Generation No. 6
32. Thomas Henry Farnsworth27,28, born 1691 in Chesterfield, Burlington, NJ, USA; died 09 Oct 1758 in Kingwood, Hunterdon, NJ, USA. He was the son of 64. Thomas Farnsworth and 65. Susannah Smith. He married 33. Mary Brinson 1715 in NJ.
33. Mary Brinson, born 1692 in Membury, Devon, England; died 09 Aug 1750. She was the daughter of 66. Daniel Bryns Brinson and 67. Frances Greenland.
Notes for Thomas Henry Farnsworth:
We are assuming this son was named 'Thomas Henry.' 'Henry' was mentioned in his mother's will. Perhaps he used his middle name to distinguish himself from his father. He was witness to his brother Samuel's wedding in 1709 and had to have been over 21 at that time, i.e . before 1688. A Thomas Farnsworth in Burl. Co. census 1708. He bought property with a mortga ge in Amwell, Hunterdon co. in 1712. After his father's death, the estate was divided int o 6 parts, one for each of the 5 sons and one for the widow. In Hunterdon County: Henry Farns worth of Amwell took out an indenture April 25, 1737 for land bordering Leonard Thomas and Th omas White. Signed as witness for indenture for Andrew Morgan April 6, 1733. Jacob Doughty' s indenture of 1718 says the land in Amwell was bounded by Henry Farnsworth. In 1749 Margare t Stevenson conveyed to Henry Farnsworth of Kingwood a plantation in Quakertown. He died 175 8 and this plantation was divided between Daniel and Thomas. Daniel of Alexandria sold his pa rt in 1767 to John Mulliner who sold to Isaac Horner. [WFT - Vol 8]
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Name: Henry Farnsworth
Date: 09 Oct 1758
Location: Kingwood Township, Hunterdon Co.
will of. Children--John, Henry, Ruth (wife of John Hull), Mary (wife of Cornelius Anderson), Daniel and Thomas. Real and personal estate. Executors--sons Henry and Daniel. Witnesses--Samuel Layton, Jeremiah King and Elijha Emley. Proved April 30, 1759.
Lib. 9, p. 330.
1759, Apr. 25. Inventory, £200.16.5, incl. bills, bonds and book debts, £140.12.4; made by John Mullinner and Elijha Emley.
Name: Nathaniel Farnsworth
Date: 24 Oct 1757
Location: Kingwood Township, Hunterdon Co.
Int. Inventory, £49.7.10, by Robert Laning and John Hull.
1757, Nov. 14. Bond of Hannah Farnsworth, of Kingwood, as Adm'x; Robert Laning (Lanning) of Bethleham said Co., fellowbondsman.
Lib. 8, p. 516.
1758. Dec. 20. Account by Executrix.
Name: Joseph Farrand
Date: 18 Jul 1760
Location: Newark, Essex Co.
More About Thomas Farnsworth and Mary Brinson:
Marriage: 1715, NJ
Children of Thomas Farnsworth and Mary Brinson are:
16 i. Henry Farnsworth, born Abt. 1748 in Virginia; died 24 Apr 1816 in Greene Co., Tennessee; married Margaret Jane McKeehan 1770.
ii. Ruth Farnsworth
iii. Mary Farnsworth
iv. John Hunterton Farnsworth, born 1710 in Kingwood, Hunterdon, NJ.
v. Nathaniel Farnsworth, born 1720.
vi. Thomas Farnsworth, born 1726.
vii. Susannah Drake Farnsworth, born 1733.
viii. Daniel Farnsworth, born 1739.
34. Samuel McHan/McKighan29,30, born Abt. 1730; died 1785 in Greene Co, TN. He married 35. Margaret Farnsworth.
35. Margaret Farnsworth, died Aft. 1785.
Notes for Samuel McHan/McKighan:
The origin of the McKeehan line described here and whether the current spelling of it was that originating in Ireland or Scotland is unknown. The spellings McAighan, McCain, McCean, McHighan, McIan, McKaen, McKean, McKeenah, McKeghan, McKeon, McKighan, Millighan/Mileghan and other variants of the foregoing with a "G" for the "K," one single "e" instead of double "e," and "e" for the "a" of "han" appear on documents that appear to refer to persons named McKeehan either contemporary to the inscription or in previous or subsequent generations. Many of these are likely the interpretation of the recorder of the document as to how the name sounded, but also could be changes implemented by individual families for diverse reasons. The names John, George, James, Samuel and Benjamin McKeehan appear frequently in early Greene County documents in the period late 18th and early 19th centuries
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Of interest in tracing the McKeehan and allied families is the following from "Scotch-Irish Pioneers", by Charles Knowles Bolton, page 267: "A Southern stronghold of Presbyterianism was in the neighborhood of Newcastle, Delaware. The narrow tongue of land between the upper shore of Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware river is shared by Maryland and Delaware, Maryland's portion includes the Elk River, and is known as Cecil County. Delaware's portion is called Newcastle County, with Wilmington, its chief city, at the mouth of Christiana Creek. North of these two counties, and across the Pennsylvania line, are Lancaster and Chester counties, (all known as Chester County from 1682 to 1729), extending from the Delaware River to the Susquehanna River.
"This territory, south a few miles from Philadelphia, became the mecca for Scotch emigrants from Ireland. "These emigrants pushed up through Newcastle County to cross the Pennsylvania line, hoping to escape from Maryland and its tithes. Unfortunately, at this very time, the exact line of the boundary was in dispute between Lord Baltimore and the heirs of William Penn, and many of the settlers flocked in and preempted land in dispute without obtaining right or title. To add to the confusion, the Penn family were in a state of domestic discord, so that their agent, James Logan, allowed very few grants in any place after the year 1720. An exception was made however in case of Scotch-Irish, people who, said Logan, 'if kindly used, will I believe be orderly, as they have hitherto been, and easily dealt with; they will also, I expect, be a leading example to others'." These grants were made for a settlement which was called Donegal.
Also from page 280 of Mr. Bolton's book: "In looking over the map of Pennsylvania we find that these townships, Donegal, Paxtang, Derry, and Hanover (near the Susquehanna) and Drumore, Coleraine, Fallowfield, and Sadsbury (along Octorara creek, which marks the Western line of Chester County after 1729), together with the Brandywine farms a little north of Wilmington, the Neshaminy lands north of Philadelphia, and Allen township, ten miles west of Easton, comprise the earliest settlements of the Scotch-Irish in Pennsylvania. The settlers who first occupied these fertile lands entered America at the ports of Philadelphia and Newcastle."
Among the signatures to a memorial dated March 26tb, 1718, and addressed to "the Right Honorable Colonel Samuel Shute, Governor of New England" from, "we, whose names are underwritten, Inhabitants of Ye North of Ireland. . doe assure His Excellency of our sincere and hearty inclination to Transport ourselves to that very excellent and renowned Plantation, upon our obtaining from Ms Excellency suitable encouragement". .. etc., is that of John McKeen. Other signatures are those of Alexander McBride, Bart, James Patterson, James and George Campbell, Mr. Patterson, and James Alexander. Inasmuch as our McKeehans, McBrides, Pattersons, lived in the same vicinity and intermarried through many generations, it is possible that the above John McKeen was our emigrant ancestor. There was no dependable uniformity of spelling at that date, even in the case of a single individual. This is exemplified in the military records preserved in the Pennsylvania Archives, where the same man's name is given as "Alexander McKeehan" and "Alexander McKean" within a few lines. The tradition in every branch of the family is that practically every McKeehan of possible age for service was in the Revolutionary War, and the records of Pennsylvania prove that many of them were. Old time carelessness of spelling often makes it difficult to identify these soldiers.
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One of the earliest informative wills in Greene County, Tennessee is that of "Samuel Mehan McAighan" (Mehan is thought to be a recording error, probably meant Mchan, writer is giving a choice of surname, Mehan or McAighan) who died in 1785, which at that time was part of the State of Franklin. He left assets to wife and children, Margaret, James and Mary
In the Name of God Amen The 11 of March 1785 I Samuel Mchan of Greene County Franklin State being of perfect mind and memory only weak in Body and calling to mind my Mortality. Do make and ordain this my last will and Testment touching such worldly Estate as I am possessed of I dispose of in the maner and form following Viz: In the first place, after all my lawfull debts are payed I give to my Beloved wife one third of my Estate both real and personal for the term of her life. My sorrel mare she is to have in part of her share. Secondly I give and bequeth to my three Children Margret James and Mary the remaining part of my Estate to be equally divided amongst them. Thirdly after my wifes death I bequath her part of the Estate to be divided equally amongst the whole of my children. Lastly I alow the money due for service to be saved and laid out for the use of the family to purchase salt and other nesseryes. I likewise constitute My wife and my brother Henery Fernsworth, my sole Executors in this my last will and testment I likewise alow my Exers to bind out my son James to a good trade if he is like to prove disobedient to his mother.
Lastly I do ratify and Confirm this to be my last will and testment In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this day XXXXXXXXXXXX above writen, Signed sealed and delivered.....Samul McKighan {Seal} in presents of us Benjamin Jameson, James O (his mark) McKighan
Children of Samuel McHan/McKighan and Margaret Farnsworth are:
17 i. Margaret Jane McKeehan, born Abt. 1750; married Henry Farnsworth 1770.
ii. James McKeehan
iii. Mary McKeehan
36. Robert Jamison, born 1701 in Galway, Ireland. He married 37. Betsy Young.
37. Betsy Young
Child of Robert Jamison and Betsy Young is:
18 i. Benjamin Jameson, born 1740 in Ireland; died Abt. 05 May 1788 in Charles Co. Maryland; married Jane Campbell.
56. Georg Miller31,32, born Feb 1730 in Palatine Area, Germany (Kaltenbrunn Oberpfalz, Bayern); died Sep 1791 in Rowan, NC. He married 57. Glory Litzler 1759 in Rowan, NC.
57. Glory Litzler, born 1732 in NC; died 1792 in NC.
Notes for Georg Miller:
The most widely accepted origin of the word Palatine, and its relation to the geographic area of the middle Rhine Valley in Germany, comes from the Romans. This reference comes from Palatine Hill in Rome, when the title was generically applied to describe local officials. Local officials in Germany who oversaw areas of land assigned to them were referred to as the 'counts palatine'. As the Holy Roman Empire expanded into northern Europe, the word 'palatine' eventually became descriptive of the geographic area - referring to it as the 'Palatine' region. This region was an Electorate state of the Holy Roman Empire, encompassing the area now occupied by Alsace, Lorraine, Wiirtemburg, Baden, Mainz and Treves, and ran from Cologne to Mannheim. Consider the historical context of the late 17" century and early 18" century in Germany. Politically, the area was governed by a succession of royal leaders whose governance in this area depended upon birthright and political affiliation, as well as military strength. As a result, the Palatine people were left to the whims of sometimes-capricious leaders who did not think in terms of the development of the area, but rather in terms of reaping the fruits of peasant labor (figuratively and literally). Additionally, the Rhine River as a means of transportation made possession of this area highly desirable. The religious climate was also fractious, and people in this area were often forced to change their religious affiliations based on the beliefs of the current royal leader. In general, the Palatines were devout in their spiritual ideology and oftentimes ignored the edict to switch to the religion espoused by the current ruler and, as a result, were often persecuted. The Palatine people were of the Protestant faith, but differed in their specific religious ideology. Many were Lutherans, some Calvinist or Zwingli, and some Reformed. All rejected the idolatrous aspects of Roman Catholicism and espoused the freedoms reflected in Protestant tenets.
Agriculturally, the Rhine Valley was a fertile area and desired for its ability to grow a variety of crops, but the area was especially favored for its vineyards. Numerous factions, both from within Germany and the bordering areas, wanted the crops that came from this region. As with any agrarian society, the Rhine Valley was affected by weather changes, pests, and other factors that influence crop growth or failure. Since the area was largely focused on grape production, natural disasters often significantly impacted on the inhabitants’ ability to keep life and limb together. One other aspect that cannot be dismissed is the temperament of the people. There were conflicting views of the Germans and their attributes that seemed to elicit both respect and annoyance, depending upon the context of the situation and the speaker. They were described as tenacious, educated, industrious, frugal, devout in their religious beliefs, independent and able to withstand tremendous adversity. Those who criticized spoke of them as stubborn, pig-headed, belligerent, inflexible and generally not very compliant with authority. It is easy to see how these people both annoyed their detractors and survived untold hardships.
The History Leading to Emigration
As part of the expansion efforts of the German empire of the Saxon and Salian dynasties (919-1125 AD), this area was a new conquest. It was eventually put under the control of the Salian dynasty and, around 1235, was controlled by the Wittlesbach family who controlled Bavaria, led by Frederich II. From that point, various dukes and bishops shared ownership, and eventually the area came into the hands of the descendants of the Count of Lower Lotharingia who headquartered at Aachen. This territory was called the Renish or Lower Palatinate (in German, ‘Pfalz’) and was located on both sides of the Rhine River between the Main and Neckar rivers. Its capital was Heidelberg and it encompassed approximately 3,500 square miles. This area of Germany passed into various hands, beginning in the late 1400’s with its rule by Friedrich the Victorious (1449-1476). Friedrich united the area, previously divided into four regions, and the Palatinate became a recognized force in the empire of the day.
Prior to 1560, the area was entirely Roman Catholic, but with the transfer of rulership to Elector Friedrich III, it became became Calvinist. Because of Protestant beliefs, the area became desirable to the French Hugenots living close to the German border. They had been persecuted by the French Catholic Church for over 100 years and they saw this area as a haven for religious freedom. Since emigration from France was outlawed, many of the escapees risked life and limb in order to pursue their religious beliefs. Those who stayed behind were forced to convert to Catholicism, and those caught trying to escape were chained to oars in ships’ galleys for the rest of their lives. The Protestant acceptance of religious choice made the Palatinate a desirable location for many French Hugenots. What they found, however, was that although they gained religious freedom, many of them lost civil rights and were at the employ (and, at times, the whim) of the Prince of the Electorate. They were heavily taxed, could not become landowners, and could be pressed into military service by the Electorate. They had to pay a significant price for their new-found freedom.
Elector Friedrich V changed the political climate of the Palatinate with his acceptance of the Bohemian crown in 1618. This act precipitated the Thirty Years War, which resulted in a stronger Prussia and a significantly weakened Palatine region. Around 1648, the section of upper Palatine was eventually claimed by Bavaria and left the Palatinate at the mercy of other aggessive forces. France under Louis XIV frequently made conquests in the region, taking advantage of this weakened state. As a result of France’s aggression, Britain joined with Holland, Germany and other powers in 1688 and led efforts to stop this wholesale aggression. This resulted in what is referred to as the War of the Palatinate which ended in 1697. Emigration from the Palatinate as a result of this warfare led to the
establishment of Germans in Pennsylvania (now known as the Pennsylvania Dutch).
In addition to the political climate in 1690, the Elector Palatinate was John William, whose devotion to Catholicism was considered almost fanatic. Under his rule, he is reputed to have persecuted all German Palatines who refused to convert to Catholicism. Calvinists, Lutherans and French Hugenots who refused to convert to Catholicism suffered greatly. Finally, in the winter of 1708, record low temperatures froze the Rhine River and closed the waterway for five weeks. Grapevines died, cattle froze, and any wines from previous harvests were ruined. As the previous two years had also seen crop failures, there was no immediate recovery in sight. For 30 years leading up to this point, the inhabitants had endured wars, religious persecution, and now potential starvation. For may Palatines, this was the final blow.
Emigration
In 1709, Britain passed a naturalization act that allowed any foreigner who took an oath professing to be a Protestant and pledging allegiance to the British government to be immediately naturalized and to have all privileges held by English-born citizens for the cost of a shilling. The British crown that was previously under the Catholic King James II shifted allegiance with the coronation of Queen Anne of England. Under Queen Anne (herself a relation of the ruler of the Palatinate and a noted Protestant sympathizer) these offers brought opportunities for a new life. At Queen Anne's direction, land speculators who had obtained land patents in the colonies, sent agents to the Palatines with offers of forty acres of land, paid transportation to the colonies, and maintenance. In addition to the goal of supporting these Protestants, resettling emigrants to New York, north of New York City, would also provide a human buffer against the French in Canada.
Although the task seemed formidable, Protestants from the Palatines left Germany. The Elector Palatinate made vigorous protests at these departures, and published an edict of death to all emigrants. It is unclear whether these threats were fulfilled, but, because of this edict, many departed under cover of darkness. One phase of Palatine emigration began in the spring of 1709 and an estimated 14,000 were camped in Britain in Blackheath, Greenwich Heath, and other sites near London. Conditions were appalling and the British found that they were ill-prepared for the numbers that had crossed their border. Some of these emigrants resettled in Ireland, but without the free land they had been guaranteed. Approximately 3,000 Roman Catholics who emigrated were sent back to Germany, and upwards of 1,000 went to Jamaica, the West Indies and South Carolina. Out of the initial group, about 3,000 went to New York. Some departed for New York from Britain, while others sailed from Rotterdam. Conditions on the ships were poor; food and water were spoiled, vermin ran rampant on the ships and illness spread quickly. Many of the emigrants, especially the elderly and children, died either on board ship or shortly after landing. Upon arriving in New York in 1710, they were housed in Nutten Island (now Governor's Island) and their numbers added approximately a third more to the existing population of New York City.
Economically, there was a need to harvest tar and pitch from the pine forests of New York to support England's massive fleet. A businessman by the name of Robert Hunter petitioned the London Board of Trade to organize a labor force to supply tar and pitch for Britain's naval fleets. This petition led to the establishment of the "Naval Stores" project along the Hundson River, and Hunter was appointed to lead this project while the Palatines supplied the labor. In June 1710, Hunter was appointed Governor of the Province of New York and its dependencies. Purchasing 12,300 acres of land from Robert Livingston, Hunter resettled the Palatines to Livingston Manor and sections of New York along the Hudson River. This was the land which was to be given to the Palatines under their emigration contracts. The Palatines settled in "camps" or "dorfs" with "East Camp" and "West Camp" becoming large, established residences for the new colonists.
Georg Miller fought in the Revolutionary War as a Captain in the NC Militia. His Name is in the DAR book. His son, Jacob also fought in the Revolutionary War as a private. His papers are from the National Archives in Washington. Georg Miller's Will probated in 1791. Cemetery records.. Buried in small cemetery in pasture of farm formerly owned by Early Miller. This property was the original land granted to Georg Miller by the King of England in the 1760's. The land was sold but the cemetery is still there preserved. His son, Jacob is also buried there. They believe more graves are there but only the tombstone of Georg and Jacob were standing.
George was elected Capt. 2nd Co. Minute Men, Dobbs Co., NC on 28 Sep t 1775.
This found in Colonial Records of NC. Vol 10, p 284. The Colonial Re cords of North Carolina - Clark. Appendix 715 & V 22, p 1014; Treasurer & Comptroller
Rec. Military Papers v 40-66. Index to Misc. vol. Bk B v 41, p 59 b k 1-6 p399
as cited on DAR app. Elizabeth Russell Exum #709936
More About Georg Miller:
Burial: MILLER CEM
Immigration: 1749
Will: GEORG MILLER'S WILL PROBATED IN 1791
More About Georg Miller and Glory Litzler:
Marriage: 1759, Rowan, NC
Children of Georg Miller and Glory Litzler are:
28 i. John Miller, born 27 Mar 1757 in Davidson, NC; died 25 Sep 1837 in Douglas, NC; married Mary Nancy Goss 20 Jun 1783 in Lexington, Davidson, NC.
ii. Jacob Miller, born Nov 1760 in Anson, NC.
iii. Frederick Miller, born 1762 in Lexington, Davidson, NC.
iv. David Miller, born 1763 in Lexington, Davidson, NC.
58. Joseph Goss33, born 1730 in NC; died 1777 in Rowan County, North Carolina. He was the son of 116. Frederick GOSS and 117. Betsy Richards. He married 59. Ann Margaret BILLING 1763.
59. Ann Margaret BILLING, born 1754; died Abt. 1790 in Rowan Co, NC. She was the daughter of 118. John Siegfried BILLING and 119. Juliana WELLER.
Notes for Joseph Goss:
Joseph's will dated May 17, 1777 and probated Aug. 6, 1777 stated that he is "very sick." He lived at Horseshoe Neck in Rowan County.
More About Joseph Goss and Ann BILLING:
Marriage: 1763
Children of Joseph Goss and Ann BILLING are:
29 i. Mary Nancy Goss, born 07 Feb 1766 in Rowan, NC; died 16 Jun 1837 in Davidson, NC; married John Miller 20 Jun 1783 in Lexington, Davidson, NC.
ii. Margaret GOSS
iii. Barbara GOSS
