John Counts of Hawksbill and Glade Hollow

TIMELINE

Approximately 1715-1730	Family tradition is strong that John Counts was "Black Dutch", that is, he was of Germanic origin. Despite intensive research, his date and place of birth, parentage and even his true name are still unknown. Source: p. 15 of "Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow" by Elihu Jasper Sutherland.
1722-1728	On August 27, 1931, Judge Elihu Jasper Sutherland visited the old John Counts farm in Glade Hollow. The graveyard was on a ridge about 200 yards west of where the old house had stood. After removing weeds, he was able to find markers for seven graves, all made from native limestone slabs and very weather beaten. On the largest headstone, he found an inscription for Mary Counts, no doubt the grave of John Counts' wife, Mary Magdalene Counts. The year of her birth has been reported almost exclusively as 1722, based on the John Counts book compiled from Sutherland's research, published in 1977, after his death. The date is also inscribed on a modern memorial erected at the Counts graveyard. However, when Sutherland addressed the first Counts Family Reunion in Sept of 1736, only five years after first visiting the graveyard, he reported the stone read thusly: "June 25th 1814 Mary Counts Was Born 1728". Sources: (1) p. 19 of "Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow" by Elihu Jasper Sutherland; (2) p. 22 of "Proceedings of the First Annual Reunion of the Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow, September 20, 1936."
1744	John Counts appeared on a Tax List of Frederick Co., Va. Clerk Fees belonging to James Wood ANNO DOM. 1744 and was assessed the payment rate of 10 pounds of Tobacco. It is unclear as to whether or not this is our John Counts. Source: County Clerk Fees - Wood, 1744 - Frederick County, Virginia.
1749 January 23	The earliest definite record of John Counts is found in a survey that was conducted for John Bumgarner (Sr.) for 270 acres of land lying in Augusta County on the Hawksbill in a line of a Pattent formerly granted to John Landrum. Written on the survey, but crossed out, are the words: "at the request of Jno Bumgarner the deed is to issue the same to Jno Counts." John Bumgarner, Sr. died shortly after the survey was made, but before the land was issued to John Counts, even though Counts had most likely been living on the land since 1749 when the survey was completed. After Bumgarner's death, it reverted to his heir, John Bumgarner, Jr., who, in 1761, received a Northern Neck Grant for the tract, finally selling it to John Counts in 1765 for the sum of twenty pounds current money. Sources: (1) (1749 Survey and 1761 Grant) Library of Virginia Archives, Bumgarner, John, grantee: Northern Neck Land Office Grant K-296, 02 Jul 1761, Frederick Co. (2) Frederick County Courthouse, Winchester, Virginia DB-10, p. 401-404, Bumgarner to Countz, 06 Aug 1765.
1750 March 5	On March 5, 1750 a Land Warrant was issued to John Counts of Augusta County for 150 acres in the Massanutten Tract adjoining Abraham Brubaker, described as being: "in the Gap that goes from the So River of Shannandoah into Powell's Fort." Henry Hastins and Matthias Selser were Chain Carriers. The warrant was granted to Jno Counts, who denied it, most likely because he was already living on Hawksbill Creek, having made an agreement with John Bumgarner, Sr. to purchase that land a few months earlier. On November 3, 1753 it was granted to John Rodes. *Note that it was this same John Rodes whose family was massacred by Indians in 1764. This is undoubtedly our John Counts as the location is very close to his Hawksbill Farm, and places him in the area much earlier than previously thought. Source: Library of Virginia, Northern Neck Grants K-31, Frederick Co.
Approximately 1750-1752	John Counts identifies "Eve Maticks" as "my oldest daughter" in his will dated 3 Apr 1802. The earliest sighting of John Counts is in the Valley of Virginia, where he is seen seeking to acquire farm land in 1749 (see above). He and Mary Magdalene were probably married sometime around then, with their first child (Eve) being born shortly thereafter. Matthew Maddux received a land grant in the Spring of 1771. He and Eve Counts could have been married around that time, but definitely before the Spring of 1773, when they personally both appeared in Dunmore (Shenandoah) County Court where Eve signed an "X" mark under the name "Eve Maddux". No early records for Eve Counts have been found, but she was likely born between 1750-1752 and married between 1770-1772.
1755 September 2-3	John Countz and Charles Kyzar appeared in Winchester on September 2-3, 1755 during Court Martial proceedings brought against many men from the Colonial Militia of Frederick County. Records show that it was "Ordered that John Countz of the Foot Company commanded by Capt. William Bethel be fined Ten Shillings or One Hundred Pounds of Tobo [Tobacco] for absenting himself from Two private Musters within Twelve Months Last past." This establishes not only that John Countz was a member of the Frederick County Militia, but that he was definitely living in Frederick County at least by 1754, and probably earlier. Source: p. 13-15 Frederick Co., Va. Deed Book-18.
1757	John Counts appeared on a Tax List of Frederick Co., Va. Clerk Fees belonging to James Wood ANNO DOM. 1757 and was assessed the payment rate of 75 pounds of Tobacco. Because of other associated names appearing on the list such as Bethel, Brubaker, Combes, Hardin, King, Netherton, Odell, Ruffner, Rout, Ruddle, Selser, Spears, Wood, Wagoner and others, it is likely that this could be our John Counts. Source: County Clerk Fees - Wood, 1757 - Frederick County, Virginia.
1759 March 5	(Frederick Co. Va. Loose Papers) Promissory note written in Siman Stacy's own hand: "I promise to pay or cause to be payd. unto John Counts his eares or a sines the full and just sum of six punds current money of vergenea at or before the -------25 day of December as witness my hand this 5 day of March 1759. Siman Stacy". Witnessed by Mason Combs and John Stacy. Source: Library of Virginia County Court Records, Frederick County, Ended Cases, November 1763, John Counts vs. Simon Stacy. Box 41, BC 1117082.
1761 March 3	Town of Winchester, Frederick Co. Va. Fees: Bail Hearing in a Lawsuit of John Counts against John Stacey on an attachment. "John Combs & John Allen in Court undertook for the Deft. if he be lost in the said action that he will pay the Condemnation of the Court or render his Body to Prison, or that they the said John Combs & John Allen will do it for him." Source: p. 263 Frederick County, Va. Court Order Book 9.
1762 June 2	A Civil Suit in Frederick County by John Counts Plaintiff against Simon Stacy Defendant In Debt. This Day came the parties by their Attornies [sic] and the Defendant prays and has leave to Impart till next Court and then to plead. Source: p. 2-3 Frederick County, Va. Court Order Book 10, 2 Jun 1762.
1762 June 3	The Petition of John Counts against John Stacy upon the motion of the said Plaintif [sic] is ordered to be Continued till the next Court. Source: p. 61 Frederick County, Va. Court Order Book 10, 3 Jun 1762.
1762 June 3	Two entries for Petition of John Counts against Matthias Selzer/Selzar being Agreed is Ordered to be Dismissed. Source: p. 61 Frederick County, Va. Court Order Book 10, 3 Jun 1762.
1762 September 9	Judgment in the petition of John Counts against John McKey (McKay) for two pounds Eleven Shillings and nine pence said to be due by Accounts, this day came the plaintif [sic] by his Attorney and the Defendant being Duly served with a copy of the petition and Accounts and failing to appear the solemnly called, the plaintif [sic] made oath to the Justicess [sic] of his Accounts whereupon It is Considered by the Court that the plaintif [sic] recover against the said Defendant the said two pounds eleven Shillings and nine pence and his costs by him in this behalf Expended. Source: p. 195-196 Frederick County, Va. Court Order Book 10, 9 Sep 1762.
1762 September 9	A Civil suit of John Counts against Matthias Rinehart was Dismissed being agreed by the parties. Source: p. 183 Frederick Co., Va. Court Order Book 10, Reel 70, 9 Sep 1762, Library of Virginia, Richmond.
1764 February 9	Judgment of a Civil Suit on an Attachment in Frederick Co., Va. of John Counts against John Stacey. The jury found that "the defendant (Stacey) hath assumed upon himself in manner and form as the plaintiff (Counts) hath declared and they do assess the plaintiff's damages by occasion of the non-performance thereof to be Six Pound Eleven Shilling & nine pence besides his costs." Sources: (1) p. 4 Frederick Co., Va. Court Order Book 12, 1764-1765, Reel 71, 9 Feb 1764, Library of Virginia, Richmond; (2) p. 15 "Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow" by Elihu J. Sutherland.
1764 May 5	In Frederick County Court, a Civil Suit was brought by John Counts against John Combs. The Defendant not being Found upon The motion of The Plaintiff by his Attorney it is Ordered that an alias scire facias Issued against him Returnable to the next Court. Source: Frederick Co. Court Order Book 12, (reel 71), p117, 5 May 1764. Library of Virginia, Richmond.
1764 August 11	Swiss Mennonite minister John Rhodes along with his wife and five of their thirteen children were murdered and likely scalped, and their home burned, in one of a series of Indian Raids in the Shenandoah Valley. John Rhodes lived just across (east of) the South River of the Shenandoah, very close to John Counts' Hawksbill home, on land that adjoined a Warrant that was issued and granted to Jno Counts in 1750, but who denied it, and which was later granted to John Rodes in 1753. Sources: (1) p. 91 of "A History of the Valley of Virginia" by Samuel Kercheval, Second Edition (Woodstock, Va: John Gatewood, Printer, 1850). The first edition was entered in the year 1833 in the Clerk's Office of the Western District of Virginia. (2) Library of Virginia, Northern Neck Grants K-31, Frederick Co.
1764 August 11	Judgment in the case of John Counts against John Combs, John Allen and John Stacey. The Shereif having Returned the Alias Sci Fas [scire facias] Executed on the Said John Combs & the Said John Allen not found & they failing to Appear tho Solemnly Called It is Therefore Considered by the Court that the Said Plt [Plaintiff] have Execution against the Said Defts [Defendants] for Six pounds Eleven Shillings & nine pence Two hundred & Fifty Two pounds of Tobacco & Fifteen Shillings or one hundred & Fifty pounds of Tobacco & that he Recover against the Said Deft [Defendants] his Costs Expended in bringing forth & prosecuting this Writ. Source: p. 210 Frederick Co. Va. Court Order Book 12, 1764-1765 (reel 71), Library of Virginia, Richmond.
1765 August 6	John Bumgarner conveyed to John Counts of Frederick Co. 270 acres more or less on the west side of Hawksbill Creek for twenty pounds current money, paid in hand. Witnessed by Jno Hite, Jacob Vertrees and Fargus Cron. Source: p. 402-404 Frederick Co. Va. Deed Book 10, part 2.
1773 April 27	The records of Dunmore County show that on April 27, 1773, Mathew Maddux and his wife, Eve Maddux (eldest daughter of John Counts), executed a deed to Abraham Strickler for 200 acres, a part of the description of this tract being in these words: "thence running with a line that Thomas Hurst and John Counts made". Source: p. 16, "Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow" by Judge Elihu Jasper Sutherland; (2) Shenandoah Co. Deed Book-A, 1772-1775, Reel 1, p. 295-296, Mathew Maddux to Abraham Strickler, 200 acres, recorded 27 April 1773.
1773 August 22	Christina, five month old daughter of John Countz & Magdalen was baptized on August 22, 1773 in Dunmore County. Source: Shenandoah Co. Reel 65, p7, Marriage Register, 1850-1856, which includes Baptismal Register, 1773-1782, Library of Virginia, Richmond.
1782	John Countz appears on the Shenandoah Co. Tax List of 1782 with 3 horses and 11 cattle. Source: 1782 Personal Property Tax List for Shenandoah Co., Va.
1783	John Countz appears on the Shenandoah Co. Tax List of 1783 with 3 horses and 13 cattle. Source: 1783 Personal Property Tax List for Shenandoah Co., Va.
1783	"Hessian" Soldier Jacob Rierschneck (Jacob Rasnick) escaped from the Hessian Barracks in Frederick, Md. sometime between December 25, 1782 and June 24, 1783, and appeared on the last muster list (written in French) as soldier 92. Jean Ruehrschneck } encore Absent, that is, "absent again". He quickly found his way to the farm of John Counts on Hawksbill Creek. Source: Semi-annual Muster Lists for Soldiers from the Brandenburg-Ansbach Troops of the Body Company commanded by Colonels Friedrich Ludwig von Eyb and August Valentin von Voit. Treasury Series: Departmental Accounts T 38/812, "Accounts of Hessian Troops Engaged in America 1775-1795", Volume "Pay and Stoppages". The National Archives, Kew, England.
1784 February 25	Molly Countz married Jacob Reresnick on February 25, 1784 in Shenandoah Co., Va. The ceremony was performed by Elder John Koontz, who signed himself "John Counts," however the entry was not recorded until 47 years later, as noted on the court record: "The following Marriage Certificates appear not to have been recorded at the proper time and place and are now inserted here this 17 day of February 1831 by Rob. Turner Deputy Clerk." Source: Shenandoah Co., Va. Marriage Book.
1784 March 25	An Indenture on August 23, 1783 for the sale of 2 acres on Hawksbill Creek from Christian Bumgarner to John Countz for the consideration of Ten Pounds was recorded in Shenandoah County on March 25, 1784. Source: p. 50-51 Shenandoah Co. Va. Deed Book E
1784	John Countz (Sr.) appears on the 1784 list owning 3 horses and 12 cattle. Source: p. 7, 1784 Personal Property Tax List for Shenandoah Co., Va
1785	John Coutz (Fathersman) appears at the bottom of this tax list with 4 horses and 14 cattle. [The John Counts at the top marked (Preacher) is the Elder John Koontz]. Source: p. 6, 1785 Personal Property Tax List for Shenandoah Co., Va.
1785 August 22	Philip Couts and Anna Kiser (daughter of Charles Keyser) married in Shenandoah Co. on August 22, 1785. His bondsman was his brother-in-law Jacob Rersneck, who signed in German. A certificate filed with the bond is in the following words: "Shenandoah County and beckford in Virginy. Philip Couts and Anna Kiser is a go to git marred and his father John Couts and mother is will that they should git mared And Anna Kiser friends is all will that she shd get mared to Sad Couts August 22, 1785." This paper was endorsed by Any Kiser and John Couts, both by mark, and in person by Andrew Kiser. Source: (1) Shenandoah Co., Va. Marriage Bonds; (2) p, 17 Shenandoah Co., Va. Marriage Book.
1786 November 27	Cathe Countz married Michael Peters on November 27, 1786. The marriage was performed by Baptist minister Anderson Moffit. Source: Shenandoah Co. Va. Marriage Book.
1787 May 2	Jno Couts (Jr.), a tithable 21 years of age, appears in the household of his brother-in-law Jacob Raresnake with 5 horses and 17 cattle. Source: p 29, 1787 Personal Property Tax List for Shenandoah Co., Va.
1787 June 16	Henry Willard, who had married Elizabeth "Lissy" Counts around 1785, appears on the Russell Co. tax list for 1787, showing they had moved to Russell Co. around the same time as her brother John. Source: p. 21 1787 Personal Property Tax List-A for Russell Co., Va.
1787 June 21	John Countz (Jr.) a tithable 21+ years of age, first appears on the Russell Co. Tax Lists on June 21, 1787. This confirms that he moved from Shenandoah Co. to Russell Co. sometime after May 2 and before June 21, 1787. Source: p. 4 1787 Personal Property Tax List-A for Russell Co., Va.
1787 November 20	On November 20, 1787 John Counts (Jr.) entered 50 acres of land by part of Warrant No. 14803 dated November 9, 1783, lying & being at the Widow Lards old place between that and the River lying on both sides of a branch that runs into the river. It was around this time that John Counts, Jr. married Margaret "Peggy" Kelley, of Irish extraction, probably in Russell Co., however the marriage records are unavailable for this time period. They lived at the present town of Cleveland, Virginia. Sources: (1) p. 23 Russell Co., Va. Land Entry Book 1; (2) p. 68 Some Sandy Basin Characters, Elijah Jasper Sutherland.
1788 June 17	Grand Jury bill found against Obadiah Payne for abusing John Countz (Jr.), and robin said Countz of his papers, and for forging an order in the name of Francis Hines, present, on the oath of John Countz (Jr.) Source: p.103 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 1.
1788 July 19	John Countz (Jr.) a tithable 21+ years of age, appears on the Russell Co. Tax Lists on July 19, 1788. Source: 1788 Personal Property Tax List-A for Russell Co., Va.
1789 September 24	John Kauns (John Counts, Sr.) received a Land Grant for 76 acres on the South River of Shenandoah. This tract, surveyed on November 10, 1780, adjoined Henry Brumpack and Peter Hestant. Jacob Hestant and Frederick Allther were chain carriers. Sources: (1) Northern Neck Grants U-422-423, The Archives at Library of Virginia; (2) Northern Neck Surveys No. 2, 1788-1794, p. 82 (Reel 313), The Archives at Library of Virginia.
1789 October 29	Indenture of Release from John Couts and Mary his wife to Sinnet Young for two hundred and forty eight acres in consideration of the sum of Two Hundred and thirty pounds current money of Virginia lying and being in Shanandoah [sic] County by Pattent [sic] granted to of Frederick County bearing date from the Proprietors Office July Second One thousand seven hundred & sixty one. The deed was dated August 21-22, 1789 and recorded on October 29, 1789. Source: p. 367-372 Shenandoah Co., Va. Deed Book G.
1790 March-April	John Counts, his wife Magdalene and two more of their children, Mary "Molly" and George, moved from Shenandoah Co. to Russell Co., Va. before the end of 1789. By the next Spring, John Counts appeared on the Russell Co. Tax List March 19, 1790. John Counts Junior appeared on the same list on April 12, 1790. Source: 1790 Personal Propery Tax List-B for Russell Co., Va.
1790 March-April	Two of John Counts' sons-in-law also appear on the 1790 Tax List for Russell County; Jacob Raresnake appears on March 19, 1790, the same day as John Counts, and Henry (Harry) Willard appears on April 10. Source: 1790 Personal Propery Tax List-B for Russell Co., Va.
1791 April 28	John Stacey transferred his entry of fifty acres in Glade Hollow to John Counts on April 28, 1791. Was this related to the lawsuit that John Counts brought against John Stacy in Shenandoah Co. years before? On June 30, 1794 John Counts withdrew 36 acres of this entry and re-entered it. John Counts left this land to his son George by his will. Source: p. 17 "Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow" by Elihu Jasper Sutherland.
1791 May 25	John Counts assignee of John Stacy, 14 acres part of Treasury Warrant 11961 dated May 10, 1782 on both sides the Glade Hollow, corner of Robert McFarland and corner of John Hurst, crossing the Glade Hollow. Source: p. 119 Russell Co., Va. Surveyors Book 1.
1791 June 28	Presentment against Patrick Coyl & John Counts (probably Jr.) for fighting and breaking the peace April 26, 1791. Source: p. 231 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 1.
1792 July 24	John Counts exempted from paying poll tax & levies on account of age & bodily infirmities. Source: p. 19 of Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 2.
1792 August 28	Robert McFarland & Ann to John Counts 166 acres beginning on the north side of the Glade Hollow. Source: p. 228-229 Russell Co., Va. Deed Book 1.
Approximately 1792	Catherine Countz Peters married for the second time John Gray in Rockingham Co., Va. Their son Jonas Gray is mentioned in the Will of his uncle Philip Kountz: "4th I hereby give and bequeath unto my Nephew Jonas Gray the sum of one hundred dollars". Sources: (1) p. 247 Page Co., Va. Will Book-B; (2) Page Co., Va. Chancery Causes, John R. Wilson v. David Wilson & Others, Copy of Will 1843 - Philip Kountz, Chancery Drawer 90, Library of Virginia.
1793 July 23	John Counts paid for killing 1 old wolf. Source: p. 91-92 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 2.
1794 March 25	John Counts paid for killing 1 old wolf. Source: p. 134 of Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 2.
1794 June 25	George McCoy sued John Counts, the case was continued for the plaintiff. John Counts paid Henry Willard, Joseph Hatfield & Luke Kelley for 2 days as witnesses for him in the suit. The case went to the jury on September 24, 1794 and the decision was in favor of the defendant (Counts). Source: p. 158, 160, 180 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 2.
1795	Derrick Pennybaker brought suit against John Coutz and Sinnet Young for debt in the sum of thirty pounds two shillings six pence on account incurred during the years of 1786-1787-1789. Pennybaker claimed he had considerable dealings with a certain John Counts then of the County of Shenandoah but now of the Terretory [sic] of the United States South West of the Ohio. Source: Shenandoah Co., Va. Chancery Causes "Derrick Pennybaker vs. John Coutz & Sinnet Young", 1795.012.
1797 July 30	An Indenture between Major Dowell of Rockbridge, Co. and Samuel Andrew Law of Cheshire, New Haven Co., Connecticut by patent dated February 9, 1796 on the south side of Clinch River the west side of Cedar Creek containing 15,000 acres beginning on the south side of Clinch River at the mouth of Big Cedar Creek enumerated the owners' names of property that adjoined this tract. Some of the names included: Edward Kelly, Robert Webb, Luke Kelly, Joseph Keaser, Laurance Vanhook, Joseph McReynolds, James Kelly, Henry Willard, Jacob Raresnake, Zachariah Hendrick, John Coone, 200 acres, James Hurst, Samuel Vanhook, John Breeding, Spencer Breeding, and others. Sources: (1) Russell Co., Va. Deed Book 2, p.496-504; (2) Land Grant 9 Feb 1796, Dowell, Major, grantee. Land Office Grants No. 33, p. 450-451, Russell County. Library of Virginia Archives in Richmond.
1797 October 24	John Counts is mentioned twice being paid for killing 1 old wolf. Source: p. 415 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 2.
1798 January 24	Indenture between Richard Price & Lucy to John Counts [Jr.] 165 acres on both sides of the Clinch River. Source: Russell Co., VA Deed Book 2, p. 477-478.
1798 April 27	John Jordan vs. John Counts, case continued. Source: p. 455 of Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 2.
1799 June 25	John Counts was a member of the Grand Jury. Source: p. 1 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1799 August 29	John Counts 36 acres part of Treasury Warrant 11961 dated May 10, 1782 on the north side of the Glade Hollow and on the south side of Copper Ridge, corner to a tract of land on which Counts now lives. Source: p. 3 Russell Co., Va. Surveyors Book 2.
1799 October 22	John Counts was paid for killing 1 old wolf. Source: p. 32 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1800 May 31	John Counts 40 acres part of Treasury Warrant 2438 dated March 14, 1798, assignee of Richard Price, Jr., on the south side of Clinch River. Source: p. 23 Russell Co., Va. Surveyors Book 2.
1801 January 28	John Counts Surveyor of the Road from the Meeting House on Clinch River to John Jessee Sr. Andrew Cowan to furnish him a list of tithables. Source: p. 108 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1801 June 23	George Counts member of Grand Jury of Inquest. p. 132 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part l.
1801 July 28	John Counts, Jr. made oath that he is charged in the Commissioners book with 265 acres of land and that he only has 165 acres, ordered to be certified to the Auditor of Public accounts. p. 146 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1801 July 28	Thomas Dickenson assigned to furnish John Counts and other surveyors of the road with a list of tithables. Two pages later, Robert Webb Surveyor of Road is put in place instead of John Counts. p. 148 and 150 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1802 July 27	Indenture from John Counts & Magdalene to Phillip Counts, ordered to be certified in Shenandoah County. p. 21l Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1803 January 10	On July 27, 1802 John Countz and Magdalene his wife appeared before County Court of Russell County and acknowledged a deed to Philip Countz of Shenandoah County for a tract of land estimated to contain 75 acres, situated on Hawksbill Creek, and being a part of the tract of land conveyed to the said John Countz by John Bumgarner in 1765, containing at that time 270 acres, more or less, and from which he had conveyed 248 acres to Sinnet Young, the residue of the said original tract now being conveyed to his son Philip Countz. At a court held for the County of Shenandoah on Monday the 10th of January 1803 this Indenture of Bargain and Sale was exhibited with the Certificate Endorsed from Russell County Court and was ordered to be recorded. Source: p. 162-163 Shenandoah Co., Va. Deed Book-N.
1803 April 27	Last Will and Testament of John Counts presented in Court in Russell Co., Va. and proved by oath of John Hargis on the 27th and Duritee Counts on the 26th. Sources: (1) p. 33 Russell Co., Va. Will Book (2) p. 245 and 260 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1804 September 25	Presentment against the Surveyor of the Road from Anthony Hinton's in the Glade Hollow to the head of Smoots Hollow for not keeping the road in repair, information of Eli Smith & George Counts, farmers. Source: p. 335 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1804 September 25	John Counts, Jr. served on a jury in the trial of the Commonwealth vs. Harry Smith; Defendant found Guilty. Source: p. 336 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1804 October 23	The oath of Henry Counts was taken in the Indenture from Thomas Long to Hardy Lilly. Source: p. 345 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 1.
1807 March 4	Commonwealth vs. John Counts (Jr.), presentment, dismissed. Source: p. 601 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 2.
1807 July 7	George Counts Surveyor of the Road from the fork of the road at James Gray's to Edward Kelley's path at the head of Smoots Hollow in place of John Colley & that William Nash furnish him with a list of tithables. Source: p. 627 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 2.
1808 February 2	Petition of Joseph McReynolds to alter the road that runs from Reeds Valley, ordered that John Counts (Jr.), Joseph Kisor, Jesse Fuller & Abraham Childers view the road and report. The report was presented to the court on March 1, 1808 and proposed to be altered. Ordered to be established. Source: p. 685 and 693 Russell Co., Va. Law Order Book 3, Part 2.
1808 March 7	Indenture of Bargain and Sale from Christly Bumgarner and Mary his wife, to Philip Countz for 2 3/4 acres on the waters of the hawksbill Creek in Consideration of the Sum of Ten Dollars Current Money of Virginia. Acknowledged in the presence of Jacob Rinker, George Brittan, Andrew Keyser and Noah Keyser. Source: p. 212-213 Shenandoah Co., Va. Deed Book-Q.
1814 February 6	A Marriage License for Robert Carter and Elizabeth Countz was obtained at the Shenandoah County Courthouse in Woodstock on February 1, 1814. The Family Bible recorded Elizabeth Kountz's marriage on February 6, 1814, performed by Ambrose C. Booten, minister at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Kountz, was only 14 years old at the time of her marriage. Source: (1) Shenandoah Co., Va. Marriage Book; (2) Kountz Family Bible courtesy of Sharon Bogue Lemkuil.
1814 June 25	On August 27, 1931, Judge Elihu Jasper Sutherland visited the old John Counts farm in Glade Hollow. The graveyard was on a ridge about 200 yards west of where the old house had stood. After removing weeds, he was able to find markers for seven graves, all made from native limestone slabs and very weather beaten. On the largest headstone, he found the following inscription: "June 25th 1814 . . . Mary Counts . . . was born 1722." This was no doubt the grave of John Counts' wife, Mary Magdalene Counts. Source: p. 19 of Some Descendants of Glade Hollow" by Elihu Jasper Sutherland.
1815 January 12	The names of Private John Counts and Private Richard (Dick) Colley appear on the Muster Roll of a company of Infantry of Virginia Militia commanded by Captain George Kindrick from the 72nd Regiment in the County of Russell, called to active service on the 12th and 13th of January 1815. The war, however, had already ended when this company was formed. When the news finally reached Russell County that the war was over, the company was disbanded." Sources: (1) p. 249, "Our Mountain Heritage: Ancestors from Southwest Virginia: Including Edwards, Wright, Hay, Colley, Deel", by Joyce Edwards King; (2) Index to Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Soldiers Who Served During the War of 1812, Record Group 94, National Archives Catalog ID 654501, Roll M602_0047, State Virginia, The National Archives, Washington, D.C.
1818 March 14	Indenture between Philip Countz and Anna his wife, and Robert Carter for 79 acres, for and in consideration of the sum of two thousand Dollars current money of said state, a certain tract of land lying and being in said County on the west side of the Hawksbill creek the same is a part of a certain tract of 159 acres which was granted to the said Philip Countz by John Countz and Magdalene his wife. Philip Kountz signed by his "X" mark.Source: p. 214-215 Shenandoah Co., Va. Deed Book-Y.
1826 December 7	A Petition was presented to the General Assembly of Virginia on behalf of Hannah, a free woman of colour, former slave of James Scott, who remained as such until his death in June 1823. According to a life estate provision in his will, Hannah, as well as his other slaves, were devised to Rebecca, his wife, "from and after the period of the death of the said Rebecca, your petitioner, together with the other slaves aforesaid, were to be fully and entirely emancipated...that the said Rebecca died on the 4th of January 1826, and consequently your petitioner became from that time free; But inasmuch as the case of the petitioner is not embraced by the powers of the [Russell] County Court, and as she would be forced, by having to depart from the commonwealth to separate herself and her children from her mother, who is becoming aged and infirm & requiring the aid of her children; and from her other relations; and since your petitioner has always maintained and still bears, a fair & honest character, (for proof of which she prays reference to the accompanying certificates,) and her husband, a coloured man now living in the same county, she prays that leave be granted her, by special act of your body, to remain and reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia." The signatures of Joshua Counts, Jonas Rosnik, and Richard Colly, along with over 175 other signatures of men from Russell County, can be found on the petition in support of Hannah's character. Sadly, on December 26, 1826, Hannah's petition to be allowed to remain in the state was rejected. Source: Hannah: Petition, Russell County, 1826-12-07, Legislative Petitions of the General Assembly, 1776-1865, Assession No. 36121, Box 227, Folder 55. Library of Virginia, Richmond, VA.
Before 1833	Robert Carter and Elizabeth Kountz Carter and their eleven children moved from Hawksbill Creek in Page Co. to Barbour Co., Va. (West Virginia today) before the death of her father Philip Kountz. Source: (1) p. 247-248 Page Co., Va. Will Book B; (2) p.286-292 Page Co., Va. Will Book B.
1843 October 3	On May 27,1835 John Counts of Cleveland signed his Last Will and Testament containing the names of his wife, children and slaves. It was prepared under the name of John Counts Senr., signed by "X" mark and executed in Russell Co. Court on October 3, 1843. Source: p. 425-426 Russell Co., Va. Will Book 5.