Individual Details
Stephen Williamson
(AUGUST 2, 1791 - APRIL 26, 1863)
Events
| Birth | AUGUST 2, 1791 | SC |  |  | |
| Occupation | From 1822 to 1850 | During these years Stephen traded with the Indians following them as the - Indian Trader | | ||
| Event-Misc | From 1822 to 1854 | Route to Texas - Route to Texas | | | |
| Event-Misc | From 1822 to 1854 | Route to Texas Supplement - Possible route to Texas | | | |
| Marriage | NOVEMBER 21, 1822 | Perry Co., AL - Sarah Sweeton | | | |
| Event-Misc | From 1828 to 1838 | Arkansas Tax Lists, AR | | | |
| Census | 1830 | Lawrence County, Arkansas | | | |
| Event-Misc | Bet 1840 and 1842 | Move to Texas | | | |
| Event-Misc | 1846 | 1846 Tax List Rusk County, Texas - Rusk County., Texas | | | |
| Event-Misc | 1854 | Cattle Brand, Coryell Co., TX - Coryell County, Texas | | | |
| Event-Misc | DECEMBER 15, 1854 | Texas Land Grant, Rusk Co., TX | | | |
| Event-Misc | From 1855 to 1863 | Coryell Co., TX Tax Lists, Coryell Co., TX | | | |
| Census | 1860 | Cow House Creek Beat, Coryell County, Texas | | | |
| Death | APRIL 26, 1863 | Pearl, Coryell Co., TX | | | |
| Burial | APRIL 29, 1863 | Coryell Co., TX | | | |
| Event-Misc | MAY 1, 1863 | Sarah E. Williamson Letter, Coryell Co., TX | | | |
| Event-Misc | AUGUST 3, 2002 | Citizens of the Republic of Texas Marker - Pearl Cemetery, Pearl, Coryell County, Texas | | |
Families
| Spouse | Sarah Sweeton (1805 - 1850) |
| Child | Joseph Williamson (1823 - 1900) |
| Child | John Williamson (1825 - 1911) |
| Child | Syrena Williamson (1827 - 1903) |
| Child | Dutton Sweeton Williamson (1835 - 1894) |
| Child | Daniel Martin Williamson (1832 - 1888) |
| Child | Eli Williamson (1835 - 1909) |
| Child | Nancy Williamson (1837 - 1873) |
| Child | Infant Son Williamson (1839 - ) |
| Child | Mary Ann Williamson (1840 - 1919) |
| Child | Rachael Eveth Williamson (1842 - 1871) |
| Child | William Riley Williamson (1845 - 1911) |
| Child | Sarah Elizabeth Williamson (1848 - 1893) |
Notes
Birth
Most researchers believe he was born in 1791, however his age is given as 61 in the 1860 Coryell Co., TX Census.Event-Misc
Stephen and Sarah Williamson lived in Perry Co. AL from 1822 to at least August of 1823. By 10-25-1825 they were in TN (probably Hardeman Co.). They remained in TN until at least 1829. In 1832 they were in MS (probably Tippah Co.). Between 1832 and 1835 they moved to Washington Co., AR which is on the western border of AR today. They remained in Washington Co., AR until at least 3-12-1840. By 1842 they were in TX (probably Rusk or Panola Co.). After Sarah died in about 1850, Stephen and most of his family moved westward across TX probably to Burleson and then Coryelll Co. by 1855. He was listed on the first Coryell Co., TX Tax List in 1855. He remained in this area until his death in 1863.Event-Misc
This scenario for Stephen's route to TX is supported by the AR Tax Lists found at Ancestry.com, the 1830 Lawrence Co., AR Census, TX Tax List Index, 1840-1849 found at Ancestry.com, and the TX GLO Land Grants.After his daughter, Serena, was born in 1827 Stephen left TN and went to Lawrence Co., AR ( he may not have taken his family with him) where he is found on the 1828 Tax List. He is not on the AR Tax Lists in 1829. Between 1828 and 1830 he returned to TN and brought his family back to Lawrence Co., AR in time to be listed on the 1830 Lawrence Co., AR Census.
He is listed on the Lawrence Co., AR Tax List from 1830 through 1832.
Between 1832 and 1835 it is likely he and his family went to MS where his son, Daniel Martin was born in 1832.
By 1835 he is listed on the Crittenden Co., AR and Carroll Co., AR Tax Lists. A route from MS to Washington Co., AR could have taken him through both counties.
By 1838 he is on the Washington Co., AR Tax List. He remains here until after his daughter, Mary Ann, was born on 3-12-1840. He was not listed on any AR tax roll after 1838.
By 1846 he is on the Rusk Co., TX Tax List. He probably was in this area by 1842 since his daughter, Rachael, was born in TX.
In 1848 he buys land in Rusk Co., TX. He remains there until after his wife, Sarah, dies and after receiving a Rusk Co., TX land patent on 12-15-1854.
By 1855 he is on the Coryell Co., TX Tax Lists.
Marriage
Their marriage bond, marriage license, and the J.P. marriage records are located in the Alabama State Archives, Montgomery, AL.The marriage is also recorded in the Perry Co., AL Marriage Book (it was the 72nd marriage recorded).
The marriage was performed by J.P. George C. King.
Event-Misc
The AR Tax Lists as found on the Arkansas Census,1819-70 at Ancestry.com show a Stephen Williamson living in the following counties between 1828 and 1838:1828, 1830-1832: Lawrence Co.
1835: Carroll Co. and Crittenden Co.
1838: Washington Co.
If this is the same person and our Stephen Williamson, it suggests that he may have been in AR earlier than thought.
The listing for Crittenden Co. is out of the direct line of migration from Lawrence Co., AR to Washington Co., AR but may represent a return to MS. His son Daniel Martin was born in MS in 1832. A return to AR from MS to Washington Co., AR could have been through Crittenden Co. and Carroll Co.
Census
The 1830 U.S. Federal Census for Lawrence Co., AR, page 15 shows a Stephen Williamson family as:2 males, under 5 years; 1 male, 5-10 years; 1 male, 30-40 years; 1 female, under 5 years; 1 female, 20-30.
The ages are all consistent with our Stephen Williamson and family.
Note: The next listing after Stephen is Daniel Marton. Stephen's child born in 1832 was named Daniel Martin.
Event-Misc
By 1842 Stephen and Sarah had moved to the area of TX which became Panola Co. They may have chosen this area because Isaac Reed, a friend of Sarah's father, was living there. By the early 1850's Sarah's sister, Malinda, and her brother, Joseph were living in Panola Co., TX and Sarah's sister, Nancy, moved to nearby Webster Parish, LA.At the time they came to Panola Co. there still were a number of Indians living in the area so Stephen may have been attracted there by trading possibilities also.
Event-Misc
The TX Tax List Index, 1840-1849 found at Ancestry.com shows Stephen Williamson listed in Rusk Co., TX in 1846.Event-Misc
His cattle brand is recorded in the first Brand Book of Coryell Co., TX. It was a circle with an S inside.Event-Misc
A land grant for 197 acres in Rusk Co., TX was patented to Stephen Williamson (original grantee, Peter Wells) on 12-15-1854. TX. The land was in the Rusk 3rd District, abstract no. 854,file 340, patent no. 816, patent vol. 11, certificate no. 200.An indenture for purchase of this land was originally made on 8-30-1848 between Stephen Williamson and owners, Peter and Nancy Wells, for $50.00.
The land was located about 18 miles NE of Henderson, TX and bordered land owned by Daniel Martin.
A corrected survey of this property was made on 11-14-1853.
Event-Misc
Stephen Williamson is listed on the first Coryell Co. Tax List in 1855. He is listed together with his son, John as having no land, few livestock, and value less than $500.1856-1857: Stephen is listed by himself, owns no land, few horses and cattle, value about $800.
1859: listed with his son, Eli, owns no land, few horses and cattle, value $1134.
1860: listed by himself, owns no land, few horses and cattle, value $1050.
1861: listed with his son, Eli, owns no land, 19 horses, 114 cattle, value $1034.
1862: not listed
1863: entry is " Agent for S. Williamson, dec., no land, value $1000.
Census
The 1860 U.S. Federal Census for Coryell Co., TX, Cow House Beat, Henson Creek Post Office, page 287B, taken on 7-25-1860 shows the Stephen Williamson household as:Stephen, age 61, farmer, personal property value $1200, no real estate value, born in SC
Terrisa ( this is John Williamson's wife and she was listed with her own family on page 286A taken on 7-21-1860), age 30, born in TN.
Children all born in TX:
Rachael, age 18; Wm., age 15; S.E., female, age 12.
Death
He was killed by Indians about 12 miles from his home.The details of his death at the hands of Indians is documented in a letter written by his daughter, Sarah. Other accounts are mentioned in the books, "The West Texas Frontier", by Joseph Carroll McConnell and "Indian Depredations in Texas" by J.W. Wilbarger.
Burial
His burial place is unknown. He was killed by Indians near Pearl, TX about 12 miles from his home. Some researchers believe he was buried on the Shook ranch near where he was killed. In the book "Pearl" it is related that the family brought his body back home in an ox wagon, made a coffin which they lined with black calico, and then took the body to the lower part of the county for burial near Eliga.From family history the story was that the family was afraid to bury him near their home for fear that the Indians whould try to take his body.
Event-Misc
On 5-1-1863 Stephen Williamson's daughter, Sarah E. Williamson, wrote her sister, Rachael, to tell her of Stephen being killed by Indians on 4-26-1863.The text of the letter gives the details of his death including that he was shot 17 times with arrows and scalped.
Stephen and a neighbor, Mr. Henderson, ( his name was actually Hendrickson) were looking for some horses the Indians had stolen from them and were about 12 miles from home when they were attacked. The neighbor escaped and went for help but retuned too late to save Stephen. They did recover some of the horses however.
Event-Misc
The descendants of Stephen and Sarah Williamson dedicated a Citzens of the Republic of Texas memorial marker to Stephen and Sarah Williamson at the Pearl Cemetery on 8-3-2002. The Pearl Cemetery was chosen as the location of the marker since the actual burial places are not known for Stephen and Sarah Williamson. Their daughter Mary Ann Hampton and other family members are buried in the cemetery near the marker. It is believed that Sarah Williamson was buried in Panola Co., TX in 1850. Stephen Williamson was killed by Indians near Pearl, TX on 4-26-1863 but his actual burial place is unknown.This information appeared in the Gatesville Messenger, Wednesday, 8-14-2002 newspaper, published in Gatesville, TX.
Endnotes
1. Evelyn Johnson Lawrence, Family History, Recipient: Sherry Lawrence, Author Address: Gatesville, TX, Recipient Address: Gatesville, TX (2002), Family History Compiled by Evelyn Lawrence from personal communications, family bibles,etc..
2. Compiler: Nancy Warren Hampton, Hampton Family History (Nancy Warren Hampton, 2713 Windsor Bivd., Oklahoma City, OK 73127).
3. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
4. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
5. Evelyn Johnson Lawrence, Family History, Recipient: Sherry Lawrence, Author Address: Gatesville, TX, Recipient Address: Gatesville, TX (2002).
6. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
7. Coryell Co., TX Tax Rolls, 1855-1910, Name Of Person: Various persons, Location: Gatesville Public Library, Film: Rolls 1-3 (1855-1910).
8. Ancestry.com Website, Url: www.ancestry.com.
9. 1830 U.S. Federal Census, Record Type: Microfilm image, Ancestry.com Website, www.ancestry.com..
10. Texas General Land Office Archives and Records, Url: http://wwwdb.gol.state.tx.us/central/LandGrants/landgrants.
11. Texas General Land Office, The Archives and Records of the Texas General Land Office, Subject: Land Grants of Republic and State of Texas (Texas General Land Office, 1700 North Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701-1495).
12. Evelyn Johnson Lawrence, Family History, Recipient: Sherry Lawrence, Author Address: Gatesville, TX, Recipient Address: Gatesville, TX (2002), Family History Compiled by Evelyn Lawrence from personal communications, family bibles,etc..
13. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
14. Ancestry.com Website, Url: www.ancestry.com.
15. 1830 U.S. Federal Census, Record Type: Microfilm image, Ancestry.com Website, www.ancestry.com..
16. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
17. Ancestry.com Website, Url: www.ancestry.com.
18. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
19. Compiler: Coryell County, Texas, First Brand Book of Coryell County (Coryell Co., TX, Gatesville, TX, 1854).
20. Texas General Land Office Archives and Records, Url: http://wwwdb.gol.state.tx.us/central/LandGrants/landgrants.
21. Texas General Land Office, The Archives and Records of the Texas General Land Office, Subject: Land Grants of Republic and State of Texas (Texas General Land Office, 1700 North Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701-1495).
22. Coryell Co., TX Tax Rolls, 1855-1910, Name Of Person: Various persons, Location: Gatesville Public Library, Film: Rolls 1-3 (1855-1910).
23. 1860 U.S. Federal Census Report, Record Type: microfilm image, Ancestry.com Website, www.ancestry.com..
24. Evelyn Johnson Lawrence, Family History, Recipient: Sherry Lawrence, Author Address: Gatesville, TX, Recipient Address: Gatesville, TX (2002), Family History Compiled by Evelyn Lawrence from personal communications, family bibles,etc..
25. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
26. Compiler: Nancy Warren Hampton, Hampton Family History (Nancy Warren Hampton, 2713 Windsor Bivd., Oklahoma City, OK 73127).
27. Evelyn Johnson Lawrence, Family History, Recipient: Sherry Lawrence, Author Address: Gatesville, TX, Recipient Address: Gatesville, TX (2002).
28. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
29. Charles E. Freeman, History of Pearl, Texas, second edition (Charles E. Freeman, Copperas Cove, TX, Nov., 1974).
30. Jim Boyd, Song with a Tenor LeadThe Story of Joseph William Boyd and Mary Cerena Hampton with Ancestors and Descendants (Jim Boyd, 110 12th Avenue, Indialantic, FL 32903, 2002).
31. Compiler: Coryell Co. Genealogical Society, Coryell County, Texas Families 1854-1985 (Taylor Publishing Co., Dallas, TX, 1986).
32. Jesse Bennett Duncan's 99 th Birthday, Location: Cuero, TX Newspaper.