I am not sure if this will help any considering the time we are talking about. Campbell Co. was formed in 1795 from Harrison, Mason and Scott Co.
Pendleton was formed in 1798 from Bracken and Campbell Co.
Morgan was formed in 1822 from Bath and Floyd
Kenton was formed in 1840 from Campbell, Perry, Breathitt, Floyd and Letcher.
Perhaps he was in a surrounding county. Considering he shows up in Pendleton with his new son in 1878. Have you checked Floyd or Bracken County? Jackie