Dear Researchers of Early Virginia Williams Families, Although Frederick A. Virkus's compilation called The Compendium of American Genealogy is largely discredited by serious genealogists, still, one who is stumped about early Williams ancestor with the same first names for generations might give it a once-over, particularly if your Williamses were early in the US or in the southern colonies. These old Virkus volumes are found in many older public libraries in the reference section--along with the Who's Who volumes. If you don't find this compilation (many volumes) in your public library, ask your public librarian to do a computer or telephone search of nearby libraries and see where you can find it. Take a photocopy of appropriate Virkus pages at your library and go home and study and study and see if it makes sense, date-wise, and genealogy-wise. The dates in Virkus may be more appropriate than the ones you may have estimated for your colonial ancestors--at least, I find that so in the case of the Williams families I am studying--and trying to make sense of!!! For example, I recently was having a discussion (argument?) with a webpage master about her entries for one Nathaniel Williams, stating that she had combined two Nathaniel Williamses--father and son. I could not convince her that her submissions were incorrect. Her retort was that she did not have time to research in libraries, etc. I guess there is the need to see one's handiwork on the internet, imperfect as it is. Digging through my multitude of photocopies in my clutter room, I recently relocated some pages from Virkus, Vol. V, pages 689-690, the genealogy of one Owen, Thomas McAdory, Jr. (10 Apr 1894). He had Williams ancestors from colonial Virginia, along the James River. Among Owen's ancestors were two Nathaniel Williamses and their progenitor, one John Williams. His entry mentions some wives's maiden names and other offspring of these Williamses. (Don't get excited--these folks were from the South! The asterisks are to my added notes at the bottom.) To quote from page 689: 8 - John Williams (b. 1679) from Wales to Hanover Co., VA, ca 1738* 7 - Nathaniel (b. 1712) of Hanover and Bedford Cos., VA** 6 - Nathaniel (1741-1805) del. [delegate] Provincial Congress of NC, 1775; m. 1765 Mary Ann Williamson (b. 1745); their son Robert, was gov. of Miss. Ty [Mississippi Territory], 1805-09 5 - Judge Marmaduke (1774-1850), mem. NC Senate, 1803; mem. Congress, 1803-09; removed to Miss. Ty. ca. 1810; mem. Ala. Constl. Conv. 1819; judge Tuscaloosa Co. Cts.; mem. Ala. Legislature, 1821-40; m. Agnes (Payne) Harris (1775-1850; Robert Payne [6]; Josiah [7] [his son, John , was father of Dolly, who m. Pres. Madison]; George [8]; William [9]) *** Use these with caution, but those of us with common surnames, such as Williams, Harris, et al, need all the clues we can find. If certain persons in Virkus, as in the case of Judge Marmaduke Williams and his predecessors served in a prominent public office, there may be additional or augmenting information in the online Political Graveyard. Use <A HREF="www.google.com"> www.google.com</A> to find Political Graveyard. Then try to check more original sources than Virkus, who took the word of the submitter that the information was more or less correct. Folks, some of these genealogies are made-up, as frequently applicants to lineage societies are now finding out!!!! * The few remaining court records of Hanover Co., VA for this period verify that a John Williams (probably the father whom people claim came from Wales, a guesstimate at best), and probable sons: a Joseph Williams, a Nathaniel Williams, and a Daniel Williams with his wife Ursley who were residing in that county and at least witnessing documents. John Williams, the apparent father, died intestate (administration bond filed 5 June 1735). Source for info: Rosalie Edith Davis, Hanover County, Virginia Court Records 1733-1735: Deeds, Wills and Inventories [Manchester, MO], 1979, p. 64. Also refer to ca 1730 land patents, two of them, for John Williams in Hanover Co. as abstracted and indexed in Nugent's Cavaliers and Pioneers, I believe, Vol. 3. This John Williams is frequently confused with his son of the same name, who lived in the 1730s in Goochland Co. near Tuckahoe Creek and later migrated to Granville Co., NC. ** My research of Bedford Co. to date has failed to show this Nathaniel Williams. Has anyone located him? He is my elusive collateral!!! When last seen, his land was located in Louisa Co. on or near Mychunk or Mechunk Creek; Louisa had been formed from Hanover Co. ca 1742. As indicated, some, if not all, his sons went to North Carolina--the area of Surry Co. and Rockingham Co. *** The information in brackets pertains to the lineage of Agnes Payne Harris, widow of Robert Harris, who was son of Tyree Harris of Caswell Co., NC, formerly of Orange Co., NC, Louisa Co., VA, perhaps Albemarle Co., VA. For more information on Marmaduke Williams (not to be confused with another man called Duke Williams in Caswell Co.), refer to Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume 1607-1896 [Chicago, IL: Marquis Who's Who, 1967], p. 656) Also BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF U. S. CONGRESS, p. 2059 I hope this information helps you in your continuing research of your early Virginia Williams families, clustered around the James River and later in Southside Virginia, and then spreading to North Carolina and areas south, north to Kentucky, and on west!!! Virkus is no better and no worse than some of the stuff on the internet, and in most cases, is probably more reliable, as somebody must have proofread that work before publication. E.W.Wallace

LBattershe asked whether anyone was searching the name Arrington. I have run across this name in my researches in colonial Virginia, whence many North Carolinians came. When beginning a search for one of your surnames, it may be helpful to begin with the Family History Library Catalog which is on the LDS website at <A HREF="www.familysearch.org"> www.familysearch.org</A> Type in your surname and learn whether someone has published a family history about your family. The titles are arranged alphabetically and not necessarily in the order in which you are interested in these families. Most, if not all, these family histories have been filmed and can be borrowed, for a small fee, for a short time, through your local LDS Family History Center. (You just need the time to read the microfilm.) Some genealogists suggest that you also use both the International Genealogical Index and the Ancestral File which are on the LDS website. I use these indexes with great care, as the dates and the places given are frequently flawed--not well documented, if documented at all. Also, if one is in a hurry, and believes your people may have come from Virginia in colonial days, an inexpensive search for your surname will be conducted by TLC Genealogy in Miami Beach for $5.00 a surname. Their website: <A HREF="www.tlcgenealogy.com">www.tlcgenealogy.com</A> I did this for several of my surnames and got multiple pages of instances where my surnames appeared, not only in some of TLC's publications, but on films of the Library of Virginia, which films are also held, for the most part by the Fam Hist Library in Salt Lake City and can be borrowed through your local LDS center. Happy hunting, E.W.Wallace

Not sure if you've had a response to your question or not. In the book "Ancestry's Concise Genealogical Dictionary," compiled by Maurine & Glen Harris, pg 77: Drayman: One who drives a dray, often used in connection with a brewery. Pg 76 Dray: A vehicle, such as a sled or cart, without wheels, used for dragging wood, turf, etc. Hope this may have been of some help. Diane Pollard Keiser Judi & Matt Creasman wrote: > does anyone know what a "Drayman " Is? someone is listed in the 1880 census > in north carolina and this was their occupation > Judi > > ==== NCGRANVI Mailing List ==== > Granville County List Administrator > Debra McCann - chenae@ap.net > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

Hi, In addition to what is available, here is a complete explanation to what happened with the census. It's heartbreaking. http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/spring_1996_1890_census_1.html Deloris Williams

Hi all, Here is a link to the NARA page telling what is available for the 1890 Census, which was mostly destroyed by a fire in 1921. http://www.archives.gov/publications/microfilm_catalogs/census_schedules/179 0_1890_federal_population_census_part08.html Deloris Williams

Hi Judi, I have not seen anyone answer your question so I will see if I can help you. Almost all of the 1890 Federal census was destroyed. I believe there was a fire in 1920 in the Commerce Building in Washington and all of the 1890 census was destroyed by water damage. The 1890 was one of the very few census for which copies were not made by the States before the originals were sent to Washington. However, there are some fragments floating around. I know that is a county in AL that made copies of a couple of beats and kept those so those survived. I have heard of other similar cases so you need to explore each location but do not be too optimistic about finding anything. If most genealogists could only have one gift for Christmas and they could have anything they wish for they would likely ask for a copy of the 1890 census. I hope this has helped. Eldon mailto:ewade@cfl.rr.com List admin. for SC Old 96 Researching: WADE, HAMES -----Original Message----- From: Judi & Matt Creasman [mailto:mcreasma@bellsouth.net] Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 3:58 PM To: NCGRANVI-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [NCGRANVI] 1890 census ? was there a 1890 census? does anyone know if this is online or does anyone have it? Judi ==== NCGRANVI Mailing List ==== Granville County List Administrator Debra McCann - chenae@ap.net ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

was there a 1890 census? does anyone know if this is online or does anyone have it? Judi

Hi Is anyone doing research on the Arrington family about 1700s? Thanks. Lee

Searching for Anderson, b. in NC. Many people from Granville Co., NC came to Elbert Co., GA with Land Grants for their Revolutionary War service. The name Ellsberry or sometimes spelled Elsbury is connected to this family. There was a John Anderson living in the town of Elberton, GA in 1805 who was born in NC. Later, James Ellsberry Anderson (thought to be son of John) m. 1818 to Elizabeth Mobley in Elbert Co., GA. Would like to know of any Anderson or Ellsberry found prior to 1795 in Granville Co., NC. Thanks. Frances Hall

Looking for any information about the surname, WINCHESTER, prior to the year 1768 in your county of North Carolina.

In the census, domestic meant exactly as it was posted. She helped in the chores of the household. As she was related, she just simply took care of the house at large. She did not work for others. Godspeed.....Patrick

Old Occupations Accomptant Accountant Almoner Giver of charity to the needy Amanuensis Secretary or stenographer Artificer A soldier mechanic who does repairs Bailie Bailiff Baxter Baker Bluestocking Female writer Boniface Keeper of an inn Brazier One who works with brass Brewster Beer manufacturer Brightsmith Metal Worker Burgonmaster Mayor Caulker One who filled up cracks (in ships or windows or seams to make them watertight by using tar or oakum-hem fiber produced by taking old ropes apart Chaisemaker Carriage maker Chandler Dealer or trader; one who makes or sells candles; retailer of groceries, ship supplier Chiffonnier Wig maker Clark Clerk Clerk Clergyman, cleric Clicker The servant of a salesman who stood at the door to invite customers; one who received the matter in the galley from the compositors and arranged it in due form ready for printing; one who makes eyelet holes in boots using a machine which clicked. Cohen Priest Collier Coal miner Colporteur Peddler of books Cooper One who makes or repairs vessels made of staves & hoops, such as casks, barrels, tubs, etc. Cordwainer Shoemaker, originally any leather worker using leather from Cordova/Cordoba in Spain Costermonger Peddler of fruits and vegetables Crocker Potter Crowner Coroner Currier One who dresses the coat of a horse with a currycomb; one who tanned leather by incorporating oil or grease Docker Stevedore, dock worker who loads and unloads cargo Dowser One who finds water using a rod or witching stick Draper A dealer in dry goods Drayman One who drives a long strong cart without fixed sides for carrying heavy loads Dresser A surgeon's assistant in a hospital Drover One who drives cattle, sheep, etc. to market; a dealer in cattle Duffer Peddler Factor Agent, commission merchant; one who acts or transacts business for another; Scottish steward or bailiff of an estate Farrier A blacksmith, one who shoes horses Faulkner Falconer Fell monger One who removes hair or wool from hides in preparation for leather making Fletcher One who made bows and arrows Fuller One who fulls cloth; one who shrinks and thickens woolen cloth by moistening, heating, and pressing; one who cleans and finishes cloth Gaoler A keeper of the goal, a jailer Glazier Window glassman Hacker Maker of hoes Hatcheler One who combed out or carded flax Haymonger Dealer in hay Hayward Keeper of fences Higgler Itinerant peddler Hillier Roof tiler Hind A farm laborer Holster A groom who took care of horses, often at an inn Hooker Reaper Hooper One who made hoops for casks and barrels Huckster Sells small wares Husbandman A farmer who cultivated the land Jagger Fish peddler Journeyman One who had served his apprenticeship and mastered his craft, not bound to serve a master, but hired by the day Joyner / Joiner A skilled carpenter Keeler Bargeman Kempster Wool comber Lardner Keeper of the cupboard Lavender Washer woman Lederer Leather maker Leech Physician Longshoreman Stevedore Lormer Maker of horse gear Malender Farmer Maltster Brewer Manciple A steward Mason Bricklayer Mintmaster One who issued local currency Monger Seller of goods (ale, fish) Muleskinner Teamster Neatherder Herds cows Ordinary Keeper Innkeeper with fixed prices Pattern Maker A maker of a clog shod with an iron ring. A clog was a wooden pole with a pattern cut into the end Peregrinator Itinerant wanderer Peruker A wig maker Pettifogger A shyster lawyer Pigman Crockery dealer Plumber One who applied sheet lead for roofing and set lead frames for plain or stained glass windows. Porter Door keeper Puddler Wrought iron worker Quarrier Quarry worker Rigger Hoist tackle worker Ripper Seller of fish Roper Maker of rope or nets Saddler One who makes, repairs or sells saddles or other furnishings for horses Sawbones Physician Sawyer One who saws; carpenter Schumacker Shoemaker Scribler A minor or worthless author Scrivener Professional or public copyist or writer; notary public Scrutiner Election judge Shrieve Sheriff Slater Roofer Slopseller Seller of ready-made clothes in a slop shop Snobscat / Snob One who repaired shoes Sorter Tailor Spinster A woman who spins or an unmarried woman Spurrer Maker of spurs Squire Country gentleman; farm owner; justice of peace Stuff gown Junior barrister Stuff gownsman Junior barrister Supercargo Officer on merchant ship who is in charge of cargo and the commercial concerns of the ship. Tanner One who tans (cures) animal hides into leather Tapley One who puts the tap in an ale cask Tasker Reaper Teamster One who drives a team for hauling Thatcher Roofer Tide waiter Customs inspector Tinker An itinerant tin pot and pan seller and repairman Tipstaff Policeman Travers Toll bridge collection Tucker Cleaner of cloth goods Turner A person who turns wood on a lathe into spindles Victualer A tavern keeper, or one who provides an army, navy, or ship with food Vulcan Blacksmith Wagoner Teamster not for hire Wainwright Wagon maker Waiter Customs officer or tide waiter; one who waited on the tide to collect duty on goods brought in. Waterman Boatman who plies for hire Webster Operator of looms Wharfinger Owner of a wharf Wheelwright One who made or repaired wheels; wheeled carriages, etc. Whitesmith Tinsmith; worker of iron who finishes or polishes the work Whitewing Street sweeper Whitster Bleach of cloth Wright Workman, especially a construction worker Yeoman Farmer who owns his own land compiled by Dan Burrows "I put these 130 items together from many sources and used it as a handout for our local Orange County (NY) Genealogical Society. I was asked by many recipients if the CHART could be forwarded to other lists or used in local newsletters. The answer is yes -- please share this information." Dan Burrows - dburrows1@juno.com

Judi and Matt My Grandfather lived in TX and drove a Draywagon He woould meet the train and pick up freight and deliver to the stores as there were no trucks He had a wagon and team of mules Sue

A Drayman is what we would call today a Truck Driver. They were the people who hauled around cargo on wagons and such from one place to another. Deloris

does anyone know what a "Drayman " Is? someone is listed in the 1880 census in north carolina and this was their occupation Judi

The Granville County Nc obituaries I have been working on have been copied and moved to the Granville County Genealogical Society webpage. Thanks to Dave Glascow, the webdesigner of GCGS website. He has set the obituaries up in a searchable database on the site. This will make it more easier to search and will make them more organized ... Thanks to GCGS for allowing us to put them on the website... All request still can be made. Thanks, Tina Tarlton Smith They will be updated most of the time on a daily bases.... http://www.gcgs.org/Default.asp?Sel=Obit --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.417 / Virus Database: 233 - Release Date: 11/8/02

A fairly good people-finder for those ancestors whom you suspect may have been in Virginia ca 1787 (or who had family still living there that year), I have found the so-called 1787 Census of Virginia compiled some years ago by Netti Schreiner-Yantis and Florine S. Love to be of great help. Especially if your people were moving West (and not necessarily South to the Carolinas). At least with the help of this research, possibly negative, you may be able to rule out Virginia and Kentucky as the original home if they were alive during the period around 1787. These are personal property tax lists for all the counties that Virginia claimed in that period--including KY. The third volume of this set is the index, and perhaps every instance of your surname should be checked--because, if as in the case of my ancestor on the move to KY--he held property not only in Madison Co., KY where he and his mostly large family settled, but he also held property in his home county of Albemarle Co., VA. The 1790 censuses are sometimes faulty because those which are exist are mostly composed of reconstructed censuses based on tax lists. Why not go to the tax lists which existed about that time--if they exist? If you can find copies of what are called Colonial Papers of North Carolina and another set called State Papers of North Carolina, you may find your ancestor listed in those rather detailed indexes. Theses are BIG books and not held in most public libraries, but many University libraries have these sets in their local history sections. These ancestors on the move are a real challenge to the genealogist. But they are there somewhere--maybe only in the tax lists or the court records where they exist. E.W.Wallace

Friends of NC County Heritage & History: Just wanted to update info. on forthcoming NC County Heritage books. These will be veritable gold mines of genealogical data, and are eagerly awaited! Granville; anticipated delivery; Dec. 2002 Robeson; anticipated delivery, Jan., 2003 Stanly; anticipated delivery; Dec. 2002 Tyrrell; anticipated delivery; mid 2003 Warren; anticipated delivery; Dec. 2002 for more info, click on: http://www.geocities.com/bjbarnhill/heritage.html from there, you may click on other County links for further details. Meantime, watch for additional books (or reprints) on these North Carolina counties: Caswell Mecklenburg Scotland Watauga Don & Becky Mills proud advertisers on Ancestry.com eaglesnestmtn@mindspring.com

Howdy Folks, First let me apologize if you receive more than one copy of this message as I am cross posting. I am seeking advice on where I may find a marriage record (express or implied) for an Edward WADE b. 1760 VA who m. Nancy Ann (surname unknown) about 1780. The marriage could have taken place in the SC Old 96 District, NC, KY, or even VA. In 1790 they are on the Old Pendleton Dist SC census with 3 sons and 2 daughters. Since all the children are under 16 in 1790 and in light of Edward being b. 1760 I am estimating the marriage date being about 1780. Edward is the son of Edward WADE and wife Mary CLEMENTS and I know a great deal about this family but I want to establish Nancy Ann's maiden name. It is a possibility she is a BURFORD (BUFORD, BEAUFORD, etc.). Records often spell Edward's surname as WAID or WAIDE in addition to the common spelling of WADE. Any suggestions on where I might find a record of the marriage of Edward WADE and Nancy Ann would be very appreciated. Thank you, Eldon mailto:ewade@cfl.rr.com List admin. for SC Old 96 Researching: WADE, HAMES

I agree with Elizabeth Harris. In my experience, when a female was not working outside the home and not attending school, the census-taker frequently labeled her as a domestic or a servant. I have not read the instructions given to the census-takers for each census-year. If you are really curious, you probably can find a government document issued by the Census Bureau (or whatever it was called in earlier days). E.W.Wallace