OUR RAYMER FAMILY HISTORY 1782-1982

The history of all Kentucky Raymers (and all Raymers that left Kentucky at a later time) begins with Abraham Raymer Sr.

Abraham Raymer Sr. may have been born around 1730 or 1740 - perhaps in Pennsylvania or even England or Germany. The early Pennsylvania Raymers spelled the name - Romer, Raimer, Raner and Ramer. The wife of "old" Abraham may have been Senalah.

The first record of Abraham Raymer in Kentucky is in the early 1780's (in Jefferson County by 1781-1782). He received 400 acres of land there, and was appointed by the court to be the administrator for someone's estate by 1783. He was an early pioneer of Kentucky (and no doubt an Indian fighter). He was one of the very first pioneers and settlers of the Severns Valley Fort (now Elizabethtown, Ky.). That date would be l780-l785. Since he was among the first pioneers of Kentucky, he was a contemporary of James Harrod (who founded the first settlement in Kentucky - Harrodsburg in 1774), as well as the famous Daniel Boone (started Boonesboro in l775). In fact, Daniel Boone was born in the same county of Pennsylvania that many of the Raymers were born in. So, did Abraham come to Kentucky with Boone? Maybe not - it is not known. He may have came down on flatboats - on the Ohio River, as so many did. While Abraham Sr. was in Jefferson County, Kentucky, another famous family was also there. Abraham Lincoln (the grandfather of President Lincoln) was killed by Indians while there. In fact, his oldest son - Mordecai Lincoln, not only killed the Indian, but rescued his younger brother - Thomas (who later was to marry and be the father of the 16th President). The Lincoln Family had also came to Virginia and Kentucky from Eastern Pennsylvania.

By the late 1780's, many pioneers began leaving the protected forts of the time. Abraham Raymer was one of those who left for his own land - in which to build a house. He received a 250 acre Virginia Land Grant on the South Fork of Nolin River (I have a copy of that grant). At this same time, Thomas Lincoln received land on the same river (which is now near Hodgenville, Ky.). In 1809 the future President Lincoln was born in the same land. By 1787 Abraham Raymer Jr. married Mrs. Margaret Cruse (Crews) in Nelson Co. Ky. Soon, Abraham Sr.'s daughter - Catherine would marry in Nelson & Hardin Co.

The first record we have of Abraham Raymer and family being in what is now Warren County, Ky. was in 1792. Then, he was recorded as a taxpayer - as well as Abraham Jr. "Old" Abraham was listed with two males over 16, plus 2 horses and 14 cattle. He was permitted to run a ferry across Barren River in 1792 (Oct. 23). By doing so, he became one of the very first to run a ferry in the State of Kentucky (admitted to the Union as a state in 1792).


Abraham Raymer Sr. is recorded in history. From - History of Kentucky by Collins (Vol. 2, p.739), we find this amusing story.
Four miles above Bowling Green, Kentucky on the river is McFadens old station. Some stories are connected with it, and one of which we relate: A dashing young Virginian came to the station and bragged that he could outrun any man "in all Kaintuck". McFaden, who was a quizzical old genius, asked if he would run barefoot or shod (shoes), and was answered - barefoot. McFaden said I will set the time and place and will risk a gallon of whiskey that I find a man to beat you. The bet was made and the day fixed. The old hunter Raymer was sent for. The two parties went to the tract selected by McFaden. It was probably the most flinty bed in all the county. Both men started. They had gone but a few yards when the Virginian was compelled to hold up. But as Raymers feet were as hard as a buffalo's, he kept ahead like a quarter horse, to the great amazement of old McFaden and friends. That ground has since been called "Raymers Race track".

The date above would be 1798. McFaden's Station was the first permanent settlement in Warren and surrounding area and was located near the present Porter Pike.

By 1800 or so, Abraham Sr. had died. He may have lived his last days with Michael, his son. At that time they lived in the Ohio or Grayson County area. Abe Jr. was in Edmonson Co. by this time. He was there when Edmonson was formed and did serve on its first grand jury. By the mid 1840's both Michael and Abraham Jr. were dead. Most of their descendants have remained in this area of Ky., even now. So our Raymers have been in Kentucky for 200 years, 1782-1982. All of us here today are descended from that first Abraham Raymer. That is our Raymer Family History 1782-1982.

Researched & compiled by
Lloyd M. Raymer
editor - RAYMER ROOTS NEWSLETTERS

(Note: This brief historical sketch was prepared for and displayed at the Raymer Family Reunion - Sept. 5, 1982)

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