By Emory L. Hamilton
In the Archives of the Virginia State Library is found one of the most interesting documents pertaining to the earliest settlers of the Clinch River Valley in what is now Russell, Scoot and Lee Counties, but then a part of Washington County.
It is page 229 and 230 of the Dunmore's War Records, and is a roster of 72 names of Militia soldiers under Captain William Russell. The roster is for the first pay period just prior to the outbreak of Dunmore's War in the fall of 1774.
While this document does not list everyone living in the area, it does give an insight into some of the very earliest settlers.
On the ensuing pages I have listed by number and name each of the Militiamen, with a brief biography of what I have been able to find pertaining to each man.
To read the roster: Click Here.
Note: The introduction above speaks of there being 72 names on the roster, yet only 44 names are listed on the web page. The reason for the discrepancy is unknown.
My Porter, Walker and collateral Cowans are all from this area. Many more Cumberland Gap and Ky families as wel. Glad to share data.
ReplyDeleteThese are but a few of the names I am researching:
Searching SPARKS, HAGER, JAYNE, RAMEY/REMY, COLLINS, MUSICK, WALKER, PORTER
MAYO, CAREY/CARY NAPIER,QUEEN, PERDUE, KELLEY, LETT,
Nancy Sparks Morrison