JESSE SCALF
Son of
John Scalf, Sr. & Edeah Carlisle
Jesse<John Scalf Sr<Lewis
 

Jesse Scalf, son of John Scalf Sr. and Edeah Carlisle Scalf was born 1810-1815 in either Kentucky or Virginia. His parents were living in Floyd County, Kentucky at the enumeration of the 1810 census but then moved to Russell County, Virginia sometime between 1810 and 1820.

Legend states that Jesse’s father was involved in a fight in Floyd County and was detained in the Prestonburg Jail. Legend also states that the fight concerned a neighbor who had fought with the Tories during the Revolutionary War. John Scalf, Sr. served in the Continental Line during the war and of course was an enemy to the Tories.

We have no solid evidence to help us determine the exact reason John was in jail in Floyd County, Kentucky; however, John escaped his confinement and the author is of the opinion this was when he took his family to Russell County, Virginia. This is believed to have occurred around 1812.  Therefore, if Jesse Scalf was born after his brother Ira who is believed to have been born 1812, then Jesse was most likely born in Virginia 1812-1815. However, we have no solid evidence to confirm this at this time.

Scalf Family History, page 162 lists a birth date for Jesse Scalf of October 1812. However, Elmer did not list a reference for this birth date. Jesse’s brother Ira is also believed to have been born 1812 and their brother Lee in1810. If Lee was born 1810 and Ira in 1812, then Jesse’s birth date was most likely 1813 or later; however, it is possible both Ira and Jesse were born in 1812 depending on the month of their births. In examination of records concerning the two brothers the author feels this is unlikely. 

Jesse stated in the pension file of his stepson Eli Collins in 1888 that he was 76 years old. This calculates a birth year of 1812 as listed in Scalf Family History. However, this does not correspond with the birth dates of the other children of John Scalf or the census records. We have not found a document stating a specific month, day, or year for Jesse’s birth. 

It is difficult to determine, with a reasonable amount of certainty, exactly when the children of John Scalf Sr. were born other than Nancy and Polly whose birth dates are stated in the deposition of their mother, Edeah Carlisle Scalf. The birth dates of the children of John and Edy are estimated by comparison of the census records among other records found of these children with all records varying in dates, and leaving us with only an estimation of birth dates for most of the children of John Scalf Sr.

On the census records, Jesse’s birth varies from 1813 to 1817 and it is felt that Jesse was most likely born 1813-1815.

Jesse was also one of the children “bound out” from the home of John and Edy but again, no records have been found to confirm or deny that this actually took place.  Jesse, Peter and their brother Robert, left Russell County, Virginia sometime between 1832-1836 and moved over to Clay County, Kentucky.

We believe that William, Ira, Jesse, Peter and Robert were the sons in the home of their father in 1830 Russell County, Virginia; however, it is possible that William II had died by 1830 and instead of William this could have been Berryman. But again, due to the lack of names on the 1830 census record we can only speculate. 

1830  Russell County VA  

John Scalf Sr. was taxed on the 1833 Russell County Personal Property Tax List taken March 11, 1833 on 2 males over the age of 16. One male would have included John himself. The other male would have included one of the sons of John that had reached 16 years old.

Taking into consideration that John Jr., Brittan, Lee and Ira were named on this tax list; it is possible that this was William II in the home of his father if he was still living. We know from the statement of Patsy Counts Scalf that William had died by July of 1845 but we have no records to confirm the exact year he died.

Their brother Berryman was married and living in Washington County, Tennessee at this time. Therefore, the only son that might have been old enough to be taxed would have been William II or Jesse. It is doubtful that Jesse, Peter, or Robert had reached the age of 16 at this time.

We are grateful to Sharon Carter, a Trent descendent and researcher for providing the following Russell County tax lists.

1833B Russell County VA Tax List

Feb. 3 - Scalf, Briton, 1 white male over 16; 3 horses
March 11 - Scalf, John Jr. (?) - 1 white male over 16; 2 horses
March 11 - Scalf, John - 2 white males over 16; 3 horses  (John and a son)
March 11 - Scalf, Lea - 1 white male over 16
May 7 - Scalf, Ira - 1 white male over 16

Note that in 1834, John Sr. is taxed on one male over the age of 16 (himself). The male in 1833 is now gone from the home. This might have been when William II died or this might have been when Jesse left home.

1834B - Western district Russell Co. Tax List

Feb. 10 - Scalf, John Sr. - 1 white male over 16; 4 horses
Feb. 10 - Scalf, Lee - 1 white male over 16; 1 horse
Feb. 10 - Scalf, Britian - 1 white male over 16; 3 horses
Apr. 9 - Scalf, John Jr. - 1 white male over 16; 3 horses

On July 9, 1834, John Scalf Jr. was charged with passing a counterfeit coin in Russell County and was detained in the Russell County jail until September 17^th when he was found not guilty

December 2, 1834, John Scalf Sr. sold his property in Russell County, Virginia probably to pay the debt he owned the attorney for representing his son.

December 2, 1834 — page 186 Russell County, Virginia Court Minutes:

An indenture in Trust for land and personal property from John Scalf to Edward D. Kenan acknowledged in the clerks office.  (Russell County Court Minutes, Dec. 2, 1834, pg. 186)

In July of 1835, the following court record was recorded in Russell County, Virginia.

July 7, 1835 — page 250

”John W. Blizzard having obtained an attachment against the estate of John Scalf senr who intended to remove his effects out of this county, for debt, and the constable having made return that he had attached of the property of the defendant, one cow & calf and bull, two pair of hames and one pair of drawing chains, about 8 or 9 bushels of corn, one old side saddle; this day came the plaintiff by his attorney, and the defendant being solemnly called came not.  Whereupon came also, by his attorney, Ira Scalf, who claimed the cow and calf and corn aforesaid attached and filed his interpleader, to which the plaintiff replied and issued being joined came also a jury, to wit: William Sargant, John Garrett, John Belchor, Vincent Jessee, Joel Fields, Abraham Campbell, Elihu Kizer, Thomas Gibson jr., James C. Gibson, Charles H. Gilmon, John B. Fields and Henry Gillespie, who being sworn diligently to inquire into the right of said property, upon their oath do say, that the right thereto is in the said Ira Scalf.  Therefore, it is considered by the Court, that the plaintiff pay to the said Ira Scalf his costs and it appearing that the defendant is indebted to the plaintiff $19 due by note, it is considered that the plaintiff recover against the defendant the said sum of $19 with interest thereon to be computed after the note of (?) per centum per amount from the 12th day of April 1835 till paid, and is costs in this behalf expended.  And it is ordered that the Sheriff make sale of the residue of the said property, as the law directs, pay the proceeds thereof to the plaintiff, and return an account of such sale to the next Court.”  (Russell County Court Minutes, July 7, 1835, pg. 250)

John Sr. sold his property in December of 1835 suggesting it was sometime between February and July of 1835 that he left Russell County according to the court record of July 7, 1835 listed above.  This would be the last record of John Scalf Sr. in Russell County, Virginia.

Note also on the 1835 tax list that only John Sr. and Ira were listed. John Jr. was not listed on this list, nor was his brother Lee. However, we know that Lee was still living in 1840 and we also believe from records that John Jr. did not leave Russell County, Virginia until 1837-1840.  It is also possible that the tax lists for John Jr. and Lee were missing at this time.

1835A – Russell Co. Tax List

Feb. 14 - Scalf, John, Sr. - 2 white males over 16; 2 horses
April 20 - Scalf, Ira - 1 white male over 16; 1 horse


The author feels certain that John Jr. did not leave Russell County, Virginia due to the fact that Elizabeth Gose brought a suite against John and his wife Patsy although the cause of the suite is not clear other than Patsy was accused of lying.  This case was dismissed by order of the plaintiff; however, apparently another suite was brought by John Scalf Jr., against the Gose and/or the Bush family charging them with slander against his wife. We have no records on this at the moment and the file will be posted as soon as this record is found.

It was also stated by a descendent that John acquired a Mill owned by either the Bush family or someone in the area of Russell County concerning this suite. An update to this will be posted as soon as this information is researched and confirmed.

August 8, 1838 — page 532

Elizabeth Gose plaintiff vs.
John Scalf and wife defendant - By order of the plaintiff, this suit is dismissed. (Gose vs. Scalf-Aug. 8, 1838, pg. 532)

The year 1836 finds John Scalf, Sr., along with sons Robert, Peter, Jesse and Ira living in Clay County, Kentucky where they were probably working at the Goose Creek Salt Mines. No listing for William II was found and he would have been over 16 at this time. It is very strongly believed that this was John Scalf Sr. due to the fact that he signed permission for his sons Peter and Robert to marry in Clay County, Kentucky in 1835.

We believe John Scalf Sr. stayed in Clay County for at least a year before moving to Hawkins County, Tennessee where he applied for his Revolutionary pension in 1838.

Considering the fact that John Sr. was taxed only on himself in1834 and after 1835 along with the fact that his son William II would have been well over taxable age certainly suggests that William Scalf II died sometime before 1834. William did not appear on the tax lists as head of house with his brothers in Clay or Russell County, Virginia; however, no confirming evidence has been found to determine the exact date of William’s death.

This William also could not have been the William who married Talitha Scalf in Hawkins County, Tennessee if the statement of Patsy Counts Scalf was correct. Patsy stated that William II was deceased at the time of her statement in1845. A Will found for William who married Talitha suggests he died around 1852. 

All four brothers were found along with their father in Clay County, Kentucky in 1836. John Jr. and Lee were still in Russell County, Virginia, and Berryman was in Washington County, Tennessee. The author is of the opinion that William II had died and the rest of the sons were in Clay County, Kentucky.

(Kentucky Tax Lists Courtesy of Virgil Scalf)

1836 Clay Co. Kentucky Tax List

Robert Scalf  
1 male 21 years or over          No land or personal property or location listed

Peter Scalf     
1 male 21 years or over          No land or personal property or location listed

John Scalf     
1 male 21 years or over       
Horses, mares, mules & Jennies – 1
Value of land per acre – 1
Total value – 50

Jesse Scalf     
1 male 21 years or over
Horses, mares, mules & Jennies – None
Value of land per acre -?
Total value  - 100

Ira Scalf
1 male 21 years or over
Horses, mares, mules & Jennies – 1
Value of land per acre – 1
Location – Otter Creek
Land entered in name of J. Jackson
Total value - 100

In March of 1836, Jesse Scalf married Polly Eversole. Permission was not required for Jesse suggesting that Jesse was at least 21 years old in 1836. The fact that John Sr. had to sign permission for his sons Peter and Robert also suggest they had not reached the age of 21 by 1835. 
 

JESSE SCALF & POLLY EVERSOLE

On March 7, 1836 Peter Eversole and Jesse Scalf signed a bond for the marriage of Jesse to Peter’s daughter, Polly Eversole. We cannot confirm that Jesse and Polly were married on this exact date for we have no marriage license, only the bond for the marriage. However, we are certain that Jesse and Polly were married either on March 7^th or a few days after in 1836 Clay County, Kentucky. (Marriage Bond of Jesse Scalf & Polly Eversole – Courtesy if Virgil Scalf)  

On page 161 of Scalf Family History, Elmer Scalf sates a marriage date of March 7, 1837 for Jesse and Polly but we believe this was a typing error for the bond was taken out on March 7, 1836 one year prior.

MARRIAGE BOND
between
Jesse Scalf & Polly Eversole

Part One

Clay County Sct

I George Stivers Clerk of Clay County Court do hereby certify that bond & security is taken in my office for a license to issue for a marriage intended between Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole   these are therefore to license any persons legally authorized to celebrate the rights of Matrimony to join together in holy wedlock the said Jesse & Polly agreeable to the law & this shall be your sufficient warrant   given under my hand at office this 7th March 1836    (Link to marriage bond ~ part one)

George Stivers   CLK

Part Two

State of Kentucky Clay County 7th March 1836   

Know all men by these presents that we Jesse Scalf & Peter Eversole are held & firmly bound unto the commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of fifty pounds lawful money of Kentucky to which payment will & truly to be made we bind ourselves, our heirs, Executors or administrators jointly severally & firmly by these presents signed and sealed the day & date above written   The condition of above obligation is such that whereas the above named Jesse Scalf is about to obtain a license for a marriage intended between himself & Polly Eversole.   Now if sd. J. Scalf shall faithfully perform this his undertaking unless legally prevented then this obligation to be void else to remain in full force & virtue.   witness our hand & seals this day & date above written.  
(Link to marriage bond ~ part two)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     his
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Jesse  +  Scalf            (Seal)
       Witness                                                                                                                                                                                                                 mark             
       George Stivers   CLK  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     his   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Peter  +   Eversole      (Seal)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    mark
 

1837 Clay Co. Kentucky Tax List

Jesse Scalf     
1 male 21 years or over
Water Course --- Otter Creek

Tax lists for Robert and Peter will be listed in their chapters.

Jesse and Robert were both missing on the 1838 tax list. Peter was the only one of the brothers found in 1838 Clay County. Recall that Rebecca, daughter of Jesse and Polly was born in Tennessee. However, no records of Jesse have been found in Tennessee at the time. We assume if Rebecca was born in Tennessee that Jesse was probably visiting family at that time.

1838 Clay County, Kentucky Tax List

Peter Scalf
1 male 21 years or over        
Cattle --- 2

Jesse and Robert were not found on the tax list of 1838.

The 1839 tax list was missing.

In 1840 Jesse and Peter were the only two brothers listed on the tax lists. We believe Robert might have still been in Hawkins County, Tennessee although he was not found on a census there.

1840 Clay County Kentucky Tax List

Jesse Scalf
White male over 21 --- 1
Water Course --- Goose Creek

Jesse was not found as head of house on the 1840 census but there is a possibility that he and Polly were in the home of her parents. Jesse was not found with his family in Hawkins County, Tennessee nor Russell County, Virginia.

1840 Clay CO KY     

Jesse was found on the 1841 tax list of Clay County with four children in the home between the ages of 7 and 17. If the ages of his children were correct on the 1850 census, the tax list suggests three of the children were Rebecca, Margaret and Nancy. Mary Ann was not born until after this tax list.

1841 Clay     Jesse Scalf

White male over 21 --- 1
Horses and mares --- 2
Value of horses and mares --- $50
Children between 7 and 17 --- 4
Total value --- $100

Either the tax list for 1842 was missing or Jesse was not on this tax list for he was not found again until 1843. Jesse then had 1 child between the ages of 5 and 16, which would likely have been Nancy.

1843 Clay     Jesse Scarf (Scalf)

White male over 21 --- 1
Horses and mares --- 1
Value of horses and mares --- $30
Children between 5 and 16 --- 1
Total value --- $30

In 1843, no children were listed on the tax lists and therefore we cannot estimate which children or how many were at home at this time.

The 1844 tax list was missing.

The 1845 tax list also did not list children.

1845 Clay     Jesse Scalf

White male over 21 --- 1
Horses and mares --- 1
Value of horses and mares --- $35

In 1846 Jesse had two children at home between 5 and 16. It would be difficult to speculate which children these were due to the missing tax list of 1842 and no children listed in 1845.

1846     Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Horses and mares --- 1
Value of horses and mares --- $15
Children between 5 and 16 --- 2

In 1847 there was again one child between the age of 5 and 16. 

1847     Jesse Scalf

1 white male over 21
Horses and mares --- 1
Value of horses and mares --- $15
Children between 5 and 16 --- 1
Qualified voter ---

Children were again not listed in 1848.

1848     Jesse Scalf

1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $50
Qualified voter --- 1

The 1849 tax list indicates that Jesse had two children between the ages of 5 and 16. In 1847 he only had one in this age range. If the ages of the children were correct on the 1850 census, all five daughters would have been between the ages of 5 and 16 in 1849; however, this is assuming that all the daughters were still living at home and that Jesse recalled their correct ages.

1849     Jesse Scalf

1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $50
Water Course --- Red Bud Creek
Children between 5 and 16 --- 2
Qualified voter --- 1

Jesse was not found in 1850 on the tax lists or the tax lists were missing for the years 1850-1862.

Polly Eversole Scalf died before 1850 and her last child was born around 1848 according to the 1850 census.  Polly died before she and Jesse appeared on the census records by name making it difficult to determine exactly which wife was the mother of Rhoda from the 1850 census; however, the author is of the opinion that she was the daughter of Jesse and Polly.

CHILDREN OF JESSE AND POLLY EVERSOLE SCALF

The children of Jesse and Polly Eversole Scalf are listed here according to research of the author in conjunction with the research of Virgil Scalf and others. There might have been older children that died before being named on census records. Scalf Family History states that Jesse had a total of thirteen children from both marriages including Eliza’s son Eli Collins; however, the author has only found eleven children of Jesse Scalf from both marriages.

Children of Jesse and Polly: 

REBECCA (BECCA) ANN SCALF
Daughter of
Jesse Scalf & Polly Eversole
Rebecca<Jesse<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

 
Rebecca Ann (Becca) Scalf, daughter of Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole was born about 1836-1838 in Tennessee according to the 1850 Clay County, Kentucky census. 

Rebecca “Becca Ann” Scalf married James Scalf, son of Robert Scalf and Martha “Patsy” Jackson on November 17, 1857. (Scalf Family History, page 162 and Kentucky Marriages)

On page, 166 of Scalf Family History in the Chapter of Robert Scalf, the marriage date is listed as January 30, 1858.  The marriage is listed on page 162 as November 11, 1857. The marriage date of James and Rebecca on page 162 of Scalf Family History appears to be a mistake.

The marriage license of James Scalf and Becca states the date as January 30, 1858 as listed on page 166 of Scalf Family History. Rebecca and James were married in the presence of Jesse Scalf and Thomas Hensley. (Marriage License – Courtesy of Virgil Scalf) (Link to Marriage License)

Rebecca Scalf then married John F. Northern (marriage record not found) and they were found on the 1870 census of Leslie County, Kentucky. Children in the home of John Northern and Rebecca are listed as Andrew born about 1860, Martha born about 1863, Bettie Ann born about 1865 and Joseph born 1870. We believe the first three children were children of James and Rebecca Ann. It appears that James died 1865-1870.

The marriage of Becca Ann to John Northern is listed in Scalf Family History, page 162 as 1868. John was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Northern from Tennessee.  One child is listed for John Northern and Becca Ann in Scalf Family History.  This was Joseph Northern born 1870.

The General Index to Marriages Knox County, Kentucky lists a marriage of E. Betti Scalf to Daniel Price on February 22, 1883, BK R, page 65; however, we cannot confirm that this is the same Bettie listed in the home of John Northern and Rebecca Scalf Northern. However, the age of Betti on the census suggests that this could be the same person.

1870 Leslie CO KY      6 August 1870      Manchester

MARGARET SCALF
Daughter of
Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole
Margaret<Jesse<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Margaret Scalf, daughter of Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole was born about 1838 or 1839 in Clay County, Kentucky.  Margaret married Felix Brown from Harlan, Kentucky December 25, 1857 in Clay County, Kentucky (Clay County, Kentucky Brides). (Link to Marriage License)   No further information is known.

 NANCY SCALF
 Daughter of
Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole
Nancy<Jesse<John Sr<Lewis Scalf
 

Nancy Scalf, daughter of Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole was born about 1840 or 1841 in Clay County, Kentucky.  She married Stephen Fields October 5, 1869 but no further information is known.  Scalf Family History, page 162 states this was his fourth marriage and he was 65 years old.  He may have died for Nancy was living at home again in 1860 and is listed as Nancy Fields, age 18.

MARY “POLLY” ANN SCALF
Daughter of
Jesse Scalf & Polly Eversole
Mary A<Jesse<John Sr<Lewis Scalf

Mary “Polly” Ann Scalf, daughter of Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole, was born about 1842 or 1843 in Clay County, Kentucky (census calculation).  A descendent states her birth date as December 22, 1838. Mary died 1900 or 1910. The descendent states her marriage date was approximately 1858.   Mary is not listed as a daughter of Jesse in Scalf Family History; however, Elmer Scalf listed that Martha Scalf married William Amburgey (Scalf Family History, page 162)

Mary Ann appears on the 1850 census of Clay County, Kentucky in the home of Jesse Scalf.

An excerpt from Chronicles of the Scalf Family concerning the marriage of Martha Scalf to William Amburgey:

“Other descendants of Jesse Scalf married into the Amburgey and Martin families of Leslie and Knott counties. One Martha (Polly) Scalf married William (Limpy Bill) Amburgey, ca 1860.” (Chronicles of the Scalf Family, Chapter XIII)

Email from an Amburgey descendent to Virgil Scalf:

“Mary A. Scalf married William Amburgey from Letcher County, KY about 1860.  There were several William Amburgeys in the Letcher/Knott County area, during the middle 1800s, and since the parents named their children after relatives, it was very common to have a William Amburgey in every generation.  As a result, they received nicknames such as Limpy Bill, Hoppy, Fat, Little, Brother William, and Uncle William to distinguish which William they were talking about.  William, the husband of Mary Ann Scalf, was crippled, due to a bite from a mad dog; so, he received the nickname 'Limpy Bill".  Mary died between 1900 and 1910 and is buried in Francis Day Cemetery, Knott County, Kentucky.  The cemetery is located outside the town of Hindman, Kentucky, and the grave is not marked.  After Mary died, Bill went to live with his son Albert Amburgey and his wife Cassie Mullins Amburgey.” (Amburgey descendent)

In an email to Bob Scalf, a descendent states the following concerning Mary A. Scalf:

“Dear Bob.   In the book by Ed Scalf, I have a correction.    In chapter: VIII Jesse Scalf- in the paragraph stating  "Children of Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole and Elizabeth Collins"------- the book lists one of their children as "Martha Scalf married William Amburgey".   The name Martha is incorrect.  The correct name is Mary "Polly" Ann Scalf.  

She did marry William Amburgey, that is correct.

She is my great great grandmother.  I have been to her gravesite.  She is buried in Francis Day Cemetary, Knott County, Kentucky.  It is outside the town of Hindman, Kentucky.   She is buried above her husband William H. Amburgey (known as Limpy Bill Amburgey) in the middle back of the cemetery.  She has no tombstone that I know of, but someone erected a tombstone for her husband in the last few years.   I have her dates as: born 12-22-1838, died 1900 or 1910.   Marriage date: aprox 1858.   Native of Tennessee; and Letcher Co Ky, Whitesburg, Kentucky.   She is listed on page 3 in the Amburgey Ancestry in America book, written by Dorothy Amburgey Griffith, because she married an Amburgey.  But I would like her to be listed correctly in the Scalf books.  Perhaps no one can research her because she is listed incorrectly as "Martha" in Ed Scalf's book.  Tho I hear she is listed as "Mary A. Scalf" in the Scalf household in a census before she married an Amburgey.

To my knowledge, I may be the only person who knows where she is buried, because my grandfather showed their graves to me in the 1980's.

I want to pass on this information so her family, the Scalfs and others know of her and where she is buried.  Can you forward this info to the Scalf websites and others, so this information wont be lost.   I have the names of her children and dates, etc also.   She is my great great grandmother.”  Thank you.  S. Wheatley (Email from Bob Scalf)

The author has tried (unsuccessfully) to contact S. Wheatley to obtain more information on the descendents of Mary “Polly” Ann Scalf Amburgey.

We cannot confirm or deny that Jesse had a daughter Martha; however, we are indebted to the above informant for their information concerning the marriage of Mary A. Scalf.

The family of William “Limpy Bill” Amburgey and Mary A. Scalf were followed on the census records through 1900.

1850 Clay CO KY               16 August 1850 

1860 Letcher CO KY             5 July 1860                 Whitesburg

1870 Letcher CO KY             22 August 1870                      Whitesburg

1880 Letcher CO KY             18 June 1880              Precinct 4

During the twenty-year time span between the 1880 and 1900 censuses, the children of William and Mary Scalf Amburgey had married and left home. There might have been some who died for two grandchildren were living in the home in 1900. Mary A. stated she had eighteen children with thirteen living. William and Mary had lost five children between 1860 and 1900.

1900 Knott CO KY                7 June 1900                District 2         Carr

Mary A. Scalf Amburgey died sometime 1900 – 1910 and may have died during the year of 1900 after the enumeration of the census. By 1910 William “Limpy Bill” Amburgey was living in the home of his son Albert and wife Cassa and listed as widowed.

1910 Knott CO KY                25 April 1910              District 2         Lower Carr

ALBERT AMBURGEY
Son of
William Amburgey & Mart “Polly” Ann SCALF
Albert Amburgey<Mary "Polly" Ann Scalf<Jesse<John Scalf, Sr.<Lewis Scalf
 

Albert Amburgey, son of William Amburgey and Mary Ann Scalf was born about 1866 or 1867 (census calculation) in Kentucky. Albert married Cassa (maiden name unknown). This family was found on the 1910 and 1920 Knott County, Kentucky censuses. We have no further information on this family. 
 

1910 Knott CO KY                25 April 1910              District 2         Lower Carr

1920 Knott CO KY                10 January 1920         Precinct 6        Lower Carr

1930 Knott CO KY               20 April 1930            District 3

RHODA SCALF
Daughter of
Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole
Rhoda<Jesse<John Sr<Lewis

Rhoda Scalf, daughter of Jesse Scalf and Polly Eversole, was born about 1847 or 1848 in Clay County, Kentucky.  Rhoda appears to have been the last child born to Jesse and Polly before Polly died.  However, it is possible she could have been the first child of Jesse and Elizabeth Collins Scalf. We believe Rhoda died 1850-1860. No information has been found for Rhoda at this time.

Polly Eversole Scalf died before 1850 and Jesse remarried to Eliza Collins.

JESSE SCALF & ELIZA COLLINS

After the death of Polly Eversole Scalf, Jesse remarried to Eliza Collins. Scalf Family History states that Eliza was the daughter of Aaron Collins of Clay County but we have been unable to confirm this at this time. 

The marriage bond of Jesse and Eliza states that Calvin Collins, whom the author believes might have been a relative of Eliza, signed the bond with Jesse June 23, 1849; however, we do not know if Jesse and Eliza married on this date or several days later. (Marriage Bond – Courtesy of Virgil Scalf) 

MARRIAGE BOND
between
Jesse Scalf & Elizabeth Collins

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS,

THAT WE, Jesse Scalf and Calvin Collins are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky, in the just and full sum of Fifty Pounds current money, to the true payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs, & c. jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals, and dated this 23 day of June 1849.  The condition of the above obligation is such, that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be solemnized between the above bound Scalf and Eliza Collins of the County of Clay:---Now if there shall always appear that there is no legal obstruction to said marriage, then this obligation to be void, else to remain in full force and virtue.   (Link to marriage bond)

                  Test:                                                                                                                                                                                          Jesse Scalf      (Seal)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Calvin Collins (Seal) 

Scalf Family History, page 162 also states that Jesse and Eliza had seven children and this included Eliza’s son Eli. A total of 13 children are listed in Scalf Family History, page 162-163.  The author can only account for 11 children of Jesse Scalf from both marriages excluding Eli Collins. Recent information obtained from the pension file of Eli Collins reveals that Eli was not the son of Jesse Scalf.

The 1850 census of Jesse and Eliza Collins Scalf show five daughters in the home born before 1849. This was before the marriage of Jesse and Eliza if their ages are correct on this census. Jesse and Polly might have had several children that died.

There is a gap of approximately four years between Mary A. and Rhoda, the last two children, and it is possible that one or even two children could have been born during this time. Rebecca, oldest child of Jesse and Polly was born about 1836 according to the 1850 census.

It is stated in Scalf Family History that Eliza had a son Eli Collins by Jesse before their marriage.  Elmer Scalf states that Eli’s mother gave a true and accurate account of his background when he applied for his pension and this is correct, Eliza did give an accurate account of Eli Collins; however, she did not mention his father’s name in the pension file.

Jesse Scalf and Eli Collins joined the 47^th Kentucky Volunteer Mounted Infantry -Union Army August 9, 1863. They were mustered in October 5, 1863 at Irvine, Kentucky. Jesse and Eli mustered out December 26, 1864 at Lexington, Kentucky. Jesse served as a Corporal in Company B and Eli served as a Private. (Adjutant General’s Report –Eli Collins, Line 10 – Jesse Scalf, Line 39)  (Link to Adjutant General’s List)

The pension file of Eli Collins does not state on any of the papers reviewed by Virgil Scalf and the author that Eli was the son of Jesse Scalf. In fact, Jesse called him his “stepson” in the pension file, and Eli referred to Jesse as his "stepfather" (Link to document). Jesse also stated that Eli went by the name of Bolin part of the time and Collins part of the time before he and Eliza were married and after the marriage Eli used the name Scalf. He also stated that Eli was Eliza’s son before their marriage. (Statement of Jesse Scalf – Pension file of Eli Collins) (Link to File – Statement of Jesse Scalf Pg. 1)

Neither Eliza, Jesse nor Eli named the father of Eli in the pension files. The fact that Eli Collins went by the Bolin name part of the time suggests to the author that his father was a Bolin. Eliza also stated that Eli was born out of wedlock. (Pension file of Eli Collins - Declaration for original pension for Eliza Collins Scalf, page 1 of 2)

Eli is shown on the 1860 census of Clay County in the home of Jesse and Eliza at the age of 13 and listed under Scalf.  Eli was born about 1847 according to the census.

Eliza stated in the pension file that Eli was a very young boy of about 15 when he enlisted in the Civil War and this would calculate to a birth date of 1848. Eli was discharged December 28, 1864 at Lexington, Kentucky. (Pension file of Eli Collins - Courtesy of Virgil Scalf) (Link to statement of Eliza Collins Scalf – page 1 of 3)

Jesse stated in his deposition for the pension of Eli that Eli lived with them and helped with their support until he enlisted in the Army during the Civil War. Eliza made the statement that Jesse and Eli were both in the same regiment and company of the Union Army during the Civil War when Eli contracted measles from which he became very ill. He developed a “dry, hacky cough” afterwards and his health declined tremendously. He was unable to work for the majority of the next 20-25 years and succumbed to death on November 1, 1888 at the age of forty or forty-one.” (Pension file of Eli Collins) (Link to statement of Eliza Collins Scalf – page 1-3)

Note: In the pension file of Eli Collins, the name of Rachel Hayes is spelled Hacker. The author believes that Hacker might have been from a marriage after the divorce of Eli and Rachel. The pension office sent a request to Clay County requesting information on the marriages of Eli and the clerk responded with the following information suggesting that Rachel was the late Rachel Hacker. Late, could mean a recent marriage or death but we believe the meaning was intended as a recent marriage.

Eli married first to Christina Rhodes July 20, 1876. Eli and Christina divorced September 9, 1879. (Pension file of Eli Collins)  (Link to Divorce - Christina Scalfe & Eli Scalfe
- page 1, page 2, & page 3)

”I James Marcum Clerk of the County and State aforesaid that it offers from the Marriage Register in my office that there has been no marriage license issued to Eli Collins except to Christina Rhodes issued July 20^th 1876 and to Rachel Hays late Rachel Hacker issued April the 27^th 1885 given under my hand and seal of office the 23^rd of October 1888.”

                                                                        Signed James Marcum Clerk

                                                                        Clay County Court

It appears that Eli married under the name of Collins and divorced under the name of Scalf.

Eli’s mother stated he then lived a “widower” for 8 or 9 years after this. However, we believe Eliza mistakenly used the word “widower” for no mention was made of a deceased wife. Eliza stated “he then married Rachel Hacker (Hays) with whom he lived with from spring to fall when he was sentenced to 12 months in the penitentiary, which time he did not serve out because of spitting up blood. When he came back home his wife had taken up with another man. He got a divorce but never again married.” (Statement of Eliza Collins Scalf – Pension file of Eli Collins)

In her deposition, Eliza stated Rachel’s name as Rachel Hacker again suggesting that at the time of Eliza’s deposition Rachel had married to a Hacker. (Pension file of Eli Collins) 

Eli married second to Rachel Hayes April 28, 1885 and Eli and Rachel divorced October 22, 1886. (Pension file of Eli Collins)    (Marriage record - link to Eli and Rachel Hayes Clay Co)

Between his marriages, Eli lived with Margaret Radford. Margaret Radford and Eli Collins separated February of 1885 approximately one to two months before he married Rachel Hayes. Margaret then married Isaac Bolin on Christmas of 1885. Margaret also gave a deposition in support of Eli’s mother to draw Eli’s pension after his death. (Statement of Jesse Scalf - Pension file of Eli Collins)  (Link to statement of Jesse Scalf pg. 2)  (Link to statement of Margaret Bowling - page 1 and page 2)

Unfortunately, the pension file did not state how many children Jesse had with his first wife Polly Eversole nor did it state how many children he had with Eliza Collins.

After Eli’s death, Eliza then applied for the pension of her son. (Pension File of Eli Collins - deposition of Eliza pg. 1 of 3)  (Link to deposition)

Jesse stated on the 1850 census that he was born in Virginia.  On the 1860 census, he stated Tennessee, then on the 1870 census he stated Virginia again.  By 1880, Jesse stated he was born in Kentucky.  Note that Rebecca the first child of Jesse and Polly is listed as being born in Tennessee. Jesse and Polly could have gone to Tennessee before the enumeration of the 1850 census as Jesse did have family in Tennessee at this time.

1850 Clay CO, Kentucky Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $25
Water Course --- Big Creek
Children --- 3
Qualified voter --- 1

1850 Clay CO KY               16 August 1850 

Jesse was not found in Tennessee during the time Rebecca was born but this does not mean that he was not there. He may have simply been visiting family in Tennessee when Rebecca was born.

Elmer Scalf lists all the children from Jesse’s marriage together in Scalf Family History, page 162. However, Elmer did not list Rhoda as a child of either Polly or Eliza. We have no records for verification but it is possible that Polly died in childbirth to Rhoda.

1851 Clay County, KY Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $25
Water Course --- Big Creek
Children --- 4
Qualified voter --- 1

1852 Clay County, KY Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $25
Water Course --- Big Creek
Children --- 4
Qualified voter --- 1

1854 Clay County, KY Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $25
Water Course --- Red Bird Creek
Children --- 5
Qualified voter --- 1

On September 3, 1854 we find Jesse, Eliza and Rebecca Scalf appearing in court to sign bond in the amount of $100 to insure their appearance to testify for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the kidnapping case of Elizabeth and Margaret Collins.

CLAY COUNTY KENTUCKY:  COLLINS

Submitted by Nell Dwyer – ndwyer@aol.com

September 3, 1854 (Page 285, Vol 5)

The Commonwealth versus Margaret Collins and Elizabeth Collins

Being in custody, charged with the offense of stealing a child under the age of 10 years old and being admitted to bail in the sum of $100 we Amos Collins, Pleasant Sizemore and Benjamin Collins of Clay County freely undertake that the above named Elizabeth and Margaret Collins shall appear in the Clay Circuit Court on the first day of next April to answer said charge and shall at all times render themselves amenable to the orders hereof of said court in the prosecution of said charge and if named? perform whereof these conditions that we will pay the Commonwealth of Kentucky the sum of one hundred dollars.

Isaac McCollum, F. I. Gilbert, Gilbert Collins, Wm. M. McCollum, Calvin Collins, Claiborne Smith, Aggy Sizemore, Aaron Collins, Pleasant Sizemore, Eliza Scalf, Rebecca Scalf, Elizabeth Collins, Jesse Scalf and Mahala Woods each acknowledged themselves indebted to the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of $100 to be levied of their respected goods and chattels lands & tenements to the use of the Commonwealth rendered but to be void upon their appearance here on the first day of next term as witnesses for the Commonwealth against Margaret Collins and not depart without leave of the Court.  (Link to copy)

It should be noted here that a Susan Collins was also listed as a defendant; however, no information has been found to help us determine who this Susan Collins was or how she might have been involved in this case.

Jesse is then found on the tax lists with some tax lists missing.

1855 Clay County, KY Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $20
Water Course --- Big Creek
Children --- 4
Qualified voter --- 1
Horse --- 2
Value of Horses --- $20

1856 Clay County, KY Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $25
Water Course --- Big Creek
Children --- 5
Cattle --- 4
Hogs --- 7
Qualified voter --- 1

1857 Clay County, KY Tax List

Jesse Scalf
1 white male over 21
Land --- 50 acres
Value of land --- $25
Water Course --- Bi