Priscilla, Wife of Hezekiah Hutcheson
Priscilla and Hezekiah Hutcheson were my 4th great grandparents. I have seen her maiden name as Runyon/Runyen and Conwell/Conwill. I have found no credible evidence of either.
She is cited at Priscilla Runyon in the work of Martrue Hutcheson Greenwood. While no criticism is intended - there are no dates, sources, or other proof this was her surname.
I know that Hezekiah and Priscilla are buried at Winchester Cemetery in Pleasant Site, Franklin County, Alabama. I have photo's of their markers and a list is posted online for burials at this cemetery.
I also have minutes from the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in which they are cited numerous times as well as many other members, many of whom migrated later to Scott County, Arkansas (my own home state).
I do have proof that my grandfather's grandmother (Priscilla Emmarine Hutcheson Johnson) was the daughter of Isaac C. Hutcheson, reported to be the son of Hezekiah and Priscilla Hutcheson.
I know that Isaac, his second wife, and children removed to Scott County on or about 1857:
This is the obit for my Priscilla Emmarine Hutcheson Johnson:
Scott County, Arkansas
The Advance Reporter
17 September 1925
Mrs P.E. Johnson, beloved wife of Tom H. Johnson of Dutch Creek was born November 29, 1853 and died at her home August 29, 1925. Deceased moved to Dutch Creek when in her fourth year and has resided there until her death. She was married to Tom H. Johnson at the age of 15. Early in life she became a member of the missionary Baptist Church and remained a devoted member all her life. She was a good neighbor, a kind friend, a true and devoted wife and mother. A husband and two children, Buddy Johnson and Mrs Molly Hale and a host of friends are left to mourn her departure. she was confined to her bed many weeks during her last sickness and the kindness of the many neighbors and friends was in constant evidence. Especially are thanks due to Mrs. Leo Starr, Mrs Dolly Hale and Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Hale. She will be greatly missed in the home and in the community where she spent her life.
(Mrs. Dolly Hale was my grandmother).
I also know that Isaac was the father of my Priscilla Emmarine Hutchinson:
State of Arkansas, County of Scott In the widows claim of Nancy E. Tate widow of Thomas W. Tate, late of Co I, Second Reg't Infy Vols, personally came before a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County and State, Harriet F. Brothers and Percilla E. Johnson, who I hereby certify is a respectable and credible person(s) and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to the aforesaid claim as follows: We were present and saw Thomas W. Tate, the soldier married to his first wife Martha C. Tate , this being his first wife and we know that this was his first wife. We were present and saw him married, our father was a justice of the peace and they were married at his house. They were married in the latter part of August in the year 1866. And we further know that his first wife is dead and our means of knowing this is we were at the burial and saw her buried. We have been personally acquainted with the soldier and his first wife all the time from children and we also know that Thomas W. Tate the soldier is also dead. He died the 12 day of Sept 1902. They further declare their post-office is Olio County of Scott State of Arkansas; and they are 50 and 49 years of age.
Signed by Thomas J. Tate 1st of April 1903.
I further have evidence that Isaac homesteaded in Scott County, Arkansas:
Isaac C. Hutcheson on May 1, 1860 filed for land in Scott County (see BLM record) for the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 12 and the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 13 in township three north of range twenty seven west in the district of Lands subject to sale at Clarksville, Arkansas containing 80 acres, which said tract has been purchased by Isaac C. Hutcheson.
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Harmony Missionary Baptist Church at Pleasant Site Meeting Minutes site August 30, 1848 as date I. Hutcheson was appointed deacon.
Taken from "Trails Through Time" by A.I. Harrison:
On June 19, 1840 a church was formed by 10 people, probably at Pleasant Site. Received by letters:
Andrew George
Hezekiah Hutcheson
Isaac C. Hutcheson
Eleanor George
Priscilla Hutcheson
Nancy Rourk
Elizabeth McCain
Andrew McCain
Washington, a black person
We are the above named persons do cordially adopt and receive and subscribe to the faith of the Muscle Shoal Association. Brother A.George was chosen Deacon, Brother McCain and Brother Adair was chosen as a presbytery to ordain the Deacon, agree to hold our monthly meetings on Saturday before the lst Lord's day in every month.
Samuel Adair
Andrew McCain
Subsequently, the church records (denomination unknown) show exclusions of over 150 people by death, dismissal or exclusion. Among those excluded were James C. George, Lucinda George, Hezekiah Hutcheson, and Priscilla L. Hutcheson. Most entries have no dates, but we know that Hezekiah died in 1848 and Priscilla died in 1857. They probably left the church without asking for a letter of Transfer and so were excluded to keep the active membership roll on a current basis.
So from the marriage of Priscilla to Hezekiah and down I feel very comfortable with my proof of whom I descend from.
I would very much like to find out who Priscilla Hutcheson was. If you have anything to add - it would be greatly appreciated.
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