James and Susanna Skaggs: Multi-State Migrants

James Skaggs (c. 1734–1814) was a colonial-to-frontier planter, ferry operator, and multi-state migrant whose life bridged the Virginia backcountry, eastern Tennessee settlement, and final establishment in south-central Kentucky. He is a key early figure in the Skaggs lineage who is frequently confused with James Skaggs, father of the Long Hunters.


Born around 1734 in Maryland to Charles Skaggs (1709–1749) and Elizabeth, James was named second in his father's 1749 Frederick County will. He came of age in the Virginia frontier, appearing on the New River by the 1760s–1770s. James operated a competing ferry to Ingles Ferry across the New River and petitioned for improved roads (1779 alongside Col. William Christian). He swore the 1777 Oath of Allegiance to the State of Virginia in Montgomery County.

James married Susanna (likely Moredock; c. 1740–after 1822) and raised a large family. Post-war, they resided in Montgomery County, Virginia and gradually sold land there in the late 1780s. By 1790 they migrated to eastern Tennessee, joining the Mouth of Richland Baptist Church in what was then Hawkins County and acquiring Knox/Grainger County lands (e.g., Raccoon Valley tracts sold 1799).

Around 1803, James and Susanna relocated to Warren County, Kentucky (Green River valley), accumulating substantial acreage (taxed on 900+ acres by 1803; additional purchases like 1809 Duff deed). He conveyed land intrafamily (1811 deed to son James Jr.). James died in Warren County between July 21, 1813 (will date) and July 1814 (probate).

City Hall, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Spouse

  • Susanna (likely Moredock; c. 1740–after 1814), mother of his children; appeared with him in church records, censuses, and deeds.

Known Children (from will, deeds, taxes, church records)

  • Eli Skaggs (c. 1770–1833); prominent Knox County settler/Baptist leader; married Rebecca Popejoy; descendants Y-DNA R-BY93447.
  • Joseph Skaggs (c. 1770s–after 1830); Warren County farmer.
  • Daniel Skaggs (c. 1780s–after 1830); witnessed 1811 deed; Warren County.
  • Abraham Skaggs (c. 1790s–after 1830); named in will; descendants Y-DNA R-FT6584.
  • James Skaggs Jr. (c. 1789–1861); received 1811 deed; married Dorothy Dunham.
  • Possibly others (daughters suggested by census/church clues).

James's brother Charles Skaggs Jr. (c. 1740s–c. 1811) migrated parallel paths; his descendants Y-DNA R-FT12801 (core "Safeway" retail line via Tennessee persistence). Since R-BY93447 and R-FT12801 haplogroups are both downstream of R-FT6584, James would have been R-FT6584.

R-BY93447 Eli Skaggs highlighted in orange


James embodied frontier entrepreneurship—ferryman, road advocate, multi-state migrant—laying resilient foundations for descendants' westward success, including Ewing Moredock Skaggs (b. 1825 Kentucky) and Eli Harrison Skaggs (1818–1890), who both were heavily involved in riverboat and casino gambling in the 1850s.

References

  • Frederick County, Maryland Will Book A1 (1749): Named as son of Charles Skaggs (1709–1749).
  • Montgomery County, Virginia records: 1777 Oath; 1779 road petitions; 1785–1787 deeds (multiple sales).
  • Mouth of Richland Baptist Church minutes, 1790–1795 (East Tennessee Roots transcripts).
  • Knox/Grainger County deeds/tax lists (e.g., 1799 Raccoon Valley sale).
  • Warren County, Kentucky: 1803–1815 tax lists; 1810 census; 1811 deed to James Jr.; 1813 will (Book B).
  • Y-DNA evidence: Skaggs Project (FTDNA); R-FT6584 (common); Eli descendants R-BY93447; Abraham R-FT6584; brother Charles line R-FT12801 (Safeway retail).
Location: Warren County, KY, USA

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