Philip Barger was born Sep 1, 1741 and died Aug 3, 1803 in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia at the age of 61.
His first wife was Eve Clements, whom he married on Feb 4, 1765 in Augusta County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Christian Clements and Catherine Vaught. She was born May 1, 1749, and died Oct 7, 1791 at Blacksburg at the age of 42.
Philip's second wife was Barbara May, whom he married on Mar 2, 1792.
Philip's grandson Wesley Kenerly Helm, who lived from 1822 to 1871, compiled his genealogy in a notebook which survives to this day. On page two, he wrote: "Philip Barger, Sr. was born September 1st 1741, maried Febuary 4th. 1765, Died August 28th. 1803 aged 62. Eve Clemens was born May 1st 1747, maried to Philip Barger Febuary 4th 1765, deceased October 7th. 1791 aged 44. Philip & Eve Barger had 8 children, 1 Casper, 2 Jacob, 3 John, 4 Philip jr., 5 Christa, 6 Eve, 7 Catharine & 8 Adam. Philip Barger was Maried the second time and had three children."
Philip Barger escaped from a Shawnee Indian massacre on Jul 8, 1755 at the age of 13 at Draper's Meadow, Virginia which took the life of the elder Philip Barger (likely, grandfather) and Casper Barger (father). Family lore says that the younger Philip was "off in the woods at the time of the massacre" and "survived returning to his home near McGahneysville in what is now Rockingham County where he became a freighter often making long hauls to various points in the Shenandoah Valley."
Philip returned to the land with Eve between 1769 and 1771 and settled the land sold to Casper Barger in 1754.
Alvan Lyell Barger, editor of The Barger Journal, wrote of Philip:
"Philip Barger, son of Philip Barger and wife, early settlers in Rockingham County, Virginia, was born in 1741. His father was slain by Indians at New River, southwest Virginia in July 1755, while engaged in making some improvements on his property there, lately acquired. He was intending to move his family there from the Rockingham location. Philip, his son, and subject of this record, became the possessor of the newly-acquired estate at New River, as the location came to be known, Draper's Meadows. The present town of Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia, occupies a portion of the Barger lands.
"During his stay in Augusta County, following his father's death, Philip, Jr., appears to have teamed for the settlers there -- making long hauls to various points in the valley, and receiving fair remuneration for the service. He married, in Augusta County, Eve Clements, who may have been a sister of Casper Clements, mentioned in connection with the building of the first church at Koiners Store. She was born May 1st, 1749, and died at their home at Blacksburg, October 7th, 1791. Their children were: Casper; Jacob; John; Philip; Christian; Eve; Catherine; Adam.
"The second wife of Philip Barger was Barbara May. Their children were: Mary; George; Frederick; Larene.
"Philip Barger died at his home, at Blacksburg, August 3rd, 1803, and was buried in the family cemetery there. He was, in a very real sense, a pioneer. 'It was men of this courage, perseverance and industry, that buildt up this fair country and left it as a rich, noble heritage to posterity. It will always be difficult to properly and fully estimate their work and sterling character.' Several spellings of the name were used then, as: Berrier; Berger, Barrier; Barringer, etc." (Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1939, p. 205)
He is known to have given a horse for the war effort on Aug 22, 1763 to David Bell.
Philip was listed on the Botetourt County tax list from 1770 to 1777, and on the Montgomery County tax list from 1771 to 1777, and again 1782 through 1787.
Mary B. Kegley and F. B. Kegley, in their Early Adventurers On the Western Waters, Volume I, The New River of Virginia in Pioneer Days 1745-1800, stated:
"But Phillip (also Philip) Barger, the son of Margaret and Casper Sr. appeared to reclaim his father's lands about 1771. At this date he appears on a tithable list of New River settlers (Kegley, New River Tithables), and in the next year was appointed with others to view a road." (p. 190) (Green Publishers, Inc., Orange, Virginia)
Phillip appeared on "Tithables For 1771, A List of Tithables in the Lower District of New River" which contained 61 names, including "Phillep Baregur."
Lewis Preston Summers, in his Annals of Southwest Virginia,1769-1800, documented Philip's service to Virginia on numerous occasions. (Published by Lewis Preston Summers, Abingdon, Virginia, 1929):
--Botetourt County Court: "Ordered that William McMullen, Philip Barriger and Robert Ritchey, being first sworn do view the way from the foot of the mountain above Sifford's old place to the corner of Michael Price's field and report the best and nearest way to the court" on Sep 8, 1772 (p. 149).
--Fincastle County: "John Craig, Peter Stevens, and Philip Barriers being first sworn are appointed to view that way, the nighest and best way, from the Glades near Draper's Meadows to the market Road Ln. Craig and make report thereof to the next Court." (p. 612).
--Fincastle County: "The report of . . . persons appointed to view the way from Michael Prices field to where Greshams path goes into the Catawba road being returned on consideration whereof it is the opinion of the Court that the new road be opened as marked by the viewers, & that Philip Barriger with . . . (others). . .and their Tithables or any others who may settle within his Bounds do open and keep the same in Repair according to Law." (p. 640)
--Montgomery County: "At a Court held for Montgomery County November 2d, 1779. . . "Ordered that George Taylor, Philip Barrenger, Joseph Gray, and Peter Stephens or any three of them view the road cleared and opened by Herman Cook and report the conveniences and inconveniences to the next Court, also of the old road and also to see both roads measured by men on oath." (p. 728)
--Montgomery County: "Michael Price, Senr. appointed in the room of Philip Barrenger from the upper end of his field to the County line & that with the usual Tiths he open and keep the same in good repair." (p. 749)
--Montgomery County. "At a Court continued & held for Montgomery County, November 23d. 1785. . . Ordered that all the hands on the west side of the new road leading from Philip Barigers low down as the Junction with Peppers Road do keep up the said new Road. . ." (p. 807)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1774, during Dunmore's War, he served under James Bryn for three days and receiving pay amounting to 4/6. (Auditor's Accounts of Fincastle County; Kegley, Soldiers)" ( p. 190)
Some background on Dunsmore War is found in Manuscripts by Lyman C. Draper:
"The result of these Indian activities was to send settlers eastward or into stockades on the Holston, Clinch and New Rivers. Colonel William Preston, sheriff, surveyor and county lieutenant of Fincastle County, which then included all of Southwest Virginia, most of present West Virginia and all of Kentucky proposed to the Royal Governor, Lord Dunsmore, a punitive expedition against the Shawnee, which was accepted. Military command of the expedition devolved on Colonel Andrew Lewis of neighboring Botetourt County. This expedition seemed to have been a disaster waiting to happen, and the only redemption of the force was that the Shawnee were less prepared for war than were the Virginians. Lord Dunsmore War only had one substantial fight, the Battle of Point Pleasant on the Ohio in what is now West Virginia."
The Battle of Point Pleasant was on Oct 10, 1774. Point Pleasant, the county seat of Mason County, Virginia, was named for Camp Point Pleasant, established there by General Andrew Lewis at the time of his famous battle with the Indians in 1774. Built on the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought between the Indians and white settlers: the Battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774, the chief event of Dunmore's War, a forerunner of the American Revolution. Location of Tu-endie-wei State Park. (Point Pleasant, West Virginia web site)
Later, during the Revolutionary War, Philip served as a member of Captain Byrn's and Captain James' militia, receiving 4.8 shillings, 3 days' pay, plus being paid for 24 diets (sundries per audit) and 460 days use of a horse. "Phillip Barriger" appears on Capt. James Byrn's Company of Militia in Revolutionary War (published by the Montgomery County Courthouse, Christianburg and Virginia State Library), in Kegley's Militia of Montgomery County, and Kegley's Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, p. 203.
In the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, published quarterly by The Virginia Historical Society, Vol XXVIII, Richmond, VA, 1920, this table was published:
"List of the Fines Received for the Bounty of Soldiers. List of the Fines rec'd for the bounty of Soldiers before the 20th of Decr 1782 with the names of the Collectors & No. of each Division. . . 41 Philip Barrier £7 12 5" (pp. 351-352)
Philip Barrier, Private, appears on Captain John Preston's Company of Militia, formed Feb 3, 1784. (Kegley, Early Adventurers, p. 256)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1778 when Thomas Heavin was summoned on a charge of disloyalty to the cause of independence, Philip Barrager (Barger) was one of the witnesses summoned for the State. (Preston Papers, Draper Manuscripts, 4 QQ 160)" (p. 190)
He is credited by the Daughters of the American Revolution for service as a soldier, militia, Montgomery County, Virginia. One member of the DAR who claimed Philip Barger as her ancestor, and her membership number, is Dr. Martha Sullivan Peck, 631654, descended from Philip through Casper Barger, Henry Brown Barger, William Henry Barger, Henry Brown Barger, Triciea Barger, and Terry D. Sullivan.
One member of the Sons of the American Revolution who claimed Philip Barger as one of his patriot ancestors was Larry Patrick Cornwell, 138085.
The Montgomery County tithable list of 1782 listed his holdings as 1 slave, 17 horses, and 30 cows, and showed him as owning property.
In a letter from John Preston to his brother Francis Preston on Dec 26, 1786, John wrote:
"My Waggon will go a few days after Newyear under Philip Barriers direction to bring him & his tools up but the want of nails etc I doubt will prevent him from pushing the work forward with that speed he would wish. . ." (William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol 1, Series 2, Williamsburg, VA, 1921, p. 47)
Philip Barrier appears in the 1787 census for Montgomery County and is listed as having one male 16-21 (Jacob Henry), one slave over the age of 16, and one slave under 16. He had 26 horses and 33 head of cattle, two stud horses, and .30 & 2 bushels of grain total.
On Mar 6, 1790, Philip Barrier helped conduct an inventory of the estate of William Preston, who died Jun 28, 1783. (Montgomery County Will Book B, pp. 55-61)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1793 Philip Barger sold to his son, Casper (sometimes Gasper), 200 acres on Tom's Creek adjoining Robert McGee and John McDaniel's heirs, where Casper was then living. The son John received from his parents, Phillip Barger, Sr. and wife Barbara, for love and affection, 120 acres on Cedar Creek of the Roanoke River. (Montgomery County Deed Book B. p. 105; Montgomery County Deed Book C, p. 655) (p. 190)
Philip was listed as surety in the marriage of his daughter Catherine. This entry appears in A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1773-1831, compiled by Anne Lowry Worrell, Roanoke, Virginia, 1932:
"Helm, John D. and Catherine Barringer. Philip Barringer, surety -- Oct 15, 1798" (p. 21)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1798 Philip Barger and John Preston had a survey made containing 425 acres of land. In 1800 Barger mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres to Alexander Fulton, a merchant of Baltimore, Md." (p. 191) Summers, in Annals, further documented this mortgage when he wrote that in January, 1800, Philip Barriger, Sr., grantor, mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres on New River to Alexr. Fulton, grantee, for $1496. (Summers, Annals, p. 938)
According to the records of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, now St. Michael's Church of Montgomery County, Virginia, Philip died at the family homestead on Aug 3, 1803.
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "The list of the heirs of Philip Barger is found in Deed Book IJ, p 111 in Montgomery County as follows: Christian, Adam, Eve, who married Dangerfield Dobyns, Catherine, who married John D. Helms, Jacob, Frederick, Jane, who married Martin Shatter, and Mary, who married John Ballinger. The same deed refers to Casper, Philip and John as sons of Philip Barger.
"The estate of Philip Barger deceased was given by Casper and John Barger on Oct 2, 1802 (Montgomery County Will Book 1, p 155) and included the following items: a woman slave valued at £60, horses, mares, fillys valued at £172.15.0; cows, calves, and two-year-olds valued at £65,5.6 ; 14 hogs, 17 sheep valued at £13.2. The estate also included harrows, plows, irons, log chain, cross cut saw, 8 pitche forks, spades, mattocks, grubbing hoes, frows, mall, wedges, augers, adzes, saws, carpenter's tools, cutting knives, scythes, sickles, steelyards, chains, clevises, doubletrees, an old musket, an old wagon, harness gears, bridles and lines, 10 still tubs, hogsheads, barrels, vessels and tub at the spring house, hackles, bleaching can, dresser, furniture, pot racks, stone jugs, books, beds, table, chairs, trunks, 2 wheels, pewter and tin ware, a bake oven, watered flax, and rye and hay stacks.
"Philip Barger's widow, Barbara, sold her dower interest in the home place to her son John, who took over on his father's plantation. John and his wife, Jane, had ten children and both left wills in Montgomery County. (p. 191)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "Phillip Barger, Jr. appears to have received 200 acres at the headwaters of Strouble's Creek which he sold in 1803 to James P. Preston. This was part of the original Barger tract of 507 acres, which in turn was part of the larger tract of 7,500 acres called Draper." (p. 190)
Montgomery County Deed Book D, page 475 dated Nov 29, 1806, establishes that Philip was related to Casper, that Philip died in the Indian raids of 1755, and that Philip's daughter Catherine was involved in surrendering at least a portion of the original 507 acres purchased by Casper in 1754. The entry shows that John Daniel Helms and Catherine, a representative of Philip Barger, surrendered 1/8 share of 395 acres, listed as part of the 507 acres of Casper Barger, and 172 acres, part of the 425 acres of Philip Barger, to John Preston. The remainder of the land controlled by the other members of the family was either sold or willed to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in the 1800s, now known as Virginia Tech.
Philip was buried in the Barger family cemetery in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia. There is no marker for his grave. The cemetery is located off Route 650, Tom's Creek Road in downtown Blacksburg, about 200 feet off Price's Fork Road on Philip's land. The cemetery is across the street from the Lutheran Church. According to the Kegleys in Early Adventurers, "The Bargers were associated with St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and some baptisms are in their records (see Heavener, German New River Settlement)." (p. 192)
The children of Philip Barger and Eve Clements were:
i Casper Joseph, b. May 19, 1766, m. Elizabeth Rollings Brown on Jan 12, 1789, d. Apr 28, 1848
ii Jacob Henry, b. Mar 13, 1769, m. his cousin Susannah Barger on Dec 15, 1795, d. Sep 7, 1822
iii John, b. Aug 12, 1771, m. Christina Jane Towney on Jul 23, 1791, d. Mar 23, 1821
iv Philip, b. Dec 24, 1773, d. Aug 9, 1776
v Christian Jacob, b. Aug 8, 1776, m. Martha (Patsy) Price on Jan 18, 1802, d. Dec 24, 1844
vi Eve, b. Jan 13, 1779, m. Dangerfield Dobyns on Nov 3, 1795
vii Philip, b. 1781, in. Magdalena Shrader Shroyer on Apr 17, 1804, d. Jan 8, 1825
* viii Catherine, b. May 26, 1782, m. John Daniel Helm, Jr. on Oct 11, 1798, d. Jun 20, 1858
ix Adam, b. Apr 8, 1784, in. 1st, Lucinda Nolan on Aug 12, 1810; 2nd, Deborah Colbern, nee Phelps, d. Aug 11, 1864
The children of Philip Barger and Barbara May were:
x George, b. Jul 24, 1793, d. 1793
xi Frederick, b. Nov 16, 1794, m. 1st, Sarah (Sallie) Keister on Dec 2, 1815; 2nd, --
xii Larene, b. Jan 29, 1798
xiii Jane, m. Martin Shatter
xiv Freeman, b. Aug 23, 1799
xv Mary, b. Jul 25, 1801, m. John Ballinger, d. 1880
His first wife was Eve Clements, whom he married on Feb 4, 1765 in Augusta County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Christian Clements and Catherine Vaught. She was born May 1, 1749, and died Oct 7, 1791 at Blacksburg at the age of 42.
Philip's second wife was Barbara May, whom he married on Mar 2, 1792.
Philip's grandson Wesley Kenerly Helm, who lived from 1822 to 1871, compiled his genealogy in a notebook which survives to this day. On page two, he wrote: "Philip Barger, Sr. was born September 1st 1741, maried Febuary 4th. 1765, Died August 28th. 1803 aged 62. Eve Clemens was born May 1st 1747, maried to Philip Barger Febuary 4th 1765, deceased October 7th. 1791 aged 44. Philip & Eve Barger had 8 children, 1 Casper, 2 Jacob, 3 John, 4 Philip jr., 5 Christa, 6 Eve, 7 Catharine & 8 Adam. Philip Barger was Maried the second time and had three children."
Philip Barger escaped from a Shawnee Indian massacre on Jul 8, 1755 at the age of 13 at Draper's Meadow, Virginia which took the life of the elder Philip Barger (likely, grandfather) and Casper Barger (father). Family lore says that the younger Philip was "off in the woods at the time of the massacre" and "survived returning to his home near McGahneysville in what is now Rockingham County where he became a freighter often making long hauls to various points in the Shenandoah Valley."
Philip returned to the land with Eve between 1769 and 1771 and settled the land sold to Casper Barger in 1754.
Alvan Lyell Barger, editor of The Barger Journal, wrote of Philip:
"Philip Barger, son of Philip Barger and wife, early settlers in Rockingham County, Virginia, was born in 1741. His father was slain by Indians at New River, southwest Virginia in July 1755, while engaged in making some improvements on his property there, lately acquired. He was intending to move his family there from the Rockingham location. Philip, his son, and subject of this record, became the possessor of the newly-acquired estate at New River, as the location came to be known, Draper's Meadows. The present town of Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia, occupies a portion of the Barger lands.
"During his stay in Augusta County, following his father's death, Philip, Jr., appears to have teamed for the settlers there -- making long hauls to various points in the valley, and receiving fair remuneration for the service. He married, in Augusta County, Eve Clements, who may have been a sister of Casper Clements, mentioned in connection with the building of the first church at Koiners Store. She was born May 1st, 1749, and died at their home at Blacksburg, October 7th, 1791. Their children were: Casper; Jacob; John; Philip; Christian; Eve; Catherine; Adam.
"The second wife of Philip Barger was Barbara May. Their children were: Mary; George; Frederick; Larene.
"Philip Barger died at his home, at Blacksburg, August 3rd, 1803, and was buried in the family cemetery there. He was, in a very real sense, a pioneer. 'It was men of this courage, perseverance and industry, that buildt up this fair country and left it as a rich, noble heritage to posterity. It will always be difficult to properly and fully estimate their work and sterling character.' Several spellings of the name were used then, as: Berrier; Berger, Barrier; Barringer, etc." (Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1939, p. 205)
He is known to have given a horse for the war effort on Aug 22, 1763 to David Bell.
Philip was listed on the Botetourt County tax list from 1770 to 1777, and on the Montgomery County tax list from 1771 to 1777, and again 1782 through 1787.
Mary B. Kegley and F. B. Kegley, in their Early Adventurers On the Western Waters, Volume I, The New River of Virginia in Pioneer Days 1745-1800, stated:
"But Phillip (also Philip) Barger, the son of Margaret and Casper Sr. appeared to reclaim his father's lands about 1771. At this date he appears on a tithable list of New River settlers (Kegley, New River Tithables), and in the next year was appointed with others to view a road." (p. 190) (Green Publishers, Inc., Orange, Virginia)
Phillip appeared on "Tithables For 1771, A List of Tithables in the Lower District of New River" which contained 61 names, including "Phillep Baregur."
Lewis Preston Summers, in his Annals of Southwest Virginia,1769-1800, documented Philip's service to Virginia on numerous occasions. (Published by Lewis Preston Summers, Abingdon, Virginia, 1929):
--Botetourt County Court: "Ordered that William McMullen, Philip Barriger and Robert Ritchey, being first sworn do view the way from the foot of the mountain above Sifford's old place to the corner of Michael Price's field and report the best and nearest way to the court" on Sep 8, 1772 (p. 149).
--Fincastle County: "John Craig, Peter Stevens, and Philip Barriers being first sworn are appointed to view that way, the nighest and best way, from the Glades near Draper's Meadows to the market Road Ln. Craig and make report thereof to the next Court." (p. 612).
--Fincastle County: "The report of . . . persons appointed to view the way from Michael Prices field to where Greshams path goes into the Catawba road being returned on consideration whereof it is the opinion of the Court that the new road be opened as marked by the viewers, & that Philip Barriger with . . . (others). . .and their Tithables or any others who may settle within his Bounds do open and keep the same in Repair according to Law." (p. 640)
--Montgomery County: "At a Court held for Montgomery County November 2d, 1779. . . "Ordered that George Taylor, Philip Barrenger, Joseph Gray, and Peter Stephens or any three of them view the road cleared and opened by Herman Cook and report the conveniences and inconveniences to the next Court, also of the old road and also to see both roads measured by men on oath." (p. 728)
--Montgomery County: "Michael Price, Senr. appointed in the room of Philip Barrenger from the upper end of his field to the County line & that with the usual Tiths he open and keep the same in good repair." (p. 749)
--Montgomery County. "At a Court continued & held for Montgomery County, November 23d. 1785. . . Ordered that all the hands on the west side of the new road leading from Philip Barigers low down as the Junction with Peppers Road do keep up the said new Road. . ." (p. 807)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1774, during Dunmore's War, he served under James Bryn for three days and receiving pay amounting to 4/6. (Auditor's Accounts of Fincastle County; Kegley, Soldiers)" ( p. 190)
Some background on Dunsmore War is found in Manuscripts by Lyman C. Draper:
"The result of these Indian activities was to send settlers eastward or into stockades on the Holston, Clinch and New Rivers. Colonel William Preston, sheriff, surveyor and county lieutenant of Fincastle County, which then included all of Southwest Virginia, most of present West Virginia and all of Kentucky proposed to the Royal Governor, Lord Dunsmore, a punitive expedition against the Shawnee, which was accepted. Military command of the expedition devolved on Colonel Andrew Lewis of neighboring Botetourt County. This expedition seemed to have been a disaster waiting to happen, and the only redemption of the force was that the Shawnee were less prepared for war than were the Virginians. Lord Dunsmore War only had one substantial fight, the Battle of Point Pleasant on the Ohio in what is now West Virginia."
The Battle of Point Pleasant was on Oct 10, 1774. Point Pleasant, the county seat of Mason County, Virginia, was named for Camp Point Pleasant, established there by General Andrew Lewis at the time of his famous battle with the Indians in 1774. Built on the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought between the Indians and white settlers: the Battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774, the chief event of Dunmore's War, a forerunner of the American Revolution. Location of Tu-endie-wei State Park. (Point Pleasant, West Virginia web site)
Later, during the Revolutionary War, Philip served as a member of Captain Byrn's and Captain James' militia, receiving 4.8 shillings, 3 days' pay, plus being paid for 24 diets (sundries per audit) and 460 days use of a horse. "Phillip Barriger" appears on Capt. James Byrn's Company of Militia in Revolutionary War (published by the Montgomery County Courthouse, Christianburg and Virginia State Library), in Kegley's Militia of Montgomery County, and Kegley's Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, p. 203.
In the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, published quarterly by The Virginia Historical Society, Vol XXVIII, Richmond, VA, 1920, this table was published:
"List of the Fines Received for the Bounty of Soldiers. List of the Fines rec'd for the bounty of Soldiers before the 20th of Decr 1782 with the names of the Collectors & No. of each Division. . . 41 Philip Barrier £7 12 5" (pp. 351-352)
Philip Barrier, Private, appears on Captain John Preston's Company of Militia, formed Feb 3, 1784. (Kegley, Early Adventurers, p. 256)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1778 when Thomas Heavin was summoned on a charge of disloyalty to the cause of independence, Philip Barrager (Barger) was one of the witnesses summoned for the State. (Preston Papers, Draper Manuscripts, 4 QQ 160)" (p. 190)
He is credited by the Daughters of the American Revolution for service as a soldier, militia, Montgomery County, Virginia. One member of the DAR who claimed Philip Barger as her ancestor, and her membership number, is Dr. Martha Sullivan Peck, 631654, descended from Philip through Casper Barger, Henry Brown Barger, William Henry Barger, Henry Brown Barger, Triciea Barger, and Terry D. Sullivan.
One member of the Sons of the American Revolution who claimed Philip Barger as one of his patriot ancestors was Larry Patrick Cornwell, 138085.
The Montgomery County tithable list of 1782 listed his holdings as 1 slave, 17 horses, and 30 cows, and showed him as owning property.
In a letter from John Preston to his brother Francis Preston on Dec 26, 1786, John wrote:
"My Waggon will go a few days after Newyear under Philip Barriers direction to bring him & his tools up but the want of nails etc I doubt will prevent him from pushing the work forward with that speed he would wish. . ." (William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol 1, Series 2, Williamsburg, VA, 1921, p. 47)
Philip Barrier appears in the 1787 census for Montgomery County and is listed as having one male 16-21 (Jacob Henry), one slave over the age of 16, and one slave under 16. He had 26 horses and 33 head of cattle, two stud horses, and .30 & 2 bushels of grain total.
On Mar 6, 1790, Philip Barrier helped conduct an inventory of the estate of William Preston, who died Jun 28, 1783. (Montgomery County Will Book B, pp. 55-61)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1793 Philip Barger sold to his son, Casper (sometimes Gasper), 200 acres on Tom's Creek adjoining Robert McGee and John McDaniel's heirs, where Casper was then living. The son John received from his parents, Phillip Barger, Sr. and wife Barbara, for love and affection, 120 acres on Cedar Creek of the Roanoke River. (Montgomery County Deed Book B. p. 105; Montgomery County Deed Book C, p. 655) (p. 190)
Philip was listed as surety in the marriage of his daughter Catherine. This entry appears in A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1773-1831, compiled by Anne Lowry Worrell, Roanoke, Virginia, 1932:
"Helm, John D. and Catherine Barringer. Philip Barringer, surety -- Oct 15, 1798" (p. 21)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1798 Philip Barger and John Preston had a survey made containing 425 acres of land. In 1800 Barger mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres to Alexander Fulton, a merchant of Baltimore, Md." (p. 191) Summers, in Annals, further documented this mortgage when he wrote that in January, 1800, Philip Barriger, Sr., grantor, mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres on New River to Alexr. Fulton, grantee, for $1496. (Summers, Annals, p. 938)
According to the records of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, now St. Michael's Church of Montgomery County, Virginia, Philip died at the family homestead on Aug 3, 1803.
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "The list of the heirs of Philip Barger is found in Deed Book IJ, p 111 in Montgomery County as follows: Christian, Adam, Eve, who married Dangerfield Dobyns, Catherine, who married John D. Helms, Jacob, Frederick, Jane, who married Martin Shatter, and Mary, who married John Ballinger. The same deed refers to Casper, Philip and John as sons of Philip Barger.
"The estate of Philip Barger deceased was given by Casper and John Barger on Oct 2, 1802 (Montgomery County Will Book 1, p 155) and included the following items: a woman slave valued at £60, horses, mares, fillys valued at £172.15.0; cows, calves, and two-year-olds valued at £65,5.6 ; 14 hogs, 17 sheep valued at £13.2. The estate also included harrows, plows, irons, log chain, cross cut saw, 8 pitche forks, spades, mattocks, grubbing hoes, frows, mall, wedges, augers, adzes, saws, carpenter's tools, cutting knives, scythes, sickles, steelyards, chains, clevises, doubletrees, an old musket, an old wagon, harness gears, bridles and lines, 10 still tubs, hogsheads, barrels, vessels and tub at the spring house, hackles, bleaching can, dresser, furniture, pot racks, stone jugs, books, beds, table, chairs, trunks, 2 wheels, pewter and tin ware, a bake oven, watered flax, and rye and hay stacks.
"Philip Barger's widow, Barbara, sold her dower interest in the home place to her son John, who took over on his father's plantation. John and his wife, Jane, had ten children and both left wills in Montgomery County. (p. 191)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "Phillip Barger, Jr. appears to have received 200 acres at the headwaters of Strouble's Creek which he sold in 1803 to James P. Preston. This was part of the original Barger tract of 507 acres, which in turn was part of the larger tract of 7,500 acres called Draper." (p. 190)
Montgomery County Deed Book D, page 475 dated Nov 29, 1806, establishes that Philip was related to Casper, that Philip died in the Indian raids of 1755, and that Philip's daughter Catherine was involved in surrendering at least a portion of the original 507 acres purchased by Casper in 1754. The entry shows that John Daniel Helms and Catherine, a representative of Philip Barger, surrendered 1/8 share of 395 acres, listed as part of the 507 acres of Casper Barger, and 172 acres, part of the 425 acres of Philip Barger, to John Preston. The remainder of the land controlled by the other members of the family was either sold or willed to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in the 1800s, now known as Virginia Tech.
Philip was buried in the Barger family cemetery in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia. There is no marker for his grave. The cemetery is located off Route 650, Tom's Creek Road in downtown Blacksburg, about 200 feet off Price's Fork Road on Philip's land. The cemetery is across the street from the Lutheran Church. According to the Kegleys in Early Adventurers, "The Bargers were associated with St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and some baptisms are in their records (see Heavener, German New River Settlement)." (p. 192)
The children of Philip Barger and Eve Clements were:
i Casper Joseph, b. May 19, 1766, m. Elizabeth Rollings Brown on Jan 12, 1789, d. Apr 28, 1848
ii Jacob Henry, b. Mar 13, 1769, m. his cousin Susannah Barger on Dec 15, 1795, d. Sep 7, 1822
iii John, b. Aug 12, 1771, m. Christina Jane Towney on Jul 23, 1791, d. Mar 23, 1821
iv Philip, b. Dec 24, 1773, d. Aug 9, 1776
v Christian Jacob, b. Aug 8, 1776, m. Martha (Patsy) Price on Jan 18, 1802, d. Dec 24, 1844
vi Eve, b. Jan 13, 1779, m. Dangerfield Dobyns on Nov 3, 1795
vii Philip, b. 1781, in. Magdalena Shrader Shroyer on Apr 17, 1804, d. Jan 8, 1825
* viii Catherine, b. May 26, 1782, m. John Daniel Helm, Jr. on Oct 11, 1798, d. Jun 20, 1858
ix Adam, b. Apr 8, 1784, in. 1st, Lucinda Nolan on Aug 12, 1810; 2nd, Deborah Colbern, nee Phelps, d. Aug 11, 1864
The children of Philip Barger and Barbara May were:
x George, b. Jul 24, 1793, d. 1793
xi Frederick, b. Nov 16, 1794, m. 1st, Sarah (Sallie) Keister on Dec 2, 1815; 2nd, --
xii Larene, b. Jan 29, 1798
xiii Jane, m. Martin Shatter
xiv Freeman, b. Aug 23, 1799
xv Mary, b. Jul 25, 1801, m. John Ballinger, d. 1880
Philip Barger was born Sep 1, 1741 and died Aug 3, 1803 in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia at the age of 61.
His first wife was Eve Clements, whom he married on Feb 4, 1765 in Augusta County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Christian Clements and Catherine Vaught. She was born May 1, 1749, and died Oct 7, 1791 at Blacksburg at the age of 42.
Philip's second wife was Barbara May, whom he married on Mar 2, 1792.
Philip's grandson Wesley Kenerly Helm, who lived from 1822 to 1871, compiled his genealogy in a notebook which survives to this day. On page two, he wrote: "Philip Barger, Sr. was born September 1st 1741, maried Febuary 4th. 1765, Died August 28th. 1803 aged 62. Eve Clemens was born May 1st 1747, maried to Philip Barger Febuary 4th 1765, deceased October 7th. 1791 aged 44. Philip & Eve Barger had 8 children, 1 Casper, 2 Jacob, 3 John, 4 Philip jr., 5 Christa, 6 Eve, 7 Catharine & 8 Adam. Philip Barger was Maried the second time and had three children."
Philip Barger escaped from a Shawnee Indian massacre on Jul 8, 1755 at the age of 13 at Draper's Meadow, Virginia which took the life of the elder Philip Barger (likely, grandfather) and Casper Barger (father). Family lore says that the younger Philip was "off in the woods at the time of the massacre" and "survived returning to his home near McGahneysville in what is now Rockingham County where he became a freighter often making long hauls to various points in the Shenandoah Valley."
Philip returned to the land with Eve between 1769 and 1771 and settled the land sold to Casper Barger in 1754.
Alvan Lyell Barger, editor of The Barger Journal, wrote of Philip:
"Philip Barger, son of Philip Barger and wife, early settlers in Rockingham County, Virginia, was born in 1741. His father was slain by Indians at New River, southwest Virginia in July 1755, while engaged in making some improvements on his property there, lately acquired. He was intending to move his family there from the Rockingham location. Philip, his son, and subject of this record, became the possessor of the newly-acquired estate at New River, as the location came to be known, Draper's Meadows. The present town of Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia, occupies a portion of the Barger lands.
"During his stay in Augusta County, following his father's death, Philip, Jr., appears to have teamed for the settlers there -- making long hauls to various points in the valley, and receiving fair remuneration for the service. He married, in Augusta County, Eve Clements, who may have been a sister of Casper Clements, mentioned in connection with the building of the first church at Koiners Store. She was born May 1st, 1749, and died at their home at Blacksburg, October 7th, 1791. Their children were: Casper; Jacob; John; Philip; Christian; Eve; Catherine; Adam.
"The second wife of Philip Barger was Barbara May. Their children were: Mary; George; Frederick; Larene.
"Philip Barger died at his home, at Blacksburg, August 3rd, 1803, and was buried in the family cemetery there. He was, in a very real sense, a pioneer. 'It was men of this courage, perseverance and industry, that buildt up this fair country and left it as a rich, noble heritage to posterity. It will always be difficult to properly and fully estimate their work and sterling character.' Several spellings of the name were used then, as: Berrier; Berger, Barrier; Barringer, etc." (Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1939, p. 205)
He is known to have given a horse for the war effort on Aug 22, 1763 to David Bell.
Philip was listed on the Botetourt County tax list from 1770 to 1777, and on the Montgomery County tax list from 1771 to 1777, and again 1782 through 1787.
Mary B. Kegley and F. B. Kegley, in their Early Adventurers On the Western Waters, Volume I, The New River of Virginia in Pioneer Days 1745-1800, stated:
"But Phillip (also Philip) Barger, the son of Margaret and Casper Sr. appeared to reclaim his father's lands about 1771. At this date he appears on a tithable list of New River settlers (Kegley, New River Tithables), and in the next year was appointed with others to view a road." (p. 190) (Green Publishers, Inc., Orange, Virginia)
Phillip appeared on "Tithables For 1771, A List of Tithables in the Lower District of New River" which contained 61 names, including "Phillep Baregur."
Lewis Preston Summers, in his Annals of Southwest Virginia,1769-1800, documented Philip's service to Virginia on numerous occasions. (Published by Lewis Preston Summers, Abingdon, Virginia, 1929):
--Botetourt County Court: "Ordered that William McMullen, Philip Barriger and Robert Ritchey, being first sworn do view the way from the foot of the mountain above Sifford's old place to the corner of Michael Price's field and report the best and nearest way to the court" on Sep 8, 1772 (p. 149).
--Fincastle County: "John Craig, Peter Stevens, and Philip Barriers being first sworn are appointed to view that way, the nighest and best way, from the Glades near Draper's Meadows to the market Road Ln. Craig and make report thereof to the next Court." (p. 612).
--Fincastle County: "The report of . . . persons appointed to view the way from Michael Prices field to where Greshams path goes into the Catawba road being returned on consideration whereof it is the opinion of the Court that the new road be opened as marked by the viewers, & that Philip Barriger with . . . (others). . .and their Tithables or any others who may settle within his Bounds do open and keep the same in Repair according to Law." (p. 640)
--Montgomery County: "At a Court held for Montgomery County November 2d, 1779. . . "Ordered that George Taylor, Philip Barrenger, Joseph Gray, and Peter Stephens or any three of them view the road cleared and opened by Herman Cook and report the conveniences and inconveniences to the next Court, also of the old road and also to see both roads measured by men on oath." (p. 728)
--Montgomery County: "Michael Price, Senr. appointed in the room of Philip Barrenger from the upper end of his field to the County line & that with the usual Tiths he open and keep the same in good repair." (p. 749)
--Montgomery County. "At a Court continued & held for Montgomery County, November 23d. 1785. . . Ordered that all the hands on the west side of the new road leading from Philip Barigers low down as the Junction with Peppers Road do keep up the said new Road. . ." (p. 807)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1774, during Dunmore's War, he served under James Bryn for three days and receiving pay amounting to 4/6. (Auditor's Accounts of Fincastle County; Kegley, Soldiers)" ( p. 190)
Some background on Dunsmore War is found in Manuscripts by Lyman C. Draper:
"The result of these Indian activities was to send settlers eastward or into stockades on the Holston, Clinch and New Rivers. Colonel William Preston, sheriff, surveyor and county lieutenant of Fincastle County, which then included all of Southwest Virginia, most of present West Virginia and all of Kentucky proposed to the Royal Governor, Lord Dunsmore, a punitive expedition against the Shawnee, which was accepted. Military command of the expedition devolved on Colonel Andrew Lewis of neighboring Botetourt County. This expedition seemed to have been a disaster waiting to happen, and the only redemption of the force was that the Shawnee were less prepared for war than were the Virginians. Lord Dunsmore War only had one substantial fight, the Battle of Point Pleasant on the Ohio in what is now West Virginia."
The Battle of Point Pleasant was on Oct 10, 1774. Point Pleasant, the county seat of Mason County, Virginia, was named for Camp Point Pleasant, established there by General Andrew Lewis at the time of his famous battle with the Indians in 1774. Built on the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought between the Indians and white settlers: the Battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774, the chief event of Dunmore's War, a forerunner of the American Revolution. Location of Tu-endie-wei State Park. (Point Pleasant, West Virginia web site)
Later, during the Revolutionary War, Philip served as a member of Captain Byrn's and Captain James' militia, receiving 4.8 shillings, 3 days' pay, plus being paid for 24 diets (sundries per audit) and 460 days use of a horse. "Phillip Barriger" appears on Capt. James Byrn's Company of Militia in Revolutionary War (published by the Montgomery County Courthouse, Christianburg and Virginia State Library), in Kegley's Militia of Montgomery County, and Kegley's Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, p. 203.
In the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, published quarterly by The Virginia Historical Society, Vol XXVIII, Richmond, VA, 1920, this table was published:
"List of the Fines Received for the Bounty of Soldiers. List of the Fines rec'd for the bounty of Soldiers before the 20th of Decr 1782 with the names of the Collectors & No. of each Division. . . 41 Philip Barrier £7 12 5" (pp. 351-352)
Philip Barrier, Private, appears on Captain John Preston's Company of Militia, formed Feb 3, 1784. (Kegley, Early Adventurers, p. 256)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1778 when Thomas Heavin was summoned on a charge of disloyalty to the cause of independence, Philip Barrager (Barger) was one of the witnesses summoned for the State. (Preston Papers, Draper Manuscripts, 4 QQ 160)" (p. 190)
He is credited by the Daughters of the American Revolution for service as a soldier, militia, Montgomery County, Virginia. One member of the DAR who claimed Philip Barger as her ancestor, and her membership number, is Dr. Martha Sullivan Peck, 631654, descended from Philip through Casper Barger, Henry Brown Barger, William Henry Barger, Henry Brown Barger, Triciea Barger, and Terry D. Sullivan.
One member of the Sons of the American Revolution who claimed Philip Barger as one of his patriot ancestors was Larry Patrick Cornwell, 138085.
The Montgomery County tithable list of 1782 listed his holdings as 1 slave, 17 horses, and 30 cows, and showed him as owning property.
In a letter from John Preston to his brother Francis Preston on Dec 26, 1786, John wrote:
"My Waggon will go a few days after Newyear under Philip Barriers direction to bring him & his tools up but the want of nails etc I doubt will prevent him from pushing the work forward with that speed he would wish. . ." (William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol 1, Series 2, Williamsburg, VA, 1921, p. 47)
Philip Barrier appears in the 1787 census for Montgomery County and is listed as having one male 16-21 (Jacob Henry), one slave over the age of 16, and one slave under 16. He had 26 horses and 33 head of cattle, two stud horses, and .30 & 2 bushels of grain total.
On Mar 6, 1790, Philip Barrier helped conduct an inventory of the estate of William Preston, who died Jun 28, 1783. (Montgomery County Will Book B, pp. 55-61)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1793 Philip Barger sold to his son, Casper (sometimes Gasper), 200 acres on Tom's Creek adjoining Robert McGee and John McDaniel's heirs, where Casper was then living. The son John received from his parents, Phillip Barger, Sr. and wife Barbara, for love and affection, 120 acres on Cedar Creek of the Roanoke River. (Montgomery County Deed Book B. p. 105; Montgomery County Deed Book C, p. 655) (p. 190)
Philip was listed as surety in the marriage of his daughter Catherine. This entry appears in A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1773-1831, compiled by Anne Lowry Worrell, Roanoke, Virginia, 1932:
"Helm, John D. and Catherine Barringer. Philip Barringer, surety -- Oct 15, 1798" (p. 21)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1798 Philip Barger and John Preston had a survey made containing 425 acres of land. In 1800 Barger mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres to Alexander Fulton, a merchant of Baltimore, Md." (p. 191) Summers, in Annals, further documented this mortgage when he wrote that in January, 1800, Philip Barriger, Sr., grantor, mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres on New River to Alexr. Fulton, grantee, for $1496. (Summers, Annals, p. 938)
According to the records of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, now St. Michael's Church of Montgomery County, Virginia, Philip died at the family homestead on Aug 3, 1803.
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "The list of the heirs of Philip Barger is found in Deed Book IJ, p 111 in Montgomery County as follows: Christian, Adam, Eve, who married Dangerfield Dobyns, Catherine, who married John D. Helms, Jacob, Frederick, Jane, who married Martin Shatter, and Mary, who married John Ballinger. The same deed refers to Casper, Philip and John as sons of Philip Barger.
"The estate of Philip Barger deceased was given by Casper and John Barger on Oct 2, 1802 (Montgomery County Will Book 1, p 155) and included the following items: a woman slave valued at £60, horses, mares, fillys valued at £172.15.0; cows, calves, and two-year-olds valued at £65,5.6 ; 14 hogs, 17 sheep valued at £13.2. The estate also included harrows, plows, irons, log chain, cross cut saw, 8 pitche forks, spades, mattocks, grubbing hoes, frows, mall, wedges, augers, adzes, saws, carpenter's tools, cutting knives, scythes, sickles, steelyards, chains, clevises, doubletrees, an old musket, an old wagon, harness gears, bridles and lines, 10 still tubs, hogsheads, barrels, vessels and tub at the spring house, hackles, bleaching can, dresser, furniture, pot racks, stone jugs, books, beds, table, chairs, trunks, 2 wheels, pewter and tin ware, a bake oven, watered flax, and rye and hay stacks.
"Philip Barger's widow, Barbara, sold her dower interest in the home place to her son John, who took over on his father's plantation. John and his wife, Jane, had ten children and both left wills in Montgomery County. (p. 191)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "Phillip Barger, Jr. appears to have received 200 acres at the headwaters of Strouble's Creek which he sold in 1803 to James P. Preston. This was part of the original Barger tract of 507 acres, which in turn was part of the larger tract of 7,500 acres called Draper." (p. 190)
Montgomery County Deed Book D, page 475 dated Nov 29, 1806, establishes that Philip was related to Casper, that Philip died in the Indian raids of 1755, and that Philip's daughter Catherine was involved in surrendering at least a portion of the original 507 acres purchased by Casper in 1754. The entry shows that John Daniel Helms and Catherine, a representative of Philip Barger, surrendered 1/8 share of 395 acres, listed as part of the 507 acres of Casper Barger, and 172 acres, part of the 425 acres of Philip Barger, to John Preston. The remainder of the land controlled by the other members of the family was either sold or willed to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in the 1800s, now known as Virginia Tech.
Philip was buried in the Barger family cemetery in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia. There is no marker for his grave. The cemetery is located off Route 650, Tom's Creek Road in downtown Blacksburg, about 200 feet off Price's Fork Road on Philip's land. The cemetery is across the street from the Lutheran Church. According to the Kegleys in Early Adventurers, "The Bargers were associated with St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and some baptisms are in their records (see Heavener, German New River Settlement)." (p. 192)
The children of Philip Barger and Eve Clements were:
i Casper Joseph, b. May 19, 1766, m. Elizabeth Rollings Brown on Jan 12, 1789, d. Apr 28, 1848
ii Jacob Henry, b. Mar 13, 1769, m. his cousin Susannah Barger on Dec 15, 1795, d. Sep 7, 1822
iii John, b. Aug 12, 1771, m. Christina Jane Towney on Jul 23, 1791, d. Mar 23, 1821
iv Philip, b. Dec 24, 1773, d. Aug 9, 1776
v Christian Jacob, b. Aug 8, 1776, m. Martha (Patsy) Price on Jan 18, 1802, d. Dec 24, 1844
vi Eve, b. Jan 13, 1779, m. Dangerfield Dobyns on Nov 3, 1795
vii Philip, b. 1781, in. Magdalena Shrader Shroyer on Apr 17, 1804, d. Jan 8, 1825
* viii Catherine, b. May 26, 1782, m. John Daniel Helm, Jr. on Oct 11, 1798, d. Jun 20, 1858
ix Adam, b. Apr 8, 1784, in. 1st, Lucinda Nolan on Aug 12, 1810; 2nd, Deborah Colbern, nee Phelps, d. Aug 11, 1864
The children of Philip Barger and Barbara May were:
x George, b. Jul 24, 1793, d. 1793
xi Frederick, b. Nov 16, 1794, m. 1st, Sarah (Sallie) Keister on Dec 2, 1815; 2nd, --
xii Larene, b. Jan 29, 1798
xiii Jane, m. Martin Shatter
xiv Freeman, b. Aug 23, 1799
xv Mary, b. Jul 25, 1801, m. John Ballinger, d. 1880
His first wife was Eve Clements, whom he married on Feb 4, 1765 in Augusta County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Christian Clements and Catherine Vaught. She was born May 1, 1749, and died Oct 7, 1791 at Blacksburg at the age of 42.
Philip's second wife was Barbara May, whom he married on Mar 2, 1792.
Philip's grandson Wesley Kenerly Helm, who lived from 1822 to 1871, compiled his genealogy in a notebook which survives to this day. On page two, he wrote: "Philip Barger, Sr. was born September 1st 1741, maried Febuary 4th. 1765, Died August 28th. 1803 aged 62. Eve Clemens was born May 1st 1747, maried to Philip Barger Febuary 4th 1765, deceased October 7th. 1791 aged 44. Philip & Eve Barger had 8 children, 1 Casper, 2 Jacob, 3 John, 4 Philip jr., 5 Christa, 6 Eve, 7 Catharine & 8 Adam. Philip Barger was Maried the second time and had three children."
Philip Barger escaped from a Shawnee Indian massacre on Jul 8, 1755 at the age of 13 at Draper's Meadow, Virginia which took the life of the elder Philip Barger (likely, grandfather) and Casper Barger (father). Family lore says that the younger Philip was "off in the woods at the time of the massacre" and "survived returning to his home near McGahneysville in what is now Rockingham County where he became a freighter often making long hauls to various points in the Shenandoah Valley."
Philip returned to the land with Eve between 1769 and 1771 and settled the land sold to Casper Barger in 1754.
Alvan Lyell Barger, editor of The Barger Journal, wrote of Philip:
"Philip Barger, son of Philip Barger and wife, early settlers in Rockingham County, Virginia, was born in 1741. His father was slain by Indians at New River, southwest Virginia in July 1755, while engaged in making some improvements on his property there, lately acquired. He was intending to move his family there from the Rockingham location. Philip, his son, and subject of this record, became the possessor of the newly-acquired estate at New River, as the location came to be known, Draper's Meadows. The present town of Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia, occupies a portion of the Barger lands.
"During his stay in Augusta County, following his father's death, Philip, Jr., appears to have teamed for the settlers there -- making long hauls to various points in the valley, and receiving fair remuneration for the service. He married, in Augusta County, Eve Clements, who may have been a sister of Casper Clements, mentioned in connection with the building of the first church at Koiners Store. She was born May 1st, 1749, and died at their home at Blacksburg, October 7th, 1791. Their children were: Casper; Jacob; John; Philip; Christian; Eve; Catherine; Adam.
"The second wife of Philip Barger was Barbara May. Their children were: Mary; George; Frederick; Larene.
"Philip Barger died at his home, at Blacksburg, August 3rd, 1803, and was buried in the family cemetery there. He was, in a very real sense, a pioneer. 'It was men of this courage, perseverance and industry, that buildt up this fair country and left it as a rich, noble heritage to posterity. It will always be difficult to properly and fully estimate their work and sterling character.' Several spellings of the name were used then, as: Berrier; Berger, Barrier; Barringer, etc." (Edwards Brothers, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1939, p. 205)
He is known to have given a horse for the war effort on Aug 22, 1763 to David Bell.
Philip was listed on the Botetourt County tax list from 1770 to 1777, and on the Montgomery County tax list from 1771 to 1777, and again 1782 through 1787.
Mary B. Kegley and F. B. Kegley, in their Early Adventurers On the Western Waters, Volume I, The New River of Virginia in Pioneer Days 1745-1800, stated:
"But Phillip (also Philip) Barger, the son of Margaret and Casper Sr. appeared to reclaim his father's lands about 1771. At this date he appears on a tithable list of New River settlers (Kegley, New River Tithables), and in the next year was appointed with others to view a road." (p. 190) (Green Publishers, Inc., Orange, Virginia)
Phillip appeared on "Tithables For 1771, A List of Tithables in the Lower District of New River" which contained 61 names, including "Phillep Baregur."
Lewis Preston Summers, in his Annals of Southwest Virginia,1769-1800, documented Philip's service to Virginia on numerous occasions. (Published by Lewis Preston Summers, Abingdon, Virginia, 1929):
--Botetourt County Court: "Ordered that William McMullen, Philip Barriger and Robert Ritchey, being first sworn do view the way from the foot of the mountain above Sifford's old place to the corner of Michael Price's field and report the best and nearest way to the court" on Sep 8, 1772 (p. 149).
--Fincastle County: "John Craig, Peter Stevens, and Philip Barriers being first sworn are appointed to view that way, the nighest and best way, from the Glades near Draper's Meadows to the market Road Ln. Craig and make report thereof to the next Court." (p. 612).
--Fincastle County: "The report of . . . persons appointed to view the way from Michael Prices field to where Greshams path goes into the Catawba road being returned on consideration whereof it is the opinion of the Court that the new road be opened as marked by the viewers, & that Philip Barriger with . . . (others). . .and their Tithables or any others who may settle within his Bounds do open and keep the same in Repair according to Law." (p. 640)
--Montgomery County: "At a Court held for Montgomery County November 2d, 1779. . . "Ordered that George Taylor, Philip Barrenger, Joseph Gray, and Peter Stephens or any three of them view the road cleared and opened by Herman Cook and report the conveniences and inconveniences to the next Court, also of the old road and also to see both roads measured by men on oath." (p. 728)
--Montgomery County: "Michael Price, Senr. appointed in the room of Philip Barrenger from the upper end of his field to the County line & that with the usual Tiths he open and keep the same in good repair." (p. 749)
--Montgomery County. "At a Court continued & held for Montgomery County, November 23d. 1785. . . Ordered that all the hands on the west side of the new road leading from Philip Barigers low down as the Junction with Peppers Road do keep up the said new Road. . ." (p. 807)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1774, during Dunmore's War, he served under James Bryn for three days and receiving pay amounting to 4/6. (Auditor's Accounts of Fincastle County; Kegley, Soldiers)" ( p. 190)
Some background on Dunsmore War is found in Manuscripts by Lyman C. Draper:
"The result of these Indian activities was to send settlers eastward or into stockades on the Holston, Clinch and New Rivers. Colonel William Preston, sheriff, surveyor and county lieutenant of Fincastle County, which then included all of Southwest Virginia, most of present West Virginia and all of Kentucky proposed to the Royal Governor, Lord Dunsmore, a punitive expedition against the Shawnee, which was accepted. Military command of the expedition devolved on Colonel Andrew Lewis of neighboring Botetourt County. This expedition seemed to have been a disaster waiting to happen, and the only redemption of the force was that the Shawnee were less prepared for war than were the Virginians. Lord Dunsmore War only had one substantial fight, the Battle of Point Pleasant on the Ohio in what is now West Virginia."
The Battle of Point Pleasant was on Oct 10, 1774. Point Pleasant, the county seat of Mason County, Virginia, was named for Camp Point Pleasant, established there by General Andrew Lewis at the time of his famous battle with the Indians in 1774. Built on the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought between the Indians and white settlers: the Battle of Point Pleasant, October 10, 1774, the chief event of Dunmore's War, a forerunner of the American Revolution. Location of Tu-endie-wei State Park. (Point Pleasant, West Virginia web site)
Later, during the Revolutionary War, Philip served as a member of Captain Byrn's and Captain James' militia, receiving 4.8 shillings, 3 days' pay, plus being paid for 24 diets (sundries per audit) and 460 days use of a horse. "Phillip Barriger" appears on Capt. James Byrn's Company of Militia in Revolutionary War (published by the Montgomery County Courthouse, Christianburg and Virginia State Library), in Kegley's Militia of Montgomery County, and Kegley's Early Adventurers on the Western Waters, p. 203.
In the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, published quarterly by The Virginia Historical Society, Vol XXVIII, Richmond, VA, 1920, this table was published:
"List of the Fines Received for the Bounty of Soldiers. List of the Fines rec'd for the bounty of Soldiers before the 20th of Decr 1782 with the names of the Collectors & No. of each Division. . . 41 Philip Barrier £7 12 5" (pp. 351-352)
Philip Barrier, Private, appears on Captain John Preston's Company of Militia, formed Feb 3, 1784. (Kegley, Early Adventurers, p. 256)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1778 when Thomas Heavin was summoned on a charge of disloyalty to the cause of independence, Philip Barrager (Barger) was one of the witnesses summoned for the State. (Preston Papers, Draper Manuscripts, 4 QQ 160)" (p. 190)
He is credited by the Daughters of the American Revolution for service as a soldier, militia, Montgomery County, Virginia. One member of the DAR who claimed Philip Barger as her ancestor, and her membership number, is Dr. Martha Sullivan Peck, 631654, descended from Philip through Casper Barger, Henry Brown Barger, William Henry Barger, Henry Brown Barger, Triciea Barger, and Terry D. Sullivan.
One member of the Sons of the American Revolution who claimed Philip Barger as one of his patriot ancestors was Larry Patrick Cornwell, 138085.
The Montgomery County tithable list of 1782 listed his holdings as 1 slave, 17 horses, and 30 cows, and showed him as owning property.
In a letter from John Preston to his brother Francis Preston on Dec 26, 1786, John wrote:
"My Waggon will go a few days after Newyear under Philip Barriers direction to bring him & his tools up but the want of nails etc I doubt will prevent him from pushing the work forward with that speed he would wish. . ." (William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol 1, Series 2, Williamsburg, VA, 1921, p. 47)
Philip Barrier appears in the 1787 census for Montgomery County and is listed as having one male 16-21 (Jacob Henry), one slave over the age of 16, and one slave under 16. He had 26 horses and 33 head of cattle, two stud horses, and .30 & 2 bushels of grain total.
On Mar 6, 1790, Philip Barrier helped conduct an inventory of the estate of William Preston, who died Jun 28, 1783. (Montgomery County Will Book B, pp. 55-61)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote, "In 1793 Philip Barger sold to his son, Casper (sometimes Gasper), 200 acres on Tom's Creek adjoining Robert McGee and John McDaniel's heirs, where Casper was then living. The son John received from his parents, Phillip Barger, Sr. and wife Barbara, for love and affection, 120 acres on Cedar Creek of the Roanoke River. (Montgomery County Deed Book B. p. 105; Montgomery County Deed Book C, p. 655) (p. 190)
Philip was listed as surety in the marriage of his daughter Catherine. This entry appears in A Brief of Wills and Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1773-1831, compiled by Anne Lowry Worrell, Roanoke, Virginia, 1932:
"Helm, John D. and Catherine Barringer. Philip Barringer, surety -- Oct 15, 1798" (p. 21)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "In 1798 Philip Barger and John Preston had a survey made containing 425 acres of land. In 1800 Barger mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres to Alexander Fulton, a merchant of Baltimore, Md." (p. 191) Summers, in Annals, further documented this mortgage when he wrote that in January, 1800, Philip Barriger, Sr., grantor, mortgaged his farm containing about 500 acres on New River to Alexr. Fulton, grantee, for $1496. (Summers, Annals, p. 938)
According to the records of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, now St. Michael's Church of Montgomery County, Virginia, Philip died at the family homestead on Aug 3, 1803.
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "The list of the heirs of Philip Barger is found in Deed Book IJ, p 111 in Montgomery County as follows: Christian, Adam, Eve, who married Dangerfield Dobyns, Catherine, who married John D. Helms, Jacob, Frederick, Jane, who married Martin Shatter, and Mary, who married John Ballinger. The same deed refers to Casper, Philip and John as sons of Philip Barger.
"The estate of Philip Barger deceased was given by Casper and John Barger on Oct 2, 1802 (Montgomery County Will Book 1, p 155) and included the following items: a woman slave valued at £60, horses, mares, fillys valued at £172.15.0; cows, calves, and two-year-olds valued at £65,5.6 ; 14 hogs, 17 sheep valued at £13.2. The estate also included harrows, plows, irons, log chain, cross cut saw, 8 pitche forks, spades, mattocks, grubbing hoes, frows, mall, wedges, augers, adzes, saws, carpenter's tools, cutting knives, scythes, sickles, steelyards, chains, clevises, doubletrees, an old musket, an old wagon, harness gears, bridles and lines, 10 still tubs, hogsheads, barrels, vessels and tub at the spring house, hackles, bleaching can, dresser, furniture, pot racks, stone jugs, books, beds, table, chairs, trunks, 2 wheels, pewter and tin ware, a bake oven, watered flax, and rye and hay stacks.
"Philip Barger's widow, Barbara, sold her dower interest in the home place to her son John, who took over on his father's plantation. John and his wife, Jane, had ten children and both left wills in Montgomery County. (p. 191)
The Kegleys, in Early Adventurers, wrote: "Phillip Barger, Jr. appears to have received 200 acres at the headwaters of Strouble's Creek which he sold in 1803 to James P. Preston. This was part of the original Barger tract of 507 acres, which in turn was part of the larger tract of 7,500 acres called Draper." (p. 190)
Montgomery County Deed Book D, page 475 dated Nov 29, 1806, establishes that Philip was related to Casper, that Philip died in the Indian raids of 1755, and that Philip's daughter Catherine was involved in surrendering at least a portion of the original 507 acres purchased by Casper in 1754. The entry shows that John Daniel Helms and Catherine, a representative of Philip Barger, surrendered 1/8 share of 395 acres, listed as part of the 507 acres of Casper Barger, and 172 acres, part of the 425 acres of Philip Barger, to John Preston. The remainder of the land controlled by the other members of the family was either sold or willed to the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College in the 1800s, now known as Virginia Tech.
Philip was buried in the Barger family cemetery in Blacksburg, Montgomery County, Virginia. There is no marker for his grave. The cemetery is located off Route 650, Tom's Creek Road in downtown Blacksburg, about 200 feet off Price's Fork Road on Philip's land. The cemetery is across the street from the Lutheran Church. According to the Kegleys in Early Adventurers, "The Bargers were associated with St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and some baptisms are in their records (see Heavener, German New River Settlement)." (p. 192)
The children of Philip Barger and Eve Clements were:
i Casper Joseph, b. May 19, 1766, m. Elizabeth Rollings Brown on Jan 12, 1789, d. Apr 28, 1848
ii Jacob Henry, b. Mar 13, 1769, m. his cousin Susannah Barger on Dec 15, 1795, d. Sep 7, 1822
iii John, b. Aug 12, 1771, m. Christina Jane Towney on Jul 23, 1791, d. Mar 23, 1821
iv Philip, b. Dec 24, 1773, d. Aug 9, 1776
v Christian Jacob, b. Aug 8, 1776, m. Martha (Patsy) Price on Jan 18, 1802, d. Dec 24, 1844
vi Eve, b. Jan 13, 1779, m. Dangerfield Dobyns on Nov 3, 1795
vii Philip, b. 1781, in. Magdalena Shrader Shroyer on Apr 17, 1804, d. Jan 8, 1825
* viii Catherine, b. May 26, 1782, m. John Daniel Helm, Jr. on Oct 11, 1798, d. Jun 20, 1858
ix Adam, b. Apr 8, 1784, in. 1st, Lucinda Nolan on Aug 12, 1810; 2nd, Deborah Colbern, nee Phelps, d. Aug 11, 1864
The children of Philip Barger and Barbara May were:
x George, b. Jul 24, 1793, d. 1793
xi Frederick, b. Nov 16, 1794, m. 1st, Sarah (Sallie) Keister on Dec 2, 1815; 2nd, --
xii Larene, b. Jan 29, 1798
xiii Jane, m. Martin Shatter
xiv Freeman, b. Aug 23, 1799
xv Mary, b. Jul 25, 1801, m. John Ballinger, d. 1880
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