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 THE STORY AS I KNOW IT.

Christian Haile was born in 1784 perhaps in Halifax County, North Carolina. Her parents were probably Jesse Haile and Maryann whose last name is currently unknown. Caldwell County Kentucky History states that Jesse Haile and Maryann were her parents.

On July 16, 1802 in Christian County, Kentucky Christian Haile (or Hail or Hale) married Eli Nichols. We have a copy of the Marriage bond. Nathan Haile and Eli Nichols signed the bond. Attached is a note that states "Mr. John Clark, Sir, I am willing you should grant Eli Nichols marriage license for my daughter Christian...." and it is singed Nathan Haile and Maryann Haile. This was found in Early Kentucky Marriages.  Another source states that Nathan Haile is Maryann's son.  It is believed by some who are researching this family, that Jesse was unable to attend and his son signed for him.  Whatever it was that kept him from signing, it was not fatal.  He lived to be near 90 years old.  

 Christian County is just next to Caldwell County. The story found in The Caldwell County Kentucky History is that Eli's father and his five brothers moved to Caldwell County from Bertie County, NC. However, Josiah Nichols, Eli's father died and is buried in Wake county NC . So perhaps Eli was his representative in this family's move to Kentucky.

The 1810 Caldwell County Census lists the Eli Nichols family to be of 1 male 26-45, 1 female 16-26,
3 male children under 10 and 1 female child under 10.

By the 1820 Census the family had grown to 1 male 26-45, 1 female 26-45, 2 males 10-16, 2 males under 10,  1 female 10-16, 3 females under 10. This would imply that the eldest son is no longer in the household.  

The Kentucky Land Grants and Land Warrants by Willard Rouse Jillson state that Eli Nichols acquired 22 acres on May 1, 1823 in Caldwell county on the Fork of the Tradewater River. It may be found in Caldwell County Deed Book M, page 463.

Christian Haile Nichols  died sometime before 1830.

The 1830 Census states that the Eli Nichols family was 1 male 40-50, 2 males 15-20, 2 males 5-10, 2 females 10-20 and 1 female 5-10. Christian is not included. The Caldwell County History confuses history with the statement that she died in 1838. Eli had remarried in 1833 and his second wife, Sarah Salyer died in 1838.

In 1850 Jesse Hale died.  Jesse Hale's son, Sampson Hale had been named the executor of the estate but was too ill himself to carry out the duties required. He signed a document addressed to the county of Caldwell County, Kentucky authorizing Wright Nichols Sr. to act in his name. This is signed July 24, 1850. On August 29, 1850 Eli Nichols signs a note stating "I hereby release all right, title and interest in and to any bequest made to me or my wife Christian in the last will and testament of Jesse Hale Desc."

Finally the wonderful 1850 Census lists the family still with Eli:
Eli Nichols, age 74 born in North Carolina, farmer with assets valued at $270.
Eli Jr., age 25, born in KY, assets valued at $140.
Anna, age 27 born in KY
Reddic, age 23 born in KY
Phemelia Scaneuden , age 12

The Caldwell County Library has a Nichols Family File in their historical library room. In the file is the record of the will for Eli Nichols that was probated on August 20, 1855. Ten children were named in the will plus their foster daughter. It is believed that they are all Christian's children. They are listed below along with the name of the person they married according to the Caldwell County History.
Wright,
Jesse
Aradnah,
Josiah wed Margaret Creekmur in 1844
Mary Ann
Elizabeth wed George Clark
John wed Nancy Nichols in 1835
Anna
Eli Jr. wed Narcissus Jane Dearing Lamb
Reddick wed Elizabeth Banks in 1852
and foster daughter Permelia Carpenter.

The Caldwell County History states that Eli Nichols is buried in the Nichols Cemetery on Highway 278. It does not say where Christian is buried.

If you know the answer please CONTACT US

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Date Last Edited: 3/22/2006