Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site: Genealogy Report: Descendants of John D. Stephens

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Descendants of John D. Stephens

Generation No. 1

1. JOHN D.¹ STEPHENS (Source: Forrest Calico, History of Garrard County and its Churches, (1947), p. 370.) was born 1786 in VA, and died Aug 6, 1845 in Marion Twp, Monroe Co, MO (Source: (1) Probate file of John D. Stephens, Monroe Co, MO, Box 47., (2) Tombstone of John D. Stephens., (3) American Genealogical Research Institute, Stephens Family, (1975).). He married MARY (POLLY) UNKNOWN Abt. 1805 in VA or KY. She was born 1781 in VA, and died Jun 1858 in Marion Twp, Monroe Co, MO (Source: Tombstone of Mary (Polly) Stephens.).

Notes for JOHN D. STEPHENS:
Farmer in Garrard Co, KY, and Monroe Co, MO. The family probably moved from VA to KY, either in the late 1700's or early 1800's. The Garrard Co, KY tax records first show John Stephens owning 72 acres of land on Paint Lick Creek in 1812. A warranty deed showed that John Stephens purchased the 72 acres of land in 1815. The family moved to MO about 1837. John then lived in Marion Township, Monroe Co, MO on 440 acres of land until his death. John did not leave a will, but his estate was probated in 1845. The probate records mention his wife Mary, his sons Thomas, Isaac, Robert and John D., and his daughter Nancy, all living in Monroe County, and his daughters Jane Alexander, Margaret Alexander and Elizabeth Pagett, all living in Randolph County.

From "History of Monroe County, Missouri (1884)"- Among the old settlers of Marion township- John Stephens.

Birth: See tombstone at Hughes Cemetery, Monroe Co, MO. According to the 1880 census for John's sons John and Robert, their father and mother were born in Virginia.

Marriage: VA or KY- no record found to date. Possibly could be marriage record of John Derben Stephens to Polly Bates in 1804 in Franklin Co, VA.

Death: See tombstone at Hughes Cemetery, Monroe Co, MO. Also see probate box 47 at Monroe Co, MO, probate office.

Census summary:

1810 VA or KY?
1820 No twp listed, Garrard Co, KY
1830 No twp listed, Garrard Co, KY
1840 Marion Twp, Monroe Co, MO
1850 Salt River Twp, Randolph Co, MO (Mary only)

From the Monroe County, MO Genweb site on the internet- The Village of Ash is located in Monroe County, Missouri. It is situated 8 miles east of Cairo, Missouri, on Route K. It is also 8 miles northwest of Madison, Missouri, and can be reached by going 3 miles north of Madison on Route 151, to Route K, then go west 5 miles on Route K, to Ash. Ash was settled around the 1820's. At one time, it had a population of some 200 people, and had two general stores, two churches (a Baptist and a Christian), blacksmith shop, grist mill, telephone office, post office, two doctors, and was the trade center for several surrounding farms. It has been said that you could buy anything from a sewing needle to high-wheeled wagon in Ash at one time. During the depression and World War II, Ash dwindled to a population of only a few people and all the businesses were closed. The Christian Church was closed and the building torn down. Hickory Grove Baptist Church continued to have services on a part time basis until 1970, when it closed. Rev. Ross Luntsford, a former member of the church, left his work in another part of the state in late summer, 1976, came to Ash, surveyed the community, and held a revival to reopen the church. Following the revival, the church called a part time pastor and continues to have services only part time (twice a month) to this date. It has no desire to expand or grow and has no desire to reach out, or to minister to the needs of the Ash community, which is growing in population.

Today, Ash is on the rise again. Rev. Ross Luntsford and his family formed a family foundation in 1990, purchased 5.85 acres of land on the northwest corner of the crossroads at the center of the village, and have developed a park. The park has a 30' by 50' pavilion, complete with a kitchen and modern restrooms. It also is equipped with modern playground equipment. It is used for private family reunions, church social functions, and other family activities. Rev. Ross Luntsford and wife, Arlene, founded Bethel Baptist Church in July, 1996, built a new home, and are in the process of building a new church building. The population of the village is now 19, with dozens of new families in the surrounding area. There are 4 cemeteries in the Ash community. Hickory Grove Cemetery in the village of Ash; Hughes Cemetery, 1 mile north of Ash; Alexander Cemetery, 2 miles northeast of Ash; and the Ash Family Cemetery, 1 1/2 miles southeast of Ash. These cemeteries have fallen into disrepair over the years for lack of maintenance and lack of funds. Recently, a group of local interested citizens founded a nonprofit corporation for the purpose of raising money and promoting the care and maintenance of these cemeteries. (Submitted by Rev. Ross Luntsford, Sept. 25, 1999)

Notes for MARY (POLLY) UNKNOWN:
Birth: See tombstone at Hughes Cemetery, Monroe Co, MO. According to the 1880 census for Mary's sons John and Robert, their father and mother were born in Virginia.

Marriage: Married to John D. Stephens in early 1800's. No record found for sure at this time. Possibly could be marriage record of John Derben Stephens to Polly Bates in 1804 in Franklin County, VA.

Death: See tombstone at Hughes Cemetery, Monroe Co, MO.

Children of JOHN STEPHENS and MARY UNKNOWN are:

2.	i.	THOMAS L.² STEPHENS, b. Bet. 1805 - 1808, KY ?; d. Jan 24, 1849, nr Duncans Bridge, Monroe Co, MO.
3.	ii.	ISAAC B. STEPHENS, b. 1809, Garrard Co, KY; d. Dec 18, 1878, Sullivan Co, MO.
4.	iii.	MARGARET (PEGGY) STEPHENS, b. Abt. 1810, Garrard Co, KY; d. Bet. 1870 - 1880, Randolph Co ?, MO.
5.	iv.	JANE STEPHENS, b. May 5, 1811, Garrard Co, KY; d. Aug 3, 1858, Randolph Co, MO.
6.	v.	ELIZABETH STEPHENS, b. Abt. 1814, Garrard Co, KY; d. Bet. 1880 - 1900, near Ash, Monroe Co, MO.
7.	vi.	ROBERT H. STEPHENS, b. Feb 4, 1817, Garrard Co, KY; d. Apr 14, 1899, Adair Co ?, MO.
8.	vii.	JOHN D. STEPHENS, b. Jun 20, 1818, Garrard Co, KY; d. Jul 8, 1888, Kirksville, Adair Co, MO.
9.	viii.	NANCY STEPHENS, b. Abt. 1826, Garrard Co, KY; d. Aft. 1852, MO.

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