One of the first fathers in the Hash line in the US is John. He is referred to as “ol John” in later years because of the many John Hash descendents. The first we know of this man is that, as a young man, he shows up on various tax records in and around Gunpowder One Hundred in Maryland. By the time we see him again in records, the Indian War has drawn to an end and a survey for John Hash was made in 1774 for 250 acres of land in Fincastle Co., VA [now Grayson Co., VA].
Old family relates that three Hash brothers came to southwest Virginia–John, William, and James– around 1763. Later research places John at Bridle Creek on New River. William Hash was at Buck Mountain on Bridle Creek [some 5 miles north of John] . James Hash [Hust] was placed at Peach Bottom near Independence, VA. The question of the relationship between John and William is unresolved. James Hash disappeared in a few years from all records leaving one daughter.
John and his first wife had at least 7 known children. The Anderson clan relates that John Hash first married Rececca Anderson. She died about the time John left Maryland for southwest Virginia.
John and his second wife had one known son. The Sturgill researchers record that she was Elizabeth Stodgil and that they were married in northern Virginia as John traveled south. She was still alive when John wrote his will in 1784. No other record has been found for her.
John and other members of his family show up repeatedly on tax and military records until the death of “old” John was recorded in a psalm book. He died April 13, 1784 at his home at Bridle Creek. He was around 65 years old. He left a will which is the corner-stone for much of the research that is seen today. I personally had this will repaired and copied before replacing it back in the Montgomery Co., VA courthouse in Christiansburg.
1) He was married twice but only mentions them as first and second wife.
2) He mentions his living children
3) He describes his land holdings at Bridle Creek.
4) He lists his earthly possessions.
No record of his burial exists but there is an old Silas Ward cemetery on his lands. The Wards intermarried with the Hashes and later owned the same lands as “old” John Hash. We know that William Hash, Sr. is buried in this cemetery and odds are that “old” John Hash and his second wife are in this cemetery.
99% of all Hashes in the US are descended from these two men [regardless of John & Wm’s relationship]. No real clue has been given as to the origin of the Hash clan prior to the very early 1700’s . Anyone can guess the country of origin and be as close as the next one. DNA is working towards this end but, as yet, not enough DNA has been gathered and processed to determine “old” John Hashes land of origin and parents.
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