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CAPTAIN GEORGE BARBER OF GEORGIA by David W. Morgan
Chapter One Captain GEORGE BARBER p. 1 - 10
The parents of Captain George Barber were George and Elizabeth Barber of
Augusta County, Virginia. The elder George died 1750 in that colony,
and one of the appraisers of his estate in Augusta County was Robert
Williams, the uncle of Margaret Watkins, Margaret later to become the
bride of Capt. George Barber. Elizabeth, widow of the elder George
Barber, married a man by the name of Patton in May of 1751 on Craig's
Creek. Robert Watkins (Father of Margaret), the elder George Barber,
and Matthew Patton all lived near each other on Craig's Creek in
1745.1
Matthew Patton was the step-father of Capt. George Barber. He lived next
to the Watkins family in Johnston County, North Carolina in 1767, and
lived next to Capt. George Barber and Reese Watkins in Wilkes County,
Georgia. Matthew Patton died in Wilkes County, Georgia in 1806, and two
of the executors of his will were Capt. George Barber and Christopher
Orr. Matthew Patton had been a witness to the will of Christopher's
father, Robert Orr, in Johnston County, North Carolina in 1779.2
This same Christopher had married Martha, the daughter of Reese
Watkins. Reese Watkins was the older brother of Margaret Watkins.3
George Barber was born about 1743, probably in Augusta County,
Virginia. He had an older brother named Plier. George
married Margaret Watkins in December 1766 or early 1767. This date
is determined because Margaret signed a deed in Bedford County,
Virginia, 6 November 1766, as Margaret Watkins.4 5
There is a rumor going around that Elizabeth, the widow of the first
George Barber, was the daughter of Charles Moore. I believe this is where
the rumor got started.
"HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF THE GEORGIA CHAPTERS, DAUGHTERS OF THE
AMERICAN REVOLUTION, volume IV. Front matter" page 301
This Charles Moore was born in 1727. He could possibly have a daughter
born by 1743, but there is no way he could have a grandson born in 1743.
So I am hoping this legend can be put to rest.
Margaret Watkins was born about 1743 in Chester County, Pennsylvania,
the youngest child and only daughter of Robert Watkins and his wife
Margaret, and the only granddaughter of Cadawalader Watkins, who
immigrated to America from Wales before 1704. The descendants of
Cadawalader Watkins have been traced in the book Reese
Kelso Watkins, his Ancestry and his Descendants, by Frank
B. Russell, 1973.
As of March 12, 2009, we have an exact match between a descendant of
George Barber and his wife Margaret Watkins, and a descendant of Plyer Barber.
Jerry Lynne Barber is an exact DNA match for 37 markers with Newitt Henry
Barbour. Jerry Lynne is a descendant of George Barber and Margaret
Watkins, and Newitt is a descendant of Plyer Barber. You can see the DNA
results for Newitt here, listed as
George Barber died before 1750 Augusta County, VA
George and Margaret Barber, with two infant sons, William and Matthew,
moved from the Wake-Johnston Counties area of North Carolina shortly
before the outbreak of the Revolution, and settled on Long Creek of the
Broad River in present-day Wilkes County, Georgia.
George Barber served as a Lieutenant and Captain in the Revolutionary
War, and as a Lt. Colonel in the Creek Indian war, all in Georgia.
Revolutionary War Service of Captain George Barber
Revolutionary War Records not in my book (from Dianne Blankenstein)
Colonel Elijah Clark wrote to Governor Martin of Georgia, with
reference to a letter George Barber had written to Clark.6
May 29, 1782
Elijah Clark, at Waters Fort, to Hon'ble Governor
Martin, Esqur., Augusta
"Dear Sir:
I have received yours of the 23rd and 27th an am much obliged to you
for the Army Intelligence. Every precaution in my power shall be taken to
prevent the British hirelings from Executing their Cruel and Bloody
Designs on the good Citizens of the State. Since my last to you there Came
in a party of Indians attacked a block house on the Twenty third after
keeping up a fire for some time they went of Killing Six head of Cattle and
every valuable horse they were pursued by Capt. Barber to the South
Fork of the Oaconey which must be nere Whare McIntosh is to Rendezvous
but his horses failing he was obliged to Return on the Twenty fifth An other
party of about fifteen Indians appeared neare a Station in the fork of the
Brod River & Savannah whare they shot and kiled a Mrs. Rose which the
scalpd & appered as if they as if they ment to storm but by the spireted
Exertions of four men only that was at the Station saling out Put the
Invaidors to such a Surprise They went of in grate presapitation--Major
Dooly having a Party of collected on the first occasion mounted Before Day
to whare they murder wass Done persue two Day but for want of horses
sufficient to follow on he was forced to return--they Indians not striking
Camp the hole way the Major went through Captain Barber on his Return
Fell in with Them had a scammage Drove the Indians took all their Budgets
and provisions Retook the Scalp, they maid their Escape by taking to large
Cain Swamp the Last Mischife Done only five miles from Whare I live, I send
orders for Colos Martin & Lee to meet me at the Place of Rendezvous if I
can have a few Days to Collect the Militia and McIntosh meets as the
Peechtree if we can fall in with his party I hope we shall be able to give a
good Account of Them---. Ples to inform General Wayn the Resons of my
not going Down to camp by the first oppertunity--by the Conduct of the
British Ammissaries & Savages they appide as if the Intended to Desappoint
us in our planting Business and prevent us from Securing our small grain
as they have maid frequent Inroad on our Settlements in a short time---
I am with grate respect and Esteem----
E. Clark"
This letter was written during the Revolution, after Cornwallis had
surrendered at Yorktown, and before Savannah was re-captured by the
colonials.
From the Revolutionary Pension application of David H. Thurmond, (S32010
Rev) is the following statement:7
"About the ___ dau of February 1782 Colo. Elijah Clark gave us orders to
go on a Scout against the Indians, they having committed some murders in
the County of Wilkes, Georgia. And, some time in July 1782, Colo. Barber
and this declarant (David H. Thurmond) being our spying, found signs of
Indians, and went in to the settlements and gave notice, collected a party,
crossed the Oconee at the Big Shoala, and a few miles from there we had a
skirmish, killed one Indian, and took two Torie prisoners--carried the
latter to the Big Shoals where they were hanged--. That the Militia to
which he was attached was called Minute Men, and were expected to be
ready to march at a minutes warning---."
From the Revolutionary pension application of Ezekiel Cloud is the
following statement:8
" That in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty two about the last of
April or first of May this deponent (Ezekial Cloud) resided in the County of
Wilkes State aforesaid in a Fort Called Hintons Fort on Chickesaw Creek--
that deponents father Jeremiah Cloud had a block house about four miles
distant from the Forest which he had built as a place of refuge for his
family at the time (as this deponent had been informed by his brother
Noah Cloud who was at the block house aforesaid). One evening about
sunset the horse belonging to this deponents father and brother aforesaid
came running up to the block house and appeared very much frightened
they then suspected an attack from the Indians and tied the horses in the
yard and they then enclosed themselves in the block house and in a few
minutes the Indians commenced firing at the block house and continued
for about two hours during which time they killed the horse belonging
to deponents brother Noah Cloud and wounded a mare belonging to deponents
father. The Indians then left the block house and went to a cowpen
about two hundred and fifty yeards off and killed five milch cows which
were enclosed in it and they took nearly fore-quarter of each cow. My
father and two brothers kept the block house until morning and Noah
Cloud then came to the fort and brought news of the circumstances above
related. In consequence of which attack from the Indians George Barber
who was a Lieutenant in Capt. Gunnells company raised a volunteer Company
(of which deponent was one) of twenty men besides himself in order to
persue them. The Company then preceeded to the Block house where
deponent saw the horses and cows which the Indians had killed--they then
persued the Indians along their trail toward the Creek Nation, which
induced the Company to believe that they were the Creek Indians and
followed them nearly three days but could not overtake them. We then
left the trail (one of our Company shot at a deer to get provisions about
this time) and went a north course to see if we could find any Indian
camps late in the evening on the day we left the trail. We came to a
fresh trail which led towards the White Settlements which we followed
till nearly dark and crossing a large creek we left a guard until dark went
about a mile and hobbled our horses out to graze (having nothing to
feed them with) and then encampte for the night. That night the Indians
stole this deponents horse and seven other horses besides belonging
to the Company and as deponent is now on oath he has no scruples in
saying his horse at that time was worth one hundred dollars. The next
morning part of the Company tracked the Horses back to the large Creek
toward the Creek Nation. The Company generally believed that the
Indians were in persuit or heard the gun of one of our Company fired
at a deer and persued on after us until night and stole our horses and
then returned to the Creek Nation.
"We then kept the same trail toward the White Settlements but has not
preceeded far before we met a Company of Indians whereupon a fight
immediately ensued. The Indians kept up a firing and retreating for
about a half a mile, when they hid themselves in a swamp. We took from
the battle ground twelve packs which belonged to the Indians and found
among them the scalp of a white woman that was killed on the frontier of
Wilkes County and deponent was informed some time afterwards that this
was a company of Creek Indians and that one of them was wounded in the
Skirmish and to the best of deponents knowledge and belief his horse was
taken by the Creek Indians."
From the Revolutionary pension application of Micajah Brooks, (W 27-694) is
the following statement:9
" Paulding County, Georgia,19 Aug. 1850, Micajah Brooks stated that
he entered the service under George Barber Captain and Elijah Clark
was his Colonel. He entered the service in the County of Wilkes in the
State of Georgia as a volunteer, and while he was under the last mentioned
officers in said County of Wilkes they got in persuit of some Tories and said
Clark sent Captain GEORGE BARBER and Thomas Ramsey as spies to
ascertain the number of Tories, they went and returned to the main body,
and reported that there were seven or eight hundred Tories and after
hearing the probable number Col. Elijah Clark after halting for sometime
on account of the number of Tories he then said Col. Clark followed on
after them and came up on them (after dark in the first part of the night)
where Kettle Creek and Little River run together and after coming on them,
Col. Clark fired on the Tory Sentinels and they run off in every direction
and left their horses provisions and plunder in the hands of Col. Clark and
his men during the time, there were three Tories killed and they shot back
and killed a Captain belonging to Col. Clark's command by the name of
Anderson from South Carolina he thinks though not certain as to his name
or place from whence he came, was, after he entered the service under the
above named officers he marched from Tugaloe River to the mouth of Kettle
and Little River in the said County of Wilkes and from there to Newsom's
fort in now Warren County said State of Georgia and after remaining two
or three weeks at said Fort he was discharged---"
Indian War Service of Colonel GEORGE BARBER
Between the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, there were
several battles with the Indians in Georgia. Here is a letter that Colonel
GEORGE BARBER wrote to General Elijah Clark in 1787.10
"Dear Sir,
From all appearances at this time there is danger at hand, tho no
murder was done, yet the block house at the Big Shole are burnt, which has
occasioned the inhabitants to naturally fly to the fort and unless you can do
some thing vary speed for the Relief of the people, they cante stay much
longer as they are alarmed on every side by the firing of Gun vc vc and if in
your power I shall be glad would contrive that the people are furnished
with ammunition, also on Sataday Night the 7th of this Instant we lost six
horses of were seven taken as far as Jacks Creek. Over the Appalachie and
they was turned around back and hobbled and come to Mr. Crosby's camp,
believe this was a party able to defend themselves. I shall be glad you would
righ me be very opportunity, and in haste manner, I shall pursue.
I am Your Humble Servant
13 April 1787 GEO. BARBER"
On this same day, General Clark wrote to governor George Mathews
about the information he had received from Colonel BARBER, and asked
for Governor to supply the ammunition so the frontiersmen could defend
themselves.
General Elijah Clark's battle with the Creek Indians at Jack's Creek on
21 September 1787, was the only principal fight between white men and
Indians, between the Revolution and War of 1812, that has been recorded.
The following is General's Clark's description of that battle to Governor
Mathews.11
" I had certain information that a man was killed on the 17th near
Greenseborough, by a party of six or seven Indians; and that on the 16th (16
Sept. 1787), Colonel BARBER, with a small party, was waylaid by fifty or
sixty Indians, and wounded, and three of his party killed. This determined
me to raise the men I could, in the course of twenty four hours, and march
with them to protect the frontiers, in which space of time I collected 160
men, chiefly volunteers, and proceeded to the place where Colonel BARBER
had been atached. There I found the bodies of three men mentioned above,
mangled in a shocking manner, and after I had buried them, proceeded on
the trail of the murderers as far as the south fork of the Ocmulgee, where,
finding that I had no chance of overtaking them, I left and went up the
said river, till I met a fresh trail of Indians coming toward our frontier
settlements. I immediately turned and followed the trail until the morning
of the 21st, between eleven and twelve o'clock, when I came up with them--
-they had just crossed a branch called Jack's Creek, through a thick can-
brake, and were encamped and cooking upon an eminence. My force then
consisted of 130 men, thirty having been sent back on account of their
horses being tired and lost. I drew up my men in three division; the right
commanded by Colonel Freeeman, the left by Major Clarke, and the middle
by myself. Colonel Freeman and Major Clarke were ordered to surround
and charge the Indians, which they did with such dexterity and spirit that
they immediately drove them from their encampment back into the cane-
brake, where, finding it impossible for them to escape, they obstinately
returned our fire until half past four o'clock, when they ceased, except now
and then a shot. During the latter part of the action they seized every
opportunity of escaping by small parties, leaving the rest to shift for
themselves. About sunset I thought it most advisable to draw off, as the
men suffered for provisions for nearly two days, and for want of water
during the action, but more particularly to take care of the wounded,
which amounted to eleven and six killed. From every circumstance, I am
certain that there were not less than twenty-five Indians killed, and am
induced to suppose that had I remained the night, I should have found forty
or fifty dead of their wounds by morning. In short, they were totally
defeated, with the loss of their provisions, clothing and the following
articles: a gun, thirty-two brass kettles, thirty-seven large packs,
containing blankets, etc. Colonel Freeman and Major Clarke distinguished
themselves, and from the spirit and activity with which the whole of my
little party acted during the action, I do not believe that had we met
them in the open woods, we should have been more than five minutes in
giving them a total overthrow."
The battle of Jack's Creek was near the present town of Monroe,
Walton County, Georgia.
Lt. Colonel GEORGE BARBER is listed as among the wounded in Colonel
Holman Freeman's Report for the Middle Battalion, in the year 1787.12
The wound that Colonel BARBER received at this battle was a forefinger
shot off, and a hand and wrist shot to pieces.
GEORGE BARBER was awarded tracts of land totalling 1670 acres in
three counties, Franklin, Wilkes, and Oglethorpe, for his service in the
Revolution. The land in Wilkes County was bounded on the northeast by a
land grant to Matthew Patton.13
The distinguished historian, Rev. George White, M. A. of Georgia, had
this to say about Colonel GEORGE BARBER in his book HISTORICAL
COLLECTIONS OF GEORGIA, published in 1854.
"Colonel BARBER was a man of great integrity. In the Indian Wars he
greatly distinguished himself--He was much confided in by his men, and
under his command they seemed to fear no danger. Col. BARBER had
many escaped from the Savages, some of which were almost miraculous."
Children of GEORGE and MARGARET WATKINS BARBER
GEORGE and MARGARET (WATKINS) BARBER were parents of ten
children, seven sons and three daughters. GEORGE died in 1822 in
Oglethorpe County, Georgia, and MARGARET died in 1830 in Henry
County, Georgia.
Their children:
1. William Barber, born circa 1767, North Carolina, served in
the Revolutionary War. It appears that William died in 1828
in Henry County, Georgia, in a county that his mother had
also moved to. One of the appraisors of his estate was Ezekiel
Griffin, who was married to Polly Barber, (28 Nov 1816,
Oglethorpe county) William's daughter. A grandson is named
Robert Wadkins Griffin. He last appears on the Oglethorpe
County, Georgia tax digest in 1826. See William's family below.
2. Matthew Barber, born circa 1768, North Carolina, married
Mrs. Johannah Johnson, 24 February 1803, Oglethorpe County,
Georgia.
3. Robert Barber, born circa 1769, Georgia, married Sarah Orr,
daughter of Christopher Orr and Martha Watkins.
4. Elizabeth Barber, born circa 1779, Georgia, married Joseph
G. Stiles, 13 March 1799, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
5. Samuel Barber, living in 1820, was said to be a bachelor,
believed to have adopted children names Sam and Emily.
6. Reese Barber, born circa 1774, Wilkes County, Georgia,
married Catherine Reynolds, daughter of Spencer Reynolds.
7. Martha Barber, born circa 1777, Wilkes County, Georgia,
married James Scott, 29 June 1797 in Oglethorpe County,
Georgia.
8. Sarah Barber, born circa 1780, Wilkes County, Georgia,
married George Reynolds, son of Spencer Reynolds.
9. Josiah Barber, born circa 1783, died young.
10. George Barber, Jr., born 1786, Wilkes County, Georgia,
married Elizabeth Reynolds, daughter of Spencer Reynolds, 11
May 1806, Clarke County, Georgia.
Willof GEORGE BARBER Senior
Georgia ) In the name of God Amen, I GEORGE
Oglethorpe County ) BARBER Senior of the County and State
Will Book B. ) aforesaid, being of sound disposing mind
Page 207 ) and memory, do make and order this my
last will and testament, hereby revoking
all other wills.
First I desire all my debts to be paid.
Secondly, I give devise and bequeath to my beloved wife
MARGARET BARBER all my property, both real and personal of which I
may be possessed, for and during her natural life, to be used and enjoyed by
her during that time, and after her death and not till then, to be disposed of
in the following manner, to wit: It is my will and desire that my said wife
have the following negroes, namely, Mat, his wife Rhoda, and Temp, and
their and future increase, to dispose of in any manner she may think
proper, absolutely and unconditionally by her last will or by deed to take
effect after her death.
Again I give and devise to my son William Barber one hundred acres of
land lying on the south side of the branch adjoining George Runnels, on the
east side including the plantation whereas the said William now living by the
same, are left to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Again I give and bequeath to my son Mat Barber two negroes, to wit, Fed
and Jane, to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Again I have heretofore given my son Robert Barber a certain tract of
land lying on the Oconee River in Clark County, including the
plantation whereon he now lives, this same being two hundred and forty
acres, be the same, more or less, which together with the negroes. to wit,
Lige and Chainey, that I do now assign and bequeath him is and shall be his
full share of my estate to him and his heirs and assigns forever.
Again I have hereto fore given my son Samuel Barber two hundred
two and a half acres of land, more or less, lying in Jones County on Walnut
Creek, which shall be his full share of my estate.
Again I assign and bequeath to my son Reece Barber one negro man
named Edmund, which together with a tract of land lying on the Oconee
River in Clark County joining Robert Barber, and consisting of two
hundred and forty acres, already given by me to him which he had disposed
of and is now enjoying the profits of shall be his full share of my estate.
Again I have heretofore given to James Scott, who intermarried
with my daughter Martha, a tract of land lying in Clarke County joining
Robert Barber and containing two hundred acres, including the plantation
whereon he now lives, which is and shall be the full share of the said
James Scott or his children by the said Martha, in and to my estate.
Again I give devise and bequeath to my sons Robert and George
Barber as trustees for my daughter Sarah Runnels and her children by
George Runnels, and in trust for her, and their use, one hundred acres of
land, on the south side of the branch, be the same more or less, including
the plantation whereon she now lives. Also, two negroes, to wit, Clesia and
Kate and their increase, and the said property is not to be subject in any
manner to the use or control the same in trust aforesaid, for the said Sarah
and her said children, and in case of the death of the Said George Runnels,
the trust is to cease, and the said property is to be equally divided between
the said Sarah and her said children.
Again I give and bequeath to my four grandchildren to wit, Sally, Nancy,
Aggy and Margaret, the two negroes, to wit, Harriet and Renny, that I have
already given them, which shall be in full their share of my estate.
Again I give devise, and bequeath to my son George Barber all the tract
of land which has not already been herein disposed of, and on which I now
live, being the balance of said tract, and also six negroes, to wit, Jack, and
his wife Pindder, Reuben, Burwill, Willis, and Nathan to him and his
heirs and assigns forever.
I do hereby constitute and appoint my sons Robert and George Barber to
executors to this my last will and testament, In Witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal this eleventh day of October, 1820.
Witnesses: GEORGE BARBER SEAL
Abram J. Hill
Thomas W. Goulding
Henry Blake J. P. recorded 4 September 1822
After the death of her husband, MARGARET BARBOUR moved to
Henry County, Georgia, where she apparently lived with her grandson,
Josiah Reynolds. All three of her daughters had died by this time, along
with sons Josiah, Reese, and possibly Samuel and William. Her son
Matthew was living nearby in DeKalb County. Her son Robert was still
living in Athens, Georgia, not a great distance from her.
MARGARET BARBER died in 1830 in Henry County, and she left a will to
be probated there.
Will of MARGARET BARBER
Henry County Georgia ) In the name of God Amen. I
Wills and Bonds ) MARGARET BARBER of the County of
1822-1834 ) Henry and state of Georgia, being
pages 101-103 ) in good sound health in body and
perfect in mind and memory thanks to be
the almighty disposer of all wants for the same. Calling to mind the
mortality of my body, and knowing that it is appointed for all men and
women once to die, do make and ordain this my Last will and testament.
That is to say, principally and wholly revoking all others that I may have
made heretofore. Principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul
into the hand of the almighty God that gave it, and body I recommend to the
earth to be buried in a decent Christian Burial at the discretion of my
Executors nothing doubting but at the General Resurrection I shall
receive the same again by the mighty Power of God and as Touching such
worldly Estate wherewith it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I
give, Devise, and dispose of the same in the following manner and form, viz.
Item 1st) To my beloved Grandson Son Josiah Reynolds I give and
bequeath unto him and his heirs forever. One Negroe man by name Mat and
one Negroe woman by the name of Rhoda the said Negro Mats wife and her
child named Margaret One Negro Boy named Burton My tract or parcel of
land containing Eighty one acres be the same more or less whereon I now
live One black stud colt name Hyatoga and bottle Case etc., and Buro.
Item 2nd) To my Beloved Grand Daughter Margaret Barber, daughter
of my beloved son Robert Barber I give and bequeath unto her one negro Girl
by the name of Sarah Ann.
Item 3rd) As for my beloved son George Barber for his part of my Estate
I give and bequeath unto his Daughter Margaret Barber one negro Girl by
the name of Himelia Ann.
Item 4th) As for my Grand son Phineas Barber son of George Barber I
give and bequeath unto him One negro Girl by the name of Sintha.
Item 5th) As for my Grand Daughter Sarah Johnson I give and bequeath
unto her and her heirs for ever one negro Boy named Clark.
Item 6th) as for my dear and beloved Grand Daughter Elizabeth
Stanfield I give and bequeath unto her and her heirs for ever One negro Girl
named Sylva.
Item 7th) As for my Grand Son George W. Reynolds I give and bequeath
unto him and his heirs for ever One negro woman named Tempy and her
child named Rachael.
Item 8th) As for my Grand Son Josiah Barber I give and bequeath
unto him and his heirs for ever one negro Boy named Crawford.
Item 9th) As for my Grand Son Wadkins Reynolds I give and bequeath
unto him one Bed and furniture and Bay mare.
Now having disposed of my Estate as above stated I do hereby these
presents nominate and appoint my trusty friends Josiah Reynolds Mitchell
Henderson all of the County and State aforesaid Executors to this my Last
will and Testament. And I do hereby utterly disallow revoke and disannul
all and every other form Testaments Wills Legacies bequeaths and
Executors by me in any wise before named Willis and Bequeathed ratifying
and concerning this and no other to be my Last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 6th day of
October in the year A.D. One thousand Eight hundred and twenty nine.
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of
Murrell Brissie her
Mitchell Henderson MARGARET X BARBER
Luke Gibson mark
Duly recorded this 9th November 1830 Guy W. Smith s, CCo
Of the grandchildren that MARGARET BARBER mentions in her will,
Josiah, George W., Wadkins Reynolds and Sarah J Reynolds Johnson were
children of George Reynolds-Sarah Barber. Josiah Barber was the son
of Matthew Barber and Johannah Johnson. The parents of Elizabeth
Stanfield are not known, she is evidently a married granddaughter and
could be a daughter of William Barber, Reese Barber, or Sarah Reynolds.
Watkins Family p. 11
Cadawalader Watkins, born circa 1660 in Wales, immigrated to
Pennsylvania about 1704 with his only son ROBERT WATKINS
Cadawalder died circa 1713 in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
ROBERT WATKINS married MARGARET, circa 1724, and they were the
parents of seven sons and one daughter. MARGARET died soon after her
youngest child and only daughter, Margaret was born 1743 in Vincent
township, Chester county, Pennsylvania. ROBERT then married Jane
Williams, sister of Robert Williams, and they had no children.
Children of ROBERT and MARGARET WATKINS:
1. Aaron Watkins, born circa 1725-1727, married Ann Ralston, he
died 1774, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
2. Moses Watkins, born circa 1728-1729, Chester county, Pennsylvania,
married twice, names of his wives unknown. One of his daughters, Jane,
married a William Barber in Campbell Co., Virginia, 24 September 1796.
This William Barber was quite possibly a cousin, the oldest son of George
Barber and Margaret Watkins of Oglethorpe County, GA.
3. Reese Watkins, born circa 1730-1731, Vincent, Chester Co.,
Pennsylvania, married circa 1755, Sarah Barbour, daughter of George
and Elizabeth Barber, he died circa 1806, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.
4. Phillip Watkins, born circa 1732-1734, Vincent, Chester Co.,
Pennsylvania, married 16 November 1762, Mary McFerrin?, he was a
veteran of the French-Indian War, died circa 1784 in Batetourt County,
Virginia.
5. Enoch Watkins, born circa 1736-1737, Vincent, Chester Co.,
Pennsylvania, married circa 1760, Mary Thomas, after her death he
married Elizabeth Walthall in Campbell County, Virginia. he died circa 1814
in Campbell County, Virginia.
6. Benjamin Watkins, born circa 1738-1740, Chester County,
Pennsylvania, married first Agnes _____, then Jane_____. He died 1819 in
Campbell County, Virginia.
7. Robert Watkins Jr., born circa 1741-1742, Chester County,
Pennsylvania, was a Captain in the Revolutionary War in the Bedford
County, Virginia, Militia.
8. Margaret Watkins, born circa 1743, Vincent, Chester County,
Pennsylvania, married George Barber, circa 1767 in Bedford County,
Virginia or Johnston County, North Carolina.
The complete Watkins material in this genealogy came from the book:
"Reese Kelso Watkins, His Ancestry and His Descendants and Collateral
Lines Smith, Kelso, Cleveland, Bryan, Allison, Outlaw", 1973, by Frank
B. Russell, 1008 Riverton Road, Moorestown, New Jersey 08057.
Watkins info from Dianne
William Barber, son of Captain George Barber
William Barber Family
I have just received a copy of DAR papers #874122, belonging to Joanne
Mobley Philips. This shows that William Barber was born about 1765. If
this is true, then he was born before his parents got married in
1766-1767. Another speculation is that he married Jane Watkins in
Campbell County Virginia 24 Sep 1796. Again, if true, he married his
cousin. Jane Watkins was the daughter of Moses Watkins. At any rate, he
died in Henry County, Georgia in 1828 and was survived by a daughter,
Polly Barber Griffin. Administators of his estate were Ezekiel Griffin
and David Griffin. Ezekiel was William's son-in-law.
Polly Barber married Ezekiel Griffin 28 Nov 1816, Oglethorpe county, GA.
She died before 1850 and Ezekiel married Mary Mears and moved to
Paulding County, GA where he died in 1866.
Ezekial Griffin
1. William Griffin, born 24 Sep 1819, Oglethorpe county, GA died 26
Jan 1904, Sunny Side, Spalding county, GA, married Martha Ogletree
29 Aug 1841, Henry Co GA. She was born 24 Sep 1821, died 20 Dec
1877. 11 children
DEATH of OLD CITIZEN
William Griffin Dies at his Home at Sunny Side Tuesday Jan 1904
The death of Mr. William Griffin which occured at the home of his
daughter, Mrs. T. J. Tucker, at Sunny Side Tuesday night, cast a
vale of sorrow over the entire community. His death was not
unexpected, as he had been dangerously ill for several days,
nevertheless it was a great shock to those who had known him so long
and well.
He was born in Oglethorpe county Sept. 24, 1819, but has resided in
Spalding county since he was twelve years of age. He was a vaulable
member of the Methodist church many years and his life was an
inspiration for good to all who knew him.
He was probably the oldest white citizen in Spalding county and is
survived by three brothers; Edward, aged 82, Robert W, aged 76, and
Thomas Griffin of Dallas, GA, who is 67.
Until last year he lived at his home near Sunny Side, where he moved
shortly after the civil war, in which he served as a member of the 64th
Ga. Brigade. From that house he buried a wife and seven grown children.
He was the father of W. B. Griffin, of this place, and Mrs. T. J.
Tucker, of Sunny Side.
The funeral services ocurred from the Methodist church at Sunny Side at
2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. A. E. Sansburn, of the
Griffin circuit.
The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the entire community.
A. Mary A Griffin, born 5 Oct 1842, died after 1909, married Thomas
J. Tucker 2 March 1873.
a. Dolphus Tucker, born 10 Oct 1875.
b. Monnie Tucker
c. Marcia Tucker
B. John W Griffin, born 16 March 1845, died 31 July 1879, married
Lavonia S Fears 24 Oct 1871.
C. Nancy Griffin, born 17 Sep 1846, died 25 Feb 1862.
D. Bettie Griffin, born 17 Feb 1848, died 27 Nov 1876.
E. William Barber Griffin, born 3 Oct 1849 in Spalding Co. GA, died
4 May 1932 in Spalding Co GA, married (1) Fannie A. Smith 19 Dec
1872, who died 7 March 1879, (2) Kittie Green Smith, Fannie's
sister, 1 Jan 1880. Kitty was born 21 April 1862 in Monroe
Co. GA. One child by first marriage.
a. Harold McIntosh Griffin, born 20 July 1874, Spalding Co
GA, died 30 May 1923 in New Orleans, LA, married Mary Lucy
Thompkins, who was born 23 March 1877 and died 7 Nov 1958
in Spalding Co GA.
aa. Cornelia Griffin, born 4 Jan 1909, died 10 June 2004,
Spalding Co. GA.
bb. Harold McIntosh Griffin Jr, born 21 Nov 1901, died
31 Jan 1968, Spalding Co. GA
cc. William Griffin
dd. Phinazee Griffin
ee. Julian Griffin
b. Elmer Hunt Griffin, born 22 Feb 1886, died 1 Sep 1936,
Spalding Co. GA.
aa. Mary Griffin
bb. Diddie Griffin
c. Helen Hunt Griffin, born 27 March 1891, died 30 Nov 1973,
Spalding Co GA, married Paul Hayne Walker 7 April 1920,
Spalding Co. GA Helen was in the DAR #477130 through her
ancestor John Phinazee. Paul Hayne Walker was born 23 July
1887, died 7 May 1976.
Click here for a larger image
aa. Katherine married ____ Childs 28 Dec 1951. He was born
5 Jan 1919, died in Griffin GA 13 Oct 1961. Katherine is
DAR #740005 through John Phinazee.
Click for a larger image
bb. Paul Hayne Walker Jr, born 5 Jan 1925, died 27 Jan
2004.
aaa. Paula married ____ Jones, DAR #871057 through
John Phinazee.
Click for a larger image
bbb. John
d. Vera Griffin died of pneumonia at 15 months.
e. infant son
F. Francis E. Griffin, born 9 April 1851, died 8 Dec 1878.
G. Martha Alice Griffin, born 7 Jan 1853, died 25 March 1878 in
Orange Co. FL, married Dr. John Pinkston Starr 10 Oc 1875,
Spalding Co GA.
a. Harry Starr, born 6 Sep 1876, maried Pauline Rankin.
aa. Alice Starr.
H. Addie A Griffin, born 14 March 1855, died 20 Oct 1877.
I. George P Griffin, born 5 June 1857, died 14 June 1880.
J. Thomas J Griffin, born 22 Aug 1859, died 27 Jan 1886.
K. Robert A Griffin, born 17 Sep 1863, died 17 March 1885.
2. Edward (Edmond) Griffin, born 12 June 1821, Clarke Co GA, died
11 April 1905, Sunny Side, Spalding Co GA, married Mary (Polly)
Hand 1 Dec 1845 in Henry Co GA. Mary was born 27 Feb 1823, died
13 Nov 1898 in Spalding Co. GA.
DEATH of ONE of SPALDING's OLDEST CITIZENS
April 1905
Sunny Side Ga, April 12-- Mr. Edward Griffin, one of Spalding county's
best citizens, died at the home of his son, David Griffin, at this place
on Tuesday afternoon at the advanced age of 84.
Mr. Griffin was born in Clarke county, GA on the 12th day of June, 1821,
and moved to this county when he ws only one year old. For more than the
allotted time of man he has been a citizen of this county and his life
has been one of usefulness and inspiration. He was a valiant soldier of
the Confederacy and never failed to respond to the call of duty. The
deceased is survived by three children: David and Jessie Griffin and
Mrs. W. P. Manley; also one brother; R. W. Griffin of this place.
Besides these immediate relatives, the good old man leaves numerous
other relatives and friends to mourn his loss, all of whom have the
sincere sympathy of the entire community.
The interment took place at the Griffin burying ground at the old home
of the deceased at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
A. Amanda Griffin, born 23 Dec 1842, died 18 Sep 1863. Buried in
Griffin cemetery.
B. Caroline Griffin, born 1848, died 12 May 1877, Spalding Co. GA,
married Edward Hill Dorsey (Darsey) 1 Aug 1867. Edward was born
17 Nov 1847, died 11 Oct 1939 in Grapeland, Houston Co. TX. His
second wife was Martha Clower. They had 5 children. Here are the
children by Caroline Griffin.
a. M. L. Dorsey (female), born 1870, died 29 June 1871,
Griffin, Spalding Co GA.
b. Clara I. Dorsey (Darsey), born 17 Oct 1871, died 18 Aug
1940, married Nehemiah "Nim" Guthrie Barfield, who was born
12 Dec 1863, Henry Co. GA, died 28 Sep 1933 in Spalding Co.
GA. Nehemiah was county commissioner of Spalding County in
1907.
aa. Kenneth Alexander Barfield, born 23 April 1896, died
24 Nov 1978, married Mary M Jones 30 Dec 1922 in Henry
Co GA. Mary was born 4 Aug 1898, died 19 Oct 1991 in
Griffin, Spalding Co GA.
aaa. William Nehamiah Barfield
bbb. Kenneth A Barfield
bb. Annie Vivian Barfield, born 19 Sep 1898, died 24 Aug
1899.
C. Ava A Griffin, born 11 March 1851, died 21 June 1927, married
William P Manley 23 Dec 1869. William was born 12 Dec 1844,
died 13 Feb 1918.
a. Walter F Manley, born 14 Dec 1871, died 6 Dec 1947. married
(1) Florence A ____, (2) Ida M _____. Florence was born 8
April 1871, died 29 Oct 1910, apparently in childbirth.
Ida was born 22 Dec 1882, died 22 Oct 1956. Walter is buried
next to his first wife in Griffin GA.
aa. W. Edwina Manley, born 6 Oct 1908, died 22 July 1909,
Griffin, Spalding Co GA
bb. infant Manley, born 18 Oct 1910, died 18 Oct 1910.
cc. Lillian Manley, born 16 Oct 1912, died 2 May 1983,
married Glenn Mathew Cox, who was born 21 Oct 1904,
died 17 Jan 1986. They are buried in the Griffin
Family Cemetery, Griffin, Spalding Co. GA.
aaa. Elaine Cox married _____ Greene
aaaa. Robin Greene
bbbb. Shandra Greene
bbb. Ronnie G Cox
ccc. Nancy Cox married _____ Fox.
aaaa. Ivie Fox
bbbb. Matthew Fox
dd. William Wesley Manley, born 13 Sep 1914, died 15 May
1987, Griffin, Spalding Co GA, married Bobielu J ____,
who was born 22 Sep 1915, died Nov 1995, Griffin,
Spalding Co GA.
ee. infant Manley, born 13 Nov 1915, died 13 Nov 1915.
b. Lillian? Manley, born Oct 1872, died Oct 1872, Griffin,
Spalding Co. GA.
c. Willie Vesta Manley, born 21 April 1881, GA, died 1 Sep
1964, Griffin, Spalding Co. GA, married Fleetwood Star
Goodman. He was born 18 July 1882, died 29 Sep 1933 in
Griffin, Spalding Co GA.
aa. Thomas E Goodman, born 1909, Africa, Spalding Co. GA
bb. William Augustus Goodman, born 31 July 1915, Africa,
Spalding Co.GA, died 22 Dec 2004, Griffin, Spalding
Co GA, married Frances McCarty, who was born 29 Jan
1924.
cc. Ava Angeline Goodman, born 4 May 1918, Africa, Spalding
Co GA, died 15 Jan 1923, Griffin, Spalding Co GA.
d. Edwin O Manley, born 5 April 1890, died 8 Sep 1896, Griffin,
Spalding Co. GA
D. David Griffin, born 15 July 1852, Spalding Co. GA, died 8 Nov
1919, Spalding Co. GA, married Annie E. Annie was born 7 July
1855, died 6 May 1932 in Spalding Co. GA.
a. Charles R Griffin, born 19 Oct 1881 in Spalding Co. GA,
died 13 March 1929, Spalding Co. GA, married Annie Andrews.
Annie was born 4 April 1893, died 14 Sep 1969, the daughter
of Thomas C Andrews and Mary Ella Gray.
aa. David Griffin
b. James E Griffin, born about Oct 1875, died on 24 Dec 1879.
E. Jesse Griffin, born 3 Aug 1855, Spalding Co. GA, died 5 Feb
1917, Spalding Co. GA, married Mary Catherine "Mollie" Elder
4 Dec 1878 in Spalding Co. GA. Mollie was born 12 June 1861,
died 8 Oct 1954 in Spalding Co GA.
a. Leona Mae Griffin, born 6 Feb 1880, died 10 Oct 1909.
b. Claudia Jane (Claudie) Griffin, born 23 Nov 1881, died Sep
1954, married Otto Reigel, who was born 1886, died 1951.
aa. Frank Lester Reigel, born 18 Aug 1908, died 29 Oct
1997.
bb. Jesse Samuel Reigel, born 12 Dec 1909, died 31 Dec 1978
married Rachel McGee, who was born 9 May 1918, died 23
April 1994.
c. Albert Edmond Griffin, born 9 Dec 1883 in Spalding Co GA,
died 11 Aug 1963 in Spalding Co. GA, married Sadie Adkins
(Sallie) Andrews 4 April 1909 in Spalding Co. GA. Sallie
was the daughter of Thomas C Andres and Mary Ella Gray. She
was born 31 Dec 1890, died 31 July 1937.
aa. Mary Edna Griffin, born 1 Feb 1910 in Spalding Co. GA,
died 8 Aug 2001 in Spalding Co. GA, married Ruel
Shafter Martin.
aaa. Billy Griffin Martin, born 10 Feb 1930, died 15
July 1968, married Billie Baker.
aaaa. Bridget Martin married Eric Ramsey
aaaaa. David Ramsey
bbbbb. Amy Ramsey
bbbb. David Baker Martin
cccc. Amy Martin
bb. Earl Edmund Griffin, born 14 Nov 1912 in Spalding Co.
GA, died 29 April 2005 in Griffin GA, married (1) Edith
Johnson, (2) Sally R Jester (3) Mary Emily Barnes.
aaa. Donna G Griffin married Gary Whittington
aaaa. Angie Whittington (is this the right mother?)
bbbb. Shannon Whittington (is this the right mother?)
cccc. John C Hensley
dddd. Zachary G Hensley
bbb. Marga G Griffin
cc. Edwin Sandifer Griffin, born 2 Aug 1917, died 1 Jan
1997.
dd. Ralph Andrews Griffin married Mary Frances Wesley
aaa. Jerry R Griffin married Janie.
aaaa. Andy Dow Griffin.
bbbb. Amy Griffin.
bbb. Melissa Griffin
ee. Margaret Griffin married (1) Henry Boggs, (2) Richard
Weldon.
aaa. Michael Lewis Boggs
bbb. Dick Weldon
ff. Lewis Vernon Griffin, born 4 Aug 1929, died 15 Dec 1961
married Bonnie Sherrill.
aaa. Mark Griffin
bbb. Nancy Griffin
d. Eunice Lee Griffin, born 5 May 1886 in Spalding Co. GA, died
7 Oct 1968 in Spalding Co. GA, married Leonidas Lamar Yates
on 28 Dec 1908. Leonidas was born 21 Aug 1869 in
Fayetteville, Fayette Co. GA, died on 23 July 1937.
aa. Harold Lamar Yates, born 4 March 1912 in Griffin, GA,
died 21 July 2006 in Norfolk, VA, married Nannie
Pearl Willis in 1939
aaa. Charlotte Yates married William H Carson II
aaaa. Andrew Carson
bbb. Exie Yates married Ronald Cowan Sr
aaaa. Ronald Cowan Jr
bbbb. Tanya Cowan
cccc. Jean Cowan
bb. Annie Vivian Yates, born 1 May 1914, died 18 Sep 2004,
married Russell Carlton Campbell, who was born 24
Aug 1909, died 20 Jan 1983, Griffin, Spalding Co. GA
cc. Merrill L Yates, born 19 April 1916, died 3 Sep 2000
dd. Warren G Yates
ee. John Phillip Yates, currently the state representative
of District 73, Spalding Co GA
ff. Matthew Jean Yates, born 22 April 1926, died 7 June
2004, married Ruth H _____.
aaa. Kathy Jean Yates, born 27 April 1952, died 5 Jan
1977, Griffin, Spalding Co GA.
gg. Mary Frances Yates, born 12 Jan 1924, died 8 March 1925
e. Omar Pierce Griffin, born 12 Jan 1889, died 3 May 1908.
f. Rebecca Elder Griffin, born 24 Dec 1891, died 17 Aug 1980,
married John Amos Mullins 11 July 1919. John was born
30 July 1894, died 12 July 1961.
aa. Ruth Mullins, born 18 March 1921, died 11 Sep 1973,
g. Fanny Griffin, born 23 Oct 1895, died 29 July 1948.
married Henry Grady Babb. Henry was born 30 Jan 1888, died
9 May 1966 in Henry Co GA.
aa. infant son Babb, born 7 April 1924, died 7 April 1924
bb. infant daughter Babb, born 30 Dec 1928, died 30 Dec
1928.
aa. Kathryn Jane Babb,born 10 Feb 1930, died 16 July 2001,
married Albert "Gene" Eugene Hearn 11 April 1953.
h. Ira Wesley Griffin (Zeke), born 18 July 1898, died 6 March
1947, never married.
i. Frank Hartwell Griffin, born 7 Aug 1903 in Spalding Co. GA,
died 2 Nov 1978 in Spalding Co GA, married Effie Wise.
aa. Jesse Cliff Griffin.
3. male Griffin, born 1822-1825.
4. female Griffin, born 1825-1830.
5. male Griffin, born 1825-1830.
6. Robert Watkins Griffin, born 19 April 1826 in Henry Co. GA, married
(1) Martha Gray 13 Sep 1849, Fayette Co. GA, (2) Sarah S Gray,
sister of Martha, 4 May 1851 in Henry Co. GA, (3) Martha
Barfield 2 April 1878. He died 3 March 1915, Spalding Co GA.
Martha Barfield Griffin was born 14 Jan 1842 in Henry Co. GA, died
25 July 1905 in Sunny Side, Spalding Co GA. Robert served in the
13th Georgia Regiment. He was captured at Winchester, VA Sept 19,
1864, sent to Baltimore MD hospital Oct 22, 1864, thence to Point
Lookout, MD. Exchanged at Venus Point, Savannah River, Ga Nov 15,
1864. At home on furlough Feb 28, 1865. No later record. Born in GA
in 1827. Five children by second marriage. One child by 3rd marriage
Robert Watkins Griffin and Martha Barfield Griffin
OLDEST MAN IN COUNTY IS CLAIMED BY DEATH
March 3, 1915
Robert W. Griffin Dies at His Home at Sunny Side as a Result of Injuries
sustained by a Fall
Sunny side, Ga., March 4.-- Special
Mr. Robert W. Griffin, a well known and exemplary citizen, died at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. J. T. Mitchell about 3 o'clock Wednesday
afternoon at the advance age of eight-nine years.
Mr. Griffin had been cofnined to the house for four years as the result
of injuries sustained in the hip by a fall. Otherwise his health was
perfect, except for the many ills incident to old age. A few years ago
his weakened condition indicated that death was in the near future and
he expressed a willingness to respond to its call.
He was a loyal member of the famous Thirteeth Georgia regiment and
helped to implant the wonderful success of that regiment on the pages of
history by his courage and fidelity to the cause. A life long resident
of Spalding county, no man came nearer enjoying the unanimous confidence
of the people than he, and his death was the source of regret to the
citizens of the entire communty. He was for many years a consistent
member of the Methodist church and never failed to attend services
unless unavoidably detained at home.
Mr. Griffin was in all probability the oldest person in Spalding
county, and was one of three brothers who passed the eighty-third year
post. He was three times married, his last wife being Mrs Martha
Barfield, who died several years ago. He is survived by five children,
Mrs. J.T. Mitchell of Sunny Side; R. L. Griffin, of Atlanta, John
Flethcer Griffin of Cedartown, Mrs. F. D. Barfield and Mrs. Lemuel
Barfield of Texas.
The interment will take place in the cemetery at Shiloh Methodist
church, Rev. Nath Thompson of the Griffin circuit conducting the
obsequies.
A. John Fletcher Griffin, born 1856, Henry Co. GA.
B. Martha D. Griffin, born 1858 in Henry Co GA, married Lemuel
Harley Barfield 7 March 1881, Spalding Co GA.
a. Nina Bell Barfield, born 11 March 1885, GA, died 1 Jan 1957,
Temple, Bell Co.TX, married William David Taylor, who was
born 19 May 1877, died 21 Oct 1947, Temple, Bell Co TX.
b. Frank O. Barfield, born 4 March 1887, Sunnyside, GA, died 2
May 1967, Waco, McLennan Co TX, married Ollie _____, who
was born 21 Jan 1887, died 10 Jan 1960.
c. Henry Edward Barfield, born 3 Dec 1889, Atlanta, GA, died
3 March 1958, Sweetwater,Nolan Co TX, married Lillian
______.
aa. Nina Bell Barfield, born 13 Aug 1912, died 10 March
1972, Rusk, Cherokee Co.TX,married ____ Holbert.
d. Albus Emmitt Barfield Sr, born 5 Nov 1901 in Springtown,
Parker Co.TX, died 27 Jan 1964, buried at Bellwood Memorial
Park, Temple, Bell Co. TX, married Elsa S M ____, who was
born 1905, died 1995.
C. Joseph Griffin, born 1860, Henry Co. GA
D. Sarah M Griffin, born 1863, Henry Co. GA
E. Robert Lee Griffin, born 1869, Henry Co. GA, died 6 Sep 1926
in Stonewall, GA, married Longia M Gray 13 July 1890.
a. Ethel A Griffin, died in Ensley, AL.
b. John R Griffin
c. Lloyd D Griffin
F. Bessie Jane Griffin, born 19 April 1881, Spalding County, GA,
died 5 Aug 1944 in Sunny Side GA, married John Tarpley Mitchell,
who was born 20 Feb 1856, Fayette county, GA. J. T. was married
(1) to Ida Ann Elder, who was born 1838, died 7 Jan 1905. He
married Bessie 11 June 1905. J. T. had eight children by his
first wife. Here are his children by Bessie.
John Tarpley Mitchell and Bessie Jane Griffin Mitchell
Standing, l to r:
Janie Mitchell Mobley, Roy Mitchell, Irene Mitchell Sockwell
Kneeling, l to r:
Julia Mitchell Boyd, Doris Mitchell Ashley, Robert Mitchell, Martha Mitchell Hightower
Mitchell Reunion in 2009
Standing, l to r:
Jere Mitchell, Sandy Mitchell Heffner, David Hightower, Bobby Hightower, Pat Ashley, Mike Ashley
Seated, l to r:
Nancy Mitchell Morris, Peggy Mobley Sandifer, Pat Sockwell Grant, Betty Jo Hightower Floyd, Joanne Mobley Phillips
a. Robert Tarpley Mitchell, born 21 May 1906, Spalding Co GA
died 1 Aug 2004 in Mishawaka, IN, married Carmen Troeger.
aa. Larry Robert Mitchell married Mary Ellen Lochmondy
aaa. Julie Ellen Mitchell married Terry Oldman
aaaa. Matthew Mitchell Oldman
bbb. Ted Robert Mitchell married Shela Hurlbut
aaaa. Cory Robert Mitchell
bb. Sandra Lee Mitchell married James Richard Heffner.
aaa. James Mitchell Heffner married Wendy Lynn Oberlin
aaaa. Tyler James Heffner
bbbb. Sawyer Mitchell Heffner
bbb. David Charles Heffner married marrie Diane Wagner
aaaa. Delaney Lee Heffner
bbbb. Nathan Charles Heffner
b. Roy Eugene Mitchell, born 24 Nov 1907, Spalding Co GA,
died 20 Oct 1979 in Henry Co GA, burial in Sherwood Memorial
Gardens, Jonesboro, GA, married (1) Winifred Florence Puckett
12 Feb 1939 in Chambers Co AL. Winifred, originally named
Foncey Hill, was born 9 Sep 1909 in Spalding Co. GA, died 24
Jan 1964 in Jonesboro, GA. Her parents wer Martin Ples
Puckett and Effie Estelle Allen. Roy later married (2) Lucy
Stone and (3) Frances Hand McBrayer 27 April 1975 in Hampton
GA. Children of first marriage.
aa. Nancy Carroll Mitchell graduated from Jonesboro High School
in 1956, married Cletus Eugene Morris. Cletus was
born 30 Jan 1935 in Alcorn Co. MS, died 26 Feb 2004 in
Griffin GA.
aaa. Kendall Eugene Morris, born 3 Aug 1971 in
Metairie, LA, died 1 Nov 2003, Griffin, GA.
bb. Jere Puckett Mitchell
c. Sarah Irene Mitchell, born 7 Nov 1909, Spalding Co GA, died
6 Dec 1987 in Spalding Co. GA, married Thomas Jefferson
Sockwell 1 June 1930. Thomas was born 10 Feb 1902 in
Hillsboro, TX, died 12 Feb 1993 in Griffin, GA.
aa. Barbara Jean Sockwell, born 22 April 1931 in Spalding
Co GA, died 4 Dec 2003 in Griffin, GA, married Joseph
Leon Woodle 16 Feb 1951 in Spalding Co. GA.
aaa. Rebecca Ann Woodle married Thomas Berry Custer
aaaa. Thomas Blake Custer
bbbb. Joseph Scott Custer
bbb. Thomas Leon Woodle, born 6 March 1959 in Spalding
Co. GA, died 6 June 1978, Spalding Co, GA.
bb. Patricia Ann Sockwell married Ernest Dewey Grant Jr
aaa. Elizabeth (Beth) Grant married (1) David Hobbs,
(2) James Robin Greene.
aaaa. James Robin (Jamie) Greene III
bbbb. Teresa Elizabeth (Teri) Greene married
Mark Montgomery
aaaaa. Haley Elizabeth Montgomery
bbb. Ernest Jefferson Grant married (1) Cheryl Conkle
(2) Christine Riccardi, (3) Deborah Stone. child
is from the second marriage.
aaaa. Monica Ashley Grant
ccc. Sara Ann (Sandy) Grant
d. Julia Ann Mitchell, born 3 Oct 1911, Spalding Co GA, died
22 Oct 1999 in Atlanta, GA, married Gordon Ware Boyd 30 Dec
1930.
e. Webb Mitchell, born 6 Aug 1913, Spalding Co GA, died about
1995 in Missouri.
aa. James T Mitchell
f. Martha Elizabeth Mitchell, born 12 April 1920, Spalding
Co GA, died 27 Oct 2002 in Thomaston, GA, married Otis
Hightower 18 March 1937 in Spalding Co GA. Otis was born
6 Dec 1916 in Pickens Co. GA, died 4 May 2004 in Macon GA.
aa. Betty Jo Hightower married Argin G Floyd
aaa. Kathy Floyd married James L Schafer.
aaaa. April Schafer
bbbb. Cyndel Schafer married John Craig.
aaaaa. Cayton Craig
cccc. Brent Schafer
dddd. Eric Schafer
eeee. Lee Schafer
bbb. Connie Floyd married (1) Andrew Thomas Phillips,
(2) John Murphy.
aaaa. Andy Phillips
bbbb. Kelsey Phillips
ccc. Jonathan Floyd married Patricia Ann Hatcher
aaaa. Zachery Glenn Floyd
ddd. Daniel Adrian Floyd married Jennifer Beall.
aaaa. Joey Beall
bbbb. Jocelyn Beall
cccc. Julia Beall
bb. James David Hightower married Jerry Mashburn
aaa. David Hightower married Wendy Foster.
aaaa. David Blake Hightower
bbbb. Christopher Beau Hightower
bbb. Jamie Hightower married Valerie Wise.
aaaa. James Peyton Hightower
bbbb. Major Hightower
cccc. Hallie Elizabeth Hightower
ccc. Brett Hightower married Heather Ann Cox.
aaaa. Anna Kate Hightower
bbbb. Michael Pearce Hightower
cc. Kathy Jane Hightower, born 18 March 1944 in GA, died 1
July 1947 in Frederick, Maryland, buried at Sunny Side,
GA.
dd. Robert Wade Hightower married (1) Luanne Smith, (2)
Linda Powell. child by first marriage.
aaa. Matthew Hightower
g. Bessie Jane (Janie) Mitchell, born 22 Feb 1922, Spalding
Co GA, died 22 Feb 2003 in Griffin, GA, married William
Curtis Mobley June 1942, Griffin, GA. William was born
on 24 Feb 1921 in Hampton GA and died on 30 March 2004.
aa. Brenda Joanne Mobley married ____ Phillips. DAR #874122
Click here for a larger image
Here are successful DAR papers for Joanne Phillips, a
descendant of William Barber.
dar1.jpg; dar2.jpg; dar3.jpg; dar4.jpg; dar5.jpg; dar6.jpg; dar7.jpg;
dar8.jpg; dar9.jpg; dar10.jpg; dar11.jpg
Click here for a larger image
Click here for a larger image
bb. Peggy Diane Mobley married Bert Sanderfer, who was born
11 Dec 1944 in Hattiesburg, MS, died 11 March 2005 in
Clayton Co GA.
aaa. Curt Sanderfer
bbb. Danny Sanderfer
h. Nellie Doris Mitchell, born 2 April 1925, Spalding Co GA
died 8 May 2005 in Americus, GA, married Clint Ashley 25
Dec 1943 in Spalding Co GA.
aa. Michael C Ashley married Penelope Morris.
aaa. Michelle Allison Ashley married John Kakatky.
aaaa. Allison Grace Kakatky
bbbb. Ava Theresa Kakatky
bbb. Michael Andrew Ashley
bb. Patrick M Ashley married Joyce Jowers.
aaa. Patrick Todd Ashley
bbb. Eric Mitchell Ashley married Margaret Annette
Fortney.
aaaa. Nathan Mitchell Ashley
bbbb. Naomi Ashley
ccc. Alison Beth Ashley
7. John Griffin, born 1829, died 1859, married Sarah ____.
A. Ezekial Griffin
B. John T. Griffin
C. Mary Griffin
8. Jane Griffin, born 1832.
9. Amanda Griffin, born 1835.
10. Thomas Griffin, born 8 July 1836 Henry Co GA, died 10 Aug 1904,
Dallas, Paulding Co. GA, married Martha Ann Ragsdale about 1854 in
Paulding Co. GA. Thomas was named temporary administrator of his
father Ezekial's estate Oct 13, 1866 along with Joseph Ragsdale and
John Denison.
A. William R. Griffin, born 7 Oct 1855, died 8 Aug 1927, married
Isabelle Bobo 26 Sep 1882 in Paulding Co. GA.
a. Beatrice Griffin, born 1883, died 1919, married Henry Young
Holland in 1905.
B. Mary Ann Griffin, born 5 July 1861, Dallas, Paulding Co. GA,
died 24 June 1960 in Dallas, Paulding Co GA, marrief Benjamin
Franklin Matthews 5 Jan 1875.
C. John Thomas Griffin, born 7 Nov 1866, died in Sand Mountain, AL,
married Julia Vaughn 1 Feb 1885.
D. Lucinda W. Griffin, born 6 July 1869, married W L Lawler.
a. Tom Lawler
E. Georgia O. Griffin, born 1 Oct 1870, died 31 Aug 1962, married
William A Foster 25 Aug 1889 in Paulding Co. GA
F. Martha A. Griffin, born 7 April 1874, died 17 Nov 1874.
G. Adeline Griffin, born 30 June 1877, died 16 June 1911.
11. Jesse Griffin, born 1844.
The following analysis was written by Nancy Mitchell Morris, Registrar
of the Pulaski Chapter DAR, from June 2001-June 2009. These papers are
for her first cousin, Joanne Mobley Phillips, DAR #874122.
Analysis of evidence for the relationship between William Barber and
Polly Barber.
. Margaret Barber's father was Robert Watkins/Wadkins (Captain George
Barber of Georgia, David W Morgan, p1)
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dmorgan/chapter1.html
This is a well researched and documented book on the Barber family.
It is also in hard copy but the web version is kept updated as new
information comes to light.
. Edmond Griffin's father was named David (estate document, Oglethorpe
Co. GA)
. Nancy Griffin's father was named Ezekiel (DAR791323, A934)
. Edmond and Nancy had three sons under 10 according to the 1800 census
of Oglethorpe Co. GA by Mary Bondurant Warren. They named their first
son Ezekiel and their second son David (estate documents provided with
DAR791323 A934). Their third son must have died before Edmond and was
not named in his will. Nancy also died before Edmond (by 1803) and he
married her sister, Ruth Gilham.
. Ezekiel Griffin and Polly Barber named their first son William (for
Polly's father). This son, William Griffin, named his first son
William Barber Griffin (DAR477130, Helen Griffin Walker, daughter of
William Barber Griffin). Recently a descendant of William Barber
Griffin, Paula Jones, joined DAR through the Pulaski Chapter. Her
aunt, Katherine Childs, shared with me a letter (copy enclosed) dated
22 July 1991 from her mother, Helen Griffin Walker, which mentions
Bible records of the Barber family. The earliest name listed was
William Barber, b. 1765. Sadly she has no copy of the Bible records,
nor does she know where the Bible is or if it is still in existence.
. Their second son was named Edmond (for Ezekiel's father)
. Their third son was probably named Ezekiel for his father but died
before the 1850 census.
. Their fourth son was Robert Wadkins/Watkins Griffin (for Polly's
grandfather, (Morgan p1). Although the only way I have seen his name
written was as Robert W. Griffin, his granddaughter, my aunt and
Joanne's, Irene Mitchell Sockwell, now deceased, told me his name was
Robert Watkins Griffin. This information was recorded long before I
knew of our Watkins connection.
Names of the male members of this family combined with the naming of
Ezekiel Griffin and his brother, David, as administrators of William
Barber's estate are strong evidence that Polly was Wiliam's daughter and
the wife of Ezekiel Griffin.
Several years ago I submitted a supplemental application on George
Barber which was denied in part .... because Margaret Barber did not
mention the Griffin grandchildren in her will. Margaret Wadkins/Watkins
Barber named only eight of her numerous grandchildren (at least 30) in
her will. The genealogist assumed that these were the children of her
deceased children. This was not necessarily the case. Robert Barber,
father of Margaret Barber (No2) did not die until 1850. George Barber,
father of No4, died in 1854. No reason was given for choosing some of
her grandchildren as heirs or omitting the others. It may be that some
needed more financial assistance than others. Also note that one of the
grandsons named in her will was Wadkins Reynolds (item 9) showing the
variation in the spelling of the name and that it was a common practice
in this family to use the names of grandfathers and ggrandfathers for
their children.
Ezekiel Griffin was listed in the 1830 census of Oglethorpe Co. GA
although he had moved to Henry Co prior to 1826 when his son Robert W.
Griffin ws born. Ezekiel's son William Barber Griffin was born in
Oglethorpe Co. GA in 1819 and Edmond Griffin was born in Clarke Co. GA
in 1821. This information came from the obituaries of the three sons.
Also Ezekiel was in Henry Co. when he and his brother, David were named
administrators of William Barber's estate in 1828. In May of 1829,
Ezekiel and David sold land in Oglethorpe co. that they had inherited
from their father, Edmond, and that he had inherited from his father,
David. Perhaps Ezekiel returned to Oglethorpe Co around this time to
handle the land transaction. I have been unable to locate Ezekiel's
family in the 1820 census and assume they were in the household of
another family member. By 1840, Ezekiel was listed in Henry Co. GA and
by 1850, Polly had died, he had married Mary Mears and moved to Paulding
Co where he died in 1866.
The Griffin, Andrews, Fears, Johnson, Barber and other families were
part of the migration from Oglethorpe County to Henry county in the
early 1820s when it was formed. William Barber last appeared in
Oglethorpe County tax digest in 1826. He was probably infirm and moved
to Henry County to live with his daughter and son-in-law, Polly and
Ezekiel Griffin.
In 1800, William Barber was listed in the land records of Hancock Co.
GA. I have been unable to locate a marriage record or any information on
his wife's name. William Barber was in the Lexington township of
Oglethorpe Co. in the 1820 census. There was one male 45 & up, one
female 45 & up, one male 10 & under and one female 10 & under in the
household. This would mean that both William and his wife were born 1775
or earlier and that both died after 1820.
Nancy M. Morris
Registrar Pulaski Chapter, June 2001 - June 2009
----- Original Message ----- From: Nancy Morris
To: dmorgan003@hawaii.rr.com
Sent: Monday, April 26, 2010 9:09 AM
Subject: Barber family
Hi David,
I am sorry to learn that you are not a relative. I am very happy
that you thought you were a descendant of George and Margaret. I was
impressed by your research on the Barber family and found it to be a
great help in tracing this line. The recent DAR application of
Joanne Phillips, my first cousin, was prepared by me. I had
submitted a supplemental on George Barber in 2005 but was turned down
because I did not prove to their satisfaction that Polly was the
daughter of William. I really thought the Administrators Bond issued
by Henry Co to Ezekiel and David Griffin along with the naming
pattern was sufficient proof but the DAR genealogist disagreed.
Last year Paula Jones submitted her application to me as registrar of
the Pulaski Chapter. I was thrilled to see it. Once I learned that
William B. Griffin, son of William Griffin and grandson of Ezekiel
and Polly, was William Barber Griffin, I felt that that was
sufficient. However, the letter from Helen Walker Griffin, claiming
to have seen a Bible in which the earliest name listed was William
Barber, b 1765, really nailed it. Wish we could find that Bible.
I assume from your letter that DAR sent copies of the supporting
documentation and the analysis I submitted with Joanne's
application. If not, let me know if there is anything you would like
for me to copy for you.
Do you use Family Tree Maker? If you do, I will try to send you a
.ftm file of William Barber's descendants as I have them. You are
welcome to add them to your online book. I will privatize the file
before sending to protect family members from identity theft. If you
don't use this program, I will save a descendant file for you.
Thanks for all your hard work on the Barbers.
Nancy
Here is the file that Nancy sent me on the family of William Barber.
