George Merriwether Prather

Other Events:

• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

George married Elizabeth A. Cocke 17 Oct 1856, Louisville, Ky.. Elizabeth was born 10 Feb 1833, Louisville, Ky.; died 23 Apr 1887, Oakland, Ca.; was buried , Mtn. View Cem.. [Group Sheet]

1. Nannie Prather was born , of Jefferson Co., Ky; died , Oakland, Ca.; was buried , Mtn. View Cem..
2. Edward Cocke Prather was born , Louisville, Ky.; died 09 Oct 1934, Oakland, Ca.; was buried , Mtn. View Cem..
3. Clarence Morton Prather was born 23 Jun 1856, of Jefferson Co., Ky; died 30 Jan 1939, Ca.; was buried , Evergreen Cem., Yreka, Ca..
4. Matilda Prather, Maytie was born 03 May 1870, Foxhill, Louisville, Jefferson Co., Ky.; died 09 Jun 1963, Oakland, Ca.; was buried , Mtn. View Cem..

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5.210.06
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Thomas married Elizabeth Cox 24 Feb 1818, of Louisville, Jefferson Co., Ky. Elizabeth (daughter of Richard Cox, II and Nancy Neville Hughes) was born 19 Jul 1794, ,Powhatan, Va; died 21 Jul 1864, ,Jefferson, Ky; was buried , Prather Cem, Fox Hill, Jefferson, Ky. [Group Sheet]

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 4.085.05
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

Basil's father was a Capt. in the Maryland Militia and a surveyor.
During the French and Indian War his father was one of the most conspicuous
commanders of the Maryland forces, becoming a Colonel in 1756, and Commander
in Chief of the Frederick Militia in 1763. After the formation of the new
Republic he served on the Committe of Observation. Basil, along with his
brothers, served in the colonial forces during this war.
Following the French and Indian War, Basil Prather was one of the very early
explorers into what was to become Kentucky. In 1775, in the company of his
nephew Thomas Prather and others, they explored the area near present
Springfield and Harrodsburg, Ky. where they staked out a claim of 3,000 acres.
Basil continued his explorations and land speculations until the outbreak of
the Revolution when he returned to Maryland in early 1776 and was commissioned
as Capt. in the Militia. [ "By the order of the Frederick County Committee of
Observation, Feb. 5, 1776 , BASIL PRATHER reccommended as Captain." ]
In the summer BASIL PRATHER and a friend and fellow explorer, Van Swearingen,
were commissioned in the Continental Army when the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment
was formed by Congress, 15 July, 1776. Van Swearengen was made Capt. and BASIL
PRATHER was made First Lieutenant. Their assignment was to protect the
frontier from British/Indian armies. On 23 Nov.,1776 the 8th PA. was ordered
"-to march, with all possible expedition, by the nearest route, to Brunswick
New Jersey, or to join Gen. Washington where ever he may be."
This was a grueling and ill-fated march in the deep of winter and the regiment
was greatly reduced, for at the end of it, the muster rolls reveals that out
of the original number of 684 men, "36 were prisoners of war; 14 missing;
51 dead; 126 deserted." There were also many wounded and all were suffering
the effects of combat and the terrible winter march. "Quibbletown, 28 Feb.,
1777 -"I desired the doctor by all means to visit them. They were raised about
the Ohio, and had traveled near 500 miles -- for 150 miles over the mountains,
never entering a house, but building fires and incamping in the snow."
"Considerable numbers have died. A Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel among the
dead----." The munster rolls list 10 Companies and Capt. Lt. BASIL PRATHER
was in command of one of them.
In the late summer of the 1777 Washington was preparing to defend against the
impending approach of Burgoyne's army when he formed the famed "Rangers" under
the command of his close friend Col. Daniel Morgan. This small unit was
originally conceived to be a force of picked riflemen to be used to combat the
Indian units under Burgoyne's command. Three companies were formed from all
the 8th Pennsylvania and detached from the reg. to Col. Morgan's command.
These three companies were commanded by BASIL PRATHER, Van Swearengin, and
John Hardin. It was this force that so decimated the British ranks in the
desperate fights at Freemans Farm, in the latter days of Sept. and early Oct.,
that the Continental Army had its first victory when Gen. Burgoyne surrendered
on Oct. 17th." These same companies were also with Morgan, and greatly
distingueshed themselves in the series of actions that resulted in the
surrender of Gen. Burgoyne at Saratoga."
BASIL PRATHER was also with these same companies when the 8th Penn.
was engaged in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown and spent the
winter of 1777/78 encamped with Gen. George Washington at Valley Forge.
On 5 Mar.,1778 the 8th was ordered to Pittsburgh and to once again engage in
the protection of the Western frontiers. During their march to Pittsburgh they
were engaged in actions against hostile indians and continued engagements with
hostiles around Pittsburgh.
BASIL PRATHER resigned form the 8th Pennsylvania and joined the forces of
Virginia which were engaged along the Ohio against the British and Indians.
He was placed under the command of Gen. George R. Clark.
BASIL PRATHER was made a Capt. of Virginia and in 1781 he was Adjutant Gen.
at Fort Nelson, the present site of Louisville, Ky.
Basil recieved many grants of land in Ky and Ind., some of which were as far
south as Hickman on the Mississippi. At the time his southern lands were in
Chickasaw country and his descendants could not take possession of these lands
until after 1830. The lands in Indiana were recorded: "To Basil Prather for
consideration of his Military Service from the Commissioners of the Illinois
Grant."
After the Revolution, Capt. Basil was engaged in the acquisition of land and
traveled between his fathers home in Maryland and his new home at the falls
of the Ohio (near Louisville). He also maintained a residence in Pennsylvania
on the Monongahela.
In 1789 Captain Prather met Frances Meriwether of Virginia at a ball given in
the fort at Jeffersonville, across the river from Louisville on the Ind. side.
She was much younger than he but they were married 26 Feb.,1789 in Louisville.
He then purchased the 300 acre tract on Beargrass Creek where he built a
large Mansion which was a louisville landmark for over 150 yrs.
Basil Prather was known for his hospitality and courteous demeanor.
On May of 1790 he was elected one of the Trustees of the Town of Louisville.
He died in 1803. He was a man of connanding character and ability.
Records state:"He was an exceedingly handsome man of 6 ft. 3 in. tall, finely
proportioned, almost the ideal soldier."
Basil served as a patriot throughout the war, declining any pay for his
services.
His estate was administered by Basil's half brother Capt. Thomas Prather.
Thomas became one of the most prominent business and social leaders of Ky.
He founded the old Bank of Ky. and was the first president of it.
It is said that he was Kentuckey's first millionaire and his home stood on old
"Prather Square" in down town Louisville.
Basils son was also named Thomas and he served as a soldier in the war of
1812 and fought under General Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans.
He lived out his life at Louisville in his fathers home.
The home had 3 floors with 18 rooms on the first two floors and the third
floor was a Ballroom. No room had less than 22 sq. feet. The ceilings were
14 feet high. It also had very spacious cellars. It burned in 1944.
Basils home was called "Fox Hill" and it required 14 servants when Basil lived
there. The old home has been rebuilt and is a historial landmark.
It is now part of Creation Park and known as the Ben Collings Mansion.
(Ben Collings owned and rebuilt the "Fox Hill Mansion" after it burned-1944)
(RESEARCHED BY THE HISTORICAL SOC. OF LOUISVILLE, KY.)
(taken from their files by: Gary Benton Prather)

William married Frances Meriweather, Fanny 26 Feb 1789, Louisville, Jefferson Co., Ky.. Frances (daughter of George Merriwether and Martha Merriwether) was born 15 Aug 1770, ,,Va; died 24 Feb 1850, Fox Hill, Jefferson, Ky; was buried , Prather Cem, Jefferson, Ky. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Occupation: Known as "Capt."Basil
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

!No issue with 2nd m.

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Richard married Nancy Neville Hughes Abt 1793, of, Powhatan, Va. Nancy was born Abt 1772, of, Jefferson, Ky. [Group Sheet]

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

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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 Elizabeth Clagett 10 Jun 1725, "Weston", Prince Georges C, Md. Elizabeth (daughter of Thomas Clagett, Capt II and Mary Keene) was born 1707, Weston, Prince George, Md; died Bef 1754, Conecocheague M, Frederick, Md. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: 19K3-LN2
• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

The following is the reported descendancy of the Elizabet Clagget family
as to how they are related back to King John of England.

Capt. Thomas Clagett & Mary Keene =
Mary Gorsuch
Richard Gorsuch
Anne Lovelace
Anne Barne
Anne Sandys
"Most Reverand" Edwin Sandys
Margaret Dixon (of London)
Anne Roos
Anne Thornborough
Rowland Thornborough
William Thornborough
Eleanor Kisgrave
Sir Richard Misgrave
Lady Joan Dacre
Lady Joan Douglas
Mareret (Countess of Mar.)
Donald (Earl of Mar.)
Gratney (Earl of Mar.)
Princess Eleanor of N. Waleem
Lady Eleanor
Princess Eleanor - daughter of Isabelle and King John
Isabelle Taillefer of angouleme, wife of King John of England.

King John of England went to the Throne in 1199 and ruled to 1216.

Claggett of Houghton, County Cambridge, England, assumed in 1104 the
Coat-of-Arms since born by the family.
Robert Claggett b. 1490 at Walling, Kent Co., England. The name of wife
unknown. His son Richard Claggett b. 1525 m a Gouder, daughter of Sirr Robert
Gouder. His son George Claggett b. 1570 was Mayor of Canterbury three times
(1609,1622,1632) Name of wife unknown. His son Col. Edward Claggett b. 1605/7
m. Margaret Adams daughter of Sir Thomas adams, Mayor of London. Sir Edward
Claggett was an ardent loyalist, he held a commission in the army of Charles
I, was imprisoned in the Tower of London by the Puritans. His son Col. Thomas
Claggett Sr. m. in England before 1635, emigrated to Maryland 1670, D. Salver
Co., Md. 1703. Lord of Godlington Manor, Kent Co., England. He m. Mrs Mary
Winter Hooper, widow of Richard Hooper, Salver Co., Md. His son Capt. Thomas
Claggett Jr. m. Marry Keen. she d. 1759. He was b. 1678 d. 1732. He lived at
Prince George Co., Md. Their daughter Elizabeth Claggett m. Thomas Prather
son of Col. Thomas Prather & Martha (Sprigg) Prather.

Other Events:

• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

George married Martha Merriwether Abt 1769, of, , Va. Martha was born Abt 1748, of, , Va. [Group Sheet]

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• Record Change: 12 Apr 2009

Notes:

!She was cousin of her husband