JOHN JOSLIN, AMHERST VA.& LINCOLN CO. KY.
This John Joslin report was done by Jean Ann Ables-Flatt, a Certified Genealogical Records Specialist. I have her permission to post it to this forum.
Wakley Ann (Evans) Doyal
JOSLIN/JOSLING/JOSSLING
What I would like to prove with this report is the approximate age of JOHN JOSLIN, JR.(died Casey County, Kentucky before 05th October 1818) and whose wife was Catherine.Because of his age I believe there is a question as to which one, JOHN JOSLIN, SR. or JOHN JR.., served in the American Revolution.JOHN JOSLIN, SR. died Lincoln County, Kentucky 29 June 1793.His wife at the time of his death was named DINAH.DINAH is first mentioned as JOHN JOSLIN, SR’S wife on deed dated 17th August 1784, Amherst Co., Virginia. (It is interesting to note that both JOHN JR. and JAMES, sons of JOHN SR. named their first daughter Lucinda or Lucy.)
I have spent much time perusing records and I will begin with a listing of JOHN SR’s children as were given in his will dated 29th June 1793 and recorded in Lincoln County, Kentucky the 20th May 1794.They were as follows:
JOHN JOSLING; WILLIAM JOSLIN; DANIEL JOSLIN; BENJAMIN JOSLIN; ELIZABETH EVANS; MOLLY EVANS; SALLY WHITTLE and JAMES JOSLIN, dec. (JAMES’ children, JAMES and LUCY are mentioned in the will.)
JOHN JOSLIN (SR). is listed on the 1782 Amherst Co. Virginia Land Tax Book paying taxes on 450 acres. Again in 1783 on the Amherst County Land Tax Books he is paying taxes on 450 acres of land.On the Personal Property Tax List (which is a substitute for the VA 1790 U.S. Census), he is listed with 6 white souls and 7 blacks.JOHN JOSLIN (SR.) sold out all his real estate holdings in Amherst Co. Virginia, 1,410 acres (except 200 acres) on 17th August 1784.The 1785 Amherst County Land Tax Books show this property (450 acres) charged to GEORGE HILTON to whom he sold most of the land.195 acres were sold to his daughter ELIZABETH EVANS, whom we will discuss later.I do not know why JOHN JOSLIN (SR.) or GEORGE HILTON were not taxed for the land in excess of the 450 acres.They may have been taxed on the cultivated land, I do not know.We do know that these deeds were executed by JOHN SR. as he signed with a very distinctive mark.It was the same mark that was signed on his will in 1793.JOHN JR. could write (at least his name) as his signature is written on transactions with no mark..
JOHN SR. Does not appear on the personal property tax of Amherst Co. Virginia of 1785 (also used as a substitute for the lost 1790 U.S. Census).WILLIAM JOSLIN(G) appears with 5 white souls and no dwelling; BENJAMIN JOSLIN(G), 3 white souls and no dwelling and JOHN JOSLIN(G), JUNR. with 9 white souls and no dwelling.Their sister, ELIZABETH EVANS appears with 6 white souls and 1 dwelling.Are they all living with her?Virginia Tax Payers 1782-87 by Augusta B. Fothergill and John Mark Naugle shows JOHN JOSSLING - 1 white poll (only white male over 21) and 2 slaves in Lincoln County, Virginia (Kentucky did not become a state until 1792.)WILL JOSSLING is also there with 1 white poll.BENJAMIN JOSLIN is shown in Montgomery County, Virginia with 1 white poll.It looks as if JOHN SR. migrated first, quickly followed by WILLIAM.The 1787 Lincoln County VA/KY personal property tax List “A” shows JOHN JOSSLING as self (white male over 21), no white male 16-21, 1 black above 16, 1 black under 16, 2 horses, and 3 cattle.The 1789 Lincoln Co. VA/KY personal property tax shows JOHN JOSSELLING with 1 white male above 21, 4 blacks above 16, one black under 16 and 5 horses.It shows WILLIAM JOSSELLING together with JOHN EVANS but only one white male above 21(I will discuss JOHN EVANS later) and 3 horses.
Early Kentucky Landholders 1787-1811 compiled by James F. Sutherland indicates that JOHN JOSSLING first entered the Lincoln County land tax list on 26th August 1787 and is listed there after as JOHN JOSSELLING/JOSSLEN/JOSSLING, SR. thereafter until 9th April 1794.He appears to be paying taxes on 460 acres, no water course given.WILLIAM JOSSELLING/JOSSLING/JOSLING/JOSLIN entered the Lincoln County tax list on 13th July 1787 with land located on the Hanging Fork watercourse and the prior assignee had been NATHANIAL EVANS and is listed through 31 May 1805.
JOHN JOSSELLING/JOSSLING/JOSLING/JOSLIN, JR. entered the Lincoln County tax list on 16th May 1789, two years after his father and brother.He remained on that tax list until 04th August 1806.This was the time period thatpart of Lincoln County became Casey County (1807). He acquired various amounts of acreage located on the Hanging Fork and Green River, but he consistently, thereafter paid tax on 100 acres of land located on the Green River in Casey County, prior assignee J. Edens.When JOHN SR. died, his will gave the plantations to both WILLIAM and JOHN JR. on which they were then living.It indicates again, as in Virginia they were living on their father’s land.JOHN JOSLING (JR.) shows on the Amherst County, Virginia personal property tax of 1787 as himself (Over 21) no other white males over 21; no white males 16-21; 1 horse and 3 cattle.
I think proving the ages of JOHN JR.’S known children with credible documentation will prove that JOHN JR. was born much earlier than the 1764 date that some researchers state.(JOHN JOSLIN appears on the 1810 Casey Co. Kentucky Census as Over 45). To be at least 20 years older than his oldest known child, he would have been born at least by 1754 - 1756.Bear in mind that in the Amherst County, Virginia 1783 Tax List/Census, JOHN SR. has 6 whites and 7 blacks in his household and JOHN JR. already has 8 whites living in his household.In 1785 Amherst Co. Tax List/Census, JOHN JR. has 9 whites in his family.
DOCUMENTED KNOWN CHILDREN OF JOHN JOSLIN, JR.
LUCINDA JOSLIN was born in Virginia between 1774 and 1777.She married JAMES DRUMMOND 22ndAugust 1791 in Lincoln Co. Kentucky.JOHN JOSLIN gave consent for his daughter to marry.This meant she was under 18.If she married as young as 14, she would have been born 1777 and as old as 17 she would have been born 1774.
1810 Casey County, Kentucky U.S. Census appears to confirm this:
JAMES DRUMMONDmale 26-45 (1766-1784)
oldest female in household 26-45 (1766-1784 - Lucinda or Lucy).
4 males under 10;
3 males 10-16;
1 male 16-26.
one female 10-16
James Drummond died in Casey County in 1814 and Lucy remarried John Allen on 17th April 1818.
DICEY JOSLIN was born in Virginia between 1776 and 1780.She appears on the death records of Casey County, Kentucky (1852-1859) as dying on 03rd April 1855.It states “DACY BELL, 79, female, widow, born Virginia, Daughter of JOHN JOSLIN, died 3/4/1855, old age.”
1820 Casey County, Kentucky Census
DICEY BELL is already a widow as she is head of household.
1 male 10-16;
3 females under 10;
1 female 26 - 45.(Dicey born 1776-1784).
She could possibly be the widow of Henery Bell who appears on the 1810 Casey County Census.Both Henery and oldest female are 26 - 45. (1766-1784).On 1830 Casey Co. Census, JOSEPH BELL, age 20-30 has a female living in his household age 40-50 (1780-1790).Twenty years later, 1850 census shows a Daney Bell, female, 60, born Kentucky (as the rest of the family is) in the household of JOSEPH BELL, 43.Dicey should have been older as shown on all the other records, but who knows who gave the age.She may have been very vain.She appears to have remained in Casey County from at least 1810 until her death.
Her name figures prominently on the list of those buyers of the 3 day estate sale of JOHN JOSLIN JR.’s personal property, a list of which is recorded in the Casey County, Kentucky Probate Records on 26th April 1819.The administrator of the estate also paid her for attending appraisement & sale for 4 days for $4.50.The list is a little confusing but either she or BENJAMIN JOSLIN, the administrator, furnished the whiskey for the sale for 3 days at $1.25.
The next known daughter of JOHN JOSLIN (JR.) is:
WINNIE JOSLIN. Born 1783 - 1785 in Virginia.Died after 1840, Walker County Alabama.Winnie married JOSEPH RUTLEDGE II on 13th October 1800 in Lincoln County, Kentucky.JOHN JOSLIN gave his consent for the marriage of his daughter which would place her age under 18.
On the 1840 Walker County Alabama U.S. Census (It has been well researched and documented that this is where they migrated.)
JOSEPH RUTLEDGE - 50 -60 (1780-1790)
One Male 15-20
One Female 15-20
One Female - 50-60 (Winnie - 1780-1790)
JOSEPH RUTLEDGE was listed as one of the debtors on the Inventory of Appraisement of JOHN JOSLIN (JR.) Estate on 24th April 1819. A list of Sale of the personal Estate of JOHN JOSLINheld on 26th April 1819 (Page 80-81-82) of Probate Records, Casey County, Kentucky, shows JOSEPH RUTLEDGE (along with others of the family) purchasing various items, i.e.; 1 Tray and sifter; 1 Pot; 1 Kettle; 1 Bucket; 1 Haw; and 1 Cow and Calf.He was reimbursed by BENJAMIN JOSLIN, administrator of the estate on 24 July 1820 for helping with the Estate sale “For Hiring JOSEPH RUTLEDGE & sow for 3 days - $3.00". (They must have had a gay ole’ time at that 3 day estate sale.I guess they barbequed the sow and drank the whisky).
JOSEPH RUTLEDGE must have lived on land owned by someone else.It was most likely his father-in-law’s.The 1814, 1815, 1817 (1818 list is missing) Tax List of Casey County shows JOSEPH RUTLEDGE owning no land; one white male of 21 and 1 (Horses, Mares and/or Mules); total value $20.00.
SOPHIA JOSLIN (1786-1789)was born in Virginia.JOHN JOSLIN, JR. migrated to what was to become the State of Kentucky 1787.Kentucky did not become a state of it’s own until 1792.She married EDMOND FAIR on 26th September 1803 and consent was given by JOHN JOSLIN and CATY JOSLIN for their daughter the day before.Again this would make SOPHIA under 18.If she were 14 the birth would be 1789, if she were 17 it would be 1786.
1820 Casey County Kentucky U.S. Census
EDMUND FAIR, JR. One male 26 - 45 (1776 - 1794)
One male under 10
Two males 10-16
One female 10-16
Two females 26-45 ( Sophia & ?-1776- 1794) and what is interesting is
One female over 45.
Could this Female over 45 be CATHERINE, widow of JOHN JOSLIN?He had just died two years before and by their consent we know that their daughter married EDMOND FAIR. Catherine was still alive as of 23rd April 1821 as the Casey County court allocated her the dower right land of her deceased husband’s estate.In the description it states “from a sycamore to Edmond Fair’s lower corner”, although this may refer to Edmond Fair, Sr.’s property who is still alive on the 1820 census.
BENJAMIN JOSLIN was born 1787 in Virginia. He died before April 9th, 1824. I believe the proof of evidence shows him to be JOHN JOSLIN, JR’s son.JOHN JOSLIN, JR or JOHN JOSSELLING, JR.’s(as it was sometimes listed) Date of Entry into Lincoln County, Book 6 Page 04 (Early Kentucky Landholders 1787-1811) is 16th May 1789..The tax lists him with one white male over 21 each year until tax list of 26th July 1803 when he has a white male 16-21 being taxed in his household.Kentucky and Virginia county law taxed head of household on white males in the household when they became 16. At 21 a white male was taxed on his own. This was the first son for JOHN JR.
BENJAMIN JOSLIN was named ADMINISTRATOR of JOHN JOSLIN’S (JR.) estate along with JOHN’S wife, CATHERINE.The oldest son would be the logical one to carry that duty.There is only one BENJAMIN JOSLIN on the Casey County Tax Lists and his name appears next to JOHN JOSLIN, who owns 100 acres on the Green River, Jno. Edens, assignee..From 1807 throu 1817 BENJAMIN does not own land, only horses until 1817 when he shows 14 3/4 acres.The 1818 Tax List is missing and then in 1819 (JOHN JR. died in 1818) he is paying the taxes on the 100 acres of land JOHN JOSLIN owned.In 1821 he is back to only paying on the 14 3/4 acres.In 1822 he has a 15 acres tract and 50 acres tract.In 1823 he has acquired 94 acres and in 1824 Eleanor Joslin is paying the taxes.There is only one BENJAMIN JOSLIN on the ....
1810 Casey County, Kentucky U.S. Census.
BENJAMIN JOSLIN
One male 0 - 10
One male 16 - 26 (Benjamin -1785-1794) which makes it the right age to have become 16 in 1803.
One female 0 to 10
One female 16 to 26
There is only one BENJAMIN JOSLIN who appears on the....
1820 Casey County, Kentucky U.S. Census, page 222,
Three males 0-10
One male 26 - 45 ( Benjamin -1776 - 1794) again the right time frame to have been born in 1787.
One female 10-16
One female 16-26
One female 26-45
A Bill of Appraisement for the estate of Benjamin Joslin, dec. appears in the Casey County Kentucky , Probate Book, Page 106 on 9th April 1824.As of this date, I have found no other record in regard to his death.
1830 Casey County, KY U.S. Census, Page 288 shows an ELENDOR JOSLIN living next door to EDMOND FARR.(FAIR)She has....
One male 10-15
Two males 15-20
One female 5-10
One female 40-50
If this is Benjamin’s widow it appears she had a tiny baby girl when her husband died.
JOHN JOSLIN III or perhaps JOHN P. JOSLIN - (b.1796 - d.1840).On the 1810 Casey County Kentucky U.S. Census, JOHN JOSLIN (JR.) has one male listed as age 10-16.This would make him born 1795-1800. On the 1817 Casey County Tax Records, JOHN JOSLIN (III) appears on the list with his father.They are now listed as Sr. and Jr. to distinguish between the two.This is the first time he appears and therefore has passed his 21st birthday.He is listed as white male over 21, no land and one horse.By that time period it appearsthey were only taxing those white males over 21.On the 1824 Casey Co. Tax List, he appears next to BENJAMIN’s widow, ELEANOR, with no land.
On the 1810 Casey County Kentucky U.S. Census, JOHN JOSLIN (JR.) has one male listed as age 10-16.This would make him born 1795-1800. On the...
1820 Casey County Kentucky U.S. Census
JOHN P. JOSLIN
One male aged 16-26.This would make him born 1795-1804.
One female listed 10-16 (1804-1810) and no children.
JOHN JOSLIN is listed as one of the buyers on the 3 day estate sale of JOHN JR.’s in 1818 which might indicate he is over 18.(The JOSLINS that were listed at that sale were Benjamin, Catherine and John.Even the wife had to buy back the personal property.) Everything was sold so as to evenly divide the proceeds among the heirs.
List of Buyers at the Sale were: BENJAMIN JOSLIN; CATHERINE JOSLIN; JOEL SWEENEY (County Clerk); CARTER DRAKE; JOSEPH RUTLEDGE; EDMOND FAIR; DICEY BELL; JOHN SMILEY; WILLIAM EDWARDS; JOHN JOSLIN (III); JAMES FITZPATRICK; LEWIS PIGG; THOMAS FITZPATRICK; JOB SWEENEY; REECE or RICE HARDWICK; TARLTON WILKINSON; THOMAS FITZPATRICK; WILLIAM WILKERSON; WILLIAM FITZPATRICK; JOHN E. FITZPATRICK; WILLIS BURKS; EPHRAIM KNIGHT; ROBERT SMILEY; MATTHEW SLAUGHTER, and ZACKARIAH LINES.
JOHN JOSLIN purchased 1 crock and pitcher; 1 side of leather and 6 hoggs (sp).
Casey County KY Probate Records show an Appraisement Bill forJOHN JOSLIN, deceased and an Administration Settlement recorded on 15th September 1841.POLLY JOSLIN and JOEL MURPHY are administrations of the estate together with WILLIAM MURPHY, Guardian for BENJAMIN JOSLIN, infant of the said deceased.
1840 Casey County KY U.S.Census shows ....
POLLY JOSLIN living in Liberty and neighbors to the BELL families.
One male 15-20 (1820-1825)
One male under 5 (infant Benjamin?)
One female 20-30 (Polly -1810-1820).
Another known daughter of JOHN JOSLIN, JR.:
POLLY JOSLIN - b. 1784/1794 - POLLY JOSLIN married WILLIAM EDWARDS February 5th 1811 in Casey County, KY.William Edwards appears as one of the buyers at the personal property estate sale of JOHN JOSLIN (JR.) Unknown female appears on the 1810 Casey County Census in the household of JOHN JOSLIN (JR.) Age 16-26 (1784-1794).I did not find a consent so if she were 18, she would have been born 1788.There is also a POLLY JOSLIN that married CARTER DRAKE in Lincoln Co. January 16th 1797.CARTER DRAKE also appears on the estate sale list, but since the other POLLY married in Casey County and JOHN’S daughter was of marrying age, I feel this is the more logical choice.(The only JOSLINS on the 1810 Casey County Census are JOHN JR. and BENJAMIN and BENJAMIN would only be 23 years old.)
Bear in mind that WILLIAM JOSLIN was living in Lincoln County, KY in 1793 when his father died. He had 4 White souls in his household in 1783 on the Amherst County and in 1785 he had 5 White souls. From the time he entered Lincoln County VA/KY in July 1787 through the year 1805 he never lists a 16 year old male in his household.Looks as if he had a houseful of girls.There are no other male JOSLINS in Lincoln County besides JOHN JR. And WILLIAM. old enough to be the fathers of these early brides.We know JOHN SR. Is not the father as he lists all his children in his will.The following are either the daughters of JOHN JOSLIN, JR. and/or WILLIAM JOSLIN.
ELIZABETH JOSLING married HUGH MCCORMICK on either 5th or 10th April 1788 in Lincoln County.She would have been born ca 1770 if she were 18.
NANCY JOSLIN married JOHN SMILEY on February 18th 1793 in Lincoln County.She would have been born in 1775 if she were 18.JOHN SMILEY appears as one of the purchasers at the JOHN JOSLIN ( JR). estate sale.
POLLY JOSLING married CARTER DRAKE on January 16th 1797 in Lincoln County.She would have been born in 1779 if she were 18.As I stated above CARTER DRAKE was one of the purchasers at the JOHN JOSLIN (JR). estate sale.
BETSEY JOSLING married JAMES MILLER on February 6th 1797 - Lincoln County.She would have been born ca 1779 if she were 18.
FANNY JOSLIN married WILLIAM PHILLIPS on January 1st 1798 - Lincoln County.She would have been born ca 1780 if she were 18.
HANNAH JOSLIN married HENRY BELL on May 10th 1806 - Lincoln County.She would have been born ca 1788 if she were 18.
SARAH JOSLING married VINCENT WHITTLE on July 16th 1806 - Lincoln County.She would have been born ca 1788 if she were 18.
I believe that the records make it most evident that JOHN JOSLIN (JR) and WILLIAM JOSLIN were born at least by 1750 to 1755 to be at least 20 years old when their first known children were born.
This brings us to JOHN SR.’s other children.We have already discussed (1) JOHN JR. and (2) WILLIAM.
· JAMES JOSLIN (b.ca 1759 or before/ d. bef.1783) was deceased at the time his father, JOHN SR.’s will was written in 1793.The will names JAMES’ 2 children, JAMES (JR.) and LUCY.JAMES (JR.) and LUCY chose WILLIAM JOSLIN to be their guardian in 1794 (after their grandfather died).In order for them to have a guardian they would have to be under 21 and in order to choose their guardian they would have to be at least 14.This would put them in the age range of 1774-1780.JAMES (JR.) shows up as a taxpayer in Lincoln County in 1800.If he turned 21 in 1800 he would have been born 1779.JAMES JOSLIN (JR.) married REBECCA MARSHALL on December 16th 1805 in Garrard Co.Garrard Co. is the county just to the North of Lincoln.
1810 Garrard Co. KY U.S. Census
JAMES JOSLIN (JR.) - At least 26 and under 45 (1765-1784).
One male (1800-1810)
Two females (1800-1810)
One female (1765-1784)
He has died before 1820 Garrard Co.KY U.S. Census as shown...
Rebecca Joslin (26-45 - 1775-1794) is head of household
One male (10-15 - 1804-1810)
Three females under 10
REBECCA JOSLIN also appears on the 1830 and 1840 Garrard Co.KY U.S. Census.She is on the 1850 Gerrard Co. Census as age 83, born North Carolina with JAMES JOSLIN, (3rd?) born Kentucky in 1822.
According to DAR Application # 745682 (Nov. 21st, 1991) of Susan Lynn Lindsey, JAMES (SR.)’ s daughter, Lucy was born 11 July 1779 in Virginia and married April 7th 1799 to STEPHEN A. HARMAN.Lincoln County, Kentucky records show a NANCY JOSLIN marrying STEPHEN HARMAN.I have only seen the printed record.Perhaps the original record was misread or the county clerk wrote it wrong.Again, with proof thatJAMES (JR.) and LUCY are these ages, JAMES (SR.) would have to have been born around 1759 or before.
· DANIEL JOSLIN - I have found little evidence of Daniel, although I have not done much searching for him.He does not seem to have migrated to Kentucky with his father.Never does JOHN SR. pay taxes on a 16-21 year old, nor does DANIEL appear on the Lincoln County Tax List on his own.There is a DANIEL JOSLIN that married NANCY HARPER July 31st 1809 in Davidson Co. Tennessee.
There is a DANIEL JOSLIN on the....
1820 Davidson County. Tennessee U.S. Census
One Male Over 45 (born by 1775)
One son age 10-15 - 1804-1810
One female 16-25 - 1794-1804
In the same county there is also a BENJAMIN JOSLIN.
· BENJAMIN JOSLIN - BENJAMIN JOSLIN married MARY GATEWOOD in Amherst County, Virginia November 10th 1783 with Richard Gatewood as the Bondsman.Remember BENJAMIN JOSLIN(G) shows up on the 1785 Tax List/Census with 3 White souls and no dwelling.JOHN JR.; WILLIAM; and ELIZABETH EVANS are all there in Amherst County on that list.WILLIAM, 5 white souls, no dwelling; JOHN JR., 9 white souls, no dwelling and ELIZABETH, 6 white souls and 1 dwelling.Were they all living with her?JOHN SR. had already sold all of his property except 200 acres and gone on the Lincoln County.Were they living on that 200 acres?Remember also BENJAMIN JOSLIN appears in Montgomery County Virginia (Virginia Taxpayers 1782-87- 1 white poll), but i find no evidence of him in Lincoln Co. Kentucky. There is a BENJAMIN JOSLIN on...
1820 Davidson County, Tennessee U.S, Census
One male Over 45 (Born before 1775)
One male 10-15 - 1804-1810
One female 0-9 - 1810-1820
One female 26-45 - 1794-1804
· SALLY JOSLIN - b. before 1764.According to JOHN JOSLIN SR’s will, his daughter SALLY was named SALLY WHITTLE.On the Inventory and distribution of JOHN SR’s estate to the heirs, Lincoln County Probate Records, Book B, pages 180-186, JOHN WHITTLE was paid 154 lbs 6 pence 10 shillings for wife, Sally’s part. This was the amount paid each legatee.From research done by others (Max Whittle, Rt. 1, Golden City, MO, 64748 on Ancestral File FHL, Microfilm: 1512693), I gathered that JOHN and SALLY’s son, VINCENT WHITTLE married his first cousin, SARAH JOSLIN.On the 1810 Casey County Kentucky U.S. Census, the female listed in JOHN WHITTLE’s household was Over 45.
· MOLLY JOSLIN -According to JOHN JOSLIN SR.’s will, his daughter Molly was named MOLLY EVENS/EVANS.On the Inventory and distribution of JOHN SR’s estate to the heirs, Lincoln County Probate Records, Book B, pages 180-186, JESSE EVANS was paid 154 lbs 6 pence 10 shillings “By Cash pr Jesse Evens as pr. William Joslin’s Rect.”
· ELIZABETH JOSLIN - According to JOHN JOSLIN SR.’s will, his daughter Elizabeth was named ELIZABETH EVENS/EVANS.On the Inventory and distribution of JOHN SR.’s estate to the heirs, Lincoln County Probate Records, Book B, pages 180-186, Ballance (sp) Due from the Executor to ELIZABETH EVENS was 154 pounds 6 shillings 10 pence as was due each of the eight legatees (JAMES’s children, JAMES AND LUCY had only 154 lbs 6 shillings 10 pence together as they shared their deceased father’s part.)Next paragraph states “By Cash pd Elizabeth Evens as for Rect. (Receipt) produced agt (against) her after the above acct. - 107 pounds 6 shillings 0 pence.”In other words, she owed the estate 47 pounds 10 pence.
ELIZABETH was a widow by 1775 as there is a Deed in Amherst Co. Deed Book C, pg. 324, 04 Dec. 1775 - PETER BIBEE and wife ELIZ, Albemarle Co. and Parish ofSt. Ann to ELIZ. EVANS, Amherst Co, and Parish of Amherst, for 16 pounds 10 shillings, 99 acres on South branch of Owen’s Creek.Lines: JNO. JOSLIN.
In 1783she shows on the Tax list of that year as head of household with 6 whites (as she also does in 1785).On the 1787 personal property Tax List “A” of Amherst County, Virginia, she is the person charged with the tax on JOHN EVANS (16- under 21).She shows no white male over 21; no white male 16-21; 3 horses and 10 cattle.Is this the JOHN EVANS that shows up with her brother, WILLIAM in Lincoln Co. on 1789 tax list?JAMES EVANS is also listed on the Amherst Co. personal property tax list as head of family.On the Amherst County Land Tax Books, ELIZABETH EVANS is paying on a 195 acre tract and a 140 acre tract , but JAMES is not paying land tax.Perhaps he is living with her.In 1789 and 1790 both, the Land Tax Record shows the 140 acres tract charged to ELIZABETH EVANS came from JOSLING (The land sale will be shown later.)WILLIAM VEA is living next door. In JAMES EVANS’ Revolution War Pension Application - Amherst Co., VA., January 21, 1828, aged 70 (would have been born ca 1758,states he enlisted 1779 or 80 and served as private in Capt. Stribling’s Co., Col. Samuel Hawes’ Va. Regt., until close of the War.Wife dead, and his only children, two married daus. were living in another State.”
WILLIAM VIA, Revolution War Pension Application “ Nelson Co., Va., Sept. 5, 1843, aged 92; enlisted under Jesse Allen of the Regular Army, Jan. Or Feb., 1779 at Albemarle Barracks under Capt. Samuel Allen from Amherst Co....JOHN and GIDEON VIA were also in Capt. Jesse Allen’s Co. At Albemarle Barracks.JAMES EVANS, Revolutionary pensioner, deposed that WILLIAM VIA was at the Barracks until fall of 1781 when the prisoners were marched to Winchester, Va., for safer keeping..”
SAMUEL ARRINGTON - Pension application states “Nelson Co., Va., August. 22, 1843, aged 81; enlisted Amherst Co., Va. Feb. 17, 1779 marched to Albemarle Barracks, served under Capts. Jesse Allen, John Woodroof and James Burton and Col. Francis Taylor in the Virginia Troops as guard to the British Prisoners taken at the surrender of Burgoyne.....Fellow soldiers in Capt. Allen’s Co. Were JOHN, WILLIAM and GIDEON VIA and JAMES EVANS.”
A Muster Roll of Capt. James Burtons Company in the Regiment of Guards at the Barracks in Albemarle County Commanded by Colonel Francis Taylor for the Months of March, April May June & July 1780 lists SAMUEL ARRINGTON, JOHN VIA, GIDEON VIA, LITTLEBURY VIA and JAMES EVINS as all having enlisted in Amherst County for the ‘ Stay of the Troops in Albemarle’..It shows JAMES EVINS as enlisting January 18th 1779 and instead of discharged, he is listed as deserted.
On August 17th, 1781 ELIZ.. EVENS is a witness to JNO. VIA’s will.It lists sons, GIDEON, DAVID, JNO. & WM.
JAMES EVANS appears on the 1840 Amherst County, Virginia U.S. Census as Revolution War Pensioner, age 82. (1758).He is possibly Elizabeth’s son or step-son as there is definitely a connection.
I find no evidence of ELIZABETH EVANS ever moving from Amherst County. She was still listed on the tax list of 1791.That was the latest at which I looked.If you wonder why JOHN SR. did not mention in his will that she was back in Virginia, remember he died in 1793.Kentucky had only become a separate state in 1792.
Now we come to the question of JOHN JOSLIN, SR. as to his age and whether it was he who served in the American Revolution or his son, JOHN JR. who has been proved to be of fighting age .
JOHN JOSLIN, SR. - The first appearance we have of JOHN JOSLIN, SR. from records we have perused is in Albemarle County, Virginia in 1755.His land transactions are as follows:
Purchases:
* 1753 - 140 acres on branches of Owen Creek, Albemarle Co. - Patents No. 32 (1752-56, pg. 652) to JOHN JOSLIN
· 1755 - 22 Nov. 1755 - 400 acres on branches of Elk Island Creek, Albemarle Co.- Patents No. 32 (1752-56, pg. 653) to JOHN JOSLIN.
· 1755 - 22 Nov. 1755 - 450 acres on South branches of Owens Creek, Albemarle Co. - Patents No. 32, 1752-56, pg. 652 to JOHN JOSLIN.
· 1756 - 195 acres on the branches of Elk Island Creek, Albemarle Co. - Patents No. 32, 1752-56, pg. 652 to JOHN JOSLIN.
· 1782 - 220 acres both sides of fork of Owens Creek , Amherst Co.- Purchase
· 1783 - 400 acres on North branch of Owens Creek, Amherst Co. - Purchase
Note: Amherst County was formed from Albemarle Co. Virginia in 1761.The land that JOHN JOSLIN secured in Albemarle Co. ended up being in Amherst Co.
Sales:
· 1759 - 07 May 1759 - JOHN JOSLIN of Co. of Albemarle and Parish of St. Anne’s transferred 195 acres on the branches of Elk Island Creek, to JAMES EVANS for and in consideration of a marriage contract.JAMES EVANS was now in possession of said. Land.Deed Book 2,pp. 100-101 (Some researchers think that JOHN JOSLIN is marrying and giving land in exchange for a bride.This would be most unusual.The custom during that time period was for a bride to bring a dowry to the marriage.Thus leads us to the question,“Was JOHN JOSLIN old enough to have a daughter being married to JAMES EVANS in 1759?We have proved that JOHN JR. AND WILLIAM were born by 1750-1755 or before in order to have been 20 years older than their children.If ELIZABETH (and it would most likely be her) were 14-15 when she married, she would have been born by 1744/45.This could possibly be about a 20 year span between the first child and last child of JOHN SR.This was not unusual.If JOHN SR. were born only 20 years before this first known child, he would be born ca. 1724/25.That would make him only about 69 when he died in Lincoln County Kentucky.
JAMES EVANS sold the 195 acres given for the marriage contract in 1759 to GEORGE HILTON on 01 November 1769.Only his signature appears on the deed.
· 1774 - JOHN JOSLIN (SR.) does not divest himself of anymore property until 01 October 1774 when he sells 200 acres on branches of Elk Island Creek to GEORGE HILTON.This is the lower part of 400 acres.Amherst Co. Deed Book C pg. 188.
· 1784 - 17 August 1784 - JOHN JOSLING, Amherst Co. for 20 lbs. sells to ELIZABETH EVANS, Amherst Co. 140 acres on branches of Owen Creek. Amherst Co. Deed Book C., pg. 572.
· 1784 - 17 August 1784 - JOHN JOSLIN & wife, DINAH, Amherst Co. For 250 pounds sell to GEORGE HILTON of Amherst Co. 1,070 acres in three tracts on branch of Owen Creek.1.) 450 acres pat. 22 Nov 1755, on S. branch Owens.2.) 220 acres both sides of S fork Owens.Lines: JNO. JOSLIN;Patented 1 Sept. 1782 3.) 400 acres N. branches Owens. Patented 01 Sept. 1783. Amherst Co. Deed Book C, pg. 583.
Note: This is a complete sellout of his land except for 200 acres.Is this where all his grown children are living on the 1785 Virginia tax list where only Elizabeth has a dwelling?All of these land transactions were signed by JOHN JOSLIN with the same very distinctive mark.Later, any land transactions that JOHN JR. does, he signs his name.He can write. This distinguishes the two men.
MILITARY SERVICE: Compiled Service Records of Soldiers Who Served in the American Army During the Revolutionary War, M881.
There are two separate groups of cards for Corporal John Josling, one for the 6th Virginia Regiment (Capt. Samuel Jordan Cabell’s Co., 6th Batt’n of Continental Forces, commanded by Lt. Col. James Hendricks) and one for Morgan’s Rifle Regiment, Continental Troops (Capt. Samuel Jordan Cabell’s Co. Of the Rifle detachment commanded by Col. Daniel Morgan.)As you will note, they are commanded by the same captain and it appears to be a continuation of the same service. Later published reports confirm this.The first group:
6th Virginia Regiment -
Corpl. John Josling- Pay per month7 1/3 dollars for the month of April 1777 .
Corpl. John Josling- Pay per month7 1/3 dollars for the month of May 1777 (paid 2 lbs. 15 shillings, amt. Of pay and subsistence 2 lb. 15 shillings.
Corpl. John Josling- Pay per month7 1/3 dollars for the month of June 1777 (amount paid 2 lbs. 15 shillings, amt. Of pay and subsistence 2 pounds 15 shillings.
Corpl. John Josling - Pay per month 7 1/3 dollars for month of July 1777 (paid 2 lbs. 15 shillings.)
The above were Company Pay Roll cards.There is one Company Muster Roll for the month of May & June 1777 dated August 4th 1777.It says appointed (Corporal) 28 Oct. (1776).Also in that group of cards is JOHN JOSLING, Sol. Inf. Appears in a Book* Vol. 176; page 178 under the following heading: “A List of Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment who have received Certificates for the balance of there (sic) full pay Agreeable to an Act of Assembly passed November Session 1781.”By whom Received Col. S. Cabell.Sum given 18 lbs 0 shillings and 7 pence. * This book bears the following certificate: “This register contains a true abstract of all the certificates issued at the Auditor’s Office to Officers & Soldiers of the Virginia line on Continental establishment J. Pendleton, Auditor.Auditors Office, 1 Aug 1792.Teste: J. Carter.The second group of cards continues:
MORGAN’S RIFLE REGIMENT (Capt. Samuel Jordan Cabell’s Co.of the Rifle detachment commanded by Col. Daniel Morgan.)This regiment was organized about June 1777 and was composed of men selected from the army at large. An excerpt from the book, Amherst County, Virginia in the Revolution, 1773-1782 by Lenora Higgginbotham Sweeny, will be quoted a little later in this report that will give an explanation as to why these men were selected.
Corpl. JOHN JOSLING Dollars per month 7 1/3 - whole pay in dollars 22; Whole pay in Virginia currency 6 lbs. 12 shillings. Aug 1st to Nov. 1st 1777.
Corpl. JOHN JOSLING Pay per month 7 1/3 Dollars - Amount of Whole pay 2 lbs 15 shillings. Month of Pay Roll not dated.Year 1777 (probably for month of November.)
The captain of the company changes to Capt. Benjamin Taliaferro’s Co. of detached Riflemen commanded by Colonel Daniel Morgan.
Corpl. JOHN JOSLING - Pay per month 7 1/3 dollars - Amount paid 71/3 dollars - for the month of December 1777.
Corpl. JOHN JOSLING Pay per month 7 1/3 dollars - Amount paid 7 1/3 dollars for the month of January 1778.
Corpl. JOHN JOSLING appears on a Pay Roll of Capt. Benjamin Taliaferro’s Co. of detached Riflemen commanded by Colonel Daniel Morgan for the extra month’s pay allowed by the honourable the Continental Congress.Roll not dated.Amount of pay 7 1/3 dollars.
Corpl. JOHN JOSLING appears on a Pay Roll of Capt. Benjamin Taliaferro’s Co. of detached Riflemen, commanded by Col. Daniel Morgan, from the first day of February, ‘78, to the expiration of their service, including 15 days allowed them for going to Virginia.The roll is not dated but it is for 1 month and 1 day pay.Paid 7 36/72 dollars.Says Time discharged Feb. 16 - no date. (Would be 1778 and they got 15 days pay for their travel time back to Virginia.There are no more cards.
From the above mentioned book on Amherst County, Virginia by Sweeney:
“In January, 1776, the Convention of Virginia for the better protection of the Colony passed an ordinance for raising an additional number of forces, under which Amherst was required to furnish one company of expert riflemen, to act as light infantry, consisting of one captain, two lieutenants, one ensign and seventy-four non commissioned officers and privates, to be ready for marching orders by the 25th of March, 1776.Colonel William Cabell, of “Union Hill,” then serving on the Committee of Safety in Williamsburg, sent at once for his eldest son, Samuel Jordan Cabell, a student at William and Mary College, for assistance in recruiting the required company, which was duly completed, and on March 4th, the officers who had been selected by the county committee February 5th were commissioned and the company received into service by Colonel John Rose, of “Rose Isle,” and Lucas Powell, of the Amherst County Committee.
Samuel Jordan Cabell was commissioned captain, Alexander Rose first lieutenant, Benjamin Taliaferro second lieutenant, and James Barnett ensign; Matthew Snooks and James Weeks, fifer and drummer; James Dillard, Jr., Samuel Ayres, Ralph Jopling and William Coffee, sergeants; and John Jordan cadet.
The company rendezvoused at old Key’s Church, later known as Fairmount Church, in the present county of Nelson, and marched to Williamsburg, arriving March 24, 1776, afte a march of twelve days.They were assigned to the Sixth Virginia Regiment, General Andrew Lewis’s Brigade, on Continental Establishment.....
Captain Cabell’s riflemen were expert marksmen, many exceeding six feet in height and powerful in person, who from that period of boyhood when they could carry a rifle had been accustomed to make the wild turkey’s head the mark for their bullets; and so steady was their aim and so sure their sight that a conservative historian of our day speaks of them as a “sturdy band of sharpshooters each man of whom, it was said, while marching at double-quick, could cleave with his rifle-ball a squirrel at a distance of three hundred yards.”
Each one of Cabell’s men, “in addition to the rifle which he carried, was armed with a tomahawk and a long knife.He rammed his rifle-ball, moulded with his own hands, wrapped in its buckskin jacket, home to its powder with a long ramrod of native wood; and his flints were found among the hills and valleys of Virginia.”
The uniform of the officers consisted of a shirt ruffled at the hand, buckskin breeches, fastened at the knee with silver buckles, white broadcloth vest and blue broadcloth coat, over which they wore a tow linen or homespun hunting shirt, short and fringed, with the usual crimson sash over this and round their waist.From their belt hung their sword, tomahawk and shot pouch; sergeants were clothed in flannel shirts, buckskin breeches, over which they wore a hunting shirt trimmed in red, short and plain, with a small white cuff; drummers and fifers, similar with dark cuffs and private, without cuffs, fastened at the waist with a leather belt, from which hung a long knife, tomahawk and bullet-pouch.From his shoulder was suspended his powder horn.Officers, non-commissioned officers and privates alike wore buckskin leggins and moccasins and felt hats cut round, bound with black and brims two inches deep, cocked on one side, with a button, loop and cockade worn on the left.They were required to wear their hair short and as near alike as possible.
After the regiment was armed and equipped, they marched to Springfield in the vicinity of Williamsburg, where they entered camp and military training.While here they were engaged in several skirmishes with the Loyalists under Lord Dunmore, who had intrenched himself at Gwynn’s Island and continued to ravage the banks of the rivers.On July 9, 1776, under General Lewis they shared in dislodging him from his stronghold.“The British not fancying a too close contact with the frontier riflemen, exclaimed as they came in sight, ‘the shirt-men are coming!’ when they, panic-stricken, precipitately evacuated the Island.”
For a month they guarded the coast to prevent Lord Dunmore’s return, then marched to Williamsburg and encamped on the College grounds.They were ordered to Cross Creek, North Carolina, and marched to Jamestown where the orders were countermanded, as Washington was calling urgently to his native State for reinforcement in New York.
In the latter part of September, the Sixth Virginia Regiment, of which Mordecai Buckner, of Essex county, was Colonel and James Hendricks, Lieutenant-Colonel, General Adam Stephen’s Brigade, marched from deep Spring Camp to the North.At Elizabethtown, New Jersey, they met Generals Washington and Putnam, who were retreating before the British.They joined in the retreat until finally the tired band of patriots put the Delaware River between themselves and the enemy.On Christmas Eve they recrossed the Delaware with Washington in command, and surprised the Hessians at Trenton.
‘Colonel George Johnston, aide to Washington, tells us how Stephen’s Virginians, consisting of the 4th, 5th, and 6th Virginia Regiments, under General Greene, pursued the fleeing Hessians and surrounded them, causing the surrender of two of their regiments.The third, unable to escape, surrendered to general Sullivan’s New England men.’
‘A splendid flag, taken from the Hessians at Trenton, composed of two pieces of heavy white damask silk, bearing devices embroidered with gold thread, and the words For Our Prince and Country, in Latin, exquisitely wrought in needlework, was presented to Washington.’
At the battle of Princeton, (Dec. 1776), Benjamin Taliaferro, who had been promoted captain, captured, with his company, a British officer with his command; but when that officer approached, in his splendid regimentals, to surrender his sword, Captain Taliaferro being barefooted was too proud to meet him, and sent his lieutenant forward to receive it.
Captain Cabell’s company, was one of the eight rifle companies personally selected by Colonel Daniel Morgan from the main army which formed the “500 picked riflemen” sent by Washington to join General Gates at Stillwater, by whom they were ordered ‘to begin the game’ at Saratoga and were at the surrender of Burgoyne, ‘It is said that when Burgoyne was introduced to Morgan, after the surrender at Saratoga, he seized him by the hand and exclaimed, ‘My dear sir, you command the finest regiment in the world!’
After the return of Morgan’s Regiment of Riflemen and its junction with the main army, commanded by the illustrious Washington, a sharp conflict ensued between Morgan’s Regiment of Riflemen and the First Battalion of light-infantry and the Thirty-third Regiment, commanded by Lord Cornwallis.Lieutenant Jordan, fighting in the most heroic manner, was severely wounded in the knee, and was saved from the general butchery by Captain John Nicholas and his lieutenant, Meriwether.They hoisted him on Captain Dandridge’s horse, that carried him from the scene of defeat. ‘Four officers and thirty men fell before the unerring rifles of Morgan’s corps, before they could be dislodged from their position, when they were compelled to retire before superior numbers.’
General Washington in his dispatch to Congress writes: ‘We lost twenty-seven men in Morgan’s Corps, killed and wounded, besides Major Morris, a brave and gallant officer, who is among the latter.’
They were with Washington at Valley Forge the never-to-be-forgotten winter of 1777-1778, during which time they were in several skirmishes.Lafayette was with them in one of the skirmishes near Philadelphia. ‘I never saw,’ said he, ‘men so merry, so spirited, and so desirous to go on the enemy, whatever force they might have.’
It was Morgan’s Riflemen who retarded the progress of the British Army through the Jerseys and enabled General Washington to march his main army by Englishtown and obtain a position which gave him the power to bring General Clinton to a general engagement at Monmouth Courthouse.”
An excerpt from The War of the Revolution by Christopher Ward (Volume I), page 166, “In the list of officers (Revolutionary War) one name stands out above all the rest - Daniel Morgan of Morgan’s Rifles.Although born in New Jersey to a Welsh immigrant family, Morgan was a true son of the backwoods.He ran away from home at the age of seventeen and went on foot through Pennsylvania into the wilder parts of Virginia, now West Virginia.There his character was formed and he acquired his fame as a backwoodsman.......”
Page 106 “In July and August (1776) there were brought into the army the first soldiers drawn from outside New England, and remarkable men they were.The Congress on June 14 had voted ‘That six companies of expert rifflemen (sp), be immediately raised in Pennsylvania, two in Maryland and two in Virginia,’ each to consist of sixty-eight privates and the usual officers.......Daniel Morgan raising his company, ninety-six men, within ten days...These men were drawn chiefly from the wilder, western parts of their respective colonies - Scotch-Irish many of them.They were backwoodsmen, ‘remarkably stout and hardy men; many of them exceeding six feet in height.’Their garb was simple: round wool hats, hunting shirts, breeches, stockings, and shoes or leather leggings and moccasins, Indian style. ‘On the breast (of their shirts) in capital letters, is their motto ‘Liberty or Death.’
They also added a new weapon, before that practically unknown in New England.Rifling the barrel of a gun, that is to say cutting spiral grooves inside the barrel so as to make the bullet rotate in its flight and this increase its accuracy, was not an American invention....But the so-called Kentucky rifle was evolved in the American colonies...The necessities of American frontier life demanded economy in powder and lead, and therefore a small-calibered weapon of great accuracy.By immigrant expert gunsmiths, chiefly German or Swiss settled in Pennsylvania, such a gun was produced.
The rifle was slender and graceful in appearance and as much as five feet long, sometimes more, the greater length of the barrel being supposed to increase its precision.It carried a ball weighing only a half-ounce.Its range and its accuracy in the hands of an expert were extraordinary.While a musket ball dropped harmlessly to the ground at 125 yards and had little certainty of hitting a target less than man-size at half that distance, expert riflemen put ball after ball into a mark seven inches in diameter at 250 yards.Exhibitions of marksmanship and trick shooting by these men amazed and delighted the Yankees around Boston.....
These backswoodsmen proved to be difficult to deal with in the camp.They were accustomed to acting entirely on their own, and their stubborn individualism was slow to yield to army discipline and routine...inactivity chafed them.For a while they found satisfaction in sniping sentries or other exposed men in the British lines, where their reputation for deadly accuracy was great and universal. ...But such practices were regarded by Washington as merely a waste of the scanty supply of powder, and had to be stopped.Washington’s orders irked the freeborn riflemen, and,although they were at first pampered by exemption from entrenching and general camp duties, they became unruly and troublesome.”
It appears that John Joslin(g)’s company became part of Morgan’s Riflemen around the 1st of December 1777 as they went to Valley Forge.
The World Book Encyclopedia states: “Washington led his troops to Valley Forge after his defeats at Philadelphia and Germantown, Pa.His soldiers had little food, and too little clothing to protect themselves from the cold.The Continental Congress could not provide additional supplies to fill the men’s needs.The army of about 11,000 lived in crude log huts that they built themselves.On Dec. 23, 1777, Washington wrote: ‘We have this day no less than 2,873 men in camp unfit for duty because they are barefooted and otherwise naked.’More than 3000 soldiers died during this period.Many others were either too weak or too sick to fight, because of a smallpox epidemic.At the same time, the people around Valley Forge were enjoying all the comforts of a rich countryside, because little fighting took place at this time.The British lived a gay life in Philadelphia.The American soldiers found the region about the camp unfriendly to them.The winter at Valley Forge tested the loyalty of the American troops.Only dedicated patriots stayed with the Continental Army.”
From The War of The Revolution , Volume Two,Chapter 44, Valley Forge, page 543, “ General Greene wrote: ‘One half of our troops are without breeches, shoes and stockings; and some thousands without blankets.’A quarter of the whole number were reported unfit for duty, ‘because they are barefoot and otherwise naked.’The quartermaster’s department, as well as the commissariat, had completely broken down. ‘While the army was suffering...for want of shoes &c., hogsheads of shoes, stockings and clothing were at different places upon the road and in the woods, lying and perishing, for want of teams and proper management.’
Nevertheless, the army staggered on and came at last to Valley Forge, too tired, too hungry, and too weak to do more than huddle again around the campfires on its icy heights.......Each brigade had their little village of huts drawn up in lines facing each other with streets between.Washington refused to seek other shelter for himself than that afforded by his marquee of coarse homespun linen, until his men were at least partly sheltered.He lived in it for a week, then established his headquarters at the western end of the camp in a large stone house.The general officers, although by the original plan each of them was to occupy a hut, soon distributed themselves in neighboring houses, mostly outside the camp.
The first requirement of the army on its arrival was shelter more suitable for winter than canvas tents.It was proposed that the troops build themselves log huts.Washington’s general orders prescribed the plan and specifications.They were to be fourteen feet by sixteen in size, with log walls six and a half feet high, the interstices between the logs stopped with clay, the fireplaces and chimneys of clay-daubed wood, the steep-pitched roofs of planks or slabs.Twelve men were to occupy each hut.All this material had, of course, to be got out of standing timber.
Stirred to emulation by a prize of twelve dollars offered to the group which should finish its hut ‘in the quickest and most workmanlike manner,’ as well as driven by their necessities, the men went to work.Trees fell before their axes, were sawn into lengths, dragged through the snow by the men themselves, and notched to fit together at the corners of the huts.Others were split or sawn into rude board for roofs and doors.Within two days the prize had been won by the most efficient group, but it was not until after Christmas that all the 9,000 were housed.Even then their shelters were but apologies for dwelling places.They were far from weatherproof.The cold winter winds blew through their crevices.The ill designed fireplaces filled them with eye-stinging, throat-choking smoke.Few had wooden floors.For the most part the men lay on the damp earth padded by a thin coating of scarce straw.Yet there was some warmth within them and shelter from snow and rain.
Shelter they had, ofa sort; but in clothing there was a desperate lack. Lafayette wrote: ‘The unfortunate soldiers were in want of everything: they had neither coats, hats, shirts nor shoes; their feet and legs froze until they became black and it was often necessary to amputate them.’Dr. Albigence Waldo, surgeon of a Connecticut regiment, pictured a typical incident:
‘There comes a Soldier, his bare feet are seen thro’ his worn-out shoes, his legs nearly naked from the tattered remains of an only pair of stockings, his Breeches not sufficient to cover his nakedness, his Shirt hanging in Strings, his hair dishevell’d, his face meagre; his whole appearance pictures a person forsaken & discouraged.He comes and crys with an air of wretchedness & despair, I am Sick, me feet lame, my legs are sore my body covered with this tormenting Itch (a disease common in the camp).
The lack of clothing was hardship enough; the lack of food was added torture.On December 20 General Varnum reported that his division had been two days without meat and three days without bread.Three days later Washington informed the Congress that, the day before, lack of food had caused ‘a dangerous mutiny’ which was suppressed with difficulty, and that there was in the camp ‘not a single hoof of any kind to slaughter and not more than twenty-five barrels of flour,’ nor did the commissary know when any more would arrive.Salted beef and pork were almost as scarce as fresh meat.The lack was to some extent supplied by salted herring, which however were often found to be decayed when the barrels were opened.The common diet was flour-and water paste baked in thin cakes on hot stones.‘Fire-cake,’ the men called it.‘Fire-cake and water for breakfast!” cried Dr. Waldo. ‘Fire-cake and water for dinner!Fire-cake and water for supper!The Lord send that our Commissary for Purchases may have to live on fire-cake and water!”
Even of water there was a lack.The high hills were barren of springs.Every drop the men got had to be carried in buckets from valley Creek or from the Schuylkill, or from a brook half a mile from the camp. ‘The warter we had to drink,’ wrote one of them, ‘and to mix our flower with was out of a brook that run along by the Camps, and so many a dippin and washin in which maid it very Dirty and muddy.’
That in such condition disease should be prevalent was to be expected.Smallpox was frequent, but not so frequent as the ‘putrid fever,’ typhus.”
GEORGE KEY, private, appears on the same muster rolls and pay rolls as JOHN JOSLING, Corporal.In his pension application GEORGE KEY19 described their tenure in the service. “Callaway Co., Mo., June 5, 1833, aged 80 (would make him born ca 1753 or age 23 at time of enlistment) ENLISTED March, 1776 under Capt. Cabell, Alexander Rose, 1st Lt., Benjamin Taliaferro, 2nd Lt., marched to Williamsburg where we remained some time, thence to Gwynn Island against Lord Dunmore.After a month returned to Williamsburg.In the fall started to Cross Creek, N.C., having taken our baggage over the river at James Town, we were ordered to return to Williamsburg & about the 10th of Oct. Ordered to join Gen. Washington in the Jerseys.Christmas eve we crossed the Delaware River & marched most of the night towards Trenton, suffering much, but were told we were gong for new clothes.We reached Trenton between daylight & sunrise, attacked the Hessians, & after they surrendered we started for our camping ground & reached the Delaware River the same evening, while we crossed the next morning, when we discovered that two of our men had froze to death that night.Shortly after this affair, we recrossed the Delaware & by a stolen march in the night, surprised a small body of the British army at Princeton and defeated them.After this, was ill for 3 mos.When fit for duty was attached to Morgan’s Rifle Regt. & marched beyond Albany to oppose Burgoyne’s Army at Stillwater.Here a party of Morgan’s troops were scouting & were attacked by enemy.The British killed one man at the first fire, and the party retreated.Morgan rallied his men & was joined by Gen. Gates.An attack was brought on between the two armies about 10 o’clock & the action ended when night parted them.The British kept their ground & we retired to our old encampment, about two miles off.Here we lay for some days and Morgan’s men went out of the encampment in the afternoon & were met by the British.A fight issued between the armies & we beat the enemy back to their temporary encampment or fort.The British spiked a part of their cannons, threw some into the river & endeavored to retreat to Saratoga, to cross the river by night, but when they reached the river they found a part of our army on the other bank ready to oppose their crossing.After a slight skirmish, the British finding themselves enclosed, surrendered.We then returned to Penn. Two miles above Philadelphia.After 2 years (March 1778) discharged by Col. Butler.Returned to Amherst....”
Although, JOHN JOSLIN(G)’S individual records only start in April 1777, there is the one muster roll that exists that shows he was appointed Corporal in 28 October 1776. I believe he was with the company from the start. There does not seem to be muster rolls existing forthat time.My question is, “Could a man born in ca 1724/25 or before withstand the rigors of such campaigns?”This would make him at least 51 to 54 years old.JOHN JOSLIN, JR. would have been around 27 or 28 years old, a much more likely age to be fighting for the Continental Army and the approximate age of others in the army from Amherst County.There would have been no need for his name to have Junior added to it.In that time period, Senior and Junior after a name did not necessary designate Father and Son (although it did in the case of the JOHN JOSLINS).It merely distinguished between two men of the same name living in the same community (the older being Senior and the younger being Junior).With only one JOHN JOSLIN(G) in the army, there was no reason to use the title.Anyone in the DAR under the soldier JOHN JOSLIN (SR) would still qualify as JOHN JOSLIN was a patriot.He is listed in the Order Book 1773-1782, pages 474-500 at a Court held for Amherst County on the 2nd Day of April 1782 where Claims for Property Impressed or Taken for Public Service.JOHN JOSLING was reimbursed 2 pounds 10 shillings for 300 lbs of Beef he furnished (per Certificate) on 10 October 1781.
In my possession is a copy of a document from the Virginia State Library certifying that the following information has been abstracted from records in the Virginia State Library “JOHN JOSLING received a military pay warrant on May 10, 1784, for his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.”Signed by State Librarian and Archivist on September 9, 1971 and extracted from “Executive Department.War 4 (Military Payments), p. 235.This is possibly referring to the military card that states JOHN JOSLING, appears under the heading “A List of Soldiers of the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment who have received Certificates for the balance of there (sic) full pay Agreeable to an Act of Assembly passed Nov. Session 1781.”It IS interesting that this was issued May 1784 and JOHN JOSLIN, SR. sold out all his land holdings August 17th, 1784.JOHN JOSLIN is NOT listed in Willard Rouse Jillson’s The Kentucky Land Grants.John Josling, Soldier, Inf. appears in Revolutionary War Records, Virginia, Section II (18) (Document No. 44) (18) onLIST OF NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE VIRGINIA LINE ON CONTINENTAL ESTABLISHMENT, WHOSE NAMES APPEAR ON THE ARMY REGISTER AND WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED BOUNTY LAND, RICHMOND, 1835. Bounty warrants were issued to veterans who served three or more years in a state or Continental Line unit or to heirs of those who died while in service.It appears that JOHN JOSLING did not serve long enough to receive bounty land.
I am open to additions, corrections, criticisms and/or praise.
14th February 2001
Jean Ann Ables-Flatt, CGRS
Certified Genealogical Records Specialist
209 Brookhollow Dr.
Terrell, TX 75160-5005
972-563-1413
email - [email protected]
ADDENDUM TO JOSLIN REPORT:20 March 2001
WILLIAM MONTGOMERY's Revolutinary War pension appliation record reaffirms that it was young men that were fighting alongside of JOHN JOSLIN.
"Marion Co., Mo., Sept. 4, 1832, aged 75; enlisted 1776 under Capt. SAMUEL J. CABELL,6th Regt., Contl. Line.Capt. Cabell's Co. was drafted into Col. Morgan's Regt.Affiant was in 3 battles, Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga & taking of Burgoyne & had a hard engagement at White Marsh; discharged Feb. 17 1778.....".
It appears that WILLIAM MONTGOMERY served with JOHN JOSLIN.(Enlisted 1776 and discharged Feb. 17, 1778.)He would have been age 19 at time of of his enlistment.William Montgomery and William Monrgomery, Jr. were bondsmen for Edward Powell administrator of the estate of John Joslin, Sr - 15 July 1794 - in Lincoln County, Kentucky.
As was discussed earlier, JOHN JOSLIN, SR., had to be born at least by 1725 or before to have been the father of his known children.The Revolutionary War pension application of THOMAS BIBEE appears to reinforce the theory that older men were exempt from fighting in the regular Army.
"Cocke Co, Tenn., March 1, 1834; aged "about 100 years"; b. in Goochland Co., VA, (ca 1734) and moved to Amherst Co. before the Revolution where he vol. Feb., 1776 under Capt. Higginbotham (age ca 42)........Before the termination of the Revolution he was excused from Military duty on account of his age..... (He was) discharged March, 1780 (age ca. 46) and returned home."
In 1776, JOHN JOSLIN, SR. woud have been at least 57 years of age and too old to fight in the regular Army.
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