Family #13 – EKA John Harrell 1785

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Last Updated on 11 Apr 2021

To better understand EKA John Harrell, it is necessary to understand Knox Co. IN where John Harrell spent much of his adult life. Knox Co. was formed in 1790 as one of the original counties of the Northwest Territory; its size was very large. In 1801 Clark Co. was formed from the eastern part of Knox Co. In 1803 Dearborn Co. was formed from an eastern part of Clark Co. Indiana became a state in 1816 having 16 counties with Knox Co. being overwhelmingly the largest. One year later in 1817, most of Knox’s land was reclassified as a “non-county” area and this change shrunk the size of Knox Co. to about the size of most of the other 19 Indiana counties. By the end of 1818, Pike and Gibson counties were formed on the southern border of Knox Co., Daviess Co. was formed on its eastern border, Sullivan and Green counties were formed on its norther border, and the State of Illinois (gaining statehood in 1818) bordered Knox Co. on its western border. These borders did not change over the years following.

The 1820 Federal Census of Knox Co., IN showed a cluster of 3 individuals listed with the surname “Herrel”: John Herrel, William Herrel, and Isaac Herrel. They all lived in the township of Palmyra and all of them were about the same age suggesting they could be closely related, possibly brothers. The following info was listed in this 1820 census record:

  • John Herrel, 5 males under 10, 1 male 26-44 (born 1776-1794), 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44, no slaves;
  • William Herrel, 1 male under 10, 1 male 26-44, 2 females under 10, 1 female 16-25, no slaves;
  • Isaac Herrel, 2 males under 10, 1 male 26-44, 2 females under 10, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 26-44, no slaves.

In the 1830 Federal Census of Knox Co., IN (no township) there was listed:

  • William Herrel, 2 males under 5, 1 male 5-9, 1 male 30-39 (born 1791-1800), 1 female under 5, 1 female 5-9, 2 females 10-14, 1 female 30-39, no slaves
  • Ephraim Herrel, 2 males under 5, 2 males 5-9, 1 male 30-39, 1 female 30-39, no slaves.

In the 1830 Federal Census of Greene Co., IN (no township) there was listed:

  • John Herrel, 1 male and 2 females under 5, 2 males and 2 females 5-9, 3 males 10-14, 2 males 15-19, 1 male 40-49 (born 1781-1790), 1 female 30-39 (born 1791-1800), no slaves.

Greene Co. was formed from Sullivan Co. in 1821; part of Knox’s northern border was shared with Greene’s southern border.

From Sam Batman’s document (discussed below), John Herrel/Harrell (hereafter referred to as John Harrell) was born October 7, 1785 VA and died 19 Sept 1830 in Greene Co., IN (no record of John 1785 has been found after the 1830 census). Although no formal documentation of John Harrell’s parents and siblings has yet been found, there is enough circumstantial evidence to support speculation that his parents could be either James Harrell of Nelson Co., KY (born abt 1762 VA), spouse Elizabeth Crume, or James Harrell Jr. 1765 VA (aka James “Harroe” as listed in the 1820 Dearborn Co., IN census). James Harrell 1762 is the son of Moses Harrell Sr. 1735 who, in turn, was one of the sons of Richard Harrell 1700. James Harrell Jr. is son of James Harrell Sr. 1732 who is a brother of Moses Harrell Sr. It is known that both Moses Sr. and his son James 1762 owned slaves. No evidence has been found showing James Harrell Jr. owned slaves. Moses Sr. died in Nelson Co. in 1803 and his son James 1762 died abt. 1836 in Daviess Co, KY, after living most of his life in Nelson Co. It is not known when James Harrell Jr. died but it is speculated his death was after 1820 (or perhaps after 1830) somewhere in Indiana.

The names and birth years of the children of John Harrel 1785 were obtained from a document (“Early Family Tree”) written by Sam Batman dated Dec. 19, 1840. Sam Batman was the brother of Sarah Batman who was the spouse of John Harrell 1785; their marriage took place 15 March 1810 in Nelson Co., KY with John Batman giving consent. Sarah Batman was the daughter of John Batman and Jenny Brown. Sam Batman’s document stated that John Harrell was born 7 October 1785 which is consistent with census info. John Harrell 1785 died 19 September 1830 in Greene Co. and his spouse Sarah Batman Harrell died 20 June, 1830 (her death on 6 June 1831 was listed on her burial site on the Harrell farm property – the HARRELL CEMETERY – in Richland Township, Greene Co., IN). Note: There was a flu pandemic reaching the U.S. in 1830/1831.

From credible sources including Sam Batman’s written document, the children of John and Sarah Batman Harrell are:

  1. JAMES S. HARRELL, b. January 27, 1811, Knox County, IN, d. July 31, 1844, Greene County, IN; JAMES S. HARRELL married EMILY JANE HARRAH July 23, 1834 in Greene County, IN, daughter of WILLIAM HARRAH and MARGARET TINCHER. She was born June 08, 1817 in IN, and died September 25, 1850 in Greene County, IN.

    Children of JAMES HARRELL and EMILY HARRAH are:

    1. WILLIAM D. HARRELL, b. 1837, Greene County, IN, d. November 07, 1907, Bloomfield, Greene County, IN;
    2. EMILY T. H. HARRELL, b. July 29, 1840, Greene County, IN, d. September 25, 1845, Greene County, IN;
    3. JOHN L. HARRELL, b. February 08, 1842, Greene County, d. April 28, 1886, Greene County, IN;
    4. JAMES HARRELL, b. November 14, 1844, Greene County, IN, d. February 05, 1927, Greene County, IN.
  2. WILLIAM L. HARRELL, b. July 08, 1812, KY or IN; d. Bef. 1850, probably Greene County, IN; WILLIAM L. HARRELL married NANCY ANN CASE August 27, 1834 in Greene County, IN, daughter of ABRAHAM CASE and SARAH HOGUE. She was born 1816 in Knox County, IN, and died Aft. 1850.

    Children of WILLIAM HARRELL and NANCY CASE are:

    1. AGNES HARRELL, b. 1835, Greene Co., IN, d. 1849 Greene Co., IN;
    2. SARAH HARRELL, b. abt. 1836, Greene Co., IN, d. November 21, 1875, Greene Co., IN;
    3. POLLY HARRELL, b. abt. 1837, Greene Co., IN, d. abt. 1839, Greene Co., IN;
    4. JAMES HARRELL, b. November 18, 1838, IN; d. December 21, 1873, Greene County, IN;
    5. ABRAHAM/ABRAM EPSELOM HARRELL, b. 1839, Greene Co., IN, d. 1858 IN;
    6. JOHN MOSES HARRELL, b. December 04, 1840 Greene Co., IN, d. October 27, 1897, Payne Co., OK;
    7. EPHRAIM HARRELL, b. April 1842, IN; d. September 05, 1928, Greene County, IN.
  3. EPHRAIM HARRELL, b. June 11, 1816, IN; d. Aft. 1880, AR? (1880 census); EPHRAIM HARRELLmarried SARAH H. COX August 08, 1839 in Greene County, IN. She was born May 28, 1818 in
    IN, and died February 11, 1851 in Greene County, IN.

    Children of EPHRAIM HARRELL and SARAH COX are:

    1. MARY E. HARRELL, b. October 1842, Greene County, IN; d. May 06, 1852, Greene County, IN;
    2. SARAH HARRELL, b. February 01, 1846, Greene County, IN; d. December 23, 1869, Greene County, IN;
    3. MARGARET JANE HARRELL, b. 1849, Greene County, IN.
  4. JOHN HENRY? HARRELL, b. April 21, 1817, IN (Findagrave March 21, 1817); d. July 28, 1891, Greene County, IN; JOHN HENRY? HARRELL married (1) LUCINDA SPOONER May 03, 1846 in Greene County, IN. She was born 1828 in Greene County, IN, and died September 04, 1854 in Greene County, IN. He married (2) ELIZABETH LAIR/LARR December 09, 1856 in Greene County, IN. She was born February 10, 1827 in OH, and died August 27, 1902 in Greene County, IN.

    Children of JOHN HARRELL and LUCINDA SPOONER are:

    1. ZACHARIAH HARRELL, b. October 12, 1847, Greene Co., IN, d. April 22, 1925, Greene Co., IN;
    2. SAMUEL LEMUEL HARRELL, b. July 4, 1849, Greene Co., IN; d. September 4, 1921, Harper County, OK;
    3. JAMES ELEAZAR HARRELL, b. April 27, 1851, Wright, Greene County, IN; d. February 26, 1941, Ellis County, OK;
    4. SARAH ELIZABETH “SALLY” HARRELL, b. November 06, 1852, Greene County, IN; d. April 18, 1917, Richland, Greene County, IN;
    5. JOHN HARRELL Jr., b. July 29, 1854, Greene County, IN; d. September 24, 1854, Greene County, IN.

    Children of JOHN HARRELL and ELIZABETH LAIR/LARR are:

    1. DAVID EPHRAIM HARRELL, b. September 17, 1857, Greene County, IN; d. March 23, 1944, Pittsburg, Crawford County, KS;
    2. WILLIAM JEFFERSON HARRELL, b. January 1859, Greene County, IN; d. 1944, Ellis County, OK;
    3. NANCY JANE HARRELL, b. January 16, 1860, Greene County, IN; d. December 28, 1950, Greene County, IN;
    4. CHARLES LEWIS. HARRELL, b. January 1863, Greene County, IN; d. Aft. June 05, 1918, OK;
    5. ELIZA ELLEN HARRELL, b. February 1865, Greene County, IN; d. 1945, Greene County, IN;
    6. ALBERT MOSES HARRELL, b. March 1867, Greene County, IN; d. 1931, Greene County, IN;
    7. MARGARET LUCINDA HARRELL, b. June 07, 1869 Greene Co., IN, d. April 14, 1871, Greene Co., IN;
    8. JARED WASHINGTON HARRELL, b. July 10, 1871, Greene Co. or Knox Co., IN, d. April 28, 1875 Greene Co., IN.
  5. ISAAC HARRELL, b. March 18, 1819, IN; ISAAC HARRELL married ELIZABETH A. UNKNOWN abt 1841. She was born August 18, 1818, and died May 05, 1850 in Greene County, IN.

    Children of ISAAC HARRELL and ELIZABETH UNKNOWN are:

    1. MARY E. HARRELL, b. 1842 IN or KY, d. aft. 1880 probably TX;
    2. SARAH J. HARRELL, b. 1844 IN;
    3. WILLIAM K. HARRELL, b. 1850 Greene Co., IN.
  6. MARGARET JANE HARRELL, b. March 17, 1821, IN; d. August 05, 1852, Greene County, IN; MARGARET JANE HARRELL married WILLIAM B. PIERCE August 15, 1839 in Greene County, IN. He was born 1815 in KY, and died December 27, 1875 in Greene County, IN.

    Children of MARGARET HARRELL and WILLIAM PIERCE are:

    1. ELIZABETH PIERCE, b. February 01, 1844, IN; d. May 20, 1862, Greene County, IN;
    2. MARGARET EMMA PIERCE, b. January 04, 1846, Greene Co., IN., d. October 11, 1870, Greene Co., IN;
    3. WILLIAM PIERCE, b. 1847, Greene Co., IN;
    4. RACHEL PIERCE, b. 1847, Greene Co., IN;
    5. BENJAMIN PIERCE, b. January 19, 1852, Greene County, IN; d. September 25, 1852, Greene County, IN;
  7. AGNES NANCY HARRELL, b. January 15, 1823, IN; d. October 10, 1844, Greene County, IN;
  8. SARAH HARRELL, b. November 21, 1824, IN, d. March 05, 1851, Greene Co., IN;
  9. MARY HARRELL, b. November 01, 1826, IN; d. August 06, 1844, Greene Co., IN;
  10. SAMUEL M. HARRELL, b. October 14, 1828, Greene Co., IN.

Many descendants of John Harrell 1785 continued living in Greene County, IN, some spelling their name Harrel.

Following their marriage in Nelson Co., KY on March 15, 1810, the next document involving John Harrell 1785 and spouse Sara was the 1820 Knox Co., IN census. Their arrival in Knox Co. was much earlier than 1820, however, as proven by the births of their first 5 children starting with James S. Harrell who was born January 27, 1811 in Knox Co. From the children’s birth dates, provided by Sam Batman, it is apparent that John and Sarah Batman Harrell left Nelson Co., KY for Knox Co., IN almost immediately after their marriage on March 15, 1810.

Names of the sons of John 1785 include Isaac, William, and Ephraim which are the same names as those of the Knox Co., IN early settlers. Having similar names adds to the speculation that all these Knox Co. settlers were closely related.

The Father of John Harrell 1785

The father of John Harrell 1785 could be either James Harrell Jr. (son of James Harrell Sr.) or James Harrell 1762 (son of Moses Harrell Sr.). The first born child to John 1785 was named “James” which fits both possible parents. After evaluating all the available information surrounding the possible parents of John Harrell 1785, it is believed James Harrell 1762, son of Moses Harrell Sr, is the likely father. The lack of any solid evidence linking James Harrell Jr. to John Harrell 1785 essentially eliminated James Harrell Jr. as a possible father.

The justification for believing James Harrell 1762 is the father of John Harrell 1785 requires an understanding of James Harrell 1762 and his family.

James Harrell 1762, son of Moses Harrell Sr.

It is believed James Harrell b. 1762, son of Moses Sr., is listed as head of household in the 1820 Nelson Co. census with 14 slaves. This James Harrell 1762 married Elizabeth Crume, daughter of Philip Daniel Crume (Sr.) who formerly lived in VA near the families of both Richard Harrell 1700 (EKA of Family#5) and his brother Jacob Harrell. Phillip Crume Sr. moved from the Shenandoah area of Virginia to Nelson Co., KY in about 1794/5. The 1810 and 1820 Nelson Co. census records were among the (few) documents listing some of the children of James Harrell/Elizabeth Crume. It is known that Elizabeth Crume died before 1810 in Nelson Co. and it was thought for many years that her husband James Harrell 1762 died there as well – but recent information from the research papers of Michael Edgeworth (dec’d) indicates James Harrell died in 1836 in Daviess Co., KY. The date when James Harrell 1762 moved from Nelson Co. to Daviess Co. is not known but there is an 1833 document believed signed in Nelson Co., KY wherein James Harrell 1762 verified that William Dodson served in the Rev. War. At the time of his death in 1836, it is known that 2 of his daughters (Barbara and Margaret) and 1 son (William) were living in Daviess Co., KY.

There is no listing of the children of James Harrell 1762 and his spouse Elizabeth Crume. The 1810 Nelson Co., KY census record shows James Harrell 1762 as head of household with 2 males 10-15 yrs old (b. 1795-1800), 3 males 16-25 (b. 1785-1794), 1 male 45 and older (b. bef 1765), 2 females 10-15, 8 slaves. The 1820 Nelson census lists James Harrell 1762 as head of household with 1 male 26 and under 45; 1 male 45 and older; 1 female under 10; 2 females 16 and under 26; and at least 12 slaves. There is no Kentucky census beyond 1820 that has James Harrell 1762 listed as head of household.

Recent information about James Harrell 1762 came from papers written by Michael Edgeworth (dec’d) who devoted considerable time researching the Harrell families living in Daviess Co., KY. His research papers, not all of which have been read, identified names of James Harrell’s children. Since not all of Michael Edgeworth’s papers have been read it is not known if Mr. Edgeworth knew all names of the children of James 1762. Mr. Edgeworth’s papers are located in the McLean County Historical and Geneology Museum in Calhoun, KY. Except for the information provided by Michael Edgeworth on James’ death in 1836 in Daviess Co., KY, there is no documentation of where James Harrell 1762 might have lived outside of Nelson Co., KY. before he died.

In the discussion that follows, information about the known children of James Harrell 1762 are presented along with information about individuals who were once thought to be children of James 1762 but later withdrawn because of insufficient evidence.

Phillip Harrell b. 1787, possible son of James Harrell 1762?

More discussion about Phillip Harrell 1787 can be found in Family#5 and Family#10.

Phillip Harrell was born 1787 (some believe 1788) in KY and died August 2, 1857 in Decatur Co., IN. He married Catherine Reading/Redding on November 26, 1812 in Butler Co., OH (J. Mills was JP). She was born November 29, 1796 in KY and died October 13, 1855 in Decatur Co., IN. Being married in Butler Co., OH in 1812, it’s possible Phillip Harrell 1787 may not have been in Nelson Co. when the 1810 Nelson Co. census was taken.

It was thought for some time, based on circumstantial evidence, that Phillip Harrell 1787 was the son of James Harrell 1762 – but recent information found in the research notes of Michael Edgeworth (dec’d) does not identify Phillip as a son. As a result of not being identified as James’ son in Mr. Edgeworth’s papers (all of which have not been read), plus living near James Harrell Jr. in the 1820 Dearborn Co., IN census (listed as “James Harroe”), leads current speculation that Phillip Harrell 1787 is more likely to have been a son of James Harrell Jr.

Isaac Harrell b. 1781-1790, possible son of James Harrell 1762?

The 1820 Nelson Co., KY census lists an Isaac “Hanel” as head of household, b. 1776-1794 with 4 males under 10, 1 male 10 thru 15, 1 male 26 thru 44 (b. 1776-1794), 1 female under 10, 1 female 26 thru 44, and 10 slaves.

The 1830 KY census lists 2 heads of households named Isaac Harrel, each with a large number of slaves: (1) Isaac Harrell b. 1771-1780 living in Todd Co., KY with 1 male 10 thru 14, 2 males 15 thru 19, 1 male 20 thru 29, 1 male 50 thru 59, 1 female 15 thru 19, 1 female 20 thru 29, 1 female 50 thru 59, 16 slaves; and (2) Isaac Harrel b. 1781-1790 living in Nelson Co., KY with 3 males under 5; 1 male 5 – under 10; 1 male 30 – under 40; 1 male 40 – under 50 (assumed to be Isaac); 1 male 60 – under 70; 1 female under 5; 1 female 5 – under 10; 1 female 10 – under 15; 1 female 20 – under 30; and 19 slaves. The adult female 20 – under 30 may or may not be the spouse of Isaac.

It would appear, in comparing these 1820 and 1830 census records, that Isaac Harrell 1771-1780 living in Todd Co., KY in 1830 (#1 above) is the same person living in Nelson Co. in 1820 (viz., Isaac Hanel). Therefore, the other Isaac Harrell listed in 1830 (#2 above, born 1781-1790) was not a head of household in Nelson Co. in 1820.

The oldest male living in the 1830 Nelson Co. census with Isaac Harrel b. 1781-1790, that being the male 60 and under 70, matches the age of James Harrell 1762. The large number of slaves that James Harrell 1762 owned in 1820 could include the same slaves shown with Isaac Harrel in this 1830 census. This information supports speculation that James Harrell 1762 could have lived with this Isaac Harrell/Harrel, possibly his son, in 1830 in Nelson Co.

In the 2 households headed by James Harrell 1762 in the 1810 and 1820 Nelson Co. census records (a) Isaac Harrell 1781-1790 could be one of the 3 males 16-25 listed in the 1810 census; (b) the same Isaac Harrell could be the 1 male 26 and under 45 listed in the 1820 census with his father James Harrell 1762; and (c) Isaac’s spouse could be 1 of the 2 females listed 16 – under 26 in the 1820 census with James Harrell 1762. This census information supports speculation that Isaac Harrell 1781-1790 could be a son of James Harrell 1762. The one factor that does not support this speculation is that Michael Edgeworth’s papers, thus far, do not indicate James Harrell 1762 had a son named Isaac Harrell. Without a total read of Mr. Edgeworth’s papers, this matter of whether Isaac is a son remains unresolved and therefore Isaac is not considered a son of James Harrell 1762. The identity of this Isaac Harrell 1781-1790 remains unknown.

The Isaac Harrell b. 1771-1780 of Todd Co. in the 1820 and 1830 KY census records is also found in the 1840 and 1850 Todd Co. census records. His father is Moses Harrell Sr. In the 1830 and 1840 census records, it shows this Isaac Harrell owning many slaves as did his father Moses Harrell Sr.

This link from Ancestry.com gives an excellent description of this Isaac Harrell of Todd Co., KY:

This record states Isaac Harrell was born June 25, 1777, died March 17, 1854 in Todd Co., and was the official Surveyor of Nelson Co. for 21 years. He first married Nancy Montgomery with whom all his children were born; after she died in 1848, he married “Anna” whose maiden is unknown.

Ephraim Harrell b. abt. 1797, possible son of James Harrell 1762?

Ephraim Harrell, b. abt. 1797 (EKA of Family#6), has always been a strong candidate to be a son of James Harrell 1762. Judging from (a) where Ephraim Harrell 1797 married in KY (viz., Nelson Co.); (b) Ephraim living in the same Knox Co., IN area as William and John Herrel (speculated to be brothers) in 1830, and (c) the similarity of Ephraim’s children’s names to those names of Moses Harrell Sr.’s children and grandchildren, Ephraim 1797 would qualify as a descendant of Moses Harrell Sr. through one of his sons. Circumstantial evidence is strong enough to support speculation that Ephraim could be a son of James Harrell 1762, son of Moses Sr., but Ephraim was not cited by Michael Edgeworth as being James’ son. Without being acknowledged by Mr. Edgeworth as being a son of James 1762 (the same as with Isaac Harrell above), Ephraim Harrell 1797 is not at this time considered a son of James 1762. It is believed, however, that Ephraim 1797 probably descends from a son of Moses Sr.

Moses Harrell b. abt. 1785, son of James Harrell 1762

It is speculated that in the Nelson Co. 1810 census, in the household of James Harrell 1762, one of the 2 males b. 1785-1794 is Moses Harrell. In the 1820 Nelson Co. census it shows Moses Harrel as head of household with 2 males under 10; 1 male 16 and under 26; 1 male 26 and under 45 (b. 1776-1794); 1 female 16 and under 26; 1 female 26 and under 45; 1 female 45 or older; and 2 slaves. In the 1830 Nelson Co. census it lists Moses Harrel as head of household living close to Isaac Harrel 1781-1790; this Moses Harrell/Harrel was born 1781-1790 which fits the 1810 and 1820 census records, and he owned several slaves in 1830. The research notes of Michael Edgeworth (dec’d) listed Moses Harrell as a son of James Harrell 1762 and Elizabeth Crume. This Moses Harrell can also be found in the 1840 and 1850 Nelson Co. census records; living in 1850 with spouse Nancy Graham whom he married in Nelson Co. in 1816. The 1850 census is used to estimate Moses’ birth year as abt. 1785.

John Harrell b. 1785, son of James Harrell 1762

As the EKA of Family#13, featured in this narrative, another son of James Harrell 1762 and Elizabeth Crume is believed to be John Harrell b. 1785 who married Sarah Batman in Nelson Co. in 1810. The research notes of Michael Edgeworth listed John Harrell as a son of James Harrell 1762.

James D. Harrell b. abt 1785-1794, son of James Harrell 1762

It is speculated that in the Nelson Co. 1810 census, 1 of the 3 males b. 1785-1794 is James D. Harrell. Written documents in 1831 show slaves being gifted by James Harrell 1762 to (1) Margaret and Nancy who are both identified as heirs of James D. Harrell (dec’d in 1831); and (2) Leah (married name was Gibbs) who was identified as a daughter of James Harrell 1762. The research notes of Michael Edgeworth listed “James Harrell Jr., d. by 1831” as a son of James Harrell 1762.

William H. Harrell b.1793, son of James Harrell 1762

In the 1810 Nelson Co. census for James Harrell 1762, one of the 3 males b. 1785-1794, is speculated to be a son William Harrell b. 1793. The research notes of Michael Edgeworth listed “Wm. Harrell” as a son of James Harrell 1762. In a Daviess Co., KY Order Book D, 1837-1846, page 24, Aug 1837, William Harrell is identified as the administrator of James Harrell’s estate (James Harrell b. 1762 died 1836 Daviess Co., KY).

More information about William H. Harrell can be found in Family#5. The history of events in the life of this William Harrell (from Family#5) is as follows:

  1. William Harrell married Elizabeth Ruble in Shelby Co., KY in 1813 and served in the War of 1812 from 15 Aug 1812 – 6 Mar 1813;
  2. Their daughter Hannah was born KY 1816, and son Jonathan was born KY bef. 1820;
  3. They arrived in Palmyra, Knox Co., IN sometime before 1820;
  4. The 1820 Palmyra, Knox Co. census (William Herrel) shows Jonathan and Hannah under 10, plus an unidentified daughter under 10.;
  5. 1830 Palmyra, Knox Co. census (William Herrel) shows 2 unidentified males under 5, son James b. 1824, daughter Lydia b. 1826, daughter Elizabeth B. b. 1822, daughter Hannah b.1816, an unidentified female 10-14. This 1830 census did not show son Jonathan b. bef. 1820 who was listed in 1820 census;
  6. William and Elizabeth Ruble Herrel/Harrell moved to Daviess Co., KY sometime 1830-1832; son Martin was born abt 1832 KY and daughter Mary Ann was born KY in about 1838;
  7. Elizabeth Ruble Harrell died aft. 1838 in Daviess Co., KY. William “Harold” was listed in the 1840 Daviess Co., KY census with children but not a spouse. The children were Martin 1832, Mary Ann b. abt. 1838, Lydia b. 1826, one unidentified male under 5, two unidentified males 10-14, an unidentified adult male 30-39.
  8. William Harrell married Nancy Rose in Knox Co., IN on 7 Sept 1840;
  9. William Harrel is listed in the 1850 Daviess Co., KY census with spouse Nancy A. Harrel 45, son Martin Harrel 18, daughter Mary A. Harrel 12, Martha Griffin, and Anderson Griffin;
  10. Nancy Rose Harrell died 21 Apr 1853 in Daviess Co., KY, born Bullitt, KY, father Martin Rose;
  11. William Harrell marries Miranda Nunn on 7 Feb 1854;
  12. William Harrell is listed in the 1860 Daviess Co., KY census with spouse Miranda Harrell 46, Kate Nunn and Mans Crabtree and Pelina Crabtree;
  13. William Harrell dies 23 Apr 1862, estate settlement recorded 1864.

Daughters of James Harrell 1762

In the Nelson Co. 1810 census with head of household James Harrell 1762, the 2 females listed 10 thru 15 are Margaret and Leah, known daughters of James Harrell 1762. Barbara, another known daughter, is not listed in the 1810 Nelson Co. census because she had married and was not living with her father. James Harrell’s spouse Elizabeth Crume is also not listed in 1810 because she died before 1810.

The 1820 Nelson Co. census shows James Harrell 1762 with 2 females 16-25; one female is known daughter Leah Harrell; the second female in this census is unknown. Margaret Harrell has already married and was not living with her father in this 1820 census. The research notes of Michael Edgeworth (dec’d) identified the daughters of James Harrell 1762 as “Barbara, md. Thos Shadwick”, and “Lear, md. Wm. Gibbs”. The absence of known daughter Margaret Harrell in Mr. Edgeworth’s papers that have been read to date is a matter that can only be resolved by a total read of his papers.

To summarize, it is believed James Harrell 1762 and spouse Elizabeth Crume had (at least) these children:

  1. James D. Harrell b. 1785+ VA, d. bef. 1831 Nelson Co., m. Mary Crutchfield. His death in 1831 is confirmed by a written document gifting slaves to Margaret and Nancy. Documents also show Solomon Bishop marrying the sister of James D. Harrell (viz., Margaret) and being given guardianship of the heirs of James D. Harrell;
  2. John Harrell b. 1785 who lived in Greene Co., IN in 1820, spouse Sarah Batman;
  3. Moses Harrell, b. abt 1784, d. 1854 Nelson Co., KY, married Nancy Graham;
  4. William H. Harrell, b. Nov 4, 1793 Nelson Co, d. April 23, 1862 Daviess Co, KY, married (1) Elizabeth Ruble on November 9, 1813 Shelby Co., KY, (2) Nancy Ann Rose on September 7, 1840 Knox Co., IN, (3) Miranda Nunn on 7 February 1854.
  5. Margaret Harrell b. abt 1793, married Solomon Bishop;
  6. Leah Harrell b. abt 1800, married William Gibbs;
  7. Barbara Harrell b. abt 1785 VA, d. May 10, 1852 Daviess Co., KY, m. Thomas Shadwick 1804 in Nelson Co.

Other possible children discussed above include Ephraim Harrell 1797, Isaac 1781-1790, and Phillip Harrell 1787.

Summary: Parents/Siblings of John Harrell 1785

Perhaps the most persuasive evidence supporting the father of John Harrell 1785 being James Harrell 1762 is (a) Michael’s Edgeworth’s acknowledgment that James Harrell 1762 had a son named “John”, and (b) the names of John’s children (viz. James S., William L., Ephraim, John Henry, Isaac, Margaret, Agnes, Sarah, Mary, Samuel) being very similar to the known children of James Harrell 1762 (viz., James D., John, Moses, William H., Margaret, Leah, Barbara). If Isaac and Ephraim Harrell are eventually added to the known children of James 1762, the similarity is remarkable. Without additional information to the contrary, John Harrell 1785 is assumed to be the son of James Harrell 1762 and his siblings are listed immediately above.

Welcome to the Harrell Collaborative › Forums › Family #13 – EKA John Harrell 1785

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    • neillharrell posted 31 Oct 2016 at 10:53 am #1343

      I am a matrilineal descendant of this family. My great grandmother was Nancy Jame Harrell, daughter of John and Elizabeth Larr.
      The three Harrells’ (John, Issac and William)in Knox County In. names was spelled ‘Herrell’ by the enumerator. Subsequent census records in Greene County, In. sometimes spelled same familys names ‘Herrell” and Harrell ten years later. I also find the name spelled Harrel, Harrold in family records I have inherited. One of the primary records is the one made by Samuel Batman (maybe the son of John Batman and brother of Sarah who married John L Harrell) Sarah H. is buried in the cemetery at John L Harrells’ farm north of Bloomfield. I have handwritten cemetery records prepared by someone (circa 1800s) that recorded her name as Sarah H. Batman on the papers, Cemetery records show the name Sarah H Harrell on the tombstone. Most of these notes are in pencil and fading, now kept in plastic sleeves.Maybe Ill scan them and write over the copies to make them legible. Apparently John L had a brother named James with parents, Moses and Crum according to the notes. I also inherited a cupola hundred photos from the late 1800s ealy 1900s. I recently reenlisted at Ancestry for 6 months from a sale so this is my renewed interest.
      I gave up a few years ago after asking two known Harrell male descendants if they would take a DNA test, even offered to pay for it. Didn’t hear back from them, not even a hello or acknowledgement they received the request I sent by certified mail. One of them I met when he attended my mothers funeral in Greene county in 2002. Needless to say I was deeply hurt by this desertion and brush off from family members.

      I am planning a trip to Bloomfield to take pictures and repair any damages to the Harrell cemetery (in conjunction with the Indiana Historical Society) in Spring 2017, if health allows (78 and currently w thyroid and lung cancer, thyroid in remission and small tumors in lungs being treated with radioactive iodine-hopefully I will not have to go back on chemo so I can go to Indiana.
      Looking for any updated information about this family. Thank you

    • neillharrell posted 2 Nov 2016 at 7:24 am #1345

      “Apparently John L had a brother named James with parents, Moses and Crum according to the notes.” This sentence should read “my notes” as this information is from hints at ancestry.com and Family Search.

    • mikecooper posted 27 Mar 2017 at 1:57 pm #1349

      Neil – I am the Great grandson of Albert Moses Harrel. It is unclear when the spelling changed. my grandfather always told me that at some point brothers got into a fight and John Harrel changed spelling to one “L”. My wife and I plan to visit Indiana some time this year. Any pictures or information about the Harrel farm you have would be helpful. At the time my grandfather Audress was born Albert Moses had a place near lobe tree.

    • neillharrell posted 29 Mar 2017 at 10:36 am #1350

      Albert Moses farm was at the corner of County Rd700 North and County Rd 1000 West. Lone Tree consisted of a crossroads with a grocery store at that time at the northwest corner of the crossroad. Alberts farm was across the road on the southeast corner. You can look it up on Google maps using Lone Tree Ind in the search box. Alberts property is covered in trees, 2nd property from hiway 1000 W. If you send me your email I can send google pictures of Harrell cemetery in Bloomfield. There are numerous cemetery’s on the road to Terre Haute from Worthington in and around Vicksburg with Harrell relatives. Are you the Cooper from Washington state?I think I received correspondence from your wife regarding Sarah Batman. I have hundreds of Harrell pictures, some of Albert and Audress. How are you related to Chapman in Georgia? my email is
      neillharrell@gmail.com

    • cmharrell posted 7 Oct 2017 at 3:38 pm #1352

      After reading your notes above, I am glad to know you are alive and hopefully well! So sorry your Harrell men were so uncooperative! I submitted my 2nd cousin’s (dad’s 1st cousin) DNA several years back. I descend from John Henry Harrel and Lucinda Spooner. His father, brother William, sons John and James moved west to Kansas in the late 1800s, then to open lands western OK around 1900. Son John (John Henry, Jr). They survived the dust bowl basically by going back and forth to Kansas City, MO where my grandpa George had found work and married in the late 1920s. The farm was auctioned off in the 1940s. When the home was auctioned some of the other half brothers came to visit and are in a photo in possession of Sarah Briddwell. I often wondered, during those later poor years, if they regretted leaving Indiana so many years before?

      Sarah Bridwell is descended from the 2nd wife of John, Sr, and Eliabeth Larr. She claims our Harrel’s originally were named Hartwell and from Enland. I see other family trees on Ancestry.com that trace back to Moses James Harrell, who is son of Richard Harrell.
      I’m rather unsure of which connections are right. It appears that you have info saying John Harrell b. 10/7/1885 comes from Moses. I’d love to see any photos you have, if you’d like to share.
      Thanks,
      Connie Harrell, Tulsa, OK
      p.s. Grandpa George added an “L” — but was originally one “L”

    • cmharrell posted 7 Oct 2017 at 3:46 pm #1353

      Mike, my grandpa used to tell a similar tale of the removing of one “L.” But, he had some idea it was over slavery, which made us all think of the civil war. Of course, I know now it was long before that time. Considering they went from Kentucky to Indiana, perhaps so??? We’ll never quite know.

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