| Notes |
- RESEARCH_NOTES:
1. See also sister Barbara's notes for speculation that William Pennington may have been Barbara's husband.
2. Censuses:
1800 US: Ashe County, North Carolina. The total population for Ashe County, North Carolina in 1800 was 2785, including slaves. The 1800 Ashe County Census was the first for the northwestern most county in the Tar Heel State. This county was formed in late 1799 and included all of Wilkes County west of the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountain. The 977 square miles that then composed Ashe County has been further divided, first in 1849 to form Watauga County, North Carolina and again 10 years later to form Alleghany County. This record includes families who may have been living in those areas at the time. The original census was in rough alphabetic order, and this does not facilitate the research of particular communities. I include all interrelated families of this time and place to better show relationships. A word of explanation on some of these families:
a. Mary and Barbara Burkett who married Peter and David Graybeal, had a father named Christian - unsure as to which is correct of the two.
b. Elizabeth Eller appears to be Elizabeth Dick, the wife of Peter Eller who had just died per his probate of 1799.The one daughter is probably Mary; unsure who the two boys are since there should be three: Jacob, Henry, and George. John Eller would be Elizabeth's eldest son and married to Susannah Kerns.
c. Henry Graybeal would have recently married Celia Henson and also the eldest son of [John] Peter and Christina [Wampler] Graybill who also appear to be in this same census. Note that Peter evidently had owned slaves at that time - the census does not say how many.
d. One of the William Hensons could be somehow related to William Henson who marries Nancy Graybill and to Celia Henson who marries Henry Graybeal.
e. The two Koons are probably brothers and are sons of Devault Koon judging from their ages. This would make them uncles to George Koons who eventually marries Mary Eller.
f. James Lewis, b. abt. 1790, marries Christena Graybill in 1807 - there may be a connection with these two James Lewis.
g. William Pennington marries Barbara (or Elizabeth) Eller and may be the younger of the two here listed.
h. Michael Stucker is a misspelling for Michael and Catherine Eller Stoker with their three oldest children: Polly, David, and Elizabeth.
Head of Family; Males 0-9, 10-16, 16-26, 26-45, 45+; Females - 0-9, 10-16, 16-26, 26-45, 45+:
Burkett, Christian; 1-2-0-1-0; 1-0-2-0-0
Burkett, Christian; 4-1-0-1-0; 1-0-1-0-0
Eller, Elizabeth; 1-0-1-0-0; 0-0-1-0-1
Eller, John; 3-0-0-1-0; 1-0-0-1-0
Graybeal, Henry; 0-0-1-0-0; 2-0-1-0-0
Graybeal, Peter; 2-1-1-0-1; 3-1-0-0-1
Henson, William; 0-1-1-0-0; 2-0-1-0-0
Henson, William; 3-0-0-0-1; 1-1-1-0-0
Koons, George; 0-0-1-0-1; 0-0-0-0-1
Koons, John; 0-0-1-0-1; 0-1-2-0-1
Lewis, James; 2-2-1-0-1; 4-1-0-0-1
Lewis, James, Jr.; 1-0-1-0-0; 1-0-1-0-0
Pennington, William; 0-1-0-1-0; 1-2-1-0-1
Pennington, William; 0-0-1-0-0; 0-0-1-0-0
Stucker, Michael; 1-0-0-1-0; 2-0-0-1-0
3. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 29-30:
"Elizabeth Eller. That there was a daughter Elizabeth is proved by the record of sale of the personal estate of Peter Eller as reported to the Nov. 1799 court of Wilkes Co. wherein 'Elizabeth Eller Jr.' is named as the purchaser of such items as two beds and furniture, spinning wheel, smoothing iron, two chairs, bell, bridle, wooden water can and two pigins (water dippers). (Will Book I, pp. 540-41, Wilkes Co., NC.) The fact that she was called 'Elizabeth Eller Jr.' indicates that she was not married and the character of her purchases suggest that she was preparing to be. Certain deeds in Ashe Co., NC (Book M, p. 163 and Book F, pp. 83 and 414) prove that one daughter of Peter Eller married William Pennington and the belief has been that it was Elizabeth, and the same Elizabeth Pennington who witnessed the deed referred to under Peter Eller Jr. [Insert from author's notes on her brother Peter Eller Jr.: 'On 2 Jul 1812 Peter Eller and William Pennington 'administrators of the estate of William Pennington deceased' sold land of the estate that was granted to William Pennington on the north side of a fork of New River 15 Dec 1798. The deed was signed by Peter Eller and William Penington and witnessed by Elizabeth Pennington. {Deed Book C, p. 457, Ashe Co., NC.} Elizabeth Pennington, the witness, could have been the wife of William Pennington, the administrator, and a sister of Peter Eller Jr. or she could have been the widow or daughter of the deceased.] The fact, however, that Michael Stoker, son of Peter Eller's daughter Catherine, had himself baptized for his 'deceased aunt, Barbara Pertune', [see notes for Barbara Eller for more detail] casts some doubt on this, the name Pertune possibly having been meant for Pennington. Of course, Barbara Pertune could have been an aunt on his father's side. If, however, it was true that Barbara Eller was the wife of William Pennington then the question arises who did Elizabeth Eller marry? This writer would guess that it was a Bumgardner and that Simeon Bumgardner, b. 8 Jan 1807 and recorded in the German Bible published at Halle, Germany in 1770, and mentioned [see notes below], was their son. Michael and Leonard Bumgardner purchased several items of the Peter Eller estate in 1799. (Will Book 1, pp. 540-41, Wilkes Co., NC.) A James Bumgard (sic) (wife Hannah) was granted land on New River that bordered land of Peter Eller, 22 Aug 1795 and other land near by was granted to Michael Bumgarner (sic) 23 Jul 1794. A James Bunyard (sic) is shown in the 1810 census of Ashe Co. as being between 16-26 years of age with wife of same age and with a son and daughter both under 10. A James Beal Bunyard (sic) died in Ashe Co. in 1817. His will, dated 14 Aug 1817 mentioned wife Hannah and Children, (1) Samuel; (2) Nancy; (3) Betsey and also mentioned 'my boys' but named only Samuel."
4. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 69-87, in speaking of John Eller, brother to Elizabeth:
"A precious momento of the John Eller household is the family bible in which is recorded the birth dates of all but the youngest child Mary of his family. It also records the birth of Simeon Bumgarner on 8 Jan 1808. It was printed in the German language at Halle, Germany in 1770. It may be the same Bible that George Michael Eller, John's grandfather, willed to his son Jacob because on page 17 is written the words 'Jacob Eller his Bible.' There is also written on page 15 of the Vorrede, or preface, the words 'The holey Bible of Peter Eller.' (See George Michael Eller's Will.) Of course these bits of writing, all in English, could have been placed there by later members of the family. The Bible is now owned by Mr. Wade Eller of Warrensville, Ashe County, NC, son of Jacob Eller (David, Jacob, Peter, George Michael). Regretfully it records nothing about John Eller or his wife. The Simeon Bumgardner whose birth on 8 Jan 1808 is recorded in the old Bible very probably was a son of a sister of John Eller who had married, probably, James Bumgarner. Proof of this however has not been definitely established."
5. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 17-31, clarifies early North Carolina counties and land grant practices:
"Land grants in North Carolina originated with an entry application which was filed in the county where the land was situated and if not lost are now on file there. This was followed, sometimes soon and sometimes years later by an order from the land office for the tract to be surveyed. Sometimes soon and sometimes years later the survey was made and a surveyor's plat filed with the Secretary of State in Raleigh. Then came the grant which may have been issued reasonably near the date of the survey or sometimes several years later. These grants, orders to survey and the survey itself are on file now in the Secretary of State's office at Raleigh...
Many counties were formed from what originally was Rowan County, namely Surry and Guilford in 1770, Burke and Wilkes in 1777, Randolph in 1779, Iridell in 1788, Stokes in 1789, Buncomb in 1791, Ashe in1799, Davidson in 1822, Yancey in 1833, Davie in 1836 and Yadkin in 1850. Some of these counties were grandchildren of Rowan County; for instance Wilkes was taken partly from Burke and partly from Surry, Randolph from Guilford, Buncomb and Yancy form Burke, Ashe from Wilkes and Stokes and Yadkin from Surry. These facts must be kept in mind when tracing early Rowan County families."
6. The book "The Howard Leytham Stoker Von Dollen Family Histories," FHL 929.273 H833a, by Doris Lewis, 2017 So. 80th Ave., Omaha, Nebraska, 68124, p. 89: "Peter was the first son of George Michael Eller. Because there were a number of years between Peter's birth and the others, the question arises if he might not be a child of a first marriage. He grew up in North Carolina and married Elizabeth Dick in 1766. His land grant was close to other Ellers, beginning at the spruce pine on the Upper Ford on Rones Creek. In 1797 he bought the 70 acres which had been granted to his father-in-law, Conrad Dick. This land had been surveyed and chain carriers were listed as Michael Stoker and John Eller, neighbors. Peter had 470 acres at his death... There oldest daughter, Catherine, married Michael Stoker and their youngest daughter, Mary, married George Koons and their great granddaughter, Betty Oman married Orson Hyde Stoker. Children:
a. John, b. 1767 or 1769; d. 1823; m. Susanna Kerns.
b. Catherine, b. 6 Mar 1773 at Rowan Co., NC; d. 1850 at Council Bluffs, Iowa; m. Michael Stoker.
c. Elizabeth, b. 1780; m. William Pennington.
d. Barbara, b. 1782; m. Pertune.
e. Mary, b. 1783, NC; d. 1872; m. George Koons (a Quaker who was disowned for marrying Mary, who was a Dunkard). She was 18 and he 19.
f. Jacob, b. 1784; d. 1855; m. Catherine White.
g. Henry, b. 1788; d. 1876; m. Elizabeth Johnson.
h. George."
7. FHL book 929.273 P684pn: "Graybill/Stoker/Eller/Smith/Koons/Pitt Connections," by Norman E. 'Gene' Pitt, 1996, pp. 119-123: "Elizabeth Eller, b. 1780; md. possibly to William Pennington or to ___ Bumgardner."
8. FHL Book 929.273EL54h "George Michael Eller and Descendants of His in America," compiled by James W. Hook, 1957, also on FHL film 896571, item 2, pp. 17-31, in speaking about Peter Eller Sr.'s [b. abt. 1746, d. 1799] estate settlement, the following quotes refer to family members involved with the settlement. Note that sons-in-law William Pennington (wife Barbara or Elizabeth Eller?) and George Koons (Mary's husband) do not show up at the estate sale of 1799 but do show up from 1809 to 1817 when the inherited land of Peter Eller is sold. Of the younger sons, Henry and Jacob appear in the later land heirship land deeds, but they would have been only minors at the estate sale of 1799. George, the youngest son, never shows up which may be indicative of an early death. The older sons- John and Peter - and the eldest daughter - Catherine Eller Stoker thru her husband Michael - show up in both 1799 and the later land deeds. Elizabeth Eller Jr., the unmarried dau. shows up only in the 1799 purchaser list buying household items as if she were preparing for an imminent marriage (see her notes for more detail on her purchases). The open-ended question of who married Elizabeth and who married Barbara is not resolved by these documents except the assurance that William Pennington was definitely a husband of one of them. There is no Bumgardner listed in the later heirship deeds but there are two listed early in the estate purchasers - Michael and Leonard - but if Elizabeth really married a Bumgardner and had a son Simeon in 1807, why is there no listing of a Bumgardner on the heirship deeds. The various quotes are as follows:
"Peter Eller died before 29 July 1799 as evidenced by an entry in an old court record book found by this writer in the courthouse at Wilkesboro, Wilkes Co., NC in October 1954. It reads as follows: 'Betsey Eller and John Eller having made application for Administration on the estate of Peter Eller gave Bowers and John Koons for security who were bound in the sum of 800 pounds and qualified as the law directs.'
Betsey Eller doubtless was Peter's widow and John his eldest son. The time was 1799 when Ashe County was being set off from Wilkes and the year just preceding the one in which the first federal census of Ashe Co. was taken...
Three deeds in the courthouse at Jefferson, Ashe Co., NC record settlement actions on the property of Peter Eller deceased. In brief they are:
1. Deed Book M, p. 163, dated 7 July 1809 shows Peter Eller, Jacob Eller, George Koontz and William Pennington of the county of Ashe in the state of NC, heirs of Peter Eller, deceased, selling to Leonard Fantz 200 acres of land in Ashe Co. the same apparently being the tract Andrew Baker had deeded to Peter Eller 3 Aug 1789. The deed was signed by all the said heirs except William Pennington. Why Pennington did not sign is not clear.
2. Deed Book F, p. 414, dated 17 Sep 1816, shows John Eller, Peter Eller, Jacob Eller, Henry Eller, Michael Stocker (Stoker), George Koontz and William Pennington all of the County of Ashe in the State of NC, heirs of Peter Eller deceased, selling Luke White Sr. 122 acres of land located on the south fork of New River at the mouth of Rones Creek etc. This deed was signed by all the said heirs named as party of the first part in the deed except George Koontz. Why George Koontz did not sign is not clear.
3. Deed Book F, p. 83, dated 11 Feb 1817 shows John Eller, J.A. (Jacob) Eller, Henry Eller, Michael Stocker (Stoker), George Koontz and William Pennington all of the county of Ashe in the state of N.C., heirs of Peter Eller, deceased, selling to Frederick Black, 25 acres of land on the south fork of New River the land being that warranted to Peter Eller, 3 May 1793 and granted to him 27 Dec 1797. All of these heirs signed the deed.
This writer believes that other heirship deeds exist probably of earlier dates and, if found, would show a Bumgardner heir. The above three deeds distributed only 347 acres of Peter Eller's estate when it appears that it consisted at his death of at least 470 acres. The Bumgardner connection is suggested in an ancient family Bible in which the birth dates of seven children of John Eller, eldest son of Peter and Elizabeth (Dick) Eller was recorded. Another birth entry in this old Bible is that of Simeon Bumgardner, born 8 Jan 1807. This child probably was a son of a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Dick) Eller who had marred a Bumgardner, probably James Bumgardner.
The old Bible was printed in the German language at Halle, Germany in 1770 and is now in the possession of Mr. Wade E. Eller of Warrensville, Ashe Co., NC. It may be the Bible which George Michael Eller willed to his son Jacob because on page 17 is written 'Jacob Eller his Bible.' On page 15 of the vorrede or preface is also written 'The Holy Bible Peter Eller.' The only information of genealogical value in the Bible are the dates of birth of all but the youngest child, Mary, of John and Susannah (Kerns) Eller… and of Simeon Bumgarner above mentioned.
The personal estate of Peter Eller was sold and an accounting reported to the Nov. 1799 court of Wilkes Co., NC by John Eller, Adr. The property, 111 individual sales, consisted of household utensils and furniture, farm yard tools and accessories, including one tomahawk, ten sheep, fifteen head of cattle, among which were a yoke of yearlings and one yearling bull, hogs, geese, bee hives, etc. The widow took a good deal of the furniture and household accessories including interestingly enough a trumpet which indicates that the early Ellers possessed musical interest. Other items taken by her were one lot of books, a chest, five head of hogs, four cows, one mare colt, two sheep, oven, hammer and anvil, and a pair of saddle bags. Other purchasers were John Eller, Peter Eller, Elizabeth Eller Jr., Michael Stucker (Stoker), Michael Bumgardner, Leonard Bumgardner, John Dick, Leonard Pfouts, Jacob Huntsinger, Daniel Dickson, James Dickson, James Cash, William Cash, Henry Michael Sr., Henry Michael Jr., Daniel Michael, Thomas Baker, Alexander Smith who purchased the tomahawk and some of the farm animals and other items, David Smith, Frederick Younce, Christian Shear, Abraham Shear, Coonrod Coldiron, David Ingram, Balsar Raime, Conrat Grub, William Colward, George Miller, John Calloway, Allen Nowlin, John Holman and John Tirey. The amount of the sale, including the items taken by the widow totaled 300 pounds, 18 shillings, 7 pence. (Will Book 1, pp. 540-41, Wilkes Co., NC.)"
9. As of 1 Jun 2007, some sites at Worldconnect and some entries on the online Ordinance Index are showing Elizabeth b. Oct 1776 in Wilkes Co., North Carolina and d. 7 Dec 1844 at Sweetwater, Monroe, Tennessee. William Pennington, Jr., is shown b. 13 Dec 1777 in Ashe Co., North Carolina and d. 22 Apr 1838 at Sweetwater, Monroe, Tennessee. Marriage 1800 in Monroe Co., Tennessee. No documentation is given.
10. 1 Jun 2006 Http://penningtonresearch.org/resources/articles/Pages%2035-37-PP1102.pdf:
A. At least two children are definitely known of William Pennington Sr. They are:
a. William Pennington Jr. Information taken from the "History of Sweetwater Valley," by W.B. Lenoir of Sweetwater, TN, state that William Pennington, Jr. was born Dec. 13, 1777 in Ashe Co., N.C. and died April 22, 1838 in Sweetwater Valley. His wife was Elizabeth Eller, born in N.C. Oct. 1776, died Dec. 7, 1844. She was the daughter of Peter Eller (see book "George Michael Eller an descendants of His America," by James Hook). William Pennington, Jr. moved to Sweetwater Valley and settled on the Jesse Martin (Presley Cleveland) place. He sold his interest there to Presley Cleveland. William and Elizabeth had one son: John Pennington, born in Ashe Co./, N.C. Oct. 27, 1801 m. Alpha Davis of Somerset, KY. [John and Alpha's children and grandchildren are then listed in detail.]
b. Mary Anne Pennington dau. of William Sr., born in 1782, m. Peter Eller Jr., son of Peter, Sr., and a bro. of Elizabeth who m. Mary Anne's brother William (see book "George Michael Eller an descendants of His America," by James Hook, for their children).
B. From deed records it appears that William Pennington Sr. lived in the Heldon community of Ashe Co., on the waters of Big Helton Creek, Martin's Branch, near the Virginia line. These deed records also indicate that among his neighbors was a man named Lewis, a man named Smith, a man named Couch, and Levi and Ephraim Pennington. The last two named could have been his sons, brothers, uncles, or father. In 1818 an Aaron Pennington was living on Strunk's Branch in the Helton area. This Aaron might have been another son of William Sr.'s (or he could just have easily been the son of Levi or Ephraim living near William). It might be added that this exact area (Big Helton Creek, near the Virginia line) is where Mae Pennington's ancestor Stephen Pennington lived and I think it is possible that Stephen could have been a grandson of William Sr. (Ephraim or Levi in this vicinity also possibilities. Mae herself states that Stephen's father was Samuel Pennington, who may have been a son of William Sr., Levi, Ephraim or Aaron, all living in the Helton area in the early 19th century.) I feel certain that William Sr. had children other than William Jr. and Mary Ann Eller, although no others have been identified at this time."
11. 1 Jun 2007 http://www.penningtonresearch.org/resources/queries/2001%20Queries/June-Dec2001repliestoqueries.htm:
"Query: William Pennington, b. 1740-50 NJ, d. 1812 Ashe Co., NC. Disclaimer: The Pennington Research Association is not responsible for information released in this publication. This information has been supplied by Pennington Research Association members which is the latest and best Pennington family information available to date. Family Group Record Husband: William Pennington; Birth: bet 1741-1744; Death: bef 2 Jul 1812 Ashe Co., NC; Father: Benajah Pennington (b 1 Jan 1724/25); Mother: Elizabeth Humphries. William Pennington. General: The estate of William was administered by William Pennington Jr, and son-in-law Peter Eller on 07-02-1812 in Ashe Co., NC. From deed records it appears that William Pennington Sr. lived in the Helton community of Ashe Co., on the waters of Big Helton Creek, Martins Branch, near the Virginia line. These deed records also indicate that among his neighbors was a man named Lewis, a man named Smith, a man named Couch, and Levi and Ephriam Pennington. The last two named could have been his sons, brothers, uncles, or father. PP11-2, pg. 37. Wife: Joannah \\; Birth: bet 1738-1748; other spouse: \\ Humphries Children 1. F Elizabeth Pennington; Birth: bet 1760-1765. 2. F Joannah Pennington; Birth: 25 Sep 1765 Wilkes Co., NC; Death: 2 Mar 1821; Spouse: Edmund Little Sr. (m abt 1783); Spouse: John Spencer (m aft 1788) . 3. M William Pennington Jr.; Birth: 13 Dec 1777 Ashe Co., NC; Death: 12 Apr 1838 Sweetwater Valley, TN; Spouse: Elizabeth Eller. General: The family of William Pennington was taken from the book "History of Sweetwater Valley" by W.B. Lenoir of Sweetwater, TN. PP11-2, pg. 36 & 37. 4. F Mary Anne Pennington; Birth: abt 1782; Spouse: Peter Eller Jr. Sources: Prepared 18 Sep 2001 by: Pennington Research Association, 837 Estancia Way, San Rafael, CA 94903, Copyright 2000-2001 - All Rights Reserved, 415-479-1491."
12. Ancestry.com's Tennessee Records Cleveland Family Cemetery:
William Pennington, Dec. 13, 1777 - April 22, 1838.
Elizabeth Eller Pennington, wife of Wm. Pennington, Oct. 1776-Dec. 7, 1844.
John Pennington, son of William Pennington, Oct. 27, 1801.
W.J. Pennington, July 10, 1827-Oct. 27, 1854.
William Blount.
Mary Blount.
James White.
Mary Lawson White.
Hugh Lawson White.
Elizabeth Carrick White.
13. FHL book 929.273 D55h "History of Peter and Christina Shutt Dick Family; Frederick Co. Maryland; Wilkes Co. North Carolina; Muhlenberg Co. Kentucky; Sangamon Co. Illinois; Cass Co. Illinois," compiled by Muriel M. Hoffman; Anchor, Illinois; 1970; Chapter II "Ancestry of Peter Dick":
"Elizabeth Dick, daughter of Conrad and Catherine Dick married Peter Eller, son of George Michael Eller, who moved to what is now Ashe County, N. Car. from Frederick County, Md. Their land adjoined that of her father and presumed brother, John. They had at least 8 children:
1. John Eller, b. abt 1767 d. 1823, m. 5 Nov. 1792 Susannah Kerns, who died 10 April 1853 age 87 years.
2. Catherine Eller b. Rowan Co. 6 Mar. 1773 d. aft 1850 m. 1791/2 to Michael Stoker b. Frederick Co. Md. 24 Mar. 1762, d. aft. 1836.
3. Peter Eller b. 1777/8 d. Wilkes Co. 1851; m. Mary Pennington, prob. dau of William whose estate he helped to administer on 2 July, 1812 with a William Jr.
4. Elizabeth Eller probably m. William Pennington
5. Jacob Eller b.1784/88 d. 3 Nov. 1855 (census b.1784) m. abt. 1805 to Katherine White b.1789 d. Jan. 3, 1854
6. Mary Eller b. 1784/88 d. 1872 age 84; m. George Koons (Koontz) b. 1785/6 d. 26 Mar. 1848 age 63 years.
7. Henry Eller b.1786/88 d. Ashe Co. abt 1876 m. 1814 Elizabeth Johnson.
8. George Eller b. aft 1790 d. before 1841."
MARRIAGE:
1. Elizabeth Eller was not married at the time of her father's estate sale in the November term of 1799, William Pennington was the head of a household with a female the right age to be his wife in the 1800 census 7 August 1800.
2. As of Feb 2019, Family Search has a photo for the tombstone of Elizabeth Pennington with birth and death dates. Even though it does not explicitly say so, this Elizabeth is currently considered to be Elizabeth Eller. More importantly, it seems to eliminate the conjecture that Elizabeth's sister Barbara was the one who married William Pennington.
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Chris & Julie Petersen's Genealogy
1776 - 1844 (~ 68 years)