Notes:

The Clark surname comes from the name "Clericus," which means priest. It was an English name that evolved during the time of William the Conqueror. Alternate spellings of the name include, Clarke, Clarck, Clearck, Cleark, Clearke, Clerc, Clerck, and Clercke. (CL-387)

William D. Clark and Susanna Hunter are the parents of James A. Clark. James A. is listed in William's administration. William and his wife also have the correct birth places and son listed as James born in 1824 according to census records. These facts all match facts given in census records in which James A. is listed. He grew up in Cora, Ohio. It was a post office address located in section 11, Perry Twp., Gallia Co., Ohio from 1866-1913. Living members of my Clark family (namely my great Aunts) remembered their ancestors living in Cora, Ohio.

William D. Clark was married in Cabell Co., VA (now WV) in 1823. His first son, James A., was probably born in Cabell Co., West Virginia in 1824. He was deeded livestock and household goods by his probable father, William, on Aug. 22, 1824, in Cabell Co., West Virginia. (CL-DOC)

They then moved to Ohio where his 2nd son was born in 1826. His third son, Peter, was born abt. 1828 in Indiana or Louisiana (it's difficult interpreting the handwriting in the census. Their 4th child was born back in Ohio. In 1836, he is on the tax rolls for Gallia Co., Ohio. He owned a farm on section 13, range 16, of Perry Twp. according to an "1874 ATLAS OF GALLIA COUNTY, OHIO." He was taxed for the first time in Gallia Co. for 102 acres of land in this sec. 13, range 16, township 5 worth $146.00. He paid a $1.71 in taxes that year. He was absent from the 1833 tax tables. (CL-223) He was in the court Chancery records on July 22, 1836 in regards to Section 34-5-16, Perry Twp. Clark was supposed to buy Amos' land. He started to build a house on it, Amos tore it down and used the materials. Amos would not accept final payment from him. In court, Amos and William D. agreed to dismiss the case and each pay one half of the costs involved. (CL-228) There are multiple purchases of land by a William Clark, any of which could be our William, on May 26, 1823, Jun 19, 1839, May 19, 1847, and Jun 14, 1849. All of these purchases occurred in Sec. 35 or 36, range 16, Twp. 4. of Gallia Co., Ohio. (CL-359)

William might also be the William Clark who was the administrator of Enoch Shaw's vs. Jency Shaw (widow of Enoch) in Gallia Co., Harrison Twp., Court records date May 10, 1839. (CL-373) His oldest son, would have been our James Clark. They apparently didn't live in Ohio at his birth, as they gave Virginia (now West Virginia) as his birthplace in the 1860 census. (CL-213)

He was probably the William Clark, age 20-29 living in Cabell Co., Virginia in the 1830 census. His age is not correct, but everything else matches. (CL-336, 337)

Name: William Clark Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Cabell, Virginia Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 (George S. and Peter) Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1 (James Andrews Clark * Note: likely named after Step Father of William D.) Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1 (William Clark who was actually 39 - Maybe his wife didn't know) Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1 (Susannah Hunter) Free White Persons - Females - Under 20: 3 (Nancy and unknown sisters) Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2 (Ann Asbury Clark and a Mother or Mother-in-Law)Total Free White Persons: 5 Total - All Persons ( Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 5

He is the William Clark of Walnut Twp., Gallia Co., Ohio in the 1840 census. Name: William Clark Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Walnut, Gallia, Ohio Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 2 (?) Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 2 (?) Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1 (George S. and Peter) Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1 (William Clark, age 50 at the taking of the census) Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 (Metilda Clark) Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 2 (Nancy Virginia Clark and ? daughter) Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 (Susannah Hunter, wife)Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 1 Free White Persons - Under 20: 8 Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1 Total Free White Persons: 10Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 10 In the 1850 census, it gives this on his family: Name: William B Clark (It clearly states B. as his middle initial, but it's D. in all other documents.)Age: 60 Birth Year: Abt. 1790 Birthplace: Kentucky Home in 1850: Perry, Gallia, Ohio, USA Gender: Male Family Number: 1879 Household Members: Name Age William B Clark 60 (b. Kentucky) Susannah Clark 47 (b. NC)James Clark 26 (b. OH)George Clark 24 (b. OH)Peter Clark 22 (b. IN?)Virginia Clark 18 (b. OH) Norman Clark 15 (b. OH) Metilda Clark 13 (b. OH) America Clark 10 (b. OH)

In the 1860 census their info is as follows: Name: William Clark Age: 69Birth Year: Abt. 1791Gender: Male Birth Place: Kentucky Home in 1860: Perry, Gallia, Ohio Post Office: Wales Family Number: 739Value of real estate: View image Household Members: Name Age William Clark 69 (b. KY)Susan Clark 51 (b. NC)Virginia Clark 29 (b. OH)Norman Clark 25 (b. OH)John Clark 3 (b. OH) A couple interesting facts to note above are in the 1860 census records. William and Susanah's son, Norman, was listed as a convict living at home. They also had a boy, John Clark, age 3, born in Ohio, living or visiting in the household that could be a grandson. (CL-214).

The 1870 census for William D. Clark is as follows. Name: William D Clark Age in 1870: 79 (The indexer misinterpreted it at age 99)Birth Year: Abt. 1791Birthplace: Kentucky Home in 1870: Perry, Gallia, Ohio Race: White Gender: Male Post Office: Patriot Value of real estate: View image Household Members: Name Age William D Clark 79 (b. KY)Sarah Clark 67 (b. VA) Virgina Clark 37 (b. OH)Norman Clark 34 (b. OH)Mary A Clark 29 (b. OH)John A Clark 13 (b. OH)In this 1870 census William D. Clark is listed as a citizen and was born in Kentucky. His daughter, Virginia and son Norman could not read, nor write. (CL-225, 383)

In the 1880 census: Name: William D. Clark Age: 91 Birth Year: Abt. 1789 Birthplace: Virginia Home in 1880: Perry, Gallia, Ohio Race: White Gender: Male Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)Marital Status: Married Spouse's Name: Susan Clark Father's Birthplace: Pennsylvania Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania Neighbors: View others on page Occupation: Farmer Household Members: Name Age William D. Clark 91 Susan Clark 78Virginnia Clark 48Norman Clark 45

In the 1880 census, William is 91 with rheumatism. His parents were born in Pennsylvania and he in Virginia. (Note, all earlier census records indicate Kentucky) His wife, Susan, age 78, had typhoid pneumonia. Her parents were born in Virginia and she in North Carolina. Their parentage would have likely been given by a child in the household as she was very ill and he was aged. I'm not sure we can rely on that information. In the next house, his son George and daughter-in-law, Sarah lived with their 3 sons and 2 daughters. In the 2nd house after his, a Henry G. Clark, age 26, son of George lived with wife Emma. (CL-230)

William D. Clark did leave a will. In it he gives his farm, section 13, range 16, of 108 acres to his son Norman and daughter Nancy Virginia Clark. This is the same land he is living on in the 1874 Gallia Co., OH Atlas. It is located south of what is now Rio Grande, Ohio. He does not mention any other members of his family. In the administration of his will, his next of kin residing in the state, are listed as James A. Clark, George S. Clark, Matilda Blagg, Nancy V. Clark and Polly A. Duval, in that order. Out of these, Polly A. Duvall is probably Polly America Clark. The closest marriage record I've found for her is G.W. Deval to MOLLIE A. Clark, both of Gallia Co., OH at the residence of John H. Rupp in Gallipolis by Samuel Kerr, J.P., on June 17 1874. (CL-227)

Locating William's parents has been difficult. Neither of them has a death certificate filed in Gallia Co. where they were likely living at their deaths. However, where they were living at the time of their marriage does give a few clues. In 1820, in Cabell Co., WV, there are several Clarks: Samuel, Henry (brother?), Samuel F. (brother?), James and William. Only William has a son the correct age range to be our William D. Clark. This William Clark, Sr. has 1 son 10-16; 1 16--18; and 2 males over 26-45 (1 might be our William) in his household. He, himself, is over 45. He has one female over 45 in his home. William D. is the son of William of Cabell Co., WV according to a half dozen researchers who've submitted data to the LDS church also. Lastly, there is also a deed between William Sr. (father), William D. and James Clark (brother) on Aug 22, 1824 in a Cabell Co., WV that suggests a father and brother or cousin relationship between these persons without stating the same. This deed is transcribed herein by Linda Coate with spelling, errors and capitalization retained. "This Indenture made this 22nd day of August, in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four between William Clark of the first part, Wm. D. Clark of the second part and James Clark of the third part, all of the county of Cabel and State of Virginia, Witnesseth that whereas the said Wm. Clark is justly indebted to the said James Clark in the sum of three hundred dollars by note executed on or about the 15th day of August 1815 (...?) Clark is desirous of securing the payment of the said sum of money, Now this Indenture witnesseth that the said William Clark for and in consideration of the premises aforesaid and for and in consideration of the sum of one dollar to him in hand paid by the said William D. Clark, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, he the said William Clark hath granted, bargained and sold and by these presents do grant, bargain; sell unto the said William D. Clark, his heirs; assigns forever, all the following property to wit: three head of Horses, six head of cattle, forty head of hogs two beds; their furniture and all the household and kitchen furniture and farming utensils at the time belonging to the said William Clark, to have and to hold the said property unto the said William D. Clark, his heirs; assigns forever to the only proper use and behoof of the said William D. Clark his heirs; assigns forever. In trust nevertheless that is to say of the said William Clark, his heirs, exec., adms., shall pay to the said James Clark, his exors., admns. or assigns the sum of three hundred dollars with interest thereon from the day the said note becomes due and payable then and in that; in that case this deed is to be null and void and of no effect. But if the said William Clark his heirs, exors or admins. shall fail to pay the said sum of three hundred dollars with the Interest to the said James Clark, his heirs, exors, or adms, or assigns then (d..) in that case the said William D. Clark shall upon the request of the said James Clark, or his proper representative, advertise the said property herein mentioned for sail, at least twenty days, on the front door of the Court House of Cabel County and then procede to sell the same and and out of the proceeds thereof, first pay and satisfy the changes attending the executution of this trust and then pay to the said James Clark, the demands for the security of which this deed is executed and the balance if any pay to the said William Clark. In Testimony whereof the parties of the first, second, and third part hath hereunto set their hands and seals, this day and date first above written. (Signed) William Clark, William D. Clark At a Court held for Cabel County the 23rd day of August 1824. This deed of trust from William Clark to William D. Clark for the use of James Clark was presented in Court acknowledged by the said William Clark; William D. Clark, which is ordered recorded. Testo: John Samuels, C.K.C.C." (CL-DOC)

I have personally chosen William as William D.'s father because of this deed which alludes to debt that William Sr. owes to his son James. James is making sure that William D. will pay the debt if his father dies before paying it off.

Further evidence that he is the son of this William is the fact that he named many of his children after his stepsiblings: James A. (Alexander), Nancy, Metilda, and Mary out of his children's names that we currently know.

I believe it's possible that William D's relationship to William is not specifically delineated as father and son in the records, because William D. is the son of William and a slave. This would account for the 1.5% of DNA showing up in my generation from Africa. His father, William Clark is the only ancestor I've found in 40 years of research that owned a slave and his wife's ancestry are the only owners of slaves that I have found. William D.'s son, James Andrew, also had very tightly curled hair and tanned skin also indicating this is the correct family. James Andrew would have inherited about 25% of African DNA to account for current DNA results. However, my DNA is coming up with many DNA matches to the Fergusons and James Jameson and his wife who were the grandparents of Jane Ferguson. So, this theory is probably not where my African DNA is from after all.

William married Susanah HUNTER on 24 Apr 1823 in Cabell, Virginia. Susanah (daughter of Robert HUNTER, * and Likely a slave \ mulatto, daughter of Mary BOWEN) was born on 4 Apr 1802 in NC or Virginia; died on 15 Jan 1881 in Perry, Gallia County, Ohio, United States of America; was buried about 18 Jan 1881 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States of America. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. James A. CLARK was born on 22 Jun 1824 in Kentucky Or Virginia; died on 1 Mar 1902 in Bidwell, Gallia, OH, USA; was buried in 1902 in Old Pine Cemetery, Raccoon Twp., Gallia, OH, USA.
2. George S. CLARK was born on 12 Nov 1826 in , , Indiana, USA; died on 5 Jun 1911 in Cora, Gallia, OH; was buried on 7 Jun 1911 in , Gallia, OH, USA.
3. Peter CLARK was born in 1828 in Louisiana, USA; and died.
4. Nancy Virginia CLARK was born about 1832 in Perry, Gallia, Ohio, United States; died after 1881.
5. Norman CLARK was born about 1835 in Perry, Gallia, Ohio, USA; died on 14 Jun 1881 in Gallia County, Ohio, United States of America; was buried after 1881 in , Gallia, OH, USA.
6. Metilda CLARK was born about 1837 in Perry, Gallia, Ohio, USA; died on 17 Jan 1897 in Gallipolis, Gallia, OH, USA; was buried in 1897 in , Gallia, OH, USA.
7. Mary America "Amelia" "Polly" CLARK was born on 30 Mar 1840 in Licking, Ohio, USA; died on 17 Oct 1923 in Ontario, San Bernardino, California, United States.

Notes:

William first shows up when he married Jane Ferguson as his first wife. The trick is which one. There were two William Clarks marrying two Jane Fergusons in the same time period. A Jane Ferguson who was the d. of John Ferguson married a William Clarke on Jul 2, 1787 in Montgomery Co., VA. An unnamed Clark married a Jane Ferguson who was the daughter of Samuel Ferguson in that same county on Jan. 26, 1788. [FN:Worrell, Anne Lowry; "A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle counties, Virginia", c1932:FN] What is important to note here is that the 2 William Clark's marrying 2 Jane Fergusons could easily have information from various counties in Virginia confused throughout time.

The fact that William Clark marries first in Montgomery Co., Virginia is important to note because the famous Clark family that included General George Rogers Clark and William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition lived in Montgomery Co., Virginia when the brother of these gentleman Thomas W. Clark was born on Aug. 10, 1759. This was when this county was new and had few settlers.

My William later appears to have lived in the same county as where this famous family moved to in Mason Co., Kentucky. Also, Thomas W. Clark lived and died in Walnut Twp., Gallia Co., Ohio where my William's descendants lived and died suggesting a likely relationship between these two families.

An IGI file for the Jane Ferguson who married in 1787 states that her relative was John Norman Clark. Both names John and Norman are carried down into the grandchildren's generation in this family --- and Norman being an unusual name would have it's origin explained in this way. My autosomal DNA is indicating that I am related to the Adam Ferguson line of whom both Janes are descended from. Because John and Norman are carried down in my family, I believe my William was married to the Jane Ferguson whom is the first marriage that's recorded in Montgomery Co., VA. This is theory.

This William appears to have been born at about the same time as the famous William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He is not the William that was in this expedition however, but Lois Rosewood theorizes that he was a cousin to the William Clark of the Merriwether Lewis Expedition.

William Clark's son, William D. Clark was born in Kentucky or Virginia in 1789 according to his census records. The borders of these states changed a lot over time. William D.'s family in the 1880 census thought that William's D's 's parents were born in Pennsylvania though no proof has been found of this. He likely moved shortly after marrying to Mason Co., Kentucky where his first son was born and his family resided starting in 1787. That could account for why we haven't found Jane's burial record or death date.

William Clark appears to have then moved to Cabell Co., VA. Cabell Co., VA was formed from Kanawha Co., Virginia in 1809 and later became Cabell Co., West Virginia. William was on a jury in the Superior Court on May 18, 1812. He was often listed as a juror -- on May 11, 1813; May 17, 1814; Oct. 17, 1814; and May 17, 1815. William purchased land in the same area on Twelve Pole Creek in Cabell County, VA on Jun 12, 1813. It consisted of 250 acres on the main right-hand fork of Twelve Pole Creek supposed to be about sixteen miles from the mouth of the said fork. On 25 October 1814, he purchased 110 more acres on the beech fork of Twelve Pole River in Cabell Co., VA. He was a part of the court proceedings a couple of times: on May 16, 1814, in the case of Daniel Morgan vs. William Clark, covenant; on Oct. 17, 1814, he appears to have given special bail in a case of George Ward vs. John Rodgers, and on May 17, 1815 in a court case of John McMahan vs. William Clark. (CL-483)

In 1826, William is listed as having land adjoining land that John Pinson was purchasing from William Spurlock and his wife Frances. (CL-484) Two different properties for William Clark and one for Samuel F. Clark (son), are located on the Back Fork of Cabell Co., VA in 1827 supporting a relationship amongst them by residence and age. (CL-477)

William Sr. is missing from the 1830 census, as he had died by that time. His estate in Cabel Co., VA was appraised on Jan 9, 1830. (CL-335, 466 p.99, 478) His estate was administered by James Clark (son by his second wife). The bill of the sale of the estate on Jan 23, 1830 included the sale of one slave named Aggy, and multiple items whose value was listed, but whose buyers were not. Most of his children moved to Ohio in adjoining counties to Jackson. Their properties need located to see if they lived near each other. (CL-DOC)

My William did die by 1830 and had likely son William D. who moved to Gallia Co., Ohio over the border from Gyandotte, Cabel Co., Virginia where his father's last verified location was. Other patterns that support him being the father of my William D. are because 1) William D. stated that he was born in Kentucky or Virginia in 1789 in census records. 2) This Willliam could have been one of the William's living in Mason Co., Kentucky over the border from what was to become West Virginia. Both Kentucky and what became West Virginia were still parts of early Mason Co., Virginia at that time. 3) This family had names repeated in his children's names which included James, William, Nancy, Matilda and Mary. As for William's parents, there are multiple theories:1. He might be the son of Alexander Clark and Sarah Lafferty. Their son William was born abt 1771 and had siblings named James, John and Samuel which were carried down in my William's lineage. His daughter Sarah would have been named after his mother.2. He might be the son of William Sr. who left land to his children in Mason Co., KY in 1801/2. William Sr. had children named John, James, William, George and Peter which carried down in this familial line. His son William however, is said to have married Mary Curtis whom he had many children with and lived in different places than my William.3. He is not the likely son of Robert and (Agnes) Elizabeth (Gay) Clark born about 1770 in Hardy, (West) Virginia. Their son William died at age 85 and 5 months on March 30, 1855 in Buckhannon, Upshur, West Virginia, USA. (West Virginia, Deaths Index, 1853-1973) This William however, was married to Eve Powers and only fits by timing of birth.

Remember, our William was married to Jane Ferguson in Montgomery, Va and lived and died in what was then Cabell Co., Virginia. Basically, only theory one above is viable. We are now getting DNA evidence backing this lineage up. 1. I have a DNA cousin match to my mother and a cousin whose only match to ours in a database of 12358 persons starts with this Alexander Clark and his wife going back from there at Ancestry. He or she has a database of 12358 persons. (L.R.) 2. Another DNA cousin match from my mother to a cousin with a database of 7375 persons where we only have one set of common ancestors starting with John Clark and Elizabeth Ann Lumpkin on back. John and Elizabeth are ancestors of the above Alexander Clark. (K.F.: Ancestry) I also have another cousin with 12.2 cM's in common on chromosome 17: 9,361,088 - 12,288,573 on Gedmatch (*DChandler). Lastly, I have many matches previous through this William and or his father on Ancestry that support this lineage well.

William married Jane FERGUSON, * on 26 Jan 1788 in Montgomery County, Virginia. Jane (daughter of Samuel FERGUSON, * and Mary JAMESON, *) was born in 1768 in , Augusta, VA; died in 1817 in , Cabell, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

I have seen Jane Ferguson listed as the daughter of Samuel, Andrew or John Ferguson with Samuel being the most common 2nd hand source. She was listed by a likely grandchild in the 1880 census as being born in Pennsylvania which we believe to be false. Samuel appears to be her correct father by cousin matches who have traced their trees the same direction. I also have many cousin matches to the Jamesons through her mother.

Notes:

Autosomal DNA has supported that this line is connected correctly via the following examples.

1. The only match between my mother and a cousin starting with this Alexander Clark and his wife going back from there. He or she has a database of 12358 persons. (L.R.: Ancestry)

2. The only match between my mother and a cousin starting with this Alexander Clark and his wife going back from there. He or she has a database of 20289 persons starting with this Alexander Clark and his wife and their ancestors. (Kristie Cornett: Ancestry)

3. The only match between my mother and a cousin beginning with Alexander's wife's grandparents, John and Mary Stewart on back. They have a 7300 person database. (RebeccaStewart51: Ancestry)

4. The only cousin match on another tree is between my mother and this same John and Mary Stewart in another large tree of 9463 people. (btmartin8931: Ancestry)

5. The only cousin match with another cousin with Alexander's wife's father, Hiram Ralph Lafferty and his wife. This tree is 841 people strong. (B.W.: Ancestry)

I also have many cousin matches through his other children besides my William on Ancestry at 9 cM's or above. I have one cousin descended from Alexander on Gedmatch with a 12.2 cM match too.

The following was posted by Patricia Minich on Ancestry.

"Alexander Clark's grandfather, John Clark, was a brother of Jonathan Clark, grandfather of Gen. George Rogers Clark and William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition(See the Clark and Handley Families of Monroe Co., W. Va. by Bertha Lewis Clark)

Alexander Clark I, the son of James and Elizabeth (Summers) Clark, was born in 1736 in Augusta County, Virginia. In 1763, he married Sarah Lafferty, daughter of Ralph Lafferty of Cowpasture, Bath County, Virginia. In 1785 they moved to Greenbrier County, Virginia. Alexander served the cause of the American Revolution by furnishing supplies to troops. See Greenbrier Book of Public Claims, 1782, Virginia Revolutionary Ancestors, page 20, and DAF Patriot Index, 1966, page 132.

In 1785, Alexander Clark was issued a patent for 330 acres of land on Indian Creek, Greenbrier County, Virginia (now Monroe County, West Virginia. Alexander died in 1794 and his will is recorded in Greenbrier County Will Book 1, page 87, October Court 1794."

Alexander J. was possible also a private in the Continental Troops of Virginia in the American Revolution. These records state that he was born in 1740 according to the "Historical Reg. Of Virginians in the Rev., Soldiers, Saliors and Marines, 1775-1783." ed. By John H. Gwathmey. Richmond, Va. 1938. (13, 872p.): 152.

His will confirms that he is the Alexander whom died in Greenbrier, WV. It is as follows.

[Source: "Greenbrier County, West Virginia, Will Book, Volume 1, 1777-1833," Family History Library Film #595214, p. 87.]

(Posted by Patricia Minich on Ancestry)

"In the Name of god Amen this Twelfth Day of June one Thousand seven Hundred and Ninety four I Alexander Clark of greenbrier County and State of Virginia Now in the Evening of my days but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to god, I therefore calling unto mind the mortality of my Body knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and order this My last will and Testament that is to say Principally and first of all I recommend my Soul to god who gave it and for my Body I recommend it to the Earth to be Buried in a Christian like maner at the Discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of god, and as Touching such worldly Estate where it hath pleased god to bless me with in this life I give Devise and dispose of the same in the following manner and form:

IMPRIMIS it is my will and I do order that in the first place all my Just Debts and funeral Charges to be paid and satisfied.

Item to my son James Clark one Cow and Calf one two year old and one year old heffer and four heads of sheep. Also Item to my sons William, Ralph, Alexander, John and Samuel Clark I leave to Each one Shilling Sterling. I allso to my Daughters Rebekah and Martha I leave to Each one Shilling Sterling.

I give and bequeath to Sarrah Clark my Beloved wife the Plantation where on I now live Which she is to sell and dispose of how and when she thinks proper and I also give and Bequeath to Sarah Clark my Beloved wife the Disposal of all my Cash my household Furniture and likewise my stock and all my worldly Estate which she is also to dispose how and when she thinks proper.

And allso I Constitute and appoint my Deerly Beloved wife and my son James to be my Executors of this my last will and Testament and I hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disannull all and Every other Testament made before this whether gifts grants or legacies whatsoever Ratifying and Confirming this same to be my last will and Testament and Declare the same before the under Evidences and have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above mentioned. Attest: Alexander Clark Seall

Witnesses: Samuel Clark, Mathias Kessinger, Thomas Fulton"

Alexander married Sarah LAFFERTY in 1763 in Cowpasture, Augusta, VA. Sarah (daughter of Hiram Ralph LAFFERTY, * and Elizabeth STUART, *) was born in 1743 in Cowpasture, Augusta, VA; died in Dec 1809 in Monroe, Amherst, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Samuel Ferguson is in DNA Haplo group R1B.

"Samuel Ferguson was born on 3/03/1744 in Ulster, Ireland. He was an officer in the British army, then switched his loyalties to the American side and served with Bowen's company of militia from Tazewell, Virginia. His father was Adam Ferguson born 1718, a lawyer from Ulster, Ireland. In 1765 in Ulster, Ireland, he married Mary Jameson born 3/27/1746 in Augusta County, Virginia. She was the daughter of John Jameson and Jean Erwin." (Mary Vesneske at mvesneske@hotmail.com) His death place has been listed as Cabell Co., VA (no Wayne Co., WV) or Tazewell Co., VA. (CL-517)

He is listed at the rank of Ensign in one family history and as at the rank of Major in another. I've chosen Ensign at this point in time because that lineage of Paula French was sourced with appropriate military info. Samuel was in the Battle of the Alamance. He is listed with no rank under James Robertson's command in 1777 in Montgomery Co., VA. He fought in the "Battle of King's Mountain" in 1780. He is listed as Ensign when he was under James Moore's company in Montgomery Co., VA. This would have been before 1789 as Captain James Moore died between 1786 and 1789.

Samuel Ferguson is a witness to the following transaction in "The Scotch Irish in VA, V. 3". CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 DEED BOOK NO. 16. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. page 493 Page 156.--6th November, 1769. William Jameson and Margaret to John Jameson, ? 55, on Christian's Creek, whereon William now lives, conveyed to William by William Martin, 19th March, 1765, 310 acres; corner William Palmer; corner George Robinson, now Samuel Black's land, plot surveyed for Mr. William Russell now Alexander Thompson's land. Teste: William Palmer, Jean ( ) Palmer, William ( ) Calin. Delivered: Samuel Ferguson, 17th August, 1772. In 1772, he resided on the Upper Bluestone River.

He is likely the Samuel Ferguson who made some if not all of the following purchases in Virginia: 540 acres in the North Little Fork of Rappahannock River, beginning on the side of Pasture Mountain on Dec. 3, 1778 in what was called the Northern Neck grants in Culpepper Co., VA; 196 acres on the head of Bluestone on 12 December 1793 in Wythe County, VA; 66 acres beginning &c on the south side of the South Fork of the Gourd Vine River on 6 May 1801 in Culpeper County; and 150 acres on the right hand fork of Twelve Poles Creek on 10 February 1819 in Cabell County, VA. This last grant we definitely believe belongs to him as there is other evidence that he still lived in Cabell Co., Va on Feb 1, 1825 where he died shortly thereafter. (CL-522, 550)

He and his wife might also have had a son named Wayne. (CL-522, 550) I consider it likely that Samuel's unknown mother's name was Isabel as the source of his first daughter, Isabel's, name is unknown, and the second daughter was named after Samuel's wife's mother. He is not my ancestor via DNA. I have checked 14 of his descendant's DNA with my Mother's DNA and there NO matches
amongst them. His likely daughter Jane was married to my ancestor, but his son William D. Clark, appears to be his grandson through Jane's husband and a slave.

Samuel married Mary JAMESON, * in 1765 in , Ulster, Ire. Mary (daughter of John JAMESON, * and Jean "Jane" ERWIN, *) was born on 21 Mar 1746 in Tinkling Springs, Augsta, VA; died on 21 Sep 1827 in , Cabell, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Wayne Co. WV Historical Society quotes the Ferguson Family Bible as giving her birth and death date as the 21st... but other 2nd hand sources give the birth and death date as the 27th.... The original bible needs located to determine what the handwritten date actually is.

Notes:

James Clark 1704-1778 settled in Augusta Co., Virginia in 1740. He was one of William Beverly's land agents and was frequently in the records of Augusta COUNTY. He owned an 816 acre plantation, approximately nine miles southwest of Staunon, near the old Glebe Cemetery in the area of the Old North Meeting House. ("Before Amanda" by Thomas Nathan Clark page 3:) "James CLARK Birth 1704, Jamestown, King & Queen County, Virginia Death 1778, Augusta County, Virginia Father Jonathan "John" CLARK (1662-1735) Mother Elizabeth Ann LUMPKIN (~1665-) Misc. Notes The name of Clark means a learned person - that is, one who could read and write, which was a rare accomplishment in the olden times. As a surname, Clark and Clarke appears frequently, from LeClere; and medieval bearers of the name were very proud of it. The name took several compounds which are: Beauclark - the good Clark; Mauclerk - the bad Clark; Kenclerk - the knowing Clark; and Petyclerk - the Little Clark. The name of Clark, in its various forms, is one of great antiquity, having probably been used in Great Britain as early as the eleventh century. Since the name implied literacy, it's use as a name was eagerly coveted; hence it frequent use. Many people added "le clerk's to their names. The "le' was finally dropped, and only Clerk was left or, as it was pronounced, Clark. The final "e" is an addition in later times. In the fifty years following the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth and the English in Virginia, many persons of the name of Clark left England for the New World. Some of them, like Richard Clarke, who was a passenger on the Mayflower, left no children, but it was the good fortune of others to found families who have been active in the early New England settlements and the Virginia pioneers who so bravely established homes in the wilderness. There is a very strong tradition which says that our paternal ancestor who came to this country, emigrated from England to Virginia, and that his name was John. He came from the County of Kent, England and settled at Jamestown between 1630 and 1635. Tradition is that he settled on the James River and became a planter; that either on the vessel coming over, or soon thereafter, he met, and fell in love with a Scotch girl, Hannah Wiatt, who became his wife. John died in Jamestown c. 1645. The pioneer ancestor of the Monroe County, (West) Virginia line was James Clark of Augusta County, who according to tradition, was the son of John Clark, third in descent from John Clark the immigrant. James Clark settled in Augusta County, Virginia in 1740. He was one of William Beverley's land agents, and his name frequently appears in the records of the county. He owned a large plantation (800 acres) some nine miles southwest of Staunton, near the old Glebe Cemetery, and in the area of the old North Mountain Meeting House. The land is called "James Clark's Old Plantation" in the Augusta County Courthouse records. The old home was demolished c. 1928. Records show that James was a member of Captain John Willson's Virginia Militia of 1742; and that he also served his country in the French and Indian War in 1758. (Hening, Volume 7, Augusta County Section). James married Elizabeth Summers who died in 1781. James died in 1778; his will dated 20 AUG 1774; proved 17 MAR 1778 is recorded in Augusta County Will Book 6, Page 4, at the Courthouse in Staunton, Virginia.(Meyer and Dorman, Adventurers of Purse and Person, p. 114-115) "All the children are listed in Chroniclies of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia 1745-1800, Vol. lll, P 150 Will book No. Vl (p.4), by Lyman Chalkey Vol. lll. Genealogical Publication, Baltimore, Md. James Clark's Will. James Clark purchased from William Beverley, Esq. on 14 MAY 1746, 380 acres of land "...on the head branch of Middle River in Beverley Manor." He later transferred, by deed in Augusta County, Virginia, this tract of land to three of his sons as follows:20 AUG 1765 to John Clark eighty Acres..." Deed Book 12, p. 108.20 AUG 1766 to Samuel Clark eighty-four Acres..." Deed Book 13, pp. 45 and 46.20 AUG 1766 to Robert Clark Two hundred and sixteen Acres Deed Book 13, pp. 47 and 48."...of land lying in the County of Augusta on the head branch of Middle River of Shanandore (Shenandoah) in Beverley Mannor being a part of a larger tract of three hundred and Eighty Acres first made over to the said James Clark by William Beverley, Esq. by Deeds of Lease and Release dated the fourteenth and fifteenth days of May one thousand Seven hundred and forty six..." James and Elizabeth (Summers) Clark were the parents of: Jane, born 1726, died 1780, married William Elliott (d. 1771); Elizabeth, married William Rhea and moved to Kentucky; Sarah, married Archibald Elliott in 1748; John G., married Frances McClintic, daughter of William McClintic of Rockbridge County. He served in the Virginia Colonial Militia. James Jr., died between 19 Aug 1791 and Feb. 1792. He was unmarried. His will is recorded in Bath County, Virginia. He bequeathed his estate to sisters: Elizabeth Rhea, Ann Dunlap and Margaret Kincaid; and brother: Alexander Clark. He served in Captain John Stuart's Company at the battle of Point Pleasant in 1774. See The Dunsmore's War, page 410; William, born 1738, died 1766, married 1760 Margaret McCutchen; Ann, born 1740, died 1809, married John Dunlap in 1761. He was a son of Alexander Dunlap of Rockbridge County, Virginia. John was born 1748 and died 5 Feb 1804, he was a soldier in the American Revolution. See DAR Patriot Index, 1966, p. 207.; Alexander, born 1736, died 1794, married in 1763 Sarah Lafferty daughter of Ralph Lafferty.; Samuel, married Margaret Burgan of Bath County, Virginia, 1779.; Margaret, baptized 1 Jun 1746, died 26 Jun 1834, married Samuel Kincaid, Jr. (1734 - 23 Jan 1819) and moved to Anthony Creek, Greenbrier County, (West) Virginia. Margaret's baptism can be found in the records of the North Mountain Meeting House, and is recorded in "Bethel and Her Ministers" by Herbert S. Turner, p. 20. Samuel rendered civil service to the cause of the American Revolution. See DAR Patriot Index, 1966, p. 387.; Robert, born 1748, died Jan 1801, married Elizabeth Agnes Gay, daughter of William Gay of Rockbridge County, Virginia. He served in the Revolution as a Lieutenant in Captain Cunningham's Company. See Gwathmey's History Reg. of Virginia in the Revolution, page 155 and DAR Patriot Index, 1966, p. 135."(Frederick A. Virkus, compiler, The Abridged Compendium of American Genealogy: First Families of America., 7 volumes, 1925; reprint, Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1968, 5: 531; as published online by http://www.genealogy.com; hereinafter cited as Compendium of American Genealogy.) The Clarks were members of the North Mountain Meeting House (Presbyterian) which was about ten miles southwest of the present City of Staunton, Virginia. James' will is transcribed as follows: "In the Name of God Amen. I James Clark of the County of Augusta and Colony of Virginia being Sick of body but of perfect Judgment and memory do appoint this to be my Last will and testament in the manor following and first I commit my body to the Earth to be buried Decently at the Discresion of my Executors hereafter Named and my Soul to God who gave it fully persuaded of a general Resurection and as touching my worldly Estate I appoint that all Debts and funeral charges be first paid and that all the Remainder of my Estate be divided in the following manor. Item I give and bequeath to my Daughter Jean Clark two Shillings Star I give Likewise to my daughter Elisabeth Regh two Shilings Star and Likewis my Daughter Sarah Clark two Shillings Star and Likewis to my son John two Shillings Star and Likewis to my son James two Shillings Star and Likewis to my son \\ Williams Heir five Shillings Starling and my Daughter Ane Dunlap two Shillings Star and to my son Alexander two Shillings Star and to my son Samuel two Shillings Starling and to my son Robert two Shillings Star and to my Dater Marget two Shillings Starling and all the Remainder of my Estate both money and goods I leave to my well beloved wife for her support and at her Disposal and I do here-by constitut ordain and appoint my well beloved son William Regh and my well beloved wife Elisabeth to Executors of this my Last will and testament and I formerly Revoke Disanull and mak void all for-mer wills gifts Legeicys mad or done by me and do Ratify and con-firm this to be my Last Will and testament give under my hand and Seal this 20th Day of Agust and in ye year of our Lord 1774"James ClarkSigned Sealed in the presents of:James McCleeryJohn McCleeryJas. EwingAt a Court held for Augusta County March the 17th 1778This last Will and Testament of James Clark dec'd was proved by the Oaths of Jas. McCleery and James Ewing two of the witnesses thereto and Ordered to be Recorded and on the motion of the Executor therein named who made Oath according to Law Certificate for Obtaining a probat thereof in due form is granted them, they having acknowledged their bond according to law."

James married Elizabeth SUMMERS in 1722 in Greinbrier, VA. Elizabeth (daughter of John SUMMERS and Elizabeth THOMPSON) was born in 1705 in , Augusta, VA; died on 20 Nov 1781 in Beverly Manor Plantation, Augusta, VA, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Elizabeth's will, dated 8 OCT 1781, was recorded in Augusta County, Virginia, on 20 NOV 1781 in Will Book 6, Pages 108-109. Elizabeth bequeaths her clothing, household linens, pewter utensils, books and money to various members of the family. Noteworthy among the items is a book to "...my son Robert my Confession of Faith..." It's summary is from "Chalkley's Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish in Virginia" Page 208.--8th October, 1781, (original in Will Bk. 6) Elizabeth (mark) Clark's will--To daughter, Jean Elliot's heirs; to well beloved Elizabeth Breath (Reath, Reoth?) (This is actually Rhea), to daughter, Sarah Elliot; to daughter, Anne Dounlap; to daughter, Margret Clenkaid; to son, John Gridle; to son, James; to son, Alexander and to Alexander's wife; to four daughters; to son, Samuel; to son, William's heirs; to son, Robert. Executors, son Robert Clark and William Reaoh. Teste: Charles Donally, James McCleerey, Robt. Patterson, Geo. Berry. Proved, 20th November, 1781, by McCleerey and Berry. Robert Clark qualifies.

Hiram married Elizabeth STUART, *. Elizabeth (daughter of John STUART and Mary SHAW) was born in 1718 in , , Ireland; died in 1764 in Milboro Springs, Bath, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

I would guess from the naming pattern for Adam's son Samuel, I suspect that Samuel's mother's name was likely Isabel. Adam was a lawyer in Ulster, Ireland. (CL-519) He is not to be confused with another Adam of similar peerage who spent a lot of time in Scotland as an adult.

Adam married Catherine BURNETT on 11 Oct 1736 in , , Scotland. Catherine (daughter of James BURNETT and Isabella BLACK) was born on 9 Nov 1717 in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen, Scotland; died about 1795 in , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John lived in Augusta Co., VA by 1749. He purchased 280 acres on Jacksons River on 26 September 1760 in Augusta County, VA. This John is often stated to be the son of William Jameson and Sarah Collins in various family trees. I've found a tree by a Mr. Barber that says his birthdate was in 1713 in Philadelphia and where he lists him with the same parents but much different children all living in Pennsylvania at the times of their deaths, so I'm not sure if this John has the correct ancestry as listed.

John Jameson was in the Augusta Co., VA records often as follows. CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800DEED BOOK NO. 2. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. page 281 Page 570.--27th February, 1749. Same to James Brown, of Staunton, Lot No. 3 in Staunton; Lot No. 8 woodland. Teste: William Ledgewood, John Jameson.

Aug 1752: CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK NO. III. page 53 Page (316) Patrick Martin and Alexr. Richey to be overseers of road from Young's Mill to Alexr. Richey's smith shop, thence to Buchanan's mills, with these hands: Adam Thompson, Geo. Peary, Ro. Young, James Peary, John Campbell, John Buchanan, James Moody, Andrew Cowan, James Callison, John Jameson, Walter Smiley, James McCorkle, Ro. McCorkle, Nathan Gilliland, Wm. McNabb.

Nov. 1752: CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK NO. III. page 56 Page (410) Maurice O'Frield, John Trimble, Wm. McFeeters, Wm. Martain, James Young, Jacob Lockart, James Vance, Patrick Martin, Wm. McClintock, Rob. Young, Thos. Piery, John Campbell, James Peary, Robert Davis, James Philips, John Spear, John McMurry, Alexr. McMurry, David Stuard, Hugh Young, John Jameson, Rob. McClellon and John Brown--to work the road under Saml. Wallace from top of North Mountain to this Co. Ho.

Nov. 1752: CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK NO. III. page 57 Page (414) John Buchanan, James Clark, Jacob Lockhart, homas Kirkpatrick, John Berry, John Bartley, Wm. Martin, Josias Richards, William McFeeters, John Jameson, James Young, Hugh Young, Robert Young, William McClintock, Wm. Ledgerwood, John Trimble, Maurice O'Frield, Samuel Wallace, Robert Davis, Robert McClenon, James Moody, James Philips, Wm. Akry, Cornelius Donaho, George Peary, Adam Thompson, Thomas Peary, John Campbell, James Peary, Wm. McNab, Robert Scot, Thomas Reed, Abraham Masha, Thomas Dunn, Francis Dunn, Major Scot, John Bigham, John Black, Samuel Downing, Alexr. McFeeters, Andrew Cowan, James McCorkle, John Vance, James Gilmore and Patrick Martin--to keep road formerly laid off from James Young's Mill to said Buchanan's Mill.

CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK No. XXIV. page 443

May, 1753. Road established from Brown's bridge to the Glebe land, and Robert Campbell and John Trimble be surveyors, and with James Lusk, they clear and keep the same in order. We do appoint Robert Campbell and John Trimble overseers from John Brown's bridge to the Gleve House and the undernamed persons to clear the same: James Lusk, Robert Roberson, Samuel McCuchen, William Hunter, James Hunter, Robert Campbell's man, Mathew Wilson, William Wilson, John Wilson, Jr., John McCleery, James McCleery, Thomas Kirkpatrick and son, John Peevy, James Clarck, John Clarck, James Clark, Jr., Jacob Lockhart, James Lockhart, John Birtly, Josias Richards, William Marten, George Berry, William McFeeters, John McFeeters, William McFeeters, Jr., John Jameson, Patrick Marten, Joseph Marten, William Ward, Moses O'Freel and his man, Robert Philips, Robert Davis, Thomas Reed, Robert Scott, John Vance, Andrew Foster, William Bell, Alexander McKiney, John Speer, Abraham Mathan (Mashaw), Robert Young, John Young, Samuel Young, Hugh Young and his man, John Campbell, George Peevy, Robert McClenan, William Eackry, James Bell, Andrew Steel and his man, John McKiney, Patrick McCloskey, John McSlenan, John McCuchan, Samuel McCuchan, William McClintock, Thomas Peevy, James McCuchen, Duncken McFarlen.

1754 Petitioners ask that the following be assigned to work the road from James Young's mill to John Buchanan's mill: John Buchanan, James Clark's tithables, Jacob Lockhart's tithables, Thomas Kirkpatrick's tithables, John Bertly, George Bertly, William Martin, Josias Richards, William McFetters' tithables, John Jameson, James Young, Hugh Young, Robert Young's tithables,

May 1755: CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement

IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK No. XXIV.Page 315. Ramsey vs. Jamesons and Gay.--John Ramsey, assignee of Charles Donnelly, who was assignee of John Handly, complains of John Jameson and Robert Gay, and Sarah, his wife, late Sarah Jameson. Bond dated 1754. Signed, Sarah Jameson.Nov.

1755: CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK NO. IV. page 69 (Page 514) John Jameson qualified Ensign of Troop of Horse.

Nov. 1763: CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 AUGUSTA COUNTY COURT RECORDS. ORDER BOOK No. VIII. page 110 Page (332) William Erwin, son of Jane Erwin, with 241 acres, added to tithables. 550 acres of Patrick Quin--same. 104 acres of John Jameson--same. 300 acres of John Kilpatrick--same. 400 acres of Thos. Kilpatrick--same.

CHRONICLES OF THE Scotch-Irish Settlement IN VIRGINIA EXTRACTED FROM THE ORIGINAL COURT RECORDS OF AUGUSTA COUNTY 1745-1800 DEED BOOK NO. 11. ADDITIONAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. page 422 Page 849.--22d February, 1765. William Shannon and Jean ( ) to Robert Scott,

John married Jean "Jane" ERWIN, * about 1740. Jean (daughter of Matthew ERWIN and Elizabeth HOBSON) was born about 1725; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]