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This information was found in July, 1998, at home1.gte.net/cewing/Surnames/notes.html.  That URL was "not found" in September, 2000.  Because the information is so full of rich detail that will be of use to Sevier County researchers, it has been posted here.  No copyright infringement is intended.  If someone can point the Webmistress to the new URL for the data, she will remove this and link to that site.  Please e-mail the Webmistress by using the Contact Us link in the Menu.



Sometime in the early 1820's, William Trentham and his family migrated to Sevier County, Tennessee, from Haywood County, North Carolina.  They settled in the Two-Mile Branch and Forks of the River area, now part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

William Trentham was one of the early school teachers for the White Oak Flats community.  A story handed down for generations about him as the school teacher in White Oaks said -- "William Trentham seems to have known how to enforce order among what must have been a body of turbulent pupils, for it is told of him that he once whipped a daughter of Daniel Wesley Reagan for spitting into the school books of her fellow students.  This so incensed the father of the girl that he vowed there should be no more schools of that kind where he lived, so he locked the schoolhouse and took away the key."

William Trentham and his wife Easter Ogle were listed in the 1830 and 1840 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee.

William Trentham was appointed as the only postmaster for the White Oak Flats community.  The post office was organized on 11 November 1840 and was disbanded on 13 June 1844.  He also served as the Justice of Peace for the 11th Civil District (White Oak Flats).

William Trentham was buried with his wife in the Trentham Family Cemetery, now part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  William's grave stone gives 1843 as his date of death.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1974, p 49.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 164.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 101-102.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 719.  Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, p 359.


In the minute books of the White Oak Flats Church a mention is made of "Sister Easter Trentham" in the records of the January 1827 meeting.  Easter is buried at the Trentham Family Cemetery near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1974, p 49.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 139, 164.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 101,102.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 719.


Thomas went with his parents to Ninety Six District, Edgefield County, South Carolina, from Wilkes County, Georgia.

Tom was named with his brother, Hercules, as coexecutor of their father's will in 1803 in Edgefield District, South Carolina.  He also signed the 1811 deed of conveyance which disposed of the land left by William Ogle to his "four boys".  Another deed, dated in 1825 and disposing of land in Edgefield District, South Carolina, was signed by Thomas and Sophia Ogle.  They had apparently rented out this land after moving to Sevier County, Tennessee.

No Tennessee, land grants prior to 1824 were found for Tom Ogle but it is known that he was in Sevier County as early as 1805.  He and Hercules Ogle deeded 48 acres of land at the mouth of Walden's Creek to William Murphy in 1807.  According to the deed, found in the Tennessee, State Library and Archives, they held title to the land "by virtue of seizure and occupancy".  The exact date of Tom's settlement in Gatlinburg is not known but he was one of the first settlers there.

Records of Tom's service in the War of 1812 were found in the National Archives.  He served in Captain Andrew Lawson's Company of East Tennessee, Drafted Militia Regiment, commanded by Colonel William Johnson, and fought against the Creek Indians.  In 1850 and 1855, Tom received bounty land grants as a result of his service.

In December of 1817 when the White Oak Flats Baptist Church was formed as an arm of the Sevierville church, Tom Ogle and his wife were listed as charter members.  The first church building was started in 1855 on Tom's land.  It was located where the Arrowcraft Shop stands now.  A deed conveying title of the land to the church by Thomas Ogle was executed on 8 April 1861.  This is found in Sevier County Courthouse in Deed Book M, page 211.

Thomas J. Ogle has three land entries, which are dated from 1 May 1824 through 23 Jan 1826, in the Surveyor's Book No. 1 of Sevier County, Tennessee.  These land entries were granted by the state of Tennessee.  All these were located in the White Oak Flats community and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tom left a will dated 27 Sep 1861 and probated in County Court in February of 1862.  It is recorded in Will Book I, p 74-75.  William T.  Ogle is mentioned as Tom's eldest son and is named executor of the will.  Also Tom mentioned "my son Thomas Ogle...  my Sons, to wit., Preston, Levi and Caleb..." In the Court records, Thomas Ogle's will was admitted for probate 3 Feb 1862.  On 3 March 1862, Caleb Ogle and Wilson Duggan were appointed administrators of the estate of Thomas Ogle.  (Court Minutes Book I, page 747 and 752)

There is a list of "Inventory of the property belonging to the estate of Thomas J.  Ogle, Dec'd., late of Sevier County, Tennessee, in theInventory Book, page 190/92.

In the Guardians, Executors and Administrators Settlement Book for Sevier County, Tennessee, there is a record for the estate of Thomas J.  Ogle.  From this book, the following list of the living heirs of Thomas J.  Ogle is quoted:  "the above Settlement shows that there is in the hands of the administrators the sum of $187.23 to be equally divided among twelve heirs, to wit., Levi, Hercules, Isaac, Rebecca wife of Preston, William T., Celeb, Thomas, Esther Trantham, Hichols Ownsby, Jacob Evans, Andrew Conner, and David Owensby & wife."

Thomas and Sophia are buried White Oak Flats Cemetery.  The family appears in the Federal Census records of Sevier County from 1830 through 1860.  The census and other records found show that the second generation of Ogle sons in Gatlinburg began using their father's initial in their names when there was confusion created by the same names.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1974, p 47-48.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 154-155, 211.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 576.


Martha is buried in Glades Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery.  Martha and Jacob gave the land for the Lebanon Baptist Church in the Glades.  They left a joint will which is recorded in Will Book I, page 247, Sevier County Courthouse.  Their daughter, Sophia Ownby, and her son, Samuel, are mentioned in it.  The will was probated in April 1878.

Samuel Ownby told of his grandmother's love of the mountains.  His parents, James and Sophia Evans Ownby along with his grandparents, Martha and Jocob Evans had moved to Copperhill, Tennessee.  Martha yearned for the mountains so much, she started walking home.  Jacob and James rode after her and finally persuaded her to stay until they made their harvest that year.  She held them to their promise and they returned that fall to the Smokies.

Census records verify the story above mentioned.  They are listed in the 1850 Federal Census of Gilmer County, Georgia, right near the state line of Tennessee, and Georgia.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 158.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 538.  Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, p 52, 298.


William T. Ogle was licensed to preach at the September 1834 meeting of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church.  He was ordained at Bethel Baptist Church on the 4th Saturday of October 1836.  He served the Gatlinburg church and others until his death.

In 1860, William T. and his family appear in the census records with his father in the 11th district (Gatlinburg).  He was mentioned as the oldest son and was named executor of his father's will in 1862.  He is buried in Oldham's Creek (Boogertown) Cemetery.


Harkless T.  was born and lived all his life in Sevier County, mostly in Gatlinburg.  He appears in the census records for the county from 1830 through 1880.  His name is also recorded in the church minute books for the White Oak Flats Baptist Church.  Death dates are given there for him and his second wife.

Harkless T.  is buried in the White Oak Flats Cemetery.


From Rowan County, North Carolina Court Minutes 1773-1786, William Ogle, with his brothers Thomas and Hercules Ogle, is listed in "Names of Persons who have not taken the Oath of Allegiance in Captain Cox's District." The date of the entry is 1778.  Family traditions say that he served in the Revolutionary War.

William Ogle and his brothers, Thomas Jr.  and Hercules Ogle, were listed in Captain Cox's District, 1778 Tax List of Rowan County, North Carolina.

Some records say William Ogle was an Indian trader, other say that he was a minister of the gospel.  In the deeds from Rowan County, North Carolina, he described himself as a planter or yeoman.

In 1785 William and his family were living in Wilkes County, Georgia, according to 1785 Tax List of Wilkes County, Georgia.  They settled in Edgefield District, South Carolina, prior to 1790.  He was listed as the head of household in 1790 and 1800 Federal Census of Edgefield District, South Carolina.

On 19 Oct 1795, Thomas Ogle of Grayson County, Virginia, deeded 100 acres of land in Rowan County, North Carolina, to "William Ogle of Edgefield County, state of South Carolina".  William later sold this same tract of land to Mark Cole and Jacob Skeene on 30 Oct 1795 (Deed Book14, p 178 and p 179/80).

On 7 March 1796, William Ogle added to his holdings in Edgefield District, South Carolina, another 100 acres of land purchased from George Hagood.  This land was situated on "the branches of Rockey Creek, waters of Savannah River" (Deed Book 13, p 198).

Family traditions say William Ogle had planned to migrate to Tennessee.  But at that time, there was an epidemic of a most dreaded disease in the backcountry of South Carolina.  It is believed that before William Ogle could make arrangements to dispose of his land, he contracted this disease and died.

Other sources say he built the first known structure in the Gatlinburg, Sevier County, Tennessee, area.  They say he hunted with Indian friends in the area and decided to build a cabin and move his family there.  He cut and hewed the logs, and then returned home "to grow a crop" in order to bring supplies for his family's survival for some time.  While there, an epedemic of malaria broke out and William died of the fever.

Between the date of his will, 26 Feb 1803, and the date of probate, 5 March 1803, William Ogle died and was survived by his wife, Martha and his children, five sons and two daughters.  He is buried in the Fruit Hill area.

In his will William said, "I give unto my son Harculous Ogle that Hundred Acres of Land he Now lives.  Also the remainder of the Land is to be Divided among four Boys except a Child's Share which I give unto My beloved Wife Polly Ogle (Martha in the 1811 deed).  Also I give unto my beloved daughter Rebecca (Mc) Carter a cow and Calf, bed and furniture, Pot and Some other furniture.  Also I give unto my beloved grandson William (Mc) Carter a young sow.  Also the rest of the property to be Equally among all the rest of my children except my beloved Wife which draws a Child's share." His will was recorded in Edgefield County, South Carolina, Will Book "A", box 22, #783.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 138-139.  Smoky Mountain Family Album, Gladys Trentham Russell, 1984, p 6.  Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, p 229.  Mountain Ways, Gene Aiken, 1983, p 3.


A marriage record is recorded in the parish book of the Holy Trinity Church (formerly Old Swedes Church) in New Castle County, Delaware for Thomas Ogle and Elizabeth Robeson.  (Another record for Thomas Ogle and Elizabeth Davis is also registered in 1764).

According to the note of Dr.  Simeon Todd (deceased), "Hercules Ogle, Thomas Ogle, John Ogle and their sister Lucretia Ogle and husband Abraham Stroud moved from Delaware to Southwest Virginia in 1763, but stayed only about a year because Indian troubles drove them out.  They moved across the border into North Carolina."

All these deeds are recorded in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina.  From Deed Book 6, page 164, "Andrew Smith & wife Anna to Thomas Ogle, groom, for 60 pounds, 320 acres on Cabin Creek on East side of Gunsmith's path," granted 15 July 1760.  Recorded 21 July 1764.  Tests:  George Magsune, William McConnell.

This same 320 acres of land in Rowan County, which Thomas Ogle bought from Andrew Smith and wife Anna, was divided among his three sons; Thomas Ogle Jr., Hercules Ogle, and William Ogle.

18 Feb 1793 Thomas Ogle to Thomas Ogle Jr.  100a 30 July 1793 Thomas Ogle to Hercules Ogle 120a 19 Oct 1795 Thomas Ogle to William Ogle 100a ------ 320a

In North Carolina Genealogy, there are several Rowan County, North Carolina Tax Lists for 1760's.  Only "John Ford's List of Taxables for the Year 1768" listed Thomas Ogle.

On 23 May 1769, Thomas Ogle of Rowan County, North Carolina sold 67 acres on Little River, a branch of New River, to William Murphy.  This deed was duly recorded in Augusta County, Virginia.

There is found in New River Tithables, compiled by Mary B.  Kegley, the "'List of a W.  Herbert - 1772".  On this list, Thomas Ogle appears with three tithables.  The three tithables would include himself and two oldest sons, John and Thomas Ogle.

Thomas Ogle is listed as 1 tithable, no slaves, three horses, 13 cattle and owning land in the 1782 tax list of Montgomery County, Virginia.

In Montgomery County, Virginia-Circa 1790, transcribed and edit by Nettie Schreiner-Yantis, the "Personal Property Tax List A-1789" gives this information:  "27 Apr 1790-Thomas Ogle with 1 white males-16 years to 21 years, no slaves, and six horses."  The one white male listed above would be the youngest son, James Ogle.

In Montgomery County, Virginia Survey Book "D", Thomas Ogle bought 140 acres of land on both sides of Little Reed Island Creek, 27 Nov 1789 from Thomas Black.  This area was part of Grayson County, Virginia, when Thomas Ogle died.  Today it is in Carroll County, Virginia.

This was the same land that Thomas Ogle and his wife, Elizabeth deeded to their youngest son, James Ogle on 10 Jan 1801.  The deed was proven in March 1803 after Thomas Ogle's death.

During the 1780's and 1790's, Thomas Ogle and his wife Elizabeth were living in Montgomery County, Virginia; then Wythe County, Virginia, and later Grayson County, Virginia.  At that time, the land that Thomas and Elizabeth Ogle deeded to Thomas Jr.  and Hercules Ogle in 1793, and to William Ogle in 1795 was located in rowan County, North Carolina.  This apparently accounts for the fact that in his will, Thomas Ogle left only one dollar ($1.00) each to his children.

Thomas Ogle's will was dated 2 March 1802 and was probated at the March Court, 1803, of Grayson County, Virginia.  In his will, he mentions his wife Elizabeth and names his children.  There is no land mentioned.  Elizabeth is to have all movable property and each son and daughter is to have one dollar with the exception of Hannah who is willed one cow.

Thomas Ogle and his wife, Elizabeth, are believed to be buried in the large Ogle Cemetery on Peavine Ridge just outside of Hillsville.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 129-130.


Mary Elvira Trentham Bradley, widow of Andrew Jackson, filed for a pension on Andrew Jackson Bradley's Indian Wars military service.  She stated that they lived 20 years at Ocona Lufty, North Carlolina, and 25 years in Sevier County, Tennessee.  A pension was granted at the rate of eight dollars per month.

Buried in the Ownby Addition cemetery.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 16, 21, 77.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 102, 105, 139, 150.  Smoky Mountain Family Album, Gladys Trentham Russell, 1984, p 245, 248.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 550.  Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, p 162.  Mountain Ways, Gene Aiken, 1983, p 50.


Andrew Jackson Bradley enlisted on 30 April 1838 at Valley River, Cherokee County, North Carolina as a private in Captain Thomas Angel's Company, 3rd Regiment of North Carolina Militia for six months duty.  He participated in rounding up the Cherokee Indians and starting them on the westward journey to a new reservation in Oklahoma.  This was the "Cherokee Trail of Tears." He was discharged on 6 July 1838 at Franklin, Macon County, North Carolina.  His personal description at enlistment was:  5 feet 8 inches in height, grey eyes, auburn hair, and fair complexion.

Andrew Jackson Bradly was married to Mary Elvira Trentham by Reverend Richard Evans.

Prior to 26 December 1850, Andrew Jackson Bradley bought 100 acres of land from Solomon & Peter Milsaps.  This land was located "on the right hand fork of the west fork of Little Pigeon River, it being part of an Entry made by David Millsaps including the land where Solomon & Peter Millsaps formerly lived..." Then on 26 December 1850, Andrew Jackson Bradley sold this tract of land to James Wesley Huskey.

There is a family story of the Civil War days.  Uncle Isaac (Ike) Bradley often told the narrative as it is given below.

"Way back in times of Civil War - that was before my days - in time of the Civil War they drove them out of here.  The Rebels, you know they drove the Rebels out, and they got so hard on my mind they wouldn't let them make nothing.  They moved them to North Carolina.  They got started across there and they aimed to go thru on the second day out but they got water-bound and they couldn't get to them.  They had to stay there about five days.

"Five days.  They lived on three pounds of sheep's tallow.  Mutton tallow, they called it.  They ate that mutton tallow and kept alive, five days until the water runned out.

"I can't dispute it because my mammy's told it, my brothers have told it and my brother's fussin' got to 'em when the river got out.

"My daddy owned, in time of Civil War, he owned Trentham property over by the forks of the river.  He owned two or three hundred acres there, but they run him out.  He was in the Rebel army and they runned him out.  He owned all that.  He got it to take care of his mammy-in-law, my grandmother, and when they runned him out he gave it to his other brother-in-laws - Uncle Robert and Uncle Isaac Trentham.  He gave it to them to take care of their own, so he just turned it over to them."

After his Confederate service in Civil War, Andrew Jackson Bradley received a grant of 100 acres of Colonel William Thomas.  The land was located in the area of Tow String Creek, Swain County, North Carolina (now Great Smoky Mountains National Park).  The original hand-written document by Colonel William Thomas is still in existence and in possession of one of Andrew Jackson Bradley's descendants.

Andrew Jackon Bradley was listed in the 1850 through 1880 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee.

He was buried in the Trentham family cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 16, 21, 77.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 102, 105, 139, 150.  Smoky Mountain Family Album, Gladys Trentham Russell, 1984, p 248.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 719.  Smoky Mountain Historical Society Journal, Summer 1995, Vol XXI, No.  2, p.  31.  Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, p 162.  Mountain Ways, Gene Aiken, 1983, p 50.


Daniel moved with his parents to White Oak Flats (Gatlinburg) when he was about four years old.  He lived all of his life here or on various other tracts of land in the area.

An industrious man, Daniel began acquiring land before he married.  In the Tennessee, State Library and Archives there are records of eight entries in his name, dating from 1824 to 1872.  The state archivist says this was all purchased land.  He is listed in the 1837 tax lists of Sevier County, Tennessee.

An 1859 grant, previously surveyed land, was resurveyed and entered probably because of Gatlin's extensive claim in the area and the Courthouse fire.  This 1859 grant was for 600 acres up both sides of the river from Baskins Creek to the Two Mile Branch.  In May 1866, he added another 640 acres to this holding.  There are also grants for 1,000, 600, and 4,000 acres on Roaring Fork granted in 1839, 1868 and 1872.  Most of this land was divided among his children - no will has been found.  Daniel moved around and lived on several of his farms - his wife said after his death that she wanted to spend the rest of her years in one spot, she was so tired of moving.  She spent her remaining years with her stepdaughter and her husband, Mariah and Thomas H. McCarter.

Daniel was a blacksmith as well as a farmer.  Tradition says he built the first wagon in the settlement, making the wheels of one piece of split white oak.  His son, Charles C. Reagan, built the first wagon that crossed the Smokies.  Although no record has been found to verify it, Daniel probably served as a Justice of Peace.  He did keep the community post office.  When the settlement officially became Gatlinburg and the post office was established, Daniel and Joel Conner received the contract to carry the mail from Sevierville to Casher's Valley, South Carolina.  Daniel's sons, Richard R. and Ephraim Reagan, served as postmaster in the village.

Definitely a Union man but too old to go to service during the Civil War, Daniel served as "muster" officer and drilled the men of the village out in the "Flats".  He also served the community as food distributor.  Because of his activities and his three oldest sons being in the Union army, he often had to hide out in the mountains to escape the Confederates.  The youngest son, Charles C., often told of his father taking him to the woods and showing him the meat and food supplies he had hidden.  Daniel didn't think the Rebels would bother the women and children and if he did have to hide out, then Charles must see that food was brought in for the people as it was needed -- a big responsibility for a seven year old boy.

A civic minded man, Daniel furnished the meeting house for the village -- the five sided building used for the school, church and "voting place".  According to one of the land grants, this was located at the "mouth of the lane", now Reagan Lane, near the old River Road.  Although he furnished the meeting place for the Baptist Church for many years, Daniel was not found on the membership roll of the church and did not give the land for the present building site, as has been stated by many sources.

Daniel Wesley Reagan did give the land for the oldest part of the White Oak Flats Cemetery (Gatlinburg Cemetery) to the community.  This was originally a family plot on the farm of his father, Richard Reagan.  The first burial there was a child of Daniel Milsaps, the first school teacher in Gatlinburg.

Daniel and his last wife Sarah are buried in the White Oak Flats Cemetery.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 6a, 15-16.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 2, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 51.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 45.  The Book of Ragan/Reagan, Donald B. Reagan, 1993, p 37.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 577.


Young John Ogle early became aware of the difficulties which his family were likely to experience after the Restoration, and he undoubtedly had heard tales of adventures in the New World; and so when the opportunity was presented to him him, John Ogle joined Colonel Nicolls' expedition, bound for America.

In March 1664, the whole of the territory in America occupied by the Dutch on the Atlantic seaboard was granted by Charles II to his brother, the Duke of York, on the plea that it was British soil by right of discovery.  On 25 May 1664, Colonel Nicolls, with four ships, 300 soldiers and 450 men, sailed from Portsmouth.  The expedition arrived at New Amsterdam, and without firing a shot, Governor Stuyvesant surrendered the town on 29 August and promptly changed the name to New York.

Delaware had been origanally settled by Swedes, who quarrelled with the Dutch, who built Fort Casimir 6 miles from the Swedish Fort Christiana.  In 1654 Governor Rising brought a large number of colonists from Sweden; he took Fort Casimir, renaming it Fort of the Holy Trinity, in honor of the day of capture.  Governor Stuyvesant, who later came down from New Amsterdam and recaptured the fort, renamed it New Amstel.

John Ogle, who had served under Captain Carr in Delaware, became a permanent resident of White Clay Creek Hundred, named from the deposits of white clay found along its banks.  John Ogle first resided at New Castle, where he was a large land-buyer; he afterwards lived at various sites on his extensive holdings.  He commenced acquiring land at an early date, probably as soon as the confusion of the conquest and the settlement of Indian troubles permitted it.

The first grant that John Ogle received was in February 1666, from Governor Nicolls, who had empowered the officers of Delaware to dispose of "implanted" land there for the best advantage of the inhabitants.  The parcel known as Muscle Cripple was granted to Sgt Thomas Wollaston, John Ogle, John Hendricks and Herman Johnson.  It consisted of a part of 300 acres and was bounded by a creek at the head of Bread and Cheese Island and also by the plantations of Hans Bones and James Crawford.  Sgt Wollaston had been a comrad in arms, as had James Crawford of the adjoining plantation.  James Crawford, having gained some knowledge of medicine in the army, was known as "Doctor" on the early assessment rolls.  His daughter Mary was later to marry into the Ogle family.  Crawford was one of the heroes of the Nicolls expedition, his grant specifically stating that it was given "in consideration of the good service performed by James Crawford, a soldier".

The story of John Ogle is closely bound up whith that of his friends Thomas Wollaston and James Crawford, who took a liking to young Ogle and formed a friendship which continued throughout their lives.

The three friends settled on nearby plantations in New Castle County, where their wives survived them.  The Records of the Court of Newcastle give a picture of their lives after 1676.

The three are the foundation of the Ogle genealogy.  John Ogle's son Thomas married Mary Crawford, daughter of James.  Wollastaon connections appear in the fourth and fifth generations.  Joseph Ogle married Priscilla Wollaston, and their son Samuel married Deborah Wollaston.

An eye-witness account of the events of June 1675 has revealed something of the character of John Ogle of that period - swashbuckling, rash and reckless, with an amount of courage appropriate to the rough and tumble frontier environment.  He was not one to be imposed on, especially by one of the Dutch who certainly did not amount to much in the eys of His Majesty's soldiers.  Under order of the Governor-General, the magistrates met at New Castle on 4 June 1675, and decided that it would be necessary to build a road across the marsh and to build a dyke in the marsh next to the town.  Another dyke across Hans Block's marsh was also thought necessary, and the inhabitants were orderd to assist in the project by contributing labour or money.  The project was strenuously opposed by the settlers because the dyke across Hans Block's marsh was an improvement to private property.  John Ogle was a leader of the objectors and peremptorily informed the magistrates that no dykes at all would be built under any such unfair conditions.  His objections stirred the people to great excitement in the church where the public meeting was held; and Ogle was put out of the church.  Mathys Smith and the Rev.  Jacobus Fabricius took up the cause and as a result Ogle and Fabricius were arrested.  They were confined in a boat which was anchored nearby, where they continued their public imprecations.  Excitement was high, and they were eventually released.  Later Hans Block encountered Ogle on the street and was told that if the Finns had been drunk no good would have come from the incident.  It was an affront to constituted authority and called for severe disciplinary measures.

Conditions in New Castle were not good at that time; carousals, fights and robberies were the order of the day, and it wasn't a safe place for a stranger.  William Edmunsdon, "a Public Friend" visiting there, found it difficult to secure lodgings, "the inhabitants being chiefly Dutch and Finns addicted to drunkenness", who refused to take him in, even though he had money.

Special warrants were issued by the Governor against Fabricius and Ogle, who with others had signed a remonstrance.  The two chief trouble makers were ordered to appear in the August Court, and the other signers before a later court.  Fabricius appeared and the proceedings resulted in the unfrocking of the troublesome person; Ogle, who conveniently fell sick, failed to appear, and no further action was taken against him.

After the excitement of the summer of 1675, Ogle proceeded to acquire more land, and the tract known as Hampton, on the south side of St.  George's Creek, consisting of 300 acres, was confirmed to him by Governor Andross on 5 November 1675.

New Castle court records reveal that in February 1676 Ogle accused one of the Dutch residents of stealing his heiffer.  As one of the jurmen was Thomas Wollaston, the outcome was predictable.

The above incident marked the beginning of a series of court proceedings which involved John Ogle and James Crawford for the rest of their lives.  Ogle was an extensive producer of tobacco, and like other planters he was continually involved in financial and other difficulties.  Little ready money changed hands in those days, and the barter system was the common way of doing business.

Various deeds of the period after 1678 record transfers of extensive tracts of land to a number of Ogle's associates; among them, Swart Neuton's Island was transferred to John Darby of Maryland, and other lands to John Test and to Augustine Dixon.

In 1675 the Governor ordered the construction of highways, and the inhabitants of New Castle and the surrounding area, and on the south side of Christiana Creek were made responsible for constructing a highway from New Castle to Red Lyon between the first of January and the end of Frebruary.  The highway was to be a good passable one, twelve feet wide, and John Ogle was appointed overseer of the residenst around Christiana Creek.

On 25 August 1680, Thomas Wollaston of White Clay Creek wrote a letter to John Briggs of West Jersey which he gave to John Ogle for delivery.  Wollaston had a debt of three years standing against Briggs.  Ogle made the journey, stopping in New York, where 27 August he made an affidavit concerning the transaction.  The affidavit began:  "John Ogle, aged thirty-two or thereabouts, .  .  .  .  .

The incident itself is not important, but Ogle's statement of his approximate age has been of crucial importance to ogle genealogy, as without it, it would have been impossible to connect him with absolute certainty to his Northumberland Family.

In November 1681 Ogle received a court order to take up 200 acres of land for each of his two sons, Thomas and John Ogle, and on 27 December 435 acres, called the "Fishing Place", on Christiana Creek were surveyed on the warrant.  On August of the following year, Northampton, a tract of 200 acres in White Clay Creek Hundred was surveyed for Ogle.  On 14 October 1683 more acres in Mill Creek Hundred were surveyed for him, and on 8 December Eagles Point in White Clay Creek Hundred was also surveyed.  This ended the accumulation of the original Ogle acreage, for in 1683 John Ogle died.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 128b.  The English Origin of John Ogle, Francis
Hamilton Hibbard, 1967, p 9-14.  Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants, Langston & Buck, 1986, p 199.


That Hercules was married in 1803 is indicated by the will of his father, William Ogle.  Hercules was willed the 100 acres of land on which he was living at that time.  He was also named executor of the will along with his brother, Thomas Ogle.  

The first record found in Sevier County, Tennessee, is a deed by Hercules and Thomas Ogle to William Murphy for 48 acres of land at the mouth of Walden's Creek.  They held title to the land by "virtue of seizure and occupancy." This deed was executed in 1807, indicating that they had lived in Sevier County for at least a year or two.

An early land grant for Hercules Ogle was found in the Tennessee, State Archives.  This was surveyed 25 May 1807 and granted 18 May 1810:  "....unto Hercules Ogle assignee of David Waddle a certain tract or parcel of land containing fifty-four acres lying in the County of Sevier in the District South of French Broad and Holston on Walden's Creek there being due and chargeable on said land the sum of Fifty four Dollars..."

Just when Hercules moved from here is unknown but it is said that he settled on Dudley Creek in the Glades settlement and did not take part in the settlement of Gatlinburg.

Hercules Ogle and his wife are listed among the charter members of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church in 1817.  He also appears on the 1830 and 1840 Federal census for Sevier County.

Hercules is buried in the White Oak Flats Cemetery.  His grave is marked with a greyback stone with the inscription "H.O."

In the Guardians, Administrators and Exexutors Settlement Book for Sevier County, Tennessee, there is a record of settlement of the estate of Hercules Ogle.  Before the courthouse of 1856, Brice McFalls was appointed administrator for the estate of Hercules Ogle, but he resigned for some reason.  Just about 1856 the County Court of Sevier County appointed William W.  Bohanon to administer and wind up the estate of Hercules Ogle.  From aforesaid book, the heirs of Hercules Ogle are listed in this order, "Sarah Graham, William H.  Ogle, John H.  Ownby, the heirs of Stephen Huskey, and William Bohanon and wife."

SMHS lists death as 1850.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 141-142, 143.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 575.


Johnny came with his mother and the family to Sevier County, Tennessee, as early as 1805, soon after the death of his father.

Johnny served with his brother, Thomas Ogle, in the War of 1812 and the Creek Indian War.  His name was on the muster roll and the pay roll, 20 September 1814 to 3 May 1815, of Captain Andrew Lawson's Company, 3rd Regiment of East Tennessee, Drafted Militia, commanded by Colonel William Johnson.

An affidavit, dated 1851, by Thomas Russell of Monroe County, Tennessee, son-in-law of John Ogle and guardian of John's youngest daughter, Sarah, stated that John Ogle died a year after his wife.  John Ogle and his family appear in the 1830 Sevier County, Tennessee, Federal Census.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 222.


Shucky moved with the family to Sevier County, Tennessee, as early as 1805, soon after the death of his father.

Isaac was one of the first settlers in Gatlinburg.  No land records prior to 1824 were found for Isaac Ogle but it is shown by Richard Reagan's early grants that Isaac and William, his brother, entered land adjoining Richard's land on Mill Creek.  This ran from Mill Creek down to "the lane" (Reagan Lane) and nearly to the old river road.  Later records show this land as belonging to Isaac alone and still later to his son, Elijah Ogle.  Isaac also entered land near the road from the Glades, running down to the mouth of Roaring Fork Creek in Gatlinburg.  As his sons and daughters became of age, he gave them these lands and he moved to the Banner area north of Gatlinburg.

Isaac and his wife, Susannah, were charter members of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church.  The family appears in the Sevier County, Tennessee, Federal Census records, 1830 to 1880.  Isaac died 2 Sep 1881 according to the Death Register of 1881 found in Sevier County Courthouse.

Isaac was buried in the Banner Cemetery.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 225.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 138.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 524, 733.


William came with his mother and the family to Sevier County, Tennessee, as early as 1805, soon after the death of his father.

From Record of Commissions of Officers in the Tennessee, Militia, 1796-1811, compiled by Mrs. John Trotwood Moore, William Ogle was commissioned as a Lieutenant of the 11th Regiment of Sevier County, Tennessee, on 14 Februeary 1811 by the governor of the State of Tennessee.

William Ogle was one of the first settlers in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  No land records prior to 1824 were found for William Ogle, but it is shown by Richard Reagan's early grants that William Ogle and his brother, Isaac Ogle, entered land adjoining the Richard Reagan's land on Mill Creek.  This ran from Mill Creek upward to the area below the Cherokee Orchard, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  As his sons and daughters became of age, he gave them these lands.  He moved to the Sugarlands area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

William Ogle is listed on the 1837 Tax List of Sevier County, Tennessee.

He and Nancy were members of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church.

William Ogle was appointed as one of nine commissioners of the Sevier County Turnpike Company in 1841.  It was "for the purpose of receiving subscription to the amount of twenty five thousand dollars to be applied to the purpose of making a turnpike road from the northern termination of the Smoky Mountain Turnpike road in Sevier County, Tennessee, to some point on the most practical leading routes."

William Ogle and his family appeared in the 1830 through 1850 Federal Census of Sevier County, Tennessee.

An affidavit found in the Sevier County Courthouse, by R. R. Reagan and Mark Roberts, states that William Ogle left a will but that it was destroyed in the courthouse fire of 1856.  The affidavit stated that his wife, Nancy be supported and have the use of both real and personal property during her lifetime.  At her death, the lands "should be equally divided between his sons, James, Henry, and William Ogle; personal property is to be equally divided between all his sons and daughters with the exception of Thomas I. Ogle, husband of his daughter, Sarah Ogle of twelve and half dollars which was to be deducted from his and her share."

It is said that William is buried with his wife in a very old cemetery just off the Huskey Gap trail in the Sugarlands, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  However, SMHS lists William in the White Oak Flats Cemetery.  However, there is a listing of William in the Cole Cemetery.

In theGuardians, Executors and Administrators Settlement Book for Sevier County, Tennessee, there is a record for the estate of William Ogle.  This gives a list of the living heirs of William Ogle.  Quoted from the aforesaid book, "the above statement shows that there is in the hand of the Executor, the sum of $88.06/100 dollars to be divided among eleven heirs, to wit, William, James, Henry, & Thomas Ogle, Robert Conner & wife Milly, Samuel Watson & wife Martha, David Reagan & wife Jane, the heirs of Joseph Anderson & wife Mary, John Huskey and wife Elizabeth, the heirs of Aaron Ogle, and the heirs of David Watson & wife Rachel.  So that Thomas Ogle may receive eleven & 25/100 dollars less than either of the other heirs.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 140, 262-263.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 141.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, 576, 690.


Mary moved with the family to Sevier County, Tennessee, as early as 1805, soon after the death of her father.

Verification of her marriage is from William M. Whaley's War of 1812 papers in the National Archives, Washington, D. C.

Mary and William were members of the White Oak Flats Baptist Church.  Their family appears in Sevier County, Tennessee, Federal Census Records, 1830 through 1880.  She is buried in Plemmons Cemetery, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 143, 288.  Smoky Mountain Clans, Volume 3, Donald B. Reagan, 1983, p 5.  In the Shadow of the Smokies, Smoky Mountain Historical Society, 1993, p 712.  Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, 186, 214.


Some genealogists have recorded Elizabeth's maiden name as Wollaston but no evidence has been located to substantiate this assumption.  Elizabeth apparently was a woman of good sense and competent in managing her affairs and looking out for her sons Thomas and John.  New Castle court records show that she was titheable, living on the north side of Christiana Creek, assessed with 1,000 acres.

In 1684 Elizabeth Ogle became a historical figure by her involvement in the border dispute between Lord Baltimore and William Penn.  Samuel Land, Sherrif of New Castle, sent a letter dated 30 May 1684 to Penn, reporting that Jones Erskine and Andrew Tilley, who lived near the Widow Ogle had been warned by Colonel Talbott, under orders from Lord Baltimore, that if they did not yield obedience to Lord Baltimore, he would not yield obediance to Lord Baltimore, he would in three weeks' time return and turn them out.  On his return he erected a fort near Christiana Bridge, six miles from New Castle.  This location is now marked by a bronze tablet - a State Historical marker.  The differences of Lord Baltimore and William Penn were settle, and Penn retained what had been claimed by the Governor.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 128b.  The English Origin of John Ogle, Francis Hamilton Hibbard, 1967, p 14. Pedigrees of Some of the Emperor Charlemagne's Descendants, Langston & Buck, 1986, p 199.


According to the note of Dr.  Simeon Todd (deceased), "Hercules Ogle, Thomas Ogle, John Ogle and their sister Lucretia Ogle and husband Abraham Stroud moved from Delaware to Southwest Virginia in 1763, but stayed only about a year because Indian troubles drove them out.  They moved across the border into North Carolina."

All these deeds are recorded in Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina.  FromDeed Book 6, page 164, "Andrew Smith & wife Anna to Thomas Ogle, groom, for 60 pounds, 320 acres on Cabin Creek on East side of Gunsmith's path," granted 15 July 1760.  Recorded 21 July 1764.  Tests:  George Magsune, William McConnell.

This same 320 acres of land in Rowan County, which Thomas Ogle bought from Andrew Smith and wife Anna, was divided among his three sons; Thomas Ogle Jr., Hercules Ogle, and William Ogle.

18 Feb 1793 Thomas Ogle to Thomas Ogle Jr.  100a 30 July 1793 Thomas Ogle to Hercules Ogle 120a 19 Oct 1795 Thomas Ogle to William Ogle 100a ------ 320a

In North Carolina Genealogy, there are several Rowan County, North Carolina Tax Lists for 1760's.  Only "John Ford's List of Taxables for the Year 1768" listed Thomas Ogle.

On 23 May 1769, Thomas Ogle of Rowan County, North Carolina sold 67 acres on Little River, a branch of New River, to William Murphy.  This deed was duly recorded in Augusta County, Virginia.

There is found in New River Tithables, compiled by Mary B.  Kegley, the "List of a W.  Herbert - 1772".  On this list, Thomas Ogle appears with three tithables.  The three tithables would include himself and two oldest sons, John and Thomas Ogle.

Thomas Ogle is listed as 1 tithable, no slaves, three horses, 13 cattle and owning land in the 1782 tax list of Montgomery County, Virginia.

In Montgomery County, Virginia-Circa 1790, Transcribed and edit by Nettie Schreiner-Yantis, the "Personal Property Tax List A-1789" gives this information:  "27 Apr 1790-Thomas Ogle with 1 white males-16 years to 21 years, no slaves, and six horses." The one white male listed above would be the youngest son, James Ogle.

In Montgomery County, Virginia, Survey Book "D", Thomas Ogle bought 140 acres of land on both sides of Little Reed Island Creek, 27 Nov 1789 from Thomas Black.  This area was part of Grayson County, Virginia when Thomas Ogle died.  Today it is in Carroll County, Virginia.

This was the same land that Thomas Ogle and his wife, Elizabeth deeded to their youngest son, James Ogle on 10 Jan 1801.  The deed was proven in March 1803 after Thomas Ogle's death.

During the 1780's and 1790's, Thomas ogle and his wife Elizabeth were living in Montgomery County, Virginia; then Wythe County, Virginia, and later Grayson County, Virginia.  At that time, the land that Thomas and Elizabeth Ogle deeded to Thomas Jr.  and Hercules Ogle in 1793, and to William Ogle in 1795 was located in rowan County, North Carolina.  This apparently accounts for the fact that in his will, Thomas Ogle left only one dollar ($1.00) each to his children.

Thomas Ogle's will was dated 2 March 1802 and was probated at the March Court 1803 of Grayson County, Virginia.  In his will, he mentions his wife Elizabeth and names his children.  There is no land mentioned.  Elizabeth is to have all movable property and each son and daughter is to have one dollar with the exception of Hannah who is willed one cow.

Thomas Ogle and his wife, Elizabeth, are believed to be buried in the large Ogle Cemetery on Peavine Ridge just outside of Hillsville.

Source:  Smoky Mountain Clans, Donald B. Reagan, 1978, p 129-130.

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