James Isaacs
James Isaacs was born about 1804, probably in Virginia. He was the son of Samuel Isaacs and Nancy Baldridge. He was first married in Perry County, KY. However, Perry County has suffered two major natural disasters and the only book left with early marriages is one that lists only the groom and the name of the man who performed the marriage. We don't know the name of James Isaacs' first wife. The Perry County Marriage Book states, "21 August 1823 � James Isaacs married by John Morris"
James Isaacs was listed on the 1830 census of Clay County with his wife (both between 20 and 30) and two daughters and a son under five.
James married a 2nd time on 22 August 1847 in Madison County to Mrs. Elizabeth Davis. James and Elizabeth combined two large families, although it seems Elizabeth left most of her older children in Laurel County with family and friends. The Laurel County Court records list some of the Davis children and with whom they were living.
Laurel County Court, November term, 1843, p. 305
It has come to the attention of the court that Elizabeth Davis is the mother of certain orphan children in this county and that she is not in a condition to support and raise said children in comfort and she has an obligation that the same children should be bound to some useful ____ [can't read].
1. Joseph Davis, age 3 [on] 27 December 1843, bound to Isaac Forbes to be taught farming.
2. James Davis, age 5 [on]15 October 18__ [can't read], bound to William Mardis to be taught farming
3. Polly Davis, about 7 to [I think it is Henderson Davis, but it is very difficult to read] to be taught housewifery
4. Susan Davis, about 9 to James Davis to be taught housewifery
5. Martha Davis about 11 to John Forbs to be taught housewifery
The 1850 Madison County census taker did not distinguish between Isaacs and Davis children, and as a consequence, it has been difficult to identify the various family members. The 1860 census provided some clarification, however, as it often happens with research, more questions surfaced than were answered.
During the November 1858 term of the Jackson County Circuit Court John Clemons was indicted for malicious stabbing. James Isaacs, whose son James R. married John Clemons daughter, Mary Jane a year earlier, put up the bond for John Clemons' bail.
The Commonwealth of Kentucky, plaintiff, against John Clemmons, defendant - Malicious stabbing
This day came the attorney for the Commonwealth and the defendant in person on motion of the attorney for the plaintiff, it is ordered that this cause be continued until next term, the defendant being in custody and admitted for bail. James Isaacs came personally into court and acknowledged himself indebted to the commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars to be void however upon condition that the said John Clemmons appear in this court of the first day of the next term....
On the 17th of January, 1859, Samuel Isaacs, the oldest son of James Isaacs was murdered. During the June 1859 session of the circuit court, the Grand Jury issued an indictment against James R. Isaacs for manslaughter. James R. Isaacs was found guilty of manslaughter during the November 1859 term of the Circuit Court and John Clemons' case was continued. During the same session of court (November 1859) James Isaacs Sr. and his son George W. Isaacs were indicted for murder. John Clemons' case, as well as the cases of James Isaacs Sr. and George W. Isaacs were continued until the next session. (The Circuit Court met every June and November.) It is interesting to note that during the November 1859 term, John Clemons submitted a bill to the Commonwealth for $3.75 for guarding James R. Isaacs. The invoice was verified and paid. The indictments against John Clemons, and James and George W. Isaacs were continued during each succeeding session of court until the June term, 1862 when the case against James Isaacs Sr. was discontinued due to his death.
June term, 1862: Commonwealth against James and George Isaacs -- it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that James Isaacs is dead therefore it is ordered that this cause abate so far as concerns James Isaacs, and that the defendant George W. Isaacs recognizance be respited and that the witness of plaintiff recognizance be respited and that the cause be continued until the 1st day of the next term of this court and this cause is continued.
During the November term, 1863 the indictment against John Clemons was dismissed. There was no additional information given in the court records. George W. Isaacs' case was continued during every court session until the November term, 1867.
Commonwealth, plaintiff against G. W. Isaacs, defendant
The defendant G. W. Isaacs appeared in discharge of his recognizance and also produced and filed in this court a pardon for the offence charged from the Governor Thomas E. Bramlette, and the court being fully advised of the governship of said pardon, it is ordered that said defendant be discharged and go hence without delay.
I don't know the relationship of all these events to one another. I guess it is possible that they are isolated incidents, but that supposition seems to strain credulity.
The court records indicate that James Isaacs Sr. died prior to June 1862. His heirs were listed several times in various land records and other probate actions.
Jackson County Land records, Book 1:
pg 437: 9 Jan 1865 Heirs of James Isaacs sell to George Isaacs for $50.00 already paid to their father while he was still alive a tract of land of the Birch Lick* waters of Indian Creek. and on north to the corner of Elijah Johnson�s. Signed by: Lucinda Isaacs, Jane Isaacs, Andrew Isaacs, Mary Jane Isaacs, Louisa Isaacs, Silas Isaacs, James R. Isaacs, William Riley Isaacs, Hardin Isaacs, Emily Isaacs, Masiah Isaacs, Isaac Harrison, Leutta Harrison. I have no interest in this land: J.M. Johnson, Hezekiah Isaacs. * [Birch Lick Creek flows southeast from Sandgap through Waneta to the confluence with Indian Creek at McKee]
pg. 439: 9 Jan 1865 Heirs of James Isaacs sell to James R. Isaacs, in consideration of $65.00 already paid to their father in his lifetime a tract of land on the waters of the Hooten Fork* of the Indian Lick Fork of Rockcastle River, beginning at the corner of James and Samuel Isaacs ...back to the beginning, it being the corner that was patented to James Johnson in 1855 containing 65 acres. Signed by: Lucinda Isaacs, Jane Isaacs, Fielden Isaacs, Hardin Isaacs, Emily Isaacs, Isaac Harrison, G.M. Isaacs, Silas Isaacs, William Riley Isaacs, Andrew Isaacs, Leutta Harrison, Masiah Isaacs, Louisa Isaacs. I have no interest in this land: M.J. Johnson, Hezekiah Isaacs. *[Hooten Branch lies just west of McKee and outlets into Indian Creek near Hurley.]
pg. 441: 9 Jan 1865 Heirs of James Isaacs on the first part and Nancy Sloan and heirs of Hardin Slone on the 2nd part, in consideration of $100.00 paid to James Isaacs while he was still alive, Hardin [Nancy now] bought a tract of land on Birch Lick Waters of Indian Creek, 25 acres more or less, bounded by James Isaacs' land, embracing the boundary of land marked out by James Isaacs to Hardin Sloan and the same now in possession of Nancy Sloan. Signed by: James R. Isaacs, Lucinda Isaacs, Andrew Isaacs, Silas Isaacs, G.W. Isaacs, Jane Isaacs, Mary Jane Isaacs, Fielden Isaacs, William Riley Isaacs, Isaac Harrison, Harden Isaacs, Emily Isaacs, Masiah Isaacs, Leuta Harrison, Louisa Isaacs. � I have no interest in this land: JM Johnson & Hezekiah Isaacs.
Jackson Co. Land Records, Bk. 2
pg 177: 24 May 1869 Between John Turner, master commissioner, appointed by the Jackson County Circuit Court for and in behalf of Elizabeth Isaacs, adm of James Isaac decd estate and Jesse Johnson, Louisa Johnson, Lucinda Isaacs, Lovica Isaacs [Lovica is written in the margin of the paper and very hard to read], James R. Isaacs, George Isaacs, Fielding Isaacs, Silas Isaacs, Hezekiah Isaacs, Luatty Isaacs, Jane Isaacs, Messiah Isaacs, Elendar Isaacs, William Isaacs, Hardin Isaacs, Andrew Isaacs, Emby Isaacs, Sarah Isaacs, James Isaacs, Louvina Isaacs and John Morris party defendants and hereby join in the suit against John Stevens against James Isaacs heirs of the first part and Hezekiah Isaacs of the second part witnessith that the part of the 1st part for and in consideration of $225.54 paid to the sheriff, John Stephens, by the said Hezekiah Isaacs do by virtue of the power in him vested of law as commissioner of aforesaid hereby transfer convey the law____to the part of the 2nd part his heirs and assignees, several tracts of land situated in Jackson County, KY on the Birch Lick Fork of Indian Creek. 1st part for consideration of $155.54 transfers the land (75 acres) to party of the second part.
Children of James Isaacs
I have listed the children that seem obviously to belong to one wife with that wife. There were some children who appeared on the 1850 or 1860 census who were difficult to place; as well as some individuals listed as heirs on the deeds that I cannot place. A discussion of those children appears after the list of the children of James Isaacs and Elizabeth Davis.
Children of James Isaacs and his first wife
1. Samuel Isaacs was born about 1826 in Clay County. He married Jane Johnson the daughter of Herod Johnson and Elizabeth Isaacs on 16 September 1847 in Madison County. The marriage bond was dated 15 September 1847 with Fielding Isaacs as bondsman and Elizabeth Johnson as the mother of the bride. James Isaacs and Elizabeth Isaacs Johnson were siblings, so Samuel and Jane were first cousins.
Samuel was listed as the husband of Jane Johnson in the Floyd County Land records concerning her deceased father's estate.
E-635, 27 Oct 1847 - Herod Johnson�s wife and heirs of Madison County on one part, and William Hall of Floyd County on the other. Elizabeth Johnson and Heirs of Herod Johnson for $600.00, sell 200 acres on the right fork of Beaver Creek to William Hall. Wit: John B. Harrison and Wm Isaacs, Sr.
Signed: Samuel Isaacs and wife Jane, daughter of Herod Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Elisha Johnson, Amy Johnson, Lewsy Johnson, Rachel Johnson
Samuel and Jane had two daughters, Elizabeth Jane, born 13 December 1849, who appeared with her parents on the 1850 Madison County census and Lavina whose birth was recorded in the Madison County Vital Records, "Lavina Isaacs born January 1853 in Madison to Samuel Isaacs Jr. and Jenny Johnson." Jane's death was also recorded in the Madison County Vital Records, "Died 3 October 1853, Jenny Isaacs, married, age 30, of consumption."
Samuel married 2nd Elizabeth Harrison, daughter of John B. Harrison and Sarah Brockman, on 6 March 1854 (bond) in Madison County with John B. Harrison, giving consent. They had three children, James B. born in June 1855; Sarah born in 1857; and Samuel Preston born 23 August 1859 (Jackson County Vital Records).
Samuel's death date was listed in the Vital Records of Jackson County as 17 January 1859 with the notation that he was murdered. The Adams County Sentinel, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 21 January 1859, gave this account the the event:
A Bloody Fight in Kentucky - A terrible fight occurred in McKee, the county seat of Jackson, Ky., on Monday week, which resulted in the death of two of the parties concerned. Samuel Isaacs was killed on the ground, and John Morris died the day after. A son of John Morris was also nearly cut to pieces, but is not yet dead. Several other were more or less injured. A feud has for a long time existed between the Morisses and Isaacs.
Samuel's brother James R. was indicted for murder in June 1859. He was sent to prison for two years. The actual court records of the trial no longer exist but it it seems likely that these two events are related. Samuel's death left his first two children, Elizabeth Jane and Lavina without either parent.
Jackson County Court Records: March 1859 p. 94:
On the motion of James Isaacs ordered that he be appointed guardian of Elizabeth and Vina Isaacks, infant orphans of Samuel Isaacks decd, whereupon he took the oath required by law and together with Cornelius Isaacs, entered into and acknowledged covenant with constitution according to law.
In 1860 Elizabeth Jane was living in Jackson County with her mother's brother, Elijah Johnson (p. 843, 22/22) and Lavina was listed as Lavinah Isaacks and was living with her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth Isaacs Johnson Tillery (p. 866, 181/181) also in Jackson County.
Jackson County Court Records: Feb. 1863 p. 323:
Elizabeth Isaacs is appointed guardian for the infant heirs of Samuel Isaacs decd. [The action actually only included Samuel and Elizabeth's children. It did not pertain to either of Samuel's daughters with Jane Johnson.]
All five of Samuel's children were listed in Jackson County Court Records as defendants in a suit brought by Philip Marcum.
Pg. 309: Oct. 1875 Jackson Circuit Court suit of Philip Marcum, plaintiff against Samuel Isaac heirs, and John Farmer, commissioner, do convey to Philip Marcum all right title and interest of Elizabeth Isaacs, Levina Isaacs, Preston Isaacs, James B. Isaacs and Sally Isaacs, heirs at law of Samuel Isaacs decd, 150 acres at the waters of Birchlick Fork of Indian Creek, on 18 Sept 1876.
2. Lucinda Isaacs was born about 1828 in Clay County. She had several children before her marriage on 28 November 1867 in Jackson County to John Richmond. Her brother, James R. was the bondsman. John and Lucinda Richmond were in Jackson County in 1870 and in Rockcastle County in 1880.
3. Louisa Isaacs was born about 1829 in Clay County. She apparently married Jesse Johnson sometime around 1858, but I can't find a marriage record. Jesse and Louisa appeared on the 1860 census with a one year old daughter, Esther. The older children in the household are probably Jesse's children from a pervious marriage. During the June 1866 term of the Jackson County Circuit Court, Jesse and Louise Johnson were charged with failing to appear to file a deposition regarding a suit filed by John Stephens against James Isaacs Sr.'s heirs.
Proof made to the satisfaction of the court that Jesse Johnson and wife Louisa Johnson are non residents, the defendants Jesse Johnson and Louisa Johnson are warned to appear in the Jackson Circuit Court on the first day of its next November term.
Louisa and her daughter Esther (born about 1858/9) were living in Travellers Rest, Owsley County in 1870, but Jesse was not included in the household. I don't know if he was deceased or just moved on. Louisa was listed as a heir to her father in probate actions in 1865 and 1874.
4. Lewatty Isaacs was born about 1831 in Clay County. She married Joseph A. Isaacs son of Samuel ( 1794-1859) and his wife Sarah, on 17 July 1854 in Madison. Since Samuel was a brother to James, Lewatty and Joseph A. were first cousins. Joseph died before 1860, when Lewatty was listed alone with her children on the 1860 census. On 22 June 1861, Lewatty married Isaac Harrison, the son of George Harrison and Rachel Isaacs. Since Rachel Isaacs Harrison was a sister of James Isaacs, Lewatty and Isaac Harrison were also first cousins. Isaac Harrison appeared on the 1860 census living with his mother. However, he might have been married before his marriage to Lewatty. The Madison County Vital Records listed the birth of a Rachel Harrison to Isaac Harrison and Mary Blanton on 15 Feb 1856. During the June 1863 term of the Jackson County Circuit Court, Isaac Harrison and Lewatty Isaacs were indicted for adultery. During the November 1863 term, the case was dismissed.
Commonwealth against Isaac Harrison and Luetta Isaacs: ordered that this cause be set aside and that this cause be dismissed at plaintiff's motion and therefore adjudged by the court and the plaintiff recover of the defendant Harrison expenses.
5. Hezekiah Isaacs was born about 1835 in Clay or Madison County. He appeared in the 1850 as "Esikiah." He married Rebecca Sloan in Madison County. The Madison County marriage records only listed a bond date of 9 June 1856, but Hezekiah listed the actual marriage date of 10 June 1856 on his Civil War pension application. James Smith and Sarah Johnson witnessed the marriage. Rebecca was the daughter of Hardin Sloan and Nancy Isaacs. Since Nancy Isaacs Sloan and James Isaacs were siblings, Rebecca and Hezekiah were first cousins. Hezekiah was a Corporal in Company A, 47th KY Volunteer Mounted Infantry. He enlisted July 3rd, 1863 and was honorably discharged December 26th, 1864. According to the Civil War pension papers, Hezekiah died 14 June 1902 in Bighill, Madison County and Rebecca died September 19th, 1907 in Bighill, Madison County, Kentucky.
Washington D. C. 25 May 1899
Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be a great value to your family.
1. Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name: Rebecka Isaacs, Rebecka Slone, age 57 years.
2. When, where and by whom were you married: 57 [meaning 1857] at Hardin Slone in Madison Co. Ky, J. Asbell
3. What record of marriage exists? 41 years.
4. Were you previously married: [blank]
5. Have you any children living, if so, please state their names and dates of birth. 4: Martha Isaacs borned October 6th, 1867, Frnklin Isaacs was borned October 29th, 1870, Simon Isaacs was borned December 1st 1873, Granville Isaacs was borned January 24th, 1879.
Date of reply June 15th, 1899
6. James R. Isaacs was born about 1837 in Madison County. He married Mary Jane Clemons, the daughter of John B. Clemons and Catherine Winkler on 16 January 1857 in Laurel County. Mary Jane was born 31 August 1840 in Madison, and died 6 November 1923 in Sand Gap, Jackson County. On the 1900 census, Mary was listed as the mother of three children, two living.
Certificate in Case of Marriage:
I hereby certify that on the 16th day of January 1857 James R. Isaacs of Laurel County, KY, 20 year old born at James Isaacs in Floyd County Ky was married to Mary Jane Clemons of Laurel County Ky aged 16 years born at John Clemons in Madison County Ky and then single, by Hiram Casteel, January the 16th, 1857, minister of United Baptist Church in presence of John and Caty Clemons.
Jackson County Court Records, June term, 1859:
p. 40 Indictment against James R. Isaacs for manslaughter
p. 41 James R. Isaacs is charged with manslaughter. His bail is $1500.
Trial Records at Frankfort, Franklin, KY
June 7th, 1859
James R. Isaacs being in custody charged with the offense of manslaughter and admitted to bail in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. Now [?] Gotfrey Isaacs, Fielding Isaacs, James Isaacs and Hardin Slone undertake that the said James R Isaacs will appear in the Jackson Circuit Court on the first day of its next term to answer said charge and will at that time render himself answerable to the orders and powers of said within the prosecution of said cause, and if ....will render himself in execution thereof and if he fail to perform either of these conditions he will pay to the commonwealth of Kentucky the sum of fifteen hundred dollars.
And thereupon came Samuel J. Isaacs, Josiah Baker, P. Vance, Samuel Woods, Levi Lambert, Godfrey Isaacs Joseph Durham, Will Harrison, Jonathan Harrison, Thomas Reason, Alfred Evans, James Seaborn, John E. ..... George Baker, John Stephens, G.W. Taylor, Will Cole, J.Y. Forbus T. J Engle, D.Bleaphs, Wm Morris, Joseph Durham and Cabil Hughes and acknowledge himself indebted to the commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred dollars each but to be void upon condition that they severally appear in the court in the first day of its next term as witnesses in behalf of the commonwealth against the said James R. Isaacs and not depart without leave of the court.
And thereupon came John Reece, Gotfrey Isaacs, Cornelius Isaacs, Harden Sloan, Aaron Harris, David Stephens, Mathias Seaborn personally into court and acknowledged themselves indebted to the commonwealth of Kentucky in the sum of one hundred dollars each to wit to be void upon condition that they severally appear in this court on the first day of the next term in behalf of James R. Isaacs and not depart without leave of the court.
Trial
2nd Day November Term 1859
This day came the attorney for the commonwealth and the defendant approved in discharge of his recognizance and being arraigned filed his plea of not guilty and therefore came a jury. Elyah Steward, Wiley Cummingham, Preston Pennington, Thomas McQueen, William Willis?, James Tincher, Calvin Powell, Bartett Rogers, Levi Pennington, Hugh Odawell, Cornelius Moore and William Forbes Jr., who being elected tried and sworn will and true, to try the issue joined and having heard the evidence in part and but not having time to go threw with the trial on this day and having received the usual charge from the court were permitted to dispense until tomorrow morning nine o�clock
3rd Day November Term, 1859
This day came the plaintiff again by his attorney as well as the defendant in custody of the jailor. And thereupon came again the jury and took their seats and after hearing the evidence and not having time to consider their verdict were adjourned over till tomorrow morning 8 o�clock under the charge of the court and defendant remained into the custody of the jailor.
4th Day November Term, 1859
The jury heretofore sworn in the cause again assembled and again came the defendant in custody of the jailor as well as the commonwealth attorney and after hearing the instruction of the court and arguments of counsel on both sides returned to the room to consider their verdict and afterwards returned into court the following verdict to wit: "we of the jury find the defendant guilty of the charge in the indictment and sentence him to the penitentiary for two years" Levi Pennington foreman of the jury. Whereupon the prisoner was committed to jail.
The actual trial transcripts no longer exist, so we might never know who James R. was convicted of killing. Was it his brother, Samuel, who was murdered during the same time period? This seems somewhat unlikely considering the level of family support regarding bail, etc. Was it someone who murdered his brother? Jackson County death records also list the death of John Morris, 73, who was murdered on 20 January 1859. Could James R. have been indicted for the the murder of John Morris? In 1874 James R. Isaacs and Job Morris each had to sign a peace bond (Jackson County Circuit Court Order Bk. 3), agreeing not to comment an offense against each other. Job Morris was the son of V.W. Morris who was the son of John Morris. Maybe there was a feud and it was still going on 15 years later.
I received this from Donny Perry, a descendant of John Morris:
I was not sure who it was that shot my John Morris ... Jess Wilson who lives down on Possum Trot in Clay Co. told me the following, "John Morris and Robert Hays had been the main instigators in forming Jackso[n] County. The[y] had a difficulty about the division of the county into districts. Each want[ed] to be in the McKee division without the other. They excused themselves from the committee that met to make the divide. The others favored Hays and jerrymander to include him. Morris moved out to where the Isaacs lived. ...I just heard that an Isaacs man killed John with a stone in the street in front of what now is the public library."
Donny Perry also mentioned that he received this explanation from Martha Jo Carr, "Apparently [John Morris was] murdered after testifying against the Bakers in the murder trial of George Baker."
Donny Parry was also kind enough to send me copies of some Madison County Court records that indicate that the conflict between the Morris and Isaacs families started even earlier:
The Commonwealth vs Saml Isaacs & c, Indict for Assault
1854 Form and Process ordered
We of the jury find the defendants not guilty [written on side of first page]
The Commonwealth of Kentucky against Samuel Isaacs, David Cates, James Isaacs Sr, Hezekiah Isaacs, James Isaacs Jr
The Grand Jurors for the Commonwealth of KY, empannelled and sworn in and for Madison County ... represent that Samuel Isaacs, David Cates, James Isaacs Sr, Hezekiah Isaacs, James Isaacs Jr late of Madison County, with force and arms in and upon one John Morris on the 1st Sep 1854 did make an assault and him the said John Morris did beat, and wound...
signed: S. Noland, Com. Atty
witnesses: John Morris, Clay Co. KY
John Markham
Wm Hunt
[The following was written and signed by John Morris.]
Boonville [word crossed through] November the 28th 1854 the clerk of Madderson [sic] circuit court[?] will ------ propres[?] and send to the sheriff Morgin County vs Samuel Isaacs & James Isaacs in the case of the Commonwelth Isaac Ca[tes] and J. Morris
signed: John Morris
Madison Circuit Court
... You are hereby commanded forwith to arrest Samuel Isaacs, David Cates, James Isaacs Sr, Hezekiah Isaacs, James Isaacs Jr and bring them before the Madison Circuit Court, to answer an indictment in the Court against them for an assault upon John Morris ... Given under my hand as clerk of said court, this 12th day of Feb 1855.
signed: JM Shackelford CMCC...
12 Feb 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for John Marcum & William Hunt to appear on behalf of Plaintiff
12 Feb 1855 - order to arrest Samuel Isaacs, David Cates, James Isaacs Sr, Hezekiah Isaacs, James Isaacs Jr issued for their assault on John Morris
26 Feb 1855 - handwritten note from Samuel Isaacs and R.C. Slays [Duy?] regarding the bail of Samuel Isaacs. It was signed in Morgan County
14 Mar 1855 - bail posted by James Isaacs for himself in the amount of $50.00
14 Mar 1855 - bail posted by James Isaacs for Samuel Isaacs, Hezekiah Isaacs & James Isaacs Jr in the amount of $150.00
4 Jun 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Owsley County for Andrew Heard & William Heard to appear on behalf of Defendant,
4 Jun 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for John Markum & William Hunt to appear on behalf of Plaintiff
4 Jun 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for John Markum & William Hunt to appear on behalf of Plaintiff
6 June 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for John Marcum & William Hunt to appear on behalf of Plaintiff
6 Jun 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Clay County for John Morris to appear on behalf of Plaintiff,
31 Jul 1855 - Order to arrest David Cates issued for his assault on John Morris
31 Jul 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for John Marcum & William Hunt & Isaac Cates to appear on behalf of Plaintiff
15 Aug 1855 - bail posted by Samuel Isaacs for David Cates in the amount of $50.00,
20 Aug 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for John Stephen, Herod Johnson, Philip Rector, Rachal Harrision, Samuel Cooper, William Hunt & Elizabeth Johnson to appear on behalf of Defendant
31 Oct 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Madison County for William Hunt to appear on behalf of Plaintiff
31 Oct 1855 - spa to Sheriff of Clay County for John Morris to appear on behalf of Plaintiff,
I am not sure if the Samuel involved in this suit was James Sr.'s brother "Mystery Sam" or James' son Samuel who was murdered in 1859. Since James Sr. paid the bail for all of them, it seems more likely to me that it was James' son Samuel, who was involved in the assault.
During the November term, 1858, James R. Isaacs' father in law, John Clemons, was indicted for malicious stabbing, and also for perjury. It was during the very next session of the court, June term 1859, that James R. was indicted. It is hard to believe that the indictments of James R. and his father in law were unrelated. Especially since James Isaacs, the father of James R. paid the bail for John Clemons. During the November 1859 session of the Circuit Court, James R.'s father and brother George W. were also indicted for murder. In spite of all these indictments, James R. Isaacs was the only one who actually served time in prison. The charges against the others were all eventually dropped for various reasons.
On the 1860 census James R. Isaacs was listed as an inmate in prison in Frankfort. His sentence was for two years. After his release, James R. enlisted on 5 August 1861 in Company E, 1st KY Volunteer Cavalry, as a Private. At the time he indicated he was 25 years old, 5 feet 11 inches high, fair complexion, blue eyes, light hair and a farmer by trade. He said he was born in Madison County. He was granted a disability discharge on the 14th of February 1863 at Louisville, Ky. He had cardiac disease and tuberculosis deposits. He died 16 April 1880 in Jackson County of a gun shot wound.
State of Kentucky
County of Jackson
Mrs. Mary Jane Isaacs being duly sworn states: My post office address is McKee, Ky. I was born in Madison County Ky on the 31st of August 1840, my maiden name being Clemmons. I am the widow of James R. Isaacs who served over 90 days as a private in Co. E, 1st Ky cavalry in the late war, and was honorably discharged there from. I know of no military or naval service ever rendered by him to the United States except in said regiment. He died at Clover Bottom, Ky on the 16th day of April 1880, leaving me without other means of support than my daily labor. His death was caused by a pistol shot from Pal Roggers. I have not remarried since his death.
I was married to him in Laurel County, State of Kentucky about the 16th of January 1857 by Hiram Casteel.
7. George W. Isaacs, in his Civil War Pension application [1898], said that his father always told him he was born 28 April 1838. However on the 1900 census he said he was born in April of 1837. On a pension deposition in 1911 he said he was born on April 28th, 1840. He married Elizabeth Sloan daughter of Hardin Sloan and Nancy Isaacs in Jackson County on 15 July 1858, at the home of Hardin Sloan. Edward Gabbard and Samuel Isaacs were witnesses.
George W. Isaacs was indicted for murder along with his father during the June 1859 term of the Jackson County Circuit Court. He was granted bail but the case never came to trial. Finally, eight years later, during the November 1867 term, George W. presented to the court a pardon that he had been granted by the governor of Kentucky, Thomas E. Bramlette.
Nov Term, 1867, 1st day, - Commonwealth, plaintiff against G.W. Isaacs, defendant, charge: Murder
The defendant G.W. Isaacs appeared in discharge of his recognizance and also produced and filed in this court a pardon for the offence charged from the Governor Thomas E. Bramlette, and the court being fully advised of the governship of said pardon, it is ordered that said defendant be discharged and go hence without delay.
On the 1900 census, Elizabeth listed her birth as November 1840. George and Elizabeth were first cousins. George served during the Civil War in Company A, 47th KY Volunteer Mounted Infantry. He died 22 April 1911 in Jackson County.
Washington D. C. January 15th, 1898
Will you kindly answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below? The information is requested for future use, and it may be a great value to your family.
1. Are you a married man? If so, please state your wife's full name, and her maiden name: Elisabeth Slone
2. When, where and by whom were you married: Jackson Co. Ky by I.G. Faubush, July 15th, 1858.
3. What record of marriage exists? Bible Record and Record in Clerks office of J.C.C.
4. Were you previously married: No
5. Have you any children living, if so, please state their names and dates of birth. Yes
Martha E. Isaacs was born August 5, 1873, Nancy B. Isaacs was born October 25, 1876, Sarah E. Isaacs was born August 10th 1878, John R. Isaacs was born February 13th 1880.
Date of reply May 4th, 1898
State of Kentucky
County of Jackson
The affiant and claimant George W. Isaacs this day personally appeared before me, a County Court Clerk, within and for the County aforesaid and being by me duly sworn states that he is a pensioner certificate #350 957; that he now has claim for pension pending under Act of Feb 6, 1907 that there is no public or baptismal record of the date of his birth; that there is no family record of his birth, known to him.
He states that his father always told him that he was born April 28, 1838 and that he has always recognized said date as the date of his birth; that the records show that he was married July 15, 1858 and that on the date of his marriage he was 20 years of age, as he was informed by his father. He states that he is, he verily believes, 70 years of age April 28, 1908, and that he can furnish no better or more accurate proof of his age than as aforesaid stated, his father and mother both being dead.
Subscribed and sworn to before me by George W. Isaacs this June 20, 1908.
State of Kentucky
County of Jackson
On this the 10th day of February 1911, personally appeared before me, a County Court Clerk within and for the county and state aforesaid, George W. Isaacs who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is 70 years of age and a resident of Sand Gap, county of Jackson, State of Kentucky; and that he is the identical person who was enrolled at Camp Nelson (KY) under the name of George W. Isaacs on the 3rd day of July 1863 as a private in Co. A., 47th Regiment of Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, in the service of the United States in the Civil War and was honorably discharged at Lexington, Ky on the 26th day of December 1864. Height: six feet; complexion, dark; color of eyes, blue; color of hair, dark; that his occupation was a farmer; that he was born April 28th, 1840 at Sand Gap, Ky.
That his several places of residence since leaving the service have been as follows: in Jackson Co Ky from discharge to about 1873 then in Rockcastle Co. Ky till about 1890 and from 1890 to present in Jackson Co. KY. Pension certificate #350957.
8. Elizabeth Isaacs was born about 1840 in Madison County. She was 10 on the 1850 census, but doesn't appear with her family in 1860. However, she would have been 20 and possibly married. An Elizabeth does not sign as an heir on any of the various land sales regarding James' estate. There is a possibility that she is the unknown Jane that does sign all four of the deeds (see deed discussion below) or she could have died prior to 1860.
9. Zachariah Isaacs was born about 1842 in Madison County. He appeared on the 1850 census as "Euriah." A record of his death was listed on the Madison County Vital Records: "Zachariah Isaacs, 12, male, born Madison, died 1st August 1856, falling accident in Madison, son of James Isaacs."
10. Silas Isaacs was born about 1844 in Madison County. He married Sarah Casteel, the daughter of John Casteel and his 2nd wife Sally Ann on 14 June 1869, in Jackson County.
Children of James Isaacs and Elizabeth Davis
1. Cyrus Isaacs was born about 1849 in Madison and appeared on the 1850 census. There was not a Cyrus listed with the family on the 1860 census, but there was a Lewis age 11. Cyrus and Lewis were most likely the same person. Neither a Cyrus nor a Lewis signed any of James' probate related papers in Jackson County, but they were all signed by a Masiah, an heir I can't identify. Maybe Masiah was Lewis, was Cyrus, who knows? The 1870 Jackson County census listed a Cias Isaacs 21, married to a Samira. The census indicated that they had been married in December of the census year, which would be December 1869. On the marriage record of Tyree Isaacs in Estill County in 1895, Tyree was listed as the son of Cyrus Isaacs and Samera Bicknell. Maybe Cyrus was Lewis was Masiah was Cias, who knows? I can't find a Cyrus/ Cias/ Lewis or Masiah on the 1880 census, but on the 1900 census there was a Farley Isaacs who was listed as being born in Sept 1882. He living with his grandparents Tyra and Ann Beckell. On his death certificate, Farley Isaacs parents were listed as Cyrus Isaacs and Myra Becknell. (The information about Farley came from Geneva Rudolph and Darlene and Charles Isaacs.)
2. Fielding Isaacs was born about 1851 in Madison County. He was living with his parents in 1860 and with his widowed mother in Jackson County in 1870.
3. Elender Isaacs was born about 1853 in Madison County. She was listed on the 1860 census with her parents and on the 1869 probate record of her father, but she was not with her mother in the 1870 census. She would have been 17 and could have been married.
4. William R. Isaacs was born about 1854 in Madison County. He signed his name William Riley on all the probate related documents. He was living with his widowed mother in 1870. He married Nancy ___ and was living in Estill in 1880.
5. Hardin Isaacs was born about 1857 in Madison County. He married Surilda Bicknell on 1 March 1876 in Estill. The marriage certificate listed Hardin as 18 and Surilda as 13. Hardin's widowed mother, Elizabeth Davis Isaacs and several of her children were living with Hardin and Surilda in 1880 in Estill County.
6. Andrew Isaacs was born about 1859 in Madison County. He, his mother and his sister Emily were living with Andrew's older brother Hardin and his wife Surilda in Estill County in 1880.
7. Mary A. Isaacs was born about 1860 in Madison County. There was a Mary Jane who signed two of the four probated related documents. I assume that Mary Jane and Mary A. were the same person. She appeared as Mary A., a 10 year old with her widowed mother on the 1870 census in Jackson County. Mary Ann/Mary Jane was not listed with her mother and siblings on the 1880 census in Estill.
8. Emily Isaacs was born about 1862 in Madison. She was most likely the Emily Isaacs who married Dair Lawson on 20 December 1877 in Jackson County, with Elizabeth Isaacs and Godfrey Isaacs witnesses and Dar Larson and Anderson Carpenter bondsmen. They were married near H. Pearson's house in Jackson County, according to the bond. This record was almost impossible to read. Geneva Rudolph told me that the name of the groom was actually Dan Harrison or Larrison. Emily, her brother Andrew and her widowed mother were living with her older brother Hardin and his wife Surilda in Estill County in 1880. Emily was listed as a widow on the census. Emily married again in Estill County: "Ansil Bicknell (23, 1st marriage) to Emily Isaacs (20, 2nd marriage), 21 April 1881. Ansil D. Bicknell was the son of Tyree Bicknell and Mariam Willis.
Unknown children
Children from the 1850 Census
1. Isaac was born about 1846, he was 4 on the 1850 census, listed as Isaac Isaacs. On the 1860 census there was an Isaac Davis 14, living with James Isaacs. Since the 1850 census did not distinguish between Isaacs and Davis children, it is possible that Isaac was a Davis. Since he was 4 in 1850 his birth was probably in1846, long after November 1843, when the Laurel Court, recognizing Elizabeth as a widow, made arrangements for her children. If he was a Davis there are two possibilities that I can think of: (1) Isaac might have been a grandchild of Elizabeth, but her oldest child listed in the Laurel County court proceedings was Martha, who was 11 in 1843. I suppose it was possible that Elizabeth had older children since she would have been about 20 when Martha was born. But usually even though children 14 and older have more legal rights than those under 14, they are still mentioned in the proceedings. (2) Isaac might have been an illegitimate child of Elizabeth Davis, a child born after the death of her husband.
In the 1870 census an Isaac Isaacs age 24, married to Alsay Johnson, seems to show up out of nowhere. His marriage bond was listed in Jackson on 30 August 1867. James R. Isaacs was his bondsman. He was living next door to James' daughter, Lewatty Isaacs and her 2nd husband Isaac Harrison in 1880. Isaac and Alsay had children named James, Rhoda, Ambrose, Hardin, all the right names to belong to the James Isaacs family, but I can't place him. Maybe he was Isaac Davis, who decided to take the Isaacs name, since he was raised by James, or maybe there was a separate Isaac Isaacs born in 1846 that just didn't appear on the 1850 or 1860 census. Since his name wasn't listed on any of the above deeds as an heir, I think it is doubtful that he was a son of James Isaacs.
2. Rhenny was born about 1846, she was 4 on the 1850 census. Rhenny was most likely Sarena an illegitimate daughter of Lucinda Isaacs. Sarena was living with her mother in 1860.
3. Lovency was born about 1847, and was 3 on the 1850 census. This name didn't appear on the 1860 census in James' household. There was an Elizabeth Davis age 13 living with James Isaacs. Maybe Lovency was Elizabeth? It is possible that Lovency/Elizabeth was also an illegitamate child of Elizabeth Davis, a sister to Isaac above. But since Elizabeth and James were married in August of 1847, it doesn't seem very likely. I don't know if Lovency is traditionally a Davis name, but it, and all its variations appears frequently in the James Isaacs family. It is also possible that Lovency was another illegitimate granddaughter of James Isaacs.
Children from the 1860 Census
1. James age 12. James Isaacs Sr. already had a son James R. born about 1837, who was incarcerated in Franklin County in 1860. Elizabeth also had a son James by her first husband who would have been 22 or 23 in 1860, so it is unlikely that this child belonged to either James Sr. or Elizabeth Davis. It seems more likely that he was a grandchild or some other relative.
Children/heirs listed and not listed on the deeds
I am going to refer to the deeds as follows: 1st - George's deed, 2nd - James R's deed, 3rd - Hardin's (Sloan) deed, 4th- 1869 deed.
Masiah/Messiah Isaacs signed all four of the deeds, but I can't identify him. I have speculated that he might be Lewis/Cyrus. However there is a vital record in Jackson County concerning the death of a Sarah Isaacs, age 13, female, who died 14 March 1854, kicked by a horse, daughter of Mcsh Isaacs. The name is really hard to read, but this is what it looks like to me. If anyone has a clue about this Mcsh, I would sure appreciate the information.
Jane Isaacs signed all four of the deeds, but I don't know who she is either. She can't be Mary A. (sometimes a Mary Ann is referred to as Mary Jane or vice versa), because Mary A. is already listed as an heir on George's deed and Hardin's deed. Jane might be Elizabeth, the daughter of James Isaacs and his first wife, who is 10 on the 1850 census. Elizabeth does not appear with the family on the 1860 census, but as I mentioned earlier, she would have been 20 years old and might have been married or out of the house working. It has been suggested that this Jane might be Elizabeth Jane the eldest daughter of Samuel Isaacs, James's deceased son. We just don't know. This might be one of those mysteries that is never solved.
In addition to Jane (mentioned above) the 1869 deed was also signed by a Sarah Isaacs, James Isaacs, Lovica Isaacs and Louvina Isaacs. Samuel Isaacs, the deceased son of James, had children Sarah, James and Lavina. If Lavina were Lovica or Louvina then we have accounted for three of the four. Lovica (?) is really hard to read on the 1869 deed and so is Lovency (?) on the 1850 census. I have found no other record of Lovica/Lovency and with other similar names like Lavina, Lucinda, Louisa and Lewatty in James' family, it is very difficult to keep track of all these girls.
Those heirs that did sign, didn't necessarily sign all the deeds. Hezekiah signed the 1869 deed and was listed as someone with no interest in the other three deeds. Fielding didn't sign George's deed. Elender only signed the 1869 deed, and as I mentioned earlier Mary A. only signed the George and Hardin deeds.