Some time before 1834 Benjamin (Ben) Nicholas Fowler (b. 1811) married Nancy A. Carson (b. 1812).  They had twelve children and lived in Butler Co., Ohio, Marion Co., Indiana and later in Iowa.  This narrative explores the research performed to identify Nancy's parents.  Years of searching and ruling out certain families has led me to believe that she was the daughter of David Carson and Margaret Ellis - or closely connected to them.  A clue was found on a message board that helped me to pin down the Fowler heritage.  This query mentioned Rebecca Fowler who was the aunt of Ben Fowler.  Rebecca married Henry Carson.  There were only a few Carson families in Butler, Ohio at the time.  They've all been ruled out as the possible father of Nancy except David.  There were other Carson families in neighboring Hamilton County that may also be her relatives.

FOWLER QUERIES
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 21:11:05 -0500
From: <bstewart2@juno.com>
To: OHBUTLER-L@rootsweb.com
Message-ID: <20010703.211106.-192113.1.bstewart2@juno.com>
Subject: [OHBUTLER-L] Benjamin Fowler
I am searching for information on my Benjamin Fowler, born Ireland or
England (?), married Mary Nailor, and had a daughter Rebecca born 1807 in KY.
He may have been in Madison KY from the tax lists there in the early
1800's, along with James and Jeremiah Fowler. All three later show up in
Butler OH, where Rebecca married Henry Carson in 1829. Henry moved to
Preble OH in 1830, and I lose track of Benjamin. He bought land in
Marion IN, Owen IN and Muskingum OH. Henry lived in Marion IN in 1840
census, then moved to Andrew MO.
Henry Carson was son of David Carson and Margaret Ellis, also of Butler
OH and perhaps Hamilton OH, too.
If anyone could help me on these folks, I would really appreciate it.
Bob Stewart

Margaret Ellis was her possible mother.  This makes sense because Ben and Nancy's son, James Augustine Fowler, named a son James Ellis Fowler.  Margaret's parents were Nathan Ellis and Mary Ann Walker who went to Ohio from Washington Co, PA.  It is not known where David lived before going to Ohio, but there were several Carson families living in Washington Co, PA in 1790 and living close to the Ellis families who were there.  According to census records, David was born in PA. A David Carson was listed in 1800 Fayette, PA along with many Fowlers.   I believe David's family went to Ohio at about the same time as the Ellis family, and perhaps they went together.  Most of the documentation about the Carsons of Washington Co, PA is centered on the descendants of Samuel Alexander Carson.  I have been unable to find a known descendant of this Carson family named David born between 1760 and 1770.  He may have been an unknown descendant.

Joseph Carson b. 1812 was the great grandson of Samuel Alexander Carson.  He went from Rockcastle Co, KY to Rochester, Andrew, Missouri some time before 1850.  He happened to move to that township at about the same time as Henry Carson and Rebecca Fowler.  This may be just a coincidence, but it may also be a clue.  This Joseph Carson had apparently never been in Washington, PA or in Ohio.  He was born in Abingdon, Washington, Virginia July 2, 1778. 

Since David was born in PA I tend to believe that he was in or near Washington, PA with the Ellis family and went to Ohio at about the same time they went.  A David Carson was listed in Hamilton Co, Ohio in 1808, which was next to Butler Co, Ohio. 

OHIO CENSUS
DAVID CARSON OH Hamilton County Miscellaneous Townships 1808

The Fowlers were in Madison, Kentucky before going to Ohio.  This is where Lindsay Carson was.  Lindsay was the father of the famous "Kit" Carson.  Lindsay's descendants went to Missouri and some went on to California.  Since the Fowlers and this line of Carsons were in the same location before the Fowlers went to Ohio, it would make sense that Nancy Carson could be related to them.  However, I have found no Nancy Carsons born ca. 1812 in their line.  I can also find no Henry or David Carsons that fit the profile of her probable relatives.  That doesn't mean she was not part of the Madison, KY Carson line.  She may have been undocumented.  There is a lot of missing information in this Carson line.

Margaret Ellis and David Carson were married about 1803.  Their first son John was born in Ohio.    We find Nathan listed on the Adams, OH Tax Lists from 1806 to 1810.  Other research shows that Nathan established Aberdeen, Brown, Ohio after 1795 when he and his brothers took flatboats from Maysville, Mason, KY across the river.  Elizabeth Devore who married James Augustine Fowler was probably born in Mason, KY ca. 1792, since her father Jeremiah was listed there in 1790.  Jeremiah may have been a part of the Ellis group that went to Brown, Ohio.  According to the History of Brown County, Ohio, David Devore settled on Red Oak about six miles from Ripley in 1800.  David Devore was Jeremiah's brother.

OHIO CENSUS AND TAX LISTS
NATHAN ELLIS OH Adams County No Township Listed 1806
NATHAN ELLIS OH Adams County No Township Listed 1807
NATHAN ELLIS OH Adams County Tiffin 1808
NATHAN ELLIS OH Adams County No Township Listed 1809
NATHAN ELLIS OH Adams County Mixed Townships 1810

It is possible that David and Margaret were married in Adams County and moved to Hamilton County some time before 1808, although no marriage record has been found.  A James, Abraham and Joseph Carson were also listed in Adams County, Ohio from 1806 to 1810.  There were two James Carsons listed in the 1790 Washington, PA census along with the Ellis family. One of them was still in Washington, PA in 1800 and 1810.  The other one was no longer there after 1790.  It is believed he was the son of Thomas Carson of Fallowfield Twp, Washington, PA who went to Adams Co., Ohio.  This makes him a good candidate to be an ancestor of Nancy.  James and Thomas Carson were also on the same Washington, PA Tax List as James, Jesse and Nathan Ellis.

Joseph and James Carson were also on the 1810 Adams Co, OH Tax List with the Ellis family.  More about Joseph Carson later.

1786 Fallowfield, Washington, PA Tax List
Carson, James
Carson, Thomas
Ellis, James
Ellis, Jesse
Ellis, Nathan

1790 Census
James Carson Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 - Image 28
Jno Carson Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-3-3?) - Image 20 (son of John Linn Carson)
Samuel Carson Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-0-0) - Image 11 (son of John Linn Carson)
Thos Carson Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-3-6) - Image 26
NEXT LINE: Thos, Jnr Carson Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-0-2) - Image 26
NEXT LINE: James Carson Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-1-2) - Image 26
Amos Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-0-2) - Image 21
Amos Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (2-2-6) - Image 30
Hezekiah Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-0-0) - Image 27
James, Jnr Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-1-1) - Image 27
James, Senr Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-1-2) 1 slave - Image 27
Jesse Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-1-3) - Image 27
Nathan Ellis Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 (1-5-3) - Image 27

1800 CENSUS
Isaac Carson Buffalo, Washington, PA 1800 - son of John Linn Carson
James Carson Buffalo, Washington, PA 1800
John Carson Buffalo, Washington, PA 1800 - son of John Linn Carson
Samuel Carson Cross Creek, Washington, PA 1800 - son of John Linn Carson
Samuel Carson Cross Creek, Washington, PA 1800
Joseph Carson Fallowfield, Washington, PA 1800 - son of John Linn Carson
Patrick Carson Fallowfield, Washington, PA 1800 - son of John Linn Carson?
Thomas Carson Fallowfield, Washington, PA 1800
Thomas Carson Fallowfield, Washington, PA 1800
William Carson Fallowfield, Washington, PA 1800 - son of John Linn Carson
John Carson Pike Run, Washington, PA 1800

Genealogical Records: Early Ohio Settlers, 1700s-1900s
Listed in: Ohio Source Records
Page number: 104
Ohio Source Records, Index to Tax List of 1810, Adams Co., Page 104
Jeremiah Ellis, Jeremiah Ellis Sen., Jesse Ellis, John Ellis, Nathan Ellis, John Fowler, Clement Beedle, James Carson, Joseph Carson

Records of Fallowfield Twp, Washington, PA show a transfer of land in the year 1771 between Frederick Cooper and Andrew Devore.  Andrew Devore was connected to the Fowler family of Butler, OH - he was the first cousin of Benjamin's mother, two generations removed.  The Devores were closely aligned with the Fowlers and they went from Washington, PA to Ohio at about the same time as Nathan Ellis.  Some of them were in Kentucky before going to Ohio, as were the Fowlers.

The family of Thomas Carson of Washington, PA is documented in the history of that county.  Thomas Carson was born in Ireland and married Mary Smith.  The had eleven children, one of whom was James, born 1764 in Ireland.  James is mentioned in the record as follows.....

http://www.chartiers.com/crumrine/twp-fallowfield.html
Fallowfield Twp. (pp. 789-796)
History of Washington County, Pennsylvania

Thomas Carson's name rightfully belongs with the first settlers in Fallowfield township. He was an Irishman by birth, and with his wife (Mary Smith) came here and took a tract of land on the waters of Maple Creek, where they lived and dies, leaving a large family of children, eleven in number. Besides attending to the improvement and tilling of their land, Thomas Carson was a shoemaker by trade, at which business made a good livelihood. During the earliest years of their residence in this township, the settlers being much annoyed by the Indians, Mr. Carson, with the rest, was often obliged to seek protection for himself and family at Burd's Fort. He died in 1816, and his farm, which has never passed out of the family, is now owned by John S. Carson. The eleven children of Thomas Carson settled as follows: the son James married and went to Ohio, where he died, and left four children, all sons.  Joseph went to Ohio, and from there to Indiana. Thomas Carson, Jr., married, and Thomas G. Carson is his son. William Carson married Mary Burgess, and lived and died upon the homestead. He left eight children,-Elizabeth, Mary, John, Henry, Annie, Lucy, James, and Sarah. The daughter Sarah became the wife of Parker Scott, and had twelve daughters,- Elizabeth, Martha, Lydia, Mary, Margaret, Rebecca, Charlotte, Nancy, Emily, Lucy, Chrstiana, and Sarah, all of whom grew to womanhood and reared families of their own.

John Carson, son of Thomas Carson, Sr., married Elizabeth Springer. Their family numbered nine children, three of whom died in infancy. Of the six who reached maturity, Mary became the wife of A.J. Van Voorhis; John S. Carson married Margaret Jones; Elizabeth married Noah Frye; Sarah Ann became Mrs. Herman Almond; Margaret became the wife of Parker Carson; and Caroline married George Hazel. Only three of these children are now living. John B. Carson, still another son of the pioneer Thomas Carson, married Sarah Scott. Mary Carson, one of daughters of this first Carson family, married John Grable, the daughter Elizabeth married James Young, Ann married a man named Grable, and Charlotte became the wife of John Carson. The lineal descendants of the children of Thomas and Mary Carson, the early settlers, bearing the family name are John S. Carson, John Carson, John Carson, Jr., Washington Carson, A.J. Carson, John Carson, Alexander S. Carson, Newton Carson, Smith Carson, Lewis Carson, John D. Carson, and Jerome Carson, living in Washington County; also James, Alexander, Joseph, and Thomas Carson, of Indiana. James Hair came from Middletown, Berkeley Co., Va., into Fallowfield township in the year 1806, and located upon a tract of land on Pigeon Creek which he purchased of George Platter. He also purchased in the connection with the farm the old log mill known as Hair's mill, built on hewed logs, and no doubt the oldest water-mill on Pigeon Creek. The purchase of the mill was made Sept. 15, 1809, as set forth in a memorandum of the bargain still in existence. The mill was rude and imperfect in structure, but it had the reputation of making the best flour to be obtained in this section. A portion of the grist-mill and a saw-mill, also built by James Hair, are still standing. But of a saw-mill which he operated at another point on Pigeon Creek only the race remains. Before coming to this township James Hair was an elder in the church, and he was the founder of Presbyterian Church at Monongahela City when that place was known as Williamsport. Dr. Ralston, who was contemporary with James Hair, and before the church mentioned had been instituted, was asked how a church could be organized in Williamsport. He replied, "Elect Esquire Hair and elder, now already ordained, and go to work." They did so, and the "Old Horseshoe Bottom" congregation was swallowed up in the Presbyterian organization. On June 4, 1811, Mr. Hair was appointed to the office of justice of the peace. He continued to reside upon his purchase in this township until his death in 1826. His family consisted of six sons and five daughters. John Hair was the oldest son. For many years he lived at the mill, but finally moved to Ohio, where he was the founder of the village of West Union. He died there in 1855. the Rev. Samuel Hair, another son, was born in this township at the Hair homestead. He graduated from Jefferson College in this county in 1832, and then went to Michigan, where he pursued his studies in theological seminary. He was licensed to preach by the Monroe Presbytery of Michigan, and settled in that State. His death occurred May 10, 1876, in Chicago, Ill. The other sons of James Hairwere James, Jr., Gilbert M., Uriah, and B.W. Hair. The daughters of James Hair were Martha, who became Mrs. Crouch, and went west; Ibela, who became Mrs. Baker, and lived and died on the home farm; Eliza, who became Mrs. Potter, and lived in Allegheny County, in this State; Louisa, who was Mrs. Brinton, and died near Brownsville, Fayette Co., in 1875; and Mary, the wife of Isaac Van Voorhis, who died April 14, 1876, in the eightieth year of her age.

The available documentation on this Carson family reveals no Davids, no Henrys and no Nancys, but notice the sentence about Joseph Carson.  Joseph went from Washington, PA to Ohio to Indiana.  The parents of Joseph Carson were Thomas Carson and Mary Smith.  They were members of the same church in Washington, PA as Nathan Ellis....

History of Washington Co, PA
Churches.- The religious society in this township now known as the Maple Baptist Church was originated under the title of "Baptist Church Enan," and was in existence as early as March 19, 1791. At that time its members were John Bailey, William Jackman, Sr., Stephen Barclay, Henry Speer, Samuel Vail, Charles Whitlatch, William Jackman, Jr., Abraham Evans, James Deems, James Watson, Jesse Vandolah, John Mason, Nathan ELLIS, Aaron Boylan, John Seward, John Ennis, William Allen, John Vandolah, Thomas Crow, John Earles, Nathaniel Carns, Thomas Carson, George Innis, John Stelle, William McFee, Thomas Cloud, B. George, Mary Barclay, Rebecca Speers, Margaret ELLIS, Rachel Mifford, Mary Jackman, Nancy Neal, Sarah Boylan, Nancy Bailey, Margaret Innis, Catherine Seward, Abigail Hayden, Sarah Vandolah, Elizabeth Bonham, Margaret Earles, Winifred Ryan, Lavina Stelle, Eleanor ELLIS, Esther Vandolah, Anna Vandolah, Mary CARSON, Mary Ward, Mary Burgess, Lucy Burgess, Elsie Stanish, Jemima Evans, Mary Patton, Rachel Springer, Peggy Cloud, Elizabeth Yateman, Keziah Berk, Abigail Ogg, Polly Carns, Elizabeth Burgan and Elizabeth Burgan (2d), Keziah Barkhammer, Rebecca Prichard, Sarah Parsons, Mary Ertlin, Nancy Riggs, Rachel Springer, Catherine Rutan, and Mary Karnes.

DEVORE AND ELLIS FAMILIES IN EARLY WASHINGTON, PA

In 1786, several Devore (Devour) families were on the same tax list with the father of Nathan Ellis (James).  The Devore family was closely connected to Ben and Nancy Fowler.  Ben's mother was Elizabeth Devore, daughter of Jeremiah Devore and granddaughter of Nicholas Devore and Sarah Decker.  It appears that Elizabeth's grandfather was on the same tax list in Washington, PA as the father of Nathan Ellis. 

1786 Nottingham Twp, Washington, PA Tax List
Devour, Andrew
Devour, Henry
Devour, John
Devour, Nicholas
Devour, Peter
Ellis, James

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO

There were several Carsons listed in the early tax records of Hamilton Co., Ohio from 1806 to 1810, including David.  A John Ellis was listed in Hamilton, Ohio in 1798.  He may have been the son of Nathan Ellis, although he would have been only about age 22 in 1798.  An early exploration of Ohio is documented below...

Ohio County and Family Histories, 1780-1970
Listed in: Butler County, Ohio - written in about 1883
Page number: 377 (Genealogy.com)
"In the Spring of 1795 Captain Nathan Ellis and his five brothers embarked on boats (flat-boats) at Brownsville on the Mongahela, PA and floated on down past Pittsburg into the Ohio, looking for homes in the mighty forests and fertile lands of the then almost unknown (unexplored) Northwest Territory. The Ohio was the great highway over which cam much of the tide of emigration which have peopled this section of the Union, amighty stream hemmed in by a continent of gloomy shade and wierd(sic) solitude, rolling its unbroken length for a thousand miles, a beautiful stretch of restless, heaving water which realized to the voyager the "ocean river of Homeric son.'"Landing at Limestone, (now Maysville) the Ellis brothers were so charmed with the romantic beauty of the region and the productiveness of the soil that they determined at once to go no further.At the same time, with the exception of a few isolated settlements at marietta, Manchester, Gallipolis, and Cincinnati, there were but few settlers on the north bank of the river, while upon the south side of the country, it was swarming with emigrants seeking out and appropriating the richest lands and most eligible town sites. Like the Jordan of old, the Ohio was the great boundary line. It stayed the incursions of the Indians, and north of its immediate banks (beyond it) the wave of immigration had
not rolled. The very day, April 27, 1795, that (Captain) Nathan Ellis landed at Limestone, 500 red men were encamped right across the river. Finding that the most valuable lands were taken up, the Ellis brothers determined to push on into the Northwest Territory." Captain Nathan
Ellis laid out Aberdeen, directly opposite Maysville, KY, na his brother Sam the town of Higginsport, eighteen miles below. Each of the five brothers took up large tracts of land, and such has been the staying qualities of the name, that many of the original entries still remain in the
possession of the family. As a connection, they have ever been blessed with an abundance of the good things in life, and inherit many of the sterling qualities which distringuished their Quaker ancestors. Nathan Ellis and Mary Walker, his wife, had 10 children, all of whom have
passed away with the exception of their daughter, Mes. Elender Higgins-now in her 88th year - of Johnson County, Missouri. Jeremiah Ellis was born 1779 and in 1803, was married to Miss Anna Underwood-a daughter of one of the best known and wealthiest families in Virginia. Ten children blessed their union, seven of whom still survive. Washington Ellis was born 1804, and in the 1832, married Miss Aris Parker, of Madison Co, KY. Jesse Ellis was born 1792 and married Sabina, a daughter of Capt. William Burks, of Mason Co, KY, a contemporary and warm personal friend of both Boone and Kenton. He and his brother Thomas were captured at Blue Licks and were prisoners among the Indians for five years. Major John Ellis, of an Ohio infantry regiment in the War of 1812, married Keziah, a daughter of Thomas Burks. Jesse Ellis died 1877 in his 95th year. His wife died May 14, 1882, in her 90th year. Nathan Ellis died 1819 and is buried on the hill overlooking Aberdeen. John died 1829, Jeremiah in 1858, and Washington in 1873. The last three lie in the family cemetery at Ellis Landing, four miles above Maysville. His mother died in 1799 and rests in the Aberdeen cemetery. N E built the first home in what is known as Aberdeen, and 21 years later laid out the town, directly opposite Maysville, KY, naming it for the native home of a fellow townsman, James Campbell.

Based on this information, it is quite apparent that the John Ellis listed on the Hamilton, OH 1798 Tax List was part of this Ellis family.  Since Nathan did not have a brother named John, it is presumed this John was his son - Major John Ellis.  Butler County was formed from Hamilton County.  Mary Jane Carson, daughter of James Carson and Agnes McKee, married Samuel Demint Mar 1818 in Adams Co, Ohio.  Samuel was the son of James Demint and James was listed on the 1798 Hamilton, OH Tax List in Dayton Twp along with John Ellis and John Devore.  Mary T. Carson, sister of Nancy, married Aaron T. Beedle.  It is believed that the Frances Beedle listed on the same tax list was his relative.

OHIO CENSUS
FRANCIS BEEDLE OH Hamilton County Cincinnati 1798
JOHN ELLIS OH Hamilton County Dayton Township 1798
JAMES DEMINT OH Hamilton County Dayton Township 1798
JOHN DEVOR OH Hamilton County Dayton Township 1798

James Carson was born 1764/1774 in Ireland and went to Ohio from Washington, PA.  He was the son of Thomas Carson and Mary Smith.  James married Agnes McKee.  They did not have a known daughter named Nancy.  However, they are possible parents of Nancy due to the fact that they apparently traveled to Ohio at the same time as John and Nathan Ellis.  James' brother Joseph was also in Ohio and died 1858 in Marion, Indiana.  Nancy Carson Fowler and her husband, Benjamin Nicholas Fowler, were in Marion, Indiana in 1850.  In 1850 Joseph Carson Sr. was living in Rush, Indiana.  His son Thomas Carson was living in Franklin, Marion, Indiana.  Joseph may have gone to live with Thomas before he died.  Ben and Nancy lived in Warren Twp, Marion, Indiana.  It is believed that Warren Twp was very close to Franklin Twp. as surmised from the following description of a community located between them...

"The community of Five Points is situated on the Warren and Franklin township line."
(ingenweb.org)

I have been unable to locate a map of 1850 Indiana showing these two townships, however, I am still searching for that.  Many of these townships have changed names and even counties, so it is difficult to determine where they were in 1850 by looking at present day maps.  Another description of Franklin and Warren Townships implies that they are now both part of greater Indianapolis....

Warren Township communities include: Cumberland, Irvington, Julietta, Warren Hills and Warren Park. The City of Indianapolis presently extends into all Marion County Townships, with the downtown center being in Center Township. Franklin Township communities include: Acton, Galader Station and Wanamaker. The community of Five Points is situated on the Warren - Franklin township line. The City of Indianapolis presently extends into all Marion County Townships, with the downtown center being in Center Township.
http://home.att.net/~Local_History/Marion-Co-IN.htm#Warren_Twp

Perry Township seems to have suffered the same fate.  Perry Township was where Joseph Carson's grandson (Parker S. Carson) lived in 1850.  Also there in 1850 was Asa Fowler, a possible relative of Benjamin Nicholas Fowler.

Perry Township communities include:  Beech Grove, Edgewood, Glenns Valley, Lindenwood, Perry Manor, Rosedale Hills and Southport.  The City of Indianapolis presently extends into all Marion County Townships, with the downtown center being in Center Township.

1850 Census
Parker S Carson Perry, Marion, IN abt 1829 Indiana - grandson of Joseph Carson b. 1777
Asa Fowler Perry, Marion, IN abt 1807 Kentucky - possible uncle of Benjamin Nicholas Fowler

I have often wondered why Ben and Nancy moved to Marion, Indiana while Benjamin's parents remained in Butler, Ohio.  If Nancy's relatives were in or near Marion, Indiana, this would be a good reason to move there.  Joseph's wife, Mary Scott, died after 1850 in Marion, Indiana and Joseph died in 1858 in Marion, Indiana.  By 1860 Ben and Nancy moved to Keokuk, Iowa.  This would make sense if they left Marion, Indiana after they died.  Their son, Philander, was born in 1857 in Indiana, so it appears they remained in Indiana until at least 1857. 

Ben and Nancy were preceded in Marion, Indiana by at least 10 years by his uncle - another "Benjamin", by Benjamin's sister and brother-in-law (Mary and Benjamin Freeman), by Henry Carson and Rebecca Fowler, by John Carson (Henry's brother), and by Ben's sister and brother-in-law (Hannah and William Hanby).

1840 census - Warren, Marion, Indiana
Benjamin Freeman (0130001-2111001) age 40-50 <1790-1800>
TWO DOORS FROM BENJAMIN FREEMAN: Benjamin Fowler (112001-020001) oldest male age 30-40 <1800-1810>
Henry Carson Warren, Marion, Indiana (110001-111001) age 30-40 page 321
NEXT DOOR: William Hanby (00001-0001)
John Carson (202001-112001) age 30-40 page 318

Joseph Carson was in Rush, Indiana at this time.  Prior to 1822, Rush and Marion were both part of Delaware County.  Rush county is slightly east of Marion, with Shelby County between them.  By 1850 Joseph's son Thomas had moved to Marion County also.  Therefore, it appears that these Carsons and Fowlers may have known each other, since they seemed to migrate in similar patterns at about the same time.

We know that Ben and Nancy were still in Butler, OH in 1840 as they were listed on the 1840 census. Also in 1840 Butler, OH was a John Ellis born 1800-1810.  Other Ellis families were in Butler, OH in 1820 and 1830 along with Ben Fowler and his relatives.  It is believed they came from Massachusetts and are not closely related to Margaret's family.  But the John Ellis who was in Ross, Butler, OH in 1840 may have been related to her.  Major John Ellis had a son born at about the same time (1800-1810).

1840 census
Daniel Ellis Washington, Marion, Indiana

1820 census
Lot Carson Madison,Butler,OH 1820 (200010-10100) oldest male age 26-45
David Carson Miami,Hamilton,OH 1820 (120101-31111) oldest male age 45+ Pg 373
Robert Carson Sycamore,Hamilton,OH 1820 (100101-22110) oldest male age 45+ Pg 292
Moses Ellis Miami,Hamilton,OH 1820 (100010-22001) oldest male age 26-45 Pg 380
Elnathan Ellis Lemon,Butler,OH 1820 (100010-00100) oldest male age 26-45 Pg 108
Daniel Ellis Wayne,Butler,OH 1820 (110010-00100) oldest male age 26-45 Pg 137
Wm R Ellis Wayne,Butler,OH 1820 (200110-00010) oldest male age 26-45 Pg 137

1830 census
Daniel Ellis Oxford, Butler, Ohio (010001-00001) oldest male age 30-40 <1790-1800> Pg 121 James Fowler was on pg 124

1840 Census
John Ellis Ross, Butler, Ohio (100001-121011) age 30-40 <1800-1810> - Page 10

More About The Carsons.....

The fact that Nathan Ellis and Thomas Carson were members of the same church in Washington, PA; the fact that both of these families migrated to Ohio at about the same time, the fact that Ben and Nancy Fowler migrated in a similar pattern as the Carson descendants, the fact that her possible father David Carson was born in PA - all of these clues leads me to believe that David Carson was part of this Carson clan.  Tracing the tracks of David....

1808 to 1820 - David Carson was in Miami, Hamilton, OH
1830 - David was in Hamilton Twp, Butler, OH (about the time Nancy and Ben were married)
1840 - Cannot locate him in census records - I believe he was in Fountain, Indiana
1850 - Piatt Co, Illinois

Since the children of Joseph Carson are well documented and he did not have a son named David, it is possible that Joseph had a brother named Henry who went to Hamilton Co, Ohio.  Since David was also there, it is possible that David was the son of Henry.  Since David named a son Henry, this makes sense.  A will for Henry Carson was found in Hamilton, OH records showing that he had a son named David.  It also mentions a grandson John and David had a son named John.  Therefore, I am very confident that David's parents were Henry and Agnes Carson.

Hamilton Co. Will Abstracts 1790-1810
CARSON, Henry
Will made Oct 16, 1802. Probated November 4, 1802
Hamilton Co., OH Record Book 25, page 500; also book 6, page 490
Heirs:
Wife: Agnes
Sons: David and Hugh
Daus: Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary Raddorks, Margaret Giffen, Jenny Andrews
Grandson: John, son of David
Nephew: Henry Carson Andrews
Exec: Wife, Agnes; and son-in-law, James Giffen
Wit: H. Gowans, William Cooper, Robert Thompson
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ohhamilt/w0008.html

HENRY CARSON'S CHILDREN.....

Seven children are mentioned in Henry's will - two sons and five daughters.  Here we will take a look at each of them (David is mentioned elsewhere).

Jenny (Jane?) Carson

Jenny is referred to as Jenny Andrew in Henry's will.  Research by others indicates that she married Henry Carson Andrews and that they had five known children - Henry Carson Jr., Susan, Eliza, Bine and James.  Henry Jr. was born 1805 in Ohio, thus placing this family in Ohio in that year.  A James Andrews was listed in the 1810 census living in Hamilton, OH as was Henry's widow Agnes.  This may be Henry Carson Andrews' brother or father.

OHIO CENSUS
AGNES CARSON OH Hamilton County Colerain 1810
JAMES ANDREWS OH Hamilton County Colerian 1810

James Carson Andrews Jr. married Amanda Chambers and they had eleven children.  They both died in Bartholomew Co, Indiana.  Both Henrys were located in the 1830 census living in Indiana.  Also there was an Arthur Andrus born 1760-1770.  It is possible this Arthur was actually Arthur Andrews, father of Christianna Andrews (more about her later).  I can find no proof that Christianna was related to Henry Carson Andrews, but there is quite a bit of evidence to support that theory.  It is not known who Robert R. Andrews is, but he may be an unknown son of Arthur.

1830 census
Henry C Andrews Bartholomew, Indiana (000001-21001) age 30-40 <1790-1800> Pg 202
Henry Andrews Switzerland, Indiana (000010001-001110001) age 60-70 <1760-1770> Pg 28
Robert R. Andrews Switzerland, Indiana (201001-00001) age 30-40 <1790-1800> Pg 28
Arthur Andrus Switzerland, Indiana (000000001-000010001) age 60-70 <1760-1770> Pg 28

Margaret Carson (b. ca. 1781 in Ohio)

Margaret is referred to in Henry's will as Margaret Giffin.  Other research shows that she married James Giffin of Hamilton, OH.  They had three known children - Robert, James and Hannah.  As far as we know, they and their children stayed in Hamilton, OH.  James Giffin probably died before 1809, as he is listed in the Hamilton, Ohio Tax List in 1806 and 1808, but in 1809 and 1810, Margaret is listed.  Little is known about their children.  Research is ongoing.

OHIO CENSUS FROM TAX LISTS
JAMES GEFFIN OH Hamilton County No Township Listed 1806
JAMES GIFFIN OH Hamilton County Miscellaneous Townships 1808
MARGARET GIFFIN OH Hamilton County No Township Listed 1809
MARGARET GIFFIN OH Hamilton County Colerain Township 1810

Hannah Carson

Hannah is mentioned in Henry's will simply as "Hannah" implying that she was not married in 1802.  Nothing is known about what happened to Hannah after that time.

Elizabeth Carson (b. ca. 1790)

Elizabeth was also mentioned in her father's will as "Elizabeth" implying that she was not married in 1802.  However, research by others indicates that an Elizabeth Carson married a John Giffin.  They had a son named Wilson Giffin.  Wilson was located in the 1880 census living in Union, Louisa, Iowa.  Living with him was his older brother, Ambrose.  So we know that Elizabeth had at least two sons - Wilson and Ambrose.  Wilson died in Fresno, California Dec. 19, 1893.  It is believed that John and James Giffin were brothers.

UPDATE AUGUST 12, 2006:  An email was received from a direct Descendant of John Giffin and Elizabeth Carson.  She has information that states John was the son of William Giffin and Hannah Wilson, brother of James Giffin who married Margaret Carson.

1880 census
Wilson GIFFIN Self M Male W 66 OH Farmer PA PA
Mary A. GIFFIN Wife M Female W 63 NY Keeping House IRE NJ
Lydia A. GIFFIN Dau S Female W 39 IN At Home OH NY
Fanny E. GIFFIN Dau S Female W 19 IA At Home OH NY
Rosa E. GIFFIN Dau S Female W 16 IA At Home OH NY
Wilson L. GIFFIN Son S Male W 14 IA OH NY
Hannah C. GIFFIN Dau S Female W 11 IA OH NY
Robert E. GIFFIN Son S Male W 7 IA OH NY
Ambrose GIFFIN Brother S Male W 68 OH Farmer PA PA
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Source Information:
Census Place Union, Louisa, Iowa
Family History Library Film 1254350
NA Film Number T9-0350
Page Number 394A

Mary Carson

Mary is referred to in her father's will as Mary Raddorks.  I can find no Raddorks in any census records, therefore the name was probably misspelled.  It could have been Reddick, Radford, Raddabaugh or several other possibilities.  Research on Mary in ongoing.

Hugh Carson (b. ca. 1780-1790)

Hugh Carson was mentioned in his father's will although I can find no Hugh Carsons in Hamilton County records.  I did find a Hugh Carson in Scioto, Ross, Ohio born at the right time.  There is quite a bit of information about him on the internet.  His parents were William Carson and Isabella Moore.  As far as I can tell, they are not related to the other Carsons mentioned here.

A THEORY....

Henry Carson had a probable sister named Jane who married Henry Carson Andrews about 1805 in Hamilton, OH.  Nancy Carson's possible brother John married Christianna Andrews, daughter of Arthur Andrews of PA.  Christianna Carson's ancestors came to America from Ireland.  They lived in Pennsylvania before moving on.  Some of her ancestors may have been in Washington, PA in 1790....

1790 census
Edward Andrew Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 - son or brother of John below?
John Andrew Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790  - Christianna's 1st cousin 1 X removed?
Moses Andrew Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790 - Christianna's 1st cousin 1 X removed?
Nathl Andrews Not Stated, Washington, PA 1790

The above John and Moses Andrew(s) may be the sons of Rev. John D. Andrews who died 1813 in Philadelphia, PA.  He was listed there in 1790 along with a Henry Andrews.  This could have been Henry Carson Andrews.

1790 census
Henry Andrews Water Street East Side, Philadelphia, PA 1790
John Andrews Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, PA 1790

1778-1783 Washington, PA Frontier Rangers

Some further evidence that may tie the Fowlers with the Carson and Ellis families in Washington, PA is the 1778-1783 list of Washington, PA Frontier Rangers.  Ben Fowler's father was James A. Fowler, born ca. 1787.  It is believed he had an uncle named James.  He also had a 1st cousin (3 generations removed) named Mathew Fowler.  James and Mathew were members of the Frontier Rangers.  It is not known if Jacob Fowler, who also appears on the list, was related to them.  The uncle James is believed to have gone to Mason, KY some time before 1800.  As you can see from the 1810 census below, several of the Ellis family members also went to Mason, KY before going to Ohio.  There were also some Andrews family members in the Frontier Rangers who may have been related to Henry Carson Andrews and/or Christianna Andrews.

Although it is not known who Thomas Ellis was, it is fairly certain he was related to the other Ellis families in Washington, PA.  Also, there are no Carsons on the list, but we know they were in Washington, PA by at least 1786 and probably earlier.  Note: Jacob Creamer was one of the first settlers in Ross, Scioto, Ohio, along with Hugh and Alonzo Carson.  Hugh is mentioned above.  Because Jacob Creamer was in Washington, PA and he was associated with Hugh Carson, it is possible that Hugh Carson's line was connected to the other Carsons from Washington, PA who went to Ohio.  Hugh's father William was born ca. 1745 in Ireland.  Hugh was born 1782 in Colerain Twp, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 

Washington County (PA) Frontier Rangers 1778-1783
http://www.rootsweb.com/~pawashin/military/rangers2.html
Robt Andrew
Robt. Andrew
Robert Andrew
David Andrews
Mich'l Andrews
Jacob Creamer (see update above dated Dec. 29, 2005)
David Devoir
Daniel Devoir
David Devoir
Daniel Devoir
Nicholas Devore
Daniel Devore
Daniel Devore
Thomas Ellis
Mathew Fowler
Jacob Fowler
James Fowler
 

KENTUCKY CENSUS
JAMES FOWLER KY Mason County No Township Listed 1800

1810 census
John Ellis Mason, Mason, KY 1810
James Ellis Washington, Mason, KY 1810

MORE ABOUT THE FOWLERS...

Ben Fowler's ancestors originated in Maryland.  Some of them went to Fayette, PA, on to Kentucky and then to Ohio.   Note that David Carson was also in Fayette, PA in 1800.  Some of them may have gone back and forth between PA and KY before going to Ohio.  Ben's grandfather (Benjamin) and several cousins were in Madison, KY by 1800.  Joseph Fowler, a Rev. War Patriot, believed to be Ben's grand uncle, was in Madison, KY by 1789.  Also in Madison, KY by 1800 was Lindsay Carson, the father of "Kit" Carson.  It is not known if this Carson line was related to the Carsons of Washington, PA.

I believe the Fowlers who were in early Fayette, PA may have crossed paths with the Carsons who were in Washington, PA, perhaps by serving in the military together, or by joining groups that were planning migrations to other parts of the country.  A family of Carsons who were in early Fayette, PA ended up in Butler Co, OH, where Ben and Nancy were probably married.  So far, no connection has been made between these Carsons and those who were in Washington, PA, and no connection has been made between them and Nancy Carson.  Extensive research has been done on the Carsons of Butler, OH, and we have found no evidence that Nancy was part of that Carson family.

Ben's grandfather, Benjamin I, b. ca. 1768 in MD, married Mary Naylor, also spelled Nailor.  We know Benjamin I was in Kentucky by 1798 because his son Benjamin II was born there in 1798, probably in Madison County.  Ben's possible uncle James was in Mason, KY, very near the border of southwest Ohio, where our Fowlers went.  Treks were being made across the river from Kentucky into Ohio on a regular basis and many Kentucky families ended up in Ohio after going back and forth several times.  Some stayed in Kentucky.  Others went direcly from Pennsylvania to Ohio.  This was at a time when Ohio was fairly unpopulated and land was readily available.

Since Joseph Fowler was in Ohio by 1804 (see below) I believe Ben's grandfather was in Ohio by 1804 or shortly thereafter.  Ben's mother's relatives, the Devores, also went to Ohio from PA and KY at about the same time and to the same general regions (Butler, Warren, Hamilton, Brown and Adams Counties). 

It appears the Ellis's and the Carsons of Washington, PA went directly from PA to OH.  Since Joseph Fowler is listed on the 1789 Madison, KY Tax List and on the 1790 and 1800 census of Fayette, PA, I believe he was busy forming groups to go to Ohio, both from PA and from KY. 

If this is the case, it fits well with the theory that Nancy Carson's relatives were from PA, went to OH - Ben's family was from KY and went to OH - all at about the same time.  A marriage record has been found for Ben's parents - James A. Fowler and Elizabeth Devore - they were married July 21, 1808 in Butler, OH. 

David Carson, possible father of Nancy, was in Ohio by 1808 when he appeared on the Hamilton, OH Tax List.  This was the same year that Ben's parents were married in nearby Butler, OH.  But, we know that David was in Hamilton, OH by 1802 when he was mentioned in Henry's will in that year.

Butler County was once part of Hamilton County and many of the residents of these counties inter-married.  Looking at the big picture, it all seems to fit, however there is no proof that Nancy was part of the Washington, PA Carson clan.

1790 Census
Caleb Fowler Tyrone, Fayette, PA 1790 (11100) 1male over 16, 1 male under 16, 1 female Pg 106
John Fowler Tyrone, Fayette, PA 1790 (10000) 1 male over 16, no females Pg 106
Jacob Fowler Tyrone, Fayette, PA 1790 (23400) 2 males over 16, 3 males under 16, 4 females Pg 108
John Fowler Tyrone, Fayette, PA 1790 (21400) 2 males over 16, 1 male under 16, 4 females Pg 108
Joseph Fowler Tyrone, Fayette, PA 1790 (10100) 1 male over 16, 1 female Pg 108
Thomas Fowler Tyrone, Fayette, PA 1790 (10200) 1 male over 16, 2 females Pg 111
John Fowler Springhill, Fayette, PA 1790 (10000) 1 male over 16, no females Pg 109

1800 Census
Joseph Fowlar Redstone, Fayette, PA 1800 (00001-00000) 45+
John Fowlar Brownsville, Fayette, PA 1800 (10100-10100) oldest male 16-26 <1774-1784>
Jonas Fowlar Brownsville, Fayette, PA 1800 (20100-10100) oldest male 16-26 <1774-1784>
James Fowler Brownsville, Fayette, PA 1800 (01301-00100) 45+
Thomas Fowlar Franklin, Fayette, PA 1800 (13001-11201) oldest male 45+ <b. bef 1755> Pg 523
Caleb Fowlar Georges, Fayette, PA 1800 (01010-00101) oldest male 26-45 <1755-1774> Pg 548
Wm Fowler Hamilton, Fayette, PA 1800 (00100-00001) male age 16-26 <1774-1784> Pg 853
Jacob Fowlar Redstone, Fayette, PA 1800 (00201-01100) 45+
John Fowlar Redstone, Fayette, PA 1800 (01101-11201) 45+
John Fowlar Springhill, Fayette, PA 1800 (20010-20010) <1755-1774> ---- John D. Fowler???
John Fowlar Union, Fayette, PA 1800
Thomas Fowlar Union, Fayette, PA 1800

1800 census
Andrew Carson Franklin, Fayette, PA 1800 (10010-00100) age 26-45 - Page 847
David Carson Green Castle, Fayette, PA 1800 (31111-10010) - age 45+ (b. bef 1755) - Page 888
Saml Carson Guilford, Fayette, PA 1800 (30010-11010) - age 26-45 - Page 860
Robt Carson Hamilton, Fayette, PA 1800 (30020-00110) - age 26-45 - Page 854
William Carson Union, Fayette, PA 1800 (10010-10102) age 26-45 - Page 616
Nicholas Ellis Montgomery, Fayette, PA 1800 (00001-32010) age 45+ (b. bef 1755) - Page 874
William Guthrie - Page 874 (Abigail Guthrie married Alexander Andrews-son of Arthur Andrews and Phoebe Galbraith)
FEW LINES AWAY: Hugh Carson (01210-10110) age 26-45 - Page 874

KENTUCKY CENSUS
LINDSAY CARSON KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
BENJAMIN FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
EDWARD FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
JEREMIAH FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
JOSEPH FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1789
JOSEPH FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
MATHEW FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1789
MATTHEW FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
RICHARD FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1789
RICHARD FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800
THOMAS FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1789
THOMAS FOWLER KY Madison County No Township Listed 1800

BLM Glo Records:
FOWLER, JOSEPH OH 3/14/1815 Ohio 1112 OH1950__.277 - brother of James?
PATENTEE: Andrew Ellison
WARRANTEES: Joseph Fowler and Joseph Lewis
Warrant reads: "Know Ye, that in consideration of military service performed by Joseph Fowler and Joseph Lews (Soldiers for the War) and by Thomas Wilkerson (a soldier for three years) to the United States, in the Virginia Line on Continental Establishment....there is granted unto Andrew Ellison, assignee of George Wallace who was assignee of the said Joseph Fowler likewise assignee of Martha Lewis legal representative of the said Joseph Lewis, and also assignee of the said Thomas Wilkerson...a certain tract of land containing 500 acres situated between the Little Miami and Scioto rivers, north-west of the river Ohio, as by survey bearing date the 27th day of October, 1804...."
signed by andrew Ellison
 

SUMMARY

These families seem quite well connected and appeared to have migrated in similar patterns: PA>OH>IN, and some went to KY before going to OH.  If most of them were in or near Washington, PA before going to Ohio, some of them may have made the trek together, or followed later after hearing what conditions were like from those who went earlier.  Many used northern Kentucky as a starting point for the trek to Ohio, just over the river.

With absolutely no proof, but simply using my intuition and observations revealed from the research, it certainly appears that Nancy A. Carson was connected to the Carson families of Washington, PA.  The evidence is all circumstantial, so it is all speculation.

If you have anything to add or corrections to make, please contact Sandra.

MAP DEPICTING THE MIGRATORY PATHS OF THE CARSON, ELLIS, DEVORE AND FOWLER FAMILIES

Below is a map showing the counties of 1810 Ohio.  Within the red borders are the counties where Benjamin Nicholas Fowler and Nancy Carson lived and some of their allied families, including Ellis, Dewitt, Devore and others. (Click the map for a larger view)

FOWLER FAMILIES AND THE 1810 OHIO COUNTIES