I am currently researching Vandyke's and Brown's in Giles Co., particularly before 1853. They lived in what was then Civil District 9. Would also be very interested in any Vandyke's or Brown's still in Giles Co

Hello,
I have just begun researching the Browns in Giles Co., TN. Frances Brown b. abt. 1761 in VA married in 1784 Lester Morris. Frances' parents were Lewis Nelson Brown b. 1735 and Martha Richardson. Frances Brown Lester died in Giles Co. Nov 6, 1839 in Giles Co.
Lynette

Lynette,
Thanks for your message. As you probably know, or will soon find out, there are lots of Brown's left in Giles Co.
At least one or two full columns in the phone book. Not so, I'm afraid for Van Dyke's.

My 2nd great-grandmother was Eliza Bell Brown who married Isaac W. Vandyke in Giles Co. about 1830. I say "about" because almost all of the marriage records prior to the Civil War were destroyed by Union soldiers during their occupation of the Giles Co. Courthouse. I have two other accounts that give the 1830 date, but I'm not really sure where they got their information. Some records survived, and over the years people have submitted marriage info from family Bibles, etc., so there is some info available. I have access to this info if you need me to look for anything.

Eliza Bell Brown was born in Bladen, North Carolina in 1808, the daughter of John F. Brown and Effy McCallum. The family moved to Giles Co. sometime between 1820 and 1830. There were 11 children. Isaac and Eliza Vandyke with nine of their eleven children (two died young and are buried in Giles Co,) moved to Henderson County in West Tennessee in 1853. There are no more Vandyke's left in Giles Co., and folks just look at me funny when I mention the name.

I have a very, very good book on the McCallum's and Brown's that was written in 1946. I found it on this website. The title is: "McCallums: Daniel McCallum--Isabell Sellars, Their Antecedents, Descendents, and Collateral Relatives." I've got the link in my Shoebox, but I'm not sure how to send it to you. I'll try to figure it out if you're interested. Or may you can find it yourself. Let me know.

I'm related to many of the Brown's in and from Giles County, including two Tennessee Govenors! Ain't that cool! In fact my middle name is Brown. I'll be glad to share any and all info that I have with you. Let me know.

Regards,
David Brown Van Dyke

Thanks for your reply. I will keep your names in my notes for reference. Yes, I, too, found I was related distantly to Aaron V. Brown, former governor of Tennessee. I've only been on my Brown side of the family for 2 months or so. Have a long way to go. Regards, Lynette