Euphemia Alifair CHAMBERS

Other Events:

• _UID: 5A26A23830B84E2AA7BB00A63DA39ADB17BB

Notes:

Check marriage date. 1910 census indicated they had been married for 40 years, putting their marriage date in 1870. DOM possibly 1867.

Alafair (Allie) was a large woman. She had a goiter on her neck. She nursed Oscar Elswick. Her husband, Tom Christian, had a cabinet shop and made caskets of wood. Allie lined the caskets and then attached handmade lace. They lived in Harman, near Bandy, VA.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Allefair Chambers
Age: 6 months
Birth Year: abt 1850
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 54, Russell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of her grandmother, Nancy Chambers with her mother Emeline]
Household Members:
Nancy Chambers 38
Lydia Chambers 21
Emeline Chambers 19
Joannah Chambers 15
Hugh Chambers 12
John Chambers 10
Sarah Jane Chambers 9
Davis Chambers 8 months [son of Lydia]
Allefair Chambers 6 months

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Euphemia Chambers
Age in 1860: 11
Birth Year: abt 1849
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Post Office: Cedar Bluff
Household Members:
Emiline J Chamber 28
Euphemia Chamber 11
Elbert W Chamber 7
James B Chamber 1
Chapman Elsick 23 [he later married Emeline]

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Eufema A Christian
Age in 1870: 19
Birth Year: abt 1851
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas C. Christian]
Post Office: Knob

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Euphemia Christian
Age: 25
Birth Year: abt 1855
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Allie Christian [Euphemia A Christian]
Age: 49
Birth Date: Dec 1850
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thos C Christian
Marriage Year: 1869
Years Married: 31
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother: number of living children: 9
Mother: How many children: 11

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Alafair Christian
Age in 1910: 58
Birth Year: 1852
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas C Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Alafair Christian
Age: 69
Birth Year: abt 1851
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas C Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes

Died:
Virginia, Deaths, 1912-2014. Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia

Name: Allie Fair Christian
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age at Death: 72
Birth Date: 29 Dec 1850
Death Date: 8 Jan 1923
Death Place: Tazewell, Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 10 Jan 1923
Father: Chapman Elswick [stepfather]
Mother: Emeline Chambers
Spouse: Thomas Christian
Certificate Number: 1923003056

Euphemia married Thomas Christian CHRISTIAN 20 Mar 1867, Tazewell Co VA. Thomas (son of Thomas Scaggs CHRISTIAN and Anna Elizabeth ALTIZER) was born 18 Oct 1845, Tazewell Co VA; died 21 May 1920, Bandy, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Christian Cemetery, Cedar Bluff, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Thos C Christian
Groom's Birth Date: 1846
Groom's Birthplace: Tazewell County, Va
Groom's Age: 21
Bride's Name: Euphemie A Chambers
Bride's Birth Date: 1850
Bride's Birthplace: Russell County, Va
Bride's Age: 17
Marriage Date: 20 Mar 1867
Marriage Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Groom's Father's Name: Thos S Christian
Groom's Mother's Name: A
Bride's Mother's Name: Emaline Z Chambers
Groom's Marital Status: Single
Bride's Marital Status: Single
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: Page 24Line49

1. Lillie Belle CHRISTIAN was born 21 Feb 1869, Harman, Tazewell Co, VA; died 30 Sep 1943, Baptist Valley, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Whitaker Cemetery, Cedar Bluff, VA.
2. Mary Euphemie CHRISTIAN was born 13 Mar 1871, Tazewell Co VA; died 24 Mar 1952, Bandy, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Christian Cemetery, Bandy, Tazewell Co. VA.
3. Sarah Emaline CHRISTIAN was born 09 Nov 1874, Tazewell Co. VA; died 30 Jan 1915, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Christian Cemetery, Harman, Tazewell Co. VA.
4. Eva Martilla CHRISTIAN was born 12 Jun 1877, Tazewell Co VA; died 22 May 1926, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Harman, Tazewell Co. VA.
5. George Walter CHRISTIAN was born 03 Mar 1880, Tazewell Co VA; died 28 Jan 1943, Tazewell Co. VA.
6. Nancy America (Mexie) CHRISTIAN was born Sep 1882, Tazewell Co VA.
7. Oceana (Osie) CHRISTIAN was born Sep 1888, Tazewell Co VA; died Bef 1909.
8. Oklahoma (Oakley) CHRISTIAN was born 07 Jun 1891, Tazewell Co VA; died 16 Apr 1964, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Richlands, Tazewell Co. VA.
9. Tillie/Tilla CHRISTIAN
10. Thomas Delbert CHRISTIAN was born 11 Sep 1889, Tazewell Co. VA; died 19 Apr 1960, Washington, DC; was buried , Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton, Mercer Co. WV.

Other Events:

• _UID: 39FEB522E5614E62BB57485DB3DA159CF951

Notes:

Several sources have come forward with information that the Emeline's first three children was a Gillespie from Pounding Mill or the community of Gillespie" between Pounding Mill (about two miles to the west) and Cliffield in Tazewell Co. Va.

It seems that Emeline was living in Liberty and the gap or short cut over the mountain leads over to Laurel Gap from the Pounding Mill area and then to Liberty. This would have been been less than three miles by horseback.

A granddaughter of Emeline remarked to her grandson as they were traveling through Pounding Mill that Emeline's first children was fathered by a Gillespie, but did not know his first name. Emeline and this man reportedly traveled to see each other.

Why didn't she marry the father of these 3 children? He possibly was married, unwilling to marry her, or he died before they could marry.

Further research is needed, and the key will be maps of the census districts for Tazwell Co. to see exactly which male Gillespies on the 1850 Tazewell Co. Maiden Spring District were living near Laurel Gap in Pounding Mill or the community of Gillespie.

Thomas married Emeline S. CHAMBERS. Emeline (daughter of Thomas CHAMBERS and Nancy CHRISTIAN) was born 18 Jan 1830, Russell Co. VA; died 2 Mar 1898, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: FFF7D11A2F354377B35F20FA34DF4D6CF7B7

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1840 Census, Russell Co. VA Thomas had two males under 5 [John and Hugh], one male 5-10 [Reese], one female under 5 [Joanna], one female 5-10 [Emeline], and one female 10-15 [Lydia].

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Emeline Chambers
Age: 19
Birth Year: abt 1831
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 54, Russell, Virginia
Gender: Female
able to read and write, is living in household number 1250 with her mother Nancy Chambers, along with Emeline's daughter, Allifair, age 6 months.

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Emiline J Chamber [Emiline J Chambers]
Age in 1860: 28
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Post Office: Cedar Bluff
Household Members:
Emiline J Chambers 28
Euphemia Chambers 11
Elbert W Chambers 7
James B Chambers 1
Chapman Elsick 23 [farm laborer]

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Emeline Elswick
Age in 1870: 38
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Knob
Household Members:
Chapman Elswick 38
Emeline Elswick 38
Elbert W Elswick 16
Thomas D Elswick 14
James B Elswick 11
Buenavista Elswick 8
Dellie B Elswick 5
Nancy L Elswick 2

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Emaline Elswick
Age: 48
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Chapman Elswick
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Chapman Elswick 43
Emaline Elswick 48
Bunevista Elswick 18
Nancy L. Elswick 13
Lafayette Elswick 10
Mary Elswick 6

MARRIAGE RECORD

"Tazewell County (VA) Marriages", Register #3, Year 1863, transcribed by Pauline Haga.

Chapman S. Elswick, age 26 yr, 7 mon, 19 days, born in Tazewell Co, VA, son of William and Lucinda Elswick, married on 10 Sep 1863 Emeline S. Chambers, age 21, born in Russell Co, VA, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Chambers. Married by Patton J. Lockhart.

STORIES

It was said she was a "red-headed,full-blooded Irish woman," according to contemporary accounts. While her husband, Chapman Elswick, was fighting in the Shenandoah Valley, his family was facing uncertainty and hardships.

Emeline and another lady by the name of Polly Griffiths, wife of Martin Griffiths (29th VA Infantry CSA) dug coal to fill ox carts, and during the summer months, leaving their children behind, drove the carts pulled by oxen and they came down from the ridge [Pleasant Hill, Reynolds Ridge] between Big Creek and Middle Creek from Stinson Ridge to Cedar Bluff, then up to Frog Level, then across the mountain and down the valley to Saltville, Va. (which would have been 40-50 mile), where they traded the coal for salt.

On the way back they would stop and trade the salt for staples and supplies they needed on the farm. They would trade salt for food and vegetables with neighbors who would be able to tend their farms.

It was a long, arduous trip and demonstrated the fortitude and perseverance of women and what they had to do to survive.

Notes:

John McClintock, Jr., a descendant of Emeline and Chapman Elswick, told me the family stories were a Thomas Gillespie was the father of Emeline's children. Thomas would travel over the mountain to visit "Red headed Emmie" at Liberty.

Until the death certificate of Thomas D. Chambers there was no proof of this. Thomas' death certificate is the only one of his three siblings born out of wedlock that give the name of Thomas Gillespie as the father. Alifair Chambers Christian's death certificate gave Chapman Elswick as her father, Elbert Wade Chambers had no names for his parents. For Alifair's descendants, her real father's name was not known, but evidently for the children of Emmeline and Chapman Elswick, the name was known but not talked about outside the family.

When Emeline married Chapman Elswick, she put her marital status as divorced. More than likely, Thomas Gillespie was a married man and was not free to marry Emeline.

Which Thomas Gillespie could be the father? One researcher has William Thomas Gillespie who was in his 60's during the time Emeline's children were conceived. I think a younger man is more likely since he was traveling over the mountain to Liberty on horseback. Here are the candidates from the Tazewell 1850 Census for Thomas or Thos:

Thomas Harrison Gillespie Nov. 19, 1812-Oct. 14, 1891, husband of Mary Ann Radar. In 1850 Thomas was 38 years old.

Thomas Simpson Gillespie 13 Dec 1807-1857,1862 or 1866, husband of Mariah Peery. In 1850 he was 43 years old. Thomas moved to Genry Co. MO in 1854, but later returned and died in Tazewell Co. This Thomas is a possibility based on the ages of Emeline's children. Alifair and Elbert Wade are three years apart, but there is about a 3 year difference between Elbert Wade born in 1853 and Thomas Douglas born about 1856. So it's possible Thomas Douglas was conceived when Thomas Gillespie returned from Missouri. Why did he return to Tazewell leaving his wife and children in Missouri?

Until DNA tests are done, this is all speculation as to which Thomas Gillespie is the father of Emeline's first three children.

Other Events:

• _UID: 9F738053F8B2406992D90607550D1C46741A

Notes:

1830 Census, Russell Co. VA Thomas had one male age 20 thru 29 [himself], one female under age 5 [Lydia] one females age 15 thru 19 [Nancy] and one male slave under the age of 10.

1840 Census, Russell Co. VA Thomas had two males under 5 [John and Hugh], one male 5-10 [Reese], one female under 5 [Joanna], one female 5-10 [Emeline], and one female 10-15 [Lydia].

DOD given as 1849 in Russell Co. VA

Tazewell County Marriages
Feb. 27, 1855
CHAMBERS, REES (21) Single. Born in Tazewell Co. Farmer. Son of Thomas & Nancy Christian

Thomas married Nancy CHRISTIAN Abt 1827. Nancy was born Abt 1811, Tazewell Co. VA; died Aft 1880, Buchanan Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: B2B2D7B8AEE64E918B3C1BCFF541BF6D7902

Notes:

1830 Census, Russell Co. VA Thomas had one male age 20 thru 29 [himself], one female under age 5 [Lydia] one females age 15 thru 19 [Nancy his wife] and one male slave under the age of 10.

1840 Census Russell Co. VA, Thomas had two males under 5 [John and Hugh], one male 5-10 [Reese], one female under 5 [Joanna], one female 5-10 [Emeline], and one female 10-15 [Lydia].

1850 Census Russell Co. page 310A, Family #1250. Listed as Nancy Chambers, age 38, born in Tazewell Co, VA, head of household.

1860 Census Tazewell Co. VA, Cedar Bluff, page 837 has the following info:

Chambers, Nancy, age 60, district: Cedar Bluff, page 837. Nancy was living with Joanna, John, Douglas Chambers, age 3 [John's son Douglas Rees Chambers], and Caladina Chambers [Clarissa Shortridge, John's wife], age 15.

1870 Census Buchanan Co. VA, Garden District, Nancy Chambers, age 55, unable to read and write, is living next door to her son John Chambers. Living with her is her daughter, Joannah, age 33, occupation weaver, and her son William F. Chambers, age 5.

1880 Census, Buchanan Co. VA, Garden District, Nancy Chambers, age 73, mother is living in the household of John Chambers. She is unable to read or write.

Nancy died in Buchanan Co. was with son, John. This info came from Lori (ddoerr@houston.rr.com)

Birth:
1850 Census, Russell Co. VA, District 54, household 1250, information indicates she was born in Tazewell Co.

Died:
1880 Census, Buchanan Co. VA, Garden District, Nancy, age 73, was living with her son John Chambers.