Descendants of John Essery & Sarah Hester Clark
John and Hester's son Jonathon Davis Essery/Esarey/Esrey (1783-1858) moved from Kentucky to Oil Township of Perry County, Indiana in 1810, where many Esarey descendants live today.
Between 1780 and 1850, the 9 children, 45 grandchildren, and at least 245 great-grandchildren of John Essery and Sarah Hester Clark helped populate the midwestern United States, especially Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Some migrated as far west as Gold Rush California.
Jonathon Davis Esarey
Family Branches
Jonathon Davis Esarey Line (Indiana)
The primary branch that settled in Perry County, Indiana. Most descendants using the "Esarey" spelling descend from this line.
- Jesse Clark Esarey (1811-1894)
- Jacob Esarey (1829-?)
- Hiram Marcus Esarey
Jesse Esrey Line (Missouri/California)
Jesse Esrey (1800-1855) moved to Illinois and then Missouri. His children who migrated to California include:
- Amanda Esrey Rhoads - Migrated to California 1846; husband Daniel Rhoads helped rescue the Donner Party
- Niles Esrey - California
- Thomas Esrey - Died in Civil War (Confederate)
- James Esrey - Died in Civil War (Confederate)
Online Genealogy Resources
The following online resources contain Esarey genealogical information:
- Myra Esarey Evans Resources - Downloadable family history volumes
- Genealogy References - Complete bibliography
- Family Tree Visualization - Interactive family tree
Notable Descendants
- Logan Esarey (1875-1942) - Historian, author of The Indiana Home
- Myra Esarey Evans - Genealogist, daughter of Logan Esarey
- John Clark Esarey (1842-1924) - Civil War veteran, participated in Sherman's March to the Sea
- Hiram Frakes (1888-?) - Missionary, subject of Fire in the Hills
- Daniel Rhoads - Participated in rescue of Donner Party