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From the Moorefield Examiner
Moorefield, West Virginia
1906
THE INSKEEPS
by H. E. Wallace Jr.
A FOREWORD
The author wishes to insert
here a word of thanks and explanations. The first to the many
South Branch Inskeep descendants who have aided him in this compilation
and especially to Mrs. Ida Wood, through whom the work was encouraged
and brought to its successful termination. It might be well to
also state that the following genealogy is but a very small portion
of the entire which is hoped may some day be published in book
form. The word of explanation is concerning the numbers attached
to each name. The first generation is numbered one as Judge John
Inskeep 1: his children: the second generation 200 to 299; the
third generation 300 to 399: the fourth, 400 to 499: the fifth
5000 to 5999: the sixth 6000 to 6999: and the seventh, 7000 to
7999.
In the southeastern part of Delaware Township, Camden Co., N. J., and about one mile west from Marlton, Burlington county, is situated the original homestead of John Inskeep, the pioneer of the Inskeep Family in America. The county of Staffordshire, England, was the cradle of the race and the nameaccording to Gentry's Family Names, signifies "An Inskeeper, a landlord, and is derived from an inn, a dwelling: scipe, denoting form, condition, state, office or dignity."
History and tradition are both
silent as to the why and wherefore of John Inskeep's emigration
but his purchases of land upon his arrival and his immediate prominent
position in the affairs of the colony proclaim beyond doubt his
was a family of means, education and refinement. Religious persecution
could have had no influence on this move of the pioneer, as he
and the majority of his descendants were of the Church of England.
It was not until the third and fourth generation that they yielded
to the influence of the community in which they dwelt and embraced
the tenets of Friends. But even this was only in isolated instances
and with the antagonistic influences to this faith of the revolution,
they rejoined the church of their fathers or its kindred faiths.
Burlington and Gloucester counties,
the cradle of the family in New Jersey, hold to this day places
known as "Inskeep's". Such as the old mills, near Winslow,
the marl beds and the graveyard near Marlton, but save in four
cases, the name has become extinct in the male line in New Jersey
and Pennsylvania, though through grandsons of the pioneer who
emigrated to Virginia, the family name lives throughout the south,
middle west and beyond the Mississippi.
Never at any one time since
its establishment in America has the family assumed large numbers
in the male line. This doubtless accounts for the small number
of distinguished men; yet among them are found two judges of the
Gloucester County Courts, one Mayor of Philadelphia, two officers
of the revolution and subsequent to that time, many distinguished
in the lesser walks of life, hardy, honest, kindly, God fearing
men and women, the bone and sinew of the nation.
What little is known of the
ancestry of the pioneer is derived from a letter written by his
sister to her nephews John and James, sons of the pioneer and
here follows.
London March 12, 1755
To my nephews, James or John Inskeep;
I have had a great desire to write to you a long time but never
had an
opportunity till lately, not knowing where to direct to you,
or who
of the family was living, for being at variance with my
brother
James Inskeep, I never had an opportunity of seeing the
letters
which was sent to him by you and your father, who I
understand
has been dead ever since the year 1729.
I am the daughter of John Inskeep of Fooford in Staffordshire,
and sister of
your deceased father, and have living, one brother and
two sisters;
my brother James Inskeep who corresponded with your
father and you,
and has let me have several letters which he received
from you in order
that I might write to you - his wife is dead and he
has only one
son whose name is James - my sisters are Cathrine and
Margaret which
are married and have children - Cathrine lives in
Staffordshire,
and Margaret in London: and I have four children and
live in London.
I have a brother deceased in Staffordshire who's
name was Jonathan
Inskeep, who has left a wife and four children,
the oldest of
which his name is John Inskeep.
I would be very glad to hear from you, to hear of my sister Ann,
your aunt is
living and where she lives.
This is the whole act of our family in England who are in good
health at present,
some of my children are grown to maturity and
have a great inclination
to see their relations in that part of the
world if they could
have the pleasure of hearing from them, therefore
it would be a
great satisfaction to receive an answer from some of
you, you signified
in your letter to my brother James Inskeep your
desire of corresponding
with the family, which I hope you will take
hold of all opportunity
to do - me and my husband and children and
all our relations joins
in love to you - from your affectionate and
loving Aunt.
Isabell Jones
P.S. My eldest son is a pretty good scholar and has a great
mind to
come abroad if he could
meet with any encouragement. Pray let me
know what commodity
is best to bring from London.
Please do direct as this To Mr. Jones at No. 6 in Bloomsberry
Market,
London.
To John or James Inskeep living in Burlington county in the township
of Evesham in New Jersey,
or else in Gloucester County West Jersey
near Philadelphia.
The original is in the possession of Mrs. A. W. Stubblefield, of Cumberland, MD.
This establishes without doubt or cavil the father, brothers and sisters of John Inskeep, the pioneer, whose body lies interred in the old Inskeep graveyard at Marlton, isolated, neglected and forgotten by his descendants. There are only eleven stones in the graveyard, a small plot fifty feet square and they areas follows:
1st generation.
John Inskeep, died December 15, 1729. Aged 52 years.
His tombstone also reads "He was born at Sadeley Green Staffordshire,
Old England.
("Research of the gazetteers has failed to disclose a Sadeley
Green in Staffordshire. Litchfield however possesses a Sadler
Street, at this time of writing, also the birthplace of Dr. Samuel
Johnson, the lexicographer, which at the time of John Inskeep's
birth fronted on a green. A neighboring estate is also known as
Fulford, and one as Freeford).
Mary Inskeep, died September
10-1758, aged 83 years.
2nd generation.
John Inskeep, died October 30, 1756, aged 55 years.
Joseph Inskeep died April 1732,
aged 27 years.
3rd generation.
Mary Inskeep daughter of John Inskeep, died November 13-1756,
aged 26 years.
Sarah, wife of Titian Leeds and daughter of John Inskeep, died November 3,1756, aged 18 years.
William Inskeep, died November 15, 1756 in 27 years of his age.
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Tonkins
died September 19-1755, aged 30 years.
(Fourth Generation is missing
in the original)
5th generation
Sarah I. Rogers, died January 22, 1855, aged 81 years, 4 months.
Besides the above there is another
marked grave, the stone however only bearing the initials M.S.I.
John Inskeep, the pioneer emigrated before 1708 with his wife Mary, his sons John, James, Joseph and daughter Mary. Another son Abraham was born in New Jersey.
1. JOHN INSKEEP, b. in Staffordshire 1677, died in New Jersey 12-15-1729, m. Mary b. 1675 d. 9-10-1758.
Their issue:-
201-1 John Inskeep, b. 1701 d. 10-301756 m. 1-13-1724, m. 1-13-1724,
Sarah Ward,10 children
202-2 James Inskeep m. 10-22-1725 Mary Miller, 5 children.
203-3 Joseph Inskeep, b. 1703, d. April 1732, m. (license) 12-19-1728
Mary Matlack, no issue
204-4 Mary Inskeep, b. 3-28-1707, d. 6-2-1784, m. William Hawling,
3 children survived the husband.
205-5 Abraham Inskeep, b. 4-18-1712, d. 1-16-1780 m. license 12-10)
1740, Sarah, d. of George Ward, 11 children.
Authorities:
N.J. Wills
N.J.Deeds
N.J. Marriage Licenses
Inskeep Graveyard, Marlton, N.J.
St. Mary's Graveyard, Burlington, N.J.
First Presbyterian church records,
The exact time of John Inskeep's (the pioneer) arrival in this country is unknown, but the first authentic date is July 9, 1708, when he and Mary his wife were among those who signed the marriage certificate of Abraham son of James Keight and Mary daughter of Thomas Peters, whose marriage took place at the Friends Meeting in Philadelphia.
His first settlement was in
New Jersey on two hundred acres of land he purchased of John Somers
September 7th, 1708 (N.J. Deeds.) Here he built his first habitation
and as was the custom with the early settlers of means enclosed
the graveyard which exists to this day. Soon after his first purchase
he located one hundred and fifty acres adjoining and in 1719 bought
one hundred and nine acres adjoining, from John Budd, as attorney
for John Mumford. (Ibid.) His several purchases lay on both sides
of the north branch of Coopers Creek with some portion of it in
Burlington County, although the line between the two counties
was not run and established for many years. His dwelling was in
Waterford Township, Gloucester County, as appears by all the deeds
in which he is named as grantee or grantor and by his will dated
in 1729. His calling was that of a weaver but this business he
abandoned soon after his settlement, although he at one time followed
this trade in Burlington. This business he made over to his second
son James. He and his family were not Friends, nor did they embrace
the tenets of this faith until the third and fourth generation.
He was well educated as is proven by the letters which he wrote
to his relatives in England, a man of means, of a splendid character
and strong mental qualities. This is amply borne out by the position
he occupied in the affairs of the colony which took the form of
public service from 1713 until his death, with the exception of
the year 1719. A full record of which follows taken from the minutes
of the Gloucester county courts on file in the County Clerk's
office at Woodbury. N.J., and Book A Minutes of the Board of Freeholders,
also at Woodbury. In 1713-14 and 1715 he was one of the Justices
of the Peace. In 1716, Foreman of the Grand Jury, Overseer of
the Poor and one of the two Freeholders for Waterford Township.
In 1717 he served on the Grand Jury, was Surveyor of the Highways,
and one of the Freeholders. In 1718 again Foreman of the Grand
Jury and in 1720 again held this position, as well as the Assessor.
In 1721 he was chosen one of the Freeholders of Waterford Township
and also served on the Grand Jury, and in 1722 and 1723 he was
Foreman of the Grand Jury and in the former year in addition Surveyor
of the Roads and one of the Freeholders for Waterford Township.
In1724 he was appointed one of the judges and this position he
held until his death h which occurred December 15, 1729, the minutes
of the court reading:
"At the court of General Sessions of the peace and county court for
holding of peace at Gloucester in and for the county of Gloucester the
fifteenth and sixteenth days of March in ye 11th year of ye reign of our
sovereign Lord George of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King,
Defender of the faith &c. By his majesty's commissioners and officers
authorized and appointed to hold the same of whom were present.
John Hugg, John Inskeep &c,
Esq.'s."
Notwithstanding his public life
he continued to lead the active life of a farmer, dealing in real
estate and was often called upon by his friends and neighbors
to act as executor of their wills. He filed Dec. 21, 1715 with
the county clerk at Gloucester his mark for his "hoggs and
cattle" which was "the lift year slitt thro, the right
year whole." He died in 1729 and was buried in the family
burying ground laid out within a stone's throw of his house. His
is the oldest stone there and bears the inscriptions" John
Inskeep died December 15, 1729 aged 52 years. He born in Sadeley
Green Staffordshire Old England." His will bears date November
11, 1729 and was probated the following January and recorded Liber
3, pp. 60. His wife and son John were the executors and the bequests
were "215 acres of land to John where he now dwells"
James "5 shillings and the mare called Tib" Joseph "300
acres where I now dwell" Mary £50 and negro Jerry"
Abraham "remainder of land where I now dwell after Joseph's
300 acres is carefully laid out &c, when 21 years." Other
land which he held he directed his executors to sell.
James Inskeep the second son
of Judge John Inskeep, was born in Staffordshire, England and
emigrated with his parents to New Jersey. At the time of his father's
emigration, he was about 5 years old therefore his education was
received in the land of his father's adoption. This progressed
beyond the rudimentary branches deemed sufficient by the parents
of the greater part of the children dwelling in that vicinity.
His erudition amply borne out by the evidence of a correspondence
maintained co jointly by his elder brother and his kinsfolk in
England, and by the general appearance, form style and chirography
of legal documents, relating to his business, on file in Trenton,
N.J.
His father was a weaver, by
trade and to this calling James was apprenticed, and at the completion
of his term, his father established him in this business in the
city of Burlington. He was not a Friend though the community in
which he dwelt was one of the centers of this faith and there
is no evidence to connect him with the Church of England which
was strongly established in the city in which he lived. His religious
beliefs leaned more toward the Presbyterian Church, but whether
he was a member of this sect or not, research has failed to prove.
He was married October 25th, 1725 to Mary Miller in Philadelphia
in the First church of this denomination and this eldest child
was baptized the following October in the same edifice.
He resided in Burlington following is trade from his establishment therein by his father until 1745. He lived on the West side of High Street not far from the Court House and Market Place, his dwelling being of brick two stories high with fire places in all the rooms a good kitchen and cellar. Where he carried on his business is not known but it is hardly possible that he used his home for this purpose. The conjecture that he had a separate establishment is more possible when it is known that he was a man of more than average wealth, an owner of slaves and bound servants, and often called upon by friends and acquaintances to act as witness to their wills, deeds, etc. and executor or administrator of their estates. In the latter capacity he served in 1739 to the estate of Edward Annually and at the same time he was the principal creditor of the deceased.
In August 1745 he sold his house
in Burlington to Isaac Hewlings for £242 advertising it
for sale in the Penna. Gazette of March 26 of that year and from
this time on his life is hidden in the deepest obscurity or slimmest
tradition of his descendants. Mary, his eldest child married in
June of 1747 and in the license granted for this wedding her residence
is given as of Burlington Co. It is reasonable to suppose therefore
that James continued to reside in or near the City of Burlington
until June of this year. In September of 1747 James Inskeep was
living in Gloucester Co., and through legal instruments such as
the marriage license of his daughter Sarah "of Gloucester
Co." in 1749, the date of his youngest daughter, Catherine's
will, signed in 1751 in which she designates herself as of "near
Big Timber Creek, Gloucester Co." probated in Gloucester
County Wills it is evident that he was a resident of this county
and what is more lived on the outskirts of Gloucester city.
When he died and where he died
is not known but the tradition among his descendants is that in
his old age he and his wife, who became deranged shortly before
her death, followed his two sons who had established themselves
on the South Branch of the Potomac. Here they passed their latter
days surrounded by an ever increasing posterity, here they died
and were buried in the old burying ground South of Moorefield
now owned by R. C. Price, but during the sometime previous ownership
of Dr. Anderson, ploughed under and used as a vineyard, so no
tombstones of Inskeeps remain to authenticate the tradition.
James Inskeep had by his wife Mary Miller, 5 children. A tradition exists that shortly after the birth of Abraham the youngest child his mother died, and that James remarried. There is some evidence to substantiate this. In the marriage record of New Jersey on p. 211 there is indexed a license issued to James of Gloucester County and Mary Pattison of Evesham, under date of September 22, 1747. The Bibles of Joseph and Abraham, sons of James, by Mary Miller, have been found and a positive record of all their male line descendants is known. There is also in existence a male line bearing the family name who's birth exists at this time of writing in John Inskeep who married in 1781, Hannah Brock. At the same time the traditions of their ancestry gathered from various sources descended from this fountain head, coincide with the now known instances in the lives of Judge John Inskeep, James and his sons. In view of these facts it is reasonable to suppose the tradition that Mary Miller Inskeep died shortly after the birth of her son Abraham, and that James remarried, is true and a further reasonable surmise is that James by his second wife had at least one son.
202 James Inskeep, b. in Staffordshire
England, circa 1703, d. Hardy Co., Va., m. 10,22,1725 at First
Presbyterian Church, Phila. Pa. Mary Miller.
Their issue-
311-1. Mary Inskeep, b. 10-7-1726, d. m. (L. 6-15) 1747, Jonathan Wright.
312-2 Sarah Inskeep, b. 9-14-1728, d. m. (L 5-24) 1749 John McCullock son of Samuel McCulloch.
313-3 Catherine Inskeep, b. 11-29-1730, d. 1751 or 5.
314-4 Joseph Inskeep, b. 5-10-1733, d. m. (L. 10-5) 1756 Hannah McCulloch, d. of Samuel McCulloch. Seven Children
315-5. Abraham Inskeep, b. 10-23-1745,
d. 9-15-1823, m. Susan, d. of William and Jemima (Hedges) Vause.
Nine children.
Authorities:
N.J. Wills.
N.J. Deeds
Family Records
1st Presbyterian Church Records
N.J. Marriage Licenses
What caused the migration of
the pioneers of this branch from the parent stem of the Inskeeps
and where and when they first settled on the South Branch is lost
in the mazes of the past. Some explanation of a compiler's inability
to determine these facts may with perfect propriety be inserted
here. The published histories of what is known as the "South
Branch Valley" disclose but very meager facts of its settlement.
Tradition supplies some but, though interesting, they are not
authentic.
The gradual spread of the people
from their stockaded centers was an inevitable as the course of
time. Venturesome men made trading expeditions among the Indians.
The luxuriance of the fields their salubrity of the climate and
the frequent water courses told them of the fertility of soil.
A recital of their trading adventures necessarily brought forth
a description of the lands over which they passed. Their hearers
led by the report made up small parties who ventured forth from
the more civilized parts of the community into the vast wilderness
and herein they settled, clearing their land, built their habitations,
and so in the natural course of events, the migration moved over
westward. As these settlements grew in numbers, villages or towns
came into existence and it is by reason of recorded land transactions
that genealogy may be proved and history determined.
Title to the land which included
the South Branch was undetermined for many years and reference
is herewith given to Kerchevals History, Cooks, Virginia, Withers
Border Warfare, Doddridge's Southwestern Pennsylvania & Virginia
and Her Neighbors, and No. 2 of Vol. 3 of the West Va. Historical
Magazine, pp. 99-103; a perusal of which will satisfy the most
insatiate appetite of the student with all the known history of
this region. This litigation or the paucity of settlers demanding
titles, or both combined, seem, to have prevented the patenteeing
of this land prior to August 1773. That is the land of the South
Branch Valley proper, of which the present town of Moorefield
is the center, and which in the proprietor's deeds, Lord Fairfax,
is known as the South Branch Manor. This manor was laid out in
1772 or 1773 and was surveyed by Thomas Marshall or James Geen.
The lots were numbered in rotation on each bank of the Potomac
and were divided in acres as the original settlers had cleared
them and comprised about 200 lots. This is a direct antithesis
of the laying out of the South Fork Manor, surveyed by Washington
in 1748 or 9, and divided into lots of 400 acres each.
With this South Branch Manor
survey we have definite and positive proof of the Inskeeps, for
Abraham leased under date of Aug. 3, 1773, lot No. 40 containing
206 acres and No. 41 of 250 acres adjoining, and his elder brother,
Joseph, under same date leased lot No. 38 of 295 acres and No.
39 of 14 acres. This date is no wise determines their first arrival
here. These lands were settled some years previously and the settlers
undoubtedly held squatters rights until the survey was made and
title made to them by the proprietor. Title however was only made
on a lease and later releases were obtained, these vesting the
land in the original lessees of their transferees.
The exact date of the Inskeep migration from New Jersey to the South Branch is not known and the leases above enumerated are the first legal recorded proof. That their movement antedated this year proof exists in a record taken from the Bible of Col. Jacob Van Meter, who married Tabitha Inskeep, the fourth daughter and fifth child of Joseph, an elder brother by twelve years of Abraham, which states" Jacob Van-Meter was born in Fort Pleasant, Hampshire Co., Virginia May 19, Anno 1764.
Tabitha Inskeep VanMeter was
born in the county and state aforesaid March 11, Anno 1764. This
at lease fixes their habitation six years earlier.
Abraham married Susan Vance
whose mother was a Hedges. This family owned land west of Moorefield
in 1744 (vide Hampshire Co. Deeds Bk. 1) and the Vauses in 1747
(vide 1 ibid). Their eldest son's (James Inskeep) bible records
his own birth as April 28, 1765. Conjection or certainty permits
no deduction other than Abraham was married in 1764 and in the
then Hampshire Co. in Virginia. This therefore gives their migrations
previous to 1764. That it even antedated this by at least five
years and possibly eight, is entirely within the bounds of reason.
Joseph married in New Jersey in 1756 and his wife was Hannah McColloch or McCullough. John McCollough, Hannah's brother, married Sarah, the sister of Joseph and Abraham Inskeep and he, in 1758, owned land above the Trough which is the extreme lower end of the valley (Hamp. Co. Deeds Bk. 1).
What therefore is more probably
than Joseph Inskeep and his bride in the spring of 1757, his brother
Abraham then 12 years old, his sister Sarah and her husband John
McCulloch, and their children were all or part of a band of emigrants
who left New Jersey in that year and settled in Virginia. If this
conjecture be true they were among the earliest pioneers to this
vicinity.
At the time of the earliest
Inskeep land purchases, what is now embraced by the four counties,
Hardy, Graut, Hampshire and Mineral, West Virginia, was included
in Hampshire County, Virginia. The land on which the first settlements
were made is now in the boundaries of Hardy County, W. Va. and
is situated on the west side of the river opposite the town and
county seat, Moorefield. This town was laid out by an act of the
Assembly in 1777, Abraham Inskeep being a trustee and Hardy County
was erected from Hampshire in 1786.
Joseph Inskeep, the fourth child and eldest son of James and Mary (Miller) Inskeep was born in Burlington City, New Jersey, in his father's house on High Street, May 10, 1733. Of his life, but three recorded facts are known: The first, his marriage for which the license is dated October 5, 1756, to Hannah McCullough. The second, a copy of his bible record giving names and births of seven children. The third, deeds in Hampshire and Hardy Counties, West Virginia. From the latter we obtain proof of his migration and settlement on the South Branch. The conjectures concerning the time of Joseph Inskeep's settling in Virginia have been exhaustively treated previously, so it is not necessary to reiterate them here. He leased land contained in lots 38 and 49, in all 301 acres, August 3, 1773, from Lord Fairfax. Another lot No. 13 of 133 acres he bought from Christopher Cocke in 1744 (Hampshire County Deeds Bk. 4, pp. 46) This lot (no. 13) had been leased August 3, 1773 to Cocke from Fairfax. These three lots were released by John Marshall to Joseph Inskeep September 10, 1801 (Hardy County Deeds Bk. b. pp. 85). He also purchased in 1794-95 three other parcels from Solomon Hornbeck (Hardy Co. Deeds A-374) Ashael Heath (Ibid 3-25) and John Delaza (Ibid 3-102). These three were released to him by John Marshall March 11, 1803 (Hardy County Deeds, Bk, 2 pp. 107). These six lots were sold October 10, 1809 to Abraham Inskeep for $20,000 and in the deed Joseph Inskeep is joined by his wife Thedosia (Book C. p. 494) Hardy Co. Deeds). This deed has been the cause of more conjecture on the part of the author than nearly all other parts of this genealogy. On the face of it, it appears as if Hannah (McCollough) Inskeep had died and that Joseph had married for a second time a Theodosia. This Theodosia-by Vause deeds on file in Hampshire County (Bk 13, p. 80) is proven to be Theodosia Vause, daughter of Captain William and Rachel Hedges Vause. The only other deeds of record in Hampshire or Hardy County concerning Joseph Inskeep are the following:-
A purchase in 1807 (Hampshire county Deeds, Bk. 15, pp. 140, 142) which was sold in 1813 on mortgage for $13,333.33 to Rector Conway and wife (Ibid Bk. 18, pp. 340-242). Theodosia Inskeep, his wife, joins in this deed.
Search in Fayette County, Kentucky, discloses additional facts concerning a Joseph Inskeep by the purchase in 1817 and 1822 of two parcels of land (Deed Bk's R. p. 26 and V. p. 196). These two latter parcels were sold in 1825 by Joseph Inskeep's heirs, namely, Thedosia Inskeep, Samuel M. Grant, Rebecca Grant, Susan Inskeep and Tabitha V. Inskeep. This Joseph Inskeep was a drover and died in Philadelphia in the early part of August 1823. Letters Administration being granted his son, Samuel M. Grant in Philadelphia County (Phila. Co. Lttrs. Adm. Bk M. p. 406). Letters of administration were also granted on the estate of Joseph Inskeep in Fayette County, Ky. on September 8, 1823, to Samuel M. Grant. Another record which seemingly adds to the confusion is of record in Hampshire County Will Bk. 9, p. 470, where a final report on the estate of Joseph Inskeep was presented July 23, 1832, and recorded August 27th, following. Theodosia Inskeep was however alive in July 1838, as she was a party to a deed (Hampshire Co., deeds, Bk. 34, p 389) with the heirs of her deceased father, Captain William Vause.
The foregoing permits of three
theories: First, Two Joseph Inskeeps, father and son, married
each a Theodosia Vause. Second Joseph Inskeep married twice and
his second wife was Theodosia Vause. This however is impossible
as Hannah (McCullouch) Inskeep died in September 1851 and Thedosia
(Vause) Inskeep had among her three daughters a Tabitha V. Inskeep.
This child was undoubtedly named Tabitha Van Meter Inskeep, and
named by her father, Joseph, after his sister, Tabitha Inskeep
Vanmeter. Third. This is my estimation is the correct theory.
Joseph Inskeep, the South Branch Pioneer, died between 1803 and
1809, and it was his son, Joseph, who married Theodosia Vause,
afterwards moved to Kentucky, was a drover, died in Philadelphia,
had ancillary letters of administration granted in Philadelphia
county, Pennsylvania, later in Hampshire county, West Virginia,
and also letters of administration in Fayette county, Kentucky.
Nothing is known of Joseph's
son, William, and daughter, Amelia. The other four girls, namely,
Tabitha, Elizabeth, Mary and Hannah, married respectively the
brothers Col. Jacob and Isaac VanMeter, their cousin Col. Joseph
VanMeter, all of the South Branch, and John Harness, of Oldtown,
Maryland, all leaving numerous progeny.
314. Joseph Inskeep (James) 202 (Judge John 1). B. in N.J. 5/10/1733, m. (1 10-5) (1756) Hannah McCullough, daughter of John McCullough.
431-1. William Inskeep b. 2-11-1759
432-2 Mary Inskeep b. 7-25-1761, d. 2-7-1826, m. Colonel Joseph VanMeter, son of Henry VanMeter, 4 children.
433-3 Elizabeth Inskeep, b. 2-3-1763, d. 2-7-1826, m. 6-27-178? (can't read) Isaac VanMeter, son of Col. Garrett and Ann Markee widow of John Sibley) VanMeter, 9 children.
435-5 Tabitha Inskeep, b. 3-11-1767, d. 9-27-1851 m. 1-1-1791. Colonel Jacob VanMeter brother of Isaac, 12 children.
436-6 Hannah Inskeep b 4-19-1769 d. 3-1847, m. 4-1791, John Harness, son of John and Eunice (Petty) Harness, 6 children.
437-7. Joseph Inskeep, b. 5-10-1771, d. 8-1823, m. Thedosia Vause, d. of Captain William and Rachel (Hedges) Vause. 3 children.
Authorities
Alleghany Co., Md. Marriage Licenses
New Jersey marriage licenses
Family Records
Hardy Co., W. Va., Deeds
" " " , Wills
Hampshire Co, W. Va., Wills.
" " " , Deeds
Abraham Inskeep, the fifth child
and youngest son of James and Mary (Miller) Inskeep, was born
in Burlington County, New Jersey, on Wednesday, October 23, 1745,
three quarters of an hour after four o'clock in the afternoon.
It is from this man that the male line of Inskeeps flourished
in the South Branch.
Of his boyhood and manhood nothing
is known, and the conjecture that he migrated about 1757 from
New Jersey is spoken of elsewhere. When and where he was married
is not positively known but he married Susan Vause, daughter of
William and Jemima (Hedges) Vause, and their wedding certainly
took place in 1764 in Hampshire county, which then in 1756, the
date of its erection included all northwestern Virginia. Abraham's
age when he married was but nineteen, and the years of his wife
were twenty-five. Where they established themselves and where
their first children were born is not known, but it is more than
probably that it was on a part of the identical land he afterwards
leased August 3rd, 1773 on the South Branch of the Potomac, from
Lord Fairfax, designated as lots 40 and 41, containing 456 acres.
This is the first recorded legal transaction in which Abraham
Inskeep is named and this land which was released by John Marshall
January 14, 1797, was his homestead and upon this he erected his
home and later the brick house, still standing, was erected by
his son Isaac in 1843 and 4.
Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep
had nine children born to them, every one of whom lived to be
married and the parents of children. From the time of his first
settlement in Hampshire county, Abraham Inskeep prospered exceedingly
in worldly affairs. The only proof necessary for this statement
is an examination of the deeds on file in the County Clerk's office,
in which he is named as grantee or grantor, and the former prevailed
by many numbers. As his sons reached manhood and married he bought
for them or helped them buy fine landed estates in Hardy and the
adjoining counties of Hampshire and Mineral. In these transactions
he often gave personal notes in which he and two or three of his
sons joined; many of these notes of hand are extant today in the
possession of his descendants and bear the signature of many of
the prominent people of the community in which they lived. The
only evidence of his participation in public life is his appointment
as one of the second lot of trustees of the town of Moorefield,
which was laid out in 1777. This was surveyed and laid out in
54 lots on land leased Conrad Moore from Lord Fairfax, one of
these, Abraham purchased, later selling it. The original trustees
were Garett VanMeter, Abel Randall, Moses Hutton, Jacob Reed,
Jonathan Heath, Daniel McNeil, and George Renick. Later were added,
because of the death of some of these, William Bullit, Abraham
Inskeep, Anthony Baker, and Samuel McMeckin. Most of these pioneers
left descendants who still reside in the South Branch or its adjoining
valleys. His religious convictions are unknown but to this day
not only his descendants venerate his memory, but those who descend
from his contemporaries, tell of the high regard and esteem he
held in the affection of his fellow men and allude to him as one
of Nature's nobleman.
Abraham Inskeep died on his
homestead farm September 15th, 1823, and is buried in the family
ground within a stone's throw of his home.
He left a large estate equitably
distributed among those of his children he had not already provided
for. His will dated 31, July 1820 was probated 14 October, 1823
and recorded in Book 3, pp. 250, Hardy Co. Wills.
315 Abraham Inskeep (James 202) (Judge John 1) b. N.J. 10-23-1745, d. in Va., 9-15-1823, m. circa 1764, Susan Vause d. of William and Jemima (Hedges) Vause.
Their issue:-
438-1, James Inskeep, b. 4-38,1765, d. 5-28-1848, m. 12-27-1785, Sarah Frye, 14 children. 2ndly Miss Singleton who D. S. P.
439-2. William Inskeep, b. 11-7-1766, d. 11-3-184? (can't read) m. 1? 16-17?? Susannah, daughter of William ?, 8 children. Secondly Elizabeth Taylor, widow of John Taylor, D.S.P.
440-3 Sarah Inskeep, b. 6-17-1769, d. 11-17, 1841, m. circa 1788 William George Wilson, son of Col. George and Elizabeth (?) Wilson, 13 children.
441-4 Rebekah Inskeep, b. 12-19-1770, d. 2-1817, m. 9-18-1799, James Machir, 12 children.
442-5 Rachel Inskeep, b. 11-23-1772, m. 6-9-1793 William Vause Jr., son of William and Rachel (Hedges) Vause, 3 children.
443-6 Jeremiah Inskeep, b. 11-2-1744, (says 44 probably should be 1774) d. 12-11-1845, m. 4-7-1796, Scota Machir, d. of Alexander and Mary Ann (Keller) Machir, 6 children.
444-7 John Inskeep, b. 11-7-1776, d. 1-29-1824. 1 child. m. 2ndly 11-10-1803 Sallie Machir, d. of Alexander and Mary Ann (Keller)Machir, 2 children, 3rdly, Boyle.
445--8 Abraham Inskeep, b. 12-19-1778, d. 11-10-1844, m. circa 1802, Hannah d. of Col. Joseph and Mary (Inskeep) VanMeter, 4 children.
446-9, Isaac Inskeep, b. 3-29-1785,
d. 12-26-1844, m. 2-29-1820, Ann Fox D. of William and Jemima
(Vause) Fox, three children.
The Third Generation
Jos. Inskeeps (314) Descendants
In collecting material and data
for the plain facts of a genealogy, a compiler is often discouraged
by the paucity in the result of weeks and months of research.
When incidents necessary to a biography of an individual are conspicuous
by their absence it sometimes is necessary to forego any mention
of the kind and receive in silence the comments of "the incomplete
results of so and so's work." This by way of an apology for
the following. It has been very difficult for the author to gather
any facts concerning the lives of the "distaff" side
of the Inskeeps. Incidents concerning them are so few as to be
a almost nil and those concerning their husbands likewise. Many
compilers are prone to omit all data concerning the genealogy
of the family's descendants, when the girls marry and so lose
their identity with the family name. As has been previously written,
the family of Joseph Inskeep -314- consisted of two sons and five
daughters, one and four of whom respectively married.
Mary Inskeep, the eldest daughter,
married Col. Joseph VanMeter, a son of Henry and Rebecca (du Bois)
VanMeter. It is supposed that Joseph VanMeter was born shortly
after his father and mother removed from New Jersey to the South
Branch. And in this vicinity he passed his entire life. His marriage
took place about 1781 or 2. Very little can be learned of his
life. It is known however that his disposition was roving and
impetuous and he is often spoken of by his descendants as "the
eccentric". He served in the revolution in the Virginia line,
his regiment being the 8th, and his rank that of lieutenant. On
account of this service he received a land grant for "bounty
land" which he took up in Kentucky (Publication of the Ky
Soc. S. of A. R., 1896). His title of "Colonel" undoubtedly
came from militia service subsequent to the Revolution. Another
very pleasing reminder to his descendants is his sword presented
to him by the Marquis de la Fayette, upon the occasion of his
visit to the United States in the early part of 1800. Of la Fayette
the Colonel was an intense admirer, and warm friend. His friendships
ran with the high in office and some amusing incidents are treasured
today among his immediate descendants in connection with these
friends and especially of James Madison, with whom he once spent
two weeks while he was President.
On the other side Col., Joseph
VanMeter inherited to a marked degree the roving disposition of
his forbears. Not once, but many times, he would bid his family
good bye and without any determination on his part at the time
of adieu his absence from his home would be of weeks duration.
On one of these occasions he traveled to Kentucky or Tennessee
on a visit to some Indian chieftains, whom he upon frequent occasions
visited. At this time he was alone save for the impedimenta necessary
for his journey and a remarkable fine rifle, which among his friends
was held in the same light as "Killdeer" the famous
rifle of fiction. He had spent a short period of his visit and
while engaged in smoking the farewell pipe the chieftain remarked
he had a dream the night before. The Colonel, courteous to a degree,
desired the details and the chief to his surprise informed him
he dreamed the Colonel presented him with his rifle. The Colonel,
being alone with no friends nearby, could see as far as the next
man, and immediately gave up, but as the chief's dream was rather
long and complete, the Colonel left his friends in a very destitute
condition. Setting out on his journey, he fell in with a party
of friends about twenty in number, and related his experience
and requested their aid for a return visit. They complied and
much to the Indian's surprise the Colonel and his party returned
the next day. There was not much time lost on the Colonel's part,
for when the pipes were lighted he began to relate the dream of
his in which his friend, the Indian dreamer, not only returned
all that he has so neatly dispoiled him of but much in addition.
The Indian, whether from choice or necessity, saw "that it
was good" and the Colonel and his friends left the Indian
a sadder, wiser and poorer man. Colonel Joseph was not, however,
so successful in all his transactions. He was a very large land
speculator and through very successful at first, the evening of
his life was much embittered by pecuniary losses, derived through
his land speculations. It is not known when or where he died nor
has any will of his been found.
432 Mary Inskeep, (Joseph 314)(James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 7-25-1761, d. 2-7-1826, m. Colonel Joseph VanMeter, son of Henry VanMeter.
Their issue:
5054-1 Hannah VanMeter b. 11-7-1783, d. 11-16-1842, m. Abraham Inskeep Jr., son of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep, 4 children.
5055-2 Rachel VanMeter, m. _____ HIckey, 2 children.
3 Elizabeth VanMeter d. fall 1815
4 Catharine VanMeter
Elizabeth Inskeep, married June
26, 1780, Isaac VanMeter the eldest child of Colonel Garrett and
Ann (Sibley nee Markee) VanMeter. He lived all his life on the
estate which had descended to him from his father and grandfather.
He was a very exemplary, unassuming man of the very highest standing
in the community, whose opinion, as to what should be done in
regard to any heated controversy or dispute, would invariably
settle it at once as he advised. He lived to be more than eighty
years of age, and we have a copy of the obituary notice published
in his county papers, written by the Presbyterian pastor of the
church of which he was one of the chief pillars, which gives a
succinct narrative of and eulogy upon his character and life such
as any just and good man can but covet, as follows;
"Mr. VanMeter died in the
exercise of a good hope and a cheerful confidence in Jesus Christ.
He had not been in connection with the Church many years. Ever
since the writer's acquaintance with him, now about fifteen years,
he appeared a proper subject for the ordinance of the Church,
yet his distrust in himself deterred him from a profession of
religion. Some sixteen years ago he, with an old friend, neighbor,
and connection about his age, William Cunningham, now at rest
with his Lord, united with some now living in efforts to obtain
the services of a Presbyterian minister. There was at that time
but two or three members of the Presbyterian church in the county.
There had been a church which engaged the early labors of Moses
Hoge, D. D., afterward President of Hampden-Sydney College and
Professor of Theology for the Synod of Virginia, but it now lived
only in the recollection of the few. They induced the present
minister, Rev. William N. Scott, to take his abode with them,
and during the fifteen years of his labors have had cause to bless
God for His direction to a pastor. Mr. Cunningham lived to see
many of his descendants gathered into a church of which he was
an elder. Mr. VanMeter always a friend of the cause, always ready
to aid by his counsel and to give of his substance, saw with tears
and unutterable emotion his children and grandchildren enter the
church of Christ. But while ready to discover traits of Christian
character in others, though faintly drawn, and to palliate their
errors and cover with the mantle of charity their failings, he
was exceedingly slow to believe that he was himself a fitting
subject for the ordinances of the church.
'The writer well remembers the
solemnity, the interest, the effort of that occasion, when the
old man, with streaming eyes and trembling form, sat down for
the first time with his children and friends at the table of the
Lord.
"Inheriting a handsome
fortune and prosperity in his labors upon his farm he was a man
of abundant possessions: and in the midst of wealth maintained
the simplicity of manners, of dress, of living, and of purpose,
which characterized former days. It may be said of him, as it
was once said of the inhabitants of "Old Virginny" "the
doors of his hall were nailed wide open from dawn of day to shades
of night," and the stranger might find" rest and food
and fire, and a hearty welcome."
"The infirminities of age
acting upon his tall athletic frame but rendered the mild old
man more venerable. And if veneration, affection, attachment,
deference of opinion and judgment, obedience to wishes and commands
from children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous
connections-if attention to religion and generosity to the various
charitable Institutions of the Church: if the faithful performance
of duty as a magistrate and kindness to the poor render a man
worthy of the name of "patriarch", we heartily accord
it to Isaac VanMeter.
"Sometime before his death,
admonished by his infirmities of his approaching end, he made
a final settlement of his worldly affairs. I say final, because
of his abundance he had always given liberally to his children
on their marriage and settlement in life, and through still wealthy,
he had not reserved a hoarded treasure to make needy children
cease to sorrow for a parent's death. He appropriated a liberal
sum of money, putting which into his pastor's hands, he said:"I
wish this divided among the charitable institutions," and
proceeded to make the proportions. "I wish to give it before
I die; perhaps it may be my last; I give it as a thankoffering."
"He had nor reserved his
various acts of charity till he should die; neither would he leave
the disbursement of this to be made after his departure; he would
enjoy the giving himself. His last days were full of infirmities
but full of peace."
The writer had full opportunity
of conversing with him a short time before his death, and would
say (Psalm xxxvii. 37) "Mark the perfect man, and behold
the upright: for the end of that man is peace."
Mr. VanMeter for many years
filled the office of magistrate, frequently represented his county
in the State Legislature, and was a member of the State convention
that adopted the Federal Constitution. The scenes of thrilling
interest that passed in that body were retained in lively recollection.
He has often been heard to relate the circumstances of Patrick
Henry's famous replication, "bowing to the majesty of the
people". An aged friend, who had been intimate with him for
forty years said to me today: "He was a man who filled his
station in society well; my respect and attachment for him increased
as our intimacy was ripened by increasing years." F.H.W.
His will signed 16 March 1837, was probated Jan. 1, 1838 and recorded
in Bk. 6, p. 322, Hardy Co., Wills.
(Biog. and Gen Sketches, F.
F. VanMeter)
433. Elizabeth Inskeep, (Joseph 314) (James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 2-3-1763, d. 9-20-1827, m. 6-27-1780, Isaac VanMeter son of Colonel Garrett and Ann Sibley (Markee) VanMeter, b. 12-10-1757, d. 12-13-1834.
Their Issue:
1 Rebekah VanMeter, b. 1-16-1781, d. 2-7-1781
5056. 2 David VanMeter, b. 9-1-1784, d. 5-12-1871, m. 4-6-1809 Hannah Cunningham, daughter of William (3rd) and Jemima (Harness) Cunningham, 13 children.
5057-3 Sarah VanMeter b. 9-8-1791, d. 4-9-1867, m. 7-13-1809, William Cunningham, 4th son of William (3d) and Jemima (Harness) Cunningham, 13 children.
5058-4 Garrett VanMeter, b. 11-11-1793, d. 10-27-1859, m. 2-14-1822 Sallie Cunningham, Daughter of William (3d) and Jemima (Harness) Cunningham, 6 children.
5 Joseph VanMeter, b. 11-5-1795, d. 8-29-1829, D.S.P.
5059-6 John Inskeep VanMeter (Hon) b. 2-24-1798, d. 8-3-1875, m. 4-11-1826, Mary Harness, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca (Williams) Harness, 8 children.
7 Elizabeth VanMeter, b. 9-3-1800, d. 1-31-1882, m. 1-28-1826 Joseph Inskeep, son of James and Sallie (Frye) Inskeep, children see 5072. 2ndly, Nimrod Furr who D.S.P.
5060-8. Jacob VanMeter, b. 8-7-1802, d. 2-5-1882, m. 1-11-1844 Louise Frazer, daughter of William and Margaret (Thompson) Frazer, 5 children
5061-09. Ann Markee VanMeter,
b. 12-5-1805, d. 8-24-1853, m. 12-11-1833 as 2nd wife of David
Gibson, son of Andrew and Sarah (Hopkins) Gibson, 6 children.
Tabitha Inskeep the next daughter
of Joseph and Hannah (McCulloch) Inskeep, married Colonel Jacob
VanMeter, the youngest son of Colonel Garrett, who inherited the
old Fort Pleasant homestead, where he and his wife, spent their
lives and reared quite a large family of children. He was a colonel
and commanded a regiment and took an active part in the war against
Great Britain in 1812-1813. He built a residence about two hundred
yards outside the old fort, where he and his wife spent the balance
of their lives. He also built the finest flour mill that had ever
been erected up to that time in the South Branch Valley, which
was constructed to run by water power, and it is still standing
although now in a very dilapidated condition. He was an enterprising
businessman, and for many years a partner with Chief Justice Marshall
in the breeding of thoroughbred horses.
Judge Marshall lived over in
what is now old Virginia, and owed quite a thin and ill-adapted
farm for grass and grain, but was a very enthusiastic admirer
of the thoroughbred or race horse. Colonel Jacob owned then one
of the finest grass and grains farms in the United States. Judge
Marshall proposed to furnish Colonel Jacob a lot of the mares
and fine horses if he would take charge of them, be at all expense
and care of them, and deliver to Judge Marshall one half of the
colts each spring, at two years old. Colonel Jacob accepted the
proposition and delivered to the Judge principally colts for a
good many years, and retained the fillies, until finally he sent
to the Chief Justice one spring as many or more colts than the
entire number of mares when he had originally received, when Colonel
Jacob received a letter from the Chief Justice saying that he
was now more overstocked with horses than he was before he made
the deal with him, he would please never send him another horse.
This dissolved the partnership and left Colonel Jacob with a stock
of horses which finally improved and bred up the horse stock of
the entire South Branch Valley, so that it became noted for its
excellent horse stock, and held this reputation until the war
between the North and the South swept the entire stock away. Colonel
Jacob was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian Church,
and one of the chief pillars of that church in the Valley. His
house was headquarters for ministers of the gospel who passed
through this valley, whether Presbyterian or Methodist, no other
denomination were represented in the Valley then. His will signed
6 June, 1826 was probated 13, Oct. 1829 and recorded in Bk. 5,
p. 43, Hardy Co., Wills.
(Gen. and Biog. Sketches, B.F. VanMeter)
435. Tabitha Inskeep (Joseph 314) (James 202) (Judge John 1), b. 3-11-1767, d. 9-27-1851, m. 1-1-1791, by Rev. Joseph Jennings in Hardy Co., Va., Fort Pleasant, Old Fields, Colonel Jacob VanMeter, son of Col. Garrett and Ann (Markee) VanMeter, b. 5-16-1764, d. 9-1-1829.
Their issue:
Hannah Van Meter, b. 11-4-1791, d. 6-30-1878, m. circa 1860 as 3rd wife John Hopewell, son of Joseph Hopewell, no issue.
Ann VanMeter, b. 4-1-1793, d. 10-1892, unmarried
5052-3 Isaac VanMeter, b. 9-24-1794, d. 10-9-1854, m. 6-11-1817 by the Rev. William W. Martin, Rebecca Cunningham daughter of Captain Isaac and Sarah Catherine (Harnes) Cunningham (b. 10-14-1800, d. 2-20-1864, 15 children.
Solomon VanMeter, b. 4-3-1796, d. 1-3-1818.
5 Rebecca VanMeter, b. 10-7-1797, d. 5-2-1798.
6 Rebecca VanMeter, b. 5-2-1799, d. 1-15-1882, unmarried.
7 Joseph Inskeep VanMeter, b. 5-28-1802, d. 1-7-1805
9 Benjamin Franklin VanMeter, b. 1-11-1803, d. 1-1805
9 Abraham VanMeter, 9-24-1804, d. 1864, m. 6-21-1827, Elizabeth Ann VanMeter, daughter of David and Hannah (Cunningham) VanMeter, 9 children.
5064-10 Garrett VanMeter, b. 4-20-1806, d. 8-10-1865, m. Elizabeth Inskeep Cunningham, daughter of William (4th) and Sallie (VanMeter) Cunningham, 12 children.
11. Susan VanMeter, b. 12-12-1807, d. 7-28-1866, unmarried
5065-12 Sallie Inskeep VanMeter,
b. 9-26-1810, d. 11-19-1876, m. William Streit Cunningham, son
of John and Rebecca (Lauck) Cunningham, 7 children.
Hannah Inskeep, the youngest
daughter of Joseph and Hannah (McCulloch) Inskeep married John
Harness, a son of John and Emma (Petty) Harness and a grandson
of Michael Harness the pioneer who emigrated from Pennsylvania
to the South Branch about 1744. Absolutely nothing is known of
John Harness save that he lived at Oldtown, Md. He died before
1803 for under date of 3 July his widow records names of three
slaves to which she was entitled by marriage to the late John
Harness, dec'd. (Allegheny Co., Md. Deeds Bk. E. p. 174) In Will
Bk. a pp. 61 and 78 Ibid are found some record of his estate by
Joseph Inskeep who was appointed administrator. His widow Hannah
was appointed guardian of the children (Ibid. Bk. A p. 78)
436 Hannah Inskeep (Joseph 314) (James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 4-19-1769, d. 3-1847, m. 4-1791 John Harness son of John and Eunice (Pettice or Petty) Harness.
Their Issue:
1 Mary Harness, b. 7-4-1792, d. m. (M'd. L. 1-18) 1813, John Wilson son of William George and Sarah (Inskeep) Wilson, children.
5066 2. Jemima Harness, b. 10-27,
1793, d. 4-4-1848, m. 1-22-1828, John Slicer
.
5067 3 William Harness, b. 5-20-1796, d. 10-8-1854, m. _____ Tidball.
2ndly, _____ Holliday who D. S. P.
4 Joseph Harness, b. 1-27-1798, d. 2-24-1852, unmarried.
5068 5 Rebecca Harness, b. 10-13-1800, d. 2-6-1889, m. 4-12-1831, Vause Fox son of William and Jemima (Vause) Fox, b. 8-15-1791, d. 8-8-1855, 8 children.
6 John Harness, b. 11-4-1802,
d. prior 1814, unmarried.
Concerning Joseph Inskeep the
youngest child of Joseph and Hannah (McCullough) Inskeep the theories
have been set forth in the biography of his father; and time,
through the readers of these articles; must elucidate the seeming
mystery and rend the veil which obscures the life of this individual.
437 Joseph Inskeep, (Joseph
314) (James 202) Judge John 1) b. 5-10-1771, d. 8-1826, m. Thedosia
Vause daughter of Captain William and Rachel (Hedges) Vause.
Abraham Inskeep's (315) Descendants.
James Inskeep, the eldest son of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep was born April 8th 1765. The conjectured place of his birth has been fully treated in a previous portion of this work. Like the facts concerning the boyhood and early manhood of so many of the family, time has obliterated all trace of his and it is only upon his marriage to Sarah Frye which occurred December 27, 1785 that he emerges from the obscurity which veils his earlier life. It was at this period of his life that he settled on a farm on New Creek in then Hampshire county containing 380 acres. Subsequently this was deeded him by his father (Hampshire county Deeds Bk. 14 pp. 110) and was the farm surveyed by John Mitchell, county surveyor Survey Book A. Hampshire county, Feb. 10th 1789.
James Inskeep was an active
farmer and spent his entire life on the farm upon which he first
settled. Upon the Hampshire County deed books are many transactions
in which he was either granter or grantee. Fourteen children were
born to him from his union with Sarah Frye and after her death
he married a Miss Singleton by whom he had no issue. He was buried
on his farm and his will was filed Book 14, pp. 215 and 216. This
book was destroyed during the civil war but the fact of the will
and filing is recorded in the Hampshire county deed books upon
the sale by the executors of his estate.
438 James Inskeep, (Abraham 315) (James 202) (Judge John1) b. 4-28-1765, d. d. 5-25-1858, m. 12-27-1785 Sarah Frye, daughter of ____ ____ and Fanny (Littler) Frye, (b. 3-27-1768).
Their Issue:
5069 1. Abraham W. Inskeep, b. 10-22-1786, d. 4-4-1829, m. 6-22-1813, Anna Foreman, daughter of John and Margaret (Giles) Foreman (b. 8-26-1794, d. 1-23-1851) 8 children.
5070-2 Elizabeth Inskeep, b. 7-27-1788, d. 90 years, m. (M'd L 3-29) 1814 Jonothan Wilson, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Haynes) Wilson, children.
3 Fanny Inskeep, b. 8-1-1790, d. 7-23-1792.
4 William Inskeep, b. 7-11-1792, d. 5-12-1793.
5071-5 Susannah Inskeep, b. 5-23-1794, m. (M'd L. 3-13) 1815, John Goldsmith, moved to Marietta, O.
5072-6 Joseph Inskeep, b. 9-4-1796, d. 1837, m. 1-28-1826, Elizabeth VanMeter, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Inskeep) VanMeter, 8 children.
5073-7 John Inskeep, b. 11-10-1798, went to N. O. and disappeared, no issue Est. settled 1857
5074-8 James Inskeep, b. 10-30-1800, m. (M'd L. I-1) 1829 Ruth Hager, 1 son settled in St. Louis, son emigrated to Cal.
5075-9 Samuel Inskeep, b. 9-13-1802, m. (M'd. L) 12-18-1823, Ann Spencer, 10 daughter went to Pickaway Co., O.
5076-10. David Inskeep, b. 2-14-1805, d. 7-22-1882, m. 10-30-1825, Catherine Shaw, daughter of Col. William and Mary (Bernard) Shaw (b. 8-9-1804, d. 2-16-1886) 10 Children.
11 VanMeter Inskeep, b. 3-15-1807, d. 1-27-1809
12. Sarah Inskeep, b. 7-4-1809, d. 10-27-1813
5077 13. Rachel Inskeep, b. 12-4-1811, m. George M. Schrock, Columbus, O. 2 children.
5078 14. William Vance Inskeep,
b. 12-12-1816, d. 1859, m. (M'd. L. 3-27) 1843 Mary Jane Dayton,
4 children.
William Inskeep, the second
child and second son of Abraham and Susan Vause) Inskeep, was
born November 7, 1766. Upon his marriage which took place November
16, 1790 to Susanna, d. of William Foreman, he settled on a farm
near Romney and built a house still in the possession of his immediate
descendants. This was subsequently deeded him by his father (Hamp.
Co., Deeds, Bk 10, pp. 483). Here William passed his entire life
in the active pursuits of a farmer. He, following the family characteristic,
added largely to his holdings of real estate. He too married a
second time, a widow, Elizabeth Taylor. No record of his will
can be found, nor that of his burial place.
439 William Inskeep, (Abraham 315) (James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 11-7-1766, d. 11-3-1845, m. 11-16-1790, Susannah Foreman, daughter of William Foreman (b. 11-20-1769, d. 9-27-1810).
Their Issue;
5079 1. Catherine Inskeep, b. 9-19-1791, d. 4-28-1828, m. 6-26-1810, Warner Throckmorton, son of William Throckmorton, 5 children.
2 Abraham Inskeep, b. 11-10-1793, d. 9-27-1810
3. Sarah Inskeep, b. 9-8-1796, d. 5-12-1853 unm.
5080-4. Isaac (A.G.) Inskeep, b. 6-6-1799, d. 4-28-1878, m. 12-13-1825, Margaret King, 8 children.
5081 5. Elizabeth Inskeep, b. 10-16-1801, d. 9-17-1836, m. as second wife George Fox, son of William and Jemima (Vause) Fox, 2 children.
5082 6 Foreman Inskeep, b. 4-26-1804, d. 3-9-1882, m. 1-30-1849, Alverdah Isabelle Cain, daughter of Levi and Ann (Kinline) Cain, 9 children
5083 7. Rebecca Inskeep, b. 2-18-1807, d. 7-18-1844, m. (M'd L. 8-31)1838, Uruah L. Blue, son of Michael and Frances (Lawson) Blue, 3 children.
5084 8 William Inskeep Jr.,
b. 9-27-1810, d. 10-1-1851, m. 3-27-1844, Julia Matilda Turner,
daughter of John B. and Mary (Fulton) Turner. 4 children.
Sarah Inskeep, the third child
and first daughter of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep married
William George Wilson, son of Col. George and Elizabeth (McCreery)
Wilson. Nothing is know of this branch of the family in an obituary
way save that they removed to Kentucky and settled in Lewis Co.
440. Sarah Inskeep (Abraham 315) (James 202) ( Judge John 1), b. 6-17-1769, d. 11-17-1842, m. circa 1788 William George Wilson, son of Col. George and Elizabeth (McQuery) Wilson, (b. 6-30-1765, d. 4-4-1843).
Their Issue;
5085 1. John Wilson, b. 11-4-1789, d. 1848, m. (M'd. L. 1/18) 1813, Mary Harness, daughter of John and Hannah (Inskeep) Harness, children moved to O.
5086 2. Rebecca Wilson, b. 8-1-1791, d. 3-30, 1820, m. David Kirkpatrick, 4 children.
5087 3. Juliet Wilson, b. 2-15-1793, d. 1866, m. 1-13-1813, Joseph Woodrow, 6 children.
5088 4. William Wilson, b. 10-17-1794, d. 8-12-1870, m. 8-6-1817, Mary Urmstom, daughter of Benjamin and Ann (McGee) Urmston, 8 children.
5086 5 Abraham Inskeep Wilson, b. 4-21-1796, d. 1-18-1861, m. 11-22-1821, Marie Yeiser, daughter of Philip and Margaret (Swope) Yeiser. 9 children.
5090 6. Eliza Wilson, b. 3-22-1798,
d. 5-15-1834, m. Richard Taylor, 1 child.
7 James Wilson, b. 9-12-1799, d. 1819.
5091 8 Joseph Darlington Wilson, b. 3-22-1801, m. Marie McGuire 1 child.
5092 9 Charles Machir Wilson, b. 1-13-1803, d. 10-25-1891, m. 11-6-1835 Charlotte Spangler, 5 children.
5093-10 George McCreery Wilson, b. 9-3-1805, m. Rebecca ____, 6 children.
9 Serena Wilson, b. 7-10-1807, d. 1-15-1808
5094-12. Thomas Vause Wilson, b. 10-27-1808, d. 3-13-1888, m. 12-19-1836, Ann C. McGuire, daughter of Samuel and Katherine McGuire, 5 children.
13 Sariah Susan Wilson, b. 4-21-1812,
m. Dorsey Baker.
Rebekah Inskeep. The forth child and second daughter of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep married James Machir, a native of Scotland. He was a man of means and held a very prominent position in the community in which he dwelt. His purchases of land were many and of large acreage. His home "Caledonia" was known far and near as a seat of the most bounteous hospitality. He was prominent in politics and held many offices from Justice of the Peace of his home county to being its representative in the fifth Uni ted States Congress. He also served several terms as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. He died June 25, 1827 at Wilson's Spring in Hardy County, leaving a numerous posterity.
441 Rebekah Inskeep, (Abraham 315) (James 202) (Judge John 1), b. 12-19-1770, d. 2-1817, m. 9-18-1790 James Machir.
Their Issue;
5095 1. Sallie Machir, b. 6-11-1791, m. 7-18-1811 as 2nd wife John Hopewell, son of Joseph Hopewell, 5 children.
5096-2. John Machir, b. 4-19-1793.
5097 3 Eliza Machir, b. 4-17, 1795, d. 12-8-1856, m. 3-21-1816 Moses Hutton, son of Abram and Elizabeth (Seymour) Hutton, 13 children.
4 Charles F. Machir, b. 4-21-1797, d. unm.
5098 5. James Machir, b. 7-11-1799, d. 12-13-1868, m. 1-27-1820 Elizabeth Hutton, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Harness) Hutton, 11 children.
6 Susan Machir, b. 4-1-1801
5099 7. William Machir, b. 8-9-1802, m. Mary Mount, daughter of John and Araminta Mount, 2 children. 2ndly m. Mary Pease, 6 children.
5100 8 Jane Smith Machir, b. 7-24-1804, d. 8-7-1842, m. 9-2-1832, Cyons Hutton son of Peter and Nancy (Welton) Hutton, 5 children.
5101 9 Rachel Machir, b. 3-11-1806, m. 10-1830 Isaac Hoge, son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Nichols) Hoge,9 children.
5102 10 Daniel Machir, b. 10-10-1808, d. unmarried.
5103 11 Rebecah Machir, b. 4-4-1809
5104 12 Isaac VanMeter Machir,
b. 10-7-1810, m. Amelia Nippers.
The following taken from a letter
from Isaac V. Inskeep, of Manhattan, Kansas, under date of March
21, will be of interest to our readers:
"In the last paper my grand-father, Jas. Inskeep is given in his second marriage as to a Miss Singleton. His second wife was Mrs. Sarah Means, an aunt of Mr. Alfred Taylor, who ran a Tannery in Morefield and Mr. Wm. Taylor of Mechanicsburg, who's mother was her sister. She had two daughters by the first marriage, the oldest marrying Mr. Henry Tront, of Ridgeville, Mineral Co. The other and youngest married Mr. Aaron Singleton, son of Jno. Singleton, who with his mother and youngest brother, James, moved to Iowa. I simply write this that the history by Mr. Wallace may be correct.
She was the only grand-mother
I ever knew. Well do I remember her kindly face, as she cracked
the maple sugar into small lumps, and placed them in the lower
cubboard with directions to me to help myself, but don't get sick,
and I did. I often wonder if the old sugar orchard is there yet,
and the sweet pear tree in front of the house where I used to
run with the little basket and get the pears as they would drop
before the chickens could get them."
Rachel Inskeep, the fifth child
and third daughter of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep married
William Vause Jr., a son of William and Rachel (Hedges) Vause.
There is among the descendants of William Vause an old military
memorandum book in which the earliest date is 1777, which contains
written instructions as to drilling and marching troops, records
of trials by court martial but nothing of a personal or family
bearing through he affixes to his signature, Capt. 73d. Va. troops.
His sword is in the possession of his descendants. In Heilman's
Historical Reg. of Officers of the Continental Army pp. 411 he
is credited as Capt. 12 Va. 8 Jan. 1777. Regt. designated as 8th
Va. 14 Sept. 1778. Retired 12 Feb. 1781.
William Vause, Jr., was born
in Hampshire Co., where he lived during the early part of his
life, later removing to Ross Co., Ohio.
442 Rachel Inskeep. (Abraham 315) (James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 11-23-1772, m. 6-9-1793, William Vause son of William and Rachel (Hedges) Vause.
Their issue:
5105 1. James Vause, b. 6-14-1794, d. 12-30-1856, m. 5-22-1817, Eliza Harness, d. of Joseph and Rebecca (Williams) Vause, 11 children.
5106-2. Rebecca P. Vause, b. 11-6-1796, m. 2-19-1822, Robert M. Woods.
3 Isaac Vause, b. 1-6-1801
Jeremiah Inskeep, the sixth
child and third son of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep, was
born November 2, 1774, on the South Branch of the Potomac. Upon
his marriage, April 7, 1796, to Scota, daughter of Alexander and
Mary Ann (Keller) Machir, he settled at Lost River on land given
him by his father, Abraham. (Hardy Col., Deeds.) Here he lived,
his occupation being that of a farmer. Like his brothers he added
largely to his real estate holdings by purchase and patent.
In religion he and his family
were Baptists. He died December 11, 1845 leaving a will recorded,
Hardy County Wills, Bk. 8, pp. 28, in which he left his real estate
holdings to his sons and sums of money to his daughters.
443. Jeremiah Inskeep, (Abraham 215) (James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 11-2-1774, d. 12-11-1845, m. 4-7-1796 Scota Machir, daughter of Alexander and Mary Ann (Keller) machir.
Their Issue:
5107 1. Mary Ann Inskeep, b. 5-9-1797, m. 5-10-1821, Jonothan Branson, son of Lionel and Rebekah (Millar) Branson, 1 child.
2. Sarah Machir Inskeep, b. 12-9-1799, Unm.
3 Angus Machir Inskeep, b. 1-14-1803, d. 5-29-1825.
5108 4. Abraham Alexander Inskeep, b. 12-1-1805, d. 2-7-1876, m. 1-25-1831, Eliza Inskeep, daughter of Abraham and Hannah (VanMeter) Inskeep, 5 children.
5 Rachel Vause Inskeep, b. 4-19-1808, d. 1868, m. George A. Hupp, no issue.
5109 6. Henry Ward Inskeep,
b. 7-24-1812, m. Cassandra Roberts, daughter of Silas Roberts,
2 children.
John Inskeep, the seventh child
and fourth son of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep, was born
November 7, 1776, on the South Branch of the Potomac. Whom he
married first, the mother of his son John, is not known but he
married Nov. 10, 1803, Sallie Machir, a sister of his brother
Jeremiah's wife and cousin of his sister Rebekah's husband. He
then moved near Romney and built what is known as the "Lower
House" nearly opposite his brother William, though on the
other side of the river. He too was a farmer and following his
father's and brother's example, added largely to his real estate
holdings. His wife dying, he married a Miss Boyle. He was a member
and regular attendant at the Episcopal Church in Romney. He died
January 29, 1824, survived by two sons and one daughter. His will
is recorded Hampshire County Wills, Bk. 7, pp. 174.
444 John Inskeep, (Abraham 315) (James 202) (Judge John 1), b. 11-7-1776, d. 1-29-1824, m. _________
Their Issue:
5110 1. John Inskeep, b. 7-10-1797,
d. 5-14-1868, m. 12-4-1834, Jamima Harness VanMeter, daughter
of David and Hannah (Canningham) VanMeter. (b. 1-31-1814, d. 8-12-1892)
m. 11-10-1803 Sallie Machir, daughter of Alexander and Mary Ann
(Keller) Machir (d. 9-29-1843).
Their Issue:
5111 2. 1 Susan Vause Inskeep,
b. 8-17-1805, d. 6-25-1883, m. 9-20-1831, Dr. Moses McClintic,
son of William and Nancy (Shanklin) McClintic (b. 2-18-1806, d.
10-1-1890), 6 children.
5112 3 2 Henry Machir Inskeep, b. 1-29-1809, d. 1-23-1859, m.
5-8-1834, Susan Elizabeth Vause, daughter of William and Margaret
(Myers) Vause, 5 children.
M -------- Boyle D. S. P.
Abraham Inskeep, the eighth
child and fifth son of Abraham and Susan (Vause) Inskeep, was
born November 9, 1778 in the South Branch Valley. Upon his marriage
to his cousin, Hannah VanMeter, daughter of Col. Joseph and Mary
(Inskeep) VanMeter, he settled on a farm across the Potomac from
Moorefield, subsequently inherited by his father's will. He was
a farmer like his brothers and like them acquired real estate.
He attended the Presbyterian Church. He died November 10, 1844
his will being recorded in Hardy Co., Wills Book 7, pp. 537.
445 Abraham Inskeep, (Abraham 315) (James 202) (Judge John 1), b. 12-9-1778, d. 11-10-1844, m. circa 1802 Hannah Van Meter, daughter of Col. Joseph and Mary (Inskeep) VanMeter.
Their Issue:
5111 1. Mary Miller Inskeep, b. 11-29-1803, d. 10-1869, m. Gabriel Fox, son of William and Jemima (Vause) Fox, two children.
2 Eliza Inskeep, b. 8-28-1806, d. 2-12-1878, m. 1-25-1831, Abraham Alexander Inskeep, son of Jeremiah and Scota (Machir) Inskeep, 5 children. See 5108.
3 Joseph Van Meter Inskeep, b. 7-2-1809, d. 1-8-1832, Unm.
4. John McCullock Inskeep, b.
9-17-1811, d. 12-24-1831, Unm.
Isaac Inskeep, sixth son and
ninth child of Abraham Inskeep, and Susan Vause, was born on the
home place of his father, Abraham, in Hardy Co., W. Va., March
26th, 1785; and died of consumption cause by a neglected cold,
on the same farm, in the house which is still standing, and which
he had about completed, November 26th, 1844. On February 29th,
1820 he married his first cousin, Ann Fox, the daughter of his
mother's sister Jamima Vause, the second wife of William Fox,
son of Gabriel Fox and Ann Warford. The Warfords were among the
early settlers of the Shenandoah Valley; John W., being either
a brother or father.
Isaac and Ann were the parents
of three daughters, Susan, b. 1821, Jimima, b. 1823, d. an infant,
and Rebecka, b. 1826.
Isaac devoted his entire time
to the cultivation of his lands, and raising fine cattle and horses,
he added considerably to the estate left him by his father, the
home place and land originally deeded to Abraham in 1773.
His wife Ann was a woman of
superior characteristics of mind and greatly beloved by all who
came in touch with her. B. 1797, she survived Isaac, and died
in 1855, leaving her two daughters to mourn her loss and honor
her memory.
These worthy people lie side by side in the family burying ground on the brow of the hill overlooking their earthly home.
Susan Inskeep married James Scott Whiting in 1847 and died in 1868, leaving a daughter, Anna, nearly grown, and an infant three weeks old, Eston Inskeep. Other children born to them died in infancy.
Rebecka married in 1846, Dr. Alexander J. Sangster, whom she proceeded to another world in December 1868, leaving no issue.
Ann Fox Whiting, first child of Susan Vause Inskeep and James S. Whiting, born 1849, married in 1869, James Clark Stubblefield, in Cumberland, Md., who deceased in 1889 leaving no issue. Mrs. Stubblefield still survives, and has assisted in compiling this genealogy of the Inskeep Family.
Eston Inskeep Whiting married in 1887 Miss Lillian Myer, they reside in California; a son , James Stubblefield Whiting, born 1890, is their only living child.
446 Isaac Inskeep (Abraham 315)(James 202) (Judge John 1) b. 3-29-1785, d. 12-26-1844, m. 2-29-1820, Ann Fox, daughter of William and Jemima (Vause) Fox.
Their Issue:
5114 1. Susan Vause Inskeep, b. 9-8-1821, d. 3-1-1868, m 10-20-1847, James Scott Whiting, son of Thomas W. Scott and Mary Skinker) Whiting, 6 children.
2 Jemima Inskeep, b. 12-9-1823, d. 4-1825.
3 Rebecca Fox Inskeep, b. 2-27-1826,
d. 12-31-1868, m. circ 1848, Dr. Alexander J. Sangster. No Issue.
Other Resources
The Pa. Magazine of History
and Biography (published by the Historical Society of Pa.) has
an article on John Inskeep, Mayor of Philadelphia in Vol. 28,
#2, 1904, it includes genealogical material on his family.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, in
its issue of Sunday, May 8th, 1988, in the real estate section,
shows a picture of the original homestead of the Inskeep family
near Marlton. The family that owned it were restoring it.
The Ann Inskeep mentioned in
the letter, above, was an ancestor of the late President, Richard
M. Nixon. She married John Hussey in Christiana Hundred (New Castle,
Delaware) about 1703.
The Inskeep genealogical mailing
list, open to all Inskeep researchers. To join send an email to:
INSKEEP-L-request@rootsweb.com
In the body of the message, write only
subscribe
you must also turn off any signature files.
Conestoga Area Historical Society
Serving Conestoga, Manor, Martic, Pequea Townships and Millersville
Borough, Lancaster County, Pa.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~pacahs/index.htm
Submitted by James "Jim" L.Stokes
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