Research Trip Results: Crail

Although there was nothing that jumped out of the Crail information that was earth-shattering, there were bits and pieces that helped add to the story. I found two sources; one, the Pioneers of Pendleton Co. entry and a write-up on the Crails in the vertical family files drawer.

Pioneers had only two sentences on Thomas Crail Sr. One stating that he came from either Scotland or Northern Ireland in the 1700s; the other identifying his wife as Jane Wilson.

Info on Thomas Jr. was a little more detailed: early county pioneer, born about 1750 in Maryland, wife Elizabeth - probably Berry - born 1750-60, Elizabeth died after 1840 while living with son Wilson.

In 1795, Thomas owned 150 acres on the North Licking River in Campbell Co. [part that became Pendleton Co.] He died 23 Apr 1809 and was buried in the Thrasher Cemetery at Grassy Creek. His will named wife, Elizabeth, and children Absalom, Wilson, James, John and Elizabeth.

A brief sketch was given on each of the Crail children.

For James Berry Crail, it states he lived in Pendleton Co. until 1811, then moved to Indiana. Listed are children Thomas J., James B., Robert Ralston, Margaret C. and 3 other daughters and a son, unnamed.

James B. married Mary Ann Jones [1811 OH - 11 Aug 1887], who was buried in Indianapolis, lived in Shelby Co., IN

As I said, nothing really new, but supportive of other sources.

The article from the vertical file fleshed out Thomas Sr. a bit. He may have landed in Virginia in 1765, then on to Maryland and Pennsylvania. Jane Wilson was the daughter of a James Wilson of Chester Co., PA. Tentative list of children: Thomas Jr., John, William, Richard, Peter, James, Mary, Philip, Alice, Jane & Elizabeth.

A Thomas Crail appears as a freeman at London Derry, Chester Co., PA in 1767. Thomas Creal is recorded as a 4th class private in Captain Charles Reed's militia company for Chester Co. in 1781.

Thomas was in Allegheny Co. [formerly part of Washington Co.] PA in 1790 near John. He is on the tax roll in 1791. [A Thomas Crail also served in Washington Co. during the war, not mentioned here.] He was in Campbell Co., KY by 1795.

The 5 Crail children are named. Of special interest is James B[erry?] Crail. Born 1783 Pennsylvania, married Margaret Stuart. They lived in Cincinnati and in Shelby Co., IN.

This is the first record I have seen placing James in Ohio. If James Berry Crail Jr. was born in Ohio as stated by various family members, his parents had to be there for the event - well, at least his mother had to be there.