CHARLOTTE COUNTY, VIRGINIA FAMILIES OF:
ATWELL, BAILEY,CAPT. THOMAS CLARK, FOSTER, GAULDING,
GLINN, GREEN, GREGORY, HAILEY, HANKINS, HARDMAN, KEY,
LEGRAND, LYLE, MCGEHEE MORTON, OSBORNE, PETTUS, PRIDDY,
R. W. PRIDDY, WILLIAM K. PRIDDY, RALLS, RUMMELL, RICHARDSON,SPENCER,
THOMPSON, VAN NESS, VAUGHN, WALTON, WATKINS,
ROBERT E. WATKINS, WATSON, WEILL
The following was written by Dr. A.S. Priddy about 1910 and copied on May 23,
1973, by Walter M. Priddy, City National Bank Building, Wichita Falls, Texas
76301. Submitted to the Charlotte County of the USGenWeb Project
December 11, 1997, by TOM MCARGO.
USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information
on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities,
as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic
pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation.
* * *
Notes on Some Old Families on the Headwaters
of Roanoke and Twitty's Creek and the Keysville
Section of Charlotte County
Compiled by Dr. A.S. Priddy of Keysville.
Page 1 Dr. Priddy was as son of Robert Washington Priddy, who was born Jan 3
1828 and died Sept 6, 1901. His mother was Martha H. Gaulding.
Dr. Priddy was a well known surgeon and historian. He served several terms in the
Virginia Legislature and was Superintendent of the State Hospital. He was about
70 years old when he died about 40 years ago. The information below was
compiled about 1910.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Quote: "The allied families of Spenser, Morton, Richardson, Lyle and Watkins:
The history of these families would constitute a history of the sections of Charlotte
County bordering on the headwaters of Roanoke Creek and its contributories:
Hill's, Spenser's and Spring Creek, as well as the Presbyterianism in that part of
Charlotte and the adjoining county of Prince Edward."
SPENCER FAMILY
Col. Thomas Spencer, the progenitor of the Spencer family, was born in 1751
and died in 1806.
He entered as Second Lieutenant, Captain John Martin's Company 4th Virginia
Regiment of the Continental Army for the War of The Revolution on February 23,
1778; later joined the army and served as First Lieutenant for eighteen months and
was promoted successively to Captain and Major, serving in the Brigade of
General Robert Lawson of Prince Edward County, in Lafayette's Division;
participated in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Guilford Court House and
in the surrender of Corwallis at Yortktown.
Col. Spencer married Lucy A. Watkins on April 5, 1781 and of this union was
born Susan, who married William B. Watkins: Sion, who married Mary Scott;
Patsy, who married Richard Morton; William W., who married Judith Ewell;
Thomas J., who married Eliza Eastham; and Elizabeth who married Capt. John D.
Richardson. Col. Thomas J. Spencer, a son of Sion and Mary Scott Spencer,
lived to the age of eighty-five and died in 1906 at the place of his birth, the old
Spencer homestead at then Fariston P.O. in Charlotte County. Col. Spencer
commanded the Charlotte Rifles, the first company formed in Charlotte County for
the War between the States, in the 18th Virginia Infantry, which Regiment was
among the first to engage in the First Battle of Manassas. He was later
commissioned Lieut-Col. and assigned to the Reserves in the defense of Richmond
in Ewell's Corps, and had the unique distinction of being the ranking
commissioned officer of that great corps, the remnant of which surrendered at
Appomattox, where he acted as Lieut-Gen by order of General Robert E. Lee and
paroled the Corps. No other such case is recorded in history. After the war he
was engaged in the commission business in Richmond and in 1891 he returned to
his old home in Charlotte, where he died in the enjoyment of the affection and
respect of all who knew him. He was a brave soldier and a devout Christian of the
Presbyterian faith. His only surviving child is Capt. Thomas A. Spencer, now living
at Houston Texas. He was a Captain of one of the companies of the Light-Infantry
Blues in the Spanish War, in which he served in a way characteristic of his soldier
ancestors.
Another son Col, Thomas Spencer married Eliza Eastham; and of this union
were born and lived to an advanced age - Dr. James T. Spencer, who died in
Farmville some twenty years ago; and Mrs. Lucy Ann Morton, the widow of the
late Capt. Jacob W. Morton who died in 1872.
THE ROBERT E. WATKINS FAMILY
Among the children of William B. Watkins and Susan Spencer Watkins were
the late Robert E. Watkins, who lived near Keysville to an extremely old age,
dying in 1896, and his sister, Mrs. Susan Watkins, widow of the late Thomas G.
Watkins, who died at Keysville a few years ago.
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THE MORTON FAMILY
Major Jacob W. Morton, a Confederate soldier and a leading citizen of
Charlotte County, died at Keysville in 1911, where he had lived for many years. A
daughter, Betty A. Morton married Capt. J. W. White of N.C. who settled at
Eureka Mills in 1873 where he died in 1883. He was progressive and highly useful
and active in the affairs of the county and state and in the Episcopal Church. His
widow died in 1885.
Another son, the late John R. Morton, an esteemed citizen of Prince Edward
County, died near Meherrin about two years ago. The only surviving son is Lee
W. Morton, who married Miss Page Pettus of Prince Edward County in 1984.
They have three sons, all well educated young gentlemen of the greatest promise,
Taylor, Lee and Page. Mr. Lee W. Morton is an active and potential factor in all
civic, political and religious welfare of his county. His line of the Morton family is
descended from Col. William Morton of the Charlotte Malitia in the Revolutionary
War in which he served with signal courage, killing with his own hand, Col.
Webster, of the British Army at the Battle of Guilford Court House.
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RICHARDSON FAMILY
From the marriage of Elizabeth Spencer to Capt. John D. Richardson, there
were many distinguished descendants, and to-day in Charlotte County; to this
union, many devout and useful people, both men and women can trace their
descent.
Capt. John D. Richardson settled in Spring Creek, about three miles northwest
of Keysville in early manhood, where he acquired a large estate of land and on
which he built a handsome brick home, now owned by Dr. McCorkle. He was a
large slave owner, a distinguished soldier of the War of 1812, and was known as
the hero of Craney's Island at Norfolk, in the battle fought by American soldiers in
successfully repelling the attack of Admiral Cockburn's fleet on Norfolk. He
commanded an artillery company composed of Charlotte men. For twenty-one
years successively, he was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates from
Charlotte County, and was for many years a member of the County Court of
Justices. He was buried at his old home and on his tombstone is inscribed -- "He
served his country as soldier, legislator and Justice of the Peace."
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THE LYLE FAMILY
One daughter of Capt. John D. Richardson and his wife, Elizabeth Spencer -
Julia, married Matthew Lyle, who moved from Rockbridge County in the old
Timber Ridge Church section to Charlotte County in early manhood, where he and
his wife lived to advanced ages in Charlotte on the County line Road near Briery
Church, of which they were devout members all of their lives. He died in 1891 and
his widow a short time afterwards.
Of this union, only one son survives, Mr. William J. Lyle, who lives on the site
of the old homestead, one of Charlotte's most useful and best citizens, who wields
an influence for good in his church and community.
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THE MCGEHEE FAMILY
At the outbreak of the War between the States, one of the most beautiful,
productive and typical Southern plantations was to be found in the present Eureka
estate, located on Spring and Spencer's Creeks midway between Charlotte Court
House and Keysville, its then owner, Capt Simeon F. McGehee, having acquired it
by the purchase of what was known as Dabb's Farm, and to which he gave a name
suggestive of the beauty of the eminence on which the residence was located, Mt
Airy. Capt McGehee was large slave owner and his farm was well equipped in
every way, new and large grist mills and store houses, blacksmith shop, and all of
which contributed to the making of a large and ideal Southern Plantation. He was
born in Prince Edward County in 1820 and in 1843 he married Miss Mary A.
Haskins, daughter of Col. Thomas E Haskins of Prince Edward County, and
moved his residence to Charlotte, both he and his wife were of sturdy
Revolutionary stock.
He was active n the public affairs of the county, an old time Democrat, and by
that party nominated and elected to the House of Delegates from Charlotte, where
he served until the clouds of war began to gather, when he put his affairs in order
to enter the army in defense of his state. He raised an Artillery Company, August
1861 for local service in and around Richmond, consisting almost entirely of boys
from fifteen to twenty years of age, and after six months of service, the youngsters
grew restless and requested the War Department to transfer them to the Infantry
service, for active service in the field. This
was done and the company became a member of the 22nd Virginia Battalion.
"Capt. Mac," by reason of an old injury to his leg was incapacitated for field
service, and being unable to march, he resigned his commission and was appointed
Assistant Quartermaster, in which he rendered valuable service to the Confederate
Government throughout the war,
At the close of the war, he resumed the operation of his farm, but with his
slaves freed and laboring under the burden of heavy security debts contracted
through the goodness of his heart and his confidence in his friends and neighbors,
he was forced to sell his farm to pay off his debts, from which he received no
benefit whatever, and moved to Richmond and started life anew. He was there
engaged in the Mercantile business and was elected a trial Justice of the Peace,
which position he filled with credit to himself for many years.
He died on Oct 24, 1894 survived by his widow and the following
children, all of whom are now living, his oldest son
Capt. Edward G. McGehee, now a successful merchant and farmer living at
Abilene in 1861, then a boy at Randolph-Macon College at Boyton, left school,
enlisted in his father's company and served throughout the war, having been
promoted to Lieutenant and at the close of the war was Capt. of the company.
His other son, Mr. William F. McGehee is now living at Keysville, an active and
honored citizen, having for years successfully filled them position of Deputy
Treasurer in Charlotte County.
His daughter, Mrs. Charles King is living in Richmond.
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THE WATKINS FAMILY
On the Keysville, Charlotte Court House Road, four miles from Keysville, lived
Thomas G. Watkins of pioneer stock, who married Miss Susan Watkins, a
granddaughter of Col. Thomas Spencer, of Revolutionary fame; he was a large
land and slave owner and died in 1898. His widow survived him more than twenty
years. He had a large family of children, of whom Mrs. R. T. Priddy, Mr. M. Lee
Watkins, and Mrs. L. B. Yeaman are the survivors, now living in Keysville.
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CAPT THOMAS CLARK
This gentleman a son of Shade Clark, a Revolutionary soldier of Lunenburg
County, had the unique distinction of being a citizen and voter in Charlotte County
and also in Lunenburg and Prince Edward at one time. When a young man he
acquired a large quantity of land on the head waters of North Meherrin Creek,
about four miles from Keysville and midway between Keysville and Meherrin, on
what is now the Southern Railroad. He built a large brick residence at the corner
of the three counties, in just which one was never definitely determined . He
owned many slaves and under the old Freeholder's Law, prior to the Constitution
of 1850, by which Freeholders were entitled to vote in any and every county, in
which he owned land, it was related of him that on Election Day he would on
horseback make a circuit of Prince Edward, Charlotte and Lunenburg Counties to
vote. He being a Democrat of the most pronounced type.
In early life he married a Miss Jordon of Lunenburg County. Many of his
descendants are scattered over South Side Virginia, all of whom have been men
and women of high standing. Among his male descendants were to be found as
many Confederate soldiers as any family in Virginia. One of his daughters married
the late Thomas W. Gee of Lunenburg County. Two of his sons are now living
near Keysville: Mr. E. W. Gee, a Confederate of Staunton Hill Artillery, and Mr.
Z. T. Gee one of Charlotte's best men and citizens. They both married daughters of
Elijah Green of Keysville,who died in 1971.
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THE KEYSVILLE SECTION
KEY AND WATSON FAMILIES
The founder of Keysville was Samuel Dabney Keys, was son of John Key, the
original owner of the farm and town site, and he was the son of Martin Key, of
Philadelphia, a descendent of Lady Jane Grey. He was allied by marriage with the
Watson family, of which Capt. Ben Watson was a large land and slave owner
residing in the early part of the last century about a mile and a half from Keysville
on the Lunenburg line, having built in 1829 the houses in which his granddaughter,
the late Mrs. John E. Eubank lived; he subsequently became the owner of the
Keysville property. He married Dicey DeJarnette and had many descendants.
One of his granddaughters, Louisa McCargo, married the late John E. Eubank
who died in 1894, survived by her husband, who died in 1920 at Keysville, and he
was survived by their son, J. T. Eubanks of Keysville and three daughters; Mrs. D.
J. Gregory of Fort Mitchell, Mrs. C. W. Fowler and Mrs. Bessie Fowler of
Greensboro NC.
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THE PRIDDY FAMILY
The best information obtainable would indicate this family originated in
Normandy, a Province of France, and about the time of William the Conqueror
migrated from Normandy to Somerset County, England. The French name was
Prideaux, and it is supposed that after having been moved to England this was
anglicized to Priddy.
The Dictionary of Old Families in The United States, in the State Library,
Richmond, Virginia, shows that all of the Priddys who came to this country, came
from Priddy Parish, Somerset, England.
The Land Grant Book in the Registrar of Lands Office in Richmond, shows that
about July first 1653. one Robert Priddy was given a land grant by the King, of
377 acres of land in York County, Virginia. in consideration of bringing over from
England eight persons and forming a colony, again in 1655, he received a grant of
400 acres in New Kent County for forming another colony of eight persons, and
later in 1665 he was made a Captain of the Malitia and received another grant.
Such records as are available suggest that these military ranks were given for
service in the army against the Indians. The name "Robert" seems to have followed
through all generations and is quite prevalent among the generation of
the present time.
Records have not been closely followed or examined from 1655 to 1812, but in
1812, Robert Priddy of Henrico County, married Nancy Dabney Francis of the
same county, and immediately after his marriage went to Norfolk and enlisted in
the United States Army and fought there in defense of the City of Norfolk in the
War of 1812.
Robert Dabney Priddy was the father of John D. Priddy, the first of this name
to go from Henrico County to Charlotte County, Virginia. John D. Priddy came to
Charlotte County in 1844. He had previously married Mary Merryman, the
daughter of Thomas Merryman, then the owner of Keysville property, and on the
death of Thomas Merryman, bought this property. He was a man of outstanding
character, greatly respected in his community, especially for his high sense of
honor and his strict integrity. He had a large family, the only survivors are Robert
T. Priddy of Keysville, Mrs. L. A. Bailey of Keysville, Mr. Charles W. Priddy of
Norfolk. After selling the property, he built a handsome home "MERRY OAKS"
on the outskirts of the town, which was burned in 1920. He died January 1st 1887.
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R. W. PRIDDY FAMILY
The younger brother of John D. Priddy, moved from Henrico to Keysville and
engaged in General Merchandize business with his brother, which was successfully
operated until 1874. He was later engaged in business with his nephews, R. T. and
J. G. Priddy until 1882, when he retired to the comfort of his farm. In 1857 he
married Martha Henry Gaulding, a sister of the late R. J. Gaulding, for many years
Sheriff of Charlotte County, whose home known as "ROSELAND", now in the
town of Keysville, he bought in 1874, where he lived until his death in 1901. His
widow died in 1906. His surviving children: Dr. A. S. Priddy, Superintendent of
the State Colony at Lynchburg, Mrs. E. W Thomas of Richmond and Mrs. J. S.
Rogers of Oxford, N.C. , one son, Wm . Priddy having died in 1921.
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WILLIAM K. PRIDDY FAMILY
A younger brother of John D. and R. W. Priddy, William K. Priddy moved
from Richmond to Charlotte County in 1859, he having married Miss Lucy Ann
Carter of Prince Edward County. He was a Confederate soldier of the Staunton
Hill Artillery and died in Prince Edward County 1905, his widow surviv- ing him
about fifteen years. The surviving children are: J. C. Priddy the popular Sheriff of
Charlotte County, Mrs. J. H. Ingram of Keysville, Mr D. L. Priddy of Prince
Edward County, and Mrs. J. W. Thompson of Emporia, Virginia.
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THE GREGORY FAMILY
Dr. F. J. Gregory, for fifteen years a beloved physician and useful citizen of
Charlotte and adjoining counties, located in Keysville in August 1860. His father
was Cephas Gregory of Mt. Zion Church, Lunenburg, and his mother a Miss Lee,
the Gregory and Lee families being among the oldest and most prominent in that
county. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1859 and in 1863 married
Miss Ellen Wooten a daughter of ----- Prince Edward County In 1861 he entered
the Confederate Army, serving as a Lieutenant in the Staunton Artillery, and
assistant Surgeon with the rank of Captain in the Medical Department. In these
capacities he rendered efficient service throughout the war. With the exception of
this interim, he practiced medicine in the Counties of Lunenburg, Charlotte, and
Prince Edward with the greatest success for fifty years.
In 1860 he joined the Keysville Lodge A. F. & A. Masons, and was for nearly
forty years, Master of the Lodge. On the establishment of the Public School
System in Virginia, he was appointed a member of the School Board for Walton
District, and was made its Chairman, serving for nearly forty years. To his personal
influence and activities much of the success of inauguration of the Public School
System in his District is to be attributed.
He died in February 1910 and his widow in 1912, leaving the following
children. Mrs. R. D. Garland of Richmond, Mrs. A. G. Van Ness of New York,
Lucius Gregory of Chase City. Mrs. Thomas H. Williams of Richmond and Mr. E.
T. Gregory and Mr. F. H. Gregory of New York; and one son, Dr. Floyd J.
Gregory , who died
at Keysville January 1922. Of all of this large and prominent family, only Mr. E. T.
Gregory has legal residence at Keysville.
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THE OSBORNE FAMILY
Mr. J. M. B. Osborne a native if Charlotte County and one of the most
esteemed and useful citizens, moved to the Keysville section of the county about
1850, his father John Osborne, having bought a large estate on Twitty's Creek,
about four miles south of Keysville, on the old Richmond and Danville Rail Road,
on which he built a handsome home. He married Miss Martha E. Hundley, a
daughter of Elisha E. Hundley . . . . . one if the most prominent, and probably the
wealthiest man who ever lived in Charlotte County. He resided there until 1885
when he removed his family to the town of Keysville, where he lived until his death
in June 1893. He was a large property owner a devout and active leader in the M.
E. Church, South. His career was a long, useful and beneficial one.
His widow died in 1903, after a long life, in which she was beloved of all who
knew her. Of this union there were six children who lived to mature manhood and
womanhood, of whom the Hon. Chas A, Osborne, State Purchasing Agent of
Richmond, who maintains his residence at Keysville, is the only survivor; the
daughters, Mrs. R. H. Wilson, Miss Pattie Osborne, Mrs. E. Stanley Jeffress and
Mrs. Carl Beasley, and one son Mr. Patrick Henry Osborne a useful and popular
citizen having died.
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THE PETTUS FAMILY
The head of the present Pettus Family in this section of Charlotte County,
George W. Pettus was born at the ancestral Pettus home on Twitty's Creek about
five miles from Keysville where he lived until
1875 when he sold his old home and bought the estate settled by Capt. John D.
Richardson on Spring Creek, about three miles from Keysville. He was the son of
Capt. Overton Pettus, who was born in 1769 and died in 1850. His wife,
Elizabeth Hundley Pettus was born in 1809. He first married Elizabeth Eubanks,
and of this union was born John Overton Pettus. He was a Confederate soldier
and was killed in the battle of Kernstown, he and his first cousin, F. P. Eubanks
of Lunenburg were killed by the same shell.
After the death of his first wife, he married Ann Richardson Fore. He died April
19, 1877, and his widow died November 9, 1886. Of this union six children
reached man and womanhood. Wyatt C. Pettus, the oldest son entered Staunton
Hill Artillery at sixteen years old and served until the end of the war. A few years
after its close he moved to Missouri where he married and had five children, who
are now living. In 1909 he returned to Virginia and died at the home of his brother
Mr. R. E. Pettus of Keysville in 1917. A second son Chas H. Pettus, also a
Confederate soldier, married Miss Ann McNinny. Both her and his wife have died,
leaving two children; Mrs. S. G. Anderson of Prince Edward County and Henry O.
Pettus of Petersburg, Virginia. The third son, Richard E. Pettus was born
September 5, 1857. He was married to Miss Bessie B. Averett of Clarksville in
1885. After the death of his parents, he bought the old home and resided there
until he sold it to Dr. McKorkle in 1910, then buying the Davenport place at
Keysville from James A Bailey. He was upright, useful and highly esteemed
citizen. He died in February 1918, leaving four sons and two daughters, one
daughter, Mrs. Rose Hoffman having proceeded him to the grave. His surviving
children are: Mr. George O. Pettus a prominent merchant and farmer of Keysville,
Mr. R. E. Pettus Jr. of Colony Va., Mr. Lewis Pettus of Washington, Michigan,
Mr. Hunter A. Pettus of Richmond, Mrs. Frank Jett of Richmond and Mrs. Ann
Wood. Of the large family of George W. Pettus, Mrs Mollie B. McGehee, the wife
of Mr W. F. McGehee of Keysville is the only survivor, they have one daughter,
the wife of Dr. Hugh C. Henry of Petersburg, the oldest daughter Miss Cora
Pettus having died in 1886., and another daughter Mrs. Emma Winston Watkins,
the wife of S.T. Watkins died in 1887. She left one daughter Mrs. E. M. Madden,
now living in Alexandria Va.
Thomas Pettus, the first of the Pettus family in Virginia settled in York County
in 1640.
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THE HANKINS AND FOSTER FAMILIES
The family names of these pioneers in what is now the Walton district are now
practically extinct in this section, not one of these lines bearing the names of Foster
or Hankins are to be found. The head of the Hankins family was Daniel Hankins,
who owned a large tract of land extending practically from Ash Camp Creek to the
present Briery-Eureka Road. He was large slave owner and his house was located
on the hill overlooking Spring Creek, about two miles from Keysville, which was
burned in 1871. He was a soldier of the War of 1812 in Capt. Richardson's
Artillery Company.
He married a Miss Toombs, a first cousin of the illustrious Robert Toombs of
Georgia. His wife was famous for her skill in making corn bread, the meal for
which was ground at their mill on Spring Creek. It is a tradition that at some fair
held in the city of Richmond, she won first prize. They had many sons and daughters.
The sons for the most part received biblical names, such as Ezra, John, Uriah and
Hiram. Only three of the sons married - Ezra, the father of Mr. Henry Hankins,
Mrs. A. W. Keeling, Charles P. Hankins and Mrs. Jennie Minor of Keysville and
George Hankins of Richmond, all of whom are now dead.
William Hankins born in 1807 was baptized at Ash Camp Church, now the
Keysville Baptist Church, then located on the site of the residence of the late E. C.
Jones; in 1833 he moved to Pittsylvania and Franklin Counties to teach school,
where he studied for the ministry and preached his first sermon in Ash Camp
Church in 1834. He became a minister of such eminence in the section to which he
moved, that he is accorded a lengthy sketch in Dr. George Braxton Taylor's book "
Virginia Baptist Ministers."
Another son, Capt. Hiram Hankins, lived near Keysville, was twice married.
One of his wives was a Miss Breedlove of Charlotte County. He was a gentleman
of the highest character, a slave holder and a devout member of the Baptist
Church. He died in 1878. He had four sons, the oldest, the Hon. James D, Hankins
was a leading citizen of Halifax County, which he represented in the House of
Delegates of Virginia.
The other sons being - Jacob, E.R. and D. F. Hankins. The latter a prominent
citizen of Halifax C. H., being the only survivor.
The Foster and Hankins families were aligned by marriage. The head of the
former family was George Foster, who lived on Ash Camp Creek, about a mile
from Keysville and was a large property owner in his day. He had the distinction of
living to be a centenarian, and was known as "Sir George" and was highly
esteemed as a man of intelligence, high character and piety. He was born in 1768
and died in 1871. He left one son, the late James A. Foster, who died of old age
about 1883. He was generally known as "Squire Foster" as he was long a Justice
of the Peace. From early manhood until his death he was a Deacon in Ash Camp
Church.
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THE VAUGHN FAMILY
One of the very best citizens Charlotte County ever had was the late Capt.
Josiah Vaughn, who owned a large farm on Ash Camp Creek, and was a captain in
the Confederate Army, a leader in the presbyterian Church, and active in the civic,
political and religious life of his county. He served as clerk of the school board of
Walton District from the inauguration of the Public School System in Virginia,
until his death in the early part of 1880. He married Miss Ellen Bruce, a daughter
of Samuel Bruce of the Mt. Zion section of Lunenburg . He had two sons and two
daughters: Mrs. L. S. Jackson of Drakes Branch. Mrs. Bessie Spence - Mr. J.
Bruce Vaughn, who now owns and lives on the old family homestead, and the late
Josiah Vaughn of Richmond.
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THE LEGRAND FAMILY
The late Samuel LeGrand, a member of the Legrand Family of Huguenot
descent, which settled in Appomattox County, moved from that county to
Charlotte in the forties and married Miss Martha Crawford. He settled on Ash
Camp Creek, almost three miles above Keysville . He was a man of high character
and piety. He had three sons, the eldest of whom, the late Wm Archer Legrand
was a Confederate soldier, as was his father. Another son, James Legrand, died in
one of the western states some years ago. Mr, Thomas Legrand, the only survivor
of the family is now living in Keysville. Mr. Samuel Legrand died in 1900 and his
widow survived him about fifteen years.
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THE RALLS FAMILY
No notice of the families of the Keysville section would be complete without
reference to the late George M. Ralls, a native of Albemarle County, a soldier in
the Mexican War and an officer in the Confederate Army; he was noted for his wit
and intellect. He moved to Charlotte immediately following the Mexican War,
married Martha Clark, daughter of Capt. Thomas Clark, and lived until 1884 at
Keysville in the house afterward owned by the late Mrs. James H. Davis. He had
two sons, T. O. and Edward Ralls, both of whom are now living in North Carolina,
and three daughters; Misses Lou, Verona and Flora, who are mow living in
Richmond. He moved to Greensboro N.C. and later to Richmond, where he died at
an old age in 1891, his widow surviving him several years.
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THE BAILEY FAMILY
The brothers, Captains John R. and Armstead W. Bailey, natives of the Turnip
Creek section of Charlotte, located at Keysville some years before the beginning of
the War Between the States. Capt. Jno R. Bailey was for more than sixty years a
man of the greatest usefulness in his community, as well as in the county. He was
possessed of a good mind and heart. He was always ready to help those in distress
of any kind.
He was, before the war, a member of the Board of Magistrates, then constituting
the County Court. he had a legal mind and was a practical student of law. He
wrote practically all of the Deeds, Wills and other legal instruments of writing for
his neighborhood, and it has been stated by members of the Bar of Charlotte
County that during his long career, no litigation ever resulted from any paper he
prepared.
As Captain in the Reserves, he commanded the Charlotte Artillery in the
brilliant victory which was won for the most part by Reserves, consisting of old
men and boys, in the Battle of Staunton River Bridge, on June 25, 1864, in which
many of the Regulars, composing Generals Wilson and Kurtz army of invaders,
were killed and the entire army driven off. He served with the greatest fidelity and
efficiency, Walton District, as Supervisor from 1870, until his death in 1906,
which occurred in his eighty-sixth year at
his home near Keysville. He married his cousin, Mollie Kate Bailey, and had a
large family, only two sons of which are now living - Thomas J. and John A. Bailey
of Keysville, his widow having died in 1909.
Capt. Armistead W. Bailey, a brother of John W. Bailey, was a man of great
personal popularity which was evidenced by the fact that he raised and commanded
as Captain, Company "K" known as the Keysville Guards of the 23rd Regiment,
the first volunteer company to enter service from Charlotte County. After taking
his company into service, he resigned command and came home and raised
another company known as Company "B" 22nd Battalion, of which he was made
Captain and took into service. His death occurred in 1863, from Typhoid fever
contract in service.
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THE GREEN FAMILY
Just before the outbreak of the War between the States, Mr. Elijah Green,
moved from Charlotte C.H. to Keysville, and established a tannery, which he
operated throughout the war for the Confederate States Government, and after its
close, he continued its successful operation until his death in 1871. His widow,
Mrs. Mary Green was one of the most popular women of the neighborhood. She
died in 1885, her two daughters - Louisa and Susan, married the brothers E. N.
and Z. T. Gee. Mrs. Z. T. Gee died within the last year.
Mr. Green was succeeded in his business by his nephew, William Beverly
Green, who was a popular and highly esteemed citizen, and a man endowed with a
wonderfully brilliant mind. He married a daughter of the Rev. Elijah Roach of
Madisonville, who was for fifty-four continuous years, Pastor of Salem Baptist
Church in the Madisonville section of Charlotte County. He died in 1899. Mr.
Green spent his last years with his daughter, Mrs. Leila Gee Richardson, in St.
Paul, Minn, dying in 1919 at the age of about eighty-eight years.
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THE HAILEY FAMILY
This family were among the first settlers in what is now the Ontario section of
Charlotte and Lunenburg, acquiring a grant of land now belonging to some of the
descendants of the original settlers. The Haileys, now prominent in the affairs of
Charlotte, living at Keysville and Ontario, were descendants of two brothers -
Andrew Jackson, and Ambrose Hailey . Andrew Jackson Hailey was commonly
known as "Old Hickory." He married Amelia Chockley. A son, J. Edward Hailey,
died at Ontario about eighteen months ago the age of eighty- five years. He
married a daughter of William A. Ward, whose father was a Revolutionary War
soldier, and was at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Mr. Hailey served
throughout the war as a Confederate soldier in Company "K", 23rd Va.
Regiment, Stonewall Jackson's "Old Division" and was wounded in battle. The
Hailey and Ward families furnished as many soldiers to the Confederacy as most
any family that can be found.
An uncle, Richard S. Ward, lost an arm in the battle of McDowell in 1862. He
was an upright man and a good citizen. Mrs. J. E. Hailey died more than five year
before her husband. Of the large family of
children, three sons are now living and are among the prominent and influential
citizens as well as successful business men of Charlotte County. C. M. Hailey, and
R. T. Hailey live at Ontario. They are large proper owners and farmers and
merchants. C. M. Hailey for more than thirty years been a member of the School
Board of Walton District. R. T. Hailey has for some years been Supervisor of
Walton District. William E. Hailey lives at Keysville and is a merchant and for
eight years of President Wilson's Administration, was Postmaster at Keysville.
He was elected to the House of Delegates from Charlotte County in 1923
without opposition in the General Election. They are all active member of the
Baptist Church and potential factors in the business and political life of the County.
Mr. W. J. Hailey, the son of the late James W. Hailey, a descendant of Ambrose
Hailey, is a successful merchant at Keysville.
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THE WALTON AND GLINN FAMILIES
No history of Walton District, nor on fact of Charlotte County, and her brave
and patriotic sons, would be worthy of their memory without reference to the
career and patriotic service of Dr. Simeon P. Walton, a resident of Keysville and a
Confederate soldier. He was born at Sandy River Church in Prince Edward County
a son of William Walton of Revolutionary stock, who graduated in medicine in
1851 and located at Keysville soon afterwards, where he engaged in practice until
the outbreak of the war.
He married Araminta Glinn, a sister of William R. and German R. Glinn, who
were natives of Richmond. In this connection it may be said that G. R. Glinn as a
Confederate soldier served in the First Virginia Regiment and had his leg shattered
by a bullet in the Second Battle of Manassas in 1862 and went on crutches until his
death in 1923. He succeed his brother, W. R. Glinn, a successful merchant in
business at his death in 1871. He was twice married - first to Miss Emma Williams
and afterwards to Miss Fannie Wood. There were large families of children by both
unions, none of whom are now living in Charlotte; his widow is living at Keysville.
At the outbreak of the war, Dr. Walton, a taciturn and devout member of The
Disciples Church was imbued with the belief of the Right and Holiness of the
Southern Cause. With him duty was the sublimest word in the English language.
He fought with the conviction of Stone-wall Jackson and Oliver Cromwell. He was
active in organizing and drilling the Keysville Guards which became Company "K",
23rd Va. Regiment, Telliaferro's Brigade and Stonewall Jackson's "Old Division."
He was elected 2nd Lieutenant of his company, which was mustered into
service on May 21st 1861. He fought under Gen. Stonewall Jackson in the
disasters of Laurel Hill and Cheat Mountain, at First Manassas and in all of his
campaigns, to the time of General Jackson's death. He was killed at the Battle of
Mine Run in November 1863 while recklessly exposing himself. While it is not a
matter of record, it was generally reported, believed and known that a commission
of Brigadier-General had been issued for him on the day of his death. Gen.
Talliaferro pronounced him the bravest and best officer he ever knew.
Walton District is honored by his name.
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THE WEILL FAMILY
In Keysville, as in most small southern towns, there was a Jewish merchant,
who was popular personally and as well as a business man. In this capacity, Isaac
L. Weill located a store at Keysville in the fifties; he married Wilhemina Weill one
of the most beloved women who ever lived in that section. They had three
children, Samuel, Hannah and Adolphus Weill, who was educated at the University
of Va. and is now one of the most eminent and successful Corporation lawyers in
the United States, living at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mr. Weill had two brothers in
the Confederate army, one of them Sam Weill went into service as a private in the
Charlotte Rifles, which participated in the 1st Battle of Manassas, his Capt. Co.
Thos J. Spencer pronounced him the bravest soldier he ever knew.
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THE GAULDING FAMILY
Richard J. Gaulding. a son of Richard and Mary Wilbon Gaulding was born in
1827 in Prince Edward County Va.. He was raised in Charlotte, was a grandson of
Jesse Gaulding, a Revolutionary soldier from Prince Edward County. When a
young man he entered the store of Mr. Isaac Overby at Mossingford as a clerk and
later married his daughter, Kate. About 1852 he moved to Keysville where he and
his father-in-law conducted a large store under the name of Overby and Gaulding.
He built a handsome home in what is now the outskirts of Keysville, known as
"Roseland"; was a large slave and land owner. He was elected Sheriff of Charlotte
County about 1855 and with the exception of an interim of one term, he held this
office until 1884. He had three daughters and two sons, who reached manhood and
womanhood: Hunter E. Gaulding, the only survivor of them is now living in Texas.
Two of his daughters, Lillie and Mattie married Mr. Charles I. Phillips of
Richmond. His youngest daughter, Ruby, married Mr. W. H. Gamble of Keysville.
His youngest son was Mr. James W. Gaulding
He had four sisters: Mrs. James A. Bailey, Mrs. R. W. Priddy, Mrs. D. F.
Hodges and Mrs. S. R. Tuggle, the wife of S. R. Tuggle of Keysville, she being the
only living one - living at "Roseland" which Mr. Tuggle bought in 1905. The only
adult Gaulding now living at Charlotte is Mr. D. S. Gaulding Mayor of Keysville, a
cousin of Mr. R. J. Gaulding
Mr Gaulding was one of the most popular officers and citizens who ever lived
at Charlotte. Two nieces, Mrs .H. D. Peters and Mrs. E. S. Fitzgerald now reside
at Keysville.
An older brother, William Gaulding died in 1855.
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THE ATWELL FAMILY
Mr. C. a Atwelll, a son of Francis Atwell, an old-time school; teacher, was born
in Charlotte County about 1820. He married Pauline Duffy, and settled on the
Duffy farm on Spring Creek near Keysville. The Atwell family was of good old
pioneer yeomanry. He was a Confederate soldier and died in 1904. His wife died in
1889. The following sons and daughters are living on the Atwell homestead. James
F Atwell, Floyd D. Atwell, W. L. Atwell, Misses Mittie and Mattie Atwell. One
son, Mr. W. L. Atwell having died.
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THE HARDMAN AND RUMMELL FAMILIES
In the fall of 1874 Michael Hardman and Frederick Rummell, two neighbors
and friends from New Philadelphia, Ohio, where they owned considerable
property, moved to Keysville, having bought the Keysville estate from John D.
Priddy. They proceeded to survey the farm and townsite into streets and lots and
the development of the town promptly followed. Mr. Hardman and his family lived
at Keysville until 1878 when they returned to Ohio. Mr. Rummell and his wife
remained until their deaths, that of the former occurring in 1896 and of the latter
some ten years ago. They were both good citizens and enjoyed the friendship of
the public generally. Mrs. Rummell was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier,
who served at Gen. Washington's Headquarters during the war. They had two
married daughters who also moved to Keysville - Mrs. R. W. Gamble and Mrs. C.
W. Walton. The former returned with her husband to Ohio and died in 1880.
Mr. C. W. Walton served as Postmaster at Keysville from 1877 to 1885 and made
a highly acceptable officer. They had four children, the oldest, Miss Flora A.
Walton, a well educated and accomplished young woman who was generally
beloved. She died in 1884. James P. Walton married Miss Jessie Thompson, a
daughter of Mr. Edward Thompson, of Keysville, both of whom now live at
Providence Rhode Island. Miss Annie Walton, the younger daughter, is living in
Washington, where she has made her residence for many years. Frank Walton in
now living at Keysville. Mrs. Walton died more than two years ago. She was an
estimable woman and much loved by her neighbors. Miss Alice Rummell, an
adopted daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Rummell, married Mr. W. Floyd Clarke
at Keysville, who conducted a store there for many years. He was a brave and
loyal Confederate soldier throughout the war, and an active and devout member
of the Methodist Church. He died in Chase City about five years ago, where his
widow still lives.
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THE VAN NESS FAMILY
In the spring of 1877, the Hon. A.L. Van Ness and his wife Ella Gifford Van
Ness move from Washington D.C. to Keysville for health reasons affecting Judge
Van Ness. They bought a part of tire old Gaulding estate and established a home
about a mile from Keysville. They both proved to be delightful people of education
and refinement and became at once identified in every way with the community and
contributed much to its civic, social and religious life Judge Van Ness and his wife
were natives of New York, he having served as a Federal soldier in the War
between hew States. He was a graduate of Union College, New York and a lawyer
by profession., In 1879 h was elected Judge of the County Court of Charlotte Co.,
which office he filled for six years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of
the public.
At the end of his term, he resumed the practice of law and successfully conducted
his farm. The family were active member in Briery Church in which he served as an
elder during his residence in Virginia. they ave three living sons: A. O. Van Ness,
who married Miss Mamie Gregory, a daughter of Dr. F. J. Gregory;
and they are now living in Hastings on the Hudson, New York;. Walter A. Van
Ness, a law partner of his father, in New York City. He married Miss Marie
Trevilian of Williamsburg; and Lewis Van Ness, now a prominent business man in
the city of Chicago.
In 1898, their sons having located in business in New York, much to the regret
of all of their neighbors, and to the public generally, they removed to New York
City, where they have since resided. Mrs. Van Ness died about two years ago. The
Judge and all of his sons show their attachment to Virginia and her people by
frequent visits to Keysville.
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THE THOMPSON FAMILY
Among the other Northern families who located in Keysville after the War
between the States, were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thompson. Mr. Thompson was a
good citizen who engaged in the real estate and immigration business and caused
many northern settlers to locate at Charlotte Co.. They had the daughters, two of
whom are still living, Mrs. Lillie Smith at Seattle, Washington and Mrs. J. P.
Walton at Providence R. I. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are now dead.
The above was written by Dr. A.S. Priddy about 1910 and copied on May 23,
1973, by Walter M. Priddy, City National Bank Building, Wichita Falls, Texas
76301.
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