The "Longhunter" Skaggs Family in the Archibald Thompson Diary

Archibald Thompson was born June 17, 1736 in Ireland; some researchers say Dublin. He was the son of John T. and Mary Thompson and his wife was Mary.  Archibald migrated from Ireland to North Carolina, to the New River Valley of Virginia and finally to Cumberland County, Kentucky.  He died in 1808 and was buried in the Thompson Cemetery in Monroe County, Kentucky.  Archibald kept a diary during this period where he recorded genealogical information, business records and commentary about everyday life.  The following is a summary of the Skaggs family presence in Archibald's diary using the artificial intelligence engine Grok and the Sandra K Gorin transcription.

Overview

The Archibald Thompson Journal, transcribed by Sandra K. Gorin, contains genealogical references to the Skaggs family, primarily birth records, a marriage, travel notes, and ledger entries. The Skaggs family connects to the Thompsons via Archibald Thompson's sister, Lucinda Thompson Skaggs, who married Charles Skaggs (a "Long Hunter"). The journal details two main Skaggs branches: the family of Charles and Lucy Skaggs, and the family of Henry (variously spelled Henery or Hennery) and Mary Skaggs. Additional mentions involve residences, travels, and financial transactions, indicating close ties in frontier Kentucky, particularly around Pitman Creek (also spelled Pitmans Creek).

Key Relationships and Marriages

  • Lucinda Skaggs Thompson: Archibald Thompson's sister, married Charles Skaggs, a noted "Long Hunter." No specific birth or marriage date is given.
  • Lucy Skaggs' Marriage: On May 9, 1782 (Thursday), Lucy Skaggs (daughter of Henry and Mary Skaggs) married John Stasey (or Stasey Jr.). The entry notes they were in "perfect health" and blesses God. Repeated in the journal with a note of good health and praise to the Almighty (1795 addition).

Birth Records

The journal records births for Skaggs children in dedicated registers. Below is a comprehensive table grouping them by parents, incorporating all entries.

ParentsChild NameBirth DateNotes
Charles & Lucy SkaggsArchibald SkaggsJanuary 3, 1759Son.
Charles & Lucy SkaggsRachel SkaggsLast day of August 1761Daughter.
Charles & Lucy SkaggsNancy SkaggsApril 22, 1763-
Charles & Lucy SkaggsFrederick SkaggsDecember 11, 1764-
Charles & Lucy SkaggsMary SkaggsSeptember 16, 1767-
Charles & Lucy SkaggsThomas SkaggsDecember 16, 1769-
Charles & Lucy SkaggsSarah SkaggsDecember 27, 1771Daughter.
Charles & Lucy SkaggsMoses SkaggsJanuary 27, 1774Son.
Henry & Mary SkaggsJohn Thompson SkaggsDecember 4/5, 1760Son; middle name suggests Thompson family link.
Henry & Mary SkaggsLucy SkaggsDecember 5, 1762Daughter; married John Stasey in 1782.
Henry & Mary SkaggsSolloman (Solomon) SkaggsJanuary 30, 1766Son; hosted Thompson family in 1797.
Henry & Mary SkaggsDavid SkaggsApril 28, 1767Son; appears in ledger entries.
Henry & Mary SkaggsSilvanus SkaggsFebruary 18, 1769Listed as "Daughter" (possible transcription error; may be a variant like Sylvia or a male name).
Henry & Mary SkaggsMary SkaggsDecember 19, 1771Daughter.

A "Register for Charles Skaggs his children" is noted, with scattered dates (e.g., 1758–1794) possibly annotations or calculations, but no additional children listed.

Residences and Travels

  • Henry Skaggs' Plantation: In February 1778 (specifically February 20), Archibald Thompson moved his family to Henry Skaggs' plantation and farmed ("cropt") there for two years before relocating in 1781.
  • Solomon Skaggs' House: During a journey from the Little River to the Green River (starting November 13, 1796), Thompson stayed at "Mr Sollomon Skaggs house" on March 24, 1797, living "plentiful upon free cost" (hospitable, no charge). On March 27, 1797, they "recovered" (arrived) at Solomon Skaggs' on Pitman Creek and continued there.
  • Henry Skaggs' Property: A stag belonging to "Mr Hennery Skaggs on Pitman Creek" is noted, indicating his residence in that area.

Ledger and Financial Entries

Scattered ledger notes show economic ties:

  • David Skaggs: Appears in a ledger with calculations (e.g., 74 + 12 + 8, totaling 199), possibly debts or accounts. In a loose paper, John Woods owes David Skaggs for "2 Sows" (1:16:0), cash (1:7:0), 40 bushels of corn (4:0:0), a loom (1:5:0), and a sow & pig (0:18:0), totaling 7:3:0 + additional amounts.
  • General Skaggs Reference: In costs, "Skaggs" is listed under debts related to "cost of McColgin" (2/3) and "Robert pattengr" (2/3); context unclear but likely a family member.

Location: Monroe County, KY, USA

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