While it can not be proven definitively, a fairly reasonable case can be made that William Partin is the original progenitor of the Partin clan which settled the Chenoa region of what is today Bell County Kentucky. Estimates from census records and the dates of birth of his eldest children suggest William was born between 1760 and 1770, possibly in Virginia. The 1801 Hawkins Co., TN tax list includes a William Partin. On August 25, 1801, William Partin, Winston Partin and Winston Partin, Jr. signed a petition in Hawkins County.
In 1802 & 1803 William Parton, Winston Parton and Winston Parton, Sr. appear on the Claiborne Co., TN tax list. Claiborne County was created in 1801 from Hawkins County, thus it is possible the Partin families had not moved, but resided in the section of Hawkins County ceded to the newly formed Claiborne County.
The aforementioned Winston Partin, Jr. is likely the one who later appears in Whitley County, and is projected to be the son of William Partin, subject of this article. The puzzle remains as to the relationship of the elder Winston to William Partin. It seems plausible he was William's brother, particularly since William named a son Winston.
In 1810, William appears with Winston & Shelton Partin on the Knox Co., KY tax list. However, no William is listed in the 1810 Knox Co., KY census. On October 2, 1819, William Partin transferred Knox County land to Jesse Moore and to William Pearl. Whitley County was created in 1818 from part of Knox County. From 1819 through 1837 a William Parton/Partin appears on the Whitley Co. tax list.
The 1820 Whitley Co census lists William Parton as over 45, a female (probably his wife) over 45, a female age 10-16, a male age 10-16; a female under 10 and 2 males under 10.
On September 23, 1823 a Knox County survey was conducted for Dorcus Hayes, who was purchasing 50 acres of land from William Partin who had originally acquired that land from Robert George. The plot was situated on the South fork of Clear Creek, adjoining the lower line of a 120 acre survey of Joseph Hains.
William Partin is found on the Whitley County tax list from 1819 through 1837, at which time he ceases to be found.
The 1830 Whitley Co. census lists William Parton as 60-70 years. old. A female, age 15-20, a male 10-15, and a female 5-10 are listed in the household. The 1830 census lists William adjacent to Shelton, Elam, William, Jr., & I.A. Partin.
The 1833 Claiborne Co., TN tax list mentions William Partin and Levi Partin, both over 21 years old. (1 poll listed, may have been under 50 yrs. old and not exempt). These could be sons of Winston Partin (Jr.).
Male children listed in Kate Moser's "Family History" include Wince, Vince, Shelton, I.A. & Eli who are listed as half-brothers of Johnathan and Andrew Jackson Partin, all as sons of Billy Parton. Census records indicate at least two daughters: two born 1804-1810; 1 female born 1810-1820 (possibly a daughter of Vinson).
Sally Parton, (age 60-70) appears in the 1840 Knox Co., KY census. She is living with a male, age 15-20. As Jonathan and Andrew would both be over 20, if Sally is the widow of William this male is likely a grandson. As Sally was quite a bit older than any of the other Partin men known to be living in this area at the time, it most probable that she was the widow of William, Sr. who apparently died between 1837 and 1840. Sally was listed in the census close to Elam Partin and next to Robert Mason and Elizabeth Collins.
Children of William Partin, Sr.
Descendants of William Partin, Sr.
Note: Ron Partin may be contacted at rpartin@bgnet.bgsu.edu. He maintains an extensive database of the descendants of William Partin. He would be most interested in exchanging information with other Partin family researchers.
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