Ancestors of Curtis Turney Lester

First Generation  

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1. Curtis Turney Lester

Curtis married Lori Elizabeth Bailey, daughter of Unknown and Unknown.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  James Carson Lester

         ii.  Katelyn Elizabeth Lester

        iii.  Christian Joseph Lester

  Second Generation  

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2. Jerry Curtis Lester

Jerry married Bettie Kay Turney.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Cheryl Lynn Lester

1        ii.  Curtis Turney Lester

3. Bettie Kay Turney

Bettie married Jerry Curtis Lester.

  Third Generation  

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4. James Curtis Lester,¹ son of Wilmer Hulen Lester and Juanita Iris Lester, was born on Dec 19, 1912 in Floyd Co., Va.,² died on May 23, 1988 in Newport News, Va.¹ at age 75, and was buried in Portsmouth, Va. (Greenlawn Memorial). The cause of his death was Mesothelioma.

Birth Notes: His birth was attended by Mary E. Lester, midwife of Sowers, Virginia. At the time of his birth his father, Wilmer Lester listed his occupation as "farmer" and his mother, Iris, as "House wife." His father was 21 and his mother 16.

Death Notes: He never returned to his residence to live after entering Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth for diagnostic surgery on December 29, 1987. He died of respiratory arrest caused by mesothelioma at 3:29 am at Riverside Hospital, Newport News, Virginia. He spent the last months of his life living alternately with his son's, David and Jerry, at their homes in Newport News, Virginia. He was alone at the time of death as his sons, Jerry and David, had returned to their homes after having him brought to the Hospice area of Riverside Hospital earlier the same night that he passed.

General Notes: Dad's mother died January 15, 1919 at the age of 22. Dad had turned 6 on Dec 19, 1918. He lived with his paternal grandfparents, Hulen B. Lester and Nanzella Lester Lester much of the time. Vera, his sister, who was just over a year old, was taken by her maternal grandparents, Letcher Lester and Abigail Howell Lester.

Wilmer married Grace Richardson a little over two years later, on April 30, 1921, but they did not make a home for Dad and Vera, which is very strange. I don't know all about that, but Mother was always irate about it. Anita was born to Grace and Wilmer in 1925, so there was plenty of time for them to take Dad and Vera back from their grandparents, even before Anita was born.

Jerry Lester
11-2-2005

• Retirement: Mar 19, 1968, Chesapeake, Va..¹ He worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard from March 31, 1941 until March 19, 1968, 26 years, 11 months and 19 days. His official retirement was October 25, 1968, as his annual leave and sick leave on the books extended his pay until this time.

• 2nd Retirement: Mar 31, 1978, Chesapeake, Va. He later retired from Virginia Department of Highways where he had worked at a truck weighing station.

• Military: From Jan 5, 1932 to Jan 4, 1938.³ He enlisted in the U.S. Navy 5 January 1932 and extended enlistment on 1 January 1936. He was Honorably Discharged 4 January 1938. His Service No. was 265-60-90.

• Social Security Number: 223-12-2251.

• Religion: Baptist.¹ He was active in the Brent-Lox Baptist Church, serving as deacon, Sunday school superintendent, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and on various committees.

• Residence: 917 Deep Creek Blvd., From Jan 1, 1948 to Dec 29, 1987, Chesapeake, Va..¹ He built the house during 1947, traveling from Swanson Homes Apartments in Portsmouth to the site on Deep Creek Boulevard by public bus transportation, as he did not own a car.

He left his residence December 29, 1987, after he discovered that he had an incurable cancer, Mesothelioma, which is caused by asbestos exposure. He lived alternately with his son's, David and Jerry, in Newport News, Virginia, until his death in Riverside Hospital Hospice unit early in the morning May 23, 1988.

• Residence: Swanson Homes Apartments, 33 Swanson Pkwy, May 31, 1941-Jan 1, 1948, Portsmouth, Virginia.¹

James married Annie Mae Simmons on Jun 29, 1934 in Riner, Montgomery Co., Va..⁴ Annie was born on Jun 28, 1914 in Sowers, Floyd Co., Va.,⁵ died on May 16, 1986 in Portsmouth, Va.¹ at age 71, and was buried in Portsmouth, Va. (Greenlawn Memorial).¹ The cause of her death was Breast cancer.

Marriage Notes: Married by L. A. Cummings, Minister of Primitive Baptist Church, at his home at Riner, Virginia.
They were married almost 52 years when Annie died.

Jerry C. Lester
May 26, 2006
Dear Mary Kay,
Thank you for your letter of 12 April 2006. I learned a lot I didn't know.
I never knew that you, Ben and Ruth also lived with Grandparents, Nanzella and Hulen Lester in 1923 and that you spent so much time there after your father remarried. You must have seen a lot of Dad and your remembrances are very valuable to me.
Yes, I have a picture of the car that Dad built, but not the bicycle. There is a boy standing with dad in the picture, of which I have enclosed a copy. I guessed that it is Russell. Maybe you can tell me who it is, for sure.
Thanks so very much for your comments about Mother and Dad's marriage. I agree: it “…was made in heaven.” I have nothing but fond memories of them both, and I still miss them. I'd love to be able to show Dad the computer genealogy I've done, and I wish he knew that I'm trying to take care of the Lester Cemetery.
Dad lived with me and my brother, David, 2 weeks at a time for his last 6 months. But, he didn't reminisce, even when I tried to get him to talk about his life. He left his home of 40 years in Chesapeake to live with us, and I think it was because he wanted to die privately, away from old friends, church, and clubs. For example, although he assisted in many Masonic funeral services, he declined one for himself. He didn't relish visits from preachers, friends, or relatives during his last days.
The hardest thing I have to live with is the knowledge that he asked for me by name just before he died in the Hospice unit the same night Dave and I took him there. Neither of us was at his bedside. The doctor had told us, “You might as well go on home.” God knows, I wish I had that to do over. So, as you described his life as a youth as “…sad, lonely….” he seems to have died that way. Nothing I can do at this point.
Dad was loyal to all of his family. As you know, he spent time with Leonard doing genealogy, primarily on Leonard's book. I have Dad's files of correspondence with Leonard, by the way. Dad became interested in genealogy before he and Leonard started working together and he always cared about the old Lester Cemetery. He introduced me to it when I was a teenager.
Mother seemed to want Dad and Wilmer to see more of each other than they did as they grew older. I got the feeling that she felt that Dad had not been well nurtured by Wilmer and Grace, whom he married just a little over 2 years after his mother died. Why didn't they take Dad and Vera into their home full time? Do you have an opinion? Dad never made an issue of it, however.
Okay, enough of that. Congratulations on the Duncan, Holtzclaw, Russell connection. Looks like a valid one to me. The Simmons connection turned sour didn't it?
The cemetery caretaker, Mark Dominesey, is moving. I've got to find another. I'm going to call Ida Mae and Kyle Bishop for suggestions.
Thanks, again, for writing to me. Letters are more demanding than emails but more lasting. I'm glad you are happy in your home community. Is that you in the picture you sent? By the way, I think we met at least once: at Isa and Lathie's 50th wedding anniversary in Pennslyvania. I am sure I met you and John and it was probably at that time.
Yours truly,
Jerry C. Lester

PS: I decided to print a number of pictures. Hope you enjoy them. There is one of Dad and Wilmer. Do you know where was it made?

Children from this marriage were:

2         i.  Jerry Curtis Lester

         ii.  Fredric Arnold Lester (born on Dec 26, 1938 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Aug 19, 2007 in Charleston, South Carolina)

        iii.  David Alan Lester

5. Annie Mae Simmons, daughter of James W. Simmons and Callie Annlandrous Edwards, was born on Jun 28, 1914 in Sowers, Floyd Co., Va.,⁵ died on May 16, 1986 in Portsmouth, Va.¹ at age 71, and was buried in Portsmouth, Va. (Greenlawn Memorial).¹ The cause of her death was Breast cancer.

Birth Notes: Birth certificate spelling of middle name is May. She spelled it Mae.

Death Notes: She died of breast cancer. Her husband, James Curtis Lester, son, Jerry Curtis Lester, and niece, Annette Lester Miller, and Annette's husband, Hite Miller, were present at her bedside at Portsmouth General Hospital when she passed. She was unconscious prior to passing and did not regain consciousness. She simply gave a final gasp and passed. God rest her soul as she was a gentle, caring, person, much loved by her family and friends.

General Notes: A SEARCH THROUGH SOME OF MOM'S SOUVENIRS

An insurance policy application dated 3-17-1937 made out in San Diego, California, for Jerry Curtis Lester shows that was when Mother took me to California so that she could be with Dad while he was in the Navy and stationed there. I remember Mother saying that she took me to California when I was 6 Mos. old, which would have been in December, 1936. The weekly premium was 25 cents. There are two copies of this policy in Dad's things [I don't understand the need for two policies]. It was a 20-year pay life, and they gave it to me about 1980 for the cash value. I used it to buy cemetery lots, as it had a value of about $1300 at that time. This seemed an appropriate thing to do with the money, as they undoubtedly had intended it for just such an expense.

There is also a record of Mother's small pox vaccination obtained aboard Dad's ship, the U.S.S. Whitney, on 3-23-1937. An examination on 4-1-1937 showed that she was immune.

There are church bulletins among the souvenirs, which show that we were in Pulaski, Virginia on 1-12-1941 and in Portsmouth, Virginia, on 8-17-l941. I recall that we came to Portsmouth during the summer. We lived in a new apartment complex called Swanson Homes. It was in the Prentice Park section of Portsmouth, at the corner of Des Moines Avenue and South Street. We were living there when the war started on December 7, 1941. Dad was working in the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Dad's information shows that we moved to 33 Swanson Parkway in May of 1941.

There is also a Greyhound bus itinerary for the trip back from San Diego to Christiansburg which shows that the trip took five days. Unfortunately, there is no date on it.

There is ticket information which shows that Mother took the train to California. But wait, there are passenger checks for Pullman accommodations stamped "MAR 3, 35" which indicates that she went by train before I was born (6-27-1936). So, I don't really know whether we went by train when she took me. [We may have gone by train and returned by Greyhound bus.]

Finally, there is a Greyhound "Identification check" which is dated 8-21-1937. So, this must be the day we left San Diego to return to Christiansburg. (It is also stamped San Diego.)

There is a commencement announcement for Mom's high school graduation. There were 15 in her class. There is also Mother's Valedictory address. She graduated from Auburn H.S., Riner, Virginia. I have placed this in the notebook with other items that should be seen (by any casually interested person).

There are letters from Dad to Mother while he was in the Navy. There are bulletins announcing activities on Dad's ship, the U.S.S. Whitney.

I have left these things in the same white box that Mother and Dad had then in, except for the valedictory address. The items are stored in a box labeled: "Corcoran."


Jerry Curtis Lester
September 24, 1992

Annie married James Curtis Lester ¹ on Jun 29, 1934 in Riner, Montgomery Co., Va..⁴ James was born on Dec 19, 1912 in Floyd Co., Va.,² died on May 23, 1988 in Newport News, Va.¹ at age 75, and was buried in Portsmouth, Va. (Greenlawn Memorial). The cause of his death was Mesothelioma.

6. William Manuel Turney, son of Joe W. Turney Jr. and Katherine Freiberg, was born on Jun 24, 1910 in Tacoma, Pierce Co., Wash., died on Sep 14, 1991 in Chesapeake, Va. at age 81, and was buried in Rosewood Mem. Cemetery, VA. Beach, Va..

William married Frances Elizabeth Wise on Mar 9, 1935 in Winchester, Tenn. Frances was born on Sep 1, 1911 in Ostella, Tenn., died on Jan 1, 1996 in Chesapeake, Va. at age 84, and was buried in Rosewood Mem. Cemetery, VA. Beach, Va..

Children from this marriage were:

3         i.  Bettie Kay Turney

         ii.  Barbara Jo Turney

        iii.  Evelyn Susanne Turney

7. Frances Elizabeth Wise, daughter of Ollie Blanton Wise and Evelyn Clark, was born on Sep 1, 1911 in Ostella, Tenn., died on Jan 1, 1996 in Chesapeake, Va. at age 84, and was buried in Rosewood Mem. Cemetery, VA. Beach, Va..

Frances married William Manuel Turney on Mar 9, 1935 in Winchester, Tenn. William was born on Jun 24, 1910 in Tacoma, Pierce Co., Wash., died on Sep 14, 1991 in Chesapeake, Va. at age 81, and was buried in Rosewood Mem. Cemetery, VA. Beach, Va..

  Fourth Generation  

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8. Wilmer Hulen Lester,⁶ son of Hulen Berdine Lester and Nanzella Duncan, was born on May 4, 1891 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Apr 9, 1953 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.^{1 6} at age 61, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..^{1 6} The cause of his death was Heart attack.

Wilmer married Juanita Iris Lester ⁶ on Feb 25, 1912 in Floyd Co., Va. Juanita was born on Jul 3, 1896 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Jan 15, 1919 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.⁶ at age 22, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁶ The cause of her death was Influenza.

Marriage Notes: They were second cousins.

Children from this marriage were:

4         i.  James Curtis Lester (born on Dec 19, 1912 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on May 23, 1988 in Newport News, Va.)

         ii.  Vera Evelyn Lester (born on Jun 13, 1918 - died on Nov 23, 1991 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

Wilmer next married Grace A Richardson, daughter of Unknown and Unknown, on Apr 30, 1921 in Floyd Co., Va. Grace was born on Aug 9, 1895 in Floyd Co., Va..

The child from this marriage was:

          i.  Anita Joyce Lester

9. Juanita Iris Lester,⁶ daughter of Joseph Letcher Lester and Hetta Abigail Howell, was born on Jul 3, 1896 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Jan 15, 1919 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.⁶ at age 22, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁶ The cause of her death was Influenza.

Death Notes: She died of Influenza in 1919, being married less than 6 years.

Juanita married Wilmer Hulen Lester ⁶ on Feb 25, 1912 in Floyd Co., Va. Wilmer was born on May 4, 1891 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Apr 9, 1953 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.^{1 6} at age 61, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..^{1 6} The cause of his death was Heart attack.

10. James W. Simmons, son of Daniel R. Simmons and Delpha Alice Hill, was born on Jan 20, 1882 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁷ died on Jun 12, 1950 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.⁷ at age 68, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..

General Notes: Email to Carl Lefko, present owner of the old Simmons property at 615 College Street, Christiansbury, Va.

Thank you for the hospitality. You have done some nice things with the old house. I'm happy to see that it is in such good care.

My grandparents, James and Callie Edwards Simmons, were residing in the house when James died in 1950. They left a house on Little River in which they had resided from 1916 to 1939 and moved to a farm on "the Roanoke road." They then moved tot 615 College Street starting about the middle to late '40's.

I was born in that house on Little River, June 27, 1936, while mother was living with her parents and Dad was in the Navy, home ported in San Diego. Mother made a couple of trips to San Diego, one before I was born and one after, when I was 6 mos. old.

I vaguely remember visiting the Simmons' on the Roanoke Road, but I remember well the times spent at 615 College Street.

There was a barn above the house and an orchard above that. There was nothing much else until you walked all the way to the top of the hill above the house. I seem to remember being able to look down on Rt. 11? Granddaddy had crops in the field to the right as you stood on the back stoop by the cistern.

Granddaddy drank too much and used to go to the barn to imbibe. Granny boasted that she found some beer once, and threw it into the cistern.

Oarse (?) Simmons lived next door and had a huge barnyard with all kind of fowl in it. It was bare dirt and very disagreeable to my Granny. His wife was a Richardson and very nice to my grandparents.

Granddaddy had a work horse but no tractor. He had a couple of cows and some pigs.

Callie died Aug 17, 1978, after spending a couple of years in a nursing home, so she occupied the house until 1976, I'd say.

A spinster daughter, Opal, died Apr 2, 1970, at age 59. Opal had lived with her parents all her life.

Mother, Annie Mae, was the daughter of James and Callie. She was born June 28, 1914 and died May 16, 1986, of breast cancer.

The Simmons' were gentle, kind people. My father recalled once that he needed a few dollars for a life insurance payment and stopped James Simmons on the street in Christiansburg to ask for a loan. James Simmons gave him the money, whereas his own father had not, saying that he didn't think life insurance was necessary.

Best wishes,
Jerry Lester, July 24, 2005

James married Callie Annlandrous Edwards on Nov 6, 1907 in Basham (Pilot). Va..⁷ Callie was born on Mar 27, 1887 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁷ died on Aug 17, 1978 at age 91, and was buried in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va..

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Mildred Ethel Simmons (born on Apr 18, 1909 - died on Dec 15, 2002, buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va.)

         ii.  Opal Estelle Simmons (born on Oct 4, 1910 - died on Apr 2, 1970, buried in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

        iii.  Arnold Edward Simmons (born on Sep 4, 1912 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Feb 1, 1935, buried in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

5        iv.  Annie Mae Simmons (born on Jun 28, 1914 in Sowers, Floyd Co., Va. - died on May 16, 1986 in Portsmouth, Va.)

          v.  James Earsley Simmons (born on Jan 21, 1916 - died on Apr 18, 1987)

11. Callie Annlandrous Edwards, daughter of John C. Edwards and Sarah (Sally) Jane Epperly, was born on Mar 27, 1887 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁷ died on Aug 17, 1978 at age 91, and was buried in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va..

Callie married James W. Simmons on Nov 6, 1907 in Basham (Pilot). Va..⁷ James was born on Jan 20, 1882 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁷ died on Jun 12, 1950 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.⁷ at age 68, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..

12. Joe W. Turney Jr.,⁸ son of Joseph Woodson Turney and Alice S. Manuel, was born on Jul 26, 1883⁸ and died about Oct 1912⁸ about age 29.

General Notes: He was listed as a survivor in his father's obituary. His father died Jan 12, 1912. So, Joe, Jr. died after January.

Joe married Katherine Freiberg. Katherine was born on Aug 20, 1889 in Gallatin, Tenn., died on Feb 15, 1953 in Norfolk Co., Va. at age 63, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The child from this marriage was:

6         i.  William Manuel Turney (born on Jun 24, 1910 in Tacoma, Pierce Co., Wash. - died on Sep 14, 1991 in Chesapeake, Va.)

13. Katherine Freiberg was born on Aug 20, 1889 in Gallatin, Tenn., died on Feb 15, 1953 in Norfolk Co., Va. at age 63, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

General Notes: One child by first husband Joe Turney, Jr., none by second husband Benjamin Provost. Served in U.S. Navy Reserves as a Yeoman (F) from 20 Apr 1918 to 5 Aug 1919.

Katherine married Joe W. Turney Jr..⁸ Joe was born on Jul 26, 1883⁸ and died about Oct 1912⁸ about age 29.

Katherine next married Alexander Benjamin Provost.

14. Ollie Blanton Wise, son of Thomas Manuel Wise and Bettie Green Casteel, was born on Jul 24, 1883 in Bedford Co., Tenn. and died on Jan 26, 1953 at age 69.

Ollie married Evelyn Clark on Jan 6, 1910. Evelyn was born on Oct 10, 1893 in Diana, Tenn. and died on Mar 14, 1980 in Winchester, Tenn. at age 86.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Ollice Blanton Wise

         ii.  Annie Ruth Wise

        iii.  Ollie Marene Wise

7        iv.  Frances Elizabeth Wise (born on Sep 1, 1911 in Ostella, Tenn. - died on Jan 1, 1996 in Chesapeake, Va.)

          v.  Thomas William Wise (born on Jun 14, 1928 in Winchester, Tenn. - died on Jul 16, 1947 in Tampa, Fla.)

15. Evelyn Clark, daughter of Dock Perry Clark and Frances Clark, was born on Oct 10, 1893 in Diana, Tenn. and died on Mar 14, 1980 in Winchester, Tenn. at age 86.

General Notes: No middle name.

Evelyn married Ollie Blanton Wise on Jan 6, 1910. Ollie was born on Jul 24, 1883 in Bedford Co., Tenn. and died on Jan 26, 1953 at age 69.

  Fifth Generation  

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16. Hulen Berdine Lester, son of John Floyd Lester and Susan Chaffin, was born on Nov 28, 1856 in Montgomery Co., Va.,⁹ died on May 18, 1940 in Floyd Co., Va.⁹ at age 83, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁹

• Alt. Death: Alt. Death, Mar 18, 1940, Floyd Co., Va..¹⁰

• Alt. Birth: Nov 18, 1856, Montgomery Co., Va..¹⁰

Hulen married Octavia M. Lester,¹¹ daughter of Leftwich Lester and Christine (Christiana) Bishop, on Dec 26, 1878.^{9 12} Octavia was born on May 8, 1861 in Montgomery Co., Va., died on Oct 3, 1882 at age 21, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Ottis Lester (born on Sep 28, 1881 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Aug 5, 1905 in Iowa)

         ii.  Ora Alvia Lester (born on Nov 22, 1879 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Feb 28, 1930 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

Hulen next married Nanzella Duncan ⁹ on Oct 16, 1884.⁹ Nanzella was born on Feb 26, 1860 in Floyd Co., Va.,¹² died on Oct 15, 1946 in Roanoke, Va.⁹ at age 86, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁹

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Leonard Green Lester (born on Apr 18, 1887 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Jul 31, 1972 in Roanoke, Va.)

8        ii.  Wilmer Hulen Lester (born on May 4, 1891 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Apr 9, 1953 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

        iii.  Isa E Lester (born on Jun 8, 1896 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jul 23, 1980, buried in New London, Pa.)

         iv.  Iva Gladys Lester (born on Dec 22, 1899 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Aug 12, 1981 in Roanoke, Va.)

17. Nanzella Duncan,⁹ daughter of Benjamin Duncan and Nancy Burnette, was born on Feb 26, 1860 in Floyd Co., Va.,¹² died on Oct 15, 1946 in Roanoke, Va.⁹ at age 86, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁹

Nanzella married Hulen Berdine Lester on Oct 16, 1884.⁹ Hulen was born on Nov 28, 1856 in Montgomery Co., Va.,⁹ died on May 18, 1940 in Floyd Co., Va.⁹ at age 83, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁹

18. Joseph Letcher Lester,⁶ son of Charles David Lester and Mary E. Wright, was born on Mar 15, 1869 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Nov 16, 1930 in Harrisonburg, Va.⁶ at age 61, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁶ The cause of his death was Automobile accident.

Joseph married Hetta Abigail Howell ⁶ on Dec 15, 1891 in Floyd Co., Va..⁶ Hetta was born on Jul 4, 1871 in Floyd Co., Va.⁶ and died on Jul 6, 1942 in Lenover, Penn. (?)⁶ at age 71.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Lancie Stanley Lester (born on Oct 8, 1892 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Dec 9, 1925, buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va.)

         ii.  Lathie Windot Lester (born on Nov 1, 1893 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Nov 20, 1977, buried in New London, Pa.)

9       iii.  Juanita Iris Lester (born on Jul 3, 1896 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jan 15, 1919 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

         iv.  Fred Lawrence Lester (born on Apr 10, 1904 in Floyd Co., Va.)

19. Hetta Abigail Howell,⁶ daughter of Joseph Edwin Howell and Mary Francis Nixon, was born on Jul 4, 1871 in Floyd Co., Va.⁶ and died on Jul 6, 1942 in Lenover, Penn. (?)⁶ at age 71.

Hetta married Joseph Letcher Lester ⁶ on Dec 15, 1891 in Floyd Co., Va..⁶ Joseph was born on Mar 15, 1869 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Nov 16, 1930 in Harrisonburg, Va.⁶ at age 61, and was buried in Sunset Cem., Christiansburg, Va..⁶ The cause of his death was Automobile accident.

20. Daniel R. Simmons,¹³ son of Thomas R. Simmons and Tamor (Tamar) Boothe, was born on Nov 17, 1839 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁷ died on Jun 12, 1929 in Floyd Co., Va.⁷ at age 89, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.¹⁴

General Notes: He served in the Confederate Army, Company A, 54th Virginia Infantry. He was captured near Atlanta on 20 July 1864 and taken to Camp Douglas and paroled 15 June 1865. "Floyd County" by Dr. Amos D. Wood, pp. 192 and 425. Much of the data about Daniel was recorded by his son, Everet B. Simmons. His notes were transcribed by James Curtis Lester in an "effort to preserve them, 28 Mar 1984." Records in Possession of Jerry Curtis Lester. Also photos.

The following is a record of how Daniel acquired land from Abraham (Abel) Bishop.
Bishop's land was on the north side of Little River at the mouth of Brush Creek.
It was sold on June 13, 1871 in front of the Floyd County Court House after
advertising time and place of sale. Daniel R. Simmons became the purchaser

Daniel married Delpha Alice Hill on Dec 30, 1875.⁷ Delpha was born on Feb 13, 1846 in Floyd Co., Va.,^{7 15} died on Mar 15, 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.^{7 15} at age 56, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.^{14 15}

Marriage Notes: Daniel R. Simmons m. Nancy Moricle 12-27-1870 at Samuel Moricle's, Floyd Co., VA by Amos Dickerson. He 31 yo single farmer, b. & living in Floyd Co., VA, s/o Thomas R. & Tamer Simmons. She single 24 yo, b. & living in Floyd Co., VA, d/o Samuel & Mildred Moricle. Source: FCVA1870_0105

Daniel R. Simmons m. Delphia A. Hill 12-30-1875 at Thomas Hill's, Floyd Co., VA by Wilson H. Dodd. He 36 yo widowed w/m farmer, b. & living in Floyd Co., VA, s/o Thomas R. & Tamer Simmons. She 28 yo single w/f, b. & living in Floyd Co., VA, d/o Thomas & Nancy Hill. Source: FCVA1875_0131
¹⁶

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Luray (Lura) Simmons (born on Mar 1, 1877 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ii.  Thomas A. Simmons (born on Jul 2, 1878 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Nov 19, 1921 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        iii.  Malissa (Lissie, Lissy) Simmons (born on Jan 30, 1880 in Floyd Co., Va.)

10       iv.  James W. Simmons (born on Jan 20, 1882 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jun 12, 1950 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

          v.  Everet B. Simmons (born on Sep 16, 1883 - died on Jun 14, 1952)

         vi.  Nancy (Nanney, Nannie) Simmons (born on Oct 16, 1885)

        vii.  Dora SIMMONS (born on Jul 21, 1887 - died on Oct 1, 1972 in Fresno, Cal.)

Daniel next married Nancy Moricle, daughter of Samuel MORRICLE and Mildred WILLIAMS, on Dec 27, 1870.⁷ Nancy was born on Jun 5, 1844⁷ and died on Jul 28, 1873⁷ at age 29.

General Notes: Her parents are listed in the "Registry of Deaths" for Floyd County for the year ending 31st, 1873. I have a copy of this page of the registry and as best I can make out, it reads "Samuel and Mildred Moricle." I am not sure about the word "Mildred." And, the last name is written as "Moricle," not "Morricle."

The child from this marriage was:

          i.  Mary Simmons (born on Nov 5, 1871 - died on Feb 2, 1923)

21. Delpha Alice Hill, daughter of Thomas Hill and Nancy Cox, was born on Feb 13, 1846 in Floyd Co., Va.,^{7 15} died on Mar 15, 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.^{7 15} at age 56, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.^{14 15}

Delpha married Daniel R. Simmons ¹³ on Dec 30, 1875.⁷ Daniel was born on Nov 17, 1839 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁷ died on Jun 12, 1929 in Floyd Co., Va.⁷ at age 89, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.¹⁴

22. John C. Edwards, son of John Edwards and Elizabeth Bradshaw, was born on Nov 19, 1861,¹⁷ died on Jan 5, 1936¹⁷ at age 74, and was buried on Jan 8, 1936 in St. Matthew's Cemetery, Rt. 617, Laurel Ridge, Floyd Co., Va..¹⁷

Birth Notes: Birth date per death certificate.

Death Notes: Date of death per death certificate No. 1900, Bureau of Vital Statistics.

General Notes: Information about John C. Edwards family is from notes of Mildred Simmons Richardson. Her information is probably from the family bible.

John married Sarah (Sally) Jane Epperly on Oct 11, 1879.^{17 18} Sarah was born on Feb 14, 1858 and died on Feb 3, 1945 at age 86. Other names for Sarah were Sallie and Sally.

Marriage Notes: Marriage date from Marriage Register 3; 61, Floyd Co. Court house, Floyd, Va. ¹⁷

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Alma Edwards (born on Oct 7, 1880 - died on Dec 21, 1914 in Basham, Va.)

         ii.  George B. Edwards (born on Jun 27, 1882 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jun 11, 1964)

        iii.  James Asa Edwards (born on Aug 25, 1885 - died on May 22, 1966 in Salem, Roanoke Co., Va.)

11       iv.  Callie Annlandrous Edwards (born on Mar 27, 1887 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Aug 17, 1978, buried in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

          v.  Adeline Edwards (born on Dec 28, 1889)

         vi.  Cora Edwards (born on Nov 13, 1891)

        vii.  Arizona (Zoni) Edwards (born on Oct 1, 1893)

       viii.  Branard Edwards (born on May 1, 1895)

         ix.  Taylor Edwards (born on Oct 9, 1899)

23. Sarah (Sally) Jane Epperly, daughter of James Epperly and Elizabeth Sowers, was born on Feb 14, 1858 and died on Feb 3, 1945 at age 86. Other names for Sarah were Sallie and Sally.

General Notes: Some sources have birth date as 19 Feb 1858.

Sarah married John C. Edwards on Oct 11, 1879.^{17 18} John was born on Nov 19, 1861,¹⁷ died on Jan 5, 1936¹⁷ at age 74, and was buried on Jan 8, 1936 in St. Matthew's Cemetery, Rt. 617, Laurel Ridge, Floyd Co., Va..¹⁷

24. Joseph Woodson Turney,^{8 19} son of Hopkins Lacey Turney and Teresa Francis, was born on Jul 10, 1850⁸ and died on Jan 12, 1912⁸ at age 61.

General Notes: From newspaper account of Capt. Joe Turney's death. CAPT. JOE TURNEY DIES AT DECHERD

For Twenty-Five Years "high Sheriff" of State--Youngest Brother of Gov. Turney Special to the Banner Winchester, Tenn., January 12 [1912] Capt. Joe Turney, aged 61 years, died this morning at 1 o'clock at his home in Decherd, Tenn., after an illness of a few days with pneumonia. Capt. Turney has enjoyed the best of health until this illness and was Land Inspector of the Union Central Life Insurance Company for Middle Tennessee. The deceased was born and raised in this county and was the son of the late [U.S.] Senator Hopkins L. Turney and the youngest brother of the late Gov. Peter Turney. He was High Sheriff of this state for twenty-five years. The deceased is survived by his wife Alice [newspaper is not clear if word is Alice] daughters, Mrs. Annie Hoover of Atlanta, Ga., Mrs. Blanche Johnson, Mrs. Marvin McKary,[sic] of Nashville, two sons, Scott and Joe [W. M. Turney's father and Bettie Kay Turney Lester's grandfather] of Decherd, Tenn. The funeral services over the remains will be held in this city Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the Episcopal Church of which he was a member. The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Claiborne of Sewanee. Internment will be in the Winchester Cemetery.

Joseph married Alice S. Manuel ⁸ on Sep 12, 1869.⁸ Alice was born on Mar 7, 1853⁸ and died on Feb 5, 1946⁸ at age 92.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Annie M. Turney (born on Apr 24, 1870)

         ii.  Teresa Davidson Turney (born on Nov 14, 1871 - died on Mar 4, 1892)

        iii.  William Manuel Turney (born on Oct 4, 1873 - died on Jul 17, 1874)

         iv.  Walter Scott Turney (born on May 27, 1875 - died on Jan 8, 1929)

          v.  Mary Blanche Turney (born on Nov 5, 1877)

         vi.  Tome (Tommy) O'conner Turney (born on Mar 14, 1881 - died on Nov 1, 1925)

12      vii.  Joe W. Turney Jr. (born on Jul 26, 1883 - died about Oct 1912)

25. Alice S. Manuel,⁸ daughter of William Blanche Manual and Mary I. Adams, was born on Mar 7, 1853⁸ and died on Feb 5, 1946⁸ at age 92.

General Notes: Resided in Decherd, Tenn. Lived to age 92. Cared for William Manuel Turney, son Joe Turney, Jr.'s son, after Joe Jr. died young--abt. age 29 (abt. 1912). William Manuel's mother, Katherine (Kathleen) Freiberg, joined U.S. Navy 20 Apr 1918 leaving young William to the care of his paternal grandmother, Alice S. Manuel Turney. Susan Davidson Manuel may be her mother. Curious that her mother would be in the family record but not her father.

Alice married Joseph Woodson Turney ^{8 19} on Sep 12, 1869.⁸ Joseph was born on Jul 10, 1850⁸ and died on Jan 12, 1912⁸ at age 61.

28. Thomas Manuel Wise was born on Dec 18, 1842 and died on Dec 16, 1922 at age 79.

Thomas married Bettie Green Casteel. Bettie was born on Mar 8, 1849 and died on Mar 19, 1916 at age 67.

The child from this marriage was:

14        i.  Ollie Blanton Wise (born on Jul 24, 1883 in Bedford Co., Tenn. - died on Jan 26, 1953)

29. Bettie Green Casteel was born on Mar 8, 1849 and died on Mar 19, 1916 at age 67.

Bettie married Thomas Manuel Wise. Thomas was born on Dec 18, 1842 and died on Dec 16, 1922 at age 79.

30. Dock Perry Clark was born on Apr 3, 1874 and died in Aug 1955 at age 81.

General Notes: Information from family bible.

Dock married Frances Clark on May 18, 1892. Frances was born on Oct 7, 1874 and died on Mar 7, 1954 at age 79.

Children from this marriage were:

15        i.  Evelyn Clark (born on Oct 10, 1893 in Diana, Tenn. - died on Mar 14, 1980 in Winchester, Tenn.)

         ii.  Clarence Herbert Clark

31. Frances Clark, daughter of John Clark and Sarah Elizabeth, was born on Oct 7, 1874 and died on Mar 7, 1954 at age 79.

General Notes: Was a Clark. Unrelated to husband Dock Perry Clark.

Frances married Dock Perry Clark on May 18, 1892. Dock was born on Apr 3, 1874 and died in Aug 1955 at age 81.

  Sixth Generation  

---

32. John Floyd Lester,²⁰ son of Hulen Lester and Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons, was born on Aug 25, 1828 in Montgomery Co., Va.,²⁰ died on Dec 21, 1899 in Floyd Co., Va.²⁰ at age 71, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..²⁰

Burial Notes: Tombstone is present and legible in 1997.

General Notes: Marguerite Tise writes:
"Floyd and Susan Lester lived in Auburn Township, Montgomery County. Hulen Lester deeded his son Floyd a tract of 118 acres in 1862. Their house stood near the Riner road (present Rt. 8) and present Camp Carysbrook road. When Susan died in 1868. Guliford Dudley, the oldest child, was 15 years old, and John Dow, the youngest, was 5 years old. In 1885, Floyd divided up his property (over 300 acres) among his six children, and in 1888 he moved to Floyd County to live with his son Hulen Berdine, where he died in 1899.

In 1902, a portion of this farm, "known as the Floyd Lester land," was purchased by George T. Akers, whose wife was Posie Lester, daughter of Charlie D. Lester [Floyd's brother]. The purchase price was $2500.

• Military: Aug 1, 1863.²¹ John Floyd served in the Confederate Army, Company k, 22nd Regiment Virginia Cavalry under Capt. Miles A. Francis. He enlisted Aug 1, 1863 for 3 years. Documentation in possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.

John married Susan Chaffin on Apr 15, 1852.^{12 20} Susan was born on Mar 11, 1827 in Montgomery Co., Va.,²⁰ died on Oct 20, 1868 in Montgomery Co., Va.²⁰ at age 41, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..²⁰

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Guilford Dudley Lester (born on Feb 25, 1853 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1897 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

         ii.  James Wesley Lester (born on Oct 30, 1854 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1929)

16      iii.  Hulen Berdine Lester (born on Nov 28, 1856 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on May 18, 1940 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         iv.  Harvey Leander Lester (born on Jan 9, 1859 - died on Mar 1, 1940)

          v.  Sarah E. (Sally) Lester (born on Jul 4, 1861 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Jan 7, 1939, buried in Riner Cemetery, Riner, Va.)

         vi.  John Dow Lester (born on Dec 20, 1863 - died on Dec 5, 1926, buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

33. Susan Chaffin, daughter of John Chaffin and Sarah (Sallie) Reed, was born on Mar 11, 1827 in Montgomery Co., Va.,²⁰ died on Oct 20, 1868 in Montgomery Co., Va.²⁰ at age 41, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..²⁰

Burial Notes: Her tombstone is present and legible in 1997.

Susan married John Floyd Lester ²⁰ on Apr 15, 1852.^{12 20} John was born on Aug 25, 1828 in Montgomery Co., Va.,²⁰ died on Dec 21, 1899 in Floyd Co., Va.²⁰ at age 71, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..²⁰

34. Benjamin Duncan,²² son of John Duncan Jr. and Rhoda, was born about 1817 in Montgomery Co., Va.²² and died in Apr 1894 in Floyd Co., Va. about age 77.

Birth Notes: Listed as 33 in 1850 census.

General Notes: Leonard Lester wrote on December 18, 1968: "The dwellings of my grandfather’s [Benjamin Duncan's] old homeplace, two log houses, built 20 to 25 yards apart , one called the "Big House," the other smaller and called the "Kitchen." Until grandmother got a cook stove, around 1900, all cooking and baking was done at the huge fireplace in the kitchen.

The "Big House" had a door on each side, which was very strong, built in two sections: top and bottom, and provided with strong cross bars for securing them closed.

As I remember, there were three air or light holes left in the "Big House," one on either side and one in the rear. These openings were also provided with strong inside shutters and securing bars.

According to tradition, John, Jr., was supposed to have lived in this home, but census records do not indicate this, and [but] it is not hard for me to imagine that it was originally built by John, Sr.

About 65 years ago [1903], the "Big House" was weather boarded, ceiled, windows installed, and an addition built on, and is being lived in today, in 1968, by a granddaughter and great grandchildren of Benjamin [Duncan].

The early settlers in the territory, comprising Copper Valley, south side of Alum Ridge and Indian Valley had to be a strong and resolute people.

The terrain mountainous and rugged, heavily timbered with massive white pine, oak, chestnut, poplar and hemlock, with an undergrowth of laurel, rhododendron and azaleas so dense one could hardly crawl through in places. It was a hunters and fisherman’s paradise: forest providing all kinds of game, large and small, the many streams teeming with fish.

Living of course, was hard and frugal, but they had the necessary fundamentals, meat, bread, potatoes and sorgum molasses. The prospered, and in the early years of this century, when I began to view things with some understanding, the log cabins were being supplanted by what were called "fine homes" of frame construction, weather-boarded outside, ceiled inside and painted white. All the log school houses were being replace with better buildings. Too, the little log buildings for religious services, called "chapels" were being superseded by some pretty nice churches.

My home was not in the Copper and Indian Valley district. Where my family lived, the terrain was not so rugged, was settled earlier, hence more cleared land and living conditions somewhat improved. The impressions recorded here were gained as a small boy when my family visited my grandparents [Benjamin Duncan] who lived on Indian Creek in Copper Valley."

Benjamin married Nancy Burnette ²³ on Jun 1, 1843 in Floyd Co., Va..^{10 23} Nancy was born on Jun 24, 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va.²³ and died in 1915 in Floyd Co., Va.^{23 24} at age 90.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Julia Duncan (born in 1844)

         ii.  Ennis Duncan (born in 1845)

        iii.  Minerva Duncan (born in 1846)

         iv.  Asa Duncan (born in 1848)

          v.  Delilah Duncan (born in 1850)

         vi.  Sarah Duncan (born in 1852)

        vii.  Francina Duncan (born in 1854)

       viii.  Rebecca Duncan (born in 1858)

17       ix.  Nanzella Duncan (born on Feb 26, 1860 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Oct 15, 1946 in Roanoke, Va.)

          x.  Emmazetta Duncan (born in 1863)

         xi.  Noah J Duncan (born in 1864)

        xii.  John B Duncan (born in 1869)

35. Nancy Burnette,²³ daughter of Josiah Burnette Sr. and Jemima Dickerson, was born on Jun 24, 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va.²³ and died in 1915 in Floyd Co., Va.^{23 24} at age 90.

Birth Notes: Copy of page from family bible included in Leonard Lester's "My Ancestors," page 35 shows birth date of "June the 24th, 1825.'

Death Notes: Copy of page from family bible included in Leonard Lester's "My Ancestors," page 35 shows a calculation of Nancy's age at death: 1915 - 1825 = 90.

Nancy married Benjamin Duncan ²² on Jun 1, 1843 in Floyd Co., Va..^{10 23} Benjamin was born about 1817 in Montgomery Co., Va.²² and died in Apr 1894 in Floyd Co., Va. about age 77.

36. Charles David Lester, son of Hulen Lester and Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons, was born on Dec 29, 1838, died on Nov 14, 1911 at age 72, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

Charles married Mary E. Wright on Apr 7, 1868 in Floyd Co., Va..²⁵ Mary was born on Dec 3, 1842,²⁵ died on Jan 14, 1910²⁵ at age 67, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..²⁵

Children from this marriage were:

18        i.  Joseph Letcher Lester (born on Mar 15, 1869 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Nov 16, 1930 in Harrisonburg, Va.)

         ii.  Alma F Lester (born in 1871)

        iii.  Gracia Lester (born in 1873)

         iv.  Posie Inez Lester (born on Dec 18, 1874 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Jul 21, 1911 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

          v.  Frank H Lester (born on Sep 26, 1877 - died on Jun 1, 1967 in Roanoke, VA)

         vi.  Minnie Rose Lester (born on Jun 15, 1880 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jan 9, 1936 in Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Va.)

        vii.  Ida M. Lester (born on Jan 26, 1883 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jan 26, 1910, buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

37. Mary E. Wright, daughter of James A. Wright and Elizabeth E., was born on Dec 3, 1842,²⁵ died on Jan 14, 1910²⁵ at age 67, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..²⁵

Mary married Charles David Lester on Apr 7, 1868 in Floyd Co., Va..²⁵ Charles was born on Dec 29, 1838, died on Nov 14, 1911 at age 72, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

38. Joseph Edwin Howell, son of David Howell and Unknown, was born on Jul 31, 1836 in Floyd Co., Va.,²⁶ died on Sep 5, 1912²⁶ at age 76, and was buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist.²⁶

General Notes: Confederate soldier in Company A, 24th Virginian; Was at Manassas on August 30, 1862. Had a limp as a result of war injuries.

Joseph married Mary Francis Nixon ⁶ on Dec 19, 1867 in Floyd Co., Va. Mary was born on May 26, 1852 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Mar 3, 1915⁶ at age 62, and was buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist.⁶

Marriage Notes: Joseph was 31. Mary was 15.

Children from this marriage were:

19        i.  Hetta Abigail Howell (born on Jul 4, 1871 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jul 6, 1942 in Lenover, Penn. (?))

         ii.  Minnie Elizabeth Howell (born on Jul 9, 1876 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jan 19, 1955 in Roanoke, Va.)

        iii.  David Thomas Howell (born on Jul 26, 1878 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jul 18, 1967 in Nursing home between Christiansburg & Radford)

         iv.  George Patterson Howell (born on Dec 22, 1880 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jan 27, 1951 in Fresno, Cal.)

          v.  Leona Mae Howell (born on Oct 29, 1885 in Topeka, Kan. - died in Jan 1985)

         vi.  Joseph Edwin Howell Jr. (born on Sep 9, 1889 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jun 29, 1943 in Fresno, Cal.)

39. Mary Francis Nixon,⁶ daughter of Thomas L. Nixon and Elizabeth Nixon, was born on May 26, 1852 in Floyd Co., Va.,⁶ died on Mar 3, 1915⁶ at age 62, and was buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist.⁶

Mary married Joseph Edwin Howell on Dec 19, 1867 in Floyd Co., Va. Joseph was born on Jul 31, 1836 in Floyd Co., Va.,²⁶ died on Sep 5, 1912²⁶ at age 76, and was buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist.²⁶

40. Thomas R. Simmons, son of Unknown and Nellie Ratliff, was born on Jun 20, 1811 in Floyd Co., Va.,²⁷ died on Dec 24, 1873 in Floyd Co., Va.²⁸ at age 62, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.¹⁴ The cause of his death was Palsy.

General Notes: Photostatic copy of death certificate in possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.

• Illness: Palsy.²⁸

Thomas married Tamor (Tamar) Boothe ²⁹ on Nov 28, 1834.^{14 30} Tamor was born on Apr 5, 1806 in Floyd Co., Va.,³¹ died on Jan 22, 1890¹⁵ at age 83, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.

Marriage Notes: This is the date of the marriage bond and may not be the date of the marriage ceremony.

• Alt. Marriage: Dec 1, 1834.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  James A. Simmons (born on Oct 8, 1835 - died on Sep 11, 1923, buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill)

         ii.  Angeline(Angelina) Simmons (born on Jun 12, 1842 - died on Dec 11, 1921)

        iii.  William L. Simmons (born on Dec 31, 1843 - died on Sep 5, 1923)

         iv.  Levina(Lavinia) Simmons (born in 1848 - died in 1883)

          v.  Andrew J. Simmons (born on Oct 21, 1837 in Ú - died on Sep 24, 1866)

20       vi.  Daniel R. Simmons (born on Nov 17, 1839 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jun 12, 1929 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        vii.  Samuel R. Simmons (born in 1840)

       viii.  Rowena (Rowena) (Roena) Simmons (born on Nov 19, 1850 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Feb 7, 1916, buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Cemetary)

41. Tamor (Tamar) Boothe,²⁹ daughter of Daniel Boothe and Sarah McAlexander, was born on Apr 5, 1806 in Floyd Co., Va.,³¹ died on Jan 22, 1890¹⁵ at age 83, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.

Tamor married Thomas R. Simmons on Nov 28, 1834.^{14 30} Thomas was born on Jun 20, 1811 in Floyd Co., Va.,²⁷ died on Dec 24, 1873 in Floyd Co., Va.²⁸ at age 62, and was buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill.¹⁴ The cause of his death was Palsy.

42. Thomas Hill ^{14 32} was born about 1811 in Franklin County, Va.³³ and died on Jun 26, 1889 in Floyd, Floyd Co., Va.³² about age 78.

Thomas married Nancy Cox ^{14 33} on Oct 17, 1839 in Floyd Co., Va..^{32 33} Nancy was born about 1819 in Tennessee^{33 34} and died on Jan 29, 1889 in Floyd Co., Va.³² about age 70.

Marriage Notes: The marriage is recorded in Floyd County Records, Book 2, p.285. The marriage bond is made to Thomas Hill, Carter Cox, Jr., and Ambrose Cox, and signed by them.

Barbara Reininger has marriage date as 11-17-1839.

The child from this marriage was:

21        i.  Delpha Alice Hill (born on Feb 13, 1846 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Mar 15, 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.)

43. Nancy Cox ^{14 33} was born about 1819 in Tennessee^{33 34} and died on Jan 29, 1889 in Floyd Co., Va.³² about age 70.

Birth Notes: According to 1850 Census, Nancy Cox was born in Tennessee.

Barbara Reininger has birth date as c1819

General Notes: Marguerite Tise states in her letter of July 29, 1997, that "I can't find the name of Nancy Cox in the Ambrose Cox family history that has been done by Elza Cox, so that is something to be resolved."

Nancy married Thomas Hill ^{14 32} on Oct 17, 1839 in Floyd Co., Va..^{32 33} Thomas was born about 1811 in Franklin County, Va.³³ and died on Jun 26, 1889 in Floyd, Floyd Co., Va.³² about age 78.

44. John Edwards, son of Jesse Edwards and Elizabeth Peters, was born about 1826 in Franklin County, Va.³⁵ and died on Sep 5, 1862 in Danville, Pittsylvania Co., Va. about age 36.

Death Notes: Of disease while in the Confederate Army.

General Notes:

• Death Cause: Disease, Sep 5, 1862, Danville, Pittsylvania Co., Va..³⁵

John married Elizabeth Bradshaw ¹⁷ circa 1852.¹⁷ Elizabeth was born circa 1828¹⁷ and died before 1903.¹⁷

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Mary Edwards (born in 1553)

         ii.  Jesse Edwards (born in May 1854 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        iii.  George Edwards (born on Dec 2, 1856 - died on Jan 22, 1858 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         iv.  Lucy Edwards (born on Oct 16, 1859)

22        v.  John C. Edwards (born on Nov 19, 1861 - died on Jan 5, 1936, buried in St. Matthew's Cemetery, Rt. 617, Laurel Ridge, Floyd Co., Va.)

45. Elizabeth Bradshaw,¹⁷ daughter of J. C. Bradshaw and Unknown, was born circa 1828¹⁷ and died before 1903.¹⁷

Elizabeth married John Edwards circa 1852.¹⁷ John was born about 1826 in Franklin County, Va.³⁵ and died on Sep 5, 1862 in Danville, Pittsylvania Co., Va. about age 36.

Elizabeth next married Columbus PAUL.³⁶

46. James Epperly was born in 1834 in Floyd Co., Va..

General Notes: Birth place is assumed based on the fact that most of my ancestors were born in Floyd or Montgomery Co.

Jerry Lester, 4-5-2009

James married Elizabeth Sowers on Jul 26, 1854. Elizabeth was born in 1835 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁷ and died in 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 37.

The child from this marriage was:

23        i.  Sarah (Sally) Jane Epperly (born on Feb 14, 1858 - died on Feb 3, 1945)

James next married Mary C. Akers.^{39 40}

47. Elizabeth Sowers, daughter of David Sowers and Margaret Spangler, was born in 1835 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁷ and died in 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 37.

Elizabeth married James Epperly on Jul 26, 1854. James was born in 1834 in Floyd Co., Va..

48. Hopkins Lacey Turney, son of Peter Turney and Frances Haines, was born on Oct 3, 1797 in Smith Co., Tenn.¹⁹ and died on Aug 1, 1857 in Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn.¹⁹ at age 59.

General Notes: It is said that he was named by Andrew Jackson, who at this time was just entering the U.S. Senate (19 Oct 1797, in honor of Hopkins Lacey, a distinguished friend of Jackson's. Left an orphan at the age of 8 years. Apprenticed to the tailor's trade, found the work "uncongenial." In 1818, served in the Seminole War and after its close, began the study of law. He was licensed to practice and because of his ability his rise in his profession was rapid. He left Smith County and removed to Rhea County where he married on May 26, 1826, Theresa Francis. Shortly after his marriage, he removed from Old Washington in Rhea Ccounty to the newer town of jasper in Marion County where he remained about a year and practiced his profession. He the moved to Winchester in Franklin County where he lived the rest of his life. From 1828 to 1838, he was a member of the Tennessee legislature and having entered the arena of politics, he continued to advance with distinction in his chosen field. Elected to U.S. Senate and served from Dec 1, 1845 to Mar 3, 1851. He was a democrat and a life-long member of the Episcopal Church.

Hopkins married Teresa Francis on May 26, 1826 in Rhea Co., Tenn. Teresa was born on Dec 9, 1809¹⁹ and died on Sep 5, 1879¹⁹ at age 69.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Eleanor Turney

         ii.  Malinda Turney

        iii.  Miller Francis Turney

         iv.  Hopkins Lacey Turney Jr.

          v.  Virginia Turney

         vi.  Mary Turney

        vii.  Peter Turney (born on Sep 22, 1827 in Jasper, Tenn. - died on Oct 19, 1903 in Winchester, Tenn.)

       viii.  Teresa Turney (born on Mar 16, 1846 in Winchester, Tenn. - died on Feb 8, 1922 in Chatanooga, Tenn.)

24       ix.  Joseph Woodson Turney (born on Jul 10, 1850 - died on Jan 12, 1912)

49. Teresa Francis, daughter of Miller Francis and Hannah Henry, was born on Dec 9, 1809¹⁹ and died on Sep 5, 1879¹⁹ at age 69.

Teresa married Hopkins Lacey Turney on May 26, 1826 in Rhea Co., Tenn. Hopkins was born on Oct 3, 1797 in Smith Co., Tenn.¹⁹ and died on Aug 1, 1857 in Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn.¹⁹ at age 59.

50. William Blanche Manual,⁸ son of Unknown and Susan Davidson, was born on Oct 21, 1830⁸ and was buried on Apr 26, 1907 in Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn..⁴¹

William married Mary I. Adams ⁸ on May 26, 1852.⁸ Mary was born on Aug 27, 1835⁸ and died on May 31, 1854⁸ at age 18.

The child from this marriage was:

25        i.  Alice S. Manuel (born on Mar 7, 1853 - died on Feb 5, 1946)

51. Mary I. Adams ⁸ was born on Aug 27, 1835⁸ and died on May 31, 1854⁸ at age 18.

Mary married William Blanche Manual ⁸ on May 26, 1852.⁸ William was born on Oct 21, 1830⁸ and was buried on Apr 26, 1907 in Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn..⁴¹

62. John Clark was born on Mar 17, 1845, died on Jun 6, 1927 at age 82, and was buried in Lynnville, Tenn. Cemetery.

John married Sarah Elizabeth. Sarah was born on Aug 25, 1846, died on Feb 6, 1919 at age 72, and was buried in Lynnville, Tenn. Cemetery.

The child from this marriage was:

31        i.  Frances Clark (born on Oct 7, 1874 - died on Mar 7, 1954)

63. Sarah Elizabeth was born on Aug 25, 1846, died on Feb 6, 1919 at age 72, and was buried in Lynnville, Tenn. Cemetery.

Sarah married John Clark. John was born on Mar 17, 1845, died on Jun 6, 1927 at age 82, and was buried in Lynnville, Tenn. Cemetery.

  Seventh Generation  

---

64. Hulen Lester,⁴² son of John Lester Sr. and Catherine Plickenstalver, was born on May 6, 1795 in Montgomery Co., Va.,⁴² died on Jun 27, 1888 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁴² at age 93, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..⁴²

Burial Notes: Tombstone is present and legible as of 1997.

General Notes: Hulen Lester was the youngest son and ninth child of John & Catharine Lester. He had an unusual first name and if we could know the background of this name, we would know more about the history of the family. So many different spellings of the name can be found in the records of Montgomery and Floyd counties that it is difficult to determine the original spelling, but it is believed to have been Heulings or Hulings. As previously stated, records show that the Lesters and Heulings lived in the same community in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and adjoining New Jersey in the 1700's. Some of them intermarried. This was a name which appears to have had a special meaning to John Lester as he gave it to his youngest son. Could it have been his mother's maiden name? The name was carried on in the family by Hulen’s older brother John and his sister Catherine who each gave it to their first sons, and by later generations. As for Hulen himself, the name appears most often as it is written here. This is the spelling in the census records, in the signature to his will, and on his tombstone, though it must be borne in mind that Hulen did not read or write and only made his mark. Hulen Lester and Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons were married June 3, 1819. Nellie was 18 and Hulen was 24. Nellie was the daughter of Charles and Eleanor Simmons (see Charles SIMMONS). This was the third marriage between the Lester and Simmons families.

Hulen was the only one of the eleven children of John & Catharine Lester to establish his home in Montgomery County. He built a two-story, white frame house (date unknown) on Little River, about a mile below his parents’s log home and below the first Lester Cemetery. The house stood between the road (present Rt. 602) and the river and was not far from the confluence of Brush Creek & Little River. His youngest son, Charles D. Lester, inherited this property and lived there. After Charles D.’s death his son Letcher Lester lived there until 1913 when the house burned up and all its contents - no trace of its location can now be found.

Hulen Lester was a man of property and large land holdings. At one time he owned more then 1000 acres of land. He gave each of his children a farm or the equivalent. Son James died at the age of 15 and was too young to receive any property; daughters Catharine and Ellen were given money and personal property. All his children lived near him - Harvey later went West.

Hulen Lester was an invalid with a "spinal disease" (as stated in the 1880 census) for at least the last 8 years of his life and was bedridden for some years before his death. Catherine and Ellen appear to have devoted themselves to nursing their parents.

Nellie died in 1881 at the age of 80; she and Hulen had been married 62 years. Hulen died at the age of 93, an unusually long life for that time. He was the last of his family.

Hulen and Nellie Lester had 10 children, 34 grandchildren, and 223 (known) great-grandchildren. Their children: Paradine, Joshua, Ira, Aveline, Floyd, Harvey, Catharine, James, Charles D., Ellen.

Hulen married Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons on Jun 3, 1819.^{42 43 44 45} Eleanor was born on Feb 12, 1801 in Montgomery Co., Va., died on Sep 28, 1881 in Montgomery Co., Va. at age 80, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

Marriage Notes: "My Ancestors" by L. G. Lester has a second marriage date on page 10. It is
3 June 1819.
James C. Lester says married May 31, 1819. [Marriage records at County Clerk's Office, Christiansburg, Virginia - Register "A", Page 165 and 366 indicates Eleanor was a Simmons before marriage and the daughter of Charles Simmons.]"

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Paradine Lester (born on Mar 31, 1820 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Feb 24, 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ii.  Joshua P. Lester (born on Oct 4, 1821 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Feb 10, 1901 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

        iii.  Isaiah (Ira) H. Lester (born on Oct 14, 1823 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Mar 18, 1878 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

         iv.  Aveline Lester (born on Jan 3, 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Dec 21, 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.)

32        v.  John Floyd Lester (born on Aug 25, 1828 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Dec 21, 1899 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         vi.  Harvey (Harve) Lester (born on Feb 2, 1831 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Sep 9, 1913 in Challis, Custer, Idaho)

36      vii.  Charles David Lester (born on Dec 29, 1838 - died on Nov 14, 1911, buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

       viii.  Ellen Lester (born on Oct 13, 1841 - died on Aug 26, 1893 in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

         ix.  Catherine Lester (born on Oct 8, 1833 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1888-1900 in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

          x.  James W. Lester (born on Oct 27, 1836 - died on Jan 2, 1852 in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

65. Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons, daughter of Charles Simmons and Eleanor (Nellie) Booth?, was born on Feb 12, 1801 in Montgomery Co., Va., died on Sep 28, 1881 in Montgomery Co., Va. at age 80, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

General Notes: Names of children from the will of Hulen Lester dated 9 Jan 1874. Marriage records at County Clerk's Office, Christiansburg, Va., Register A, p. 165 and 366 indicates Eleanor was a Simmons before marriage and the daughter of Charles Simmons.

Eleanor married Hulen Lester ⁴² on Jun 3, 1819.^{42 43 44 45} Hulen was born on May 6, 1795 in Montgomery Co., Va.,⁴² died on Jun 27, 1888 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁴² at age 93, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..⁴²

66. John Chaffin,⁴⁶ son of John Chaffin and Rebecca Cornutt.

General Notes: John Chaffin was recently identified as Susan Chaffin's father. Her information comes from Susan's death record.

John married Sarah (Sallie) Reed ⁴⁶ on Mar 7, 1826.⁴⁶

The child from this marriage was:

33        i.  Susan Chaffin (born on Mar 11, 1827 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Oct 20, 1868 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

67. Sarah (Sallie) Reed,⁴⁶ daughter of Unknown and Unknown.

General Notes: Sarah Reed Chaffin was identified as Susan Chaffin's mother by Susan's death record.

Sarah married John Chaffin ⁴⁶ on Mar 7, 1826.⁴⁶

68. John Duncan Jr.,^{22 47} son of John Duncan Sr. and Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Holtzclaw, was born about 1788 in Montgomery Co., Va.²² and died in 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.²² about age 84.

General Notes: Deed 4-13-1872, settling estate of John Duncan, deceased, recorded DB M, page 402, Clerk's Office Floyd Co., Va., identifies all John's heirs - sons, Henry, Thomas, Benjamin and Elijah.

John married Rhoda ²² about 1809.²² Rhoda was born about 1788²² and died about 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.¹⁰ about age 84.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Henry Duncan (born in 1813)

         ii.  Thomas Duncan (born in 1816)

34      iii.  Benjamin Duncan (born about 1817 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in Apr 1894 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         iv.  Elijah Duncan (born in 1824)

69. Rhoda ²² was born about 1788²² and died about 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.¹⁰ about age 84.

Rhoda married John Duncan Jr. ^{22 47} about 1809.²² John was born about 1788 in Montgomery Co., Va.²² and died in 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.²² about age 84.

70. Josiah Burnette Sr.,²³ son of Unknown and Unknown, was born in 1803²³ and died in 1850²³ at age 47.

General Notes: Leonard Lester states in his book, "My Ancestors," "Therefore, as a tribute to my mother, Nanzella Duncan, I am recording information and records of Burnettes furnished me by Mrs. Mettie Akers Fulcher, which, she informs me, were kept by her mother, Mary Ellen Burnette, grand-daughter of Josiah Burnette, Sr. and his wife Jemima Dickerson Burnette, and first cousin of my mother."

Josiah married Jemima Dickerson ^{23 48} on Feb 25, 1824.^{23 48} Jemima was born on Mar 11, 1806 in Montgomery Co., Va.²³ and died about 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.²³ about age 96.

Marriage Notes: Copy of page from family bible included in Leonard Lester's "My Ancestors," page 35 shows marriage date of "February 24, 1824.'

• Alt. Marriage: 2-25-1824.

Children from this marriage were:

35        i.  Nancy Burnette (born on Jun 24, 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1915 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ii.  Early Burnette (born c1827)

        iii.  William A. (Austin) Burnette (born on May 13, 1828)

         iv.  Sarah Burnette (born c1830)

          v.  Asa Burnette (born c1833 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Nov 13, 1861 in White Sulphur Springs Hospital, Montgomery Co., Va.)

         vi.  Elizabeth J. Burnette (born c1835 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        vii.  Jemima (Mima) Burnette (born c1837)

       viii.  Josiah D Burnette (born on Jul 25, 1838 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on May 18, 1922 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ix.  Sophia Burnette (born c1840 in Floyd Co., Va.)

          x.  Susan A. (Susie) Burnette (born c1842 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         xi.  Drusillia Burnette (born c1847)

71. Jemima Dickerson,^{23 48} daughter of Moses Dickerson Jr. and Nancy Reed, was born on Mar 11, 1806 in Montgomery Co., Va.²³ and died about 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.²³ about age 96.

Birth Notes: Copy of page from family bible included in Leonard Lester's "My Ancestors," shows birth date of "March the 11th, 1806.'

General Notes: Barbara A. Reininger's record is included for additional details. Her record indicates that Jemima was the daughter of Moses Dickerson, Jr. and Nancy Reed and not Moses Dickerson, Sr. and Jemima Sullivan. Moses Dickerson, Jr., is the son of Moses Dickerson, Sr. and Jemima Sullivan.

Leonard Lester's record has Jemima as the daughter of Moses, Sr. and Jemima Sullivan.

Jemima married Josiah Burnette Sr. ²³ on Feb 25, 1824.^{23 48} Josiah was born in 1803²³ and died in 1850²³ at age 47.

72. Hulen Lester,⁴² son of John Lester Sr. and Catherine Plickenstalver, was born on May 6, 1795 in Montgomery Co., Va.,⁴² died on Jun 27, 1888 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁴² at age 93, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..⁴²
(Duplicate. See Below)

73. Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons, daughter of Charles Simmons and Eleanor (Nellie) Booth?, was born on Feb 12, 1801 in Montgomery Co., Va., died on Sep 28, 1881 in Montgomery Co., Va. at age 80, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..
(Duplicate. See Below)

74. James A. Wright .²⁵

James married Elizabeth E..²⁵

The child from this marriage was:

37        i.  Mary E. Wright (born on Dec 3, 1842 - died on Jan 14, 1910, buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va.)

75. Elizabeth E. .²⁵

Elizabeth married James A. Wright.²⁵

76. David Howell .⁶

David married Unknown.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Caleb Howell

         ii.  Isaac Howell

        iii.  Leona Howell

         iv.  Harriett Howell

38        v.  Joseph Edwin Howell (born on Jul 31, 1836 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Sep 5, 1912, buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist)

77. Unknown .

Unknown married David Howell.⁶

78. Thomas L. Nixon .⁶

General Notes: Thomas and Elizabeth were first cousins.

Thomas married Elizabeth Nixon.⁶

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Elizabeth Jane Nixon

         ii.  George Washington Nixon

        iii.  Alfred Patterson Nixon

         iv.  Martha Ellen (Emma) Nixon (born on Apr 18, 1860 - died on Jan 30, 1920)

          v.  Bess Nixon

39       vi.  Mary Francis Nixon (born on May 26, 1852 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Mar 3, 1915, buried in White Oak Grove Primitive Baptist)

Thomas next married Mary Manges.⁶

General Notes: No children.

79. Elizabeth Nixon,⁶ daughter of Unknown and Unknown.

General Notes: Thomas and Elizabeth were first cousins.

Elizabeth married Thomas L. Nixon.⁶

81. Nellie Ratliff .

Nellie married someone.

Her child was:

40        i.  Thomas R. Simmons (born on Jun 20, 1811 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Dec 24, 1873 in Floyd Co., Va.)

82. Daniel Boothe,²⁹ son of George Boothe and Millie Wright, was born in 1787 in New York^{29 49} and died in 1855 in Patrick Co., Va. at age 68.

Birth Notes: Sue Moore's record has dob as 1776.

General Notes: Daniel appears in the 1810, 1820, and 1830 censuses of Montgomery co., Va., and in the 1840 and 1850 censuses of Patrick County, Virginia. Two daughters of Daniel (Tamar Simmons and Sarah Sowers) gave New York as their father's place of birth on the 1880 census of Floyd County, Virginia, as did Asa Boothe, probably son of Daniel.

Daniel married Sarah McAlexander ²⁹ on May 24, 1805 in Patrick Co., Va..²⁹

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Milly Boothe

         ii.  George I. (J.) Boothe

41      iii.  Tamor (Tamar) Boothe (born on Apr 5, 1806 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jan 22, 1890, buried in Boothe Cemetery, Floyd Co., above the old Daniel Simmons place on the road to Sowers Mill)

         iv.  Nancy (Nanny) Boothe (born in 1811 - died in 1878)

          v.  William C. Boothe (born on Feb 2, 1814 - died on Dec 12, 1856)

         vi.  Sarah (Salie) Boothe (born on Oct 16, 1818 - died on Feb 28, 1886)

Daniel next married Rachel Graham ²⁹ on Jun 28, 1827 in Montgomery Co., Va..²⁹

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Edith Boothe

         ii.  Rachel Boothe

        iii.  Asa Boothe (born in 1832)

Daniel next married Susannah Hubbard ²⁹ on Dec 27, 1836 in Patrick Co., Va..²⁹

83. Sarah McAlexander,²⁹ daughter of William McAlexander Sr. and Unknown.

Sarah married Daniel Boothe ²⁹ on May 24, 1805 in Patrick Co., Va..²⁹ Daniel was born in 1787 in New York^{29 49} and died in 1855 in Patrick Co., Va. at age 68.

88. Jesse Edwards, son of Nehemiah Edwards and Susan, was born in 1803¹⁷ and died in Jun 1876 in Floyd Co., Va.¹⁷ at age 73.

Jesse married Elizabeth Peters ¹⁷ on Jun 17, 1826.⁵⁰ Elizabeth was born in 1805¹⁷ and died after 1880.¹⁷

Children from this marriage were:

44        i.  John Edwards (born about 1826 in Franklin County, Va. - died on Sep 5, 1862 in Danville, Pittsylvania Co., Va.)

         ii.  Susan Ann Edwards

89. Elizabeth Peters ¹⁷ was born in 1805¹⁷ and died after 1880.¹⁷

Elizabeth married Jesse Edwards on Jun 17, 1826.⁵⁰ Jesse was born in 1803¹⁷ and died in Jun 1876 in Floyd Co., Va.¹⁷ at age 73.

90. J. C. Bradshaw .

J. married Unknown.

The child from this marriage was:

45        i.  Elizabeth Bradshaw (born circa 1828 - died before 1903)

91. Unknown .

Unknown married J. C. Bradshaw.

94. David Sowers, son of George Sowers and Elizabeth SPANGLER, was born on Jul 20, 1806 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁷ and died in 1860 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁷ at age 54.

David married Margaret Spangler ³⁸ on Apr 5, 1832 in Floyd Co., Va..³⁷ Margaret was born in 1809^{37 38} and died in 1870³⁸ at age 61.

Marriage Notes: John Sowers has marriage date as 3-24-1832 ³⁸

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Sarah Sowers (born on Mar 4, 1833 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Dec 7, 1871 in Floyd Co., Va.)

47       ii.  Elizabeth Sowers (born in 1835 in Floyd Co., Va. - died in 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        iii.  Harvey D. Sowers (born in Apr 1837 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         iv.  Tazwell Edgar Sowers (born on Aug 25, 1839 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Sep 20, 1915, buried in Wilks Church Cem., Burks Fork, Floyd Co., Va.)

          v.  George Washington Sowers (born about 1841 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         vi.  Nancy Sowers (born in 1843 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        vii.  David Gideon Sowers (born in Oct 1845 in Floyd Co., Va.)

       viii.  Margaret Sowers (born in 1846 in Virginia)

95. Margaret Spangler ³⁸ was born in 1809^{37 38} and died in 1870³⁸ at age 61.

Margaret married David Sowers on Apr 5, 1832 in Floyd Co., Va..³⁷ David was born on Jul 20, 1806 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁷ and died in 1860 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁷ at age 54.

96. Peter Turney, son of Henry Turney and His Second Wife, was born in Holland,¹⁹ died in 1805,¹⁹ and was buried in Family Cem. On His Farm, Smith Co., Tenn..¹⁹

General Notes: He and his father, Henry Turney, settled in Washington Co., Virginia, but upon the running of the line between Virginia and North Carolina, found themselves south of the Virginia line in Washington Co., N.C. Their names appear on the North Carolina Revolutionary army accounts as soldiers who performed service in the western country. Peter Turney's name is also listed in Capt. Evan Shelby's Co. of Vol. from the Watauga Valley, who served in Fincastle battle. With the tide of emigration to the west, the Turneys moved to the Cumberland country, and a letter written by Col. James Ore to Gov. William Blount in September, 1794, mentions a Negro woman slave, which had been stolen by Indians from Peter Turney. Peter Turney settled in what is now Smith County. His land was located on the old Fort Blount road near the present town of Dixon Springs. He was a member of the first court of Smith County, When the court was organized on December 16, 1799.

Peter married Frances Haines.¹⁹

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Samuel Turney (born in Smith Co., Tenn.)

         ii.  James Turney (died in 1864)

        iii.  Polly Turney

48       iv.  Hopkins Lacey Turney (born on Oct 3, 1797 in Smith Co., Tenn. - died on Aug 1, 1857 in Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn.)

          v.  Susannah Turney

97. Frances Haines .¹⁹

General Notes: While her husband was away on an Indian fighting expedition, she alone in her home with her small children seized a rifle and "did not hesitate to shoot to kill" when two Indians intent on mischief came to her cabin door.

Frances married Peter Turney. Peter was born in Holland,¹⁹ died in 1805,¹⁹ and was buried in Family Cem. On His Farm, Smith Co., Tenn..¹⁹

98. Miller Francis .¹⁹

General Notes: One of the pioneer citizens of Rhea Co., where he was active in public affairs for many years.

Miller married Hannah Henry.¹⁹

The child from this marriage was:

49        i.  Teresa Francis (born on Dec 9, 1809 - died on Sep 5, 1879)

99. Hannah Henry .¹⁹

General Notes: Daughter of William Henry, of the distinguished Virginia family of that name.

Hannah married Miller Francis.¹⁹

101. Susan Davidson ⁸ was born on Nov 11, 1793⁸ and died on Mar 12, 1882⁸ at age 88.

General Notes: It is presumed that Susan Davidson was the mother of William Blanche Manuel, as she precedes him in a list of births from the referenced source.

Susan married someone.

Her child was:

50        i.  William Blanche Manual (born on Oct 21, 1830 - buried on Apr 26, 1907 in Winchester, Franklin Co., Tenn.)

  Eighth Generation  

---

128. John Lester Sr.,⁵¹ son of Unknown and Unknown, was born on Jan 11, 1752, died on Jan 29, 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁵² at age 73, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..⁵²

Birth Notes: Some say born Bucks Co., Pa.

Burial Notes: James C. Lester noted that, "Buried in Lester Cemetery, Montgomery county, Virginia. (NOTE: Soapstone markers [tombstones] were upright and legible on December 28, 1956)"

General Notes: Marguerite Tise writes,

"John Lester was the progenitor of the Lester family in Floyd and Montgomery counties, Virginia. John, Abner and Samuel Lester (believed to be brothers) settled in Botetourt County, Virginia, about l770.

John Lester was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, according to family tradition. Hulen Lester, youngest son of John Lester, stated in the 1880 census that his father was born in Pennsylvania.

Intensive efforts have been made by family members and researchers over the years to locate John Lester's father and ancestors in Pennsylvania, but with no success up to the present tine. Much attention has been given to the Peter Lester family whose genealogy has been compiled by Clarence V. Roberts in Early Friends Families of Upper Bucks (1925). So far a place has not been found where John Lester belongs in that family.

Roberts states: "He (Peter) was probably accompanied to this country by a brother or other relatives, as the will of George Lester, probated at Philadelphia, December 14, 1695, mentions him as a kinsman and makes him executor, and the will of William Lester of the Manor of Rockland County of New Castle, dated September 24, 1691, gives him a legacy as ‘cousin’ Peter Lester and also a legacy to
kinsman' George Lester.

This establishes the fact that George, William and Peter Lester, cousins, were living in Pennsylvania at the same time and in the sane vicinity and probably immigrated to this country together. It is possible that John Lester was descended from George Lester or William Lester. Their families have not been documented as was Peter's.

The question of John Lester's ancestors remains unsettled but I think it is safe to say that they were of the yeoman class who emigrated from England, probably Leicestershire, to Pennsylvania in the mid-l600s and that they probably belonged to the Society of Friends.

Several families by the name of Heulings (Hewlings, Hulings, Hulins) lived in Bucks County near the Lester family, ca. 1680 through the l700s. They also belonged to the Society of Friends but the record shows that some were dismissed. At least two marriages are recorded between the Lester and Heulings families.

John Lester named his youngest son Hulen, and William, son of John’s brother Abner, named his oldest son Abner Hulen. The name has been spelled in so many different ways that it is impossible to determine the original spelling but it appears to have been Heulings or Hulings. The name seems to have had a special significance for the Lesters and if we knew the connection we would probably know more about the history of the family.

Other data may furnish a link in the brothers' migration from Pennsylvania to Montgomery County. Records in Loudoun County, Virginia, show that in 1763, and for a few years following, John, Abner and Samuel Lester, as well as William, Thomas and Peter Lester, were residents of the county, tax payers and slave holders. The coincidence of the names "John, Abner, Samuel" is significant and unusual. John Lester who came to Montgomery County would have been 12 years old in 1763 and not listed as a taxpayer but he could have been living with his brothers. There was another older John Lester in the county who may have been the one listed with Abner and Samuel. He continued to live in Loudoun County. It is also significant that their names disappeared from that county about the same time that they appeared in Botetourt County.

John, Abner and Samuel Lester migrated to Botetourt County, Virginia, about 1770 and settled on the frontier in what is now Wythe County. John Lester's name appears in 1771 in a list of Botetourt County tithables taken by Walter Crockett in the area of present Wythe County ("New River Tithables, 1770-1773." Compiled by Mary B. Kegley, 1972). Samuel and Abner Lester are listed "in the Lower District of New River" (Ibid).

On March 13, 1771, John Lester was appointed Constable in :place of William Pruett (Botetourt County court minutes).

In February 1774, a survey was made for John Lester for 175 acres of land in Fincastle County at the blue spring, the head of Cripple Creek, a branch of New River, part of the Loyal Company grant (Platt Book A, p. 247, Montgomery County records).

In 1774, John Lester was a soldier of the Fincastle County Militia in Col. Campbell's Company, and was paid 15 shillings for 10 days service ("Soldiers of Fincastle County, Virginia. 1774," compiled by Mary B. Kegley, 1974). This part of Virginia, at that time was the Western Frontier and was under heavy attack by the Indians. It was a time of constant threat and stress for the settlers. Militia leaders in every community were called on by Governor Dunmore to enroll and equip their men preparatory to a march toward Point Pleasant. John Lester and his brother Samuel Lester fought in the Battle of Point Pleasant (Report of the Point Pleasant Battle Monument Commission to the West Virginia State Board of Control, 1927), called by historians the first battle of the Revolution. Their names are inscribed on bronze tablets at the base of the Point Pleasant Battle Monument. John Lester's service to his country began at this early date, October 10, 1774, and preceded his Revolutionary service by three years.

John Lester and Catharine Plick (Plickinstaiver, Blickensderfer) were married, probably in 1775 in Fincastle County. The marriage record has not been found. John was 24 years old and Catharine was 16. She was of German ancestry, the daughter of John Blickensderfer (the name of her mother is unknown), who lived on Meadow Creek in Montgomery County (see Blickensderfer).

It is not known when John Lester moved to Little River - perhaps about the time of his marriage.

John and Catharine built their log cabin home on a hill facing west (on present Rt. 602), overlooking Little River and the surrounding country. It was not far from the confluence of Brush Creek with Little River, and the Little River ford. A large bridge now spans the ford (present Rt. 617).

John's brothers, Abner and Samuel, left Montgomery County and moved west. John named his third and fourth sons for them.

John’s first acquisition of land on Little River is not recorded. He obtained three land grants: 100 acres on Little River, 1785; 100 acres on Brush Creek, 1786; 100 acres on Little River & Brush Creek, 1796 (Land Office records, Richmond). He made other acquisitions.

John died in 1825 at the age of 73. Catharine died eight years later, aged 74. The inscriptions on their tombstones are now almost illegible as the stones have deteriorated over the years.[The stones were legible in 1956 and were photographed by Jerry Curtis Lester, 4th great grandson. See Leonard Lester’s book, "My Ancestors" for photographs.] They were buried on top of the knoll above their home (Lester Cemetery #1 on present Route 602.), probably the first to be buried there.

All of their eleven children left Montgomery County except Hulen, the youngest son, who established his home on Little River, below their home. Samuel went west, nothing further known of him or his family. Mary married and moved to Tennessee. John II, James, Abner, William, Susannah, Rhoda, Pamelia, Catherine all moved to Floyd County. At one tine the Lesters in Floyd County numbered in the hundreds. The Lesters moved back and forth across Little River (Little River formed the boundary line between Floyd and Montgomery counties) and their influence was felt in both counties. They were public spirited men and conscientiously discharged their duties and responsibilities as good citizens. They farmed their land, raised large families and tried to ensure that their children would follow in their footsteps as honest and upright citizens.

John and Catharine Lester had 11 children, 83 (known) grandchildren, and 460 (known) great-grandchildren, Their descendants migrated to West Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Idaho and other states. If there had been a gathering of the first four generations, what a throng!"

• Military: Sep 15, 1777, Montgomery Co., Va..⁵¹ He was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, serving as Private in Captain Daniel Trigg’s Company of Montgomery County Militia. John, Abner and Samuel Lester were sworn into service between September 5, 1777, and April 1, 1778 (original report of Stephen Trigg, Senior Captain of Montgomery County Militia). (Certificate of Military Service of John Lester was issued by A. B. Correll, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Montgomery County, Virginia, at Christiansburg, dated July 15, 1936.)

John married Catherine Plickenstalver ⁵³ about 1775 in Fincastle Co., Va..^{54 55 56 57 58 59} Catherine was born in 1759 in Bedford Co., Va., died on Sep 15, 1833 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁶⁰ at age 74, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  John Lester II (born on Mar 7, 1776 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Sep 21, 1851 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ii.  James Lester Sr. (born in 1779 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1860 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        iii.  Samuel Lester (born about 1781 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1847 in Alabama)

         iv.  Abner A. Lester Sr. (born about 1783 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died about 1871 in Floyd Co., Va. (Jackson Tnshp.))

          v.  William S. Lester (born on Oct 7, 1785 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died about 1866 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         vi.  Susan (Susannah) Lester (born on Dec 24, 1788 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Nov 1, 1859 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        vii.  Mary Lester (born on Apr 2, 1790 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Aug 28, 1876 in Rhea Co., Tenn.)

       viii.  Rhoda Lester (born in 1793 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1865 in Floyd Co., Va.)

64       ix.  Hulen Lester (born on May 6, 1795 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Jun 27, 1888 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

          x.  Permelia (Permely) Lester (born about 1798 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Jan 29, 1835 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         xi.  Catherine Lester (born about 1804 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in Floyd Co., Va.)

129. Catherine Plickenstalver,⁵³ daughter of John Plickenstalver and Unknown, was born in 1759 in Bedford Co., Va., died on Sep 15, 1833 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁶⁰ at age 74, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..

General Notes: Marguerite Tise writes:
"Catharine Plick, born 1759, married John Lester, date and place unknown, perhaps in 1775 in Fincastle County,- Virginia.

She was the daughter of John Blickensderfer, a German. The name of her mother is unknown.

The name in German was Blickensdörfer or Blickensderfer, and became Plickenstalver in English. It was shortened to Plick, and that is understandable when one sees the various ways the name was spelled - or ::misspelled - since it seems to have been a difficult name for the early settlers to pronounce and spell. A few of the spellings found in records:

Pleickensdoerffer Blickingstofer Plickenstarvor Pleckenstaker
Blickenstörffer Bliggensderfer Pleekenstopher Plickinstorffer
Blickersterffer Blickenstaffer Pleckenstepher Pleck and Stalver

The earliest known information on the Blickensderfer family in Germany begins on February 12, 1716, when the "Anabaptist" Blickensderfer purchased a Kohlacher estate in the Schifferstadt subdivision of the Electorate of Speyer of the Palatinate or Rheinish province of the kingdom of Bavaria. According to tradition, the Anabaptist was a disciple of Menno Simons in Switzerland and was expelled because of his religious beliefs. (An Anabaptist was one of a party which rejected infant baptism, held the church to be composed of true Christians baptized on confession of faith, and advocated separation of church and state.) A smell hamlet near the city of Zug, Switzerland, called Blickensdorf, and the fact that many Blickensderfers resided in that vicinity lends credence to the tradition.

The given name of the Anabaptist does not appear in the records, nor the date of his birth and death. It is estimated that he was born about 1690, and certain facts seem to show that he died in 1767. At his death he conveyed the Kohlacher estate to the widow of his son (George?) in trust for his grandson John George, the son apparently having died in 1761-62, before the death of his father.

The name of his wife is unknown. They had six sons, five of whom emigrated to America. The six sons were: Christian (1724-1800), John, George?, Jacob, Ulrich, Jost (1735-1826). The order of birth is not known other than that Jost was the youngest and Christian probably the oldest.

Jacob was the first to emigrate to America, landing at Philadelphia on September 16, 1748. Tradition says that soon after his arrival in America he went West and lived among the Indians, nothing being heard from him for some years, when he suddenly appeared among his brothers in eastern Pennsylvania, dressed in full Indian costume. He did not remain in eastern Pennsylvania very long and again went West among the Indians, and was never more heard from.

John Blickensderfer was born in Germany, no doubt on the Kohlhof, but the date of his birth is not known. He is supposed to have been one of the older brothers, and the date of his birth was probably somewhere between 1724 - 1730. John and his younger brother Ulrich emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia September 9, 1749, ship St. Andrew, James Abercrombie, master, from Rotterdam via Plymouth. Ulrich eventually settled in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where he married and raised a large family, and where he died.

They were followed by Christian and Jost in 1753. Christian lived and died in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Jost, or Yost in English, settled in Frederick County, Maryland, and died there.

Where John first settled is unknown, but he supposedly lived some time in eastern Pennsylvania or Maryland before moving south to Halifax County in the section that is now Henry County, Virginia. He perhaps married in Pennsylvania though the name of his wife is not known nor the date of his marriage.

The first date of record is July 19, 1762, when John Plickenstalver of Halifax County borrowed "two pounds nine shillings five and one-half pence current money" from William Satterwhite and Robert Hastie. John signed with his mark. The note was assigned to John Blevins; Blevins later settled in Montgomery County.

On May 15, 1767, there is the following entry in the Moravian records, Bethabara, North Carolina (near present Winston-Salem): "Johann Blickensdorffer came to bring a packet of letters. The man lives beyond Dan River on the so-called Horse Pasture." (Records of the Moravians in North Carolina, ed. by A. L. Fries, v .I, 1751-1771). The Horse Pasture is a creek in present Henry County.

Apparently he moved shortly after this date to Botetourt County (now Montgomery County), Virginia.

On April 26, 1769, John Plickenstalver acquired 50 acres of land by right of settlement below the mouth of little River, Botetourt County. He is listed as a tithable in Botetourt County in 1770' 1771, 1772, and in Fincastle County in 1773. His son, John Plickenstalver Junr, is listed in 1772. In 1773, he bought 82 acres on Meadow Creek, waters of little River in Fincastle County (now Montgomery County). This was surveyed in 1782 "on little River, ½ mile below Old Millstone Bottom." Meadow Creek rises near Riner and flows into Little River a short distance below Snowville. (These transactions are recorded in Kegley, Mary B., "Early Adventurers on Western Waters, v. I.)

In 1774, John Plick, or Plick Stalver, served a total of 148 days in Captain Joseph Cloyd's Company and Captain James Robertson's Company in the Fincastle County Militia in "Dunmore’s War." (Soldiers of Fincastle County, Virginia, 1774, comp. by Mary B. Kegley, 1974). It is not indicated if this is John Sr., or John Jr.

In 1774, John Blickensderfer wrote to his sister-in-law, Eva Blickensderfer,
at the Kohlhof in Germany. Translation:

Methe-Crik (Meadow Creek), Virginia 1774
Dear and Beloved sister-in-law:
Thanks to God I myself and my two children are still well. My dear
wife passed away three years ago. I had to lift and carry her for 3 years,
because of a limb disease. Due to the circumstances I have fallen behind
with my household, and also have fallen into debt. Therefore, because of
these circumstances I need very badly that which I still have coming to me
from you, so I would not lose my piece of land which would be very hard on
me. If you could send something at this time, it would just be a great help
in time of need. We shall acknowledge it with much thanks. The 90 fl.
from my brother Christian have arrived correctly.
Your brother-in-law,

Johannes Blickensdörfer

In 1776, Yost Blickensderfer, then residing in Frederick County, Maryland, visited his brother John in Virginia. On his return to Maryland, Yost is reported as saying John had one son (John Jr.) living with him. John's other child, Catharine, had married John Lester, supposedly in 1775.

On April 4, 1789, the tract on Meadow Creek was surveyed and sold to James Simpkins by "Jno. Pleckenstaker & wife Elizabeth." This was John Plickenstalver Jr., as the elder Plickenstalver's wife died in 1771, as stated in his letter, and it is probable that John Sr., had also passed away by this date.

Nothing further is known of John Plickenstalver. The date of his death may have been ca. 1788, as his tract of land was sold by his son in 1789. John Jr. left Montgomery County and moved to Kentucky. Catharine was the only member of the family to remain in Montgomery County.


Source: "History of the Blickensderfer Family in America, by Jacob Blickensderfer,
1897. Reprinted by Occidental Graphics, Michael A. Ellis, P.O. Box
17184, Phoenix, Arizona 85011.

Jacob Blickensderfer, born May 9, 1816, at New Philadelphia, Ohio, died February 26, 1899, Oakland, Missouri, was the great-grandson of Christian Blickensderfer, the oldest son of the Anabaptist. He had a distinguished career in railway service as a civil engineer. He was personally appointed by Abraham Lincoln to inspect the transcontinental railway lines. He was the father of 13 children. It is thanks to his knowledge and research of the family that we have this history of the Blickensderfer family."

Catherine married John Lester Sr. ⁵¹ about 1775 in Fincastle Co., Va..^{54 55 56 57 58 59} John was born on Jan 11, 1752, died on Jan 29, 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁵² at age 73, and was buried in Lester Cemetery #1, Rt. 602, Montgomery Co., Va..⁵²

130. Charles Simmons,^{61 62} son of Unknown and Unknown, was born about 1750 in Maryland,⁶³ died about 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.⁶⁴ about age 84, and was buried in Pine Tree Cemetery.⁶⁴

Burial Notes: "It is probable that they were buried in this cemetery, later called the Simmons Cemetery, on the hill opposite the present Beaver Creek Church on Rt. 730, where William Simmons and other members of the Simmons and Lester families were buried. Field stones mark many graves"
It is possible that they were buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, as they joined Pine Creek Baptist Church on November 5, 1803. If so, no tombstone exists.

General Notes: Charles Simmons was an outstanding man in Floyd County. He was the owner of several thousand acres of land, and he was the head of a large family, yet all the vital data about him are missing. There is no record of the date of his birth, date of death, place of burial, names of his two wives, dates of his marriages, the names of his parents. No family record has survived and no official record can be found. He never held public office. The account given here represents my research, and the conclusions reached are the results of that research. This contradicts what has been previously established in some instances and may not be acceptable to everyone.

Charles Simmons was born in Maryland, according to the statement of his daughter, Eleanor Simmons Lester (Hulen's wife), in the 1880 census. The late Elder Leroy Weddle, Minister of the Brethren Church in Floyd County (whose wife was Elmetta Simmons, granddaughter of Carey Simmons and great-granddaughter of Charles Simmons), stated in an unpublished manuscript that Charles Simmons came to Virginia from Maryland.

A search has been made in Maryland, both in the eastern part of the state particularly around Baltimore County, and in the west in Frederick County. Although several Simmons families have been located, it has not yet been possible to connect Charles Simmons with any one of them.

It is estimated that Charles was born about 1750. In 1824 he was exempted from the payment of county levy and poor rate taxes in Montgomery County on account of old age and infirmity.

It is surmised that Charles Simmons came to the Floyd County area, then Botetourt County, Virginia, about 1772-73. A land survey was made for him in 1774, and in 1775 his name appears on a Botetourt County list of tithables.

It seems likely that Charles married in Maryland and that his young wife accompanied him to Virginia. Her name is not definitely known. Will Lester, (son of Joshua Lester, great-grandson of Charles Simmons). stated in an unpublished manuscript written in 1919, that Charles Simmons' first wife was a Miss Shoat. He does not give the source of his information - probably furnished by an elder member of the family living at that time. Shoat is a Maryland name.

Two, probably three children were born of the first marriage: (1) John Simmons (1775?-1814), who left the county, married and lived in Cabell County, Virginia, now West Virginia; he was a soldier in the War of 1812 and died of wounds received at the Battle of New Orleans.

(2)Edward (Ned) Simmons (1780?- ), who moved to Indiana, married and raised a large family.

(3) Sarah Simmons (ca. 1786?- ), who married John Ferrill, Sept. 30, 1807, in Montgomery County, Charles Simmons, security. Because of the uncertainty as to the date of her birth, the date of the death of Charles’ first wife, and the date of his second marriage, it cannot be definitely stated that Sarah was the child of the first marriage, but indications point to that conclusion. She and her husband appear to have left the county, or at least were not closely associated with the family of Charles and his second wife.

Charles Simmons' wife died, date unknown, perhaps about 1786?

Charles married the second time, Eleanor (Nellie) __________, ca. 1787? The marriage record has not been found. There is some evidence and at least one source that she was Nellie Boothe. In 1929, my grandmother, Virginia Williams Peterman, told me that to the best of her knowledge Charles Simmons married a Boothe. Her sources of information would have been her mother-in-law, Paradine Lester Peterman, granddaughter of Charles Simmons, and her husband (my grandfather), Dudley Peterman, great-grandson of Charles Simmons. "In Descendants of George Boothe, 1737-1813, Montgomery County, Virginia," by Col. Lucian D. Boothe 1948), he records that Nellie Boothe, daughter of George Boothe, married Hulen Lester. His informant knew the connection but confused the generations. Nellie Boothe married Charles Simmons, their daughter, Nellie Simmons, married Hulen Lester.

George Boothe, father? of Nellie Boothe, lived in Rye, Westchester County, New York, and moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, in the 1780s ("Virginia Appalachian Notes," Feb. 1983: "The Boothe Family of Floyd County, Virginia," by George Pesely). His wife was Millicent Wright. George Boothe acquired more than 1300 acres of land in Montgomery County and appears to have lived, at least for the last years of his life, in the present White Oak Grove section (near Charles Simmons?), where he died in 1826 (Thomas Bowyer apptd administrator of estate of George Boothe, dec., Nov 10, 1826. Court Order Book No. 23, p. 275, Montgomery County records). He is said to be buried in the Simmons Cemetery near White Oak Grove - no stone has been found.

The first deed of record found for Charles Symonds (Simmons) is dated May 26, 1774, for a survey of 110 acres of land on Little River, made by the Loyal Land Company (Botetourt County records). This tract of land was in the present White Oak Grove Section and was his first home. He later deeded it to Edward Simmons (son of his first marriage) and Charles Simmons (grandson, son of John of his first marriage), (Floyd County records: DB A, p. 190; DB B, p. 25; DB E, p. 377; DB R, p. 292; WF F, p. 486; DB L, p. 292. See also WPA Historical Inventory for Floyd County, 1938, #35, Jimmie Roop Homeplace).

In 1782, Charles Simmons was listed as a member of Capt. Eason's Company in Botetourt County "for the purpose of carrying into execution this state's quota of Troops to serve the United States Army for the Term of three years, or during the War." His service record, if any, is not known.

Charles Simmons became a large landowner. In partnership with Thomas Hill, he acquired large tracts of land on the waters of Lost Bent, Easter & Little Camp Creeks and Skaggs Branch, making a total of approximately 2160 acres of land.

In 1795, he was given "leave to include his several claims of land on the waters of Beaver Creek, etc." The inclusive survey of 1460 acres on waters of Beaver Creek and Little River was recorded in 1799 for Charles Simmons (Montgomery County records).

Charles and Nellie Simmons moved to the Beaver Creek section, six miles north of the present town of Floyd, date unknown but perhaps in the 1790s. According to tradition, the tract of land on which they lived joined Hezekiah Sumner, and the house in which they lived stood a little distance behind the large white house on Rt. 8, built by George Simmons (this house burned up on March 5, 1996). John Lester II bought this place from Charles Simmons and lived in the house which he had built. In 1820, Charles Simmons sold to John Lester II, 500 acres on the waters of Beaver Creek and the waters of West Fork, "being a part of the said Simmons inclusive survey and the former residence of the said Simmons," adjoining the land of Ezekiah (sic) Sumner (DB G, p. 516, Aug 5, 1820, Floyd County records).

It is surmised that Charles and Nellie moved to their son William Simmons' place. Nellie may have died about 1821-22. The last deed she signed was on September 21, l821. Charles may have died about 1834. The last official record is a deed, January 18, 1834, to John Lester II.

It is probable that they were buried in the Pine Tree Cemetery, later called the Simmons Cemetery, on the hill opposite the present Beaver Creek Church on Rt. 730, where William Simmons and other members of the Simmons and Lester families were buried. Field stones mark many graves.

Charles and Ealoner (sic) Simmons joined Pine Creek Baptist Church on November 5, 1803. It is possible They were buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, if so, no tombstones have been found.

Charles Simmons disposed of all his property before his death and left no will. Large tracts were sold, and he deeded various pieces of property to his sons.

The land at White Oak Grove, his first home, he deeded to his son Edward and grandson Charles (son of John), children of his first marriage.

Sons William, Carey and Thomas were given land on Beaver Creek. Carey sold his land and moved to West Fork. In November 1833, "in consideration of the love, goodness and affection which I bear toward my loving son William Simmons," he deeded to him all goods and chattels and all remaining property in his possession.

We have to assume that he gave his daughters cash settlements.

Previous research which has been done on the Simmons family purports to show that Charles Simmons descended from William Symonds, an emigrant from England who arrived in this country in 1635 and lived in James City County in eastern Virginia. The line is traced down to Charles Simmons I, whose will was probated in Campbell County, Virginia, in 1794 (WB I, p. 264), in which he names his children, among them his son Charles Simmons II, supposed to be Charles Simmons of Floyd County. At that time there was a Charles Simmons living in Campbell County, two, perhaps three, men by the name of Charles Simmons living in Franklin County, and it is possible that one of them could have been the son named in the will of Charles Simmons I of Campbell County. The statement of Nellie Simmons Lester in 1880 that her father was born in Maryland contradicts the connection with Charles Simmons of Floyd County.

Two marriages are recorded in Montgomery County records:
June 23, 1796, Mary Cummings and Joseph Payne.
Parents: Charles & Elnor Simmons
Charles Simmons & John Simmons, securities.

August 28, 1797, Betsy Cummings and John Willson.
Parents: Charles and Nelly Simmons
Charles Simmons and Edward Simmons, securities.

It is my [Marguerite Tise] conclusion that the two Cummings girls were foster daughters of Charles and Nellie Simmons.

Much in the life of Charles Simmons is based on conjecture as positive proof is lacking. Perhaps records will some day come to light which will fill in the gaps and answer some of the questions.

By Marguerite Tise

• Military: 1782.^{65 66} He assisted in establishing American Independence as a Private in Captain Eson's Company in Botetourt County "for the purpose of carrying into execution this states's quota of troops to serve the United States Army for the term of three years, or during the war." His service record, if any, is not known. He is assigned NSDAR Number 525311.

Charles married Eleanor (Nellie) Booth?.⁶⁷ Eleanor died from 1821 to 1822 in Floyd Co., Va.⁶⁴ and was buried in Pine Tree Cemetery.⁶⁴ Another name for Eleanor was Eleanor Weeks.⁶⁷

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Sarah Simmons

         ii.  Rhoda Simmons

        iii.  Milley Simmons

         iv.  William Simmons (born in 1788 - died in 1851)

          v.  Rebecca Simmons (born on Mar 5, 1790 in Floyd Co., Va. - died about 1861)

         vi.  Carey Simmons (born in 1793 - died in 1868)

        vii.  Thomas W. Simmons (born on Apr 10, 1798 - died on Apr 14, 1857)

65     viii.  Eleanor (Nellie) Simmons (born on Feb 12, 1801 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Sep 28, 1881 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

Charles next married Shoat ⁶² in Maryland.⁶² Shoat died about 1786.⁶⁶

Death Notes: The date of death is surmised by Marguerite Tise.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  John Simmons (born about 1775)

         ii.  Edward (Ned) Simmons (born about 1780)

        iii.  Sarah Simmons (born about 1786)

131. Eleanor (Nellie) Booth? ⁶⁷ died from 1821 to 1822 in Floyd Co., Va.⁶⁴ and was buried in Pine Tree Cemetery.⁶⁴ Another name for Eleanor was Eleanor Weeks.⁶⁷

Death Notes: The last deed she signed was on September 21, 1821.

Burial Notes: "It is probable that they were buried in this cemetery, later called the Simmons Cemetery, on the hill opposite the present Beaver Creek Church on Rt. 730, where William Simmons and other members of the Simmons and Lester families were buried. Field stones mark many graves"
It is [also] possible that they were buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, as they joined Pine Creek Baptist Church on November 5, 1803. If so, no tombstone exists.

General Notes: From: "Glenn & Bobbi Dodge" <gnrdodge@txucom.net> Add to Address Book To: "Jerry" <jandbrare@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Re: Simmons Genealogy Date: Sun, 18 Aug 2002 17:11:11 -0500

Hi Jerry: We finally got back to Texas yesterday afternoon and found over 100 emails to wade through. Wedding was absolutely wonderful and so was our family reunion while the newlyweds were on their honeymoon. It was also great to see our 14th grandchild who had been born in January.

Now, to Eleanor Weeks Cummins Simmons: First of all, it is all circumstantial and no proof just as it is for your Charles Simmons. I was first clued in to Eleanor Weeks when I found a GenForum query for her at Http://genforum.genealogy.com/weeks/messages/446.html You can go to this site and see all the responses including mine. You will see that this dates back to 1999. You will also be VERY interested, if you have not already seen this site, in "Ancestors of John Posey Simmons of Floyd County, VA at http://www.geocities.com/Hearland/Lake/1477/JPSimmons.html where on page 4, it states 16. Charles C. Simmons, (1765, Bedford Co, VA - 1833, Floyd Co, VA_ Came from Frankin Co, VA to Floyd Co, VA ca. 1772. He is reputed to have m1: Miss Reed. Bur: Simmons Cemetery, between Willis & Alum Ridge, Floyd Co, VA. 17. Eleanor Weeks, (1754, Halifax Co, VA - post 1830, Floyd Co, VA. She m1:______ Cummings, ca. 1775. They had: 1. Mary Cummings (ca.1776 - ) She m. Joseph Payne. 2. Elizabeth "Betsy" Cummins (ca. 1777 - ) She m. John Willson 8/28/1797) etc.

Under her marriage to Charles C. Simmons 5/17/1785 in Henry Co, VA. They had: (among other children) #7. Thomas Weeks Simmons (1797 - 1752). He m. Delila Booth in 1818. (Perhaps this is where you got the idea of a "Booth.") Also, if you look at RootsWeb http:///worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:445964&id=122037339 you will see that Charles Simmons and Eleanor Cummins named a son Thomas Weeks Simmons b. 1797 in Montgomery Co., VA. As I said, this is all circumstantial, but it makes a lot of sense to me. Look up Eleanor Weeks on Worldconnect at Rootsweb and you will see lots of listings for Eleanor Weeks and Charles Simmons. Hope this helps.

Bobbi Dodge

Eleanor married CUMMINS.⁶⁷

Eleanor next married Charles Simmons.^{61 62} Charles was born about 1750 in Maryland,⁶³ died about 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.⁶⁴ about age 84, and was buried in Pine Tree Cemetery.⁶⁴

132. John Chaffin .⁴⁶

John married Rebecca Cornutt.⁴⁶ Rebecca was born about 1782 and died about 1877 about age 95.

The child from this marriage was:

66        i.  John Chaffin

133. Rebecca Cornutt,⁴⁶ daughter of James Cornutt and Sarah, was born about 1782 and died about 1877 about age 95.

Rebecca married John Chaffin.⁴⁶

Rebecca next married Jonathan Akers.

136. John Duncan Sr. ^{22 65} was born about 1750 in Augusta Co., Va.,^{65 68} died after 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va.,^{65 68} and was buried in Sumpter's Cemetery, Copper Valley, Va..^{65 68}

Burial Notes: Buried about one mile from Benjamin Duncan's old home on Indian Creek. John's headstone marked, B 1745 - D Oct 18-7, third figure illegible. Benjamin Duncan's stone inscribed B ----, D October 17th, 1818.

General Notes: Deed recorded Clerk's Office, Montgomery Co., Va., DB IJ page 98, dated June 25th, 1825, grantor, John Duncan, Sr., speaks of conveying land to daughter Peggy and John Duncan, Jr.

• Military: Abt 1776, Montgomery Co., Va..⁶⁵ John Duncan resided in Montgomery Co., Va., during the Revolution. He assisted in establishing American Independence as a Private. His NSDAr National Number is 522575.

• Alt. Birth: Abt 1741, Fauquier Co., Va..¹⁰

• Alt. Death: After 1833, Floyd Co., Va..¹⁰

John married Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Holtzclaw ¹⁰ about 1770.⁶⁵ Elizabeth was born about 1745 in Fauquier Co., Va.¹⁰ and died on Oct 17, 1818 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁶⁵ about age 73.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Blanch I Duncan

         ii.  Peggy Duncan

        iii.  William Duncan

         iv.  Elizabeth Duncan (born in 1785)

68        v.  John Duncan Jr. (born about 1788 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died in 1872 in Floyd Co., Va.)

137. Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Holtzclaw,¹⁰ daughter of Johann Holtzclaw and Catherine Russell, was born about 1745 in Fauquier Co., Va.¹⁰ and died on Oct 17, 1818 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁶⁵ about age 73.

General Notes: Tombstone in Floyd Co., Va, "Howell-Burnop Family", Federal Census of 1810, Indenture, 1803.

• Alt. Death: Oct 17, 1818, Floyd Co., Va..¹⁰

Elizabeth married John Duncan Sr. ^{22 65} about 1770.⁶⁵ John was born about 1750 in Augusta Co., Va.,^{65 68} died after 1825 in Montgomery Co., Va.,^{65 68} and was buried in Sumpter's Cemetery, Copper Valley, Va..^{65 68}

142. Moses Dickerson Jr.,^{69 70} son of Moses Dickerson Sr. and Jemima Sullivan, was born on Oct 10, 1783 in Floyd Co., Va.,^{69 70} died on Mar 27, 1874 in Floyd Co., Va.^{69 70} at age 90, and was buried in Sumpter Cemetery, Floyd Co, Va..⁷⁰

General Notes: See notes on Andrew Dickerson, son of Moses and Nancy Reed. It appears that Andrew, Griffith, Morrell, and Early all were members of the 54th Virginia Infantry fighting for the Confederacy.

After Nancy died, Moses purportedly said that he would not remarry until Early, his youngest, "could out run his stepmother." This is a quote from the book "Floyd County, Virginia - A History of its People and Places" by Amos D. Wood. These are notes published by his son long after Amos had passed away.(information provided by Barbara Reininger who runs the Floyd County Web page at <http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/Cont.htm> and E Mail at snickers-22@ureach.com.) In the Amos Wood book he lists Moses, Jr. children by Nancy Reed as: Polly, Jemima, Andrew(1807) Morrel(1811), Eli, Floyd, Emelilne, Callihill, Humphrey, George, Elizabeth and Early. Note: No mention of Sarah. It appears there are fewer children. No other proof of a Eli, Floyd, or Emeline or Callihill as being son's of Moses, Jr. They are son's of Morrel I believe.

Moses married Nancy Reed ^{69 70} on Sep 28, 1802 in Montgomery Co., Va..^{69 70} Nancy was born c1782 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁷⁰ and died before Oct 18, 1831 in Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁰

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Mary Dickerson (born on Nov 8, 1803)

71       ii.  Jemima Dickerson (born on Mar 11, 1806 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died about 1902 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        iii.  Andrew Dickerson (born on May 9, 1807 in Floyd Co., Va. - died in 1846 in Hendricks Co., Ind.)

         iv.  Sarah Dickerson (born on Feb 28, 1809 - died in 1834)

          v.  Moral R. Dickerson (born on Mar 20, 1811 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Jun 19, 1894 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         vi.  Humphrey Dickerson (born on Oct 9, 1813 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        vii.  George Dickerson (born on May 25, 1816)

       viii.  Elizabeth Dickerson (born on Sep 24, 1818 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Aug 29, 1899 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ix.  Early Dickerson (born on Aug 17, 1822 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Feb 15, 1887 in Floyd Co., Va.)

Moses next married Elizabeth WICKHAM, daughter of Nathaniel WICKHAM and Diana UNKNOWN, on Oct 18, 1831 in Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁰ Elizabeth was born between 1792 and 1801 in Montgomery Co., Va. and died on Nov 14, 1876 in Floyd Co., Va..

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Amos Dickerson (born on May 16, 1832 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Feb 20, 1920, buried in Sumpter Cemetery, Floyd Co, Va.)

         ii.  Coffee Dickerson (born on Aug 9, 1833 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Jul 27, 1900 in Floyd Co., Va.)

        iii.  Dianah Dickerson (born in 1837 in Floyd Co., Va. - died between 1875 and 1880)

         iv.  Moses Dickerson (born on Jan 2, 1837 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Aug 18, 1852)

143. Nancy Reed,^{69 70} daughter of Andrew Reed and Mary UNKNOWN, was born c1782 in Montgomery Co., Va.⁷⁰ and died before Oct 18, 1831 in Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁰

Nancy married Moses Dickerson Jr. ^{69 70} on Sep 28, 1802 in Montgomery Co., Va..^{69 70} Moses was born on Oct 10, 1783 in Floyd Co., Va.,^{69 70} died on Mar 27, 1874 in Floyd Co., Va.^{69 70} at age 90, and was buried in Sumpter Cemetery, Floyd Co, Va..⁷⁰

164. George Boothe ²⁹ was born in 1737²⁹ and died in 1813 at age 76.

General Notes: George Pesely writes: "George Boothe (1737-1813) and his wife Millie settled in Montgomery County, Virginia (the parent county of Floyd Co.), shortly before 1757. Their known children are Isaac, Millie, George Jr. , Abijah, Daniel, and Tamer.

For many years Millie Boothe’s maiden name has incorrectly been thought to be Carroll. I recently found a query by a John T. Booth of Wyoming, Ohio, in the NEW ENGLAND HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER for 1877 which reads in part: “I find one George Booth who is said to have married a Millie Wright, or Rite, and with a brother Stephen lived in or near Rye, Westchester Co., N.Y....From Rye, N.Y., he moved to Montgomery Co., Va.” (vol. 31, p. 225). The maiden name Wright is confirmed by the name of a grandson, Wright Boothe.

Stephen Boothe lived for some years in Montgomery Co. before moving to the “north side of Clinch mountain” in Russell Co., Va., where he died in 1815. His will names his wife, Nancy, and his children William, Jerutia (Elkins), Anny (Bishop), Rachel (Dickson), Stephen, James, and Joseph, and the widow of his son David (VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY, 1927, vol. 35, p. 196). The marriage records of Montgomery Co., Va. , include the marriages of Elijah Elkins and Jerusha [Jerutia?]Booth (daughter of Stephen and Nancy Boothe), Nov. 28, 1789; George Bishop and Nancy [Anny?]Booth (daughter of Stephen and Nancy Booth), June 28, 1790; James Dixon and Rachel Boothe (Stephen Boothe, witness), Dec. 11, 1799; and Stephen Boothe and Polly Boothe (no parents’ names), Jan. 1, 1799.

John T. Booth had been in contact with descendants either of George or of Stephen Boothe, and commented that “his descendants think he came direct from England, but are not positive.”

This point has not yet been resolved. It is possible that George and Stephen Boothe were descended from earlier Boothes in that part of New York, or they may have been related to the numerous Booths of nearby Fairfield Co., Conn. A Richard Booth settled at Stratford in that county in 1639. By one tradition, this Richard Booth was a close relative of the Earls of Warrington (NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 1901, vol. 32, p. 240).

In 1867, some descendants of George Boothe living in Lawrence Co., Ohio, formed an association to investigate their legal heirship to an estate reportedly left them by their ancestors in England (IRONTON JOURNAL, Sept. 18, 1867; contributed by Robert M. Willis). The outcome of this investigation is not known.

Reportedly a barrister from England came to Floyd Co. and told the Boothes there of their supposed estate in England. Possibly this is what inspired the investigation by the Boothe descendants in Lawrence Co., Ohio. In any event, stories were current in the late 19th century telling why George Boothe had come to America. The basic version of the story is that, at the age of 12 or 14, George Boothe was with some boys who were showing off their strength. George moved a stone which happened to be a landmark or a cornerstone to a piece of property. For this deed he was liable to the death penalty, and so he was sent to America, either secretly or because of the King’s clemency.

In the more elaborate versions of the story, George is said to have been the son of Sir George Booth, second Earl of Warrington, and to have lived for some years with Booth relatives in Gloucester Co., Va. In fact, Sir George Booth (1675-1758) had only one child, a daughter, and there is no reliable evidence that the Boothes of Gloucester Co., a prominent family in the Colonial period, were related to the Boothes of Floyd Co. It should be borne in mind that there was a great interest in 19thcentury America in rumors of estates in England which were being held in abeyance or which had passed to false claimants because the rightful heirs in America were unable to prove their claim. So there may be nothing of substance behind the legends about George Boothe.

According to Olivia Simmons Keesee (1870-1944), the first descendant of George Boothe to join the DAR, George Boothe was born in Sandwich, Kent, England. In 1980, I was able to examine a complete transcript of the Sandwich parish records, kept at Maidstone, Kent. There was no George Boothe listed. Curiously enough, some of Millie Boothe’s ancestors may have lived for a time in Sandwich, Mass. Perhaps that is the origin of that detail.

The will of Daniel Wright of the Manor of Cortlandt, Westchester Co., N.Y., written in 1777 (with a codicil dated 1781), mentions “the land which I purchased of George Booth” (New York Historical Society, Collections, vol. 33, p. 240). One of Daniel Wright’s daughters was named “Miloson” (Millicent). Quite possibly Millie Boothe was a sister of this Daniel Wright. Daniel Wright uses the Quaker dating formula. Probably both Daniel and Millie were descended from the Wrights of Oyster Bay, N.Y., which is across the Long Island Sound from Rye. These Wrights had come from Sandwich, Mass., in 1653, and were prominent Quakers (see “The Wright Family of Oyster Bay, L.I.,” NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD, 1872, vol. 3, pp. 35-45). There, was considerable emigration from the Oyster Bay area to Westchester Co. Isaac Boothe’s first wife was named Freelove, and Oyster Bay is one of the few places where this name was common.

Beginning in 1787, George Boothe acquired more than 1300 acres in Montgomery Co. (See Netti Schreiner-Yantis, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VIRGINIA --CIRCA 1790.) He is listed in the 1810 census of Montgomery Co., and he was still alive in March 1813 (Montgomery Co. Deeds, Book E, 341). Millie Boothe is last found in January 1815 when she was a witness to a marriage. Both George and Millie Boothe are said to be buried in the Simmons Cemetery in Floyd Co. Mrs. Linvil G. Rich made a thorough search of this cemetery in 1975 but found no gravestones earlier than 1866 still legible.

Col. Lucian D. Booth’s book, DESCENDANTS OF GEORGE BOOTHE, 1737-1813, MONTGOMERY COUNTY, VIRGINIA (1948), lists more than 1200 descendants and contains a great deal of valuable information on many lines. There are copies in the Roanoke Public Library, the Virginia State Library (Richmond), and the Los Angeles Public Library. Col. Booth lists 11 children of George Boothe: Isaac, George, Permelia (Millie), Abijah, Daniel, Elizabeth, Wright, Stephen, Elisha, Nellie, and Riley. Of these, Elisha was actually a Bowman, Nellie was a Simmons, and Riley was the son of George H. Boothe, a grandson of the first George Boothe. I have not been able to confirm Elizabeth, Wright, or Stephen. The marriage record of Thomas Ashley and Ruth Karn (Montgomery Co., Va., Aug. 21, 1797) shows her as a daughter of George Boothe. Either she was a young widow or (more likely) an error was made when the records were recopied. The Polly Boothe who married Stephen Booths in 1799 is another possible daughter. Col. Booth was unaware of Tamar Boothe.

SECOND GENERATION:

Isaac Boothe, b. Apr. 27, 1758; d. 1837, Lawrence Co., Ark.; m. (1) Freelove -- (b. Apr. 17, 1764; d. Dec. 15, 1809); (2) Mary Ferguson (b. June 26, l773), Oct. 8, 1810, Franklin Co., Va. Isaac appears in the 1790 and 1800 censuses of Dutchess Co., N.Y. (Frederick, township, now Kent township, Putnam Co.). His daughter Freelove gave “Frederick” as her place of birth on her third marriage record. Census records for 5 of Isaac’s children (Daniel, Isaac Jr., Freelove Whirley, Anna McAlexander and Drucilla Langdon) give N.Y. as their place of birth. Bible records survive for Isaac’s family and for his daughter Anna’s family. Isaac’s will: Lawrence Co., Ark., Will Book C, 122-124 (transcript: Floyd Co., Va., Will Book A, 136-137).

Millie Boothe, dates unknown, m. Cyrus Howard (son of James and Mary Howard), Apr. 4, 1787, Montgomery Co., Va. Names of children unknown.

George Boothe, Jr., d. 1801, Kanawha Co., Va. (now W. Va.); m. Sarah Howard (daughter of William Howard), Dec. 23, 1789, Montgomery Co., Va. See VIRGINIA REPORTS, vol. 40, p. 161, “Page and Others Vs. Booth and Others” (first name from Montgomery Co. Court Order Book 23, 275): “...he died in 1801, leaving a widow (who died about 4 months after him), and several children, the eldest about 12 years, the youngest 13 months old.”

Abijah Boothe, d. 1841, Jackson Co., Mo.; m. Rhoda Ellen Howard (daughter of James and Mary Howard), Dec. 29, 1789, Montgomery Co. , Va. Abijah appears in the 1810, 1820, and 1830 censuses of Montgomery Co. and in the 1840 census of Jackson Co., Mo. Rhoda Boothe is found in the 1850 and 1860 censuses of Jackson Co. , Mo.

Daniel Boothe, d. 1857 (?), Patrick Co., Va.; m. (1) Sarah McAlexander (daughter of William McAlexander, Sr.), May 24, 1805, Patrick Co., Va.; (2) Rachel Graham, June 28, 1827, Montgomery Co., Va.; (3) Susannah Hubbard, Dec. 27, 1836, Patrick Co., Va. Daniel appears in the 1810, 1820, and 1830 censuses of Montgomery Co., Va. and in the 1840 and 1850 censuses of Patrick Co. , Va. Two daughters of Daniel (Tamar Simmons and Sarah Sowers) gave N.Y. as their father’s place of birth on the 1880 census of Floyd Co. , Va, , as did Asa Boothe, probably a son of Daniel.

Tamer Boothe, b. about 1780, d. 1844 or Jan. 1845, Patrick Co., Va.; m. William McAlexander, Sr. (d. March 8, 1822; son of James McAlexander), Dec. 27, 1798, Patrick Co., Va. William had 11 children by his first marriage, 5 of whom married Boothes. Tamer McAlexander appears in the 1830 and 1840 censuses of Patrick Co. , Va. A daughter, Rachel Lester, gave N.Y. as her mother’s place of birth on the 1880 census of Raleigh Co., W. Va. The town of Lester, W. Va., is named for Rachel’s husband.

DESCENDANTS OF GEORGE BOOTHE WHO SERVED IN THE CIVIL WAR

Abner Boothe (Abner, Isaac) Preston’s Reserve Corps, Capt. A. J. Graham’s Co. (Confederate)

Andrew J. Boothe (Daniel, Isaac) 1st Lieut., Co. A, 173 Ohio Inf.

Martin S. Earles (Nancy, Daniel, Isaac) Co. E, 173 Ohio Inf.

Elliott N. Earles (Nancy, Daniel, Isaac) Co. G, 4 Ohio Cav.

Ephraim Smith (Elizabeth, Daniel, Isaac) Co. D, 1 Ohio Heavy Artillery; Co. K, 5 W. Va. Vol.

Joshua Bishop (Hannah, Isaac Jr., Isaac) Co. A, 54 Va. Inf.

James G. Alley (Elizabeth, Isaac Jr., Isaac) Co. B, 54 Va. Inf.

Jacob B. Lawrence (Sarah, Isaac Jr., Isaac) Stuart’s Horse Artillery

William B. Lawrence (Sarah, Isaac Jr., Isaac) Co. I, 54 Va. Inf.

Joel McAlexander (William H. McAlexander, Anna, Isaac) Co. K, 50 Va. Inf.; died March 28, 1865

Right Boothe (Isaac) 2nd Sgt., Co. H, 54 Va. Inf.

Rev. Abijah Howard Boothe (Abijah, George Jr.) Chaplain, 26 Miss. Inf.

Joel W. Boothe (Abijah H., Abijah, George Jr.) Confederate

Robert Campbell-Boothe, Co. I, 146 Ohio Inf.

Lewis Booths (George H. , Abijah) Co. I, 54 Va. Inf.

Riley R. Booths (George H., Abijah) Co. I, 54 Va. Inf.

Noah R. Booths (George H., Abijah) Stuart’s Horse Artillery

Reuben H. Boothe (Austin, Abijah) Co. E, 45 Mo. Inf. (Union)

Clayborne B. L. Booths (Austin, Abijah) Confederate

John T. Lester (Mary Amanda Simmons, Delilah, Abijah) Co. A, 24 Va. Inf.; captured at Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862

Roley M. Simmons (Delilah, Abijah) Stuart’s Horse Artillery

Charles A. Simmons (Delilah, Abijah) Co. A, 24 Va. Inf.; killed at Frazier’s Farm, June 30, 1862

Thomas H. Simmons (Delilah, Abijah) Co. A, 24 Va. Inf.; killed at Five Forks, Apr. 1, 1865

Abijah Booths (prob. Riley, Abijah) Co. H, 36 Va.; captured at Cloyd’s Farm, May 9, 1864; died at Camp Chase, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1865

James A. Simmons (Tamar, Daniel) Co. A., 54 Va. Inf, ; captured at Bentonville, N.C.

Daniel R. Simmons (Tamar, Daniel) Co. A, 54 Va. Inf.; captured near Atlanta, July 20, 1864 [my g grandfather. Tamar’s husband was Thomas R. Simmons]

Alexander Graham (Nancy, Daniel) Co. A, 54 Va. Inf.

Paris Graham (Nancy, Daniel) Co. A, 54 Va. Inf.

William Sowers (Sarah, Daniel) Co. A, 54th Va. Inf.

Asa H. Boothe (prob. Daniel) Capt., Co. D, 54 Va. Inf.

Jeremiah McAlexander (John McAlexander, Tamar) Co. D, 51 Va. Inf.; died Dec. 12, 1861

William McAlexander.(John McAlexander, Tamar) Co. G, 54 Va. Inf.

James McAlexander (John McAlexander, Tamar) Co. D, 51 Va. Inf., died Dec. 14, 1861

William Reynolds (Milly McAlexander, Tamar) Co. D, 51 Va. Inf., died at Fort Delaware, Del., Apr. 2, 1865

James C. McAlexander (Samuel McAlexander, Tamar) Co. D, 51 Va. Inf.

Darius McAlexander (Samuel McAlexander, Tamar) Co. D, 51 Va. Inf.; died Dec. 14, 1861

Daniel McAlexander (Samuel McAlexander, Tamer) Co. D, 51 Va. Inf.; Co. G, 21 Va. Cav. (See VIRGINIA MAGAZINE OF HISTORY, 1963, vol. 71)

Perry Lester (Rachel McAlexander, Tamer) Co. A, 30 Va. Sharpshooters; captured at Winchester, Va. , Sept. 19, 1864

Thomas Boothe, Stuart’s Horse Artillery

J.W. Boothe, Stuart’s Horse Artillery

James Boothe, Co. E, 54 Va. Inf"

George married Millie Wright.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Issac Boothe (born on Apr 27, 1758 in Lawrence Co., Ark. - died on Jul 19, 1839 in Lawrence Co., Ark.)

         ii.  George Boothe Jr. (born in 1769 in Dutchess Co., N.Y. - died in 1801 in Kanawha Co., Va. (Now W. Va.))

        iii.  Millie (Permelia) Boothe (born in 1770 in Dutchess Co., N.Y.)

         iv.  Abijah Boothe (born in 1771 - died in 1841 in Jackson Co., Mo.)

          v.  Tamar Boothe (born about 1780 in New York - died in 1844-1845 in Patrick Co., Va.)

82       vi.  Daniel Boothe (born in 1787 in New York - died in 1855 in Patrick Co., Va.)

165. Millie Wright .

Millie married George Boothe.²⁹ George was born in 1737²⁹ and died in 1813 at age 76.

166. William McAlexander Sr. son of James McAlexander and Unknown, died on Mar 8, 1822.

General Notes: "William had 11 children by his first marriage, 5 of whom married Boothes." [It is presumed that Tamar was his second wife and that Sarah McAlexander who married Tamar's brother, Daniel, was William's child by his first marriage.

William married Tamar Boothe,²⁹ daughter of George Boothe and Millie Wright, on Dec 27, 1798 in Patrick Co., Va..⁴⁹ Tamar was born about 1780 in New York²⁹ and died from 1844 to 1845 in Patrick Co., Va.²⁹ about age 64.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Isabel McAlexander

         ii.  John McAlexander (born in 1800 - died in 1870)

        iii.  Millie McAlexander (born in 1801)

         iv.  Daniel McAlexander (born in 1804 - died in 1853)

          v.  Samuel McAlexander (born in 1808 - died in 1876)

         vi.  Tamar McAlexander (born in 1813 - died in 1871)

        vii.  Rachel McAlexander (born in 1817 - died in 1881)

William next married Unknown.

The child from this marriage was:

83        i.  Sarah McAlexander

167. Unknown .

Unknown married William McAlexander Sr.. William died on Mar 8, 1822.

176. Nehemiah Edwards .⁷¹

General Notes: Sue Edwards records that Nehemiah and Susan Edwards may have been the parents of Jesse. They are identified as the parents of John Edwards and John, Jesse, and Nehemiah show up together in the tax records of Patrick County.

Nehemiah married Susan.⁷¹

The child from this marriage was:

88        i.  Jesse Edwards (born in 1803 - died in Jun 1876 in Floyd Co., Va.)

177. Susan .⁷¹

General Notes: Sue Edwards records that Nehemiah and Susan Edwards may have been the parents of Jesse. They are identified as the parents of John Edwards and John, Jesse, and Nehemiah show up together in the tax records of Patrick County.

Susan married Nehemiah Edwards.⁷¹

188. George Sowers,³⁸ son of Unknown and Unknown, was born in 1750 in York County, Penn.³⁸ and died on Mar 18, 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 84.

George married Elizabeth SPANGLER ³⁸ about 1870.³⁸ Elizabeth was born in 1764 in Asperum Colleum, Berks Co., PA³⁸ and died in Nov 1857 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 93.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  John Sowers (born on Jul 15, 1787 in Maryland - died on Apr 3, 1836 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ii.  Elizabeth (Betsy) Sowers (born on Apr 28, 1789 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on May 28, 1871, buried in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, FCVA)

        iii.  Mary (Polly) Sowers (born on Dec 1, 1791 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Nov 5, 1871 in Wayne Co., Ind.)

         iv.  George Jacob Sowers (born on Jul 2, 1794 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Apr 13, 1880 in Floyd Co., Va.)

          v.  William E. Sowers (born on Jul 25, 1799 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Aug 28, 1848, buried in Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, FCVA)

         vi.  Salome Sowers (born on Nov 14, 1796 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Apr 11, 1864 in Wayne Co., Ind.)

        vii.  Phillip Sowers (born on Mar 23, 1802 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Feb 6, 1845)

       viii.  Henry E. Sowers (born on Jul 9, 1804)

94       ix.  David Sowers (born on Jul 20, 1806 in Floyd Co., Va. - died in 1860 in Floyd Co., Va.)

          x.  Sarah J. Sowers (born on Dec 27, 1812)

George next married Elizabeth SPANGLER ³⁸ about 1780.⁷² Elizabeth was born in 1764 in Asperum Colleum, Berks Co., PA³⁸ and died in Nov 1857 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 93.

The child from this marriage was:

          i.  Joel Sowers (born on Apr 11, 1815 in Floyd County, VA - died on Jan 22, 1888 in Round Hill, Kentucky)

189. Elizabeth SPANGLER,³⁸ daughter of Jacob SPANGLER and Chester SPANGLER, was born in 1764 in Asperum Colleum, Berks Co., PA³⁸ and died in Nov 1857 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 93.

Birth Notes: or Maryland

General Notes: Patricia Falls has Anne Elizabeth Epperly as wife of George.

Elizabeth married George Sowers ³⁸ about 1870.³⁸ George was born in 1750 in York County, Penn.³⁸ and died on Mar 18, 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 84.

Elizabeth next married George Sowers ³⁸ about 1780.⁷² George was born in 1750 in York County, Penn.³⁸ and died on Mar 18, 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.³⁸ at age 84.

192. Henry Turney was born in France.¹⁹

Birth Notes: Most of the record for the oldest Turney ancestors is from "Leaves From the Family Tree," Penelope Johnson Allen, Southern Historical Press, P.O. Box 738, Easley, S.C., 29640, 1982. Originally published in the Chattanooga Times, Chatanooga, Tennessee, 8 Nov 1936 and 15 Nov 1936.

General Notes: A Frenchman, who came to America sometime prior to the Revolutionary War. Family tradition says that Henry Turney was married in France. His young Wife was suffering from an incurable disease, and in search for a climate that might be more beneficial to her health, he went to Holland. Shortly thereafter, she died, and he married a Dutch woman. To this couple was born a son, Peter Turney. They took ship for New York and were living in Washington Co., Virginia, in 1779. An attorney. Appraised estate of Slatzer in 18 May 1779.

Henry married His First Wife in France.¹⁹ His died in Holland.¹⁹

Henry next married His Second Wife in Holland.¹⁹

The child from this marriage was:

96        i.  Peter Turney (born in Holland - died in 1805, buried in Family Cem. On His Farm, Smith Co., Tenn.)

193. His Second Wife .

General Notes: A Dutch woman.

His married Henry Turney in Holland.¹⁹ Henry was born in France.¹⁹

  Ninth Generation  

---

258. John Plickenstalver,⁷³ son of Unknown Blickensderfer and Unknown, was born between 1724 and 1730 on the Kohlhof, Germany and died about 1788 in Montgomery Co., Va..

General Notes: Marguerite Tise writes:
"John Blickensderfer was born in Germany, no doubt on the Kolhof, but the date of his birth is not known. He is supposed to have been one of the older brothers, and the date of his birth was probably somewhere between 1724 and 1730. John and his younger brother, Ulrich, emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia September 9, 1749, ship St. Andrew, James Abercrombie, master, from Rotterdam via Plymouth. Ulrich eventually settled in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where he married and raised a large family, and where he died.

They were followed by Christian and Jost in 1753. Christian lived and died in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Jost, or Yost, in English, settled in Frederick County, Maryland, and died there.

Where John first settled is unknown, but he supposedly lived some time in eastern Pennsylvania or Maryland before moving south to Halifax County in the section that is now Henry county, Virginia. He perhaps married in Pennsylvania though the name of his wife is not known nor the date of his marriage. The first date of record is July 19, 1762, when John Plickenstalver of Halifax County Borrowed (two pounds nine shillings five and on-half pence current money) from William Satterwhite and Robert Hastie. John signed his mark [which appeared as a triangle with a flag at its apex]. The note was assigned to John Blevins; Blevins later settled in Montgomery County.

On May 15, 1767, there is the following entry in the Moravian records, Bethabara, North Carolina, (near present Winston-Salem): “Johann Blickensdorffer came to bring a packet of letters. The man lives beyond Dan River on the so-called Horse Pasture.” (Records of the Moravians in North Carolina, ed. by A. L. Fries, v. I, 1751-1771). The Horse Pasture is a creek in present Henry County.

Apparently, he moved shortly after this date to Botetourt County (now Montgomery County), Virginia.

On April 26, 1769, John Plickenstalver acquired 50 acres of land by right of settlement below the mouth of Little River, Botetourt County. He is listed as a tithable in Botetourt County in 1770, 1771, 1772, and in Fincastle County in 1773. His son, John Plickenstalver Junr, is listed in 1772. In 1773, he bought 82 acres on Meadow Creek, waters of Little River in Fincastle County (now Montgomery County). This was surveyed in 1782 “on Little River, 1/2 mile below Old Millstone Bottom.” Meadow Creek rises near Riner and flows into Little River a short distance below Snowville. (These transactions are recorded in Kegley, Mary B., Early Adventures on Western Waters, v. I.)

In 1774, John Plick, or Plick Stalver, served a total of 148 days in Captain Joseph Cloyd’s Company and Captain James Robertson’s Company in the Fincastle County Militia in (Dunmore’s War.) (soldiers of Fincastle County, Virginia, 1774, comp. by Mary B. Kegley, 1974). It is not indicated if this is John Sr., or John Jr.

In 1774, John Blickensderfer wrote to his sister-in-law, Eva Blickensderfer, at the Kohlhof in Germany. Translation:

Methe-Crik (Meadow Creek), Virginia 1774

Dear and Beloved sister-in-law:

Thanks to God I myself and my two children are still well. My dear wife passed away three years ago. I had to lift and carry her for 3 years, because of a limb disease. Due to the circumstances I have fallen behind with my household, and also have fallen into debt. therefore, because of these circumstances I need very badly that which I still have coming to me from you, so I would not lose my piece of land which would be very hard on me. If you could send something at this time, it would just be a great help in time of need. We shall acknowledge it with much thanks. The 90 fl. from my brother Christian have arrived correctly.

Your brother-in-law,
Johannes Blickensdorfer

In 1776, Yost Blickensderfer, then residing in Frederick County, Maryland, visited is brother, John, in VirginiaOn his return to Maryland, Yost is reported as saying that John had one son, [John, Jr.] living with him. hohn's other child, Catharine, had married John Lester, supposedly in 1775.

On April 4, 1789, the tract on Meadow Creek was surveyed and sold to James Simphins by "Jno. Pleckenstaker & wife Elizabeth." This was John Plickenstalver, Jr., as the elder Plickenstalver's wife died in 1771, as stated in his letter, and it is probable that John, Sr., had also passed away by this date.

Nothing further is known of John Plickenstalver. The date of his death may have been ca. 1788, as his tract of land was sold by his son in 1789. John, Jr., left Montgomery County and moved to Kentucky. Catharine was the only member of the family to remain in Montgomery County.

Source: "History of the Blickensderfer Family In America, by Jacob Blickensderfer, 1897. Reprinted by Occidental Graphics, Michael A. Ellis, P.O. Box 17184, Phoenix, Arizona 85011.

Jacob Blickensderfer, born May 9, 1816, at Philadelphia, Ohio, died February 26, 1899, Oakland, Missouri, was the great-grandson of Christian Blickensderfer, the oldest son of the Anabaptist. He had a distinguished career in railway service as a civil engineer. He was personally appointed by Abraham Lincoln to inspect the transcontinental railway lines. He was the father of 13 children. It is thanks to his knowledge and research of the family that we have this history of the Blickensderfer family."

John married someone.

His children were:

129       i.  Catherine Plickenstalver (born in 1759 in Bedford Co., Va. - died on Sep 15, 1833 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

         ii.  John Plickenstalver Jr. (born in 1755 - died in 1816)

266. James Cornutt .⁴⁶

James married Sarah.⁴⁶

The child from this marriage was:

133       i.  Rebecca Cornutt (born about 1782 - died about 1877)

267. Sarah .⁴⁶

Sarah married James Cornutt.⁴⁶

274. Johann Holtzclaw ¹⁰ was born in 1709 in Oberfischbach, Germany¹⁰ and died after 1763 in Prince William Co., Va..¹⁰

Johann married Catherine Russell after 1763 in Virgina.¹⁰ Catherine died after 1763 in Prince William Co., Va..

Marriage Notes: "Howell-Burnop Families" ¹⁰

The child from this marriage was:

137       i.  Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Holtzclaw (born about 1745 in Fauquier Co., Va. - died on Oct 17, 1818 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

275. Catherine Russell, daughter of William Russell and Grace, died after 1763 in Prince William Co., Va..

Catherine married Johann Holtzclaw ¹⁰ after 1763 in Virgina.¹⁰ Johann was born in 1709 in Oberfischbach, Germany¹⁰ and died after 1763 in Prince William Co., Va..¹⁰

284. Moses Dickerson Sr.,⁶⁵ son of Griffith DICKENSON and Unknown, was born in 1746 in Pittsylvania Co., Va.,⁷⁴ died on Mar 23, 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.⁷⁴ at age 88, and was buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁴

General Notes: Clyde Maxey, the son of Eursula Dickerson Maxey, went to Pine Creek at my begging and took the pictures [of the tombstones of Moses and Jemima].
Kasia Johnson, 3-30-2003

• Military: 1776, Henry Co., Va..⁶⁵ He resided in Henry Co., Va. during the revolution. He assisted in establishing American Independence as a Patriot, took the Oath of Allegiance in 1776. He has NSDAR National Number 339751.

• Alt. Death: May 29, 1832.⁶⁵

• Alt. Birth: 1753.⁶⁵

Moses married Jemima Sullivan ⁶⁵ before 1778.⁶⁵ Jemima was born in 1746 in Virginia,⁷⁴ died on May 25, 1846 in Floyd Co., Va.⁷⁴ at age 100, and was buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁴

Marriage Notes: Before 1778, as first child was born 1778.

Children from this marriage were:

          i.  Frances Dickerson (born on Mar 20, 1778 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died on Oct 6, 1870 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         ii.  Anna Dickerson (born on Feb 13, 1780)

142     iii.  Moses Dickerson Jr. (born on Oct 10, 1783 in Floyd Co., Va. - died on Mar 27, 1874 in Floyd Co., Va.)

         iv.  John Bethel Dickerson (born on Nov 8, 1785 - died on Dec 28, 1837 in Carroll Co., Va.)

          v.  Elizabeth Dickerson (born on May 9, 1788)

         vi.  Moral Dickerson (born on Sep 13, 1790 in Virginia - died on Nov 18, 1849 in Floyd Co., Va.)

285. Jemima Sullivan,⁶⁵ daughter of Unknown and Unknown, was born in 1746 in Virginia,⁷⁴ died on May 25, 1846 in Floyd Co., Va.⁷⁴ at age 100, and was buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁴

• Alt. Birth: Abt 1758.⁶⁵

• Alt. Death: After 1832.⁶⁵

Jemima married Moses Dickerson Sr. ⁶⁵ before 1778.⁶⁵ Moses was born in 1746 in Pittsylvania Co., Va.,⁷⁴ died on Mar 23, 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.⁷⁴ at age 88, and was buried in Pine Creek Cemetery, Floyd Co., Va..⁷⁴

286. Andrew Reed

Andrew married Mary UNKNOWN.⁷⁰

The child from this marriage was:

143       i.  Nancy Reed (born c1782 in Montgomery Co., Va. - died before Oct 18, 1831 in Floyd Co., Va.)

287. Mary UNKNOWN

Mary married Andrew Reed.⁷⁰

332. James McAlexander .²⁹

James married Unknown.²⁹

The child from this marriage was:

166       i.  William McAlexander Sr. (died on Mar 8, 1822)

333. Unknown .²⁹

Unknown married James McAlexander.²⁹

378. Jacob SPANGLER

Jacob married Chester SPANGLER.³⁸

The child from this marriage was:

189       i.  Elizabeth SPANGLER (born in 1764 in Asperum Colleum, Berks Co., PA - died in Nov 1857 in Floyd Co., Va.)

379. Chester SPANGLER

Chester married Jacob SPANGLER.³⁸

  Tenth Generation

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516. Unknown Blickensderfer ⁷³ was born about 1690 in Germany⁷⁵ and died about 1767⁷⁵ about age 77.

General Notes: Marguerite Tise writes:
"The earliest known information on the Blickensderfer family in Germany begins on February 12, 1716, when the "Anabaptist" Blickensderfer purchased a Kohlacher estate in the Schifferstadt subdivision of the Electorate of Speyer of the Palatinate or Rheinish Province of the kingdom of Bavaria. According to tradition, the Anabaptist was a disciple of Menno Simons in Switzerland and was expelled because of his religious beliefs. (An Anabaptist was one of a party which rejected infant baptism, held the church to be composed of true Christians baptized on confession of faith, and advocated separation of church and state.) A small hamlet near the cith of Zug, Switzerland, called Blickensdorf, and the fact that many Blickensderfers resided in that vicinity lends credence to the tradition.

The given name of the Anabaptist does not appear in the records, nor the date of his birth and death. It is estimated that he was born about 1690, and certain facts seen to show that he died in 1767. At his death he conveyed the Kohlacher estate to the widow of his son (George?) in trust for his grandson John George, the son apparently having died in 1761-62, before the death of his father.

The name of the wife is unknown. They had six sons, five of whom emigrated to America. The six sons were: Christian (1724-1800), John, George?, Jacob, Ulrich, Jost (1735-1826). The order of birth is not known other than Jost was the youngest and Christian probably the oldest. Our ancestor is John.

John's brother, Jacob, was the first to emigrate to America, landing at Philadelphia on September 16, 1748. Tradition says that soon after his arrival in America he went west and lived among the Indians, nothing being heard from him for some years, when he suddenly appeared among his brothers in eastern Pennsylvania, dressed in full Indian costume. he did not remain in eastern Pennsylvania very long and again went west among the Indians, and was never more heard from."

Unknown married someone.

His child was:

258       i.  John Plickenstalver (born between 1724 and 1730 on the Kohlhof, Germany - died about 1788 in Montgomery Co., Va.)

550. William Russell was born in 1680 in Stafford Co., Va. and died in 1756 in Stafford Co., Va.¹⁰ at age 76.

General Notes: Genealogy of the Holtzclaw Family and the Howell-Burnop Familes. "Genealogy of the Holtzclaw Family, p. 261.

William married Grace about 1730 in Stafford Co., Va..¹⁰ Grace was born in 1711 in Stafford Co., Va. and died after 1763 in Stafford Co., Va..

The child from this marriage was:

275       i.  Catherine Russell (died after 1763 in Prince William Co., Va.)

551. Grace was born in 1711 in Stafford Co., Va. and died after 1763 in Stafford Co., Va..

Grace married William Russell about 1730 in Stafford Co., Va..¹⁰ William was born in 1680 in Stafford Co., Va. and died in 1756 in Stafford Co., Va.¹⁰ at age 76.

568. Griffith DICKENSON

Griffith married someone.

His child was:

284       i.  Moses Dickerson Sr. (born in 1746 in Pittsylvania Co., Va. - died on Mar 23, 1834 in Floyd Co., Va.)

Sources

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1. Recollections and personal knowledge of Jerry Curtis Lester.

2. James Curtis Lester Birth Certificate.

3. Honorable Discharge certificate and "Statement of Net Service on Discharge."

4. L. A. Cummings, minister, Primitive Baptist Church, "Certificate of Person Performing Marriage Ceremony" Also a marriage "card" given by minister with same information.

5. Bureau of Vital Statistics, Legal Record of the Birth of Annie May Simmons, Vol. 220, No. 27416, 9-28-1914.

6. Mrs. J. Edwin Keith (Edna Davis Akers), "Descendants of Joseph Edwin Howell and Mary Frances Nixon Howell" (Unpublished manuscript, typed and bound, dated 1977).

7. Simmons Family Bible.

8. Author unknown, Turney Family Record Sheet. Typed. (Obtained from the records of Mrs. W. M. Turney of Chesapeake, Va. about 1990. The record sheet is in the format of a family bible: Births, Marriages, Deaths. Since it pertains to the family of Joseph Woodson Turney and Alice S. Manuel, it is probably their family bible. And, Alice S. Manuel lived until 1946, almost 93 years. It is unknown who may have transcribed it.)

9. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 141.

10. Mary Katherine Lester Cooper, National Society Colonial Dames Application (Approved 1-16-2006).

11. Marilyn Hansen at <GNEOLOG@aol.com>, Marilyn Hansen Record. Marilyn resides at 117 Bellingham Dr., Madison, MS 39110, Email on 7/10/1997.

12. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.)

13. Marilyn Hansen at <GNEOLOG@aol.com>, Marilyn Hansen Record. Marilyn resides at 117 Bellingham Dr., Madison, MS 39110, Email on 3-26-2002 gives the details of the land acquisition.

14. Marguerite Tise, Letter to Jerry C. Lester on July 19, 1997 (Floyd, Va., July 19, 1997).

15. Marguerite Tise knows the author, Record of tombstone inscriptions in the Booth/Simmons cemetery in the vicinity of the old Sowers Mill Dam on former Everett Simmons place. (April 1977, Document in beige file box of Jerry C. Lester).

16. Barb Reininger (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~barbr/zz_marriages.htm).

17. Sue Edwards, Sue Edwards Record (Sue Hairston Edwards; 8202 Sherwood Green Court; Brentwood, TN 37027; 615-370-3255).

18. Mildred Simmons Richardson, Mildred Simmons Richardson.

19. Penelope Johnson Allen, "Leaves From the Family Tree" (P.O. Box 738, Easley, S.C., 29640, Southern Historical Press, 1982. Originally published in the Chattanooga Times, Chatanooga, Tenn., 8 Nov 1936 and 15 Nov 1936.)

20. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 137.

21. (Virginia State Library, Richmond, Va., 23219. A photocopy of records of Virginia Confederate soldiers (original in the National Archives, Washington, D. C.), February 7, 1967.)

22. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), p. 24.

23. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), p. 34.

24. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), p. 35.

25. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 150.

26. Mrs. J. Edwin Keith, 1977, Typed manuscript, "Descendants of Joseph Edwin Howell and Mary Francis Nixon."

27. James Curtis Lester, Notes by James Curtis Lester dated 3/28/1984. Notes were based on material gathered by Everet B. Simmons in effort to claim inheritance of George Boothe, emigrant of Kent, England. (3-21-1984).

28. Death certificate.

29. George Pesely, 2609 Ellsworth St., #202 Berkely, Calif, 94704, "The Boothe Family of Floyd County, Virginia" (The following is from "THE BOOTHE FAMILY OF FLOYD COUNTY, VIRGINIA" by George Pesely, 2609 Ellsworth St. #202. Berkeley, Calif. 94704, Virginia Appalachian Notes, Feb. 1983.)

30. Marriage bond book, Part 1, p. 131.

31. Various Tombstones.

32. Barbara A. Reininger, Internet web site: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/PWP.htm, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/Hill.htm.

33. Marguerite Tise, Letter to Jerry C. Lester on 7/29/1997 (Floyd County, Va., 1997).

34. Barbara A. Reininger, Internet web site: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/PWP.htm.

35. Sue Edwards, Email from Sue Edwards to Jerry C. Lester, April 2, 2005 (April 2, 2005).

36. Sue Edwards, Email Sue Edwards to Jerry C. Lester (April 2, 2005).

37. Patricia Falls, Email to Jerry Lester (Sep 22, 2002).

38. John Sowers, Emails from John Sowers, July 2003 and Gedcom (jsowers65@sunflower.com).

39. Ilene Tracy - itracy7@cox.net (World Connect).

40. John Sowers, John Sowers email, May 2006. (John Sowers <jsowers65@sunflower.com>).

41. (Date of internnment: April 26, 1907. Rev. A. C. Killheffer.)

42. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 111.

43. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), Page 10: "Married, June 3rd, 1819."

44. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), p. 10.

45. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), p. 2.

46. Marilyn Hansen at <GNEOLOG@aol.com>, Marilyn Hansen Record. Marilyn resides at 117 Bellingham Dr., Madison, MS 39110.

47. Barbara A. Reininger, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/Duncan1.htm.

48. Barbara A. Reininger, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/Burnett.htm.

49. Internet information (http://svis.org/sue/boothe.htm).

50. Sue Edwards, Notes by Sue H. Edwards, dated 25 Mar 1992 (3-25-1992).

51. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 1.

52. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), p. 3.

53. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p.5.

54. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), Page 3. "(NOTE.

55. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), Annotation on p. 2: ". . . From Census of 1880 page 32 Supr. District No. 5 Enumerator District No. 56 indicates Hulen Lester's father John was born in Penn. and his mother Catherine in Va. . . . ."

56. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), Page 4: "Catherine Lester's deed to John II relinguishing claim to John Lester's lands, except 80 acres as her dowery, recorded in Deed Book "IJ" , Page 250, in the year 1826."

57. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), Page 4: "Catherine Lester bill of sale of her personal property to her son Hulens Lester, recorded in Will Book No. 5, Page 86 in the year 1831."

58. James Curtis Lester, "The Lester Family Record, 1753-1957," (June 1, 1957, annotated copy, in the possession of Jerry Curtis Lester.), Page 4: "John Lester and Catherine made indenture selling land to George Booth in the year 1808 and 1818. Recorded in Deed Book, Volume "D", Page 514, witnessed by James Lester, Alyah Booth, Geo. Thornberger, Samuel Lester and Daniel Booth.

59. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 3.

60. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 9.

61. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), page 20, has photo of tombstone showing dates of birth, death, wife's name and mother's name: Mary Wainwright.

62. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 209.

63. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)).

64. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 211.

65. General James Breckinridge Chapter DAR, Ancestors of the General James Breckinridge Chapter NSDAR Members, 1978 (Roanoke, Virginia, 1978).

66. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 210.

67. Bobbi Dodge, Bobbi Dodge Record (7-29-2002).

68. Leonard G. Lester, "My Ancestors" (4 January 1968), p. 21.

69. Barbara A. Reininger, http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~barbr/Dickerson2.htm.

70. Kasia Johnson, Descendants of Moses Dickerson, Sr. (Unpublished. 2003.
kasialido@aol.com).

71. Sue Edwards, Sue Edwards sent me an email on 1-28-2002 with this information.

72. John Sowers (1641 Haskell Ave, Lawrence, KS 66044), Pedigree chart from John M. Sowers data.

73. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), pp. 5-7.

74. Tombstone insciption.

75. Marguerite Tise, The Lester Family of Floyd and Montgomery County (Floyd, Virginia, 1996 (1st Edition)), p. 5.

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