George Samuel Reid Family Roots

UPDATED: 4/19/2020 | ORIGINAL: 12/22/2009

JACOB REID (READ) (REED) (REEDE) (abt 1770 – aft 1850) was born in Pennsylvania. Jacob married Elizabeth (Mary) Staton on 30 May 1792 in Amherst County, Virginia. They moved to Oglethorpe County, Georgia in 1796 where they lived until well after 1830. While living in Oglethorpe County, Jacob and Mary had ten children of record – six sons, and four daughters. Jacob and Mary lived full lives, and both died while living in Georgia.

We have no record of Jacob’s specific date of birth and no confirmed record of his parentage, although after 40 years of research we do have some strong theories. While the Reid/Reede surname suggests the possibly of Scotch-Irish ancestry, scarcity of records and the variant in spelling of the Reid name in available historical records, seen on occasion as Read, Reed, Reede, and Reid, has complicated the research. The results of a recent paternal lineage genetic test (Y-DNA) place Jacob in the E1b1b Haplogroup, a rare classification for American immigrants from Scotland and Ireland. Yet the possibility of Scotch-Irish heritage still exists, and more importantly, the search for Jacob’s ancestors continues in earnest.

A significant number of northwestern European immigrants to North America came in the mid 1700s landing in Philadelphia and migrating quickly to established settlements in Lancaster, Berks, and York counties. Historically, we know that many of these immigrants were heavily involved in the Revolutionary War, and were more likely to migrate to less settled regions than other immigrant nationalities. What we know about Jacob’s life history follows.

A Young Patriot

While the exact circumstances of Jacob’s youth are unclear, undoubtedly his early years were filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

As an adolescent and early teen, in the peak of his formative years, Jacob was living in the heart of Revolutionary America. Too young to formally engage in the war, like many other youth of that day, Jacob may have been called upon to help support those who were directly involved in the conflict. For every soldier who carried a rifle, there were many others faithful to the cause of freedom who shuttled supplies, tended to livestock, and saw to the routine duties at homes and farms that were left to their care.

Every American in that day sacrificed in some way for the cause of freedom, and Jacob would have been no exception. Many, Jacob possibly among them, were called upon to bear one of the more difficult consequences of war – life thereafter without a father. We have yet to find records sufficient to confirm that speculation, but there is much of Jacob’s early adult life that supports the thought. Regardless of the actual sacrifices he made for the cause of freedom, we believe Jacob was raised a patriot, and the circumstances of history and his actions later in life support that.

The Hills of Virginia

Following the War, Colonial America continued its rapid expansion. New settlements were established quickly as federal land was made available to veterans of the war and friends of the country. Jacob was too young to directly participate in early post-war expansion, but tax records do place him in Rockbridge County, Virginia in 1791 as a young adult living near other Reids, presumably family.

Being a young able-bodied bachelor, Jacob sought work in neighboring Amherst County, likely employed as a laborer by one of the prominent land owners of the area.

Jacob lived near, and possibly associated with, many of the residents of Lexington Parish, Amherst County including Ballews, Callaways, Colemans, Higginbothams, Pettyjohns, Ruckers, Statons, Wades, and Warrens. The area was known for its rolling hills, rich with timber, fertile soil, and division by small tributaries such as the Buffalo, Stoval, and Rockfish.

It was while working in Amherst County that Jacob met Elizabeth (Mary) Staton.  They were married soon after on 30 May 1792. Since Mary was under the age of 21, her father, William Staton, was required by law to provide written consent to the marriage. John Reede and James Callaway were witnesses to the marriage consent.

Neighbor John Ballow co-signed the marriage surety bond, to which both he and Jacob were obligated.

The marriage was performed by the Reverend John Poage Campbell, associate minister of the Oxford Presbyterian Church of Rockbridge County, Virginia, which still meets as a congregation in the same location today.

After their marriage, Jacob and Mary lived near family and friends in Amherst and Rockbridge for three years. Like most newlyweds, the circumstances of their early life together were fairly humble, as evidenced by tax records noting their only taxable personal property as either one horse or one cow.

Jacob’s love of country was again manifest early in his marriage when, in the summer of 1794, Jacob engaged in a 3-month commitment to the Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Militia. This was likely the first time he took a formal oath to protect his country, but it would not be his last. We have no record of his specific service other than he received $100 for the 3 months that he was so engaged. It is interesting to note that, in that same year, a Samuel Reed and John Reed also enlisted and served in the same militia group.

The Allure of Free Land

As Colonial America continued its expansion, many states began issuing land by either bounty or headright grant to lure settlers to their states. By 1796 Jacob and Mary had moved south with other family members to Oglethorpe County, Georgia, likely drawn there by the enticement of land freely granted by the state of Georgia to those eligible for homestead. One year after their arrival in Georgia, Jacob applied for and received a Headright land grant of 300 acres in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. The amount of land granted was indicative of Jacob’s status at the time. To be eligible, one must be at least 21 years of age, loyal to the United States, not a convicted felon, and committed to work the land being granted. By rule of the granting process, Jacob received 200 acres for himself, 50 acres for his wife, Mary, and 50 acres for each living child, in his case, daughter Pensy.

Regarding their children, Jacob and Mary had 6 sons and 4 daughters of record. All of their children of record were born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Since there is nearly a four-year gap between their marriage date and the birth of daughter Pensy, it is possible that other children were born and died prior to Jacob’s petition for Headright land in Georgia. Their children of record are as follows:

• Pensy Reid (1796 – aft 1860), married William Vaughn 20 Feb 1820 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia
• William Reid (1800 – aft 1860), married Susannah Hales 1 Apr 1820 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia
• Reuben J Reid (1803 – aft 1845), married Tempy Williams 9 Sep 1828 in Madison County, Georgia; married Sarah Proctor 14 Dec 1844 in Pike County, Georgia
• Bailey Reid (1806 – aft 1838), married (no record) Hannah Washington Williams in 1828 or 1829 in Georgia; possible marriage to Louisa F Dandy 25 Aug 1833 in Pike County, Georgia
• Nancy Reid (1807 – aft 1850), married John F Ables 9 Oct 1827 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia
• Green Reid (1809 – aft 1860), married Ann Abney 25 Dec 1836 in Meriwether County, Georgia
• Mary Reid (1812 – aft 1850), married William Wilkerson 15 Jan 1830 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia
• Jacob Reid (1813 – death unknown).
• Freeman Reid (1816 – 1839), married Nancy Ray 10 Dec 1835 in Greene County, Georgia
• Elizabeth Reid (1818 – aft 1850), married William Abels 24 Jan 1839 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia

Life in Oglethorpe County

Tax and census records indicate that Jacob and Mary lived in various Militia Districts within Oglethorpe County, Georgia from their time of arrival in 1796 until at least 1830.

The 300 acres of land Jacob obtained by headright grant was described as land bordered southeast by W. Bridges’ land and southeast by Gideon’s land near the Long Creek in the Lexington District of the county. Even though Jacob sold 100 acres of the land to Russell Jones in August of 1799, we believe he lived on or near the land for many years thereafter.

We’re not certain of his occupation, but we believe Jacob made his principal living raising cotton or growing tobacco, as did many other residents of Oglethorpe County at the time. The soil and climate of that region were well-suited for both crops, although there were some years when drought and disease took its toll. The varied success of agriculture from year-to-year may help to explain why Jacob is noted as moving from one Militia District to another within Oglethorpe County during this period of his life.

Jacob worked hard to sustain his growing family. What little spare time could be allocated to other pursuits included an apparent interest in the social and moral benefit of affiliating with a religious congregation.

In 1803, while living in the Lexington area, Jacob and Mary joined with her parents, William and Mary Staton, in membership in the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church congregation. Jacob must have been too busy or otherwise not too concerned about his standing with the church, because he was later removed from its membership.

The state of Georgia continued it’s expansion westward by encroaching on native American Indian lands and making that land available by lottery. Jacob joined with many of his neighbors in participating in the early Georgia Land Lotteries of 1805 and 1807. In the lottery of 1805 he was eligible for two draws, both of which were blank. Undaunted, he tried his luck again in the 1807 lottery, this time successfully drawing a lot in newly formed Wilkinson County. It was common practice for successful lottery drawers to sell their lottery draw after winning. This may have been the case for Jacob, since we have not been able to locate any records regarding the disposition of that land.

Jacob’s commitment to preserving the sovereignty of the Nation never wavered. While living in Lexington he enlisted in the Georgia Militia during the time of the War of 1812. His enlistment record provides some insight into his physical characteristics at the time, listing him as 43 years of age, 5’10” tall, having black hair, dark eyes, and a dark complexion.

From 1820 to 1830, there is evidence that Jacob and Mary continued to live in the various militia districts of Oglethorpe County, often near many of their married children. The US Census of 1830 records Jacob and Mary living in the Halls District with 1 male under five years of age, 2 males of 15 and under 20 years of age, two males of 20 and under 25 years of age, and one female of 10 and under 15 years of age. A full house indeed, none of which were slaves.

After 1830, it is difficult to track Jacob because he is no longer subject to poll tax due to his age. While still a resident of Oglethorpe County, Jacob participated in the 1832 Cherokee land lottery in which he successfully drew land in what is now known as Floyd County, Georgia. Jacob did not take possession of the land, but instead sold it to Dennis Parchal. We have no other record of Jacob’s residence until the US Census 1840 – Oglethorpe, Georgia, when it is recorded that he was likely living with his daughter, Nancy Reid Abels, in Oglethorpe County. It is possible that by that time Jacob had sold his land to Nancy’s husband, John F Abels, and that John and Nancy were continuing the operation of the farm. Mary is not recorded as living with the Abels, suggesting that she had died sometime previously or was living with another family member. Our search for a record of Mary living with another family member in 1840 has not been successful.

In 1850, Jacob is listed in a published Troup County history as one of its oldest living residents at age 80, as noted in the 1850 census of that county. To live to age 80 is remarkable in any recent century, but certainly under the challenging circumstances that Jacob lived.

His longevity was likely due in part to the fine care he received later in life from his loving daughters. It would appear that he spent time with each of them in those later years. Jacob’s daughter, Pensy Reid Vaughn is noted as living in District 800 of Troup County in 1850. Jacob  is not recorded as living with Pensy, but he may have been living somewhere nearby at the time he was recorded as living in Troup County. Jacob is listed in the US Census Record of 1850 living with his daughter Mary Reid Wilkerson. Being recorded as living in multiple locations in the same year could be explained by his travel to and from each daughter’s home for care during the period of record taking.

Jacob died sometime after his appearance in those records in 1850, likely while living with one of his daughters as was the pattern of previous years. The date and location of his death are unknown.  What we do know is that Jacob Reid lived a full life, one in which he dedicated himself to raising a large posterity and defending the country that he loved.

Historic Facts for JACOB REID (READ) (REED) (REEDE):

• 1770: Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, born to unknown parents.
• 30 May 1792: Amherst County, Virginia, Married Elizabeth Mary Staton. “Jacob Reede, Elizabeth Staton, spinster; both of Amherst County, Lexington Parish; John Ballew, Surety; John Reede, Witness; Consent of Bride’s father, William Staton; Performed by Rev John Poage Campbell, Associate Minister, Oxford Presbyterian Church”
• 1793: Amherst County, Virginia Tax Register, 1 Horse, 1 White Male
• 1794: Amherst County, Virginia Tax Register, 1 Horse, 1 White Male
• July 1794 – Oct 1794: Member of Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Militia, Whitaker’s Battalion.  Enlisted on same day as Samuel Reed, and John Reed.
• 1795: Rockbridge County, Virginia Tax Register, 1 Cattle, 1 White Male
• 1796: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Glade Militia District, #25 on Capt Barnett List
• 1797: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, District not specified, #69 on list
• 8 Aug 1797: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Awarded Headright Land Warrant #1652 for 300 Acres (200 acres for self, 50 acres for spouse, 50 acres for living child).  Land surveyed by John Moore.  John Griffith and William Bridges chain bearers.  Land southeast of Bridges land, southeast by Gideon’s land and on other sides by surveyed land.
• 8 Jan 1798: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Headright land survey approved, land conveyed.
• 1798: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Beaverdam Militia District, # 59 on Capt Norris List, 1 Adult Male
• 1799: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Simston Militia District, Capt Thomas Duke List, 1 Adult Male
• 1799: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Simston Militia District, Sold 100 acres of land on Long Creek to Russell Jones
• 1800: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Census Record
• 1800: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Glade Militia District, Capt John Hardeman List, 1 Adult Male
• 1801: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, Capt Thomas List, 1 Adult Male
• 1802: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, Capt Tillery List, 1 Adult Male
• 25 Aug 1803: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, Jacob and Mary Reid accepted into membership
• 26 Sep 1803: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, Capt Wm Hatchett List, 1 Adult Male
• 1804: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, Capt Wm Hatchett List, 1 Adult Male
• 1805: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Simston Militia District, # 75 on Capt James Smith List, 1 Adult Male
• 1806: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #111 on Capt Wm Hatchett List, 1 Adult Male
• 1806: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Property Tax Register, 95 acres joined by Azariah Bailey
• 1807: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #122 on Capt Joseph Morton List, 1 Adult Male
• 1807: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Property Tax Register, 200 acres
• 1809: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Glade Militia District, Capt Ephraim Jackson List – 1 Adult Male, in Default
• 1810: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Property Tax Register, 200 acres
• 1811: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Goosepond Militia District, #83 on Capt Smith List – 1 Adult Male, 202.5 acres
• 1812: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Muster Roll, 44th Battalion Georgia Militia, Volunteer Rifle Company, Capt James B Landrum; Age 43, 5’10” tall, Dark Complexion, Black Hair, Dark Eyes
• 1812: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Goosepond Militia District, #48 on Capt Wm Bailey List – 1 Adult Male
• 1813: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #141 on Capt Sanderson List – 1 Adult Male
• 1814: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #74 on Capt John Landrum List – 1 Adult Male
• 1815: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, Capt John Landrum List – 1 Adult Male
• 1816: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, # 8 Capt Jones List – 1 Adult Male
• 1817: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #111 Capt Jones List – 1 Adult Male
• 1818: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, # 82 Capt Buttars List – 1 Adult Male
• 1819: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #57 Capt Walters List – 1 Adult Male
• 1820: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Lexington Militia District, US Census Record 1820 Lexington Oglethorpe GA
• 1820: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Falling Creek Militia District, #112 Capt Murray List – 2 Adult Males, in Default
• 1821: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Lexington Militia District, #101 Capt Bell List – 1 Adult Male
• 1822: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Falling Creek Militia District, #52 Capt Bell List – 1 Adult Male
• 1823: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Falling Creek Militia District, #1042 Capt Bell List – 1 Adult Male
• 1824: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Falling Creek Militia District, #29 Capt Evans List – 1 Adult Male
• 1825: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Falling Creek Militia District, #45 Capt Williamson List – 1 Adult Male
• 1827: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Bairdstown Militia District, #81 Capt Edmundson List – 1 Adult Male
• 1828: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Bairdstown Militia District, #42 Capt Edmundson List – 1 Adult Male
• 1829: Oglethorpe County, Georgia Poll Tax Register, Falling Creek Militia District, #39 Capt Hall List – 1 Adult Male
• 1830: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, Capt Hall’s Militia District, US Census 1830 – Oglethorpe GA
• 1 Jun 1840: Oglethorpe County, Georgia, District 232, US Census 1840 – Oglethorpe, Georgia– Living with daughter Nancy Reid Abels
• 18 Aug 1850: Pike County, Georgia, District 68, US Census Record 1850 – Pike Co. GA – Living with daughter Mary Reid Wilkerson
• Aft 1850: Georgia, Death, Date and Location Unknown