“Colonial American” Mings/Menzies heritage

Date: 15 Jun 2024 [unknown]
Location: North Carolina, United States
Surnames/tags: Menzies Mings, Minnes, Minzes

Colonial American Mings/Menzies Family Rev. 2 June 05, 2024

Submitted by William Mings © All content on this page is subject to copyright of William Mings.

The surname Mings is one of eighteen official alternate spellings (septs) for the Scottish Highland Clan Menzies (originally pronounced Mingus). Until yDNA studies became available, the Scottish origin of the “Colonial American” Mings surname was based on an 1889 published county history in Missouri written by William C. Mings (b.1831) and family oral traditions of Scottish origins, like the one from Robert Alvis Mings (b.1867). The surname in records is consistently spelled Mings since about 1850. Between 1750 and 1850 it was occasionally spelled Menzies, but more often Mings, Minzes, Minnes (along with various misspellings of Menzies surname or septs).

Availability of yDNA testing has provided a means by which the history of the Colonial American Mings lineage is being reconstructed and scientifically verified. The Menzies Surname Project has identified a total of three separate lineages, including our own, with a common ancestor in Scotland believed to be one or two generations prior to our immigrant ancestor. There are now three paper trails to follow, greatly improving the likelihood of reconstructing our shared Scottish history.

Autumn Drive To Village Church Dull Highland Perthshire Scotland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT3srEZXbn4

In 2006 yDNA testing revealed paternal history and relatedness unavailable from any paper trail:

• R1a Haplogroup origins in east Central Asia (Central Asian “Horse Tribes”)

• Migration, to Western Scandinavia, likely prior to 800 BC (current day Norway)

• Migration to Western Scotland/Dal Riata (circa 800 AD Norse “Viking” invasion)

• Extensive Scottish Norse-Gael R1a matches especially in Western Highlands and Isles

• Significant yDNA match to Clan Donald’s five surviving clan chiefs’ R1a lineages

• Significant yDNA match to Clan MacAlister’s and Clan MacDougall’s R1a lineages.

Clan Donald has yDNA verified paper trails for clan chiefs of five different branches. All go back to a common ancestor with Clan MacAlister and Clan MacDougall. That common ancestor is Somerled (Norwegian for “summer sailing”, i.e. raiding). He was a significant historical figure in the Scottish islands and highlands. He died in 1164 AD. By testing yDNA their paper trail was scientifically validated and expanded to other clans and multiple individuals, who had no other way of reconstructing their family history but for yDNA studies. The Donald yDNA Project (currently with over 2000 participants) has been able to use yDNA studies to further reconstruct Somerled R1a reliably to 111 STR (Short Tandem Repeat) markers, as well as find additional SNP (Single-Nucleotide polymorphism) markers from the “Big Y” test.

Most Scottish males have R1b yDNA. The R1a haplotype is a minority of Scottish males, even in large clans like Donald. Found in several clans, this “Scottish Subcluster” is positive for the R1a-L176.1 subclade. Preceding this marker by a millennium, is the predominately Norse R1a-L448 subclade, identified as “Young Scandinavian.”

The yDNA marker YP327 likely first occurred in an immediate ancestor of Somerled. It is believed marker YP326 may have occurred in Somerled himself or one of his immediate descendants. The “Colonial American” Mings descendants who have tested to that level of detail, are YP327. However, many of their close Big Y matches are YP326.That indicates branching of our Mings R1a line from a close ancestor of Somerled, possibly his father (Gillebride, who by tradition was a MacInnes clan chief) or his grandfather (Gilledomnan).

Norse R1a article from Eupedia/genetics

In 2003, an Oxford University scientist traced the Y-chromosome signature of Somerled of Argyll (1100-1164), a military and political leader of the Scottish Isles of Norse-Gaelic descent. Somerled drove the Vikings out of Scotland and became King of Mann and the Isles. He was the founder of Clan Somhairle, the father of the founder of Clan MacDougall, and the paternal grandfather of the founder of Clan Donald (which includes the MacDonalds and MacAlisters). The researcher reported that the tested members of these clans with a confirmed paper trail all belonged to the Norwegian variety of R1a-L448, and more specifically to the subclade L176.1, which to date has been found almost exclusively among the descendants of Somerled. In 2005, geneticist Bryan Sykes asked for DNA samples from clan chiefs (Lord Godfrey Macdonald, Sir Ian Macdonald of Sleat, Ranald MacDonald of Clan Ranald, William McAlester of Loup and Ranald MacDonnell of Glengary) to complete the project, and all matched the presumed Somerled haplotype. Not all Macdonalds, MacAlisters and MacDougalls are descended from Somerled though. The majority (about 70%) are members of the Celtic Haplogroup R1b.

https://www.eupedia.com/europe/Haplogroup_R1a_Y-DNA.shtml

Menzies Surname Project

The following excerpt from the FTDNA Menzies Surname Project (Background section) may provide insight into the variety of ways the “Colonial American” Mings/Menzies surname was spelled and misspelled in records during the 100 years between 1750 and 1850.

Many European surnames beginning with "Ming" or "Menz" pronunciation are Celtic in origin. The majority of these originate with the Clan Menzies surname and related septs. This is due to the Scots language using the non-Latin "yogh" character that had a soft guttural sound. It was shaped like a cursive 'g' or 'z' and used as a hyphen between two syllables.

When printing presses increased during the 1600's, a 'z' was often used to represent the yogh. As a result: "the pronunciation of Menzies varies across Scotland: in the north, many still use the -enz version; elsewhere, it is -ing. So the Scottish newsagent chain is referred to as both John Menzies and John Mingis."

www.Heraldscotland.com/news/12445138.Linguistic_quirk_puts_the_apos_ing_apos_in_Menzies

Menzies Official Septs

In addition to the Menzies surname, there are eighteen official surname septs: Minnis, Means, Mingus, Minges, Mings, and Mengues (all originally pronounced as "Mingus”) as well as Menzie, Monzie, Meyners, Minn, Mein, Mennie, Monies, Dewar, MacMinn, MacMonies, MacMinnis, MacMeans.

www.menzies.org/history/clanandsepts.htm

There are various unofficial or alternate spellings that may represent a shared genetic heritage in Clan Menzies:

MacAndeoir, MacIndeoir, MacIndeor, MacIndoer, MacJore, MacKmunish, MacMean, MacMein, MacMeinn, MacMen, MacMenzies, MacMin, MacMina,MacMine, MacMindes, MacMinne, MacMinnies, MacMonnies, MacMyn, MacMyne, MacMynneis, McMenzies, McMenzie, Mainzies, Makmunish, Makmynnes, Manzie, Manzies, Maynhers, McMindes, McMinds, Mean, Meanie, Meanies, Megnies, Meignees,Meigneis, Meigners, Meignerys, Meignes, Meignez, Meine, Meineris, Meingnes,Meingzeis, Meingzes, Meinn, Meinyeis, Meinyies, Meinzeis, Meinzies, Menees, Mengyeis, Mengzeis, Mengzes, Mengzies, Mennes, Menyas, Menyeis, Menyheis, Menyhes, Menzas, Menzeis, Menzes, Menzeys, Menzheis, Menzhers, Menzis, Meygners, Meygnes, Meyneiss, Meyner, Meyneris, Meyness, Miners, Mingie, Minnish, Minnus, Minze, Minzes, Monsie, Munnies. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan_Menzies

Two documents written by William C. Mings (b.1831) which provide particularly important details about the “Colonial American” Mings/Menzies heritage. 1.-Excerpt: From "History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps and Dent Counties, Missouri" The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1889.

Old World Map

Col. William C. Mings, of Montgomery Township, Wright County, Mo., was born in Madison County, Ky., on the Kentucky River, December 17, 1831, son of George Wolfscale and Pollie (Kanatzar) Mings. The paternal grandfather was born in Charleston, S. C., April 10, 1754, and was one of the pioneers of Kentucky. He was married in North Carolina, and died in Illinois April 14, 1849. He was a Revolutionary soldier; was at the battle of Brandywine, and received a pension from the Government for services rendered. The great-grandfather was born in Scotland, but immigrated to America, and was with the colonial soldiers at Braddock's defeat. He had three sons: Joseph, Alexander and James...

http://files.usgwarchives.net/mo/wright/bios/m5200011.txt

2.-Excerpt: Handwritten Note by William C. Mings

This is an excerpt from a transcript of a four page handwritten note by William C. Mings. (In 1978, a photocopy of original handwritten letter was obtained from Marie Sewell, gg-granddaughter of William C Mings).

My great grand Father Andrew Mings was born in Scotland and died in Rowan Co., North Carolina. He had three sons: Joseph born in Charlston South Carolina April 10th 1755, died in Saline county Illinois April 14th 1849; Alexander whom follow Daniel Boon to Kentucky then to Missouri and in crossing the Mississipi droped the letter S from his name & spelled it Ming; and James the last known of him he was with the Indians at Tilaco Blackh--- about 1782. My grand Father Joseph Mings was said to have twenty children by I can not account for but fourteen. Seven boys & seven girls. The boys Joseph who Dutched his name and spelled Minzes, James, Daniel, William, George Wolfscale,and Jacob. The girls were Nancy married Saml. Parriah, Margaret married ----- Cornelison, Polly married Benj. Taylor, Elizabeth married Saml. W. Owens, Sally married Brooks Perdue, Martha married Ervin Savage, and Susan married Oliver Stutton. My Father Geo. W. Mings married Polly Kanatzar... Signed William Christopher Mings http://osborne-origins.org/l-k-osborne/mings/misc.htm

Conclusion based on History by William C. Mings and documentary evidence

The original Mings/Menzies immigrant to America came from Scotland prior to 1755; the year he was at Braddock’s defeat and year of his oldest son Joseph’s birth. His family called him Andrew, but no legal documents have been found with that name. This could mean it was a “given” first or middle name that was simply not used for legal documents. It may have been a family or familiar “nickname” common among the Scots-Irish. However, there are multiple colonial records for James Mings/Menzies /Minzes /Minness (and other variant spellings) all rarely used but for him and his family in that particular time and place. Records show James, and his wife Susannah to be in close proximity to Joseph, Alexander and James. The surname spellings and variants used were unique to these very few individuals in the areas where they lived, making the shared surname variants and close proximity significant.

There is evidence James Mings/Menzies fought in French and Indian war. He received a Royal Land Grant for 200 acres, the amount given to non-commissioned officers. (After Royal Proclamation of October 7, 1763, royal land grants were only given for military service.)

James Mings married Susannah Pattison, Sept. 7, 1750. Joseph was born in the Charleston District in 1755, three months before James was at Braddock’s defeat. After he was discharged, they lived in eastern South Carolina; Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw, where he was church caretaker (sexton) and later at Parish St. James Santee where he was listed as a peddler. They then acquired land in the Piedmont area. Records show a number of land transactions in an area overlapping both sides of South and North Carolina border. James and his son Joseph were both taxed in Rowan Co. N.C. in 1778. Both signed the colonial loyalty oath the same day, 08/05/1778. Joseph became a Revolutionary soldier. By1810 Susannah/Susan is an older woman with her own household close to son Alexander’s household in Richland Co. SC.

The report that the wife of “Andrew” (believed to be Susannah wife of James Mings/Menzies) was already in Charleston, SC district when Joseph was born in 1755, raises the possibility James “Andrew” was a soldier in a South Carolina Independent Company. Most South Carolina soldiers with Braddock served in an independent company under a British officer. Braddock had “262 men in three independent colonial companies” … “and 449 Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland troops” in addition to his 1445 British regulars. (“The French and Indian Wars” by Edward P. Hamilton, Doubleday & Co. 1962)

Comment: Is there evidence Revolutionary War veteran Joseph had more than 14 children?

James “Andrew” and Susannah had three sons. Joseph, the most prominent in the historical record and by all evidence the oldest, was born in 1755. He had 14 documented children from two documented marriages. William C. Mings reported his grandfather Joseph was said to have 20 children but he could only account for 14. Some of those unaccounted for could have been children that did not survive. Also, prior to Joseph’s first documented marriage to Margaret Buttrum (m.1779), after her death (d. 1787) and before his second documented marriage (m. 1794) there could potentially be undocumented marriages/children.

Genetic genealogy has shown Buttrum lineages with Buttrum surname but with Mings/Menzies yDNA. Buttrum genealogist Ginger Banner identified Margaret Buttrum’s brother and his wife (maiden name Patterson, possibly related to Joseph’s mother) living on an adjacent property to Joseph and Margaret Buttrum Mings. Both they and a nearby related Buttrum family had infant sons, circa 1790, whose lineages show Joseph’s paternal yDNA. A genealogical analysis of this type of nonpaternal event (NPE) makes this more likely to be due to regular union than irregular union, due to it involving name changes of at least two infant males in two different maternally related family households.

One regular union example would be an undocumented marriage after Margaret died to a woman (Buttram or otherwise) who then died after having two pregnancies or one twin pregnancy, followed by a frontier adoption by two different Buttrum families. The length of time between Margaret’s death and Joseph’s documented marriage in 1794 could support this.

Another regular union possibility is an incorrect recall or intentional mis-statement of when Margaret Buttrum Mings died, allowing for two more infants to be born to her. No death certificate for her or contemporaneous report has been found. The only record of her death was stated 60 years later on the Revolutionary War Widows Pension application by Joseph’s second documented wife, likely completed by her or her children. Given the more than half century timeframe, the possibility of error in the date is not insignificant. If she died a couple years later (circa 1789-1790) it could account for two separate births in close succession or a twin birth. On the frontier complicated births were often fatal.

After Margaret Buttrum Mings died, Joseph was working as a subsistence farmer and had to care for his four small children. If he remarried and his undocumented wife died after two children individually or as twins, it is unlike Joseph could provide for them. The same would be the case if Margaret’s death was actually in 1789 rather than 1787 and she died from complications after delivering twins. Either way, after Margaret’s death, an undocumented frontier adoption for two infants unable to be cared for by Joseph is a possible explanation.

Comment: Joseph’s younger brothers James Jr. and Alexander

James “Jr” was the son about which the William C. Mings knew very little. He was reported with the Indians in 1782 (at the end of the Revolutionary War) in the Tennessee River Valley (the site of the Tellico Blockhouse, built in 1794, a fort and well known landmark). There are historical accounts of Scots-Irish from the Piedmont hiding older children from the British with friendly Indians in this region (see histories about the founder of McMinn County TN). This information may provide a presumed age range for James and a reason for his situation.

Alexander lived in the vicinity of his mother (documented in Richland Co SC 1810 census) probably until she died, and then went to Wayne Co KY where Joseph and his family were located. Alexander is first listed on the Wayne Co tax list in 1817, p. 27, 53rd Regt. Ky Militia.

Alexander was also known as “Joseph”. The Scots did sometimes name siblings with one of their names each being the same (eg. one with a first name Joseph and the other with a middle name Joseph). Or it could be a “familiar” name commonly used by Scots. This can cause confusion in Wayne Co. KY when older brother Joseph, his son Joseph Jr. and Alexander Joseph were all living there. . Despite what William C. Mings said about Alexander dropping the “s” from his surname, there is no documentary evidence of Alexander doing so. However, two grandsons of Joseph (from his son Joseph Jr.) did drop the “s” from Minzes to “Minze” when they moved from Missouri to Texas in the 1880’s. (From correspondence with Raymond Minze).

Comment: One instance of name confusion for James and Susannah Mings

There was one case of a Minnis family history attempting to connect their James Minnis in Orange Co. SC to James Minzes/Minness, but the evidence does not support this. There is a James Minnis with land records in Orange Co. SC that is clearly not the same person as James with his surname spelled Minzes/Minness and wife Susanna found in the Prince Frederick Win Yaw Parrish record. James was sexton there from 1761 -1763. It is doubtful these records would be for James Minnis in Orange County who already had 346 acres in Granville District as a planter in 1761. A church caretaker (sexton) was often a person of good character but poor and in need of support. James “Andrew” Minzes was listed as a peddler before he started owning land in 1767.

Important document showing common Mings/ Menzies surname variants still in use in 1849

Petition for pension by Margaret Mings, widow of Joseph Mings

State of Illinois, Saline County Minns subcription --- on this fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty nine before the subscribers Judges of the County Commissioners Cort in and for said County and state personly appeared Margret Minns a resident of said County aged eighty four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to certain Widows that she is the Widow of Joseph Minns or Minzes who was a pensioner of the United States of the Revolutionary War upon the Rolls of Illinois in Gallatin County for ninety six dollars per annum but was transfered from Kentucky and she further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Minns or Minzes on or about the (blank) of November in the year seventeen hundred and ninty four in the County of Roan in the state of North Carolina by--- M---- and by ---- and that her name before Marriage was Margret Karnatser or Carnatser and that her husband Joseph Minns or Minzes aforesaid died on or about the fourteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and drew pay up to the 4th of March 1849 and that she still remains his Widow. She furthers swears that she was not married to the said Joseph Minns or Minzes prior to his joining the services but that the marriage took place prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred at the time about stated. Subscribed and sworn to before us in open Court this fourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty nine. She further states that the attatched fecundity record of Joseph Minns from his son James Minns born on the 22nd of April l796 to Jacob Minnes are the legitimate children of herself and the above mentioned Joseph Minnes and the said family record was written by a M?Cane soon after the birth of Jacob Minnes. Sworn to and subscribed before us this day and date above written.

Margaret (X) Minns Her mark

---

James Stricklin J R Norman and also before the said Court at the same time came George Gorden and Daniel Minnes and after being duly sworn upon them oathes depose and say that the above named Joseph Minns or Minzes is actualy dead and died on or about the fourteenth day of April 1849 and that the above named Margrett Minns is his reputed Widow. Sworn to and subscribed before us this 4th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.

---

George Gorden

James Stricklin C----- Daniel Minnes J R Norman Joseph Mings fecundity record: Joseph Mings was born April the 9th, 1755 and was married October 26, AD 1779 his wife died December the 27th, 1787

Margaret Mings daugter of Joseph Mings was born September the 8th, AD 1781 Ann Ming<sic> born December the 18th, AD 1783 Aaron Mings was born the 19th July, AD 1785 Joseph Mings, Jun. was born March the 23rd, AD 1787 James Mings was born April the 22, AD 1796 and died on the night of the 20th of July, AD 1807 Mary Mings was born October the 20th, AD 1797 Elizabeth Mings was born May the 26th, AD 1800 Sarah Mings was born September the 18th, AD 1801 Daniel Mings was born February the 11th, AD 1803 William Mings was born August the 16th, AD 1804 George Mings was born July the 16th, AD 1806 Martha Mings born December the 5th, AD 1807 Susannah Mings was born November the 22d, AD 1809 Jacob Mings was born March the 10th, AD 1811

http://osborne-origins.org/l-k-osborne/mings/misc.htm Comments: This Revolutionary War Widow’s pension petition by Joseph’s wife in 1849 shows the “Colonial American” Mings/Minzes surname spelled four different ways in the same document: Minzes (variant of sept name Menzies), Minns (variant of sept name Minn), Minnes (variant of sept name Minnis) Mings (official sept name for Clan Menzies). It was signed by Daniel Minnes aka, Daniel Mings. My family owned the homestead property where Daniel Mings (son of Joseph Mings.) lived while in Saline Co. Illinois. When asked about how he was related, my grandfather Robert Alvis Mings (b.1867) said Daniel was “some sort of cousin” to his father James J. Mings (b.1825, Wayne Co KY). This supports the documents by William C. Mings (b.1831) that Joseph and Alexander “Joseph” were brothers, thus making their children cousins. Note: The two witnesses who signed are Daniel Minnes, aka Mings, (son of Joseph Sr.) and George Gorden. Evidence of the connection between original Scottish immigrant James Minzes and Revolutionary soldier Joseph Minzes is James Minzies leasing land to James Gorden in1772 & George signing this document.

Chronological List of Records: From research by Harriett Maltby Mings, with thanks to Dwayne Meyer and Mary Fern Souder for additional records from Rowan County NC Paternal lineage of James “Andrew” Mings, his son, Alexander “Joseph” Mings, his son, James J. Mings, and his son Robert Alvis Mings

09/07/1750 James Mings & Susannah Pattison married (p. 80) The Register of Overwharton Parish, Stafford Co. VA 1723-1758 King - Am. Society of Genealogists 1961 09/07/1750 James Minge, Susannah Pattison (p.18) Susannah Pattison, James Mings (p.169) Marriages of some VA residents 1607-1800 Wulfeck – Vol II, Surnames I-Z 11/07/1751 William Patterson & James Minness carried chain in a survey of 400 A. for David Croket “whereon he lives” adj. Cornelius Bryson (p. 39) David Croket & James Minnes carried chain in survey for Hugh Miller junr. Land adj. to Wm Patterson and others. (p. 107) Wm Patterson & Jas Minness carried chain in survey for John Snodgrass assignee of Cornelius Bryson land adj. to David Croket (p.144) Abstract of VA Northern Neck Warrants & Surveys, Frederick Co.1747-1780 Vol II Joyner-copyright 1985 Note: William Jones and Jeremiah Smith listed as landowners in Virginia records from this time and area. These names also appear as neighbors to land James Mimzies/Minzies received as a Royal land grant in Craven Co, Sc in 1774. Note: Family surname spellings included Minnes on documents until about 1850 April 9,1755 Joseph Minzes born. (He died April 14,1849). Revolutionary Soldiers Buried in Illinois, By Harriet J. Walker, published 1917 Note: William C. Mings, wrote his grandfather was born April 10 (and his great-grandfather was born in Scotland, died in Rowan County, North Carolina. He said he was called Andrew (by his family). He documented his three sons: Joseph, James and Alexander.)

07/09/1755 James Mimzes/Minzes (or surname spelling variant) military service for which he received Royal Land Grant (given only for military service following Royal Edict of 1763) William C. Mings wrote that his great-grandfather fought as a colonial soldier, for the British, at Braddock’s Defeat. James Mimzes/Minzes received a Royal Land Grant, in the amount granted to non-commissioned officers for service in French & Indian War. (See comments above and the following land record dated 09/09/1774). History of Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Webster, Wright, Texas, Pulaski, Phelps and Dent Counties, Missouri, The Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1889.

11/16/1756 James Minnes unrecorded plat for land not granted, 100 acres on PeDee River, Craven Co., SC surveyed by Robert Edwards.( Possible failed attempt at headright grant). South Carolina Dept of Archives & History Note: This is not a royal grant but possible failed attempt for a headright grant. James Mimzies Royal Land Grant for French and Indian War service was 200 acres in Craven Co., St. Marks Parish, on Great Lynches Cr., Bordered by William Jones and Jeremiah Smith (1774). Note: Family surname spellings included Minnes on documents until about1850 01/23/1761 Minniss, Catherine daughter of James & Susanna born (p. 43) No further record found other than birth and baptism. Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916

06/10/1761 James Minness appointed as sexton. (p.169) Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916 06/15/1761 At vestry meeting James Minness paid 5 pounds to clean out the church (p.169) Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916

06/28/1761 Minniss, Catherine daughter of James & Susanna baptized Rev James Dormer (p. 43) No further records found other than birth and baptism. Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916 04/12/1762 James Minyis Ace* paid Mich’ Gary board 59 (p. 174) Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916 Note: The yogh (hyphen) in Scots language looks like cursive G or Z but is pronounced like a Y followed by a soft guttural G 05/13/1762 James Minzes as sexton & c pd. 7 Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916 Note: As sexton Surname spelled Minzes/Minness/Minniss/Minyis. 04/04/1763 Sexton duties taken over by others Register Book for the Parish Prince Frederick Win Yaw Nat’l Society Colonial Dames 1916

08/16/1764 (born)….11/28/1764 (baptized) James Son of James & Susanna Minzes, Pedler Parish Register St. James, Santee 1758-1788, The South Carolina Historical & Genealogical Magazine, January 1916 p.39-40The South Carolina Historical Society, Charlston S.C. 03/23/1765 James Menzies to appear in court of common pleas, Charlestown, SC said to owe Edward Jones & company 350 pounds-(appears to be for Peddler wares) 07/ 22./1765 James Menzies vs Edward Jones & Co. South Carolina Dept of Archives & History

08/13/1765 James Menzies vs Edward Jones & Co. 30 men to be drawn by ballot to determine damages due Edward Jones & Co. James Menzies to pay Edward Jones & Co 217 pounds 2 shillings, six South Carolina Dept of Archives & History 09/22/1765 Burial: James Minzes an Infant Note: Since their first son named James died as an infant, it is believed their next son was named James as a “name sake”. This means James, brother to Joseph and Alexander was born sometime after1765. Parish Register St. James, Santee 1758-1788, The South Carolina Historical & Genealogical Magazine, January 1916 p.75 The South Carolina Historical Society, Charlston S.C. 1765 Townsend, Paul, in trust for himself and others vs James Menzies, Judgment roll South Carolina Dept of Archives & History Series: S136002, Box: 062A, Item:0121A 05/29/1766 James Minzies from Edward Crawford (son of Archibald & Mary Crawford) county of Cumberland and Province of North Carolina 100 acres on south side of Little Rockfish Creek. Book 3 p.34 register of Deeds, Cumberland County Court House, Fayetteville, NC 02/19/1767 James Mims, Land grant for 100 acres in Craven County, South Carolina archives, Series S213019, Vol. 0014, Item:000 Note: not the royal grant 04/1768 James Minzes of Cumberland Co. NC 100 acres to Duncan Blue. Deed also signed by Susannah Minzes, Witness: Edward McPherson, John Duff & John Blue Cumberland County Court House, Fayetteville, NC O6/25/1768 James Minzes (James Mines) of Cumberland Co. NC deed of Conveyance from John & Mary Colson of Anson Co., NC for 150 acres in Mecklenburg Co., NC, Grantee Book Register of Deeds, Mecklinburg Co. Courthouse, Charlotte, NC 08/25/1768 John Hunt survivor of John Strickland owing 130 pounds to James Menzies South Carolina Dept of Archives & History, Columbia, SC South Carolina Judgment Rolls Series: s136002, Box: 083A, Item:0164A 01/26/1769 James Minzin/Menzen sold 150 acres.on Richardson Cr. Mecklinburg Co. NC To Titus Laney, Register of Deeds, Mecklinburg Co. Courthouse, Charlotte, NC book 5, p. 319 02/14/1769 Lease - Titus Laney to James Menzies - Lease on Wildcat Cr. 200 acres. South Carolina Dept of Archives & History Charlestown Deeds Vol A-4, p. 146-149 02/15/1769 Release - Titus Laney to James Menzies - Release on Wildcat Cr. 200 acres South Carolina Dept of Archives & History Charlestown Deeds Vol A-4, p. 146-149 04/09/1770 land grant issued (entered 03/14/1770) James Minez, Grant & Survey, 200 acres, head spring of Richardson Cr.,Mecklinburg Co. NC “joining the land he sold Laney”, Note: this is not a Royal Land grant. Land Grant Number: 80, No: 1796 from Secretary of State, Raliegh, NC

1772 James Menzies and Susannah his wife to Brian Cape, Lease and Release South Carolina Dept of Archives & History, Series: S372001, Vol: 04A0, Page:00243 1772 James Menzies/Minzeas to James Gordon, Lease and Release South Carolina Dept of Archives & History, Series: S372001, Vol: 04A0, Page: 00150 Note: The two witnesses who signed the Revolutionary War Widow’s Pension Petition, after Joseph Mings died in 1849, were Daniel Minnes, (aka Mings), son of Joseph Sr. and George Gorden. 01/07/1773 James Minzies, plat for 200 acres in St. Marks Parish, - Names indexed: Bremar, John; Holding, Matthew; Jones, William; Smith, Jeremiah. South Carolina Dept of Archives & History, Series: S213184, Vol:0018, Page 00445 08/06/1773 Joseph Hendrickson enters 400 acres of land in Rowan Co. joining James Mings, John Roberts, Peter MCown including his own improvements Note: Peter MCown listed as close neighbor to James Mings in 1773 and 12 years later to Susannah Mings in 1785. Rowen Co. NC Deed Book __ Item No:1329 Extracted by Dwayne Meyer, Transcribed by Mary Fern Souder 09/09/1774 James Mimzies Land Grant 200 acres in Craven Co., St. Marks Parish, on Great Lynches Cr., Bordered by William Jones and Jeremiah Smith. Royal Land Grant South Carolina Dept of Archives & History, Series:S213019, Vol: 0033, page 00307 Colonial Land Grants Vol33, Page 307 James Minzies ST77 Note: A Royal Land Grant in the amount granted to non-commissioned officers. It is believed to be for service in French & Indian War. Also Important; The names “Jeremiah Smith” and “William Jones” were both listed in land records in Northern Neck of VA ,Frederick, Co. 1749 to 1751 and bordered property surveyed by William Patterson and James Minness in 1751. This is a verified connection to others that increases likelihood James Minness in Frederick Co. 1751 is same James Minzes in South Carolina in 1774. Note: Craven Co had been divided into smaller counties prior to 1774, but land grant likely initiated in 1760’s when Craven Co. still a legal entity. 12/13/1774 James Minnes sold George Laney 200 acres on Richardson Creek, Mecklinburg Co. NC Registrar of Deeds, Charlotte, NC 03/20/1775 James Mimzies Memorial for 200 acres on Great lynches creek, St. Marks Parish Names indexed: Jones, William; Mimzies, James; Smith, Jeremiah South Carolina Dept of Archives & History, Series: S111001, Vol; 0013, page:00402 Item;005 Note: It is not likely to be an accident that James received a land grant next to Jeremiah Smith and William Jones. There is evidence they were all in the same area of wilderness in the Northern Neck of Virginia in 1751. Jeremiah Smith was a Virginia Militia captain during the French and Indian war. Even if James Minzes had moved to South Carolina at the same time his wife Susannah did, he may have joined or returned to the Virginia Militia during the war, despite South Carolina sending a small Independent Company of its own. 1778 Rowan Co. NC Tax List Capt. Moore’s District, James Mimsey (between Moses Cox and Abram Lewis) and Joseph Minsey (between Phillip Hopkins and Shadrick Barnes) Rowan Co. NC Tax List Capt. Moore’s District, Note: This shows James and son Joseph both being taxed in Rowan Co. N.C. Extracted by Dwayne Meyer, Transcribed by Mary Fern Souder 08/05/1778 Rowan Co NC, List of those yet to sign Loyalty Oath, pages 159,160,161 James Mins listed as #6 on the list and Joseph Minzis as # 96. Joseph Minzes went on to serve as a Revolutionary War soldier. (Transcribed by Harriett Maltby Mings) Note: Both James and his son Joseph signed Loyalty Oath same date. 08/01/1783 John Patton enters 888? acres of land North Branch of Swan Creek adjoining Minge’s Plantation including improvements of John Wood Jr. Rowan Co. NC deed book___ Item 2605 Extracted by Dwayne Meyer, Transcribed by Mary Fern Souder

02/10/1785 Susannah Mings enters 200 acres of land in Rowan County on the Waters of Swann Creek Adjoining Charles Frye and Peter McEwen Including her own Improvements on the Waters of Potts Creek. (In margin “Made to John Slone”) Rowan Co NC Deed Book__, Item 2588? Extracted by Dwayne Meyer, Transcribed by Mary Fern Souder Note: Land being entered by Susannah a likely indication her husband James has died. 02/18/1786 Richard Barnes enters 280 acres of Land in Rowan County on Potts Creek Joining Peter Cline, Michael Helsby, James Mings, Jr?. Including his own Improvements. Note: on 1787 Rowan Co. Tax list Peter Cline lived four households from the enclave of James Wood Sr., Susannah Mings, and William Wood Sr. Note: This entry is significant showing James Mings with a suffix. Even if it is “Sr” rather than “Jr”, it documents the existence of James Jr. Also close proximity to Susannah’s property. Rowan Co. NC Deed Book__, Item 2995 Extracted by Dwayne Meyer, Transcribed by Mary Fern Souder

1790 Federal Census - Rowan County North Carolina - Series M637; Roll: 7; p. 344 Joseph Mings 1-Male over 16, Number in household – Note: Could be Joseph eldest son of James and Susannah, but if so, 1. He should be in an older age bracket and 2. where are his four young children, following his wife’s death (d.1787). Was someone else caring for them or was information simply not provided? It should be considered that Joseph’s brother Alexander was known to also be called Joseph on a few occasions later when he was living in Wayne Co KY. Alexander’s precise birthdate is unknown but he could have been over 16 in 1790. 1790 U.S. Census, Camden District, Richland County, South Carolina Susanah Lings, (Possibly Susanah Mings and misread when transcribed from damaged original. 1790 Census was badly damaged. It was transcribed and original destroyed). 1 male over 16, 1 male under 16, 3 female including head, other none, slaves none (Male over 16 possibly James Jr., male under16 possibly Alexander (15 y/o if born 1775) 1- female, Susanah ; 1-female, possibly wife of James Jr.,1-female (Catherine b.1761?) 1792 – Agatha Dabney Last Will & Testament of Cornelius Dabney (Jr.) of Bedford Co. VA, will Book 2 at page 89, 1792 (on certified copy of will, date of original read as 1790) Certified copy of will lists his wife Mary (Molly) Dabney and children; Land to George Dabney, Cornelius Dabney & John Dabney. Moveable estate divided between Benjamin Dabney, Charles Dabney, Sarah Pratt, Agatha Dabney, & Anna Dabney. Five shillings a piece to daughters Nancy Overstreet & Molly Turner. (Some transcripts do not include names of children in fold of original including Agatha Dabney) Note: She marries Alexander Mings 1823, her third and his second marriage 1800 U.S.Census, Camden District, Richland County, South Carolina -- Lost 1801 – Agness Dabney (Dau of Molly) Married John Kennett 4 Mar 1801 General index to Marriage Bonds,Licenses, Bedford Co VA from 1754. Also listed in Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy Vol 1-6 (lists his death as 1807). 1806? Alexander Mings Marriage to first wife name unknown, probably in SC 1808 – Susannah Mings Daughter of Alexander Mings and 1st wife born in South Carolina From 1850 Census - Van Buren Co AR Note: Believed to be named after Alexander’s mother Susannah Mings

1809 – Aggy (Dabney) Kennit Agness married Jacob Snidar 22 Mar. 1809 (Cornelius Dabney surety bond) Note: Agness’ 1st husband died in 1807 General index to Marriage Bonds,Licenses, Bedford Co VA from 1754. Also listed in Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy Vol 1-6 1809-10? - Mahala Mings Daughter of Alexander Mings and 1st wife born - probably in South Carolina From 1840 Census – Clinton Co KY (born 1800-1810)

1810 – Susan Mings Federal Census, Richland Dist (County) SC, p. 177A Female: 1- over 45 (Susan Mings) Female: 1 - age 26 - 45 (poss. wife of Susan’s son, James, name Hester or Esther? as listed on 1820 census). 1 - Male: -Age 10–16 ? James Jr’s son Jesse Mings,( b.abt.1795) listed S.C.1820 census 1 -Male under 10, possible unknown brother to Jesse? Note: Surname misnomer on one census transcription as “Mirrges”. Note: James Sr believed to have died by end of Revolutionary war given lack of further documents listing him, as well as Susannah entering land under her name in 1785. All documents forJames Jr. stop prior to 1810 census. He likely died prior to 1810. Note: All references to James Jr. son of James & Susannah Mings, born after 1765 Living with Indians 1782 reference in the history by William C. Mings - Suffix on James Mings Jr.(?) listed as adjoining land of Richard Barnes, close to Susannah/Suzan Mings property in 1786 - Esther Mings, his presumed wife, plus Jesse Mings his presumed son (born abt.1795), both as separate households on 1820 Richland Co SC census. 1810 – AlexR Mings Federal Census, Richland Dist (County) SC, p. 172 Males: 1- 26 to 45 Alexander b.1766 to 1783, based on Census age range Females: 2- under 10, Susannah b. 1808 & Mahala b. 1800 – 1810, (prob. 1809/10) 1 -age 16-26 (Alexander’s 1st wife) Note: Surname misnomer on one census transcription list as “Minger” 1812 – Harriet Mings Daughter of Alexander Mings and 1st wife born From 1830 Census – Wayne Co KY 1810 -1817 - Susan Mings Likely died during this period Wife of James “Andrew” Mings (James, Sr.) Mother of Joseph, James Jr. and Alexander Mings Note: documents stop in 1810 and Alexander found in Wayne Co KY in 1817 1817 – Alexander Minzes Note: Alexander, Joseph Sr. & Joseph Jr. all shown as Minzes on 1817 tax list Wayne Co. KY tax list, p. 27 (53rd Regt.KY Militia, Capt. Wm Summers’ list) Taxed: 1 male over 21 Note: Tax list missing 1818 and 1819 1818 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Court Order Book: Estate Sale Simeon Owens, deceased purchased 1 axe at $0.15. 1819 – David Mings Son of Alexander Mings and 1st wife born in KY 1840 Census - Hickman Co. KY shows born 1810 - 1820. 1850 Census - Hickman Co. KY gives age as 31 y/o born in KY, making birth about 1819 1819 – Alexander Mings Taxed 1 male over 21, 1 horse, total $40 Note: Alexander, Joseph Sr. & Joseph Jr. all shown as Mings on 1818 tax list Wayne Co. KY tax list, p. 36, 2nd District: 1820? – Alexander Mings Death of 1st wife (unknown) likely around this time.

1820 – Jesse Mings Federal Census, Richland Co. SC p. 95R Note: Presumed son of James Mings Jr. (b.abt.1795- May be same person as Jas Mings Jr listed on 1860 Upsher Co.TX Fed. Census who named a daughter “Hester”) 1820 – Esther Mings (or Hester Mings) Note: Presumed wife of James Jr. Federal Census, Richland Co SC p. 96

1820 Margaret Mings & Joseph Mings Will dated January 15, 1820 – Transcript of Will Published in a newspaper “Newton Daily News” September 25, 1937. http://files.usgwarchives.net/ky/wayne/wills/mings568gwl.txt Will signed by Margaret Mings and Joseph Mings: Plantation Willed "Be it known by all persons that for many causes and good reasons I bequeath and give to Jacob Mings, son of Margaret Kmatzar, known by the name of Margaret Mings, the plantation containing 53 acres of land and to Savannah Mings, a certain cow known by the name of Prit and to Polly Mings a certain cow known by the name of Blows, and to William and George Mings the stocks of hogs excepting eight head including the old red sow and a big gilt. Also give one baking oven to Savannah and also to William and George the following articles - four weeding hoes, two axes, one mattock, one pair of drawing chains, three clevices, one iron wedge. If Daniel Mings returns to his mother, to have five head of sheep, if not to be divided amongst the other children, Alexander Mings and John Prevo to have the management decession (decision) of William and George and their property by the consent of Margaret Mings and their mother and may consent request. Wherein to (do) we set our hand and seals this 15th day of January, 1820." Comment: This document shows Alexander Mings and John Prevo being named as decision makers for two of Joseph and Margaret’s children: Daniel and George. This indicates the two boys had been bound out, a common practice where children, often as young as 7 y/o, were apprenticed to learn a trade and help their birth family support the other children. They often stayed in the sponsoring family until age of majority (21 y/o). Daniel (born 1803) would have been almost 17 y/o and George (born 1806) about 14 y/o when the will was written. It is possible Daniel was bound out to Alexander Mings and George was bound out to John Prevo. This is based on Daniel living in close proximity to Alexander’s son, James J. Mings after they migrated to Saline County Illinois. My father, William Woodrow Mings, owned the 40 acres that had belonged to Daniel Mings. Robert Alvis Mings told my father that Daniel was “some sort of cousin” to his father James J. Mings. 1820 – Alexander Minzes Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 horses, 53 a. Otter Cr. Entered by Jo. Minzes Total $156 Note: land previously taxed on Joseph, no deed transfer found. Alexander, Joseph Sr. & Joseph Jr. all shown as Minzes on 1820 tax list Note: Alexander Mings used Joseph at times on documents Wayne Co. KY tax list, p. 15, 1st Dist. 1820 – Alexander Mings Federal Census – Not listed in Wayne Co. KY. (He may have been staying with Joseph Jr. since he was listed with 2 males 26-45 yrs.) 1820 – Aggatha Dabney Kennett Snider AKA Agness Snider, AKA Aggy Snider (maiden name Dabney) Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 22, 1st Dist. Total $25 Taxed for 50 acres on Beaver Cr. Obtained by Act of Assembly 9 Feb 1819 “For the benefit of Agness Snider” Survey witnessed by Thomas Summers and Joseph Minzes. Note: It is believed witness “Joseph Minzes” is Alexander Minzes since he would imminently purchase the property from her. (He used Joseph at times on documents) 1821– Alexander Mings Deed from Agness Snider to Alexander Mings on 16 Sept 1821 for 50 a. on Beaver Cr. Witnessed by Joseph Mings and Nathan, John and Robert Dabney. Note: Alexander Mings also used Joseph at times on documents 1821 Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 37. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse total $12, plus 50 a. on Otter Cr. Entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Otter Cr (This is possibly aTypo, could be Beaver Cr. based on other records) entered by A.Snider. Note: This is probably the 50 a. he bought from Agnes Snider and 50 acres he obtained a patent on in January 1822, where he was undoubtedly already living. (Daniel Mings now listed with 53 a. on otter Cr. listed by J. Mings ) 1822 – Alexander Mings Received Land Patent, Wayne Co. KY, assignee of Rhodes Garth for 50 a. on Beaver Cr. 24 Jan 1822 1822 – AlexR Minges Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 35. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse, 50 a. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. entered by A. Snider. Total $130 1823 – Joseph Mings -- AKA Alexander Mings Marriage to Agnes Snider by Rev. Jno. Jones CWC (Constable Wayne Co.) who was also a Justice of the Peace. 22 Apr 1823. (maiden name Dabney). Note: Bond says Joseph Mings but signed by Joseph Minzes and Mordeca McClain (Agness Snider’s brother in law married to her sister Anna. Note: Alexander Mings used Joseph at times on documents) 1823 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 17. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1horse, 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider. Total $150. Note: Joseph Sr. Mings has 53 a. back from Daniel) 1824 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p.55. Taxed: 1 male over 21, I horse, 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Mings. Total: $200 1824 – Ott Blankenship. Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 2, Taxed: 1 male over 21, I horse, Total $100 Note: marries Julia Snider in 1826, daughter of Agness Dabney Kennett Snider Mings 1824 – William Mings Son of Alexander and Agness Mings was born in Wayne Co. Ky (Brother to James J.) Nephew R.A. Mings & Niece Alice Miller Mings said William 1 yr. older than James J. U.S Military Discharge (enlistment in 1847) lists age as 23. (1847 -1824 = 23) 1825 – Alexander Mings Received land Patent in Wayne Co. assignee of Thomas Clemens for 50 a. in Rentfroes Valley near Issac and Thomas Summers. 12 Jun1825 1825 – James J. Mings Born12 OCT 1825 in Wayne Co. Ky Son of Alexander and Agness Mings Birth location from Discharge Certificate military service Bounty Land Warrant, 1850 & 1860 federal census, birth date from cemetery stone. Note: Middle name was Jehu. Confirmed by his son Robert Alvis Mings Note: Not to be confused with Joseph’s son William Mings’ whose son, William Raleigh named his son James Jehu, in honor of his close friendship with James Jehu Mings, son of Alexander Mings. (from Harriet Maltby Mings correspondence with descendant of William Raleigh Mings) 1825 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 26. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 horses, 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Mings. Total: $300

1826 – Elliott Minzes Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 55. 53RD Regt. KY Militia. Capt. Archibald Shoemaker’s Co. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse, 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by E. Mings. Total: $180. Note: This is clearly a misnomer for Alexander. According to June Borker, compiler of Wayne Co. Records, many deeds/marriage records copied by County Clerk Wm Simpson in 1850’s due to deteriorating condition. 1826 – Mary “Polly” Mings Daughter of Alexander and Agness Mings born April 1826 –Sister to James J. From 1900 census of Williamson Co. IL 1826 – Susannah Minges Minister’s return for marriage to Edward Young by J. Jones. 3 Mar 1826. Consent to marry signed by Edward’s father John Young. Witnessed: Isreal Young and John Wood. No Bond. Note: This consent has been misread by some as ‘my son Edward Fox”. In fact it says “my son Edward FOR which”) 1826 – Alexander Minzes Appointed Constable Wayne Co. KY. Wayne Co. KY Court Order Book 1826 – Joseph Minzes Signed bond for Agness Dabney, Kinnett, Snider Mings daughter, Julia to marry Ota Blankenship, 26 Jun 1826. Ministers return lists marriage 7 Jul 1826 Note: Signing for his stepdaughter is one of several examples of Alexander using the signatory name Joseph. 1827 – Alexander Ming Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 31. Capt. Archibald Shoemaker’s Co. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 horses, 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider. Total: $160. 1827 – Alexander Minzes Wayne Co. KY. Court Order book May 1827 concerning boundary road (near Widow Summers, Issac Summers, Arch Shoemaker) 1827 – Harriet Minges Minister’s return for marriage to Nathan Robertson (AKA Nathan Roberson) by J. Jones. 25 Jun 1827. No Bond. 1827 – Edward Young Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 33. Taxed: 1 horse, 50 a. on Otter Cr. surveyed by L. Minzs. Total $100 Note: Married to Alexander Mings’ daughter Susannah. 1828 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 55. Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 horses, 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by A. Snider AND 50 a. on Beaver Cr. entered by Alex Mings. Total: $200 1828 – Oaty Blankenship Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p.9, Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 horses, 100 a. on Otter Cr. Total $150. Husband to Julia Snider, who is Alexander Mings’ step-daughter. 1828 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY. Court Order book February 1828. Alexander and others to rerun the road 1828 – Nancy Elizabeth Mings Daughter of Alexander and Agness Mings born – Sister to James J. Mings Year of birth from age listed as 22 yrs. On 1850 Census Union co. illinois) 1828 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY. Court Order book November 1828 Claims against County: Alexander Mings CWC (Constable Wayne Co.) $2.50; Alexander Mings, per acct filed, $7.00. 1828 – Alexander Mings, Elsey Mings Deed; 1 Dec 1828: Alexander Mings & Elsey Mings to James Burnett, 63 a. west side Beaver Cr. Elsey examined separately. Note: Elsey may be a nickname since other documents for Alexander & Agness use that name or may be a misnomer. According to June Borker, compiler of Wayne Co. Records, many deeds/marriage records copied by County Clerk Wm Simpson in 1850’s due to deteriorating condition. This is one copied. 1828 – Nathan Roberson Nathan’s father James Roberson witnessed above deed dated 1Dec 1828 Note: Married to Alexander’s daughter Harriet

1829 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. Tax list, p. 50, Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 children over 4 and under 15 (Same children as in school) 2 children at school (William b. 1824 and James J. b. 12 Oct 1825) and 175 a. on Beaver Ck. Total value $312.50 1829 – Oaty Blankenship Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p.5, Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse, 100 a. on Otter Cr. Total $100 Note: Husband of Agness Mings daughter Julia. 1830 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. Tax list, p. , Taxed: 1 male over 21, 2 horses, and 175 a. on Beaver Ck. Total value $400 1830 – Edward Young Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p. 82 Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse, and 220 a. on Beaver Cr. Total value $200 Note: Alexander Mings’ daughter Susannah’s husband. 1830 – Ota Blankenship Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p.6, Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse, no land. Total $20. Note: Husband of Agness Mings daughter Julia. 1830 – Nathan Robison Wayne Co. KY Tax List, p.63, Taxed: 1 male over 21, 1 horse, no land. Total $50 Note: married to Alexander Mings’ daughter Harriet 1830 –Alexander Mings, Elsey Mings Deed. Alexander Mings & Elsey Mings to Jesse Luallen, 100 a. (two patents, Agness Snider 50 a. and Alexander Mings 50 a.) See previous deed for land sold by Alexander and Elsey. Note: one of the parcels was received on patent by Agness Snider. Elsey may be a nickname since other documents for Alexander & Agness use that name or may be a misnomer. According to June Borker, compiler of Wayne Co. Records, many deeds/marriage records copied by County Clerk Wm Simpson in 1850’s due to deteriorating condition. 1830 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY. Court Order book June Court 1830. Appointed Constable Note: Previously appointed constable in 1826 1830 –Alexander Mings Wayne Co. KY Federal Census.Four Children plus 2 Adults;1 male 20-30;1female 20-30. Male children, 1 under 5 (James J. would turn 5 y/o on Oct 12), 1 age 5 to 10. (William) Female children, 2 under age 5. (Mary “Polly” and Nancy Elizabeth) The ages for Alexander and Agness are inaccurate. Documents show only one Alexander Mings, who is a brother to Joseph. Alexander was between 26 and 45 in 1810, so born 1765 -1784. Likely his brother James was older 1) being a namesake for a child who died in 1765, 2) If born circa 1767, then the age of children sequestered with Indians by the Scots during war (Ref. history by Wm. C. Mings). Likely Alexander was born 1768 -1778 (abt.1772). At that time, his father was known to still be living (signed loyalty oath 1778) and his mother likely in childbearing age, since still living in 1810. Agness Dabney Mings was born before being listed in her father’s will transcript in 1792 (or 1790, as some read the original). If she was at least 15 yrs. old at 1st marriage in 1801, she could be born no later than 1786. Agness is found living in Pulaski Co. Missouri on 1850 Federal Census. Both she and Julia Snider Blankenship are shown being born in VA. Julia’s age is listed as 38. Agness’ age is listed as 76. If correct, then she was bearing children in her late 40’s-early 50’s and was born circa 1775. One reference said about 10% of women can become pregnant age 45-50. Likelihood deceases rapidly after age 50, but considered a possibility until 55 y/o. Census errors are common and this could simply be a matter of marking the wrong age columns due to fatigue, darkness, distraction, guessing, carelessness, misinformation from whoever answered door or intentional obfuscation. Other than this one census age discrepancy, there is a consistent body of evidence showing Alexander and Agness parents of four children: William, James J., Mary “Polly” and Nancy Elizabeth Mings. 1830 – Edward Young Wayne Co KY Federal Census. Males: 2 under age 5. 1 20-30 (Edward Young), Females: 1 age 15-20 (husband to Susannah Mings Young) 1830 – Nathan Roberson Wayne Co KY Federal Census. Males: 1 under age 5, 1 age 20 -30 (Nathan Roberson), Females: 1 age 15-20 (Husband to Harriet Mings Roberson) 1830 – Alexander Mings Deed. Alexander Mings to Edward Young, 100 a. on Beaver cr.on Geo. Bruton’s line.* Jul 1830

1830 – Edward Young - Sept 1830 Deed. Edward & Susannah Young to William Morgan, 50a.on Otter Cr. in the Sinking Valley - Sept 1830 1830 – Alexander Mings Deed. Alexander Mings to Reuben Coffey, 25 a. on Wm Fair’s corner. 30 OCT 1830 1831 – Alexander Mings Wayne Co. Court Order Book; February Court, Alexander Mings on boundary road district near Widow Summer’s, Issac Summers and Archibald Shoemaker 1831 –1832 – Wayne Co. Tax lists missing 1832 – David Mings Received land grant 160 a. Hickman Co KY 24 Dec 1832 (Alexander’s son) 1833 - Alexander and Agness Mings and children no longer have records in Wayne Co. KY 1834 – AlexR Mings Hickman Co Ky Tax List P. 19. No Land. Taxed for 1 male over 21 and 1 horse. Total value $20. 1834 – David Mings Hickman Co KY Tax List p. 19. Taxed: 1 wh male over 21 and 160 a. on Obynet watercourse. Value of land $75. Total Value $120. (Alexander’s son) 1834 – Edward Young Bought land in Hickman Co. (Husband to Sussanah) 1834 – Edward Young Edward and Susannah Young sold their land in Hickman Co. KY 1834 – Edward Young Hickman Co KY Tax List 1 male over 21, 1 horse, 83 a. on Obion, entered by E. Young Total Value $113 (Husband to Susannah) 1834 – Nathan Robinson Hickman Co KY Tax List 1 male over 21, 1 horse. No Land.(Husband to Hariet) 1834 – Alexander Mings Hickman Co KY Tax List,p.20, 1wh male over 21, I horse, No Land. Value $31835 – 1835 - David Mings Hickman Co KY Tax List,p. 20, 160 a. Obyon watercourse. Surveyed same. Patented same. (Alexander’s Son) 1835 – Edward Young Hickman Co KY Tax List:, 1 male over 21, 2 horses, No Land. Value $50 (Husband to Sussanah) 1835 – Nathan Robinson Hickman Co KY Tax List,p. 26. No Land. (Husband to Harriet) 1835 – 1843 Julia Blankenship Member of Bethel Creek Church (Primitive Baptist), Gallatin Co. (Later Saline Co.) Illinois 1836 – David Mings Sold 160 a. Hickman Co KY to Joseph James, 20 Sept 1836 (Alexander’s son) 1836 – Alexander Mings Hickman Co KY Tax List,p. 20, 1 male over 21, I horse, No Land. Value $50 1837 – Alexander Mings on Tax List Van Buren Co. AR (one year only) 1837 –1839 Edward Young on Tax Lists Van Buren Co. AR (Husband to Susannah) 1838-1841 Nathan Roberson Hickman Co. KY tax List. On 1840 Federal Census Hickman Co KY (Husband to Harriet) 1838-1851 David Mings Hickman Co. KY tax List. On 1840 & 1850 Federal Census Hickman Co KY (Alexander’s son) 1840 – Edmund Young on Federal Census 1840 Van Buren Co AR p 236 (Husband to Susannah) 1840 – Mahala Mings Federal Census 1840 Clinton Co. KY p. 336 - Daughter o Alexander and Agness Mings 1840 –Oaty Blankenship (Husband to Julia Snider Blankenship Daughter of Agnes Mings) Federal Census 1840, living in Galatin Co. Illinois Note: it is likely Alexander and Agness lived with Julia and Oaty Blankenship in Illinois. 1850 – Oaty Blankenship (Husband to Julia Snider Blankenship Daughter of Agnes Mings) Federal Census 1850, Pulaski Co Missouri – Where is Alexander Mings is buried Prior to 1850 Julia and Oaty Blankenship moved to Pulaski County Missouri. It shows Julia Blankenship age 38 y/o, born in VA and Agnis Migns 76 y/o, born in VA. This would indicate Agness was born around 1775. Alexander was not listed. Family in Illinois believed James J. Mings’ father was buried in Franklin County, Illinois, near the town of West End, The precise location of the grave was not known. Bob Tucker, an elderly man in the later 1930’s, told William Mings Sr, son of Robert Alvis Mings, that Robert Alvis’ grandfather was buried “over there”, pointing in the direction of a hill that had a small cemetery, outside of West End. There were only 3 remaining stones, all family name of Thomas: William Thomas b.1796 d. Oct 24 1872; Martha Thomas b. June 10?, 1812 d. Apr or Aug, 1880; an infant. All were said to be related to the husband of James J. Mings’ sister, Mary “Polly” Thomas. He could have meant beyond that hill, which would be the former location of Halltown (by then extinct), with several small cemeteries and the pioneer Pleasant Valley Church nearby. This was all located near Franks Fort, a fort on the pioneer road in Franklin County Illinois travelling between Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri. A little further away was the pioneer Liberty Church and somewhat further, Bethel Creek Primitive Baptist Church (Raleigh in Saline County) where Julia Blankenship was a member. The Missionary Baptist Church in Raleigh is where Margaret Slatton Summers was a member at the time, along with two elderly women, each listed on the church roll only as “Sister Mings”. Sometime around the turn of the century (about 1910), Robert Alvis Mings moved a wagon load of furniture for a family to Franklin County Illinois, possibly Halltown (all he could recall, when elderly, was it was near the town of West End in Franklin County Illinois. There he met an elderly woman, Margaret Slatton Summers (b. 1845, d. 1936) She was a daughter of Joseph Sr’s daughter Susan Mings Slatton. She told him that her mother and James J Mings were cousins. This would confirm Joseph Sr. and Alexander Joseph were brothers and James J Mings was Alexander’s son. She also said she could take him to his grandfather’s grave nearby, but it was getting late, with chores yet to do, so he declined. (The story is sometimes told as “grandparent’s” grave) The history from William C. Mings (b.1831) said Alexander moved to Missouri. He May have and could have died during a return visit with family in Illinois. He may have died prior to Agness and her daughter Julia’s family moving to Missouri. If so, William C. Mings may have confused this detail with another family member that moved to Missouri, or knowing Agness moved, may have assumed Alexander did so as well. There was a report Agnes Mings moved back to Illinois from Missouri when elderly. If so, she may appear in documents of a family member in Illinois or could be buried with her husband. Review of Evidence for James J. Mings’ Lineage “There were only four children in that family” Quote: Robert Alvis Mings (son of James J.) Two children of James J. Mings, Robert Alvis Mings and his twin sister Alice Mings Miller, recalled the four children in their father’s family being discussed by other family who knew them directly. They were: William, James J., Mary “Polly” and Nancy Elizabeth. Alexander’s brother James likely died as a young adult, so he is out of consideration as father of James J. Mings. Alexander’s brother Joseph and his seven sons are well documented. There is no evidence any of them is the father of these four children. Willam C. Mings in his family history said the original Scottish immigrant had only 3 sons. Alexander is the only possible lineage for James J. Mings. With more documentation now available for Alexander Mings, two presumptions are challenged from a published genealogy about the Mings family. This is found in one sentence: “James Jacob Mings, who was born 12 Oct, 1825 in Wayne County, Kentucky, and died 5 July 1878 in Saline County, Illinois, is presumed to be the son of William Mings” (ie.,William son of Joseph Sr.). This sentence is from an article in “The Saga of Southern Illinois” Vol XV Number 3, Fall, 1988, The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois (and also a printed genealogy with similar information, both by Ruth Goddard). The major issue in this sentence is listed directly by the author as a “presumption”. There is no documentary evidence that William, son of Joseph Sr., is father of James J. and his three siblings. Documentary evidence now available shows he was not their father. William (son of Joseph Sr.) and his wife (Matilda Piercy Mings) listed 3 children on 1830 Wayne Co. KY census: 1 male under 5, 1 female under 5, and 1 female 5-10. This does not correspond to James J. and his three siblings, all four being documented as born prior to 1830. William, James J. Mings’ older brother, was the only child 5-10 y/o in1830 (Not a female 5-10 as listed in 1830 for the William (son of Joseph) family. Both brothers served in the same U.S infantry volunteer company, with both discharged 16 Oct 1848 (from copies of each brother’s discharge papers). William’s left arm was injured in the military and it remained disabled. He left Illinois in early 1850’s and went to Missouri then Arkansas. The family spoke about the brothers both being in the same infantry unit and William returning to Illinois to visit his brother, James J. Mings. There is no documentary evidence the three children listed on 1830 census for William (son of Joseph Sr.) and Matilda survived into adulthood. They had three more documented children, born between 1830 and 1841: William Raleigh Mings (b. 6 Aug 1833, Wayne Co Ky), John Littleton Claxton Mings (b. abt.1838 in Green Co Ky or il.) and Matilda Jane Mings (b.abt 1841, in KY or il.). William’s wife was listed as head of household in 1840 census (Hamilton Co, il) after her husband William (son of Joseph Sr.) died. She was probably pregnant with her daughter, Matilda Jane, when her husband died prior to the census (she remarried in 1844, surname Mcklusky). There is a documented lawsuit in Taylor Co, Ky circuit court on 17 Apr 1880 over Matilda Janes’ estate after she died (d. May 1879, a school teacher who never married, with no children). In court her mother Matilda Mcklusky, William Raleigh and John George (defendants) were described as her “only heirs at law.” This is proof William (son of Joseph Sr) and Matilda his wife (until he died circa 1840) had only three surviving children, none of which were : William, James J., Mary “Polly” and Nancy Elizabeth.. Robert Alvis Mings (b.1867), son of James J. Mings insisted repeatedly there were only four children (with the same mother and father) in James J. Mings’ family. Both he and his twin sister, Alice, knew all four children in their father’s family by name. They did not include any children of William (son of Joseph Sr): William Raleigh, John George or Matilda Jane. William Raleigh was 7 years younger than James J. Family oral tradition said, as adults, Joseph’s grandson William Raleigh (son of William) and Alexander’s son James Jehu had adjacent farms in Saline County Illinois. Their families were said to be very close, causing one family researcher to assume they were brothers. In actuality James Jehu had an older brother William. Both mustered into the army together in 1847. William Raleigh reportedly named one of his sons James Jehu Mings after James J. (from written letter of a descendant of William Raleigh). They also recalled Matilda Mcklusky (AKA Matilda Piercy Mings, mother of William Raleigh) staying with family to visit periodically, after she moved from the area. They never referred to her as their grandmother, simply the mother of William Raleigh MIngs. It is clear they did not regard William Raleigh as a sibling to James J. and did not recognize his mother, Matilda, as their grandmother. All of Joseph Sr’s children are well enough documented to rule them out. Nor does the living memory of two of James J. Mings children support any other children in their father’s family than William and James J.( both serving in same military unit), along with Mary ‘Polly” (whose husband died as a Union soldier) and Nancy Elizabeth (who moved to Union Co. Illinois and after married moved to Missouri). The second presumption addressed is James J. Mings’ middle name. To date, no document has been found that shows his middle name. Robert Alvis Mings (b.1867) had the nickname of “Jake” and was often called “Uncle Jake”. This was a familiar name or “nickname” that may have lead to a presumption that his father, James J. Mings, had Jacob as a middle name. Robert Alvis stated repeatedly his father’s middle name was “Jehu” (a biblical name). This was documented in a handwritten genealogy interview with Robert Alvis in 1958 and also confirmed by two of his children (William Woodrow and Earnest Grant) as information they had heard since they were young. Also, the Death Certificate for Robert Alvis Mings lists his father’s name as James “Hugh” Mings. It is apparent “Hugh” is either a misnomer or nickname for “Jehu”.

Conclusion: Documentation from multiple sources support that the sentence at issue should say: James Jehu Mings, who was born 12 Oct, 1825 in Wayne County, Kentucky, and died 5 July 1878 in Saline County, Illinois, is the son of Alexander Mings.

Pennyroyal Settlers of Kentucky - Pennyroyal Plateau or Pennyroyal Region, Pennyrile,

While yDNA testing is the most important test to track paternal lineage throughout time, autosomal DNA testing (available from several companies) can help with relatively recent genetic relationships. An Autosomal DNA test (showing DNA from both parents) is useful to show relationships up to 3rd or 4th cousin (sometimes a generation or two more). One autosomal test (from R.A. Mings’ son E.G. Mings, by Ancestry) called our family’s particular mix of autosomal genes “Pennyroyal Settlers.” This refers to the Pennyroyal Plateau mostly in south central Kentucky. The Colonial American families Mings, Dabney and many others settled there as they migrated westward. Family historian William Christopher Mings said Joseph Mings had as many as 20 children with 14 being from his two documented marriages. His younger brother, Alexander, had two documented marriages with 4 children from his first and 4 children with his 2nd marriage to Agness (Agatha) Dabney (Kennett/Snider). Agness was the daughter of Cornelius Dabney iv c. 1740-1792. Seven of his 10 children moved to Wayne County Kentucky: Benjamin, George, John, Mary, Sarah, Anna, and Agnes/Agatha (who married Alexander Mings). Besides Alexander’s marriage, there were marriages of Dabney decedents to Joseph Mings decedents as well. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennyroyal_Plateau It is apparent how important genetic genealogy can be in restoring the lost history of individuals, families and even entire regions.

Children of Alexander Joseph Mings and Agness Dabney Mings, born in Wayne Co. Ky:

William Mings b.1824 – KY( Moved from Illinois, abt. 1850, to Missouri then Arkansas) m. ? d. ? Nephew R.A. Mings & Niece Alice Miller Mings said William abt. 1 yr. older than James J.. His U.S Military Discharge (enlistment in 1847) lists age as 23. (1847 -1824 = 23) Known by family to be the older bro. of James J. Served as a Private, Capt. Hampton’s Co.1st Regiment Illinois Volunteers, disc. 10/16//1848 James Jehu Mings b.October 12, 1825, Wayne Co., KY (birth date from cemetery stone) m. October 29,1849 Saline Co. il. to Henrietta Fly (b. June 22, 1834 in N.C.), (Henrietta d. November 25,1908 Saline Co Illinois) d.July 5,1878 Saline Co. Illinois. Birth location from Discharge Certificate military service Bounty Land Warrant, 1850 & 1860 federal census,. Served with bro. Wm as a Private, Capt. Hampton’s Co.1st Regiment Illinois Volunteers, disc. 10/16//1848 Mary “Polly” Mings b.1826 KY (From 1900 census of Williamson Co. IL) m. December 20, 1846, Gallatin Co. il to William C. Thomas (b. 1826 d. April 28,1862 Union soldier, Pittsburg landing, TN) d. March 3, 1902 Williamson Co. Illinois Note: Mary “Polly” a daughter of James J. Mings named a daughter Agnes, believed to be named after her grandmother Agness Mings, wife of Alexander Mings Nancy Elizabeth Mings b. 1828 KY (from age listed as 22 yrs. 1850 Census Union C o. Illinois) m.1851 Saline Co Illinois To Issac Houton (b.abt. 1822, TN) d.(?) Children of James J. Mings and Henrietta Fly Mings (all born Raleigh Twp, Saline Co., Illinois) (See Family Group Records for Further Details) Martha Sarah b. 08 Feb 1851 Mary Elizabeth b. 28 Apr 1852 William Franklin b. 22June1854 Melissa Caroline b.1856 Thomas J. b. 14Feb1858 John A. Logan b.11Mar1860 James R. b. 1862 Alice Naomi b. 01June1867 Robert Alvis b. 01June1867 Ida Amanda b. 1869 Ann A. b.1870

Children of Robert Alvis Mings and Dora Mae Pullium Mings (all born Long Branch Twp. Saline Co., Illinois) (See Family Group Records for Further Details) Infant (m) b. 18Oct1912 Infant (m) b. 10Feb1914 Mary Henrietta b.12Sept1915 William Woodrow b.11Dec1917 Robert Lee b.15Oct1919 Earl Pulliam b.02Sept1921 James Everett b. 11Dec1923 Blanch Irene b. 15May1926 Earnest Grant b. 13Dec1929 Francis Naomi b. 08June1932