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Descendants of Guillaume Tonnelier

(Descendants of Stephen Tunnell - Return to HOME PAGE)

This information came from: Dave Tunnell dtunnell@citlink.net

He writes: "I hope this is of interest to you. One of my goals is to bring forward the family tree as close to the present as I can. Sort of an update of NOTABLE SOUTHERN FAMILIES. I would appreciate it a great deal if you were willing give me the information to bring your line up to date. I am, of course, more than willing to share any information I have which you might find useful."

Generation No. 1

1. GUILLAUME¹ TONNELIER was born abt 1675 in France¹, and died 1740 in York, England^2,3.

Notes for GUILLAUME TONNELIER:

More About GUILLAUME TONNELIER:

Child of GUILLAUME TONNELIER is:

2. i. WILLIAM² TUNNEL, b. abt 1702, Normandy France; d. 28 Dec 1787, probably Louden county VA.

 

2. WILLIAM² TUNNEL (GUILLAUME¹ TONNELIER)⁴ was born abt 1702 in Normandy France^4,5, and died 28 Dec 1787 in probably Louden county VA^6,7. He married ANN HOWARD⁸ abt 1730 in Yorkshire,England⁹. She was born 1710 in Yorkshire England^10,11, and died 18 Feb 1814 in Robertsville, Anderson county TN^12,13,14.

Notes for WILLIAM TUNNEL:

More About WILLIAM TUNNEL:

Notes for ANN HOWARD:

More About ANN HOWARD:

Children of WILLIAM TUNNEL and ANN HOWARD are:

i. ROBERT³ TUNNEL¹⁷, b. 1747, Fredricksburg, Spotsylvania county VA^17,18; d. NC¹⁹; m. UNKNOWN, Aft. 1862; b. abt 1747²⁰.

More About ROBERT TUNNEL:

Occupation: Methodist minister²¹

Residence: Moved to NC^22,23

3. ii. WILLIAM TUNNELL, b. 1751, Spotsylvania county VA; d. 16 Aug 1814, Robertsville, Anderson county TN.

4. iii. STEPHEN TUNNELL, b. 1753, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania county VA; d. 1828, Tompkinsville KY.

iv. JOHN TUNNEL²⁴, b. 1755, near Fredricksburg VA^25,26; d. Jun 1790, Sweet Springs WV^27,28.

Notes for JOHN TUNNEL:

Notable Southern Families, page 369:

"Of the four sons, this one was the best known. He was an eminent minister, credited with doing wonderful work, one of the first itinerants in America, and greatly loved and respected as an orator and a Christian. His name has been preserved in many of the histories of Methodism. He was admitted to the traveling connection 'at a preaching house at the Conference which began May 20, 1777 nr Deer Creek, Maryland.' At the Christmas Conference of 1784, when American Methodism was separated from the British and organized as a distinctly American Church, Rev. Francis Asbury was ordained a Bishop and Rev. John Tunnell was elected to an eldership. Mr. Tunnell attended the first Conference held west o f the Alleghanies. He spent some months in the West India Island of St. Christopher's but had no charge there. He was elder of the district embracing East Jersey, Newark, New York and Long Island in 1786; of the Holston and Nollichuicky, known now as East Tenn. 1787; of Tar River, Bladen, New River, Roanoke, Caswell, New Hope, Guilford, Salisbury, Yadkin and Halifax in 1788. He was the presiding elder of the district embracing Holston, West New River, Greenbrier and Botetourt, 1789, his last appointment.

In Bishop Asbury's writings are references to Mr. Tunnell. Of his death Bishop Asbury wrote;'Sat. 11, 1790. Brother Tunnell's corpse was brought to Dew's Chapel. I preached his funeral sermon. It is fourteen years since Brother Tunnell first knew the Lord and he had spoken about 13 years and had traveled through 8 of the 13 states. Few men as public ministers were better known or more beloved. He was a simple-hearted, artless, child-like man. For his opportunities he was a man of good learning; had a large fund of Scripture knowledge; was a good historian, a sensible, improving preacher, a most affectionate friend and a great saint'. Stevens says; 'He takes historical rank amoung the founders of Methodism in the great velley of the West, its most important arena'. He moved, melted and charmed his audiences. It might seem almost as if the life and adventures of Rev. John Tunnell were inextricably interwoven with the history of pioneer Methodism in the United States."

from "A Short History of the Methodist", page 89

"December 27th, 1784 - The thirteenth conference began in Baltimore, which was considered to be a general conference, in which Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury presided.

At this conference, we formed ourselves into a regular church , by the name of The Methodist Episcopal Church......

...... At this conference there were 13 preachers elected to the Elder's office, and most of them were ordained - their names were,

Freeborn Garrettson, Jeremiah Lambert

William Gill, Reuben Ellis,

Le Roy Cole, James O'Kelly

John Hagerty, Richare Ivey,

James O. Cromwell, Beverly Allen,

John Tunnel, Henry Willis,

Nelson Reed."

from "A Short History of the Methodist". page 160

"John Tunnil, who died of a consumption at the sweet Springs, in July 1790. He was about thirteen years in the work of the ministry; a man of solid piety, great simplicity and godly sincerity; well known and much esteemed both by ministers and people. He had travelled extensively through the states, and declined in sweet peace.

 

Mr. Tunnil was elected to the office of an elder at the Christmas conference, when we were first formed into a church. His gifts as a preacher were great; and his conduct as a pios man, was worthy of imitation. He was greatly beloved in his life, and much lamented in his death. He died about a mile to the west of the Sweet Springs. His friends took his remains over the mountain to a meeting house about five miles east of the Sweet Springs, where they buried him."

From "William-Eaton-McBroom-Whiteley," p 320-322

"...While John was yet a child, his parents moved to Fairfax County, Virginia. He was the youngest of a large family. His literary education was not neglected, though he was not sent to college. His religious training differed somewhat from that of the average Virginian of his day. After the straitest sect of the Protestant faith, he was brought up a Calvinist. Under as strict and thoughtful tutorage, such as was usually bestowed by Calvinistic parents in that day, he gained in his boyhood a familiar acquaintance with the Word of God. In his 19th year he became the subject of a powerful spiritual awakening, and thence forward his Bible knowledge, under the guidance and illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, became as 'the sword of the Lord and of Gideon.' Though there was coincident with his new birth a development that lifted him out of the hardness and narrowness of the creed of his inheritance, he retained his faith in the sovereignty of God, in His Word and covenants, as firmly as any of his ancestors who, through a centruy and a half of storm and battle, fought under the Huguenot flag. Though he became a Wesleyan, he was never a bigot or a partisan.

John was awakened and regenerated under the ministry of Rev William Watters (the first native Methodist traveling preacher in America), in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the summer of 1776. Reliable family tradition points to Rev. Watters as John's spiritual father. About one year after his conversion he was admitted into the traveling connection on trial 'at a preaching house near Deer Creek, in Harvard County Maryland,' at a Methodist conference which began May 20, 1777.

John Tunnell's conversion occurred about five years after Bishop Asbury came to America. Asbury is recognized as the chief founder of the Methodist denomination in the New World. Along with Wesley, Whitefield and Coke he ranks as one of the four greatest representative men of the Methodist movement. Price in his book, Holston Methodism, writes, 'Next to Asbury, in the estimation of many, stood the placid Tunnell, the philosophic Gill, and the pathetic Pedicord. It would be difficult to determine to which of these primitive missionaries, as men of eminent talents and usefulness, the preference should be given. Tunnell and Gill were both defective in physical strength; Pedicord was a man of much refined sensibility. They were all children of nature, not of art, but especially Tunnell and Pedicaord.'

Price said that John Tunnell was 'a name fragrant to the Methodist of the early days' and admitted into the traveling connection in 1777. Price continues 'He was truly an apostolic man. His heavenly-mindedness seemed to shine in his face, and made him more like an inhabitant of heaven than of earth.' 'His gifts as a preacher,' says Jesse Lee, 'were great.' Though comparatively fogotten, he takes historical rank among founders of Methodism in the West.

....There are several accounts of John Tunnell's ministry along the early American frontier. Price wrote, 'John Tunnell was briefly noticed as one of the celebrities of the first conference west of the Alleghanies; but a man of such talent, such angelic piety, so intimately connected with the introduction of Methodism into the Holston Country, and so conspicuous as an instrument of good in it, deserves a more particular notice.' Price then recites much of John's early ancestry, most of which is found in Armstrong's book. He writes, 'Mr. Tunnell's older brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War, but the delicacy of his health would have prevented his taking an active part in the struggle. He was characterized by Ware as 'the placid Tunnell;' but his placidity was not the placidity of intellectual and moral weakness, nor of the lack of passion and emotion, but the placidity of power.'

Prayer Turned the Tornado

'Tunnell was a man of strong faith. The following story has come down to us as from eyewitnesses: Once he was preaching to a considerable company in the woods, when a terrible storm suddenly swept down upon them freightening even the bravest. The forest crashed before it, and it came straight toward the worshiping assembly. Mr. Tunnell, lifting his voice above the roar of the tempest, shouted to the people to sit still, every one, for their lives. He then knelt and calmly asked God to take care of them, the hurricane veered just before it reached them, passed round them , hurled back again into the original line, and swept on. Of man and beast not one was hurt. This story serves at least to show the great confidence placed in Mr. Tunnell by the people who knew him. If true in all that it implies, it illustrates the omnipotence of his faith and the availability of the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man.'

Messenger From the Invisible World

A sailor was one day passing where Tunnell was preaching. He stopped to listen, and seemed to be much affected, and on meeting with his companions after he left he said: 'I have been listening to a man who has been dead and in heaven; but has returned, and is telling the people all about that world.' And he declared to them he had never been so affected by anything he had ever seen or heard before. True it was that John Tunnell's appearance very much resembled that of a dead man, and when with his strong musical voice he poured forth a flood of heavenly eloquence, as he frequently did, he appeared indeed as a messenger from the invisible world. John Tunnell died of pulmonary consumption, a direct result of his God directed path as a circuit rider preacher.

A Saddle Was His Study

'Probably neither Asbury nor Coke had a stronger purpose or a firmer will than the "placid" John Tunnell. He was loftily solumn(sic), too, but with no traces of gloom or acidity, and few knew that he had an enjoyment of mirth, a sense of humor that was deep and exhaustless. If the oak and hickory forest of the Holston Country could tell their secrets, they would whisper of many a hearty laugh awakened among them as he journeyed with some friend from one preaching place to another. Of course those woods listened also to many a sweet hymn poured forth on the ambient air and many a fervent prayer addressed in solitude to the Father of Spirits. Those forest also heard the first delivery of some of the sermons which God used to kill and make alive again to many souls; for the saddle was his study, and from his saddle he was accustomed to rehearse his sermons as he rode from appointment to appointement.

The Keywood Conference

The first Conference west of the Alleghanies was the Keywood Conference held in the Holston Country in early May 1788. The Holston Country was the gateway to the southwest. It was from these rugged and sublime heights that the itinerants began their movements westward into Tennessee. Bishop Asbury, in his journal, boasted of the increase in the number of the preachers within the few years preceding this Conference saying: 'We now have 27 who attend the circuits, and 20 of them were present.' John Tunnell was among those 20. In Bishop Asbury's journal on Friday, May 2, 1788 he wrote: 'I rode to Washington where I met Brother Tunnell on the way to C.'s. We have to put up in houses where we have no opportunity for retirement.' At this time the circuit riders were making their way to the Keywood Conference in southwest Virginia; arriving from Tennessee, Kentucky and Western North Carolina.

For whatever reason the Holston preachers arrived at the seat of the Conference around May 6, 1788, a full week before it began. These preachers were Elder John Tunnell, Jeremiah A Mastin, Nathanial Moore, from the Holston Circuit; and Thomas Ware and Micajah Tracey, from the Nollichucky Circuit. While waiting for the other preachers to arrive John Tunnell along with Ware and Mastin were conducting religious services every day at Keywood's with excellent results. On Sunday, May 11, 1788, there was a crowed audience, and John preached an excellent sermon with great effect. The fathers of Methodism relied much on exhortation, and the sermon on this occasion was followed by a number of powerful exhortations. Under this serman and under these exhortations Mrs. Elisabeth Russell-known in history as Madam Russell, as sister of the illustrious Patrick Henry-was convicted, and her conviction led in a few hours to her conversion. This conversion of Mrs. Russell and the accompanying penitential grief so conspicuous in her husband, General Russell, an old soldier and statesman, made a deep impression on the minds of many and numbers were brought in before the Conference closed. This conversion of General and Mrs. Russell to Methodist Christianity was perhaps the principal feature of the Conference. The chief personalities at the Conference were Bishop Asbury, John Tunnell, Ware, Mastin, General and Mrs. Russell."

More About JOHN TUNNEL:

Burial: 1790, 5 miles east of Sweet Springs WV

Elected: 1784, Elder at the same conference Asberry was elected bishop.

Fact 13: Never married.²⁹

Occupation: Bet. May 1777 - Jun 1790, Methodist minister²⁹.

 

3. WILLIAM³ TUNNELL (WILLIAM² TUNNEL, GUILLAUME¹ TONNELIER)²⁹ was born 1751 in Spotsylvania county VA³⁰, and died 16 Aug 1814 in Robertsville, Anderson county TN^30,31. He married MARY MAYSEY³² 09 Dec 1771 in Fairfax county VA^32,33, daughter of JOHN MAYSEY and UNKNOWN LETTICE. She was born 1753 in Fairfax county VA^34,35, and died 06 Apr 1814 in near Robertsville, TN^36,37.

Notes for WILLIAM TUNNELL:

More About WILLIAM TUNNELL:

More About MARY MAYSEY:

Children of WILLIAM TUNNELL and MARY MAYSEY are:

i. JOHN⁴ TUNNELL⁴², b. 23 Feb 1773, Fairfax county VA^42,43; d. 11 Jul 1826, near Robertsville, TN^44,45; m. NANCY ANN WORTHINGTON⁴⁶, 08 Dec 1800, Knox County TN⁴⁷; b. 10 Jun 1784, Botetourt county VA⁴⁸; d. 09 Jan 1831, Anderson county TN^49,50.

Notes for JOHN TUNNELL:

From "Tennessee Tidbits 1778 - 1914, Vol III, p 1:

"Adair, James

Died before 8 April 1816 when John C. Tunnell was granted leave to administer on the Estate. Anderson County Court Minutes, Vol 2 p 83"

From "Tennessee Tidbits 1778 - 1914, Vol III, p 378:

"TUNNEL, John

Died before 9 Oct 1826 when Jesse Worthington as appointed administrator of the Estate. He made bond with Joseph Wortington and Robert Tunnel as security. (And TN, Co Ct Min, 4/42) Robert Galbraith, Joseph Park and Tobias Peters were appointed to lay off an allowance for the support of the Widow and Orphans. (Ibid 43) 8 Jan 1827 Nancy Tunnel was appointed guardian of the children of John Tunnel deceased (to wit) Sally Tunnel, Betsy S Tunnel, Peggy Ann Tunnel, Mariah Tunnel, Emer (this name very doubtful) Tunnel, William Tunnel, Samuel Tunnel, James Tunnel, John C Tunnel, Martin J Tunnel & Nancy Tunnel. (Ibid 56)"

 

More About JOHN TUNNELL:

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Probate: 09 Oct 1826, Jesse Worthington appointed administrator of John's estate.^51,52

Property 1: 1802, Anderson county TN tax list - owned no land⁵³

Property 2: 1805, John appeared on the Anderson Co Tennessee Tax List.

Residence 1: Feb 1792, Moved to Robertsville TN.⁵⁴

Residence 2: 1788, Moved to NC with his parents.⁵⁵

Will: 08 Apr 1816, May have been named administrator of estate of James Adair.⁵⁶

Notes for NANCY ANN WORTHINGTON:

From John Isaac Freels, Knoxville TN, 11 Apr 1999 speaking of Maria Lousia Tunnell:

"...Her mother was a Worthington whose family were Scots and came from Baltimore, MD and were prosperous merchants and farmers in Anderson County."

More About NANCY ANN WORTHINGTON:

Date born 2: Perhaps in Baltimore MD⁵⁷

Date born 3: 1774⁵⁸

Died 2: 12 Aug 1857, Cherokee county TX⁵⁹

More About JOHN TUNNELL and NANCY WORTHINGTON:

Marriage Fact: Bondsman was Alexander Coulter.⁶⁰

ii. COL WILLIAM C TUNNELL^61,62, b. 14 Nov 1774, Fairfax county VA^63,64; d. 14 Jun 1861, near Robertsville TN⁶⁵; m. ELIZABETH WORTHINGTON⁶⁵, 29 Aug 1797, near Robertsville TN^65,66; b. 01 Oct 1781⁶⁷; d. 20 Mar 1862, near Robertsville TN⁶⁸..

Notes for COL WILLIAM C TUNNELL:

From Notable Southern Families:

"...and died June 14, 1861 near Robertsville, TN after a maried life of over sixty years. He went, with his parents, to North Carolina in 1788 and to near Robertsville, TN. Feb 1792. He was a colonel in the War of 1812 and commanded a regiment of Tennessee Volunteers at New Orleans, Jan 8, 1815. His brother, James, was a Captain and, it is said, his brothers-in-law, James Roberts and James Worthington were under his command. Vine Hicks, who later married the oldest daughter of William Tunnell and his four brothers, served under him. He was, for many years, prominent in political circles, serving in the House of Representatives of Tennessee in the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Sixteenth, and Twenty-first assembly. .... The farm on which Col William Tunnell and wife spent their married life, and on which their children were born is now (1926) owned by a great grandson, Oscar Tunnell."

From "Tennessee Tidbits," p 39:

"BRAY, John

On 9 January 1826 the Court ordered A. Croziere, William McKamey & Wm. Tunnel to examine into the situation of his family and report what action is necessary to be made. (And TN, Co Ct Min, 3/458)"

From "Tennessee Tidbits," p 200:

"JONES, Lewis

Was charged with Bastardy 14 July 1829. He was adjudged to be the father of a bastard child begotton upon the body of Betsey Kirk and made bond, with William Tunnell and James Overton as security, for the support and maintenance of the child. (And TN, Co Ct Min, 4/234)"

From E. Derl Williams:

"Summary of William TUNNELL'S Military Record in War of 1812:

William TUNNELL was a Lt. Col. inn the War of 1812 and served in Col. Edwin E. Booth's 5th Reg't East TN Militia. His tour of duty ran from 13 Nov 1814 to 18 May 1815, for a total of 6 months and 5 days.

For this time period he received #370.00 ($60 per mo) in pay. William also received Forage pay for two horses and subsistance pay for himself and one servant, when adjusted for previous advances came to $245.59."

 

More About COL WILLIAM C TUNNELL:

Burial: Tunnell Cem. HW61 5/10 m west of Marlow Fire Dep. behind barn on Old Tunnell Pl.⁶⁸

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Elected: TN House of Representatives: 13th,14th,16th and 21st Assemblies⁶⁹

Military service: Bet. 13 Nov 1813 - 18 May 1815, 1812: East TN Militia 5th (Col Edwin E Booth's) Reg't: Lt Col.⁶⁹

Property 1: 1805, William appeared on the Anderson Co TN Tax List.⁷⁰

Property 2: 1799, Knox county TX tax list⁷¹

Residence 1: 1792, Moved to TN.⁷²

Residence 2: 1788, Moved to NC with his parents.⁷²

More About WILLIAM TUNNELL and ELIZABETH WORTHINGTON:

Marriage 2: 19 Aug 1797, Knox county TN⁷³

Marriage Fact: Ceremony performed by John Tunnell. Knox Co. records show DoM 19 Aug 1797.⁷⁴

iii. CATY TUNNELL⁷⁵, b. 31 Jan 1777, Fairfax county VA^75,76; d. 12 Sep 1826, Rhea county TN^77,78; m. JAMES COULTER⁷⁹, 06 Jul 1792, Rutherford, NC⁸⁰; b. 01 Apr 1772, Tyron county NC⁸⁰; d. 1850, Cane Hill AR⁸⁰.

Notes for CATY TUNNELL:

From "Williams-Eaton-McBroom-Whitely", Chapt 3, p 311

"After Caty and James were married, they lived in different places in TN; on Holston river, in Sequatchie Valley and at one time near her brother Robert Tunnell, near Harrison, Hamilton Co., TN."

More About CATY TUNNELL:

Date born 2: 30 Jun 1777, Fairfax county VA⁸¹

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Fact 10: NSF may not give children names in correct order. Makes dates suspect.

Residence 1: 1792, Moved to TN⁸²

Residence 2: 1788, Her parents moved to NC⁸²

More About JAMES COULTER:

Property 1: 1805, Rhea county TN tax list⁸³

Property 2: 1819, Roane county TN tax list⁸³

Residence: 1829, Moved to Cain Hill AR with all children except the oldest, Thomas.

More About JAMES COULTER and CATY TUNNELL:

Marriage 2: 1794, TN⁸⁴

iv. NANCY TUNNELL⁸⁴, b. 27 Dec 1779, Fairfax county VA^84,85; d. abt 1790.

More About NANCY TUNNELL:

Died 2: NSF shows that Nancy died young.

Census: 1790, Nancy was probably dead by time the census was taken.

Residence: 1790, Rutherford county NC.⁸⁶

v. LETTICE TUNNELL⁸⁶, b. 26 Feb 1781, Fairfax county VA^86,87; d. Aft. Nov 1813, Anderson county TN⁸⁸; m. JAMES WORTHINGTON⁸⁸, 1799, Anderson county TN^88,89; b. abt 11 Jul 1782⁹⁰; d. 13 Nov 1813.

Notes for LETTICE TUNNELL:

In an inquiry to "Ridge Runners" about 1981, Jeanne Thomas Fox, 4605 Bucknell Dr, Garland TX 75042 writes, "Lettice had 2 more children after James Died: Miriam b 17 Apr 1816 Warren Co Tenn, m James Martin Johnson; and Lunsford H Worthington, s/o Lunsford Oliver."

More About LETTICE TUNNELL:

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Residence 1: Feb 1892, Moved to Robertsville TN with her parents.⁹⁰

Residence 2: 1788, Moved to NC with her parents.⁹⁰

Notes for JAMES WORTHINGTON:

From "Tennessee Tidbits 1778 - 1914, Vol III, p 414:

"WORTHINGTON, James

Died before 10 January 1814 when William Worthington was granted leave to administer on the Estate. (And TN, Co Ct Min, 1/235) Lettie Worthington was appointed guardian for Saml., William, Polly, Thomas and Kitty Worthington, children of James Worthington deceased. (Ibid 237) On petition of Joseph Sinclair, Alexander Gastin, Arthur Crozier & Quin Morton, security for Lettice Worthington, guardian of the children of James Worthington Decd., summons to issue for her to give counter security for her guardianship. (Ibid 2/47) Betsey Worthington was also a minor child of James. (Ibid 62) Britain Cross, Samuel Davidson & Andrew Breden, who were security of Lettice Worthington as guardian, asked to be relieved from said securityship. (Ibid 105) 16 January 1822 Saml. Worthington petitioned for a distribution of the Estate of his Father James Worthington. (Ibid 3/188) 12 January Saml. Worthington was appointed guardian of Thomas & Caty Worthington, children of James Worthington deceased, with Joseph and Jesse Worthington as security. (Ibid 312)"

 

More About JAMES WORTHINGTON:

Property: 1802, Anderson county TN tax list - owned no land⁹¹

vi. ROBERT TUNNELL⁹², b. 14 Dec 1782, Fairfax county VA^92,93; d. 1842⁹⁴; m. ELIZABETH JOHNSON⁹⁵, abt 1802^95,96; b. Bef. 1787; d. 1847⁹⁷.

Notes for ROBERT TUNNELL:

From Notable Southern Families, p 226:

Robert Tunnell, son of William and Mary Maysey Tunnell, was born Dec. 14, 1782 Fairfax county VA. At the age of six he moved to North Carolina with his parents and in 1792 to near Robertsville TN. He married Elizabeth Johnson about 1802 and they lived in Knox county TN a number of years, then moved to Hamilton county TN. He was Indian Agent and served in War of 1812 and is said to have been in seven battles. In 1847 Robert Tunnell and wife were returning to TN from a visit with daughters near Nacogdoches TX and were murdered by Indians "on the state line road between Arkansas and Indian Nation", according to grandchildren.

 

Mrs Gertrude Sanders Cannon prepared much of the record of this family.

From "Genealogical Abstracts From Tennesse Newspapers 1821 - 1828" Compiled by Sherida K Eddlemon, Published by Heritage Books, Inc. 1991, p 139: copied from the Knoxville Register published by F S Heiskill and H Brown, 20 Feb 1821, Vol 5 no 239:

"I will sell for ready money at the courthouse in Kingston on the fourth Monday in April next, all right that Martin Luttrell and Robert Tunnell have in 140 acres ajoining the lands of John Winten and John Parr. The property was levied on by Jas. Hope, constable, to satisfy a judgment Joseph Prigmore recovered before Isham Cox.

John Brown, Shf."

 

From "Alabama Records," Vol 95, p 32:

"Page 178 Feb. 6, 1833 JOHN BOND as administrator of WM. FRYER is granted leave to take affidavits of SPENCER KEATH, JOHN A. SWAN, JOHN GAINES, ROBERT TUNNEL, DAVID CAMPBELL, GEORGE BOND and JONATHAN COX."

From Derl Williams:

"Summary fo Robert TUNNELL'S Military Record in War of 1812:

Robert TUNNELL was a 2nd Lt in the War of 1812 and served in Capt John Chiles' Company of East Tennessee Vol. Mounted Gunmen, of the Regiment commanded by Col. John Brown. His tour of duty ran from 10 Jan 1814 to 25 May 1814, for a total of four months and 16 days. For this time period he received $150.53 ($33.33 per mo) in pay. Robert also received forage pay for one horse and subsistance pay for himself; when adjusted for pervious advances came to $62.92."

More About ROBERT TUNNELL:

Died 2: 1847, NC⁹⁸

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Military service: Bet. 10 Jan - 25 May 1814, 1812: East TN Vol. Mounted Gunmen Capt John Chiles' Co: 2nd Lt..⁹⁹

Occupation: Indian Agent¹⁰⁰

Probate: 11 Oct 1824, Anderson Co Court made Robert adminstratro of estate of Robert Craig.¹⁰¹

vii. BETSY TUNNELL¹⁰², b. 05 Apr 1785, Fairfax county VA^102,103; d. 1830, Pine Bluff, Warren county TN¹⁰⁴; m. JAMES M ROBERTS^104,105, 1815¹⁰⁶; b. 29 Dec 1793, Mecklenburg county NC¹⁰⁷; d. 04 Mar 1844, Warren county TN¹⁰⁷.

More About BETSY TUNNELL:

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Property: Their farm passed to dau. Elmina; her son lived on farm in 1908.¹⁰⁷

Residence 1: 1792, Moved to Robertsville TN with her parents.¹⁰⁷

Residence 2: 1787, Moved to NC with her parents.¹⁰⁷

Notes for JAMES M ROBERTS:

From Carolyn Griffith, March 1999:

"Per Civil War Questionnaire of son John Kelly Roberts, James was in New Orleans with Jackson in battle on 8 January 1815.

Information received from Larry Pennington - James served in the battle of Horseshoe Bend in the Creek War and the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812.

Pg 1-2, Warren Co TN Will Book 2, 20 Mar 1844. Will of James Roberts. 'I, James Roberts of Warren county, being weak of body but sound of mind and disposing memory do make this my last will and testament. 1st, I give and bequeath to my wife Martha Roberts my house and home lands where we now reside with the household furniture, my stock of horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, fouls, [etc.] during her life to possess, occupy and enjoy in common upon the premises with all my children and to have the benefit of the timber upon the 150 acre tract of land adjoining Tidwell Bend of Collins River. Having any and all manner of sail of my real estate only for the support of my family in common, who are to live and remain together one common family and each to have hole occupy and possess the same power priveliges as they and each of them now possess so long as they continue in their natural life, but should any or all of them in process of time change their natural life by wedlock, my children (vis): Margorie Elmira Roberts, Sinthy Caroline Roberts, Wm P Roberts, Mary Elizabeth Roberts, John Kelly Roberts, Neanlone [?] Woodbury Roberts are to have an equal share in all my lands, reserving to my beloved wife Martha Roberts my dwelling house & premises during her life. Margaret E., Sinthy C. and Wm. P. Roberts are to hold all such species of property which they now claim. Lastly I give and bequeath unto my daughter Margaret E. Roberts a tract of land lying E of my dwelling, including a cave spring in the west side of the Black Jack Ridge, which is to be her share in my lands, excepting an equal share on the timber upon the 150 acres in the bend of the Collins near Piney Bluff. I nominate my beloved wife Martha Roberts my sole executor. Witnessed by Joseph E. Rawlings, Margaret E. Roberts and Peter Nuckolls."

 

More About JAMES M ROBERTS:

Military service 1: Bet. 1814 - 1815, 1812: East TN Militia: served under William Tunnell.¹⁰⁸

Military service 2: 08 Jan 1815, James was at the Battle of New Orleans.¹⁰⁹

Residence: Eight miles east of McMinnville, Warren county TN¹¹⁰

More About JAMES ROBERTS and BETSY TUNNELL:

Marriage 2: Betsy and James married spring 1815 shortly after his return from War of 1812.

Marriage 3: Apr 185, TN¹¹⁰

viii. JAMES TUNNELL¹¹¹, b. 22 May 1787, Fairfax county VA¹¹¹; d. 17 Sep 1826, Carrollton, Greene county IL at the home of his brother Calvin who he was visiting.¹¹¹; m. DICY HAUSKINS¹¹¹, 1813¹¹²; b. abt 1787, TN¹¹³; d. 04 Jul 1848, Edwardsville, Madison county IL¹¹⁴.

Notes for JAMES TUNNELL:

"Old Settlers Association of Greene County IL" lists a Colin Tunnell as arriving there in 1819. They must mean James.

 

From "Leaves From the Family Tree" by Penelope Johnson Allen, Pub: Southern Historical Press, POBox 738, Easley SC 29640

"The following records of soldiers of the War of 1812 living in East Tennessee are taken from the account book of Col. R M Edwards, a prominent attorney of Cleveland TN who acted as agent in assisting many of the soldiers from this section to secure bounty land and pensions from the United States government.

The original account book of Col Edwards is the property of Miss Edna Tonkin and this transcript was secured through the courtesy of John Morgan Wooten, Bradley county historian.

Col William JOhnson's Third regiment of Tennessee Volunteers was organized at Knoxville, Sept 20, 1814, and was discharged at Knoxville May 3, 1815. Drafted for six months.

Captains - Andrew Lawson, Benjamin Powell, David McKamey, ______ Rogers, James Stewart, ______ Kirk, James Tunnell, Elihu Millikin, _______ Hunter.

From "Sequatchie Families ...Biographical Sketches of the Earlier Settlers of the Sequatchie Valley of Tennessee...", by James L Douthat, p 69:

"...Johnson (Parham) served as a private in Miles Vernon's Company under Captain James Tunnell, East Tennessee Militia commanded by Colonel Johnson and was at the seige of Mobile Bay and the Battle of New Orleans."

From "Alabama Records", Vol 245, Blount County, p 4 - 5:

"...Deponent Further says that he is the identical JONATHAN BURNES who was substituted in the place and stead of JOSEPH HORNESBY ( or HORNESLY who was a private in the company commanded by Capton (sic) JAMES TUNNEL in the regiment of East Tennessee volunteers commanded by Col. WILLIAM TUNNEL in the War with grate Brittan (sic) declared by the U.S. on the 18th day of June A D 1812, that he was substituted at Washington Rheaq County East Tennessee on or about the first day of December A D Eighteen hundred & fourteen of the term of six months and continued in acutral service in said war for the term of six months and was honorably discharged by said Capton (sic) at Clinton, Anderson County, Tennessee on the __ day of April or May A D 1815......"

 

From Derl Williams:

"Summary of James TUNNELL'S Military Record in War of 1812:

James TUNNELL was a Captain in the War of 1812 in (his own) Capt. James TUNNELL'S Company of East Tennessee Militia. His tour of duty ran from 19 Sep 1814 to 3 May 1815, for a total of 7 months and 15 days.

For this time period he received $298.00 ($40 per mo) in pay. James also received subsistance pay of 20 cents per meal for two meals per day for 226 days for a total of $90.40.

James was from Anderson County, Tennessee. Apparently there was a dispute over money received upon his separation from the service, since he hired an Attorney 12 Dec 1815 to 'demand and receive from the person who may be appointed paymaster, such sum or sums of mnoey as is due me for' the above service. How this dispute was resolved was not in his service records. It may have been over subsistance pay since he was only allowed two meals per day, rather than the customary three."

More About JAMES TUNNELL:

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Military service: Bet. 19 Sep 1814 - 03 May 1815, 1812: East TN Militia: Tunnell's Co: Captain.^115,116

Residence: 1816, Moved to IL Territory with Dicy and settled near Edwardsville.¹¹⁶

ix. POLLY TUNNELL¹¹⁶, b. 26 Feb 1789, NC^116,117; d. Aft. Oct 1820; m. DANIEL LIEB¹¹⁸, 02 Oct 1820, TN¹¹⁹; b. abt 1789.

More About POLLY TUNNELL:

Census: 1790, NC, Rutherford county, Morgan District, Twelfth Company, Houshold of William Tunnell

Fact 9: NSF states there may well have been an undetermined number of children.

Notes for DANIEL LIEB:

From NSF, page 253:

"Daniel Leib married second, Barbara _______ and is said to have had a daughter, Serilda Leib. Daniel Leib moved to IL and lived in that part of Green county IL which is now Morgan county, and he was one of the county commissioners when Morgan county was formed in 1821. His name appears on a deed made in 1823 in the same county. He moved to Arkansas about 1830 or earlier and it is said one of his sons held a state office there. No further details."

x. CALVIN TUNNELL¹²⁰, b. 04 Oct 1791, Rutherford county NC^120,121,122; d. 07 Apr 1867, Carrollton, Greene county IL¹²³; m. JANE ADDAIR¹²³, 25 Aug 1811, Robertsville TN^123,124; b. 28 Jul 1795, VA now WV¹²⁵; d. 30 Aug 1858, Carrollton, Greene county IL¹²⁵.

Notes for CALVIN TUNNELL:

From NSF, page 253:

"His parents moved to near Robertsville, TN, Feb 1792. Here he married Jane Addair 25 Aug 1811. They left the Volunteer State in 1817 in company of Vine Hicks, a veteran of the war of 1812, and his wife, Betsy Hicks, a daughter of Colonel William Tunnell, and came to Edwardsville, a frontier settlement in the Illinois Territory. On 14 Feb 1819, Calvin Tunnell moved his family to the home he had built near the present town of Carrollton IL and on the land he entered from the government, here he and his wife dwelt until death. They are buried on their farm, now (1926) owned by a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Laura A Tunnell. They were the second permanent white settlers north of Macoupin Creek although a number of pioneers followed soon after. It is said the first religious service in the county was that conducted in their home. Calvin Tunnell was a Baptist and preached in the earlier part of his pioneer life. He was a member of the Ninth General Assembly, 1834-35 and of the Fourteenth General Assembly, 1844-46. He also served as probate judge for four years, having been elected in 1839."

"Old Settlers Association of Greene County IL" lists Calvin as arriving in Greene county in 1818.

More About CALVIN TUNNELL:

Census 1: 1830, IL, Greene county, page 35, line 10

Census 2: 1850, IL, Greene county, between Macoupin & Apple Creeks, dwelling 612, family 614, household of Calvin Tunnell¹²⁶

Elected 1: Bet. 1834 - 1835, IL General Assembly (Ninth)¹²⁷

Elected 2: Bet. 1839 - 1842, Probate Judge

Elected 3: Bet. 1844 - 1846, IL General Assembly (Fourteenth)¹²⁷

Occupation: Minister, Farmer, Politician¹²⁷

Property: 1850, Owned $10,000 in real estate.¹²⁸

Residence 1: 14 Feb 1819, Moved to Carrollton IL.¹²⁹

Residence 2: 1817, Moved to Edwardsville IL from TN.¹²⁹

More About JANE ADDAIR:

Census: 1850, IL, Greene county, between Macoupin & Apple Creeks, dwelling 612, family 614, household of Calvin Tunnell¹³⁰

xi. LUTHER TUNNELL¹³¹, b. 26 Sep 1793, Robertsville TN^131,132; d. 03 Aug 1865, Greenfield, Greene county IL; m. LOUISA PARKS¹³³, 22 Nov 1825, Greene county IL¹³³; b. Bef. 1810; d. 17 May 1850, Greenfield, Geene county IL¹³³..

Notes for LUTHER TUNNELL:

"Old Settlers Association of Greene County IL" lists Luther as having arrived in Greene County in 1818.

Tracts of land purchased 15 Feb 1851:

Desc S TN RW Acres

LOT1W1/2NE 02 12 06 39.24

NE1/4 03 12 06 155.10

LOT2W1/2NE 02 12 06 39.24

LOT1NW 02 12 06 78.49

More About LUTHER TUNNELL:

Census 1: 1830, IL, Greene county, page 18, line 17

Census 2: 1840, IL, Greene county, No Township, Dwelling 076

Census 3: 1850, IL, Greene county, between Macoupin & Apple creeks, dwelling 476, family 478, household of Luther Tunnell¹³⁴

Fact 9: 1926, No descendants bear name Tunnell¹³⁵

Fact 10: 14 Oct 1819, Member of an Anderson county TN jury which laid off a road.¹³⁵

Military service: Bet. 1814 - 1815, 1812: East TN Vols Brown's Regmt: Pvt.¹³⁶

Occupation: 1850, Farmer¹³⁷

Property 1: 15 Feb 1851, Patented 4 tracks of land in Macoupin co IL.¹³⁸

Property 2: 1850, Owned $4,500 in real estate.¹³⁹

Residence: Aft. 14 Oct 1819, Moved to Greene county IL. Third son to do so.¹⁴⁰

xii. STEPHEN TUNNELL¹⁴⁰, b. 19 Oct 1795, TN^140,141; d. 11 Jul 1815, Robertsville TN¹⁴².

Notes for STEPHEN TUNNELL:

From NSF, page 278:

"Departed this life July 11 About an hour by Sun in the morning 1815 in the twentieth year of his age."

More About STEPHEN TUNNELL:

Fact 13: Unmarried.¹⁴²

xiii. SALLY TUNNELL¹⁴², b. 29 Jul 1799, Robertsville Anderson county TN^142,143; d. 21 Jul 1874, Greenfield, Greene county IL¹⁴⁴; m. JAMES WILLIAM WELLINGTON MILLER¹⁴⁴, 20 Sep 1820^144,145; b. 21 Jul 1798¹⁴⁶; d. 16 Aug 1838, Warren county TN¹⁴⁶..

More About SALLY TUNNELL:

Census: 1850, IL, Greene county, between Macoupin & Apple creeks, dwelling 583, family 585, household of Sarah Miller¹⁴⁷

Fact 10: Sally was the 4th child of her parents to move to IL.¹⁴⁸

Residence: 1845, Moved to Greene county IL with her family.¹⁴⁸

More About JAMES WILLIAM WELLINGTON MILLER:

Property: It is said that Champaign TN is built on land James and Sally owned.¹⁴⁸.

4. STEPHEN³ TUNNELL (WILLIAM² TUNNEL, GUILLAUME¹ TONNELIER)¹⁴⁸ was born 1753 in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania county VA^149,150,151, and died 1828 in Tompkinsville KY^152,153,154. He married KEZIA MONEY¹⁵⁵ 22 Nov 1776 in Georgetown MD^156,157,158, daughter of NICHOLAS MONEY and MARY YEATES. She was born abt 1755 in probably MD¹⁵⁹, and died 1836 in Morgan county IL^160,161.

Notes for STEPHEN TUNNELL:

More About STEPHEN TUNNELL:

More About KEZIA MONEY:

Children of STEPHEN TUNNELL and KEZIA MONEY are:

i. JAMES⁴ TUNNELL, SR¹⁶⁹, b. 1777, Fredericksburg VA (Duplicate: Shows Ancestors and Children)^169,170; d. 1865, Robertsville TN (At home of a step-son, Campbell)^171,172; m. (1) JANE BALL¹⁷³, 1796, Hawkins county TN^173,174; b. Bet. 1775 - 1780, Fairfax county VA (Duplicate: Shows Children); d. Aft. 1816; m. (2) UNKNOWN CAMPBELL¹⁷⁵, Aft. 1817; b. abt 1777.

Notes for JAMES TUNNELL, SR:

From NSF, pages 282 and 283:

"James Tunnell, eldest child of Stephen and Kezia Money Tunnell, was born 1777 near Fredericksburg VA and died about 1865 at the home of a step-son, named Campbell, near Robertsville, TN. He moved, with his parents, in 1788 to Washington county TN. He married first, Jane Ball 1796 and settled on Beach Creek, Hawkins county TN. She was born about 1780 and died in Hawkins county TN. She was the daughter of Moses Ball and Mary Harden; Moses Ball, of PA and one [of] the pioneer settlers in Hawkins county. James Tunnell married second, a widow Mrs. Campbell.

James Tunnell was a baptist minister. For fifty years he was a member of Double Springs Church. Of him, Rev J J Burnett in his book 'Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Prachers' says; 'He was not a Premitive of Old School Baptist, but like some of them would sing out his sermons, I have been told, after the approved fashion and popular and effective style of preaching in many parts of the country of that day. Dr Broadus used to say that the sing-song habit of some of the dear old men was a by-product of out door speaking and being restfull to the overstrained vocal chords was natural."

The name of the children of James and Jane may not be listed in the correct order in NSF. This indicates a lack of confidence in some of the birth dates.

More About JAMES TUNNELL, SR:

Occupation: Baptist Minister¹⁷⁵

Religion: Bet. 1815 - 1865, Member Double Springs Church.¹⁷⁵

Residence 1: 1796, Settled on Beach Creek, Hawkins county TN.¹⁷⁵

Residence 2: 1788, Moved to Washington county TN.¹⁷⁵

More About JANE BALL:

Died 2: Debbie Hilliard shows that Jane died in Hawkins county TN.

More About JAMES TUNNELL and UNKNOWN CAMPBELL:

Marriage 2: NSF uses Mrs. Campbell. She was probably a widow.

ii. WILLIAM TUNNELL¹⁷⁵, b. abt 1779, VA¹⁷⁶; d. abt 1844, Loudon TN^177,178; m. REBECCA ROREX¹⁷⁸, Bef. 1807; b. abt 1786¹⁷⁹; d. abt 1850, MO¹⁸⁰..

Notes for WILLIAM TUNNELL:

From "Williams-Eaton-McBroom-Whiteley," p 312-313

"Family Tradition states that William was the first white settler east of the Tennessee River and took up land on the present site of Loudon, TN. Goodspeeds "History of East Tennessee," records William as being among the first settlers of the Hiwassee Purchase and that he entered land owned in 1887 by Loudon's old citizen T.J. Mason. He was also recorded as living on the land he settled at the time of death in 1846. This land was part of a 640 acre tract lying along the east bank of the Tennnessee River and was purchased from the state of Tennessee in 1820. The land once belonged to a Cherokee Indian Chief named Catto Pathkiller; that he received as a land grant from the state of NC. In 1837, heirs of Pathkiller brought an ejector suit, in Roan Co. Circuit Court, against the present owners: John Blair, James Johnston and Rebecca Tunnell.

William was also shown in McMinn Co., TN Grant Book C as purchasing two tracts of land. The first 160 acre tract was purchased November 23, 1825. It was located on the SE1/4 of section 36, township 1, Range 2 east of the meridian in Roane Co. This land was sold April 25, 1834. The second purchase was made November 19, 1836 in the same close proximity as the earlier land. It consisted of 101 acres and lay in the NE1/4 of section 14. William's name also apperared in McMinn Co. TN records, where he was appointed executor of his brother John Tunnell's estate. The will was filed September 15, 1833 and John died shortly thereafter. In March 1834, William returned inventory of his brother's estate to the court. Final settlement of the estate was made January 2, 1858 shortly after the death of Esther, wife of John Tunnell. William is mentioned in the settlement as having died in about 1844. William was remembered as 'quite an old man.'"

More About WILLIAM TUNNELL:

Died 2: 1846¹⁸¹

Residence 1: One of the first settlers of the Hiwassee Purchase¹⁸²

Residence 2: 1805, William is shown on the Greene Co Tennessee Tax List.¹⁸³

Will: 1848, William's will may be in Roane county TN Will Book e, page 80.¹⁸⁴

Notes for REBECCA ROREX:

There is an entry in "Roane Connty, Tennessee U.S. Census 1850", Transcribed by Florenc Morris Harvey, Willis R Hutcherson and Mable H. Thorton, Clinchdale Press, Knoxville TN 1956 (St. Louis MO Public Libaray as follows:

"Family No Name Age Occupation Land Value Birthplace

521 Rebecca Tunnell 64 2000 VA

David 32 None TN"

This matches approximate birth dates of Rebecc Rorex, wife of William Tunnell and her son William David Tunnell.

More About REBECCA ROREX:

Residence: Bet. 1846 - 1850, Moved to MO after William died. Lived there with children.¹⁸⁵

iii. NANCY TUNNELL¹⁸⁵, b. abt 1782, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania county VA^186,187,188; d. 1866, Harlan county KY (At home of Mrs Minter Bailey)¹⁸⁹; m. JOHN BAILEY¹⁸⁹, 24 Sep 1799, Greene county TN¹⁹⁰; b. 1773, VA¹⁹¹; d. Nov 1850, Lee county VA¹⁹¹.

More About NANCY TUNNELL:

Residence 1: Aft. 24 Sep 1799, Moved to Harlan county KY shortly after her wedding.

Residence 2: 1788, Moved to Washington county TN with her parents; also lived in Greene county TN.¹⁹¹

More About JOHN BAILEY:

Date born 2: NSF uses 1873 as YoB; it obviously should be 1773.

More About JOHN BAILEY and NANCY TUNNELL:

Marriage 2: 24 Sep 1799, Her father signed marriage bond.

iv. REV PERRY TUNNELL¹⁹¹, b. 1787, TN^192,193; d. 1826, Clay, Jefferson county AL¹⁹⁴; m. CATHERINE SELF¹⁹⁵, abt 1807, AL^196,197,198; b. 1790, Cherokee Nation¹⁹⁹; d. Bet. 14 Mar 1859 - 01 Jun 1860, Smith county TX¹⁹⁹.

Notes for REV PERRY TUNNELL:

'Colfax' mentions a child named Allan. He is listed between Josiah and Stephen but that placement may not be correct as Elisha is listed last in that book. Perhaps this was another instance of an infant death.

From Earl Massey:

"Perry and Catherine moved to Blount County (now Jefferson) and settled at Cedar Mountain, this general area is now called Clay. The first church to be founded in what is now the Clay community was Cedar Mountain Methodist, organized in 1819. Charter members were Rev. Perry and Catherine Self Tunnell, Rev. James Johnson and wife, Francis Self and wife and George Taylor and wife. Rev. Perry Tunnell, after preaching the morning message at a camp died only a short distance from his home. This was in the summer of 1826, the same year Shilo Methodist was organized in Clay. This cemetery is the most likely place Perry Tunnell was buried in an unmarked grave."

More About REV PERRY TUNNELL:

Died 2: Died just after preaching the morning sermon at a camp meeting.²⁰⁰

Died 3: He was just a few miles from home when he died.²⁰¹

Occupation: Methodist minister²⁰²

Notes for CATHERINE SELF:

Sep 1998, Mable Leta Waddill Cook writes:

"Catherine Self was born in 1790 in the Cherokee Nation. In the book "Notable Southern Families", it states that Catherine is the grand-daughter of John Gunter, founder of Gunder's Landing which later became Guntersville, AL. John Guinter was born about 1750 and was of Welsh descent. Legend has it that he was kidnapped as a child by the Chickasaws. When he got older, he escaped and lived with the Cherokees. He became a trader, traveling among the Cherokees. It is thought that John Gunter's liason with an Indian woman resulted in the birth of Amelia (Amy) Gunter. John Gunter married Ghe-go-ne-li, daughter of Chief Bushyhead. Their children were well documented. Presley Self born 4 April 1763 married Amelia Gunter and Catherine was their second child. Catherine Self married Perry Tunnell about 1807 but no marriage record has been found. Perry Tunnell was a circut Methodist minister and the family moved to various places. Their first two children, Jesse and Muhulda, were born in Kentucky. The family then moved to Tennessee where James was born in Blount Co. Elisha was born in Georga and then the family moved back to Tennessee wheere Enoch was born. After Enoch was born in 1816, the family moved to what later became Alabama. Perry bought property in Mississippi District in 1816. This later became part of Jefferson County, AL. In 1816, Rev Perry Tunnell and his wife were memebers of the Cedar Mountain Methodist Church, northeast of Birmingham. There, Josiah, Stephen, Nancy, Johnb Wesley, and Mary were born. In the summer of 1826, the Rev. Perry Tunnell had attended a Camp Meeting where he preached the morning service. He started home and died of an apparent heart attack before reaching home, only a few miles away. Catherine was pregnant at the time, and Elizabeth was born 29 November 1926. At the time of Perry's death, Catherine had many relatives nearby. Her father, Presley Self, and an uncle, Isaac Self, along with many cousins were all living in Jefferson Co.

After Perry Tunnell died, Catherine applied for a land patent to the Tuscaloosa Land Office on 17 December 1827. There was a payment of some kind paid because in 1828, Catherine received her land. The land patent reads:

Certificat #6167

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Whereas, Catherine Tunnell of Jefferson County, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the Register of the Land Office at Tuskaloosa whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said Catherine Tunnell according to the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 24th of April 1820, entitled "an Act making further provisions for the sale of the Public Lands", for the West half of the Nort East Quarter of Section Twenty-four, in Township Fifteen of Range one West, in the district lands office for sale at Tuskaloosa, Alabama, containing Seventy-nine acres and Seventy hundreths of acre according to the official plat of the survey of the said lands, returned to the general Land Office by the Surveyor General which said tract has been purchased by the said Catherine Tunnell.

NOW KNOW YE, That the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress, in such case made and provided, have Given and Granted, and by these presents, do give and grant, unto the said Catherine Tunnell and to her heirs, the said tract above described. To have and to hold the same, together with all rights, privileges, immunities and appartenances, of whatsoever nature thereto belonging to the said Catherine Tunnell and to her heirs and assigns forever.

In Testomony whereof I, JOHN QUINCY ADAMS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be herewith affixed.

Given under my hand at the city of Washington, the twentieth day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight...and of the Independence of the United States, the fifty second.

by the President, JQA

G.G. Commissioner of the General Land Office

In Volume 1, page 342 in Jefferson County, AL, on 23 June 1829, is shown a marriage license was issued to Robert H. Little and Catherine Tunnell. Robert Little was a widower from South Carolina with fourteen children. The marriage was solomnized on 7 July 1829. This made a family of twenty five children, with Robert's fourteen and Catherine's elven.

About two years later, on 2 Sep 1831, Catherine and Robert Little filed for divorce in Jefferson Co. AL. In Book 4, page 165 of the Preobate Judge's records can be found:

Robert Little (X) and wife Kathryn (X) bonds of matrimony are about to disolve or so far as for them to separate themselves from each other and to make a division of property; viz, said Kathryn to have all cattle she had at their marriage, also two colts he gave to his (her?) sons, James and Elisha Tunnell, also 1 wagon and two yoke of oxen he received from William Taylor in part payment for land where she now lives. 2 September 1831 Witness: Jacob Wenr, Charles C. Clayton Sr

I understand the State Legislature had to grant divorces at that time. Whether it proved too expensive or too long, Robert and Catherine evidently settled their differences because a divorce decree does not seem to have been granted. Some researchers believe the dispute was about Catherine's property. She evidently wanted to keep the property for her children. Anyway, on 26 Nov 1831, Catherine, and not Robert, sold her property to William Taylor. Robert and Catherine then moved to Coosa Co. AL, where two daughters, Martha in 1833 and Celia in 1835 were born to them.

In the meantime, Presley and Amy Gunter Self moved to Benton Co. AL. Also moving with them were several of Catherine's children. On the 1840 census for Benton Co, AL were James Tunnell, Elisha Tunnell, Enoch Tunnell and Mahulda Tunnell Berry and her husband Robert. We know that Enoch and Louisiana Jane Clark were married in Benton Co. AL.

It seems that Elisha Tunnell and his family came to Texas first. His daughter, Martha, was born in TX in 1843. Then Elisha returned to Alabama. A cousin of the Tunnell children had married William Regan and was in Texas in the 1830s. We don't know if these relatives were the reason for Elisha and his family coming to TX or if he came to look the situation over after the Cherokees were removed in 1839. [That cousin was Matilda Tunnell b 21 Dec 1805, daughter of Robert Tunnell b 14 Dec 1782, and granddaughter of William Tunnell b 1751.]

During the 1840s, Robert and Catherine Tunnell Little, with many of their children, moved to Texas. The Little children settled in Rusk County and the Tunnell children settled in Smith County. Robert and Catherine were living in Rusk County. By 1850, Mahulda, James, Nancy, Enoch, Elisha and John Wesley were all listed on the 1850 Smith Co. Census. Catherine was listed on the 1850 Rusk Co. Census as 60 years old and born in Texas, which can not be true, as she had only been here[TX] a few years. This census was taken 9 Sep 1850. She was also listed on the Smith Co. 1850 Census on the 7th Nov 1850 with the James Tunnell family. James and Elizabeth had a son, Gideon Asbury Tunnell, born 26 Nov 1860 so perhaps Catherine was helping out there.

Taylor Brown had married one of Robert Little's daughters, Annie. Annie died 29 May 1850, leaving Taylor with several small children. he then married 17 year old Martha Little, daughter of Robert and Catherine Little. They were married 15 Nov 1850. Taylor Brown was 43 years old. A daughter Texana, was born in 1852. Martha died, either in childbirth or shortly thereafter. She is probably buried in the Brown Cemetery but there is no marker. I don't understand this as Taylor Brown was a wealthy man. Taylor Brown wasn't through though. he married 17 year of Elizabeth Bagley on 13 Apr 1856.

An application to administer the estate of Robert Little was filed by Taylor Brown and Richard Howell, Celia's husband on 25 July 1853. Evidently, Robert Little had become incapcitated for some reason. The petition was withdrawn on 28 August 1853. Robert H. Little had died 8 August 1853. Where he is buried is unknown. On page 85 of the Probate Records of Rusk Co. TX, there is an order to grant letters on the estate of Robert Little, filed 28 Nov 1853. It was dismissed for want of a bond on 28 Dec 1853

In the probate records of Rusk Co. for the July term of 1856, we have the last record of Catherine Self Tunnell Little, a remarkable woman. It reads:

The State of Texas} Probate Court

Count of Rusk} July Term 1856

To the Honorabel J. C. Miller, Judge of the Probate Court of Rusk Co.

The petition of Ben Smithere would represent to your honor that Robert Little died on day of 1854 and he died without making any lawful will and left some debts unpaid and some property in the hands of David B. Brown (now dead) and some other persons. The petition states that he is a creditor of said Little and for a small amount, say $30, $40 and that no administrator has been granted on said estate, and states further that dead Little left a wife, Catherine Little, who relinquishes her right of administrating on said estate and consents that Ben Smithers may be appointed administrator of her dead husband's estate he therefore prays that administration be granted to petition at the next term of this court according to law.

Ben Smithers, petitioner

Elisha Tunnell was the first of Catherine's children to buy land in Smith Co. TX. In Book E page 347 in Smith Co. courthouse, we find that Elisha bought 250 acres of land for $500. None of the others bought land until later after Robert Little died. This might have nothing to do with anything, but it makes one wonder if Catherine saved her money for her children. After Robert's death, Catherine's children began buying land and paying cash for it. They might have had their own money, but it does make one wonder. In Book F, page 642 in Smith Co. we find the following:

G. Biffle, W. Berry, Elisha Tunnell, Enoch Tunnell, Josiah Ogburn acting trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South & of the society of Chapel Hill-Mud Creek, 14 Nov 1854

On the 14 Mar 1859, James Tunnell bought 640 acres fro Geo. B. Adkins for $1200, Book K page 110. James evidenty made his home here on the land in the Marshall University School Tract. It is believed that Cathereine Self Tunnell Little then made her home with James and family. When James bought the land nothing is said about a church or grave yard. When Elizabeth sold the land on 14 Dec 1868 to C.M. Bevins, she sold all the land except for two acres where the church and grave yard were. So the James Tunnell family evidently started the cemetery and probably the church. Catherine's grandsons, Thomas Jackson Howell and Lee Swain, said their grandmother is buried there in what was known as Galena Graveyard. It fits nicely that she is buried there. Catherine must have died between 14 Mar 1859 and 1 Jun 1860 as she is not listed on the 1860 census. Others of the family that are known to be or probably are buried there are Miles Columbus Tunnell, Son of James and Elizabeth, born 25 Apr 1858 and died April 1859. James Tunnell died 10 May 1861 and is probably buried there. We know definately that Elizabeth Tunnell Swain, Catherine and Perry's youngest daughter is buried there. There is little evidence of the graveyard or church left at Galena. Vandals burned the church and a previous owner fenced in the cemetery and put in 100 hogs there. You can imagine what that did to any markers. There are a few pieces of markers that have been found but nothing to identify the Tunnell family. It is such a shame that such a remarkable woman had to end up like this.

The Enoch Tunnell family moved to Henderson County in the 1860s. I do no know where the young son, Benson (born 1848, died between 1860 and 18700 died. Either Van Zandt Co or Henderson Co.

John Tunnell (born 1844) was killed in the Civil War.

Enoch Tunnell died 9 Dec 1879 and is buried in New York Cemetery near his daughter Mary, who married C.E. Neill. This is in Henderson Co.

Louisiana Jane Tunnell (Enoch's wife) and youngest son, Arthur, are buried at Union Chape Cemetery in Smith Co."

 

From Earl Massey:

"Catherine is said to be the grand-daughter of John Gunter who had settled in a Cherokee Indian village in what would later become Marshall County, AL, about 1784. There John was adopted into the tribe and married a Cherokee woman. They had Edward, Samuel, John and daughters, one of whom was said to have married a Self. This Self's daughter, Catherine, was said to have married Rev. Perry Tunnell about 1807. The dates, however, do not support this theory. Catherine Self was born about 1791 which was after John gunter moved to the Indian Territory. However, these dates may not be accurate."

 

 

More About CATHERINE SELF:

Burial: Bet. 1859 - 1860, Galena Cemetery, Smith county TX - no longer in existance²⁰³

Census: 1850, Smith county TX - #389 home of James Tunnell

Fact 10: She was of Indian linage and graddaughter of John Gunter of Gunter's Landing AL²⁰⁴

v. JOHN TUNNELL²⁰⁵, b. Bet. 1788 - 1789, Greene county TN^206,207; d. Bet. 19 Sep - 02 Dec 1833, Athens TN²⁰⁸; m. ESTHER ESSMAN²⁰⁹, 08 Sep 1807, Greenville TN^210,211,212; b. 1794, TN²¹³; d. 30 Nov 1857, McMinn county TN²¹³.

Notes for JOHN TUNNELL:

From Earl Massey and probably Notable Southern Families:

"John Tunnell, son of Stephen and Kezia Money Tunnell was born in Greene Co. Tennessee, ca. 1788 and died near Athens, Tennessee ca. 1843. Court records at Greenville, Tennessee show a marriage license was issued to John Tunnell and Esther Essman on September 8, 1807. They moved to Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1808. About 1821 they moved to McMinn County, Tennessee and entered land which a granddaughter, Mrs. Hamilton, was living on in 1913. Esther Essman Tunnell lived to be 72 and died at Athens, Tennessee."

From "William-Eaton-McBroom-Whiteley," p 315-316

"John, born about 1788 in Greene County Tennessee; died between September 19 and December 2, 1833 near Athens, McMinn County, Tennessee. He married September 8, 1807 Esther Essman in Greene County. Tennessee. She was called Esther by her descendants, and was born calculated 1785 in Kentucky; died November 13, 1857 at Athens, McMinn County, Tennessee. Although no gravestones are found, it is safe to assume that both John and Esther were buried in the John Tunnell Family Cemetery.

Within a year after their marriage, John and Esther left Tennessee for Kentucky by way of Sparta, White county, Tennessee where their first child was born in August 1808. By 1810 they had settled near Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. Armstrong records that they left Kentucky, arriving in McMinn County, Tennessee in 1821. John, Esther and their young family were among the early settlers in McMinn County, which was formed from Cherokee Indian lands in 1819. It is assumed that the first land settled on by John in McMinn County was land on which the John Tunnell Family Cemetery is found. However, this has not been verified.

A fairly detailed account is found in McMinn County Records of John and Esther Tunnell and their children. The Register of Deeds recorded that: 'John Tunnell this day enters as occupant enterer agreeable to law the west 1/2 of the NW1/4 of Section 27, Township 5, Range 1, west of the maridian, in the countyof McMinn, Hiwassee district.' This 80 acre tract was entered July 21 1824. Shortly before his death, John purchased an additional 14 1/2 acres from William E. Farmer on April 10, 1933 that joined the above described property on the south. (Ref. McMinn Co., TN Deed Book A&B, page 9). A graphic description of this approximate 115 acres is found in McMinn County, Tennessee Deed Book M, when Jesse Tunnell, son of John, purchased his brothers and sisters portions of the farm. It is described as 'beginning at the northwest corner of section 27, thence east 81 poles to a rock, thence south 161 poles to a rock, thence west to the center of Chestuee Creek and thence down said creek with its meanderings to the west line of the aforesaid section and thence north with the said sectional line 253 poles to a rock at the beginning corner....

John was shown in the McMinn County Tax List for the years 1829 through 1832. he also appreared along with Esther and nine of their 11 childeren in the 1830 McMinn County Federal Census. Livingnext to John in 1830 were his married daughter Lydia, Her Husband , Bennett Franklin, and their two daughters, both under 5 years of age.

John was active in the Methodist Church as was evidenced by an entry found in McMinn County Deed Book C October 28, 1834, about a year after his death. He along with two others were 'Trustees appointed in Bowman 's society of the Methodist E. Church' to purchase three-quaarter of an acre lying in forks of the Columbus and Chestuee valley roads for the purpose of erecting a meeting house.

It is not certain the cause or nature of John's 'afflicted body,' but he was in approximately his 45th year when he drew up his will. Less than three months later he died.

It is found in the McMinn County, Tennessee Court Minutes 1831-1841, that John's brother, William, as executor, proved the will in court December 2, 1833. Three months later, in March 1834, William 'returned into the court and (gave an) inventory of the goods and chattels' belonging to the 'estate after dividing off to the different Legartees that were of age.' Several years later on August 14, 1839 and entry is found where William Tunnell, as executor, paid 'Widow Tunnell (for) troubles and expenses (in) raising the children, $50.'

Last Will and Testiment fo John Tunnell

In the name of God Amen. I, John Tunnell of the State of Tennessee and County of McMinn now of sound mind and memory but afflected in body and not knowing how soon I may be called to leave this world do make and ordain this my last will and testament and first my will is that so much of the personal property as shall be sufficient for that purpose be applied to the discharge of my just debts; secondly I bequeath to my daughter Sarah such a portion of my personal goods as shall be equal to that I have already given to my Daughter Lydia both in kind and value. Thirdly my will further is that my two sons, viz, James and Wesley keep the horse beast each on which they claim. Fourthly all my other property both real and personal give and bequeath to my beloved wife Easter for the benefits of her and my young children during her life or widowhood and at her death to be so divided as to give to James, Wesley, Jesse, Elizabeth, Margaret, Kiziah, Nancy, William T., and Easter Catharine and equal portion estimating what James and Wesley already have received, and if my wife Easter should again marry, my will is that she receive a portion equal to an in common with the other legatees. Fifth and lastly I appoint my wife Easter and my brother William Tunnell my executors leaving with them a solumn charge that they faithfully carry execute this my will and testament acknowledged and sighned in presence of September 19, 1833.

John Tunnell

Witnesses:

John Wilson

Absalum H Doan

The John Tunnell Family Cemetery

Graves in the John Tunnell Family Cemetery were recorded by Lawrence McConkey, Englewood, Tennessee June 5, 1939. At that time land where the cemetery lay was owned by Thomas McMahan, Athens, Tennessee, RFD#2; who was the grandson of Thomas Williams...... To reach the cemetery from Athens, one must 'follow the Piney Grove Road to the Baker Dairy Farm then turn right and go for one mile to the McMahn farm on which the cemetery is located. There are 25 unmarked graves. It is not known if they are all graves of the Tunnell family, and since there are no inscriptions, it is not known which members of the family are buried at this place. The cemetery was established early.'

In August 1981, Zeke Williams' family accompanied us on a search of the John Tunnell Cemetery. The search ended in success when we stopped to visit with Lewis McMahan, son of the above mentioned Thomas and present owner of the cemetery. It lies atop a small knob across the road west from where the old McMahan farm house once stood. On top of the knob is a fairly flat plot of ground about 30 to 40 feet wide and a hundred feet long, its outer boundary rises about three to four feet above the knob proper. Lewis said this was caused by plowing around the cemetery in the days when the knob was used as farm land. He said his father, Thomas, would never let them plow in the cemetery. Today the actual location of the cemetery is clearly defined by a cluster of trees at the top of the knob which stands much taller than those clinging to the surrounding sides. In surveying the cemetery, all that was found were two crumbling field stones that may have once marked a freshly dug grave 150 years previous to our visit on that warn summer afternoon."

More About JOHN TUNNELL:

Residence 1: 1808, Moved to Hopkinsville KY.

Residence 2: Bet. 1821 - 1833, Lived in McMinn county TN.

Will: 1833, John's will is in McMinn county TN Will Book #177.²¹⁴

Notes for ESTHER ESSMAN:

From "William-Eaton-McBroom-Whiteley," p 316

" Esther Tunnell was shown as head of household in the 1840 McMinn County, Tennessee Census Record. Six others were shown in her household; five females between ages five and 30; and one male age 10 to 15. This would have been William P., shown as being engaged in agriculture. Two of these above 21 could neither read nor write. Another court record dated January 5, 1846 showed where damages were being assessed as the result of building a road from Piney Grove to Zion Hill across Eshter's property. In the 1850 McMinn County Tax List, Easter is shown as paying 92 cents tax on 95 acres of land valued at $400. She paid no poll tax. On the same tax list are shown her sons Jesse and William; neither owned land; both paid a 30 cent poll tax. This same year Esther appeared in the Federal Census Record. In her household were Keziah, age 23; William, a farmer, age 22; and Catharine, age 20. Next door were her son Jesse, his wife Rebecca nd their seven children; ages one through 11.

On November 13, 1857 Esther died. Her son Jesse was appointed administrator of her estate. Jesse later bought the family farm from the other heirs. In 1913 his daughter Sarah E. (Tunnell) Hamilton was living on the farm on which her grandparents settled, 90 years earlier. The names and order of the children of Johan and Esther Essman Tunnell were determined based on McMinn County Census records and John's will."

More About ESTHER ESSMAN:

Date born 2: 1789, TN²¹⁵

Died 2: NSF says she lived to age 72. WEMW uses both 13 Nov 1857 and 30 Nov 1857 as DoD

Died 3: abt 13 Nov 1857, Athens TN^216,217

Census: 1840, McMinn county TN²¹⁸

Fact 10: NSF uses the first name Esther but says descendents used Easter.

Will: 1858, Esther's will is in McMinn county TN Will Book #177.²¹⁹

vi. STEPHEN TUNNELL, JR²²⁰, b. 04 Mar 1790, Greene county TN²²¹; d. 09 Feb 1837, Lowndes county MS²²²; m. SARAH HAMILTON²²³, 1810, Washington county TN²²⁴; b. 22 May 1793, Sullivan county TN²²⁵; d. 19 Dec 1870, Steens MS^225,226.

Notes for STEPHEN TUNNELL, JR:

NSF, page 336:

"He was ordained an elder 1824 at Tuscaloosa, AL by Bishop Roberts. He and his wife were charter members of Piney Grove church near Steens MS. .... They moved to Monroe county MS; from there to Lowdnes county MS, then to Marion county AL, and again to Lowdnes county MS. The land he entered near Steens MS went to a son, and a grandson now owns it."

More About STEPHEN TUNNELL, JR:

Date born 2: 08 Mar 1790, Greene county TN^227,228,229

Burial: 1837, Piney Grove Cemetery (Photo), Steens MS²³⁰

Occupation: Methodist Minister²³¹

Property 1: 1926, Farm entered by Stephen owned by grandson.²³²

Property 2: 21 Sep 1834, Bought public lands: N1/2,W1/2,NE1/4 and N1/2,E1/2,SE1/4,Sec14,T17south of ?,R17W (80.10 acres)²³³

Property 3: 01 Feb 1841, Probably bought public lands: S1/2,W1/2,SE1/4,Sec14,T17S,R17W (40.05 acres)²³⁴

Religion 1: 1824, Ordained Elder by Bishop Roberts at Tuscaloosa AL.²³⁵

Religion 2: Stephen & wife were charter members of Piney Grove church, Steens MS.²³⁵

Residence: Moved to Monroe cnty MS; then Lowdnes cnty MS; then Marion cnty AL; & back to Lowdnes cnty MS.²³⁵

More About SARAH HAMILTON:

Burial: 1870, Piney Grove Cemetery (Photo), Steens MS²³⁶

vii. NICHOLAS MONEY TUNNELL²³⁷, b. 30 Apr 1792, Greene county TN^237,238; d. abt 1863, Powsheik county IA; m. (1) SARAH GENTRY, 19 Mar 1811, Barren county KY²⁴⁰; b. Bef. 1795; d. Bet. 1834 - 1835, KY.; m. (2) MARTHA JONES²⁴², 24 Jan 1836, Morgan county IL²⁴³; b. 10 Feb 1805²⁴³.

More About NICHOLAS MONEY TUNNELL:

Date born 2: Sue Parsons shows Washington county TN.²⁴⁴

Died 2: Aft. 1865, Bethel, Morgan county IL²⁴⁵

Residence: Lived in KY for several years, probably Harlan county.²⁴⁹

Notes for SARAH GENTRY:

From "Nicholas Money Tunnell, His Life, His Family, His Times & His Gernerations", pp 8-9

"When these children were nearly all grown and about grown - some oof the, the mother took the collery (which in those days was a very dangerous and fattel desease). The Cholera had broke out in Kentucky and became an epedemic in that place in which they lived. She never told them she had it but kept away from the rest of them by staying out of doors, until she was nearly dead before they knew she had it. They all went 5 miles to church. They all stayed for night services. On one Sunday morning, she bade the children good bye as they started off for Sunday School. She sat on the step shading her eyes with her hand and watched them as long as she could see them. Then, she made her way into the house and laid down upon the bed.

Nicholus went to ask he what was the mater and if she were sick. She said I have the chollery and am going to die, and requested that he put the best quilt around her and buirry her, soon as she died, in a grave on their place and to burn flax, toe, and tar in the house, so none of the rest of them would take the dread desease. She died in a few minutes after she had told him. he went to get someone to help him buirrey his wife but could get no one to come, as everyone was so afraid they would not go near. He then got his dead wife's brother to come and stand away off and hold alantern (after they had dug the grave), while he wraped her in the quild, carried her to the grave, and placed her in it, and covered her up with dirt.

In those days, ther were no churches where one could go to church and sit comfortabul through meeting, and Sunday School. They did not live close together as in these days, and they had Sunday School and meeting in the homes, and they would walk or go a horse back or in wagons and some went behind an ox team, and they went 5 miles or more and stayed for night services. So it happended that the children of Sarrah (Gentry) Tunnel did not know that their mother was dead and buierried until they reached home, and their Father told them what had happened. He had burned flax and tar in the house and on one too the desease.

A neighbor had the cholary and she had gone to see him with out them knowing she went. As she went to see her brother, on the way back - she went to see him (the neighbor). Nicholes warned her not to stop there but she did, but never told any of them. The Chollery spread in their neighborhood and became an epidemic, and grandfather (Nicholas) thougth he would come to Illinois, as he heard it was a good farming country and that ther was no cholery her........"

More About SARAH GENTRY:

Died 2: NSF says Sarah died in Morgan county IL.

Notes for MARTHA JONES:

From "Nicholas Money Tunnell, His Life, His Family, His Times & His Generations", p 14

"The cholory broke out in Kintuckey, where they lived, and they got on a boat and came up the river to Beardstown, Illinois. The cholory broke out in that place, being brougth there by some one on a boat. A neighbor came to Jim Wilcox's and begged him and hjis wife to go with her and help her take care of her husband and son, both of whom had it and were very bad off. Jim's wife wouldent go but said Jim and Martha better go. They concluded to go. So each took a big chunk of assofidda, tied it up in a rag and strung it around their necks and kept it in their mouths nearly all the time. They stayed there nearly all night. The boy died, but the man got well.

Jim and Martha went home, changed clothes in the smokehouse and burned them. All of them quickly got ready and went to the country, where they all lived in a tent......"

 

More About MARTHA JONES:

Fact 9: NSF shows a child Polly fathered by N M Tunnell. No doubt one of the children from Martha's prior marriages.

viii. WESLEY TUNNELL²⁵², b. abt 1794, East TN^253,254; d. Aft. 1854, Morgan county IL²⁵⁵; m. ELIZABETH UNKNOWN²⁵⁶, Bef. 1820, probably TN²⁵⁷; b. 1798, TN^258,259,260; d. Bef. 1926, IL²⁶¹.

Notes for WESLEY TUNNELL:

NSF, page 355:

"...was born in East Tennessee. He may have been born about 1794 or 1796 , or earlier....A few years after their marriage, they moved to AL to be near his brothers, Stephen and Perry Tunnell. Later they went to Independence, MO for a time and abt 1830 moved to Morgan county IL where his brothers Jesse, Nicholas Money and David Tunnell lived."

More About WESLEY TUNNELL:

Census: 21 Oct 1850, IL, Morgan county, Dwelling 1946, Family 2031, Household of Welsy Tunnell²⁶²

Occupation: 21 Oct 1850, Farmer²⁶²

Residence 1: abt 1830, Moved to Morgan county IL.²⁶³

Residence 2: Moved to AL a few years after marriage.²⁶³

Residence 3: Bef. 1830, Lived in Independence MO at one time.²⁶³

More About ELIZABETH UNKNOWN:

Census: 21 Oct 1850, IL, Morgan county, Dwelling 1946, Family 2031, Household of Welsy Tunnell²⁶⁴

ix. MARTIN LUTHER TUNNELL²⁶⁵, b. 1796, Washington county TN²⁶⁶; d. Bet. 1799 - 1820.

More About MARTIN LUTHER TUNNELL:

Date born 2: abt 1799, TN or VA

Died 2: NSF says Martin died young.

x. JESSE TUNNELL²⁶⁷, b. abt 1798, East TN²⁶⁸; d. 01 Jul 1835, Morgan county IL; m. MARY SNOW²⁶⁹, abt 1823²⁷⁰; b. Bef. 1812.

More About JESSE TUNNELL:

Residence 1: Bet. 1826 - 1834, Moved to Morgan county IL.²⁷¹

Residence 2: abt 1825, Moved to KY (prob. Hardin county).²⁷¹

Will: Apparently there is a court record concerning his death & estate.²⁷¹

More About MARY SNOW:

Fact 10 1: Some relatives of Mary said her name was Mary (Polly) Parker of KY.²⁷¹

Fact 10 2: She may have been widowed before marrying Jesse.²⁷¹

Residence: 1850, Winchester IL.²⁷¹

xi. DAVID TUNNELL²⁷¹, b. 25 Nov 1800, Washington county TN^271,272; d. 1853, Murrayville IL^273,274; m. ELIZABETH MCCLURE²⁷⁵, 04 May 1829, Hardin county KY²⁷⁵; b. Bef. 1814; d. 1866, Murrayville IL²⁷⁵..

Notes for DAVID TUNNELL:

Notable Southern Families, pp 364-365:

"He moved to KY and was an itinerant Methodist minister there for eight years. In 1826 he was 'admitted on trial' in the Kentucky Conference. The 'Minutes' show he sas stationed at Christian in the Green River district in 1827. He was admitted into full connection and had a charge at Liberty in the Augusta district in 1828. He married Elizabeth McClure May 4, 1829 in Hardin county KY......Rev. David Tunnell and wife moved to Morgan county IL shortly after their marriage and lived a few miles north of Jacksonville. In 1830 he entered land near Murrayville IL on which his daughter Jane Wyatt lived in 1886."

More About DAVID TUNNELL:

Occupation 1: Minister & Farmer²⁷⁵

Occupation 2: Served 8 years as an itinerant Methodist Minister.²⁷⁵

Occupation 3: 1826, "Admitted on trial" in Kentucky Conference.²⁷⁵

Occupation 4: 1827, Pastor, Christian, Green River District, KY.²⁷⁵

Occupation 5: 1828, Pastor, Liberty, Augusta District, KY.²⁷⁵

Property: 1830, Entered land near Murrayville IL.²⁷⁵

Residence 1: 1830, Lived in Murrayville IL.²⁷⁵

Residence 2: 1829, Moved to Morgan county IL.²⁷⁵.