The Mountain Laurel
The Journal of Mountain Life

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from the
Heart of the Blue Ridge


Genealogy - Online 1997

Online: 1997


1/2/97- I am looking for any information on William and Elizabeth Boswell of Bedford County, VA or their son William Boswell who married Mary E. Young in Franklin County, VA on Jan 29, 1861. William and Mary's son is George M. Boswell, born in Glade Springs VA who married Alice Butt of Tazewell County. George's sister is Bertha or Bertie and lived in Gary.

Any help you could give would be GREATLY appreciated.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/6/97- I am a Baker, my father is from Vandale, AR., his father is from Mississippi, his father is from Tenn., his family is from Ga., Al., NC., Ky., Va., area. 8 or 10 brothers started out across the U.S. as I have been told. A book was found written by my great aunt in Indiana. It was dated 1830 or 40 maybe. Most of the current family that I know of live in Arkansas. Some are in Texas, Mo., Ca., and Ok.. My great grandfather divorced in Memphis area and moved to Mo. E-mail me if interested.

David R. Baker This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/6/97- I am searching for any information on my father Henry C. Kelly born in Logan, West Virginia in 1892 or 93. He married Josephine Sznolonek not necessarily in W.Va. I have no other info except that there was a divorce and my mother, brother and myself moved to Calif. Mom would not talk about him (must have been nasty) and didn't tell me about my real name until I joined the Navy in 1942.

R. Bollinger This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/6/97- Dear Readers, we received the following e-mail and, although it isn't a genealogy request, thought it would be of interest to other readers because it gives an internet address for the Sutphin family. In answer to Mike Sutphin's question about subscriptions - At present, we do not have The Mountain Laurel up and running in print form. Susan Thigpen, Editor

I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful Web site. I have a strong interest in Southwest VA as my Dad was born in Carroll County (Pine Creek area), and my Mom was born near Ferrum, VA. I run a mailing list called SCOL, for Sutfin/Sutphen/Sutphin/Sutvin Cousins On-line. We have about 80 members, all doing research on the above surnames - nationwide. Many of our members have Sutphin ancestors who lived/are living in Floyd, Carroll etc. I have sent a note to my list with the URL of your web site. I know they will be exicted, especially those members closely related to Sherman and Velma Bolt Sutphin. (Your 1983 article on these folks was super).

Now for the big question. I and other members of my e-mail network may want to subscribe to "The Mountain Laurel." Would you please e-mail me subscription information, so I can post it to my mailing list?

Thank you for helping with the preservation of our mountain heritage.

A temporarily misplaced Virginian, Mike Sutphin, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Frederick, MD

http://www.fred.net/msutphin/home.htm

http://www.fred.net/msutphin/scol3.htm - Sutphin Cousins


1/8/97- I am searching for descendants of Israel Lorton probate 1752 Augusta Co, Va. Had sons Israel, Jr. and Jacob-maybe girls but unknown. Israel had son Thomas, who had son ?David and Robert. 1830 Montgomery Co, VA census shows Thomas with 6 children and wife.

Lois Johnsten at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


1/8/97- FERGUSON - PHELPS, Bedford/Franklin/Chesterfield/Henrico Co.'s VA. Researching: Moses (d.1750) & Martha (__) Farguson early 1700s Henrico (now Chesterfield) Co. VA and their son John Farguson (d.1786) mar. Mary Gill and removed to Bedford Co. VA; their son John Ferguson Jr. (d.1836 Bedford Co. VA); their son Moses Ferguson b.1794 & Sophia Sophronia Phelps of Franklin Co. VA & Monroe Co., KY. The PHELPS line extends from Sophia Phelps to John Phelps IV d.1815 Franklin Co. VA & 1) unk. 2) Mary "Polly" Ferguson; Lieut. John Phelps III & 1) Jemima Turner & 2) Susannah Younger; Col. John Phelps II & Mary __; John Phelps I & Margaret __.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/13/97- Looking for anyone with knowledge of the NOSWORTHY surname. I am in the process of building the family history and I am looking for all branches of the family. I plan on publishing a home page as soon as I gather enough information to make it worthwhile. Please send any names and dates (births, deaths, marriages, divorces, etc.). If you help, I will put you on my list to receive the end result. Thanks, in advance...

Sincerely, Bob Nosworthy e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/13/97- Nannie Boyd, daughter of Charles Flemon Boyd and Louisa E. Boyd, Conner Buren Hall, son of Russell and Judy Hall, Mose Maxey, son of Bruce Maxey and Louisa Richards, and Lala Alderman Maxey, daughter of Homer Atkins Alderman and Ellen Slusher. All of these families lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. If anyone is researching any of these families I would gladly swap information with them.

My address: Teresa Hall Marsh, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/13/97- I am looking for information on the Rentfro/Renfro family of VA, TN, and KY. I am most interested in the John and Jane C. Helm Renfro and Lewis and Verney Hubbard Renfro lines. I have Renfro information to exchange.

Allen Drake, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/15/97- To whom it may concern, My name is William Lyle Brown. My family is descended from North Georgia. My mom was born in Gordon County 1916. My dad was born in Tunnell Hill 1922. I was told my great great grandfather, Thomas Coke Hughes' picture is on the wall of a Blairsville public building, (court house or something like that). He was a Methodist preacher and was known as the Bishop of the Hills. He was a circuit rider preacher.

My dad is the 19th preacher in the blood line so it's been passed down, however I am not a preacher. We moved from Georgia when I was two years old. I am now 34 years old and haven't been back to Georgia since I was in Jr. High School. There's still a lot of family there in Ga. but I'm looking back a bit further to around the early 1800's and back. I am now living in Kansas and hoping to trace back as far as possible. Any ideas sure would help. Oh, Thomas Coke Hughes was an officer for the Confederacy so he must have been preaching somewhere around the late 1860's till his death. Thank you and I hope to bring my wife down sometime to show her where it all started!

Sincerely, William(Lyle)Brown, E-mail: "wbrown"@feist.com


1/16/97- I am looking for info on a Thomas Clayton HUTCHERSON whom I believe to have been born in NC approximately 1830-1840. Married Edie BREWER, possibly in IN. Gary or Terre Haute. Buried in Springfield Missouri.

Madelyn J. Allen, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/21/97- I'm searching for lots of names in the Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina area: principally Thomas Conley, b. June 25, 1777 in Guilford County, N.C., Susan Jaynes, b. July 5, 1770 in Wilkes County, N.C. (wife of Thomas Conley), Susan James, b. June 26, 1856 in Lee County, Virginia (wife of John Elliott Conley, Johnson County, Kentucky), Thomas Conley b. abt 1725 in South Carolina and married to Mary Ann Harlinger (from Holland), Capt. Henry Conley b. May 2, 1751 in Chester County, Penn. m Ann McGregor, Brack Griffin b. Bell County, Ky. m. Rosa Adams, John Rice b. Ronoke, VA. m. Nancy Davis, Abiud Fairchild b. 1762 in Jennies Creek, Johnson County, Ky., Miles Foster of Magoffin County, Ky. m. Eveline Gullett, William Rice m Dicy Prater, and Frank Turner m. Mahalia Crabtree.

Willing to exchange what I know about these folks for what you know!

Sandy Corona: email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/24/97 - I am researching the Phipps line in VA . My files indicate they settled around Botetourt Co and in and around Fincastle. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/24/97 - I am looking for any information on the Wilder Family in VA. My line moved into SC sometime before 1795. I have many Wilder names in VA. My fifth g-grandfather (Jonathan Wilder was born cir. 1834 in Alexandria) Any help on this line would be greatly appreciated. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


1/30/97- Came across The Mountain Laurel at a leisure moment and am pleased that I found it. My grandfather Benjamin Harrison Weddle (1892-1973) grew up in Floyd, son of Francis Marion Weddle and Emza Ann Earles Weddle. He moved to Massachusetts where he met my grandmother (Mary Kirk), had two sons (Earl and Ben, Jr.) and this was the start of the Weddle clan in Yankeeland.

My Grampa would tell me stories of his childhood, and I visited the old homestead when I was very young. His son Ben moved back to Virginia so I had the opportunity to visit with him and see where my family came from. Today, my uncle Ben is editor of the Weddle Newsletter and has done a great amount of family lineage tracing. Also, he was instrumental in beginning the Weddle reunions held every three years in Topeko, Floyd County. I am sorry to not have been able to attend any of the reunions so far, but will make it someday.

If you are not aware of the newsletter, my uncle's address is Weddle Newsletter c/o Ben Weddle, 3010 Fairground Road, Front Royal, VA 22630.

Keep up the good work with the Mountain Laurel. Someday when I'm in the area, I hope I can visit.

Sincerely, Tom Weddle, 11 Beech Drive, Brunswick, Maine 04011

e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


2/3/97- I am searching for information on my grandfather, Charles Christopher Peterson. He said he was born in Wytheville, Wythe County, Virginia, February 20, 1870. His real family name was possibly ELDRIDGE. He had a brother, Will, who died at a young age. He was married prior to moving to Illinois and assuming the last name of Peterson. Rumor has it that he returned to visit his first family several times. If any ELDRIDGE researchers are missing someone who sounds like my grandfather, please let me know. I have just about given up hope of ever solving this mystery. I was adopted at birth and at the age of fifty am trying to unravel this mystery. Thanks to any and all who might assist me.

Richard Sergeant, Seattle, Washington

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


2/21/97- I'm looking for anyone related the Leedy family of Wythe co. I think they were from Crockett.

Gregory B. Leedy

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/4/96- My ancestor Daniel Wiseley came to Wythe County in the 1790's from somewhere in Pennsylvania. He was said to have been a volunteer in the American Revolution. My branch of the family moved in Sumner, Lamar County, Texas. before the Civil War.

I would be interested in anyone who has done research on the family while they were in Wythe County. They married women with the surname of Neff, Straw, and Phillippi among others.

James Cummings

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3/4/97- TO ALL ORGANIZATIONS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT AND MEDIA, GENEALOGISTS, EDUCATORS AND HISTORIANS:

If you or your organization is interested in the history and heritage of the Civilian Conservation Corps, please make note that they will be holding their annual reunion at the Shenandoah National Park on the Last Saturday of September, September 27th.

Because the men are getting up in years, the coordinators of the Shenandoah Chapter feel that it is terribly important that organizations and interested individuals attend the reunion to meet the men and learn of this tradition. The learn more about us and our plans for the future, please visit our website @:

http://pages.prodigy.com/reunion.ccc.htm

We are interested in helping the park establish a collection of photos, oral histories and other historical projects for future generations. We invite you to join us at our website and hopefully see you this coming September.

Sincerely,

Colette Silvestri-Parsells, Coordinator, Shenandoah Chapter of the CCCs


3/4/97- Seeking information on a WILLIAM PHILLIPS b. about 1798 in VA. Migrated to TN> ILL. to Franklin/Hamilton counties about 1830. Believe he is the father of JEFFERSON PHILLIPS b.1823 TN. Married twice/1. unknown. 2. ELIZABETH M. SMITH b.1815 TN, m. 1854. CHILDREN - JOHN H., SARAH, JOSEPH , BY 1ST WIFE....Children BY ELIZABETH were PRICILLA, JANE, RICHARD, WILLIAM C., FRANCIS, MARY C., LEWIS, NANCY A, AND ELIJAH. First four children were born TN, 2nd family all born ILL. Any help appreciated and willing to swap histories.

SKIP This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/4/97- Looking for information on JAMES COX, who had 2 sons & several daughters & lived in Henry Count VA, Washington County TN & NC in late 18th C. The sons were GEORGE RHEA & MABRY TUCKER. James's Father, I believe was also James, and one of them was married to a MILDRED.

Rowena Williamson This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/10/97- I am searching for any information on the GUYNN (John) and UMBERGER families of the Pulaski, VA area. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Joan Guynn. Please e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/10/97- I would like to have any info available on Winston Eades family from Patrick Co. VA. Winston lived in Patrick and possibly Stokes Co. NC.

Roger Rigney, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/17/97- I am searching for information on James E. Trail, b-4 March 1861, d-1 March 1930 wife's name Joe Anna, b-12 March 1866, d-12 May 1939. Also Stanley Joseph Trail, b-28 May 1891, d-August 1977. It is believed all these people lived in Pulaski Co. Va. Will appreciate any information.

Wilmer Grubb - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/24/97- I am a Richlands, Tazewell Co, native now in Tampa Fl looking for links to the following surnames. HUNNELL , HUMMEL, HARRIS, PUCKETT, McGUIRE, STEEL all in Tazewell Co cir 1900. Will be glad to share research that I have. Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks Linda Hunnell Johnston - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


3/24/97 - My name is Chris Lovern and I'd like to find more about my ancesters. My parents curently reside in Barren Springs VA. My grand father also lived there. I'd like to find out my family's country of origin and date arrived in the U.S. I can be e-mailed at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


3/24/97- In response to your genealogy section in Mountain Laurel, I would like to submit a query for my ancestors.

My 5th great grandfather JOSEPH WILLIS, who married Sarah "Sally" Nowlin in Patrick Co, VA in 1794 (or thereabout) was the father of six children: Greenville, (my 4th great grandfather), Ruth, Sallie, Dellia, Charlotte & Elizabeth. Perhaps more sons, but I have no record of them. Greenville's line stayed primarily in the Patrick/Floyd area, but family oral tradition says that some of Joseph's and Greenville's sons moved to KY, WVa, and OH. Looking for these descendents.

Also, my 2nd great grandfather, John Willis moved from Floyd County to Washington Co, VA after the Civil War. No record of him after his move, believed to be around the 1870's or 1880's.

Any info would be appreciated. Jan Willis Williams, 5332 Deep Springs Drive, Stone Mtn, GA 30087

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


4/7/97- Regarding Elizabeth Boone Weddle (9/3/1791-11/9/1850) married to Andrew Weddle (8/13/1787-8/7/1847) Anything you could provide regarding the Weddle family of Virginia would be appreciated. I am tracing back from my grandmother Clarice Weddle (and brother Joe) who lived in Atascadero or Fellows California in the 1940's - 1950's. Some of the family are buried in the Topeco Church Cemetary [Floyd, County] and others in the Weddle Family Cemetary.

Denise M. Torres - E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


4/9/97- Specifically searching at the moment for the name of the wife of John Ewing, Prince Edward and then Montgomery Counties. John Ewing (died between January 1787 and January 25, 1788 when his will was probated) and his wife had the following children: Elanore, Alexander, William, and Elizabeth (Betsy).

Although many related Ewings found their way to this area of VA and all might not be in my direct bloodline, I would be interested in hearing of any EWING information. Perhaps something I can use will turn up, and I am more than willing to share information that I have.

My EWING FAMILY TREE is online at http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/1945/


4/11/97- Seeking information on Huff families, Dickersons and Sutphins of Floyd County - especially in the Burke's Fork area.

Sheralene Thompson - E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


4/14/97- Looking for information on George Koonce who was in the first state legislature of West Virginia. Also any other Koonce information from then up to today.

John P. Koonce, 1821 37th St., Somerset, WI 54025

e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


4/16/97- I am searching for members of the Bacchus (Backus) family name from this region.

Jonathan M. Backus, 15 Catawba Place, Hagerstown, MD 21742-6515

Voice/Fax: 1-301-714-1854 E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: http://www.fred.net/jmbackus


4/23/97- I am 14 and doing genealogy research for a 4-H project. Looking for the parents of Solomon PENTZ (born 17/25 Aug. 1817, Shenandoah County, Virginia. Moved to Clark County, Ohio in 1856 and died there on 12 March, 1899. He married Caroline ZIRKLE. I am also looking for her parents. I am guessing that she was also from Virginia. They had six children, Anna, Malinda, William Monroe, Lewis Ellsworth, Catherine, and Effie. Are there any Pentz (Name changed to Pence sometime after 1856 when they moved to Ohio) relatives left in Virginia? Would love to hear from you. Thanks!

Erin e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


5/15/97- My Father is Edward Thomas Dunn, Jr. and my mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Morris, the daughter of Cary Bledsoe Morris. Both of these people and their parents also...lived in Clifton Forge, VA........ would be nice to find out more of the family tree .....

Thanks..... Edward C. Dunn, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


5/15/97- What do you know about any John Hudsons moving in the early 1800 from the Atlantic Seabord into SE Tennessee?

H.D. (Dale) Hudson, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


5/15/97- Looking for the Mullins & Murphys of Dickenson County, VA.

Thank you. D. & E. Murphy, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


5/29/97- I an requesting information on a Gallant/Garlint/Garland Ayres/Ayers who was born around 1775 in VA. This is my G-G-Great grandfather. Any information greatly appreciated....

Thanks, Don Ayers, 435 Seay Rd., Inman, S.C. 29349

E-MAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


6/10/97- I am looking for anyone related to or knowing about Paul Marion St. John and his wife, Elsie. They were living in Albany Ga at the times of thier deaths during the 1960's. They had one son, Thomas William, who married Eunice Martin, with one daughter, Pandora. I understand that they had some faimly in the NC and SC areas.

Please respond to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you in advance, Stanley Weeks


6/24/97- Looking for any information about Ralph Elkins, born before 1630 in England. His wife was a Ms. Ashton, born 1634 also in England. Their son, Ralph, was born 1668 (again, in England). He married Frances Brown, daughter of Maxfield Brown, Any help will be appreciated. The Elkins family gradually moved into WV, KY, IN, and MO.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


6/24/97- I am looking for information about the AYERS family from Pulaski, Virginia mainly or any other area of the US. If you have any information write me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sincerely, Linda Ayers


6/26/97- Searching for Hillary (Henry) Linton b. 1793 in VA; married Rebecca Jones in1819 in Blount Co., AL

Jane L. Teeter, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


7/9/97- I am searching for information concerning Huffman Rowe who was born in Giles County, Virginia circa 1829.

Joe Rowe, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


7/9/97- Looking for the surname KINCHELOE. The ones I know of were from the Washington Co. TN and NC areas. I would like to know when they came to the US and from where. I understand it to be a Scotch-Irish name.

Thanks, Laura Lutz, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


7/21/97 - JOHNSON, MOORE, BARKER, SPROLES, GADD, MARTIN. These families lived in Washington County, Virginia (Mendota area) in the late 1800s. Please exchange any information you have with me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


7/21/97- I'm searching for descendants of Sailor Knupp of Timber Hills, Va. My father was William Jennings Knupp born in Timber Hills in 1909. Grew up in Harrisonburg, VA. He was one of 9 children. Thank-you.

Wilma Knupp Pinch, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


7-24-97- CARR/HENDERSON: I am looking for info on James and Jane Henderson CARR. They were in the Mechanicsburg area from at least 1851 to 1870 when they moved to Martinsburg MO. They had four sons, Addison and George, who died in the Civil War, and David and Paris (b.1851in Mechanicsburg). The family moved to MO. in 1870. Paris m. Mary Gertrude Morris from the Martinsburg area in 1871. They had 12 children. Both Paris and Mary are burried in Benton City, MO. David was known to be living in VA. in 1933 when Paris died.

Barbara Kihlthau, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


8/7/97- CARR/HENDERSON - I am looking for info, on James and Jane Henderson CARR. They were in the Mechanicsburg area from at least 1851 to 1870 when they moved to Martinsburg MO. They had four sons, Addison and George, who died in the Civil War, and David and Paris (b. 1851in Mechanicsburg). The family moved to MO. in 1870. Paris m. Mary Gertrude Morris from the Martinsburg area in 1871. They had 12 children. Both Paris and Mary are burried in Benton City, MO. David was known to be living in VA. in 1933 when Paris died.

Barbara Kihlthau E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


8/7/97- My gggrandfather moved to Indiana (Washington County) about 1830. He was born in Tennessee probably Hawkins County in 1816. I believe that his parent may have come from the Blue Ridge of Virginia to Tennessee. I would like to exchange information with any individuals with interest in Weddle surname in Virginia, Tennessee, and Indiana.

Thanks Gordon K. Weddle E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


8/12/97- Glenn & Ann Bittner, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Telephone: Work (757) 864-5954, Home (804) 642-2750

I am seeking information on Thomas A Luntsford and Martha Fawbush. They may have lived in Rogersville, Tennessee, area at one time. Their son, Joseph raised his family in Pennington Gap,Virginia. We have been able to get that far back because of relatives who are still living. But no one seems to know anything about Thomas.

Am also looking for information on the children of James Sarver who was married in 1810 to a Catherine Walker or Walden. He is listed in the Montgomery County, Va, census but his children's names are not given. Did he have a son also named James. Any help would be appreciated here.

A third and final request... Does anyone have any information on a Melinda Rose Ferrell (spelling may differ) who married a Williams either in Nelson County, Va., or Rockbridge County, Va. and they had a daughter Margaret who was born in 1854? Thanks for your time... These different families are related to my husband or myself. Ann


8/13/97- I am looking for any information on Greenberry Williams Born c.1775.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


8/26/97- I Am looking for Information on the Bargo Family from Knox County, Kentucky. I am interested in learning more about Robert Bargo b 1/?/1847 and his parents names. The problem is in the 1870 census the family is there, Robert being 22 but the last name was Barger ? Any information or insight into this would be deeply appreciated ! In the 1880 census the same family names but their last name is spelled Bargo. Thank you for your time

Kimberly Bargo Riggins

please reply to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/2/97- Hello everyone, my name is Natasha Mason-Walker and I am looking for any information pertaining to the Mason family in Woodstock, Winchester and Harrisonburg, Virginia. I am the granddaughter of Thomas Mason Jr., who lived in Harrisonburg, Virginia. My great-grandfather, Thomas Mason migrated to Harrisonburg from Winchester in the very early 1910-1920's? I remember hearing from relatives that my great-grandfather had a brother that remained in Winchester. Any information is greatly appreciated.

I can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/2/97- Looking for info. about Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Relatives would be the Braswells & the Handys. Wanting to take a trip to Meadows of Dan, needing info.

E-MAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/2/97- I was born in Indian Valley Va. I have been searching for info on: Simon Harris B 1738 Va. Joseph Harris B 1772 Va. also Bain and Hall.

Have a nice day, Roger Harris - E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/10/97- SHELOR FAMILY GEGEALOGY REQUEST

Hello, My name is Patrick Brown, My mother is a Shelor and I am working on the genealogy of the Shelor Family. The Shelors were long time residents of the Meadow of Dan area. I have quite a bit of information on the Shelors that I am willing to share. I am also looking for help in tracing Lawrence Shelor (Imigrated to America from Germany in the 1740s) back to Germany. Per the family verbal history, the family name in Germany is Schiller, and we are related to Freidrich Von Schiller the poet and playwrite. Please contact me at one of these e-mail addresses:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you!!


9/11/97- Hello,im looking for the origin of the Quesinberry name.my father William Akers was from Stuart,VA.any help would be appreciated.

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9/11/97- I am looking for any decendants of Micajah Mccormack or Mccormick from Glade Springs area of Va. I believe one child's name was Pleasant S. Mccormack. Micajah may have had a wife named Nancy Essie Basham. I need any information or leads I can get. Thank you.

Sherry Crawford This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/15/97- I am looking for anyone researching or having information on the HARRISON families who lived in Carroll and Grayson counties in the 1800's.

Kyle Harrison, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/15/97- I only know my geneology back to my great-grandfather . They were from around Spruce Pine and Crossnore in western North Carolina.Thank you.

Robert Powell, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/16/97- Searching for JAMES ANDREW (ALSO known as Jimmy) born about 1840 married ? Thompson, children known are William, Walter, John, Margaret, Minnie.

Carol Andrews, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/22/97- I am looking for information concerning the name Ritchie in Rockingham County, VA. I have information as far back as the late 1800's concerning my great-grandfather Robert Sylvestor Ritchie. All of ancestors would have lived in the Brock's Gap or Runion's Creek ara of the county. I know there were Ritchies in Rockingham as early as 1810. Any information you may have will be most helpful. Thank you.

Mike Ritchie, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


9/23/97- BEVERLY, MILLER - George Washington BEVERLY, Sr., b. 9 May 1834, Russell Co. VA, d. 17 Oct 1921 in Hurricane, Wise Co. VA. His two wives were the daughters of William & Martha MILLER of Sullivan Co. TN. They were: (1) Rebecca MILLER, b. ca. 1832 in TN, d. 19 Feb 1868 in Hurricane, Wise Co. VA. (2) Martha J. MILLER, b. 1844 in TN, d. 1 Nov 1886 in Hurricane, Wise Co. VA. (All three are buried there.) Seeking information on any of these people, but esp. William & Martha MILLER who were 49 and 41 years old, respectively, in the 1850 Sullivan Co. TN census. It appears that William may have been widowed and living in Hawkins Co. TN by 1860. Please respond if you think you can help.

Robert Beverly, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


10/6/97- TURNEY - I would like any information on neighbors or whatever of Peter Turney and his wife Eva of Shenandoah Co., VA 1762-1787. Deed for land they lived on says it was 100 a. tract of land lying on South side of Shenandoah River being same said land Turney purchased of John Streen by deed of L.& R. 22nd Aug 1762 opposite the plantation of Abraham Bird. Was recorded 26 July 1787. I live in Michigan and wonder how I could pinpoint area where the family lived. Matheny family might have lived close as they married into the family. Thank you.

Mary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


10/13/97- I am a decendant of Travis Doleman Corbin, born about 1807 in Faquier County and married twice in Page County. He immigrated to Newton County, Indiana in about 1853 with member of the associated Rinehart family.

I am trying to find out Travis' ancestors, particularly links to his parents and back to the first Corbin immigrants. Any help would be appreciated.

Ivan Garth Corbin, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


10/27/97- LOOKING for: BOOK, BOOKHIEMER, BOCK, BOWYER (BIER, BEYER), PARRIS, WRIGHT, NEAD & ATKINS...names associated with ATKINS & BOOK... BOWMAN (Walter & Lillie), Jimmie BOSELY, BURRELL, Hanna MEANS...this a group picture..names only no dates...probably around...late 1800 to early 1900.

Dana Scott, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


10/29/97- Hi! I am looking for information on Elijah or Eligah G. Osborne, who according to the 37th Virginia infantry roster, was residing in Tumbling Creek area of Washington County Virginia at that time. Elijah was said to be the son of Aaron Osborne and Elizabeth (maiden name unknown). He was married to Nancy Davis, and is found in the1880 Buchanan County Census,and in the 1900 Buchanan County Census, and at this time he has remarried. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You so much! Glenda Osborne, Rt.2 Box 115, Cleveland, Virginia 24225

540-889-1924, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


11/10/97- Hi cousins - I am researching the GOINS line, East Tenn, ELIJAH GOINS, around 1800. HENRY ESTEP married MARTHA CARDEN , Carter Co. Tenn. BARTHOLOMEW LAWSON m. LUCY HEARD/HERD/HOARD, East Tenn., 1865 SAMUEL BAKER b. around 1803, East Tenn, Ky. area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Wanda e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


11/11/97- I'm searching my family ancestory. I have recently gotten all the information that I can get.If anyone might have information pretaining to LOONEY, CHILDRESS, OWENS, STOWERS, PRUITT, HARMON, WALKER, or SHORTS around the BLAND COUNTY area please contact me. Any information at all will be helpful. If anyone else might want information I will be very willingly to tell ya'. Thank you.

Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


11/11/97- I am seeking information on the Totten Family(s) of Tazewell Virginia. My Great-Great Grandfather was Rufus Totten born in Tazewell in 1836. He married Mary Jane Yost also born in Tazewell. They show up in Boone County West Virginia before the War Between the States. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


11/17/97- [Need info on] Wasson family members believed to have lived in Virginia pre 1850. Also - I am seeking data and information about GEORGE WASHINGTON RECTOR.

Please e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bill Wasson in Lakeland FL


12/1/97- Looking for info on Lane family from Pearisburg, VA.

Eric Odiorne, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


12/1/97- CULLINS, BELL, DUNCAN, FULLER, BOYD, DAVIDSON..... Searching for Nathan CULLINS in Gaithers, NC, 1790's-1820's. Son Edward T.CULLINS, born 1810 in NC, moved to Yolabusha Co., Miss, Died 3/7/1852. Married an Eleanor NEELY from Ala.... Also searching for Maj. Tracy W. or Thomas W. BELL from Liberty, Va. in Bedford Co., Va. born 1844-1846 in Beford Co. Father was Alfred A Bell ....Also Jeremiah DUNCAN came from Scotland, born there in the 1740's lived in Botecourt, Co. in western VA, son Maj. Benjamin DUNCAN born 7/4/1785 in same county. Moved to Green Co. Ala, then Shelby Co. Tenn, to town of Raleigh, TN, Died there 6/13/1860....Littleton FULLER, in the 1790 Census of Halifax District, Franklin Co. NC, married a Mary, father was Arthur FULLER born 4/1/1756 in Franklin Co. NC.....Irby or Alston BOYD in the late 1700's in Polk Co. near Cleveland, TN....George DAVIDSON, born 1728 in NC, wife Katherine Reese, son Ephriam DAVIDSON by 1785, married Jane BREVARD, grandson Minor DAVIDSON, married a Katherine from KY, Great granddaughter, Julia C. DAVIDSON married Zachariah Chalmers CULLINS Millington, TN. If you have any connecting info email to: Gail Collins: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thanks, Gail Collins


12/8/97- I am interested in contacting anyone who is doing, or has done research on the HARRELL, HERRALL, HEROLD and other spelling variations of the name in southwest Virginia and central and western N.C. I am specifically searching for descendents of either of two persons named HUGH HERALD and-or HUGH HARRELL who were listed in the 1790 census of Rowan County, N.C. I am descended from one JOHN HERRALL, believed to have possibly been a son of one of the above HUGH HARRELLs etc. JOHN HERRALL appears in Burke, Yancey, Mitchell counties about 1800 and lived near Big Rock Creek, located in present Mitchell County. He died there in Oct. 1874. Stories handed down in the family indicate that a HUGH HARRELL was among the first white settlers in the mountains of western N.C. and that he was drowned during a flash flood. I have done considerable research on several lines of the HARRELL families in Virginia and N.C. and will be more than happy to share information with any family researcher who contacts me...Thank you..

Garnett L. Hearl E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
16473 Childress Hollow Rd.
Abingdon, Va. 24210


12/11/97- I am researching the following family lines in the following counties:

ANDERSON, GOODSON, BEDSAUL-Grayson County, Va. GOLDING, BEDSAUL, UPCHURCH- Carroll County, Va. CREED, NORMAN, DICKENS - Surry County, N.C. WILLIAMS, SUITS, ROLAND - Wythe & Smyth Co., Va. Any information or correspondance with these surnames is greatly appreciated. Julia Williams Kodak, 1112 Park Avenue, Elizabethton, Tn. 37643. E-Mail Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


12/18/97- I am Gerald Hounchell of Cincinnati, Ohio. I am looking for information about Joe Houndshell, B.1855, probably in Smyth County, VA. The 1880 census for Knox County, KY. shows Joe, his wife Elizabeth, and sons Rufus, Gillis, and Jerusha. If possible I would like to confirm that Gillis is George G. (Gillis) Hounshell, shown in the Laurel County, KY. census of 1910. George was born in 1877, D. 1935 in Harlan County, KY. George is my grandfather, his son Elbert Hedrick Hounchell is my father, B. 1899, Laurel County, KY., D.1984, Kokomo, IN. Note how the spelling changes with each generation. I am hoping that George G. was recorded in the 1889 census by his middle name with no first name of George being used.

If I can establish that George G. is George Gillis Hounshell, I should be able to confirm that the Houndshells are descendents of Johannes Casper Hounshell of Virginia, probably descendents of Andrew Hounshell, son of Johannes. With that, my link will be complete from the present to the 1740's and further.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Gerald Hounchell, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


12/22/97- CARTER, I am looking for Joseph, Adcock, and especially Goodloe CARTER. Goodloe was the son of George CARTER and Frances Diana GOODLOE m 1783, Caroline Co. Va. Frances married second John POLLET, 1796. I'm hoping Goodloe is the link to my g-g-grandfather Kemp Goodloe CARTER, born Orange Co, Va.1807, then to Richmond, to Ohio.1822. Joseph and Adcock ended up here also. Thanks.

Kemp Goodloe Carter III This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.