Family/Spouse: Burson, Ann. Ann was born in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Scott County, Tennessee
FNB Chronicles

This page was created 06 Sep 2008

Joseph Griffith: Land Grant Settler of Brimstone

By JOSETTA GRIFFITH
FNB Chronicle Editor

It was taxation without representation that caused the colonies to go to war to gain independence from the crown of England. JOSEPH GRIFFITH was only seventeen years of age when he enlisted in 1775. The war ended in 1781 and the treaty of peace for the Revolutionary War was signed in 1783.

A Revolutionary War land grant (filed in Anderson County, TN.) lured JOSEPH and his family from Virginia to the mountainous area called Brimstone in Tennessee. According to surveys dated in 1808 and 1809 JOSEPH GRIFFITH owned two tracts (126 acres and 64 acres) on New River. The long, fertile valleys along the banks of Brimstone Creek provided lush grasses for livestock, rich soil for crops and the hardwood trees that covered the mountains provided logs for houses and barns. It’s uncertain just where JOSEPH settled on Brimstone, but his descendants are many and are scattered throughout America. One of the most famous relatives of JOSEPH GRIFFITH is RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON, former President of the United States of America. His great, great, great grandmother was ANN GRIFFITH, a sister to JOSEPH GRIFFITH.

The Tombstone of Revolutionary War soldier Joseph Griffith, who was a land grand settler in Scott County

Researchers have proven that all the Scott County Griffiths originated from JOSEPH GRIFFITH, who was born October 22, 1758 somewhere in Maryland. His ancestors have been traced back to Wales, 1630, by some accounts, and possibly back to AD 948 by some documents. He was living in Brunswick County, VA. when he enlisted in the Revolutionary War. JOSEPH GRIFFITH was a personal "life" guard of General GEORGE WASHINGTON and witnessed CORNWALLACE surrender his sword to General WASHINGTON. His place of residence was listed as Morgan County, TN. when he applied for a Revolutionary War pension in 1833. Scott County, TN. was formed from parts of Morgan, Campbell, Anderson and Fentress counties in 1849. An 1832 map of Tennessee surveyed by MATHEW RHEA shows the parent counties of the area later to become Scott County and all of the land area south of the New river (which encompasses all of the Brimstone area, as well as, the Glenmary area) lay in what was then known as Morgan County, TN.

The area known as Brimstone lies in the long valleys through which Brimstone Creek flows from its headwaters in the Rhoda Creek area northward where it empties into the New river between the settlements of Low Gap and New River. The valleys of Brimstone slope upward to Round Mountain, Signal Mountain, Gosnell and Flower Mountain on the eastern boundary and Wright Mountain and the Griffith Mountains bound the western side. The headwaters of Brimstone Creek flow from near the Hamby Gap through which travelers could get to the Emery section of Morgan County. The area of convergence of Rhoda Creek and Brimstone Creek is known as Rhoda Creek and may have been named after JOSEPH’s daughter, RHODA.

The main road to Brimstone begins at Robbins, TN. near G&K Hicks Grocery. Other ways to the Brimstone Road are by way of Low Gap to Mt. Pleasant Church, through Glenmary on the Wolf Creek Road to the Indian Fork Road to the Leon Walker Bridge, and by way of haul roads across the mountains from the Bull Creek and Smokey Creek areas.

Documents on file with the Pension Department of the United States show that on April 20, 1833, JOSEPH GRIFFITH applied for a Revolutionary War pension.

Tomb beside Joseph Griffith’s Revolutionary War marker in the Goad Cemetery on the Robert Byrge Farm at Brimstone.

The following is a transcript of the affidavit in connection with the application:

"State of Tennysee Morgan County. On the 20th day of April 1833 personally affirmed before me THOMAS JACK a justice of the peace and one of the justices of the Court of pleas and quarter sysion for the county of Morgan aforesaid JOSEPH GRIFFITH resident in the county of Morgan State of Tennysee. And at the house of the residence of the said JOSEPH GRIFFITH who is a very aged & affirm man & who not having any record of his age, & who from old age infirmity of years is unable to get to court and who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congrys paysed June 7th 1832, that he enlisted as a private regular in the Army of the United States the day & date cannot now from old age & consequent loys of memory be now recollected but it was about six years before the surrender of (CORNWALLIS) at York. He entered and served in the 7th Regiment of the Virginia Line his time of enlistment was to be during the war. Applicant lived in Brunswick County, State of Virginia and enlisted & entered in the service as aforesaid under the following officers to wit: Captain EDWARD YARBOWER Lieutenant name not now recollected Major LIN Col. JOSEPH (Crrokett) CROCKETT, Genl. WASHINGTON. Was marched to Peters Burg was in battle at Peters Burg was stationed there about six weeks. Was then marched to Richmond was in the battle of Richmond was marched to Divers Points (Different Points) all of which cant now be recollected but was in the service at Richard & was then at Dificrent points (different points). Wherever neysity called for him some three or four years. He was, then marched up the country after the Brittish Army in the State of North Carrolinia (Carolina) was in the battle fought with the Torries at Musgrove’s Mill where the Torries was defeated was marched & placed under the command of General GREEN was then marched to Guilford was in the battle of Guilford was then marched to Divers Points (different points) pursuing the Brittish Army until the seige of York was in the seige was one of General WASHINGTON’s Life Guards on the day that CORNWALLICE surrendered. Saw CORNWALLICE deliver his sword to General WASHINGTON. Applicant was then marched as one of the Guards over the prisoners to King and Queens county near Apple tree church was then honorably but verbably discharged. Applicant cant from old age & consequent

(Continues on page 4)

(Continued from page 1)

loss of memory recollect the precise length of service but it was not less than six years and that as a private enlisted regular soldier applicant herby realizes his army claim to pension or annuity. Except the private, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State applicant makes oath that he is unable to get to court applicant has no documentary evidence by which he can prove his service nor is there any persons living whos testimony he can procure by whom applicant can prove his absolute services but the following persons citizens and neighbors of him can testify to his character as a soldier of the Revolution to wit ANDREW LEWALLEN JOHN PATTEN WILLIAM SEXTON ARCHILLUS GIBSON HENRY BEGLEY MOSES SEXTON, this applicant has lived ever since the Revolutionary Warm the states of Virginia, Tennysee, Kentucky, Indiania & Illinois applicant now resides in Tennysee, Morgan County.

his JOSEPH (X) GRIFFITH mark"

JOSEPH GRIFFITH was inscribed on the Roll of East Tennysee at, the rate of 20 dollars-cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Certificate of Pension ifsued the 17th day of June 1833 and sent to LEVI TREWHITT Morgan C.H. (court house)

Arrears to the 4th of March 40.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 10.00
50.00

JOSEPH died May 20, 1833 without knowing that he had been awarded the Pension. He is buried in the Goad Cemetery (on the ROBERT BYRGE farm) just off the Brimstone Road in Scott County. JOSEPH was one of eleven children born to ISSAC GRIFFITH and ANN BURSON. His brothers and sisters were:

ABRAHAM GRIFFITH b. 1752?

RACHEL GRIFFITH b. 1753?

HANNAH GRIFFITH b. 7/28/1752

MARY GRIFFITH b. 1755?

ANN GRIFFITH b. 1754

SARAH GRIFFITH b. 1757?

JOSEPH GRIFFITH b. 1758?

MARTHA GRIFFITH b. 1759?

ISAAC GRIFFITH, Jr. b. 1760?

JOHN GRIFFITH b. 1761?

JAMES GRIFFITH b. 1762?

Joseph married Hudson, Phebe on 6 Sep 1792 in Montgomery, Virginia, USA. Phebe was born in 1760 in English, McDowell, West Virginia, USA; died on 20 Mar 1846 in Scott, Tennessee, USA; was buried after 20 Mar 1846 in Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Rhoda married Sexton, William on 2 Feb 1815 in Anderson, Tennessee, USA. William (son of Sexton, Timothy and Sisel, Ester) was born in 1786 in York, South Carolina, USA; died on 10 Sep 1854 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FSID: KLV4-VBY
• Residence: 1830, Morgan, Tennessee, USA
• Military: Between 1846 and 1848

Fielding married Reynolds, Mary on 20 Dec 1823 in Tennessee, USA. Mary was born in 1804 in Scott, Tennessee, USA; died in 1859 in Brimstone, Scott, Tennessee, USA; was buried in Goad-Brimestone Cemetery, Brimstone, Scott, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Fielding married Hamby, Patsy in 1814 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. Patsy was born in 1780 in Glenmary, Scott, Tennessee, USA; died on 26 Dec 1823 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Hiram married Griffith, Sophia in 1858. Sophia (daughter of Griffith, Andrew and Sexton, Lucy) was born in 1834; died on 22 Feb 1909 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FSID: KLV4-JLC
• Residence: 1850, Scott, Tennessee, USA

Family/Spouse: Alley, Mary Ellen. Mary was born in 1832 in Brimstone, Scott, Tennessee, USA; died in DECEASED. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FSID: LC2F-2KQ

Soloman married Griffith, Mary on 1 Dec 1881 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. Mary (daughter of Griffith, Fielding Phelan and Alley, Mary Ellen) was born in 1854; died in 1926. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 1861, Tennessee, USA
• Death: 1902

Mary married Sexton, Soloman "Sol" on 1 Dec 1881 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. Soloman (son of Sexton, Hiram and Griffith, Sophia) was born on 13 Jun 1859 in Huntsville, Scott, Tennessee, USA; died on 7 Jan 1922 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 1877, Scott, Tennessee, USA
• Residence: 1900, Scott, Tennessee, USA
• Residence: 1920, Scott, Tennessee, USA

John married Wilson, Bernetta in 1903. Bernetta (daughter of Wilson, John and Overton, Mary) was born in 1886; died in 1917. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FSID: K2FP-MBZ
• Residence: 1920, Scott, Tennessee, USA

WIlliard married Harness, Sarah on 5 Dec 1937 in Scott, Tennessee, USA. Sarah (daughter of Harness, Robin and Harness, Elizabeth Ann) was born on 10 May 1916 in Scott, Tennessee, USA; died on 4 Mar 1976 in Scott, Tennessee, USA; was buried after 4 Mar 1976 in Black Creek Cross Roads Cemetery, Scott, Tennessee, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Eastman Chemical Company Kingsport, Sullivan, Tennessee, USA

Notes:

Talmon Sexton, 69, of Kingsport, went to be with his Lord; his son, Dwayne; and many other family members already in Heaven; on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport.

Talmon was born on September 28, 1941 to the late Willard and Sarah Harness Sexton in Robbins, TN. He was a loving husband, great dad and wonderful friend, "Talmon" - The King's Servant, was truly a gift from God to many people. He was a friend to all who met him, selfless in all aspects of life, he always put others first. Talmon was a very humble man and demonstrated it daily. He was retired from Eastman Chemical after 31 years of Service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dwayne Sexton; two sisters, Brenda Gail Sexton and an infant babygirl Sexton.

Survivors include his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Sue Sexton of the home; three sons, James Dean Sexton, Talmon David Sexton, Jason Darrell Sexton & wife, Lindsay, all of Kingsport; nine grandchildren, Talmon Dwayne Sexton II, Jacob Tyler Sexton, Lauren Brooke Sexton, Corey Dylan Sexton, Thomas Dalton Sexton, Trevor Darrell Sexton, Tyler Norris, Josh Hall and Briley Hall; three sisters, Rosie Marlow & husband, Don, Beulah Huffman and Cinda Jeffers & husband, James, all of Huntsville, TN; three brothers, Hollis Sexton & wife, Ellen Cathalean of Robbins, TN, Kenneth Sexton of Oneida, TN and Bobby Sexton & wife, Willa of Robbins, TN; father in law & mother in law, Rev. Jim and Juanita Hoskins; special brothers in law, Ronnie, Steve, and Phil Hoskins; and a host of nieces, nephews, and family friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 - 8 pm on Saturday, July 10, 2011 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, 520 Watauga Street, Kingsport. A funeral service will follow in the chapel at 8 pm with Dr. Phil Hoskins and Dr. Shannon Salyer, officiating.

A visitation will be held from 5 - 8 pm on Monday, July 11, 2011 at Four Oaks Funeral Homes in Huntsville TN.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Smithers (Moffitt) Cemetery, Robbins, TN. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Talmon married Moffitt, Mary Sue [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• FSID: GQWT-HRZ

Notes:

February 17, 1946 - January 6, 2018
Rosie Lee Sexton Marlow

Mrs. Rosie Lee Sexton Marlow, age 71, of the Straight Fork Community, departed this life on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at her home after a short battle with cancer.

Born February 17, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Willard and Sarah Harness Sexton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Donnie Marlow; brother, Talmon Sexton; two infant sisters; father and mother-in-law, James and Nila Marlow; brothers-in-law, Roy Huffman, Buddy Marlow; sisters-in-law, Willa Sexton, Loretta Marlow, Brenda Crowley, Linda Lou Marlow and Phyllis Marlow; nephew, Dewayne Sexton.

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Donald Marlow; two sisters, Beulah Huffman of Knoxville, TN, Cindy Jeffers and husband James S. of Winfield, TN; three brothers, Hollis Sexton and wife Cathleen of Robbins, TN, Kenneth Sexton of Oneida, TN, and Bobby Sexton of Robbins, TN; sisters-in-law, Mary Sexton of Kingsport, TN., Deanna Harness and husband Melton, Nona Lee Strunk, Marsha Keeton and husband Lillard, and Stasha Marlow; brothers-in-law, Rodney Marlow, Michael Marlow and wife Sharon, Joe Marlow and wife RosaLee, Cecil Marlow and wife Toni; special friends, Marsha West family; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Special thanks to her caregivers, Pauletta Jeffers, Angela Jeffers and Hospice Care.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M., until time of funeral service at 7:00 P.M., Thursday Evening, January 11, 2018, in the Chapel of Four Oaks Funeral Home in Huntsville with Bro. Dudley Harness and Bro. Carlie Duncan officiating.

Music will be provided by Jimmy Ray Lloyd and Dudley and Anita Harness. Graveside service will be at 9:00 A.M., Friday Morning, January 12, 2018 in the Hazel Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steve Jeffers, Scott Jeffers, Gary Jeffers, Matt Jeffers, Brayden Lewallen, David Sexton, Dusty Huffman and Dalton McGill.

Honorary Pallbearers will be, John Marlow, James Marlow, Ernie Marlow, Buster Marlow, Kevin Marlow, Brian Strunk and Darrin Chambers.

Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville is in charge of the arrangements for the family of Mrs. Rosie Lee Sexton Marlow.

ROSIE L MARLOW
February 17, 1946 - January 6, 2018

Rosie L. Marlow departed this life on Saturday January 06,2018 at her home in the Straight Fork Community.

Rosie is survived by her loving husband Donald Marlow .

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Four Oaks Funeral Home of Huntsville.

Other Events and Attributes:

• FSID: L159-4VN

Notes:

This young man was knowing exposed to radiation as part of an experiment by the United States Government. His death is a made a travesty of faith in the US Govenment.

Family/Spouse: Sherfey, Leslie Ann. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jason married Thoma, Lindsay Michelle [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obituary for Trevor D. Sexton
Trevor D. Sexton, 15, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord Sunday, April 14, 2019. He was born October 20, 2003, in Kingsport.

Trevor was a competitive, “hard headed”, yet loving and caring son, brother and grandson but most importantly, a child of God. He was always anxious to learn and faithfully attended Bible Study II. Trevor attended Calvary Baptist Church.

He enjoyed listening to music, helping others, “hanging out” with his friends, working on cars and riding with his uncle David in Sexton’s Towing rollback.

Trevor attended Dobyns-Bennett High School where he played football and recently transferred to Sullivan South High School.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Talmon Sexton; uncle, Dwayne Sexton.

Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Jason and Lindsay Sexton; brothers, Johnathon (Jaylyn), Corey, Tommy and Will; step-brothers, Tyler and Josh; sister, Marcie; step-sister, Briley; grandparents, Mary Sue Sexton, Jim and Linda Thoma; uncles, David and Jimmy Sexton; aunt, Laura Roller (Pete); cousins, Dwayne, Jacob (Nikki), Lauren (Jason), Clara, Ellie and Zeke; special friend, Ricky White; numerous other family members and friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 18, 2019, from 5:00-6:45 pm in the chapel of Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services. Celebration of Life Service will be follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Paul Helphinstine officiating.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 1:00 pm (CST) Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Moffitt-Smithers Family Cemetery in Robbins, TN. Dr. Phil Hoskins will officiate. Serving as pallbearers, Corey, Tommy, Jacob, Dwayne, David and Jimmy Sexton. Honorary pallbearers, Alex Huffman, Ethan Lawson, John Helphinstine, Ethan Henard and D-B football team mates.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, Sullivan County EMS and Sullivan West Volunteer Fire Dept.