John Esom Farris, Jr.

Owner of Wayside Inn on Wilderness Trail Road where Harpe brothers spent the night and ate the night before killing and dumping their victim Langford.

4-19, JOHN ESOM FARIS b. ca 1746 Lunenburg Co. VA d. ca 1826 Knox Co. KY

m. Probably Lunenburg Co. VA

MARTHA LUCY CAMPBELL b. d.

• 5-28 GEORGE 25 Jul 1776 Pittsylvania Co. VA m. Martha McNe ill
• 5-29 JAMES m. Sarah McFarland
• 5-30 WILLIAM m. Mary Wilkerson
• 5-31 JOHN ISHAM 16 Mar 1779 VA m. Sarah Gatliffe
• 5-32 NIMROD m. Nancy Farris (5-24)
• 5-108 LEWIS m. Rebekah Robertson
• 5-109 PAUL ca 1785 Lincoln Co. KY m. Patsy Howard
• 5-33 MARY (Polly) m. John Holman

15 Jan 1767 Halifax Co. VA, DB 6, p. 306: John Farris & Jo . X Farris two witnesses to deed of William East to Charles Farris. Rec. 19 Mar. 1767. 18 Apr 1768 Pittsylvania Co. VA, DB 1, p. 117: John Farris wit. deed of John Hamilton to Joseph Farris, 200 acres on S. fork Allen's Creek. Rec. 27 May 1768. 1 Jun 1768 Lunenburg Co. VA, DB 12, p. 297:John Farriss' Spring Branch boundary in deed of John Calrton of Brunswick Co. to Sunders (Sanders?) Ray of Lunenburg, about 70 acres on Crooked Run Creek. Rec. 10 Jun 1773. 9 Aug 1771 Pittsylvania Co. VA, DB 2, p. 327: Hugh Innes to John Farris, for L10, 200 acres, being part of a patent to Hugh Innes 15 Feb. 1771. 15 Jul 1772 Halifax Co. VA, DB 8, p. 410: John East of Pittsylvania to John Farris of Halifax, 25 pounds, on branches of Brush Cr., about 100 acres, bounded by John Farris, James Farris Jr., including the plantation where William Broughill now lives. Signed: John East. Wit: Thomas (X his mark) Farris, James Faris, James (I his mark) Farris Sr. Rec. 16 Jul 1772 1773 Sold to William East 100A. on Brush Creek, Halifax Co . VA 13 Jul 1773 Halifax Co. VA, DB 9, p. 97: John Farris of Halifax to Thomas Murdoch for James Murdoch of Pittsylvania Co ., for 100 pounds which Farris owes Thomas Murdoch for James Murdoch & Co., + 5 shillings, one tract of land in Halifa x on Brush Cr. containing about 200 acres, and adjoining the lands of James Farris Jr., Dudley Glass and William East being the plantation whereon said John Farris now lives . Also 1 sorrel horse branded I on the left buttock, 1 cow marked with 2 swallow forks and an underkeel in the right ear, 1 brindled cow with a star on his face, ___ calf & 1 heifer marked with 2 half crops, 30 hogs marked with 2 half crops, 2 feather beds and furniture, with the rest of my household and kitchen furniture and plantation utensils. To have and to hold, upon trust that Thos. Murdoch & Co., after 25 Dec. 1774, shall sell the land & effects , and from the money arising from the sale, discharge the debt with lawful interest from 13 Jul. 1773 and related expenses. The overplus, if any, goes to Farris. Signed: John Farris. Wit: Don.d McNicoll. Rec. 15 Jul 1773. 14 Sep 1773 Halifax Co. VA, DB 9, p. 128: William East and Sarah, his wife, of Antrim Parish & Halifax To John Farris of Halifax, for 40 pounds, a certain tract of land of 100 acres in Halifax on the south branches of Brush Cr., including the plantation where said East formerly lived. The tract is bounded by the lines of Dudley East, William East, Jos. Lankford, and John Farris. Signed: William (M his mark ) East. Wit: John (+ his mark) Weltch, Isiam Farris (Fariss ), James Faris. Rec. 16 Sep. 1773. 2 Aug 1777 Pittsylvania Co. VA, DB 4, p. 399: Boundary in deed of James George of Pittsylvania Co. to Joshua Stone of Pittsylvania Co....one tract of land in Halifax Co. & Pittsylvania Co. on the branches of Allen's Cr...other boundaries Jno. Clever, Jno. Megriger...Rec. 28 Aug. 1777. 16 Oct 1777 Halifax Co. VA, DB 10, p. 329: William East of Henry Co, to William Wyatt of the Co of Prince William, for 100 pounds, one certain tract of land in Halifa x on the branches of Brush Cr. joining the lines of Dudley Glass, John Farris, Joseph Lankford and James Farris, about 118 acres bounded by Jno. Farris. Signed: William (A his mark) East. Wit: Joshua Stone, Robert Weakly, John (x his mark) Welch. Rec. 16 Oct 1777. 17 Jan 1778 Halifax Co. VA, DB 11, p. 28: Martha (x her mar k) Farris wit. deed of Joseph Moody of Halifax & Agnes, his wife, to Mozee Hurt of Bedford Co., 235 acres in Halifa x on both sides of Terrible Cr. Rec. 21 May 1778 (don't know whether this is a reference to Martha Farris, wife of John, or not) 18 Nov 1779 Halifax Co. VA, DB 11, p. 397: Deed of Dudley Gass of Halifax to Benjamin Walrond of Halifax, 116 acres ( being part of a greater tract which the said Glass bought of John Farris)...bounded by John Farris' old line...Rec. 1 8 Nov 1779. 1 Nov 1780 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 79: John Farris of Halifax, to Isaac Grant of Halifax, for 90 pounds, about 100 acres in Halifax on the branches of Brush Cr, adjoining the lines of the said John Farris, Wm. Williams, Wm. Wyatt, Ben Walrond and John Glass, including the plantation whereon said Grant now lives, and bounded by Saml. Ford now Williams. Signed: John Farris. Wit: James McCraw, Robert Montgomery, John Glass, Thomas East. Rec. 16 Nov. 1780. 15 Dec 1780 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 121: he & Isaac Gran t were boundaries in deed of Joseph Lankford of Halifax to William Williams of Henry Co. Joshua Stone wit. Rec. 21 Jun. 1781. 1 Jan 1781 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 114: Wit. deed of Benjamin Lankford of Pittsylvania Co. VA to Thomas Kersey of Halifax. Rec. 21 Jun 1781. 1 Nov 1781 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 176: he & Joshua Stone boundaries in deed of Isam Faris with John Ramey to John Glass, 80 acres part in Halifax & part in Pittsylvania on east branch of Allen's Creek...Isaac Grant a witness. Rec . 21 Feb.1782. 1782 Pvt in Capt. John Boyle's Co. of Militia, IL Regulars , at Falls of Ohio 9 Jan 1783 VA land grant, 300A. on Logan's Creek, Lincoln Co. VA (Bk. 6, p. 194, Jilson) 11 Feb 1783 French & Indian War land grant 500A. Lincoln Co . VA May 1783 Fined for "retailing spiritous liquor without a license" at Humble's Race Paths, Lincoln Co. KY 22 Jul 1783 Bought 50A. from John Francis' estate, Lincoln Co. VA 22 Jul 1783 VA land grant 100A. Dix River, Lincoln Co. VA ( Bk. 10, p. 66, Jilson) Sep 1783 Court Case, William Stone against John Farris, Lincoln Co. VA Sep 1783 Commonwealth against John Pharis, retailing spiritous liquor and maintaining tippling houses without a license Lincoln Co. VA Jun 1784 John Faris against Hugh Ross upon an attachment Lincoln Co. VA Jun 1784 John Faris appeals fine of Sep 1783 Lincoln Co. VA Nov 1784 John Faris assessee of Samuel Farris against Bryant Savage Lincoln Co. VA Nov 1784 John Faris against Henry Davis, Lincoln Co. VA Nov 1784 John Faris received 100 shillings from Court for payment for a wolf scalp 23 Mar 1785 Halifax Co. VA, DB 13, p. 178: John Farris of Co of Lincoln, to Joel Compton of Amelia Co., for L8 , 8 acres on Brush Creek in Halifax Co. Signed: John Farris . Wit: John Wilch, Cabell Compton, Isaac Grant, John Wyatt . Rec. 19 May 1785. 23 Mar 1785 Halifax Co. VA, DB 14, p. 103: John Farris of Lincoln Co. to John Wealch of Halifax Co., for L50, specia , 100 acres on branch of Brush Creek, bordering John Stone, John Wyatt, Isaac Grant. Signed: John Farris. Wit: Rodham Parrott, John Wyatt, Coleb Compton, John Logan. 25 Mar 1785 Halifax Co. VA, DB 13, p. 174: Thomas Murdock to John Farris, for L100, 170 acres on draughts of Brush & Allens Creeks, being the land surveyed for Patrick Hamrick by order of Charles Farris & transferred by Hamrick to Murdock 19 Aug. 1773, bordering said Farris, James George. Signed: Thomas Murdock. Wit: James Stevens, Jno. Wattington. 10 Jul 1785 Land grant 100A. on Logan's Creek, Waters of Di x River, Lincoln Co. VA 1786 Deed to Edward Chapman 60A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. A, p. 2 00 & 280. 1786 Deed from Edward Chapman 60A Lincoln Co. KY Bk. A, p . 200. 3 Oct 1786 With brothers James and Isham, helped bury the d ead at McNitt's Defeat, Lincoln Co. VA (Laurel Co. KY) 1787 Tax list Lincoln Co. VA (KY) 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 3 hor ses, 9 cattle. Listed amongst Nathan, Isaac, James Jr., Isam & James Sr. 17 Apr 1787 Court Case Patrick Shields vs. John Faris and A braham Lincoln (grandfather of the president) Lincoln Co. KY 1787 Sold 100A to John Wealch on Brush Creek, Halifax Co. VA 13 Aug 1787 Cosigner for Johnson Farris and Jenny Lankford marriage bond Lincoln Co. VA 14 Nov 1788 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 2 horses. Listed amongst Isum, James Sr. & Isaac. 16 Jun 1789 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 3 horses. Listed with James. 18 May 1790 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 4 horses. 14 Apr 1791 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 2wm 16-21, 6 horses. Listed amongst Mary & Jerusha. 4 Nov 1792 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 4 horses, 9 cattle, 130 acres. Listed following Jerusha. 10 Aug 1793 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 2wm 16-21, 6 horses, 15 cattle, 130 acres. Listed amongst Jerusha, Mary & Nimrod. 1794 John, Nimrod & Lewis Faris in KY Militia, Modrel's Station, Lincoln Co. KY (now Laurel Co.) 17 May 1794 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+. 4 horses, 15 c attle, 130 acres. Listed amongst Gilbert, Mary, Elisha, Joh nston, Jerusha, Edward, James Sr., James, & Nimrod. Both Johns & Nimrod paid on 17 May. 29 May 1795 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 7 horses, 30 cattle, 130 acres. Listed with Jerusha. 1796 Sold to James Logan 140A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. C, p. 184. 1796 Sold to Samuel Dunn 10A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. C, p. 196. 18 Jun 1796 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 4 horses, 20 cattle, 130 acres on Logans Creek, entered Thos . Hutchings. Listed amongst Isham, Gilbert, James Sr., John son, James & James. 1797 Sold to Hugh Shannon 70A. Lincoln Co. KY 13 Feb 1797 KY Court of Appeals, received 1200A. on Cedar Creek, Lincoln Co. KY (Bk. B, p. 178) (Jilson) 17 May 1797 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 2 b lacks, 2 horses, 800 acres Franklin Co., W. Elkhorn, entered Giddest Watson. Listed with John. Jul 1797 Administered estate of John Robinson, Lincoln Co . KY 12 Dec 1797 Thomas Langford spent night, next day murdered by "Terrible Harpes" 1798 John, son William and William's wife, Jane, ran a Tavern north of the Little Rockcastle. Oct 1798 Appointed guardian of Sally Langford, Lincoln Co . KY 14 Aug 1798 John, James and William Farris fined for assual t on William Chapman. Fine later returned. Lincoln Co. KY 17 Jun 1799 Tax list Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 2 h orses, 1000 acres Laurel R. Listed amongst William & Nimrod. Oct 1799 Road to be built from William Owsley's to John Farris' to Garrard Co. line. 1800 Knox Co. KY formed from Lincoln Co. 1800 Tax list Knox Co. KY 1800 John appointed Justice of the Peace, Knox Co. KY 1800 Received 18 shillings for burying a corpse on Winderness Road Lincoln Co. KY 1801 John served on the Grand Jury. 1802 Tax List Knox Co. KY: John Sr. & John Jr. 1803 John and son Nimrod ran a Tavern at "Thomas' old Stand ", south of London, KY 1803 John Farris Sr. Inn visited by Methodist Bishop Franci s Asbury. Knox Co. KY 1804 Sold to John Hiatt 12A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. E, p. 124. 1806 Sold to Jonah Wilson 105A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. E, p. 29 8. 1806 Bought from Eli & King 2 tracts, 8000A. Knox Co. KY (now Knox & Laurel Cos.) Deed filed in Lincoln Co. KY Bk. F , p. 72. 1807 Sold to Isham Farris 400A. for $20., Knox Co. KY (now Laurel Co.) 2 Jun 1808 Knox Co. KY (Bk. 7, p. 240): KY Land Grant Sout h of the Green River, 265 acres, Cumberland River, Knox Co . KY. 1809 Deed to James Garman 105A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. F, p. 18 7. 1810 Census Knox Co. KY (00201-10101) 2m 16-26 1f -10 1m 45+ 1f 16-26 1f 45+ 1818 Deed to Hiatt & Susan Purnell 122 1/2A. Lincoln Co. K Y Bk. I, p. 197 1820 Census Knox Co. KY (Laurel Creek) (000001-00001)

THE FARRIS FAMILY WERE VERY RELIGIOUS AND WERE ORIGINALLY PRESBYTERIANS IN SCOTLAND, BRITISH ISLES

References: Deed Abstracts from Halifax, Lunenburg, Pittsylvania Cos. VA Research of B. DeRoy Beale, Richmond, VA

JOHN ESOM FARRIS was born in Lunenburg, Virginia. Information about his life can be seen by reviewing the following:

From book Ancestors - Descendants of Charles Gatliff of VA and KY, by Helen J. Black (on microfilm in Salt Lake City library); also "The KY Explorer"- April 1991, page 10

John Esom Farris was one of four brothers who came from Virginia to Lincoln Co, KY probably soon after the end of the American Revolution, and settled on the waters of Dick's (Dix) Creek- near Crab Orchid. Of these brothers, Nathan and Isaac were killed during Indian attacks on their homes in February of 1788. Earlier in October 1786 the other two brothers, John and Isham Farris, helped bury the dead after McNitt's Defeat in what is now Levi Jackson Wilderness State Park. After the establishment of the Wilderness Wagon Road in 1796 they were among early settlers in that section of what is now Laurel Co.

Note: Isaac and Nathan were actually killed in February 1790/ Elvin Farris

From Sandra McIntire, Randall Farris, B. DeRoy Beale & Don Chesnut research (includes research of Deed Abstracts from Halifax, Lunenburg, Pittsylvania Cos. VA

John Esom Farris married Martha Lucy Campbell. It is Unknown where she was from and the location of the wedding. John and Martha had eight children. Some were born in Virginia and others were born in Lincoln Co, near Crab Orchid.

LAND DEALS IN HALIFAX, LUNENBURG, & PITTSYLVANIA COUNTIES, VIRGINIA

Courthouse records indicate John was involved in Lunenburg Co, Virginia. Research also indicates that he was involved in land deals in Halifax and Pittsylvania Counties in Virginia too. This area, about halfway between Lynchburg and the North Carolina line could have been Martha's home.

The following legal transactions illustrate these land deals:

15 Jan 1767 Halifax Co. VA, DB 6, p. 306: John Farris & Jo. X Farris two witnesses to deed of William East to Charles Farris. Rec. 19 Mar. 1767.

18 Apr 1768 Pittsylvania Co. VA, DB 1, p. 117: John Farris wit. deed of John Hamilton to Joseph Farris, 200 acres on S. fork Allen's Creek. Rec. 27 May 1768.

1 Jun 1768 Lunenburg Co. VA, DB 12, p. 297:John Farriss' Spring Branch boundary in deed of John Calrton of Brunswick Co. to Sunders (Sanders?) Ray of Lunenburg, about 70 acres on Crooked Run Creek. Rec. 10 Jun 1773.

9 Aug 1771 Pittsylvania Co. VA, DB 2, p. 327: Hugh Innes to John Farris, for L10, 200 acres, being part of a patent to Hugh Innes 15 Feb. 1771.

15 Jul 1772 Halifax Co. VA, DB 8, p. 410: John East of Pittsylvania to John Farris of Halifax, 25 pounds, on branches of Brush Cr., about 100 acres, bounded by John Farris, James Farris Jr., including the plantation where William Broughill now lives. Signed: John East. Wit: Thomas (X his mark) Farris, James Faris, James (I his mark) Farris Sr. Rec. 16 Jul 1772.

1773 Sold to William East 100A. on Brush Creek, Halifax Co. VA

13 Jul 1773 Halifax Co. VA, DB 9, p. 97: John Farris of Halifax to Thomas Murdoch for James Murdoch of Pittsylvania Co., for 100 pounds which Farris owes Thomas Murdoch for James Murdoch & Co., + 5 shillings, one tract of land in Halifax on Brush Cr. containing about 200 acres, and adjoining the lands of James Farris Jr., Dudley Glass and William East being the plantation whereon said John Farris now lives. Also 1 sorrel horse branded I on the left buttock, 1 cow marked with 2 swallow forks and an underkeel in the right ear, 1 brindled cow with a star on his face, ___ calf & 1 heifer marked with 2 half crops, 30 hogs marked with 2 half crops, 2 feather beds and furniture, with the rest of my household and kitchen furniture and plantation utensils. To have and to hold, upon trust that Thos. Murdoch & Co., after 25 Dec. 1774, shall sell the land & effects, and from the money arising from the sale, discharge the debt with lawful interest from 13 Jul. 1773 and related expenses. The overplus, if any, goes to Farris.

Signed: John Farris. Wit: Don.d McNicoll. Rec. 15 Jul 1773.

14 Sep 1773 Halifax Co. VA, DB 9, p. 128: William East and Sarah, his wife, of Antrim Parish & Halifax To John Farris of Halifax, for 40 pounds, a certain tract of land of 100 acres in Halifax on the south branches of Brush Cr., including the plantation where said East formerly lived. The tract is bounded by the lines of Dudley East, William East, Jos. Lankford, and John Farris. Signed: William (M his mark) East. Wit: John (+ his mark) Weltch, Isiam Farris (Fariss), James Faris. Rec. 16 Sep. 1773.

2 Aug 1777 Pittsylvania Co. VA, DB 4, p. 399: Boundary in deed of James George of Pittsylvania Co. to Joshua Stone of Pittsylvania Co....one tract of land in Halifax Co. & Pittsylvania Co. on the branches of Allen's Cr...other boundaries Jno. Clever, Jno. Megriger...Rec. 28 Aug. 1777.

16 Oct 1777 Halifax Co. VA, DB 10, p. 329: William East of Henry Co, to William Wyatt of the Co of Prince William, for 100 pounds, one certain tract of land in Halifax on the branches of Brush Cr. joining the lines of Dudley Glass, John Farris, Joseph Lankford and James Farris, about 118 acres bounded by Jno. Farris. Signed: William (A his mark) East. Wit: Joshua Stone, Robert Weakly, John (x his mark) Welch. Rec. 16 Oct 1777.

17 Jan 1778 Halifax Co. VA, DB 11, p. 28: Martha (x her mark) Farris wit. deed of Joseph Moody of Halifax & Agnes, his wife, to Mozee Hurt of Bedford Co., 235 acres in Halifax on both sides of Terrible Cr. Rec. 21 May 1778 (don't know whether this is a reference to Martha Farris, wife of John, or not)

JOHN STAYS HOME IN VIRGINIA

It appears that John went to the KY frontier after his father, James Esom Farris, and some of his brothers. When his father and siblings departed in the fall of 1779 on the flatboat expedition to the Davidson settlement (present day Nashville) John was still in Virginia. The following legal transactions by John in Halifax Co, Virginia testify to this:

18 Nov 1779 Halifax Co. VA, DB 11, p. 397: Deed of Dudley Glass of Halifax to Benjamin Walrond of Halifax, 116 acres (being part of a greater tract which the said Glass bought of John (Farris) ...bounded by John Farris' old line...Rec. 18 Nov 1779.

1 Nov 1780 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 79: John Farris of Halifax, to Isaac Grant of Halifax, for 90 pounds, about 100 acres in Halifax on the branches of Brush Cr, adjoining the lines of the said John Farris, Wm. Williams, Wm. Wyatt, Ben Walrond and John Glass, including the plantation whereon said Grant now lives, and bounded by Saml. Ford now Williams. Signed: John Farris. Wit: James McCraw, Robert Montgomery, John Glass, Thomas East. Rec. 16 Nov. 1780.

15 Dec 1780 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 121: he & Isaac Grant were boundaries in deed of Joseph Lankford of Halifax to William Williams of Henry Co. Joshua Stone wit. Rec. 21 Jun. 1781.

1 Jan 1781 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 114: Wit. deed of Benjamin Lankford of Pittsylvania Co. VA to Thomas Kersey of Halifax. Rec. 21 Jun 1781.

1 Nov 1781 Halifax Co. VA, DB 12, p. 176: he & Joshua Stone boundaries in deed of Isam Faris with John Ramey to John Glass, 80 acres part in Halifax & part in Pittsylvania on east branch of Allen's Creek...Isaac Grant a witness. Rec. 21 Feb.1782.

MILITARY SERVICE IN 1782

In 1782 John served as a Private in Capt. John Boyle's Company of Militia, IL Regulars, at Falls of Ohio.

JOHN JOINS FATHER AND MOST BROTHERS IN LINCOLN Co, KY/VIRGINIA

It is not known where John was when he joined Capt. Boyle's Company in 1782. He probably had moved his family to the KY frontier before he joined the military forces. There are numerous records that show John's presence in Lincoln Co. The following involves his land transactions while he resided in Lincoln Co:

LAND DEALINGS WHILE IN CRAB ORCHID AREA OF LINCOLN Co

9 Jan 1783 VA land grant, 300A. on Logan's Creek, Lincoln Co. VA (Bk. 6, p. 194, Jilson)

11 Feb 1783 French & Indian War land grant 500A. Lincoln Co. VA

22 Jul 1783 Bought 50A. from John Francis' estate, Lincoln Co. VA

22 Jul 1783 VA land grant 100A. Dix River, Lincoln Co. VA (Bk. 10, p. 66, Jilson)

23 Mar 1785 Halifax Co. VA, DB 13, p. 178: John Farris of Co of Lincoln, to Joel Compton of Amelia Co., for L8, 8 acres on Brush Creek in Halifax Co. Signed: John Farris. Wit: John Wilch, Cabell Compton, Isaac Grant, John Wyatt. Rec. 19 May 1785.

23 Mar 1785 Halifax Co. VA, DB 14, p. 103: John Farris of Lincoln Co. to John Wealch of Halifax Co., for L50, specia, 100 acres on branch of Brush Creek, bordering John Stone, John Wyatt, Isaac Grant. Signed: John Farris. Wit: Rodham Parrott, John Wyatt, Coleb Compton, John Logan.

25 Mar 1785 Halifax Co. VA, DB 13, p. 174: Thomas Murdock to John Farris, for L100, 170 acres on draughts of Brush & Allens Creeks, being the land surveyed for Patrick Hamrick by order of Charles Farris & transferred by Hamrick to Murdock 19 Aug. 1773, bordering said Farris, James George. Signed: Thomas Murdock. Wit: James Stevens, Jno. Wattington.

10 Jul 1785 Land grant 100A. on Logan's Creek, Waters of Dix River, Lincoln Co. VA

1786 Deed to Edward Chapman 60A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. A, p. 200 & 280.

1786 Deed from Edward Chapman 60A Lincoln Co. KY Bk. A, p. 200.

1787 Sold 100A to John Wealch on Brush Creek, Halifax Co. VA

JOHN MOVES FROM CRAB ORCHID AREA TO NEAR LONDON, KY

Sometime before 1794 John moved his family from the Crab Orchid area to an area near London, KY. It is probable he did this to be near his children, as he was in the Tavern business with a son, Nimrod, on the Wilderness Road. The following involves his land transactions while he resided in the part of Lincoln Co that would be later known as Laurel Co:

1796 Sold to James Logan 140A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. C, p. 184.

1796 Sold to Samuel Dunn 10A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. C, p. 196.

1797 Sold to Hugh Shannon 70A. Lincoln Co. KY

13 Feb 1797 KY Court of Appeals, received 1200A. on Cedar Creek, Lincoln Co. KY (Bk. B, p. 178) (Jilson)

1804 Sold to John Hiatt 12A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. E, p. 124.

1806 Sold to Jonah Wilson 105A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. E, p. 298.

1806 Bought from Eli & King 2 tracts, 8000A. Knox Co. KY (now Knox & Laurel Cos.) Deed filed in Lincoln Co. KY Bk. F, p. 72.

1807 Sold to Isham Farris 400A. for $20., Knox Co. KY (now Laurel Co.)

2 Jun 1808 Knox Co. KY (Bk. 7, p. 240): KY Land Grant South of the Green River, 265 acres,Cumberland River, Knox Co. KY.

1809 Deed to James Garman 105A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. F, p. 187.

1818 Deed to Hiatt & Susan Purnell 122 1/2A. Lincoln Co. KY Bk. I, p. 197

LEGAL PROBLEMS WHILE IN LINCOLN Co

John Esom Farris experienced a variety of legal actions, in addition to his land dealings:

May 1783 Fined for "retailing spiritous liquor without a license" at Humble's Race Paths, Lincoln Co. KY

Sep 1783 Court Case, William Stone against John Farris, Lincoln Co. VA

Sep 1783 Commonwealth against John Pharis, retailing spiritous liquor and maintaining tippling houses without a license Lincoln Co. VA

Jun 1784 John Faris against Hugh Ross upon an attachment Lincoln Co. VA

Jun 1784 John Faris appeals fine of Sep 1783 Lincoln Co. VA

Nov 1784 John Faris assessee of Samuel Farris against Bryant Savage Lincoln Co. VA

Nov 1784 John Faris against Henry Davis, Lincoln Co. VA

17 Apr 1787 Court Case Patrick Shields vs. John Faris and Abraham Lincoln (grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln) Lincoln Co. KY

TAX LISTS/CENSUS INFORMATION

1787 Tax list Lincoln Co. VA (KY) 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 3 horses, 9 cattle. Listed amongst Nathan, Isaac, James Jr., Isam & James Sr.

14 Nov 1788 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 2 horses. Listed amongst Isum, James Sr. & Isaac.

16 Jun 1789 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 3 horses. Listed with James.

18 May 1790 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 4 horses.

14 Apr 1791 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 2wm 16-21, 6 horses. Listed amongst Mary & Jerusha.

4 Nov 1792 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 4 horses, 9 cattle, 130 acres. Listed following Jerusha.

10 Aug 1793 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 2wm 16-21, 6 horses, 15 cattle, 130 acres. Listed amongst Jerusha, Mary & Nimrod.

17 May 1794 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+. 4 horses, 15 cattle, 130 acres. Listed amongst Gilbert, Mary, Elisha, Johnston, Jerusha, Edward, James Sr., James, & Nimrod. Both Johns & Nimrod paid on 17 May.

29 May 1795 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 7 horses, 30 cattle, 130 acres. Listed with Jerusha.

18 Jun 1796 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 4 horses, 20 cattle, 130 acres on Logans Creek, entered Thos. Hutchings. Listed amongst Isham, Gilbert, James Sr., Johnson, James & James.

17 May 1797 Tax List Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 2 blacks, 2 horses, 800 acres Franklin Co., W. Elkhorn, entered Giddest Watson.

17 Jun 1799 Tax list Lincoln Co. KY 1wm 21+, 1wm 16-21, 2 horses, 1000 acres Laurel R. Listed amongst William & Nimrod.

1800 Tax list Knox Co. KY

1802 Tax List Knox Co. KY: John Sr. & John Jr.

1810 census of Knox Co, KY- John and his family are listed in the as follows: 1 male 45+ years of age; 2 males 16-26 years of age; a female 45+ years of age; 1 female 16-26 years of age; and 1 female -10 years of age.

Comments on 1810 census:

Note: Since William and Nimrod were married and have been shown as operating taverns with John in 1798 and 1803, these would be older brothers in family. Both John Isham Farris and Paul Farris are listed elsewhere in 1810 census. Lewis married Rebecca Robertson in 1796, therefore one of the males listed above is probably James, who did not marry until 1812. The other male is probably John Holman, husband of Mary (Polly) Farris and their infant daughter, Vivian).

1820 Census Knox Co. KY (Laurel Creek) (000001-00001)

MISCELLANEOUS EVENTS

Nov 1784 John Faris received 100 shillings from Court for payment for a wolf scalp

3 Oct 1786 With brothers James and Isham, helped bury the dead at McNitt's Defeat, Lincoln Co. VA (Laurel Co. KY)

13 Aug 1787 Cosigner for Johnson Farris and Jenny Lankford marriage bond Lincoln Co. VA

Jul 1797 Administered estate of John Robinson, Lincoln Co. KY

12 Dec 1797 Thomas Langford spent night (at John Farrises Tavern/Inn), next day murdered by "Terrible Harpes"

1798 John, son William and William's wife, Jane, ran a Tavern north of the Little Rockcastle.

14 Aug 1798 John, James, and William Farris fined for assault on William Chapman. Fine later returned. Lincoln Co. KY

Oct 1798 Appointed guardian of Sally Langford, Lincoln Co. KY

Oct 1799 Road to be built from William Owsley's to John Farris' to Garrard Co. line.

1800 Knox Co. KY formed from Lincoln Co.

1800 Received 18 shillings for burying a corpse on Wilderness Road Lincoln Co. KY

1801 John served on the Grand Jury.

1803 John and son Nimrod ran a Tavern at "Thomas' old Stand", south of London, KY

1803 John Farris Sr. Inn visited by Methodist Bishop Francis Asbury. Knox Co. KY

ADDITIONAL MILITARY SERVICE IN 1794

1794 John, Nimrod & Lewis Faris in KY Militia, Modrel's Station, Lincoln Co. KY (now Laurel Co.)

JUSTICE OF PEACE

In October 1800 John Esom Farris was appointed Justice of the Peace in Knox Co, KY.

OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

From The Sentinel-Echo Newspaper, London, Ky Letter May 10, 1958

John Farris, often called Senior Farris, with his son William and his wife, Jane, operated a tavern at Little Rockcastle River on the Wilderness Wagon Road in 1798, within a year after the road was built. In 1803, with his son Nimrod, he was operating a tavern on the same road about three miles south of London (between Hazel Patch and London).

John Farris was one of the largest land owners in this section. In the years of 1807 and 1808 he recorded deeds for a total of 1,382 acres in the Laurel river section. In 1810 he recorded a deed for the 8,000 acre Brooks survey, which he had purchased at a tax sale in 1806; and other purchases and concessions were made later to clear the title. These were recorded in Barbourville.

He doubtless had purchased other lands recorded in Lincoln before Knox was made a Co, for I found recorded in Barbourville 1810 a deed from John Farris to John Jackson for 500 acres of the Thompson survey, on the waters of Rockcastle and Laurel rivers, which must have included much of present day London, which John Jackson and his son, Jarvis Jackson established in 1826.

Death: 1826 in Laurel Co., KY, USA

• Reference: WikiTree Genealogy - SmartCopy: Feb 28 2016, 14:24:30 UTC