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Descendants of Robert Dukes - June 24, 2003




Generation No. 1


1. ROBERT S.2 DUKES (..1) was born Bet. 1765 - 1776 in b. NC; middle name probably "Sherard", and died 1814 in Abingdon, Washington Co, VA. He married HENRIETTA DICKINSON 26 Sep 1797 in Abingdon, Washington Co, VA1, daughter of ARCHELOUS DICKINSON and PRUDENCE ROWLETT. She was born Bet. 1765 - 1784 in (or Henryetta), and died Aft. 1830 in Abingdon, Washington Co, VA.

Notes for ROBERT S. DUKES:
Note that the initial and middle name "S" and "Sherard" are not really proven.

From Henrietta Mercer Knight, an undated history and various letters written from Jal, New Mexico in 1924:

"My Mother's Father Robert Duke had an older brother named Sherwood Duke."

Undated (#2) family history by Henrietta Knight, exerpts: " My Mother's Father Robert Duke had an older brother named Sherwood Duke. Their Father came from England. The man that came with him received his letters and attended to all his business for him. Called him Duke and neither one ever gave any other name for him. Ma never saw her Grand father Duke. her Father died when she was four years old. that was in 1814. the man's name who came from England with the Duke was Joseph C. ('Catesby' is written in below the middle initial) Kennedy. After Grandma Henrietta D. Duke married the second time Mr John Neal Nelson, Mr Joseph C. Kennedy wanted to send my mama Henrietta D. Mercer to England to have her educated, but her mama objected. You ask where seven mile Ford was it was seven miles from Abington at the crossing of New River in Washington Co. Virginia. I do not remember Great Grand Pa Col Dickison's name. I think his sons who was with him in Washingtons Army was Robert. he had a brother Henry Dickison who Ma often spoke of as 'Uncle Henry', her relatives all lived in Virginia and Pa's in Tennesee."

"Uncle Sherod's father married Henrietta Dickison daughter of Colonel Dickison who with his son Robert joined Washington's army and fought the British during the Revolution until the Colonies were victorious. "

"Robert Sherwood and his wife (Henrietta Dickison) had two sons and two girls, James the eldest and Robert Sherwood Dukes who married Miss Eliza Henderson [Henderson was crossed out] Hall, a daughter of a Presbyterian Elder of Washington Co. East Tennessee. "

"Your grandmother's grandfather had records of his family but all were lost either in the Revolution or in the war between the States. All that I have written of your Grandmother's and my family is as correct as can be given without dates and those are lost."

======

Washington County VA.

Dukes, Robert
      23 May 1797
      Purchases a portion of lot 3 in Abingdon.
Dukes, Robert
      26 Sep 1797
      marriage to Henriatta Dickenson
      (probable daughter of Archelaus Dickenson, perhaps daughter of
      Archelaus' wife, Prudence Rowlett.)
Dukes Robert from Burkhart, Peter & wife 2/143
      13 Oct 1798
      For $80 buys part of lots 30 & 31 with appurtenances in Abingdon.
Dukes Robert & wife to King, William 2/255
      1 Dec 1799
      With wife Henrietta for $50 sell parts of lots 31 with appurtenances.
Dukes Robert to Deckhert, Michael 2/257
      1 Dec 1799
      With wife Henrietta for $50 sell 1 acre of lot 30 with appurtenances.
Dukes Robert from Walker, Francis, Executor 2/316
      11 Aug 1800
      Dr. Thomas Walker, deceased by executor Francis Walker, sell to
      Robert Dukes for five shillings about 69 acres & 137 perches, part of
      Wolf tract granted to Dr. Walker and sold during his lifetime to Samuel
      Evans, thence sold to William Beady, thence to James Dickenson,
      thence to Robert Dukes.
Dukes, Robert from Craig, Robert Jr. & wife A/476
      10 May 1803
      Buys for 50 pounds Lot 2 in area laid off by Robert Craig.
Dukes, Robert agreement with Dickenson, Archealuus A/508
Dukes, Robert to Schoolfield, Enoch B/25
      2 Nov 1804
      Robert Dukes & wife Henrietta sell for $6622.66 Lot 3 in Abingdon.
Dukes, Robert from Craig, Robert Jr. & wife B/60
      3 Jun 1805
      For $120 Craig sells Lot 93 adjoining Slaughter St, Valley Street, the
      line that was formerly Craig's land, and Chinquipin Alley.
Dukes, Robert to Hathorn, James B/81
      26 Nov 1805
      Robert & Henrietta Dukes sell for $1000 Lot 2 in Abingdon.
Dukes Robert from King, William 3/600
      5 May 1807
      For $120 buys land adjoining his existing land in Abingdon on Valley
      Street & Baker's Alley. Reference to land granted to Dukes by
      Commissioners of said town of Abingdon.
16 Sep 1808, Robert Dukes is present at a meeting of the Trustees of the Town
      of Abingdon. This service qualifies Dukes as a Daughters of the War \
      of 1812 patriot. The trustees determined that there should be two \
      market days in each week. (Washington County, VA Records)
Dukes Robert Dukes et al as Trustees of the Town of Abingdon and John Preston.
      6 Jan 1810 Deed
      Sell for $72 land in Abingdon Lot 14, beginning at the corner of lots 10
      & 15, thence with a line of the lot of 15 north 62 degrees west to the
      corner of lots no 15, 19, and 18, thence with a line of lot 18 south 27
      and 1/2 degrees west 55 poles to the corner of lots no 18, 17 and 13,
      thence with a line of lot 13 south 62 degrees east to the corner of lots
      13, 12 & 9 thence with a line of lot 9 north 27 and 1/2 degrees east 55
      poles to the beginning, with appurtenances. Vol. __ p. 145-146
      (Washington County, VA Records)
1810 Census, Washington Co, VA
      Dukes, Robert 691 Wsh VA 202
      2-1-0-1-0.....2-0-0-1-0....0-3
Dukes, Robert trust to Estill, Benjamin B/296
      19 Mar 1811
      Robert & Henrietta must sell land they now live on, bounded on the
      east by Butcher St., north by Valley St., west by an alley, and south by
      Chestnut Alley (a corner lot), with appurtenances unless they pay
      $320 plus costs to Harrison Trigg & Co. If they do not pay, then
      the land will be sold at public sale.
Dukes, Robert to Estill, Benjamin B/294
      5 Apr 1811
      Robert Dukes for $1000 sells Lot 2 in Abington, unless he pays $300
      to Henry L. Sheffey.
Dukes Robert trust to Campbell, Edward 4/502
      7 Sep 1811
      Dukes sells for $64 lands in Abingdon, also one negro man named
      Will and one negro woman named Ede, her child which she now has
      and her increase, also house and furnishings. If Dukes pays to David
      Campbell $65.40 with interest, which is due to him, then this trust is
      null and void. Otherwise a public sale will be held.
Dukes, Robert to Carson, Charles B/340
      8 Feb 1812
      For $333.34, Dukes and wife Henrietta sell to Charles S. Carson
      lots, part purchased from Robert Craig Jr. and part purchased from
      William King. This being the lot occupied by Mrs. Beckam.
Dukes, Robert to Dechart, Peter & William B/375
      26 Oct 1812
      Robert Dukes & wife Henrietta for $100 sell a parcel of land in
      Abingdon, 1/4 acre, lot 56.
Index, "A Guide to VA Militia Units in the War of 1812," Stuart Lee Butler.
      Cites Duke, Robert (Maj.) p. 124. Page 124 is for Lee County, but does
      not include a Robert Duke(s). (info from Ed Kutz) (Note that Ida Riggs
      also references this service as an "empty folder.")

Notes for HENRIETTA DICKINSON:
Henrietta Mercer Knight:

"My Pa Thomas Wallace Mercer married Henrietta Duke daughter of Robert Sherwood Duke and Henrietta Dickison, of Virginia. she was related to the Russells of Russell Co. Ma's Grandfather Dickison was an Officer in the revolution, he and his son and their slaves held Seven Mile Ford against the Indians ('British' was crossed out), for a while until help came. They went into Washington's army, left his wife and two daughters in the home. It was a stone house built to be defended from the Indians. It had a watch tower, with look-holes, and a stone wall surrounded the house and out house with an iron gate. A raiding party of British demanded admittance after they had heard Great-Grand Pa Dickison had gone to the army.

"Grand Ma had the negroe men armed put one in command down stairs Told them to shoot to kill, she went to a look-hole in the tower, with the best gun, and while the soldiers were trying to batter down the gate, she shot the Officer in command, the Negroe's shot also and made a fearful dinn, the British took their leader and left. afterwards her Father moved Grand Ma Aunt Nancy and their mother to Richmond." [ILCR]

A letter from Henrietta Knight to Elizabeth Austin, dated 23 Nov 1915, exerpts:

"I do not know what Granma [Henrietta Dickenson] Dukes fathers name was he had a son Robert and a brother Henry Dickison. All lived in Washington Co Va near Abington Seven mile Ford was seven miles from Abington at a public crossing of New River. The Ford was in Washington co I think." [ILCR]

Another undated family history by Henrietta Knight, exerpts:
You ask where seven mile Ford was it was seven miles from Abington at the crossing of New River in Washington Co. Virginia. I do not remember Great Grand Pa Col Dickison's name. I think his sons who was with him in Washingtons Army was Robert. he had a brother Henry Dickison who Ma often spoke of as 'Uncle Henry', her relatives all lived in Virginia and Pa's in Tennesee." [ILCR]

Grandma Dickison Duke's father was an English Officer who married a Welsh Baron's daughter. She and her brother when quite young the English took them as hostages to keep their father from leading the Welsh in Revolt against English rule in Wales. She never went home but married "Colonel Dickison" and came to the "Colonies". Her family name was Rowlett. All dates were destroyed during the Revolution and everything else the British could carry away or burn, even the negroes that did not hide were shipped to the West Indies and sold. Col. Dickison had a brother Henry who for a short time was provisional Gov. of Va. The English carried all of his able bodied negroes and sold them to the planters in the West Indies. All the Dickison family were strong supporters of the cause of Liberty and freedom from the British. . . . [small talk, then a p. s.]

Undated. (In reference to statement by Henrietta Mercer Knight in one of her letters.) "She said that their family married into a family that had a Col. -- General Russell of Castlewoods was a Capt. in 1774/5 and then Col -- I have checked his first generation and no Dickensons intermarried." [CWKjr. 25 Mar 1995 to Ed Kutz]

Ed Kutz note: James Dickenson m. Rosemond Russell Carter. We can't rule out the faint probability that Henrietta could be daughter of James?

A letter from Henrietta Knight to Elizabeth Austin, dated 23 Nov 1915, excerpts:

"..... I hope you will suceed in tracing our line [from?] Ireland, Scotland and Wales and England. My mothers Grandma [Prudence] Dickison was Welch. her Grandfather Dickison English on her mothers side....." [ILCR]

Prelimary report for Mrs. J. M. Richardson, 205 Herndon, Shreveport, LA from W. Mac Jones, Directory of Genealogical Bureau of Virginia at Richmond. May 1834:

"We employed Mr. L. P. Summers of Abingdon Va. the author of the "History of Southwest Virginis" to check up on the Abingdon records etc. and he assures me there was but one Henry Dickinson in the section at that time, and his Henry Dickinson was the father of Robert Dickinson, who in turn was the father of Henrietta Dickinson. I have taken the matter up with Dr. Jos. D. Eggleston, who is connected with the Dickinson family and probably knows more about the Prince Edward people that anyone Iknow of. Dr. Eggleston, who is President of Hampton Sydney College, is a genealogical and historical student of wide experience. He writes me that he had examined the Will Books of Prince Edward county, and sends me data which proves conclusively that Henry Dickinson of the South west did as stated in Washington county deed, come from Prince Edward county. Mr. Eggleston states also that he has seen a letter of Sid Higginbotham of Tazewell Va. written in 1933 in which he states that Henry Dickinson was his great great grandfather and was born in Prince Edward 1752 and southwest Va. In 1770 and later served as Russell's first clerk and that Dickinson county was named for his grandson William Jennings Dickinson. He says the tradition is that this Henry is the fourth of this line. But states that there is no proof. Mrs. A. C. Hamblin Valrico has gathered a large amount of data on the Dickinsons of S.W. Va. She says Henry Dickinson married Agnes Jennings born 1727 daughter of William Jennings, English Officer."

A copy of an undated newspaper article, "Southwest Corner by Goodridge Wilson; 'Dickensons of Russell Came Originally From Prince Edward' [exerpts]: "The Dickensons of Russell County, one of the oldest families in the Clinch Valley, came there originally from Prince Edward County. It is said that sometime in the first half of the seventeen hundreds an emigrant from England named Henry Dickenson came to Virginia, married a Miss Jennings, and made their home in Prince Edward. They raised a family in Prince Edward consisting of five sons and three daughters. The five boys were named Humphrey, Archelaus, Henry, William, and James. At least four of them moved to Southwest Virginia and made homes in what is now Russell County. In his old age their father also came to spend his last years with one of the boys, died and is buried in Russell.

"The three oldest brothers, Humphrey, Archelaus, and Henry, were among the group that made the Castle's Woods settlement, in a beautiful region of rich land named for an albino who lived in that part of Augusta County that is now Rockbridge. He had a way of wandering off alone into the vast forest, took up with Indians, claiming to own his land, acquired a title to it from them, and also acquired Indian wives with whom he lived while exercising sovereignity over the domain that he claimed as his own. Apparently he has died and his wives and children had moved away before permanent settlers came with firmer titles to the land.

"The three Dickenson brothers took up adjoining tracts of land north of the Clinch River, built log houses, and settled down to stay. Indians and rattlesnakes interferred with their plans. Humphrey's body was found lying on a rock in a ford of Clinch River. He had been shot, supposedly by an Indian. Archelaus built his house on the tableland north of the river. One day he found a rattlesnake in the bed with his baby. Apparently he managed to dispose of the snake without harm to his baby, but in the words of a present-day member of the Dickenson clan, 'he got disgusted and moved to Abingdon,' that is to the somewhat more civilized area where Abingdon was built later on. In the course of time Archelaus and his family moved back to their Clinch Valley land. Henry and his wife stuck it out in Castle's Woods somewhat longer but he too evenually moved to the Abingdon area.

"James, youngest of the five, came to Russell somewhat later than his three older brothers. He took up the land on the head reaches of Moccasin Creek, in the vicinity of the present dat Bolton. After he was firmly settled there his father, Henry I, the immigrant from England, came to live with him, and made his home with his youngest son until his death."

The rest of the article concerns Archelaus brother, Henry (II). [Historical Society of Washington Co. VA]

Ed note: Henry bought 800 a. He he gave 133 acres each to sons Archilaus, Henry (sold to John Clarke), & William, and sold 150 a. to John Maddox, leaving a 250 a. home place, sold later to Simeon Walters.

"The early Dickenson's - S.W. Va., had Red & Reddish Hair - Sandy Reddish. Mrs. [Vivian] Ball, Plus a few others told me this. My grandpa had sandy reddish hair. Several years ago, I met an old gentleman, a 1st cousin to my grandpa, who was the 'spittin' image of my grandpa. He too had this Sandy Reddish Color Hair. They were both tall & thin, like the Indian ancestry. Few of the Dickensons were tall." [and] "My Grandpa had those Blue eyes that are Not ever forgetable. None of his children had the color blue, but his grand children . . . " [Vivian Bales 29 Apr 1983 to Nevin]

Henry Dickenson (#131), s/o Thomas , b. ca. 1715, King William Co. (now Caroline Co. formed 1727-8), VA, (served in "Indian Militia" in 1754,) d. ca. 1792, Washington Co. (now Russell Co.), VA, m. (#43) ca. 1740, Louisa Co. (Hanover Co.?), VA, Agnes Jennings (#160), d/o William Jennings, emigrant, and Mary Jane Pulliam, b. 1725, Hanover Co., VA, d. 1785, Washington Co. (now Russell Co.), VA. Children: Mary "Mollie" (more; Humphrey (more); Archelaus (more); Henry Jr. (more); Elizabeth "Nancy" (more); Frances "Fanny" (more); William Jennings (#177) b. 1760, Louisa Co., VA, d. 1781, Prince Edward Co., VA; James (more). [Iva Riggs Genealogy]

"Of Henry's birth we have no record, but we know he was born in Caroline County, Virginia, apparently at a time when this section was still a part of King William County. He is reported to have had at least 7 siblings (History of Caroline County, T. E. Campbell, Dietz Press, Richmond, p.47)." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

After 1734./ Henry Dickenson inherited 466 acres on Elk Creek, Hanover Co. (later Louisa Co.), VA. [Dickenson/ Knisely]

"Henry Dickenson Sr. m. Agnes Jenning, 1740 Louisa Co., VA." [Settlers Lee Co.] [Iva Riggs]

"Louisa County was formed from Hanover in 1742. It would appear then, that the Jennings family lived near the Dickenson holdings in Louisa, which would explain how Henry met Agnes Jennings. Judging from such birth dates as we have of their children, they were probably married in the 1740's, about the time the area was changed from Hanover to Louisa." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

"All of (Henry and Agnes Dickenson's) children, with the possible exception of James, were born in Louisa County, Virginia, as will be shown. It is a mistake to say they were born in Prince Edward County. They were children of Henry Dickenson and Agnes Jennings.

"We have no marriage date for Henry Dickenson and Agnes Jennings. The Jennings family of Hanover and Nottoway Counties have kept records which state that Agnes was born in 1729 (Documented Notes on Jennings and Allied Families, 1961, Atlanta Public Library) -that she was born in 1727 (Records of Salt Lake City, said to be based on a pamphlet of Mary J. Hardester, great granddaughter of Wm. Jennings, father of Agnes. Her birth date varies in this record and that cited previously), in Hanover County, Virginia. Her father owned large acreages of land in several Virginia counties, and descendents have traced the family back to the 1500's in England." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

1754. Henry Dickenson served in the "Indian Militia". [Nevin]

17 Sep 1758. Henry Dickenson was paid 5 shillings for furnishing provisions to the militia. He was on the military roster.

"We can deduce that Henry sent some of his children to school in Louisa County. We find from the records that one Philip Cosby taught a private community school in the vicinity of Elk Creek. Philip died in 1763, and among those indebted to his estate were:
Henry Dickenson 1 pound 19s. 0d.
Griffith Dickenson 1 pound 19s. 0d.
for seven months and 16 days schooling.

("History of Louisa County", Malcolm H. Harris, Dietz Press, pp.223-4.) "This does not tell us which child was the pupil. But we can deduce that Henry, who later became Clerk, and who was 13 years old at the time of Philip Cosby's death, quite probably, at one time or another, was a student in this school. With the Dickenson farmstead and the school both on Elk Creek, the inference is strong." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

[Ed Note: Check File, the beginning of this part was accidently erased] . . . ., Va. James Googall, Teacher [?] Schools - 1744.

"1763 - Philip Cosby, shows that he taught a private community school - vicinity of Elk Creek.
Schooling.
Mr. Henry Dickenson 1-19-0
Mr. Griffith Dickenson 1-10-0

"The charge for schooling for a full year of about seven months was 16 shillings and 8 pence." [Vivian Bales 6 May 1983 to Nevin]

"We have no definite information on the religious affiliations of the family. For many years Dickensons were members of the Baptist Church known as Goldmine (on a creek by that name) in Louisa County. But their surviving records begin in 1770, and the family under discussion was by then, presumably, in Prince Edward County. We do have some reason to believe they were not Presbyterians.

Church records of Old Briary are available, and no Dickensons are listed (Old Briary Church, Prince Edward Co., Va. from a old copy compiled by James W. Douglas, Richmond, Dec. 1828. Reprint 1971 by Thomas Proctor Hughes, Jr., 4140 Chanwil Ave., Memphis, Tenn. 38117). The author knows of no early records in Washington County to indicate the church affiliations of the family." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

9 Sep 1765. Louisa Co. VA D.B. C-1/2 p.111. "Henry and Agnes (Dickenson) sold this land, together with 'the houses and appurtenances thereto belonging, the same is the land given and bequeathed by the last will and testement of Thomas Dickarson, late of the County of Caroline (dec'd) unto his son Henry, relation being had to the county court of Caroline, it will more fully appear.' This land (466 acres) was sold to Griffith Dickarson." [Dickenson/Knisely]

17 Nov 1766. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.294. Thos. Owens (or Owen) to Henry Dickenson 800 acres for 222 pounds current money. Extr. estate of Michael McDearmon-Roe, dec'd. (This proved on measurement to be only 799 acres and was divided and described into plats containing respectively [acreage] 133, 150, 133, 133, 250.) [Nevin]

"Why he wanted to leave and go to Prince Edward County is an unsolved puzzle. No land grant for Henry in Prince Edward County has been discovered. We do know that Henry served in what was called the 'Indian Militia' in 1754 ("History of Louisa County", Malcolm H. Harris, Deitz Press, Richmond, p.40).

On 17 September, 1758 Henry was paid 5 shillings for furnishing provisions for the militia, and was still on the military roster at that time (Hennings Statutes at Large, Vol. 7, p.222). This was the era of the French and Indian Wars, and lands were sometimes granted for military service. The government had no money to pay the militia, and in fact, many men refused to serve. The Indians were such a peril that men would not leave their families unprotected to join the militia (Malcolm Harris, op. cit.). The only recompense that could be offered militia men was land.

"A record of such a grant may exist, but the author has not found it. Land patents were being given by King George II of England in Prince Edward County in 1745 and 1763 (Ibid). But there is little reason to suppose that Dickensons would receive land from such a source. They were already an 'old family in the colonies', and not likely to come under the notice of the King of England." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

(This note from Irene irene@cityisp.net in October, 2000 may shed some light on the above:

Upon reading Margaret's "Descendants of Robert S. Dukes (August 2000)," I stopped cold at the section referring to 'land patents being given by King George II of England in 1745 and 1763.'

A little background: I've been helping Eric with his American History homework and showing him how to outline his chapters, and decided I would read his book too, since I've forgotten everything I learned, except how to say "George Washington crossed the Delaware."

It seems the letter writer wondered why Henry and Agnes Dickinson sold some land and bought more in another county. I don't have an old map showing where those old counties are, but I am guessing the Dickinsons are going back east in this move.

Here is what Eric's history book says about that era: "To prevent more fighting, the British government called a halt to the settlers' westward expansion. In the Proclamation of 1763, King George III of Great Britain declared that the Appalachian Mountains were the temporary western boundary for all the colonies. Governors were forbidden to grant land west of the Appalachians to settlers without the king's permission. The proclamation angered many people, especially those who owned shares in land companies, such as the Ohio Company of Virginia. These wealthy speculators from the East had already bought property west of the mountains. They were furious with Britain for ignoring their land claims. Although the end of the French and Indian war brought peace for the first time in many years, the Proclamation of 1763 created friction between Britain and the colonies. More conflicts would soon arise between the government in Britain and the colonists in North America."

No wonder Colonel Dickinson took up arms in the Revolution!

Thank you Margaret, and Carol too, for all your digging and sharing! --Best Wishes, Irene"

=====

The following is not about Henry Dickenson, Sr., but involves serveral of his children:

Exerpt from a thesis presented to the Faculty of the Department of History, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, by James W. Hagy, June 1966: Appendix A.

Dunmore's War Records pp.229-230: A list if persons who were paid as members of William Russell's Company, for the period during Dunmore's War. There are 72 entries. Of the Dickenson family, the following: Henry Dickenson; Humphrey Dickenson; Archelaus Dickenson; Henry Hamlin.

Washington Co. VA Record of Entry and Surveys Bk. 1 pp. 12-13. "By the end of 1774 many others arrived in the community including Matthias Mounts, John English, William Pitman, Daniel Hamlin, Henry Hamlin, William Russell, Edward Russell, William Robinson, Edmund Smith, Michael Stoner, Edward Stapleton, James Bush, Archelaus Dickenson, Henry Dickenson, Humphrey Dickenson, John Anderson, Thomas Osborne, Abraham McClelland and John Boles." [Mary Jane Knisely 23 Mar 1984 to Nevin]

18 Jul 1774. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.306. Henry Dickenson of Prince Edward co. to Wm. Dickenson for 5 pounds tract on west side Sandy River 133 acres, being 1/3 part of 400 acres granted Thos. Owen by patent, beginning at division corner of land of Archelaus Dickenson . . . to corner of Henry Dickerson, Junr., his division line etc. [Nevin]

Henry Dickenson to Archelaus Dickenson of Fincastle Co., VA for 70#, to William Dickenson, 133 Acres; to Archelaus Dickenson, 133 Acres. [Iva Riggs]

18 Jul 1774. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.310. Henry Dickenson of Prince Edward co. to John Maddox for 60 pounds tract on fork of Sandy River. 150 acres on Owen's line, Womack's line. (Nevin]

Henry Dickenson to John Maddox for 60#, tract on Fork of Sandy River, 133 Acres, bounded by Archelaus Dickenson.) [Iva Riggs]

18 Jul 1774. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.312. Henry Dickerson of Prince Edward co. to Archilaus Dickenson of county of Fincastle for 5 pounds for tract on West side of Sandy River. 133 acres being 1/3 part of 400 acres granted Thos. Owen by patent . . . along sd division line bounding on Wm. Dickerson. [Nevin]

21 Nov 1774. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.374. Wm. Dickison of Prince Edward co. Archilaus Dickenson of Fincastle co. for 70 pounds to Wm. Dickenson 133 acres the same conveyed by Henry Dickenson, Sr. to Archelaus Dickenson. [Nevin]

(Ed note: The two following transactions appear to be the same, except for date and page number.)

18 Jul 1774. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.310. Henry Dickenson to John Clarke for 60#, tract of land - 133 Acres on Sandy River, and it is the tract which Henry Dickenson intended for his son, Henry Jr. (It is not clear as to whether this Sandy River was in Virginia, or the so-called stream now in Kentucky) (signed) Henry Dickenson, Sr. [Iva Riggs Gen.]

26 May 1777. Prince Edward Co VA D.B. 5 p.490. Henry Dickerson, Senr.. of the co. of Prince Edward to Jno. Clarke of same county for 60 pounds for 133 acre tract on upper side of the south fork (N.) Sandy River, thence on the river against Henry Dickerson, Sr. plantation, and "is that tract which Henry Dickerson, Sr. intended for his son Henry" to have and to hold etc. (Signed: Henry Dickenson, Sr.) [Nevin]

28 Apr 1777. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 5 p.512. William Dickenson of Prince Edward co. to Richard Blanton for 100 pounds tract N. upper side Sandy River 100 acres next to Henry Dickenson, Sr.'s plantation. [Vivian Bales to Nevin]

14 Jan 1781. Prince Edward Co. VA W.B. 1 p.268. Will of Wm. Jennings Dickerson of Pr. Edward County: Leaves his father his land, to his mother Agnes Dickerson, two beds and a mare. Names his father Henry Dickerson, and Reed Smith of Amelia county as his Extrs. The witnesses to this will were Jas. Jennings, David Womack, James Dickerson. Will dated 14 Jany. 1781- No probate- (The name 'A. Dickerson' shown to have been Archelaus, as Administrator in sale of personal effects on 10 Feby. 1783.) May 6, 1782 to Oct. 29, 1784--Estate of Wm. Dickerson in Account with A. Dickerson (shown to have been Archelaus Dickenson)- "To cash paid Dickerson Jennings; to cash paid David Womack for coffin; to James Jennings, two days to prove will etc." (The original will copy of William J. Dickenson is in the State Library, Richmond, VA.) [Nevin]

28 Jan 1782. Henry Dickenson was reimbursed for 250# of beef sold to the Contenental Army.

1785. Census of Prince Edward Co. VA. Henry Dickenson with 3 whites, 1 dwelling, 4 other buildings.

8 Dec 1785. Washington Co. VA D.B. 1 p.30. Henry Dickerson, late of Prince Edward County to his daughter Fanny. "I negro boy called Benjamin which I lent to Nathl. Scott". Witnesses: Eliza Crump, Nancy Dickenson, Humphrey Dickenson. [Annals; Ed Note: Was that p.20 or p.30?]

25 Feb 1786. Wash. Co. VA D.B. 1 part 1 1778-1797 p.30 [Judy Wright]: I, Henry Dickenson, Sr. late of Co. of Prince Edward for special love and regard for my daughter Jenny Scott. Feb. 25, 1786.

25 Jul 1787. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 7 p.295. Benjamin Harrison and Archelus Dickenson of Prince Edward co. to Richard Bennett of Amelia co. VA for 196 pounds current VA money 196 acres on both sides of Sandy River, including 20 acres which Harrison purchased of Archelus Dickenson. [Nevin] Ed Note: This transaction shown only to track Henry Sr.'s property.

9 Aug 1787. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 8 p.70. Henry Dickenson of Washington co. VA to Simeon Walters of Amelia co. for 250 pounds, 250 acres on upper side of Sandy River, beginning on sd River at Jno. Clark's corner etc. Adjoins Clarke and Harrison. Witness: Wm. & Benj. Harrison, Henry Dickenson Jr., James Dickenson, Wm. Parkinson. [Nevin]

15 Oct 1787. Prince Edward Co. VA D.B. 7 p.292. Archelus Dickenson of Prince Edward co. to Worsham Anderson for 5 pounds current money of Virginia, and also 13,600 pounds of inspected tobacco at Petersburg Landing on Sandy River 146 acres bounded by Henry Dickenson, Richard Blanton, etc., it being the tract formerly belonging to Henry Dickenson and conveyed to said Henry Dickenson, and William Dickenson, deceased, by the said Henry Dickenson. (Signed) Archelus Dickenson. [Iva Riggs; Nevin]

"We believe Agnes Dickenson died in 1785. A census was taken in that year in Prince Edward County, in which Henry Dickenson is shown with 3 whites in his family, 1 dwelling and 4 other buildings. Family legend says that after Agnes died, Henry went to live with James, his youngest son, in Russell County, and took along 20 slaves. It is likely the census was taken early in the year, because we find in Washington County, under the date 8 December, 1785, 'Henry Dickinson, late of Prince Edward County', gave his daughter Fanny one negro slave named Benjamin 'I lent to Nataniel Scott'. This places Agnes' death as some time in 1785. We have no record of Henry's death. The last court entry is that quoted above in which Henry Dickenson gave the slave to John, son of Humphrey - 21 August, 1792." [Dickenson/ Knisely]

21 Aug 1792. Washington Co. VA D.B. 1 p.270. Henry Dickerson of the County of Russell to John Dickerson, child of Humphrey Dickerson. Consideration: love and affection for his grandchild. 5 shillings. One negro man slave named Dick. [Annals]

"The love Gift dated 17 Jul 1792 was witnessed by Eliza Crump, Nancy Dickenson and Humphrey Dickenson. Humphrey Sr. died 1787 supposedly killed by Indians. They found his body on a large rock in the River." (Note that this is the first mention of JR/SR Humphrey. Former notes point to Humphrey being the son of Henry.)

21 Aug 1792. Washington Co. VA D.B. 1 p.271. "Henry Dickerson to Wm. Tilson, Jr. 65 pounds. 95 aces on the South Fork of the Holston River." [Annals]

24 Feb 1801. Russell Co. VA O.B. 3 p.107. " . . . Henry Dickenson, Senior gives something by deed of gift to Thomas, son of James Dickenson." [Letter 8 Dec 1963, Gordon Aronheim, Box 1077, Bristol, VA to Rita K. Sutton/ CWKjr.] Ed Note: It is unsure which Henry D., Sr. is shown.

Ed Kutz lists the following resources, some perhaps as clues, others examined:

Prince Edward County, Virginia Abstracts of Wills, Books No. 1-7, 1754-1837, Genealogical Society of Utah, 21949, Indexed. LDS Library 975.563 S2p. (Dickenson, Rowlett)

Early Settlers of Lee County Virginia and Adjoining Counties, by Hattie Muncy Bales.

The Genesis of the Dickensons of Southwest Virginia, Mrs. J. H. Litton, from the narrative of the late Judge E. J. Sutherland of Clintwood, Virginia, publiched 30 Sep 1934 by Mrs. Litton.

Gwendolyn Ruth Hicks Schroeder, 167 S. Ensenada Dr., Pueblo W, CO 81007. Submitted to Denver Temple, LDS, 1974. Compiler of "The Search" Vol. II, Baltimore, Gateway Press Inc., 1979. (Records from the Legal Records of King William and Caroline Counties, Virginia. Southwest Historical Society, Pub. #9, 1974, by Mary Jane Knisely. (Note that Mary Jane Knisely is a descendant of Nancy Dickenson, daughter of Archelaus Dickenson, and Thomas Dickenson (1st cousin, son of Henry Dickenson, Jr.)

Castle's Woods: Frontier Virginia Settlement 1769-1799, James W. Hagy. A thesis presented to the Faculty of the Department of History, East Tennessee State University, 1966. p. 24

Documented notes on Jennings and Allied Families, 1961, Atlanta Public Library

History of Louisa County (VA), Malcolm H. Harris, Dietz Press, p. 40, pp. 223-4

Hennings Statutes at Large, Vol. 7, p. 222

Marriage Bonds of Prince Edward County 1754-1810, Catherine Lindsay Knorr,       pub. 1950

Old Briary Church, Prince Edward County Virginia, from an old copy compiled by James W. Douglas, Richmond, Dec. 1828. Reprinted 1971 by Thomas Proctor Hughes Jr., 4140 Chanwil Ave., Memphis, TN 38117

Washington County Virginia Will Book 1 1777-1792, compiled by Shelby Ireson Edwards, 414 Wagner St., Bristol, VA 24201. Genealogical Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT

DAR Patriot Index, Vol. 150, p. 232
     
(continued at Archelous Dickinson)

Marriage Notes for ROBERT DUKES and HENRIETTA DICKINSON:
Additional children possible. There is one male that disappears from the 1810 census whose name is unknown.

Also, there are letters from Henrietta Dukes Mercer that speak of "sist. Nancy." This is either another child previously not known, or Mary, of whom nothing is known.

A Nancy Dukes married Archibald Knowles in Washington County, Virginia, and Ed believes that she was in Jackson County or Kansas City early, and that her daughter married a Riggs. This is supported in part by the letters below:

Following are excerpts from these letters, sent by Ed Kutz:

2 Sep 1859. Letter from Henrietta (Dukes) Mercer of Chapel Hill, Lafayette Co, MO to Henrietta (Mercer) Chiles of Oregon: "I went to see sist. Nancy She is doing well is looking as usall She lives with Susan who is doing well."

1 Apr (1862). Letter from Henrietta (Mercer) Chiles of Oregon City, Oregon, to J. A. Knight: "Cousin Henry Riggs has written several times for me to come up on a Boat and if I don't he will come for me. if I am not at Corvallis I will be at home."

30 Jul 1890, from Sue Riggs in Kansas City, MO to Miss Lenora Dukes, Martinez, California. Letterhead, Jos. Cahn & Co. 416-417 Delaware Street, Kansas City:

"Dear Cousin

I concluded that I would write once more as I given (up?) not hearing from you Are you marr. or Dead As you Do not send one little line I would like so much to hear From you All I think so often of your kindness to us while in your City we think of those good mellons that we enjoyed with you all I sometimes ___ you are married and gone if so I hop some oneof the Family will let me know. I have written to lou several times But have Received no letter In return Do you know anything about her if so please inform me I would like to hear from her and the Boys I do not believe that they are satisfied in a strange land I am surprised that they left this country when they was doing so well had plenty more than enough ____(?) the human Race are all a like never contented) it is hardly worth while to write a long letter you may never get it. I understood that Mrs. More was dead please inform me give my kindest regards to Mrs. Brown also to Mrs. Monogonn if she is there we all enjoyed our selves so much while in your nice little place Richie Hallan our grandson that was with us is Bookeeper at his Father's Business he speaks often of you all he sends his kindest respects to all) Our country has been dry so long that there will be nothing Ruined every thing is dried up the oldest inhabitants never seen such a time the corn hardly half at enough it looks very sistnessing (?) Indeed no appearance of ruin. (?) I do not like one Client (?) I like a change even I believe once in a while that is the reason things I did not like but two much sameness I love thunder storms the air is so pure after it is over) Tell your Father that he promised to make me a visit tell him to bring you mother with him I have not forgotten his promise I think you girls and Sherod might make me a visit I would make it pleasant for you all come and see the world) Mr. Riggs joins in love to all Write at once.
Your cousin Sue Riggs
(Independence Avenue 1112)
     
Children of ROBERT DUKES and HENRIETTA DICKINSON are:
2. i.   JAMES BASIL3 DUKES, b. 1799, Abingdon, Washington Co, VA; d. 06 Dec 1871, Albany, Gentry Co, MO.
3. ii.   NANCY DUKES, b. Bet. 1800 - 1810, Abingdon, Washington Co, VA; d. Aft. 1859.
  iii.   SON DUKES, b. Bet. 1800 - 1810, Abingdon, Washington Co, VA; d. Unknown.
4. iv.   ROBERT SHERARD DUKES, b. 19 Aug 1806, "Sherrod" b. Abington, Washington Co, VA; d. 12 Jul 1884, en rt Mansfield TX to CA.
5. v.   HENRIETTA DUKES, b. 14 Aug 1810, Abingdon, Washington Co, VA; d. 11 Nov 1883, MO/TX lived with Anna Brunswig 1882 in Ft Worth, TX.

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