John Colyer b. 20 AUG 1781 Henry County, VA d. 18 AUG 1851 Ruth, Ky (reported somewhere from Typhoid fever): Curtis / Colyer family of Somerset Kentucky

1781 - 1851

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Birth	20 Aug 1781	Henry County, VA
	Place of birth based on John's father (William) signing oath of allegiance in Henry county VA (see copy on site) and also upon John Colyer grave stone at Soule's Chapel cemetery stating that he was born in Virginia. Based on his father William's history, by 1790 appeared to be living in Washington County TN near Erwin TN.
Christened	Obituary of grandson Dr. Jehu R Colyer, reports that John Colyer and wife Lydia were devout Christian people and church leaders, and most of their children became faithful members of the church.
Gender	Male
Died	18 Aug 1851	Ruth, Ky (reported somewhere from Typhoid fever) [3, 4]
Buried	Soule's Chapel Cemetery, Somerset, Ky See this link for complete map and inventory of Soule's Chapel cemetery: ;
Person ID	I1027	John Colyer family of Somerset Ky
Last Modified	12 Sep 2026

Father	William Colyar, b. 1754, Greenbriar Co., Virginia , d. Jun 1819, Pulaski county kentucky
Mother	Agnus "Nancy" Ann St. Clair, b. ABT. 1760, d. ABT. 1839, Pulaski county kentucky
Married	30 Aug 1777	Henry Co., Virginia
Family ID	F256	Group Sheet

Family 1	Martha Minus, d. 1816
Last Modified	22 Oct 2016
Family ID	F042	Group Sheet

Family 2 Lydia Memes Purvis, b. 26 May 1798, North Carolina , d. 25 Dec 1874, Pulaski county, KY

Married 6 Jan 1818 [2, 3, 4]

Children

>	1. Harriet Colyer, b. 27 Sep 1818, Virginia , d. 23 Apr 1901
>	2. Elizabeth Colyer, b. 15 Nov 1822, d. 1898
>	3. Cyrenius W. Colyer, Esq., b. 23 Jun 1824, d. 1898
>	4. James Perry Colyer, b. 6 Dec 1828, Pulaski Co., Kentucky , d. 1910, Pulaski Co., Kentucky
	5. Martin T. Colyer, b. 19 Aug 1830, Pulaski Co., Kentucky , d. 1901
>	6. Charles Granade Colyer, b. 8 Aug 1832, Pulaski Co., Kentucky , d. 11 Apr 1910, Somerset, Ky
>	7. Stephen Colyer, b. 28 Jul 1836, d. 1855
>	8. Samuel Black Colyer, b. 1838, d. Oct 10 1890, Storey County NV
	9. Nathaniel Colyer, b. 1840
>	10. Lindsey Robert Colyer, b. 27 Apr 1821, d. 14 Jan 1901
>	11. Manerva Colyer, b. 1825
>	12. St. Clair Colyer, b. 15 Dec 1819, d. Sep 1904
	13. Jehu Colyer, b. 24 Feb 1827, d. 1850, Obit of Dr. Jehu R. Colyer reports one son of john died small pox...jehu or stephen
>	14. John Wesley Colyer, b. 8 may1834, d. 08 Jun 1908

Last Modified 07 Nov 2007

Family ID F051 Group Sheet

Family 3 Polly (Sinclair) St. Clair, b. Abt 1780, d. Abt 1815

Married Abt 1807

Children

	1. Bluford Colyer, b. 17 Jan 1809, Virginia , d. 29 Sep 1878
	2. Nancy Colyer, b. 1813, Virginia , d. ABT. 1848
	3. James Alexander Colyer, b. 1809, census records indicate born 1810 , d. 1888
	4. John Colyer, Jr., b. 1 Apr 1815, Virginia , d. 1 Apr 1855, Bronston Ky of Typhoid fever
>	5. William Collyer, b. 9 Dec 1807, Pulaski County Ky , d. 11/24/1889, Missouri

Last Modified 22 Oct 2016

Family ID F8017 Group Sheet

Photos		John Colyer farm The original John Colyer farm was located at what is currently highway 192 at Pittman creek near Somerset, Ky. Here is picture of land that was the original farm. Now known locally as the old Warren farm. Status: Located
		homestead of John Colyer The original John Colyer farm was located at what is currently highway 192 at Pittman creek. Here is a 2004 picture of house standing where original homestead of John Colyer stood according to Elaine Avera. Per hand notes of Edith Colyer Curtis, a slave cemetery stood 1/4 mile up hill on same side of street as this house. Status: Located
		John Colyer grave Photo of gravestone of John Colyer in Soule's Chapel cemetery. (updated photo in 2004) The stone very difficult to read in 2004 says this the best I can make it out " In Memory of John Colyer Was born in Virginia in Year of Our Lord 1781 Was married in 1818 and Moved Pulaski County KY in the year of our Lord 1806. He was a member of this church 30 years Died August _, 1851 Note that it says that John Colyer was born in Virginia. So it appears that William Colyar of Washington County TN migrated to banks of Nolichucky after 1781 but before 1790 for that is when he shows up there in Washington county TN on tax lists in 1790. Alternatively, William and his wife Agnes Nancy Ann Sinclair could have gone back to her parent’s home in Sinclair Bottom Virginia for birth of John. Tennessee was new settlement at the time. See last page of write up on Grenade Colyer from files of Dean Hunter that has copy of info on Virginia history references to Colyers. It shows a William Collier who was said to be a trapper and hunter. Also, note that the obituary of Charles Granade Colyer below, says that John Colyer was first married to a miss Sinclair rather than a Martha Minus. This is interesting given the Sinclair connection from John's father. It may however be erroneous based upon research done by descendant of Martha Minus and John Colyer......Mr. John Parsons of Tullahoma TN. Perhaps the writer of the obituary had confused Mr. John Colyer's mother maiden name with that of his first wife, as other earlier sources also state that John Colyer’s first wife was a lady named Minus---see letter from Dr. Welby Colyer above that gives Minus as the first wife name. Later DNA research on Colyer men, connect one John Colyer Jr., son of this John Colyer born 1781, the son being the one that settled in the Bronston KY area, to the other John Colyer 1781 descendants. This Bronston KY John Colyer death record says his mother was named POLLY. This discredits the name of first wife of John Colyer 1781 being Martha Minus. It was concluded that her name must have really been Polly Sinclair or St. Clair. See link to inventory of Soule's Chapel cemetery here: Status: Located
		homestead of John Colyer The original John Colyer farm was located at what is currently highway 192 at Pittman creek. Here is picture of a house that might be of one standing where original homestead of John Colyer stood according to Elaine Avera. The ancient photograph may be the same house as it existed when the John Colyer family lived there. The photo was found in the home of Ray Colyer , Frankfort KY in 2005. You will note that it is an ancient photo (mid to late 1800’s) that had an artist’s enhancements such as charcoal/water color touch ups and colorization applied. I traced the deed of the John Colyer property located on current hwy 192 Somerset Ky at the Pulaski County courthouse to a deed located on this site in documents, wherein it proves that the property located at hwy 192 at Pitman Creek is in fact the home place of John Colyer Sr. John Colyer bought the majority if not all the property from a Langdon family by deed in 1842. It is believed the house was built in 1805 (date determined by scientific tree ring dating dendrochronology report). The property was sold by the heirs of John Colyer in September 1865 to Andrew Warren per deed on this site. Per hand notes of Edith Colyer Curtis, a slave cemetery stood 1/4 mile up hill on same side of street as this house. According to Kentucky Place Names publ 1988 Univ Ky Press Robert Rennick, The first post office at this area was established by Mathew Warren July 1888 and called Juno. It was closed 1896. In 1908, a local shopkeeper named Rufe Ashurst reopened it naming it for daughter Ruth, with Mathew Warren again becoming postmaster in 1916. Rufe Ashurst's wife, Ms. Cox, is buried in Soule's Chapel Cemetery per boyscout inventory project of cemetery. Rufe Ashurst was the city of Somerset Engineer per Mar 20 1906 Interior Journal newspaper. He also acted as land agent. The old photo original has written on back "Colyer, 2109 Ross Ave." After internet search it was determined that there is not a ross avenue currently in somerset ky. There is however a 2109 ross ave. in fort worth texas. Could this have been where Sam Colyer lived in 1910 ? It is known from family history stories that Sam lived in Ft. Worth for a while and then came back to Somerset after his dad died at the request of his mother. Maps of Ft. Worth today show this address 2109 Ross Ave. near 21st street in Ft Worth. Search of familysearch.org shows 1910 census of Ft. Worth with Sam Collier and wife Leona and daughter Ruby in the 12th ward. They show Sam as 25 years old, wife as 23 years old daughter Ruby 3 years old. It was determined that it appears that 2109 Ross Ave, currently one block off 21st St. is in the 12th ward. THEREFORE, I CONCLUDE THE OLD HOUSE PHOTO BELONGED TO SAM COLYER FAMILY AND THEY HAD WRITTEN THEIR FT. WORTH ADDRESS ON THE BACK OF THE PHOTO WHEN LIVING THERE IN FT. WORTH TEXAS. The foundation, concrete porch and other architecture makes for a conclusion that the picture is NOT of the Sam Colyer residence in Ft Worth Texas. My guess is that a frame shop wrote the Colyer name and Texas address on the back to know whom it belonged once framed. Reviewing the city directory of Ft. Worth TX from 1908 reveals that Sam Colyer lived at 2109 Ross Ave. Google street view of 2109 Ross Ave shows a large 2 story house there today. This could be house from 1908. City directory appears to show two residents at that address and other notations indicating that possibly two families rented the large two story house at 2109 Ross Ave. Conclusion: the old picture of house is not that of 2109 Ross Ave, therefore must have been notation re owner of picture Sam Colyer to identify. Based on excavation during renovation, it is thought that the 3 foot high enclosed area to left of porch was the water well next to kitchen. Tax records on this page show that the property first appeared in 1805 to Henry Waggoner. Dendroarchaelogical Dendrochronology reports on this page show logs were cut therefore built in 1805. Deed on this page dated 1813 sale from Henry Waggoner to John Langdon 1813. Tax records 1814 show John Langdon. Based on recent restoration work, and expert advise from Mark Bowe of Greenbriar WV observation, that the house faced the creek when built based on ceiling rafter direction. That the fireplace in this picture was originally a back door. There are two covered 2nd story windows on this fireplace wall in the log structure, which would have been back windows. The original fireplaces would have been on the right and left side of the main structure. The roof would likely have been on the structure the opposite direction to this picture. Based on this and examination during restoration, it is concluded that when John Colyer purchased the home in 1842, a major remodel was done to accomodate his large family. At that time the roof direction was reversed and the side fireplaces removed to accomodate the addition to the right in this picture of the dormitory and on the left of this picture of the summer kitchen and dogtrot. The 1842 remodel also would have put the chimney in the back door as seen in this picture. It is thought at this time the staircase in the home was moved to current location. At his time, the chimney holes on either side were likely enlarged to accommodate the addition of the dog trot/kitchen and side dormitory building. There were other major remodels done to the house in 1865-1900 when the Warren family purchased the home. The ceilings were raised from pioneer era 7 foot level and interior log walls were covered with paneling. Status: Located
		John Colyer grave in Soule's chapel cemetery Somerset Ky. See this link for complete map and inventory of Soule's Chapel cemetery: Status: Located
		Soule's Chapel Church Photo of Soule's Chapel Church new homestead of John Colyer and his son Charles Granade Colyer. This is where family may have gone to church and where John Colyer, son of William Colyar and father of Charles Granade Colyer, is buried. See historic write up about Soule’s chapel under John Colyer. It is reported by June Avera that Charles Grenade Colyer was initially buried there, but after a dispute with Louisa Jane, his wife and the church, she reportedly had him exhumed and moved to the Clay Hill Baptist Church cemetery, where his grave is today. However, from reading the obituary of Charles Grenade Colyer in the Somerset Republican newspaper referenced above, this story must be erroneous since the paper says he was originally buried in Clay Hill Cemetery. Status: Located
		John Colyer house High Resolution version Photo of old picture of what is believed to be the old John Colyer house in Ruth Ky. This a high resolution version
		Ruth Ky store about 1940 This photo of the Old Ruth Store was reprinted in the Somerset KY newspaper The Commonwealth Journal 11/2/13. According to Verda May Hines Hughes, the Zimmer store was located further out current day hwy 192 at the corner of current Stewart Rd
		John Colyer grave stone Thanks to Wesley M. Colyer for this great photo of the grave stone of John Colyer born 1781 at Soule's Chapel before the chapel burned down. It was discovered in 2023, that this grave stone and that of son Stephen Colyer(also located Soule's chapel) was hand carved by Roswell Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard was a prolific carver who relocated from the McDonough NY areas to KY in about 1850 following his son who went to Williamsburg KY area as a lawyer.
		Ruth KY store This is a picture of the Ruth Ky store at Pitman Creek as it appeared about 1940 according to Harold Colyer who remembers it as a boy. Thanks to Harold Colyer for this photo. This store stood on the opposite side of the road from the Warren/Colyer house currently standing at Ptiman creek. This is the version of the store that was reported by Mrs. Iva Dean Ridner and Lyman Alexander to have been washed into Pitman creek in a flood about 1948. Somerset Journal: June 8, 1938 Half interest: John Alexander has bought a half interest in Elbert Alexander’s store at Ruth.
		homestead of John Colyer after restoration project 2013 Restoration project complete on John Colyer house at hwy 192 and Pitman Creek. Ed Wolf, general contractor from Monticello; Raymond Savage, stone mason; John and Perry Young, carpenters; Larry Ford, tile.
		John Colyer homeplace owned by Warrens in 1925 Thanks to Dexter Alexander for this old photo of what then in 1925 was the Warren place. This photo shows when the windows were on the north wall upstairs and the chimney was in the original location. Inscription on photo's back by John Dexter Alexander (1920 - 2005): "Dad & Mom - John Dexter - Dad holding Roy (before Bob was born). Uncle Ed Aunt Pearlie Warren son Robert - Edith Warren - Dad's Model T - Taken at Uncle Ed Warren's home about 1925." Dad is John Elmer Alexander (1887 - 1968). He is holding his son Roy M. Alexander (1926 - 2007). Mom is Louise "Lula" Pearl Phelps Alexander (1888 - 1969). Bob is Robert E. Alexander (1929 - 1991)
		1784 William Colyar log house Nolichucky River This photo appeared in the Nashville newspaper The Democrat on May 19, 1912, in an article on Arthur St. Clair Colyar reminiscences. Article says the puncheon (split wood) floors were attached with 1 inch locust pegs and that Alexander Colyar born in this house 1790, as well as A.S. Colyar in 1818. It would have been the cabin where John Colyer and other children of William Colyar grew up.

Documents		1834 ancient map Cumberland River You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . The Wait-Bluford Colyer deed references land near Beaver Creek. From looking at ancient map of 1834 (djvu format) , it appears that current day Buck Creek used to be called Beaver Creek. Renaming it to Buck Creek appears to have possibly cleared confusion resulting from many nearby creeks emptying into Cumberland River being designated at Beaver Creek as can be seen from the 1834 map referenced above. This indicates that the John Colyer family while living in the Jugornot area of Pulaski County had family friend named Cyrenius Waite that may be reason a child named after him.) See Cyreinus Waite page where History of Pulaski County Book shows Cyrenius Waite owned coal mines at mouth of Buck Creek on Cumberland River. Status: Located
		John Colyer estate settlement 1855 opening Estate appraisal of John Colyer Jr born 1815 of Somerset Kentucky ( son of John Colyer born 1781). Followed by part of updated estate accounting 1853-1859 of John Colyer born 1781. Note that initial administrator is a Mr. Gover of John Colyer Jr estate. The later accounting, son Lindsey Colyer is appointed administrator of his father John Colyer who was born 1781 and died 1851. Status: Located
		John Colyer homeplace deed The original John Colyer farm was located at what is currently highway 192 at Pittman creek. I traced the deed of the property in the Pulaski County courthouse to this deed (You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this format in your browser) wherein it proves that the photographed property is in fact the home place of John Colyer Sr. John Colyer bought the majority if not all the property from a Langdon family by deed in 1842 and his heirs sell it to Andrew Warren in September 1865. Deed says that Andrew Warren lived there at the time. Further of note, Lindsey transfers several brothers interests he had bought out. The remaining brothers transfer their interest "That descends to them at the death of" their mother, Lydia...being a dower right.....so legally it does not seem Andrew Warren gets clear title until Lydia dies in 1874. Status: Located
		John Colyer homeplace deed The original John Colyer farm was located at what is currently highway 192 at Pittman creek. original homestead of John Colyer stood according to Elaine Avera. I traced the deed of the property in the photo back at the Pulaski County courthouse to this deed John Colyer bought the majority if not all the property from a Langdon family by deed in 1842. The purchaser of the farm from John Colyer heirs was Andrew Warren in September 1865. It is reported by the StrayLeaves website on the James families, that John Colyer's grandson Lindsey R Colyer by John's son Lindsey Robert [should be James Alexander] Colyer (Martha Minus) was married in the house to Andrew Warren's daughter Elizabeth Ann "Eliza" Warren in January 1866. NOTE: the deed references children each having a 1/17 interest in homeplace in this transfer to Andrew Warren. John Colyer had one child, Jehu who predeceased him And Buford/Bluford's inherited interest had been siezed in a judgement against Bluford and sold indirectly by sheriff to Andrew Warren. So of 19 children of John Colyer, one was dead and the other (Bluford) lost his inherited interest. This deed appears to transfer 13/17 of the home/farm interest. Another 1/17 of Bluford's was transferred separately. Leaving possibly Nancy (reported died 1848) and Elizabeth Colyer Eastham. Nancy Jane signs, but this apparently is Lindsey's wife Nancy Jane Richardson Colyer. So it seems Elizabeth Colyer Eastham and another 1/17 is missing from this deed. If Lindsey's 8.5/17ths were worth $722, the implied value of the whole amounted to about $1400. Status: Located
		John Colyer homeplace deed 1842 John Colyer bought the majority if not all the property from a Langdon family by deed in 1842. There was some sort of a road constructed about 1823-1824 according to Pulaski Court records: Pulaski County Kentucky Court Order Book 3, page 367B---"Ordered that Thomas Price be appointed Surveyor of the Road from Pitman's Creek to Buck Creek on the ____ of Tho. Stephens, and that he with hands_____ within the precinct herein after below mentioned, an _____ in good repair according to law, to wit, Beginning at the Ford of Pitmans Creek at John Langdons from thence a straight Corner to the head of Sugartree Hollow from thence down the same to the south thence down Buck Creek to the Whitley Road thence with the same to Pitmans Creek and up the same to the Begg (except John Brinson, Wm Herrin, John Brinson, Senr, John Herrin & Shaderick Price)." This Court Order helps determine age of Log house that John Colyer bought in 1842 as having been the residence of John Langdon (ie based on location at Pittman Creek ford) as this road order referencing the residence in about 1822. Therefore, since census shows John Langdon in area in 1820, I conclude the Log house was built before 1819-1820. Status: Located
		John Colyer Washington County TN deed In this deed, John Colyer of Pulaski County KY, transfers land he inherited from his father William Colyar of Washington Co. TN back to his two brothers, William Jr, and Alexander who stayed in TN Status: Located
		John Wesley Colyer in Confederate Military History As possible evidence of William Colyar being a soldier in the Revolutionary War, see the write up of his grandson, John Wesley Colyer of Pulaski County Ky, in the 1987 edition of "Confederate Military History". John Wesley Colyer was the son of John Colyer born 1781 who was son of William Colyar. The Confederate Military History says that John Colyer born 1781 and was of Revolutionary ancestry. John Colyer born 1781’s mother was Angus Nancy St. Clair, daughter of Charles St. Clair. Since Charles St. Clair died in 1768, it was not him that had Revolutionary War connection. So it could be John’s father, William Colyar born 1754, died 1819. Status: Located
		John Colyer 1810 census 1810 Pulaski County Census shows John Colyer and Buford Colyer(was name properly Bluford or Buford ?) Tax records for Pulaski County Ky show him as "Bluford" Colyer. This cannot be son, as son of John Colyer only 2 years old in 1810. Who is this Bluford/Buford Colyer ? John Colyer born 1781 names son for him in 1809. Status: Located
		John Colyers in Washington County TN Sorting out all the Colyar, Colyer and Colliers (really same fold many times as names spelled both ways on same documents at times) in Washington County and the John Colyers in particular is difficult. Note that the John Collyer in pension records: Russell county VA was formed from Washington County VA in 1785 Status: Located
		John Colyer deed to brother Alexander In this deed, John Colyer of Pulaski County KY, transfers land he inherited from his father William Colyar of Washington Co. TN back to his two brothers, William Jr, and Alexander who stayed in TN Status: Located
		Jugornot area of Pulaski County TOPO map You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . Jugornot area of Pulaski County concerning Bluford Colyer—son of John Colyer Status: Located
		John Colyer--1839 Map of Kentucky You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . A map discovered in 2006 of Kentucky in 1839 (djvu format see references on this site to download viewer) shows Buck Creek area at Cumberland River to contain iron works. This it interesting since that land was thought to be originally acquired by original grant to John Colyer in 1809. John, whose father William Colyar (who later evidently came to live near his son John Colyer in this area of Pulaski County Ky called Jugornot ) had owned Lead mines in Bumpass Cove on the Nolichucky River in East TN, which later became iron mines. It shows that perhaps the know how of mining and land suitable for it had been learned by John from his father William while being reared in East TN. It is known that when Kentucky was opened for settlement that land grants were made in Ky if an Iron Works were established. The land owned by John Colyer on the Curmberland River also had coal mines as shown in the1834 map referenced above. Status: Located
		1851 John Colyer from Purvis deed addition John bought land on Buck Creek from William Purvis in July of 1851 one month before he died. John was married to Lydia Purvis. Status: Located
		Welby A. Colyer letter You must download and install the special Deju browser plug in from here to read this . Here is a letter from Dr. Welby A. Colyer (djvu format) believed to be dated sometime prior to about 1940 wherein he states the family descendants of his Grandfather John Colyer (1781). Says that John Colyer 1781 first wife was "Martha Minus". Status: Located
		1846 Bluford Colyer - John Colyer deed John Colyer sold about 150 acres on the Cumberland River (thought to be near Buck Creek ) that had been patented to him 1809-1831 to his son Bluford Colyer. This is believed to be near the bottom of Jugornot hollow on current day Rush Branch Rd. See the 1822 land grant survey of 10 acre tract that shows this deed has an error in the metes/bounds of 10 acre tract in the last call. The survey shows it being S 48 west , when the deed shows it S 48 East. The survey copy was obtained February 2025. Status: Located
		Somerset KY First Methodist Church history Shows connection to Somerset KY Soule's Chapel
		The Life and Travels of the Rev. William Landrum Book by circuit riding Methodist preacher who had the Somerset KY circuit 1830. Preached at Gragg's Chapel (predecessor to Soule's Chapel) Somerset KY. Large 10meg PDF.....do search of somerset, gragg's , collier, richardson. See page 52 for reference to Collier. Note William Sears land grant near Buck Creek: 815.) Patent #: 13437 Grantee: Sears, William Grant Book & Pg: 26 432 Acreage: 100 County: Pulaski WaterCourse: Buck Cr. Survey Name: Sears, William Survey Date: 05/10/1848 Grant Date: 07/03/1849
		History of Methodism in Kentucky Interesting read of setting in history about 1820 in Kentucky when the Methodist conference of Kentucky was established which included the Cumberland Conf. encompassing the Somerset Circuit. Interesting assessment of what Methodists were like in 1820.
		John Colyer 1830 Pulaski County census (djvu format) I had searched for gravesite of William Colyar and his wife, Nancy Ann in east Tennessee. It is reported that he died in 1819. However, a power of attorney made by Alexander Colyar of Winchester TN (Father of Arthur St. Claire Colyer) appointing his son, George Thompson Colyer, as power of attorney recorded in Pulaski County Ky, shows that William and his wife Nancy lived in Pulaski County KY at the time of their death The power of attorney in 1839 (year of Nancy Agnes Ann’s death) was to collect Alexander’s share of estate. Since only son I know of in Pulaski County Ky is John Colyer, I suppose that William and Nancy, must have moved to live with John Colyer of Pulaski County Ky so John could care for them in their elder years. This is supported by the 1830 U.S. Census that shows a female age 60-70 years old living with John. John’s mother Agnes Nancy Ann St. Clair Colyar would have been 70 years old in 1830. His father, William, died in 1819 but his mother did not die until 1839. The elderly lady living in the household would not be John mother-in-law, Mrs. Purvis, as both of John’s parents-in-law were living at the time with Old Mr. Purvis not dying until 1840 or so and Old Mrs. Purvis not until 1852. This indicates that perhaps John Colyer was the closest son capable of financially being able to care for his parents in later years. The power of attorney indicates that both William and Nancy Colyar died in Pulaski County KY. My guess is that they may be buried in some of the unmarked graves in the Jugornot region of Pulaski County as this is where John Colyer had property at Buck Creek on the Cumberland River before moving to the Pittman Creek property in Ruth Kentucky area in 1842. Status: Located
		1830 Pulaski County KY census extract Shows John Collier. The pulaski county census only shows 2 colliers there in 1830, John and Charles. John had large household. See book on site of circuit rider methodist preacher Landrum, who says stayed at Collier's after preaching at William Sears, who lived near the Hails (see 1830 sears census) , my guess across cumberland river from John Collier. Also shows aged female(presumed mother of John Colyer) living in household.
		1830 Pulaski county Ky census extract (William Sears) Shows William Sears referenced on page 58 of Landrum circuit riding methodist preacher 1830
		Lincoln County Kentucky (predecessor to Pulaski, Rockcastle etc counties) tax records from 1790-1810 era Shows Collier,Colliar,Colyer,Colyar
		Somerset Ky 1929 Topo map (warning 5meg file size) Shows Ruth Ky John Colyer house, Charles Granade Colyer house, Clay Hill Baptist Church and cemetery, Beech Grove School, Soules' Chapel Church, Jugornot Hollow, Pisgah School. See alternative annotated pdf file.
		Somerset Pulaski County Ky 1929 Topo Map: Warning EXTREMELY LARGE 34 meg. Shows John Colyer house, Charles Granade Colyer house, Where Charles Granade taught school at Beech Grove, Where Charles Granade buried at Clay Hill Baptist, Where John Colyer buried at Soules Chapel, Where Bluford Colyer eldest son of John Colyer gave land for Jugornot school
		Pulaski County Ky highway map in 1950 Map shows detail of houses, churches, schools, postoffice etc, but only along roads....not much city streets.
		Map showing Jugornot Hollow Showing approximate location of old long destroyed Jugornot school, whose land was donated by Becky Kirtley Colyer, wife of Bluford Colyer, son of John Colyer of 1781. Also shows likely grave site of William Colyar etc.
		Rush Branch Road ? :Kentucky legislative Act creating in 1835. This seems to be first step of creating road from Pulaski County Courthouse to the coal mines at the mouth of the Rockcastle and Laurel Rivers on the Cumberland River. The 1942 book on this site about history of American Coal mining confirms. From study of 1845 map on this site as well as 1861 civil war map on this site, it appears that this was current Rush Branch road. Before the lake in 1950's, it appears current Rush Branch Road crossed Buck Creek and continued on to the coal mines on Cumberland River then continued on to Whitley County area where current day town of Williamsburg Ky is county seat.
		Possible Sublimity Road (hwy 192) history: The First Century and a Quarter of American Coal Industry, 1942 Confirms that the 1835 Ky Legislative act was building road from Pulaski county courthouse to the coal mines located at mouth of Rockcastle and Laurel Rivers on the Cumberland River. However study of maps of 1845, 1861 seem to show that this 1835 Act was for what is currently Rush Branch Road. Before the lake in 1950, based on civil war 1861 map and 1845 map, it appears that Rush Branch Road (may have been known as Whitley Road) crossed Buck Creek and continued to the coal mine area (see 1845 map) then on to Whitley County area south toward current day Williamsburg and Corbin Ky.
		Sublimity Road (hwy 192) Ky legislature Act 1858 creating toll road John Colyer house per Granade Colyer obit, was at old Sublimity road at pittman creek.
		Sublimity Road (hwy 192) research: Enclyclopedia Brittanica 1911 about First coal mined in Kentucky in Laurel or Pulaski county 1829
		Map of Kentucky 1836 Shows roads from Somerset Ky, and apparent no evidence of Sublimity Road (current hwy 192) going by old John Colyer place at Ruth Ky
		1861 Civil War map with Somerset inset showing Sublimity Rd (now hwy 192) and Rush Branch Rd This map seems to lead one to the conclusion that the KY legislative act of 1835 on this site for road construction was concerning current Rush Branch Road (formerly known as the Whitley Road in Pulaski County Court Order). The 1861 Civil War map on this site appears to clearly show Rush Branch road at the time crossed over Buck Creek (now since lake formation in 1950's road ends at Buck Creek) and went down to the coal mines on this 1861 map and coincides with language in 1835 Legislative Act. Therefore, it may be that current hwy 192(formerly known as Sublimity Road since 1858 Act, but formerly in pulaski court orders known as the Whitley Rd) was improved by the 1853 or so Legislative Act sponsored by Christopher Columbus Graham to his resort at Sublimity Springs.
		Map of Kentucky roads 1845 Shows road that appears to be Current Rush Branch road. Ky Legislature funded road improvement in 1835 for coal mines. This may also be what in Pulaski Court orders refer to the Whitley Road....meaning going to Whitley County area around current day Williamsburg Ky. This map lends support to the proposition that the KY Legislative Act of 1835 was for Rush Branch road that is shown crossing Buck Creek and continuing on to Coal mine area and then Whitley area. The Sublimity Road (current hwy 192 and formerly referred to in Pulaski Court Orders in 1821 as Saltworks Rd) may not have been improved until 1850's road Legislative Act.
		1820 Pulaski County Census image and 1830 extract In re: to determine age of log house John Colyer purchased in 1842 from Langdon's that is still standing in 2011: Shows that John Langdon was living in house in 1820, next to the same neighbors his widow Susannah lives next to in 1830 census. The 1810 census was, I have read, destroyed in war of 1812 and the images of the 1810 census available are index images by last name, which are not helpful in locating where people lived by reference to neighbors since in lastname order, not in order as taken. Susannah Langdon sells 200 acre farm to John Colyer in 1842. Therefore, house that is on the same 200 acre farm at Pittman creek in 2011, whose back faces the 1824-1835 road (ie house built before road thus house faces creek) was most likely built in 1806, the year that John John Langdon has a South of Green River Legislative Act of 1795 Land Grant per court records. These Grants required property settlement and improvement w/ cabin or crops. The Grant was for 720 acres. George B. Cooper (neighbor in census of 1820-1830 also got land grant in 1805.
		Ruth Kentucky Map modern day Shows John Colyer homeplace purchased 1842; Charles Granade Colyer homeplace civil war era; Beech Grove Schoool where Granade taught school in 1862; Clay Hill Baptist cemetery where Granade buried.
		Sublimity Road history by Filson Club Ties together the KY Legislative Acts and identifies as Sublimity Road construction. John Colyer house, according to son Charles Granade Colyer obituary on this site, was located on Old Sublimity road at Pitman Creek.
		Historical Sketches and Reminiscences of an Octogenarian, Thomas Preston 1900 Book by grandson of earliest founder of Virginia Augusta County wherein is detailed the services of Charles St. Clair (Sinclair) a long hunter, to lead the exploration party of Col. Patton in 1748 to the discovery and naming of the Cumberland Gap and Cumberland river. This was 2 years before what most history books record as Cumberland discovery by Dr. Thomas Walker. Note Walker was in the party also in 1748, but not its leader. Grandfather, William Preston: Virginia Historical Magazine: Vol VII October 1899 "The record of military bounty warrants for the French and Indian War in the Virginia Land Office, gives the following: [Page 307.] "At a Court continued and held for Montgomery County, April 5, I780. "William Preston having made due and Satisfactory [proof] to the Court that he served as Capt. of a Company of Rangers raised by act of assembly, from the I4th day of July, 1755, to the 24th of June, 1756, when the said company was disbanded by order of the Governor of Virg", that he was under the com- mand of Col. James Patton until he was killed in the service, then for some time under the immediate command of the Gov- ernor, and the Remainder of the Time was under Major Andrew Lewis, an officer of the Virg" Regm', that the said Preston was allowed his Bounty of land for said service by Lord Dun- more in Decr, 1773. It further appears to the Court by full and satisfactory proof that the said William Preston commanded another company of rangers raised by act of assembly of June the 8th, 1757, when his commission was dated, and continued in said Service untill the 4th of May, 1759, when the company was disbanded by order of the Governor; that part of the above time the Sd preston was under the command of Major Andrew Lewis untill May, 1758, and afterwards under the immediate Command of the Governor of Virg", and that he never received any Bounty of land or warrant for so service, agreeable to the King of Great Britian's proclamation of I763 & the act of as- sembly."
		1810 Federal Census Pulaski County Ky Shows John Colyer and a Buford (whom I do not know who it is) in 1810 in Kentucky, believed to be on Cumberland River in Jugornot area of Somerset Ky today. John Colyer did have a son named Bluford Colyer. Some early tax records about 1810 show this "Buford" Collier(Colyer) with name of "Bluford"
		1864 Burnside area Civil War map (10 meg size) to right side, shows Ruth Ky area and John Colyer house(then occupied by Andrew Warren) at Pitman Creek. Note that down the road (currently called Clay Hill Road) that runs next to Pitman Creek, is Colyer Mill. According to deeds found under James Alexander Colyer, the mill was built by Alexander Colyer after 1854. The map also shows neighbor named Keeney whose name is referenced in a road project in Court Orders Book 5 Pulaski County starting at Widow Langdon's...ie John Colyer house. Thanks to Joe at Ky Dept of Highways Dist. 8 office Somerset for this map. Note that this map is for Burnside area. Other 1861 maps on this site for civil war seem to show current hwy 192 (formerly Sublimity rd.) Therefore this area on this Burnside map may not show it due to purpose not to show roads insignificant to Burnside...ie Sublimity toll road going to resort.
		1835 Pulaski Court Order road Whitley Road , Salt Works Rd. for road starting at Widow Langdon's (owner of house prior to John Colyer). Page 2 is from 1864 Burnside Civil War Map crop. Shows route from current Clay Hill Road at hwy 192 to Cherry Grove Rd back down Clay Hill Rd. See this road description for road ordered at what became to be John Colyer house (formerly owned by the Langdon's) at current Ruth Ky at Pitman Creek. This helps determine age of log house....ie it was there in 1835. Also note it mentions Keeney that appears on 1864 civil war map on this site. Also note the termination at Cave/Spring....this could be the cave spring that was on current day Strawberry road. In re the 1835 court order for road between whitley road (Hwy 192) and salt road (which I believe to be Grundy Rd hwy 692) , trying to decipher what the 1835 order meant and where it was.....below will of William Richardson, the road surveyor, seems to show it to be running up pitman creek toward somerset. We know from John Colyer deed of 1842 from Langdon's that the first tract of land was the current big field which bordered Pitman creek and and went toward Blaze Valley where Jesse Richardson, father of William, had a grant of 1500 acres. We know this because the Colyer 1842 deed says it has a corner with Jesse Richardson property on Pitman creek. The road order of 1835 mentions going up to John Richardson then Hiram Hughs. The Will of William Richardson below, shows him leaving land on Pitman creek to wife, then land "that lies above" it to Matilda Meece (one of Richard Curtis's gg-grandmothers.) This seems to indicate William Richardson's land is running along current hwy 192 towards Somerset from the old Langdon-Colyer-Warren farm. Notice also as it continues in Will he leaves land of Hiram Hughs , who is mentioned in 1835 Court Order of road survey/maintenance. In Pulaski County Court Order book 3, page 470, (about 1824) There is a road order for Jesse Richardson from Somerset to Pitman Creek , known as the Saltworks Road. It appears that East Mt. Vernon Street turned into to hwy 692, was the Saltworks Road in very early days. Later research showed that the Salt Works Rd followed current day Grundy Rd. The Filson Club member Miss Mary Verhoeff, in her book writes of a KY legislature Act of DEC 21, 1802 which orders a road from the Pulaski County Court house to the Salt Works in current Manchester KY. Evidently, current hwy 692 Grundy Rd got it's start in this legislative Act as the Saltworks Road from Somerset. It appears from 1824 and 1835 Court Ordered roads, that the Whitley Road (current day Hwy 192) came up to Pitman creek and then followed Pitman creek to intersect the Salt Road and then Saltworks Road (hwy 692) came into Somerset. This has some logic to it, since Hwy 192 turns into East Mt. Vernon Street in Somerset and is a man artery road in downtown Somerset. What would become Hwy 192, was already established prior to it being used as an Iron Works road circle back route. The route was enhanced in 1808 by Kentucky Legislation calling for a road expanding its Wilderness Road improvement act of 1795 by Issac Shelby governor. This Act created a new route for Wilderness Road near present day Barbourville through what then was known as Sublimity Hollow near Barbourville. The 1808 Ky legislation called for a road to be built from the Knox County Court house (later would become Barbourville) to Pulaski County court house that was to intersect the Salt Works Road near Somerset. Other research has shown this section of the Saltworks Road to be today’s Grundy Road. The Legislation said the road was to intersect the road leading to Pulaski County at Benjamin Thurman’s. Benjamin Thurman was married to Jesse Richardson daughter, so his land was in the proximity of Blaze Valley toward Somerset. This 1808 Legislation effectively created another route from the salt works area around Manchester to Somerset directly off the Wilderness Road. By 1824, it was referred to in court orders as The Whitley Road. 1834 Ky Legislation enhanced it for access to coal lands between Buck Creek and Laurel River. 1858 Ky Legislation enhanced it for access to the new Sublimity Springs Resort at Bee Rock. Civil War maps referred to it as Corbin Road. Locals at the time called it Sublimity Road. Then Ruth Road. Further info on location of John Richardson property mentioned in 1835 Road Order: 1823 March 31st day This Indenture made this 31st day of March 1823 between William Harris of County of Shelby and State of KY of the one part and John Richardson of Pulaski Co & state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Harris for and in consideration of the sum of fifty dollars current money to him in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained & sold and by these presents doth convey unto the said John Richardson and his heirs forever a certain tract or parcel of land situate lying and being in the county of Pulaski and State aforesaid on the waters of Pitmans creek and is thus bounded, to wit, beginning at the upper back corner of six hundred acre survey in the name of OLIVER TERRELL in the East side of Pitmans creek a branch of Cumberland River at an Ash and Hickory thence North 54 W 100 poles with the back line of said Terrells Survey to two sugar trees and beech hby a branch thense N 36 E 150 poles crossing a branch at two poles to two beeches thence S 54 E 100 poles to a large poplar and white oak thence S 36 W 160 poles to the beginning. To have and to hold the said tract of land unto the said John Richardson & his heirs forever and the said William Harris doth convenant & agree to & with the said John Richardson that he will warrant and defend the right & title of said land to him the said John Richardson & his heirs forever against the claim of himself and his heirs forever. In testimony whereof the said William Harris hath hereto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. W Harris. Book 5: 1822-1825: page 203 http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/a/l/k/Lessa-M-Alkire/GENE2-0007.html 25. WILLIAM3 RICHARDSON (JESSE2, JONATHAN1) was born June 8, 1787 in Lincoln, Kentucky, and died July 19, 1853 in Pulaski, Kentucky. He married SARAH W. GIBSON November 15, 1806 in Pulaski, Kentucky. She was born March 16, 1797 in Kentucky, and died Abt. 1850 in Pulaski, Kentucky. Notes for WILLIAM RICHARDSON: VITAL STATS: 1853 Deaths, p 3 - Pulaski County, Kentucky Cause of death: Fever http://www.rootsweb.com/~kypulask/wills/richa.html Contributed by Joyce Hargis The Will of William Richardson 10 Nov 1852 Pulaski County, Kentucky In the name of God amen, I, William Richardson of the County of Pulaski and State of Kentucky calling to mind the uncertainty of himan life, And being desirous to dispose of all my wordly Estate as it has pleased God to bless me with I give and bequeath the same in the following manner (to wit) First, It is my will and desire that my wife, Sarah, have a portion of my land (to wit) Beginning at a square tree and Dogwood a conditional corner betwen David Richardson and William Richardson, on the bank of Pitman's creek, thence the old line N 44 East 40 poles to a buckeye and double Sycamore a corner to the original Survey thence running with the meanders of the creek S 52 East 40 poles to two Iron woods and white oak in a branch of the creek cleft of the creek thence S 88 East 100 poles crossing a dry branch to a Small black oak and Hickory then south 59 East 18 poles to a Hickry then N 48 East 72 poles to two white oaks then N 53 West 48 poles to a Hickry and Square tree Meec corner then S 63 West 48 poles to a Hickry Meac corner, then due N 65 West 62 poles to two White Oaks Meac corner, then due N 52 poles to a Gum, thence due West 96 poles to a pine-oak and Sugartree thence N 9 1/2 East 30 poles to two sugar-trees and Iron-wood thens S 89 1/2 West 140 poles to a stake on the conditional line between David Richardson and William Richardson, thenc the old conditional line S 28 East 191 poles to the Beginning, containing by Survey 220 acres be the same more or less; all the survey that Langford made for me on the 18th day of Nov. 1851. To have during her natural life or widowhood if she should survive me. Also one horse beast (She may have choice) One Waggon and one yoke of oxen, two cows and ten head of sheep, hogs and corn to hur one year, two plows and two hows, One pare of Gears, one Bed and firneture beside hur own and so much of the Cuberd ware: and Cubboard as will set of hur table, and the big Table, with the Loam and So much of the cooking vesls and washing vessels as the family will especially Kneed for their Support: All the above property named She is to Have the use of it while she keep house and continues to live on land but if she will leave the place by moving of it, then in that case, she will forfet all hur interest in the above name property and all the profits exclusive of the land, is to be divided equally among my children. Secondly, it is my will and desire that at my death-my wife death, that my son William R. Richardson and his hears have all the said track of land that I will to my wife forever. Thirdly, It is my will and desire tht at my death, that my Daughter, Matilda Meece and Ephraim Meece hur husband and their heirs have all my land that lies above the track of land that I will my wife, between that and John Richardson binding on John Richardson's line. All the land I own there forever. Thirdly, it is my will and desire tht my Son William R. Richardson get a possion of the land I will to my wife, that my daughter Unisy Cox and hur heirs have all the land that I bought of Hiram Hughs except what little was cut off in Survey made to my wife; To Have forever. Fourthly, It is my will and desire that my Son Thomas C. Richardson have my big man Jacob, at my death, at five hundred Dollars, to make him even in the land way, or if he should die before he is to have his five hundred Dollars out of my estate. Fifthly, it is my Will and desire, that at my death, that all the rest of my negroes be equally divided among my four children, Unisy Cox and her heirs forever; Thomas C. Richardson, Matilda Meece and her heirs forever and William R. Richardson and his heirs. Fifthly, it is my will and desire that my son Jesse M. Richardson, or his heirs, have no more of my estate, as I have give him more of my estate than any of the rest of my children will get at my death. So he is to have no more as I have given him all my lands in Ballard City and paid upwards of four hundred Dollars for him. It is my will and desire that after my death that my executor sell all my personal property that I have not willed to my wife, on a twelve month credit, and pay all my just debts puncally and the ballance to be equally divided to my children, Unicy Cox, Matilda Meece, Thomas C. Richardson and William R. Richardson except my pare of Brown Dixonarys and the Bible and testament, them I will and bequeth to my son-in-law Ephraim Meece forever. Sixthly, on consideration It is my will and Desire that my wife have Something more (to wit) One pare of fire Dogs, the Clock, one set of shears, one big Whele and little whele, one bed sted, two axes, one log chane and ceck reel and two flat irons and Thirty Dollars in money, ot that amount in any of my personal property She may chose. Seventhly, and lastly, I do hereby apoint and nominate Thomas Gibson my Executor revoking all other and former wills made by me heretofore made, In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my name and affixed my Seal-- 10th day November 1852 William Richardson. Attest: Thomas J. Clonch, Tandy James, William M. Claunch. State of Kentucky, Pulaski County Set. At a County Court held for Pulaski County aforesaid, at the court house thereof in the Town of Somerset on Monday, the 15th day of August, 1853. The following instrument of writing, purporting to be the last Will and testament of William Richardson, decd., was produced to the Court as such, and proven to be the act and deed of the Said William Richardson, decd. by the oath of Tandy James and Wm. (alias) William M. Clonch two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded and the same done immediately.
		1824 Pulaski Cty Court ordered road route Map by satellite refers to John Langdon house at Pitman Creek (see deed where John Colyer buys from Widow Langdon) proving existance of house at hwy 192 and Pitman's creek in 1824. This route went out current hwy 192, down poplarville rd, then appears to connect to Hail Bridge Road at Buck creek, up current state route 1643 to Community of Meece then connecting to state route 769 (Rush Branch Road) back up to Pitman Creek, then following Pitman Creek on current Old Alcade Rd.
		1935 Kentucky Highway Dept map of Ruth Ky hwy192 improvements Map showing location of Langdon-Colyer-Warren Log house in 1935 and road improvements to be made. Shows grave yard, location of store/post office in 1935 before reported flood washed post office away. Show changing route of hwy 192
		1958 Kentucky Highway Dept map of hwy192 improvements Shows John Colyer log house (formerly Langdon, later Warren property) and how road of hwy 192 changed and items located around it. Note that part of land on same side of road as log house that was transferred to William H Warren from Andrew in 1884 was transferred out of family and not part of current 200 acre farm. This part is that which currently has hwy 192 market on it and farm behind market. Also it looks like part of Andrew Warren property across road that went to Joe Warren that has lumber mill on it in this map was sold off for house lots by 1960's or so. So other land was added to original John Colyer farm to make it 200 acres when sold in 2009. Likely that of woods along Clay Hill Rd purchased by Mathew Warren from court ordered sale of heirs of Alexander Colyer.
		Land grant 1840 Cyrenius Waite land on Whitley road (now thought to be hwy 192) between Pitman Creek and Buck Creek and borders with Collier/Colyer. 600 Acres. Based on Pulaski deed bk 13, pg 191 in 1847, this land was joined by land of John Colyer and Squire Griffin on buck creek. The 1847 deed set the boundary between Griffin's 2.5 acre store house lot and John Colyer. The See 1781 John Colyer page where document of the 1835 Ky Legislature Act whereby 10,000 acres vacant land available for warrants sale to raise money for road from Somerset to Coal Lands. In 2023 after research, this 1835 Act thought to be for what Pulaski County Road orders called the Whitley road that other court orders reveals to be current hwy 192(See road orders 1825 etc under John Colyer that shows his former farm owner John Langdon idendified on the Whitley Road).
		1795 KY Land Grant act South of Green River Settlements This act required settlement on the land evidenced by residence
		1810 Telico Land Grant law Kentucky This act granted settlers with residence on land right to land grant. This was land obtained by state by Telico treaty with Cherokee and other indian tribes. "On October 2, 1798, the first Treaty of Tellico was negotiated with the Cherokee Nation. It allowed for safe passage of settlers using the Kentucky road, running through Cherokee land between the Cumberland Mountain and the Cumberland River, in exchange for hunting rights on all relinquished lands, a further refinement of the Holston Treaty of 1791. By 1803, the demand for salt on Cherokee land in Kentucky dramatically increased when England seized American ships involved the salt trade. In 1805, the remaining Cherokee land in Kentucky was considered crucial to the national security of the United States. Between October 25 and 27, 1805, Kentucky Cherokee Chief Doublehead singed the final Treaties of Tellico, ceding the land south of the Cumberland River. Feeling that they had been betrayed and sold out, Doublehead was assassinated on August 9, 1807 in McIntosh Tavern, Hiwassee, Tennessee, by Charles Hicks, Alexander Saunders, and Major Ridge—his own people.
		1815 to 1818 KY land warrant / grant law This act appears to have allowed for settler land grants for limited period of time 1815-1818
		1820 Kentucky Widows land grant law This act does not appear to have any expire date. The life un-alienable right to land grant to Widows may be a reason the sale deed to John Colyer farm in 1865 by his widow, Lydia, mentions her life right to land and required children to join.
		1835 Kentucky Land Grant law: deligated to county courts This act appears to be a land free-for-all act, as it does not require settlement on land, but rather a payment for previously unappropriated land to County Court. The money had to be used by County for roads.
		1824 Pulaski Court Order Road from Ford at Pitmans Creek at John Langdons This is copy of microfilm of Court Order Book September term of 1824 identifying location of Ford at Pitman Creek at John Langdon's...thus establishing age of John Colyer house at that location to be at least as old as 1824. See deed on site in 1842 where John Colyer purchases house/property from Langdon's. Pulaski County Kentucky Court Order Book 3, page 367B--- "Ordered that Thomas Price be appointed Surveyor of the Road from Pitman's Creek to Buck Creek on the ____ of Tho. Stephens, and that he with hands_____ within the precinct herein after below mentioned, an _____ in good repair according to law, to wit, Beginning at the Ford of Pitmans Creek at John Langdons from thence a straight Corner to the head of Sugartree Hollow from thence down the same to the south thence down Buck Creek to the Whitley Road thence with the same to Pitmans Creek and up the same to the Begg (except John Brinson, Wm Herrin, John Brinson, Senr, John Herrin & Shaderick Price)." This Court Order helps determine age of Log house that John Colyer bought in 1842 as having been the residence of John Langdon (ie based on location at Pittman Creek ford) as this road order referencing the residence in about 1822. Therefore, since census shows John Langdon in area in 1820, I conclude house there at least since 1820.
		1825, March Pulaski Court Order mentions John Langdon, former owner of John Colyer house This helps determine age of John Colyer log house, in this March 1825 order, it appoints William Richardson road surveyor beginning at John Landon's to where the road intersects the salt works Rd (modern day corner of hwy 192 and Grundy Rd.)
		1825 August Pulaski County Court Order: followup to March order mentioning John Langdon's place ( former owner of John Colyer home) This helps determine age of John Colyer log house, in this August 1825 order, it appoints William Richardson road surveyor beginning at John Landon's on Whitley Rd to where the Salt Works Road and the Whitley Road intersect (modern day corner of hwy 192 and Grundy Rd/hwy 692.)
		1824, September Pulaski Court Order: Road now Jarvis Ave and Rush Branch Rd Here John Langdon, former owner of John Colyer log house on current day hwy 192, is on committee to find best way for a road from Somerset to the road along Pitman creek ( what in those days was called Whitley Rd). Current day, this road is thought to be Murphy Ave to Elihu Rush Branch to Rush Branch road to Old Alcade Road ...that use to continue to Strawberry/Clay Hill Rd to hwy 192. John Langdon lived at Whitley Rd and Pitman Creek. Currently that is Hwy 192 at Clay Hill Rd. Evidence in other road orders 1824, 1835: show that Landon house was on Whitley Rd. The road orders in 1824, 1825 and 1835 shows that what is now Rush Branch Rd (formerly Whitley Rd) used to come toward Somerset until reaching Pitman Creek then turn right and follow Pitman Creek until there was a ford at the Landon/Colyer house. Then in 1824 with this court order, a road is ordered to connect Somerset to the Whitley Rd(road along pitman creek) via Elihu. Previously, it appears the Whitley road came into Somerset by merging at current day hwy 692 Grundy Road-Salt Works Road and continue into East Mt. Vernon. The road with this order to do so via area close to mouth of Rush Branch stream of pitman creek at Wm Owens house at Elihu. Maps attached to this doc.
		John Langdon estate settlement 1825-1835 John Langdon died in 1825 and his widow sold his house/farm to John Colyer in 1842. Here his estate mentions Charles Colyer (Uncle if Sr or Jr. if cousin to John Colyer). This puts Charles Colyer near John Langdon. See deed to Charles Colyer Sr for 1750 acres Pulaski county on Buck Creek on site. It has Later been determined that John Langdon had another farm near current day Barnesburg Rd at hwy 461. This was not far from Charles Colyer property at Buck Creek and current hwy 461.
		History of the Salt Works Road Pulaski County Kentucky Historical society pub on history of Grundy and the Salt Works Road----see page 4----John Colyer log house was on the Whitley Road (hwy 192)
		Sublimity Springs History Page 3 contains Pulaski County Historical Society write up on Sublimity Springs which culminated in road improvement that converted road known as The Salt Works Road to be known as Sublimity Road. Reference to the road is contained in Charles Granade Colyer obituary. Was the location at Pitman Creek of John Colyer house
		1814 Pulaski County Property tax records Langdon Shows copies from KY archives of Pulaski County KY property tax records of property John Langdon on Pitman Creek. These are property tax records that FIRST appear in 1814. It is concluded that the house at current hwy 192 at Pitman Creek was existing in 1814 based on these records. This file shows 1814, 1818 and 1820 with same basic property on Pitman Creek. Langdon appears on Census of 1820 with same neighbors as his widow does in 1830. Property sold to John Colyer by heirs 1842.
		1807-1817 John Langdon land grant In researching age of log house John Langdon heirs sold to John Colyer in 1842, traced earliest records on John Langdon in Pulaski County KY on Ancestry.com. Record showed 720 acres grant in 1807. Upon searching records of same in KY archives, discovered grant was for 72 acres not 720 and was in 1817, not 1807. Grant and later records show it was on Buck Creek, not Pitman creek. Therefore was not the property of log house sold to John Colyer 1842.
		1806 Pulaski Property tax record: John Colyer Per search of Ky Archives Frankfort, John Colyer FIRST appears on property tax records in 1806 with no land, just horses.
		Welby Colyer letter (Dr. Welby A Colyer) Dr. Welby Colyer says in letter dated sometime near his death in 1940, that he knew most of the children of John Colyer 1781, his grandfather, except oldest William. Says that John Colyer, his grandfather, first wife was Martha Minus.
		1806 John Colyer marriage court record This is a copy from the Pulaski County Ky court records marriage book 1 of August 29, 1806 recording of John Colyer and Polly Blevins marriage record. DUE TO DEATH RECORD OF MARY COLYER IN JEFFERSON COUNTY KY 1855, DAUGHTER OF SAMUEL BLEVINS, IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THIS IS NOT THE MARRIAGE OF JOHN COLYER BORN 1781
		1804-1810 Pulaski County Tax Records Shows Samuel Blevins in 1804, on Buck Creek Pulaski County KY, believed to be father of Polly Blevins, who Pulaski County Court records in 1806 show married a John Colyer. This file is evidence that the John Colyer that Polly Blevins married in 1806 (reported father Samuel Blevins) is the John Colyer born 1781. HOWEVER, ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS AND ASSUMED. FURTHER INFO ON THIS SITE PROVIDED BY BLEVINS FAMILY RESEARCHERS SHOWS THAT "MARY" BLEVINS , DAUGHTER OF SAMUEL BLEVINS, DIED IN LOUISVILLE KY IN 1855 AND THAT CENSUS OF 1850 SHOWS MARRIED TO A JOHN COLYEAR. WE DON'T KNOW WHO THIS JOHN COLYEAR(COLYER) WAS, BUT EVIDENTLY NO RELATION TO JOHN COLYER BORN 1781 OF PULASKI COUNTY. The other John Colyer on tax records and later designated as "Junior", is beleived to be John Colyer Jr. born 1744, whom most of his life believed to live near Charles Colyer, baby brother, who bailed John out of court in Jonesboro TN prior to 1805 when Charles moved to Pulaski County Ky. He shows up in tax records here near Charles and later in Rockcastle County KY where Charles later moved. Without death record of Mary Colyer from Jefferson County KY in 1855 it would have been easy to Conclude that John Colyer born 1781 married Polly Blevins , since we know from pension records on John Colyer Jr. born 1744, he was long married to Grizelda Taylor in 1806. We have information that John Colyer Jr 1744 had son named John, but that he died in Rockcastle County ky in 1833 so not the Jefferson County Ky John Colyear. Further, we have information on a John Collier from Randolph Cty NC who moved to Greene County Tn but died there as did his son John...died in Greene County TN. So mystery continues as to who the Louisville John Colyear was descended from. Could he be descended from John Colyear in Franklin Cty IN who had Revolutionary pension file ? The 1810 tax records shows Bluford Colyer, so he may have been born before 1809
		1850 Pulaski County KY census John Colyer Shows John Colyer, wife Lydia (27 years younger) and children including Charles Granade Colyer. Interesting to see that land value totaled $1400. IF this was solely the 200 acre farm at Pitman Creek and hwy 192, it is interesting to see the dire effects of the civil war such that by 1865 when family sells the farm, it only brings $750 per deed on this website. But see lawsuit appeals case decided after John Colyer death in 1859 on this site under Cyrenius Wait, that refers to 150 acre tract and 50 acre tract. See also above under John Colyer 1781 where one month before death , John purchases from father in law estate 50 acres on Buck Creek.
		Augusta County VA descendants, Ky Historical Society 1918 Supplemental book from orginal sources listing notable persons descended from Augusta County VA roots, shows Arthur St. Clair Colyar, who as nephew of John Colyer of Pulaski County Ky. It is believed John Colyer's father William originated from Henry County VA, which was once part of Augusta County VA.
	1853 Pulaski County Ky Births Shows slave Sarah born to Amanda owned by John Colyer heirs
	Confederate Veteran publication 1910 Daughter of Confederacy Write up on John Wesley Colyer, son of John Colyer of 1781. Says that John Colyer 1781 was of Revolutionary ancestry. That could be his father, William Colyar since John Colyer 1781's mother would not have been in Revolution and her father was dead before Revolution. It is possible the reference was to John Wesley Colyer's mother ancestry...since Lydia Purvis father was documented revolutionary pensioner.
	1937 Pulaski County map Cropped section of eastern Pulaski county annotated with noted locations
	Bluford Colyer inherited interest in John Colyer homeplace deed to Andrew Warren The children of John Colyer sold their interest in home place in Ruth Ky to Andrew Warren in 1865-1866. Evidently, the eldest son's inherited part had been foreclosed upon and the purchaser at auction here transfers to Andrew Warren purchaser in 1866.
	Kentucky Land Grants price and history discusses particulars of various Ky land grants
	DNA test of Harold Andrew Colyer and Curtis Colyer match report Harold Andrew Colyer is a documented descendant (great great grandson) of John Colyer born 1781. Curtis Colyer is a documented descendant (great great grandson) of John Colyer born 1815 who lived in Bronston Ky. This DNA test shows that John Colyer born 1815 is son of John Colyer born 1781. This DNA test results in several conclusions. First, the Bronston KY area Colyers are related via John Colyer born 1781 to the Jugornot area of Somerset KY Colyers. Second, based on death record of John Colyer born 1815, that the first wife of John Colyer born 1781 was Polly Sinclair, NOT Martha Minus. Although the John Colyer born 1815 death record only states the mother's first name, it is this researcher's conclusion, that the disclosure of her last name in the newspaper obituary of John Colyer born 1781 son, Charles Granade Colyer, as Sinclair, provides for her full name as Polly Sinclair.
	DNA report comparing Harold Colyer and John Collyer Shows proof of connection of descendants of John Colyer born 1781. Descendants of William Colyer born 1807 and James Alexander Colyer born 1809.
	DNA test comparison Curtis Colyer vs. John Collyer Shows proof of connection via John Colyer born 1781. Curtis Colyer descended from John Colyer Jr. born 1815 and John Collyer was descended from William Colyer born 1807.
	1861 Pulaski County Ky Geology Report based on survey in 1858-1859 and names Colyer's Mill, Pitman Creek, Blazed and Long Hollow, Salt Work Road. Coal was mined and a small train took coal from top of current day Clay Hill Rd to intersection of current hwy 192 and Pitman Creek to original Ruth Ky store operated by Mathew Warren, then Mr Alexander, then Ad Colyer then Ridners. Report Calls area at current Burnside Ky as Texas District.
	1884 deed transfer 56 acres Andrew Warren to son William H Warren
	1884 deed from Andrew Warren to Henry Warren 75 acres Trace of John Colyer home place deed that was sold to Andrew Warren....this is Andrew Warren transferring part to son Henry. Another 1884 deed to son William H Warren, transfers another 56 acres. Have not identified yet where other acres went to total the 200 sold by John Colyer to Andrew Warren. One son of Andrew Warren , Mathew, I have not found any land to him yet. Mathew who was first Ruth Ky postmaster, did purchase some acres across street from heirs of Alexander Colyer by court ordered auction. Not that road is referred to Rockcastle Springs Rd. Based on obituary of Charles Grenade Colyer in Somerset Republican paper 1910, it was later referred to as Sublimity Springs Rd. Earliest records refer to it as Salt Works Rd. After 1910 it was known as Ruth Rd and lately as hwy 192.
	1900 deed John Colyer , Ruth Ky farm, passed from heirs of Andrew Warren to Henry M. Warren Pulaski County deed book 69-619
	Dr. Jehu R Colyer history From Vermilion County Illinois history book
	Dr. Jehu R Colyer history pg 2 Vermilion County Illinois history
	Dr. Jehu R Colyer history pg 3 Vermilion County Illinois history
	John Colyer homeplace deed 1842 map metes & bounds Metes & bounds deed description plotted of first tract as specified in purchase deed. The meets/bonds in purchase deed of 2nd tract not good when plotted, so used 1900 deed from Andrew Warren to Henry Warren that said same land as purchased from John Colyer.
	1810 U.S. census index Pulaski County KY
	Ruth KY: research notes from author Renner on book Kentucky Place Names Stella Colyer, Ruth Botkin, Ruth Ashurst, Eugene Allen, Henry Warren, A.M. Salyer, Pearl Allen, RS Keeney, JC Mounce, L.R. Colyer
	1869 Kentucky Court Appeals case land dispute Involves Cyrenius Waite, Lindsey Colyer, Samuel Black. This appears to be property inherited from John Colyer, the father of Lindsey Colyer and Samuel Black's wife, Harriett (based on 1/17th undivided interests) At some point Cyrenius Waite has come to lay claim to the sold 1/17th interests. This appears to be the 200 acre of coal lands John Colyer Sr. had on Cumberland River at Buck Creek. This shows both Samuel Black and Lindsey Colyer had sold their 1/17th undivided interest in the apparent coal lands to Darlin and Clark. See 1865 deed under John Colyer, where heirs all sell their 1/17th interest in farm at Pitman Creek to Andrew Warren. Cyrenius Waite, appears to have again intervened in Colyer land as he did for Bluford Colyer...see deeds under Bluford Colyer. See 1851 tax records under John Colyer b.1781 where shows land on cumberland river and deed from Purvis in 1851 for 50 acres Buck Creek.
	Soule's Chapel history Commonwealth Journal article 1978 written by Hazel Ledford
	Soule's Chapel Methodist Church newspaper clippings 1900s
	Soule Chapel cemetery vandalism inventory 1997-2000 Somerset Commonwealth Journal newspaper clippings
	Annals Southwest Virginia: Charles St. Clair children sale land Here are excerpts of court records whereby most of the children after having inherited Sinclair Bottom , some 996 acres, sell it to various parties after death of Charles St. Clair. Notice mention of Thomas Walker on pages with in same area (guardian of Thomas Jefferson). Note that there is a possible mention of William Colyar selling in 1786 land on the Middle Fork of the Holston River. If he was living here as a long hunter, it explains his nearby location to the St Clairs Sinclairs and thereby marrying Charles daughter Nancy. William Colyar first deed on Nolochucky river near modern day Erwin TN is in 1788. May also explain by tombstone of John Colyer, son of William, says he was born in 1781 in Virginia. However, later examination of the deed indicates it was in fact William Collie not William Collier.
	1834 map of Cumberland River in png format The Wait-Bluford Colyer deed references land near Beaver Creek. From looking at ancient map of 1834, it appears that current day Buck Creek used to be called Beaver Creek. Renaming it to Buck Creek appears to have possibly cleared confusion resulting from many nearby creeks emptying into Cumberland River being designated at Beaver Creek as can be seen from the 1834 map referenced above. This indicates that the John Colyer family while living in the Jugornot area of Pulaski County had family friend named Cyrenius Waite that may be reason a child named after him.) See Cyreinus Waite page where History of Pulaski County Book shows Cyrenius Waite owned coal mines at mouth of Buck Creek on Cumberland River.
	1851 Pulaski County KY tax records people with last name beginning with "C". Shows land held by John Colyer at death in 1851. Of the 300 acres on Pitman Creek, 200 were sold with the homeplace in 1865 by heirs to Andrew Warren. 150 acres on Cumberland River, suspected to be added to by deed in July 1851 from Purvis estate of 50 acres. This 150 + 50 suspected to be the subject of Ky court of appeals law suit on this site under Cyrenius Wait, who had coal mines in the area. Another interesting thing, is that Bluford Colyer in Buck Creek area/Jugornot does not show in tax records in 1851 even though deed records show land there.
	1850 Pulaski County KY census John Colyer PAGE2 Show mother in law, Rhoda Purvis, living with them.
	1840 census Pulaski County KY John Colyer before moving from Jugornot region of county to Ruth area. His mother in law, Rhoda Purvis not living with them yet like she was in 1850. The 1830 census showed elderly lady in John Colyer household. This was believed to be his mother, Nancy Ann Agnus St. Clair Colyar, who is reportedly to have died in 1839.
	1810 Pulaski County KY census: John Coliar and Buford Coliar
	1856 Map of Kentucky section on Pulaski County KY roads: Saltworks roads published by JH Colton & Co sited by Mary Verhoeff in her work on history of KY transporation. She was vice preident of the Filson Club historic society Louisville published 1911. The map should show roughly current day Dahl Rd to Grundy Rd to Somerset (Salt works rd) as well as 1808 ky legislative road from Barbourville to Somerset at intersecting Grundy Rd (hwy 192)
	1861 civil war map of roads around Somerset: Rush Branch/Whitley; hwy 192/Ruth Rd/Sublimity Rd; Lost SaltWorks rd of Grundy KY/Cannonball Rd; hwy 80/langfords Rd to Hazel patch/London.
	1802 summary KY legislation 1802 by Littell re: Roads Pulaski County KY: Saltworks road. Salt-works road: it ha been determined Salt works Road was current day E. Mt. Vernon to Grundy Rd hwy 692 to Dahl Rd.
	Saltworks Road history by Mary Verhoeff--Filson Club Pulaski county road history: saltworks rd(s); hwy 192/RuthRd/Sublimity Rd; Salts works Rd at Grundy KY hwy 692; hwy 80
	Salt Works: current map locations
	1816 Pulaski County Road order Iron Works on Buck Creek from mouth of Rockcastle River. John Colyer on committee to route a road from Rockcastle River to Buck Creek.
	1826 Pulaski County court of appeals John Colyer VS James Purvis Do not know nature of this in-law dispute, but John Colyer looses appeal.
	1826 John Colyer- tax commissioner
	1825 Land Grant 50 Acre to John Colyer at Buck Creek and Cumberland River On old maps, Buck Creek was called Beaver Creek. This grant shows ownership of the mouth of Buck Creek and all the way across the Cumberland River and land on the south side of the River as well. At least part of this land descended to elder son of John Colyer named Bluford Colyer and within a year is foreclosed upon and sold at auction to Cyrenius Wait. See documents under Bluford Colyer and Cyrenius Wait.
	1826 John Colyer Puncheon Hollow 50 Acre land grant in Jugornot region/Cumberland River area
	1826 John Colyer 50 acre land grant on Little Lick Branch in area of Buck Creek and Cumberland River Charles Tomlinson, reportedly an early Pulaski County sheriff, got the land survey and grant and assigned/sold to John Colyer. Charles Tomlinson had accumulated 1200 acres by 1834 when he sells all his 1200 acres to his brother John Tomlinson. Charles moves to Arkansas and then California in gold rush. Tomlinson children are buried Keeney cemetery on Clay Hill Rd.
	1825 John Colyer 50 acre land grant Lick Branch area of Buck Creek/Cumberland River
	1808 John Colyer land grant 50 Acre South of Green River grant assigned from Charles Dodson via Thomas Bryan to John Colyer. This appears to be first land ownership by John Colyer(Colyar) in Kentucky Pulaski County in Jugornot region. Note that this grant calls the area Puncheon Hollow. Deeds in 1824 to Hezekiah Haynes and 1886 from Silvers also call the hollow, Puncheon Hollow.
	1825 John Colyer land grant Little Lick Branch modern map area
	John Colyer estate accounting 1853-1859 complete. Compare to estate accounting of son Stephen Colyer who died in 1855.
	1846 sale deed 1 acre John Colyer to son St. Clair Colyer of coal mine Cumberland River.
	1866 Harriet Colyer Black purchase deed 108 acres Blaze Valley from estate of her father, John Colyer Deed says that Cyrenius Wait had held up estate settlement, and heirs of John Colyer file lawsuit against Cyrenius and win, so the court orders sale of land and slaves of John Colyer in March 1859. At the court sale, Harriet Black, purchases 108 acres for $706. Son of John Colyer..Stephen Colyer deceased 1855 and his estate settlment shows John Colyer at death owned 200 acre homeplace on Pitman creek, and 108 acre on Pitman creek waters and 250 acre coal lands. This deed in Blaze Valley was evidently the 108 acres on pitman creek waters that was not the homeplace.
	1859 Lindsey R Colyer with John Owens purchase at court foreclosure auction, the 1/17 undivided interest of James Perry Colyer in his father's estate (John Colyer) homeplace 200 acres Pitman creek. See other deed whereby Lindsey and John Owens sell this with others to Andrew Warren 1865. It appears that James Perry Colyer and what I guess to be nephew John Colyer Jr are in business as merchants and get in debt trouble with foreclosure. I believe this John Colyer merchant may have operated store at Grundy.
	1854 sale deed Charles Granade Colyer to Cyrenius Wait, 1/17th inherited coal lands Cumberland River. This includes mouth of Buck Creek. Charles Granade Colyer's father, John had died 1851. Apparently, the real property passed outside probate under KY law at the time for intestate decedents. Evidenced by final estate settlement showing no real property sales by estate. Here, C.Granade Colyer's 1/17 undivided share as child is sold for $100 go Cyrenius Wait. Later, the John Colyer heirs file lawsuit against Cyrenius Wait to be able to sell all real property and slaves of John Colyer about 1859 and win.
	1859 deed Lindsey Colyer sells 4/17 of half interest in coal lands on Cumberland River owned by John Colyer estate Evidently Lindsey purchased 4 of his brother's 1/17 interest in Coal lands on Cumberland owned by John Colyer Sr. at his death and here transfers to former John Colyer Sr. coal partner in lands Cornelius Doolin.
	1858 John Colyer estate pulaski county circuit court appoints commissioner to sell John Colyer heirs vs. Cyrenius Wait
	1858 October 4, John Colyer Sr estate lawsuit administrator vs heirs to sell
	1859 March 30, Pulaski Circuit Court ordered slave sale John Colyer Sr estate
	1858 Stephen Colyer assigned interest to Cyrenius Wait et al This Pulaski Circuit Court case hints that Stephen Colyer, like his older brother Charles Granade Colyer had assigned sold his 1/17 interest inherited from his father's death in 1851 to Cyrenius Wait. It appears here that Cyrenius et al had further assigned to another party. See lawsuit between heirs of John Colyer Sr and Cyrenius Wait to sell property.
	1859-1860 John Colyer Sr estate: Lindsey Colyer appointed receiver of funds from land and slave sale. Part of lawsuit between John Colyer Sr heirs and Cyrenius Wait. I suspect this was all over the coal lands at Buck Creek/Cumberland River that Cyrenius Wait wanted.
	Dendroarchaeology DendroChronology report setting age of Ruth KY John Colyer cabin to 1805 Dr. Maegen Rochner tree ring study of logs in the cabin, that show the majority of log dating shows a construction date in 1805.
	1805 John Colyer log house / farm pedigree Chain of title beginning with a 1800 KY South of Green River land grant to Henry Waggoner.(from Jillson's KY Land Grants book) There was a Henry II born 1756-1757 and a III born 1785. Henry Waggoner II's father was an immigrant from Germany in 1742. The III was married to Mary Blackledge in Pulaski County in 1807. (See book "Johann Henrich Wagner: The Chronicle of an 18th Century German Pioneer" published 2021.) Henry Waggoner II born 1757, would have built the Log house in 1805 on the farm on Pitman Creek that John Colyer lived/died in. A Pulaski County KY deed is also attached showing the sale of the farm From Henry Waggoner II to John Langdon in 1813. The Waggoner's then moved to Indiana. For a good discussion of German influence on Log houses in pioneer America, see Log House Architecture:
	1805 Pulaski County KY tax record Henry Waggoner log house property This is first year the Pitman creek property shows on Pulaski County tax records. This even though South of Green River land grant shows being surveyed to Henry Waggoner in 1800. However the deed of sale in 1813 to John Langdon from Henry Waggoner, apparently shows the property was not deeded of record to Henry Waggoner until 1813. Thanks to Ms. Margaret Dent Wagner for this property tax record (author: Johann Henrich Wagner-The Chronicle of an 18th Century German Pioneer)
	1834 deed Susanna Langdon grants pitman creek grist mill dam rights (widow of John Langdon--former owner of John Colyer 1781 farm at pitman creek) This dam on pitman creek is described as downstream from Langdon farm. It is granted to John Tomlinson. John Tomlinson's brother was Pulaski sheriff at one time and family buried in Keeney cemetery on Clay Hill Rd. Conjecture is that this dam may have been at first bend of Pitman Creek on currrent Clay Hill Rd off hwy 192 as there are current remnants there that may be dam. There is another mill dam downstream from here on current Strawberry Rd...was this dam before that one or at same time ?
	1853 Pulaski deed: William Colyer, son of John Colyer 1781, passes his inheritance to attorney Mathews This so Mathews can deal with out of State William's inheritance for him. William Colyer has moved to north of Kansas City Missouri. In a later deed, this is sold by Mathews to Cyrenius Wait.
	1856 Pulaski deed--Minerva Colyer Richardson Sells inheritance from father John Colyer to brother Lindsey Colyer
	1853 Pulaski deed: Cyreinus Wait to Lindsey Colyer Cyrenius sells all the interests he has acquired from children of John Colyer in their inheritance to Lindsey Colyer (but not the coal land). Reference is made to the farm that was on Pitman creek and slaves.
	1822 March Pulaski County Court Order: Salt Works Road (current day hwy 692) Jesse Richardson appointed surveyor of road mentioning route from Meece, to John Langdon to Charles Colyear (Colyer). I have not determined if this was Charles Colyer Sr. or Charles Colyer Jr. Based on 1823 deed to Charles Colyer on Pitman Creek, it appears that Charles Colyer (likely Jr.) had 67 acres closer to current Grundy Rd (hwy 692) on Pitman Creek. It appears this road order is in the direction from Pitman creek on hwy 692 Grundy Rd and down the same toward where Pitman creek crosses Grundy Rd hwy 692. John Langdon had two properties in the era...one on current Barnesburg rd near hwy 461 and the other at current day hwy 192 at Pitman Creek. It appears this road order is current day Grundy Rd, out Barnesburg Rd to hwy 461 to Charles Colyer property.
	1816 deed From Robt Scott to John Langdon 70 acre This adds 70 acres to the 144 acres John Langdon purchased from Henry Waggoner in 1813 on Pitman Creek to form the farm and woods property on Pitman Creek. John Langdon estate in 1842 then sells this joint property in 2 tracts to John Colyer. There was a Scott family connection to the Waggoner family in the Jonesboro TN vicinity according to the book by Margaret Dent Wagner on Johann Henrich Wagner.
	1850 Pulaski County KY will bk4 John Colyer estate MYSTERY MAN Aministrator John Colyer. I do not know who this deceased John Colyer is nor for sure which John Colyer is administrator. Could it be John W. Colyer his grandson via Bluford Colyer ?
	1853 John Colyer estate dower to wife Lydia Pulaski Will bk 4 , wife gets 9 acres of coal lands on Cumberland River plus 1/3 of the timber as dower rights to intestate husband John Colyer
	1854 John Colyer Sr. estate accounting by son adminstrator Lindsey Colyer
	1855 Stephen Colyer estate accounting slaves by administrator Linsey Colyer, shows lands and slaves inherited from father John Colyer.
	1851 John Colyer Sr. estate inventory
	1860 John Colyer Sr. estate accounting
	1808 Kentucky legislation Road Barbourville KY to Somerset Saltworks (Grundy hwy692) Rd This appears to be current hwy 192
	1884 deed correction metes/bounds calls 100 acre Langdon to John Colyer 1842 with estimated plat and calls
	1869 Lydia Purvis Colyer, widow of John Colyer, dower inheritance established by Pulaski County KY court. Includes about 2 acres reaching from one side of the Cumberland River to the other. Based on John Colyer grants, this is likely in the area a little north of where Buck Creek empties into the Cumberland River.
	Richard Colyer gospel minister source docs Pulaski County KY research from extracts (not found to be always accurate per 2024 searches) showing various Colyer families. This researcher has found that the Augusta County VA Colliers moved to Lincoln County KY and Garrard County KY and Madison County KY. These are not believed to be related to the Pulaski County KY Colyer(Colyar) family, who based on 2024 research are believed to have migrated from Maryland to Virginia, to TN to KY.
	Iron works road Pulaski County KY: John Colyer pg 6. Mentions a Widow Massey. Shows that iron works road followed via circle back what is today hwy 192 from Buck Creek to Pitman Creek and then down Pitman creek to Elihu area. Builds the case for longhunter trail following hwy 192 to Pitman Creek then south along Pitman Creek to Cumberland River.
	1826 Washington County TN, court foreclosure on William Colyar Jr and Alexander Colyar. This lends some circumstantial evidence to the theory that William Jr. and Alexander, sons of William Colyar Sr and brother to John Colyer born 1781, were not in good financial standing. It has been my theory that because brother John Colyer born 1781 was more financially successful in about 1816 in Pulaski County KY, which precipitated elderly parents William and Nancy Agnes Ann Colyar moving from Washington County TN to live with son John in Pulaski County KY. The financial foreclosure on home place land on the Nolichucky River, inherited from father William Colyar, may have also caused migration of Alexander Colyer to Winchester TN area about this time. see son of Alexander, Arthur St. Clair Colyar, write ups on this site. Another theory as to why William Sr, and Nancy moved to Pulaski County around 1817 is to help son John with 5 young children after John's wife had died.
	1841 John Colyer Sr purchase deed 60acre Purchased from John M. Hail, included land of Mount Olive Meeting house church. Pulaski County KY. Later Pulaski County road orders show that Mount Olive Church became Zion Baptist Church. This land is later purchased again by John Colyer in July 1851 from Wm Purvis due to apparent title disputes. Apparently James Purvis gave the land to his son William Purvis in 1826, then sold it to Steven Hail in 1827.
	1818 Marriage record Pulaski County KY Lydia Purvis/John Colyer
	1818 Pulaski County KY marriages: Richard Colyer and Nancy Barns Also shows marriage of John Colyer and Lydia Purvis.
	1835 land division of Ruth Ky farm of John Langdon estate: Widow Susanna Langdon shows plat, deed description court order metes and bounds; shows a barn located about where a barn existed up to about 2023 before being torn down by current farm owner.
	1835 land division of Ruth Ky farm of John Langdon estate: Samuel Langdon shows plat, deed description court order metes and bounds
	1835 land division of Ruth Ky farm of John Langdon estate: David Langdon shows plat, deed description court order metes and bounds
	1835 land division of Ruth Ky farm of John Langdon estate: infant John Langdon shows plat, deed description court order metes and bounds
	1839 Pulaski deed sale by David Langdon 56ac to Samuel P Langdon Samuel P Langdon also got 200 acre on east side of Pitman creek from the estate of John Langdon Sr. in 1835 settlement of estate of John Langdon who died in 1825. David Langdon, son of John Langdon, inherited this 56 acres in division of estate. Samuel P Langdon might be a brother to John Langdon Sr. and by this deed is shown to live in Vigo County (Terre Haute) Indiana. He had some wealth because he is source of later mortgage to David Langdon in 1861 deed.
	1842 Pulaski deed from Samuel P Langdon to David Langdon Ruth Ky 56acre Samuel Langdon of Vigo County IN to David Langdon in early May 1842 purchases his 56 acres back, so that later in May he with his brother and mother can sell 200 acre farm of his deceased father John Langdon, to John Colyer.
	1849 Pulaski deed Susannah Langdon to sons David and John Langdon shows that mother, Susannah Langdon, got money from sale of 200 acre farm to John Colyer, and that fact along with sons having fronted money for lawsuit concerning title of another Langdon farm on Barnesburg Rd and hwy 461, Susannah transfers the Barnesburg road farm to sons. Later deeds show this farm to be total of about 130 acres. findagrave shows John and Susannah Langdon buried on farm at this Barnesburg road location.
	1853 Pulaski David Langdon deed: sale of Barnesburg Rd at Flatlick creek
	1861 Pulaski deed sale by David Langdon Barnesburg road land notice mortgage to Indiana resident Samuel P Langdon. This really has no relation to John Colyer....just history of family that sold John Colyer the Ruth KY farm. See family of David Langdon buried here according to findagrave and the Langdon cemetery.
	1852 Bluford Colyer --Cyrenius Wait deed (There is a deed to land in the Jugornot area of Pulaski County concerning Bluford Colyer—son of John Colyer---Foreclosure sale where Cyrenius Wait is highest bidder. Appears to be land on both sides of Cumberland River at present day Buck creek and north that had been inherited from John Colyer Sr, father to Bluford. Buck creek was previously known as Beaver Creek. This area according to ancient maps on site, are coal mine areas. See write up of St. Clair Colyer and his son Dr. Jehu Colyer, wherein stated St. Clair Colyer was coal merchant. Status: Located
	1850 estate administration of Jehue Colyer father John Colyer Sr. appointed to admin estate of son
	1844-1848 Pulaski County KY lawsuit re William Colyar estate This with the power of attorney filed by Alexander Colyar, indicates that after Nancy Ann Agnes St Clair Colyar, wife of William Colyer, died in 1839, there is litigation between brothers over estate of their father, William, who died in 1819. This with power of attorney by Alexander Colyar of TN, indicates that William and wife were living in Pulaski County KY when they died. Thought to be living with John Colyer Sr in Jugornot area since 1830 census is believed to show Nancy Ann Agnus St Clair Colyer living with John. The estate admnistrator and son William Colyar Jr is a lawyer in Jonesboro TN. He must have thought there was standing in KY to sue there over his father, William's estate. Why ? It lends credence to the idea that William Sr. was living in Pulaski County KY at the time of death. Though most of his personal and real property were still in Jonesboro area, and there were multiple lawsuits there in Washington County TN over his estate also in 1820s.
	1850 Pulaski Court Whitley road order Langdon/Colyer house Road orders referred to house as "former Langdon residence" rather than by John Colyer residence, even though he had purchased from Langdon in 1842. Also court report of estate admin by John Colyer of his son Jahue Colyer, who had reportedly died of smallpox.
	1837 Pulaski Court estate of William Sears appoints John Colyer and John M Hail to appraise estate. This indicates both live nearby, evidently near Jugornot. It is also of interest since old Methodist Church history books shown under John Colyer, reference circuit riders preaching at William Sears and staying at Colyer's. Also of note, is that in about 1846-1851, John Colyer purchases his father in law, James Purvis property from John M. Hail.
	1928 geologic survey map Burnside see upper right where it Shows Jugornot at the Cumberland River intersection, Ferry and road at Pumpkin Hollow
	1867 deed From Cyrenius W Colyer to Doolin This shows that John Colyer was in partnership with Doolin in coal mines. Here, after John's death, his son, Cyrenius, sells his 1/17 inherited interest in one-half of the coal mines back to Doolin.
	1808 plat estimated John Colyer land grant location based on Pulaski Court road orders for Iron Works Rd and renamed Coal Bank Rd that named John Colyer or son Bluford Colyer to whom John Colyer grants sold in 1846. Also, location of oldest Colyer family cemetery in the area at current intersection of Ponderosa Dr and Rush Branch Rd. Metes/bounds taken from Telico land grant and 1846 deed where John sells son, Bluford, his land in jugornot (formerly puncheon) hollow.
	1814 plat estimated location of John Colyer Ky land grant grant ran up Puncheon Hollow that is now called Jugornot Hollow on Rush Branch Rd. Metes/bounds taken from 1846 deed where grant land is sold to son Bluford. This was a South of Green River grant, so as of 2025, the grant is not available online.
	1831 plat John Colyer land grant estimated location grant ran along a previous John Colyer grant border and my guess included the Colyer family cemetery. Metes/bounds taken from 1846 deed where land sold to Bluford Colyer. This is a South of Green River grant, whose survey copy was found via familysearch.org in Feb 2025. Note survey date 1822 in notes below. In this day and time, I have noted that grants were made at times long after the property was considered the owners property. For example see Michael Stoner Grants not made in his name even until after his death. See below notes where this grant was surveyed in 1822. This is a South of Green River Grant. Note that the 1846 deed including this 10 acre tract from John Colyer to son Bluford, the metes/bounds are in error in the last call when compared to the 1822 survey.
	1879 Pulaski deed: Bluford K Colyer to Doolin of Nashville a tenth dower interest of widow of Hezekiah Haynes house proprerty. This is property where Haynes cemetery sits today. It is unknown how BK Colyer got the 1/10 dower interest of Haynes widow. Doolin's were partners with John Colyer born 1781 in coal business per estate records. This shows Doolin's originated from Nashville.
	1919 deed trace Bluford Colyer/John Colyer land to Edwards This is believed to be original land grants to John Colyer beginning in 1808. It goes from John Colyer to son Bluford in 1846, then to Bluford wife Rebecca, then Rebecca to son Bluford Kirtley Colyer on down as shown in this succession of deeds. It includes the cemetery at current hwy 769 Rush Branch Rd and Ponderosa Drive.
	1823 John Colyer lawsuit against father estate admins: Shows William Colyar died in June 1819 John Colyer files suit which he wins in Washington County TN against administrators of his father's estate, William Colyar Sr. It says for years his brothers Alexander Colyar and William Colyar Jr. have kept the money from 8 slaves. The lawsuit forces the sale of 100 acres that was owned by father William Colyar. Further, in 1827, Alexander is removed as an admin and his brother William Jr. takes over and promises to make good on the missing money. About this time, Alexander moves to Winchester TN pretty much pennyless.
	1816 Washington County TN court: William Colyar Sr. and Jr This is one of last references to William Colyar Sr. found in court records. A theory is that shortly after, he goes with wife Nancy to Pulaski County KY to help son John who has become a widower, care for his 5 young children.
	1826 Washington County TN foreclosure deed William Colyar Sr estate lawsuit by John Colyer and others against estate, results in 100 acres being sold to pay bills. famous emancipationist quakers Embree on south.
	1823 Washington County TN court: William Colyar estate lawsuit In April 1823, John Colyer and brother in law John Lashbrook win a default judgement against brother-estate administrators William Colyar Jr and Alexander Colyar to distribute father William Colyar's estate slaves etc. The administrators do not show up for court so a default win to John Colyer and John Lashbrook is awarded.
	1823 Washington County TN court: William Colyer Sr estate slaves divided As a result of the default judgement against the administrators of the William Colyar Sr. estate, James Sevier and Jacob Brown commissioners are ordered to seize the slaves and divide them to heirs
	1824 Washington County TN court John Colyer vs. William Colyar John Colyer sues his brother William Colyar to collect an 1812 debt for $115. William Colyar appeals to circuit court.
	map current day Colyer land Jugornot old road shows the way the road used to go beside current day hwy 769 Rush Branch Rd. Shows likely BK Colyer house, who is buried Colyer family cemetery at Ponderosa Dr, also location of old Jugornot school and Colyer family cemetery.
	1822 John Colyer south of green river grant survey for 1831 grant Includes what is believed to be Colyer family cemetery at current day hwy 769 and Ponderosa Dr. Notice that it mentions a previous 40 acre grant survey carved out of a 50 acre grant that was previously granted to John Colyer in 1814. This South of Green River survey found at familysearch.com. The metes/bounds matches the 1846 deed from John Colyer to son Bluford Colyer, except for west vs east in last call.
	1857 John Colyer heirs sell some coal lands to Cornelius Doolin
	1848 John Colyer Sr purchases 100ac Blaze Valley purchased from the John Light estate.
	1849-1852 Cornelius Doolin court petition divide joint John Colyer land Coal lands partner, Doolin, petitions court to divide joint land with John Colyer, the 3 years later in 1852 the court divides the land next to railroad.
	1848 Pulaski KY deed to John Colyer 50ac Buck creek Here, John Colyer has lawsuit against the McDowell estate for money owed him. Money owed included money for 150 pounds of Tobacco. This may indicate that the John Colyer farm at current day Pitman Creek and hwy 192 was growing tobacco and sold to McDowell before his death. The lawsuit results in a judgement and courthouse ordered auction of McDowell property of 15ac and 35ac on Buck creek. After a year, the right of redemption by the estate is not made, and therefore the land is transferred to John Colyer in payment of the debt.
	1939 Walter Smith's history of Pulaski County KY Colyer family This write up by Walter Smith of Moscow ID, is obviously sourced from a letter on this site from Dr. Welby Colyer in 1939, shortly before Dr. Welby Colyer died. Several items of the letter have, almost 100 years later, been proven in error. See red notes attached outlining some of the errors.
	1803 Buncombe County NC: William Colyar and John Colyer Shows power of attorney to William Colyar for Edward Johnson, husband of Deborah. Research by Lynne Sinclar shows this Deborah to be an undiscovered daughter of Charles St. Clair and sister to William Colyar wife, Nancy Ann St. Clair. Also shows a deed recorded in court signed by John Colyer with Deborah Johnson.
	1853 Cyrenius Wait sells John Colyer estate to Lindsey Colyer Cyrenius Wait sells the children of John Colyer estate interests he has purchased from several children to Lindsey Colyer, Estate administrator. Lindsey will later sell the Ruth KY farm to Andrew Warren in 1865. Note that the price is $200, which is cost or less since he purchased the interest of Charles Granade Colyer for $100, plus other children. But, then again, this sale does not include the coal lands included in the children interests.
	1853 deed St. Clair Colyer to Lindsey Colyer St. Clair sells his interest in their father, John Colyer's estate to Lindsey Colyer who is also administrator of the estate.
	1853 James P. Colyer deed to Lindsey Colyer James sells his interest in their father's estate to Lindsey, except for 2 slaves that have previously been sold to Lindsey named Amanda and her daughter Sarah.
	1840 U.S. Census John Colyer Another copy showing page 2 with slaves
	map and summary of Salt Works Road research to determine its route was needed since it is referenced in Pulaski County Court Road orders that also reference house of Widow Langdon who formerly owned the John Colyer house on current day Hwy 192. It was determined about 2024 by this researcher that John Langdon and his widow also owned a farm on current day Barnesburg Rd that is close to hwy 461 that may be referenced in close by route of this Salts Works Rd. However, the Ruth Ky Langdon farm sold to John Colyer in 1842 was on Whitley Rd that also intersected the Salts Works Rd at current day Grundy Rd and Hwy 192.
	1790s-1805 Buncombe County NC William Colyar This excellent research by Lynne Sinclair documents a significant enmeshment between William Colyar, son John and William Colyar in-law brothers/sister in the area of Buncombe County NC during this era. It seems to reveal that the St. Clair's and William Colyar were involved in land speculation in Buncombe County NC. It shows nearby Pendleton district of South Carolina 1790 census records of brother in law Alexander St. Clair. The records show John Colyer, son of William Colyar, located in Buncombe County NC working with his father. William's other sons, appear to remain on the Nolichucky River in Washington County TN. Was John Colyer a sort of favored son ? 1839 Pulaski County KY power of attorney shows William and his wife, Nancy, moved to Pulaski County Ky.
	1868 Pulaski County Ky court: Thomas Doolin gets judgment attachment Some of the former coal lands of John Colyer Sr sold to Thomas Doolin, a coal partner, have evidently been sold by Doolin, and he gets a court ordered judgement attachment to them, including the 1 acre initially given to St. Clair Colyer.
	Coal Bank Road via Jugornot history Coal Bank Road: Cabin Hollow, Old Jugornot, hwy 1643, Hail Bridge. As Pulaski County developed, mining of minerals was an important part. I have written previously on this facebook group about one early road called the Iron Works Rd. Over the years, Iron played out, and Coal became the principal resource of the area. By 1841, county court records show multiple road orders for the maintenance of the Coal Bank Road. Names such has Massey, Haynes, Hyden, Colyer, and Hail appear in these orders. A review of 50 years of road orders, deeds etc, and a 1929 map, show that what was once called the Iron Works Rd became known as the Coal Bank Road. Encyclopedia Britanica reveals that the first coal in the state of KY was discovered abt 1829 between Buck Creek and Rockcastle River in the area of Cumberland River below Mt. Victory. Pulaski County maintained Coal Bank Rd from about 1840-1890 and maybe longer. Maps show that before automobiles, whenever possible, big hills and knobs were avoided and the roads followed the path of least resistance. The attached 1929 map shows Coal Bank Rd intersecting today's Rush Branch Rd close to current day Irvin Phelps Rd. In the 1850s a road down Pumpkin Hollow was made that crossed the river via ferry to Antioch. In 1856 it intersected Coal Bank Rd at the Mt. Olive Meeting House(church). It appears that Mt. Olive Meeting House is what became Zion Baptist Church. James Purvis had lived at what was Mt. Olive Meeting house that became Zion Baptist Church. The road went via John Colyer/Bluford Colyer property in Jugornot at current Irvin Phelps Rd and Hwy 769.
	1886 Ruth Ky Warren Store ledger WARNING large 60 meg file: requires high speed: This ledger of the general store at what is now known as Ruth Ky was found in ceiling of old log home renovation 2012. The log house built by Henry Wagner in 1805, purchased by John Colyer 1842, then purchased by Andrew Warren 1865. Andrew's son, Mathew(born 1859), evidently ran store across the road from the house. The store later became in 1888 the first post office in the community at current day hwy 192 at Pitman Creek in Somerset Ky. The first post office in 1888 known as Juno....later became the post office/store was reopened by Rufe Ashurst in 1896 and he named it for his daughter Ruth Ky. Many area family names in ledger: Colyer, Warren, Richardson, Meece, Botkin, Allen, Sword. The first record I have found of Rufe Ashurst in the Pitman creek area was in 1893, he purchases the Alexander Colyer coal mine on Clay Hill Road from Alex's estate auction in 1893.
	Kentucky geologic map: John Colyer possible slave quarters an apparent merger of oldest and newer Ky geologic maps that shows buildings that once stood on what was the old John Colyer farm at Ruth Ky. This is the only map found that shows an apparent house that stood back in the field near barn. A long time resident who as a boy worked on the farm in 1970 or so, said there use to be a house back in the field. This is only map found that shows location. Could have been once the slave quarters ?
	Christopher Columbus Graham bio from Kentucky Secretary of State His resort at current day Bee Rock called Sublimity Springs is the namesake of Sublimity Rd, now known as Hwy 192. Not mentioned in article is Mr. Graham's reported presence at the wedding in Harrodsburg of the parents of Abraham Lincoln. He is only relevant to the Colyer's as reference to Sublimity Rd in the obituary of Charles Granade Colyer.

Videos		Soule's Chapel Cemetery John Colyer tombstone video of John Colyer and wife Lydis Purvis tombstones in Soule's Chapel cemetery 2010
Videos		Video of Soule's Chapel Cemetery Soule's Chapel Cemetery Somerset Ky Aug 2010

Notes

The maternal grandfather of John Colyer, a man named Charles St. Clair (Sinclair), was the guide that led the exploration party to the discovery and naming of Cumberland Gap and Cumberland River in about 1748.

See pages 168-169 Book The History of Tazwell County Virginia contained on this site associated with Charles St. Clair (Sinclair).
Deeds and estate settlements and other obits of the extended family, reveal that John Colyer and several sons, including St. Clair Colyer, spent their lives in the Coal mining and brokerage/transport business. There was much coal lands around Buck Creek at the Cumberland River and between Buck Creek and Rockcastle River north of the Cumberland River.

He is listed in Pulaki County 1810 Kentucky census as Jno Coliar as is a Buford Coliar. Also listed are Richard and Charles Colliar. Interesting to see name spelling closer to the Tennessee roots of father William Colyar. It is also found a possible father of William Colyar Henry county VA listed as John Colliar.
___________________________________________________________
From Gedcom workup of Dean Hunter
JOHN COLYER AND LYDIA PURVIS COLYER

JOHN COLYER. of Greenbriar County, Virginia (W. Va. now), born August 20, 1781, married in Virginia Martha Minus, daughter of Buford Minus, they had the following children: William, Buford, Alexander, Nancy, and John. Martha Minus Colyer died about 1816. He married a second time in about 1817, to LYDIA PURVIS. daughter of James Purvis. Their children were: Harriet, St. Clair, Lindsay, Elizabeth, Cyrenius, Minerva. Jehu, James Perry, Martin, GRENADE, Wesley, Stephen, Samuel, and Nathaniel. JOHN COLYER and his family settled in Pulaski County1 Kentucky, where he and his wife died.

From Dean Hunter :Newspaper obituary of Charles Granade Colyer April 1910 :

JOHN COLYER, who lived and reared a large family of 19 sons and daughters, and died on the old homestead now known as the Warren farm at the bridge of pitman creek on the Sublimity road. about six and one half miles from this town, and his mother was LYDIA PURVIS who was the old gentleman's second wife and the mother of fourteen of his children and his FIRST WIFE WAS A MISS SINCLAIR, who was mother of five of the older children.
I first became intimately. acquainted with the family 0f JOHN COLYER Sr. In 1856, when my father removed to the farm adjoining theirs on the opposite side of Pitman creek now the Allen farm, and from the first moment was convinced that there never was a more gallant, neighborly or hospitable family in the world. To the young man's mind their home was a model place to get good treatment and have a good time. It was better than a circus to be with those old big boys at the corn huskings or hoeing; threshings or stacking; the log cuttings or rollings, and to have to do hard and heavy work, when four or five of them were on hand and helping at the labor, it was the best kind of entertainment, and we want to tell you that no laddie was ever imposed upon in that good company, for they stood over those in need of a defender on every occasion.

The 1850 Pulaski County Census lists JOHN COLYER, age 69, farmer, born Tennessee, LIDIA, 42, born Ky., GRANADE 18, Wesley 16, Stephen 14, Samuel 12, Nathan 10 (all born in Kentucky) and RHODA PURVIS, 86, born in North Carolina.

The 1870 Pulaski County Census list LYDIA COLYER, 72, born N.C. , and Therisia, 10.

Souls Chapel Cemetery Pulaski County, Kentucky, JOHN COLYER
born 1781, died 18~ ; LYDIA COLYER, May 26, 1798 - Dec 25,
1874. (very difficult to read)

The Colyers of Pulaski County, (In the files of the Kentucky Historical Societh, Frankfort, Kr.)
2 From Obituary of CHARLES GRANAID COLYER printed In Somerset, Ky. newspaper, April 1910.
___________________________________________________________

Military: Veteran of War of 1812 (source History of Pulaski County KY, by Tibbals, published 1952 page 207) It is not proved to this website admin that it is the same John Colyer, however 2015 Somerset KY resident, Attorney and city council member John Adams, reported via facebook "I been told one of the Colyers fought in the battle of New Orleans and returned to build a cabin in the Omega Park/Colyer road area. The cabin burned in 2004." This is the area of called Jugornot where it is known that John Colyer 1781 had much land via Land Grants and lived until selling to eldest son, Bluford in about 1842 and moving to Ruth Ky area nearby.

___________________________________________________________
IN REGARDS TO SOUL'S CHAPEL:

Excerpts from the Interior Journal

Interior Journal
Pulaski Column
Edited By Will. C. Curd
Somerset, Ky., Dec. 27, 1873

Soul's Chapel, four miles East of Somerset, was also discovered to be on fire
Monday last. The flames were just breaking through the roof and getting
under good headway when a gentleman passing by saved the church by tearing a
few shingles from the roof. The fire caught from a defective flue and pipe.

Rev. J.N. Current preached several days at Soul's Chapel during this and last
week.

From Jean Colyer Grumbling:
the following is a transcription of a weekly column published (date unknown) in the
Commonwealth Journal 110-112 E. Mt. Vernon Street, Somerset, Kentucky 42501

From Our Past
A REGULAR TUESDAY FEATURE BY JACK NORTON

From Our Past appears one day late because of space limitations in Tuesday's Commonwealth Journal. today's column is written by Mrs. Herbert R. Ledford, 201 May Street, Somerset. she is a native of the Grundy community of Pulaski County.

About four miles from Somerset, nestled in a valley just off Ky. 80 and a short distance from the foot of Sugar Hill, stands an abandoned Methodist church. The white frame church, whose windows have long been boarded and whose doors are locked, is called Soules Chapel church. It was named for Bishop Soule, head of the local Methodist Church when this particular building was erected.

The church replaced an old log structure called Gragg's Chapel. In 1857 John P. Ridings bought the old church, dismantled it and used some of the logs to construct a barn on his farm, which is located near the site of Soules Chapel. Construction of the present building was started in the autumn of 1857 and completed the same season a year later. It is thought the land was donated by Allen Cox.

Ridings directed the construction of the new church, which has a stone foundation and underpinnings of hand-hewn logs. He, along with John Richardson and *** L. R. (Collier) Colyer, helped most in furnishing materials and money for the new structure. All the lumber used for framing was whip-sawed by Bill Calhoun and Peter Baker. The lumber for the church pews was sawed at a watermill some distance away.

At one time Soules Chapel had a membership of more than 200 people and the second-best organized Sunday School in the Danville District. It was the Mother Church to the First Methodist Church of Somerset. However, at the time of the Civil War, a tremendous uprising came in the church and, as a result, the membership split. Those with sympathies for the North left the church and formed Bradley's Chapel - Northern Methodist Church, located about two miles south of Soules Chapel. Soules Chapel was then known as Soules Chapel Southern Methodist Church.

It is impossible to find a list of the real charter members, but from the earliest church records are found the names of Collier, Richardson, Gragg and Ridings.

In 1940 Rev. Charles Marshal Cavit, a circuit preacher, compiled much of the church's history and listed the following membership:
Alton F. Bates, Evelyn M. Bates, Clarence G. Bryant, Della V. Bryant, Luther Bullock, Bessie Williams Camble, Alice Cundiff, Charles Cundiff, Maude Gibson, and Mrs. Cora Gilmore.
Eugene Gilmore, Sarah A. Greer, Mrs. Mary Hall, Addie B. Mills, Mary B. Mills, Zeda B. Mills, Mrs. Allie Richardson, Craig Ridings, Henry S. Ridings, and Stella Ridings.
Willie Ridings, C. M. Simpson, Jewel Simpson, Mary Simpson, Mrs. Zella Struck, Irene Whitaker, Jennie Whitaker, Dessie Williams, Glydas Williams and Clara Yahnig.

With the advent of the automobile and modern transportation, Soules Chapel began to die a slow death. Better transportation meant an opportunity to travel to Somerset to attend church and avoid the narrow road which leads to Soules Chapel from Ky. 80.
Now the church sits alone and empty under the shade trees, at the end of a gutted, washboard road that runs alongside a stream and is only passable during part of the year.
Although all the cemetery was cleaned off at this time last year, now only a third of the graves have not been choked by horseweeds, ragweeds and Queen Anne's Lace. (Article courtesy of Donald Fox Fletcher)

____________________________________________________________
Pulaski County Kentucky
1850 Slave Schedule
NARA Film M432, Roll 227

This film shows the name of the slave owner and the age/sex/color of each slave.

John Colyer
23 F (B) Martha?: per 1855 Pulaski county birth records
23 F (B) Matilda: per estate inventory in this website
19 M (B) Green: Per estate inventory on this website
14 M (B) Allen: per estate inventory on this website
14 F (B) Amanda?: per 1853 pulaski county birth records
08 M (B) Bob: per estate inventory on this website
07 M (B)
06 M (B)
1/12 M (B)

Sarah J. : baby born to Amanda Per 1853 Pulaski County births,
Eliza A.: baby born to Martha J. per 1855 Pulaski birth records
13 F (B) Clara: see Lydia Colyer 1853 Pulaski deaths
___________________________________________________________
Richard Curtis note:
JOHN COLYER: SUMMARY-----

A 1839 power of attorney was found in the Pulaski County KY courthouse wherein Alexander Colyer of Winchester TN Franklin County has sent and appointed his eldest son, George Thompson Colyer to come and claim Alexander's portion of any estate left behind by his Father William and mother Nancy Ann. This power of attorney being filed in 1839 brings to this author's mind two points of conjecture....that Nancy Ann likely died around this 1839 date and thus is why Alexander sends his son at this time to the courthouse to file claim. William , John's father died some years earlier which is evidenced by deeds and wills probated in Washington county TN. The power of attorney filed by Alexander states that William and Nancy Ann had lived in Pulaski County in their late years until they died.

From evaluating things like why William and Nancy went to live with only son believed to be in Pulaski County area at time of their death (William died in 1819) and by looking at the list of slaves John Colyer owned in 1850 above.......it is concluded that John Colyer was likely the most properous of the William Colyer children. It is known that John Colyer brother William Jr. stayed in Jonesborough TN area as a Justice of the Peace. It is known that Alexander Colyar's home on the Nolichucky river near Jonesboro TN burned down and they moved to Winchester TN where his wife's family had settled, but that he was not a significant landowner....but for several years a sharecropper. It appears that John Colyer had followed in his father's footsteps and become an explorer of sorts obtaining land grant/patents along the Cumberland river in Pulaski County Ky as early as 1809 , which at this time was a western frontier much like the East Tennessee area from where they had come was the western frontier at the time of his father William settling there in 1780. The East Tennessee family property on the Nolichucky River had contained lead mines and were known as Colyar Mines. Later, iron mines were developed on the property. The Kentucky land grants on Buck Creek at the Cumerland River to John Colyer also had iron works developed on them during the time that John Colyer owned them. In a map of Kentucky entered according to the Act of Congress in the year 1839 b H.S. Tanner in the Clerks office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the map shows Iron Works on Buck Creek at the Cumberland River. The area of John Colyer land patents and accumulated acreage was in an area along Buck Creek at the Cumberland River. This area later became known as Jugornot. According to the University Press of Kentucky in a book called Kentucky Place Names by Robert Rennick the Jugornot name was coined from its relationship to moonshine whiskey. It is a hollow extending about 3 miles between a point south of Meece post office and the Cumberland River 7 miles southeast of Somerset. At one point, according to one tradition, people did a thriving business producing and selling moonshine whiskey. They would charge one price if the customers brought their own containers, and more if they did not. So when someone would come to buy, they would be asked "jug or not". Another tradition refers to the common practice of rewarding voters with whiskey. You would be asked if you wanted your jug or not and if you voted the right way you got your jug and not otherwise. Over time the area became known as Jugornot. Joe Creason once reported a variant, about a problem that arose when know one thought to bring whiskey to the local voting place. When someone stated that the election could not be held since there was no jug, the Sheriff ruled "we'll have the election jug or not".

John Colyer sold his land he had obtained by patents over the years 1809-1827 to his eldest son, Bluford, in 1846 after John had apparently moved to Ruth Ky on Pittman Creek. John purchased farm of 200 acres on Pittman Creek at Ruth Ky in 1842. From an examination of deeds in the area of Pulaski County where John Colyer had original land grants ( Jugornot hollow area around Buck Creek) it appears that after John's first wife died, he married a Jugornot area family girl named Lydia Purvis. The Purvis family also had land in the Jugornot area of Pulaski County.

____________________________________________________________
Kentucky Land Grants
about Collier, Jno

Reference: THE KENTUCKY LAND GRANTS
Volume 1
Part 1
CHAPTER V TELLICO GRANTS (1803-1853)
THE COUNTIES OF KENTUCKY
page 444
More Info: Grantee: Collier, Jno
Acres: 50
Book: 1
Page: 284
Date Survey: 6- 7-1808
County: Pulaski
Watercourse: Cumberland R

Reference: THE KENTUCKY LAND GRANTS
Volume 1
Part 1
CHAPTER IV GRANTS SOUTH OF GREEN RIVER (1797-1866)
THE COUNTIES OF KENTUCKY
page 292
More Info: Grantee: Collier, Jno
Acres: 40
Book: 15
Page: 374
Date Survey: 9-13-1813
County: Pulaski
Watercourse: Puncheon Hollow (later known as Jugornot)

CHAPTER IV GRANTS SOUTH OF GREEN RIVER (1797-1866)
THE COUNTIES OF KENTUCKY
page 292
More Info: Grantee: Collier, Jno
Acres: 10
Book: 28
Page: 140
Date Survey: 9- 4-1822
County: Pulaski
Watercourse: Puncheon Hollow Cr (later known as Jugornot)

Source Information:
Ancestry.com. Kentucky Land Grants [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 1997. Original data: Jillson, Willard Rouse. The Kentucky Land Grants. Vol. I-II. Louisville, KY, USA: Filson Club Publications, 1925.
One of original settlers of Pulaski County Ky in 1806-1808: He left a progeny of what appears to be 144 grandchildren !
Ruth Ky post office history:
JUNO 07/19/1888 10/05/1893
42552 RUTH 09/21/1908 02/20/1986

RUTH POST OFFICE
PULASKI COUNTY, KENTUCKY
Name Title Date Appointed
Matthew Warren Postmaster 09/21/1908
Henry M. Warren Postmaster 10/17/1912
Arthur P. Gragg Postmaster 12/03/1920
Lee Alexander Postmaster 07/21/1923
John E. Alexander Acting Postmaster 04/01/1925
John E. Alexander Postmaster 05/09/1925
Add Nyhard Colyer Postmaster 05/18/1937
Mrs. Geneva Warren Cummins Postmaster 11/13/1944
Mrs. Ruth G. Strunk Acting Postmaster 05/19/1945
Mrs. Ruth G. Strunk Postmaster 07/23/1945
Thomas S. Daughetee Acting Postmaster 02/23/1946
Mrs. Iva D. K. Ridner Postmaster 02/13/1947
Discontinued on February 20, 1986; mail to Somerset
(Postal Bulletin 21557)
source: http://webpmt.usps.gov/pmt007.cfm?PostOfficeCounty=Pulaski&stat_state_name=KENTUCKY
First Wife of John Colyer:
John Parsons was the source of the information that John Colyer of 1781 first wife was named Martha Minus. I have not been able to verify the source of this info. The only source I have found stating this is a LDS record found on LDS compact disk #117 PIN#719024. the familysearch.org site does not reveal the documentation support. However, a letter from a Dr. Welby Colyer dated about 1940 found on this site, also states that first wife was named Martha Minus.

I believe it is suspect, since the obituary for son Charles Granade Colyer found on this site states that the first wife was a Ms. Sinclair. This is a family name and found in the area of Washington county VA & TN where John Colyer of 1781 migrated from.

8/24/13 this researcher discovered marriage record in Pulaski County Ky that John Colyer married Polly Blevins 08/29/1806. Further analysis of tax records of Pulaski County Ky 1806 shows 2 John Colyer's in Pulaski County. Therefore, to prove first wife of John Colyer born 1781 is Polly Blevins, the other must be eliminated. This researcher makes conclusion that the Other John Colyer in tax records of Pulaski County was the one born 1744, brother to Charles Colyer who seems to be near Charles in Jonesboro TN as evidenced by Charles posting bond for John and then in 1806 is on tax records with little taxed (revolutionary pensioner for cripple injury in war). Further, it is reported that Samuel Blevins was Polly Blevins father. The Pulaski County tax records show Samuel Blevins living on Buck Creek in Pulaski County Ky in 1804....nearby John Colyer born 1781 in 1806. This Samuel Blevins was reported to be from Henry County VA where John Colyer 1781's father, William, was also located evidenced by signing Oath of Allegience to United States during American Revolution.

However, It later has been discovered that apparently the Mary "Polly" Blevins that married a John Colyer in Pulaski County in 1806, who was daughter of Samuel Blevins, died in Louisville Jefferson County KY in 1855 married to a John Colyear of Jefferson County census of 1850 and 1830.

In October 2016, DNA testing on this site comparing Harold Colyer to Curtis Colyer prove common ancestry indicating John Colyer born 1781. Documentation on this site of Curtis Colyer oldest known ancestor in Bronston Ky being John Colyer born 1815. Documentation on this site of the death record of this John Colyer born 1815, shows his mother (therefore wife of John Colyer born 1781) being named Polly. Since research above shows it was not Polly Blevins, It is concluded that John Colyer 1781 first wife was named Polly and her last name was likely that disclosed in the Somerset newspaper obituary of son Charles Granade Colyer, being Sinclair....thus first wife named POLLY SINCLAIR.

See also this site for William Colyer, first son of John Colyer 1781 and first wife, where he names a daughter Mary Jane and she goes by "Polly".
Sublimity Springs Rd: documents on this site tied to John Colyer concerning Sublimity Springs Rd were gathered in an effort to document the history of what is now known in Pulaski County Ky as Hwy 192. This effort was done to help establish the age of the old John Colyer house on hwy 192. This research revealed the interested character of Dr. Christopher Columbus Graham who ran the most famous resort in Harrodsburg Ky, before selling it and building Sublimity Springs Resort in about 1855 at what is now known as Bee Rock park on current day hwy 192. Dr. Graham is further mentioned in the history of slavery in Kentucky, since his Harrodsburg resort included a famous group of slave musicians.
In the book "Slavery in the South: a state by state history" the Kentucky section states:

"In another instance, a trio of black musicians used their talents to help escape from Kentucky slavery. In the antebellum era, Graham's Springs in Harrodsburg ranked as the most prestigious resort in Kentucky. Dr. Graham owned a famous slave band that comprised the house orchestra. The three enslaved blacks, Reuben, Henry and George, were well know throughout the upper south and played at Dr. Graham's throughout the summer season. In addition, for very good fees, Dr. Graham hired out the trio to play at plantation parties and at balls at Louisville and Lexington during the winter. In the late autumn of 1850, the band had been performing in Louisville, but were called to Lexington to be part of the festivities celebrating the great Whig political victory of that year. After the reception, they realized that their white patron was no longer carefully overseeing their activities. They had passes back to Louisville and took off; once they arrived at the river city, they were able to get across the Ohio River and make their way to Canada. All attempts by Graham to bring back his famous performers were thwarted by other former Kentucky slaves now living across the border."
Did John Colyer interact with John Sevier ? The diary of John Sevier, while living next to the Colyer/Colyar home on the Nolichucky River in Erwin TN, writes in December 1795 :

"Sun. 20 came home Mon. 21 Pleasant weather. Mr. Collier sent 5 Fine Fish by his son"

There were two documented son's this could have been: William Colyar born 1780 or John Colyer born 1781.
The younger borther , Alexander, was not born til about 1790, so when have been too young.
1934 June edition Somerset newspaper re area Typhoid risks:

Dr. Campbell Issues Health Warning Dr. F.C. Campbell, head of the Pulaski County Health Unit, has issued a warning to residents of the county to avoid drinking from springs, streams or wells which may possibly contain typhoid germs. The limestone formation of this section of Kentucky is especially conducive to transmission of germs for a considerable distance from their original source. Dr.
Campbell stated: "Every year typhoid takes several lives in Pulaski County. Unless your well or other form of water supply has been carefully tested and approved you are taking a chance on contracting this disease. The Health Unit will make free tests for you. All that is necessary is to call at the office in Somerset to get the proper type of container for the sample of water, and to bring the sample back for test."
Hwy 192 Ruth/Somerset KY: the last home of John Colyer born 1781. Recent i.e. 2024 research in Wayne County KY court records, reveal that in 1770 era, longhunters used a route to reach Price's Meadows (now Mill Springs in Wayne County KY) that crossed the Cumberland River at Pitman Creek. This would have been the route that Gasper Mansker took about 1769 on his journey to the Nashville TN area. At the time before Pulaski County KY was formed about 1799, it has been documented that settlers such as Widow Massey(widow of Jacob Massey) lived on Pitman creek where current day Strawberry Rd runs. Her location is found in 1817 era Pulaski County KY road orders. Further early Pulaski County KY roads such as that leading to Smiths Ferry (current Cooper power plant location) roughly follow current Cedar Grove road south down Pitman creek. Conjecture based on this, is that an early longhunter trail in 1770 era, came up what became the Wilderness road via Cumberland Gap to Corbin KY area, then up roughly the path of hwy 312 to what is today Keavy KY then to roughly the path of hwy 192 until it reached Pitman creek. Then turned south past where Widow Massey settled and continuing down Pitman Creek to the Cumberland River, thus crossing to Price's Meadows. See pdf page 6 and court page 215 of the document titled "1801-1807 Andrew Tribble lawsuit border dispute" under Michael Stoner for description of Cumberland River crossing at Pitman Creek by longhunters.

Sources

[S05097] DEAN HUNTER GEDCOM.
[S05088] Collierj.ftw--Tim Jeffries, Cincinnati OH, Tim Jeffries, Cincinnatti OH.
Date of Import: Aug 6, 1998
[S14494] Alice Colyer Gala.
Date of Import: Sep 19, 1998
[S27813] ColyerV2.FTW.
Date of Import: Sep 30, 1998

John Colyer[1, 2, 3, 4]

John Colyer^{[1, 2, 3, 4]}