More Family Info and Documents

William Rabb

RABB, ANDREW (1793-1869). Andrew
Rabb, Old Three Hundred colonist,
legislator, and first chief justice of Fayette
and Bastrop counties, son of Mary (Smalley)
and William Rabb, was born in Pennsylvania
in 1793. The family moved to Illinois in 1804,
to the Red River in Arkansas in 1818, and to
the Colorado River in Texas in 1823. Rabb
and one of his brothers cleared land on the
west side of the river above the site of
present La Grange in 1823 and 1824, but
because of Indian depredations they moved
down the Colorado to locate permanently in
the Egypt settlement. As one of Stephen F.
Austin's colonists, Rabb received title to
1½ sitios of land in what is now Wharton
County on August 10, 1824. His land was
surveyed by Rawson Alley before January
1825. The census of March 1826 classified
Rabb as a farmer and stock raiser with a
wife, Margaret (Ragsdale), two sons, and a
daughter. In 1827 Rabb signed resolutions
declaring allegiance to the Mexican
government and condemning the Fredonian
Rebellion. He represented the Fayette
County area in the Convention of 1833 and was nominated as chief justice of Mina
County in December 1836. He petitioned for
the organization of Fayette County in 1837
and represented the new county in the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas. He was secretary to the board of trustees of
Rutersville College in 1843, the year he was selected to the Eighth Congress. He died in 1869.

John Rabb

RABB, JOHN (1798-1861). John Rabb, early
settler, son of Mary (Smalley) and William
Rabb, was born in Fayette County,
Pennsylvania, on January 1, 1798. The family
moved successively to Ohio, Illinois, and
then Jonesboro (i.e. Jonesborough),
Arkansas, where John married Mary
Crownover (see RABB, MARY
CROWNOVER) on October 2, 1821. He came
to Texas in 1822 as one of Stephen F.
Austin's Old Three Hundred colonists and
lived for a time near San Felipe de Austin.
He was given title to a site of land now
part of Fort Bend and Austin counties on
July 8, 1824. He finally settled on Rabb's
Prairie in what is now Fayette County, where
he and his father received a bonus of land
for building a grist and saw mill. Rabb went
on an Indian campaign under John Henry
Moore to Fort Tenoxtitlán in 1835 and in
1840 was again in military service when he
joined a company under his brother, Thomas
J. Rabb. After joining the Methodist
Church in 1834, Rabb gave land to the
missionary society of the church and to
Rutersville College, for which he was
treasurer in 1840. He also contributed the
lumber for building the first Methodist
church in San Antonio. In 1845 he was vice
president of the Fayette County Temperance
Society. Rabb later moved to Hill County and,
in 1860, to Travis County, where he helped
to settle Barton Springs. He died there on
June 5, 1861, and was buried at Oakwood
Cemetery.

Andrew Rabb

RABB, ANDREW (1793-1869). Andrew
Rabb, Old Three Hundredqv colonist,
legislator, and first chief justice of Fayette
and Bastrop counties, son of Mary (Smalley)
and William Rabb, was born in Pennsylvania
in 1793. The family moved to Illinois in 1804,
to the Red River in Arkansas in 1818, and to
the Colorado River in Texas in 1823. Rabb
and one of his brothers cleared land on the
west side of the river above the site of
present La Grange in 1823 and 1824, but
because of Indian depredations they moved
down the Colorado to locate permanently in
the Egypt settlement. As one of Stephen F.
Austin's colonists, Rabb received title to
1½ sitios of land in what is now Wharton
County on August 10, 1824. His land was
surveyed by Rawson Alley before January
1825. The census of March 1826 classified
Rabb as a farmer and stock raiser with a
wife, Margaret (Ragsdale), two sons, and a
daughter. In 1827 Rabb signed resolutions
declaring allegiance to the Mexican
government and condemning the Fredonian
Rebellion. He represented the Fayette
County area in the Convention of 1833 and
was nominated as chief justice of Mina
County in December 1836. He petitioned for
the organization of Fayette County in 1837
and represented the new county in the Third Congress of the Republic of Texas. He was secretary to the board of trustees of
Rutersville College in 1843, the year he was
elected to the Eighth Congress. He died in
1869.

Thomas J. Rabb

RABB, THOMAS J. (ca. 1801-1846).
Thomas J. Rabb, soldier and member of
Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred,
was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania,
about 1801, the son of Mary (Smalley) and
William Rabb. He was the brother of
Andrew and John Rabb and Rachel (Rabb)
Newman. All were settlers in Stephen F.
Austin's original colony and for this reason
received substantial land grants from the
Mexican government. The family left
Pennsylvania about 1803 and, after a short
stay with relatives in Warren County, Ohio,
reached their destination near the
Mississippi River in Indiana Territory (later
Illinois Territory) in 1804. They moved to
Arkansas Territory in 1818. As early as
1819, while the family was living near the
Red River in Arkansas Territory, Rabb made
exploratory trips with his father into south
central Texas in preparation for eventual
settlement in the region. He accompanied his
parents on their move to a chosen site in
Austin's proposed colony, where they
arrived in December 1821. In early 1822
Rabb and his father met with Austin on his
return to Texas following the death of his
father, Moses Austin. When Stephen
Austin went to Mexico City to reconfirm his
colonization permit, they accompanied him to
San Antonio. The other members of the
Rabb family had remained in Arkansas
Territory; they traveled to Texas in the fall
of 1823. Initially, the entire family settled
on the west side of the Colorado River a
short distance above the site of present La
Grange. In the spring of 1824 the Rabbs
decided to move farther south in the colony
to escape Indian harassment. Thomas
accompanied the family on this move and
subsequently located near the settlement of
Egypt in what is now Wharton County, an
area of Austin's colony known as the District
of Colorado. On July 24, 1824, he received
title to his headright of one square league
(about 4,500 acres) in that area. In 1824 he
was appointed first lieutenant in a militia
battalion organized by Stephen Austin for
security of the colony. In the 1825 census
Rabb is listed as a farmer and stock raiser.
On October 6, 1835, Rabb joined the
volunteer army forming to intercept Mexican
troops being sent into Texas to take punitive
action against the colonists, and on October
28 he participated in the battle of
Concepción. He was honorably discharged
on November 23, 1835, and was
subsequently selected by the General
Councilqv to recruit reinforcements for the
newly authorized volunteer Texas army. He
was elected a delegate from the Mina
district to the Convention of 1836 but
chose not to attend because he was engaged
in raising a company of soldiers for military
service. He received an appointment as
captain, effective February 1, 1836, and his
troops became Company F, First Regiment of
the revolutionary army. On March 6 Rabb
led his company into Gonzales to join other
troops gathering there under the command
of Gen. Sam Houston. After the fall of the
Alamo he served with the army during its
eastward withdrawal. On April 4, after the
Runaway Scrapeqv began, Rabb left the army,
with the approval of General Houston, to
rescue his family on the Colorado River
from the advancing Mexican forces. He
subsequently rejoined the army and was
honorably discharged on August 29, 1836.
He was not present at the battle of San
Jacinto.
After the war Rabb moved back to his home
near Egypt. He later moved to Rabb's Prairie
in what is now Fayette County, where he
apparently settled on a portion of the large
grant that his father had received for
erecting a gristmill to help feed the settlers
of Austin's colony. Beginning in September
1840 Rabb served as captain of a ranger
company under the command of Col. John H.
Moore. In this capacity he participated in a
campaign against the Comanche Indians that
culminated in a Texan victory near the Red
Fork of the Colorado River (near present
Colorado City in Mitchell County) on October
24, 1840, thus putting an end to the
Comanche uprising which had begun the
previous year (see LINNVILLE RAID OF
1840). Camp Rabb, located on the Concho
River within what is now either Concho or
Tom Green County, was probably named for
Thomas Rabb. His last recorded military
service was in March 1842, when a company
under his command was deployed to San
Antonio to assist in repelling a raid by
Mexican troops led by Gen. Rafael Vásquez.
Thomas Rabb married twice. His first wife,
Serena Gilbert, was the daughter of colonist
Sarah Gilbert.They had three children.
Serena died in 1836, soon after returning
home from the Runaway Scrape. Sometime
later, Rabb married a woman named
Barthenia; they had two children. He died at
his residence in Fayette County on October
29, 1846, and is believed to be buried near
Round Top.

I Joseph Rabb of the County of Van Buren and State of Iowa, desiring to prepare for death, and being of sound mind and memory, do make and declare this my last will and testament, hereby revoking all previous testimentary writings of whatsover kind made by me, that is to say:
Item 1st. I hereby make and appoint my son Samuel Rabb, and William J. Johnson, son of my beloved wife by her former husband, executors of this my last will and testament.
Item 2nd. I hereby give and bequeath to my beloved wife Nancy Rabb all the money I may have on hands at the time of my decease, and I hereby direct my executors aforesaid to pay the sum over to my said wife so soon as they shall have qualified for the discharge of their duties.
I also bequeath to may wife aforesaid two horses, two sets of harness, one for plough and one for wagon, and one two horse wagon, she to choose all of said articles, from among such of each kind, as may be on the place at the time of my death, also two cows, six hogs, two sows & pigs, 1 harrow, and four beds and bedding, all other household and kitchen furniture, including the clock.
Item 3rd. I also direct that my said wife shall have the use of the farm, without rent or other payment except taxes and necessary repairs, for the full term of three years from and after my death, if she shall so long live, and I further direct that at the expiration of said term, if she should yet be alive, upon her leaving the place my executors shall pay her the sum of One Hundred Dollars.
Item 4th. I give and bequeath to my step son Joseph A. Johnson my half a certain reaper & mower now owned by said Joseph A. and myself.
Item 5th. I hereby direct that a certain note now held by me executed by David W. Sewall amounting to two hundred dollars, together with the interest thereon shall be deducted from the share herein after bequeathed to my daughter Mrs. Mary Ann Sewall, and said not given up to my said daughter.
Item 6th. The bequest herein before made to my wife Nancy Rabb an upon the express condition that she shall relinquish all her dower in the Real Estate of which I may die seized.
Item 7th. I give and bequeath to my children Samuel Rabb, Elias Rabb, William Rabb, Mary Ann Sewall, and Emily Murphy all my Estate Real and personal not herein otherwise disposed of share and share alike after the payment of all first debts, funeral expenses and expenses of settling my estate in the probate court. And I order my said executors to sell and convey to the highest and best bidder for cash, all my real estate, at the expiration of three years after my death, unless a majority of my children should decide other wise.
Item 8th. I hereby direct my executors that so soon as they shall have sold the personal property belonging to my estate, and not herein specifically bequeathed, and have got the money for the same, they shall pay said money over to my said daughter Emily Murphy immediately, and take her receipt thereof as her share of the estate as provided in Item 7th being an advance payment of so much on her share.
Item 9th. I hereby direct my executors to procure a red cedar log six feet long and fourteen inches in diameter sawed in two length wise, neatly dressed down to be painted white, and on the head board the following inscription, "Joseph Rabb born in Fayette County Pennsylvania, April 19th 1788, Died in Iowa on ________ , 18__" And on the foot bard "J.R." the letters cut into the wood and then painted - the head board to be set two feet deep in the ground at the head of my grave, and the foot board to be set at the foot of my grave one feet lower than the head board.
In witness where of I have hereunto set my hand this 18th day of April 1864.
Joseph Rabb
Signed in our presence
by Joseph Rabb and we
witness the same at his
request.
Bertrand Jones
G. _. Bailey

CHATHAM COUNTY, NC - WILLS - Joseph Brantley, 27 Mar 1807
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Joseph Brantley Will - Mar. 27, 1807 - May Session 1807
Chatham Co. NC Will Bk. A, pg. 133 (written)
NCSA Film # 022.80002

In the name of God amen. March 27th, 1807. I Joseph Brantley of Chatham
county, North Carolina being sick in Body but of perfect mind & memory
do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament viz:
I give to my Grandson Joseph Duty one Negro Boy, named Isaac also one
colt called his by the familys. Also, one Bridle and Saddle to him and
his heirs forever. I give to my daughter Martha Duty and her son William
and her three daughters, three negroes to wit: Bridges, Nance, & Suky.
Also two Bayes? (looks like Bones?!) and the Black Mare: to be equally
divided amongst my daughter and her fore children, also one tract of
Land adjoining Benjamin Wilsons containing Ninety acres also fore Cows &
Calves, also my stock of Hogs all to be equally divided amongst the
above Martha & her Wm. and three daughters. My will and desire is that
the rest of my Negroes to wit; Ned, Sion and Jesse be sold also the
remainder of stock of Horses and Cattle be sold also my Waggon, smiths
tools & household furniture & farming tools be sold. And my desire is
that my Just debts be paid out of the money arising from the sale of the
above property that the rest of the money arising from the sale be
divided as followeth viz;
I give to my Grand (daughter) nancy Brooks Fifty Pounds. I give to my
son Joseph Brantly Five pounds. I give to my grandchildren viz: William
Brantley son of Joseph Brantley, Joseph Duty, Polly Brantley Brantley
daughter of William and Saley & Febe Brantley daughters (of) John
Brantley, dec'd. all the remainder of money to be equally divided
amongst them. And (I) do appoint my trusty friends Cato Riddle, John
Marten and William Brantley executors of this my last Will and
Testament.
Joseph Brantley {Seal}
John Riddle
William Abett
Proved May sessions 1807 by John Riddle.

Descendant Register, Generation No. 1

1. Jackson Bush (Sr. Bush Andrew¹) was born 31 AUG 1797 in Warren County, Georgia, and died 14 JAN 1879 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia). He married Lavinia Brantley 28 DEC 1826 in Warren County, Georgia. She was born 6 AUG 1809 in Georgia, and died 13 OCT 1884 in Lamar County, Georgia. She is the daughter of Phillip Brantley Jr. & Rebecca Harbuck of Warren Co., Ga. Jackson & Lavinia moved to Monroe Co., Ga. shortley after their marriage.

Children of Jackson Bush and Lavinia Brantley are:

2   i. Jones Bush was born 16 DEC 1827 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died WFT Est 1844-1917. He married Lou Allen Williams WFT Est 1844-1877. She was born WFT Est 1823-1843, and died WFT Est 1844-1917.

3   ii. Amanda Rebecca Bush was born 16 JUL 1829 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died WFT Est 1843-1923. She married John Wesley Brazies WFT Est 1843-1876. He was born WFT Est 1812-1832, and died WFT Est 1844-1903. She married Wilburn Bankston WFT Est 1843-1876. He was born WFT Est 1812-1832, and died WFT Est 1844-1903.

4   iii. Benjamin Brantley Bush was born 9 NOV 1830 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 9 JUL 1913. He married Kitty Moye WFT Est 1847-1880. She was born WFT Est 1826-1846, and died WFT Est 1847-1920.

5   iv. Albert Marion Bush was born 21 NOV 1834 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 15 AUG 1877. He married Sara J. Bankston WFT Est 1851-1872. She was born WFT Est 1830-1849, and died WFT Est 1851-1924.

6   v. James Madison Bush was born 28 DEC 1836 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 10 FEB 1939.

7   vi. Warren Bush was born 11 FEB 1838 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 26 OCT 1922.

8   vii. William Henry Harrison Bush was born 1 MAY 1840 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 24 APR 1890. He married Martha Owen WFT Est 1857-1882. She was born WFT Est 1836-1855, and died WFT Est 1857-1930. He married Frankie Owen WFT Est 1857-1882. She was born WFT Est 1836-1855, and died WFT Est 1857-1930.

9   viii. Samuel Houston Bush was born 22 MAY 1842 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 10 MAY 1879. He married Mary Elizabeth Owen 25 JUL 1965. She was born WFT Est 1841-1868, and died WFT Est 1857-1935.

10   ix. Emily Frances Bush was born 2 MAY 1845 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died WFT Est 1871-1939. She married Newsome Owen 4 DEC 1865. He was born WFT Est 1820-1846, and died WFT Est 1869-1912.

11   x. Epsie Maria Bush was born 9 JUN 1847 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 12 JAN 1873. She married Green Bush WFT Est 1855-1888, son of Thomas Bush and Narcissa Taylor. He was born WFT Est 1830-1849, and died WFT Est 1862-1921.

12   xi. Thomas Jackson Bush was born 14 NOV 1850 in Monroe Co. Georgia (now Lamar County, Georgia), and died 19 JUN 1882. He married Fannie Leak WFT Est 1866-1880. She was born WFT Est 1846-1863, and died WFT Est 1866-1940.