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Archiver > RHEA > 1998-10 > 0907619766


From: Polly Dixon <>
Subject: Re: [RHEA-L] Jesse Ray of Ashe Co., NC
Date: Mon, 05 Oct 1998 15:36:06 -0500


Hi Ricky:

I'm sure you'll be hearing from other, more knowledgeable researchers
about your questions, but here's my "two cents' worth."

Road overseers were appointed by the county to make sure the roads were
maintained according to the class of road. One land holder living on
the particular road would be appointed overseer. Others (neighbors)
living on the road were responsible, with the overseer, for providing
workers to maintain the road to the road class standard set up for that
road.

There were several classes of roads (1st, 2nd, etc.) I won't take the
time to look up the different classes at this time, but this is a quick
explanation for you. If you obtain a copy of the overseer records
quoted in your message, it would more than likely explain what class of
road it was, plus name all the neighbors who were to provide workers to
assist in maintaining the road.

The first court record you quoted appears to mean that Jesse Rhea was
appointed to serve as overseer on the road where he lived, in the place
of Aaron Moss.

In the second record you quoted, Jesse Rhea and his workers or others he
has to help him in maintaining the road, are to assist Mr. Baker and HIS
workers in constructing a road. Remember, these new roads were usually
very rough trails hacked out of the wilderness.

Road overseer records are quite valuable tools in family research, for
they gave the names of people who dwelt along an established road
(however rough the road was).

Hope this helps.

Polly in Houston
Team Leader - Group #8 (JAMES/JESSE RHEA)

Ricky Ray wrote:
>
> Hello Jesse Ray Researchers!
>
> I just got back from my trip to Ashe County, NC. While I was there, I
> found in a book titled "COURT MINUTES OF WILKES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA",
> some records that I don't quite understand.
>
> In vol 2. There is what appears to be a court order:
>
> "29 July 1788 Ord. Jesse Ray overseer road in room Aaron Moss"
>
> In vol 3.;
>
> "28 January 1789 Ord. Jesse Ray & his co. assist James Baker & his co.
> Open new road from far end Dockrey's knob to top Blue Ridge"
>
> In vol 4;
> 3 November 1796 Appointed Judge at Naked Creek : Jesse Ray
>
> _________________________________________________________________-
>
> What does this mean? Is this person Col. Jesse Ray?
> I'm not familiar with this type of records, so I'm not sure: Did this Jesse
> Ray run a road building "company", or was this just a volunteer effort -
> organised by Jesse Ray?
>
> Thanks, -Ricky Ray
>
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