After reading a series of postings regarding various Black families of the states mentioned, here is Bio #1 of one large, colonial Black family. Hopefully, someone will find connections. Of course we have several others which detail the next generations which we would be glad to share.

JOHANNES “HANS” & AGNES NANCY (---) BLACK

Johannes “Hans” Black was born about 1720 at Amsterdam, Holland. Johannes used the name Hans, a shortened form of Hannse - a diminutive of Johannes.

Hans & Agnes Nancy (---) Black were married about 1738 at Amsterdam, Holland. Ten (10) children were born of their union: Thomas Black born about 1740, Mary (Black) Dyer born about 1741, died about 1857 in Georgia, David Johannes Black Sr. born about 1742, died on November 24, 1817 at Davidsonville, Lawrence County, Arkansas, John P. Black born about 1746, Jacob B. Black born about 1749, died after September 30, 1839 at Greenville District, South Carolina, Ann (Black) Pyle born about 1751, Elizabeth (Black) Brasher who married Lawrence Brasher, Sarah (Black) McAlroy who married a man surnamed McAlroy, Susannah (Black) Edwards who married a man surnamed Edwards, and Jean (Black) Pyle born about 1762, died in North Carolina, who married Samuel Pyle. Probable birth locations of the children and marriage data for Hans & Agnes’ children indicate that Hans & Agnes emigrated from Amsterdam between 1746 and 1749, settling in Ireland. Thomas Black, Mary (Black) Dyer, and David Johannes Black Sr. were born in Amsterdam, Holland, while John P. Black, Jacob B. Black, Ann (Black) Pyle, Elizabeth (Black) Brashier, Sarah (Black) McAlroy, Susannah (Black) Edwards, and Jean (Black) Pyle were born in Amsterdam or Ireland.

Hans & Agnes’ daughter, Mary (Black) Dyer married Nicolas Dyer. Mary & Nicolas removed to Fayette County, Alabama. Four (4) known children were born of their union: Rebecca (Dyer) Brasher who died at Fayette County, Alabama, Cillia Dyer who died at Fayette County, Alabama, Hance Black Dyer who died in Coweta County, Georgia, and Thomas Dyer born about 1802 at Greenville, who with his wife became the parents of two (2) known children - Mary Ann Rebecca (Dyer) Brasher born on July 2, 1831, died on July 21, 1907 at Fayette County, Alabama, and Nicolas Dyer born about 1835.

Thomas’ daughter, Mary Ann Rebecca (Dyer) Brasher married Private John Henderson Brasher on September 18, 1851 at Coweta County, Georgia. Six (6) children were born of Mary Ann & John’s union: Mary Frances “Babe” (Brasher) Baker born about 1854, who on December 26, 1872 married L. Adkins Baker, Elizabeth B.J. Latisha “Tissue” (Brasher) Palmer born on July 14, 1856, committed suicide on June 1, 1914, who on July 19, 1874 married Thomas Alexander Palmer becoming the parents of nine (9) children, Thomas Aquilla “Quill” Brasher born on December 16, 1858, died on July 14, 1906, who on December 30, 1877 married Louisa “Teet” (Dobbs) Brasher becoming the parents of twelve (12) children, William Henry Brasher born on January 19, 1865, murdered by his son, Pervie Brasher on September 11, 1921, who on April 1, 1887 married his first wife, Lucinda Jane (Reynolds) Brasher, and on July 16, 1910 his second wife, Lela E. (Dobbs) Brasher, John Henderson “Little John” Brasher Jr. born in March 1867, who on March 24, 1889 married Melvina “Dink” Deason becoming the parents of four (4) children, and Martha A. (Brasher) Traweek born in July 1868, who on January 13, 1884 married James M. Traweek becoming the parents of four (4) children.

John Henderson Brasher, the son of Aquilla & Frankie (Henderson) Brasher, was born on July 11, 1829, died on November 13, 1914. On September 17, 1861 he enlisted as a Private with Co. ‘A’, 26th Alabama Infantry Regiment serving during the Civil War. John fought at the Battle of Shiloh on April 6-7, 1862 then campaigned in Kentucky fighting at the Battle of Middle Creek and the Battle of Mill Spring with General Gardner’s Brigade until his discharge in April 1863 at Richmond, Virginia.

In 1908 John Henderson Brasher filed a claim (Application #44992) for recognition and bounty as an Eastern Cherokee. His statement indicated the “hundreds of times I have heard my mother speak of her Indian blood… the Cherokee Indians used to visit at our house – they were there nearly every other day… we lived across [the] Chattahoochee River from Whitesburg… about 3 miles E of Chief McIntosh’s reserve… he used to visit at our house, and we would visit him on his reserve…” John’s application was denied.

Hans & Agnes’ son, David Johannes Black Sr. married his first wife surnamed Crealman about 1758 in Holland. [(---) (Crealman)] Black died and was buried at sea while aboard the vessel, Nancy enroute to the Carolina Colonies. David J. Black Sr. married his second wife, Elizabeth “Betty” (Pyle) Black in 1771 at Charleston, South Carolina. Their descendants are discussed at length in Chapter 9.

Hans & Agnes’ son, Jacob B. Black married Hannah (---) Black. Seven (7) children were born of their union: Elizabeth (Black) Hyde who died before July 29, 1823, Nancy (Black) Owens who married George Owens, Polly (Black) Askew who married William Askew, Sarah “Sary” (Black) Hyde who married Jeremiah Hyde, Susannah “Susan” (Black) Kelly who married James Kelly, Diana (Black) Cox born about 1785, died on January 7, 1865, and Hance Black born about 1779, died about 1852 at Greenville, South Carolina. Jacob Black and his family remained in South Carolina when his parents and siblings removed to Christian County, Kentucky.

Jacob & Hannah’s daughter, Elizabeth (Black) Hyde married Noel Hyde about 1802 at Greenville, South Carolina becoming the parents of one (1) known child: Jacob Harlan Hyde born on January 27, 1803, died on May 8, 1875 at Mauldin, South Carolina, who married his cousin, Mary “Polly” (Cox) Hyde.

Jacob & Hannah’s daughter, Diana (Black) Cox became the second wife of James Cox about 1833. James Cox, the son of Issac Cox, was born about 1778 in North Carolina. Six (6) known children were born of James’ first marriage: Rebecca (Cox) Griffith born about 1802, who married Benjamin Griffith becoming the parents of five (5) children, John Washington Cox born in 1803, died in 1871, who married his first wife a Cherokee woman (Hannah (Griffith) Cox), and whose second wife was Harriet A. (League) Cox by whom nine (9) children were born, Mary “Polly” (Cox) Hyde born about 1810 who married Thomas Hyde becoming the parents of ten (10) children, Elizabeth (Cox) Henderson born about 1811 who married H.L. Henderson becoming the parents of five (5) children, Irena (Cox) Brashier born about 1813, died in 1892 at Marshall County, Alabama, who married Hiram Brashier, the son of Thomas Brashier III whose descendants are discussed at length in section fifty-four (54) of this chapter, and Rowland Cox born on September 26, 1813, died on January 26, 1895, who married Minerva (Mayfield) Cox becoming the parents of seven (7) children.

Two children were born of James & Diana (Black) Cox’s union: William Jasper Cox born on September 12, 1824, died on December 30, 1863 during the Civil War, who married Nancy C. Riley (Stokes) Cox becoming the parents of five (5) children, and Louisa Jane (Cox) Smith born in 1823 who married William T. Smith becoming the parents of two (2) children.

Jacob & Hannah’s son, Hance Black Jr. married Cithia (Cox) Black, the sister of James Cox, at Greenville, South Carolina. Ten (10) children were born of their union: Abraham Black who died in 1869, Issac Black, Jacob Black who married Charlotte (---) Black, Mary (Black) Dyer, Rebecca Black, John Black born about 1814, David Black born about 1815, Gicy Black born about 1819, Hance Black Jr. born about 1821, and James Black Jr. born about 1825. All of the Black children were born at Greenville District, South Carolina.

Hance Jr. & Cithia’s son, John Black married Matilda (---) Black becoming the parents of four (4) children: William Black born about 1841, James Black born about 1844, Thomas Black born about 1847, and Andrew Black born about 1849. All of the Black children were born in South Carolina.

Hance Jr. & Cithia’s son, David Black married Grace (Long) Black, the daughter of Ezekial & Elizabeth (---) Long becoming the parents of eleven (11) children: Abram Black born about 1840, James Hanserd Black born about 1842, died on June 10, 1910 at Oconee County, South Carolina, who married Mary R. (---) Black becoming the parents of nine (9) children, Alithia “Altha” Black born about 1844, Grace Black born about 1848, Amanda Black born about 1850, Elizabeth “Betty” Black born about 1851, William “Billy” Black born about 1852, Riley B. Black born about 1853, died on June 21, 1925 at Pickens County, South Carolina, who married Elvina “Vianna” (Mauldin) Black, the daughter of Sheriff John & Mary Mauldin becoming the parents of seven (7) children, Thomas Black born about 1856, Harry Black born about 1858, and Issac Benton “Sipe” Black born about 1860 at Anderson County, South Carolina.

Hans & Agnes’ daughter, Ann (Black) Pyle married Nicolas Pyle about 1770 at Pittsboro, Chatham County, North Carolina. Ann (Black) Pyle was the first of two daughters of Hans & Agnes who married into the Pyle family of Chatam County, North Carolina.

The first recorded member of the Pyle family is Nicolas’ 3rd great grandfather, John Pyle born in 1594 at Bishops Canning, Whiltshire, who married Mary M. (Withers) Pyle, the daughter of Thomas Withers Sr., in 1620 at Bishops Canning, Whiltshire, England. Dr. John Pyle Sr., the progenitor of the Chatham County, North Carolina Pyle Family Group, was a surgeon, Colonel of the Loyalist Chatham County Militia - Pyle’s Legion, and a Regulator. Regulators were a group of Colonists who banded together in an attempt to preserve law and order; frequently acting against the wrongdoing of Lord Granville’s land agents. Dr. Pyle’s son, Dr. John Pyle Jr. was also included in the Regulator activities.

In the spring of 1775, Dr. John Sr. was designated Esquire and commissioned a Colonel in the British Army, immediately recruiting a Loyalist Militia. His most famous engagement was the Battle of Haw River also known as “Pyles Massacre.” The battle occurred on February 21, 1781, when in the command of 265 cavalrymen, Pyle who was on his way to reinforce Cornwallis, unintentionally engaged a superior force under the command of Lt. Colonel Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee and Colonel Andrew Pickens, whose descendants married into the Black- Richardson-Willis extended family group.

Lee had marched for a short distance when he met two young farmers on horseback; British scouts who had been sent ahead of Pyle’s reinforcements to locate Tarleton's camp. The scouts immediately mistook Lee's men for Tarleton's troop, since both Patriots and Loyalists dressed in civilian clothes. Lee realized the advantage of this mistake. He thanked the scouts and told them to rejoin the reinforcements with “Colonel Tarleton's compliments,” and to request that the British troops move off the road to let “Tarleton's cavalry pass.”

As soon as the scouts had departed, Lee divided his men into several patrols, placing one under the command of a Captain Eggleston and another under Captain Joseph Graham, and he himself took command of the third. Eggleston's troops circled through the woods, and Graham's men followed a short distance behind those under Lee.

The two units met a short distance from the town of Mebane, North Carolina between the Deep River and the Haw River. Pyle’s troops had drawn up along the right side of the road in review formation, sitting stiffly in their saddles with their rifles or muskets slung over their shoulders, and their eyes straight ahead. At the far end of the line sat their commander, Colonel Pyle, unaware that the civilian-dressed advancing troops were not Tarleton's men. When Lee met Pyle, he extended his hand to Pyle to exchange greetings. It was the signal to attack.

Some of Pyle’s British troops at the far end of the formation now spotted Eggleston's men in the woods behind them. Without command they began to fire. Lee instantly dropped Colonel Pyle's hand and drew his own sword. Eggleston swooped out of the woods with his men who began a hand-to-hand battle with the Tories, slashing at them with their swords and firing their muskets.

Ninety of the British were killed; Colonel Pyle lost and eye and several if not all of his fingers on his left hand. He was knocked from his horse and left on the field as dead. He later revived and crawled to a small lake, later known as Pyle’s Pond where he hid in the water until dark, finding his way home.

In September 1781, Colonel John Pyle Sr. and his son, Colonel John Pyle Jr. surrendered to Captain William O’Neal and were assigned as medical doctors to treat the wounded. From that point forward, the Pyles served the American cause – none of their properties were confiscated, and their rights as citizens were restored.

Nineteen (19) children were born of Ann & Nicolas’ union: Thomas Pyle born about 1771, an unnamed son born and died in 1774, John W. Pyle born about 1777, Nicolas Pyle Jr. born on February 20, 1781, Jane (Pyle) Lacy born about 1783 at Cane Creek, Chatam County, North Carolina, died on June 24, 1820, who on April 22, 1802 married David Lacy, Susannah (Pyle) Brooks born on May 31, 1786 in South Carolina, died on February 20, 1861 at Higbee, Missouri, Samuel Pyle born in 1787, died in 1834, Jehu Pyle born about 1789, died about 1855, Sarah P. (Pyle) Husbands born on November 20, 1790 in South Carolina, who about 1811 married Herman Husbands, Nancy (Pyle) Crabtree born about 1792, who on December 14, 1811 married Benjamin Crabtree, David Pyle born about 1793, who died before August 10, 1820, William Pyle born about 1795 at Logan County, Kentucky, died on April 27, 1835, who in 1819 married Elizabeth “Betsy” (Cavanaugh) Pyle, Ruben Pyle born about 1797, Edith (Pyle) Husbands born about 1798, who in 1817 married Howard Husbands, the brother of Herman Husbands, an unnamed son born and died about 1799, Abner Pyle born about 1800, who in 1825 married Lucinda (Cavanaugh) Pyle, the sister of Betsy (Cavanaugh) Pyle, at Christian County, Kentucky, Byrd Buford Pyle born about 1802, died about 1865 at Higbee, Randolph County, Missouri, Thompson Pyle born about 1804, died on December 19, 1870 at Sangamon County, Illinois, and Alfred Pyle born on October 12, 1806, died on March 3, 1852 at St. Clair County, Illinois.

Ann & Nicolas’ son, Nicolas Pyle Jr. married a cousin, Mary (Pyle) Pyle, the daughter of William & Betsy (Cavanaugh) Pyle, on October 18, 1807 at Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of one (1) child: John E. Pyle born on June 16, 1813.

Nicolas Jr. & Mary’s son, John E. Pyle married Jane E. (Meacham) Pyle, the daughter of Wyatt & Ellen (Robinson) Meacham, on January 22, 1836 becoming the parents of ten (10) children: Arabella M. Pyle born on December 29, 1836, died in 1858, Abner W. Pyle born on November 22, 1844, died in May 1916, James F. Pyle born on December 10, 1846, died on July 23, 1921, Sarah N. Pyle born on December 27, 1848, died before 1883, Byron A. Pyle born on July 10, 1850, Falconer O. Pyle born on October 30, 1851, Harvey R. Pyle born on September 27, 1854, died on April 7, 1884, Almeda E. Pyle born on November 18, 1856, Albina C. Pyle born on January 21, 1859, and Jo Emma Pyle born on March 25, 1860.

Ann & Nicolas’ daughter, Susannah (Pyle) Brooks married William Henry Brooks on April 16, 1805 at Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. Nine (9) children were born of their union: Janette (Brooks) Pyle born on January 23, 1806, Matilda (Brooks) Deport born on August 22, 1808, Granville Brooks born on August 24, 1811, Robert Brooks born about 1813 in Kentucky, Jessie Brooks born on January 15, 1814, William W. Brooks born on March 5, 1815, Benjamin R. Brooks born on June 12, 1817, Martha Ann (Brooks) Benton born on December 6, 1819, and Orpha (Brooks) Burton born on April 4, 1826.

Ann & Nicolas’ son, Samuel Pyle married Susannah (Padfield) Pyle on January 7, 1812 at Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. They were the parents of six (6) children: Mary (Pyle) Rattan born in 1813, Clerinda Pyle born in 1814, Lawson Pyle born in 1815, an unnamed daughter born and died in 1822, an unnamed son born and died in 1825, and Jehu Pyle born about 1827.

Ann & Nicolas’ son, Jehu Pyle married Elizabeth (Cannon) Pyle on November 7, 1812 at Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. Five (5) children were born of their union: Rachel (Pyle) Gay born in 1823, who on March 5, 1849 married Joseph Gay, Lawson Pyle born in 1825, John Pyle born in 1830 in Kentucky, Margaret E. (Pyle) Oliver born about 1832, who on December 6, 1849 married Simon Oliver, and Larilda (Pyle) Leslie born about 1835, who on March 23, 1855 married Shelton J. Leslie.

Ann & Nicolas’ son, David Pyle married Mary “Polly” (Cavanaugh) Pyle on December 7, 1816 at Christian County, Kentucky. Two (2) known children were born of their union: Minerva Pyle and Elizabeth Pyle.

Ann & Nicolas’ son, Byrd Buford Pyle married Gabriella (Pemberton) Pyle on December 3, 1827 at Fayette, Howard County, Missouri. Eight (8) known children were born of their union: Sarah Ann (Pyle) Burton, who married Joseph W. Burton, William Merryman Pyle born in 1829, who married Elizabeth (Owens) Pyle, Stephen Nicolas Pyle born in 1835, who on February 28, 1860 married Margarette Ann (Settle) Pyle, James Pyle born in 1836, Granville Hopkins Pyle born on November 25, 1836, who married Rachel Bennet (Pierce) Pyle, Alfred Pyle born in 1840, Bird B. Pyle born on March 11, 1842 who on January 29, 1876 married Dana (Reynolds) Pyle, and died on July 22, 1880, and Susan Elizabeth (Pyle) Riley born on March 19, 1847 at Randolph County, Missouri, who on April 9, 1864 married Madison Riley becoming the parents of one (1) known child - Minnie Elsie (Riley) Baker born on December 18, 1880 at Higbee, Missouri.

Ann & Nicolas’ son, Thompson Pyle married Margaret (Moffet) Pyle, the daughter of George & Rebecca (Gilkinson) Moffet, in 1828 at Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois. Nine (9) children were born of their union: Matilda Pyle born on January 26, 1829, died on January 4, 1845, William Alfred Pyle born on November 3, 1830, died in 1910, Sarah Ann (Pyle) Taylor born on April 10, 1823 who married Solomon Taylor, Elizabeth J. (Pyle) Meteer born on January 26, 1834, who married S.H. Meteer, George M. Pyle born on April 22, 1837, who married Susan (Bridges) Pyle, Lawson Pyle born on July 7, 1842, who married Mary E. (Shepard) Pyle, Rebecca (Pyle) Bridges born on July 6, 1844, who married George Bridges, Ellen S. (Pyle) Crave born on September 7, 1846, who on September 4, 1867 married George D. Crave, and Eveline Caroline Pyle born on April 20, 1849.

Ann & Nicolas’ youngest son, Alfred Pyle and his first wife were the parents of two (2) known children: Rachel (Pyle) Dragon born in 1824, and Charles Pyle born about 1826. Alfred Pyle and his second wife, Malinda (Padfield) Pyle, were the parents of five (5) children: David Pyle born on March 3, 1838, who married Harriet A. (Scott) Pyle, Armanda Pyle born on October 13, 1839, William Pyle born in 1844, died in 1876, who married Jennie (Jackson) Pyle, Ann (Pyle) Shepherd born in 1845, who married John H. Shepherd, and Louisa R. (Pyle) Nuskolls born in 1848, who married John W. Nuskolls.

Hans & Agnes’ daughter, Elizabeth (Black) Brasher married Lawrence Brasher, the son of Aquilla Brasher Sr., about 1792 at Greenville County, South Carolina becoming the parents of ten (10) children: John Thompson Brasher born on October 8, 1793, died on February 3, 1848, Nancy (Brasher) Hamby born on September 22, 1795, died on September 9, 1873 at Hopkins County, Kentucky, Margaret (Brasher) Wooldridge born on January 5, 1798, died on November 5, 1886 at Christian County, Kentucky, William T. Brasher born about 1806, died on October 11, 1859 at Maries County, Missouri, Elijah Brasher born on October 28, 1807, died on July 23, 1873 at Christian County, Mary “Polly” (Brasher) Armstrong born about 1808, died before July 27, 1851, Sarah (Brasher) Brown born on February 13, 1809, died on August 24, 1884, Lawrence Brasher Jr. born about 1810, died in 1882, Elizabeth (Brasher) Bourland born about 1815, and Private Hampton Brasher born about 1818, died on December 19, 1864 during the Civil War.


Lawrence Brasher was a Justice of the Peace in Greenville County, South Carolina and a landholder in the Aquilla Brasher colony on Baker’s Creek, Reedy Fork, and Middle Fork – all branches of the Reedy River.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s eldest son, John Thompson Brasher was a schoolteacher in both Hopkins and Christian Counties. A contract for his services dated July 21, 1824 was found and published in a Hopkins County newsletter: I, John T. Brasher, doth offer to teach an English school for the tern of three months in the employers school house on Buffalo Creek, provided the Employers furnish a school of 25 scholars allowing an open school to Bo. And pay 2.$ per scholar and find my Board and Lodging at one place. Country Linnens Pork Raw hides or Young Cattle will be taken at the Neighbourhood price but must be delivered at my Residence where I now live. I bind myself to teach spelling Reading Writing and common Arithmetic as far as the Rule of Three. I bind to give Due attendance five days in the week. School to commence 2nd day of August.”

John Thompson Brasher married Elizabeth Susan (Williams) Brasher on May 17, 1825 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of five children: Matilda (Brasher) Campbell born on March 27, 1826, died on September 13, 1868, who on February 25, 1856 married Larkin Campbell at Christian County becoming the parents of six (6) children, Anson Weems Brasher born on September 29, 1828, died on November 14, 1908 in Illinois, who about 1870 married Elizabeth J. (Williams) Brasher becoming the parents of two (2) children, Wesley Williams Brasher born on September 7, 1833, died on August 3, 1887, who on April 13, 1869 married Malinda C. (Campbell) Brasher at Christian County becoming the parents of two (2) known children, Private Henry Clay Brasher born on August 10, 1836, died on September 26, 1920, who served with the 17th Kentucky Infantry, US during the Civil War receiving a neck wound at the Battle of Shiloh (twice again wounded before the end of the war), and who on March 17, 1866 married Josephine Victoria (Woodruff) Brasher at Hopkins County, Kentucky becoming the parents of three (3) children, and Franklin C. Brasher born on August 6, 1839, died on April 7, 1907 at Christian County, who on November 22, 1877 married Victoria H. (Long) Brasher becoming the parents of three (3) children.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s daughter, Nancy (Brasher) Hamby married James Hamby, the son of Jeremiah & Elizabeth (Thompson) Hamby, on August 2, 1813 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of eleven (11) children: Ezekial Hamby born on August 29, 1814, who died as a child on October 8, 1818, Lucinda Malinda (Hamby) Campbell born on September 15, 1817, died on October 18, 1883, who on March 29, 1838 married Neel Campbell at Hopkins County, Kentucky becoming the parents of three (3) known children, Matilda (Hamby) Hamby born on December 12, 1819, who on July 19, 1849 married Jefferson W. Hamby becoming the parents of four (4) children, Charlotte (Hamby) Hamby born on December 5, 1821, died on September 15, 1875, who on September 8, 1842 married Marion R. Hamby at Christian County becoming the parents of six (6) children, Cintha (Hamby) Brewer born on January 29, 1823, died after 1870, who married Tug Brewer, Jeremiah Thompson Hamby born on September 8, 1825, died on October 27, 1850, who on May 8, 1849 married Artemessia (Strange) Hamby, Elizabeth (Hamby) Oldham born on November 4, 1827, who on March 22, 1854 married Elias Oldham becoming the parents of six (6) children, Willis Hickman Hamby born on March 12, 1829, died on December 12, 1882, who on August 12, 1852 married Nancy (Edwards) Hamby at Christian County becoming the parents of nine (9) children, Serena Evaline (Hamby) Chapel born on December 19, 1831, died on April 26, 1849 married Gus K. Chapel becoming the parents of three (3) children, Artemessia Jane (Hamby) Jackson born on January 17, 1834, who on February 7, 1849 married Ingram W. Jackson, and Nancy Caroline (Hamby ) Sisk born on February 23, 1838, died on May 9, 1912, who on May 13, 1857 married Thomas P. Sisk becoming the parents of five (5) children.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s daughter, Margaret (Brasher) Wooldridge married Edward Wooldridge on May 12, 1816 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of four (4) children: Drucilla (Wooldridge) Armstrong born about December 1817, who married John Armstrong, the son of Benjamin & Jane (Brasher) Armstrong, Drury M. Wooldridge born on November 3, 1818, who on August 20, 1844 married Cecil Croft, the son of David & Margaret (Jackson) Croft, at Christian County becoming the parents of five (5) children, David Wooldridge born about 1828, who on May 3, 1850 married Altha Sara (Brasher) Wooldridge, the daughter of Alexander & Margaret (Brown) Brasher becoming the parents of four (4) children, and Dr. Madison B. Wooldridge born on December 22, 1832, who attended Medical College at Nashville (graduating on May 2, 1857), who in 1864 enlisted as a Private with Co. ‘A’, 15th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War, and who in 1865 married Ann E. (Morgan) Wooldridge becoming the parents of six (6) children.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s son, William T. Brasher married Nancy J. (Thompson) Brasher on October 18, 1830 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of five (5) children: John Riley “Rile” Brashier born on October 31, 1831, died on December 7, 1907 at Claremore County, Oklahoma, who on June 2, 1853 married Amanda (Blanton) Brashier, the daughter of Ezekial & Sarah (Copeland) Blanton becoming the parents of twelve (12) children, Greenville Missouri Brashier born on November 17, 1833, died on February 18, 1879, who married Caroline (Blanton) Brashier, the sister of Amanda (Blanton) Brashier, James J. Brashier born on January 16, 1836, who died on November 14, 1864, Sherill T. Brashier born about 1840 who married Elizabeth (---) Brashier becoming the parents of possibly two (2) children, and Nancy (Brashier) Barnhart born about 1844, who married George Washington Barnhart.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s son, Elijah Brasher married Sallie (Long) Brasher, the daughter of Aquilla & Jane (Brasher) Long, on July 8, 1846 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of six (6) children: Emilissa G.C. “Emma” (Brasher) McCord born on April 12, 1846, died on August 7, 1913, who on June 14, 1877 married William R. McCord at Christian County becoming the parents of two (2) known children, Winfield Garnette Brasher born on September 26, 1848, died on March 11, 1926, who on February 8, 1877 married George-Ann (Armstrong) Brasher, the daughter of Lawrence & Catherine (Long) Armstrong becoming the parents of four (4) children, Winchester Monroe Brasher born on September 19, 1850, died on December 14, 1932, who on September 15, 1878 married America M. (Armstrong) Foster-Brasher, the daughter of Matthew & Ann (Murphy) Armstrong (Matthew is the son of Benjamin & Jane (Brasher) Armstrong becoming the parents of two (2) known children, Aquilla C. Brasher born on May 21, 1852, died in 1935, and a set of twins born on November 20, 1854 – William Zion “Bill” Brasher who died in 1936, and Elizabeth Matilda Brasher who died as a child on November 1, 1859.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s daughter, Mary “Polly” (Brasher) Armstrong married Charles Armstrong at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of six (6) children: Elizabeth (Armstrong) Brewer born about 1821 in Alabama, who on October 17, 1840 married Hezekiah Brewer at Christian County becoming the parents of three (3) children, Lawrence T. Armstrong born on April 23, 1825, died on August 14, 1874, who on January 10, 1850 married Catherine (Long) Armstrong becoming the parents of four (4) children, Elliot J. Armstrong born about 1828, died in 1850, Mary C. (Armstrong) Cook born about 1834, who on July 27, 1851 married Joseph Cook, George Armstrong born about 1837, died before 1860, and Margaret J.M. (Armstrong) Methany born about 1842, who on January 25, 1857 married John G. Methany.

Charles Armstrong died before July 4, 1842; Mary before July 27, 1851. Mary’s sister, Margaret (Brasher) Wooldridge and her husband, Edward Wooldridge became their minor children’s guardians.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s daughter, Sarah (Brasher) Brown married Enoch A. Brown on March 17, 1831 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of seven (7) children: Omar S. Brown born on January 13, 1832, died on October 28, 1903, who on May 1, 1866, married his first wife, Catherine Marion (Davis) Brasher at Hopkins County, Kentucky becoming the parents of one (1) child, and whose second wife was Nannie (---) Prowse-Brasher, the widow of George O. Prowse Jr., Marcus D. Brown born about 1835, who on October 7, 1861 married Lucetta W. (Davis), the sister of Catherine Marion (Davis) Brasher, at Hopkins County becoming the parents of eight (8) children, Elizabeth R. Brown born on March 17, 1837, died as a youth on May 23, 1856, Private Albert E. Brown born on January 21, 1840, died on May 18, 1867, who was wounded during the Civil War, Onnie (Brown) Clark born on February 21, 1840, died on June 30, 1922, who on October 14, 1869 married Volney C. Clark, the son of Joab & Elizabeth (Brasher) Clark becoming the parents of three (3) children, Cyrus M. Brown born on February 26, 1848, died on August 9, 1896 who married after 1880 becoming the father of one (1) child, and Madora S. (Brown) Lynn born about 1851, who on November 2, 1871 married John W. Lynn at Christian County, Kentucky.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s son, Lawrence Brasher Jr. married Ailsey (Lindley) Brasher on March 16, 1837 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of six (6) children: Susan A. (Brasher) McIntosh born on June 15, 1837, died on November 25, 1875, who on March 14, 1859 married Allen McIntosh at Hopkins County, Kentucky, Relda (Brasher) McIntosh born on January 20, 1840, died in February 1919, who on August 10, 1862 married Felix McIntosh, the brother of Allen McIntosh, Elizabeth Brasher born in 1844, died in 1892, Thomas Brasher born in 1846, died in 1893, Idella (Brasher) Crick born on December 12, 1854, died on October 13, 1893, who on October 17, 1872 married Jesse Crick at Hopkins County becoming the parents of eight (8) children, and Elbert E. Brasher born about 1857.

Elizabeth & Lawrence’s youngest son, Private Hampton Brasher was a farmer, and later in life, a schoolteacher. Hampton Brasher married his first wife, Altezera (Woodruff) Brasher on March 26, 1840 at Hopkins County, Kentucky becoming the parents of two (2) children, both of whom relocated first to Missouri, and in the mid-1860s to Texas: Emsley Harrison Brasher born on June 9, 1841, died on April 23, 1886 at Cumby, Hopkins County, Texas, who on July 11, 1867 married his first wife, Mary W. (Perkins) Brasher at Madison, Cedar County, Missouri becoming the parents of three (3) children, and Corporal Joseph Addison Brasher born on July 28, 1842, died on April 26, 1912 at Abilene, Texas, who on January 10, 1867 married Jane Elizabeth (Armstrong) Brasher at Fannin County, Texas becoming the parents of six (6) children.

Hampton & Altezera’s son, Corporal Joseph Addison Brasher enlisted in 1862 with Co. ‘A’, Missouri Cavalry, and later transferring to the 11th Missouri Infantry, CSA. He participated in numerous battles in the Trans-Mississippi Theater: the Battle of Lone Jack, Missouri, the Battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, and the Battle of Little Rock, Arkansas; serving with Co. ‘G’, 11th Missouri Volunteer Infantry until the surrender. Following his unit’s demobilization at Shreveport, Louisiana on June 8, 1865, Joseph traveled to Texas where “by chance stopped at a house to get a drink of water, and never left it for four years; in this time he m. the d/o the gentleman who gave him the drink.”

Hampton Brasher married his second wife, Mahala (Duncan) Brasher on December 13, 1847 at Hopkins County, Kentucky. They removed to Cedar County, Missouri after October 23, 1851 and before April 11, 1856 becoming the parents of nine (9) children: Lucinda E. Brasher born in 1848, Altezera Jane Brasher born in 1849, James T. Brasher born in 1851, Martha E. Brasher born in 1853, William L. Brasher born in 1855, Oliver Brasher born in 1857, Nancy C. Brasher, John K. Brasher, and Margaret L. Brasher.

On August 12, 1811, Lawrence and Elizabeth sold the last 249 acres from their November 24, 1807 grant. Soon thereafter they migrated to Christian County, Kentucky where their siblings lived. Following Lawrence’s death on September 24, 1847, Elizabeth lived in the household of her son and daughter-in-law, Elijah & Sallie (Long) Brasher until her death on February 10, 1855. Both are buried at the Brasher family cemetery.

Hans & Agnes’ daughter, Jean (Black) Pyle married Samuel Pyle most likely at Chatam County, North Carolina becoming the parents of one (1) known child: Nicolas Pyle born on February 20, 1781, died on September 20, 1854 at Stockton, Cedar County, Missouri. Nicolas Pyle married Mary (---) Pyle on October 18, 1807 at Hopkinsville, Kentucky becoming the parents of seven (7) known children: Edwin Pyle, born on January 20, 1809, died on June 13, 1884 at Cedar County, Missouri, Polly (Pyle) Armstrong who on August 25, 1818 married Matthew Armstrong at Christian County, Kentucky, Jincy (Pyle) Tucker who on January 14, 1819 married Alexander Tucker at Christian County, Kentucky, Benjamin Pyle born on November 4, 1810 in Missouri, who on February 5, 1833 married Melissa (Compton) Pyle in Missouri, John F. Pyle Jr. born on June 18, 1813, who married Jane E. (Meacham) Pyle, Elizabeth (Pyle) Lacy born in 1817, who on May 29, 1836 married Benjamin Lacy in Missouri, and Sarah Jane (Pyle) Alder born in 1819, who on September 21, 1836 married James Alder in Missouri.

Nicolas & Mary’s son, Edwin Pyle married his first wife Sally (West) Pyle on January 29, 1832 at Christian County, Kentucky becoming the parents of six (6) children: Annetta Jane Pyle, Sallie Pyle, Temple Pyle, Syrenah Ann (Pyle) Dale born on November 11, 1832 at Christian County, Kentucky, died on May 26, 1913 at El Reno, Canadian County, Oklahoma, who on April 3, 1855 married John Dale at Cedar County, Missouri becoming the parents of four (4) children, Jethro Nicholas Pyle born on January 22, 1842 at Cedar County, Missouri, died on June 18, 1923 at El Reno, Canadian County, Oklahoma, who on December 25, 1865 married Mary Agnes (Kelly) Pyle at Boonville, Missouri becoming the parents of six (6) children, and Elizabeth Ann (Pyle) Boyd born in 1844, who on February 28, 1880 married John Henry Boyd.

Edwin Pyle married his second wife Emily Sidney (Lacy) Pyle on April 2, 1846 at Christian County, Kentucky.

As evidenced by the number of inter-family marriages, the Black, Pyle, Brazier sic. Brasher, and later the Wells families migrated and settled together throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Christian County, Kentucky. Most of the Pyle families who immigrated to Christian County arrived before 1804 - the Braziers about 1807.

Just before the Revolutionary War and as late as 1772, Hans served as a Private in the British Army with Captain Jodin Harper’s Company, North Carolina Militia. At least a dozen other members of the extended Black-Brazier-Pyle Family Group served with Hans: Sergeant Thomas Brazier III, Private Aquilla Brasher, Quartermaster Thomas L. Brasher, Private Samuel Pyle, Private Thomas Brazier, to name a few. During the initial phases of the Revolutionary War, Hans was a Loyalist. However, he later changed allegiance, “turned his coat,” to the Colonist cause, providing supplies and funds to the Colonial Army.

Between 1772 and 1776 Hans & Agnes, and a number of their children with their families immigrated to Chatam County, North Carolina. It is believed that a man believed to be Hans’ brother, William Black accompanied the extended Black families to the Carolinas.

The Chatam County Court of Common Pleas & Quarter Sessions records contain numerous references to Hans Black during his residency at Chatam County: on May 13, 1777, Hans spelt Hance was appointed Overseer of the road “in the room of Thomas Blaxton,” - on May 2, 1778, Hugh Macklin was appointed Overseer of the road “in the room of Hance Black,” - on August 10, 1778, Hance Black was appointed a Juror for the next Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, and on the same date fined £5 for Contempt of Court, in all likelihood the two references are related as they are recorded upon the same page of records – and on November 9, 1778, Hans was sworn in as a member of the Grand Jury.

Between 1783-89 (most likely about 1785 when their friends, Aquilla & Mary (---) Brasher immigrated), Hans & Agnes and some of their children’s families immigrated to the Greenville District of South Carolina, where they settled in the Baker’s Creek Settlement. As land was still plentiful in South Carolina, it can be surmised that one reason for relocation was the remaining attitudes from the Revolutionary War concerning Tories; even Tories who changed allegiance as in Hans’ case.

The settlement was along Baker’s Creek and the middle fork of Reedy Creek - both branches of the Reedy River. Hans & Agnes’ neighbors included Aquilla Brasher, Samuel & Hannah (Cox) Brasher, Reverend James & Cynthia (Cox) Brazier Sr., John & Rachel McElroy, William Pyle, Dr. John & Sarah (Brasher) Pyle Jr., Benjamin & Jane (Brasher) Armstrong, and Justice of the Peace Lawrence Brasher. Many of the elder men, if not most, were initially Loyalists during the Revolutionary War. All of the Cox sisters were the daughters of William Cox and his first wife, Alice (---) Cox.

William & Alice (---) Cox Sr. of Greenville County were the parents of eight (8) children: Rachel (Cox) Long who married Thomas Long becoming the parents of eleven (11) children, Cynthia “Sinthy” (Cox) Brasher who married Reverend James Brazier Sr. becoming the parents of eight (8) children, Issac Cox who became the father of nine (9) children, Katherine (Cox) Lee who married Francis Lee, William Cox Jr. who married Connie (Baker) becoming the parents of four (4) children, Sarah (Cox) Brashier who married William Brashier, Rebecca (Cox) Croft who married George Croft, and Abraham Cox who married Nancy (Payne) Cox becoming the parents of seven (7) children.

Hans & Agnes are included on the 1790 Federal Census of Greenville, where they are counted among the original grantees. In the census order, Hans’ sons, Jacob Black and David Johannes Black Sr.’s families are shown living at adjacent lots.

As early as 1783, Hans’ sons Thomas Black, David Johannes Black Sr., and John P. Black began speculating in land in Missouri Territory and applied for several land grants.

In 1798 the combined extended families of Hans & Agnes, Thomas Black, David Johannes Black Sr., and John P. Black began their journey to the Missouri Territory and removed to Christian County, Kentucky; a trailhead for the mid-continent watercourses - the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri rivers. Once in Christian County, Hans & Agnes began purchasing a number of land parcels. Hans also became a land broker; purchasing land for a number of former Loyalists, including Thomas Lindley, as the only means in which the former Tories could acquire land. They were soon joined in Christian County by their former neighbors and in-laws through a variety of children’s marriages: John P. Brasher, Aquilla Brasher, Dr. John Pyle Jr. and their families.

On December 7, 1804, Hans Black of Christian County, Kentucky appointed his son, Jacob Black of Greenville County, South Carolina, “my trusty & loving friend,” as attorney to collect “all... (debts)... due Hans Black” from twelve different residents of Greenville County: Henry Brasher, Blake Cotton, Adam Andrew, Ben Pollard, William Cockram, Hezekiah Cockram, James Cockram, Noel Hyde, James Hyde, Benjamin Armstrong, Moses Cook, and Albert Roberts.

Johannes Hans Black died and was buried in October 1807 at Christian County, Kentucky. His will, written on March 10, 1806, bequeaths his estate to Agnes during her lifetime, and names eight of his eleven children. Hans’ will was proved during the October Term of the 1807 Christian County, Kentucky Court.

Agnes Nancy (---) Black died and was buried before 1815 at Christian County, Kentucky.

No additional information is available for these ancestors at this time.