Family Group Sheet
NameAaron John Collier Sr.
Birth15 Jan 1750, Bedford Co., Virginia
Death19 Jun 1842, Lee Co., Virginia
FatherWilliam Collier (<1730-)
Other spousesElizabeth Goad, 1C8R
Marriageabt 1800, probably Lee Co., Virginia
SpouseFrancis “Frankie”
Birthabt 1780, Virginia
Children
Birthabt 1801, Lee Co., Virginia
Death25 Sep 1869, Turkey Cove, Lee Co., Virginia
SpouseElizabeth Berry
SpouseSarah Horton
3 MJehu Collier
Birthabt 1809, Lee Co., Virginia
SpouseLucinda
Birthabt 1815, Virginia
SpouseCynthia Bowen
SpouseMartha Johnson
Notes for Aaron John Collier Sr.
There were two Aaron Colliers born in Virginia in 1750, one the son of William, and one the son of John. There is a very long source note written by Ron Hall documenting both of them that has been widely distributed and which I will copy in its entirety below. Note that this is Ron Hall’s notes, not mine. I apologize for the messy formatting.
Aaron has been misidentified by many as the Aaron Collier, son of John & Sisely Collier of Augusta Co, VA, but their son died in 1789 in Lincoln Co, KY, after the entire clan moved there. This Aaron Collier is a brother to Shadrack "Wallens Ridge" Collier. Message posted by Anne Bays, June 15, 2001: I have just received a special report from the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding the preservation of Revolutionary War veterans grave sites in Virginia, and it states that Aaron Collier b. 1750, d. 1842 is buried in the Collier cemetery on routes 662 & 624 behind Chester Nester in the town of Dugspur in Carroll County, Virginia. ,,,,,,,,,,,,Now I was delighted to find exactly where Aaron`s grave is located, but this news has brought back some of the questions that I have had in the past about whether or not our Aaron Collier of Lee County really was the Aaron Collier Of Grayson/Carroll County.,,,,,,,,,,,,It has always appeared that they were one and the same, and the Aaron Collier who was in Grayson County sold his land and dropped off the tax list at approximately the same time as the Aaron Collier appeared in Lee County. Also in 1835, when Aaron Collier of Lee County applied for a Revolutionary War pension, he stated that he had lived in Montgomery County and served in the company of William Bobbitt, who was a neighbor and friend of the Aaron Collier of Grayson County.,,,,,,,,,,,My question is why would Aaron Collier of Lee County, who had divided his land among his four sons who lived in Lee County, "to support and take care of the said Aaron Collier, SR. and Frankie Collier during their natural lives" and who also had two daughters living nearby in Lee County, be removed from his home and buried back in Carroll County?,,,,,,,,,,,,I know that Aaron`s and his supposed first wife Elizabeth`s son Shadrack remained in Carroll County for his entire life, and possibly Elizabeth Goad Collier was also buried there but I still think it strange that Aaron would be taken back there for burial !............What have I missed ? MSG posted by Fred Graham, August 1, 2001: I just don`t believe that Aaron Collier 1750-1842 is buried anywhere but in Lee County. I have visited the Collier Cemetery that is on a hill about 50 yards from the home of Aaron Collier in Lee County and I have no doubts that he is buried there along with Aaron Jr. born 1806 and with his two wives. There are few markers but I`m sure in my mind that all of the early Colliers are buried there. I would be interested in where Virginia Commonwealth collected that information. As we all say, what were their sources? Message posted by Anne Bays, August 1, 2001: I don`t believe it either, BUT this is a report to the Governor and General Assembly of Virginia, published in 2001, by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. It is titled "Special Report: Preservation of Revolutionary War Veteran Grave sites in Virginia" House Document No. 42. ,,,,,,,,,,,The sources listed are: The Daughters & Sons of the Revolution (DAR & SAR), the Department of Historic Resources and a number of local historical and genealogical societies. ,,,,,,,,,,,,This book looks and sounds very official ! Message posted by Anne Bays, genforum.genealogy.com, dated May 30, 2004.....SUBJECT: Aaron J. Collier of Grayson & Lee Counties, VA.,,,,,,,,Let`s all pool our resources and find out once and for all just who the patents of Aaron J. Collier were. Those who know me will remember that I searched for several years in an attempt to find the father of Aaron and his brother Shadrick Collier.,,,,,,,,I always "felt" as though his father could have been William for several reasons, the first being that Aaron And Elizabeth Goad Collier named their second son William Randolph and the second being the evidence that William Collier was a Longhunter known to have explored much of southwest VA & KY., and I thought that perhaps the stories that he told may have been the reason Aaron left Elizabeth in Grayson County and traveled to Lee County in the late 1700s. I have no proof to backup my theory. ,,,,,,,,,,I now see on several of the posts that there is a 1771 tax record from Pittslvania County that refers to Aaron as a son of William. I have been unable to find this record in the VA State Archives. Is this tax record a true fact or a rumor that is being spread on the Internet ? I would really appreciate someone sharing this record with me. It would go a long way toward supporting my feelings that William was indeed the father of Aaron. ,,,,,,,,,,I also saw the reports about the Collier Cemetery in Carroll County, VA and the photos of Aaron`s gravestone located in this cemetery. When I first reported that the State of VA official publication of Revolutionary soldiers graves stated that he was buried in Carroll County, I questioned why his body would be taken from his home in Lee County where he died and where most of his children resided and returned to Carroll County. Many of you did not believe that this could have occurred and that Aaron was in an unmarked grave in the Collier cemetery in Lee County. We have recently been told that he is buried in Carroll County and photos of his gravestone are provided for further proof.,,,,,,,,,this definitely creates more questions in my mind. Why was there no record until recently as to the burial site ? Why do the descendants who still live in Wise and Lee Counties believe that he is buried in the family cemetery in Lee County? Who is this John Collier buried in the same cemetery? He would appear to be too old to be a brother to Aaron and he certainly is not his son, so could he be Aaron`s father? Why have we not been able to find a record of Aaron`s grave site before this time? Who placed the stones which certainly appear to be newer than 100 years old? Someone has to be able to answer these questions for us............. Response by Ron Hall: I think, maybe, members of the DAR & SAR were overly enthusiastic in their effort to recognize the fact that Aaron was, in fact, a Revolutionary War Soldier who lived in the Grayson/Carroll County area during the war and mistakenly assumed that he lived his entire life in that area, so naturally would have been buried in the local Collier cemetery. They either did not know or did not want to admit that Aaron and his brother Shadrick left their families in Grayson/Carroll County and made new beginnings in Lee County where they both died. The records of their family life and death in Lee County is very clear and well documented in the Lee County Court Records. Collier Family Genealogy Forum....MSG posted by Michael D. Nester, August 3, 2003: Aaron Collier of Garrard County, KY was apparently the son of John Collier whose will was probated in 1765 at Botetourt County, VA, listing wife Sisely and children Aaron, Alexander, John, Moses, and Margaret. Alexander, Moses, John and Aaron were in Garrard County, KY 1810-1820. Some have confused the Aaron Collier of Lee County, VA who was born 15 Jan 1750 in Bedford County, VA, died 1842 in Lee County, VA,,,,,with the Aaron of Garrard County, KY and have erroneously listed Aaron of Lee County as the son of John Collier of Botetourt County. ((((((( NOTE by Ron Hall: The author of " Early Settlers of Lee County" references the will of John & Sisely Collier that refers to a son Aaron Collier as possibly the Aaron Collier that came from Grayson/Bedford County, VA to Lee County, VA. There is a "ton" of evidence gleaned from official court records that directly refutes the assumption made by the author of "Early Settlers of Lee County".))))))) Aaron Collier, 1750-1842, of Lee County is the ancestor of the Colliers of Carroll County, VA and was a son of William Collier, according to the 1771 Pittsylvania County, VA tax list, which listed Aaron as a son of William Collier. This Aaron married Elizabeth Goad. He left Elizabeth and went to Lee County, VA where he & Frankey had a family together. Collier Family Genealogy Forum,,,MSG posted by Fred Graham, August 11,2000: Able Collier, Ori G. "Trig" Collier, William Collier, Maston Martin Collier, David W. Collier & Commodore Perry Collier are children of Shadrack Collier (brother of Aaron Collier, Sr. of Lee County, VA) born about 1760 and (2nd wife) Edy Babb Hardy Collier. Edy Collier was in the 1830 Lee County, VA census but left with her son Commodore Perry Collier and went to Texas. William and David W. Collier that were in the 1850 Lee County census left in 1850 and followed them to Texas. They settled in Red River County, Texas. Both William and David W. died shortly thereafter in Texas. Able, Maston, and Ori G. stayed in VA. Collier Family Genealogy Forum....MSG posted by Jack London, August 4, 2003: I`ve done a bit of research in Garrard County, KY where there is information on Aaron Collier, born 1787 in KY and the son of Alexander Collier and Gr Son of John Collier And Sisely Hall. Aaron, born 1787, married Miriam Crutchfield at Garrard County, KY. Date of birth of Aaron Collier ....6-23-1750..... from Aaron`s Revolutionary War Pension File. AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS: From: Honorable Claude A. Swanson, Virginia, Member of The United States Senate.....To: Honorable Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington..... My Dear Commissioner: Enclosed herewith you will find a letter I have just received from Mrs. Dora Cochran Smith, Humbolt, Kansas, which explains itself. I will appreciate very much if you will have your records searched and advise me if you have any information as to pension paid Shadrack Collier, Mrs. Smith`s great-grandfather. I will also ask that you return Mrs. Smith`s letter with your reply. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Yours Very truly,,,,,signed: Claude A. Swanson........October 26, 1926. My dear Senator: In response to your letter of the twenty-sixth instant, with enclosure from Mrs. Dora Cochran Smith, Humbolt, Kansas, I have the honor to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 211, it appears that Aaron Collier was born January 15, 1750 in Bedford County, Virginia. While residing in Lee County, Virginia, he applied for pension, June 23, 1835, and stated that while residing in Montgomery County, Virginia, he served from June 1780, three months under Captain George Parris and was out against the Indians; and that in October 1781 or 1782, he entered the service under Captain George Parris and marched against the Tories, and had a battle with them near the Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River. The claim was not allowed, as there was no proof of six months service, as required by the pension law. He married in 1770, Elizabeth (her maiden name not given), she died July 1830, and he died June 1842. Son, Shadrack, was seventy-one years old in 1853 and living in Carroll County, Virginia, by: Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington (Rev. and 1812 War Section) ......October 29, 1926. Note by Ron Hall: Mrs. Dora Cochran Smith was a member of the Frederick Funston Chapter, Daughters Of The American Revolution, Humbolt, Kansas. Southwest VA Tax Assessments, 1815, by Mary B. Kegley: Lee County,,,,Aaron Collier, one farm on the north side of Wallings Ridge, adjoining lands of John Howard, 280 acres having thereon one dwelling house of wood, one story, 18 feet by 16 feet, valued at $400.00. LEE COUNTY, VA TAX RECORDS: 1799......Aaron Collier 1800 through 1809......Aaron Collier, Randall (Randal/Randan/Randol/Randolph) Collier 1810 through 1813......Aaron, Randolph, & Shadrack Collier LEE COUNTY, VA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RECORDS: COLLIER SUR NAMES......1st digit of the four-digit code is # of white males over 16, 2nd digit is blacks over age 12, 3rd digit is blacks over age 16, the 4th digit is # of horses..... "c" indicates "cents" or the amount of tax paid. 1827......Able 1000; Solomon1000; Aaron(Sr) 1003--36c; Edith 0002--24c; Randolph 2004--48c; William 1003--36c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--24c; John B. 1006--72c; David 1002--24c. 1828......Edith 100--12c; Able 1000; Aaron(Jr) 1004--48c; Randolph 1005--60c; Aren(Sr) 1004--48c; Sollomon 1001--12c; John B. 1004--48c; David 1003--36c; John 1000. 1829......John 1006--60c; Randolph 2003--30c; Stephen 1001--10c; Edy 0001--10c; Abel 1000; Oring (probably Ori) 1000; Aaron(Sr) 2005--50c; Solomon 1001--10c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--20c. 1830......Stephen 1001--8c; Aaron(Sr) 2005--40c; Aaron(Jr) 1003--24c; Ore 1000; Solomon 1001--8c; Edy 1001--8c; Able 1000; Randolph 2004--32c; John B. 1002--16c. 1831......John 2003--18c; Solomon 1001--6c; Aaron 1002--12c; Stephen 1002--12c; Able 1001--6c; Orie 1001--6c; David 1002--12c; John B. 1001--6c; Randolph 3005--30c. 1832......David 1003; Stephen1004--24c; Ori G 1000; Abel 1001--6c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--12c; Randolph 3005--30c; Jehue 1005--30c; Aaron(Sr) 1001--6c; Solomon 1001--6c; John B. 1004--24c. 1833.....John B. 1007--42c; Ori 1002--12c; Solomon 1001--6c; Randolph 3004--24c; David 1001--6c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--12c; Abel 1001--6c; Jahue 1001--6c; Aaron(Sr) 1005--30c; Note: This was the last year that Aaron(Sr) appeared on the tax rolls. 1834......John B. 1004--24c; Randolph 3005--30c; Jahue 1003--18c; Solomon 1001--6c; Ori 1001--6c; David 1001--6c. 1835......Isom 1001--6c; Solomon 1000; Ori G 1001--6c; Martin 1001--6c; Aaron(Jr) 1001 & 1 stud horse @$1.00 $2.06; Jehu 1004--24c; Randolph 2004--24c; Abel 1000; William 1000; John B. 1004--24c. 1836......John B. 1005--30c; Aaron(Jr) 1002 & 1 stud horse @$1.00 $3.12; Orie G. 1001--6c; Isom 1001--6c; David M. 1001--6c; Abel 1002--12c; William 1001--6c; Randolph 2004--24c; Solomon 1001--6c; Jacob 1003--18c; Martin 1001--6c; Isaac 1002--12c. 1837......William 1000; Abel 1001--6c; Maston 1002--12c; Aaron 1003, 1 stud horse @$.50 $1.18; Isom 1002--12c; Randolph 1003--18c; Martin 1001--6c; Ori 1002--12c; David 1002--12c; John B. 1006--36c. 1838......Isaac 1002; Jahue 1002; Jahue 1002; Solomon 1001; Aaron 1004; William 1001; Isom 1002; Randolph 1004; Martin 1000; Ori G. 1002--16c; Maston1002; Abel 1000. 1839......William 1000; Martin D. ; Aaron 1004; Solomon 1001; Ori G. 1003; Isham 1002; Randolph 1004; Abel 1001; Mastin 1005; Jahue 1003; Isaac 1003; David 1002; William #2 1000; David(Jr) 1000. 1840......Mastin 1005; Isaac 1002; Jahue 1004; Ori G 1003; David E. 1000; Aaron(Jr) 1005; Solomon 1001; David (Sr) 1003; Isom W. 1002; Wm. E. 1002; Martin D. 1001; Randolph 1002; Abel 1002. 1841......Isham 1001; William 1003; Maston 1005; David W. 1001; Randolph 1003; Martin D. 1003; David 1004; Solomon 1001; Orie 1004; Isaac 1003; Jahue 1002; Aaron 1006. 1842......William 1003; David(Jr) 1001; Ori 1004; Martin 1005; Solomon 1001; Jahue 1003; Isaac 1003; Aaron 1008; Martin D. 1001; Isom W. 1001; David(Sr) 1002; Randolph 1004. 1843......Solomon 1001; Jacob 1005 & 1 slave over 12 yrs--under 16 yrs; Isaac 1003; Aaron 1009 & 1 slave over 12 yrs--under 16 yrs: William 1002; Ori G. 1005; David W. 1001; David(Sr) 1001; Isom 1001; Martin 1002; Randolph 1003 & 1 slave over 12 yrs--under 16 yrs; Maston 1005. 1844......Solomon 1001; Jehew 1007 & 1 wooden clock--$1.12; Isaac 1003; Aaron J. 2008 & 1 wood clock $1.25; David W. 1000; William 1004; David 1001; Ori G 1003; Martin D. 1001; Randolph 1004; Isom W. 1000; Mastin 1005; David(Jr) 1000. 1845......Solomon 1001; Aaron 2006 & 1 other clock--72c; Jahue 1007; Isaac 1004 & 1 other clock; Ori 1003; Randolph 1003; David 1001 & 1 other clock; Martin 1001; Maston 1003; David D. 1000. 1846......Martin B. 1001; Aaron 2008 & 1 other clock--92 1/2 c; Isom 1001; Katharine 0002--20c; Isaac 1002 & 1 other clock; Solomon 1002; David 1002; Ori B. 1002; Jahu 1004 & 1 mantel clock; David W 1002; Maston 1003; David P. 100-19 & 2 gold watches--$2.90. 1847...... David W. 1002; Solomon 1002; Jahu 1005; Isaac 1002 & 1 other clock--45c; David W. 1002; Aaron J. 1005 & 1 other clock--75c; Catharine 0002 & 1 other clock; Ori G. 1003; Isham W. 1001; Martin 1001; David 2002; Maston 1002; David P. 100-12--$1.20. 1848......David 2002; Isom W. 1002; Martin D. 1002 &1 other clock; Ori G. 1004; David W. 1002; Aaron J. 1005, 1 other clock & 1 Physician or Surgeon--$5.62 1/2c; Isaac 1003 & 1 other clock--42 1/2c; Solomon 1002; Jahu 1005 & 1 other clock--62 1/2c; Mastin 1002; David P. 1006. 1849......Isom W. 1001; Catharine 0002 & 1 other clock--59c; Aaron J. 1006, 1other clock & Physician or Surgeon--$5.75 1/2c; Ori G 1004; David W. 1002; Isaac 1005; Solomon 1001; Jahue 1004; William 1001; Mastin 1002: George L. 1001. 1850......Solomon 1001; John(Jahue) 1004 & 1 metal clock; Isaac 1004 & 1 other clock; George L. 1004; Aaron J. 1006 & 1 other clock; Ori 1005; Isom 1001 & 1 other clock; William 1001; David 1003; Maston 1003. GRAYSON COUNTY, VA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX LISTING.......COLLIER SUR-NAME 1794......Shadrick 1001; Aaron 1004; Martin 1000. 1795......Aaron 2003; Shadrick 1001. 1796......Aaron 1002; Shadrack 1001; Randolph 1001; Martin 2002. 1797......Aaron 2001; Shadrack 1001; Randolph 1001. 1798......Aaron 2001; Shadrack 1001; Randel 1000. 1799......Shadrick 1001. 1800......Shadrick 1000 line 42; Shadrick 1001 line 43. These two living at the same place. 1801......Shadrick 1000. 1802......Shadrack 1001. 1803......Shadrack 1001, March 30; Shadrack 1000, April 1. 1804......Shadrack 2001; Shadrack 1000. 1805......Shadric sener 2001; Shedric juner 1001. Together 1806......Shadrick 2001; Henry 1001; Shadrick jun 1001. 1807......Henry 1001; Peyton 1000. Together 1808......Taxes were not collected in 1808. 1809......Shadrick 1002. 1810......Shadrack 1002, March 31; Paton 1000, April 4. 1811......Shadrack 1002; Peyton 1001. Both on April 3. 1812......Shadrack 1002, March 8; Paton 1000, March 4; Roda 0001, March 4. 1813......Shadrack 1002. 1814......Shadrack 1004. 1815......Shadrack 1003 & 20 cattle; a free Negro, Bob Cole, was his next door neighbor. 1816 through 1827......Shadrack is the only COLLIER listed. Aaron Collier, Sr. & Randal (William Randolph) Collier were taxed for the final time in Grayson County, VA in the year 1798. Aaron Collier, Sr was taxed for the first time in Lee County, VA in the year 1799. Randal was taxed for the first time in Lee County, VA in the year 1800. Shadrack "Wallens Ridge" Collier was taxed for the final time in Grayson County, VA in the year 1806. Shadrack "Wallens Ridge" Collier was taxed for the first time in Lee County, VA in the year 1810. HISTORY of LEE COUNTY, VA Aaron Collier, Sr was one of the first permanent settlers in Lee County. There was, however, white people who visited the Lee County area and supposedly settled there and made proper improvements that would allow them a legal claim to portions of land. The following excerpts from Augusta County, VA court records is "supposed" evidence to support some the claims. October 27, 1800 Augusta County, VA, Circuit Court Cases ended: Simon Eli vs. Robert and William Davis and Alexander Wiley......In 1771 William McGhee (McGoughey) made a settlement in the Turkey Cove in Powell`s Valley in present Lee County, and obtained a certificate from the Commissioners in 1779. James Arbuckle as assignee of Jeptha Messay also obtained a certificate for lands adjoining settled in 1776which was transferred to defendants. Vincent Hobbs deposes that he first became acquainted with the lands in 1773, and he moved his family into the Cove in 1780 and found Rachel Arbuckle and her family there on a tract she claimed by Jeptha Messay`s improvement. In the Spring folling all the families moved away because of the Indians being troublesome. John Thompson deposes that in February, 1778, he came into the Turkey Cove to look at a tract he expected to buy. Joseph Head`s deposition: Peter Cloud first began to improve the land. Thomas Berry deposed that he knew of McGehee`s improvement in 1771. William Collier deposes that in the winter and spring preceding Christian`s campaign he remained at the camp of Thomas Lovelady. William was a hunter and trapper.. Thomas Sowers, now called Soward, came in with Messay. The Indians became troublesome and the people had to leave. 1802 Augusta County, VA Simon Eli vs. James Thompson.........Robert Davis deposes, 1802, that in 1779, he and Alexander Wiley drove cattle to Turkey Cove in Powell`s Valley, where they found Peter Cloud living, tending stock for James Thompson. He and Alexander continued on to the Cumberland country and then returned.WILLIAM COLLIER deposes. David Dryden deposes that in 1771 he removed to the country called Washington, and came to the house of Thomas Berry. William Blanton deposes, September, 1803 that he has been acquainted with Powell`s Valley since 1770 and was on a hunting party there in 1771-1772. He has now been living in the Valley 11-12 years. Vincent Hobbs deposes , 1803, he first became acquainted with the land in 1773 and settled there in 1780. Nathan Richardson deposes, 1804, that he became acquainted with the land in 1770 or1771 on a hunting trip and met Thomas Berry and McGhee. Philip Catrine deposes, 1804, that he had been acquainted with the Valley 25 years. Arbuckle was living there then. Vincent Hobbs deposes, 1804, that he first became acquainted in 1770-1771; has lived on the land 17 years. Collier was always called Lying Bill Collier. Thomas Berry deposes, September 1803, that in 1770 or 1771, he went to Powell`s Valley with William McGhee, who was then a stranger in the county and met with Thomas on a hunting party. Thomas went up the country after some buffaloes and when he returned he saw some trees deadened which McGhee claimed as his improvement. McGhee when they went on the hunting party owned a place on Holston bought from one Walling, where he lived about 70 miles from Powell`s Valley. Thomas Soward deposed, 1802, is about fifty-six years old; in Russell County; in 1776 he Jephta Massey, his brother-in-law, settled at Turkey Cove, planted corn, cabbage, peach stone, apple seed and remained on the land until obliged to remove on account of the Indian War. John Hoover deposes, 1804. James Fugate deposes, 1804. Henry Hoover deposes, 1804, that in 1782 he drove Gen. Shelby`s stock to range in Turkey Cove. Nathan Richardson aged about sixty-five (65) years, depose, 1802, that in 1771 he was on a hunting expedition in Powell`s Valley, and met Thomas Berry, David Carson, And William McGhee. Answer states, Jephta Massey made the first settlement, who invited Thomas Sowers to come there who made a settlement. Massey sold to Rachel Arbuckle, who although a married woman, being separated from her husband by mutual consent, lived and transacted business as a single woman.Jephtha Massey deposes in Monroe County, 5th November, 1802, in April, 1775 or 1776, he made an improvement on Turkey Cove and remained there until June, when everybody was driven away by the Indians, but returned in the Fall. Information provided by Ron Hall
Aaron has been misidentified by many as the Aaron Collier, son of John & Sisely Collier of Augusta Co, VA, but their son died in 1789 in Lincoln Co, KY, after the entire clan moved there. This Aaron Collier is a brother to Shadrack "Wallens Ridge" Collier. Message posted by Anne Bays, June 15, 2001: I have just received a special report from the Commonwealth of Virginia regarding the preservation of Revolutionary War veterans grave sites in Virginia, and it states that Aaron Collier b. 1750, d. 1842 is buried in the Collier cemetery on routes 662 & 624 behind Chester Nester in the town of Dugspur in Carroll County, Virginia. ,,,,,,,,,,,,Now I was delighted to find exactly where Aaron`s grave is located, but this news has brought back some of the questions that I have had in the past about whether or not our Aaron Collier of Lee County really was the Aaron Collier Of Grayson/Carroll County.,,,,,,,,,,,,It has always appeared that they were one and the same, and the Aaron Collier who was in Grayson County sold his land and dropped off the tax list at approximately the same time as the Aaron Collier appeared in Lee County. Also in 1835, when Aaron Collier of Lee County applied for a Revolutionary War pension, he stated that he had lived in Montgomery County and served in the company of William Bobbitt, who was a neighbor and friend of the Aaron Collier of Grayson County.,,,,,,,,,,,My question is why would Aaron Collier of Lee County, who had divided his land among his four sons who lived in Lee County, "to support and take care of the said Aaron Collier, SR. and Frankie Collier during their natural lives" and who also had two daughters living nearby in Lee County, be removed from his home and buried back in Carroll County?,,,,,,,,,,,,I know that Aaron`s and his supposed first wife Elizabeth`s son Shadrack remained in Carroll County for his entire life, and possibly Elizabeth Goad Collier was also buried there but I still think it strange that Aaron would be taken back there for burial !............What have I missed ? MSG posted by Fred Graham, August 1, 2001: I just don`t believe that Aaron Collier 1750-1842 is buried anywhere but in Lee County. I have visited the Collier Cemetery that is on a hill about 50 yards from the home of Aaron Collier in Lee County and I have no doubts that he is buried there along with Aaron Jr. born 1806 and with his two wives. There are few markers but I`m sure in my mind that all of the early Colliers are buried there. I would be interested in where Virginia Commonwealth collected that information. As we all say, what were their sources? Message posted by Anne Bays, August 1, 2001: I don`t believe it either, BUT this is a report to the Governor and General Assembly of Virginia, published in 2001, by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. It is titled "Special Report: Preservation of Revolutionary War Veteran Grave sites in Virginia" House Document No. 42. ,,,,,,,,,,,The sources listed are: The Daughters & Sons of the Revolution (DAR & SAR), the Department of Historic Resources and a number of local historical and genealogical societies. ,,,,,,,,,,,,This book looks and sounds very official ! Message posted by Anne Bays, genforum.genealogy.com, dated May 30, 2004.....SUBJECT: Aaron J. Collier of Grayson & Lee Counties, VA.,,,,,,,,Let`s all pool our resources and find out once and for all just who the patents of Aaron J. Collier were. Those who know me will remember that I searched for several years in an attempt to find the father of Aaron and his brother Shadrick Collier.,,,,,,,,I always "felt" as though his father could have been William for several reasons, the first being that Aaron And Elizabeth Goad Collier named their second son William Randolph and the second being the evidence that William Collier was a Longhunter known to have explored much of southwest VA & KY., and I thought that perhaps the stories that he told may have been the reason Aaron left Elizabeth in Grayson County and traveled to Lee County in the late 1700s. I have no proof to backup my theory. ,,,,,,,,,,I now see on several of the posts that there is a 1771 tax record from Pittslvania County that refers to Aaron as a son of William. I have been unable to find this record in the VA State Archives. Is this tax record a true fact or a rumor that is being spread on the Internet ? I would really appreciate someone sharing this record with me. It would go a long way toward supporting my feelings that William was indeed the father of Aaron. ,,,,,,,,,,I also saw the reports about the Collier Cemetery in Carroll County, VA and the photos of Aaron`s gravestone located in this cemetery. When I first reported that the State of VA official publication of Revolutionary soldiers graves stated that he was buried in Carroll County, I questioned why his body would be taken from his home in Lee County where he died and where most of his children resided and returned to Carroll County. Many of you did not believe that this could have occurred and that Aaron was in an unmarked grave in the Collier cemetery in Lee County. We have recently been told that he is buried in Carroll County and photos of his gravestone are provided for further proof.,,,,,,,,,this definitely creates more questions in my mind. Why was there no record until recently as to the burial site ? Why do the descendants who still live in Wise and Lee Counties believe that he is buried in the family cemetery in Lee County? Who is this John Collier buried in the same cemetery? He would appear to be too old to be a brother to Aaron and he certainly is not his son, so could he be Aaron`s father? Why have we not been able to find a record of Aaron`s grave site before this time? Who placed the stones which certainly appear to be newer than 100 years old? Someone has to be able to answer these questions for us............. Response by Ron Hall: I think, maybe, members of the DAR & SAR were overly enthusiastic in their effort to recognize the fact that Aaron was, in fact, a Revolutionary War Soldier who lived in the Grayson/Carroll County area during the war and mistakenly assumed that he lived his entire life in that area, so naturally would have been buried in the local Collier cemetery. They either did not know or did not want to admit that Aaron and his brother Shadrick left their families in Grayson/Carroll County and made new beginnings in Lee County where they both died. The records of their family life and death in Lee County is very clear and well documented in the Lee County Court Records. Collier Family Genealogy Forum....MSG posted by Michael D. Nester, August 3, 2003: Aaron Collier of Garrard County, KY was apparently the son of John Collier whose will was probated in 1765 at Botetourt County, VA, listing wife Sisely and children Aaron, Alexander, John, Moses, and Margaret. Alexander, Moses, John and Aaron were in Garrard County, KY 1810-1820. Some have confused the Aaron Collier of Lee County, VA who was born 15 Jan 1750 in Bedford County, VA, died 1842 in Lee County, VA,,,,,with the Aaron of Garrard County, KY and have erroneously listed Aaron of Lee County as the son of John Collier of Botetourt County. ((((((( NOTE by Ron Hall: The author of " Early Settlers of Lee County" references the will of John & Sisely Collier that refers to a son Aaron Collier as possibly the Aaron Collier that came from Grayson/Bedford County, VA to Lee County, VA. There is a "ton" of evidence gleaned from official court records that directly refutes the assumption made by the author of "Early Settlers of Lee County".))))))) Aaron Collier, 1750-1842, of Lee County is the ancestor of the Colliers of Carroll County, VA and was a son of William Collier, according to the 1771 Pittsylvania County, VA tax list, which listed Aaron as a son of William Collier. This Aaron married Elizabeth Goad. He left Elizabeth and went to Lee County, VA where he & Frankey had a family together. Collier Family Genealogy Forum,,,MSG posted by Fred Graham, August 11,2000: Able Collier, Ori G. "Trig" Collier, William Collier, Maston Martin Collier, David W. Collier & Commodore Perry Collier are children of Shadrack Collier (brother of Aaron Collier, Sr. of Lee County, VA) born about 1760 and (2nd wife) Edy Babb Hardy Collier. Edy Collier was in the 1830 Lee County, VA census but left with her son Commodore Perry Collier and went to Texas. William and David W. Collier that were in the 1850 Lee County census left in 1850 and followed them to Texas. They settled in Red River County, Texas. Both William and David W. died shortly thereafter in Texas. Able, Maston, and Ori G. stayed in VA. Collier Family Genealogy Forum....MSG posted by Jack London, August 4, 2003: I`ve done a bit of research in Garrard County, KY where there is information on Aaron Collier, born 1787 in KY and the son of Alexander Collier and Gr Son of John Collier And Sisely Hall. Aaron, born 1787, married Miriam Crutchfield at Garrard County, KY. Date of birth of Aaron Collier ....6-23-1750..... from Aaron`s Revolutionary War Pension File. AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS: From: Honorable Claude A. Swanson, Virginia, Member of The United States Senate.....To: Honorable Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington..... My Dear Commissioner: Enclosed herewith you will find a letter I have just received from Mrs. Dora Cochran Smith, Humbolt, Kansas, which explains itself. I will appreciate very much if you will have your records searched and advise me if you have any information as to pension paid Shadrack Collier, Mrs. Smith`s great-grandfather. I will also ask that you return Mrs. Smith`s letter with your reply. With kind regards and best wishes, I am, Yours Very truly,,,,,signed: Claude A. Swanson........October 26, 1926. My dear Senator: In response to your letter of the twenty-sixth instant, with enclosure from Mrs. Dora Cochran Smith, Humbolt, Kansas, I have the honor to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 211, it appears that Aaron Collier was born January 15, 1750 in Bedford County, Virginia. While residing in Lee County, Virginia, he applied for pension, June 23, 1835, and stated that while residing in Montgomery County, Virginia, he served from June 1780, three months under Captain George Parris and was out against the Indians; and that in October 1781 or 1782, he entered the service under Captain George Parris and marched against the Tories, and had a battle with them near the Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River. The claim was not allowed, as there was no proof of six months service, as required by the pension law. He married in 1770, Elizabeth (her maiden name not given), she died July 1830, and he died June 1842. Son, Shadrack, was seventy-one years old in 1853 and living in Carroll County, Virginia, by: Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington (Rev. and 1812 War Section) ......October 29, 1926. Note by Ron Hall: Mrs. Dora Cochran Smith was a member of the Frederick Funston Chapter, Daughters Of The American Revolution, Humbolt, Kansas. Southwest VA Tax Assessments, 1815, by Mary B. Kegley: Lee County,,,,Aaron Collier, one farm on the north side of Wallings Ridge, adjoining lands of John Howard, 280 acres having thereon one dwelling house of wood, one story, 18 feet by 16 feet, valued at $400.00. LEE COUNTY, VA TAX RECORDS: 1799......Aaron Collier 1800 through 1809......Aaron Collier, Randall (Randal/Randan/Randol/Randolph) Collier 1810 through 1813......Aaron, Randolph, & Shadrack Collier LEE COUNTY, VA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RECORDS: COLLIER SUR NAMES......1st digit of the four-digit code is # of white males over 16, 2nd digit is blacks over age 12, 3rd digit is blacks over age 16, the 4th digit is # of horses..... "c" indicates "cents" or the amount of tax paid. 1827......Able 1000; Solomon1000; Aaron(Sr) 1003--36c; Edith 0002--24c; Randolph 2004--48c; William 1003--36c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--24c; John B. 1006--72c; David 1002--24c. 1828......Edith 100--12c; Able 1000; Aaron(Jr) 1004--48c; Randolph 1005--60c; Aren(Sr) 1004--48c; Sollomon 1001--12c; John B. 1004--48c; David 1003--36c; John 1000. 1829......John 1006--60c; Randolph 2003--30c; Stephen 1001--10c; Edy 0001--10c; Abel 1000; Oring (probably Ori) 1000; Aaron(Sr) 2005--50c; Solomon 1001--10c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--20c. 1830......Stephen 1001--8c; Aaron(Sr) 2005--40c; Aaron(Jr) 1003--24c; Ore 1000; Solomon 1001--8c; Edy 1001--8c; Able 1000; Randolph 2004--32c; John B. 1002--16c. 1831......John 2003--18c; Solomon 1001--6c; Aaron 1002--12c; Stephen 1002--12c; Able 1001--6c; Orie 1001--6c; David 1002--12c; John B. 1001--6c; Randolph 3005--30c. 1832......David 1003; Stephen1004--24c; Ori G 1000; Abel 1001--6c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--12c; Randolph 3005--30c; Jehue 1005--30c; Aaron(Sr) 1001--6c; Solomon 1001--6c; John B. 1004--24c. 1833.....John B. 1007--42c; Ori 1002--12c; Solomon 1001--6c; Randolph 3004--24c; David 1001--6c; Aaron(Jr) 1002--12c; Abel 1001--6c; Jahue 1001--6c; Aaron(Sr) 1005--30c; Note: This was the last year that Aaron(Sr) appeared on the tax rolls. 1834......John B. 1004--24c; Randolph 3005--30c; Jahue 1003--18c; Solomon 1001--6c; Ori 1001--6c; David 1001--6c. 1835......Isom 1001--6c; Solomon 1000; Ori G 1001--6c; Martin 1001--6c; Aaron(Jr) 1001 & 1 stud horse @$1.00 $2.06; Jehu 1004--24c; Randolph 2004--24c; Abel 1000; William 1000; John B. 1004--24c. 1836......John B. 1005--30c; Aaron(Jr) 1002 & 1 stud horse @$1.00 $3.12; Orie G. 1001--6c; Isom 1001--6c; David M. 1001--6c; Abel 1002--12c; William 1001--6c; Randolph 2004--24c; Solomon 1001--6c; Jacob 1003--18c; Martin 1001--6c; Isaac 1002--12c. 1837......William 1000; Abel 1001--6c; Maston 1002--12c; Aaron 1003, 1 stud horse @$.50 $1.18; Isom 1002--12c; Randolph 1003--18c; Martin 1001--6c; Ori 1002--12c; David 1002--12c; John B. 1006--36c. 1838......Isaac 1002; Jahue 1002; Jahue 1002; Solomon 1001; Aaron 1004; William 1001; Isom 1002; Randolph 1004; Martin 1000; Ori G. 1002--16c; Maston1002; Abel 1000. 1839......William 1000; Martin D. ; Aaron 1004; Solomon 1001; Ori G. 1003; Isham 1002; Randolph 1004; Abel 1001; Mastin 1005; Jahue 1003; Isaac 1003; David 1002; William #2 1000; David(Jr) 1000. 1840......Mastin 1005; Isaac 1002; Jahue 1004; Ori G 1003; David E. 1000; Aaron(Jr) 1005; Solomon 1001; David (Sr) 1003; Isom W. 1002; Wm. E. 1002; Martin D. 1001; Randolph 1002; Abel 1002. 1841......Isham 1001; William 1003; Maston 1005; David W. 1001; Randolph 1003; Martin D. 1003; David 1004; Solomon 1001; Orie 1004; Isaac 1003; Jahue 1002; Aaron 1006. 1842......William 1003; David(Jr) 1001; Ori 1004; Martin 1005; Solomon 1001; Jahue 1003; Isaac 1003; Aaron 1008; Martin D. 1001; Isom W. 1001; David(Sr) 1002; Randolph 1004. 1843......Solomon 1001; Jacob 1005 & 1 slave over 12 yrs--under 16 yrs; Isaac 1003; Aaron 1009 & 1 slave over 12 yrs--under 16 yrs: William 1002; Ori G. 1005; David W. 1001; David(Sr) 1001; Isom 1001; Martin 1002; Randolph 1003 & 1 slave over 12 yrs--under 16 yrs; Maston 1005. 1844......Solomon 1001; Jehew 1007 & 1 wooden clock--$1.12; Isaac 1003; Aaron J. 2008 & 1 wood clock $1.25; David W. 1000; William 1004; David 1001; Ori G 1003; Martin D. 1001; Randolph 1004; Isom W. 1000; Mastin 1005; David(Jr) 1000. 1845......Solomon 1001; Aaron 2006 & 1 other clock--72c; Jahue 1007; Isaac 1004 & 1 other clock; Ori 1003; Randolph 1003; David 1001 & 1 other clock; Martin 1001; Maston 1003; David D. 1000. 1846......Martin B. 1001; Aaron 2008 & 1 other clock--92 1/2 c; Isom 1001; Katharine 0002--20c; Isaac 1002 & 1 other clock; Solomon 1002; David 1002; Ori B. 1002; Jahu 1004 & 1 mantel clock; David W 1002; Maston 1003; David P. 100-19 & 2 gold watches--$2.90. 1847...... David W. 1002; Solomon 1002; Jahu 1005; Isaac 1002 & 1 other clock--45c; David W. 1002; Aaron J. 1005 & 1 other clock--75c; Catharine 0002 & 1 other clock; Ori G. 1003; Isham W. 1001; Martin 1001; David 2002; Maston 1002; David P. 100-12--$1.20. 1848......David 2002; Isom W. 1002; Martin D. 1002 &1 other clock; Ori G. 1004; David W. 1002; Aaron J. 1005, 1 other clock & 1 Physician or Surgeon--$5.62 1/2c; Isaac 1003 & 1 other clock--42 1/2c; Solomon 1002; Jahu 1005 & 1 other clock--62 1/2c; Mastin 1002; David P. 1006. 1849......Isom W. 1001; Catharine 0002 & 1 other clock--59c; Aaron J. 1006, 1other clock & Physician or Surgeon--$5.75 1/2c; Ori G 1004; David W. 1002; Isaac 1005; Solomon 1001; Jahue 1004; William 1001; Mastin 1002: George L. 1001. 1850......Solomon 1001; John(Jahue) 1004 & 1 metal clock; Isaac 1004 & 1 other clock; George L. 1004; Aaron J. 1006 & 1 other clock; Ori 1005; Isom 1001 & 1 other clock; William 1001; David 1003; Maston 1003. GRAYSON COUNTY, VA PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX LISTING.......COLLIER SUR-NAME 1794......Shadrick 1001; Aaron 1004; Martin 1000. 1795......Aaron 2003; Shadrick 1001. 1796......Aaron 1002; Shadrack 1001; Randolph 1001; Martin 2002. 1797......Aaron 2001; Shadrack 1001; Randolph 1001. 1798......Aaron 2001; Shadrack 1001; Randel 1000. 1799......Shadrick 1001. 1800......Shadrick 1000 line 42; Shadrick 1001 line 43. These two living at the same place. 1801......Shadrick 1000. 1802......Shadrack 1001. 1803......Shadrack 1001, March 30; Shadrack 1000, April 1. 1804......Shadrack 2001; Shadrack 1000. 1805......Shadric sener 2001; Shedric juner 1001. Together 1806......Shadrick 2001; Henry 1001; Shadrick jun 1001. 1807......Henry 1001; Peyton 1000. Together 1808......Taxes were not collected in 1808. 1809......Shadrick 1002. 1810......Shadrack 1002, March 31; Paton 1000, April 4. 1811......Shadrack 1002; Peyton 1001. Both on April 3. 1812......Shadrack 1002, March 8; Paton 1000, March 4; Roda 0001, March 4. 1813......Shadrack 1002. 1814......Shadrack 1004. 1815......Shadrack 1003 & 20 cattle; a free Negro, Bob Cole, was his next door neighbor. 1816 through 1827......Shadrack is the only COLLIER listed. Aaron Collier, Sr. & Randal (William Randolph) Collier were taxed for the final time in Grayson County, VA in the year 1798. Aaron Collier, Sr was taxed for the first time in Lee County, VA in the year 1799. Randal was taxed for the first time in Lee County, VA in the year 1800. Shadrack "Wallens Ridge" Collier was taxed for the final time in Grayson County, VA in the year 1806. Shadrack "Wallens Ridge" Collier was taxed for the first time in Lee County, VA in the year 1810. HISTORY of LEE COUNTY, VA Aaron Collier, Sr was one of the first permanent settlers in Lee County. There was, however, white people who visited the Lee County area and supposedly settled there and made proper improvements that would allow them a legal claim to portions of land. The following excerpts from Augusta County, VA court records is "supposed" evidence to support some the claims. October 27, 1800 Augusta County, VA, Circuit Court Cases ended: Simon Eli vs. Robert and William Davis and Alexander Wiley......In 1771 William McGhee (McGoughey) made a settlement in the Turkey Cove in Powell`s Valley in present Lee County, and obtained a certificate from the Commissioners in 1779. James Arbuckle as assignee of Jeptha Messay also obtained a certificate for lands adjoining settled in 1776which was transferred to defendants. Vincent Hobbs deposes that he first became acquainted with the lands in 1773, and he moved his family into the Cove in 1780 and found Rachel Arbuckle and her family there on a tract she claimed by Jeptha Messay`s improvement. In the Spring folling all the families moved away because of the Indians being troublesome. John Thompson deposes that in February, 1778, he came into the Turkey Cove to look at a tract he expected to buy. Joseph Head`s deposition: Peter Cloud first began to improve the land. Thomas Berry deposed that he knew of McGehee`s improvement in 1771. William Collier deposes that in the winter and spring preceding Christian`s campaign he remained at the camp of Thomas Lovelady. William was a hunter and trapper.. Thomas Sowers, now called Soward, came in with Messay. The Indians became troublesome and the people had to leave. 1802 Augusta County, VA Simon Eli vs. James Thompson.........Robert Davis deposes, 1802, that in 1779, he and Alexander Wiley drove cattle to Turkey Cove in Powell`s Valley, where they found Peter Cloud living, tending stock for James Thompson. He and Alexander continued on to the Cumberland country and then returned.WILLIAM COLLIER deposes. David Dryden deposes that in 1771 he removed to the country called Washington, and came to the house of Thomas Berry. William Blanton deposes, September, 1803 that he has been acquainted with Powell`s Valley since 1770 and was on a hunting party there in 1771-1772. He has now been living in the Valley 11-12 years. Vincent Hobbs deposes , 1803, he first became acquainted with the land in 1773 and settled there in 1780. Nathan Richardson deposes, 1804, that he became acquainted with the land in 1770 or1771 on a hunting trip and met Thomas Berry and McGhee. Philip Catrine deposes, 1804, that he had been acquainted with the Valley 25 years. Arbuckle was living there then. Vincent Hobbs deposes, 1804, that he first became acquainted in 1770-1771; has lived on the land 17 years. Collier was always called Lying Bill Collier. Thomas Berry deposes, September 1803, that in 1770 or 1771, he went to Powell`s Valley with William McGhee, who was then a stranger in the county and met with Thomas on a hunting party. Thomas went up the country after some buffaloes and when he returned he saw some trees deadened which McGhee claimed as his improvement. McGhee when they went on the hunting party owned a place on Holston bought from one Walling, where he lived about 70 miles from Powell`s Valley. Thomas Soward deposed, 1802, is about fifty-six years old; in Russell County; in 1776 he Jephta Massey, his brother-in-law, settled at Turkey Cove, planted corn, cabbage, peach stone, apple seed and remained on the land until obliged to remove on account of the Indian War. John Hoover deposes, 1804. James Fugate deposes, 1804. Henry Hoover deposes, 1804, that in 1782 he drove Gen. Shelby`s stock to range in Turkey Cove. Nathan Richardson aged about sixty-five (65) years, depose, 1802, that in 1771 he was on a hunting expedition in Powell`s Valley, and met Thomas Berry, David Carson, And William McGhee. Answer states, Jephta Massey made the first settlement, who invited Thomas Sowers to come there who made a settlement. Massey sold to Rachel Arbuckle, who although a married woman, being separated from her husband by mutual consent, lived and transacted business as a single woman.Jephtha Massey deposes in Monroe County, 5th November, 1802, in April, 1775 or 1776, he made an improvement on Turkey Cove and remained there until June, when everybody was driven away by the Indians, but returned in the Fall. Information provided by Ron Hall
