Joseph Adkisson - Ellender Brashears

Joseph Adkisson was born in Halifax Co. VA in 1788. He and his brothers moved to Roane Co. TN after their father, David Adkisson, purchased land for them there in 1810. He served as one of the original Tennessee "Vols" in the Creek Indian Wars during the War of 1812. Joseph was a Sergeant in the company commanded by Captain James McKamy which was part of the Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers commanded by John Brown.

Ellender Brashears was born in Roane Co. TN in 1795 as the youngest daughter of Zaza Brashears and Elizabeth Adkinson. On April 13, 1815, Joseph and Ellender were married by Esq. Soloman Geren, J. P. in Roane Co. TN.   They moved to Lawrence Co. TN for a short time and made their way to Wayne Co. TN by 1820.  In 1825, Joseph and Ellender received a land grant under the act of 1823 on the Tennessee River in Perry (now Decatur) Co. TN. They added to this initial land grant and had extensive land holdings in Perry and later Decatur Co. TN. 

Joseph and Ellender had seven known children:  Malinda married William N. Ore, Isaac married Charlotte Cooper, Sarah married B. W. Raney, Absalom A. married Kizzie M. Brasher, Joseph William Adkisson married "unknown", James J. never married, Yerby married Sarina Jane Aydelott. As one of the earliest settlers in Decatur Co. TN, Joseph and Ellender are the progenitors of the Adkissons and many other families in the area.

Joseph and Ellender received pensions based on Joseph's service in the war of 1812.  Joseph died at the age of 49 on October 30, 1837. Following, Joseph's death, Ellender filed for a bounty land grant under the act of 1850. Ellender combined households with her daughter, Malinda after the death of William Ore between 1860 and 1870.  Ellender lived to the ripe old age of 90 and died October 31, 1885.

The Adkisson family gave the land for the Adkisson Cemetery in Decatur Co. TN. The cemetery is now known as the Pleasant Hill Cemetery and is one of the largest in the county. It is believed that Ellender Adkisson is memorialized with the simple stone that reads "Granny, 1st grave in cemetery". It is not known where Joseph is buried.

Land Grant - Perry Co. TN