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HOME > SURNAMES > ESTES > BOOK: DESC THOS ESTES > Achsa Lea 1790-1864 |
Achsa Lea 1790-1864Achsa Lea has one of the more interesting histories of our ancestors. She was born out of wedlock as she told her granddaughter, Artiller Estes, years later. Her mother was Mary Elizabeth Lea, the daughter of Luke Lea a Loyalist in the American Revolution. Achsa's grandfather, Luke Lea, moved to Tennessee in 1790, the year she was born, as a newly assigned but not ordained minister of the Lower Beaver Creek Baptist Church in what is today Jefferson County. There is a Beaver Creek Baptist Church there today, but not the same building. Rev. Luke Lea had been preceded in the move to Tennessee by his sons, James and Major, and his brother Major Lea and his family. The elder Major Lea also had sons named James and Major. Lea family history records that in 1793 the settlers had to take shelter in stations due to attacks from the Cherokee. Rev. Luke Lea took his family to Knoxville. The Lea home at Lea Springs was burned. When it was safe to do so the Lea homes were rebuilt.It appears from the record that, when seven years old, Achsa was left with her Uncle, Major Lea, and his wife, Lavinia Jarnigan Lea, to be raised when her mother, Mary Elizabeth Lea, married George Steel in 1797. George and Mary Steel moved to Anderson County, TN in 1802, the same year that Mary's father, Rev. Luke Lea, and other Lea family moved to Mississippi, near Natchez. Achsa's uncle, Major Lea, was a very prominent and wealthy land owner in Eastern Tennessee. He sometimes used the titles of Reverend and Esquire as did his father and other male Leas. He was appointed magistrate by Governor John Sevier, was one of the founders of the Tennessee Academy at Knoxville, and owned several slaves. We read that the Lea plantation was visited by numerous wealthy personages from North Carolina. Achsa was never educated even though all of Major Lea's male children were. Achsa married Floyd Estes when she was 24 years old. She seems to have been loved by "Ant Vany" as the Estes family called Lavinia. We surmise that Floyd and Achsa lived on a farm near Lea Springs for about twelve years. Major Lea died in 1822, and the large land holdings were divided up among his many sons although the widow, Lavinia, retained a dowers portion for her own and her minor children's support. In 1826 Floyd Estes took Achsa and his family away from the beloved Aunt Lavinia, and moved down the Tennessee River to new lands that had been acquired from the Cherokee by the government seven years before. Floyd died from unknown cause just a few months later, leaving Achsa with five youngsters. An infant named Lavinia had died two years before in 1824. We do not know if Floyd had taken title to any land before his death, but Achsa remained in what was then McMinn County near her Uncle John Lea and received some support from her Lea relatives. When her Uncle John died four years latter in 1830 she was in dire straights. Another Uncle, Luke Lea , the youngest son of her grandfather Rev. Luke Lea, was a wealthy man for his day, and was involved in both state and national politics. He was a member of the US congress. Uncle Luke Lea provided some financial support by way of credit at a local store. Single women were in great demand on the frontier, but Achsa held off remarrying for six years until 1832 when she married widower Moses Cates. Moses Cates had children of his own. To this marriage two more children were born before Moses Cates died in 1839. We do not know how much, if any, Achsa received from selling the Cates and Estes farms, but at age 50 she left Tennessee with all her dependant children and moved to Missouri, where new land was cheap, and bought a farm near Springfield. Her two oldest sons, James and David Estes, had moved out on their own, and Susan, the oldest girl, married James R. Ray the same year Moses died. Thomas J. Estes, age 18, Sidney Ann Estes, age 14, Elizabeth Cates, age 6, and William Cates, age 4, were still living with Achsa when she made the move to Missouri. Susan and James Ray made the move to Greene County, Missouri also. Thomas and Sidney Ann married children of Eli Epps, a neighbor in Missouri. Thomas was able to help on the farm until he bought his own in Howell County in 1850. Achsa continued farming with the help of relatives and hired help until her death in 1864 during the Civil War. Before her death she lost one eye to cancer. Copies of the following letters were provided by Robert Weil, and Nell Still. Originals were in possession of Lilly Lee Epps in the 1970's. The original spelling, and punctuation has been preserved as closely as possible. Rutherford County Aug 8. 1817 Dear Sister Axsa Estes It is so long since I have either seen or heard from you that I scarcely know how to commence a letter but urged by that tender felling which warms my heart towards an affection ate sister I will priceed regardless whether my news be interesting or not in the first place I shall communicate to you the sorrowful news of our affctionate mothers death she departed this life on the 24th of Sept 1815 and most sincerily do hope that her soul now restes with him who gave her existence our Grandmother has also bid a due to this troublesom world she died the 18th of march last pleased with the recollection of a well spent life and full of the hope which such conviction inspires that ere long her soul would be where the weary are at rest troubled cease to morn Since the death of our much lamented mother Popps has again married his partner was a widow with three children since their marriage they have had one child whose name is Caswell the youngest my mother had is name Samuel the children my Stipmother had are named Edmond Nancy & Mary which make our family now eleven in number I have heard that you were maried and most sincerely hope you have made a judicious choice at least I hope you have married a man with whom you will spend your days in peace and happiness present me to him in the most affectionate manner and assure him that I shall be proud to call him brother when an opportunity offers which I hope will be a about 15 months hence at which time unless Something extraordinary transpires I Shall come to se you Remember me very affectionately to all my Uncles and relations in East Tennessee say to them that notwithstanding the distance I am seperated from them that whilst my memory retains its office the recollection of their friendship willever retain a place in my affection Sister Rachel has married again to a man by the name of James Logan and resides in the Lousiana Territory and from her letters I am inclined to belive is doing remarkably well we have not heard a word from grandfather Lee at Natches for a long time If you have any account from him I would be glad to hear how he is coming on and how he injoys his health Uncle Jno Steel resides now in Christian County Kentucky he paid us a visit a few days since and informs us they were all well I would be glad you would write to me immediately on rescipt of the directing your lettors to murfreesborough Ruthorford County Tenn and give me all the news in your country my relatives are all doing and how you like the married State also how long you have been married and if you have any children and what are their names in all my long letter I have not yet said one word about myself whetherI am married or going to be married or not but to lead you into the truth of the matter I must here confess a melancholly truth that I am still but I don’t intend to spend all my time in this malencholy way of living I will now conclude with wishing all the happiness that a married life will afford my Parents Brothers and Sisters all join with me insending their best wishes for your prosperity health & welfare With all the affection in the world I remain your Sister Eliza Steel Dear Uncle will you have the goodness on reciept of this to forward this letter to my sister Axia as quickly as possible your early attention will greatly oblige your affectioate Niece with all the friendship in the world your affectionate niece Eliza Steel [This is a copy of an old letter. Notes of Thomas John Wilbanks indicate this letter was copied from the papers of Luke Lea, Esq. of Knoxville, possibly by Jackie Wilbanks.]
[envelope address] Dear Sister,
Will you be so good as to inform Ms Estes -that Mr. Estes has gone down the River way to John Leas for the (purpose?) of getting a place to move to -and that he does not expect to be at home befoir next Sunday night and perhaps not so soon - By request of Mr. Estes I send to Axca three pounds of Coffee and five pounds of Sugar which the Stage driver will leave with you and which I wish you to send to her- After discovering that he was determained to move down - Pryor and myself thought it would be best for him to go first and see what he was to do - All well-
Respecflly Mrs. Levenia Lea [Floyd Estes died in October of 1826. This January letter and subsequent letters addressed to McMinn County suggest he may have died after the move down river to McMinn County.]
[envelope address] Dear Axa
I have just received yous of the 17th instantI am glad that you are all well. You say that you are in need of five dollars which I herewith inclose to you.- you had better let the man to whom the money is owing send to you for it so that you will not be at the risk of sending it to him -- I am a little surprised to find that you have already expended the thirty dollars which I left in the hands of Maj. Nath. Smith for you -- but -- I suppose it is all right. Money is hard to get and in a Short time I shall not have the means of making but very little. Accept of your Aunts thaks for the thread whch you sent her -- but I have quit wearing thread Socks altogether. My family are all well with the exception of myself ------ I am very much troubled with a pain in my righ side supposed to be a complaint of the liver ---. I cannot advise you at this time what you had best do with respect to raising a Crop next year --- I think if you could get James to a good trade it would be best --- I have not heard from our friends at Natches since I was at your house.-
Yours Affectionately Mrs. Acha Estes This letter is written 22 months after Floyd's death. Capt. Nathaniel Smith was head of the Company under which Floyd was listed in 1810 and 1811 in Hawkins Co. He may have had a store in Athens, McMinn Co. for Luke to leave the $30 for credit. Col. Nathaniel Smith played a leading roll in the Cherokee Removal in 1838. He later moved to Texas where his descendants live to this day.
[envelope address] Nov. 14th 1831 [letter] Dear Acha
I am this far on my journey to the West and South. --It was my intention when M. Cate was at m house to have been to see you before this time -- but I hae been unexpectedly disappointed in being able to do so even now -- but expict to return your way in about four or five weeks --- I have Written to Major Nath. Smith to furnish you with some pork and salt and some Sugar and Coffee and that --- I will pay him on my return ---
The death of yr Uncle John has thrown a great charge upon my hands -- I have requested Major Smith to take this letter out of the post office and take it to you -- Your Aunt and the Children are allwell --- I have Sent Armstrong and John to Virginia to School where they will remain until I move which I think will be next fall --- Your Lavinia and Cynthea were both well a few days Since -- and so were the rest of the family --- In har--
Yours Affectionally Mrs. Acha Estes
[envelope address] [letter] Dier Wife I take this opportunaty to inform you that I am well at this time. I Expect to have that Debt Settled with more & Prigmore against I return --- the Barrel fo whiskey that Brow oes me will be taken in Part and I will Sell the furniture that I left when I moved from Prigmores -------------------------------------------
I rode in a Carriage to James Reagan Store ---------- I Started to Jefferson County this day & Expect to return Back to Byrds on next Sunday or Monday A week nd then I Shall come home as Soon as I Possibly Can ---------------------------------
Gillry & Byrd is Both well at this time --------------
I want James to tell Larison the prospect of the Debt. ------------
Moses Cates -------------------
[envelope address] [letter] Jackie
Cleveland Tenn--- My Dear Friend
Yours to my father was received this morning. He is no longer in resident of this place, but is now one of your State an of the Indian Territory, and a ------------- ------------------- (betwen addsiped) to West Part Missouri. He is Agent or some wise engaged for the indians as U.S.A.
He will be glad to receive a letter from you. so write him. All of his family are now married off.
I will write him where you are.
I am Yours Truly [It is strange that the above Frank Lea addressed his cousin, Achsa, as My Dear Friend. This is from a son of Uncle Luke Lea who had recently been appointed Indian Agent for the Indian Territory.]
Masuri Green County 1850+4
Mother brothers and sisters I want to see you all very much. I want you to write as soon as (you) can send it. I am well and am satisfied. Well I have nothing to trouble about now, but the loss of my love. I think some times I never can give him up. He is all my study day and night. But I keep it to myself. I shed many a tear about him. I want all my friends to meet me in heaven, for heaven I believe is my home. I can go to meeting every Sunday. There are two meeting houses within a half mile. I was at meetin today at a singing. I have a horse and saddle to ride when I want. I am (as) honored by grandfather and grandmother Dillerd as their (own) children, and the neighbors as far as I know. I have a good home and plenty . I have visitors, girls and boys every Sunday to see me and in the for a rairity.
I have a loom and wheel and cards, wool, cotton, knitting, sewing, and I can work when I please. I can play as long as I please. I live a very hardy life at present. Grandmother thinks I am too good all most too willing. I wove twenty-five pair in six days. I am going to Springfield to dress myself. I have a new pair of shoes and an new sack (socks?) before I had been here a week. Grandmother has nothing too good about her house for me. I wash a carpet for her. Nothing more at present, but remaining your affectionate Elizabeth M. Cate.
To Achsa Cate
[We can only speculate why Elizabeth was sent to live with this family.]
[envelope] December the 201
Dear mother itis with pleasure that i now take my pen in hand to let you no that w____ all well at this time. hoping when these lins come to hand tha will find you all in Join the same blesing i herd from you all or apart of you at lest in Joseph F Cates is leter but it was not ment___ sadis faction it was rot in sutch a maner i got no sadis faction hardley atal out of it only to her from him an bity an the rest of the leter icolnt reed to meny lins __________ at Tal i want you mother to git william to rit you a leter one time more to me how the____ is in your ______ Cuntery -- Times is hard and wors acumin the banks is closen for had times the younion is about to split i herd that the north has took apart of mosory last week and tha sent word to hickmon last week that tha are agoin to take hickmon in kintuckey it is on the river about 13 miles from wher itis tha was amakin up a army last saterday in hickmon to stop them tha dont low no northin boat to pass the river now tha was one northen boat went to orlins an tha giv hit 8 ours to git away in an tha was a northen man com to memphus and he coud not til his biznes an tha put him in a barel an hedit hit up an put him in the river but the lord see that wher there is Too or three rightes in the nation he will sav it and i pray to God that he will and ihop that there are more then too or three in litel nation if not it will be took from you but God is abel to save it tha hant got all the Power in thir hands for God has got the Power to do as he ____in that way
i think i will Com to see you all next fall if nothing hapins to mee ____ in that time i did think i wood acum last fall but i didn't git up but i th ink i will git app next fall Jan wants to Cum back to MO to liv and so do i to but neather is i don't never hav the good luck to see you in this life i no i will in the worl to Cum in God hav pardon my sins i ____ to fear God while her on erth i stay an when i dy i will bee don with this troubly world as in him i dy God will wisk my soul home To rest muther i hav red al the __ i Can say to you with out ____ with you i want you to remember you afection son in your prars an my wife and children too.
So nothing more at present but remain you afection son an daughter until deth
For d to Mrs. Achsa Cates
William spent loins to you an Sidney an The Cildren i want to see you an the rest of the family i want you to think of me an my litl family __ your family worship in that you haf pradid _____ ___ an God herd your prares an he ansered them i _____ a bin wher you was i Cold a told you all about it it maade my sole hapy to no that God had pardon my sins and i was not ashamed to one my lord and i ant yet and i don't enten to ___________ him eny more wse hills had som good meeting this fall agrat many hav ____ ___ religin an Join the Church all James Hardye family but too is in the Church
_____will hav had 5 more this winter an i think by morning from the way it is goin to day is is cold 3 day an hot 3 __________ hors es is 100 dolars per head -- cows 12 dolars pur head
oxans 50 dolars pur h--yoak poark 7 dolars a hundred an hard to git hit at that prise mony is --to be had corn ____ 2 dolars pur barel
wheat 1 dolar pur bushel oats 75 cents pur bushel i had 203 hogs now ihant bild all my meat yet an i don't no whin
So i will let you ___ ____ about my boy began walk an talk an his ____ ____ his health _____ this __ aney of yours dont you wish you had one boy to rit __ about id wish you had one boy i think ____ word ___ enough ____ body i ____ ____ ___ Jan ways ____ _____ _____
So nothing more at prssent but remain yours afiction brother until deth ____ ___
W T Cats to Mr. W b eps an wif
Rite to me _____ ____ _____
GOOD BY TO YOU ALL TELL BETY Hello for mee an Joe C an Sosdn Too
Rit to mee the name of the post ofis wher to ____ an the Caty so i Can rite to him
William i nidnt you to rit to me soon
State of Tenesee Obion Co. Troy PO
[This letter was apparently written December 21, 1860 just as the Civil War was getting underway. Apparently William did not survive the war as no further record has been found. Both William and his sister used a unique method of writing numbers. 1854 was written as 1850 + 4 and 21 was written as 201 or 20 + 1. His 203 hogs must have been 23 hogs. Joseph Cates was the husband of William’s sister Elizabeth, and may have been a cousin. The William to whom he addresses part of the letter to is William B. Epps who married Sidney Estes. LRE] |
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