[13]
In his book [UL: My Ancestors and Their Descendants :UL] William
Luther Brown warned that "Thomas" the son of Joel should not be
confused with "Thomas" the brother of Joel. By having the same name
without a middle initial and living in the same place at the same
time, these Thomases have presented a puzzle to family researchers.
Separating the deed transactions of these Thomases is difficult
because they were neighbors in the Hickory Cove area of the Holston
River Valley. They practically lived across the road from each other.
To make identification even more complex, Thomas the nephew married a
second time to his first cousin Polly, the daughter of his Uncle
Thomas.
This son of Joel was born, raised, lived and died in Hawkins
County. He was one of six brothers. If he had any sisters, no known
traces of them remain. His father left no will. Of the seven brothers
three emigrated to Monroe County, Kentucky, and one emigrated to
Effingham County, Illinois. I suspect that the eldest, Joseph, may
have moved to Missouri or Arkansas. No record of his death exists.
His youngest brother, Joel, also stayed and farmed in Hawkins County.
Thomas sired twelve children - nine by his first wife Ellen
Carmack and three by his cousin Polly. All of his children by Ellen
are known to have survived into adulthood except Jim. His first child
by Polly died in infancy.
In 1840 Ellen been dead for several years, Thomas was married to
Polly, and their household consisted of Thomas, Polly, Joel, Missouri,
Minerva, Wesley, Shelby, Ellen, Mary, and Sarah. John had married by
this time and established his own home. Jim might have been living
next door with his great uncle Thomas or have died.
In 1850 Thomas' household included three Mary's: his
mother-in-law, Mary Malory Wilkins Gillenwaters; his wife and first
cousin, Mary "Polly" Gillenwaters; and his daughter Mary C. Of his
six sons, all have left home except Shelby and the youngest, five year
old Thomas. Although Ellen had married in August of the previous
year, she was living at home, separated for some reason from her
husband, Joseph Shelton. The other half-sister, Sarah, completes the
household.
By 1860 all of Thomas known sibling, Joseph, William, David,
John, Elijah, and Joel had died or moved out of Hawkins county.
Thomas was now 70 years old and his wife Polly was approaching her
fifty-first birthday. His older sons, John Marion and Joel Carmack,
were living in Monroe County, Kentucky. His older daughters, Missouri
and Minerva had migrated to Missouri. Wiley and presumably Jim were
dead. Ellen (age 31) and Mary C. (age 29 and unmarried) were still
living at home. Young Thomas B.L. was fifteen and probably listening
to the arguments of Secession. For some unknown reason, Minerva and
her husband had left two of their children in Tom's home under the
care of Ellen and Mary. These two Robinson children were five year
old John W. and his three year old sister, Sarah Ellen.
Four years later while the Civil War was raging all around,
Thomas sat down to write his last will and testament.
Will of Thomas Gillenwaters
This my last will made in the year of our Lord 1864 Nov 11th. I
wish to dispose of my property in the following manner vis: I give
unto my son Joell a certain portion of land beginning at Sheleys line
at the Branch at the Knob running with the meadow fence on down to the
corner. Thence across the field north east to Sheleys line thence up
the lane south east to the beginning.
2ond I give to my son Sheley a certain piece of land beginning at
the corner of cove so east running with the fence north west to Caney
creek, then with the meanders of the creek to the original corner then
south east with the old line to a stake at the corner of the cove,
then S.West to a hickory to the beginning.
3rd I give to my wife Polly a certain portion of land beginning
in the gap of the Knob running down the branch to the meadow fence
north west with said fence to the Road and then straight out to the
creek and then down with the meanders of the creek to a beech tree,
below the mouth of the Nose Branch and then South East to a red oak on
the side of the road, then to a walnait out side of the fence at the
foot of the Knob and straight out to the Top of the Knob and then
with the meanders of the Knob to the beginning in the gap. My daughter
Sarah's interest is included in the same boundary and if my son Thomas
ever returns he has his share with his mother & Sarah and if he never
returns Sarah is to have all her mothers share at the death of my wife
Polly or during her widowhood also my daughters Mary and Ellen have
their part in my mansion house and out houses so long as they remain
single also my three Grand children Francis Robinson, J Wesley and
Sarah E Robinson be maintained until they are free.
4th I give to my two daughters Mary & Ellen the remainder of my
farm, beginning at a beech on the Creek below the mouth of the Nose
Branch and running down the meanderings of the creek to Asbury
Gillenwaters line then with the said line to the top of the Knob and
then with the top of the Knob to Pollys & Sarahs line, then north west
with their line to the beginning.
5th I have given my other children viz. John Marion, Wesley, &
Minerva, the portion I intend them to have, but I give to their heirs
one dollar each.
6th My negroes remain on my farm and work as they have done.
7th I give my wife my sorrel mare with one Ey & my sorrel horse
I give to my daughter Ellen, & my brown horse colt to daughter Mary &
I give two of my cows and oxens to my wife and Mary & Ellen the cows
they claim & I give my Grand daughter Francis Robinson the cow she
claims, my sheep I give to the use of my family, my wagons and all of
my farming utinsils I give to my wife Polly also all of my grain &
my wheat that is growing I give to my wife Polly for the use of my
family also my household & Kitchen furniture I give to my wife Polly
for the use of my family. Also all of my debts are to be paid out of
my perishable property at the death of my all my personnel property is
to be divided between my two daughters Mary & Ellen and my three Grand
children, Francis, Wesley, & Sarah.
Lastly I appoint my son Joel my sole execotor of this my last
will and testament and give my soul to God who gave it. In witness
given under my hand & seal day & date above named.
Signed & sealed in the presence of Abraham Molsbie,
T. Gillenwaters,
___Asbury Gillenwaters.
Thomas died the following year and was buried in the family plot
on his farm.