Christening: 10 Aug 1740 Montgomery Baptist Ch, Ambler, Montgomery Co., PA

Burial: Ketoctin Cem., Loudoun Co., A

Loudoun County Deed Book C (Part II) pages 615-619

Indenture made 1st/2nd June 1763 between John Palmer of county Loudoun of one part and John MARKS of same county.. Whereas there is a certain tract oor parcel of land being in county Loudoun on or about the Round Hill and bounded. beginning at two black oaks on side of said around hill in a stony Race being corner to land patented to Harman Cox.. in the given line of John Warners survey at the head of a glade.. to a line of George Carter.. containing 200 acres of land being part of a tract granted John Hough by Patent from Proprietors office and said Hough transferred to John Palmer by

deeds of lease & release bearing date 20th & 21st December 1762.. Now this Indenture Witnesseth that John Marks.. by deeds of lease and release.. sold said 200 acres of land as set forth and described.. Presence John Hough William Stewart, Daniel X PJalmer John Palmer At a court held 14th June 1763.. Indenture and receipt endorsed proved.. ordered to be recorded.

!WILL 1763:Loudoun Co. Deed Book C, Part II, pp 549-554: John Marks witnessed an indenture 10 May 1763 for exchange of land near Round Hill, Loudoun Co., Va.,1772: Loudoun Co., VA, Book I, page 96/98, 25 Oct 1772, Indenture John Marks and his wife Uriah to Elisha Marks five shillings paid to Elisha Marks, [.......] 150 acres for 1 year...into possession of Elisha Marks be in actual posessission and thereby enable to accept a release of Inheritance thereof in Witness whereof said John Marks and Uriah his Wife hath set their hands and seals day and year above written in presense of John Marks and Uriaha [her mark] Marks. 1772: Loudoun Co., VA, Book i, page 98/101 26 Oct 1772. This endeture between John Marks county of Loudoun and Uriah his wife on the one part and Elisha Marks of same county on other part, Whereas......... tract of land bought from Ephrim Thomas of County of Bucks of Province of Pennsylvania and of Mahlon Jenny of County of Loudoun and Ephraim Thomas transferred to aforesaid John Marks by his deed will fully appear..........Now this indenture witnesseth that John Marks for sum of Ten Pounds Virginia money to him in hand paid by these presents doth bargain and sell unto Elish Marks (in his actual possession by virtue of one indenture of bargain of sale and virtue of statute for transfering uses into possession) and his heirs and assigns forever the said 150 acres of land as above set forth in Witness whereof said John Marks and Uriah his Wife had hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

John Marks and Uriah [her mark] Marks.

1773:Loudoun Co. Will Book B, pp 34-36, 27 Apr 1773, John Marks paid money to settle estate of Jonas Potts.

1787: 31 Jan 1787 and proved 4 Apr 1788 in Loudoun Co., VA, lists as heirs his wife Ureh (Miriah), three sons (Elisha, John, Thomas & Abel), and 3 daughters (Mary wife of Thomas Humphry, Martha wife of William Howell, Uriah, wife of Jenkin Williams).

The Thursday, July 15, 1954 copy of the "Blue Ridge Herald" contained a long biographical sketch entitled "The Rev. John Marks Roused the Loudoun Countryside to Warfare Against the British", by J. V. Nichols. It says he was probably born in Bucks County, Pa., 1n 1716, and died on the farm now owned by Mrs. O.L. Williams, near Round Hill in 1788. It says that nothing is known of his parentage, his education, his training for the ministry or when or where he was ordained as a minister in the Baptist church. That same article goes on to say: "In 1761 he removed from Pennsylvania to the western part of Loudoun county with his family--his wife, five boys and three girls. Since John Garrard, the second minister to serve Ketoctin church, had returned to Mill Creek in the Shenandoah Valley, Marks became the pastor of this church. He served for 24 years or until 1785 when his failing health forced him to relinquish his ministerial duties. Our land records show that in 1762 he purchased from Ephriam Thomas, Bucks County, Pa., for the sum of fifty pounds sterling a farm of 150 acres here he lived the rest of his life. The house in which he lived is still standing (1954)" Another part of the article states: " At this point it may be of interest to note what Robert B. Semple in his 'History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Virginia' published in 1810, has to say of the Reverend John Marks: ---As a preacher he was sound and sensible, yet cold and phlegmatic. Being a poor man and obliged to labor for his support, his ministerial services were confined to a small circle. His cold and dry method did not help him be more successful. He was rather old when he came to Virginia, but settling in a healthy country and being very temperate and regular in his life he lived to be very old. He died about the year 1786, having from first to last maintained a spotless reputation for piety and steadiness" Nichols goes on to say: "As to Marks's poverty, his will and the inventory of his personal property recorded in our Clerk's Office do not bear it out. He left four farms and a considerable amount of personal property with no debts. This proves that he was a good farmer and business man. "He was certainly not a hellfire and brimstone kind of a preacher nor did he attempt to substitute loud declamation and long tiresome harangues for sound thinking and clear expressions in moderate tones. So his style of preaching was not popular in his day. However, the steady growth of the church proves that he was successful pastor." In another place in that article Nichols stated: "So intense did the patriotic sentiment become under the festering zeal of Marks that nearly every man of military age in that section enlisted in the American army. Two of his sons, Isaiah and John, as well as a son-in-law, William Howell, enlisted in Morgan's Riflemen and Isaiah was soon promoted to captain. Thomas Humphrey, another son-in-law, also enlisted and served with distinction throughout the war. A plain gray stone in Ketoctin cemetery marks the mortal remains of this patriotic man of God. The inscription is as follows; Reverend John Marks--dec. the 3rd day of March, 1788 aged 72 years."

See pages 2,3,4, & 9 of "Marks, Humphrey, Hixson, etc", by Ryland (1949).

See "Marks family in History of Lower Shenendoah Valley, VA (1890), by J.E. Norris, p. 758. Other data given in Ann Whiteheat Thomas's 25 Oct 1990 letter from P. O. Box 71, Round Hill, VA 22141.

Another researcher in 1993 was Dorothy Todd, 8550 Yoder St., Manassas, VA 22110 [Prodigy ID KPDV47A]

Another researcher in 1994 was Joseph Marks, 3738 William Flynn Highway, Slippery Rock, PA 16057-9157.

Another researcher in 1993 was Jean Marks, Route 8 Box 4A, SALEM WV 26426-9201

Another researcher in 2002 was Mickey Colombatto, 301120 Briarton Rd., FARMINGTON HILLS MI 48331.

Another researcher in 1993 was Howard Wynn Holmes, 1744 E. 128 Place So., Broken Arrow, OK 74011.

!"The Howells of New Jersey, Virginia, Ohio and Points West", Richard E. Wallace, Robert W. Cameron, Carmen J. Finley, 1994, Heritage Books, Inc. Bowie, MD., pp 17, 136.

"Genealogy of John Templeton 1755-1822 of Iredell Co., NC", Jay Norwalk, 1997, Templeton Foundation Press, Radnor, PA, p 375.

John Marks was born and raised in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. In 1748 he became an ordained baptist minister. He did not have his own church, but preached at various baptist churches in the area when needed.

He married Uriah Ledyard sometime before 1748, when she appears in her father's will as Uriah Marks. It is possible John had an earlier wife, as Uriah was not baptized until April 1753, thirteen years after John was baptized, and five years after he was ordained. Almost certainly she was the mother of John Marks' children starting with the birth of daughter Uriah in 1752.

John and Uriah were dismissed from the Montgomery Baptist Church August 12, 1761, to go to Virginia where John became minister of the newly built Ketoctin Short Hill Baptist Church in Loudoun County. It was the first Baptist Church in Loudoun County, and may have been the first in Virginia.

Semple writes, "Elder John Marks moved from Pennsylvania into Virginia with Mr. Garred. He was rather at an advanced stage of life [41 years old] when he came, but settling in a healthy country, and being very temperate and regular in his life, he lived to be very old. He died about the year 1786 having from the first to last maintained a spotless reputation for piety and steadiness. As a preacher he was sound and sensible, yet cold and phlegmatic. Being a poor man and obliged to labor for his support, his ministerial services were confined within a small circle. To this circumstance, added to his cold and dry method, may be ascribed his not being more successful."

John was instrumental in forming the Ketoctin Baptist Association. He worked with the other three churches in the Association, baptizing and ordaining ministers. In 1785, he gave up the ministry due to poor health.

Three of Uriah and John's sons served in the Revolutionary War. Elisha was an Ensign in the Militia of Loudoun County, John Jr. was an Ensign in Morgan's Riflemen, and Isaiah was a Captain in the 56th Regular Virginia Continental Line.

John's will was made on January 31, 1787 and stipulated the following: To his wife Uriah, all movable estate, full privilege to live on the place and to "enjoy the whole or any part of the House, Cellar and garden as she pleases." She also received one third of all revenue and produce, one Horse and two Cows, and firewood to be cut and brought to her door by Elisha.

Elisha was named Executor and left all wearing apparel. Mary was left 5 pounds, Martha 25 pounds, and Uriah 25 pounds. John Jr. was left his own plantation and was instructed to pay Martha 25 pounds and his mother 30 shillings on an annual basis.

Thomas was left his own plantation and was instructed to pay Uriah 25 pounds and his mother 30 shillings annually. Abel was left his father's plantation allowing his mother to live there by "lease". Abel was also instructed to pay five pounds to Mary annually.

His will was witnessed by John Thatcher, Philip Thomas, and David Thomas.

Individual:

!BIRTH:William Vernon Ford, Editor, "Ketoctin Chronicle", 1965, p 44.

!CHRISTENING: E. Mathews, "History of Montgomery Baptist Church in Montgomery Township, Montgomery County, PA",1895, pgs. 10 & 11.

!TAXES: 1782 John Marks, Sr., 2 , Loudoun Co. VA. 1787 John Marks, Sr., 1 [16+ white male] 4 horses & 6 cattle., on 28

Apr.

!MARRIAGE: Ryland, "Marks, Humphry, Hixon, Etc. "

The date of marriage is based on above reference by Ryland.

!Death: Tombstone

!BURIAL: Gravestone Marker. William Vernon Ford, Editor, "Ketoctin Chronicle", 1965, p 44.

!Occupation: Minister

Montgomery Church was founded in 1719 by Welsh People, and services were probably in Welsh. Thus it seems likely that John Marks was born in Wales, or to Welsh speaking immigrants. However, neither his place of birth or parents are known.

John Marks married Uriah Ledyard. Uriah was born in 1720 and she is mentioned as Uriah Marks in her father, John Ledyard's will dated April 5, 1748, probated April 30, 1748. Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania Will Book G, p. 256. Therefore, we know she and John Marks were married before 1748. It is possible John Marks had an earlier wife, a? Uriah was not baptized until April, 1753, thirteen years after John was baptized and five years after he was ordained. Almost certainly, Uriah Ledyard is the mother of John Marks' children starting with the birth of daughter Uriah Marks in 1752. Between 1750 and 1755, John Gerrand, a Baptist preacher of Maryland, is said to have gone to Berkeley County, Virginia and thence journeyed over the Blue Ridge into the present Loudoun, where he found the people ready to listen to the proclamation of the gospel. The first Baptist Church in Loudoun (and perhaps in Virginia as well) was built at Ketocton in 1756 or 1757, according to tradition, to be followed by a stone building in 1815 and then, in 1856, by the present brick edifice.

Until 1765 the Baptist congregations in Virginia were united to the Philadelphia Association but in that year obtained their dismissal and set about the task of building their own association in Virginia. Their first convention was held in Ketocton in Loudoun, the OLD CHURCH there, thus giving the first Baptist Association in Virginia its name. Delegates John Marks and John Lloyd represented Ketocton at this convention. Source: Legends of Loudoun by H. Williams.

John and Uriah Marks were dismissed from the Montgomery Baptist Church August 12, 1761 to go to Virginia. Colonial Clergy of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, in naming eighty-six Baptist clergymen from the Upper Northern Neck area, lists: John Marks from Pennsylvania to Loudoun County, Virginia, 1756.

Elder John Marks moved from Pennsylvania into Virginia either with Mr. Garred or about the same time. He was rather at an advanced state of life when he came, but settling in a healthy country and being very temperate and regular in his life, he lived to be very old. He died about the year 1786 having from first to last maintained a spotless reputation for piety and steadiness. As a preacher, he was sound and sensible. Being a poor man and obliged to labor for his support, his ministerial services were confined within a small circle. Source: Robert B. Semple's History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Virginia, page 302.

John Marks bought land in Loudoun County in 1762 and 1763. He was instrumental in forming the Ketoctin Baptist Association. He worked with the other three churches in the Association, baptizing and ordaining ministers. In 1785 he gave up the ministry due to poor health.

John Marks died in 1788 and is buried in Short Hill Cemetery, Round Hill, Virginia, in Loudoun County. His will was dated January 31, 1787 and probated April 4, 1788. Source: Loudoun County Will Book C.

The eight children of Rev. John Marks are as follows:

Mary Marks, born May 14, 1742; died December 5, 1811, Loudoun County, Virginia. Mary married Thomas Humphrey and they were the parents of twenty-one children, sixteen of whom lived to adulthood.

Elisha Marks, born December 26, 1744; died October 18, 1805, Loudoun County, Virginia. Elisha married Sarah Smith February 10, 1768; they were the parents of twelve children.

Martha (Patsy) Marks, born 1745; died April 1, 1817. Martha married William Howell and they had four children.

Uriah (Ury) Marks, born 1752; died 1830, Wythe County, Virginia. Uriah married Jenkin Williams; they had eleven children.

Isaiah Marks, born April 5, 1755; died January 20, 1785 - unmarried. He was a Captain in the 56th Regular Virginia Continental Line in the Revolutionary War. Isaiah Marks was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine; he also fought in battles at Monmouth, Stony Point, and Valley Forge. He is buried at Short Hill Cemetery in Loudoun County, Virginia.

In 1783, Isaiah Marks received four military grants of Kentucky land, each amounting to 1,000 acres. The land is described in the Master Index Virginia Surveys and Grants 1774- 1791, p. 123; 1,000 acres on Highland Creek, 1,000 acres on the Tradewater River; 1,000 acres on the Ohio River and Highland Creek; and another 1,000 acres on the Tradewater River. This land is located in present-day Henderson and Union Counties of western Kentucky.

The will of Isaiah Marks is dated January 20, 1785. It was probated August 8, 1785 in Loudoun County, Virginia. In his will, Isaiah Marks names his brother-in-law, Thomas Humphrey and his brother Elisha Marks, his executors. Also named are cousins John Humphrey and Abner Humphrey; brother Thomas Marks; sister Ury Williams' two oldest sons; brother John Marks; brother Abel Marks; and sister Mary Humphrey. One thousand acres of Isaiah's land in Kentucky was left to the two Williams brothers, sons of his sister Uriah. The other three thousand acres was to be divided equally between brothers Elisha, John and Thomas and sister Mary.

A portion of this original survey is still being farmed in Henderson County, Kentucky by descendants of Isaiah" brother John Marks II. Alexander Crooks, the great-great-great nephew of Isaiah Marks, is the present owner of Brandywine Farm, which is located near Corydon, Kentucky. The farm still boasts the original "ghost flower" or yucca plants that John Marks II brought here from Virginia and planted. Brandywine Farm was designated a Bicentennial Farm by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1992.

Thomas Marks, born 1756; died 1832 Henderson County, Kentucky, was a Revolutionary War veteran. Thomas married twice. His first wife's name is unknown. (2nd) Keziah and they had six children.

John Marks II, born 1757; died September 24, 1821, Henderson County, Kentucky, was a Revolutionary War veteran. John married Rachel and they had eleven children, one of them Margery Marks, who married Williamson Crews, also a Baptist minister, which is our direct line of descent.

Abel Marks, born March 20, 1760; died 1817, Loudoun County, Virginia. Abel married Mary Liddleton and they had eleven children.

He witnessed two wills:

Will of Jacob Eaton, cordwainer, dated August 3, 1750, proved September 20, 1750, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. Source: will Book 1, p. 198.

Will of Jonathan Drake dated December 15, 1751, probated July 30, 1754 in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Source: Will Book 2, p. 271.