Descendants of James Counts
Diane Callahan Wallis
Generation No. 1
1. JAMES3 COUNTS (JOHN2, JOHN1) was born October 08, 1792 in Russell Co. VA, and died June 08, 1872 in Russell Co. VA. He married EVA BANNER, daughter of JOHN BANNER and CATHARINE (ROSENBUM).
Children of JAMES COUNTS and EVA BANNER are:
2. i. JOHN4 COUNTS, b. February 09, 1815; d. March 24, 1899.
ii. CATHERINE COUNTS, b. April 01, 1817.
iii. MARGARET COUNTS COUNTS, b. October 13, 1819.
iv. DAVID COUNTS, b. March 04, 1822.
v. EZEKIEL COUNTS, b. May 16, 1824.
vi. SUSANNAH COUNTS, b. April 04, 1826.
vii. NOAH W. COUNTS, b. August 12, 1828.
viii. WILLIAM COUNTS, b. May 21, 1831.
3. ix. JAMES MONROE COUNTS, b. October 03, 1833, Russell Co. VA; d. December 23, 1911.
x. ELIZABETH BROWN COUNTS, b. October 24, 1835.
Generation No. 2 2. JOHN4 COUNTS (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born February 09, 1815, and died March 24, 1899. He married ELIZABETH SMITH.
Children of JOHN COUNTS and ELIZABETH SMITH are:
i. DAVID C.5 COUNTS, b. November 06, 1844; d. May 04, 1920; m. (1) TENNESSEE SELF, April 18, 1877; m. (2) TENNESSEE SELFE, April 18, 1877, Russell Co. VA.3. JAMES MONROE4 COUNTS (JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born October 03, 1833 in Russell Co. VA, and died December 23, 1911. He married ELIZA JESSEE February 20, 1862, daughter of ARCHER JESSEE and EUNICE HABERN.
4. ii. ELLEN COUNTS, b. Abt. 1854; d. 1944.Notes for JAMES MONROE COUNTS:
Obituary
It is with sadness we chronicle the death of James Monroe Counts, which sad event occurred at his home near Carterton, VA, on December the 23rd, 1911.
The subject of this brief notice was the son of James and Evey Counts, being one of a family of ten children, all of whom except the youngest sister, Elizabeth B. Brook, of Tolono, Ill, have passed away to the other shore to await the arrival of their youngest brother, James, who was born October 3rd, 1833, being 73 years, 2 months and 20 days old at the time of his death.
On the 20th day of February, 1862, he was married to Eliza Jessee, daughter of Archer L. and Unicy Jessee. To this union was born two children, viz: Silas B.F. and Kate, both of whom together with their mother and seven grandchildren survive him to mourn their loss.
Brother Counts professed faith in Christ and was baptized into the fellowship of the Sulphur Spring Baptist church by Elder Asa Routh about the year 1868 in which he remained a devoted and consistent member until the organization of the Springfield Baptist church, which occurred on the 4th Sunday in November, 1880, being one of its charter members, in which relationship he remained until the day of his death, loved and respected by all who knew him for his Christian life was so unassuming, simple and pure that all who knew him took knowledge of him that he had been with Jesus and impressed all with power of an endless life. he served about two years in the Confederate army, faithfully discharging his duties as a soldier. In all my long experience I have never met a man that loved to talk about his Christian warfare and hope of heaven more than he did, ever ready to help in every time of need.
He loved his church, his brethren and sisters, always ready to do what he could for the advancement of the Kingdom of his Master on earth, a Christian without guile, a friend and neighbor without hypocrisy. He had a large circle of friends and relations, being connected with some of the largest and most respectable families of this county, who in the main have been noted for their piety, kindness and frugality, by whom he will be greatly missed but by none so much as those of his home and immediate neighborhood for those who knew him best loved him most. Brother Counts was never a strong man physically, but by industry and economy he accumulated a good living and laid up many of the necessities and even the comforts of life. His pleasant home was ever open to the worthy wayfarer and especially to the toiling minister. Many are the ones that will call him blessed.
Notwithstanding his apparent feebleness, he weathered many a storm and lived many long and weary years and met the end as only a Christian can, dying as he had lived in peace with God and all mankind. In conclusion I would say to his disconsolate widow and orphan children:
Weep not for the loved one that has gone
For the hand that led him
Through scenes dark and drear
Has kindly conducted him homeSubmitted,
J.B. KENDRICK
Source: Lebanon News, 3 Sep 1912
See Charles B. Self for more info on Springfield Baptist ChurchChildren of JAMES COUNTS and ELIZA JESSEE are:
5. i. SILAS BENJAMIN5 COUNTS, b. January 11, 1863, VA.; d. March 31, 1931.
6. ii. UNICY CATHERINE COUNTS, b. January 15, 1865; d. November 14, 1944.
Generation No. 3 4. ELLEN5 COUNTS (JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born Abt. 1854, and died 1944. She married LEONARD B. SELF December 22, 1874 in Wise County, VA, son of WILLIAM SELF and NANCY BURCHETT.
Children of ELLEN COUNTS and LEONARD SELF are:
i. ORIN GILMER6 SELF.5. SILAS BENJAMIN5 COUNTS (JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born January 11, 1863 in VA., and died March 31, 1931. He married DACEY JESSEE.
ii. DAVID W. SELF, b. 1876; m. AMANDA LEE SIZEMORE.
iii. CHARLES COWN SELF, b. 1877.
iv. JOHN R. SELF, b. 1879.
7. v. NANCY B. SELF, b. 1880.
vi. ZEURA SELF, b. 1882.
vii. WILLIAM B. SELF, b. 1884.
viii. ELIZA DEMERIS SELF, b. 1885.
ix. ALMA SELF, b. 1887.
x. EZRA SELF, b. 1889.
xi. IRA F. SELF, b. 1891.
xii. BETTIE SELF, b. 1895.
xiii. DALLAS SELF, b. 1897.Children of SILAS COUNTS and DACEY JESSEE are:
i. WILLIS JAMES6 COUNTS, b. August 24, 1898; d. October 28, 1968.6. UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS (JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born January 15, 1865, and died November 14, 1944. She married CHARLES BEAUCHAMP SELF April 06, 1883, son of WILLIAM SELF and NANCY BURCHETT.
ii. WILEY COUNTS, b. August 24, 1898; d. October 04, 1918.Notes for CHARLES BEAUCHAMP SELF:
I am not sure what paper this appeared in, it was sent to me by my Aunt Joe.
HISTORY OF SPRINGFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
Springfield Baptist Church is located in Herald Valley on route 614 about one mile north of Carterton, VA.
On the fourth Sunday of November, 1880 thirty brethren and sisters, having secured letters of dismissal from Sulphur Springs Baptist Church on Mill Creek met at the home of James Monroe Counts to organize a new church. Elders, Elihu Kiser, Wilson V. Self and Joseph Kiser were called upon to superintend the organization. The name "Springfield" was chosen for the church. The first elected paster was Rev. Wilson V. Self. The clerk elected was C. B. Self and deacons J.M. Counts, L.B. Self and L.H. Kiser. The church met at Mr Counts home until a building was completed sometime in 1881. It was built near the Counts' home and constructed of logs. This building served the congregation for 31 years. The first baptismal service took place in Mr. Counts fish pond.
In 1911 the present building was started. It is built on a hill above the old site on land which the Counts' family gave to the church. The old building was torn down and the logs sawed into lumber for the new building. The stained glass windows and oil lamps are still in use. The lamps were wired for electricity when it came to the area. The dedication of the new church took place on August 17, 1912. Brother Wilson V. Self preached the first sermon in both churches.
For many years Springfield was a part of a field of churches sharing the same pastor. The parsonage was located at Cleveland, VA.
For 45 years services were conducted on Saturday afternoon. Later the time was changed to the 2nd and 4th Sunday. Since 1971 the church has become self-supporting with a full time pastor.
No record of Sunday School was kept during the first years but the associational minutes of 1901 listed a membership of 61. We are sure of a Sunday School since 1929. A Bible School is conducted each year.
In 1929 a woman's Missionary Society was organized. Mr. Mentora Dickenson was elected as director and has served to this time. Three charter members are still living, Mrs. Dickenson, Mrs. Lydia Counts and Mrs. Hazel Kiser Hughes.
While Brother Joseph Kelly was pastor in 1929 he suggested that Springfield and Pleasant Hill have a joint revival. A tent was secured and erected at Carterton. The seats were hauled from both churches and the meeting started on August 25 and continued until September 15. The Evangelist was Rev. J.F. Aker of Radford, VA (who at this writing is still living). During these services there were 112 conversions, 57 were received into Springfield and 35 into Pleasant Hill membership. It is said this revival attracted the largest crowd ever assembled at Carterton.
Following is a list of pastors who have served faithfully through the years: Wilson V. Self, Elihu Kiser, Joe Kiser, E.S. Issaacs, Millard Combs, Grover Musick, I.B. Sorah, J.P. Kelly, C.W. Hancock, A.C. Lawson, William Russell, Alonzo Monday, Carl Adams, C.E. Chruch, Glen Gunter, Maurice Branch, Ervin Milley, Bruce Anderson, Marvin Elswick and Larry Fields.
The following men were ordained at Springfield: L.H. Kiser in 1887, Johnny Kiser in 1959, Bruce Anderson in 1971, Marvin Elswick in 1975 and Larry Fields in 1979.
In 1956 Sunday School rooms were built. Later electric heat was installed, a new roof put on, aluminum siding and storm windows also carpet and pews. Some time later the church yard was fenced, a picnic shelter erected and the parking lot graded and graveled.
We celebrated our 100th anniversary on September 28 1980. Rev. Glen Gunter returned as guest speaker. Many who had moved away came for the day and a wonderful time of fellowship was experienced.
Through the Cooperative program and special offerings of Foreign, Home and State Missions the church has reached out to needs around the world. Many in our community have been assisted when there was a need.
The church has shared many joys and sorrows over the years and only eternity can know the good that has been done in the name of our Lord.Children of UNICY COUNTS and CHARLES SELF are:
8. i. ELLA DETTE6 SELF, b. October 31, 1884; d. March 15, 1969, St. Paul, VA.
9. ii. ELIZA HETTIE SELF, b. June 28, 1888.
10. iii. FANNIE ANNA SELF, b. March 01, 1891, Russell Co. VA; d. February 15, 1968, Miami, Florida.
11. iv. DACEY IDA SELF, b. April 07, 1894; d. April 23, 1941.
12. v. ROY BANNER SELF, b. May 10, 1903; d. December 15, 1969.
Generation No. 4 7. NANCY B.6 SELF (ELLEN5 COUNTS, JOHN4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born 1880. She married ED FRALEY.
Child of NANCY SELF and ED FRALEY is:
i. LOIS7 FRALEY.
8. ELLA DETTE6 SELF (UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born October 31, 1884, and died March 15, 1969 in St. Paul, VA. She married HENRY HOLBROOK.Children of ELLA SELF and HENRY HOLBROOK are:
i. FRANCES7 HOLBROOKS.9. ELIZA HETTIE6 SELF (UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born June 28, 1888. She married ORA HACKNEY.
ii. HAZEL HOLBROOKS.
iii. CECIL HOLBROOKS, b. November 20, 1907; d. July 26, 1994.
iv. LUCIUS HOLBROOKS, b. July 27, 1910; d. January 1985, Castlewood, VA.
v. JOHN HOLBROOKS, b. November 19, 1917.
vi. JAMES ARTHUR HOLBROOKS, b. May 21, 1920.
vii. RUTH HOLBROOKS, b. April 29, 1923.Children of ELIZA SELF and ORA HACKNEY are:
i. FANNIE KATE7 HACKNEY.10. FANNIE ANNA6 SELF (UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born March 01, 1891 in Russell Co. VA, and died February 15, 1968 in Miami, Florida. She married JOSIAH CLINTON FINK June 08, 1908 in Russell Co. VA, son of BALLARD FINK and MARY PAYNE.
ii. SHIRLEY HACKNEY.
iii. JIMMY JOANN HACKNEY.Children of FANNIE SELF and JOSIAH FINK are:
13. i. MARGARET KATHLEEN7 FINK, b. October 18, 1909, Russell Co. VA; d. December 13, 1995, Valdosta, GA.
14. ii. BALLARD EUGENE FINK, b. January 16, 1915, Russell Co. VA; d. November 16, 1951, Miami, Florida.
15. iii. EULA DORIS FINK, b. Private, Russell County, VA.
16. iv. JOSIAH MYERS FINK, b. Private.
v. FANNIE PAULINE FINK, b. Private, Russell Co. VA; m. BARNEY ALLISON COLLINS, April 12, 1936.
17. vi. CHARLES WAYLAND FINK, b. Private, Russell Co. VA.
18. vii. VIRGINIA ILENE FINK, b. Private, Miami, Florida.
11. DACEY IDA6 SELF (UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born April 07, 1894, and died April 23, 1941. She married MARVIN CAMPBELL.
Child of DACEY SELF and MARVIN CAMPBELL is:
19. i. MILLARD7 CAMPBELL.
12. ROY BANNER6 SELF (UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born May 10, 1903, and died December 15, 1969. He married BERTHA CLEEK May 27, 1922.Child of ROY SELF and BERTHA CLEEK is:
i. LYNN7 SELF.
Generation No. 5 13. MARGARET KATHLEEN7 FINK (FANNIE ANNA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born October 18, 1909 in Russell Co. VA, and died December 13, 1995 in Valdosta, GA. She married RAYMOND LESTER WILLIAMS June 28, 1929.
Children of MARGARET FINK and RAYMOND WILLIAMS are:
14. BALLARD EUGENE7 FINK (FANNIE ANNA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born January 16, 1915 in Russell Co. VA, and died November 16, 1951 in Miami, Florida. He married BERTHA MAJORS.i. SUE ILENE8 WILLIAMS.
ii. LESTER CLINTON WILLIAMS, b. Private.Children of BALLARD FINK and BERTHA MAJORS are:
15. EULA DORIS7 FINK (FANNIE ANNA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born Private in Russell County, VA. She married RUBERT THOMAS CALLAHAN January 21, 1940 in Miami, Florida, son of JOHN CALLAHAN and IDNA SUMMERS.i. DONALD EUGENE8 FINK, b. Private.
ii. ROY CLINTON FINK, b. Private.Children of EULA FINK and RUBERT CALLAHAN are:
20. i. DORIS DIANE8 CALLAHAN, b. Private, Miami, Florida; Adopted child.17. CHARLES WAYLAND7 FINK (FANNIE ANNA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born Private in Russell Co. VA. He married PATRICIA HARROD.
21. ii. RUBERT THOMAS CALLAHAN JR., b. Private, Miami, Florida.
22. iii. REGINALD GREGORY CALLAHAN., b. Private, Miami, Florida.
16. JOSIAH MYERS7 FINK (FANNIE ANNA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born Private. She married SAMUEL DEWITT MAXWELL June 18, 1933.
Children of JOSIAH FINK and SAMUEL MAXWELL are:
23. i. WILLIAM CLINTON8 MAXWELL, b. February 12, 1935.
24. ii. LESLIE GIRLBERT MAXWELL, b. November 11, 1943.
25. iii. JOANNA FAY MAXWELL, b. Private.
26. iv. MARY FRANCES MAXWELL, b. Private.
27. v. DEWITT JACKSON MAXWELL, b. Private.Children of CHARLES FINK and PATRICIA HARROD are:
i. CHARLES BRIAN8 FINK, b. Private.18. VIRGINIA ILENE7 FINK (FANNIE ANNA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1) was born Private in Miami, Florida. She married JOHN W. THORNTON.
ii. GARY FINK, b. Private.
Children of VIRGINIA FINK and JOHN THORNTON are:i. BERVERLY ANN8 THORNTON.19. MILLARD7 CAMPBELL (DACEY IDA6 SELF, UNICY CATHERINE5 COUNTS, JAMES MONROE4, JAMES3, JOHN2, JOHN1). He married MARGARET.
ii. BARBARA JEAN THORNTON.Children of MILLARD CAMPBELL and MARGARET are:
i. RALPH8 CAMPBELL.
ii. BETTY CAMPBELL.
iii. DACEY CAMPBELL.