Thomas Gordon (7th Great Grandfather)

Thomas Gordon 

1745-May 7, 1803

THOMAS GORDON The only child of Jane Stewart and Alexander Gordon, originally of the Huntley Gordons of Scotland, her husband. BORN: 1740 PLACE: Newry, Downs County, Ulster, North Ireland MARRIED: 1770 to Sarah Wilson DEATH: 7 May 1803 PLACE: Pinnacle, Stokes County, North Carolina BURIAL: May 1803 PLACE: Pinnacle, Stokes County, North Carolina CHILDREN: John Gordon, 1754, Albermarle County, Virginia Mary Gordon, 1782 Samuel Gordon, 4 June 1785 Elizabeth Gordon, 1786 Matthew Gordon, before 1790 David Gordon, 19 May 1794 William Gordon (twin), 16 November 1799 Thomas Gordon (twin), 16 November 1799

Burial

After 7 May 1803Family Farm, in Stewarts Creek, Surry, North Carolina, United States on the old road heading from Mt. Airy to Dobson and White Plains. Both he & his wife were killed by lighting on the same day and buried in one grave on their property.

LIFE SKETCH

LIFE SKETCH: A descendant of the Huntley Branch of Gordons of Scotland, Thomas was born in the County of Downs, near Newry (Ulster) North Ireland, about the year 1740. He was the only child of Scotch-Irish parentage who came originally from Scotland, his father being a descendant of the Huntley Gordons. In 1750, at the age of five, young Thomas Gordon came to America with his mother, Jane Stewart Gordon and established their home in the northeastern edge of Albermarle County, Virginia, near the town of Gordonsville. Here he grew to manhood and resided for more that three decades. Soon after the death of his beloved mother, a woman of great courage and indomitable will power, he met his future wife, Miss Sarah Wilson and in 1770 they were married. To this union were born seven children. Thomas Gordon was a soldier in the revolutionary war. The patriotic response of Thomas Gordon to the Declaration of Independence was made on 11 May 1777. He left his young wife, Sarah Gordon, and five year old son, John, at his home in Albermarle County, Virginia, and voluntarily enlisted in the Grayson 16th Virginia Continental Regiment for a period of three years. Colonel Wm. Grayson of Prince William County, Virginia, who in later years became United States Senator for Virginia, organized the regiment. Thomas Gordon was assigned as a private soldier to the company commanded by Captain Cleon Moore, where he served two years. He participated in the battles of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, and Germantown on October 4, 1777 and fought under personal direction of General Washington. The winter of 1777-1778 was passed at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Here the regiment was given military instruction and training under General Baron von Steuben. On June 28, 1778, the battle Monmouth in New Jersey was fought with temperatures 98 degrees in the shade. It was here General Washington suspended Major General Charles Lee from command of the troops in battle and taking charge, saved the day, forcing a retreat of the troops of Lord Cornwallis. In this battle the Grayson Regiment played an important part and Colonel Grayson was highly commended for valorous conduct in action. Washington's army spent the winter of 1778-1779 at Camp Middlebrook in the Somerset County, New Jersey. On April 22, 1779 the Grayson and Gist Virginia Continental Regiment were united and Colonel Nathaniel Gist was made its commander, Colonel Grayson being assigned to other important duties. Thomas Gordon was transferred to the company in the "Gist Regiment" captioned by Strother Jones. The records of the War Department of the United States Government showed that the name Thomas Gordon last appeared upon payroll of Captain Strother Jones' company during the month of November of 1779. Prisoner of War: The tradition of Thomas Gordon, Jr.'s family is to the effect that Private Thomas Gordon and 14 other Continental Soldiers were captured by the British and held for some time as prisoners of war until rescued by the mounted American Forces. During this imprisonment their wrists were bound by green hickory withes which, when they hardened and dried upon their hands, cut deep wounds leaving scars as permanent reminders of their painful sufferings inflicted by the British Soldiers. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary War, Thomas Gordon, with his family, joined the tide of immigration and with the Herring Creed and Davis families. They located in Surry County, North Carolina, along Stewart's Creek, between Mount Airy and White Plains. This certificate is based upon information furnished by the War Department of the United States Army, under date of April 18, 1840, in a letter from Major General E. S. Adams, the adjunct general, addressed to Charles Ulysses Gordon, Esquire, Chicago, Illinois. It is further substantiated by tradition handed down by the Thomas Gordon Jr. family of St. Joseph, Missouri, gathered through the efforts of Mrs. Ethel Hagins Gordon of the Daughters of the American Revolution. From an original certificate, copied by Ollie Faulkner.

Death of Thomas and Sarah Gordon

( As related by Isaac Martin Gordon in the Gordon Family Genealogy and Brief History for Statesville, North Carolina 1910 and taken from "Ancestral File," database for Thomas Gordon.) "A very sad bereavement visited the children in this house one summer day, for both their parents were at the same moment taken from them. It occurred during a severe storm late in the afternoon, while the children were all together in the kitchen and had gone to bathe their feet preparatory to retiring for the night. Conforming to the custom of the day, the kitchen and dining room comprised a building entirely separate and distinct, and some distance from the main building commonly called the 'Big House.' The father was resting on a trundle bed that had been pulled from under a larger one for some of the children, and the mother was busily engaged in 'spooling' a piece of cloth as was necessary in those days when the good women spun and wove about all the cloth used to clothe the family, a bolt of lightning struck the home in which the parents were located, tearing a hole through the roof and instantly killing both parents. The young people heard a terrific peal of thunder, but knew nothing of the results until the storm had passed, when they were horrified to find their father and mother lying dead, the faithful mother with the thread still clutched in her fingers and holding a pair of scissors around the handles of which she had used to allow the thread to pass to save her hands from its friction."

His Service in the Revolutionary War

(As copied from the application of his decedent Burton Adams to Sons of the American Revolution.) the patriotic response of Thomas Gordon to the declaration of independence was made on may 11, 1777, when he left his young wife Sarah gordon and five year old son john at his home in albernarle county, Virginia, and voluntarily enlisted in the grayson 16th virginia continental regiment for a period of three years. Thomas Gordon was assigned as a private soldier to the company commanded by captain cleon moore, where he served two years, he participated in the battles of brandywine on september 11, 1777, and germantown on October 4, 1777, fighting under personal direction of general washington. The winter of 1777-1778 was passed at valley forge, pennsylvania. Here the reigment was given military instruction and training under general baron von steuben. With general washington's army he spent the winter of 1778-1779 at camp middlebrook in somerset county, new jersey. Thomas gordon was transferred to the company in the 1st regiment captained by stether jones. The records of the war department of the united states show that the name of thomas gordon last appeared upon the payroll of captain stether jones company during the month of november 1779. The tradition of the thomas gordon junior family is to the effect that private thomas gordon and fourteen other continental soldiers, were captured by the british and held for some time as prisioners of war until rescued by the mounted american forces. During this imprisonment their wrists were bound by green hickory writhes which, when they hardened and dried upon their hands, cut deep wounds leaving scars as permanent reminders of their painful sufferings inflicted by the british soldiers.

Meek Family Tree

Thomas Gordon was a descendant of the Huntly branch of Gordon's of Scotland. He was born in 1745 in County of Down, near Newly (Ulster), Northern Ireland. In 1750, when Thomas was five years old, he and his mother, Jane Stewart Gordon, came to America and settled in the northeastern section of Albemarle County, Virginia, near Charlottesville and the town of Gordonsville, There he grew to manhood, and in 1770, he married Sarah Flynn of nearby Orange County, Virginia, who was born in 1750. Thomas served in the Revolutionary War. While still a resident of Virginia, and less than a year following the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Gordon on May 11, 1777 enlisted in the 16 Virginia Continental Regiment for service in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This Regiment was organized by Colonel William Grayson of Prince William County, Virginia, who later became a United States Senator from Virginia. Thomas Gordon was assigned as a private soldier to the Company commanded by Captain Cleon Moore of Fairfax County, Virginia. Under the direction General George Washington, Thomas Gordon fought, in Pennsylvania, in the battles of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, and Germantown on October 4, 1777, He spent the bitterly cold winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania where his regiment was given military instruction and training under General Baron Von Steuben. On June 28 1778, Thomas Gordon fought in the battle of Monmouth, in New Jersey, with the temperature a reported 96 degrees in the shade. The Grayson Regiment played an important part in this battle, and Colonel Grayson was commended for valor in action. General Washington's Army spent the winter of 1778-1779 at Camp Middlebrook in Somerset County, New Jersey. On April 22, 1779 the Grayson and Gist Virginia Continental Regiments ere united and Colonel Nathaniel Gist was made its commander, with Colonel Grayson being assigned to other duties. Thomas Gordon was transferred to the Company in the Gist Regiment that was headed by Captain Strother Jones. The records of the United States War Department show that Thomas Gordon last appeared on the payroll of the Jones Company in November, 1779. The Revolutionary War military service of Thomas Gordon lasted for two and a half years. At some point during his Revolutionary War service, Thomas Gordon and 14 Continental soldiers were captured by the British and held for some time as Prisoners of War until they were rescued by mounted American Forces. It is not known when the capture and rescue occurred. During their imprisonment, the wrists of the Continental soldiers were bound by green hickory withes, which when the hardened and dried, cut deep wounds, leaving scars as permanent reminders of their painful sufferings inflicted by the British soldiers. To this marriage were born seven children. About 1780, as the Revolutionary War neared its end, Thomas Gordon and family, moved to Surry County, North Carolina and established their residence near the west bank of what is now known as Stewart's Creek, near Mount Airy, in the White Plains community just north of Highway 601. They raised other children in Surry county and engaged in farming. In April, 1803, both Thomas Gordon and Sarah Gordon were killed when their home was struck by lightning. They were buried in a field near their home, in separate coffins in a common grave. In later years, their farm became a portion of the the farm properties of Eng and Chang Bunker, the famous Siamese twins.

Thomas, John, and Elizabeth Gordon

THOMAS, JOHN, AND ELIZABETH GORDON1 At the age of 5 years, Thomas Gordon immigrated (around 1750) from Ulster, North Ireland, with his mother (who was of Scottish-Irish extraction) to America. They settled around Gordonsville, Va. Thomas served in the Revolutionary War for a period of two to three years. Thomas married Sarah Flynn and they settled on a beautiful farm on the west side of Steward’s Creek a few miles from Mt. Airy, North Carolina. In April or May of 1803, Thomas was lying on a trundle bed and his wife Sarah was spooling cotton, when lightning struck and killed them both. Their children were in another building washing their feet when the accident occurred, and so they were not harmed. Thomas and Sarah were buried in separate coffins side by side in the same grave on the farm near the residence. They had six children. Their oldest son was named John. John Gordon married Barzilla Martin and they settled on what was known as the hollow road between Pilot Mountain and Pinnacle. This main highway was located about 2 miles southward of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. John farmed and Operated a tavern to serve the passengers on the stage coaches. They accumulated much real estate and at the time of his death owned 12 slaves. The Gordons had three sons and nine daughters. One of their daughters, Elizabeth (called Betsie) married Enoch Stone Jr. Enoch Stone Jr. and his wife Betsie made their home southwest of the town of Pilot Mt. and south of Enoch’s father’s home. To them were born five boys and seven girls. Enoch Jr. was a farmer, and although he had the help of a Negro couple, taught his sons to work. They were staunch Primitive Baptists, and believed in family unity. Two of their sons were killed in the Civil War. Enoch Jr. and Betsie’s son, Calvin Gordon Stone, married 15 year old Jane Elizabeth King when he was 22 years of age. Their daughter Barzilla Stone married William A. King, Jane’s brother.

Mary Ayer Parker (11th Great Grandmother)

The Untold Story of Mary Ayer Parker: Gossip and Confusion in 1692" Written by Jacqueline Kelly (copyright, 2005> History 209, An Undergraduate Course, Cornell University Spring Semester, 2003 Revised for presentation at the Berkshire Conference, June, 2005

In September1692, Mary Ayer Parker of Andover came to trial in Salem Massachusetts, suspected of witchcraft. During her examination she was asked, "How long have ye been in the snare of the devil?" She responded, "I know nothing of it." Many people confessed under the pressure of the court of Oyer and Terminer, but she asserted they had the wrong woman. "There is another woman of the same name in Andover,"1 she proclaimed. At the time, no one paid much attention. Mary Ayer Parker was convicted and hanged by the end of the month. Modern historians have let her claim fall to the wayside as well, but what if she told the truth? Was there another Mary Parker in Andover? Could it be possible that the wrong Mary Parker was executed? We know little about the Mary Parker of 1692. Other scholars presumed her case was unimportant-but perhaps that assumption was wrong. The end of her story is recorded for every generation to see, but the identity of this woman remained shrouded in mystery for over three centuries. We still don't know why she was accused in 1692. Puritan women were not particularly noteworthy to contemporary writers and record-keepers. They appeared occasionally in the court records as witnesses and plaintiffs but their roles were restricted to the house and family. Mary Parker was a typical Puritan wife. She appeared in the records only in birth notices and the records associated with the will of her late husband Nathan Parker. Notably, the records included no legal trouble at all, for witchcraft or anything else.

John and Hannah Ayer gave birth to their daughter Mary sometime in the early to mid 1600's. Mary and her siblings may have been born in England, and later moved to North America with their parents. The Ayers moved several times during the early stages of their settlement in America but resettled for the last time in 1647 in Haverhill.2

The family was apparently of some prominence. Tax records from 1646 showed that John Ayer possessed at least one hundred and sixty pounds, making him one of the wealthiest settlers in Haverhill.

Mary Ayer married Nathan Parker sometime before her father's death in 1657. Although no marriage record survived in the hometowns of either Nathan or Mary, the wording of her father John Ayer's will made it obvious that she was married with children when it was written.3 Nathan married his first wife Susanna Short on November 20, 1648.4 Within the next three years, the couple relocated to Andover, where she soon after died on August 26, 1651.5 Andover's Vital Records listed the birth of Nathan and Mary Parker's first son John in 1653.6 Nathan could have remarried and had children within the two years after the death of his first wife.

Mary and Nathan marriage was not documented but we do know Nathan and his brother Joseph settled in Newbury, Massachusetts sometime in the early 1630's. They settled in Andover where they were amongst its first settlers.7 Nathan came over from England as an indentured servant8, but eventually he became rather wealthy in Andover. The original size of his house lot was four acres but the Parker's landholdings improved significantly over the years to 213.5 acres.9 His brother Joseph, a founding member of the Church, possessed even more land than his brother, increasing his wealth as a tanner.10 By 1660, there were forty household lots in Andover, and no more were created. The early settlers, including the Parkers, would be those of importance. By 1650, Nathan began serving as a constable in Andover.11 By the time he married Mary Ayer, his status was on the rise. It continued to do so during the early years of their marriage as he acquired more land.

Mary and Nathan continued to have children for over twenty years after the birth of John Parker in 1653. Mary bore four more sons: James in 1655, Robert in 1665, Peter in 1676, and a son Joseph.12 She and Nathan also had four daughters: Mary, born in 1660 (or 1657)13, Hannah in 1659, Elizabeth in 1663, and Sara in 1670. James died on June 29, 1677, killed in an Indian skirmish at Black Point.14 Robert died in 1688 at the age of 23. Hannah married John Tyler in 1682.15 Nathan and Mary's daughter Elizabeth married John Farnum in 1684.

When Nathan died on June 25, 1685, he left an ample estate to his wife and children.16 Mary Ayer Parker brought an inventory of the estate to court in September of the same year, totaling 463 pounds and 4 shillings. The court awarded her one-third of the house and lands, equal shares to Robert, Joseph, Peter, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Sarah, and a double share to John.17 Mary Parker widow obtained an estate of over 154 pounds-a good amount of money in the late seventeenth century.

Mary Parker did not appear in Essex County records after September 29, 1685 when she brought the inventory to court. We know little about her interaction with her neighbors and the community after her husband's death. The Parkers were a respectable family that continued to root itself in the community. So why, less than a decade after her husband's death, was Mary accused as a witch? There was no documented friction with any of her neighbors, any no prior accusations. The closest tie Mary had with witchcraft was a distant cousin on her father's side, William Ayers whose his wife Judith was accused of witchcraft in 1662.18 But this was not enough to justify Mary's accusation. What really happened in 1692 to Mary Ayer Parker?

The Salem crisis had spread to Andover when William Barker Jr. named her in his confession on September 1, 1692.19 He testified that "goode Parker went w'th him last Night to Afflict Martha Sprague." He elaborated that Goody Parker "rod upon a pole & was baptized at 5 Mile pond," a common reference to a union made with the devil. The examination of Mary Parker occurred the next day. At the examination, afflicted girls from both Salem and Andover fell into fits when her name was spoken. The girls included Mary Warren, Sarah Churchill, Hannah Post, Sara Bridges, and Mercy Wardwell. The records state that when Mary came before the justices, the girls were cured of their fits by her touch-the satisfactory result of the commonly used "touch test," signifying a witch's guilt. When Mary denied being the witch they were after Martha Sprague, one of her accusers, quickly responded that is was for certain this Mary Parker, who had afflicted her. Sprague and Mary Lacy effectively fell into fits. Historian Mary Beth Norton discovered that Mary Parker was related to Sprague; she was Sprague's step-great-aunt.21 Mary Parker's son-in-law John Tyler's father Moses Tyler had married Martha's mother.22 Martha also lived in Andover, and the Tylers and the Parkers were friendly for sometime before their families were joined in marriage.23 Still, it was a distant relation and Martha was only sixteen years old at the time of the trial, so it is doubtful she knew Mary Parker personally. Nevertheless, Mary Parker's defense was ignored, both by the courtroom, and most historians until now. However, Mary Ayer Parker told the truth: there was another Mary Parker living in Andover. In fact there were not one, but three other Mary Parkers in Andover. One was Mary Ayer's sister-in-law, Mary Stevens Parker, wife of Nathan's brother Joseph. The second was Joseph and Mary's daughter Mary. The third was the wife of Mary and Joseph's son, Stephen. Mary Marstone Parker married Stephen in 1680.24 To complicate things even further, there was yet another Mary Parker living nearby in Salem Towne. Confusion could easily have arisen from the multitude of Mary Parkers abound in Essex County. However, similarities between Mary Ayer Parker and her sister-in-law may have instigated confusion in even her accusers. The two Mary's married the Parker brothers by the late 1640's, and began having children in the early 1650's. They had children of the same name including sons named Joseph and daughters Mary and Sara (Mary, daughter of Nathan and Mary may have died soon after her father 25). Nathan and Mary Parker's son James, born in 1655, and Joseph and Mary Parker's son John born in 1656, died on June 29, 1677, killed by the Indians at Black Point.26 In 1692, both Mary Parker Sr.'s were reasonably wealthy widows. Joseph's wife received their house and ample land from his will, dated November 4, 1678.27 The two women shared almost fifty years of family ties. But in September of 1692, it was only Nathan Parker's wife who was accused, tried, and found guilty of witchcraft. Why was Mary Ayer brought to trial? On the surface, the two Mary Parkers seemed almost interchangeable but the will of Joseph Parker revealed something important about his branch of the Parker family. 

More at: http://salem.lib.virginia.edu/people?group.num=all&mbio.num=mb42
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ayergenealogy/salemwitchcraft.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Parker

"FROM WHERE AND WHENCE THEY CAME....." 

Salem Witches The Salem Witch Trials of 1692 have been a subject of fascination and conjecture for a long time. Theories abound as to what could have caused this hysteria. Everything from bad grain, an unstated conflict between the original settlers and those that followed and even the Indian skirmishes of the time have been blamed to varying degrees. It is not my intent here to advocate any particular theory. But rather, I'd like to share with you my family's connection to these events, and perhaps point you to some resources that you might find interesting. 

Before I get into that, however, it is interesting to note that even though we refer to these events as the Salem Witch Trials, most of those accused of witchcraft were, in fact, not from Salem, MA. The judicial body that oversaw the trials, The Court of Oyer (to Hear) and Terminor (to Determine), was seated in Salem and this is where the trials took place.But more people from Andover, MA were accused of witchcraft than from any other town. In fact, nearly 80% of Andover families in 1692 would eventually be touched by the hysteria in some fashion. 

The Frye family was no different. We can connect ourselves to two of those accused; one of whom was hanged. What follows is a synopsis of their cases: 

Eunice (Potter) Frye Eunice Potter Frye was the wife of John Frye. John was one of the sons of the original settler, John 2/15/2014 The Salem Witch Trials Connection http://masonroots.com/salemwitch.html 2/5 Ffrie. Technically, this makes Eunice Potter Frye the wife of my 7th great granduncle (boy, this stuff gets confusing!). She was 51 years old in 1692 when she was accused. The transcript of her case reads as follows: Eunice frie wife of John frie of Andov'r in the County of Essex being Indicted by the Jurors of our Soveraigne Lord and Lady the King and Queen upon their oathes by Two Severall Indictm'ts That is to Say 1'st For that shee the said Eunice frie the wife of John frie of Andov'r in the County of Essex aforesaid about two yeares agoe in the towne of Andover afores'd wickedly felloniously & Malitiously, A Covenant with the Devill did make, and Signed the Devills book and gave up her Selfe Soul and body to the Devil and by him was baptized and renounced her former baptizme & God & Jesus Christ By which wicked and diabolicall Coven't with the Devil made by her Eunice frie she is become a Damnable Witch against the peace of our Sover'n Lord & Lady the King & Queen their Crowne & dignity and the laws in that case made and provided. 2'dly For that she the s'd Enice frie the wife of John frie of Andov'r in the County of Essex, On or about the begining of September last in the year 1692 aforesaid and Divers other dayes and times as well #[well] before and after Certaine Detestable arts called witchcrafts and Sorceries wickedly Malitiously and feloniously hath used practised and Exercised at & in the Towne of Salem in the County of Essex afores'd upon and against one Martha Sprague alias Martha Tyler by w'ch wicked Arts the said Martha Sprague alias Tyler the day and yeare afores'd & divers other dayes and tymes as well before as after was & is Tortured af licted Tormented Consumed pined and wasted against the peace of our Soveraign Lord & Lady the King & Queen their Crowne and Dignity and against the Lawes in that case made and provided. Upon the aforesaid Indictm'ts and each of them the said Eunice frie was then and there before the justices of our Lord & Lady the King and Queen afores'd Arraigned and upon her Arraignm't She did then and there the day and year abovesaid plead to them and each of them not Guilty and put her Selfe upon triall by God and her Countrey. A Jury being called Tho: Burnam foreman and accordingly Sworne no exception being made by the prisoner the said Indictm'ts and each of them being read together with Evidences & Examinations and the prisoners defence being heard the jury went out to agree on their verdict who returning did then and there in open Court deliver their verdict That the said Eunice frie was not Guilty of the fellony by Witchcraft for which she stood Indicted in & by the said Indictm'ts and each of them The Court Ordered Enice frie aforesaid To be Discharged Paying her fees But, even though Eunice Potter Frye was found Not Guilty, it wasn't until after she had spent 15 weeks in jail and her freedom came with a price. In those days, families had to pay costs associated with jailing. In many cases, this meant having to give up land or other goods in order to gain the freedom of relatives, even after they were found Not Guilty. It cost John Frye 100 pounds to have his wife released from jail on December 20, 1692. Her Not Guilty verdict was not handed down until May of 1693 Mary (Ayer)Parker Q: How long have ye been in the snare of the devil? A: I know nothing of it The second connection we have to the Salem Witch hysteria is the case of Mary Ayer Parker. She 2/15/2014 The Salem Witch Trials Connection http://masonroots.com/salemwitch.html 3/5 was the mother in law of Benjamin Frye, another son of the original settler, John Ffrie. Mary was directly accused by Mercy Wardwell, Samuel Wardwell's daughter, and by William Barker of "having joined in torturing a certain Timothy Swan with iron spindles, pins, and other instruments, thus causing his death on February 2, 1692." Timothy Swan apparently was resposnible for charging many of his neighbors with witchcraft. His gravestone is the only known grave of anyone who was an 'accuser' during this time. The stone is in the Old Burying Ground In North Andover, MA. The inscription reads, "Timothy Swan Died February ye 2 1692/3 & in ye 30 year of His Age." Much of the evidence in these trials was 'spectral evience', meaning there was no tangible, physical evidence of wrongdoing. Rather the actions and reactions of "the afflicted ones" was often enough to seal the fate of an accussed witch. One of the most diabolical schemes of the witch trials was the Andover Touch test, held on September 7, 1692. Several of those accused of witchcraft were forced to touch the "afflicted" ones. Among the afflicted ones were young girls who would writhe and cry out claiming they were under the curse of a witch. Mary Parker was one of those accused of witchcraft that was led into the trap of the touch test. She "came before the justices, she recovered all of the afflicted out of their fits by the touch of her hand." Mary Parker was found guilty of witchcraft on September 9, 1692. On September 22, she was hanged on Gallows Hill in Salem, along with seven others. This was the last time anyone was killed for witchcraft in Salem. It was about two weeks later that Massachusetts governor Phips ordered that spectral evidence no longer be used in the proceedings. After Mary Parker's execution, an officer was sent by the sheriff to seize her property to meet the cost of her imprisonment and hanging. When her sons protested that she had no assets, the officer carried off their cattle, corn, and hay; and they were obliged to make a trip to Salem and spend a considerable sum in order to 2/15/2014 The Salem Witch Trials Connection http://masonroots.com/salemwitch.html 4/5 keep their own household effects from being sold. Her sons, John and Joseph petitioned the governor for relief from having to pay to have their property returned. The transcript of this petition is an interesting look into the past. These men had agreed to a sun om six pounds to have their property returned out of fear of losing their estate completely, and now were asking the governor if the agreed upon sum might have been too high: To his Excellency the Governor, and Councill and Representatives; now sitting in Boston the humble Petition of John Parker, & Joseph Parker of Andover sheweth, That whereas our mother mary Parker of Andover, was apprehended upon suspition of witchcraft, and being brought to a tryall at Salem Court, was condemned: since her death the sherrif of Essex sent an of icer to seise on her estate. The said of icer required us in their majestyes name to give him an Account of our mothers estate, pretending it was forfeited to the King; we told him that our mother left no estate; (which we are able to make appear) notwithstanding which, he seised upon our cattell, Corn & hay, to a considerable value; and ordered us to go down to Salem and make an agreement with the sherrife, otherwise the estate would be exposed to sale. We not knowing what advantage the Law might give him against us, and fearing we should sustain greater Damage by the loss of our Estate, went to the sherrif accordingly, who told us he might take away all that was seised. if he pleased, but was willing to do us a kindness by giveing us an oppertunity to redeem it. He at first demanded ten pounds of us, but at length was willing to take Six pounds, which he has obliged us by Bill to pay him within a moneth. Now if our Mother had left any Estate, we know not of any Law in force in this Province, by which it should be forfeited upon her condemnation; much less can we understand that there is any Justice or reason, for the sherrif to seise upon our Estate And tho it is true our own act has obliged us to pay him a Summ of money, yet we declare that we were drawn to it partly by the of icers great pretences of Law for what he did, partly to prevent the loss of our estate which we feard would be immediately sold. How we humbly pray this Hon'red Court to consider our case, and if it be judged that so much money ought not to have been demanded of us, upon the forementioned account: we pray that we may be discharged from that obligation, which the sherrif , taking advantage of our ignorance hath brough us under And yo'r Petition'rs as in duty bound shall ever pray &c -- Dated at Andov'r 7'th Novemb'r 1692 John Parker Joseph Parker Today, there is a memorial in Salem to those that were killed in the witch hysteria of 1692. And while, personally, I find most of the "attractions" in Salem to be hokey and extremely commercialized, this memorial and the adjacent burial ground are fascinating. The memorial consists of a small walkway surrounded by a stone wall. Built in to the stone wall are stone benches, each carved with the name of one of those killed along with the date of their death. Here is a photo of the bench for Mary Parker: 2/15/2014 The Salem Witch Trials Connection http://masonroots.com/salemwitch.html 5/5 There is a bevy of significant research that has been done on the Salem Witch Trials and there is a good bit of it online. Here are some links that you might find interesting: 17th Century Colonial New England - This site is run by Margo Burns and contains a ton of information on the 17th century. And in a unique twist, it was Margo's parents that introduced my parents to each other! The University of Virginia has a good collection of original documents and transcriptions online relating to the Salem Witch Trials E-mail me

https://familysearch.org/photos/documents/12511539?returnLabel=Mary%20Ayer%20(LHQT-JCM)&returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Ftree%2F%23view%3Dancestor%26person%3DLHQT-JCM%26section%3Dmemories

Salem Witchcraft Trials

The Ayers were involved with one of the greatest tragedies / mistakes in early New England - The Salem Witchcraft Trials.

"From June through September of 1692, nineteen men and women, all having been convicted of witchcraft, were carted to Gallows Hill, a barren slope near Salem Village, for hanging. Another man of over eighty years was pressed to death under heavy stones for refusing to submit to a trial on witchcraft charges. Hundreds of others faced accusations of witchcraft. Dozens languished in jail for months without trials.  Then, almost as soon as it had begun, the hysteria that swept through Puritan Massachusetts ended.

    Why did this travesty of justice occur? Why did it occur in Salem? Nothing about this tragedy was inevitable. Only an unfortunate combination of an ongoing frontier war, economic conditions, congregational strife, teenage boredom, and personal jealousies can account for the spiraling accusations, trials, and executions that occurred in the spring and summer of 1692."

Douglas Linder - website

Click here for actual letters and court document scans in regards to Mary (Ayer) Parker and Francis Hutchins. These scans are courtesy of the Peabody Essex Museum.

The first member of the Ayer family to discsus is Mary Ayer, daughter to John and Hannah, married Nathanial Parker. Mary (Ayer) Parker was accused of witchcraft in 1692. Mary Parker refused to confess during the witchcraft trials saying, "I know nothing of it, there is another woman of the same name in Andover." She was refering to her sister-in-law, Mary Parker, the aged and senile widow of Joseph Parker" [ref Woodward, Records of Salem Witchcraft, 2:163-154]

On September 17, 1692 Margaret Scott, Wilmott Redd, Samuel Wardwell, Mary Parker, Abigail Faulkner, Rebecca Eames, Mary Lacy, Ann Foster, and Abigail Hobbs were tried and condemned.

On September 22, 1692 Martha Corey, Margaret Scott, Mary Easty, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Wilmott Redd, Samuel Wardwell, and Mary Parker were hanged.

Mary (Ayer) Parker was buried in an unmarked grave, somewhere in Salem Massachusetts.

Mary (Ayer) Parker memorial stone at the Salem Witchcraft Trials Memorial in Salem MA

Another member of the Ayer Family (by marriage) was Francis Hutchins - mother-in-law to Thomas Ayer (son of John and Hannah). Thomas married Elizabeth Hutchins (daughter of John and Francis Hutchins) in 1656.

Francis Hutchins was arrested on the 19th August 1692 as a result of a witchcraft complaint filed by Timothy Swan, Ann Putnam, Jr., and Mary Walcott. She was imprisoned until the 21st December 1692 when she was released on bond. No trial records were found. Samuel Hutchins and John Kingsbury posted the bond.

Warrant for Arrest of Frances Hutchins and Ruth Wilford

"Essex/ To the Constable of Haverhill
Complaint being made to me this day, by Timothy Swan of Andover: & Mary Wallcott & Anna Putnam of Salem Village, Against Mrs: frances Hutchins & Ruth Willford, of Haverhill that the s'd frances Hutchins & Ruth Willford, hath sorely afflicted them, the s'd Timothy Swan Mary Walcott & Anna Putnam in their bodies, by witchcraft Severall times Contrary to the Peace of o'r: Sovereigne Lord & Lady King William & Queen Mary, of England &c: & to their Majests Law in that Case provided: & s'd Timothy Swan having according to Law, given sufficient bond, to Prosecute s'd Complaint, before Their Majests: justices of Peace att Salem the 19th: or 20th Instant. These therefore require you in their Majests. names to Apprehend & sease the bodies of the afores'd frances Hutchins & Ruth Willford, upon sight hereof, & them safely Convey to [to] Salem afores'd, to their Majests: justices of the Peace there, to be examined & proceeded with according to law: for which this shall be yo'r warrant: Given under my hand & seal this eighteenth day of August Anno Domini 1692: In the 4th year of their Majests. Reigne. &c
*Dudley Bradstreet
Justice of Peace

(Reverse) according to this warrant I have seesed and brought don mrs frances huchins: but sought with Diligenc for Ruth Wilford and she cannot be found
August 19: 1692
by Me Wilum Strlin Constbl for haverihill"

(Note: Ruth Wilford was taken into custody on August 20, 1692.)

In a seperate case, Francis was in court in 1653. Around 1650 the General Court had passed a law prohibiting the display of finery by persons "of meane condition" defined as persons whose property was valued under £200. Francis was arrested on 17 September 1653 for wearing a silk hood, as was her friend, Mrs. Joseph Swett. Francis Hutchins was acquitted because she had been brought up above the ordinary rank, while Mrs. Swett was found guilty and had to pay ten shillings.

The record does include a deed registered by Francis Hutchins in 1686:

"To all christian people to whom these presents may come, on the north side of Merrimack in the county of Essex sendeth greetings":

"Know ye that I above said Francis Huthcins as well for and in consideration of the natural love that I do owe and bear to my beloved son Joseph Hutchins of Haverhill abovesaid as also in consideration of divers articles hereafter mentioned to be done and truly performed unto me during my natural life, etc." - confirms to Joseph "all my land that is lying between the land of Thomas Ayers of Haverhill and a creek commonly known by the name of Merries Creek with all my houseing barn and outhouseing except 20 acres already laid out to my son Benjamin excepting also about three acres given to my son Samuel by the Rivers side adjoining to said Creek" reserves ten acres for her own use the east side of the dwelling house and the cellar under it and the chamber over it, also the benefit of the orchard.
She gives him the Spickett meadow and three acres in Policy meadow - - is to receive ten pounds per annum, in the first week in December, in wheat rye and Indian corn, one third each, and firewood winter and summer.

Dated 21st november 1686 in the 2nd year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, James ye second.

Signed Francis Huthcins
mark & seal
Witnesses
Robert Ford
Mary Ford"

Francis Hutchins deeded 10 acres to Johannah (Corliss) Hutchins on 25 December 1686, she died on 5 April 1694.

Will of Francis Hutchins is as follows:

"The last will and testament of Francis Hutchins of Haverhill in perfect memory and understanding but sensable of my drawing nigh the day of my death:

Do in the first place bequeath my soul to God and my body to decent burial and after my just debts being paid to will my estate as followeth and in the - -

First place I do will to my son William Hutchins one common right having his portion sufficient already this being in full.

2ndly I do will to my two daughters Elizabeth and Love my wearing apparel both lining and woolen.

3dly I do will to my daughter in law Johannah Hutchins my mortar and pestal.

4thly I do will to my son Benjamin the great brass kettle and one common right.

5thly I do will to my son Samuel the table board and the frame and great cubbard.

6thly I do will to my son joseph, his children viz: John, Francis, Mary, Samuel, Joseph twelve acres of land adjoining to the land which I have given to their mother at the west end of my land adjoining to the land of Samuel Hutchins.

7thly I do will to my son Joseph Hutchins deceased his children one common right.

8thly I do will to my daughters Elizabeth and Love and to my two sons Samuel and Benjamin all the rest of my estate of what nature and kind soever to be equally divided amongst them all that is to say the said four.

9thly If any of my above children shall lay any claim to any of my husband's lands or other estate of my husbands or mine by verture of any former promise not given under hand in writing shall forfeit their right unto what is bequeathed and willed unto him or them except five shillings which I do will to any such person and no more provided he or they shall endeavor to make out any such claim by law.

To this will I do constitute and appoint my son samuel Hutchins and my son in law Samuel Sherburn executors - the words common right was interlined as to my son Benjamin, before assinging and hearunto I have set my hand this fourth day in March in the year of our Lord, one thousand six hundred and ninety-four.

Francis Hutchins
Robert Ford
Josiah Gage
Before Honorable Bartholemew Gedney, Exquire, May 16, 1694.

Robert Ford and Josiah Gage made oath that they were present and saw Mrs. Francis Hutchins sign this Instrument and heard her declare it to be her last will and testament and that she was then of a disposing mind to my best deserning.
Stephan Sewall (Registrar)"

** I am aware of "typos" in the quoted sections. These have been transcribed from the original sources**

Thanks to Willis Brown of whom contributed the Will and Warrant trascriptions, as well as his great research and insite!

Email me at jansona@hotmail.com for further information, questions, or data requests

Thomas Guymon (5th Great Grand-Father)

Thomas Guymon

10 March 1787 – 20 October 1855

HISTORY OF THOMAS GUYMON

Thomas Guymon was born March 17, 1787; a son of Isaiah Guymon and Elisabeth Flynn* His father, Isaiah, was the first Guymon born in the United States, and a soldier of the Revolutionary War. We know very little about the childhood days of Thomas Guymon. The first we know he was a young man living in Surry County, North Carolina. He was a goodnatured man and was liked by everyone who knew him. He was an ambitious young man with a fairly good education for those days, for we know he had enough education to be a school teacher. He was also a farmer. It seems that in the first part of the Nineteenth Century people only had time for school when there was no farm work to be done; therefore he farmed in the summer and taught school in the winter. The descendants of Thomas Guymon have in there possession a contract which reads as follows CONTRACT FOR TEACHING SCHOOL Articles of an agreement made and entered into between Thomas Guymon of the County of Jackson, in the state of Tennessee of the first part, and we the undersigners of the other part. The said Guymon does bind himself to teach a school for three months, of reading and writing five days out of every week, at the rate of six dollars per year. One half in current money to be paid at the end of school; one half to be paid in cotton, wool or cloth delivered before the 25th of December. The school house to be built at the Dripping Spring, between that of Guymon and Orson Martins. The school to begin on the second of August. The said Guymon to make up all lost time that he does loose. The said Guymon is to keep good order in the school. The subscribers with the teacher are to build a good sufficient schoolhouse. The house is to be ready in good time. Signed this 11 day of July 1821. Signed: Thomas Hicklen, Archibald M. LeVant, Orson Martin, Salton Coyd, John McLearan. Along with the other work Thomas Guymon did while living in Tennessee he operated a ferry boat crossing over the Cumberland River. His ferry consisted of several boats, some large and some small. The large boats were big enough to carry two teams and wagons. The large boats were run by hose power. The horse was in the cent of the boat, the horse went round and round, which worked the paddles, and the paddles pushed the boat across the river. The small boats were propelled by hand or by a rope stretched across the river. Thomas married Sarah Gordon the 23rd day of February 1809, and together their married life began in Surry County, North Carolina. Here their first three sons were born. They moved from North Carolina to Jackson County, Tennessee about 1815. Tennessee was the birth place of their next three sons and one daughter. They lived in Tennessee for some ten years, then they moved to Paris, Edgar County, Illinois, where three more daughters were born to them. One beautiful day in 1836, Thomas' son James came home very excited, with information of a new church. It was different from the other churches they had known. Thomas and his sons were out in the forest chopping wood. When James told them his story they listened with interest, and when James had finished speaking, Thomas stood upon a log and said, "Jim that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is just what we have been looking for." Thomas and his wife Sarah, his sons James and Thomas, and his daughters Barzilla, Polly Ann and Melissa Jane were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They soon joined the saints and were with them through all their persecutions. From the history of Caldwell County, the following information was obtained. A document or covenant made in Caldwell County, Missouri, January 29, 1839. Among the signers we find the name of Thomas Guymon and his son Noah Thomas. "We hose names are here underwritten, do each for ourselves individually here-by covenant to stand by and assist each other, to the utmost of our abilities, in removing from this state in compliance with the authority of the state; and we do hereby acknowledge ourselves firmly bound to the extent of all our available property to be disposed of by ai committee who shall be appointed for that purpose, for providing moans for removing of the poor and destitute who shall be considered worthy, from this country till there shall not be one left who desires to move from the state; with this proviso., that no individual shall be deprived of the right of the disposal of his own property, for the above purpose, or having the control of it, or so much of it as shall be necessary for the removal of his own family; and be entitled to the surplus after the work is affected; and furthermore said committee shall give receipts for all property, and an account of all expenditures of the same. (There were 214 signers). The committee members were as follows: William Huntington, Charles Bird, Alanson Bigpley, Theodore Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrack Roundy, and Jonithan H. Hale. Thomas came across the plain to Utah, leaving Illinois in the spring of 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Company. With him were his children who had joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with the exception of James who came the year before. The children were all married and had families of their own, except Melissa Jane and she and her future husband did their courting while crossing the plains. They arrived in Salt Lake Valley in September 1850. Thomas lived only five years after coming to Utah, The fact that they had Joined the church had divided his family, because his sons Isaiah, John and William never Joined the church, and as a result they .and their families remained in the state of Illinois, He never for one moment regretted Joining the Church, but he did regret the separation in his family. We have many copies of letters exchanged between those who remained in the east with those who came west. Thomas Guymon died in Sprlngville, Utah County, Utah 20 October 1855. CHILDREN OF THOMAS GUYMON Isaiah Guymon b 15 Feb 1810 in Surry County, North Carolina John Guymon b 28 Nov 1811 in Surry County, North Carolina William Guymon b 23 Jan 1815 in Surry County, North Carolina James Guymon b 2? Dec 1816 in Jackson County, Tennessee Noah Thomas Guymon b 30 June 1819 in Jackson County, Tennessee Martin Guymon b 12 June 1821 in Jackson County, Tennessee Barazlla Guymon b 31 Dec 1823 in Jackson County, Tennessee Elizabeth Guymon b 19 July 1826 in Edgar County, Illinois Polly Arm Guymon b 11 July 1829 in Edgar County, Illinois Sarah Jane Guymon b 11 July 1829 in Edgar County, Illinois Melissa Jane Guymon b 14 Feb I833 in Edgar County, Illinois In Volume 6 page 337 of the History of the Church we find that Thomas Guymon filled a mission to North Carolina in the year 1844, This was his birth place.

Pioneer story of Thomas Guymon family- Missouri to Salt Lake- 1850

Thomas, Sarah & son Noah came in 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Co. They left with 100 wagons from Council Bluffs. Trek was from June 8 to Sep 12 1850. Their company had bad cholera (blessings, prayers & healings), a buffalo run through camp, lots of rain. They all walked to lighten the load of the poor oxen. People would sing, tell stories, have music (fiddle, flute etc), dancing. Visited by the Chief of the Ottawa. Info found from different diaries of people in the company. on lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch.

Biography of Thomas Guymon

10 Mar. 17871–20 Oct. 1855. Schoolteacher, farmer. Born in Surry Co., North Carolina. Son of Isaiah Guymon and Elizabeth Flynn. Married Sarah (Sally) Gordon/Gordin, Feb. 1809, in Stokes Co., North Carolina. Moved to Jackson Co., Tennessee, by 1820. Moved to Edgar Co., Illinois, by 1830. Baptized into LDS church by “Brother Rathburn,” by 9 June 1835. Ordained a priest and appointed to lead branch of church in Edgar Co., Illinois, 21 June 1835. Member of high council in Far West, Caldwell Co., Missouri, 1838. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by 1840. Migrated to Utah Co., Utah Territory, 1850. Died at Springville, Utah Co. I found this on: http://josephsmithpapers.org/person?name=Thomas+Guymon

https://familysearch.org/photos/images/3907524?p=5069910&returnLabel=Thomas%20Guymon%20(KWJ2-ZD6)&returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Ftree%2F%23view%3Dancestor%26person%3DKWJ2-ZD6%26section%3Dmemories

https://familysearch.org/photos/images/3435908?p=5069910&returnLabel=Thomas%20Guymon%20(KWJ2-ZD6)&returnUrl=https%3A%2F%2Ffamilysearch.org%2Ftree%2F%23view%3Dancestor%26person%3DKWJ2-ZD6%26section%3Dmemories

Sarah Gordon Guymon (5th Great Grandmother)

HISTORY OF SARAH GORDON GUYMON

HISTORY OF SARAH GORDON GUYMON Sarah Gordon’s first ancestor in the United States was Thomas Gordon who was born in Uslter Down County, North Ireland, He was a son of James Stewart Gordon, originally of the Huntley Gordons of Scotland. He came to what is now called Gordonsville, Albemarle County, Virginia. Her father was the first child of Thomas Gordon and Sarah Flynn, John was born in Abermarle County, Virginia in 1772. He married Barzilla Martin who was born 27 Mar. 1774, daughter of John Martin and his wife Sarah, Th«y settled en main highway about two miles south of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina where they farmed and operated a tavern to serve the passengers who traveled through by stagecoach. They had begun their life together with very little means, but by application of industry, due economy, and intelligence, gained property rapidly, until they became quite wealthy for those days.. They accumulated much real estate and at his death owned twelve slaves. They had three sons and nine daughters Sarah was the oldest of John Gordon and Barzilla Martin°s children. She was born 20 November 1789 in Surry County, North Carolina. Being the oldest of twelve children Sarah had many responsibilities; helping her mother with the children, making beds and helping her mother in the tavern. She had a busy life and never knew an idle moment. Sarah married Thomas Guymon in Stokes County, North Carolina the 23rd day of May, 1809. He was a son of Isaiah Guymon and Elizabeth Flynn. He was an ambitious young man, who farmed in the summer months and taught school in the winter. They lived in Stokes County, North Carolina for six years. During that time three sons, Isaiah, John and William were born to them. They moved to Jackson County, Tennessee in 1815. Here they had three more sons, James, Noah Thomas and Martin, and one daughter, Barzilla. Then years later they moved again, this time to Edgar County.... Illinois in 1825. While living here they had four daughters, Elizabeth, Polly Ann, Sarah Jane and Melissa Jane. Sarah and her husband were converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in I836, and soon Joined with the saints and were with them in all their persecutions. Their son James came to Utah in 1849 and a year later in the spring of 1850 Thomas and Sarah Guymon with their daughter Melissa Jane, their son Noah Thomas and his wife and children, their daughter Polly Ann and her husband Robert Johnson and their children, all came to Utah with the Aaron Johnson company. Their three eldest sons however, did not come to Utah., The family with others made many preparations for the journey to Utah. Among other things, they had to train or break cows to lead on a wagon of three yoke of oxen. The most pleasant part of their journey was spent traveling along the banks of the Missouri River. The company crossed the river on flat boats, and the cattle swam the river. They gathered buffalo chips to make fires in the prairie lands. The company traveled long hard hours, but they always took time out at night to sing songs of praise and enjoy one another’s company before retiring- Three days before the end of this journey their son James came to meet them. The children were driving the cattle ahead of the wagons & and when they saw their Uncle James coming they shouted for joy. The shouts of joy soon rang out through the entire company. Thomas and Sarah were Indeed happy to see their son and the company were glad to see someone they knew for now they were sure that their long journey would soon be at an end. Finally they arrived at the little town of Salt Lake City. One of the sights that impressed the children was a red flag on a stick nailed up on a log room to show that merchandise was sold there, and another log room with a tin cup outside to show that tin was sold there. They spent their first week with James who lived on the little Cottonwood River. He had a lovely garden which furnished good eating for the new arrivals to the valley. The married children moved down into Utah County, all except James who moved down sometime later. Thomas and Sarah spent their first winter in the Salt Lake Valley. Sarah had a very quick temper and was very determined about getting her own way when she felt she was right. The people in Salt Lake Valley were told to take their dry cows in the herd, and let the herder take them to Antelope Island, which is an island in the Great Salt Lake. Sarah felt it was wrong to let her cows be sent over there for the winter. The herder came and put her cows in with the rest of the herd. She was very determined that her cows were not going so she came out with her cane for a switch and turned her cows out of the herd and took them home. The cows had to be herded all the time. She must have known what she was doing, for the other cows froze to death and her cows furnished milk for her family and many more settlers. Sarah not only loved her children very much, but she was very fond of her brothers and sisters. We have found many instances where she was close to the son of her sister, his name was Calvin Gordon Stone, who lived in Utah. We also have evidence of her corresponding with her people back in North Carolina. Among the letters written to her youngest brother, Martin, was found a document giving Martin the Power of Attorney and a letter with it asking him to sell her land which was left to her by her father. Her father was a wealthy man at the time of his death. Her oldest brother, James, was the Administrator of the estate. This letter to Martin was written Feb. 28, 1870 In this same letter she stated that her health was very poor and that she was living with her son, Noah Thomas, and that he was taking care of all her business affairs. After Noah Thomas moved to Springville, Thomas and Sarah moved to Springville. Here Thomas died October 20th, 1855. After the death of her husband, Sarah moved to Fountain Green to be near her children there. She lived in a home of her own, and had a girl named Martha Jane Park live with her for company. She lived the last few years with her son, Noah Thomas. She was taken to Springville for burial beside her husband. Written by: Mrs Olive Stone - Provo, Utah.

Pioneer story of Thomas Guymon & family- Missouri to Salt Lake- 1850

Contributed By Brooke Malfatto · Feb 22, 2014, 3:29 PM · 0 Comments

Thomas, Sarah & son Noah came in 1850 with the Aaron Johnson Co. They left with 100 wagons from Council Bluffs. Trek was from June 8 to Sep 12 1850. Their company had bad cholera (blessings, prayers & healings), a buffalo run through camp, lots of rain. They all walked to lighten the load of the poor oxen. People would sing, tell stories, have music (fiddle, flute etc), dancing. Visited by the Chief of the Ottawa. Info found from different diaries of people in the company. on lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanysearch.

SARAH GORDON

Contributed By christychamberlain1 · Dec 22, 2014, 11:03 PM · 0 Comments

SARAH GORDON GUYMON The oldest of twelve children born to John Gordon and Barzilla Martin BORN: 20 November 1789 PLACE: Stokes County, North Carolina BAPTIZED: 18 June 1835 MARRIAGE: 23 February 1809 to Thomas Guymon ENDOWED: 2 January 1846 CROSSED THE PLAINS: With the Aaron Johnson Company DEATH: 7 December 1872 PLACE: Fountain Green, Sanpete County, Utah BURIAL: Springville, Utah County, Utah CHILDREN: Isaiah Guymon, 15 February 1810, Stokes County, North Carolina John Guymon, 28 November 1811, Stokes County, North Carolina William Guymon, 23 January 1815, Stokes County, North Carolina James Guymon, 27 December 1816, Jackson County, Tennessee Noah Thomas Guymon, Sr., 30 June 1819, Jackson County, Tennessee Martin Guymon, 12 June 1821, Jackson County, Tennessee Barzilla Guymon, 31 December 1823, Jackson County, Tennessee Elizabeth Guymon, 19 June 1826, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Sarah Jane Guymon (twin), 11 July 1829, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Polly Ann Guymon (twin), 11 July 1829, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois Melissa Jane Guymon, 14 February 1833, Paris, Edgar County, Illinois

WORK AND EDUCATION

Contributed By christychamberlain1 · Dec 22, 2014, 11:03 PM · 0 Comments

WORK/EDUCATION: Sarah worked at home in her youth to help support the family and assisted in the tavern that her parents owned and operated. The Gordon family also owned a farm in North Carolina which operated as a plantation with slaves to work the land. Sarah used her farming experience throughout her life and on the frontier when she and her husband moved to Utah.

Thomas Crowther III (5th Great-Grandfather)

Thomas Crowther III

25 July 1796 – 3 March 1871

Life Sketch of Tomas Crowther III from "The W. O. Crowther Family" Book

From: "The W. O. Crowther Family Book" Thomas Crowther was christened on July 25, 1796, at Cardington, Shropshire, England. He was the second son of eight children born to Thomas Crowther and Martha Cartwright. He worked as a farm laborer, and hired out at the age of eleven years, while his elder brother, John Crowther, apprenticed as a shoe maker. On the 7th of June 1821, Thomas married Anne Preece. This marriage took place in the Parish Church of Cardington, Shropshire, England. We fist find Thomas in the 1851 Census at Gretton, a widower, age 54, an agriculture laborer and born at Cardington; his son, Richard, age 11 years, was with him working as an agriculture laborer servant and he was born at Astley Abbotts. We find the other children were born at Easthope, Ditton Priors, Astley Abbotts, Stottesden and Bridgnorth. Thomas Crowther, working as a laborer, had a very small income and had to travel from place to place to obtain work. There was a family of ten children to be cared for with food and clothing. Mary, the eldest daughter, died soon after her mother's death in 1847. The first son, Thomas married May 7, 1849, to Sarah Thomason and came to America in 1855. He later married Jane Jewkes, and they became the parents Sarah Jane Crowther Johnson. Francis came to America in 1852 and died on the plains. Anne, the next eldest daughter, and Thomas, the eldest son, were married the same day, 7 May, 1847, in the parish of Dudley, Worcester, England. Anne married Joseph Permain. Martha died January 7, 1847, at the age of 15 years and 8 months. Sarah died December 29, 1835, at the age of 9 months. James, christened, January 31, 1838, later married Mary Ann Robinson. Richard, christened, September, 17, 1839, later married Annie Margaret Christensen. William died as a child. A daughter, an infant died. Thomas Crowther and his wife, Anne, had many sad experiences, but this was not all the grief for Thomas. On the 27th of August, 1846, his wife, Anne Preece Crowther, died soon after their infant daughter was born. Thomas spent the rest of his life caring for his family with his small earnings. Thomas lived to see his sons come to America and live here in Zion. There is no record which indicates that he joined "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints", but all of his sons did. He died March 3, 1871, in the Union Workhouse at Bridgnorth at the age of 74 years. The Workhouse was a place he could live and work for his keep. He must have been a great and wonderful man.