A caveat regarding the Heroes who fought at the Battle of King's Mountain: there is a list posted online by Trish Carden. Please be aware that there are serious flaws with her list. Lyman C. Draper and Dr. Bobby Gilmer Moss have long been recognized as the definitive authorities on the participants of the battle. These two scholars provide documentation for their inclusion whereas Carden does not. Carden boasts that she has more than 1800 participants and she well may, but half that number have to be Tory as there were not many more than 1800 total participants, Whig and Tory. While Ms Carden had the best of intentions, there are glaring mistakes on Carden's list. Researchers and descendants must ascertain that they are not the victims of the irresponsible research conducted by Ms. Carden and others who make assumptions without conducting in-depth research. Ms. Carden included John Vance, DAR Ancestor Number A117345, on her list, but provided no documentation.
I have included information below from a contributor on ancestry.com. This is not my work: I include this to honor the Vance family and hope that descendants will find the information and expand their own research when they discover their heroic family. VC
The Will of Samuel Vance-
"In the name of God Amen I Samuel Vance of Washington County in the Commonwealth of Virginia being in perfect health both of mind and memory blessed be God for his mercies; but calling to mind the mortality of my body and that I was born to die; Do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and first of all I do recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth, to be buried in a Christian and decent manner at the descretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the last day I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching my worldly affairs wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with this life I shall dispose of the same in the following manner and form. Item, I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah Vance two hundred pounds cash and all the movables in the house money excepted. I also give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Margaret Lusk the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my beloved son David Vance the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Elizabeth Blackburn the sum of Fifteen pounds cash and the remainder of my estate after my debts are paid to be equally divided between my nine children. And also the land I now live on I leave and bequeath to my well beloved sons Samuel Vance and George Blackburn whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other Testament wills legacies Bequests Executors by me any way before named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thriy first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven and seventy eight. .
Signed Sealed Published pronouced & declared by the said.
Samuel Vance his last Will & Testament in the presence of Samuel Vance seal.
us who his Presence & in the Presences of each other have .
hereunto subscribed our Names-----.
Arthur Blackburn.
John Blackburn.
John (his mark) Cusick.
At a Court held for Wash. Co the 18th day of August 1778 This last Will & Testament of Samuel Vance deceased was exhibited in Court approved by the oathe of John Blackburn & John Cusisk ordered to be recorded. Test John Campbell Clk Court" Dated 31 Mar 1778 Names wife, Sarah, daus. Margaret Lusk & Elizabeth Blackburn, sons, David & Samuel "My nine children"-not all named.
Tombstone inscription in Sinking Spring Cemetery, Wash. Co. VA.
In Memory of Samuel 1st, with Sarah Colville Vance, his wife, both from Ireland, early in life. .
'We have travelled far & wide.
To come into this ground.
But in this place will abide.
Until the trump's last sound." Source: Vance Family Association, Family group sheet, Oct 1999 .
The following excerpt was in a letter sent to Dorothy Eaton Vance, Louisville, KY mailed Oct. 14, 1922 from Hart Vance of St Louis, MO. According to Hart's letter, the information came from James Vance of Abingdon, VA to his father, Morgan Brown Vance, dated April 31, 1863. .
"Samuel Vance came from Frederick Co. VA. Near Zane's Iron Works & settled in Washington Co. VA. In 1776. His wife's family name was Colville. .
Samuel had five sons, to-wit: David, John, Robert, Joseph & Samuel. He had daughters. 2.-John lived & died in Sullivan Co. & raised a large family of sons & daughters. One of his sons lived near Papersville, Sullivan Co. One son, Thomas, settled in Rutherford Co. TN & raised a large family. 3.-Robert settled not far from Pittsburgh in OH; & was a captain in the campaigns of 1777 & 1778 & got land for his services. He lived in a log cabin with a dirt floor. A son of his is said to be living at the mouth of Kentucky River. 4.-Joseph settled & died in Sevier Co. TN without family. 5.-Samuel lived in Washington Co. VA. And died in 1838, leaving six sons, namely: John-now living near Bristol, Quite an old man; Samuel-who died in Clarksville, TN- 0ne of his daughters married Robson Topp of Memphis-Robert-died in Clarksville. He left but one child, a daughter married to General Ghotson. James, married Millie Balfour. They have four children, to-wit: Samuel, James, Eliza, now married to James W. Gibson of Abington, & Amelia. Andrew-Iived at Clarksville & died in TX leaving a family now at Clarksville (two of the sons, Walter 0. & John in Confederate Navy). David, the youngest settled in Shelby Co. TN & died leaving four Daughters & four Sons-Daughter of David, named Jane P . Margaret, & Louisa & Elizabeth, twins; sons of David, named Samuel, died without issue, Nathaniel, died without issue, Leander, lives with his mother near Memphis, Robert, died young. .
The above information given by James Vance who lives two-and-a-half miles from Abingdon, VA. April 31, 1863. .
Samuel, the first had daughters. One married a man named Vale & they had 18 sons & lived on the Muskingum in OH; one, named Margaret, married Lusk & he died & she married James Piper. Lusk lived in Warren Co. One, named Sarah, married Blackburn & he was killed at the battle of Kings Mountain. .
James Vance the informant had a daughter, Ann, who married James Biddle. John V. Biddle is her son. .
The forgoing seems to be the ultimate result of my Father's quest for information, begun in the letter from which I sent you yesterday. The inscription on my great-grandfather's grave at Abingdon probably afford the best information on him to be had. .
S. Hart 10-15-22" .
"James Vance, listed as the informant, was the son of Samuel Vance II & Margaret Laughlin. A copy of his family bible was found in the Historical Society of Washington Co., VA, so there is a good accounting of his children. Ann Vance who married James Biddle is not James I daughter. At present, we do not know who Ann was, nor have any records been found for her. Hart Vance apparently omitted information about David in his letter, as he starts with #2-John Vance. There are some errors in this account which should be pointed out. Elizabeth Vance married George Blackburn, both are mentioned in Samuel's will. George Blackburn died in 1778, well before the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought. Sarah Vance married John Vail, records show they had a total of 15 children. Margaret Vance's first husband was William Lusk; they lived in VA & NC until William's death. Their youngest son, William Lusk lived in Warren Co. TN.".
Children of SAMUEL VANCE and SARAH COLVILLE are:
i. ROBERT "CAPTAIN"3 VANCE, b. Abt. 1729, Winchester, Frederick Co. VA; d. 20 May 1818, Coraopolis, Allegheny Co. PA; m. JEAN WHITE, 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA; b. Abt. 1746, Culpepper Co. TN; d. May 1834, Holidays Cove, Hancock Co. WV.Notes for R.
OBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
" Robert Vance apparently left Frederick County as a fairly young man and settled on the Ohio River in Moon Township, in what is now Allegheny Co., PA, northeast of Pittsburgh. (This area was claimed by Virginia until 1785, when it became part of Pennsylvania.) Robert built a stockade around his home which was called "Vances Fort". Later a town developed in this area, called Vances Fort until the late 1880's, when it was renamed Coraopolis. His land was a gift from Henry Montour, named "Oughsaragh" on early maps, but was never titled to Robert. Robert was one of the founding members of the Montours Presbyterian Church. He is often referred to as Captain Robert Vance for his service during the Revolutionary War. Some confusion about his military service exists, mentioned are the 13th VA Regiment; 9th VA Regiment and 7th VA Regiment. There are indications that Robert resigned after 1780 and formed his own company. Robert' s descendants claim he was born about 1736 (?). He died 20 May 1818 at Vances Fort, Moon Township, Allegheny Co., PA. Robert is buried at Montours Church Cemetery, Coraopolis, PA. Although Robert died intestate, a will appeared in the possession of one of his descendants, long after his estate had been settled. (See Wills-Robert Vance in documentation.) Robert married Jean White on 20 March 1775. Jean was born about 1746 and died at the home ofher son, John, in May 1834 at Holidays Cove, Hancock Co., WV. Jean is buried at Three Springs Cemetery in an unmarked grave, Weirton, WV.".
Vance Family Association... Mary Norfleet.
The following letter was written by Robert Vance to his brother, Samuel Vance II from a pencil copy sent by Kate Lamar Hunt (descendant of Samuel II) to Mrs. Durham. " 1792 August 2, Allegheny County Pa..
" Sir: .
I take this opportunity to write to let you know that I and my wife and family is well and I hope the few lines may find you and family injoying the like mercies, which we ought to thank God for. I don't know what to write or on wheat subject. I am in a great hurry and the hay is spoiling, perhaps that was the case with you, if you could not write with Uncle Evans. I dont know how it is with you, but 1 have a grate family that keeps me very busy. We have eleven of a family and I am growing old and not able to do much, but the boys is growing up to help me, and I have no reason to complain. I would ben glad that you had wrote to me to let me know how you were and how many children you had, we have seven living and two dead. I thought to have ben out to have seen Mother and all my friends in that County but the war and other things has prevented it hitherto. I don't know how it may be in time to come, but let that be as it may, you and I are on our journey that we must perform and it is a business of great moment. Oh Sam, let you and I be very busy and end up and doing while it is day, for the night cometh wherein No man can work. There is no work done in the grave where we are fast a hastening, let us try to make our Call & Election sure by getting an interest in Jesus Christ and a hiding place to cover us from the wrath of God, that will surely evertake a Christless World. I hope you will set a pious and Exemplery Life before your Children, for example is more powerful than precept, and heads of familys have a great charge, the charge of precious souls, the value of one of which is worth more than ten thousand worlds. May God grant his Grace to each of us and able us to discharge every duty incumbent on us, and prepare us here in the Kingdom of Grace for the enjoyment of himself in the Kingdom of his Glory. Give my best respects to your wife and your children and I conclude. .
Subscribe myself you affectionate brother Robert Vance .
N.B. My wife joyns in her respects to your wife and family." .
Source: Vance Family Association....
In the name of God, Amane I Robert Vance of allegany County and State of pencyIvania Beeing Weeke of Body But of Sound mind and memory do make and ordain this instrument which is Signed With myown hand to be my last Will and instrument. imprimes all my debts is to Be spedily and punctuly paid ofT By my Excutors hearin after mentioned The Rest of my Estate to Be Disposed of as follows Item, to my Dearly Beloved Wife Jean Vance The Whole of my Estate Real and personel during her naturel life Except So much of it as has been hearin above Spacially disposed of. Item, after the deseas of my wife it is my Will and desire that that my Reale Estate Should be divided among those hearafter mentioned in Seven Equel Shares and Equilised in the folIoing manner. .1. .E ..Each ofmy Children Which is named as divses of my Estate to Chose one good intilligant freeholder Recidend in alleghy County and state afore said to meet and divid Equlise Said Shares so as e give the one that has the Worst Share money to make his Share Equil to the Best this being done Eash of the devses to draw lots for their shares or Lotts as thay Can agree that they may not Enter into law. I Bequeth to the following persons & their & heirs For Ever to David Samul Robert John William & Andrew my sons & my Daughter Sarah Forgason & to Jean Mccabe My daughter and Her heirs James Harry and Robert Vance Mccabe I Bequeth five hundred Dollers to each of them to be paid out ofmy Estate as soon as the Can get the Business of the Estate aranged and to pay land or same in money which ever may Suit Best and to my Sons Davids five Motherless Children Robert Mary Ellxander Samul and Joseph Each of them I Bequeth forty Dollers to be paid in Money and lastly I do Constute and appoint David Vance and andrew Vance Excutors of this my last Will and testement. This twenty seond day of January 1818. .
Samuel Grail John Nesbitt (Witnesses) .
Robt Vance.
JAN 2002.
More About ROBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
Alternate birth date: 1728, Richard Thomas/Vance Association.
Burial: May 1818, Montours Cem. Allegheny Co. PA.
Letter 1: 2 August 1792, Letter of Capt. Robert Vance to brother, Samuel Vance speaks of mother, Sarah still living..
Letter 2: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
Military: Lt. in the 13th VA & Capt. in the 9th VA Calvary.
Research: Research on Robert Vance from Robert G. Vance, Cleveland, OH, Vance Newsletter July 1987 & Jan 1988.
Residence 1: Winchester, Frederick Co. VA-[Vance's Fort now-Carapolis, Allegheny Co. PA.
Residence 2: Allegheny Co. PA.
Source 1: Vance Association.
More About JEAN WHITE:
Burial: May 1834, Three Springs Cemetery, Weirton, WV.
More About ROBERT VANCE and JEAN WHITE:
Marriage: 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA.
ii. SARAH VANCE, b. Bet. 1740 - 1758; d. 10 November 1813, Coshocton Co. OH; m. JOHN VAIL, Abt. 1765; b. Abt. 1741, NJ; d. 28 March 1817, Mifflin Twp. Richland Co. OH.Notes for SARAH VANCE:
"Sarah Vance was likely born between1740 and 1756. Sarah married John Vail/Vaile/Veale about 1767. John Vail was born between 1740-1750 in New Jersey. Frederick County, VA records show John Veal was a chain carrier in a survey for Isaac Zane on 17 December 1774. By 1780, Sarah and John were living in Westmoreland Co., PA. On May 241785 John Vail received a patent to Warrantee 219 1/2 acres named "Radnor" in Moon Township Allegheny Co, PA very near Sarah's brother, Robert Vance. On 5 June 1794, John Veal and Sarah Vial his wife sold "Radnor" to John Dickenson. On 7 April 1802, John and Sarah purchased " Allepo" from Jonathan and Mary Leet which was situated across the Ohio River from their former residence. On 20 April 1802, they sold " Allepo" and by 1807, John and Sarah had moved to Trumbull County, OH. Later were living in Coshocton Co., OH, where Sarah Vance Vail died 10 November 1813. John Vail married again on 4 April 1816 to Amy Church Copus. John died between 26 March and 13 May 1817 and is buried in the Peterson Vail Cemetery, Richland Co. OH".
@.
More About JOHN VANCE:
Deed 1: 1783, Sullivan Co. TN, purchased land.
Letter 1: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter... "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
John Vance was probably buried on his farm in Washington County, VA. While the actual burial site for John Vance remains unknown, there is a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
I have included information below from a contributor on ancestry.com. This is not my work: I include this to honor the Vance family and hope that descendants will find the information and expand their own research when they discover their heroic family. VC
The Will of Samuel Vance-
"In the name of God Amen I Samuel Vance of Washington County in the Commonwealth of Virginia being in perfect health both of mind and memory blessed be God for his mercies; but calling to mind the mortality of my body and that I was born to die; Do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and first of all I do recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth, to be buried in a Christian and decent manner at the descretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the last day I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching my worldly affairs wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with this life I shall dispose of the same in the following manner and form. Item, I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah Vance two hundred pounds cash and all the movables in the house money excepted. I also give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Margaret Lusk the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my beloved son David Vance the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Elizabeth Blackburn the sum of Fifteen pounds cash and the remainder of my estate after my debts are paid to be equally divided between my nine children. And also the land I now live on I leave and bequeath to my well beloved sons Samuel Vance and George Blackburn whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other Testament wills legacies Bequests Executors by me any way before named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thriy first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven and seventy eight. .
Signed Sealed Published pronouced & declared by the said.
Samuel Vance his last Will & Testament in the presence of Samuel Vance seal.
us who his Presence & in the Presences of each other have .
hereunto subscribed our Names-----.
Arthur Blackburn.
John Blackburn.
John (his mark) Cusick.
At a Court held for Wash. Co the 18th day of August 1778 This last Will & Testament of Samuel Vance deceased was exhibited in Court approved by the oathe of John Blackburn & John Cusisk ordered to be recorded. Test John Campbell Clk Court" Dated 31 Mar 1778 Names wife, Sarah, daus. Margaret Lusk & Elizabeth Blackburn, sons, David & Samuel "My nine children"-not all named.
Tombstone inscription in Sinking Spring Cemetery, Wash. Co. VA.
In Memory of Samuel 1st, with Sarah Colville Vance, his wife, both from Ireland, early in life. .
'We have travelled far & wide.
To come into this ground.
But in this place will abide.
Until the trump's last sound." Source: Vance Family Association, Family group sheet, Oct 1999 .
The following excerpt was in a letter sent to Dorothy Eaton Vance, Louisville, KY mailed Oct. 14, 1922 from Hart Vance of St Louis, MO. According to Hart's letter, the information came from James Vance of Abingdon, VA to his father, Morgan Brown Vance, dated April 31, 1863. .
"Samuel Vance came from Frederick Co. VA. Near Zane's Iron Works & settled in Washington Co. VA. In 1776. His wife's family name was Colville. .
Samuel had five sons, to-wit: David, John, Robert, Joseph & Samuel. He had daughters. 2.-John lived & died in Sullivan Co. & raised a large family of sons & daughters. One of his sons lived near Papersville, Sullivan Co. One son, Thomas, settled in Rutherford Co. TN & raised a large family. 3.-Robert settled not far from Pittsburgh in OH; & was a captain in the campaigns of 1777 & 1778 & got land for his services. He lived in a log cabin with a dirt floor. A son of his is said to be living at the mouth of Kentucky River. 4.-Joseph settled & died in Sevier Co. TN without family. 5.-Samuel lived in Washington Co. VA. And died in 1838, leaving six sons, namely: John-now living near Bristol, Quite an old man; Samuel-who died in Clarksville, TN- 0ne of his daughters married Robson Topp of Memphis-Robert-died in Clarksville. He left but one child, a daughter married to General Ghotson. James, married Millie Balfour. They have four children, to-wit: Samuel, James, Eliza, now married to James W. Gibson of Abington, & Amelia. Andrew-Iived at Clarksville & died in TX leaving a family now at Clarksville (two of the sons, Walter 0. & John in Confederate Navy). David, the youngest settled in Shelby Co. TN & died leaving four Daughters & four Sons-Daughter of David, named Jane P . Margaret, & Louisa & Elizabeth, twins; sons of David, named Samuel, died without issue, Nathaniel, died without issue, Leander, lives with his mother near Memphis, Robert, died young. .
The above information given by James Vance who lives two-and-a-half miles from Abingdon, VA. April 31, 1863. .
Samuel, the first had daughters. One married a man named Vale & they had 18 sons & lived on the Muskingum in OH; one, named Margaret, married Lusk & he died & she married James Piper. Lusk lived in Warren Co. One, named Sarah, married Blackburn & he was killed at the battle of Kings Mountain. .
James Vance the informant had a daughter, Ann, who married James Biddle. John V. Biddle is her son. .
The forgoing seems to be the ultimate result of my Father's quest for information, begun in the letter from which I sent you yesterday. The inscription on my great-grandfather's grave at Abingdon probably afford the best information on him to be had. .
S. Hart 10-15-22" .
"James Vance, listed as the informant, was the son of Samuel Vance II & Margaret Laughlin. A copy of his family bible was found in the Historical Society of Washington Co., VA, so there is a good accounting of his children. Ann Vance who married James Biddle is not James I daughter. At present, we do not know who Ann was, nor have any records been found for her. Hart Vance apparently omitted information about David in his letter, as he starts with #2-John Vance. There are some errors in this account which should be pointed out. Elizabeth Vance married George Blackburn, both are mentioned in Samuel's will. George Blackburn died in 1778, well before the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought. Sarah Vance married John Vail, records show they had a total of 15 children. Margaret Vance's first husband was William Lusk; they lived in VA & NC until William's death. Their youngest son, William Lusk lived in Warren Co. TN.".
Children of SAMUEL VANCE and SARAH COLVILLE are:
i. ROBERT "CAPTAIN"3 VANCE, b. Abt. 1729, Winchester, Frederick Co. VA; d. 20 May 1818, Coraopolis, Allegheny Co. PA; m. JEAN WHITE, 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA; b. Abt. 1746, Culpepper Co. TN; d. May 1834, Holidays Cove, Hancock Co. WV.Notes for R.
OBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
" Robert Vance apparently left Frederick County as a fairly young man and settled on the Ohio River in Moon Township, in what is now Allegheny Co., PA, northeast of Pittsburgh. (This area was claimed by Virginia until 1785, when it became part of Pennsylvania.) Robert built a stockade around his home which was called "Vances Fort". Later a town developed in this area, called Vances Fort until the late 1880's, when it was renamed Coraopolis. His land was a gift from Henry Montour, named "Oughsaragh" on early maps, but was never titled to Robert. Robert was one of the founding members of the Montours Presbyterian Church. He is often referred to as Captain Robert Vance for his service during the Revolutionary War. Some confusion about his military service exists, mentioned are the 13th VA Regiment; 9th VA Regiment and 7th VA Regiment. There are indications that Robert resigned after 1780 and formed his own company. Robert' s descendants claim he was born about 1736 (?). He died 20 May 1818 at Vances Fort, Moon Township, Allegheny Co., PA. Robert is buried at Montours Church Cemetery, Coraopolis, PA. Although Robert died intestate, a will appeared in the possession of one of his descendants, long after his estate had been settled. (See Wills-Robert Vance in documentation.) Robert married Jean White on 20 March 1775. Jean was born about 1746 and died at the home ofher son, John, in May 1834 at Holidays Cove, Hancock Co., WV. Jean is buried at Three Springs Cemetery in an unmarked grave, Weirton, WV.".
Vance Family Association... Mary Norfleet.
The following letter was written by Robert Vance to his brother, Samuel Vance II from a pencil copy sent by Kate Lamar Hunt (descendant of Samuel II) to Mrs. Durham. " 1792 August 2, Allegheny County Pa..
" Sir: .
I take this opportunity to write to let you know that I and my wife and family is well and I hope the few lines may find you and family injoying the like mercies, which we ought to thank God for. I don't know what to write or on wheat subject. I am in a great hurry and the hay is spoiling, perhaps that was the case with you, if you could not write with Uncle Evans. I dont know how it is with you, but 1 have a grate family that keeps me very busy. We have eleven of a family and I am growing old and not able to do much, but the boys is growing up to help me, and I have no reason to complain. I would ben glad that you had wrote to me to let me know how you were and how many children you had, we have seven living and two dead. I thought to have ben out to have seen Mother and all my friends in that County but the war and other things has prevented it hitherto. I don't know how it may be in time to come, but let that be as it may, you and I are on our journey that we must perform and it is a business of great moment. Oh Sam, let you and I be very busy and end up and doing while it is day, for the night cometh wherein No man can work. There is no work done in the grave where we are fast a hastening, let us try to make our Call & Election sure by getting an interest in Jesus Christ and a hiding place to cover us from the wrath of God, that will surely evertake a Christless World. I hope you will set a pious and Exemplery Life before your Children, for example is more powerful than precept, and heads of familys have a great charge, the charge of precious souls, the value of one of which is worth more than ten thousand worlds. May God grant his Grace to each of us and able us to discharge every duty incumbent on us, and prepare us here in the Kingdom of Grace for the enjoyment of himself in the Kingdom of his Glory. Give my best respects to your wife and your children and I conclude. .
Subscribe myself you affectionate brother Robert Vance .
N.B. My wife joyns in her respects to your wife and family." .
Source: Vance Family Association....
In the name of God, Amane I Robert Vance of allegany County and State of pencyIvania Beeing Weeke of Body But of Sound mind and memory do make and ordain this instrument which is Signed With myown hand to be my last Will and instrument. imprimes all my debts is to Be spedily and punctuly paid ofT By my Excutors hearin after mentioned The Rest of my Estate to Be Disposed of as follows Item, to my Dearly Beloved Wife Jean Vance The Whole of my Estate Real and personel during her naturel life Except So much of it as has been hearin above Spacially disposed of. Item, after the deseas of my wife it is my Will and desire that that my Reale Estate Should be divided among those hearafter mentioned in Seven Equel Shares and Equilised in the folIoing manner. .1. .E ..Each ofmy Children Which is named as divses of my Estate to Chose one good intilligant freeholder Recidend in alleghy County and state afore said to meet and divid Equlise Said Shares so as e give the one that has the Worst Share money to make his Share Equil to the Best this being done Eash of the devses to draw lots for their shares or Lotts as thay Can agree that they may not Enter into law. I Bequeth to the following persons & their & heirs For Ever to David Samul Robert John William & Andrew my sons & my Daughter Sarah Forgason & to Jean Mccabe My daughter and Her heirs James Harry and Robert Vance Mccabe I Bequeth five hundred Dollers to each of them to be paid out ofmy Estate as soon as the Can get the Business of the Estate aranged and to pay land or same in money which ever may Suit Best and to my Sons Davids five Motherless Children Robert Mary Ellxander Samul and Joseph Each of them I Bequeth forty Dollers to be paid in Money and lastly I do Constute and appoint David Vance and andrew Vance Excutors of this my last Will and testement. This twenty seond day of January 1818. .
Samuel Grail John Nesbitt (Witnesses) .
Robt Vance.
JAN 2002.
More About ROBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
Alternate birth date: 1728, Richard Thomas/Vance Association.
Burial: May 1818, Montours Cem. Allegheny Co. PA.
Letter 1: 2 August 1792, Letter of Capt. Robert Vance to brother, Samuel Vance speaks of mother, Sarah still living..
Letter 2: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
Military: Lt. in the 13th VA & Capt. in the 9th VA Calvary.
Research: Research on Robert Vance from Robert G. Vance, Cleveland, OH, Vance Newsletter July 1987 & Jan 1988.
Residence 1: Winchester, Frederick Co. VA-[Vance's Fort now-Carapolis, Allegheny Co. PA.
Residence 2: Allegheny Co. PA.
Source 1: Vance Association.
More About JEAN WHITE:
Burial: May 1834, Three Springs Cemetery, Weirton, WV.
More About ROBERT VANCE and JEAN WHITE:
Marriage: 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA.
ii. SARAH VANCE, b. Bet. 1740 - 1758; d. 10 November 1813, Coshocton Co. OH; m. JOHN VAIL, Abt. 1765; b. Abt. 1741, NJ; d. 28 March 1817, Mifflin Twp. Richland Co. OH.Notes for SARAH VANCE:
"Sarah Vance was likely born between1740 and 1756. Sarah married John Vail/Vaile/Veale about 1767. John Vail was born between 1740-1750 in New Jersey. Frederick County, VA records show John Veal was a chain carrier in a survey for Isaac Zane on 17 December 1774. By 1780, Sarah and John were living in Westmoreland Co., PA. On May 241785 John Vail received a patent to Warrantee 219 1/2 acres named "Radnor" in Moon Township Allegheny Co, PA very near Sarah's brother, Robert Vance. On 5 June 1794, John Veal and Sarah Vial his wife sold "Radnor" to John Dickenson. On 7 April 1802, John and Sarah purchased " Allepo" from Jonathan and Mary Leet which was situated across the Ohio River from their former residence. On 20 April 1802, they sold " Allepo" and by 1807, John and Sarah had moved to Trumbull County, OH. Later were living in Coshocton Co., OH, where Sarah Vance Vail died 10 November 1813. John Vail married again on 4 April 1816 to Amy Church Copus. John died between 26 March and 13 May 1817 and is buried in the Peterson Vail Cemetery, Richland Co. OH".
@.
More About JOHN VANCE:
Deed 1: 1783, Sullivan Co. TN, purchased land.
Letter 1: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter... "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
John Vance was probably buried on his farm in Washington County, VA. While the actual burial site for John Vance remains unknown, there is a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
A caveat regarding the Heroes who fought at the Battle of King's Mountain: there is a list posted online by Trish Carden. Please be aware that there are serious flaws with her list. Lyman C. Draper and Dr. Bobby Gilmer Moss have long been recognized as the definitive authorities on the participants of the battle. These two scholars provide documentation for their inclusion whereas Carden does not. Carden boasts that she has more than 1800 participants and she well may, but half that number have to be Tory as there were not many more than 1800 total participants, Whig and Tory. While Ms Carden had the best of intentions, there are glaring mistakes on Carden's list. Researchers and descendants must ascertain that they are not the victims of the irresponsible research conducted by Ms. Carden and others who make assumptions without conducting in-depth research. Ms. Carden included John Vance, DAR Ancestor Number A117345, on her list, but provided no documentation.
I have included information below from a contributor on ancestry.com. This is not my work: I include this to honor the Vance family and hope that descendants will find the information and expand their own research when they discover their heroic family. VC
The Will of Samuel Vance-
"In the name of God Amen I Samuel Vance of Washington County in the Commonwealth of Virginia being in perfect health both of mind and memory blessed be God for his mercies; but calling to mind the mortality of my body and that I was born to die; Do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and first of all I do recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth, to be buried in a Christian and decent manner at the descretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the last day I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching my worldly affairs wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with this life I shall dispose of the same in the following manner and form. Item, I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah Vance two hundred pounds cash and all the movables in the house money excepted. I also give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Margaret Lusk the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my beloved son David Vance the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Elizabeth Blackburn the sum of Fifteen pounds cash and the remainder of my estate after my debts are paid to be equally divided between my nine children. And also the land I now live on I leave and bequeath to my well beloved sons Samuel Vance and George Blackburn whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other Testament wills legacies Bequests Executors by me any way before named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thriy first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven and seventy eight. .
Signed Sealed Published pronouced & declared by the said.
Samuel Vance his last Will & Testament in the presence of Samuel Vance seal.
us who his Presence & in the Presences of each other have .
hereunto subscribed our Names-----.
Arthur Blackburn.
John Blackburn.
John (his mark) Cusick.
At a Court held for Wash. Co the 18th day of August 1778 This last Will & Testament of Samuel Vance deceased was exhibited in Court approved by the oathe of John Blackburn & John Cusisk ordered to be recorded. Test John Campbell Clk Court" Dated 31 Mar 1778 Names wife, Sarah, daus. Margaret Lusk & Elizabeth Blackburn, sons, David & Samuel "My nine children"-not all named.
Tombstone inscription in Sinking Spring Cemetery, Wash. Co. VA.
In Memory of Samuel 1st, with Sarah Colville Vance, his wife, both from Ireland, early in life. .
'We have travelled far & wide.
To come into this ground.
But in this place will abide.
Until the trump's last sound." Source: Vance Family Association, Family group sheet, Oct 1999 .
The following excerpt was in a letter sent to Dorothy Eaton Vance, Louisville, KY mailed Oct. 14, 1922 from Hart Vance of St Louis, MO. According to Hart's letter, the information came from James Vance of Abingdon, VA to his father, Morgan Brown Vance, dated April 31, 1863. .
"Samuel Vance came from Frederick Co. VA. Near Zane's Iron Works & settled in Washington Co. VA. In 1776. His wife's family name was Colville. .
Samuel had five sons, to-wit: David, John, Robert, Joseph & Samuel. He had daughters. 2.-John lived & died in Sullivan Co. & raised a large family of sons & daughters. One of his sons lived near Papersville, Sullivan Co. One son, Thomas, settled in Rutherford Co. TN & raised a large family. 3.-Robert settled not far from Pittsburgh in OH; & was a captain in the campaigns of 1777 & 1778 & got land for his services. He lived in a log cabin with a dirt floor. A son of his is said to be living at the mouth of Kentucky River. 4.-Joseph settled & died in Sevier Co. TN without family. 5.-Samuel lived in Washington Co. VA. And died in 1838, leaving six sons, namely: John-now living near Bristol, Quite an old man; Samuel-who died in Clarksville, TN- 0ne of his daughters married Robson Topp of Memphis-Robert-died in Clarksville. He left but one child, a daughter married to General Ghotson. James, married Millie Balfour. They have four children, to-wit: Samuel, James, Eliza, now married to James W. Gibson of Abington, & Amelia. Andrew-Iived at Clarksville & died in TX leaving a family now at Clarksville (two of the sons, Walter 0. & John in Confederate Navy). David, the youngest settled in Shelby Co. TN & died leaving four Daughters & four Sons-Daughter of David, named Jane P . Margaret, & Louisa & Elizabeth, twins; sons of David, named Samuel, died without issue, Nathaniel, died without issue, Leander, lives with his mother near Memphis, Robert, died young. .
The above information given by James Vance who lives two-and-a-half miles from Abingdon, VA. April 31, 1863. .
Samuel, the first had daughters. One married a man named Vale & they had 18 sons & lived on the Muskingum in OH; one, named Margaret, married Lusk & he died & she married James Piper. Lusk lived in Warren Co. One, named Sarah, married Blackburn & he was killed at the battle of Kings Mountain. .
James Vance the informant had a daughter, Ann, who married James Biddle. John V. Biddle is her son. .
The forgoing seems to be the ultimate result of my Father's quest for information, begun in the letter from which I sent you yesterday. The inscription on my great-grandfather's grave at Abingdon probably afford the best information on him to be had. .
S. Hart 10-15-22" .
"James Vance, listed as the informant, was the son of Samuel Vance II & Margaret Laughlin. A copy of his family bible was found in the Historical Society of Washington Co., VA, so there is a good accounting of his children. Ann Vance who married James Biddle is not James I daughter. At present, we do not know who Ann was, nor have any records been found for her. Hart Vance apparently omitted information about David in his letter, as he starts with #2-John Vance. There are some errors in this account which should be pointed out. Elizabeth Vance married George Blackburn, both are mentioned in Samuel's will. George Blackburn died in 1778, well before the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought. Sarah Vance married John Vail, records show they had a total of 15 children. Margaret Vance's first husband was William Lusk; they lived in VA & NC until William's death. Their youngest son, William Lusk lived in Warren Co. TN.".
Children of SAMUEL VANCE and SARAH COLVILLE are:
i. ROBERT "CAPTAIN"3 VANCE, b. Abt. 1729, Winchester, Frederick Co. VA; d. 20 May 1818, Coraopolis, Allegheny Co. PA; m. JEAN WHITE, 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA; b. Abt. 1746, Culpepper Co. TN; d. May 1834, Holidays Cove, Hancock Co. WV.Notes for R.
OBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
" Robert Vance apparently left Frederick County as a fairly young man and settled on the Ohio River in Moon Township, in what is now Allegheny Co., PA, northeast of Pittsburgh. (This area was claimed by Virginia until 1785, when it became part of Pennsylvania.) Robert built a stockade around his home which was called "Vances Fort". Later a town developed in this area, called Vances Fort until the late 1880's, when it was renamed Coraopolis. His land was a gift from Henry Montour, named "Oughsaragh" on early maps, but was never titled to Robert. Robert was one of the founding members of the Montours Presbyterian Church. He is often referred to as Captain Robert Vance for his service during the Revolutionary War. Some confusion about his military service exists, mentioned are the 13th VA Regiment; 9th VA Regiment and 7th VA Regiment. There are indications that Robert resigned after 1780 and formed his own company. Robert' s descendants claim he was born about 1736 (?). He died 20 May 1818 at Vances Fort, Moon Township, Allegheny Co., PA. Robert is buried at Montours Church Cemetery, Coraopolis, PA. Although Robert died intestate, a will appeared in the possession of one of his descendants, long after his estate had been settled. (See Wills-Robert Vance in documentation.) Robert married Jean White on 20 March 1775. Jean was born about 1746 and died at the home ofher son, John, in May 1834 at Holidays Cove, Hancock Co., WV. Jean is buried at Three Springs Cemetery in an unmarked grave, Weirton, WV.".
Vance Family Association... Mary Norfleet.
The following letter was written by Robert Vance to his brother, Samuel Vance II from a pencil copy sent by Kate Lamar Hunt (descendant of Samuel II) to Mrs. Durham. " 1792 August 2, Allegheny County Pa..
" Sir: .
I take this opportunity to write to let you know that I and my wife and family is well and I hope the few lines may find you and family injoying the like mercies, which we ought to thank God for. I don't know what to write or on wheat subject. I am in a great hurry and the hay is spoiling, perhaps that was the case with you, if you could not write with Uncle Evans. I dont know how it is with you, but 1 have a grate family that keeps me very busy. We have eleven of a family and I am growing old and not able to do much, but the boys is growing up to help me, and I have no reason to complain. I would ben glad that you had wrote to me to let me know how you were and how many children you had, we have seven living and two dead. I thought to have ben out to have seen Mother and all my friends in that County but the war and other things has prevented it hitherto. I don't know how it may be in time to come, but let that be as it may, you and I are on our journey that we must perform and it is a business of great moment. Oh Sam, let you and I be very busy and end up and doing while it is day, for the night cometh wherein No man can work. There is no work done in the grave where we are fast a hastening, let us try to make our Call & Election sure by getting an interest in Jesus Christ and a hiding place to cover us from the wrath of God, that will surely evertake a Christless World. I hope you will set a pious and Exemplery Life before your Children, for example is more powerful than precept, and heads of familys have a great charge, the charge of precious souls, the value of one of which is worth more than ten thousand worlds. May God grant his Grace to each of us and able us to discharge every duty incumbent on us, and prepare us here in the Kingdom of Grace for the enjoyment of himself in the Kingdom of his Glory. Give my best respects to your wife and your children and I conclude. .
Subscribe myself you affectionate brother Robert Vance .
N.B. My wife joyns in her respects to your wife and family." .
Source: Vance Family Association....
In the name of God, Amane I Robert Vance of allegany County and State of pencyIvania Beeing Weeke of Body But of Sound mind and memory do make and ordain this instrument which is Signed With myown hand to be my last Will and instrument. imprimes all my debts is to Be spedily and punctuly paid ofT By my Excutors hearin after mentioned The Rest of my Estate to Be Disposed of as follows Item, to my Dearly Beloved Wife Jean Vance The Whole of my Estate Real and personel during her naturel life Except So much of it as has been hearin above Spacially disposed of. Item, after the deseas of my wife it is my Will and desire that that my Reale Estate Should be divided among those hearafter mentioned in Seven Equel Shares and Equilised in the folIoing manner. .1. .E ..Each ofmy Children Which is named as divses of my Estate to Chose one good intilligant freeholder Recidend in alleghy County and state afore said to meet and divid Equlise Said Shares so as e give the one that has the Worst Share money to make his Share Equil to the Best this being done Eash of the devses to draw lots for their shares or Lotts as thay Can agree that they may not Enter into law. I Bequeth to the following persons & their & heirs For Ever to David Samul Robert John William & Andrew my sons & my Daughter Sarah Forgason & to Jean Mccabe My daughter and Her heirs James Harry and Robert Vance Mccabe I Bequeth five hundred Dollers to each of them to be paid out ofmy Estate as soon as the Can get the Business of the Estate aranged and to pay land or same in money which ever may Suit Best and to my Sons Davids five Motherless Children Robert Mary Ellxander Samul and Joseph Each of them I Bequeth forty Dollers to be paid in Money and lastly I do Constute and appoint David Vance and andrew Vance Excutors of this my last Will and testement. This twenty seond day of January 1818. .
Samuel Grail John Nesbitt (Witnesses) .
Robt Vance.
JAN 2002.
More About ROBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
Alternate birth date: 1728, Richard Thomas/Vance Association.
Burial: May 1818, Montours Cem. Allegheny Co. PA.
Letter 1: 2 August 1792, Letter of Capt. Robert Vance to brother, Samuel Vance speaks of mother, Sarah still living..
Letter 2: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
Military: Lt. in the 13th VA & Capt. in the 9th VA Calvary.
Research: Research on Robert Vance from Robert G. Vance, Cleveland, OH, Vance Newsletter July 1987 & Jan 1988.
Residence 1: Winchester, Frederick Co. VA-[Vance's Fort now-Carapolis, Allegheny Co. PA.
Residence 2: Allegheny Co. PA.
Source 1: Vance Association.
More About JEAN WHITE:
Burial: May 1834, Three Springs Cemetery, Weirton, WV.
More About ROBERT VANCE and JEAN WHITE:
Marriage: 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA.
ii. SARAH VANCE, b. Bet. 1740 - 1758; d. 10 November 1813, Coshocton Co. OH; m. JOHN VAIL, Abt. 1765; b. Abt. 1741, NJ; d. 28 March 1817, Mifflin Twp. Richland Co. OH.Notes for SARAH VANCE:
"Sarah Vance was likely born between1740 and 1756. Sarah married John Vail/Vaile/Veale about 1767. John Vail was born between 1740-1750 in New Jersey. Frederick County, VA records show John Veal was a chain carrier in a survey for Isaac Zane on 17 December 1774. By 1780, Sarah and John were living in Westmoreland Co., PA. On May 241785 John Vail received a patent to Warrantee 219 1/2 acres named "Radnor" in Moon Township Allegheny Co, PA very near Sarah's brother, Robert Vance. On 5 June 1794, John Veal and Sarah Vial his wife sold "Radnor" to John Dickenson. On 7 April 1802, John and Sarah purchased " Allepo" from Jonathan and Mary Leet which was situated across the Ohio River from their former residence. On 20 April 1802, they sold " Allepo" and by 1807, John and Sarah had moved to Trumbull County, OH. Later were living in Coshocton Co., OH, where Sarah Vance Vail died 10 November 1813. John Vail married again on 4 April 1816 to Amy Church Copus. John died between 26 March and 13 May 1817 and is buried in the Peterson Vail Cemetery, Richland Co. OH".
@.
More About JOHN VANCE:
Deed 1: 1783, Sullivan Co. TN, purchased land.
Letter 1: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter... "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
John Vance was probably buried on his farm in Washington County, VA. While the actual burial site for John Vance remains unknown, there is a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
I have included information below from a contributor on ancestry.com. This is not my work: I include this to honor the Vance family and hope that descendants will find the information and expand their own research when they discover their heroic family. VC
The Will of Samuel Vance-
"In the name of God Amen I Samuel Vance of Washington County in the Commonwealth of Virginia being in perfect health both of mind and memory blessed be God for his mercies; but calling to mind the mortality of my body and that I was born to die; Do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament. That is to say, principally and first of all I do recommend my soul to Almighty God who gave it and my body to the earth, to be buried in a Christian and decent manner at the descretion of my executors nothing doubting but at the last day I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God. And as touching my worldly affairs wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me with this life I shall dispose of the same in the following manner and form. Item, I give and bequeath unto my well beloved wife Sarah Vance two hundred pounds cash and all the movables in the house money excepted. I also give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Margaret Lusk the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my beloved son David Vance the sum of Fifty pounds cash. I also give and bequeath unto my well beloved daughter Elizabeth Blackburn the sum of Fifteen pounds cash and the remainder of my estate after my debts are paid to be equally divided between my nine children. And also the land I now live on I leave and bequeath to my well beloved sons Samuel Vance and George Blackburn whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament and I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul all and every other Testament wills legacies Bequests Executors by me any way before named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this thriy first day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven and seventy eight. .
Signed Sealed Published pronouced & declared by the said.
Samuel Vance his last Will & Testament in the presence of Samuel Vance seal.
us who his Presence & in the Presences of each other have .
hereunto subscribed our Names-----.
Arthur Blackburn.
John Blackburn.
John (his mark) Cusick.
At a Court held for Wash. Co the 18th day of August 1778 This last Will & Testament of Samuel Vance deceased was exhibited in Court approved by the oathe of John Blackburn & John Cusisk ordered to be recorded. Test John Campbell Clk Court" Dated 31 Mar 1778 Names wife, Sarah, daus. Margaret Lusk & Elizabeth Blackburn, sons, David & Samuel "My nine children"-not all named.
Tombstone inscription in Sinking Spring Cemetery, Wash. Co. VA.
In Memory of Samuel 1st, with Sarah Colville Vance, his wife, both from Ireland, early in life. .
'We have travelled far & wide.
To come into this ground.
But in this place will abide.
Until the trump's last sound." Source: Vance Family Association, Family group sheet, Oct 1999 .
The following excerpt was in a letter sent to Dorothy Eaton Vance, Louisville, KY mailed Oct. 14, 1922 from Hart Vance of St Louis, MO. According to Hart's letter, the information came from James Vance of Abingdon, VA to his father, Morgan Brown Vance, dated April 31, 1863. .
"Samuel Vance came from Frederick Co. VA. Near Zane's Iron Works & settled in Washington Co. VA. In 1776. His wife's family name was Colville. .
Samuel had five sons, to-wit: David, John, Robert, Joseph & Samuel. He had daughters. 2.-John lived & died in Sullivan Co. & raised a large family of sons & daughters. One of his sons lived near Papersville, Sullivan Co. One son, Thomas, settled in Rutherford Co. TN & raised a large family. 3.-Robert settled not far from Pittsburgh in OH; & was a captain in the campaigns of 1777 & 1778 & got land for his services. He lived in a log cabin with a dirt floor. A son of his is said to be living at the mouth of Kentucky River. 4.-Joseph settled & died in Sevier Co. TN without family. 5.-Samuel lived in Washington Co. VA. And died in 1838, leaving six sons, namely: John-now living near Bristol, Quite an old man; Samuel-who died in Clarksville, TN- 0ne of his daughters married Robson Topp of Memphis-Robert-died in Clarksville. He left but one child, a daughter married to General Ghotson. James, married Millie Balfour. They have four children, to-wit: Samuel, James, Eliza, now married to James W. Gibson of Abington, & Amelia. Andrew-Iived at Clarksville & died in TX leaving a family now at Clarksville (two of the sons, Walter 0. & John in Confederate Navy). David, the youngest settled in Shelby Co. TN & died leaving four Daughters & four Sons-Daughter of David, named Jane P . Margaret, & Louisa & Elizabeth, twins; sons of David, named Samuel, died without issue, Nathaniel, died without issue, Leander, lives with his mother near Memphis, Robert, died young. .
The above information given by James Vance who lives two-and-a-half miles from Abingdon, VA. April 31, 1863. .
Samuel, the first had daughters. One married a man named Vale & they had 18 sons & lived on the Muskingum in OH; one, named Margaret, married Lusk & he died & she married James Piper. Lusk lived in Warren Co. One, named Sarah, married Blackburn & he was killed at the battle of Kings Mountain. .
James Vance the informant had a daughter, Ann, who married James Biddle. John V. Biddle is her son. .
The forgoing seems to be the ultimate result of my Father's quest for information, begun in the letter from which I sent you yesterday. The inscription on my great-grandfather's grave at Abingdon probably afford the best information on him to be had. .
S. Hart 10-15-22" .
"James Vance, listed as the informant, was the son of Samuel Vance II & Margaret Laughlin. A copy of his family bible was found in the Historical Society of Washington Co., VA, so there is a good accounting of his children. Ann Vance who married James Biddle is not James I daughter. At present, we do not know who Ann was, nor have any records been found for her. Hart Vance apparently omitted information about David in his letter, as he starts with #2-John Vance. There are some errors in this account which should be pointed out. Elizabeth Vance married George Blackburn, both are mentioned in Samuel's will. George Blackburn died in 1778, well before the Battle of Kings Mountain was fought. Sarah Vance married John Vail, records show they had a total of 15 children. Margaret Vance's first husband was William Lusk; they lived in VA & NC until William's death. Their youngest son, William Lusk lived in Warren Co. TN.".
Children of SAMUEL VANCE and SARAH COLVILLE are:
i. ROBERT "CAPTAIN"3 VANCE, b. Abt. 1729, Winchester, Frederick Co. VA; d. 20 May 1818, Coraopolis, Allegheny Co. PA; m. JEAN WHITE, 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA; b. Abt. 1746, Culpepper Co. TN; d. May 1834, Holidays Cove, Hancock Co. WV.Notes for R.
OBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
" Robert Vance apparently left Frederick County as a fairly young man and settled on the Ohio River in Moon Township, in what is now Allegheny Co., PA, northeast of Pittsburgh. (This area was claimed by Virginia until 1785, when it became part of Pennsylvania.) Robert built a stockade around his home which was called "Vances Fort". Later a town developed in this area, called Vances Fort until the late 1880's, when it was renamed Coraopolis. His land was a gift from Henry Montour, named "Oughsaragh" on early maps, but was never titled to Robert. Robert was one of the founding members of the Montours Presbyterian Church. He is often referred to as Captain Robert Vance for his service during the Revolutionary War. Some confusion about his military service exists, mentioned are the 13th VA Regiment; 9th VA Regiment and 7th VA Regiment. There are indications that Robert resigned after 1780 and formed his own company. Robert' s descendants claim he was born about 1736 (?). He died 20 May 1818 at Vances Fort, Moon Township, Allegheny Co., PA. Robert is buried at Montours Church Cemetery, Coraopolis, PA. Although Robert died intestate, a will appeared in the possession of one of his descendants, long after his estate had been settled. (See Wills-Robert Vance in documentation.) Robert married Jean White on 20 March 1775. Jean was born about 1746 and died at the home ofher son, John, in May 1834 at Holidays Cove, Hancock Co., WV. Jean is buried at Three Springs Cemetery in an unmarked grave, Weirton, WV.".
Vance Family Association... Mary Norfleet.
The following letter was written by Robert Vance to his brother, Samuel Vance II from a pencil copy sent by Kate Lamar Hunt (descendant of Samuel II) to Mrs. Durham. " 1792 August 2, Allegheny County Pa..
" Sir: .
I take this opportunity to write to let you know that I and my wife and family is well and I hope the few lines may find you and family injoying the like mercies, which we ought to thank God for. I don't know what to write or on wheat subject. I am in a great hurry and the hay is spoiling, perhaps that was the case with you, if you could not write with Uncle Evans. I dont know how it is with you, but 1 have a grate family that keeps me very busy. We have eleven of a family and I am growing old and not able to do much, but the boys is growing up to help me, and I have no reason to complain. I would ben glad that you had wrote to me to let me know how you were and how many children you had, we have seven living and two dead. I thought to have ben out to have seen Mother and all my friends in that County but the war and other things has prevented it hitherto. I don't know how it may be in time to come, but let that be as it may, you and I are on our journey that we must perform and it is a business of great moment. Oh Sam, let you and I be very busy and end up and doing while it is day, for the night cometh wherein No man can work. There is no work done in the grave where we are fast a hastening, let us try to make our Call & Election sure by getting an interest in Jesus Christ and a hiding place to cover us from the wrath of God, that will surely evertake a Christless World. I hope you will set a pious and Exemplery Life before your Children, for example is more powerful than precept, and heads of familys have a great charge, the charge of precious souls, the value of one of which is worth more than ten thousand worlds. May God grant his Grace to each of us and able us to discharge every duty incumbent on us, and prepare us here in the Kingdom of Grace for the enjoyment of himself in the Kingdom of his Glory. Give my best respects to your wife and your children and I conclude. .
Subscribe myself you affectionate brother Robert Vance .
N.B. My wife joyns in her respects to your wife and family." .
Source: Vance Family Association....
In the name of God, Amane I Robert Vance of allegany County and State of pencyIvania Beeing Weeke of Body But of Sound mind and memory do make and ordain this instrument which is Signed With myown hand to be my last Will and instrument. imprimes all my debts is to Be spedily and punctuly paid ofT By my Excutors hearin after mentioned The Rest of my Estate to Be Disposed of as follows Item, to my Dearly Beloved Wife Jean Vance The Whole of my Estate Real and personel during her naturel life Except So much of it as has been hearin above Spacially disposed of. Item, after the deseas of my wife it is my Will and desire that that my Reale Estate Should be divided among those hearafter mentioned in Seven Equel Shares and Equilised in the folIoing manner. .1. .E ..Each ofmy Children Which is named as divses of my Estate to Chose one good intilligant freeholder Recidend in alleghy County and state afore said to meet and divid Equlise Said Shares so as e give the one that has the Worst Share money to make his Share Equil to the Best this being done Eash of the devses to draw lots for their shares or Lotts as thay Can agree that they may not Enter into law. I Bequeth to the following persons & their & heirs For Ever to David Samul Robert John William & Andrew my sons & my Daughter Sarah Forgason & to Jean Mccabe My daughter and Her heirs James Harry and Robert Vance Mccabe I Bequeth five hundred Dollers to each of them to be paid out ofmy Estate as soon as the Can get the Business of the Estate aranged and to pay land or same in money which ever may Suit Best and to my Sons Davids five Motherless Children Robert Mary Ellxander Samul and Joseph Each of them I Bequeth forty Dollers to be paid in Money and lastly I do Constute and appoint David Vance and andrew Vance Excutors of this my last Will and testement. This twenty seond day of January 1818. .
Samuel Grail John Nesbitt (Witnesses) .
Robt Vance.
JAN 2002.
More About ROBERT "CAPTAIN" VANCE:
Alternate birth date: 1728, Richard Thomas/Vance Association.
Burial: May 1818, Montours Cem. Allegheny Co. PA.
Letter 1: 2 August 1792, Letter of Capt. Robert Vance to brother, Samuel Vance speaks of mother, Sarah still living..
Letter 2: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
Military: Lt. in the 13th VA & Capt. in the 9th VA Calvary.
Research: Research on Robert Vance from Robert G. Vance, Cleveland, OH, Vance Newsletter July 1987 & Jan 1988.
Residence 1: Winchester, Frederick Co. VA-[Vance's Fort now-Carapolis, Allegheny Co. PA.
Residence 2: Allegheny Co. PA.
Source 1: Vance Association.
More About JEAN WHITE:
Burial: May 1834, Three Springs Cemetery, Weirton, WV.
More About ROBERT VANCE and JEAN WHITE:
Marriage: 20 March 1775, Culpepper Co. VA.
ii. SARAH VANCE, b. Bet. 1740 - 1758; d. 10 November 1813, Coshocton Co. OH; m. JOHN VAIL, Abt. 1765; b. Abt. 1741, NJ; d. 28 March 1817, Mifflin Twp. Richland Co. OH.Notes for SARAH VANCE:
"Sarah Vance was likely born between1740 and 1756. Sarah married John Vail/Vaile/Veale about 1767. John Vail was born between 1740-1750 in New Jersey. Frederick County, VA records show John Veal was a chain carrier in a survey for Isaac Zane on 17 December 1774. By 1780, Sarah and John were living in Westmoreland Co., PA. On May 241785 John Vail received a patent to Warrantee 219 1/2 acres named "Radnor" in Moon Township Allegheny Co, PA very near Sarah's brother, Robert Vance. On 5 June 1794, John Veal and Sarah Vial his wife sold "Radnor" to John Dickenson. On 7 April 1802, John and Sarah purchased " Allepo" from Jonathan and Mary Leet which was situated across the Ohio River from their former residence. On 20 April 1802, they sold " Allepo" and by 1807, John and Sarah had moved to Trumbull County, OH. Later were living in Coshocton Co., OH, where Sarah Vance Vail died 10 November 1813. John Vail married again on 4 April 1816 to Amy Church Copus. John died between 26 March and 13 May 1817 and is buried in the Peterson Vail Cemetery, Richland Co. OH".
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More About JOHN VANCE:
Deed 1: 1783, Sullivan Co. TN, purchased land.
Letter 1: John Vance of NC To brother, Rob't Vance in PA, from the letter... "your sister margarets oldest daughter is maryed to uncal Samuel Colvils oldest son Joseph". This is the first indication that Sarah Colville & Sam'l Colville were brother & sister..
John Vance was probably buried on his farm in Washington County, VA. While the actual burial site for John Vance remains unknown, there is a Memorial Stone in his honor in the Cantrell Gilliand Memorial Garden. May this memorial serve as an expression of the gratitude we owe him for braving the unknown to help build a new country: our America.
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