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Archiver > RHEA > 2001-05 > 0990048001


From: Norma Lewis <>
Subject: [RHEA] Rheas of Augusta County
Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 14:20:01 -0700


The data about the pew rents from PA is later than the Augusta County data,
which indicates part of this family stayed in PA. The names of Culbertson
(Cuthbertson) and Finley (Findlay, Finlay) show up in Augusta County. My
Koiner family bought land from Culbertsons in PA and Augusta County. There
were Finleys as court clerks in Cumberland and Franklin Counties PA for
many years, however, this is also a strong name in Augusta County. Carmen
Finley has researched and written the Finley history but she seems to stick
to only her branch, she has hosted the Augusta County list since its
inception. There are many more common Augusta County names on that pew
list, and these names also show up along the regular migration into SW VA,
NC, TN, KY, MO, OH, etc. etc. always among the first settlers.

Here is the blurb from the Koiner History published 1892. I think the
researcher for this branch was one of the descendants of this branch who
got the material from his parents and grandparents. Research was primitive
in those days. They went to the courthouse and read what was available and
if they couldn't find corresponding records to support something, they
tended to assume things that may turn out years later to be untrue. This
story appears to be more correct than others found in this old history.

Martin Luther Coyner, b. 20 Oct. 1771 Lancaster County (nowLebanon) PA, the
family moved to Cumberland County 1773, and to Augusta County 1789. He was
actually the 10th child. On 3 Oct. 1795 he purchased a far of 450 acres for
425 pounds. Of this tract he sold 100 acres for 200 pounds to his
brother-in-law George Hedabaugh. I believe this cash came from his father
as part of his inheritance, his father dying in 1796. Said farm was located
on Long Glade in Augusta County VA about 12 miles due north of Staunton
near the now thriving village of Spring Hill (and Mt. Solon on the
Rockingham/Augusta border near Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church).

On 10 Nov. 1792 he married Elizabeth Rhea, a niece of Governor Archibald
Rhea, who had been governor of North Carolina, during the time the
territory, now included in the State of Tennessee, was under control of
that state, and for whom Rhea County in Tennessee was named.

Honorable John Rhea, who represented TN in Congress from 1812-1821, was a
brother, and wife of Captain Thomas Turk, of Augusta County militia, was a
sister (Ann). This Rhea family were all killed by the Indians a few years
before and one of the boys, Archibald Rhea, was burned at the stake by the
blood thirsty savages, who afterwards were followed by the settlers to near
the Stone Fort in Augusta County and all killed. Elizabeth, who was then
visiting with her sister, Mrs. Turk, and her brother, who was in the west
at that time, were saved.

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