CALIFORNIA'S COUTS COUSINS VOLUME 6 February March April NUMBER 2 2002

A Quarterly Newsletter for the Descendants of the Couts Family #23

WELCOME-

It is the goal of this newsletter to create interest in and share the research for the Couts (pronounced Koutz) and Allied Family genealogy. It can only be written with the cooperation of each family member. We encourage each of you to send in your family group sheets and enter data as far back as you can find. The information that you find within its covers will be as "true" as we can prove. We gladly accept articles, photos, genealogy lines, and family stories.

INDEX to the GEORGE ROGERS CLARK PAPERS

Submitted by- Gerald McCoy GRMcCoy@aol.com The Illinois Regiment Based on the Microfilmed George Rogers Clark Papers At the Virginia State Library and Archives Compiled by Richard Eugene Willson, Indexing Donald E. Gradeless, Ph.D., Editor Microfilm Reel - Dates - Documents Coons, Christopher 11-1095 - July 1783 - August 1784 - 1777-1820 Patriot Christopher Coons is listed in this index at this web site: http: // www. execpc.com/~sril /clark Purchase the Abstract or Index on Microfiche. Abstract to the Geo. Rogers Clark Papers; Fiche 1159 - $26.00 postpaid. Index to Geo. Rogers Clark Papers; Fiche 1160 - $10.00 postpaid. Checks or Money Orders payable to: SR-Illinois 2655 Fairview Lane, Brookfield, WI 53045-4117 Allow 2-4 weeks for delivery. [I'll let you know the results]

Valley known by the name of Rock Spring Station, includes improvements...August 14, 1781

ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb /VA/Washington/deeds/surv1001.txt Page 420 - Matthew Harvey - 13,655 ac - treasury warrant #975 dated December 13, 1794 -excluding a survey made for John Cooley dated August 22, 1786 of 70 ac on the Beaver Dam Fork, also an entry of John Wrights [related to Sarah Wright??} on both sides of Beaver Dam Fork containing 100 ac, also 100 ac an entry of Charles Bussandim on both sides of the Laurel Fork - on both sides of the Laurel Fork and on both sides of the Beaver Dam Fork the waters of the south fork of Holstein River - beginning on the state boundary line - on the west side of Laurel Fork and on both sides of the road that leads to Rowan Creek being corner to Ferman's land - along Ferman's and Samuel Hunt's land - line of James Heron's land - in a bottom by the Laurel Fork - by a ford of the Fork - crossing Laurel Fork on the bank of Beaver dam fork - c rossing Beaver Dam Fork - near Keys land - near Bradshaw's line crossing Clams branch - March 2, 1795 Early Virginia Religious Petitions October 16, 1776, Miscellaneous, "Ten-thousand name" petition by Dissenters from whole state, for ending established church, and for institution of religious equality. http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=8 Wright, William http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=12 Kuntz http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=14 Counce http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=24 Couts, Chrisley http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=32 Winn, John http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=72 Wright, John http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=80 Collins, John and Tho http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=96 Stark, Jeremiah http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=relpet&fileName=000/013/013page.db&recNum=150 Barton, Thomas

The Significance of Finding Chrisley's Signature

This find of Chrisley's Signature is one of the most wonderful things that I could find this year! What a wonderful Christmas present!! Why you ask, it is only a man's name on a petition? AH! But the implications……… Chrisley was found in Virginia in 1776 - location and time He had to be at least 16 years of age of the State of VA would not have allowed him to sign the petition. He was protesting equality in practice for all churches not just the Church of England.. He was found on a page of 10,000 signatures with people by the name of Custer, Lamb, Humble, Runyon, Miller, Trumbo, Beggs, and Logan. All of these names are found in association with and neighbors of Teter Couts: Pages of Court Records: See web page photo of the original document Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia, extracted from the original court records of Augusta County 1745-1800 , by Lyman Chalkley Volume II. 7th July 1767. List shortened also. 1767-1768:... Processioned by Thos. Beggs and Michael Humble from Brock's Gap to Hampshire Line, viz: For Abraham Bird, present Rudy Mauk and Teter Couts; for Teter Coutts, for Conrad Custer, for Rudy Mauk, for Conrad Lamb, for Isaac Beackfield, for John Miller, for Charles Man, for Thomas Witsell, for Conrad Custard, Sr., for Jacob Trumbo, for Thomas Beggs, for James Beggs, for Jacob Bare, for James Marshall, for Andrew Trumbo, for Martin Witsell, for Adam Reader,for Uriah Humble.

10,000 signatures - October 16, 1776

5. Signature of Chrisley Couts 1776, matches signature of Chrisley Couts 1788 - N.C. Nov. 7, 1788 To the Honorable General Assembly of North Carolina The Petition of the Inhabitants on the waters of Red river and parts adjacent in Davidson County humbly showeth ~ That the large extent of Davidson County is very inconvenient and burdensome to your Petitioners who living in a remote part thereof and being often called on to attend Courts of Justice; General musters and other military duties must either travel this an unsettled country near forty miles frequency to the usage of their lives or be subjected to fines for disobedience ~ Crisley Couts The Petition of the Inhabitants on the waters of Red River September 5th 1788 -- <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>

DESCENDANTS OF MARGARET

COUTS UNITE!!! Submitted by Frank Waltz Frank very innocently wrote me an email: I am a descendant of Susannah Couts and her second marriage to Hudson McDonald Shrode. Susannah was my great- great-great grandmother. According to notes from my grandmother, Susannah moved to southern Indiana (Warrick County) from around Salisbury, North Carolina. I would be interested in any information you have on Susannah or her mother Margaret. Thank you, Frank F. Waltz. From: Frank Waltz Subject: Re: Margaret and Susannah Couts Barbara, Here's some info I have on Susannah Couts. Let me know what other type of info you'd like. Susannah's father owned a big distillery in North Carolina. He made peach brandy and corn whiskey. Susannah was one of 9 children (Willis, William, John, Betsy, Rebecca, Orin, Winifred, Phoebe, and Susannah).Susannah's sister Phoebe married John L. Rough in North Carolina and then moved to Indiana in a covered wagon with one horse. Susannah and Winifred came with them. Willis, John, Betsy and Rebecca remained in the area of Salisbury. Orin moved to Olney, Illinois, and never married. William married Jennie Miller and had two sons; Jim and Bill. Susannah married Hudson McDonald Shrode on March 23, 1837, in Warrick County, Indiana. (Boonville, Indiana is today's county seat of Warrick County.) Hudson was born in Boon Township, Warrick County, Indiana, of April 5, 1817. He died August 2, 1849, at Millersburg, Indiana. He owned a 160 acre farm and was also a contractor in the construction of the Erie Canal. Every spring and fall he would buy up a boatload of poultry and go to Evansville, Indiana, on the Erie Canal and then by river to New Orleans. On one of these trips, he contracted cholera, which resulted in his death. He made it back and died at his Aunt Annie Cox's in Millersburg. Hudson and Susannah had four children; Sara Margaret, John Henry, Rebecca Ann and Jacob Allen. Jacob is my paternal grandmother's father. I have one picture of him. This information came from Eva Ellen (Ella) Jarrett in a letter to my paternal grandmother. They were cousins. The information was apparently taken from a family bible that Ella had in her possession. The letter was written before 1960 which was when my grandmother showed it to me and I copied it. I'd appreciate knowing if this agrees with information you have, since it is obvious that you've been at this a lot longer than I have. I'd also like to know if you have any additional information of Susannah's ancestors, if in fact we are talking about the same family. Thanks so much, Frank. We only have basic info on Margaret. EMAIL: Barbara, I think that the Susannah Couts that would have been my great-great- great-grandmother would have been the Susannah Couts that married Hudson McDonald Shrode (not Strode or Shroades as sometimes listed)in Warrick County, Indiana. The information on this came from her granddaughter "Ella" Jarrett, so I'm guessing that it would be reasonably accurate. According to Ella, Susannah came from Salisbury, North Carolina, as I mentioned in my last note, rather than from Bowling Green, Kentucky. The 1814 birth date would be a good match. That would have made Susannah 23 when she married Hudson and 24 when her first child was born and 30 when her last was born. It would seem then that the Susannah I'm interested in would be the one you have listed as the daughter of John and Mary Caldwell. However, the fact that the family notes from Susannah's granddaughter are rather specific about Susannah's family in North C arolina, I would doubt if my Susannah were born in Kentucky, but rather only passed through. I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks so much for getting back to me. Frank BUT, NOW WE HAVE TWO SUSANNAHS. EMAIL: Hi Frank, I love the information. I have a dilemma? I have 2 Susannahs: HELP! 1. Susannah daughter of Margaret ?? (sister of Henry) who married ? Susannah would have been born circa 1780's; Margaret born 1760ish. This Susannah married Phillip Freeman. Uncle Henry signed and paid surety for them. 2. Susannah daughter of John and Mary Caldwell? born 1814 Bowling Green KY. married Hudson Strode, lived in Warrick County, Indiana. This is the info we have on Susannah and Margaret: We only have basic information on Margaret. Margaret was mentioned in her brother, Henry's will. Records show that the family had "lost touch" because years had gone by and she had not been given her share of the inheritance. Page 121 Hardin County Kentucky Will Book "C" 1816-1821 Hardin County Kentucky, April 8th 1818 "In the name of God, Amen. I Henry 1819 ………I give to my nephew 1820 Christopher COUTS, the value of one fourth part of the tract of land whereon I live, the said land to be valued and to be paid him in property at its real value. One fourth part …….. after the several bequeaths are paid that then I give the residue of my estate, to my sister Margaret COUTS, to her and her heirs forever. My Will and desire is that my wife, Sarah COUTS, and my well beloved and trusted friend, John HADGEN, act as my Executors in this my last Will and see that my desires in the distribution of what it has pleased to bless me with shall be complyed with. Signed sealed and delivered in the presence of Essa HUBBARD Squire LARUE Wm. PAYNE" HENRY COUTS of Hardin County, Kentucky last will and testament states that he gave 1/4 of his estate to his nephew Christopher Couts. The balance to his niece Susannah Couts, daughter of Henry's sister Margaret Couts As of this time, we do not know where Margaret Couts was born. We think it might have been in Pa or Va, circa 1755. We think that her father was Dietrich Kautz (aka Teter Couts). We think that his mothers name may have been Susannah. She had three-four brothers: Chrisley circa 1760, John Couts born circa 1765 in Loudoun Co. Va., Henry, and maybe William. She had two sisters: Elizabeth and Mary Magdalene. In the 1820 (Harrison County, Indiana) and 1830 (Hardin) censuses, Wilson and Elizabeth Bomar were enumerated next to Philip and Susanna (Couts) Freeman (they married at Hardin, 1814, and Henry Couts was surety). Philip and Susanna (Couts) Freeman went to Hickman-Fulton Counties, Kentucky. A note on a circa 1835 Hickman tax record suggested Philip's father was a Thomas Freeman. In the 1850-60 censuses Philip was listed as born in Mississippi. He lived with a possible son named Elisha and near yet another, slightly younger, Elisha Freeman, who also was listed as Mississippi born. Tom Wilbur We have vital statistics- marriage, Couts, Susannah-Shroades, Hudson; Warrick County, 3-23-37 The only information I have other than family records on the Gordon [Margaret Couts, mother of Susannah Couts, who married Phillip Freeman], was believed to have married a Gordon. CBStark HYPERLINK CBStark@aol.com If Susannah was the daughter of Margaret, would she be a Couts or did Margaret marry a Couts?? COULD SUSANNAH BE THE DAUGHTER OF MARGARET, WHO WAS THE DAUGHTER OF SUSANNAH-MOTHER MARGARET? OR THE DAUGHTER OF JOHN AND MARY POLLY COUTS OF INDIANA? The Caldwell Clan doesn't claim a Susannah for John and Mary, but they don't know from whence she came either?? How's about you??? Please write EMAIL: Hi Frank, This is quite a mystery. Who was your Susannah's father? Your Susannah was listed in census with our John and Mary Polly Couts, so it was assumed she was related to them. She was not however, in the will. Mary Polly's family came from SC so there's not part of the program. There were other Couts, who came to Indiana in the mid-1800's, too late for our girl. They were immigrants named Koontz, later spelled Koutz, then Couts. This is leaping a bit, but who was Margaret's mother? Could she have been the original Susannah, whose mother was Margaret of Kentucky, married and left for parts unknown???? This is fun.. let me know, Barb From Frank : Hello again. As I discussed in my note below, it would not seem that my great-great-great-grandmother would have been born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, based on the rather specific info my grandmother's cousin provided. I'll forward that info to you again for your info. The notes from that cousin, Ella Jarret, gave my g-g-g- grandmother's name as " Susan Coats, " however, when I saw the notes in your www.coutsfamily.com page listing a Susannah Couts marrying a Hudson Shroades, I started following up. I went to the Warrick County, Indiana, records and located the marriage records and they listed a "Shroades, Hudson marrying a Susannah Couts on March 23, 1837." Given the strong similarity in names and dates, I assumed (dangerous, I know) that they were the same. If you haven't located the Warrick records, you can do so on http:/us-gen.org/in/ warrick/records/marriagess.htm (Yes, there are 2 ss in marriagess in the address.) Beyond these two notes, I don't have anymore information. I started looking at census records from North Carolina, but only started and have found nothing yet. Sorry that I don't have anything more. I wish I did. If I find anything in the future, I'll pass it on. If you have any thoughts on my assumptions above, let me know. To: Frank Waltz Subject: Re: Margaret and Susannah Couts Well Frank, Thanks for your help! Susan Coats must have had a long and happy line starting in Virginia to NC and then, on to Indiana and Missouri. The Coats in OK are even famous! Those Coats have popped up everywhere!! There is even a Koutz listed in the same counties in IN, who came in directly from Germany and the locals changed their names to Couts. I'll see what I can do, beings I still have two Susannahs and I appreciate your time and effort...Barb [Susannah Couts was not listed in John Couts's will.] <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*

THE IDAHO STATE JOURNAL 10-03-1999 MONTPELIER

- Elnora Ruth Couts Smith, 79, died Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1999, in the Bear Lake Skilled Nursing Facility after a lingering illness. She was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on Feb. 16, 1920, to Harvey and Ima Goucher Couts. She married Galen Smith August 14, 1938, in Rockport, Missouri. They were married for 55 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Galen, two sisters and two brothers. She had five children, Ima Jean Hendricks of New Harmony, Utah; Julia Wassmuth of Soda Springs; Gay Izatt of Montpelier; Nancy Diaz of Winnemucca, Nevada; and Susan Hunzeker of Soda Springs. She was worthy matron of Betsy Ross Chapter #17, Order of Eastern Star, as well as holding several other positions. She had a dual membership in Silver State Chapter #6, Order of Eastern Star, in Winnemucca, Nevada. She was also a member of the Betah Rebekah Lodge #471, IOOF, for 24 years. She served as chairperson of the American Cancer Society in her neighborhood for several years as well as for Easter Seals. Elnora is survived by five daughters; one sister, Juanita Miligan of Vancouver, Washington; 18 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Her famous rhubarb cake will be missed by family, neighbors and Eastern Stars. She was cremated at her request. Memorial services will be held Monday, Oct. 4, at 11 a.m. in the Matthews Mortuary Chapel in Montpelier, where friends may call that morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Florence Mossburg Couts

Donna Clark Florence Mossburg Couts died at her home, 129 Maple Avenue, early yesterday following a lingering illness. She was born here Oct 16, 1898, the daughter of the late Thomas D. and Helen C. Donham Mossburg. The deceased, who was a member of the Second Christian Church spent her entire life in this community. She is survived by her husband, Edward C. Couts; two sons, Edward C. Couts Jr. and Arthur R Couts, both at home; one sister, Mrs. EJ Smith, Washington: two brothers, John H. Mossburg and Harry R. Mossburg, both of Washington. Wash. Observer-Reporter Oct 11, 1946. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>>

MARY COUTS BURNETT

(ca. 1856-1924) Philanthropist Submitted by Launa Kitros http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ tlosborne/Burnett/Burnetthistory/ Marycoutsburnett/marycoutsburnett.htm Mary Couts Burnett was born in Parker County, Texas around 1856, one of five daughters of James R. Couts, a banker, and grew up in Weatherford. She first married Claude Barradel, and was widowed. Then, around 1892 in Weatherford, she married Texas rancher and widower Samuel Burk Burnett, after which the couple settled in Fort Worth. Mary and Burk's life together did not go well. Mary was apparently never comfortable with the frontier life, and tensions also resulted from Burk Burnett's close relationship with his granddaughter, Anne Burnett Tandy, the daughter of Thomas L. Burnett, Burk's son from his first marriage. Mary and Burk had one son of their own, Samuel Burk Burnett, Jr., who died in their Fort Worth home in 1917. During the course of their marriage Mary became convinced that her husband was trying to kill her. He attributed these fears to hallucinations, had his wife declared legally insane, and confined her in a private home in Weatherford. She stayed there until the day of her husband's death in 1922, when she escaped from her confinement, returned to Fort Worth, and quickly succeeded in having her insanity status revoked with the assistance of her physician, Dr. Charles H. Harris. She next challenged her husband's will, in which he had left the bulk of his estate to his granddaughter Anne, and in 1923 was awarded half of his $6 million fortune. Mary immediately began organizing her plans for the distribution of her inheritance upon her death. One has to wonder if Mary was plotting revenge on her deceased husband. One story has it that Burk Burnett, a notoriously rough-edged character, had plainly expressed that no church or school would ever get any of his money so that Mary's gesture may have been one of defiance towards her late husband. She ultimately decided that Texas Christian University in Fort Worth would receive most of the $3 million. Though she had no immediate ties to the school, her father had been an admirer of Addison Clark, co-founder and first president of the school, and had, in fact, ontributed money to the school. Mary was interested in seeing her money remain in Fort Worth and both Dr. Harris and her lawyer, William J. Slay, approved of her decision. Her gift to TCU, at that time one of the largest fortunes ever left to an educational institution in Texas, was announced in December 1923, and a board of trustees, which she chaired, was established to administer it. At her death, Mary's sisters and their representatives challenged her will by claiming she was insane when she authored it. An out-of-court settlement was reached, with TCU retaining the majority of the initial gift with the stipulation that part of the bequest be set aside for the construction of a building bearing her name. Work on a new library, began soon after the gift was announced and she was able to see the Mary Couts Burnett Library partially constructed by the time of her death. The library was dedicated in March 1925. She was described by one historian as "a woman of refinement and culture with a strong interest in education". In addition to her gift to TCU, the trust also provided $12,000 for the Dixon Colored Orphanage in Gilmer, for the teaching of domestic science. Mrs. Burnett also stipulated that her body be made available for medical researchers at her death. She died in Fort Worth on December 16, 1924, shortly after suffering a stroke. Her funeral was held on December 18 in her Fort Worth home and she was ultimately buried with her son and husband at East Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth. *<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>* SOURCE: http://libnt1.is.tcu.edu/www/AboutUs/mary.shtm

WILSON PAPERS - HUNTINGTON LIBRARY- PRINTED AS WRITTEN

Genealogylibrary.com B.D. WILSON TO CAVE J. COUTS Los Angeles, October 6, 1853 (as written) CAVE J. COUTS TO B. D. WILSON [ Guajomito] May 7, 1854 There has been a hard attempt made by the rascal alluded to, to have me removed thinking that his position as a Qur. master in the U. S. Army, would be sufficient with Beale to Crush any humble Citizen. I only sought the appt. of the San Luis Indians, and never meddled with the Dieguinos until the most prominent Rancherros in their midst Call twice, requesting the removal of Tomas & appt. of Panto. The publications that you may see on the subject, be assured are from him (Br. Maj. McKinstry) or his hired bullies. Beale arrived in San Diego a short time since, and, as I understand, was prevailed upon by the rascal to reappoint old Tomas. I made as brief a statement of the facts to him as I could, advising him that Tomas could not act as Capt. of the Indians so long as I remained the Sub-Agent--any orders that he might wish, to communicate to the Inds. thro' me would be promptly attended to. The matter, I judge, will shortly be maad up by Beale dispensing with my services. My only object, as you know, was to regulate the San Luis Indians. hey are well regulated, and if it was not for this man's attempt to have me relieved, would now, or probably sooner, have asked to be relieved. If you should see Beale shortly, please suggest that he see a few of the Citizens of this county (not quarter masters employees) and ascertain from them the Course of the Sub. Indn. agent. [Wilson Papers, Huntington Library.][p.133] CAVE J. COUTS TO B. D. WILSON Guajomito, June 5, 1854 The enclosed letter to Beale, I leave open that you may see it. I care not a straw for his removing me; but am a little annoyed at his sending me word that he removes me on account of an old difficulty of five years standing with the notorious handler of public funds. What did this have to do with Indian affairs? CAVE J. COUTS TO B. D. WILSON Guajomito Rancho, August 25, 1853 Several of the old Indians here, those who were principals among the Indians in the construction of the magnificent old mission, have asked me "if they could not live in the building until such time as the Govt. may want to use it," or "during the rainy season."[p.104] There are a number of these old Indians, with families, who have been sufficiently civilized at the Misn., to command considerable respect with the whites who know them well. Andres, Pedro, Antonio, Samuel, and others in the immediate vicinity of the building, probably all of whom you know, and treated with great consideration by that portion of our citizens who know them well, for their industry and care, in managing their gardens & little stock. They spent their best days laboring in this building, and as it is unoccupied (except by three soldiers detached from a company at S. Diego) I cannot see but that their request is very reasonable. Their only object seems to be, to live there during the "rainy season," and evince every disposition to leave as soon as notified. In the spring they move off to their garden spots, and there remain under their temporary sheds until their crops are gathered. If this should meet your approbation, I have no doubt but that upon your application at Washington, it would be readily granted. P.S. The Vineyard difficulty at the Portrero, has been settled. [Wilson Papers, Huntington Library.] <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>* Genealogylibrary.com Warrick and Its Prominent People A History of Warrick County, Indiana, from the time of its organization and Settlement, with Biographical Sketches of some of its Prominent People of the past and present. Bibliographic Information: Fortune, Will. Warrick and its Prominent People. Indiana: Published by the Courier Company, 1881 BOON TOWNSHIP. Boon, the central and largest township in the county, was one of the earliest settled. Its first resident was Ratliff Boon, first Representative of Warrick county in the State Legislature, and subsequently Congressman during sixteen years, and twice elected Lieutenant-Governor, serving a part of one term as acting Governor. In honor of Mr. Boon the township was given his name. Among those settling shortly after Boon were Hudson Hargrave, Joseph De Forest, John Couts, Joseph Lawrence, Jacob Harpole, Joseph English, John B. Kelley, Joseph Adams, William Webb, Jacob Richardson, Edward Baker and Jacob Johnson <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>

TRANSFER OF GUARDIANSHIP [KENTUCKY]

Chrisley Jr. and Aaron- Submitted by Anne Miller From: "Anne L. Miller" amille01@coin.org To: Barbara Couts Evans Subject: Christley and Aaron Couts Good Morning Barb, Here is a piece of information that I have been searching through piles and files for. Finally it came to light. It is a good indication of the possible birth dates for Christley and Aaron, since they had to be between 14 and 21 in order to choose their own guardians: "At a County Court held for the County of Warren at the Court house in the Town of Bowlinggreen ON Monday the 3rd day of December 1804" "Christley Couch and Aaron Couch orphans of Chrisley Couch Came into Court and made choice of Baily Anderson as their guardian Who entered into Court in the penalty of $500 conditioned as the law directs with Jesse Kirby Sec" <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*

THE PRESS ENTERPRISE -

Thursday November 1, 2001 By Gordon Johnson Submitted by Phillip Newhouse- Corona California Mr. Johnson's article talked about Halloween and the traditions of the past. Angela Ortega's description of past Halloweens on the Pala Indian Reservation was something to look forward to each year. Her mother, born 1928 remembers the depression-era. At the festas, her family would set up booths to sell tortilla rolls and such. Her mother's grandmother, Esperanza, used to sew sheet of material to make their costumes. Her mother "recalls being a witch one year. She thinks the black fabric came from the reservation commissary run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Bernadino Couts, who was a reservation cop, and a mean one at that, ran the commissary. If your shoes had holes in them, you could show them to Couts, and get a new pair of Lil'Abner shoes." <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>

INTERNET CONNECTIONS

Subject: Couts connection Germany and Ohio From: Larry and Nancy Kautz Dear Barb, Although we have not been able to connect your Steinau-Kautz/Tennessee-Couts family to any of the other Kautz clans in Germany or here in The States, I thought you might be interested in the following: One branch of the Couts family is indeed related to a rather large chunk of the Brown County, Ohio Kautz Clan. Here's how it goes: There is a woman on your Couts family database who you have listed as Evaline Catron (16 Dec 1822, Lafayette Co., MO). She was married to Christopher Wade Couts. Evaline's surname was actually Kettenring. Evaline's third great grandparents in her primary line were a couple named Johann Jacob Kettenring (1627-) and Anna Maria von Lautern (1638-) of Landstuhl, Rheinpfalz, Germany. Johann Jacob and Anna Maria (von Lautern) Kettenring are my eighth great-grandparents. That makes Evaline my fourth cousin, five times removed. In fact, about 1200 members of the Brown County, Ohio Clan are descended from this couple in one way or another. Also about 120 of your Couts family are descended from them. Ain't that interesting. I visit your website from time to time and have been impressed how much progress you have made in a relatively short period of time. Keep up the good work. I wish you a very merry Christmas. Larry Kautz From: MARCY SMITH PUNKIN7703@msn.com Subject: Sarah (Wright) Couts I am Marcy (Smith) Smith daughter of Henry & Jo Smith, who were on the newsletter mailing from you. I have inherited their genealogy records and am currently working on reloading them in my computer. I was going through some mail I stockpiled until I could get my father's family reloaded, and the 30 October 1999 newsletter was in the pile. I do not know if they ever shared the descendants of Sarah Wright and her second husband William Collins (my 4th great grandparents) with you. I am sending what loaded with my father's records, although it is my mother's family line. It is not all-inclusive nor very updated, but may interest some. I will begin work soon on my mother's family. If you would like the information once loaded, I would be most happy to send it. Thank you for your website, your contributions, and the contributions from those who have visited the site. [I WILL BE HAPPY TO SEND YOU WHAT I HAVE- See articles above'] Subject: Please add me to Couts family e-mails From: Hello! I am Alfred Scott McLaren (Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Ph.D.). Cave Couts is my great-great grandfather through my mother, Marta; her mother Arcadia Bandini Scott Brennan; and her mother, Maria Couts Scott. I was baptized Alfredo Bandini Johnson, Jr. and later adopted by my mother's second husband, William Fleming McLaren (Captain, U.S. Navy - now deceased). Please be so kind as to add me to Couts Family e-mails and news. Thank you, Alfred S. McLaren Subject: Ohio Couts From: Spencer Couts Coutss@yahoo.com My name is Spencer Couts. I know a little about my family history, but am definitely interested in hearing or finding out more. My grandfather is Joseph Couts. His family was from Van Wert, Ohio. He was born in 1922. I have More info at home. Thanks and have a great Thanksgiving, Spencer Subject: Cpl. Ralph Merle Engstrom Max Reeder prissy@worldnet.att.net I was a Marine in Korea 1950/51 and had a Marine in my unit Cpl. Ralph Merle Engstrom (MIA) now (KIA) do you know if he was a relative? I was with him that day. Max Reeder Dayton , Ohio Subject: question Do you acknowledge Ida Richardson's children? From: Her grandson's are alive. They are, after all descendents of Cave Couts. They inherited his land -- well, it really was Ysidora's. Do you know where Ida is buried? A friend of the Rancho Subject: William Johnson (son of Henry & Rachel Johnson) From: Nancy Foster I was doing some genealogy research on the web, and happened to come across your website while doing a search on Henry and Rachel (nee Holman) Johnson. I was pleasantly surprised to find that you had posted a letter written by Cave Johnson that is included in the family records given to me by my father. This letter is contained in your Newsletter 12, and is entitled "Picturesque Clarksville, Past and Present - A History of the City of Hills" (1887 W.P. Titus). William Johnson, 1st son of Henry Johnson, was my ggg grandfather. Although the article as published on your website lists "Diana Morgan" as his wife my copy has him married to "Dianna Adams." That is also consistent with our family records, which record the date of the marriage as March 31, 1783 in Rowan County, North Carolina. Dianna and William are buried at Beulah Church in Newton Co., MS. Their are also a couple of differences in the children of Rachel and Henry. I think that "Jessie V." should actually be "Jacob V.", who became a doctor and married the daughter of General Robert Jarmon. Also, there is another daughter, Elizabeth (b. 11-30-1770), who married Sampson Matthews. Otherwise, my copy of that letter appears to be the same, except that it is much longer. It references numerous other relatives, including your ancestors, Nancy Johnson, who married William Couts. The information I have on Rachel Holman nd Henry Johnson is as follows: "Accompanied by his brother Isaac, Henry Johnson (1738-1815) came to America from Ireland (County Antrim) as a small child. He served as a private from 1777-1780 during the Revolutionary War. He resided in Pennsylvania, NC., and finally settled in Robertson County, Tenn. Rachel Holman (1743-1815) was from Massachusetts, the daughter of Isaac Holman, a soldier during the Revolutionary War, and Mary Elizabeth Thompson. She married Henry Johnson in Pennsylvania in 1763 and is buried beside him in Tennessee. They had ten children. " Thanks for letting me visit your site. Any other information you have on Henry Johnson and Rachel Holman or their ancestors would be appreciated. Of course, feel free to contact me if you think I can help you in any way. Nancy Johnson Foster Holland, Michigan [Thanks for the corrections, I always like to be as accurate as possible. Join us any time...Barb] <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*

WANTED AMBITIOUS SOULS WITH TIME TO SEARCH!!

Tennessee State Library and Archives Historical and Genealogical Information Guide to Microfilmed Manuscripts of the Tennessee State Library and Archives Part 09 MF. 800 - 899 Mf. 800 -- Tennessee Historical Society Genealogical Data. 3 boxes. THS. 1 reel. 16 mm. Collection of data received from various donors, arranged alphabetically by surname. Register available, which lists the family files. Mf. 801 -- James Robertson Papers, 1784-1814. 376 items. TSLA. 1 reel. 35 mm. Papers of James Robertson (1742-1814), pioneer of east Tennessee and Nashville, Brigadier-General of the Territory Southwest of the Ohio River, Indian agent, and Tennessee legislator. Robertson was a central figure in the establishment of the first American settlements in middle Tennessee, and his correspondence reflects the settlers' preeminent concerns with land and Indian warfare. Materials include correspondence and documents relating to political occurrences and Indian border troubles; letters from pioneers in the Cumberland settlements, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek Indian chiefs, and Indian agents; letters about land transactions and proposed early roads, especially the Natchez Trace; a letter signed by George Washington; and several letters from each of the Secretaries of War. Some of the correspondence dates from the 1780s when Robertson was the unofficial leader of the Cumberland settlements in their dealings with belligerent tribal leaders and Spanish diplomats. Register available, including a name index to correspondence indicating subject content and date. Mf. 811 -- Lawrence Family Papers, 1780-1944. 6 vols. 300 items. TSLA. 1 reel. 35 mm. Papers of the Lawrence family originally of Massachusetts. Dr. William Pitt Lawrence (1784-1853) came to Tennessee ca. 1808, practiced medicine and farmed, first in Carthage and later in McMinnville and Nashville. He served as surgeon with the 3rd Regiment of Tennessee Militia in the War of 1812. Mf. 852 -- Charles Allen Collection. Williamson County, 1783-1842. 50 items. TSLA. 1 reel. 35 mm. Papers of Charles Allen, re-enactor and collector of historical documents. The collection is centered around the activities of land companies 1785-1820 and consists of account books, land records (agreements, entries, surveys, and warrants), slave and tax records. The most prominent company represented in the collection is the Holston Land Company in eastern Tennessee during the years 1785-95. North Carolinians involved in land speculation included John Armstrong, entry-taker for western lands; Martin Armstrong, surveyor for military lands and a land partner of William Blount; and Stockley Donelson, also a surveyor and a land partner of William Blount. The three speculators, along with others, were later implicated in schemes in which fraudulent grants were issued and forgeries practiced on a large scale. By tracing the legal work of George W. Campbell, attorney for the devisees of Major George Doherty, one may see how land entries came to be concentrated in the hands of a few speculators. Mf. 858 -- List of North Carolina Land Grants in Tennessee, 1778-1791. 1 vol. NA. 1 reel. 35 mm. List of North Carolina land grants in Tennessee prepared by the Office of the Secretary of State of North Carolina in 1791 and submitted to Thomas Jefferson, U.S. Secretary of State. It had its origin in a bill drafted for the purpose of creating land offices in the western territories, including the area (now Tennessee) that had been ceded to the U.S. by North Carolina in 1790. Before taking action on the bill, Congress requested an estimate of the quantity and situation of the lands not claimed by Indians or granted to any U.S. citizens within the ceded territory. To obtain the information, Jefferson asked Governor Alexander Martin of North Carolina and Governor William Blount of Tennessee to make a report of entries in their respective offices. Governor Blount's report has never been found; this volume is the North Carolina record of entries. The following information is given: number of grant, name of grantee, number of acres, year the grant was made, county in which the land was situated, and location of the land, usually indicated merely by reference to the watercourse on which it was situated. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*

GUARDIANSHIP ANN AND MARY COUTS HEIRS OF JOHN COUTS - INDIANA

Submitted by Bo Couts Know all men by these present that we I.W.B. Moore and Erzekiel Perigo are held and firm bound unto the State of Indiana in the penal sum of five hundred dollars the payment of which well and truly to be made and done we bind ourselves his heirs Executors and administrators timely? And Severally firmly by these present sealed with our seals and dated this 7th day of February AD 1849. The conditions of this obligation is such that whereas the above bound IWB Moore has this day been appointed by the Probate Court of Warrick County Indiana Guardian of the infant heirs of John Couts Deced to with: Ann C. Couts and Mary A. Couts. Now it said IMB Moore promptly pay over all sums of money which should come into his hands as such Guardian to the proper person or persons authorized to receive and obey all legal order and decrees of the Probate Court of Warrick County tracking? his guardian ship then and in the se the above bond to be null and void else to be and remain in full force and virtue in Law Approved in open Court I. Waite B. Moore SEAL July 10th 1847 Erzekiel Perigo PSEAL IW Bellouse Clerk

SECURITY AND GUARDIANSHIP JOHN COUTS HEIRS - INDIANA

Submitted by Bo Couts Show all men by these present that I Thomas Collins as principal and we Richard Collins and William Collins as security all of the County of Lafayette in the state of Missouri are held and firmly bound unto the State of Missouri for the use and benefit of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased in the sum of one hundred Dollars for the payment of which well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs and jointly and severally firmly by there presents sealed with our Seals and dated this 6th day of July 1846. The condition of this bond is such that whereas the said Thomas Collins has this day been appointed by the Lafayette County Court Curator of this estate of the heirs of John Couts late of the State of Indiana deceased. Now if this said Thomas Collin shall faithfully discharge all the duties of Curator of said heirs according to law then this bond shall be void otherwise to remain in full force. Attest- I. Edgar Thomas Collins SEAL William X [his mark] Collins SEAL State of Indiana Warrick County In the ???Judge of Warrick County of the county of Warrick re November Term of 1847 Levi Couts, former Guardian of Malilday Couts, John Couts, Aaron Couts and Mary Ann Couts infant heirs of John Couts deceased and by? Leave to report the condition of the funds in his hands to use Rec of check Probate Court Share of Matilda Couts $125.30 and Int. ?? 2.45 By and Recipt of Augt. 19/44 $127.75Amount recd of clerk Share of John Couts $125.30 Inventory collected 2.45 $127.75 By amt recipt as of Aug/ 19/44 $127.75 Amt Rec ? of Clerk Aaron Couts Share $125.30 By amt paid CS. Hill for his share of land $45.00 " " Tax on 2 shares of land 3.00 $48.00 " " Enfunl? Making decd? Vincelly? 1.75 $49.75 75.55 Recd Interest 12.00 87.55 Amt Rec ? of Clerk Mary Ann Couts Share $125.30 Tax paid 1.50 1.50 Cash for clothing 2.25 3.75 121.55 Interest received up to this date Sept: 17/46 20.00 $141.55 Note and Mortgage herewith returned 226.10 229.10 John Couts Note 187.80 Carry A Couts note 15.09 Mary Couts Note 14.99 John? Hayes? Note?? 67.90 To be as named amount bal due? 53.80 189.49?Amt bal ??? by Guardian $39.61 39.61 respectfully submitted that I am recd chg??/gift? On bal ??? ??? $227.70 I shall not charge my fees Levi Couts Guardian Nov. 10 / 47 Sept. 19, 1846 -marked out Deed Book L, page 532 - Gibson County, Indiana Jan. 12, 1848, Matilda Couts of the first part and john Couts of the second part for the sum of $45.00 paid to the party of the second part all of the right, title, claim and demand of what so ever nature of which the said part of the first part or either of them, their heirs, executors, administrators, hold as heirs or heir of John Couts, late of Warrick County, Indiana, deceased, being the undivided 11th part of the following tract of land lying and being in Gibson county, Indiana, known as the S W 1/4 of the N E 1/4 Section 10, and the SE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 Sec. 9 and the West 1/2 of SE 1/4 of Sec. 9 and the NE 1/4 of Sec. 10 and the E 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of Sec. 9 all in TWp. 4 South of Range 9 West of the lands to be sold at Vincennes, Indiana. Recorded Feb. 22, 1848 Matilda Couts Book L, page 686 Levi Couts & Ellen (Eleanor) his wife to Aaron Couts, both of Gibson County, Indiana for the sum of $45.00---------------------- Both heirs of John Couts, late of Warrick County, deceased, (land same description as above) Levi sells to Aaron his 11th part. <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<><>*<>*<>*<><>*<>*<>*

Larkin Caldwell (Uncle Doc) Couts- Guardian of the Couts Children

Larkin Caldwell (Uncle Doc) Couts b: March 1855 in Indiana +WIFE Marguerite. Uncle Doc was William Levi, Mary Ann, Melissa, and Luetetia's step great-uncle. [At the time Alvis died Sarah [Grimm Couts grandmother] was still alive. Sarah is listed in the 1880 Pike County census with her children. I do not know if she died shortly after that or not. I do know that their Grandma Couts (Nancy Reed) was living in Crawford County, Arkansas by 1910. She is in the household of her son, Larkin at that time. She may have traveled there with her grandchildren or even more likely she may have been there prior to their arrival. Info provided by Diana Dunn] That may be why the children were sent to their uncle. The children (William Levi, Luetetia, Melissa and Mary Ann) were placed on a train with tags and sent to Doc and his wife to raise. My dad also stayed with them when he was orphaned. He always remarked that they were wonderfully kind people. Descendants of W. Levi Couts [SON OF JOHN C. COUTS AND MARY POLLY CALDWELL COUTS-] 1 W. Levi Couts b: 1816 in Warrick County , Indiana d: 1879 in Believed Pike County, Indiana, Census 63 years, in 1880, Consumption +Elendon (Ellen Or Eleandor) m: Abt. 1844 in Warrick County, Indiana d: Abt. 1850 b: 1814 in Illinois . 2 Alvis R. (Roy?) Couts b: 1848 in Monroe Township, Pike County, Indiana +Sarah Grim m: Jan. 10, 1874 Petersburg, Pike County, Monroe Township, Indiana d: May 04, 1877 in Monroe Township, Pike County Indiana, died of TB 3 Lutetia J. (Lettie, Latta, Lottie) Couts d: July 07, 1931 in Kinta, Haskell County, Oklahoma b: June 15, 1874 in Monroe Township, Pike County Indiana +Lowel Loel Lockwood m: October 22, 1892 in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas d: June 02, 1930 in Kinta, Haskell County, Oklahoma b: July 30, 1862 in Patoka, Marion, Illinois . 3 Mary Ann Couts d: October 19, 1910 in Lona Valley Cemetery, Haskell County, Oklahoma, Tuberculosis b: December 22, 1875 in Monroe Township, Pike County Indiana +Melvin Edward (#1) Dyke d: September 01, 1899b: December 22, 1851 *2nd Husband of Mary Ann Couts: +William "Billy" Berry (#2) Bookout m: June 16, 1901 in Crowder City, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, Stigler, McAlister Co. Oklahoma d: 1917 in Crowder City, Pittsburgh County, Oklahoma b: 1861 in Hachett City, Arkansas . 3 William Levi (Levi) Couts d: 1907 in Haskell County, OK (Bo) Kinta, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, Lona Cemetery b: March 1876 in Monroe Twp., Pike County, Indiana +Hattie M.(Martha?) Winn m: September 11, 1900 in Fort Smith Crawford County, Arkansas by GEO M SPEAR MIN. d: January 25, 1916 in Short Moutain Cem. Carterville, Oklahoma b: 1880 in Dora, Crawford County, Arkansas . 3 Melissa Frances Couts d: August 15, 1961 in Lona Valley Cemetery, Pittsburg, County, Oklahoma b: August 27, 1876 in Monroe Township, Pike County Indiana +Jess Skrimager m: January 16, 1898 in Indian Territory, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma d: May 07, 1955 in Lona Valley Cemetery, Quinton, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma b: December 28, 1873 in Laclide Co. Missouri . 2 Allen W. (William?) Couts b: 1845 *2nd Wife of W. Levi Couts:+ Nancy Reed m: March 28, 1852 in Warrick County Indiana b: May 1829 in Virginia . 2 Larkin Caldwell (Uncle Doc) Couts b: March 1855 in Indiana +Marguerite b: in Missouri From: Richard Averett gusd@montereybay.com Subject: Re: Season's Greetings I have a new scanner and will try it out with Uncle Doc and his wife's picture in just a minute. Among the things my mother gave me is a rectangular (black) 4.25 x 6 3/8 inches thick card that reads "In loving remembrance of Pheby Illinois Wilson Born Dec. 20, 1855 Died March 5, 1916 Age 60 yrs 1 mo. 14 days. Gone but not forgotten. "A precious one from us has gone, A voice we loved is still; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled God in his wisdom has recalled, The boon his love had given, And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in heaven." Any idea who she might be? [nope] See photo of Larkin Caldwell (Uncle Doc) Couts b: March 1855 in Indiana +Marguerite on the Picture Page. This Photo Courtesy of Richard Averett

PEOPLE WE HAVE NO PROOF TO SUPPORT IN A FAMILY CONNECTION

Susannah Couts married to Hudson Stroades Mary Magdeline Couts married to Walter Stark William Couts married Emeline Epps Please click for e-mail. Please click to go back to the main page.