Dear Greenup County, Kentucky Researchers, Greenupsburg Town Lot Number Nine was sold by Benjamin and Levina RANKINS for one dollar to the heirs of Squire BARNEY, deceased, on July 29, 1838. This is recorded in Deed Book "G", page 16. Greenup County Court recorded this same date, July 29, 1838, and mentioned the heirs of Squire BARNEY, deceased, as being Elizabeth Ann, Martha Ann (my third-great grandmother), Sarah Ann, Benjamin Franklin and Amy BARNEY NICHOLS. Notice that the widow, Rebecca DOUGLAS BARNEY, was not included in this list. But on March 21, 1839, eight months later, John PRATT sold Greenupsburg Town Lot Number Nine to Alfred H. FRIZZELL for the sum of one dollar! This transaction is in Deed Book "G", page 83. What was happening here? How did John PRATT come into possession of Town Lot Number Nine? Why did he sell the town lot to A.H. FRIZELL for one dollar? What became of the BARNEYs in 1838 and 1839? Clearly, there are a few pieces of the puzzle that are missing. Nina M. Biggs wrote in ~History of Greenup County, Kentucky~, page 59, from notes taken by John Myers, that a family named BARNEY lived in a house that was located on Water Street in Greenupsburg, next to Guy WILSON's house, in Lot Number Nine (figured by counting the lots in the description). The BARNEY house was two houses away from the Little Sandy Ferry House. What years were being described by John Myers in his portrayal of the village of Greenupsburg? Thank you for your help in this confusing scenario. Sincerely, Randal W. Cooper

Randall, Have you been to the Greenup County Court House and looked through the deed books? Even if it was a gift there should be a record of a deed transfer. Unless I am mistaken even a gift is registered as $1.00 having changed hands since some value given must be on record. I love looking at those old books but am too far away to help you. Pat Myers