Marbury, Benjamin

             "Benjamin Marbury...was born in the Old North State and from there moved to
Tennessee...and in 1836 or 1837, took up his abode in Sevier County, Ark. where he
farmed until his death, which occurred in 1838, of smallpox.  He was a deacon in the
Missionary Baptist Church, and a worthy gentleman in every respect.  His widow died
in Howard County in 1878 (1873 is correct), also a member of that church."
                                                         ~Goodspeed's History of Hempstead Co. AR, p. 408

Benjamin Marbury was born 24 Dec 1784 Rowan Co. NC to
Leonard & Mary Rounsaval Marbury.  The date is
recorded in the Marbury Family Bible.

Leonard & Mary are listed on the 1790 Rowan Co. NC Census
and by 1800 they've moved to Montgomery Co. NC.  About 1802
(according to Leonard's Revolutionary War Pension Papers),
they moved to Buncombe Co. NC and it was there Benjamin
met his future bride, Mary "Polly" Hoodenpyl, daughter of
Phillip Gysberti & Jane Rounceville/Rounsaval Hoodenpyl.

Mary "Polly" Hoodenpyl was born 5 Mar 1793 Buncombe Co.
NC of Dutch & French Huguenot descent.  

Benjamin & Mary married 23 Dec 1808*** Greenville, Greene
Co. TN.  She was fifteen years old.
   A marriage bond has not been found.  Greenville, TN was
 not far from Warm Springs, NC where the Marbury's and
Hoodenpyl's lived.  Warm Springs is now Hot Springs.

1810 Buncombe County, North Carolina Census

Benjamin is listed as head of household on the 1810 Buncombe Co.
NC Census with one female 16-26 years (Mary) and one male
Under 10 years old.

During this time period, his father-in-law Phillip Gysberti Hoodenpyl,
was building the Hoodenpyl Turnpike through the mountains from
Warm Springs, NC to Newport, Tennessee.

Buncombe Co. NC July Court 1812:
"ordered that the sheriff summon the following jury to view, mark and
lay off a road, the best, nearest, and most convenient way from the place
where you leave the Turnpike Road on the East side of the river
(French Broad River) to cross the river at the ferry...until you strike
the Turnpike Road on the west side of French Broad to wit...." 
Benjamin and Phillip were listed as members of this jury.
 The jury met again in October 1812.    

                ~"Road Docket Buncombe County, North Carolina - 1812" p. 8, 9, 10

Bishop Francis Asbury

"The Hoodenpyle Road Is Open.  In December 1812, Bishop Asbury asks
'Why should we climb over the desperate Spring and Paint mountains when there is
such a fine new road?  We came on Tuesday a straight course to Barrett's
(Barnett's) dining in the woods on our way.'  This must have been the Hoodenpyle
road from Warm Springs to Newport, Tenn.,  which he was under contract to keep
in order from Hopewell Hill to the Tennessee line.  This road follows Paint creek
one mile and then crosses the mountains."
    ~ "Western North Carolina a History 1730 - 1923" p. 222 & 234 by John Preston Arthur.

"It is certain, however, that in 1812 Hoodenpile had charge of a road from Warm
Springs to Newport, Tenn., and was under contract to keep it in repair from
the 'top of Hopewell Hill (now Stackhouse) to the Tennessee line.'"
                               ~ Ibid, p. 233
               

Other Marbury's were also in that portion of Tennessee; Greene & surrounding counties.  
Genealogists have strived for years to establish a link between those who settled and stayed
in the area and my line of Marbury's who migrated to Arkansas.  There is almost certainty that
these were all relatives.


Greene County, Tennessee

It's likely that Benjamin and family moved into Greene Co. TN late 1812 or early 1813.
 There is a Benjamin Marbury whose name is listed as a soldier January 19, 1813, The
Natchez Expedition, Tennessee regiment of calvary commanded by General Coffee,
Troop Number 1 - Captain Coleman - 72 men.  On February 16, they united with
General Andrew Jackson's regiments.  Later, an order came for Jackson to disband
but he led his force back to Nashville.

In 1816 Benjamin is listed on the Greene Co. TN Tax Digest in Capt. Gilbert Woolsey's
District.  He owned 54 acres on Bush Creek and had a separate entry for 17 acres.

Warren County, Tennessee

 1820 Warren County, Tennessee Census

He's listed on the 1820 Warren Co. TN Census as head of household with 3 males
Under 10, one male 10-15, 2 females Under 10 and one female 26-45 (Mary). 

Oldest daughter Jane, married James Cowan Clingan 17 Dec 1826 in Rhea Co, which
joined Warren Co. at that time period.  Benjamin was bondsman for the marriage.

1830 Haywood County, Tennessee Census

Between 17 Dec 1826, the date of Jane's marriage, and the 1830 Census, Benjamin
and family migrated farther west to Haywood Co. TN where he's listed on the 1830
Census.  I first find him in their records, 15 Dec 1830, where his father
Leonard Marbury gave him Power of Attorney.  

                                                                                         ~ "Minutes of The County Court, 1823-1830 Vol. I."

In 1831, Benjamin was a juror in Haywood, along with a John Marberry who I believe
was his brother or an uncle.  Benjamin served as juror several times from 1834 - 1837.
 I last found his name in the Haywood Co. records October 1837 when he's listed as one
of the hands to lay out a road from Brownsville to Denmark, TN.

Benjamin purchased the following acreage in Haywood Co.

Sevier County, Arkansas, Benjamin's final stop

Mary Administers Estate

"State of Arkansas, County of Sevier, Clerks Office of the Sevier County Court.  In
vocation Nov. 20th A.D. 1838. This day personally appeared Mary Marbury relict
& widow of Benjamin Marbury dec'd. and on her motion it is ordered that she
be appointed administratrix of all and singular the Estate of Benjamin Marbury dec'd.
 Whereupon the said Mary Marbury took all the oaths prescribed by law, and entered
into bond with Pleasant H. Burton and Miner Catovill as her securities in the...of
five thousand dollars....

On motion it is ordered that James Wakely, Samuel Wakely & John Jerman...appointed
appraisers to value and appraise the slaves and other personal property belonging to
the Estate of Benjamin Marbury, dec'd.  David Foran, Clerk."
                                      ~Probate Records Sevier County, AR - Nov. Term 1838

NOTE:  While 'rambling around' in Hempstead County records in the Court House, I found an old torn
and battered ledger with no cover.  I have no idea the title but believe the date to be circa 1840 - 1843.  
The following is an interesting entry:

"Mary Marbury, admx. of the Estate of Benjamin Marbury deceased,
who sues for the use & benefit of David Foran (clerk) plaintiffs vs. James H. Wells &
William M. Varnell, defendants - 'Capt. Landers? will please to issue execution
immediately, endorsed nothing but gold or silver will be received or their equivalent
- signed Samuel Moore.'
 
NOTE: Samuel Moore was an Attorney in Hempstead Co. and probably Mary's attorney in this case.

The estate was not fully finalized until 1843 when Mary filed the final settlement of
her administration and it was accepted and ordered that her administration be closed
                                                          and she be released from any further liability.                                                                                                        ~Sevier Co. Probate Records, Bk. 2, p. 231

1840 Sevier County, Arkansas Census

Mary Marbury is listed as head of household on the 1840 Madison Township, Sevier
Co. AR Census, p. 158-b.  Listees: 1 male 5-10, 2 males 10-15, 2 males 15-20, 2 males
20 - 30, 1 female 5-10, 1 female 10-15, 2 females 15- 20, 1 female 40 - 50 (Mary), 1 female
80 - 90 and 2 slaves.  I believe the female 80 - 90 was Mary Rounsaval Marbury,
Benjamin's mother.  
This means she didn't return to Tennessee until after this Census.

Benjamin & Mary's Children

* These dates in Marbury Family Bible
* *Martha Jane's Parents
# Phillip & Jane Hoodenpyl Family Bible
Note name correction for Caroline Marbury's second husband.

Peter Marbury Served in the Civil War - Confederate States of America "Davis Blues" - Company F, Fifth Arkansas State Troops & Co. C, 19th (Dawson's) Arkansas Infantry Regiment. *The Davis Blues organized at Nashville, Hempstead Co. AR on June 18, 1861.  Joseph L. Neal and others recruited the ninety-seven men of the company.  Before leaving Nashville, the people held a barbecue dinner with an appropriate patriotic speech by Confederate Senator Charles B. Mitchel.  Afterwards, the company headed for Little Rock, where they camped on the Arsenal grounds.  They received orders to go to Camp Walker in northwest Arkansas.  The company was mustered into state service as Company F., Fifth Arkansas State Troops in July, 1861, under the command of Colonel Thomas P. Dockery.  On August 10, 1861, they participated in the battle of Wilson's Creek.    After the battle, the unit disbanded and a large portion of the Davis Blues returned home where they eventually joined Colonel Charles L. Dawson's Nineteenth Arkansas Infantry.  Peter was one of these.    Pvt. Peter Marbury was captured 11 January 1863 at Arkansas Post, Arkansas and sent to Camp Douglas, Illinois 8 Feb 1863.  He died of smallpox in this filthy camp on 7 April 1863.  The conditions were so horrific in this northern camp, even conditions in Andersonville prison in Georgia could hardly surpass it.  To read it for yourselves, click here: Camp Douglas, Illinois

Thanks and appreciation to Linda Lane for sending me the
Camp Douglas site.

Mary Remarries

"State of Arkansas, Sevier County, Madison Township - I do certify to the Clerk of
the Court of the aforesaid county, that I have solemnized a marriage contract between
John L. McLendon and Mary Marbury on the 24th day of July 1842.  The above
named persons are of lawful age and both citizens of Sevier County.  Given under my hand
this 24th day of July 1842.  James W. Briscoe, J.P.  Filed for record and recorded this
11th day of November A.D. 1842, Jas. Penney, Clk."

NOTE: I don't have the Marriage Book number because a copy of the license was sent to me several
years ago and the source in its entirety was not shown.  (The Marbury Bible states they were
married April 30, 1842.)

Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Affiliation

"After divine service by Bro. E. B. Carter, the church met in conference.

              1. Opened a door for the reception of members, then came forward
Mary McLendon.

              2. The ordination of Bro. John L. McLendon was held over until August
meeting unless an opportunity offered sooner.
                                   ~ May 13, 1843 - Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Records - Clark Co. AR, p. 52

   John L., Ordained A Minister

"State of Arkansas - Clark County - To all to whom these presents may concern.
 This is to certify that on the 9th day of July 1843, at the Baptist Church of Christ
at Mount Bethel - with the advice and at the special request of said church,
we did examine John L. McLendon, relative to his call and qualifications as a Minister
of the Gospel, and being satisfied, we did ordain and set him apart by prayer and
imposition of hands, to the sacred office of a Minister of the Gospel and he is hereby
authorized to preach and administer all the ordinances of the Gospel whichsoever God in
his Providence may cast his lot.  Given under our hands the day and year above written.
       John H. High & E. B. Carter."
                                                                              ~Marriage Bk. B, p. 89 Clark County, Arkansas     

"Bro. John L. McLendon made application for letters of dismissal for himself
                                  and Sister Mary McLendon and Elizabeth Boyd which was granted."                                                       ~ November 11, 1843 - Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Records - Clark Co. AR

        John L., Appointed Guardian Of Marbury Children                       

"John L. McLendon...petitioned the court to appoint him guardian of John,
Emeline (Evalina), Thomas, Peter, and Mary Eliza Marbury, minor heirs of
Benjamin Marbury, deceased...Bond was approved...ordered by court that
John L. McLendon be appointed guardian."

                      ~Probate Records - January Term 1844 - Sevier Co. AR - Book 2, p. 256



John L., Pastor Of Mt. Bethel Church

                               "After divine service by Bro. John L. McLendon the church met in conference.

           1.  Opened a door for the reception of members - none
           2.  The church went into the choice of a pastor to fill the vacancy of Bro. S. D.
                  Worthington, which Bro. John L. McLendon was chosen, he accepted the call."

                                                            ~ March 11, 1844 - Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Records, Clark Co. AR 

 
 
"Bro. John L. McLendon was returned letters of dismissal which was previously
granted by this church."
                        ~ August 10, 1844 - Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Records, Clark Co. AR

John L. & Mary Join Ozan Baptist Church

  John L. and Mary McLendon joined Ozan Baptist Church, Bingen, Hempstead
Co. by letter April 1848.
                                                                     ~ Old Ozan Baptist Church Records, Bingen, AR

1850 Hempstead County, Arkansas Census

Mine Creek Township

* She was born in NC

This Census contains major errors.  Information must have been provided by someone
other than a family member because Thomas, Peter and John were not McLendon's
but Marbury's.  Sarah was Benjamin & Mary's daughter who married George
Faulkner and Minerva was John's wife.  

Mary's husband, John L. McLendon was residing in Pike, an adjoining county
at the time the Census was taken.  Was he holding a Revival, or there to establish a
church?  He died the following year.

                                             ~From obituary in theTennessee Baptist and a letter
                                                       dated 11 Feb 1988 from R. A. McLendon



Mary Administers John L.'s Estate

November 17, 1851, Mary McLendon filed as administrator of the estate of
John L. McLendon, deceased.

                                                                   ~ Hempstead County (AR) Probate Court, p. 297.

                                       ~Howard Co. AR Deed Bk. C, p. 101-102 

I have very little information in regard to Mary after 1851.  She's mentioned in
Hempstead Co. AR Probate Records for son Thomas Marbury in 1863.

Children Sell Old Homeplace?

Howard Co. AR - 12 Apr 1873
J. P. Marbury et al - Deed of Conveyance
to Edward Clingan

John P. Marbury, Jane Jarman (sister), Caroline Curtis (sister), J. L. Mathison
& Eveline A. Mathison (sister), sold 120 acres to Edward Clingan.    
                                                         ~ Howard Co. AR Deed Bk. A, p. 253

Mary's Estate

Mary's Legacy

*** Date shown in Phillip & Jane Hoodenpyl Family Bible

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