CHAPTER 6
Grubbs Family History
Forward
Whether William Grubb (1778-) or any of his ancestors are Quakers is unknown. Whether his wife Rachel Smith has Quaker ancestry is also unknown.
There is a wonder if one of William’s Forbearers will lead to John Grubbs, and his wife Frances Vann Grubbs, who settled in “New Jersey and was a friend of William Penn, but not a Quaker.”1 This John Grubbs was a “Cavalier, who had sided with Charles I of England against Oliver Cromwell, and thus fled to America, when Charles I was beheaded in 1649, and settled along the Delaware River. John Grubbs settled in New Jersey and established a tannery and a pier for the landing of boats, called Grubbs’ Landing.” 1 He was one of the signers of the ‘Plan for the Government of the Province of West Jersey,’ along with William Penn.1 Some of [John Grubbs] descendants went into Virginia, Georgia and Texas; and some became Quakers.1
But, there is also an Emanuel Grubb who came over with William Penn in 1682 and settled in Lancaster, PA. 16
New Evidence as of 1999 suggests John Grubb was NOT a member of the prominent Wiltshire Grubbe family, but a transplant Grubb family from Denmark and Germany into England, but as early as 1100 A.D. (Unknown Source). “The name of Grubbs is of German or Danish origin meaning ‘Pit.’”1
“John and wife Frances Vane Grubbs had nine children: Emmanuel (1682-); Charity, Phebe, Joseph, Henry, Samuel, Nathaniel and Peter.”1
“The Grubb’s Family were prominent owners of agricultural and mining lands in the Delaware River valley of Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The family could trace its roots back to Denmark in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, and by the sixteenth Henry Grubbe, Esq., the direct ancestor of the American Grubbs, was residing in Cornwall, England. John Grubb (1652-1708) came from Cornwall in 1679 to Upland (what is now Chester, Pennsylvania) and purchased land there, and his son, Emanuel Grubb, was apparently the first male child to be born of English parents in the new colony of Pennsylvania. Emanuel and another son, John Grubb II (1684-1757) settled in Brandywine Hundred, in what was to be known as Grubb’s Landing, and lived on ‘Stockton Plantation,’ a property of some 600 acres that would remain in the family possession for generations. Grubb’s Landing was one of the first shipping points in New Castle County, Delaware, and was one of the points of access to the colonies by Britich ships during the American Revolution. In 1727 Emmaniel was commissioned as a justice in the Court of Common Pleas.” 9
“The Grubb family was very well connected, maintaining personal and marriage ties with other politically prominent regional families. Some of these included the Bassetts, the Talleys, the Crawfords, and the Claytons…During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, they embraced the religion of the Society of Friends, and when the American Revolution broke out, John Grubb II’s grandson, Isaac Grubb (1749-1831) refused to fight on account of his pacifist beliefs. Therefore, he paid for a substitute to take his place.” 9
There is a Williams Grubbs showing inventory in the Books of Fauquier County, VA returned on 24 Oct. 1774; No dates; pgs 266-67; Applied by Ambrose Barnett, Samuel Steele, John Cooke; Total evaluated at L21.5.6.7
There are several Wills in Frederick County that are most likely relatives of William Grubbs; Thomas Grubbs Will dated 1815 which mentions his brother Darius and cousin Stephen Grubbs, etc.; Humphrey Grubbs Estate Sale 1806 mentions Stephen, Darvis, Betsy and Jesse Grubs as buyers.8
Important Frederick County Records
“[Frederick County, VA Records] On 20 August 1742, Emanuel and John Grubb of Brandywine Hundred, New Castle County, Delaware purchased 255 acres and 265 acres in the southernmost part of Jost Hite’s 1,020 acre patent land. (Tract 113A & 113B, Map 3). In November 1735, Hite gave John and Emanuel a bond in the amount of 100 pounds to guarantee title to 730 acres of land on Bullskin. This tract, surveyed by Robert Brooke on 10 Oct. 1734, is located between the communities of present-day Wheatland and northwest of Rippon, West Virginia with Highway 340 crossing on the east side. (Tract 76, Map 3).” 15
“[Frederick County, VA Records] John Grubb, innholder, sold 265 acres (part of the 1,020 acre Hite patent land) to sons Samuel and Adam Grubb, all of Brandywine Hundred, New Castle, Delaware on 20 August 1753. Adam leased his one-half undivided part to his brother William on 21 Sept. 1759 and later sold it to William on 22 Sept. 1762. Samuel and William received a grant from Lord Fairfax on 1 Sept. 1762 for 431 acres adjacent Benjamin Grubb (formerly owned by Emanuel), crossing the Bullskin, John Grub and Richard Stephenson. This is probably the east part of Tract 76. On 3 Nov. 1762, Samuel and William Grubb partitioned the 265 acre and 431 acre tracts with William receiving 300 acres and Samuel 400 acres; both men were still absentee owners.” 15
“Benjamin Grubb of the town and county of Frederick, Virginia received a 400-acre grant from Fairfax on ‘South Fork of Bullskin adjacent his patent land’ on 28 June 1751. On 10 July 1764, he and his wife Hannah sold 255 acres (Tract 113A) which he received from Emanuel on 11 Feb. 1747/48 and also 400 acres of Northern Neck Grant land to James Keith for 630 pounds. A Survey by Thomas Marshall, Frederick County Surveyor, in 1770 laid out this tract as 635 acres; this tract was claimed by James Keith, Amos Grubb and William Grubb, heir at law to Emanuel Grubb.” 15
“ On 23 March 1770, Thomas Grubb deposed that he was ’59 years old and about 27 to 28 years ago he applied to Robert McKay to purchase the land that Walter Cunninham lives on.’ Born about 1710, Thomas may have been the son of Emanuel or perhaps the Thomas who sold land in New Jersey in 1737.” 15
10Virginia Census Records:
1751 Prince Wm. Co., VA Michaelmass: Richard Grubs.
1753 Prince Wm. Co., VA Rental Rolls: Richard Grubbs X2.
1754 Prince Wm. Co., VA Rental Rolls: Richard Grubbs.
1759 Frederick Co., VA Rent Rolls: Benjamin Grub X4, Samuel Grubb X2, Wm. Grubb X4.
1764 Frederick Co., VA Rent Rolls: Benjamin Grubb X3, Sam Grubb X3, Will Grubb.
1772 Berkeley Co., VA Rent Rolls: Christr. Grubb X3, Sam’l & Wm. Grub X3.
1773 Fauquier Co., VA Landholder’s Namesrr: John Grubbs X4, Eman’l Grubbs X2.
1777 Berkeley Co., VA Rent Rolls: Christian, Will’m Grub.
1782 Frederick Co., VA Rolls: Uriah Grubbs, Humphrey Grubb.10
William Grubbs and Rachael Smith
Note: How do we know that William Grubbs and Rachel Smith are the parents of Rebecca Grubbs Rea? William and Rachel Grubbs, and Rebecca Rea are buried in Middleburg Cemetery Row 7, which is the only proof we have. Hope to find something even more confident. William and Rachel are common names; even if the parents of Rebecca Grubbs Rea are William and Rachel, need to secure the Smith connection.
1. William Grubbs was born 25 Aug. 1775 [20 Aug 1778] or 1770-1780 VA (Unknown Source). We do not know who his parents are at this time. William Grub marries 17 Jun. 1800, J. I., in Frederick County, VA to Rachel Smith.5 She was born 1778 VA (Unknown Source). Hopewell MM records show a David and Ruth Smith and daughter Rachel removing from Fairfax MM to Hopewell MM 7 day 4 month 1800.4 Hard to say; the name Smith is too prolific. But, there is rumoured to be a Christopher Smith (see book by John W. Haines on Richard Haines) born 1721 that dies in Logan in 1810 (and came to Logan from Culpepper, VA area). Christopher is the father of Benjamin Smith (Ben who marries Cynthanetta Garwood14).14 Ben (1793VA-) and Cynthanetta live in Harrison, Logan Co., OH in 1850.0 This Benjamin might be the one who buys goods at Wm. Grubbs estate sale. And William Grubbs and Rachel Smith do name their first child, Christopher; perhaps it’s after her father or grandfather.
In 1803/1804 Andrew McKay Wills to Elder Jonathan Lupton, Elder William Grubb, John McPherson and Jonathan Wright, “money to aid in the emancipation of persons unlawfully held in bondage.”8
“The village of Middleburg was laid out …1832 …Columbus St. runs east and west through the center, and Urbana St. north and south, also through the center. All the lots west of Urbana Street were on the land of Levi Grubbs, and all the lots east of said street on the land of William Grubbs.” 13
01810 Census Note Stated Twp., Jefferson Co., VA? (2 Grubb consecutive):
William Grubb M: 1 0-10, 1 10-15, 1 26-44 F: 1 0-15, 16-25
Adam Grubb M: 1 0-10, 1 45+ F: 3 0-10, 1 10-15, 1 26-44
01810 Census Culpepper Twp., Culpepper Co., VA?:
William Grubbs M: 1 45+ F: 26-44
There’s also a Benajah, Dan’l, Enoch, Lewis and Nathan Grubbs in Culpepper.
01810 Census Loudon Co., VA? (Wm. and Richard are consecutive):
William Grubb M: 2 0-10, 1 16-25, 1 26-44 F: 4 0-10, 2 10-15, 1 26-44
Richard Grubb M: 2 0-10, 2 16-25, 1 26-44 F: 1 0-10, 1 16-25, 1 26-44
(There’s an Ebenezer, Joseph, and Adam, also listed in Loudon County).
01810 Census Frederick Co., VA?:
There’s a Darris, Darvin, Jesse, Stephen, Charles, & Thomas Grubbs in Frederick.
01820 Census Zane Twp., Logan Co., OH:
William Grubb M: 3 0-10, 2 10-16, 1 26-45 F: 2 0-10, 1 10-16, 1 26-45
01820 Census Jefferson Twp., Logan, OH:
Andrew Grubb M: 3 0-10, 2 10-16, 1 26-45 F: 2 0-10, 2 10-16, 1 26-45
Daniel Grubb M: 1 26-45 F: 1 0-10, 1 16-26
01830 Census Zane, Logan, OH:
William Grubbs M: 1 5-10, 1 10-15, 1 15-20, 1 20-30, 1 50-60
F: 1 5-10, 2 10-15, 2 15-20, 1 50-60
01830 Census Jefferson, Logan, Ohio:
William Grubbs M: 2 20-30 F: 1 0-5, 1 20-30
Daniel Grubbs M: 2 0-10, 1 40-50 F: 3 0-10, 1 10-15, 1 30-40
01830 Census Perry, Logan, Ohio:
Christopher Grubbs M: 2 0-5, 1 20-30 F: 20-30 (listed next to David Ray)
01840 Census Zane, Logan, OH:
William Grubbz M: 1 15-20, 1 20-30, 2 30-40, 1 60-70 F: 1 15-20, 1 60-70
Benjamin Grubb M: 1 20-30, F: 1 0-5, 1 20-30
01840 Census Perry, Logan, Ohio:
Christopher Grubb M: 4 0-10, 1 10-15, 1 30-40 F: 2 5-10, 1 30-40
01840 Census Jefferson, Logan, Ohio:
Daniel Grubb M: 3 0-10, 1 15-20, 1 50-60 F: 2 0-5, 2 15-20, 1 30-40
Jesse Grubb M: 1 0-5, 1 10-15, 1 30-40 F: 1 5-10, 1 20-30
01850 Census Zane, Logan, OH:
Rachel Grubbs 73 $1250R b. VA
Benjamin “ 32 Laborer OH
Coiffida A. Humphrey 10 OH
William Grubbs dies 27 Feb. 1848, 69y 6m 7d.3 Rachel dies 1 Jun. 1856, 77y 6m 9d, wife of William.3 They are both buried Middleburg Cemetery, Row 7 West, Zane Twp., Logan Co., Ohio.3 “Wm. Grubbs died Feb. 27, 1848 Aged 69yrs 6mo. 7d’s. Rachael wife of Wm. Grubbs died June 1, 1856 aged 77 yr’s 6mo. 9d’s.” 12 William’s Will is probated 1848.2 (Note: there’s a Rachel Smith born 3 July 1778 Fred., VA - death 4 Nov (Unknown Source).)
2Estate Records of William Grubbs, Deceased
At a Special Session of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the county of Logan and State of Ohio began and held at the Courthouse in Bellefontaine in said County on the 18th day of March AD 1848. Present Noah J. McColloch, William H. McKinnon and Peter Kelly associate judges and Thomas M. Robb Clerks, Rachel Grubbs, widow of William Grubb having relinquished he right to the administration of the estate of William Grubb, deceased in favor of William W. Haines. On motion of said William W. Haines by A. Carad his Council it is ordered that letting of administration be granted to the said William W. Haines and thereupon the said William W. Haines accepted said appointment and gave bond with Jared/Joel/ M. Garwood and Benjamin Smith his securiting to the acceptance of the Court in the penal sum of four hundred dollars, Conditioned as the law directs. Thereupon it is ordered by the court that William Packer/Parker, William Evans and Jesse Downs appraise the personal property of said Estate. And afterwards to wit on the eleventh day of April AD 1848, came the administrator aforesaid and filed in the office of the clerk of the court of common pleas his inventory appraisement and sale bill which are now here recorded in the words and figures following, to wit; the state of Ohio Logan County: We the undersigned make, do, solemn oath that we will truly honestly and impartially appraise the estate and property that may be ascribed to us belonging to the Estate of William Grubbs deceased and perform the other duties required by law of us in the premises as appraisers ye according to the best of our ability and knowledge. William Tacker, William Evans, Jesse Downs appraisers sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of March 1848.2
C. W. Lyon Justice of the Peace2
We the undersigned appraisers of the Estate of William Grubbs deceased after being duly sworn have made an inventory and appraisement thereof as follows:2
4 dishes 1.00 1 Ditto=clock? 5.00 6 Tumblers 0.25 4 glass jars 0.50
2 glass jars 0.37 4 Bottles 1.00 4 dishes 0.25 1 Lantern 0.12
2 lamps 1.00 1 Saw 0.75 2 glass jars 0.37 1 gun 5.00
1 pitcher 0.18 1 drawing knife 0.50 1 clock 3.00 1 hand axe 0.25
2 sets chains 10.00 4 glasses 0.50 4 cow chains 1.00 1 tub 0.12
2 wash basins 0.33 1 keg 0.50 4 tins 0.12 1 keg 0.50
3 candle sticks 0.50 1 ½ Gal ¼ Keg 0.18 5 tin pans 0.62 1 pint 0.08
1 Tin Bricker 0.25 2 Funnels 0.12 1 Lamp 0.25 1 pitcher 0.12
4 dishes 0.25 1 stove and pipe 5.00 2 ovens 1.00 1 scythe + smead? 1.25