Rockbridge - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: hicks/ramsey/whitlocks

mrgca1 — 2013-06-11 23:01:11Z

http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Du-Ha/Gypsy-Americans.html

Re: hicks/ramsey/whitlocks

mrgca1 — 2013-06-11 16:01:48Z

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84024716/1902-08-13...

Read paragraph just above Colliers Creek/Collierstown about the gypsies. This is the end of the news for Rockbridge Baths from the previous column and indicates gypsies were camped there at the time. Rockbridge Baths was a popular resort for people to go for the healing waters.

Re: hicks/ramsey/whitlocks

mrgca1 — 2013-06-11 15:43:15Z

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn87060165/1910-08-16...

Gypsies traveling from Fredericksburg to Richmond

Re: hicks/ramsey/whitlocks

mrgca1 — 2013-06-11 14:54:22Z

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84024716/1899-02-01...

This is an account in an 1899 Lexington Gazette of gypsies encamped outside of Lexington, VA, in Rockbridge County. This would not be a good location to camp for any period of time. It is the convergence of Mill Creek and Maury River. You can google that spot on a satellite map today. Althought I lived near this place, it is not the place where I saw gypsies in the 1940's actually stay for a period of time and sell chenille bedspreads/bath robes which were hung out on lines beside US Route 11 near Timber Ridge.
I will try to find more info for you.

You can click on the URL at the top and it will give you the entire page of the newspaper as well.

hicks/ramsey/whitlocks

verchielsangel51 — 2013-06-10 22:41:15Z

thank you for your reply. my question would be this. are the gypsy clans that exist today descended from the gypsies from the 30's and 40's. could they have co-existed in the 1700's to the present day. and could someone be born in another county and say they were born in a county like rockbridge county, because they didn't want people to drive them away. i'm not in tune to how well they were welcomed in any town. thank you. respectfully,cathy(nee:ramsey)

Re: Pattersons of Rockbridge County/Florence Hefelfinger

gormanschaffer — 2013-06-09 16:20:38Z

i have the info you want, i think. if you are comfortable, let's estsblish direct email contact. gorman.schaffer@neel-schaffer.com. Look forward to communicating with you.

Re: Vest

mrgca1 — 2013-06-09 14:23:56Z

Rockbridge County Birth Records 1853-1877 Volume 2 abstracted by Dorothy & Edwin Kirkpatrick

"Vest, Charles D. 16 Aug 1859 [WMA] Rockbridge Co.; Rachel & Harvey Vest (-, Rockbridge Co.) reported by father"

Explanation: Legend WMA stands for White Male Born Alive,

the blank within the parentheses after Harvey Vest indicates no occupation given which should be at that location

Re: Vest

jimliptrap1 — 2013-06-09 01:12:24Z

I would like to exchange information on the descendants of Hiram Vest’s children:
(1) Harvey Vest (c1818) m.1843 Susan Liptrap; m.1850 Rachel Ailstock
(2) Lucinda Vest (c1819) m.1845 Isaac N Liptrap and moved to Nebraska

Re: James, Samuel, James, Samuel and William Patterson

jimliptrap1 — 2013-06-09 01:03:13Z

Has anyone come across an Elizabeth Patterson, born February, 1746/7, who married Joseph Tate? They lived in Rockbridge, east of Fairfield, from 1778 to 1811, when they moved to Ohio. She had a sister Anne who married David Cree (c1750-1829) of Huntingdon Co, Pennsylvania. Both Elizabeth and Joseph have been "brick walls" in my family genealogy for 130 years. They are clearly related to the respective Augusta/Rockbridge families, but we have never found the connection.

Re: Pattersons of Rockbridge County/Florence Hefelfinger

jimliptrap1 — 2013-06-09 00:37:48Z

Re: RE:HICKS/RAMSEY

mrgca1 — 2013-06-01 23:37:58Z

The following is an explanation of the park that presently exists in Staunton , VA, Augusta Co. It borders Rockbridge Co. and it is likely that if there were gypsies in Staunton they also travelled in Rockbridge Co., only ten to fifteen miles away. I do know there were gypsies that camped along Route 11 in Rockbridge Co. in the 1930's and 40's.

"Gypsy Hill Park began as the site of Staunton's water supply in the mid 1800's. Several springs were located in this area and water from the springs was dispensed to the city via the pumping plant nearby. In 1876, the city purchased 30 acres of land around the springs in order to protect the town's water supply. By 1890, the city had acquired approximately 90 acres and a proposal was made to City Council to establish a recreational park on the property. Council approved the proposal and the area of land located between Churchville Avenue and the old Baldwin Fair Association grounds became known as Gypsy Hill Park- named for the wandering gypsies who camped near the springs. Captain W.P. Tams, a local citizen, was given much credit for the planning and development of the park. The nearby Baldwin Fairgrounds, a longtime site for local gatherings, races and fairs was purchased by the city in 1892 to increase the space for recreational activities. By 1893, Gypsy Hill boasted a small zoo which was under the care and supervision of a park policeman. Throughout the 20th century, the park has experienced many changes; however residents as well as visitors to Staunton can still experience much of the original Victorian character and charm of the park."

RE:HICKS/RAMSEY

verchielsangel51 — 2013-05-31 12:35:56Z

am looking for a margaret(maggie) hicks who suppose to have been between 1855 to 1865. as now she is a mystery. she married one william ramsey who came from west virginia. the problem is this. i can't find anywhere except that she had a son in 1881 in washington,D.C. was told that she may be a gypsy,because she told fortunes. now is it possible that there were gypsies in that area at that time period or even farther back.was also told she had 24 children under two different names: ramsey and gordon. haven't been able to find them either. my grandparents were jacob matthews ramsey and harriet elizabeth whitlock. any help i would be grateful for. thank you. respectfully, cathy(nee:ramsey)

Re: WILL DO LOOKUPS FROM BOOK FOR ROCKBRIDGE Co.

harmony3663 — 2013-04-16 05:04:18Z

Hello Lucy,

I don't know if you are still doing lookups, and with 218 posts to this thread—I am not sure if I contacted you in the past or not.

I am looking for:
George Washington Scott, who married
Mary Susan Frances Moyers

I do not have dates, but a calculated guess would put them born in the neighborhood of 1850.

They had at least one child, Andrew Willson Scott (with 2 "L's), born 6 Aug 1875 (though the year is contradicted in a few sources).

They may have lived in or around Brownsberg.

Many thanks to you!

Richard

Re: WAUGH

ramullen22 — 2013-04-13 23:07:27Z

My grandmother was Anna Melissa Waugh, although on some documents she said her middle name was Malissie and Malissa. Malissa is an ancestor's name and I've also seen it spelled Milissa. She was born in Buena Vista, VA and as a very young child I remember my family taking a trip to Buena Vista and seeing the house she used to live in...with a porch. She attended a college in town called the Southern Seminary or something like that. Not sure whether she graduated. I also don't know how she met my grandfather, but they lived in Denver for awhile, and in California for awhile. I have some photos, and photos of what may be her siblings, but they are not identified....I also inherited a set of small toys that belonged to Maggie Bibb, and a Waugh family bible. I've posted the handwritten information from the front of the bible on my grandmother's profile. However, I'm not even as far as you on the trail of the older ancestors. Interested in where you got the information on Nicholas and brother Roderick. And would love to share photos and info and get any help in identifying subjects in photos. Best, Ruth Mullen

Elias Dodson Lewis

jessielewis17 — 2013-04-12 20:13:29Z

My records show this is the brother of Francis Musgrove Lewis who died in Ellis County. You find the Green name all though our genealogy. What I have is that Elias and Musgrove Lewis were given land by their grandfather Hanson Lewis Jr. in North Carolina. Between 1870 and 1880 both came to Texas although it seems like not together. Musgrove ended up in Ellis County and Elias going on to Parker County, Weatherford area. I need to know if the two were brothers are even related for sure. Everything fits except the Dodson, I know where Weatherford is and in a town that small someone there has to still be related to either the Greens or Lewiss

Re: Parker

scotswed77 — 2013-04-04 02:39:53Z

Aaron Parker was born in 1781 in VA. He moved to Greene County, TN. and married Sally Grey. Later he married Rebecca (oral history says Rebecca Sherrill). They lived in Bradley County, TN.

Re: WILL DO LOOKUPS FROM BOOK FOR ROCKBRIDGE Co.

dennymont2 — 2013-04-02 14:10:57Z

I am looking for information about Robert Montgomery born in Rockbridge in April 1808 died in Indiana Feb 1885. I do not have his father or mother's name. You can email info to tcfearless@msn.com. Thank you for any information you may find.
Dennis Montgomery

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-04-02 01:53:56Z

I received it. Thanks
Donnie

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-04-02 01:20:42Z

I emailed you just now. It's under the subject 'Taylors'.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-04-02 00:44:54Z

My earliest Noel ancestor married Martha "Patsy" Taylor 4-14-1808 in Rockbridge Co., VA. She was the daughter of a James Taylor, deceased. From land tax records we find that "James Taylors heirs" began being taxed for his land in Collierstown in 1790. In 1789, and prior years, he was listed as the taxable owner. It is assumed from this that he died sometime after tax information was gathered in 1789.
James Taylor married Mary Gunn 8-3-1780 in Rockbridge Co.
This implies that they were only married nine years before he died.
For whatever reason John Nowel/Noel took out a loan from a James Gilmore about 1821. He put up 81 acres of land that was "patent land" as collateral. James Gilmore died and a Henry McCorkle became the assignee (or otherwise legal representative able to collect this debt.) John Noel died shortly afterwards and it was tied up in Rockbridge's Chancery Court. It wasn't settled until 1842 even though the loan was made around 1821. One of John Noel's daughters had to have an ad litem guardian to represent her because she was an "infant". (She was about 19).
In your info that you sent showing Ann Paul Taylor McCorkle as widow (a 2nd time) of William McCorkle, one of his sons was named Henry. Could this be coincidence?
James Taylor (the older, who was husband of Ann Paul), lists a younger James as kind of an afterthought in his will. If the other two sons are unable to claim their part of the inheritance then it would go to "son James".
Based on the links that you sent, a William Taylor also had a son named James (if I understood the info correctly). This was the one who lived in the vicinity of present day Warm Run & Lincoln Roads.
The Crawford name was also mentioned in one of the Taylor information you sent. My John Nowel/Noel had a John D. Crawford as one of his witnesses. John D. Crawford married Amerilla/Ambercilla/Amberilla etc. Noel. My John didn't reciprocate as witness however. All of this is circumstanial, but I don't think I'll find the "smoking gun" of proof. The records of that era are just too sketchy. The British burning Washington during the War of 1812 destroyed not only Virginia's census but other states' as well. Other records were destroyed also.
If you would rather e-mail me direct my e-mail address is Starcitty610@msn.com
Thanks
Donnie

Re: Parker

HGuess13 — 2013-04-01 22:16:30Z

What info do you have on Aaron Parker?

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-04-01 18:28:42Z

Besides the will/deed info given on WeRelate.com site, you can also check out the personal property tax records from Rockbridge for a price at BinnsGenealogy.com. You will get a cd that is easy viewing, or you can pay nothing by getting the info directly from the library of Virginia to your local library by inter library loan on microfilm for slower viewing. If your near Rockbridge, than looking at wills/deeds there, and Stuanton would not be too difficult. William Taylor, who died @ 1768, alleged father Isaac died in Montgomery Co after William died, so naturally, he doesn't make mention of William as an inheritor. Given the marriage/deed/will/personal property tax records, this line looks pretty good, but like yourself, I would check the original documents! Good Hunting!

Just a note....Family migration from Augusta Co, to Rockbridge to Montgomery Co was very common due to transportation conveniences by the western trail called by multiple names. Isaac Taylor had land through Borden Grant that had that trail (mimicking Interstate 81 today) going right through his property.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-04-01 18:13:04Z

Donnie,

From what I can see from my brief 'perusal' of your Taylor's, yours are not the ones connected to the Paul family....at least not directly descended. There are at least 3 Paul/Taylor marriages that I know of.

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

suzaq1954 — 2013-04-01 18:06:15Z

Thanks for the star, Paula. My mother would say the same! :) Don't forget that there are library workers and courthouse workers who will research labor-free for the cost of copies! Saves a lot of traveling miles...

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

suzaq1954 — 2013-04-01 18:04:10Z

Hate to object, but I've been to VMI and Washington and Lee, and found some issues with one that the other didn't have. Just in case there is someone out there researching, I suggest checking both.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

mrgca1 — 2013-04-01 00:04:38Z

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~vaaugust/b&bmap.html

This map shows a Taylor near Warm Run in the area I described. I don't believe any part of Warm Run presently flows into North River as this older map shows it once did. You have all the directions correct and I am familiar with them all. The Audley Paul sign is about twenty miles from the Warm Run I have shown you. You will find Taylor and Lyle on this early map. Lusk is not there but I know he did own property in that area very early on. Timber Ridge is only three miles from Warm Run as shown on the map.

The North River was the dividing line between Botetourt and Augusta counties until 1778 when Rockbridge was formed and then a portion on each side of the river became Rockbridge.
The area you mention near Short Hills is close to the county line and you often don't know which county you are in there. The Natural Bridge is in Rockbridge, but shortly south of there is Botetourt.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-31 23:26:50Z

I used Google Earth and found it. It looks as if Mill Creek empties into the Maury River at Old Buena Vista Rd. (Rt. 631) where it intersects with Lincoln Rd. (Rt. 763).
This is considerably distant from Short Hills just inside the Rockbridge Co. line from Botetourt Co. I'd guess about 15 or 16 miles...maybe further.
I remember seeing Old Buena Vista Rd. when I went through Lexington about 2-3 weeks ago. I've not been in the Lincoln Rd area before. This land would have definitely fallen into the "Fork(s) of the James" area (definition) back in the day. It was just north of the Maury River (then known as North River or North Fork of the James).
There are several crossings of the river one must make to get from Lincoln Rd. to the vicinity of Mile Post 174/175 of I-81 where some Taylor lands were.
There is a historical marker on the eastside frontage road of I-81 about Capt. Audley Paul. This frontage road is overlapping part of old US Rt. 11 at this point. This marker has been there long before I-81 was built in the mid 1960s. It makes reference to Audley Paul being the brother in law to one of the Taylor brothers who settled "nearby". This marker is near "Short Hills". This area is just north of Alpine Rd (Rt. 622) in Botetourt Co. up towards High Bridge Presbyterian Church. Alpine Rd is at about MP 172 and High Bridge is at about MP 174. The Botetourt/Rockbridge County line falls somewhere between 172 and 174 in mostly rural forest and pasture land. For so many of the Taylor boys' land holdings to have been recorded in Rockbridge I would assume they would have been just inside the Rockbridge side of the line. (Perhaps their land straddled the line and they had to record 1/2 of it in Botetourt also????).
At least now we know where certain ones of them lived specifically. That always helps in nailing down multiple James Taylors, John Does, etc. living in the same time frame.
We're like Sheriff Roscoe P. Coltrain of the old TV show "Dukes of Hazzard" used to say...."we're in hot pursuit" of them Taylor boys now!!!
Donnie

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-31 22:12:38Z

We've already been corresponding, but I just found this on my ancestry.com home page. (I haven't been on-line with it in several days).
The spring foliage looks best the 3rd week in April and the fall foliage the 3rd week in Oct. That's a good general rule of thumb. The foliage is at its peak for about two weeks. It might come early and be the 2nd & 3rd week of April OR it could be late and arrive the 3rd & 4th week. Usually the 3rd week is pretty well fixed...but we are dealing with Mother Nature here, so check with the weather folks closer to that time for a better answer. (The same is true for Oct.: 2nd & 3rd or 3rd & 4th).
Donnie

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

mrgca1 — 2013-03-31 15:13:27Z

There is a Warm Run in Rockbridge Co. which is near former lands of both Lusk and Lyle. It is a road off of Lincoln Road which is off of Route 11 North in Lexington , VA 24450. Google a satellite map of 1400 North Route 11 ( North Lee Highway)Lexington, VA 24450 and that will put you at the closest U turn for Lincoln Rd and Warm Run Road. Warm Run at times flows into Mill Creek which flows into Maury River ( North River).
Warm Run Road use to be a through road but was intersected by the bldg. of I 81 and is now a deadend at a residence.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

mrgca1 — 2013-03-31 15:12:58Z

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-31 02:57:21Z

This is a lot of cross references. Some I have seen and some I haven't. I appreciate the leads.
I'm curious as to where "Warm Run" is/was.
There is a Mill Creek which runs from the Lithia area northward and enters the James River just south of Buchanan. This was originally Looney's Mill Creek. Absalom Looney had a ferry as well as a mill. He was quite the well rounded businessman for his day. The name of the creek became shortened over time to just "Mill Creek".
Lithia; Looney's Mill; Looney's ferry; and his land holdings all were in Botetourt Co after 1769. Prior to that they were in the parent county of Augusta. This area never has been in Rockbridge Co to my knowledge.
Most of the references I have seen regarding the Taylor brothers who came from County Armagh Ireland "...lived at the headwaters of Cedar Creek..." I would guess that this would be in the present area of Rapp's Mill at the foothills of Short Hills. (This is actually a long, narrow mountain which has a slight "mushroom type look" on the north end. It's not as high as the surrounding mountains which probably accounts for it being named "Short" Hills.)
The Lusk & Lyle names I have run across in early records of the area but I'm not related to them and never followed them. Where they specifically lived is not known to me.
There was a Rockbridge Co. community which sprang up sometime before 1800, or thereabouts, called Springfield (or something akin to that). It was located maybe 1/2 the distance between High Bridge Presby. Church and present day I-81 exit 175 (Natural Bridge exit).
All traces of it were removed for the construction of I-81. (A conduit takes the water from the now covered spring and pipes it under the interstate to the east side. It can be seen a short distance south of exit 175 running between the interstate and the frontage road). Perhaps some of these folks may have lived in or near this community???
Perhaps the spring was the origin of "Warm Run"??? All this is speculation.
I worked for Ma Bell as a Installer/Repairman for 30 years. This was not my day-to-day area, but I worked it enough over time to be fairly well familiar with it. I also know some folks who still live in the area. I live about 30 miles from there and still pass through that area from time to time. I have other lines that lived near here and a number of ancestors buried in the cemetery adjacent to High Bridge Presbyterian Church.
If I need to make an on-site visit to nail down some of these folks' original whereabouts for us that shouldn't be a problem. I'd love to find parentage for my James Taylor and John Noel/Nowel.
I appreciate the leads. My gut feeling over the years was that MY James Taylor was NOT kin to the Cedar Creek Taylor brothers but I could be mistaken. (Like the old fellow once said..."one time I thought I was wrong....but I was mistaken")ha
Donnie

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

mrgca1 — 2013-03-31 01:56:28Z

The following local papers for Rockbridge Co. are listed at Washington and Lee Univ. All three libraries have the same collection.

Lexington gazette [microform]
Lexington, Va. : Lafferty & Co.

LOCATION CALL NO. STATUS
Leyburn-Microfilm NEWSPAPERS 1835-1841 LIB USE ONLY
Leyburn-Microfilm NEWSPAPERS 1835-1841 c.2 LIB USE ONLY
Leyburn-Microfilm NEWSPAPERS 1842-1846 LIB USE ONLY
There are additional copies/volumes of this item

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-30 12:16:08Z

Just spent some time going through the Rockbridge Co personal property tax records and then comparing that info with "History of Rockbridge Co" pages 534-535, and here is what I suggest...

Find the will of a William Taylor of Rockbridge who died in 1768 (Augusta Co will). He is a possible father for your James. His wife, Elizabeth died in 1799 also leaving a will that should be looked at.
It appears that William and Elizabeth had the following children:
Isaac, William, James, Thomas (possibly born about the time of William's death, described in Wm's will as "youngest son", and Thomas in Elizabeths will), Isabella (Esabel), Jamima, Martha and possibly Andrew (who also could be a brother).

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mcmurtriec...

It also appears that William's father was Isaac Taylor, who arrived in Bordan Grant in 1740, with William getting land in Rockbridge in 1760. On Werelate.com, it gives someone's transcription of William's will and other information regarding Isaac too. NOTE: When a document called a person "Infant", it does not mean under 10...it means under 21!!! I don't agree with Werelate's theory that William and Elizabeth were married in 1760! but I could be wrong. :)

http://www.werelate.org/wiki/Person:William_Taylor_%28319%29

The above data, let me reaffirm, is consistent with the personal property tax records I saw of Rockbridge Co and your James Taylor. My first impression, for example, from the first record taken in 1782, was that James' mother was a widowed woman named Elizabeth. Later this was confirmed by the combined wills of William and Elizabeth. My next impression based off the tax records was that Elizabeth was the mother of a William, and a Thomas who appeared to have been born around @1768-1770.

Reminders: Prior to Rockbridge Co building their own courthouse, all records were dealt in Staunton (Augusta Co). When Rockbridge was Borden Grant, again their records were done in Staunton. Chalkley's Chronicles were based off the Augusta Co court records; therefore, looking for Wiliam and Isaac Taylor in Augusta Co is a logical step to this research. Following the land records in Rockbridge and Augusta for James, William, and Isaac would help as well.

Chalkley's Chronicles:

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~chalkley/

I was unable to connect the two Taylor clans through any records.

EDIT:

Found this at Chalkley's Chronicles (Abstracts from Augusta Co Court records) above, taken from page 84 of Will Book 4:
"Page 84.--20th October, 1767. William (mark) Talor's will, farmer--
To son, Isaac, infant, tract adjoining Mill Creek, corner in the Warm Run,
corner before Andrew Taylor's door, William Lusk's line; to son, William,
infant, tract testator lives on, joining Daniel Lyle; to son, James, infant;
to 3 daughters, Martha, Isbell and Jemmina, infants; to youngest son; to
wife, Elizabeth, executrix. Teste: Wm. Lusk, Daniel Lyle, James Lyle.
Proved, 16th March, 1768, by Wm. Lusk and Danl. Lyle. Executrix qualified
(mark), with Saml. and Danl. Lyle."

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-30 04:45:54Z

A James Taylor married Mary Gunn in 1780 in Rockbridge Co., VA. From all that I've been able to find on him he does not seem to be kin to the other Taylor fellows who settled at the head waters of Cedar Creek at "Short Hills". This is between Rennicks Run and High Bridge Presby. Church. My James lived in the Collierstown area on House Mt. This is at the dead end of present day Tom Alphin Rd. (Rt. 649).
James died about 1789. His widow remarried to a John McNaughton in 1791 also in Rockbridge Co. My aunt found a will for John McNaughton but we don't know what year it was written or probated. We copied it on a recent trip to the Rockbridge court house. We assumed it would have had some type of date written in the original, but it apparently didn't. It probably was marked as to a year in the wills from 18xx to 18xx (however many years that given book included).
James and Mary had four girls so far as is known. If they had other children I have not seen mention of it in court records. (His four girls were specifically named in a Chancery suit as his heirs.).
Martha, also known as Patsy, born about 1783 or '84, married John Nowel/Nowell/Noel April 14, 1808 in Rockbridge Co.
John had an original land patent for 81 acres which he obtained. It was adjacent to the land of "James Taylor's heirs" as mentioned in his land description in the early deed books.
This is the first of my Noel & Taylor lines.
I would like to find parentage of James Taylor AND John Noel. I'm almost back to when dirt was new and record keeping was sketchy at best.
Does any of this sound familiar from your line(s)?
Donnie

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-30 02:47:58Z

Donnie,

I noticed your info on your James Taylor above. If your looking for possible predecessors you might check the link I'll provide below. It mentions a group of Taylor brothers that came to Rockbridge Co. One was a James Taylor, but I think your James was probably his nephew. The James Taylor in the link talks about a son of his, (Rev) Stuart Taylor; a very colorful Mountain Man Preacher! The second link is the FindaGrave link to the Cemetery where Stuart is buried that I photographed. Stuart's brother Hugh Paul Taylor wrote a historical work of the Rockbridge County/Shenandoah Valley that I would LOVE to read called "Hugh Paul Taylor's Sketches".

Look at page 274 of the following link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=NBE1AAAAIAAJ&q=stuart+t...

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GScid=2...;

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-30 00:56:40Z

Tell me of your earliest Taylors of Rockbridge (if you have any). I'm familiar with a Taylor family.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-28 23:14:42Z

Son of a gun. I didn't know about a ford being there. As a kid, about a couple hundred years ago, Jennings, Midddle and North Creeks were where our Boy Scout troop frequently went camping. That area is known as Arcadia.
Middle Creek and North Creek are tributaries that empty into Jennings Creek. The Applachian Trail wends its way from off of one mountain down across Jennings Creek and thru that small valley and back up onto another mountain.
I've hiked and camped a bunch of that area that's in the National Forest. We didn't camp near the James River as that was/is private property. I've heard of a number of ferrying points across the river that modern bridges now have superceded. The river takes a number of twists and tuns from Arcadia to Buchanan and results in a few "horseshoe bends". That's where Jennings Creek empties into the James. Most of the places I'm familiar with the river is fairly wide and I (wrongly) assumed too deep to ford. Looney's ferry is south of Buchanan and several ferries were between Arcadia and Natural Bridge Station.
I've never been in the area between Arcadia and Buchanan. It's a very popular area for kayaking and fishermen. They're there just about everywhere anytime there's favorable weather.
In fact one time I was going thru that area I almost wrecked my pick-up truck laughing so hard. I passed a truck parked at the bridge where Arcadia Rd crosses over Jennings Creek maybe a couple hundred yards from where it empties in to the River. I could see a fisherman wading down Jennings Creek toward the river. A bumper sticker on the back of his truck said "Fish Tremble At The Sound Of My Name".
He probably heard me laughing as I drove out of sight.
I don't know where my Taylor's came from. Rockingham Co. seemed to be more of a German migration destination than Scotch-Irish way back when. I have other names I'm researching that go back into that area which were German.
My wife has Stevenson kin (mostly of that spelling instead of Stephenson), but neither of us are related to the Logans.
Arcadia is in Botetourt County. To my knowledge it was never a part of Rockbridge County. Botetourt AND Rockbridge were both "children counties spun off of Augusta Co.
The county seat of Botetourt is Fincastle. They have excellent records which may? show Logans or Stephens. If they were in the Arcadia area before Botetourt was formed, those records would have been in Augusta I would think.
I'll check and see if I have anything in my personal records that would be of a general nature about that area. Other than perhaps a map, I wouldn't expect to find any genealogical info, but I'll look.
Donnie

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

mikeinkaty — 2013-03-28 06:06:36Z

Stephenson's ford was 5.3 miles down the middle of the river from the swinging bridge over the James at Buchanan. It was where Jennings Creek flows into the James River. Thomas Stephenson was on the north bank of the river there. John Logan was also nearby but not exactly sure where. John was a brother of my 4G Grandmother and of Col. Benjamin Logan. I do not know how much land Thomas had. Wish I knew!

None of my clan went to Tazwell Co. that I know about.

I MAY have been kin to the Taylors at Taylor Springs up in Rockingham Co., just east of Harrisonburg on the highway going east. None anywhere else in the valley that I know about.

Ny wife and I spent 2 weeks in the valley 4 years ago. We were there at the height of the fall color. We travelled from the south end to the north end, stopping 2 or 3 days at each major town. Got to see my 5G Grandparents place north of Cross Keys VA and was even given an all day private tour by the present owner. He said we were the first descendant of the original owner to ever stop by while his family had owned the place (40 years). We took he and his wife out for dinner that night and had a wonderful time. He was the most noteworthy of all historians of Rockingham Co.

http://originofthenamemeadowview.wikia.com/wiki/Origin_of_th...

Dan died early last year. All those memories, lost, like tears in rain........(from the movie Bladerunner)

Mike

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-28 04:16:28Z

Did any of your Stevenson/Stephenson's end up in Tazewell Co., VA in the 1850s? My wife's line includes that branch of the Stevensons.
Where was Stephenson's ford? I've traveled that area right much over the years, and I can't say that I've ever heard of it. Perhaps it fell out of usage as the property changed hands over the years??
Are you kin to any of the Taylor line that lived on House Mountain just north of Collierstown in Rockbridge Co.?
A James Taylor (there were at least two men in the county with that name at that time) lived there in the 1780s.
He died about 1789. He married Mary Gunn in 1780. They had four known children--all daughters. One daughter, Martha, married my earliest Noel ancestor in 1808.
Donnie

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

dwnoel610 — 2013-03-28 04:06:45Z

Yep. That's the one. It is in Rockbridge Co. north of Buchanan about mile post 169 or 170 of I-81. Renicks Run begins west of I-81 running somewhat parallel to Buffalo Rd., crosses under the interstate, and makes it's way to the James River. I believe another stream joins it--not sure. I've driven that area off and on over the years--just not recently. I think it enters the river near what's known locally as Rocky Point. Part of what used to be called James River Limestone (now bought out and known by another name I think), has a small plant there. It's on Rocky Point Rd. (Rt. 622). If you have Goggle Earth all of these landmarks are visible. The roads are labeled. (The streams are a little more difficult to see though).
Thanks for the heads-up on J.P.Sallings' journal. That sounds like an interesting read.
I have kin in early Rockbridge/Botetourt in these areas. I live about 45-50 miles from some of them. I've traveled a lot of the back roads and have maps of some of the areas.
If you are looking for a specific place I might be able to help.
I'm looking for Noel, Entsminger, Vest/Vess, Taylor, Standoff, Irvine and Ford in the Collierstown area. I have Barger and Shaffer families between Rocky Point and Natural Bridge. Link and Troxell families just north of Natural Bridge.
It's beautiful there. If you ever get a chance to visit the area I think you'd like it. Natural Bridge is a good staring point.
Donnie

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

tookep — 2013-03-28 03:59:18Z

WOW Suzaq1954!

I owe you BIG TIME ! ! ! ! ! ! !

This information has definitely earned you a star in your crown for heaven :) (Mom always told me that, tongue in cheek, when I did something good for someone else.)

Paula

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

tookep — 2013-03-28 03:52:26Z

Thank you so much for this info . . . I know there was a William Oatton who lived in Warren Co, Ohio, where I can trace George back to.

No, I have not been able to find George's obituary yet. Last summer I was home (Logansport, Cass Co, Indiana . . the Pattons settled in Cass County when they moved form Ohio) and I was looking for the obits for 2 grandmothers . . I only had 1 afternoon to look. Will work on George this next summer.

One day, I will make it to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to the Allen County Library to check out their genealogical records.

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-27 23:52:59Z

A William Patton married a Sally Elwood in 1802.

http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?rank=1&new=1&...

Did you look for George's obituary at an Indiana library newspaper collection?

Re: Where to request Birth Cert from 1875 Rockbridge County?

harmony3663 — 2013-03-27 23:24:48Z

Thank you very much! I will give them a call.

Richard

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-27 22:58:04Z

Besides the 'normal' route of looking at Land records and Wills, there are old newspapers that aren't online that you can look through for a birth record of George W. They are located at
1) Lexington library
2) Washington and Lee University library.
3) VMI military institute's library.

These papers are located on microfilm at these libraries. There are several publications, and prior to going, I would call and get years of each issue.

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-27 22:50:58Z

ON the 1810 census, ASSUMING that George was still in Rockbridge; the following fathers had children under the age of 10:

William Patton, 'Jr' (26-45 yrs)
http://search.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=view&r=0&dbid=7...

William Patton (over 45 yrs) (He also has 2 males aged 16-26 of unknown names who could be fathers of the 5 males under 10)
http://search.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=view&r=0&dbid=7...

William Patton (26-45)
http://search.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=view&r=0&dbid=7...

William Patton (26-45)
http://search.ancestry.com/iexec?htx=view&r=0&dbid=7...

One of the Patton's was transcribed as Patterson. It looks like Patton. It's possible that a couple of these Williams used middle names on the earlier list I gave.

Re: Patton . . . born 1805 in Rockbridge

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-27 22:09:16Z

You may find this research tough, but my belief is that you this is NOT a block! There are resources that may make it a tedious search, though.

FWIW:

In 1805 there were the following adult males (over 20) in Rockbridge:

William Patton
Samuel Patton (living in/on/near "B.B.")
James Patton
Joseph Patton, Sr
William Patton
John Patton
Thomas Patton (miller)
Charles Patton
Thomas Patton
William Patton (schoolmaster)
John Patton (merchant)
Joseph Patton, Jr

That's 12 adult males likely fathers of George W. Patton.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

suzaq1954 — 2013-03-27 21:39:56Z

I find the mid 1700's of Shenandoah Valley AMAZING!!! I love studying the families, maps, and histories of that time period. It you like the same, take a look at John Peter Sallings/Sallies Journal that can be read online. One of the many fascinating stories.

I found Rennick's (Rennix) Run. Thanks Donnie for your help. Rennick's is along the James going East/North from Buchanan. Today, it's probably in Bedford (Rockbridge?). It is part of that Indian raid time period mentioned on that Arcadia exit sign. Apparently, Robert Rennick was one of the victems of an Indian raid that was by-passing the fort located at Pattonburg/Buchanan. They went through Browns Gap and attacked the families along that river, which became known at Rennix Run.

Re: Where to request Birth Cert from 1875 Rockbridge County?

alexgygeorge — 2013-03-27 18:39:21Z

If you haven't got an answer yet you can call the Rockbridge County clerk at Phone: (540) 463-2232. They can tell you if they have the records and how to obtain them.

Re: Location of "Forks of James River"?????

mikeinkaty — 2013-03-27 04:11:42Z

My 4G Grandfather, Thomas Stephenson, moved 3 miles due south of that intersection about 1765 from present day Rockingham Co. VA. There used to be a ford on the James River there called "Stephenson's Ford". He obtained a 1000 acre preemption in Lincoln Co. KY in 1781 but we are not sure if he ever lived in KY for any length of time. He may have kept the place in VA and may have died there. His wife was Elizabeth "Betty" Logan, sister of Col. Benjamin Logan. Thomas and Elizbeth got married 25 Dec 1760 at the Peaked Mountain Presby. Church that was at present day Cross Keys VA in Rockingham Co.
Mike Taylor
Katy, TX