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Descendants of Richard Ashcraft
Generation 1
1.

Richard Ashcraft-1   was born about 1575 in Little Paxton, Hunts, England.  He died.

 

Dorothy Towers was born about 1575 in Little Paxton, Hunts, England.  She died.
 

Richard Ashcraft and Dorothy Towers married.  They had the following child:
  2. i.

Richard Ashcraft-2  was born about 1590 in Little Paxton, Hunts, England.  He died on 04 Jul 1630.

Generation 2
2.

Richard Ashcraft-2 (Richard Ashcraft-1)  was born about 1590 in Little Paxton, Hunts, England.  He died on 04 Jul 1630.

 

Notes for Richard Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, by Tracy Myers, Generation No. 2.

Notes for Richard Ashcraft,

The list of the East India Company included the name of Ashcrofte, Merchant. The entry for Richard Ashcrofte, Merchant, indicates that he joined in 1614, when the company already had 24 ships at sea.

The East India Company organized a new joint stock in 1617.  The Primary purpose of this company was to compete with the Dutch in developing trade and industries in the East Indies.  The ships found lucrative trade between the west coast of Africa (for slaves), the island of Barbados (for sugar and rum), and the east coast of America.

Richard Ashcraft.  Born before 1600 in England (possibly born c1572, based on unconfirmed Web data . . .).  Married Alice Towers, daughter of Thomas Towers and Alice Hawley.  [Neal, Ashcraft Family.]

Richard joined the East India Company in 1614, in London.  His will reportedly was probated (in England) 7 May 1628.

Children of Richard Ashcraft and Alice Towers were as follows:

   i. Elizabeth Ashcraft; christened at St.  James Church, London, England [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 2]

   ii. Mary Ashcraft; christened at St. James Church, London, England [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 2].

   iii. Ann Ashcraft; christened at St. James Church, London, England [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 2].

   iv. Dorothy Ashcraft.

   v. Edward Ashcraft;

   vi. John Ashcraft.

   vii. Richard Ashcraft Jr.

 

Ref: (2) - The John & Nancy White Family Page,  Updated February 22, 2006

(Generation No. 12 - 3072. Richard Ashcraft )

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Alice Towers, daughter of Thomas Towers and Alice Hawley, was born about 1600 in Hinton Hall, Haddenham, Isle of Ely.  She died about 1700 in England.
 

Notes for Alice Towers:

Richard Ashcrofte, Merchant, was married to Alice Hawley Towers of Hinton Hall, Haddenham, Isle of Ely. Alice was the niece of Sir John Jolles, Lord Mayor of London in 1615 who left her some 500 pounds in his will dated 1621.

Alice Towers died 1702 probably in England. Her will was probated Jan 1703 (in England); John Jr. administered his grandmother's estate.

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Richard Ashcraft and Alice Towers married.  They had the following children:
  3. i.

John Ashcraft-3   was born on 12 Jul 1618 in England.  He died on 28 Apr 1666 in St Michael Parish, Barbados
    ii.

Dorothy Ashcraft was born on 13 Jan 1612/13 in St. Mary's, Stockport, Cheshire County England.  She died.
     

Notes for Dorothy Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, by Tracy Myers, Generation No. 2.

Notes for Dorothy Ashcraft,

 

Dorothy Ashcraft; christened 13 January 1613 at St. Mary's Church, Stockport, Cheshire, England; married 1st Agmundesham Muschamp, 21 December 1634 at St. Vedost Church, London, England (the church was located at Foster Lane & St. Michael); married 2nd Joseph Howe, 20 November 1651 at St. Margaret Pattens, London, England. She joined the East India Company after her father's death in 1629 [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 2].

Dorothy, most likely the first child, probably married twice. A record exists of a marriage between a Dorothy Ashcrofte and Agmundesham Muschanp on 21 Dec 1634 at St Vedost Church, Foster Lane and St Michael, London. She remarried Joseph Howe on 20 Nov 1651 in St Margaret Pattens in London. Although Dorothy was under legal age, it seems she inherited her father's interests in the East India Company since his death occurred in 1628 and she appeared as a member in his place in 1629.

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    iii.

Edward Ashcraft was born on 11 Feb 1614/15 in St James, London, England. He died.

 

Notes for Edward Ashcraft:

Edward, was a Mariner.

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    iv.

Richard Ashcraft was born in 1624 in St James, London, England.  He died on Mar 1669/70 in Little Paxton, Huntingdonshire, England.  He married MARY TOWERS. She died.
     

Notes for Richard Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, by Tracy Myers, Generation No. 2.

Notes for Richard Ashcraft,

vii. Richard Ashcraft Jr; born 1624 London, England; married 1st Mary Towers, daughter of John Towers, before 1668; married 2nd Elizabeth Reading, daughter of Rev. William Reading, 13 December 1668 Southoe, Hampshire, England; died c.8 May 1670 at Little Paxton, Huntingdonshire, England, and was buried there [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 2].

   Richard Jr. was four years old when his father died placing his birth about 1624. He married twice first to his first cousin, Mary Towers, daughter of John Towers and secondly to Elizabeth Reading on 13 Dec 1668 in Southoe. She was the daughter of William Reading, Vicar of Southoe, Hants. Richard Jr. was buried 10 march 1670 at Little Paxton.

   Richard Jr. apparently moved from London back to Stockport, since several of his children were christened there [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 2].

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Generation 3
3.

John Ashcraft-3 (Richard Ashcraft-2, Richard Ashcraft-1)  was born on 12 Jul 1618 in England.  He died on 28 Apr 1666 in St Michael Parish, Barbados.
 

Notes for John Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, Tracy Myers, Generation No. 3.

Notes for Richard Ashcraft.

Notes for John Ashcraft.

John Ashcroft was deeded a plantation in Barbados from Robert and Ann Tothill who were close friends with Richard Peers in 1663.  (Vol 2, Folio 542, 1663 St Michaels Barbados).  This plantation in St Michaels Parish consisted of 10 acres that belonged to the late Lt. Francis Piggot.  It bounded North and East by other lands of Lt. Piggot and on the south by lands of Charles Playdwell and west by lands which had belonged to Bonham Corter.

John was made overseer of the will of Richard Peers of Barbados, dated March 13, 1661.  The Peers had a plantation that produced molasses and rum and land in Herefordshire, England was also mentioned.  Edward Peers names John Ashcraft and John's daughter Peers Ashcroft in his will as well as nominating John and Capt John Berry as overseers of his will dated 12 June 1665.  The fact that John Ashcraft named his daughter Peers indicated a close relationship.  By some accounts, John's wife was Elizabeth Peers.  In the Will of John Peers dated 16 March 1688, Elizabeth Ashcroft and her children John, Richard, Edward, Susannah, and Elizabeth are mentioned.

Richard Peers son Edward in his will on 16 April 1665 that John and his daughter Peers received legacies equal to the amount left to Edwards sister.  In 1671, the marriage records indicate Mrs Pierie Ashcrofte and Thomas Mercier were married on July 20 in Barbados.  John died and was buried 28 April 1666.

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Elizabeth Peers.  She died.
 

John Ashcraft and Elizabeth Peers married.  They had the following children:
  4. i.

John Ashcraft-4 was born about 1644 in Probably Barbados.  He died on 15 Sep 1680 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.
    ii.

Richard Ashcraft.  He died.
    iii.

Susanna Ashcraft.  She died.
    iv.

Elizabeth Ashcraft.  She died.
    v.

Peers Ashcraft.  She died.

Generation 4
4.

John Ashcraft-4 (John Ashcraft-3, Richard Ashcraft-2, Richard Ashcraft-1)  was born about 1644 in Barbados or England.  He died on 15 Sep 1680 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.
 

Notes for John Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, Tracy Myers, Generation No. 4.

Notes for Richard Ashcraft

Notes for John Ashcraft born 1644

The first record of permanent habitation by John appeared in Stonington in 1662.

Caulkins, Frances Manwaring.  History of New London, Connecticut.  From the first survey of the coast in 1612, to 1852.  New London, The author [Hartford, Ct., Press of Case, Tiffany and company] 1852.  pp. 248-9

Minutes of Cases before Court if Assistance 1664, 1665, and 1666.

Before this court Capt. Denison brought various charges against a young man at Mystic, by the name of John Carr, accusing him of engaging the affections of his daughter Anne with out leave - of proposing to her to leave her father's house and marry him - of taking a cap and belt and silver spoon from his house, and finally of defaming his daughter.  Carr retracted all that he has said against the young lady, but was fined on the other counts £34, 7s, 6d.

John Carr appears to have had an extra quantity of wild oats to sow; the next year he was again arraigned, together with John Ashcraft, for various misdemeanors, endeavoring to entice women from their husbands, concealing themselves in houses, writing letters which had been intercepted, SC.  They were fined, and the wives of the several men solemnly warned and ordered to take care (John Carr died 1675).

 

About four years later, John met Hannah Osborne, whose family had migrated from Massachusetts, and they were married on 12 Sept 1670 in Stonington.  Possibly this is the same Osborne family that lived in Barbados.

Thomas Minor noted in his diary that he had rented a farm to John and Hannah and the newlyweds went there to live.

John served in Capt. George Denison's expedition in King Philip's War, 1676.  He received a grant of land for his services in Narraganset War (Indian War in Rhode Island), granted posthumanously.  In 1690, his son john sold the land (he must have applied for the land grant on his fathers record).

 

   Soldiers in King Philip's War, Chapter 28, Part IX

   ENROLLMENT LIST - A list of the Names of the English Volunteers in the late Narraganset War, as followeth:

    81 John Ashcraft (dec'd)

   TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE, VOLUNTOWN, December 23, 1860.

   I hereby certify that the foregoing is a correct extract from the Records of Voluntown, except some of the spelling.

   Attest ELISHA POTTER, Town Clerk.

 

Thomas Minor made reference in his diary of "all the sick folke" and noted the death of John on 16 Sept 1680.  Hannah Osborne Ashcraft remarried Deliverance Blackman.

 

Sources:

 1. Caulkins, Frances Manwaring.  History of New London, Connecticut.  From the first survey of the coast in 1612, to 1852.  New London, The author [Hartford, Ct., Press of Case, Tiffany and company] 1852.

 2. Neal, Martha Ashcraft.  The Ashcraft Family - Descendants of Daniel.  Baltimore: Gateway Press (1994).

 3. Minor, Thomas, The Diary of Thomas Minor of Stonington, Connecticut, 1653-1684 (New London, CT: The Day Publishing Co., 1899).

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Hannah Osborne, daughter of John Osborne and Anne Oldage, was born on 18 Dec 1651 in Windsor, Weymouth, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.  She died in Windsor, Weymouth Norfolk County Massachusetts.
 

Notes for Hannah Osborne:

2nd Husband of Hannah Osborne: + Deliverance Blackman m: 1695 in Stonington, New London County Connecticut.

 
 

John Ashcraft and Hannah Osborne married on 12 Sep 1670 in Stonington, New London County Connecticut.  They had the following children:
  5. i.

John Ashcraft-5   was born on 14 Aug 1671 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut.  He died on 05 Jun 1732 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut.
    ii.

Hannah Ashcraft was born on 05 Jan 1672/73 in Stonington, New London County,Connecticut.  She died on 11 Jan 1672/73 in Stonington, New London County Connecticut.
    iii.

Hannah Ashcraft was born on 08 Jan 1674/75 in Stonington, New London County,Connecticut.  She died.
    iv.

Ephraim Ashcraft was born on 11 Dec 1677 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died.
    v.

Mary Ashcraft was born on 26 Jul 1680 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  She died.

Generation 5
5.

John Ashcraft-5 (John Ashcraft-4, John Ashcraft-3, Richard Ashcraft-2, Richard Ashcraft-1)  was born on 14 Aug 1671 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut.  He died on 05 Jun 1732 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut.  He married MARY BURROWS on 12 Sep 1690 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut, daughter of John Burrows and Hannah Culver.  She was born about 1670 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  She died about 1750.
 

Notes for John Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, Tracy Myers, Generation No. 5.

Notes for John Ashcraft

John's will was written in the Town of Groton, New London, Connecticut in Probate Dist on 5 June 1732 and proven on 5 July 1732 at the time of John's death.  It was witnessed by a Samuel Burrows.  The inventory list also indicated that he was a gentleman of some means as the list included such items as canes, wigs, silk handkerchiefs, and so on.  He was Lieutenant-Captain of Groton, Connecticut.

John Ashcraft.  Born 12 August 1671 at Groton, Connecticut.  Married Mary Burrows, 12 September 1690 at Groton, Connecticut.  Died between 5 June & 5 July 1732 Groton, Connecticut.  Buried in Packers-Burrows Cemetery, Mystic, Connecticut.  [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 7-8]

At one time, he owned Mouse Island and Six-Penny Island.  He also sold his father's posthumous land grant (for service in King Philip's War) in 1690 [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 8-9].

He was Lieutenant-Captain of the Groton "trained band," or militia [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 9].

He wrote a will on 5 June 1732 at Groton, Connecticut (witnessed by Samuel Burrows and probated on 5 July 1732 at Groton).  He was apparently a gentleman of some means, judging by the number of canes, wigs, and silk handkerchiefs in his estate.  He left a bequest of £20 to his 2nd son, Daniel, but there is no evidence it was ever collected [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 7].

Lived at Noyak Neck and at one time owned Mouse and Six Pence Island.  Lt/Capt of Groton.  Sons John and Jedidah stayed in Conn and raised their families there.

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Mary Burrows, daughter of John Burrows and Hannah Culver, was born about 1670 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  She died about 1750.
 
 

John Ashcraft and Mary Burrows married on 12 Sep 1690 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut.  They had the following children:
    i.

John Ashcraft-6   was born on 14 Sep 1696 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died on 01 Nov 1745 in Connecticut.  He married (1) Margaret Hurd on 25 May 1719 in Windham, Connecticut.  She died.  He married (2) Mary Keeney in 1730.
     

Notes for John Ashcraft:

He married 1st Margaret Hurd 25 May 1719 also probably at Stonington, Connecticut (had 5 children); he and Margaret Hurd were divorced 18 September 1733 at Winham County, Connecticut; married 2nd Mary Keeney, daughter of Joseph Keeney and Hannah Hills, after 1733 in Connecticut (had 3 children); died 1 November 1745 at Ft. Louisbourg, Quebec, Canada; buried at Ft. Louisbourg, Quebec.  John wrote a will on 4 April 1745 probably at Stonington, Connecticut: "Being listed to go upon a dangerous expedition to an enemies' land, have thought good to make this my last will and testament." His will was probated 7 January 1746 at Stonington, Connecticut.  Inventory includes "John Ashcraft's share of booty." [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 6.]

He wrote his will 4 April 1745 in Stonington, in which he says "being listed to go upon a dangerous expedition to an enemies' land, have thought good to make this my last will and testament." The will was probated 7 January 1746 at Stonington (the inventory includes "John Ashcraft's share of booty") [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 10].

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  6. ii.

Daniel Ashcraft was born on 14 Aug 1698 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died on 09 Oct 1755 in Conococheague Manor Town Creek, Virginia (now West Virginia).
    iii.

Ephraim Ashcraft was born on 17 Sep 1701 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died.

 

Notes for Ephraim Ashcraft:

[Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 7, 9].
    iv.

Jediah Ashcraft was born on 22 Jan 1702/03 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died.  He married Margaret Fanny Avery.

 

Notes for Jediah Ashcraft:

(On 19 Jan 1734, at Stonington, Connecticut, he had to make bail for an unknown offense.)
    v.

Mary Ashcraft was born on 22 Nov 1705 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  She died.  She married William Willis on 02 Sep 1725 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died.
    vi.

Hannah Ashcraft was born on 17 Jan 1707/08 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  She died about 1710 in Stonington, Connecticut.

 

Note for Hannah Ashcraft:   [twin]

    vii.

Uriah Ashcraft was born on 17 Jan 1707/08 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died in 1791 in probably in Connecticut.

 

Notes for Uriah Ashcraft:   [twin]

(On 15 Mar 1734, at Stonington, Connecticut, he was tried for his life for the murder of a stranger, Dennis Wilkenson, and was acquitted.)

Generation 6
6.

Daniel Ashcraft-6 (John Ashcraft-5, John Ashcraft-4, John Ashcraft-3, Richard Ashcraft-2, Richard Ashcraft-1)  was born on 14 Aug 1698 in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.  He died on 09 Oct 1755 in Conococheague Manor Town Creek, Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia)[]killed by Indians].
 

Notes for Daniel Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, Tracy Myers, Generation No. 6.

Notes for Daniel Ashcraft

Accused of killing an Indian, the son of Wampaneag, he had been jailed in June of 1720.  Indians had come forward with various complaints of injustices and Daniel Ashcraft was used as an example of how the laws of King George applied to both Indian and Englishmen alike.  Joshua Hempstead noted in his diary that he had been on the Jury of inquest (Diary of Joshua Hempstead of New London, Connecticut by New London Historical Society, 1901).

From Joshua Hempstead's Diary:

Sunday, June 12, 1720.  I was on Jry of inquest upon ye Indian which died last night of ye wound he rec'd of Daniel Ashcraft on Thursday last on his forehead with a stone.  Fridey [sic], Sept 10.  Daniel Ashcraft brought in not guilty.

 

In September, Daniel was tried for his life for killing the Indian with a stone.  An Indian squaw testified at his trial that she saw the Indian load a pistol and threaten to kill Daniel.  The poor squaw was later whipped by the Indians for informing.  Daniel was acquitted but hard feelings remained.  Shortly after, he left Connecticut.

Apparently, even though he was acquitted, Daniel felt the approbation of a community that relied on good relations with the Indians, and he left town, traveling first to New Jersey and then to Pennsylvania and Maryland.

In one account, Daniel went to sea and never returned.  Indeed there is no further record of him in Connecticut.  In 1726, we find him in Wrightstown Pennsylvania requesting a land transaction.  His father mentioned him in his will leaving him 20 pounds or bills of credit.  On the 10th day of May, 1732, Daniel was in Wrightstown in Bucks County, Pennsylvania near the Delaware River selling 220 acres of land to William Allen for 200 pounds lawful money of Penn.  This act would indicate that Daniel had been there for some time.  On 14 June 1734 he sold another 120 acres for 160 pounds to William Allen of Philadelphia.  This tract was said to have contained houses, barns, buildings, gardens, orchards on the Neshaminy Creek adjoining Richard Mitchell and Jonathan Cooper.  This land was located in Wrightstown near Philadelphia.

Daniel's brothers Jedediah and Uriah, according to Hempstead's Diary, also had brushes with the law.  On Jan 19, 1733-4, it was related that he had to go to town to make bail for Jedediah Ashcraft, and on March 15, 1733-4 he was in court all day with Uriah Ashcraft was being tried for his life for murdering a stranger, Dennis Wilkenson.  Uriah was acquitted.

Family tradition states that Daniel married Elizabeth Lewis c. 1723 with no evidence being found, but he was married to an Elizabeth.

The family then moved to the Sleepy creek area of present day West Virginia.  This land was open to settlement about 1750 with the Lewis family residing there in 1753 and 1756 (David and Henry Lewis).

Daniel was killed by Indian on October 9, 1755.

The "Maryland Gazette" of Thursday, 9 Oct 1755 reports:

"Daniel Ashloff, who lived near Town creek, a few miles this side of Col Thomas cresap's, says that he and his father and others were attacked by indians, who killed all but Daniel.  Mr Stoddart wanted to go in persuit but the others would not.  He has applied to Major Prather for a detachment of militia.

Less than a year later the "Maryland Gazette" reports the death of more family members, "A letter from Col Cresap mentions Indians killing Abraham Johnson, Jacob Ashcraft, and James Lowrey a peddler, Daniel Ashcraft is missing."

 

Daniel Ashcraft b.1698, fled to eastern Pennsylvania, possibly via New Jersey or Maryland, after killing an Indian.  An entry in Hempsteads Diary states that "Sunday, June 12, 1720 I was on Jry of inquest upon ye indian which died last night of ye wound he rec'd of Daniel Ashcraft on Thursday last on his forehead with a stone".  Another entry reported on the results of the trial state "Friday, Sept 10 Daniel Ashcraft brought in not guilty".  Daniel's brothers Jedediah and Uriah, according to Hempstead's Diary, also had brushes with the law.  On Jan 19, 1733-4, it was related that he had to go to town to make bail for Jedediah Ashcraft, and on March 15, 1733-4 he was in court all day with Uriah Ashcraft was being tried for his life for murdering a stranger, Dennis Wilkenson.  Uriah was acquitted.

Accused of killing an Indian, the son of Wampaneag, he had been jailed in June of 1720.  Indians had come forward with various complaints of injustices and Ashcraft was used as an example of how the laws of King George applied to both Indian and Englishmen alike.  Joshua Hempstead noted in his diary that he had been on the Jury of inquest (Diary of Joshua Hempstead of New London, Conn by New London Hist Soc, 1901) In Sept, Daniel was tried for his life for killing the Indian with a stone.  An Indian squaw testified at his trial that she saw the Indian load a pistol and threaten to kill Daniel.  The poor squaw was later whipped by the Indians for informing.  Daniel was acquitted but hard feelings remained.  Shortly after, he left Conn.  In one account, Daniel went to sea and never returned. Indeed there is no further record of him in Conn. In 1726, we find him in Wrightstown Pennsylvania requesting a land transaction.  His father mentioned him in his will leaving him 20 pounds or bills of credit. On the 10th day of May, 1732, Daniel was in Wrightstown in Bucks County, Penn near the Delaware River selling 220 acres of land to William Allen for 200 pounds lawful money of Penn. This act would indicate that Daniel had been there for some time. On 14 June 1734 he sold another 120 acres for 160 pounds to William Allen of Philadelphia. This tract was said to have contained houses, barns, buildings, gardens, orchards on the Neshaminy Creek adjoining Richard Mitchell and Jonathan Cooper. This land was located in Wrightstown near Philadelphia. Family tradition states that Daniel married Elizabeth Lewis Circe 1723 with no evidence being found, but he was married to an Elizabeth. The family then moved to the Sleepy creek area of present day West Virginia. This land was open to settlement about 1750 with the Lewis family residing there in 1753 and 1756 (David and Henry Lewis).  Daniel was killed by Indians on October 9, 1755. The "Maryland Gazette" of Thursday, 9 Oct 1755 reports: "Daniel Ashloff, who lived near Town creek, a few miles this side of Col Thomas Cresap's, says that he and his father and others were attacked by indians, who killed all but Daniel. Mr Stoddart wanted to go in pursuit but the others would not. He has applied to major Prather for a detachment of militia. Less than a year later the "Maryland Gazette" reports the death of more family members, "A letter from Col Cresap mentions Indians killing Abraham Johnson, Jacob Ashcraft, and James Lowrey a peddler, Daniel Ashcraft is missing".

There is evidence that Daniel had 8 sons and 3 daughters.  The boys lived together, worked together, migrated together, and fought together.

 

HISTORICAL NOTE:   Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was formed in 1729.  Cumberland County was formed from part of that in 1750.  Bedford County was formed from part of that in 1771.  Westmoreland County was formed in 1783 from the part of that which was west of the Youghiogheny River. (And some additional land east & northeast of the river was annexed in 1784.) There were settlers in the Fayette area as early as 1730, and in that early period settlers west of the Laurel Mountains considered themselves Virginians, as Virginia claimed that territory (a dispute later resolved in favor of Pennsylvania). Uniontown, Pennsylvania, seat of Fayette County, is only about 50 miles from Harrison County, West Virginia.

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Elizabeth Lewis was born in 1702 in Virginia (now West Virginia).  She died in 1790 in Virginia (now West Virginia).
 

Notes for Elizabeth Lewis:

Her surname is Lewis only by family tradition. Her given name was certainly Elizabeth.

Also according to family tradition, she was a cousin of Col. Andrew Lewis and William Lewis, leaders at the Battle of Point Pleasant, . . . but that Lewis family has been very thoroughly researched, so this connection is most likely wishful thinking. married Daniel Ashcraft (see #76), son of John Ashcraft and Mary Burrows, c1723 [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 6, 8, 22].

 
 

Daniel Ashcraft and Elizabeth Lewis married about 1722 in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.  They had the following children:
    i.

Ephraim Ashcraft-7 was born in 1724 in Virginia.  He died in 1791 in Little Bingamon.
     

Notes for Ephraim Ashcraft:

Ephriam Ashcraft Notes,

Ephraim Ashcraft; married Elizabeth; born c1724; died 1791 at Little Bingamon?. Ephraim and Felix claimed their father's Sleepy Creek property (in Berkeley County, Virginia [now West Virginia]) in 1766 as heirs of the widow Ashcraft; John and Ichabod both lived close by as well.

Ephraim and Felix claimed their father's Sleepy Creek property (in Berkeley County, Virginia) in 1766 as heirs of the widow Ashcraft; John and Ichabod both lived close by as well. He migrated to Monongalia County, Virginia, before 1782 [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 453].

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    ii.

Felix Ashcraft was born in 1726 in Virginia. He died before 1770.
    iii.

Jacob Ashcraft was born on 18 Feb 1732/33 in Virginia. He died in 1756 in Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia).  He married Mary Johnson about 1750.
     

Notes for Jacob Ashcraft:

Jacob Ashcraft,

Jacob Ashcraft; born 18 February 1733 probably in Pennsylvania; married Mary Johnson, daughter of Peter Johnson and Mary ---(?)---, c1750 (her 1st husband); died c1756 probably in Berkeley County, Virginia -- killed by Indians (with his brother-in-law) while attempting to drive his cattle to safety; his brother, Daniel, was missing and was presumed also killed. [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 24-25, 28.]

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    iv.

Jediah Ashcraft was born about 1735 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  He died on 19 Apr 1794 in Clifty Hollow, Grayson County, Kentucky.  He married Nancy Ann Friend about 1765 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
     

Notes for Jediah Ashcraft:

Jediah Ashcraft,

Jediah Ashcraft; born c1735 probably in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the Sleepy Creek area of Virginia; married Nancy Ann Friend, daughter of John Friend Jr. and Elizabeth Banner(?), c1766 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; died 1794 in Hardin County, Kentucky.  Killed by Indians and probably buried nearby; the site is unknown, but was near Big Clifty Bridge, now in Grayson County, Kentucky [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 479].  He often appears in records as "Jedidiah."

On 18 May 1775 (at Ft. Dunmire, Augusta County, Virginia), Jediah was appointed by the court (with Daniel Steel) to oversee the building of a road from Shuttes Creek to Devors Ferry on the Monongahela.  He was also appointed a constable. [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 29, 478.]

In December 1775, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, he signed the petition opposing the formation of Transylvania [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 478].

In 1776, he was living at Boonesborough, Kentucky.  In 1778-79, he was sheriff in Yohogania County, Virginia (that area of southwest Pennsylvania described above).  [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 479.]

Jediah served as one of Col. George Rogers Clark's "Long Knives" in Virginia's Northwest Expedition, 1778-79 (as did several other residents of Fayette County).  In recognition of this service, Virginia awarded him a land warrant in Hardin County, Kentucky, and he migrated there in 1780 or '81 with a party of friends and in-laws, via flatboat down the Ohio River.  They settled at Philips Fort (dismantling the flatboat and building a house with the timber), on the present site of Louisville, where they were among the earliest inhabitants.  (Note that John Frakes, according to his own pension application, helped to build this fort. . . .) [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 30, 479.]

On 8 August 1781, Jediah purchased 400 acres in Hardin County.

He also participated in (now) Gen. Clark's expeditions against the Indians:

Jediah Ashcraft, private, entered service 28 October 1782, discharged 25 November 1782, in service 36 days, paid £2 / 8 / 0) [Harding, George Rogers Clark and His Men, p. 194].

 

On 2 April 1783, Grayson County, Kentucky:

"Unto George Rogers Clark in trust for recruiting his battalion and in lieu of the bounty of Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars is granted by the said Commonwealth of Virginia unto Jediah Ashcraft a certain track [sic] or Parcel of land containing Five Hundred and Sixty acres by survey bearing the date of March 1, 1783 and lying and being in the County of Jefferson [ie, Kentucky], on the North Branch of Ashcraft Creek waters of Rough Creek, being the first south branch below Little Clifty.

[signed] Patrick Henry, Governor.    April 2, 1783."

 

On 1 July 1783, he purchased 200 acres on Linn Camp Creek, in the Middle Creek Survey, Hardin County, Kentucky.  He bought another 200 acres on 6 July 1784 of the Bear Creek Survey, Hardin County, and on 18 December of the same year, he bought another 1,276 acres on Bear Creek [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 478-79].

He appeared on the 1785 tax list in Nelson County, Kentucky:

   Tithables on Green River, easterly of Nolin:

      Ashcraft, Jediah - 2

      Ashcraft, Daniel (son) - 0

   [Nelson County, Kentucky Taxpayers, 1793-1799]

 

He wrote a will 19 April 1793 in Hardin County, Kentucky:

In the name of God, Amen.

I Jediah Ashcraft being in perfect health of body, and of perfect memory and mind, but calling to mind the mortality of my Body do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament.  And first I recomend my Body to the earth to be buried in a decent and christian like manner at the discresion of my Executors, and my soul to God, that give it, and as tuching such worldly Estate wherewith it pleased God to bless me with in this life, I give and dispose of the same in the following manner:

Imprimus.  I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife, Nancy Ashcraft, the sole benefit of the land on which I now live to be by her freely enjoyed during the time of her life.  And also all my stock of horses kind, cattle, sheep, hogs.  My personal estate as before said together with my household furniture and uttentsials for Husbandry are wholly at her disposal and she may dispose of the same as she thinks proper.  After my lawful debts are paid except one Horse, worth fifteen pounds, a good man or woman saddle and Bridle (as the sex may be) for each of my following children Viz, Nancy, John, Nelly and Jacob, and also a middle rate cow and calf to each of sd children, the whole to be delivered to them or to each one of them when they become of age, or if any of them should marry before they become of age, the same to be delivered to them at the time of their marriage.  And any part of my personal estate that my wife may not dispose of by Will or otherwise in her life time, I allow the same to be equally divided between all my children and the whole of the land on which I now live containing 288 acres after my wife's deceased, I give the same to my son Jacob to be by him freely enjoyed by him his heirs & assignees forever, and my tract of Land containing 560 acres on Ashcrafts Creek, I give and dispose of the same as follows; that is to say, To my Son, Daniel, I give three hundred acres of the upper and of said tract to be divided by a line a cross the same parallel with the upper line of said land, and the remaining two hundred and sixty acres, I give the same to my Son, John, to him there heirs & assigns forever.  And my tract of twelve hundred and some odd acres on Bear Creek, I allow the same to be equally divided according to quantity and quality between my Daughters Viz; Susanna, Mary, Nancy and Nelly to be by them freely enjoyed by them their heirs & assigns forever.  I do hereby constitute and appoint my well beloved wife, Nancy Ashcraft, my sole Executrix of this my last Will & Testament.  And I do hereby revoke & disannul all other Wills made theretofore by me, Allowing this and no other to be my Last Will and Testament & In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of April one thousand seven hundred and ninety three.

Sign'd seal's publish'd &

pronounced by the sd Jediah Ashcraft

as his last Will & Testament in presence of us

Jediah (X) Ashcraft {Seal}

P. Philips

Geo. A. Hamilton

John O Daniel

 

At a Court held for Hardin on Tuesday the 26th day of August, 1794.  The within Will was proved by the oath of John O Daniel and ordered to lay for further proof.

At a County Court continued and held for Hardin County at the Court House in Elizabethtown on tuesday the 14th day of October, 1817.  The above and foregoing Instrument of writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of Jadiah Ashcraft, dec'd, was produced in Court (the same having been partly proven by John O Daniel on the 26th day of August, 1794) and was on this day again proven by said O'Daniel as follows; That the said Will was attested by Philip Philips and George A. Hamilton in the presence of the said O'Daniel & in the presence of the said Jadiah Ashcraft, and that Philip Philips is now dec'd, and that he believes that George A. Hamilton is dec'd from information.  And also Benjamin Helm came into Court on this day and stated on oath, that the signature of Philip Philips appears to be in his own handwriting, which the court considered as satisfactory proof, and on motion of Jacob Ashcraft, the said Will was ordered to be recorded.  Whereupon I have truly recorded the same.

      Atteste, Saml. Haycraft, Jr. C.H.C.C.

[Frances Terry Ingmire (comp), Hardin County, Kentucky, Will Bill "C," 1816-1821 (St. Louis: The Author, 1982), pp. 57-59.]

 

His will was probated 26 August 1794 in Hardin County, Kentucky.

 

Jediah ASHCRAFT had been granted land for Revolutionary War service under George Rogers Clark in the campaign against the British and Indians in the Illinois Territory.  He took up land on Bear Creek in Grayson County (Jefferson County at that time) and later bought land in what is now Hardin County.  He was killed in an Indian fight in 1794 near the present location of the Big Cliffy highway bridge.  History tells of the last Indian fight in hardin County occurred in 1794, there is a possibility that the raiding party that took ASHCRAFT's life was the same involved in the fight near Elizabethtown.  His will was filed in Hardin County August 26, 1794 and indicated that he had considerable property for that time.

The late Judge Mather, in writing about Phillip's Fort, listed four ASHCRAFTS as being at the fort, namely: Jediah ASHCRAFT, Daniel ASHCRAFT, John ASHCRAFT, and Jacob ASHCRAFT during the period 1781-1792.  Jediah ASHCRAFT, the father, born circa 1735-45, killed by Indians near the present day site of Big Cliffy bridge in Grayson County, and supposedly to have been buried nearby.  Daniel ASHCRAFT, the oldest son, born march 13, 1768 in Pennsylvania or Virginia, died June 6, 1842 in Richland County, Illinois, married Sarah Dye in Hardin County October 27, 1793, parents of eight children: John W born March 25, 1779 died July 15, 1846 buried in Little Mount Cemetery in LaRue County, Kentucky married on March 7, 1808 Nancy Wallace in Hardin County, Kentucky (Nancy Wallace born June 22, 1788 died August 2, 1852) parents of ten children.  Jacob ASHCRAFT born 1758 died July 28, 1859, buried in Little Mount Cemetery in LaRue County married February 1812 Sarah Kennedy born c1786, parents of eight children.

Jediah ASHCRAFT married Nancy Ann Friend ASHCRAFT about 1760.  Nancy was the daughter of John Friend Jr and his wife Elizabeth of Friends Cove, Pennsylvania.  The other children of Jediah ASHCRAFT and his wife Nancy Friend ASHCRAFT were as follows: Elizabeth born c1766-7 married David McClure February 21, 1792 Nelson County, Kentucky parents of 13 children.  Elijah ASHCRAFT was the son of Richard ASHCRAFT of Fayette County, Pennsylvania who died there about 1791.  Elijah ASHCRAFT came early to Hardin County, with his mother, brothers, and sisters about 1799.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
    v.

Daniel Ashcraft was born about 1736 in Pennsylvania.  He died on 11 Oct 1774 in Battle of Point Pleasant, Virginia.

 

Notes for Daniel Ashcraft:

(According to family tradition, he supposedly died 11 October 1774 at the Battle of Point Pleasant, Virginia, but there is no evidence whatever to support this. . . .)
  7. vi.

Ichabod Ashcraft was born about 1737 in probably in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  He died about 1804 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
    vii.

Elizabeth Ashcraft was born about 1739 in Pennsylvania.  She died.  She married Robert Boyce.
    viii.

John Ashcraft was born about 1739 in Pennsylvania.  He died in 1832 in Shinnston, Harrison County, Virginia (now West Virginia).  He married CHARITY EVANS in 1763 in probably in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

 

Notes for John Ashcraft:

John Ashcraft.htm

John Ashcraft; born 1737 probably in Pennsylvania; married Charity Evans, daughter of John Evans and Sarah Denny, 1763-1764? probably in Chester County, Pennsylvania; died between 28 July & 31 December 1832 Shinntown, Harrison County, Virginia [now West Virginia] [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 25, 29, 457].  In 1842, he received Revolutionary War Pension #S-6537 (which gave his age as 95 years) [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 29].

In 1781, he served in Capt. Ichabod Ashcraft's company, during which time he marched to Ft. Pitt and joined Gen. George Rogers Clark's expedition to Wheeling.  Then he transferred to Capt. Jacob Cline's company and marched to the mouth of the Kanawha, where he was discharged after six months' service.  He served again later as a militia guard and was called up against the Indians [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 29].

He migrated to Marion County, [West] Virginia, in 1798 [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 29].

John Ashcraft; born 1737 probably in Pennsylvania; married Charity Evans, daughter of John Evans and Sarah Denny, 1763-1764? probably in Chester County, Pennsylvania; died 1832 at Shinntown, Harrison County, Virginia [now West Virginia].  John received Revolutionary War Pension #S-6537.

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    ix.

Richard Ashcraft was born about 1740 in Pennsylvania.  He died in Feb 1792 in Chamber Mills, Pennsylvania.  He married ELIZABETH CARR on 16 Oct 1766 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  She was born about 1748 in Maryland.  She died on 15 Sep 1846 in Meade County, Kentucky.
     

Notes for Richard Ashcraft:

Ref: (1) - Descendants of Richard Ashcraft, Tracy Myers, Generation No. 7.

Richard Ashcraft,

38. Richard Ashcraft (Daniel, #76).  Born c1740 in Pennsylvania.  Married Elizabeth Carr, daughter of John Carr Jr and Elizabeth Cross(?), 16 October 1766 Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  Died February 1792 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 505; Leaves of Time web site, 3 May 2001.] He froze to death after his horse fell through through the ice into a creek near his home near Chambers Mill (Amwell Township, in south-central Washington County, between Ten-Mile Creek & West Ten-Mile Creek).  He was returning from Chambers Mill, probably on a trading expedition.  Buried at an unknown location in Georges Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

He was a bitter enemy of all Indians, probably because of all his brothers and other relatives who had been killed in Indian raids.

Richard also had quite a varied military career: He took part in the French & Indian Wars between the Ohio River and the Great Lakes in 1764, under Col. Bradstreet and Col. Bouquet [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 32].  He and his brother-in-law, Capt. Thomas B. Carr, both saw service in 1776-77 as "Indian scouts and spies" in and around Fayette County, Pennsylvania [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 32-33].  He worked as an Indian scout again in 1778, as did several other Ashcrafts, especially along the Monogahela River.  A document exists in the Pennsylvania State Archives, wherein Richard Ashcraft & Thomas Carr report in detail on the movements of the Indians allied with the British.  Both were members of Capt. Basil Bowell's Company and they apparently operated from Ashcraft's Fort, built by Ichabod Ashcraft [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 33; DAR Library Unpublished Records, Fayette County, vol. 1 (1940)].

The first document filed under Richard's own name was the sale of his interest in the family place in 1767 -- 340 acres on the Monongahela, opposite the mouth of Ten-Mile Creek, for £20 Virginia money

He sold 330 acres on the Monongalia, opposite the mouth of Ten Mile Creek, to George & William Teagarden, 2 May 1767 at Redstone Creek, Monongalia County, Virginia (now West Virginia) [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].  In 1778 Richard was living at George's Creek, near Geneva, Pennsylvania [Franklin Ellis, History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia: L.H.  Everts & Co, 1882), p. 655].  On 1 May 1781, he was entitled to 400 acres "at the Glades," in Monongalia County, Virginia, to include the settlement made by Richard Powell in 1775.  This was near the present site of Reedsville, Preston County, West Virginia [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].  He migrated to Monongalia County, Virginia [now West Virginia], before 1782 [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 453].

Richard appeared on the 1773 tax list in Springhill Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, (later Fayette County) [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].  He migrated to Monongahela County, Virginia (now West Virginia), in 1775.  He appeared on the 1782 tax list in Monongalia County with 7 children [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].  Then, on all the tax lists between 1786 and 1793, he was back in Georges Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 507].  (Note that during the Revolutionary period, Fayette County was still part of Westmoreland County; Fayette was not separated until 1788.)

He appeared on the tax list of 1788 in Georges Township with 100 acres, 4 horses, & 4 cows.  He appeared on the 1791 tax list in Georges Township with 150 acres, 5 horses, & 2 cows [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 507].

In February 1792, after Richard's death, Elizabeth packed up her family and followed some of her Carr relatives to Nelson County, Kentucky (that part which later became Meade County) and then on to Hardin County.

Early tradition in the Ashcraft/Shacklett family says that Elizabeth Carr was considered "not so young" at marriage (i.e., probably over 20 years old) but that Richard was "considerably older."

 

Children of Richard Ashcraft and Elizabeth Carr (see #39) were as follows:

i.  Mary B. Ashcraft.

ii.  Elizabeth Ashcraft; born 2 August 1773 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married Benjamin Shacklett, son of John Shacklett Jr. and Barbara Quick, 8 October 1792 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; died 27 March 1839 Meade County, Kentucky [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].

iii. Delilah Ashcraft; born 1778 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married 1st James J. Ross, 26 March 1799 Shelby County, Kentucky [Shelby County, Kentucky Marriage Records]; married 2nd Benjamin Stillwell after 1800; died before 1846 at Corydon, Harrison County, Kentucky [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].

iv.  Abisha B. Ashcraft; born 1780 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married Hannah Denton 6 November 1800 Hardin County, Kentucky [Hardin County, Kentucky Marriage Records]; died 1839 probably in Harrison County, Indiana [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506]. He sometimes appears (incorrectly) as "Abijah."

In his prime, Abisha was considered physically the most powerful man in Meade County, Kentucky, or any of the surrounding counties, and was a noted barehanded fighter [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 499-500]. He appears as a 6-month private on the roll of Capt. Edward Rawlings's Company of Infantry, Col. Nicoholas Miller's & Col. Benjamin Wright's Regiment, Kentucky Militia [Kentucky Soldiers of the War of 1812, p. 219].

v.  Abner Ashcraft; born 1782 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married 1st Ruth Carr, daughter of Absolom Carr and Ruth White, 8 June 1826 probably in Hardin County, Kentucky [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506; Leaves of Time web site, 3 May 2001]; apparently married 2nd Malinda Ross (date unknown).

vi.  Elijah B. Ashcraft; born 7 October 1784 near Chambers Mill, Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married Elizabeth McWilliams, daughter of James McWilliams and Martha Jamison, 12 January 1810 Hardin County, Kentucky; died 10 January 1829 (of "quinsey") in Hardin County, Kentucky; buried in Hill Grove Cemetery, Meade County, Kentucky [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 501, 506].

vii. Elisha Ashcraft; born 1786 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married Rebecca Bowman, daughter of Thomas Bowman, 8 September 1816 Bullit County, Kentucky; migrated to Perry County, Indiana, in 1829; died c1839 in Orange County, Indiana [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].

He appeared on the 1830 census in Union Township, Perry County, Indiana:

Ashcraft, Elisha

Males: under 5 - 2 Females: under 5 - 1

5 - 10 - 1 5 - 10 - 1

40 - 50 - 1 10 - 15 - 1

15 - 20 - 1

30 - 40 - 1

viii.  Rachel Ashcraft; born 12 April 1789 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married Blancet Shacklett, son of John Shacklett Jr. and Barbara Quick, 6 June 1807 Hardin County, Kentucky; died 29 December 1861 in Meade County, Kentucky; buried in Hill Grove Cemetery, Meade County, Kentucky. She was described as possessing great force of character and a strong determination [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 500, 506].

ix. Absolom Ashcraft; born 1791 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; married 1st Delilah Allen, daughter of Benjamin Allen, 6 August 1818 Meade County, Kentucky; married 2nd Harriet Wimp after 1819 Meade County, Kentucky; died 1841 Meade County, Kentucky [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 506].

 

Richard was a spy, Indian scout, entrepreneur, land owner, and family man. After surveying the great dangers of the frontier, he unfortunately lost his life to a tragic accident. Typically, Richard was one in the first ventures into Kentucky. In the mid 1700's Thomas Townsend, an Indian trader, arranged with Daniel Boone to solicit settlers for lands in Kentucky. On a trading expedition to Ohio, he gave the message to William Hibbs who was involved in the venture. Hibbs, rounded up the following Ashcrafts: Ichabod, Daniel, Richard, and Uriah. Mounted and leading pack horses they went up the Monongahela, up the West fork and over into the Little Kanawha, down the Little Kanawha to the Ohio and down the Ohio to the mouth of the Scioto. They made Prickett's Fort the first night. The next morning after they crossed the Tygart Vally River, a storm forced them to take shelter in a deserted cabin near present Hutchinson. There Thomas Townsend joined them. Indians killed Townsend and two others. This put an end to the Kentucky plans of Hibbs Party. In the early 1920's, Dr David Thomas Smith wrote: "Richard Ashcraft is said to have been a man of remarkable courage, strength, and endurance. At that time Indian wars and Indian hunting was rampant. Richard's hatred of the Indians was well known. "Often he would go out alone on these Indian hunting expeditions, at others he would join a few congenial spirits and they would be gone for weeks in the forest, seldom failing to make some "good Indians". On one occasion a little white girl had been captured by the Indians, and Ashcraft and another man followed them. When they reached the Indian camp they found one warrior left to guard the girl and he was asleep while the girl was tied to a tree. The companion started to raise his gun to shoot the Indian, but Ashcraft checked him, fearing the others were near enough to be aroused, and catching the eye of the girl motioned her to be silent. He then drew a knife, and keeping a tree between him and the sleeping Indian, he crept near and then springing forward stabbed the Indian to death. Looking around they found a papoose wrapped up in a blanket and nearby a boiling pot of hominy. Taking the papoose by the heels he plunged its head into the boiling hominy. When chided for it by his comrade, he replied, "nits amke lice". Richard participated in the French and Indian Wars under Col. Bradstreet and Col. Bouquet between the Ohio and the lakes. These expeditions took place in early 1764. Thomas Carr, brother in law, and Richard were both expert trackers and spies. They were reported living at the mouth of Ten Mile Creek before 1767. Richard held the first deed within the boundaries of present day Washington County, PA. This frontiersman became a settler and land owner on the Monongahela River at a place just opposite the mouth of Ten Mile Creek, above Heatons Mill. This property was sold to George Teagarden in 1782 and became the site of Fort Teagarden. Richard served as a spy in the Revolutionary War. Richard died by freezing to death in 1792 after his horse broke through the ice while crossing a stream. The horse got away and went home without Richard. Theyt found Richard frozen to death the next morning. They also found a path around a tree worn by a wet and freezing man trying to keep warm. He was returning from Chamber Mills, probably from a trading expedition, when this accident occurred.

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    x.

Rachel Ashcraft was born about 1741 in Pennsylvania. She died.
    xi.

Margaret Ashcraft was born about 1743 in Pennsylvania. She died.

Generation 7
7.

Ichabod Ashcraft-7 (Daniel Ashcraft-6, John Ashcraft-5, John Ashcraft-4, John Ashcraft-3, Richard Ashcraft-2, Richard Ashcraft-1)  was born about 1737 in probably in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  He died about 1804 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
 

Notes for Ichabod Ashcraft:

Ichabod Ashcraft

Ichabod Ashcraft; born c1737 probably in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and grew up in the Sleepy Creek area of Virginia; married Rachel ---(?)---, 1760 in either Pennsylvania or Virginia; died c.January 1804 Fayette County, Pennsylvania; will probated 14 March 1804 Fayette County, Pennsylvania (his son, Daniel, was appointed administrator by the court [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 25, 36, 39-41].

Ichabod was responsible for the establishment of Ashcraft's Fort on the line of the Cherokee Trail, in what is now Georges Township (then Springhill Township), Fayette County (then Westmoreland County), Pennsylvania -- about 10 miles south of Uniontown and not far from Smithfield.  It was built on the land of the late Jesse Evans, located near Prospect Hill (aka Point Lookout).  He had a survey made in 1769 at Buffalo Pastures and received a warrant for the land in 1770 -- but was that before or after the fort was built? Some sources say the fort was built before 1750, which seems unlikely.  It was of typical blockhouse construction; the second story had loopholes and projected out over the base, and a stockade was attached.  It was located near a spring, also, said to be on a hill overlooking the Monongahela, very close to the Catawba Trail, which became "Braddock's Road" [James Veech, The Monongahela of Old; or, Historical Sketches of South-Western Pennsylvania to the Year 1800 (n.p.: n. pub., 1892; reprinted, Waynesburg, PA: Greene County Historical Society, 1971].

The list of settlers in what is now Fayette County in 1772, taken from the property assessment rolls of Bedford County, lists (under Springhill Township) the following: Ichabod Ashcraft, John Carr, John Carr Jr., & Moses Carr.  Under "Inmates" (boarders or residents not heads of families) are included Richard & Ephraim Ashcraft.

 

NOTE: Springhill Township at that time included that part of what is now Fayette County east of Redstone Creek -- and probably included all of Greene & Washington Counties as well.

 

Ichabod probably took part in Dunmore's Expedition into the western country, near Coshocton, Ohio, in June 1774.  He later showed an intimate knowledge of the area [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 36-37].

In 1775, he enlisted in the first Revolutionary company west of the Alleghenies (the second unit raised in Virginia).  Michael Cresap, a friend of the Ashcrafts, raised a company of 130 frontier sharpshooters who fought as irregulars -- and marched 800 miles to Boston.  [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 37].

Between 1778 and 1783, Ichabod served as a Ranger on the Virginia frontier, and also as a captain in the Westmoreland County Militia, Pennsylvania Line.  [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 37, 42-43; Pennsylvania archives (Philadelphia: J. Severns & Co, 1852-56; Harrisburg, PA: C.M. Busch, State Printer, 1874-99?), vol. 4, p. 428.  See also: War Record Certs # 8143 & 8145, specifying patriotic service.]

He was a dealer in salt (from the salt springs on the Kanawha River) and ginseng c1780 in Georges Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania [Neal, Ashcraft Family].

He appeared on all the tax lists between 1785 and 1799 in Georges Township.  The assessment roll for 1787 includes: Ichabod Ashcraft [Jr.?], Daniel Ashcraft, Richard Ashcraft, Uriah Ashcraft, John Carr, Moses Carr, Thomas Carr, Elijah Carr, & Absolom Carr.  [Ellis, History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania].

By family tradition, Ichabod was also at the Battle of Point Pleasant with his brother, Daniel, but this is also very unlikely.) He died intestate, and his son, also named Daniel, was appointed administrator by the court, 14 March 1804 Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 36.]

Approved into the church "by experience," was later accused of drunkenness, was denied communion, and finally dismissed from the congregation for drunkenness, abusive language, and fighting [Neal, Ashcraft Family, p. 39].

One Ichabod ASHCRAFT built a fort for protection against the Indians at some point in Fayette County, Pennsylvania prior to 1750, near the present site of Smithfield.  It appears reasonable to assume that some of the ASHCRAFT men were involved in the French and Indian War and with fighting the Indians who infested that part of Pennsylvania.

Ichabod Ashcraft; born c1737 probably in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; married Rachel c1760 in either Pennsylvania or Virginia; died c1804 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  Ichabod was responsible for the establishment of Ashcraft's Fort on the line of the Cherokee Trail, in what is now Georges Township (then Springhill Township), Fayette County (then Westmoreland County), Pennsylvania - about 10 miles south of Uniontown and not far from Smithfield.  It was built on the land of the late Jesse Evans, located near Prospect Hill (aka Point Lookout).  He received a warrant for the land in 1770 - but was that before or after the fort was built?  Some sources say the fort was built before 1750, which seems unlikely. . . .  It was of typical blockhouse construction; the second story had loopholes and projected out over the base, and a stockade was attached.  Located near a spring.  (By family tradition, Ichabod was also at the Battle of Point Pleasant, but this is also very unlikely.)  He died intestate; his son, Daniel, was appointed administrator by the court, 14 Mar 1804, at Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

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Rachel ???? was born about 1737 in Berkley County, Virginia (now West Virginia).  She died about 1821 in Knox, Ohio.
 

Ichabod Ashcraft and Rachel ???? married about 1760 in either Pennsylvania or Virginia.  They had the following children:
    i.

Daniel Ashcraft-8   was born about 1761 in Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia).  He died in 1846 in Coshocton County, Ohio.
    ii.

Ephraim Ashcraft was born about 1763 in Sleepy Creek, Maryland (may now be WV near MD panhandle).  He died about 1850 in Bracken County, Kentucky.
  8. iii.

Jacob Ashcraft was born about 1764 in Sleepy Creek, Berkeley County, Virginia (now West Virginia).  He died on 18 Jun 1827 in Harrison County, Kentucky.
  9. iv.

Jediah Ashcraft was born about 1766 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  He died in Oct 1820 in Grant County, Kentucky.
    v.

Rachel Ashcraft was born about 1768.  She died.
    vi.

Sarah Ashcraft was born about 1771.  She died.
    vii.

Elizabeth Ashcraft was born about 1772.  She died.
    viii.

Hannah Ashcraft was born about 1775.  She died.
    ix.

Felix Ashcraft was born in 1785.He died.
    x.

Nimrod Ashcraft was born in 1786.  He died.
End Generations 1 — 7
Sources
1.  

Illinois State Archives, Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763-1900.
2.  

Illinois State Archives, Illinois Death Index, Pre-1916.
3.  

Illinois State Archives, Illinois Death Certificates, 1916-1950.
4.  

Brøderbund Software, Inc., CD 229: U.S. States Marriage Index (1728-1850) - KY, NC, TN, VA, WV (1995).
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