In Part 4 of this series, we untangled one of the most persistent genealogical knots in the Blanton family: the identity of Richard³ Blanton (Richard², Thomas¹), born around 1723, who married Johanna “Hannah,” probably Anderson, and later moved to Cumberland County, Virginia. For decades, genealogists have mistakenly linked him to a different man—one who married a Snead and migrated to Kentucky. This confusion began with Wingfield (1924), was repeated by McDonald (1975), and still echoes through countless online trees.
Need to catch up: My Blanton Family Roots Part 4 – Sorting Out Richard Blantons https://asonofvirginia.blog/2025/08/20/my-blanton-family-roots-part-4-sorting-out-richard-blantons/
A Letter from a Grandson Reveals Much
Since our last installment I discovered a copy of a letter from Harrison Blanton, 84, of Frankfort, Kentucky to his grandson, L. Harvey Blanton of Indianapolis, Indiana written 28 August 1875. It provides perhaps the most reliable account of Richard Blanton of Fayette County, Kentucky, who was his grandfather – who he personally knew – his grandfather having died when Harrison was an adult. In the letter he provides both a family sketch as well as an account of the life of his father and grandfather – both named Richard Blanton.
With respect to his grandfather Richard Blanton, he wrote that he was “born in Virginia” and that “his ancestors were from England.” He added that his grandmother “was a Snead” without providing her given name. He also noted that “their children were John Blanton, Charles Blanton, Richard Blanton (my father ), Carter Blanton, William Blanton, James Blanton, Mrs. Vaughan, Mrs. Daniel, and Mrs. Isaac Crutcher, the mother of Richard Crutcher, Louis Crutcher, and Mrs. Bailey of Woodford county. All the children except my uncle Charles Blanton and Mrs. Vaughan moved to Kentucky and raised large families.”
Blanton’s 1875 letter also recounts the story of his grandfather Richard Blanton and his connection to Rev. Joseph Craig. He wrote “An excitement however was created by the old Baptist denomination of whom Rev. Craig was among the leaders . His zeal was so great that he was apprehended , convicted , and sent to the Frederick jail , and through the gates of that jail he continued to preach until it was necessary to release him as he was doing more mischief in than out of jail . Now the connection of my grandfather , Richard Blanton, with this Craig imprisonment was that he was the sheriff of the county, and he always told us that the first of his official acts was to apprehend and confine in jail the Rev. J. Craig . Our grandfather lived to a great age, between 90 and 100 years, and died near Grassy Springs meeting house, between Frankfort and Versailles.” This is likely where Railey’s 1921 account came from although Railey goes further in providing an 1819 death year for both Rev. Joseph Craig and Richard Blanton.
Harrison Blanton’s father Richard Blanton
Harrison Blanton wrote about his father Richard Blanton, “My father and mother were married in 1790 and lived near a small town, Millwood, Frederick Co. Va. until spring 1799 when they moved Fayette Ky where the family was raised. They had 8 children, myself the only boy. Five of us were born in Va. and three in Ky . The last two born in Va. died as infants. The others lived to be married women. My father died in 1809 . I was born Aug. 13, 1791. My sister, Nancy Clay, now living, was born Aug. 13 , 1806. My mother was born June 8 , 1774; died April 3 , 1840. My father was in the Revolution . He went as a substitute for his brother John; was very young , not old enough to be drafted . Was at Gates’ defeat, and I frequently heard him say what a great race he made at that time, ran sixty miles to his home without stopping.”[1]
Harrison Blanton’s letter clears up the confusion in Railey’s account(s). His grandfather Richard Blanton was associated with Rev. Joseph Craig, while his father Richard Blanton served as a substitute in the Revolutionary War for his older brother John Blanton.
Harrison Blanton’s grandfather Richard Blanton’s immediate family
Richard Blanton, m. ———- Sneed, issue:
John Blanton, d. 1811, Woodford County, Kentucky m. Nancy Roberson[2]
Charles Blanton, w.d. d. 9 Dec 1810, m. Charlotte ———-[3]
Richard Blanton m. 1790 – see next section
Carter Blanton m.17 August 1787, Caroline County, Virginia, Susannah Sneed[4]
William Blanton
James Blanton
Peggy Blanton, d. bef. 19 August 1791, m. Philip Vaughan[5]
———- Blanton m. ———— Daniel
Nancy Blanton m. 8 September 1790, Caroline County, Virginia, Isaac Croucher [Crutcher][6]
Harrison Blanton’s father Richard Blanton’s immediate family
Richard Blanton[7], d.c. 1809, Fayette County, Kentucky, m. 1790, Sarah “Sally” Combs[8], b. 8 June1774, d. 3 April 1840/49, issue:
1790 – lived near Millwood[9] in Frederick County, Virginia
Harrison Blanton – b. 13 August 1791, VA – alive in 1875
Blanton – b. VA
Blanton – b. VA
Blanton – b. VA – died as an infant in VA
Blanton – b. VA – died as an infant in VA
1799 – moved to Fayette County, Kentucky
Blanton – b. KY
Blanton – b. KY
Blanton – b. KY – Nancy b. 13 August 1806 – alive in 1875
Richard Blanton, b.c. 1759-65, d. 1809 – Harrison Blanton’s father
On 13 November 1809 in Fayette County, Kentucky Court, Sally Blanton granted administration of her deceased husband Richard Blanton with Carter Blanton and Nathaniel Ashby as securities. Harrison Blanton and Betsy Blanton chose Carter Blanton as their guardian. The court appointed Carter Blanton as guardian to Sythe, Lucy, Kitty and Nancy Blanton, infant orphans of Richard Blanton.[10] So, we have six living children, one of which is male – Harrison Blanton. Railey gave Richard Blanton’s age as 16 when he substituted his married older brother John Blanton. While Harrison Blanton doesn’t give his father’s age, he does note that he was too young to be drafted, suggesting he was about 16. Depending on when his service began (1775-1781), Harrison Blanton’s father Richard Blanton was born about 1759-1765.
Carter Blanton, b.c. 1761-65, d. 1835 – Harrison Blanton’s uncle
Carter Blanton, Harrison Blanton’s uncle and guardian, married Susannah Sneed inCaroline County, Virginia on 17 August 1787.[11] He appears in the 1810, 1820 and 1830 U.S. Censuses in Franklin County, Kentucky:
1810 U.S. census – Franklin County, Kentucky, age 45+ (b. by 1765).[12]
1820 U.S. Census – Lawrenceburg, Franklin County, Kentucky, age 45+.[13]
1830 U.S. Census – Southern Division, Franklin, Kentucky, age 60-69 (b.1761-1770).[14]
Carter Blanton wrote his will dated 23 February 1835 and it was recorded at the August 1835 term in Franklin County, Kentucky. He names his wife Susan [Susannah Snead], and “all my children” Peggy Coleman, Polly Snell, Burdit [Burdett] A Blanton, Henry Blanton, William C Blanton and Eliza Daniel and sons-in-law Edward S. Coleman and Robert Snell.[15] Carter Blanton was born about 1761-1765.
John Blanton, b.c. 1759-65, d. 1811 – Harrison Blanton’s uncle
The older brother that Richard Blanton substituted for, John4 Blanton died intestate in 1811 in Woodford County, Kentucky leaving widow Nancy [Roberson] who became administrator of the estate. The court ordered William Steele, John Edwards and Herman Bowman to settle the estate by dividing it between the widow (her 1/3 dower share) and the children. The record notes that John and Nancy Blanton had 10 children all of whom were living, four of whom had received advancements including Richard Taylor and Sally, his wife and daughter of the decd, and sons Thompson Blanton, Benjamin Blanton and Willis Blanton. The latter two received a small additional allotment to make things equitable. This was consented to by Richard Blanton who was noted as being “of age” and the guardians of the still minor children: Elizabeth Blanton, James Blanton (guardian Richard Taylor), Horace Blanton, Nancy Blanton, Dorothy Blanton (guardian Benjamin Blanton) and Richard Blanton also received their allotments.[16] John Blanton was older than Harrison Blanton’s father Richard who was born about 1759-1765.
Charles Blanton, b. by 1765, d. 1816 – Harrison Blanton’s uncle
The only brother to remain in Virginia was Charles Blanton who made his will on 23 October 1816 and which was recorded 9 December 1816. He named his wife Charlotte to whom he left his entire estate for life or widowhood at which time it Was to be divided into six parts for daughters Lucy C. Southworth, Betsey Long and Nancy Blanton, and sons Richard Blanton, John S. Blanton and William Blanton.[17] Charles Blanton appears in the 1810 U.S. Census in Caroline County listed as age 45+[18] Charles Blanton was born by 1765.
Why are these approximate birth years important?
Because my 5x great grandfather Richard3 Blanton (Richard2, Thomas1) had four sons with Johannah “Hannah” prob. Anderson during this same timeframe. Eldest son, James Blanton was born before 12 July 1759 when he is mentioned with his parents in a Spotsylvania County, Virginia lease from George Boswell to Richard Blanton, Joanna his wife and James Blanton his son.[19] Second son Thomas Blanton was born in 1760 according to his own statement that he was 63 year old in 1823 when he filed his pension application for his Revolutionary War service.[20] Third son John Blanton, was 21 by 1787 (b. by 1766) when he is listed in his brother James’ household as a 21+ year old tithable in Cumberland County, Virginia. Their father Richard3 Blanton (Richard2, Thomas1) was also listed with his son James Blanton.[21] The youngest son David Blanton first appears in the tax rolls in 1792, suggesting he was born about 1771.[22]
Richard3 Blanton (Richard2, Thomas1) Richard3 (prob. William2, Thomas1)
m. Johanna “Hannah” prob. Anderson m. ———- Snead
James – born before 1759 John – born before Richard
Thomas – born 1760 Richard – born about 1759-1765
John – born by 1766 Carter – born about 1761-1765
David – born about 1771 Charles – born by 1765
In addition to the primary sources covered in part 4, the records of these men’s approximate birth years make it clear that there were two different Richard Blanton’s – my 5x great grandfather Richard3 Blanton (Richard2, Thomas1) in Spotsylvania County and then Cumberland County, Virginia and the Richard Blanton in Caroline County, Virginia who married a Sneed and moved to Kentucky.
———- Sneed – Harrison Blanton’s grandmother
Harrison Blanton wrote that his grandmother was a Snead without giving her given name. He also wrote that “My grandmother was the aunt of Achilles Sneed , Landon Sneed and William Sneed , who died in this county [Franklin County, KY],[23] and of Thomas Redd of this [Franklin] and Samuel Redd of Lexington [Fayette County].” Thus, his grandmother’s brother is the father of her Sneed nephews and her sister the mother of her Redd nephews.
The parents of Achilles, Landon and William Sneed were Isaac and Mary (Crutcher) Sneed, They are both named, along with several Crutcher children including her brother Leonard Crutcher, in the 1782 Caroline County will of her father Thomas Crutcher, which survives as part of a Chancery Court suit, Crutcher v. Crutcher held in the Fredericksburg District Court.[24] The relationship is further proved by an 5 October 1789 suit in Fredericksburg Court where the plaintiff William Sneed, infant was represented “by his father and next friend” Isaac Sneed against Christopher Blackburn for assault and battery.[25] Finally, on 4 May 1799 Achilles Sneed for himself and as attorney in fact for William Sneed , Thomas Sneed and Sarah Sneed his wife, Landon Sneed, John Sneed and Elizabeth Sneed Heirs and legal Representatives of Mary Sneed deceased; Have constituted and appointed and by these Presents Do constitute and appoint William Crutcher our true and lawful Attorney for us and in our names to receive from Mr John Hord of Caroline County Virginia, or any other person who may have in his or her possession (for the purpose of conveying to us a certain Sum of money, being one eighth part of the Money arising from the sale of a certain Tract or Parcel of Land formerly the property of Leonard Crutcher now deceased) lying and being in the County and State aforesaid, which said one eighth part of the Tract of Land aforesaid, became the property of the said decedent Mary Sneed, by the death of her brother Leonard Crutcher.[26] Isaac Sneed is the brother of Harrison Blanton’s grandmother.
There is a Caroline County, Virginia record that may reveal the name of Harrison Blanton’s Sneed grandmother. On 12 August 1756, John Sneed acknowledged his deed Indented to Ann Blanton which on motion of the said Sneed is admitted to record.[27]
This John Sneed’s will was proven on 8 July 1773 in Caroline County. John Sneed & Benjamin Sneed were granted a certificate for obtaining a probate.[28] Benjamin’s first appearance in the record was on 8 March 1744/5, when “John Sneed acknowledged a deed to Sneed’s son Benj. Sneed.”[29]The John Sneed, who received the probate certificate, was styled Junior in previous records. He first appears on 14 April 1749 when “John Sneed Jun is appointed overseer of the three notched road from the County line by the his may be Over Daniels Mill in the room of Robert Foster.[30] Both of these men were likely young adults meaning they were born in the 1720. These are sons of John Sneed.
Benjamin Sneed was dead by May 1781 when his will was proven. His widow Mary Sneed Richard Blanton took the Oath prescribed by Law and they obtained a certificate for obtaining a Probate.[31] His widow, Mary Sneed, then married Thomas Ayers.[32] On 9 October 1783 Thomas Ayres was appointed Guardian to Samuel Sneed and Benjamin Sneed Orphans of Benjamin Sneed deceased.[33] Some online trees suggest that Benjamin Sneed was the father of the Sneed who married Richard Blanton. Given Benjmain had minor children in 1783, his father John Sneed seems the likely candidate. The Richard Blanton above is likely Harrison Blanton’s grandfather who married (prob. Ann) Sneed and moved to Kentucky. Benjamin Sneed would have been his brother-in-law. This makes sense given Benjamin’s sons were still minors at his death.
Conclusion
While there remains considerable opportunity for further research on the Blantons, our series now comes to an end. The Caroline County Blantons remain the most significant challenge due to extensive records loss. However, by proving the lines of the Thomas2, John2, and Richard2, we can, by process of elimination, say with some level of confidence that many of the Caroline Blantons must be descendants of William2 Blanton. Given everything we have uncovered, I am confident that the Richard3 Blanton who married a Sneed (prob. Ann) is a son of William2 Blanton as there is no other explanation. William3 Blanton is the only son of William2 and Margaret that is proven as he received land in Caroline from his father by deed on 8 March 1744/5.[34] There were other Blantons that showed up in the extant record in the 1740s including a John Blanton and, of course, Richard3 Blanton.
[1] George Harrison Sanford King Papers, 1914-1985: Caroline County, Virginia Genealogies; “King George, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GPXC-PNP?view=explore : Jul 24, 2026), image 596 of 3854; Virginia Historical Society (Richmond, Virginia), Image Group Number: 004840299
[2] See later section on John Blanton – Harrison Blanton’s uncle.
[3] See later section on Charles Blanton – Harrison Blanton’s uncle
[4] Marriage Register, 1787-1853, Caroline County, Virginia: Caroline. Marriage Register; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89XF-V8PD?view=explore : Jul 22, 2026), image 63 of 177; Image Group Number: 007578847
[5] Deed of Trust between Richard Blanton of Caroline County, Virginia and Philip Vaughan of Halifax County, Virginia. Names daughter Peggy who married Philip Vaughan and their four children Burwell, Lucy, Polly & William. Involves enslaved lent to Peggy for life and then to her children. She is dead by 1791 and the children are all minors. Parties agree the slaves, their children and future increase are to be given to Charles Blanton to hold in trust for Peggy’s children. North Carolina Estate Records: Rowan. Probate Estate Case Files 1663–1978; “Rowan, North Carolina, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GPPV-HKM?view=explore : Jul 22, 2026), image 571 of 1820; North Carolina. Division of Archives and History, Image Group Number: 004848632
[6] Caroline County Virginia Marriage Register 1787-1853, p. 60; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89XF-V8PD?view=explore : Aug 19, 2025), image 63 of 177; Image Group Number: 007578847
[7] See later section on Richard Blanton d. 1809 – Harrison Blanton’s father
[8] “Sally Combs, now the wife of Richard Blanton” is named in an 1804 deed. Prince William County, Virginia Deed Book 2 1802-1805, p. 386; “Prince William, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSYD-F94H-Z?view=explore : Jul 22, 2026), image 225 of 274; Image Group Number: 008357579
[9] Millwood is an unincorporated community in present day Clarke County, Virginia, which was created out of a portion of Frederick County in 1836.
[10] Fayette County, Kentucky Guardianship Records 1803–1812, Probate Records 1803-1812, p. 196; “Fayette, Kentucky, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9PK-X93K-7?view=explore : Oct 27, 2025), image 405 of 587; Image Group Number: 007646993
[11] Caroline County Virginia Marriage Register 1787-1853, p. 60; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89XF-V8PD?view=explore : Aug 19, 2025), image 63 of 177; Image Group Number: 007578847
[12] 1810 U.S. Census, Franklin County, Kentucky; www.ancestry.com
[13] 1820 U.S. Census, Franklin County, Kentucky; www.ancestry.com
[14] 1830 U.S. Census, Franklin County, Kentucky; www.ancestry.com
[15] Franklin County, Kentucky Wills 2 (1824-1854). p. 169; “Franklin, Kentucky, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GP3N-96TL?view=explore : Jul 17, 2026), image 262 of 563; Kentucky. County Court (Franklin County), Image Group Number: 004818779
[16] “Woodford, Kentucky, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99DL-N9WG-N?view=explore : Jul 13, 2026), image 426 of 642; Image Group Number: 007553099
[17] Caroline County, Virginia Will Book 19 1814-1818, p. 258; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C9TH-PSCJ-K?view=explore : Jul 18, 2026), image 166 of 258; Image Group Number: 007675974
[18] 1810 U.S. Census, Caroline County, Virginia, Census Place: Caroline, Virginia; Roll: 67; Page: 28; Image: Vam252_67-0031; FHL Roll: 0181427; www.ancestry.com
[19] Spotsylvania County Virginia Deed Book E, 1751-1761, p. 612; “Spotsylvania, Virginia, British Colonial America records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKV-5H8K?view=fullText : Apr 28, 2025), image 313 of 461; Image Group Number: 008153248
[20] Revolutionary war pension and bounty-land-warrant application files: United States Military Pension Records, NARA; “United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99XY-Y5PC?view=explore : Jul 18, 2026), image 351 of 732; United States. National Archives and Records Administration, Image Group Number: 007584003
[21] 1787 Cumberland County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Record; “Cumberland, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-991C-D?view=explore : Jul 16, 2026), image 12 of 22; Image Group Number: 007849104
[22] 1792 Cumberland County, Virginia Personal Property Tax Record; “Cumberland, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSQ2-99YG-R?view=explore : Jul 16, 2026), image 4 of 20; Image Group Number: 007849104
[23] Harrison Blanton wrote his letter in Frankfort, KY, which is in Franklin County.
[24] George Harrison Sanford King Papers, 1914-1985, Will of Thomas Crutcher from suit papers Crutcher v. Crutcher, File 57, Fredericksburg District Court; “King George, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9PX8-9WSF?view=explore : Jul 19, 2026), image 1410 of 3770; Virginia Historical Society (Richmond, Virginia), Image Group Number: 00484073
[25] City of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Order Book A 1789-1793, p. 40; “Fredericksburg, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSVR-VQKP-N?view=explore : Jul 19, 2026), image 23 of 288; Image Group Number: 008132503
[26] Kentucky Deed Books 1798-1792, 205; “Kentucky, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKX-VSVC-9?view=explore : Jul 19, 2026), image 108 of 517; Image Group Number: 008151038
[27] Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1755-1758, p. 191; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99PC-G1Y?view=explore : Jul 18, 2026), image 97 of 217; Image Group Number: 007644706
[28] Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1772-1776, Part 1, p. 318; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PC-2KPS?view=explore : Jul 21, 2026), image 314 of 346; Image Group Number: 007644360
[29] Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1741-1746, p. 351; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-3S56?view=explore : Jul 20, 2026), image 56 of 215; Image Group Number: 007644355
[30] Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1746-1754, p. 146; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89PC-3JLD?view=explore : Jul 21, 2026), image 73 of 160; Image Group Number: 007644356
[31] Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1781-1785, Part 1, p. 8; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9PC-33MF?view=explore : Jul 21, 2026), image 51 of 78; Image Group Number: 007644361
[32] Caroline County, Virginia Order Book 1785-87, Part 1, p. 163; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-MQB2?view=explore : Jul 24, 2026), image 10 of 121; Image Group Number: 007644362
[33] Caroline County Order Book 1781-1785, Part 2, p. 297; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9PC-3S2H?view=explore : Jul 21, 2026), image 55 of 270; Image Group Number: 007644361
[34] Caroline County Order Book 1741-1746, p. 303; “Caroline, Virginia, United States records,” images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9PC-3S5W?view=fullText : Apr 8, 2025), image 58 of 215.
A Son of Virginia 
Several Daniel/Sneed/Blanton marriages in my Daniel Caroline County line. High points on family search below. My ancestor, William Daniel 1680-1765, of Essex/Caroline was also close to a William Blanton in Caroline. He may have been a stepson, son of William’s second wife Rosanna, or perhaps Rosanna was a Blanton and William Blanton her relative.
Kevin Daniel
https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/G7TZ-22B
https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/collaborate/MWDY-YHM
See Collaborate > Notes for Elizabeth Daniel.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/K84Y-B7K
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Richard Blanton (Harrison’s grandfather) had a daughter that married a Daniel. I didn’t dive into that but I thought it might be William Daniel. There are two Chancery Court cases – one of them 200+ pages. I think one was in Halifax and the other in Charlotte. The names Daniel. Vaughan and Blanton are involved. Richard’s daughter married Philip Vaughan of Halifax. I suspect a connection. Thanks for writing. Caroline is tough with all of the records loss. I’ve got Jeters there too.
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