Kindle Van Hook (1766-1854)

The youngest son of David Van Hook, Sr. and Lucy Bumpass, his name is seen variously as Kindal, Kindle, and Kendall. However, it appears that he used Kindle in his will.

He built the oldest known surviving school in North Carolina, known as the "Van Hook Subscription School." It was built as a school for boys in 1810 and was located in Person County community of Paine's Tavern. The website referenced below relates that the school held 20 boys in a 10 x 15 room with a dirt floor. They continue, "There were windows cut in the log walls but nothing added to keep out the wind, snow and rain. The school was heated by a five foot fireplace with the wood furnished by the parents of the students. Drinking water came from a nearby spring."

For a more complete description of the Van Hook Subscription School, including a photograph of the building, go to: Van Hook Subscription School
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Van Hook Subscription School
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Kindal Van Hook inherited from his father the 216-acre Van Hook homeplace in Person County, North Carolina.

Will of Kindle Van Hook (25 February 1852)

In the name of God Amen. I Kindle Vanhook of the County of Person & State of N.C. being of Sound and Perfect mind and memory Thanks be to God, but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existrnce do make and declare this my last will and testement in manner and form following.

Item 1. I give and bequeth to my beloved grandchildren, Thomas Holeman, James Holeman and Mary ann Holeman, children of my daughter Mary D. Holeman, dec'd. the following Negroe Slaves to wit Ritta, Millia, Celia, Sallie,Alfred,Mebane, and Billy them and their increase to be equally divided amongst them to wit to Thomas Holeman one third part, to James Holeman one third part, and to Mary Ann Holeman one third part and in case of death of either or any of grandchildren before they shall have arrived to lawful age, then in such case the above bequethed slaves with their increase to be equally divided between the surviving grandchildren.

Item 2. I give and bequeath to Adney Foushee one hundred dollars, to be paid to him as soon after my death as may be convenient by my executors herein after named.

Item 3. I give and bequeath to my beloved Son David Vanhook one nego Boy Daniel about eleven years of age.

Item 4. To my beloved sons David and Solomon Vanhook I give and bequeath all the residue of my estate both real and personal, after all my just debts are paid, consisting of lands, monies, debts due, the residue of my negro Slaves and their increase, plantation & smith tools, stocks of all kinds, house hold and kitchen furniture & including every thing that I may possess at my death, not otherwise disposed of by this my last will and testament to be equally divided between them. and I hereby make and ordain my beloved so David Vanhook and Solomon Vanhook executors of this my last will and testament. In witness wherof I the said Kindle Vanhook have to this my last will and testament set my hand and seal this 25th day of Feb Anno Domino 1852.

This will apparantely was "proved" in Person County court December 1854.
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The reference to Adney Foushee most likely is to Adnah Campbell Foushee, and one wonders why Foushee was mentioned in the will of Kendal Van Hook. Creditors were not usually included by name, with wills usually restricted to family members. Was Adnah Campbell Foushee related? Some have speculated that Adnah Campbell Foushee's mother Elizabeth was a Van Hook. She was the wife of John Foushee, and her surname has not been established.

• Married: 25 NOV 1800 in Caswell County, North Carolina ¹
• Note:

  Marriage Record
  Groom: Kindle Van Hook
  Bride: Anne Dobbin
  Bond Date: 25 November 1800
  Bondsman/Witness: James Hamlett
  Source: Caswell County, North Carolina Marriage Bonds, 1778-1868, Katharine Kerr Kendall (1981) at 110
  

1. David Van Hook
2. Mary D. Van Hook
3. Solomon Van Hook

1. Details: The Heritage of Caswell County, North Carolina, Jeannine D. Whitlow, Editor (1985) at 541-542 (Article #738 "The Van Hook Family" by Bernard C. Calvert)
2. Details: Van Hook Database