Roberts & Smith in Texas History

CHISMs of MISSOURI

NOTE: The research on this CHISM line is an on-going venture that began when three cousins met via the internet in 2005. The cousins had been researching their various CHISM (CHISUM) lines. The following research of the CHISMs of MISSOURI is the work of cousins Sherril LINES and Warren ATKINSON, with a special thanks to Anne SILER, who has generously shared her research on Jacob CHISM. Their cousin, David ROBERTS, is a Texas link and compiled Sherril and Warren’s family info for this narrative. It should be noted the CHISMs emigrating to Texas (Mexico) added the "U" in their surname, CHISUM. Censuses are abbreviated but taken from actual census images; names of individuals copied verbatim. (David Roberts, 20 Dec 2005, last update 24 June 2008)

This narrative begins with the John CHISM (b.1704; d. 9 Oct 1792) who married Elleanor (Ellender, Eleanor) GILLINGTON (b.abt 1716; d.Apr 1804) (FTM World Family Tree, Vol 8, links John and Elleanor to James CHISM Jr shown below)

John CHISM married Elleanor GILLINGTON, daughter of Nicholas GILLINGTON and Mary Elenor ECHOLLS, about 1730 probably in Amelia Co, VA. For the CHISMs of MISSOURI, only son, James Sr., will be followed.

James CHISM Sr. (b.abt 1734; d.1786) son of John CHISM and Elleanor GILLINGTON, married Barbara (Barbary) ESTES. Several researchers have James CHISM marrying Barbara ROGERS, Barbara ESTES and Barbara Estes ROGERS. A few researchers reflect Barbara (Barbary) being the daughter of Thomas ESTES and Ann ROGERS and her first spouse was Abraham ROGERS. There are Spotsylvania Co, VA, land records reflecting an Abraham ROGERS and his wife Barbara/Barbary. Abraham ROGERS and Barbara ESTES married in 1742 per records of Spotsylvania Co, VA. Abraham died in 1762 when Barbara was named “widow and Executrix.” The date 1762 was about eight years after James CHISM Jr. was born. More research is required to prove the link between James Sr. and his father John and his son James Jr. There is a possibility Barbara was the 2^nd wife of James Sr and not the mother of James Jr. There is also the possibility Barbara Estes that married Abraham Rogers is not the correct Barbara.

James CHISM Jr, son of James Sr., married Mary HOWARD, daughter of Obadiah HOWARD and Priscilla Avery BREED, 1778 probably in Union County, SC. James and Mary are buried at the Mulkey Cemetery, Monroe Co, KY. Mary’s parents are also buried at the Mulkey Cemetery. Many internet sources reflect James Jr’s birth date as 15 Oct 1754 and death date as 7 Jul 1819 and Mary's death date about 1795. More research is required to prove the names of James Jr and Mary’s children.

Tombstones of Mary Howard CHISM and James CHISM
Mulkey Cemetery, Monroe Co, KY
(Incriptions)

                                                                                     MARY                                             JAMES
                                                                                  HOWARD                                          CHISM
                                                                   BORN 1760 MARRIED 1778                     PVT 2 VA REG
                                                                           TO JAMES CHISM                                 REV. WAR

PVT 2 VA REGT

Land Grant Certificate for James CHISAM - 21 Feb 1784

Land grant survey for James CHISAM - 12 Nov 1785

NOTE: Barren and Monroe counties are mentioned in this narrative. In general, they are one and the same.

Barren Co, KY, was formed from Green and Warren counties – 20 Dec 1798

Monroe Co, KY, was formed from Barren and Cumberland counties – 19 Jan 1820

James and Mary’s children are as follows:

1. James Thomas CHISM; b.20 Aug 1779; d.9 Jun 1819; married Phoebe BREED 30 Jul 1801

2. George CHISM; b.Oct 1789; d.1829; married Rebecca GIST 1 Oct 1801

3. Jacob CHISM (more below); b.22 Jan 1782 d.1847

4. William Belew CHISM; b.18 Apr 1784; d.11 Mar 1867; married Priscilla BREED 22 Jun 1804

5. Michael CHISM; b.9 Apr 1786; d.1836; married Mary Polly BREED 11 Jun 1809

6. Kesiah CHISM; b.1788; d.?; married William KIRKPATRICK 29 Dec 1806

7. Elizabeth CHISM; b.1790; d.1825

8. John CHISM: b.1792; d.?: married Rhoda GIST abt.1820

Jacob CHISM, son of James CHISM Jr. and Mary HOWARD, was born 22 Jan 1782 in Halifax Co, VA. He moved with his father and mother to Barren Co, KY, where his father received a land grant for soldiering in the revolutionary war. Jacob CHISM married Priscilla HOWARD, daughter of Obadiah HOWARD and Priscilla Avery BREED, 19 Aug 1802 in Barren Co, KY. Possibly 8 of his 12 children were born in Barren Co. His 8th child, son Longdon, is shown as born in Tennessee in the 1850 census.

Jacob CHISM was a farmer and pioneer Baptist minister. He first preached at the Mill Creek Baptist Church in Barren Co, KY. Mill Creek would later be known as the "Old Mulkey Church." Many of Jacob’s relatives including Jacob’s father and mother are buried at the Old Mulkey Church cemetery.

After 1816, Jacob CHISM's name is no longer found among the minister returns of Barren Co, KY. This is apparently when he, Priscilla and family left Kentucy for the Missouri Territory. In 1819, Jacob was a founding member of the Mt. Pisgah Primitive Baptist Church in Cooper Co, MO. Cooper Co, MO, is where the last 4 of Jacob's and Priscilla's 12 children were born. In 1823, Jacob and other members left the Mt. Pisgah church for the purpose of starting the Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church. In 1827 another church, Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, was organized at the home of Jacob and Priscilla. This church later became known as the Big Rock Primitive Baptist Church, a branch of Bethlehem Baptist.

In 1835 the Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church was moved to Morgan Co, MO. Jacob received a land grant in Morgan Co, MO, in 1836 and moved with his family to his new home. His land was a few miles southwest of the town of Versailles.

Jacob and Priscilla’s children (from Jacob Chism's family bible) are as follows:

1. Mary CHISM; b.2 Aug 1803 in Barren Co, KY; d.Oct 1832 – Mary married Thomas Jefferson LETCHWORTH 4 Apr

1821. Her children are shown on the 1850 census of Morgan Co, MO. Mary’s (deceased) children are reflected in her

father’s will, each to receive one dollar and “no more.”

Children:

Martha Eleanor LETCHWORTH; b.21 Jan 1822; d.16 Apr 1863; married Nathan Breed CHISM

Jacob LETCHWORTH; b.6 Mar 1826; d.13 Oct 1895

Joseph H. LETCHWORTH; b.9 Jul 1830; d.13 Oct 1895

2. John Langdon CHISM; b.23 Mar 1805 in Barren Co, KY; d.12 Aug 1855 – John married Frances COOPER 8 May 1828

John is reflected in his father’s will and slave partition document. He is shown on the 1850 census of Morgan Co, MO

Children:

William CHISM; b.1830; d.?

Priscilla Jane CHISM; b.1833; d.?; married Joseph Frank TAYLOR 23 Nov 1852

Jacob CHISM; b.1836; d.?

Hardin Lycurgus CHISM; b.25 Jun 1838; d.?; married Elizabeth ?

Mary Catherine CHISM; b.4 Apr 1840; d.19 Aug 1925

Braxton CHISM; b.1842; d.?

Susan Ann CHISM; b.20 Jan 1849; d.Aug 1925

Elizabeth CHISM; b.1851; d.?

Frances John CHISM; b.13 Aug 1855; d.28 Jan 1905

3. Howard Seth CHISM; b.24 Nov 1806 in Barren Co, KY; d. – Howard 1^st married Mahala WILLIAMS 15 Feb

1831, 2^nd Emily CLINE 16 May 1850, both Morgan Co, MO. Howard is reflected in his father’s will and slave partition

document. He is shown on the 1850 census of Morgan Co, MO; 1860 census of Jackson Co, MO.

Children with Mahala WILLIAMS:

Colden CHISM; b.1832; d.?

Mary Ann CHISM; b.1834; d.?

Sarah CHISM; b.28 Feb 1835; d.9 Jul 1905; married Leander M. DEHONEY 5 Oct 1854

Cornelia CHISM; b.1843; d?

Priscilla CHISM; b.1840

Sarah Duncan CHISM; b.16 Dec 1847; d.1918; married John Kerley HOOD

4. Michael CHISM; b.19 Feb 1809 in Barren Co, KY; d.1870 – Michael married Didamy SMITH 30 Jan 1830

(according to other records they married 4 Feb 1830 in Cooper Co – Diadian Smith). Michael is reflected in his

father’s will and slave partition document. He is shown on the 1850 census of Cooper Co, MO and on the 1860

census of Morgan Co, MO;

Children:

Priscilla CHISM; b.11 Jun 1835; d.14 Oct 1859; married Robert Sloan HOUX

Jacob CHISM; b.1837; d.?

Mary CHISM; b.1839; d.?

Isaac M. CHISM; b.1841; d.?

George CHISM; b.1845; d.?

Unity J. CHISM; b.1847; d.?

James F. CHISM; b.1850; d.?

5. Sarah CHISM; b.23 Feb 1811 in Barren Co, KY; d.7 Oct 1882 – Sarah married John Calhoun WILLIAMS

20 Feb 1831. Sarah is reflected in the slave partition document. She is shown on the 1850, 1860, 1870 and

1880 censuses, all in Howard Co, MO.

Children:

Mary WILLIAMS; b.24 Jan 1832; d.?

Sarah Elizabeth WILLIAMS; b.1834; d.?

Priscilla WILLIAMS; b.11 Jun 1834; d.?

Jacob Chisholm WILLIAMS; b.18 Mar 1838; d.14 Jul 1920; married Sarah Jane DOUGHERTY 2 Oct 1859

Willoughby Columbus WILLIAMS; b.1840; d.?; married Martha Jane GATEWOOD 2 Oct 1859

Charles A. WILLIAMS; b.1842; d.?

Charity A. WILLIAMS; b.1843; d.bef 1874; married James F. ATTERBURY 30 Sep 1860

Elizabeth WILLIAMS; b.1844; d.?; married James F. RICHARD 18 Jun 1865

Harden WILLIAMS; b.1848; d.?

Uriah Cabot WILLIAMS; b.18 Oct 1849; d.?; married Amanda Catherine DAVIS

John Calhoun WILLIAMS; b.1850; d.?; married Sarah A. SECKLER

6. David Hardin CHISM; b.1 Aug 1813 in Barren Co, KY; d.bef 1870 – married 1^st Teletha HIX 24 May 1837, 2^nd Thelney

Lorena WILLIAMS 15 Jan 1857, both marriage in Morgan Co, MO. David is reflected in the slave partition document. He is

shown on the 1850 and 1860 census of Morgan Co, MO.

Children with Teletha HIX
Sarah H. CHISM; b.19 Oct 1838; d.Apr 1841

John CHISM; b.8 Sep 1843; d.?

David Hardin Jr.; b.13 Jan 1847; d.17 Jun 1892

Jacob D. CHISM; b.14 Feb 1844; d.10 Feb 1919

Howard CHISM; b.15 Sep 1852; d.28 Feb 1929
Children with Thelney Lorena WILLIAMS

Samuel CHISM; b.8 Oct 1857; d.14 Jan 1916

                                Giles CHISM; b.9 Jan 1859; d.16 Jan 1914
                                Prucilla CHISM; b.30 Oct 1860; d.4 May 1943; married Charles Morris 2 Apr 1882 in Benton Co, MO.
                                Sterling Price CHISM; b.6 Dec 1863 d.17 Dec 1938; married 1st, Carolina Elizabeth (Lena) GOETZE 3 Oct 1889,
                                            Lena was b.11 Sep 1866 and died 31 Jul 1919; 2nd to Lillie B

7. Stephen Howard CHISM; b.14 Dec 1815 in Barren Co, KY; d.26 Nov 1883; married 1^st Ginetta LOGAN 13 May 1842

in AR, 2^nd Elizabeth C. DANLEY, 3^rd Corinna ROSE 29 Apr 1858 in Franklin Co, AR. Stephen is reflected in his father’s

will and the slave partition document. He is shown on the 1850 census of Scott Co, AR; 1860 and 1870 census of

Franklin Co, AR;

Children with Ginetta LOGAN (b.17 Jun 1825; d.15 Feb 1846)

Benjamin Boone CHISM; b.12 Mar 1845; d.15 Jan 1924; married Adalissa TITSWORTH 12 Dec 1871

Children with Elizabeth DANLEY (b.6 Apr 1827; d.12 Jan 1856)

James Danley CHISM; b.1 Apr 1848; d.

Jessica Priscilla CHISM; b.25 Aug 1849; d.9 Sep 1851

Bourland CHISM; b.1852

Children with Corinna ROSE; b.8 Jan 1827; d.6 Jun 1867; married 1^st Lorenzo Clark QUINN

Corinna (Cora) CHISM; b.28 Jun 1859; d.11 Sep 1922; married Oliver Clark WOOD 8 Nov 1881

8. Longdon CHISM; b.26 Feb 1818 in Barren Co, KY; d.bet 1850-1858; never married. Longdon is reflected in his

father’s will and the slave partition document. He is shown on the 1850 census of Morgan Co, MO.

9. Jacob Creth CHISM (more below); b.9 Oct 1820; d.bet 1872-1880; married Nancy WILLIAMS 25 Nov 1855

10. Vardeman CHISM; b.28 Nov 1822 in Cooper Co, MO; d.Nov 1826

11. Priscilla Jane CHISM; b.8 May 1825 in Cooper Co, MO; d.1854 – Sarah married 1^st John Marshall McCLANAHAN

(b.abt 1804; d.13 Jun 1849). Priscilla is refected in the slave partition document. She is shown on the 1850 census of

Howard Co, MO. 16 Sep 1841; 2^nd William THURSTON

Children with John McClanahan

Susan McCLANAHAN; b.6 Aug 1842; d.?

Priscilla McCLANAHAN

John McCLANAHAN; b.14 Nov 1846; d.?

Children with Wm THURSTON:

George THURSTON; b.1852

12. Elizabeth CHISM; b.20 Mar 1828; d. ; Elizabeth married Stephen Lot(t) HOWARD 6 Apr 1848. Elizabeth is reflected

in her father’s will and the slave partition document. She is shown on the 1850 and 1860 census of Morgan Co, MO.

Children:

Joseph HOWARD; b.1849; d.?

Stephen C. HOWARD; b.1850; d.?

Jacob C. HOWARD; b.1852; d.?

Priscilla HOWARD; b.1855; d.?

John S. HOWARD; b.1859; d.?

Jacob CHISM died in 1847 per minutes of the 1858 March term of the circuit court of Versailles, Morgan Co, MO. Jacob’s will was written 1847. His wife, Priscilla, is living with son, Longdon, in 1850. Priscilla died before 1858 per minutes of the circuit court.

Transcribed copy of Jacob CHISM’s 1847 will:

In the name of God Amen. I Jacob Chism , of Morgan county,and

state of Missouri viewing the uncertainty of this life and this day in

good health, sound in judgement for which I deem to be thankful to

the Lord for the same. I have therefore on this fifth day of June in the

of our Lord One thousand eight and forty seven made my last will

and testament, revoking all other wills made by me before this date.

My will is that my just debts be paid.

I will and bequeath to my beloved wife the east room of my dwelling

house, my garden her choice of the kitchens and her choice of any of

two of my black people, a man and a woman. And the east half of my

orchard and the east half of my meadow. And the ?? that lays east of

the meadow. She shall have as much of my stock of every kind as she

may choose to keep and as much of my household furnishings as she

may choose to keep and as many farming tools and provisions as she

may choose to keep. My will is that as much of the property as remains

at the death of my beloved wife shall return to my estate.

I will and bequeath unto the children of my daughter Mary Letchworth,

deceased one dollar a piece out of my estate and no more.

I will and bequeath unto Elizabeth my daughter the property called hers at

this time her bed and bed clothing her mare and two colts and also I give

unto her a negro girl called Mary Ann the daughter of Amys my woman

and two hundred dollars in money.

I will and bequeath unto Longdon my son, for six years faithful labor done

for me on my farm, the east half of section ten which I now have township

forty two range eighteen containing three hundred and twenty acres of land.

Reserving that part of the land that I have willed unto my beloved wife during

her lifetime that land and at and at her death he shall take possession of that

part of the land also.

I will and bequeath unto my son Creth as in other words Jacob Creth the west

half of section ten township forth two range eighteen containing three hundred

and twenty acres of land.

I will and bequeath unto Howard my son a negro girl called Hannah the

daughter Amys which I have ?? some years during his life but at his death

her and her increase if any shall go to his children she is entrusted to his

children.

My will is that all the property that my son David Hardin has got from my

Estate or may get he shall have the use during his life and at his death shall go

to his children in trust to them.

My will is that all property that my daughters got from my estate or may get here

after shall be intrust to their children. Then after when my will is therefore is

fulfilled then my will is that an equal division shall take place with all of my

children that is alive at this date. And my will is that property that each one shall

know at that time shall be entrusted to their children.

Jacob Chism

My will is that my son Michael shall have the two forty acres of land that was

entered in the name of Stephen Chism afterward deeded me that joins ??

and fifty odd land on the south side of the river with interest in ?? July the

twenty six.

Jacob Chism

My will is that John Langdon and Jacob Creth Chism my sons shall be my

executors to execute my last will and testament.

Jacob Chism

CHISM MEMORIAL located at the VERSAILLES CEMETERY in Morgan Co, MO

The lower left and right side of the monument is made from remnants of Priscilla Howard CHISM's and her son John Langdon CHISM's orginal tombstones respectively. The original family burial plot, located on their land a few miles southwest of Versailles, was destroyed.

The plaque on the memorial reads as follows:

HIS WIFE

JACOB CHISM PRISCILLA HOWARD

1782 - 1857 CHISM

1783 - 1860

THEY CAME TO COOPER COUNTY, MISSOURI IN 1819 AND MORGAN

COUNTY IN 1835. JACOB WAS A FARMER, ALSO THE FIRST ORDAINED

BAPTIST MINISTER IN MORGAN COUNTY. PRISCILLA

WAS A FAITHFUL WIFE, MOTHER, AND AN ACCOMPLISHED

MUSICIAN. THEY LIVED FIVE AND ONE HALF MILES SOUTHWEST

OF VERSAILLES AND WERE BURIED ON THEIR FARMSTEAD.

THIS MONUMENT IS ERECTED IN THEIR MEMORY AND IN

RECOGNITION OF THEIR PIONEER CONTRIBUTION TO MISSOURI.

MAY THEIR FAITH, COURAGE, AND EXAMPLE BE AN INSPIRAT-

ION TO THEIR DESCENDANTS AND TO ALL CHISMS EVERYWHERE.

ERECTED IN 1979

BY THE CHISM FAMILY ASSOCIATION

1850 Census of Morgan Co, MO

Longdon CHISM 30 M Farmer 2000 Tennessee

Priscilla 67 F S. Carolina

Jacob C. 28 M Missouri

J.C. LETCHWORTH 24 M Laborer 1000 “

Joseph 20 M “

(Slave Partition Document)

The following are minutes from the 1858 March term of the circuit court of Versailles, Morgan Co, MO. There are four pages, 445 - 448, transcribed verbatim from original documents. All names of Jacob and Priscilla’s children are mentioned except Vardeman and Mary. Vardeman is also not mentioned in Jacob’s will. Mary Chism McClanahan is mentioned along with her children in Jacob’s will.

March Term 1858 445

_____________________________________

Hiram Madole……..

estate of………………

……………………………………

………………………. (entry not related

…… to Jacob’s estate)

………..

Leaving a balance……….

_____________________________________________

Wm W. Crook admr of the |

                Estate of Jacob Chism          | Order of distribution

                                                       It is ordered that said admr
                distribute the Sum $720 between the heirs of said

deceased according to the will of said deceased

as follows to Howard, David H., Jacob C, Michael and

Stephen Chism eighty dollars each for their life time and

remainder to their children by their executing bonds and seeing

to the heirs entitled to the remainder said admr to pay said

to Lot Howard and Elizabeth Howard his wife $80 during

the life of said Elizabeth then to go to her children and to

Sarah Williams $80 during her lifetime then remainder

to her children and upon the said Williams and the

said Howard executing their bond to their heirs entitled to

the remainder with good security that they will only use

the interest of said money and at their death the prinicipal is

to go to their children and absolutely to Hardin, Mary C,

                Susan, Elizabeth & Francis Chism; children of John Chism
                deceased the sun if $80 the share of each is sixteen dollars
                and absolutely to Susan A. Priscilla I and John McClana -

han and George Thurston children of Jane Thurston dcd

the sum of $80 the share of each is twenty dollars.

_____________________________________________

And now at this day come……..

Mary ………………………….

……………………………… Thos ………………..
It is therefore …….

…………

………

……. (entry not related

……. to Jacob’s estate)

……

……….

_________________________________________________________
446

March Term 1858
Michael Chism et. al. |

vs | Petition for partition of slaves

Hardin Chism et. al. |

And now at this day comes plaintiffs

by their attorney and it appearing to the court that

Hardin, Mary L, Susan, Elizabeth and Frances Chism
and George Thurston were minors under the age of twenty

one years and also George Thurston is a minor under the

age of twenty one years all of said minors are defendants

in said actions and it appearing to the court that said minors

were duly served with process returnable at this term of the

court and it further appearing that said minors

have no legal guardian.
It is therefore ordered that William

C. Sevier be appointed guardian addition for said minors

Michael Chism et. al. |

vs. | Petition for partition

Hardin Chism et. al. |
And now at this day comes William

C. Sevier and files his answer as guardian addition

for said minor heirs

Michael Chism Howard Chism

David H. Chism Jacob C. Chism

Stephen Chism & John McClanahan

                Susan McClanahan & Priscilla McClanahan plaintiffs against
                                Against                        viz Petition for Partition of Slaves
                Hardin Chism     Mary C. Chism

&nbs