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 --
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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.]
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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.
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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.
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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.]
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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
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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"
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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."
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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]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.shtmWILSON 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 KautzWANTED 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 ClerkSECURITY 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 AverettPEOPLE 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.
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