Person:Bazil Meek (1)

Meek Genealogy 1640-1962" by Carleton Meek 1962 page 3 Basil Meek D28 Chart 48 b. ca 1774 Elliott's Mills, Maryland, m. Dianna b. 1781, lived Miami and Troy, Ohio. Died Greenfield, Indiana 1830. Information on Bazil Meek, his wife and children from: Christopher A. Meek, 242 Scotch Ridge Road, Carlisle, Iowa 50047 July 1998 Identifying Bazil Meek By Christopher A. Meek This history starts with our earliest known ancestor. But the search started four generations earlier. The published genealogies on the Meek family did not include our family. I was given incorrect information on the name of my great grandfather, although I knew the location. After a considerable amount of time looking for the wrong person, I found Noble W. Meek in the 1860 census of Jasper Co., IA at the age of two. That gave me the name of his father, Levi Meek. This was a great break because Levi is a very uncommon name in this branch of the Meek family. Some of the older children were born in Indiana and it was a fairly simple matter to find Levi in the 1850 census of Hancock Co., IN. I also found his marriage record and eventually the probate record of his father, Jeremiah Meek. That is where the search became more difficult, as the name Jeremiah was a very common for the Meek people of that area. The only published resource on the Meek family available to me at that time did not provide any clues on Jeremiah's parents. The research floundered for a period of time. Eventually, I had the opportunity to go on a business trip to Washington D. C. There, I visited the DAR library and found a book which included many of the Meek families who were in Hancock County. That book did contain the name of Bazil Meek of Henry Co., KY who died in Hancock County and simply stated that he had a son named Jeremiah. Little did I know at the time how inaccurate and incomplete the two books were that led me to Henry County. In fact, I now know that the number of people named Meek was far more expansive than either author could have imagined. Never-the-less, I spent some considerable period of time researching the Henry County records. It was no easy task identifying Bazil Meek, because there was two men with that name who live in Henry County during the appropriate time period. In addition, the records from Hancock County were confusing. However, it was not difficult pinning down the correct Bazil which lead to the discovery of his father, John Meek. The bigger problem was identifying Bazil's children, which is discussed later. What follows are the notes I made to sort out the two men named Basil: The undocumented work of H. B. Meek describes a Basil Meek who was born 1774 at Ellicott's Mills, Md. His father, John Meek, died in Henry Co., KY in 1803. Further, it is stated that Basil died in Greenfield, Indiana (Hancock County) in 1830. He had a son Jeremiah. The 1800 census of Henry County list Basil Meek. The 1810 and 1820 censuses list Bazil senior and Bazil junior. One was born prior to 1765 and the other was born between 1765 and 1764. An examination of tax and deed records reveals the following: Group One The 1800 deed record shows that Bazil Meek, along with three others, received 400 acres. The tax records show that Bazil paid taxes on 100 acres from 1800 to 1805. There was no Bazil listed in 1806. The 1807 deed records show that Bazil sold 100 acres. However, A Bazil is listed without any amount of land specified for the years 1807 through 1809. There was no Tax record for 1810. Beginning in 1813 two men named Bazil appeared in the tax record. Group Two Deed records show that Bazil purchased 62 acres in 1813. A person referred to as Bazil Senior paid taxes on 62 acres consistently until 1822. The deed records show that Bazil senior and wife Sarah sold 62 acres in 1822. The same record also shows that Bazil senior purchased 79 acres in 1822. Bazil senior paid taxes consistently from 1824 to 1829. Bazil senior sold 79 acres in 1830 according to deed records. View the genelogy of Basil Meek, born 1740. Group Three The 1811 tax record list a Bazil with 140 acres and the 1812 tax record list a Bazil with 110 acres. (Likely the same person and same amount,140). The 1813 tax record list a Bazil junior with 140 acres. The 1814 tax record list a Bazil with 140 acres. Deed records indicate that Bazil and Elizabeth sold 140 acres on 23 Aug 1815. The 1815 through 1818 list a Bazil or Bazil junior with out any amount of land specified. In 1819 only Bazil senior was listed. Bazil senior is also listed throughout this time as indicated above. No other Bazil was listed. It should be mentioned that on 10 May 1810 a Barksdale Meek purchased 140 acres. Barksdale is not a name mentioned in any other place in the deed or tax records. The timing is consistent with Bazil's acquisition of 140 acres. Group Four On 24 Jun 1818 Jeremiah and Rachel Meek transferred 100 acres of land to his father, Bazil. This was land originally purchased on (150 acres) 02 Jan 1816 and apparently belonged to Bazil at that point. Jeremiah paid taxes on 150 acres from 1816 to 1818. Thereafter, he paid taxes on 50 acres until 1827. From 1820 to 1829 a Bazil or Bazil junior paid taxes on 100 acres. The only other Bazil listed is Bazil senior as indicated above. The deed book also contains an entry dated 13 Jul 1836 selling 100 acres on behalf of the heirs of Bazil Meek and Jeremiah Meek. It states that Jeremiah Meek is the son of Bazil. The list of heirs is nearly identical to the heirs listed in probate records of Hancock County, Indiana, relating to Jeremiah Meek, dated 15 may 1838. The Hancock County probate records also contain an entry dated Nov 1830 appointing Bazell Meek Jr administrator of the estate of Bazell Meek Sn who died 19 Oct 1830. The 1830 census of Hancock County list a Bazel senior born between 1770 and 1780 and a Bazel Meek Junior born between 1790 and 1800. Our Jeremiah Meek is also listed. The terms senior and junior are not necessarily transferable from Kentucky to Indiana. These dates could indicate a possible match between Bazil Jr of Henry County, Kentucky, who was born between 1765 and 1775, and Bazell senior of Hancock County, Indiana. Summary From the will of John Meek, we know that he had a son named Bazil. While there is no obvious connection between Group One entries, ranging from 1800 to 1809, and those in the other groups, it is reasonable to conclude that Group One refers to Bazil Meek, son of John. The Bazil senior in Group Two is consistently listed from 1813 to 1830 and he does not appear to be the same person in either Group Three or Four. In fact, this person is fairly easy to track in the records and we now know that he is Basil Meek born in 1740 Maryland. He came to Henry County from York Co., SC. The entries in Group Three range from 1811 to 1815. Group Four list our Bazil and the entries range from 1816 to 1829. This is known by the connection to his son Jeremiah. A review of all available records indicated that there is no one else who could account for the deed records in Group Three. The man in Groups Three and Four are likely the same person. I would speculate that our Bazil was the son of John and that he is the same Bazil listed in Group One, Three and Four. It is reasonable to conclude that he settled with his father and he was of the appropriate age to hold land during this period of time. It is not at all clear which deed records actually involve the exchange of property. It is clear from some of the records that the entries were for the purpose clarifying old titles. John Meek started with 400 acres and gave one hundred acres to Bazil. Eventually Bazil owned 150 acres and transferred 50 acres to his son Jeremiah. The deed records allow us to connect three generation of our Meek family. Identifying Bazil's Children By Christopher A. Meek It was a fairly easy matter to determine who the father of our ancestor, Jeremiah Meek, was. One can see that the deed record below is fairly good evidence but not perfect. My early research did not allow me to determine who the other children were, with the exception of Jonathan. Later researching Bazil, I learned how important it was to understand who all of the people in an area were in order to understand what the records tell us. So, I was very reluctant to use some confusing records that I had. Henry Co Ky Deeds (Two versions of deed abstracts) 7-189 24 June 1818 Jeremiah Meek (& wf Rachael) to Bazil Meek $100 Dr. Creek 100 A part of Vincent Williams 3000 A. survey pat. 5 Mar 1805 - bounded Lewis' fence - corner Jere Meek - Williams orig line - corner Jesse Meek . . further understood 2d Jan 1816 Abraham Hite as atty in fact for sd Williams did convey by deed to sd Jere Meek 150 A land but he ought to have conveyed to my sd father Bazil Meek 100 A & to myself 50 A - deed now intended to convey to my father the sd 100 A in property conveyed to me as aforesd. (signed) Jeremiah (x) Meet, Rachael (x) Meek Deed Book 7 Page 189, 24 June 1818 Jeremiah Meek to Bazil Meek, both of Henry County, Kentucky $100.00 for tract of land on waters of Drennon Lick Creek being part of Vincen Williams 2000 acre survey, patent bearing date 5 march 1805. Bounded by Jesse Meek to correct deed of January 2, 1816 by Abraham Hite to Jeremiah Meek for 150 acres he ought to have conveyed to my father Bazil Meek one hundred acres and to Jeremiah Meek, 50 acres signed Jeremiah (x) Meek Rachel (x) Meek Married 29 Dec, 1815 Henry County, Kentucky Page # 3, Deed Book 10, Page 282, 13 January 1823 Indenture between Edmond Searcy & Jonathan Meek both of Henry Co., Kentucky, witness that for the sum of $500.000 for 50 acres from the said Johnathan Meek & Bazil Meek, his father do sell and convey to the said Johnathan Meek the property on ridge between Drennon Creek ans Emily Run, joins John Meek. The 1838 Hancock Co., IN probate record list several heirs of Jeremiah, including his children. However, it was not clear who the other people were. I had also found a 1838 deed records from Henry Co., KY which was just as misleading. It was not until a few years later that I put the two documents and realized the significance. Hancock Co., IN Probate Order Book 1828-1843 Page 147. In an application for partition of real estate of Jeremiah Meek dec. are listed: Jonathan, Joseph and Joshua Meek and Joseph and Patience Young-his wife and Barlow, Jacob, Jasper, Jarah (Sarah?) and James Meek. The rights of Samuel Wollum an heir of Rachel Wollum dec. who was the wife of James Wollum, and also the interest of Eliza Ann Meek who is the wife of Moses Meek and John P., Levi and Stephen Meek heirs of Jeremiah Meek dec. are mentioned. May 15, 1838. Henry Co., KY deed abstracts Page #4, Deed Book 17, Page 57, 58, and 59, 13 Jul 1836 Joshua Meek, Jas Meek, Barlow Meek, Jacob Meek, Joseph Young & Patience Young, late Patience Meek, heirs and representatives of Bazil Meek and Eliza Ann Meek, John Meek, Levi Meek & Stephen Meek, Infants heirs of Jeremiah Meek, deceased, Jess Meek, Joseph Meek & Sally Meek, infants of Bazil Meek & Rachel Meek, by Jas Wholines, her guardian of the first part and George Shortndge of the second part a tract of land on the waters of Drennon Creek containing 100 acres, Bounded by Jeremiah Meek & Jess Meek. Meek heirs sell due to Court order and for $745.00. Joshua Meek signed below James Meek Barlow Meek Heirs of Bazil Meek, deceased Jacob Meek Joseph Young Patience Meek --- late Patience Young Eliza Ann Meek John Meek Levi Meek Infants of Jeremiah Meek, deceased Stephen Meek son of Bazil Jesse Meek Joseph Meek Sally Meek Samuel Wholines, guardian for Infants of Bazil Meek, Jr. Rachel Meek A review of the census suggests that Basil had eight sons and three daughters. Jeremiah and Jonathan are the only children who had been positively identified. Following is a discussion of the records and a list of Basil's children. The deed record from Henry County, KY appears to address the same issue and people as the probate record from Hancock County, IN, despite the different dates. The deed record provides some order to the names given in the probate record. Additionally, it clarifies that the probate record is actually about Basil rather than Jeremiah. Additionally, the probate record clarifies Rachel¥s status as the wife of James Wollum/Wholines. Therefore, the probate record and deed record provide a list of children for Basil and the children of his deceased children Jeremiah and Rachel. Census and deed records support the presence of some of these children in Henry County. Deed record Probate record Heirs of Basil Joshua Joshua James James Barlow Barlow Jacob Jacob Patience Patience Rachel (her heirs) Rachel (her heirs) Jonathan Sally Jarah (Sarah) ---(Sally often a nickname for Sarah.) Joseph Joseph Jasper (There is no evidence of this person in other Jesse records. Therefore, he may be Jesse.) The abstracts also list Samuel Wollum as a son of Rachel wife of James Wollum. (Abstracts - source unknown: Rachel Meek abt 1800 m: Samuel Wollum 13 Dec 1827 Henry Co., KY) The manner in which the deed abstract is written leaves the impression that there might be a son named Basil Jr. as the list includes heirs of Basil and infants of Basil Jr. The various records supported that contention. However, another researcher has identified that person as a member of an other family. In addition, Basil was referred to as Basil Jr. in many records. Therefore, it has been determined that the names in the deed record are the children of Basil, with the exception of Jeremiah's children whose identity is known. Bazil's Children Jeremiah Meek This family has been the primary focus of my research and his children and grandchildren have been identified in various records. As indicated, Jeremiah and his minor children Eliza Ann Meek, John Henry Meek, Levi Nuttle Meek and Stephen Basil Meek left Henry County about 1828. There is no evidence that any of them returned. See article on Jeremiah's family in Hancock Co., IN. Jonathan Meek has already been discussed and he and his family can be seen in the Henry County records including the all important 1850 census of Henry County. He married Catherine Newhouse 1 May 1820. His children are identified from census, deed and marriage records. Jonathan is listed in the 1850 census of Henry County. Rachel Meek married James Wholines. She died prior to 1838 according to probate records. Joshua Meek as with the remainder of the children, is less clearly connected to the records. A person named Joshua Meek paid taxes 1823-1838 and there is a deed dated 21 Jun 1831 which mentions a wife Sally. There is a marriage abstracts for Sally Stewart dated 5 Mar 1821. Joshua in the 1830 census gives an age of between 1800 and 1810. It is believed that Joshua died before 1850. James Meek In the 1830 census was born between 1800 to 1810 as was his wife. There was a son age 5 to 10 and 2 females under the age of 10. No one by this name was in the 1840 census. A person named James Meek paid taxes from 1823 to the end of the records in 1843. There were 2 people with this name in 1843. There is a marriage record in Gallatin Co., KY for James Meek and Mary Betsy Stewart 19 Apr 1822. There is no evidence to connect this record to the son of Bazil. James is not in the 1840 or 1850 census of Henry County. Barlow Meek paid taxes 1829 to 1843, although he is not in the 1830 census. He is first mentioned in the deed records in 1849. His wife's name is given as Leanora/Lennah. The transaction is with a William Sutton. Marriage abstracts show a marriage to Leannah Sutton 27 Feb 1845, father Elijah Sutton. Another marriage was to Dicy Ann Louden 10 Apr 1838, father Hugh Louden. Barlow in the 1840 census was age 30-40. He had 2 children under the age of 5. This would be consistent with a marriage to Dicy Ann Louden. Barlow is not in the 1850 census of Henry County. Jesse Meek is mentioned in the probate records in such a way as to imply that he was younger and unmarried. The only Jesse in the 1850 census who fits would have been born about 1814. His wife was Louisa. Marriage records indicate that a Jesse married 4 Jan 1845 Louisa Wiley, father Spires Wiley. However, the census list children at ages 10 and 8 who could not have been the product of this marriage. In order for Jesse in the marriage record to be Basil's son, he would have to have been married to a 1st wife who died before he married Louisa. There is a marriage record for Lucretia Henderson 25 Feb 1836 who could account for the 10 and 8 year olds in the census. Jesse Jr paid taxes from 1837 to 1843 (end of records). There was an older Jesse which appear throughout the records. Jesse appears in the 1850 census of Henry County. Jacob Meek paid taxes records from 1833 to 1842. Jacob in the 1840 census was born between 1820 and 1830. There is a Henry County marriage abstract for Charlotte Clark dated 27 Oct 1831. He married Rachel Jones in 1847. He is not in the 1850 census of Henry County. Patience Meek married Joseph Young. It is not known where Patience was married or lived. Joseph Meek in the 1850 census was born about 1817 with the wife born about 1820. Marriage abstracts show a marriage to Serena Stewart 31 Dec 1840, father John Stewart. Abstracts of the 1850 census give both Serena and Lavina for the name of the wife. Joseph and Serena were reported in the 1870 Census of White Co., IN. They have also been reported by genealogist and information is known about their children and grandchildren. Sarah Meek married Allen Stewart. She died about 1849. Bazil Meek of Henry Co., KY had eight sons, Jeremiah, Jonathan, Joshua, James, Barlow, Jesse, Jacob and Joseph. Bazil and his oldest son, Jeremiah, left Henry County shortly before 1830 for Hancock Co., IN and both died within a few years. Joshua is thought to have died before the 1840 census leaving a wife and at least one son who remained in Henry County. Joseph left after 1850 and moved to Indiana with his in-laws.