JOHN MEEK, ( C 13 ) was born in Maryland about 1754 . He went with his brothers Joshua and Jacob to western Penn. about 1769, settling in what is now Moon Township, Washington Co. Here he took up land in 1773
This territory was then in dispute between the states of Penn. and Virginia. Virginia first made this a part of Augusta Co., later dividing it into counties called Ohio, Manongalia and Yohogania. Land offices were set up in each county, and as land was settled up many lands were entered and surveyed under Virginia laws. However the dispute was settled and made a part of Penn. about 6-23-1780 and the original settlers given title. The land was re-surveyed by order of 9-15-1784, and divided into the counties of Westmoreland, Washington and Fayette. John Meek's land was re-surveyed on Apr.13th. 1785 showing 423 acres, strict measure.
The Indians made them considerable trouble, and at one time the settlers were forced to go to old Fort Red-stone, where they remained for some time.
During the early part of the Revolutionary War the Penn. Militia was used to protect the settlers against the Indians. John Meek's record shows that he served in the Penn. Militia, but later he must have also served in the Virginia Militia. We also later find him as an Invalid Pensioner in Fredrick Co. Md. having served in the Md. troops as private In the seventh regiment, being disabled at Guilford Court House, losing an eye by an Indian arrow. For this he received a pension of 25/ per mo. from Nov.29th.1783 to Nov. lst.1789 , total amount being 88.16.6 or as later computed in United States money 6 40.00 per year
After the war he returned to Penn. and lived on the land above mentioned, and the records show that he purchased the land with Virginia Certificates. In 1787 he and his Wife Margaret sold this land and in 1788 they moved to what is now Henry Co. Ky. settling on a tract of land which he had purchased in 1780, this also containing 400 acres.
About this time a trading post on the trail leading down to Leuisville was named Meek's Station. This is now New Castle.
Here John Meek lived until the time of his death which occurred in 1803. A short time before his death he willed his land to his four sons, giving three the one hundred acres he now lives on (unreadable) Joshua the one hundred acre home place, indicating the that he was probably living at home, unmarried.
He was buried in their private burying ground on the old homestead.
Editor's note: This article is more than 40 years old. Modern day research may have changed some of the assumption and facts presented by Carleton Meek.
Created April 13 by Christopher A. Meek