Hudgins: VA to TX by E H Hudgins -- Who is "Chappel Hill" Humphrey's father???
If you've taken a look at Hudgins: Virginia to Texas by Edgar H. Hudgins, you know that it follows the story of Joel Foster Hudgins' Texas dynasty.But it also references a "nephew" of Joel Hudgins -- namely Humphrey Hudgins (aka "Chappel Hill" Humphrey Hudgins).See pp. 93, 94, 96, 97, 100, 108, 151, 162, 178, 180, and 457.So, here's my question -- who is this nephew's father?
On page 178, his obituary changes him from "nephew" to "cousin."It says nothing of his parentage -- only that he was born in North Carolina.The date given for his birth is 17 Dec 1820 -- and 12 March 1898 for his death.If we take a look at Joel's siblings, we find no known record for a Humphrey Hudgins born on this date or even close to it.So, who is this Humphrey Hudgins???A cousin, perhaps?I'm not seeing it -- not from North Carolina or Virginia.
The VA to TX book also says that this Humphrey Hudgins "came to Texas" in the 1840's -- see p. 100.However, the first mention of him in any records cited doesn't occur until 1860.I would argue that he did not arrive in Texas until 1860 or shortly before.
Edgar H. Hudgins' book is a masterpiece with respect to our Hudgins family history -- thank goodness someone had the sensibility and thoughtfulness to research, preserve and share our collective family history.But there are a few mistakes which can be a bit misleading.
I propose that "Chappel Hill" Humphrey Hudgins WAS a nephew of Joel Foster Hudgins.It is my theory that he was the son of Jesse Hudgins, Joel's brother.Here's why...
1.In the case of Hudgins v White before the NC Supreme Court, we learn that Mary White Hudgins was widowed by the death of her husband, Jesse Hudgins, in 1835.That they had children together.The WHITE being sued was Mary's own brother, Benjamin White of Chowan County NC.The HUDGINS was Thomas W. Hudgins -- I'm taking a leap of faith in assuming he is Jesse and Mary's eldest son.
On page 24 of Edgar H. Hudgen's book, we learned that in 1829, Jesse experienced financial problems.The lawsuit has its origins in those financial difficulties.Mary had written to her brother and asked for his help during their difficulties.So, I do not think it unreasonable to think that when her husband died that she would have turned to him for help, again.I believe that after Jesse's death, she moved to Chowan County NC -- where she had married and apparently grown up -- where HER family still lived.
2.Taking time to look through various census and marriage records for Chowan County NC, we can find the following candidates for children of Jesse Hudgins and Mary White:
- Charity Hudgins b. abt 1815 -- married to Paul Bunch on 21 Jan 1840
- Thomas W. Hudgins b. abt 1817 -- married Lavinia Small on 14 Dec 1841
- Humphrey Hudgins b. abt 1825 (date according to Chowan County NC census of 1850, but I would question it) I believe that THIS is "Chappel Hill" Humphrey Hudgins.
- Rosinna/Rosanna Hudgins b. abt 1822 -- married to Baker Small on 24 Oct 1842
- Sarah Hudgins b. abt 1825
- Esther Hudgins b. abt 1828 -- married to Thomas White on 14 Jan 1850
- Benjamin Hudgins b. abt 1832
- Foster Hudgins b. abt 1833 -- Found in Fort Bend County TX in 1860 census working as a sadler (saddle maker). He enlisted in Waul's Texas Legion at the onset of the Civil War.Enlistment record shows he was born in Gates County NC.In the 1850 Chowan County NC census, he was listed as an apprentice at a coachmaker's.
- I would add to this list, Theophilus Hudgins b. 1831.By 1850, he is found as a laborer in Guilford County NC.In the early 1860's, he is found in Fort Bend County TX enlisting in Waul's Texas Legion -- just 2 days before Foster Hudgins enlisted at the same recruiting station.Enlistment record shows he was also born in Gates County NC.
3.On p. 162 of Edgar A. Hudgins' book, it says that Humphrey Hudgins of Chappel Hill TX, "...was a blacksmith and farmer at Chappel Hill, Washington County, Texas.He was also an undertaker."The word BLACKSMITH caught my eye.Humphrey Hudgins, listed above as a likely candidate for one of the children of Jesse Hudgins and Mary White was listed as a blacksmith in the 1850 Chowan County NC census.
CONCLUSION:I think Humphrey, Theophilus and Foster Hudgins made their way to Texas together in the late 1850's.That Humphrey being the eldest was ready to settle down and turned to farming/ranching -- becoming "Chappel Hill" Humphrey Hudgins.Meanwhile the younger brothers went to work for ranches in the next county, then sought adventure in the war.
Foster Hudgins became ill almost immediately at their first camp.I have found nothing more on him since shortly after the Civil War began.
Theophilus Hudgins served with Company E of Willis' Cavalry Battalion of Waul's Texas Legion throughout the Civil War.After the war, he settled and raised a family in Brazoria County TX.One of his daughters was named Mary.One of his sons was named Jesse.
I have more research to do before I can feel totally confident of my theory.But I wanted to see if any of ya'll had done research along these lines with the same or different conclusions.Would appreciate any suggestions or input -- even if it means my theory ends up refuted.
Happy Ancestor Hunting!
GG-Grandchild of Theophilus Hudgins
More Replies:
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"Chappel Hill" Humphrey Hudgins (b. abt 1820; d. 1898)
Linda Goetsch 10/07/10