The Chism Family

Several member of the Chism family came very early to central Missouri from the part of Barren county that became Monroe in 1820. Those who made early purchases in Missouri appear to have been brothers of the Rev. Jacob Chism who later settled in Morgan County. There is some confusion as to their father. Most printed sources refer to him as James and state that he died in 1819 in Barren County, Kentucky. However, only one man has been found to be the age required and this was John Chism, Sr. who entered his 200 acres on Mill Creek in Barren County in 1799. From the tax records this John appears to have been the father of the younger men George, James, Jacob, William and Michael.

No older man named James Chism appeared on the 1810 census in Barren County, while John Senior was listed on p. 42 with 1 male 10-16, 1 male over 45 and 1 female over 45. The other’s named Chism who were head of household included George, James, and Jacob (all between 26-45) and William and Michael who were between 16-26.

After John’s death about 1816, George and William each took part of John’s land and the other three brothers prepared to move to Missouri.

Both Michael and James Chism made early land entries in Missouri, but James died before making the move. He left a will in Barren County in 1819 in which he refers to his land in Missouri Territory. His widow Phebe remained in what became Monroe County until her death 30 January 1835.[1]

Jacob also entered land for his brother Michael, but they soon returned to Kentucky. Michael and Mary sold their land in Cooper County, Missouri after returning to Monroe County in 1823.[2] They were listed on the 1830 census in Tompkinsville of Monroe County. Michael died in 1835 as Polly appears on the tax list the following year holding the property assessed to Michael the previous year. However, the last tax roll on which she appears in Kentucky was 1839 and in 1840 she was head of household in Morgan County, Missouri.[3] Mary died in 1851 in Morgan County.

James Chism was born 16 October 1754 in Amelia County, Virginia and died 7 July 1819 in Barren County. He m. 1780 Mary Howard. (Mrs. John Bennett Boddie, ed. Historical Southern Families Vol. XVII, Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1972, p. 30. This is repeated in Pioneer Baptist Church Records.)

James enlisted soon after the Revolutionary War began as Pvt. in 2nd Virginia Rgt. Later he served in the 10th Virginia Rgt. He was granted 100 acres for his service and he moved to Kentucky shortly after the close of the war. This land was in the part of the state known “the Great Barrens” now in Monroe Co. Kentucky. He joined his brother-in-law Nathan Breed, husband of Priscilla Chism. In fact, four of the Chism children married members of the Breed family. James Chism patented his land, built a handsome house, increased his holdings and owned many slaves. He died in 1819.[4]

Rev. War Soldiers of Virginia: Many Chisms/Chisholms: James in 10th Continental line; James in 2 Virginia State Militia, John in Capt. Daniel Smith’s company in Augusta Co. in 1777 and George Sgt. in 5th of 11th Continental Line

A genealogy of the Howard family gives the following family skeleton with no other additional information or documentation.[5]

Obediah Howard was b. 1741; d. 4 October 1804 m. 1768 Priscilla Breed b. 14 October 1742 in Stonington, Connecticut d/o Joseph Breed. She d. 1808 in Barren County, Kentucky and is buried in the Mulkey Cemetery there.

The first problem with this lineage is with the birth of Mary Howard who is already deemed illegitimate by the compiler:

i. Mary Howard b. 1760 m. 1780 James Chism b. 16 November 1754 d. November of 1819 in Barren County, Kentucky. [Although James is said to have died in Barren Co. in 1819, refers to the younger James who appears to have been the man who left the will. The will refers to wife Phebe and appears to have young children.

ii. Stephen Howard b. 14 October 1764 in South Carolina d. 1835 in Missouri m. 1785 Elizabeth Hart. Children listed; didn't recognize any.

vi. Hannah Howard b. 1770 in South Carolina d. 1857 m. Aaron Hayes. Their sixth son was named Harlan.

Bible records published in Kentucky Ancestors 2 (July 1966) 18 deals with members of this family. They give the birth date for James Chism as 20 Aug. 1779 and death as June 9 1819. Phebe was b. 6 June 1784 and d. 30 Jan. 1835. Names listed immediately after them include N.B. Chism b. 14 May 1804; James [T.] Chism b. 3 June 1810, John G. Chism b. 26 May 1813; Elizabeth Chism b. 17 Dec. 1807 d. 21 July 1839 (her husband Joseph Olive d. 22 July 1839) Phebe Black “dec'd” 24 Aug. 1839 in her 22nd year.

First page gives Priscllar Chism b. 16 April 1815 Phebe Chism Jr. b. 16 April 1818.

Same page several names down Nathan Breed bornd 10 Aug. 1755 and expired 28 October 1825; Mary Breed b. 10 Aug. 1758 and expired 2 Sept. 1831. [see Chism file]

b. William Belew Chism b. 1784 d. 1867; m. 22 January 1805 in Barren Co. Priscilla Breed b. 12 August 1787 d. 1825.

c. Michael Chism b. 1786 d. ca. 1843. m. 11 June 1809 Mary Breed b. ca. 1790 in South Carolina. They were married by John Mulkey. She m. (2) 1844 Benjamin Gist.

On 5 September 1823 Michael and Mary Chism of Monroe County, Kentucky sold to Wm. Martin of same for $960 land in Cooper County, Missouri Section 33, Twp. 46, Range 16. Wit: Solomon and Aaron Martin. (Cooper Co. Deed Book B: 257) On 5 Sept. 1823 William and Priscilla Chism of Monroe County Kentucky sold for $167.50 to William Martin of same the W½ of SW¼ of 34-46-16. (Deed Book B:260)

Michael may have died in Kentucky, or soon after the family returned to Missouri. Mary Chism was head of household in 1840 in Morgan County.[6] On 8 January 1844 Benjamin Gist and Mary Chism entered in a pre-nuptial contract agreeing that Mary was to keep for herself and her heirs all property she brought to marriage (Deed Book 5:68)[7] In 1844 the heirs of Michael Chism asked to have their step-father Benjamin Gist appointed their guardian. Benjamin apparently died before 1850 as she was head of household again in 1850: Mary Gist, age 60 b. SC. Granville Chism was Adm. of the estate of Mary Gist in 1851.

1. Elizabeth Chism b. ca. 1811 in Kentucky m. Stephenson Gates b. 25 March 1807 d. 1 Jan. 1856. bd. Gates Cemetery on Frank Daniels farm, Route 2, Barnett, Morgan County, Missouri. Vernon County, Missouri, History. p. 501 Bio of Tolbert T. Gates son of Stephenson and Elizabeth (Chism) Gates. Mother died in 1879 in Moniteau County, Missouri. There eight children; Tolbert was the seventh.

5. Granville Chism b. ca. 1823 in Kentucky d. 15 March 1863 age 39y, 9m, 15d. m. Judith [-?-] Judith M. Chism 12 March 1827 d. 29 July 1859. Both bd. Hopewell Church Cemetery, East of Versailles in Moreau Twp. of Morgan Co. Also there: Martha J. Chism b. 2 Jan. 1871 (sic) d. 18 Nov. 1868.

7. Mary Chism b. ca. 1818 in Kentucky m. Shores P. Hunter. She had died before 1844 leaving heirs John C. Hunter and Sarah Hunter. Her children were living in Morgan Co. Missouri in 1850.

Barren County, Kentucky Deed Book C:70 25 Jan. 1810 John Chism of Overton Co. Tn sold to William Hays of Barren for $350 land on east fork of Big Barren where Hays now lives. 80 acres of a 200 acre tract granted to Andrew Scott by state of Kentucky. Wit: James Chism, James Harrison and Jacob Chism.

Barren County, Kentucky Deed Book C:70 19 Feb 1810 James Chism sold to William Hays for $170 100 acres ling on waters of east fork of Big Barren bounded by John Chism’s survey. No wit.

Wm. Chism 140 acres on Mill Creek entered by J. Chism. (Inherited from father John)

Phebe Chism 200 acres on Peters Creek entered by J. Todd. (This is James’s widow)

d. James Chism b. 1779 m. 30 July 1801 Phebe Breed. They were married by John Mulkey.

James Chism left a will in Barren County dated 1 June 1819 stating that he was in a low state of health naming wife Phebe Chism who was to sell personal property at her discretion; and to wife Phebe the balance of the estate and to provide heirs with education. He mentioned negro boy Wiat who may be the subject of a suit; if James was granted the negro boy then his wife should sell him and divide the proceeds as she saw fit. He stated he had entered four quarter sections of land in Missouri Territory in Cooper County; it was his will that his Executors should sell so much of the land necessary to complete the balance for entry so that right may be obtained for the heirs. Executors were to be wife, Phebe, brother Michael Chism and friend Daniel Hardin. Wit: John Roy, John McPherson, James Johnson. Pvd. July Term 1819. Barren County, Kentucky Will Book 2, p. 30. His estate showed boy Wiatt, negro woman Creece and her youngest child Austis, negro girl Winny and negro boy Ned.

On 15 February 1819 James Chism of Howard Co. entered land in 34-46-16.[9] On 26 September 1821 William Chism of Kentucky entered land at the Franklin Land Office.

John A. Chism died in Morgan County before August of 1845 when Shores P. Hunter and Granville Chism were appointed administrators. John P. Martin and Nathan B. Chism were securities. (This must have been a son of James and Phebe. He was still being taxed in Monroe County, Kentucky in 1836. He may also have been a son of Michael who did not leave issue.

e. Elizabeth Chism m. Tolbert Thomas. Elizabeth Breed m. 12 Aug. 1819 Talbert Thomas. Was she the widow of a Breed?

f. George Chism b. ca. 1777 m. 1 October 1801 Rebecca Gist. They were married by John Mulkey.

g. ?Kesiah Chism m. 23 December 1806 in Barren Co. William Kirkpatarick. They were married by John Mulkey.

John Chism S 200 acres on Mill Creek 1 poll over 21; 2 polls 16-21; 1 black poll under 16-21; 1 black poll over 21; 3 horses

John Chism Snr. 200 acres on east fork of Barren 1 over 21; 2 16-21; no blacks 3 horses.

George Chism 100 acres on Mill Creek 1 wp 2 blacks under 16, 3 blacks over 16; 2 horses.

Only one John Chism (no design) with 200 acres on Mill Creek. He is a tavern keeper.

A:19 Aug. Nathan Breed bought 196 acres from Edmund Wade on Mill Creek that adjoined John Chism.

John Chism still has his land on Mill Creek that he entered; no longer has tavern. 1 wp over 21; 2 wp under 21; no blacks. The second younger man appears to be living on a new 5 acres acquired by John where the younger man is keeping his horse.

Jacob Chism on Cumberland with three parcels. Has 1 male over 21 1 male 16-21 and 4 blacks; two in each category.

Moses and James Campbell in same area; land on Indian Creek and Spring Creek. James has three parcels.

James Chism has two parcels where he has retained them; now has acquired 400 acres on Sinking Creek in Christian Co. He appears to be living on one of those with 1 wp, 1 bp and 6 horses.

John Chism (no desig) listed away from others and around no other Chisms. He has his 200 acres and now pays a poll on 2 males over 21.

Jacob Chism - same as above 1 wp over 21; 1 wp under. 1 bp 2 horses Jacob appears to have acquired the 200 acres on the E. fork of the Barren entered by Gill.

James Chism 200 acres on Peter’s Creek ent by J. Todd. 1 wp 2 blacks 5 horses.

p. 38 George Chism 3 males under 10, 1 male 26-45; 3 females under 10, 1 female 10-16, 1 female 16-26, 1 female 26-45.

p. 76 James Chism 2 males under 10, 1 male 26-45; 2 females under 10, 1 female 26-45.

p. 76 Jacob Chism 3 males under 10, 1 male 26-45, 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-16, 1 female 26-45.

p. 81 Geo Kays 1 male 10-16, 2 males 16-26, 1 male over 45; 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-16, 1 female 26-45.

Benjamin T. Chism was b. 3 October 1852 in Monroe County. His father James T. was b. 3 June 1810 in Monroe County; m. Sarah T.E. Duncan who bore him seven children. He was a slave holder and when emancipation came, he lost 24 slaves. He owned a 500 acre farm and was a strong union man. During the war he bought horses and stock for the Federal army. He d. 11 Dec. 1884.

10:43 6 July 1855 David H. Chism sold to Lot Howard his claim E of 10-42-18 and N of NE of 15-42-18 and SW of NE of 15-42-18.

10:268 28 February 1854 Levi Lancaster and his wife Phebe, late Phebe Chism of Monroe County, Kentucky, appointed Granville Chism of Morgan attorney to sell the undivided interest that Phebe and her husband have in the lands now belonging to said Phebe and her brothers and sisters particularly the lands in which Polly Chism lived and died, it being 1/7 part (not described).

Far fork of Red River about half a mile above Barker’s fork at three black gums and Elm running along the River N15W 20p, N7W 20p, N15E 28p, N34E 120p leaving the River at 46 poles to a black gum and black walnut then S6E 114 p to three oaks, S 39E 76p to two white oaks and a black oak, S51W 220 pples to stake in the plains, N39W; 76p to beginning

No. 900 John Chism, Senr. 200 acres surveyed 7 April 1799 lying in Co. of Green beginning at two white oaks and hickory south side of Mill Creek a branch of E fork of Big Barren.N80E; 179p to sugartree sapling on north bank, N10W 179; to hickory, S80W 179P to hickory

Beginning at two sycamores in Island of Mill Creek on Jesse Gunn’s upper line then N30W; 133 p. to cherry tree in Gideon Mayfiels’ line and with it N78E102 poles to a fork white oak, N12W 32p to white oak, 60E 145P Mulberry, S30E 133 p to mulberry and red bud crossing creek at 62 poles the S60W 254p to beginning. 7 December 1806.

No. 768 James Chism 200 acres of second rate line in Green Co. Certificate No. 1101 entered 12 Feb. 1799

Waters of Mill Creek a branch of the east fork of Big Barren to Hickory and poplar, N65E 179p 2 poplars, N25W 173p to cherry tree Creek, S65W 179p to dogwood, S25E 179 p. to beginning

being on corner of John Chism’s survey at white oak and with his line N83W 105p to hickory

N16E 80 poles to chestnut and black oak, N83E 160p to poplar, S15W 240 poles to poplar

S15W 240 poles to poplar and the aforesaid John Chism line thence with the same north 120 poles to the beginning.

[1] Bible records published in Kentucky Ancestors 2 (July 1966) 18.

[2] Cooper County, Missouri Deed Book B:257.

[3] In 1844, she married Benjamin Gist and deeded her property to her children by Michael Chism: Elizabeth wife of Stephenson Gates, Jacob B. Chism, Nathan B. Chism, Phebe Howard who was living in Monroe Co. Kentucky, Granville Chism, Talbot Chism, and Mary Hunter. (Morgan County, Missouri Deed Book 5:69-71.

[4] The following was written on the letter-head stationery of the Edmund Rogers Chapter DAR Glasgow Kentucky. Printed in Traces, Publication of South Central Kentucky Historical and Genealogical Society 11 (Summer 1983) 66.

[5] Family compiled by Margie McWherter, Tomlinsville, Kentucky published in Monroe County [KY] Historical and Genealogical Society Journal. 1(April 1980)13.

[6] When Mary Chism purchased land in Morgan Co. in 1840 from John and Jane A. Hughes of Shelby Co. Missouri, the deed was delivered to Jacob B. Chism in 1842. In 1840 Mary Chism was Morgan Co. Missouri p. 171 with 1 male 5-10, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 15-20; 1 female under 5, 1 female 10-15, 1 female 50-60.

[7] They married January 8, 1844.

[8] Morgan County Deed Book 5:69-71. See also Morgan County, Missouri, Circuit Court 3:15 John C. and Sarah Hunter by their father and natural and legal guardian and John C. Howard and Phebe his wife and Tolbert Chism vs. Mary Gist, Stephenson Gates and his wife Elizabeth, Nathan B. Chism, Granville Chism and Jacob B. Chism.

Morgan County, Missouri, Circuit Court 5 John C. Hunter and Sarah Hunter by their father Shores P. Hunter, John C. Howard and Phoebe his wife and Tolbert Chism vs. Mary Gist, Stephenson Gates, Elizabeth his wife; Nathan B. Chism, Jacob Chism and Granville Chism def.

[9] This was in Cooper County and was probably the land mentioned in the will of James Chism of Barren County, Kentucky.