16. THOMAS M. MARVEL, SR. (JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born 1682 in Somerset, Maryland, and died Mar 28, 1753 in Sussex County, Delaware. He married ELIZABETH HUGGINS Jun 16, 1721 in Sussex Co., DE, daughter of EDMUND HUGGINS and ANN. She was born 1684 in Somerset, Maryland, and died 1755 in Sussex Co., DE.

Notes for THOMAS M. MARVEL, SR.: Thomas Marvel, younger son of John and Ann (West) Marvel, was born about 1682 in Worcester Co., Maryland. He married Elizabeth Huggins of Somerset Co., Maryland, June 16, 1721, and they had six children: Abigail Marvel, born April 5, 1723; Viley Clear Marvel, born December 14, 1726; David Marvel, born January 5, 1729; Thomas Marvel, Jr., born November 11, 1732; Philip Marvel, born November 30, 1735; and Robert Marvel, born May 15, 1737. The Will of Thomas Marvel was dated March 28, 1753, naming his four sons, David, Thomas, Phillip and Robert; and leaving his plantation of 150 acres to his youngest son, Robert Marvel, in return for the care of his father in his old age.

Thomas Marvill purchased two tracts of land on the Nanticoke River on the site of the present little village of Riverton, once known as Bacon Quarter, in Somerset (now Wicomico) Co., MD.

1723 Dec. 6 Thomas Marvel purchased a tract of 150 acres called "Gladstone Adventure" from Lewis and Elizabeth Rigby of Somerset Co, Maryland. (Somerset Co. L.R., Book GH, p.108-10); and 1725 July 14 Thomas acquired an adjoining tract of 200 acres called "Hardship" from William and Elizabeth Phillipson. (Somerset Co., L.R., Book TH, p. 24). For proof of the location of these tracts, see Somerset Co. L.R. Book LW-4, p. 341-2, 11 Jan 1849. The land at this spot is high, by local standards, and very sandy, with a lovely outlook across the Nanticoke River.

1753 Mar. 20 Thomas Marvill executed two deeds of gift, in which he divided his personal property and his real estate among his family. To sons David, Thomas, and Philip he gave personal effects and livestock, and to Job Gastineau (relationship not stated) he gave a mare. David received 100 acres of land "in the middle of the tract"; Thomas received 100 acres, "the back part of the tract"; Philip did not get any land. Robert Marvil, in exchange for caring for his father for the rest of his life, received the largest portion of personalty and the dwelling plantation with 150 acres of land belonging thereto. George Lewis Gastineau (a schoolmaster and father of Job) was a witness to the two deeds. (Somerset Co. L.R., Book A, p. 292).

1753 Mar. 28 The will of Thomas Marvel was dated March 28, 1753, naming his four sons, and leaving his plantation of 150 acres to his youngest son, Robert Marvel, in return for the care of his father in his old age.

Children of ELIZABETH MARVELL and WILLIAM DAY are:

Generation No. 8

18. DAVID MARVEL, SR. (THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Jan 05, 1728/29 in Sussex Co., DE, and died Feb 09, 1796 in Sussex Co., DE. He married (1) COMFORT PRETTYMAN Abt. 1756. She was born 1725. He married (2) SARAH "SALLY" PRETTYMAN Jan 05, 1789 in Somerset Co., Md., daughter of THOMAS PRETTYMAN and ELIZABETH ENLOE. She was born 1762 in Sussex Co., DE, and died 1801 in Sussex Co., DE.

Notes for DAVID MARVEL, SR.: David Marvel is the oldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Huggins) Marvel and was born in Sussex County, Delaware, Jan. 5, 1721. Some records gave conflicting dates of 1727 and 1729. We feel 1721 is the most plausible. It is the date used in this account.

David's sweetheart, Sarah (Sally) Prettyman, was the daughter of Thomas, Jr. and Elizabeth (Enloes) Prettyman. John and Mary (?) Prettyman, her emigrant ancestors, came from England to Maryland about 1663. By July 1643, they had migrated to Northampton County, Virginia. They owned extensive tracts of land here and in Accomack County. Later their descendants went to Delaware and became wealthy land owners.

The will of David Marvel dated January 4, 1796, is recorded in the Hall of Records in Dover, Delaware, as are the wills of his brothers, Thomas Jr., Phillip and Robert.

Note: David Marvel grew to manhood on his father's plantation in Delaware. Peach growing was the main industry in Delaware and the Marvels gave much care and attention to their orchards. From this luscious fruit the Marvels made exceptional brandy. A decanter of peach brandy always graced the Marvel table.

Another vocation that merited much care and attention among the Marvels was the raising of fine horses. Of Thomas II's four sons it was said that David was the most avid respecter of those fine horses. When he went courting as a young man, no young man in the country rode finer horses.

David's will, dated 4 Jan. 1796, is recorded in the Hall of Records in Dover, Delaware. His brother's wills are recorded there also. David's will was probated 9 Feb. 1796. In it he bequeathed all his lands and livelihood to his wife, 'Salla', to be at her disposal during her life or widowhood. At her decease or remarriage his land was to be divided between his sons David and Burton. To his daughter, Elizabeth, he left one cupboard, one dozen pewter plates and one spinning wheel. To daughter-in-law, Polly Prettyman, he bequeathed one feather bed and furniture, one spinning wheel, one chest and pewter dish, four pewter plates, six pewter spoons, two chairs, one earthen pan and one basin. To his daughter, Patience Knowles, he bequeathed one shilling sterling. Toson, Prettyman Marvel, he bequeathed one shilling sterling and thirty-five dollars. The money was due Prettyman for his part of said land. (In the estate inventory he received an amount of thirteen pounds, four shillings and six pence.)

After paying funeral charges and other expenses, the rest of his estate was to be divided among the three youngest children, Elizabeth, David, Jr. and Burton. The inventory of the estate of David Marvel (except the land) amounted to 98 pounds, 16 shillings and 6 pence. The amount left was 58 pounds, 11 shillings and 5 pence to be given to Elizabeth, David, Jr. and Burton. Since daughter, Prudence, is not mentioned in her father's will it is assumed that she had died before 1796. Soon after David Marvel's death his widow married Moses Daisy. Sarah (Prettyman) Marvel Daisy died in 1801 in Sussex county, Delaware.

Several people are questioning the marriage of David and Sarah (Sally) These dates are comparable to their births, children and deaths. I see no reason to assume anything other than these are the true facts from American Compendium Vol 4; Hall of Records, Dover, Delaware; Marvel History pg 9-10; 1790 Delaware census; Prettyman Letter by Ethel Prettyman; Prettyman Genealogy; Joan Knowles, corresp.

Source; American Compendium Vol 4; Hall of Records, Dover, Delaware; Marvel; History pg 9-10; 1790 Delaware census; Prettyman Letter by Ethel Prettyman; Prettyman Genealogy; Joan Knowles, corresp.

More About DAVID MARVEL, SR.: Jan 04, 1796, Will made. Feb 09, 1796, Will probated. Occupation: Planter

Notes for SARAH "SALLY"; PRETTYMAN: I question the following: Sara Prettyman Marvel by September 12, 1797 Moses Dazey as she appeared in court as Sara Dazey and widow of David Marvel. Sarah Prettyman Marvel Dazey had son Prettyman Marvel Dazey born December 5, 1997 (Wright p158). The Sussex Co., DE Orphans Court Records show that in 1803-4 that David and Burton Marvel were under guardianship of Eli Pepper, so they were still underage at that time. There is no way Prettyman Marvel Dazey's birth could be to Sara (Sally) at her age.

Children of DAVID MARVEL and COMFORT PRETTYMAN are:

Children of DAVID MARVEL and SARAH PRETTYMAN are:

20. PHILLIP P. MARVEL, SR. (THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Nov 30, 1735 in Stepney Parish, Somerset Co., MD, and died May 04, 1795 in Sussex Co., DE. He married COMFORT RODNEY, daughter of WILLIAM RODNEY and MARY HILL. She was born Apr 28, 1738 in Sussex Co., DE, and died Jan 06, 1801 in Sussex Co., DE.

Notes for PHILLIP P. MARVEL, SR.: Phillip P. Marvel, third son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Huggins) Marvel married Comfort Rodney (1738-1802). They were the parents of eleven children: Phillip, Rhoda, Thomas, Adam, William, David, Aaron, Mary, Chloe, Rodney and Rebecca. The will of Phillip P. Marvel dated May 12, 1795, mentions nine children. Rodney and Rebecca probably died in childhood.

1776 Mar 13 Two tracts were surveyed for Phillip Marvel on the north side of Miery Branch -- This or None and Second Choice, both lying to the east of Marvels Folly. (Sussex Co. L.R., Shankland Warrants and Surveys 1, p. 19).

1795 May 4 MARVEL, Philip, Sr. Planter. Dagsboro Hundred. Will made 4 May 1795. Probated 12 May 1795. Beneficiaries: wife, Comfort (executrix); sons, Philip, Thomas, William, Aaron, Adam, David; daughters, Mary, Cloe, Rhoda Butcher (wife of William). Witnesses, Simon Kollock, Rachel Sirman.( de Valinger, Leon, Jr. Compiled. "Calendar of Sussex County Delaware Probate Records 1680-1800". Page 260. Public Archives Commission, Dover, DE 1964) and ( Arch. Vol. A87, pages 11-12. Reg. of Wills, LiberE, folios 36-37.Note:-Arch. Vol. A87, page 12 mentions William Butcher.) Will of Philip Marvel -- Philip Marvel bequeaths to his wife, Comfort, during "her natural life or widowhood" the buildings, orchards, gardens, "such part of the plantation as she may think proper to till", and permission to cut timber for the needs of the plantation and for firewood. She is also to receive the "negro girl named Sue" for her lifetime and is appointed the Executrix. He gives Philip Marvel all of the land, a yoke of oxen, one plow and harrow, a bed, and furniture. Thomas Marvel, William Marvel, Aaron Marvel and Rhoda [Marvel] Butcher are to receive "five shillings and no more." Chloe Marvel is to receive "Sue" after the death of Comfort.

1795 May 6 Philip died in Dagsboro Hundred, Sussex Co., Delaware, aged 59 years, 5 months and 3 days, [Records of an 1818 Bible that was in the possession of Mildred (Marvel) Burwell]; (Sussex Co., DE Historical Society, "Marvel Family" file.)

1801 Jan. 6 Comfort died in Sussex Co., Delaware, aged 62 years, 7 months and 28 days, [Records of an 1818 Bible that was in the possession of Mildred (Marvel) Burwell]; (Davis, "Marvel Family"); (Research notes compiled by Marguerite Moore, 1989.)

Note: MARVEL, Phillip, Sr., Plante Dagsboro Hd. WILL Made May4, 1795. Heirs: wife, Comfort Marvel; sons, Phillip, Thomas, William, Aaron, Adam and David Marvel; daughters, Mary and Cloe Marvel, and Rhoda Butcher. Executrix, wife Comfort Marvel. Witnesses, Simon Kollock, Rachel Sirman. Probate May 12, 1975. Arch. Vol. A87, pages 11-12. Reg. of Wills, LiberE, folios 36-37. (Note:-Arch. Vol. A87, page 12 mentions William Butcher.)

More About PHILLIP P. MARVEL, SR.: May 04, 1795, Made Will May 12, 1795, Will Probated

Children of PHILLIP MARVEL and COMFORT RODNEY are:

21. ROBERT MARVEL (THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born May 15, 1737 in Stepney Parish, Somerset Co., MD, and died Mar 27, 1775 in Worcester County, MD/Somerset, MD. He married RACHEL CHASE Abt. 1759 in Somerset Co., MD. She was born Abt. 1739 in Worcester Co., MD, and died Aug 27, 1791 in Sussex Co., DE.

Notes for ROBERT MARVEL: Robert Marvel, the youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Huggins) Marvel, married Rachel Chase. They were the parents of nine children: Ann, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Chloe, Patience, Phillip, Rachel, and Betty. His will is dated March 27, 1772 and recorded July 25, 1775. The will of Rachel (Chase) Marvel is dated August 27, 1791 and probated September 5, 1791. She does not mention Thomas so he probably died before reaching maturity. The other two members of the third generation were girls: Abigail and Viley Clear Marvel.

1755 8 March Robert Marvin (Marvel) sold to Thomas Cooper, Sr. and Samuel Cooper, Jr. two tracts, "One Called Hardship and the Other Called John Gladsteance ... made over unto the Said Robert Marvin from his Father Thomas Marvin of Somerset County on or About the tenth day of March in ... 1753 by a Certain deed of Gift." (Somerset Co. L.R., Book A, p. 292).Robert Marvel, youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Huggins) Marvel, was the first member of this family to locate in Delaware. He purchased land in Sussex County, Delaware, in 1754. His will was made March 27, 1772, and probated July 25,1775. He married Rachel Chase whose will was probated September 5, 1791. Robert and Rachel had nine children: Ann Marvel, Thomas Marvel, Robert Marvel, Jr., Patience Marvel, Philip Marvel, Rachel Marvel, Betsey Marvel, Joseph Marvel and Chloe Marvel.

(1)MARVEL, Robert, planter Worcester Co. MD. Will made 27 Mar 1772 - probated 25 July 1775. Beneficiaries: wife, Rachel (executrix); sons, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Philip; daughters, Rachel, Patience, Betty, Ann Smith (wife of Charlton), Chloe Scudder (wife of Jonathan); witnesses, Levin Connaway, John Willis, Joseph Piper, Simon Kollock.

(3)Will of Robert Marvel -- Robert Marvel resided in County of Dorchester, Providence of Maryland and referred to himself as a planter. He gave his wife Rachel Marvel one third of real and personal estate for her natural life, a "Riding maire and Sadle", and the residue of his estate after other bequeaths were made. At her death it was to be equally divided between their five children Patience Marvel, Robert Marvel, Philip Marvel, Rachel Marvel, and Betty Marvel. Rachel was appointed executor. His daughter Ann [Marvel] Smith, wife of Chalton Smith, was to receive "one Shilling Sterling" and no more. The son Thomas Marvel was to receive the one hundred acre plantation, where Robert lived, with the housing and buildings, a Negro boy called Levi, a small bible, a feather bed and furniture that belonged to Robert's father, and a plow and harrow. Son Joseph Marvel was to receive the thirteen acre plantation purchased from Robert Moody, ten pounds in money, a Negro girl called Sibly, one feather bed and furniture, and a riding Stallion named Joseph. Son Robert Marvel was to receive the fifty acre plantation, with housing and buildings, called Halls Choice that had been purchased from Thomas Hall. The daughter Chloe [Marvel] Schuder, widow of Johnathan Schuder, was to receive "the negro wench called Luch". If Lucy or "any of her increase" were to survive Chloe then they were to go to the Granddaughter Rachel Scuder but if Rachel was to die without "Heir" then these Negros were to go to daughter Betty Marvel, "Marvel, Robert dec'd Account of his Executor 1776Libro A 405, (Sussex County Delaware Court House Orphan's Docket Index). The Marvel brothers now began acquiring land in the southern part of Sussex Co., Del., which was then considered part of Worcester Co., Md. Robert Marvel had surveyed for him 20 July 1754 a tract called Marvels Industry "on the south side of said Marvels Plantation," about a quarter mile south of Lone Pine Savannah. (Lone Pine Savannah was at head of Deep Creek, which flows into Nanticoke River); (Sussex Co. Land Records, Rownds Surveys A, p. 128-29).Robert's land was west of the area where the other three brothers settled, which was south of present day Georgetown, in a location later called Pine Grove Crossroads.

Children of ROBERT MARVEL and RACHEL CHASE are:

Generation No. 9

22. PATIENCE MARVEL (DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Jan 21, 1758 in Sussex Co., DE, and died May 05, 1817 in Mount Station, IN. She married JAMES KNOWLES 1778 in Sussex Co., DE, son of RICHARD KNOWLES I. He was born May 09, 1757 in Sussex Co., DE, and died Oct 23, 1839 in Ft. Branch, Gibson Co., IN.

More About PATIENCE MARVEL: Burial: 1817, Farm, Gibson Co., IN
Notes for JAMES KNOWLES: James and Patience Knowles were born in Delaware about the middle of the 17th century and were married in 1778. There were born to them in Delaware seven children, six sons and one daughter, one son dying in infancy. In 1795 they moved to Georgia, where they lived 16 years and then came to Indiana in 1811, having had three sons added to their family in Georgia. Patience Knowles lived only about five years after locating in Indiana. James Knowles remarried the Widow Clark, and unto them two children were born, a son and a daughter, the latter dying in infancy. James Knowles raised 10 children and had one hundred and eight grandchildren born, 93 of whom lived to be grown. Prettyman raised 10 children; James raised 9 children; Comfort raised 9 children; Nathan raised 7 children; Ephriam raised 13children; Eli raised 9 children; Asa raised 9 children; John raised 10 children. Source: Newspaper - Gipson County TODAY; published Monday, October 2, 1995;  Burial: 1839, Farm, Gibson Co., IN

Marriage Notes for PATIENCE MARVEL and JAMES KNOWLES: James and Patience Knowles were born in Delaware about the middle of the 17th century and were married in 1778. There were born to them in Delaware seven children, six sons and one daughter, one son dying in infancy. In 1795 they moved to Georgia, where they lived 16 years and then came to Indiana in 1811, having had three sons added to their family in Georgia. Patience Knowles lived only about five years after locating in Indiana. James Knowles remarried the Widow Clark, and unto them two children were born, a son and a daughter, the latter dying in infancy.  James Knowles raised 10 children and had one hundred and eight grandchildren born, 93 of whom lived to be grown. Prettyman raised 10 children; James raised 9 children; Comfort raised 9 children; Nathan raised 7 children; Ephriam raised 13 children; Eli raised 9 children; Asa raised 9 children; John raised 10 children. **Source: Newspaper - Gipson County TODAY; published Monday, October 2, 1995.

Children of PATIENCE MARVEL and JAMES KNOWLES are:

23. PRUDENCE MARVEL (DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born 1759, and died Abt. 1790. She married RICHARD KNOWLES, JR. He was born Abt. 1740, and died 1798.

Child of PRUDENCE MARVEL and RICHARD KNOWLES is:

24. PRETTYMAN MARVEL, SR. (DAVID, THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Jan 29, 1763 in Dagsboro, Sussex County, Delaware, and died Oct 01, 1856 in Waynesville, Dewitt Co., Illinois. He married LAVINA ROGERS 1788 in Sussex Co., DE, daughter of JOHN ROGERS and COMFORT PRETTYMAN. She was born 1765 in Sussex County, Delaware, and died 1848 in Gibson Co., IN.

Notes for PRETTYMAN MARVEL, SR.: Prettyman Marvel, Sr. (1763-1856), sixth child of David and Sarah (Prettyman) Marvel, was the first to bear the given name of Prettyman. He must have been an admirable character as the name was carried down in the family for several years.

Prettyman Marvel was born in Delaware in 1763, where he grew to manhood, married and had two children born to him and removed to Georgia. From there in 1807 he came to Indiana territory, settling in the forest a short distance south of where Princeton was later located, where he resided until 1811. In that year he moved to the southern part of the county and two years later went to Illinois to visit a son. Being too feeble to make the return trip he died in Illinois in 1859. His family numbered nine children, one of who was Patience, who lived to the old age of ninety years; Moved to Green County, Georgia in 1796, Gibson County, Indiana in 1808, and to Waynesville, DeWitt County, Illinois in 1854.

Prettyman Marvel and his wife Lavina Rogers were living in Harmony Twp. in 1850. their son George owned ground in Harmony Twp. and they lived with him. Lavina died in Harmony Twp. and is buried in an unmarked grave. This ground is now in Center Twp. George Marvel sold his ground around 1853 and went to Southern Illinois. Prettyman then went to central Illinois to live with other children. (3)

SOURCES: l. Gibson County Indiana History.
2. The Marvel Family of England, ibid (see Robert Marvel).
3. Cox, Carroll and Gloria, "We the People of North Central Posey County," printed by C&E Enterprises, a division of Hope's Hopechest, Route 1, Poseyville, Indiana 47633, p. 47 and 48.

Prettyman Marvel was the first cousin to Elisha Marvel. Since their wives were sisters, he was also a brother-in-law to Elisha Marvel. They were very good friends also. Prettyman and family were with the group that moved to Green County, Georgia near the present day town of Greensboro, in 1796. the Land Lottery of Georgia shows that Prettyman and Elisha took land, side by side in 1805. Due to poor health, caused by the humid weather in Georgia Prettyman and family moved to Gibson County, Indiana in the year 1809. At the same time Elisha and Orpha disposed of their property and left Georgia, but stopped in Livingston County, Kentucky where they stayed two years, and then moved to the same location as Prettyman, in the year 1811.

Lavina (Rogers) Marvel, as well as her sisters, were skilled in the dispensation of the medicine of the day. She went about the neighborhood looking after the needs of the sick. It was while engaged in the benevolent practice that she had two falls from her horse and suffered injuries from which she never recovered.

Another family that must be recognized as part of the life of Marvel histories are the following: Leah Rogers, wife of Eli Marvel; Orpha Rogers, wife of Elisha Marvel; Lavina Rogers, wife of Prettyman Marvel; NOTE: All three Rogers were sisters.

Eli and Elisha Marvel were brothers; Prettyman Marvel was their first cousin; By marriage they were all related and their lives were all very closely interwoven so I feel it necessary to include a brief history of the Rogers' family. (See history of Lavina Rogers Marvel).

SOURCES: l. Gibson County Indiana History.
2. The Marvel Family of England, ibid (see Roberte Marvel).
3. Cox, Carroll and Gloria, "We the People of North Central Posey County," printed by C&E Enterprises, a division of Hope's Hopechest, Route 1, Poseyville, Indiana 47633, p. 47 and 48.

Lavina (Rogers) Marvel, as well as her sisters, was skilled in the dispensation of the medicine of the day. She went about the neighborhood looking after the needs of the sick. It was while engaged in the benevolent practice that she had two falls from her horse and suffered injuries from which she never recovered.

Note: Prettyman Marvel was born 29 January 1763 in Sussex county, Delaware. He was the first in a long line of male descendants given the Christian name Prettyman. He was a young lad at the time of American Revolution. But, he related many stories of how he and other young men protected their homes from marauders who came to steal and destroy. Prettyman was of small stature and an expert rider of race horses.

The invention of the cotton gin, in 1793, started an industrial revolution in farming. Many families decided to leave Delaware and make their fortune raising cotton in Georgia. In the autumn of 1795, James and Patience (Marvel) Knowles, with their six children, started for their new home in the South. With their possessions in a covered wagon, they made the long and tedious journey through Maryland, Virginia and the Carolinas into Greene county, Georgia. They settled about fifteen miles south of the present city of Greensboro.

In 1796 Prettyman Marvel had finished his business affairs in Delaware so he and Lavina and their two children decided to join the James Knowles family in Georgia. The Marvels traveled by the water route, along the Atlantic coast, to their destination. David Knowles, son of Richard II and Prudence (Marvel) Knowles, accompanied his uncle Prettyman and family on their journey. While in Georgia David met and married Nancy Piper.

The first record of Prettyman having bought land in Georgia is in 1805 when he bought 211.25 acres from his brother-in-law, James Knowles. The first few years in Georgia were spent clearing the land, building homes and raising cotton. Prettyman and his relatives found the soil, in Georgia, to be not as fertile as the Delaware soil. After a few years of very poor returns on his crops and failing health, due to the humid climate, Prettyman and his family felt they needed to leave Georgia. They had all heard that large tracts of land were available in the Territory of Indiana. Then the Territory included what is now known as Illinois.

Prettyman Marvel and David Knowles, along with their families, headed North in December of 1808. James Knowles and his family could not leave Georgia yet and remained behind to finish up his affairs. The others left with the promise to prepare the way for the James Knowles family. By this time Prettyman and Lavina had five more children born in Georgia. With their seven children and David Knowles and his family they left on horse back and in wagons.

The trip to Indiana was an extremely difficult one. There were many reports of Indian massacres coming out of the North. Floods were another hazard that detained them at times. They stopped in Livingston county, Kentucky during the summer of 1809. Here Lavina gave birth to their eighth child, Elizabeth. The group crossed Ohio River that autumn and settled near "Old Fort Branch" in Gibson county, Indiana. A year later, in the autumn of 1810, Prettyman returned to Georgia to finish his business there. When he started home it was decided that Jesse Knowles, son of James and Patience Knowles, would accompany Prettyman on his return trip to Indiana. In early 1811 Jesse and Elizabeth (Reid) Knowles packed their possessions on the back of a horse. Elizabeth and the baby rode atop the pack while Jesse walked and led his family to Indiana.

Soon another member of the James and Patience Knowles family immigrated to Indiana. Eddy Knowles had married Nancy Kirkpatrick while in Georgia. They packed their belongings on the back of a horse and a Negro slave. Bringing up the rear was their very large dog.

According to the plan, James and Patience disposed of the remaining property in Georgia and in November 1811 the Knowles family started the journey to Indiana Territory. In all it was a caravan of twenty-three people and their possessions. When they passed through the Cherokee Indian country they found the Indians were not all hostile, some were willing to sell them the provisions they needed.

As they neared the Ohio River on November the 5th, news of the "Battle of Tippecanoe" reached the caravan. We question the date because that only gave them 5 days to travel over 300 miles. It was probably December 5 instead of November. Some family members felt that they should stay in Kentucky. The older members of the caravan, however, were determined to join their kinsmen in Indiana. On the evening of December 16 (1811) they camped on the northern shore of the Ohio River. While there they felt the tremors of the "Great Earthquake of 1811". The next morning, as they continued their journey north they were met by John Marvel and Jesse Knowles. They had come to meet them and guide them on to "Old Fort Branch". After only a couple of days rest the Knowles family began building a cabin of poles in the dense forest.

Another relative, Elisha Marvel, had also moved into the Indiana settlement in 1811. He was born in Delaware on 28 October 1771, son of Thomas II and Susanna (Parker) Marvel. He had married Orpha Rogers, daughter of John and Comfort (Prettyman) Rogers. Orpha and Lavina were sisters, making Elisha and Prettyman brothers-in-law and cousins. Elisha and Orpha had gone to Georgia and left there before Prettyman and his family did. They lived in Kentucky two years before the Marvel-Knowles migration to Indiana Territory. They all lived in Gibson county five years before Indiana became a state.

Eli Marvel and his brother Elisha first appears on the Livingston county tax list in 1809. Eli was taxed for one horse and Elisha was taxed for two horses. In 1819 Eli appears again on the Livingston county tax list. Here he is taxed for five horses and 108 acres of land bounded by Crooked Creek. It seems Eli had been very successful in Kentucky.

In 1812 David and Nancy (Piper) Knowles left Kentucky to join their relatives in southern Indiana. Their sons William and Richard Knowles were born in Georgia. Sons Marvel and Archibald were born in Kentucky. Four more sons and four daughters were born to them in Indiana, their names were Elizabeth, Comfort, John, David, Lavina, Henry, Permelia and Logan. The Knowles and Marvels are, by now, naming their children after each other and it is getting more difficult to keep these families straight.

At first the Territory of Indiana was a wilderness. There were no mills so bread was made from cornmeal ground by hand with mortar and pestle. Indian raids and massacres were frequent before and during the War of 1812. The white settlers were often forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in the stockades. Later the Indians were finally subdued and the settlers began to expand and improve their homesteads. As more of the land was cleared it proved to be as rich and fertile as the families had hoped. The young men could keep the family larders full with all types of wild game. They all built better cabins and began enjoying a comfortable life.

After settling in Gibson County, Prettyman and Lavina Marvel had another son, George Rogers Marvel. Lavina was 50 years old when he was born. The Prettyman Marvel home was located in Gibson county, about 4 1/2 miles southwest of the present city of Owensville, in Montgomery Township. It was less than a mile northeast of the Black River Schoolhouse and about the same distance southeast of the Antioch church. Prettyman and Lavina Marvel united with the Methodist Church. They worshiped under the ministry of the first preacher in the Indiana Territory. Besides the family worship, which was held regularly morning and evening, Prettyman also read the scriptures at the noon hour. Their home was the first preaching places in Indiana when there was only one presiding elder and six preachers in the entire Territory. The Marvels were devout people and a place of worship was very important.

The next priority was education. Education was very limited in those pioneer circumstances, still, it was very important that the best possible training be provided for the children. There were various degrees of education enjoyed by the adults of the settlement. A schoolhouse was built and the available efforts were pooled to provide a rudimentary education for the children until a more formal standard was available.

The description of the location of the Prettyman Marvel home gives you an idea about the central focus of life in those days. The first thing to be provided, after shelter from the elements, was a place to worship. The next was means for education. No doubt these priorities exerted area influence in giving their children the high standards that they possessed.

In the midst of this happiness, prosperity and contentment, sadness touched their lives on the May 5, 1817. Patience (Marvel) Knowles, wife of James, died of consumption. After Patience death, James married a second time. He married Mrs. Elizabeth (Fugate) Clark, a widow with five children. To this couple was born two more children, a daughter, Prudence, who died in infancy and a son, John Lowery Knowles. James died 23 October 1839 and was buried beside Patience, his wife of many years.

Lavina Marvel and her sisters, were skilled dispensing medicines of that day. She would go about the neighborhood tending to the needs of the sick. It was while she was practicing this Samaritan relation that she had two serious falls from her horse. She got hurt in these falls and never completely recovered.

George Rogers Marvel and his family remained at the Marvel homestead, in Gibson county, until 1849. He then bought a farm in Posey County, Indiana, near Poseyville and New Harmony. On this farm he built a small comfortable home for his parents who were both in their eighties by then. In 1850 Lavina died and Prettyman moved into the big house with his son and family. In 1851 George Roger decided to buy a large farm in Franklin county, Illinois. The farm was located near the Cave Township. George Rogers took his father, Prettyman, with him to the new home.

In the fall of 1855 Wiley Marvel, Prettyman's fourth son, reconditioned the old carriage. He had used the carriage bringing his family to Illinois in 1852. Wiley and his brother-in-law, John Barr (Comfort's husband), went to Franklin county and brought Prettyman to central Illinois to visit his children living there. Prettyman spent that winter with Wiley and Charity and their seven children. In May of the following year, 1856, Prettyman went to visit his daughter Comfort and her husband, John Barr, who lived about two miles south of Waynesville. He stayed the summer and on 1 October 1856, at the age of 93 years he died. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery at Waynesville, Illinois.

Sources: l. Gibson County Indiana History.
2. The Marvel Family of England, ibid (see Roberte Marvel).
3. Cox, Carroll and Gloria, "We the People of North Central Posey County," printed by C&E Enterprises, a division of Hope's Hopechest, Route 1, Poseyville, Indiana 47633, p. 47 and 48.
4. The Marvel Family by Mildred Burwell; Compendium of American General.; Joan Knowles, Corres.; Helen Marvel, Corres.; John W. Crossno,III via H. Marvel; The Brief History of Marvel Family by Daisy (Marvel) Jones; Reunion of the Knowles Family by Rev. Levin Wilson

More About PRETTYMAN MARVEL, SR.: Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Dewitt Co., IL; 1796, Moved to Green Co, GA; 1808, Moved to Gibson Co., IN; 1854, Moved to Waynesville, DeWitt Co.

Children of THOMAS MARVEL and LEAH JONES are:

31. RHODA MARVEL (PHILLIP P., THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Feb 18, 1763 in Sussex Co., DE, and died 1804 in Sussex Co., DE. She married WILLIAM BUTCHER Aug 21, 1781 in Lewes and Coolspring Presbyterian Church.

Children of RHODA MARVEL and WILLIAM BUTCHER are:

32. AARON MARVEL (PHILLIP P., THOMAS M., JOHN, THOMAS MARVELL, JOHN, JOHN, THOMAS, JOHN) was born Oct 12, 1768 in Lewes, Sussex Co., DE, and died Apr 18, 1836 in Lewes, Sussex Co., DE. He married LEVINA PRETTYMAN Feb 04, 1794 in Lewes, Sussex Co., DE (Presbyterian Church), daughter of GEORGE PRETTYMAN and LEVINA JONES. She was born 1773.

Notes for AARON MARVEL: Aaron son of Philip & Comfort Marvel b. Oct 12. (1)MARVEL, Aaron pg.#419, males under 10 (2), males 10-16 (0), males 16-26 (1), males 26-45 (1), males over 45 (0); females under 10 (0), females 10-16 (1), females 16-26 (0), females 26-45 (1), females over 45 (0); all others and slaves-00. (2)MARVEL, Aaron Dagsboro Hundred pg. #374 (3)MARVEL, Aaron Broadkill Hundred # (4)Aaron's birthdate and place. (Research notes compiled by Marguerite Moore, 7730 Emerson Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90045, 1989.); (Vital Records of Kent and Sussex Co., DE). Aaron and Lavinia's marriage date. (Vital Records of Kent and Sussex Co., DE). Aaron's death date and place. (Research notes compiled by Marguerite Moore, 7730 Emerson Aven., Los Angeles, CA 90045, 1989.); (Sussex Co., DE Wills).Will of Aaron Marvel -- Aaron resided in Dagsworth Hundred, County of Sussex, State of Delaware. He gives is "well beloved", but unnamed wife [Levina Prettyman] his best bed and furniture, his "grey horse and gig" plus her choice of "my cows and calves." To son Aaron Burton Marvel he give the "land whereon I now live", a "Tan yard and lot... with all the appurtenances", and a "bed and furniture and desk." Aaron is appointed to be executor of the will. He gives his son Nutter Marvel a tract called "Addition to Pepper's Choice" and a tract he had purchased from William Rodney Nutter is also to receive a bed and furniture and a horse Aaron had purchased from Thomas Jefferson. To daughter Nancy Clemmons Marvel he gives one bed and furniture and a "weaving lume slays and gears with all the apparatus." Both Aaron and Nutter were to give Nancy twenty five dollars. To daughter Lavina Emelyne Marvel he give "one bed and furniture and beaurough" and a "spinning wheel." Lavina is also to receive twenty five dollars from Aaron and Nutter.8. Proof that Philip Marvel is son of Philip and Comfort Marvel .... Will of Philip Marvel ... ( de Valinger, Leon, Jr. Compiled. "Calendar of Sussex County Delaware Probate Records 1680-1800". Page 260. Public Archives Commission, Dover, DE1964.)

SOURCE:1. Records of Lewes and Coolspring Presbyterian Church, Lewes, Delaware.2. 1800 DE Census of Sussex County, screen 11 of 84, CD151, 1st Edition.3. 1820 Sussex Co. DE Census, Screen 8 of 76, CD154, 1st Edition.4. 1828 Sussex Co. DE Census, Screen 9 of 87, CD154, 1st Edition.

More About AARON MARVEL:; Mar 27, 1768, LEWES AND COOLSPRING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, LEWES, DELAWARE

Children of AARON MARVEL and LEVINA PRETTYMAN are: