Descendants Report
First Generation
1. William Trotter (son of Unknown Trotter and Unknown) was born on an unknown date in Scotland and died on an unknown date in North Carolina.
Our ancestor William Trotter is believed to have been a descendant of the Earl of Gowrie of Scotland. William and Caroline immigrated to America. William is buried on the banks of the James River in VA; Caroline in NC. The only documentation we have for this generation comes from an unsigned and undated genealogical history belonging to William B. Trotter of Campbellsville, KY.
There is a will recorded in York Co., VA in 1733 for a WILLIAM TROTTER. Also, for Thomas Trotter (1646, inventory); Richard Trotter (1699); Ann Trotter (1700); and a John Trotter (1745), all in York Co., VA.
William married Caroline Dill on an unknown date in Slinford, Sussex, England.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 2 M i. James Trotter Sr. 1 was born in 1725 in Slinford, Sussex, England2 and died on 17 Aug 1783 in Brunswick Co., VA3.
3 M ii. Phillip Trotter was born on an unknown date in Brunswick Co., VA and died on an unknown date in Buried Monroe Co., TN.
4 F iii. Nancy Trotter was born on an unknown date in Brunswick Co., VA and died on an unknown date.
Married ___?___ Simpson.
Second Generation (Children)
2. James Trotter Sr. 1 was born in 1725 in Slinford, Sussex, England2 and died on 17 Aug 1783 in Brunswick Co., VA3.
See DAR Records, Book 164, pp12-13: James served as a private in VA during American
Revolution. Shows wife's name, Ann, and a son, George.
James Trotter Sr. must have gotten a land grant in Brunswick Co., VA as the first Deed to a Trotter there was to his son, Isham. (Brunswick Co., VA Deed Index, 1722, Book 10, p.454, Isham Trotter from William Cocke and wife) Probably he had a land grant (or more than one) in Prince George and/or Dinwiddie County.
James Trotter Sr. m. 2d Hannah Wilson, 13 Sep 1781. Witness: Isham Trotter (his son) (see marriage records, Brunswick Co., VA) He made no provision for her in his will.
There is an inventory of one James Trotter recorded in Brunswick Co. in 1787. Could this be the same individual? Could his inventory have taken 4 years?!
Noted events in his life were:
Will; 10 Aug 1782; Brunswick Co., VA. 4Brunswick Co., VA
Clerks Office
Book 2, p.482 -
the name of God, Amen. I, James Trotter, Sen'r, of th
County of Brunswick, being in perfect senses and memory do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form as follows; viz.--
Imprimis: I do give and bequeath to my granddaughter, Maso
Hardaway, one negro boy named Abner to her and her heirs forever, but if she, my granddaughter, should die without heir lawfully begotten, my will and desire is that said negro be sold and the money be divided between her three sisters and brother, Ann Hardaway, Elizabeth Hardaway, Frances Hardaway, and Washington Hardaway, to them and their heirs forever.
I do give to each of my grandchildren, and the mone
be divided between my granddaughter, Mason Hardaway, and her three sisters and brother, namely Ann Hardaway, Elizabeth Hardaway, Frances Hardaway, and Washington Hardaway, twenty-five pounds current money apiece, to them and their heirs forever. Now, my will and desire is that if either of these my grandchildren should died without issue lawfully begotten, that their legacies above given shall be equally divided between the survivors of these my grandchildren.
I do give and bequeath all the remainder of my estat
both real and personal together with all my stock and household furniture of all kinds to my five sons, namely, James Trotter, Robert Trotter, George Trotter, Isham Trotter, and William Trotter, to them and their heirs forever to be equally divided between them.
I make and ordain, constitute and appoint my two sons
Isham and George Trotter, executors of this my last will and testament, utterly revoking and disannulling all other wills by me made. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this tenth day of August, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two.
Trotter (s s)
Signed, sealed, published and declared in presence of
Teste. William Crooke
Witnesses: Matthew Jones
Joseph Wells Harper"
will was approved by the oath of William Crooke and MA Jones, witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And upon the motion of George Trotter and Isham Trotter, the executors therein appointed, and they having given bond with security, and taken the oath according to law, Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form.
Will Proved; 24 Aug 1783; Brunswick Co., VA. 5"Brunswick County Court, 24th of August, 1783
Teste. Drury Stith, C.B.C." [Clerk of Brunswick County]
James married Ann Stephens about 1743 in Brunswick Co., VA2.
see DAR Records
Children from this marriage were:
5 M i. Isham E. Trotter 6 was born in 1744 in Brunswick Co., VA7 and died on 3 Jun 1791 in Brunswick Co., VA.
He m. Jenny Burch, 22 Nov 1773, Brunswick Co., VA. They had 5 children.
Benjamin - m. 9 Nov 1802 to Mary Scott Brown, descendant of Peter Brown of the "Mayflower" fame. His brother, Aaron N. Brown, was a well known lawyer, governor of TN, a congressman, and member of the Cabinet of President James Buchanan.
Noted events in his life were:
Will; 1791; Brunswick Co., VA. See Will Records, Brunswick Co., VA
Inventory/Appr.; 1799; Brunswick Co., VA.
6 M ii. George Trotter 8 was born on 23 Dec 1745 in Brunswick Co., VA9 and died in Jul 1806 in Brunswick Co., VA10.
He m. Catey Crook (dau/o Joseph Crooke), 16 Dec 1772, Brunswick Co., VA (witnesses: James Trotter, Peter Jones, Isham Smith).
Children (all born in Brunswick Co., VA) -
Elizabeth - b. 23 Sep 1773; m. Richard Trotter (kin?) 27 Oct 1794
William - b. 25 Sep 1775; m. Lucy Fowlkes on 6 Sep 1799
Joseph - b. 1 Aug 1777; d. before May 1806 (not mentioned in his father's will)
James - b. 19 Feb 1779; m. Lucy Pritchett on 3 Feb 1802; 6 children: Katherine Cousins, Elizabeth Ann, George Edward, Amanda Walthall, James William,and Joseph Henry. James m.2d Ann W. Pritchett (first wife's sister) on 22 Jan 1819. They had 8 children: James Edward, Thomas Robert, Lucy Caroline, Wesley Asbury, Joshua Pritchett, George Isham,
Peter, and Ann Eliza.
George - b. 28 Jul 1781
Catey - b. 28 Sep 1783; m. Michael Tarwater on 5 Aug 1803 (witnesses: George Trotter Jr., James Trotter, Thomas Trotter, Nancy Trotter, and Martha Trotter)
Anne "Nancy" - b. 16 Dec 1785; m. Nathaniel Mason 16 Dec 1807; 7 children
Polly - b. 24 Jul 1787; d. before May 1806
Jean - b. 5 Feb 1790; d. young
Isham - b. 1 Jan 1792; m. Agnes Thweatt Manson. He became Col. Isham Trotter and represented Brunswick Co. in the General Assembly 1828-1830. He d. 30 Oct 1856.
Henry - b. 19 Sep 1795; m. Margaret Rice on 4 May 1832
Thomas - b. 25 May 1798
Noted events in his life were:
In the marriage bond, signed by George and his father, it was stated that the ceremony would be "solemnized according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England...."
- 1.Religion. 11Church of England
2. Will; 16 May 1806; Brunswick Co., VA. 12"In the Name of God, Amen. I, George Trotter, of the County of Brunswick, being sick and weak, but of sound mind and memory, do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:
Imprimis: I give unto my daughter, Elizabeth Trotter, the following slaves: Letty, Peter, Sam and Lucy; two cows and calves; one mare and Saddolle (saddle), one bed and furniture, all now in her possession, to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son, William Trotter, one tract of land whereon he now lives, containing three hundred and fifty acres, and deed to him one slave, Tom, and sixty pounds; one mare, saddelle and bridle, two cows and calves, one bed and furniture, all now in his possession, to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son, James Trotter, the tract of land lying on the west side of Rocky Run Creek, up to Rocky Run meeting house Spring, with the tract whereon he now lives, all except one-half acre whereon the Meeting House stands, and that for the use of the Meeting House; one slave, Isaac, one hundred and fifty pounds, one horse, saddle and bridle, one cow and calf, one bed and furniture, all now in his possession, to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son, George Trotter, one tract of land lying in Dinwiddie upon Tommy Hinton's Creek, containing 501 acres whereon he now lives, two slaves, Harry and Simon, two horses, saddle and bridle, one cow and calf, one feather bed and furniture, all now in his possession, to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my daughter, Caty Tarwater, the following slaves -- Tom and Vilet; one feather bed and furniture, these now in her possession; thirty-six pounds, to be paid her out of my estate, to her heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my daughter, Nancy Trotter, the following slaves -- Osburn and Viney, and thirty-six pounds, one bed and furniture, to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my daughter, Jean Trotter, the following slaves -- Bob and Silvey, and thirty-six pounds, one feather bed and furniture, to her and her heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son, Isham Trotter, when he shall arrive at the age of twenty-one, or marry, two young negro slaves, one horse, saddle and bridle, to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son, Henry Trotter, when he arrives at the age of twenty-one or marry, two young negro slaves, one horse, saddle and bridle, to be raised out of my estate, to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I give unto my son, Thomas Trotter, when he shall arrive at the age of twenty-one years or marry, two young negro slaves, one horse, saddle and bridle, to be raised out of my estate, to him and his heirs forever.
Item. I lend unto my beloved wife, Caty Trotter (after paying my just debts, and the legacies heretofore mentioned) all my land and negroes together with what personal estate I may then have, during her widowhood or life, but if she should marry, my will and desire is that she should have only two slaves, Birum and Betty, one feather bed and furniture, one horse and saddle and bridle, during her natural life. After my wife's death or widowhood, my will and desire is that my land whereon I now live and the land adjoining thereunto not heretofore named, to be equally divided between my sons Isham Trotter, Henry Trotter and Thomas Trotter, and the residue of my estate to be equally divided between my following children: Elizabeth Trotter, James Trotter, Caty Tarwater, Nancy Trotter, Jean Trotter, Isham Trotter, Henry Trotter and Thomas Trotter. My will and desire is that my sons, Henry Trotter and Thomas Trotter shall be educated out of my estate. [William omitted?]
Item. I give unto my beloved wife, Caty Trotter, one tract of land lying on Thomas Ingram's Mill Pond, containing two hundred and sixty acres, after the lawsuit shall be determined between [Caty's father] Joseph Crook's heirs and me, if the land shall then remain mine, to her and her heirs forever.
Lastly I nominate and appoint my sons, William Trotter and James Trotter Executors to this my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand an affixed my seal this sixteenth day of May, 1806.
Sealed and delivered in presence of George Trotter. [Seal]
Gabriel Penn, Robert Haskins, William Seamour, Samuel Gillman"
3. Will Proved; 25 Jul 1806; Brunswick Co., VA. 13Brunswick County Court, July 25th, 1806
"This last will and testament of George Trotter, was proved by the oaths of Gabriel Penn, Robert Haskins, and William Seamour, witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded.
Teste. Herbert Hill, CBC [Clerk, Brunswick County]
7 M iii. William A. Trotter was born on 10 Mar 1752 in Brunswick Co., VA14 and died on an unknown date.
+ 8 M iv. James Trotter Jr. 15, 16 was born on an unknown date in Brunswick Co., VA and died on an unknown date in North Carolina.
9 M v. Robert Trotter was born on an unknown date in Brunswick Co., VA and died in 1812 in Pendleton Dist., SC.
He married Susanna __?__ in NC. They had 12 children: James, Elizabeth, Robert Jr., William, Catherine, Rebecca, Martha, Nancy, Tabitha, Susannah, Isham, and George.
10 F vi. Mary (May?) Trotter 18 was born on an unknown date in Brunswick Co., VA and died before Aug 1782 in Brunswick Co., VA.
She m. Thomas Hardaway (b. 1745) in Brunswick Co., VA. He was killed in battle in July of 1781.
They had 5 children: daughters: Mason, Ann, Elizabeth, Frances, and son, Washington, all legatees of their grandfather, James Trotter, Sr., and named in his Will.
Third Generation (Grandchildren)
8. James Trotter Jr. 15, 16 was born on an unknown date in Brunswick Co., VA and died on an unknown date in North Carolina.
There was a James Trotter in Bourbon Co., KY Tax Records 1795-97 (but not this one). In the 1800 Census there was a James Trotter in each of Bourbon, Fayette and Scott Counties. See James Trotter Esquire, Fayette Co., 1795 tax rolls.
There was a JAMES TROTTER present at Conventions held in Danville, KY on May 23 and on Aug. 8, 1785. Could that be this individual?
James Trotter is listed as a Representative from Fayette Co. to the state senate in 1792, under the First Constitution.
A JAMES TROTTER was listed in the Acts Approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in 1800 re "an act to incorporate the Shareholders of the Lexington Library."
The date and place of his birth are not known. He is believed to have married Rachel E. ___?___ of NC. She is believed to be buried in Putnam Co., IN. The only documentation we have for this generation comes from an unsigned and undated genealogical history believed to have been written by William B. Trotter of Campbellsville, KY. The exact number of children born to James and Rachel is not known.
There are five marriages recorded in NC for a James Trotter, in 1743, 1795, 1802, 1813, and 1816. No record found for a Rachel E. Includes m. to Susannah Millis, 22 Feb 1816, in Guilford Co., NC (where his son, Ben, was married in 1820) James Jr. possibly had a son also named James.
A James Trotter m. Elizabeth Kenny in Bourbon Co., KY on 14 Jan 1796. As recorded in Bourbon Co. Marriage Register, Book 1, at p. 27. Again, not this one.
On p.490 of the 1820 Census for Person Co., NC there is listed one James Trotter, aged 26-45, and wife, aged 16-26, and four children under the age of 10 (2 boys, 2 girls). Could that be this individual and his second family? His son, Benjamin, and new wife were then living in Stokes, Co., NC.
James married Catey Keats on 28 Apr 1795 in Brunswick Co., VA17.
Trotter researcher Ruby Catoe, 12325 Ledger Lane, Houston, TX 77015, says that James married "Betsy" Keats on 28 Apr 1795, and they moved to Mississippi where he died. Mrs. Isham Patten Trotter, Jr. says he married Catey Keatts on that date.
referred to as "Kitty Keats" in Mrs. Isham Trotter's book. Witness: William Trotter.
James next married Rachel E. (Trotter) about 1799.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 11 M i. Benjamin Trotter 19 was born about 1800 in North Carolina and died on 24 Jun 1849 in Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana.
Fourth Generation (Great Grandchildren)
11. Benjamin Trotter 19 was born about 1800 in North Carolina and died on 24 Jun 1849 in Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana.
The first record we have of Benjamin is when he obtained a marriage bond in Guilford Co., NC to marry Mary Brown (NC State Archives). Although the couple was married there, it appears their home was actually in Stokes Co. where Benjamin was a farmer.
Following their marriage they lived in Stokes Co., NC where Benjamin shows up on the 1820 census (at p.371). In his household there were: 1 male, 10-16, 1 male, 16-26 (Benjamin), 2 females, 16-26 (one would be Mary), and 1 female, aged 45 and up. One person is indicated as being engaged in agriculture. Perhaps the newly wed couple were living with Mary's mother, a sister, and nephew?
He paid taxes that year in Stokes Co. and took guardianship of a Thomas Rich the same year. Benjamin lived there or nearby for a few years because 2 or 3 of his sons were born in NC. We know he was still there in 1826 but was living in Oxford Township, Butler Co., OH in 1830 and shows up on the census there. It is not known when he moved to IN.
After Benjamin died, his widow, with her 2 young daughters, Caroline and Adelaide, moved to Boyle Co., KY where they lived with Mary's son, George W. Trotter and his family. In 1856 tragedy struck. George W. and his wife, Sarah, and Adelaide, all died of typhoid fever during the month of August.
Benjamin married Mary Brown in Jul 1820 in Guilford Co., NC.
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Probate; 23 Jul 1874; Cedartown, Polk Co., GA.
2. Probate; 21 Apr 1874; Cedartown, Polk Co., GA. see photocopy in my file. Polk Co. Will Book A, p. 56: Probate. Georgia, Polk County: Before me came on thi
the 21st day of April 1874 at chambers for the purpose of proving the last will and testament of Mary Trotter the witnesses to Said will to wit Ellie Gibson & Fannie Powell and the will having been before that time brought before me for probate by the Executor James M. Trotter who has filed his petition for probate of the Same, they the Said witnesses deposeth & saith that they Saw Said Mary Trotter Sign & publish the Same attached to this Sheet as her last will & testament on the day & year therein Stated as executed by her; that they witnessed the Same at her request in her presents [sic] and in the presence of each other, that the Same was voluntarily Executed by her while She was of Sound and disposing mind & memory.
Ellie Gibson Fannie Powell
to and Subscribed before me this the 21st day of Apri
1874. Joel Brewer, Ordinary
Fannie Power was Sworn to and Subscribed before me Apr
27th 1874. Joel Brewer, Ordinary"
3. Probate; 16 May 1874; Cedartown, Polk Co., GA. Polk Co. Record of Wills, Book A, Part 1, p. 56:
"Counter Affidavit of Fannie Powell
of Georgia, Polk County
Personally appeared before me Joel Brewer ordinary in and f
Said county, Fannie Powell, who after being duly Sworn deposeth & saith that She assigned the will of Mary Trotter hereto attached to this Sheet as a subscribing witness and that She also was qualified in the proving & probate of Said will as appears from the above affidavit and that the Same was read over to her by the ordinary before qualifying & being assigned by her, but that she did not understand what she was doing that she had never previous thereto been, nor Saw any one since and that she did not know truly that she was being sworn tho she had heard what she has since been informed to be an affidavit read & held up her right hand and also assigned said affidavit but as before stated was perfectly ignorant of the true intent & meaning of the Same. Said Deponent further Saith that in place of her assigning said will as a witness at the request of Said Mary Trotter while she was of sound and disposing mind and memory, that Mr. J. M. Trotter & his wife, Mary T. Trotter was the parties that requested deponent to assign said will as a witness and that she does not believe that Mrs. Mary Trotter was of Sound and disposing mind & memory or that the Same was Voluntarily executed by said Testator for the reasons to wit: That Testator was raised up by Mrs. Mary T. Trotter in a sitting position on the bed while a colored woman sat at said testators back to hold her up. Mrs. Mary T. Trotter then held Testators hand & fingers to the pen in one hand & assigned said will with the same. That J. M. Trotter & Mary T. Trotter his wife repeatedly called Testator but she did not answer except to groan. And that the Said Deponent believes that Mary Trotter the testator was at that time dying. Said deponent further Saith that upon being informed of the true intent & meaning of the first named affidavit as aforesaid that she voluntarily makes this the second one that the error may be corrected & justice done in the premises. [signed] Fannie Powell
to and Subscribed before me May 16th 1874. Joel Brew
Ordinary"
damning as this affidavit may have been, nothing came o
it and the probate of Mary's will and estate was accomplished by Dr. Trotter without incident.
4. Probate; 6 Jun 1874; Cedartown, Polk Co., GA. Ordinary Court of Polk Co., GA Hon. Joel Brewer, Ordinary Presiding
recorded in Minute Book A
177 To the Ordinary of said County, The petition o
James M. Trotter Respectfully showeth that Mary T. [surely this initial is an error, confusing the deceased with her daughter-in-law!] Trotter late of Said County departed this life on the 8th day of April last past leaving a considerable Estate both real and personal and that prior to that time she made her Last Will appointing therein your petitioner her Executor. He therefore prays that said will be proved in vacation and that an order do pass admitting same to Record and that Letters Testamentary do issue in terms of the law and as in duty bound your petitioner will ever be, this the 6th day of June 1874. [signed] J. M. Trotter
Before me came on this the 6th day of June 1874 in chamber
for the purpose of proving the last will and Testament of Mary T. (sic) Trotter, the witness to wit. Ellie Gibson and the will having been before that time brought before me for probate by the Executor James M. Trotter who has filed a petition for probate of the same. She the said witness depose and saith of the same that she saw said Mary Trotter sign and publish the same as her last will on the day and year then stated as executed by her, that Deponent saw Fannie Powell & W. J. Marion sign said will together with herself as witnesses, that they witnessed the same at Testators request in her presents (sic) and in presents (sic) of each other and that the same was voluntarily executed by Testator while she was of sound and disposing mind and memory. [signed] Ellie Gibson
to and subscribed before me this 6th day of June AD 1
[signed] Joel Brewer, Ordinary
5. Probate; 14 Jul 1874; Cedartown, Polk Co., GA. Record of Wills, Book A, Part 2 Joel Brewer, Ordinary in & for said County. To all to whom these presents shall come. Greeting. Know ye that on the sixth day of June 1874 the last will and testament of Mary Trotter late of said County was exhibited & proven in vacation and admitted to record at the regular term of the Court of Ordinary for said County on the sixth day of the present month July 1874. A copy of which is annexed duly certified at which time an order was also taken to allow James M. Trotter named Executor in said Will to qualify and that letters Testamentary should issue to him upon qualifying as such Executor. Now therefore the said James M. Trotter having taken the oath of office anu complica (?) with all necessary prerequisites of the law, said James M. Trotter is hereby authorized to discharge all the duties of an Executor on the will of Mary Trotter to administer the property of said deceased which is devised according to the will and the Law of the Land, and said James M. Trotter is hereby required to render a true and perfect Inventory and Appraisement of all and singular the goods & chattel rights & credits of said Deceased and make returns of them to the proper Court, and further to report annually to the same officer the situation of said Estate his actings & doings until his Executorship is fully discharged.
under my hand and affixed seal this the 14th day of J
1874. [signed] Joel Brewer, Ordinary Ex officio Clerk thereof of said county [Note: I did not find any further record of Dr. Trotter filing an annual return or any other documents regarding his mother's estate.]
Ordinary Court of Polk Co., GA
Hon. Joel Brewer, Ordinary Presiding
recorded in Minute Book A
Term 1874
186 The last will and Testament of Mary Trotter of S
county Deceased having been proven in vacation by one of the witnesses to witt Ellie Gibson on the 6th day of June 1874 who was one of the Subscribing witnesses thereto in common form of law, and upon motion it is ordered that Said will be admitted to record and that James M. Trotter the Executor named in Said will have leave to qualify as such, & upon him taking the oath of office then letters Testamentary will issue to him. [signed] Joel Brewer, Ordinary
do solemnly swear that this writing contains the last wil
of the within named Mary Trotter Deceased, so far as I know or believe and that I will and truly execute the same in accordance with the laws of this state so help me God. [signed] J. M. Trotter
to and subscribed before me July 14th 1874 [signed
Joel Brewer, Ordinary
6. Will; 7 Apr 1874; Cedartown, Polk Co., GA. see photocopy of her will in my file. Polk Co. Record of Wills, Book A, Part 1, pp. 55-56:
is the last will and testament of me Mary Trotter o
the County of Polk, State of Georgia. I will and bequeath my property of land with all of its tenements, appurtenances, rights and hereditaments and premises with all of my personal property which is situated lying and being in the Second District and fourth Section of Polk County and State of Georgia with all of my landed estate with its tenements, rights, appurtenances, hereditaments and premises with all personal property now lying & being in the Eighth Section of Orange County, Florida, with all other lands with improvements in Said county with personal property therein. And I do hereby give and bequeath all of my interest in the Estate with all rights and titles of property or money inherited from my husband, Benjamin Trotter, deceased, of the State of Indiana, all of which property and estate herein specified I will and bequeath to my son, James M. Trotter, during his life to use, control, enjoy, sell and convey and at his death to be the property of his heirs who may survive him which shall be equally divided among them. And I do constitute and appoint my son, James M. Trotter, the Executor of this my last will and testament who shall not be answerable to any one else for any act or Deed in any way connected with the disposition of my real or personal estate, money or property, Deeds, Bonds, Mortgages or accounts owned or inherited which I herein bequeath to him. And I do hereby revoke all former wills by me at anytime heretofore made or promises or declarations heretofore made. And I do declare this only to be my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have to this last will set my hand and seal. Mary X [her mark] Trotter (seal)
presence of us, Witnesses: Ellie Gibson, Fannie Powell
W. J. Marion
the Seventh day of April AD (1874) Eighteen Hundred an
Seventy four"
Mary was evidently fond of her step-granddaughter, Ellie Gibson, daughter of Dr. James M. Trotter's second wife. Ellie was one of the witnesses to Mary's will.
After the deaths of her son, George M. Trotter, and daughter, Adelaide, in the 1856 typhoid epidemic, Mary moved to Garrard Co. KY and lived a while with her son, Manning Cora Trotter, and his family (U.S.Census, 1860, Gerrard Co., KY). After M.C. died, Mary moved to Taylor Co. with his widow and children. Later Mary moved to Cedartown, Polk Co., GA to live with another son, Dr. James M. Trotter, and his family, until Mary's death in 1874.
There were 8 children born to Mary and Benjamin. The 1840 Census lists 6 boys and 1 girl. We know they had one more girl after that Census and that Stephen died before the next one.
Children from this marriage were:
12 M i. Jeremiah P. Trotter was born in 1822 in North Carolina and died after 1868 in Kentucky.
He married Lucretia __?__.
+ 13 M ii. Dr. James M. Trotter was born about 1824 in North Carolina and died on 10 Jun 1885 in Erin, TN.
+ 14 M iii. George W. Trotter 19 was born in 1826 in North Carolina, died on 22 Aug 1856 in Danville, Boyle Co., KY and was buried in Bellevue Cemetery, Danville, Boyle Co., Kentucky.
15 M iv. Stephen Jobez Trotter was born in 1827 in Oxford Twp., Butler Co., Ohio and died in 1833 in Oxford Twp., Butler Co., Ohio.
+ 16 M v. Manning Cora Trotter was born on 8 Aug 1830 in Oxford Twp., Butler Co., Ohio and died on 15 Oct 1867 in Lancaster, Garrard Co., KY.
17 F vi. Caroline Trotter was born in 1836 in Oxford Twp., Butler Co., Ohio and died after 185019.
18 F vii. Adelaide Trotter was born in 1840 in Oxford Twp., Butler Co., Ohio and died on 24 Aug 1856 in Danville, Boyle Co., KY.
She died in a typhoid epidemic in the same month as did her brother and his wife. She may be buried next to her brother and sister-in-law, but if so, she has no headstone.
19 M viii. Henry C. Trotter was born on an unknown date and died on an unknown date.
Fifth Generation (Great Great Grandchildren)
13. Dr. James M. Trotter was born about 1824 in North Carolina and died on 10 Jun 1885 in Erin, TN.
Dr. Trotter was named executor of his mother's estate in Aug 1874. At the time of her death, she was living with Dr. Trotter and his wife, Mary, in Cedartown, Polk Co., GA.
"The $500 Million Trotter Estate"
A packet of old letters, and handbill and a couple of yellowed newspaper clippings that told of a mysterious $500 Million estate left by an ancestor in England led George W. Trotter III, on a search that culminated in his writing a family history, which he has so generously shared with other family members and Trotter researchers.
Thirteen letters, over 100 yrs. old, were handed down to George by his grandmother, Hattie Marrs Trotter. They were sent toHattier by her husband's uncle, Dr. James M. Trotter. The letters were written over a 10-year period (1873-1883) from London England, and from towns and cities in FL, TN, IN and MS.
Here is the story they tell: Dr. Thomas Trotter of England owned large interests in the East India Company.
He retired to Scotland and died there in 1833 without heirs. His estate was inherited by his cousin [our Trotter ancestor], William Trotter of London, who married Caroline Dill of Scotland and immigrated to America. William Trotter was believed to have been a descendant of the Earl of Gowrie of Scotland.
In a letter from London dated 25 July 1873, Dr. James M. Trotter told his niece that "Thomas Trotter owned large interests in the East India Trading Company, which owned gold and diamond mines in the East Indies that were said to have produced $10,000 a month for 75 years." Thomas Trotter also owned several ships and large blocks of buildings in Liverpool, according to the letter.
That was the first time we hear of Dr. James M. Trotter. He told his niece he was there in London acting on behalf of the Trotter family in trying to recover the huge estate.
Dr. Trotter continued to mention the Trotter Estate in letters to his niece, Hattie Trotter, until 1883, but that is the last time we hear anything from him about the estate. Research by George Trotter has uncovered family histories and letters which include references to Dr. James M. Trotter, but neither proof of the huge estate nor verification of Dr. Thomas Trotter's stake in the East India Company has been found.
Dr. James M. Trotter is equally mysterious. He drops from view in 1883 and does not appear again, No one today seems to know if anyone received anything from the estate, OR what finally became of Dr. Trotter.
2 Jul 1868: The following letter is from Albert W. Trotter [relationship?] to Mr. William Levy, of Lexington, Ky. (complete with his maddening lack of punctuation):
"Dear Sir, After my respects to you and family will say I went to Lancaster and arrived the next day after I left your House and found no one of the Trotter name but one little girl about 10 or twelve years old a niece of M. C. Trotter [Lucy Jane Trotter would have been 13 that year but was small. Was she living alone at M. C.'s farm then?!] who my circular letter mentioned he [M.C.] died in October last so I learned from his Executor, one Mr. Sellers, of Lancaster and I also learned that his surviving family had gone to Campbellsville Taylor County The which Family consisted of the widow of M. C. Trotter & his Mother & nephew W. B. Trotter of all spoken of in my circular letter that I had at your House they all went away in February last I learned also that J. M. Trotter was a Brother of the deceased M. C. Trotter & I further ascertained J. P. Trotter to be a Brother of the deceased Mr. Sellers the Executor of M. C. Trotter read two letters from the immortal J. M. Trotter that he had got recently from him one from Indiannapolis Indiana & the other from Virginia within the Month of June last which shows he is still on hands somewhere in the Land of the living the Executor I inquired of who said he was very intimate with the deceased M. C. Trotter but he never heard him say anything about his family of connection with the Trotter family any way this family went to Lancaster as I understand before the war Mr. Sellers said he would write to the Family at Campbellsville Taylor County Ky and tell them to write to me soon in Millersburg & let me know what family of Trotters they are of as I gave him all the names of the Brothers & also the name of the great grandfather James Trotter sen. the Administrator seemed to have some faith in the account given in the newspapers and the circular letter that I showed him & think he will try and assist the family to trace their genealogy as he seemed interested being Executor of M. C. Trotters Estate when I get my letter from the family at Campbellsville I will endeavor to inform you as to the result of our correspondence and Post you in relation to what they say in future about the Progress they make here after about that Legacy in great Britton I want you when you get this to write immediately to J. M. Trotter if you have not already done it to Clarksville Tennessee and give him all the information you can concerning our family here in Ky as far back as you can trace it. will do no harm as he will be apt to be their on the fourth of July according to appointment by himself I feel satisfied that you can trace back as far as any one can respecting the family decent at the Present as you have letters and Papers in your Possession that will Enable to do so at this time I want you by all means to write soon if you have not written already so it will reach their about the fourth of July and when you get an answer from J. M. Trotter write and let me know the result of his letter to you as I will have a good deal of curiosity to learn from you through him all about the convention in Clarksville Tennessee I hope we will continue to keep each other posted as to the Progress we may make hereafter about that Legacy if we get to have any more faith in obtaining it here after I wish you would have a conversation with Gen. Combs & John Tilford Respecting that Legacy if you think it necessary and see what they think about it they might have a desire to obtain a circular letter from the Attorney in Boston Mass as John Tilford might have confidence in the firm as he is a Business man & would be apt to know all about whether it would be necessary Proceed farther in the future concerning the Legacy as he is also an heir to the Estate if we are we certainly have able men among our Relations here to Investigate the Matter satisfactorily and leave nothing unturned Yours A. W. Trotter"
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25 Jul 1873 - Dr. Trotter wrote his "cousins, nephews and nieces" from London, England. Refers to having spent 15 years and $23,000 of his money trying to claim the Trotter fortune.
30 Dec 1879 - Dr. Trotter writes to his nephew and nieces from Jacksonville, Fl. He is lonely, and touring Florida. He wishes they would come there to live.
Jan 1880 - Dr. Trotter wrote to Judge Brewer asking if he would collect $30 from E. A. Baker (Ellington Gibson's husband) for farming implements according to their rent contract. Perhaps Mr. Baker never knew where to find Dr. Trotter? James also asked the Judge if he would attend to the raising and educating of Eva "who is entitled to the rents for certain lands of the Gibson place which were purchased for her in her name with money donated by her grandmother Mrs. Mary Trotter deceased." Also asked the Judge to be sure Eva received packages he was sending her. But could this letter have been sent if Hattie Trotter had it in her possession? Perhaps this was a copy?
17 Jun 1880 - Dr. Trotter wrote his nephew and nieces from Trotters Store TN. He says to write to him next at Knoxville, TN.
15 Sep 1800 - Clyde Gibson, age 12, and Eva Southmill Trotter, age 7, both died of diphtheria in Cedar Town.
7 Nov 1880 - From Quitman, MS Dr. Trotter writes his nephew & nieces saying he is trying to sell his land there. He thinks he will go to Arkansas and Texas to see more Trotters. He has bargained for a grist mill and cotton gin in Florida near the St. Johns River. He speaks of getting Eva, not knowing yet that she is dead, and taking her to live in Florida with him. He thinks he will be back down there by January 1. He tells them they can write to him at Jackson, Hinds Co., MS.
28 Oct 1881 - From Inka, MS Dr. Trotter writes his nieces. No one is answering his letters. He has been sick for 6 weeks. Now he says it has been 15 years and $20,000 of his own money spent trying to recover the Trotter fortune. He asks their help with his Georgia case. I have no idea what this may be! Tells them they can write him at Columbus, MS. He says Eva is dead and he is very unhappy.
10 Jun 1882 - From Lewisburg, TN Dr. Trotter writes Hattie & Lucy Trotter saying he can't bear the silence of their not answering his letters. He is hurt and upset with them all. Says he returned last year from Europe and went on to Texas and Mexico. Plans to return to Florida in the fall. Tells them they may write to him at Pulaski, Giles Co., TN. He speaks of dying and sounds bitter and lonely.
June 1882 is the date of the flyer in our files of a phrenology presentation Dr. Trotter would be giving in some community for 3 nights.
31 Dec 1882 - From Huntington, TN Dr. Trotter writes his nieces, again saying he has not heard from them for a long time. He came there "to look at a farm and town property that I am about trading some of my Florida land for." He's tired of working for the Trotter heirs and paying his own expenses. He wonders who will want his property when he dies.
30 Jun 1883 - From Indianapolis, IN Dr. Trotter wrote to Hattie, and his nieces. He is sad and among strangers. He begs them to write to him. He says he will write to Lucy and to Jimmie. Could Jimmie have moved to Kentucky? He mentions going again to Europe. This is the last document we have regarding Dr. Trotter.
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Following is a verbatim transcription of a newspaper article from "The Indianapolis Journal," Monday, March 19, 1883:
"THE TROTTER ESTATE. What One of the Heirs to $500,000,000, now in This City, Has to Say. A Final Effort Being Made by the Heirs to Recover What is Due - An Interesting Story.
"Interest in the famous Trotter estate, which periodically comes to the surface of public attention, is being revived, and it is now thought that there is some probability of the heirs soon securing a part, if not all, of the many millions which have long rusted in the Bank of England awaiting the establishment of legal claims. The entire estate is estimated at about $500,000,000 and was originally scattered over Europe - England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, but under the administration of the government courts it has been reduced largely to funds. This wealth, which seems fabulous in its enormity, was left 55 years ago by the death of Dr. Thomas Trotter, of the East India Company, and by his cousin, William Trotter, of London, a descendant of the Earl of Gowery, Scotland. The estate left by the two, with its accumulation of value, is estimated at about $200,000,000 and $300, 000,000 more, left by the house of Gifford, Great Britain, is claimed by the family, making in all $500,000,000. Before an estate can be divided, it is required, under the laws of England, that all the members of the family shall file their claims, with sufficient and satisfactory evidence that they are legal heirs. At the time of the death of the two millionaires there were only three or four members of the Trotter family living in England, the others having all emigrated to America and settled in widely separated parts of the country, making it impractical for them to readily get matters in the proper shape for realising from the estate. The exasperating condition in which the immense fortune was kept beyond their graves had a discouraging effect, and, as no move was made to have it settled according to the tedious form required, it was permitted to lie for years without any united effort being made to get possession of it.
"THE AMERICAN HEIRS. Many of the members of the family in America were aware that they were entitled to a share of the unsettled estate, but not until the cose of the late [Civil] war was any effort made to obtain possession of it. A majority of the descendants who had come to this country had settled in the South and become slave-holders, and in the adversities of the war they were reduced from wealth to poverty. The English estate was then thought of, and a London attorney was employed to look after their interests. Becoming dissatisfied with his management of the case, however, a letter was written asking the advice of United States Minister Motley, and, upon his recommendation, C. M. Fisher, a distinguished London barrister was employed. Mr. Fisher, after a year or two, reported that the estate was in a condition to be recovered, but that it was necessary that the American heirs should act in unity, and every member of the family, dead or alive, should be represented. Accordingly, in behalf of the family, Dr. J. M. Trotter, of Virginia, began the work of fathering all information that could be obtained which would be of any aid in establishing the claims of the heirs. He has been engaged in this work for nearly 15 years, and in the prosecution of it has traveled over America, visiting every State in the Union, besides spending several years in Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland and South America. A genealogical history of the family has been compiled from the mass of information collected in these researches, and will be published by the Doctor. In the meantime, however, dissatisfaction arose among some of the members of the family, who became suspicious from causes which could not be explained, and proceedings were seriously delayed. As harmonious relations could not be brought about, the whole matter was abandoned for the time, and for nearly six years no further effort was made to establish the claims of the heirs.
"UNITED EFFORTS. Another movement was made, however, which resulted in a convention of the heirs being held at Clarksville, Tenn., on the 4th of July, 1878, with the heads of 30 families in attendance, but nothing was accomplished by the meeting, as the representation was too small for concerted action. At the solicitation of J. H. McClosky, of Vinciennes, a second convention was held in this city on the 5th of August following, when Dr. J. M. Trotter was chosen to take charge of all documents necessary to establish the claims of the heirs and to employ attorneys to press the case. He has since devoted his time to working on the matter, having visited Europe and had two interviews with Queen Victoria relative to the estate.
In the embarrassing intervals which elapsed during the dissatisfaction in the family, the lawyer who had been working up the case, C. M. Fisher, died, and shortly after the convention held in this city Dr. Trotter, in behalf of the families in America, entered into a contract with W. A. Cook and C. C. Cole, of Washington, D.C. for the collection of the claims for 20% of the amount recovered. These attorneys are very confident that they can obtain possession of the estate, and offer to make no charges other than the per cent upon the amount actually paid to the heirs.
"WHAT DR. TROTTER SAYS. Dr. J. M. Trotter is now in the city and will remain for some time. He feels very confident that possession of the estate will now be obtained as soon as the claims of the heirs are properly presented in England. He has held conventions of the Trotter families in different parts of the United States, and has collected a mass of documents which will be forwarded to the attorneys, who are now waiting for the evidence required to establish claims before they can proceed. He, therefore, asks all members of the Trotter family to forward to him documents conferring power of attorney, with a remittance of $25 to defer their share of the expenses. There are 176 members of the family in this country who are heirs to the estate, and from among these the following named persons have been appointed trustees to act in conjunction with Dr. J. M. Trotter in pressing the case to a settlement: W. H. Hendricks, M.D. and John S. Parsons, M.D. of Indianapolis; William B. Trotter of Carrsville, Ky; H. Hayes, Gosport, Ind.; James Sebree, Springfield, Ill., Milton Trotter, Decatur, Ill.; N. F. Trotter, Jackson, Ark.; P. C. Trotter, Cameron, Mo.; J. F. Trotter, Trotter's Store, Tenn.; A. D. Trotter, Staunton, Va.; W. E. Trotter, Vinton, Miss.; Dr. W. C. Phillips, Austin, Tex.; D. M. Trotter, St. Charles, Ky.; Mrs. Eliza Trotter's agent, Santa Rosa, Cal.; Alexander Trotter, Eddyville, Ia.; Samuel Trotter, Chatham, Canada; Robert Morrison, Pittsburg, Pa; John A. Organ, Lawrenceville, Va; Dr. William H. Trotter, Sevierville, Tenn.; John C. Trotter, Portsmouth, O.; Major M. R. Marks, Wilcox, Fla; Addington Violet, New Orleans, La; Hon. M. H. Wellborn, Washington, Ga.; H. G. Trotter, Franklin, N.C.; J. H. McClosky, Bruceville, Ind.; Dr. Norville of Jeffersonville; Joseph Tarwalter, Warrington, N.C.; Mrs. T. E. Ellsworth, West Richfield, O.; Dr. W.M.H. Trotter, Sevierville, N.C. Dr. Trotter will remain in this city indefinitely, and all communications relating to the estate should be directed to him here."
NOTE: The newspaper article refers to Dr. J. M. Trotter, "of Virginia." Wonder why? Also, "Dr. Trotter is now in the city and will remain for some time." What happened to his dreams of Florida or the property deal in Huntington, TN?
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SUPPLEMENT to an Article regarding the Trotter Estate in Europe Published in the Indianapolis Journal of March 19, 1883:
"This is no PERIODICAL STORY COMING TO THE SURFACE. The facts are from the highest authority of Great Britain, and has been worked up for the interest of all who will be represented. It has been agreed that every person by the name of Trotter, who is white and married, or old enough to be married, and will furnish their Genealogical History, and power of attorney certified to by the Notary Public, Clerk of the County Court and Secretary of the State and County in which they live, and send them, together with $25 for each and every one to be represented, to J. M. Trotter, M.D. in post-office money order, and that in registered Letters to Indianapolis, Indiana, shall be entitled to representation, and receive an equal share of whatsoever is collected of said Trotter estates as fast as it is paid over. All whose post-office address is known, will be notified, and are requested to notify all others that they may know of to send their documents and money before or by the 10th day of May, or all of the trustees whose names are published who can, are expected to meet at Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 10th of May, at which time the business will be closed at that time, and too late for any further concert of action which can never be had if this opportunity fails, and nothing can be done without a concert of action of a majority of 175 families. Dr. Trotter represents 135 families at this time. To bring about a concert of action, Dr. Trotter being the President of various conventions, and the Empowered attorney representing 136 Trotters who can identify themselves, he has appointed the gentlemen whose names are published in the Journal of March 19, Rev. W. H. Hendrick, M.D., John S. Parsons, M.D. as his executive trustees to render all the assistance they can to induce all of the other trustees to get all Trotters that they may know of to prepare and send their documents and money as above directed before or by the 10th of May, 1883, and if it is suitable, and the appointed trustees in a majority, agree and so announce it in a paper and send a copy to all others, then all who can will be expected to meet at the Grand Hotel, in Indianapolis, on the 10th of May, at 2 o'clock, after which time, all who have not complied with the above requirement will be cut off, and representation would do no good. No one has any right to expect representation unless they do comply with the order of the business as directed. As an item of interest to all who wish to know, the Great Grand ancestor of Dr. J. M. Trotter was the Earl of Gowery, Scotland. All letters containing postage-stamps directed to him at Indianapolis, Indiana, will receive prompt attention.
J. M. TROTTER, M.D., President W. H. Kendrick, M.D. ) Executive John S. Parsons, M.D.) Trustees
"Dr. J. M. Trotter receives Subscriptions for his scientific Biographical and Genealogical History of all the Trotters of Europe and America and of the Crowned Heads and the Moddle Wowam (??) of the World. Queen Victoria, whose portrait he has used many years to illustrate his lectures of Human character. He is now forming companies to locate lands, build factories, orange groves and homes in Southern Florida, the best climate and garden spot of the world, where he is building up the Ponce De Leon Medical Infirmary to receive and treat patients for all kinds of Diseases. Everyone who wishes their history published in the Magic Mirror, or Key to Character and Genealogical History of the Trotter families, will send their photograph to J. M. Trotter, M.D."
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Following is a verbatim transcription of a handbill apparently handed out by Dr. Trotter. There is a large drawing of a human head with spots designated as self-esteem, hope, firmness, memory, and other characteristics usually referenced in the pseudo-science, phrenology. According to Webster's Dictionary, that is "a system, now rejected, by which an analysis of character could allegedly be made by studying the shape and protuberances of the skull." -
"EVERYBODY IS INTERESTED! THE LADIES ESPECIALLY INVITED! At the Presbyterian Church, on the 8th, 9th and 10th of June, 1882, beginning at 8 o'clock P.M. 1st Lecture Free to All. 25cts. Admission for every lecture after the first one is given for Charitable Purposes by J. M. TROTTER, M.D., of Virginia, Author of "The Magic Mirror" and "Keys to Human Character." Have your Head Examined and get a chart.
"The Book contains a Chart in which Dr. Trotter records the character and talent of those he examines; teaching what Organs to cultivate or restrain for success in Study, Education, Business or Profession, and the kind of companion to select to insure a happy marriage relation.
"Dr. Trotter uses splendid portraits of great men, women and children of all sects, classes and ages, to illustrate and teach the science of Physiology, The Temperaments, Phrenology and the Laws of Health. He teaches classes of Twenty or more - of gentlemen - the practical science of Phrenology for $5 each, and admits an equal number of ladies, free of charge, to a course of ten lectures and insures success.
"For full Examination, Book and Chart, $2.50. He examines and prescribes for patients for reasonable terms. He receives and treats patients at his Medical Infirmary in South Florida without charge, unless they are benefitted.
"TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN! LOOK TO YOUR INTERESTS!
"$200,000,000 of the Trotter estates in Europe, Dr. J. M. Trotter being an heir and empowered attorney, he has employed lawyers who are waiting for the documents of all who have not furnished them according to conventional enactments, when it was agreed that all Trotter families who were represented should be entitled to an equal share of whatever may be collected. There are 168 family heirs; he represents 132 families and hereby calls on all others to send him their documents before it is too late.
"Dr. Trotter is recommended by leading executive heads of Europe and America as being a prompt, reliable business gentleman of high integrity; unrivalled as a Scientific Delineator of Character and Disease, and eminent and successful physician, and a great Philanthropist. He is President of a Virginia Emigration and Manufacturing Association and invites all who feel interested in the above subjects to call on him at the" [left blank]
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In my file, there is a very poor quality photocopy of an old, undated, wrinkled newspaper article. It was found among the possessions of Hattie Marrs Trotter, widow of Dr. Trotter's nephew, William Benjamin Trotter. She died in 1933. The text follows:
"TROTTER'S TREASURE
A Drunken Tramp with Over One Thousand Dollars in Cash Lying Paralyzed for Hours in Sulphur Spring Bottom
A telephone message was received at the police station yesterday afternoon to the effect that a man was lying drunk in the Sulphur Spring bottom, a short distance to the left of Summer Street. Officer Womack was sent after him with a wagon. He found in the place indicated a man, possibly over 50 years old, lying on the ground in a stupor, which was either the result of whisky or opium. He was shabbily dressed and was in a horribly filthy condition, growing out of his intoxication. On attempting to move him it was found that the man was paralyzed on his left side. He was lifted into an express wagon and hauled to the police station. His shaggy white beard, disheveled hair and wild appearance earned him the nicknames of "Rip Van Winkle" and "Santa Claus" from several persons who were present when the wagon drew up in front of the door of the police station. He looked like the most inveterate of all bums and it was hardly considered worth while to search him. Just as he was about to be lifted out of the wagon, a large protuberance inside his sock on the ankle of the right leg attracted attention.
"The police officers thought the man's leg must be broken at the ankle. Officer Womack took hold of the leg and asked him what was the matter with it. The old fellow looked up rather apprehensively and said in a hoarse and gutteral voice, "There ain't anything the matter with that foot that I know of." The lump was then felt and was found so soft that it was clear there was something stuffed in the sock. Turning the latter down, a large and fine Mexican leather pocket-book was drawn out and handed to Capt. Kerrigan. To the astonishment of everyone present, including an American reporter, the book was found literally stuffed full of money. A soiled and greasy looking rag was first pulled out and in it were found two twenty-dollar gold pieces and six five-dollar gold pieces, making $70 in all.
"An immense roll of paper money was then taken out. The bills were packed as closely together as possible and looked as though they had not been disturbed for years. They were carefully counted by Capt. Kerrigan and aggregated $965. There were in this sum three one hundred dollar bills, one of which was of rather suspicious appearance, and was marked across the face as if it had been rejected by some bank, two fifty dollar bills, a large number of twenties, numerous tens and a few fives. Two dollars in silver and a little small change was also found on the old man's person. Lying on the commons, paralyzed and probably drunk, no one knows how many hours with one thousand and thirty seven dollars in his sock, as well as a valuable gold watch and massive gold chain in his vest, the old man's escape from robbery is wonderful, and is enough to make Nashville thugs who take a pride in their business ashamed of themselves.
"The old man said his name was Dr. J. M. Trotter and that he was from Virginia. He seemed dazed and unable to express himself but stated that he arrived in the city yesterday and slept in a wagon the night before. When asked how he got his money, he said that he had had it a long time and that he had made it lecturing. He claimed that he had once lectured in Nashville. A number of red tickets, price 25 cents, to lectures by Dr. J. M. Trotter, were found in his pockets. Some rude memoranda in which the item of 3.50 per week for board appeared very frequently, were also found. He had only one letter. This letter was dated McComb, Miss., July 30, and was addressed to Dr. J. M. Trotter, Nashville, and had been forwarded from here to Summertown, Tenn. It was an ardent love letter, commenced "Darling" and was signed "Ada." The orthography was open to criticism. The doctor will be held and investigated as well as the suspicious looking one hundred dollar bill."
James married Adelia Lockhart on 18 Feb 1844 in Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana. The marriage ended in divorce before Jun 1868.
The marriage license was dated 14 Feb 1844. (see copy in my file)
Location of divorce was Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana
Children from this marriage were:
20 M i. (Son) Trotter was born in 1845 in Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana and died on 25 Jun 1849 in Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana.
James next married Mary T. "Mollie" Hurst. The marriage ended in divorce before 27 Jun 1878.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
21 F i. Eva Southmill Trotter was born in 1873 in Polk Co., GA and died on 15 Sep 1880 in Cedartown, Polk Co., GA.
She is mentioned in her father's letters.
Jan 1880 - Dr. Trotter wrote to Judge Brewer asking if he would attend to the raising and educating of Eva "who is entitled to the rents for certain lands of the Gibson place which were purchased for her in her name with money donated by her grandmother Mrs. Mary Trotter deceased." Also asked the Judge to be sure Eva received packages he was sending her. But could this letter have been sent if Hattie Trotter had it in her possession? Perhaps this was a copy?
7 Nov 1880 - From Quitman, MS Dr. Trotter writes his nephew & nieces saying he is trying to sell his land there. He thinks he will go to Arkansas and Texas to see more Trotters. He has bargained for a grist mill and cotton gin in Florida near the St. Johns River. He speaks of getting Eva, not knowing yet that she is dead, and taking her to live in Florida with him. He thinks he will be back down there by January 1. He tells them they can write to him at Jackson, Hinds Co., MS.
14. George W. Trotter 19 was born in 1826 in North Carolina, died on 22 Aug 1856 in Danville, Boyle Co., KY and was buried in Bellevue Cemetery, Danville, Boyle Co., Kentucky.
In the 1850 Census he is recorded as owning real estate valued at $3, 500.
Page 349, Dwelling #35, Family #41 -
TROTTER, George W. 24 M farmer NC
Sarah J. 21 F KY
Benjamin W. 1 M KY
Mary 49 F NC
Adelaide 10 F NC
Caroline 11 F NC
In a deed of partition dated 8 Mar 1851 George and Sarah Trotter received from Hezekiah M. Riley and his wife (Sarah's mother, Hezekiah being her second husband) Christiana, a tract of land on the Salt River in Boyle Co.; also 5 slaves, all of which were owned by Sarah's late father, William Hogsett who had died in 1848 (Boyle Co. Deed Book 4, p. 50). About a month later on 4 Apr 1851 George and Sarah entered into a contract with Speed Smith Fry (later a Union Army General) of Danville, as Trustee for Sarah Compton and her children, selling land "on Salt River waters and on the Turnpike road leading from Danville to Perryville" (Boyle Co. Deed Book 4, pp. 94-95). Speed Fry was a Judge in Boyle Co.
George and Sarah's orphaned children are thought to have been taken in by a Catholic children's home, although I am unable to locate it. St. Catharine's, in nearby Washington Co., had a fire in 1903 that destroyed much of their old records. If they took in orphans such as these, the records are long gone. Both grandmothers were living.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Occupation; Boyle Co., KY. farmer and land owner
George married Sarah Jane Robertson Hogsett, daughter of William Hogsett and Christiana Mcnair Hawkins, on 7 Oct 1847 in Boyle Co., KY.
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Baptism; 30 May 1829. This date is recorded in the family Bible.
2. Name Sake. paternal grandmother
Sherron Westerfield Moore has a photo of Sarah Jane, her husband, and son, Ben.
This date recorded in the Bible of her mother, Christiana McNair Hawkins Hogsett, as October 7th Anodomini 1848, a year and 5 days after the marriage bond. Not likely accurate. No doubt recorded some time after the event.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 22 M i. William Benjamin ("Ben") Trotter was born on 5 May 1849 in Boyle Co., KY and died on 19 Jun 1930 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
23 F ii. Mary Margaret Mcnair Trotter was born on 26 Jan 1850 in Boyle Co., KY, died on 28 Jan 1940 in Stanford, Lincoln Co., KY and was buried on 30 Jan 1940 in Buffalo Spring Cemetery, Stanford, Lincoln Co., KY.
She was only 6-1/2 when she and her siblings were orphaned. She had no children of her own, but raised her niece, Nancy Mae Marrs.
Noted events in her life were:
County of Lincoln
- 1.Probate; 11 Mar 1940; Stanford, Lincoln Co., KY. "State of Kentucky
I, V. C. Gilliland, Clerk of the Lincoln County Court, do h
ereby certify that the foregoing paper purporting to be the last will and testament of Mrs. Mary Wlmore, was offered for probate it being a regular term of the Lincoln County Court, and the same being proven by the oath of Lewis J. Jones, one of the attesting witnesses to said paper, who being duly sworn stated that said paper was signed and acknowledged by the said Mrs. Mary Elmore to be her last will and Testament in his presence and in the presence of J. S. Owsley, the other attesting witness and that they each signed said paper in her presence and in the presence of each other and at her request. It is therefore adjudged by the court that said paper is the true last will and testament of the said Mrs. Mary Elmore and is ordered to record as such and the same has been reocrded in Will Book #7, page 310.
Witness my hand this March 11, 1940. [signed] V. C. Gillil
and, Clerk"
2. Will; 25 Mar 1920; Stanford, Lincoln Co., KY. see Will Book 7, at p. 310
"I, Mrs. Mary Elmore, being of sound mind and disposing mem
ory, and knowing the uncertainty of life do make this my last Will and testament; I first direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid and I bequeath all of the remainder of my estate of whatsoever kind I may die possessed to my niece Mrs. Nannie Marrs Westerfield for and during her natural life with remainder to the heirs of her body.
I hereby appoint my said niece Mrs. Nannie Marrs Westerfiel
d the Executrix of my estate with full power to sell transfer and convey any or all of my estate for the purpose of reinvestment or in the event it is necessary to settle my estate and request the Court to require no bond of her as such Executrix.
Given under my hand at Stanford, Ky., this the 25th day o
f March, 1920.
[signed] Mrs. Mary Elmore
Signed and acknowledged by the testatrix Mrs. Mary Elmore i
n our presence and attested by us by her request, in her presence and in the presence of each other this the 25th day of March, 1920. [signed] J. S. Owsley, Lewis J. Jones."
3. Executor's Bond; 11 Mar 1940; Stanford, Lincoln Co., KY. see Executor's Bond Book, at p. 100
"Whereas Mrs. Nannie Marrs Westerfield has been appointed
, and has qualified as Executor of Mrs. Mary Elmore, deceased,
Now, we, Mrs. Nannie Marrs Westerfield, as principal, and L
ogan Westerfield, Jr., surety, do hereby covenant to and with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, in the penal sum of $700.00, that the said Mrs. Nannie Marrs Westerfield will well and truly administer, according to law, the goods, chattels, credits, and effects that may come to her hands, and the proceeds of any sale, and the Rents and Profits of any Estate which may come to her hands, or any one for her by color of her office, which the will empowers her to sell, and will make a just and true account of all her actings and doings therein, and will further well and truly pay and deliver all the legacies specified in said will, as far as the goods, chattels, credits and other effects will extend.
And we further covenant, that, Mrs. Nannie Marrs Westerfiel
d will make a proper distribution of any surplus effects to the persons entitled thereto.
This 11 day of March, 1940. [signed] Mrs. Nannie Marrs Wes
terfield, Logan Westerfield, Jr.
Attest: V. C. Gilliland, Clerk, Lincoln County Court"
+ 24 F iii. Lucy Jane Trotter was born on 28 Jul 1855 in Boyle Co., KY and died on 15 Oct 1943 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
16. Manning Cora Trotter was born on 8 Aug 1830 in Oxford Twp., Butler Co., Ohio and died on 15 Oct 1867 in Lancaster, Garrard Co., KY.
Other children included: Mondora B. "Dora," Eugenia D., Manning Cora Jr., and Laura Bell.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Occupation. carriage maker
Manning married Mary George Crouch on 9 Oct 1852.
In February of 1868 the widow Trotter removed with her children, and nephew Ben Trotter, to Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
see 1870 Census for Taylor Co., KY, Precinct #2
Trotter, Mary B. 30 F W Farmer $2,500 real estate value KY (a widow)
Sarah G. 16 F W at home KY
Darah B. 12 F W at home KY
Eugene 10 F W at home
Laura 4 F W at homeCouch, Oliver 25 M W works on farm $1,200 real estate KY (Mary's brother?)Trotter, William B. 22 M W works on farm $1,000 real estate KY (orphaned nephew)
Children from this marriage were:
+ 25 F i. Sarah Jane Trotter was born in Jul 1854 in Garrard Co., KY and died on an unknown date.
Sixth Generation (3rd Great Grandchildren)
22. William Benjamin ("Ben") Trotter was born on 5 May 1849 in Boyle Co., KY and died on 19 Jun 1930 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
William Benjamin was orphaned at the age of 8 when his parents died of typhoid fever in Boyle Co, KY. He reportedly ran away from a Catholic orphanage when he was 12 and sought out his his uncle, Manning Cora Trotter, and family in Lancaster, Lincoln Co., KY, where he lived until his uncle died in 1867. William then moved with his widowed aunt, Mary Crouch Trotter, and cousins to Taylor Co., KY.
see 1870 Census for Taylor Co., KY, Precinct #2
Trotter, Mary B. 30 F W Farmer $2,500 real estate value KY (a widow)
Sarah G. 16 F W at home KY
Darah B. 12 F W at home KY
Eugene 10 F W at home
Laura 4 F W at homeCouch, Oliver 25 M W works on farm $1,200 real estate KY (Mary's brother?)Trotter, William B. 22 M W works on farm $1,000 real estate KY (orphaned nephew)
In 1873 Ben was living in Minterville, Casey Co., KY.
Ben remained in Taylor Co. for the remainder of his life. For many years he was town marshal of Campbellsville. He was active for more than 30 years in the Masonic Order and served as tyler of both Pitman Lodge, F&AM, and Taylor Chapter, Royal Arch Masons No. 9, for more than 25 yrs.
The Trotters lived in a house at 103 West Second Street in Campbellsville that had been built in the early 1800's by Hattie Trotter's father, William Richard Marrs. It was originally of log construction. Remodeled several times, it served as the birthplace for 2 later generations of the Trotter family. As of 1991, it remained in the Trotter family.
William married Harriet "Hattie" Elizabeth Marrs, daughter of William Richard Marrs and Nancy Henry Smith, on 15 May 1879 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
Hattie was a member of the Methodist Church. In her obituary, published 11 May 1933 in the Campbellsville News-Journal, she was noted as "the last member of a family of 15 children," and that she was "held in the highest esteem by all who knew her." She had two children, one of which died in infancy.
see Taylor Co. Marriages, Book 8, p.685. George W. Redmon signed the bond. They were married by W. H. C. Sandidge at the home of "Mrs. Marr's." The bond indicates erroneously that his father was born in VA and his mother born in Boyle Co.
newspaper announcement: "MARRIED. MARR-TROTTER - At 6 o'clock [?!] Thursday morning, May 15, at the residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. Marr, Mr. W. B. Trotter to Miss Hattie E. Marr, both of Campbellsville. They left for a visit to Harrodsburg, Ky., where they will spend a few days with their relatives. [who?] 'Of all the jous this world can give, There's none that can compare, With that pure bliss that ever crowns, A virtuous wedding pair.' W. H. C. Sandidge"
This date is recorded in the Marrs Family Bible in the possession of James W. Marrs, Campbellsville, KY.
Hattie and her brother, James Will, married Trotter siblings.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 26 M i. George M. Trotter was born on 7 May 1885 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY, died on 14 Nov 1941 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and was buried on 16 Nov 1941 in Brookside Cemetery, Campbellsville, KY.
24. Lucy Jane Trotter was born on 28 Jul 1855 in Boyle Co., KY and died on 15 Oct 1943 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
She and her siblings were orphaned in 1856 when Lucy Jane was 13 months old.
After the death of her first husband, she married J. W. Morris.
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Cause of Death. pneumonia
Lucy married James Will Marrs, son of William Richard Marrs and Nancy Henry Smith, on 13 Jun 1872 in Stanford, Lincoln Co., KY.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Occupation; 1870; Taylor County, Kentucky. cattle dealer and farmer
- Taylor Co. Census, 1870
2. Cause of Death. stroke According to his granddaughter, Lucy Jane Westerfield Martin.
On the 1891 Tax List, James W. Marrs is shown with personal property valued at $187, but no real property.
He is listed in the 1900 Taylor Co. Census, Vol. 69, District 3, E.D. 117, Sheet 11, Line 14
The months and years of their births are given as follows:
James W. Marrs Jan. 1851 49 years of ageLucy July 1856 43 married 27 years, 10 children living
Mary C. March 1876 23
Bessie Dec. 1878 21
Eva S. May 1881 19
Maggie Nov. 1883 16
William Oct. 1887 13
Benjamin Dec. 1889 11
Hugh July 1891 9
James W. May 1894 6
George Oct. 1897 2
This date recorded in the Bible of her grandmother, Christiana McNair Hawkins Hogsett Riley. Lucy Jane and her brother, William, married Marrs siblings.
This date is also recorded in the Marrs Family Bible in the possession of James W. Marrs, Campbellsville, KY.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 27 F i. Nancy Mae ("Nan" Or "Nannie") Marrs was born on 4 Aug 1873 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY, died on 8 May 1967 in Covington, Kenton Co., KY and was buried on 11 May 1967 in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erlanger, Kenton Co., KY.
28 F ii. Mary Catherine Marr was born on 20 Mar 1876 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on an unknown date in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
Mary never married. She lived on the family farm all her life.
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Name Sake. her paternal aunt
29 F iii. Eva Southmill Marrs was born on 15 May 1877 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 28 Nov 1959 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
She and Nick adopted a daughter, Mary Ellen.
Noted events in her life were:
Eva's mother, Lucy, was a favorite niece of Dr. James M. Trotter. His only child, Eva Southmill Trotter, was only 7 when she died 15 Sep 1880, bringing him much sorrow. It appears Lucy named her baby to honor her uncle.
- 1.Name Sake. Eva Southmill Trotter, her mother's first cousin.
Eva married Nicholas W. ("Nick") Cowherd on 2 Sep 1902 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
30 F iv. Elizabeth ("Bessie") Marrs was born on 3 Dec 1879 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died in 1902 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
Bessie suffered a bad burn in 1880. The incident was mentioned in a letter of Dr. James W. Trotter to his niece, Hattie Marr Trotter.
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Name Sake. her paternal aunt, Elizabeth Marrs
31 F v. Margaret ("Maggie") Marrs was born on 5 Nov 1884 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 12 Sep 1960 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
Maggie never married. She lived on the family farm all her life.
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Name Sake. her great aunt, Margaret Marrs
32 M vi. William Elmore ("Will") Marrs was born on 10 Oct 1886 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 11 Dec 1950 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
He never married, but fathered an illegitimate son = Ray Kooncz.
Aunt Lucy told me the story of how her Uncle Bill hid money in the rafters upstairs in the family farm house in Campbellsville. His brother, George, found some of the money once and took it with him to church. Finding "a large bill" in the collection plate, somehow the minister knew to attribute the deed to George Marrs and told his family. Must have caused quite a ruckus!
Our distant cousin, George Trotter, who in 1999 lives in Buckner, KY, just North of Louisville, said he attended high school with Ray Kooncz but at that time had no idea he and Ray were cousins!
When Will died his estate amounted to $2,202.86, all cash on deposit at the bank.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Name Sake. in part, for Mose Elmore, husband of his mother's sister
+ 33 M vii. Benjamin Black ("Ben") Marrs was born on 8 Dec 1889 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 10 May 1960 in Borden, IN.
34 M viii. Hugh Vaughn Marrs was born on 6 Jul 1891 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 10 Jan 1968 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
Hugh never married. He lived on the family farm all his life. I have a photo of him dressed in a suit and sitting atop a horse in Campbellsville. He appears to be about 20 years old.
35 M ix. James Will (J. W.) Marrs Jr. was born on 13 May 1894 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 12 Aug 1956 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
J. W. never married. He lived on the family farm all his life.
J. W. was appointed the personal representative of the estate of his brother, Will. He was sworn in as such on 29 Jan 1951 and submitted an inventory showing nothing but cash on deposit at the bank.
Aunt Lucy said her Uncle Jim and George Trotter, Sr. did not come to Antie's funeral (Mary Margaret McNear Trotter Elmore) because they claimed not to have decent clothes to wear. But they both appeared clean and well-dressed for the reading of her will!
Velma Marrs Hansen told me that when his niece Margery (her sister) was going to graduate from high school, he went to their house. He thought it would be nice to give her a gift. Eva had bought some items for her own hope chest. Uncle Jim went and got 6 spoons out of Eva's silverware, wrapped them up, and gave them to Margery as a present from Aunt Mary and Aunt Maggie. Eva got married and later decided she really didn't need the silver. She was going to sell it in a yard sale, and told Margery that she would sell it to her if she'd like it since she already had six spoons. Eva never realized that her missing spoons were the same ones that Margery had. Eva thought they had simply gotten lost. Margery said she thought she knew where her spoons probably came from. This was 30 years after the gift of the spoons!
His brother, Ben Marrs was the Administrator of his estate. On 24 May 1957 he submitted an inventory showing the total value of $13,492.00. That included a frame smokehouse, 14x26, at $150; frame barn, 68x60, $800; 4-room log & frame dwelling, wired for electric, $500; wash house, 12x16, $100; frame garage, 24x30, $150; lots of farm equipment, all "in poor condition;" 2 cows and a calf; 8 hives of bees; and 230 acres of land consisting of 65 in pasture, 86 in crop, 79 in woodlands, valued at $10,000.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Probate; 22 May 1957; Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY. see Will Book 4, at p. 217
"State of Kentucky
Taylor County
I, E. Poe Young, Clerk of the County Court for the County a
nd State aforesaid, certify that the foregoing petition for the probation of the last will and testament of J. W. Marrs, was filed with the Court on the 22nd day of May 1957, and the Court did on that date, probate said Will, which was duly proven by W. R. Kendall and Fred Faulkner, the two subscribing witnesses, and the Court after heaering said testimony established the same to be the last will and testament of J. W. Marrs and ordered said Will to be recorded which is now done accordingly."
2. Will; 10 Jan 1949; Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY. see Will Book 3, at p. 217
"I, J. W. Marrs, being of sound mind and disposing memory a
nd of mature age and desiring to dispose of all the property which I may own at the time of my death, I therefore make, publish and declare this to be my last will and testament hereby revoking all other wills heretofore made by me.
Item One. I will and desire that all my just debts, if an
y and funeral expense be paid as soon after my death as possible.
Item Two. After my just debts if any and my funeral expense
s are paid I then will and give to my brother Will Marrs all my personal property of every kind to be used for the benefit of George Marrs, Hugh Marrs, Mary Marrs, Maggie Marrs [their siblings], and out of same I require my said brother Will Marrs to look after and care for them during their natural lives. I will give and bequeath to my said brother, Will Marrs, all my real estate for and during his life. But he shall be required to keep a home for Hugh Marrs, George Marrs, Mary Marrs and Maggie Marrs during their nature lives, and if it seems necessary to him to so do to carry out said purpose the said Will Marrs may sell same and execute Deed to same. But my one half of said real estate shall be kept together for the purpose above set out and after the said Will Marrs has furnished a home for said brothers and sisters aforesaid during their life time, my one half of said land shall be divided as follows if any thereof be left to be by Will Marrs or Ben Marrs which ever finishes the will as they see fit and to whom they desire it to go. And in case my said brother Will Marrs should die before the provisions of this will is completed, I then will and desire that my brother Ben Marrs shall have the property heretofore set out under the same condition as set out herein.
I nominate and appoint my brother Will Marrs as my executor
, of my estate. If he should die before the provisions of this will is carried out I then appoint my brother Ben Marrs to be my Executor of the Will.
Given under my hand this Jany (sic) the 10th 1949. [sign
ed] J. W. Marrs
We witnesses this will at the instance and request of J. W
. Marrs and signed the same in his presence and in the presence of each other after he had signed the same in our presence this July 10th, 1949. [signed] W. R. Kendall, Fred Faulkner"
36 M x. George Redmon Marrs was born in Oct 1897 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 1 Mar 1970 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
George never married. He lived on the family farm all his life.
Aunt Lucy (Westerfield) said her Uncle George was "mentally simple." He had a speech problem of some sort, was inarticulate. He loved pencils and had a drawer full of them. He carried them in his shirt pocket all them. George caused quite a stir one time when he found some large denomination bills that his brother Bill had stuffed into the rafters of their farm home in Campbellsville. The story goes that George took the money to church and put it into the collection plate. The minister somehow knew George had been the generous donor that day and told his brother about the deed. The money was returned to the family.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Name Sake. in part for George W. Redmon, a friend of his grandfather, William Marrs
25. Sarah Jane Trotter was born in Jul 1854 in Garrard Co., KY and died on an unknown date.
She married James W. Cooper.
Sarah married James W. Cooper.
Children from this marriage were:
37 M i. J. Raymond Cooper was born in 1874 in Kentucky.
38 M ii. John H. Cooper was born in 1876 in Kentucky.
39 M iii. James William Cooper was born in Jan 1879 in Kentucky.
40 M iv. Ernest J. Cooper was born in Feb 1881 in Kentucky.
41 F v. Mary Eva Cooper was born in May 1885.
42 F vi. Elizabeth Cooper was born in Mar 1889 in Kentucky.
Seventh Generation (4th Great Grandchildren)
26. George M. Trotter was born on 7 May 1885 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY, died on 14 Nov 1941 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and was buried on 16 Nov 1941 in Brookside Cemetery, Campbellsville, KY.
George was a painter and interior decorator in Campbellsville. Like his father, he was an active member of the Masonic Lodge. Will dated 19 Feb 1937. and proved in Dec 1941. First child, an infant son, d. 2 May 1925 and is buried in Brookside Cemetery.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Occupation. Painter and Decorator
2. Religion. Methodist 3. Residence. 103 West Second Street, Campbellsville, KY. 4. Cause of Death. Carbon monoxide poisoning from
George married Sophronia Jane Hay, daughter of William Hiallett Hay and Malvena Jane Shipp, on 26 Jun 1924 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY.
She was a daughter of William H. Hay and Malvena Jane Shipp, of Taylor Co.KY; one of 10 children, 3 girls and 7 boys.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 43 M i. George W. Trotter .
+ 44 F ii. Margaret Jane Trotter .
27. Nancy Mae ("Nan" Or "Nannie") Marrs was born on 4 Aug 1873 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY, died on 8 May 1967 in Covington, Kenton Co., KY and was buried on 11 May 1967 in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erlanger, Kenton Co., KY.
She was actually raised by Auntie Elmore (her mother's sister)
Auntie took Nancy away from farm when others were all sick. She raised her in Stanford, where she later met her future husband, Logan Maxwell Westerfield.
Her death certificate incorrectly states that her father's name was "Logan Marrs."
Noted events in her life were:
- 1.Religion. Methodist
- was a member of Trinity Methodist Church, Latonia, KY.
2. Cause of Death. myocardial infarction; arterio information as listed on her death certificate.
Nancy married Logan Maxwell Westerfield on 26 Jun 1895 in Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY.
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Cause of Death. coronary thrombosis w/acute ca
Grandpa was out plowing in a field when the letter came from the L & N Railroad telling him he had been accepted for a job. He stuck that plow into the ground, walked off and never looked back! He never wanted to work the land but preferred finding something more exciting to do. He began working for the L & N RR when he was 18-1/2 years of age. He retired after more than 58 years of service.
Louisville & Nashville Railroad ID# 24620; SS# 704-07-0322
Logan was living in Stanford when he met his future wife, Nancy Marrs, of Campbellsville. She was living with the Elmores in Stanford at the time.
Logan was a kind and gentle man, beloved by all his family, and highly regarded by his friends. He was known to some as "Wes."
When Grandpa was finally ready to retire, he wrote the following letter:
"Covington, Kentucky January 31, 1947
Mr. R. J. Bailey, Chief Train Dispatcher
L&N R. R. Co.
Latonia, KY
Dear Mr. Bailey:
My continued bad health forces me to ask that I shall be relieved from further service and be placed on the Retirement list, having served continuously since August 1st, 1888 to the present date, to be exact fifty eight years and six months. I am sending to the Railroad Retirement Board at Chicago, Ill. some papers giving them the date of my retirement. I have already received word from the Board previously that my birth record and payroll compensated service record has been satisfactorily established by the L&N R R Co. I was born on Feb. 4, 1870 and have worked with the Company as Operator, Train Dispatcher, Chief Dispatcher, and Trainmaster. Fifty Four years of the time was put in as train dispatcher. I hate to say Father Time has caught up with me, but on the advice from the Doctor, I suppose I am taking the right view, as bad as it hurts to admit it. The L&N Railroad Co. and all the officials have been good and kind to me, of which I shall always remember and go to my reward with that sort of feeling. In conclusion, I don't want to quit, but I reckon I'll have to do so. I shall ask you to speed up my papers as quickly as convenient that I may be drawing something soon. My sincere regards to all of you, and thanks for the courteous treatment that I have received from every one of my Co-workers. I remain as ever-- Your friend, L. M. Westerfield, #2 West Southern Avenue, Covington, KY"Grandma and Grandpa lived in an apartment over the bank at "Ritte's Corner," in Latonia (Covington) for more than 30 years. The Weber/Ritte Building at 3634 DeCoursey housed Weber's grocery and saloon by 1890 and Ritte's saloon from 1899 to 1927. Today, buildings at the 5-street intersection comprise "Ritte's Corner Historic District."
Grandma and Grandpa probably rode the train to Louisville, where they were married at the Louisville Hotel by Rev. E. L. Powell. Witnesses were Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Reid. Wonder whether any of his railroad friends or members of their families were in attendance?
In the Marriage Register, Book 28, at p. 108, the bride's name is incorrectly written as "Minnie" Marrs. The return on the marriage bond shows the wedding took place on the same day as the bond, June 25th. The return on the marriage license shows the wedding took place on June 26th, and correctly records her name as "Nannie." However, on the back of the document, as it is folded for filing, her name is written as "Minnie." No wonder we researchers have difficulties!
Children from this marriage were:
45 M i. Elmore Davis ("Mose") Westerfield was born on 14 Jul 1904 in Livingston, Rockcastle Co., KY, died on 31 May 1970 in Lexington, Fayette Co., KY and was buried on 3 Jun 1970 in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erlanger, Kenton Co., KY.
Noted events in his life were:
Uncle Mose's great-aunt, Mollie Trotter Elmore, and her husband, Mose Elmore, raised his mother, Nan. Mollie's sister, Lucy Jane Trotter Marrs, was Nan's mother.
- 1.Name Sake. Mose Davis Elmore, his great-aunt's husband
33. Benjamin Black ("Ben") Marrs was born on 8 Dec 1889 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 10 May 1960 in Borden, IN.
He and Virginia had 7 children. Ben was named for Dr. Black who delivered him.
Benjamin married Virginia Bottom about 1919.
parents: Edwin & Isophene Bales Bottom
Children from this marriage were:
+ 46 M i. Howard Black Marrs was born on 13 Aug 1920 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 9 Dec 1982 in Georgetown, IN.
47 F ii. Eva (Nmn) Marrs .
Still Living.
48 F iii. Velma Marrs .
Still Living.
49 F iv. Jean (Nmn) Marrs .
Still Living.
50 F v. Helen (Nmn) Marrs .
Still Living.
51 F vi. Mary Margery ("Margie") Marrs .
Still Living.
52 F vii. Judith (Nmn) Marrs .
Still Living.
Eighth Generation (5th Great Grandchildren)
43. George W. Trotter .
Still Living.
George married Gabrielle Farmer. The marriage ended in divorce in 1986.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 53 F i. Suzanne Trotter .
54 M ii. George William "Billy" Trotter was born on 29 Jun 1952 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY, died on 13 Aug 1996 in Louisville, Jefferson Co., KY. and was buried on 15 Aug 1996 in St. Augustine Cemetery, Lebanon, Marion Co., KY.
grad. of Ringling School of Art, Sarasota, FL; illustrator
Noted events in his life were:
- 1.Occupation; Naiser Advertising Agency, Louisville, KY. Artist
2. Education. Ringling School of Art, Sarasota, FL
+ 55 F iii. Mary Margaret "Margo" Trotter .
+ 56 F iv. Martha Lewis Trotter .
57 M v. Joseph Patrick "Joe Pat" Trotter .
Still Living.
George next married Martha Harmon Skiles, daughter of Kenneth Adair Skiles and Marjorie Dell Harmon.
Still Living.
44. Margaret Jane Trotter .
Still Living.
Margaret married Raymond Lewis.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
+ 58 M i. George Raymond Lewis .
46. Howard Black Marrs was born on 13 Aug 1920 in Campbellsville, Taylor Co., KY and died on 9 Dec 1982 in Georgetown, IN.
Howard actually passed away at the V.A. Hospital in Louisville, KY
He and his wife had a son, Louis Edward, who was b. 4 Feb 1943, and died two days later. They were living in Borden, IN at that time.
Howard married Esther Lucille Leger in 1940 in Greensberg, Green Co., KY.
Children from this marriage were:
59 M i. John Allen Marrs .
Still Living.
60 F ii. Betty Lou Marrs .
Still Living.
61 M iii. James William Marrs .
Still Living.
62 M iv. Ben Black Marrs .
Still Living.
63 F v. Alice Jane Marrs .
Still Living.
64 M vi. George Ralph Marrs .
Still Living.
Ninth Generation (6th Great Grandchildren)
53. Suzanne Trotter .
Still Living.
Suzanne married Tim Treadwell Ellis, son of Leonard David Ellis and Jane Margaret Treadwell.
Still Living.
Suzanne next married James Patrick Fenwick. The marriage ended in divorce before 1996.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
65 F i. Kathryn Kelly Fenwick .
Still Living.
66 M ii. Joel Patrick Fenwick .
Still Living.
Joel married Lee-Anne Eubanks.
67 F iii. Georgianne Fenwick .
Still Living.
68 F iv. Toni Lynn Fenwick .
Still Living.
55. Mary Margaret "Margo" Trotter .
Still Living.
Mary married Kevin William Bortnyik.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
69 M i. Kyle William Bortnyik .
Still Living.
70 F ii. Molly Elizabeth Bortnyik .
Still Living.
71 F iii. Kate Marie Bortnyik .
Still Living.
56. Martha Lewis Trotter .
Still Living.
Martha married Gary Otte.
Still Living.
Martha next married Sidney Bryan Leake. The marriage ended in divorce before 1996.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
72 F i. Lauren Leake .
Still Living.
73 M ii. Adam Leake .
Still Living.
58. George Raymond Lewis .
Still Living.
George married Jackie Lewis.
Still Living.
Children from this marriage were:
74 F i. Abby Lewis .
Still Living.
75 F ii. Meredith Lewis .
Still Living.
George next married Pamela Rowles. The marriage ended in divorce.
Still Living.Sources
compiled by Mrs. Isham Patten Trotter, Jr., "Trotter Genealogy. The Virginia-Tennessee-Mississippi Trotter Line, 1725-1948", (Mayes Printing Company, Louisville, KY (1948)). at pp. 14, 15, 211.
ibid. at pp. 14, 16.
ibid. at pp. 14, 151, 194-195.
ibid. at pp. 192-193.
ibid. at pp. 193, 194.
ibid. at pp. 14, 151, 161, 211.
ibid. at pp. 14, 161.
ibid. at pp. 14, 16, 151-152, 155, 157, 211, 212.
ibid. at pp. 14, 151, 155.
ibid. at p. 151.
ibid. at p. 157.
ibid. at pp. 203-205.
ibid. at p. 205.
ibid. at pp. 14, 151.
Judge Lewis Collins, "History of Kentucky", (Kentucky Historical Society, Frankfort, KY (1966) [originally publ. 1874]). Vol. I, pp.354; 356.
"The 1795 Census of Kentucky", (T.L.C. Genealogy, P.O. Box 403369, Miami Beach, FL 33140-1369). at p. 177.
compiled by Mrs. Isham Patten Trotter, Jr., "Trotter Genealogy. The Virginia-Tennessee-Mississippi Trotter Line, 1725-1948", (Mayes Printing Company, Louisville, KY (1948)). at pp. 194, 211.
ibid. at pp. 14, 15, 192-193.
compiled by St. Asaph's Chapter, NSDAR, "Boyle County, Kentucky 1850 Census", (McDowell Publications, Utica, NY (1988)). at p. 76.
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