Crawford's Letters to Washington Hold Clue to Bullskin

I was reading the extensive correspondence between George Washington and William Crawford, gathered in the book The Washington-Crawford Letters, by C. W. Butterfield. Aside from being a distinguished military leader, Col. Crawford was one of the first settlers of the Ohio River Valley and helped many of the colonists who migrated there.

 They were the same age and had known each other since their teenage years. While he was much occupied in fighting the War of Independence, General Washington put Crawford in charge of surveying, acquiring, and developing his western lands in what is now Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. It was a daunting task, as Washington desired to own many thousands of acres for farming and renting out to settlers. Many times, Crawford wrote that he had pressed his younger brother, Valentine Crawford, or one of his half-brothers into service to carry out Washington's wishes.

Who were Crawford's half-brothers? They were the sons of Richard and Honora Stephenson, whose property Washington had surveyed on the Bullskin Run in Virginia in 1750. The oldest was Hugh Stephenson, followed by John Stephenson, Richard Stephenson,  and James Stephenson. There was also a daughter, and the youngest son, Marquis Stephenson,
served as a private in the Revolutionary War. The older sons were officers, most notably Hugh, who was a Colonel and leader of the Virginia sharpshooters who hiked the famous Beeline March to join Washington near Boston at the beginning of the war. 

In 1776, Col. Hugh returned to Virginia to recruit more soldiers and there he died of "camp fever" (malaria). The executor of his will became Valentine Crawford, who also died not long after that by contracting pneumonia while falling through ice. Col. William Crawford wrote to General Washington some months later:

It is said that William took his brother's body back to Bullskin to be buried in the Bullskin Presbyterian Churchyard, beside that of his mother Honora. I read these words just before going to bed, and that night, I had a dream where I saw Honora, Richard, and Valentine lying in repose in their burial place, the same one that I had visited on the grounds of a racetrack two months ago. 

But, how could that be? I had found two marked gravestones there, with the names Thomson and Throckmorten incised on them. There were six other smaller gravestones, unlabeled or the letters had worn off after so long. But in my dream, the three bodies lay between the stones, as if there were three smaller footstones. 

So, here in these letters that Col. Crawford wrote, was proof of the location of my ancestors' graves! I am forever indebted to William Crawford for his diligent communication with George Washington. A mystery remains, however; where is Colonel Hugh Stephenson buried?

The Stephensons in Pennsylvania

Two of Richard Stephenson's sons and his two stepsons all distinguished themselves in the French and Indian War that preceded the American Revolution. As a reward, they were given lands in the former French Louisiana that stretched from the Mississippi River to the Appalachians.

By Sayer, Robert, 1725-1794 -- Cartographer ;Anville, Jean Baptiste Bourguignon d', 1697-1782 -- CartographerRobert de Vaugondy, Didier, 1723-1786 -- Cartographer - a file already in Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain

 
 William Crawford, stepson of Richard, Sr., was probably the first and most famous of the clan to settle at the confluence of the Ohio and Youghiogheny Rivers at a place called Stewart's Crossing, where he was busy helping settlers make safe passage. He and his brother Valentine Crawford were also kept busy carrying out the desires of their childhood friend George Washington to acquire and settle property in the area. John Stephenson settled there in 1788 and his lands abutted Jacob's Creek in modern-day Fayette County.

 

John Stephenson's land is shown at lower left in this map from Ancestor Tracks. Northeast of his property is where Colonel Hugh Stephenson's widow Ann settled with her family. South of that, a plat for Benjamin Whaley was surveyed on the same day in 1790. Since Ann's maiden name was Whaley, this was probably her brother. Richard Stephenson Jr. and David Stephenson were other brothers who settled in that area. All of the men were mentioned several times in the correspondence of William Crawford with General Washington. William was often pressing a brother into service to help with the General's land management and development needs. General Washington visited himself in 1770 but his rising star and the demands of leadership kept him away after that. 

John Stephenson

Although the Stephensons gradually moved to the west from the estate that Richard Stephenson, Sr., established, there was one thing that always reminded them of home. At right on the map is the label "Bullskin Township". The Stephensons named the area after their homeland on the banks of the Bullskin Run in Virginia. The following clipping from the History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, explains this. 

Next, we follow the Stephensons from Pennsylvania into Kentucky.

Bullskin Run grave hunting adventure, Chapter 2

Early next month, I will be making another trip back to West Virginia to try to locate the graves of my ancestors, Richard and Honora Stephenson and their son, Col. Hugh Stephenson. I will visit and photograph grave markers on the property of the Summit Motorsports and also at Burns Farm, which is built on the foundations of Richard Stephenson's homestead, surveyed by George Washington in 1750. I will also visit the Edge Hill Cemetery in Charles Town, where another Revolutionary War hero, Col. James Stubblefield, is buried. There is also a squarish barren patch at 1636 Leetown Rd. in Charles Town that could be a deserted cemetery. I will explore all these places. Wish me luck!

A Tale of Two Tombstones

Last week, I drove out to the Rosehill Cemetery in Hazelton, Kansas, to visit my ancestors' graves. I thought it would be a grueling trip to a dust bowl location, but it was the opposite of that. A rainstorm had been through earlier in the day, and the dirt roads had turned to slimy red mud. However, the cemetery was on high ground, and was dry.

It was a lovely. peaceful place, with a lively breeze and storm clouds in the distance. A small shed in the middle of the graveyard listed all the inhabitants and their locations. There were four Stephensons and maybe a dozen Hardestys.

Prominently located was the grave monument to Phyllis's paternal grandfather, William Francis (Frank) Stephenson, who died in 1906. His marker was carved in limestone in the shape of a tree, standing about 5 feet tall, and, even though it was more than 100 years old, was etched very finely and deeply.

A short distance beyond was the grave monument to Phyllis's maternal grandfather, Joseph P. Hardesty. It was in a distinctive opposite style to Frank's. With a sculpted open bible on top, incised sculptures and a marble-like finish, the monument to Joseph P. was a testament to how well he was loved by his descendants.

These interesting grave monuments illustrate the differing sides of my mother's personality. From the wild and rustic to the refined and social.

On Eagle's Wing

"What was your mother's maiden name? and her mother's? And her mother's?

Like so many people, that's about as far as I can go on my mother's side of the family. I think, deep down,  most people would like to know who they truly are, and what made them who they are today."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P63aDZ5eojw

My mother's recipe for happiness

Mother's Day and Memorial Day give me many opportunities to think back fondly on time I spent with my mother. Just a couple of years ago I asked her what dish she would like me to make for her birthday brunch that was being held at our local church, the First Presbyterian Church of Golden.

She replied that she wanted me to prepare grape salad. Envisioning a green salad with grapes instead of tomatoes, I was enthused but wondering where I would find grapes in the middle of winter. I stopped at the store on the way home from her apartment and, whew, I found grapes imported from Mexico.

At home, I dug amongst my cookbooks and found hers, from the Calvary Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City. Each recipe listed its contributor, and there were quite a few from Phyllis. Making the salad entailed more trips to the store, because it wasn't exactly what I envisioned! But, in the end, all turned out well, and the grape salad was such a hit that my friend Karon asked her for the recipe.

Fast forward to today. Mom flew away to heaven on September 23, 2017, but I got a text from Karon with the recipe that Mom mailed to her after that party. Here is the cover note:

How beautiful and strong her handwriting was! How considerate! I'm very impressed at my mother's manners! And, here is the recipe.

As you can see, the recipe is not for a salad, and it does not include grapes! It is a characteristic Midwestern Depression-era recipe, with a little of the church hot dish tradition thrown in. Oh, and Jello! Because, Jello! It was 1940s guacamole.

I am so grateful to my friend Karon for sharing this with me! And now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go cry a few grape-colored tears.

Lee's Excellent Genealogical Adventure

It started out as a modest visit to the local library and a random Google search. Who knew that a few months after beginning an exploration of my Stephenson roots, I would be darting through underbrush in the wilds of West Virginia, trying to stay out of sight from racetrack authorities?

Finding my ancestral home was fairly easy. I was able to plot it on Google Maps and the family who currently owns it has a Facebook page. What was more difficult was finding my ancestors' graves, even though my seven-times-great grandparents had five sons who fought in the American Revolution and two of them were decorated Colonels. One of the officers, Hugh Stephenson, was said to be buried with his parents at the "Bullskin Presbyterian Churchyard" according to Findagrave.com.

But where was this famed churchyard? I posted entreaties for help on Wikitree.com and several people weighed in. Two of them were members of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), West Virginia chapter. They gave what sketchy information they had and promised to visit the county land office, library, and historical museum.

According to an old newspaper clipping, the church and churchyard were 100 yards north of the head springs of the Bullskin Run, an ancient tributary of the Shenandoah River. On Google Maps, I located the head springs in a field. Going north, I encountered the local motor sports racetrack. Oh great, I thought. The famous Hugh Stephenson, after all his troubles to recruit one of the first regiments to fight in the Revolution is unceremoniously buried under a racetrack! 

But I didn't lose hope. It was winter, so going to the Appalachian Mountains to search was out of the question. When I finally came to West Virginia to hopefully end the story with my triumphant locating of the graves, I started with a visit to Kenneth McAlpine (as I'll call him). I found him in his garage, with a windbreaker on that indicated that he was an instructor at the racetrack!

He shared with me his research into the property at the racetrack. A small, 1-acre site, it had been added to a larger property in the past. We drove to the racetrack and McAlpine was able to get us in, and also phoned several employees who had expressed interest in the history. But, they weren't there that day and were unreachable. Sadly, we left without being able to get onto the property and look.

Abandoned house built on church foundation

The next stop was Bridget Brown's Wool Farm which has the Bullskin head springs on her property. A spunky, can-do lady, I think Bridget was just as excited about solving the mystery as I was. We gingerly tiptoed past her caged ram and found the quiet pool that was the head springs. Strolling beyond it down the road, we came to a thicket that was not fenced in. A few minutes later, I found myself walking up to an abandoned house, said to be built on the foundations of the old church!

It was a creepy looking place and I was glad of Bridget's company. The graves were supposed to be past the second outbuilding, near the trees. I tramped all over the area but it was uniformly covered with grass. No gravestones. McAlpine had said that there were 8 gravestones in all, some with the names of Throckmorten and Thomsom on them. Ducking down so I wouldn't be seen by whomever was in the racetrack offices, I searched the property again. Something just didn't add up. I hope to go back when I have more information and search again.

Back at the wool farm, I bought some raw wool for my daughter and checked out Bridget's farmhouse that was in process of construction. It was really amazing all that she was able to do just with her husband to help. I finished out the day with a visit to the Cool Spring Nature Preserve on the Bullskin Run, halfway between the farmhouse and the burial place. Even though my results were inconclusive, I felt happiness at visiting my ancestral lands. As I was leaving, I snapped a photo of this historic sign.

A Trip to West Virginia to Search for Phyllis's Ancestors

It has been three months since I wrote about the missing graves of my ancestors Richard and Honora Stephenson and one of their sons, Col. Hugh Stephenson. They are said to be buried at the Bullskin Presbyterian Churchyard, 100 yards north of the Bullskin head springs. To honor my mother, Phyllis Stephenson, and our ancestors, I am flying off to the DC area tomorrow with a compass and my measured pace to see what, if anything, I can turn up about their whereabouts.

Survey of R. Stephenson's property
by George Washington, 1750

If you've been following along, you know that Richard Stephenson acquired property on the Bullskin Run and had it surveyed by George Washington in 1750. That survey still exists, in the collection of the Boston Public Library (pictured below). The text reads: "Pursuant to a warrant from the appropriation office to Me directed, I have surveyed for Mr. Richard Stephenson a certain tract of waste and ungranted land situate in Frederick County between the North and South branches of Bullskin bounded as followeth: Beginning at two hickory saplings near a broken sopward I am Come to his patent land and turn thence S 07 east sbo paces for a small while  oak a corner of a former survey of his in Col. Fairfax's line thence with his line S 212~ paces to Col. Fairfax. The course continued and in all 326 paces to a white oak in a hazel bottom thence N or N_ 290 paces to a locust stand, in Grub's patent line thence with his line N 5 E to a dead hie of patent C and two red oaks hence with another line of this and patent S a r E 140 paces to me beg[inning]. Containing three hundred and sixteen acres this 9th of November, 1750. George Washington

cc: Robert Worthington, Henry Bradshaw, Lewis Thomas _____________

This may seem like a doomed endeavor, particularly as I know nothing about surveying, measuring land and mapreading. Complicating things even further, I will be looking for the headsprings of the Bullskin Run in order to locate the site of the churchyard, and I've found at least four headsprings! On the north branch of the Bullskin, there is a Head Spring Sheep Farm and also a spring house at White House Farm (Tavern). On the south branch, there is the Cool Spring Nature Preserve. There is also a head springs on the map on the property of the Summit Point Motorsports track!

Even though finding results is doubtful, I intend to have an adventure! Downgrade from all these headsprings is Burns Farm itself, my ancestral homeland, with several outbuildings built by Richard Stephenson himself, including the small barn at right.

A Few Little-Known Facts About George Washington

The Young George Washington and his "Worthy Friend" Richard

On the eve of Washington's birthday, here is an excerpt from the excellent biography George Washington: A Life by Willard Sterne Randall. He writes:

Could the "worthy friend Richard" have been my ancestor Richard Stephenson? Certainly. We know that Washington met the family in 1747 and surveyed Stephenson's property on the Bullskin Run in 1750. The survey, which still exists, is in the collection of the Boston Public Library. Here it is.

An Amazing Find! Richard Stephenson's Property, Surveyed by George Washington

Today, I discovered a drawing of Richard Stephenson's (my 7-times great grandfather) property on the Bullskin Run in present-day West Virginia, surveyed by George Washington in 1750! Here it is!

"This map is one of approximately 75 surviving surveys of the 199 that Washington completed during his career as a county surveyor. This survey documents 316 acres between the north and south branches of Bullskin Run, which is located in present-day Jefferson County, West Virginia. Cartographer: Washington, George." 

I am chuffed! 

Poem on the approach of Phyllis Stephenson's 91st birthday

I was reading Robert Louis Stevenson's Christmas essay which ends with a lovely poem that reminds me of my mother's last days. Here it is.

"A late lark twitters from the quiet skies;
And from the west,
Where the sun, his day's work ended,
Lingers as in content,
There falls on the old, gray city
An influence luminous and serene,
A shining peace.

"The smoke ascends
In a rosy–and–golden haze. The spires
Shine, and are changed. In the valley
Shadows rise. The lark sings on. The sun,
Closing his benediction,
Sinks, and the darkening air
Thrills with a sense of the triumphing night—
Night, with her train of stars
And her great gift of sleep.
"So be my passing!
My task accomplished and the long day done,
My wages taken, and in my heart
Some late lark singing,
Let me be gathered to the quiet west,
The sundown splendid and serene,
Death."


From A Book of Verses by William Ernest Henley. D. Nutt, 1888.

The photo above shows Phyllis, the youngest child, with her elder sisters Mary and Dorothy. 

Richard Stephenson, Father of Colonial Officers and Soldiers

My seven-times great grandfather was Richard Stephenson,one of the earliest settlers of the area that would become known as West Virginia. In the 1700s, the rugged area was part of the Virginia Colony and was largely unpopulated. Even the Native Americans used it as a hunting ground and didn't live there. The young George Washington, at that time a teenager, surveyed the area for Lord Fairfax and set up many properties for incoming people to inhabit.

Richard Stephenson was one of these settlers. He was a friend of Washington and shared his zeal for acquiring new land in the mountainous areas. In 1750, Stephenson bought the land that became Bullskin Farm, so called because the south fork of the Bullskin Run (Creek) meandered through the property. He built a house and two outbuildings and moved his wife, Honora (Grimes) Crawford Stephenson, and his children, including four sons and two stepsons, to the property.

Stephenson also developed the Bullskin Presbyterian Church on a ridge near the western end of the farm, close to the headspring of the Bullskin Run. As the colony prepared for War with Britain, Stephenson's sons and stepsons all volunteered for service. His son Hugh was one of only two officers to assemble a company of soldiers from the colony and march them north to support the new General Washington and participate in Lord Dunmore's War.

Today, Bullskin Farm is still a working farm and is known as Burns Farm. It is located just southwest of Charles Town, West Virginia. The new house is built upon the foundations of the old Stephenson homestead, and two outbuildings dating from Stephenson's day, still stand.

Where is Richard Stephenson buried? Findagrave states that he, his wife, her first husband, and Col. Hugh Stephenson are buried at Bullskin Presbyterian Churchyard. Several volunteers have come forward to try to find the graves. I'm hoping that they will turn up. Below are photos of the Burns Farm.