co, VA; married (2) Elizabeth Turpin 24 May 1773 in Bedford Co, VA ; born 1748 in Bedford Co, VA; died 1844 in Stephens, Callaway Co, MO.

• Notes for Rev. Moses Renfro: [Willey Family Tree 16 Jan 2005.FTW] In my records the Moses you mentioned was the son of Wm. Renfro who m. Elizabeth Chine (China, Cheney) ca 1726. The Hannah he married was the daughter of Joseph, his uncle, who married Mary Randolph or Owen. Hannah was b. in Bedford Co. Va. Joseph died in Bedford Co. Va. His will was made Nov. 14, 1772 and probated then March 25, 1776. His services have been accepted by the Colonial Dame Society of Va. and by Daughters of American Colonists. (Correspondence to Ruth Smitt from Irene D. Cox, 2505 Steck Ave. #115, Austin, Tx. 78758 , March 1983) Bedford County: marriage: Moses Rentfro and Elizabeth Turpin, May 24, 1773, Robert Alexander, Surety will: Rentfro, Joseph, 25 March 1776 RNFR VA02-"Virginia's Colonial Soldiers" by Lloyd Dewitt Bockstrucklists a Capt. Joseph Rentfro in Bedford County, Virginia Militia 1759and 1763; Also a Capt. Moses Rentfro in 1772 It is recorded that in 1758, Moses furnished provisions to the Virginia State Militia to pay for protection from the Indians. In 1772 he was commissioned a Captain in the Militia. Will of Moses Rentfro names: Wife; Elizabeth - Daughters; Polly Mave, Lydia Turner, Hannah Gayhart and Elenor Hailey - Sons; William, James, Jesse and Turpin. The early Rentfros were of record as being predominately Baptist. Of this family Moses who first married his cousin, Hanna Rentfro; Jesse who married his cousin, Susanna Rentfro (sister of Hannah); and Isaac were all Baptist ministers of record in Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky. In Jesse's case, Tennessee. As in most early families in Virginia, Renfro cousins seemed to marry as a rule rather than as an exception. Also brothers and sisters from one family would marry brothers and sisters from another unrelated family. Ordination of Moses Renfro: "State of Virginia, The Church of Christ on the head of Pig River, Franklin County holding believers Baptism laying hands particular election of grace by the predestination of God in Christ Jesus affectual calling by the Hold Ghose free justification through the imputed righteousness of Christ, progressive sanctification through God's grace and truth by the final preseverance, or continuance of the saints in grace having made choice of our beloved brother Moses Renfro to administer the word of ordinances and to take the pastoral care of this church called to our help the following presbytery, viz, the Rev. John Jaurence, pastor of Medow Creek Church, William Howard, pastor of Little River Church, Robert Jones, pasotr of Grassy Creek Church and Jesse Jones according to the order of our faith and practice by the lay8ing of the hands of the presbytery and was accordingly ordained to the above administration. Certified by us. /s/ John Laurance, M.D., William Howard, Robert Jones, Jesse Jones" Minutes of Pig River Baptist Church, Franklin Co., VA, 4th Sat. in Sept 1797 (by request of Moses Rentfro and wife are ordered to be dismissed). Source: a letter from Woodrow W. Abshire, Church Clerk to Toledo Moss, March 23, 1974. This was probably in preparation for Moses's move to TN with the Donelson party.
• Moses Shelby, capt. North Carolina, b. 10-13-1760/d.9-17-1828 m. Millicent Renfro (Source: (D.A.R. PATRIOT INDEX 1966, Page 609) Letter from Charles Shelby. (Mr. Shelby, now deceased, did considerable research on the Shelby and Renfro Families. His research papaers were donated to the Kentucky Historical Society and are available on film.) Milley ‘Miss Milly' Renfro married 1783/5, now Montgomery Co, TN. Allegedly, she descends from the Renfros that established Renfro Station near Clarksville, TN about 1780. Some of those with Col. Donelson were Mases Renfro and family, Joseph Renfro and family, and James Renfro and family. (Source: "Civil and Political History of Kentucky", by John Haywood, Page 107)
• Monday, August 02, 2004 12:55 PM: Delores: I'm so glad to have found you website. I am a descendant of Polly Rentfroe Neff (Knave), daughter of Moses Rentfroe. My grandmother, now deceased, left me a lot of genealogy stuff. At 45 yrs old now, I seem to be more interested in it. She always spelled the name Rentfroe instead of Renfroe. My grandma was Kathryn Louis Neff Brown. She was the dauther of Charles William Neff. He was the son of Andrew Young Neff. He was the son of William Neff and William was the son of Polly Rentfroe Neff b. 1777. I just printed out your article on Moses and the journel that was kept. This is something I hope my family will treasure. I'm enjoying reading your website. (my grandmother, Kathryn L. Neff Brown, DAC Number 23337) Thank you Viv Brown Moses' service in Revolution was a captain, minister, land proprietor, Found of Settlement in Tennessee (Red River Valley) Furnished Provisions and was an Explorer. He took Oath of Allegiance to Colonies, Oath Allegiance, 1772 in Daughters of American Colonies Lineage Book Volume XI, Bedford Co., VA Order Book #4, p. 130. 1772, p. 77. **
• More About Rev. Moses Renfro: Administration of Will: Jan 1824, Garrard Co, KY. All children except John, Thomas, Jerusha and Juda mentioned Land Survey: 09 Mar 1760, Bedford Co, VA: Surveys book 2, Moses Rentfro, 400 acres on Rush River along Rentfro heirs' line Occupation: Minister Oral Tradition: Last words of Rev. Moses Renfro who died in 1824: "Yes, he's come. I know his voice...Jesus...Jesus" Ordination: 04 Aug 1796, Pig River Baptist Church of Christ, Franklin Co., VA Religion: Baptist Will Written: 08 Jun 1821, Garrard Co., KY, Will Book E, p 345
• Marriage Notes for Moses Renfro and Hannah Rentfro: [Willey Family Tree 16 Jan 2005.FTW] MISC. MARRIAGES AND/OR BONDS: Hannah Rentfro, daughter of Moses Rentfro - Henry Gearhart - 6 Dec. 1791 - Franklin Marriage filed Bedfore Co. VA in document marked R 1754 to 1814, p. 7 H.P. Scott, Clerk.***Rev. Moses RENFRO was born on 2 Jan 1728 in Jamestown, Bedford Co., VA. He died on 14 Jan 1824 in Crab Orchard, Lincoln Co., KY. Death: 14 JAN 1824 in Crab Orchard, Lincoln Co., KY

Event: Administration of Will 1824 Garrard Co., KY
Occupation: Minister
ORDN: 4 AUG 1796 Pig River Baptist Church, Franklin Co., VA
Event: Will Written 8 JUN 1821 Garrard Co., KY
Note:
The early Rentfros were of record as being predominately Baptist. Of this family Moses who first married his cousin, Hanna Rentfro; Jesse who married his cousin, Susanna Rentfro (sister of Hannah); and Isaac were all Baptist ministers of record in Virginia, North Carolina and Kentucky. In Jesse's case, Tennessee.

• As in most early families in Virginia, Renfro cousins seemed to marry as a rule rather than as an exception. Also brothers and sisters from one family would marry brothers and sisters from another family.
• It is recorded that in 1758, Moses furnished provisions to the Virginia State Militia to pay for protection from the Indians. In 1772 he was commissioned a Captain in the Militia.

Will of Moses Rentfro names: Wife; Elizabeth - Daughters; Polly Mave, Lydia Turner, Hannah Gayhart and Elenor Hailey - Sons; William, James, Jesse and Turpin Parents: William RENFRO and Elizabeth CHENEY.
Spouse: Hannah RENFRO. Rev. Moses RENFRO and Hannah RENFRO were married about 1754 in Beford Co., VA.
Children were:
Thomas RENFRO
Jerusha RENFRO,
James RENFRO
Judah RENFRO
Lydia RENFRO
Spouse: Elizabeth Dixon TURPIN
Rev. Moses RENFRO and Elizabeth Dixon TURPIN were married on 24 May 1773 in Bedford Co., Va.

Children were:
Turpin RENFRO ,
Hannah RENFRO,
Mary RENFRO
Jesse RENFRO,
DR. William RENFRO,
Eleanor RENFRO
Moses RENFRO was born about 1766 in Henry Co., Va. He died about 1862 in Tippah Co., MS.
Parents: William RENFRO and Chloe TAYLOR
Nancy RENFRO. Parents: Peter RENFRO Jr. and Judith LAND Spouse: James DUNCAN
Nancy RENFRO was born in 1787 in Franklin Co., VA. She died about 1854. Parents: William RENFRO and Chloe TAYLOR Spouse: KENNEDY. KENNEDY and Nancy RENFRO were married in 1805 in Union Co., SC.
Nancy RENFRO was born in 1805 in In. Parents: Lewis RENFRO and Sarah LNU.
Spouse: Nathan RENFRO Spouse: James A. EADES .

• ****MOSES RENTFRO'S Red ReverTRIP FROM FORT PATRICK HENRY, VA. TO RENTFRO STATION, RED RIVER, TN 1779-1780

Early in the spring of 1779, preparations were made at Watauga to plant a permanent settlement on the Cumberland. The place selected was the bluff near the French Lick, which is now Nashville, TN. Before reaching their destination the party was split into two companies. Capt. James Robertson taking command of one group which would travel overland through Kentucky, while Col. John Donelson became the leader of the other group. Capt. Robertson‘s "lady" and children joined with Col. Donelson‘s party.
Col. Donelson's group traveled in a flotilla of about 30 flat boats, dugouts, scows and canoes down the Holston River to the Cumberland River. Their trip was fraught with many difficulties which included; foremost the weather, shallow shoals upon which they got stuck, and dangerous white water rapids and water falls they had to cross. Their food supply ran very low and they were hungry at times until they were able to kill buffalo or other game. At one point, Col. Donelson's crew killed a swan which he mentions enjoying greatly. During most of the trip they were harassed by hostile Indians and attacked from shore, making it hard, if not impossible, to make stops for good distances. There is mention of Indians, in black and red paint, in ‘towns' along the river banks, beckoning them with signs of friendship but firing upon them as they neared the shore and chasing them down the river by canoe. ((( The journal of this expedition has been aptly described a "reading like one of Captain Wayne Reid's fascinating novels. Theodore Roosevelt said it was the "greatest adventure in the winning of the west". James Renfro, a member of Moses' party, and later of Cumberland Ford, KY, was noted for having assisted in the founding of the State of Tennessee and was a member of the 5th and 6th General Assemblies of Tennessee.)))
Tennessee Historical Magazine, March 1918, page 44: "Rentfroe's Station, we have seen, was the most western station on the Cumberland, being some 40 miles west of the Bluff". After Joseph was killed instantly by Indians (NOTE by, Jean Morford: he had gone to a spring for a drink, was attacked and instantly killed) and then in June or July the Chickasaws killed Nathan Turpin and another man, the stationers were so alarmed that they resolved to abandon the settlement and take refuge at Freeland's Station, North of Nashville. After a few days flight, some decided to return to their cabins for their personal property they had left behind. Isaac Rentfro left some iron which afterward was the subjectof litigation before the Committee of Cumberland and enough of it was awarded to David Rounsevall (SW: could this perhaps be the M. Rounsifer from Donelson's list below??) to satisfy his debt of L 13.12 s. This is mentioned to show how much they valued the few supplies that they were able to bring with them to the settlement. In the night, they gathered effects and resumed their march for the upper settlement. They encamped about two miles north of Sycamore Creek on the edge of a small creek (now called Battle Creek). Some twenty people were killed that night when they were attacked by Indians, Joseph Renfro being among those killed. Those surviving reached the upper station on the second day.
Excerpt from a letter written by Mrs. W. S. Rodman (nee Minnie Price), belonging to Mrs. Nelson Carter, 415 East Monroe, Mexico, MO: "My mother told me the Renfroes came France-settled in VA at an early date, about 1630, and that my great-grandfather, Moses Renfro, son of William and Elizabeth Cheney, died in Kentucky in 1824. There are many thrilling incidents in his life. At one time, he just escaped death in a fort attacked by Indians. Great-grandmother dreamed three times the fort was attacked and so impressed was she by these dreams that grandfather insisted that she take a Negro woman called "Queen Lett" and go to a larger fort sixteen miles away, leaving him and the others of the family to care for the stock. Next day at sunrise, her brother and a Negro man were slain, everyone in fact, except great-grandfather, his son James, and one woman and child. Uncle James Renfro became very wealthy, owning the ferry and large hotel at Cumberland Ford. Queen Lett, the Negro slave mentioned, was said to have been kidnapped off the Coast of Guinea. She said her mother was Queen of a tribe of Cannibals, hence her name. A little boy was born to Lett the night she and grandmother reached the fort. He came to Missouri with grandfather and lived to be quite old. I remember him as "Uncle Bob". (NOTE by Jean Morford: Moses Renfro willed a slave, Robert, to his wife, Elizabeth, after her death to his son William for William's lifetime, specifying that at William's death, Robert was to be free. There are other accounts stating that Robert later owned a hotel in Nashville.)
Ramsey's Annals of Tennessee, page 303: "............The names of these bold adventurous navigators (these are the ones who accompanied Col. John Donelson on his famous inland water trip).....are not all of them recollected. Some of them are......Moses, Joseph and James Renfro, also, Solomon Turpin......"
Series in the Richmond Misourian, Thursday, July 24, 1930, Chapter number 32 (an added feature concerning the Renfro Family, written upon request by Mrs. L. B. Browning, Lebanon, MO [formerly Miss Loretta Wood]). (Miss Wood was a Renfro descendant): "On May 24, 1773, Moses Renfro married Elizabeth Turpin, and it was she who accompanied him on the great adventure from Virginia through Tennessee and into Kentucky in 1780 and 1781. Accompanying him on the great adventure were two brothers-in-law, James and John Renfro, brothers of his first wife (Hannah Renfro). In their company were also two brothers of Elizabeth Turpin Renfro. When this bold company of pioneers were encamped on Sycamore Creek (afterwards called Battle Creek), they were constantly on the watch for hostile Indians. During one dark and stormy night, from some unknown cause, the wife of Moses Renfro was more than usually apprehensive of danger, at any rate, she dreamed that the Indians had attacked them. She roused her husband but he quieted her fears. She went to sleep and again dreamed the same dream. He attempted to quiet her again, but with less success than the first time. She again fell to sleep but immediately dreamed the same dream, the third time. She awoke her husband again and told him that he might do as he pleased but that she was leaving. She made her husband get up and go for her horse. It was outside the fort and in going for it, he stumbled over the prostate form of an Indian. She got on her horse and (as was custom then) took her Negro maid on the horse behind her and started out into the forest. The husband of the Negro woman stayed to help defend the fort and was killed. Before they had gone far, they heard the warwhoops of the Indians, and knew the camp was attacked. They heard firing and recognized the sound of Uncle Jimmy's (Renfro) gun and knew when it stopped that he had been killed. While Moses Renfro's wife and her maid, "Queen Lett", were spending the night in the woods and during a violent rain storm, a little Negro boy was born to Lett. Alone in the forest, the rain coming in torrents, grandmother was at her wit's end to care for the mother and babe. She took off her petticoat and wrapped the babe in it and thus saved it's life. This Negro babe grew to manhood and came with the family to Missouri in 1833......"
Lyman C. Draper was a historian in the mid-1800's who collected a great deal of information about the early frontier. His manuscripts are preserved at the Wisconsin Historical Society and are available on microfilm from the LDS Family History Centers. The Renfro defeat at Rentfro Station on the Cumberland is in the Draper Manuscript 32S307,1844, page 308: "Renfroe Defeat: The Renfroe defeat This defeat was positively in 1780. The Renfroes, Turpins & his wife, son & daughter, Crutchfield, wife & about six children were recollected by Mrs. Donelson. (Jean Morford believes this to be the wife of John Donelson, Jr.). Either Nathan Turpin, or the man first killed, was at the time in a mulberry tree gathering fruit, which must have been in June. The defeat, Mrs. Donelson thinks, was well along in August & knows from this circumstance, that the Donelson settlement left Clover Bottom that month & went to Mansco's Station & when the Renfroe defeat occurred, Mrs. Crutchfield & her children who had escaped, with the _______ of Mrs. Crutchfield, came up to Mansco's & placed themselves under Col. Donelson's care & protection & went with the Colonel & his people to Kentucky. Mrs. Donelson hereafter ________ of the Johns family, thinks they were killed. Does not think the number killed at all large. Thinks the whole Renfroe settlement numbered perhaps forty."
page 345: Communicated by Col Ro Weakley, March, 1844: "Red River Defeat, Abraham Jones had been wounded at the Renfroe Station & was carried on a horse litter & some few of them perhaps wounded. It was in consequence of this, that Ramsey & the two Hollis' & a few others went from Eaton's Station to guard them down. Mrs. Jos. Renfroe, with three children, all nearly grown, escaped, together with a Nero, Robert, who subsequently kept a hotel in Nashville. Jones, on the litter, was killed; & so were his father & mother, old people; & his brother, a youngster, was taken prisoner. Mrs. Abm Jones, with her son Shadrick, a lad ?, & an infant daughter, Betsey, in her arms, escaped. Ramsey then presented his gun & checked the pursuit of the Indians, & thus courageously repeating these menaces, gave Mrs. Jones time to hurry on over a little ridge.
page 346: when Ransay broke & ran, overtook her, seized the little boy in his arms, & all got off in safety. Mrs. Jones subsequently married a Mr. Berry. Mrs. Nancy Turpin, who escaped, afterwards married a Snow......"
Jean Morford has compiled a list of persons from the above information that she believes to have been with Moses Rentfro on the voyage with Col. John Donelson for approximately 2000 miles from Fort Patrick Henry in Virginia down the Holston and the
Tennessee Rivers to the Red River, off the Cumberland and later was at defeat at Rentfro Station. Her list is as follow:

• *Moses Rentfro and wife, Elizabeth Turpin Rentfro

Children of Moses and Elizabeth Turpin Rentfro:
James Rentfro, born in 1773
Jesse Renfro, born about 1779, about one year old in 1780
Lydia Renfro, born in 1769 married James Turner in Franklin Co., VA in January1787 (SW: no mention is made of James Turner who must have traveled with his wife, or any of their 9 children.
Hannah Renfro, born in 1775, married Henry Gearhart in Franklin Co., VA
Mary Ann ,"Polly", Renfro, born in 1777. Married Jacob Nafe in Franklin
Co., VA in 1795 Jacob Nafe is not mentioned in Donelson's list.
Joseph Rentfro, Jr., son of Joseph and Mary Rentfro. Joseph, Sr. was brother to Hannah Rentfro who was Moses' first wife.
Joseph, Jr.‘s wife, Olivia, who later married a Shaw. Three nearly grown children of Joseph & Olivia
James Rentfro, son of Joseph and Mary, brother to Hannah, Joseph, Jr. & John.
John Rentfro, son of Joseph and Mary, brother to Hannah, Joseph, Jr. and James.
Joseph, Jr., James and John were all killed.
Mary Rentfro, sister to James and John, daughter of Joseph and Mary.
Abraham Jones, husband of Mary Rentfro. Shadrick Jones, their son and Betsy Jones, their infant daughter.

• *Mr. and Mrs. Jones, parents of Abraham.

Isaac Renfro who signed the Cumberland Compact, May 1, 1780 along with Peter Luney and Jon Luney.
Mr. and Mrs. Crutchfield and their six children.
Nathan Turpin, brother of Elizabeth Turpin Renfro, Moses' wife. Nathan was killed.
Solomon Turpin
Nancy Renfro Turpin Unknown parentage as of this time. Probably married to one of Elizabeth's relatives. Possibly related to Moses.
Queen Lett, black woman captured off the coast of Guinea, Elizabeth Renfro's servant. Queen Lett gave birth to Robert the day after leaving the Red River Station (Rentfro Station). Queen Lett was not mentioned in Moses' will written in 1824 in Garrard Co., KY. Queen Lett's husband, a black man, name unknown, was killed in June or July 1780.
Again it is also the belief of some descendants of Peter Rentfro that Peter and his family traveled with this company. You will notice that none of Moses' brothers are included in the list above. It would certainly make sense some of his family will accompany him.
Col. Donelson gave a list of persons in his party that is considered most valuable to historians and genealogists. (Whitley, Edythe Rucker, Pioneers of Davidson Co., TN).
The names included of the persons who came with this company are given by Col. Donelson as follows:
John Donelson, Sr.
Benjamin Porter
Thomas Hutchins
Mrs. Henry (widow)
John Caffrey
John Cotton
John Donelson, Jr.
Thomas Henry
James Robertson's Lady & Children
Mrs. Cockrell
Mrs. Purnell
M. Rounsifer
Hugh Rogan
Frank Armstrong
Daniel Chambers
Isaac Neely
Robert Cartwright
John Montgomery

---

Stewart
Jonathan Jennings
David Gwinn
Benjamin Belew
James Cain
Peter Looney
Reuben Harrison
John Boyd
Frank Haney
Moses Rentfroe
Capt. John Blakemore
William Crutchfield
John White
Mr.

---

Jones
Solomon White
Hugh Henry, Sr.

---

Payne (killed)

---

Maxwell
Hugh Rogan

---

Stuart
Frank Hancy
Danl. Chanbers
David Guinne

---

Maxwell
Robt. Cartwright
John Boyd
John White
Reuben Harrison
Solomon White
(NOTE: In reviewing the journal kept by Col Donelson as transcribed below, I believe this to be a list of boat captains or owners. For instance, we know that Moses Rentfro was accompanied by his wife Elizabeth Turpin Rentfro, and their family and close relatives from the Rentfro and Turpin families, and it has been a tradition of many of Peter Rentfro's descendants that he also accompanied this flotilla. Additionally, it lists one Mr. Jones, however we know there were at least two Jones men in the party. One Moses' son-in-law and the other the son-in-law's father.)
Journal of a Voyage, intended by God's Permission, in the good Boat Adverture, from Fort Patrick Henry on the Holston River to the French Springs on the Cumberland River, kept by Col. Donelson
Decem. 22, 1779 Took our departure from the Fort and fell down the river to the mouth of Reedy Creek where we stopped by the fall of the water, and most excessive frost; and after much delay and many difficulties we arrived at the Mouth of Cloud's Creek, on Sunday evening the 20th Febry. 1780 where we lay untill Sunday 27th when we took our departure with sundry other vessels bound for the same voyage and on the same day struck on the {Pool-valey-Shoal, together with Mr. Boyd and Mr, Rounsifer, on which shoal we lay that afternoon & succeeding night in much distress.
Monday, Febry. 28th 1780 In the morning, he water rising, we get off the shoal, after landing thirty persons to lighten our boat. In attempting to land on an island, received some damage and lost sundry articles, and came to camp on the south shore, where we joined several other vessels also bound down.
Tuesday, 29th Proceeded down the river and camped on the north shore the afternoon and following day proving rainy.
Wednesday, March 1st Proceeded on and camped on the north shore, nothing happening that day remarkable.
Thursday, March 2nd Ran about half the day, and passed the mouth of French Broad River and about 12:00 o'clock Mr. Henry's boat being driven on the point of an island by the force of the current was sunk, the crew‘s lives much endangered, and the whole cargo much damaged, which occasioned the whole fleet to up on shore and go to their assistance, but with much difficulty bailed her out & raised her in order to take in her cargo again. The same afternoon, Reuben Harrison went out a hunting and did not return that night, tho' many guns were fired to fetch him in.
Friday, 3rd Early in the morning fired a four pounded for the lost man, sent our sundry persons to search the woods for him, firing many guns that day and the succeeding night, but all without success, to the great grief of his parents and fellow travellers
"vale! vale!".
Saturday, 4th Proceed on our voyage, leaving old Mr. Harrison, with some other vessels to make further further search for his lost Son; about 10:o'clock, the same day, found him a considerable distance down the river, where Mr. Ben Belew took him on board his boat. At 3 o'clock, P.M., passed the mouth of the Tennessee River and camped on the south shore about 10 miles below the mouth of the Tennessee.
Sunday, 5th Cast off and got under way before Sunrise. 12 o'clock passed the mouth of the Clinch River. At 3 P.M. came up with the Clinch River company, whom we joined and camped, the evening proving rainy. (This is where the list of people on the voyage is found).
Monday, 6th Got under way before Sunrise. The morning proving foggy, many of the fleet were much boged. About 10 o'clock, lay by for them, when collected proceeded down. Camped on the north shore, where Capt. Hutchings' Negro man died, being much frosted in his feet and legs, of which he died.
Tuesday, 7th Got under way very early, the day proving very windy, a
SSW & the river being wide occasioned a high sea, in so much, that some of the smaller crafts were in danger, therefore came to at the uppermost Chickamogga
Town, which was then evacuated, where we lay by that afternoon and camped that night. The wife of Ephraim Peyton was here delivered of a child. Mr. Peyton has gone through by land with Capt. Robertson.
Wednesday, 8th Cast off at 10 o'clock & proceeded down to an Indian village, which was inhabited, on the south side of the river. They invited us to "come ashore" called us brothers & shewed other signs of Friendship, in so much that Mr. John Caffery & my son then on board took a canoe which I had in tow and were crossing over to them; the rest of the fleet having landed on the opposite shore. After they had gone some distance, half-Breed who called himself Archy Coody with several other Indians jumped into a canoe, met them and advised them to return to the boat; which they did together with Coody and several canoes which left the shore & followed after him. They appeared to be friendly. After distributing some presents among then, with which they seemed much pleased, we observed a number of Indians on the other side embarking in their canoes, armed and painted with red & black. Coody immediately made signs to his Companions, ordering them to quit the boat, which they did. Himself and another Indian remaining with us & telling us to move off instantly. We had not gone far before we discovered a number of Indians, armed and painted, proceeding down the river, as it were, to intercept. Coody, the half breed & his companion sailed with us for some time & telling us that we had passed all the towns & were out of danger, left us. But we had not gone far until we came insight of another town situated likewise on the south side of the river, nearly opposite a small island. Here they again invited us to come on shore, called us brothers & observing the boats standing off the opposite channel, told us that "their side was better boats to pass". And here we must regret the unfortunate death of young Mr. Payne on board Capt. Blakemore's boat, who was mortally wounded by reason of the boat running to neare the northern shore opposite the town where some of the enemy lay concealed & the more tragical misfortunate of poor Stuart, his family and friends, to the number of twenty-eight persons. (NOTE: This would also indicate that Col. Donelson's list of persons was not complete. There are only approximately 30 persons on his entire list). This man had embarked with us for the western County, but his family being diseased with the small-pox, it was agreed upon between him & the Company that he should keep at some distance in the rear, for fear of the infection spreading and he was warned each night when the encampment should take place by sound of a horn. After we passed the Town, the Indians, having now collected to a considerable number, observing his helpless situation, singled off from the rest of the fleet, intercepted him & killed & took prisoners the whole crew, to the great grief of all the Company, uncertain of how soon they might share the same fate. Their cries were distinctly heard by those boats in the rear. (NOTE by Jean Morford: it seems I have read elsewhere that this Indian town was subsequently decimated by smallpox caught from their prisoner's blankets and possessions). We still perceived them marching down the river in considerable bodies, keeping paces with us until the Cumberland mountain withdrew them from our sight, when we were in hopes we had escaped them.
We were now arrived at a place called the Whirl or Suck, where the river is compressed within less than half its common width above, by the Cumberland mountain, which juts in on both sides. In passing through the upper part of these narrows, at a place described by Coody, which he termed the "boiling Pot", a trivial accident had nearly ruined the expedition.
One of the Company, John Cotton, who was moving down in a large canoe, had attached it to Robert Cartright's boat, into which he and his family had gone for safety. The canoe was here overturned & the little cargo lost. The Company pitying his distress concluded to halt & assist him in recovering his property. They had landed on the northern shore at a level spot & were going up to the place, when the Indians to our astonishment appeared immediately over us on the opposite Cliffs & commenced firing down upon us, which occasioned a precipitate retreat to the boats. We immediately moved off, the Indians lining the Bluffs along continued their fire from the heights on our boats below, without doing any other injury than wounding four slightly. Jennings's boat is missing.
We have now passed through the whirl. The river widens with a placid & gentle current and all of the Company appears to be in safety except the family of Jonathan Jennings, whose boat ran on a large rock projecting out from the northern shore and partly immersed in water immediately at the Whirl, where we are compelled to leave them, perhaps to be slaughtered by their merciless enemies.
Continued to sail on that day and floated throughout the following night.
Thursday, 9th Proceeded on our journey, nothing happening worthy attention today, floated until about midnight & encamped on the northern shore.
Friday, 10th This morning about 4 o'clk, we were surprised by the cries of "help poor Jennings!" at some distance in the rear. He had discovered us by our fires, and came up in the most wretched condition. He states that as soon as the Indians discovered his situation, they turned their whole attention to him & kept up a most galling fire on his boat. He ordered his wife, a son nearly grown, a young man who accompanied him, & his tow Negroes to throw all is goods into the river to lighten their boat for the purpose of getting her off, himself returning their fire as well as he could (being a good soldier & an excellent marksman). But before they had accomplished their object, his son, the young man, & the Negro man jumped out of the boat & left them. He thinks the young man & the Negro were wounded before they let the boat. Mrs. Jennings, however, & the Negro woman succeeded in unloading the boat, but chiefly by the exertions of Mrs. Jennings, who got out of the boat & shoved her off, but was near falling a victim to her own intrepidity o account of the boat starting so suddenly, as soon as loosened from the rock. Upon examination he appears to have made a wonderful escape, for his boat is pierced in numberless places with bullets. It is to be remarked that Mrs. Peyton, who was the night before delivered of an infant, which was unfortunately killed in the hurry & confusion consequent upon such a disaster, assisted them, being frequently exposed to wet & cold then and afterwards, and that her health appears to be good at this time & I think & hope she will do well. (Again, there is no Peyton on Col. Donelson's list of persons in his party).
Saturday, 11th Got under way, after having distributed Mr. Jennings in the other boats. Moved quietly that day and encamped for the night on the north shore.
Sunday, 12th Set out and after a few hours of sailing we heard the crowing of cocks & soon came within view of the Town, here they fired on us again without doing any injury.
After running until about 10 o'clk came in sight of the Muscle Shoals. Halted on the northern shore at the upper end of the shoals in order to search for the signs Capt. James Robertson was to make for us at that place. He set out from Holston early in the fall of 1779, was to proceed by the way of Kentucky to the big Salt Lick on Cumberland River; with several others in company was to come across from the big Salt Lick to the upper end of the Shoals, there to make such signs that we might know he had been there & that it was practicable for us to go across by land. But, to our great mortification, we can find none. From which we concluded that it would not be prudent to make the attempt and are determined, knowing ourselves to be in such imminent danger, to pursue our journey down the river.
After trimming our boats in the best manner possible, we ran through the shoals before night. When we approached them they had a dreadful appearance to those who had never seen them before. The water being high made a terrible roaring, which could be heard at some distance among the drift-wood heaped frightfully upon the points of the islands; the current running in every possible direction. Here we did not know how soon we should be dashed to pieces and all our troubles ended at once. Our boats frequently dragged on the bottom and appeared constantly in danger of striking. They warped as much as in a rough sea. But, by the hand of Providence, we are now preserved from this danger also. I know not the length of this wonderful shoal; it had been represented to me to be 25 or 30 iles. If so, we must have descended very rapidly, as indeed we did, for we passed it in about three hours. Came to amd camped on the northern shore, not far below the shoals, for the night.
Monday, 13th Got under way early in the morning and made a good run on that day.
Tuesday, 14th Set out early. On this day two boats approaching too near the shore were fired on by the Indians. Five of the crews were wounded but not dangerously. Came to camp at night near the mouth of a creek. After kindling the fires and preparing for rest, the company were alarmed, on account of the incessant barking our dogs kept up, taking it for granted that the Indians were attempting to surprise us, & retreated perceptually to the boats, fell down the river about a mile & encamped on the other shore. In the morning I prevailed on Mr. Caffery & my son to cross below in a canoe & return to the place, which they did & found an African Negro, we had left in the hurry, asleep by one of the fires. The Voyages then returned & collected their utensils, which had been left.
Wednesday, 15th Got under way & moved on peaceably the five following days, when we arrived at the mouth of the Tennessee (River) on Monday 20th & landed on the lower point immediately on the bank of the Ohio (River). Our situation here is truly disagreeable. The river is very high and the current rapid. Our boats not constructed for the purpose of stemming a rapid stream. Our provision exhausted. The crews almost worn down with hunger and fatigue. And know not what distance we have to go or what time it will take us to our place of destination. The scene is rendered still more melancholy; as several will not attempt to ascend the rapid current. Some intend to descend the Mississippi (River) to Natchez; others are bound for the Illinois. Amongst the rest my son in law & daughter. We now part, perhaps to meet no more, for I am determined to pursue my course, happen what will.
Tuesday, 21st Set out & on this day laboured very hard & got but a little way. Camped on the south bank of the Ohio (River). Passed the two following days as the former, suffering much from hunger & fatigue.
Friday, 24th About 3 O'clk, came to the mouth of a river which I though was the Cumberland. Some of the Company declared it could not be, it was so much smaller than was expected. But I never heard of any river running in between the Cumberland & Tennessee. It appeared to flow with a gentle current. We determined however to make the trial. Pushed up some distance & encamped for the night.
Saturday, 25th Today we are much encouraged. The river grows wider. The current is very gentle. And we are now convinced it is the Cumberland. I have derived great assistance from a small square sail which was fixed up on the day we left the mouth of the river. And to prevent any ill effects from sudden flows of wind, a man was stationed at each of the lower corners of the sheet, with directions to give way whenever it was necessary.
Sunday, 26th Got under way early, procured Buffaloe meat; tho poor, it was palatable.
Monday, 27th Set out again. Killed a Swan, which was very delicious.
Tuesday, 28th Set our early this morning. Killed some Buffaloe.
Wednesday, 29th Proceeded up the river. Gathered some herbs in the bottoms of Cumberland, which some of the Company called Shawanee Sallad.
Thursday, 30th Proceeded on our voyage. This day we killed some more Buffaloe.
Friday, 31st Set out this day and after running some distance met with Col. Richard Henderson, who was running the line between Virginia and North-Carolina. At this meeting we were much rejoiced. He gave us every information we wished. And further informed us that he had purchased a quantity of corn in Kentucky to be shipped at the falls of the Ohio (River) for the use of the Cumberland settlement. We are now without bread and we are compelled to hunt the Buffaloe to preserve life. Worn out with fatigue, our progress at present is slow. Camped at night near the mouth of a little river at which place and below there is handsome bottom of rich land. Here we found a pair of hand-mill-stones set up for grinding, but appeared not to have been used for a great length of time.

Proceeded on quietly until the 12th of April at which time we came to the mouth of a little river running in on the north side, (named) by Moses Rentfroe & his company, called Red River, up which they intended to settle. Here they took leave of us. We proceeded up (the) Cumberland (River), nothing happening material until the 23rd when we reached the first settlement on the north side of the river, one mile & half below the Big Salt Lick, and called Eaton's station after a man of that name, who with several other families came through Kentucky & settled there.
Monday, April 24th, 1780 This day we arrived at our journey's end at the Big Salt Lick. Where we have the pleasure of finding Capt. Robertson & Company. It is a source of satisfaction to us to be enabled to restore to him & others their families & friends, who were entrusted to our care, & who, some time since, perhaps dispaired of ever meeting again. Tho our prospects at present are dreary; we here found a few log Cabins which have been built on a Cedar Bluff above the Lick by Capt. Roberson and his company.
(NOTE: It has been noted that Rachel Donelson, daughter of Col. John Donelson was often at the wheel of her fathers boat, the Adventurer. She later became the wife of Andrew Jackson who afterwards was President of the United States. Her grave is a shrine in Tennessee.)

• ********************************************** Notes
• Oral Tradition: Last words of Rev. Moses Renfro who died in 1824: "Yes, he's come. I know his voice...Jesus...Jes
• Land Survey 9 MAR 1760 Bedford Co, Va: Surveys book 2, Moses Rentfro, 400 acres on Rush River along Rentfro heirs' line
• Administration JAN 1824 Garrard Co, Ky. All children except John, Thomas, Jerusha and Juda mentioned

Links

• http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=onlytrueh...

  ---

GEDCOM Source

@R1253668110@ U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,60525::0

GEDCOM Source

1,60525::67569624

GEDCOM Source

@R1253668110@ U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,60525::0

GEDCOM Source

1,60525::67569624

GEDCOM Source

@R1253668110@ U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,60525::0

GEDCOM Source

1,60525::67569624

GEDCOM Source

@R1253668110@ U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current Ancestry.com Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 1,60525::0

GEDCOM Source

1,60525::67569624