NINTH GENERATION

11. John COONS ⁽¹⁾ was born on Mar 26 1739 in Opequon, Frederick County, Virginia. He died on Apr 25 1832 in Alma, Page County, Virginia. He was a in "Elder". The so-called Culpeper Classes is a list of the militia in January of 1781. Each of the 106 classes is composed of thirteen or fourteen names. Thus, these lists furnish about fourteen hundred names of males, aged 16 to 50.

Toward the end of 1780, the Revolutionary War was heating up in the Southern colonies, and Virginia was in danger, and, a resource of manpower. To provide men, a draft was instituted in Virginia. The quota was divided among the counties, and Culpeper Co. was assigned to supply 106 men. Culpeper did this by dividing the militia into 106 classes and then one man was selected (drafted) from each class.

Provisions were made for the drafted person to be replaced by another person. One could hire a substitute. Some classes avoided the draft altogether by collectively hiring a man to serve as the draft from the class. In some cases, it appears that a relative served in place of the drafted person, most likely because the drafted person was married or essential at home.

There has been some argument as to the significance of a name appearing in one of these Culpeper classes. For a while, some patriotic organizations took the appearance of a name in these lists as meaning the man did service for the cause of the Revolution. At other times or places, the opinion has been the lists are an "inventory" of middle-aged males in Culpeper County. One had no control over whether his name was entered there or not. In theory, one could have been a Tory and opposed to the Revolution while still appearing in the lists.

Class number 34 is rich in Germanna names: Joseph Coones, Jr., John Fishback (son of Jacob), Jacob Fishback, Jr., James Blackwell, John Spillman, John Matthais, James Burdett, Frederick Coones, John Young, Jr., Frederick Fishback (son of Fred), John Coons, Peter Kamper, William Button, and Harmon Button. In the selection process, Frederick Coones was the draft, but Thomas Blackwell substituted for Fred Coones. In this case, I do not know if there was any relationship between the Coones and Blackwell. These names come from around Jeffersonton in the Little Neck district of Culpeper Co.



History of the Descendents of John Koontz. by Lowell Koontz
(6327 Phyllis Lane, Alexandria VA 22312), 1979.



"Elder John Koontz is the son of John (Cuntz) Koontz and Anna
Elizabetha Catherine Stoever married Elizabeth Baker who was a
sister to the second wife of Daniel Mauck who owned the farm
where died W. Brubaker once resided, and died in 1802. Elizabeth
Baker's father came to this country from London, England. (Ref.
10) John married Elizabeth in the early 1760's as his eldest son
Jacob was born 1764. (Ref. tombstone cemetery 82-A)



John born 26 Mar. 1739 in Opequon, Va. in Frederick Co., Va.
(Ref. 203, p. 13) He died 25 Apr. 1832 in Page Co. near Alma,
Va. and buried in cemetery 73. The tombstone was removed from
the Koontz Shuler Cemetery by Carroll R. Shuler of Stanley and
placed in a cement and rock memorial to the Reverand John Koontz
which stands in the Seekford Cemetery in Alma, Va. In talking
with Carroll R. Shuler he stated that the body had not been
disinterred and that he had taken the tombstone from near the
center of the Koontz Shuler Cemetery where the body still
remains. The date on the limestone slab is hand carved and is
still quite lefible. The foregoing date is correct for it is not
only listed on the tombstone that way but Elder John had a will
probated 28 AGay 1832. Two things have confused the issue: one,
Elder John had a son who died in 1831 and his son's will was
probated Dec., 1831 and secondly the Mill Creek Church records
state death in the church since the beginning of the year 1832
probably recording this at the end of that calendar year. The
church record states "Edward Holmes, Eld. John Koontz; since
1832, " meaning since 1832 began not before 1832.



It is not known when Elizabeth was born as her grave was not
marked by an engraved tombstone in the Koontz Shuler Cemetery
but she died between 1825-1826 as the church records (Ref. 18)
show her death in the list of deceased members just before
members known to have died in 1827. (Ref. 202, p. 100) She is
not listed in the 1830 census of Page Co. with her husband.



John, living near Winchester, Va. was impressed by the message
of Baptist preachers and hence traveled to Fauquier Co. and was
baptized there December, 1768. With his return to the Winchester
area he began preaching, and in November, 1770 he visited his
brother George who lived in the area of Mill Creek and soon
began preaching there. John continued to live near Winchester
and visited lilill Creek. (Ref. 212, pp. 184-189, Ref. 18, Ref.
213, Ref 214) He converted Martin Kaufman It from the Mennonite
religion to the Baptist faith. Martin Kaufman's father, SIartin
Eaufman I, was a Mennonite minister who came to the valley from
Lancaster Co., Penn and on 23 Feb. 1736 bought the land along
the Shenandoah River uhere Route 211 crosses it. (Ref. 94) John
Koontz and Martin Kaufman II both could speak German and English
and were very successful preachers and by 1772 had organized a
Baptist congregation. John was ordained a minister and gained
his title of Elder John Koontz betueen 17721775. (Ref. 212, pp.
184-189) In October, 1776 John Countz was deeded 86 acres of
landin Shenandoah Co., that section that later became Page Co.
(Ref. 215 "B", p. 426) It is thought John Counts came to live in
the Mill Creek section about this same time.



[Monument to Elder John Koontz - This inscription is inscribed
on the memorial: "In Memory of Elder John Koontz died Apr. 25,
1832 between 80 and 90 sic, (93) years of age, No primitive
Baptist preacher suffered more at the hands of opposers, No
primitive Baptist preacher surpassed him in his devotion to his
Lord and his people. Like Abraham of old Elder Koontz was
"Strong in the faith, giving glory to God; and being fully
persuaded that what he had promised he was able also to perform,
Rom. 4:20. "]



Elder John Koontz was pastor of the Mill Creek Baptist Church
for about 50 years. German Mennonites from Pennsylvania sent
several preachers to the Valley to work against Elder John and
the Baptist movement. Some of the local people opposed Elder
John Koontz more physically. Once while he was on his way to
preach he was seized on the road by a mob and was severely
beaten. He was later seized and threatened with imprisonment for
preaching without authorization. (Ref. 202, pp. 242-247) John
Countz and Martin Kaufman were so successful in converting
Mennonites to Baptist that there are very few Mennonites found
in Page Co., Va. today. On 25 Aug. 1785 John Counts obtained
certification to perform marriages bom Shenandoah Co., Va. and
signed his name clearly Counts.



In the year 1805 there was a disagreement in the practice of
slavery which resulted in Martin Kaufman, Lewis Seits, and
Samuel Comer separating from the Mill Creek Church with a group
of followers that moved to Fairfield Co., OH. The church there
was called Pleasant Run and in 1806 the OH Association of which
Pleasant Run was a member stated the following "We do not wish
to correspond with any association or church that does in
principle or practice hold involuntary slavery. " Not far from
Granville in OH is a small place caHed Luray after Luray, Va.
There is also a Luray in Fayette Co., OH. (Ref. 17, pp. 272-275)



Elder John Koontz and his wife Elizabeth are found in the
following Deeds of Shenandoah Co., Va. (1) Oct. 1776 David
Coffman of Dunmore Co. to John Countz of Dunmore Co. 86 acres as
listed before. (Ref. 215 Book "B", p. 4263 (Note: Part of
Shenandoah Co. was known as Dumnore Co. till 1778. ) (2) March
24, 1784 Christian Bumgardner to John Countz 2 acres on
Hawksbill Creek. (Ref. 215 Book "E", p. 49) (3) March 29, 1786
John Koontz to Daniel Mauck 86 acres sold him by Coffman and
deed signed by John's wife Elizabeth. Ref. 215 Book "F", p. 16)
(4) Aug. 31, 1786 Lewis Bibber sic (Biedler)and Barbara his wife
to John Koontz 127 acres. (Ref. 215 Book "F", pv 239) (5) June
14, 1806 John Koontz, Sr. and Elizabeth his wfe to Isaac Koontz
134 acres bought from Bibber dc. (Biedler)and Coffnan. (Ref. 215
Book "P", p. 201)

The will of Elder John Koontz was dated 14 Mar. 1807 but not
probated until 28 May 1832. (Ref. 211 Book "A", pp. 26-27) The
following is the will of Elder John Koontz.

In the Name of God, Amen - I John Koontz of Shenandoah Co. and
State of Virginia, being in common bodily health and perfect
mind and recollection, thanks be unto God for tbe same - do make
and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following,
(to- wit). Firstly: It is my will that all my just debts should
be paid first; Secondly: I give and bequeath to my beloved wife
Elizabeth, all the property which I have and possess to her own
proper use and enjoyment as she may choose to apply it or find
necessary during her natural life time, and after her death I
give and bequeath unto my three sons, Jacob, John and Isaac
Koontz each one and equal part in that which may remain As to my
daughter, Elizabeth, which is dead I have had given her in her
lifetime all which I intended to give her or her heirs; Thirdly:
I do hereby appoint my three sons, Jacob, John, and Isaac Koontz
my sole executors of my last will and testament; Fourthly: I do
hereby disannul and make void all former wills by me made,
ratifying, confirming and declaring this and no other to be my
last will and testament in witness whereof. I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this 14th day of March, Eighteen hundred and
seven



[John Koontz (seal) Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence
of us. Roads, Joseph Mauch, Jonas Rufiner, David Varner,
Christian Aleshire, Benjamin Wood.

Acknowledge before me on the 9th day of Dec., 1828.

Jos. Strickler At a court held for the Co. of Page on Monday the
28th day of May 1832. The written will of John Koontz was
produced to the Court by Isaac Koontz and proved by the oath of
Jonas Ruffner and Joseph Strickler, witnesses thereto, and
ordered to be recorded.

Teste: William A. Harris, Clerk]





The preceding will is taken from (Ref. 211 Book "A", pp. 26-27
(Ref. 17, p. 282) lists W.B. "A" p. 153 which is incorrect.

Just across the Shenandoah River from Alma, Va. on the north
side of 340 is located the home of Elder John Koontz. Elder John
Koontz bought this house and property of 112 A. on 27 Aug. 1814
from David and Margaret Huffman. (Ref. 215 B30k "V", p. 303)
John willed this to his ch. (Ref. 211 Book "A", pp. 26-27) The
house was later deeded to Isaac Koontz then to Andrew Jackson
Shuler as verified by the following refs. (Ref. 204 Book "E", p.
477, Book "G", pp. 116-118, Book "IsI", p. 274) Earlier Elder
John Koontz liered on the Hawksbill Creek.

Jacob bought land from John Pence on 29 Sept. 1791. (Ref. 215
Book "H", p. 204) The 1830 census shows Elder John Koontz and
Isaac lived in the 2 1/2 story log structure with irnmense rock
chimneys at both ends and tiny paned windows. It had a full
cellar beneath. (Ref. 216, pp. 47 & 53) The house was just below
the old Koontz Shuler Cemetery 73. The compiler first visited
the house in 1973. It had been torn down since Ann Kerkhoff had
written about it. It had been used as a chicken house for some
time before it was torn down as one could see from old chicken
feeders still under some of the floor boards and debris. BZhat a
poor fate for Rlleh an hictarir loz home

During the Civil War in the winter of 1862 a small group of
Yankees used the house as their winter quarters. (Ref. 216, pp.
56, 57, 60) At this time Andrew Jackson Shuler was living there
as he had married Juliana Ann Koontz the great granddaughter of
Elder John Koontz. The property had passed from Isaac Newton
Koontz, Sr., son of Elder John Koontz, born 1777 to Isaac Newton
Koontz, Jr born 1810 to Andrew Jackson Shuler born in 1831."

The Will of John Counts From Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow by Elihu Jasper Sutherland:

In the name of God Amen, I John Counts, Senior, of Russell County and Commonwealth of Virginia being old and frail in body, but perfect in mind and memory, blessed be God, but Calling to mind the Mortality of my body and knowing it is appointed once for all men to die, I do make and Constitute this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following. And first I give my body to the Earth from whence it was taken desiring it may be buried in a Christian manner without ppom &c., and my soul I give to God who save it hoping it may find peace in the Arms of his Mercy, and as touching what worldly Goods and estate which I possess I give, devise and bequeath in manner following to wit: Eve Maticks my eldest daughter I give one Shilling. Mary Rarsnake I give on Shilling. John Counts Junior also I give one Shilling, Lissey Willard I give one shilling. Item, I give to Harry Willard's eldest son Martin Willard Catherine my daughter one shilling Christian my daughter one shilling, my son Philip one shilling. Item, I give and bequeath to my son George with whom I live the plantation on which I live with all apputenances thereunto belonging out of which I am to be maintained in a good comfortable manner while I live with victuals and cloathing and at my death everything possessed by me shall belong to George Counts and to his heirs forever and I do hereby revoke and disannul all former wills by me made and ratifying and confirming this to be my Last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of April one thousand eight hundred and two. Singed Sealed and delivered published and Declared to be my last will in the presence of these Witnesses. X his (John Counts) mark Teste John Hargis x her (Lydia Hargis) Duritee Counts

John COONS and Magdalena Eve SUMMERS had the following children:

13 i. Phillip COONS^{(1) (2)} was born about 1765. He died about 1842 in Russell Co., VA.

Had five children.
- Kaiser-Kiser-Keyser history compiled by Vivian Dickison Bales, Joyce
Kiser
Logan, and Woodrow Burchett, obtained from Mimi Smith

Their marriage bond was signed by mark as "Philip Couts", and the
whole record
is in that name. His bondsman was his brother-in-law, Jacob Rasnake
(Rersneck) [Husband of B2], who signed in German. A certificate,
filed with
the bond, is in the following words:

"Shenandoah County and beckford in Virginy.
"Philip Couts and Anna Kiser is a go to git marred and his
father John Couts and mother is will that they should git mared
And Anna Kiser friends is all will that she shd get mared to
Sad Couts August 22 1785."

This paper was endorsed by "Any Kiser," and "John Couts," both by
mark, and in
person by "Andrew Kiser."

Philip Counts remained all his life on his father's farm on Hawksbill
Creek in
Shenandoah and Page counties. In 1802 his parents, in Russell County,
executed a deed to him for the remainder of the John Counts tract of
land in
that section (ShenCo DB N, pp 162-3). On January 25, 1808, Christian
(Chrisley) Bumgarner and wife conveyed to Philip "Countz" 2-3/4 acres
on the
west bank of Hawksbill, adjoining said Counts' land (DB Q, p 212). The
1830
Census lists Philip "Kountz" between 50 and 60 years of age, living
alone,
except for four slaves.

On December 10, 1833, Philip "Kountz" (by mark) executed his last will
and
testament, and it was probated in the Page County Court on January 23,
1843
(WB B-274). He mentions only two children in his will, Jacob and
Elizabeth.
He does not mention his wife's name and it is presumed she was dead at
the
time. Philip and Anna are both probably buried in the old Counts
Graveyard on
the west side of Hawksbill Creek.
- Some Descendants of John Counts of Glade Hollow by Elihu Jasper
Sutherland
14 ii. Mary COONS^{(1) (3)} was born about 1764 in Shenandoah Co., VA. She was buried in Glade Hollow, Russell Co., VA. She was also known as Mollie.
15 iii. Catherine COONS^{(1) (4)(5)} was born about 1764 in Shenandoah Co., VA. She was buried in Glade Hollow, Russell Co., VA.
+16 iv. John COUNTS.
17 v. Christina COONS^{(1) (6)} was born in 1773.
18 vi. George COONS^{(1) (7)} was born about 1775.
19 vii. Elizabeth COONS^{(1) (8)} was born about 1775. She was also known as Lissey.
20 viii. Eve COUNTS⁽⁹⁾ was born about 1752.

Elizabeth BAKER⁽¹⁾ died in Alma, Page County, Virginia. John COONS and Elizabeth BAKER had the following children:

21 i. Isaac Newton COONS⁽¹⁾ was born on Feb 14 1777.