John Allison Davidson

Elias married Nancy Allison before 1812. Nancy (daughter of Col. John Allison and Elizabeth Wilkin) was born on 14 Dec 1780; died on 25 Dec 1818; was buried after 25 Dec 1818 in Moss Spring Cemetery, Greencastle, Franklin Co., PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• 1790 Census: 1790, ____, Franklin Co., PA
• 1800 Census: 1800, Antrim Twp., Franklin Co., PA
• Will: 18 Jun 1804, ____, Franklin Co., PA
• Probate: 23 Apr 1806

Notes:

Americn Revolutionary Soldiers of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, p. 57

ELIAS DAVISON

Was Capt. of Militia, serving 1776-77-78 and as pvt., 1780-81. He was mar. by Mr. Lang, to Agnes McDowell, March 19, 1771. Agres was a daughter of John McDowell who built the early Fort. The will of Elias Davison war prob. Apr. 23, 1806. He names son John McDowell Davison, land both at home and in Westmoreland Co., on Layalhannon Creek. To his son Elias, "the farm I now live on" and two tracts in Westmoreland County, the one on the head of Beaver, the other on the mouth of the Kishaminitas, also a lot in the city of Washington. Son-in-law Lazarus Brown 5 pounds; dau. Elizabeth Davison, now Elizabeth McDowell 650 pounds; Dau. Mary Davison 1000 pounds; negroes Jin and Rose; Exrs; Son John McDowell and Elias, as soon as he shall arrive at age 21 years, and Dr. John King. Wit: Wm. Allison; Abhm. Prather; Allen Herper. Elias Davidson is probably buried at Moss Spring graveyard.

(Penn. Arch. 5th Ser. Vol. 6, p. 6, 513, 533, 80, 101.)

1790 Census:
p. 268
Elias Davison   2-1-4-1-6

Male > 16 : Elias Davidson, b. 1736
Female     : Agnes McDowell, b. 1740, d. June 1790
Male > 16 : John McDowell Davidson, b. 1772
Male < 16 : ? Elias Davidson
Female     : Nancy Davidson, b. 1776
Female     : Elizabeth Davidson, b. 1780
Female     : Mary Davidson, b. 1785

Missing:
? William Davidson
? Patrick Davidson

1800 Census:
p. 23 / 885 / 295
Elias Davidson           01001 - 11110 - 56
...
John Kennedy           02201 - 21201 - 00
Nathan McDowell      10010 - 20010 - 60
...
John M D Davidson   50010 - 00010 - 30
Wm Allison                40102 - 10010 - 15
...
Christopher King       12001 - 10211 - 00

Census Analysis for Elias Davidson           01001 - 11110 - 56

Male       > 45 : Elias Davidson, b. 1736
Female 26-45 : ?
Female 16-26 : ? Elizabeth Davidson, b. 1780
Male     10-16 : ? Elias Davidson
Female 10-16 : ? Mary Davidson, b. 1785
Female   < 10 : ?

Census Analysis for John M D Davidson   50010 - 00010 - 30

Male     26-45 : John McDowell Davidson, b. 1772
Female 26-45 : Rachel Maxwell, b. 1772
Male      < 10 : Patrick McDowell Davidson, b. 1795
Male      < 10 : Elias Davidson, b. 1796
Male      < 10 : William Davidson, b. 1798
Male      < 10 : John Davidson, b. 1800
Male      < 10 : ?

Missing:
? William Davidson
? Patrick Davidson

Listed elsewhere:
Nancy Davidson, b. 1776

Will:
Will Book B, p 288. Will of Elias Davison of Franklin County. w/w 18 Jun 1804, w/p 23 Apr 1806.

Son John McDowell Davison that land joining the lands where he now lives,my land lying at the head of the marsh adjoining Robert Davison, the heirs of John Gaff and the heirs of John Scott and a tract of land on Loyalhannon Creek in Westmoreland County.

Son Elias the farm I now live on and two tracts of land in Westmoreland County, one lying on the head of the Beaver and the other on the mouth of the Kishaminitas, where it empties into the Allegheny, also a lot of ground No. 16 square eighty in the city of Washington;

Son in law Lazarus Brown 5 pounds.

Daughter Elizabeth Davison, now Elizabeth McDowell, 650 pounds.

Daughter Mary Davison 1000 pounds, negro boy Jim, negro girl Rose, also a good riding creature and four milk cows as soon as she may think proper to change her way of living and said daughter Mary is to be maintained by son Elias until she may think proper to change her way of living.

Exec: Sons John McDowell and Elias, as soon as he shall come to the age of twenty one years and Dr. John King.

Wit: William Allison, Abm. Prather, and Allen Harper.

Elias married Agnes McDowell on 19 Mar 1771 in Upper West Conocoheauge Twp., Cumberland Co., PA. Agnes (daughter of John McDowell and Agnes Craig) was born on 9 Sep 1740 in West Conococheague Twp., Lancaster Co., PA; died on 9 Jun 1790 in ____, Franklin Co., PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, VOLUME 1, p. 86

(X) Agnes McDowell (born Sept. 9, 1740 - died June 9, 1790), daughter of John and Agnes (Craige) McDowell, married March 9, 1771, Elias Davidson (born in 1736 - died April 15, 1806), who came to the Conococheahue valley as a young man, and was captain of the "Flying Camp" in 1776, of of Col. Abraham Smith's battalion, Cumberland COunty Associators, 1777-79. After the Revolution he became an extensive land owner, and owned a large number of slaves. He was a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church at Greencastle. Elias and agnes Davidson had issue:

1. Patrick.

2. Elias (born in Antrim Township - died September, 1828) married (first) Nancy Allison (born Dec. 14, 1780 - died Dec. 25, 1818), and (second) Rebecca Allison (born April 1, 1789 - died June 22, 1824), both daughters of Col. John and Elizabeth (Wilkin) Allison. By his first marriage he had issue: John Allison, born July 4, 1812, died March 28, 1841; ELias Wilkin, born July 17, 1814, died May 7, 1865; and Elizabeth Lydia (born Oct. 1, 1818 - died Sept. 3, 1860), married Jan. 30, 1850, William Dorris, of Huntingdon, and had William Wilkin and John Davidson.

3. John M. (XXVIII).

4. William.

5. Nancy married Lazarus Brown (died Dec. 1842), son of George and Agnes (Maxwell) Brown; they had issue: George, Thomas, William, Maxwell and Nancy.

6. Elizabeth married Patrick McDowell (XVI).

7. Mary married Rev. Robert Kennedy (Kennedy Family).

John married Elizabeth Wilkin before 1780. Elizabeth was born about 1748; died on 19 Nov 1815; was buried after 19 Nov 1815 in Moss Spring Cemetery, Greencastle, Franklin Co., PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Court: Nov 1766, ____, Cumberland Co., PA; Orphan's Court
• Court: Aug 1769, ____, Cumberland Co., PA; Orphan's Court
• Book Article: 1944, Chambersburg, Franklin Co., PA; American Revolutionary Soldiers of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, p. 58
• Book Article: 1988, ____, Allegheny Co., PA; Where Wild Plum Trees Grow

Notes:

Court:
From Davidson, Cumberland County Notes by Mrs. Guiles Flower, 1969

At the November Court 1766, we find the following: Docket 2, page 70

Came Elias Davidson, second son of John Davidson late of Antrim Township deceased, saying his father died possessed of 252 acres of land in Antrim township and left family:

Widow Margaret Davidson
John Davidson
Elias Davidson
Mary, wife of John Owens
Robert Davidson
Hugh Davidson
James Davidson

Court:
From Davidson, Cumberland County Notes by Mrs. Guiles Flower, 1969

I found no will of one John Davidson but Orphan's Court records shown in the section of Cumberland that in 1784 became Franklin County - Antrim township. Orphan's Court Docket 2, page 121 August Court 1769

Came into Court John Davidson and Elias Davidson Administrators of all and singular the rights and chattels, Goods and credits which were of John Davidson, Sr deceased and produced an account of their Administration which was passed for distribution to heirs thus:

Widow - not named
John Eldest son
Elias second son
Mary daughter
Robert thrid son
Hugh Davidson, 4son
James Davidson, 5th son

Book Article:
JOHN DAVISON

Father of John and Elias, had purchased 3 warrants. Land in Antrim Twp.; Caveat Feb., 1767. Surveyed Apr. 1, 1749 by Thos. Cookson for John Davison. Said John Davison died intestate leaving a widow Margaret and six children, to-wit: John and Elias, Robert, Hugh and James Davison and Mary Owen. Orphans' Court at Carlisle adjudged the tracts to the Eldest son John Davison who secured the shares of the Widow and other Children to the satisfaction of the said Court.
(Penna. Arch. 3rd Ser. Vol. 1, p. 195.)

Book Article:
From "Where Wild Plum Trees Grew", Bicentennial Edition of the Plum Borough History 1788-1988
(1988, Allegheny Foothills Historical Society), p. 80

The Davidson Family
by Dorothy Davidson Mallisee.

Very little is known about where the Davison family originated, but Rupp the historian lists them as land owners in what is now Antrim Township, Franklin County before 1735. John, the first we know of our family, had land surveyed there in 1749. She spelled his name Davison, but his descendants made it Davidson. He died about 1767, leaving a widow, Margaret, & 6 children.

John's fourth child, Hugh, is one of the first landowners in Plum Township. He was born in 1745. He married Catherine McDowell, daughter of John McDowell of Fort McDowell, Mercersburg. On the map of original land grants of Plum Borough, Hugh Davidson is listed as a property owner, warrant dated January 11, 1773. He took up many parcels of land. According to records at the Allegheny County Court House, on Feb. 17, 1809 Colonel Hugh Davidson & his wife Catherine, divided their land in Allegheny Co. among their 6 children, giving to each one "300 or more acres for $1.00 & love & consideration". There are many tales told about Colonel Hugh. He loved to ride around the country with his hounds, hunting.

Colonel Hugh Davidson served in the Revolutionary War. His home, built about 200 years ago, is still standing & is occupied by a great-great-grandson Kenneth Davidson. This beautiful old stone house is located off Rt. 380 opposite Abers Creek Rd. Colonel Hugh is buried in Laird Cemetery. A granite monument marks his resting place.

(See http:/freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~njm1/tombs.htm)

Hugh's son, Elias, married Martha Meanor... Westmoreland County history... taking up land in 1759... nine children.

Their son, James, born Nov. 9, 1827 married Mary Crooks...

James Davidson's youngest son, Paul Meanor, married Helen Boyd in 1915 and built a house along New Texas Road. He continued the family tradition of farming and his daughters Dorothy Davidson Mallisee & Virginia Davidson Miller, still own part of this original land-grant farm....

John married Margaret Henry about 1731 in ____, Chester Co., PA. Margaret was born about 1710 in ____, Chester Co., PA; died after 1767. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biographical Annals of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, VOLUME 1, pp. 80-82

(II) John McDowell (born about 1715 - died in Peters Township, June 6, 1794), son of William and Mary McDowell, obtained a warrant for the land on which he built the mill, famous in frontier history as McDowell's Mill, Dec. 26, 1752. The mill was built on the east side of the west branch of the Conococheague, where is situated the village long known as Bridgeport, but now called Markes. When the mill was built can now be ascertained only approximately.

The first mention of it in the colonial annals was in the spring of 1755, when the road was projected from McDowell's Mill to the Three Forks of the Youghiogheny, for the purpose of furnishing the army under General Braddock with supplies. The original mill was a log structure, and adjacent to it Mr. McDowell built his dwelling house, also of logs. It was the intention of the Pennsylvania authorities to have a magazine at McDowell's Mill, with a stockade around the storehouses, as a base of supplies for the army that was expected to capture Fort Duquesne. "I send you the plan of the fort or stockade," Governor Morris wrote to General Braddock, July 6, 1755, "which I shall make by setting logs of about ten feet long in the ground, so as to enclse the storehouses. I think to place two swivel guns in two of the opposite bastions, which will be sufficient to guard against any attacks of small arms." Three days after ther letter was written Braddock's ill-fated expedition came to an end.

The magazine became unnecessary, but Mr. McDowell built a stockade around his mill and dwelling house, and the two swivels were sent to the fort late in the autumn of 1755. In the meantime came the first Indian foray upon the unprotected frontier. The Indians swooped down upon the Big Cove with the torch and tomahawk, and finding the frontier defenseless, carried their murderous work into the Conococheague country within sight of McDowell's Mill. Hearing of the bloody work in the Big Cove, Sheriff Potter, who lived near Brown's Mill, sent word to the neighbors to meet him at McDowell's. When Potter arrived at the mill the next morning he found one hundred and sixty men there, but only forty of them could be induced to go out in pursuit of the Indians, who were still in the neighborhood.

McDowell's became a rendezvous for the Indian fighters, there being sometimes as many as four hundred men there, but the fort was not a strong one, and Fort Loudon was built to replace it, the public stores being safely moved from McDowell's to the new fort, Dec. 26, 1756. McDowell's fort was rectangular in shape and was built of logs. It stood until 1840. Mr. McDowell was a ruling elder of the Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian church from Dec. 19, 1767, when he was ordained, until Jan. 28, 1785. He married Agnes Craig (born in 1717 - died Aug. 8, 1766); they had issue:

1. Mary married Dr. Richard B rownson (IX).

2. Agnes married Elias Davidson (X).

3. Elizabeth (died Dec. 12, 1822) married April 2, 1771, Rev. John King (born Lancaster county, Dec. 4, 1743 - died July 15, 1813), who came to Conococheague as a teacher in 1760. He was graduated at the College of Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania) in 1766. He was pastor of the Upper West Conococheague Presbyterian Church, 1769-1809. He was an ardent patriot during the Revolution, and was chaplain of Col. Samuel Culbertson's battalion when in active service. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon hiim by Dickinson College in 1792. No issue.

4. Margaret married George King. (XI).

5. Catherine married Nov. 21, 1774, Hugh Davidson, brother of Elias, who married agnes McDowell. He lived in Bedford county, now Huntingdon, and was lieutenant-colonel of the 2nd Battalion Bedford County Militia, in 1781, and justice of the peace, in 1784. He represented the county of Huntingdon in the State Legislature, in 1787 and 1788, and was appointed an associate judge in 1791. Hugh and Catherine Davidson had issue: John, Elias, Hugh, Nancy, Margaret, Catherine, Mary Elizabeth, and Arabella.

John married Agnes Craig before 1740. Agnes was born in 1717 in ____, Chester Co., PA; died on 8 Aug 1766; was buried after 8 Aug 1766 in Spring Grove Cemetery, Lemasters, Franklin Co., PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Nancy Craig