Mary Durbin

Other Events and Attributes:

• Death: 1818

Mary married Rapheal (Ralph) Logsdon about 1757. Rapheal (son of John Sr. Logsdon and Margaret Wooley) was born in 1736 in Westminister, Frederick County, Maryland; died on 24 Jun 1818 in Willstown, Allegany County, Maryland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Margaret Logsdon died in UNKNOWN.
2. Anjemina Jemimah Logsdon was born about 1758; died in UNKNOWN.
3. Rachel Logsdon was born about 1759; died before 1792.
4. Mary Logsdon was born between 1766 and 1774; died in UNKNOWN.
5. Honora (Oner) Logsdon was born about 1774 in Willstown, Allegany County, Maryland; died in 1844 in Danville, Knox County, Ohio.
6. Sarah Logsdon was born about 1781; died in UNKNOWN.
7. Ann Logsdon was born about 1798; died in UNKNOWN.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Samuel DURBIN
• Death: 19 Sep 1752, Frederick, Frederick, Maryland

Notes:

Samuel Durbin was married to Ann, daughter of William Logsdon and Honor O'Flynn, at Saint Thomas Church at Owings Mills, Maryland, July 4, 1734. This marriage is also recorded at St. Paul Catholic Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Samuel Durbin is the patriarch of most, if not all, of the Durbins of Kentucky. Some researchers list Samuel as a son of William Durbin son of Thomas Durbin.Samuel's will, dated September 19, 1752, named none of his children. It is assumed that he died soon after the September date. Ann's will dated July 8, 1770, was probated in Frederick County, Maryland, and named all thirteen of her children. Of these thirteen children, at least four were pioneer settlers of Kentucky. John came in between 1775 and 1780; Thomas, Christopher, and Edward came in circa 1788. John Durbin, according to James Virden, was the first Durbin in Kentucky, arriving with Daniel Boone in 1775, and was one of the axmen who blazed the Wilderness Trail. [Durbin-Logsdon Genealogy by Betty Jewell Durbin Carson]

Liber 28, folio 40019 Sept. 1752

DURBIN, SAMUEL, Frederick Co., planter. To son William Durbin, 100a at the lower end of Cobbs Choice in lieu of The Pleasants Green. To dau. Ann Durbin, a cow & calf. To dau. Margret Durbin, an heifer yearlin. To son John Durbin, my sorrel mares colt. My wife & extrx. [not named] is to keep all above written & the dw. plntn. if she not mar. To son Samuel Durbin, on his mother d., the dw. plntn. 50a. Witn: Edwd. Meacham, Thos. Logsdon, William Wilson. 23 Oct 1752, sworn to by all 3 witn.

Samuel Durbin, born about 1700 in colonial Maryland, is believed to be the son of Thomas and Mary Downes Durbin. It is recorded that Samuel Durbin married Ann Logsdon on 4th of July 1723 in St. Pauls Church, Baltimore, MD. Ann Logsdon was the daughter of William Logsdon and Honor O'Flynn. The children of Samuel and Ann are as follows: William, Samuel Jr., Thomas, John, Christopher, Edward, Nicholas, Benjamin, Sarah, Ann, Margaret, Mary and Honor. The last 2 girls may have been twins.

Samuel was involved in the Methodist Church of America. There are roadside signs pointing to a wonderful old home built in 1767, still standing in good condition where Samuel and Ann lived. It is likely that Samuel built the home and the nearby original log cabin where their son Christopher was born. The Durbins became interested in Methodism and the first American ordained bishop, Francis Asbury often preached in their home as well as another famous preacher, Robert Strawbridge, recognized by many as the first Methodist preacher in America. He was a near neighbor and friend. The Durbins were active in establishing Methodism in this country and belonged to the First Society of Methodism. bSam's History

/bThe family account of the Durbin family began with Samuel Durbin who came to Frederick County, Maryland at its early settlement. It was thought that Samuel came from Bristow, England. It was also expressed that the durbin homland was Ireland.

Samuel Durbin was married to Ann Logsdon of Frederick County, Maryland, 4 July 1723 at St. Pauls Parish, in Baltimore County, Maryland. Ann was the daughter of William Logsdon, an emigrant to Maryland in 1673 and Honor O'Flynn. Honor O'Flynn was mentioned in old records as an Irish girl of great piety, and it was through her that the Catholic element appeared in the Durbin line. The family lore handed down through the generations was of a beautiful Irish girl named Honor O'Flynn who was kidnapped from Ireland and brought to this country, and who was married to a Logsdon. These quotes were taken from some Catholic records pertaining to one Father Elisha Durbin, son of John D. Durbin and Patience Logsdon. This information was submitted to Mrs. Ernest F. Schuchert of Chester, Illinois from Mr. Howard steiner of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Some of the descendants of Durbins of this line became very staunch Catholics. However, Mr. steiner said that the wonderful home which Samuel Durbin and his sons built in 1767 was still standing in good condition, that the homestead had been made a shrine by the Methodist Church of America. There were roadside signs pointing to its location about two miles out from Westminster, Maryland. The Durbins became interested in Methodism, and the first American ordained bishop Francis Asbury often visited with the Durbins during three generations of that family. He preached in their home as well as did Robert Strawbridge, who was recognized by many as the first Methodist preacher in America. Robert Strawbridge was a near neighbor and friend. The Durbins were active in establishing Methodism in the this country and William, a son, belonged to the First Society of Methodism. Samuel Durbinn's homestead was within two miles of Westminster, Maryland. If his children were born in the log cabin which stands near the home, then their birth place could read Carroll County, Maryland instead of Frederick County, Maryland which sounds most probable. Carroll County was once a part of Baltimore County in Maryland. This information was submitted to Mrs. Ernest F. Schuchert of Chester, Illionois from Mr. Howard Steiner of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

From the New Winsor District in Carroll County, Maryland came a note that not far from Pipe Creek lived William Durbin who with his wife joined the Methodist in 1768. Their son, John Durbin, was a traveling preacher.

The following is a transcription of the Will of Samuel Durbin from the Durbin Family History web site of Gene Klein:

In the name of God Amen. The nineteenth day of September one thousand seven hundred and fifty-two I, Samuel Durbin of Frederick County in the Province of Maryland Planter being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be giving unto God. And calling unto mind the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament, that is to say principally. And first of all, I commend my soul into the Hands of God that gave it me: and as for my body I recommend to the earth to be buried in a Christian like and decent manner as it shall please my Executrix hereafter named.

Imprimis: I give to my well beloved son William Durbin an hundred acres of land, being part of a tract of land called Cobbs Choice in lieu of a tract of Land called the Pleasants Green of the said William Durbin to take the said Land at lower end and not to take any of the improvements of my dwelling plantation as I now live upon.

Item: And likewise I give to my well beloved Daughter Ann Durbin one cow and calf.

Item: I give likewise to my well beloved Daughter Margaret Durbin an heifer yearling.

Item: And to my well beloved son Thomas Durbin I give an heifer yearling.

Item: And to my well beloved Son John Durbin I give my Sorrel mares colt.

Imprimis: I leave my dear and loving wife my sole Executrix and to keep all the above written in her possession till her decease if she don't marry and the dwelling plantation she now lives upon and after her decease, I leave it to my well beloved son Samuel Durbin, it being fifty acres with all the appurtenances there unto belonging and when my debts is paid I leave the remainder of my personal estate that is left to be equally divided amongst the rest of my children.

N.B. That three must sign this will that is awarding to law.

Samuel Durbin

Test Edw. Mecliam
Tho. T Logsdon
William Wilson

October the 23d 1752 Edward Mecliam Thomas Logsdon & William Willson subscribing witnesses to the within will being duly sworn on the Holy Evangel of Alimighty God depose and say that they saw the Testator Samuel Durbin subscribe the within as his last Will & Testament & heard him piblish & declare it as such, and at the time his so doing he was to the best of their apprehensions of sound disposing mind & memory that they subscribed the within will in the presence & at the request of the Testator Samuel Durbins.

Sworn before me

John Darnale
Deputy Cmmy of Fred. Ct.

Samuel married Anne Logsdon on 4 Jul 1723 in St. Paul's Church, Baltimore, Maryland. Anne (daughter of William Logsdon and Honora O'Flynn) was born about 1703 in Owings Mill, Baltimore County, Maryland; died on 8 Jul 1770 in Frederick County, Maryland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

8 Sept 1770 Frederick Co MD. will of Ann Durbin, probated 5 Oct 1770. Children: William, Daniel, Thomas, John, Nicholas, Christopher, Edward, Benj, Sarah McKinsey, Ann Stevenson, Margaret Brown, Mary Logsdon

The following is a transcription of Ann Logsdon's will. It was copied from the Durbin Family History web site of Gene Klein:

In the Name of God Amen, I Ann Durbin of Frederick County in the province of Maryland. Widow being weak in body, but of sound mind and memory blessed be God for it, do this eighth day of July in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and seventy, make and publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following, that is to say, first I give and bequeath unto my six sons hereafter named viz. William Durbin, Samuel Durbin, Thomas Durbin, John Durbin, Nicholas Durbin, and Christopher Durbin the sum of one shilling sterling money to be paid unto each of them at the end of one year after my decease and no more of my estate. I also give and bequeath unto my son Edward Durbin one black mare branded thus _______ and no more of my estate. I do also give and bequeath unto my son Benjamin Durbin on feather bed and furniture and one large iron pot and no more of my estate. I also give and bequeath unto my four daughters hereafter named viz. Sarah McKensey, Ann Stevenson, Margret Brown, and Mary Logsdon, to each of them one shilling sterling silver money to be paid unto each of them at the end of one year after my decease and no more of my estate. I also give and bequeath unto my daughter Honour Durbin two cows and calves and one feather bed and furniture and all and every part and parcel thereof together with all and singular my household furniture, and every other matter of thing that I shall *** proposed of after the payment of my just debts and the above. Bequeath to her the said Honor Durbin and her heirs forever. And I also make and ordain my son Edward Durbin executor of this my last Will in trust for the intents and purposes in this my will contained. In witness whereof I the said Ann Durbin have to this my Last Will and Testament set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Ann Durbin

Signed, Sealed and delivered by the said Ann Durbin as and for her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who were present at the signing & sealing thereof.

John Logsdon

William Logsdon

On the back of the aforegoing will was thus written viz. On the 5th day of October 1770 John Logsdon and William Logsdon the two subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing will made oath on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God that they did see the Testator Ann Durbin sign and seal the said Will and heard her publish, pronounce, and declare the same to be her last Will and Testament and that at the time of her so doing she was to the best of their apprehension of a sound and disposing mind and memory and the they severally subscribed their names as witnesses to the said Will in the presence of the said Testator and in the presence of each other.

Sworn before Bowles

Notes:

Source:Ancestry.comBritish Roots of Maryland FamiliesThomas DurbinSon of Christopher and Margaret, baptized 31 Aug 1651 at St. Margaret's, Westminster, and may be the Thomas Durbin who settled in Baltimore County, Maryland. On 17 Mar 1662, Thomas Durbin was bound to serve Thomas Covey for four years in Nevis. Although he is not listed in Skordas, Thomas Durbin was in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, by 1676 when he purchased land from Walter Dickenson. He died in Baltimore County by 1697. Thomas was the father of: John, Christopher, William, Elizabeth, and possibly James and Samuel.


From Thomas' children on a special bond was formed with the Logsdon clan - you can hardly study either family without a great deal of research into the other. Both families were in the vanguard of the westward movement, many times arriving to found the very earliest settlement in an area. It happened thus in Ohio and in Kentucky and in Illinois. The following story illustrates some of this.

DURBIN-LOGSDON SETTLEMENT DOWN IN CHRISTIAN COUNTY (Illinois)Article taken from Decatur Daily Review,Monday Evening, June 10,1912

In passing though the country to the southwest of Clarksdale in Christian County, IL, one finds a certain piece of land that excites curiosity, since the timber thereon does not conform with the natural growth in that vicinity. The place is covered with trees of large size,some two feet through their body. While wondering why this fifteen acre patch is different from the neighboring woods, one might find a few fragments of broken pottery. There is nothing on the market today that resembles the place. One is reminded of mound builders or cliff dwellers.

This place is two miles from Clarksdale and about the same from Palmer,near Bear Creek. Investigation shows that this timber was once a “clearing”, a farm, and the timber has grown thereon since it had fallen into disuse for agricultural purposes.

ONCE A HOMESTEAD

This fifteen acres was the original homestead of the Durbins, who settled there at a date that must be several years in advance of the setting-up of Illinois. Records written only in memory, transform into tradition with the next generation and therefore the most interesting part of the story must be omitted for lack of facts concerning the earliest settlers of Illinois.The curiouslooking patch of timber was where the Durbins saw fit to locate, but there would seem to be no particular reason why as everything must have been woods alike, and this place would have been in what was then heavy timbered land on all sides. An opening may have been there, but most likely the Durbins cleared the place of timber in building cabins, fences, etc.

All trace of buildings has disappeared beyond the memory of the present generation and the forest has reclaimed the tract so many years since that huge trees occupy the once cultivated land.

TRACES OF INDIANS

A crude watermill was operated in the vicinity of Bear Creek where fragments of the dam and millstones were in evidence many years afterward. It is known that Indians traded at this place and nearby is where Black Hawk camped on his march to Starved Rock. In connection with this, a long string of Indianbeads were plowed up at that point about three years ago which is believed to have belonged to the Black Hawk warriors. They are now in the possession of Q. S. Simpson of Palmer.

BACK TO 1776

Still in evidence are fragments of a log cabin which was in ruins with the first recollection of the oldest inhabitant and a cemetery are near. There, gravestones bear inscriptions, rudely cut, dating back to 1776. Among the early settlers were the Lees, Boyds, Vandeveres,Simpsons,Hewitts,Clarks,Murphys, Taylors,Logsdons and Durbins, but it is claimed that the Durbins and Logsdon families were many years in advance of the other families.

Bringing the story down to a more recent date,we must give the Logsdons a place since our story is of the Durbin-Logsdon settlement. “Aunt Betsey” Logsdon of Taylorville, now ninety years of age, but with faculties fifty years younger, is the living monument of the older generation of Durbin-Logsdon families of which we have any record.

BACK 200 YEARS

The connection of the two families must have started at an early day, since we find on record in Baltimore,MD., that ELijah Logsdon and Nancy Durbin were married nearly 200 years ago. Going on down through the records, we find that Dan Cupid rarely every ventured outside of the two families to make“two hearts to beat as one.”

Josephus Durbin, born on Bear Creek ninety-three years ago, was wedded to a Miss Logsdon,taking, it is said, the first marriage license in those parts. On down the records we find the Logsdons marrying Durbins and the Durbins marrying Logsdons in amazing regularity. A complex relationship that in some cases would be difficult to untangle. It is claimed by some that the two types, Logsdons on one side and Durbins on the other, are so prounounced that a stranger might segregate the two families.

MILL WAS OLD Long AGO

Daniel Durbin was probably the first white man to locate here, but the date is lacking. “Aunt Betsey” Logsdon played about the Mill when she was eight years old, that is eighty years ago, and the Mill was then very old and about past its usefulness. Daniel was then quite an old man. The two families were very prolific, both Durbins and Logsdons, rearing large families and strong ties of friendship always existed to the extent that any unusual occurrence, such as a dance or a butchering was a signal for all members of both families to be present. On these occasions a delegation from another community,a sort of branch of the same family, would attend, coming in several wagons from near Owaneco, several miles across the prairie.

While these people had some unusual traits they were a kind-hearted, honest family, and it is said that they have contributed to the up-building of the community in many ways and perhaps more abundantly that any other of the early settlers.

ALL Johns OR Williams

One characteristic trait of the family is that of making a namesake of every male child born into these families. Each of the many families have their “John” and their “William”, Durbin or Logsdon as the case may be. So many of these names are used that it becomes absolutely necessary to use a second name or letter or nickname in connection as a means o fdistinguishing them. Where “John B”, “John C.”, “John L.”, etc., failed to suffice, a suggestive prefix was used, such as “RuggerJohn”,"Bee HunterJohn”, “Mule Jim”, “Pious Joe,” etc. through a long list of Jims, Johns and Bills: one Bill got in a little late – one of the younger set– and failed to connect with a prefix, so he must be content to worry along through life with an affix and be known as “Billy Beans” so as to distinguish him from a grandfather, two uncles, some nephews and about sixteen cousins.

These families, locating in the wood as was the custom of early settlers, have always adjusted themselves to the environment and while hunting and trapping occupied their time in earlier days, the march of civilization was gradually brought upon them the necessity of agricultural pursuits. But their ambition has never been such that the accumulation of wealth would interfere with the enjoyments of life and while very content with little of the country’s wealth, they have always made the best of their surroundings and kept pace with their neighbors in up to date methods.There is considerable talent and progressiveness in the present generation of the Durbin and Logsdon families since they are weaned from the backwoods ways of their ancestors and it is said that Dan Cupid is now being given more free rein in matching hearts and there is more often marriages with those outside of their own people than formerly.

M.S. P. (Author)

Notes:

Recently it has been documented that William Logsdon Sr. was born 9/13/1663 of James Logsdon and Jane James, who were married 6/26/1662 at St. John's Church, Bedfordshire, England. William came to America in 1673/74 landing near Baltimore on a ship commanded by Capt. Samuel Smith. According to family history, William paid for his passage over by working four years with various tobacco planters living along the Patapsco River in Maryland/Md. At the end of his 'indentureship' he went up the Big Pipe Creek and bought a 300 acre tract of land near the southern border of Pennsylvania/Pa., which he named "Brotherly Love." Mr. Logsdon cleared the land, raised livestock, and made tobacco his chief crop, which was sold in England.

At the age of 39, in 1702, William selected a young Irish lass, Honora 0' Flynn, to be his wife. She was only 16, part of a shipload of young women kidnapped on the southern coast of Ireland, Kerry Co., to become brides of pioneer bachelor planters. Seven children were born of this marriage: Ann, b. 1703; William Jr., b. 1705; Honora, b. 1707; Thomas, b. 1710; Prudence, b. 1712; Edward, b. 1714; and John, b. 1716. William Sr. died between 9/22/1730 and 3/3/1742.

William married Honora O'Flynn in 1702. Honora was born about 1686; died after 1742. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James + Jane James. Jane was born about 1641; died in UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]