Person:Jacob Knicely (1)

Advisory on Two Jacob Knicely's

There were two different Jacob Knicely's (Nicely) that both died around 1836 in Virginia. This Jacob Knicely died and left his will in Rockingham County, Virginia. The other Jacob Nicely died and left his will in Alleghany County, Virginia. Some researchers have confused these two Jacobs.

Will of Jacob Knicely of Rockingham County

"I Jacob Nicely of the County of Rockingham and State of Virginia, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following" gives to Ellen Campbell his granddaughter the tract of land on which he now lives and directs Executor to rent out said tract of land for the use of his granddaughter until she arrives to the age of 21 years; bequeaths to her various other items that her mother owned and directs that all the rest and residue of his Estate be sold and the money arising therefrom after paying all debts, and after that to pay the sum of about $80 to his son- in-law Dan'l Taylor; leaves his sons John & Joseph nothing as they have already received a good deal from debts he has paid for them, and advancements made. He further directs that his Executor have the guardianship of my said Grand daughter until she arrives of age, that she receive such education as befits her estate and circumstances, and that she not be raised by anyone of his children but by someone to be selected by the Executor. Names his friend David Steele as Executor. Dated May 9, 1836.

Witnesses: Peter Good, James Bleigh, and Benjamin J. Ralston.

Information on Jacob Knicely

From Genforum.com post:

Re: Nicelys in Rockingham Co. VA Posted by: Julie Noble Date: March 18, 2001 at 19:23:50 In Reply to: Re: Nicelys in Rockingham Co. VA by Donna Pultz of 699

Thanks for responding Donna. You did help clarify that we are talking about two different Jacob Nicelys who both wrote a will in the same month of the same year, one in Alleghany County, and one in Rockingham County, VA. The following is an abstract of the will from the Jacob Nicely of Rockingham County: (listed above)

I believe but am not certain that this Jacob Nicely was married to an Ann Blain Campbell. I believe that his son John is the John Nicely who was b. Oct. 20, 1807 in Rockingham Co. married Nancy Ann Armstrong 11/22/1827 in Pendleton Co. VA and married 2)Nancy Haymond; died June 7, 1891 in Braxton Co. WVA. The daughter who married Daniel Taylor is Mary "Polly" Nicely who was b. in Rockingham Co. abt. 1807. I cannot trace down Joseph so far, nor who Susan Ellen Campbell's parents were.

To make matters more confusing, it appears that there is another or the same family of Nicelys whose children lived in Rockingham Co. at least by the 1810 census - An Anthony Nicely and Sarah, who had children Jacob, Adam, Anthony Jr. Rebecca, David and Mary. I am not sure this is the same Jacob in the will above, but there is no Jacob Nicely on the 1840 Rockingham Co. Census Index.

As far as I know the Alleghany Co. and Rockingham Co. Nicelys are not related, but they could be.