David Parkhill of Marshall County, Alabama
Below is a History of David Parkhill who left Tennessee to Alabama.
State of Tennessee Blount County
"Know all men by these presents, that we David Parkhill and John Trimble both of the County and State afore said, are jointly and successively held and firmly bound unto John Sevier-----governor or his successor in office in the----sum of twelve hundred and fifty dollars, void on condition there be no lawful objection why David Parkhill and Martha Wassham should not be joined in the holy state of matrimony. Witness our hands and seal this 2nd day of August, 1799."
Attest
David Parkhill
John Trimble
According to the Parkhill family Bible entrusted to a Parkhill descendent in Alabama, the bond was signed and later they were married on August 8, 1799 in Blount County, Alabama.
John Trimble, who signed the marriage bond, was a member of Blount County Court at that time.He was elected to this post at the formation of the county in 1795.At the first meeting of the Blount County Court, one of the first proceedings taken was issuing a permit to John Trimble to operate a ferry at Southwest Point. If David Parkhill were serving with the troops at this post he would almost certainly have known the ferry operator and who would have been better to go with them to Maryville, the county seat to get married than him
Fort Southwest Point's role in the peaceful coexistence with the Cherokees was doubly enhanced in 1801 when Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs was appointed to fill the combined positions of Military Agent for the Federal troops in Tennessee and Principal Agent to the Cherokee Nation. Meig's base of operations for filling these duties was Southwest Point from 1801 until 1807.
According to several pages from PASSPORTS TO SOUTHEASTERN TERRITORY and SOUTHWEST TERRITORIAL PAPERS by Dorothy Williams Potter is was noted that: "Tennessee citizens were forcibly removed from their homes by Colonel Butler's military detachments, and passports from the governor were necessary for citizens to be permitted to return to their former homes in order to gather their crops or attend to business in Indian lands. Butler required whites to obtain passports before returning to their lands and furthermore directed that only he would issue the permits." Pp. 309-312
This is made up mostly of excerpts from the records of people issued passports to enter Cherokee territory from about 1790 until the Indians were removed. The Highwassee Garrison was a militia garrison and Indian agency set up at the edge of Indian Territory on the Tennessee River at the mouth of the Hiswanee River in 1806. This trip that David Parkhill made from the Garrison to Nashville was about 190 miles, one way, across the Cumberland Mountains and almost entirely in Indian Territory. This passport was issued to David Parkhill at the Highwassee Garrison, on May 21, 1810. David Parkhill made at least one trip to transport money for the militia, and was acquainted with John Jolly, also known as Ooleteka, a powerful Chief of the Cherokee Indians.
The following entries were made.These are found in the Passports to Southeastern Territory
-To cash paid Julius K. Lark for packhorse hire, bringing money from Nashville$7.00
-To cash paid John Jolly for packhorse hire, bringing money from Nashville- $7.00
-To Cash paid David Parkhill for himself & 3 horses to bring money from Nashville 14 days at 50 Cts. pr. day-for each horse & 50 cents for himself-$28.00" 432
It is safe to assume that David Parkhill had been at the garrison long enough to establish himself as dependable, trustworthy and capable of performing the important service that he was paid for.The two packhorses, that were hired to make the trip to Nashville with him, belonged to Indian chieftains of the Cherokee Nation.John Jolly was the chief of the band of Cherokee Indians aon Hiwassee Island, who adopted Sam Houston.Sam Houston was 17 years old and living with the Indians when this transaction took place.Jolly would become principal chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1820.Sam Houston was given the Indian name Kalanu (The Raven). Houston lived with John Jolly most of 1809 to 1812 and again for an extended period after resigning as Governor of Tennessee.It was at this time that David became also acquainted with a James Callison.This James Callison it seemed to be also related to Sam Houston through the Gillespie family and would later marry David’s daughter Sarah.
The money that David Parkhilll brought from Nashville was the Cherokee annunity called for by the 2nd Tellico Treaty.This payment to the Cherokee tribe was made each year on the last Monday in May.David Parkhill almost certainly used a wagon road through the wilderness that had been finished in 1807.Beginning at Turtle-at-home’s ferry over the Tennessee River at Nickajack, northwestward along Battle Creek it crossed the Cumberland Plateau near Monteagle.It connected with the road to Nashville at Fort Nash on the headquarters of Stone’s River.The trip was about 380 miles from the garrison to Nashville and back.
Rhea County newspaper listed David Parkhill as having taken in stray livestock at the Highwassee Garrison on September 13, 1813.His name was listed as David Parkell at this time.Notice this
“Taken up by David Parkell at Highwassee garrison a bay mare 13 1-2 hands high, 8 or 9 years old, some white hairs in forehead, Brand I on shoulder and thigh, appraised to $12.By the same a dark sorrel mare, 7 years old 11 hands high, star in forebend, 1 hind foot white, larege bell –appraised $15.By same a sucking colt, sorrel color, star in forehead, appraised to $3.By same a bay colt, supposed to be 3 yeas old, 13 hands high, appraised to $10.”
December 26th, 1814.David’s name appears in the County Court Records of Blount County, Tennessee in several places and shows him as commander of a militia company in 1802.
BLOUNT COUNTY, TENNESSEECOUNTY COURT RECORDS BOOK 1,1795-1804
#298At a court of Pleas & quarter Sessions begun & held for the County of Blount at the Court House in Maryville on the fourth Monday of Febry 1802.
Present
Joseph BlackAndw Thompson &
James HoustonJoseph Tedford
Wm Burk Esqr. Returned the following Venire Facias executed on the following persons Vi, James Rhea, George Caldwell, David Caldwell, Natt Ewing, Joseph Woods, Richd Chandler, John McNeely, Carnelias Bogard, Joseph McRanels, John Houston, Jonathan Harris, David Craig, John Simons, Robert Hammel, John Eicans, Wm. Gaut, Joseph Henderson, James Maxwell, Wm Glass, Saml Paxton, James Donaho, Mohn Minnes, David Parkhill, Robert Hughes, Edward Gasteel, Bennet Jones, James Moor, Thomas Little, Thomas Moreson, James Hunter, John Dixon, Alex Moor& Alex McCollom
#300Tuesday 23rd Feb. 1802
Met according to adjornment
Present
Wm LowryArchbd Cowan
Joseph Black Esqrs.
Traverse Jury Natt Ewing, John Houston, Wm. Glass, John Simons, Wm. Gaut, Jonathan Harris, David Parkhill, James Moor, Thomas Little, Thos. Moreson, Robert Thompson, James Houston, David Craig, David Caldwell
#365Wm McCullock who was bound in recognizance for a Breach of the peace fined in twenty-five cents.
Adjorned till tomorrow 9 oclock Saturday 26 November 1802 Met According to adornment
Present
Andw Thompson&Andw Bogle
Wm LowrayEsqrs
Justices to take in lists of taxable property.
Parkhills CompanyDaniel Behham
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 11 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Southwest Point, January 18, 1802
“The United States to Cash paid David Parkhill for lean as for receipts…1466/100 dollars………..$14.66
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 12 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Southwest Point, January 19, 1802
“The United States to Cash paid David Parkhill for 44 Bushels of Corn.33 1/3 cents for bushel as per receipts on fill $14.66”
Later that year on November 26, 1802 Parkhill’s Company listed in court records to take in lists of taxable property.
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 11 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Highwassee Garrison, January 22, 1810
“The United States to Cash paid David Parkhill for a boat furnished a party of Cherokees who were descending the Tennessee River--------------$6.00
This was also noted in the Abstract of Disburesments made by Return J. Meigs Agent of War in Tennessee on account of the Indian Department between the 1st January and the 31st day of March 1810.
Day
of PaymentVoucher Nature of Disbursements Amount
Jan. 223 For a Flat Boat furnished a party of Cherokees moving to Arkansas River$6.00
Highwassee Garrison, April 2, 1810
“The United States to Cash paid David Parkhill for a pack horse 19 dogs in removing intruders—Tellico.19 dogs at 50 cts per day---$9.50
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 12 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Highwassee Garrison, May 24, 1810
“The United StatesTo cash paid David Parkhill for himself & 3 horses to bring money from Nashville.
14 Days-----at 50 cts. Per day---$28.00
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 12 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Highwassee Garrison March 13, 1811
Major Wm. L. Lowe to cash paid David Parkhill for man & horse to carry a message from M. E. Scott---$1.00
Highwassee Garrison March 25, 1811
“David Parkhill to cash ----$20.00
This day sent by David Parkill a letter to Captain Brahan enclosed in 2nd letter duplicate bills of exchange on the in far.Capt. Brahm for 1204 dollars on the Secretary of War with a letter of advice to the list in Far of said Bills.
Highwassee Garrison April 8, 1811
“David Parkhill cash a balance one on a allotment with him for a journey to Nashville…..$6.84
Highwassee Garrison April 8, 1811
“The United States to horse hire & expenses of John Parkhill hired by me on a journey to Nashville to receive money on my draft in favor John Brahan for the expenditures in the Cherokee Agency fot the 1st quarter of the current year 1811, 14 days at 1 $ per day for himself a horse------------------$14.00
“To his expenses same time at 1 $ per day-----14.00
This John Parkhill was David Parkhill’s older brother.Years later he married and had children, especially a son who would join the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 11 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Abstract of Disbursements made by Return J. Meigs Agent for the War Department in Tennessee on account of the Indian Department between the 1st October and the 21st December 1811
Highwassee Garrison, January 8, 1812
“David Parkhill.For his sevices with horses in bringing money from Huntsville.$57.00
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 12 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Highwassee Garrison, January 8, 1812
“The United States to cash paid David Parkhill for transportation of money from Huntsville.Two tours.$57.00
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 12 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Highwassee Garrison, January 19st, 1813
“David Parkhill set out for Madison County, Mississippi Territory.David will take with him James Brown.
Highwassee Garrison, January 31st, 1813
“The United States to Cash paid David Parkhill for brining money to Highwassee Garrison from Huntsville…$54.00
Highwassee Garrison, November 13, 1813
“The United States to cash paid David Parkhill for a boat to carry stores for the armed Cherokees…$7.00
National Archives Microfilm #208 Roll 11 Cherokee Agency Daybooks
Abstract of Disbursements made by Return J. Meigs Agent for the Cherokees arming to act against the hostile Creeks in co-operation wih the Military force of the United States
Highwassee Garrison, November 13, 1813
“For 1 flat bottomed boat to carry stores fo the armed Cherokees-----$7.00
Minute Docket C Court Of Pleas And Quarter Sessions, July 1813- July 1815, abstracted and translated by Betty Broyles
Tuesday the 25th January 1814(page 33)
On bench: Fine, David, and Long.
James Elliott VS David Parkell [sic](Case No. 385)- Came the parties by their attornies and a jury …, which finds the defendant not guilty of the trespass, mentioned in the declaration.Plantiff is to take nothing and defendant to recover his costs from plantiff.
(page 132)
Sheriff to summon the following to attend as jurors at September Term of Circuit Court:Charles Ryan, Edward Cox, Robert Bell, David Parkhill…
According to the Deed Books A, B, C, D, E of Rhea County, Tennessee, David Parkhill made several land transactions between 1814 and 1819. On March 20, 1814 David purchased Lot No.1 in the Town of Washington in Rhea, County for $30.00.It seems that he was a small time land speculator and became relatively an entrepreneur at it.
National Archives Microfilms #208 Roll 12, Cherokee Indian Agency Day Books Dec. 4, 1810-Dec. 13, 1817
February 28th, 1814
David Parkhill to Cash lent: payable on demand------$100.00
April 15, 1814
David Parkhill to Cash lent: payable on demand—paid $40.00
Real Estate Transfer Records, Roane County, Tn. Courthouse
Isaac S. Means
to
David ParkhillDeed of Conveyance dated 14th June 1816 for Lot. No. 36 in the Town of Kingston was
Duly proven to e executed in Open Court by the Oath of Robert Bell and Elisha Parker two of the subscribing Witnesses thereto and admitted thereunto_________
Real Estate Transfer Records, Roane County, Tn. Courthouse
ADeed of Conveyance from Isaac S. McMeans to David Parkhill from Lot No. 36 in Kingston, p. 102-103
“THIS INDENTURE made this fourth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixteen between Isaac S. McMeans of the Cherokee Nation of the one part and David Parkhill of the County of Rhea State of Tennessee of the other part witness oath at the said Isaac S. McMeans for and in in Consideration of the sum of five hunded and fifty dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath and by their presents doeth grant bargain sell alien, …and confirm unto the said David Parkhill his heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcel of land containing one half acre known by Lot No. Thirty six lying and being the County of Roane in the Town of Kingston and bounded as followeth: Beginning on Cumberland and second streets at a stake thence…and a street north sixty paces with eight poles and ninety four hundreds of a pole to a stake and ninety four hundredths to a stake corner to Lot No Thirty-five, forty-five and forty-six thence south sixty-four.East eight poles and ninety-four hundredths to a stake on second street coming to Lot No 45 twenty six west.Eight pols and ninety four hundredths to the beginning-with all and singular the woods, waters, water courses profits, commodities, hereditaraments and apurtancces thereunto belonging or appertaining to the said track of land and the revertion and revesion remainder and remainders rents and issues thereof and all the estate right title interest property claim and demand demand of him the said Isaac S. McMeans his heirs and assigns forever of in and to the same and every part on parcel thereof either in law or Equity to have and to hold the said one half acre of land with the appurtenances unto the said David Parkhill his heirs and assigns forever againstthe lawful title claim and demand of him the said Isaac S. McMeans and all every person or opesons whatsoever will warrant and forever defend by these presents—In Witness whereof the said Isaac S. McMeans hath hereunto set his hand and seal the day and date above written_________.
Signed Sealed and delivered in the presence of
William Doherty, Isaac S. McMeans(Seal)
Eli M. Holt,
Robert Bell,
Elisha Parker
National Archives Microfilms #208 Roll 12, Cherokee Indian Agency Day Books Dec. 4, 1810-Dec. 13, 1817
January 3, 1815
David Parkhill to Cash lent …$15.00
# 67 (E-74) (20 Mar. 1814) (Registered 26 APR. 1817)
Deed of Conveyance, Commissioners of Town of Washington to David Parkhill for $30 bid on day of sale, Lot No 1 in said Town. Signed James Campbell, David Murphree, and Jesse Roddye. Witnesses: Thomas J. Campbell, Wm. Ramsey.
On the 14th of June he purchased Lot No. 35 in Kingston, TN from Issac Mc Means of the Cherokee Nation for$500.
# 68 (E-75) (24 Sept. 1816) (Registered 25 APR. 1817)
Deed of Transfer, David Parkhill to John Day for $120, Lot No 1 in Town of Washington. Witnesses: D. Rawlings and Palatiah Chilton.
# 44 (E-47) (13 Oct. 1816) (Registered Nov. 25, 1816)
Deed of Conveyance, John Rice to David Parkhill for $550, Lot. No. 8 in Town of Washington. Witnesses: T.J. Campbell and S. Heard
Below is a letter, dated January 29, 1817 to Colonel Return J. Meigs, Cherokee Agent, from David Parkhill concerning accusations of injustice leveled against him by a group of Cherokee. The letter also discussed Parkhill's concerns that a Mr. Gambill was trying to take his place.
Highawassee GarrisonJany [January]. 29th 1817
Colo. [Colonel] Return J. Meigs Dear Sir,
I feel verry [very] much embarrassed on account of the probability of my being disappointed in my contract with Vann, I have made every arrangement which was necessary on my part to meet my engagement with him, a failure at this time would I will assure you injure me verry considerably I have understood that [added: it] has been alleged by some of the Indians that I done them injustice in [unclear: issuing] whilst acting as contractor, This I presume can be no solid objection it can be nothing more than a protest, because the whole of my conduct was well known to them previous to my contract with McNair & Brown , nothing can have transpired since that time to lessen their confidence in me. I am strongly inclined to believe that this tale is not on foot for the purpose of [unclear: susstanting] me in this business, Indeed I have just learned that Mr. Robt [Robert]Gambell is using every exertion to obtain the place over my head, contrary to every principle of Justice & common honesty. You Sir are the only person I have to look up to in this trying situation. I hope and trust that you will not fail to befriend me_
Accept the assurances of my esteem
David Parkhill
#133 (E-144) (17 Mar. 1817) (Registered 3 June 1818)
Deed of Conveyance, David Parkhill to Alexander Ferguson for $550, Lot No 8 in Town of Washington. Witnesses: Asahel Rawlings and John Lowe.
#148 (E-161)(2 APR. 1818) (Registered 2 Nov. 1818)
Deed of Conveyance, John Martin to David Parkhill for $1000, 200 acres on waters of Sale Creek (east branch). Beginning at corner to tract of Joseph Brooks, decd., etc. Witnesses: Richard Roseygrant and Robert Gamble.
Real Estate Transfer Records, Roane County, Tn. Courthouse.
Deed of Conveyance from David Parkhill to Rudolf Muman for Lot No. 36 in the Town of Kingston
THIS INDENTURE made the fourth day of December in the year one thousand eight hundred eighteen between David Parkle of the County of Rhea and State of Tennessee of the one part of Rufolph Muman of the County of Toane and State of Tennessee of the other part witnesseth that the said David Parkle for and in consideration of the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath and by their presents doth grant bargain sell alien…and confirm unto the said Rudolph Muman heirs and assigns forever a certain tract or parcell of land containing one half of an acre lying and being in the County of Roane in the Twon of Kingston known in the plan of said Town by Lot No thirty six beginning at a stake on Cumberland and Second Street thence with Cumberland Street No. 64 0West eight poles and ninety four hundredths to a stake corner to Lot No. 35 thence at 26 0East Eight poles and ninety four hundredths to a stake corner to Lot No’s 55, 45, & 46 thence south 64 E. Eight poles and ninety four hundredths to a stake on Second Street Corner to No. 45 thence with Second street to the Beginning with all and singular the Woods Waters, water courses profits Commodities hereditaraments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said tract of land belong or appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remaindes rents rens and issues thereof and all the Estate right title Interest property claim and demand of him the said David Parkle his heirs and issues.
#176 (E-192) (27 Feb. 1819) (Registered 23 Mar 1819)
Deed of Conveyance, David Parkhill to Chrispian E.Shelton for $1310, and 200 acres on east branch of Sale Creek. Beginning at corner of tract of Joseph Brooks, decd. etc. Witnesses: John Russell and Patrick Martin.
Sale Creek received its name in the spring of 1779 after Colonel Evan Shelby’s invasion of eleven Indian villages along the Tennessee River.The booty taken during the raid was auctioned among Shelby’s men on the banks of the creek, giving it the name that is still used today.The town of Washington where David Parkhill bought and sold lots seems to have disappeared.Sale Creek, where the 200 acres of land he bought in 1818 and sold probably just before going on down the Tennessee River to Alabama was located. It entered the river just south of the little town of Sale Creek and ran north though Graysville, just southwest of Dayton and on into Bledsoe County. The east branch ran very close to Dayton. The land was probably located in that area.
David is listed on the 1819 Rhea County Tennessee Tax Roll.He is also listed as number 60 on Capt. McGill’s Company.From 1800 to 1818, one daughter and five sons were born to David and Martha: Dr.John Harvey Parkhill (April-May 1800) and James Wm. Parkhill (April-May 1800) and Sara (1802/1803) in Blount County., David Goodner Parkhill (1812-15) and Wiley B. Parkhill born 1818 were born respectively in Rhea County.
According to theINDEX TO VOLUNTEER SOLDIERS IN INDIAN WARS & DISTURBANCES, 1815-1858 , page 1082 is a list of Parkhills who served in the Seminole Indian Wars in Florida. David Parkhill is listed as a Sergeant in COMPANY C. SNODGRASS'S NORTH ALABAMA MILITIA, when David and the family lived in Jackson County, Alabama.The first war ended in 1814 before David moved to Alabama, the second war started in 1834.In 1834, David was 60 years old but I guess he was a tough old Indian fighter by that time.
COURTS OF PLEAS AND QUARTER SESSIONS,MAY 1821-FEBRUARY 1823
(page 101)David Parkhill for Philip Abel VS Chrispian E. Shelton (Case No. 1100)-Came the plaintiff by his agent John Abel and dimisses this action’ defendant confesses judgment for costs.”
In 1819 David and Martha, and their five children packed up their belongings and moved down the Tennessee River to Jackson County, Alabama.Jackson County had just been created by an Act on December 13, 1819, from Territory ceded by the Cherokee Indians in 1816.Three different counties separated the boundries where the Parkhills lived later.Jackson, Marshall and Madison.John married Sara Clapp in Madison County, Alabama.The Moses Birdwell family also lived in Madison County.James met Ritha Louise Birdwell, the daughter of Moses Birdwell also of Madison County and was married there.Other families like the Ricketts, Rodens and Worshams left Tennessee with the Parkhills and settled there also.
After David Parkhill and his family had moved to Alabama his dealings with the Cherokee did not end there. Edward Gunter noted, as a half-breed Cherokee owned a piece of property called Gunters Landing.Several people made depositions in regards to knowing Edward Gunter. There would be people who would eventually become in some way related to David or some of his children.
Edward Gunter’s Reservations Land Claim Case.
Source: Natinal Archives Microfilm Publications, Microcopy 574, Roll 4, Transcribed by Roy Boney, Jr
Edward Gunter’s Reservation S182
0651
Land Office Huntsville Alabama
2 June 1832
David Ricketts—In the early part of 1820 Gunter lived south of the river and has continued to reside there.
0653
David Parkhill.In 1829 Gunter had a house or lived North of the River about ¼ mile from his landing, in the same year moved the houses to the landing and at that time his plantation extended to the ferry.Has got better land by moving thehouses begin the center of the reservation.Has lived South of the River since 1819.
0655
The State of Alabama
March 12th, 1831
Jackson County
“This day personally appeared before me Mr. H. E. Wheeler on acting justice of the peace in and for said justice of the peace in and for said country Gilbreath Barton, Jeremiah Roder Junr, Benjamin Rober, Alexander Gilbrath, William McKee, James Edwards, Sent. Samuel Webber, William Manning, David Parkhill, Nathan Crocket, David Ricketts, Charles Conerly[Connelly], Robert Walker, Isaiah Walker, and George T. Read who being duly sworn the truth to relate respecting a reservation of land said to have been taken by the said Edward Gunter embracing one mile soquare on the North side of Tennessee River in the county of Jackson and opposite the ferry the said Edward Gunter keeps on said River,;;;”
0663,0664,0665
David Parkhill’s evidence, he states on oath that he (illegible) remove to the state of Alabama in the year of 1819 and landed at Gunter’s Landing and at that time Edward Gunter lived or had a house on the north side of the Tennessee River something like one quarter of a mile above the ferry landing claimed by him and in the same year moved his house down to te landing and has ever since lived on the south side of the river near said landing and in the Cherokee Nation and by removing his houses, and making the center of the reservation claimed by him on the north side of the Tennessee River.I have frequently heard the settlers say that Edward Gunter had by removing his houses from where they were originally built, to the place where he rebuilt them near the ferry landing had defrauded the government of the United States and thereby gotten a pice of land in breadth the distance he removed his houses and in length one mile of first rate quality of land instead of the same quantity of inferior land he otherwise would have gotten if he had not removed his houses and in his opinion by so doing has departed from the spirit of the Treaty.
Question by Edward Gunter. Was there not a plantation on the north side of the river and the ferry landing at that time?
Answer I think there was that extended as low as the landing.
Quest. By the same, those houses you speak of being removed, did you see them removed?
Ans. I did not.
Quest. By the same, the ferry landing and the improvement don’t you believe them to be about the center of the reservation?
Ans. I don’t know but I have always understood there were as near the center as practable.
Quest. By Smith, was the houses that before mentioned shortly after the treaty demolished and moved away? Ans. I think it was in the year of 1819 they were removed from where I first seen them.
Quest by the same, when you first moved to the country did you see any houses at the ferry landing?
Ans. I do not recollect but my impression is there was not any there.
David Parkhill
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of March 1831.
Hon. H.E. Wheeler, H.Peters
Justice of the Peace
0672
State of Alabama
Jackson County
Mr. Edward Gunter
Sir, you will please to take notice that I will attend at the office of William H. E. Wheeler Esq. A Justice of Peace in and for the country aforesaid on the welfth day of present month for the purpose of taking the evidence of Gilbreath Barton, Jeremiah Roden, Junior, Behmanin Roden, Alexander Gilbreath, William Mc Kee, Jhn Edwards Senior, Samuel Webber, William Manning, David Parkhill, Nathan Crockett, David Ricketts, Charles Connally, Robert Walker, Isaiah Walker and George T. Read, respecting the rigfht to a reservation said to have been taken by you embracing one mile of square on thenorth side of the Tennessee River in the County of Jackson and opposstie the ferry you kee3p on said river.The evidence will be taken between the hours eight o’clock in t he forenoon and five o’clock in the afternoon, on the agove named day of which time you may attend if you choose.
March 8th 1831
Booker Smith
Mr, Gilbreath
0681
The State of Alabama
Jackson County
Persuant to a notice heretofore served on Edward Gunter, a copy of which marked (A) is herewith filed and executed by David Ricketts constable of Archibald R. Barclay an acting justice of the peace in and for the county of a aforesaid, at the insistence of John Gilbreth and Booker Smith have called and caused to come before me at my office in Claysville: Bailey Read, John Gilbreath, Hugh Henry, Edward Cox, Elisha Clamfirth, Richard Chuck, Howard Rose, William McKee, Richard Kirkland, David Ricketts, Booker Smith, David Parkhill, Benjamin Roden, Jeremiah Roden, John Cox, Edmond Bridges, and SamuelWebber on the 13th day of April 1832 at the hour of 11o’clock A.M. of that day, who being duly sworn to speak the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth in relation to the claim of Edward Gunter to a reservation of 640 acres of land in said county, claimed by him under a treaty between the United States and the Cherokee Nation of Indians….”
The 1830 Census of Jackson County, Alabama picks up the Parkhill family again showing William also known as James Parkhill with his father David Parkhill
Parkhill, David W. of 4th Range
Parkhill, William W. of 4th Range
David Parkhill was one of the early settlers of Marshall County.But as before, the boundaries of Marshall, Jackson and Madison were not really defined as such until later.David Parkhill is listed in the Book entitled"The First settlers of Marshall county, Alabama, p. 2
The 1840 Census of Marshall County, Alabama showed the following
Parkhill, DavidLine 9
David G.Line 30
Wylie B.Line 23
David Parkhill made gifts of land to his son David G. Parkhill and daughter Mary H. Parkhill on Honeycomb Creek in 1839. It is very possible that Mary's middle name was Holden taken from her grandmother Mary Holden.There are also land and stock sales recorded under David Parkhill's name in Marshall County in 1840. The land they owned is now lakefront property (or is partially under the lake) on Lake Guntersville and Honeycomb Creek. This is from a report on a survey done by T.V.A. on the cemeteries located on land acquired for Guntersville Lake before any dam was built. Honeycomb Cemetery is in section 9 of Township '7 in Marshall County. The corners of section 9 and section 3 join and it appears that David Parkhill's land was located about one mile from this cemetery. At the cemetery, A. H. Parkhill is buried in grave 193. There are two unknown graves 195 and 196 at the end of the line of Parkhill graves and right at the top of the hill where the earliest graves likely would have been placed.If this cemetery was there in 1844, graves 195 & 196 well could be David and Martha Parkhill. This cemetery is almost all above water and undoubtedly is still there. The high water line on Guntersville Lake is 600 ft. The A.H. Parkhill graves are just above and below the 630-ft line. The only graves that were moved are 1 through 6 on the East Side on the 610-ft.line.
On February 24, 1844, David Parkhill breathed his last breath, leaving no will. About 3 weeks later after the death of David Parkhill, Martha relinquished her right to administer David’s estate and had her two younger sons Allen H. Parkhill and Harry B. Parkhill appointed Administrators of their father's estate on Friday, March 15, 1844.
Nine months later Martha Parkhill finally filed her petition that she was the widow of David Parkhill
The State of Alabama Orphans Court in Vacation, Marshall County, Alabama, December 26, 1844.
“Be it remembered that on this the 26th day of December 1844 personally came Martha Parkhill widow of David Parkhill late of said County deceased, and files her petition to this court alleging that she is widow of the said David Parkhill entitled to her dower or one third part of a certain tract or parcel of land lying in the county of Marshall and known as the east part of the northeast quarter of section three in Township seven of range three east whereof the said David Parkhill during their inter-marriage was seized and possessed in fee simple, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the said court that Allen H. Parkhill the administrator of David Parkhill deceased appeared but did not contest the prayers of the petition:
It is therefore ordered that a unit of ad measurement of down issue to the sheriff of said County commanding him to summon five discreet free holders as commissioners who shall be connected with the said parties neither by blood or marriage and entirely disinterested who shall upon oath allot-set off by metes and bonds to the said Martha Parkhill one third part according to quantity and quality of the same in which third part shall be comprehended the dwelling house in which the said David Parkhill was most generally accustomed to dwell before his death, with the offices, houses, buildings and other improvements belonging thereto and if it appear that the whole of said dwelling house, out houses, buildings and other improves at access to be applied to the use of the said Martha Parkhill, without manifesting injustices to the children or other heirs of the said David Parkhill, then to report the same to this court- and that the action of the said commissioners with the return of the said sheriff be made to this court on the second Monday in January next. The State of Alabama, Marshall County To the Sheriff of Said County You are hereby, commanded to summon five discreet persons free holders of your county, connected with the parties neither by blood nor marriage, and entirely disinterested, who being first duly sworn for that purpose are hereby authorized and required fairly, justly and impartially according to the best of their judgment to mete and allot and set off by metes and bounds according to quantity and quality to Martha Parkhill widow of David Parkhill late of said County deceased, her dower or one third part of a certain tract or parcel of land lying and situate in Marshall County, and known as the east part of the north east quarter of section there in Township seven of Range three east in which dower or one third part of said premises shall be comprehended the dwelling house in which the said David Parkhill was most generally accustomed to dwell in next before his death together with the offices and houses, buildings or other improvements thereunto belonging or appertaining, whereof the said David Parkhill during his intermarriage with the said Martha Parkhill was seized and possessed in fee, simple and after having allotted and set off to the said Martha Parkhill her dower in the cause to put her in possession thereof, and if upon a view of the said premises they the said commissioners shall be of opinion that the whole of the said dwelling , houses and out-houses, buildings and other improvements, cannot be applied to the use of the said Martha
Parkhill without manifesting ... to the children and heirs of the said Martha Parkhill then they are required to
report the same to the court on the 2nd Monday in January 1845. When and where you are required to have this precept with the ...of what is done ...only virtue thereof, witness Mr. Gilbreath clerk of the county court of said county and the seal of the said court this 26th day of December 1844 Lists Mr. Gilbreath clerk, County Clerk- In pursuance of the power and authority vested in me by the ...unit- I have summoned Joseph B. Tate, John Freeland, Enoch Jones William A. Blassingame and William Jones to allot-and set off the dower of the ... Martha Parkhill who being duly, sworn by me have proceeded to perform the duly required of therein as shown in the annexed report.”
I. G. Garrett Shff.
By R. S. Randles D. Shff
January 9th, 1845
In the matter of Martha Parkhill petition for admeasurements of Dower--- In pursuance of the northern writ and under authority vested in us the undersigned commissioners, we certify and report of the court of Marshall County, Alabama, that being first duly sworn, we in our proper persons did go to and upon the tract of land within mentioned, which upon a re-survey was found to contain one hundred and sixty acres and respect being had by us to quantity and quality, we did allot and set-off to the said Martha Parkhill containing thirty fives acres of said land bounded as follows, that is to say commencing at a corner on the S. boundary of the said gr. (grant). Designated this S 18 W28 links to a sycamore at 81 o W 29 links to a sweet-gum at 49 o W 29 links to a Ironwood Thence N 8 ½ o E 7c (chain)7 o to a stake there at N 34 1/2 W 4 c (chain) 4.9 to 5 to a stake on the N. boundary of the said go thence S 82 1/2 W. 7 c.6 o to the N.E. Corner of Harvey Parkhill's tract thence S 34 1/2 E to the beginning in which third part of said tract of land taking into consideration quantity and quality, we have comprehended the dwelling house and offices and out-houses of the said David Parkhill, all of which we allot and set-off to the said Martha Parkhill for her dower or third part of the within described tract of land, and of which we have put her into possession. In entrees whereof we have hereunto set-our lands and seals this 9th day of January 1845
J. B. Tate (Seal) Teste
John Freeland (Seal)
R.S. Randles Enoch Jones (Seal)
W. A. (X) Blassingame (Seal)
Wm. (X) Jones (Seal)
Filed January 13th, 1845, Teste
Mr. Gilbreath clerk
The State of Alabama Orphan's Court Regular Term Marshall County, 2nd Monday in January 1845)
In the matter of Martha Parkhill widow of David Parkhill deceased, Petition for Dower Be it remembered that on this 13th day of January 1845, came here into open Court, Joseph B. Tate, John Greeland, Enoch Jones, W.A. Blassingame and William Jones Commissioners duly summoned by the Sheriff of Said County under order of the Court to allot-and set-off to Martha Parkhill widow of David Parkhill deceased under a writ issued from the court as well as the said Sheriff by whose return certified to this court. It appears that the said Joseph B. Tate, John Freeland, Enoch Jones, Wm. A.Blassingame and William Jones Commissioners as aforesaid have allotted and set off to the said Martha Parkhill widow of the said David Parkhill as her dower or third part of his lands and tenements all that portion of the North East Quarter of Section No. 3 in Township No. 7 Range No. 3 East situated in said County of Marshall ... within the following boundaries to wit. Beginning at a corner on third boundary of the said gr.(grant) designated this S 18 o W 28 links to a Sycamore N 81 o W 29 links to a sweet-gum N 49o W 29 links to a Ironwood. Then at North 82 1/2 o E 7c (chains) 7o is a stake.
Then at 34 1/2 o W 44.c 9 to 5 is a stake on the N boundary of the said gr. (grant). Thence S 82 1/2 o W 7 c (chains) 7 o to the N.E. corner of Harvey Parkhill's tract thence S 34 1/2 o E to the beginning continuing thirty-five acres.
Therefore, it is ordered and judged and decreed that the certificate and return of the said Sheriff and Commissioners be filed and recorded and that the allotment made by the said Joseph B. Tate, John Greeland, Enoch Jones, Wm. A. Blassingame and William Jones of the dower and premises that he said Martha Parkhill and the heirs and children of the said David Parkhill and their heirs and assigns the natural life of the said Martha Parkhill.
State of Alabama Orphans Court Special Term, Marshall County, October 20th 1845
Be it remembered that on this the 20th day of October 1845, Before the Orphans Court of Marshall County came Allen H. Parkhill administrator of the goods and chattles, rights and credits of David Parkhill late of said County deceased and prays that his accounts as said administrator as stated by the judge of said Court and reported to this court at the present terms thereof for allowance be allowed. And it appearing to the satisfaction of the said Court by proof duly made that a notice of the intention of the said Allen H. Parkhill administrator as aforesaid, to have his said account, so stated as aforesaid presented to the said Court for allowance, at the present term was advertised in the Democrat a newspaper printed in the town of Huntsville for three consecutive weeks commencing forty days previous to the present term of this Court. And the Court proceeding to a consideration of the said account, so reported at the present time for allowances, and no exception being made to the same or any part thereof. And it appearing that by the said account -so stated as aforesaid, the said Allen H. Parkhill Administrator as aforesaid is chargeable, with the sum of one hundred and eighty nine dollars and forty one cents and ... to credits to the amount of one hundred and thirty six dollars and nineteen cents, leaving a balance against the said Allen H. Parkhill as administrator as aforesaid of forty three dollars and twenty two cents.
It is therefore ordered and decreed that the said account of the said Allen H. Parkhills administrator as aforesaid be allowed as stated as aforesaid: It is further ordered that the said account of the said Allen H. Parkhill Administrator as aforesaid as so sted as aforesaid be filed and recorded: It is further order and decreed that the said Allen H. Parkhill retain in his hands the said sum of forty three dollars and twenty two cents until a division of said descendants land be distributed.”
On Tuesday, November 25, 1845 Allen H. Parkhill gave petitions to sell the land and the estate. The heirs mentioned were Emily Jane, Julia Ann and Travis Parkhill who lived out of the state.In fact they were living in Kentucky.These were the children of Dr. John Parkhill who had married Sara Clapp in Huntsville AL area in 1820. They later moved to Calloway County in Western KY with the Clapp Family.John died in 1842 and Sara married John's friend, Dr. Caleb Jones. Montgomery Gilbreath was appointed Guardian during the interim or the proceeding for the following minor children: Travis, Martha Ann, Eliza Jane and Emily Elizabeth Callison, along with Martha Jane, James And John Parkhill.Travis, Martha Ann, Eliza Jane and Emily Elizabeth Callison were the children of James Henry Callison and Sara Parkhill Craig Callison.Martha Jane, James and John Parkhill were children of James, also known as John William Parkhill.
On Tuesday December 9, 1845, the same Martha Jane, James And John were mentioned as heirs of David Parkhill and also as heirs of one John Parkhill.The name had been underscored, but evidently these children were the sons of James /John William Parkhill who had married Mritha Louise Birdwell. After the Will had been settled, it was noted later that Martha was living with her youngest son Thomas B. Parkhill and his wife Elizabeth.She died June 13, 1856 being 72 years of age.Now David and Martha Parkhill had the following children:
1. Dr. JOHN HARVEY PARKHILL (1800-1842);
2. JAMES/ JOHN WILLIAM PARKHILL (1800-1846)
3.SARAH PARKHILL (1802-1803);
4.ALLEN H. PARKHILL (1814)
5. DAVID PARKHILL JR, (1815-MAY 14,1881);
6.WILEY B. PARKHILL (1818-1844);
7.HARVEY (HARRY) PARKHILL;
8.LUTHER MCMAHAN PARKHILL;
9.THOMAS BRANDON PARKHILL (1824-1911);
10.MARYH. PARKHILL (1823).