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Family Subtree Diagram : Descendants of James Despain (1791)

PLEASE NOTE: If you do not see a GRAPHIC IMAGE of a family tree here but are seeing this text instead then it is most probably because the web server is not correctly configured to serve svg pages correctly. see http://developer.mozilla.org/en/docs/SVG:Server_Configuration for information on how to correctly configure a web server for svg files. ? Parent Biological Child Parent Parent Parent Biological Child Biological Child Parent Parent Parent Biological Child Parent Biological Child Parent Parent Parent Biological Child Parent Parent Biological Child Parent Parent Parent Marriage Marriage (five children) Marriage Marriage Marriage Marriage Marriage (two children) Marriage 1791 James Despain James married Margaret Matthews 12 Sep 1807 in Cumberland Co, KY. James & Margaret were only 16 at the time of their marriage by John Mulkey. They would have required consent which could have told us more about this couple, but unfortunately the Court House with all the records burnt down in 1933. We will probably never know why or how they met. It is suggested that James was visiting his Uncle Marshall DeSpain who was in area about this time.

James D. Spain Jr. was over 16 but under 21 in the Green County 1808 & 1811 tax records. The last known record of James in Green Co, KY was the 1815 tax list. He is not in the 1816 to 1819 tax lists and it is speculated they were in Cumberland (Monroe) Co, KY as he is on the 1820 Monroe Co, KY tax list and the 1820 Monroe County census. As there is no further records of James in either Green or Monroe Counties, it is reasonable to assume he went with the Matthews, DeSpains, Daniels and Lewises, etc. in 1821 to AL. They apparently chose to located in Lauderdale Co, AL near Margaret's brother, Joseph, and James' Uncles, Marshall & Solomon. By 1828 they were living near Solomon and Nancy Despain in Shelby Co, TN and moved to Crittendedn Co, AR by early 1831.

[NOTE: There is an unknown James DSpain in the 1820 Green County tax list and census record. These are very odd entries. James appear "out of nowhere" and he is taxed on 200 acres of ground and 10 slaves. The land has never been found in the deed books. In a few months when the census is taken he has no slaves listed while Hiram Despain who is listed next to him has 8 slaves without any land. This James never appears again in the tax lists or census records. This mystery is unresolved for the next generations of researchers to attend to.]

James D. Spain was in Shelby Co, TN by 1828 as indicated by the non payment of his taxes according to the Sheriff. This is from Whitaker's notes who thought this was James Harris DeSpain.

As James was dead by 23 Feb 1836, James' children were listed in the Circuit Case #3977. His children and wife were found in Crittenden Co, AR in the 1840 census. It is now known that James Jr. was in Crittenden Co, AR by 1831.

1820 Census: Monroe Co, KY page 211: 30001-2001 [Information from the Matthews Family Genealogy seems to prove that this was the correct James (De) Spain in 1820]
1820 Census: Green Co, KY page 77 : 210012-001 [James appears to be counted twice.]
1830 Census: Shelby Co, TN page 11 - 0011111-01101 [Ancestry IImage 19] - J. D. Spain This would appear to be James Jr. as his son, Samuel, married Celia Despain the daughter of Solomon Despain in Crittenden Co, AR about 1832.

1820 Monroe Co, KY Tax Records - Jas D. Spain, no land, 1 white male over 21, tax $0.50 Note: James was not in any subsequent Monroe County tax lists. Oliver Matthews, Margaret's nephew, also was only in the 1820 census and tax list. It is now known that Oliver died in late 1820 or early 1821.

In the 1820 Monroe Co, KY census James had 5 children. As there are only 4 living in 1837, it is assumed that one had died. It is conjectured that James Jr. moved from Green County to Cumberland County (future Monroe) about 1816 and lived near his in-laws, the Matthews. The family moved with to Lauderdale Co, AL about 1821. After Marshall Despain's death the family migrated to McNairy Co, TN with the other Despains and Matthews. About 1827/28 he moved with his Uncle, Solomon Despain, to Shelby Co, TN were they were found in the 1830 census.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book A page 258 - James D. Spain was a testor to the gift of land by Peter Fletcher to Catherine Allen on 27 Aug 1831. This confirms that James moved his family to Crittenden County and was still alive on 27 Aug 1831. He was able to read and write. As he was not involved in the court presentation in Dec 1831 or as a testor to other gifts by Peter Fletcher to Catherine Allen in Sep 1831 it is speculated he died that fall.

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Sources:

   1. Title: Monroe Co, KY Census Records
      Author: U. S. Census Bureau
   2. Title: John B. Despain's Journal
      Author: John B. Despain
      Note:
      Written in the 1830 & 40
   3. Title: Shelby Co, TN Census Records
      Author: U. S. Census Bureau
   4. Title: Crittenden Co, AR Land Records
      Author: Crittenden County Clerk
   5. Title: Green Co, KY Circuit Court Case #3977
      Author: William DeSpain et al vs. L. DeSpain
   6. Title: W. W. Whitaker's Notes
      Author: W. W. Whitaker
   7. Title: Cumberland Co, KY Marriage Records
      Author: Cumberland County Clerk  1818 - 1880 Nancy Despain 62 62 Although other researchers have assigned this Nancy to Peter and Nancy (Skaggs) Despain's family, it is possible that Nancy is the daughter of James & Margaret (Matthews) Despain. This is not proven. There are other possibilities for her parents, but most of them have been eliminated. This individual has been extremely hard to place in the genealogy. There is a possibility that she is Solomon & Levicey (Grayham) Despain's daughter, but future reseachers may change these assumptions.

1850 Census: Taylor Co, KY page 137-131
1870 Census: Taylor Co, KY page 283 - Nancy Thompson
1880 Census: Oak Hill, Taylor Co, KY roll 442, page 92D. She is listing as age 60, a widow living alone.

It is interesting to note that in the 1880 census she stated her father was born in AL and her mother in KY. Although I doubt that her father was born in AL, it strongly suggests an AL connection. Both James & Solomon were associated with AL. There are arguments for and against each of these potential fathers. Let's hope that future researchers find the truth. Martha A Bridgewater 1821 Elizabeth Rummell 1860 Census: Jasper Twp, Crittenden Co,AR page 855 1833 James Lloyd James married second Mary Wallace. They were listed in the 1860 Crittenden Co, AR census. 1836 - 1860/1870 James P Despain 1860 Census: Edmonson P. O., Jackson Twp, Crittenden Co, AR page 837. James was single age 24 born AR, working as a clerk. He was living with B. C. Crump.

James was not mentioned as an heir in John Holloway's probate. It is assumed he died in the 1860s.  However the Holloway probate does mention a Florence Spain, a minor. This could possibly be a daughter of James if he married before his assumed death in the 1860s.

See notes under James' parents and John S. Holloway. 1815 - 1837 Female Despain 22 22 This individual is based on the 1820 Census data. As no more is know about her and she was not mentioned in James Scott DeSpain's land distribution; it is assumed that she died or she was not James' daughter. 1818 - 1868 Charles Thompson 50 50 1791 - 1865 Margaret Matthews 74 74 1820 Census: Monroe Co, KY page 211
1830 Census: Shelby Co, TN page 11
1840 Census: Crittenden Co, AR page 41
1850 Census: Crittenden Co, AR page 361
1860 Census: Crittenden Co, AR page 854

Margaret Matthews was the aunt of Mansel Walter Matthews who was intertwined with the Texas Despains from 1825 through 1870.

From a Matthews Genealogy book Margaret Matthews Despain married John Holloway about 1830 in Crittenden Co, AR. It is now thought that this is correct, but the marriage did not take place until early 1832. From Court records John died in late 1836. They did have one child, Margaret, born about 1833.

AR Land Records: Margaret Holloway & Stephen Isham, both of Crittenden Co, NW S20, T6E, R9E, 160 acres, Crittenden Co, tenents in common. [This is the same section where Samuel M. D. Spain purchased land.], recorded 28 Jul 1838. It is not known what the relationship was between Stephen Isham & Margaret. As Stephen's wife was named Nancy, it was speculated that he may have married Margaret's daughter, Nancy, but that doesn't seem to be the case. At this time it is conjuctured that Nancy went to Green Co, KY with her brother, Samuel and married Charles Thompson. But again this is just speculation. Possibly Stephen Isham was related on the Matthews side.

Crittenden Circuit Court, Apr 1837 - Andrew Gilbert and Margaret Holloway presented a list of property sold by them as administrators of the Estate of John Holloway dec'd amounting to $1172 11/100 as herewithin it was ordered by the Court that they be charged with the same.

Crittenden Circuit Court, August 1837 - Mrs. Margaret Holloway, administrator of the Estate of John Holloway presented accounting of $32 against the Estate of John Holloway which was allowed.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book Index: Margaret Holloway, grantor - Wm.B. Hay, grantee, Book B, page 222, 26 Jan 1838.

Crittenden County Court Records, 28 October 1844 - Margaret Holloway presented account against the County for being 2 days at the Circuit Court trial as a witness in the case of the State against Daniel Robertson - allowed $1.50.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book D page 58: A marriage contract was made between Margaret Holloway and Hezekiah Cook who were about to marry. Said Margaret had by a former marriage a daughter named Margaret now about 9 years of age. As the said heir of her father she had money left to her which her mother the aforesaid Margaret did lay out and invest in a certain tract of land being in Crittenden County on the military road (to) the town of Marion. The land being part of the said tract of land purchased from the heirs of Augustine Grandee, deceased, containing 33 1/3 acres. The land is to remain the property of Margaret, but subject to said conditions. To wit: At Margaret's death the land decends to her daughter unless they decide to sell the above land and invest in other. The moneys can not be used for debt or contract by the above Hezekiah G.Cook without Margaret consent. Each shall keep their property separate and dispose of it to their own heirs.
                              Signed:
                                    Hezekiah G. Cook
                                    Maret Holloway
Witnesses: John F. Bames, Wm. O. Spain

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book Index: M. A. Holloway, grantor - A. M. Brian, grantee, Book G, page 294, 17 Nov 1854. [It is not known if this is Margaret or not.]

There was a female, age 40-50, in Joseph's household in 1840. This is thought to be Margaret, but it is not proven. Margaret was in William's household in 1850 listed as Margaret Cook age 58, born GA. She was married to Mr. Hezekiah G. Cook 16 Oct 1845 by John F. Banner, JP. Hezekiak's age was given as 60 and Margaret's as 54. Apparently he died (or left) before 1850 as he was not in the census.

There was a Margaret Holloway listed in William O. Despain's household in 1860 Hopefield, Crittenden Co, AR. She was age 70 b. SC. It is not known why Margaret was listed as Holloway as she married Hezekiak Cook after her marriage to John Holloway.

According to James Harris Despain's list of died relations, Margaret died before 1879. Tax records indicate that she died about 1865. 1809 - 1839 Samuel M Despain 30 30 After marrying in AR  Samuel moved back to Green Co, KY probably in the fall of 1834. It is known that he was a testor on a deed in Crittenden Co, AR between Thomas M. Fletcher and Walter D. Dobrey dated 25 Jan 1834. It is thought he moved back to help his grandparents who were old and ill. It is supposed that Celia's sister, Emily, went with them as well as Samuel's sister, Nancy.

Samuel M. Despain was an appraiser for Barnet Rupe Estate 25 Nov 1835 and received $2.00 for his service. He also purchased items at the sale.

Samuel was living in Green Co KY in 1837 as stated in Circuit Court Case #3977.

1837 Green Co, KY Circuit Court Case #9442 - Silas DSpain vs. Marshall DSpain and Samuel M. DSpain. Silas stated he holds a note on Marshall and Samuel M. for $58.00 dated 11 Feb 1837. The note has not been paid and Silas wants judgement on it.

AR Land Records: Samuel M. Spain, 160 Acres Sec 20, T 9N, R 8E, 28 Jul 1838, Chittenden Co. Patented with Isaac Heffington, both of Crittenden Co, tenents in common.
AR Land Records: Samuel M. Spain, 100 Acres Sec 10, T 17S, R 1E, 28 Jul 1838, Chicot Co, patented with Isaac Heffington, both of Crittenden Co, tenents in common.
AR Land Records: Samuel M. D. Spain, 40 Acres Sec 12, T 14N, R 3W, 10 Jul 1844, Independence Co. Samuel was listed as living in Lawrence County.

Samuel moved back to Crittenden Co, AR from Green Co, KY in 1838.

In his first land deed in Chittenden Co., Samuel purchased the land with Isaac Heffington. It is wondered if there is some family relationship. At the time of the last land purchase on10 Jul 1844, Samuel was living in Lawrence Co, AR. His purchase of 40 acres was in Independence County. There was an Isaac Heffington in Independence Co, AR in 1860 census, page 156. From the Internet the Heffingtons were from KY & TN. In the last  half of 1820's they were located in Lauderdale Co, AL. Isaac's first wife is unknown, but she could be  a Matthew's relation.  Most of Isaac's first children were listed as born in MS.

FROM: Wills & Administrations of Crittenden Co, AR - Samuel M. D Spain died 18 Oct 1839. Sela Despain applied for Letter of Administration 17 Feb 1840. Probate records, page 30. The petition stated that Samuel was a citizen of Crittenden Co, AR. It now appears that Samuel did marry and died before the 1840 census. This leaves the mystery of Samuel M. D. Spain's land purchase in 1844 in Independence Co, AR. It is known that it took at least 3 or more years between the time the land was patented and when it was recorded. It has now been proven that this was Samuel's land as his minor heirs, James P. and Nancy C. DeSpain, claimed the land  via their guardian, John Holloway. John asked the court for permision to sell this land in 1851. 

County of Crittenden & State of Arkansas page 30 -"To all persons to whom these presents shall come - Greeting know to that whereas Samuel M. D Spain of the County of Crittenden died intestate as it is said on or about the 18th day of October 1839 having at the time of his death personal property in this State which may be lost, destroyed or deminished in value if speed can be not taken of the same to the end thereof that said property may be collected. preserved & dispersed of according to law we do hereby appoint Sela D Spain administrator of all singular the goods and chattles, rights, credits which were of the said Saml M. D. Spain at the time of his death with full power and authority to secure and dispose of the said property according to law and to collect all moneys due said deceased and in general to do and preform all other acts and things which hereafter may be required of her by law.
In testimony where of I, William Amistead, Clerk of the Circuit Court and offical Clerk of Probate in and for the County of Crittenden aforesaid have hereto set my hand and offical seal of said court and office the 17th of Febuary A.D. 1840."

The unusual long time between Samuel's death and the request for the Letters of Administration might be because he was away setting up a new homestead and he patented the land in Independence Co, AR at that time.

Crittnden Co, AR Probate records, 9 Jan 1844, page 113: Ordered by the Court that William O. DSpain be appointed guardian of James Spain & Nancy Spain minor children of Samuel Spain, deceased, under the age of 14 years and that he enter into bond to them with sufficient security in the sum of $300. This is proof that James & Nancy are Samuel's children. 1820 - 1867 William Oliver Despain 47 47 William was under 21 and not a resident of KY in 1835. William is thought to be in Crittenton Co, AR in 1840, a member of Joseph's household. He is believed to have married a Nancy Carter about 1842, but no marriage record has been found. They had 5 childen by the census data.

1850 Census: Jasper Twp, Crittenden Co, AR, page 361-4. Wm. Spain 30 KY, Farmer $300; Nancy 24 AR; Henry 8 AR; Nancy 4 AR; Carter 1 AR; Margaret 14 AR; Margaret Cook 58 GA. Margaret Cook is thought to be Margaret Matthews (Despain) (Holloway) Cook. [It is now known that the Margaret age 14 listed in the census was the child of Margaret and her second husband, John Holloway.]

1860 Census: Jasper Twp, Crittenden Co, AR, page 854-119: William O. D'Spain, 39 KY, Hotel keeper, $8000, $5000; Nancy A. 34 AR; Henry C. 17 AR; Oliver 14 AR; Daniel W. 3 AR; E. W. Carter 61 KY, carpenter , $ 4500, W. C. Reid 32 VA, farmer, $1500; S. J. McGehee 20, TN, $2000, $300; Margaret Holloway 70 SC; Robert Jobes 39, UNK. Margaret was thought to be William's mother. It is now known that she married a John Holloway about 1832/33.

1840 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - W. D. Spain, Spanish Grant, 38 a, T7, R8
1843 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - W. O. D. Spain, 1 poll, Spanish Grant, 38a, T7, R8
1848 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - W. O. DeSpain, 1 poll, 32a
1850 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - W. D. Spain
1852 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - W. O. D. Spain, 1 poll, spanish grant T7, R9; T9, R4
1861 Crittenden Co, tax list - Wm. D. Spain, 1 county lot, Jasper Twp, lot #2 N of Riggs Grant, $4000
1865 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Wm. O. D. Spain 2 tax years

FROM: AR Wills & Administrations - Timothy Lester died 10 Dec 1842. Letter of Administration by William O. D'Spain 13 Jan 1843. Probate records, page 81. Wm C. Stephenson & John Dean Sr. as securities. In the 1840 census Timothy Lester [0110001-no women] is listed next to Joseph "Spain".

Joseph Despain patented land with Timothy Lester. The relationship between Timothy Lester and the Despains is not known, but is assumed that Timothy was Joseph's father-in-law.

Crittenden Co, AR Probate records, Jan 1844, page 121: William O. D. Sapin presented to the Court his bond as guardian of James Spain and Nancy Spain minor children of Samuel Spain, dec., in the sum $500 with Joseph E. Spain and John B. Belcher as securities. Ordered by the Court to be filed.

Crittenden Co, AR Probate records, 9 Apr 1844: This day William O. D. Spain administrator of the Estate of Timothy Lester, deceased, presented his account.There was a long list of individual items with a total value of  $658.99. There was also a mention of an expenditure to Elizabeth Ann Lister for $120. As no females were listed in Timonthy Lester's household in the 1840 census, it is not know who this is. Of course Timothy may have married again between the census and the time he died in Dec 1842. 

Crittenden County Court records, July 1844 - William O. D. Spain presented account against the county for $8.00 for 4 days salaries as constable of the Grand Jury - $6.00 allowed.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book C, page 352 - James Monroe Grandee and wife, Mary Ann, sold to William O. D Spain a tract of land of 80 acres to be surveyed from their land which included a house in which William may live for $80. Presented in Court 31 Jan 1845. There was no legal discription of the land.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book D page 73: A deed was made between William D. Spain and Nancy Ann his wife both of Crittenden County and James M. Grandee on 3 Jan 1846. For the sum of $10 William & Nancy Ann sold to James 40 acres being part of a Spanish Grant confirmation of 390 arpens(?) orginally granted to Francis Groins lying on Alligator Lake sometimes call Lake Grandee.
                                                                                        Signed: Wm. DSpain
Witnesses: P. G. Pollack & Wright (X) Humprey                      N. A. DeSpain

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book D, page 588/89: An indenture made on 31 Jan 1849 between Margaret Holloway & Wm. DSpain both of Crittenden Co, AR. For $43.20 Margaret sold to William an undivided 1/3 part 97 80/100 acres of land on Alligator Lake some time called Grandee Lake part of a Spanish grant of 320 Arpins granted by US to Francis Groins on the military road opposite Memphis to Little Rock. Same tract conveyed by Augustine Grandee and Amanda his wife to Benjamin Wright and from Benjamin to Margaret Holloway.
                   Signed: Margaret (X) Holloway
[Apparently Margaret sold her daughter's land to her son, William. From tax records, etc. It seems as if Joseph, William & Margaret bought a third interest in the land as an investment.]

Crittenden County Court Records, January 1849 - William O. DSpain presented an account against the burial of Ignatius Boswell a poor person for $15.00 - allowed.

Crittenden County Court Records, January 1849 - William O. DSpain was appointed overseer for the county road from Holloway Bayou to the house of Joseph L. E. DSpain.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book Index: William O D Spain, grantor - J. Cox, grantee, Book E, page 138, 27 Feb 1850.

West Tennessee History Society papers page 32-35 - Aug 1853, A new tenant signed up by Winchester was William D'Spain to operate the ferry boat. The D'Spain regime was an unqualified success.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book Index: Wm. O. Despain, grantor - James M. Grandee, grantee, Book G, page 147, 25 Mar 1854; Wm. O. Despain, grantor - Lemuel Farrow, grantee, Book G, page 269, 14 Nov 1854; Wm. O. Despain, grantor - B. M. Ellis (?), grantee, Book G, page 509, 12 May 1854; J. H. Jackson, grantor - Wm. O. D. Spain, grantee, Book G, page 565, 19 May 1855.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book Index: W. O. D. Spain, grantor - Richard M. Hubis, grantee, Book J, page 38, 1 May 1858; W. O. D. Spain, grantor - David S. Greer, grantee, Book J, page 274, 9 Mar 1859; W. O. D. Spain, grantor - S. Tano, grantee, Book J, page 349, 2 Jun 1859 (?).

Crittenden Co, AR  Deed Book Index: W. O. D. Spain, grantor - A. Williams, grantee Book K, page 360, 18 Dec 1865; W. O. D. Spain & wife, grantors.  And J. S. Holloway, Book K, page 360, 18 Dec 1865; W. O. D. Spain, at el, grantors - Hanna Smith, grantee, Book K, page 360, 18 Dec 1865.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book Index: Wm. O. Despain, grantor - John S.
Holloway, grantee, Book L, page (?), 17 Sep 1866.

Crittenden Co, AR Letters of Administration, page 154: William O. DSpain died 17 Jan 1867. Bond of $6600 was made by John S. Holloway, principle; J. H. Hall and W. Vance at Marion, AR on 4 Feb 1867. John S. Holloway was appointed Administrator. The papers were filed by J. G. Earle, Clerk, on 6 Feb 1867. 1812 - 1863 Joseph E Despain 51 51 Crittenden County Court Records, January 1837 - Ordered by the Court that Joseph D. Spain be appointed overseer from widow McParks hence south to 3-Mile Bayou and Joe Thompson.

Crittenden County Court Records, Apr 1838 - Joseph Spain presented an account against the county for $6 20/100 for services rendered which was allowed.

Crittenden County Circuit Court, Jul 1838 Term: J. D. Spain presented his accounts against Nancy (Mary?) Ann Holloway for $47.50 which was allowed and ordered to be filed.

Crittenden Co, AR Probate Rcords, July Term 1839: The Court ordered the guardianship of Mary Ann Holloway be taken from Joseph Spain and given to Wm Trice. No reason for the change in guardianship was given. Note: 29 Oct 1839 the guardianship of Mary Ann Holloway was given to Joseph Thompson. Joseph Thompson gave up the guardianship of John Holloway as John had reached his majority.

1839 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - J. E. D. Spain, 1 poll, 1 horse
1840 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Joseph D Spain
1843 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - J. E. D. Spain, 1 poll, Spanish Grant
1848 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Joseph DeSpain
1850 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - J. D. Spain
1851 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Joseph Spain
1852 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Joseph Spain, 1 poll
1857 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - J. E. Spain, 1 poll
1858 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Joseph E. D. Spain, 1 poll, no land
1861 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - J. E. D. Spain, lot in Hopefield, Jasper Twp, $1200
1865 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Jo E. D. Spain, Est., 2 tax years
1866 Crittenden Co, AR tax list - Mrs. E. D. Spain, 1 lot Hatfield

Crittenden County Court records, January 1840 - Ordered Joseph Spain be appointed overseer of the road from the Holloway Bayou of the Mississippi River to the point opposite Memphis.

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book D page 184, 22 Jul 1846: Thos M. Fletcher purchased of Joseph E. Despain both of Crittenden County a tract of land - SW quarter of S5, T7N, R8E - of which Joseph's interest is 1/2 (80 acres) whiich he purchased 2 Apr 1835 and registered in Helena.
                                              Signed Joseph E. D. Spain
Witnesses: J. L. Dean & James Hames

Crittenden Co, AR Deed Book D, page 315, 19 Jun 1847: Joseph DSpain purchased a lot for $5 down and a note of $50. This was recorded as a deed of trust signed by Stocking Narlin. Surpisingly the entry was written over with the following: "The within deed of trust is nullified this 2nd day of February 1848 - Wm D Spain"

Crittenden County Court Records, March 1852 - Joseph DSpain named Grand Juror for the April term.

Joseph was not a resident of KY in 1837. He is in Crittenden Co, AR in 1840, 1850 and 1860. He married Unknown about 1837 probably in Crittenden Co, AR, but no record of this marriage has been found. They had two known children. It has been speculated that his wife might be the daughter of Timothy Lester.

Joseph was married second to Martha A. Bridgeman of Crittenden County by James Burton, MG on 11 Nov 1847. The credentials were recorded in the Clerk's office in Lewisberg, Conway Co, AR. Both were of legal age. It is not known if this is Cynthia in the 1850 census.

Joseph was married third to Elizabeth Rummell of Crittenden County on 10 Apr 1855 by Jacob Hoppes, JP. Joseph's age was given as 39 and Elizabeth's 34.

Joseph was a JP in Crittenden County and was recorded as marrying people between 1854 and 1858.

1. Joseph Spain & Timothy Lester of Crittenden Co, AR;  Helena L. O.;
Tenants in common; not joint tenents. - SW1/4, S5, T7N, R8E - 160 acres:  1 Dec 1842.
2. Joseph Spain & Timothy Lester of Crittenden Co, AR; Helena L. O.;
Tenants in common; not joint tenents -  S21, T6N, R9E  - 103.06 acres:  10 Jul 1848.

What is the relationship between Timothy and Joseph? William O. Despain, Joseph's brother was administrator of Timothy's estate. Timothy Lister is in the 1840 Census one house from the Despains.... 1 males 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 males 40-50, and no females. Is this Joseph's father-in-law?

1840 Census: Jasper Twp, Crittenden Co, AR, page 41 00003/0001101
1850 Census: Jasper Twp, Crittenden Co, AR, page 361 #49: Joseph Spain, 38 KY farmer $1000; Cynthia 28 AL, Elizabeth 12 AR, Henry 4 AR.
1860 Census: Jasper Twp, Crittenden Co, AR, page 855: Joseph Spain, 44 KY, River Pilot, $3000, $ 1000; Elizabeth, 39 TN; Martha Cotton 25 MS, Nurse Laborer; B. Tullip 36 TN, conductor; Henry D. Spain 15 AR.

In the 1865 Crittenden tax record, his property s listed as "Joseph E. D. Spain, estate" and in the 1866 tax list his wife was listed as owner. 1812 - 1870 Celia Despain 58 58 Celia was not listed in Solomon's household in the 1830 census. . It is theorized that she was working as a domestic or married. It is believed that Celia never went to Illinois with Solomon.  W. W. Whitaker stated that she was the older sister that raised her brother, Solomon Joseph.

It is believed that Celia married her cousin, Samuel M. Despain. There is now reasonable proof of this marriage. Ergo: 1. James and Margaret (Matthews) DeSpain are neighbors of Solomon DeSpain and his family in Shelby Co, TN in 1830. Therefore Samuel and Celia were in close proximity at the marrying age. 2. Samuel married a Celia prior to 1833. 3. Celia married a Gannon prior to marrying John S. Holloway. John S. Holloway is the step-son of Margaret (Matthews) (Despain) Holloway and therefore a step-brother to Samuel. 4. Samuel returned to Green Co, KY by 1835. 5. Emily Despain, Celia's sister married Elijah Goff in Green Co, KY in 1838. In an unusual affidavit, John Despain stated that Emily's mother was dead and her father somewhere in IL or MO, but her sister(s) had no objections to the marriage. 6. John and Celia Holloway were living in Marion, AR when Solomon Joseph Despain made his first trip to Crittenden County.  

In Jan 1844 William O. DSpain became the guardian of James Spain & Nancy Spain the minor children of Samuel & Celia DeSpain. Appearently Lawence Gannon had died or ran off by this date. In an unusual situation William DSpain went into Probate Court 13 Jan 1844 (page 200) and reliqueshed his guardianship of James P. Spain & Nancy Spain. On the same day John S. Holloway (Present husband of Celia D. Spain) petitioned the Court to be appointed guardian of Nancy C. D. Spain and James P. D. Spain, two minor heirs of Samuel M. D. Spain, deceased, which was granted by his giving bond as the law requires. Further John S. Holloway gave bond for $300 for the two minor children under 14 of Samuel D. Spain. To wit Nancy C. DSpain & James P. DSpain. Securities by A. Grandee & John L. Dean and the bond was a approved and order filed. Note: This confirms the marriage of Celia DeSpain and Samuel DeSpain.

Celia D. Spain as Celia Gannon [age not given] married John S. Holloway [age not given] both of Crittenden County 17 Jun 1845 by Presley G. Pollock, JP. in Crittenden Co, AR. Of course, this suggest that Celia was married before. However there are no known surviving Crittenden County marriage records prior to 1843. Lawrence Gannon was in the Crittenden County tax records in 1840 and 1843. He was not found in any other tax records and it is assumed he died about 1844/45.

The Holloways were not found in the 1850 census. From other records it is known that they moved from Crittenden County for a short period of time.

Solomon Joseph Despain baptized Celia Holloway (his sister) June 1853 in Crittenden Co, AR.

1860 Census: Hopefield, Crittenden Co, AR, page 854-120. John Holloway 42 AR, Celia  48 AL. No children were listed in 1860. 1833 - 1860 Nancy Caroline Despain 27 27 There was a marriage of James Lloyd, 24, of Crittenden Co, AR to Nancy Spain, 24, of Crittenden Co, AR by Jacob Hopper on 12 Jul 1857. It has now been proven that this is a daughter of Samuel and Celia DeSpain. As James Lloyd married again in 1860, it is assumed that Nancy died soon after the marriage possibly in childbirth. See notes under Nancy's parents. 1822 Unknown Lester (?) As Joseph was a co-owner with Timothy Lester in 2 parcels of land in Crittenden Co, AR, it is thought that his first wife could have been Timothy's daughter. It is also noted that Wiliam O. D. Spain, Joseph's brother, was administrator for Timothy's estate. However this marriage is not proven.  1826 Nancy Ann Carter As one son was named Carter and a E. W. Carter age 61 KY was in their household in 1860... It is thought that Nancy's surname could be Carter, but it is not proven..

1850 Census: Crittenden Co, AR page 361, #48.
1860 Census: Hopefield, Jackson Twp, Crittenden Co, AR page 854. Generated by GenoPro®. Click here for details.