Thomas Crail, the possible immigrant

 1.  Thomas Crail¹ was born about 1695 in Scotland. He died about 1765 at the age of 70 in Maryland. The research on the Crail family has been difficult due to the lack of documentation tying James B. Crail, father of Sylvester, John, and Aaron, to a set of parents. Several on-line family trees have offered the Crail genealogy with assorted links to one or more of the brothers and adding a fourth brother, George. These trees have also contained incorrect links for Harry E. Crail [James, Aaron, James] and other inconsistencies. It would appear that there is indeed a familial link between Geoege and the three previously documented brothers. The Crails in Indianapolis during the early 20th century lived within a few blocks of each other. That being the case, the following lineage would appear to be correct. Census and other records link James Berry Crail, Sr. to these recorded ancestors. By association, Aaron, his brothers and parents are part of that lineage.

At least one report ["Descendants of John Creel": report e-mailed to author by Robert Crail, 12 January 2000] has begun with a John Creel as the immigrant ancestor of the Crail family. Creel was born about 1656 in England and married a woman named Anne before 1676. Anne died after May 1727. Creel emigrated before 1685 [whether to Scotland or the British Colonies is not stated] and died in May 1720 [will probated 18 May 1720] in Northumberland Co., Virginia.

John's son Thomas was born in Scotland in 1720, but came from Ireland. The Crail surname was credited with a Welsh origin, but could have been Scottish or Irish.

Confusion over Thomas' birthplace aside, there are too many inconsistencies for John Creel to have been the father of Thomas. There was a gap of 64 years between the births of the alledged father and son. Thomas was born in Great Britain the year John died in Virginia. John and Anne were married at least 44 years before Thomas was born. Even if Anne was, say, 15 when the couple married, she would have been at least 59 at the time of the child's birth. All of these point to a nearly impossible scenario. This information has since been dismiss by its submitter.
Thomas and Hannah [Kenner] Crail, both natives of Scotland probably arrived in the Colonies during the 1730s. It is possible that they arrived or settled in Virginia, but Maryland seems more likely. The couple had at least one son, Thomas, born about 1720 in Scotland.

St. Johns, Maryland was given as the residence of the Crails. That was most likely a township or parish in either Harford or Frederick Counties where the Crails resided.

Thomas Crail and Hannah Kenner were married before 1720 in Scotland.¹ Hannah Kenner was born about 1700 in Scotland.¹ She died about 1750 at the age of 50 in Maryland.¹

 

Thomas Crail and Hannah Kenner had the following child:

 

2 i. Thomas Crail Sr., born abt 1720, Scotland; married Jane Wilson, abt 1742, Maryland; died abt 1790, Harford Co., Maryland.

 

 

Thomas Crail Sr. & Jane Wilson

First Generation

 

1.  Thomas Crail Sr.¹ was born about 1720 in Scotland.¹ He died about 1790 at the age of 70 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ Thomas was probably born in Scotland, although Northern Ireland. He is believed to be the only known child of Thomas and Hannah [Kenner] Crail. He and his wife, Jane, had eleven children. The family resided, for the most part, in Harford Co., Maryland - where Thomas died about 1790.

Thomas Crail Sr. and Jane Wilson² were married about 1742 in Maryland.¹ estimate based on birth of eldest child Jane Wilson^1,3, daughter of James Wilson, was born about 1724 in Chester Co., Pennsylvania, British America.^1,3 She died in Maryland Or Chester Co., Pennsylvania, British North America.¹ There has been considerable debate among Crail researchers as to Jane's Christian name. Jane, Anne, Elizabeth, Elizabeth Jane and Elizabeth Anne have all appeared in various compilations. Likewise, her birthplace has been given as Chester Co., PA, Chester, Delaware Co., PA, Eastern Pennsylvania and, safely, Pennsylvania.

Three possible places of death have been given for Elizabeth, Harford Co., Maryland, Chester, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania and Richmond, Chesterfield Co., Virginia. There is no evidence of any of the children migrating to the Richmond area. She could easily have moved in with one of her children who remained in Harford Co.  

Ted Nelson McGill offeres the following explaination: [Thomas Crail's] wife's name was JANE WILSON, said by Owens* to have been "of Eastern Pennsylvania." She seems to have been the daughter of JAMES WILSON of Chester Co., PA, although which James Wilson is still unclear."

(* J. Adolphus Owens, author of "Anywhere I Wander I Find Facts and Legends Relating to the Creel Family.")

 

Thomas Crail and Jane Wilson had the following children:

 

2 i. Thomas Crail Jr., born abt 1743, Frederick Co., Maryland; married Elizabeth Berry \ Barry, abt 1773, Maryland; died 23 Apr 1809, Pendleton Co., Kentucky.

3 ii. John Boggs Crail, born 3 May 1745, Harford Co., Maryland; married Althea Erwin Body, abt 1778, Beaver Co., Pennsylvania; died 3 Apr 1839, Racoon, Beaver Co., Pennsylvania.

iii. James Crail was born about 1747 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹

4 iv. Mary Crail, born abt 1749, Harford Co., Maryland; married John Howard, 16 Nov 1778, Frederick Co., Maryland.

5 v. Phillip Crail, born abt 1750, Harford Co., Maryland; married Margaret Hill Spencer, abt 1772, Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland; died 1 0ct 1793, Harford Co., Maryland.

6 vi. Richard A. Crail, born abt 1751, Harford Co., Maryland; married Eva Livingston, 1778, Frederick Co., Maryland; married Anne Brashear; died abt 1824, Buffalo, Hardin Co., Kentucky.

vii. Jane Crail was born about 1751 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹

viii. Elizabeth Crail was born about 1753 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹

7 ix. William Crail Sr., born abt 1755, Harford Co., Maryland; married Mary Lewis, 13 Jun 1785, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frederick, Frederick Co., Maryland; died probably Campbell Co., Kentucky.

x. Peter Crail¹ was born about 1756 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ Peter signed the Oath of Fidelity to Maryland in Frederick Co. in 1777; listed as Peter Crall. He served with the Frederick Co. militia from 12 September 1775 until 24 October 1776. Peter was listed on the 1790 census for Frederick Co., Maryland.

xi. Alice Crail was born about 1758 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹

 

 

Second Generation

 

 

2.  Thomas Crail Jr.^1–2 (Thomas-1) was born about 1743 in Frederick Co., Maryland.^1–2 He died on 23 Apr 1809 at the age of 66 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.^1–2 Thomas Crail, Jr. was reportedly born in Frederick Co., Maryland. Most of the references to the family around the time of his birth seem to be based in Harford County, so it is possible that he was born there. Perhaps his parents were living in Frederick Co. in 1743 and then settled in Harford Co. by 1745.

Thomas was made a freeman in London Derry, Chester Co., PA in 1767. Crail married about 1773 to Elizabeth Berry, probably in Maryland. Thomas Crail was a private 4th class in Captain Charles Reed's 2nd Company in Lt. Col. John Marshal's 4th Battalion in Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Thomas was living near brother John in Beaver Co. [later Allegheny Co.], Pennsylvania in 1790. He was on the Allegheny Tav list for 1791.

By 1795 he was on the Campbell Co., Kentucky tax list showing 1 adult male, 2 males 16 and older, 2 horses, and 4 cattle. The 1796 Campbell Co. tax list showed 2 adult males, 2 males over 16, 1 horse, and 6 cattle.

John Grant [Grant's Lick named in his honor] sold, by agreement, an unrecorded 150 acres one the North Licking River to Thomas Crail on 14 April 1797. This land became part of Pendleton County in 1798. According to letters from E.E. Barton to local families, the Crails were among the early settlers of Pendleton County.

On 18 September 1799, Crail bought household items from the estate of Peter Horn. His name appeared on the 1801-1808 Pendleton Co. tax lists with 150 acres of land.

Thomas Crail's will was dated 10 April 1809 and probated on 15 May 1809. The will named wife Elizabeth, sons Wilson, Absalom, James and John, and daughter Elizabeth Downing. Also named are Elizabeth's husband, Edward, and children Eliza, Sally, Elizabeth, and Polly. John was to receive $1 from the estate unless he returned a power of attorney  and deed for 336 acres near Chillicothe, Ross Co., OH. Thomas died on 23 April 1809.

Wilson Crail, executor and heir, petitioned the court to legalize the 1797 deed agreement [Pendleton Co. Deed Book C3]. An appraisement of the estate was entered on 17 June 1809. The inventory was made by Stephen Mullins, John Boyle and Pope Williams. Elizabeth's name appeared on the tax lists for 1809-10 with 150 acres.

Thomas was buried in the Thrasher Cemetery.

Thomas Crail Jr. and Elizabeth Berry \ Barry^2,4–6 were married about 1773 in Maryland.^2,7 Elizabeth Berry \ Barry² was born about 1750 in Maryland.^1–2 She died after 1840 at the age of 90 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.^1–2 [Desc. of John Creel]

 

Thomas Crail and Elizabeth Berry \ Barry had the following children:

 

8 i. John Crail, born abt 1775, Maryland; married Rachel Stephens, 25 Oct 1799, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; married Sarah Webb, 11 Apr 1800, Campbell Co., Kentucky; died ca 1816, Campbell Co., Kentucky, United States.

9 ii. Wilson Crail, born abt 1776, Maryland; married Mary Purdy, 2 Jan 1800, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; died abt 1849, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.

10 iii. Absalom Crail, born abt 1779, Maryland; married Lydia Tate, 31 May 1804, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; died bet 1860 and 1870, probably Des Moines Twp., Vav Buren Co., Iowa [possibly Scotland Co., Kansas].

11 iv. Elizabeth Crail, born abt 1781, Maryland or Pennsylvania; married Edward Downing, 5 Sep 1799, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; died abt 1837, probably Pendleton Co., Kentucky.

12 v. James Berry Crail Sr., born 24 Dec 1783, Patton, Washington Co., Pennsylvania; married Margaret Stewart, abt 1807, Probably Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; died bet 1860 and 1870, Bartholomew Co., Indiana.

 

3.  John Boggs Crail⁸ (Thomas-1) was born on 3 May 1745 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ He died on 3 Apr 1839 at the age of 93 in Racoon, Beaver Co., Pennsylvania.¹ John Boggs Crail was a veteran of the Revolutionary War . He enlisted in June 1776 at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania serving two years in Captain Waggoner's Company, 12th Virginia Regiment commanded by Colonel Woods. He fought at Brandywine and was at Valley Forge. It appears that he was discharged before the army left its winter encampment there.

He received his pension on 28 August 1829 while residing in Beaver Co., Pennsylvania; aged 83 years and 11 months.

John Boggs Crail and Althea Erwin Body were married about 1778 in Beaver Co., Pennsylvania.^1,8 Althea Erwin Body¹ was born (date unknown).

 

4.  Mary Crail (Thomas-1) was born about 1749 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹

Mary Crail and John Howard were married on 16 Nov 1778 in Frederick Co., Maryland.¹ John Howard¹ was born (date unknown).

 

5.  Phillip Crail¹ (Thomas-1) was born about 1750 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ He died 1 0ct 1793 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ Phillip Crail's name appeared on the Deer Creek Hundred tax list for 1775-1776. He enlisted as a private in Captain Alexander Ribon's company #12 of the Harford Co. militia on 2 December 1775. Phillip resided in the town of Bush and was a school master. Phillip died from a copperhead bite shortly before the birth of his youngest son, Joseph.

Phillip Crail and Margaret Hill Spencer were married about 1772 in Baltimore, Baltimore Co., Maryland.¹ Margaret Hill Spencer was born on 2 Jan 1750/1 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ [Desc. of John Creel] She died on 26 Dec 1840 at the age of 89 in Scioto Co., Ohio.¹ [Desc. of John Creel]

  

6.  Richard A. Crail¹ (Thomas-1) was born about 1751 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ He died about 1824 at the age of 73 in Buffalo, Hardin Co., Kentucky.¹ Richard A. Crail signed the Oath of Fidelity at Frederick Co., Maryland in 1777. He evidently moved to Washington Co., Pennsylvania during the war and served in the Pennsylvania militia.

Brothers Thomas and John also resided in Washington Co., Pennsylvania.

The Crail farm in Kentucky was located about 2½ miles from Hodgenville [then Hardin Co., now LaRue Co.] Richard was renting land to Thomas Lincoln at the time of future president Abraham's birth. Richard was listed as a neighbor to the Lincolns in the Mather Papers [Hodgenville Public Library]. The Crail home supposedly stood at the entrance to the present-day Lincoln Shrine. [Desc. of John Creel]

Richard A. Crail and Eva Livingston were married in 1778 in Frederick Co., Maryland.¹ Eva Livingston¹ was born (date unknown).

 

Richard A. Crail and Anne Brashear were married.¹ Anne Brashear¹ was born (date unknown).

 

7.  William Crail Sr.¹ (Thomas-1) was born about 1755 in Harford Co., Maryland.¹ He died in probably Campbell Co., Kentucky.¹ William served with the 5th Company of the 3rd Maryland Regiment from 19 July 1776 until 15 November 1783. He received a Maryland Federal Land Grant of 100 acres on 11 January 1790. [BLW #11068] William Crail moved to Campbell Co., Kentucky before 1830.

William Crail Sr. and Mary Lewis were married on 13 Jun 1785 in Evangelical Lutheran Church, Frederick, Frederick Co., Maryland.¹ Mary Lewis¹ was born (date unknown).

 

Sources:

1. Robert Crail;  Register Report for Thomas Crail [1695 - 1765] , e-mail to Terry D. Prall, 15 June 2008.

        2. "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 24 February 2011, Terry D. Prall ([address for private use] Avon, IN) to ([address for private use]), 1; held by author, [address for private use].

        3. Ted Nelson McGill, "The Crail Family," 2; NA, Pendleton Co. Library, Falmouth, KY.

        4. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 2-3.

        5. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 4.

        6. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 8.

        7. Mel Lett, "William Lett marrys Sarah E. Crail - 1854 - KY," e-mail message to Lett Family GenForum, 25 January 2003.

        8. John Boggs Crail File (private, Capt. Waggoner's Co., 12th Virginia Regt.), Revolutionary War Pensions, LDS/FHL microfilm  (Washington, D.C.: NARA), roll 970678

Thomas Crail Jr. & Elizabeth Berry

 Working backwards from children to parents, it is now time to present the parents of John, Wilson, Absalom, James B. & Elizabeth.

 

1.  Thomas Crail Jr.^1–2 was born about 1743 in Frederick Co., Maryland.^1–2 He died on 23 Apr 1809 at the age of 66 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.^1–2 Thomas Crail, Jr. was reportedly born in Frederick Co., Maryland. Most of the references to the family around the time of his birth seem to be based in Harford County, so it is possible that he was born there. Perhaps his parents were living in Frederick Co. in 1743 and then settled in Harford Co. by 1745.

Thomas was made a freeman in London Derry, Chester Co., PA in 1767. Crail married about 1773 to Elizabeth Berry, probably in Maryland. Thomas Crail was a private 4th class in Captain Charles Reed's 2nd Company in Lt. Col. John Marshal's 4th Battalion in Washington Co., Pennsylvania. Thomas was living near brother John in Beaver Co. [later Allegheny Co.], Pennsylvania in 1790. He was on the Allegheny Tav list for 1791.

By 1795 he was on the Campbell Co., Kentucky tax list showing 1 adult male, 2 males 16 and older, 2 horses, and 4 cattle. The 1796 Campbell Co. tax list showed 2 adult males, 2 males over 16, 1 horse, and 6 cattle.

John Grant [Grant's Lick named in his honor] sold, by agreement, an unrecorded 150 acres one the North Licking River to Thomas Crail on 14 April 1797. This land became part of Pendleton County in 1798. According to letters from E.E. Barton to local families, the Crails were among the early settlers of Pendleton County.

On 18 September 1799, Crail bought household items from the estate of Peter Horn. His name appeared on the 1801-1808 Pendleton Co. tax lists with 150 acres of land.

Thomas Crail's will was dated 10 April 1809 and probated on 15 May 1809. The will named wife Elizabeth, sons Wilson, Absalom, James and John, and daughter Elizabeth Downing. Also named are Elizabeth's husband, Edward, and children Eliza, Sally, Elizabeth, and Polly. John was to receive $1 from the estate unless he returned a power of attorney  and deed for 336 acres near Chillicothe, Ross Co., OH. Thomas died on 23 April 1809.

Wilson Crail, executor and heir, petitioned the court to legalize the 1797 deed agreement [Pendleton Co. Deed Book C3]. An appraisement of the estate was entered on 17 June 1809. The inventory was made by Stephen Mullins, John Boyle and Pope Williams. Elizabeth's name appeared on the tax lists for 1809-10 with 150 acres.

Thomas was buried in the Thrasher Cemetery.

Thomas Crail Jr. and Elizabeth Berry \ Barry^2–5 were married about 1773 in Maryland.^2,6 Elizabeth Berry \ Barry² was born about 1750 in Maryland.^1–2 She died after 1840 at the age of 90 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.^1–2 [Desc. of John Creel]

 

Thomas Crail and Elizabeth Berry \ Barry had the following children:

 

2 i. John Crail, born abt 1775, Maryland; married Rachel Stephens, 25 Oct 1799, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; married Sarah Webb, 11 Apr 1800, Campbell Co., Kentucky; died ca 1816, Campbell Co., Kentucky, United States.

3 ii. Wilson Crail, born abt 1776, Maryland; married Mary Purdy, 2 Jan 1800, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; died abt 1849, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.

4 iii. Absalom Crail, born abt 1779, Maryland; married Lydia Tate, 31 May 1804, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; died bet 1860 and 1870, probably Des Moines Twp., Vav Buren Co., Iowa [possibly Scotland Co., Kansas].

5 iv. Elizabeth Crail, born abt 1781, Maryland or Pennsylvania; married Edward Downing, 5 Sep 1799, Pendleton Co., Kentucky; died abt 1837, probably Pendleton Co., Kentucky.

6 v. James Berry Crail Sr., born 24 Dec 1783, Patton, Washington Co., Pennsylvania; married Margaret Stewart, abt 1807, Probably Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; died bet 1860 and 1870, Bartholomew Co., Indiana.

 

Sources:

1. Robert Crail;  Register Report for Thomas Crail [1695 - 1765] , e-mail to Terry D. Prall, 15 June 2008.

        2. "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 24 February 2011, Terry D. Prall ([address for private use] Avon, IN) to ([address for private use]), 1; held by author, [address for private use].

        3. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 2-3.

        4. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 4.

        5. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 8.

        6. Mel Lett, "William Lett marrys Sarah E. Crail - 1854 - KY," e-mail message to Lett Family GenForum, 25 January 2003

Siblings of James B. Crail, Sr.: Elizabeth Crail

 

1.  Elizabeth Crail¹ was born about 1781 in Maryland or Pennsylvania.¹ She died about 1837 at the age of 56 in probably Pendleton Co., Kentucky.¹ Elizabeth's four daughters were identified in her father's will. They were Mary L. "Polly", Elizabeth, Sarah Ann "Saryann", and Eliza.

Elizabeth Crail and Edward Downing were married on 5 Sep 1799 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.¹ Edward Downing was born on 22 Apr 1750 in Northumberland Co., Virginia.¹

 

Sources:

1. Robert Crail;  Register Report for Thomas Crail [1695 - 1765] , e-mail to Terry D. Prall, 15 June 2008.

Siblings of James B. Crail, Sr.: Absalom Crail

1.  Absalom Crail^1–2 was born about 1779 in Maryland.^1–2 He died between 1860 and 1870 at the age of 81 in probably Des Moines Twp., Vav Buren Co., Iowa [possibly Scotland Co., Kansas].^1–2 Absalom was the third son of Thomas and Elizabeth [Berry] Crail. He was born in Maryland and joined the family migration to Indiana. Absalom later moved to Iowa with his son George, who served in the Civil War.

Absalom married Lydia Tate on 31 May 1804 in Pendleton Co., KY. Crail had moved to Campbell Co. by 1807. He relocated to Whitewater Twp., Hamilton Co., OH during the late 1820s. Absalom was taxed there in 1830, 1833, 1834 and 1836. The next move was to Shelby Co., IN, where several members of the extended Crail family had settled.  Absalom resided in Liberty and Hendricks Townships into the 1850s.

Although the Crail Register Report gives his death as 1880 in Hendricks Twp., Shelby Co., Indiana, Absalom last appears in the census in 1860 in Des Moines Twp., Van Buren Co., Iowa. He is shown living in the hosehold of his son George. Absalom was aged 80 and blind. [M653_342, p. 56, 25 June 1860]. It would appear that Absalom died between 1860 and 1870. He does not appear on any later census.

Absalom's wife Lydia appears do have died before 1860. She was listed as being 68 on the 1850 Hendricks Twp., Shelby Co., Indiana Census. [M432_172, p. 217]

There are numerous conflicting lists of children for Absalom and Lydia. The following is a best guess: William S. [c1805], Thomas [c1806], Daughter [c1808], Daughter [c1809], Daughter [c1813], Milton [c1822], George B. [1825].

Absalom Crail and Lydia "Polly" Tate² were married on 31 May 1804 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.^1–2 Lydia "Polly" Tate², daughter of John Ventile Tate and Elizabeth Holiday Parkeson, was born about 1781 in New Jersey.^1–2 She died before 1860 at the age of 79 in Indiana or Iowa.^1–2

 

Absalom Crail and Lydia Tate had the following children:

 

2 i. William S. Crail, born ca 1805, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Abigail Taylor, 12 Oct 1830, Washington Co., Indiana, United States; married Mary Ann/Jane Morse?, 12 Oct 1860, Clark Co., Illinois, United States; died ca 1878/9, Clark Co., Illinois, United States.

3 ii. Thomas Crail, born ca 1806, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Ann Cleaver or Clausing, ca 1826, Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States; died 1852, Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States.

4 iii. George B. Crail, born Apr 1825, Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States; married Margaret Jane Stevens, 17 Jul 1825, Decatur Co., Indiana, United States; died 1909, Eureka, Greenwood, Kansas, United States.

 

 

Second Generation

 

2.  William S. Crail³ (Absalom-1) was born circa 1805 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.³ He died circa 1878/9 at the age of 74 in Clark Co., Illinois, United States.³ William was born about 1805 in Pendleton Co., KY. He married twice. His first wife was Abigail Taylor, whom he married on 12 Oct 1830 in Washington Co., IN. They had the following children: Jason F. [c1832] and Sally Ann [c1836] (born in Hamilton Co., OH), Rosana [c1839], Polly [c1842], Lydia Ann [c1843], William A. [c1845], Joseph R. [c1847] (born in Shelby Co., IN), Abigail P. [c1849], Milton G. [c1851] (born in Brown Co., IN). Abigail died during the 1850s, possibly in childbirth with Milton.

By 1860, William had moved his family to Clark Co., IL. He married for the second time to Mary Ann Myers on 12 Oct 1860. She was probably the Mary Ann Morse who had married Henry Myers in Fulton Co., IL on 22 Feb 1855. Mary brought a 4 year old son, John W. Myers into the marriage. William and Mary had: Lucinda [c1866], Ellen [c1869], Rachel A. [c1870], Analiza [c1874] and George H. [c1878].

William died in 1878 or 1879.

William S. Crail and Abigail Taylor³ were married on 12 Oct 1830 in Washington Co., Indiana, United States.³ Abigail Taylor³ was born circa 1809 in Massachusetts.³ She died before 1860 at the age of 51 in prob Indiana.³

 

William S. Crail and Mary Ann/Jane Morse?³ were married on 12 Oct 1860 in Clark Co., Illinois, United States.³ Mary Ann/Jane Morse?³ was born circa 1836 in Indiana.³

  

3.  Thomas Crail⁴ (Absalom-1) was born circa 1806 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁴ He died in 1852 at the age of 46 in Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States.⁴ The following information is asmuch speculative as factual. This is believed to be Thomas, son of Absalom and Lydia.
Thomas was born in Pendleton Co., KY about 1806. He went to Cincinnati with his family during the 1820s and married about 1826 to Ann. Her maiden name may have been Cleaver. Thomas appeared on the 1830 census for Whitewater Twp. and the tax lists for 1833 and 1834. There were five children born to Thomas and Ann. Only Absalom [c1828] and Sarah [c1843] have been identified in the 1850 Census. Chances are that a son and daughter born 1831-35 and a son born 1835-39 died young. Thomas died about 1852 in Hamilton Co.

Ann was living with son, Absalom in Whitewater Twp. in 1860. She was residing with Elisha Cleaver [33] and Margaret Cleaver [75] in that same township in 1870. Elisha's parents were William Cleaver and Margaret Clausing according to his marriage record. Ann may have been sister to either William or Margaret.

Thomas Crail and Ann Cleaver or Clausing⁴ were married circa 1826 in Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States.⁴ Ann Cleaver or Clausing⁴ was born circa 1804 in Pennsylvania.⁴ She died after 1870 at the age of 66 in Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States.⁴

  

4.  George B. Crail⁵ (Absalom-1) was born in Apr 1825 in Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States.⁵ He died in 1909 at the age of 84 in Eureka, Greenwood, Kansas, United States.⁵ George was the youngest of the Crail children, born in Hamilton Co., OH in 1825. He married Margaret Jane Stevens  on 17 July 1845 in Decatur Co., IN. George was enumerated in Shelby Co., IN in 1850, but headed west about 1855. The family settled in Des Moines Twp., Van Buren, Iowa in 1860.
George became a Methodist minister.

George enlisted  in the Union Army on 8 Aug 1862. He served with Co. H, 19th Iowa Infantry from 21 Aug 1862 until 9 Dec 1862. George was granted an invalid pension on 3 Aug 1868.

The Crails had moved to Johnson, Scotland Co., MO by 1870, probably by 1864 as a son, James was born in Missouri that year. By 1880 the family had relocated to Otter Creek Twp., Greenwood Co., Kansas.

George died there, probably in January or February of 1909, as Margaret was granted a widow's pension on 25 Feb 1909. Margaret was living with son Henry in Blaine Co., OK in 1910.

Qeorge and Margaret had 15 children according to the 1900 census with 11 still living. The following have been identified through census records:
Thomas [c1846], Lydia [c1848], Phebe [Oct 1849], Benjamin Franklin [c1854] (born in Shelby Co., IN), William [c1856], Loretta or Susette [c1859] (b. Missouri), Henry Wager [30 Jun 1862 Clark Co., MO], James L. [c1864 MO], Elmer James [c1869 MO].

George B. Crail and Margaret Jane Stevens⁵ were married on 17 Jul 1825 in Decatur Co., Indiana, United States.⁵ Margaret Jane Stevens⁵ was born circa 1828 in Indiana.⁵ She died after 1910 at the age of 82 in Prob Blaine Co., Oklahoma, United States.⁵

 

Sources:

1. Robert Crail;  Register Report for Thomas Crail [1695 - 1765] , e-mail to Terry D. Prall, 15 June 2008.

        2. "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 24 February 2011, Terry D. Prall ([address for private use] Avon, IN) to ([address for private use]), 8; held by author, [address for private use].

        3. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 8-9.

        4. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 9-10.

        5. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 10-11.

Siblings of James B. Crail, Sr.: Wilson Crail

 

1.  Wilson Crail^1–2 was born about 1776 in Maryland.^1–2 He died about 1849 at the age of 73 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.^1–2 Wilson's birth place was given as Allegheny Co., Maryland, however the county was not officially formed until 1789. It had been part of Prince Georges Co. [Wikipedia: Allegheny Co., MD]

On 2 January 1800 in Pendleton Co., KY he married Mary "Polly" Purdy. Wilson was on the 1800 Penleton tax list and the 3 Feb and 7 Dec delinquent tax lists for that county.

The next seven years were fruitful for Wilson and Polly as five children joined the family. Lilburn [28 Dec 1800 or 1801], Sarah [1802], Samuel Purdy [1803], Greenberry [1804] and Milton [1808].

He was named as an heir and executor of his father's will in 1809.

From 1811-1820, Wilson owned land on Grassy Creek in Pendleton Co., KY. Wilson sold 100 acres on Licking Creek to Samuel Purdy Jr. on 11 Jan 1814. He had moved to Campbell Co. in Nov 1812, but was recorded in the 1820 Census for Falmouth, Pendleton Co., KY.

Wilson was living in Cincinnati on 26 June 1827, when he purchased 94 acres on the Licking River in Pendleton Co., KY. [The deed wasn't recorded until 11 Sep 1849.] Crail operated a boarding house on Front St. with sons Greenbury and Lilburn in 1829 and was operating a coffee house in Cincinnati in 1831. The boys resided in Cincinnati for a time. Tax lists showed Greenberry [1834], Lilburn [1834, 1835, 1836], Milton [1836/7]. Their father was back in Pendleton Co. in 1833 and 1835.

Wilson sold 200 acres on the Licking River in Pendleton Co. on 17 Sep 1849. Polly may have already passed at the time of the sale. Wilson died shortly thereafter, possibly late December. They were buried in the Purdy Cemetery, but later reinterred in Riverside Cemetery after a railroad right of way claimed the burial site,

According to family lore, Mary Purdy and two brothers were captured by Indians and lived among them for some time. They were rescued by Daniel Boone, who redeemed them for 10 bushels of corn. Another version of the story has Mary's two brothers being killed, with Mary and a sister captured. The sister chose to remain with the Indians. The raid took place either in Pennsylvania or near Blue Licks, Kentucky. All were killed except two boys and "a girl or so." Mary's mother was scalped, but survived. The incident took place in Pennsylvania or near Blue Licks, KY.

Wilson Crail and Mary "Polly" Purdy^2–5 were married on 2 Jan 1800 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky.^1–2 Mary "Polly" Purdy² was born about 1780 in Pennsylvania.^1–2 She died circa 1849 at the age of 69 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.^1–2

 

Wilson Crail and Mary Purdy had the following children:

 

2 i. Lilburn Crail, born 28 Dec 1800, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Henrietta Stevens/Stephens, 25 Mar 1824, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Sarah Elizabeth Dean, ca 1834, Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States; died 12 Mar 1883, Effingham, Effingham, Illinois, United States.

3 ii. Samuel Purdy Crail, born 3 Apr 1803, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Sarah Fisher, 3 Apr 1828, Campbell Co., Kentucky, United States; died 8 Sep 1855, Shelby Co., Indiana, United States.

4 iii. Greenberry Crail, born 2 Nov 1804, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Hammiel Ann [Crail], ca 1830, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States; died 25 Dec 1894, Amador Co., California, United States.

5 iv. Milton Crail, born ca 1808, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married Mary B. Fitten/Fitton, ca 1831, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States; died ca 1859, Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States.

v. Nicholas Crail⁶ was born circa 1810 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁶ He died before 1850 at the age of 40 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States.⁶ There is very little information available on Nicholas. He was enumerated in the 1840 Census for Cincinnati Ward 4, Hamilton Co., OH. The household included 2 males under 5, 1 male 5-9, 1 male 30-39 and 1 female 30-39.  Nicholas evidently died before 1850.

6 vi. Sarah Crail, born ca 1815, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; married John George Riddle, 11 Mar 1838, Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States; died aft 1885, Central City, Gilpin, Colorado, United States.

 

 

Second Generation

  

2.  Lilburn Crail (Wilson-1) was born on 28 Dec 1800 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States. He died on 12 Mar 1883 at the age of 82 in Effingham, Effingham, Illinois, United States. Lilburn was the eldest of Wilson and Polly's children. Crail married Henrietta Stephens in March 1824. Henrietta probably died in childbirth about 1826. He was with the family in Cincinnati during the late 1820s and 1830s. Lilburn was a carpenter, buggy maker, cooper and later a farmer. He moved back to Pendleton Co. by 1840. With him was a second wife, Sarah Elizabeth Dean, whom he married about 1834 in Cincinnati.

Lilburn and Sarah had nine children: DeWitt Clinton [c1832], Sarah Elizabeth [5 May 1835], Mary Jane "Molly" [28 July 1836], Lilburn M. [C1838], Pendleton G. [c1841], Henrietta [6 Apr 1843], Malhala or Hammiel Ann [c1846], Frances B. [1 Jun 1849], Virginia
M. "Jennie" and America D. [18 Dec 1853].

DeWitt C., Lilburn M. and Pendleton served with Union forces in the Civil War. DeWitt and Pendleton was killed in action. Lilburn survived the conflict.
America died on 26 June 1854.

While residing in Kentucky, Lilburn enjoyed making musical instruments, including dulcimers. He and the children would go back to Cincinnati to sell them. They would give concerts on the street corners and then sell the dulcimers.

The Crails were farming near Gardnersville in 1860. By 1862, they had packed up and moved to a farm near Newton in Wade Twp., Jasper Co., IL.

A notice in the Newton Press from 6 March 1874 noted the return of Lilburn Crail from a poultry selling trip to New York.

Lilburn and Sarah were living with daughter Frances LeMay in 1880. Sarah died on 12 Jan 1883 and Lilburn two months later on 12 March in Effingham. Both were interred at Oakridge Cemetery there.

Lilburn Crail and Henrietta Stevens/Stephens⁷ were married on 25 Mar 1824 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁷ Henrietta Stevens/Stephens⁷ was born circa 1803.⁷ She died circa 1826 at the age of 23 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁷

 

Lilburn Crail and Sarah Elizabeth Dean⁸ were married circa 1834 in Hamilton Co., Ohio, United States.⁸ Sarah Elizabeth Dean⁸ was born on 27 Mar 1814 in New York.⁸ She died on 12 Jan 1883 at the age of 68 in Effingham, Effingham, Illinois, United States.⁸

 

3.  Samuel Purdy Crail³ (Wilson-1) was born on 3 Apr 1803 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.³ He died on 8 Sep 1855 at the age of 52 in Shelby Co., Indiana, United States.³ He was buried in Liberty Methodist Cemetery, Shelbyville, Shelby, Indiana, United States.³ Samuel was named for his maternal grandfather. He was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. Samuel married Sarah Fisher on 3 Apr 1828 in Campbell Co.

The Crails purchased 80 and 40 acre tracts in Shelby Co., IN on 30 Oct 1834. Samuel was on the Liberty Twp. census or tax rolls for 1840, 1844 and 1850.

Samuel and Sarah had twelve children: Nancy [c1829], Sarah Ann [c1830], William [c1832], Caroline [c1834], Alexander W. [c1836], Henry W. [c1838], Mary [c1840], Harriet [c1842], Rebecca C. [c1844], David B. [c1846], Phebe [May 1850] and Alice [c1852]. The five youngest were born in Indiana. Harriet died of fever in September 1849. David died in July 1849.

Samuel Purdy Crail died in early September 1855. Sarah survived him, dying after 1880. [North American Family Histories 1500-2000, p. 312 gives her death as 1899.]

Samuel Purdy Crail and Sarah Fisher³ were married on 3 Apr 1828 in Campbell Co., Kentucky, United States.³ Sarah Fisher³ was born circa 1808 in Campbell Co., Kentucky, United States.³ She died in 1899 at the age of 91 in Shelby Co., Indiana, United States.³

 

4.  Greenberry Crail^4,9 (Wilson-1) was born on 2 Nov 1804 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.^4,9 He died on 25 Dec 1894 at the age of 90 in Amador Co., California, United States.^4,9 Greenberry was born in 1804. He went to Cincinnati with the family in the late 1820s. Greenberry resided at his father's boarding house in 1831. At the time he worked as a packer. About this time he married Hammiel Ann. In 1842, Greenberry was a watchman and served as a volunteer fireman. He was working as a cooper in 1850.

The Crails resided in Cincinnati until the early 1850s, when they headed for Missouri and  joined a wagon train bound for California. Greenberry settled his family in Tuolumne Co. in 1852 and was listed as a miner on 1 November of that year.

The family moved to Lancha Plana in Amador Co. by 1855. Greenberry was a farmer, gold prospector, hydraulic miner, ore hand and wagon maker over the years.

Greenberry and Hammy Ann had six children born in Cincinnati - Joseph Wilson [11 Aug 1831 - 6 Apr 1841], Laura Jane [14 Feb 1839 - 25 May 1840], Henrietta [c1841], Edward [c1844 - 1853-59], Wilson [c1846], Sarah Jane [c1850 -1851]. A seventh child, James Henry was born in California in 1855.

Greenberry died on Christmas Day 1894 in Amador Co., CA. Hammy died on 27 Nov 1897 at the home of her daughter, Henrietta Zimmerman, in Commanche, Calaveras Co., CA. [Commache is now under Commanche Lake.] She and Greenberry were buried in the Ione Public Cemetery in Amador Co.

Greenberry Crail and Hammiel Ann "Hammy" [Crail] were married circa 1830 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States.^4,9 Hammiel Ann "Hammy" [Crail] was born in 1814 in Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, United States. She died on 27 Nov 1897 at the age of 83 in Calaveras Co., California, United States.

 

5.  Milton Crail⁶ (Wilson-1) was born circa 1808 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁶ He died circa 1859 at the age of 51 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States.⁶ Milton was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. He moved to Cincinnati with his family during the late 1820s. In 1829 he was clerking at Neff & Brothers. About 1831, Milton married Mary B. Fitten/Fitton in Cincinnati.

The couple had eight children: Marion [c1833], Milton [26 June 1836 - 19 May 1917], Dewitt [Jan 1840 - 22 Sep 1907], Perry [c1841 - 7 Apr 1908], Albert [21 Sep 1843 - 7 Sep 1919 Dayton, Campbell, KY], Romulus [c1845 - 8 May 1903], Isadore [c1847], Mary B. [Jan 1850 - Aug 1850, died from cholera]

Milton died about 1859 and Mary on 4 July 1894.

Milton Crail and Mary B. Fitten/Fitton⁶ were married circa 1831 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States.⁶ Mary B. Fitten/Fitton⁶ was born in 1807 in England.⁶ She died on 4 Jul 1894 at the age of 87 in Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio, United States.⁶

 

6.  Sarah Crail^5–6 (Wilson-1) was born circa 1815 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.^5–6 She died after 1885 at the age of 70 in Central City, Gilpin, Colorado, United States.⁵ Sarah was the only daughter of Wilson and Polly. She married fellow Kentuckian John G. Riddle in 1838. The couple headed west for Adams Co., Illinois almost immediately. The Riddles settled near Quincy. John died there in April of 1855 from consumption.

In 1859, Sarah hired a mule-driver and outfitted a wagon with supplies and set out on foot with her five children for Colorado. Tragedy nearly struck as the family crossed the Kansas or Nebraska plains. While the family went about preparing their evening meal, carrying water to campsite and gathering firewood, a young Indian swooped down and grabbed the youngest, Ada, by the hair. As he prepared to carry off the child, Sarah grabbed the frying pan from the fire and whacked the Indian's pony on the flank. The horse reared and its rider lost his grip on young Ada.

The supply wagon tipped over as they were leaving what would become Denver, Colorado. The accident cost the Riddles their parlor organ. Other family treasures survived.

The Riddles arrived in Central City without further peril.  Sarah opened a boarding house there to support the family.

Sarah died sometime afterr 1885, as she appeared on the State Census for Gilpin Co. that year.

Sarah Crail and John George Riddle⁵ were married on 11 Mar 1838 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁵ John George Riddle⁵ was born circa 1807 in Pendleton Co., Kentucky, United States.⁵ He died on 21 Apr 1855 at the age of 48 in Quincy, Adams, Illinois, United States.⁵

 

Sources:

1. Robert Crail;  Register Report for Thomas Crail [1695 - 1765] , e-mail to Terry D. Prall, 15 June 2008.

        2. "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 24 February 2011, Terry D. Prall ([address for private use] Avon, IN) to ([address for private use]), 4; held by author, [address for private use].

        3. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 5.

        4. Find A Grave, compiling cemetery records, "Ione Public Cemetery, Amador, CA," database, Find A Grave (www.findagrave.com : accessed 22 January 2018), Greenberry & Hammy Ann Crail.

        5. "Family Search Family Trees", database, FamilySearch, FamilySearch (www.familysearch.com : accessed 22 January 2018), "Riddle-Crail"; submitted 2012–17 by EsscotBeckyLou1 & others, [contact information for private use].

        6. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 7.

        7. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 6-7.

        8. Fund A Grave, compiling cemetery records, "Lilburn Crail / Sarah Elizabeth Dean," database, Find A Grave (www.findagrave.com : accessed 22 January 2018), Lilburn Crail & family.

        9. Prall, "Time Line Report on Family of Thomas Crail in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana & Elsewhere," 5-6