| 8. | Thomas* Court, (immigrant) was born before 5 Jan 1800 in St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England; was christened on 05 Jan 1800 in St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England (son of Thomas* Court, (FFDNA-J) and Ellen* Ainesworth); died before May 1850 in Sabine Pass or Galveston, Texas (drowned). Other Events and Attributes:
- Immigration: 1826, "Delas," sailed from Liverpool, England to New Orleans
- Residence: Abt 1831, Lavaca Bay region, Texas
- Residence: 1832, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas
- Residence: Between 1836 and 1845, Sabine Pass, Jefferson Co, Texas; Republic of Texas
- Property: 13 Apr 1838, Palo Pinto Co, Texas
- Property: Bef 1 May 1838, Jefferson Co, Texas
Notes:
Moved to Texas in 1829 according to 1850 Jefferson Co, Census.
Edmond Speer - Jul 19, 2001 View | Viewers | Reply to this item
I just returned from a trip to North Texas where Kittie and I made a jog over to the head waters of the Palo Pinto river, where, as I take it , Thomas Courts was given a section of land by the Texas government somewhere around 1838. He then sold it shortly after his death, around 1852. Acording to historical markers, Anglo settlers did not arrive untill around the 1850s. When we get upstairs some day we are going to have to talk to him about this, because it is a beautiful place. There is a large power plant setting at the head of the river, and some very nice homes thru that area. The sceanery was great and peaceful.
Judy Armstrong had a plat of the exact location of this property. I will try to obtain a copy of it from her husband or sister next time I get to Beaumont.
__________
Birth estimated by Kirby's account that his father said Thomas was an "old man" when he drowned. A conflicting story of his drowning is that rather than returning to England for possessions, he had a boat that he hauled timber with and subsequently drowned in Galveston Bay. According to this account, he and James Madison and his other sons were raftsmen and hauled timber a good portion of their lives. Henry Clifton, a grandson, hauled timber till he was 76 years old. James Cole, son of Henry, also worked timber until 1932 when the industry shut down.
__________
(notes of Kirby Courts:)
These facts are known about Thomas Court. He was in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, in 1828; a marriage certificate for he and Anna Johnson are recorded.
Thomas and Anna came to Texas in 1828 or 1829; he is listed in the Book "1830 Citizens of Texas" by Gifford White. This book was a census of the 6,500 pre-Revolutionary Texans. Thomas was the 162nd applicant for a land grant from Steven Ftin in 1829. It was granted in 1838. The grant was for one league 4,428.4 acres plus 177.1 acres in Jefferson County, Texas. "1840 Citizens of Texas Land Grants Vol 3."
The Jefferson Co Clerk's Report for 1838 lists Thomas Court as a pioneer in Jefferson Co. Thomas never shows up on a census report taken in 1840 or 1850. His last child, Paul Phelan, was born in March 1846. Thomas probably died before thsus of 1850. This assumption is made due to Anna being wed to Enos Burrows in October 1851 (Jefferson Co Marriage Book Pg 6).
Where did Thomas Court come from? In the census of Colonial America, they list: John Court, Maryland Colony in 1642; John Court, Dobbs Co, North Carolina in 1769; M. Court, Somerset Co, New Jersey in 1778; W. Court, Somerset Co, New Jern 1780. Could he be a soldier of the English Military that fought against Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812? This battle was fought two weeks after England had surrendered to the U.S. The soldiers were released after this battle. Did he stay in America?
In going through the census reports for the U.S., I have found hundreds of Court and Courts listed in every state of the Union. They are listed in all possessions of the British Empire. At this point I can go no further than I have with s Court. My gut feeling is he was from the Eastern part of the U.S.
________
"A History of Jefferson County, Texas from Wilderness to Reconstruction" by
W.T. Block ( a SIGNED copy, no less!), 1976
pg 22 -
After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.55 In 1835, McGaffey applied for a land grant at Sabine, but, shortly after Dr. John A. Veatch completed the league's survey in November, 1835, the Nacogdoches land office closed. There is no record of other settlers at Sabine Pass until Benjamin Johnson and Jacob H. Garner, McGaffey's brothers-in-law, moved there in April 1838.56
"http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txjeffer/history/Block/Jefferson_County_History/Chapter05.htm
Has a note that this came from "History of the Thomas Courts Family, Port Arthur News, undated clipping, circa 1938, copy owned by WT Block
pg 25 - "In her 'Story of Beaumont', Florence Stratton stated that Captain George W. Hargraves commanded a militia company of sixty-two men at Beaumont in August, 1835, and was en route to San Jacinto with twenty-one
men when the battle was fought."
A list of the men follows with the last on the list being Jim Courts...in a footnote, WTB states that some members on the list may have been too young...census records and tombstones indicate that Courts was born in 1829...
pg 96 - "The greater concentration of Germans settled ib mid-Jefferson County, and by 1860, comprised one-half of the one hundred persons residing at Smith's Bluff and Grigsby's Bluff, where a post office was established
in 1859." "The German population at Grigsby's Bluff included William, Charles, and George Christian Gentz..."
from: Julia Brittain - judyb@pdq.net (She is a descendent of McGaffey)
===========================
[23 June 1842]
Republic of Texas
County of Jefferson
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas
Court, for and in consideration of the sum of
one hundred and fifty Dollars to me in hand
paid by Niles F. Smith the [??] of which is hereby
acknowledged here this day. Granted, Bargained, sold
and Conveyed and by these presents doth grant, bargain
sell and convey unto the said Niles F. Smith his heirs
and assigns forever the following described piece
or parcel of land situated in Jefferson County --
To Wit -- One Labor of Land surveyed off of my
head right League + Labor -- West am adjoining the
survey of one League of land made for John McGaffey
on the Sabine Pass said Labor of land is the
same surveyed by Corday sometime last November or
December [??] said Thos. Courts --
To have and to hold said labor of land to him the said Niles F. Smith, his heirs and assigns with all the rights and
... And the said Court will
warrant and defined the said labor of
land to him the said Niles F. Smith, his heirs and
assigns forever.
In testiment to which I
have herewith set my hand +
seal this 23 dy of June 18[42]
Witnesses -- Thomas Court
Charles C. Burch
[James] Smith
----------------------------------------------
[9 June 1851]
The State of Texas
County of Jefferson
Before me J. W. Hutchings a
Notary Public in aforesaid
county and State this day personally appeared Charles
C. Burch, a subscribing witness to the within + forgoing
deed and being by me duly sworn, deposes + says that he
saw Thomas Court sign the same + heard him acknowl.
edge it to be his act + deed for the purposes
and considerations therein stated.
In Testimony ...
hereunto ...
+ appeared this witness
the seal of my office at
Sabine Pass this 9th dy of
June A.D. 1851
J. H. Hutchings
Notary Public
===========================
Notice
Is hereby given that on this 15th day of
June A.D. 1854 -- William Lewis has filed
his application for Letters of Administration
upon the Estate of Thomas Court
deceased. Sue Pilsow having objections
will file the same in accordance with law.
Beaumont June 15th A.D. 1854
J.K. Robertson clerk county court
Jefferson County
--------------------------------
[15 July 1854]
I do solomnly swear that Thomas
Court Sr. died without leaving any
lawful will for us I know or
believe and that I will andd
truly perform all the duties of
administration of the said Thomas
Court, Deceased.
William Lewis
--------------------------------
[undated]
To the Hon. Chief Justice
Your petitioner William Lewis at the request
of Some of the ... of the Estate of Thomas Sr. Court
applies for letters of administration on the Estate
said Thomas Court Sr. who died in Jefferson County
in debt and a resident citizen of said county.
William Lewis
Applicant
------------------------------------------------------------
[ca. Summer 1855]
Will be sold at Public Auction at the Court House
door at Beaumont Jefferson County on the first
Tuesday of September A.D. 1855 in pursuance of an
order of the Probate Court of said county so much
of the Headright League of Land of Thomas Court
belonging to the Estate of Thomas Court deceased.
Situated in McClennon County in the Palo Pinto river
as will be sufficient to make five hundred dollars.
Reference is had to the Patent now on file in the
County Clerk's Office for a more particular description
of said Lands -- Terms of Sale Twelve Months Credit
William Lewis, admin.
of Thomas Court deceased
-----------------------------------------------------------
Administration of Thomas P. Courts
To Wm Armstrong Sr.
to locating surveying one League of Land the
Headright of Thos. Court 85.00
for recording field notes 3.00
fees paid on patent 12.60
Total: 100.60
Pay the above account to James Armstrong or
D. J. Otho Millard
Wm Armstrong
State of Texas
Jefferson County
Personally came
before me the undersigned Justice of the
Peace, James Armstrong attorney for Willi-
am Armstrong who after being sworn
according to law, says under oath that
this claim is just and that all legal
offsets, payments and credits known to
the applicant have been allowed, and
signed his name.
James Armstrong
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 13th day of July A.D. 1855
John K. Robertson
Justice of peace
J.C.
______________________________
[28 Apr 1857]
Notice
Is hereby given that on this 28th day of April A.D.
1857, Niles F. Smith has filed his application
for Letters of Administration on the Estate of
Thomas Court, Deceased. Any person having
objections will file the Same within two days in
accordance with law.
Beaumont April 28th A.D. 1857
J.K. Robertson clerk county court
Jefferson County
-----------------------------------------------------------
[8 September 1857]
To the Sherrif of Said County, Greeting.
Whereas the County Court for said Conuty
at the August ... thereof on the 31st day of ...
Month made and entered of record its order
in the following words, viz--
Matter of Est. of
Ths. Court Dec'd Est.
Wm. Lewis Adm. Ordered by the Court that the
Administrator in this Matter
come forward and exhibit to this court the
condition of the Estate of the Said decedent.
Therefore you are hereby commanded to
notify the Said Administrator viz William Lewis
If he be found in your county that he is hereby
required to be and appear before the said court
to be holden in for said county at the court
house in the town of Beaumont on the last
Monday the 28th day of September A.D. 1857
there to comply with the foregoing order.
Herein fail not +c.
In testimony whereof I hereunto
set my hand affix my seal of office
... this wnd this 8th day of
September A.D. 1857
[G.H.O. Bozan] Clerk
Clerk Jeff.Co.
--------------------------------------------------------
Timeline
1810: - Anna Johnson born in LA
1828:Aug 19 -Thomas Court marries Anna Johnson
1829 - Thomas Court comes to Texas
1828-30 - James Madison Court is born
1834:Feb 14 - Sarah Ann Court is born
1837:Jan 31 - Rachel Court is born
1838:Apr 13 - certificate 162 entitles Thomas Court to land
1840:Dec 24 - Lucritia Debethia Court is born
1840:Sep 21 - Courts register brands:
Thomas (the Englishman?)
James (if son, aged 11. Is that normal? Or is this someone else??)
John
(a Sarah EB and Rachel are listed just above with some Clarks)
1842:Jun 23 - Thomas Court sells one labor of land to Niles F. Smith for $150
1844 - Paul Phelan Court is born
1848:Jul 21 - James Courts registers brand -- a different one
1850 - James marries Julia Ann Sparks. Thomas not listed in census.
1851:Mar 12 - land granted to Thomas Court by the State of Texas
1851:Jun 3 - Sarah Court registers a brand - a different one from before
1852:Jun 09 - Charles C Burch swears he saw Thomas Court sign [something]
1852 - Sarah Ann marries Lewis King
1854:Jun 15 - Wm Lewis files app for Letters of Admin on estate of Thos Court
1854:Jul 15 - Wm Lewis swears Thos Court left no will & he (Wm) will carry out admin
1854:Aug 18 - Wm Lewis appointed administrator of Estate of Thos. Court
1855:Jul 13 - Niles F Smith files grievance. Has not been given possession of land bought in '42
1855:Jul 30 - Wm Lewis accepts claim of Niles F Smith. Niles asks payment of $306 be made to Wm Burgett, who apparently represented him. ($150 plus 8% interest over 13 years)
1855:Jul 30 - Wm Lewis asks premission to auction off land to pay $406 debt plus expenses ($306 plus admin costs)
1855:Sep - 1st Tues - Admin Sale on steps of courthouse - enough of land in McClennon Co to raise $500
- Wm Burgett 1388 acres of head right at 35 cents an acre to be divided between him and the heirs
1856:Apr 18 - James Madison Court sells his one-seventh of the land to Wm Burgett
1857:Apr 28 - Niles F Smith files app for Letters of Admin on Thos Court estate
1857:Sep 08 - Wm Lewis called to court to report on Court estate on Monday 28 Sep 1857.
1857:Sep 24 - Sales earned $499.68, paid debts to Niles F Smith and ?Wm Armstrong
1857:Oct 26 - Wm Lewis says all debts paid, some land left in Palo Pinto County
1857:Nov 30 - Court fees of $8.85 paid
1860:Mar 18 - Rachel marries Henry Clay Smith
1861:Sep 20 - TJ Court enlists Co A Spaight's Batallion (Muster Roll)
1861:Oct 01 - TJ Court enlists Co A Spaight's Batallion (Pension Records)
1867:Jun 14 - TJ Court married S.E. in Blanco county, TX
1868:Oct 01 - Julia Ann Court registers a brand
1870:May 23 - H. C. Court registers a brand
1870:Oct 03 - Clifton Courts registers a brand
1873:Oct 20 - Wm G. Courts registers a brand
1888:Sep 01 - Matt Court registers a brand
1898:Mar 16 - Helmer Courts registers a brand
1898:Jun 25 - ?ay Courts registers a brand
1902:May 08 - Emma Courts registers a brand
1908:Nov 25 - TJ Court died in Comanche County
1917:Mar 16 - Widow of TJ Court, S.E., dies in Hasse, TX.
Christened:
Baptism: 5 Jan 1800 St Mary the Virgin, Blackburn, Lancashire, England
Thomas Court - Son of Thomas Court & Ellen
Abode: Blackburn
Register: Baptisms 1792 - 1812, Page 128, Entry 12
Source: Film 1278804
http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Blackburn/Blackburn-Central/stmary/baptisms_1800.html
http://www.lan-opc.org.uk/Blackburn/Blackburn-Central/stmary/index.html
Baptisms at the church of St Mary the Virgin
in the Parish of Blackburn
Baptism Register: 1792 - 1812
Baptisms for the Year 1800
Immigration:
(from Debbie)
The following is an e-mail from a very nice lady named Diane Francis. I found her on a forum looking for info on her Cort, Ainsworth lines. Her reply gives me hope that we have at last found when and where Thomas Court entered the U.S. I'm still investigating, but wanted to share the news. I have asked her for more information and will let you all know as soon as I receive her reply. This is her e-mail to me:
Hi Debbie
I'm not sure that your ancestors are related as we don't have any Thomas Cort born around that time. I have however looked up passenger lists for the years 1820 /1830 and there is listed a Thomes Court, age unknown , who arrived in USA 1826.
Ship: Delas
Port of departure Liverpool
Port of Arrival: New Orleans
Date of Arival: March 2, 1826.
This would tie in with your dates. There are severals strands of the Cort family in the Lancashire area. Also the family of Henry Cort the inventor. They came from Lancaster.Hope this is of some use. If there is anything I can do , let me know.
Good hunting
Di.
---
"Maybe someday one of us will luck out and find more info or the actual manifest somewhere. I could try writing New Orleans, but have no idea where to even start on to get the listing. Do you have any ideas."
Note; found Ship Delis Liverpool, England to Boston, Massachusetts
25 September 1826 master: Joseph Hatch Junior
http://immigrantships.net/1800/delos18260925.html
Residence:
After John McGaffey moved to Sabine Pass in 1832, he was joined in the same year by Thomas Courts, an Englishman, who had abandoned the Lavaca Bay region because of hostile Indians.
55 History of The Thomas Courts Family, Port Arthur News, undated clipping, circa 1938, copy owned by the writer.
(W.T. Block)
Residence:
per historical marker in Lions Park in Sabine Pass
Property:
Property surveyed on May 3rd, 1850.
Property:
List compiled 1 May 1838, Jefferson County, recorded in Beaumont.
Thomas Court 1 league and labor Immigrated to country (Texas) 1829)
Thomas* married Ann* Johnson on 19 Aug 1828 in Opelousas, St. Landry Parish, Louisiana. Ann* (daughter of Moses** Johnson and Nancy** Anna Robert) was born in 1810 in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana; died after 1860 in of, Calhoun Co, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
|
1920 - Aft 1930 (11 years)
Paul Phelan Court was born on 28 Mar 1846 in Galveston, Galveston Co, Texas (son of Thomas* Court, (immigrant) and Ann* Johnson); died on 2 Aug 1915 in Rockport, Aransas Co, Texas. 
Sarah Chapman Gaston was born on 28 Jun 1856 in Saint Josephs Island, Refugio/Aransas Co, Texas; died on 11 Jan 1938 in Houston, Harris Co, Texas; was buried in Rockport Cem, Rockport, Aransas Co, Texas. 