JOHN SCALF JR.
Son of
John Scalf Sr. and Edeah Carlisle
John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

John Scalf Jr., son of John Scalf Sr. and Edeah Carlisle Scalf was born 1790 – 1800. His date of birth estimates around 1795 from at least one census; however, this is debatable due to his age listed on various census records.

1) From the 1830 census of Russell County, Virginia, John's birth date is estimated at 1790 – 1800.

2) From the 1840 census of Hawkins County, Tennessee, estimation reveals a date of 1790 – 1800.

3) From the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee his birth date estimates 1795.

4) From the 1860 Scott County, Virginia census, John's birth is estimated at 1790. This is the last census record found of John Scalf Jr.

It is possible that John Jr. is one of the males in the home of his father in the year 1820 in Russell County, Virginia listed as 16 – 26 years old. This census estimates a birth date of 1794 – 1804 and could just as easily be William or Brittain. Since John Jr. does not appear to have been in the home of his father in 1810 in Floyd County, Kentucky, it is questionable that he would have been in his father's home in 1820.

There is no male in the home of John Scalf Sr. on the 1810 Floyd County, Kentucky census estimating an age that would correspond to the birth of John Jr., and it is unknown where he may have been during this time but several suggestions are listed for research purposes.

Henry P. Scalf and Elmer Scalf suggested in their writings that John Jr. might have been working on a farm nearby his father in 1810 Floyd County. It should also be noted that John Jr. would have been old enough to marry by 1810 and could have been in Kentucky, Virginia or North Carolina. 

Due to the fact that his father had previously gone to Russell County, Virginia 1806-1810, it is very possible that John Jr. married in Russell County and remained there when his father left for Kentucky. However, John Scalf, Jr. was not found on the 1810 Russell County tax list or as head of house on the 1820 Russell County, Virginia census.

If John Jr. was the young male in the home of Lewis Scalf in Edgecombe, North Carolina then he was most likely born 1790 and certainly would have been old enough to marry at the time his father passed through Russell County, Virginia the first time.

John Scalf, Jr. married Martha Patsy Counts believed to have been the daughter of John and Fanny Counts of Russell County, Virginia. It is confirmed by Patsy Counts Scalf in her deposition that she was the wife of John Scalf Jr.; however, her parents cannot be confirmed at this time. Correspondence with the Counts family has failed to confirm who Patsy's parents were and a search of the Russell County, Virginia records have not been helpful in confirming the names of Patsy's parents.

It is also stated that her surname might have been Couts but this is in doubt as Counts appears more often in Russell County and Couts could most likely be a misinterpreted spelling of Coats, which happens frequently due to the appearance of the letters in the old writings.

If Patsy's father was John Counts, then he would have to be the older John Counts, Sr. One John Counts helped John Scalf, Sr. with the bond in Russell County, Virginia when John Jr. was charged with passing counterfeit money. We can safely rule out John Counts, Jr. as being the father of Patsy Counts for he was 20 – 30 years old in 1820 and might have been a brother to Patsy but not her father.

The census records of Russell County, Virginia list the families alphabetically and we cannot determine if the Couch, Counts and Scalf families were living in the same neighborhood in 1820 and 1830. It is not until 1840 that we find a Russell County census in original order, including the microfilm images.

On the 1820 census of Russell County, John Counts, Sr. was listed as 45 and over calculating a birth date of 1775 or before. In 1830, he is listed as 60 – 70 calculating a birth date of 1760 – 1770. He is listed in 1840 as 70 – 80 calculating a birth date again of 1760 – 1770. John Counts, Sr. owned two slaves in 1820, seven slaves in 1830 and six slaves in 1840. As can be seen below, it does not appear that John Scalf, Jr. and Patsy Counts Scalf were in the home of John Counts, Sr. in 1820.

1820 Russell Co. VA

John Counts, Sr.

Four persons in agriculture
Two slaves

1830 Russell Co. VA

John Counts, Sr.

We also learn from the census records that Patsy's full name was Martha Patsy Counts. Patsy was often used for Martha as Polly was often used for Mary. The Counts families were very early settlers in Russell County, Virginia and some of these families were found in Wilkes and Ashe County, North Carolina when the Scalf family was living in Wilkes.

The family of John Jr. and Patsy are quite difficult to follow, possibly due to the lack of records in the area where John and Patsy settled. The Civil War, fire, floods and numerous things took place in these counties resulting in records being destroyed and/or lost. We may never know the facts concerning Patsy's lineage or the names of John and Patsy's oldest children. However, we have attempted to confirm and/or rule out the evidence concerning this family and anticipate the connecting evidence will eventually surface to complete this family. .

Both Henry Scalf and Elmer Scalf list the names of the older children of John and Patsy; however, research cannot confirm these names. Attempts have been made to avoid repetition of census records of the families but it appears impossible to write some of these chapters without referring back to what has already been written. To avoid the census records stated previously would be avoiding the time-line and family relationship of these families, which would ultimately cause confusion; therefore, census records will often be repeated in these writings.

Recall that John Scalf Sr. married Edeah Carlisle 1787 in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. His father, Lewis, was living in Johnston County, North Carolina at this time and John and Edeah are most likely living in the home of Lewis Scalf.  Johnston County is a neighbor to Edgecombe. John and Edeah had two daughters, Nancy and Polly, born 1788 and 1789 respectively.

In 1790, John Sr.'s father Lewis is living in Edgecombe County, North Carolina and in all likelihood, John and Edy were living in the home of Lewis and his wife, Elizabeth.  John Sr. cannot be found as head of house in 1790 and it is assumed this is the reason for the large number of people enumerated in the home of Lewis Scalf at this time.

One of the males in the home in 1790 (16 years of age and over) could also have been John Jr. However, due to the way the 1790 census is compiled, it would be difficult to determine.  It is believed that Benjamin, brother of John Sr. was married at this time as well and had left the home. It is also possible that David had married and was living elsewhere as he should have been 21 at this time.

William Scalf was the only son of Lewis at this particular time that would have been under 16 years old.  Due to the way this census reads, there could have been any one of the older sons of Lewis married and living in the home at this time. It is suspected that John Sr. and his wife, Edy, are in the home but this is speculation only based on the fact that John Sr. is not found as head of house and then appears near his father in 1800 Surry County, North Carolina.

1790 North Carolina Halifax district - Edgecombe County – pg. 54a.

Category Listings for the 1790 census

Calf, Lewis...2-3-5-0-0

2 males (16 years and up) including head of family - (Lewis and John Sr?)
3 males (under the age of 16) - (David, William and John Jr.)
5 females - (Elizabeth, wife of Lewis - Edy, wife of John Sr.- Nancy and Polly, daughters of John and Edy – one daughter of Lewis).

By 1800, Lewis and John are found in Surry County, North Carolina in separate homes. Only the census of John Sr. is presented here. See the chapter of Lewis Scalf for his enumeration in this year.

1800 Surry County, North Carolina

John Scalf, Sr.

By 1806, John Scalf Sr. and his family have left the Surry/Wilkes County area and are next found on the 1810 Floyd County, Kentucky census.

Category listings for the 1810 census:

Listed in the home of John Scalf, Sr.

Males      Females

3 - - 1 -      3 – 2 -1 –

1810 Floyd Co. KY

John Scalf Sr.

These names are listed according to estimation from the information concerning the ages listed in Scalf Family History page, 36; however, this may not be accurate.

The three males could be Brittan, William #2 and Berryman. Lee is listed on page 36 of Scalf Family History as being born in 1810. We do not know the month of Lee's birth.  Most of the early censuses before 1850 were enumerated August through December of the census year. If Lee was born before August, one of these sons could have been Lee; therefore, the lineup could read, William #2, Berryman and Lee with John Jr. and Brittan missing from the home. At least one older son appears to be missing on this census if ages are listed correctly and is most likely John Jr. but Brittan might be missing as well. 

By 1820, John Scalf, Sr. is found in Russell County, Virginia.

Note that the age categories change on the 1820 census. Males have an extra category that is not listed for the females. This census has caused many headaches for researchers due to the fact that a male aged, 16 – 18 will be listed in this category and then again in the 16 – 26 category. This often results in researchers counting one person twice. If you have more males in your family than can be accounted for, recheck your 1820 census.

1820 Russell Co. VA - John Sr.

John Scalf Jr. was not found as head of house in 1820. Although it is possible that one of the males born 1794 – 1804 could have been John Jr. and one of the females born 1794 – 1804 could have been his wife, Patsy Counts, it is also very possible that one of the males born 1794 – 1804 was the husband of one of the married girls living in the home and again, we are at a loss in confirming the family members in the home.

However, considering the fact that Nancy and Polly do not appear to be in the home at this time, it appears that John Jr. and Patsy could have been living in the home. It is doubtful that Dicey was one of the females listed in the home as well. If Dicey was born 1800, she could have been married at this time.

John Jr's age was consistently the same on the census records with the exception of this one if this is John Jr. in his father's home. It seems unlikely that his age would change here. At least one of the females should be Betsy born 1816, as she would have been four years old at this time. According to the estimated marriage date of Lydia, she should also have been listed here. We do not know the exact dates for the marriages for any of these girls so we have no way of knowing if they were married at this time or if they were living in the home of someone else.

The age categories change again in 1830 and John Scalf, Jr. now appears for the first time as head of house.

1830 Russell Co. VA

Males: (Under 5) (5-10)  (10-15)  (15-20)  (20-30)  (30-40)  (40-50)  (50-60)  (60-70)

(70 80)  (80 – 90)  90 – 100)  (over 100)

Females: (Under 5) (5 – 10)  (10 – 15)  (15 –20)  (20 – 30)  (30 – 40)  (40 – 50)  

(50 – 60) (60 – 70)  (70 80)  (80 – 90)  90 – 100)  (over 100)

John Scalf, Jr.

In 1833 John Scalf Sr. and his son, John Jr. are listed on the Russell County, Virginia Personal Property tax list.  Note that neither John Sr. nor John Jr. was listed in 1836.

Lee Scalf is the only Scalf shown on the 1836 tax list still living in Russell County. It was also in this year that an application for a marriage license was issued in Clay County, Kentucky for Thomas Hubbard to Ann Scalf.

By March of 1837 a John Scalf is back in Russell County and taxed again in 1838 but disappears afterwards. This is most likely John Jr. due to the fact that John Sr. was in Hawkins County, Tennessee making his first appeal for his pension.

Sharon Carter, a Trent descendent and researcher sent the following tax list to me. An explanation of the tax list is listed below to aid those who are not familiar with the tax lists.

The explanation given below is a very thorough explanation of the tax lists. Although the personal property tax lists of Russell County are pretty much self-explanatory, it always helps to understand exactly how the tax lists were structured. I am not certain, but I believe these notes were from Michael Dye who does a wonderful job with the Russell County website and has such helpful information.

A few Notes about the Personal Property Tax Lists: The numbers following the names on the lists are the numbers of white tithable persons in the household. All males became tithable when they reached the age of 16. Males became responsible for paying tax when they reached the age of 21. On a few lists will be found 2 numbers following a name instead of 1. In those cases the first number represents the number of tithable persons above the age of 21 in the household while the second number represented the number of tithable persons 16 and above but under 21 years of age in the household. Occasionally a person will be found with the number zero (0) following their name. People could be exempted from paying tax due to age or bodily infirmities or when they were engaged in certain professions such as being a clergyman. Women will often be found with a zero (0) following their names. Women were not tithable and in those cases, no tithable males were living in the household.

Tax lists can be a good source for determining a person's approximate year of birth. They can also help in determining a possible father - son relationship. When a persons name appears on a tax list you can figure that person is at least 21 years of age. If a person appears on a list with, for example, the number 3 following their name, then you can figure that person, besides themselves has two sons at least age 16, but under the age of 21 living with them. Also, as an example, say John Smith in one tax year has a number 3 following his name. Then the next year, John Smith now has a number 2 following his name and Bob Smith now appears on the tax list for the first time. This is a good indicator that Bob Smith was a son of John Smith and that in the year that he appears on the list he reached the age of 21. Sometimes the lists will actually identify a father - son relationship by saying something such as William Smith, son of John. This is usually done when more than one William Smith is appearing on the list and they were trying to differentiate between them. Approximate death dates and wives names can also be determined from the tax lists. If John Smith has been appearing for several years, and then for example, on the 1798 tax list and future ones he no longer appears, then that is a good indicator that he died about 1798, especially if in his place the name, Mary Smith, for example appears. Often, a woman's name will appear as Mary Smith, Wife of John Smith dec'd or something similar.

One last point, often you will find on a tax list, for example, the names John Smith Sr. and John Smith, Jr. This may indicate a father - son relationship, but not always. Sometimes an older person with the same name as someone younger was referred to as being a Sr. to differentiate the two. It is best when you find this to look at earlier tax lists to see if you can determine when John Smith, Jr. first appeared and if John smith Sr. or another Smith had a reduction in the number of tithables in their household at that time. http://www.rootsweb.com/~varussel/census/index.html

RUSSELL CO. VA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX LIST

1833B

March 11 - Scalf, John Jr. (?) - 1 white male over 16 - 2 horses

March 11 - Scalf, John - 2 white males over 16 - 3 horses

John Jr. has no sons 16 or over and is taxed only on himself.

The second one appears to be John Sr. taxed on himself and one son 16 or over. 

1834B - Western Dst.

Feb. 10 - Scalf, John Sr. - 1 white male over 16; 4 horses

Apr. 9 - Scalf, John Jr. - 1 white male over 16; 3 horses

(John Sr. is taxed here on himself)

(John Jr. is taxed here on himself.)

From the 1834 tax list we know that neither John Sr. nor John Jr. had sons aged 16 or over at home.

1835A

Feb. 14 - Scalf, John, Sr. - 2 white males over 16; 2 horses

(John Sr. again is taxed on one male over 16 and himself)

From the tax lists of 1833 through 1835, it is difficult to determine exactly which son was in the home of John Scalf, Sr., but according to family legends, Jesse, Peter and Robert had left the area around 1833. We have nothing to confirm that all three had left the area at this time but we can confirm that Peter and Robert were in Kentucky by 1835 as they had married in that year in Clay County.

Legend states three brothers left Russell County for Kentucky around 1833. Robert was born 1818 and would have been around 15 years old in 1833. However, his age could have been listed incorrectly on the census records and he might have been a year or two older at this time.

If all three sons were in Kentucky at the time of the 1834 tax assessment of Russell County, then this son could have been William listed in 1833 and 1835 but is missing in 1834. William might have also gone to Kentucky after 1833 and returned to Russell County by 1835. John Scalf, Sr. had no tithables other than himself in 1834.

Patsy Counts Scalf stated that William II had died by 1845. We have no death date for William and he may have died earlier but it appears he died 1835 – 1840. John Sr. again has no children in the home on the 1840 Hawkins County, Tennessee census.

We know that William was living in October of 1820 when John was charged with assault for bringing William back home after he had been removed by the court of Russell County. We do not know if William remained at home when John Sr. took him back or if he was returned to John Smyth in 1820.

However, the court records of Russell County do not suggest that William was returned to Smyth.  If he remained at home, then William appears to have died after the tax assessment of 1835. There are no children in the home of John Sr. in 1840 Hawkins County, Tennessee.

Patsy Counts Scalf states very clearly the children who were married in her deposition in Hawkins County. She does not state that William I or William II was ever married. It is assumed that if William II had ever been married, Patsy would have stated this. Her only statement concerning the two William's was that they were both deceased by 1845. She also did not state a number of children for this William. Therefore, our only conclusion concerning William II is that he had died unmarried with no children by the year 1845 and most likely between the years of 1835 and 1840.

This is the last time John Scalf, Sr. appears in Russell County. He had sold his property in December of 1834 and the court minutes of Russell suggest he had left the area by July of 1835. The only Scalf families found in Russell County, Virginia on the tax lists after 1835 were Lee, Brittan and John Jr.

1837

March 7 – John Scalf – 1 white male over 16 – 2 horses.

(This is John Jr. and he is taxed on himself only. No other males over 16 or under 21)

1838A – East Dst.

April 18 - Scalf, John  - 1 white male over 16 – 1 horse.

(This is John Jr. again and is taxed only on himself)

We pick John Scalf, Jr. up again from the 1839 – 1850 School Population, known as The Squire's Ledger in Hawkins County, Tennessee. There is little doubt that this is John Scalf, Jr. Although Celia (Sela), daughter of John Sr., was of school age it is believed from the statement of Thomas Lockard in Hawkins County that he married Sela before 1840.  If this is correct, there were no children of school age in John Sr.'s home in 1839.

This list reveals that John Scalf, Jr. moved from Russell County, Virginia after April 18, 1838 and is now in Hawkins County, Tennessee by the school year of 1839.

Sharon Carter sent this school population census to me. Sharon and Scott Trent, Jr. have been very helpful in sharing their Trent family research with me during the compilation of Alexander Trent and Polly Scalf.

The numbers following the names denote how many children were of school age in the home.

The Squire's Ledger

A Hawkins County School Population for the years 1839 – 1850

1839 Hawkins County, TN

John Scalf   4

1840 Hawkins County, TN

(Too faded to read) (Sharon Carter).

John Jr. is listed on the 1840 Hawkins County census, so he was most likely on this faded list as well. (M. Fleenor)

The 1840 census age categories are the same as the 1830 above.

When the 1840 census is compared to the 1850 census, there is one more daughter in 1840 than there was in1850.

This daughter was born 1820 – 1825. John had five daughters and one son in 1840 and four daughters and two sons in 1850. The 1850 census reveals that the oldest daughter had left home by 1850.

1840 Hawkins Co. Census

John Scalf Jr. – pg 236

John Scalf, Jr. can be followed through 1847 on the school population census.

1841 Hawkins County, TN

John Scalf   3

1842 Hawkins County, TN

John Scalf   4

On the 7^th day of December 1842, John Scalf bought a parcel of land from Alexander Trent. It is believed that this John Scalf was John Scalf, Jr. Alexander Trent was the husband of Polly Scalf. This land was located on the South side of Clinch River in the county of Hawkins. In 1842 this land lay in Hawkins but by 1844, this land would have been in Hancock County, Tennessee. It was near Byrd's Corner, which appears to have been located in what was previously called Puncheon Camp but was changed to Pumpkin Valley. It is now known as Clinch Valley. William Scalf and James Trent witnessed the deed. William is believed to have been a son of John Jr. or a son-in-law but the relationship of James Trent and Alexander Trent are unknown at this time. James might have been a son of Alexander and Polly.

John is listed again in the Squire's Ledger beginning in 1843 through 1846 in Hawkins County but by 1847 is found listed in Hancock.  This was probably due to the long drawn out legislative problems in the creation of Hancock County.

1843 Hawkins County, TN

 John Scalf     4

1844 Hawkins County, TN

John Scalf   5

1845 Hawkins County, TN

John Scalf   5

1846 Hawkins County, TN

John Scalf   5

1847 Hancock County, TN

John Scalf      6

As noted, John Jr. was listed in Hancock County in 1847. Hancock was created in 1844 from Hawkins County; however, due to the slow legislation the county was not official until around 1846-1847. 

*NOTE:  Comparing the ages of John's children with the information from the Russell County, Virginia Personal Property tax lists, we can see that John Jr. did not have any sons old enough during the 1830's to be counted as tithables. Richard was born around 1830 and would not have been 16 until 1846. John Jr. was in Hawkins County during this time. Richard's estimated birth also matches on both the 1840 and 1850 census.

This also reveals that if John Jr. had been the father of John Scalf of Putnam County, Illinois and Isaac Scalf of Iowa, these two sons would have been listed as tithables in the home of John Scalf, Jr. by 1838 with John of Putnam County being counted in 1831 and Isaac by 1838. Another interesting piece of information obtained from the tax lists and census analysis is that John Jr. did not appear to have any male tithables from 1833 through 1838. This certainly appears strange if John Jr. had any sons born before 1830 and if John and Patsy actually had 14 children as stated in Patsy's deposition. If John Jr. had one son old enough to be counted in 1833, he would have been born around 1817.

This also suggests that the older children of John Scalf, Jr. were females, as females were not counted as tithables. This may be the reason the older children of John and Patsy have been difficult to confirm.

This also raises doubt that William Scalf who married Talitha Scalf was a son of John Jr. William was born about 1819 or 1820 and should have been counted as a tithable in the home of John Jr. in 1837 and 1838. William married Talitha in 1839 in Hawkins County, Tennessee. John Jr. moved there by the school year of 1839, which generally began in autumn. It is possible that John and Patsy had 14 children and some died but according to the above information, most of the children of John Scalf, Jr. and Patsy Counts Scalf were females.

1850 Claiborne, TN     27 October 1850       27^th Subdivision East District

In 1839 John Jr. had four children of school age. This apparently included an older unknown daughter from the 1840 census, Matilda, Richard and Cristena as Catherine was only three years old in 1839 and could not have been one of the four children of school age.

By 1841, John only had three children of school age. This would include, Matilda, Richard and Cristena. It appears that one of the older children was gone at this time.

By 1842, he now has four children of school age again and this was probably Matilda, Richard, Cristena and now Catherine as Catherine would have been six years old.

The same number of children exists in 1843 but by 1844, John now has five children in school. This would include, Matilda, Richard, Cristena, Catherine and Mary, as James was only three years old at this time.

The number remains 5 until the year, 1847 when he has six children in school. This includes all of the above children listed on the 1850 census unless Matilda was not going to school at this time and John and Patsy had another child which is doubtful since no children are found in the home in 1860. If they had another child, the child would have been at least 13 years old in 1860 and would have been enumerated in John and Patsy's home in 1860.  The children from the 1850 census are most likely the children in school in 1847. Matilda would have been 18 years old if her age was correct in 1850.  Children in school at the age of 21 have been found in records during this time and it was not unusual so Matilda was probably still in school in 1847.

John's father John Scalf Sr. died in 1848 in Greene County, Tennessee. This might be the reason John Jr. is not found on the school population census at this time. Another reason could be that the children were not in school. This was not a legal requirement during this time and many children were not able to go to school. We lose track of John Jr. in 1848 and 1849 but by 1850, John Jr. is in Claiborne County, Tennessee. His mother, Edeah Carlisle Scalf is in the home of John and Patsy (Patsy is listed here as Martha).

John Jr. is also listed on the 1850 Claiborne County Land Tax List in District 12.  John owned 50 acres valued at $100. He was charged $.30.  John is also taxed again in 1851 in the same district on the same acreage with the same value. This year his tax was $.25.

1850 Claiborne County Property Tax

Dist. 12

Scalf, John – 50 acres; val. $100; .30 tax

1851 Claiborne County Property Tax

Dist. 12

Scalf, John – 50 acres; val. $100; .25 tax.

It has not been determined exactly when John Jr. left Claiborne County, Tennessee. However, his brother, Ira had sold his land by 1858 and probably moved over to Kentucky. It is believed by this researcher that John and Ira sold their properties around the same time with John Jr. moving to Scott County, Virginia and Ira to Kentucky; however, no deed of sale by John Jr. has been found. 

An Edith Scalf was found on the 1853 Knox County, Kentucky tax list and is most likely Edy Scalf, wife of John Scalf, Sr. She is living near Peter Scalf who was also listed in this same year. This suggests that Edy Scalf Carlisle was living in Knox County, Kentucky near her son Peter Scalf in 1853 as head of house. Ira moved to Kentucky around 1858 or 1859 and Edy may have moved in with Ira at this time.

By 1860, John and Patsy are found living in Scott County, Virginia. No children are in the home and John is listed as 70 years old. John's occupation is listed as Miller.  It should be noted here that all the females on the 1860 Scott County, Virginia census were listed as spinsters.  The reason for this is not known. 

The fact that John's occupation is listed as a Miller coincides with the story related from some of the marital lines of this family concerning John's suit against the Gose-Bush families of Russell County.

The records do show that Valentine Bush owned a mill in Russell County, Virginia passed down from his father and that he lost this mill. Legend has it that John won his suit and became the owner of this mill. Although records have been found to establish that John did win his suit, no records have been found by this researcher to confirm that John Scalf, Jr. became the owner of the mill.

1860 Scott, VA     July 11 1860      Estillevile District

John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts Scalf were not found after 1860 and presumed to have died 1860 – 1870. No death record has been found at this time. John Jr. might have died and Patsy survived him and remarried but no marriage record has been found at this date.

An effort is made here to present as much as is known, along with what has been found of the older children of John Jr. and Patsy. It is our hope that descendents will read this material and be able to fill in some of the gaps in these families.

A listing of the older children believed by Elmer Scalf to have been children of John and Patsy is listed here, along with the children found on the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee who are certainly the known children of John and Patsy.

An attempt will be made to present what is known of these folks and theories concerning them in relation to John and Patsy. The first eight children are the ones not listed on census records.

Scalf Family History, page 157-158 by Elmer D. Scalf states that John Scalf, Jr. and Patsy Counts Scalf had the following children:
1) Ann Scalf (b) 1811, married Thomas Hubbard April 6, 1826 in Clay County, Kentucky. (Marriage record shows 1836). (Not a proven child of John Jr. This could also have been Ceely Ann Scalf, daughter of John Scalf, Sr. as John Sr. is believed to have been in Kentucky in 1836).
2) John Scalf (b) 1814 Married 1) ____ 2) Eliza Tate. (Not a proven child of John Jr. Evidence suggests he was a son of Benjamin Scalf)
3) Rebecca Scalf (b)?  Married Abijah Edwards 1860 Clay County, Kentucky. (Not a proven child of John Jr.).
4) Fielding Scalf (b) 1816 Married Rachel _____. (Not a proven child of John Jr.).
5) William Scalf (b) 1819 Married Tabitha Scalf (Hawkins County, TN 1839).(Neither William nor Talitha are proven children. Talitha might have been a daughter or a daughter-in-law).
6) Isaac Scalf (b) 1822 Married Sarah J. _____. (Not a proven child of John Jr. Isaac Scalf of Iowa married Sarah Jane Smith, daughter of Jesse Smith. Other evidence points to the family of Benjamin Scalf).
7) Celia Scalf (b)?  Married Thomas Jackson. (Not a proven child of John Jr).
8) Greenberry Scalf (b) 1827.  Placed in home of Ransome Stewart in KY. (Appears to be son of Ira Scalf).
9) Matilda Scalf (b) 1827 Married Jacob Lay August 14, 1851 in Grainger Co. TN. (Proven child of John Jr. per 1850 census – Married in Grainger Co.TN).
10) Richard Scalf (b) 1830 Married Jane Perry 1852 Claiborne Co. TN. (Proven child of John Jr. per 1850 census – married in Claiborne Co. TN)
11) Christine Scalf (b) 1833 Married John Wood July 24, 1851 Claiborne Co. TN (Proven child of John Jr. per 1850 census - Claiborne Co Marriages).
12) Catherine Scalf (b) 1836 Married Miles Scalf (son of Ira) September 14, 1854 Claiborne Co. TN. (Proven child of John Jr. per 1850 census - Claiborne Co. Marriages).
13) Mary A. Scalf (b) 1839 married Ed Messer. (Proven child of John Jr. per 1860 census).
14) James Scalf (b) 1840 married _________.  (Proven child of John Jr. per 1850 census - No information).

ANN SCALF HUBBARD
Daughter of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Ann<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

It is stated that Ann Scalf was the oldest daughter of John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts Scalf. Ann is reportedly born 1811 and married Thomas Hubbard in Clay County, Kentucky in April of 1826. However, the marriage of Thomas Hubbard to Cealy Ann Scalf took place in April of 1836.

We cannot rule out the fact that ages and birth dates are known to be stated incorrectly on the records. Due to this knowledge, it is possible that Ann was a daughter of John and Patsy, but at this point only descendents of the Thomas Hubbard line can help solve this mystery. Records and family legend will need to be compared in order to sort this out. It is also possible that this Cealy Ann Scalf was the daughter of John Scalf, Sr. since John is believed to have been in the area at this time.

Analyzing what we know verses what we do not know concerning the older children of John Scalf Jr. and Martha (Patsy) Counts Scalf we find the following:

Fact 1: What is known. Scalf Family History, page 155 states the following:

It is certain that John, Jr. and his new bride, Patsy Couts, had arrived in Clay County, Kentucky by 1811 as this was the year their first child, Ann Scalf, was born. Ann Scalf later married in Clay County to Thomas Hubbard on April 6, 1826.

Ann would have been 15 years old in 1826 but this was not uncommon for marriage during this time. The date for the marriage of Ann Scalf to Thomas Hubbard is actually 1836. The date listed by Elmer was probably a typing error. Ann would have been 25 years old in 1836 if she was born 1811 and she could have been born later.

The following is a response to a message posted on the Hubbard forum received from Gary Smallwood August 9, 2004

Margaret: I don't know if you found your Thomas Hubbard or not, but from my records this Thomas is two different Thomas Hubbards. Thomas Hubbard b: abt 1804 was married to an Elizabeth and had four children and then there was this one; Thomas Hubbard b: abt.1776 was married to Cealy Ann Scalf plus two other women

Fact 2: Ann Scalf married Thomas Hubbard - 04-06-1836   Clay Co. KY (Clay County Bride Index).

Fact 3:  Around the latter part of 1835 and early 1836, the Scalf family was beginning to leave Russell County, Virginia and this would coincide with the marriage of Ann Scalf to Thomas Hubbard in Clay County, Kentucky in 1836 as there is evidence that some of John Sr.'s children were in Kentucky between 1836 and 1840. However, the families of John Jr., Ira, Polly Scalf Trent, possibly Nancy Scalf Collins, Lydia Scalf Painter and Cecelia Scalf Lochard were in Hawkins County, Tennessee by 1840 where they were enumerated on the 1840 census.  William Scalf who married Talitha Scalf in 1839 Hawkins County was also there.

NOTE: This William was not the son of John Scalf Sr. The son of John Sr.; William No. 2 had died by 1845 according to the statement of Patsy Counts Scalf. Therefore, he could not have married Talitha Trent in 1839 Hawkins County. Her husband left his will in Union County, Tennessee in 1852.

Fact 4:  Page 128 of the 1820 Clay County, Kentucky census lists a Thomas Hubbard as head of house. However, both the older male and female are listed in the category of 45 and over. This would not be Thomas and Ann Scalf Hubbard.

Categories for the 1820 census:  

Males:  (0 – 10)   (10 – 16)   (16 – 18)   (16 – 26)   (26 – 45)   (45 – or above)    

Females: (0 – 10)   (10 – 16)    (16 – 26)   (26 – 45)   (45 – or above)

Thos. Hubbard   0-0-0-1-0-1 ------- 0-0-0-0-1

One male 16 – 26
One male 45 and above
One female 45 and above

Fact 5:  From the 1830 census of Clay County, Kentucky, we find a Thomas Hubbard age 20 – 30 with a wife the same age but this again is not Thomas and Ann because they married in 1836 and would not have been listed on the 1830 census.

A Thomas Hubbard was not found in 1840 as head of house but this could be due to the misinterpreted spellings of some names on census indexes.

Fact 6: By 1850 a Thomas Hubbard is found as head of house in Knox County, Kentucky. This may or may not be Ann Scalf who married Thomas Hubbard. If so, her name was Elizabeth Ann Scalf for she appears as Elizabeth here. However, this does appear to be the Thomas Hubbard and Elizabeth mentioned above by Gary Smallwood.

For research purposes, this family was followed through 1870 in the event that this is the correct Ann Scalf and Thomas Hubbard. Of course, the ages conflict from census to census as usual.

It appears that either Thomas had died before 1870 or they had divorced because Elizabeth is in the home of her son, James Franklin Hubbard in 1870. Her last daughter, Ellen, was also in the home. As can be seen on these census records, it is difficult to estimate Elizabeth's approximate birth date due to the conflicting ages stated on the census records.

1850 Knox Co. KY  1 August 1850

1860 Knox Co. KY  6 July 1860  Stinking Creek District   Flatlick

1870 Knox Co. KY  8 September 1870   Subdivision 95      Barboursville

Speculation:  Several clues might indicate this family to be Thomas and Ann Scalf Hubbard. There is a Messer family living nearby Thomas Hubbard in 1850. Ann's sister, Mary, is reported to have married Ed Messer. In 1860, the Thomas Hubbard family is living just down the road from Peter Scalf, an uncle to Ann Scalf.

This is certainly not enough evidence to confirm this is Ann Scalf and Thomas Hubbard and has been offered only as an avenue of research. Again, we are left to wonder if John Jr. did have a daughter named Ann who married Thomas Hubbard in 1836 Clay County, Kentucky of if this could have been Cecelia Scalf, daughter of John Scalf, Sr. who married Thomas Hubbard and then Thomas Lochard. Descendents of the correct Thomas Hubbard may be able to add to this.

The only other explanation that can be offered concerning this matter is the fact that the records might have been confused between Lockard and Hubbard. The marriage bond for Thomas Hubbard and Cealy Ann Scalf would need to be studied closely to determine if the name Hubbard could have been Lockard.

REBECCA SCALF
Daughter  (?) of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts

  1) Why did Rebecca not marry until 1860?  Although the Scalf Family History does not give an age for Rebecca, it is safe to assume she was not born after 1827 because had she been born this late, she would have been listed on the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee after Matilda who was born in 1827. 
  2) Was Rebecca married prior to her marriage to Abijah Edwards in 1860?  If Rebecca was the child on the 1840 census that was older than Matilda, she would have been around the age of 35-40 years old when she married Abijah. If she were older than this child on the 1840 census of John and Patsy, she would have been even older when she married Abijah.
  3) If she was the unknown child in John Jr.'s home in 1840, why was she not listed on the census record of 1850 if she waited until 1860 to marry?

It is listed in Scalf Family History that John Jr.'s children were in various homes at various times but there is no explanation for this. It has also been stated that Berryman's children were in various homes at various times but this also is questionable and cannot be confirmed.

If Rebecca Scalf who married Abijah Edwards was the daughter of John and Patsy she surely married someone else prior to her marriage to Abijah. If she was not their daughter, then she was the daughter of another Scalf family member, possibly one in Kentucky or to take the mystery a bit further, she might have been the wife of a Scalf who had died, divorced or she was illegitimate. 

Whichever is correct, it does not seem logical that Rebecca who married Abijah Edwards was the daughter of John Scalf Jr. and Patsy Counts. Descendents of Abijah Edwards might be able to help us solve this mystery.

It is confirmed that a Rebecca Scalf did marry Abijah Edwards 1860 in Clay County, Kentucky by the Kentucky Marriages, (bride index).

Rebecca Scalf to Abijah Edwards    08-21-1860 Clay County, Kentucky

FIELDING SCALF
Son (?) of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts

Fielding Scalf is listed as a son of John Scalf Jr. and Patsy Counts Scalf and was born about 1816. Nothing has been found concerning Fielding at this time. His wife is listed as Rachel. The children of Fielding and Rachel are listed as taken from Scalf Family History, page 159.

The above names John R. Scalf, Robert, Davey, Harriet and Caleb have failed to surface in the Tennessee or Virginia records but may be in the Kentucky records. These folks cannot be confirmed as part of the John Scalf Jr. family at this time. Greenberry Scalf had a son John R. Scalf but he was born much later than this John R. Scalf. Greenberry himself was born 1841 or 1842.

It should be noted that a Daniel Scalf is buried in the same cemetery as Richard Scalf. Richard was a known son of John Scalf, Jr. and Patsy Counts Scalf. It is believed that Daniel was a son of John and Patsy and Daniel might have been a middle or first name for Fielding.
 

WILLIAM SCALF
Son (?) of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts

William Scalf was born about 1819 and is reported in Scalf Family History to have been a son of John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts Scalf. This also cannot be confirmed. Although William lived in the same area that John and Patsy lived in, there is not enough evidence to confirm that he was actually a son. The tax lists of Russell County also deny that John Jr. had a son before Richard was born around 1830.

William's wife, Talitha Scalf, could just as easily have been a daughter of John and Patsy. Talitha was born around the same time as the daughter listed on the 1840 census of Hawkins, Tennessee in the home of John and Patsy. This daughter is unknown at this time.

In studying the family of Lee Scalf it does not appear that Talitha belonged to Lee either.  Lee Scalf had two daughters born 1830 – 1835 and one son born 1835 – 1840 on the 1840 Russell County, Virginia Census.  Talitha was born earlier than the daughters of Lee Scalf.

This raises the question of whether or not Talitha was actually a Scalf before her marriage or whether she might have been the daughter of Brittan and his wife Talitha Couch.

William and Talitha are first found on the 1840 Hawkins County, Tennessee census.

1840 Hawkins County, TN

Scalf, William

There appears to be a female in the home that would have probably been a relative of either William or Talitha. William and Talitha married December of 1839 in Hawkins County, Tennessee so they would not have children this age in 1840.

By 1850, William and Talitha have moved over to Claiborne County near Scalf and Trent relatives.

1850 Claiborne CO TN     27 October 1850

William Scalf died within a couple of years after his move to Claiborne County. His will was found at the Union County Historical Society, Maynardville, Tennessee and is listed below.  This will had been copied from the books by the Historical Society and may contain errors.

Recorded in Minute Book A, Guardian Book page 99 Union County, TN 1856 – 1877, microfilm roll 1. WGT.

Will of William Scalf

I, William Scalf of the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee, being in sound mind and disposing of my property both real and personal, I will and bequesth unto my beloved wife TIBITHA all the land and estate and all my personal estate that I am seized of and possessed of out of which I want all my just debts paid and the remainder to be kept or disposed of as she may wish to do.

October 5^th 1852            Signed: William (X) Scalf

Attest: I. G. Palmer

      (?) Keck

      John Sharp

No further records were found for William after this will and it assumed he died during the same fly cholera epidemic that took the life of Rosannah Gibson Scalf.

Interestingly, the will of Richard Scaff was also sent to me at the same time. I had not requested this but was certainly glad to receive it.  This will be listed under the family of Richard Scalf and Jane Perry.

After the death of William, Talitha remarried to Cornelius Trent on January 6, 1854 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. (Link to Talitha Scalf & Cornelus Trent marriage document)

Either Cornelius died or they divorced because Talitha is found living next door to John Scalf Jr. in Scott County, Virginia in 1860.

After the 1850 census and before the 1860 census, the surname of the Scalf children was changed and they were listed on the 1860 census as Mortons. This change must have been for a very important reason, because all the children used Morton as a surname for the rest of their lives. The names of the children appear to match the children in William and Talitha's home in 1850 with the exception of an additional child. There has been speculation that a mistake was made on the census by the enumerator, but upon closer inspection the children continued to use the Morton surname even though they did not see the census and probably could not read or write. It is possible a Morton family assumed guardianship of the Scalf children after William died but no record of this action has been found. Another theory suggests the family changed the surname and moved to another location for legal or personal reasons. If that was true, why did they moved next door to John Scalf, Jr., Tabitha's father in law? John Scalf Jr. had his share of personal and legal problems which would endangered the Tibitha Trent family living next door. Finally, the possibility that Tabitha married a Morton which resulted in the surname change on the 1860 census is without any supporting facts. We will probably never know the reason for the name change.   

1860 Scott County, VA    11 July 1860      Estillville District

On first observation of this census it appeared that all of these children were the children of William Scalf and Talitha, but further study of this family reveals that Henry Morton was most likely the husband of Mary Morton who is listed last on this census. Henry, son of William and Talitha was listed as Henry P. Scalf on the 1850 census. This Henry in 1860 is listed as a Morton. 

It is of doubt that Rachel was the daughter of Henry and Mary since Mary was only 18 here and would have been 14 when Rachel was born but it is also possible that Mary did marry very young. Another explanation for Rachel would be that she was the daughter of Talitha from her marriage to Cornelius Trent since they married in 1854 and Rachel was born 1856.  As so often happens on the census records, the enumerator could have gotten confused between the two families and listed Rachel as a Morton.

Review of the 1850 census reveals Mariah was only 3 years old in 1850 and should have been 13 here but is listed as 16. This is only a three year difference and not unusual for the census records.

Sarah was one year old in 1850 but is twelve years old here. She should have been 11. Not a significant difference.

There was no Jesse on the 1850 census but there was a John, age 5 and this could be the same person using different names on these census records. Jesse is listed as 15. John would have been 15 at this time and is likely the same person.

David was six years old in 1850 and is now listed as 18 and this again, is not a significant difference.

In all likelihood, these are the children of William and Talitha with the exception of Mary Morton who is the wife of Henry, and Rachel is most likely the daughter of Cornelius and Talitha.

Talitha Scalf Trent was not found after the census and is believed to have died or remarried. No further information is known of this family.

HENRY P. SCALF/ MORTON
Son of
William Scalf & Telitha Couch

Henry P. Scalf, the son of William Scalf and Telitha Couch was born January 18, 1840 in Tennessee or Virginia and died May 16, 1872 in Letcher County, Kentucky. Henry married Mary Polly Amburgey in 1864 in Letcher, Kentucky. After Henry died, Polly married Hamilton Ham Gibson in on November 28, 1872 in Letcher County, Kentucky. Mary Polly was born December 5, 1841 in Redfox, Knott, Kentucky and died July 12, 1937 in Redfox, Knott County, Kentucky. Henry's surname change  from Scalf to Morton is discussed in William Scalf section above.

(Link to death certificate of  Mary Polly Amburgey Morton Gibson)

Children of William Joseph & Mary Polly Amburgey:
  1. Anderson Joseph - died young.

Children of Henry Scalf & Mary Polly Amburgey:
  1. Rachel Morton - born 1864 in Redfox, Knott, Kentucky and died 1892 in Sneedville, Hancock, Tennessee. In the 1880 Letcher County, Kentucky census, Rachel Morton is working as a servant in the home of James Collins. She married Lewis Collin, a  relative of James Collins.
  2. John P. Morton - born August 8, 1867 in Letcher County, Kentucky and died April 16, 1925 in Litt Carr, Knott County, Kentucky. In 1880, John is living with his mother and step father.
  3. Reuben Morton - born 1868.
  4. Richard Morton - born April 7, 1866 in Redfox, Knott County, Kentucky and died July 2, 1940 in Redfox, Knott County, Kentucky. In 1880, Richard is living with his mother and step father.  (Link to Richard Morton death certificate)<
  5. Elizabeth Morton - born 1870 in Knott County, Kentucky - married John William Willy Neece. In 1880, Elizabeth is living with Mary's parents, John and Rachel Amburgey.

After the death of Henry Morton, several of the children were sent to live with relatives.

Children of Hamilton Ham Gibson & Mary Polly Amburgey:
  1. Minerva Jane Gibson - died young
  2. Nancy Anne Gibson - died young
  3. James Gibson
  4. Dora Gibson - married Bill Collins
  5. Kendrick Gibson

1850 Claiborne CO TN    27 October 1850

1860 Scott County, VA    11 July 1860      Estillville District

1880 Letcher CO KY        21 June 1880        Carson

1880 Letcher CO KY        21 June 1880        Carson

1880 Letcher CO KY        21 June 1880        Carson

JOHN/JESSE SCALF/MORTON
Son of
William Scalf & Talitha Couch

Jesse Scalf, the son of William Scalf and Telitha Couch was born about 1846. It appears that John Scalf in the 1850 Claiborne, County, Tennessee census and Jesse Morton in the 1860 Scott County, Virginia census are the same person. Possible reasons for the surname change from Scalf to Morton is discussed above in the section on William and Talitha Scalf. Jesse Morton is listed in the 1860 Scott County, Virginia census and, except for the short statement in the Jesse Morton document, is lost to history.
   
1850 Claiborne CO TN     27 October 1850

1860 Scott County, VA    11 July 1860      Estillville District

The information on Jesse Morton is covered in The Family of Jesse Morton document which was copied from the Whitesburg, Kentucky library many years ago. The author of this document is unknown. In the document Jesse Morton is described as Jesse Morton, the 1st, the brother of Henry P. Morton and the father of Jesse Morton, the 2nd. Abbytine Meadors, born 1845, is described as the mother of Jesse Morton, 2nd.
 

JESSE JAMES MORTON
Son of
Jesse Scalf/Morton & Abbytine Meadows

Jesse Morton 2nd was born November 21, 1867 in Whitesburg, Letcher County, Kentucky and died July 19, 1950 in Sackett, Letcher County, Kentucky. Jesse married: (1) Evaline Collins on December 10, 1885. Evaline was born October 10, 1877 in Knott County, Kentucky and died 1899 in Letcher County, Kentucky. (2) Nancy E. Adam on June 5, 1900. Nancy was born October 14, 1878 in Whitesburg, Letcher County, Kentucky and died October 27, 1956 in Whitesburg, Letcher County, Kentucky.

(Link to Jesse Morton death certificate)

(Link to Nancy Morton death certificate)

Jesse is living with his mother and grandmother in the 1870 census.

1870 Letcher CO KY       16 July 1870        Whitesburg

(Link to Abbytine Meadors death certificate)

1880 Letcher CO KY        3 June 1880        RockHouse

Children of Jesse Morton & Evaline Collins:
1. Thomas G. Morton
2. Samuel Morton
3. Rosana Morton
4. Sadie Morton (Link to death certificate)
5. Ella Morton
6. William A. Morton   (Link to death certificate)
7. Virgie Morton

Children of Jesse Morton & Nancy E. Adams:
1. Leonard Morton    (Link to death certificate)
2. John Morton
3. Lindsay Morton
4. Linvil Morton
5. Lemuel Morton
6. Albert Morton   (Link to death certificate)
7. Rhonda Morton  
8. David Morton
9. Della Morton   (Link to death certificate)

1900 Letcher CO KY       11 June 1900        RockHouse

 
1910 Letcher CO KY        21 April 1910       Precinct 3

 
1920 Letcher CO KY        19 January 1920       Coby

1930 Letcher CO KY       10 April 1930        RockHouse

1940 Letcher CO KY     24 April 1940         District 3   

SARAH SCALF/MORTON
Daughter of
William Scalf & Telitha Couch

Sarah, the daughter of William Scalf and Telitha Couch was born about 1849 in Kentucky or Tennessee. Sarah married Lafayette Sexton. Sarah's surname change  from Scalf to Morton is discussed in William Scalf section above.

Children of Lafayette Sexton and Sarah Scalf/Morton:

  1. Andrew Jackson Sexton    (Link to Andrew Sexton Death certificate)
  2. Thomas Jefferson Sexton
  3. Marion Sexton
  4. Elizabeth Section
  5. Dorabell Sexton  (Link to Dorabell Sexton & John A. Barnett marriage document)
  6. Shadrick (Shade) Sexton  (Link to Shade Sexton death certificate)

1850 Claiborne CO TN    27 October 1850

1860 Scott County, VA    11 July 1860      Estillville District

1870 Letcher CO KY        23 July 1870        Whitesburg

1880 Letcher CO KY        3 June 1880        Rockhouse

CATHERINE SCALF/MORTON
Daughter of
William Scalf & Telitha Couch

Catherine Scalf, the daughter of William Scalf and Telitha Couch was born about 1850 in Tennessee and died January 8, 1932 in  Stinson, Carter County, Kentucky. Catherine married George Washington Sexton on June 1, 1870 in Boyd County, Kentucky. Catherine's surname change  from Scalf to Morton is discussed in William Scalf section above.

(Link to George W. Sexton death certificate)

(Link to George W. Sexton obituary)

(Link to Catherine Sexton death certificate)

Children of Catherine Scalf & George W. Sexton:
1. Infant Sexton - born 1871.
2. Mary M. Sexton -  born April 1872.
3. Winnie Sexton - born 1874 and died before 1940.
5. Victoria Maraline Collins Sexton - born March 4, 1878 in Johnson County, Kentucky and died September 11, 1964 in Fayette County, West Virginia.
6. Harriet Melissa Sexton - born August 16, 1878 in Kentucky and died March 23, 1959 in Carter County, Kentucky.
7. Andrew Jackson Sexton - born January 14, 1881 in Carter County, Kentucky and died July 10, 1923 in Ashland, Boyd County, Kentucky. (Link to death certificate)
8. Martin Van Buren Sexton - born June 22, 1883in Carter County, Kentucky and died February 2, 1975 in Rush, Boyd County, Kentucky.  (Link to Martin Vanburne Sexton & Ollie Craig  marriage document)
9. Evalena Sexton - born April 12, 1884 in Kentucky and died December 24, 1960 in Montgomery, West Virginia.
10. George Washington Sexton, Jr. - born June 6, 1885 in Carter County, Kentucky and died February 1, 1977 in Kentucky.
11. Infant Sexton - born 1887.
12. Malinda Sexton - born July 5, 1889 in Carter County, Kentucky.
13. Kate Sexton - born July 26, 1892 in Rush, Boyd County, Kentucky and died April 4, 1972 in Ashland, Boyd County, Kentucky.
14. Beauah Sexton - born 1894 in Carter County, Kentucky.
15. Charles Edward Sexton - born January 26, 1896 in Carter County, Kentucky and died January 24, 1956 in Boyd County, Kentucky. (Link to death certificate)

1850 Claiborne CO TN     27 October 1850

1860 Scott County, VA    11 July 1860      Estillville District

Catherine's husband changed his name to Sexton which was his mother's name and used it for much of his life. However, he used his father's name, Collins, for a few years off and on apparently trying to claim pension rights due to his father's Civil War death. (Courtesy - Susan Evans) This event is shown in the 1870 census.

1870 Boyd CO KY         13-14 July 1870         District 2

1880 Carter CO KY        11 June 1880         Precinct 8

1900 Carter CO KY           6 June 1900       District 7

1910 Carter CO KY        9 May 1910    Geigerville

1920 Carter CO KY         2 February 1920      Geigerville

1930 Carter CO KY         26 April 1930     Geigerville

  GREENBERRY SCALF
Son of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Greenberry<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Greenberry Scalf (suggested by Henry and Elmer as the son of John Jr.) appears to have been the son of Ira and Rosannah Gibson Scalf and not the son of John Jr.  See the chapter of Ira Scalf for this family.

The next children are the children of John Scalf and Patsy as shown on the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee.

MATILDA SCALF
Daughter of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Matilda Scalf, daughter of John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts was born about 1827 according to the 1850 Claiborne County, Tennessee census. This could be incorrect as most ages on the censuses usually are. Matilda may have been born earlier than 1827 or even later. At least, three years plus or minus is relied on to be more accurate by this researcher.  Matilda, married Jacob Shelby Lay in Claiborne County, Tennessee August 14, 1851.

Matilda Scalf was a member of the Richardson's Creek Baptist Church in Grainger County as early as 1849 and is listed on the membership rolls, as well as her sister, Christine, (aka Cristence from the census). Many of the Trent family attended this church. This suggests that John Jr. lived near the Grainger County line when he lived in Claiborne County and possibly the Alexander and Polly Scalf Trent family also.

There are two listings on the application index for the marriage of Jacob and Matilda. One listing records Jacob as Jacob Shelby, the other as Jacob Lay. Descendents and researchers of the Lay family state that his full name was Jacob Shelby Lay. This would explain the two listings, as it appears the clerk was confused as the census enumerators often were.

Jacob Lay was the son of Jesse Lay and Sarah Shelby. This family arrived early in the Hawkins/Grainger/Claiborne/Hancock/Union area very early on and from information via the Lay researchers he came from North Carolina. Jesse Lay, father of Jacob Lay died 1881 in Union County, TN. He was the son of John David Lay.

Descendents of Matilda and Jacob were compiled from a study of the census records and available information. Lay family researchers submitted some of the family names. There is conflicting information however, and a more thorough search may resolve the names of Jacob and Matilda's children.  

Children of Jacob Shelby Lay and Matilda Scalf:

  1) W. Doc Lay was born July 27, 1852, and died July 18, 1882. He married Adeline Hollingsworth.
  2) John W. Lay was born March 6,1854, and died March 23, 1932. He married Elnora Dinwiddy.
  3) James Thomas Lay was born January 20, 1856, and died July 18, 1882. He married Charlotte Hollingsworth. She was born 1866, and died 1929.
  4) David Lay was born September 12, 1860, and died May 5, 1941. He married Martha Cabbage November 20, 1886 in Union County, TN.
  5) Hiram Lay was born January 20, 1863. He married Minerva Munsey February 1, 1883.
  6) Mary Lay was born January 20,1868, and died January 15, 1935. She married Henry Jones.

The Lay family research shows only six children. Henry Scalf and Elsie Payne Archer corresponded with a Lay descendent during the writings of Chronicles of the Scalf family. This descendent states seven children.

Excerpted from Chronicles of the Scalf Family by Henry P. Scalf.

“Jacob Lay was a son of James Jesse Lay, born in the 1790's in Tennessee. His estate was settled in 1885. Mother of Jacob Lay was Sarah (Sallie) Shelby, daughter of Samuel Shelby. She was born in 1811 in Virginia, died previous to the 1870 census. James Jesse Lay and Sarah Shelby Lay are buried in Old Lay Graveyard on the Lay farm in Big Valley, Sharp's Chapel, Union County, Tennessee.

“Jacob Lay, one of ten chi1dren, was born May 5, 1831, died Jan. 6, 1912. Matilda Scalf Lay was born May 6, 1824, died April 23, 1884. Both died at Liberty Hill, Grainger County, Tennessee, and lie buried in Locust Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery near Washburn, Tennessee.”

Nine children were born to the union of Jacob Lay and Matilda Scalf. Two died as infants. The seven children who lived to adulthood were:

  1) W. Dock Lay, born July 27, 1937. Married Adaline Hollingsworth, born Feb. 7, 1848, died April 20, 1921. (The date 1937 appears to be a typing error) M. Fleenor
  2) John H. Lay, born March 6, 1854, died March 24, 1932. Married Elnora (Sis) Dinwiddie (1855-1914).
  3) James Thomas Lay, born Jan. 20, 1856, died July 18, 1882. Married Charlotte Hollingsworth, born Dec. 26, 1856, died Jan. 29, 1925.
  4) David Lay, born Sept. 12, 1860, died May 21, 1941. Married first Martha Cabbage, second Arizona Weaver.
  5) Hiram Jesse Lay, born Jan. 20, 1862, died Jan. 16, 1946. Married first Minerva Jane Munsey, second Lydia Knisley.
  6) Hariett Lay, born Feb. 8, 1865, died Dec. 16, 1912. Married Isaac Acuff died June 1912.
  7) Mary Lay, born Jan. 20, 1868, died January 15, 1935. Married Henry Jones, born May 15, 1858, died Jan. 12, 1927.

Issue of W. Dock Lay and Adaline Hollingsworth were Charles (1876-1950), married Helia Hamilton; Martha, married first Charles Buckner, second Alf Vandergriff; Alice, died in the 1950's, age 72, married Azch T. Nicley.

Issue of James Thomas Lay and Charlotte Hollingsworth were William, born Nov. 18, 1876, died July 28, 1959, married Armina Satterfield, born Nov. 17, 1875, died August 6, 1953; G. Nelson, born Oct. 17, 1878, died April 5, 1937, married Sallie McKinney; James David, born June 22, 1880,s died June 27, 1965, married Ora Jane Baker (1884-1946).

Issue of John H. Lay and Elnora Dinwiddie were Jacob, born Nov. 20, 1876, died in the 1950's, married Linda Beeler; Milton, born Nov. 20, 1878, died Dec. 25, 1935, married Lyddie Kitts; Jo. Albert, born June 18, 1884, died unmarried August 26, 1906; Ida, born Jan. 15, 1881, died Dec. 15, 1916, unmarried; Maggie, born August 8, 1882, died May 25, 1935, married Charlie Johnson; Myrtle, born Oct. 28, 1888, died Sept. 21, 1954, married Verlin Acuff; Maudie, born May 15, 1892, died Oct. 12, 1915, unmarried; Matilda, born May 14, 1894, died June 5, 1964, married Herman Kitts; Ethel, born July 9, 1900, died Oct. 24, 1921, married Verlin Acuff as his first wife.

Issue of David Lay and Martha Cabbage and Arizona Weaver the best that can be determined were Lena, born 1886, married Dolph Clark; Oscar Lafayette, born 1888, died July 31, 1957, married Dossie Ailor; Nellie, married Gilbert Wilhoit; Russell, died unmarried; Walter, wife's name unknown; Curtis, name of first wife unknown, but second wife was Louisa Toole; Herbert, name of wife unknown; Timothy; Carl; Maxie, married Glenn McClain; Augusta, name of spouse unknown; Irene, married Northcutt; Fern, name of spouse unknown; Roy, died unmarried, fell off wagon and was fatally injured.

Issue of Hiram J, Lay and Minerva J. Muncey were a son, died infant; Matilda, died infant; James Jesse (Tom), married first Maggie Edmondson, second Rachel Banks; Grover Cleveland, born 1890, died Feb. 7, 1966, married Elizabeth Long; Wm. Heman, born 1892, married Bessie Wolfe; Stella B., married Paris Mincey; Lotte Igetta, born 1897, married Clay Webber.

Issue of Hiram J. Lay and Lida Knisley were Samuel Easton, married first Gracie Nicely, second Nicely; Jacob Percy, married Vallie Mincey; May, married Ralph Beeler.

Issue of Harriett Lay and Isaac Acuff were Etta, died 1953, married Lloyd Branson; Dock, married first Lillie Acuff; Jennie, born 1894, died in the 1940's, married Spurgeon Vineyard; Lena, (1894-1954), married first Byrely, second M.D. Bolin; Edwin G., born 1896, married Beulah Russell; Valcus I., born 1900, married Hazel Leona Leffew; Ola, born 1898, married Sedric Vineyard; Emma, married Thedric Howell; John; Birt C.

Issue of Mary Lay and Henry Jones were Minnie Matilda (1886-1961), married J. Porter Kitts; Jacob, married Eva Hopson; Coram K., married Velma Moyers; Bessie, first wife of Isaac Beeler, Clyde, born 1896, unmarried, killed by horse in 1920's; Arah, died unmarried; Vaughn; Pearl, born 1902, married Charles Loope; Verl, married Stella Satterfield; Hollie, married Ina Ruth Fox.

Jacob Shelby Lay and Matilda Scalf Lay family compiled from census records by Virgil Scalf.

1870 Grainger CO TN        8 June 1870       District 13

1880 Grainger CO TN        June 1880       District 13

1900 Grainger CO TN        22 June 1900     District 13

Matilda Scalf Lay died by the enumeration of the 1900 census.

WILLIAM DECATUR DOCK LAY
Son of
Jacob Lay & Matilda Scalf
William Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1880 Grainger CO TN        June 1880               District 13

1900 Grainger CO TN        19 June 1900            District 13

Note: In 1900, Archibald & Susan Haynes Scalf are living in the neighborhood. This Archibald is believed to have been the last son of Peter Scalf and Sarah, his second wife (?). Peter was the son of John Scalf Sr.

1910 Grainger CO TN        15 April 1910     District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN        16-19 January 1920        District 6

1930 Grainger CO TN        19 April 1930     District 6

CHARLIE LAY
Son of
William D. Lay & Adeline Hollingsworth
Charlie<William Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1900 Grainger CO TN        19 June 1900     District 13

1910 Grainger CO TN        15 April 1910     District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN        16-19 January 1920   District 6     

1930 Grainger CO TN        19 April 1930     District 6

JOHN H. LAY
Son of
Jacob Lay & Matilda Scalf
John Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1880 Grainger CO TN        24 June 1880     District 13

1900 Grainger CO TN        7 June 1900       District 13

Note:  This family was enumerated twice in this year. These records are two weeks apart.

1900 Grainger CO TN        14 June 1900     District 13

1910 Grainger CO TN        15 April 1910     District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN        16-19 January 1920   District 6

1930 Grainger CO TN        15 April 1930     District 6

JACOB LAY
Son of
John H. Scalf & Harriet Elnora Dinwiddie
John Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1900 Grainger CO TN        19 June 1900     District 13

1910 Grainger CO TN     20 April 1910     District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN     14 & 15 January 1920        District 6

1930 Grainger CO TN     18 April 1930     District 6

JAMES THOMAS LAY
Son of
Jacob Lay & Matilda Scalf
James Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1880 Grainger CO TN        June 1880       District 13

1900 Grainger CO TN     6 June 1900       District 13

1910 Grainger CO TN        4 May 1910    District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN        20 & 21 January 1920        District 6

DAVID NELSON LAY
Son of
James Thomas Lay & Charlotte Hollingsworth
David<James Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

David Lay, son of Jacob Lay & Matilda Scalf, was born November 18, 1859 and died May 21, 1941. David was married first Martha Cabbage and second to Arizona Weaver. (Link to death certificate)

1910 Grainger CO TN        20 April 1910     District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN        20 & 21 January 1920        District 6

1930 Grainger CO TN        16 April 1930     District 6

HIRAM JESSE LAY
Son of
Jacob Lay & Matilda Scalf
Hiram Lay<Matilda<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

1900 Grainger CO TN        16 June 1900     District 13

1910 Grainger CO TN        2 May 1910    District 5

1920 Grainger CO TN        15 & 16 January 1920     District 6

1930 Grainger CO TN        15 April 1930     District 6

RICHARD SCALF
Son of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Richard<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Richard Scalf, son of John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts was born 1830 according to the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee. His birth date from his headstone reads May 2, 1829. Richard died February 7, 1887 in Grainger County, Tennessee where he lived for at least the last twenty to thirty years of his life.  Richard married Jane Perry 1852 in Claiborne County, Tennessee before Union County was created from Claiborne. He moved to Grainger County, Tennessee sometime between 1860 and 1870. Grainger was formed very early so this was a definite move and not a boundary change.

It is unclear to this researcher whether all, part, or any of the children in the home of Richard Scalf were the children of Richard and Jane or if they were the children of Jane from a previous marriage. It has been said that court records exist in one of the counties concerning a suit between the children over the estate of Richard.  This court record allegedly states the names of the children and whether any belonged to Richard. I have not seen this court suit. Nancy, one of the children, did use the Scalf surname.

Review of the census records appears to indicate that Margarett and Alfred were born before Jane's marriage to Richard. Nancy was born 1853 according to the census and this was after the marriage.

Another Richard is listed but is listed under the name of Richard Perry in 1870. He was born about 1861 after the marriage of Richard and Jane. Elizabeth is listed as Perry above him on this census and is 12 years old and born after the marriage, which complicates things further. This same Richard Perry is listed on the 1880 census as a servant, suggesting he was not a son of Richard or Jane.  

It appears that Jane's parents are listed in the home in 1870.  James and Mary Perry are listed as 93 and 88 and born in North and South Carolina.

The will of Richard Scalf does not indicate the names of his children, if there were any, so it is difficult to determine who, if any, were the children of Richard Scalf. Richard's name is listed as Richard SCAFF on this will. No date is given for the will.

1840 Hawkins CO TN

John Scalf, Jr.

1850 Claiborne CO TN    27 October 1850   7^th Subdivision – East District

1860 Union CO TN       2 August 1860         District 11

1870 Grainger CO TN        8 June 1870       District 13

1880 Grainger CO TN        19 June 1880     District 13

& 

WILL OF RICHARD SCAFF (SCALF)

I, RICHARD SCAFF of the fifteenth district of Union County and state of Tennessee, being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make, ordain and publish and declare this to be my last will and testament.  That is after all my funeral debts are paid and discharged the remainder of my estate real and personal, I give bequeath and dispose of as follows   to Wit:   To ALFRED DAVID PERRY an equal portion and to MARGARET KECK one equal portion and to NANCY MARINDO CABBAGE one equal portion. I also wish that out of the above named three that one --- one or my wife is the most trouble on their hands to have extra out of said estate whatever may be right to contribute to his or her trouble and expense.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed the said RICHARD SCAFF in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of the above instrument so substantiated to be his last will and testament and we at the testators request and in his presence signed our names and witnessed and opposite our name our respected places of residence.

Recorded in Union County, TN records page 373. Microfilm roll 2 Adm & Wills 1875 – 1911.  WGT

Nancy Marindo should probably be Nancy Marinda.

Jane Perry was born about 1828. She was in Anderson County, Tennessee in 1830, and Hawkins from 1831 to 1843, Hancock from 1844- 1850, Union 1854-1874, and Grainger 1870 -1880.

Jane married Richard Scalf and two of the children went by the Perry name, Margaret and Alfred David, one went by the Scalf name. This was Nancy. Both Nancy and Alfred married into the Cabbage family. Margaret married William Keck.

 NANCY MARINDO SCALF
Daughter of
Richard Scalf & Jane Perry
Nancy<Richard<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Nancy Marindo Scalf, the daughter of Richard Scalf and Jane Perry, was born December 12, 1852 and died July 27, 1891 in Grainger County, Tennessee. Nancy married  James Jasper Newton Cabbage on September 3, 1871 in Grainger County, Tennessee.

Children of James Jasper Cabbage and Nancy Scalf:
1) Martha Ann Cabbage - born April 26, 1873 and died November 6, 1947 in Grainger CO, TN. (Link to death certificate). Martha married Robert Newton Bryant.
2) John William Cabbage
3) Lucy Jane Cabbage
4) Mary Emily Cabbage
5) Sarah Adeline Cabbage
6) Richard McDaniel Cabbage
7) Pryor Lee Cabbage (Link to death certificate)

CHRISTINE SCALF
Daughter of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Christine<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Christine Scalf was born about 1833 in Virginia according to the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee.  Christine married John Wood July 24, 1851 in Claiborne County, Tennessee one year prior to her sister Matilda's married to Jacob Lay. Both Christine and her sister, Matilda were members of the Richardson Creek Baptist Church. No further information is known of Christine and her family at this time.

CATHERINE SCALF
Daughter of
John Scalf Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Catherine<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Catherine Scalf was born about 1836 according to the census record of 1850. A record of the marriage of Catherine and Miles Scalf exists in Claiborne County, Tennessee. The marriage record has not been obtained at this time, however a copy of this marriage record states, Miles Scalf to Catherine Scalf July 14, 1854 - Bk 3, pg 48.

Another record also exists in Claiborne County, Tennessee for a Miles J. Scalf. Miles J. Scalf to Martha E. Qualls - July 10, 1854 - Bk 3, pg 45.

This Miles Scalf applied for a license to marry Martha Qualls just four days before he applied for a license to marry Catherine Scalf. This is very confusing and this may not be the same person although we know of no other Miles Scalf other than the son of Ira.

A Miles Scalf later married Lucy Jackson in Clay County, Kentucky and it is also unknown if this was the same Miles Scalf as above but the records suggest that he was. Catherine Scalf and Miles Scalf were not married very long. Miles and Catherine do not show up on the census records and it is unknown what might have happened.  No further information is known of Catherine Scalf and she might have died after her marriage.

MARY ANN SCALF
Daughter of
John Scalf, Jr. & Martha Patsy Counts
Mary<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Mary Scalf, daughter of John and Patsy Counts Scalf was born about 1839 according to the 1850 census of Claiborne County, Tennessee. Mary Scalf married Edward Messer February 23, 1871.

This may or may not be the same Mary Scalf in the home of John Scalf, Jr. Listed below is a message from a descendent of this line in relation to Mary and Ed Messer. It appears that Edward Messer was married first to Anne Patterson. Anne had also been married prior to this union to John Walker. John died about 1833 and Anne married Ed Messer, son of Moses Messer and Winnie Golden.

It is reported that sometime during the marriage of Edward Messer and Anne Patterson, Edward began having children with Mary and divorced Anne and married Mary.

The following information was sent to Virgil Scalf by another researcher with the exception of the census records, which were compiled by Virgil Scalf. 

Marriage: Nov. 17, 1831
WALKER, John to PATTERSON, Anne; Wm. HOPPER, minister; William PATTERSON, father

NOTE:  John WALKER will die about 1833 leaving Anne PATTERSON WALKER with a young child, Elizabeth JANE PATTERSON.   Then she will marry Edmond/Edward MESSER, s/o Moses MESSER and Winnie GOLDEN.   Then after a bunch of kids, he will start having babies with Mary SCALF (less than half his age) and will then divorce Anne and marry Mary SCALF and then they move to Missouri where he will die.    Anne will remain in Knox County, KY and return to her former married name of WALKER where she is found on the 1880 with a daughter and a granddaughter's young child.

Anna PATTERSON
Marriage 1 John WALKER
Married: 1830/1834
Children
Elizabeth Jane WALKER b: ABT 1834/1835 in KY
Marriage 2 Edward MESSER b: ABT 1816 in KY
Married: 24 FEB 1834
Children
Janie MESSER b: ABT 1835 in KY
William MESSER b: ABT 1836 in KY
Martha MESSER b: ABT 1838 in KY
Asa G. MESSER b: 22 JUN 1839 in KY
Dicey MESSER b: ABT 1842/1843 in KY
Allen MESSER b: ABT 1844 in KY
Mary MESSER b: ABT 1846/1848 in Knox County, KY
Richard MESSER b: 3 APR 1850 in KY

The data below suggests that Mary Ann Scalf, who married Ed Messer in Knox County, KY and the Mary Messer in the 1870 & 1880 Census are the same person.  It is possible that Mary Scalf was staying with the Peter Scalf family or another relative during this period.  

1850 Knox CO KY     1 August 1850

1860 Knox CO TN     7 July 1860     Stinking Creek

NOTE:  Ed Messer married Mary Scalf in Knox County, KY on 1/23/1871

1870 Knox CO KY     3 August 1870         Subdivision 93

The Mary Messer in the 1870 & 1880 census appears to be Mary Scalf,

1880 Ray CO MO     18 June 1880     Camden Township

Name: Edward Messer

Birth:Abt 1816 in Knox Co. KY.

Death:aft 1870 bef 1880 in Knox Co. KY.

 >Note: Married by William Hopper
Bondsman George Patterson

Father: Moses Messerb: 1790 in Edgefield Co. SC.
Mother:Winnie Golden b: 1795 in Powell River Valley TN.

Marriage: Anna Patterson b:1810 in KY

Married: 24 Feb 1834 in Knox Co. KY.

Children:
  1) Allen Messer b: 7 Jan 1844 in Knox Co. KY.
  2) Richard Messer b: 3 Apr 1850 in Knox Co. KY.
  3) Mary Messer b: 19 Jun 1847 in Knox Co. KY.
  4) William Messer b: 1836 in Knox Co. KY.
  5) Martha Messer b: 1838 in Knox Co. KY.
  6) Asa G. Messer b: 22 Jun 1839 in Knox Co. KY.
  7) Dicey Messer b: 25 Aug 1841 in Knox Co. KY.

Name: Moses Messer

Birth: 1790 in Edgefield Co. SC.

Death: Aft 1870 in Knox Co. KY.

Note: Moses and Winnie are still alive in Knox Co on the 1870 Census

Father: John Messer b: 1755 in Edgefield Co.SC.
Mother: Agnes Unk. b: 1755 in VA.

Marriage: Winnie Golden b: 1795 in Powell River Valley TN.

Married:9 Apr 1812 in Knox Co. KY.

Children

  1) Elizabeth Messer b: 1835 in N.Carolina
  2) Sarah Messer b: 10 Sep 1827 in Knox Co. KY.
  3) Emily Messer b: 1825 in Knox Co. KY.
  4) Edward Messer b: Abt 1816 in Knox Co. KY.
  5) Mary Polly Messer b: 1818 in Knox Co. KY.
  6) Moses Messer b: 1822 in Knox Co. KY.
  7) Abraham Messer b: Jun 1832 in Knox Co. KY.
  8) Leanor Messer b: 1834
  9) Andrew A Y Messer b: 24 Oct 1838 in Knox Co. KY.

Name: Winnie Golden
Birth: 1795 in Powell River Valley TN.
Death: Aft 1870 in Knox Co. KY.
Father: Richard Golden b: Abt 1740 in Tyrone, Ireland
Mother: Mary Francis Lowe

Marriage: Moses Messer b: 1790 in Edgefield Co. SC.
Married: Apr 1812 in Knox Co. KY.
Name: Mary Messer
Birth: 19 Jun 1847 in Knox Co. KY.
Death: 23 Nov 1923 in Knox Co. KY.
Burial: Elon Orange Co In
Father:Edward Messer b: Abt 1816 in Knox Co. KY.
Mother:Anna Patterson b: 1810 in KY

Marriage 1 James M Mills b: 22 Dec 1847 in Knox Co. KY.
Married: 25 Aug 1887 in Knox Co. KY.

KCK Marriage Book E

Ed Messer to Mary Scalf
Bondsman: John Scalf
Bond issued Jan 23 1872
[no other information]

KCK Marriage Book BB & C

February 23, 1871
Ed Messer to Mary Scalf
By: A Y Messer, M C At: Ed Messer's
Wit:  A B Messer and James W Patterson

Mary Messer Mills was the daughter of Edward Messer and Anne Patterson.

1870 Knox CO KY     5 August 1870         Subdivision 93

JAMES SCALF
Son of
John Scalf, Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts
Mary<John Jr.<John Sr.<Lewis Scalf

Nothing is known of James Scalf at this time.

Corrections should be made here to the writings of Scalf Family History, page 177 by Elmer D. Scalf. Elmer states that he believed that William #2 had been married shortly before his death. He also lists the names of those that he believed were children of William.

 1) Matilda Scalf married Zachariah Trent February 12, 1850 Claiborne County, TN.  This was not a child of William Scalf. Trent family researchers state this was Matilda Hoffman not Matilda Scalf.

  2) Tebitha Scalf married Cornelius Trent January 6, 1854. This appears to be the same Talitha Scalf who married William Scalf. William died 1852 and she remarried to Cornelius Trent. It cannot be denied that she was a daughter of William #2, however, no records in Hawkins or the surrounding counties suggest a marriage for William Scalf, #2. Talitha was often noted as Tabitha. This is also incorrect.

  3) Hannah E. Scalf married John Croffon. This name could have been Crawford or Coffman but doubtful it was Croffon. It cannot be denied that she was a daughter of William #2 as well but no records suggest a marriage for this William. It is believed that Hannah could have been a daughter of John Jr. and Patsy or even from the Carter/Washington/Sullivan/Greene County Scalfs but no confirming evidence has been found.

  4) Bennie Scalf (D. 1932, Hawkins Co. TN).  This was my great-grandfather and the son of Berryman Scalf. His name was Berry B. Scalf. He died of a stroke in Hawkins County at the home of his son, Charlie Scalf in 1932. I have seen this record and it does look like Bennie; however Berrie often appears to be Bennie on the records, as Bery appears to be Benj. 

Although it does not appear that the earlier children named above belonged to John Scalf, Jr., the possibility always exists that John could have married in Floyd County, Kentucky in 1810 when his family arrived there or shortly before. If John married before he married Patsy, this wife could have died and he remarried to Patsy Counts in Russell County, Virginia. No information has surfaced to confirm this happened; however, it is a possibility.

Conclusion: The older children listed in Chronicles of the Scalf Family and Scalf Family History cannot be confirmed.  With the available records, we feel sure that John Scalf of Putnam County, Missouri was not a son of John Scalf, Jr. and Martha Patsy Counts.

We also cannot confirm Isaac Scalf as a son of John Scalf, Jr. Circumstantial evidence suggests that Isaac and John might have been brothers and sons of Benjamin Scalf: However, it is also just as possible they were only cousins.  Until further records can be found to confirm Isaac Scalf as either a son of John Scalf, Jr.,or Benjamin Scalf, Isaac will remain in this section.
 

Copyright (C) 2012 by Margaret Fleenor, All Rights Reserved.