In March, my Mom and I embarked upon a hunt for the John Johnston family cemetery. http://philayres.com/johnston-family-bell-witch-legacy/. John Johnston is my 4th great grandfather. For many years, I have heard rumors about where John Johnston is buried. In March, 2016, while I was in town in Nashville, we set out on our mission. The Johnston […]
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Henry Porter (1824- )
From Goodspeeds History of Robertson County:
Porter Family Bible Genealogy
From the Porter Family Bible – the Porter family of Robertson County, TN. This Bible was owned by Grace Randolph Porter.
James Johnston (1759-1850)
James Johnston was known as “Old Sugar Mouth” of Bell Witch fame. He was born September 16, 1759 and died April 22, 1850, in Robertson County, Tennessee. Spouse: Rebecca Porter (12/22/1759-1802). Married: 7/5/1780 (Daughter of David Porter and Mary Thompson) Jane Greer: Married 12/30/1803. No children. Bio: James Johnston came to Robertson County, in 1800. […]
Bell Witch Map
I have been working on a Bell Witch map – highlighting particular points of interest in the Bell Witch legend. I have a particularly keen sense of interest in this legend, given my genealogical connection.
John Donelson, my 7th Grand Uncle and Founder of Nashville
John Donelson (1718-1785) was born in Virginia. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses before moving to the Watauga settlements in East Tennessee. Along with James Robertson, he cofounded Fort Nashborough in 1780, which would eventually become Nashville, TN. John Donelson is also the father of Rachel Stokley Jackson, wife of Andrew Jackson. Therefore, this makes Andrew Jackson […]
How I am Related to Patrick Henry (My 7th Great Uncle)
Patrick Henry (1736-1799) is well known as the orator behind American independence. Hailing from Virginia, he was the Governor of Virginia. He led the opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765 and became a champion of Republicanism. He was also my 7th Great Uncle. This is how I am related to Patrick Henry: Hugh Henry (1720-1808) | […]
How I am Related to Robert the Bruce, King of Scots (my 20th Great Grandfather)
Robert I, or Robert the Bruce was the King of Scotland. In pop culture, he is also known as the King in Braveheart. He led Scotland during the first wars of Scottish Independence (as depicted in Braveheart). But, to me, he is my 20th great grandfather. And, this is how I am related to him […]
About Phil Ayres
Phil Ayres is the Chief Marketing Officer of Nobilis Health in Dallas, TX. Prior to Nobilis Health, I was the Director of Marketing for Travelocity.com in Dallas, TX. And, before that, I was the Director of Digital Marketing at Hotels.com - also in Dallas.