Samuel McAfee, born October 9, 1748, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, son of James McAfee, 1707-1785, and Jane McMichael, 1710-1783, was, with his brothers, one of the earliest settlers in Kentucky. Samuel was a captain in the Revolutionary War, serving in Col. Logan’s Illinois Regiment. But before that, the McAfee brothers first came to Kentucky in 1773. They returned in 1775, cleared fifteen acres of land, in what is now north Mercer County, and planted a crop of corn. The Revolutionary War delayed their plans to return, and it wasn’t until 1779 when they located their claims on the Salt River, about six miles north of Harrodsburg.
The above is a survey for Samuel McAfee for 1,400 acres, located on the Salt River and dated June 11, 1780. Brother James McAfee’s land adjoins on the north and John McGee’s land to the south.
Another document found in Mercer County Court Records shows more McAfee land, along with others in the area.
Samuel McAfee, who married Hannah McCormick, had the following children (all mentioned in his will):
- John McAfee, 20 Oct 1775 – 28 Apr 1833, married Margaret McKamey
- Anne McAfee, married Thomas King
- Robert McAfee, Jan 1777 – 30 Jan 1849, married Priscilla Armstrong, 29 Nov 1804
- Jane McAfee, 1778 – 09 Mar 1858, married Beriah Magoffin
- William McAfee, 27 Jan 1787 – 28 Oct 1852, married Patsy Lowery
- Hannah McAfee, 26 Mar 1789 – 17Apr 1861, married Capt. Samuel Daviess, 22 Sep1810
- Samuel McAfee, 1793 – 18 Oct 1819
- Mary McAfee, 1797 – 09 Jul 1835, married Thomas P. Moore
The above information on children from The Life and Times of Robert B. McAfee and his connections. Written by himself. Robert was a nephew of Samuel McAfee.
Will of Samuel McAfee
Mercer County Will Book 2, Pages 252 – 253
I, Samuel McAfee, of the County of Mercer and State of Kentucky, being weak in body yet sound in mind at this times possessing sufficient reason in my own opinion, I do in the presence of God make and constitute this my last Will and Testament. After paying all my lawful debts and funeral expenses I do give and bequeath to my beloved wife Hannah McAfee the house and farm whereon I now live, with all farming utensils, also my Negro woman Betty and the boy Littleton, which shall be equally divided amongst my heirs at her death. Also the household and kitchen furniture to be left to her my
beloved wife, and at her disposal at any time. Also the present crop of every kind to be left for her and for the support of the present family.
It is my wish and desire that all my landed estate shall be equally divided between my daughter Anna McAfee, William McAfee, Hannah McAfee, Samuel McAfee and Polly McAfee, men to be appointed by the Court to make the division equally in quantity and quality.
My sons John and Robert McAfee and my daughter Jenny McGoffin, I have heretofore given all the land that I ever intended to give them.
To my daughter Hannah McAfee I give my Negro girl named Silvie to her and her heirs forever. I also give my daughter Anna my young black mare.
The balance of my perishable and movable estate of every kind it is my wish that it shall be equally divided between all my legal heirs.
I do constitute and appoint my beloved wife Hannah McAfee my Executrix, my sons John and Robert McAfee my Executors, to this my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I sign my name this 6th day of June 1801.
The mark of Samuel McAfee Senior
Signed and sealed in the presence of us who saw the words that were interlined before signing and are as follows viz. my executrix of every kind – Thomas Essex, Alexander Buchanan, James McAfee
Mercer Court August County Court 1801
This last Will and Testament of Samuel McAfee, deceased, was exhibited in Court and proved by the oath of Thomas Essex and James McAfee, two subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste Thomas Allin Clerk
Categories: Family Stories
