Buck Gibson

Shepard “Old Buck” Gibson
1765 - 1842

By Loaetta Reddington and Jack Goins, Sept. 2002

This is the combined research of Loaetta Reddington, descendant of Shepard and Matilda Gibson and Jack Goins, author of “Melungeons and Other Pioneer Families”. Loaetta descends from Shepard and Matilda’s daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Gibson. The result of this research is not to dispute any former research but rather to enlarge upon it, making it a less complicated path for future descendant researchers who may desire to use the documented information offered herein.

Much research has already been written about Shepard “Old Buck” Gibson. Like most genealogy researchers Loaetta’a intent was to discover her ancestors. Growing up Loaetta was always intrigued by the story that her father was from a family with Cherokee heritage. When she decided to tackle the task of finding her Cherokee ancestor, she had no idea her search would lead her to Eastern Tennessee and a people of legend. This is her descent; Shepard and Matilda Gibson > Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Gibson (hereafter referred to as Elizabeth or Betty) > James Leslie Gibson > Thomas Covington Gibson > Loaetta Ann Gibson Reddington.

It is traditionally believed Shepard Gibson, born about 1765, was the son of Andrew Gibson. Believed to be the son of George and Mary Gibson of Louisa County, VA and Orange County, North Carolina. This George was a brother to Gedion and Jordan, sons of Gilbert Gibson. (Louisa County, VA Wills and Deeds). By 1790 Andrew Gibson was listed as part of a Company (militia?) in Wilkes County, NC. This part of Wilkes County became Ashe County in 1799. One indication that Shepard was related to the elder Andrew was, he named his first son Andrew who was born 1809 according to the information given for him on the 1850 census of Hancock County, Tennessee. Historian William Groshe’s notes state that Shepard, who would have been about 25 years old, had already moved to Tennessee from Virginia before the 1790 census. However, on August 11, 1800, Shepard entered two land deed applications in Ashe County, NC. Deed Book page 184 says: “100 acres beginning near the mouth of a “dreen” that makes into ‘Baire’ Creek and runs up said creek”. On page 185 it further says: “50 acres beginning near George Miller’s lower line and runs down south fork of New River”.

By 1800, migration to Tennessee from Virginia and North Carolina was booming. From 1800 to 1810, North Carolina continued to issue its military land warrants which Tennessee agreed to honor within its borders. Tennessee grew 250% nearly tripling its populace. The state capitol at Knoxville was moved to Nashville. It was during this period of time that Shepard’s name appears on the Hawkins County, Tennessee Tax List for the years 1809 - 1812. In 1810, Shepard is listed as owner of 50 acres plus one white poll in Hawkins County. White polls were “all free males and male servants, between the age of twenty-one and fifty years”, slaves, “all slaves male and female, between the age of twelve and fifty years.” He is also listed as a member of Captain Looney’s Company (a militia). In a provision of the Act of 1797, the justices were authorized to take lists of taxable property and polls in various Captains’ companies of the militia. Other Gibson’s who were taxed in Hawkins County for the same year and also in Looney’s Company were: Goodman, Gerden, Yarby, Charles Tiry and Royal. What relation they were to Shepard is not known however, Shepard’s Will in 1842 states he had brothers. On March 18, 1814 Shepard received land grant (#3499), Hawkins County, TN (Grohse: Reel 3) In 1816 Shepard received a military land warrant (#2354). This is the same year son Euriah is born (see below).

After close examination of the 1830 and 1840 censuses, the following children were born within Shepard’s household. Probable children of Shepard and his first wife who is unknown at this time:

1. Andrew b. 809
2. Daughter b. 1811
3. Daughter b. 1813
4. Euriah / Uriah b.1816
5. Shepard b. 1817
6. Oney b. 1820

*Note for Euriah / Uriah: b) 1816 - d) 1890. Married: Margaret (?). Uriah entered Confederate Company D Tennessee infantry at age 48, address: Sneedville, TN. Uriah had a son William who married Martha Perry. Their son Rev. Steve Gibson married Emeline Collins d/o Ran Collins. They had a son Horace who married Ella Mae Johnson d/o Lewis Johnson. Their son Rev. Delmont “Seven” Gibson is pastor of Elm Springs Baptist Church in Sneedville.

*Note for Shepard [2]: b) 1817 Married: Rebecca Alder, born in VA, d/o John Alder and Rebecca Baldwin (see Groshe; reel 1, Vardy News and Groshe Reel 4 Family Folders page 68). Shepard enlisted in the military in Hancock County, as Shepard Gibson Sr. On Oct. 10, 1863; he was listed as being sick at Camp Nelson, KY, since January. On April 9, 1864, he was discharged for disability. He is buried in Alders Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery. His son Shepard Jr. [3] b) 1839, enlisted in the military September 23, 1863, Hancock County, at age 24. He died of Typhoid fever in the hospital at Camp Nelson, KY; January 16, 1864, grave #285. He and his father were both at Camp Nelson Hospital in January 1864.

Note: It can become confusing as to where all of Shep’s children were born due to the fact that he had land in Tennessee, North Carolina and on the border of Lee Co., Virginia. Pat Elder’s book page 221 states: “A great clue for Melungeon research is gleaned from information surrounding Shepard Gibson [2] who was born about 1817 in Virginia or Tennessee”. On the 1850 census his birthplace is TN., while on the 1860 census it is recorded as VA. Elder continues writing “it is uncertain whether he is the son of the older Shepard Gibson or the son of an older Andrew Gibson”. His wife, Rebecca Alder, is shown as living alone on the 1880 Hancock County Census.


In 1820, we find land being granted to Vardy Collins in Hawkins County, TN. The land is situated on Blackwater between the mountain and Newman’s Ridge. This land adjoins that of Jordan Gibson. Vardy is married to Margaret “Spanish Peggy” Gibson, sister to Shepard “Old Buck” Gibson. This part of Eastern Tennessee had a struggling economy due to being landlocked. In 1828 the first steamboat, Atlas, makes its way up the river to Knoxville. Within the next two years the businessmen of this district seek state assistance to build the railroads in search of a way to boost their economy. The 1820 census for Hawkins County, TN, lists 310 Free Persons of Color or FPC.

The 1830 Census of Hawkins County, TN, records Shepard as fpc. The following Gibsons were also listed as fpc: Charles, Esau, Cherod, Joseph F., Andrew, Jordan, Polly, Jonathan and Jesse. Another land purchase is recorded for Shepard; he purchased one hundred and fifty acres lying in Hawkins County, TN., at Panther Creek (previously known as Buffalo Creek). Sims Survey, page 145, Entry Book B, Hawkins County, TN, has yet another entry for land in Shepard’s name, 300 acres along the cliffs of Newman’s Ridge. The 1830 census is taken and Shepard is the only person in his household listed as fpc or Free Person of Color. His age is estimated as over 50 under 100 (he was about 65). All others are listed as “white”. Just who the other occupants on this census were can only be speculated by age and gender. We believe Shepard’s first wife had passed away and the oldest male and female are most likely a son and daughter-in-law or daughter and son-in-law. These two people remain on the census of 1840 with the addition of a “new female” age 20-30 and a “new male child” 5 and under. These ages and dates fit for Matilda and Ozias. Sometime between 1830 and 1833, Shepard married for the second time to Matilda born 1810. Information obtained from other researchers combined with land, tax and census records we believe Matilda maiden name was Collins.

Matilda was thought to be the daughter of James and Lexy Gibson Collins according to other family researchers and perhaps confirmed by the U.S.Census records. Groshe Reel 3 says: “ the Reverend Taylor’s notes state that Matilda was the sister of Vardy Collins”. Vardy would have been 46 in 1810, when Matilda was born. His parents were most likely in their sixties and far beyond child bearing age. Perhaps Taylor was referring to Shepard’s first wife. There is a greater possibility his first wife would have been of a more proper age to be a sister to Vardy. It is more probable that Matilda could have been the daughter of James and Lexy Collins. James is on the 1810 Tax List for Hawkins County, Tennessee.

James Collins 1773-1860 married Lexy Gibson (?) about 1803; Bill Groshe speculated she was a Gibson. James Collins is on the Lee County Tax lists 1804-1813 along with an old Martin Collins. Also, Wyatt, Absolom, Mitchel, and Marlen Collins They always paid their taxes on the same day. (Courtesy Scott Collins research).

The 1830 census of Hawkins County, TN., list James Collins free colored household as follows: James Collins two males under 10, one male 10-24 and James was between age 55-100. Females: one under 10, one female 10-24 possibly Matilda, and one female 36-55 was wife Lexy. Also proven sons of James and Lexy on this census and living next to them were James Collins free colored male 10-24; free colored female; two under 10 and one 10-24. Also listed were son Martin Collins 10-24; one female under 10, and one 10-24. On the 1840 U.S. Census these same families are listed as “ white”. In 1818 the Commonwealth of VA, County of Lee, grants James Collins 60 acres of land. In 1830 James Collins of Hawkins County, TN, sells to Shepard Gibson 60 acres of land on the West Fork of Blackwater Creek situated near the state line. (Lee CO., Deed book 6, page 243). In 1830 James Collins received two land grants on Newman Ridge from the state of Tennessee.

James Collins is named by Sneedville Attorney Lewis M. Jarvis in his 1903 interview in the Sneedville Times as an old purebred Indian, who had fought in the war of 1812. (1994 Hancock CO, Tennessee And It’s people Volume 11.)

Pat Elder’s book page 219, note #604 says: “Shepard and Matilda did devise (a gift by will, especially of money or personal property) land in Lee County, VA, that once belonged to James Collins”. However, the deed says it was “sold” to Shepard and Matilda. Had it been a gift, it would have been a very good indication of a relationship (father/daughter) between James and Matilda. There was a young James Gibson b) 1834 in Hawkins County. Could he have been the firstborn son of Shepard and Matilda? He died in a skirmish in Hawkins, County in 1864. Traditionally, a first born son is named for his father or grandfather however, in Shepard and Matilda’s case, Shepard already had a son named for him from his first marriage. The name James was used again by their daughter Elizabeth when her third son and Loaetta’s grandfather James Leslie Gibson was born. The 1880 census states Matilda’s father was born in Kentucky, her mother in North Carolina. There was indeed a James Collins living in Clay Co., KY, on the 1840 census. As written above there was also a James Collins on the 1840 census in Hawkins County, TN. Checking the 1850 census for Clay Co., KY, and the James Collins of the 1840 census again appears. His age is 33, he was born in TN, and his race is Mulatto. His wife is Martha and they have seven children. This James would have to be a brother if he is related to Matilda. If Matilda were the “Tildy” of Blackwater Church, Sneedville, TN., she would have joined around the age of 14. On August 2, 1831 “Tildy” made application for dismissal (taken from church records, Sneedville Historical Society).

Using the information given on the 1850 census, Hancock, County, TN., #33 Subdivision, taken on the 5th day of December, the following children were born to Shepard and Matilda:

1. Ozias Denton Gibson b. 1835
2. Maryann Gibson b. 1837
3.Minerva Jane Gibson b. 1840
4. Mary Elizabeth Gibson b. 1842 (March)
5. John D. Gibson b. 1844*
6. Martha Gibson b. 1846*

*Note: It is obvious that the last two children who appear on the 1850 census could not belong to Shepard since he died in Dec. 1842 or Jan. 1843. John D. consistently appears on later censuses and tax lists with his mother Matilda. Martha however, appears only on the 1850 census and never again thereafter. We believe she may have been a visiting granddaughter of Shepard’s or died before the 1860 census.


June 2, 1834, Land Deed Hawkins County, Book 6, page 513: Shepard and Matilda sell to Lucinda and Milly Burke (Millington) a tract of land, 60 acres that had been granted to James Collins. This is most likely the same tract of land devised /sold to them by James in 1830.

According to the Hawkins County Tax List for the year 1836, Civil District #5 which “began at the Clinch River on Kyle’s ford thence along the road leading to the Lee County line thence by John Wallen’s to a small schoolhouse thence due north to the VA state line thence east with said line to the Claiborne County line thence with said line to the Clinch River”, Shepard Gibson paid taxes on 146 acres of land and one horse. He paid $3.24. There were thirteen other male Gibsons paying taxes in District #5.

March 13, 1839, Land Deed, Hawkins, County, Book 17, page 17: A deed of land from Andrew Gipson to Shepherd Gipson containing 150 acres on top of Newman’s Ridge and on the waters of Blackwater. The price is $210.00 here again is an indication there was a relationship between Andrew and Shepard. Delaney Burke and Zachariah Jones witnessed the deed. They also witnessed another deed of Shepard’s on Nov. 26, 1839. * Take note of the names Burke and Jones.

*Note: In Elder’s book page 220, she writes: If you descend from Shepherd, you can learn more about his life by studying the Hawkins County deed books.

“These two Vardy Collins and Buck Gibson, were the head and source of the Malungeons of Tennessee” (The Malungeon Tree and It’s Four Branches May 1891, by William Allen Dromgoole) Notice the nickname Buck Gibson in confirmed by the preceding court record. Friday 29 January 1841, Hawkins County Circuit Court Minute Book 1837-1851 page 386. Emanuel Lawson vs. Buck Gibson. “Friday 29 January 1841 “ This day came the defendant by his attorney and the plantiff being solemnly called to come into court and prosecute his just cause and make default. It is therefore considered by the court that he be tried. Whereupon it is considered by the court that the defendant recover of the plaintiff of his costs and his suit in this behalf ---- for which execution may issue”. ( Hawkins County Circuit Court Minute book 1837-1851) Not enough information in the minutes to really determine what this was about. The actual court proceedings would clear this up if they could be found.

In January 1842, Shepherd has his land surveyed this survey was not recorded in Hawkins County, it’s possible Shepard was giving some land to his children of his first wife. In March of this same year Matilda delivers their third daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Gibson, Loaetta’s great-grandmother. On December 7, 1842 Hancock County Will Book I, page 224, a last will and testament was recorded for Shepard Gibson, age 77. Shepard “gives each of his brothers and sisters (both plural) the sum of $1.00 each and “to my beloved wife Matilda, all the land whereon we now live and all lands elsewhere which is in my name”, plus all the rest of his estate. This would certainly indicate that Shepard still owned land other than where they were living at the time his will was written. No other heirs were named. Vardy Collins is appointed Executor. The will was proven January 2, 1843. Shepard died sometime between these two dates. He is buried in an unmarked grave. Elizabeth was 9 months old. She never knew her father.

Zachariah Jones and Delaney Burke ( the land deed witnesses) were both charged with first-degree murder in a Hawkins County court on 27 May 1845. Zachariah Jones and Delaney Burke both late of the county were charged with striking one Asa Mathias a mortal wound on his right temple with a stone. Asa died 20 May, 1844. The bond was set at $3,000.00. Matilda Gibson, widow of Shepard Gibson, signed the bond along with; John Netherland, James Simpson, William C. Kyle, Solomon Collins, and James Burke, These signatures guaranteed the court the cost would be paid should Jones or Burke fail to appear in court. Ultimately, Jones was the only one charged with first degree murder. He left the state and left his bond signers to pay his debt. Matilda along with the others were charged for default by the court on May 27, 1848. With seven persons sharing the debt equally they each had to pay $428. 57. (Hawkins County Criminal Court Record Book 1846-1848) There is no record of dismissal of the case so we can only assume the debt was paid and the case was closed. Just how the widowed Matilda with six children to feed was able to raise her part of the court debt or why she would have signed for Jones and Burke is yet to be determined. She owned land but no record of sale has been found to date. In his estate Shepard left horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. Perhaps she sold some of the livestock to pay her debt. Matilda was not without an occupation as described in the next paragraph.

During the same time period of the court case, Hancock County, TN was established (January 7, 1844) and named for John Hancock. It was formed from parts of Hawkins and Claiborne Counties. Because of constitutional objections it was not organized until 1846. On the 1850 census of Hancock County, in Subdivision #33, Matilda and twenty-four other Gipson’s (p instead of b) were listed as heads of household. Where the #33 Subdivision lines fell within the county is not certain, but they obviously encompassed Matilda’s land that is shown to have a value of $100.00. Her occupation is described as a tailor. Her age is 40. Her six children listed above were taken from this census. The family was enumerated as family # 398. Family #400, two doors away, consists of four persons; Eli Davis 71, Martha Davis 59, John Davis 41, and a 10-year-old child with the name Elizabeth Pue. The reason this family is noted here will be explained. There was also a census for Agriculture in the state of Tennessee in 1850. Shepard Gipson [2], appears on this census as follows; acres farmed 15, acres not farmed 10, cash value $100.00. One milk cow, five sheep, 3 swine; stock valued at $75.00. Crops; 630 bushels of Indian corn and 100 bushels of oats. His farm is located in the #33 Subdivision, he is 33, wife Rebecca (Alder) is 29, son William is 10 and daughter Mary is 8. They are enumerated as family # 40. There are two Andrew Gibson and their families also enumerated in this same district. One is 41 years of age enumeration #58. The other is age 56 and enumerated as family #291. Euriah now age 34, is family # 365. These men, except Andrew Gibson, enumeration #291, are believed to be the son’s of Shepard “Old Buck” Gibson.

Sometime after the 1850 census the Subdivision #33 must have been divided into smaller districts. A close inspection of the 1860 census finds many of the same heads of household but in districts with a new number or name. It would seem unlikely that so many farmers would have relocated. The elder Andrew Gibson family is now in District #6. Shepard Gibson [2] and family are listed in Panther Creek district, which could have him living on Old Shepard’s land (Land Deed of 1830). Matilda Gibson and the Davis family are considered living in the Mulberry Gap district.

As the dawn of a new decade approached we find that our country was on the brink of Civil War. Lincoln was President. Tennessee joined the Confederacy in April, 1860. When the 1860 census is taken in August, Matilda (52 - age taken from census is two years older than on the 1850 census?) is living in Mulberry Gap. She is no longer listed as having real estate but her personal estate is valued at $50.00. Ozias Denton is still living at home and his personal estate is also valued at $50.00, occupation is farm hireling. Maryann, still a resident, is keeping house. Now appears a 20-year-old Elizabeth Pugh living with the family as a hireling. Shepard and Matilda’s Elizabeth, who would be 18, is not listed. Minerva Jane, who would be 20, is missing as well as Martha who would be 14. John D. 15, is living at home as a hireling. The Davis family mentioned above in district #33 is now right next-door and the child Elizabeth Pue from the 1850 census is no longer in their household. The fact is, she is the twenty-year-old hireling in Matilda’s house. We believe she is the daughter of John Davis, schoolteacher and granddaughter to Eli and Martha Davis. Most likely John’s wife and Elizabeth Pue’s mother, is deceased. Two avenues of thought concerning a possible connection between Matilda and the Davis family present themselves. First thought is Matilda may have been a Davis herself. Eli and Martha are old enough to be her parents and records show that John Davis was born in 1809, just a year before Matilda. This would explain one reason why Elizabeth Pugh is in Matilda’s household. Matilda would have been her aunt. Matilda’s Elizabeth and Elizabeth Pugh could have played together and Matilda may have taught both of the girls the art of tailoring and weaving. Matilda’s son John D. could have been named for her brother John and the D. possibly stood for Davis. Martha (on the 1850 census) may be named for her grandmother Martha Davis. Secondly, the connection may be a romantic one. John Davis is a widower and Matilda a widow. Perhaps John taught Matilda’s children at school. Perhaps John was the father of John D. and Martha. The explanation for their names would remain but without the personal family tie to Matilda. Both of these ideas are only speculation. There is no documentation at this point to prove either idea.


April 12, 1861, The Civil War begins. The Border States between the Confederate states and Union states would see the worse part of the fighting. Within these Border States, some people were in support of the North while others were in support of the South. The military draft age was for able-bodied men ages 18 - 35. Tennessee and Kentucky were Border States. We know that Tennessee eventually joined the Confederacy. Kentucky, home of the presidents for both North and South, remained neutral. However they were drawn into the war, and never seceded from the Union. It is a mystery why Matilda uprooted her immediate family and migrated to Kentucky. From Mulberry Gap, migrating Tennesseans traveled west to Tazewell then north through the Cumberland Gap into Kentucky. There had to be a defining reason for Matilda to leave Tennessee. Had Shepard owned land in Kentucky? Was she following a family member? Sometime after August 1860 when the census was taken in Hancock County, TN, Matilda, Ozias, Elizabeth and John D. did migrate to Madison County, KY. Ozias met and married Nancy Breeding Neece Thomas. Their daughter Josephine was born in 1862. Ozias is on the 1864 Tax List for Madison County, paying taxes on 100 acres of land in Letcher County, where he and Nancy eventually settled. Had this land previously belonged to his father Shepard Gibson? O. D. (Ozias) also received a land grant in Clay Co., KY in 1867. For the tax year of 1869 Matilda and John D. are on the Tax List for the first time. They are both on the “White” and “Negro” lists for people living in the Silver Creek District. John D. remains on the Tax Lists for the years 1870, ’71. He is recorded as paying taxes in College Hill District in 1873, in Kentucky River District in 1875 and in Muddy Creek District in 1879. All these districts were in Madison County, KY. To date no further personal records other than the 1850/ 1860 censuses have been found for Maryann or Minerva Jane. Did they marry and stay behind in TN? Perhaps they married in KY, prior to the 1870 census, as did their brother Ozias. No personal record of events in Elizabeth’s life for this same time period has yet been found.

Another decade passes and the 1870 census is taken. Matilda appears as head of household in an area of Berea known as the “Glade” Precinct, Post Office - Big Hill, Madison County, KY. In 1854, most of the communities around the Glade were slave holding. Slavery was very common in Paint Lick and Silver Creek and not unknown in Big Hill.” The Glade was popular for its racing track while also known for its tiny abolitionist church. Kentucky’s famous Cassius Clay saw the Glade as a political base and wanted to have control of the area and its inhabitants (taken from; “Colonists In Southern Madison County”, page 109). By the time the 1870 census was taken and the war was over life in the Glade had changed forever. Two other persons are listed as part of Matilda’s household; “Betty”, age 27 (should be 28 - on his marriage bond Loaetta’s grandfather James Leslie Gibson states his mother’s name is Betty Gibson) and her one-month-old infant named Mary. This is the only time this child appears on any census. We believe she must have died in infancy. All are listed with the surname of Gibson. On 24th day of October 1872, Elizabeth (Betty) contracts a marriage bond with a Thomas Purcell. The surety bondsman is O. D. Gibson. His original signature is on the bond. A marriage bond is a purchased agreement for a wedding. It does not guarantee the wedding took place. A minister had to return a certificate of license before a marriage was confirmed and became a legal record. No record of license has been found for a marriage between Thomas and Elizabeth. However, O. D. Gibson’s signature was a significant find in Loaetta’s early research. It later proved to be Ozias Denton Gibson (aka Denton or O. D.) During the next ten years Mary Elizabeth “Betty”Gibson gives birth to two sons and two daughters.

The year 1880 arrives and a new census is taken. Matilda is still head of her household. Her age is listed as 78, eight years difference from all previous censuses. She should be listed as 70. This census asks for information not asked for on previous censuses. It is the first census to ask for the birthplace of a person’s parents. As mentioned in paragraph seven, Matilda states her father was born in KY, her mother in North Carolina. This census year the Glade is referred to as Glade Magisterical. District #6, Madison County, KY. There are several people enumerated with Matilda. They are; Mary E., (daughter - Mary Elizabeth) and her four children, William (Willie), Lilly Belle, John D. and “nameless”, who we now know to be Melissa born 1879. According to Loaetta’s family history, the children’s names are the correct names for each of her grandfather’s older siblings. This census convinced Loaetta she had indeed found Elizabeth Gibson’s mother, Matilda, and eventually led her to Elizabeth’s father Shepard Gibson, and their home state of Tennessee. Elizabeth will bear two more sons; one in 1882, James Leslie Gibson, Loaetta’s grandfather, and his younger brother Leonard Gibson in 1886. It is believed that Mary Elizabeth “ Betty” Gibson, daughter of Shepard and Matilda Gibson, was born a Gibson and died a Gibson. She gave birth to six children who all bore the surname Gibson. Elizabeth appears on the 1900 census of Madison County, KY, as head of her household with son’s Leslie and Leonard. Matilda had probably passed away. No documented record of death or burial has been found for either woman.

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