Family Group 31

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Family Group 31

Aaron, 1787, North Carolina to Kentucky

Descendants of Aaron Pennington

Generation No. 1

1. AARON² PENNINGTON (EPHRIAM¹) was born Abt. 1786 in North Carolina or Virginia, and died December 23, 1861 in Harlan Co., Ky.. He married ANN COLDIRON Abt. 1806 in Ashe Co. North Carolina. She was born Abt. 1790 in Virginia, and died 1860 in Harlan Co., Ky..

Notes for AARON PENNINGTON:

Some researchers have indicated that Aaron was the son of Micajah Pennington. But most research suggests that an Ephriam was Aaron's father. In the 1861 Harlan Co., Kentucky Death Records, Aaron died at age 75 and is listed as the son of Ephriam Pennington. Additionally, Aaron was listed as born in Virginia. The Ephriam Pennington in Montgomery Co., Va. from 1782 to 1787 could have been the father of Aaron. It is possible that this Ephriam moved from Va. to Ashe Co., NC between 1788 and 1800.

Note: The 1850 Harlan Co. Census lists Aaron as born in TN. The 1860 Harlan Co. Census lists Aaron as born in Va.

The 1800 Ashe Co., North Carolina Census lists an Ephriam Pennington on page 85, line21 with a family group of: 1 male 10-16(possibly Aaron}, 1 male 45+(Ephriam), 1 female 16-26(unknown) and 1 female 45+(unknown). Aaron would have been approximately 13 at that time and any older brothers could have already moved out of the household. To date, this is the only family group located which could be Aaron with his father Ephriam.

The 1810 Ashe Co., North Carolina Census lists an A. Pennington with a household of: 2 males under 10 (Levi and Henry), 1 male 16-26 (Aaron) and 1 female 16-26 (Ann). This would be consistent with Aaron and Ann's family at that time. Another researcher has suggested this may have been Abel Pennington.

Aaron is listed in the 1815 Tax List for Ashe Co., North Carolina.

Based on Census Reports and Tax Records, it appears Aaron relocated from North Carolina to Kentucky between 1815 and 1820. The family settled at Cutshin, then called New Harlan, presently Leslie Co., Ky.

Aaron is listed in the 1820 Harlan Co., Kentucky Census with 2 males 0-10, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 26-45, 2 females 0-10, 1 female 26-45. This household closely matches Aaron, Ann, Henry, Levi, Ephriam Aaron, Nancy and Malinda.

The Harlan Co., Kentucky Tax Records show Aaron was taxed 1821--1827. William Pennington was taxed 1820--1832. Micajah Pennington was taxed in 1824. Wiliam Pennington (PRA Group 28) and Abigail recorded a 100 acre survey in Harlan Co. on June 24,1818. It is unproven if this William is the same William that appears to have moved from NC to KY with Aaron.

Kentucky Land Grants, Pg.679, lists Aaron with 100 acres, Book N, Pg.288 on 9/19/1823 in Harlan Co. along Poor Fork.

Harlan Co. Court Records, Deed Book A, Page 171: Aaron Pennington (signed by Amy Pennington) to Elias Smith on August 24,1826 for $100---50 acres part of a 100 acre survey granted to said Pennington on June 24, 1824 on the South side of the Poor Fork. Witnessed by A. Lewis and Jonathan Smith. Note: The Amy who signed for Aaron is unknown.

Kentucky Land Grants, Pg.680, lists Aaron with 50 acres, Book X, Pg.514 on 6/26/1830 in Perry & Clay Counties along Grassy Fork

Aaron is listed in the 1830 Clay Co., Ky. Census with males 0-5, 5-10, 15-20, 40-50 and females 5-10, 10-15, 10-15, 40-50. This family group closely matches Aaron, Ann, Ephriam Aaron, Nancy, Malinda, Sally, William and Jesse.

Aaron is listed in the 1840 Perry Co., KY Census Pg.251, line 15: 1 male 0-4, 1 male 10-14, 1male 15-19, 2 males 40-49, 1 female 20-29 and 1 female 40-49.

Aaron 63 and Ann 60 are listed in the 1850 Harlan Co., Ky. Census # 169-169 with James (age 18) and Sally (age 17 or 19 born in Va.). It is speculated that this Sally is the wife of James (Sarah Polly Lewis b.1830) who would have been age 19 at that time. Aaron was listed as born in Tenn.

In December 1855 the Harlan Co. Death Records reflect that Aaron Pennington reported the death of Sally Baker age 36. Although there is a minor conflict with dates, this may have been Aaron's daughter who married Isaac Baker.

Aaron 73 and Ann 60 are listed in the 1860 Harlan Co., Ky. Census #583 living with their son James 29 and wife Sarah 30. Note: Ann would have been 70 at the time of this census and the 60 is believed to be a transcription error. Aaron was listed as born in Va. This is the last census data for Aaron and Ann prior their death.

Statements by John Pennington ( This may be John b.1868 s/o William or John b.1852 s/o James) recorded in the Diary of Rev. John Dickey on Jan. 20, 1898 indicated the following: His Grandfather Aaron Pennington and wife Ann (Coldiron) came to Kentucky from North Carolina and settled at Cutshin which was then called new Harlan. Their children's names he remembered were Levi, Jesse, Henry, William, Ephriam Aaron, James, Nancy and Malinda.

Note: Additional information in this interview indicated Aaron's brother may have been Abel (II B). Ref. 1990 Willis Lake Article "More on Abel II ". However, there are some birth year issues with this theory that require additional research.

The Lewis Family Bible listed some of Aaron and Ann's children as Ephriam Aaron, Jesse, Bill ( William), Jim (James) and Linda (Malinda).

Notes for ANN COLDIRON:

Published researcher Otto Coldiron has been researching the Coldiron Family since the early 1970's. He advised that Ann has been one of the difficult mysteries in the Coldiron Line.

The 1850 Harlan Co. Census #169-169 lists Ann as 60 years old and born in Virginia. To date, there have not been any male Coldirons discovered in Virginia in 1790 who could have been Ann's father.

One speculation is that Ann may have married a Coldiron who subsequently died and that she could have used her married name rather than her maiden name when she married Aaron.

Conrad Coldiron Ashe Co. land grants: 100 ac. Apr.1795 Warrent No.575 S. Fork New River and 129 ac. may 1793 Warrent No.120 Dog Creek. Conrad is a possible father of Ann, additional follow-up required.

Children of AARON PENNINGTON and ANN COLDIRON are:

i. LEVI³ PENNINGTON, b. August 15, 1807, North Carolina; d. September 23, 1894, Burning Springs, Clay Co., KY.; m. NANCY WINNERY LEWIS, October 11, 1842, Perry Co. (now Leslie Co.) Ky.; b. September 23, 1810, Perry Co. (now Leslie Co.) Ky.; d. June 1888, Clay Co. Ky..

Notes for LEVI PENNINGTON:

Levi's tombstone lists his birth as Aug. 15, 1807. The census data reflects his birth between 1810-1811. Photo of Levi's Grave on file.

"Old Levi" built a log house and barn on Pennington Rd. Levi's son James and his wife Liza (Sizemore) Pennington also lived in this house. It was moved to Renfro Valley, Ky. at "Brush Arbor Appalachian Homestead".

The 1840 Perry Co., Ky. Census Pg.251, line24 lists a Levi Pennington: 2 males 0-4, 1 male 30-39, 1 female 0-4, 1 female 5-9, 1 female 20-29, 1 female 40-49.

The 1850 Perry Co., Ky. Census #57-60 lists Levi 40- born North Carolina and Winnery 38. The children listed are Rebecca 14, Timothy 12, William 8, Anny 7, Felix 4 and James 2.

The 1860 Clay Co., Ky. Census #365 lists Levi 49, and Wina 48. The children listed are Timothy 21, William 19, Annie 17, Felix 14, James 12, Samuel 9, Rachael 6, Nancy 4 and Matilda 4. Polly Lewis 73 born in North Carolina and Nelly Lewis 36 (insane) born in Perry Co., Ky. were also listed in this household.

Levi 59 and Winy 58 are listed in the 1870 Clay Co., Ky. Census, Dist.32, Precinct 2, #116 with Rachel 16 and Mary 14. Mary is unknown but may have been Matilda.

Levi 68 and Nancy 67 are listed in the 1880 Clay Co., KY Census # 107-108, page513B. Also listed was Samuel 27-son and Nancy 24 Daughter-in-law. The children Timothy 9, Lucinda 6, Rachael 4 and William 2 are listed as Nieces and Nephews. Samuel and Nancy (Estridge) were married on July 27,1868 in Clay Co., Ky. according to Census notes.

There is some confusion regarding this Levi and wives. He has been listed as married to Nancy Lewis and to Winnie Lewis. It is unclear if Nancy and Winnie were sisters or perhaps the same person. Nancy Winnery Lewis's marriage record to Levi Pennington is said to be on file in Perry Co., Ky. dated Oct. 11, 1842.

The Lewis Family Records reflect that Levi's first marriage was to Rachael Combs on Dec. 16, 1833 in Perry Co., Ky. However, the 1850 Owlesy Co., KY. Census indicates a different Levi was married to Rachael.

A descendant of this Levi's son Felix stated that this Levi was married to Winnie Templeton.

More About LEVI PENNINGTON:

Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery

Notes for NANCY WINNERY LEWIS:

Photo of Winney Pennington's Grave on file.

More About NANCY WINNERY LEWIS:

Burial: Mt. Olivet Cemetery

ii. HENRY PENNINGTON, b. 1808, North Carolina; d. Bet. 1880 - 1900, Leslie Co., Kentucky; m. ELIZABETH BROCK, October 21, 1829, Harlin Co., Ky.; b. 1810, Harlan Co., Ky.; d. Bet. 1880 - 1900, Leslie Co., Kentucky.

Notes for HENRY PENNINGTON:

All children were born in Harlan Co., Ky.

Henry is listed in the 1840 Perry Co. Census pg.251, line 17: 2 males 5-9, 1 male 30-39, 2 females 0-4, 1 female 5-9 and 1 female 30-39.

Henry 43 and Elizabeth 40 are listed in the 1850 Harlan Co., Ky. Census # 177-177 with Sally 20, Ann 17, Levi 15, Edward 13, Green 11, Isaac 9, and Nancy 5.

Henry 50 and Elizabeth 45 are listed in the 1860 Harlan Co. Census # 586 with Sarah 30, Ann 29, Levi 24, Nedd (Edward) 23, Green 20, Isaac 17, Nancy 14 and Jesse 8.

Henry 62 and Elizabeth 58 are listed in the 1870 Harlan Co. Census Dist.5,pg.8,#54 with Sarah 39 servant, Anna 38 servant, Isaac 26, Jessee 17, and Nancy 23.

Henry 72 and Elizabeth 69 are listed in the 1880 Leslie Co., Ky. Census, page 533a, #204-207. Annie 46, Isaac 36, Nancy 33 and Jesse 26 are living with them. Also, Elizabeth 4 (grand-daughter) and Simon Brock 18 (nephew) are listed in this household.

Note: The 1900 Leslie Co. Census page #41a. lists most of this family living with Henry's son Isaac 57. It is assumed that Henry and Elizabeth died after 1880 and before the 1900 Census.

iii. EPHRIAM AARON PENNINGTON, b. Abt. 1812, Ashe Co. North Carolina; d. 1884, Perry Co. (now Leslie Co.) Ky.; m. (1) MATILDA FIELDS, 1832, Perry Co. (now Leslie Co.) Ky.; b. 1812, Harlin Co., Ky.; d. 1865, Clay Co., Kentucky; m. (2) MARTHA ESTRIDGE, March 17, 1866, Clay Co., Ky.; b. 1838, North Carolina.

Notes for EPHRIAM AARON PENNINGTON:

Ephriam Pennington is listed in the 1830 Clay Co., Ky. Census in a family group with: One male 10-15 yrs.; One male 15-20 yrs.; One female 15-20 yrs. and one female 40-50 yrs. The 15-20 year old male and female could be Ephriam and Matilda. The others are unknown but could have been Matilda's family as Ephriam and Matilda were not married at this time. This more than likely is not Ephriam Aaron and Matilda, more research is required to identify this Ephriam.

The 1840 Perry Co., Ky. Census Pg.251, line 18 lists Ephriam Pennington in a family group with: One male 5-9 yrs. (William); One male 10-14 yrs. (James); One male 30-39 yrs. (Ephriam); Two females 0-5 yrs. (Amy and Nancy); Two females 5-9 yrs. (Martha and Anna); One female 30-39 yrs. (Matilda). Notes: Amy was born in Jan. of 1841 the actual date of the census is unknown. William would have been under five years old at the time of this census not between 5 and 10 years. The listed ages for Ephriam and Matilda are also in question.

The 1850 Perry Co., Ky. Census #61-65 lists Ephriam Pennington 37 with Matilda 39, Martha 17, Anna 17, Nancy 16, William 12, Anna 10, Aaron 8, Isaac 3, Levi 6 mos. and Malinda 7.

The 1860 Clay Co., KY Census Section 4 # 367 lists Ephriam 48 and Matilda 48 with Ama-Amy 19, Aaron Richard 17, Isaac 12, Levi 10, Malinda 14, Sally-Sarah 8 and Wina 1. Ama 19 was listed as born in Harlan Co., Aron 17 born in Letcher Co. and the rest of the children born in Perry Co. Matilda was born in Perry Co. and Ephriam in North Carolina. Son James age 30 is also listed in this household with his family Polly 29, Elizabeth 8, Matilda 6, John 4 and Ama 2.

The children of Ephriam and Matilda were listed in the Lewis Family Bible. Their names match those listed in the 1850 Census with the exception of Nancy and Levi.

Ephriam and Matilda (Mutedly) were listed as witnesses on the Record of Marriage for their daughter Amy to James Sizemore on Dec. 26, 1861.

A record of marriage between Ephriam Aaron (age54) and Martha Pace (age29) was recorded in Clay Co., Ky. on March 17,1866 (Bk.367,c6-10,MB124).

The 1870 Clay Co., KY Census Precinct #6 lists Ephriam 56 and Martha 31 with: Sally-Sarah 16, Miney-Wina 11, Daniel 4 and Rebecca 2. Also listed are Martha's children from her first marriage: Abner Pace 13, Nancy Pace 11, Henry Pace 9, William Pace 8 and John Pace 14 was listed as working on farm.

The 1880 Clay Co., Ky. Census # 25-29, page 530a, lists Ephriam 63 and Martha 43 with: Daniel 18, Rebecca 12, Feby 10, Nancy 7, Elizabeth 5 and Bige 1. The age listed for Daniel is in question and it would appear that Ephriam was about age 62 when his last known child was born.

Notes for MATILDA FIELDS:

Researcher Ruth Lewis advised that according to Ron Fields, Matilda was the mother of Landsford Fields. As noted in this file, the 1830 Clay Co Census lists a male child living with Ephriam and Matilda which is not believed to have been their child. It is possible that Matilda had a child prior to her marriage to Ephriam.

Ruth Lewis also provided information received from a descendant of John "Curly" Pennington (Tammy Pennington). It was stated that according to their families oral history, Ephriam was referred to as having married a Cherokee. It is possible that Matilda married a man of Indian descent prior to Ephriam. Such marriages were not recognized in those days and the children often took the last names of their mother.

Notes for MARTHA ESTRIDGE:

Martha had five children from her previous marriage to William Pace born 1837 and died 1869. Her maiden name is believed to be Estridge.

iv. NANCY PENNINGTON, b. 1815, Ashe Co., North Carolina; m. SAMUEL LEWIS, September 26, 1833, Perry Co. (now Leslie Co.) Ky.; b. 1810, Kentucky.

Notes for SAMUEL LEWIS:

Samuel Lewis is listed in the 1840 Perry Co. Census (next to father-in-law Aaron Pennington} pg.251,line 16. 1 male 30-39, 2 females 0-4, 1 female 5-9 and 1 female 20-29.

The 1880 Leslie Co. Census, page 524a #40 lists a family believed to be Samuel 71 and Nancy 65 with Daniel 30, Martha 27 and William 24. Also listed is Nancy Joseph 7 as a boarder, but could possibly be a grandchild.

One source has suggested that this Samuel was the son of Samuel Lewis and Nancy Templeton.

v. MALINDA PENNINGTON, b. 1820, Virginia or Harlan Co., Ky.; m. WILLIAM TEMPLETON, Abt. 1840, Harlan Co., Ky.; b. 1811, Harlin Co., Ky..

Notes for MALINDA PENNINGTON:

Malina 30 and William Templeton 39 are listed in the 1850 Harlan Co. Census #182-182 with James 9, Amy 8, Elizabeth A. 6, John 3, and Sally 1. Malinda is listed as born in Virginia and they are living next door to James Templeton 76 and Amy (Brock) 86.

Malinda 50 and William Templeton 59 are listed in the 1870 Harlan Co. Census Dist.5, pg.8, #57 with Rebecca 16, Emily 14, William 9 and Matilda 5.

vi. SARAH SALLY PENNINGTON, b. 1822, Harlan Co., Ky.; d. 1853, Harlan Co., Ky.; m. ISAAC BAKER, Bef. 1840; b. June 13, 1816, Perry Co., Ky.; d. 1889, Leslie Co., Ky..

Notes for ISAAC BAKER:

Isaac is listed in the 1840 Perry Co. Census Pg.251, line 20: 1 male 20-29, 1 female 0-4 and 1 female 20-29.

Isaac 34 and Sally 28 are listed in the 1850 Harlan Co., Ky. Census #183-183 with William 7.

Isaac 44 and Elizabeth (Muncy) 29 are listed in the 1860 Harlan Co. Census pg.127, #823 with William 17, John 3 and Sarah E. 2.

Isaac 55 and Elizabeth 39 are listed in the 1870 Harlan Co. Census Pg.7, #44 with John 13, Elizabeth 11, Joseph 10 and Jane 5.

Isaac 40 and Elzabeth 25 are listed in the Perry Co. Marriage Index.

vii. JESSE PENNINGTON, b. 1824, Harlan Co., Ky.; m. HANNAH LEWIS, August 09, 1843, Perry Co. (now Leslie Co.) Ky.; b. 1828, Kentucky.

Notes for JESSE PENNINGTON:

Jesse 26 and Hannah 22 are listed in the 1850 Harlan Co., Ky. Census # 184-184 with Abijah 5, Nancy 3 and Judith 4 mos.

Jesse 29 and Hannah 27 are listed in the 1860 Harlan Co., Ky. Census # 598 with Abijah 14, Nancy 11, Judah 9, Henry 7, Rosemary 5, Canda 3 and Malinda 10 mo.

Jesse 45 and Hannah 44 are listed in the 1870 Harlan Co. Census Pg.6,# 41 with Nancy 22, Juda 18, Henry 16, Roseana 14, Candy 12, Malinda 10, Isaac 7, Lucy 5 and Elizabeth 1.

Note: There are conflicts regarding ages and birth years between the Census Records.

viii. WILLIAM PENNINGTON, b. December 1829, Harlan Co., Ky.; d. Aft. 1900, Leslie Co., Ky.; m. NANCY THOMAS; b. 1830, Harlan Co., Kentucky; d. Aft. 1900.

Notes for WILLIAM PENNINGTON:

William 22 and Nancy 19 are listed in the 1850 Harlan Co., Ky. Census # 185-185. Children with them are Sally 2 and Eliza 9mos.

William 32 and Nancy 30 are listed in the 1860 Harlan Co., KY Census # 582. Children listed with them are Sarah 12, Eliza 10, Alexander 8, Levi 6, William 4, Lucinda 3 and Elisa 9mos. This family is living next door to William's parents Aaron and Ann who are staying with their son James.

William 45 and Nancy 40 are listed in the 1870 Harlan Co. Census Pg.7,#45 with Eliza 19, Alexander 18, Levi 15, William 14, Lucinda 13, Elihu 10, Felix 8, Sarah J. 6, Johathan 4 and Joseph 1.

William 51 and Nancy 50 are listed in the 1880 Leslie Co., Ky. Census, page 537a., #269-273. Children listed with them include Elihu 21, Felix 18, Polly 14, John 12, Jasper 11, James 8 and Elizabeth 4. William lists his parents as born in Kentucky which is not correct if he is the son of Aaron and Ann.

William 73 and Nancy 72 are listed in the 1900 Leslie Co. Census living with their son Alexander. They were married 51 yrs. with 14 children born/11 living

ix. JAMES PENNINGTON, b. January 1831, Harlan Co., Ky.; d. Bef. 1920; m. (1) SARAH SALLEY LEWIS, Abt. 1851; b. 1830, North Carolina; m. (2) POLLY ESTRIDGE, Aft. 1886; b. 1832.

Notes for JAMES PENNINGTON:

James 18 is listed with his parents Aaron and Ann in the 1850 Harlan Co., Ky. Census #169-169.

James 29 and Sarah 30 are listed in the 1860 Harlan Co. Census # 583. His parents Aaron and Ann are living with them. The children listed are John 8 and George W 3.

James Pendleton 39 and Sarah 38 are listed in the 1870 Harlan Co. Census Pg.6, # 37 with Washington 13, Andrew 10, Rebeca 8 and Mary 3.

James 49 and Sally 49 are listed in the 1880 Clay Co. Census #530a with Andy 18, Polly 14, Elisha 8 and James 4. They are living next to his brother Ephriam Aaron.

James was still married to his first wife Sarah Lewis in 1886. (unknown source).

The 1910 Leslie Co., Ky. Census lists James and his second wife Polly Estridge living in Cutshin, Ky. (unconfirmed).

"Pioneer Families of Leslie Co." reflect this James to be the son of Aaron Pennington and Ann Coldiron. Also listed was James son Andrew who married his cousin Emily Templeton (granddaughter of Aaron}.

Note: There is some confusion regarding this James, his wives and some of the children. I believe this James married Sarah "Sally" Lewis a possible sister of the Mary Polly Lewis who also married a James Pennington (s/o Ephriam).

For the most recent information concerning this family please refer to the Group 31 website.

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