Post by Pat (Friend) Thompson on Mar 12, 2011 20:31:01 GMT -5
Heritage of Braxton County West Virginia 1995
Page 106
Thomas Belknap and Naomi Dare are thought to be the parents of Thomas Belknap, the subject of this article who connects to the FRIEND family. “Thomas, born about1797, was 5’7’ tall with blue eyes, light colored hair, and fair skin. He married red-haired Mary “Polly” Friend, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Harris) Friend, about 1818, when they settled in then Nicholas County –later to become Braxton County. Their children were: William, Naomi, Norman, James, Israel, Thomas James, Henry T. Sheets, Clark, Andrew and Catherine. Polly died March 3, 1850.
Hardesty’s West Virginia Counties’ article, “William Riley Hosey” states “Thomas Belknap, father of Mrs. Hosey (Naomi) ..served some time in the Confederate army, but was too old to undergo the hardships of the marches and had to leave the service.” Certainly understandable, since he was about 65. That he tried seems typical of his character. Thomas’ death certificate lists his age as 104. Earlier records indicate his true age was nearer 86. When he died. On his “100th birthday, his family did not want him to ride his horse for fear he would be injured, so they hid his saddle and bridle. Undaunted, he simply fashioned a bridle out of rope, threw some burlap sacks on the horse for a saddle, and rode the six miles from Trace Run to Belfont. Whether he was 100 or 82 when this occurred does not diminish the grit and determination of this remarkable man. He died November 30, 1883 and is buried on his farm at Trace Run. Submitted by Clarence T. Belknap
This is not a full transcription of the article.
Page 106
Thomas Belknap and Naomi Dare are thought to be the parents of Thomas Belknap, the subject of this article who connects to the FRIEND family. “Thomas, born about1797, was 5’7’ tall with blue eyes, light colored hair, and fair skin. He married red-haired Mary “Polly” Friend, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Harris) Friend, about 1818, when they settled in then Nicholas County –later to become Braxton County. Their children were: William, Naomi, Norman, James, Israel, Thomas James, Henry T. Sheets, Clark, Andrew and Catherine. Polly died March 3, 1850.
Hardesty’s West Virginia Counties’ article, “William Riley Hosey” states “Thomas Belknap, father of Mrs. Hosey (Naomi) ..served some time in the Confederate army, but was too old to undergo the hardships of the marches and had to leave the service.” Certainly understandable, since he was about 65. That he tried seems typical of his character. Thomas’ death certificate lists his age as 104. Earlier records indicate his true age was nearer 86. When he died. On his “100th birthday, his family did not want him to ride his horse for fear he would be injured, so they hid his saddle and bridle. Undaunted, he simply fashioned a bridle out of rope, threw some burlap sacks on the horse for a saddle, and rode the six miles from Trace Run to Belfont. Whether he was 100 or 82 when this occurred does not diminish the grit and determination of this remarkable man. He died November 30, 1883 and is buried on his farm at Trace Run. Submitted by Clarence T. Belknap
This is not a full transcription of the article.