Berkeley County, Virginia, which is now Jefferson County, West Virginia Hamilton County, Ohio
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia borders Maryland and Virginia. The first European settlers started arriving about 1730.
Yerkes has also been spelled Gerkes, Gerckes, Jerghes, Jerghjes, Jurckes,Yercas, Yercks, Yerkhas, Yerkas, Yerkiss, Yerks, and Yerkus
Berkeley County, Virginia was created from the northern third of Frederick County, Virginia in 1772. Jefferson County was formed from the county's eastern section. In 1863 Berkeley County became part of the new state of West Virginia.
He married Grace Coffing. She was the daughter of Abraham Coffing. The Quaker meeting records on September 19, 1769, note that "Grace Yerkes, late Coffin, is gone out in her marriage and don't incline to make satisfaction,"
They were probably married about 1771. The family may have been Presbyterian since, at least, Peggy, Mary, Rachel and Priscilla were married by Moses Hoge, a Presbyterian minister. They lived in Berkeley County, Virginia which is now Jefferson County, West Virginia.
In 1793 when his father, Josiah died, Joshua inherited 30 shillings. In 1798, Joshua transferred all of his property to Joshua Yerkes, Jr.
In 1810, Joshua, Jr. was living in Jefferson County, Virginia. He was in the 57th Regiment of the Virginia militia during the War of 1812.
In 1820 Priscilla's husband, Thomas Wood and Margaret's husband, Ezekiel Blue were in Lee Township, Jefferson County, Virginia. Josiah was in Butler County, Ohio by 1826. In 1830 there is a Thomas Wood in Morgan Township, Butler County, Ohio and none in Jefferson County, Virginia. Joshua was in Fairfield Township, Butler County. Josiah was in Carroll County, Indiana by 1840.
Byberry is a township in the northeast corner of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. The Walton brothers were early settlers. Moreland Township was just west of Byberry. When Montgomery County broke off in 1784, Moreland was divided into two townships, both called Moreland. In 1917 the Montgomery County Moreland split into Upper Moreland Township and Lower Moreland Township.
A militia is a military unit composed of citizens who are called up in time of need.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that I Joshua Yerkie, Sen'r of Berkely County and State of Virginia for and in consideration of former services done to me by Joshua Yerkes of the said county and state aforesaid have assigned granted transferred and made over and by these presents do assigns and transfer and make over unto the said Joshua Yerkes his Executors and Administrators all my property
namely three brase creatures one cow and calf six hogs household furniture and farming utensils of every part thereof and all benefit proceed and profits thereof and all my estate right title interest claim and demand whatsoever of in and to same or any part thereof to HAVE AND TO HOLD the said property and every part thereof unto the said Joshua Yerkes his Executors and Administrators and assigns to his and their own proper use and behoof forever and
I the said Joshua Yerkes, Sen'r for myself my Executors Administrators and assigns do covenant and agree to and with the said Joshua his Executors and Administrators shall and may from time to time and at all times hereafter lawfully peaceably and quietly have hold receive take and enjoy to his and their own proper use and behoof all the aforesaid property in and all and every the proceeds and profits thereof and of every part thereof without any Lett (or Sett) Trouble Molestation or Interruption of or by the said Joshua Yerkes, Sen'r my Executors Administrators or any person or of any other person or persons whatsoever.
Given under my hand and Seal the 16th day of June 1798.
JOSHUA YEARKES L S
Cattle were vital to a household and an important legacy.
Unweaned cattle are calves.
Female cattle are heifers and cows (had a calf).
Male cattle are steers (castrated) and bulls.
Oxen are trained draft animals and are often castrated adult male cattle.
West Virginia is located in the Appalachians and was originally part of Virginia. The capital and largest city is Charleston. It became a state during the Civil War and was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863.
