Jane Hopkins Pogue
Wife of Fort Amanda's Builder
Sept. 14, 1767 - Oct. 31, 1846
In one review of my book the reviewer wrote I had " the book had a lot of needless facts on peoples birth, marriage, number of kids, where they are buried, in my opinion. to many pages 80-90 with these facts." I laughed when I read that thinking to myself, "that was the whole point." :-)
While that statement is true, it's also sad, that's why 79 pages of my book are dedicated to biographical and genealogical information of not only the men associated with Fort Amanda's history, but of their wives and mothers as well; the people I refer to as "the other half of the team." Because of the lack of printed information about them I have to rely on letters, diaries, census records etc. to tell their stories.
My previous post was about Ann Kennedy Wilson, Pogue, Lindsay, McGinty, the mother of Fort Amanda's builder. This blog is about Jane Hopkins, the wife of Fort Amanda's builder.
Jane Hopkins
Jane Hopkins was born near Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Virginia on September 14, 1767. She was the 5th of 10 children born to John Hopkins (1732 - 1791) and Jean Gordon (1739 - 1814).
Robert Pogue (Jane's future husband) was also born in Rockingham County, Virginia so it's possible the families traveled west together. Robert (25) married Jane (24) on June 4, 1791 in Mason County, Kentucky. Because Robert went out on almost every military campaign, it is very possible he could have been involved in the disastrous St. Clair campaign of 1791. The Pogue's wasted no time starting their family.
1. John Hopkins Pogue Sept 24, 1792
2.William Lindsay Pogue May 24, 1794
In 1794, 28 year old Robert joined Anthony Wayne's army and was present at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on Aug. 6 of that year. After the war he worked to improve his farmland and grow tobacco. At one point, he and Jane owned over 90,000 acres of land in Kentucky (yes, that's 90,000 acres).
For the longest time I tried to imagine what 90,000 acres looked like so I did a little math. Ninety thousand acres is equivalent to 140 square miles. How big is that? Its equal to the area bordered by East town road in the west to Cool road in the east and from Lincoln Highway in the north to Cridersville in the south. (See below)
When war broke out in 1812, the Pogue's were living near the village of Mayslick, Kentucky with their seven surviving children - four sons and three daughters ranging in age from 4 to 20. When Robert received orders to assemble his regiment the Pogue household immediately began making arrangements for his absence. It was decided that the Pogue's oldest son, John, would accompany his fatherwhile the next eldest son, 18-year-old son William and 14-year-old Edwin would help their mother manage the day-to-day operation of the family farm. Their eldest surviving daughter, 11-year-old Amanda would watch over the younger children, 9-year-old Jane, 6-year-old Robert and 4-year-old Ann.
Officers were permitted to have personal servants with them so Pogue selected Davey, one of the family’s 11 slaves to travel with him and son John. The three men said their goodbyes the third week of August and started for Newport Kentucky 66 miles to the northwest where they rendezvoused with the rest of the regiment on August 24, 1812.
James Blythe, clergyman, was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, 28 October 1765. He received the degree of D. D. from Princeton in 1805. He was president of Transylvania College for several years, but resigned about 1818 and established a seminary for young ladies, continuing his connection with the College as chair of mathematics and natural philosophy departments. and filling at the same time a pastoral charge as associate pastor of the Church in Lexington. In 1832 he accepted the presidency of South Hanover College, which he resigned in 1836. He died near Hanover, Indiana on May 20,1842.
The 1840 census, shows there were 9 persons in the Pogue household, Jane and 8 slaves; 2 males and 1 female under the age of ten, 1 male and 2 females between the ages of 10-23 and 1 male and 1 female between he ages of 36 and 54. One was named Charles Canterberry. Judging from the ages, the slaves may have been a family.
For the next 6 years, Jane continued to run the family farm. Whether she was ill or her life was simply coming to a natural end, by the middle of October 1846 she must have sensed her days were limited as she penned the following Last Will and Testament the day before she passed.
Four things caught my eye as I studied her will.
1. Her husband died in 1833 and yet it appears as though a grave marker hadn't yet been placed on his grave.
2. The second thing she requested was that money from her estate be used to purchase the freedom of Charles Canterberry. My question is who would they pay to if they already owned him.
3. The third thing was she did not refer to Canterberry as a "slave." It was common for slave families to live with the same slave owner families for generations so perhaps its possible Jane Pogue considered Centerberry more a family friend than what we typically think of as a slave in the classical sense.
Side note : At that time there were 3 ways slaves could be freed, they could escape, they could be released from the slave holder or they could buy their own freedom. How could they buy their freedom if they weren't paid for the work they did? Answer: Slaves were often paid for doing extra work beyond what they normally did. They simply saved their money until they had enough to purchase their own freedom. It took time but it was not uncommon.
4. The fourth thing that initially got my attention was that she was leaving everything to her grandchildren. It seemed odd to me that she didn't leave anything to her children then I remembered, with the exception of her son Willliam, all of her children were dead. Jane had outlived 8 of her 9 children.
Jane Hopkins Pogue died on October 16, 1846 at the age of 79. She was a brave and energetic pioneer woman, wife of the man who built Fort Amanda, mother of 9 children, a woman who managed the 'home fort" during the times here husband was off defending our country and a mother who struggled and suffered grief through the death of her husband and 8 of her children. Her second child, William outlived his mother by 35 years, dying in 1881 in Ashland Kentucky at the ripe old ate of 87.
The more I read about the Pogue family and studied letters to and from family members it's clear, this was an very caring, closely knit, educated, religious and deeply patriotic family.
I think Mrs. Cantrels statement that her grandmother was "a woman of great personal courage, energy and ability" was a understatement. Like her mother-in-law (Robert Pogue's mother), Jane Hopkins Pogue was much more than that, these were two very special ladies indeed.
While that statement is true, it's also sad, that's why 79 pages of my book are dedicated to biographical and genealogical information of not only the men associated with Fort Amanda's history, but of their wives and mothers as well; the people I refer to as "the other half of the team." Because of the lack of printed information about them I have to rely on letters, diaries, census records etc. to tell their stories.
My previous post was about Ann Kennedy Wilson, Pogue, Lindsay, McGinty, the mother of Fort Amanda's builder. This blog is about Jane Hopkins, the wife of Fort Amanda's builder.
Jane Hopkins
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Birthplace of Jane Hopkins (Harrisonburg, Rockingham Cty. Virginia) |
1. John Hopkins Pogue Sept 24, 1792
2.William Lindsay Pogue May 24, 1794
In 1794, 28 year old Robert joined Anthony Wayne's army and was present at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on Aug. 6 of that year. After the war he worked to improve his farmland and grow tobacco. At one point, he and Jane owned over 90,000 acres of land in Kentucky (yes, that's 90,000 acres).
For the longest time I tried to imagine what 90,000 acres looked like so I did a little math. Ninety thousand acres is equivalent to 140 square miles. How big is that? Its equal to the area bordered by East town road in the west to Cool road in the east and from Lincoln Highway in the north to Cridersville in the south. (See below)
Note: The average cost today for an acre of land in Mason County Kentucky is $2539/acre meaning Pogue's land would sell for $228, 571,428.
Sorry, I regressed, but I do love details. :)
When Robert Pogue returned from the Wayne Campaign, he and Jane went on to have 7 more children over the next 14 years including a set of twins.
3. Edwin Philander Pogue Mar. 27, 1797
4. Amy (Anzie?) Pogue May 24, 1799
5. Hannah Amanda Pogue Mar 4, 1801
6. Jane Isabella Pogue (a twin) Apr. 1, 1803
7. Robert Pogue (a twin) Apr. 1, 1803
8. Robert Cunningham Pogue Aug. 20, 1806
9. Ann Eliza Pogue Jun. 19, 1808
The Pogue's 4th child, Amy, died in 1800 at the age of 1 year. Two years later, one of the twins, Robert, also died (1803).
Sorry, I regressed, but I do love details. :)
When Robert Pogue returned from the Wayne Campaign, he and Jane went on to have 7 more children over the next 14 years including a set of twins.
3. Edwin Philander Pogue Mar. 27, 1797
4. Amy (Anzie?) Pogue May 24, 1799
5. Hannah Amanda Pogue Mar 4, 1801
6. Jane Isabella Pogue (a twin) Apr. 1, 1803
7. Robert Pogue (a twin) Apr. 1, 1803
8. Robert Cunningham Pogue Aug. 20, 1806
9. Ann Eliza Pogue Jun. 19, 1808
The Pogue's 4th child, Amy, died in 1800 at the age of 1 year. Two years later, one of the twins, Robert, also died (1803).
The War of 1812
Officers were permitted to have personal servants with them so Pogue selected Davey, one of the family’s 11 slaves to travel with him and son John. The three men said their goodbyes the third week of August and started for Newport Kentucky 66 miles to the northwest where they rendezvoused with the rest of the regiment on August 24, 1812.
First Letter from Jane to Her Huband
On November 30th, Jane wrote the following letter to her husband. As you will read, she was very busy running the family farm while trying to appease upset neighbors. A transcription of her letter is shown below as it was written and without any grammar or spelling corrections. Of particular interest are her comments about General Tupper. Tupper was an Ohio militia officer and without going into all the details it's obvious by her comments the Kentucky soldiers did not like him. :)November 30, 1812
My Deare Husband
I sent Edwin to see Mr. Marshall and showed him the agreement between Walker and yourself. I have enclosed his letter to you that he has written to me. I sent Edwin to see the man that was owing you wheet as soon as the milldam and race was finished with a request to diliver there wheel, but they have all faild except W. Mats who has delivered one small load. I would have not have been so uneasy but Mr. Walker has been threatening you with heavy damages. He has not said an ill natured word to me yet. But has talked very short to Bill and some of the neighbors. He wishes me to borrow the wheeet and says he must start again Chrismes. Before wheet took a rise I purchased 200 bushels lest there should be some failurs, some I got for half a crown a bushell but It cannot be got for less than three shillings in cash and will soon be three and sixpence.
I have been reading of the gallent conduct of G. Tupper and I am much gratified that when our Mayslick horsemen came home, many of them said he ought to be shot, others that they would Rather kill him than an Indian. But that is Mayslick patriotism you know. We are all in health and long very much to se you again. The children join in love to you and their brothers. I Add no more but remain your loving wife until death.
J. Pogue
P.S. we have not got all our corn in yet ut we shall quit it and git our wheet out. I have done everything in my power to fulfill the contract with walke rindeed more than was convenient. Your contract says as soon as you conviently can after water comes But I will still pereserve in getting the wheet delivered in the mill.
My Deare Husband
I sent Edwin to see Mr. Marshall and showed him the agreement between Walker and yourself. I have enclosed his letter to you that he has written to me. I sent Edwin to see the man that was owing you wheet as soon as the milldam and race was finished with a request to diliver there wheel, but they have all faild except W. Mats who has delivered one small load. I would have not have been so uneasy but Mr. Walker has been threatening you with heavy damages. He has not said an ill natured word to me yet. But has talked very short to Bill and some of the neighbors. He wishes me to borrow the wheeet and says he must start again Chrismes. Before wheet took a rise I purchased 200 bushels lest there should be some failurs, some I got for half a crown a bushell but It cannot be got for less than three shillings in cash and will soon be three and sixpence.
I have been reading of the gallent conduct of G. Tupper and I am much gratified that when our Mayslick horsemen came home, many of them said he ought to be shot, others that they would Rather kill him than an Indian. But that is Mayslick patriotism you know. We are all in health and long very much to se you again. The children join in love to you and their brothers. I Add no more but remain your loving wife until death.
J. Pogue
P.S. we have not got all our corn in yet ut we shall quit it and git our wheet out. I have done everything in my power to fulfill the contract with walke rindeed more than was convenient. Your contract says as soon as you conviently can after water comes But I will still pereserve in getting the wheet delivered in the mill.
After the War
In 1816 Robert went to Washington City (Washington D. C.) on business related to land issues. The following is a letter to his wife. Again, no changes have been made to spelling or grammar.Washington City, 29th Feby, 1816
Dear Jane:-- I suppose your anxious to hear from me. I have had very disagreeable weather on my journey, but enjoyed good health. Our friends in Rockingham is well.
I did not call at Augustia. I have presented my petition to Congress on account of Berry's land and the prospect at present is favourable but there is no knowing how soon that my be blasted. I shall be better able to judge on Saturday next. I have seen James Brown who tells me he is not hear prepared to pay me any money, but has no doubt but them notes sent by Wilson will be paid off. He says if I had written to him, he should have instructed his agent specially to take them up, and would write now if I thought Wilson would not have left Orleins before a letter could make out with the payment of two of the notes and forward the other two on next fall after he makes sail of his crop of sugar, but if I insist on it, the whole money shall be raised as soon as he gits home. I expect to leave this place on Monday next for Richmond and from thence to Kentucky. I shall likely stay a few days in Augusta to rest and see my friends.
This is one of the tirsomest places I ever was in and the poorest tables that ever I was at in what is called good tavern. Beef sells in market for 16 Dollars pr 100 not of a good quality, everything else is eatabel in proportion. I have heard no forin news that is interesting. Their is no part of the Union that is more favoured with plenty than Kentucky nor no part that is less gratefull to the giver.
The people for 50 miles round this city, it appears to me, is not able to supply this town with provisions without infringing on the necessities of their own families. You can scarcely walk the street without meeting a Beggar that is rely so through necessity. The Drawn butter that we use for the purpose of pouring over Boiled fish looks like grewel and can not in justice be called anything else and a small portion of tanted butter mixed with it. One family in Kentucky I am of opinion, uses as much solid food in one year as six of the same size does in this country.
Take the country through. As for high living on fish and oysters their is but few Kentuckyians that would fatten on them. I discover my mind turns much more on any affairs at home when abroad, than it does when there, which teaches me this lesson that it is our duty and interest to turn our attention more immediately to the business that is within our reach, for the business that is done when
the mind is absent might as well be let alone for nothing short of mistakes and disorder is the consequence. Give my love to all the family, etc. I ever remain your affectionate husband,
Robert Pogue
Dear Jane:-- I suppose your anxious to hear from me. I have had very disagreeable weather on my journey, but enjoyed good health. Our friends in Rockingham is well.
I did not call at Augustia. I have presented my petition to Congress on account of Berry's land and the prospect at present is favourable but there is no knowing how soon that my be blasted. I shall be better able to judge on Saturday next. I have seen James Brown who tells me he is not hear prepared to pay me any money, but has no doubt but them notes sent by Wilson will be paid off. He says if I had written to him, he should have instructed his agent specially to take them up, and would write now if I thought Wilson would not have left Orleins before a letter could make out with the payment of two of the notes and forward the other two on next fall after he makes sail of his crop of sugar, but if I insist on it, the whole money shall be raised as soon as he gits home. I expect to leave this place on Monday next for Richmond and from thence to Kentucky. I shall likely stay a few days in Augusta to rest and see my friends.
This is one of the tirsomest places I ever was in and the poorest tables that ever I was at in what is called good tavern. Beef sells in market for 16 Dollars pr 100 not of a good quality, everything else is eatabel in proportion. I have heard no forin news that is interesting. Their is no part of the Union that is more favoured with plenty than Kentucky nor no part that is less gratefull to the giver.
The people for 50 miles round this city, it appears to me, is not able to supply this town with provisions without infringing on the necessities of their own families. You can scarcely walk the street without meeting a Beggar that is rely so through necessity. The Drawn butter that we use for the purpose of pouring over Boiled fish looks like grewel and can not in justice be called anything else and a small portion of tanted butter mixed with it. One family in Kentucky I am of opinion, uses as much solid food in one year as six of the same size does in this country.
Take the country through. As for high living on fish and oysters their is but few Kentuckyians that would fatten on them. I discover my mind turns much more on any affairs at home when abroad, than it does when there, which teaches me this lesson that it is our duty and interest to turn our attention more immediately to the business that is within our reach, for the business that is done when
the mind is absent might as well be let alone for nothing short of mistakes and disorder is the consequence. Give my love to all the family, etc. I ever remain your affectionate husband,
Robert Pogue
November 7, 1817
“If Amanda wishes to go to Lexington to school, I desire you, or some of the family to inform me when she is ready to come, that I might make arrangements with Mr. Blythe for her schooling and also know where she will board or where she would desire to board and find out when the next quarter I will commence that she might know when to prepare, and when she is ready, I will go down for her when she is ready as I promised.
I wish Amanda to write me as soon as she can and inform me what branch she has learned that I may know what class she is prepared to enter. Give my love to John and the rest of the family. Tell Robert I wish him to learn as fast as he can and do not let him stay a single night from home as it is one of the worst practices that a student can be guilty of.
I add not but remain your affectionate son
Wm. L. Pogue
“If Amanda wishes to go to Lexington to school, I desire you, or some of the family to inform me when she is ready to come, that I might make arrangements with Mr. Blythe for her schooling and also know where she will board or where she would desire to board and find out when the next quarter I will commence that she might know when to prepare, and when she is ready, I will go down for her when she is ready as I promised.
I wish Amanda to write me as soon as she can and inform me what branch she has learned that I may know what class she is prepared to enter. Give my love to John and the rest of the family. Tell Robert I wish him to learn as fast as he can and do not let him stay a single night from home as it is one of the worst practices that a student can be guilty of.
I add not but remain your affectionate son
Wm. L. Pogue
Who was "Mister Blythe?"
The Tragedies and Sorrow in Jane's Life
Two of the Pogue children had died before 1805; Amy in 1800 and Robert (the twin) in 1803. In 1827, their third child, 26 year-old Amanda, namesake of Fort Amanda died. Her cause of death is unknown. A few weeks later, their fourth child, Jane Isabella (24), the other twin died. Jane's husband Robert died in 1833. In 1836 Yellow Fever took the life of 44 year-old John. His bother Robert had gone to visit him and while there contacted the disease and died at the age of 30 two weeks later. Two years later (1838), Ann died, also at the age of 30. Three years later (1841), Edwin died at the age of 44.
Seven of the Pogue family died within a 14 year period (1827 - 1841), Amanda, Jane Isabella, Robert, John, Robert II, Ann and Edwin. With the exception of father Robert Pogue (67), all died young. The assumption is that it was from either Yellow Fever or other diseases.
Seven of the Pogue family died within a 14 year period (1827 - 1841), Amanda, Jane Isabella, Robert, John, Robert II, Ann and Edwin. With the exception of father Robert Pogue (67), all died young. The assumption is that it was from either Yellow Fever or other diseases.
For the next 6 years, Jane continued to run the family farm. Whether she was ill or her life was simply coming to a natural end, by the middle of October 1846 she must have sensed her days were limited as she penned the following Last Will and Testament the day before she passed.
Last Will and Testament of Jane Pogue
Wife of Lt. Col. Robert Pogue
I Jane Pogue of Mason County Kentucky, being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make and publish this my last will and testament.
First I desire my burial conducted and completed in the manner I have repeatedly desired and not necessary to be repeated and my burial and funeral expenses (including a plain monument for myself and late husband each) to be paid.
Second - I set apart out of the first money arising from my estate a fund sufficient to purchase the freedom of Charles Canterberry and direct that he be purchased and set free so soon after the collection of said fund as the same can be realized after sale on the usual terms and credits.
Third - I desire the real estate I now own to be rented out for four years after my decease and then to be sold to the highest bidders (desiring that some one of my grandchildren will prepare him or herself to purchase) on a credit of instal(l)ments equal to one year and this with all other moneys arising from my estate after specific legacies to be equally divided among my seventeen grandchildren, Eli, Elizabeth, Robert, Franklin, Amanda, and Maria, children of E. P. Pogue, Henry, Amanda Jane, Robert, William and Harriet, children of W. L. Pogue, Andrew W., son of Jane I Mackey. Eliza Jane daughter of John W. Pogue, Robert, Samuel, John and Gideon children of Ann E. Garrison. Should any money be left from my personal estate after the purchase of Charles it is to be lent out at interest until the money arising from my land is collected.
I have given to each of my granddaughters, Elizabeth Jane and Amanda Jane a feather bed and bedding, a carpet the former, the carpet now in the lower South room which beds and carpets are to be excluded from the computation in making the distribution as above provided, and they are now to be considered as forming no part of my estate.
I hereby nominate and appoint William L. Pogue the Executor of this my last will and testement desiring that he should not be required to give security for the performance of his duties as such.
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this 15th day of October 1846.
Jane Pogue (seal)
Signed sealed and published by the testatrix in presence of us and w have signed and witness and seal the same in presence of the testatrix.
John H. Shanklin
James H. Shanklin
Mason County 1st December Court 1846
The last will and testament of Jane Pogue deceased , was produced in court and proved by the oaths of John H. Shanklin and James H. Shanklin the publishing witnesses hereto and hesame is ordered to be recorded.
Sworn to by William L. Pogue the Executor therein named who executed bond in the penalty of four thousand dollars conditioned as the law requires. And upon his motion it is ordered that probate be granted him in due form.
Attach John James Key MC
Copy attach Robt. A. Cochran MCM CO. Ct.
1. Her husband died in 1833 and yet it appears as though a grave marker hadn't yet been placed on his grave.
2. The second thing she requested was that money from her estate be used to purchase the freedom of Charles Canterberry. My question is who would they pay to if they already owned him.
3. The third thing was she did not refer to Canterberry as a "slave." It was common for slave families to live with the same slave owner families for generations so perhaps its possible Jane Pogue considered Centerberry more a family friend than what we typically think of as a slave in the classical sense.
Side note : At that time there were 3 ways slaves could be freed, they could escape, they could be released from the slave holder or they could buy their own freedom. How could they buy their freedom if they weren't paid for the work they did? Answer: Slaves were often paid for doing extra work beyond what they normally did. They simply saved their money until they had enough to purchase their own freedom. It took time but it was not uncommon.
4. The fourth thing that initially got my attention was that she was leaving everything to her grandchildren. It seemed odd to me that she didn't leave anything to her children then I remembered, with the exception of her son Willliam, all of her children were dead. Jane had outlived 8 of her 9 children.
Her Family Grave Yard
We discovered the Pogue Family grave yard in the year 2000 using old maps and aerial photographs and thoughts from relatives. We found it in a densely wooded area near Mayslick, Kentucky in the year 2000. |
| The Wooded area where many of the Pogue family are buried |
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This is what the area looked like before we began cutting brush
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| Pieces of grave stones |
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| Grave of Edwin Pogue |
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| Grave of Amanda Pogue McDowell |
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| These are believed to be the graves of Jane and Robert Pogue |
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| Mike Johnson (our son found Amanda's grave, Mrs. Francis Rice, gggranddaugter of Jane and Robert Pogue, Early rice, and David Johnson |
Conclusion
A granddaughter of Jane Hopkins, Mrs. Cantrell of Normal, Ky. said this about her grandmother; "Grandmother was a woman of great personal courage, energy and ability. She managed a large family of slaves and a very large farm during the absence of her husband and oldest son during the War of 1812."Jane Hopkins Pogue died on October 16, 1846 at the age of 79. She was a brave and energetic pioneer woman, wife of the man who built Fort Amanda, mother of 9 children, a woman who managed the 'home fort" during the times here husband was off defending our country and a mother who struggled and suffered grief through the death of her husband and 8 of her children. Her second child, William outlived his mother by 35 years, dying in 1881 in Ashland Kentucky at the ripe old ate of 87.
The more I read about the Pogue family and studied letters to and from family members it's clear, this was an very caring, closely knit, educated, religious and deeply patriotic family.
I think Mrs. Cantrels statement that her grandmother was "a woman of great personal courage, energy and ability" was a understatement. Like her mother-in-law (Robert Pogue's mother), Jane Hopkins Pogue was much more than that, these were two very special ladies indeed.
