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In May 2005 I last posted an update on this debate. I wish I could now present some absolutely conclusive evidence to support my case, but will have to content myself with some additional circumstantial evidence that does support my contention.
Up to this point it was clear that Dudley Stephens was present in Claiborne County, Tennessee from June 1805 to May 1813 at which time he left for Adair County, Kentucky. Perhaps shortly before he left, or soon after, his daughter Sarah married Isaac Owsley and bore him 7 children in Claiborne County. Of course the debate concerns whether Sarah was actually Dudley’s daughter or not.
But what drew Dudley Stephens to Claiborne County, Tennessee from his home in Henry County, Virginia? Thanks to Aaron Stevens who has extensively researched his ancestry, it appears that Isaac Owsley and Sarah Stephens were second cousins, that Dudley Stephens and John Owsley, Isaac’s father, were first cousins.
Robert Stephens lived the majority of his adult life in Loudoun County, Virginia and shortly before his death in 1773 moved to nearby Fauquier County, Virginia where his will was probated and his property was divided amongst his seven children. His eldest daughter, Ann, was the wife of John Owsley, who lost his life in a barroom brawl in Loudoun County in 1764. Their son was John Owsley (1757-1845), father of Isaac. Among Robert Stephens’s other children was son John, who is now identified with John Stephens, father of Dudley Stephens.
But wait. Just because Robert had a son named John and Dudley’s father was named John, what says that they were the same man? It turns out that deeds and court records prove other sons of Robert Stephens relocated from Loudoun County to Henry County. And on 22 May 1780, John Stephens had 236 acres on Home Creek surveyed in Henry County adjoining the land of William Stephens. (Henry Co. Surveyor Book 1, no. 176). This William Stephens was the son of Robert Stephens of Loudoun County and while living in Loudoun County in 1775, Lord Fairfax granted William Stephens a tract of land which deed was witnessed by John Owsley (d. 1764).
The circumstantial evidence has become stronger. Decide for yourself. The search continues.
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