The Children of Gwyn Dudley - Thomas

Children of Thomas Dudley

Son of Gwyn Dudley

The last two children of Thomas Dudley stayed in Franklin County, Virginia.

• Sparrel Dudley was born on 1 Apr 1821 in Franklin County. Sparrel did not marry. In 1850 he was living with his mother, Nancy, brother Ransom, and niece Mary F. Dudley. Mary's parents, John and Martha had both passed away. In 1860 Sparrel was still living with his mother Nancy and niece Mary. He was 39 years old. In 1870 Sparrel was living with his sister, Gillie and her family. In 1880 he was a boarder in the Garlick household. This is the last record for Sparrel. Sparrel's brother John, named one of his sons Sparrel. That Sparrel fought in the Civil War,  married Letitia and had nine children. One was Sr and one was Jr but they were not father and son. It was used in records to tell them apart. 

• Gillie Frances was born on 22 Jan 1825.  On 8 Jan 1850 she married Jesse Clay Dillon. They had 8 children. She died on 16 Oct 1903.

1. Lulie was either stillborn or died after birth. 1851
2. Dewitt was born on 20 Oct 1852. He married Sally Agnes Hutts on 29 Jan 1874. They had nine children. Dewitt died on 22 Nov 1919.

Dewitt Dillon

 

3. Moses Reese was born in 1854 and died 1855

4. William Thomas was born on 29 Apr 1855. He married Alice Merica Dillon the daughter of Lewis Dillon. They had 11 children. William Thomas died on 4 Jan 1940.

William Thomas Dillon Family Picture

Seated 1st Row: Waddie Ezekiel, holding Virgie, Jesse James Dillon, William Thomas, Eubie Ephriam, Alice America. Women Standing from left: Elva Mattox, wife of Waddie; Curtis Lee, Cora Daisy, Rhodie Frances, Gillie Moorman, Lucy Greer. Men Standing from left:GeorgeL., Esbon Elbert, Lorenza Eugene Dillon

Thomas Dillon and S. D. Mattox. Thomas' son married Elva Mattox and S. D. Mattox is her father.

Waddie Dillon son of William Thomas, and Elva Mattox

Lorenza Eugene Dillon son of William Thomas

Sallie Altice wife of Lorenza Dillon

5.  Rufus Elbert was born on 16 Dec 1856. He did not marry. He passed away on 20 Aug 1891.

Rufus E Dillon son of Jesse and Gillie Dillon

6. Winburn was born in 1858 and died in 1862.

7.Frances Ann was born on 20 Jul 1860. She married Jennings A. Willard on 29 Jan 1882. They had eleven children, two died at birth and two died in their early 20's (Jacob and Fernado) Frances Ann died on 17 May 1939.

Jesse Clay Dillon age 84 and grandson, Jesse Layfatte Willard, age 17

8. Nancy Mary P. "Mollie was born on 3 May 1864. She married James Ebeneezer Dillon on 24 Dec 1885. He was the son of James Reed Dillon and Mary Jane Smith.  They had nine children. She died on 14 Dec 1948.

Mollie Dillon

James and Mollie Dillon

James E. Dillon

James Reed Dillon and Mary Jane Smith

George son of Mollie and James Dillon

John Thomas Dillon son of Mollie and James Dillon

G. Mary Dillon and Benjamin Oscar Holland
daughter of Mollie and James Dillon

Next up will be the children of Levi Dudley, son of Gwyn Dudley.

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie

The Children of Gwyn Dudley - Thomas

Children of Thomas Dudley

Son of Gwyn Dudley

Ransom "Rance" Dudley

• Ransom was born on 13 Mar 1819 in Franklin County, Virginia. In 1850 he was still living in Virginia. He enlisted in the Confederacy and his occupation was listed as "tobacco peddler". After the war he moved to Missouri where he married Julia Polk Jones. Julia was the daughter of Henry Jones and Sophia Link. Julia was also born in Franklin County, Virginia. Ransom and Julia were married on 28 Mar 1868. Ransom died on 24 Jul 1896. Julia died in 1936 at the age of 91. Below are their children.

Ransom and Julia

Sallie Lee Simmons Jones

1. John Henry Jones was born in Franklin County on 12 Jun 1864. It would seem that John was born out of wedlock while Ransom was fighting in the war. In 1870 He was living with Julia's parents in Franklin County. He married Sallie Lee Simmons, the daughter of Charles Lewis Simmons and Temperance Marten on 18 Mar 1887. They had 10 children. Sallie died from tuberculosis with pneumonia at 58 years old in 1929. John died on 13 Nov 1935.

John Henry Jones

2. James Thomas was born 11 Jun 1868 in Missouri. He married Nora Bell, daughter of William Bell on 187 Feb 1892. She was 16 and he was 25 at the time of their marriage.

James Thomas, Nora and oldest daughter Delsie

James and Nora had 7 children. 

Nora died on 9 Jan 1906. 

James died on 11 Dec 1942.

3. Benjamin Franklin Dudley was born on 8 Oct 1869. He married Lena Grace Driskell on 20 Sep 1893. They had 7 children. Benjamin died on 13 Dec 1959.

I found a few pictures of some of Benjamin's children. 

Della Dudley and husband John Deardorff

Otha Dudley and wife Nettie on their wedding day

Ortha Dudley on the left. Nickname "Dud"

4. Nancy M. was born on 4 Jun 1872. She married John Morgan Myers on 1 Nov 1899. They had one child that did not live in 1901. Nancy died on 20 Jul 1963.

Nancy M Dudley Myers

5. Stella Dudley was born on 10 Feb 1876. She married John P. Newman on 15 Nov 1899. John was born in Franklin County, Virginia. Stella and John had 6 children. Stella passed away on 9 Oct 1951.

Stella Dudley and John Newman on their wedding day

6. Virginia Lee was born on 17 Jan 1878. She married Fred H. Niederschulte on 25 Apr 1899. Fred's parents were born in Germany. Fred was born in Illinois. This couple is a bit of a puzzle. They had two children together. In 1920 they were together and Fred was working in a shoe factory. Then in 1930 Virginia is in Audrain Missouri listed as a widow. But Fred is still working in the shoe factory and living with his second wife, Dora. Virginia appears to be running the Plumers Hotel on W. Jackson Street. An interesting puzzle..... Virginia died on 27 May 1950 and her death certificate lists her as a widow. ..

7.Martha Ella was born 18 Mar 1882. She married Peter Byrd on 26 Oct 1898. Peter was born in Franklin County, Virginia, the son of James Louis Byrd. He was still in Virginia in 1880. Martha and Peter had 7 children. Martha died on 4 Jan 1945.

Martha Dudley Byrd and Peter Lewis Byrd

8. Lilburn Jarret or Jared was born on 10 Sept 1884. He married Nona Bell Moody, the daughter of Levi Moody and Ollie Nona McCowan, on 22 Aug 1909. From his draft registration cards we know he was 5 ft 6 inches tall, 186 pounds with blue gray eyes and brown hair but balding. Lilburn ran a fruit farm. Lilburn and Nona had two children. On the 1920 census he was listed as a widower then on the 1930 he was married to Mary E.. I do not know who she was. I can not find the marriage certificate etc. He died on 23 Feb 1948.

This is Rance's family.

I have two more children of Thomas to write about. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie

The Children of Gwyn Dudley - Thomas

Thomas Dudley

Son of Gwyn Dudley

Thomas was born on 10 Feb 1772. He married Nancy Pasley on 16 Jan 1800. Nancy was the daughter of Captain Robert Pasley and Sally Cox. Her father fought during the American Revolutionary War.  Thomas and Nancy had the following children:

• John - was born 17 Jun 1805. He married Martha Jane Perdue on 6 Jul 1840. John passed away on 24 May 1862. John is buried in the John Dudley Family Cemetery in Redwood off Golden View Road. Martha was born 17 Oct 1823 and died 25 Mar 1844. John and Martha had the following children:

1. Sparrel Francis Dudley was born 2 Jun 1841. Sparrel served during the Civil War and was wounded at Sharpsburg. In 1916 he applied for pension saying he was totally disabled at that time.  He married Letitia Frances Holland on 15 Jan 1867. Sparrel and Letitia had 10 children.
2. Mary Frances Dudley was born in 1844. She married James Richard Hamner on 15 Aug 1865. James was also in the Civil War. They had four children. Mary Frances died on 5 May 1922.

• Gwin Tyler Dudley was born 20 Jan 1810. He married Nancy Eliza Smith on 21 Jan 1833. He died in April of 1846. They had the following children:

1. Lucy Mary - born in 1834. She married William A. Hunt in 1855. It is believed that they went to Missouri. 
2. John Thomas - born in 1835. He married Lucy America Smith on 6 Sep 1863. John was also in the Civil War. He was wounded in his shoulder. He married second Emeline Mitchell in 1898. Lucy passed away in November 1895. John passed away 29 Dec 1911.
3. Gwin Tyler Jr - born 11 Dec 1842. Married Ann Holland on 5 Sep 1865. Served in the Civil War. Moved to Callaway Missouri where he worked as a store keeper or merchant. They had three children. Died 27 Jun 1910.
4. Gillie - born 6 Jun 1839. Married William E. Bernard on 5 Mar 1862. William served in the Civil war. He applied for pension in 1902, on the documents it is noted that he was injured in a fall not associated with the war, that left him disabled. They had 8 children. Gillie died on 30 Jan 1897.
5. Nancy Elizabeth - born on 20 Oct 1845. She married Benjamin Franklin Board on 5 Feb 1867 after he served in the Civil War. He had a few interesting war records. He was at Chimborazo when he got sick. This hospital treated thousands in Richmond area. In 1870 Nancy Dudley, mother of Nancy and wife of Gwin was living with the family. They had seven children.

Chimborazo hospital information

Benjamin Franklin Board

Benjamin Franklin Board

Thomas had more children and they will be covered in the next post. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie

The Children of Gwyn Dudley - Elizabeth

Gwyn Dudley and Mary Hale's Children

The Dudley, English and Kemp family intermarried quite often. When Thomas Kemp died he did not have a will so the children went to court. The Chancery Court case lists all Thomas' children and their spouses. In some instances it named grandchildren. It isn't until 1850 that census records list anyone other than the head of the household so this court case was a lucky find. Chancery records are at the Library of Virginia. They are currently working on scanning the documents and Franklin County has been completed.

This is a part of that file:

Gwyn Dudley married twice but the children by his second wife I am not going to write about. Mary Hale is the direct ancestor for the Hunt family. 

There are two deeds that were recorded in 1797 on April 1st. One was from Thomas Welch and Polly his wife to Gwin Dudley for 67 acres on the waters of the Black Water River. This land was adjacent to Jonathan Starkey, Gwin Dudlely, William Mead and Stephen English. (Deed Bk #3 pg 406)

The second deed from Thomas and his wife is to Stephen English for 50 acres on the waters of Gills Creek. The land is adjacent to the lines of Gwin Dudley, William Mead, Jeremiah Solsberry, and Jonathan Starkey. (Deed Bk #3 pg 408)

But which Gwin and which Stephen? Sr or Jr? Any ideas?

Elizabeth Dudley

Elizabeth was born about 1763. She married Stephen English on 3 Jan 1791. Stephen was the son of Stephen English and Dinah Haynes. Elizabeth died in 1821. They had the following children:

• Henry English was born about 1796. In 1832 when the case concerning Thomas Kemp is going on he is married to Joanna Kemp, a daughter of Thomas Kemp. She is one of the youngest children of Mary and Mary would have been in her late 40's when Joanna was born. Later there appears to be a marriage to Charlotte Dudley in 1835. Charlotte was the daughter of James, James and Elizabeth were brother and sister.

• Ursula was born about 1799 and died in 1867. She never married.

• Lewis was born about 1805 and died after 1880. He never married.

• Parmenas was born in Jan of 1814. He died on 12 Apr 1869. He never married. In his grandfather's will there is a Parmenas, a son of Stephen Sr. and Dinah. This must be a family name and if the naming pattern of that time was followed then Parmenas could have been the maiden name of Stephen Sr.'s mother. At this time I have not found out exactly where the name comes from.

• Gwyn was born about 1807. He married Mary L. Lynch on 9 Dec 1865. He died in 1879. Gwyn and Mary had the following children:

1. George was married at 55 in West Virginia. Massie his wife was a widow with three young boys and 26 years old at the time of the marriage. While in West Virginia George worked as a coal miner. They moved to Pike Kentucky in 1920 where he works as a farmer.
2. James was only listed in 1880 on the Federal Census. He was 16 years old.
3. Thomas was only listed in 1880 on the Federal Census. He was 11 years old.
4. Elizabeth married George Ellis and remained in Franklin County, VA.
5. Lucy married Peter Bradley from Snow Creek. They moved to West VA where Peter worked several different jobs. He was a carpenter, a cook in a restaurant, and a care taker in a cemetery.
6. Dora married Charles Melton Hodges and also moved to West VA. He was a carpenter for the coal industry.
7. Benjamin married Myrtle Powell in West VA. He seems to have worked his way up in the coal industry. In 1900 he was a coal miner, in 1910 he was a mine foreman, in 1920 and 1930 he was a superintendent in the coal industry. In 1930 he was not working, was he able to retire?
8. Louisa is listed only in the 1880 census as being one year old.

In the 1850 and 1860 Federal Census for Franklin County, Va, Ursula, Gwin, Parmenas and Lewis were living together.

Next up: Thomas Dudley

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie

The Dudley Line

Looking Back

Edward Dudley

Edward Dudley was the immigrant to the colonies. He arrived in Virginia in February of 1637. He was born in Bristol England on 6 Jan 1602. He was induced to come to the Virginia colony by Thomas Hampton the rector of the Church of Jamestown.  

Edward and his wife Elizabeth Pritchard, the daughter of Robert and Hester Pritchard of Bristol, lived first in Norfolk and later settled in York County, the area south of Rappahannock River. This area was Lancaster and then Middlesex County. In 1654 Edward was listed in Lancaster Deeds Book 1654 pg 177 for his tithes. But in 1655 his widow petitioned the court asking for a survey and division of the 300 acres formerly owned by Edward Dudley. 

An Edward Dudley witnessed the Will of Thomas Saxe. In the Will his son Richard received cattle. It was proven in court in January of 1654.

Edward and Elizabeth had the following children:

• William
• Richard
• Elizabeth
• Robert

William, son of Edward, was probably born in Bristol England about 1621. In 1657 he patented about 3,000 acres of land on Dragon Swamp in Lancaster County for transporting 32 people to Virginia. He sold 2,00 of these acres to Harry Thacker. (Lancaster Co. Deed Book #1 pg 160). William was listed on the list of tithables in Lancaster for the years 1661, 1662, and 1663. He became a vestryman of Christ Church in 1666 (Vestry Bk pg 6) and became a church warden of Pianketank or Lower Chapel of Christ Church in 1668. (Vestry Bk pg 14) In 1672 the vestry paid him 10,000 pounds of tobacco for completing the chapel. 

William was fined by Governor Berkeley sixteen hogsheads of tobacco for his involvement in Bacon's Rebellion. He was living on Mobjack Bay in Gloucester County at the time and was a merchant. Thomas and William Dudley, sons of William Dudley, filed a grievance stating that their father was forced during Bacon Rebellion to administer the oath imposed by Bacon but did so unwillingly. He was pardoned by the Governor and he fined William the tobacco. (better than the death sentence that some received) James Cary a merchant in London also supported the claim against Governor Berkeley. There are some people that believe William's wife Elizabeth's maiden name was Cary. James Cary was finally able to have the fine paid remitted out of the estate of the Governor.

William died in 1677 and Elizabeth, his widow was executor of his estate. (Order Bk Middlesex County pg 70).  On 2 Mar 1677 she executed power of attorney to her son William. William remained in Middlesex but his brothers, James and Thomas, moved to Gloucester County.  

William and Elizabeth had the following children:

• James
• Thomas 
• William
• John
• Christopher

William, James, and Thomas were listed as "thought by the court to be capable to serve as footmen and to find themselves with armes" in Middlesex County.

William, son of William and Elizabeth, married Mary Bawd, daughter of William Bawd of Lancaster County in 1682.

In 1690 he was a member of Christ Church's vestry in Middlesex Virginia.

William died before November of 1692. 

William and Mary had the following children:

• William - born April 1683 moved to Bath Co. NC in 1716 to be near his uncle, Christopher. He married Jemina and had a son, Arthur.
• Robert moved to Princess Anne Co. VA and married Elizabeth, daughter of Solomon White. He married Eleanor second. He died in 1746. In his Will he lists his children, Robert, Henry, Isabella, Amy and Eleanor Jackson.
• Thomas was placed under the guardianship of his uncle Thomas when his father died. So he was under 18 years of age at that time. In 1706 he married Elizabeth Meecham.

Thomas and Elizabeth had at a son Peyton that left in his will property to his nephew Gwyn Dudley of Franklin County. 

Gwyn's father was Thomas, brother of Peyton, and son of Thomas and Elizabeth.

Thomas married Joyce in Middlesex, Virginia. I have not been able to find his will. Many of the family trees on Ancestry.com have him dying in 1760 in Amelia County. I have not seen any documents to support this. 

Research on Gwyn Dudley seems to indicate that he came to what was then Bedford County as a young boy. Again, that has not been proven.

Even with all the documents found about the Dudley family, there are many missing. For now this seems to be what is available because of all the burnt county records in Virginia. 

Going back to England there are some researchers that indicate the Dudley line goes back to royalty, to King Edward III. They even have linked this line to a castle.. Dudley Castle.

Dudley Castle

Are the Franklin County, Virginia Dudleys descendants of a King? I do not know, but it is nice to think so. I have no proof one way or another, if you find it let me know. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie

The Twin Chimneys and Dudley

The Dudley Family

Connection to the Hunt Family

How are the Hunt and Dudley families connected?  

Benjamin O. Hunt married Mary Ann English on 15 Nov 1888 in Franklin County.

Mary Ann's father was George William English (1831 - 1900).

George's father was Thomas English (1796 - 1847).

Thomas's mother was Adara Dudley (1773 - 1851)

Adara's father was Gwyn Dudley (1750 - 1827)

This makes Gwyn my husband's 5 times great grandfather.

Gwyn Dudley

Gwyn was born in Middlesex County, Virginia about 1750 to Thomas Dudley and Joyce.

The first mention of Gwyn is in 1757 when his uncle Peyton Dudley left him and his brother Thomas and his sister Lucy property in his will in Middlesex County. Thomas and Lucy's are found in the Christ Church Parish Registry. 

• Lucy, daughter of Thomas and Joyce Dudley born 4 Jan 1742 (pg 155)
• Thomas, son of Thomas and Joice Dudley born Apr 21 ? (pg 287)

Christ Church Parish in Middlesex is on the narrow peninsula between the Rappahannock and Piaktank Rivers.

In my next post I will discuss Gwyn's parents and his ancestors.

Gwyn has had many different spellings in the records, for this blog I will stick to the spelling Gwyn, unless I site a specific document.

Gwyn moved to Bedford County Virginia as a young boy. Around 1771 he married the daughter of Colonel Edward Hale, Mary E. Hale.

Gwyn and Mary had the following children:

• Levi born about 1778.
• Thomas born 1772.
• James born 1785.
• Stephen born 1779.
• Elizabeth born 1774
• Adderly or Adara born 1773.
• Fanny born 1779.

In August of 1777 Gwin Dudley was drafted into John W. Wilkerson's company of the Bedford County Militia for Revolutionary War service. There is a bit confusion about his service but it is believed now that he found and paid a substitute to assume his military service. His substitute was William Murphy. Although he didn't serve in the military his support by furnishing supplies to the Continental Army were certified in Bedford County Court in 1782 and 1796. He was awarded 111 acres of land in Franklin County for his services. There are several individuals that have joined the SAR or DAR as his descendant. (Sons or Daughters of the American Revolution)

Gwyn is on the list of taxable property in Bedford County in 1782. He was taxed 30 pounds for his land and personal property that included 4 horses and 12 cattle. 

Mary died by 1797 when Gwyn married again to Mary Pasley, the daughter of Robert Pasley of Fluvanna County. They had two more children; Gwyn Jr. and Lewis.

By the time of this marriage, Franklin County was newly formed. In November of 1782 the inhabitants of Bedford County and Henry County petitioned the state to create a new county, Franklin. The petition stated it was extremely inconvenient attending business by reason of bad roads and their remote situation from the Court House. Gwyn's name on the petition is spelled Guinn.

In 1787 he is on the Franklin County tax list for 6 horses or mules and 18 head of cattle.

On 5 Jun 1797 William Ryan and wife Sarah deeded 200 acres on the Blackwater River to Gwin Dudley adjacent to property already owned by Dudley.

The 1800 and 1815 tax lists for Franklin County Gwyn is listed again.

1790 Franklin County tax 

1800 tax list

1810 Census 

Gwyn died in 1832. Below is his will.

Franklin Co., VA Will Book 2, pages 10-11
In the Name of God Amen, I Gwyn Dudley of Franklin County, County being weak but of perfect mind and memory, and calling to mind the mortality of my body, do make and ordain this my Last Will and testament, that is to say, First it is my desire that all my just debts should be paid, and then, I give and bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth English one Feather Bed and furniture and Horse beast, and Cow and one Negro Girl Jemimah now in possession, to her and her heirs forever. I also give to my Son Thomas Dudley, one Horse beast, and feather Bed and furniture and Cow and Sixty Seven Acres of Land, lying on the Road joining Stephen English, and half the value of my Negro Man James, which Negro to be Equally divided between him and Stephen Dudley to him and his heirs forever. I also give to my Daughter Addery English one Feather Bed and furniture and one Horse beast and Cow now in her possession, also one Negro Girl Sarah, to her and the lawful heirs of her body forever. I also gi!
ve to my Son Levy Dudley one Horse beast, and Feather Bed and furniture, one Cow and one hundred Acres of Land lying on the Road now in his possession to him and his heirs forever. I also give to my Daughter Fanny Kemp one Horse beast, one Feather Bed and furniture, one Cow and one Negro Girl Hannah, Now in her possession to her and her heirs forever. I also give to my Son James Dudley, one Horse beast, one Feather Bed and Furniture, one Cow and one hundred Acres of Land now in his possession to him and his heirs forever. I also give to my Son Stephen Dudley one Horse beast one Feather Bed and furniture, one Cow and Sixty Seven Acres of Land now in his possession, to him and his heirs forever. And now it is my desire that my beloved wife Mary Dudley should keep and enjoy the Land I now live on, with all my Stock of every description and of all my House and kitchen furniture, with all my plantation Utensils and also one Negro Woman Janney I Give to my Wife Mary Dudley during
her natural life and then I give to my Son Lewis Dudley one Negro girl Silsa one Negro Boy Moses, also one half of the Land I now live on, at my wife's death or Marriage. I also give to my Son Gwyn Dudley, one Negro girl Medley, one Negro Boy Abram, also one half of the Land I now live on at my wife's death or marriage. It is also my desire if either of my Sons Lewis Dudley, or Gwyn Dudley, should die without heirs, his part of my Estate return to the other Brother. I also desire if my Wife should Marry that all of my Estate she enjoyed except Jinney, should be Equally divided between my two Sons Lewis Dudley and Gwyn Dudley, and Jinney, also with her increase, at my wife's death to them and their heirs forever and lastly I constitute and appoint my wife Mary Dudley, and my Son Lewis Dudley Executors of this my last will and Testament ratifying and confirming This and no other, to be my last Will and Testament. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this sixth day January 1818.
Gwyn Dudley {Seal}
Sign'd and Sealed in presents of
Rob't Pasley Sen'r
her
Salley x Pasley
mark
her
Phebe x Maxey
mark
Bernard G. Hendrick
At a Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery continued and held for Franklin County at the Courthouse the 11th day of May 1832. This Last Will and Testament of Gwyn Dudley dec'd was produced in Court and the Court of appeals having affirm the Judgment and order made in the late Superior Court of Law of [off side of paper] County whereby it was considered that the said Will should be recor [off side of paper] in that Court - It is now ordered that the said Will be recorded this Court. And on the motion of Lewis Dudley the Surviving Executor named in the said Will, who took the oath prescribed [by] Law, and together with Benjamin Booth and Francis Divers securities entered into and acknowledged their Bond in the penalty of four thousand dollars, conditioned according to Law, certificate granted him for obtaining a probat hereof in due form.
Teste - Caleb Tate CC


Will of Gwyn Dudley of Franklin County, Virginia

The Twin Chimney on Gwyn's home site is now on the National and Virginia Register of Historic Places. Early records show the location of his home at the time was know as "Foul Ground Creek".

The site is marked by two chimneys but because of the construction it is the South Chimney that was probably attached to his home.  On that chimney is a stone tablet inscribed with the initials of the builder. 

south chimney

The Chimneys or Gwyn's homeplace is located at the end of Twin Chimney Drive off Burnt Chimney Road. 

This is the story of Gwyn Dudley. I do not know for sure but I guess the area known today as Dudley is named after this man and his descendants.

Thanks for stopping by!

Next post will be more about the Dudley family. 

Pattie

Looking At My Husband's Family

What Lines Make Up the Hunt Family

In my last post I said I would begin researching the many lines that make up my husband's family. I have done some research before but now I am trying to flesh out the story. I discovered an error and fixed that.. and I have found a few very interesting people. 

What are the surnames that I have found so far?

• Hunt
• Allman
• Lloyd
• Belcher
• English
• Amos
• McBride
• Kennett
• Kessler
• Holland
• Odineal
• Gregory
• Mitchell
• Brown
• Hogan
• Musgrove
• Ayres
• Blankenship
• Cundiff
• Little
• Hudson
• Dickerson
• Garland
• Humphrey
• West
• Dudley

Wow, this looks like my class list from my teaching days!

 Which one surprised me?   WEST

If you have been reading my blog then you know that my grandmother was a West. However, from the research on that line, I am almost positive that this is a different West line. It looks like this West line was from Pennsylvania. 

In this bunch of folks are several Revolutionary War soldiers and at least one that was a loyalist and was jailed for treason. 

At least one of these soldiers served under Washington.

There are many Civil War soldiers.

I found a few scandalous stories... always fun to discover.

A few landmarks that are still standing today..

Anyone recognize this? The man that built this is my husband's five times great grandfather. He married an English... so this connection is on John Washington Hunt's line.

Twin Chimneys in Wirtz

The family lines for the most go back to the early days of the colonies. So along the way I will share some of the history of the area. 

Now to decide where to begin??

Come back soon to find out!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Pattie

Searching for the Right Brewer Family

 The Mystery of Obedience "Biddy" King

Biddy was the daughter of Charles King a Revolutionary War Soldier. While researching the Brewer family I stumbled onto another contradiction in earlier research. 

Obedience King married William Brewer in 1814. Below is their marriage bond. It is hard to read - issued in Orange County North Carolina. 

William Brewer and Biddy King Marriage Bond 1814

When Charles King wrote his will in 1810 he mentions Biddy. However, she was not married to William at the time so Charles just wrote "my daughter Biddy". 

Tradition had William moving to Franklin County and marrying again. But now that is questionable. Why? For this new information I first turned to Charles King's pension documents and found this:

Above the purple line are the dates that Charles and his wife died, as well as, the names of their children and who they married. It says that Biddy was married to Archy Price. 

Next, I went searching for that information... and found this:

Archibald Price and Biddy Brewer 1821

From this document we can confirm that this is the same Biddy that married William Brewer and is the daughter of Charles King.

So, more questions arise. What happened to William Brewer? Did the marriage end? Did he die? Did he just leave? 

In 1850 Biddy and Archy are living Orange County, North Carolina. Biddy is 65 and Arch is 55 according to the Federal Census.

Archibald's probate is in 1853, but documents that I have found are related to his debts and having to sell his land to cover them. It seems he died instate. 

We know/think that the William Brewer of Franklin County, that married Sally Leonard in 1845 is our ancestor. But the copy of his will that I have only listed the names of his daughters and grandson.... 

Our ancestor is John Jack Brewer and according to the census records for him he was born about 1804... hmmm that doesn't mesh with the marriages of William Brewer.

Well, the more I research the Brewer Family the more questions I have. I am going to put the Brewers to the side for now and move on to my husband's side of the family. In the future I hope to blog about the Hunt, Allman, Lloyd, Belcher, Holland, Hogan, English and Ayres families. My girls have been asking for information about their daddy's side. 

Thanks for stopping by!

If you have any answers to my questions, please share with me.

Pattie

Searching for the Right Brewer Family

Looking at Howell and Oliver

Howell and Oliver were brothers, both sons of George Brewer. However, they were the son of different mothers. Howell's mother was Sarah Lanier. Oliver's mother is believed to be the second wife of George, Alice. Alice's maiden name is unknown.  So from birth these two men were different.

Howell Brewer

Howell was born between 1700 and 1715. He lived during a time of great turbulence. The country was on the verge of revolution. From some of the records that have been found concerning Howell, he was not shy about expressing his opinion.  Whether living in Virginia or North Carolina he was in court for assault, he appeared to back his opinion with his fists. 

Howell and Alice were the executors of his father's estate. In George's will, Howell received a young horse named Snip and feathers for a bed. (1741)

On 5 Feb 1747 in Brunswick County, Virginia court, Charles Collier petitioner against Howell Brewer defendant in a case of trespass, assault and battery.

Later that year, June 1747 - an attachment obtained by Francis Willis and Lewis Parham against Howell Brewer (who is said to be privately removed out of the county or so absconds that the ordinary process can not be served him). His brothers; Nicholas and Henry, were ordered to deliver the goods and chattels.  On the same day is a case of debt owed by Howell to John Walls. Rebecca Brewer shall pay John Walls. It is in these records that have Rebecca paying the debts of Howell that lead to the belief that Rebecca is his wife. 

In Orange County, North Carolina on the 1752 - 1753 tax list we find a Howell Brewer living alone. 

It looks like Howell left Brunswick and his wife and came to the North Carolina wilderness. 

Howell Brewer is in Bladen County North Carolina in 1754 where he received two patents for 200 acres each. 

In 1755 he is again found in Orange County living alone. 

In December of 1758 Howell was accused by John Williams of assault and found guilty.

In 1759 and 1765 Howell is again found in court for unpaid debts. He is found guilty both times.

Cumberland County was formed from Bladen County in 1754. In 1765 Howell is mentioned in a deed as owning property adjoining William Powell and Cornelius Tison. 

Then on 10 Aug 1767 in Moore County there is a deed from Howell to John May for 200 acres. 

There is speculation that Marian May was Howell's second wife or possibly the wife of Howell Jr. 

Records after 1765 could be Howell Sr or Howell Jr.

But, on 10 Jun 1769 in Orange County, NC Howell and his wife Marian of Orange Co. to Joseph Dixon 89 acres. Howell owned 100 acres by deed of gift from John May. 

Earlier researchers have speculated that Howell died in Kentucky. There have not been any probate records found for Howell so where and when he died has not been proven. There are discrepancies about his wives and children. We may not ever be able to say with 100% certainty who they were.

In 1772 there is a Howell Brewer on the Muster Role of Joab Brooks in Chatham County. (Chatham county was formed from Orange County in 1770. ) A petition signed in Randolph County NC  asking that the courthouse be moved closer to the middle of the state/county was signed by a Howell Brewer Sr. in 1785.

Howell Jr moved to Georgia before 1793.

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Oliver Brewer

Oliver was probably under 21 when his father, George Brewer, died in 1741. He was left the tract of land where his father lived. He also received a gun.

His first record as an adult is probably on  5 May 1762 in Orange County, NC - "Oliver Brewer by Henry Brewer; 700 acres on Little prong of Terrels Creek, waters of Haw River, includes Saplin Level"

On 9 Dec 1762 in Orange County, NC Oliver received a patent for 690 acres on both sides of Wilkerson Creek of Haw River, joining Henry Brewer.

In 1763 Oliver resided in Orange County. On 10 Oct 1763 Oliver conveyed to John Brewer 200 acres in Brunswick County on the south side of Beaver Pond Creek. 

Oliver is found in 1772 on the roll of Chatham County Militia with Henry and George Brewer.

Oliver married Rebecca. Again speculation is that Rebecca's maiden name was Smith as no marriage document has been found.

In the 1790 Federal Census Oliver is living in Chatham County North Carolina in a household that has 2 males under 16, 4 males over 16, 2 females and 3 slaves.

Oliver names all his children and his wife Rebecca in his will written on 14 Oct 1791 and proven November Court 1792.

One of his children named in his will was William. But not the William that married Phana Risdin. This William married Nancy and his probate is in 1806 in Chatham County. 

Link to research on William Brewer, son of Oliver

As you can see after reading this, the parents of William Brewer who married Phana Risdin has not been proven. Currently if you look at trees on Ancestry.com, they all say that Oliver was his father. 

For now, all I can do is post what I have discovered... whether it proves or disproves, I will leave that up to you...

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Pattie

Searching for the Right Brewer Family

Oliver or Howell

As I have previously written, much that has been published about the Brewers before 1990s has errors in it and/or lacks documentation.  For years what has been believed about the Brewers is coming into question. Now we can use DNA to help with our family tree. 

Multiple DNA shared ancestor matches on Ancestry indicate that John Goad is my ancestor. At last count I had 40+ of these matches. The descendants of John Goad on these matches is different from what I believe to be my branch of his tree. In other words I descend from him through his daughter Ann. The other matches descend from his other children.

John Goad died in Bedford County Virginia in 1771. His granddaughter was Phana Risdin who married William Brewer in Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1781. John Goad's daughter, Ann married William Roysdon. (spelling of the last name changes frequently).

Once again DNA matches to William and Phana are present in my Ancestry circles. 

So, who was William Brewer's father?

For years it has been believed that Oliver was the father of this William. But records don't really support this. 

I am going to jump ahead to 1846 to find a possible answer to this question of parentage.

In 1846 Isaac Brewer appeared before the judge in Talladega County, Alabama. 

Isaac was seeking pension for his service in the American Revolutionary War. In the documents Isaac, under oath, made several declarations about his service. Below are some of the highlights that pertain to William Brewer. 

• At about four years of age his father carried him to Bedford County, Virginia where he resided about two years. 
• From there he removed to Chatham County, North Carolina until he was 24 or 25 years old. 
• He then moved to Georgia
• He removed to Blount Tennessee. 
• About eleven years ago, while residing in Tenn. he spoke to a gentleman by the name of Lowry about preparing papers to apply for pension. He had testimony from William Brewer who also served. 
• He was first taken to the war by his uncle John Brewer. 
• He remembers the names of persons who were in the same service with him.

his father, Howell Brewer

his Uncle Bill Brewer

his Uncle John Brewer

• His brother, Simon, born in 1775 gave testimony that he was old enough by the end of the war to recall something of his brothers services during the war.

In 1850 affidavit was given in Monroe County Tenn. by Mary Blankenship, daughter of William Brewer, that she is well acquainted with Isaac Brewer; that her father William Brewer was a pensioner. Isaac is a cousin of hers. That she recalls her father talking about the battle at Cane Creek in Orange County in which he, Isaac, was wounded. 

From these documents it seems that William Brewer was the brother of Howell Brewer Jr. and son of Howell Brewer Sr.

Or Oliver??

Oliver Brewer's will lists his children by name. There is a William Brewer in Oliver's will. Oliver's will was dated 1792 in Chatham County, North Carolina. (He does not have a son named John. Isaac Brewer's testimony gave his uncles as John and Bill)

Oliver shows up in Orange County records in 1762. Howell is in Orange County in 1755 but living alone.

There is a William Brewer married to Dorothy. His will was proven in 1833 in Orange County.

William Brewer, the Revolutionary War Soldier, stated in his pension records that he was born in Brunswick County, Virginia and moved as a small boy to Orange County, North Carolina. Also from these documents we get a birth date of around 1752.

A William Brewer received a land grant on 24 Sep 1779 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.

William Brewer married Phana Risdin on 19 Apr 1781 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.

In 1790 the Census has a Wm Brewer age; over 16 and 6 females living in Chatham County.

In Deed Book 9 of Orange County NC there is a deed between Mathew McCauley and William Brewer for a tract of land on Morgan Creek. (1801)

There is a William Brewer living in Chatham County in 1800. Census records show he was between 16 and 25 years old. There isn't a William Brewer in Chatham in the census records for 1810, 1820 or 1830.

There is a William Brewer in 1810 living in Orange County. On the census he is over 45 but seems to be living alone. This William's age does not match the age of the William Brewer in Chatham. 

A William Brewer shows up in 1804 in Tennessee tax records and 1800 in South Carolina. These records match William's testimony in his pension file.

Which man is the father of William Brewer?? 

There does not seem to be any one record that would say 100%. Until I read Isaac Brewer's pension file I thought it was Oliver. Now, I am not sure. What do you think???

Thanks for stopping by!

Pattie