Official statement from Cynthia Plott-Duke: In my research, supported by documentation, I have found no proof proving or disproving that the Plott hounds came to America from Callbach ‘von Kallbach’ with the Görg & Philippina Plott's young family, which included their daughter Margaret, sons: Frederick, George (our line), Jacob & a son that our line says died at sea. Görg & Philippina had another son, Adam, once in Pennsylvania. By all accounts, Görg Plott was a honest, trustworthy and forthright man, who legally settled his affairs in Callbach, Germany before moving his young family to America. The family arrived in Philadelphia on September 23, 1741 on the Ship Marlborough, burthen 200 tons, 18 guns for freight and passengers, Ship Master Thomas Bell. Current information suggests that the Ship Marlborough was for the ‘wealthier’, which would validate the Plott family having the financial means to take care of and feed the young family and the Plott hounds on a several-weeks voyage to America. I am a Plott historian, who digs deep for information. Modern technology is helping to find the facts and truth. The Plott hound connection with the Plott family stands until documentation is proven differently. However, the old story of George Plott coming to America with only a brother has been disproven. I will stand by the factual information provided by George's son to Dr. Engelmann. Do not construe, redefine, debate or interpret my statement any differently than what is written.
PLOTT HOUND - THE STATE DOG OF NORTH CAROLINA
The Plott Family history states that, "about 1750", a number of hounds came with (Johannes) George Plott to America. We have found the documentation that in fact the Plott family did come to America in 1741, which is about 1750. We have found that George's father, Johann Görg Plott was registered on a Manumission in Meissenheim, Germany in 1741 living in the Village of Callbach. His name, although misspelled, was recorded on the Ship Marlborough passenger list arriving on September 23, 1741. In 1837, Dr. George Engelmann, a German-American Botanist, recorded George Plott’s history as told by Daniel Plott, son of George Plott. “Father and mother had come as children from Germany, had married in Philadelphia, were to Reading, or as the Germans say, pulled Redingen in Pennsylvania, and then before the Revolutionary War with many other Germans moved to North Carolina”. In Philadelphia, George married Margaret with a maiden name most likely Wagner, as retold by their grandson, Elias Wagner Plott. George and Margaret first settled in Cabarrus County, had nine children (five sons and four daughters) and then, eventually, moved to Lincoln County.
In Daniel's account of George and Margaret, he doesn't mention George moving through Bute County or Warren County, North Carolina. Why not?George and Margaret Plott NEVER lived in Bute County or Warren County, North Carolina; this includes the Plott hounds. In 1766-1767, George and Margaret Plott moved from Maidencreek Township outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina. George and Margaret Plott supported the American Revolution, the Continental Army and the newly formed United States local & federal governments. In 1778, George's name was recorded on a petition to the North Carolina General Assembly, which included a statement supporting the soldiers of the Continental Army. In 1786, George was appointed to jury duty in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Unfortunately, folks through poor research or lack of doing their research are hastefully connecting, another man named, George P l a t t and his wife Lucretia, who lived in Bute County, North Carolina. George & Lucretia Platt and their children were British Loyalists. George Platt even documented to the British government that American rebels had murdered his son. Please correct your records. In fact, while George P l a t t was documented in Bute and Warren counties, NC during 1763 and 1764, our George P l o t t was still living in Pennsylvania and was documented paying taxes there. For more information, click HERE.
How did the dogs travel with George to America? As mentioned above, George's father, Johann Görg Plott was registered on a Manumission in Meissenheim, Germany in 1741 living in the Village of Callbach. The Plott family came to America on the Ship Marlborough, which arrived on September 23, 1741. We need to know more about the Meissenheim, Germany region and the Village of Callbach. We, also, need to learn more about the Ship Marlborough and its Ship's Master Thomas Bell.
In April, 2017, a book by Rev. Gordon R. Proper, "Once Upon a Time in the American Revolution" was published. In his book Rev. Proper wrote, "The Marlborough was exclusively for the wealthy. Everyone on board had money and paid well for their passage and special accommodations. They consisted of young married people, with their children." The Plott family came to America on the same ship Marlborough as did the Kemper family, whom Rev. Proper wrote about. There are two parts of Rev. Proper's information that are of interest to us. First, "The Marlborough was exclusively for the wealthy." Using Rev. Proper's statement, the Plott family would have had the financial means to take care of, to fed, to lodge, and to pay passage for the dogs on the ship's voyage to America. Second, "They consisted of young married people, with their children." Our family story states that George came to America with one or two brothers and a brother, who died at sea. For George to have been a young boy with brothers coming to America, logically, parents would have had to accompany them; "young married people". At this time, we have found George's parents: Johann Görg and Phillipina Plott. So far, we have found the children to be: Margaret (born circa 1730-Germany), Frederick (born circa 1732-Germany), ?Brother died at sea? (born circa 1734-Germany), George (born circa 1736-Germany), Jacob (born circa 1740-Germany) and Adam (born circa 1742-America).
Rev. Proper's information and the information provided by Daniel Plott, son of George and Margaret Plott, to Dr. Engelmann give support to validate the other. These are more puzzle pieces of our Plott Family story fitting into place. As researchers, we want to know more about the ship Marlborough, Ship Master/Captain Thomas Bell and German Birth Records for the Plott family; including, the name for a son dying at sea. Hopefully, all of the tiny puzzle pieces will help us find more of the Plott Hound history. "Once Upon a Time in the American Revolution" by Gordon R. Proper (Author), Publisher: Xlibris (April 27, 2017). If you wish a copy of the book, Amazon . com sells it in Kindle, hardback and paperback forms. Excellent work.
In Daniel's account of George and Margaret, he doesn't mention George moving through Bute County or Warren County, North Carolina. Why not?George and Margaret Plott NEVER lived in Bute County or Warren County, North Carolina; this includes the Plott hounds. In 1766-1767, George and Margaret Plott moved from Maidencreek Township outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Mecklenburg/Cabarrus County, North Carolina. George and Margaret Plott supported the American Revolution, the Continental Army and the newly formed United States local & federal governments. In 1778, George's name was recorded on a petition to the North Carolina General Assembly, which included a statement supporting the soldiers of the Continental Army. In 1786, George was appointed to jury duty in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Unfortunately, folks through poor research or lack of doing their research are hastefully connecting, another man named, George P l a t t and his wife Lucretia, who lived in Bute County, North Carolina. George & Lucretia Platt and their children were British Loyalists. George Platt even documented to the British government that American rebels had murdered his son. Please correct your records. In fact, while George P l a t t was documented in Bute and Warren counties, NC during 1763 and 1764, our George P l o t t was still living in Pennsylvania and was documented paying taxes there. For more information, click HERE.
How did the dogs travel with George to America? As mentioned above, George's father, Johann Görg Plott was registered on a Manumission in Meissenheim, Germany in 1741 living in the Village of Callbach. The Plott family came to America on the Ship Marlborough, which arrived on September 23, 1741. We need to know more about the Meissenheim, Germany region and the Village of Callbach. We, also, need to learn more about the Ship Marlborough and its Ship's Master Thomas Bell.
In April, 2017, a book by Rev. Gordon R. Proper, "Once Upon a Time in the American Revolution" was published. In his book Rev. Proper wrote, "The Marlborough was exclusively for the wealthy. Everyone on board had money and paid well for their passage and special accommodations. They consisted of young married people, with their children." The Plott family came to America on the same ship Marlborough as did the Kemper family, whom Rev. Proper wrote about. There are two parts of Rev. Proper's information that are of interest to us. First, "The Marlborough was exclusively for the wealthy." Using Rev. Proper's statement, the Plott family would have had the financial means to take care of, to fed, to lodge, and to pay passage for the dogs on the ship's voyage to America. Second, "They consisted of young married people, with their children." Our family story states that George came to America with one or two brothers and a brother, who died at sea. For George to have been a young boy with brothers coming to America, logically, parents would have had to accompany them; "young married people". At this time, we have found George's parents: Johann Görg and Phillipina Plott. So far, we have found the children to be: Margaret (born circa 1730-Germany), Frederick (born circa 1732-Germany), ?Brother died at sea? (born circa 1734-Germany), George (born circa 1736-Germany), Jacob (born circa 1740-Germany) and Adam (born circa 1742-America).
Rev. Proper's information and the information provided by Daniel Plott, son of George and Margaret Plott, to Dr. Engelmann give support to validate the other. These are more puzzle pieces of our Plott Family story fitting into place. As researchers, we want to know more about the ship Marlborough, Ship Master/Captain Thomas Bell and German Birth Records for the Plott family; including, the name for a son dying at sea. Hopefully, all of the tiny puzzle pieces will help us find more of the Plott Hound history. "Once Upon a Time in the American Revolution" by Gordon R. Proper (Author), Publisher: Xlibris (April 27, 2017). If you wish a copy of the book, Amazon . com sells it in Kindle, hardback and paperback forms. Excellent work.
Out of George's nine children, his son Henry Plott (my fourth great grandfather), took the greatest interest in working with the Plott Hounds. In about 1809, Henry Plott and his wife, Lydia Osborn-Plott, moved their family and pack of Plott Hounds from Cabarrus County, N.C. to Haywood County, N.C. Haywood County was officially formed on December 23, 1808 from the western part of Buncombe County. It is accurate to report that Henry’s family moved to live in Haywood County between 1808, the forming of Haywood County, to prior to March 12, 1810.
Why is there so much confusion on folks using the name Jonathon for George Plott? The name is (Johannes) George Plott. The Plott family, like many other families, repeated certain names from generation to generation. With the repeated use of the male names George, John and Jonathon. I tend to consider that overtime Plott storytellers got "tongue twisted" speaking about three particular family members: (Johannes) George Plott (the North Carolina Plott family patriarch and the first Plott man credited for the Plott Hounds), Jonathon Plott (son of Henry Plott and Lydia Osborn-Plott), and Jonathon Osborn (brother to Lydia Osborn-Plott and a close friend of Henry Plott). A long list of male heirs, from the late 1700’s to the late 1800’s, can be found with the names George, Henry, Elias, John and Jonathon. It is difficult enough to keep all the descendants organized using a computer, so I understand that pre-computer technology, the effort was mind boggling; innocent mistakes. It must be mentioned that the name "Jonathon" was not a Plott family name, it was an Osborn family name, which was brought into the family when Henry Plott married Lydia Osborn; again, Lydia's brother was Jonathan Osborn. NOTE: Please note that I will not disclose names of folks, who have over the years gotten names, places, dates and information confused. That is not my style to embarrass folks, to point my finger at folks, or to make comments at folks; be they dead or alive. Every family has information, which gets information distorted. No need for snide comments.
Why is there so much confusion on folks using the name Jonathon for George Plott? The name is (Johannes) George Plott. The Plott family, like many other families, repeated certain names from generation to generation. With the repeated use of the male names George, John and Jonathon. I tend to consider that overtime Plott storytellers got "tongue twisted" speaking about three particular family members: (Johannes) George Plott (the North Carolina Plott family patriarch and the first Plott man credited for the Plott Hounds), Jonathon Plott (son of Henry Plott and Lydia Osborn-Plott), and Jonathon Osborn (brother to Lydia Osborn-Plott and a close friend of Henry Plott). A long list of male heirs, from the late 1700’s to the late 1800’s, can be found with the names George, Henry, Elias, John and Jonathon. It is difficult enough to keep all the descendants organized using a computer, so I understand that pre-computer technology, the effort was mind boggling; innocent mistakes. It must be mentioned that the name "Jonathon" was not a Plott family name, it was an Osborn family name, which was brought into the family when Henry Plott married Lydia Osborn; again, Lydia's brother was Jonathan Osborn. NOTE: Please note that I will not disclose names of folks, who have over the years gotten names, places, dates and information confused. That is not my style to embarrass folks, to point my finger at folks, or to make comments at folks; be they dead or alive. Every family has information, which gets information distorted. No need for snide comments.
For more information on George Plott's name, please click on this link.
Back in the 1970s, our family owned two Plott Hounds. Jake and Maggie. We purchased Maggie from Herbert Plott and Jake from Vaughn Plott. In 1979, the word got out in Gwinnett County, Georgia that we owned a couple of rare and special breed of dogs, so the local newspaper wanted to print an article featuring dad, James Ralph Plott, with the hounds. As you can see, Jake and Maggie loved the attention.
I quote from the article:
"According to Plott, his family ancestors were game caretakers for large landowners during the 1700s in Germany and one of the duties of the caretaker was to produce a good game dog for their employers. Although the exact blood line is not known, a dog was developed through breeding that today is known as the Plott hound.
In a lot of cases in Germany, a man's livelihood depended on his ability to produce a better game dog than other caretakers, according to Plott, so they kept the dogs pretty much to themselves and guarded them very carefully, because the danger of other game caretakers coming from different areas and taking the new breed, he said."
"He explained that his father would tell stories about how the dogs were very loyal. When they would go hunting for wild hogs and they would find a boar, the dogs would stay between the owner and the hogs."
I quote from the article:
"According to Plott, his family ancestors were game caretakers for large landowners during the 1700s in Germany and one of the duties of the caretaker was to produce a good game dog for their employers. Although the exact blood line is not known, a dog was developed through breeding that today is known as the Plott hound.
In a lot of cases in Germany, a man's livelihood depended on his ability to produce a better game dog than other caretakers, according to Plott, so they kept the dogs pretty much to themselves and guarded them very carefully, because the danger of other game caretakers coming from different areas and taking the new breed, he said."
"He explained that his father would tell stories about how the dogs were very loyal. When they would go hunting for wild hogs and they would find a boar, the dogs would stay between the owner and the hogs."
For more information about the Ship Marlborough, click on this green link.
What year did George and Margaret Plott enter North Carolina with the Plott Hounds? Daniel Plott, their son, said that his parents came to America as "kinder" (German for children, aka a child in his/her minor years). Then, Daniel said that his parents married in Philadelphia, moved to Reading and before the American Revolution they moved to North Carolina. We have found that George's father, Johann Görg Plott was registered on a Manumission in Meissenheim, Germany in 1741. His name, although misspelled, was recorded on the Ship Marlborough passenger list arriving on September 23, 1741. George was born in Germany about 1736, married Margaret in Philadelphia, and moved to purchased land in Cabarrus County, North Carolina in 1767. So, taking the family tale that George Plott was to have brought the Plott Hounds with him, we can factually say that George Plott with his Plott Hounds were in North Carolina in 1767.
Have we ever seen or found documentation of the Plott Hounds with George Plott in America or Germany? No. As of the date of this writing, no information has been found and/or released referencing the Plott Hounds with George Plott. There were no references about the Plott Hounds in George Plott's Last Will and Testament or Estate Settlement papers. The same is true for the Last Will and Testaments and Estate Settlement papers for his sons: John, Henry, Elias, Isaac and Daniel; no references to the Plott Hounds.
Have we ever seen or found documentation of the Plott Hounds with George Plott in America or Germany? No. As of the date of this writing, no information has been found and/or released referencing the Plott Hounds with George Plott. There were no references about the Plott Hounds in George Plott's Last Will and Testament or Estate Settlement papers. The same is true for the Last Will and Testaments and Estate Settlement papers for his sons: John, Henry, Elias, Isaac and Daniel; no references to the Plott Hounds.
Why would the Plott Hounds not be mentioned in the Last Will and Testaments of George Plott and/or his sons? Although humans own dogs, a hunting dog was/is a very close possession to a person and his family. I quote from the above interview with my father, "...so they kept the dogs pretty much to themselves and guarded them very carefully...". I have never seen any Last Will and Testament, Plott or any other person's, which mentions or logs the transfer of dogs or Plott Hounds. It is presumed that George's sons acquired his Plott hounds as he grew older.
When did George Plott start selling the Plott Hounds in America or North Carolina? A very good question, for which, I do not have an answer beyond the chronological information provided by Daniel Plott and that George Plott's purchased Cabarrus County land in 1767. Documentation on George Plott selling Plott Hounds has not been found and/or released.
Could Daniel Boone have owned a Plott Hound? This question has a special meaning to me, as Daniel Boone was my seventh (7th) great granduncle and George Plott was my fifth (5th) great grandfather. Daniel Boone's older brother, Israel Boone, was my sixth (6th) great grandfather. Could my fifth great grandfather George Plott have sold a Plott Hound to my seventh great granduncle Daniel Boone? I suppose the answer is 'yes'; however, not until at least about 1767 or afterwards, as previously explained above. Daniel Boone was born in 1734 in Pennsylvania and died in 1820 in Missouri. This means that Daniel and George were about the same age - the same generation; give or take a couple of years until we find documentation of George Plott's birth registry in Germany. We all know that Daniel Boone loved his frontier travels. So, during his travels, Daniel and George's paths could have crossed; for which, Daniel Boone could have purchased one or more Plott Hounds from George Plott or his sons. But, factually, we do not know. Remember, my reports are based on archival level documentation, which none has been found and/or released proving that Daniel Boone and George Plott ever met or that Daniel Boone ever owned a Plott Hound.
Will you please respond to information you know about Daniel Plott in Arkansas with the Plott Hounds? First, Daniel Plott was the last son of George and Margaret Wagner-Plott. Daniel's brothers, Elias and John, listed him in the estate settlement files for George and Margaret. The nine children for George and Margaret Plott were Mary, Sophia, John, Elizabeth, Henry, Catherine, Elias, Isaac and Daniel. Second, Henry and Lydia Osborn-Plott did NOT have a son named Daniel. Henry and Lydia's children were Osborn, George, Amos, Enos, Jonathan, David, Margaret, Henry, John, Celinda and Martha Caroline. Henry Plott and Daniel Plott were BROTHERS!
I am a document based family researcher. At the time of this writing, I have found NO documentation reporting Daniel Plott in Arkansas with Plott Hounds. Do I believe that Daniel Plott, son of George and Margaret Plott owned any dogs; Plott hounds or other dogs? Yes, I believe that Daniel Plott, son of George and Margaret Plott, owned dogs for hunting. I have seen NO documentation on the breed of dogs. Dr. Engelmann wrote in his journal about Daniel Plott, "he is a good hunter...", and "he has shot more than a thousand deer." Dr. Engelman also wrote about Daniel, "Plott is certainly smart". I will venture to say that Daniel Plott was smart enough to use dogs with his hunting. Did Dr. Engelmann mention the Plott Hounds in his journals? Dr. Engelmann's account of Daniel Plott's family history did not mention the dogs. Why should Engelmann mention any dogs? He was a botanist. Dogs were not of significance to mention in his journal. Could Daniel have taken some of the Plott Hounds to Missouri and Arkansas with him? Sure. We do not have documention that he did or did not.
From all the documentation about George Plott and his sons, what else can be said about the Plott Hounds with Plott family research? That's a loaded question. First, as I have mentioned numerous times before, I seek archival level documentation, I work on family "people" histories, and, well, I know that I can be harsh and the worst critic on my own Plott family line story; however, the documentation is leading to the renowned structure of the Plott family tale. "George Plott came to America from Germany as a young boy with the dogs." The puzzle pieces are falling into place. I go back to Daniel's account that George Plott came from Germany as a "kinder" (young boy). He eventually married Margaret in Philadelphia and moved prior to the Revolution to North Carolina. This makes sense. Having the dogs, why would he linger in Pennsylvania? The Philadelphia area was getting crowded with a lot of immigrants. He married and moved to the hunting hills and mountains of North Carolina. Second, Elias Wagner Plott's family suggested that George and Margaret knew each other on the ship coming to America. We need to find the documentation; however, this makes sense on why they married in Philadelphia. It would also make sense that George would have had a support system to bring dogs with him to America. Third, George Plott must have a had some amount of money. In 1767, George Plott bought the Castor land in Cabarrus County, North Carolina for twenty-five pounds (£25). His voyage to America was paid and he bought land in North Carolina. Were ship passage accommodations paid for the hounds? I don't know. However, being a researcher, I consider the options. Forth, by all accounts, George and Margaret Plott were excellent parents. All of their children and grandchildren were smart. I am overwhelmed by the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions from North Carolina to Arkansas to Texas that mentioned time after time the outstanding reputation of the Plott family (sons and sons-in-law), which is also proof on how the Plott family had to have been excellent caretakers to their hounds. Conclusion, during my research and that of countless other Plott family researchers, to this date, no documentation has been found to disprove the story of George Plott bringing the dogs from Germany. George Plott was BORN in Germany. In 1741, he came to America as a "kinder", age about 5-6-7 years old. Do not construe, redefine, debate or interpret my statement any differently than what I said, "no documentation has been found to disprove the story of George Plott bringing the dogs from Germany. George Plott was born in Germany. George Plott came to America in 1741." The story stands. The reality is that more and more documents are being digitized all over the world and are becoming available for genealogists to find our ancestors trails. Access to documentation is happening and will happen. It cannot be stopped. Our role is to access the records and find the documentation, read it, interpret it correctly, and learn from it. The Church of the Latter Day Saints/The Mormons have set a goal to access records, which is part of their belief (I don't understand it all); however, they have set a goal to find records from every land, country, village, island, church, temple, office etc. to microfilm, digitize and share the records online. What does this mean for us? It means that George Plott's history will be found; if not by me, then by another Plott genealogist in the future will find it. I truly believe that we will learn more about our Plott history in Germany. To this date, we were told in our family history that George Plott came to America as a child-CORRECT. We were told that George Plott came from Germany-CORRECT. We were told that George Plott came to America about 1750-CORRECT in 1741. Now let's find the documentation to the rest of the story.
When did George Plott start selling the Plott Hounds in America or North Carolina? A very good question, for which, I do not have an answer beyond the chronological information provided by Daniel Plott and that George Plott's purchased Cabarrus County land in 1767. Documentation on George Plott selling Plott Hounds has not been found and/or released.
Could Daniel Boone have owned a Plott Hound? This question has a special meaning to me, as Daniel Boone was my seventh (7th) great granduncle and George Plott was my fifth (5th) great grandfather. Daniel Boone's older brother, Israel Boone, was my sixth (6th) great grandfather. Could my fifth great grandfather George Plott have sold a Plott Hound to my seventh great granduncle Daniel Boone? I suppose the answer is 'yes'; however, not until at least about 1767 or afterwards, as previously explained above. Daniel Boone was born in 1734 in Pennsylvania and died in 1820 in Missouri. This means that Daniel and George were about the same age - the same generation; give or take a couple of years until we find documentation of George Plott's birth registry in Germany. We all know that Daniel Boone loved his frontier travels. So, during his travels, Daniel and George's paths could have crossed; for which, Daniel Boone could have purchased one or more Plott Hounds from George Plott or his sons. But, factually, we do not know. Remember, my reports are based on archival level documentation, which none has been found and/or released proving that Daniel Boone and George Plott ever met or that Daniel Boone ever owned a Plott Hound.
Will you please respond to information you know about Daniel Plott in Arkansas with the Plott Hounds? First, Daniel Plott was the last son of George and Margaret Wagner-Plott. Daniel's brothers, Elias and John, listed him in the estate settlement files for George and Margaret. The nine children for George and Margaret Plott were Mary, Sophia, John, Elizabeth, Henry, Catherine, Elias, Isaac and Daniel. Second, Henry and Lydia Osborn-Plott did NOT have a son named Daniel. Henry and Lydia's children were Osborn, George, Amos, Enos, Jonathan, David, Margaret, Henry, John, Celinda and Martha Caroline. Henry Plott and Daniel Plott were BROTHERS!
I am a document based family researcher. At the time of this writing, I have found NO documentation reporting Daniel Plott in Arkansas with Plott Hounds. Do I believe that Daniel Plott, son of George and Margaret Plott owned any dogs; Plott hounds or other dogs? Yes, I believe that Daniel Plott, son of George and Margaret Plott, owned dogs for hunting. I have seen NO documentation on the breed of dogs. Dr. Engelmann wrote in his journal about Daniel Plott, "he is a good hunter...", and "he has shot more than a thousand deer." Dr. Engelman also wrote about Daniel, "Plott is certainly smart". I will venture to say that Daniel Plott was smart enough to use dogs with his hunting. Did Dr. Engelmann mention the Plott Hounds in his journals? Dr. Engelmann's account of Daniel Plott's family history did not mention the dogs. Why should Engelmann mention any dogs? He was a botanist. Dogs were not of significance to mention in his journal. Could Daniel have taken some of the Plott Hounds to Missouri and Arkansas with him? Sure. We do not have documention that he did or did not.
From all the documentation about George Plott and his sons, what else can be said about the Plott Hounds with Plott family research? That's a loaded question. First, as I have mentioned numerous times before, I seek archival level documentation, I work on family "people" histories, and, well, I know that I can be harsh and the worst critic on my own Plott family line story; however, the documentation is leading to the renowned structure of the Plott family tale. "George Plott came to America from Germany as a young boy with the dogs." The puzzle pieces are falling into place. I go back to Daniel's account that George Plott came from Germany as a "kinder" (young boy). He eventually married Margaret in Philadelphia and moved prior to the Revolution to North Carolina. This makes sense. Having the dogs, why would he linger in Pennsylvania? The Philadelphia area was getting crowded with a lot of immigrants. He married and moved to the hunting hills and mountains of North Carolina. Second, Elias Wagner Plott's family suggested that George and Margaret knew each other on the ship coming to America. We need to find the documentation; however, this makes sense on why they married in Philadelphia. It would also make sense that George would have had a support system to bring dogs with him to America. Third, George Plott must have a had some amount of money. In 1767, George Plott bought the Castor land in Cabarrus County, North Carolina for twenty-five pounds (£25). His voyage to America was paid and he bought land in North Carolina. Were ship passage accommodations paid for the hounds? I don't know. However, being a researcher, I consider the options. Forth, by all accounts, George and Margaret Plott were excellent parents. All of their children and grandchildren were smart. I am overwhelmed by the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions from North Carolina to Arkansas to Texas that mentioned time after time the outstanding reputation of the Plott family (sons and sons-in-law), which is also proof on how the Plott family had to have been excellent caretakers to their hounds. Conclusion, during my research and that of countless other Plott family researchers, to this date, no documentation has been found to disprove the story of George Plott bringing the dogs from Germany. George Plott was BORN in Germany. In 1741, he came to America as a "kinder", age about 5-6-7 years old. Do not construe, redefine, debate or interpret my statement any differently than what I said, "no documentation has been found to disprove the story of George Plott bringing the dogs from Germany. George Plott was born in Germany. George Plott came to America in 1741." The story stands. The reality is that more and more documents are being digitized all over the world and are becoming available for genealogists to find our ancestors trails. Access to documentation is happening and will happen. It cannot be stopped. Our role is to access the records and find the documentation, read it, interpret it correctly, and learn from it. The Church of the Latter Day Saints/The Mormons have set a goal to access records, which is part of their belief (I don't understand it all); however, they have set a goal to find records from every land, country, village, island, church, temple, office etc. to microfilm, digitize and share the records online. What does this mean for us? It means that George Plott's history will be found; if not by me, then by another Plott genealogist in the future will find it. I truly believe that we will learn more about our Plott history in Germany. To this date, we were told in our family history that George Plott came to America as a child-CORRECT. We were told that George Plott came from Germany-CORRECT. We were told that George Plott came to America about 1750-CORRECT in 1741. Now let's find the documentation to the rest of the story.
Plott Hounds versus A Ship's Manifest
Would you please respond to information that Grace Plott, daughter of John Amos and Harriet Winchester-Plott, found a ship's manifest that described dogs resembling the Plott Hounds? Until recently, I have never heard this information for the ‘over the forty years’ that I have worked on Plott family research. Back in the 1970s, when my parents were working on Plott family research, we visited Vaughn Plott, Herbert & Nannie Campbell-Plott, Vivian & James Woolley, and Ruby Alexander; plus, we received many letters from all over the United States. My parents visited with Vaughn Plott and Herbert Plott when they purchased a Plott Hound from each. We attended a Plott Family Reunion at Herbert and Nannie’s house. Vivian and James Woolley attended an Elias Plott Family Reunion in Iredell County. Ruby Alexander made periodic trips from her home state of New Mexico to North Carolina to visit with relatives, including Vivian and James Woolley. To my knowledge and understanding, Ruby Alexander and Vivian & James Woolley had been working on family genealogy research since the 1960s or maybe even before. My parents, Ruby & Vivian wrote several letters back and forth. Never was a ship’s manifest mentioned. During conversations about Plott family history would have been a prime time for someone to speak up about a ship's manifest.
Within the mass mailing responses that my parents sent out, we did receive a reply from Grace Plott, daughter of John Amos and Harriet Winchester-Plott. Here is a transcript of Grace Plott's letter:
"3/28/74
Dear Mr. Plott -
Apologies for neglecting your inquiries. Even though Plott background was a favorite topic of my father all through the years (and he knew all the names and relationships into this century!) much, much escapes my memory these recent years. I, of course, am the end of my immediate line.
My plans now are to go back to Plott Creek very soon, have the old house reconditioned sufficiently for my remaining years, and move there by midsummer.
If gasoline is more plentiful by then perhaps you can travel that way and I shall be glad to meet you and yours.
No doubt you have long since visited the creek, talked with Uncle Vaughn (whose wife died last week), his son Bill, and perhaps Mrs. George F. who lives on the hill nearer Hazelwood - where my father and his father were born & reared.
My old house, incidentally, which was built just about the turn of the century was built beside the old log house. I remember Aunt Julia Plott Bryson pointing & commenting, when I was a child, that the "old kitchen sat there", in the present garden on south side of the house.
Presumably you know that the last two surviving members of the Bob Plott (Robert Henry Plott 1841-1926) family on Jonathan (Maggie) across the mountain died last year - brothers of the Grace Plott who started the family history.
A few years ago I enjoyed a telephone conversation with a Mrs. Donald D. McFaden, at that time of 1025 Poplar Drive, Falls Church, Va., who said she was a Plott of Young Harris, Ga descentent of the George Plott who settled there in the 1800s. Her son (error should be brother) in Georgia or Alabama (I believe) was interested in collecting data re the family, she said.
My own "line" info is attached. I'm sure there are errors in Prof. Allen's Annals, as there always are in published articles, but I can't refute them offhand with facts.
You have see the Park marker to Henry Plott in the Smokies, I trust.
Hastily -
Grace Plott
Johannes Plott - Germany - 1734 ? -
Henry Plott - Cabarrus Co, N.C. 1770-1839 (should be 1837)
John Plott - Haywood Co, N.C 1813 - 1876
Montraville Plott - " (Plott Cr.) " 1850 - 1924
John Amos Plott 1874 - 1959
married
Harriett Rebecca Winchester 1875 - 1923
Grace Plott 1907 -
George Ellis Plott 1912 - 1944
-------------------------------------
My father was married in 1931
to Nora Edwards - 1881 - 1970
----- no children
Aunt Jimmie (Mrs. George F.) has
the Mont & Julia Plott family Bible."
Mrs. Donald D. McFaden was my father's sister, Annie Jo Plott-McFaden. Although Grace writes, "Her son" she was mistaken and should have wrote, "Her brother", who was my father, James Ralph Plott. We lived in Georgia.
I take notice that Grace wrote, "I'm sure there are errors in Prof. Allen's Annals, as there always are in published articles, but I can't refute them offhand with facts." By her written statement, Grace acknowledged that there were errors published about the Plott family in the book, "The Annals Of Haywood County, North Carolina, 1808-1935: Historical, Sociological, Biographical And Genealogical" by W. C. Allen.
Please notice that Grace did not bring up that she once found a ship's manifest. Aunt Annie Jo never mentioned that Grace and she discussed a ship's manifest in their phone conversation. As my parent's mass mailing letter was asking for Plott Family history, Grace's response to us was a prime opportunity to have mentioned a ship's manifest that she had found, but she did not do so. Remember, my parents' letter was a direct request for leads to solve the mystery of the Plott family history.
Again, I am a document based researcher. We need that document. Otherwise, my mother, Leora Loesch-Plott and I have determined that the Plott Family came to America on the Ship Marlborough, which had the Ship Master/Captain Thomas Bell on September 23, 1741. The Pennsylvania Archives responded, "There are no cargo lists for this ship in our collection." We will have to continue our search for information relating to the Plott Hound's history.
Within the mass mailing responses that my parents sent out, we did receive a reply from Grace Plott, daughter of John Amos and Harriet Winchester-Plott. Here is a transcript of Grace Plott's letter:
"3/28/74
Dear Mr. Plott -
Apologies for neglecting your inquiries. Even though Plott background was a favorite topic of my father all through the years (and he knew all the names and relationships into this century!) much, much escapes my memory these recent years. I, of course, am the end of my immediate line.
My plans now are to go back to Plott Creek very soon, have the old house reconditioned sufficiently for my remaining years, and move there by midsummer.
If gasoline is more plentiful by then perhaps you can travel that way and I shall be glad to meet you and yours.
No doubt you have long since visited the creek, talked with Uncle Vaughn (whose wife died last week), his son Bill, and perhaps Mrs. George F. who lives on the hill nearer Hazelwood - where my father and his father were born & reared.
My old house, incidentally, which was built just about the turn of the century was built beside the old log house. I remember Aunt Julia Plott Bryson pointing & commenting, when I was a child, that the "old kitchen sat there", in the present garden on south side of the house.
Presumably you know that the last two surviving members of the Bob Plott (Robert Henry Plott 1841-1926) family on Jonathan (Maggie) across the mountain died last year - brothers of the Grace Plott who started the family history.
A few years ago I enjoyed a telephone conversation with a Mrs. Donald D. McFaden, at that time of 1025 Poplar Drive, Falls Church, Va., who said she was a Plott of Young Harris, Ga descentent of the George Plott who settled there in the 1800s. Her son (error should be brother) in Georgia or Alabama (I believe) was interested in collecting data re the family, she said.
My own "line" info is attached. I'm sure there are errors in Prof. Allen's Annals, as there always are in published articles, but I can't refute them offhand with facts.
You have see the Park marker to Henry Plott in the Smokies, I trust.
Hastily -
Grace Plott
Johannes Plott - Germany - 1734 ? -
Henry Plott - Cabarrus Co, N.C. 1770-1839 (should be 1837)
John Plott - Haywood Co, N.C 1813 - 1876
Montraville Plott - " (Plott Cr.) " 1850 - 1924
John Amos Plott 1874 - 1959
married
Harriett Rebecca Winchester 1875 - 1923
Grace Plott 1907 -
George Ellis Plott 1912 - 1944
-------------------------------------
My father was married in 1931
to Nora Edwards - 1881 - 1970
----- no children
Aunt Jimmie (Mrs. George F.) has
the Mont & Julia Plott family Bible."
Mrs. Donald D. McFaden was my father's sister, Annie Jo Plott-McFaden. Although Grace writes, "Her son" she was mistaken and should have wrote, "Her brother", who was my father, James Ralph Plott. We lived in Georgia.
I take notice that Grace wrote, "I'm sure there are errors in Prof. Allen's Annals, as there always are in published articles, but I can't refute them offhand with facts." By her written statement, Grace acknowledged that there were errors published about the Plott family in the book, "The Annals Of Haywood County, North Carolina, 1808-1935: Historical, Sociological, Biographical And Genealogical" by W. C. Allen.
Please notice that Grace did not bring up that she once found a ship's manifest. Aunt Annie Jo never mentioned that Grace and she discussed a ship's manifest in their phone conversation. As my parent's mass mailing letter was asking for Plott Family history, Grace's response to us was a prime opportunity to have mentioned a ship's manifest that she had found, but she did not do so. Remember, my parents' letter was a direct request for leads to solve the mystery of the Plott family history.
Again, I am a document based researcher. We need that document. Otherwise, my mother, Leora Loesch-Plott and I have determined that the Plott Family came to America on the Ship Marlborough, which had the Ship Master/Captain Thomas Bell on September 23, 1741. The Pennsylvania Archives responded, "There are no cargo lists for this ship in our collection." We will have to continue our search for information relating to the Plott Hound's history.
Letter from Grace Plott, daughter of John Amos Plott and Harriet Winchester-Plott. This letter was written and mailed by Grace Plott in 1974. Grace does not mention a ship's manifest, any attempt to find a ship's manifest or any personal attempt at Plott family research. Grace wrote, "Plott background was a favorite topic of my father all through the years". Again, no mention of a ship's manifest, which would have been a prime time to bring up her knowledge of such.
I take notice that Grace wrote, "I'm sure there are errors in Prof. Allen's Annals, as there always are in published articles, but I can't refute them offhand with facts." By her written statement, Grace acknowledged that there were errors published about the Plott family in the book, "The Annals Of Haywood County, North Carolina, 1808-1935: Historical, Sociological, Biographical And Genealogical" by W. C. Allen.
Response to Critics
To folks, who want to discount the Plott Hound history without doing their research. To folks, who rely on old stories and tales without finding, retaining, re-finding or backing up with documentation. To folks, who do not research their own family surname line to find documentation. Here is my response. Stop whining and complaining. Stop with snide and round about comments. Do your own homework. Go to courthouses, libraries, archives, and cemeteries. Order archive and vital records from County and State records. Sign-up for your own subscription to Ancestry . com. Use the free online site FamilySearch . com. Take advantage of digitized archival level documents using modern technology. Learn old German script, German customs and religious customs that existed over 275 years ago when the Plott family came to America in 1741. Manage your time to allow for research. Read and analyze the archival level records. Collect and retain the archival documentation and proof from the TIME PERIOD. Don't just say, "I saw something years ago" or "Somebody - so and so told me". Get your facts and details straight. Do not draw up conclusions. Do not call out family member names for censure or blame; instead, give a polite response, "modern technology has provided us a door to factual documentation to correctly align our family history." Stick to the facts. It is disrespectful to monologue and impart about cousins and relatives, who are dead, unaware, and/or cannot defend themselves. Compile the archival documents to reveal the historical time line. If you want to join the Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution, you have to prove your heritage with documentation. The SAR and DAR do not accept hearsay stories. You even have to prove a dog's pedigree. Documentation-documentation-documentation. Yes, it costs money, time and dedication. Say to yourself, 'I need to do the work.' Step out of the box of what you know or think you know; and go research to discover what you don't know. I publish the documentation of what I find to you FREE on this site. You do the same. Read this report in its entirety.
George and Margaret had nine children, who lived in at least four North Carolina counties including Cabarrus, Lincoln, Haywood & Iredell; and, in at least six states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas. They had many grandchildren, who lived in several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, etc. The details of the Plott family was carried with each of the children and grandchildren. This means that we research as many of the children and grandchildren to seek a more thorough Plott family history. Each line holds some details to our Plott heritage. I love my fourth great grandfather Henry Plott and am proud of Haywood County, North Carolina. But, Haywood County is not "the be all end all" for Plott History. North Carolina does not hold the full documentation of the Plott family history. We must seek from ALL of our Plott Family Line; including, our newly discovered Pennsylvania Blott/Blatt/Plott family lines.
George and Margaret had nine children, who lived in at least four North Carolina counties including Cabarrus, Lincoln, Haywood & Iredell; and, in at least six states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas. They had many grandchildren, who lived in several states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, New Mexico, Virginia, etc. The details of the Plott family was carried with each of the children and grandchildren. This means that we research as many of the children and grandchildren to seek a more thorough Plott family history. Each line holds some details to our Plott heritage. I love my fourth great grandfather Henry Plott and am proud of Haywood County, North Carolina. But, Haywood County is not "the be all end all" for Plott History. North Carolina does not hold the full documentation of the Plott family history. We must seek from ALL of our Plott Family Line; including, our newly discovered Pennsylvania Blott/Blatt/Plott family lines.
So, you want to own a Plott Hound . . .
If you are seeking to be an owner of a Plott Hound, here are three tips to begin.
First, please remember that the dog was bred for hunting. Thus, the dog needs space for exercise and running. Remember, I said that I am not an expert on the Plott Hounds. I research family history. So, this tip is, "Do your research on the Plott Hound to verify that the dog breed is a fit for your home and lifestyle."
Secondly, if you decide to adopt a Plott Hound (puppy or adult), you will need to politely ask the breeder if there is a waiting list for a hound and the cost of the hound. Do not embarrass yourself by expecting the hound will be free or for a discount or your name will be moved to the top of a waiting list, because you have Plott heritage. The breeder puts a lot of time, money and effort into his reputation, his hounds and his kennel; bedding, food, veterinary bills, etc. It is disrespectful to presume not to pay for the hound or that your name will go to the top of a waiting list. You are acquiring a magnificent hound with an impressive American heritage.
Thirdly, a reputable breeder will ask you questions on how you intend to keep the dog, take care of the dog, exercise the dog, hunt with the dog, etc. Be prepared to answer these questions. The breeder has the right to decline selling you the dog. As I mentioned above, the Plott family was and still is very protective of the Plott Hound, so be aware of the breeders protectiveness and their wanting the best for the dog. It is part of the Plott Hound heritage. I refer back to the first tip above, "Do your research on the Plott Hound to verify that the dog breed is a fit for your home and lifestyle."
Secondly, if you decide to adopt a Plott Hound (puppy or adult), you will need to politely ask the breeder if there is a waiting list for a hound and the cost of the hound. Do not embarrass yourself by expecting the hound will be free or for a discount or your name will be moved to the top of a waiting list, because you have Plott heritage. The breeder puts a lot of time, money and effort into his reputation, his hounds and his kennel; bedding, food, veterinary bills, etc. It is disrespectful to presume not to pay for the hound or that your name will go to the top of a waiting list. You are acquiring a magnificent hound with an impressive American heritage.
Thirdly, a reputable breeder will ask you questions on how you intend to keep the dog, take care of the dog, exercise the dog, hunt with the dog, etc. Be prepared to answer these questions. The breeder has the right to decline selling you the dog. As I mentioned above, the Plott family was and still is very protective of the Plott Hound, so be aware of the breeders protectiveness and their wanting the best for the dog. It is part of the Plott Hound heritage. I refer back to the first tip above, "Do your research on the Plott Hound to verify that the dog breed is a fit for your home and lifestyle."
State Dog of North Carolina
On August 12, 1989, much to the delight of the Plott Line of North Carolina, our family dog - the Plott Hound, was officially adopted as the State Dog of North Carolina. The legislative adoption is found in the General Assembly of North Carolina, 1989 Session Chapter 773, Senate Bill 832, 145-13, The State Dog.
Please note that no where in this legislative adoption does it state the name "Jonathan Plott". Please refer to the previous clarification that George Plott's name was George until further archival level documentation is found and/or release. Also, technically, George Plott did not make it into the State of North Carolina until about 1767, when he purchase land from Jacob and Cristina Castor (Caster); thus, the Plott Hound would not have been in North Carolina until 1767. This is a minor technicality; however, as this report is written to provide accuracy, I simple mention the 1750 versus 1767 discrepancy. http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/1989-1990/SL1989-773.html
Please note that no where in this legislative adoption does it state the name "Jonathan Plott". Please refer to the previous clarification that George Plott's name was George until further archival level documentation is found and/or release. Also, technically, George Plott did not make it into the State of North Carolina until about 1767, when he purchase land from Jacob and Cristina Castor (Caster); thus, the Plott Hound would not have been in North Carolina until 1767. This is a minor technicality; however, as this report is written to provide accuracy, I simple mention the 1750 versus 1767 discrepancy. http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/1989-1990/SL1989-773.html
As this is a legislative action, for which, I would not be able to provide a better reading of the adoption; therefore, I provide to you a screen snapshot. The original is from: http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/HTML/1989-1990/SL1989-773.html. I take no credit for this information; for genealogy and education purposes to the reader only. No financial gain.