The Ancestors of

This book traces the ancestors of my mother’s mother, Opal Delores Billings.

D-1-1 William Elmer Billings (3). My grandmother, Opal Delores (Lois) Billings, is the daughter of William Elmer Billings and Carrie Williams (D‑2‑1). They had one child.⁵³

1. *Opal Delores (Lois) Billings 11/16/1936

They lived in the Stratford section of Alleghany Co, NC.⁵³

Carrie Williams had first married Andy Brooks and had two children: Odis Vaughn Brooks (2/23/1926) and Annie Madge Brooks (10/1/1929).^53,65

According to the 1930 Alleghany Co census, Carrie was living with her parents in household #95: John Williams (62), Annie (60, wife), Carry Brooks (25, dau), Odis Brooks (4y 2m, son), and Anna Brooks (6 months, dau).²¹²

Elmer Billings had first married Isabel Thomas about 1924. They had one child Doloris E. Billings (1926).²¹² Their marriage or their daughter’s birth are not recorded in Alleghany Co, so perhaps they occurred in PA.

Elmer’s family is found in the 1930 Chester Co, PA, census in Valley Township #80, p27B, house #496/511: Elmer W. Billings (27, does layout at a platy mill), Esebell B. (23, wife), and Doloris E. (4, daughter). They were renting a place at $13 per month. When they married, he was 21 and she was 17. It says that he was born in NC, and that his parents were born in PA, but this must be an error. Isabel and Doloris (and both of their parents) are listed as being born in PA, but this may not be accurate.²¹² Elmer worked in a “platy mill” which may be a mill where minerals or rocks are processed – perhaps at a quarry or a coal mine.

1. Lois was born in Alleghany Co where her birth certificate gives her name as “Opal Dellois Billings”. The name appears to have been written in after the certificate was initially issued (Bk ?, p97).⁶⁵ She married Bill Brooks on 8/29/1953. They lived in Massillon, OH, for almost 20 years before returning to Alleghany Co in 1992.⁵³ [b^53,65]

D-1-2 Samuel M. Billings (4). William Elmore (Elmer) Billings was the son of Samuel M. Billings and Laura Ellen Irwin (D-3-1). They had the following children.^3,8,53,221 Ref 8, p271-2; Ref 221, p54-5.

1. May Effie Billings 2/13/1895 - 1/20/1963

2. Minnie Billings 1/ /1898 - 1906

3. Margie Billings 2/ 3/1900 - 9/24/1982

4. *William Elmer Billings 4/11/1902 - 5/12/1946

5. Bessie May Billings 3/ 4/1904 - 5/14/1998

6. Phoeba Jane Billings 10/25/1905 - 2/13/1999

7. Floyd James Billings 1/31/1907 - 12/16/1969

They are listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co, NC, census in Prathers Creek #5, p12A, #222: Samuel Billings (29, born July 1870, farmer), Ellen (25, wife, born Jan 1875), May E. (5, dau, born Feb 1895), Minnie (2, dau, born Jan 1898), Margie (5 months, dau, born Feb 1900), and Halie (80, mother, born Jan 1820, widow).³ Halie is Mahala Wagoner, Samuel’s mother. She was listed as having 6 children, all living. Ellen is listed with having 4 children and 3 still living. They had been married 6 years. Samuel’s father was born in VA.²¹²

They are listed in the 1910 Alleghany Co census in Gap Civil #12, p7B, house #61/62: Ellin Billing (35, widow, 6 children all living, father born in VA), Effa (15, daughter), Margie (11, daughter), Elmore (9, son), Bessie (7, daughter), Pheby (5, daughter), and Floyd (3, son).^3,212

They are listed in the 1920 Alleghany Co census in Gap Civil #14, p11A, house #184/188: Ellen Billings (40, widow, farming), Phebia (15, daughter), and Floid (12, son).²¹²

Ellen remarried in 1924, and her family is listed in the 1930 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil #4, p5B, #108/109: Jesse McCoin (59, farmer), Ellen (54, wife), Minnie (17, daughter), Fay (9, daughter), Dot (7, daughter), and Bob Phipps (31, boarder).²¹² The children are from Jesse’s first marriage.

1. Effie married Mack Trealey Brooks on 1/5/1913 in Alleghany Co “at the home of the bride”.⁶⁶ They lived in Alleghany Co and are buried at Mt. View Bap Ch.³

[(1920 Alleg, Cherry Ln #12, p8B, #142/143)²¹²; (1930 Alleg, Cherry Ln #1, p2A, #26)²¹²] [b³, d³]

2. Minnie is buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^48,221 [b^3,48, d^3,48]

3. Margie married Bryan McBride in November 1917 in Alleghany Co,^3,8,221 however, no marriage return has been found there.⁶⁶ They moved to Coatesville, Chester Co, PA,⁵³ where she died and was buried.²²¹ She had diabetes⁵³ and died of a stroke.⁸

[(1920 Harford Co, MD, 1^st Prec, 4^th Dist, Dist 96, p1B, #23/24)²¹²] [b^3,221, d^3,221]

4. Elmer was born in Alleghany Co where his delayed birth certificate was issued on 4/9/1943. One of the pieces of evidence used to issue the certificate was a Bible record which gave his full name “William Elmore Billings” (Bk ?, p23).⁶⁵

He first married Isabel Thomas about 1926, possibly in Chester Co, PA.^3,212 He married Carrie Williams in Alleghany Co on 10/30/1937 by the Justice of the Peace in Prathers Creek.^66,221 On 11/4/1937, The Alleghany Times says that “Mr. Elmore Billings and Mrs. Carrie Williams Brooks were married at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Williams, Stratford, on Saturday, October 30.”²⁴⁴

He worked for the WPA and helped to build the Blue Ridge Parkway. He also worked in the coal mines of WV and PA. His death certificate says he was a carpenter.⁶⁴ He died in a car wreck on Highway 21 in Alleghany Co and is buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^48,53,64,221 The car wreck was noted in The Alleghany Times in 1946:

Billings Killed In Auto Mishap

Elmer Billings, 41, of Cherry Lane, was killed instantly when the automobile he was operating left Highway No. 21, five miles south of Sparta, at 6:00 o’clock, Sunday evening.

His automobile left the highway and while attempting to bring it back on the highway, it overturned on the right shoulder of the road, State Highway patrolmen reported.

Mr. Billings suffered a broken neck and his body was badly crushed when the accident occurred. The car was also badly damaged.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at New Salem church with Eld. Walter Evans, Eld. S. G. Caudill and Eld. Mack Brooks, officiating. Interment followed in the Irwin cemetery in the Wolf Branch section.

The deceased was the son of Mrs. Ellen Billings and the late Sam Billings. He had made his home with his mother for sometime.

Surviving in addition to his mother are two daughters, Lois Billings and Doris Billings, both of Pennsylvania.²⁴⁴

[b^48,64,65, d^3,48,64] Ref 244 (11/4/1937, p5).

5. Bessie married Chester Worth Smith on 2/20/1924 in Alleghany Co in Sparta.⁶⁶ She “attended Wolf Branch and Rich Hill schools. Later she managed the Doll House Antique Shop, was an interior decorator, and served as caretaker for summer homes in the Roaring Gap area.”³ Mr. and Mrs. Worth Smith were mentioned in the Alleghany Star-Times on 3/28/1940.²⁴⁴ On 10/3/1940, the newspaper mentions “Mrs. Worth Smith” who won second place at the Alleghany Fair for Embroidery, best vanity set.²⁴⁴

She was buried at Antioch United Meth. Ch.¹⁴¹

[(1930 Alleg, Cherry Ln, Dist 1, p10B, #185)²¹²] [b^3,141, d¹⁴¹] Ref 141, dated 5/21/1998; Ref 244 (3/28/1940, p6), (10/3/1940, p5).

6. Phoeba married Everette Dale (Dot) Holcomb on 11/12/1922 in Alleghany Co.^66,221 The 1930 census lists her as “Edith Holcomb”.²¹² On 6/12/1941, the Alleghany Star-Times mentioned “Mrs. Dot Halcom”.²⁴⁴ Her last residence was Glade Valley, Alleghany Co.¹⁹³

[(1930 Alleg, Gap Civ #4, p4A, #75)²¹²] [b^3,193,221, d¹⁹³] Ref 244 (6/12/1941, p4).

7. Floyd first married Sadie Edith Crouse on 10/19/1932 in Grayson Co, VA.³ On 5/12/1938, The Alleghany Times reported on cases being held in Alleghany Co Superior Court: “State vs. Floyd Billings. Non-support. Pleaded guilty of abandonment and non-support of a minor. Prayer for judgment continued for three years, on condition that he pay $6.00 per month for use and benefit of Doris Billings.”²⁴⁴

On 8/31/1942, Sadie filed papers stating that Floyd had not complied with the child support (now $7.50 per month) since 3/20/1942. She said that he had entered the Army about 4/10/1942 and was currently stationed at Leesville, LA. On 4/20/1943, Floyd gave his deposition asking for a divorce, while he was in the Army in Sparta, WI. He said they had not lived together since 11/20/1937 and that the separation was her fault. Before separating, they had tried to live in Devotion, Surry Co, NC; in PA; and in Winston-Salem, NC, since he could not find work in Alleghany Co. However, she preferred to live at home and at times “was very abusive in her language” and “on one occasion she threw a table glass and struck me in the face.” He said he had paid the child support through the current month. Finally, in court on 4/29/1946, Sadie “withdraws her answer filed in this cause,” and they were divorced. (Alleghany Co Civil Cases).¹⁷¹

Floyd married his second wife Edith Blackburn Brooks on 12/24/1948 in Alleghany Co at the home of the Justice of the Peace.^3,66 He died of cancer in Alleghany Co and is buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,193,221

[b^3,48,193,221, d^3,48,193,221] Ref 244 (5/12/1938, p1).

On 3/16/1902, S. M. Billings bought 20.4 acres from H. T. Caudill and N. C. Caudill for $180. The land was in Prathers Creek Township, adjacent to D. C. Caudill, J. A. Irwin, John Williams, and others. (Alleghany DB P, p40-1).⁶⁷

On 9/6/1904, S. M. Billings and his wife Ellen sold 20.4 acres to Lee Petty for $200. The land was adjacent to D. C. Caudill, J. A. Irwin, John Williams, and others. (Alleghany DB R, p541-2).⁶⁷

D-1-3 William Billings (5). Samuel M. Billings was the son of William Billings and Mahala Wagoner (D-20-1). They had the following children.^3,64 Sources: Ref 3, p759.

1. Sarah Billings 9/30/1848 - 8/15/1933

2. Granville Billings 10/ /1853 - 5/ 5/1935

3. Matilda Billings 2/25/1855 - 5/28/1938

4. Lucinda Billings 2/ /1860 - 1901

5. Alice J. Billings 6/29/1869 - 8/ 8/1930

6. *Samuel M. Billings 7/ /1872 - 1908

They are listed in the 1850 Ashe Co, NC, census, house #206/206: Wm. Billings (20, born NC), Mahala (18, born NC), and Sarah (2). His real estate was valued at $130.¹¹³

They are listed in the 1860 Alleghany Co, NC, census, Gap Civil Township, p46, house #348/299: Wm. Billings (25, farmer), Mahala (25), Sallie (12), Granville (7), Matilda (5), and a baby girl (4 months). Their personal estate was valued at $50. William and Mahaly could not read or write.¹¹³

They have not been found in the 1870 census.

They are listed in the 1880 Ashe Co census in Chestnut Hill #17, p8, house #71: Wm. Billings (51, laborer), Mahala (50, wife), Alice (13, daughter), and Sam’l (8, son).^3,212 William and Mahala could not read or write. Each of their parents were listed as being born in NC. William was marked as being “maimed, crippled, bedridden, or disabled”.²¹²

Mahala was living in Alleghany Co with her son Samuel in 1900.^3,212

1. Sarah married Haywood D. Estep on 1/18/1866 in Alleghany Co.^3,66 While the marriage was listed in the index, the marriage return was missing from the file.⁶⁶ She and her husband donated the land for the church and for the old part of the cemetery at Antioch Prim Bap Ch where they are buried.^8,48

Her illness before she died is mentioned in The Alleghany Times.²⁴⁴ On 8/10/1933, it reads “Stratford: Mrs. H. D. Estep is seriously ill.” The following week states “Mrs. H. D. Estep is just alive at this writing, Monday, August 14.” Her death is noted in the 8/24/1933 newspaper on the front page:

Aged Stratford Woman Passes

Large Crowd Attends Funeral At Antioch Church

Mrs. Sallie Estep died at her home near Stratford last Tuesday, August 15. She was 83 years old, had been sick for about two months, but was confined to her bed only three days.

…The funeral was conducted from Antioch church Wednesday …(and) laid to rest in the nearby cemetery.

…She leaves a husband H. D. Estep, one brother Granville Billings, and five children….

Her obituary appears in the 9/7/1933 newspaper and includes the following family information:

In Loving Remembrance Of Sally Estep

Sally Estep, wife of Haywood Estep, was born September 30, 1848, and died August 15, 1933, making her stay on earth 84 years, 10 months, and 15 days. She was married to H. D. Estep January 18, 1866. To this union were born eight children, three of which preceded her in death. She leaves her husband H. D. Estep, one brother, Granville Billings, one sister, Mrs. John Irwin, and five children …. Aunt Sally as she was usually called had been in poor health for several years ….

Her death certificate says she was buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch and died of complications due to old age (Alleghany Bk 2, p413).⁶⁴

[(1900 Alleg, Prat Cr #5, p11A, #201)²¹²; (1910 Alleg, Prat Cr #15, p2B, #35)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Prat Cr, Dist 17, p2A, #34/34)²¹²]

Ref 244: (8/10/1933, p4), (8/17/1933, p4), (8/24/1933, p1), (9/7/1933, p1). [b^{3,48,64,113,212,244}, d^3,48,64,244]

2. Granville married Nancy J. Bledsoe on 7/20/1872,³ however, the marriage return was not found in Alleghany Co.⁶⁶ His obituary is found in the 5/9/1935 issue of The Alleghany Times: “Granville Billings, 80, passed away on Sunday night, May 5, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Halsey, near Stratford. Burial took place Tuesday at Antioch cemetery.”²⁴⁴ His Alleghany Co death certificate says he was 84, a farmer, died of Brights disease, and was buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch (Bk ?, p7).⁶⁴

Ref 244: (5/9/1935, p6).

[(1880 Alleg, Prat Creek #13, p3, #24)²¹²; (1900 Alleg, Prat Creek #5, p10A, #179)²¹²]

[b^3,113, d^3,64,244]

3. Matilda married John Allen Irwin on 9/7/1879 in Alleghany Co in Gap Civil “near Union church in the road”.⁶⁶ The marriage certificate says her parents were living in VA.⁶⁶ She died in Alleghany Co and was buried at Prathers Creek Bap Ch (Bk 12, p67).⁶⁴

[(1910 Alleg, Prat Crk #15, p1B, #17)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Prat Cr, Dist 17, p1A, #7/7)²¹²] [b^3,64,113, d^3,64]

4. Lucinda married William M. Hines on 1/24/1878,³ however, the marriage return was not found in Alleghany Co.⁶⁶ She is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸ [b^{3,48, 113}, d^3,48]

5. Alice was born in Grayson Co, VA, on 6/20/1867 to “W. and Mahala Billings” according to her birth record on p128.²⁹⁸ She married John (or, possibly Jahue⁶⁶) Blevins on 6/23/1888 in Alleghany Co at the home of the Justice of the Peace in Prathers Creek.⁶⁶ She was buried at Prathers Creek Bap Ch where her headstone reads “Alice J. Billings Blevins”.^3,48 [b^3,48,298, d^3,48]

6. Samuel married Laura Ellen Irwin on 6/16/1893 in Alleghany Co in Prathers Creek.⁶⁶ They were buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^3,48 [b^3,48, d^3,48]

On 2/14/1851, William Billings of Ashe Co bought 25 acres from Jesse Austin and Caleb Osborne for $20. The land was in Ashe Co, on Little River, adjoining his own land. The deed was entered in Alleghany Co on 12/26/1885. (Alleghany Co DB G/7, p112-3).⁶⁷ At the time of this deed, Alleghany Co had not yet been formed.

D-1-4 Jasper Billings, Jr. (6). William Billings was most likely³ the son of Jasper Billings, Jr. and Elizabeth Spurling. They had the following children.³

1. Nancy Billings 1824 -

2. Delilah Billings 10/ /1829 - 3/ 5/1920

3. *?William Billings 1830 - 1896

4. Wilburn Marion Billings 1832 - 12/ /1891

5. Mary (Polly) Billings 8/15/1834 - 2/19/1929

6. Eli H. Billings 7/ 6/1835 - 3/24/1926

Polly was born in Ashe Co, NC, while Eli was born in Grayson Co, VA.³

The 1830 Ashe Co census includes the family of Jasper Billings on p31: two males (under 5), one male (30-40), one female (under 5), two females (5-10), and one female (30-40).²¹²

They are listed in the 1850 Ashe Co census, p255, house #251: Jesper Billings (58, farmer, born VA), Elizabeth (58, born NC), Polly (18, school), and Eli (15). Their real estate was valued at $30.¹¹³ Jasper and Elizabeth could not read or write.²¹²

They are listed in the 1860 Alleghany Co, NC, census, Glade Creek Township, house #578/456: Jasper Billings (61, miller, born NC) and Elizabeth (65, born NC). He could not read and write. Their real estate and personal estate were each valued at $100.^3,113

They are listed in the 1870 Alleghany Co census, Glade Creek Township, house #27/27: Jasper Billings (70, farmer), Elizabeth (70), Rachel Phillips (24, domestic servant), and William Phillips (10). Their real estate was valued at $300. All were born in NC and could not read or write.¹¹³ I do not know who Rachel and William Phillips are.

1. Nancy married Levi Willey around 1840. She died before 1875 in Alleghany Co.³

[(1860 Alleg, p66, #541/424)²¹²; (1870 Alleg, Sparta, Gap Civ, #136)²¹²] [b³]

2. Delilah married Joseph Hudson.³ She died in Alleghany Co at the age of 95 and was buried “on farm”.⁶⁴ Her death certificate lists her parents as “Joseph Billings and ___ Spurlin”, both of whom were born in NC (Bk 1, p106).⁶⁴ Perhaps the informant made a mistake with her father’s name since he had died nearly 50 years earlier. [b³, d^3,64]

3. William married Mahala Wagoner.³ On 6/29/1904 Mahala applied for widow’s pension for his Civil War service. She was 74 and lived in Stratford. She says he enlisted in the Senior Reserves in 1863 or 1864, later referring to the unit as Co C, 5^th Batallion under Capt. Jesse Reeves. She says he joined the Home Guard “and aided in capturing deserters and protecting the property of the citizens of this and Wilkes County. He was wounded by falling on rock and putting hip out of place while in service.” It is unclear whether the request was approved. Two years later on 6/30/1906 she again applied for his pension. This request was approved.³⁶⁶ I have not yet found any record of his actual service, nor have I found a Jesse Reeves among the Senior Reserves.

He is probably buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch where the headstone reads “Will Billings, 1814-1896”.⁴⁸ Either that birth year is wrong, or that is not his headstone, or he is not a son of Jasper, Jr. I believe the headstone is wrong.

William and Mahala were certainly both living in 1878 and 1879 when their daughters were married.⁶⁶ However, it appears that William had died before 6/15/1893 when his youngest son applied for his marriage license. The father’s name is given as “Wm. Billings” and the word “living” is marked out and “ded” is written in. The mother “Mahalia” was still living.⁶⁶ [b^3,48, d^3,48]

4. Wilburn married Catherine Wolfe on 6/5/1849. In 1850 they lived in Ashe Co near his parents. He “ran into financial difficulties” and started selling his possessions and borrowing money. This could be why he left NC and moved to NE in the early 1870s. He left his wife and a daughter behind because they refused to go.³ They ended up getting divorced.³⁸⁴

On 9/22/1857, “Wilborn Billings” was declared “firmly bound” to Levi Willey in the amount of $250, to be paid with interest before 3/1/1859. If it was not paid, then he would grant the following property to Levi Willey: his 8 head of horses, 1 yoke of work steers, crop of corn, buckwheat and oats, 1 wagon, 1 cow and 3 calves, 9 head of hogs, 3 cast wheels, farming tools, and household and kitchen furniture. This is according to Ashe Co records (DB T, p231).⁶⁷

On 12/12/1864, he sold 125 acres for $750 (Alleghany DB A, p320).⁶⁷ After the Civil War, he moved to Grundy Co, IA, and married Elizabeth Moxley, a two-time widow who was also from Alleghany Co.³⁸⁴ On 8/15/1878, he and his wife “Betsy”of Gage Co, NE, sold 176 acres on Bledsoe Creek in Alleghany Co for $100 (Alleghany DB F/6, p456-7).⁶⁷

[(1860 Alleg, p71, #580/458)²¹²] [b^3,212, d³]

5. Polly first married Eli Cox on 5/2/1853. They moved to Washington, IN, after the Civil War, but Eli died in 1868 leaving her with three small children. “Polly moved in a covered wagon back to NC” and married Kirby Higgins on 10/11/1873. Kirby died seven years later and she moved to Filly, NE, to be with her brother Wilburn. In 1904, she moved to Agra, KS, to be with her children. She was buried in Fairview Cem in KS.³ [b³, d³]

6. Eli married Polly Ann Rector on 4/1/1860.³ He was a 2^nd Lt. for the Glade Creek District, 96^th NC Militia which was commissioned on 12/26/1861.⁶¹ He later voluntarily enlisted as a Private in Co I, 61^st NC Inf on 5/3/1862 in Alleghany Co at the age of 27.^61,320,367 At the December 1862 muster roll he is listed as absent because he is “sick at home”.³⁶⁷ In February 1863 he was AWOL in Alleghany Co since 12/7/1862.³⁶⁷ In June 1863 he was at the CSA hospital in Wilmington, suffering from dibility.³⁶⁷ He returned to duty on 6/25/1863. On 8/15/1863, due to his disability, he was granted a 30 day furlough from Wilmington with transportion provided.³⁶⁷ He is said to have been taken prisoner in 1864.⁶¹

They are buried in Adams Cem.³

[(1860 Alleg, p71, #577/455)²¹²; (1870 Grayson, VA, #565)¹³⁹] [b³, d³]

The following land records from Ashe Co, NC, refer to Jasper Billings.⁶⁷ I am assuming that they refer to Jasper Billings, Jr. but they may refer to Jasper Billings, Sr.

On 9/20/1823, the State of NC granted 100 acres to Jasper Billings at a price of $10 per 100 acres. This was proven on 11/30/1824. (DB V, p388)

On 7/16/1825, Jesper Billings bought 100 acres on the waters of Elk Creek from Zachariah Osborn. The witnesses were James Maxwell and Charles Billings. The deed was proven in August 1833. (DB V, p199)

Elizabeth Spurling was born about 1792 and died in 1871.³

D-1-5 Jasper Billings, Sr. (7). Jasper Billings, Jr. was the son of Jasper Billings, Sr. He and his wife had the following children.³

1. *Jasper Billings, Jr. 1792 - 1874

2. Charles Billings 1797 - 1881

3. Richard Billings 1800 - 3/ /1873

4. John Billings 1801 -

5. Lucy Billings 1805 - 1866

The 1784 Wilkes Co, NC, tax list includes Gasper Billings with one poll and 232 acres of land.¹⁵⁸ The same list in 1785 lists Jasper Billins still with one poll and 232 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1786 Wilkes Co tax list for Capt. S. Johnson's District includes Jasper B. Billing who was taxed for one poll and 232 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1787, Jasper Billings was in Capt. Carrel's District with one poll and no land.¹⁵⁸ In 1788 they were back in Capt. S. Johnson's District which lists Jasper Billing with no polls and 232 acres.¹⁵⁸ The 1789 list for the same district includes Jasper Billins with one poll and 232 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1787 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Jasper Billings in Capt. Carrell’s District with one male (21-60), one male (under 21, over 60), and two females.²⁷²

The family of Gasper Billins is listed in the 1790 Wilkes Co census in the Sixth Company with one male (over 16) and one female.^133,,212,273 The only other man in the region by that name is found in Moore Co, NC,^3,212 which is perhaps 200 miles to the east.

The 1792 and 1793 Wilkes Co tax lists for Hammon’s District includes Jasper Billings with one poll and 232 acres.¹⁵⁸ The 1796 lists for Hammon’s District lists him with 392 acres and one poll.¹⁵⁸ The 1797 tax list for McGrady’s District includes Gasper Billings with one poll and 390 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1799 Jasper Billings is listed in Hammon’s District with one poll and 200 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1800 Wilkes Co census lists the family of Jasper Billings with two males (under 10), one male (26-45), one female (under 10), and one female (16-26).²⁷⁴ Again, the only other man in the region by that name is found in Moore Co, NC.^3,212

The 1810 Wilkes Co census, p258, lists the family of Jasper Billings with three males (under 10), one male (over 45), two females (under 10), and one female (over 45).^3,212,275 There is also another family in Wilkes Co listed on p259 as “Jasper Billings Jr” with one male (over 45), one female (under 10), and one female (26-45).²¹² I believe the first listing is the correct one for this family. I do not know who the second family is, except that the Moore Co family is not found there in 1810.²¹²

The 1820 Wilkes Co census lists only one family by the name of Jasper Billings with three males (under 10), one male (10-16), one male (16-18), one male (16-26), one male (over 45), two females (under 10), one female (10-16), and one female (26-45).^212,276

The 1830 Wilkes Co census lists the family of Jasper Billings on p341 with one male (5‑10), one male (10-15), one male (20-30), one male (70-80), one female (5-10), one female (15‑20), and one female (50-60).²¹² If this is the correct family, then Jasper’s age is higher than it should be.

No family by the name of Jasper Billings is found in the area in 1840.²¹²

They are listed in the 1850 Ashe Co, NC, census, house #687/687: Jesper Billings (86, mechanic, born SC) and Elizabeth (50, born NC).¹¹³ Elizabeth may be his second wife.

The “other” Jasper Billings who was in Wilkes Co in 1810 is said to have been born on 4/3/1759 and died on 11/12/1835.¹³ He married Elizabeth Richardson on 6/14/1795.¹³ He owned land in the Reddies River area, as well as at his homeplace in Dockery. He built a grist mill on Roaring River in 1792 and was in Capt. Judd’s District in 1797. It is possible that some census information actually refers to him instead of my ancestor. Ref 13, p62,100.

1. Jasper, Jr. married Elizabeth Spurling. He “owned land and worked mines on his property.”³ [b³, d³]

2. Charles married Lydia around 1825. He lived in Ashe Co, NC, in 1844, and in 1850, Grayson Co, VA. He was living with his son Daniel Billings in 1880.³ [b³, d³]

3. Richard was born in NC and married Mary Moxley around 1828. They lived in Grayson Co, VA, where he was a miller. In 1847, he bought 75 acres of land located near the mouth of Brush Creek. Apparently silver and lead were discovered there, and a mining operation (The New River Mining Co) was undertaken. The Confederacy used the lead in its efforts during the Civil War³. He is “said to have died from smallpox and” to have been buried in Bethel Cem.³ [b³, d³]

4. John was born in Ashe Co and married Elizabeth Caudill around 1836.³ [b³]

5. Lucy married David Osborne around 1825.³ They lived in the Cranberry section of Alleghany Co. He, and probably she, is buried “on the Van Miller farm at Laurel Springs”.⁸ [b³, d³]

D-1-6 John Billings (8). Jasper Billings, Sr. was the son of John Billings.³

1. *Jasper Billings, Sr. 2/23/1766 - 11/19/1856

They probably lived near Charleston, SC, at some time.³

1. Jasper, Sr.’s second wife was probably Elizabeth. In his application for bounty land for Revolutionary War service he said that he was born at Deep Rivers, NC, but while still an infant moved with his father John to SC near Charleston “at a place called Wind Hill”. He said that he had entered service at Old Three Runs, SC, around 1782, possibly being stationed at Fort Sumter. He was shot in the leg at the Battle of Orangeburg and was transferred to the command of Gen. Francis Marion where Sgt. McDonald and Sgt. Jasper (Billings) were also stationed. He stated that Sgt. Jasper was his cousin. That may have been true, but his cousin was actually only a private.³

After the war he “set out for western NC to visit his Uncle Thomas Billings in Wilkes and in crossing the Catawba River, he lost his saddle bags, including his papers and discharge.” So around 1825 “he visited his family home in SC, where his mother still lived”, but was unable to find Col. Henry Hampton who discharged him. He said he was in the 6^th Reg and “described his uniform as a blue coat with 2 rows of pewter buttons in front, with figure 6 on them, trimmed with red on the chest.”

After 1810 he moved from Wilkes Co, NC, to Grayson Co, VA, and worked in an old furnace as a blacksmith. He died in Ashe Co being listed as a mechanic.³ [b³, d³] Ref 13, p11.

John Billings (8) may have been born in VA. A descendent once stated that his wife may have been Nancy Harriett Davis. He “first appears in the index to the Halifax Co, (VA) court records in 1753 when he is indicted by the Grand Jury for concealing one tithable, and he last appears in these records in 1769.” He was taken prisoner by the British or Tories and then died in prison. “On the Revolutionary War Rolls, 1775-1783, John Billings, Pvt 1st Regt, was in garrison at the siege of Charleston in 1780.” His last payment was on Feb 1, 1780. He probably had at least three brothers: Thomas Billings, William Billings, and Jasper Billings.³

It is possible that John Billings and his family lived in Wind Hilll, SC, just outside of Charleston until about 1780. When the British’s Cornwallis took Charleston, the family may have moved to a safer place ending up in Boiling Springs, SC, where a Billings family is known to have lived in later years.²⁹⁷

As for the possible brothers of John Billings:

Thomas was from Pittsylvania Co, VA, and came to NC with his son Jasper Billings (Jasper, Sr.’s cousin) around 1774.³

William was called Col. William Billings of VA by his son. His son also mentioned an Uncle Thomas Billings, who would have been William’s brother.³

Jasper married Elizabeth and died in Pittsylvania Co, VA, in 1763. To clarify, there have been at least four different Jasper Billings mentioned.³

WILLIAMS

D-2-1 John Mack Williams (4). Carrie Williams (D-1-1) was the daughter of John Mack Williams and Annie Lou Atwood (D-7-1). They had the following children.⁵³

1. child Williams 1888 -

2. Leona Williams 6/ 5/1890 - 7/23/1985

3. Wiley Hurschell Williams 8/20/1893 - 8/ 4/1931

4. child Williams 1896 -

5. Ada Williams 3/30/1899 - 10/23/1949

6. John Emanuel (Mando) Williams 5/31/1901 - 3/10/1924

7. Eura Williams 4/23/1902 - 7/12/1979

8. *Carrie Williams 9/17/1904 - 10/11/1986

9. child Williams 1906 -

10. child Williams 1908 -

11. Roscoe Eldridge Williams 1909 - 1977

They lived in the Stratford area of Alleghany Co, NC.⁵³ They are listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek #5, p11B, #215: John Williams (33, born Apr 1867, farmer), Louana (31, born Nov 1868, wife), Leona (9, born Jun 1890, daughter), Wiley H. (6, born July 1893, son), Virgie(?) D. (1, born Mar 1899, daughter). They had been married 12 years, having a total of 5 children, with 3 still living. Wiley was listed as having been born in VA. John’s father was born in England.²¹²

They are listed in the 1910 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil Township, District #12, Sparta Village, p16A, #163/168: John Williams (43, hired mason), Annie L. (40, wife), Leona (18, daughter), Willey H. (16, son), Adia (12, daughter), Amanuel (10, son), Uera (8, daughter), Carry (6, daughter), and Rosco (7 months, son). John and Annie Lou had been married 23 years. She was the mother of 11 children, with 7 still living. John’s father was listed as born in England. All of them could read and write.²¹²

They are listed in the 1920 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek, p3A, on “Copper Miners Rd”, #54/54: John M. Williams (52, farmer, father born in England), Annie L. (50, wife, father born in KY), Leona (27, dau, single), Wiley (26, son, married), Phebe (18, dau in law), Eura (16, dau, school), Carrie, (15, dau, school), and Rosco (10, son, school).²¹²

They are listed in the 1930 Alleghany Co census, household #95: John Williams (62), Annie (60, wife), Carry Brooks (25, dau, single), Odis Brooks (4y 2m, son), and Anna Brooks (6 months, dau).²¹²

1. A child had died before the 1900 census.²¹²

2. Leona married Iley McMeans on 8/15/1920 in Alleghany Co “in road near Fanny Warden’s” in Piney Creek.^53,66,244 She is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸

[b^48,212, d⁴⁸] Ref 244, 7/6/1933, p4.

3. Wiley was married to Phoebie Crouse on 12/31/1919 in Alleghany Co by his father at his home in Prathers Creek.^48,66 He served in WWI.^53,398 He died in Alleghany Co of complications from tuberculosis (Bk 8, p289).⁶⁴ They are buried at Woodruff Prim Bap Ch.^48,64 [b^{48,64,382,398}, d^48,64,382]

4. A child had died before the 1900 census.²¹²

5. Ada first married Frank Akers about 1920, possibly in Richmond, VA.²¹² She married second John King.⁵³ On 9/8/1938, The Alleghany Times wrote: “Stratford: Mrs. Ada Acers and children, Roy, Carrie, and John, of Richmond, VA, visited Mrs. Acers’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Williams, last week.”

Eleven years later, Ada and her daughter Carrie were shot and killed by her son-in-law.⁵³ She is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸

[(1930 Richmond, VA, Jefferson, Dist 89, p23A, #296/355)²¹²]

[b^48,212, d⁴⁸] Ref 244 (9/8/1938, p8).

6. Mando married Verna Ruth Baldwin on 9/3/1919 in Alleghany Co.^66,212 He is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸

[(1920 Alleg, Gap Civ 14, p3B, #41/43)²¹²] [b^48,64, d^48,64]

7. Eura married Posie O. Irwin on 4/4/1920 in Alleghany Co.⁶⁶ The marriage return should be rechecked for more information. She also married Eugene Carneal and a Thurston.⁵³ She is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸

8. Carrie first married Andrew Alexander (Andy) Brooks on 3/26/1923 in Alleghany Co in Sparta.^53,66,244 He was granted a divorce from her on 9/25/1934 in Alleghany Superior Court (Minute Docket Bk H, p346-7).^171,244 According to Andy’s complaint, they had been separated since February 1929.¹⁷¹

She married her second husband Elmer Billings in Alleghany Co on 10/30/1937 by the Justice of the Peace in Prathers Creek.⁶⁶ On 11/4/1937, The Alleghany Times says that “Mr. Elmore Billings and Mrs. Carrie Williams Brooks were married at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Williams, Stratford, on Saturday, October 30.”²⁴⁴ Two weeks later, the newspaper reported that “Miss Carrie Williams” had married “Earl Billings” at the home of the Justice of the Peace on October 30.²⁴⁴

She went to school at the Irwin Grocery School and enjoyed playing the banjo and guitar. In the 1940s she got a good job in Richmond, VA, with B&O Railroad. She lost her job when the company moved to Atlanta, GA, so she returned to Alleghany Co. In the 1980s she lived in Massillon, OH, with her daughter because of Alzheimer’s.⁵³ She is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸

On 12/14/1933, The Alleghany Times states “Misses Verna Billings and Mattie Hudson spent the weekend with Mrs. Carrie Brooks.²⁴⁴

[b⁴⁸, d⁴⁸] Ref 244: (12/14/1933, p1), (7/19/1934, p4), (9/27/1934, p1), (5/2/1935, p7), (11/4/1937, p5), (11/18/1937, p8).

9. A child was born after 1900 and died before 1910 according to the census.²¹²

10. A child was born after 1900 and died before 1910 according to the census.²¹²

11. Roscoe married Ruth Andrews on 10/14/1928 in Alleghany Co by his father in Cranberry Township.^53,66 His middle name is provided in the marriage index, but not on the marriage return.⁶⁶ He is buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.⁴⁸ [b⁴⁸, d⁴⁸]

On 1/15/1894, John M. Williams bought 3.5 acres on Elk Creek from D. C. Caudill and his wife for $35. The land was adjacent to Cloy Cox and Weaver Sturgill. (Alleghany DB L, p238‑9).⁶⁷

On 4/18/1896, John Williams bought 2.5 acres on the waters of Elk Creek from D. C. Caudill and his wife for $35. (Alleghany DB L, p234-5).⁶⁷

On 5/1/1897, John M. Williams bought 2 acres on Elk Creek from Cloy Cox and his wife for $25. The land was adjacent to Cloy Cox and Weaver Sturgill in Prathers Creek. (Alleghany DB L, p236-7).⁶⁷

On 8/18/1905, John Williams and his wife Lou sold 2.5 acres on the headwaters of Elk Creek to L. A. Petty for $35. (Alleghany DB S, p470-1).⁶⁷

On 9/9/1905, J. M. Williams and his wife L. A. sold 6 acres “along the road leading from Stratford” to Samuel Plummer for $150. The land was adjacent to E. M. Williams and D. C. Caudill. (Alleghany DB T, p148).⁶⁷

On 4/4/1916, J. M. Williams bought about 50 acres in Cherry Lane Township for $175.78. He was the highest bidder and paid the sheriff A. F. Reeves $27.05 for the transaction. The land was adjacent to that of Franklin Rash and Joseph Spicer. (Alleghany DB 30, p200).⁶⁷

On 4/21/1919, J. M. Williams and his wife Lou sold 40 acres to Walter Bennett and his wife Maggie for $400. The land was adjacent to J. F. Rash and John W. Sanders. (Alleghany DB 31, p125).⁶⁷ While the acreage is different, this appears to be the same land bought on 4/4/1916.

On 9/22/1927, Johnie Williams bought 13.5 acres from J. A. McCoin and his wife Ellen for $650. The fee was to be paid in installments through 9/22/1933, at which time a true deed would be written. (Alleghany DB 35, p510-1).⁶⁷

On 10/5/1931, J. M. Williams bought 13.5 acres adjacent to the land of E. C. Andrews from J. A. McCoin and his wife Ellen for $675, which included the cost of the land and interest over four years. (Alleghany DB 39, p470).⁶⁷

On 5/8/1935, John M. Williams and his wife Annie Lou sold about 6 acres to Carry (i.e. Carrie) Williams for $225. This land was adjacent to that of Jesse McCoin and Mrs. Emmitt Andrews. John signed with his mark. It was proven on 8/27/1935. (Alleghany DB 44, p121).⁶⁷ This land was located where Mahogany Knob Barn is now located, near the old Wolf Branch School.²⁶³

On 8/31/1937, John M. Williams bought 50 acres in the Prathers Creek area at auction for $2,000. The land was being sold to pay the debts of Emmett Evans. (Alleghany DB 43, p350).⁶⁷

On 9/26/1938, Carry (i.e. Carrie) Williams sold the 6 acres she had bought three years earlier back to her father John M. Williams for $225. (Alleghany DB 45, p276).⁶⁷

On 12/20/1938, J. M. Williams and his wife Loue granted access on their property for running electricity. This was the 50 acres which they had bought on 4/4/1916. (Alleghany DB 48, p83).⁶⁷

On 8/18/1941, J. M. Williams and his wife Lou sold 9.5 acres to Kellie (i.e. Kelly) Williams for $433.86. Also, the fallen wood on W. C. Woodruff’s land is available. The land was adjacent to Kellie Williams, E. M. Williams, and W. C. Woodruff. (Alleghany DB 50, p46).⁶⁷

On 7/6/1944, John M. Williams and his wife Annie Lou sold 13.5 acres to Roscoe Williams and his wife Ruth for $600. This land was adjacent to J. A. McCoin and Mrs. Emit Andrews. Carrie Williams was a witness. (Alleghany DB 52, p193).⁶⁷

On 4/15/1946, John M. Williams and his wife Lou Anna sold the 50 acres they had bought on 8/31/1937 to Roscoe Williams and his wife Ruth for $2,100. They reserved the right to use the land as their home as long as they live. (Alleghany DB 55, p248).⁶⁷

For a period of time beginning in 1933, a glimpse into the life of John Williams can be gleaned from the pages of The Alleghany Times newspaper.²⁴⁴ Frequently, his visitations and church activities were mentioned in the newspaper.

6/15/1933, p3: Stratford News: Elder John Williams is visiting relatives and friends in this vicinity.

7/6/1933, p4: Stratford News: Elder John Williams who is visiting his daughter, Mrs. Iley McMeans here, is very sick and does not improve.

7/13/1933, p3: Stratford News: Elder John Williams is slowly improving from a continued illness.

8/31/1933, p4: Church Notice: Elders J. M. Williams and Isom Fender ... will have service at the Toliver schoolhouse, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10; Monday, Sept. 11, Rock Creek; Peach Bottom, Tuesday, Sept. 12; Jordan, Wednesday, Sept. 13; Saddle Creek, Thursday, Sept. 14; Fox Creek, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15 and 16. ... Services each day at 12:00 o’clock.

9/28/1933, p3: Baptist Church News: Elder John Williams will preach at Elk Creek the second Saturday and Sunday in October.

10/19/1933, p2: Churches: Elder J. M. Williams and Isom Fender will not hold services at the Toliver schoolhouse the first Saturday and Sunday in November, on account of a baptismal service at Meadow Creek.

12/7/1933, p1: Churches: Elder J. M. Williams will preach at Elk Creek Saturday and Sunday Dec. 9 and 10.

6/14/1934, p4: Local Happenings: Elder J. M. Williams will deliver a sermon at Cranberry Church on the third Saturday in July and also on Sunday.

2/14/1935, p3: Dr. Thomas L. Estep, 56, died on Monday.... Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Antioch church by Elders C. B. Kilby and John Williams....

4/18/1935, p6: Deaths: Mrs. J. C. Sparks, 57, died at her home near Edwards Crossroads on Saturday morning, April 13…. Funeral services were conducted Sunday at Zion church by Elders J. M. Williams….

5/2/1935, p6: Obituary: Laura Andrews Rector (died) on April 24, 1935…. Interment was made at Zion church. Services were conducted by Elders ... John Williams....

5/16/1935, p1: Cranberry Church Building To Be Repaired Saturday: … J. M. Williams will deliver a sermon (on May 18).

7/4/1935, p6: Deaths: Fred Sturgill, about 56 years of age (died). Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at Piney Creek Methodist church by … and Rev. John Williams.

8/1/1935, p3: Stratford: Elder John Williams spent the week-end with his daughter Mrs. Leona McMeans.

8/15/1935, p1: Two Men Killed In Truck Mishap West Of Sparta: … Funeral services were conducted Sunday at Prathers Creek for Everett Irvin. Services were conducted by Revs. … Johnny Williams…. Funeral services were conducted for (Cap) Atwood Monday … by Elder Johnny Williams ....

8/22/1935, p5: Deaths: John A. Irwin, 78, died at his home at Prathers Creek on Thursday, August 15. Funeral services were held Saturday at Prathers Creek church and were in charge of Elders Shelby Atwood and Johnny Williams....

10/10/1935, p5: Stratford: ... Interment (of George Vaughn) was made in the family cemetery near the home of George Sturgill. Services were conducted by Elder Williams.

10/10/1935, p6: Elders S. U. Atwood and Johnny Williams will preach at Cranberry Church the third Saturday and Sunday in October.

10/10/1935, p6: Deaths: Hiram Estep, 80, prominent resident of Alleghany county, died at his home near Stratford Friday morning, October 4…. Funeral services were held Sunday morning at Antioch church by Elder Johnny Williams ….

10/17/1935, p6: Local Happenings: Among those from Sparta who attended the Primitive Baptist Roaring River Association meeting were: ... Elder Johnnie Williams....

1/9/1936, p1: Whitehead Farmer Found Dead Jan. 1 In Field Near Home: J. S. Wagoner, 65, … was found dead in a field…. Funeral services were conducted Friday at 12 o’clock at the Whitehead Union church by Elders C. B. Kilby and Johnny Williams.

1/9/1936, p5: Marriages: Miss Grace Hicks and Mr. Buren Evans, of the Stratford community, were married on Tuesday, December 24. Elder John Williams performed the ceremony.

1/9/1936, p6: Deaths: Rufus Richardson, 72, of Furches, died from paralysis on January 4, at his home…. Funeral services were conducted by Elders C. B. Kilby and Johnny Williams at Cranberry church on January 6.

3/19/1936, p4: Deaths: I. C. Reynolds (82) … died on Monday, March 9…. The funeral was conducted from Antioch church, of which the deceased was a member, on Wednesday, at 12 o’clock by Elders … Johnny Williams….

4/16/1936, p1: Tragic Death Occurs Friday At Whitehead: … Mrs. Eli Billings, 38, died from burns received when her clothes caught fire (from) the fireplace…. Funeral services were conducted Monday, April 13, at 10:00 o’clock at Union Church, Whitehead, by ... Rev. John Williams.

5/7/1936, p8: Local News: Elder John Williams will preach at Cranberry Church on May 16 and 17.

5/14/1936, p4: Whitehead: Funeral services (for Mrs. Victoria Anderson) were conducted by Elders Shade Caudill and J. M. Williams.

5/21/1936, p4: Deaths: Mrs. Abi Petty, 72, died near Independence Monday morning…. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 11:00 A.M. by Elders John Williams and Stevie Roberts at the family cemetery near the home of S. A. Irwin, Stratford.

6/25/1936, p5: Deaths: Cabell Maines, 21, … died of a ruptured appendix…. Funeral services were conducted by Elder Johnny Williams Tuesday afternoon.

10/1/1936, p5: Deaths: Solomon Reeves, 80, who lived near the New river bridge … passed away Sunday night…. Funeral services were conducted by Elders ... Johnny Williams....

11/26/1936, p5: Deaths: Lige Irwin, 81, died at his home in the Furches section…. Funeral services were conducted at Antioch Primitive Baptist church by Elders Charles Kilby and J. M. Williams.

1/14/1937, p5: Whitehead: William Cleary visited Elder John Williams, who has been ill, Sunday.

2/25/1937, p8: Deaths: Elder Shelby Atwood,69, died … Saturday…. Funeral services were conducted at Antioch church Monday by Elders John Williams....

6/3/1937, p8: Local News: The following people attended a birthday dinner Sunday at Thurmond, celebrating the eighty-ninth birthday anniversary of Isom Fender, formerly of this county, … and Elder John Williams.

6/10/1937, p8: Elder J. M. Williams will preach at Cranberry church on the third Saturday and Sunday in June.

6/24/1937, p5: Deaths: Carl Dean (Brooks), three year old … died …. Funeral services were held Friday by Elder John Williams and interment was in the Woodruff cemetery.

11/4/1937, p5: Stratford: Elder John Williams has purchased the Emmett Evans farm and moved his family there.

11/11/1937, p8: Deaths: Mrs. Rosa Crouse Cox, 76, … died…. Funeral services were held … at the Primitive Baptist church at Edwards Cross Roads by Elders Johnny Williams….

1/13/1938, p5: Whitehead: Elders J. M. Williams (and others) preached interesting sermons at Union church Saturday and Sunday.

1/13/1938, p5: Whitehead: Elder J. M. Williams spent Saturday night at William Cleary’s home.

4/7/1938, p5: Deaths: John Crouse, 71, died suddenly on Sunday, April 3…. Funeral services were (held on) April 5 … in Mount Carmel church, by Elder John Williams.

5/5/1938, p8: Preaching services will be held at Cranberry church on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22k, by Elders Caudill and Williams.

6/9/1938, p5: Marriages: Miss Nonnie Williams and Varden Saddler were married on February 12. Elder John Williams performed the ceremony.

10/6/1938, p5: Whitehead: Elder J. M. Williams spent Saturday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Edwards.

12/8/1938, p10: Whitehead: Elders John Williams and Shade Caudill preached very interesting sermons at Union Church Sunday.

2/9/1939, p8: Deaths: Allen Barton Steadham, 92, of Elk Creek, died…. Funeral services were held at Elk Creek Church on Tuesday, January 31, by Elders Johnny Williams….

3/16/1939, p7: Deaths: Isom Cheek, 79, passed away…. Funeral services were conducted in Zion Primitive Baptist Church Saturday by Elders … and Williams.

6/15/1939, p6: Deaths: Haywood Estep died on 6/8/1939 at the age of 96…. Funeral services were held at Antioch Church by Elders J. M. Williams, ….

8/3/1939, p5: Stratford: (There was) a surprise picnic lunch … near New Hope Church…. Elders Crouse and John Williams delivered short sermons durin the afternoon.

5/30/1940, p1: A surprise birthday dinner was set Sunday, May 19^th to honor Aunt Cynthia Crouse Cox, who was 82 … some 200 guests…. Before dinner Rev. John Williams (and others) gave interesting talks….

8/15/1940, p5: Marriages: Miss Louise Roupe to Donald Musgrove on August 7…. Rev. John Williams of Furches performed the ceremony. (The use of “Rev.” and “of Furches” makes me question as to whether this was someone else.)

9/12/1940, p5: Whitehead: Elders … and J. M. Williams preached interesting sermons at Union Church Saturday and Sunday.

9/19/1940, p6: Stratford: Elders John Williams (and others) went to the association at Troutdale, VA, last week-end.

10/31/1940, p3: Deaths: Mrs. T. A. Edwards, age 78, (died)…. Funeral services were held at Union Church in Whitehead, conducted by Elders … J. M. Williams ….

10/31/1940, p5: Stratford: Elders Williams, (and others) delivered interesting sermons at Antioch Sunday.

11/28/1940, p3: Stratford: Elder J. M. Williams has been very sick. He was visited Saturday night by his son, Roscoe Williams and family.

11/28/1940, p4: Furches: Elder and Mrs. J. M. Williams are confined to their beds with colds. Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Williams and family, of Cherry Lane, visited his parents Saturday night, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Williams.

11/28/1940, p6: Obituary: Sarah Jane Edwards died 10/24/1940 and funeral services were held at Union church Saturday, Oct. 26 (by) J. M. Williams.

12/12/1940, p1: Stratford: Elder and Mrs. J. M. Williams have been sick but are improving.

12/19/1940, p5: Stratford: Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Williams are again very ill.

3/13/1941, p1: Funeral services for Thomas W. Gambill were held on Sunday at Elk Creek church, conducted by … Elder John Williams (and others).

3/27/1941, p1: Deaths: Mrs. Mollie J. Reeves (died) March 22, age 85…. Funeral services were held Monday at Elk Creek church (by) Elder John Williams (and others).

3/27/1941, p2: Stratford: Elder Williams (and others) delivered good sermons at Antioch on Saturday and Sunday.

5/8/1941, p2: Whitehead: Preaching services were conducted at Union Saturday and Sunday by Elder John Williams (and others).

6/5/1941, p1: Near 700 friends helped celebrate the 80^th birthday of Elder Jefferson Davis Bass at his home in the Cap section of Carroll Co, VA, including Elder John Williams.

January 1944: Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Richardson and Mrs. S. Jane Sanders visited Elder and Mrs. J. M. Williams Sunday. Mrs. Williams is still confined to her bed.

D-2-2 Colon Williams (5). John Mack Williams was the son of Colon Williams and Martha Patsy Irwin (D-3-3). They had the following children.⁸

1. Caroline Williams 6/15/1850 - 8/23/1910

2. Sarah Williams 9/28/1854 – 11/18/1940

3. Elijah W. Williams 8/25/1859 - 3/25/1910

4. Emanuel M. Williams 2/12/1861 - 12/21/1945

5. Mary Ellen Williams 4/28/1865 - 7/ 2/1950

6. *John Mack Williams 4/10/1868 - 3/ 9/1952

They lived near Stratford on what is now Irwin Grocery Rd in Alleghany Co, NC, in a relatively large, two-story house.⁵³

They are listed in the 1860 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil, p3, #21/19: Colen Williams (45, laborer, born England), Martha (29), Caroline (10), Sarah (6), and Elijah (1). Their real estate and personal estate were each valued at $200.¹¹³ They are living just three houses down from Martha Patsy Irwin’s father Elijah Irwin, house #18/16. Houses #19/17, #20/18, and #22/20 were also occupied by children of Elijah Irwin.¹¹³

They are listed in the 1870 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek Township, house #68/68: Colen Williams (50, miner, born England), Patsey (40), Caroline (20), Sarah (17), Elijah (11), Emanuel (8), Mary E. (6), and John Mc (3). Patsy and Sarah could not read and write. Their real estate was valued at $212, while their personal estate was valued at $100.¹¹³

They are listed in the 1880 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek Township, house #20/20: Colon Williams (60, miner working in copper, born England), Patsy (53), Elijah (20), Emanuel (18), Mary (16), and John (13).¹¹³

They are listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek #5, p9B, #171: Patsy Williams (72, born Jan 1828, widow, 6 children all living), Mary E. (35, born Apr 1865, daughter, 2 ch, 2 living), Eddie (12, born July 1887, grandson), and Caroline (8, born Aug 1891, granddau).²¹²

1. Caroline was born in Alleghany Co and married Thomas Price on 10/11/1870 in Alleghany Co.^66,212 They are buried in the Williams Fam Cem.^8,48

[(1900 Alleg, Prat Cr, Dist 5, p12B, #233/233)²¹²] [b^48,212, d⁴⁸]

2. Sarah married Weaver E. Sturgill about 1873.^8,64,212 She died as a result of accidently falling into the fireplace while trying to light her pipe. She was sitting in a chair, holding her grandson, when she bent over toward the flame and slipped, falling into the fire.⁵³ Her Alleghany Co death certificate says she died of cerebral hemorrhage as a result of third degree burns to her head and face.⁶⁴ It says that she fell into an open fire following a stroke and that she was attended to for three days. It says she was buried in the “Sturgill Cemetery” which I believe is the same as the Williams Fam Cem (Bk 12, p252).⁶⁴

Her obituary appeared in the Alleghany Star-Times, stating that she died at the age of 87 at her son’s home. She left two brothers and a sister, all of Stratford.²⁴⁴

[(1900 Alleg, Pra Cr #5, p9B, #168)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Pra Cr #17, p1B, #21/21)²¹²] [b^64,212, d^64,244] Ref 244 (11/28/1940, p3).

3. Elijah first married Cordelia Johnson Squires on 9/10/1882 in Sparta, Alleghany Co.⁶⁶ He married his second wife Ennis Atwood on 8/21/1891 in Alleghany Co in Prathers Creek.^8,66 In 1900 she was living two houses from him with her mother and their two children.²¹² He was living with the three children from his first marriage.²¹²

He is buried in the Williams Fam Cem.⁴⁸

[(1900 Alleg, Pra Cr #5, p9B, #167 #169)²¹²] [b⁴⁸, d⁴⁸]

4. Emanuel married Sarah Ann Cheek Edwards on 12/28/1886 at Mt. Zion Church in Alleghany Co.^48,66,214 They lived on Prathers Creek Ch Rd at the bottom of a steep hill near a creek.⁵³ On 3/28/1940, the Alleghany Star-Times mentions “Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Williams” living in Stratford.²⁴⁴ On 1/23/1941, the paper says: “E. M. Williams is recovering from an attack of ‘flu’.”²⁴⁴ They are buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.^48,64

His obituary was printed in the Alleghany Times in January 1946:

“Williams Rites Held At Antioch

County man had been ill for more than two years; Rites are held.

Funeral services for E. M. Williams, 83, of Stratford, was held December 23 at Antioch Primitive Baptist church with Elds S. G. Caudill and Coy Walker in charge. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

‘Uncle Man’, as he was commonly known, died at his home at Stratford on December 21, after being confined to his bed for more than two years following a fall in which he suffered a broken hip. His condition became quite serious two days before his death.

Well-known throughout the county, as well as in his own community, Mr. Williams was a highly respected citizen. Hundred of friends and relatives had visited him during his long illness.

Surviving are two children, a daughter, Mae, and a son, Kelly Williams. His wife preceded him in death almost a year ago.”²⁴⁴

[(1900 Alleg, Prat Cr, Dist 5, p11A, #196/196)²¹²; (1910 Alleg, Prat Crk #15, p2B, #31)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Prat Cr, Dist 17, p2A, #28/28)²¹²]

[b^48,64, d^48,64] Ref 244 (3/28/1940, p5), (1/23/1941, p3).

5. Mary Ellen married James Monroe Estep on 2/19/1908 in Alleghany Co at her residence in Prathers Creek.^3,66,448 According to The Alleghany Times newspaper in 1936, “Several friends and neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Estep surprised them Sunday when they met at their home at Furches and fed them dinner. A large table was prepared on the lawn and was covered with good ‘eats’. All present seemed to enjoy the occasion”. A list of those attending is included in the short article.²⁴⁴ She died in Alleghany Co and was buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch (Bk 16, p310).^8,48,64

[(1920 Alleg, Prat Cr, Dist 17, p2B, #42/42)²¹²] [b^3,48,64,212, d^3,48,64]

Ref 3, p760; Ref 244 (4/23/1936, p8).

6. John married Annie Lou Atwood on 11/6/1887 in Alleghany Co at her father’s residence in Pine Fork.⁶⁶ He was a Primitive Baptist elder and preached at several area churches.^53,64,263 He was a member of the Mountain District Primitive Baptist Association at least as early as 1905 when the group met in Grayson Co.²⁹⁸ They are buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.^48,64 [b^48,53,64, d^48,64]

Colon Williams was born in Liverpool, England, on 3/11/1820.^8,48 According to one article, he “taught mining engineering at Oxford University in England”.⁸ However, in 2002 Dennis Brooks got in touch with the Archives Department at Oxford, and they can find no record of anyone by that name. Any student or teacher at the University between 1715 and 1886 should be mentioned in Joseph Foster’s Alumni Oxonienses, but Colon Williams is not.²⁶³

He is said to have been in Alleghany Co (then Ashe Co) before 1850.⁸ On 9/25/1858, Colon Williams (it appears to be “Coclan Williams”, but is hard to read) married Martha Erwin (i.e. Irwin) in Ashe Co.⁶⁶ Ref 3, p760, states that Mary Ellen Williams was the daughter of “Anton Cullen & Martha Williams”. I have not seen “Anton” used any where else, but perhaps “Anton Colon Williams” was his whole name. He died on 9/30/1897 and is buried in the Williams Fam Cem.^8,48

Colon is listed as a laborer, age 45 in the 1860 Alleghany Co census.¹¹³ On 7/13/1864, the 5^th NC Senior Reserves was organized at Flint Hill in Ashe Co.³⁶⁷ He is listed on at least one undated muster roll as a Private in Capt. Phipps’ Co as “Cullin Williams”, age 49 years, 3 months, 28 days which would make his birthday about 1815.³⁶⁷ He was desribed as 5’5” tall, dark complexion and hair, brown eyes, a farmer, and born in Ashe Co.³⁶⁷ Most of the companies in this unit served as prison guards at Salisbury, NC.⁶¹ However many of these soldiers, including Colon, were AWOL when a muster roll was taken on 2/28/1865.⁶¹

On 6/23/1905, his widow Patsy, age 76, of Laura PO applied for widow’s pension for his Civil War service. She stated that he enlisted in Co C of the 5^th Senior Reserves in 1864 under Capt. Elijah Phipps. Her request was approved.³⁶⁶

It appears that Colon Williams was from England and was 30 years old in 1850 when he was supposedly in Ashe Co. However, he has not been found in the 1850 Ashe Co census. (He may be listed, but I have not found him.) Perhaps he is listed in neighboring Grayson Co, VA.

Colon and Martha had two daughters who were born in 1850 and 1854, but they did not marry until 1858. However, I should recheck the Ashe Co marriage register to make sure I did not misread 1858 for 1850. Also, Martha Patsy Irwin was living at home, age 23, in 1850 – not living with Colon Williams. Eleven months after they were married in 1858, they had a son in 1859. The 1900 census states that Martha had six children with all of them still living.²¹²

On 6/21/1875, Colon Williams bought 5 ¼ acres on Elk Creek from Hiram Hill and his wife Cynthia for $27. (Alleghany DB W, p422).⁶⁷

On 10/30/1876, Colon Williams bought 35 acres on Elk Creek from Franklin W. Atwood for $200. It was proven on 12/19/1885. (Alleghany DB G, p179).⁶⁷

On 6/20/1894, Colon and Martha Williams sold 4 acres on the waters of Elk Creek to J. A. Irwin (i.e. John Allen Irwin, her nephew) for $41.79. Martha signed with her mark. This land was adjacent to the lands of W. M. Irwin and C. E. Caudill. (Alleghany DB R, p100).⁶⁷

On 3/5/1895, Collon and Martha Williams sold ¼ acre on the waters of Elk Creek to S. J. Irwin (i.e. Squire Jackson Irwin, her nephew) for $5. Martha signed with her mark. Also present were E. W. Williams (probably their son) and J. E. Irwin (Joseph Ephraim Irwin, Squire’s brother). This was proven on 5/15/1896. (Alleghany DB P, p515-6).⁶⁷

Deeds dated 1/1/1898 (Alleghany DB P, p517) and 6/23/1900 (Alleghany DB P, p487) mention land adjacent to Patsy Williams.⁶⁷ Her name is mentioned in the deeds because her husband Colon Williams had died by the end of 1897. Their names are listed several different ways in various records:

1860 census: “Colen and Martha Williams”.¹¹³

1870 census: “Colen and Patsey Williams”.¹¹³

daughter Caroline’s marriage certificate in 1870: “Colin Williams”⁶⁶

son Elijah’s marriage certificate in 1882: “Colon and Martha Williams”.⁶⁶

son Emanuel’s marriage certificate in 1886: “Colen and Marth Williams”.⁶⁶

son John’s marriage certificate in 1887: “Cola and Patsy Williams”.⁶⁶

son Elijah’s married certificate in 1891: “Colon and Patsey Williams”.⁶⁶

his own land record in 1894: “Colon and Martha Williams”.⁶⁷

his own land record in 1895: “Collon and Martha Williams”.⁶⁷

daughter Mary’s marriage certificate in 1908: “Colon and Patsy Williams”.⁶⁶

daughter Sarah’s death certificate in 1940: “Cullen Sturgill and Martha Irwin”.⁶⁴

son Emanuel’s death certificate in 1945: “Colon Williams and Patsy Irwin”.⁶⁴

son John’s death certificate in 1952: “Coley Williams and Patsy Irwin”.⁶⁴

To summarize, his name has been written as: Colon, Colen, Colin, Cola, Collon, Cullen, Coley, and even Coclan. Since Colon appears to be the most common, I have chosen to use that name. However, in searching for his origin, all of these names must be considered.

IRWIN

D-3-1 Squire Jackson Irwin (5). Laura Ellen Irwin (D-1-2) was the daughter of Squire Jackson Irwin and Caroline Andrews (D-4-1). They had the following children.^8,221,244 Ref 8 p271-2; Ref 221, p18.

1. Mack McCoy Irwin 11/ 9/1871 - 7/13/1940

2. *Laura Ellen Irwin 1/ 1/1875 - 6/11/1965

3. Rosa Irwin 1877 -

4. John Preston (Press) Irwin 8/13/1880 - 8/14/1972

5. Jennie Irwin 5/ 1/1882 - 5/23/1969

6. Candace Irwin 3/10/1886 - 2/11/1977

7. Alice Irwin 3/10/1888 - 6/ 6/1961

8. Ollie M. Irwin 3/ 1/1898 - 6/10/1918

9. Celia Irwin 1900 - 1903

They “lived near Antioch Church at Peach Bottom Mountain, in Alleghany Co, NC. They farmed, raised cattle and sheep.”⁸ Candace and Alice married brothers.⁸

They are listed in the 1880 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek Township, house #22/22: Squire Irvin (33, farmer, born VA), Caroline (25), Mc (8), Ellen (5), and Rosa (3).¹¹³

They are listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek #5, p9B, #173: Esquire J. Irwin (53, born Jun 1847, merchant dry goods), Caroline (48, wife, born Sep 1851), Mack (27, son, single, born Nov 1872), Laura E. (25, daughter, single, born Jan 1875), Preston (19, son, born Oct 1880), Jennie (17, daughter, born May 1883), Candace (15, daughter, born Mar 1885), Allice (13, daughter, born Mar 1887), and Ollie M. (2, daughter, born Jan 1898).²¹² The census also says that Caroline had 7 children all living, but it lists eight children with them. Also, Mack and Ellen had married and were living with their families in 1900.

They are listed in the 1910 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil #12, p7B, #59: Squire Irwin (62, farmer, born VA), Caroline (57, wife, 10 children, 7 living), and Ollie (12, daughter, father born VA). They had been married 40 years.²¹²

They are listed in the 1920 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil East, p10B, #170/174: (37, farmer), Lula R. (28, wife), Coy L. M. (10, son), Rosa M. (9, dau), Marth B. (8, dau), Minnie L. (6, dau), Joe D. (2y, 5m, son), and Caroline (66, mother, widow).²¹²

1. Mack married Mary E. Poe on 7/1/1899 in Alleghany Co in Prathers Creek.^8,66,221 They lived in Peach Bottom in Alleghany Co.⁸ He died in Alleghany Co of an “ulcer of (the) stomach” (Bk 12, p113).⁶⁴ He was survived by a brother and four sisters.²⁴⁴ They are buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^{8,48,64,221,244}

[(1910 Alleg, Gap Civil #12, p7B, #60/61)²¹²; (1920 Alleg, Gap Civil E, p10B, #170/174)²¹²] [b^{48,64,221,244}, d^48,64,221] Ref 244 (7/18/1940, p3).

2. Ellen first married Samuel Billings on 6/16/1893 in Alleghany Co in Prathers Creek.⁶⁶ She married her second husband Jesse McCoin on 9/13/1924 in Alleghany Co by the Justice of the Peace at Wolf Branch in Gap Civil.⁶⁶ On 6/12/1941, the Alleghany Star-Times mentioned “Mrs. Jessie McCoin”.²⁴⁴ She died of heart trouble in Alleghany Co.⁸ She is buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.⁴⁸

[b^8,48, d^8,221] Ref 244 (6/12/1941, p4).

3. Rosa died young.^8,221 [b^8,221, d^8,221]

4. Press married Olivia Wagoner on 5/22/1907 in Alleghany Co in the public road in Whitehead.^8,66,221 On 5/23/1940, the Alleghany Star-Times mentions “Mr. and Mrs. Press Irwin”.²⁴⁴ He died of a stroke in Alleghany Co.^8,221 They are buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^48,221

[(1910 Alleg, Gap Civil #12, p7B, #59/60)²¹²] [b^48,212,221, d^48,221] Ref 244 (5/23/1940, p6), (6/26/1941, p2).

5. Jennie married Everett Jones on 9/12/1902 in Alleghany Co in Gap Civil.^8,66,221 “Mrs. Jennie Jones” is mentioned in the Alleghany Star-Times on 4/11/1940.²⁴⁴ She died of a stroke.⁸ She is buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^48,221

[b^48,221, d^48,221] Ref 244 (4/11/1940, p8).

6. Candace married Isaac Lundy Nichols on 3/15/1908 in Alleghany Co at Wolf Branch school house in Gap Civil.^8,66,221 She died of a stroke,⁸ and they are buried in Sparta Cem.²²¹ Ref 8, p346. [b²²¹, d^8,221]

7. Alice married George Glenn Nichols on 1/31/1909 in Alleghany Co at the “house of Ellen Billings” in Gap Civil.^8,221 He was a well-known figure in the Sparta area and held many political offices.⁸ She died of cancer in Alleghany Co.^8,221 They are buried in the Sparta Cem.^8,221

She is mentioned several times in The Alleghany Times newspaper as having visited someone or someplace.²⁴⁴ On 10/10/1940, the newspaper mentions her winning an event at the Alleghany Fair. “The rolling pin throwing contest drew 23 entries, and was won by Mrs. Alice Nichols.”²⁴⁴

On 7/17/1941, the Alleghany Star-Times reported that “Mrs. Glenn Nichols is in the North Wilkesboro hospital with two broken ankle bones. They were broken when she slipped and fell on her way to milking.”²⁴⁴

[b^8,221, d^8,221] Ref 244: (3/2/1933, p3), (3/23/1933, p3), (4/27/1933, p3), 5/18/1933, p3), (6/1/1933, p3), (1/4/1934, p2), (4/9/1936, p8), (3/21/1940, p2), (5/30/1940, p1), (10/10/1940, p1), (10/17/1940, p5), (10/24/1940, p6), (2/27/1941, p3), (3/27/1941, p2), (7/17/1941, p3).

8. Ollie never married and died of Tuberculosis.⁸ She is buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^8,48,64 [b^48,64, d^48,64]

9. Celia is buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.⁴⁸ [b⁴⁸, d⁴⁸]

On 9/4/1883, William Irwin and his wife Nancy (Andrews) sold 102 acres on the head waters of Elk Creek to S. J. Irwin (his son) for $500. Nancy signed with her mark. It was witnessed by D. F. (i.e. David Franklin) Irwin and E. M. Williams. (Alleghany Co DB G, p41).⁶⁷

On 3/5/1895, S. J. Irwin bought ¼ acre on the waters of Elk Creek from Collon (i.e Colon) Williams and his wife Martha (Irwin) for $5. Also present were E. W. Williams and J. E. Irwin (Joseph Ephraim Irwin, Squire’s brother). This was proven on 5/15/1896. (Alleghany Co DB P, p515‑6).⁶⁷

On 6/23/1900, C. E. Caudill and his wife Candice sold 1 acre of land in Prather’s Creek Township to E. M. Williams, S. J. Irwin, S. C. Richardson, and C. Richardson. The land adjoined that of J. A. Irwin, S. J. Irwin, and Patsy (Irwin) Williams. (Alleghany Co DB P, p487).⁶⁷ J. A. Irwin is John Allen Irwin, Squire’s first cousin.

On 2/14/1902, John Irwin and his wife Aby (i.e. Abby Andrews) gave 110 acres, “all our land” to S. J. Irwin for “our life time maintenance”. John and Abby would have full possession of their land until they die. In return, their nephew Squire Jackson Irwin must furnish them with plenty to eat and wear, coffee, sugar meat, corn meal and flour, and furnish a decent burial. John and Abby signed with their marks. (Alleghany Co DB O, p549).⁶⁷ At this time, John Irwin was 86 years old.

On 1/1/1903, S. J. Irwin bought “3 little pieces of land” from William Irwin, Sr., adjacent to land of W. H. (i.e. William Hardin) Absher and J. E. Irwin, for $60. (Alleghany Co DB Q, p136).⁶⁷

D-3-2 William M. Irwin (6). Squire Jackson Irwin was the son of William M. Irwin and Nancy Andrews. They had the following children.^8,66

1. *Squire Jackson Irwin 6/ 1/1847 - 11/22/1917

2. David Franklin Irwin 1851 -

3. Mary Irwin 1854 -

4. Martha Ann Irwin 8/ 8/1862 - 5/ 9/1946

5. Joseph Ephraim Irwin 2/ 8/1865 - 7/ 1/1948

6. Alice Irwin 2/28/1868 - 12/19/1952

They were listed in the 1850 Ashe Co, NC, census, house #57/57: Wm. Erwin (28, farmer), Nancy (23), and Squier (3). Their real estate was valued at $500.¹¹³

They are listed in the 1860 Alleghany Co, NC, census, Gap Civil, p3, #20/18: Wm. Erwin (36, farmer), Nancy (35), Esquier (13), Franklin (8), and Mary (4). Their personal estate was valued at $200.^113,212

They are listed in the 1870 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek Township, house #84/84: William Erwin (50, farmer), Nancy (47), Esquire (22), Franklin (19), Martha (7), Joseph (4), and Allace (2). Their real estate was valued at $500, while their personal estate was valued at $350.¹¹³

They are listed in the 1880 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek Township, house #21/21: William Irvin (61, farmer), Nancy (56, born VA), Joseph (16), and Alice (12).¹¹³

This family is listed in the 1900 Alleghany Co census, Prathers Creek #5, p9B, #172: Hardin Absher (40, born Jun 1860, married 20 years, farmer), Martha (37, born Aug 1862, wife), Joseph (16, born Jun 1883, son), and William Irwin (80, born Jun 1819, widow, father‑in‑law).²¹²

1. Squire filed an application for Civil War pension on 7/5/1915 at the age of 68. He stated that he was recruited to join Co C, 5^th Bat. on 7/1/1864. The physician stated that his need for a pension was due to “general breakdown”.³⁶⁶ Other than this, no record of his actual service has been found. Interestingly, his father and two uncles joined the 5^th NC Senior Reserves in July 1864. However, Squire was only 17 at the time and is not found on any regiment rosters.

He married Caroline Andrews on 10/10/1871 in Alleghany Co.⁶⁶ He first lived just south of Sparta, but later moved to Prathers Creek near his father.^8,113 He was “a County Commissioner from 1906 until 1909” and “was deputy sheriff at one time in the Prathers Creek Township.”⁸ He ran a small grocery store in Peach Bottom which is called Irwin’s Grocery today. He died of Tuberculosis.⁶⁴ They are buried in the Irwin Fam Cem on the old homeplace.^8,48,64

On 7/5/1920, his widow Caroline, age 67, applied for and received widow’s pension for his service. On 11/16/1934 she renewed her pension and moved from Class B to Class A payment. She was described as “confined to her bed and almost blind” and “totally disabled to wait on herself”.³⁶⁶ [b^8,48,64, d^8,48,64]

2. Frank married Sarah Ann Absher on 10/26/1873 in Alleghany Co,^3,66,113 however, the marriage return was not found.⁶⁶ They were living near his father in the 1880 Alleghany Co census. He bought 95 acres in Alleghany Co on Elk Creek from his father for $100 on 10/22/1881.⁶⁷ Ref 3, p766.

3. Mary probably died before 1870 since she is not listed in the census of that year.¹¹³

4. Martha married William Hardin Absher on 10/23/1879 in Alleghany Co in Prathers Creek.⁶⁶ They purchased land near the Irwin Grocery School from her father, but later moved to Sparta.⁸ She “was an excellent cook, and was always glad to welcome traveling ministers and friends to share her home and food.”⁸ She entertained guests on Christmas day in 1933 according to The Alleghany Times.²⁴⁴ She died in Alleghany Co and was buried in the Irwin Fam Cem (Bk 14, p45).⁶⁴

Her obituary was given in The Alleghany Times in 1946, stating that she was 83 years old and had been ill for several months. The funeral was on 5/11/1946 at Antioch Prim Bap Ch, with burial at the Irwin Fam Cem. She was “the daughter of William and Nancy Irwin” and was known as “Aunt Martha”. She leaves her only son Joseph, a brother Joe, and a sister Alice Atwood.²⁴⁴

[(1900 Alleg, Pra Cr #5, p9B, #172)²¹²; (1910 Alleg, Pra Crk #15, p2A, #29)²¹²]

[b^8,64, d^8,64] Ref 244: (1/4/1934, p2), (9/19/1935, p5), (9/22/1938, p5).

5. Joe married Emma Reynolds on 11/27/1890 in Alleghany Co in Prathers Creek.⁶⁶ “J. E. Irwin” was selected for the jury of the Spring 1933 Superior Court from Prather’s Creek.²⁴⁴ He died in Alleghany Co of pneumonia (Bk 15, p57).⁶⁴ They are buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch.^48,64

They are mentioned many times in The Alleghany Times newspaper for being visited or for visiting someone.²⁴⁴ On 8/10/1933, it reads “Joe Irwin is getting along as well as usual, sometimes better, and sometimes worse.” On 1/11/1934, “Mr. Joe Irwin who has palagra is much worse for the last month.” On 4/22/1937, the newspaper stated “Joe Irwin, who has been ill for some time, does not improve.”²⁴⁴

On 2/8/1940, the newspaper celebrated his birthday with this note:²⁴⁴

Anniversaries: Today, just 75 years ago, the year which marked the close of the Civil War, was born our neighbor of Stratford,

Mr. J. E. Irwin

Greetings, Mr. Irwin, from the Alleghany Times, and Good Wishes from all your neighbors in Alleghany County. Your son W. C., of Twin Oaks, sends us news each week, and we hope the news from you will always be good news of your health and welfare.

On 2/29/1940, The Alleghany Times reported that “Joe Irvin fell from a wagon last week receiving an injury to one of his knees. Mr. Irvin, who has had pellagra for the last five years, has been in much better health this winter.”²⁴⁴

[b^48,64,244, d^48,64] Ref 244: (4/13/1933, p1), (6/1/1933, p4), (6/15/1933, p1), (8/10/1933, p4), (8/31/1933, p4), (11/9/1933, p3), (1/4/1934, p2), (1/11/1934, p2), (2/1/1934, p3), (6/21/1934, p2), (1/17/1935, p4), (1/31/1935, p3), (3/7/1935), (11/28/1935, p6), (3/19/1936, p4), (6/11/1936, p5), (10/22/1936, p4), (4/22/1937, p8), (9/22/1938, p5), (6/1/1939, p5), (7/6/1939, p6), (11/23/1939, p5), (12/7/1939, p5), (12/28/1939, p10), (1/11/1940, p3), (1/18/1940, p1), (2/8/1940, p1), (2/15/1940, p1), (2/29/1940, p6), (3/14/1940, p6), (4/4/1940, p3), (4/11/1940, p8), (5/23/1940, p6), (8/8/1940, p2,4), (6/5/1941, p2), (6/26/1941, p2), (7/10/1941, p1), (8/28/1941, p4).

[(1910 Alleg, Prat Crk #15, p2A, #28)²¹²]

6. Alice married Richard Thomas Atwood on 11/4/1888 at her father’s residence in Prathers Creek.^15,66 She died in Alleghany Co and was buried at Antioch Prim Bap Ch (Bk 17, p8).^48,64 On 8/27/1936, The Alleghany Times newspaper mentions that “Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Atwood, Stratford, spent Sunday night with relatives here (Sparta)”.²⁴⁴

Ref 244: (10/10/1935, p3), (8/27/1936, p4). [b⁶⁴, d⁶⁴]

Nancy Andrews was born about 1826 in NC or VA according to census information.¹¹³ She was living in Alleghany Co on 10/15/1879 when her daughter was married.⁶⁶ However, she was listed as dead on her son’s marriage certificate on 11/27/1890.⁶⁶

On 9/14/1854, William Irwin of Ashe Co bought 50 acres on the “waters of Elk Creek in NC, Ashe Co” from Eli C. Rives (i.e. Reeves) of Grayson Co, VA, for $1. The deed was proven on 3/14/1855. (Ashe Co DB R, p539).⁶⁷

On 10/22/1881, William Irwin and his wife Nancy sold 95 acres on Elk Creek to D. F. (i.e. David Franklin) Irwin (his son) for $100. Nancy signed with her mark. It was witnessed by Joseph E. Irwin and S. J. Irwin. (Alleghany Co DB G, p40).⁶⁷

On 9/4/1883, William Irwin and his wife Nancy sold 102 acres on the head waters of Elk Creek to S. J. Irwin (his son) for $500. Nancy signed with her mark. It was witnessed by D. F. (i.e. David Franklin) Irwin and E. M. Williams. (Alleghany Co DB G, p41).⁶⁷

On 1/1/1903, William Irwin, Sr. sold “3 little pieces of land” adjacent to land of W. H. (i.e. William Hardin) Absher and J. E. Irwin, to S. J. Irwin for $60. (Alleghany Co DB Q, p136).⁶⁷

D-3-3 Elijah Irwin (7). William M. Irwin and Martha Patsy Irwin (D-2-2) were children of Elijah Irwin and Elizabeth Goodman. They had the following children.^8,151 Ref 8, p272.

1. John Irwin 5/ 9/1815 - 1908

2. Thomas Squire Irwin 4/ 2/1818 – 5/ 6/1894

3. *William M. Irwin 8/ 2/1819 - 8/27/1906

4. Polly Irwin 1820 -

5. Elizabeth Irwin 1825 - 1904

6. *Martha Patsy Irwin 6/27/1828 - 8/22/1906

They lived in the Pine Swamp area of then Ashe Co, now Alleghany Co, NC.⁸ The family of Elijah Erwin is listed in the 1830 Ashe Co census, p30, as follows: three males (age 10-14), one male (30-39), one female (under 5), two females (5-9), one female (15-19), and one female (20‑29).^152,212

The family of Elijah Erwin is listed in the 1840 Ashe Co census as follows: one male (20‑29), one male (40-49), one female (10-14), one female (15-19), one female (20-29), and one female (40-49).¹⁵²

They were listed in the 1850 Ashe Co census, house #171/171: Elijah Erwin (58, farmer), Elizabeth (60), Polly (30), Tho. (27), Patcy (23), Armstead Loveless (26), Elizabeth Loveless (25), and Matthias Wyatte (10).¹¹³

They were listed in the 1860 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil Township, p3, house #18/16: Elijah Erwin (67, farmer), Polly (47), and Elizabeth (68). Their real estate was valued at $800 while their personal estate was valued at $400.^113,212

1. John married Abby Andrews about 1840 in Ashe Co.^8,151,222 They were living alone in 1840 in Ashe Co.¹⁵² They were listed in the 1850 Ashe Co census, house #43/43 as follows: John Erwin (35, farmer), Aby (37), and Elijah (7). Their real estate was valued at $300.¹¹³

He enlisted in Co F, 5^th NC Senior Reserves on 7/22/1864 in Statesville, NC.^61,367 His appearance was given as 5’8”, dark complexion and hair, and grey eyes. He said he was a farmer born in Alleghany Co.^61,367

On 2/14/1902, they signed an Alleghany Co deed that would give all of their land to their nephew Squire Jackson Irwin in return for him taking care of them until their death (DB O, p549).⁶⁷ They were buried in Wagoner Cem (Sparta).¹⁵¹

[(1860 Alleg, p48, #395/310)²¹²; (1870 Alleg)⁶¹] [b^61,151,212, d¹⁵¹]

2. Thomas married Sina Caudill on 10/7/1854.^8,151 In 1860, he was listed as 38 years old.²¹² He enlisted in Co B, 5^th NC Senior Reserves on 7/13/1864 in Flint Hill, Ashe Co, NC, giving his age as 47 years, 3 months, and 11 days.³⁶⁷ He was described as 5’10”, dark complexion and hair, brown eyes, and a farmer born in Alleghany Co.^61,367 He deserted on 1/29/1865.^61,367 On 3/26/1904 Sina, age 71, applied for widow’s pension for his Civil War service.³⁶⁶ She stated that he joined Co C of the 5^th Reg in 1863.³⁶⁶ She also gave his date of death.³⁶⁶ The request was approved.³⁶⁶ They are said to be buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.¹⁵¹

[(1860 Alleg, Gap Civ, p3, #19/17)²¹²; (1870 Alleg, Pra Cr, p10, #67)²¹²; (1910 Alleg, Pra Crk #15, p1A, #7)²¹²] [b^{8,14,61,113,151,212}, d³⁶⁶]

3. William married Nancy Andrews about 1841.^8,151 He enlisted in Co B, 5^th NC Senior Reserves on 7/13/1864 in Flint Hill in Ashe Co.^61,367 On an undated muster roll, he gave his age as 45 years, 6 months, and 6 days, which would make his birthday about 1819.³⁶⁷ He was described as 6 feet, dark complexion and hair, brown eyes, and born in Alleghany Co. He was AWOL when a muster roll was taken on 2/28/1865.^61,367

On 6/23/1905, at the age of 84, he applied for his Civil War pension stating that he joined Co C, 5^th Senior Reserves in 1864 under Capt. Elijah Phipps.³⁶⁶ The physician reported that William “has broken leg, senile(?) ulcers, and general dibility; is totally disabled to perform manual labor; not being able to wait on himself.”³⁶⁶ The request was approved.³⁶⁶

While Ref 8 says he was born on 8/2/1816, Ref 151 gives 8/8/1817 as his birthdate. The censuses and his service records suggest a birth year of 1819. He is said to be buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.¹⁵¹

[b^{8,113,151,212}, d¹⁵¹]

4. Polly never married.^8,151 She died after 1860 and is buried in the Williams Fam Cem.¹⁵¹ [b^113,151]

5. Elizabeth married Armstead Lovelace on 5/25/1850.^8,151,289 They are listed in house #22/20 in the 1860 Alleghany Co census, Gap Civil Township.¹¹³ He died in the Civil War.²⁸⁹ She is buried at Piney Creek Meth Ch.²⁸⁹

[(1860 Alleg, Gap Civ, p3, #22/20)²¹²] [b¹¹³, d²⁸⁹]

6. Patsy married Colon Williams on 9/25/1858 in Ashe Co.^8,66,151 They are buried in the William Fam Cem.^48,151 Depending on the source, she was born on either 6/22/1828,¹⁵¹ 6/27/1828,⁴⁸ or 6/28/1828.⁸ [b^8,48,113,151, d^48,151] Ref 8 p517.

Elizabeth Goodman was probably born in the 1790s and died in August 1870.⁸ Perhaps she is related to the Peter Goodman who is found in the 1787 Wilkes Co census in Capt. Nall’s District whose family includes one male (21-60) and two females.²⁷² Peter Goodman is in the Sixteenth Company in the 1790 Wilkes Co census with one male (over 16) and three females.²⁷³ He was listed with one poll and 100 acres in Bunyard's District in the 1790 Wilkes Co, NC, tax list.¹⁵⁸ In 1796, he is in Pendleton’s District with no polls and 80 acres.¹⁵⁸

D-3-4 Thomas Irwin (8). Elijah Irwin was the son of Thomas Irwin and Agness Jane Shepherd (D-16-1).²⁵⁷ They had the following children.^14,151,257

1. *Elijah Irwin 1792 - 1878

2. Thomas Perry Irwin 1795 -

3. Alley Irwin 3/ 6/1797 - 6/28/1879

4. Nancy Irwin 1798 - 2/24/1857

5. Andrew Irwin 1799 -

6. William Irwin 1800 -

7. Sally Irwin 1805 - 1831

8. Robert Irwin 1810 – 12/20/1872

9. Larkin Irwin 1812 - 1841

10. Franklin Irwin 1819 -

11. Polly Irwin 1820 -

12. Elizabeth Irwin 1821 -

13. Squire Irwin

While Ref 14 lists Squire as a child, Ref 151 does not. However, Ref 151 lists Elizabeth, but Ref 14 does not. In any case, all but two of the children moved to KY with their parents.¹⁴ Elijah and Alley stayed in NC.¹⁴

Thomas Erwin is first listed in the Wilkes Co tax lists in 1793 in McNeil’s District with one poll and 75 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1794, Thomas Eaving is listed in Hall’s District with one poll and 75 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1795, in the same district, Thomas Irwin is listed with one poll and 75 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1796 tax list includes him in McGrady’s District with one poll and 130 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1797 Thomas Ervin was in the same district with one poll and 200 acres.¹⁵⁸ In 1798 Thomas Irwin was in the same district with one poll and 185 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1800 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Thomas Erwin with two males (under 10), one male (26-45), two females (under 10), and one female (16-26).²⁷⁴

They lived in Wilkes Co, NC, on the North Fork of Reddies River.¹⁴ They joined Reddies River Bap Ch after 4/18/1801 by experience.¹⁵¹

The 1810 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Thomas Irwin with three males (under 10), one male (10-16), one male (16-26), one male (26-45), one female (under 10), two females (10-16), and one female (26-45).²⁷⁵

The 1820 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Thomas Irvin with two males (under 10), one male (10-16), one male (16-18), three males (16-26), one male (over 45), two females (under 10), two females (10-16), and one female (over 45).²⁷⁶

In 1829 Thomas and Agness “withdrew their membership from Reddies River Bap Ch and proceeded with the disposition of their real estate. The fascination of Kentucky had engulfed them and they followed their sons and neighbors to Kentucky, settling in the Fonthill area on Goose Creek in Russell County” where they died.¹⁴

The 1830 Bullit Co, KY, census includes the family of Thomas Irwin with one male (under 5), one male (10-15), one male (20-30), one male (70-80), two females (20-30), and one female (60-70).^151,212 This is the area just south of Louisville, KY.

According to tax records, Thomas Irwin and his son Robert arrived in Russell Co, KY, in 1838. Sons Andrew, Franklin, and Larkin arrived in 1840. Squire may have arrived as early as 1837.¹⁵¹

The 1850 Russell Co, KY, census lists them as follows: Thomas Irwin (80, farmer, born VA), Agness (75, born VA), and John D. Irwin (10, born KY).¹⁵¹ Their real estate was valued at $100.²¹²

1. Elijah married Elizabeth Goodman in 1811.^8,151,257 They are said to be buried in the Sturgill Cem.⁸ I believe this is the same as the Williams Fam Cem. [b^8,151,257, d^8,151,257] Ref 8, p272.

2. Thomas [b^151,257]

3. Alley married Larkin Shepherd on 11/8/1817.^14,151,257 They lived in Wilkes Co and were buried in Shepherd Cem.¹⁵¹

[(1860 Wi, Red. River, #892/895)¹¹³] [b^14,151,257, d^14,151,257]

4. Nancy married John Jennings on 2/17/1819.^151,257 She died in Rock Castle Co, KY, and was buried in Russell Co, KY.^151,257

[(1850 Russell, KY, Dist 1, #49)²¹²] [b^151,257, d^151,257]

5. Andrew married Lucy Wyatt on 8/19/1828 in Wilkes Co.^151,257 They were living in Russell Co, KY, in 1870.¹⁵¹

[(1840 Russell Co, KY)²¹²; (1850 Russell, KY, Dist 1, #75)²¹²] [b¹⁵¹]

6. William probably never married.¹⁵¹ The inventory of his estate in Wilkes Co was rendered by his brother Elijah in 1824.¹⁵¹ [b^151,257]

7. Sally married John Shepherd on 8/24/1824.^151,257 She probably died in 1831.¹⁵¹ [b^151,257, d^151,257]

8. Robert first married Sally Lutteral.^151,257 He is said to have married his second wife Elizabeth Vannoy on 6/14/1838.^151,257 However, the 1850 census lists wife Sally, age 36.²¹² He died in Russell Co, KY.^151,257

[(1850 Russell, KY, Dist 1, #74)²¹²] [b^151,257, d^151,257]

9. Larkin married Margaret Paul in 1832.^151,257 He probably died in 1841 in Russell Co, KY.¹⁵¹

[(1840 Russell Co, KY)²¹²] [b^151,257, d^151,257]

10. Franklin married Elizabeth Spencer about 1840.^151,212,257

[(1840 Russell Co, KY)²¹²; (1850 Russell, KY, Dist 1, #53)²¹²] [b^151,257]

11. Polly married Elijah Jennings on 6/14/1838.^151,257 An “Eli Ginnings” (age 40, born NC) and wife “Rachael” (age 31, born NC) are found in the 1850 Russell Co census, Dist 1, #95.²¹² Could this be them? [b^151,257]

12. Elizabeth may have married John Spencer in Russell Co, KY.^151,257 They later moved to Morgan Co, IL.¹⁵¹ [b^151,257]

13. Squire

D-3-5 Francis Irwin, Sr. (9). Thomas Irwin was the son of Francis Irwin, Sr. and Ann. They had the following children.^14,151

1. *Thomas Irwin 1770 - 11/25/1853

2. Francis Irwin, Jr. 1780 –

3. Mary Irwin

Francis was listed in both the 1784 and 1785 Wilkes Co, NC, tax lists with one poll and 75 acres of land under the names Francis Erwin and Francis Ervin, respectively.^14,158

The 1786 Wilkes Co tax list for Capt. Judd's District includes Francis Ervin with no polls and 95 acres of land, while the lists in 1787, 1788, and 1789 are identical except that he only had 75 acres.¹⁵⁸ The 1790 tax list includes Francis Erwin in Capt. McNeil's District with no polls and 75 acres.¹⁵⁸

The 1787 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Francis Ervin in Capt. Judd’s District with one male (21-60), two males (under 21, over 60), and two females.²⁷²

The 1790 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Frank Erwin in the Fourth Company with three males (over 16), one male (under 16), and three females.²⁷³

The 1800 Wilkes Co census includes the family of Anne Erwin with one male (16-26), one female (16-26), and one female (over 45).²⁷⁴ The only other two members of this family mentioned in this census are the families of Andrew Erwin and Thomas Erwin.²⁷⁴ Perhaps Andrew is another son.

“Records reveal that Francis lived out his life on Reddies River where he acquired considerable acreage.” “The Shepherd, Irwin, McNeil, Gordon, Cash, and perhaps other Reddies River families were neighbors in Spotsylvania Co, VA, prior to the mass exodus on the eve of the Revolutionary War.”¹⁴

Among those who were charter members of Reddies River Bap Ch in 1797 were Mary Irwin, Agnes Irwin, and Nancy Irwin. Mary may have been the daughter of Francis, Sr. Agnes may have been the wife of Thomas. Nancy may have been a form of Ann, the wife of Francis, Sr.¹⁵¹

1. Thomas married Agness Jane Shepherd about 1792.^14,151 He died in Russell Co, KY.¹⁵¹ [b^14,151, d^14,151]

2. Francis, Jr. married Ann Mullins on 7/10/1803 in Wilkes Co, NC.¹⁵¹ They appear to have moved to KY soon after their marriage, by 1808. Then, about 1835, they moved on to MO.²¹² This is interesting in that he was leaving KY within a few years of his brother arriving. In 1860 he was age 79, living with his son’s family.²¹² He was not listed with this son in 1870, likely indicating that he had died before that census.²¹²

[(1850 Pettis Co, MO, Dist 68, #134)²¹²; (1860 Pettis MO, Bowling Green, Ggtwn, p12, #75)²¹²] [b¹⁵¹]

3. Mary

Francis Irwin, Sr. was probably born about 1740 in VA. He died before the 1800 census in Wilkes Co, NC. He married his wife Ann about 1768. She died after 1802.¹⁵¹

Elijah Denny and Mary Irwin got property from Francis Irwin, Sr.’s estate after he died. Elijah Denny and Thomas Irwin were securities on the Administrative Board of Ann Irwin, widow of Francis Irwin, Sr. In 1802, Francis, Sr.’s property was sold, and the deed was signed by Thomas Irwin, Francis Irwin, and Ann Irwin.¹⁵¹

The family of Francis Irwin is said to have come from Spotsylvania Co, VA,^8,151 however there is a problem with this theory. The Francis Irwin who lived in that area of northern VA was still living in neighboring Culpeper Co in 1810 where he and his wife were both over age 45, living with a girl (age 10-16).²¹²

This Francis Irwin is found in Spotsylvania Co as early as 4/23/1763 where he witnessed a deed. He bought 268 acres there on 10/3/1766 (Spots DB G, p161).⁶⁷ On 11/1/1782 “Francis Irwin and his wife Ann” sold their 268 acres (Spots DB K, p128).⁶⁷ On 9/8/1801, he was one of the appraisers of an estate in Culpeper Co.

Perhaps most revealing is the will of William Irwin, “a native of England”, living in Spotsylvania Co in St. George’s Parish. Written on 2/5/1820, he states that he has “no blood relations that I know of in this country.” He appointed his neighbor Robert Swan his executor. Also, Robert Swan was to receive “all that may be coming to me from (the estate of) my brother Francis Irwin” (deceased), formerly of Culpeper Co. (Loose Spotsylvania Manuscripts: “E” through “L”).⁴¹⁵

Also worth noting is that this William Irwin was living alone (age over 45) in Culpeper Co in 1810 and his brother Francis is listed on the same page.²¹²

This suggests that the Francis Irwin who lived in Spotsylvania and Culpeper Co lived out his life there and did not move to Wilkes Co, NC. However, it certainly is a coincidence that they both had a wife named Ann.

Back in Wilkes Co, an inventory of the estate of William Erwin, deceased, was taken in July 1821. The administrators of the estate were Samuel Wales and Abijah Irwin (Wilkes WB 4, p6,16).⁷⁹

The noncupative will of Agness Irwin on 1/1/1824 mentions Belany Reed, Jean (Irwin) Lovelace, Archibald Lovelace, and sister-in-law Betsey Irwin (Wilkes WB 4, p77). An inventory of the estate of Agnis Irwin was taken in January 1826, and it mentions Elizabeth and Enoch Irwin (WB 4, p84).

From a variety of sources, it is believed that Robert Irwin (1760-1807) settled in nearby Rowan Co and had seven children, some of whom ended up in Wilkes Co: Enoch (1787), Abijah (1791), Sarah Catherine, Elizabeth, Isaac, Polly, and Elisha. While our Francis Irwin may be related to them, this other family must be considered when tracing his lineage.

ANDREWS

D-4-1 James Andrews, Sr. (6). Caroline Andrews (D-3-1) was the daughter of James Andrews, Sr. and Elizabeth Crouse (D-5-1). They had the following children.^8,221 Ref 221, p6.

1. Sally Andrews 1827 – 10/12/1914

2. John Andrews 1829 - 1899

3. Candis Andrews 1/ 1/1831 - 9/20/1911

4. Polly Andrews 1/25/1834 - 1/13/1913

5. Henry Andrews 1836 - 1851

6. Matilda Andrews 5/ 4/1839 - 2/11/1905

7. Abiah (Aby) Andrews 3/ 5/1841 - 5/28/1924

8. Burris Andrews 3/ 5/1843 - 12/17/1931

9. Martin Andrews 3/26/1848 - 1/10/1927

10. James Andrews, Jr. 1847 - 1853

11. *Caroline Andrews 1852 - 12/12/1934

They lived in Ashe Co, NC (now Alleghany Co), a few miles east of Chestnut Grove Ch on Little River.^8,222 “Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Betsy, as they were known, were devoted Primitive Baptists and attended the old Little River Prim Bap Ch as long as they were able.”⁸

The 1830 Ashe Co census includes the family of James Andrews, p30: one male (under 5), one male (20-30), one female (under 5), and one female (20-30).²¹²

The 1840 Ashe Co census includes the family of Jas. Anders, p29: one male (5-10), one male (10-15), one male (30-40), one female (under 5), two females (5-10), one female (10-15), and one female (20-30).²¹²

They are listed in the 1850 Ashe Co census, house #127/127: James Anders (49, farmer), Elizabeth (41, illiterate), Candis (19), Polly (17), Henry (15), Matilda (12), Aby (10), Burros (8), Martin (5), and James (3). The six oldest children had attended school within the year. His real estate was valued at $500.²¹²

They are listed in the 1860 Alleghany Co, NC, census, Gap Civil, p86, house #689/552: Jas. Anders (55, farmer), Elizabeth (52), Burrus (14), Martin (12), and Caroline (7). Their real estate was valued at $800, while their personal estate was worth $500.²¹²

They are listed in the 1870 Alleghany Co census, Glade Creek Township, house #109/109: James Anders (68, farmer), Elizabeth (61), Burris (22), Caroline (18), Matilda Gentry (15, mulatto, domestic servant), Sally Crowse (93). Elizabeth, Matilda, and Sally could not read and write. All were born in NC. Their real estate was valued at $800, while their personal estate was valued at $348.¹¹³ Sally Edwards Crouse is Elizabeth’s mother.

They are listed in the 1880 Alleghany Co census, Glade Creek Township, house #8/10: James Andrews (78, farmer) and Elizabeth who could not read and write.¹¹³

1. Sally married Meredith Cheek about 1844 in Ashe Co.^8,221,222 They are buried in Nichols Cem south of Sparta, NC.^8,221 [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

2. John married Catherine Blevins about 1848 in Grayson Co, VA, where they would also make their home.^8,221,222 They are buried in the Andrews Cem (Baywood).^8,221 [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

3. Candis married William H. Joines about 1854 in Ashe Co. They are buried at Zion Prim Bap Ch.^8,221,222 She died in Alleghany Co.²²² [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

4. Polly married John R. Cox on 11/27/1853 in Ashe Co.^8,221,222 They are buried near where they lived, in the John R. Cox Cem near Vox, NC.^8,221 [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

5. Henry is buried in the James Andrews Cem.^8,221 [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

6. Matilda married Commodore H. Collins on 12/24/1857 in Ashe Co.^8,221,222 They are buried at Crab Creek Prim Bap Ch.^8,221,222 [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

7. Aby married Enos Rector on 2/18/1858 in Ashe Co.^8,221,222 They are buried at Crab Creek Prim Bap Ch.⁸ [b^8,221,222, d^8,221,222]

8. Burris, listed as “Burras Anders”, enlisted in Co I, 61^st NC Inf on 5/3/1862 in Gap Civil, Alleghany Co.^61,320,367 On 12/17/1862 he was admitted to a hospital in Wilson, NC, and was therefore absent from the November/December muster roll.³⁶⁷ He was present at the following muster rolls in February and April.³⁶⁷ On 6/21/1863 he was again admitted to the hospital, this time in Wilmington.³⁶⁷ On 8/23/1863 he was admitted to a hospital in Mt. Pleasant, NC.³⁶⁷ On 10/12/1863 he was granted a 30 day furlough from the hospital, after which he was with his unit through at least 5/7/1864 when he was issued clothing.³⁶⁷ At some point he was wounded at Kinston, NC.³⁶⁷ On 6/16/1864 he was taken as a POW near Petersburg, VA.³⁶⁷ Three days later he was taken to Fort Monroe at Point Lookout, MD.³⁶⁷ On 7/25/1864 he was transferred to the POW camp in Elmira, NY.³⁶⁷ At Elmira, prisoners were forced to endure the very cold winter with little food or blankets.²²² Finally, at the conclusion of the war, he was released from Elmira on 6/2/1865 after taking an oath of allegiance.³⁶⁷

He married Lucy Jane Dougherty on 1/8/1875 in Alleghany Co.^8,221,222 He died in Mtn. Park, Surry Co, NC.²²² However, his death is recorded in Alleghany Co stating that he died of cancer (Bk 2, p413).⁶⁴ They are buried in the James Andrews Cem.^8,61,64,221

[(1910 Alleg, Gap Civil #12, p7A, #55)²¹²] [b^{61,64,221,222}, d^{61,64,221,222}]

9. Martin married Catherine Higgins at Edwards Cross Roads, Alleghany Co on 10/29/1867.^8,221,222 He delivered the mail by horseback.⁸ He died in Alleghany Co of “cancer of the stomach” (Bk 1, p241).⁶⁴ They are buried in the John Higgins Cem.^8,64,222 [b^64,221,222, d^64,221,222]

10. James, Jr is buried in the James Andrews Cem.⁸ [b^8,222, d^8,222]

11. Caroline married Squire Jackson Irwin on 10/10/1871 in Alleghany Co.^8,66,221,222 According to The Alleghany Times on 5/18/1933, “Mrs. Caroline Irwin fell last Sunday morning and received painful injury.”²⁴⁴ They are buried in the Irwin Fam Cem.^{8,48,64,221,222} Her obituary appears in the 12/20/1934 issue of The Alleghany Times:

Caroline Irwin

Mrs. Caroline Irwin, 84, widow of the late S. J. Irwin died at the home of her son Mack Irwin, Sparta, N.C., on Tuesday, December 11. She had been in declining health for some time but was apparently improved and seemed to be well on the way to recovery when she suffered a fatal heart attack.

The deceased had been a member of the Primitive Baptist church for a number of years.

Surviving are four daughters and two sons as follows: Mrs. J. A. McCoin, Jennie Jones, Mrs. I. L. Nichols, Mrs. G. Glenn Nichols, Mack Irwin, and Press Irwin, all of Sparta. Thirty-one grandchildren, twenty-three great grandchildren, and five great great granchildren also survive.

Funeral services were held at the home by Elder John Williams and interment was in the family cemetery.

Ref 244: (5/18/1933, p3), (3/22/1934, p4), (12/20/1934, p5). [b^64,221,222, d^{48,64,221,222,244}]

On 8/30/1855, James Andrefs bought 100 acres on Little River, beginning on the east side of Little River from Henry Woodruff for $400. The deed was proven on 4/6/1857. (Ashe Co DB T, p92).⁶⁷

On 9/1/1855, James Andres bought 51 acres on Little River from Henry Woodruff for $102. The deed was proven on 4/6/1857. (Ashe Co DB T, p93).⁶⁷

“James Anders” left a will in Alleghany Co dated 6/9/1890. He requested that his 51 acre farm on Little River be sold to the highest bidder with the proceeds evenly divided among his daughters. All of his personal property was to be sold with the proceeds evenly divided among his nine children. The executor was Commodore Collins, his son-in-law. No other names were given in the will. The will was probated on 10/30/1893. (Alleghany WB A, p147-8).⁷⁹

D-4-2 John Andrews, Sr. (7). James Andrews, Sr. was the son of John Andrews, Sr. and Mary Cheek.²²² They had the following children.²²²

1. *James Andrews, Sr. 7/10/1802 - 10/ 2/1893

2. John Andrews, Jr. 1805 -

3. Henry Andrews 1807 -

4. Sally Andrews 1810 - 1887

5. Martha (Patsy) Andrews 1813 - 1897

6. Abigail (Abby) Andrews 1815 - 1905

7. Margaret (Peggy) Andrews 1818 - 1908

8. Mary Ann Andrews 1820 - 1901

9. Berry Andrews 1822 - 5/18/1895

They lived in Orange Co, NC, before moving to what was then Ashe Co, but became northern Alleghany Co, NC, in 1859.^8,222

The 1840 Ashe Co census includes the family of John Anders, p29: one male (15-20), one male (60-70), one female (10-15), one female (20-30), and one female (50-60).²¹²

They are listed in the 1850 Grayson Co, VA, census in District 19, p140, house #951: Berry Andrews (27, farmer, born NC), John (80, born NC), and Mary (70, born NC).²¹²

Mary is listed alonein the 1860 Grayson Co census, living beside her son near Independence, p103, #789/749: Mary Andrews (78, born in NC).²¹²

1. James, Sr, or Jimmy, was born in Orange Co and died in Alleghany Co, NC. He married Elizabeth Crouse and they are buried in the James Andrews Cem near where they lived in Alleghany Co.^8,221

He walked to church on Sunday mornings as long as he was able, carrying the large, old family Bible which has since been lost. His grandson remembered him being about six feet tall with a slender build, walking with a long stride. His hair was sandy red like his youngest brother Berry. “All the family had blue eyes and a fair complexion.”²²² [b^8,222, d^8,222]

2. John, Jr. may have gone west to TN or OH.²²² [b²²²]

3. Henry may have gone west to TN or OH.²²² [b²²²]

4. Sally married Atlas Wagoner in 1829 in Ashe Co.²²² She died in Alleghany Co.²²² [b²²², d²²²]

5. Patsy married Charles Crouse in 1835 in Ashe Co.^221,222 She died in Alleghany Co.²²²

[(1850 Ashe, p246, #122)²¹²] [b^212,222, d²²²]

6. Abby married John Irwin about 1840 in Ashe Co.^8,151,222 They were buried in the Wagoner Cem (Sparta).²²² [b²²², d²²²]

7. Peggy married Jacob Wagoner in 1834 in Ashe Co.²²² She was buried in the Wagoner Cem (Sparta).²²² [b²²², d²²²]

8. Mary Ann maried Adam Wagoner about 1845 in Ashe Co.²²² She died in Grayson Co, VA, and is buried in the Adam Wagoner Cem.²²² [b²²², d²²²]

9. Berry married Catherine Poole in 1852 in Grayson Co.²²² He died in Grayson Co, and was buried on the Richard Adams farm, four miles southeast of Independence, VA.²²²

[(1860 Grayson, Independence, p103, #789/748)²¹²] [b²²², d²²²]

Mary Cheek was born about 1780 and died in 1863 in Grayson Co, VA.^212,222 She was buried with her husband in the Adam Wagoner Cem.²²²

D-4-3 William Andrews, Sr. (8). John Andrews was the son of William Andrews, Sr. and Mary Lloyd. They had the following children.^73,222

1. Mark Andrews 1768 -

2. *John Andrews 1770 - 1854

3. Laborn Andrews 1773 - 1841

4. Elizabeth Andrews 1776 - 1816

5. Henry Andrews 1778 - 1849

6. Patsy Andrews 1780 -

7. Starling Andrews 1782 -

8. Jenny Andrews 1784 -

9. William Andrews, Jr. 1786 - 1873

10. Sally Andrews 1788 -

11. Archibald Andrews 1795 - 1891

William Andrews, Sr. was one of the earliest settlers in Orange Co, NC. He owned a significant amount of land from south of the “Great Road” (the old Raleigh to Greensboro Stage Coach route) to the upper limits of Morgan Creek near Orange Grove, east from the homeplace and cemetery, and probably to the “Kirkland land on the east and north for a considerable distance”. This land is near Hillsborough.⁷³

The 1800 Orange Co census includes the family of William Andrews in Hillsborough with two males (under 10), three males (10-16), four males (16-26), one male (over 45), one female (under 10), one female (16-26), and one female (over 45).²¹²

The 1810 Orange Co census includes the family of Wm. Andrews in Hillsborough with two males (16-26), one male (over 45), one female (10-16), one female (26-45), and one female (over 45).²¹²

The 1820 Orange Co census includes the family of Wm. Andrews on p352 with one male (over 45), one female (26-45), and one female (over 45).²¹²

1. Mark married Elizabeth Bailey on 9/26/1796 in Orange Co.²²² He held two slaves in 1820.²¹² He was an Elder in the Baptist Church.²²² He is buried in the William Andrews Graveyard.⁷³

He may be the Mark Andrews who in 1822, sold a slave for $250 to Mr. McDaniel.⁷³ He may have purchased land in Wilkes Co, NC, in 1823, before selling it in 1829.²²² If so, perhaps he decided to return to Orange Co.

[(1810 Orange)²¹²; (1820 Orange, p300)²¹²] [b²²²]

2. John married Mary Cheek on 11/20/1801 in Orange Co.^73,222 He died in Grayson Co, VA.²²² They were buried in the Adam Wagoner Cem.²²² [b²²², d²²²]

3. Laborn married Rebecca King in 1798 in Orange Co.²²² He is listed as having one slave in 1800 and three slaves in 1820.²¹²

[(1800 Orange, Hillsborough)²¹²; (1810 Orange)²¹²; (1820 Orange, p298)²¹²; (1840 Orange, S Div)²¹²] [b²²², d⁷³]

4. Elizabeth married David Edwards, Jr. on 8/28/1792 in Orange Co.^8,222 They moved to Alleghany Co, NC, before 6/22/1793 when their first child was born in Grayson Co, VA.⁸ She is buried below Zion Prim Bap Ch on Highway 18.^8,222 Ref 8, p178. [b^8,222, d^8,222]

5. Henry married Candice Caruthers about 1806 in Orange Co.²²² He died in Orange Co.²²²

[(1810 Orange, Hillsborough)²¹²; (1820 Orange, p314)²¹²; (1840 Orange, S Div)²¹²] [b²²², d²²²]

6. Patsy married Robert Cheek on 11/27/1798 in Orange Co.²²² She is buried in the William Andrews Graveyard.⁷³ [b²²²]

7. Starling is buried in the William Andrews Graveyard in Orange Co according to one source.⁷³ Hovever, he may be the Starlin Andrews who was married to Catherine Cheek,⁸ living in Ashe Co, NC, in the 1830s.²²² He may have moved south into GA.²²²

(?1810 Orange)²¹²] [b²²²]

8. Jenny married Richard Cheek on 3/7/1805 in Orange Co.²²² She is buried in the William Andrews Graveyard.⁷³ [b²²²]

9. William, Jr. married Aby Cheek on 8/29/1810 in Orange Co.^66,222 Soon after, they moved west into Ashe Co, NC, living on Little River, five miles east of Sparta.²²²

[(1860 Alleg, Glade Creek, #583/460)²¹²] [b²²², d²²²]

10. Sally married a Cate about 1810 in Orange Co.^73,222 Three of her children are mentioned in her father’s will.²²² [b²²²]

11. Archibald married Polly Reeves in 1816 in Orange Co.^73,222 They are buried near their home in the Archibald Andrews Graveyard.⁷³ Two years before he died, at near 100 years old, he rode a mule to go vote.²²²

[(1820 Orange, p314)²¹²; (1830 Orange, p288)²¹²; (1840 Orange, S Div)²¹²; (1850 Orange, Dist 1, p171, #267)²¹²; (1860 Orange, S Dist, Rk Spg, p59, #454/416)²¹²; (1880 Orange, Bingham 199, p31, #284/286)²¹²] [b^212,222]

Mary Lloyd may be the daughter of Maj. Gen. Thomas Lloyd who owned a lot of land south of William Andrews.^73,222 She was born about 1743 in Orange Co.^73,222 She died in 1818.²²²

Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect, is a descendant of this Lloyd family. Dr. Troy Monroe Andrews (1893-1983), a great-grandson of Archibald Andrews, was a good friend of Frank Lloyd Wright and had him design an elaborate house known as Bolin-Brook Farm which is located near Chapel Hill, NC.²²²

William Andrews left a will in Orange Co dated 2/15/1820. Son Starling received all his land west of the Haw Branch. Son Archibald received all the land east of the Haw Branch. Son Laborn received 5 shillings. The children of daughter Elizabeth Edwards received 5 shillings. Son Mark and son John each received 5 shillings. Grandchildren Milly Cate, William Cate, and Polly Cate each received 5 shillings. Daughter Polly Cheek, son Henry, daughter Jenny Cheek, and son William each received 5 shillings. Son Archibald also received all his personal property. Sons Laborn and Mark were executors.²²²

D-4-4 Henry Andrews, Sr. (9). William Andrews, Sr. was the son of Henry Andrews, Sr. and Mary. They had the following children.⁷³

1. Thomas Andrews

2. Henry Andrews, Jr.

3. *William Andrews, Sr. 1750 - 1821

4. Anne Andrews

5. Rebecca Andrews

6. Catherine Andrews

They probably lived in Halifax Co, NC.

1. Thomas

2. Henry, Jr.

3. William, Sr. was born in Halifax Co, NC.⁷³ He married Mary Lloyd about 1766.^73,222 Legend says that he was a big man and liked to fight or wrestle.⁷³ He “was not bested by many if any. Seems as if some men from VA had heard of William and his ability to fight so they visited to take him on but William put them down and sent them home.”⁷³ From another source, “he was appointed High Sheriff of Orange Co, NC, in 1777 and served until 1788. He was a patriot and did secret service work for General Washington’s army. William was said to be a tall, handsome man and was considered to be one of the strongest men in Orange Co.”²²²

There was a William Andrews who was a constable in Orange Co. On 6/30/1809, he presented a slave to Mary Lloyd who was the highest bidder at an auction.

His will was recorded in Hillsborough.⁷³ He and his wife are buried in the William Andrews Graveyard.⁷³ A metal plaque was placed near Hillsborough to mark the location of the now-destroyed cemetery.²²²

4. Anne

5. Rebecca

6. Catherine

Henry Andrews, Sr. left a will in Halifax Co, NC, dated 4/9/1762. It lists his wife Mary and his six children who appear to be under age. There is also a Halifax Co will left by William Andrews, dated 10/10/1761. Both of these wills were witnessed by Jessie Andrews, so they are probably related. It is believed that the earliest of these Andrews in America was Thomas Andrews who came from England about 1692. This is mostly based on stories passed down from one generation to the next.⁷³

From a different source, Henry Andrews, Sr. married Mary in 1735, and they had 6 children born between 1736 and 1750 including a son William born in 1745. Henry was born in 1712, the oldest of nine children of William Andrews and his wife Catherine. This elder William Andrews was born in 1690, married Catherine in 1711 in Halifax, NC, and died in 1762 in Orange Co, NC. According to tradition, these Andrews sailed from Ulster, Ireland about 1650 and landed in what is now Hopewell, VA, on the James River.²²²