Revised 8/16/2017. Copyright @2017; The following Documentary Timeline has been compiled and created by Paul Rhetts. It may be copied for research purposes; but it may not be reproduced for inclusion in any printed or electronic distribution of any kind without the express written permission of the author. Any requests to use this information should be sent to Paul Rhetts, LPDPress@q.com.


Michael KOUNS (1738-1803) m. Rebecca ORR (1740-1825)
s/o John Michael KOONTZ (1706-1777) m. (1) Anna Elizabetha Catherine STOEVER (1710-1750; (2) Elizabeth Hedderich ARMENTROUT (1724-1775)
d/o Unknown [possible George Orr (1720-1800) m. Margaret Brownbeck (1720-1758)??]
p/o Michael KOONTS (1762-1847)

Children: 1. George Washington (1762-1832) m. Rachel Kane, 1782
2. Elizabeth (1763-1798) m. Daniel Monroe, 1782
3. Philip (1765-1839) m. Priscilla Mary Cate, 1793
4. Michael, Jr. (1769-1847) m. Susannah Rader, 1796
5. Jacob (abt 1769-1832) m. Judith Tackett, 1791
6. John (1770-1834) m. Catherine Carlough, 1791
7. Mary Ann (1773-1860) m. John Cate, 1795
8. Margaret (1776-1830) m. Philip Roberts, 1799
9. Joseph (1780-1848) m. Deborah Combs, 1799
10. Abigail (1782-1803) m. Job Combs, 1798
11. Rebecca (1783-1825) m. Peter Takett, 1805

1738 Michael KOUNS born at Frederick, Virginia [one source 1743] [said to be “Virginia Deutsch” or German]

1740 Rebecca ORR born [some sources say her last name was GEOR

1760 Michael KOUNS (age 22) and Rebecca ORR (Age 20) married at Shenandoah, VA; Michael’s occupation was blacksmith

15 Jan 1762 son George Washington Koontz born at Maryland; married Rachel Kane on 22 Jun 1782; lived in Highland County, Ohio by March 26, 1827 [ Bk. 4 pp. 204-205] [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere] [birth location per 1880 census for Highland Co., Ohio]

23 Apr 1763 dau Elizabeth Koontz born at Virginia; married Daniel Monroe in 1782; Elizabeth and Daniel moved to Bath Co, VA abt 1826 [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere]

21 Jul 1764 Michael Coons purchased 21 July 1764, from Thomas Shepherd and wife for sum of 40 shillings (a lease) a, lot number 23 on German Street in the town of Mecklenburg, now Shepherdstown, West Va. The conveyance stipulated that Coons was to pay the annual ground rent of 5 shillings and was to build a house on said property. Witnesses were William Ellis, Elisha Dungen and one person who signed in German. (Frederick Co., Va. Deed Book 9, 'page 418.) 

1765 son Philip Michael Koontz born at Virginia; married Priscilla Mary Cate [July 1793 lttr: Mary Cate(s) by letter (Mary Coons)] [Jan 1837: Priscilla Coons joined by letter]

abt 1769 son Jacob Riley Koontz born at Virginia; served in War of 1812; married Judith Tackett in 1791 at TN; Jacob and Judith moved to Tuscaloosa, AL dec 21 1825 [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere]

Oct 1769 son Michael Koontz born at Virginia; married Susannah Rader 23 May 1796 at Greenbrier, VA; died 28 Jun 1847 at Mason, Mason, VA [Military service records or PA show service in VA under Gen Stevens, Col. Wilson, and Capt William Porterfield for six months or more with discharge at Winchester, VA, with service at Battle of Yorktown and surrender of Cornwallis (with father Michael Sr, and bros. Daniel, Joseph, and Thomas)/Pension application records 5 Jul 1851 (doc)]

1770 son John Koontz born at Shenandoah, VA; married Catherine Carlough on 10 Nov 1791 at Green, IN; John and Catherine moved to Overton Co, TN in 1825 [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere]

31 Aug 1773 dau Mary Ann Koontz born at Shenandoah, VA; married John Cate on 5 Jan 1795 at Jefferson City, Jefferson, TN; Mary Ann and John raised their family in Jefferson Co, TN and both are buried at Dumplin Cemetry [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere] [June 1797: John Cate(s) and wife Mary took letter to Dumplin Creek Church]

1776 dau Margaret Koontz born at Virginia; married Philip Roberts on 11 Jun 1799 at Sevier, Tennessee; Margaret and Philip lived in Sevier Co, TN [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere] In July 1795, Sister Margaret Roberts given letter of dismission and is granted church letter (Margaret Coons). 

11 Mar 1779 Michael Kouns purchased tract of 236 ac from the Honorable Thomas Lord Fairfax [Deed for 236 acres in Shannandoah County 1779. Names in deed: Morgan, Man__ham Marshall, Richard Biggs or Riggs, Miller] [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere]

1780 son Joseph Koontz born at NC or Virginia; married Deborah Combs on 11 Jun 1799 at Jefferson, TN] [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere] [Nov. 1795: Joseph Coons joined by experience.] [June 1813: Deborah Coons joined by experience (wife of Joseph Coons)]

1782 dau Abigail Koontz born at Shenandoah, VA; married Job Combs in 1798 at Milford, Clermont, Ohio

1783 Census, Virginia-Michael Coonse: 13 whites, George Coons, 2 whites.

1783 Michael Coonse listed on Shenandoah, VA Tax list, p. 064. The 1783 tax list for Shenandoah Co., Va., gives Michael Coonse 13 whites, George Countz 2 whites (page 64). On the next page Thomas Ryall 5 whites. George Coons, son, of Michael married Rachel Ryan. Also on page 65 is John Countz 7 whites, and on page 66 is George Countz, 6 whites. This John Countz with 7 whites was Elder John Koontz, the prominent Baptist preacher of the Mill Creek Church in Shenandoah CO., VA., and George Countz with 6 whites was his brother. Ancestry and Descendants of the Nassau-Seigen Immigrants of Virginia 1714-1750, by H. C. Holtzclaw, page's 108-124. Elder John was the son of  Johannes Kuntz (John) and Anna Elisabetha Catherine Stoever, who married 1738. Elder John was born 26 March 1739, Opequon, Frederick Co., Va. His birth and christening were recorded by his uncle, Rev John Casper Stoever Jr. The brother of Elder John, who was George, was probably younger than Elder John. With Michael living very close to Elder John and his brother, George, per the 1783 tax list, I feel Michael could possibly be a brother also. The Mill Creek Church connection in our family makes this possibility even stranger. On page 122 of the Nassau-Seigen book, George Koontz is really George Washington Coons, son of George, grandson of Michael. George W. Coons was a schoolteacher in Shenandoah Co., VA. His will bequeaths all his estate to his two brothers and two sisters, Michael Isaac, Abigail & Nancy, living in Highland Co., Ohio. The will was written 28 Feb 1815. He mentions clothes, books, saddlebags, etc. at David Kauffman's. David Kauffman and Ambrose C. Booten were named as administrators of the estate in Va. and his brother, William R. Coons, was named as administrator of what he had in Ohio. Ambrose Booten later became pastor of the Mill Creek Church. Also mentioned in the probate were Jacob Coontz and Isaac Coontz (probably sons of Elder John). Polly Countz was paid for washing and making his clothes. This Polly may be the daughter of Isaac Countz and granddaughter of Elder John. These spelling were per the probate packet of George Washington Coons. This branch, Elder John's, took the spelling of Koontz later, as did some of the Coons family in Tenn. 

1783 dau Rebecca Koontz born at Shenandoah, VA; married Peter Tackett on 12 Oct 1805 at Jefferson, TN; Rebecca and Peter moved to Franklin Co, Al in 1825 [Jefferson Co, TN records indicate a quit claim to bro Phillip to all father’s land in Jefferson indicating that they had settled elsewhere] [Nov 1802: Rebecca Coons joined by experience (youngest daughter); Oct 1805: Sister Rebecca Tackit granted letter of dismission (same as above) One typed record incorrectly reads Rebecca Sackit.]

1783 Michael Kouns sold tract of land with his wife Rebecca signing (to release dower); tract was 236 ac in Shenandoah Co he purchased from the Honorable Thomas Lord Fairfax he purchased 11 Mar 1779.

1784 Michael Kouns owned 640 ac in Green, NC [later became Jefferson Co, TN] Michael & Rebecca moved to Jefferson Co., Tenn. (then called North Carolina) in 1784 or 1785.

25 Mar 1786 Michael Kouns named in organizational documents as charter members for First Baptist Church of Dandridge (Jefferson, TN) [church was originally called the Church of Christ on French Broad River; The old church records refer to their meetings being "held at Coones Creek" or "Coons Meeting House"] [The First Baptist Church of Dandridge - it was organized first as the Lower French Broad Baptist Church on March 25, 1786, three miles northeast of Dandridge in Coons' School House by two pioneer Baptist ministers, Jonathan Mulkey and Isaac Barton. The pastor in 1797 was Rev. Isaac Barton. The twelve charter members were: Michael Coons, James Randolph, Henry Haggard, John Cryder, Wesley White, Charles Gentry, Rebecca Coons, Margarette Smith, Sara Cryder, Dolly Haggard, Tabitha Gentry and Elizabeth Gentry] [In the book, Tennessee Cousins by Worth S. Ray: The French Broad Baptist Church was the second church organized around Dandridge and it was established about two and a half miles east of Dandridge in 1786by Jonathan Mulkey and Isaac Barton. The following is what is said to be an authentic roll of its original members: Michael Coons, James Randolph, Henry Haggard, John Fryer, Tabitha and Elizabeth Gentry, Charles Gentry (the first clerk), Wesley Whiate, Rebecca Coons, Dolly Haggard, Margaret Smith, Sarah Fryer, Elizabeth Morrow, Alexander Morrow, Unius and Sarah Carlock, Elizabeth Johnson (Sr. and Jr.), Margaret Johnson, Joseph and Sarah Witt, Elizabeth Whitman, Catron McGirk, Duke Kimarough and Robert Gentry]

20 Oct 1788 Michael Kouns purchased 640 ac for 10 pounds for each 100 ac ($64). This was also under warrant No. 1545. This land was in Greene Co., Tenn from 1783-1792, when Jefferson Co, was formed. This land is now known as the Sullivan property and there is an old cemetery there.

24 Nov 1790 Michael Coons' land grant No. 841, State of North Carolina for 640 acres, dated 24 Nov. 1790, was sold to Michael 20 Oct. 1788, for 10 pounds for every 100 acres (or for $64). This was also under warrant No. 1545. This land was in Greene Co., Tenn. from 1783-1792, when Jefferson Co. was formed. This land is now known as the Sullivan property, and there is an old cemetery there. 

Sept 1797 Br. Mical Coons fulfilled his appointment in Citeing Br. Samuel Johnston to attend the present meeting he is now here present. 

28 Jun 1798 Job Combs, Sr. bought 150 acres of land 28 June 1798, from Hunkrist Carlock on Indian Creek, south side of French Broad River. Test: John Coons, Jacob Luis, George Lewis, Thomas Combs. This John Coons was the son of Michael & the son-in-law of Hunkrist Carlock. Michael & Job Combs, Jr. were reared by their maternal uncle who was a Baptist of the Calvinistic persuasion. We are not certain who this uncle was. If it was Michael, this would make Abigail his sister. If Abigail were a daughter of Michael, why weren't her two sons mentioned in Michael's will? There is no deed to Joseph Coons from these two when his brothers & sisters deeded their portion of the estate to him. The will does say “All children that is then alive” This may be our answer, and Abigail was the daughter of Michael & Rebecca Coons. In 1826, They moved to Montgomery Co., Ind. in 1826, where John Coons, son of Michael Coons, lived. This was possibly the maternal uncle who reared them. Job Combs, Jr., was the preacher who performed the marriage of Loueria Coons, daughter of John, grand-daughter of Michae1, and David Williams. 

1800 TN Early Tax List shows Michael Coons Senior in Jefferson, TN with 288 ac; Michael Coons, Jr. also in Jefferson, TN with 192 ac, 1 white poll (doc)

1801 Michael Kouns owned the Thomas Whiteside Hotel, near Rutledge, TN (Grainger Co, TN) [from Tennessee Cousins by Worth S. Ray: In 1801 and prior thereto at Bean's Station some miles North and East of Rutledge, the Thomas Whiteside hotel flourished and became famous, being patronized by travelers on the road to and from Kentucky and Virginia. After the town of Rutledge was established the first house of entertainment (hotel) was that of Michael Coons, who was also a blacksmith. Michael Coons died in 1803, only two years after he opened his hotel and blacksmith shop in Grainger County. [In 1813, Thomas and Jenkins Whiteside built a 52-room inn and tavern at Bean’s Station in the eastern portion of the county. The three story brick hotel was a popular stagecoach stop between Washington and New Orleans. Late in 1863, during the Civil War, Bean’s Station was the scene of a fierce battle between Union and Confederate forces. The inn was later destroyed and, today, the battlefield lies buried beneath Cherokee Lake most of the year]

17 Mar 1803 Michael made his will 17 Mar. 1803, Jefferson Co., Tenn., but there were several land transactions made up to 1813. Michael probably died soon after this date. Rebecca may have died ca 1825, after which Joseph Coons received deeds from his brothers and sisters for their portion of the estate.  We do not know all of the children of Michael & Rebecca. One child was institutionalized and Michael made provision for this child, per old court record. There is one other person whom we cannot place. Abigail Coons Combs died leaving two sons, Michael Combs b. 1800 and Job Combs, Jr. (TN Wills & Probates confirms death date and Jefferson, TN (doc) [Jefferson Will Book, p3 index; p.156 (doc)] [Jefferson, TN Index to Wills, p.11: Michael Coons, No will; Book 2, p 38; min probate; Book 6; p. 84; March 17, 1803 (doc)]

27 Apr 1803 Michael KOUNS died at Jefferson City, Jefferson, TN [some sources says death was 1813] [or was this Grainger Co, TN at that time?] {FindAGrave says burial was Dandridge, Jefferson, TN; father as Johannes Michael Counts; mother as Anna Catherine Counts Cuntze]

25 May 1805 Michael Coons deeded to the Baptist Society a 1-1/2 acre site (Deed Record 6, page 173). A building could have been erected on this site several years earlier. 

1808 Job Coons remarried 1808, Jefferson Co., Tennessee, to Sarah Love. He took his two sons and moved to Ind., then to Preble Co., Ohio, where Michael Combs married Mary Edwards. They had 13 Children. Michael became a convert of the “Newlight” faith and became a preacher.

1825 Rebecca ORR died at Jefferson City, Jefferson, TN [not to be confused with Rebecca T Ore who married Phillip Counts on 19 May 1797 in Grainger, TN]

"Pioneer Preachers of Indiana" by Madison Evans, A.M. published 1862, on page 139 states "The Coonses were mostly Baptists noted for their piety and zeal for God. Among them were many preachers, one of whom, John Coons, was imprisoned in the days of the Revolution, by the English or Episcopal Church". Michael Coons would have been 32 years old when Elder John Coons died.
Tennessee Cousins by Worth S. Ray: The French Broad Baptist Church was the second church organized around Dandridge and it was established about two and a half miles east of Dandridge in 1786 by Jonathan Mulkey and Isaac Barton. The following is what is said to be an authentic roll of its original members: Michael Coons, James Randolph, Henry Haggard, John Fryer, Tabitha and Elizabeth Gentry, Charles Gentry (the first clerk), Wesley Whiate, Rebecca Coons, Dolly Haggard, Margaret Smith, Sarah Fryer, Elizabeth Morrow, Alexander Morrow, Unius and Sarah Carlock, Elizabeth Johnson (Sr. and Jr.), Margaret Johnson, Joseph and Sarah Witt, Elizabeth Whitman, Catron McGirk, Duke Kimarough and Robert Gentry. … In 1801 and prior thereto at Bean's Station some miles North and East of Rutledge, the Thomas Whiteside hotel flourished and became famous, being patronized by travelers on the road to and from Kentucky and Virginia. After the town of Rutledge was established the first house of entertainment (hotel) was that of Michael Coons, who was also a blacksmith. Michael Coons died in 1803, only two years after he opened his hotel and blacksmith shop in Grainger County. He was married to Rebecca GEOR about 1759 in Shenandoah County, Virginia. Rebecca GEOR(1) died in 1825 in Jefferson County, Tennessee.