Individual Details
Joseph Hatfield
(Abt 1750 - 19 Aug 1832)
Notes imported from GEDCOM:
*The vast majority of the data on Joseph is courtesy of Leslie Collier(lesliec@airmail.net). She possesses a wealth of data on the Hatfieldsand Smiths. I include only a fraction of that material here, and referyou to her research for more comprehensive data.
Apparently many researchers have incorrectly linked our branch of theHatfields with those of Abraham Hatfield & the Mellyn family of NewJersey. I had this connection in my tree until corrected by othergenealogists. Dorothy Tuttle of UT, as reported by Leslie Collier,mentions that a Joseph Hatfield appears in the records of Elizabeth Co.,VA Oct 28, 1632, and that his descendants migrated with the pioneers tosouthwestern VA, KY and what is now WV. This is likely the moreappropriate line of investigation.
The following is from a tentative "Hatfield Lineage" by Michael K. Smithof Dallas, TX, 1991:
"Note on Virginia County formation: Botetourt Co. was formed 1769from Augusta Co. Fincastle Co was formed 1772 from Botetourt; Fincastleceased to exist 1777 after its division into Montogmery & WashingtonCos. Russell Co was formed 1785 from Washington (and includedpresent-day Lee, Tazewell, Scott, Wise, Buchanan & Dickenson Cos until1793); Lee Co was formed 1792 from Russell. NOTE: Joseph Hatfield'simmediate ancestors are not known (or not proven), but he WAS NOTdescended from Abraham Hatfield of New Jersey who married into thewell-known Mellyn family of Staten Island!
This example of wishful thinking originates almost entirely with G.Elliott Hatfield, author of THE HATFIELDS (Stanville, KY: Big SandyValley Historical Society, 1974 [rev. ed.]). Elliott Hatfield did muchvaluable and accurate research in sorting out the members of the feudingbranches of the family, but he apparently became enamored of the possibleconnection with the Mellyns (whose descendants qualify to join suchhereditary societies as Lords of the Manor and The Holland Society. NOTE:Some sources suggest that Joseph was the brother of John, George,Jeremiah and Capt. Andrew Hatfield, but this has not been demonstrated.John was a tithable in Botetourt Co in 1770 (and therefore b. before1749). Andrew (the best documented of the other three), George and &Jeremiah were in Botetourt in 1771 & 1772. Andrew was in Giles Co, VA,in 1773; he fought at Point Pleasant in 1774, and by 1802, he was livingin the Kanawha Valley in now Cabell Co, WV). George & Jeremiah settledin that part of Fincastle Co. which became Smyth Co; in 1774, theypurchased 140 A. & 120 A. respectively on the North Fork of the HolstonRiver; they appear to have moved to Campbell Co, TN at about the sametime as Joseph. The four MAY have been brothers, or at least cousins;who was their father, or common grandfather? [...here various descendantsof Joseph are enumerated...]
"Joseph settled on the Clinch River, in the part of Fincastle Cowhich is now Russell Co; he finally purchased the 50 A. on which helived, 17 Apr 1782 (at which time it was part of Washington Co). Joseph& Rachel continued to live on their place on the Clinch River beforeremoving to Campbell Co, TN about 1795-97. Elizabth Vance, his 1st wife,MAY have been the widow of a son of Euricus Smith (who was the father ofhis 2nd wife); other sources suggest that Elizabeth & Rachel weresisters, but this is untrue as Elizabeth's father is known to have beenEphraim Vance. Rachel was living with her son/law, Isaac Reed, Scott Co,TN, 1850. Joseph served as a Private ("scout and spy") in the Virginiamilitia during the Revolution; his pension papers records that he wasregarded as perhaps "the best [Indian] spy and woodsman on the Westernfrontier." He also served under Capt. William Campbell at King'sMountain. His service records, as well as the validity of 12 of his 13children, have been accepted by both the SAR and the DAR...."
The following is an ARREST WARRANT issued for Joseph Hatfield 11 Jun 1779in Fincastle Co., VA (warrant now found in Botetourt Co. courthouse):
"George the Third, by the Grace of GOD, of Great Britain, France,and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the Sheriff of FincastleCounty greeting: We command you that you take Joseph Hatfield if he befound within your Bailiwick and him safely keep, so that you have hisBody before the Justices of our said County Court, at the Courthouse onthe said County on the first tuesday in next month to answer IsrealChristian of debt damage Twenty three pounds five shillings two pencedamage forty shilling and have then there this Writ. Witness John ByrdClerk of our said Court, at the Courthouse aforesaid, the 11 Day of Junein the 14 Year of our Reign. John Byrd"
A few notes on the above arrest warrant:
1) This Fincastle Co. arrest warrant is important, for it doesprovide a geographic tie to George Hatfield Sr. and his 2 older sonsGeorge Jr. and Jeremiah. This group were Joseph Ha tfield's closestHatfield associates in his later life in Washington & Russell Cos.,therefor e those most likely his family.
2) Taking this further, if Joseph were to be a son to George Sr.(who was the only Hatfield in Southwestern Virginia old enough to havemature sons by the 1770's), then he was not yet old enough to be on the1771 tax list, so born no earlier than 1750. These 2 consideration slimit Joseph's birth to 1750-58.
3) Who is Israel Christian to whom Joseph Hatfield owed a bundle ofmoney? Leslie Collier contains some data on Israel that can be found inher research, but the reason for the suit is still unknown. In thematerial for Israel Chrsitian, two men (William Preston and James Patton)are mentioned. These were relatives of Elizabeth (Preston) Poage, motherof Capt. Robert Poage.
The Land Survey Book for Washington Co., VA includes a couple ofproperties owned by Joseph Hatfield. In Dec 1782 he owns property on theThompson Creek branch of the Clinch River. In July 1785 he is surveryedas owning land at New Garden on the head waters of Lewis's Creek of theClinch River. Both surveys were done by Robert Preston (another likelyrelative Elizabeth Preston Poage).
Leslie Collier notes this second property is easy to spot today. Theheadwaters of Lewis Creek lie at the current boundary of Russell andBuchanan Counties off of Virginia 624, about 2 miles due north of Drillcommunity, or 8 miles north of Honaker, VA.
The personal property tax lists for 1787 for Russell Co., VA lists JosephHatfield owning 0 blacks, 3 horses and 8 cattle.
Records for Washington and Russell Counties, VA include the belowmentioned petition dated 9 Dec 1785. Petition to VA House of Delegatesby sundry inhabitants of Clinch River, Mocason Creek , Powel's Valley &others requesting that the militia districts be redrawn such that thesecitizens will more easily perform militia duty without long travel awayfrom their defenseles s families. Among those listed in the petition are2 Joseph Hatfields, 2 George Hatfields (one probably Joseph's father),John Hatfield, Ephraim Hatfield, Ericus Smith, Ericus Smith, Jr., and EliSmith.
Russell Co, VA Court Minutes record Joseph and other Hatfields numeroustime. Leslie Collier, in her records, lists each entry. I have purged afew her in the interest of space:
Book 1
p. 61 Joseph Hatfield & George Hatfield (& others), 8 Sep 1787,ordered to court 3rd Tues. of Oct to show cause why they should not befined and double taxed for failing to give Wm. Webb, Commissioner, a listof taxable property
p. 74 Upon petition of Richard Poston against EphraimChurchwell & Joseph Hatfield for a debt of 3 pounds due by note
p. 78 Commonwealth against Joseph Hatfield, George Hatfield,William Mullet (on information of Wm. Webb), continued, 17 Oct 1787,[Note that these 3 are grouped in one lawsuit by themselves as thoughthere was a reason for this. Others against whom Wm. Webb broughtcharges are listed searately. Wonder if these 3 had a business together,lived together, etc?]
p.223 Joseph Hatfield allowed 12/6 for the killinf of one wolf, Feb1791
p.250 Joseph Hatfield, 12/6 for 2 young wolves 25 Nov 1791
Book 2
p. 3 George Hatfield, 12/6 for killing 1 grown wolf 27 May1792
John Anderson for same
Joseph Hatfield the same
p. 91 Joseph Hatfield, 25/1 for 2 old wolves
Valentine Hatfield, 12/6 for 2 old wolves
** As mentioned, this is only a few of the Hatfield & Smith entries. TheHatfields are mentioned numerous times as witnesses and parties in onesuit or another. See Leslie Collier's information for more.
From various tax lists, a Joseph Hatfield, owning 30 acres of land,consistently appears on the tax lists of Russell County, Lower District:1787-1799, not seen again.
Joseph & Rachel Hatfield are mentioned in the disposal of the land ofRachel's father, Ericus Smith, following his death. See the notes ofEricus for details.
Lee Co, VA Tax lists for 1795 includes a Joseph Hatfield (and GeorgeHatfield, Joseph's father?). Joseph is listed as being the lone whitemale over 16 in the home and he owns 1 horse.
Joseph Hatfield is present on surviving tax lists for Wayne Co, KY, 1802,1806, 1807:
1802 Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, owns 1 mare.
1806 Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, no horses.
1807 Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, 2 horses.
1822 A Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, 2 horses.
1823 A Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, 2 horses.
**Leslie Collier also includes a number of possible land transactions forJoseph in KY and TN.
The following is from the Rev. War Pension filed by Rachel (Smith)Hatfield in the name of her husband (National Archives; Rev War Pension#5.979; filed as "Hatfield, Joseph "):
1) Depostition of Rachel Hatfield
"In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act ofCongress of the 4th day of July 1836 and the joint resolution of July 7,1838 State of Tennessee Campbell County On this 21st day of October 1843personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for saidCounty and State aforesaid Mrs Rachel Hatfield a resident of said County,aged eighty years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on heroath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit ofthe provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and theJoint Resolution of July 7th 1838 That she is the widow of JosephHatfield who was a private and an Indian spy in the Virginia Militi a inthe war of the Revolution That her husband the aforesaid Joseph Hatfieldentered the service in the County of Russell in the state of Virginiaunder Col. Chrisman and served two campaigns of six months each thenames of his captains she has forgotten this service took place beforeher marriage She was married to her Husband the said Joseph Hatfield onthe 28th of October 1779 by L. Worley Esqr. After the marriage herhusband was called out to defend the frontier and was marshalled in toservice under Captain Thompson at a place called the New Gardain inRussell County Virginia and was in the service from March until Novemberbut the intermission in this Campaign he served as an Indian spy The nextCampaign was under Captan Dickison and was mounted to Blackmorus fort wasin the capasity a part of his time at the fort as an Indian spy the ofthe time her husband was in this service she is [illeg.] to say he wascalled under Captain Scott at different times and was considered one fothe best woodsm an in the western frontier She further declares thattaking into account cannot the year her husband Joseph Hatfield servedbefore the marriage and the time after the marraige it [illeg.] threeyears and at least one half of the time as an Indian Spy She furtherdeclared that she has not kept a family record of the births of herchildren owing to her husband being no scribe and she is a widow at thistime and that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Hatfield departed thislife August 26th 1832.
Rachel, her X mark, Hatfield
Sworn to and subscribed before me the and year before written.
Allen McDonald
J. Peace
Then on Oct 21, 1843 Rachel also signed a declaration attesting to theaccuracy of the above account. Also in Scott Co., in May 1852, EzekielNewport and Isaac Reed both sign similar statements attesting to theiracquaintance with Joseph Hatfield and his Rev. War service.
*The vast majority of the data on Joseph is courtesy of Leslie Collier(lesliec@airmail.net). She possesses a wealth of data on the Hatfieldsand Smiths. I include only a fraction of that material here, and referyou to her research for more comprehensive data.
Apparently many researchers have incorrectly linked our branch of theHatfields with those of Abraham Hatfield & the Mellyn family of NewJersey. I had this connection in my tree until corrected by othergenealogists. Dorothy Tuttle of UT, as reported by Leslie Collier,mentions that a Joseph Hatfield appears in the records of Elizabeth Co.,VA Oct 28, 1632, and that his descendants migrated with the pioneers tosouthwestern VA, KY and what is now WV. This is likely the moreappropriate line of investigation.
The following is from a tentative "Hatfield Lineage" by Michael K. Smithof Dallas, TX, 1991:
"Note on Virginia County formation: Botetourt Co. was formed 1769from Augusta Co. Fincastle Co was formed 1772 from Botetourt; Fincastleceased to exist 1777 after its division into Montogmery & WashingtonCos. Russell Co was formed 1785 from Washington (and includedpresent-day Lee, Tazewell, Scott, Wise, Buchanan & Dickenson Cos until1793); Lee Co was formed 1792 from Russell. NOTE: Joseph Hatfield'simmediate ancestors are not known (or not proven), but he WAS NOTdescended from Abraham Hatfield of New Jersey who married into thewell-known Mellyn family of Staten Island!
This example of wishful thinking originates almost entirely with G.Elliott Hatfield, author of THE HATFIELDS (Stanville, KY: Big SandyValley Historical Society, 1974 [rev. ed.]). Elliott Hatfield did muchvaluable and accurate research in sorting out the members of the feudingbranches of the family, but he apparently became enamored of the possibleconnection with the Mellyns (whose descendants qualify to join suchhereditary societies as Lords of the Manor and The Holland Society. NOTE:Some sources suggest that Joseph was the brother of John, George,Jeremiah and Capt. Andrew Hatfield, but this has not been demonstrated.John was a tithable in Botetourt Co in 1770 (and therefore b. before1749). Andrew (the best documented of the other three), George and &Jeremiah were in Botetourt in 1771 & 1772. Andrew was in Giles Co, VA,in 1773; he fought at Point Pleasant in 1774, and by 1802, he was livingin the Kanawha Valley in now Cabell Co, WV). George & Jeremiah settledin that part of Fincastle Co. which became Smyth Co; in 1774, theypurchased 140 A. & 120 A. respectively on the North Fork of the HolstonRiver; they appear to have moved to Campbell Co, TN at about the sametime as Joseph. The four MAY have been brothers, or at least cousins;who was their father, or common grandfather? [...here various descendantsof Joseph are enumerated...]
"Joseph settled on the Clinch River, in the part of Fincastle Cowhich is now Russell Co; he finally purchased the 50 A. on which helived, 17 Apr 1782 (at which time it was part of Washington Co). Joseph& Rachel continued to live on their place on the Clinch River beforeremoving to Campbell Co, TN about 1795-97. Elizabth Vance, his 1st wife,MAY have been the widow of a son of Euricus Smith (who was the father ofhis 2nd wife); other sources suggest that Elizabeth & Rachel weresisters, but this is untrue as Elizabeth's father is known to have beenEphraim Vance. Rachel was living with her son/law, Isaac Reed, Scott Co,TN, 1850. Joseph served as a Private ("scout and spy") in the Virginiamilitia during the Revolution; his pension papers records that he wasregarded as perhaps "the best [Indian] spy and woodsman on the Westernfrontier." He also served under Capt. William Campbell at King'sMountain. His service records, as well as the validity of 12 of his 13children, have been accepted by both the SAR and the DAR...."
The following is an ARREST WARRANT issued for Joseph Hatfield 11 Jun 1779in Fincastle Co., VA (warrant now found in Botetourt Co. courthouse):
"George the Third, by the Grace of GOD, of Great Britain, France,and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. To the Sheriff of FincastleCounty greeting: We command you that you take Joseph Hatfield if he befound within your Bailiwick and him safely keep, so that you have hisBody before the Justices of our said County Court, at the Courthouse onthe said County on the first tuesday in next month to answer IsrealChristian of debt damage Twenty three pounds five shillings two pencedamage forty shilling and have then there this Writ. Witness John ByrdClerk of our said Court, at the Courthouse aforesaid, the 11 Day of Junein the 14 Year of our Reign. John Byrd"
A few notes on the above arrest warrant:
1) This Fincastle Co. arrest warrant is important, for it doesprovide a geographic tie to George Hatfield Sr. and his 2 older sonsGeorge Jr. and Jeremiah. This group were Joseph Ha tfield's closestHatfield associates in his later life in Washington & Russell Cos.,therefor e those most likely his family.
2) Taking this further, if Joseph were to be a son to George Sr.(who was the only Hatfield in Southwestern Virginia old enough to havemature sons by the 1770's), then he was not yet old enough to be on the1771 tax list, so born no earlier than 1750. These 2 consideration slimit Joseph's birth to 1750-58.
3) Who is Israel Christian to whom Joseph Hatfield owed a bundle ofmoney? Leslie Collier contains some data on Israel that can be found inher research, but the reason for the suit is still unknown. In thematerial for Israel Chrsitian, two men (William Preston and James Patton)are mentioned. These were relatives of Elizabeth (Preston) Poage, motherof Capt. Robert Poage.
The Land Survey Book for Washington Co., VA includes a couple ofproperties owned by Joseph Hatfield. In Dec 1782 he owns property on theThompson Creek branch of the Clinch River. In July 1785 he is surveryedas owning land at New Garden on the head waters of Lewis's Creek of theClinch River. Both surveys were done by Robert Preston (another likelyrelative Elizabeth Preston Poage).
Leslie Collier notes this second property is easy to spot today. Theheadwaters of Lewis Creek lie at the current boundary of Russell andBuchanan Counties off of Virginia 624, about 2 miles due north of Drillcommunity, or 8 miles north of Honaker, VA.
The personal property tax lists for 1787 for Russell Co., VA lists JosephHatfield owning 0 blacks, 3 horses and 8 cattle.
Records for Washington and Russell Counties, VA include the belowmentioned petition dated 9 Dec 1785. Petition to VA House of Delegatesby sundry inhabitants of Clinch River, Mocason Creek , Powel's Valley &others requesting that the militia districts be redrawn such that thesecitizens will more easily perform militia duty without long travel awayfrom their defenseles s families. Among those listed in the petition are2 Joseph Hatfields, 2 George Hatfields (one probably Joseph's father),John Hatfield, Ephraim Hatfield, Ericus Smith, Ericus Smith, Jr., and EliSmith.
Russell Co, VA Court Minutes record Joseph and other Hatfields numeroustime. Leslie Collier, in her records, lists each entry. I have purged afew her in the interest of space:
Book 1
p. 61 Joseph Hatfield & George Hatfield (& others), 8 Sep 1787,ordered to court 3rd Tues. of Oct to show cause why they should not befined and double taxed for failing to give Wm. Webb, Commissioner, a listof taxable property
p. 74 Upon petition of Richard Poston against EphraimChurchwell & Joseph Hatfield for a debt of 3 pounds due by note
p. 78 Commonwealth against Joseph Hatfield, George Hatfield,William Mullet (on information of Wm. Webb), continued, 17 Oct 1787,[Note that these 3 are grouped in one lawsuit by themselves as thoughthere was a reason for this. Others against whom Wm. Webb broughtcharges are listed searately. Wonder if these 3 had a business together,lived together, etc?]
p.223 Joseph Hatfield allowed 12/6 for the killinf of one wolf, Feb1791
p.250 Joseph Hatfield, 12/6 for 2 young wolves 25 Nov 1791
Book 2
p. 3 George Hatfield, 12/6 for killing 1 grown wolf 27 May1792
John Anderson for same
Joseph Hatfield the same
p. 91 Joseph Hatfield, 25/1 for 2 old wolves
Valentine Hatfield, 12/6 for 2 old wolves
** As mentioned, this is only a few of the Hatfield & Smith entries. TheHatfields are mentioned numerous times as witnesses and parties in onesuit or another. See Leslie Collier's information for more.
From various tax lists, a Joseph Hatfield, owning 30 acres of land,consistently appears on the tax lists of Russell County, Lower District:1787-1799, not seen again.
Joseph & Rachel Hatfield are mentioned in the disposal of the land ofRachel's father, Ericus Smith, following his death. See the notes ofEricus for details.
Lee Co, VA Tax lists for 1795 includes a Joseph Hatfield (and GeorgeHatfield, Joseph's father?). Joseph is listed as being the lone whitemale over 16 in the home and he owns 1 horse.
Joseph Hatfield is present on surviving tax lists for Wayne Co, KY, 1802,1806, 1807:
1802 Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, owns 1 mare.
1806 Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, no horses.
1807 Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, 2 horses.
1822 A Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, 2 horses.
1823 A Hatfield, Joseph, 1 male over 21, 2 horses.
**Leslie Collier also includes a number of possible land transactions forJoseph in KY and TN.
The following is from the Rev. War Pension filed by Rachel (Smith)Hatfield in the name of her husband (National Archives; Rev War Pension#5.979; filed as "Hatfield, Joseph "):
1) Depostition of Rachel Hatfield
"In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act ofCongress of the 4th day of July 1836 and the joint resolution of July 7,1838 State of Tennessee Campbell County On this 21st day of October 1843personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for saidCounty and State aforesaid Mrs Rachel Hatfield a resident of said County,aged eighty years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on heroath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit ofthe provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and theJoint Resolution of July 7th 1838 That she is the widow of JosephHatfield who was a private and an Indian spy in the Virginia Militi a inthe war of the Revolution That her husband the aforesaid Joseph Hatfieldentered the service in the County of Russell in the state of Virginiaunder Col. Chrisman and served two campaigns of six months each thenames of his captains she has forgotten this service took place beforeher marriage She was married to her Husband the said Joseph Hatfield onthe 28th of October 1779 by L. Worley Esqr. After the marriage herhusband was called out to defend the frontier and was marshalled in toservice under Captain Thompson at a place called the New Gardain inRussell County Virginia and was in the service from March until Novemberbut the intermission in this Campaign he served as an Indian spy The nextCampaign was under Captan Dickison and was mounted to Blackmorus fort wasin the capasity a part of his time at the fort as an Indian spy the ofthe time her husband was in this service she is [illeg.] to say he wascalled under Captain Scott at different times and was considered one fothe best woodsm an in the western frontier She further declares thattaking into account cannot the year her husband Joseph Hatfield servedbefore the marriage and the time after the marraige it [illeg.] threeyears and at least one half of the time as an Indian Spy She furtherdeclared that she has not kept a family record of the births of herchildren owing to her husband being no scribe and she is a widow at thistime and that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Hatfield departed thislife August 26th 1832.
Rachel, her X mark, Hatfield
Sworn to and subscribed before me the and year before written.
Allen McDonald
J. Peace
Then on Oct 21, 1843 Rachel also signed a declaration attesting to theaccuracy of the above account. Also in Scott Co., in May 1852, EzekielNewport and Isaac Reed both sign similar statements attesting to theiracquaintance with Joseph Hatfield and his Rev. War service.
Events
| Birth | Abt 1750 | Vriginia | |||
| Marriage | 1763 | ||||
| Marriage | 28 Oct 1779 | Washington County, Virginia - Rachel Smith | |||
| Death | 19 Aug 1832 | Campbell County, Tennessee | |||
| Reference No | 2142 | ||||
| Burial | Walker Cemetery, south of Oneida, Tennessee | ||||
| Military | Pvt., Scout and spy Virginia Militia in American Revolution, |
Families
| Spouse | Rachel Smith (1754 - ) |
| Child | Jeremiah Hatfield (1780 - 1840) |
| Child | Joseph Hatfield (1783 - 1832) |
| Child | John Hatfield (1785 - 1858) |
| Child | Nancy Hatfield (1786 - 1870) |
| Child | James Wiley Hatfield (1790 - 1860) |
| Child | Pharabia "Phoebe" Hatfield (1791 - 1840) |
| Child | William Hatfield (1793 - ) |
| Child | Sarah Hatfield (1800 - ) |