Found in the West Virginia Advocate, Wednesday, October 16, 1991. Family
History from Old Bible Records; 1793 Bible of Benjamin McDonald Found.
A historic Bible that was published almost 200 years ago has been quietly
passed down through a chain of descendants and was located in Calif.
Genealogical information on first family of Back Creek and Cacapon Calley are
found on a family record page in the book.
Original owner of the rare book was Benjamin McDonald (1745-1826) an
immigrant of Scotch origin, to Frederick County, Va. McDonald served in the
Revolutionary War in the First Viriginia Regiment, Continental Line. He lived on Timber Ridge in Frederick Co.
The Bible was sought by a community of researchers for almost a century,
but few persons believed that the Mc Donald old Bible was extant. It is
believed to be one of the greatest Bible discoveries among persons who lived in this region.
Published in 1793, the book was purchased by Benjamin McDonald in 1801.
Over years, it deteriorated and in 1973 the fragile book was restored by a
decendant.
Exact birth dates of all children of Benjamin and Margaret McDonald were
recorded.
The Bible record makes it clear that Benjamin's first wife was named
Margaret. His second wife was Mercy (Wilkinson) Nixon Reid, who was twice
widowed. In most records, including the Bible, her name is spelled Massie.
Benjamin received bounty land in Harrison Co., Va. for service performed in the Revolutionary War. It is my understanding that he met his second wife in
Harrison Co. and that they returned to live on his homeplace in Frederick Co., Va.
After the death of Benjamin McDonald the bible fell into the hands
of Gabriel McDonald son of Benjamin and Mercy (Wilkinson) (Benjamin's 2nd wife) his youngest son. His half-brothers and sisters emigrated from Frederick Co., while Gabriel I remained on the homeplace.Larry Anderson's Hiatt book p. 38
Family History from Old Bible Records; 1793 Bible of Benjamin McDonald
Farm. The West Virginia Advocate, Wednesday, October 16, 1991. By Wilmer L.
Kerns.
The West Virginia Advocate Monday, Sept 14, 1987:
According to Miss Mary Pugh of Romney, W.Va. Jesse and Sarah were buried in
the Gard Cemetery in Washington County, Ohio. Other former Hampshire County
pioneers were buried in the same cemetery.
Sent by Jo An Sheely
Larry Anderson Hiatt Book p. 9.
Sent by Jo An Sheely
Larry Anderson Hiatt Book p. 9.