Father: Thomas Evans, Sr.
Mother: Jane Howerton
Spouse: Thomas L. Sabens or Sabins - b:
13/Oct/1784 - Dutchess Co., NY
d: 23/Jul/1868 - Monroe Co., KY - bur: Poplar
Log Cem., Barren Co.
m: 5/Sep/1808 - Montgomery Co., VA
Child-1: John F. - b: 4/Oct/1809 - VA
d: 23/Jun/1885 - KY - bur: Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co.
2: Narcissa
- b: 5/Feb/1811 - VA
d: ~1855 - Fentress Co., TN
m: William Grady Pile, Sr. - 7/Aug/1832 - Fentress Co., TN
3: George
Washington - b: 1812/1813 - TN - d: 1857 - KY
m: Tabitha Wilburn - 1833
4: Nancy
- b: 1814/1815 - TN
m: George W. Biggers - ~1835
5: Calvin
- b: 1816/1817 - TN
m: Frances Gentry - 15/Jun/1835 - Monroe Co., KY
6: Thomas
- b: 29/Mar/1821 - TN
d: 3/Jul/1898 - KY - bur: Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co.
m: Sarah (Sally) Gentry
7: Floyd
Riley - b: 23/Dec/1823 - TN
d: 13/Sep/1862 - KY - bur: Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co.
m: Margaret J. (Peggy) Biggers - 24/Nov/1853 - Barren Co., KY
8: Elvina
- b: 1825/1826 - Fentress Co., TN
d: 24/Jan/1855 - Monroe Co., KY
m: Samuel Wilburn
9: Sarah
(Sallie) - b: 18/Apr/1826 - TN or KY
d: 28/Sep/1880 - Barren Co., KY - bur: Poplar Log Cem.
m: John W. Wilborn
Biographical Details:
A birth year of 1788 or 1789 for Priscilla Evans is implied by the 1850 US Census for Monroe County, Kentucky, in which she indicated her age as sixty-one. This is supported by Monroe County civil records, which also affirm that she was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, about 1789, and that her parents were Thomas and Jane Evans. According to Montgomery County marriage records, Priscilla Evans and Thomas L. Sabens were married on September 5, 1808. It is generally believed that he was born in Dutchess County, New York, and apparently emigrated to the Virginia frontier as a young man. Indeed, this pattern of migration was common with the opening of western lands in the period immediately following the American Revolution. Moreover, genealogists of the Sabens family indicate that Thomas L. Sabens was a descendant of an old Puritan family, the first members of which arrived in Massachusetts before 1642.1 Within this context, there is some confusion as to the spelling of the family surname and, in addition to "Sabens", variant spellings include, "Sabins" or "Sabin" as well as the more formal "Sabine" or even the colloquial "Sabean". In particular, it appears that "Sabin" was used in seventeenth and eighteenth century New England and New York, but in later civil records of Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky "Sabens" was preferred. Perhaps, for some unknown reason, this change was due to Thomas himself.Source Notes and Citations:Subsequent census records indicate that the oldest son and daughter of Thomas and Priscilla Evans Sabens, John F. and Narcissa, were both born in Virginia, but that all the younger children were born in Tennessee. This accords well with what is known of the movements of the extended family of Thomas and Jane Howerton Evans. Therefore, it seems very likely that Thomas and Priscilla and their two oldest children moved to Overton (later Fentress) County, Tennessee, along with other relatives in 1811 or 1812 and remained resident there for at least twenty years. In support of this it is known that Thomas L. Sabens and Drewery Evans, his brother-in-law, witnessed a land conveyance involving other family members on September 16, 1829, in Fentress County. In addition, the household of Thomas L. Sabens appeared in the population schedule of the 1830 US Census for Fentress County and at the time was stated to consist of two male and two female children of less than five years of age, one male and one female child between five and ten, one female between ten and fifteen, a male and a female adolescent between fifteen, and twenty and, finally, an adult male and female of between forty and fifty years of age. Naturally, the adults can reasonably be presumed to have been Thomas and Priscilla themselves. Moreover, a total of nine children was indicated, which is consistent with the known family of Thomas and Priscilla Evans Sabens; however, there are inconsistencies in stated genders and ages. As observed elsewhere, this should not be considered as too serious a discrepancy since the primary purpose of early censuses was not the collection of detailed demographic information, but merely a simple enumeration of inhabitants for the purpose of proportional representation in Congress and state legislatures. Narcissa Sabens married William Pile in Fentress County in the summer of 1832.2 Therefore, it is probable that the family of Thomas and Priscilla Sabens was still living in Fentress County at that time. However, by 1835 it seems that they had relocated to Monroe County, Kentucky. Furthermore, it appears that all of their children moved with them with the exception of Narcissa who remained behind in Fentress County with her husband. Indeed, the households of Thomas L., G. W., and Calvin Sabens all appeared in the 1840 US Census for Monroe County. (G. W. Sabens can almost certainly be identified as their second son, "Washington", in which case the initial "G" evidently corresponds to "George".3) In addition, the household of G. W. Biggers, who can be identified as the husband of Nancy, the second known daughter of Thomas and Priscilla Sabens, also appeared in the population schedule.4 Subsequently, these same families were also listed in the 1850 US Census for Monroe County and, in addition, the families of Thomas Sabens, son of Thomas L. and Priscilla Evans Sabens, and Samuel Wilburne were also listed. Of course, Samuel Wilburne (whose surname is alternatively spelled "Wilburn" or "Wilborn") can be identified as the husband of Elvina Sabens. Priscilla Evans Sabens died in Monroe County on September 17, 1857. Her husband, Thomas, survived until July 23, 1868, and was buried in Poplar Log Cemetery in Barren County, Kentucky. In all likelihood, Priscilla Evans Sabens is buried with her husband. Many descendants of Thomas and Priscilla Evans Sabens remained in Monroe and Barren Counties in Kentucky throughout the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. Others migrated to Texas, Missouri, and other states.5
1. Sabin/Sabens family researcher, Frank Fisher, has identified William Sabin, born in Titchfield, Hampshire, England, as the immigrant ancestor and progenitor of the Sabin/Sabens family in the United States and Canada. His baptism is recorded in St. Peter's Parish, Titchfield, England: 'Oct. 1609 bapt. William Sabin, the XI daye.' Between two wives, he was the father of twenty children one of which was Benjamin Sabin, born July 3, 1646, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. The older Sabin remained in Rehoboth and died there on February 9, 1686. The younger Sabin was married twice, had eleven children, and died in Pomfret, Connecticut, on July 21, 1725. His son, Jeremiah Sabin, Sr., was born on March 11, 1684, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He married Abigail Davis in Woodstock, Connecticut, on May 8, 1712, and Jeremiah Sabin, Jr., was born February 17, 1717, one of nine children. Jeremiah, Sr., died in Pomfret, Connecticut, on January 20, 1775. Jeremiah, Jr., moved to Pawling, Dutchess County, New York, in about 1740 and married Mary Burtch in January of 1747. They were the parents of ten children among which was Asa Sabin, born about 1758. Jeremiah Sabin, Jr., died in Pawling on March 12, 1790. Asa Sabin was the father of Thomas L. Sabin/Sabens and an early settler of Sabintown, Yates County, New York, where he died November 22, 1802. Thomas L. Sabens/Sabin was born in Dutchess County on October 13, 1784, and, presumably, moved from New York to southwestern Virginia after his father's death in 1802. (Frank Fisher; database - gamorris; worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com, 2002.)
back to bio.2. W. H. Perrin, J. H. Battle, and G. C. Kniffin, Kentucky: A History of the State - 3rd ed., 1886: Metcalfe County. (Kentucky Biography Project, www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/, 1996-2002.)
"ALVIN C PILE was born July 10, 1845 (sic - 1843), in Fentress County, Tenn., where he resided until seventeen years of age, and in 1862 removed to Owen County, Ind. He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for over a year during the late war. His father, William Pile, was born March 12, 1810, also in Fentress County, Tenn., where he died in October, 1877. He was a son of Conrad Pile, who was born about 1773, in Virginia, and was of German descent. William Pile was twice married; first, in 1832, to Narcissa, daughter of Thomas and Priscilla (Evins) Sibins*, of Fentress County, Tenn. From this union sprang Thomas, Daniel (deceased), George, Priscilla (Johnson), Martha (Cooper), Mary (Anderson), Vina (Sibins)*, Elizabeth (Meadows), Adelphia and Alvin C. His second marriage took place, in 1860, with Mary, daughter of Joseph Davidson. To them were born Jasper and Altie. Alvin C. married, January 2, 1868, Minerva A., daughter of John and Julia (Ferguson) Payne, of Monroe County. To them have been born Lindsey T., George V., Older (deceased) and Alonzo (deceased). Mr. Pile started even in the race of life, but by industry and perseverence has become the owner of a well improved and productive farm of 537 acres in a fine state of cultivation, and has one of the best houses in the district. He commenced life as a farmer and stock trader, and is the owner, in connection with his farm, of a good distillery on Hacker's branch. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics an unswerving Democrat."
*Both Evans and Sabens are mispelled in this account as "Evins" and "Sibins", respectively.
back to bio.3. Some researchers include in the family of Thomas L. and Priscilla Evans Sabens, an additional son, George Washington Sabin/Sabens, born about 1820 or, perhaps, as late as 1829, in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, and who is reported to have later married Mary Catherine Chandler. Obviously, it would be very unlikely for two surviving sons of the same family to have been given exactly the same name. Moreover, there is no evidence in census or civil records of Monroe County of any son born to Thomas and Priscilla Sabens in Kentucky. Neither is there any indication that they ever lived in or in the vicinity of Louisville. Therefore, it seems very likely that these two individuals have been confused by later researchers and that this second George Washington Sabin/Sabens is not a son of Thomas and Priscilla Evans Sabens. (unpublished notes)
back to bio.4. W. H. Perrin, J. H. Battle, and G. C. Kniffin, Kentucky: A History of the State - 3rd ed., 1886: Barren County. (Kentucky Biography Project, www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/, 1996-2002.)
"DR. CARTER W. BIGGERS was born August 28, 1840, in Monroe County, Ky., where he grew up. In his thirty-third year he removed to Barren County, where he has since resided. His father, George W. Biggers, was born May 3, 1800, in Virginia, and was for years a physician. He died December 31, 1876. He was a son of William Biggers, who was a native of Ireland. George W. Biggers married, about 1830, Nancy, daughter of Thomas and Pricilla (Evans) Sabens. To their union were born James T., Carter W., Mary S. (Frazier), Eva (Reynolds), and George W. Dr. Biggers married, June 30, 1864, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Julia (Ferguson) Payne. To them were born Millard F., Estella J. (deceased), and Alonzo. Dr. Biggers began, when eighteen years of age, to teach, since which time he has been making his own way in the world. For the first three years he paid his salary to his father; then for two years taught on his own account before beginning the study of medicine. After two years' study under the preceptorship of Dr. J. W. Reynolds, he entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, where on account of sickness, he only remained a short time. Afterward he entered Ohio Medical School for one session, in 1865, after which he immediately commenced the practice of his profession at Sulphur Lick, Monroe County, and has since continued the practice with more than average success. He is the owner of 200 acres of well improved and productive land in a fine state of cultivation. He is a member, with his whole family, of the Baptist Church; is a thoroughly self-made man, and politically he is a Democrat." In this account it is stated that George W. Biggers and Nancy Sabens were married about 1830. However, it can be inferred from their ages and the ages of their children in subsequent census records that this date is too early and the marriage more likely took place about or shortly before 1835.
back to bio.5. Descendants of Thomas L. and Priscilla Evans Sabens are identified from civil and census records as well as oral family tradition and research compiled by various researchers of the Sabin/Sabens family:
First Generation
Thomas L. Sabens, born 13 Oct 1784 in Dutchess Co., NY, died 23 Jul 1868, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married Priscilla Evans, born 1789 in Montgomery Co., VA, died 17 Sep 1857, in Monroe Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co..
1. John F. Sabens, born 4 Oct 1809 in VA, died 23 Jun 1885, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY. Apparently never married and in 1870 was living with his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and George Biggers and in 1880 with his nephew, John F. Sabens.*Some researchers assert that Sarah Sabens married James E. Allison in Logan County, Kentucky, in either 1853 or 1858; however, there seems to be little if any support for this in census or civil records. Instead, considerable circumstantial evidence exists affirming that Sarah Sabens and her older sister, Elvina, married the brothers, Samuel and John W. Wilborn. They were sons of William and Elizabeth Webb Wilborn (and, concomitantly, nephews of Washington and Tabitha Wilborn Sabens). Indeed, the 1860 population schedule indicates that John and Sarah Wilborn were living near relatives in Monroe County with four children between two and ten years of age (as well as their adult nephew, Daniel Pile). In contrast, in the subsequent Monroe County population schedule of 1870 neither Sarah nor John Wilborn appear; however, their daughter, Priscilla Wilborn (not to be confused with her first cousin of similar name, daughter of Samuel and Elvina Wilborn), was evidently living with her aunt and uncle, Nancy and George Biggers. Likewise, their two sons, William and Madison Wilborn, and younger daughter, Sarah F. Wilborn, were living with their grandparents, William and Elizabeth Wilborn. (Unfortunately, identifications are somewhat confusing because of inconsistency of names and ages appearing in the population schedule, but the essential presumption would seem correct.) Accordingly, this suggests that either John, Sarah, or both were deceased by 1870. Nevertheless, existing tombstones for John and Sarah Wilborn in Poplar Log Cemetery indicate that they died in 1888 and 1880, respectively, which, obviously, implies that both were still living in 1870. If this is so, then it would seem that some kind of difficulty had befallen the family requiring the children to be "farmed out" to relatives. Of course, many explanations are plausible such as disability of the parents due to disease or accident, economic hardship, breakdown of the marriage, etc. Alternatively, their deaths may have actually occurred earlier and the attributed death dates may be simply incorrect or misread becuase of weathering of tombstones. In any case, it seems likley that Sarah Sabens and John W. Wilborn married in Monroe County, Kentucky, about 1849 or 1850 and remained in this locality for the remainder of their lives.
2. Narcissa Sabens, born 5 Feb or 2 May 1811, died ~1855; married on 7 Aug 1832 in TN, William Grady Pile, Sr., born 12 or 30 Mar 1810 in Overton County, TN, died 28 Sep 1876 in Fentress County, TN, buried Jasper Pile Cem.
3. George Washington Sabens, born ~1813 in TN, died in 1857 in KY; married in 1833, Tabitha Wilborn, born 12 Mar 1812 in KY, died after 1880, buried Orient Cem., Cass Co., MO.
4. Nancy Sabens, born ~1814/1815 in TN; married George W. Biggers, born 3 May 1800 in VA, died 31 Dec 1876.
5. Calvin Sabens, born ~1817 in TN; married on 15 Jun 1835 in Monroe Co., KY, Frances Gentry, born 12 Jul 1817 in VA.
6. Thomas Sabens, born 29 Mar 1821 in TN, died 3 Jul 1898, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married Sarah (Sallie) Gentry, born 19 Jan 1819, died 14 Oct 1880, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY.
7. Floyd Riley Sabens, born 23 Dec 1823, died 13 Sep 1862, buried in Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married on 24 Nov 1853 in Barren Co., KY, Margaret J. (Peggy) Biggers, born 12 Jul 1825 in Barren Co., KY, died 31 Jul 1915, in Barren Co., KY, buried in Poplar Log Cem.
8. Elvina Sabens, born ~1825, died 24 Jan 1855; married Samuel Wilborn, born 6 Dec 1821 in Monroe Co., KY, died 11 Dec 1889 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem. They had Nancy J., Priscilla Elizabeth, and Eliza M. Wilborn. After the death of his wife, he evidently remarried a younger woman, Sarah, who was born about 1839.
9. Sarah Sabens*, born 16 Apr 1826 in KY, died 28 Sep 1880 In Barren Co/. KY, buried Poplar Log Cem.; married John W. Wilborn, born 9 Sep 1829 in Barren Co., KY, died 23 Jan 1888 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem.Second Generation
2. Narcissa Sabens married William Grady Pile, Sr. in the summer of 1832. Known familiarly as "Grady" or "Sene", he was the son of Conrad "Coonrod" Pile and Mary Catherine "Caty" Rich who were some of the first settlers of the Wolf River Valley in Fentress County. Following his first wife's death about 1855, William married Mary Davidson and was the father of two additional children, viz., Alta and Jasper Pile.
2-1. Thomas Pile, born 22 May 1833 in Fentress Co., TN, died 20 Mar 1861 in Fentress Co., TN; married Delila Williams. They had Erasmus, Doctor, and Narcissa Clementine Pile. According to the population schedule of the 1860 US Census, the families of Thomas and his younger brother, George, were evidently both then resident in Wayne Co., Kentucky.**Julie Smith Pyle, Bruce York, and others include both Mary and Maria Pile in the list of children of William and Narcissa Sabens Pile. Obviously, the similarity of these names suggests possible confusion of identities. Moreover, the population schedule for the 1850 US Census indicates a child, Mary, age five, in the familiy of William and Narcissa Pile, but no child named "Maria". Clearly, this younger "Mary" can be identified with must correspond to Maria in the above list. Therefore, the older Mary must either have died before 1850 or, perhaps, never existed at all.
2-2. Daniel Pile, born 26 Jan 1835 in Fentress Co., TN. In 1860, Daniel "Pyles", age twenty-three, was evidently an unmarried young man living with his aunt and uncle, John and Sarah Wilborn; however, he cannot be identified in subsequent census records, which suggests that he never married and died as a young adult.
2-3. Mary Pile, born 22 Jan 1836** in Fentress Co., TN.
2-4. George Pile, born 29 Oct 1837 in Fentress Co., TN, died 19 Jun 1918 in Parke Co., IN, buried Bethany Cem.; married (1) on 18 Feb 1858 in Fentress Co., TN, Sarah Coil or Coyle, born 7 Sep 1840 in TN, died 14 Mar 1886 in Monroe Co., KY, buried Bethlehem Cem. They had Sandusky, Priscilla, Flora Alice, William Thomas, Artissima, Samuel Franklin, John Alvin, Alfa Luther, James G. and George Pile. Married (2) on 3 Nov 1887 at Mt. Hermon, Monroe Co., KY, Sarah (Sallie) J. Whittaker, born 3 Sep 1848, died 30 Mar 1935, buried Bethany Cem., Parke Co., IN. They had Electia Tina and Ava Narcissus Pile.
2-5. Priscilla Pile, born 24 Jul 1839 in Fentress Co., TN, died 1910; married ***** Johnson.
2-6. Martha Pile, born 10 Sep 1841 in Fentress Co., TN, died 21 Sep 1920 in Wayne Co., KY, buried Mt. Pisgah Cem.; married (1), *****#; married (2) Harmon S. Cooper, Jr., born 24 Aug 1811 in Wayne Co., KY, died 7 Jul 1886 in Wayne Co., KY, buried Harmon Cooper Cem. Their known children were Alvin, Alfred, Victoria, Silas S., Rosa, and Joseph Cooper.
2-7. Alvin C. Pile#*, born 10 Jul 1843 in Fentress Co., TN, died 11 Nov 1921, buried Green City Cem., Sullivan Co., MO; married on 2 Jan 1868 in Monroe Co., KY, Minerva A. Payne, born 24 Mar 1850 in Monroe Co., KY, died 19 Sep 1917 in Sullivan Co., MO, buried Green City Cem. Their known children were Lindsey T., George V., Older, and Alonzo Pile. Alvin Pile evidently lived in various localities in Kentucky, but seems to have eventually moved to Sullivan County, Missouri, perhaps, in old age so he and his wife could be near family.
2-8. Maria (Mary) Pile, born 26 Jan 1845** in Fentress Co., TN; married Steve Anderson.
2-9. Lavina (Vina) Pile, born 27 Aug 1849 in Fentress Co., TN, died 21 Nov 1887, buried in Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married John Floyd Sabens.
2-10. Elizabeth or Eliza Pile, born 7 Apr 1852 in Fentress Co., TN. died 23 Aug 1920; married in 1875, Joseph T. Meadows, born 5 Jun 1856 in KY, died 10 Nov 1927, buried Brushy Creek Cem., Grady Co., OK. Appear to have settled in the Chickasaw Nation, Indiant Territory by 1900. They had Laura Levada, Martin V., Della F., Jesse G., Martha Ellen, and Minnie M. Meadows.
2-11. Adelpha Pile, born 22 May 1854 in Fentress Co., TN, died May 1, 1938 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem.; married J. M. Branch.
# Bruce York identifies the first husband of Martha Pile as Keelan Slagle. However, census records indicate that a household of Keeland or Keelan and Rosanah Slagle was resident in Wayne County in both 1860 and 1870. Moreover, the coincidence of names and ages of adults and children almost certainly implies that this was the same family; hence, the identity of the first husband of Martha Pile is properly regarded as unknown and, as such, may not have existed at all.#* "Testimony from Champ Ferguson's trial -- From the testimony of Alvin C. Piles on the murder of Alex Huff-....."I also saw Ferguson one time in the Fall of 1862 driving out some cattle on the South Fork in Wayne Co., Ky. Four of the McGinnis boys, John Smith, Abe and Will Hildreth, Fayette Allen, Fount Frost, two of the Poor boys, and others whose names I do not know were along. They were mounted and armed and driving about forty head of cattle and mules and leading some horses. One of the McGinnis boys was riding a very fine horse that belonged to Emmanuel Sandusky. I saw two mules and a horse belonging to Dave Beatty. They were going toward Travisville. I also recollect that Henry Sublett, Thomas Ruby, John Gregory, Ephraim Crabtree, Joe Miller, Jonathan Campbell, Titus Page, and Alexander Evans were along."
a. With the exception of Mary Pile, the children of William and Narcissa Sabens Pile can be confirmed from census records. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 416B, (microfilm: roll M432_877; img. 488); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 47B, (microfilm: roll M653_1249; img. 97); & 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 578A, (microfilm: roll M593_1526; img. 790).)
b. Death Certificates, Cabinet for Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (Death Certificate No. 19685, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7020442; img. 790)).
c. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 34009 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).
d. Bethany Cemetery, Parke County, Indiana (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=84311&CScn=Bethany&CScntry=4&CSst=17&CScnty=852&, continuously updated).
e. Bethlehem Cemetery, Monroe County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=169941&CScn=Bethlehem&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1074&, continuously updated).
f. Mt. Pisgah Cemetery, Wayne County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2319092&CScn=Mt.+Pisgah&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1104&, continuously updated).
g. Harmon Cooper Cemetery, Wayne County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2357403&CScn=Harmon+Cooper&CScntry=4&CSst=19&, continuously updated).
h. Bruce Yoek, Fentress County Historical Society, "York's Fentress County Tennessee", electronically published, 2012.
3. George Washington Sabens, known familarly as "Washington" or, perhaps, even "Wash", married Tabitha Wilborn##. This would seem to be the first of numerous intermarriages between the Sabens and Wilborn families. Indeed, census records indicate that members of both extended families lived in close proximity in Monroe County, Kentucky, throughout the nineteenth century. Accordingly, Washington Sabens reportedly died in 1857 almost certainly in Monroe County; however, no burial place is known (although Poplar Log Cemetery would seem very likely.) Even so, it appears that after his death, his widow and children then relocated to Cass County, Missouri. Indeed, the oldest daughter of Washington and Tabitha Sabens, Margaret, married James H. Welborn (Wilborn) about 1855 and by 1857 the couple had evidently moved to Cass County. Presumably, the rest of the family moved with them or shortly thereafter. As a matter of history, at the time of the Civil War Cass County was part of the region of eastern Kansas and western Missouri subject to vicious guerrilla warfare between Confederate partisans known as "bushwhackers" and opposing Union sympathizers known as "jayhawkers" or "redlegs". These attacks were commonly perpetrated on outlying farmsteads, but occasionally took the form of raids on whole towns, the most infamous of which was William Quantrill's murderous sack of Lawrence, Kansas, on August 21, 1863. Indeed, the Lawrence Massacre precipitated issuance of the draconian General Order No. 11 by Union General Thomas Ewing, Jr. just four days later. The order required that "All persons living in Jackson, Cass, and Bates counties, Missouri, and in that part of Vernon included in this district, except those living within one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's Mills, Pleasant Hill, and Harrisonville, and except those in that part of Kaw Township, Jackson County, north of Brush Creek and west of the Big Blue, are hereby ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen days from the date hereof." This removal was directed toward all inhabitants regardless of loyalty. Subsequently, General Ewing relaxed his order by issuing General Order No. 20 the following November, which allowed the return of inhabitants in January of 1864 if they could prove loyalty to the Union.
Presumably, these orders directly affected the Sabens family, although they seem to have been supporters of the Union. Moreover, it seems likely that they lived within one mile of the town of Harrisonville, since according to a plat map of Cass County published in 1895, James F. Sabens owned a farm of more than one hundred and seventy-five acres in Peculiar Township about a half mile northwest of the city limits of Harrisonville. Accordingly, it seems a reasonable presumption that the Sabens family had resided at or near this location ever since they had come from Kentucky, although this is merely conjectural. Concomitantly, there is no evidence that they ever returned to Kentucky or were otherwise exiled from Cass County. Tabitha Wilborn Sabens evidently died in Cass County before 1900. Her son, James Floyd, as well as daughters, Christina and Sarah, remained in Cass County for the remainder of their lives. (Even so, by 1912, James F. Sabens had evidently moved to a smaller farm in Peculiar Township about two miles north of Harrisonville, perhaps, as a consequence of the settlement of his mother's estate.) Within this context, it is known that a cousin, Drury Sampson Evans, also moved to Cass County after the Civil War; however, there is no evidence that he ever had communicated with his Sabens cousins.3-1. Margaret P. Sabens, born 20 Jul 1835 in Monroe Co., KY, died 23 Jan 1910 in Cass Co., MO, buried Peculiar Cem.; married on 3 Jul 1856 in Cass Co., MO, James H. Welborn, born 11 Aug 1831, died 24 Aug 1910 in Cass Co., MO, buried Peculiar Cem. They had Mary T., Elizabeth G., Walter E., Martha A., William M., and Olla B. Welborn.## This surname commonly appears in census records and other sources as "Wilborn", "Wilburn", "Wilburne", or "Welborn".
3-2. Samuel or Thomas Sabens, born ~1837 in KY.
3-3. Elizabeth Sabens, born ~1839 in KY.
3-4. James Floyd Sabens, born 29 Jan 1844 in Monroe Co., KY, died 4 Apr 1936 in Cass Co., MO, buried Orient Cem.; married on 26 Dec 1878 in Cass Co., MO, Cecelia Strutten Webb, born 3 Aug 1848 in Davidson Co., TN, died 21 Feb 1931 in Harrisonville, Cass Co., MO, buried Orient Cem. They had one surviving son, Floyd Sabens.
3-5. Christina Jane Sabens, born 15 Nov 1845 in KY, died 7 Apr 1928 in Dolan Twp., Cass Co., MO, buried Freeman Cem.; married on 23 Dec 1869 in Cass Co., MO, Samuel R. McBride, born Oct 1839 in MO, died 1921, buried Freeman Cem., Cass Co., MO. They had Laura B., Elizabeth, and Clara T. McBride.
3-6. Sarah (Sallie) Belle Sabens, born 10 Oct 1847 in KY, died 25 Jun 1939 in Belton, Mt. Pleasant Twp., Cass Co., MO, buried Peculiar Cem.; married on 6 Dec 1888 in Cass Co., MO, James Martin Knight, born 25 Jan 1858 in Cass Co., MO, died 21 Oct 1934 in West Peculiar Twp., Cass Co., MO, buried Peculiar Cem. They evidently had no children,
3-7. William W. Sabens, born 7 Nov 1851 in KY, died 27 Oct 1867, buried Brown Family Cem., Cass Co., MO..
3-8. John C. Sabens, born 29 Aug 1852 in Monroe County, KY.
3-9. Narcissa Sabens, born 1854/1855 in KYi. The family of George Washington and Tabitha Sabens can be verified Monroe County population schedules. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 423B, (microfilm: roll M432_213; img. 508); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Cass County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 857, (microfilm: roll M653_612; img. 372); 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Cass County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 722A-B, (microfilm: roll M593_767; imgs. 479-80); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Cass County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 110B, (microfilm: roll T9_679; img. 672).)
j. Anonymous, Plat Book of Cass County, Missouri, North West Pub. Co., Philadelphia, PA, 1895.
Jas. F. Sabens: 1) Twp. 45 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 33; SW¼ - 160 acres. 2) Twp. 45 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 33; strip off the W side of SE¼ - 36.75 acres more or less.k. A. R. Stinson, Plat Book of Cass County, Missouri, Engraved by Albert Volk, Philadelphia, PA, 1912.
J. F. Sabens: 1) Twp. 45 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 22; N½ of SW¼ - 80 acres. 2) Twp. 45 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 22; W part of the N½ of of SE¼ bounded on E side by Missouri Pacific RR - 15.16 acres more or less.l. Anonymous, Plat Book of Cass County, Missouri, W. W. Hixson & Co., Rockford, IL, 1930. (Available electronically at digital.library.umsystem.edu)
J. F. Sabens: 1) Twp. 45 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 22; N½ of SW¼ - 80 acres. 2) Twp. 45 N; Rng. 31 W; Sec. 22; W part of the N½ of of SE¼ bounded on E side by Missouri Pacific RR - 15.16 acres more or less.m. Birth Records, Monroe County, Tompkinsville, KY, 1852, pg. 4, (Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 994049; img. 190)).
n. Marriage Records, Cass County, Harrisonville, MO: Bk. B, pgs. 272 & 567, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 1499; imgs. 88 & 344)).
o. Marriage Records, Cass County, Harrisonville, MO: Bk. D, pg. 298, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 1499; img. 583)).
p. Marriage Records, Cass County, Harrisonville, MO: Bk. 2, pg. 277, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 1500; img. 90)).
q. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 14445 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO); Death Certificate No. 12578 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO; & Death Certificate No. 21802 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).
r. Peculiar Cemetery, Cass County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=30802&CScn=Peculiar&CScntry=4&CSst=26&, continuously updated).
s. Freeman Cemetery, Cass County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=28795&CScn=Freeman&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1415&, continuously updated).
4. Nancy Sabens married George W. Biggers, probably about 1835. He was considrably older than his wife, which suggests that he might have been a widower; however, there is no credible evidence of this. It would also seem that George Biggers was a businessman, since his occupation was indicated as "merchant" in the population schedule of 1850. Nevertheless, in 1870 and 1880 population schedules he was identified as a farmer. Evidently, George and Nancy Biggers evidently remained in Monroe County until their deaths in the 1870's. Subsequently, their son, Carter Westerfield, and his sons, Millard Fillmore and Alonzo (Lonnie) C., became highly respected physicians in Monroe and Barren Counties.
4-1. James T. Biggers, born 1837/1838 in KY.§ "A NOBLEMAN - PROMINENT IN HIS PROFESSION NEARLY HALF CENTURY. Briefly mentioned in the last issue of the Times, on account of lack of time, the death of Dr. C. W. Biggers at his home in Temple Hill, last Monday evening, richly deserves a more extended notice. Dr. Carter Westerfield Biggers was the son of the late Dr. George Biggers, who was for many years a leading physician of Monroe county. The father was a man of strong individuality and vigorous mental powers - traits which wre transmitted to the son on even a larger scale. Dr. Biggers, the younger, was born near Mt. Hebron, and was reared in that section. After receiving the advantages of athorough medical education, he settled down to the practice of his profession near Nobob, where the greater part of his long and successful career as physician and citizen was spent. A few years ago, he moved to Temple Hill, where he made his home until his death.
4-2. Carter Westerfield Biggers, Dr.§, born 28 Aug 1840 in Monroe Co., KY, died 20 Jan 1913 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem.; married on 30 Jun 1864 in Monroe Co., KY, Elizabeth T. Payne, born 22 Dec 1845 in Monroe Co., KY, died 2 Sep 1916 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem. They were the parents of three known children, Millard Fillmore, Estella J., and Alonzo C. Biggers. Dr. Biggers practiced medicine in Monroe and Barren Counties in the late nineteenth century. Moreover, like their father and grandfather before them, Millard Fillmore and Alonzo C. Biggers were practicing physicians in rural Barren and Monroe Counties.
4-3. Mary S. Biggers, born 8 Aug 1845 in KY; married 2 Apr 1866 in Monroe Co., KY, Lewis Franklin Frazier§*, born 26 Dec 1842 in Monroe Co., KY, died 28 Feb 1921, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY. They had no children. After the death of his first wife Lewis evidently married Nannie Curtis.
4-4. Narcissa Eva Biggers, born 1847/1848 in KY; married ***** Reynolds.
4-5. George W. Biggers, Jr., born 1851/1852 in KY
Dr Biggers was extraordinarily successful in his profession and for more than a generation enjoyed a lucrative practice. prominent as a physician, he was equally prominent as a citizen and a leader of men, and possesed the public confidence to a degree equaled by few men. His intellect was strong and bright, his convictions firm and unyielding - though he himself was always a courteous gentleman in respecting the principles of others. He was a fine speaker, and, had he entered politics would doubtless have developed into a first-class orator and politician. In short, he was an ideal physician, a model of citizenship and a man whose place will long remain unfilled. Dr. Biggers was a member of the Baptist church and was, as he was in everything he entered into, prominent in his church circles. No physician ever living in this section more completely held the confidence, respect and esteem of his patrons and friends.
Dr. Biggers is survived by his widow and two sons - Dr. M. F. Biggers and Dr. L. C. Biggers - both excellent physicians of the Temple Hill country.
Funeral services were held at Poplar Log church Wednesday, after which the remains were interred in the cemetery at that place. The immense concourse in attendance well testified to the esteem and respect in which the deceased was held." (obituary: The Glasgow Times, Glasgow KY,, Fri., Jan. 31, 1913.)"MRS. ELIZABETH BIGGERS - Death of Prominent Lady. Mrs. Lizzie Biggers died Saturday at the home of her son, Dr. L. C. Biggers in Temple Hill, of a complication of diabetes. She was the widow of the late, Dr. Westerfield Biggers, one of the most prominent and popular physicians who ever lived in that section. Befoer her marriage, she was Miss Lizzie Payne and was born and reared in the Mt. Hermon country. She is survived by two sons, Drs. M. F. and L. C. Biggers, both practicing physicians of Temple Hill. She leaves three sisters, Mrs. A. C. Pile of Green City, Mo., Mrs. Mary Marrs of Tompkinsville and Mrs. John Peden of Mt. Hermon. Mrs. Biggers was a very devout Baptist and was a lady of strong characteristics and was exceedingly popular among a wide circle of relatives and friends. The interment was in the Poplar Log cemetery beside those of her late husband, after funeral services by Rev. Robinson of Tompkinsville." (obituary: The Glasgow Times, Glasgow KY,, Fri., Sep. 8, 1916.)
§* "LEWIS F. FRAZIER was born December 26, 1842, in Monroe County, Ky., where he now resides. He was a member of Company F, Twenty-first Kentucky Infantry, with which he served four years and six months during the late war; he was in the battles of Stone River, Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, and was in advance in the skirmish line for some time in numerous minor battles and skirmishes. After re-enlisting, and while home on veteran furlough, he was taken sick in Louisville, and taken to Brown's hospital, of which he was, after his recovery, chief nurse for two years. His father, James Frazier, was born in Tennessee in 1787; was a soldier in the war of 1812, and of Scotch descent. James Frazier married, about 1819, Mary, daughter of Solomon Bartlett. From this union sprang John M., Nancy R. (Payne), Martha (Rhodes), James G., Lemuel, Emily (Nelson), Henry S., Benjamin L., Bartlett L. G., Lewis F. and Mary (Grey). Lewis F. married, April 2, 1866, Mary S., daughter of George W. and Nancy (Sabins) Biggers. She was born August 8, 1845. They have no children. Mr. Frazier owns at present a well improved farm of 160 acres in good condition. He has been, since 1875, constable of Monroe County. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics is a Democrat." (W. H. Perrin, J. H. Battle, and G. C. Kniffin, Kentucky: A History of the State - 3rd ed., 1886: Monroe County. (Kentucky Biography Project, www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/, 1996-2002.)
t. The household of George W. and Nancy Sabens Biggers can be confirmed from Monroe County census records. In particular, the household of Washington Sabens appears on the same page of the 1850 population schedule. (1860 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 125, (microfilm: roll M653_388; img. 125) & 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 215B, (microfilm: roll M593_489; img. 433);
u. Death Certificates, Cabinet for Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (Death Certificate No. 3185, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7016150; img. 3183) & Death Certificate No. 10770, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7019805; img. 875)).
5. Calvin Sabens married Frances Gentry. It would seem plausible that Calvin's first name was "John"; however, there is no documentary evidence in support of this. Concomitantly, he appears to have died in Monroe County in 1859 or 1860, since his youngest son, Richard, was born in the fall of 1859 and the population schedule of 1860 indicates that Frances Gentry Sabens was evidently living without her husband, but with her children in Monroe County. Subsequently, census records of 1870 reveal that Frances Gentry Sabens was then resident in Grand River Township in Daviess County, Missouri. This implies a location near the village of Jameson, which is located six or seven miles north of the county seat, Gallatin. Concomitantly, Frances Sabens appears to have died before 1880; however, her son, Thomas remained in Daviess County until his death. Two other sons, Riley and Richard, relocated to Kansas City evidently to secure employment and one other son, Marion moved to Texas.
5-1. Elizabeth Sabens, born ~1836 in KY; married on 10 Feb 1853 in Monroe Co., KY, Nathan Hedrick, born ~1832.v. The household of Calvin and Frances Gentry Sabens appears in population schedules of Monroe County, Kentucky, and Daviess County, Missouri. (1840 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 246, (microfilm roll M704_120; img. 29); 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 423A, (microfilm: roll M432_213; img. 507); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 170, (microfilm: roll M653_388; img. 170); & 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Daviess County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 255B, (microfilm: roll M593_773; img. 517).)
5-2. Narcissa Sabens, born ~1838 in KY.
5-3. Thomas Sabens, born ~1840 in KY; married 1856, Eliza J. Kidwell, born 16 Dec 1841 in Marion Co., MO, died 8 Jan 1920 in Daviess Co., MO, buried Hickory Creek Cem. They had Margaret, John Calvin, and Nancy Sabens. Thomas evidently died about 1865 and his widow married a much older man, William H. Grant. on 21 Sep 1886. Sadly, her second husband died the following August.
5-4. William Marion Sabens, born ~1842 in Monroe Co., KY, died 23 Aug 1878 in Bexar Co., TX, buried Coker Cem.; married Tabitha Wilson, born 1846/1847 in KY, died Nov 1878 in Bexar Co., TX, buried Coker Cem.
5-5. Floyd Riley Sabens, born 1845 in KY, died 1911, buried Forest Hill Cem., Jackson Co., MO; married on 24 Oct 1868 in Daviess County, MO, Eliza Butler, born ~1848. They had fraternal twins, William P. and Effie Sabens.
5-6. John Sabens, born ~1846 in KY.
5-7. Jacob Sabens, born 1848/1849 in KY.
5-8. Lucinda Sabens, born ~1851 in KY.
5-9. Sarah W. Sabens, born 14 May 1853 in Monroe Co., KY.
5-10. Richard W. Sabens, born Oct 1859 in MO; married Mary M. *****, born Nov 1869 in IL..w. Birth Records, Monroe County, Tompkinsville, KY, 1853, pg. 3, (Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 994049; img. 197)).
x. Hickory Creek Cemetery, Daviess County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1529254&CScn=Hickory+Creek&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1427&, continuously updated).
y. Forest Hill Cemetery, Jackson County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=28754&CScn=Forest+Hill&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1444&, continuously updated).
6. Thomas Sabens married Sarah (Sallie) Gentry§#. She was the younger sister of Frances, the wife of her brother-in-law, Calvin Sabens. It appears that they remained resident in Monroe County for their entire lives.
6-1. Elizabeth P. Sabens, born 19 Mar 1843 in KY, died 2 Apr 1875 in KY, buried in Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married on 3 Jun 1859 in Monroe Co., KY, Jacob (Jake) Thompson Bartlett, born 9 Jan 1840, died 14 Nov 1900, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY.§# Some researchers have idemtified a much younger woman, Sarah Wilborn, born about 1838, as the second wife of Thomas Sabens. However, this is not supported by census records. Moreover, it is clear that Sarah Gentry Sabens survivid until 1880. Therefore, it seems likely that the claim of a second wife is spurious.
6-2. William W. Sabens, born 14 Jan 1846 in Monroe Co., KY, died 21 Apr 1918 in Monroe Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem.; married on 28 Sep 1865 in Barren Co., KY, Mary Rachel Wilborn, born 16 Feb 1848, died 25 Jan 1939, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY.
6-3. Elizabeth J. Sabens, born 9 Sep 1848 in Monroe Co., KY; married on 30 Dec 1859 in Monroe Co., KY, R. W. Lyons.
6-4. John Floyd Sabens, born 14 Mar 1850 in Monroe Co., KY, died 14 Dec 1886, buried in Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married Lavina (Vina) Pile.
6-5. Nancy M. Sabens, born 4 Mar 1852 in Monroe Co., KY; married George W. Biggers§§.
6-6. James Washington Sabens, born 8 Feb 1854 in Monroe Co., KY, died 28 Jan 1897, buried in Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY; married on 19 Apr 1888, Marilda Elizabeth (Rilda) Smith, born 10 Jun 1962 in TN, died 9 Apr 1936 in Monroe Co., KY, buried in Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY. They had Davis May and Myrtle Olive Sabens.
6-7. Joseph (Joe) Miller Sabens, born 2 Aug 1857 in Monroe Co., KY, died 24 Nov 1931 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem.; married ~1883, Nancy Ann Francis, born 3 Dec 1859 in Barren Co., KY, died 7 Dec 1927 in Barren Co., KY, Poplar Log Cem. They had Bruce, George Samuel, Charles David, and Rose B. Sabens.
6-8. George Samuel Sabens, born 15 Sep 1859 in Monroe Co., KY; married Lilly Williamson, born 3 Feb 1869 in Peoria Co., IL, died 25 Jan 1920. They had one surviving son, Herbert Anson Sabens.
§§ If this marriage occurred at all, it was after 1880 and George W. Biggers and Nancy M. Sabens were first cousins.z. Children of Thomas and Sarah Gentry Sabens can be confirmed from census records. (1850 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 423A, (microfilm: roll M432_213; img. 507); 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 123, (microfilm: roll M653_388; img. 123), 1870 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 134A, (microfilm: roll M593_489; img. 270); & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Barren County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 188A, (microfilm: roll T9_402; img. 378).)
aa. Birth Records, Monroe County, Tompkinsville, KY, 1857, pg. unk., (Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 994049; img. 269)).
bb. Death Certificates, Cabinet for Health and Human Services, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (Death Certificate No. 11556, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7016205; img. 1462), Death Certificate No. 25786, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7019161; img. 2698), & Death Certificate No. 19117, Office of Vital Statistics, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 7016135; img. 2522)).
7. Floyd Riley Sabens married Margaret J. (Peggy) Biggers. She was the daughter of John and Christina Wilborn Biggers. John was born in Virginia on September 19, 1795, and was probably the older brother of George Biggers who married Floyd's sister, Nancy. Likewise, Christina was born in North Carolina on June 11, 1802. and was probably the younger sister of William Wilborn (who was born in North Carolina about 1799) and was the father of Samuel and John W. Wilborn, who married Floyd's younger sisters, Elivina and Sarah. Indeed, these relationships illustrate the close connections existing between the Sabens, Wilborn, and Biggers families. Floyd Sabens died in 1862, but there is no evidence that his widow ever remarried.
7-1. James C. Sabens, born 29 Sep 1856 in Monroe Co., KY, died 15 Sep 1939 in Barren Co., KY, buried in Poplar Log Cem.; married Sue M. *****, born 29 Mar 1857, died 17 Dec 1900, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY.cc. Children of Floyd and Margaret Biggers Sabens can be confirmed from the 1870 population schedule for Barren County, Kentucky. (1870 US Census Population Schedule for Barren County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 702B, (microfilm: roll M593_445; img. 710) .)
7-2. Christena Gertrude Sabens, born 17 Jun 1859 in Monroe Co., KY, died 26 Sep 1930 in Barren Co., KY, buried Pleasant Home Cem.; married in 1882, Milton T. Berry, born 20 Apr 1857, died 10 Aug 1948, buried Pleasant Home Cem. They had Mallie, Willis, and Hallie Mae Berry.
7-3. Floyd R.(Babe) Sabens, born 9 Mar 1861 in Monroe County, KY, died 11 Dec 1940 in Barren Co., KY, buried Pleasant Home Cem. Evidently never married.dd. Birth Records, Monroe County, Tompkinsville, KY, 1856, pg. unk., (Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 994049; img. 263)).
ee. Pleasant Home Cemetery, Barren County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=727521&CScn=Pleasant+Home&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=993&, continuously updated).
Third Generation
5-4. William Marion Sabens married Tabitha Wilson,. William Marion Sabens entered the Union Army at Lexington, MO, in 1863 as a private in Co. G, later B, 1st MO State Militia Cavalry and remained until mustered out in 1865. He was described at time of enlistment as being 5' 8" with dark hair and complexion, and hazel eyes. In 1870 he was living with his wife and four children in the vicinity of the town of Richmond in Ray County, Missouri. However, it appears that some time between 1871 and 1875. Marion Sabens migrated with his wife and children to Bexar County, Texas. It would seem that this move to Texas occurred in conjunction with hsi wfie's relatives, viz., the Wilson and Coker families. Tabitha Sabens' sister had married Neill Coker and they were early settlers of the Coker Community in Bexar County. In addition, it appears that several of Tabitha's other siblings also settled in central Texas. family tradition affirms that Marion Sabens was a Mason and a member of the Cibolo Lodge in Bexar County. Similarly, it is reported that he was also an early member of the Coker Methodist Church, and was one of the original trustees of the church's property. He died in 1878, while digging a grave, and was buried in the Coker Cemetery. His wife died shortly after the birth of their youngest son in November of 1878 and was buried with him. After the parents' death, census records affirm that five of their unmarried children lived with their uncle Solomon Wilson and his wife. Concomitantly, the baby, Will, was raised and adopted by his aunt, Lee Wilson Johnson, and her husband, Ralph. Subsequently, many of the descendants of Marion and Tabitha Sabens have lived in various localities in central and western Texas.
5-4-1. Alice Josephine Sabens, born 4 Nov 1861 in Grundy Co., MO, died 19 Dec 1930 in Hall Co., TX, buried Newlin Cem.; married on 12 Nov 1876 in Bexar Co, TX, George Washington Kesterson, born ~1856 in Lafayette Co., MO. They had Charles, Sarah Francis, George William, Joseph, Hugh Lewis, Albert Grover, Ola, and Maude Kesterson.ff. Children of Marion and Tabitha Wilson Sabens can be confirmed from Missouri and Texas census records. (1870 US Census Population Schedule for Ray County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 410B, (microfilm: roll M593_803; img. 132) & 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Hays County, Texas, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 60A-B, (microfilm: roll T9_402; imgs. 376-7).)
5-4-2. Belle Sabens, born 6 Mar 1862 in Ray Co.,MO, died 24 Jul 1883 in Bexar Co., TX, buried Coker Cem.; married on 12 Nov 1876, James Marion Coker, born 25 Feb 1858, died 17 Jul 1941, buried Coker Cem., Bexar Co., TX. They had two daughters, Edna Belle and Josephine. After his first wife's death, James Coker evidently married Olive Capps.
5-4-3. Katherine Elizabeth Sabens, born 6 Jan 1867 in Ray Co., MO, died 8 Aug 1910 in Hays Co., TX, buried in Live Oak Cem., Travis Co.; married ~1881, Moses Johnson, born 11 Apr 1846, died 9 Mar 1930, buried in Live Oak Cem., Travis Co., TX. They had eleven children among which were Eula, Moses, Jr., Ethel, Esther, and Hadley Johnson.
5-4-5. Minta Lee Sabens, born 18 Jun 1868 in Ray Co., MO, died 1935, buried Kenedy Cem., Karnes Co., TX; married ~1882, William Franklin Shelton, born Jul 1858 in IL, died 1926, buried Kenedy Cem., Karnes Co., TX. They had Jessie, William, Albert Franklin, Ora, Cora or Tilethe, and Edgar Shelton.
5-4-6. Mary Ellen Sabens, born 16 Aug 1871 in Ray Co., MO, died 30 Nov 1946, buried Drummond Cem., Taylor Co., TX; married ~1888, McEuen (Mack) Dean Richards, born Jul 1868 in MS, died 1956, buried Drummond Cem., Taylor Co., TX. They had Arthur D., James S., Louis A., Claud G., George William, Nola M., Jackson C., Alena A., Willis B., and Mack D. Richards.
5-4-7. Tena Missouria Sabens, born 5 Apr 1874 in Bexar Co., TX, d: 20 Jun 1950 in Parmer Co., TX; married ~1889 James Alexander Richards, born Aug 1870 in MS. They had Olin K., Lucy M., Frank A., Idella, and Dollie L. Richards.
5-4-8. James Seaborn Sabens, born 12 Mar 1876 in Bexar Co., TX, died 27 Jul 1950, buried Glen Rest Cem., Kerr Co., TX; married ~1891, Turia Ida Wofford, born 28 Apr 1876 in TX, died 19 Sep 1910, buried Truitt Cem., Runnels Co., TX. They had Bessie, Robert, Floyd, Clemme Rachel, and Lonnie Sabens. She probably died in childbirth, since an unnamed infant is buried next to her.
5-4-9. William Marion Sabens, born 12 Nov 1878 in Bexar Co., TX, died in Hockley Co., TX.gg. Coker Cemetery, Bexar County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=200795&CScn=Coker&CScntry=4&CSst=46&CScnty=2534&, continuously updated).
hh. Live Oak Cemetery, Travis County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=4880&CScn=Live+Oak&CScntry=4&CSst=46&CScnty=2746&, continuously updated).
ii. Kenedy Cemetery, Karnes County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=4608&CScn=Kenedy&CScntry=4&CSst=46&, continuously updated).
jj. Drummond Cemetery, Taylor County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=3292&CScn=Drummond&CScntry=4&CSst=46&, continuously updated).
kk. Glen Rest Cemetery, Kerr County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=3817&CScn=Glen+Rest&CScntry=4&CSst=46&, continuously updated).
ll. Truitt Cemetery, Runnels County, Texas (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2169961&CScn=Truitt&CScntry=4&CSst=46&, continuously updated).
6-2. William W. Sabens married Mary Rachel Wilborn. Obviously, this is yet another intermarriage between the Sabens and Wilborn families. Concomitantly, William and Mary Rachel Sabens lived in Monroe County, Kentucky, for their entire lives.
6-2-1. Wilborn Thomas Sabens, born 5 May 1867 in Monroe County, KY, died 28 Aug 1952, buried Brush Creek Cem., Sangamon Co., IL; married (1) Elvira Jones, born 13 Dec 1873, died 14 Feb 1895, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co., KY. They had Ida M. and Loyd T. Sabens; married (2) 1901/1902, Anna Arnold. born 1873 in KY, died 1918, buried Brush Creek Cem., Sangamon Co., IL They had Flossie Sabensmm. Children of William and Mary Rachel Wilborn Sabens can be confirmed from Monroe County population schedules. (1870 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 215B-216A, (microfilm: roll M593_489; imgs. 433-4); 1880 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pgs. 351B-352A, (microfilm: roll T9_434; imgs. 707-8); & 1900 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 214B, (microfilm: roll T623_544; img. 770).)
6-2-2. Elizabeth D. Sabens, born 28 Feb 1869 in Monroe County, KY.
6-2-3. Millard Fillmore Sabens, born 2 Jul 1870 in Monroe County, KY, died 16 Jun 1954 in Kansas City, Jackson Co., MO, buried Mt. Olivet Cem., Kearney, Clay Co., MO; married on 8 Nov 1888 in Barren Co., KY, Mary Matilda Kelly, born 22 Oct 1871 in Monroe Co., KY, died 27 May 1957 in Smithville Hosp., Clay Co., MO, buried Mt. Olivet Cem. They had two children, Milburn and Lula Myrtle, both born in Monroe Co., KY, both died in Kearney, Clay Co., MO.
6-2-4. James Fleming Sabens, born 8 Apr 1872 in Monroe Co., KY, died 12 May 1953 in Crawfordville, Montgomery Co., IN, buried Oak Hill Cem.; married on 13 Oct 1897 in KY, Cordelia (Cordia) Curtis, born Jan 1881 in KY, died 1960, buried Oak Hill Cem., Montgomery Co., IN. They had Frank, Pearl Ann, Roy, Mary E., Ray W., William T., and James Sabens.
6-2-5. Floyd Riley Sabens, born 30 Aug 1878 in Monroe Co., KY, died 14 Nov 1941 in Montgomery Co., IN; buried Linden Cem.; married (1) ~1899 in Monroe Co., KY, Delia Kingry, born Apr 1882 in KY. They had Herbert T. Sabens; married (2) on 8 Jun 1910 in Glasgow, Barren Co., KY, Anna Mae Gentry, born 1880, died 1936, buried Linden Cem., Montgomery Co., IN. They had Gladys Martha and Mitchell J. Sabens.
6-2-6. Cora Ellen Sabens, born 9 Mar 1883 in Monroe Co., KY, died 12 Oct 1965 in IA, buried Payne Cem., Monroe Co., KY; married Loy C. Payne, born 27 Nov 1881 in Monroe Co., KY, died Mar 1978 in Shenandoah, Page Co., IA, buried Payne Cem., Monroe Co., KY. They had Herschel K., Bertha Grace, Julia Mae, Violet Maurine, Pauline W., and Loy C., Jr. Payne.
6-2-7. William Ralph Sabens, born 11 May 1889 in Glasgow, Barren Co., KY, died 23 Oct 1955 in Clinton Co., IN, buried Bunnell Cem.; married on 6 Nov 1906, Ethel Curtis, born 1890, died Aug 1974, buried buried Bunnell Cem., Clinton Co., IN. They evidently had no children.nn. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 19144 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO & Death Certificate No. 16525 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO);.
oo. Brush Creek Cemetery, Sangamon County, Illinois (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=104921&CScn=Brush+Creek&CScntry=4&CSst=16&CScnty=773&, continuously updated).
pp. Oak Hill Cemetery, Montgomery County, Indiana (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=86194&CScn=Oak+Hill&CScntry=4&CSst=17&CScnty=845&, continuously updated).
qq. Linden Cemetery, Montgomery County, Indiana (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=226769&CScn=Linden&CScntry=4&CSst=17&, continuously updated).
rr. Bunnell Cemetery, Montgomery County, Indiana (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=84486&CScn=Bunnell&CScntry=4&CSst=17&, continuously updated).
ss. Payne Cemetery, Monroe County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=75463&CScn=Payne&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=1074&, continuously updated).
6-4. John Floyd Sabens married Lavina (Vina) Pile. John Floyd Sabens was the son of of Thomas and Sarah Gentry Sabens. Concomitantly, Lavina Pile was the daughter of William and Narcissa Sabens Pile. Therefore, John Floyd and Lavina Sabens were, in fact, first cousins. Although such a marriage between close relatives is generally not acceptable in present society, these mores were historically much less strict. In any cse, they apparently remained resident in either Barren or Monroe County, Kentucky, until their deaths.
6-4-1. Martina Sabens, born 15 May 1872 in Barren Co., KY , died 23 Apr 1949 in Barren Co., KY, buried Mount Pleasant Cem.; married James L. Lowery, born Dec 1867 in KY. They had Herbert Lemuel, Myrtie, and Mary V. Lowery.tt. Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Barren County, Kentucky (/www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=2154388&CScn=Mount+Pleasant&CScntry=4&CSst=19&C, continuously updated).
6-4-2. Jessie F. Sabens, born ~1875 in Barren Co., KY , died 12 Jun 1876 in Barren Co., KY.
6-4-3. Ollie Thomas Sabens, born 8 Sep 1878 in Monroe Co., KY, died 8 Jan 1955 in KY, buried Poplar Log Cem., Barren Co.; married on 12 Apr 1902, Eliza Elizabeth Lowery, born 11 Oct 1869 in Barren Co., KY, died 10 Sep 1954 in Barren Co., KY, buried Poplar Log Cem. They had two children, John Haskell and Lemuel Paul Sabens.(unpublished notes)
back to bio.
Additional Citations:
6. 1830 US Census Population Schedule for Fentress County, Tennessee, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 13, (microfilm: roll M19_176; img. 27).7. 1840 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 253, (microfilm roll M704_120; img. 43).
8. 1850 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 423A, (microfilm: roll M432_213; img. 507).
9. 1860 US Census Population Schedule for Monroe County, Kentucky, National Archives, Washington DC: pg. 124, (microfilm: roll M653_388; img. 124)
10. Death Records, Monroe County, Tompkinsville, KY, 1857, pg. unk., (Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 994049; img. 441)).
11. Poplar Log Cemetery, Barren County, Kentucky (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=295724&CScn=Poplar+Log&CScntry=4&CSst=19&CScnty=993&, continuously updated).
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12. Death Records, Monroe County, Tompkinsville, KY, 1855, pg. unk., (Kentucky Birth, Marriage and Death Records, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, Frankfort, KY, (microfilm: roll 994049; img. 422))
13. Ethel Evans Albert, Southwest Virginia Kin - Vol. 1, privately published, Kingsport, TN, 1977: pg. 511.
14. Larry M. Evans, "Notes by Larry M. Evans", Springfield, IL, May 7, 1979, unpublished. (non-circulating copy available in the Casey County Public Library, Liberty, KY)