to the Kilgore Family History page

Legends, traditions, and outdated publications have contributed to a misleading history of the Kilgore family. I will attempt to clarify some of the misinformation that has been widely circulated for generations.

An early book on the Kilgore family suggested that Charles Kilgore was the progenitor of the southwest Virginia Kilgores. With the help of historian Omar Addington, who diligently researched this family, this information has been proven to be untrue. I give full credit to Mr. Addington for much of the information included on this page.

It was erroneously stated that Charles Kilgore was married to Winnie Clayton. Charles Kilgore was married only one time -- to Martha McEllhaney. Martha is mentioned in his will in Greene Co., TN. His will was dated July 1, 1820 and probated June 6, 1822. In his will, he mentions his children Mary, Rebecca, Martha, William, John, Sarah, and James. He also mentions his son-in-law Joseph Walker (who married Elizabeth Kilgore).

Robert Kilgore, Charles' brother, married Winnie Clayton. This has been proven by a deed in Orange Co., NC dated February 3, 1770 that was signed by Robert Jr. and Winnie Kilgore. Other proof that Winnie Kilgore was the wife of Robert is found on the Washington Co., VA personal property tax list for the year 1783. Winnie Kilgore is enumerated on this list. The only time a female appears on a tax list is if she is a widow. As shown above, Charles Kilgore was still living at this time. In fact, he also appears on this same tax list. Robert Kilgore was killed December 31, 1782. Traditionally it was theorized that Charles Kilgore was the one who was killed by Indians along with James Green in 1782. This cannot be true because, as mentioned above, Charles appears on the 1783 tax list in Washington Co., VA and also appears in Greene Co., TN as late as 1820. Robert Kilgore had a son named Charles, but it cannot be this Charles who is enumerated on the tax list because he had not yet reached the age of 21.

The children of Robert and Winnie Kilgore were: Charles Jr., Robert "Robin", William, Hiram, Ralph, and Esther.

Much of the reason for the misinformation about the Kilgore family has been the fact that Charles Kilgore, the son of Robert Kilgore, was known as Charles Kilgore, Jr. During this period of time, nephews who had the same name as an uncle were also known as Junior.

I hope this will be of help to those researching the Kilgore family. I will have more added to this page as soon as possible.