Benjamin Coats

  General Notes:

Ann COATS was 73 years old and a resident of Smith County, Tennessee when she
made an affidavit on 24 April 1855 to apply for bounty land based on her
husband's military service.

She stated that she was the widow of Benjamin COATS, that they were married in
Robertson County, Tennessee on 14 February 1799 by Nathan ARNOTT - a licensed
minister of the Gospel, that her name before marriage was Ann BAKER, and that
her husband died in Smith County, Tennessee on 11 June 1850. I doubt that you
will find any other record of her marriage since she said in 1855 "that she
knows of no public record of her said marriage and that there is no private or
family record of the same". Lewis WASHBURN and James M. WASHBURN, residents of Smith County, Tennessee, testified as to the identity of Ann COATS and "that
they know the aforesaid Benjamin Coats deceased & Ann Coats in his lifetime to
cohabit together as husband and wife and were generally reputed as such".

Ann COATS signed her name (not an X).

She filed the claim for bounty land based on Benjamin COATS' service as a
private in the militia (unit and captain not named) in the war against the
confederated Indians at the Battle of Nickajack. She stated that her husband
volunteered in Robertson County, Tennessee (on the document East Tennessee was
written first, but this was crossed out and then Robertson County, Tennessee was
inserted). The date he volunteered was left blank. He served for 14 days and was
honorably discharged at Buchannan's Fort in Tennessee (East was crossed out).

Source:
original document on file at National Archives in Record Group 15 (Veterans
Administration) Bounty Land Warrant Application Files 1812 - 1855
case number 1855 - Rejected - 143737
Benjamin Coats, Ann Coats (widow)

The claim was rejected because the act passed by Congress in 1855 authorizing
bounty land was only for soldiers (or their widows or minor children) who had
served in the War of 1812 through the Mexican War, including various Indian wars
in the time period between these two wars. The Battle of Nickajack was in 1794
and thus not covered by the time period of these land grants. for more
information about the Battle of Nickajack see:
<https://sites.rootsweb.com/~tnsumner/early38.htm>

Could Benjamin and Ann COATS be the ancestors of some of the Middle Tennessee
Coats families?


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I think the above creates some problems with this group as far as wives and kids goes...we know he and Anna lived in Smith County TN and moved there from Bedford County TN, but an early marriage date of 1799 for them, could mean some of the kids attributed to a first wife Elizabeth Brock are not hers. To date there is no record, that Benjamin was married to anyone except Anna Baker

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Smith County TN probate records:
SMITH COUNTY TENNESSEE
Misc. Receipts, Administrators
1867 – 1871

Pg 1
Lewis WASHBURN Exr of Benjamin COATS decd vs Legatees of Benjamin COATS decd} O Bill, Sell Land
Received of EW TURNER clerk & commissioner of Smith County Court & for the use of the heirs of Benjamin COATS deceased two hundred and fifty three dollars and ninety three cents in the above cause in full of the part coming to Tempy COATS deceased out of said land fund as first payment in the hands of the said clerk as the distributive share of the said Tempy COATS deceased, I being her administrator Given in duplicate this December 9th 1867 John SIMPSON admr of Tempy COATS
Witness my hand at office this the 9th day of December 1867 EW TURNER clerk

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Pg 17
Lewis WASHBURN Executor & others VS Legatees of Benjamin COATS decd} In Smith County Court Bill to sell land &C
Received of EW TURNER clerk & commissioner in the above cause two hundred and fifty seven & 50/100 dollars it being in full of my distributive share on second & last payment arising from the sale of the land in the above cause belonging to the heirs and Legatees & distributees of Benjamin COATS decd and sold by said clerk under decree of Smith County Court Given in duplicate This day of 186
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Pg 18
Lewis WASHBURN Executor & others VS Legatees of Benjamin COATS decd} In Smith County Court Bill to sell land &C
Received of EW TURNER clerk & commissioner in the above cause two hundred & fifty seven & 50/100 dollars it being in full of my distributive share on second & last payment arising from the sale of the land in the above cause belonging to the heirs and Legatees and distributees of Benjamin COATS decd and sold by said clerk under decree of Smith County Court Given in duplicate This 25 day of January 1868 Mary COATS (her mark) P.L. WOOD D.M. TURNER
Witness my hand at office this 25th day of January 1868 EW TURNER clerk by James W TURNER Deputy Clk
Pg 19
Lewis WASHBURN Executor & others VS Legatees of Benjamin COATS decd} In Smith County Court O Bill to sell land &C
Received of EW TURNER clerk of the County Court of Smith County & commissioner for the use of the heirs of Benjamin COATS decd Two hundred and fifty seven & 50/100 dollars in the above cause in full of the part coming to Tempy COATS decd of Said land fund on Second & last payment arising from the sale of the land in the above cause belonging to the heirs & Legatees and distributees of Benjamin COATS decd in the hands of said clerk as the distributive share of the said Tempy COATS deceased I being her administrator in duplicate This 25th day of January 1868 John SIMPSON adr of Tempy COATS P.L. WOOD R. MARLER
Witness my hand at office this 25th day of January 1868 EW TURNER clerk by James W TURNER Deputy
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Pg 22
Lewis WASHBURN Executor & others VS Legatees of Benjamin COATS decd} Bill to sell land &C in Smith County Court (see private recpt Book page 63)(Ex D page 41)
Received of EW TURNER clerk & commissioner in the above cause five hundred and sixteen dollars and forty three cents in full of my distributive Share arising from the sale of the land in the above cause to which I am entitled as legatee under the Will of Benjamin COATS decd in Said land. Signed in duplicate February 3rd 1868 Jeremiah COATS by W.A. ----- attorney in fact Test W.W. HALEY David C. PATTON
Witness my hand at office the 3 February 1868 EW TURNER clk
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Pg 25
Know all men by these presents that I Jeremiah COATS of Williamson County in the State of Illinoise have made constituted and appointed and by these presents do make constitute and appoint Willis A COZART (COGART) of Smith County Tennessee my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name place and Stead to demand receive and receipt for all moneys or property due me from the estate of Benjamin COATS, Anna COATS and Tempy COATS now all deceased, late of Said county of Smith in the State of Tennessee And also to demand receive and receipt for all moneys due me as heir of said estates out of the land fund derived from Said estates now in the hands of EW TURNER clerk of the County Court of Said Smith County Giving and granting unto my Said attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises as fully to all interests and purposes as I might or could do if personally present with full power of substitution and revocation hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his Substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
In Witness whereof I hereunto Set my hand and Seal the 25th day of January one thousand Eight hundred and Sixty Eight Jeremiah COATS (his mark)
Sealed and delivered in presence of Wm W CLEMENS J.N. ATWOOD
Witnessed by William N MITCHELL – Williamson County Clerk & Jessee BISHOP – Williamson County Judge
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Pg 26
Item #1 – a receipt swearing Jessee BISHOP is the Williamson County judge
Item #2 –
State of Illinois Williamson County} And now on this 25th day of January AD 1868 came J.N. ATWOOD and William D KLOPE (KLOSSE) both residents of Williamson County in the State of Illinois and both known to me to be credible witnesses and the persons whom they represented themselves to be and who upon oath State that they are personally acquainted with Jeremiah COATS of Said County and that they know him to be the son of the late Benjamin COATS and Anna COATS now deceased and both residents of the County of Smith in the State of Tennessee at the time of their decease And that Said Jeremiah COATS is also the Brother of Tempy COATS late of Said County of Smith and now also deceased. William W. KLOSSE(KLOPE) (his mark) JN ATWOOD
Item #3 a document that the above was sworn to in W.N. MITCHELL’s presence
Item #4 another receipt that MITCHELL is to be trusted – sworn to by Jessee BISHOP
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Pg 43
$507.18 Received from E.W. TURNER Clerk of the County Court of Smith County in Tennessee, five hundred & seven dollars & 18 cents, in full of the distributive share of the land fund of Nancy SERL decd, wife of Benjamin SERL, decd daughter & Legatee of Benjamin COATS decd, the same being proceeds of land fund derived from the will of her said father: To which sum of land fund (507.18cts) George W. TAYLOR as guardian of Candace P TAYLOR and Nancy M. TAYLOR minor children of Mihrey TAYLOR, decd daughter of said Nancy SERL decd & as such heirs &C of said Nancy SERL & Benjamin COATS, decd is entitled to one third thereof; Mary TAYLOR, wife of said George W, likewise a daughter of Nancy SERL, decd, & him of Said Nancy SERL & Benjamin COATS decd is entitled to one third thereof & Martha BLACKFORD, wife of said Martin V. BLACKFORD, also a daughter of said Nancy SERL, decd heir &C as aforesaid, is entitled to the remaining third thereof; clks fees of the whole and to wit $50 & 18cts yet to be taken out & attorneys fees This 27th day of April 1868 Candace P. TAYLOR & Nancy M. TAYLOR by Guardian George W. TAYLOR; & George W TAYLOR for himself: Mary Taylor: Martin V. BLACKFORD & Martha BLACKFORD By their attorney at Law & in fact, W.H. DeWITT
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Pg 160
$19.05\ Received from Lewis WASHBURN Executor of the Estate of Benjamin Coats decd nineteen dollars & 25 cts less one dollar & twenty five cents Clerks fee for Recording this Receipt &C: our Interest in the personal Estate of said deceadant as heirs at law &C as appears of record in the County Court of Smith County Tenn in the final settlement of the estate by said Executors And for this authority of payment see Minute Book p 237 for April Term 1868 of Said County Court this 2nd day of March 1869
George W TAYLOR for himself & as Guardian for Candace P TAYLOR & Nancy M TAYLOR Minor children of Milberry TAYLOR decd also Mary TAYLOR Martin V. BLACKFORD & Martha BLACKFORD by this atty at Law & in fact WH DEWITT
Witness my hand at office this – day of March 1869 John P YELTON clerk
Pg 161
$47.05 Received from Isaac JAMES admr of the Estate of Annie COATS our Interest in the personal Estate of said decedent as her heirs and distributees as appears of Record in the County Court of Smith County Tenn. In the final settlement of the Estate by said admr This 2nd day of March 1869 for authority of this payment see Minute Book P 237 for April Term 1868 of said County Court Day and date above written WH DEWITT atty in fact George W TAYLOR for himself: and as Guardian for Candice P TAYLOR and Nancy M TAYLOR minor Children of Milbrey TAYLOR Decd also Mary TAYLOR Martin V BLACKFORD & Martha BLACKFORD by their Atty at law & in fact W.H. DEWITT
Witness my hand at office this March 2nd 1869 John P YELTON clerk
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Pg 349
Lewis WASHBURN Exr & others VS Legatees of Benjamin COATS decd} Bill to sell land in Smith County Court Received of E.W. TURNER former clerk & commissioner in the above cause two hundred and fifty seven dollars and fifty cents the last payment on the land sold in this cause It being the remainder of the distributive Share of the proceeds of said land coming to me as purchaser of Said Share from Frank DOWELL who was the purchaser of said Share from Milhey WOODSON Daughter & Legatee of Said Benjamin COATS decd Given in duplicate This October 3rd 1870 W.F. DOWELL Test H.H. --------- F.M. ORANGE
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SMITH COUNTY TENNESSEE
Misc. Receipts, Administrators
1871 – 1875
Pg 99
PM Lancaster & others VS: J.R. Smith & others} O Bill to sell land in Smith County Court
Received of John P. Yelton former Clerk & Commissioner of Smith County Court and successor to E.W. Turner former Clerk & Commissioner of Smith County Court Eight dollars & twenty five cents in full of my distributive share ariseing from the proceeds of the sale of the lands of my Grandfather Wm A. Lancaster deceased I being a son of Nancy Powell decd and she being a daughter of Wm A Lancaster dec, sold by decree of Smith County Court in the above case this September 2nd 1871 Sterling Powell Attest James R. Bradford D.J. Lych
State of Tennessee Smith County} Personally appeared…Sterling Powell…
Witness my hand at office this September 2nd 1871 B.F.C. Smith Clk
Received, October 31st 1871, of B.F.C. Smith Clerk my fee in the case of the estate of Tempe Coats of one dollar & fifty cents as shown in Minute Book J page 373 date September term 1871 DJ Lynch

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Pg 104
Or constraint from her said husband…
Witness D.A. We----(*name has hashmarks through it) Clerk of our said Court at office this 29th day of December 1870 Horace H S----- clk By Alfred H Abernathy D.Clk
Estate of Tempie Coats, decd.
Received of B.A. James and of the securities of John Simpson as administrator of Tempie Coats, decd. Fifty dollars of our interest in said Estate. This 18th day of September, 1871 George W. Taylor for himself, & as Guardian for Candace P. & Nancy M. Taylor, Martin V. Blackford & wife Martha, & Mary Taylor by their Attorney in Fact. W.H. DeWitt.
State of Tennessee Smith County} Personally appeared…W.H. DeWitt…
Witness my hand at office this September 18th 1871 B.F.C. Smith Clk
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Pg 200
Estate Tempe Coats Decd Received of B.A James one of the securities of John Simpson as Administrator of Tempe Coats deceased Fifteen dollars & fifty cents in full of balance of our interest in said estate. This September 9th 1872
Geo. W. Taylor Mary Taylor Martin V. Blackford Martha Blackford George W. Taylor Guardian of C.P. & Nancy M. Taylor, By W.H. DeWitt, atty in Fact &C
State of Tennessee Smith County} Personally appeared…W.H. DeWitt…
Witness my hand at office this September 9th 1872 B.F.C. Smith Clk
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1830 Smith County TN census:

74 3 Coats Benjamin . . 1 . 1 . . 1 . . . . . . . 1 2 . . . 1 . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . .
(1 son 10 to 15; one son 20 to 30; one male 50 to 60)
(1 daughter 10 to 15; 2 daughters 15 to 20; 1 female 50 to 60)
(1 male slave under 10)

possible birth date: 1770 - 1780
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We are inclined to believe that Benjamin Coats of Smith County TN was married only once in 1799 to Anna Baker, probably the daughter of John Baker of Wilson County TN d 1844 and the sister of Nancy Baker Coats wife of Rev William Coats; and that all the children listed for him are those with his wife Ann; no documentation to date has been found for any of the other wives.

  Research Notes:

He has been given the middle name of Watts - but no record has been found of that to date and he may be confused with Benjmain Coats, son of Wilson Coats of Bedford County TN

We now think that Benjamin Coats in Henry County TN is probably the Ben married to Elizabeth Brock, but it is believed they are two different Bens

Benjamin married Anna Baker, daughter of John Baker and Unknown, on 14 Feb 1799 in Robertson, TN. (Anna Baker was born in 1782 in Stafford County, VA and died circa 1869 in Smith County TN.)