James Milliken of Cowpasture

ORIGIN 
The story of James Millican of Cowpasture is a long and windy road with many twists and turns. Many details can be verified with records but many, unfortunately cannot. I have tried to record factual information but in some cases I have relied on the preponderance of evidence for some conclusions. 
I believe the story begins in Northern Ireland with another family described below. For many reasons that will become more evident after reading the story, I believe James of Cowpasture is a brother of John Milliken the weaver. and possibly others who may have come to America. 
" As published in East Tennessee Roots, Vol. VIII, No. 1, John Milligan "was a weaver by trade, who was born in Ireland and married there a woman named Ross. Their children: William, John, Thomas, James (born at sea), Polly, Sarah and Alexander. They moved to Pennsylvania, where his wife died. Then moved to near Lexington, Rockbridge County, VA, where he married a Forger. Two children were born in Virginia: Elizabeth and Samuel; then they moved to Greene County, TN, where Sarah and Rebecca were born." (According to James Millican (B@ sea) the ship left Londonderry and arrived in New Castle , Delaware) 
The tax list records of 1715-1799 from Chester County, PA show the following Millikens. 
1739 William Millikin West Nantmeal 
1740 John Millikin West Caln 
1740 William Milligan West Nantmeal 
1748/49 William Millerkin East Bradford 
1749/50 William Milikan East Bradford 
1751 Willim Millecam West Bradford 
1751 Richard Milickan West Nottingham 
1753 William Millikan West Bradford 
1753 James Melican freeman East Nantmeal 
1753 Moses Melican West Nantmeal 
1754 James Melicen freeman East Nantmeal 
1754 James Millican freeman West Nantmeal 
1754 William Milikin West Nantmeal 
1756 William Milikan West Nantmeal 
1756 Moses Milliken West Nantmeal 
1758 Moses Milikin West Nantmeal 
1758 James Millikan inmate West Nantmeal 
1758 William Milligan Kennett 
1762 Moses Millican West Nantmeal 
1763 Moses Millikan West Nantmeal 
1763 James Miligant London Britain 
1764 John Millikan West Nantmeal 
1764 George Millican Kennett 
1765 John Millican West Nantmeal Freeman 
1766 John Milliken West Nantmeal Freeman 
1766 Moses Milliken West Nantmeal 
1766 William Millikin West Nantmeal 
1770 William Milican West Nantmeal Landholder 
1771 William Millican West Nantmeal Landholder 
1772 William Millican West Nantmeal Landholder 
1788 Robert Tinicum Miligan State
1789 Robert Tinicum Milligan State 
1796 David Milican West Nantmeal Weaver Inmate 
1799 David Miligan West Nantmeal 
I find it very hard to imagine that the number of Milligans showing up in East and West Nantmeal is just a coincidence. It seems much more likely that there are some close ties among these families. 
This list shows that a James Melican appears in East Nantmeal in 1753 and 1754 (listed as a Freeman) then no further records. It is my opinion he left Pennsylvania as a single man aged 21-22. This puts his birth year at 1731-1732. James of Cowpasture Joined Hogg's Rangers in 1754 and would have to have been in that age range to become an Indian fighter. 
ERA OF FRENCH & INDIAN WAR 
Companies of Rangers 1754 to 1763 Source: Crozier's "Virginia Colonial Militia"pp. 9-57
The following is a practical lists of the Companies of Rangers employed on the upper tributaries of the Potomac, and in the Greenbrier River-West Virginia frontier- during the era of the French & Indian War. 
Captain Peter Hogg's Company of Rangers In service from 1754 to 1758 
OFFICERS Peter Hogg ,Captain.... James Dunlap,.Lieutenant,... James Taylor, Ensign,.. John Clark..Sergeant .... Samuel Powell. Sergeant.... William Vaughan..Sergeant....., William Armstrong..Corporal .... David Laird..Corporal...
PRIVATES Thomas Scott ... Thomas Galbreath..., Fransis Gibbs,... William Smith,... James McMahon..., Daniel Grubb,... John Johnson,... George Ehrmantrout... James Riddle,... John Fumace..., James Shaw... John Pence ..., James Milligan..., Henry Shackleford.
LAND BOUNTY CERTIFICATES FOR SERVICE IN THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS
James Milligan, soldier in Capt. Hogg's Ranging Co., in 1754 until disbanded. Greenbrier Co., March 21, 1780. 
1754-1758 Paid for services during French and Indian War Capt. Peter Hogg's Co. of Rangers. Paid  James Milligan, Richard Mase, and  Arsbel Clendinin,
SETTLEMENT ON COWPASTURE RIVER
Aug 1762: Sproul v. Bratton: Dunlap was indebted to a list of persons which included James Milliken.
8/23/1762 James Milligan, no inhabitant (Could he have been on one of the Long Hunts or was he on an expedition with Hogg's Rangers?)
1762-63 John Millican (weaver) buys and settles on 100 acres of land on Kerr's Creek from Robert McElhaney. Recorded Aug 15, 1768, Ten Pounds delivered to Jno. McElhaney, May 23, 1784.
1763 Kerr's Creek Massacre. A Mrs. Steveson told of James Milligan, a young boy taken by the Indians near Kerr's Creek but managed to escape. He escaped on Gauley Mountain and said he counted 450 total prisoners from the region. I believe this would be James Milliken, a boy of 9 (born at sea 1754) son of John Milliken (Weaver).
Another story that has not been verified says: A young man named named Milligan, was taken by the Indians back to their camp. Milligan was very skilled with cards and entertained the Indians till all fell asleep. Milligan and his dog then snuck off in the night. When the Indians realized he was gone they pursued but did not find him. Milligan had hidden in the tall grass and keeping his dog quiet by holding his muzzle. When he returned home his wife was mending a shirt for him. She told people that it didn't matter what type of scrape he got into, he always found a way out. If this story is true , this young man would most likely be one of James Milliken's (b.@ sea)) older brothers.
8/19/1767 James Millican (Cowpasture) creditor, Archibald Glendining Estate (Killed at 1763 Clendenin Massacre Indian attack
2/18/1768 James Millican (Cowpasture), survey 50 acres on Catawba. The Catawba River is south of Cowpasture and there is no indication James ever lived there. 
Fall 1774: Troops gathered at the Botetourt County Courthouse at Fincastle to march to the Greenbriar River on their way to the Battle of Point Pleasant. On October 10, 1774, the Colony of Virginia forces went to do battle with the Shawnee and Mingo tribes, who had been attacking the settlers. This battle is considered by some historians to be the first struggle in the Revolutionary War. Andrew and Charles Lewis led the troops to the Kanawha River to advance on the forces of Cornstalk of the Shawnee. On a list of troops present are Samuel Beard with William Lowther, captain, and William Beard, with Alexander McClanachan, captain. Also listed are George and William Clendenning. A John Dickenson is listed as a captain of troop, as well.  Also on rosters preserved at the Virginia State Library are John Milican, Captain John Murray's Company of Botetourt County, David Doack (Doak) Jr, a sergeant in Captain Robert Doak's Company, a Samuel Doack, and a William Doak. 
I believe this John Milliken is the son of John Milliken (Weaver). 
Defending the frontier for four years allowed James to see and explore a great deal of Indian occupied land. This is the same area that the Long Hunters went to in the 1760's. It is also the same area that would become Greene County, Tennessee and Green /Adair Counties, Kentucky where James would move to in the 1780's. 
One of James Milliken's neighbors on the Cowpasture River was Robert Crockett who was a noted Long Hunter. It is easy to imagine James traveling with Robert Crockett and other Long Hunters from Augusta County including Julius Dugger and Andrew Greer. 
Other neighbors included Charles Daugherty, Archibald Clendining, James Mayse, James Beard and others. William Daugherty (Charles Daugherty's brother), was the father of John Daugherty b.abt. 1750 as well as Elizabeth born abt. 1753 . 
Stephen Oxley, author of "John Dougherty, James Milligan and James Lewis": Chapter 1 - Dodrill-Gross Family History (dodrillgrossfamilyhistory.com)   writes that John Dougherty"s sister Elizabeth was indeed James Milliken's wife. 
There are no birth records available, but there are other records which would indicate the following children. 
John b. abt 1768 
Thomas.......................................................................................................................... 
James, b. abt 1772 Mar. Jane Beard 18 Sep 1792 in Greene Co., TN. 
Hugh 
Rebecca, b. 1774 Married David Butler in KY in 1802, .............................. 
Isaac................................................................................................................................ 
Jane b. 1776 Married William Reynolds 23 Aug 1790 in Greenville, TN........... 
Nancy b, 1777 Married Isaac Butler in KY 11 Mar 1797 in Green Co. KY.......... 
Julius b. abt 1778 Married Catherine Hart 1 Jan 1798 In Green Co., KY. 
Patrick Davis sold land he had by a 1750 patent to James Milligan. This land is on the Cowpasture River below Robert Crockett. In 1776, Milligan sold this land to William Griffith. This land can be located by finding Griffeth's Knob along the Cowpasture River lands.
1770 James Millican, Grantee 44 acres on Cow Pasture River from Andrew Donnely
24 Feb 1770: James Millican bought land from Patrick Davis and Esther, 44 acres by patent of 10 September 1767 on the Cowpasture River. Witness was Charles Lewis, Andrew and Charles Donnelly. 
The previous records seem to be James settling his affairs on Cowpasture prior to beginning his journey west. 
THE MOVE WESTWARD 
1771 Greenbriar Tax List James Milliken 1 Tithe 
THE MATHEWS TRADING POST 
By Harry E. Handley
[Source: Greenbrier Historical Society Letter, Vol. #1, No. 1, August 1963; transcribed by Genealogy Trails Transcription Team] "genealogytrails.com/wva/greenbrier/mathewstradingpost.html"
The first trading post, or store, within the confines of the present limits of Greenbrier, for which there is any known record, was owned by Sampson and George Mathews,* and is said to have been located on the Greenbrier River, not far from the mouth of Howards Creek, at or near the shallows in the river now known as Mathews Ford.
[*Sampson and George Mathews were two of the sons of Capt. John Mathews, who with his family settled to the south of the Borden Grant, between Lexington and Buena Vista, in the present Rockbridge County, Va., during the period 1730-1737. Mention is made of other stores operated by the Mathews contemporaneously with the one in Greenbrier, which were located in Staunton and on the Cowpasture.]
Entries in Mathews Trading Post Daybook 
Millican, James, (Miligan) -Jul- 71 cowpasture now greenbrier - Dec. '72, (2¾ yds. fine linen) 
Beard, S. - Oct. '72, (pr. leggins charged to James Miligan). This record certainly points to a close relationship with the Beard family. It could be that both Sam Beard and John Dougherty are working for James Milliken 
Docherty, John - Dec. '72, (agent for James Miligan) 
1773 Fincastle Co. Tax Delinquents, James Milligan 
1774 Stephen Friggs List James Milligan, 1 Tithe (bad) This comment may be related to the legality of his claim on the land. His brother-in-law John Daughtery also had legal troubles with his land claim. 
1774 James Milligan Fincastle Co. Tax Deliquents 
1774 John Daugherty obtains survey for 210 acres of land in the Great Levels adjoing the lands of James Thompson, James Millikan and Ashcroft Roach (The rights to this land were disputed and John Daugherty moved to the Spring Creek area of Great Levels along with James Millikan)
1775 James Milligan (2 tithes) Tax List in Spring Creek area of Great Levels (the 2nd tithe could be Samuel Beard) 1775 John Daugherty (1 tithe) Tax List in Spring Creek area of Great Levels 
1776 James Millican and wife Elizabeth to William Griffith  44 acres on Cowpasture River for L~ 103 patented 1767 
1779 John Daugherty Marries Rebecca Lewis in Greenbrier 
“We the Commissioners, etc., do certify that Henry HUNTER is entitled to 211 acres of land by settlement before the first of January 1778, being assignee of John DAUGHERTY being a survey made for said DAUGHERTY in the year 1774 in Greenbrier County, adjoining the land of James THOMPSON and James MILLIKAN. Given under our hands this 13th day of January 1780, 
1780 James Milican, Greenbrier ,received 50 acres for serving in Capt. Baggs Co (Hogg's Rangers). 
Warrant #209 Entered 5/7/1778. Grant #1124 issued 1/12/1793. James Milegin 200 acres on north side of Nolichukey. Paid 12/8/1793. This is where James (born at sea) lived until his death in 1835 
1778 Washington County, NC/TN Tax List, returned by John McNabb James Millican (b.@ Sea (1 white poll)
1779 Washington County Tax List James Millieken, single 1 Horse, 101 cattle. This is James Milliken (born at sea) since James of Cowpasture is still married to Elizabeth
27 May 1779 in Southwest Territory.      James Millican was fined 24 pounds for insulting the court.      In the same, James Milican, 5000 pounds bond for future duty as witness for State vs Tate.
24 May 1780  in Southwest Territory;      Samuel Tate was given 10000 pond bond in court session'      Andrew Greer and Joesph Bullard surety
March 1, 1780 in Greenbriar County (Hogg's Rangers disbanded)
Warrant # 2609, Grant #362 Entered 8/13/1780 Issued 9/20/1787. James Millikan, 150 acres on South Fork Cedar Branch, Lick Creek, adjoining Joseph Henderson, John Odle, Perminees Taylor. This record appears to be the first for James Milliken of Cowpasture in Tennessee.
1783 Greene Co., TN Tax List, James and Alexander Millican This record pertains to the James Milliken (born at sea). According to his Application for pension he lived in the Washington County, NC area since 1777. He also had a brother named Alexander. Also on this list is William Reynolds who married Jane Millican, daughter of James Millican of Cowpasture. 
Greene County Regiment of Militia Established April 26, 1783. Known Captains: James Milliken On April 26, 1783, the NC General Assembly created Greene County and its regiment of Militia out of part of Washington County and its regiment of Militia. All officers were appointed and commissioned by the Governor, however, very few are known to this Author currently. The Greene County Regiment was active until the end of the war. Since it had been created so late, none of its units participated in any known battles or skirmishes during the American Revolution. This record most likely pertains to James Milliken (Born at Sea 1754) aged 39. James of Cowpasture would be over 60 . 
25 Apr 1786 James Miligan married Deborah Newman. This is definitely James Milliken (born at sea).
May 1787 James Miligan serves on a grand Jury in Greene Co.
20 Sep 1787  Land grant #1892  to James Millihen in Greene Co.
Nov 1787 James Milican served on Greene Co, jury Martin Prewit vs Thos. Dale
Nov 1787  James Miligan serves on jury with Andrew Jackson, trial of Andrew Leeper vs Samuel Vance
Dec 1787 State of Franklin Petition Signers  James Millikin, William Reynolds, James Millikan, Thomas Millikan. 
1790   Hugh Beard and James Milliken on grand jury
23 Aug 1790 Jane Milliken (at age 14) marries William Reynolds, Greenville, TN 
28 May to  11 May 1791 Holston Treaty Guards Capt. Hugh Beard's Company at Mouth of French Broad. Payroll dated 15 Jul 1791 
William Reynolds, private  
Thomas Milliken, private 
Isaac Milliken. private
Hugh Beard, Captain
James Beard, private
18 Sep 1792 James Milliken (son of James & Elizabeth of Cowpasture) married Jane Beard d/o Samuel & Rebecca Beard. 
16 Dec 1794 Green Co. TN, John Beard to James Milliken 1/2 acre $50 Registered 28 Oct 1799
1796 Green Count Kentucky Tax List,
James Millican,1 male over 25 ,  1 horse
John Milliken, 1 or 2  males over 25, 1 horse
Isaac Milliken
Nancy Milliken b, abt. 1777 Married Isaac Butler in KY 11 Mar 1797 in Green Co. KY....
Julius Millican b. abt 1778 Married Catherine Hart 1 Jan 1798 In Green Co., KY. There are many questions about Julius being a son of James Milliken of Cowpasture. This marriage record and a few Tax Lists are the only records which place him in the same vicinity as James Sr. and the others assumed to be his children..
1 Jun 1799 Ky Land Grants South of Green River
James Milliken 200 acres Green County on Sulphur Lick Creek
Thomas Milliken 200 acres Green County on Sulphur Lick Creek
1799 Green County Kentucky Tax List
27 May 1799 Julius Millican 1 male over 16, 1 horse
28 May 1799 Hugh Millican 1 male over 21, 1 horse
21 Jul 1799 Green Co. TN, George Harmon to James Milliken 1/2 acre $400 Registered 28 Oct 1799.          In Greenville, adjoins lot that James Milliken formerly lived.
29 Oct 1799 Green Co. TN James Milliken to David Allison Jr. 1/2 acre $600 Registered 30 Dec 1800.          In Greenville adjoins lot that James Milliken formerly lived (same as above lot}
14 Nov 1799 Green Co. TN James Milliken to George Harmon    $800 Registered 12 May 1801.          In Greenville same as purchased from John Beard
1800 Green County Kentucky Tax List
25 Jun 1800 James Millican (chargeble with tax) 125 acres on Green River, property entered in the name of Thos. Marshall
Julius Milligan 1 male over 21
James Millican
Thomas Millican
1801 Green County Kentucky Tax List
Julius Milican
24 May 1802 Adair Co. Tax List 
James Millican Sr. 125 acres Green River, over21                    
Isaac Millican      over 21 
James Millican Jr., over 21,  1 slave
William Reynolds  125 acres Green River 
Isaac Butler   100 acres Sulphur Creek
David Butler 
William Butler
For unknown reasons almost the entire Millican family left Adair County in the early 1800's. No further records of them can be found in the area with the exception of Isaac and Nancy (Millican) Butler in the 1810 census. The next record we find is the Death of William Reynolds in Flat Creek, Bedford County TN in 1808.
In Marsh's book Land Deed Genealogy of Bedford County, Tennessee in Deed Book "FF" it is written:\par Page 488 - 14 Feb 1809. I, James Millikin, Sr. for love and affection for my daughter Jane Reynolds... 1809 • Bedford, Tennessee This was a deed for 2 slaves. Cate and son George.