Thomas Yates

Married to Rebecca Ragsdale by Rev. Hugh McAden, Presbyterian Minister Rebecca Ragsdale & Thomas Yates

Evelyn Yates Carpenter has written two books dealing with this family: Thomas Kilgore, Sr. 1712-1822, and his Proven Descendants to 1991 (Nashville, TN: Lithographics, Inc, 1991) and John Yates (1712-1779) and his Descendants to 1989 (Clarksville, TN: Jostens Printing, 1989). When I obtained a copy of the first book in 1994, Evelyn's address was P.O. Box 1356, Bowling Green, KY.

1752: Thomas Yates was born in Bedford County, VA, the son of John Yates and Elizabeth Kilgore. Whose daughter was Elizabeth? 1 Nov 1758: Rebecca Ragsdale was born in Virginia. Oct 1776: Enlisting as a Private in Hillsborough District, Orange County, NC, Thomas was promoted to Ensign during the war. He was granted a pension in his old age; and after 1836, Rebecca drew a widow's pension. 22 Dec 1776: Rebecca and Thomas were married in Orange County, NC by Rev. Hugh McAden, Presbyterian minister. 1777: Thomas took the oath of allegiance to the revolutionary cause in Caswell County. 13 Aug 1778: He purchased 250 acres on the north side of Country Line Creek and Hico Creek in Caswell County, which had been formed from Orange County the previous year. There are two Hyco Creeks, one in Rockingham and one in Caswell. c. 1792: Thomas and Rebecca moved to Robertson County, TN, where younger brother James Yates had settled as early as 1784. James married Lydia Kilgore, daughter of Thomas and Lydia Kilgore, in Robertson on 21 Jul 1784. Thomas and Rebecca settled near Cross Plains. The Kilgores, Ragsdales, and Yates lived close to each other in Caswell County. Thomas Kilgore, a long hunter, was the first to enter the area that would become Davidson and Robertson Counties, TN. Oct 1796: He served as a petit juror in the first county court held in Robertson County. 8 Jan 1818: William Ragsdale deeded 165 1/2 acres to Rebecca and Thomas. 1820 Census, Springfield, Robertson County, TN: Thomas Yates was enumerated with 1 male over 45; 1 female over 45; 4 slaves.[1] 1830 Census, Robertson County, TN: Thomas Yates had a household consisting of 3 males 5-10, 2 10-15, 1 20-30, 1 30-40, 1 70-80; 1 female 10-15, 1 40-50, 1 80-90; 6 slaves.[2] They were listed next to [son] Lewis Yates and close to [sons] John, William, and Charles Yates. 10 Oct 1833: He deeded 116 acres to the children of deceased son Lewis Yates. 15 Mar 1834: Thomas died in Robertson County. After his death Rebecca lived with [daughter and son-in-law] Henrietta and Wesley Crabtree, who were probably already residing in the Yates home in 1830. Nov 1844: Rebecca died in Robertson County. Both she and Thomas are believed to have been buried in Randolph Cemetery, which is located on land once owned by the Yates.

Children of Rebecca Ragsdale and Thomas Yates:

Eleanor "Nellie" Yates (c. 1777 - c. 1842; m. Richard Freeman 10 Apr 1794) Sarah Yates (c. 1779 - ; m. John Leaper c. 1797) Nancy Yates (c. 1781 - c. 1875; m. Theophilus Morgan) William Yates (c. 1785 - 13 Oct 1848; m. 1st Patience Wyatt, m. 2nd Mary "Polly" Isbell* 13 Sep 1806) John Charles Yates (c. 1786 - 1878; m. Agnes Isbell* 1819) James Yates (20 Mar 1787 - 6 Aug 1861; m. Elizabeth Ragsdale c. 1815) Rebecca Yates (c. 1792 - 1 Aug 1866; m. Thomas Daniel Isbell* c. 1815) 18 Sep 1850 Census, Newton County, MO (Van Buren Township): Farmer Thomas D. Isbell, born VA, with property valued at $1,500; Rebecca 58, born TN; farmer William 20, born TN. Henrietta Yates (c. 1795 - 31 Oct 1852; m. Wesley Crabtree c. 1814) Lewis Yates (29 May 1796 - 29 May 1868; m. Dorothy Adams 6 Dec 1818) Thomas Yates (21 Mar 1798 - 12 Dec 1855; m. Avis Totelo Griffin c. 1819)

• Mary, Agnes, and Thomas Isbell were the children of George and Mary Isbell. Their mother Mary Daniel Isbell married Rebecca's father William Ragsdale on 4 Feb 1812.

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GEDCOM Note

Revolutionary War DAR Patriot #A129451.