Howell-Darling-2016 Research
Howell/Pankey Line

By Don Taylor

Burning of Washington DC in 1814.

Sadly, the 1790 Census and the 1800 Census records for Virginia were lost. Apparently destroyed by the British during the war of 1812. This loss has a major effect on tracing this family line during the time before 1810. Additionally, many genealogies regarding Thomas are sparse or contain conflicting information.  For example, one researcher indicates that his step-mother is Betsey Kinsey Pankey and that his sister was Betsey Kinsey Pankey.  These other sources also indicate a lot of conflicting information.  As such, this generation is difficult to trace and understand the family relationships. As such, additional research is needed.

 List of Grandparents

• Grand Parent: James Dallas Howell (1879-1964)
• 1^st Great: Peter Fletcher Howell (1842-1924)
• 2^nd Great: Carolina M. A. Pankey (c. 1811-?)
• 3^rd Great: Thomas A. Pankey (c. 1760-1829)
• 4^th Great: Samuel Pankey (1738-1807)

Thomas A. Pankey

Thomas A. Pankey was probably born between 1755 and 1765. The 1810 Census shows him as the head of household and over 45 years of age, clearly indicating that he was born before 1765.  Several other researchers have stated that he was born after 1755; however, I have been unsuccessful in finding a source for that assertion.

Other researchers report that Thomas had several siblings, Philip, John and Samuel Hardin Pankey may be his brothers and Lelah may be a sister and possibly Betsy Kinsey Pankey, although other research indicates that Betty Kinsey Binford was his mother.  Having a daughter with the same first and middle name as the mother is unusual but not unheard of. I need to do further research into the siblings of Thomas.

Thomas Pankey married Martha Cannon in November 1785 in Goochland County, Virginia. One source, Elizabeth Petty Bentley, indexer of Virginia Marriage Records 1700-1850, [via Ancestry.Com] indicates their marriage was 25 November 1875. Meanwhile, James Dodd, in Virginia, Compiled Marriages, 1660-1800 states that Thomas Pankey married Martha Cannon on 1 Nov 1785 in Goochland County, Virginia. Further research is needed to eliminate the conflict. Some records suggest that Martha Cannon and Martha Leggon are the same person. If so, then it appears that Thomas and Martha had at least seven children:

1. Mary Y                                    Born c. 1792, Married Ellis Armistead
2. Nancy Branch                       Born c. 1794, d. c1865
3. Thomas Armstrong             Born c. 1799, d. 1875
4. Elizabeth                               Born c. 1805, m. Samuel Scott (c. 1830),
5. Francis                                   Born c. 1807, D. 1870
6. Caroline M. A.                      Born c. 1811, d. after 1860.
7. Henrietta                               Married before 1830.

Census Records

• 1790 Census – Missing.
• 1800 Census – Missing.
• 1810 Census – Cumberland County, Virginia.
• 1820 Census – Cumberland County, Virginia.

In 1826, Cumberland County Virginia had $350 of debt transferred to the estate of John P. Price.

Thomas A. Pankey died in June of 1829.

Further Actions / Follow-up

• Further research the siblings of Thomas A. Pankey.
• Clear up the conflict of marriage date (1 Nov or 25 Nov 1785).
• Further research the children of Thomas A. Pankey.

Sources:

• Com: 1810 Census – Thomas Pankey – Cumberland County, Virginia
• Com: 1820 Census – 1820 Census – Thomas Pankey – Cumberland County, Virginia
• Library of Virginia: CUMBERLAND CO VA Chancery Causes, 1764-1912
• Jackson, Michael Edmund: via Geni.com: Geni People – Thomas Pankey – https://www.geni.com/people/Thomas-Pankey/6000000011659954307
• Howell, Peter M.: The Life and Travels of Peter Howell: In Which will be seen some Marvelous Instances of the Gracious Providence of God. Newbern, N.C.:  H. Mayhew, 1849. https://archive.org/details/lifetravelsofpet00howe
• Ancestry.com: Virginia, Compiled Marriages, 1660-1800 (compiled by Jordan Dodd); Thomas Pankey & Martha Cannon.
• Ancestry.com: Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850; Page 202 – Thomas Pankey & Martha Cannon

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