COUTS
CALIFORNIA’S COUTS COUSINS
VOLUME 2 NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - JANUARY NUMBER 2 1997 -1998
A quarterly Newsletter for the descendants of the Couts Family
WELCOME
It is the goal of this newsletter to create interest in
and share the research for the Couts (pronounced
K-outz) 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WEB PAGE RECIPES~ Do have a favorite Couts
Family Christmas Recipe that you would like to share?
We’re alway trying to add new things to the page.
It was suggested by Rhonda Couts Rodericks that
we collect recipes that are favorites in the Couts
family, some have been passed down generations.
This sounds like a fun idea. Send them today.
What do you say?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHO ARE THE OHIO COUTS & WHICH ANCESTOR
TIES TO THEM? Recently, I have receive several
communiqués from different Couts Branches in Ohio.
We have been told about other Ohio Couts
(smcouts@tusco.net; prncsdanae@aol.com;
glc9151@Dekalb.net [Gale Couts];
ajccl@hotmail.com [Mike Couts] ;
taunya@hedbor.org. [Taunya Hedbor];
tcouts@ns.net [Taffy Couts]). Brother
Bo has sent me the following article and
a completed line of Ohio Couts. (If you
wish the information, please send a large
self-addressed 3 stamped envelop to me
and I’ll give you all we’ve found). They
pronounce their name K-outs, but I cannot
find a tie to our family. Some have their
line and say that it is Couts (COOTS). Does
anyone know how this branch fits, if it does?
Our only lead is a census report on a Joseph
Couts, 1850 in Ohio. I have been told by our
resident experts, that this branch of Couts are
really Coutts (Coots) and are Scottish. If so,
we can make a separate page for them,
because they are a great bunch of Coutses.
The following article might clarify things a
bit...but how can a Dutchman be Scottish?
CRAWFORD COUNTY OHIO HISTORY, 1881
EDITION Page 720-721 Submitted by Bo Couts
BUCYRUS COUNTY HENRY COUTS, farmer
and veterinary surgeon; P.O. Bucyrus; was
born in Lancaster Co. Penn. July r, 1810.
Christian Couts, the father of Henry, was of
Scotch descent, and served three years in
the American army during the Revolutionary
War. Heremoved to Crawford Co. with his
family, about the year 1821, when the subject
of this sketch was about 12 years of age;
they settled in Liberty Township., southeast
of what is now Sulphur Springs. When Henry
Couts was a young man, between the ages
of 4 and 20, he would frequently reside with
the Indians, and, occasionally, these visits
were several weeks in length. During these
visits, he was frequently the guest of Johnny
Cake, a half-breed Wyandot Indian, whose
father was a Frenchman. This savage resided
at Upper Sandusky, in a hut which stood near
the Wyandot Mission Church. Johnny Cake
likes Couts, who occasionally practices
shooting with the bow and arrows with the
two sons of this savage friend; they would
occasionally make hunting excursions
together on the Honey Creek, Sycamore
Creek and the Broken Sword. Couts relates
that he also spent many nights with Bill
Walker, one of the chiefs. This Indian read
law and practiced some at an early day;
he lived in a frame house, possessed many
articles found in the homes of the whites,
and was more civilized than Johnny Cake
and many other savages. Walker had two
sisters, with whom Couts spent many a
pleasant hour. The subject of this sketch
was always on friendly terms with the
Indians, but once he had a fuss with one
called Between-the-logs. Couts had a
very fine hunting dog, and this savaged
desired to purchase it, and while the
Indian was hunting on the Broken Sword,
he visited Couts with the intention of
securing the coveted animal. But Couts
didn’t wish to sell the dog, and Between
-the-logs became very angry about it;
he was intoxicated, and when Couts
entered his cabin after conversing
with him, the enraged savage ran
his knife through the door of the house.
He also threatened Couts’ life and drew
his gun upon him several times, but did
not fire at him; but he finally left, vowing
to remember Couts in the future. After he
left, the owner of the dog thought over
indignities he had suffered, and grew very
angry about it; he followed the Indian several
miles and, taking him, drew his gun to shoot
the savages, but the charge did not explode,
and the warrior escaped. Couts says he was
always glad in the after years, that the gun
missed fire. But, at that next general muster,
Between-the-logs attended; he became intoxicated,
and commenced to abuse Couts, who turned in
and thrashed the savage. Couts was a very good
wrestler in his younger says; was known as the
Bully Dutchman, and one time gained a signal
victory over a man named Erastus Finn, who
challenged any man in Capt. Linton’s militia
company. Couts was Married to Sarah Ann
Peterman Aug. 25, 1833 ; she was born June
22, 1818. They resided in Liberty Township
until September, 1841, and then removed to
Missouri, where they remained for about twelve
months. While a resident of Liberty, he served
as Constable several terms. When he returned
from Missouri, he settled in Bucyrus and Sandusky
City, In 1846, he secured a contract for carrying
the mail through the country, and continued in this
business for some eighteen years. He served as
Street Commissioner and Marshall of Bucyrus for
two terms. In the early part of 1863, he secured
a position as Veterinary Surgeon in the 34th O.V.C.,
under Col. Franklin, and served in this capacity
nearly eighteen months. He removed to present
residence southwest of town, about 1866, where
he ran a saw-mill until some two years since,
when he sold the mill privileges to the County
Commissioners; since then, he has been farming
and practicing veterinary surgery. Mr. Couts
joined the M.E. Church at Annapolis in his younger
days and was a Class-leader for some five years.
After being returned from Missouri, he connected
himself with the Protestant M. E. Church, and is at
the present time a member of the U.B. congregation.
The subject of his sketch is the father of the following
children: Samuel, born April 10, 1834; married to Sarah
A. Nichols March 21, 1857, and died Nov. 23, 1865;
David born Nov. 4, 1835; now a resident of Page
Co., Iowa, and married to Sarah A. Palmer; John A.,
born Oct. 2, 1837; married to Mary A. Borst Nov. 29,
1860, and now a resident of Upper Sandusky; William
H. H., born March 15, 1840; married to Hatty Mead Dec.
10, 1863, and now a resident of Sandusky Township;
Barbara E. born March 18, 1842; married to George Sware,
Dec. 18, 1862, and after her first husband died to Jacob
Shupp; they reside southwest of Bucyrus; Jacob born
March 3, 1844, and now resides in Bucyrus; Jeremiah
B., born March 12, 1846; married Susan Myers and is
a plaster in Bucyrus; Frances, born July 18, 1848,
and died infancy; Brian Andrew born Nov. 6, 1849,
and died in May 7, 1871. Eliza Ann, born April 7, 1852,
and died in infancy; Sanford, born Sept. 21, 1854;
married Cynthia Dixon, and now a resident of Upper
Sandusky; Charles Fremont, born March 29, 1878,
and resides southwest of town. Six of the sons
mentioned above (all who were old enough),
enlisted in the Union Army during the late rebellion,
and served their country on many a bloody battle-field;
their father was too old to enlist as a soldier,
but entered the service as a Veterinary Surgeon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANKS FOR THE GREAT RESPONSES~
Although we are still looking for additional family branch
information, response has been wonderful. There is one
small problem, could you please send two discs if you
want computer information and a large self-addressed
stamped envelope with each request? When I print out
the family lines, we will have about 175 pages, not
counting allied families. Thanks also to Wilford and
Betty Couts and Sue Couts for their donation to the
stamp funds.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SQUIRREL SCALPS FILM #: 1320635 - COUNTS
-COUNTZ APPEARING IN LOUDOUN CO. VA - TITHABLES 1761- 1782
YEAR PAYEE PAYOR NUMBER KIND
1761 Phillip Counts George West 1 1
1761 Henry Counts John Mc haney "
1761 Adam Countz Squirrel Scalps 1 "
1762 Filep (Phillip) Coons " 1 "
1762 Adam Coons " 1 "
1765 Adam Counts Nicholas Minor 1 "
1765 Henry Counts " 1 "
PART II
1769 Adams Counts James Hamilton 2 "
1769 Frederick Coonts Craven Peyton 1 "
1770 Federick Coonce Stephen Donaldson 1 "
1770 Adam Counts James Hamilton 2 "
1770 Henry Counts " 1 "
1781 Henry Coons Faling Ball 1 "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TREASURES OF THE FAMILY Submitted by V.F. Williams
April the 25 - 1877 Dear sister I take my pen in hand to
write you a few lines in answer to your kind letter whitch
we received some time ago. We are all well as common
inmhopes this will find all well.
Mary as pape has rote about all that would interest you
bout the country it is not worth while for me to write any
thing about it. We have bougas
1877
a nice claim cost to brother. So it lise on pilopinto Creek
bout 24 miles north of whare we now live we expect to
move thare this fall if nothing hinders. Mary I would
love so well fore you to come to Texas if I knowde you
wold be sadisfied as for myself I like mity well. Our
garden is up nice we have had a nice rain last nght
and night before last and today Hiram begun to plow
cornn but got so wet`e had to quit. I set out some
tomatoes and cabbage plantys yesterday. We have
some young chikins large as partrage. I went to
preaching twisthtwice) last Sunday once in the
forenoon and once in the evening Well as Mother
wants me to write some for her I will have to quit.
Mary your little name sake is alittle bit of a seraph
like Ide youst to bee Evie is a grate big fat girl
write soon. N. b. Moon We rote to fannie bout the
time we rote to you havnt got any answer yet. and
fannie and Willie wrote and we answered it.
Letter 15 Page 1 1877 Allensprings Ky. July 12,1877
Mr. John Pearson
Dear Cousin I have for the first time in my life availed
myself of the opportunity of writing to you. Though I
recollect but little about you yet know we are cousins
and I would like to hear from you and know something
of your country. I have thought ever since Uncle Bently
was here I would sometime visit you and his family.
I would come this fall if I could get into something to
make expenses. Could there be a school gotten you
out there. If so I would come and teach school. having
spent four years and a half in Bethel College and having
taught two years I think I am pretty well prepared for teaching.
But if there can be a school gotten up I am not afraid of work
and would be willing to take yhold of most any thing that I could
get along at I wnant you to please write immediately after
getting this and let me know the prospects and if there can
be any thing done I
Letter 15 page 2 1877 will come right away. We are very
dry here- haven’t had any rain for six weeks crops are
considerably injured. the health of the people is generally
good From your cousin John A Pearson P.S. I would
like to spend a year and if I should like a life time in your
country. Write direct to Allensprings.
THE INTERNET COUTS
THE LATEST COLLECTION- We try to help the best we
can or refer to people who can help.
>>>I am very interested in the Couts/Kautz newsletter
for a friend of mine. My friend Ron Kautz lives in Horton
Kansas. I do not know all about his family but he told
me his father married an indian in Oklahoma and he
would like to know more about his family name Kautz.
Since I did all the genealogy on his wife's family I
have been trying to help find the Kautzs family genealogy
for Ron. I have found only a few in Texas, Oklahoma,
and Kansas. Have you folks heard of any Kautzs in
the three states mention above???? I also found some
indication that the Kautzs may have come from Prussia.
Have you done any stories on any Kautzs? Would be
glad to share any Kautz genealogy that we have .
Thanks Grady Behrnes NOTE: Grady was referred
the Kautz Family Association in Fairview Bay, Arkansas
>>> Evans 08/07/97 03:34pm >>>
In 1786-1789, how far north into the State of Franklin
did North Carolina claim, even though the land was
owned by Virginia? In searchng for border relatives,
it is difficult to find records. Sometimes, they are called
for jury duty in Sumner and Davidson
counties, but deeds are in Kentucky lands and found
in VA. The Couts (Couch) line lived on Sulphur and Red
Rivers. Was this area given as bounty land for the Rev.
War? Barbara Couts Evans
>>> Chaddra Moore 09/17/97 03:34pm >>>Dear Ms.
Evans: Thank you for writing. North Carolina claimed
all of the land on which the State of Franklin was situated,
which in turn was part of the lands that became Tennessee.
The State of Franklin spent much of the time span cited
in your letter struggling to be recognized by the government
of North Carolina and the United States Congress. By 1789
it had, for all practical purposes, ceased to exist. The border
between Kentucky and Tennessee has been the subject of
dispute for many years. Much of the confusion stems from
errors that were made when the boundaries were originally
surveyed. One of the results of`this confusion is`that some
grants were issued &o2 lands that were thought to be in
Kentucky, but were actually in Tennessee. We would like to
add that, for a time, the state of Virginia had the authority to
grant lands in Kentucky, much as North Carolina had the
authority to do so in Tennessee. If you are interested, brief
overviews of the history of the State of Franklin and of the
boundary dispute with Kentucky can be copied and mailed
to you for $3.00. More detailed discussions can be found
in the following books: Four Steps West: A Documentary
Concerning the First Dividing Line In America and Its Three
Extensions Between Virginia and North Carolina, Kentucky,
and Tennessee, compiled by James W. Sames, III. History
of the Lost State of Franklin, by Samuel Cole Williams. Your
local library may be able to borrow these books for you through
interlibrary loan from this or another facility. If you would
prefer the previously mentioned photocopies, please make
your check or money order payable to the Tennessee State
Library and Archives. Our mailing address is 403 Seventh
Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243-0312, Tel 615-741-2764.
Please put your letter to my attention. We hope that you find
this information helpful, and apologize for the delay in
responding to your request. Chaddra A. Moore Public Services
Section
>>>Subj: Christian Counce of Greenbrier WV Date:
97-09-01 12:36:25 EDT From: rkoontz@minn.net
(Richard Koontz) To: dst@southwind.net
CC: bevans@coutsfamily.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: DURING THE TIME OF THE COUNCE AND
COONTZ, THERE WERE ALSO KAUTZ AND COUTS. THEY
ALL LIVED IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA-BROCK’S GAP.
THIS CHRISTIAN COONTZ IS NOT OURS. HIS LINE IS
PROVEN. THEY LIVE IN OHIO. IT IS NOTEWORTHY,
THOUGH, TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS GOING ON
HISTORICALLY, IN AN ANCESTOR’S VICINITY.
Diane, I'm taking a moment to respond to a note that
Barbara Couts Evans dropped me. This concerns Christian
Counce, of Brock's Gap VA, of Greenbrier County VA==> WV,
and of Gallia County ==> Lawrence County, OH. What follows
is, in part, clippings from things I've written. Just in case
you're interested. But it is Christley / Christian I'm interested in.
The little town of Woodstock is located in the Shenandoah
Valley of Virginia, on the North Fork of the Shenandoah
River as it winds back and forth in the flat valley are between
Powell's Mountain on the east, and Little North Mountain on
the west. In 1726, interest in the region started in earnest.
By 1732 it had been reconnoitered by the Van Meter brothers,
and Jost Hite gathered his group and invested. Jost Hite, by
the way, was a real estate speculator. He and several other
investors purchased a significant chunk of land up the Valley,
north of Woodstock. One of those investors was, of all people,
George Washington. Another was Balser COUNCE. Where
Balser sprang from, we do not know. Who he was, what he
was doing there, is unknown. But he had 5,400 acres
surveyed for himself. That survey may, or may not, still be
on file in England. By 1761, a Benjamin Layman/Lehman
sold 471 acres to Balser COUNTS. This land was situated
on Pughs Run, which runs into the North Fork of the
Shenandoah just north of Woodstock. He received his
grant 1 Sep 1761. Balser and his wife Catherine COUNTS
sold some 232 acres of this to Woolery Kesler for 150
pounds on 5 Aug 1770. He headed south to Rockingham
County, which at the time was in Augusta County. By the
late 1700's, Christian Counce had married Anna Lamb/
Lamm/Lamp in Brock's Gap. At the time, it was also called
LITTLE GERMANY. He had a family, moved to Greenbrier,
then to Gallia County OH, his part of which became
Lawrence County. Living in the immediate vicinity in
Brock's Gap was Balser Counce, and I believe also a
George and a Henry, but I couldn't find my notes on it.
Living about ten miles further east, were Jacob, Martin,
Peter, and Philip Counce, my ancestors. There is
evidence that at least two of them (Peter and Philip)
came down from Frederick MD via the South Branch
of the Potomac. The South Branch of the Potomac was
also called GERMANY VALLEY. Brock's Gap (it's a town,
by the way) is one entry point from the south to GERMANY
VALLEY. Balser is said to have left Rockingham County
(Brock's Gap) by 1797 or so when he finally lost a lawsuit
(and the land he was on). There are too many clues here
and there that suggest Balser came from Frederick MD.
So I believe there is a connection. The family spelled its
name in many formats between 1740 and 1800. KINZ,
KINSS, KIENZ, KUNS, COUNSE, COUNTS, KOONTZ, KOUNTZ,
and maybe KEENSS. There was an Elisabeth COUTS in
COUTS STORE (Samuel Coots) (next to Brock's Gap) who
married a Kaufman. Our records do NOT say that she was
a COUNTS. I have no info on Greenbrier, EXCEPT In the
French and Indian War, a handful of German settlers were
killed in Brock's Gap. The Greenbrier Colony was wiped
out. The valleys to the north, up on the South Branch of
the Potomac, were hard hit. And I think the COUNCE families
were right there on the frontline, by accident. That's where I
have to look next. I've been to Frederick, and found no direct
clues. Lots of hints. Nothing direct. Next it is to the land
records for the Potomac area...I'd appreciate anything you
have on that era.--- Richard Koontz
3
>>> From: dwhite@qni.com (Donald White)
Date: 97-08-25 13:05:20 EDT
Do you have anything on Nancy Couts who married
a John Bird/Byrd. She was born about 1793 in
Robertson County, TN, died Dade County MO NOTE:
We now have four busy Bird/Byrd researchers...
>>>Subject: Re: Couts Family From: bevans@coutsfamily.comTo:
lwilson@erols.com Subject: Re: Couts Family
Date: Saturday, August 16, 1997 9:37 PM Hi, So
you are William and Nancy Couts: Julia Ann
Couts born Sept 25, 1828.
I would love the Johnson information that you
have and copies of any of your pictures. Loved
your letter. I have my brother and other Coutses
who search for the branch information. Although
I collect it and share, I enjoy the research of
continuing the family line. I trying to secure
proof to place us with a Kautz family in VA in
1754, from PA. I really love that part of the
search! I started the newsletter to collect information
and get people interested in the family line. It's
really hard to motivate them into sending their
stories and information-we’re all too busy these
days. Anything you can send I'd appreciate and
will happily share what we have. I'm currently
updating my Family Tree Version and our information.
I'll send it when it's finished, probably a couple of
week. Feel free to remind me, because school has
just started again and things get hectic. I'm adding
you to our address book. Thanks for writing. Barb
Couts Evans
>>>Re: Couts Family Date:97-08-18 20:19:59 EDT
From: lwilson@erols.com (Lynn Wilson) To:bevans@coutsfamily.com
@aol.com
I well near had the perfect letter written to you last
night, and my system flopped for the first time in
several months (Couts/Wilson virus maybe?). Shoot,
you keep passing me info like this and I may end up
being the second best "Couts" expert in the country!
Thanks for all the good stuff. In answer to your question,
I live about 70 miles from Richmond where I assume
are the archives. Let me know if you need something,
and I'll try. My son is scanning old photos and I'll send
you appropriate copies or a file. Remember, I'm just a
novice tree-tracker, so don't laugh too hard at my data.
Concerning Nancy Johnson who married William Couts.
I think your information said she was daughter of Cave
Johnson (Postmaster General under Polk, member of
Congress and Capt in 1812 under Jackson), but I have
her as the sister of Cave (He was right-the top of my
head doesn’t always work). I have their father being
General Thomas Johnson (born July 4, 1766). He
married Mary Noel in 1790 at Craig's Sta, Ky. Thomas'
father was Henry Johnson (died 1815), a private in the
NC Battalion in the revolutionary war. He supposed
moved from Pa to NC then to Tennessee. He married
a Rachel Holman. Do you have any added information
about the Couts and history of San Diego? I show
Edward "C" Smith marrying Julia Ann Couts (I think
your notes showed a "G." ) Their offspring was Cave
Couts Reynolds (born in 1848, died in 1924 in Haskell,
Tx, and married Robbie Ella Jameson on May 12, 1874.)
Rob Ella was born July 20, 1855 and died in Haskell in
1925. Their daughter was Susan Jameson Reynolds
(born April 2, 1875, educated in Potter College at Bowling
Green Ky. She married Henry Smith. Wilson (Sr) Mar 8,
1899 (his second marriage - first was to Dovie Gill on
Mar 25, 1887 - she died Nov. 29 1897.) Henry was born
Oct 10, 1862 and Died Nov 9, 1930 in Haskell. He was
educated (law) at Wash & Lee University in Lexington,
Va. He practiced law in Clarksville Ky, moved to Allensville,
Ky in 1890 and moved to Haskell May 1, 1901. Their 2nd
son, Ed Reynolds Wilson, was my father and he was born
on 6 Apr, 1903 in Allensville Ky. He married Eileen Partlow
and my brother, Robert Edward, and I are the offspring.
When I get my Fam Tree Maker file in descent shape, I
should be able to share more details. Do you have a record
of Poston Couts in Weatherford Tx (maybe a son of James
Robertson Couts?)? I think I may have told you that I have
a good photo of him. Lynn
>>>Subj: Couts Huntin' Date: 97-09-06 13:27:19 EDT
From: lwilson@erols.com (Lynn Wilson)
To: bevans@coutsfamily.com (Barbara Couts Evans) CC:
Johnnamy@erols.com (JohnnAmy Wilson)
Thanks for the note. Yes, you may use the info (as an
example of anamateur genealogist?) in your newsletter.
It's interesting to hear that you have to have your son
help read the pictures - my son had to help me send them!
Would you like to have transcribed copies of several
death notices relating to the Couts family? - Mrs Mary
Judkins, daughter of William Couts and sister of Julia
Anne and John F. Couts. (Paper and date unknown.) -
Julia Anne Couts Reynolds (Dallas News, date unknown)
- William Couts (Paper and date unknown.)
- Nancy Johnson Couts (Newspaper - Springfield? - unknown,
dated Aug 6, 1855.) Do you have any information relating to
Nancy's ancestors? Where is Yuba City, Ca? I thought "Yuma"
when I first read it. I went to school in UCIrvine for a year in
1970 and I lived in Danville for six months in 1988 while
working with Oakland Army Base at the foot of Oakland Bay
Bridge. As I mentioned, my Mom-in-law and Sis-in-law are
in Hemet and we visit there about once a year. Maybe
some time we can sneak out your way to share a Couts
/Wilson hug. THE ANSWER WAS DEFINATELY, "YES!"
>>>Subj:Re: John Bird/Nancy Couts descendantsDate:
97-08-2v r3:28:41 EDT From:MaryLReedTo:bevans@coutsfamily.com
Found Daniel through another Ann Chesshirn (she sent
me the gedcom I sentyou) Got a whole big gedcom
that merged perfectly with my Bird line, they neither
one knew Johngs father was Thomas T Bird, also tied
me into the Choate line, which will quite possibly tie
our Birds to Thomas Bird and Mary Hewlett of England.
It has been a great day!! Mary Lou
>>>Subj: Re: REEDS & GWALTNEYS Date:
97-09-09 15:03:49 EDT From: ATMEEK
Barb: I checked my database and am sorry to say
I didn't come up with a lot. I'm quite surprised I didn't.
Aaron Gwaltney--he was not in my database. I am really
surprised since Gwaltney isn't exactly a common name.
I do know that my line came directly from Hamilton Co.,
OH, to Spencer Co. Before that they were in VA. Surely
Aaron is a cousin of some sorts. I know he was not a
child of John and Mary Ann Gwaltney. Their first child
was not born until 1828. I also checked to see if he
might be one of John's eight siblings and he's not listed.
John and Mary Ann Gwaltney arrived in Spencer Co. in
the 1830's. Nancy Reed--I have two Nancys. 1) Nancy
d/o George Reed and Grace Utterbach was b. in 1808
(a little older than Levi). She m. William Abshire 12 July
1827 and he was still living in
he 1850 census. Your Nancy, I found, m. Levi on
March 1852. 2) Nancy d/o Waldon Reed and Sarah Leslie,
and granddaughter of George
Reed and Grace Utterbach, b. in 1833. I have no record of
a marriage for this Nancy. George Reed and family arrived
in Warrick Co. also in 1852 directly from KY. They arrived
in KY from VA about the turn of the century. George was
b. in VA, but lived inNC during the Revolutionary War
(he served), and returned to VA with his mother
after his father died shortly after the war. I found Mary
Ann m. Aaron Gwaltney on 2 June 1853. I really think
there is a connection some place, especially with the
Reeds. Where in Warrick Co. did the Couts locate?
The Reeds were just south of Folsomville. The George
and Armer Reed farms were located along the road
that now runs from Folsomville to Boonville. I will
keep my eyes open to solve the connection dilemma.
Cathie
>>>Subj: Family Date: 97-09-17 11:58:32 EDT
From: ajcc1@hotmail.com (Mike Couts) To:
bevans@coutsfamily.com
Hi my name is Aaron Couts and I live in Urbana,
Ohio I was wondering how long did you guys have
this web site? please write me back soon.
>>>Subj:Re: Couts, Wilson, Williams, Ferrill
Date:97-09-23 00:10:25 EDT From:Jairalhill
To: bevans@coutsfamily.com
Dear Barb, Okay, I'm frustrated. I downloaded
your massive file. Then, since I don't have Family
Tree Maker, I downloaded the sample program that
can be used to read .FTM files. So then I tried to
read your massive file. Then I found out that the
FTM program I downloaded is not the right version
to be able to read your file. Urgghhhh! I'm not even
sure if the Sarah Couts. I'm after is really the wife
of the right Charles Hill. Could you please look into
your files for me. Sarah Couts married Charles Hill
on 12 Oct 1831 in Warrick Co, IN. Do you have that
Charles Hill's parents listed? Or do you have Charles
and Sarah's children? Then I'll know if I have found
the right wife for Charles Hill. If Charles Hill's father
was Jacob Hill Jr. and his son was Charles Hill Jr,
then I've finally found Charles' wife. Could you
PLEASE take a quick peek for me. Thank you so
much. Jaira Hill Silverton, OR
Couts Geneology Date:97-09-24 11:02:39 EDT From:
CMITCHELL@corel.com (Clark Mitchell) To: bevans@coutsfamily.com
Hello: I was happy to find your Couts Web page and
E-mail address on the Internet. I am Clark Mitchell
and live in Orem, Utah. My E-mail address is
CMITCHELL@COREL.COM.
I am a direct relative of Patsy Couts.
I believe her Father and Mother were Aaron and I think
Elizabeth Couts. She was born about 1818 and died in
1847. She lived in both Warren Co. Kentucky and
Lafayette Co, MO. I would really be interested in
any information you may have concerning this line.
We are planning a trip to Kentucky later this
month to do research on this andàother lines.
Our family, brothers and Sisters, are getting
organized and plan to get involved in researching.
We will be more than happy to share any information
we have or find. Thank's again for a wonderful Web
page and the important information it contains. Looking
forward to working with you in our search for our loved
ones. Sincerely, Clark Mitchell
Re: Couts Huntin' Date: 97-09-06 23:37:39 EDT
From: lwilson@erols.com (Lynn Wilson)
The following is a section of a newspaper article
relating to the death of Mrs. Mary Judkins. The
paper and the date are unknown.
Mrs. Judkins was a native of Robertson
County, Tenn., and was a daughterof the late
William Couts. She was probably the oldest
resident ofClarksville. For more than sixty
years she has lived in thiscommunity....Her
daughter, Medora Stewart, is the last surviving
member of her immediate family, although
she is survived also by a sister, Mrs. Julia
Reynolds, of Pembroke, Ky. ...She was a
sister of the late John F. Couts and a niece
of the late Cave Johnson, former Postmaster
General of the United States.
The following was from a typed copy of article
published in the "Dallas News” DEATH
Reynolds - Haskell, Texas, Dec. 1.
Mrs. Julia Reynolds, 94 years old,
died here last night at the residenceof her
grand-daughter, Mrs. H. S. Wilson. She was
born in Springfield, Tenn. Sept. 25, 1827,
married and moved to Pembroke, Ky., where
she continued to reside till three years`ago,
when she`came to Texas to make here home
`with her grand-$a5ghter. Mrs. Reynolds was
a member of the Baptist church, and a woman
of remarkable intellect, retaining her mental
and physical faculties, walking around the
place, reading and keeping up her correspondence
in her own hand-writing up to a month ago, when
she fell and broke her hip, which resulted in her death.
Her body has been carried back to Pembroke, Ky.
for burial. Surviving Mrs. Reynolds are one son,
Cave C. Reynolds of Allensville, Ky.,one daughter,
Mrs. Gilbert H. Smith of Haskell, Texas, and six
§rand-children, Mrs. H. S. Wilson and R. J.
Reynolds of Haskell, Sam and Cave C. Reynolds,
Jr. of Allensville, Ky., Ed D. Reynolds of Dallas,
and E. M. Reynolds of Jacksonville, Fla. An uncle
of Mrs. Reynolds, Hon. Cave Johnson, was in the
U. S. Senate from Tennessee, and post-master
general in the cabinet of President James K. Polk.
The following is a newspaper article (paper and
date unknown) DEATH OF WILLIAM COUTS
The worthy citizen, good neighbor, and
kind friend whose name stands at the head of this
article, departed this life at his residence in Robertson
County three miles east of Springfield, on Saturday
evening, the 23rd of December, at 7 o'clock. And
though he had never sought or filled any station
or office of honor or distinction among his fellow
citizens, preferring retirement and the social ties
and blessings of his family and friends; still, his
retiring manners, social qualities, sterling honesty,
unobtruding merit, and unbounded hospitality,
justly entitle his memory to something more at
the hands of his friends, than a mere formal
passing notice. Mr. Couts was born in Robertson
county, on the 5th day of March, 1795, andwas
consequently approaching the close of this fifty-fourth
year when hedied. In the fall of 1814, then in his
twentieth year, at the call of his country for volunteers,
he rallied to the standard of Gen. Jackson, and
constituted one of the brave band that so valiantly
and gloriously drove back the British myrmidons
of a Packenham on the ever memorable plains of
New Orleans. He was in the bloody battle of the
night of the 23d of December, 1814; that battle,
which (even in the opinion of the writer, more
than any other,) served to check and stay the
tide of war, and to protect, defend and save the
"beauty and booty" of New Orleans and perhaps
the entire south, from the ravages and desolations
of a merciless and mercenary invading foe. In
this battle, on the same month and day, just
thirty-fouryears prior to the evening of his death,
Mr. Couts received, while bravely fighting in his
country's defence, a severe wound in one of his
legs, which entirely disabled him from farther duty
until peace was declared between the two belligerent
nations, continuing to suffer much pain until after
his return home in the month of April
following. It was probably, in a great degree, owing
to the great partiality and friendship then formed
while in his country's service, for that distinguished
man and general, that the deceased was, in all
after life, devotedly and unwaveringly attached
to the person and political principles of Andrew Jackson.
On the 10th of April, 1817, then twenty-two
years of age, Mr. Couts was married to Nancy,
the only daughter of the late Gen. Thomas Johnson,
and the sister of the present Post Master General
of the United States, with whom he settled upon
the farm where he died, with three miles of the
place that gave him birth --- and where, in the
midst of peace and plenty, and surrounded by
the joys and endearments of domestic circle,
they had for the last thirty-one years lived content
and happy. But alas! the destroyer came. The
head of the family, to whom its other members
looked in a great degree for comfort and protection,
has been torn away; and the widow and children
are bathed in tears of bitterness and deep distress,
and left almost comfortless. The deceased had
an interesting family. He had been the father of
twelve children, seven sons and five daughters,
some of whom had died before him. He had
lived to see five of his children married, and
to number twelve
grand children. For five months he had been
severely afflicted, most of this time confined
to his bed, having for several years been
afflicted with a sick or nervous headache,
which grew worse on him until with a few days
of his death, and which seemed to be his chief
source of complaint, although his physicians
styled the disease of which he died,
"inflammation of the stomach." He had never
made a public profession
5
of religion, by attaching himself to the church,
but gave abundant evidence that he was in
a state of reconciliation with God, and
prepared to meet the change of a mortal
for an immortal existence, whenever it
should please God to remove him. His
great cardinals in religion were, (instead
of an outward, ostentatious display of piety
and holiness,) "fear God and keep his
commandments; and do unto others as
you would they should do unto you."
He was fully apprized of death's approach,
and seemed to greet and welcome the
messenger, expressing his fixed trust
in God, and his unshaken hope beyond
the grave ---enjoying at times a deep
devotional spirit and frame of mind, and
requesting his family and friends to sing
and pray with him, which, however, was
interdicted by his attending physician.
It was a source of great comfort to
him during his illness, to have occasionally
around him all his children, (except his son,
Cave Johnson Couts, who is an officer in the
service of the United States' Army, and now
stationed in California, and whom he had not
seen since the 23rd of November, 1847.)
These he called around him but a short time
before his death, and exhorted them to love
each other, and to imitate his example of
"industry, virtue and morality."
The deceased had been an industrious,
frugal, independent farmer, a good husband,
kind father, indulgent master, faithful friend,
obliging neighbor, and a most worthy, unobtrusive
and excellent citizen. He was, in short,
"an honest man, the noblest work of God.
" By his own request, a funeral discourse
was delivered on the occasion, on Sunday
the 24th, by Rev. Mr. Steel, of the Baptist
church, and on Monday, the 25th, his remains
were consigned to the earth, in a spot selected
by himself in his lifetime upon his own farm.
Peace to his slumbering dust; and may that
God who "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,"
dry the tears and comfort the hearts of the
bereaved widow, children and friends, and
administer to them that comfort which he
alone can give, and which they so much
need in this their hour of dark calamity.
The following was copied from a Springfield (Tenn.)
newspaper article dated August 6, 1855 Obituaries.
Sister Nancy, daughter of Gen.
Thomas Johnson, and sister of Hon.
Cave Johnson, was born in Robertson
County, Tenn., on the 19th of November, 1789;
married Mr. Couts on the 10th of April, 1817,
and died on the 12th of July, 1855. Obituary
notices, of some, to be short, would be
appropriate; many other find sufficient
apology for length in the purity and activity
of the Christian, and in the distinguished
events of common character. Were we to
become particular in our notice of the
deceased, the reader would be entertained,
and feel deep interest all the time; for in her
character there is much to learn, to admire,
and to imitate. Life with sister Couts has
generally been an enjoyment. Having been
reared in a family distinguished for intelligence;
having connected her social interests with a
man of unsullied character, and whose energies
were consecrated to her; having been blessed
with lovely children; and being surrounded with
the society of honest and industrious neighbors;
she was well prepared for contentment at home,
and pleasure abroad. The domestic circle discloses
her an object of peculiar interest. There she
seems admired, whether seen in the wise management
of her home, or in the exercise of the purer
affections of the heart. As a governess, she
was discreet, economical but not penurious,
strict but not severe. The wife, to render the
husband happy, was active in every means;
the mother, as one governing the present and
future interests of the child, was firm with live,
and indulgent with wisdom; the mistress, while
she asserted her claims, essayed to lead by
benevolent example, and guide by pure precept
the servant in the path of duty here, and to a
home in the skies. Nor does her character lessen
when seen in connection with her neighbors. To
them she was kind and accommodating, being
ever ready to aid the poor and needy, visit and
comfort the sick, and administer to the wants of the
distressed. But it is the living Christian principle
which we so much admire in her. She had been
a member of the M. E. Church for six years. This
time she occupied in attention to all the duties
she owed her Lord and Master. Indeed, she
was a city that was set upon a hill. Meek
and lowly, she always presented us in the
presence of Jesus. Pure and spotless, she
was the emblem of heaven and the image
of God. Her last hours, in consequence of
the effects medicine administered, were not
replete with that Christian joy and exultation
characteristic of some who are entering
heaven. But is not a pure life a guaranty
of happiness? Yes: she is at rest; and
while the community mourns the loss of
a worth citizen, heaven joyous with her
presence. And now, as we have deposited
her ashes in the bosom of the earth, let
them rest in peace until the morn when
the world shall wake and the dead rise.
And friends and connections of the departed,
let us live so that we may then rise with her
to immortal heaven and the bosom of God.
S. D. Ogburn Springfield, August 6, 1855.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA-KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE?
The Annals of Tennessee to the End of the Eighteenth
Century-The First American Frontier, J.G. M. Ramsey
EDITOR’S NOTE FOR THE NEWSLETTER:
Virginia had restricting laws, when it came
to settling lands. They usually followed the
English law and treaties set during the time.
North Carolina, however, being late in the
exploration of land, had a more liberal interpretation
of boundaries and treaties. Therefore, the settler
usually kept the land if it were part of North Carolina.
Please note the names in the passages and freely
associate them with allied families, military records,
and neighbors of our Couts.
Page 50 - The settlements in Virginia were gradually
extended along its beautiful valley in the
direction of Tennessee. Those of`North-Carolina
had reached the delightful country between the
`Yadkin and Catawba, and Fort Dobbs was built
in`1w56, and had a`small neighbourhood of farmers
and graziers around it. It stood near the
Yadkin,`about twenty miles west of Salisbury (Williamson),
and had been erected agreeably to the
stipulations of a treaty held by Col. Waddle
with Atta-Culla-Culla,...in behalf of the
Cherokees. It was usually garrisoned by fifty men.
6
The First American Frontier, J.G. M. Ramsey
Page 51- 52 - Soon after this cession,
Governor Glen built Fort Prince George
upon the Savannah,...three hundred
miles from Charleston. It contained
barracks for one hundred men. The
Earl of Loundon, who had been appointed
commander of the king’s troops in America,
and governor of the province of Virginia,
came over in the spring of this year (1756).
He sent Andrew Lewis to build another fort
on the Tennessee river, on the southern banks,
at the highest point of its navigation, nearly
opposite to the spot on which Tellico Block
House has since been placed, and about
thirty miles from the present town of Knoxville;
the fort was called, in honour of the earl,
Fort Loudon. Page 53 - 54 Prince George
and Loudon were garrisoned by the king’s
independent companies of infantry stationed
there. Loudon is remarkable as being the
first fort or other structure erected in Tennessee
by Anglo-Americans. ...In 1758, Col. Bird, in
pursuit of the French and Indians, who had
recently taken Vaux’s Fort on Roanoke,
marched his regiment, and built Fort Chissel
`and stationed a`garrison in it.` It stood a
few`miles from New river, near the road leading
from what is since known as Inglis’`Ferry.
Col. Bird continued his expedition further,
and erected another fort, in` the autumn of
this year, on the north bank of Holston, nearly
opposite to the upper end of Long Island, now
the property of Col Netherland It was situated
a beautiful level, and was built upon a large
plan, with proper bastions...The army wintered
there in the winter of 1758. The line between
Virginia and North-Carolina had not then been
extended beyond the Steep Rock. Page 72 -
Oct. 7, 1763- King Geogre’s proclamation
restricting travel- “Masses of population were,
upon the western boundary of all the middle
and southern colonies, ready and impatient for
the occupancy of the new lands in the
wilderness...Another circumstance hastened
the more perfect exploration and future
settlement of the western country. It was
the bounty given in these very lands, by
several of the provinces, with the approbation
of the crown, to the officers and soldiers
who had served in the British army, in their
wars with the French and their Indian
Allies--By the proclamation of the king,
the governors were directed to grant
“to everyperson having the rank of a
field officer, 5000 acres; to every captain, 3000
acres; to every subaltern or staff officer, 2000
acres; to every non-commissioned officer, 200
acres; and to every private, 50 acres. These,
with the script and military warrants in their
hands, and accompanied by hundreds of
surveyors and against, were constantly
emptied in selecting and locating their
respective claims. Page 93 The news
of the great grant from the Six Nations
reached the frontier settlement soon
after the treaty of November, 1768....Late
in December, 1768, and early in January
of 1769, was formed the nucleus of the
first permanent establishment of the white
race in Tennessee. Some of them (settlers
from Wake Co. NC) had been among the
troops raised by that province, and sent,
in 1760, for the relief of the garrison at Fort
Loudon-others of them had wintered, in
1758, at the Long Island Fort...Early in this
year further explorations were made. One
of them originated with Gilbert Christian
and William Anderson. They had accompanied
the regiment commanded by Colonel Bird...
Page 95 - One the 2d of June, 1769, a larger
company of adventurers was formed, for the
purpose of hunting and exploring, in what is
now known as Middle Tennessee. Page 96 -
the company consisted of`more than twenty men.
Some of them from NC; others from the
neéghbourhood of the Natural Bridge, and
others from the infant settlement near Inglis’
Ferry, in Virginia. The names of some
of them follow: John Rains, Kasper
Mansco, Abraham Bledsoe, John Baker,
Joseph Drake, Obadiah Terrill, Uriah
Stone, Henry Smith, Ned Cowan, Robert
Crockott. The place of rendezvous was
eight miles below Fort Chissel, on New
River. Page 97 - 1770 - They are known
as the “Long Hunters.” In the meantime,
the infant settlement on Watauga was
receiving contant additions to its numbers
from North Carolina and Virginia... Page 102 -
1770 - The tide of emigration continued from
Southern Virginia, and from the county near the
sources of the Yadkin and Catawba, in North
Carolina and...new boundary further pushed
the cherokees west/...The new line commenced
on the south branch of Holston River, six miles
east of Long Island-thence to the mouth of
the Great Kenhawa. The Holston River was
considered as the line dividing North Carolina
and Virginia. Page 103 - An act of the Legislature
of this Province, allowed every actual settler
having a log cabin erected, and any portion of
ground in cultivation, the right of four hundred
acres of land, and so located as to include his
improvement. (which actually ran the line much
farther West.) ...When the line was afterwards
run, many of these were found to be within the
limits of North Carolina...Daniel Boon to the county
of Washington and the Watauga. A little after Boon,
and early in 1770,`came also James`Robertson,
from`Wake County, North Carolina. Pa'e 104...He
reached home safely, and soon afterwards returned
to Watauga with a few others, and there settled.”
Page 105..hunters whom we left upon the Lower
Cumberland were extending explorations in that
part of the country. In 1769, or 1770, Mr. Mansco,
Uriah Stone, John Baker, Thomas Gordon,
Humphrey Hogan, Cash Brook, and others,
ten in all... ...In the fall of this year, 1771, the
country on the Lower Cumberland was further
explored by Mansco, in company with John
Montgomery, Isaac Bledsoe, Joseph Drak¥,
Henry Suggs, James Knox, Willaim and David Linch,
Chritopher Stoph, William Allen, and others.
Page 106...Station Camp Creek-each hunter
made a discovery...Thus, Drake’s Pond,
Drake’s Lick, Bledsoe’s Lick, etc. In 1772,
The Holston and Watauga settlements were
in the meantime receiving a steady stream
of emigrants. ...North of Holston, in what is
now Sullivan and Hawkins counties, was then
believed to be in Virginia,..to be governed by
its laws. The line separating the two provinces
had not then been extended west of the SteepRock.
South of Holston was admitted to be within
the boundaries of North Carolina. The Watauga
Association was formed in 1772.-Carter,
Robertson, Sevier, Smith , Brown...Page
112 - In the fall of 1773, Daniel Boon made
the attempt to take his family to Kentucky.
Page 113 - In 1774-A large number of surveyors
and woodsment had been sent under the
authorities of Viriginia to the wilderness of
Kentucky, for the purpose of locating and
selecting lands under royal grants and
military warrants....This was viewed by
the Indians as an encroachment (Shawnees),
..began distruction and massacre...The
emergency was met by Lord Dunmore..
Page 114 -1774- Lewis was ordered to raise
four regiment of milita and volunteers, from
the south-western counties, to
rendezvous at Camp Union, and to march
down the Great Kenhawa to the Ohio..
Captain Evan Selby raised a company of
more than fifty men, in the section of country
now included in the couties of Sullivan and
Carter. With these he marched on the 17th of
August, and joined the regiment of Colonel
Christian, on the New River...On the 6th of
October, the army reached the Ohio and
encamped upon its banks. The camp was
upon the site of the present town of Point
Pleasant. The troops being upon short
allowances, select parties of hunters were
kept contantly on duty to supply them with
food. On the moring of the 10th, about daylight,
two of the men belonging to Catain Shelby’s
volunteer company, James Robertson and
Valentine Sevier, who had been out before
day hunting, very unexpectingdly, met a large
body of hotile Indians advancing towards the
camp upon the provincials. They were on the
extreme left of the enemy, and fired on them
at the distance of ten steps...while Robertson
and Sevier ran into camp and gave the alarm...
Two detachments, under Colonel Charles Lewis
and Colonel William Fleming, were immediately
ordered forweard to meet the Indians...A most
violent and hard fought engagement ensued.
Page 115 ...The contest lasted the whole day,
with varied sucess..One of Shelby’s men, the
late John Sawyers (Sayers?), of Knox County,
otained permision to take a few others and
dislodge the Indians....Of the company of
volunteers from what is now East Tennessee,
Evan Shelby was captain; and his son Isaac
Shelby, lieutenant. Capt. Shelby company,
..Of the non-commissioned offiers, it is only
known that John Sawyers, James Robertson,
and Valentine Sevier were three of the orderly
sergeants. Page 146 - Evan Shelby erected
one (a fort) on Beaver Creek, two miles south
of the south of the Virginia line. Page 191 -
Mansco and three others remained and
commenced trapping on the Sulphur and
Red River. Page 193 -
1778 A settlement of less than a dozen
families was formed near Bledsoe’s Lick,
isolated in the heart of the Chickasaw
nation...About the same time, a number of
French traders advanced up the Cumberland
River, as far as “the Bluff”, where they
erected a trading post and a few log
cabins... The Lower Cumberland continued
to be visited and explored further.
Richard Hogan, Spencer, Holliday and
others, came this year from Kentucky in
search of good lands, and with the intention
of securing some for themselves as
permantent settlements... This first
plantation, in Middle Tennessee, was
near Bledsoe’s Lick. Spencer lived in
a hollow tree...Page 194 -1779 No
permanently fixed on the Lower Cumberland.
In the Spring of 1779, a little colony of
gallant adventurers, from the parent hive
at Watauga, crossed the Cumberland
Mountain,...near French Lick..These
pioneers were Captain James Robertson...
Capt. Robertson, during the summer, went
to the Illinois to purchase the cabin rights
from General Clarke.”[Capt Robertson returned
with about 150 indivduals from Fort Jefferson].
Page 195 The inclemency of the season....
prevent the arrival of the Cumberland
colonist at their point of destination till
the beginning of the year 1780. The
winter had been intensely cold..and
theft...” Page451” Forty or fifty Indians,
at the still hour of midnight, January
fifteenth, 1781, made an attack on Freeland’s
Station. Capt. James Robertson had, the
evening before, returned from the Kentucky
settlements...Late in March, of this year
Colonel Samuel Barton, passing near the
head of the branch was fired upon by Indians
in ambush, and wounded his wrist. He ran
with the blood streaming from the wound,
followed by a warrior in close pursuit....
Martin, one of the soldiers..ran out to
meet and assist his comrade...Col Sevier
returned with his men. The General Assembly
of North Carolina deemed it inexpedient to
continue the Land Office open and closed it
June 1781. (In) 1782 the Cherokee Indians
began raiding again. Page 455 At French Lick,
three persons were firedupon.. JohnTucker and
Joseph Hendricks were wounded..the third,
David Hood, was shot down, scalped and
trampled..Hood walked back to the fort after
the Indians left. Page 456 Other settlers at
Kilgore’s were two young men named Mason,
Moses, and Ambrose. That night Indians
returned and killed one of the (Phillip) Mason,
and Josiah Hoskins...Malden’s Station, on
Red River, was broken up and abandoned.
Malding, Col. Shelby returns with sixty-five
men. Page 275-In May of 1783, the Assembly
(North Carolina) opened an office for the sale
of westernlands, for the purpose of paying the
continental line which was raised in North
Carolina, and and of extinguishing her part
of the national debt. Without any previous
consultation with the Indians, the Assembly
enlarged the western boundary-’Beginning
on the line which divided that state from Virginia,
at the point due north of the mouth of Cloud’s
Creek; running thence west to the Mississippi;
thence down the Mississippi to the thirty-fifth
degfree of north latitude; thenice due east,
until it strikes the Apalachian Mountains;
thence with the ApalachianMountains to the
ridge that divides the waters of French Broad
River and the waters of Nollichucky River..
and the ridge commonly called Brown’s line...
Page 277-1783 During the same session of the
Assembly the county of Washington was again
divided, and a new counsel erected, Greene...
One the third Monday in August, the Court of Pleas
and Quarters Session, for Greene county met..
Joseph Hardin, Amos Bird, James Wilson...
Page 278 Late in this year commenced hostilities
by stealing horses and cattle and retreating across
the Pigion Mountains, in what is now Cocke county
..Mr. Bingham was wounded. Page 279 By the 25th
of May, 1784, vast quantities of land were entered,
and certificates, to a vary large amount, had been
paid into the public offices..frontier inhabitants were
clearing their fields and building their cabins as low
down as the Big Island...page 281 North of Holston
they were extending their improvement within a few
miles of the present Rogersville. Page 283...The
new state of Tennessee was erected...the counties
of Washington, Sullivan, Greene, and Davidson
(erected 1783). In 1784, Nashville was established.
Oct. 6, 1783, County Court of Davidson instituted..
appointing and commisioning the following:...Samuel
Barton Esqs. members of the said Court...Samuel
Barton,...The Court nominated constables in several
stations Samuel Mason, at Maulding’s...Page 36-
1785 After the treaty of Dumplin, great facilities existed
for occupying the country acquired under it, sout of
the French Broad and Holston, and the stream of
emigrantion was principally directed in that channel.
1786-88 State of Franklin, John Seivers, Indian Attacks
and Politics. Page 464-1787 The settlements were now
becoming stronger by annual arrivals of emigrants,
but had not expanded much, except in the direction
towards Red River. Hendrick’s Station, on Station -
Camp Creek, was assaulted in the night. Page 484
485- In June (1789)...Near the mouth of the Sulphur
Fork and Red River, the Indians fell upon the families
of Isaac and John Titsworth, moving to the county.
They...were all killed. Capt. Elijah Robertson, Capt.
Rains, accompanied Capt. John Gordon in pursuit
of the Indians who had killed a woman...Page 595
June 13, 1794, Lt McClelland, who had with him
thirty-seven of Capt. Evans’s company , was attacked
on the Cumberland path near the Crab Orchard...
Abraham Byrd was wounded...Page 604 -Gordon’s
company came to a high bluff of the creek. The
companies then returned home. (after a small battle)
...But the Indians continued to prowl around...on the
4th of June(1793) Adam Fleener Richard Robertson
and William Bartlet were also killed...Page 607 On
the 29th of may, 1794. Capt. Gordon followed the Indians
..Heovertook them at the foot of Cumberland Mountain,
near the place where Caldwell’s lived.
Why do we count this information as important? Family
history and legends have the line coming from North
Carolina. As you can see, most of the early settlers
came from Virginia and soon became citizens of North
Carolina in order to claim land more readily. North
Carolina claimed a larger part of the bounty line it
shared with Kentucky, almost up to Elizabethtown, KY.
As you can tell by the names (allied families and dates,
(1788-94), the Couts had to be close by. The last deed
of brother, Henry, and (possible) father, Teter shared
was Sugar Creek, KY (bounty land area/Cumberland Party),
were in the Henderson, Kentucky area. Chrisley’s allied
families were from this area and Bowling Green KY
(late Revolutionary Bounty land). Margaret is a shadowy
person in history. Little is known about her except she
was in Henry’s will, she had a daughter, Susannah Couts,
and she may have married a Gordon. Elizabeth, Mary
Magdalena, William, and John's lines were in Springfield
and Clarksville region. They are all very close to each
other and to Missouri and Indiana.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BOOKS WE NEED-COUTS, COUCH, COUNTZ, KAUTZ,
KOUTZ, KOUTS~We have been unable to find them
per loan system. Do you have them?
1. NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY VA APPRENTICESHIP
1750-1852 W. PRESTON HAYNIE
2. “SPRINGFIELD RECORD” ARTICLE ABOUT THE KILGORE SETTLEMENT
DR. J.S. MULLEY
3. REAR GUARD OF THE REVOLUTION
4. THE KENTUCKY LAND GRANT 1782-1924 VOLUME 1 & 2
WILLARD ROUSE JILLSON
5. A CALENDAR OF WARRANTS FOR LAND IN KY FOR
SERVICE IN THE FR.
AND INDIAN WAR PHILLIPTAYLOR
6. ANNALS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY VA FROM 1726-1871
JOS. A. WADDELL
7. HOLSTON METHODISM FROM IT ORIGIN TO THE
PRESENT TIME VOL 1-5
R. N. PRICE
8. ROBERT ARMSTRONG’S SURVEY BK OF CHEROKEE
LANDS
9. LOST TRIBES OF NORTH CAROLINA
WORTH S. RAY
10.FRANKLIN CO. NC LOOSE ESTATE PAPERS VOL
1 1777-1810
DR. STEPHEN BRADLEY
11.PROPRIETARY TAX OF PHILADELPHIA PA COUNTY
AND CITY 1769
12.EARLY RECORDS OF THE 1ST REFORMED
13. CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA VOL 1&2
F.E. WRIGHT
14. BUCKS COUNTY PA-RECORDS OF THE 17TH
AND 18TH CENTURY VOL.
15. CUMBERLAND COUNTY PA CHURCH RECORDS
OF THE 18TH CENTURY
F. EDWARD WRIGHT
Hardin County Kentucky Will Book “C” 1816-1821
Page 121
Hardin County Kentucky, April 8th 1818
In the name of God, Amen. I Henry COUTS being
in perfect in and memory and knowing that it is
appointed for all men to die, do make this my
last Will and Testament. First, I bequeath my
body to the dust and my soul to God from whom
I received it and that after my funeral Expences
and all my debts are paid, I give and bequeath
as follows to with; to my well beloved wife,
Sarah COUTS, the use and enjoyment of my
whole estate, real and personal, during her
natural life. And at her decease, then I give
to my nephew 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. Item, I give to Henry WHITMAN,
son of Mary WHITMAN, $15 to be paid him in
property at its real value and 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 (Seal)
At a County Court began and held for Hardin
County at the Court house in Elizabethtown
on Monday the 9th of November, 1818. The
within instrument of writing purporting to be
the last Will ..
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PIKE’S COUNTY INDIANAPOLLIS -
Press Dispatch
Albert Craig and Miss Ethel Couts
were married recently at Mr. Carmel, Ill. and
came to this city where a reception was tendered
at the home of the groom’s parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Wm Craig. About forty relatives and friends
were present to extend congratulations and
wish them a long and happy life. They will
reside at Bicknell, where the groom is
engaged in the jewelry business..
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DETRICH "TETER" COUTS
If we can prove a tie between Dietrich "Teter"
Couts and Henry Couts, we have proven Teter’s
connection to the family. Copies of these deeds
could hold that tie. Once we tie the family to Teter,
then, we can tie him to Virginia and the Kautz line.
We have sent for these in several state. We are
sending for them again in each of the states, VA,
NC, TN, and KY. Hopefully, someone will find them.
FREDRICK COUNTY, VA
1. From the First Deed Book, No. 0 The Valley
Germans Appendix. Deter Kouts
LINCOLN COUNTY, VA
2. Book A:page 530-August 16, 1791-To Teter
Cotes (indexed as T. Cotes) from
John Matthews and Mary, his wife, of Madison
County (Va.), 40 acres for 40 pounds
on the middle fork of Sugar Creek beginning at
a beach, ash, and sugar tree
(maple)...John Flourney’s line...John Bryant...
acknowledged in court 16 August
1791, Mary examined privily.
LOGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY (FORMERLY
LINCOLN COUNTY VA)
3. DEED - Dated 7 May 1794 Book/Page 3.06
Source: Early Kentucky Landholders
1797-1811
This land was on Sugar Creek and Henry
Couts Owned 50 Acres On Sugar Creek.
4. Book C: Page 3 August 18, 1795-Teter
(indexed as Peter) Couts to John Bryant,
Both of Lincoln Co. No. Carolina, for 63
pounds 10 shillings, 40 acres in Lincoln Co.
on the waters of Sugar Creek,
5. Deed for land in Book A: page 520 (A:530).
Grantor Peter Couts, Grantee John
Bryant. Witnesses were John Hall, John
Ferris and William Daugherty.
6. Court Record of Deed was acknowledged
in court by Teter Couts to be his act and
ordered to be recorded on 18 August 1795.
No mention of his wife.
7. Deed Book A Page 116 1798 Couts, Henry
and Sarah (Wife) Grantor
Coal, Ebenezer Grantee 70 acres on Sugar
Creek - FILM 25146 PART 3
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THE NEWEST NET COUTS - 11/13/97 - Jacob
gcoutsnsons@earthlink.net
My wife found you on the netn Very intresting in
many ways having been the "l!ck sheep of my
Family tree. I read with complete facination the
news letters. Couts is not your average "smith"
name... My Wonderful grandmother was named
Tressie Mae (as much as I can rember) and my
Grandfathers was James Franklin Couts. Aunts
Goldie mae Couts-Boe or Bow, Della Couts-DeLong,
Vinie Mae? Uncles Charles, Pete, Bart? Granny,
I've fond memories of as she was in a wheel chair
and from my earliest memories are of riding on her
lap and that the two of us were very
close. My family lived in Bigelow, Missouri.
Grandfather passed before I was born so I only
remember my Wonderful Grandmother. My fathers
was James Franklin the 2nd.
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