Re: James and John Espey
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In reply to:
Re: James and John Espey
Fred Wilhite 8/28/01
From Land Deed Genealogy of Rutherford Co., Tennessee.
Deed Book M, pg. 553, Doc. No. 432.
Henry marable to Travis Marable for deed. This indenture made 18 March 1820 between Henry Marable and Travis Marable , both of Rutherford co., for a tract of land lying on the Harts Spring Branch being a part of a tract formley owned by "James Espey". Beginning in Shelby's west boundry line at Espey's north east corner running west 80 poles, thence south 200 poles, then east 80 poles in Shelby's line, thence north 200 poles to beginning to include 100 acres. witness Amza Jones and John Lane. signed H.H. Marable registered 5 Aug. 1820.
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There may be a record as to when he sold that property or who it was willed to if her was killed.
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Also in a letter written by Abram Mason dated March 27th 1860, Mason's Grove, Madison (now Crockett) Co., Tn. he recants his childhood memories of coming to French Lick , Nashville, " this was in the spring I think of about 1793, and about this time the Indians came in and killed Mr. James Thompson and wife and a daughter and took another prisoner and a married lady by the name of Espy and carried them to the nation and kept them there some time and when they got back, that yung Mss Thompson married a Mr. Edward Collingsworth, and became the mother of a family, her oldest son James Collinsworth a lawyer in Nashville, he went to Texas and died there and a younger son became my son in law, and is living close by me now."
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Abram Mason who writes this is in my family line.
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The story of James Thompson is found in numerous accounts and mentions Espey. The dates vary, but all about that time frame. As Espey isn't my line I have paid little notice to the accounts of her, from the letter they were 'both' returned after being held hostage. From your account of an Espey being killed , that may explain why she is with the Thompson's.
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James, Robert and George Espey are signers of the Cumberland Compact 1 May 1780.
Robert Espey is noted as having a N.C. Land Grant of 640 acres and being a resident of Davidson Co. 1784.
James Espy is listed on the tax records of Davidson Co. in 1787.
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In Davidson Co. records the will of James Thompson dec. is returned by Robert Thompson, Jan. 1793...so the attack could have been in late 1792.
Isaac Pierce sells a negro to James Espey in 1793.
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Also in neighboring Sumner Co. John and Alexander are mentioned as sons of Robert Espy 1798. Thomas Cribinis buys land from Robert Espey before 1797, the spelling seems to be made by the clerks recording the information, I would guess they are one in the same.
In Sumner Co. William Bradshaw marries Betsy Espey 11 Nov. 1800. Francis Eury (Bury? Dury ?) marries Peggy Espy 14 Aug. 1804.
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There is a William Espy who buys lots in the first sale of land in Jackson, Madison Co. Dec 17 1821. ( this is the area where Abram Mason moved when he left Rutherford Co. )
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This is all I have at hand from books and records here at the house, I'm sure the State Archives would have more data for you.
Hope this is of some use, good hunting.
Best regards from Nashville