Melvine Fontaine Prather, Mariah

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• Reference Number: 5.250.07
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Melvine married Obediah Martin 12 Jan 1835, Anderson Co., Ky.. Obediah was born , Louisville, Ky. [Group Sheet]

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• Reference Number: 4.094.14
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

His Obit is was in the Kentucky Reporter 10 Feb., 1823.

Kentucky: A History of the State, Perrin, Battle, Kniffin, 8th ed., 1888,
Jefferson Co., KY.
John Jacob, deceased, was born in Baltimore, MD. in 1778, and died in
Louisville, in 1852. He came to this city about 1807, and engaged in the
mercantile business, forming a partnership with Thomas Prather, one of the
most prominent of Louisville's early business men.
The old house of Prather & Jacob was for many years one of the reliable
business houses of the young city, and was the synonym for all that was
upright and honorable.
After the dissolution of their partnership Mr. Jacob became president of the
Branch Bank of the United States, and after it was closed was made president
of the Bank of Kentucky, which position he resigned in 1836. He was for a
number of years a member of the city council, and in 1848 he became president
of the Louisville & Frankfort Railroad, which was fully completed during his
administration; but the infirmities of age compelled him to resign the
position and retire from active business. He aided in the establishment of the
asylum for the blind, and contributed greatly, in various ways, not only to
the growth and prosperity of Louisville, but also to the amelioration of the
condition of the poor and needy, displaying a liberal hand in the great
charities of the city, which rapidly increased in value, and, by well
conducted, ligitimate business, he accumulated a large fortune. Mr. Jacob was
twice married: 1st. to Miss Ann O. Fontaine.
Children: Matilda Prather Jacob (m.Curran Pope), Mrs. John W. Tyler, and John
I. Jacob Jr.
His 2nd. wife: Lucy Donald Robertson.
Children: Mrs. James B. Clay, of Fayette Co.; Col. Richard T. Jacob,
ex-lieutenant governor of Ky.; Thomas P. Jacob, president of the Kentucky &
Louisville, Mutual Insurance Co.; and Hon Charles D. Jacob, mayor of
Louisville.
__________________________________________

Curran Pope:
He graduated at West Point in 1836, and after a short service in the army he
resigned to take one of the clerkships made vacant by his father. He held the
office for seventeen years, the last forur of which were by election by the
people. He was a citizen of much of public spririt; on of the original
projectors and directors of the Louisvelle & Nashville, Railroad; on of the
main promoters of Louisville Water Works; devoted much of his time as Trustee
of Danville, College, and as trustee of various educational institutions of
Louisville especially to a seminary organized and established by himself and
others in the old homestead of his father; served for eleven years in the
General Council of Louisville; and on the breaking out of the late war he
espoused the cause of the Union. He raised the 15th Kentucky Reg., which,
after a varied service, was decimated in the battle of Perryville, which, for
the number of the length of time engaged, is said to have been the bloodiest
battle of the war. Early in the action Colonel Pore's horse was killed under
him, and toward the close of the engagement he was shot through the shoulder.
E.P.Humphrey, D.D., LL.D., the scholarly author of "Sacred History from the
Creation to the Giving of the Law: who was the co-laborer in many fields of
usefulness with Colonel Pope, and who was his life-long friend, thus writes of
him a short time after Colonel Pope's death:...
"through his father, the late Warden Pope, Esq. - in his day one of the
formost citizens of the commonwealth - and through his excellent mother and
amiable wife as well, he was allied to some of the most influential families
in the country.... His ample private fortune released him, in a large measure,
from professional labor; so that he was able to devote the last 12 years of
his life to the general interests of society."

General Sherman learning of the death of Colonel Pope wrote Colonel Pope's
widow the following letter:
Headquarters, Memphis, Tenn.
November 10, 1862.
Dear Madam: -
.... I know you will pardon me, afar off, if, at this your dread hour, I come
to bear my feeble show of honor to him whose name you bear and whose child
will in after years look back upon as one of those heroes who labored and gave
his life to his country. Will do I recall the soft and gentle voice of Curran
Pospe, the peculiar delicacy of his approach, and almost unequal courtesy of
hi manner and the first faint doubt that one so gentle, so mild, so beautiful
in character, should be a warrior; but another look, and his eye, the plain
direst assertion of a high and holy purpose, with the pressure of his lips,
told that he was a man; one to lead; one to go where duty called him though
the path led through the hail storm of battle. Among all the men I have ever
met in the progress of this un-natural war, I cannot recall one in whose every
act and expression was so manifest the good and true man; one who so well
filled the type of the Kenturcky gentleman.
He died not upon the battle-field but of wounds inflicted by parricidal hands
on Kentuckys' soil and his blood is the cement that will ever more bind
togethere the disjointed parts of a mighty nation. Though for a time smitten
down by the terrible calamity, may you and you child soon learn to look upon
his name and fame as encircled by a halo of glory more beautiful than ever
decked the victor's brow. Curran Pope is dead, but millions will battle on,
till from his heaven-home he will see his own beloved Kentky the center of his
great country, regenerated and disenthralled from the toils of wicked men.
I fear that in trying to carry comfort to a afflicted heart, I do it rudely,
but I know you will permit me in my blunt way to bear my feeble testimony to
the goodness, braveness, and gallantry of the man who more nearly filled the
picture of the preux chevalier of his age, than any man I have yet met. I know
you are in the midst of a host of friends, but should in the progress of years
any opportunity come by which I can be of service to any of the family of
curran Pope, command me.
With grat respect,
Your obedient servant,
W.T. Sherman,
Maj. Gen. Vols."

Curran Pope was married to Matilda Prather Jacob a daughter of John I. Jacob,
by whom he was belessed with one daughter, Mary Tyler Pope, who is possessed
of many accomplishments, great force of character and intellect, and of much
beauty, and who still lived in the home of her heroic father, the happy wife
of Judge Alfred Thruston Pope, and the devoted mother of an interesting
family.

----------------------------------------------------

Thomas Prather:

Broadway Street in Louisville was named previously, Prather Street after
he and his cousin John Jeremiah Jacob Prather. They were both leading
financial and social families of Louisville. They gave the land and endowed
the Hospital there. They were both married to Fountain girls.
He was known a the richest man in Ky./ He started and was president of the
"First Bank of Kentucky", often referred to as the "Old Bank of Ky."

Thomas married Matilda Martha Fontaine 12 Feb 1800, Jefferson Co., Ky.. Matilda (daughter of Aaron Fontaine, Col and Barbara Overton Terrell) was born 18 Sep 1782, of Louisa Co., Va; died 28 Nov 1840, Louisville, Jefferson, Ky; was buried , Cave Hill Cem, Jefferson, Ky. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

Thomas Prather heirs:

At Dec., 4 1826, court on motion of Matilda Prather, widow, and James S.,
William, Mary Jane, Matilda, Maria Julia, and Catherine C. Prather, heirs of
Thomas Prather, deceased, it is ordered that Isaac Miller, Simeon S. Goodwin,
Nicholas Berthroud, Benjamin Lawrence and james guthrie divide and allot to
widow her sower of Slaves and divide the residue equally among the heirs:
James, William, Mary, Miatilda, Maria and Catherine C. Prather.
On dec. 22, the 31 slaves valued at $6650.00 were divided, giving the widow
12. Recorded Jan. 1, 1827 Louisville, KY. [ B1, p144 ]

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• Ancestral File Number: 1WRT-H1H
• Occupation: Plantation
• Reference Number: 3.027.02
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

!He and Elizabeth had 13 kids.He is listed as Thomas Sprigg
Prather,AFN-25M1-P4.

Col. Thomas Prather, Sr. gave his son Thomas Prather, who married Elizabeth
Claggett, 166 acres of land being part of a tract of land called "Spriggs
Request", his Will was written 13 Dec., 1711.
*Liber 13, pp. 379-381, Prerogative Court (Wills) Maryland State archives,
Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.

Martha Prather, mother of Thomas Prather that married Elizabeth Claggett,
on 29 Apr., 1719 conveyed to her son, Thomas, when he is eighteen years old,
ten pounds sterling money.
*Liber E, p. 791 Maryland Land Office Records, Mary land State Archives, Hall
of Records, Annapolis, Md.

Martha Prather (now Yoakley) named her son Thomas Prather one of the executors
of her Will written 19 Jun, 1742.
*Liber 22, pp. 524-526, Prerogative Court (Wills), Martha Yoakley, Charles
County, Md. Will written 19 June 1742 and proved 13 Nov., 1742. Maryland State
Archives, Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.

Thomas Prather had a number of land transactions between 1741 and 1769. Thomas
sold to Martha Clagett and John Mullikin, a tract of land called "Beall's
Gift", 300 acres, in Prince George's County, Md. 28 Nov., 1741
*Liber Y, p.414 Maryland State Archives, Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.

Thomas Prather sold to Richard Ducket, part of a tract of land called "Spriggs
Request", 111 1/4 acres, in Prince George's Co., Md. 26 Oct., 1747.
*Liber EE, p. 337-338, Maryland Land Office Records, Maryland State Archives,
Hall of Records, Annapolis, Md.

Thomas Prather, 1783 Maryland Assessments; Ringolds Mannor, pt. 214 Acres
WA Marsh p. 5 MSA S1161-11-3

Thomas Prather sold to Stephen Blunt, a tract of land called "Great hall", in
Frederick Co., Md., 17 June, 1760.
*Liber F, p.1022 Md. Land Office Records, Md. State Archives, Annapolis, Md.

Thomas Prather made a deed to Charles Prather, his son, for part of a tract of
land called "Resurvey on Choice", in Frederick Co., Md. 20 July, 1767.
*Liber K, p.1385 Md. State Archives, Annapolis, Md.

Bennet Allen conveyed to Thomas Prather & trustees of All Saints Parish,
Frederick Co., Md., 17 Jan., 1769.
* Liber M, p. 39 Md. State Archives, Annapolis, Md.

Edward Gaither sold to Thomas Prather a tract of land called "Baker's Choice,
in Frederick Co., Md. 12 Oct., 1769.
*Liber M, p.346 Md. State Archives, Annapolis, Md.

Thomas Prather's Will was proved 20 Sept., 1785.
*Liber A, p. 118, Prerogative Court (Wills) Will written 24 June, 1783
and proved 20 Sept., 1785. Maryland State Archives, Hall of Records,
Annapolis, Md.

Several letter addressed to Thomas Prather from George Washington are
in the Library of Congress; Genealogy Dept.; Sons of the American Revolution.

Thomas Prather was a 2nd. Lt. in Capt. A. Beals Co., 9 Oct., 1757/58.
1st. Lt. in Capt. Ware's Co., 16 June to Oct. 11, 1759.

Thomas Prather II. was in Command of the Militia in Frederick Co., Maryland
between the Potomac River nad the Pennsylvania line during the French and
Indian War.
----------------------------------

25 June, 1700
This indenture made... Between Ninian Beale of Prince George Co., in the
Province of Maryland Gent. of the one part & Thomas Prater of ye fforesaid
Province and County of the other part WITNESSETH where as the said Ninian
Beale for & in considersation of ye Sume of two Thousand pounds of Tobacco in
hand paid... by the Said Thomas Prater ... Ye Said Niniah Beale doth ...
bargaine Sell Enfeeoff & Confirme unto ye Said Thomas Prater ... a parcell of
Land Called St. Andrews scituate lying and being on the North Side of the
Western Branch of Patuxant river and in the ffreshes of ye Said River
BEGINNING att a marked Hickory in the Land Called St. andrews and running
South and by West... Then West North West to ye line of William Powell ...
Conteineing & now layd out for Six and fifty acres of Land More or Less ...
Ruth Beale, wife of Ninian, waived dower. Wit: Thom. Hollyday, R.Bradley.
---------------------------------

From "Pioneers of Old Monacacy" The Early Settlement of Frederick Co., MD.
1721-1743, by Grace L. Tracey and John P. Dem. Baltimore Gene. Pub. Co., Inc.
"The June Court of 1735 appointed THOMAS PRATHER as tobacco burner, replacing
John Nelson who was excused because of illness in his family."

NOTE: A "tobacco burner" was a person who was in charge of the curing of
tobacco in the large tobacco houses. Tobacco was cured by fire drying it.

Will of Thomas Sprigg Prather:
In the name of God, Amen I Thomas Prater of Washington Co., & State of
Maryland being of weak in body, but of sound and perfect mind and memory,
(thanks be to God)
Concerning the uncertainty of this mortal life, and that it is appointed for
all men once to die, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in
manner & form following, (that is to say)
First and principally I recommend my soul to the Almighty God that gave it,
and my body to the dust to be deasonly buried at the discretion of my
Executors hereafter named nothing doubting but that I shall receive the Soul
again at the general Resurrection of all flesh, by the mighty power of God,
and as touching my Wordly Estate, wherewith it has pleased God to bless me.
I give and bequeath in manner and form following-imprimis.

First and principally I will that all my just debts and funeral charges be
paid.
Item... I give and bequeath to my sons Richard, Charles, and James Prather
ten shillings common current money each, and no more.
Item... I give and bequeath to my daughters Mary, Elinor, Sarah, & Ann
five Shillings current money and no more.
Item... I give and bequeath to my son Basil one negro boy called Harry, him
and his heirs and assigns forever.
Item... I give and bequeath to my youngest son Thomas one negro boy named
Jack, to him his assigns forever.
Item... I give and bequeath all the remaining part of my Estate, my whife's
third Excepted, to my sone's Basil and Thomas and daughter Elizabeth to be
equally divided amongst them.
Item... I do hereby appoint my beloved wife Jennet and my son Basil joint
Executors of this my last Will and Testament by me made, ratifying &
confirming this only to be my last Will and Testament.
In witnes whereof I have set my hand & seal this 24th day of June 1783

Served French and Indian War - he was sheriff and held many important posts -
one of which was the first Justice of the newly formed Frederick Co., in
1749 (Maryland).In the Rev.War he was Commander of the forces in that Co.
He lived at Conegocheague Manor Plantation. His wife was from the Weston
Manor Plantation where the Clagett's lived for generations and still live
there today. / He was also an Episcopal Clergyman in Williamsport, Md.

!He and Elizabeth had 13 kids.He is listed as Thomas Sprigg Prather,AFN-25M1-P4.

Thomas married Jeannette Smiley Maryland. Jeannette was born Abt 1748, of, Md. [Group Sheet]

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

!Her maiden name is not proven.

* Thomas married Jeannete late in life.
Because his son Thomas had been dead some 12 yrs. they named one son
Thomas.

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Aaron married Barbara Overton Terrell Abt 1779, of, Louisville, Ky. Barbara was born 03 Sep 1756, St Martins, Louisa Co., Va; died 10 Jul 1798, Moving Va. to Ky. [Group Sheet]

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 2.005.05
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

!P-A,believes M.initial stands for MacKay

Record:

On 25 June 1700 Ninian Beall conveyed to Thomas 56 acres, part of a tract of
land called St. andrews.

Martha, wife of Thomas Prather and dau. of Thomas Sprigg, in her father's Will
written 9 May, 1704 received one third of a parcel of land containing 500
acres, the Manor of Collinton, on the side next to William Prather's where he
now lives.

Lyle Jane Prater (now Smith) mother of Col. Thomas Prather mentioned him in
her Will written 27 July, 1710

Martha Prather, widow of Thomas Prather, on 29 Apr., 1719 conveyed to her sons
Thomas, John, Phillip and Aaron Prather, when they are eighteen years old.
Thomas, John and phillip each received ten pounds sterling money and Aaron
received fourty pounds sterling money.

Martha Prater (now Yoakley), widow of Thomas Prater, conveyed to her John
Smith Prather on 28 Aug., 1729, a one third part of a tract of land, in Prince
George's Co., Md. called "Spriggs Request.

Thomas Prather was a Col. in the Frederick Militia and in most records is
referred to as Col. Thomas Prather.

Thomas Sprigg of Northampton - Thomas and Martha settled on the "Northampton
Plantation".
(Will of Thomas, Annapolis Will Book #13; Folio 379)

Thomas married Martha Spriggs 1698, Prince George Co., Maryland. Martha (daughter of Lt. Thomas Sprigg and Eleanor Nuthall) was born , ,Calvert, Md; died 13 Nov 1742, ,Charles, Md; was buried Bef 13 Nov 1742, ,Charles, Md. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 257
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

!Dudley Tatman's book gives her d.1742,She had 4 sons ,2 dau.All b.at Orphan's
Gift,Prince George Co.MD

She married Mr. Yoakley after the death of Thomas M. Prather.

Martha (Sprigg) Prather Yoakley Last Will & Testament:
Charles Co., MD. 13 Nov., 1742

Father: Lt. Thomas Sprigg, Lord of Northhampton Mannor.
Her parents were Thomas Sprigg and Eleanor Nuthall
Her second husband was Capt. Steven Yoakley of Charles Co., Md.
She was also related to Sir George Sprigg.
The Sprigg family were close friends of Thomas Prater (Prather) who was the
first Prater to come to America in 1622.

!Dudley Tatman's book gives her d.1742,She had 4 sons ,2 dau.All b.at Orphan's Gift,Prince George Co.MD