Here are my notes for Stokely, from his entry in my family tree file- Rick Waggener:
Stokeley was the eighth of ten children born his parents James Jones and Elizabeth (Garnett) Waggener. He was born on April 7, 1799, presumably on his parent's estate in Culpeper County, Virginia. This was apparently near to the town of Rapidan along the Rapidan River. I know that Stokeley's parents moved to Todd County, Kentucky in 1820 or 1821, and that his father died there in about 1822. I'm not sure when Stokeley moved to Todd County, but it appears as though he might have moved before his parents. He reportedly married his first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson in Todd County on December 19, 1820. Stokeley and Ann are listed as witnesses to the marriage of his sister Eliza in nearby Christian County, in 1824.
Stokeley apparently lived in or near the town of Trenton in Todd County, up until about 1859. In the Property Tax records he is listed with some kind of lot in Trenton as early as 1822. He reportedly opened up a tailor shop in Trenton around 1830, although it seem possible it might have been earlier, maybe even as early as 1822. At some point he gave up the tailor business and began operating some kind of general store in Trenton. He continued to operate this store, apparently up until the mid to late 1850's. His eventual partner in this store, Henry Wisdom, reportedly began working as a clerk in the store. At whatever point Stokeley stopped his involvement in the store, he reportedly sold his interest to Wisdom, who apparently continued to operate the store. The Property Tax records also show that Stokeley also owned property outside of Trenton, and apparently he was also involved in farming.
Stokeley had two children with Ann, Olive Kay and Jasper A. Ann apparently died fairly young, between 1834 and 1840. By about 1840, Stokeley has married his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. Stokeley and Elizabeth had at least eight children. Most prominent of his children was his son Leslie, whose career included being a Civil War hero, a college professor, and the first President of the University of Texas. The others were Anna, Jemima, James Ross, Ellen Jefferies, Belle, Richard, and Adeline Rowena.
From the family letters I have obtained, Stokeley seems to have served as a sort of patriarchal figure for the family. It also appears that he was quite well off. He is listed on the 1850 census in Todd County as a merchant and farmer, with property valued at $6,000. In the 1860 census he is listed in Logan County with real estate valued at $9,180, and personal property valued at $45,000. The Property Tax records in Todd County track Stokeley's rise in prosperity pretty effectively, and in pretty interesting detail.
Around 1859 Stokeley and Elizabeth moved to the Russellville area of Logan County. They lived there on a farm for the rest of their lives. I am not sure why he moved, but would speculate that it had something to do with his son Lesley, who graduated from Bethel College in Russellville in 1860. Stokeley died in Logan County, Kentucky on July 28, 1886. He and Elizabeth are buried there in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville.
Rick Waggener
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From Dodd, Jordan. Kentucky Marriages to 1850. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1997. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Kentucky:
Spouse 1: Anderson, Ann Elizabeth
Spouse 2: Waggoner, Stokeley
Date of marriage: 19 Dec 1820
Location of marriage: Kentucky, Todd County
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In a deed dated November 9, 1822, in the Todd County, Kentucky Deed Book B; Page 105, Stokeley is listed as a witness. The deed is between the heirs of Gabriel Kay, the husband of Stokeley's sister Frances, who had died in 1818, and James Woods, husband of Gabriel and Frances' daughter Elizabeth Ann. - RW
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in the following records:
(The 1820 and 1821 records are very poor and it is not clear if Stokeley is there or not.)
***** 1822; page 50, 1/4 acre in Trenton (very faint) improvement?, 1 male over 21, 0 children 4-24, 1 Black over 16, 4 Blacks total, total value- $1,500
***** 1823; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 52, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 blacks total, 1 horse, 1/4 acre lot in Trenton/ value $600, total value- $1,880
(Stokeley is listed directly above his brother Armistead.)
***** 1824; Waggoner, Stokely T.; page 57, 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks total, 3 horses, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $500; total value- $1,550
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From a marriage record for Stokeley's younger sister Eliza, from Christian County, Kentucky, sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
****** To this Clerk of Christian County. This is to justify that I Elizabeth Waggener do lively and willfully consent to the marriage of her Daughter Elizabeth A. Waggener with Mr. Iverson Walker - of the County of Todd. Given under my hand this the 17th July 1824---
Elizabeth Waggener
Witnessed
Stokeley T. Waggener
Ann Waggener
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1827; Waggener, Stokeley T., page 84, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 6 horses, one town lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,170
***** 1828; Waggoner, T. S.; 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $350, total value- $1,420
***** 1829; Waggoner, S. T.; page 97, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,160
***** 1830; Waggener, Stokeley; page 91, 1 white male over 21, 1 Blacks over 14, 4 Blacks total, 4 horses, 1 carriage, 1 house and lot in Trenton/ value- $450, total value- $1,520
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From the 1830 Federal Census of the Town of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, page 357; from genealogy.com:
S. T. Waggener; 1 male 30-39 years (Stokeley); 1 female under 5 years, 2 female 10-14 years, 1 female 20-29 years (Ann); 1 male slave under 10 years, 1 male slave 10-23 years, 1 female slave under 10 years, 1 female slave 10-23 years.
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From the County of Todd, Kentucky, edited by J.H. Battle, published 1884:
Trenton Precinct, page 156-158:
"...Among early members of what was known as the Lebanon Baptist Church were Stokely Waggoner, Reuben Bradley, William Arnold and wife, and many others. It was at one time in a very prosperous condition, and had about 200 members....
...In about 1830 Stokely T. Waggoner came to this point. He first opened a tailor shop, but soon after turned his attention to merchandising, and until 1859 he was one of the leading merchants at this point. From here he went to Russellville, where he is still living. Henry Wisdom purchased Waggoner's store and continued operations here about ten years....
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From Deeds of Todd County, Kentucky, 1820-1842; sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
Deed Book G, page 333; dated July 8, 1831; James F. Spillman of Trenton to Stokeley T. Waggoner for $366. parcel of land near Trenton on the West Fork of the Red River. Corners: north edge of the Gallatin Road, survey of Watts D. Ewing, now owned by Pouncy Anderson, stake in the Nashville Road, center of Main Street. (Lewisburgh now called Trenton.) Signed. Recorded November 24, 1831.
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Deed Book G, page 469; dated July 9, 1832; George Pollack to Stokeley T. Waggoner - 6 acres for $30. on the West Fork of Red River, part of James Roberts' original survey. Corner to Harrel. Signed and recorded same day.
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Deed Book H, page 317; dated March 9, 1834; for $1.00 all interest in the Spillman property to S. T. Waggoner. Signed by Jonathan ..... (the rest of the transcription of this record was cut off at the bottom of the page).
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
[The Property Tax Records for 1831 & 1832 in Todd County, are missing.]
***** 1833; Waggener, ST; page 67, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $12 an acre; 1/4 of one lot in Trenton/ value $350/ $5 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 0 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 3 Blacks total, 5 horses, 1 carriage; total value- $3,400
****** 1834; Waggonner, ST; page 60, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $10 an acre; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre; 1 lot in Trenton; 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 4 Blacks total, 8 horses, 30 cattle, 1 carriage; total value- $3,940
(It seems confusing that this tract of 140 acres of land seems to have been previously listed on the West Fork of the Red River [and also seems to have been from the deeds above in 1831 & 1832], and here and below is listed on Spring Creek. I think the West Fork of the Red River, as well as the Reins Lick Creek below, are north of Trenton, and Spring Creek is east and somewhat south of Trenton. RW)
***** 1835; Waggener, ST; page 61, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ $1.50 an acre; 6 acres?, improved lot in Trenton/ value $3 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 7 Blacks total, 9 horses, 40 cattle; total value $5,488
(The Tax Books for 1836 in Todd County are missing. Rw)
***** 1837; Waggoner, S.T.; page 63, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $3 an acre, total tract value- $18; 1 town lot/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 5 Blacks over 16, 10 Blacks total/ total value of Blacks- $5000; 10 horses/ value $850; 8 cattle/ value $70; total value- $9,138
***** 1838; Waggener, S.T.; 143 acres in Todd County on W.Fork, value $15 an acre/ total value for tract- $2,145; 1 town tract/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 1 Black hired out, 9 Blacks total, value of Blacks- $3,800; 4 horses/ value- $275; 7 mules/ value- $40; 9 cattle/ value $80; value of other property- $3,000; total value- $9,710
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From a series of transcribed family letters sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Elizabeth (O'Neil) Waggener (widow of Stokeley's brother James Waggener, who died in 1822) to her son George C. Waggener and his wife Mary Frances (Anderson). The letter is headed: "December 17th, Todd Co, near Trenton." It seems to have probably been written in 1838.
Elizabeth talks about Stokeley and his wife Ann (Anderson) Waggener. They apparently lived near Elizabeth in Trenton and ran some kind of store. Stokeley seems to have been some kind of family patriarchal figure, who apparently subsidized or supported a number of extended family members. Elizabeth obviously thought very highly of them, and chided her son and daughter-in-law to, "follow the footsteps of Stokeley and Ann in many things." Stokeley's wife Ann was the sister of Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener. She apparently died in the next couple of years, and Stokeley was remarried to Elizabeth Ross.
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1839; Waggener, S.T.; page 79; 143 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,860; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre, total tract value- $30; 1 town lot/ value- $500; 1 white male over 21, 7 Blacks over 16, 4 Blacks hired out, 12 Blacks total/ value of Blacks- (can't read); 1 voter; 7 horses/ value- $$380; 2 mules/ value- $120; 12 cattle/ value- $60; merchandise/ value- $1,900; other property- value- $5,559; total value- $18,909
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** Same (ST Waggener) agent for Eliz Waggener; 0 white males over 21, 1 Black hired out, 5 Blacks total/ value- (can't read); other property/ value- $200; total value- $1,800
(I am certain that this is Stokeley's mother Elizabeth, whose health was perhaps beginning to fail. Stokeley seems to be doing quite well at this point, and the value of his property has made a significant jump from the previous year. RW)
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From the 1840 Federal Census of Todd County, Kentucky, page 273; from ancestry.com, images 69 & 70 of 71:
Wagner, S. T.; 1 male under 5 years (Jasper), 1 male 20-29 years, 1 male 40-49 years (Stokley); 1 female 5-9 years (Olive), 1 female 10-14 years; 2 male slaves under 10 years, 2 male slaves 10-23 years, 1 male slave 24-35 years; 1 female slave under 10 years, 2 female slaves 10-23 years; 13 persons total, 5 persons engaged in agriculture, 1 person engaged in commerce
(It would seem that Stokeley's first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson, was deceased at this point, and he had yet to marry his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. - RW)
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1840; Waggoner, S T; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ total value of tract- $2,290; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Lick/ total value- $20; 1 town lot/ value- $200; 1 white male over 21, 4 slaves over 16, 9 total slaves/ value of slaves- $4,400; 7 horses/ value $400; 2 mules/ value- $80; 10 cattle/ value- $30; 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $10,500; total value- $17, 920
****** 1840; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value- $5,500; total value- $5,500
(This is Henry Wisdom, who was apparently his partner in the store, and who later purchased the store, possibly about 1855 but certainly after Stokeley moved to Logan County in 1859. See the note below for a little more information about Henry. RW)
***** 1840; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49; 1 slave over 16, 6 slaves total/ value of slaves- $1,500; total value- $1,500
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** 1840; Same (Waggener, S T) agent for estate of Eliz Waggener dec'd; page 49; 3 slaves over 16, 3 slaves total/ value of slaves- $2,000; total value- $2000
(The first of these Elizabeth Waggeners is Stokeley's mother, who as I mentioned is alive, but apparently not doing too well at this time. The second Elizabeth Waggener is his sister-in-law, the widow of his brother James Waggener. -RW)
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Gail Brooks sent me an interesting tidbit on Henry Wisdom:
"...the obit of B. H. Widsom (b. Bowling Green, VA 1819), who d. in Paducah "last Sunday" (before 29 Oct 1896). "Before he was of age, Mr. Wisdom went to Trenton and became a clerk in a store, and showed such business sagacity that in a few years he was admitted to partnership with his employer Stakely Wagner. The firm was eminently successful and soon ventured into the buying of tobacco for the English market.... For many years past he (Wisdom) was reputed to be wealthiest man in Kentucky."
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1841; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value of tract- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 6 acres in Todd County on Rains Lick/ value- $30; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16/ value of slaves- $5050; 7 horses/ value- 4300; 5 cattle/ value- $50, 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $8,000; total value- $15,930
***** 1841; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value $6,100, total value- $6,100
***** 1841; Waggener, S T; page 49; admin of R R Stark; 1 slave over 16/ value- $600; total value
(I have no idea who this is, but as I mentioned, Stokeley acted as a sort of patriarchal figure for a wide group of family members. RW)
***** 1841; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49, 1 slave over 16/ value- $2,000; total value- $2,000
(This again is Stokeley's mother. -RW)
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***** 1842; Waggener, S.T.; page 50; 143 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $2,145; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16, (can't read total slaves)/ value slaves- $4,000; 10 horses/ value- $500; 5 cattle/ value- $50; 2 children 7-17; other property/ value- $4,000; total value- $10,945
***** 1842; Waggener & Wisdom; page 50; 1 town lot/ value- $300; 1 store/ value- $7,000, other property- $8,000; total value- $18,100
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****** 1843; Wisdom & Waggener; page 53; 1 town lot/ value $850; 1 horse/ value- $50; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value- $8,000; total value/ $14,850
***** 1843; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 53; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- 4100; 1 white male over 21; 10 horses/ $200; 15 cattle/ value- $10; 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value- $6,000; total value- $11, 410
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***** 1844; Waggener, S. T.; page 54; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $2250; 170 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $1,170; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $24; 1 town lot/ value $100 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16; 12 slaves total/ value of slaves- 444,775; 9 horses/ value $300; 9 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16; other property- $5,864; total value- $15,013
Listed on the next line:
***** 1844; Same agent for Eliz Waggener; page 54; 1 slave over 16; 7 slaves total; value $2,000; total value- $2,000
***** 1844; Waggener & Wisdon; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $1,000; 1 store/ vlaue $1,500; other property/ value- $11,000; total value- $13,500
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***** 1845; Waggener & Wisdom; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $800; other property- $9,500; total value- $10,300
***** 1845; Waggener, S.T.; page 54; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,224; 1 town lot/ Value $125; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value $4,350; value of horses- $330; 12 cattle; 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16, other propert- $4,570; total value- $12,549
Listed on the line below:
***** 1845; Same agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 54; 3 slaves over 16; 7 slaves total/ value of slaves $2,350; other property- $300; total value- $2,450
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***** 1846; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,65; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value- $4,725; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold watch; 3 children 5-16; other property/ value- $5,550; total value- $14,470
Listed on the line below:
***** 1846; Same Admin for Elizabeth Waggener dec'd; page 55; 2 slaves over 16, 7 slaves total/ value- $2,450; total value- $2,450; total value- $2,450
***** 1846; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $700; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,700
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***** 1847; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $800; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,800
***** 1847; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,650; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value/ $4,775; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacles; 3 children 5-16; other property- $5,550; total value- $14,470
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***** 1848; Waggener & Wisdom; page 53; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value $18,000; total value $24,800
***** 1848; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 1 voter, 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,968; 1 town lot/ value $150; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value $6,200?; horse value $500; 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacle; othe property/ $6,200; total value- $17,018
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***** 1849; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,838; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value- $6,150; 8 horses/ value $400; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,500; total value $15,008
***** 1849; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $7,500; other property- $20,000; total value- $28,300
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From the 1850 Federal Census of District #1, Todd County, Kentucky, page 236, taken August 24, 1850, household #293; from ancestry.com, image 83 of 100:
S. T. Waggener; age- 51, male, occupation- merchant & farmer, real estate- $6,000, born- Virginia
Eliza -------; age- 33, female, born- Tennessee
Olivia -------; age- 17, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Jasper ------; age- 15, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Leslie -------; age- 8, ma2le, born- Kentucky
Annie -------; age- 4, female, born- Kentucky
Jemima ------; age- 3, female, born- Kentucky
Babe ------; age- 1, female, born- Kentucky
Tho J. Smith; age- 24, occupation- merchant clerk, born- Kentucky
B. H. Warden?; age- 28, occupation- merchant, born- Virginia
(The children Olive and Jasper were born to Stokeley's first wife Elizabeth Anderson. RW)
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From the 1850 Slave Schedule, Todd County, Kentucky; transcribed by Karin and Rachel Combs- Copyright 2001:
From Schedule 2, Slave Inhabitants in District No. 1 in the County of Todd, State of Kentucky, enumerated August 29 and September 1, 1850:
Stokely is listed with a total of 15 slaves, specifically listed as; 36 year old black male, 35 year old black male, 35 year old black female, 34 year old black female, 33 year old black female, 23 year old black male, 20 year old mulatto male, 18 year old mulatto male, 15 year old black male, 13 year old black female, 11 year old mulatto male, 8 year old black female, 4 year old black female, 3 year old black female, 3 month old black female
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1850; Waggener, S.T.; page 59; 1 voter, 315 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,780; 6 acres Todd County on West Fork/ value $20; 1 white male voter over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $6,850; 10 horses/ value $300; 2 mules/ value $100; 10 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,000; total value $15,050
(I find it interesting that Stokeley continued to hang onto this other 6 acre parcel of land, originally purchased in 1832. It appears to be almost worthless, but must have have had some value to him. - RW)
***** 1850; Waggener & Wisdom; page 59; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 horse/ value $50; 1 store/ value $10,000; other property/ value $20,000; total value $30,850
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***** 1851; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 321 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Creek/ value $24; 1 white male over 21; 10 slaves over 16, 17 slave total/ value $7,100; 12 horses/ value (can't read); 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property $5,335; total value $17,750
***** 1851; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $1,000; 1 store/ value $4,000; other property/ value $25,000; total value $30,000
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***** 1852; Waggener & Wisdom; page 45; 1 lot in Trenton/ value $1,100; other property/ value $31,000; total value (can't read)
***** 1852; Waggener, S.T.; page 44; 320 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $7,400; 12 horses/ value $500; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; 40 hogs over 6 months; other property/ value $6,000; total value $18,000
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***** 1853; Waggener & Wisdom; page 44; value of other property- $30,000; total value- $30,000
***** 1853; Waggener, S.T.; page 45; 315 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,720; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value/ $28; 1 white male over 21; 6 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $7,500; 5 horses/ value $600; 8 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $9,000; total value- $21,848; value carriage- $80; value gold watch- $48; value piano- $100
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***** 1854; Waggener, S. T.; page 40; 350 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,950; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $8,000; 17 horses/ value $600; 12 cattle/ value $50; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $12,000; total value- $25,630; carriage value $400; gold/ silver watch etc. $125; gold/ silver ? $30; value piano- $75
***** 1854; Waggener & Wisdom; value other property- $12,000; total value $12,000
(This is the last year that Waggener & Wisdom are listed. I think that this means that Stokeley sold his interest for the store to Henry Wisdom this year, and from this point on he was just involved in farming. - Rick Waggener)
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***** Waggener, S. T.; 326 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,830; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ total value $7,700; 15 horses/ value $540; 6 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 25 hogs over 6 months; other property- $20,000; total value- $33,420; value carriage- $380; value gold watch etc. $100; value gold plate- $25; value piano- $60
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More Tax Records in Todd County, Kentucky from Gail Brooks:
***** 1856; S T Waggener, Spring Creek, slaves- 9/17, horses- 12
***** 1857; S T Waggener, slaves- 12/23, horses- 11
***** 1858; S T Waggener, Westfork, slaves 11/19, horses/mules/cattle- 8/15/30. carriage/ gold, children 6-18- 4, total value $21,980
(This is the last year Stokely is listed in Todd County, due to the fact he moved to Logan County in about 1859. RW)
===============
From the 1860 Federal Census of Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky, page 621, Post Office- Russellville, household #820, taken July 21, 1860; from ancestry.com, image 285 of 326:
S. T. Waggener; age- 61, male, occupation- farmer, real estate- $9,180, personal property- $45,000, born- Virginia
E. T. Waggener; age- 43, female, born- Tennessee
Leslie Waggener; age- 18, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Annie Waggener; age- 16, female, born- Kentucky, in school
James Waggener; age- 14, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Ellen Waggener; age 12, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Belle Waggener; age- 10, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Dick Waggener; age- 6, male, born- Kentucky
Ada Waggener; age- 9/12, female, born- Kentucky
(This record shows that Stokeley and family moved to Russellville in Logan County, before the Civil War. According to the biography of his son Leslie, Leslie graduated from Bethel College in Russellville, in 1860. Perhaps this had something to do with why they moved. Leslie was only 18 years old at the time. Stokeley and Elizabeth remained in Russellville the rest of their lives.
It would seem that Ellen must have been listed as Babe on the 1850 census above. Also, Jemima is not here or on the 1870 census below, which might well indicate that she was deceased. James was not listed on the 1850 census above. It seems possible that he was somehow mistakenly listed as Jemima on 1850, and that there never was a Jemima.- Rick Waggener)
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S.T. Waggener is listed with 13 slaves, on page 26 of the Slave Schedule in Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky:
60 year old black female, 50 year old black male, 40 year old black female, 19 year old black male, 17 years old black female, 16 year old black male, 15 year old black male, 14 year old black female, 12 year old black female, 10 year old black female, 2 year old black female, 18 year old black female, 6/12 year old black female
====================
There are a series of four deeds in Montgomery County, Tennessee involving Stokeley. They seem to involve two tracts of land that Stokeley purchased for his daughter Olive and her husband Frank W. Waller. The deeds are dated 1865- 1867, but it appears that the first 33 acre tract was initially purchased in 1861, which probably would have been soon after Olive and Frank married. Montgomery County, was directly south of Logan County, Kentucky, in Tennessee. I have included the transcriptions of the deeds in the notes for Olive.- Rick Waggener
===============
From the 1870 Federal Census of Russellville Confederation, Logan County, Kentucky, taken August 24, 1870, page 511, household 170; from ancestry.com, image 507 of 530:
Wagoner, Stokley T.; age 71, male, white, occupation- farmer, real estate- $8,000, personal property- $8,000, born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; age- 53, female, white, occupation- keeping house, born- North Carolina
------ Ellen; age- 20, female, white, born- Kentucky (from David Wagoner: m. A.P Wooldridge 15, Sept 1874)
------ Bell; age- 18, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school, (from David Wagoner: m. Thomas L. Waggoner 28 Apr 1881)
------ James; age- 22, male, white, occupation- Physician, born- Kentucky
------ Addie; age- 10, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school
------ Thomas; age- 30, male, black, occupation- works on farm, born- Virginia
------ Elicif; age- 25, female, black, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Bernie; age- 3, male, black, born- Kentucky
------ Mattie; age- 1, female, black, born- Kentucky
Boyer, Caroline; age- 30, female, black, occupation- cook, born- Kentucky
------ Henry; age- 8, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Clay; age- 3, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Willie; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
Shelby, Rody; age- 25, female, mulatto, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Sinton; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
(I have learned that Thomas was a former slave of Stokely's, who was given his own farm on the property of Stokeley, in apparent appreciation for years of faithful service. This included saving the life of Stokeley's son Leslie, after he was shot and wounded during the battle of Shiloh, in the Civil War. Reportedly Thomas found the wounded Leslie on the battle field, begged the doctors to help him, and spent many months nursing him back to health. Thomas was affectionately known as "Uncle Tom," and apparently lived there until his death. It seems quite likely that some of the other servants listed here were also former slaves. - Rick Waggener)
=================
From the same series of transcribed family letters, written about 30 years later, sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Stokeley's daughter, Olive K. Waller, who is writing from Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee on January 26, 1876, to her aunt, Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener, who was in Hancock County, Illinois. Clarksville is about 15 mile south of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, just across the border (and about 35 miles southwest of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky). Olive writes about a recent visit from her father:
"... Pa stayed some time with me last fall. He is in good health and more cheerful than usual. He often spoke of you and enjoyed seeing you so much. Nothing gives him such pleasure as to meet with those he knew in early life, his happiest days as he says...."
***** There is another letter written by Olive, to her cousin Mary O. Waggener, who is apparently in Illinois. Olive is apparently still in Montgomery County, Tennessee, perhaps 35 miles from Russellville. The letter was written August 29, 1877. Speaking of her father Olive writes:
"... I went to see Pa last month. His general health is very good though he is quite feeble. He was 78 years old last April. He told me he had written a long letter to Cousin Ell months ago in which he spoke of old times and associations. He asked her to be sure to answer and if she couldn't, for your Ma or Pa to do so, as the letter was intended for them too. He has never received as answer. I do hope some of you will write to him. It is a great task for him to write now and he feels hurt that his letter was not noticed. Nothing affords him more pleasure than to talk about old times and people he knew. He rarely even meets with any....
===========
From the 1880 Federal Census of the Town of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky, district 164, page 41/ 431A, taken June 1, 1880, household 1; from ancestry.com, image 1 of 45:
Waggener, Stokley T.; male, age- 82, head of household, married, occupation- farmer, born- Virginia, parents born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; female, age- 64, wife, married, occupation- keeping house, born- Tennessee, parents born- North Carolina
------ Bell; female, age- 30, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
------ Ida; female, age- 20, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Waller, Olive H.; age- 44, daughter, widowed, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Gloen, Eliza; female, age- 40, servant, widowed, occupation- servant, born- Kentucky, parents born- Kentucky
Holland, Emma; female, age- 21, servant, single, occupation- servant, born- Tennessee, parents born- Tennessee
(Listed next door to the household is the same Thomas Waggener, who was listed in the household in the 1870 census. - RW)
============
Gail Brooks sent me a transcription she made of Stokeley's Last Will and Testament:
LOGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY, WILL BOOK NO. N 1886-1898
Filmed by Logan County at the County Courthouse, Russellville, KY
LDS film # 0364614
Page 18
Will of Stokeley Towles Waggener, Dec’d
At Home, Russellville, Ky
7th day of Apl 1882 and my 83rd birthday. We know life is uncertain and I know not what what (sic) moment I may be called to leave this world, at which time I may own a little property that I wish disposed of as follows. The most I have will be in notes given by my son Leslie for the tract of land that I now live on from which which (sic) my wife E. T. Waggener must be supported during her life, at the death what what (sic) may be left, I wish disposed of as follows.
1st I will Addie to be paid Five Hundred Dollars extry, the balance equally divided between my five daughters, Olive, Annie, Ellen, Bell, and Addie and my son Dick. I own a number of lots in the city of Superior, state Wisconsin Douglis Cty. I give to Bell and Addie Lots 417 and 419 on 2nd street as an extry gift. Addie have first choice. Olive, Annie, Ellen may each select a lot on 5, 6 or 7 street to have as an extry gift. Also my son Dick to have a lot on either of streets named as an extry gift. All my other property in Superior as well as that in the town of Fondulack, Minnesota I wish divided among all my children. If I should owe any debts, I wish them to be paid. I hope the request I have made will be attended to without going in court or any expense. The Amt I leave I know is very small. I wish it was more. I have done the best I could. Some of my children is very dependent. I hope and no doubt those that can, will se that that (sic) none of them suffer. My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that all my children do well whil living, that we may all meet in Heaven. The property I own in Superior and Fondulack may be managed any way that those interested deem best. It is my wish and hope that my son J. A. Waggener will attend to and see that my wishes as stated above is carried out.
S. T. Waggener
Day and date above written
Codicil
I S. T. Waggener made a will on the 7th day of April 1882 in my own handwriting and signed by myself making a general disposition of my small esate, but my daughter Annie Loving having recently died, she being one of my heirs and devisees leaving at her death five children, the youngest of which is a girl named Annie about three years old. I will and devise to this the said child, Annie, all the interest that her mother would have had in my lots in Superior City, Wisconsin and in Fon Du Lac. I hereby appoint Addie Waggener her aunt her Trustee to take charge of and manage the said property for her use and benefit, and I will and direct that if the said child Annie shall die without issue then and in that event said Addie Waggener shall inherit and take the property above named and hereby left to her the said Annie Loving, the child before named, and it is to be clearly understood that I mean no other property than that herein above named. I hereby declare this is a codicil to the will hereinbefore named, this Nov 10 1885, signed by me in my own person.
S. T. Waggener
Witnesses
Christ Bower
Geo. T. Edwards
8th June 1886
Russellville City, Logan Cty
It is my desire and I hereby give and convey to my wife E. T. Waggener two lots No 6 and 7th in the town of Superior, the state of Wis. Douglas Cty. Said lots are situated on River street. To have and to hold as her property to do with as she may deem best. The above lots cost me when bought $1,500.00 or $750.0 each. Those and the two I give Bell and Addie are the most valuable of of (sic) any of my lots so say Judges.
S. T. Waggener
8th June 1886
State of Kentucky )
County of Logan )etc.
At a county court held for Logan County at the Court House in Russellville, KY on Monday, the 5th day of July 1886, the foregoing instruments of writing were produced in open court as the last will and testament and codicils of S. T. Waggener Deceased, and the said will dated the 7th day of April 1882 was proved by the oaths of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers the subscribing witnesses, hereto to be the act and deed and codicil to the last will and testament of said Testator; wherefore they are ordered to be recorded as the last will and testament of said S. T. Waggener deceased. Also another paper thereto attached dated June 8th 1886 was presented to court by Leslie Waggener and likewise proven by the oath of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers to be wholly in the handwriting of, and the signature thereto, the genuine signature of said S. T. Waggener Dec’d and the same is also admitted to record for what it is worth, when upon the will and codicil thereinbefore named together with the last named paper and this certificate have been duly admitted to record in my office.
Given under my hand as that of County Court this 6th day of July 1886.
Jno. G. Orndorff, Clerk
(Stokelely gives his date of birth here as April 7, 1799, which was slightly different than what I previously had. Also, based on the date of the proving of the will on July 6, 1886 and the brief obituary below, dated July 1886, I can narrow down the date of Stokeley's death to June 28, 1886. I do not know about the property he mentions here in Wisconsin and Minnesota. - RW)
============
From Hopkinsville New Era, dated July 1886
Mr. Stokeley T Waggener an aged and respected citizen of Russellville, died at his home on Monday last at 10 o'clock a.m. from the effects of a stroke of paralysis received several days previously.
============
Gail Brooks sent me the following:
From Logan Co KY Cemeteries, Logan Co Gen. Society, 1986:
Section E, Maple Grove Cemetery (Russellville, Logan County)
Waggener, Stokeley T, Apr 1799-Jun 1886
Waggener, Elizabeth Ross, Oct 1816-Aug 1892
Waggener, Jasper A, 23 Jul 1834-9 Aug 1902, buried in Austin, TX
Waggener, Leslie, Sep 1841-Aug 1896, buried at Austin, TX
(These four are on four sides of one stone as I recall.)
Waggener, Johnnie, April 1874 - Mar 1876
Waggener. Baby, 1878
Waggener, Baby. 1884
(Located a few plots away from Stokeley)
{I am not at all sure who there other children are, but suspect that they are grandchildren of Stokeley and Elizabeth. RW}
=============
Gail Brooks sent me one more item, a photo of a house. It's a square, two story brick colonial style home in Russellville, Kentucky. Gail's comments about the photo:
"It's Stokeley's home in Russellville, made sometime in 1870s-80s before his death in 1886. After having it around for a long time, I finally took a good look with magnifying glass and discovered PEOPLE. In window to right of door, white beard, would be Stokeley. There's a boy (maybe 8-10yrs. old?) in the front lawn and two women on the porch; Elizabeth Ross Waggener and one of her daughters or maybe Fannie Pendleton with her son Leslie.
--------------------
In August of 2012, I made a brief swing through Russellville and visited the house. It is located at 434 Maple Lane, Russellville, Kentucky. It is just a block or so away from the Maple Grove Cemetery, where Stokeley is buried. The house was being used as a day care center, known as Holly Tree Day Care. The center was not open at the time of my visit, so I was unable to get into the house. Apparently a number of years earlier there had been a bed and breakfast hotel run in the house, known as Holly Tree Inn. The house is in fairly good shape.- Rick Waggener
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stokeley was the eighth of ten children born his parents James Jones and Elizabeth (Garnett) Waggener. He was born on April 7, 1799, presumably on his parent's estate in Culpeper County, Virginia. This was apparently near to the town of Rapidan along the Rapidan River. I know that Stokeley's parents moved to Todd County, Kentucky in 1820 or 1821, and that his father died there in about 1822. I'm not sure when Stokeley moved to Todd County, but it appears as though he might have moved before his parents. He reportedly married his first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson in Todd County on December 19, 1820. Stokeley and Ann are listed as witnesses to the marriage of his sister Eliza in nearby Christian County, in 1824.
Stokeley apparently lived in or near the town of Trenton in Todd County, up until about 1859. In the Property Tax records he is listed with some kind of lot in Trenton as early as 1822. He reportedly opened up a tailor shop in Trenton around 1830, although it seem possible it might have been earlier, maybe even as early as 1822. At some point he gave up the tailor business and began operating some kind of general store in Trenton. He continued to operate this store, apparently up until the mid to late 1850's. His eventual partner in this store, Henry Wisdom, reportedly began working as a clerk in the store. At whatever point Stokeley stopped his involvement in the store, he reportedly sold his interest to Wisdom, who apparently continued to operate the store. The Property Tax records also show that Stokeley also owned property outside of Trenton, and apparently he was also involved in farming.
Stokeley had two children with Ann, Olive Kay and Jasper A. Ann apparently died fairly young, between 1834 and 1840. By about 1840, Stokeley has married his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. Stokeley and Elizabeth had at least eight children. Most prominent of his children was his son Leslie, whose career included being a Civil War hero, a college professor, and the first President of the University of Texas. The others were Anna, Jemima, James Ross, Ellen Jefferies, Belle, Richard, and Adeline Rowena.
From the family letters I have obtained, Stokeley seems to have served as a sort of patriarchal figure for the family. It also appears that he was quite well off. He is listed on the 1850 census in Todd County as a merchant and farmer, with property valued at $6,000. In the 1860 census he is listed in Logan County with real estate valued at $9,180, and personal property valued at $45,000. The Property Tax records in Todd County track Stokeley's rise in prosperity pretty effectively, and in pretty interesting detail.
Around 1859 Stokeley and Elizabeth moved to the Russellville area of Logan County. They lived there on a farm for the rest of their lives. I am not sure why he moved, but would speculate that it had something to do with his son Lesley, who graduated from Bethel College in Russellville in 1860. Stokeley died in Logan County, Kentucky on July 28, 1886. He and Elizabeth are buried there in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville.
Rick Waggener
===================
From Dodd, Jordan. Kentucky Marriages to 1850. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1997. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Kentucky:
Spouse 1: Anderson, Ann Elizabeth
Spouse 2: Waggoner, Stokeley
Date of marriage: 19 Dec 1820
Location of marriage: Kentucky, Todd County
===============
In a deed dated November 9, 1822, in the Todd County, Kentucky Deed Book B; Page 105, Stokeley is listed as a witness. The deed is between the heirs of Gabriel Kay, the husband of Stokeley's sister Frances, who had died in 1818, and James Woods, husband of Gabriel and Frances' daughter Elizabeth Ann. - RW
==============
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in the following records:
(The 1820 and 1821 records are very poor and it is not clear if Stokeley is there or not.)
***** 1822; page 50, 1/4 acre in Trenton (very faint) improvement?, 1 male over 21, 0 children 4-24, 1 Black over 16, 4 Blacks total, total value- $1,500
***** 1823; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 52, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 blacks total, 1 horse, 1/4 acre lot in Trenton/ value $600, total value- $1,880
(Stokeley is listed directly above his brother Armistead.)
***** 1824; Waggoner, Stokely T.; page 57, 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks total, 3 horses, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $500; total value- $1,550
===================
From a marriage record for Stokeley's younger sister Eliza, from Christian County, Kentucky, sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
****** To this Clerk of Christian County. This is to justify that I Elizabeth Waggener do lively and willfully consent to the marriage of her Daughter Elizabeth A. Waggener with Mr. Iverson Walker - of the County of Todd. Given under my hand this the 17th July 1824---
Elizabeth Waggener
Witnessed
Stokeley T. Waggener
Ann Waggener
==================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1827; Waggener, Stokeley T., page 84, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 6 horses, one town lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,170
***** 1828; Waggoner, T. S.; 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $350, total value- $1,420
***** 1829; Waggoner, S. T.; page 97, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,160
***** 1830; Waggener, Stokeley; page 91, 1 white male over 21, 1 Blacks over 14, 4 Blacks total, 4 horses, 1 carriage, 1 house and lot in Trenton/ value- $450, total value- $1,520
=================
From the 1830 Federal Census of the Town of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, page 357; from genealogy.com:
S. T. Waggener; 1 male 30-39 years (Stokeley); 1 female under 5 years, 2 female 10-14 years, 1 female 20-29 years (Ann); 1 male slave under 10 years, 1 male slave 10-23 years, 1 female slave under 10 years, 1 female slave 10-23 years.
===============
From the County of Todd, Kentucky, edited by J.H. Battle, published 1884:
Trenton Precinct, page 156-158:
"...Among early members of what was known as the Lebanon Baptist Church were Stokely Waggoner, Reuben Bradley, William Arnold and wife, and many others. It was at one time in a very prosperous condition, and had about 200 members....
...In about 1830 Stokely T. Waggoner came to this point. He first opened a tailor shop, but soon after turned his attention to merchandising, and until 1859 he was one of the leading merchants at this point. From here he went to Russellville, where he is still living. Henry Wisdom purchased Waggoner's store and continued operations here about ten years....
=================
From Deeds of Todd County, Kentucky, 1820-1842; sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
Deed Book G, page 333; dated July 8, 1831; James F. Spillman of Trenton to Stokeley T. Waggoner for $366. parcel of land near Trenton on the West Fork of the Red River. Corners: north edge of the Gallatin Road, survey of Watts D. Ewing, now owned by Pouncy Anderson, stake in the Nashville Road, center of Main Street. (Lewisburgh now called Trenton.) Signed. Recorded November 24, 1831.
------------------------
Deed Book G, page 469; dated July 9, 1832; George Pollack to Stokeley T. Waggoner - 6 acres for $30. on the West Fork of Red River, part of James Roberts' original survey. Corner to Harrel. Signed and recorded same day.
-----------------------
Deed Book H, page 317; dated March 9, 1834; for $1.00 all interest in the Spillman property to S. T. Waggoner. Signed by Jonathan ..... (the rest of the transcription of this record was cut off at the bottom of the page).
=================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
[The Property Tax Records for 1831 & 1832 in Todd County, are missing.]
***** 1833; Waggener, ST; page 67, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $12 an acre; 1/4 of one lot in Trenton/ value $350/ $5 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 0 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 3 Blacks total, 5 horses, 1 carriage; total value- $3,400
****** 1834; Waggonner, ST; page 60, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $10 an acre; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre; 1 lot in Trenton; 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 4 Blacks total, 8 horses, 30 cattle, 1 carriage; total value- $3,940
(It seems confusing that this tract of 140 acres of land seems to have been previously listed on the West Fork of the Red River [and also seems to have been from the deeds above in 1831 & 1832], and here and below is listed on Spring Creek. I think the West Fork of the Red River, as well as the Reins Lick Creek below, are north of Trenton, and Spring Creek is east and somewhat south of Trenton. RW)
***** 1835; Waggener, ST; page 61, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ $1.50 an acre; 6 acres?, improved lot in Trenton/ value $3 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 7 Blacks total, 9 horses, 40 cattle; total value $5,488
(The Tax Books for 1836 in Todd County are missing. Rw)
***** 1837; Waggoner, S.T.; page 63, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $3 an acre, total tract value- $18; 1 town lot/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 5 Blacks over 16, 10 Blacks total/ total value of Blacks- $5000; 10 horses/ value $850; 8 cattle/ value $70; total value- $9,138
***** 1838; Waggener, S.T.; 143 acres in Todd County on W.Fork, value $15 an acre/ total value for tract- $2,145; 1 town tract/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 1 Black hired out, 9 Blacks total, value of Blacks- $3,800; 4 horses/ value- $275; 7 mules/ value- $40; 9 cattle/ value $80; value of other property- $3,000; total value- $9,710
================
From a series of transcribed family letters sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Elizabeth (O'Neil) Waggener (widow of Stokeley's brother James Waggener, who died in 1822) to her son George C. Waggener and his wife Mary Frances (Anderson). The letter is headed: "December 17th, Todd Co, near Trenton." It seems to have probably been written in 1838.
Elizabeth talks about Stokeley and his wife Ann (Anderson) Waggener. They apparently lived near Elizabeth in Trenton and ran some kind of store. Stokeley seems to have been some kind of family patriarchal figure, who apparently subsidized or supported a number of extended family members. Elizabeth obviously thought very highly of them, and chided her son and daughter-in-law to, "follow the footsteps of Stokeley and Ann in many things." Stokeley's wife Ann was the sister of Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener. She apparently died in the next couple of years, and Stokeley was remarried to Elizabeth Ross.
==================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1839; Waggener, S.T.; page 79; 143 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,860; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre, total tract value- $30; 1 town lot/ value- $500; 1 white male over 21, 7 Blacks over 16, 4 Blacks hired out, 12 Blacks total/ value of Blacks- (can't read); 1 voter; 7 horses/ value- $$380; 2 mules/ value- $120; 12 cattle/ value- $60; merchandise/ value- $1,900; other property- value- $5,559; total value- $18,909
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** Same (ST Waggener) agent for Eliz Waggener; 0 white males over 21, 1 Black hired out, 5 Blacks total/ value- (can't read); other property/ value- $200; total value- $1,800
(I am certain that this is Stokeley's mother Elizabeth, whose health was perhaps beginning to fail. Stokeley seems to be doing quite well at this point, and the value of his property has made a significant jump from the previous year. RW)
==============
From the 1840 Federal Census of Todd County, Kentucky, page 273; from ancestry.com, images 69 & 70 of 71:
Wagner, S. T.; 1 male under 5 years (Jasper), 1 male 20-29 years, 1 male 40-49 years (Stokley); 1 female 5-9 years (Olive), 1 female 10-14 years; 2 male slaves under 10 years, 2 male slaves 10-23 years, 1 male slave 24-35 years; 1 female slave under 10 years, 2 female slaves 10-23 years; 13 persons total, 5 persons engaged in agriculture, 1 person engaged in commerce
(It would seem that Stokeley's first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson, was deceased at this point, and he had yet to marry his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. - RW)
===================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1840; Waggoner, S T; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ total value of tract- $2,290; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Lick/ total value- $20; 1 town lot/ value- $200; 1 white male over 21, 4 slaves over 16, 9 total slaves/ value of slaves- $4,400; 7 horses/ value $400; 2 mules/ value- $80; 10 cattle/ value- $30; 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $10,500; total value- $17, 920
****** 1840; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value- $5,500; total value- $5,500
(This is Henry Wisdom, who was apparently his partner in the store, and who later purchased the store, possibly about 1855 but certainly after Stokeley moved to Logan County in 1859. See the note below for a little more information about Henry. RW)
***** 1840; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49; 1 slave over 16, 6 slaves total/ value of slaves- $1,500; total value- $1,500
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** 1840; Same (Waggener, S T) agent for estate of Eliz Waggener dec'd; page 49; 3 slaves over 16, 3 slaves total/ value of slaves- $2,000; total value- $2000
(The first of these Elizabeth Waggeners is Stokeley's mother, who as I mentioned is alive, but apparently not doing too well at this time. The second Elizabeth Waggener is his sister-in-law, the widow of his brother James Waggener. -RW)
==============
Gail Brooks sent me an interesting tidbit on Henry Wisdom:
"...the obit of B. H. Widsom (b. Bowling Green, VA 1819), who d. in Paducah "last Sunday" (before 29 Oct 1896). "Before he was of age, Mr. Wisdom went to Trenton and became a clerk in a store, and showed such business sagacity that in a few years he was admitted to partnership with his employer Stakely Wagner. The firm was eminently successful and soon ventured into the buying of tobacco for the English market.... For many years past he (Wisdom) was reputed to be wealthiest man in Kentucky."
==============
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1841; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value of tract- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 6 acres in Todd County on Rains Lick/ value- $30; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16/ value of slaves- $5050; 7 horses/ value- 4300; 5 cattle/ value- $50, 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $8,000; total value- $15,930
***** 1841; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value $6,100, total value- $6,100
***** 1841; Waggener, S T; page 49; admin of R R Stark; 1 slave over 16/ value- $600; total value
(I have no idea who this is, but as I mentioned, Stokeley acted as a sort of patriarchal figure for a wide group of family members. RW)
***** 1841; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49, 1 slave over 16/ value- $2,000; total value- $2,000
(This again is Stokeley's mother. -RW)
-------------------
***** 1842; Waggener, S.T.; page 50; 143 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $2,145; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16, (can't read total slaves)/ value slaves- $4,000; 10 horses/ value- $500; 5 cattle/ value- $50; 2 children 7-17; other property/ value- $4,000; total value- $10,945
***** 1842; Waggener & Wisdom; page 50; 1 town lot/ value- $300; 1 store/ value- $7,000, other property- $8,000; total value- $18,100
-----------------
****** 1843; Wisdom & Waggener; page 53; 1 town lot/ value $850; 1 horse/ value- $50; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value- $8,000; total value/ $14,850
***** 1843; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 53; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- 4100; 1 white male over 21; 10 horses/ $200; 15 cattle/ value- $10; 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value- $6,000; total value- $11, 410
----------------
***** 1844; Waggener, S. T.; page 54; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $2250; 170 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $1,170; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $24; 1 town lot/ value $100 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16; 12 slaves total/ value of slaves- 444,775; 9 horses/ value $300; 9 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16; other property- $5,864; total value- $15,013
Listed on the next line:
***** 1844; Same agent for Eliz Waggener; page 54; 1 slave over 16; 7 slaves total; value $2,000; total value- $2,000
***** 1844; Waggener & Wisdon; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $1,000; 1 store/ vlaue $1,500; other property/ value- $11,000; total value- $13,500
------------------------
***** 1845; Waggener & Wisdom; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $800; other property- $9,500; total value- $10,300
***** 1845; Waggener, S.T.; page 54; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,224; 1 town lot/ Value $125; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value $4,350; value of horses- $330; 12 cattle; 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16, other propert- $4,570; total value- $12,549
Listed on the line below:
***** 1845; Same agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 54; 3 slaves over 16; 7 slaves total/ value of slaves $2,350; other property- $300; total value- $2,450
-------------------
***** 1846; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,65; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value- $4,725; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold watch; 3 children 5-16; other property/ value- $5,550; total value- $14,470
Listed on the line below:
***** 1846; Same Admin for Elizabeth Waggener dec'd; page 55; 2 slaves over 16, 7 slaves total/ value- $2,450; total value- $2,450; total value- $2,450
***** 1846; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $700; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,700
-------------------
***** 1847; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $800; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,800
***** 1847; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,650; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value/ $4,775; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacles; 3 children 5-16; other property- $5,550; total value- $14,470
------------------
***** 1848; Waggener & Wisdom; page 53; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value $18,000; total value $24,800
***** 1848; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 1 voter, 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,968; 1 town lot/ value $150; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value $6,200?; horse value $500; 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacle; othe property/ $6,200; total value- $17,018
------------------
***** 1849; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,838; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value- $6,150; 8 horses/ value $400; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,500; total value $15,008
***** 1849; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $7,500; other property- $20,000; total value- $28,300
===============
From the 1850 Federal Census of District #1, Todd County, Kentucky, page 236, taken August 24, 1850, household #293; from ancestry.com, image 83 of 100:
S. T. Waggener; age- 51, male, occupation- merchant & farmer, real estate- $6,000, born- Virginia
Eliza -------; age- 33, female, born- Tennessee
Olivia -------; age- 17, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Jasper ------; age- 15, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Leslie -------; age- 8, ma2le, born- Kentucky
Annie -------; age- 4, female, born- Kentucky
Jemima ------; age- 3, female, born- Kentucky
Babe ------; age- 1, female, born- Kentucky
Tho J. Smith; age- 24, occupation- merchant clerk, born- Kentucky
B. H. Warden?; age- 28, occupation- merchant, born- Virginia
(The children Olive and Jasper were born to Stokeley's first wife Elizabeth Anderson. RW)
----------------------------------
From the 1850 Slave Schedule, Todd County, Kentucky; transcribed by Karin and Rachel Combs- Copyright 2001:
From Schedule 2, Slave Inhabitants in District No. 1 in the County of Todd, State of Kentucky, enumerated August 29 and September 1, 1850:
Stokely is listed with a total of 15 slaves, specifically listed as; 36 year old black male, 35 year old black male, 35 year old black female, 34 year old black female, 33 year old black female, 23 year old black male, 20 year old mulatto male, 18 year old mulatto male, 15 year old black male, 13 year old black female, 11 year old mulatto male, 8 year old black female, 4 year old black female, 3 year old black female, 3 month old black female
====================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1850; Waggener, S.T.; page 59; 1 voter, 315 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,780; 6 acres Todd County on West Fork/ value $20; 1 white male voter over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $6,850; 10 horses/ value $300; 2 mules/ value $100; 10 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,000; total value $15,050
(I find it interesting that Stokeley continued to hang onto this other 6 acre parcel of land, originally purchased in 1832. It appears to be almost worthless, but must have have had some value to him. - RW)
***** 1850; Waggener & Wisdom; page 59; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 horse/ value $50; 1 store/ value $10,000; other property/ value $20,000; total value $30,850
-------------------
***** 1851; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 321 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Creek/ value $24; 1 white male over 21; 10 slaves over 16, 17 slave total/ value $7,100; 12 horses/ value (can't read); 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property $5,335; total value $17,750
***** 1851; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $1,000; 1 store/ value $4,000; other property/ value $25,000; total value $30,000
------------------
***** 1852; Waggener & Wisdom; page 45; 1 lot in Trenton/ value $1,100; other property/ value $31,000; total value (can't read)
***** 1852; Waggener, S.T.; page 44; 320 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $7,400; 12 horses/ value $500; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; 40 hogs over 6 months; other property/ value $6,000; total value $18,000
-------------------
***** 1853; Waggener & Wisdom; page 44; value of other property- $30,000; total value- $30,000
***** 1853; Waggener, S.T.; page 45; 315 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,720; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value/ $28; 1 white male over 21; 6 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $7,500; 5 horses/ value $600; 8 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $9,000; total value- $21,848; value carriage- $80; value gold watch- $48; value piano- $100
--------------------
***** 1854; Waggener, S. T.; page 40; 350 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,950; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $8,000; 17 horses/ value $600; 12 cattle/ value $50; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $12,000; total value- $25,630; carriage value $400; gold/ silver watch etc. $125; gold/ silver ? $30; value piano- $75
***** 1854; Waggener & Wisdom; value other property- $12,000; total value $12,000
(This is the last year that Waggener & Wisdom are listed. I think that this means that Stokeley sold his interest for the store to Henry Wisdom this year, and from this point on he was just involved in farming. - Rick Waggener)
------------------
***** Waggener, S. T.; 326 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,830; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ total value $7,700; 15 horses/ value $540; 6 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 25 hogs over 6 months; other property- $20,000; total value- $33,420; value carriage- $380; value gold watch etc. $100; value gold plate- $25; value piano- $60
==================
More Tax Records in Todd County, Kentucky from Gail Brooks:
***** 1856; S T Waggener, Spring Creek, slaves- 9/17, horses- 12
***** 1857; S T Waggener, slaves- 12/23, horses- 11
***** 1858; S T Waggener, Westfork, slaves 11/19, horses/mules/cattle- 8/15/30. carriage/ gold, children 6-18- 4, total value $21,980
(This is the last year Stokely is listed in Todd County, due to the fact he moved to Logan County in about 1859. RW)
===============
From the 1860 Federal Census of Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky, page 621, Post Office- Russellville, household #820, taken July 21, 1860; from ancestry.com, image 285 of 326:
S. T. Waggener; age- 61, male, occupation- farmer, real estate- $9,180, personal property- $45,000, born- Virginia
E. T. Waggener; age- 43, female, born- Tennessee
Leslie Waggener; age- 18, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Annie Waggener; age- 16, female, born- Kentucky, in school
James Waggener; age- 14, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Ellen Waggener; age 12, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Belle Waggener; age- 10, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Dick Waggener; age- 6, male, born- Kentucky
Ada Waggener; age- 9/12, female, born- Kentucky
(This record shows that Stokeley and family moved to Russellville in Logan County, before the Civil War. According to the biography of his son Leslie, Leslie graduated from Bethel College in Russellville, in 1860. Perhaps this had something to do with why they moved. Leslie was only 18 years old at the time. Stokeley and Elizabeth remained in Russellville the rest of their lives.
It would seem that Ellen must have been listed as Babe on the 1850 census above. Also, Jemima is not here or on the 1870 census below, which might well indicate that she was deceased. James was not listed on the 1850 census above. It seems possible that he was somehow mistakenly listed as Jemima on 1850, and that there never was a Jemima.- Rick Waggener)
--------------------------------------
S.T. Waggener is listed with 13 slaves, on page 26 of the Slave Schedule in Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky:
60 year old black female, 50 year old black male, 40 year old black female, 19 year old black male, 17 years old black female, 16 year old black male, 15 year old black male, 14 year old black female, 12 year old black female, 10 year old black female, 2 year old black female, 18 year old black female, 6/12 year old black female
====================
There are a series of four deeds in Montgomery County, Tennessee involving Stokeley. They seem to involve two tracts of land that Stokeley purchased for his daughter Olive and her husband Frank W. Waller. The deeds are dated 1865- 1867, but it appears that the first 33 acre tract was initially purchased in 1861, which probably would have been soon after Olive and Frank married. Montgomery County, was directly south of Logan County, Kentucky, in Tennessee. I have included the transcriptions of the deeds in the notes for Olive.- Rick Waggener
===============
From the 1870 Federal Census of Russellville Confederation, Logan County, Kentucky, taken August 24, 1870, page 511, household 170; from ancestry.com, image 507 of 530:
Wagoner, Stokley T.; age 71, male, white, occupation- farmer, real estate- $8,000, personal property- $8,000, born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; age- 53, female, white, occupation- keeping house, born- North Carolina
------ Ellen; age- 20, female, white, born- Kentucky (from David Wagoner: m. A.P Wooldridge 15, Sept 1874)
------ Bell; age- 18, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school, (from David Wagoner: m. Thomas L. Waggoner 28 Apr 1881)
------ James; age- 22, male, white, occupation- Physician, born- Kentucky
------ Addie; age- 10, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school
------ Thomas; age- 30, male, black, occupation- works on farm, born- Virginia
------ Elicif; age- 25, female, black, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Bernie; age- 3, male, black, born- Kentucky
------ Mattie; age- 1, female, black, born- Kentucky
Boyer, Caroline; age- 30, female, black, occupation- cook, born- Kentucky
------ Henry; age- 8, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Clay; age- 3, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Willie; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
Shelby, Rody; age- 25, female, mulatto, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Sinton; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
(I have learned that Thomas was a former slave of Stokely's, who was given his own farm on the property of Stokeley, in apparent appreciation for years of faithful service. This included saving the life of Stokeley's son Leslie, after he was shot and wounded during the battle of Shiloh, in the Civil War. Reportedly Thomas found the wounded Leslie on the battle field, begged the doctors to help him, and spent many months nursing him back to health. Thomas was affectionately known as "Uncle Tom," and apparently lived there until his death. It seems quite likely that some of the other servants listed here were also former slaves. - Rick Waggener)
=================
From the same series of transcribed family letters, written about 30 years later, sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Stokeley's daughter, Olive K. Waller, who is writing from Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee on January 26, 1876, to her aunt, Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener, who was in Hancock County, Illinois. Clarksville is about 15 mile south of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, just across the border (and about 35 miles southwest of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky). Olive writes about a recent visit from her father:
"... Pa stayed some time with me last fall. He is in good health and more cheerful than usual. He often spoke of you and enjoyed seeing you so much. Nothing gives him such pleasure as to meet with those he knew in early life, his happiest days as he says...."
***** There is another letter written by Olive, to her cousin Mary O. Waggener, who is apparently in Illinois. Olive is apparently still in Montgomery County, Tennessee, perhaps 35 miles from Russellville. The letter was written August 29, 1877. Speaking of her father Olive writes:
"... I went to see Pa last month. His general health is very good though he is quite feeble. He was 78 years old last April. He told me he had written a long letter to Cousin Ell months ago in which he spoke of old times and associations. He asked her to be sure to answer and if she couldn't, for your Ma or Pa to do so, as the letter was intended for them too. He has never received as answer. I do hope some of you will write to him. It is a great task for him to write now and he feels hurt that his letter was not noticed. Nothing affords him more pleasure than to talk about old times and people he knew. He rarely even meets with any....
===========
From the 1880 Federal Census of the Town of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky, district 164, page 41/ 431A, taken June 1, 1880, household 1; from ancestry.com, image 1 of 45:
Waggener, Stokley T.; male, age- 82, head of household, married, occupation- farmer, born- Virginia, parents born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; female, age- 64, wife, married, occupation- keeping house, born- Tennessee, parents born- North Carolina
------ Bell; female, age- 30, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
------ Ida; female, age- 20, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Waller, Olive H.; age- 44, daughter, widowed, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Gloen, Eliza; female, age- 40, servant, widowed, occupation- servant, born- Kentucky, parents born- Kentucky
Holland, Emma; female, age- 21, servant, single, occupation- servant, born- Tennessee, parents born- Tennessee
(Listed next door to the household is the same Thomas Waggener, who was listed in the household in the 1870 census. - RW)
============
Gail Brooks sent me a transcription she made of Stokeley's Last Will and Testament:
LOGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY, WILL BOOK NO. N 1886-1898
Filmed by Logan County at the County Courthouse, Russellville, KY
LDS film # 0364614
Page 18
Will of Stokeley Towles Waggener, Dec’d
At Home, Russellville, Ky
7th day of Apl 1882 and my 83rd birthday. We know life is uncertain and I know not what what (sic) moment I may be called to leave this world, at which time I may own a little property that I wish disposed of as follows. The most I have will be in notes given by my son Leslie for the tract of land that I now live on from which which (sic) my wife E. T. Waggener must be supported during her life, at the death what what (sic) may be left, I wish disposed of as follows.
1st I will Addie to be paid Five Hundred Dollars extry, the balance equally divided between my five daughters, Olive, Annie, Ellen, Bell, and Addie and my son Dick. I own a number of lots in the city of Superior, state Wisconsin Douglis Cty. I give to Bell and Addie Lots 417 and 419 on 2nd street as an extry gift. Addie have first choice. Olive, Annie, Ellen may each select a lot on 5, 6 or 7 street to have as an extry gift. Also my son Dick to have a lot on either of streets named as an extry gift. All my other property in Superior as well as that in the town of Fondulack, Minnesota I wish divided among all my children. If I should owe any debts, I wish them to be paid. I hope the request I have made will be attended to without going in court or any expense. The Amt I leave I know is very small. I wish it was more. I have done the best I could. Some of my children is very dependent. I hope and no doubt those that can, will se that that (sic) none of them suffer. My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that all my children do well whil living, that we may all meet in Heaven. The property I own in Superior and Fondulack may be managed any way that those interested deem best. It is my wish and hope that my son J. A. Waggener will attend to and see that my wishes as stated above is carried out.
S. T. Waggener
Day and date above written
Codicil
I S. T. Waggener made a will on the 7th day of April 1882 in my own handwriting and signed by myself making a general disposition of my small esate, but my daughter Annie Loving having recently died, she being one of my heirs and devisees leaving at her death five children, the youngest of which is a girl named Annie about three years old. I will and devise to this the said child, Annie, all the interest that her mother would have had in my lots in Superior City, Wisconsin and in Fon Du Lac. I hereby appoint Addie Waggener her aunt her Trustee to take charge of and manage the said property for her use and benefit, and I will and direct that if the said child Annie shall die without issue then and in that event said Addie Waggener shall inherit and take the property above named and hereby left to her the said Annie Loving, the child before named, and it is to be clearly understood that I mean no other property than that herein above named. I hereby declare this is a codicil to the will hereinbefore named, this Nov 10 1885, signed by me in my own person.
S. T. Waggener
Witnesses
Christ Bower
Geo. T. Edwards
8th June 1886
Russellville City, Logan Cty
It is my desire and I hereby give and convey to my wife E. T. Waggener two lots No 6 and 7th in the town of Superior, the state of Wis. Douglas Cty. Said lots are situated on River street. To have and to hold as her property to do with as she may deem best. The above lots cost me when bought $1,500.00 or $750.0 each. Those and the two I give Bell and Addie are the most valuable of of (sic) any of my lots so say Judges.
S. T. Waggener
8th June 1886
State of Kentucky )
County of Logan )etc.
At a county court held for Logan County at the Court House in Russellville, KY on Monday, the 5th day of July 1886, the foregoing instruments of writing were produced in open court as the last will and testament and codicils of S. T. Waggener Deceased, and the said will dated the 7th day of April 1882 was proved by the oaths of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers the subscribing witnesses, hereto to be the act and deed and codicil to the last will and testament of said Testator; wherefore they are ordered to be recorded as the last will and testament of said S. T. Waggener deceased. Also another paper thereto attached dated June 8th 1886 was presented to court by Leslie Waggener and likewise proven by the oath of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers to be wholly in the handwriting of, and the signature thereto, the genuine signature of said S. T. Waggener Dec’d and the same is also admitted to record for what it is worth, when upon the will and codicil thereinbefore named together with the last named paper and this certificate have been duly admitted to record in my office.
Given under my hand as that of County Court this 6th day of July 1886.
Jno. G. Orndorff, Clerk
(Stokelely gives his date of birth here as April 7, 1799, which was slightly different than what I previously had. Also, based on the date of the proving of the will on July 6, 1886 and the brief obituary below, dated July 1886, I can narrow down the date of Stokeley's death to June 28, 1886. I do not know about the property he mentions here in Wisconsin and Minnesota. - RW)
============
From Hopkinsville New Era, dated July 1886
Mr. Stokeley T Waggener an aged and respected citizen of Russellville, died at his home on Monday last at 10 o'clock a.m. from the effects of a stroke of paralysis received several days previously.
============
Gail Brooks sent me the following:
From Logan Co KY Cemeteries, Logan Co Gen. Society, 1986:
Section E, Maple Grove Cemetery (Russellville, Logan County)
Waggener, Stokeley T, Apr 1799-Jun 1886
Waggener, Elizabeth Ross, Oct 1816-Aug 1892
Waggener, Jasper A, 23 Jul 1834-9 Aug 1902, buried in Austin, TX
Waggener, Leslie, Sep 1841-Aug 1896, buried at Austin, TX
(These four are on four sides of one stone as I recall.)
Waggener, Johnnie, April 1874 - Mar 1876
Waggener. Baby, 1878
Waggener, Baby. 1884
(Located a few plots away from Stokeley)
{I am not at all sure who there other children are, but suspect that they are grandchildren of Stokeley and Elizabeth. RW}
=============
Gail Brooks sent me one more item, a photo of a house. It's a square, two story brick colonial style home in Russellville, Kentucky. Gail's comments about the photo:
"It's Stokeley's home in Russellville, made sometime in 1870s-80s before his death in 1886. After having it around for a long time, I finally took a good look with magnifying glass and discovered PEOPLE. In window to right of door, white beard, would be Stokeley. There's a boy (maybe 8-10yrs. old?) in the front lawn and two women on the porch; Elizabeth Ross Waggener and one of her daughters or maybe Fannie Pendleton with her son Leslie.
--------------------
In August of 2012, I made a brief swing through Russellville and visited the house. It is located at 434 Maple Lane, Russellville, Kentucky. It is just a block or so away from the Maple Grove Cemetery, where Stokeley is buried. The house was being used as a day care center, known as Holly Tree Day Care. The center was not open at the time of my visit, so I was unable to get into the house. Apparently a number of years earlier there had been a bed and breakfast hotel run in the house, known as Holly Tree Inn. The house is in fairly good shape.- Rick Waggener
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are my notes for Stokely, from his entry in my family tree file- Rick Waggener:
Stokeley was the eighth of ten children born his parents James Jones and Elizabeth (Garnett) Waggener. He was born on April 7, 1799, presumably on his parent's estate in Culpeper County, Virginia. This was apparently near to the town of Rapidan along the Rapidan River. I know that Stokeley's parents moved to Todd County, Kentucky in 1820 or 1821, and that his father died there in about 1822. I'm not sure when Stokeley moved to Todd County, but it appears as though he might have moved before his parents. He reportedly married his first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson in Todd County on December 19, 1820. Stokeley and Ann are listed as witnesses to the marriage of his sister Eliza in nearby Christian County, in 1824.
Stokeley apparently lived in or near the town of Trenton in Todd County, up until about 1859. In the Property Tax records he is listed with some kind of lot in Trenton as early as 1822. He reportedly opened up a tailor shop in Trenton around 1830, although it seem possible it might have been earlier, maybe even as early as 1822. At some point he gave up the tailor business and began operating some kind of general store in Trenton. He continued to operate this store, apparently up until the mid to late 1850's. His eventual partner in this store, Henry Wisdom, reportedly began working as a clerk in the store. At whatever point Stokeley stopped his involvement in the store, he reportedly sold his interest to Wisdom, who apparently continued to operate the store. The Property Tax records also show that Stokeley also owned property outside of Trenton, and apparently he was also involved in farming.
Stokeley had two children with Ann, Olive Kay and Jasper A. Ann apparently died fairly young, between 1834 and 1840. By about 1840, Stokeley has married his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. Stokeley and Elizabeth had at least eight children. Most prominent of his children was his son Leslie, whose career included being a Civil War hero, a college professor, and the first President of the University of Texas. The others were Anna, Jemima, James Ross, Ellen Jefferies, Belle, Richard, and Adeline Rowena.
From the family letters I have obtained, Stokeley seems to have served as a sort of patriarchal figure for the family. It also appears that he was quite well off. He is listed on the 1850 census in Todd County as a merchant and farmer, with property valued at $6,000. In the 1860 census he is listed in Logan County with real estate valued at $9,180, and personal property valued at $45,000. The Property Tax records in Todd County track Stokeley's rise in prosperity pretty effectively, and in pretty interesting detail.
Around 1859 Stokeley and Elizabeth moved to the Russellville area of Logan County. They lived there on a farm for the rest of their lives. I am not sure why he moved, but would speculate that it had something to do with his son Lesley, who graduated from Bethel College in Russellville in 1860. Stokeley died in Logan County, Kentucky on July 28, 1886. He and Elizabeth are buried there in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville.
Rick Waggener
===================
From Dodd, Jordan. Kentucky Marriages to 1850. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1997. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Kentucky:
Spouse 1: Anderson, Ann Elizabeth
Spouse 2: Waggoner, Stokeley
Date of marriage: 19 Dec 1820
Location of marriage: Kentucky, Todd County
===============
In a deed dated November 9, 1822, in the Todd County, Kentucky Deed Book B; Page 105, Stokeley is listed as a witness. The deed is between the heirs of Gabriel Kay, the husband of Stokeley's sister Frances, who had died in 1818, and James Woods, husband of Gabriel and Frances' daughter Elizabeth Ann. - RW
==============
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in the following records:
(The 1820 and 1821 records are very poor and it is not clear if Stokeley is there or not.)
***** 1822; page 50, 1/4 acre in Trenton (very faint) improvement?, 1 male over 21, 0 children 4-24, 1 Black over 16, 4 Blacks total, total value- $1,500
***** 1823; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 52, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 blacks total, 1 horse, 1/4 acre lot in Trenton/ value $600, total value- $1,880
(Stokeley is listed directly above his brother Armistead.)
***** 1824; Waggoner, Stokely T.; page 57, 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks total, 3 horses, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $500; total value- $1,550
===================
From a marriage record for Stokeley's younger sister Eliza, from Christian County, Kentucky, sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
****** To this Clerk of Christian County. This is to justify that I Elizabeth Waggener do lively and willfully consent to the marriage of her Daughter Elizabeth A. Waggener with Mr. Iverson Walker - of the County of Todd. Given under my hand this the 17th July 1824---
Elizabeth Waggener
Witnessed
Stokeley T. Waggener
Ann Waggener
==================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1827; Waggener, Stokeley T., page 84, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 6 horses, one town lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,170
***** 1828; Waggoner, T. S.; 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $350, total value- $1,420
***** 1829; Waggoner, S. T.; page 97, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,160
***** 1830; Waggener, Stokeley; page 91, 1 white male over 21, 1 Blacks over 14, 4 Blacks total, 4 horses, 1 carriage, 1 house and lot in Trenton/ value- $450, total value- $1,520
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From the 1830 Federal Census of the Town of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, page 357; from genealogy.com:
S. T. Waggener; 1 male 30-39 years (Stokeley); 1 female under 5 years, 2 female 10-14 years, 1 female 20-29 years (Ann); 1 male slave under 10 years, 1 male slave 10-23 years, 1 female slave under 10 years, 1 female slave 10-23 years.
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From the County of Todd, Kentucky, edited by J.H. Battle, published 1884:
Trenton Precinct, page 156-158:
"...Among early members of what was known as the Lebanon Baptist Church were Stokely Waggoner, Reuben Bradley, William Arnold and wife, and many others. It was at one time in a very prosperous condition, and had about 200 members....
...In about 1830 Stokely T. Waggoner came to this point. He first opened a tailor shop, but soon after turned his attention to merchandising, and until 1859 he was one of the leading merchants at this point. From here he went to Russellville, where he is still living. Henry Wisdom purchased Waggoner's store and continued operations here about ten years....
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From Deeds of Todd County, Kentucky, 1820-1842; sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
Deed Book G, page 333; dated July 8, 1831; James F. Spillman of Trenton to Stokeley T. Waggoner for $366. parcel of land near Trenton on the West Fork of the Red River. Corners: north edge of the Gallatin Road, survey of Watts D. Ewing, now owned by Pouncy Anderson, stake in the Nashville Road, center of Main Street. (Lewisburgh now called Trenton.) Signed. Recorded November 24, 1831.
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Deed Book G, page 469; dated July 9, 1832; George Pollack to Stokeley T. Waggoner - 6 acres for $30. on the West Fork of Red River, part of James Roberts' original survey. Corner to Harrel. Signed and recorded same day.
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Deed Book H, page 317; dated March 9, 1834; for $1.00 all interest in the Spillman property to S. T. Waggoner. Signed by Jonathan ..... (the rest of the transcription of this record was cut off at the bottom of the page).
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From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
[The Property Tax Records for 1831 & 1832 in Todd County, are missing.]
***** 1833; Waggener, ST; page 67, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $12 an acre; 1/4 of one lot in Trenton/ value $350/ $5 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 0 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 3 Blacks total, 5 horses, 1 carriage; total value- $3,400
****** 1834; Waggonner, ST; page 60, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $10 an acre; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre; 1 lot in Trenton; 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 4 Blacks total, 8 horses, 30 cattle, 1 carriage; total value- $3,940
(It seems confusing that this tract of 140 acres of land seems to have been previously listed on the West Fork of the Red River [and also seems to have been from the deeds above in 1831 & 1832], and here and below is listed on Spring Creek. I think the West Fork of the Red River, as well as the Reins Lick Creek below, are north of Trenton, and Spring Creek is east and somewhat south of Trenton. RW)
***** 1835; Waggener, ST; page 61, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ $1.50 an acre; 6 acres?, improved lot in Trenton/ value $3 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 7 Blacks total, 9 horses, 40 cattle; total value $5,488
(The Tax Books for 1836 in Todd County are missing. Rw)
***** 1837; Waggoner, S.T.; page 63, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $3 an acre, total tract value- $18; 1 town lot/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 5 Blacks over 16, 10 Blacks total/ total value of Blacks- $5000; 10 horses/ value $850; 8 cattle/ value $70; total value- $9,138
***** 1838; Waggener, S.T.; 143 acres in Todd County on W.Fork, value $15 an acre/ total value for tract- $2,145; 1 town tract/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 1 Black hired out, 9 Blacks total, value of Blacks- $3,800; 4 horses/ value- $275; 7 mules/ value- $40; 9 cattle/ value $80; value of other property- $3,000; total value- $9,710
================
From a series of transcribed family letters sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Elizabeth (O'Neil) Waggener (widow of Stokeley's brother James Waggener, who died in 1822) to her son George C. Waggener and his wife Mary Frances (Anderson). The letter is headed: "December 17th, Todd Co, near Trenton." It seems to have probably been written in 1838.
Elizabeth talks about Stokeley and his wife Ann (Anderson) Waggener. They apparently lived near Elizabeth in Trenton and ran some kind of store. Stokeley seems to have been some kind of family patriarchal figure, who apparently subsidized or supported a number of extended family members. Elizabeth obviously thought very highly of them, and chided her son and daughter-in-law to, "follow the footsteps of Stokeley and Ann in many things." Stokeley's wife Ann was the sister of Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener. She apparently died in the next couple of years, and Stokeley was remarried to Elizabeth Ross.
==================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1839; Waggener, S.T.; page 79; 143 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,860; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre, total tract value- $30; 1 town lot/ value- $500; 1 white male over 21, 7 Blacks over 16, 4 Blacks hired out, 12 Blacks total/ value of Blacks- (can't read); 1 voter; 7 horses/ value- $$380; 2 mules/ value- $120; 12 cattle/ value- $60; merchandise/ value- $1,900; other property- value- $5,559; total value- $18,909
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** Same (ST Waggener) agent for Eliz Waggener; 0 white males over 21, 1 Black hired out, 5 Blacks total/ value- (can't read); other property/ value- $200; total value- $1,800
(I am certain that this is Stokeley's mother Elizabeth, whose health was perhaps beginning to fail. Stokeley seems to be doing quite well at this point, and the value of his property has made a significant jump from the previous year. RW)
==============
From the 1840 Federal Census of Todd County, Kentucky, page 273; from ancestry.com, images 69 & 70 of 71:
Wagner, S. T.; 1 male under 5 years (Jasper), 1 male 20-29 years, 1 male 40-49 years (Stokley); 1 female 5-9 years (Olive), 1 female 10-14 years; 2 male slaves under 10 years, 2 male slaves 10-23 years, 1 male slave 24-35 years; 1 female slave under 10 years, 2 female slaves 10-23 years; 13 persons total, 5 persons engaged in agriculture, 1 person engaged in commerce
(It would seem that Stokeley's first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson, was deceased at this point, and he had yet to marry his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. - RW)
===================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1840; Waggoner, S T; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ total value of tract- $2,290; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Lick/ total value- $20; 1 town lot/ value- $200; 1 white male over 21, 4 slaves over 16, 9 total slaves/ value of slaves- $4,400; 7 horses/ value $400; 2 mules/ value- $80; 10 cattle/ value- $30; 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $10,500; total value- $17, 920
****** 1840; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value- $5,500; total value- $5,500
(This is Henry Wisdom, who was apparently his partner in the store, and who later purchased the store, possibly about 1855 but certainly after Stokeley moved to Logan County in 1859. See the note below for a little more information about Henry. RW)
***** 1840; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49; 1 slave over 16, 6 slaves total/ value of slaves- $1,500; total value- $1,500
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** 1840; Same (Waggener, S T) agent for estate of Eliz Waggener dec'd; page 49; 3 slaves over 16, 3 slaves total/ value of slaves- $2,000; total value- $2000
(The first of these Elizabeth Waggeners is Stokeley's mother, who as I mentioned is alive, but apparently not doing too well at this time. The second Elizabeth Waggener is his sister-in-law, the widow of his brother James Waggener. -RW)
==============
Gail Brooks sent me an interesting tidbit on Henry Wisdom:
"...the obit of B. H. Widsom (b. Bowling Green, VA 1819), who d. in Paducah "last Sunday" (before 29 Oct 1896). "Before he was of age, Mr. Wisdom went to Trenton and became a clerk in a store, and showed such business sagacity that in a few years he was admitted to partnership with his employer Stakely Wagner. The firm was eminently successful and soon ventured into the buying of tobacco for the English market.... For many years past he (Wisdom) was reputed to be wealthiest man in Kentucky."
==============
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1841; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value of tract- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 6 acres in Todd County on Rains Lick/ value- $30; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16/ value of slaves- $5050; 7 horses/ value- 4300; 5 cattle/ value- $50, 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $8,000; total value- $15,930
***** 1841; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value $6,100, total value- $6,100
***** 1841; Waggener, S T; page 49; admin of R R Stark; 1 slave over 16/ value- $600; total value
(I have no idea who this is, but as I mentioned, Stokeley acted as a sort of patriarchal figure for a wide group of family members. RW)
***** 1841; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49, 1 slave over 16/ value- $2,000; total value- $2,000
(This again is Stokeley's mother. -RW)
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***** 1842; Waggener, S.T.; page 50; 143 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $2,145; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16, (can't read total slaves)/ value slaves- $4,000; 10 horses/ value- $500; 5 cattle/ value- $50; 2 children 7-17; other property/ value- $4,000; total value- $10,945
***** 1842; Waggener & Wisdom; page 50; 1 town lot/ value- $300; 1 store/ value- $7,000, other property- $8,000; total value- $18,100
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****** 1843; Wisdom & Waggener; page 53; 1 town lot/ value $850; 1 horse/ value- $50; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value- $8,000; total value/ $14,850
***** 1843; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 53; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- 4100; 1 white male over 21; 10 horses/ $200; 15 cattle/ value- $10; 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value- $6,000; total value- $11, 410
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***** 1844; Waggener, S. T.; page 54; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $2250; 170 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $1,170; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $24; 1 town lot/ value $100 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16; 12 slaves total/ value of slaves- 444,775; 9 horses/ value $300; 9 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16; other property- $5,864; total value- $15,013
Listed on the next line:
***** 1844; Same agent for Eliz Waggener; page 54; 1 slave over 16; 7 slaves total; value $2,000; total value- $2,000
***** 1844; Waggener & Wisdon; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $1,000; 1 store/ vlaue $1,500; other property/ value- $11,000; total value- $13,500
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***** 1845; Waggener & Wisdom; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $800; other property- $9,500; total value- $10,300
***** 1845; Waggener, S.T.; page 54; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,224; 1 town lot/ Value $125; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value $4,350; value of horses- $330; 12 cattle; 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16, other propert- $4,570; total value- $12,549
Listed on the line below:
***** 1845; Same agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 54; 3 slaves over 16; 7 slaves total/ value of slaves $2,350; other property- $300; total value- $2,450
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***** 1846; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,65; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value- $4,725; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold watch; 3 children 5-16; other property/ value- $5,550; total value- $14,470
Listed on the line below:
***** 1846; Same Admin for Elizabeth Waggener dec'd; page 55; 2 slaves over 16, 7 slaves total/ value- $2,450; total value- $2,450; total value- $2,450
***** 1846; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $700; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,700
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***** 1847; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $800; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,800
***** 1847; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,650; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value/ $4,775; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacles; 3 children 5-16; other property- $5,550; total value- $14,470
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***** 1848; Waggener & Wisdom; page 53; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value $18,000; total value $24,800
***** 1848; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 1 voter, 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,968; 1 town lot/ value $150; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value $6,200?; horse value $500; 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacle; othe property/ $6,200; total value- $17,018
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***** 1849; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,838; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value- $6,150; 8 horses/ value $400; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,500; total value $15,008
***** 1849; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $7,500; other property- $20,000; total value- $28,300
===============
From the 1850 Federal Census of District #1, Todd County, Kentucky, page 236, taken August 24, 1850, household #293; from ancestry.com, image 83 of 100:
S. T. Waggener; age- 51, male, occupation- merchant & farmer, real estate- $6,000, born- Virginia
Eliza -------; age- 33, female, born- Tennessee
Olivia -------; age- 17, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Jasper ------; age- 15, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Leslie -------; age- 8, ma2le, born- Kentucky
Annie -------; age- 4, female, born- Kentucky
Jemima ------; age- 3, female, born- Kentucky
Babe ------; age- 1, female, born- Kentucky
Tho J. Smith; age- 24, occupation- merchant clerk, born- Kentucky
B. H. Warden?; age- 28, occupation- merchant, born- Virginia
(The children Olive and Jasper were born to Stokeley's first wife Elizabeth Anderson. RW)
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From the 1850 Slave Schedule, Todd County, Kentucky; transcribed by Karin and Rachel Combs- Copyright 2001:
From Schedule 2, Slave Inhabitants in District No. 1 in the County of Todd, State of Kentucky, enumerated August 29 and September 1, 1850:
Stokely is listed with a total of 15 slaves, specifically listed as; 36 year old black male, 35 year old black male, 35 year old black female, 34 year old black female, 33 year old black female, 23 year old black male, 20 year old mulatto male, 18 year old mulatto male, 15 year old black male, 13 year old black female, 11 year old mulatto male, 8 year old black female, 4 year old black female, 3 year old black female, 3 month old black female
====================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1850; Waggener, S.T.; page 59; 1 voter, 315 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,780; 6 acres Todd County on West Fork/ value $20; 1 white male voter over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $6,850; 10 horses/ value $300; 2 mules/ value $100; 10 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,000; total value $15,050
(I find it interesting that Stokeley continued to hang onto this other 6 acre parcel of land, originally purchased in 1832. It appears to be almost worthless, but must have have had some value to him. - RW)
***** 1850; Waggener & Wisdom; page 59; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 horse/ value $50; 1 store/ value $10,000; other property/ value $20,000; total value $30,850
-------------------
***** 1851; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 321 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Creek/ value $24; 1 white male over 21; 10 slaves over 16, 17 slave total/ value $7,100; 12 horses/ value (can't read); 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property $5,335; total value $17,750
***** 1851; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $1,000; 1 store/ value $4,000; other property/ value $25,000; total value $30,000
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***** 1852; Waggener & Wisdom; page 45; 1 lot in Trenton/ value $1,100; other property/ value $31,000; total value (can't read)
***** 1852; Waggener, S.T.; page 44; 320 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $7,400; 12 horses/ value $500; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; 40 hogs over 6 months; other property/ value $6,000; total value $18,000
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***** 1853; Waggener & Wisdom; page 44; value of other property- $30,000; total value- $30,000
***** 1853; Waggener, S.T.; page 45; 315 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,720; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value/ $28; 1 white male over 21; 6 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $7,500; 5 horses/ value $600; 8 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $9,000; total value- $21,848; value carriage- $80; value gold watch- $48; value piano- $100
--------------------
***** 1854; Waggener, S. T.; page 40; 350 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,950; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $8,000; 17 horses/ value $600; 12 cattle/ value $50; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $12,000; total value- $25,630; carriage value $400; gold/ silver watch etc. $125; gold/ silver ? $30; value piano- $75
***** 1854; Waggener & Wisdom; value other property- $12,000; total value $12,000
(This is the last year that Waggener & Wisdom are listed. I think that this means that Stokeley sold his interest for the store to Henry Wisdom this year, and from this point on he was just involved in farming. - Rick Waggener)
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***** Waggener, S. T.; 326 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,830; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ total value $7,700; 15 horses/ value $540; 6 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 25 hogs over 6 months; other property- $20,000; total value- $33,420; value carriage- $380; value gold watch etc. $100; value gold plate- $25; value piano- $60
==================
More Tax Records in Todd County, Kentucky from Gail Brooks:
***** 1856; S T Waggener, Spring Creek, slaves- 9/17, horses- 12
***** 1857; S T Waggener, slaves- 12/23, horses- 11
***** 1858; S T Waggener, Westfork, slaves 11/19, horses/mules/cattle- 8/15/30. carriage/ gold, children 6-18- 4, total value $21,980
(This is the last year Stokely is listed in Todd County, due to the fact he moved to Logan County in about 1859. RW)
===============
From the 1860 Federal Census of Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky, page 621, Post Office- Russellville, household #820, taken July 21, 1860; from ancestry.com, image 285 of 326:
S. T. Waggener; age- 61, male, occupation- farmer, real estate- $9,180, personal property- $45,000, born- Virginia
E. T. Waggener; age- 43, female, born- Tennessee
Leslie Waggener; age- 18, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Annie Waggener; age- 16, female, born- Kentucky, in school
James Waggener; age- 14, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Ellen Waggener; age 12, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Belle Waggener; age- 10, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Dick Waggener; age- 6, male, born- Kentucky
Ada Waggener; age- 9/12, female, born- Kentucky
(This record shows that Stokeley and family moved to Russellville in Logan County, before the Civil War. According to the biography of his son Leslie, Leslie graduated from Bethel College in Russellville, in 1860. Perhaps this had something to do with why they moved. Leslie was only 18 years old at the time. Stokeley and Elizabeth remained in Russellville the rest of their lives.
It would seem that Ellen must have been listed as Babe on the 1850 census above. Also, Jemima is not here or on the 1870 census below, which might well indicate that she was deceased. James was not listed on the 1850 census above. It seems possible that he was somehow mistakenly listed as Jemima on 1850, and that there never was a Jemima.- Rick Waggener)
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S.T. Waggener is listed with 13 slaves, on page 26 of the Slave Schedule in Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky:
60 year old black female, 50 year old black male, 40 year old black female, 19 year old black male, 17 years old black female, 16 year old black male, 15 year old black male, 14 year old black female, 12 year old black female, 10 year old black female, 2 year old black female, 18 year old black female, 6/12 year old black female
====================
There are a series of four deeds in Montgomery County, Tennessee involving Stokeley. They seem to involve two tracts of land that Stokeley purchased for his daughter Olive and her husband Frank W. Waller. The deeds are dated 1865- 1867, but it appears that the first 33 acre tract was initially purchased in 1861, which probably would have been soon after Olive and Frank married. Montgomery County, was directly south of Logan County, Kentucky, in Tennessee. I have included the transcriptions of the deeds in the notes for Olive.- Rick Waggener
===============
From the 1870 Federal Census of Russellville Confederation, Logan County, Kentucky, taken August 24, 1870, page 511, household 170; from ancestry.com, image 507 of 530:
Wagoner, Stokley T.; age 71, male, white, occupation- farmer, real estate- $8,000, personal property- $8,000, born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; age- 53, female, white, occupation- keeping house, born- North Carolina
------ Ellen; age- 20, female, white, born- Kentucky (from David Wagoner: m. A.P Wooldridge 15, Sept 1874)
------ Bell; age- 18, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school, (from David Wagoner: m. Thomas L. Waggoner 28 Apr 1881)
------ James; age- 22, male, white, occupation- Physician, born- Kentucky
------ Addie; age- 10, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school
------ Thomas; age- 30, male, black, occupation- works on farm, born- Virginia
------ Elicif; age- 25, female, black, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Bernie; age- 3, male, black, born- Kentucky
------ Mattie; age- 1, female, black, born- Kentucky
Boyer, Caroline; age- 30, female, black, occupation- cook, born- Kentucky
------ Henry; age- 8, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Clay; age- 3, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Willie; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
Shelby, Rody; age- 25, female, mulatto, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Sinton; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
(I have learned that Thomas was a former slave of Stokely's, who was given his own farm on the property of Stokeley, in apparent appreciation for years of faithful service. This included saving the life of Stokeley's son Leslie, after he was shot and wounded during the battle of Shiloh, in the Civil War. Reportedly Thomas found the wounded Leslie on the battle field, begged the doctors to help him, and spent many months nursing him back to health. Thomas was affectionately known as "Uncle Tom," and apparently lived there until his death. It seems quite likely that some of the other servants listed here were also former slaves. - Rick Waggener)
=================
From the same series of transcribed family letters, written about 30 years later, sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Stokeley's daughter, Olive K. Waller, who is writing from Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee on January 26, 1876, to her aunt, Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener, who was in Hancock County, Illinois. Clarksville is about 15 mile south of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, just across the border (and about 35 miles southwest of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky). Olive writes about a recent visit from her father:
"... Pa stayed some time with me last fall. He is in good health and more cheerful than usual. He often spoke of you and enjoyed seeing you so much. Nothing gives him such pleasure as to meet with those he knew in early life, his happiest days as he says...."
***** There is another letter written by Olive, to her cousin Mary O. Waggener, who is apparently in Illinois. Olive is apparently still in Montgomery County, Tennessee, perhaps 35 miles from Russellville. The letter was written August 29, 1877. Speaking of her father Olive writes:
"... I went to see Pa last month. His general health is very good though he is quite feeble. He was 78 years old last April. He told me he had written a long letter to Cousin Ell months ago in which he spoke of old times and associations. He asked her to be sure to answer and if she couldn't, for your Ma or Pa to do so, as the letter was intended for them too. He has never received as answer. I do hope some of you will write to him. It is a great task for him to write now and he feels hurt that his letter was not noticed. Nothing affords him more pleasure than to talk about old times and people he knew. He rarely even meets with any....
===========
From the 1880 Federal Census of the Town of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky, district 164, page 41/ 431A, taken June 1, 1880, household 1; from ancestry.com, image 1 of 45:
Waggener, Stokley T.; male, age- 82, head of household, married, occupation- farmer, born- Virginia, parents born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; female, age- 64, wife, married, occupation- keeping house, born- Tennessee, parents born- North Carolina
------ Bell; female, age- 30, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
------ Ida; female, age- 20, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Waller, Olive H.; age- 44, daughter, widowed, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Gloen, Eliza; female, age- 40, servant, widowed, occupation- servant, born- Kentucky, parents born- Kentucky
Holland, Emma; female, age- 21, servant, single, occupation- servant, born- Tennessee, parents born- Tennessee
(Listed next door to the household is the same Thomas Waggener, who was listed in the household in the 1870 census. - RW)
============
Gail Brooks sent me a transcription she made of Stokeley's Last Will and Testament:
LOGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY, WILL BOOK NO. N 1886-1898
Filmed by Logan County at the County Courthouse, Russellville, KY
LDS film # 0364614
Page 18
Will of Stokeley Towles Waggener, Dec’d
At Home, Russellville, Ky
7th day of Apl 1882 and my 83rd birthday. We know life is uncertain and I know not what what (sic) moment I may be called to leave this world, at which time I may own a little property that I wish disposed of as follows. The most I have will be in notes given by my son Leslie for the tract of land that I now live on from which which (sic) my wife E. T. Waggener must be supported during her life, at the death what what (sic) may be left, I wish disposed of as follows.
1st I will Addie to be paid Five Hundred Dollars extry, the balance equally divided between my five daughters, Olive, Annie, Ellen, Bell, and Addie and my son Dick. I own a number of lots in the city of Superior, state Wisconsin Douglis Cty. I give to Bell and Addie Lots 417 and 419 on 2nd street as an extry gift. Addie have first choice. Olive, Annie, Ellen may each select a lot on 5, 6 or 7 street to have as an extry gift. Also my son Dick to have a lot on either of streets named as an extry gift. All my other property in Superior as well as that in the town of Fondulack, Minnesota I wish divided among all my children. If I should owe any debts, I wish them to be paid. I hope the request I have made will be attended to without going in court or any expense. The Amt I leave I know is very small. I wish it was more. I have done the best I could. Some of my children is very dependent. I hope and no doubt those that can, will se that that (sic) none of them suffer. My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that all my children do well whil living, that we may all meet in Heaven. The property I own in Superior and Fondulack may be managed any way that those interested deem best. It is my wish and hope that my son J. A. Waggener will attend to and see that my wishes as stated above is carried out.
S. T. Waggener
Day and date above written
Codicil
I S. T. Waggener made a will on the 7th day of April 1882 in my own handwriting and signed by myself making a general disposition of my small esate, but my daughter Annie Loving having recently died, she being one of my heirs and devisees leaving at her death five children, the youngest of which is a girl named Annie about three years old. I will and devise to this the said child, Annie, all the interest that her mother would have had in my lots in Superior City, Wisconsin and in Fon Du Lac. I hereby appoint Addie Waggener her aunt her Trustee to take charge of and manage the said property for her use and benefit, and I will and direct that if the said child Annie shall die without issue then and in that event said Addie Waggener shall inherit and take the property above named and hereby left to her the said Annie Loving, the child before named, and it is to be clearly understood that I mean no other property than that herein above named. I hereby declare this is a codicil to the will hereinbefore named, this Nov 10 1885, signed by me in my own person.
S. T. Waggener
Witnesses
Christ Bower
Geo. T. Edwards
8th June 1886
Russellville City, Logan Cty
It is my desire and I hereby give and convey to my wife E. T. Waggener two lots No 6 and 7th in the town of Superior, the state of Wis. Douglas Cty. Said lots are situated on River street. To have and to hold as her property to do with as she may deem best. The above lots cost me when bought $1,500.00 or $750.0 each. Those and the two I give Bell and Addie are the most valuable of of (sic) any of my lots so say Judges.
S. T. Waggener
8th June 1886
State of Kentucky )
County of Logan )etc.
At a county court held for Logan County at the Court House in Russellville, KY on Monday, the 5th day of July 1886, the foregoing instruments of writing were produced in open court as the last will and testament and codicils of S. T. Waggener Deceased, and the said will dated the 7th day of April 1882 was proved by the oaths of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers the subscribing witnesses, hereto to be the act and deed and codicil to the last will and testament of said Testator; wherefore they are ordered to be recorded as the last will and testament of said S. T. Waggener deceased. Also another paper thereto attached dated June 8th 1886 was presented to court by Leslie Waggener and likewise proven by the oath of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers to be wholly in the handwriting of, and the signature thereto, the genuine signature of said S. T. Waggener Dec’d and the same is also admitted to record for what it is worth, when upon the will and codicil thereinbefore named together with the last named paper and this certificate have been duly admitted to record in my office.
Given under my hand as that of County Court this 6th day of July 1886.
Jno. G. Orndorff, Clerk
(Stokelely gives his date of birth here as April 7, 1799, which was slightly different than what I previously had. Also, based on the date of the proving of the will on July 6, 1886 and the brief obituary below, dated July 1886, I can narrow down the date of Stokeley's death to June 28, 1886. I do not know about the property he mentions here in Wisconsin and Minnesota. - RW)
============
From Hopkinsville New Era, dated July 1886
Mr. Stokeley T Waggener an aged and respected citizen of Russellville, died at his home on Monday last at 10 o'clock a.m. from the effects of a stroke of paralysis received several days previously.
============
Gail Brooks sent me the following:
From Logan Co KY Cemeteries, Logan Co Gen. Society, 1986:
Section E, Maple Grove Cemetery (Russellville, Logan County)
Waggener, Stokeley T, Apr 1799-Jun 1886
Waggener, Elizabeth Ross, Oct 1816-Aug 1892
Waggener, Jasper A, 23 Jul 1834-9 Aug 1902, buried in Austin, TX
Waggener, Leslie, Sep 1841-Aug 1896, buried at Austin, TX
(These four are on four sides of one stone as I recall.)
Waggener, Johnnie, April 1874 - Mar 1876
Waggener. Baby, 1878
Waggener, Baby. 1884
(Located a few plots away from Stokeley)
{I am not at all sure who there other children are, but suspect that they are grandchildren of Stokeley and Elizabeth. RW}
=============
Gail Brooks sent me one more item, a photo of a house. It's a square, two story brick colonial style home in Russellville, Kentucky. Gail's comments about the photo:
"It's Stokeley's home in Russellville, made sometime in 1870s-80s before his death in 1886. After having it around for a long time, I finally took a good look with magnifying glass and discovered PEOPLE. In window to right of door, white beard, would be Stokeley. There's a boy (maybe 8-10yrs. old?) in the front lawn and two women on the porch; Elizabeth Ross Waggener and one of her daughters or maybe Fannie Pendleton with her son Leslie.
--------------------
In August of 2012, I made a brief swing through Russellville and visited the house. It is located at 434 Maple Lane, Russellville, Kentucky. It is just a block or so away from the Maple Grove Cemetery, where Stokeley is buried. The house was being used as a day care center, known as Holly Tree Day Care. The center was not open at the time of my visit, so I was unable to get into the house. Apparently a number of years earlier there had been a bed and breakfast hotel run in the house, known as Holly Tree Inn. The house is in fairly good shape.- Rick Waggener
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stokeley was the eighth of ten children born his parents James Jones and Elizabeth (Garnett) Waggener. He was born on April 7, 1799, presumably on his parent's estate in Culpeper County, Virginia. This was apparently near to the town of Rapidan along the Rapidan River. I know that Stokeley's parents moved to Todd County, Kentucky in 1820 or 1821, and that his father died there in about 1822. I'm not sure when Stokeley moved to Todd County, but it appears as though he might have moved before his parents. He reportedly married his first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson in Todd County on December 19, 1820. Stokeley and Ann are listed as witnesses to the marriage of his sister Eliza in nearby Christian County, in 1824.
Stokeley apparently lived in or near the town of Trenton in Todd County, up until about 1859. In the Property Tax records he is listed with some kind of lot in Trenton as early as 1822. He reportedly opened up a tailor shop in Trenton around 1830, although it seem possible it might have been earlier, maybe even as early as 1822. At some point he gave up the tailor business and began operating some kind of general store in Trenton. He continued to operate this store, apparently up until the mid to late 1850's. His eventual partner in this store, Henry Wisdom, reportedly began working as a clerk in the store. At whatever point Stokeley stopped his involvement in the store, he reportedly sold his interest to Wisdom, who apparently continued to operate the store. The Property Tax records also show that Stokeley also owned property outside of Trenton, and apparently he was also involved in farming.
Stokeley had two children with Ann, Olive Kay and Jasper A. Ann apparently died fairly young, between 1834 and 1840. By about 1840, Stokeley has married his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. Stokeley and Elizabeth had at least eight children. Most prominent of his children was his son Leslie, whose career included being a Civil War hero, a college professor, and the first President of the University of Texas. The others were Anna, Jemima, James Ross, Ellen Jefferies, Belle, Richard, and Adeline Rowena.
From the family letters I have obtained, Stokeley seems to have served as a sort of patriarchal figure for the family. It also appears that he was quite well off. He is listed on the 1850 census in Todd County as a merchant and farmer, with property valued at $6,000. In the 1860 census he is listed in Logan County with real estate valued at $9,180, and personal property valued at $45,000. The Property Tax records in Todd County track Stokeley's rise in prosperity pretty effectively, and in pretty interesting detail.
Around 1859 Stokeley and Elizabeth moved to the Russellville area of Logan County. They lived there on a farm for the rest of their lives. I am not sure why he moved, but would speculate that it had something to do with his son Lesley, who graduated from Bethel College in Russellville in 1860. Stokeley died in Logan County, Kentucky on July 28, 1886. He and Elizabeth are buried there in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville.
Rick Waggener
===================
From Dodd, Jordan. Kentucky Marriages to 1850. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1997. Electronic transcription of marriage records held by the individual counties in Kentucky:
Spouse 1: Anderson, Ann Elizabeth
Spouse 2: Waggoner, Stokeley
Date of marriage: 19 Dec 1820
Location of marriage: Kentucky, Todd County
===============
In a deed dated November 9, 1822, in the Todd County, Kentucky Deed Book B; Page 105, Stokeley is listed as a witness. The deed is between the heirs of Gabriel Kay, the husband of Stokeley's sister Frances, who had died in 1818, and James Woods, husband of Gabriel and Frances' daughter Elizabeth Ann. - RW
==============
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in the following records:
(The 1820 and 1821 records are very poor and it is not clear if Stokeley is there or not.)
***** 1822; page 50, 1/4 acre in Trenton (very faint) improvement?, 1 male over 21, 0 children 4-24, 1 Black over 16, 4 Blacks total, total value- $1,500
***** 1823; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 52, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 blacks total, 1 horse, 1/4 acre lot in Trenton/ value $600, total value- $1,880
(Stokeley is listed directly above his brother Armistead.)
***** 1824; Waggoner, Stokely T.; page 57, 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks total, 3 horses, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $500; total value- $1,550
===================
From a marriage record for Stokeley's younger sister Eliza, from Christian County, Kentucky, sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
****** To this Clerk of Christian County. This is to justify that I Elizabeth Waggener do lively and willfully consent to the marriage of her Daughter Elizabeth A. Waggener with Mr. Iverson Walker - of the County of Todd. Given under my hand this the 17th July 1824---
Elizabeth Waggener
Witnessed
Stokeley T. Waggener
Ann Waggener
==================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1827; Waggener, Stokeley T., page 84, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 6 horses, one town lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,170
***** 1828; Waggoner, T. S.; 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $350, total value- $1,420
***** 1829; Waggoner, S. T.; page 97, 1 white male over 21, 1 Black over 16, 3 Blacks total, 1 horse, 1 carriage, 1 lot in Trenton/ value $400, total value- $1,160
***** 1830; Waggener, Stokeley; page 91, 1 white male over 21, 1 Blacks over 14, 4 Blacks total, 4 horses, 1 carriage, 1 house and lot in Trenton/ value- $450, total value- $1,520
=================
From the 1830 Federal Census of the Town of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, page 357; from genealogy.com:
S. T. Waggener; 1 male 30-39 years (Stokeley); 1 female under 5 years, 2 female 10-14 years, 1 female 20-29 years (Ann); 1 male slave under 10 years, 1 male slave 10-23 years, 1 female slave under 10 years, 1 female slave 10-23 years.
===============
From the County of Todd, Kentucky, edited by J.H. Battle, published 1884:
Trenton Precinct, page 156-158:
"...Among early members of what was known as the Lebanon Baptist Church were Stokely Waggoner, Reuben Bradley, William Arnold and wife, and many others. It was at one time in a very prosperous condition, and had about 200 members....
...In about 1830 Stokely T. Waggoner came to this point. He first opened a tailor shop, but soon after turned his attention to merchandising, and until 1859 he was one of the leading merchants at this point. From here he went to Russellville, where he is still living. Henry Wisdom purchased Waggoner's store and continued operations here about ten years....
=================
From Deeds of Todd County, Kentucky, 1820-1842; sent to me by Frieda Winkler:
Deed Book G, page 333; dated July 8, 1831; James F. Spillman of Trenton to Stokeley T. Waggoner for $366. parcel of land near Trenton on the West Fork of the Red River. Corners: north edge of the Gallatin Road, survey of Watts D. Ewing, now owned by Pouncy Anderson, stake in the Nashville Road, center of Main Street. (Lewisburgh now called Trenton.) Signed. Recorded November 24, 1831.
------------------------
Deed Book G, page 469; dated July 9, 1832; George Pollack to Stokeley T. Waggoner - 6 acres for $30. on the West Fork of Red River, part of James Roberts' original survey. Corner to Harrel. Signed and recorded same day.
-----------------------
Deed Book H, page 317; dated March 9, 1834; for $1.00 all interest in the Spillman property to S. T. Waggoner. Signed by Jonathan ..... (the rest of the transcription of this record was cut off at the bottom of the page).
=================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
[The Property Tax Records for 1831 & 1832 in Todd County, are missing.]
***** 1833; Waggener, ST; page 67, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $12 an acre; 1/4 of one lot in Trenton/ value $350/ $5 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 0 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 3 Blacks total, 5 horses, 1 carriage; total value- $3,400
****** 1834; Waggonner, ST; page 60, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $10 an acre; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre; 1 lot in Trenton; 1 white male over 21, 2 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 4 Blacks total, 8 horses, 30 cattle, 1 carriage; total value- $3,940
(It seems confusing that this tract of 140 acres of land seems to have been previously listed on the West Fork of the Red River [and also seems to have been from the deeds above in 1831 & 1832], and here and below is listed on Spring Creek. I think the West Fork of the Red River, as well as the Reins Lick Creek below, are north of Trenton, and Spring Creek is east and somewhat south of Trenton. RW)
***** 1835; Waggener, ST; page 61, 140 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ $1.50 an acre; 6 acres?, improved lot in Trenton/ value $3 an acre; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 0 Blacks hired out, 7 Blacks total, 9 horses, 40 cattle; total value $5,488
(The Tax Books for 1836 in Todd County are missing. Rw)
***** 1837; Waggoner, S.T.; page 63, 140 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $3 an acre, total tract value- $18; 1 town lot/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 5 Blacks over 16, 10 Blacks total/ total value of Blacks- $5000; 10 horses/ value $850; 8 cattle/ value $70; total value- $9,138
***** 1838; Waggener, S.T.; 143 acres in Todd County on W.Fork, value $15 an acre/ total value for tract- $2,145; 1 town tract/ value $400; 1 white male over 21, 4 Blacks over 16, 1 Black hired out, 9 Blacks total, value of Blacks- $3,800; 4 horses/ value- $275; 7 mules/ value- $40; 9 cattle/ value $80; value of other property- $3,000; total value- $9,710
================
From a series of transcribed family letters sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Elizabeth (O'Neil) Waggener (widow of Stokeley's brother James Waggener, who died in 1822) to her son George C. Waggener and his wife Mary Frances (Anderson). The letter is headed: "December 17th, Todd Co, near Trenton." It seems to have probably been written in 1838.
Elizabeth talks about Stokeley and his wife Ann (Anderson) Waggener. They apparently lived near Elizabeth in Trenton and ran some kind of store. Stokeley seems to have been some kind of family patriarchal figure, who apparently subsidized or supported a number of extended family members. Elizabeth obviously thought very highly of them, and chided her son and daughter-in-law to, "follow the footsteps of Stokeley and Ann in many things." Stokeley's wife Ann was the sister of Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener. She apparently died in the next couple of years, and Stokeley was remarried to Elizabeth Ross.
==================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1820-1830, 1833-1835, 1837-1839; FHL US/CAN Film (8241) Stokeley is listed in more records:
***** 1839; Waggener, S.T.; page 79; 143 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $20 an acre, total tract value- $2,860; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $5 an acre, total tract value- $30; 1 town lot/ value- $500; 1 white male over 21, 7 Blacks over 16, 4 Blacks hired out, 12 Blacks total/ value of Blacks- (can't read); 1 voter; 7 horses/ value- $$380; 2 mules/ value- $120; 12 cattle/ value- $60; merchandise/ value- $1,900; other property- value- $5,559; total value- $18,909
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** Same (ST Waggener) agent for Eliz Waggener; 0 white males over 21, 1 Black hired out, 5 Blacks total/ value- (can't read); other property/ value- $200; total value- $1,800
(I am certain that this is Stokeley's mother Elizabeth, whose health was perhaps beginning to fail. Stokeley seems to be doing quite well at this point, and the value of his property has made a significant jump from the previous year. RW)
==============
From the 1840 Federal Census of Todd County, Kentucky, page 273; from ancestry.com, images 69 & 70 of 71:
Wagner, S. T.; 1 male under 5 years (Jasper), 1 male 20-29 years, 1 male 40-49 years (Stokley); 1 female 5-9 years (Olive), 1 female 10-14 years; 2 male slaves under 10 years, 2 male slaves 10-23 years, 1 male slave 24-35 years; 1 female slave under 10 years, 2 female slaves 10-23 years; 13 persons total, 5 persons engaged in agriculture, 1 person engaged in commerce
(It would seem that Stokeley's first wife, Ann Elizabeth Anderson, was deceased at this point, and he had yet to marry his second wife, Elizabeth Ross. - RW)
===================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1840; Waggoner, S T; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ total value of tract- $2,290; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Lick/ total value- $20; 1 town lot/ value- $200; 1 white male over 21, 4 slaves over 16, 9 total slaves/ value of slaves- $4,400; 7 horses/ value $400; 2 mules/ value- $80; 10 cattle/ value- $30; 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $10,500; total value- $17, 920
****** 1840; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value- $5,500; total value- $5,500
(This is Henry Wisdom, who was apparently his partner in the store, and who later purchased the store, possibly about 1855 but certainly after Stokeley moved to Logan County in 1859. See the note below for a little more information about Henry. RW)
***** 1840; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49; 1 slave over 16, 6 slaves total/ value of slaves- $1,500; total value- $1,500
Listed on the line just below this entry:
***** 1840; Same (Waggener, S T) agent for estate of Eliz Waggener dec'd; page 49; 3 slaves over 16, 3 slaves total/ value of slaves- $2,000; total value- $2000
(The first of these Elizabeth Waggeners is Stokeley's mother, who as I mentioned is alive, but apparently not doing too well at this time. The second Elizabeth Waggener is his sister-in-law, the widow of his brother James Waggener. -RW)
==============
Gail Brooks sent me an interesting tidbit on Henry Wisdom:
"...the obit of B. H. Widsom (b. Bowling Green, VA 1819), who d. in Paducah "last Sunday" (before 29 Oct 1896). "Before he was of age, Mr. Wisdom went to Trenton and became a clerk in a store, and showed such business sagacity that in a few years he was admitted to partnership with his employer Stakely Wagner. The firm was eminently successful and soon ventured into the buying of tobacco for the English market.... For many years past he (Wisdom) was reputed to be wealthiest man in Kentucky."
==============
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1841; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 49; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value of tract- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 6 acres in Todd County on Rains Lick/ value- $30; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16/ value of slaves- $5050; 7 horses/ value- 4300; 5 cattle/ value- $50, 1 child 7-17; other property/ value- $8,000; total value- $15,930
***** 1841; Waggener & Wisdom; page 49; 1 store/ value $6,100, total value- $6,100
***** 1841; Waggener, S T; page 49; admin of R R Stark; 1 slave over 16/ value- $600; total value
(I have no idea who this is, but as I mentioned, Stokeley acted as a sort of patriarchal figure for a wide group of family members. RW)
***** 1841; Waggener, S T agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 49, 1 slave over 16/ value- $2,000; total value- $2,000
(This again is Stokeley's mother. -RW)
-------------------
***** 1842; Waggener, S.T.; page 50; 143 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $2,145; 1 town lot/ value- $250; 1 white male over 21, 5 slaves over 16, (can't read total slaves)/ value slaves- $4,000; 10 horses/ value- $500; 5 cattle/ value- $50; 2 children 7-17; other property/ value- $4,000; total value- $10,945
***** 1842; Waggener & Wisdom; page 50; 1 town lot/ value- $300; 1 store/ value- $7,000, other property- $8,000; total value- $18,100
-----------------
****** 1843; Wisdom & Waggener; page 53; 1 town lot/ value $850; 1 horse/ value- $50; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value- $8,000; total value/ $14,850
***** 1843; Waggener, Stokely T.; page 53; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value- $2,250; 1 town lot/ value- 4100; 1 white male over 21; 10 horses/ $200; 15 cattle/ value- $10; 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value- $6,000; total value- $11, 410
----------------
***** 1844; Waggener, S. T.; page 54; 150 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $2250; 170 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $1,170; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $24; 1 town lot/ value $100 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16; 12 slaves total/ value of slaves- 444,775; 9 horses/ value $300; 9 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16; other property- $5,864; total value- $15,013
Listed on the next line:
***** 1844; Same agent for Eliz Waggener; page 54; 1 slave over 16; 7 slaves total; value $2,000; total value- $2,000
***** 1844; Waggener & Wisdon; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $1,000; 1 store/ vlaue $1,500; other property/ value- $11,000; total value- $13,500
------------------------
***** 1845; Waggener & Wisdom; page 54; 1 town lot/ value $800; other property- $9,500; total value- $10,300
***** 1845; Waggener, S.T.; page 54; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,224; 1 town lot/ Value $125; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value $4,350; value of horses- $330; 12 cattle; 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch, 2 children 5-16, other propert- $4,570; total value- $12,549
Listed on the line below:
***** 1845; Same agent for Elizabeth Waggener; page 54; 3 slaves over 16; 7 slaves total/ value of slaves $2,350; other property- $300; total value- $2,450
-------------------
***** 1846; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,65; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 12 slaves total/ value- $4,725; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold watch; 3 children 5-16; other property/ value- $5,550; total value- $14,470
Listed on the line below:
***** 1846; Same Admin for Elizabeth Waggener dec'd; page 55; 2 slaves over 16, 7 slaves total/ value- $2,450; total value- $2,450; total value- $2,450
***** 1846; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $700; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,700
-------------------
***** 1847; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 lot in Trenton/ value- $800; other property- $14,000; total value- $14,800
***** 1847; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 365 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,650; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 5 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value/ $4,775; horse value- $395; 7 cattle, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacles; 3 children 5-16; other property- $5,550; total value- $14,470
------------------
***** 1848; Waggener & Wisdom; page 53; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $6,000; other property/ value $18,000; total value $24,800
***** 1848; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 1 voter, 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,968; 1 town lot/ value $150; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 15 slaves total/ value $6,200?; horse value $500; 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold watch, 1 gold spectacle; othe property/ $6,200; total value- $17,018
------------------
***** 1849; Waggener, S.T.; page 55; 326 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value- $3,838; 1 town lot/ value $100; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value- $6,150; 8 horses/ value $400; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,500; total value $15,008
***** 1849; Waggener & Wisdom; page 55; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 store/ value $7,500; other property- $20,000; total value- $28,300
===============
From the 1850 Federal Census of District #1, Todd County, Kentucky, page 236, taken August 24, 1850, household #293; from ancestry.com, image 83 of 100:
S. T. Waggener; age- 51, male, occupation- merchant & farmer, real estate- $6,000, born- Virginia
Eliza -------; age- 33, female, born- Tennessee
Olivia -------; age- 17, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Jasper ------; age- 15, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Leslie -------; age- 8, ma2le, born- Kentucky
Annie -------; age- 4, female, born- Kentucky
Jemima ------; age- 3, female, born- Kentucky
Babe ------; age- 1, female, born- Kentucky
Tho J. Smith; age- 24, occupation- merchant clerk, born- Kentucky
B. H. Warden?; age- 28, occupation- merchant, born- Virginia
(The children Olive and Jasper were born to Stokeley's first wife Elizabeth Anderson. RW)
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From the 1850 Slave Schedule, Todd County, Kentucky; transcribed by Karin and Rachel Combs- Copyright 2001:
From Schedule 2, Slave Inhabitants in District No. 1 in the County of Todd, State of Kentucky, enumerated August 29 and September 1, 1850:
Stokely is listed with a total of 15 slaves, specifically listed as; 36 year old black male, 35 year old black male, 35 year old black female, 34 year old black female, 33 year old black female, 23 year old black male, 20 year old mulatto male, 18 year old mulatto male, 15 year old black male, 13 year old black female, 11 year old mulatto male, 8 year old black female, 4 year old black female, 3 year old black female, 3 month old black female
====================
From the Todd County, Kentucky Tax Records, Tax books 1840-1855; FHL US/CAN Film (8242) Stokeley is listed in the following additional records:
***** 1850; Waggener, S.T.; page 59; 1 voter, 315 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $3,780; 6 acres Todd County on West Fork/ value $20; 1 white male voter over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $6,850; 10 horses/ value $300; 2 mules/ value $100; 10 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 buggy, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property/ value $4,000; total value $15,050
(I find it interesting that Stokeley continued to hang onto this other 6 acre parcel of land, originally purchased in 1832. It appears to be almost worthless, but must have have had some value to him. - RW)
***** 1850; Waggener & Wisdom; page 59; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $800; 1 horse/ value $50; 1 store/ value $10,000; other property/ value $20,000; total value $30,850
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***** 1851; Waggener, S.T.; page 56; 321 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on Reins Creek/ value $24; 1 white male over 21; 10 slaves over 16, 17 slave total/ value $7,100; 12 horses/ value (can't read); 7 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 4 children 5-16; other property $5,335; total value $17,750
***** 1851; Waggener & Wisdom; page 56; 1 town lot in Trenton/ value $1,000; 1 store/ value $4,000; other property/ value $25,000; total value $30,000
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***** 1852; Waggener & Wisdom; page 45; 1 lot in Trenton/ value $1,100; other property/ value $31,000; total value (can't read)
***** 1852; Waggener, S.T.; page 44; 320 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $4,800; 6 acres in Todd County on West Fork/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 16 slaves total/ value $7,400; 12 horses/ value $500; 8 cattle, 1 carriage, 1 piano, 1 gold spectacle, 1 gold watch; 2 children 5-16; 40 hogs over 6 months; other property/ value $6,000; total value $18,000
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***** 1853; Waggener & Wisdom; page 44; value of other property- $30,000; total value- $30,000
***** 1853; Waggener, S.T.; page 45; 315 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,720; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value/ $28; 1 white male over 21; 6 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $7,500; 5 horses/ value $600; 8 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $9,000; total value- $21,848; value carriage- $80; value gold watch- $48; value piano- $100
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***** 1854; Waggener, S. T.; page 40; 350 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,950; 6 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $30; 1 white male over 21; 9 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ value $8,000; 17 horses/ value $600; 12 cattle/ value $50; 30 hogs over 6 months; other property- $12,000; total value- $25,630; carriage value $400; gold/ silver watch etc. $125; gold/ silver ? $30; value piano- $75
***** 1854; Waggener & Wisdom; value other property- $12,000; total value $12,000
(This is the last year that Waggener & Wisdom are listed. I think that this means that Stokeley sold his interest for the store to Henry Wisdom this year, and from this point on he was just involved in farming. - Rick Waggener)
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***** Waggener, S. T.; 326 acres in Todd County on Spring Creek/ value $4,830; 1 white male over 21; 8 slaves over 16, 17 slaves total/ total value $7,700; 15 horses/ value $540; 6 cattle; 3 children 5-16; 25 hogs over 6 months; other property- $20,000; total value- $33,420; value carriage- $380; value gold watch etc. $100; value gold plate- $25; value piano- $60
==================
More Tax Records in Todd County, Kentucky from Gail Brooks:
***** 1856; S T Waggener, Spring Creek, slaves- 9/17, horses- 12
***** 1857; S T Waggener, slaves- 12/23, horses- 11
***** 1858; S T Waggener, Westfork, slaves 11/19, horses/mules/cattle- 8/15/30. carriage/ gold, children 6-18- 4, total value $21,980
(This is the last year Stokely is listed in Todd County, due to the fact he moved to Logan County in about 1859. RW)
===============
From the 1860 Federal Census of Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky, page 621, Post Office- Russellville, household #820, taken July 21, 1860; from ancestry.com, image 285 of 326:
S. T. Waggener; age- 61, male, occupation- farmer, real estate- $9,180, personal property- $45,000, born- Virginia
E. T. Waggener; age- 43, female, born- Tennessee
Leslie Waggener; age- 18, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Annie Waggener; age- 16, female, born- Kentucky, in school
James Waggener; age- 14, male, born- Kentucky, in school
Ellen Waggener; age 12, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Belle Waggener; age- 10, female, born- Kentucky, in school
Dick Waggener; age- 6, male, born- Kentucky
Ada Waggener; age- 9/12, female, born- Kentucky
(This record shows that Stokeley and family moved to Russellville in Logan County, before the Civil War. According to the biography of his son Leslie, Leslie graduated from Bethel College in Russellville, in 1860. Perhaps this had something to do with why they moved. Leslie was only 18 years old at the time. Stokeley and Elizabeth remained in Russellville the rest of their lives.
It would seem that Ellen must have been listed as Babe on the 1850 census above. Also, Jemima is not here or on the 1870 census below, which might well indicate that she was deceased. James was not listed on the 1850 census above. It seems possible that he was somehow mistakenly listed as Jemima on 1850, and that there never was a Jemima.- Rick Waggener)
--------------------------------------
S.T. Waggener is listed with 13 slaves, on page 26 of the Slave Schedule in Russellville District No. 2, Logan County, Kentucky:
60 year old black female, 50 year old black male, 40 year old black female, 19 year old black male, 17 years old black female, 16 year old black male, 15 year old black male, 14 year old black female, 12 year old black female, 10 year old black female, 2 year old black female, 18 year old black female, 6/12 year old black female
====================
There are a series of four deeds in Montgomery County, Tennessee involving Stokeley. They seem to involve two tracts of land that Stokeley purchased for his daughter Olive and her husband Frank W. Waller. The deeds are dated 1865- 1867, but it appears that the first 33 acre tract was initially purchased in 1861, which probably would have been soon after Olive and Frank married. Montgomery County, was directly south of Logan County, Kentucky, in Tennessee. I have included the transcriptions of the deeds in the notes for Olive.- Rick Waggener
===============
From the 1870 Federal Census of Russellville Confederation, Logan County, Kentucky, taken August 24, 1870, page 511, household 170; from ancestry.com, image 507 of 530:
Wagoner, Stokley T.; age 71, male, white, occupation- farmer, real estate- $8,000, personal property- $8,000, born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; age- 53, female, white, occupation- keeping house, born- North Carolina
------ Ellen; age- 20, female, white, born- Kentucky (from David Wagoner: m. A.P Wooldridge 15, Sept 1874)
------ Bell; age- 18, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school, (from David Wagoner: m. Thomas L. Waggoner 28 Apr 1881)
------ James; age- 22, male, white, occupation- Physician, born- Kentucky
------ Addie; age- 10, female, white, born- Kentucky, in school
------ Thomas; age- 30, male, black, occupation- works on farm, born- Virginia
------ Elicif; age- 25, female, black, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Bernie; age- 3, male, black, born- Kentucky
------ Mattie; age- 1, female, black, born- Kentucky
Boyer, Caroline; age- 30, female, black, occupation- cook, born- Kentucky
------ Henry; age- 8, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Clay; age- 3, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky
------ Willie; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
Shelby, Rody; age- 25, female, mulatto, occupation- house servant, born- Kentucky
------ Sinton; age- 9/12, male, mulatto, born- Kentucky, born- August
(I have learned that Thomas was a former slave of Stokely's, who was given his own farm on the property of Stokeley, in apparent appreciation for years of faithful service. This included saving the life of Stokeley's son Leslie, after he was shot and wounded during the battle of Shiloh, in the Civil War. Reportedly Thomas found the wounded Leslie on the battle field, begged the doctors to help him, and spent many months nursing him back to health. Thomas was affectionately known as "Uncle Tom," and apparently lived there until his death. It seems quite likely that some of the other servants listed here were also former slaves. - Rick Waggener)
=================
From the same series of transcribed family letters, written about 30 years later, sent to my by Judy Senter:
****** There is a letter written by Stokeley's daughter, Olive K. Waller, who is writing from Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee on January 26, 1876, to her aunt, Mary Frances (Anderson) Waggener, who was in Hancock County, Illinois. Clarksville is about 15 mile south of Trenton, Todd County, Kentucky, just across the border (and about 35 miles southwest of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky). Olive writes about a recent visit from her father:
"... Pa stayed some time with me last fall. He is in good health and more cheerful than usual. He often spoke of you and enjoyed seeing you so much. Nothing gives him such pleasure as to meet with those he knew in early life, his happiest days as he says...."
***** There is another letter written by Olive, to her cousin Mary O. Waggener, who is apparently in Illinois. Olive is apparently still in Montgomery County, Tennessee, perhaps 35 miles from Russellville. The letter was written August 29, 1877. Speaking of her father Olive writes:
"... I went to see Pa last month. His general health is very good though he is quite feeble. He was 78 years old last April. He told me he had written a long letter to Cousin Ell months ago in which he spoke of old times and associations. He asked her to be sure to answer and if she couldn't, for your Ma or Pa to do so, as the letter was intended for them too. He has never received as answer. I do hope some of you will write to him. It is a great task for him to write now and he feels hurt that his letter was not noticed. Nothing affords him more pleasure than to talk about old times and people he knew. He rarely even meets with any....
===========
From the 1880 Federal Census of the Town of Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky, district 164, page 41/ 431A, taken June 1, 1880, household 1; from ancestry.com, image 1 of 45:
Waggener, Stokley T.; male, age- 82, head of household, married, occupation- farmer, born- Virginia, parents born- Virginia
------ Elizabeth T.; female, age- 64, wife, married, occupation- keeping house, born- Tennessee, parents born- North Carolina
------ Bell; female, age- 30, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
------ Ida; female, age- 20, daughter, single, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Waller, Olive H.; age- 44, daughter, widowed, born- Kentucky, father born- Virginia, mother born- Tennessee
Gloen, Eliza; female, age- 40, servant, widowed, occupation- servant, born- Kentucky, parents born- Kentucky
Holland, Emma; female, age- 21, servant, single, occupation- servant, born- Tennessee, parents born- Tennessee
(Listed next door to the household is the same Thomas Waggener, who was listed in the household in the 1870 census. - RW)
============
Gail Brooks sent me a transcription she made of Stokeley's Last Will and Testament:
LOGAN COUNTY, KENTUCKY, WILL BOOK NO. N 1886-1898
Filmed by Logan County at the County Courthouse, Russellville, KY
LDS film # 0364614
Page 18
Will of Stokeley Towles Waggener, Dec’d
At Home, Russellville, Ky
7th day of Apl 1882 and my 83rd birthday. We know life is uncertain and I know not what what (sic) moment I may be called to leave this world, at which time I may own a little property that I wish disposed of as follows. The most I have will be in notes given by my son Leslie for the tract of land that I now live on from which which (sic) my wife E. T. Waggener must be supported during her life, at the death what what (sic) may be left, I wish disposed of as follows.
1st I will Addie to be paid Five Hundred Dollars extry, the balance equally divided between my five daughters, Olive, Annie, Ellen, Bell, and Addie and my son Dick. I own a number of lots in the city of Superior, state Wisconsin Douglis Cty. I give to Bell and Addie Lots 417 and 419 on 2nd street as an extry gift. Addie have first choice. Olive, Annie, Ellen may each select a lot on 5, 6 or 7 street to have as an extry gift. Also my son Dick to have a lot on either of streets named as an extry gift. All my other property in Superior as well as that in the town of Fondulack, Minnesota I wish divided among all my children. If I should owe any debts, I wish them to be paid. I hope the request I have made will be attended to without going in court or any expense. The Amt I leave I know is very small. I wish it was more. I have done the best I could. Some of my children is very dependent. I hope and no doubt those that can, will se that that (sic) none of them suffer. My heart’s desire and prayer to God is that all my children do well whil living, that we may all meet in Heaven. The property I own in Superior and Fondulack may be managed any way that those interested deem best. It is my wish and hope that my son J. A. Waggener will attend to and see that my wishes as stated above is carried out.
S. T. Waggener
Day and date above written
Codicil
I S. T. Waggener made a will on the 7th day of April 1882 in my own handwriting and signed by myself making a general disposition of my small esate, but my daughter Annie Loving having recently died, she being one of my heirs and devisees leaving at her death five children, the youngest of which is a girl named Annie about three years old. I will and devise to this the said child, Annie, all the interest that her mother would have had in my lots in Superior City, Wisconsin and in Fon Du Lac. I hereby appoint Addie Waggener her aunt her Trustee to take charge of and manage the said property for her use and benefit, and I will and direct that if the said child Annie shall die without issue then and in that event said Addie Waggener shall inherit and take the property above named and hereby left to her the said Annie Loving, the child before named, and it is to be clearly understood that I mean no other property than that herein above named. I hereby declare this is a codicil to the will hereinbefore named, this Nov 10 1885, signed by me in my own person.
S. T. Waggener
Witnesses
Christ Bower
Geo. T. Edwards
8th June 1886
Russellville City, Logan Cty
It is my desire and I hereby give and convey to my wife E. T. Waggener two lots No 6 and 7th in the town of Superior, the state of Wis. Douglas Cty. Said lots are situated on River street. To have and to hold as her property to do with as she may deem best. The above lots cost me when bought $1,500.00 or $750.0 each. Those and the two I give Bell and Addie are the most valuable of of (sic) any of my lots so say Judges.
S. T. Waggener
8th June 1886
State of Kentucky )
County of Logan )etc.
At a county court held for Logan County at the Court House in Russellville, KY on Monday, the 5th day of July 1886, the foregoing instruments of writing were produced in open court as the last will and testament and codicils of S. T. Waggener Deceased, and the said will dated the 7th day of April 1882 was proved by the oaths of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers the subscribing witnesses, hereto to be the act and deed and codicil to the last will and testament of said Testator; wherefore they are ordered to be recorded as the last will and testament of said S. T. Waggener deceased. Also another paper thereto attached dated June 8th 1886 was presented to court by Leslie Waggener and likewise proven by the oath of G. T. Edwards and Christ Bauers to be wholly in the handwriting of, and the signature thereto, the genuine signature of said S. T. Waggener Dec’d and the same is also admitted to record for what it is worth, when upon the will and codicil thereinbefore named together with the last named paper and this certificate have been duly admitted to record in my office.
Given under my hand as that of County Court this 6th day of July 1886.
Jno. G. Orndorff, Clerk
(Stokelely gives his date of birth here as April 7, 1799, which was slightly different than what I previously had. Also, based on the date of the proving of the will on July 6, 1886 and the brief obituary below, dated July 1886, I can narrow down the date of Stokeley's death to June 28, 1886. I do not know about the property he mentions here in Wisconsin and Minnesota. - RW)
============
From Hopkinsville New Era, dated July 1886
Mr. Stokeley T Waggener an aged and respected citizen of Russellville, died at his home on Monday last at 10 o'clock a.m. from the effects of a stroke of paralysis received several days previously.
============
Gail Brooks sent me the following:
From Logan Co KY Cemeteries, Logan Co Gen. Society, 1986:
Section E, Maple Grove Cemetery (Russellville, Logan County)
Waggener, Stokeley T, Apr 1799-Jun 1886
Waggener, Elizabeth Ross, Oct 1816-Aug 1892
Waggener, Jasper A, 23 Jul 1834-9 Aug 1902, buried in Austin, TX
Waggener, Leslie, Sep 1841-Aug 1896, buried at Austin, TX
(These four are on four sides of one stone as I recall.)
Waggener, Johnnie, April 1874 - Mar 1876
Waggener. Baby, 1878
Waggener, Baby. 1884
(Located a few plots away from Stokeley)
{I am not at all sure who there other children are, but suspect that they are grandchildren of Stokeley and Elizabeth. RW}
=============
Gail Brooks sent me one more item, a photo of a house. It's a square, two story brick colonial style home in Russellville, Kentucky. Gail's comments about the photo:
"It's Stokeley's home in Russellville, made sometime in 1870s-80s before his death in 1886. After having it around for a long time, I finally took a good look with magnifying glass and discovered PEOPLE. In window to right of door, white beard, would be Stokeley. There's a boy (maybe 8-10yrs. old?) in the front lawn and two women on the porch; Elizabeth Ross Waggener and one of her daughters or maybe Fannie Pendleton with her son Leslie.
--------------------
In August of 2012, I made a brief swing through Russellville and visited the house. It is located at 434 Maple Lane, Russellville, Kentucky. It is just a block or so away from the Maple Grove Cemetery, where Stokeley is buried. The house was being used as a day care center, known as Holly Tree Day Care. The center was not open at the time of my visit, so I was unable to get into the house. Apparently a number of years earlier there had been a bed and breakfast hotel run in the house, known as Holly Tree Inn. The house is in fairly good shape.- Rick Waggener
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