Abraham and Mary Crabtree left little in the way of a paper trail, as they often lived on the frontier. If it weren’t for his Revolutionary War pension file, even less would be known about his life.
Abraham was born about 1750, probably in Baltimore County, Maryland. He was the son of William Crabtree and Hannah Whitaker.
By 1770, Abraham appears on a tax list for Botetourt County, Virginia. By April 1777, he was in Washington County, Virginia and was named administrator of his father’s estate. He stated that his war service took place from Washington County, where he served as a spy on the lookout for Indian attacks in the Clinch River Valley of eastern Tennessee. He also participated in expeditions against the Cherokees in the area.
Sometime around 1775 or 1776, he married Mary, whose maiden name is unknown. This is proven by Abraham’s statement in his pension application that, while in militia service in 1777, he refused to go to a hospital and his brother and his own wife came to take him home. He likely married in Washington County and the marriage record was lost to time.
Abraham and Mary were the parents of five known children:
- William, born about 1777, probably in Washington County, Virginia. He reportedly married Catherine Phelps, but I have no documentation for her surname. William is not mentioned in Abraham’s will, so he likely predeceased him.
- Solomon, born 18 February 1779, probably Washington County, Virginia. He died after 1860, probably in Wayne County, Kentucky. Solomon married Susannah Thompson.
- Naomi, born 15 August 1783, probably Washington County, Virginia. She died after 1830, probably in Cumberland County, Kentucky, but before her father, as she is not mentioned in his will. She married Benjamin Spear.
- Ruth, born about 1788, probably Washington County, Virginia; died after 1820, probably Cumberland County, Kentucky. She married Joseph Spear, c1810.
- Mary, born about 1792, probably Washington County, Virginia; died 20 August 1840, Russell County, Virginia; never married.
While I have found some additional information on these children online, I haven’t been very successful in tracking down documentation.
My husband’s line is through daughter Naomi, who married Benjamin Spear. I will write about the Spear family some other time.
Hi, I was at the Root Magic meeting today. Looking at your site, I reviewed the Surname list. I have Crabtrees in my line, but have had a hard time. My husband’s. great grandfather was Marcus Crabtree,1833-1914, His Father per DC was John Crabtree, b in Tenn. I have found lots of Crabtree stuff, but not the right connections. Thanks for your articles.
Root Tech 2018