Jacob Meek

B51. Jacob Meek was born about 1760 in Kentucky. This is an estimated date of birth and the actual date is unknown. One of Jacob’s daughters, Delilah, reported in the 1880 Erath Co., TX census that both parents were born in Pennsylvania. At least one other child reports that their father was born in Kentucky, which is not likely given what is known about the settlement of Kentucky. His date and place of birth are not known. He died 10 Aug 1824 according to a Henry Co., TN court record dated March 1827. Jacob and his family are well documented in the court records of Henry County.

Census records of his some of his grandchildren suggest that the family lived in Kentucky. The 1799 tax list of Cumberland Co., KY names Jacob Meek Sr., Jacob Meek Jr. and Jeremiah Meek all over the age of 21.

1800 Cumberland Co. Census (from 1799 Tax List South of Cumberland River): Meek, Jacob Sr. over 21 - Cumberland River Meek, Jacob Jr. over 21 - Cumberland River Meek, Jeremiah 1 over 21; 1 16/21; on Smith Creek

Cumberland County deed records from 1816 indicate that Jacob Meek of Bledsoe Co., TN sold more than one tract of land. This Jacob Meek can be identified as the person who died in Henry Co., TN in 1824. The other two are unlikely to be his sons due to their like-ly ages.

“The Commission for Settlement South of Green River ” issued warrent #687 to David Roberson for 200 acres of land located in Cumberland co., Ky. in Stogdons Valley on the Clear Fork of Spring Creek waters of Spring Creek Obeys River. on August 25, 1798. Survey # 1966 for this land was done by virtue of warrant # 687 on October 10, 1799. On October 26, 1799 Roberson assigned this 200 acres to Jacob Meek. Grant # 1966 was issued to Jacob for this land on January 14, 1815.

FHL - Film 804864 Cumberland Co. Kentucky Deeds Index 1799-1934

C:133 - 23 Jul 1816 [abstracted] Jacob Meek of County of Bledsoe TN to Alex.Beaty of Cumberland Co. KY. Consideration One hundred pounds. Conveys land in Cumberland Co. KY on Clear fork of Spring Creek, waters of Wolf river being part of 200 acres patented in the name of Jacob Meek by grant dated 3 Jan 1815 bounded by Hallett, Crouche’s line, Wright’s Spring - 130 acres. Condition: “That if said land is taken from said Alexander Beaty or his heirs by a military or any other prior claim the said Jacob Meek to pay unto Alex Beaty or heirs 100 pounds in young horses at their value” Signed: Jacob (X) Meek Wit: William Ward, David Cole, Soloman Hallett, Soloman Hallett Jr. Recorded 7 Oct 1816.

C:238(233?) - 23 Jul 1816 [abstracted] Jacob Meek of Bledsoe Co. TN & Soloman Hallett of Cumberland Co. KY. Consideration: $200. Conveys land in Cumberland Co. KY on the Clear Fork of Spring Creek - bounded by Hallett’s line, Cole’s line, 81 acres. State of KY vested in Jacob Meek by grant 3 Jan 1815. Signed: Jacob Meek [no mark] Wit: William Wood, Soloman Hallett Jr., David Cole, Alexander Beaty. Certificate Liens C:235. Filed 11 Mar 1817.

Cumberland Co. Survey Records by Butter. p. 98 Robertson's Academy 100 acres, Smith's Creek. 3/23/1817 A:457 joining Samuel Dickson, Jacob Meek, David Cowen, Benj. Campbell, William Cowen.

Jacob Meek arrived in Bledsoe County when the county was first opened to settlers. He is listed in Tennessee Homesteaders and Landowners by Willis Hutcherson on page 15;

Jacob Meek purchased 56 acres on Sequatchee River in Bledsoe County in 1811 for $150.00 from John Julian. The deed was witnessed by Michael Rawlings and David Gilbreath. (SLC Film #593010 A-D)

Jacob Meek signed a petition in Bledsoe County to the General Assembly in 1813.
21-2-1813 "State of Tennessee, Bledsoe County To the Honourable, the General Assembly, of the State of Tennessee now in Session Whereas, John MISER, Tobias LONG, Wm BLEAVINS, Robert Long, John JULIAN and William HAIL were bound in a Regagnizance as Securities for the appearance of a certain Joseph PATE, against whom the State of Tennessee had instituted a prosecution

And whereas the said Pate failed to make his appearance and it became entirely impracticable for his securities to surrender him, and whereas also, the pro¬perty of some of the Securities has been executed and sold which has amounted to the costs attendant on said prosecution etc...To the very great distress of said Securities Ä In consequence of all, which your honourable body that forfeiture incurred. And your petitioners will pray etc. John Miser Tobias Long

Those signing, among others, were Jacob Meek, John Meek, Jacob Meek Sn., and Jeremiah Meek. Eli Keith also signed.

Knox Co., TN court minutes No. 3A 1810-1817, page 36-37 refers to the same matter mentioned in the 1813 petition. This record also names Mary Meek, Sally Meek and Henry Meek in addition to Jacob Meek and Jeremiah Meek.
State VS James Todd } James Todd was bound in Recognizance at last term to appear at this term and answer a charge to be exhibited by the state against him, and it appearing that no bill had been preferred or charge exhibited against him on his motion he was discharged from said Recognizance.

John Narrimore and Jesse McKinney Justices of the Peace for the County of Bledsoe returned to Court Sundry Recognizance whereby it appears that Joseph Pate together with Tobias Long, John Julian, Robert Long, William, John Miser and William Blevins were jointly and severally bound in the sum of One Thousand Dollars for the appearance of Joseph Pate to answer a charge exhibited by the stae against him. That Jacob Meek and Saml Gault were each bound in the sum of five hrundred Dollars for the appearance of Mary Meek, Sally Meek and Henry Meek, to give evidence against the said Joseph Pate. That Jacob Meek, Joshua Hale, and William Hill were bound in the sum of five hundred dollars for the appearance of Jacob Meek to give evidence against the said Joseph Pate, and that Isham Hale, William Hale, Jeremiah Meek and Samuel Gault were bound in One Thousand Dollars for the appearance of the said Isham Hale and William Hale to give evidence against said Joseph Pate

Which said persons being severally called came not, Therefore it is ordered that they forfiet the amount of their several recognizances.. Ni si and on motion of William Kelly Solicitor General scire facias to issue.

Jacob Meek’s name first appears in a Henry Co., TN deed record in 1822. On 15 Oct 1822 he purchased 500 acres on the Middle Fork of the Obion River in Range 4, Section 6 entered by Polk and Deveraux. A probate record dated 13 Jun 1827 lists his wife, Mary. Other’s benefiting from his estate were John Meek, Jacob Meek, Jeremiah Meek, Henry, and other children. Sally in the Knox County records is believed to be Jacob’s daughter Sarah. Eli Keith is believed to be the husband of Jacob’s daughter Elizabeth. No other Meek families can be detected in Henry Co., TN during this time frame. There is no other known group of people named Meek that could account for the names in the 1813 Bledsoe Co., TN petition. The totality of information supports the theory that Jacob Meek in Cumberland Co., KY was the same person who died in Henry Co., TN in 1824.

Jacob (or his son, Jacob) may be the person listed in Overton Co., Deed Book A, page 303 dated 26 Feb 1808 in which Jacob Meek sells land to Harris Hatcher. Cumberland Co., KY and Overton Co., TN at one time bordered each on the state line. In fact his land in Cumberland Co., KY may have been in Tennessee due to the dispute over the boun-dary between Tennessee and Kentucky.

Jacob married Mary _____, She was living in Henry County in 1835. She may be the elderly person in the 1840 Carroll Co., AR census living with John E. Meek. A Henry Co., TN deed record dated 19 Feb 1835 transfers 300 acres previously belonging to Jacob Meek, deceased, to John E. Meek. The deed identifies all of the children and the daughter’s spouses except Isaac, Rachel and Nancy who had already died.

11. John E. Meek was born between 1780 and 1790 according to the 1830-1840 censuses. A Henry Co., TN deed record records the sell of 16 2/3 acres to John Witt which was part of Jacob Meeks estate. He married Susannah _______ according to deed records from Henry Co., TN. She was born between 1790 and 1800. He was listed in the 1830 census of Henry Co., TN with 4 males and 5 females. He was living in Henry Co., TN in Feb 1835 according to deed records. He was listed in the 1836 tax records of Carroll Co., AR. He was listed in the 1840 census of Carroll Co., AR with 3 males and 3 females.
12. Jacob W. Meek was born between 1780 and 1790 according to the 1830 census. A Henry Co., TN deed record records the sell of 16 2/3 acres to John Witt which was part of Jacob Meeks estate. Recorded with him in 1830 were 8 males and 5 female including a likely wife born between 1790 and 1800. He is mentioned in deed and court records of Henry Co., TN with the widow Meek, his brothers and his brother-in-laws. He was living in Henry Co., TN in Feb 1835 according to deed records.

Note: There was a Jacob W. Meek born between 1780 and 1790 listed in the 1840 census of Holmes Co., MS. (1-0-2-0-0-0-0-1//0-1-0-0-0-0-1) In the 1850 census of Holmes list families Jonah Meek, age 30, and Calloway Meek, age 25, both born in Tennessee. Living with Calloway was Nancy age 56 born in Tennessee. Nancy was the appropriate age to be wife in the 1840 census. A descendant of Wil-liam Wesley Meek born 1812 in Tennessee has a DNA match the descendant of Jacob Meek who died in Henry Co., TN. William’s children were born in Mississippi. HOWEVER, none of this proves that Jacob moved to Mississippi.

13. Jeremiah T. Meek was born in 1788.
14. Elizabeth Meek was born about 1795 in Tennessee according to census records. She married Eli Keith. They lived in McNairy Co., TN in 1835. They are listed in the 1850 census of Titus Co., TX. Deed records name her husband and tie her to her father’s estate. This is the family of Elaine Henderson.
15. Polly Meek was born about 1795 in Tennessee according to census records. She married Matthew Pate. He was born 20 Sep 1785 in Tennessee. He died Dec 1849 in Washington, IL. In the 1850 census she is listed as a widow. Deed records names her husband and describes her as a daughter and heirs of Jacob Meek. It also indicates they are from Washington Co., IL.

171. Matthew Pate was born 9 Aug 1818 in Nashville, Washington Co., IL. He died 8 Sep 1893 in Round Rock, Williamson Co., TX. He married Catherine Faulkner 22 Oct 1835 in Washington, IL. She was born 16 Dec 1818 in Washington Co., IL. She died 10 Oct 1867 in Texas.
172. Joseph Pate was born about 1813 in Washington CO., IL. He married (1) Matilda Love. He married (2) Elizabeth Goodner Jun 1836.
173. George Pate was born about 1825 in Washington Co., IL.
174. William Pate was born about 1828 in Washington Co., IL.
175. Mariah Pate was born about 1829 in Washington Co., IL.
176. Lewis Pate was born about 1830 in Washington Co., IL. He died 27 Feb 1886 in Indian Territory, OK.
177. Jessie G. Pate was born about 1835 in Washington Co., IL.

16. Isaac Meek was born between 1790 and 1800 according to census records. He was listed in 1830 census of Brown Co., OH. He died Sep 1831 in Henry Co., TN according to court records. Jeremiah Meek was appointed administrator of his estate and court records refer to him as being from being from Brown Co., OH. His estate sells land previously owned by his father, Jacob. The census record indicates that he had 4 sons and 2 daughters born between 1815 and 1830.
17. Sarah C. Meek was born about 1799 in Tennessee according to census records. She died in 1889 in Erath Co., TX. She is buried in the Hickey Cemetery. She married (1) John Hickey. He was born about 1795 in Henry Co., VA. He died Aug 1826 in Gibson Co, TN. His parents were John Hickey and Sarah. She and John Bibb lived in McNairy Co., TN in 1835.

111. Sarah R. Hickey
112. Joseph Hickey died at age 12.
113. Isaac Hickey married a daughter of Permelia Hood. He was a baptist preacher in Mount Vernon, TX.
114. Delila Hickey
115. West Walker Hickey resided Erath Co., TX in 1860 & 1870.
116. Elizabeth Hickey
117. Jacob Hickey died at birth.
118. Jane Hickey was born in 1826. She married ______ Stockton.

She married (2) John Elder in Gibson Co., TN on 2 Feb 1827.
She married (3) John Bibb about 1829 in McNairy Co., TN. He was born about 1790 in North Carolina. They lived in McNairy Co., TN in 1830 and 1840. They were listed in the 1850 census of Titus Co., TX.

121. Nancy Adeline Bibb was born in 1829.
122. William C. Bibb
123. Mary Bibb
124. Leticia Bibb
125. Joyce Emiline Bibb

She was listed in the 1860 census of Erath Co., TX living with her son West Hickey.

18. Eleanor Meek was born between 1801 and 1810 in Tennessee. She married Hiram Langston about 1824. They lived in Washington Co., AR in 1835. She died in Rusk Co., TX. On 8 Dec 1828 they sell 16 2/3 acres of land previously owned by her father to John Witt. The deed names her husband and describes her as a daughter and heirs of Jacob Meek.

131. Delila Langstron was born in 1826 in Henry Co., TN.
132. Martha Langstron was born 1830 in Washington Co., IL.
133. Jesse Langstron was born 1833 in Washington Co., IL.
134. Mary Elizabeth Langstron was born 1835 in Washington Co., AR.
135. James Langstron was born 1841 in Newton Co., MO.
136. William Langstron was born 1842 in Newton Co., MO.
137. Martha Langstron was born 1844 in Newton Co., MO.
138. Andrew T. Langstron was born 1841 in Rusk Co., TX.
139. Tabitha Langstron was born 1841 in Rusk Co., TX.
140. Emeline Langstron was born 1841 in Rusk Co., TX.

19. Rachel Meek was born 3 Mar 1802. She married John Witt Dec 1820 although this unverified. (He was the son of Joseph Witt and Sarah Earls. They were married in Jefferson County TN on 25 Apr 1797 and then moved to Adair County KY in mid 1801.) John purchased several plots of land previously owned by Jacob Meek from his children. She died be-fore Mar 1827 and does not appear to be mentioned in father’s probate record. He married Charity Dunlap on 21 Aug 1828. Information provided by Gerald Witt.

141. Joseph Witt was born 3 Sept 1821 in Jackson Co. AL. He died 26 Aug 1881 in Lake Co., TN. He married Julie Ann Atkins on 11 Sep 1842 in Henry Co., TN.
142. Isaac Witt was born 11 Apr 1823 in Jackson Co., AL. He married Nancy Jane Hamilton on 23 Dec 1846 in Weakley County TN. He died about 1880. He sold his property in TN and left by horseback for TX. He never arrived. We have always assumed that he was robbed and killed.
143. Elijah Witt was born 15 Dec 1824 in Weakley or Henry County TN. Elijah married Hannah Clark in Henry Co. TN on 19 Oct 1848. He died 30 Dec 1898 in Center Point, Kerr Co., TX.

20. Henry E. Meek was born about 1806. He was appointed administrator of his father's estate. A Henry Co., TN deed record dated 6 Nov 1827 records the sell of 16 2/3 acres similar to other children of Jacob Meek. He was listed in the 1830 census of Henry Co., TN with a wife and one son under five. He was listed in the 1840 and 1850 censuses of Gibson Co., TN. He died prior to 1860 and his wife was listed in the 1860 to 1880 censuses of Gibson Co., TN. He married Loranna Gill. She was born 19 Jun 1801 in North Carolina. She died 23 Mar 1883. She lived with her son William through the 1880 census after Henry died.

151. Thomas H. Meek was born about 1829 in Tennessee. He married Mary Ellen Jester. She was born about 1830 in Tennessee. They were listed in the 1860 to 1870 censuses of Gibson Co., TN. Thomas was absent from the 1880 census.

251. William Meek was born about 1855 in Tennessee.
252. Thomas Meek was born about 1857 in Tennessee.
253. Robert Meek was born about 1859 in Tennessee.
254. Nancy Meek was born about 1861 in Tennessee.
255. Martha M. Meek was born about 1864 in Tennessee.
256. John D. Meek was born May 1866 in Tennessee. He married Cuba A. ______ about 1888. She was born Feb 1867 in Tennessee. They were listed in the 1900 to 1930 censuses of Gibson Co., TN.

A. Cyris G. Meek was born Sep 1889 in Tennessee.
B. Thomas G. Meek was born Jul 1891 in Tennessee.
C. Veta M. Meek was born Jun 1893 in Tennessee.
D. Mattie E. Meek was born Oct 1894 in Tennessee.
E. Glyds I. Meek was born about 1901 in Tennessee.
F. Edith N. Meek was born about 1905 in Tennessee.

257. George Meek was born about 1869 in Tennessee

152. William Meek was born about 1834 in Tennessee. He died 21 May 1891. He was listed in the 1860 census of Gibson Co., TN living with his mother and next to his brother Thomas. He married Margaret ______. She was born about 1846 in Tennessee. They were listed in the 1870 and 1880 censuses of Gibson Co., TN.

261. John W. Meek was born about 1863 in Tennessee. He married Cecily A. Wright. She was born Jun 1861 in Alabama. They were listed in the 1900 census of Crawford Co., AR He is listed in the 1910 census of Crawford Co., AR as a widow with children Olla and Homer.

A. Lilly Meek was born Dec 1885 in Arkansas.

B. Thomas O. Meek was born Sep 1888 in Arkansas. He married Camille V. ______. They were listed in the 1910 census of Crawford Co., AR

1. Harold Meek was born about 1902 in Arkansas.

C. Olla M. Meek was born Jun 1893 in Arkansas.

D. Altie Meek was born Jan 1898 in Arkansas.

E. William Homer Meek was born about 1901 in Crawford Co., AR. He died in 1983.

1. James William Meek

a. David William Meek *DNA kit#180060

262. Mary Meek was born about 1866 in Tennessee.
263. Lorana Meek was born about 1869 in Tennessee.
264. Margaret J. Meek was born about 1872 in Tennessee.
265. James H. Meek was born about 1875 in Tennessee.
266. Susan E. Meek was born about 1877 in Tennessee.

266. Robert S. Meek was born 6 Jun 1881 in Tennessee.

153. Wesley Meek was born about 1833 in Tennessee.
154. Jefferson Meek was born about 1837 in Tennessee.
155. James Meek was born about 1839 in Tennessee. He may be J. G. Meek age 30 in the 1860 census of Gibson Co., TN with Sarah age 5, Jane age 3 and Mary age 2/3 He may be J. G. Meek age 50 in the 1880 census of Gibson Co., TN with J. C. age 49, W. A. age 12 and H. L. age 11

12. Delilah Meek was born about 1806. She married (1) Bartlett Fry 24 Jul 1823 according to bible records. He died before 1847 in San Augustine Co., TX. They moved to Texas in 1836. She Married (2) Neil McNeil 20 Apr 1847. They did not have children. She reported in the 1880 Erath Co., TX census living with her son, Isaac. On 19 Feb 1829 they sell 16 2/3 acres previously owned by Jacob Meek. The deed record names her husband.

161. Garrett Fry born 15 May 1824 in Tennessee. He died 3 Oct 1824.
162. William L. Fry born 28 Aug 1825 in Tennessee. He died 16 Aug 1871 in Hunt Co., TX.
163. Julia Ann Fry born 29 Apr 1827 in Tennessee. She died in 1847.
164. Isaac Newton Fry born 7 Dec 1829 in Tennessee. He died 20 Apr 1892 in Bosque Co., TX. He married Narcissa M. _______. In 1880 they had 2 daughters and 1 son.
165. Thomas J. Fry born 21 Jan 1832 in Tennessee.
166. Jerome J. Fry born 12 Nov 1834 in Tennessee. He died May 1862 in Mississippi in Civil War.
167. James M. Fry born 22 Aug 1836 in Texas. He died 13 Oct in 1836 in Texas.
168. Mary C. Fry born 6 Jan 1839 in Texas. She died 11 Sep 1848 in Texas.
169. Jno M. Fry born 17 Jun 1840 in Texas. He died 15 Feb 1863 in Pine Bluff, AR in Civil War.
170. Barrlett Wesley Fry born 30 Jan 1843 in San Augustine Co., TX. He died 26 Dec 1915 in Webb, TX.

22. Nancy Meek married John Jones 9 Dec 1800 in Cumberland Co., KY. She is listed in father's estate settlement, Henry Co. TN, June term 1827. Her Husband is mentioned. She was not living when the children sold their share of Jacob's land to John E. Meek on 1 Nov 1836.

Disclaimer: This genealogy was prepared by the author using undocumented and/or unverified sources. Some facts presented here MAY NOT be correct. Never accept as factual any information you find in a library, the Internet or from other genealogist unless it is supported by documentation. Documentation DOES NOT include the undocumented genealogies of other people including those on this web site.

GO TO TOP

Jacob Meek of Henry Co., TN

By Christopher A. Meek