Thomas Flora

M, #15364, b. 6 December 1702, d. circa 1760
FatherJames Flora
MotherPenelope Davis
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Thomas Flora was the son of James and Penelope Davis Flora; also listed as FLURRY, FLORIE, FLOREY, FLORRY, FLOWRE, and FLORA;  christened St. Sepulchre, Newgate, in London on December 6, 1702.  He was indentured for five years to be transported to Maryland by an agent, Captain John Larkin, witnessed by his mother, Penelope Flora, St. Giles Cripplegate, London, 1 February 1719; transported on the ship Gilbert by Captain Darby Lux, October  1720, and landed at Annapolis, Maryland, May 1721.  His wife's name is unknown.  Once having served out his indenture, he moved several times including to Anne Arundel Co., Maryland, Orange County, Virginia, and Washington County, Maryland. His probable children lived in the Maryland and Virginia region. Since so little was known about Thomas until recently, some of his descendants may have been attributed in the past to other lines.
Records from Newgate Prison indicate Thomas Flory, of St. Michael at Quern, was indicted for privately stealing a Silk Hankerchief value 2 s. from the Person of Isaac Tilliard on the 26th of September last. The Prosecutor deposed, that as he was going along Cheapside, just by the Conduit, the Prisoner and another jostled him, and he lost his Handkerchief. Mr. Holland deposed, that as he was going through Cheapside between 3 and 4 in the Afternoon aforesaid, he stopt to buy some Fruit, and the Woman told him there were two Pickpockets followed the Prosecutor, whereupon he made haste after them, and saw the Prisoner take the Prosecutor's Handkerchief out of his Pocket and drop it on the Ground; upon which he took him by the Collar, and acquainted the Prosecutor therewith. The Prisoner in his Defence said, that the Prosecutor's Handkerchief was half out of his Pocket, and he rushing by, it fell on the Ground. The Jury considering the Matter, found him Guilty to the value of 10 d. Transportation.  
Birth*Thomas Flora was born on 6 December 1702 at England. 
He was the son of James Flora and Penelope Davis. 
Death*Thomas Flora died circa 1760 at Washington County, MD, USA. 

Family
Children

James Flora

M, #15365, b. circa 1728
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Probably born late 1720's; took the Oath of Allegiance to Washington County, Maryland, in 1778; moved to Washington County, Virginia, by 1782.  In Abstracts of Virginia's Northern Neck Warrants and Surveys 1747-1780, Vol. II, compiled by Peggy Shomo Joyner, page 32, there is a land record of "Aron Cherry, devisee of Thomas Cherry, Sen'r., assignee of Thomas and James Florry; 20 Sept. 1750-13 Nov. 1750; 136 A. joining the Long Ridge on Cherry Branch; adjoining Thomas Cherry.  Chain carriers were Thomas (also the pilot) and Robert Florry.  Surveyor, John Mauzy."  "13 July 1751: Bill of Sale from Thomas and James Floree. (Signed by their marks.) Wit: Wm. Thompson, Margaret Johnson, Nicklus Johnson."  This transaction was in what was then Frederick County, Virginia.  Same page from same source: "Thomas Cherry, no warrant, date from survey, 21 Sept. 1750-13 Nov. 1750; 400 A. on head branch of Cherry's Branch; adjoining James Florry.  Chain carriers, Thomas Florry and Thomas Andrews.  Pilot, Thomas Cherry. Surveyor, John Mauzy."
       Since James Flora (etc.) was old enough to own land in 1750, he must have been born by the late 1720's.  Note: Could Margaret and Nicklus Johnson have been a daughter and son-in-law of Thomas Flora (the first)??  Nothing further is known of James and his family. 
Birth*James Flora was born circa 1728. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 

Robert Flora

M, #15366, b. circa 1730, d. circa 1802
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Born ca. 1730; served as chain carrier for surveyor in Hampshire County, Va. (see above); took Oath of Allegiance in Washington County, Maryland, in 1778; bought "Flora's Choice" from Thomas Flora, Jr., on 24 August 1773.  Thomas signed with his mark (T).  See Frederick County, Maryland, Land Records, Book U, pages 1-3.  Robert also bought land in Frederick County, Maryland, from Benjamin Sweet on 6 November 1773.  on 11 June 1784, Robert Flora patented 4 1/2 acres called "The Four Boys" in Washington County.  See Washington County, Maryland, Land Patents, page 50.  (Washington County was formed from Frederick County in 1778.)
       On 26 Sept. 1787 Robert Flora, or his son Robert Flora, Jr., sold "Tucking Hill," bounded by the Potomac River and by "Flora's Choice," to Patrick O'Ferrell of Washington County, Maryland.  Robert Flora was "of Pennsylvania, western waters."  He was evidently on his way to Kentucky at that time since he showed up in Mason County, Kentucky, in 1788.
       Robert Flora, either Senior or Junior, owned land in Hampshire County, Virginia, near his presumed brother, Thomas Flora, Jr., as is evidenced by the following deed:  "Lewis Throckmorton was granted 75 acres near the Potomac on Sideling Hill, adjoining Robert Flora."  See Patents and Grants, Virginia State Land Office, Book U, Hampshire County, page 429.
       Land records indicate that both Thomas Flora (II) and George Tarwin were neighbors of Lewis Throckmorton in Hampshire County, Virginia. Deeds record the sale of 37 1/2 acres of land by Lewis Throckmorton to Thomas Flora, both of Hampshire County, on 13 April 1795.  Jacob Flora and Jacob and Mary Christian were witnesses.  See Early Records of Hampshire County, Va., by Sage and Jones, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1976, page 57.
       Records abound of Robert Flora and his probable sons, Robert, Jr., James. John, and Thomas after 1788 in Mason County, Kentucky.  This later Thomas Flora was killed by Indians at Flora's station in 1788 according to the Draper Manuscripts.  Flora's Station was located near the present day town of Washington - near Maysville, Ky. - and later was known as Shannon's Station.
       Daniel Flora, James Flora, and David Flora are in the pre-1800 records of Mason and Bracken Counties, Ky.  They are probably sons or grandsons of Robert Flora, Sr.  All are involved with each other in land records, serving as witnesses or bondsmen, and certainly are related to each other; however, it is unclear as to whether the wife of Robert, Sr., or Robert, Jr., was named Charity. No will has ever been found for Robert Flora, Sr., who must have died around 1800 in Kentucky. 
Birth*Robert Flora was born circa 1730. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 
Death*Robert Flora died circa 1802 at Mason County, KY, USA. 

Family

(?) Charity
Children

William Flora

M, #15367, b. circa 1730
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Born ca. 1730.  He was first mentioned in Pennsylvania Germans in Maryland, by Daniel W. Nead, Baltimore, Genealogical Publishing Co., 1980, pages 161-162:  "Two companies of volunteer riflemen formed (to go against the Indians in Ohio), in Frederick Co., Maryland, in 1764."  Isaac Flora and William Flora were on the list.
       According to the National Archives, William Flora enlisted 22 Nov. 1776, in Lieutenant Colonel James Innes' Company of the 15th Virginia Regiment, Continental Line.  Pay was 6 2/3 dollars per month.  He was discharged at the end of three years service, 22 Nov. 1779.
       He was listed in the Virginia Tax List of 1782 (1790 Census of Virginia): William Flora of Hampshire Co., Va.: seven in family; same assessor's returns as for Thomas Flora, Jr.  He was also listed in the Virginia Tax List of 1784:  William Flora in Hampshire Co., Va.: seven in family, 1 house; 1 other building; same assessor as for Thomas Flora.
       The following are from The Early Records of Hampshire County, Virginia (now West Virginia), by Sage and Jones, Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, 1976.
1789:  William Flora witnessed land sale in Hampshire County, Virginia, of Thomas Wiggins to Philip Wiggins; other witnesses were Archibald Wiggins, Francis Harvey, and Mary Wiggins; land was 100 acres on the Potomac.
1790 (Dec. 14): Land sale, Archibald Wiggins, wife Mary, to Thomas Williams; both of Hampshire County, Virginia; 63 acres on Cacapon River; witnesses were William Florane, G. Creamer, and Cornelius Ferrel (also spelled Ferree).
1804:  William Florence (?) was granted 200 acres of Fairfax lands on Cabin Run (This is the last record that possibly refers to William Flora (?) in Hampshire County, Va.)
       From a Mormon Film of Probate Records of Hampshire County, Virginia: William Flora and John Flora bound out to learn a trade, Sept. 10, 1789.  (No father is mentioned, but these would seem to be the children or grandchildren of William Flora, Revolutionary soldier). 
Birth*William Flora was born circa 1730. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 

Isaac Flora

M, #15368, b. circa 1734
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Born ca. 1730.  We have no records of Isaac except that he appears with William as a Ranger in the French and Indian Wars.  Since the name Isaac appears often among the descendants of the other probable brothers, it seems reasonable to assume that the Isaac, old enough to be a Ranger in the French and Indian Wars, was also the son of Thomas Flora the first.  He probably died shortly after the French and Indian Wars or migrated out of the Virginia/Maryland area shortly thereafter. 
Birth*Isaac Flora was born circa 1734. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 

John Flora

M, #15369, b. circa 1738, d. March 1810
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note* That Thomas Flora the first had a son, John, is probably true; however, many of the following records may have applied to a grandson.
       A John Flora appears with James Flora on a list of men who took the "Oath of Fidelity" to Maryland while living in Linton or Frederick Hundred in Washington County in 1778.  See Revolutionary Records of Maryland, by Gaius M. Brumbaugh and M.R. Hodges, Genealogical Publishing Co., Baltimore, 1967, 1978.
       The following are from Western Maryland Newspaper Abstracts, Vols. I and II, by F. Edward Wright, Family Line Publications, 1985 and 1986: A John Flora had an ad in The Maryland Chronicle, 18 Jan. 1786, warning people not to buy three bonds taken from him by Jonathan Hamelton; a John Fore (?) offered a reward for a stray cow in the Frederick - Town Weekly Advertiser, 16 May 1793;  in the Elizabeth - Town Advertiser of Sept., 1802, John Flora gave notice that the woman who has "for many years lived with me, and may call herself Mary Flora . . . give notice to the public not to credit her on my account"; several times from 1799 to 1801, John Flora (or Florey) had a letter at the Post Office; on 18 Sept. 1800, John Florey was a member of the Committee of the 3rd Election District, Washington County, Maryland; on 30 Nov. 1804, John Flora, about 8 miles from Hagerstown and 2 1/2 miles form Major John Baird's store, offered a reward for a runaway negro woman, Fanny, 18-20 years, 5 ft. 2-3 in., slender build, purchased about the first of this month of Abraham Karns.  She was raised near Cecil Iron Works, Maryland.
       The will of John Flora is found in the Washington County, Maryland, Will Book B, page 279.  He mentions Elizabeth, the daughter of Eve Andreos (Andrews, Anderson?), deceased.  Elizabeth is apparently a granddaughter.  Then he names his children - Jacob, John, Mary, Catharine, Nancy, and Elizabeth.  Jacob and John had already received a portion of their inheritances during their father's lifetime.  Daughter Catherine ("Caty") was to have the use of her share during her life; but, at her death, it was to be divided among her children in equal shares.  John Flora appointed his "trusted friend," Jacob Lambert, to be his executor.  His will was dated 11 Feb. 1810 and proved 10 March 1810.  In the distribution of his estate to the daughters names were given as Mary Keirman, Catherine Hutcheson, and Elizabeth McKain.  Daughter Nancy was apparently still unmarried.
     According to Washington County, Maryland, Marriages 1799-1860, by Morrow, Dale, and Delorale, published by Traces, 1982, Mary Flora married Peter Keirnan 24 June 1803; and Elizabeth Flora married John McKain 6 Dec. 1806.  There is no listing of a Catherine Flora/Hutcheson marriage.  Perhaps Catherine had married before 1799. 
MarriageJohn Flora married Anna Marie Segesterin. 
Birth*John Flora was born circa 1738 at Anne Arundel, MD, USA. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 
Marriage*John Flora married Anna Marie Segesterin on 26 December 1769 at First German Reformed Church, Baltimore, MD, USA. 
Death*John Flora died in March 1810 at Washington County, MD, USA. 

Family

Anna Marie Segesterin
Children

Jacob Flora

M, #15370, b. circa 1738
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*A Jacob Flora received a Maryland Bounty Land Grant #11204 for service in the Revolution as a private (probably in the Militia).  He received the grant for 100 acres on 24 Dec.1791.  See Maryland Revolutionary Records, by Harry Wright Newman, Jeanne Robey Felldin Publications, Tomball, Texas, 1978.
       A Jacob Flora bought land in Frederick County, Maryland, 22 May 1766 and sold land there 25 May 1782.  See Frederick County, Maryland, Land Records, Book K, page 511, and Book WR 4, page 60.On 13 April 1795 Jacob Flora witnessed the land sale of 37 1/2 acres from Lewis Throckmorton to (8) Thomas Flora of Hampshire County, Virginia.  Jacob and Mary Chrisman were also witnesses.  See listing under (8) Thomas Flora, Jr.
       These are the only records of this Jacob Flora in the Maryland/Virginia area; however, on 2 June 1795 a Jacob Flora is taxed in Lincoln County, Kentucky.  See Early Kentucky Householders (Lincoln County) 1787-1811, by James F. Sutherland, Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, 1986.  Whether this is the same Jacob is unknown.  There is also the possibility that this could be Jacob, son of (5) John Flora, who died in Maryland in 1810 and who was therefore a nephew of (8) Thomas Flora of Hampshire County rather than a brother. 
Birth*Jacob Flora was born circa 1738. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 

Albright Flora

M, #15371, b. circa 1750, d. before 1831
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Born 1750-1755.  Where Albright fits into this Flora family has not been ascertained.  He could be a younger son of Thomas, the immigrant.  It is more likely that he is Thomas' grandson, possibly a son of (4) Isaac.  Isaac, probably a son of Thomas the immigrant, was old enough in 1763 to be a Ranger in the French and Indian Wars; however, nothing is known of his whereabouts after that.
       Albright first appears on the Census of Frederick County, Maryland, in 1790.  This census fits the known family of Albright.  One male 16 + == Albright; three males under 16 = his three sons born before 1790; and five females includes his wife, Ruth, plus his four daughters born before 1790.
       In 1792 Albright bought a 286 acre tract of land called Foxes Choice in Frederick County, Maryland, as recorded in the Maryland Hall of Records Patents IC#H, pages 653-654.  In 1795 and 1796 Albright sold this land in four parcels.  See Frederick County, Maryland, Land Records, Book NR 13, pages 478, 493, and 494, and Book NR4, page 138.  In one of the sales, his wife is identified as "Ruth."  An Ohio land sale, some twenty years later, also identified his wife as "Ruthie."
       Shortly after selling Foxes Choice, Albright moved to Kentucky, where he appears on the tax records of Mason County in 1800.  This is in the same area where (2) Robert Flora and his sons settled about ten years earlier.  About the same time, Abijah Flora, son of (8) Thomas Flora, of Hampshire County, Va.- also appears in Mason County.  All three came from the same area in Maryland/Virginia and settled in the same area during a ten year time span.  There is little question that all three were related.  Albright's three oldest daughters, Elizabeth, Nancy, and Rebecca, were all married in Kentucky.  It was during these Kentucky years that the spelling Florea began to be used by Albright and his family.
       By 1810 Albright had moved with his wife and younger children to Adams County, Ohio, where he appears on the tax list for that year.  He probably had been living in Adams County for several years since his daughter, Mary, had been married there in 1808.  Albright and Ruth Florea died in Adams County, Ohio, between 1820-1830.
       The following information on the children of Albright and Ruth Florea was supplied by J. Harold Florea of Mount Morris, Illinois, the "dean" of Florea researchers.  Harold and his parents Charles E. and Louella Florea (both Florea descendants) researched the family throughout their lifetimes.  Much information on Albright Florea's descendants has been compiled in the 75th Anniversary Book, Peterson, Storer, Florea Reunion 1909-1983, Vols. I & II, compiled by Fred Gaston, 1985. 
Birth*Albright Flora was born circa 1750. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 
Marriage*Albright Flora married (?) Ruth on 25 March 1813 at KY, USA. 
Death*Albright Flora died before 1831 at Adams County, OH, USA. 

Family

(?) Ruth
Children

Thomas Flora

M, #15372, b. circa 1736, d. circa 1811
FatherThomas Flora b. 6 Dec 1702, d. c 1760
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*Born 1735-1736 according to a deposition made in Allegany County (Maryland) Court in which he stated in October of 1805 that he was aged around 69 years.  See Allegany County Maryland Records, Book D, page 437.
       From Early Allegany County (Maryland) Records, Vol. I., compiled by Margaret Curst and Helen Straw, Cresap Chapter, DAR, 1964, page 53, it is learned that Thomas Flora's wife was named Prudence and that he and his wife were Dunkard Baptists.  In this deposition they swore that in their presence on 18 Oct. 1790 William Biggerstaff asked John Puraley (Percell?) if he wished his estate to be given to his housekeeper, Jean Flora; and he answered "yes."  In subsequent records of the administration of John Puraley's estate, his name is spelled Percell/Persall and Jean Flora is referred to as "Jane."  It is not now known who Jean/Jane Flora was.  Thomas and Prudence had no daughters by that name unless it is an unknown middle name.
       Thomas Flora, Jr., is named in a land record of Frederick County, Maryland, when he was assigned fifty acres of land "by virtue of an assignment of a warrant . . . from Thomas Mills . . ."  the tract was called "Flora's Choice" and was bounded by the Potomac River about two miles below the mouth of the Sideling Hill Creek.  This description places this tract in the western-most part of present day Washington County, Maryland, then in Frederick County.  This transaction was dated 2 Feb. 1761.  See Land Records, Vols. BC & GS #22, Maryland Hall of Records, pages 296-301.  This part of western Maryland was devastated by the Indians during the French and Indian Wards, 1754-1763.  Thomas sold this tract to Robert Flora on 24 August 1773.  See Frederick County, Maryland, Land Records, Book U, pages 1-3.
       On 9 June 1770, Thomas "Flowers" of Frederick County, Maryland, received a patent of forty acres called "Better Than Mount Misery."  See Land Office Patents BC & GS 48, pages 34 and 35.  Thomas Flora and his family were in Hampshire County, Virginia, by 1782 when he is on the Virginia tax records.  Early maps of Morgan County, Virginia, show "Flora's Mills" on the Potomac River just west of the present day town of Paw Paw.  Morgan County was organized from Hampshire and Berkeley Counties, Virginia (now West Virginia), in 1820.  According to Morgan County historians, "Flora's Mills" were saw mills powered by the waters of the Potomac River.  Some descendants of Thomas Flora continue to live in this area after more than two hundred years.  To date land records have not been found in Hampshire County for Thomas Flora for the years 1770-1782, but several land transactions have been found after 1782.
       Lewis Throckmorton conveyed 37 1/2 acres to Thomas Flora, both of Hampshire County, Virginia, as recorded 13 April 1795.  Witnesses were Jacob Flora, Jacob Chrisman, and Mary Chrisman.  See Hampshire County, Virginia, Deed Book 12, page 217.  The last two witnesses were daughter and son of Thomas.  Margaret Flora married Basil Athy; and their first child, Elijah, was born 2 October 1802.  Therefore, this record pinpoints Margaret's  marriage date as no earlier than 27 September 1800 and probably no later than January 1802.
       In June of 1782, Thomas Flora was taxed on 110 acres in Hampshire County, Virginia.  See Hampshire County, Virginia, Land Book, 1782-1797, State Auditor's Office, Charleston, West Virginia.  By 1796, Thomas Flora was taxed on 110 acres and 17 1/2 acres.  In 1801 he was taxed on 110, 37 1/2, and 91 acres.  By 1809 the 91 acres had been dropped from the Flora tax record.
       From Land Records of Allegany County, Maryland, Book D., page 437, 25 October 1805: "Samuel Osman of Allegany County, having lost his original deed to a tract of land in Allegany County known as "Linns Purchase," asks a commission consisting of Orvil McCracken, William Sherecliff, James Tidball, Jennings Beckwith, and John Devilbliss of Allegany County to cause a resurvey on said land with sworn wittness to testify as to boundary lines.  The witnesses were: John Weatherington of Hampshire County, Va. (W. Va.), who swore that as a hired man to William Lynn, former owner of "Linn's Purchase," he could point out a boundary.  Ignatius Bevins of Allegany County, Maryland, swore that about 18 years ago he was at the house of Charles Hettrick with Thomas Darnel and at that time was shown a boundary.  Thomas Flora of Hampshire County, Va. (W.Va.), aged about 69 years, swore that about 34 years ago one See (Lee?) employed him and one John McDonald to carry the chain for a survey and that he could point out a boundary.  Advertisements were placed on the door of the Allegany Court House and at Joseph Clarkes, Basil Bevins and Samuel Osmans announcing the meeting for marking the boundary of "Linn's Purchase."
      Thomas Flora appears on the 1810 Hampshire County, Virginia, Census.  He must have died ca. 1811-1812 as 1811 was the last year in which taxes were paid in his name.  In 1812 Thomas Flora's heirs paid tax on 110 and 37 1/2 acres "adjoining Eleanor McDonald" on the Potomac River.  These tax records continue through 1819.
       In 1820 Morgan County was established from Hampshire and Berkeley Counties, but the county lines dividing Hampshire and Berkeley Counties were not established until a year or two later.
       In 1822 Prudence "Flower" paid taxes in Morgan County, Virginia, on 137 acres (10 acres missing?), 13 miles west of Bath (Berkeley Springs).  The land was valued at $15 per acre; buildings were valued at $200; total valuation was $2,055; and tax was $1.85.  Prudence Flora/Flower/Flourer continued to pay taxes on the above tract(s) through 1839, but the distance from Bath was corrected to 16 miles southwest of Bath (Bath now called Berkeley Springs).
       Starting in 1840, the same tract was listed as owned by the "eleven heirs" of Thomas Flora."  On the 1830 census the home of Absalom Flora had a female listed as 80-90 years of age.  It can be concluded from these records that Prudence Flora, wife of Thomas, died in 1839 or 1840 at nearly 100 years of age.
       Between 1840 and 1870, Absalom Kesler, son of Rachel Kesler, daughter of Thomas and Prudence Flora, acquired all of the 1/11 shares of the heirs of Thomas Flora as in demonstrated in the following records.
       From Morgan Co. Order Book, Vol. 2, April Term of Court, pages 226 & 227:  The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad applied to the court of Morgan County "for the appointment of commissioners to assess the damages . . . sustained by the landowners hereinafter named," followed by groupings of landowners who lived near each other and the date when the commissioners would view the land to determine the amount of damages done by the construction of the railroad.  Once such group named these Floras: Basil Athy and wife, Abijah Flora; Absalom Flora; Archibald Flora; Isaac Flora; heirs of Joseph Flora (Joseph died in 1833 in Richland County, Ohio, per his will, leaving his wife Rachel and children Deborah; Susan; Catherine; Alexander N; Archibald Flora; and Nancy Flora ( wife of John Kline); Philip Hartley and wife; Rachel Kesler; Thomas Tarvin and wife; and Sarah Warfield.  Viewing date set at 18 May 1839.  This list seems to include ten of the eleven heirs of Thomas Flora.  For some unaccountable reason, in the advertisement of the Martinsburg Gazette of Feb. 20, 1839, page 2, column 6, which preceded the court hearings the names of Ann Smith and husband Jacob are omitted but are in a later land record where they conveyed their share of Thomas Flora's estate to Absalom Kesler.  Adding Ann Smith to the above list completes it to the "eleven heirs of Thomas Flora."
       From Morgan County Will Book I:  Will of Absalom Flora, dated 27 Dec. 1839, proved and  recorded 24 Feb. 1840.  Leaves $50 to William J. Flora when he reaches age 17 (Probably Japer Flora of later records).  Bequeaths equal shares after the $50 to his sister, Rachel Kesler; brother, Archibald; sister Ann Smith; and niece, Mary Flora (this would be Isaac's daughter).  Absalom Kesler was one of the witnesses.
       From Morgan County Deeds, Vol 3, page 216, 11 Oct. 1841:  Thomas Tarvin and Deborah, his wife, of Campbell Co., KY, for $40 paid in hand, convey an undivided tract of land of the estate of Thomas Flora . . . to Adam Kesler . . . etc.
                The Commonwealth of                             Thomas Tarvin
                Kentucky, Campbell Co.                          Deborah Tarvin (both signed)
       From Morgan County Deed Book 3,  pages 409-411, 18 Dec. 1843: Samuel Stump conveyed the 1/11 share in Thomas Flora's estate belonging to Basil Athy and his wife Margaret, "daughter of Thomas Flora, deceased," to Absalom Kesler.  This was in settlement of a note given by Basil Athy and wife in 1825 in which they gave as security their shares in the estates of John Athy, father of Basil, and Thomas Flora, father of Margaret.
       From Morgan County Deed Book I, page 152, 24 Dec. 1843:  Rachel Kesler, formerly Rachel Flora, daughter of Thomas Flora. . . assigns . . . her right and title to said lands of Thomas Flora to Absalom Kesler, also her right to 1/4 of 88 acres. . . her portion in Absalom Flora's Will.
                                                                                               her
                                                                                   Rachel  X  Kessler
                                                                                              mark
       From Morgan County Deed Book 4,  page 399, 25 June 1847:  Jacob Smith and Ann his wife sold to Absalom Kessler their 1/11 part of two tracts of land Thomas Flora died seized of, the said Ann being a daughter and one of the eleven legal heirs of Thomas Flora deceased, and the said Ann, being a sister to Absalom Flora, who made a will . . . convey to Absalom Kesler her 1/4 share in 88 1/4 acres, etc.
                                                                             Jacob  X  Smith
                                                                                  Ann Smith
       From Morgan County Deed Book 4, page 442, 25 Oct. 1847:  William Thompson (Sheriff of Morgan County) sold at the door of the courthouse the property of William Harmison (Evidently for unpaid taxes).  Harmison's property consisted of (among others) one fourth part of 88 1/2 acres of land conveyed to him by Mary Flora, together with her interest in the lands of Thomas Flora deceased.  In an earlier deed, dated 25 Feb. 1846, William Harmison is named as the buyer of the above land sold to him by Mary Flora, who identified herself as the only child of Isaac Flora, deceased.  She conveyed to Harmison the 1 /11 share of her father in the estate of Thomas Flora, and the 1/4 interest in the 88 1/4 acres given her by the will of Absalom Flora, deceased.  (She is named as Absalom Flora's niece in his will.)
       By 1850 these shares of Thomas Flora's estate had been sold:  Deborah Tarvin, Margaret Athy, Isaac Flora (by his daughter Mary), Ann Smith and Rachel Kesler - all bought by Rachel Kesler's son Absalom Kesler.  Six shares then remained unsold, designated on the tax books as "6/11 of the two tracts of land of the estate of Thomas Flora."  It is so designated until 1870 when it disappears from the tax books.  In 1865 "paid by Absalom Kesler" is scrawled across the tax entry.  Very likely Absalom Kesler acquired the last 6/11 of the land by paying taxes due on it.  The six shares so lost would have been those of : Archibald's (dead by 1850), Absalom's (dead by 1840), Sarah Warfield's, Abijah's (dead by 1840), Ruth Hartley's (disappeared from census and probably dead by 1850), and Joseph's (dead by 1833).  So little would have come to each heir of those six, it probably was not worthwhile for them to take the legal steps to claim their shares.  Thus, after 60 years, Thomas Flora's estate finally came to a close.
     Thomas and Prudence Flora's children were (probably not in order of birth): Abijah, married Margaret ______; Isaac, married (?); Joseph, married Rachel _______; Deborah, married Thomas Tarvin; Rachel, married John Kesler; Sarah, married Sylvester (or Sylvanus) Warfield; Ruth, married Philip Hartley; Margaret, married Basil Athy; Ann, married Jacob Smith; Archibald, married Barbara Hardy; and Absalom. 
Birth*Thomas Flora was born circa 1736. 
He was the son of Thomas Flora. 
Death*Thomas Flora died circa 1811 at Hampshire County, VA, USA. 

Family

(?) Prudence
Children

James Flora

M, #15373
MarriageJames Flora married Penelope Davis. 
Marriage*James Flora married Penelope Davis. 

Family

Penelope Davis
Children

Penelope Davis

F, #15374
MarriagePenelope Davis married James Flora. 
Marriage*Penelope Davis married James Flora. 

Family

James Flora
Children

(?) Charity

F, #15375

Family

Robert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Children

Robert Flora

M, #15376, b. circa 1760, d. circa 1814
FatherRobert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Mother(?) Charity
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Birth*Robert Flora was born circa 1760. 
He was the son of Robert Flora and (?) Charity. 
Death*Robert Flora died circa 1814. 

James Flora

M, #15377
FatherRobert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Mother(?) Charity
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
James Flora was the son of Robert Flora and (?) Charity. 
Research-Note*James owned land in Mason Co., KY 1791-1796.  n.k.o. 

(?) Mary

F, #15378

David Flora

M, #15379, b. before 1770, d. after 1822
FatherRobert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Mother(?) Charity
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Birth*David Flora was born before 1770. 
He was the son of Robert Flora and (?) Charity. 
Death*David Flora died after 1822. 

Thomas Flora

M, #15380
FatherRobert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Mother(?) Charity
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Thomas Flora was the son of Robert Flora and (?) Charity. 
Death*Thomas Flora died at Flora's Station, KY, USA. 
Research-Note*He was killed by Indians in Kentucky. 

John Flora

M, #15381
FatherRobert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Mother(?) Charity
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
John Flora was the son of Robert Flora and (?) Charity. 
Research-Note*There was a John Flora recorded in Mason, Kentucky between 1790 and 1800. It is possible that he was not the son of Robert but of Albright. 

Mary Flora

F, #15382
FatherRobert Flora b. c 1730, d. c 1802
Mother(?) Charity
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Mary Flora was the daughter of Robert Flora and (?) Charity. 
Marriage*Mary Flora married William Ruddle on 25 September 1778 at Bourbon County, KY, USA. 

Family

William Ruddle

William Ruddle

M, #15383
Marriage*William Ruddle married Mary Flora, daughter of Robert Flora and (?) Charity, on 25 September 1778 at Bourbon County, KY, USA. 

Family

Mary Flora

Anna Marie Segesterin

F, #15384
MarriageAnna Marie Segesterin married John Flora, son of Thomas Flora. 
Marriage*Anna Marie Segesterin married John Flora, son of Thomas Flora, on 26 December 1769 at First German Reformed Church, Baltimore, MD, USA. 

Family

John Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
Children

Jacob Flora

M, #15385, b. 13 February 1771, d. 26 October 1843
FatherJohn Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
MotherAnna Marie Segesterin
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Research-Note*A Flora line proves back to Jacob Flora, born February 13, 1771 in Maryland and died October 26, 1843 in Clear Creek Township, Huntington County, Indiana.  Jacob’s birth and death dates are known from his headstone in Clear Creek Township Cemetery, Huntington County, Indiana.  Jacob’s father was not known, but family tradition said his name was George.  The earliest record discovered for Jacob is a deed and mortgage for a tract of land called Hibernia in Woodberry Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania.  Jacob purchased the land from Jacob Puderbaugh, attorney for George Shoop of Green County, Ohio dated November 11, 1808.1  Jacob paid $904 dollars for the land, $300 in cash and financing the balance.2
           Jacob’s biographical sketch in Stark County, Ohio3 states:  “JACOB FLORA, deceased; one of the early settlers of Pike Tp., was born in Wittenberg, Germany, and emigrated to America when quite young, with his father, George Flora, who assisted in hauling stone for the first Jail in Baltimore.”
           A biographical sketch of John F. Farber4, who married Jacob’s granddaughter Harriet, includes this statement:  “Jacob Flora, the father of George Flora, was a native of Maryland.”
           A biographical sketch of Cornelius Henline5, who married Jacob’s daughter Mary, states:  “...daughter of Jacob and Magdalene (Bachtel) Flora, both natives of Maryland, the former of English and the latter of German descent.”
           In addition, there are three references to this family all attributable to Samuel E. Weaver, who in the late 1940s researched the Cable Family.  They are included in the books of Joel C. Flora6, Walter Q. Bunderman7, and Samuel Weaver8.  These all state basically the same:  “ A Flora family of German origin came to America from Wittenberg, Germany, early in the eighteenth century.  Note (6th generation descendants report that George Flora and his brother came to Baltimore, Md., in 1792).  George Flora and his brother settled near Baltimore Md.  Soon after coming to America one brother died leaving George to carry the family name.”  These sketches also include the story of hauling stone for the jail and state that late in his life George was a shoemaker living near Hagerstown, Maryland.  Samuel Weaver was raised in Ohio with the children of Jacob and Lucinda (McFarland) Flora.  From the text of the Stark County Biography3 it is probable that Jacob and Lucinda were the source of the information, so it is not surprising that the accounts should be similar.
           There is another reference to this family in Bunderman9.  He attributes this information to Mrs. Glenn Welty Berry, Onawa, Iowa.  The wills referenced there will be discussed in detail later, but suffice it to say there are some misinterpretations.  Additionally, Bunderman never explains how he decides Jacob was the son of John Jacob Flora, son of Engelhard Flori.  Mrs. Berry is descended from John Flora, Junior and Susanna E. (Hunt) Flora.
           Jacob’s wife Magdalene was the daughter of John Jacob and Catherine (Letch) Bachtel10.  In 1800, about the time Jacob and Magdalene were married since their oldest child was born in 1801, the Bachtels were living in Washington County, Maryland.  In the U. S. Census entries where Jacob’s children list the state in which they were born, the four oldest all claim Maryland.
           Jacob does not appear in the U. S. census until 1820 in Stark County, Ohio.  He should have been listed in 1810 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania.  Families number 135 through 215 are missing in Woodberry Township.
           On March 29, 1775 a John Flora purchased Owl’s Hollow and Farewell Owl from Frederick Leatherman11.  The Oaths of Allegiance for 1777-8 listed John Flora12.   In 1783 John Flora was assessed for 2 horses and 5 black cattle13.  Then on March 22, 1786 John and Mary Flora sold Owl’s Hollow and Farewell Owl to Isaac Tooble14 and on November 10 of that year bought four tracts totaling 183 acres from Thomas Elder15.  In 1790 John Flora is listed in the Frederick County enumeration as having a family of 2 males 16 and upward, 2 males under 16, and 5 females.  On November 14, 1792 John Flora is granted a land patent for 250 acres named Forrest’s Purchase16, which he sells along with the adjoining four tracts17.  On December 6, 1793 John Flora, tanner, purchases Resurvey on Sarah’s Delight from Daniel Hughes18.  From Daniel Hughes on September 21, 1803 he purchases a part of Wilkes and Liberty Resurveyed19.
           John Flora’s will was written July 28, 1809 and recorded June 20, 181020.  In it he leaves to his wife, Mary, 50 pounds; to his son Jacob, 50 pounds; to his granddaughter, daughter of son George, deceased, 25 pounds; withholding the land all livestock, household and kitchen appliances to be sold and divided among children Catherine, Mary, John, Elizabeth, and Nancy; the plantation to be sold after the expiration of the 4 years rental to Andrew Hutcheson except for 1/4 acre east of the front door for a public burying ground.  A second will was written February 11, 1810 and recorded March 10, 181021.  In this will he left to Elizabeth Andress, daughter of Eve Andress, 25 pounds; the rest to be divided amongst his children Jacob, John, Mary, Catherine, Nancy, Elizabeth; Jacob has had 300 pounds; John has had 100 pounds.
           On May 2, 1811 John McKean(McKain) and wife Elizabeth (Flora), Nancy Flora, Patrick McKiernan and wife Mary (Flora), Andrew Hutcheson and wife Catherine (Flora), John Flora and Susanna Flora, heirs of John Flora sold part of Wilkes and Liberty Resurveyed to Conrad Mentzer22.
           There is a marriage recorded in Washington County in March 1798 between George Flora and Eve Enderson23.  A marriage is recorded for John Flora Jr. and Susanna E. Hunt September 5, 180724.  It is probable that the granddaughter mentioned in the first will is Elizabeth Andress mentioned in the second will.  It also is likely that John’s wife Mary had pre-deceased him.
           There is a marriage recorded in Baltimore on December 26, 1769 between John Conrad Flory and Anna Marie Segesterin25.  Thomas Scharf dates the start of construction on the Baltimore City jail at 176726.  If John Flora as a young man had gone to Baltimore to work, this marriage would fit temporally with Jacob’s birth.  The land records show John lived near Hagerstown from 1775 until his death in 1810.  No cemetery records exist for John, Mary, or George but they were probably buried in the above-mentioned cemetery on John’s plantation.
It is probable that the sources of the biographies confused Jacob’s brother George with his father John.  It is also probable that the father’s emigration from Wittenburg, Germany is misremembered.  An examination of the 1850 U. S. census for Stark County Ohio shows that there was a sizable population of Germans living there who all listed Wittenburg as their place of birth.  In 1862 Harrison Flora enlisted in the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a regiment raised mostly in Stark County that was also known as the Ninth German Regiment.  The Floras had strong ties with German families through marriage and church membership.  Frank Flora’s son Franklin remembered his father saying that German was spoken in the home during his father Harrison’s boyhood.
Jacob’s daughter Mary’s statement that her father’s family was of English descent is more likely true.  This ties in nicely with the work of Donson and Athy on the family of Thomas Flora27.  They make a case for John Flora being one of Thomas’ sons.  There is a preponderance of evidence that Jacob is the son of John Flora and that John probably was a son of Thomas.
  Notes 
1.  Bedford County Deed Book G, pages 702-3. 
2.  Bedford County Deed Book G, pages 666-8. 
3.  History of Stark County with an Outline Sketch of Ohio, edited by William Henry Perrin, Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1881, page 854.  
Birth*Jacob Flora was born on 13 February 1771 at MD, USA. 
He was the son of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin. 
Death*Jacob Flora died on 26 October 1843 at Clear Creek Twp., Huntington Co., IN, USA, at age 72. 

Family

Magdeline Bachtel
Children

George Flora

M, #15386, d. circa 1808
FatherJohn Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
MotherAnna Marie Segesterin
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
George Flora was the son of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin. 
Death*George Flora died circa 1808. 

Family

Eva Enderson
Child

Mary Flora

F, #15387
FatherJohn Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
MotherAnna Marie Segesterin
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Mary Flora was the daughter of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin. 
Marriage*Mary Flora married Peter McKiernan on 24 June 1803 at Wahington County, MD, USA. 

Family

Peter McKiernan

Peter McKiernan

M, #15388
Marriage*Peter McKiernan married Mary Flora, daughter of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin, on 24 June 1803 at Wahington County, MD, USA. 

Family

Mary Flora

Catherine Flora

F, #15389
FatherJohn Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
MotherAnna Marie Segesterin
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Catherine Flora was the daughter of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin. 

Andrew Hutcheson

M, #15390

Nancy Flora

F, #15391, b. October 1779, d. 30 May 1867
FatherJohn Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
MotherAnna Marie Segesterin
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Birth*Nancy Flora was born in October 1779 at Frederick County, MD, USA. 
She was the daughter of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin. 
Death*Nancy Flora died on 30 May 1867 at Cavetown, Washington, MD, USA, at age 87. 

Elizabeth Flora

F, #15392
FatherJohn Flora b. c 1738, d. Mar 1810
MotherAnna Marie Segesterin
ChartsDescendants of Thomas Flora
Elizabeth Flora was the daughter of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin. 
Marriage*Elizabeth Flora married John McKain on 6 December 1806 at Washington County, MD, USA. 

Family

John McKain

John McKain

M, #15393
Marriage*John McKain married Elizabeth Flora, daughter of John Flora and Anna Marie Segesterin, on 6 December 1806 at Washington County, MD, USA. 

Family

Elizabeth Flora