The Younger story starts with Marcus Younger. It shouldn’t but it does, because we don’t know who his parents were. We may never know, because Marcus Younger’s Y chromosomal, paternal, DNA doesn’t match the rest of the Younger line to whom he is obviously related. Why obviously? You’ll see. This story reminds me a bit of a soap opera and an onion – unpeeling one layer at a time – slowly and painfully over the past 20 years or so.
In 2007, I began the Younger DNA project. I fully expected Marcus’s descendants to match on the Y chromosome to the descendants of Thomas Younger, a man who lived very close to Marcus in Halifax County and who many believed was Marcus’s father. Even if he wasn’t Marcus’s father, the he was likely his uncle. One thing is for sure – we fully expected them to descend from a common paternal male line – but we were wrong.
Not only did the men not match, there is no possibility on their Y (paternal) line that they are distantly related. In other words, this isn’t a questionable match, it’s a flat out no-match. They are in different haplogroups, with Thomas’s line being in haplogroup R and Marcus’s line in haplogroup I. These men’s paternal ancestors weren’t related in 10s of thousands of years. Well, that was a “stop me in my tracks” revelation. So now what?
So let’s start with Marcus and tell as much of our Younger story as we know. We have made some remarkable breakthroughs recently, compliments of autosomal DNA technology.
Marcus Younger
Marcus Younger was born probably in Essex County, VA and probably around 1730, based on his son’s 1760 birth. He died in January 1815 in Halifax County, Virginia. He married Susannah, possibly Hart. Anthony Hart sold land to Marcus Younger before he moved to Halifax County. Marcus was also taxed under Anthony. We don’t know who Marcus’s parents are, but given recent autosomal DNA evidence, we suspect that he was the illegitimate son of a daughter of Alexander Younger and Rebecca Mills. Alexander Younger mentions no son, Marcus, in his will. Alexander’s son, Thomas Younger, moved to Halifax County earlier than Marcus who arrived about 1785. They lived close to each other, Thomas on Terrible Creek and Marcus on Yellow Bank Creek on the Banister River. Thomas died in 1791 and his will was witnessed by both Marcus and Marcus’s son, John Younger. This implies strongly that Marcus was not Thomas’s heir, as heirs typically did not witness wills. It also suggests that they were very close.
In 1780, Marcus Younger aided in the American Revolution in King and Queen County as documented by the Public Service Claims. He provided 1 gallon, 2 quarts and a half brandy worth 39 pounds, 1 shilling and 3 pence. He probably didn’t have any choice about this, because then the army needed (or wanted) supplies, it needed supplies. They gave you a receipt with the idea that someday you could turn it in for reimbursement. In actuality, people did that, which is why we have the records today. He’s lucky that’s all they took. They were known for impressing horses, but then again, maybe Marcus didn’t have a horse to impress.
Marcus was in Essex County in 1782 and 1785, taxed under Anthony Hart, but is in Halifax County by December 1786 when he signs the marriage bond for his daughter, Mary, to marry George Estes, suggesting she is under the age of 21.
Interestingly enough, George Estes’s father, Moses Estes lived beside William Younger, born about 1740, wife Patience, whose parentage is also unknown. William Younger is in Halifax County as early as 1760 when he was assigned to a road crew on Reedy Creek. He apparently lived on Reedy Creek in South Boston for the rest of his life. Reedy Creek abutted the land purchased by Moses Estes Jr. and today Younger Street is the street that runs perpendicular to Estes Street, both of which now lead to the city dump, and is no place remotely close to Terrible Creek or the Banister River.
In 1795, Moses Estes, George Estes, his son who married Mary Younger in 1786, and William Younger, neighbors, all signed a petition.
I have always wondered if there is a previous pre-Halifax County connection between the William Younger and Moses Estes families. I have often suspected that Moses Estes Sr. had daughters who would have been the perfect age to have been Patience, the wife of William Younger. Conversely, we don’t know who the wife of Moses Estes Sr. was, only that her name was Elizabeth.
Regardless, these two families owned land that is very close to each other on the border of Essex and King and Queen Counties in northern Virginia prior to coming to Halifax County. This is detailed in the unpublished document, “Estes of King and Queen County.” An excerpt is provided below.
King and Queen and Essex County, Virginia
Using various hints, tips and what few records do still exist, we were able to locate fairly reliably the land of Abraham Estes, the original immigrant in the Estes line. As luck would have it, we also discovered the Younger holdings in that area as well.
My cousin Wilma, long time Younger genealogist, posted the following information on the Younger rootsweb list in 2002.
Recently I have come into possession of a map which was the project of a Woman’s Club started in 1937 and published in 1972. It attempts to located the early tracts of King and Queen County. Unfortunately some very significant pieces of the map were omitted. I’m referring to the various hundreds and parishes which would better pinpoint a known location.
That said, I studied the map first, for familiar names. I found the name Boulware not far from Caroline County. Many of you will remember that a Boulware was a business associate of John Younger (from Whitehaven, England) in Caroline County which adjoins King and Queen directly to the north. A Boulware also married the daughter of John Price and Ann Younger, daughter of Alexander. [Note: Alexander is the proven father of Thomas Younger who moved to Halifax County.]
The next name is a little more disconnected but it caught my attention. The name of the property was Fleetwell. Thomas Younger’s daughter by his first wife married a Fretwell and her father (apparently) was prominent in transferring property to Thomas. This Fleetwell certainly may have no relevance but, as I said, it did catch my eye.
Then there was Armistead Hill. Now we all can agree that Armistead is not a very common given name but it has been repeated throughout the Virginia family. I cannot say for sure but I suspect this piece of property was not far from Alexander’s in Essex and King and Queen (to be explained below).
I also noted the name Aylett and remembered having seen it before. I checked Alexander Younger’s notes and found that in 1716 a Robert Farish of St. Stephen’s Parish, King and Queen County bought 100 acres lying in both Essex and King and Queen Counties upon the head of the Dragon. The land adjoined Maj. Aylett’s Quarter and also adjoined the land of Alexander Younger.
I had thought Alexander Younger’s son Thomas had left Essex County (perhaps in anger that his mother had remarried so soon) and had gone to King and Queen. He was known to be in King and Queen County in 1751/2. [Note – based on a merchant’s account book.] Thomas Younger sold his property to his mother and step-father and it was noted that the property he sold was adjoined by John Farish and Capt. William Aylett.
The man I believe to be the father in law of Thomas Younger, (William Fretwell) obtained the property in question from the mother and stepfather and resold it to Thomas Younger.
No record of any other purchase by Thomas Younger has as yet come to light so one can assume (I hope) that half of the land left to Susannah by her father Thomas was the same described property. The other half was willed to Samuel also without a description. The subsequent lawsuit among the heirs did not deal in property but delineated money instead.
This little exercise put things a bit into perspective for me. It is amazing somehow that maps can be so enlightening – even incomplete ones.
I now suspect that the Younger’s lived fairly close to the border between Essex and King and Queen Counties and being located at or near the head of the Dragon, they were also not terribly far from Middlesex County which accounts for some of the Younger records there.
I took Wilma’s information and ran with it and in doing so, using contemporary maps, I located the approximate location of both the Estes and the Younger land.
Abraham Estes’s land in 1783 abuts the Hoskins and Grymes land. Today this marker resides on 360 East of St. Stephen’s Church.
Going with the info from the various locations to my trusty atlas, I find that in King and Queen County, on 360 where it crosses 14 and then East on 360 from that location, we have an intersection with 631 and 621 before getting to Miller’s Tavern. Miller’s Tavern is too far East, It looks like this land is between Bruington which is at the intersection of 14 and 621 as one point on the triangle, 621 itself as another point on the triangle, and probably St. Stephen’s church as another point. You also see Dogwood Fork which surely is connected to Dogwood swamp. Abraham Estes’s land seemed to be on the NE quadrant of this land, so probably nearer to 621. In a much larger sense, it’s between the Rappahannock and the Mattaponi, but nearer to the Mattaponi.
Essex County Land Grants
June 22 1722 – Grant of Robert Farish described as 775 acres in the Counties of King and Queen and Essex. Beg. of Silvester Estice standing in Thomas Cranes line; thence &c. on the south side a branch of Mattapony River. And then 775 acres in the Counties of King and Queen and Essex adjoining the land of Silvester Estice, Thos. Crane &c. on the south side of a branch of Mattapony River and crossing several branches of Rappa: River.
Here are 3 transactions that position Alexander Younger’s land in this same area:
Essex County Deed Book 22 (1738-1742), Pg 215
3 Dec 1740
Thomas Younger of St Stephen’s Parish, King and Queen County, VA to Timothy Driscoll [sic] of Southfarnham Parish, Essex County VA for 5000 lbs of tobacco and cash, all interest now or hereafter in 100 acres in Essex in the Parish of Southfarnum adjoining John Farish, Capt. William Aylett and John Croxton it being all that tract purchased by his father, Alexander Younger, dec’d of Richard Jones and Leonard Hill
Witnesses – Thomas Barker, John Croxton, Henry Brown
Acknowledged 17 Mar 1740 at a court held for Essex County at Tappahannock
3 Dec 1740
Know All Men by these presents that I Thomas Younger of King and Queen County stand indebted to Timothy Driscoll in the sum of ten thousand pounds of good tobacco and cash. The condition of the above obligation is such that Thomas Younger at all times upon request of Timothy Driscoll his heirs sufficiently grant all that parcel of land now in the tenure of Timothy Driscoll clearly aquitted and discharged from all manner of former bargains and incumberances whatsoever done by Thomas Younger then this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in force.
Signed: Thomas Younger
Witnesses: John Croxton, Henry Brown
Then received the full sum of thirty pounds current money, it being the full consideration.
Essex County VA Deed Book 24, Pg 354 and Virginia Colonial Abstracts, p.353
10 Aug 1749
William Fretwell of Southfarnham Parish, Essex County VA to Thomas Younger of Drisdale Parish in County of King and Queen County for 30 pounds, all interest now or hereafter in 100 acres in Essex, purchased of Thomas Younger by Timothy Driscoll and by him conveyed to William Fretwell
Signed: William Fretwell
Witnesses – Thomas Barker, Richard Hodges
Acknowledged 19 Sep 1749.
Another set of records that involved Thomas Younger also positions this family on the Mattaponi.
Thomas Younger was still living in King and Queen County in 1751-1752. (King and Queen Merchants Ledger 1751-1752. Accession #25110, Virginia State Library, Pg. 49). He made purchased in both 1751 and 1752.
Thomas Younger Mar 1751
Thomas Younger July 1752
An Index – Magazine of Virginia genealogy, Vol 29, Number 3, Aug 1991
The King and Queen County merchant’s account book has been abstracted and is identified in the Virginia State Archives by Accession number 28893.
Ledger A covers 25 Feb 1748-21 May 1750 and the unpaid accounts on the latter were transferred to Ledger B as opening balances. Ledger B covers 23 May 1750 to 16 Mar 1751. Balances on 16 Mar 1751 were transferred to Ledger C which covers 19 Mar 1751-4 Aug 1752. These ledgers came from the store of Nininan Boog, factor for Buchannan and Hamilton, Liverpool Merchants. Boog’s King and Queen store was apparently located at Todd’s on the Mataponi about a mile above Aylett where state route 628 now ends.
Name A B C
Thomas Younger 68 104 49
Alexander Younger in America
We know very little about the origins of Alexander Younger before his arrival in Virginia. There is a parish register entry in Lanark, Glasgow, Scotland showing an Alexander Younger christened on May 2, 1681. We don’t know if that record is for our Alexander, but it could be, especially given the 1699 court record which indicates his age as 18 years of age.
There are at least four possibilities for his importation records which begs the question of what happened to these other Alexander Youngers.
1. Old Rappahanock County, VA Order Book 2 1698-1699, Pg 148
10 June 1699 – Deposition – Alexander Younge (r), a servant of Edward Rowzee, said to be eighteen years old.
2. General Index to Court Orders, Essex County VA 1684-1714
11 Oct 1704 – An Alexander Younger imported by Thomas Dickinson 0-3-124
10 May 1705 – An Alexander Younger imported by Ralph Rowze 0-3-164
Considering that Alexander was a servant in a Rowze household it seems plausible that he immigrated in 1705.
These first two records cause me to wonder if Alexander went back and forth a couple of times. That was not unheard of, especially if he was the personal servant to a wealthy man.
We do know that Alexander Younger wrote his will in 1725, designating his wife and son, Thomas to be his executors. His son would have had to have been born very shortly after his arrival. If Alexander was a indentured servant, it’s unlikely that he would have been allowed to marry for the requisite 5 or 7 years to complete his indenture. This record says he is a servant, but it does not say that he is indentured, but it certainly does imply that he is.
3. From angelsmurfholly2@aol.com on Genforum under the Younger forum:
Alexander received 100 acres of land for transporting himself and his servants, James Morrison, to Somerset Co., Maryland. He later signed it over to Henry Bishop, a planter from Maryland. From G. Spades “The Early Settlers of Maryland”. Alexander came to York Co., VA in 1680. As per Virginia Colonial abstract #9. Essex Co. will and deeds of 1714-1717 Alexander Younger was sold 100 acres of land for 3250 pounds of tobacco in the Parish of Southfarnham, Essex Co. Record Book 15 page 359.
I question whether the records above are for the same person. We know that “our” Alexander was in Essex County, but I would like to see some documentation that ties the Maryland Alexander Younger with ours in Essex County, VA.
Alexander witnessed wills in both 1706 and 1707, suggesting that he was not an indentured servant at that time.
Virginia Colonial Abstracts, p. 155 (Essex County)
Will of Richard Matthews of Essex County
Written 12 Jan 1705/6, Pro 11 Feb 1705/6
To eldest son Richard a Bible. To youngest son Giles and daughter Elizabeth. the balance of the estate for their maintenance. To Ann a cow.
Exec. John Boulware, John Mottlin
Witnesses: John X Williams, Robert Parker, Alexander Younger
Essex County VA Records, Abstracted by John Frederick Dorman,
p. 36,37 – 18 Jan 1707 – Will of Daniel Browne of Essex County VA witnessed by Alexander Younger
p. 224 – Jean Browne wife of the deceased Daniel Browne, Sr. of Southfarnum Parish gave her interest in her 1/3rd to son Henry.
Witnessed by Alexander Younger
4. General Index to Court Orders, Essex County VA 1684-1714
10 Aug 1708 – Alexander Younger grants 50 acres of land for his own importation 0-4-47 – 10 Sep 1708
This record actually suggests that Alexander Younger was not indentured, as the person who paid for his transportation would have been the person to claim his 50 acres. However, if the land were part of his agreement, and he arrived in 1799, and was indentured for 7 years, he would have been freed in 1706, in time to witness the 1706 will.
Alexander Younger’s Land
Records show that in 1715, Alexander Younger purchased 220 acres of land in South Farnham Parish, Essex County, VA (Virginia Colonial Abstracts #9, pp. 319-320, Essex County VA Wills and Deeds Bk 14, p 359)
By 1716, Alexander had land and we know where it was, near the head of the Dragon Branches.
Records of Essex Co, VA, No 15, p. 1
18 and 19 Mar 1716
Deed and Release
Casper Coston, smith, and Mary his wife, of St Anne’s Parish, Essex Co, sell to Robert Farish of St Stephen’s Parish, King and Queen Co, for 48 pounds, 250a, part of 100a granted to Richard Jones and George Turner, 8 Feb 1672, lying in Essex and King and Queen Counties, upon the heads of the Dragon, Ashnamscot and Piscatua branches adj a marsh at the head of one of the Dragon branches, by Maj. Aylett the Quarter formerly known as Goodrich’s land, the land of Sheffells old field, Alexander’s house and the head of a branch of Fisher’s mill. Also Capt Brerton’s land “descending to me Mary Coston as being heir at law to my only sister Sarah Shipley, late dec’d, which was left by will of George Boyce to my sd sister, (adj land of Major Aylets Quarter formerly known by the name of Goodrich land, and also adjoining the land of Alexander Younger. Also Capt Brereton’ land)
Witnesses: John Bates, John Boughan, Thomas X Shipley
(Extracted from Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol II, Beverly Fleet, Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD, 1988, p.83) SW: Sheffield
This is apparently Mary Cosston, sister of Keziah. The second entry of this record on p. 179 of this same source states Jasper Coston, not Casper, Goodrick, not Goodrich. Third record on p. 296 (filed under King and Queen Co) states “the head of Kissells old field, Alexander Youngers house, branch of Fishers mill, etc.” George Boyce record not yet located.
By 1725, Alexander had died, fairly young, and with young children. His son John died in 1733 and Alexander’s estate funds were used to bury John as well. In 1732, his 3 youngest daughters were still under age and Thomas was appointed their guardians.
Alexander was impaneled as a juror several times. But then, in 1724, it was his turn to face the jury.
Essex County VA Order Book 1723-1725, p. 107 – 19 Mar 1723
The suit brought by John Bagge against Alexander Younger is dismissed.
p. 138 – 20 May 1724
Alexander Younger of the Parish of South Farnham for not frequenting his Parish Church according to Law. Presented by the Grand Jury and therefore ordered the Sheriff to summon all said persons to appear at the next court for this County to show cause if any they have why they should not be fined according to Law.
p 161, 17 June 1724
The presentment of the Grand Jury agt. Alexander Younger is dismissed.
The 1724 presentment against Alexander for not attending church was dismissed. Obviously, he wasn’t attending. The question is why. Given that he made his will in 1725, it causes me to wonder if he wasn’t ill by 1724 and not attending church for that reason.
p. 167, 17 Jun 1724
In the action on the case brought by Nathaniel Sanders against John Griggs it is ordered that James Edmondson, Alexander Younger and John Haile or any two of them audit and settle the accounts between the plaintiff and the defendant. and make their report to the next court.
Given this court order, Alexander must not have been ill at this time.
p. 172 – 18 Jun 1724
The action of debt brought by John Bagge vs Alexander Younger is continued. The Plaintiff’s Attorney being absent.
On July 18, 1727, Alexander’s will was probated. He would have been less than 50 years old.
Essex County Wills, Bonds and Inventories, Part 2, pg 222 1722-1730
Will Book 4, pp 222-223
Written 11 Aug 1725, Probated 18 Jul 1727
Virginia State Library
IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN…The eleventh day of Aug 1725, I, Alexander Younger of the County of Essex, being sick and weak of body yet in perfect sense and memory thanks be to God for the same I do make and constitute ordain and declare this to be my last will and testament and no other first being point out and sorry from the bottom of my heart for all my sins past most humble begging God forgiveness and remission of the same through the alone merits of my dear redeemer and only savior, Jesus Christ. I commit my soul into the hand of Almighty God, my savior and only redeemer through the merit of whose death and passion I hope to have full and perfect remission and forgiveness of all my sins. My body to be decently interred by my executors hereafter named in hopes of a happy resurrection at the last day and my soul and body to enter into perfect joy and felicity forevermore. And for the settling and disposing my temporal and such goods and chattels as it hath pleased God to bestow upon me I do order give and dispose as follows, that is to say, first all those debts and duties as I owe in right or custom to any person whatsoever shall be well and truly contented and paid within convenient time after my decease by my executors hereafter named. First I will and bequeath to the three poorest objects of pity in the parish thirty shillings in such things as may answer their wants to be paid within one year after my decease by my executors.
Secondly I will and bequeath to my son Thomas Younger that piece of land that I bought of Mr. Hill and Richard Jones, a young heifer called Fairmade and her female increase and if she happens to be barren and not a breeder then to have a young cow out of my own proper stock of chattels and if she should die then to have another young cow in her room out of my own proper stock and six pounds currency and that gun which I bought of Captain Welch.
Thirdly I will and bequeath to my son John Younger that piece of land which I bought of Mary Newton, two young cows out of my proper stock, six pound currency and his choice of my other two guns.
If either of my two sons Thomas or John die without issue then their land, money and gun to fall to the eldest female then alive only my will is that the child in whose hands any of the boy’s land falls to, the other part of
their estate shall be equally divide among the rest then alive. They themselves that have the land having one equal part thereof. It is my will that the two eldest then alive of the female kind if the male be all dead should inherit the land. Also my will is that after appraisement made that my estate be equally divided among my other six children to wit: James Younger, Elizabeth Younger, Ann Younger, Mary Younger, Jannett Younger, and Susannah Younger, and further it is my will that if any one of them died without issue lawfully begotten of their body that their part be equally divided among the rest then alive and it is my will concerning every one of my children’s parts of the estate if they die without issue lawfully begotten of their body to be still equally divided among the rest then alive and further it is my will that if my well beloved wife, Rebecca Younger, should happen to join in wedlock state after my decease it is my will that the boys should be for themselves at the age of seventeen years old and if she continues my widow then to remain till the year of twenty one and if it should please God to whom all things are subject to remove all my issue by death then it is my will that my land and personal estate be secured for my next heir in Scotland of my brother Andrew’s only wife to have the liberty of the same all her days in a moderate way to live upon without control of any person whatsoever.
The executors whom I order and appoint is my well beloved wife Rebecca Younger and my son Thomas Younger to see the same truly appointed and fully performed. In witness whereof I have affixed my seal and set my hand the day and year first above written.
Signed: Alexander Younger
Witnesses: John Haile, Bryant Edmondson, Francis Haile (his mark)
At a court for Essex County on Tuesday the 18th of July 1727, the within last will and testament of Alexander Younger, dec’d, was proved by the oath of Rebecca Younger, his executrix and being further proved by the oath of John Haile and Bryant Edmondson, two of the witnesses thereto was admitted to record.
Signed W. Beverly, C.C.
18 Jul 1727
Bond of Rebecca Younger as Executrix of Alexander Younger. Unto William Dangerfield, Benjamin Robinson, John Taliaferro and Nicholas Smith, Gent., Justices. For L 300 sterling
Securities: Thomas Covington and Richard Jones
It is ordered that James Edmondson, Henry Boughan, John Haile and William Gatewood or any three of them appraise the estate of Alexander Younger, dec’d and return their proceedings therein to the next court.
Appraisers were typically the largest debtor, someone from the wife’s family and a totally disinterested party.
Essex County VA Will Book 5, p. 152,153 – 1727
Account for the administration of the estate of Alexander Younger
This account provides the information that by later in 1727, Alexander’s son John has died, his daughter Elizabeth has married John Dillard and the widow Rebecca has remarried Timothy Driscoll, although it is odd that she signs her name as Rebecca Younger on this document. Actually, she signed with a mark so maybe the clerk wrote her name as Rebecca Younger instead of her new married name. The only reason Timothy Driscoll would sign this is if he had an interest and his only interest would be as her husband.
Essex County VA Court Wills #5
1727
Total Valuation L 157.12.10 including one Negro man valued at 25 pounds.
The estate of Mr. Alexander Younger, dec’d
To funeral expenses for Mr. Younger
To Dr. John Haile
To John Leach a legacy left by Mr. Younger
To Thomas Barber for sundry writing for the estate
To John Taylor (no reason given)
To Pitman Grandoff (no reason given)
To the appraisers of the estate (not named)
To the probate of Mr. Younger’s will
To Mr. ? Carter
To registering the death of the sd Younger
To registering the death of a negro
To registering the death of John Younger
To rolling Mr. Younger’s tobacco
To tobacco charged in the inventory due in his lifetime not received by the executors
To tobacco charged for clerks, secretarys and parsons
To John Dillard for his wife’s part of the estate being 1/8 of 127 pounds, 13 shillings, 4 1/2 pence.
Signed Timothy Driscoll (his mark)
Rebecca Younger (R)
At a court convened and held for Essex County on 22 Aug 1833
Timothy Driscoll and Rebecca, his wife, Executors of the last will and testament of Alexander Younger, dec’d produced their vouchers and made oath that this was a just and true account of the sd deceased estate and all the articles therein being allowed by this court, on the motion of Timothy the same is admitted to record.
Essex County VA Will Book 5: 119,120
15 Jan 1732
Thomas Younger made guardian of Mary and Ann, infant orphans of Alexander Younger, dec’d. Samuel Gatewood and John Ferguson were bondsmen with Thomas. The document continues to reveal that he is also guardian to James Younger.
Essex County VA Will Book 5: 115,116
19Dec 1732
Thomas Younger made guardian of James, Jannett and Susannah stating that they are orphans
I have to wonder why he was not appointed prior to this time. His father has been dead since 1727. Marcus was born sometime prior to 1740, likely to one of these sisters. I thought at one time that perhaps his mother died at this time, but according to later deeds, she did not. Something clearly happened during this time to precipitate this legal action. But what?
Essex County Deed Book 22 (1738-1742), Pg 215
3 Dec 1740
Thomas Younger of St Stephen’s Parish, King and Queen County, VA to Timothy Driscoll [sic] of Southfarnham Parish, Essex County VA for 5000 lbs of tobacco and cash, all interest now or hereafter in 100 acres in Essex in the Parish of Southfarnum adjoining John Farish, Capt. William Aylett and John Croxton it being all that tract purchased by his father, Alexander Younger, dec’d of Richard Jones and Leonard Hill
Witnesses – Thomas Barker, John Croxton, Henry Brown
Acknowledged 17 Mar 1740 at a court held for Essex County at Tappahannock
3 Dec 1740
Know All Men by these presents that I Thomas Younger of King and Queen County stand indebted to Timothy Driscoll in the sum of ten thousand pounds of good tobacco and cash. The condition of the above obligation is such that Thomas Younger at all times upon request of Timothy Driscoll his heirs sufficiently grant all that parcel of land now in the tenure of Timothy Driscoll clearly aquitted and discharged from all manner of former bargains and incumberances whatsoever done by Thomas Younger then this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in force.
Signed: Thomas Younger
Witnesses: John Croxton, Henry Brown
Then received the full sum of thirty pounds current money, it being the full consideration.
Essex County VA Deed Book 24, Pg 354 and Virginia Colonial Abstracts, p.353 10 Aug 1749
William Fretwell of Southfarnham Parish, Essex County VA to Thomas Younger of Drisdale Parish in County of King and Queen County for 30 pounds, all interest now or hereafter in 100 acres in Essex, purchased of Thomas Younger by Timothy Driscoll and by him conveyed to William Fretwell
Signed: William Fretwell
Witnesses – Thomas Barker, Richard Hodges
Acknowledged 19 Sep 1749.
There are no records in subsequent Deed Books of Essex County, VA of Thomas Younger selling this land. There are no tax records of Essex County until 1782. It is also known by probate records that William Fretwell was the son-in-law of Thomas Younger.
Unfortunately, the records of King and Queen County have been burned, so while there were very likely more records that pertain to Thomas, they were destroyed. The next time we see Thomas after the 1751/1752 merchant’s account record is in 1765 in Halifax County.
Essex County, Virginia, Summary
The deeds and land transactions tell us that the Estes and Younger families probably knew each other long before they came to Halifax Co. Notice below that the head of Dragon Run is almost exactly on the county border between King and Queen and Essex county which is highlighted in yellow. The purple arrow is pointing to this general area, but slightly on the Essex side. The Younger’s lived on the Essex side and the Estes lived just across the road, right about where the “620” is printed on the way south from Miller’s tavern.
It is exceedingly frustrating for me not to be able to connect our Marcus Younger back to his father. There were other early Younger men who also came to Halifax County, like William Younger. Were they also from Essex county? Was our Marcus related to them? He was clearly associated very closely with all of the Youngers of that time in Halifax County, as they witnessed deeds and such for each other and the Estes family. Marcus and Thomas Younger were neighbors, as were William Younger and Moses Estes Jr.
Given the DNA results, Marcus did not share a paternal line with Thomas Younger or James Younger, both sons of Alexander Younger and Rebecca Mills. The Y DNA of Thomas and James descendants matches each other, but Marcus’s Y chromosome does not, and one of the people (Seay) he matches closely also doesn’t match the DNA of his surname family. The Marcus Younger line also matches one single Rolland male.
Halifax County, Virginia Younger Families
The Halifax County research had two goals. One, to piece the various Younger families together, learning and much as possible about them and second, to find the land and cemetery where Marcus Younger lived.
The following information is extracted from the deed, will, court order, and chancery suits and is combined with census and tax list information in order to assemble families. This is not intended to be exhaustive, but to provide an overview in summary form of the results of the research in Halifax. I have removed almost all of the detail for the Thomas and William Younger families, leaving only what might be relevant for Marcus.
In a nutshell, we have connected all of the early families into three distinct groups that apparently do not connect together in Halifax, meaning they are not father-son groupings. They may well be otherwise related, but we just don’t know yet.
Ironically, it was neither William, Marcus nor Thomas who first appeared in Halifax County, but James Younger in 1758 who is mentioned as providing blacksmith services in the estate management for the children in the estate of Capt. James Hill. Halifax Will Book 0-46. This James never reappears. Two years later, William Younger followed. In 1765 Thomas Younger arrived. Marcus doesn’t appear in any records until 1785.
Marcus Younger, born before 1740, died 1815, wife Susannah
Halifax County records for Marcus Younger begin in 1785.
1785 – Markus Younger is listed on the tax list with 1 white, 1 slave, no horses and 2 cows.
1785 – Marcus Younger is listed on Berryman Green’s list with 1 white tithe, 2 slaves and 1 horse. A different records show him with 1 white, 1 slave, no horses and 2 cows.
1785 – John Younger, son of Marcus, is listed with 1 white, no slaves, no horses and 2 cows.
1786 – On December 19, Mary Younger marries George Estes, her father Marcus Younger and George Estes sign, William Martin is a witness and Daniel Parker is surety.
George signs his marriage bond, above. Below, Marcus signs for Mary to marry George.
1787 – Markus Younger on the tax list shows 1 white, 2 slaves, 3 horses and 2 cows.
1787 – John Younger on the tax list shows 1 white, 1 slave, 3 horses and 6 cows.
1788 – Halifax County VA Deed Book 14, Pg. 276
7 Mar 1788 Mark Younger from Meador Anderson and wife Sarah
100 acres on Branch of the Bannister River
1788 – Halifax County VA Deed Book 14, Pg. 281
7 Mar 1788
John Younger from Meador Anderson and wife Sarah
100 acres on Branch of the Bannister River for 60 pounds.
(John is the son of Marcus)
1788 – Tax list Markus Younger 1 white, 0 slaves and 3 horses.
1788 – Tax list John Younger 1 white, 1 black, 3 horses.
1789 – Marcus witnessed the will of Thomas Younger and also was on the tax list with 100 acres and tithed with one white male, no slaves and 2 horses.
1790 – Marcus Younger has 100 acres every year until 1814 when his land drops to 93.5 acres and then in 1815 to 43.5 acres and is then noted as a life estate instead of held in fee simple. This would be his daughter’s share, I would think. Marcus has no slaves until 1794 when he has 3, then none in1795, 1 in 1796 and each year until he acquires a second slave in 1800 and has 2 until his death. He has no horses in 1790, but acquires 2 in 1796 and then has 4 in 1802, dropping back to 2 in 1809 and 1 in 1810.
1790 – Marcus’s son John Younger has 100 acres and maintains that land until 1812 when he adds another 3.5 acres from his father. He has one slave until 1794 when he acquires a second and has two throughout the record period until 1817.
1795 – John Younger, road hand along with George Estes.
Note: This road hand assignment confirms that George and Mary Younger Estes indeed were living in the north part of the county, probably on the Marcus Younger land. Given this, the Marcus Younger farm is probably where John R. Estes, their son and also my ancestor, born in 1787/1788 was born. There are also several spaces for children “missing” who would have been born in the 1790s, nor were any children named after George’s parents, Moses and Luremia. I suspect those children are buried in the cemetery on Marcus’s land.
1799 – Marcus Younger is listed as a road hand.
1799 – John Younger is listed as a road hand on Terrible Creek along with George Estes.
Note: Further confirmation that George and Mary Estes Younger were living among the Youngers as late as 1799.
1805 – Marcus wrote his will, but he did not pass away until 10 years later, in 1815. Generally in this timeframe in Virginia, people did not write a will until they thought they were going to pass away, so he must have had a scare 10 years before he died.
1810 – Halifax County Tax list. Marcus is taxed with 2 whites, meaning two adult white men, George Estes is not listed on the tax list, which means he was taxed under someone else, and Moses Estes, George’s father, is only taxed with one white male. George and Mary Estes Younger are very likely living with Marcus Younger.
1811 - Halifax County VA Deed Book 23, Pg.197
20 May 1811
Mark Younger to John Younger
6 1/2 acres on Bannister River adjoining Younger’s land.
Witnesses: Benjamin and William Landrum, James Powers
Marcus’ will, written 23 Jun 1805, Probated 25 Jan 1815:
To daughter Susannah 50 acres of land where my house stands during her natural life. Also one Negro girl (Fanny), one mare, one bed, and furniture, one cow and calf. To grandson Younger Wyatt one mare. The rest of my estate to be equally divided among my four children namely, John Younger, Elizabeth Clark, Mary Estes and Susannah Younger together with my forenamed grandson Younger Wyatt.
Marcus and Susannah Younger’s children:
John born April 11, 1760 in Essex County, married Lucy Hart, had 9 children, inherited his father’s land and lived in Halifax County. His son Joel owned the Younger land after John’s death in 1817 as well as the old Younger store. John’s land is where the cemetery is today.
Elizabeth married William Clark, had 5 children, but was dead by March 1816.
Mary Younger married George Estes in 1786 and died after her sister Susannah in 1831, but before 1842.
Sally Younger married a Wyatt and had Younger Wyatt. She was probably deceased by 1805.
Susannah apparently never married and died about 1831. She had a will and in her will she left her clothes to her sister Mary Estes and Mary Wyatt, and then she freed her negroes Fanny and Henry “to be released and given $15”. Fifteen dollars at that time was a significant amount of money. Susannah had inherited Fanny when Fanny was a child when Marcus died in 1815. By 1831, Fanny had presumably married Henry, or perhaps Henry was her son. Neither a Fanny nor Henry Younger are found in the Halifax County region in either 1840 or 1850.
Page 568 July 1815
Land of Marcus Younger (heirs listed) decd to John Younger with agreement of all parties to make survey to Susannah Younger who becomes entitled to the part allocated her under the will of Marcus, tract on the draught of Bannister River beginning at a post on John Younger’s line.
1816 – Marcus Younger’s estate was inventoried. Slaves Joshua, Harry (boy), Phoebe, Ceily (girl), Jacob (boy), Ben (boy), Sampson (boy), Dicey (girl), mare and sorrel colt, Fanny given by will to Susannah Younger, cow, 3 feather beds and furniture also to Susannah, one yoke oxen, cow, cow and yearling, yearling, one stack tops, two clade stacks, two vat stack, cart, 2 ploying, panel of plank, 2 head sheep, 3 fatted hogs, 1 cutting box, parcel of nubings.
I love estate inventories because they tell us so much about what the person did, and didn’t, have. This man was not wealthy by any stretch, but with three feather beds and 8 slaves, although several were children, he also wasn’t a pauper. The slave records hurt my heart and make me sad. I hope they were considered part of the family.
In 1816, Marcus’s estate transferred 62 acres on Banister Creek. Deed Book 25-568.
1816 – Susannah Younger’s land laid off. Susanna Younger, Younger and Polly Wyatt, Thomas and Peggy Clark, William Clark, John and Sarah Henderson, Edmund and Elizabeth Henderson, John and Polly Landrum and George and Mary Estes to John Younger – prompt distribution of Marcus Younger, decd – survey to Susanna Younger part allocated to her under will of Marcus, land sold for 12 months credit $420.60 on the draughts of Banister 62 acres bounded by John Younger line, Bruce’s line, Sights corner, Susanna Younger laying off allotment of land he bequeathed her. Halifax Deed Book 25-568
1817 – Halifax County VA Deed Book 26. Pg. 572
16 Jul 1817
John Younger, Sr. and wife Lucy to Thomas P. Anderson
107 acres on the head of Yellow Bank Branch for $700
Witnesses: Anthony Younger, George Estes, John Younger and James Bruce
1817 – Will: Halifax County Will Book 11, Pg 50 – John Younger (son of Marcus)
Written 17 Jul 1817, Probated 29 Oct 1817
Names wife Lucy – tract she lives on, furniture, stock, all my Negroes
Children:
John Younger – $500 to be raised by executors 12 months after my decease
Elizabeth, wife of Thomas P. Anderson – $500
Joel Younger – 170 acres adjoining Thomas Anderson
Anthony Younger – 100 acres on Big Creek on which he resides lying on the waters of Rye Creek (Bye Ck)
Thomas Younger- land lent to his mother after her death or marriage
Robert Younger – land previously given as his share (100 acres north side of Bye Creek apparently)
Sally, wife of Joel Anderson – $500 beds, furniture & bridles
Polly – $250 for each of her children
Nancy – $500 beds, furniture, horses $ bridles
Polly & children – $125 ea; Bazoil and Betsy P. Ray – 1/2 land she lives on, the children, the other half
Execs: sons Robert and Anthony Younger
Witnesses: James Bruce, Daniel Mills, George Estis and Mary Estis, her mark (daughter of Marcus)
Security: Joel Tucker, Edward Carlton
Note: The fact that George and Mary Estes, sister to John, witnessed his deed indicates that they were close to John and trusted family members. Also note that Mary Younger Estes cannot write.
John (son of Marcus) died in 1817. His wife was Lucy Hart and he was obviously already married when he came to Halifax. His children were:
Robert S who married Mary Polly Moore and died in 1870
Joel who married Lucy Cain and then Fentel Hart
John who married Elizabeth and lived in Pittsylvania Co.
Thomas married Elizabeth Willingham
Nancy married Vincent Carlton
Sally married Joel Anderson
Elizabeth married an Anderson and then Thomas Andrews
Anthony who married Nancy Carrell and sells land in 1824 to James Bruce, by 1830 they live in Franklin Co., VA
Polly who was widowed by a Ray and then marries Samuel Younger (son of Thomas). She has children by Ray, Bazrael (wife Jane) and Elizabeth Ray.
Joel (son of John, son of Marcus) died in 1877 and had the following children:
Samuel W. (presumed Younger)
Vincent B. (presumed Younger)
Harriett F. Carlton
Matilda E. Tune
Louise E. Younger
Martha B. Younger
Joseph G. Younger
Thomas L. Younger
This was the last Younger family to own the original Younger land. It was sold in 1906.
Robert, (son of John, son of Marcus) married Mary Polly Moore (William D. Moore brother, James D. Moore nephew), and died in 1870. They had the following children:
Philip A. Younger
William Polard Younger
Peter Palmer Younger
John Marcus Younger (Methodist Minister) buried in Pittsylvania Co.
William Younger
James Younger
Betsy Light Younger
Martha F. Younger marries Thomas Bradley
It’s quite interesting that the theme of the Methodist religion runs through these families. This may indeed be the tie that binds many together, especially in situations where they don’t appear as close neighbors, but the children are still intermarrying. Their connection could well be through their church. At this time, the only approved State church was the Anglican church, and everyone was required to attend and to pay tithes to support the church. Methodists and Baptists were considered “dissenting religions.” Around the Revolutionary War, Halifax County authorized three dissenting ministers to perform marriages. William Moore was one of those ministers, and his daughter, Nancy Ann Moore would marry John R. Estes, the son of George and Mary Estes, in 1811. The Rice and Henderson families were also known to be dissenters, and the Younger family married into the Clark family who married into the Henderson family, who was already married into the Moore family.
In 1842, a chancery suit involving Marcus’s estate was settled. The suit claimed that when the heirs of Marcus sold 52 acres to Thomas Clark, the heirs had received the purchase money, but that the whole of them had never conveyed to him clear title, although he was in possession of the land. All of the children of Marcus Younger were listed, and if Marcus’s children were dead, their children as heirs were listed. This suit was invaluable in reconstructing the family of Marcus Younger and in particular, his grandchildren. However, the mystery of his parents, remains.
Marcus Younger Chancery Suit
Suit 1842-057, Halifax Co. Va. – extracted in June 2005 by Roberta Estes
The worshipful county court of Halifax in chancery sitting: Humbly complaining sheweth unto your worships your orator Thomas Clark that a certain Marcus Younger died many years ago leaving a small tract of land containing about 53 (58?) acres to his wife Suckey Younger (see note) for life and at her death to be divided amongst his children. That after the death of the said Suckey Younger, the rest of the children of the said Marcus Younger (the wife of your orator being one) sold the said land to your orator, put him in possession of the same and have received from them the whole of the purchase money, but have not as yet conveyed to him the legal title. The names of the said renders(?) are John Henderson and Sally his wife, John Landrum and Sally his wife, Edward Henderson and Betsy his wife, Robert Younger and Mary his wife, Samuel Younger and Mary his wife, Thomas P. Anderson, Joel Younger and Fental his wife, Vincent Carlton and Nancy his wife, Joel Anderson and Sally his wife, Thomas Younger and Betsy his wife, William Estes and Rebecca his wife, James Smith and Polly his wife, Susanna Estes, Marcus Estes, William Clark and Mary his wife, Anthony Younger and Nancy his wife, John Younger and Betsy his wife, Younger Wyatt and Polly his wife, John Estes and Nancy his wife, Thomas Estes and Sally his wife. In tender consideration of the promises and in as much as your orator is remedyless therein at last?. To this end therefore that the above named renders? be made parties to this suit and required to answer the allegations herein contained under oath. That in consequence of the said partys being numerous and widely dispersed in the United States that the said court decree that the legal title to the said land be conveyed to your orator and that the parties to the said contract as vendors? be required to do so and unless they shall do so within a reasonable time that the court appoint a commissioner for that purpose and grant all other recipients relief. May it please the court to grant the Commonwealths writ of subpoena.
Note: This mention of his wife Suckey Younger drove me to distraction for years. During one of the visits to Halifax County, I saw a form for a lawsuit and realized that often, forms or standard language were used at that time as well. The standard verbiage here would be wife and not daughter. The next sentence in fact says, “the rest of the children” and the subsequent suit and deeds all reference Susannah not as the wife of Marcus, but his daughter. Unfortunately, in this case, the fact that his wife and the daughter who died without marrying and without heirs shared the same first name.
Next document:
The joint answer of John Henderson and Sally his wife, John Landrum and Polly his wife, Edward Henderson and Betsy his wife, Robert Younger and Mary his wife, Samuel Younger and Mary his wife, Thomas P. Anderson and Betsy his wife, Joel Younger and Fental his wife, Vincent Carlton and Nancy his wife, Joel Anderson and Sally his wife, Thomas Younger and Betsy his wife, William Estes and Rebecca his wife, James Smith and Polly his wife, Susanna Estes, Marcus Estes, William Clark and Mary his wife, Anthony Younger and Nancy his wife, John Younger and Betsy his wife, Younger Wyatt and Polly his wife, John Estes and Nancy his wife. Thomas Estes and Sally his wife to a bill of complaint exhibited against them in the county court of Halifax by Thomas Clark – These respondents saving? Do say that the allegations of the complainants bill are true and having answered pray to be hence dismissed.
Next document
This cause came on this day to be heard on the bill of chancery and answered and was argued by counsel and consideration and decise? that Jonathan B. Stovall who is hereby appointed a commissioner for that purpose do by proper deeds convey the lands in the proceeding mentioned to Thomas Clark in fee simply with special warranty.
Two attached pages in file as follows:
Page 1
Marcus Younger left 83 acres for life to Sukey Younger for life and at her death to be divided among his children. Note – after this statement, in a different handwriting, begins the list of his heirs.
Elizabeth Clark, Sally Wyatt, John Younger, Mary Estes, children of Marcus
Thomas, Sally Henderson wife of John Henderson, Polly Landrum wife of John Landrum, Betsy wife of Edward Henderson, William Clark, Children of Elizabeth Clark (inferring that she is deceased).
Younger Wyatt child of Sally Wyatt
Robert, Polly wife of Samuel Younger, Anthony, Joel, Betsy wife of J. P. Anderson, Nancy wife of Vincent P. Carlton, John, Thomas, Sally wife of Joel Anderson – children of John Younger.
John Estes, William, Susannah, Sally wife of T. Estes, Polly wife of James Smith and a grandchild name Mark Estes – children of Mary Estes.
Elizabeth Clark’s children are entitled each to 1/5 of 1/4th
Younger Wyatt entitled to ¼th
John Younger’s children are each entitled to 1/9 of 1/4th
Mary Estes children are entitled each to 1/6 of 1/4th
Mary Estes grandchild is entitled to 1/6th of 1/4th
Next page:
Thomas Clark and Peggy his wife – Halifax
John Henderson and Sally his wife – Halifax
John Landrum and Polly his wife – Halifax
Edward Henderson Jr. and Betsy his wife – Halifax
William Clark and Mary his wife – Patrick County
Robert Younger and Mary his wife – Halifax
Samuel Younger and Mary his wife – Halifax
Anthony Younger and Nancy his wife – Franklin
Thomas P. Anderson and Betsy his wife – Halifax
Joel Younger and Fental his wife – Halifax
John Younger and Betsy his wife – Pittsylvania
Vincent Carlton and Nancy his wife – Halifax
Joel Anderson and Sally his wife – Halifax
Thomas Younger and Betsy his wife – Halifax
Younger Wyatt and Polly his wife – Rutherford County Tennessee
John Estes and Nancy his wife – Rutherford Co Tennessee (actually ditto marks and John was actually in Claiborne by this time it is believed)
William Estes and Rebecca his wife – Halifax
Susannah Estes – Halifax
Thomas Estes and Sally his wife – Montgomery County Tennessee
James Smith and Polly his wife – Halifax
Marcus Estes (son of Mark) – Halifax
(Note – Marcus Estes the son of George and Mary Estes died in 1815 shortly after his marriage. Susanna Y. Estes, the daughter of George and Mary Estes, who never married, also had a son Marcus Estes, not to be confused with this Marcus, the son of George and Mary Estes.)
Thomas Younger, born before 1806, died in 1791, wives unknown
Thomas Younger had to have been born before 1706 if he was administering his father’s estate in 1727. His father, Alexander wrote his will in 1725. If Thomas was 21 at that time, he would have been born in or before 1704.
Thomas Younger was in Halifax County by 1765 when both Thomas and William appeared on different tax lists.
1781 – Halifax County – Revolutionary War Public Claims from Thomas Younger. 22 diets #1-7-6, 15 do, 15 forages#1-10, 54# mutton 11s-3, .5 bu corn 1s-3, 4 gal brandy #2, .5 bu oats, 17 diets #1-2, 100# fodder 3s, 56# fodder, 1 bu corn, 2 bu oats 7s-1.75, 200# fodder 6s, 6 forrages, 1 qt brandy, 3 diets 9s-9, 5 pts brandy 6s-3 cont
Thomas owned land on Terrible Creek adjacent his son William who died in 1801. This relationship is proven in one of the many chancery suits that follow regarding Thomas’s will and his daughter Susannah who had land for her life. Upon her death, the heirs filed suits to determine how her assets were to be divided. Thomas Younger’s children were:
Susannah who never married and inherited land
Samuel who married Polly Younger Ray
James who could not be found for an estate distribution when Susannah dies but then suddenly shows up, causing yet another chancery suit
John
Joseph
Thomas (of the half blood)
Mary Fretwell Scudders (of the half blood)
Jesse who dies in 1805
William who owns land on Terrible Creek and died in 1801 (see below)
Elizabeth who had the child (John G. Younger) by Rev. Gordon and marries John LeGrand
Nancy (Nanny) Smallman
Katey Brown
Dolly Light
Lucy who married George Winn
Rebecca married John Franklin
Rachel
It doesn’t help in the confusion factor that both Marcus and Thomas have daughters Susannah who never marry.
The Younger Store
The old store below is all that is visibly left of the family on the main road, 501, the L.P. Bailey Memorial Highway. This building is about equidistant between the two families, Thomas and Marcus. Brownie, Thomas Younger’s descendant, who took the photo about 2002, believes it was run by Joel’s family, who would have been Marcus’s grandson. You can see that at one time this was probably an early gas station, with the cars pulling under the roof area. This building still stood in 2008.
The Marcus Younger Graveyard
The old Younger family graveyard is located on the original Younger land upon the North side of Banister River located off of current road 610, Murphy Grove Road, on land that included part of Yellow Bank Creek, according to early deeds. This land passed from Marcus Younger to his son John and then to John’s son Joel. I understood that this land was sold in about 1892 to Walter Tune, so I originally thought it could still be in the Tune family, especially given there is an “old Tune house” in that vicinity.
I found records indicating that the graveyard was apparently in the woods near the Tune house, but without a local who knew the area, locating it was going to be very difficult.
In the spring of 2008, with the help of lots of people, I eventually located and visited the original Younger cemetery. I wrote the following story about it at the time. The first part is written in 2007 when I first attempted to locate the cemetery, and the second part in 2008 when I finally found it with the help of one very generous farmer, the current land owner, and my cousin, Audrey.
Meeting Marcus Younger – 1740-1816
Yes, indeed, I met Marcus, just last week…..but not as you might think.
Two or three years ago when I was visiting the Halifax County, Virginia courthouse, extracting records in the damp dusty basement, a gentleman came in and began talking to Lawrence Martin, the gentleman who works in the historical records there. This visitor’s interest was veterans of the various wars who lived in Halifax County, but in particular, those who died in service.
Later in that week, I met with my cousin to do some genealogical spelunking for the Estes and Younger surnames, and she mentioned a gentleman named Doug who might know about the Younger line, as he too is a descendant. Yep, it was Doug who was in the courthouse and I had already exchanged e-mails with him.
Doug and I compared notes. I had discovered an old document in the library in Danville in a prior visit that mentioned an old Younger cemetery on the original Marcus Younger land. The individual who wrote the document had visited it many years ago, years as measured in decades, probably between the 1930s and 1960s, as best I could tell. Clearly her address was no longer valid and her phone number only had 5 digits. All I had were her cryptic directions, based on landmarks of that time and road names that had since changed. Oh yes, and a new major road was put in too, but I didn’t know that it hadn’t always been there. The old woods had been logged, and the well that was supposed to be there apparently wasn’t…..but I’m getting ahead of my own story.
Doug and I communicated for a few months, but then Doug grew very ill. His recovery took a long time and he faced many challenges. In one of his e-mails, he mentioned that I should call a lady named Audrey, that she might know more about the cemetery and such, that she also descended from the Youngers.
Now I hate to make phone calls, especially cold calls, but I’d