Virginia WHITAKER

Other Events:

• _UID: 7ADAF36DCF4848409E07823ADDEC797B7109

Notes:

Lived in New Symyrna Beach, FL

CENSUS RECORDS

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Virginia A Whiteaker
Age in 1910: 5
Birth Year: abt 1905
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Hiram Whiteaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Name: Bell Whiteaker
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Virginia A Whitaker
Age: 14
Birth Year: abt 1906
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Hiram Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Name: Lilly B Whitaker
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes

Died:
Florida, Death Index, 1877-1998
Name: Virginia A Trivett
Event Type: Death
Event Date: 08 May 1988
Event Place: Volusia, Florida, United States
Gender: Unknown [female]
Age: 83
Date of Birth: 17 April 1905
Race: White
Certificate Number: 58901; Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Jacksonville

Virginia married William Leonard TRIVETT. William was born 05 Nov 1893, West Jefferson, NC; died 08 Jul 1979, Edgewater, Volusia Co. FL; was buried 11 Jul 1979, Daytona Memorial Park, Daytona Beach, Volusia Co. FL. [Group Sheet]

1. Katherine TRIVETT
2. Raymond TRIVETT died 6 Aug 1928.

Other Events:

• _UID: 5CD08DB7BC8E4DA2B032E8939EFD76C6DDDD

Notes:

He kept bees. Sold honey. Buried his money in jars around the yard. Nancy Whitaker Tate would go with him when he would go get his jar of money.

He would sit on front porch with a fan and visit with folks that came up the road. He kept a gallon jar of his "medicine" of rock candy and whiskey. He would take a sip when for medicinal purposes.

He would bake potatoes in the fireplace ashes and pop popcorn in the fireplace. This was a real treat for the grandchildren.

At Christmas, Nancy Whitaker Tate, his granddaughter, would wake up around 4 AM and go up to house. It was a game to see who was going to wake up first. He was always up when NWT got there. His nickname for her was "Shikepoke."

She spent most of her time with them as a child that she had her own bedroom with a feather mattress.

He would ride his horse and Nancy Whitaker Tate would ride double with him, hanging on the back. She was sent to get the horse, because it would run away if someone else rather than NWT came to get him. He was a brown sorrel horse named Doc. Scared of cars, and he would run away. Nancy Whitaker Tate would ride with no saddle or bridle. If a car came, he would stop and not run if she was on him. Nancy Whitaker Tate was a not yet in school. She would take him to a fence, and he would stand still until she would climb the fence and get on him, Then off the would go. He was used for riding to the mill and the store.

He met his first wife on Whitaker Ridge

CENSUS RECORDS

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Hiram Whitaker
Age in 1860: 7
Birth Year: abt 1853
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male in household of James and Nancy Whitaker
Post Office: Baptist Valley
He had attended school within the census year.
Household Members:
Jas Whitaker 45
Nancy Whitaker 47
Helon Whitaker 21
James Whitaker 16
John Whitaker 14
Jeremiah Whitaker 12
Alexander Whitaker 9
Hiram Whitaker 7
Jane Whitaker 5
Snead Whitaker 4
Nancy Whitaker 1

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Hiram Whitaker
Age: 26
Birth Year: abt 1854 [1852]
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Jane Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
Hiram Whitaker 26
Jane Whitaker 25
Nora L. Whitaker 5
Doc Whitaker 3
William R. Whitaker 2
William J. Whitaker 37 [his brother]
Doctor S. Whitaker 22 [his brother]

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Hiram Whitaker
Age: 47
Birth Date: Aug 1852
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Lillie B Whitaker
Marriage Year: 1890
Years Married: 10
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's name: Nancy Whitaker
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Hiram Whitaker 47
Lillie B Whitaker 32
Nora L Whitaker 24
Wm R Whitaker 21
Mollie B Whitaker 19
Mattie Whitaker 17
Newton H Whitaker 10
Otis H Whitaker 6
Laura L Whitaker 2
Nancy D Whitaker 4 months
Nancy Whitaker 75 [Nancy Petts Whitaker] his mother

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Hiram Whiteaker [Whitaker]
Age in 1910: 57
Birth Year: 1853
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Bell Whiteaker [Whitaker]
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Hiram Whiteaker 57
Bell Whiteaker 42
Newton H Whiteaker 19
Otis H Whiteaker 16
Laura G Whiteaker 12
Nannie U F Whiteaker 10
Virginia A Whiteaker 5
Annie L Whiteaker 3

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Hiram Whitaker
Age: 67
Birth Year: abt 1853
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Lilly B Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Home Owned: Own
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Hiram Whitaker 67
Lilly B Whitaker 51
Virginia A Whitaker 14
Annie L Whitaker 12

NEWSPAPERS

Clinch Valley News, 6 Apr 1888, Real Estate Transfers
"Hiram Whittaker to Jno. H. Williams, trustee, 40 acres."

Clinch Valley News July 4, 1902
BANDY
Mr. High WHITTAKER had about 250 large apple trees blown down yesterday in the storm.

APPOINTMENTS

Appointments of U. S. Postmasters, 1832-1971
Name: Hiram Whitaker
Post Office Location: Dock, Tazewell, Virginia
Appointment Date: 7 Jul 1904
Volume #: 80
Volume Year Range: 1891-1930


Birth:
Harman was the post office for Whitaker Ridge.

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=117037364

Tombstone has his DOB as 27 Aug, 1852 and DOD as 14 Aug 1928. His epitaph reads "There are no partings in heaven."

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

Name: Hiram Whitaker
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age at Death: 75
Birth Date: abt 1853
Death Date: 13 Aug 1928
Death Place: Tazewell, Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 14 May 1929
Father: James Whitaker
Mother: Nancy Peter [Petts]
Spouse: Lilly B Whitaker
Certificate Number: 1928030170

Hiram married Lillie Belle CHRISTIAN 29 Aug 1889, Tazewell Co VA. Lillie (daughter of Thomas Christian CHRISTIAN and Euphemia Alifair CHAMBERS) 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. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Occupation: Homemaker
• _UID: 3953EFF7AA1A40BF9E9C22488BAB02FA0BEA

Notes:

Tombstone has her DOB as 21 Feb. 1868 and DOD as 29 Sept 1943.

She made all of her own rugs. Had a room with her loom in it. She knew a lot about herbs for medicine, and Nancy Whitaker Tate would go with her as a child to gather various types of plants. NWT would help her water her plants and bug her beans.

In 1934 her house was burned in an act of arson while she was visiting her daughter, Laura Gaynell in PA. She lost everything, including family photos. Her grand daughter Rosie Whitaker Shepherd and husband Elmer lived with her. Elmer was mad at his wife, and while Rosie was out, he got drunk and set the house on fire. He was convicted on arson and sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Newton Whitaker, her son, built her a small house in front of the one that burned.


CENSUS RECORDS

1870 United States Federal Census about Lillie B Christian
Name: Lillie B Christian
Age in 1870: 5
Birth Year: abt 1865
[Abt 1868]
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas and Euphemia Christian]
Post Office: Knob

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Lilly Christian
Age: 11
Birth Year: abt 1869
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Thomas Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Name: Euphemia Christian
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: At Home

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Lillie B Whitaker
Age: 32
Birth Date: Feb 1868
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: Hiram Whitaker
Marriage Year: 1890
Years Married: 10
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother: number of living children: 4
Mother: How many children: 5
Household Members:
Hiram Whitaker 47
Lillie B Whitaker 32
Nora L Whitaker 24 [step-daughter]
Wm R Whitaker 21 [step-son]
Mollie B Whitaker 19 [step-daughter]
Mattie Whitaker 17 [step-daughter]
Newton H Whitaker 10
Otis H Whitaker 6
Laura L Whitaker 2
Nancy D Whitaker 4 months
Nancy Whitaker 75 [mother-in-law]

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Lillie Belle Whiteaker
[Bell Whiteaker]
Age in 1910: 42
Birth Year: abt 1868
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: Hiram Whiteaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Hiram Whiteaker 57
Lillie Belle Whiteaker 42
Newton H Whiteaker 19
Otis H Whiteaker 16
Laura G Whiteaker 12
Nannie U F Whiteaker 10
Virginia A Whiteaker 5
Annie L Whiteaker 3

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Lilly B Whitaker
Age: 51
Birth Year: abt 1869
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: Hiram Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Hiram Whitaker 67
Lilly B Whitaker 51
Virginia A Whitaker 14
Annie L Whitaker 12

1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Lillie B Whittaker
Gender: Female
Birth Year: abt 1868
Birthplace: Virginia
Race: White
Home in 1930: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Marital Status: Widowed
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Lillie B Whittaker 62
Lucele Williamson 23 [Lucille, her daughter]
Harvy C Williamson 29 [son-in-law]
Lillie Kate Williamson 6 [granddaughter]
Bernard N Williamson 4 [grandson]

1940 United States Federal Census
Name: Lilly Whittaker
Respondent: Yes
Age: 72
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1868
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: Virginia
Marital Status: Widowed
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
House Number: 93
Farm: No
Inferred Residence in 1935: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Residence in 1935: Same House
Owned home, worth $200
Education: 0 [no formal schooling]
Income in 1939: None
Household Members:
Lilly Whittaker 72

Buried:
Grave location and tombstone photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GScid=2225540&GRid=119724696&

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

Name: Lillie Bell Whitker [Whittaker]
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age at Death: 75
Birth Date: 21 Feb 1868
Death Date: 30 Sep 1943
Death Place: Cedar Bluff, Tazewell, Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 5 Nov 1943
Father: Thomas Christon [Christian]
Mother: Alice Chambers
Spouse: Hiram Whitker [Whittaker]
Certificate Number: 1943023000

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Hiram Whitaker
Groom's Birth Date: 1852
Groom's Birthplace: Tazewell County, Va
Groom's Age: 37
Bride's Name: Lelly B. Christian [Lilly]
Bride's Birth Date: 1868
Bride's Birthplace: Tazewell County, Va
Bride's Age: 21
Marriage Date: 29 May 1889
Marriage Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Groom's Father's Name: James
Groom's Mother's Name: Nancy
Bride's Father's Name: Thos. C
Bride's Mother's Name: Alafore [Allyfair]
Groom's Race: White
Groom's Marital Status: Widowed
Groom's Previous Wife's Name:
Bride's Race: White
Bride's Marital Status: Single
Bride's Previous Husband's Name:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: Page 87 Line128

Other Events:

• _UID: FA120F381C8E4B7A93B74E79FCD9E53DCA46

Notes:

From Smythe County, moved to Tazewell Co. VA in 1850. Bought 246 acres at Belshee Ridge between Indian Creek and Beech Fork from Thomas and Anna Christian.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Jame Whitaker [James Whitaker]
Age: 30
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Proprery valued: $2000
Family Number: 1151
Household Members:
Jame Whitaker 30
Nancy Whitaker 33
Helen Whitaker 11
Jame Whitaker 6
Jno Whitaker 4
Gerry Whitaker 3
Alex Whitaker 0

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Jas Whitaker
Age in 1860: 45
Birth Year: abt 1815
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Post Office: Baptist Valley
Value of real estate: real estate valued at $1,200, personal property at $1,500
Household Members:
Jas Whitaker 45
Nancy Whitaker 47
Helen Whitaker 21
James Whitaker 16
John Whitaker 14
Jeremiah Whitaker 12
Alexander Whitaker 9
Hiram Whitaker 7
Jane Whitaker 5
Snead Whitaker 4
Nancy Whitaker 1

James enlisted, along with his sons William James and John to fight for the Confederacy. in Co. C of the 34th Virginia Cavalry under Col. W. A. Witcher. He is listed as Whitaker, Sr. J. with the rank of private.

James was killed by Union marauders or bushwackers at his gate. He lived on Belcher Ridge, later known as Whitaker Ridge, which straddled Tazewell County VA and McDowell Co. WV. This area was a battleground between Confederate and Union sympathizers, pitting neighbor against neighbor and sometimes splitting families. All of his neighbors supported the Confederacy, but the area wasn't immune from raiding parties of Union soldiers or Union partisans.

One piece of family lore that has been handed down is that he taught singing by notes and using a pitch pipe to get the key.

James married Nancy PETTS 27 Feb 1843, Smyth Co. VA. Nancy (daughter of Adam PETTS and Delilah Fanning) was born Jul 1824, Wythe County, VA; died Bef 1910. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: ED2CD93C2F07480CBA89EC9E907E8F6A8C7A

Notes:

from Bristol, VA area Moved family to KY after husband was killed in 1863. Went in a wagon with all her children and belongings. She returned after the war. Some of her children remained. Alex remained, living in Morgan Co., KY. He spelled his name Whiteaker and so did his children.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Whitaker
Age: 33
Birth Year: abt 1817
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Household Members:
Name Age
Jame Whitaker 30
Nancy Whitaker 33
Helen Whitaker 11
Jame Whitaker 6
Jno Whitaker 4
Gerry Whitaker 3
Alex Whitaker 0

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Whitaker
Age in 1860: 47
Birth Year: abt 1813
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of James Whitaker]
Post Office: Baptist Valley
Unable to read or write.
Household Members:
Name Age
Jas Whitaker 45
Nancy Whitaker 47
Helon Whitaker 21
James Whitaker 16
John Whitaker 14
Jeremiah Whitaker 12
Alexander Whitaker 9
Hiram Whitaker 7
Jane Whitaker 5
Snead Whitaker 4
Nancy Whitaker 1

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Whitaker
Age: 75
Birth Date: Jul 1824
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Mother [in household of her son, Hiram Whitaker]
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia



Birth:
1900 Census Tazewell Co. VA, District 100. Listed in the household of Hiram Whitaker as mother age 75, birthdate listed as July, 1824.

Notes:

Married:
One record puts marriage in 1838, and another the month of Dec. 1843.

Source:
Virginia Marriages, 1740-1850

Groom Name: James S. Whitaker
Bride Name: Nancy Petts
Marriage Date: 27 Feb 1843
County: Smyth
State: Virginia

Original data: Dodd, Jordan R., et al.. Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850. Bountiful, UT, USA: Precision Indexing Publishers.

Other Events:

• _UID: AA493B2E5AF745F384A492DF2D6148D42827

Notes:

He lived on Indian Creek, Sinking Waters. Family info from Laura Gaynelle Whitaker has his middle name as Christian.

CIVIL WAR RECORDS

Civil War

Private in Co. H 29th Regiment, Virginia Infantry

29th Infantry Regiment was authorized in November, 1861, and was to contain seven companies under Colonel A.C. Moore and three companies at Pound Gap. However, this organization never took place. Moore's five companies from Abingdon and companies raised in the spring of 1862 evidently made up the nine-company regiment. It was assigned to the Valley District, Department of Northern Virginia, then moved to Kentucky where it was engaged at Middle Creek. Later it saw action in Western Virginia and for a time served in North Carolina under General French. In March, 1863, it totaled 732 men. Attached to General Corse's Brigade the unit participated in Longstreet's Suffolk Expedition and during the Gettysburg Campaign was on detached duty in Tennessee and North Carolina. In the spring of 1864 it returned to Virginia and took its place in the Petersburg trenches north and south of the James River and ended the war at Appomattox. Many were lost at Sayler's Creek, and only 1 officer and 27 men surrendered on April 9, 1865. The field officers were Colonels James Giles and Alfred C. Moore; Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Haynes, William Leigh, and Edwin R. Smith; and Majors Ebenezer Bruster, William R.B. Horne, and Isaac White.

MISCELLANEOUS

Chataigne's Virginia Gazetteer and Business Directory 1888-89 Tazewell County

Mills: Corn and Flour
Pleasant Hill, T. C. Christian

"Her husband, Tom Christian, had a cabinet shop and made caskets of wood."

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census about Thos Christian
Name: Thos Christian [Thomas C. Christian]
Age: 5
Birth Year: abt 1845
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male [in household of Thomas S. and Anna Christian]

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Christain [Thomas Christian]
Age in 1860: 14
Birth Year: abt 1846
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male [in household of Thomas S. and Anna Christian]
Post Office: Baptist Valley

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Christian
Age in 1870: 25
Birth Year: abt 1845
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Knob
Value of real estate: $600 real estate, $200 personal property
Household Members:
Name Age
Thomas Christian 25
Eufema A Christian 19
Lillie B Christian 5

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Christian
Age: 31
Birth Year: abt 1849
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Euphemia Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
Thomas Christian 31
Euphemia Christian 25
Lilly Christian 11
Mary E. Christian 9
Sarah E. Christian 6
Eva M. Christian 2
George W. Christian 3 months

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Thos C Christian [Thomas C Christian]
Age: 55
Birth Date: Oct 1844
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Allie Christian
Marriage Year: 1869
Years Married: 31
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Thos C Christian 55
Ellie Christian 49
Mary E Christian 29
Sarah E Christian 23
Eva Christian 22
Geo W Christian 20
Nancy A Christian 17
Oceania Christian 16
Oklahoma Christian 8
Thos D Christian 1

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas C Christian
Age in 1910: 64
Birth Year: 1846
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Alafair Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Thomas C Christian 64
Alafair Christian 58
Mary E Christian 37
Emeline Christian 34
Annie A Christian 27
Okla H Christian 18
Thomas D Christian 11
Paul H Christian 3 [The son of Mollie Whitaker Altizer, born too long after Noah Alitzer was killed to be his son. In this census he is listed as an adopted son.]

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas C Christian
Age: 74
Birth Year: abt 1846
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Alafair Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Home Owned: Own
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Thomas C Christian 74
Alafair Christian 69
Thomas D Christian 21
Harman Altizer 13 [son of Mollie Whitaker Altizer, born too long after Noah Alitzer was killed to be his son. He is now using Altizer as his last name.]



Occupation:
wheelwright

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

Name: Thomas J Christian [Thomas C. Christian]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age at Death: 74
Birth Date: 18 Oct 1845
Death Date: 21 May 1920
Death Place: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Registration Date: 22 May 1920
Father: Thomas S Christian
Mother: Anna Altizer
Spouse: Alley Fare Christian
Certificate Number: 1920014379

Thomas married Euphemia Alifair CHAMBERS 20 Mar 1867, Tazewell Co VA. Euphemia (daughter of Thomas GILLESPIE and Emeline S. CHAMBERS) was born 29 Dec 1850, Virginia; died 08 Jan 1923, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

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

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

Other Events:

• _UID: A83A2F134419468ABAD03F571343A52E9A82

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children. Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Born c 1787/1790..[60 years old in 1850 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Census

James processed and sold salt from his property on the Elk Horn Branch of the North Fork of the Holston River, three miles east of Saltville. Apparently Alexander inherited the farm. James, Sr.'s land extended toward other Whitaker property which included Broadford to Big Tumbling, a stream cascading down from Laurel Bed Lake to end up in the town of Saltville. Professor J. Williams of Emory and Henry College, said the Whitakers operated a barge from Smyth Co. VA to Kingsport, TN carrying salt.

CENSUS RECORDS

1810 Census Washington Co. VA has 1 male 16-25 (presumably James) living beside Richard Whitaker.

1840 United States Federal Census
Name: James Whitaker
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Smyth, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 4
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 11
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 11

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: James Whitaker
Age: 60
Birth Year: abt 1790
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 60, Smyth, Virginia
Gender: Male
Family Number: 347
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
James Whitaker 60
Elizabeth Whitaker 56
Alexander Whitaker 25 [student]
Jane Whitaker 22
Jeremiah Whitaker 20 [laborer]
Joseph Whitaker 17 [laborer]
Susannah Whitaker 15
Elizabeth Whitaker 14
Thomas Whitaker 11

PROPERTY RECORDS AND TAX LISTS

Washington Co, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840  James Whitaker first shows up in the 1810 Tax List.  He is listed each year through 1832.  [Note: It was about this time he purchased property in Smyth Co., VA.]

Aug 15, 1816 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Deed Book 6, page 363, Index p 312.. Deed was made selling to James Whitacre from James Dolen, Jr, both of Washington Co.VA for $250. "and which I purchased from William Mitchell and which was conveyed to me by Robert Whitley by indenture, bearing date of 3 August 1804, being in Washington Co.VA adjoining the land of Charles Scott, Jacob Lyon and Mrs. Elizabeth Russell and supposed to contain 100 acres." proven 15 April 1817.

Sept 12, 1834 Smyth Co., VA Deed Book 1, page 334 Deed between William C. Preston of the state of South Carolina and James Whitaker of Smyth Co., VA for $800. conveying to James Whitaker 245 acres on the North Fork of Holston River, part of the land once sold and conveyed to Elizabeth Russell to Jacob Lyon. Recorded June 16, 1835.

May 15, 1838 Recorded Smyth Co., VA Land Grant Book. James Whitaker and Solomon McReynolds by virtue of part of a land office exchange treasury warrant for 20,000 acres No 2622, dated Dec 19, 1832, which warrant was obtained in exchange for Warrant No 1089 and issued to John McKettera Jan 3, 1795 enters 420 acres of land in Smyth Co. on Beaver Creek, a branch of the North Fork of the Holston River adjoining a 1600 acre survey made in the name of William King on the east; a 425 acre survey in the name of the Robert Preston on the south and southwest; a 100 acre survey made in the name of William King and the lands of Issac Poston on the north.

1840 ..James Whitaker named executor of Richard Whitaker's will. He and his son-in-law, John P. Ayres were at the sale of personal property of Richard Whitaker, Jr. [Will Book 8, page 194/195.]

Sept 28, 1841 Smyth Co, VA Deed Book 3, page 134..An indenture made bet. John Scott of the first part and James Whitaker, Jr of the second part and James Whitaker, Sr of the third part. Whereas the said John Scott is justly indebted to the said James Whitaker, the sum of $100. to be paid Jan 1, 1842, the same being for two hundred bushels of salt, the said John is willing and desirous to secure. Debt is paid with one black horse, 3 years old, one rifle gun and crop of corn & oats. [Recorded Smyth Co. Virginia.]

Sept 19, 1846 Deed Book 5, page 62, Smyth Co., VA. James Whitaker and Elizabeth deeded land to John P. Ayers on the North Fork of the Holston River, dated 21 July 1848.

Washington Co, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840 - James Whitaker is listed 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813,1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829 1830, 1831, 1832. [Ref: Jack Hockett]

MARRIAGE RECORDS

James married his second wife, Nancy McReynolds on Dec 15, 1832 in Smyth Co., VA Nancy McReynolds, born c 1804 [Smyth Co. Marriage Index 1832-1853 Book A, page 1]  

James married his third wife, Elizabeth Johonson on Feb 24, 1843 in Smyth Co., VA [MR Book A, page 18]

WILL AND ESTATE

At the time of his death he was living on the Elkhorn Branch of the North Fork of the Holston River in Smyth Co., a few miles east of Saltville, in Rich Valley. 

His will is dated Aug 4, 1854, with Codicil #1, dated Dec 7, 1854 and Codicil #2, dated Jan 18, 1856.

Children named in his will probated 19 Feb. 1856, recorded in Will Book 2, pp. 9-12, Smyth Co., VA, were Alexander, John, James, Jeremiah, Joseph, Thomas C., Polly, Jane, Elizabeth, and Susannah. Feb 19, 1856. In his will another child is listed: Rachie D. Johnston, who is probably a daughter of third wife, Elizabeth from a previous marriage.

March 29, 1856, Book 2, page 60, Smyth co., VA  Sale Bill of James Whitaker's estate is dated Mar 29, 1856 and the Appraisement dated May 21, 1856. Sale Bill Recorded May 21, 1856 in Will Book 2, page 664, Smyth Co., VA. [Ref: Family and Court Records of Washington and Smyth Co.,  VA.  Research by Joseph E. Williams, Emory, VA and Census records of WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA.

It is possible James, Jr. sold his share of the land and moved to Tazewell Co. VA.

Where James, Sr. and Elizabeth Johnson Whitaker are buried are not known at this time.,

James married Elizabeth PARSLEY 6 Feb 1810, Washington, Co. VA. Elizabeth (daughter of Moses Parsley and Obedience (Biddy) Ryburn) was born Abt 1790, Saltville, Washington Co., VA; died 27 Jul 1832, Washington, Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 901152037F014BF29B70F98DDFD180F36772

Notes:

They were married by Nicholas Regan.

She was the mother of 7 children before she died.
Buried in Elizabeth Cemetery, Saltville, VA,
Headstone for Elizabeth gives her age as about 36 years.

1810 Washington County VA Census, living close by Richard Whitaker, one male 16-26, 1 female 16-26.

Birth:
Now in Smyth Co. VA. Smyth County was formed on February 23, 1832, from Washington and Wythe counties.

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1740-1850
Groom Name: James Whiteacre
Bride Name: Betsy Parcely
Marriage Date: 6 Feb 1810
County: Washington
State: Virginia
Source: Dodd, Jordan R., et al.. Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850. Bountiful, UT, USA: Precision Indexing Publishers.

Other Events:

• _UID: 6DA2E77C288443F899228E033B2CF6393BCC

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1840 Census
Name: Adam Petts
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Tazewell, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 4
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 8

Birth:
1840 Census for Tazewell Co. VA. listed as male between ages of 40-49.

Died:
He is listed on the 1840 Census for Tazewell Co. VA, but does not appear on the 1850 census as his wife is listed as widowed and living in the home of her son, Hosea Petts.

Adam married Delilah Fanning. Delilah was born ca 1800, Virginia; died 09 Mar 1883, Tazewell County, Virginia. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: A5ABD75E18FD4DE385E62F4C3814BD09C280

Notes:

Some sources give her maiden name to be Fanning. Adam Petts and family appear on the census records beginning in 1820 in Wythe Co. VA. Delilah's age is the female age 10-15. They have 1 child under the age of 5. 1810 Census for Wythe County has John Fanning with 2 females under the age of 10. This is the right age, same location, so it may be a clue to proving this was her maiden name.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 Census
Name: Delilah Petts
Age: 47
Birth Year: abt 1803
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia, USA
Gender: Female
Family Number: 584
Household Members:
Name Age
Hosy Petts 23
Delilah Petts 47
Cathrine Petts 18
Peggy Petts 9

1860 Census
Name: Delila Petti [Delila Petts]
Age: 60
Birth Year: abt 1800
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Virginia
Home in 1860: Eastern District, Tazewell, Virginia
Post Office: Burks Garden
Family Number: 686
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
HoseA Petti 33
Delila Petti 60
Margaret Petti 18
Bure Harman 10

1870 Census
Name: Delila Petto [Delila Petts]
Age in 1870: 65
Birth Year: abt 1805
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Rich Valley, Smyth, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Chatham Hill
Occupation: Retired housekeeper
Household Members:
Name Age
Harvey Petts 48
Eliza Petts 35
Alfred B Petts 15
Andrew J Petts 13
Eldridge H Petts 11
Louisa M Petts 9
Harvey Petts 5
Delila Petts 65
with a mark indicating she cannot write, but can read.

1880 Census
Name: Delia Pets [Delia Petts]
Age: 80
Birth Year: abt 1800
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Jeffersonville, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Boarder
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm. B. Edmonds 44
Margaret Edmonds 39
Mary C. Edmonds 19
Wm. H. Edmonds 15
Alice M. Edmonds 13
Hosea B. Edmonds 10
Alvin or Alvir P. Edmonds 6
Olie D. Edmonds 3
Delia Pets 80

Died:
Virginia Deaths and Burials, 1853-1912
Name: Bellia S. Petts [Delilah F. Petts] transcription error
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 09 Mar 1883
Death Place: Pen Valley, Tazewell, Virginia
Age: 80
Birth Date: 1803
Birthplace: Wythe, Virginia
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: Unknown
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Unknown
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B07568-8
System Origin: Virginia-EASY
Source Film Number: 2048586
Reference Number: e 13

Other Events:

• _UID: AD97A8231615484E9D5A60783FC158D8CFDA

Notes:

He was a minister, performed many marriages in Tazewell Co Va, especially for family members.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Thos S Christian [Thomas Skaggs Christian]
Age: 35
Birth Year: abt 1815
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Value of Real Estate: $1000
Household Members:
Thos S Christian 35
Anna Christian 34
Lilly Christian 9
Polly Christian 7
Thos Christian 5
Robbin Christian 3

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas S Christian
[Thomas S Christian]
Age in 1860: 46
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Post Office: Baptist Valley
Value of real estate: $300, personal property $270
Household Members:
Thomas S Christian 46
Ann Christian 46
Thomas Christian 14
Robert Christian 12
Hanah Christian 10
Jackson Christian 9
George Christian 4
Katharine Christian 1
Susan Altizer 74

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Thos S Christian
Age in 1870: 50
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Knob
Household Members:
Thos S Christian 50
Annie Christian 55
Jackson Christian 18
George C Christian 14
Catherine Christian 11

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas S. Christian
Age: 66
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Ann Eliza Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS

Tazewell County Churches: 1860. Deed Book 13, p. 164.
Hugh S. Bailey conveyed to Thomas S. Christian, William Altizer and Robert McGlothlin, "Trustees of a meeting house built on the land that said Bailey bought of Alexander Christian."  Said lot contains one acre.  Beginning at a white oak a corner of Hugh Bailey, on the east line, thence East thirteen poles to a chestnut oak, thence N.W. 13 poles to a poplar, thence 13 poles to a chestnut tree, thence S. 13 poles to the beginning."  (Vol. 1, p. 312)

LAND GRANTS

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
32 a. On the Belsher ridge of Indian Creek a branch of Clinch River
Grants No. 98, p. 498

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
141 a. On the Belsher spur the waters of Indian Creek a branch of Clinch River
Grants No. 98, p. 499

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
175 a. On the Belsher ridge
Grants No. 98, p. 500

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
66 a. On the waters of Indian Creek
Grants No. 98, p. 501

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Oct 1849
Tazewell County
214 a. On dividing ridge between Grassy Spring fork of Indian Creek and Left hand fork of Beech fork of Dry fork
Grants No. 102, p. 214

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Oct 1850
Tazewell County
266 a. On the Belsher ridge
Grants No. 104, p. 35

Thomas married Anna Elizabeth ALTIZER 23 Oct 1836, Tazewell Co VA. Anna (daughter of David Riley ALTIZER and Susan SLUSHER) was born Abt 1814, Tazewell Co VA; died Aft 1880, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: C8FAF6FB7954409193A39185DBB486D789B1

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Anna Christian
Age: 34
Birth Year: abt 1816
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas Skaggs Christian]

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Anna Christian
Age in 1860: 46
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas Skaggs Christian]
Post Office: Baptist Valley

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Annie Christian
Age in 1870: 55
Birth Year: abt 1815
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas Skaggs Christian]
Post Office: Knob

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Ann Eliza Christian
Age: 66
Birth Year: abt 1814
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 S. Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Keeping House

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Thomas Christian
Bride's Name: Anna Altizer
Marriage Date: 23 Oct 1836
Marriage Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: Page 132

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.