I'm looking for information about the Whitleys who lived in Southampton County VA, some of whom are buried in SUNBEAM CEMETERY.

I believe the ERNEST J. WHITLEY (1878-1944) buried there is my Great-Grandfather, and that JESSIE T. WHITLEY (1853-1926) and MARY A. WHITLEY (1853-1924) might be his parents.

My grandfather was ERNEST JAMES WHITLEY, born May 1, 1912 in Abbeyville SC, and died June 26, 1979 in Robbinsville NC. He married LOUISE ELIZABETH DOW of New York City in 1937. Their only child, Margaret V. Whitley (1938- ) is my mother.

Ernest James's father was ERNEST JESSIE WHITLEY, born "around 1876" (according to our bible) and died in 1944. He married JANE COLE of Pennsylvania, who survived him by about 20 years and died in Florida in the early 1960's.

Ernest Jessie's parents were JESSIE WHITLEY and MAUDE FITZGERALD. I believe Maude could be a nickname for "Mary," since most Irish families of that era had daughters by the name MARY.

I have no information beyond that generation. Any knowledge would be appreciated. I understand there is a book about the WHITLEY family in Southampton's library, and will be visiting there tomorrow.