Samuel Burcham was born May 5, 1766 to John and Susannah Burcham probably in that part of Frederick County, Virginia that was to become Berkeley County in 1772. Samuel's brother John "Scott" Burcham was born June 19, 1769. Susannah's maiden name has been mentioned as Fleming, but no researcher has offered any proof or source.
John Burcham, the father, died in Frederick County in 1769. "Samuel Burcham, age 7, was bound out by the Berkeley County Church Wardens to Robert Jackson, who was to teach him to read, write, and cypher," according to Berkeley County Order Book 1, Page 330 dated March 19, 1772.Berkeley County Order Book 3, Page 3, dated May 20, 1777:" ordered that the Church Wardens bind John Burcham, orphan of John Burcham deceased, age eight the 19th day of June next, to John Murphy till he comes of age who is to learn him the trade of weaver and learn him to read, write and cypher as far as the rule of three."
Berkeley County Order Book 4, Page 540, dated Oct. 15, 1782 mentions that "Samuel Burcham personally appeared in court and made choice of Robert Jackson for his guardian he having before bound with security according to law." Another entry in the Order Book bearing the same date 0f Oct. 15,1782 mentions:"Ordered that Robert Stewart, John Davenport, James Robinson and John Harper being first sworn to lay off and assign unto Susannah Fleming late Susannah Burcham, widow and relict of John Burcham deceased her dower in the lands and personal estate wherof her late husband died seized of and make report to court." Also on the same page is mentioned:" Upon the motion of James Fleming it is ordered that his tithables be added to the list."
William H. Fleming was born to Susannah Fleming May 19, 1778. George Fleming was born April 9, 1782. James Fleming was probably Samuel and John Burcham's step-father. Thomas Kenedy Erwin mentions in his Erwin History told in 1897 that his grandfather, Samuel Burcham, had two half-brothers, Wm and George Fleming.
Samuel Burcham's land due him from his father John's estate was evidently held in trust for him by the Commonwealth of Virginia until he came of age. Real Estate properties were deeded to him by Governor Edmond Randolph of Virginia on March 31, 1788 and August 28, 1789. On October 20, 1789, Samuel sold 462 acres to William Johnson for 125 Pounds and 175 acres for 125 Pounds to William Harper on both sides of Tilhance Branch on the western side of Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia. On the same date Samuel sold 275 acres located about three miles above Back Creek on the waters of Cherry Branch of the Potomac River to Robert Stockdon (Stockton) for 100 Pounds current money of Virginia.
Living about three miles away as the crow flies from Samuel's land on Tilance Branch was Mary Erwin. Mary, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Erwin, lived near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek from her birth in 1782 until her departure about 1784 for the area that was to become modern Henry County, Kentucky. Mary Erwin was Samuel's second wife.
On February 28, 1791, John Harper wrote his Will as recorded in Berkeley County, Virginia. He named Margery Robinson Harper as his wife. He named John Harper, William Harper, John Harper (son of William), Jean Harper Brown, Mary Harper Burcham, Sarah Harper, James Harper, Alexander Harper, and Samuel Harper as his heirs. Margery Harper and her brother, James Robinson were named executors. Witnesses were James Winning, John Champion, and John ___hing.
John Harper's Will was proven and ordered to be recorded September 18, 1793 over the objection of William Harper, son of John.
Samuel's first wife was Mary Harper. A record of their marriage has not been found by me, but it had to have been around 1789. Their first known child, John, was born January 27, 1791. John Burcham, son of Samuel and Mary, was born in Virginia according to the 1850 census of Jackson County, Indiana. Sarah, second known child, was born in Virginia about 1792 according to the 1880 census of Union County, Oregon listing for her suspected daughter, Eleanor Farmer Hulick. Susanna Burcham Erwin was born January 5, 1794 in Kentucky according to the Family Bible and the 1880 census of her son, Thomas Kenedy Erwin, in Boone County, Arkansas.
It appears that Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham migrated to Clark County, Kentucky around 1793 with their two children, John and Sarah. They apparently left Berkeley County, Virginia for good. Berkeley County, Virginia later became Berkeley County, West Virginia during the American Civil War.
A Sam Burcham is listed on the 1793 Clark County, Kentucky tax list with three horses and fourteen cows. In 1796, Samuel lists 196 acres on Flat Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. John Burcham lists fifty acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. James Fleming lists 148 acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming survey.
Clark County, Kentucky Deed Book 1, Page 227, dated 1794 records a deed from John Fleming Commissioners to Samuel Burcham. The consideration is sixty Pounds of current Kentucky money for 196 acres on Flat Creek. The signers of the deed are William Sudduth, Jno Donaldson, and Lucy Hazelrigg (widow of John Fleming).
The area where Samuel, his brother John, his mother Susannah Fleming, and his step-father James Fleming lived became part of the new County of Montgomery in 1796. William Fleming appears on the tax list for the first time in 1799, listing one tithable and one horse.
Samuel's brother John Burcham and James Fleming disappear from the tax lists in 1807. Wm H. Fleming lists 67 3/4 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. George Fleming lists 81 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. It is possible that James Fleming died in 1806-07. Susannah could be deceased by this time also. It appears that John Burcham left the area and eventually ended up in Lawrence County, Ohio where he and his wife Nancy Dowden Burcham raised a large family and are buried there.
The last year that Samuel appears on the Montgomery County, Kentucky tax list is 1810. He lists no land and is apparently ready to re-locate.
According to the book: "Cornstalk Militia of Kentucky," by Glenn Clift, Samuel was active in Kentucky Militia. Samuel was appointed Captain in the 31st Regiment of Montgomery County May 25, 1798. He became a Major in the 2nd Batallion of the 34th Montgomery County Regiment December 13,1802 and he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 65th Regiment of Bath County, December 18, 1806. Bath County had been formed from Montgomery County in 1801. We descendants of Samuel can claim him as our genuine Kentucky Colonel.
Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham produced ten children, and the last eight were born in Kentucky. William was the youngest and reportedly was born December 11, 1805. Mary Harper Burcham died around 1805 and could have died from childbirth.
James Burcham, born January 18, 1801, reported that the Burcham family arrived in what was to become Jackson County, Indiana in October of 1810. They must have stopped to visit the Joseph and Hannah Erwin family in Henry County, Kentucky on their way because Susanna Burcham married Robert Erwin about 1810. I haven't found a record of their marriage, but their Bible records that their first child, Samuel Erwin was born January 30, 1812.
Samuel returned to Henry County, Kentucky in 1811, because he and Joseph Erwin took out a Marriage Bond on July 25, 1811 enabling Samuel Burcham to wed Mary Erwin. Relationships around these households were difficult to figure because my ancestor, Robert Erwin, was a son-in-law and a brother-in-law to my ancestor, Samuel Burcham.
Samuel made a Jeffersonville, Indiana Land Office entry, dated September 22, 1810 for 160 acres in what was then Clark County, Indiana. That part of Indiana had been surveyed by the Township and Range method and Samuel could be assured that no one else had filed a prior claim. He filed on the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31 in Township 5 North and Range 4 East situated about 2 1/2 miles east of present day Medora, Indiana. He and Mary lived out the rest of their lives on this land which was on the edge of the frontier in 1810. This land became a part of Washington County when it was formed in 1814 and then became a part of Jackson County, Indiana in 1816. Jackson County, Indiana was named for the new american hero, Andrew Jackson who was the victor of the Battle of New Orleans. Samuel's wife, Mary Erwin had two cousins, Squire Boone Erwin and Erwin Lemaster who were with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans fought in January 1815.
Samuel's son James wrote several items about the early settlement of Jackson County. He reported that his father, Samuel Burcham, settled in Jackson County in October, 1810. One of their first projects was to build a fort because Indian attack was a problem. James wrote, " It was built around two cabins that stood with their ends together, leaving an entry of about ten feet between doors heading out each onto the entry. A ditch was dug along each side of these buildings. Split puncheons were set about 14 feet high all around the buildings with blockhouses at each end." James reported that there were no fights or battles at the fort but there were skirmishes, but no blood shed.
The children of Samuel and Mary Harper were: John "Jack", Sarah "Sallie", Susannah, Jane, Martha "Patsy", Rachel, Mary "Polly", James, Samuel, and William.
The children of Samuel and Mary Erwin were: Nancy, Hannah, Margaret "Peggy", Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Samuel died December 15, 1845. His heirs were scattered far and wide. James Burcham was appointed Administrator of Samuel Burcham's Estate January 3, 1846. Probate Order Book 3, Page 241 records:"James Burcham, administrator of Samuel Burcham versus ( out of state ) heirs to appear in court on 2nd day of next term to show cause why Real Estate should not be sold to cover expenses." On page 242 of the same book is recorded:"Unknown heirs of Sarah Farmer deceased, Unknown heirs of Susan Irwin(Erwin) deceased, Unknown heirs of Jane Chambers deceased, Polly and James Tanner, James Burcham all non residents of Indiana. Notice to be published in (Salem) "Washington Republican". A check of the Jackson County Probate records might reveal a box containing original documents including a complete list of known heirs.
John Burcham, the father, died in Frederick County in 1769. "Samuel Burcham, age 7, was bound out by the Berkeley County Church Wardens to Robert Jackson, who was to teach him to read, write, and cypher," according to Berkeley County Order Book 1, Page 330 dated March 19, 1772.Berkeley County Order Book 3, Page 3, dated May 20, 1777:" ordered that the Church Wardens bind John Burcham, orphan of John Burcham deceased, age eight the 19th day of June next, to John Murphy till he comes of age who is to learn him the trade of weaver and learn him to read, write and cypher as far as the rule of three."
Berkeley County Order Book 4, Page 540, dated Oct. 15, 1782 mentions that "Samuel Burcham personally appeared in court and made choice of Robert Jackson for his guardian he having before bound with security according to law." Another entry in the Order Book bearing the same date 0f Oct. 15,1782 mentions:"Ordered that Robert Stewart, John Davenport, James Robinson and John Harper being first sworn to lay off and assign unto Susannah Fleming late Susannah Burcham, widow and relict of John Burcham deceased her dower in the lands and personal estate wherof her late husband died seized of and make report to court." Also on the same page is mentioned:" Upon the motion of James Fleming it is ordered that his tithables be added to the list."
William H. Fleming was born to Susannah Fleming May 19, 1778. George Fleming was born April 9, 1782. James Fleming was probably Samuel and John Burcham's step-father. Thomas Kenedy Erwin mentions in his Erwin History told in 1897 that his grandfather, Samuel Burcham, had two half-brothers, Wm and George Fleming.
Samuel Burcham's land due him from his father John's estate was evidently held in trust for him by the Commonwealth of Virginia until he came of age. Real Estate properties were deeded to him by Governor Edmond Randolph of Virginia on March 31, 1788 and August 28, 1789. On October 20, 1789, Samuel sold 462 acres to William Johnson for 125 Pounds and 175 acres for 125 Pounds to William Harper on both sides of Tilhance Branch on the western side of Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia. On the same date Samuel sold 275 acres located about three miles above Back Creek on the waters of Cherry Branch of the Potomac River to Robert Stockdon (Stockton) for 100 Pounds current money of Virginia.
Living about three miles away as the crow flies from Samuel's land on Tilance Branch was Mary Erwin. Mary, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Erwin, lived near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek from her birth in 1782 until her departure about 1784 for the area that was to become modern Henry County, Kentucky. Mary Erwin was Samuel's second wife.
On February 28, 1791, John Harper wrote his Will as recorded in Berkeley County, Virginia. He named Margery Robinson Harper as his wife. He named John Harper, William Harper, John Harper (son of William), Jean Harper Brown, Mary Harper Burcham, Sarah Harper, James Harper, Alexander Harper, and Samuel Harper as his heirs. Margery Harper and her brother, James Robinson were named executors. Witnesses were James Winning, John Champion, and John ___hing.
John Harper's Will was proven and ordered to be recorded September 18, 1793 over the objection of William Harper, son of John.
Samuel's first wife was Mary Harper. A record of their marriage has not been found by me, but it had to have been around 1789. Their first known child, John, was born January 27, 1791. John Burcham, son of Samuel and Mary, was born in Virginia according to the 1850 census of Jackson County, Indiana. Sarah, second known child, was born in Virginia about 1792 according to the 1880 census of Union County, Oregon listing for her suspected daughter, Eleanor Farmer Hulick. Susanna Burcham Erwin was born January 5, 1794 in Kentucky according to the Family Bible and the 1880 census of her son, Thomas Kenedy Erwin, in Boone County, Arkansas.
It appears that Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham migrated to Clark County, Kentucky around 1793 with their two children, John and Sarah. They apparently left Berkeley County, Virginia for good. Berkeley County, Virginia later became Berkeley County, West Virginia during the American Civil War.
A Sam Burcham is listed on the 1793 Clark County, Kentucky tax list with three horses and fourteen cows. In 1796, Samuel lists 196 acres on Flat Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. John Burcham lists fifty acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. James Fleming lists 148 acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming survey.
Clark County, Kentucky Deed Book 1, Page 227, dated 1794 records a deed from John Fleming Commissioners to Samuel Burcham. The consideration is sixty Pounds of current Kentucky money for 196 acres on Flat Creek. The signers of the deed are William Sudduth, Jno Donaldson, and Lucy Hazelrigg (widow of John Fleming).
The area where Samuel, his brother John, his mother Susannah Fleming, and his step-father James Fleming lived became part of the new County of Montgomery in 1796. William Fleming appears on the tax list for the first time in 1799, listing one tithable and one horse.
Samuel's brother John Burcham and James Fleming disappear from the tax lists in 1807. Wm H. Fleming lists 67 3/4 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. George Fleming lists 81 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. It is possible that James Fleming died in 1806-07. Susannah could be deceased by this time also. It appears that John Burcham left the area and eventually ended up in Lawrence County, Ohio where he and his wife Nancy Dowden Burcham raised a large family and are buried there.
The last year that Samuel appears on the Montgomery County, Kentucky tax list is 1810. He lists no land and is apparently ready to re-locate.
According to the book: "Cornstalk Militia of Kentucky," by Glenn Clift, Samuel was active in Kentucky Militia. Samuel was appointed Captain in the 31st Regiment of Montgomery County May 25, 1798. He became a Major in the 2nd Batallion of the 34th Montgomery County Regiment December 13,1802 and he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 65th Regiment of Bath County, December 18, 1806. Bath County had been formed from Montgomery County in 1801. We descendants of Samuel can claim him as our genuine Kentucky Colonel.
Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham produced ten children, and the last eight were born in Kentucky. William was the youngest and reportedly was born December 11, 1805. Mary Harper Burcham died around 1805 and could have died from childbirth.
James Burcham, born January 18, 1801, reported that the Burcham family arrived in what was to become Jackson County, Indiana in October of 1810. They must have stopped to visit the Joseph and Hannah Erwin family in Henry County, Kentucky on their way because Susanna Burcham married Robert Erwin about 1810. I haven't found a record of their marriage, but their Bible records that their first child, Samuel Erwin was born January 30, 1812.
Samuel returned to Henry County, Kentucky in 1811, because he and Joseph Erwin took out a Marriage Bond on July 25, 1811 enabling Samuel Burcham to wed Mary Erwin. Relationships around these households were difficult to figure because my ancestor, Robert Erwin, was a son-in-law and a brother-in-law to my ancestor, Samuel Burcham.
Samuel made a Jeffersonville, Indiana Land Office entry, dated September 22, 1810 for 160 acres in what was then Clark County, Indiana. That part of Indiana had been surveyed by the Township and Range method and Samuel could be assured that no one else had filed a prior claim. He filed on the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31 in Township 5 North and Range 4 East situated about 2 1/2 miles east of present day Medora, Indiana. He and Mary lived out the rest of their lives on this land which was on the edge of the frontier in 1810. This land became a part of Washington County when it was formed in 1814 and then became a part of Jackson County, Indiana in 1816. Jackson County, Indiana was named for the new american hero, Andrew Jackson who was the victor of the Battle of New Orleans. Samuel's wife, Mary Erwin had two cousins, Squire Boone Erwin and Erwin Lemaster who were with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans fought in January 1815.
Samuel's son James wrote several items about the early settlement of Jackson County. He reported that his father, Samuel Burcham, settled in Jackson County in October, 1810. One of their first projects was to build a fort because Indian attack was a problem. James wrote, " It was built around two cabins that stood with their ends together, leaving an entry of about ten feet between doors heading out each onto the entry. A ditch was dug along each side of these buildings. Split puncheons were set about 14 feet high all around the buildings with blockhouses at each end." James reported that there were no fights or battles at the fort but there were skirmishes, but no blood shed.
The children of Samuel and Mary Harper were: John "Jack", Sarah "Sallie", Susannah, Jane, Martha "Patsy", Rachel, Mary "Polly", James, Samuel, and William.
The children of Samuel and Mary Erwin were: Nancy, Hannah, Margaret "Peggy", Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Samuel died December 15, 1845. His heirs were scattered far and wide. James Burcham was appointed Administrator of Samuel Burcham's Estate January 3, 1846. Probate Order Book 3, Page 241 records:"James Burcham, administrator of Samuel Burcham versus ( out of state ) heirs to appear in court on 2nd day of next term to show cause why Real Estate should not be sold to cover expenses." On page 242 of the same book is recorded:"Unknown heirs of Sarah Farmer deceased, Unknown heirs of Susan Irwin(Erwin) deceased, Unknown heirs of Jane Chambers deceased, Polly and James Tanner, James Burcham all non residents of Indiana. Notice to be published in (Salem) "Washington Republican". A check of the Jackson County Probate records might reveal a box containing original documents including a complete list of known heirs.
Samuel Burcham was born May 5, 1766 to John and Susannah Burcham probably in that part of Frederick County, Virginia that was to become Berkeley County in 1772. Samuel's brother John "Scott" Burcham was born June 19, 1769. Susannah's maiden name has been mentioned as Fleming, but no researcher has offered any proof or source.
John Burcham, the father, died in Frederick County in 1769. "Samuel Burcham, age 7, was bound out by the Berkeley County Church Wardens to Robert Jackson, who was to teach him to read, write, and cypher," according to Berkeley County Order Book 1, Page 330 dated March 19, 1772.Berkeley County Order Book 3, Page 3, dated May 20, 1777:" ordered that the Church Wardens bind John Burcham, orphan of John Burcham deceased, age eight the 19th day of June next, to John Murphy till he comes of age who is to learn him the trade of weaver and learn him to read, write and cypher as far as the rule of three."
Berkeley County Order Book 4, Page 540, dated Oct. 15, 1782 mentions that "Samuel Burcham personally appeared in court and made choice of Robert Jackson for his guardian he having before bound with security according to law." Another entry in the Order Book bearing the same date 0f Oct. 15,1782 mentions:"Ordered that Robert Stewart, John Davenport, James Robinson and John Harper being first sworn to lay off and assign unto Susannah Fleming late Susannah Burcham, widow and relict of John Burcham deceased her dower in the lands and personal estate wherof her late husband died seized of and make report to court." Also on the same page is mentioned:" Upon the motion of James Fleming it is ordered that his tithables be added to the list."
William H. Fleming was born to Susannah Fleming May 19, 1778. George Fleming was born April 9, 1782. James Fleming was probably Samuel and John Burcham's step-father. Thomas Kenedy Erwin mentions in his Erwin History told in 1897 that his grandfather, Samuel Burcham, had two half-brothers, Wm and George Fleming.
Samuel Burcham's land due him from his father John's estate was evidently held in trust for him by the Commonwealth of Virginia until he came of age. Real Estate properties were deeded to him by Governor Edmond Randolph of Virginia on March 31, 1788 and August 28, 1789. On October 20, 1789, Samuel sold 462 acres to William Johnson for 125 Pounds and 175 acres for 125 Pounds to William Harper on both sides of Tilhance Branch on the western side of Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia. On the same date Samuel sold 275 acres located about three miles above Back Creek on the waters of Cherry Branch of the Potomac River to Robert Stockdon (Stockton) for 100 Pounds current money of Virginia.
Living about three miles away as the crow flies from Samuel's land on Tilance Branch was Mary Erwin. Mary, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Erwin, lived near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek from her birth in 1782 until her departure about 1784 for the area that was to become modern Henry County, Kentucky. Mary Erwin was Samuel's second wife.
On February 28, 1791, John Harper wrote his Will as recorded in Berkeley County, Virginia. He named Margery Robinson Harper as his wife. He named John Harper, William Harper, John Harper (son of William), Jean Harper Brown, Mary Harper Burcham, Sarah Harper, James Harper, Alexander Harper, and Samuel Harper as his heirs. Margery Harper and her brother, James Robinson were named executors. Witnesses were James Winning, John Champion, and John ___hing.
John Harper's Will was proven and ordered to be recorded September 18, 1793 over the objection of William Harper, son of John.
Samuel's first wife was Mary Harper. A record of their marriage has not been found by me, but it had to have been around 1789. Their first known child, John, was born January 27, 1791. John Burcham, son of Samuel and Mary, was born in Virginia according to the 1850 census of Jackson County, Indiana. Sarah, second known child, was born in Virginia about 1792 according to the 1880 census of Union County, Oregon listing for her suspected daughter, Eleanor Farmer Hulick. Susanna Burcham Erwin was born January 5, 1794 in Kentucky according to the Family Bible and the 1880 census of her son, Thomas Kenedy Erwin, in Boone County, Arkansas.
It appears that Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham migrated to Clark County, Kentucky around 1793 with their two children, John and Sarah. They apparently left Berkeley County, Virginia for good. Berkeley County, Virginia later became Berkeley County, West Virginia during the American Civil War.
A Sam Burcham is listed on the 1793 Clark County, Kentucky tax list with three horses and fourteen cows. In 1796, Samuel lists 196 acres on Flat Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. John Burcham lists fifty acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. James Fleming lists 148 acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming survey.
Clark County, Kentucky Deed Book 1, Page 227, dated 1794 records a deed from John Fleming Commissioners to Samuel Burcham. The consideration is sixty Pounds of current Kentucky money for 196 acres on Flat Creek. The signers of the deed are William Sudduth, Jno Donaldson, and Lucy Hazelrigg (widow of John Fleming).
The area where Samuel, his brother John, his mother Susannah Fleming, and his step-father James Fleming lived became part of the new County of Montgomery in 1796. William Fleming appears on the tax list for the first time in 1799, listing one tithable and one horse.
Samuel's brother John Burcham and James Fleming disappear from the tax lists in 1807. Wm H. Fleming lists 67 3/4 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. George Fleming lists 81 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. It is possible that James Fleming died in 1806-07. Susannah could be deceased by this time also. It appears that John Burcham left the area and eventually ended up in Lawrence County, Ohio where he and his wife Nancy Dowden Burcham raised a large family and are buried there.
The last year that Samuel appears on the Montgomery County, Kentucky tax list is 1810. He lists no land and is apparently ready to re-locate.
According to the book: "Cornstalk Militia of Kentucky," by Glenn Clift, Samuel was active in Kentucky Militia. Samuel was appointed Captain in the 31st Regiment of Montgomery County May 25, 1798. He became a Major in the 2nd Batallion of the 34th Montgomery County Regiment December 13,1802 and he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 65th Regiment of Bath County, December 18, 1806. Bath County had been formed from Montgomery County in 1801. We descendants of Samuel can claim him as our genuine Kentucky Colonel.
Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham produced ten children, and the last eight were born in Kentucky. William was the youngest and reportedly was born December 11, 1805. Mary Harper Burcham died around 1805 and could have died from childbirth.
James Burcham, born January 18, 1801, reported that the Burcham family arrived in what was to become Jackson County, Indiana in October of 1810. They must have stopped to visit the Joseph and Hannah Erwin family in Henry County, Kentucky on their way because Susanna Burcham married Robert Erwin about 1810. I haven't found a record of their marriage, but their Bible records that their first child, Samuel Erwin was born January 30, 1812.
Samuel returned to Henry County, Kentucky in 1811, because he and Joseph Erwin took out a Marriage Bond on July 25, 1811 enabling Samuel Burcham to wed Mary Erwin. Relationships around these households were difficult to figure because my ancestor, Robert Erwin, was a son-in-law and a brother-in-law to my ancestor, Samuel Burcham.
Samuel made a Jeffersonville, Indiana Land Office entry, dated September 22, 1810 for 160 acres in what was then Clark County, Indiana. That part of Indiana had been surveyed by the Township and Range method and Samuel could be assured that no one else had filed a prior claim. He filed on the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31 in Township 5 North and Range 4 East situated about 2 1/2 miles east of present day Medora, Indiana. He and Mary lived out the rest of their lives on this land which was on the edge of the frontier in 1810. This land became a part of Washington County when it was formed in 1814 and then became a part of Jackson County, Indiana in 1816. Jackson County, Indiana was named for the new american hero, Andrew Jackson who was the victor of the Battle of New Orleans. Samuel's wife, Mary Erwin had two cousins, Squire Boone Erwin and Erwin Lemaster who were with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans fought in January 1815.
Samuel's son James wrote several items about the early settlement of Jackson County. He reported that his father, Samuel Burcham, settled in Jackson County in October, 1810. One of their first projects was to build a fort because Indian attack was a problem. James wrote, " It was built around two cabins that stood with their ends together, leaving an entry of about ten feet between doors heading out each onto the entry. A ditch was dug along each side of these buildings. Split puncheons were set about 14 feet high all around the buildings with blockhouses at each end." James reported that there were no fights or battles at the fort but there were skirmishes, but no blood shed.
The children of Samuel and Mary Harper were: John "Jack", Sarah "Sallie", Susannah, Jane, Martha "Patsy", Rachel, Mary "Polly", James, Samuel, and William.
The children of Samuel and Mary Erwin were: Nancy, Hannah, Margaret "Peggy", Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Samuel died December 15, 1845. His heirs were scattered far and wide. James Burcham was appointed Administrator of Samuel Burcham's Estate January 3, 1846. Probate Order Book 3, Page 241 records:"James Burcham, administrator of Samuel Burcham versus ( out of state ) heirs to appear in court on 2nd day of next term to show cause why Real Estate should not be sold to cover expenses." On page 242 of the same book is recorded:"Unknown heirs of Sarah Farmer deceased, Unknown heirs of Susan Irwin(Erwin) deceased, Unknown heirs of Jane Chambers deceased, Polly and James Tanner, James Burcham all non residents of Indiana. Notice to be published in (Salem) "Washington Republican". A check of the Jackson County Probate records might reveal a box containing original documents including a complete list of known heirs.
John Burcham, the father, died in Frederick County in 1769. "Samuel Burcham, age 7, was bound out by the Berkeley County Church Wardens to Robert Jackson, who was to teach him to read, write, and cypher," according to Berkeley County Order Book 1, Page 330 dated March 19, 1772.Berkeley County Order Book 3, Page 3, dated May 20, 1777:" ordered that the Church Wardens bind John Burcham, orphan of John Burcham deceased, age eight the 19th day of June next, to John Murphy till he comes of age who is to learn him the trade of weaver and learn him to read, write and cypher as far as the rule of three."
Berkeley County Order Book 4, Page 540, dated Oct. 15, 1782 mentions that "Samuel Burcham personally appeared in court and made choice of Robert Jackson for his guardian he having before bound with security according to law." Another entry in the Order Book bearing the same date 0f Oct. 15,1782 mentions:"Ordered that Robert Stewart, John Davenport, James Robinson and John Harper being first sworn to lay off and assign unto Susannah Fleming late Susannah Burcham, widow and relict of John Burcham deceased her dower in the lands and personal estate wherof her late husband died seized of and make report to court." Also on the same page is mentioned:" Upon the motion of James Fleming it is ordered that his tithables be added to the list."
William H. Fleming was born to Susannah Fleming May 19, 1778. George Fleming was born April 9, 1782. James Fleming was probably Samuel and John Burcham's step-father. Thomas Kenedy Erwin mentions in his Erwin History told in 1897 that his grandfather, Samuel Burcham, had two half-brothers, Wm and George Fleming.
Samuel Burcham's land due him from his father John's estate was evidently held in trust for him by the Commonwealth of Virginia until he came of age. Real Estate properties were deeded to him by Governor Edmond Randolph of Virginia on March 31, 1788 and August 28, 1789. On October 20, 1789, Samuel sold 462 acres to William Johnson for 125 Pounds and 175 acres for 125 Pounds to William Harper on both sides of Tilhance Branch on the western side of Back Creek in Berkeley County, Virginia. On the same date Samuel sold 275 acres located about three miles above Back Creek on the waters of Cherry Branch of the Potomac River to Robert Stockdon (Stockton) for 100 Pounds current money of Virginia.
Living about three miles away as the crow flies from Samuel's land on Tilance Branch was Mary Erwin. Mary, daughter of Joseph and Hannah Erwin, lived near the mouth of Tomahawk Creek at Back Creek from her birth in 1782 until her departure about 1784 for the area that was to become modern Henry County, Kentucky. Mary Erwin was Samuel's second wife.
On February 28, 1791, John Harper wrote his Will as recorded in Berkeley County, Virginia. He named Margery Robinson Harper as his wife. He named John Harper, William Harper, John Harper (son of William), Jean Harper Brown, Mary Harper Burcham, Sarah Harper, James Harper, Alexander Harper, and Samuel Harper as his heirs. Margery Harper and her brother, James Robinson were named executors. Witnesses were James Winning, John Champion, and John ___hing.
John Harper's Will was proven and ordered to be recorded September 18, 1793 over the objection of William Harper, son of John.
Samuel's first wife was Mary Harper. A record of their marriage has not been found by me, but it had to have been around 1789. Their first known child, John, was born January 27, 1791. John Burcham, son of Samuel and Mary, was born in Virginia according to the 1850 census of Jackson County, Indiana. Sarah, second known child, was born in Virginia about 1792 according to the 1880 census of Union County, Oregon listing for her suspected daughter, Eleanor Farmer Hulick. Susanna Burcham Erwin was born January 5, 1794 in Kentucky according to the Family Bible and the 1880 census of her son, Thomas Kenedy Erwin, in Boone County, Arkansas.
It appears that Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham migrated to Clark County, Kentucky around 1793 with their two children, John and Sarah. They apparently left Berkeley County, Virginia for good. Berkeley County, Virginia later became Berkeley County, West Virginia during the American Civil War.
A Sam Burcham is listed on the 1793 Clark County, Kentucky tax list with three horses and fourteen cows. In 1796, Samuel lists 196 acres on Flat Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. John Burcham lists fifty acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming 1000 acre survey. James Fleming lists 148 acres on Hingston Creek from a John Fleming survey.
Clark County, Kentucky Deed Book 1, Page 227, dated 1794 records a deed from John Fleming Commissioners to Samuel Burcham. The consideration is sixty Pounds of current Kentucky money for 196 acres on Flat Creek. The signers of the deed are William Sudduth, Jno Donaldson, and Lucy Hazelrigg (widow of John Fleming).
The area where Samuel, his brother John, his mother Susannah Fleming, and his step-father James Fleming lived became part of the new County of Montgomery in 1796. William Fleming appears on the tax list for the first time in 1799, listing one tithable and one horse.
Samuel's brother John Burcham and James Fleming disappear from the tax lists in 1807. Wm H. Fleming lists 67 3/4 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. George Fleming lists 81 acres on Hingston Creek in 1807. It is possible that James Fleming died in 1806-07. Susannah could be deceased by this time also. It appears that John Burcham left the area and eventually ended up in Lawrence County, Ohio where he and his wife Nancy Dowden Burcham raised a large family and are buried there.
The last year that Samuel appears on the Montgomery County, Kentucky tax list is 1810. He lists no land and is apparently ready to re-locate.
According to the book: "Cornstalk Militia of Kentucky," by Glenn Clift, Samuel was active in Kentucky Militia. Samuel was appointed Captain in the 31st Regiment of Montgomery County May 25, 1798. He became a Major in the 2nd Batallion of the 34th Montgomery County Regiment December 13,1802 and he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 65th Regiment of Bath County, December 18, 1806. Bath County had been formed from Montgomery County in 1801. We descendants of Samuel can claim him as our genuine Kentucky Colonel.
Samuel and Mary Harper Burcham produced ten children, and the last eight were born in Kentucky. William was the youngest and reportedly was born December 11, 1805. Mary Harper Burcham died around 1805 and could have died from childbirth.
James Burcham, born January 18, 1801, reported that the Burcham family arrived in what was to become Jackson County, Indiana in October of 1810. They must have stopped to visit the Joseph and Hannah Erwin family in Henry County, Kentucky on their way because Susanna Burcham married Robert Erwin about 1810. I haven't found a record of their marriage, but their Bible records that their first child, Samuel Erwin was born January 30, 1812.
Samuel returned to Henry County, Kentucky in 1811, because he and Joseph Erwin took out a Marriage Bond on July 25, 1811 enabling Samuel Burcham to wed Mary Erwin. Relationships around these households were difficult to figure because my ancestor, Robert Erwin, was a son-in-law and a brother-in-law to my ancestor, Samuel Burcham.
Samuel made a Jeffersonville, Indiana Land Office entry, dated September 22, 1810 for 160 acres in what was then Clark County, Indiana. That part of Indiana had been surveyed by the Township and Range method and Samuel could be assured that no one else had filed a prior claim. He filed on the Southeast 1/4 of Section 31 in Township 5 North and Range 4 East situated about 2 1/2 miles east of present day Medora, Indiana. He and Mary lived out the rest of their lives on this land which was on the edge of the frontier in 1810. This land became a part of Washington County when it was formed in 1814 and then became a part of Jackson County, Indiana in 1816. Jackson County, Indiana was named for the new american hero, Andrew Jackson who was the victor of the Battle of New Orleans. Samuel's wife, Mary Erwin had two cousins, Squire Boone Erwin and Erwin Lemaster who were with Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans fought in January 1815.
Samuel's son James wrote several items about the early settlement of Jackson County. He reported that his father, Samuel Burcham, settled in Jackson County in October, 1810. One of their first projects was to build a fort because Indian attack was a problem. James wrote, " It was built around two cabins that stood with their ends together, leaving an entry of about ten feet between doors heading out each onto the entry. A ditch was dug along each side of these buildings. Split puncheons were set about 14 feet high all around the buildings with blockhouses at each end." James reported that there were no fights or battles at the fort but there were skirmishes, but no blood shed.
The children of Samuel and Mary Harper were: John "Jack", Sarah "Sallie", Susannah, Jane, Martha "Patsy", Rachel, Mary "Polly", James, Samuel, and William.
The children of Samuel and Mary Erwin were: Nancy, Hannah, Margaret "Peggy", Robert, Joseph and Eliza.
Samuel died December 15, 1845. His heirs were scattered far and wide. James Burcham was appointed Administrator of Samuel Burcham's Estate January 3, 1846. Probate Order Book 3, Page 241 records:"James Burcham, administrator of Samuel Burcham versus ( out of state ) heirs to appear in court on 2nd day of next term to show cause why Real Estate should not be sold to cover expenses." On page 242 of the same book is recorded:"Unknown heirs of Sarah Farmer deceased, Unknown heirs of Susan Irwin(Erwin) deceased, Unknown heirs of Jane Chambers deceased, Polly and James Tanner, James Burcham all non residents of Indiana. Notice to be published in (Salem) "Washington Republican". A check of the Jackson County Probate records might reveal a box containing original documents including a complete list of known heirs.
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