CAPTAIN GABRIEL MASTIN
2nd West Tennessee Regiment Militia
War of 1812 (Creek & Indian Wars)
My GGGgrandfather, by James A. Strain, Copyright © 2005
(Much of this information was originally gathered by William LaPorte, and is therefore based on his research. I have attempted to assemble all available documents for my own files, however. Thanks Bill!)
Gabriel Mastin is the son of William Mastin (Sr.) and Lucy (Sanders?). He was born about 1770 - 1775 in Virginia, spent some time as a resident of Greenville, SC, and died in August 1821 after moving to Robertson Co., TN with his father, two brothers, and sister. He married Rebecca Blackwell about 1801. As their son, Peter Blackwell Mastin, was born in Robertson Co. TN in 1811, they apparently moved there just prior to this, most likely about 1808, as that is the date of the first deed I have found. Rebecca Blackwell was the daughter of Joel Blackwell and Rebecca Watkins, and is identified in the 1823 settlement of her father’s estate in Rutherford NC as “Rebecca Mastin, her husband Gabriel Mastin being deceased.”
After Gabriel Mastin’s death, Rebecca Blackwell Mastin, with her 8 children, removed to Montgomery Co., AL which was where her brother, John Byars Blackwell, was living at that time. Many of her children grew up to be leaders in the community surrounding Montgomery Co. At the time she moved there, her oldest son was said to be 19 years old, and her children were: Tom, William, Peter, John, Sarah, McGairy, Polly, and Charlotte. The final record of Gabriel Mastin's estate being settled in Robertson Co., TN is recorded in the May Term 1823 Court session. Rebecca Blackwell Mastin died in Montgomery Co., AL, in 1825, where her estate was administered by her son, Thomas Mastin.
Children of GABRIEL MASTIN and REBECCA BLACKWELL are:
i. THOMAS MASTIN, b. May 07, 1802; d. 1836, Montgomery Co., Al.
ii. WILLIAM MASTIN, b. 1804.
iii. MARY POLLY MASTIN, b. Abt. 1805.
iv. PETER BLACKWELL MASTIN, b. 1811, Robertson Co., TN; d. March 07, 1865, near Montgomery, AL.
v. JOHN B. MASTIN, b. 1819, Robertson Co., TN; d. July 14, 1871, Noxubee, MS.
vi. SARAH MASTIN.
vii. MCGAIRY [Magory, Marjorie?] MASTIN.
viii. CHARLOTTE M. MASTIN, b. March 06, 1821, ROBERTSON Co., TN; d. June 19, 1897, CALHOUN CTY, MS.
(I have further information on most of the children, so contact me, if I can help your research.)
Further descendants of Gabriel and Rebecca Mastin can be see here: DESCENDANTS
Although little is known about the life of Gabriel Mastin, we do know that he was a farmer, and respected Militiaman. He served first as a Captain in Cheatham's Detached Mounted Infantry Tennessee Militia from May 13 to May 28, 1812 and then as a Captain in the 2nd Regiment of the West Tennessee Militia during the "War of 1812" as a part of Nathanial Taylor’s Brigade, from September 1814 to April 1815. The first unit, though he was paid $26.66 for his service of 16 days, seems to have never actually been called to muster. I believe this brigade was organized due to a Chickasaw incursion at the Big Sandy river. The Tennessee State Archives has a brief history of Taylor's Brigade online as follows:
Part of General Nathaniel Taylor's brigade, this regiment was scattered throughout the Creek territory and the vicinity of Mobile to man the various forts in the region: Forts Jackson, Montgomery, Claiborne, and Pierce. Some of the companies participated in the taking of Pensacola (7 November 1814) from Spanish authorities that were accused by Jackson of supporting British troops there.
Loury resigned on 20 November 1814 and Lieutenant Colonel Leroy Hammonds took over as commander. The regiment was plagued by disease during its tenure in the Mississippi Territory. For example, a morning report of Captain Asahel Rains on 6 January 1815 shows twenty-seven on the sick list and twenty-seven additional men required to take care of the sick (totaling half the company).
His Compiled Military Service Record (CMSR) confirms he was a Captain in this regiment, as well as his participation in the company by traveling from Fort Montgomery to Pensacola, then to Mobile and Fayetteville. It also contains several signatures of his. An excellent link to read about the War of 1812 (Creek War) where you can see what actions took place during the dates of his enlistment is at the Tennessee State Archives. A list of his entire company, transcribed from microfilm is HERE.
Prior to the war, Gabriel Mastin had apparently already been serving as a Captain of the Militia, as one of only two surviving early tax lists is mostly a list of men serving in his local militia regiment in 1812. The second list is from 1836, after his death. According to the "Record of Commissions of Officers in the Tennessee Militia" Mastin was first commissioned as an Ensign in the 23rd Regiment State Militia for Robertson Co. on Aug. 1, 1809 and then as a Captain for the same regiment on Dec 10, 1810. The Blackwell name also appears in Robertson Co. with officer commissions as follows:
James Blackwell, Captain, Oct. 18, 1800
James Blackwell, Captain 23rd Regiment, July 13, 1807
Other Blackwells (John, James and Nathan) appear with commissions in Bedford and Rhea counties. Joseph Bartlett appears with a commission in Hawkins Co. in 1800. (I do not know if these names are actually related.)
Gabriel Mastin appears in the 1820 Federal Census as follows:
1820 Census, Robertson Co. TN, Gabriel Martin (sic):
number of free white males-females in age categories: 0 to 10, 10 to16, 16 to 26, 26 to 45, 45 and older:
11120-12100
On 8 March 1821, Gabriel Mastin (Masten), appears as an officer of the court for Lucy Bell, of the “Bell Witch” legend as follows, from an online posting about this legend:
8 March 1821: Lucy Bell's dower portion of the personal estate of her husband, John Bell, is laid off and allotted. The allotment includes one Negro slave named "Dean." The officers of the court performing this allotment are: Hardy Grisard, James Johnson, Gabriel Masten, Joseph McNeal and John Gardner. These men were appointed by the justices (including Major James Norfleet) of the Robertson County court on 12 February 1821. [See Robertson County TN, Will Book 3, page 267]
In addition, Gabriel Mastin appears as a bondman who forfeits his bond for failure to appear after the man he promises to show in court doesn’t appear.
Robertson Co. Court
Book 3, 1811-1814.
17th day of February 1814.
p. 166/ original p. 390.
State vs. Charles Murphy.
Gabriel Mastin who was the Defendant’s Security for his appearance to this term after being Solemnly Called Came Not. It is therefore Considered by the Court that he forfeit his Recognisance.
State Vs. Gabriel Mastin,
This day came the Attorney prosecuting for the State and the Defendant being Solemnly called came not. It is therefore considered by the Court that his bond in recognizance is forfeited.
I don’t know who Charles Murphy was, but he must have been a close friend or relative if Gabriel put up security for him. I don’t know the amount of money or property that was used for Murphy’s security, either.
Rebecca Blackwell Mastin, after moving to Montgomery Co., AL, died in about 1825. I have seen it posted that she had married a John Porter, but her estate is in her name, and I believe any family tradition of her re-marrying is in error. Her estate names all children and spouses of her daughters, when known.
Rebecca and Gabriel Mastin owned 800 acres of land in Robertson Co., TN at the time of his death, most of which was adjacent to her brother, his brother, and his sister/brother-in-law. One sister, Martha, married Thomas Bartlett. Their son, Gabriel Maston Bartlett, is the namesake for the town of Bartlett, TN, located near Memphis. He and his parents are buried in a family cemetery near Cedar Hill, TN. I strongly suspect that another one of his sisters married Money Southern, or John Southern, who lived next door to them.
The following deeds have been located, although there are more that I have not examined, esp. where the Blackwell name is concerned. Sturgeon and Buzzard Creeks, which flow into the Red River, are just north of Cedar Hill, TN, off of US Highway 41.
Gabriel Masten from J. B. Blackwell. August 4th 1812 (Pages 293-294)
This indenture made the 13th of October in the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eight between John B. Blackwell of the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee of one part and Gabriel Mastin of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Blackwell for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and forty Seven dollars and fifty Cents to him in hand paid by the said Mastin … certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred and Sixty Five acres lying and being in the county and state aforesaid upon the West Side of Sturgen Creek the waters of Red River including the House and plantation where the Said Mastan now lives. Beginning upon Hickary and white oak Running North two hundred & Sixty five poles to a poplar thence West one hundred poles to a White Oak Thence South two hundred and Sixty four poles to Stake in the original thence East with the original to the Beginning the Same being part of a tract of Land containing 1849 acres originally granted to the Heirs of Capt Henry Darnell by the State of North Carolina, the 1 Day of December in the Year Eighteen hundred and one Number 3378…
…witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day and date above written
JB Blackwell {seal}
Signed Sealed & Delivered in presence of
Harnel? Byars
Wm Ship
Jesse Williams
Thomas Bartlett from William Maston, August term 1812. (Pages 286-287)
This indenture made the 27th of January One Thousand eight hundred and twelve between William Maston of the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee of the other part and Thomas Bartlett of the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee of the part. Witnesseth that the said William Maston for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to him in hand hand (sic) paid by the said Thomas Bartlett … certain tract or parcel of land containing seventy four acres more or less lying and being in county and state aforesaid on the waters of Red River Butted and bounded as follows (to wit) Beginning at a black oak on Blackwell’s East Boundary line and survey East ninety poles thence South to the branch leading from the pond to a post ash thence West ninety poles to Blackwell’s East Boundary line to a Stake thence North with Said line to the Beginning.
William Maston {seal}
Signed Sealed in presence of us}
Jeremiah Goyne
Sarah her X mark Maston
May Term 1812 proven in open Court ordered to be Registered.
Test. Jas Tunstell CKL
William Mastin Junr from Wm Mastin Senr. August 6th 1812 (Pages 307-308)
This indenture made the 30th day of January in the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twelve between William Mastin Sr. of the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee of one part and William Mastin Jr. of the other part. Witnesseth that the said William Mastin Senr for and in consideration of the sum of the of (sic) one hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the said William Mastin Junr … certain tract or parcel of land containing Fifty acres more or less lying and being in the county and state aforesaid on the waters of Little Buzzard Creek, the Waters of Red River the same being part of a tract originally granted to the Said William Mastin Senr Containing two hundred & Seventy acres. Beginning upon a Red Oak thence East to a post oak the original Corner Hanley’s __?__ thence with Said Hanley’s line thence South to a hollow William Southern’s Line thence Westwardly the Meanders of Said hollow to a Spanish Oak thence South to a Spanish Oak Blackwell’s corner thence West Blackwell’s line to a stake Blackwell’s line again thence North with said line to a Stake Thomas Bartlett’s corner then east to a post oak thence North to the Beginning … witness whereof the said William Mastin Senr have hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal the Day Date above written.
William Mastin {seal}
Sealed and Delivered in presence of us}
JB Blackwell
Thos Bartlett
May Term 1812 proven open Court ordered to be Registered. Test. Jas Tunstell CRC
Wm Southern from Wm Mastin Oct 20th 1812. (pages 342-344)
This indenture made the 29th day of January in the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twelve between William Mastin of the State of Tennessee and County of Robertson of one part & William Southern of the county and state aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Mastin for & in consideration of the sum of sixty dollars in the hand paid by the said Southern … certain tract or parcel of land containing sixty acres be the same more or less lying and being in the county & state aforesaid upon the branches Sturgeon and Buzzard Creeks, the Waters of Red the same being part of two hundred & Seven acres originally granted to said Mastin. Beginning upon a Spanish Oak near a hollow in said Mastin’s land running with the Meanders of Said hollow Eastwardly to Henley’s line thence South said line to a crooked post oak thence West to a Stake in Blackwell’s line thence to the Beginning. … witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Day Date above written.
William Mastin {seal}
Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of us}
JB Blackwell
Thomas Bartlett
State of Tennessee No.
4614
To all Whom these presents Shall Come, Greeting. Know you that by virtue of Part of Certificate No. 331 Dated the 20th Day of October 1809? attained from the Commissioners of West Tennessee by John B. Blackwell and Entered on the 14th day of November 1809 by No. 4107 there is granted by the Said State of Tennessee unto William D. Manus assignee of the said John B. Blackwell a certain tract or parcel of Land Containing one hundred and ten acres lying in Robertson County in the first District on the waters of the Sulpher fork of Red River Beginning at a white oak and dogwood the South east Corner of Benjamin Money, Sr.’s tract and running North one hundred poles to a Stake thence east one hundred and Seventy Six poles to two post oaks thence South one hundred poles to a hickory William Millsaps Corner thence West with his line one hundred and Seventy Six poles to the Beginning. Surveyed the 24th of April 1812 by B Minor DS. … Witness whereof William Blount Governor of the State of Tennessee hath hereunto set his hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed at Nashville on the Ninteenth day of March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and thirteen and of the Independence of the United States the Ninety Seventh.
By the governor William Blount, W G Blount, Secretary.
John B. Blackwell from Money Southern – Nov 11th 1814.
This indenture made the ?th day of January in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fourteen between Money Southern of the State of Tennessee and County of Robertson of the one part and John B. Blackwell of the State and County aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Southern for and in consideration of the sum of four hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the said Blackwell … certain tract or parcel of land containing one hundred acres lying and being in the county and state aforesaid upon the East side of Sturgeon’s Creek the waters of Red River including the house and plantation wherein the said Southern now lives, the same being a part of a tract of land containing eighteen hundred and forty nine acres originally granted to the Heirs of Capt Henry Darnell by the State of North Carolina, Beginning upon a Stake in the original line running West 120 poles to a Post Oak thence South 134 poles to 2 Spanish Oaks thence East 120 poles to a stake in the original line thence North 134 poles the original line to the beginning.
Money Southern {seal}
Signed sealed & delivered in presence of us}
William Blackwell
John Southern
Test. James Tunstall
Robertson County Court August Term 1814
This indenture from Money Southern to John B. Blackwell was presented in Court acknowledged by the said Money Southern to be his act & deed and by the court ordered to be Registered.
Test. Jas Tunstall CRC
Gabriel Mastin from John B. Blackwell – April 25th 1820
This indenture made the twenty sixth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty between John B Blackwell of the County of Montgomery and State of Alabama of the one part and Gabriel Mastin of the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Blackwell for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred dollars to him in hand paid by the said Mastin … containing twenty acres lying and being in the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee upon the West side of Sturgeon Creek the waters of Red River __ on the West the plantation wherein the Mastins now live, the same being a part of a tract of land containing eighteen hundred and forty nine acres originally granted to the heirs of Capt Henry Darnell by the State of North Carolina, Beginning upon a __ running East fifty seven poles to a stake ___ thence north one hundred and sixteen poles to a ___ in a hollow cavern? Between said Mastin and __ thence Southwardly to the Beginning.
JB Blackwell {seal}
Given & Delivered in the presence of us}
John Blackwell
Thomas Mastin
Robertson County Court February Term 1820
This Indenture from John B. Blackwell to Gabriel Mastin was proven in open Court by the oath of John Blackwell and Thomas Mastin subscribing witnesses… Wm Seal? C Clk.
Jesse Driskell from John B. Blackwell – May 6th 1820
This indenture made the twenty eighth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty between John B Blackwell of the County of Montgomery and State of Alabama of the one part and Jesse Driskell of the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Blackwell for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and eighty dollars to him in hand paid by the said Driskell … containing one hundred and fifty acres lying and being in the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee upon the West side of Sturgeon Creek the waters of Red River including the plantation and house wherein the sd Driskell now lives, the same being a part of a tract of land containing eighteen hundred and forty nine acres originally granted to the Heirs of Capt Henry Darnell by the State of North Carolina, Beginning upon a dogwood running West sixty seven poles to two white oaks thence North two hundred poles to a white oak thence East one hundred and twenty seven poles to a white oak then South one hundred and four poles on Capt Gabriel Mastin’s West boundary line to a steak in a hollow on said line thence Southwestardly to the Beginning.
JB Blackwell {seal}
Given & Delivered in the presence of us}
John Blackwell
Thomas Mastin
Robertson County Court February Term 1820
This Indenture from John B. Blackwell to Jesse Driskell was proven in open Court by the oath of John Blackwell and Thomas Mastin subscribing witnesses… Wm Seal? C Clk.