In an affidavit of America Spears-Craig, she states that James G. Craig's father is John Craig, and that she is personally acquainted with James' siblings:  George, Jane, Polly and Sally.  She does not mention Edward Henry Craig (b 1825 TN) who married Mary Ann Womack in 1826 Washington County AR, or Samuel Stonecipher Craig (b 1826 TN).  For this reason, I took Edward and Samuel off the list of children, above. America Spears was original America Bearpaw but was adopted by a Spear's family they where also Indian. America Spear's married James Granville Craig, in either Lawrence County or Independence County, Arkansas. The Craig family become orphans during Indian removal and settled near Batesville, Arkansas. James G. Craig had three siblings Cynthia (Jensie) Craig Bales, Polly Craig and George Craig. George died with his father during the Indian removal. Census say that America Spears was born in Arkansas in 1820. I think this information is incorrect. Maybe she was born in Redclay, Tennessee or Georgia. I have found Spear's in the household of Bearpaw's if we can tie the Spear's in with the Bearpaw family maybe this will help solve this mystery. Notes for AMERICA SPEARS: Said to be full-blooded Native American Was married 4 times. Notes for America Spears: It appears that Americas first husband James Craig died about 1859. She remarried to James Phipps (his wife Sarah also passed away about same time). It also appears that America younger children took the Phipps name, according to the 1870 Census Arkansas Marrs Hill Township Post Office: Ray's Mill Arkansas Washington County. It also appears that America and James Craig had children named Nancy, James and William as did James and Sarah Phipps. These children were all of different ages but I'm sure very confusing just the same. See also other spouses. The maiden name of Spears shows up on son John's death certificate. America died America Rose (her last husband was James Rose.) Do to an affiliate signed by America with an "X" I am having second thoughts as to her being of Indian descent. She talks about her husband being of Cherokee Indian descent and that her parents tried to talk her out of marrying him for that reason. (Jody Fisher) There are rumors that America may have been adopted by the Spears family. If this is the case hopefully we will find guardian ship papers in Arkansas for her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Affidavit by America Craig made 1896 in Territory of Oklahoma is as follows: America Craig the widow of Jim Craig who was a son of John Craig the said John Craig lived in Tennessee near Old Red Clay and died there about the year 1832 and the said John Craig was a Cherokee Indian by birth and blood. The wife of John Craig was also a Cherokee Indian by birth and blood. I married Jim Craig in Washington County Ark and knew at the time that he was a Cherokee Indian. Every body there knew him to be Cherokee and it was freely talked of at the time I married him and my folks tried to keep me from marrying him on that account. I also know Jim Craig brothers and sisters. I know George Craig, Sally Craig, Jane Craig, and Polly Craig. James Craig and myself was married in Washington County Ark January 16th 1838. I know that James Craig, Jr., Caleb Craig, Nancy Null, Jon (John) Craig, George Craig are the children of James and America Craig born in lawful wedlock. James Baylis, David Baylis, (F.M.?) Baylis, B. F. Baylis, Sally I Baylis are the heirs of Jane Baylis who is a daughter of John Baylis therefore the above children are grandchildren of John Baylis (can't read last 3 words) America signed with an "X". Witnessed by (Can't read first name) 2nd name is E.S. Shuckelford. Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23rd day of July 1896 A. T. Farlis (? spelling of last name) Notary public My ( term ex F ? I believe it says "My term expires" ) Aug 3rd 1897. On the side of this paper it says Exhibit E Washington County Wills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 139 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friday morning 8 O'clock Nov 9, 1860. Comes America CRAIG widow and administrator of the estate of decd late of Washington County and represents to the Court here that the said James G. CRAIG decd was during his lifetime one of the securities upon the Guardian Bond of Stokley D.M. WILSON guardian of Michael ASHER, William ASHER, Elizabeth ASHER, Mary ASHER, John ASHER, minor heirs of ...............(?) ASHER decd and pray the Court here for a rule against the said Stokley D. M. Wilson signing him to give additional security in lieu of the said James G. CRAIG so as to release said administrator from all liability upon said bond. It is therefore ordained by the Court that the said Stokley D.M. WILSON shall on or before the first day of the next term of this Court give additional security upon said guardian bond in lieu of said James G. Craig decd so as to release the estate of said decd from all liability on said bond.(February 14, 1861) Washington County Wills and Probate Records, Book D,Page 165 Comes now on this day America CRAIG as the administrator of the estate of James CRAIG decd and having at a former term of this Court filed her account current for settlement and no exceptions having been filed thereto or any item thereof, the Court after a careful examination of said account finds that said administrator has still in her hands the sum of $552.39. It is therefore considered by the Court that said account be allowed confirmed and entered of record. (May(??) 1861) Washington County Wills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 201-202 America CRAIG Petitioner vs. Petition for Dower Thomas F. WELDEN & Ellen WELDEN his wife William M. CRAIG, Mary CRAIG, Elizabeth CRAIG, George W. CRAIG John CRAIG, James CRAIG, Caleb CRAIG and Nancy CRAIG Defendants. Now on this day there comes on to be heard and the said petitioner alleges that the said complainant is the widow of James G. CRAIG deceased, and the said deceased died without a will leaving the following heirs surviving to wit, Thomas F. WELDEN and his wife Ellen (Ellender) WELDEN, William M. CRAIG, and Mary CRAIG, Elizabeth CRAIG, George W. CRAIG, John CRAIG, James CRAIG, Caleb CRAIG, and Nancy CRAIG who are all minors except the three first mentioned,and on all prayed to be made defendants to this bill, whereupon on motion it is ordered by the court that Matthew(?) Duke be and he is hereby appointed guardian for the purpose of defending said minors herein whereupon the said Duke filed here in court his answer to said complainants bill, admitting as far as he is advised the correctness of the allegations as set forth in complainants petition, and the said Thomas F. Weldon and Ellen Weldon, his wife and William M. CRAIG although duly served with process comes not but herein wholly (?) makes default whereby this action remains undefended by them. It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court that all and de.... the allegations in said petitions be taken as confused and the court being satisfied upon an examination that dower should be assigned and laid off in accordance with the prayer of said petition it is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court that the said America CRAIG do have ... .... of and from the said defendants as her dower in the estate of said James G. CRAIG deceased the one third part of the following described land, to wit, the S.E.1/4 of the S.W.1/4 of Section two in Township No. [sic] North of Range 32 West, the N.E.1/4 of the N.W.1/4 all in Section Eleven Township Sixteen N. of Range 32 West, including the mansion house to have and to hold during her natural life. An it is further ordered adjudged and decreed by the Court that the said America CRAIG do have and recover of and from the said defendants the one third part of the personal estate of which the said James G. CRAIG decd signed (??) and possessed, absolutely in her own rights and that she have and recover all her ..... in this behalf laid out and expanded. And it is further ordered by the court that Jonathan Newman and William W. BROWNLEE and Shelton LUTTRELL be (??) and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to lay off and assign to the said America CRAIG dower in the land herein mentioned in accordance with the decree of this Court herein ..... and make their report to the next term of this Court. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Children of James Craig and America Spears are: Ellender Craig, born Abt. 1839 in Arkansas. She married Thomas Fielder Weldon. Notes for Thomas Fielder Weldon: After the death of Ellender Thomas married her sister Elizabeth Craig(December 6, 1867) Washington County, Arkansas Land Records Book R, page 151 Know all men by these presents that we William M. CRAIG and Mary CRAIG his wife, Thomas F. WELDON and Elizabeth WELDON his wife, and George W. CRAIG of the county of Washington and State of Arkansas for and inconsideration of the sum of five hundred and fifty dollars to us in hand paid by James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS of the same count and state do hereby bargain and sell and by these presents transfer and convey unto the said James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS their heirs and assigns forever our undivided interest as heirs at law of James G. CRAIG decd, it being as follows, to wit: Thomas WELDON has one ninth and William M. CRAIG has two ninths, and George W. CRAIG has one ninth interest in the following described parcel or tract of land, and which is hereby conveyed, to wit:the southwest quarter of the north east quarter, and the north east quarter of the north west quarter, ant the north west quarter of the northeast quarter of section eleven in township sixteen north of range thirty-two west. And the south east quarter of the south west quarter of section two in township sixteen north of range thirty-two west, all situated in the county of Washington and state of Arkansas. To have and to hold our undivided interest as above stated to them the said James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS their heirs and assigns forever, and we hereby warrant the title to our interests as stated from ourselves our heirs and assigns to all persons claiming by or under us, and we covenant to and with the said James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS that we are lawfully seized and possessed of the undivided interests in the above described land, as stated above, and have a good right to sell and convey the same. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 6th day of December 1867. Attest. R. S. KEENE/E.M. KEENE (Thomas F. Weldon/Elizabeth WELDON/William M. CRAIG/Mary CRAIG/George W. CRAIG)(August 30, 1867) Washington County, Arkansas Land Records Book R, page 154 This indenture made the 30 day of August A.D. 1867, by and between Thomas H. WELDEN guardian of William M. WELDEN, Mary E. WELDEN and Francis WELDEN all of Washington County in the State of Arkansas party of the first part and William M. CRAIG of the same county party of the second part, Witnesses that the said party of the first part was on the 28th day of August 1867, by the Probate Court of Washington County appointed guardian of the said William M. Mary E. and Francis WELDEN with power to dispose sell and convey, on such terms and at public or private sale as might to him seem best the undivided one ninth interest of said minors William M., Mary E., and Francis in the estate of the late James J. CRAIG known and described as follows, to wit: the North East qr. and the Southwest Qr. of the North East qr. and the North East qr. of the North West qr. of Section eleven (11) in Township sixteen (16) North of Range thirty two (32) West, And the South East qr. of the South West qr. of Section two(2) in Township sixteen (16) North of Range thirty two (32) West, all lying and being in the County of Washington aforesaid. And that the said party of the first part--as guardian of the minors aforesaid has on this day for and in consideration of the sum of fifty dollars to us in hand paid-the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged-granted bargained sold quit-claimed transferred and released and by these presents does as such guardian grant bargain sell quitclaim transfer, remise and release unto the said party of the second part, all the right title claim and possibility of claim vested or to be vested of said minors William M. Mary E. and Francis in and to said above described lands. To have and to hold unto the said party of the second part his heirs executors and assigns forever. In testimony whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal as such guardian the day and year first above written. Attest R.L. KEENE/James PHIPPS (Thomas F. WELDEN)(May(??) 1861) Washington County Wills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 201-202 America CRAIG Petitioner vs. Petition for Dower Thomas F. WELDEN & Ellen (Ellender) WELDEN his wife, William M. CRAIG, Mary CRAIG, Elizabeth CRAIG, George W. CRAIG, John CRAIG, James CRAIG, Caleb CRAIG and Nancy CRAIG. Defendants Now on this day there comes on to be heard and the said petitioner alleges that the said complainant is the widow of James G. CRAIG deceased, and the said deceased died without a will leaving the following heirs surviving to wit, Thomas F. WELDEN and his wife Ellen WELDEN, William M. CRAIG, and Mary CRAIG Elizabeth CRAIG George W. CRAIG John CRAIG James CRAIG Caleb CRAIG and Nancy CRAIG who are all minors except the three first mentioned,and on all prayed to be made defendants to this bill, whereupon on motion it is ordered by the court that Matthew(?) Duke be and he is hereby appointed guardian a.... for the purpose of defending said minors herein whereupon the said Duke filed here in court his answer to said complainants bill, admitting as far as he is advised the correctness of the allegations as set forth in complainants petition, and the said Thomas F. Weldon and Ellen Weldon his wife and William M. CRAIG although duly served with process comes not but herein wholly (?) makes default whereby this action remains undefended by them. It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court th... all and de.... the allegations in said petitions be taken as confused and the court being satisfied upon an examination that dower should be assigned and laid off in accordance with the prayer of said petition it is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court that the said America CRAIG do have ... .... of and from the said defendants as her dower in the estate of said James G. CRAIG deceased the one third part of the following described land, to wit, the S.E.1/4 of the S.W.1/4 of Section two in Township No. [sic] North of Range 32 West, the N.E.1/4 of the N.W.1/4 all in Section Eleven Township Sixteen N. of Range 32 West, including the mansion house to have and to hold during her natural life. An it is further ordered adjudged and decreed by the Court that the said America CRAIG do have and recover of and from the said defendants the one third part of the personal estate of which the said James G. CRAIG decd signed (??) and possessed, absolutely in her own rights and that she have and recover all her ..... in this behalf laid out and expanded. And it is further ordered by the court that Jonathan Newman and William W. BROWNLEE and Shelton LUTTRELL be (??) and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to lay off and assign to the said America CRAIG dower in the land herein mentioned in accordance with the decree of this Court herein ..... and make their report to the next term of this Court. On the side of this paper it says Exhibit E Washington County Wills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 139. -------------------------------------------------------- Washington Co., Arkansas, 1860 census, Marrs Hill Township #447 #41 America Craig age 40 $1500 $400 Ark. (Widow) Mary 18 Ark. Elizabeth 17 Ark. George 13 Ark. John 8 Ark. James 5 Ark. Caliep 3 Ark Nancy 10 mos Ark. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #448 #42 William Craig 20 Farmer Ark. (son of America) Elvira 19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1861, February 14Washington County, ArkansasWills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 165 Comes now on this day America CRAIG as the administratrix of the estate of James CRAIG decd and having at a former term of this Court filed her account current for settlement and no exceptions having been filed thereto or any item thereof, the Court after a careful examination of said account finds that said administratrix has still in her hands the sum of $552.39. It is therefore considered by the Court that said account be allowed confirmed and entered of record. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1861, May ?Washington County, Arkansas Wills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 201-202 America CRAIG Petitioner vs. Petition for Dower Thomas F. WELDEN & Ellen WELDEN his wife William M. CRAIG, Mary CRAIG Elizabeth CRAIG, George W. CRAIG John CRAIG, James CRAIG, Caleb CRAIG and Nancy CRAIG Defendants Now on this day there comes on to be heard and the said petitioner alleges that the said complainant is the widow of James G. CRAIG deceased, and the said deceased died without a will leaving the following heirs surviving to wit, Thomas F. WELDEN and his wife Ellen WELDEN, William M. CRAIG, and Mary CRAIG Elizabeth CRAIG George W. CRAIG John CRAIG James CRAIG Caleb CRAIG and Nancy CRAIG who are all minors except the three first mentioned, and on all prayed to be made defendants to this bill, whereupon on motion it is ordered by the court that Matthew(?) Duke be and he is hereby appointed guardian a.... for the purpose of defending said minors herein whereupon the said Duke filed here in court his answer to said complainants bill, admitting as far as he is advised the correctness of the allegations as set forth in complainants petition, and the said Thomas F. Weldon and Ellen Weldon his wife and William M. CRAIG although duly served with process comes not but herein who by (?) makes default whereby this action remains undefended by them. It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court th... all and de.... the allegations in said petitions be taken as confused and the court being satisfied upon an examination that dower should be assigned and laid off in accordance with the prayer of said petition it is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed by the court that the said America CRAIG do have ... .... of and from the said defendants as her dower in the estate of said James G. CRAIG deceased the one third part of the following described land, to wit, the S.E.1/4 of the S.W.1/4 of Section two in Township No. [sic] North of Range 32 West, the N.E.1/4 of the N.W.1/4 all in Section Eleven Township Sixteen N. of Range 32 West, including the mansion house to have and to hold during her natural life. An it is further ordered adjudged and decreed by the Court that the said America CRAIG do have and recover of and from the said defendants the one third part of the personal estate of which the said James G. CRAIG decd signed (??) and possessed, absolutely in her own rights and that she have and recover all her ..... in this behalf laid out and expanded. And it is further ordered by the court that Jonathan NEWMAN and William W. BROWNLEE and Shelton LUTTRELL be (??) and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to lay off and assign to the said America CRAIG dower in the land herein mentioned in accordance with the decree of this Court herein ..... and make their report to the next term of this Court. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1862, January 24Washington County, ArkansasWills and Probate Records, Book D, Page 242 And now on this day comes Jonathan NEWMAN and W.W. BROWNLEE commissioners appointed to assign dower to America CRAIG, the widow of James G. CRAIG decd. and make report that on the 24th day of January AD 1862 they procured to assign and lay off dower to the said America CRAIG as follows: the North West quarter of the North East quarter of Section eleven, in Township sixteen, North of Range thirty-two West, and thirteen and one third acres off of the North East corner of the North East quarter of the Northwest quarter of the same Section Township and Range, including all the dwelling house and other buildings, making in the aggregate fifty three and one third acres together with the one third part of the personal estate, the amount of the personal estate to said commissioners unknown: It is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that the said report be and the same is hereby confirmed and further ordered that said real estate vest in the said America CRAIG, for and during her natural life. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1867, December 6Washington County, Arkansas Land Records Book R, page 151 Know all men by these presents that we William M. CRAIG and Mary CRAIG his wife, Thomas F. WELDON and Elizabeth WELDON his wife, and George W. CRAIG of the county of Washington and State of Arkansas for and in consideration of the sum of five hundred and fifty dollars to us in hand paid by James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS of the same count and state do hereby bargain and sell and by these presents transfer and convey unto the said James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS their heirs and assigns forever our undivided interest as heirs at law of James G. CRAIG decd, it being as follows, to wit: Thomas WELDON has one ninth and William M. CRAIG has two ninths, and George W. CRAIG has one ninth interest in the following described parcel or tract of land, and which is hereby conveyed, to wit: the southwest quarter of the north east quarter, and the north east quarter of the north west quarter, ant the north west quarter of the north east quarter of section eleven in township sixteen north of range thirty-two west. And the south east quarter of the south west quarter of section two in township sixteen north of range thirty-two west, all situated in the county of Washington and state of Arkansas. To have and to hold our undivided interest as above stated to them the said James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS their heirs and assigns forever, and we hereby warrant the title t our interests as stated from ourselves our heirs and assigns to all persons claiming by or under us, and we covenant to and with the said James PHIPPS and Thomas J. PHIPPS that we are lawfully seized and possessed of the undivided interests in the above described land, as stated above, and have a good right to sell and convey the same. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 6th day of December 1867. Attest. R. S. KEENE/E.M. KEENE (Thomas F. WELDON/Elizabeth WELDON/William M. CRAIG/Mary CRAIG/George W. CRAIG) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1867, August 30Washington County, Arkansas Land Records Book R, page 154 This indenture made the 30 day of August A.D. 1867, by and between Thomas H. WELDEN guardian of William M. WELDEN, Mary E. WELDEN and Francis WELDEN all of Washington County in the State of Arkansas party of the first part and William M. CRAIG of the same county party of the second part, Witnesses that the said party of the first part was on the 28th day of August 1867, by the Probate Court of Washington County appointed guardian of the said William M. Mary E. and Francis WELDEN with power to dispose sell and convey, on such terms and at public or private sale as might to him seem best the undivided one ninth interest of said minors William M. Mary E. and Francis in the estate of the late James J. CRAIG known and described as follows, to wit: the North East qr. and the South West Qr. of the North East qr. and the North East qr. of the North West qr. of Section eleven (11) in Township sixteen (16) North of Range thirty two (32) West, And the South East qr.of the South West qr. of Section two (2) in Township sixteen (16) North of Range thirty two (32) West, all lying and being in the County of Washington aforesaid. And that the said party of the first part--as guardian of the minors aforesaid has on this day for and in consideration of the sum of fifty dollars to us in hand paid-the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged-granted bargained sold quit-claimed transferred and released and by these presents does as such guardian grant bargain sell quitclaim transfer, remise and release unto the said party of the second part, all the right title claim and possibility of claim vested or to be vested of said minors William M. Mary E. and Francis in and to said above described lands. To have and to hold unto the said party of the second part his heirs executors and assigns forever. In testimony whereof the said party of the first part has hereunto set his hand and seal as such guardian the day and year first above written. Attest R.L. KEENE/James PHIPPS (Thomas F. WELDEN) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------