James Lindsey: A Life in Early Kentucky
Early Life and Family Origins
James Lindsey was born around 1775, though his exact birthplace is not specified in the records. From the documentation available, we can see that James lived during a formative period in Kentucky's history, when the state was still developing its identity after being admitted to the Union in 1792.
The records don't provide information about James's parents or siblings. His family appears to have been established in Kentucky by the time he appears in the 1820 census records for Trigg County.
Marriages and Children
First Marriage to Tabitha Cook
James Lindsey married his first wife, Tabitha Cook, on October 18, 1819, in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. The marriage was solemnized by Abner Boyd. At the time of this marriage, James would have been about 44 years old according to his estimated birth year. Tabitha was born around 1807 and apparently died around 1825, though the exact circumstances of her death are not recorded.
Records indicate that James and Tabitha had one son:
- Sackfield Sanford Lindsey (1797-1878)
It's worth noting that there appears to be some inconsistency in the records, as Sackfield's birth year (1797) predates the marriage to Tabitha (1819). This suggests either an earlier marriage or an error in the records.
Second Marriage to Eleanor
By November 7, 1825, James had married his second wife, Eleanor (last name unknown), as evidenced by a deed from that date that mentions both of them. Their marriage likely took place sometime between Tabitha's death and this deed recording. No children from this marriage are explicitly mentioned in the provided documents.
Land Ownership and Property Transactions
James Lindsey was a landowner in both Trigg and Christian Counties in Kentucky. The tax records from 1820 show him owning land on Little River, and by 1822, he owned several parcels of land in different locations:
- 200 acres on Little River
- 215½ acres at Flat Lick Christian
- 342 acres on Little Barren
- 300 acres on Cumberland River
On November 7, 1825, James and his wife Eleanor deeded land to his son Sackfield S. Lindsey. This property included a mill and farm on both sides of Little River in Trigg and Christian Counties, totaling 244 acres. The deed mentions that this was done out of "good will and affection" that James bore toward his son.
Later that same month, on November 21, 1825, James sold a tract of land on the south side of the Cumberland River in Trigg County to Ruthy Cook of Stewart County, Tennessee for $200. The land was part of a 666⅔ acre survey originally made for Adam Craig in 1798.
On October 14, 1835, James and Eleanor sold 100 acres on the waters of Little River in Trigg County to Tully Choice for $300. The deed was recorded in June 1836, with Sackfield S. Lindsey being one of the justices who certified Eleanor's relinquishment of her dower rights.
Slaveholding
Like many property owners in Kentucky during this period, James Lindsey owned slaves. The 1820 census shows him with 8 slaves, and tax records from the same year mention 4 blacks over 16 and 9 total blacks in his household. By 1822, tax records indicate he owned 5 blacks over 16 and 8 total blacks. The 1830 census again shows him with 8 slaves.
In his will, James made special provision for a slave named Jim, whom he lent to his wife during her lifetime, with instructions that Jim be freed after her death. This reflects the complex and often contradictory attitudes toward slavery that existed in border states like Kentucky.
Last Will and Testament
James Lindsey drafted his will on March 3, 1837, describing himself as "low in health but strong in mind." In this document, he:
- Lent to his wife Eleanor all his land, plantation, livestock, tools, furniture, and enslaved people during her lifetime
- Specifically lent his enslaved man Jim to Eleanor during her life, with instructions that Jim be freed after her death
- Requested that after Eleanor's death, all his stock, household and kitchen furniture, and working tools be sold on a twelve-month credit
- Directed that his land be sold either privately or publicly as his executor deemed most advantageous
- Bequeathed $600 to his daughter Rebecca Cates
- Bequeathed $300 to his daughter Susan Evans
- Directed that the residue of his estate be divided equally among all his children except Sackfield Sanford, who had already received his share
- Named Sackfield Sanford as his sole executor
The will was witnessed by Samuel Northington, John H. Russell, and E.S. Lewis, and was proven in court on February 12, 1838.
Death and Estate Settlement
James Lindsey died sometime between March 3, 1837 (when he signed his will) and February 13, 1838 (when the court appointed appraisers for his estate). Following his death, his son Sackfield S. Lindsey acted as executor of his estate.
On April 26, 1838, Sackfield, as executor, sold a 330-acre tract of land in Trigg County on the waters of Little River to William Rasco for $1,720. This sale was part of the settlement of James's estate, as directed in his will.
Historical Context
James Lindsey lived during a significant period in Kentucky's development. As a landowner in Trigg and Christian Counties, he would have witnessed the growth of agriculture and commerce in western Kentucky. The Cumberland and Little Rivers, mentioned repeatedly in his land transactions, were important transportation routes for goods and people.
During James's lifetime, Kentucky was transitioning from a frontier society to a more established agricultural economy. The ownership of land and slaves was a mark of status and wealth in this society. James appears to have been a moderately prosperous farmer and mill owner, with significant landholdings and several slaves.
His provision in his will for the eventual freedom of his slave Jim reflects the complex attitudes toward slavery that existed in Kentucky, a border state that remained in the Union during the Civil War but allowed slavery until the 13th Amendment was ratified.
The land transactions and will also show that family relationships were important to James, with special provisions made for his son Sackfield and his daughters Rebecca and Susan.
LAST WILL & TESTAMENT - JAMES LINDSEY
In the name of Almighty God Amen. I James Lindsey of the State of Kentucky and County of Trigg being low in health but strong in mind for which I praise Almighty God make this my last Will and Testament this third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. I commend my Spirit to Almighty God the giver and my body to the dust and wish to be buried in a plain Christian manner.
*Item 1st* I lend to my beloved (pg 144) wife Eleanor all and singular my land and Plantation. I lend her also all my stock of any kind all my working tools household and Kitchen furniture. And all my Negroes and their increase.
*Item 2nd* I lend to my beloved wife, Jim a negro man during her life and after her death to be set Free.
*Item 3rd.* After my beloved wife’s death I request that all my Stock be sold together with all my household and kitchen furniture and all my working tools on a credit of twelve months.
*Item 4th* I request that the land be sold either at private or public sale as my Executors shall think the most advantageous.
*Item 5th* I will and bequeath unto my Daughter Rebecca Cates Six hundred Dollars to be paid out of the property of the estate.
*Item 6th* I will and bequeath unto my daughter Susan Evans Three hundred Dollars to be paid out of the property of the Estate.
*Item 7th* All the residue of the Estate I request that it be divided equally among all my children Exception Sackfield Sanford who has received his share and I enjoin it upon him to be my sole Executor without fear or rewards. Signed Sealed in presence of us and we in presence of each other saw the said James Lindsey Sign & Seal the within.
Samuel Northington James Lindsey {Seal}
John H. Russell
E. S. Lewis
Commonwealth of Kentucky}
Trigg County} Let
I James E. Thompson Clerk of the County Court, for the County aforesaid, do certify that the foregoing last Will and testament of James Lindsey deceased was on this day produced into our Said Trigg County Court and proved according to law by the oaths of John H. Rufsell and Samuel Worthington subscribing witnefses thereto and ordered to be recorded. Whereupon the said last Will and testament together with this certificate hath been duly admitted to record in my office.
Given under my hand this 12th day of February 1838.
J. E. Thompson, C.S.C.C.
Trigg County, Kentucky
Will Book “B” (1835-1843); pages 143 & 144; Image 373 of 560 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99DP-LPL?i=372&cc=1875188&cat=431993
Summary:
WILL made by James Lindsay
Date made not mentioned; Probated February 1838
Kinspeople: Wife, Eleanor Lindsey; Daughter Rebecca, Susan Evans
Witnesses: John Russell and Samuel Northington
Executor: Sackfield Sanford [Lindsey]
Reseach and data for this article was done by Charlie Purvis. The main article was compiled with the help of Claude,ai.
Tabitha Cook Lindsey is my 1st Cousin 6 times Removed.
_________________________
Records of Wills in Trigg County Kentucky for the period of years 1800 to 1843; Page 17 & 18; Compiled by Annie Walker Burns Bell, Washington, DC. 1935
https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/72320?availability=Family%20History%20Library
https://www.familysearch.org/library/books/records/item/222069-record-of-wills-in-trigg-county-kentucky-for-the-period-of-years-1800-to-1843?viewer=1&offset=0#page=17&viewer=picture&o=search&n=0&q=cook
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99DP-LPL?i=372&cc=1875188&cat=431993
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