By Gary Childs
May 17, 2002
Part
1
The main focus of this text is Nathaniel Meek Senior. During the process of gathering genealogical data on this man, records for other men by the name of Meek were found in the same areas of residence. These men will also be discussed. During his lifetime Nathaniel Meek is know to have resided in the states of Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Indiana. His will was signed in Pulaski County, Ky. in 1826 and was entered into probate in the same county in 1827 at the time of his death. The name of Nathaniel's wife is unknown but his children were: Nathan Jr. b1775-1781, Samuel b1784, Jeremiah b1775-1783, David b1780-1790, William b1788, Richard b1801, Lewis b1800, Mary "Polly" b1781-1785, Priscilla b1781, Elizabeth and Sarah. The records that exist for Nathaniel in Kentucky and Indiana refer to him as; Nathaniel, Nathan, and Nathan Meek Sr. I also hope that the genealogical data pertaining to Nathaniel presented here will prove that he is indeed the parent of the children listed above and that Jeremiah Meek and Sarah are not. Ed. Note: Source of the Children's ages; census, tax rolls, and marriage records.
Throughout the genealogical network I see Jeremiah Meek and his wife Sarah named as the parents of Nathan Jr., Samuel, Jeremiah, David, William, Richard, Lewis, Mary "Polly", Priscilla, Elizabeth, and Sarah. The basis of this misconception I believe is in the Carleton Meek Genealogy. Carleton published his genealogy in 1962 and it is based on the H.B. Meek genealogy published in 1902. Carleton basically accepted all of the H.B. Meek genealogy and added his own research to it. In both of these genealogies Nathan (Nathaniel) and Jeremiah Meek are said to be brothers and sons of Jacob Meek b.1698, son of Adam Meek b.1640. I mention Jacob and Adam here only as a point of clarification as to which Nathan and Jeremiah are being discussed. It is not the intent here to discuss the validity of Adam and Jacob.
The H.B. Meek genealogy names Nathan (Nathaniel) Meek as the father of the children as named above. The Carleton Meek genealogy also names Nathan (Nathaniel) as the father of the children on every page of the book that refers to them except for the very first one. Carleton assigned a letter and number designation for every person in his book. Nathan (Nathaniel) was assigned C6 and Jeremiah C5. On the first page that lists the children, page 33 there is a bracket arrow pointing from them to their father. The bracket arrow on this page points just below C5, Jeremiah and above C6, Nathan. On pages 34 through 39 the children are listed and the bracket arrow points directly at C6, Nathan on every page. I believe that the printer's error on page 33 has inadvertently led people to believe that Jeremiah Meek is the father of the children named above.
Pennsylvania
Nathaniel Meek can be placed as a resident of Pennsylvania during the years of 1781, 1784, and 1788 by the birth years of three of his children, Priscilla b. 1781, Samuel b. 1784, and William b. 1788. Census records for these three children, Priscilla 1850 Jennings County, In., William 1860 Jennings County, In., and Samuel 1850 Andrew County, Missouri, list their birth state as Pennsylvania. It is not known at this time which county of Pennsylvania that Nathan resided in but there are records of a Nathan Meek who resided in the county of Washington during the years of 1782 to 1794. This Nathan Meek may have resided in Washington County earlier than 1782 but records to prove this have not been found by this researcher. Included on the 1782 rolls of The First Battalion Washington County, Pa. is Nathan Meek. This Battalion was recruited at Castile Run. In the 1783 Washington Co., Morgan Township tax rolls Nathan Meek is listed as paying tax on 400ac., 3 horses, and 3 cows. Nathan is still residing in Morgan Township, Washington County in 1790 and is listed as the head of a household with one male +21 years of age, 6 males under the age of 16, and 3 females. In 1794 the men of Washington County were required by the United States Government to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States of America as a result of the Whiskey Rebellion. Nathan Meek's name appears on the list of names from Bethlehem Township. Bethlehem Township is close to Morgan Township. 1794 is the last year that this researcher has been able to find any records for Nathan Meek in Pennsylvania. While it is highly probable that the Washington County Nathan Meek and Nathaniel Meek Senior are one and the same it still has not been proven. By the year 1799 Nathaniel Meek Sr., subject of this text, is a resident of Pulaski County, Kentucky.
During this same time frame and earlier there are other men by the name of Meek residing in this same area of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The area includes the counties of Westmoreland, Washington, and Allegheny. Washington County was formed from Westmoreland County in 1781 and Allegheny County was formed from Washington County in 1788.
Joshua Meek b1731 served in the Revolutionary War and is said to have come to Southwestern Pennsylvania around 1769. Joshua resided in Westmoreland County in 1773 according to that year's Tax Roll, Washington County, Robinson Township in 1783 according to that year's Tax Roll and Allegheny County where he died in 1818. Joshua married twice, his first wife's name is unknown but his second wife was Margaret Mitchell whom he married in 1789.
Jacob Meek b1755 in Elkridge Maryland served in the Revolutionary War in 1775 and 1776 and again in 1779. Jacob's Pension records lists the above information and also that he resided in Westmoreland and Washington County, Pa. The 1781 Tax Roll lists Jacob Meek as a resident of Washington County, Robinson Township. The 1790 Census lists Jacob in the same area as a resident of Moon Township, Allegheny County. By 1794 Jacob had moved to an area of Shelby County, Kentucky. This area would later become part of Henry County. Jacob moved to Wayne County, Indiana by 1810 and he died there in 1840. Jacob's will listed his wife as Eleanor.
Jacob Meek listed above had a brother name John. John Meek was b1754 in Maryland. This John is believed to be the same John who is listed in records pertaining to the same areas of Pennsylvania as that of his brother Jacob. John served in the Revolutionary War and received a pension from 1789. John Meek is believed to have resided in Washington County, Robinson Township in 1781 and 1783 according to deed and tax records. A deed recorded on September 24, 1787, bk2, p.113 Allegheny County, Pa. names John Meek and his wife Margaret as the sellers. By 1794 John Meek is a resident of an area of Shelby County, Ky. that later became Henry County. John Meek died in Henry County, Kentucky in 1803. His will was dated May 2, 1801 and was probated in December of 1803. The will names his wife Margaret as executor along with Jacob Meek.
Samuel Meek b1732 served in the Revolutionary War and according to the 1781 Tax Roll he resided in Bethlehem Township, Washington County, Pa. A deed in Washington County dated Jan. 27, 1785 lists the names of Samuel and his wife Charity. Samuel and Charity married around 1750. Samuel signed a will in Washington County dated Feb. 27, 1793. He died on Feb. 12, 1799 in the same County. Charity signed a will on February 6, 1803 and she died on Feb. 10, 1803 both in Washington County.
Jeremiah Meek lived in Morgan Township, Washington County, Pa. as recorded in the 1783 tax rolls. Jeremiah was also a member of the First Battalion of Washington County in 1782 recruited at Castile Run. This Jeremiah does not appear in the 1790 Census for Washington County.
Isaac Meek lived in Westmoreland County, Pa. and is listed in the 1773 tax list as a resident of Tyrone, township. He is listed in the 1783 tax list as a resident of Washington County, Pa. in Bethlehem Township with 1 horse, and 1 cow. He was a member of the First Battalion of Washington County recruited Castile Run. He married Rachel Hedges January 31, 1792. Ed. Note: Information concerning Joshua, Jacob, John, Samuel, Jeremiah and Isaac was obtained from the Chris Meek web site "Meek Genealogy Beginning With Basil Meek".
Elisha Meek: born ca. 1765 lived in Greene County, Pennsylvania. Nathan Meek resided in Morgan Township, Washington County. Morgan Township became part of Greene County in 1796. Elisha married Mary Short. His will was written December 20, 1837 and was entered into probate in Greene County on October 21, 1840. Elisha Meek and Mary Short had the following children: John b. ca 1791 Greene Co. Pa. died Feb. 3, 1878, Elizabeth W., b. 1793 Greene Co. died Jan. 13, 1858 died in either Lewis or Clark Co. Missouri, Delilah b. June 6, 1796 Greene Co. died there Sept. 6, 1876, Sarah b. ca 1798 Greene Co., Elisha Jr. b June 17, 1802 Greene Co. died June 21 1884, Mary b ca 1803 Greene Co., Jane b June 10, 1805 Greene Co. died Jan. 20, 1899 Pike Co., Illinois, Susanna b ca 1807 Greene Co, and Jacob b Dec. 24, 1810 Greene Co. died June 13, 1897 Cherokee Co., Kansas. John Meek b ca 1791 and his wife Elizabeth Boyd are both buried in The W. Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery, Greene County. Ed. Note: Information regarding Elisha Meek and family was obtained from Meek Genealogist Vionna Fee Shanks. I have also seen an undocumented IGI record that states Elisha Meek is the son of Nathan Meek and unknown Barnes. This record is totally unsubstantiated by this researcher.
Ed Note: Great strides have been made in identifying the Meek men of SW Pennsylvania through DNA testing. Please refer to Chris Meek’s web site @ http://meekdna.com/ Meek/Meeks Family YDNA Project.
Pulaski County, Kentucky
Part of the Kentucky land grants included an area designated as "Grants South Of Green River". According to Willard Rouse Jillson's book "Kentucky Land Grants" vol. 1 these lands were encompassed by a line from the head of Green River to the Cumberland Mountains and with these mountains to the Carolina line, thence to the Tennessee River, to the Ohio River, and with the Ohio to the Green River. Before Kentucky became a state this land belonged to Virginia and was reserved for her soldiers. Until 1797 no person could enter a survey here except a soldier of Virginia. After 1797 Kentucky allowed any person over the age of 21 years with a family to enter land here in 100 and 200- acre lots. These people had to live on the land for one year before taking possession of it. The land that was to become Pulaski County in 1799 was included in this area. On December 10, 1798 the Kentucky General Assembly created Pulaski County from parts of Lincoln and Green Counties to become effective June 1, 1799. It was to this land, near the town of Somerset that Nathaniel Meek Sr. came with his family.
The first record of Nathaniel Meek in Pulaski County is found in the 1799 Tax Roll. Nathan was enumerated in September with 1w/m+21 and, 1w/m+16, and 1 horse. He is paying tax on 200 acres of land located on Wolf Creek. Nathaniel appears on these tax rolls continually through the year 1816 under the names Nathan, Nathan Sr. and Nathaniel. The land that he is taxed on is always located on Wolf Creek. The 1802 tax roll lists, Nathan Meek along with Nathan Meek Jr., Samuel Meek, and David Meek. Nathan Meek Sr., head of household with 1w/m+21 is paying tax on 100 acres of land originally granted to Jeremiah Meek. Nathan Meek Jr., head of household, is paying tax on 100 acres of land located on the waters of Wolf Creek that was originally granted to Nathan Meek. Samuel Meek, head of household with 1w/m+16-21, is paying tax on 200 acres of land originally granted to Samuel Meek. David Meek, head of household with1w/m+21 and 1 horse. Nathan Sr., Nathan Jr., and Samuel were enumerated on May 21, while David was enumerated on May 22. In 1803 this entry, as written, was recorded on the tax roll, "Jeremiah Meek, son of Nathan". Jeremiah is listed as head of household with 1w/m+21. William Meek appears on the 1810 Tax Roll as head of household with 1w/m+21 and is paying tax on 100 acres of land originally entered to Priscilla Meek. The last year that any of the above Meek men appeared on the Pulaski County Tax Rolls was 1816. Ed. Note: Source for Pulaski County Tax Rolls: Handwritten copies 1799-1828 obtained from Ann Auburg, Meek genealogist. Also a personal viewing of these tax rolls on FHL film #0008209 1799-1822 and FHL film #0008210.
The first Pulaski County, Ky. land record found that involves Nathaniel Meek Sr. is Kentucky Land Office Certificate #374. This certificate was originally assigned to Charles Tuell on August 14, 1798. On August 14, 1800 Charles Tuell assigned this certificate to Nathan Meek. The witnesses to this assignment were Marey Meek and Jackub Meek as recorded on the document. These 200 acres of land were located on the headwaters of Wolf Creek. Nathan Meek Sr. assigned this land to Meredith Archer on October 15, 1800 and on September 14, 1813 Meredith Archer assigns the same to Samuel Meek. Survey #13467 was performed for Samuel Meek by virtue of certificate #374 for these same 200 acres on September 14, 1813. Samuel Meek, son of Nathan, and Samuel Meek, son of William were named as the chainmen for this survey.
June 23, 1801 certificate #102 was granted to Nathaniel Meek for 100 acres of land located on the waters of Wolf Creek lying in Pulaski County, Kentucky. On December 8, 1806 survey #7924 was performed for Nathaniel Meek by virtue of certificate #102 for the 100 acres described above. The survey chainmen were named as Nathaniel Meek Jr. and Jeremiah Meek. On January 27, 1814 Land Grant #7924 was issued to Nathaniel Meek for the same 100 acres.
November 22, 1802 certificate #141 is granted to David Meek for 122.5 acres of land lying in Pulaski County on the waters of Wolf Creek. On November 21, 1807 survey #7929 was performed for David Meek by virtue of certificate #141 for the same 122.5 acres. The chainmen were named as Nathan Meek and John Roberts. On November 7, 1816 Land Grant #7929 is issued to David Meek for the same 122.5 acres.
January 27, 1806 certificate #890 is issued to William Spear for 400 acres lying in Pulaski County. In November 1807 William Spear assigns this land to Amasa Spencer. December 10, 1812 Amasa Spencer assigns certificate #890 to Nathan Meek. The witnesses were Daniel Weddle and Samuel Spencer. September 21, 1814 Nathan Meek assigns certificate #890 to Greenbury Middleton.
September 14, 1813 survey #16127 is performed for Joseph Wheeler, assignee of Julias Burton for 100 acres by virtue of certificate #409 lying in the county of Pulaski on House Fork on Wolf Creek Bottom. The survey chainmen for this survey were named as Samuel Meek, son of Nathan and Samuel Meek, son of William. Ed. Note: Source for the Pulaski County land records: Willard Rouse Jillson's book "Kentucky Land Grants" v.1 "Grants South Of Green River", and The Kentucky Land Office copies of the Certificate, Survey, and Grant records. Some of the land records listed above were not recorded in Willard Rouse Jillson's book but the researcher at the Kentucky Land Office was so kind to send me all records that pertained to the Pulaski County Meek.
The Pulaski County Historical Society Publication "Pulaski County Marriage Records Book I 1799-1850"is the source for the Meek marriages listed below. Copies of the marriage bonds were obtained from the Pulaski County Historical Society.
December 13, 1801 Nathaniel Meek issues certificate of parental consent for his daughter, Mary "Polly" Meek to marry Amasa Spencer. December 15, 1801, Amasa Spencer and Abner McWhorter take out a surety bond. Baptist Minister Thomas Hill performs the marriage on December 17, 1801. The parental consent "This is to certify that I am willing that Amasa Spencer should marry my daughter Polly. This given by me Nathaniel Meek."
Nathan Meek and David Meek take out a surety bond on April 13, 1802 for the upcoming marriage of Nathan to Sally Roberts. Editor's Note: This is the marriage of Nathan Meek Jr. as proven by probate records of Jennings County, Indiana in1822. John Roberts issues certificate of parental consent for his daughter Sally to marry Nathan Meek. Baptist Minister Thomas Hill performed the marriage on April 15, 1802.
David Meek and Samuel Meek take out a surety bond for the upcoming marriage of David to Candis Eadour. Baptist Minister Thomas Hill performed the marriage on January 27, 1803.
William Cummins and William Meek take out a surety bond for the upcoming marriage of William Cummins to Sarah Meek. Adams Banks performs the marriage on December 25, 1803.
The marriage of Jeremiah Meek and Nancy Roberts is dated in the Pulaski County Marriage Book I 1799-1850 as January 1803 the surety bond is clearly dated January 16, 1804. Jeremiah Meek and Samuel Meek take out a surety bond on January 16, 1804 for the upcoming marriage between Jeremiah Meek and Nancy Roberts. John McWhorter performed the marriage in January 1803. Note date discrepancy above.
May 15, 1808 Nathan Meek issues a certificate of parental consent for his daughter, Priscilla Meek to marry Elijah Fitzjerrell. Elijah Fitzjerrell and Amasa Spencer took out a surety bond on May 16, 1808 for the upcoming marriage of Elijah to Priscilla. John Chesney performed the marriage on May 19, 1808. The parental consent "Sir I am very unwell or I should not have___to you my daughter Priscilla is agreeing to get married to Elijah Fitzgarrel and you may give them___at my request. Amasa Spencer stands in my place." Signed Nathan Meek.
February 17, 1810 Nathan Meek issues a certificate of parental consent for his son William Meek to marry Sally Spencer. William Meek and James Spencer took out a surety bond for the upcoming marriage of William to Sally Spencer. On February 20, 1810 Amasa Spencer issues a certificate of parental consent for his daughter Sally Spencer to marry William Meek. John Chesney performed the marriage on March 1, 1810. The parental consent for William "This 17th day of February 1810 I do certify to you that I give my son, William Meek this___From under my hand to be married unto Sally Spencer." The parental consent for Sally "Let William Meek and my daughter Sally Spencer appear as tho they were intended to be joined in matrimony___To I___To said William Meek for said purpose and oblige your humble servant." Amasa's mark is the signature.
One Pulaski County Court record that refers to Nathan Meek is dated October 3, 1809. It is an action of William Spear Vs. Amasa Spencer. The court record states "Nathan Meek of Pulaski County comes into court and testifies and undertakes for the said defendant that if he shall be ------ in this action aforesaid that he shall satisfy and pay the consideration of the court or render his body to prison in ----- for the sum or in failure therof that he the said Nathan shall do it for him." Ed. Note: Source: FHL #0800722; Pulaski Co. Ky. Circuit Court Orders v.1&3 1804-05.
By the year 1817 Nathaniel Meek Sr. and most of his children had left Pulaski County and were in the process of migrating to Jennings County, Indiana. This transition period will be discussed later in this text.
When Nathan Meek Sr. first came to Pulaski County, Kentucky there were other men by the name of Meek residing there. One of these men Basil Meek is of particular interest. Basil Meek is the Great-Grandfather of H.B. Meek the author of the book " A Meek Genealogy". Basil lived in Pulaski County from 1798 to 1816. Basil and Nathan Meek Sr. moved with their families to Jennings County, Indiana in 1816-17 and lived in a area known as the Meek Settlement along the Muscatatuck River about six miles southwest of the town of Vernon. Basil was born March 7, 1763 and he married Eleanor Roberts. Basil and Eleanor's children were: Joseph, Daniel, Henry Basil, Nancy, Joshua, Noel, Jackson, Polly and Amanda Jane. Basil died January 12, 1844 in Woodford County, Illinois. He served in Captain Hugh Stevenson's company from August 1775 to October in the Revolutionary War. He is buried in Olio township cemetery, near Eureka, Illinois. The Peoria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution marked Basil's grave.
Ed Note:
DNA testing has shown that Bazil & Nathaniel Meek
are related
Basil Meek is granted certificate #32 on August 7, 1798 for 200 acres lying on the main fork of Kings Creek, waters of the Cumberland River in Lincoln County, Ky. Editor's note: This land in Lincoln County became part of Pulaski County in 1799. On September 16, 1798 survey #490 is performed for Basil Meek by virtue of certificate #32 for the same 200 acres. The survey chainmen are named as Micjagor Hogan and David King. Basil Meek assigns this certificate to his son Joseph Meek on November 18, 1816 and Joseph is issued Land Grant #490 for the same on December 1, 1816.
An Article titled "A Kentucky County Begins 200th Anniversary Pulaski County 1799-1999" appeared in the Pulaski County Historical Society Publication, May 1999 edition. The article mentions that the first five Justices of the Peace for Pulaski County, appointed July 25, 1799, were Samuel Gilmore, Robert Modrel, John Francis, Nicholas Jasper and Basil Meek, gentlemen. The article continues and states that Basil lived just west of the main fork of Kings Creek now known as White Oak Creek. Basil Meek also served as Sheriff of Pulaski County. This is documented in the Pulaski County Court records of 1808 and 1809. The 1808 records refer to Basil as Sheriff while the 1809 records refer to him as late Sheriff. Ed. Note: Source: FHL film #0800722 and FHL film #0800723 Pulaski Co. Ky. Circuit Court Orders v4&5 1816-23.
The 1799 Tax Roll names Basil Meek, Nathan Meek, Thomas Meek, William Meek, and James Meek as tax payers for that year. Thomas Meek was enumerated in August as head of household with 1 w/m of 21, 1w/m16-21, and 2 horses. William Meek was enumerated in August as head of household with 1w/m of 21, 1w/m16-21, and 3 horses. James Meek is a head of household with 1w/m of 21, 1w/m16-21, and 1 horse. Thomas Meek appears again in the 1800 Tax Rolls this time with 1w/m+21, 2w/m+16-21 and 6 horses. He is paying tax on 300 acres of land located on Pitman Creek. Thomas Meek does not appear again. James Meek does not appear on the Pulaski County Tax Rolls except for 1799. The name William Meek does not appear again on the tax rolls until the year of 1810 when William Meek, son of Nathaniel is listed. From this point until 1823 there is a William Meek listed almost every year. William Meek, son of Nathan Meek Sr. is last listed in 1816. The name Samuel Meek appears on the tax rolls from 1802 to 1825. Samuel Meek, son of Nathan Meek Sr. is one of those listed.
Ed Note: This is an update on William
b ca 1765 who is mentioned in the above paragraph and
son Samuel (referred to as Samuel, son of William in survey
records)
William & Samuel Meek/Meeks
William Meek born circa 1765 and his son
Samuel born about 1789, began to appear on the Pulaski county, Ky. records in
1798. William is granted certificate #55 for 200ac lying on the south side of
Cumberland River on Elk Spring Creek August 7th 1798. This land was
in Pulaski County at the time but later became part of Wayne County. Looking at
these records it had always appeared to me that William & Samuel left
Pulaski County and then returned in later years. Recently I have been taking a
closer look at the Meeks in early Pulaski County other than Nathaniel and
Basil’s clan. In doing so I have found that William & Samuel never left the
area. Because of new county formations and changes in the boundaries of these
counties it just appeared that they left.
William is taxed in Pulaski County in
1799 & 1800 with no property listed. Wayne County was formed in 1800 and it
incorporated an area of Wolf Creek in its northwest area. This area is where
Wolf Creek leaves Pulaski County in a southwesterly direction to where it enters
the Cumberland River. Adair County
was formed in 1801 and it now took in this area of Wolf Creek. In 1802 William
is taxed on 150 acres on Wolf Creek in Adair County. In 1804 Wayne County’s
boundary in this same area was pushed North and Northwest and again this part of
Wolf Creek was within its boundaries. Wayne County held this area until 1825
when Russell was formed and this part of Wolf Creek was incorporated into its
boundaries as it is still today.
William and Samuel Meek appear in the
Pulaski County census of 1800, 1810, & 1820. William last appears in records
in the 1823 tax rolls for Pulaski County. Samuel last appears on the Pulaski
County tax rolls in 1825 but appears in the 1830 census for Russell County.
Samuel then appears in the 1840 census for Pulaski County and then the 1850
& 1860 census in Wayne County. His age is listed as 61yrs in the 1850 census
& 62yrs in the 1860 census. His birth place is given as unknown in 1850
& Tennessee in 1860. It appears that William died sometime after 1823 &
Samuel sometime after 1860.
William b c1765 is paying tax on 100 acres
on Wolf Creek lying in Pulaski County for the years 1815 & 1816. This land
is certificate #102 that was issued to Nathaniel Meek Sr. on June 23, 1801.
Nathaniel was issued a land grant for this certificate on January 27, 1814 that
he apparently sold to William sometime in 1814. This time frame would fit the
Meek move to Indiana.
End
update
The names Jeremiah Meek, Jeremiah Meek Jr. and Jacob Meek also appeared on the Pulaski County, Tax Rolls. Jeremiah Meek appears on the tax roll from 1801 to 1804. Jeremiah Meek Jr. appears on the tax rolls from 1802 to 1804 and Jacob Meek appears from 1802 to 1805. Jeremiah Meek Jr. paid tax on 289 acres of land located on Kings Creek in 1802-03 and 1804. Jeremiah Meek paid tax on 200 acres of land located on Goose Creek in 1803. Jacob Meek paid tax on 200 acres of land located on Kings Creek in 1804.
Jeremiah Meek Jr. is granted certificate #706 on October 22, 1804 for 400 acres of land lying in Pulaski County on the waters of Forbes Creek beginning on Majors claim lying between the Long Branch and the Wolf Pen Fork of said creek. Jeremiah Meek Jr. assigns certificate #706 to Joseph Thomas on August 27, 1808. "Jacob Meek, attorney in fact for Jeremiah Meek Jr.", witnesses the assignment. Patent #11676 was issued to Joseph Thomas for this property on May 10, 1814.
Jeremiah Meek is granted certificate #796 on May 27, 1805 for 300 acres of land lying in Pulaski County on the Alligator Fork of Wolf Creek. This land adjoins the property of Betsy Roberts. Jeremiah Meek assigns certificate #796 to Nathaniel Wilson, date unknown. A patent was issued to Nathaniel Wilson for this property on June 17, 1813
Jeremiah Meek and Jacob Meek are named as chainmen for a 53- acre parcel of land belonging to a Thomas McKinney lying on the waters of Kings Creek in Pulaski County. The survey is dated January 22, 1807. One side of this parcel shared a common line with Basil Meek's property the other side adjoined Micajah Hogan's property.
Two land entries recorded in the "Grants South of Green River" records were made by a Jacob Meek and a Jeremiah Meek. These entries were made in 1798 for land located in Green County, Ky. This land was incorporated into the newly formed Cumberland County in 1799. The easterly boundary of Cumberland County was the westerly boundary of Pulaski County, Ky. also formed in 1799. I originally thought these two land entries were close to Pulaski County but in 1801 Wayne County was formed from Cumberland. This put Wayne's easterly boundary against Pulaski County and its westerly boundary against Cumberland County. This in effect put one whole county between Pulaski County and Cumberland County. In the year 1816 Jacob Meek sold his land claim of 1798 and the land still was located within the boundaries of Cumberland County. The deeds for this land described it as lying in Cumberland County. This shows that the Cumberland County land owned by Jacob and Jeremiah Meek was never very close to the Pulaski County Meek land. The Cumberland County 1799 tax roll also names a Jacob Meek Sr., Jacob Meek Jr., and Jeremiah Meek. At the time Jacob Meek sold his Cumberland County land in 1816 it was noted on the deed that he was a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee. At this time it appears that the Cumberland County Meek are a separate group from the Pulaski County Meek. I do find it curious that Jacob Meek of Bledsoe County, Tennessee didn't come back to Kentucky to sell his land until the year the Pulaski County Meek left for Indiana. Here are the two land entries made by Jeremiah Meek and Jacob Meek.
David Roberson was granted certificate #687 on August 25, 1798 for 200 acres of land lying on the Clear Fork of Spring Creek waters of Spring Creek Obeys River in Cumberland County. Editor's note: Ed. Note: One part of this document refers to the fact this land lies in Green County, which it did in 1798). Survey #1966 was performed for David Roberson by virtue of certificate #687 described this time as 200 acres of land in Cumberland County on the Clear Fork of Spring Creek waters of Wolf Creek River waters of Obeys River. On October 26, 1799 David Roberson assigns certificate #687 to Jacob Meek and a land grant is issued to Jacob Meek for the same on January 3, 1815. On July 23, 1816 Jacob Meek sells this 200 acres through two separate deed transactions that are recorded in Cumberland County. Jacob sells 130 acres of this tract to Alexander Beaty with the following special provisions; "That if said land is taken from said Alexander Beaty or his heirs by a Military or any other prior claim the said Jacob Meek is to pay unto said Alexander Beaty or his heirs one hundred pounds in young horses at their value. Jacob sells 81 acres to Solomon Hollett. At the time of these deed transactions Jacob Meek is a resident of Bledsoe County, Tennessee.
Jeremiah Meek was granted certificate 772 on August 25, 1798 for 200 acres of land located on Smith's Creek to join Samuel Dickson's claim on the south side of his claim and the claim of Jacob Meek on the west. Survey #1355 was performed for Jeremiah Meek by virtue of certificate #772 for 200 acres in Green County on the head of Smith's Creek the waters of Obeys River. On January 14, 1799 Jeremiah Meek assigns certificate #772 to Edward Beck.
The association between these other men named Meek who resided in Pulaski County and Nathaniel Meek Sr. is unknown at this time. This researcher believes that the Pulaski County Meek are all associated with one another in some manner. The most logical choice of association would be one of family, and although unproven it is highly probable that it is the correct one. This is unfortunately only a theory at this time. The Cumberland County Meek appear to be a separate family from the Pulaski County Meek as was stated earlier.
Nathaniel Meek Sr. and Basil Meek lived in close proximity to one another in Pulaski County for 16 to 18 years. Then in 1816 they moved with their families to Jennings County, Indiana and settled within two miles of one another. They lived as neighbors until 1822 or so, when at that time, Nathaniel Meek Sr. returned to Pulaski County, Ky. Basil stayed in Jennings County, living near the children of Nathaniel Meek Sr. until 1832 or 1833 when at that time he moved to the state of Illinois where some of his own children had moved earlier.
There was some sort of association between Nathaniel Meek Sr. and Jacob Meek as proven by the witness names of Jackub (sic) and Marey (sic) Meek on the August 14, 1800 land certificate assignment to Nathan Meek. The Jacob Meek, Jeremiah Meek, and Jeremiah Meek Jr. who resided in Pulaski County paid taxes on land located on Kings Creek and at least one of them owned land on Wolf Creek, the two watercourses that Nathaniel Meek Sr. and Basil Meek along with their families resided. I have not been able to prove Jacob Meek, named above is the one who, along with Mary Meek witnessed Nathaniel Meek's land assignment in 1800 in Pulaski County but I believe there is a strong possibility that he is. After 1807 Jacob Meek, Jeremiah Meek, and Jeremiah Meek Jr. no longer appear in the Pulaski County Ky. records and I do not know where they went but in 1817 and 1818 a Jacob Wm. Meek appears with the Pulaski County Meek men on the Henry County, Ky. tax rolls. This Jacob Wm. Meek apparently accompanied the Pulaski County Meek to Henry County Ky. because he only appears on the tax rolls in 1817 and 1818 not before or after their time there and in both years he is enumerate with the Pulaski County Meek. This Jacob Wm. Meek also is a witness to the marriage of Richard Meek b.1801 and Catherine Riddle in Henry County, Kentucky. We also see that Samuel Meek, son of Nathan and Samuel Meek, son of William are on record, as working together as survey chainmen on at least two separate occasions so quite obviously these two families knew one another.
Shelby and Henry County, Kentucky
As noted earlier by the year 1817 Nathaniel Meek Sr. and most of his children had left Pulaski County, Kentucky and began their migration to Jennings County, Indiana. Nathan Meek Jr. last appeared on the Pulaski County Tax Rolls in 1812. Sometime in 1812 he and his family moved to Shelby County, Kentucky. The 1813 Shelby County Tax Rolls list Nathan Meek 1w/m+21 with 3 horses and a member of Drane's Company (Ed. Note: I believe this was the local Militia). The 1814 and 1815 tax rolls list Nathan Meek as a member of Maddox's Company. The 1816 Shelby County tax rolls list Nathaniel Meek as a member of the 37th Regiment, Atwood's Company. During these years Nathan Meek Jr. does not own any land. This seems odd for a man who has owned land for many years in Pulaski County, Kentucky and will own land again in Jennings County, Indiana. The 1815 and 1816 Shelby County, Ky. Tax Rolls list Samuel Meek both years as a member of the 85th Regiment. He was in Reed's Company in 1815 and Turhouse Company in 1816. Samuel does not own any land during his stay in Shelby County either. Ed. Note: Source: FHL film #0008227 Shelby Co. Ky. Taxation Tax Books 1792, 1794-97, 1799-1809, 1811-1815. FHL film #0008228 Shelby Co. Ky. Taxation Tax Books 1816-1829.
In the year 1816 David Meek is listed on the Henry County, Kentucky Tax Rolls as paying tax on 122 acres of land lying on the waters of Wolf Creek in Pulaski County, Kentucky. Henry County shares a common border with Shelby County. By 1817 the Henry County Tax Rolls list David Meek, William Meek, Jeremiah Meek, Nathan Meek, and Jacob Wm. Meek. William Meek is listed as paying tax on 100 acres of land located on Wolf Creek in Pulaski County. The 1818 Henry County Tax Rolls list William Meek, Jacob W. Meek, Nathan Meek Jr., and Jeremiah Meek. None of the others are taxed for land holdings during their time in Henry County. Ed. Note: Source FHL film #0008037 Henry Co. Ky. Tax Books 1800-1809 and 1811-1827.
It appears that the Pulaski County Meek used Henry County as a staging area for their trips into Indiana to stake their land claims. The Jeffersonville Land Office in Indiana has claims for land located in Jennings County, Indiana made by Nathan Meek of Shelby County, Kentucky in 1816 and 1817. There are claims made by Nathan Meek of Henry County, Kentucky in 1817 for land in Jennings County. There are also land claims for land in Jennings County, Indiana recorded for David Meek and William Meek of Henry County, Kentucky. The Jeffersonville Land Office records show land claims in Jennings County, Indiana in 1817 for Samuel Meek, Basil Meek, and Joseph Meek all listed as residents of Jennings County. Ed. Note: Source FHL film #1445504 United States BLM Tract Books-Indiana v.8 T5N-7N R7E & T8N-9N R8E.
The location of Henry County, Kentucky is a relatively short distance south of Jennings County, Indiana across the Ohio River. Henry County would be a convenient place for the Meek families to stay while the men made trips into Jennings County. The curious part is where did these families stay while living in Henry County? There aren't any deed records of any kind that show the Pulaski County Meek buying of selling land in either Shelby or Henry Counties during their years as residents. The Shelby and Henry County tax records for those years show that the Pulaski County Meek were not taxed on land that lay in either county. It seems more than just a coincidence that Shelby and Henry Counties were chosen. These are the counties that John Meek b 1754 and his brother Jacob Meek b1755 came to from Pennsylvania back in 1794. Records for John and Jacob appear in the Henry and Shelby County archives. John b. 1754 had sons John b. 1772, Bazil b. 1774, Joshua b. 1781, and Jeremiah b. 1776. John's brother Jacob, b. 1755, had sons John b. 1778, Jeremiah Lee b. 1780, Isaac b. 1784-1794, and William b. 1787. By about 1812 most of these families had moved to Wayne and Hancock Counties in Indiana. Bazil b. 1774 and his oldest son Jeremiah b. 1794 remained in Henry County until 1829. Bazil's other sons stayed until 1840-1850. The remainder of Bazil's sons are: Jonathan b. 1798, Joshua b. 1800, James b. 1802, Barlow b. 1805, Jesse b. 1814, Jacob b. 1815, and Joseph b. 1816. Ed. Note: (The information about John Meek b. 1754 and Jacob Meek b. 1755 and their families, was provided by Chris Meek, descendant of John b. 1755)
Another Meek family also resided in Henry County while the Pulaski County Meek were there. This family belonged to Basil Meek b.1740 in Maryland. Basil was a Revolutionary War Veteran (Source: National Archives Washington D.C. Veterans Records) who, according to his pension records, came to Henry County about 1809. Basil was a resident of Fredrick County, Virginia at the time of his enlistment in 1777 and he served in the area around Fort Pitt, Red Stone Fort and Martins Fort. This area is located in southwestern Pennsylvania where John Meek b. 1754 and his brother Jacob b. 1754 lived along with the other Pennsylvania Meek men who were mentioned earlier in this text. Whether the Pulaski County Meek knew the Henry County Meek is not known for certain but it seems highly unlikely that they did not.
There is one last note of interest regarding the Pulaski County Meek during their time in Henry County, Kentucky. Richard Meek b abt.1801 married Catharine Riddle Johnson in said county on January 27, 1818. Catharine was the widow of a Major D. Johnson and 10 years or so older than Richard. A letter of written consent was given to Richard to marry Catharine by his father Nathan Meek. Ed. Note: It is not known for certain if this Nathan is Sr. or Jr. Nathan Jr. was a resident of Henry County in 1818 but the Pulaski County Meek were in transition at the time so it could be Nathaniel Sr. The witnesses named on the marriage consent were Lewis Meek and Jacob Wm. Meek. Ed. Note: Source: Copies of the Marriage Bond and Parental Consent Statement provided by Marilyn Merritt Meek Genealogist. Ed. Note: This almost has to be the same Jacob Wm. Meek who appears with the Pulaski County Meek on the Henry County tax rolls of 1817-1818.
Of the Pulaski County Meek clan only Nathan Meek Jr. and probably his brother Samuel resided in Shelby County, Kentucky. As noted earlier Nathan is on the tax rolls from 1813 to 1816 and Samuel from 1815-1816. It should be noted here that there was a Samuel Meek living in Shelby County in 1809 and 1811. In 1809 this Samuel is paying tax on land that lies in Bullit County, Kentucky. He is not listed in 1813 or 1814 tax rolls.
Part 2
There is an article that appears in "The Hoosier Journal of Ancestry,
Jennings County Special #1" that mentions the time frame the Pulaski County, Ky.
Meek arrived in Indiana. The Hoosier Journal of Ancestry was published in Little
York, In. by Naomi Sexton, but is no longer in publication. The article is about
Baptist Minister Thomas Hill Sr. Thomas Hill Sr. was a long time Minister in
Pulaski County and performed the marriage of several of the children of
Nathaniel Meek Sr. Thomas Hill Sr. came to Jennings County with the Meek
families and was a Minister there for many years until his death. The article
states: "They came from
Another article about the history of the town of
Land entry records at the Jeffersonville Land Office in
1. November 29, 1816: Nathan Meek of Shelby Co.,
2. November 29, 1816: Nathan Meek of Shelby Co.,
3. January 1, 1817: Nathan Meek of Shelby Co.,
4. March 4, 1817: Samuel Meek of Jennings Co., In. SW S24, T6N,
R7E.
5. April 11, 1817: Samuel Meek of Jennings Co., In. SW S24, T6N,
R7E.
6.April 11, 1817: Joseph Meek of Jennings Co.,
In. NW S24, T6N, R7E.
7.May 19, 1817: David Meek of
Henry Co.,
8.May 20, 1817: Joseph Meek of Jennings Co., In. NW S24 T6N,
R7E.
9.June 21, 1817: Nathan Meek of Henry Co.,
10.July 2, 1817: Samuel Meek of Jennings
Co., In. NW S25, T6N, R7E.
11. July 22, 1817: Nathan Meek of Henry Co.,
12.August 5, 1817: Basil Meek of Jennings
Co., In. NE S26, T6N, R7E.
13.August 13, 1817: Peleg Baker of Pulaski Co.,
14.September 8, 1817: William Meek of Henry Co.,
15.September 26, 1817: Thomas Hill of Jennings
Co.,
Ed. Note: Peleg Baker is listed above because he
was a neighbor of Basil Meek in Pulaski County Kentucky. They both entered land
along Kings Creek on August 27, 1798. Basil received certificate #32 and Peleg #33 from the claims office. Basil Meek and his son
Joseph were the Executors of Peleg's estate at the
time of his death in 1822 in
Copies of the
1. Nathan Meek of Shelby Co., Ky. made deposit on November 29, 1816 for the
NE 26 T6N, R7E. Nathan then forfeited this entry, date unknown, and Basil Meek
made entry for this same parcel on August 5, 1817. Basil then assigns this tract
to William Meek (Son of Nathan Meek Sr.) on April 8, 1819. William then takes
advantage of the "Act for the relief of the purchasers of the Public Lands" and
relinquished the W1/2 of S26 and completed payment on the E1/2 for which he
received final certificate #529 on October 1, 1822. A Patent was issued on March
25, 1825 to William Meek for the E1/2 S26, T6N, R7E.
Jennings County deed records show that William Meek sold this property to his
brother Samuel Meek on March 29, 1826 and Samuel sells it to John S. Meek on
august 8, 1827. On July 17, 1831 John S. Meek then sells this property back to
William Meek. Ed. Note: (John S. Meek b 1803 in
2. Nathan Meek of Shelby Co.,
3. On March 4, 1817, Samuel Meek of
4. Joseph Meek of
5. David Meek of Henry County, Ky. filed on the SE1/4 S20, T6N, R8E. He received final certificate #315 for this land and then a Patent for the same on January 30, 1822. He also received certificate #16929 on January 30, 1839 and a Patent for the NE1/4, NE1/4, S32 T6N, R8E. David received certificate #16840 January 1839 and a Patent for the SE1/4, SE1/4 S29 T6N, R7E.
6. Nathan Meek of Henry County, Ky. (Ed. Note: Nathan Meek Jr.) filed on June
21, 1817 for the SE S26 T6N, R7E. Nathan took advantage of the "Act for the
relief of the purchasers of the Public Lands" and gave up the E of said section. On September 19, 1821Nathan made final payment on
the W of the SE S26 and was issued certificate #409. Nathan received a patent
for the W SE S26, T6N, R7E on December 16, 1822.
Jennings County Probate records show that Nathan Meek Jr. died at about this
time in 1822. The cause of death is unknown but the H.B. Meek Genealogy states,
"While cutting out the state road through the woods in
7. Samuel Meek of
8. Peleg Baker of
9. William Meek of Henry County, Ky. filed on September 8, 1817 for the SW S26, T6N, R7E. On June 29, 1829 William Meek received final certificate #7405 and a patent for the SW S26, T6N, R7E.
10. Thomas Hill of Jennings County,
The 1818 to 1820
An article from the history of the town of Hayden, Spencer Township dated
February 3, 1821 reads " We, a few Baptist, living in the state of Indiana
namely: Basil Meek, Peleg Baker, Noah Sullivan, Jesse
Cox, Joseph Meek, William Baker, John B. Potter, Jane Potter Nancy Baker (wife
of Peleg), Eleanor Meek (wife of Basil), Sally Baker
and Elizabeth Fitzgerald, being regularly dismissed from the Vernon Church and
being sensible of the advantages of church privileges and gospel ordinances, do
agree to give ourselves, by the will of God to God and to one another, according
to the New Testament rules and regulations." They called their new church the
Peleg Baker died in
The Jennings County Commissioner's Records from 1821-1838 give an account of
the daily working lives of the men who settled in and around the Meek
Settlement. Ed. Note: Source FHL film #0549408
1821
-------
No Date---Credit to Treasury by 1($1.00?) of Delinquency;
Bazil Meek something to do with a road, $8.00.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1823
-------
June 3---Patrick Hudson (1/2brother of Nancy Baker wife of
John Childs, late John S. Meek and son of Peleg
Baker's second wife Nancy Harris Hudson) and others now present a petition for
the alteration of a road leading from Ebenezer Brendors to the town of Geneva or so much thereof as lies
between the ford of the creek near Bazil Meek's and
the NE Corner of Section 13 T6N, R7E whereupon John O'lockly, Noe Sullivan, and Jacob
McClurg are appointed to verify and view the proposed
alteration and report
back.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1824
--------
May 17--Ordered that Booth Thomas be appointed Constable of Montgomery
Twp.
May---Some sort of tax list: Jeremiah Meek,
Amos Thomas, (son of Polly Meek, daughter of Samuel Meek Sr.) and Lewis
Meek.
June--Fines for profane swearing:
Anderson
Thomas $1.00 (Husband of Polly Meek, daughter of Samuel Meek Sr.)
Booth
Thomas $1.00
Lewis Meek $1.00
No Date--Booth Thomas Bailiff
$2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1825
------
No Date---John Boner be continued supervisor of the same road he
superintended last year with the addition of David and Richard Meek, hands to
work on the road
No Date--Elisha Thomas (Son of Polly Meek, daughter of
Samuel Meek Sr.) appointed supervisor of road. (Did not say which road)
July
4---Meeting of the Board of Justices; Members present, Daniel Meek. (Son of
Basil
Meek)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1826
-------
No Date---Patrick Hudson appointed constable of
March 27---Special Meeting of Board of Justices to
appoint Constable of Vernon Twp. Members present: Daniel Meek
No Date--Noe Sullivan appointed supervisor of road.
No
Date--Ordered that Bazil Meek be appointed supervisor
of the
No Date---Elisah Thomas paid $3.00 for making a coffin for Alice Auskin a pauper.
September---Meeting of the Board of
Justices: Daniel Meek
present.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1827
-------
May---Meeting of the Board of Justices: Daniel Meek
present.
September--Meeting of the Board of Justices: Daniel Meek
present.
May--Ordered that Bazil Meek be appointed
supervisor of the
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1829
-------
No Date--James Butler, Moses Baker, and Bazel Meek
be appointed viewers of Vernon Twp.
No Date--Henry Meek (Son of Basil Meek)
appointed supervisor of Brownstown road from
No Date---Noe Sullivan appointed supervisor of the road that was
Joseph Meek's (Son of Basil Meek) last year.
No Date--David Meek and John
Meek (John Childs) are working on the road from
No Date--Grand Jury members: Joseph Meek and Richard
Meek
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1830
------
No Date---Ordered that Richard Meek be appointed supervisor of all the bounds
and roads he had last year.
May---Grand Jury Members:
Joseph Meek and Asa
Skinner.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1832
-------
No Date--Appealed a fine against Richard Meek for Sabbath breaking on
November 30, 1831.
No Date--Appealed a fine against Amasa Spencer of $1.00 for Assault and Battery on December
9, 1831.
No Date--Grand Jury member: Thomas Richey (Father of Abigail Richey,
wife of Lewis Meek, son of Nathaniel Meek Sr.)
No Date--List of Hands working
on the road from Charles Days old Coopershop to the
Meek Settlement including the road from the ford of the Muscatatuck river to the Montgomery Twp. line: David Meek,
David Meek Jr., Samuel Meek, Robert Spencer (Son of Amasa Spencer), Noe Sullivan,
Henry Sullivan (Son of Noe Sullivan, husband of
Elizabeth Meek, daughter of Samuel Meek Sr., son of Nathaniel Meek Sr.) Basil
Meek, Moses Spencer (Son of Amasa Spencer), William
Meek, Amasa Spencer, Henry House, Henry Hudson, James
House ( Husband of Mary Meek, daughter of David Meek, son of Nathaniel Meek Sr.
) Asa House, Isaac Thomas, Thomas Richey, Isaiah
Richey, Asa Skinner, John Meek ( John Childs ),
Stephen Skinner, Thomas Robbins, and ? Spencer.
November---Richard Meek
petitions for a road alteration.
No Date--John Boner appointed supervisor in
place of William Meek. Name of the road was not
given.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1833
------
May--On the petition of John Childs, late John S. Meek, and
others for a new Twp. It is ordered that the following bounds be set off
and form a new Twp. here towit; Beginning on the
Coffee Creek road where the Montgomery Twp line crosses it thence with said road
with to Charles Day's Coopershop thence NW so as to
strike the Brownstown road at the west end of Seth Chace's house then to Six-Mile Creek and the lower end of
Charles Griffith's house thence west to the Geneva Twp. line thence with said
Twp line until it strikes the Montgomery Twp line thence to the point of
beginning and said new Twp be called Spencer Twp and the election be held at ?
Meetinghouse in said Twp on first Saturday in June next for the purpose of
electing one Justice of the Peace in said Twp.
May---Ordered that Richard Carly be appointed inspector of elections in Spencer
Twp.
No Date--Ordered that the road from David Meek's on towards Buckleses coarse mill be attached to John Childs' road
district and that he open the same to the Montgomery Twp line.
No
Date--Richard Meek appointed to report of road. (Doesn't name the road)
No
Date--Richard Meek and John Boner allocated $.50 for their services as
viewers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1834
------ No Date---David Meek appointed supervisor for the road built
from Charles Day's to the Meek Settlement and from the 4th road district in
Spencer Twp.
November--Richard Meek allocated $20.00 (maybe $2.00) for his
services as Associate Judge at the August term of Jennings county circuit court
1834.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1835
-------
No Date--Lewis Meek, John Boner, Elisha Boner (Husband of
Sarah Meek, daughter of Samuel Meek Sr., son of Nathaniel Meek Sr.), Milton
Boner, James Wilson, and Richard Meek are all hands on the road construction of
Coffee Creek road from Vernon to the Montgomery Twp. line.
No Date--Noe Sullivan and others come to the Board and represent to
the board that the allowance heretofore made by the board to Asa Skinner for keeping of Polly House, a pauper, was made
by false fraudulent representation.
No Date--Ordered that Samuel Meek Sr. be
appointed supervisor in the 4th road district of Spencer Twp.
No
Date--Ordered that William Meek and Noe Sullivan be
appointed viewers in Spencer
Twp.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1836
-------
No Date--On a petition of John Childs for a change in
the road that passes through his land: to commence at the west end of David
Meek's save thence to the first crossing of the creek, thence on a straight line
to the second crossing of said creek and until it intersects the old road again.
It is ordered that Samuel Meek Jr., Moses Spencer, and James Green be appointed
to view the road alteration.
No Date--James E. Wilson (Guardian of David Meek
and Nancy Crockett's two children Melissa and James, after David's death in
1842) appointed supervisor in place of Richard Meek who is unable to discharge
the duties.
No Date--Noe Sullivan petition to
change the road through his land; to commence at the NW corner of S19 T6N R7E
thence south to intersect the present road near the house of Jacob McCurry.
No Date--John Childs appointed supervisor in the
fourth road district in Spencer Twp.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1837
-----
No Date---Richard Meek working on road. (Road not stated)
September---John
Childs, Moses Spencer, and James Wilson are appointed supervisors for road.
(Road not stated)
No Date---Lewis Meek, Samuel Meek, Henry Meek, and David
Skinner are working on the Coffee Creek road.
May---John Childs allowed $2.00
for extra services as supervisor in 1836.
No Date--Lewis Meek allowed $7.00
for guarding prisoners in jail up to this date.
No Date--Booth Thomas allowed
$5.00 for guarding prisoners in jail up to this
date.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1838
-------
No Date--Noe Sullivan and Samuel Spencer appointed
overseers of the poor in Spencer Twp. for 1838.
No Date--Lewis Meek appointed
supervisor of the 19th road district in Vernon Twp.
No Date--Joel Baker (Son
of Peleg Baker and his first wife Ann, 1/2 brother of
Nancy Baker, husband of John Childs. John Childs became guardian of Joel's
children after his death in 1850) appointed supervisor of the 3rd road district
in Spencer Twp.
May---John Childs, Alfred Boner, and Henry Hudson appointed
viewers for Henry Sullivan petition to change the road through his
property.
May---Lewis Meek allowed $2.00 for guarding the
May---Booth Thomas allowed $6.25 for services as
bailiff.
September---John Childs allowed $1.50 for returning of the election
results for Justice of the Peace in Spencer Twp.
No Date--Ordered by the
board that Asa Skinner and Delancy Marvin (Father of Jane Marvin wife of Jonathan
Childs, son of John Childs.) have a license to vend and___ in the town of
As stated earlier, Nathan Meek Jr. died in
On the 14, April 1822 "On the motion of Sally Meek widow and relict of Nathan
Meek (Ed. Note: Nathan meek Jr.) deceased on the consent of William Meek
Administrator of said estate for commission to be appointed to let off by proper
metes and bounds her dower in and to the W , SE , S26 in T6N, R7E, said tract of
which the said Nathan Meek deceased did of and on which the said Sally Meek now
lives. The survey was to done on Friday 18, 1822 or the next fair day. On
September 26, 1823 William Meek's letter of Administration for the estate of
Nathan Meek Jr. was revoked and in December 1823 David Meek with Richard Meek
and Samuel Meek as security was appointed Administrator of Nathan Meek Jr.'s Estate. David Meek as Administrator came to Jennings
County Probate Court and made final payment of debt for $45.15 on Nathan Meek
Jr.'s estate on February 2, 1826. Ed. Note: Source for
Nathan Meek Junior's Estate Settlement FHL film #1305182
On February 23, 1826 a letter of Administration is granted to Basil Meek for
the estate of Joshua Meek. The Jennings County Probate records dated September
1829 show that Basil Meek as Administrator made a report on the estate of Joshua
Meek deceased. Basil reports there is no personal
property to pay debts and is ordered by the court to sell Joshua's real estate
the NE , S24. T6N, R7E. On November 1829 Basil reports that the property is sold
and notes owed to Daniel Meek dated 9, September 1823 for $200.00 and to Henry
Meek dated the same for $100.00 are paid. Ed. Note: Source FHL film #1305182
An entry in the Jennings County Probate records dated August 11, 1834 states
"William Baker, son of Peleg Baker, files claim
against Basil Meek and Joseph Meek." The record states that Basil and Joseph are
no longer residents of
Nancy Meek, Widow of David Meek filed for a Petition Of Dower on February 1, 1843. This petition names the heirs to David's estate: Mary Meek House, John D. Meek, Sarah Meek McWhorter, Nancy Meek Widow, David Meek, Samuel D. Meek, William Meek, Richard D. Meek, Nancy Meek Spencer, Lewis Meek, Catharine Meek Spencer and infant heirs James Meek and Melissa Meek. All of the older children listed above are the children of David Meek and his first wife Candis Eadour. James and Melissa Meek are the minor children of David Meek and Nancy Crockett, his second wife. Nancy Meek received her Dower from the 242 acres of land that David owned at the time of his death. The 242 acres that was to be divided amongst the heirs was finally sold because an equitable division of the land could not be agreed upon. John Childs, late John S. Meek was on the commission that determined that the land could not be divided equitably. The buyers of the 242 acres were; Lewis Meek, James House, husband of Mary, and Amasa McWhorter, husband of Sarah.
Priscilla Meek, daughter of Nathaniel Meek Sr. married Amasa Spencer in
Part 3
Nathaniel Meek Sr. and His Children
The following is a brief outline of Nathaniel Meek Sr. and his children
during and after their time in
The last record pertaining to Nathaniel Meek Sr. in Jennings County Indiana
is dated October 11, 1822 when he is listed as a buyer at the estate sale of
Peleg Baker. By October 9, 1826 Nathan Sr. is back in
Nathan Meek Jr. b.1775-1781, as stated earlier, died in
Samuel Meek b.1784 in
Samuel Meek appeared in the
The 1850
David Meek b. 1780-1790 died in
During the October 1853 term of the Jennings County Probate Court James E. Wilson, guardian of Melissa Meek and James Meek files a Petition to sell real estate. Melissa and James inherited one undivided eleventh part each of the Widow Nancy Meeks dower. Nancy Meeks dower was the SE S20 T6N, R8E containing seventy acres and a part of the NE S29 T6N, R8E containing three acres. James E. Wilson wanted his wards part of the land sold and the money from this sale to be placed in interest with other monies belonging to Melissa and James. The value of the wards personal estate at the time of this request was $338.00. The Court agreed and a Commission was appointed to set a value to the wards part of the land. John Childs, late John S. Meek, and James Green were appointed. The Commission valued Melissa and James share to be worth sixty-one dollars each. The probate record further states that Melissa and James both reside at this time with their Mother, Nancy and that Melissa is about sixteen years old and James is about fourteen. The probate record is dated May 3, 1853. James E. Wilson makes final settlement as guardian of James C. Meek on February 2, 1869. The final settlement was originally made on February 4, 1862 but somehow the court records were in error, so the settlement had to be rerecorded. The final settlement does not mention Melissa who by this time is probably married.
Jeremiah Meek b. 1776-1782 married Nancy Roberts in
William Meek b. June 1788 and his wife Sarah Spencer spent the rest of
their lives in
Lewis Meek b. 1800 in,
Lewiss oldest daughter Mary was the wife of Caswell Meek. Caswell was the son
of William Meek b.1788, son of Nathaniel Meek Sr. Mary and her husband Caswell
moved to
Lewis Meek served for six months as a private in Grumbles Company of Texas Mounted Volunteers in an Indian War. He also appears on the Shelby County, Texas Assessment Rolls continually from 1851-1858. 1858 is the last year that Lewis appears on the Shelby County Assessment Roll. Abby and David appear together on the Hunt County, Texas Assessment Roll in 1860. In 1861 Abby appears alone on the Hunt County Assessment Roll and in 1862 David is listed as agent for Abby Meek on the same Assessment Roll. Apparently Lewis died after 1858 and before 1860 and Abby died after 1861.
Priscilla Meek b. 1781 in
Mary Polly Meek b. 1781-1785 married Amasa
Spencer on December 17, 1801 in
Richard Meek b. about 1801 in
Richard appears in the Platte County, Missouri census as head of household
with 1 w/m 40-50 yrs old 1 w/m 15-20 yrs old and 1 w/f 50-60 yrs old. As noted
earlier Catherine was about 10 years older than Richard. Richard also appears on
the 1850 census as a resident of
Sarah Meek birth unknown married William Cummins in
Elizabeth Meek birth unknown married John Rodgers in
In conclusion I feel that the documentation and evidence presented in this
text proves that Nathaniel Meek and wife unknown are the parents of the children
named throughout this text. In the process of presenting this research data we
are able to see the overall history of Nathaniel himself. We know he lived in
In 1799 Nathaniel is listed on the 1799 Pulaski County Kentucky tax rolls. He
lived in
In 1816 when Nathaniel Meek took his family out of Pulaski County to begin
their migration to Jennings County, Indiana they took up residence first in
Henry County, Kentucky for a couple of years. I believe this to be quite
significant due to the fact Henry County was the residence of John Meek b. 1754
and his brother Jacob b. 1755. John and Jacob were no longer residents in
1817-1818, John having died in 1803 and Jacob living in
Basil Meek b1740 in
Basil Meek b.1763 moved his family to
Nathaniel Meek stayed in
Return to Jennings County INGenWeb -Table of
Contents Contributed
to Jennings County INGenWeb 10/16/10 by Gary Childs