The Mountain Laurel
The Journal of Mountain Life

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Heart of the Blue Ridge


Genealogy - January, 1989

Issue: January, 1989


[Dear Editor,]
I am trying to establish my family tree linking myself to George Birdwell, born about 1721, probably in Stafford County, Virginia. He owned land in Botetourt County, Virginia (in the bent of the James River) in 1751. In 1780 he moved to the Holston River which was in North Carolina, but later became Sullivan County, Tennessee. He died in Bedford County, Virginia in 1781.

His second wife was Mary. They had a son, Benjamin, born December 21, 1765, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and died October 17, 1840. He had children of which one son was Jesse (born 1805) - this is the missing link here.

My grandfather was Jesse Birdwell, birth date unknown. He died about 30 years old in 1918. He lived in Johnson City, Tennessee. My father was Jesse and I am Jesse. My father was born in Johnson City, Tennessee approximately 1911. I was born in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1945.

Any help in finding the county seats of Stafford County, Botetourt County and Bedford County along with information about the Birdwell's would be appreciated.

J.W. Birdwell
1014 S. W. 19 St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315


[Dear Editor,]
The historic Crab Orchard Museum and Pioneer Park will assist people searching for their roots in Tazewell County, Virginia. They have records on file that go back to the earliest settlers. Write to find out if they have information on the family names you are researching. They cannot do research by mail, but will gladly assist you if you come to the museum. They also carry 15 books for sale including, "Tazewell County" by Louise Leslie and "Harman Annals", "Tazewell County and Southwest Virginia" (two volumes in one book). All of the books they carry are on area history and some are genealogical.

Make inquiries to:

Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
P.O. Box 12
Tazewell, VA 24651


[Dear Editor,]
I am seeking information on my grandmother, Fleta Stevenson Thigpen. She was born September 15, 1910 and died February 4, 1973. She was married to Charles David Thigpen, Sr. Her parents were Alva and Cora Ham Stevenson.

I would appreciate any information on her or her family.

Deidre Thigpen
Rt. 1
Meadows of Dan, VA 24120


[Dear Editor,]
Anyone searching for Vance family roots may be interested to know that there is now a national Vance Family Association. They may add valuable knowledge to your family tree and would be interested in your family tree to add information to what they already have.

You may contact the following name for more information:

Vance Voss Smith
1455 Union Cross Road
Kernersville, NC 27284