Theophilis Brawner Family
Maryland roots, War of 1812 service, and Kentucky settlement
Theophilis Brawner, son of Edward Brawner and his first wife Ann Franklin, was born on 23 February 1789 in Port Tobacco, Charles County, Maryland. He served Maryland in the War of 1812.
Prior to 1820, along with other members of his family, he migrated to Kentucky, spending most of his life in Franklin and Shelby counties. On 9 November 1820 in Shelby County, Kentucky, Theophilis married Rachel Wade, daughter of Royal Wade and Rachel Jones. Rachel Wade was born in Woodford County, Kentucky on 8 May 1801 and died 21 December 1893 in Franklin County.
Theophilis Brawner died on 17 December 1866 in Franklin County. His will is recorded in Franklin County Will Book 3, page 143, leaving all property to his wife Rachel with no children named directly, though four children are proven through other documentation. The burial location for Theophilis and Rachel remains unknown.
Children of Theophilis Brawner and Rachel Wade
John Edward Brawner
Married Margaret Ann Pulliam (daughter of William Pulliam and Cynthia Penn) on 3 January 1844 in Oldham County, Kentucky. Margaret was born 10 September 1827 in Franklin County. They are listed on the 1850 and 1860 Franklin County censuses. (Note: A Margaret Brawner is named as granddaughter in the will of Charles Penn, Franklin County Will Book 3, page 32, though census ages make it unlikely this was John Edward's wife).
Mary Jane Brawner
Married James D. Moore on 18 June 1846 in Franklin County, Kentucky.
William Royal Francis Brawner
His name appears in records with many variations (William F., Willis R. F., Frances, W.R.F.). Married first on 8 September 1847 in Franklin County to Mahala Moore (born c. 1829, daughter of Gresham Moore and Ann Holloway). Mahala died of consumption on 7 August 1857.
Children with Mahala Moore: Mary Ann, America Frances, William Squire, John Cable, and Susan Jane.
Married second Mary Belle "Polly" Ellis on 10 October 1859 in Franklin County. Both are listed on the 1900 census in the Bald Knob district. William died on 5 August 1905 at the home of Owen Albert and Lizette Brawner Allison.
Children with Mary Belle Ellis: James Thomas, Luvenia, Mahala Belle, Sarah Della, Margaret Alice, and Lizette.
Margaret Ann Brawner
Appears as age 8 in the household of Theophilis and Rachel Brawner on the 1850 census. Married Charles William Duvall on 14 January 1862. Her Kentucky death certificate (No. 19491) confirms she was the daughter of Theophilis Brawner and Rachel Wade. She is buried in the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery, Franklin County, Kentucky.
Information submitted by:
Anne H. Lee, Sue Rhody, Lindy Riffe, and Helen Sutherland
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