Centennial History of Grant County Ind. "Paschal B. Smith. Though not among the oldest residents of Grant county, which has been his home since l900, Mr. Smith has so effectively identified himself with the spirit and activities of the county that he is regarded as one of the most valued citizens. Mr. Smith is a big man, not only in physical proportions, but in Character and heart, is big hearted, generous and hospitable, and at the same time is a very practical and successful farmer who believes in going ahead all the time. Paschal B. Smith, the oldest of thirteen children, was born on the old Virginia homestead, February 24, l853. His education was received in the common schools, and as he grew up he became acquainted by practical experience with the activities of his father's farm. There he continued to live until twenty three years of age. On July l6, l875, just one year before the centennial celebration of American Independence, he married Elizabeth Gardner, a native of Scott County, Virginia, where she was born September 22, l856. Her parents were Ewel and Margaret (Barnhart) Gardner, natives of Scott County, where they lived and died prosperous farmers. Mr. Gardner was a California forty-niner, spending more than three years on the western coast, and having exceptional fortune in mining and his other ventures. After returning to Virginia, he gave all his attention to the cultivation of a large plantation. He was born in l8l0 and died August l7, l890. His wife died March 6, l904 when past eighty years of age. They were a Methodist family. Of the large family of children in the Gardner household, Mrs. Smith and a brother live in Indiana, the latter being J. Perry Gardner of Gas City in Grant county. After the marriage of Mr. Smith and wife, they lived ona farm in Virginia until the turn of the century. They then came to Grant County and located on the Schrader farm, near Jonesboro, and three years later took possession and began operating one hundred and sixty acres in the Solomon Wise farm in section fifteen of Fairmount township. He has proved very successful in Grant county agriculture, grows large quantity of hay, clover, corn, oats andwheat, and with the exception of the wheat practically every pound of his crops is fed to the stock on the place. As already noted, Mr. Smith is a hustler and one of the best farmers in this section of the county. He and his wife have seven sons and three daughters living, mentioned as follows l. Stephen R., a farmer in Mill township, married Lillie Fleenor, without children. 2. Calvin D., who married Ethel Overman, lives on a farm in Jefferson township and had two children Virginia and Ilene the later dying in infancy. 3. Charl,es L. is a farmer in Mill township and by his marriage to Bertha Clay has three children, L. Vera, Virgil Lee, and Edgar R. 4. James C., who is a foreman in the Jonesboro Rubber Company, married Margaret Jones and their two children are Warren H. and E.E., 5. Henry C., married Susan Swartz, lives in Jonesboro, and has a daughter, Darlene. 6. Daisy E. was liberally educated in the grade and high schools and is now living at home. 7 Maudella, a graduate of the high school and Marion Normal College holding a teacher's license, lives at home. 8 Woody M. is a junior in the Fairmount Academy 9 Joseph L. attends the public school and the younges, Gladys D. is also a student. One child Orville S., died at the age of twenty-eight years, unmarried. Mr. and Mrs. Smith hold to no particular church though their children attend the Methodist Protestant Sunday School. In politics he is a Democrat" Note: There numerous descendants of Samuel and Rachel Stinson Smith who are buried on a hill on their property. The cemetery is probably in the worse condition of any I have visited.

William J. Smith b. May 27, l827 in Scott County d. July 9, l907 Here is excerpt from The Centennial History of Grant County Indiana Vol l, Published in l9l0 on William & Dicy's son: "Captain William Smith, the father of Paschal B., was born at Three Springs, Virginia in l827 and died near his birth place in July l907. Throughout his life he was a planter, and a man of unusual prominence in his section of Virginia. When the war broke out he enlisted and went to the front as a Captain in the Forty-Eight Virginia Regiment. In the battle of Saltville, Va. he was badly wounded. The gun which affected the wound carried a charge of a minnie-ball and four buckshots and the minnie-ball and three buckshot took effect on him while he was lyong the ground, one of the bullets striking his shoulder and the others injuring his hand and fingers. This wound was given him about the close of the war and peace was declared about the time he got well. He had formerly served as captain of the local militia and after the war was brevetted colonel of his home regiment of state militia. He also for many years served as a justice of the peace. In politics he was a Democrat and was looked upon as a leader in the public life of his community. Near his old birth place, Captain Smith married Miss Dicy Fleenor who was born in that locality about l836 also representing an old Virginia family. She died in March l9l2. She was of Lutheran faith in religion and kept her membership with that church all her life. Her husband was a Methodist. There were the parents of twelve children, nine of whom grew up and are yet living. All are married and all have families of childen. Two now live in Indiana. Pascal B. Smith has a sister, Margaret, the wife of Colonel Columbus Pullin, a resident of Muncie Indiana and they have seven living children." He m. Dicy C. Fleeenor on 2/26/l852 in Scott Co. Dicy was b. 2/4/l836 d/ 3/29/l9l2 Scott Co. Va. Ch: Paschal Buford, Susan C., Mary M., Sara S., Franklin P., Louisa L., Amos., May., Charles L, Sidney, Ollie, Minnie O, Donie E. Sarah A Smith d/o of Samuel & Rachel m. Joel H. Fleener on l2/2/l852 in Scott co. ch: Martin, John M. Rachel C., Samuel M., Louiza V., James R., Joel., Sarah A. Listing the Fleenors because I know of the interest in Fleenors but I also have Smiths. Wilma Smith

In the name of God amane-- Know all men that I James Stinson of the county of Washington and State of Virginia -- Though weak in body, yet through the mercy of god in my right mind and of a perfect understanding do constitute this my last will and testament and desire it may be viewed as such, and first I desire to commit my soul to god who gave it, and my body to the dust tobe buried in a decent manner at the discretion of my friends in hopes that I shall receive the same at the resurrection. And secondly as to my worldly goods after all my lawfull contracts are discharged. I bequeath and bestow to my loving wife, Mary Stinson wholely to be at her disposel my land only excepted which I desire she may have the benefit of till my youngest child is of lawful age and then to be sold to the best advantage and divided into four equal shares between my wife Mary Stinson my daughter Isabel Stinson, my daughter Susannah Stinson and my daughter Rachel Stinson. Also I desire that John McCulloch and John Moffett be my executors, in wirness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and five. Signed & Sealed in the presents of us John Moffett, Rachel Jameson, John McCulloch /S/ James Stinson Probated November l9th, l805 James Stinson and Mary McCulloch d/o Thomas and Isabella Patrick McCulloch were m. 7 Jan. l797 and he died eight years later. His daughter Susannah m. 4 Oct l8l7 Adam Tool, Isabella m. ll Mar l8l9 John Gobble, Rachel Stinson m. 28 Dec. l824 Samuel Smith Lt. Thomas McCulloch was killed at Battle of Kings Mountain .

Virginia and Virginians, Washington County by Dr. R. A. Brock H. H. Hardesty Pub. Richmond & Toledo l888 Col. J. H. Fleenor Henry Fleenor, German extraction, was one of the earlier settlers in Rich Valley, Washington county. His son James was born in Scott county, and in early manhood served in Virginia militia, rank of captain. Later he became a minister, in the Lutheran faith; he is still living, aged now eighty-two years. He married Catharine, daughter of Anthony Horn, who was a soldier of the war of l8l2, an early settler in Washington county, and who died in l863, aged eighty-two years. J. H., son of Rev. James Fleenor and his wife Catharine, was born in Scott county, Virginia, on the north fork of the Holston river, July 30, l832. He married in Scott county, December 2, l852, Sarah A. Smith, who was born in Washington county, and raised in Scott county. Their children are eight living, Martin L., John H., Rachel C., Samuel M., Louisa V., James., R. E. Lee, Joel H. J. and Sarah A., and three now deceased: William Jas., Mary Angeline, Simon P. Mrs. Fleenor is a daughter of Samuel Smith who was born in Rich Valley, and became a leading farmer and stockman of Washington county. Her mother was Rachel Stinson, raised near the Salt Works. Col. Fleenor's business is farming, which he followed for many years in Scott county before making his home in Washington county. In Scott county he also filled various public offices: constable nine years; deputy sheriff two years; township clerk and treasurer one year; magistrate six years, captain and lieutenant colonel of militia five years. In Washington county he has been magistrate for five years, also. He was one of four brothers in the army in the late war, two of whom gave their life in service. He entered the army in August, l862, and was soon commissioned captain of Company D, 7th Virginia battalion, Col. C. J. Prentiss commanding, and served until the close of the war. His brother Amos, quartermaster of the 48th Virginia regiment, was twice wounded in battle, captured April 6, l865, held at Johnsons Island, in Lake Erie, returned home in August, l865. Simon Peter, another brother, was killed at Frederick City, Maryland, during Lee's invasion of that State. He also served in the 48th regiment, as did the fourth brother, William H., who was captured, and died in the Northern military prison at Elmira, New York, in l863. Colonel Fleenor is an A. F. & A. M.,; member of Lodge No. l74 at Mendota, and Hon. member of Lodge No. 216, at Cove creek, Scott county, Virginia. Past Master of both Lodges andmember of the Grand Lodge; also member of K of H., Goodson Lodge, No. 2909 at Bristol, Tennessee.

Interested in sharing information on the Kerr/Carr families in SW VA (Washington and Russell Co.) I am a direct descendant of James King Kerr/Carr (d. 1782) and may also be related (brother of James King??) to John Kerr (d. 1778). Anyone else working on these families or the other two Kerr families in Washington Co., VA at this time? Dennis Dennis R. Short Professor of Computer Graphics Technology Director, Purdue International Center for Entertainment Technology (PICET) Purdue University 1419 Knoy Hall, Room 363 W. Lafayette, IN 47907-1419 voice: 765.494.6457 fax: 765.494.9267 e-mail: [email protected] e-mail2: [email protected]net

Descendants of John W. Smith 1 John W. SMITH b: 29/Sep/1835 in Scott Co VA d: 25/Feb/1922 in Boozy Creek Road Scott Co . +Eliza Ann BAKER b: 15/Jun/1839 in Scott Co VA d: 14/Aug/1903 in Boozy Creek Road Scott Co VA m: Abt. 1858 2 William J SMITH b: 18/Oct/1859 in Scott Co VA d: 1/Jun/1928 in Boozy Creek Rd on Rt618 Family Cemetery .... +Martha A GOOD b: 16/Mar/1860 d: 24/Jun/1902 in Boozy Creek Rd on Rt618 Family Cemetery m: 18/Mar/1882 in Sullivan Co This is the info I have that connects to this John Smith. Thanks again Todd& Michele for the information you have shared. It help me to connect a couple of isolated people that were listed in my grandfather family history. Teresa [email protected] Hughes, Clark, Capwell, Bennink, Aylsworth,Schaub PA/FL Anderson, Baker, Horton, Herron Jeter, Snapp, VA/TN/FL

Dear List: This letter is for my adopted sister who is seeking her natural brother. My sister was born Sept. 27.1960 in Bristol, Va. The nurses at the hospital named her Sandra Kay Jennings. She was 3 days old when she was brought to our home as a foster baby. Since there was no father in our household and we depended on welfare and foodstamps ourselves this was supposed to be a temporary arrangement. She was supposed to be adopted out, but somehow she remained with us until my mother's death in 1970. She was then shifted from place to place until of age. She had several natural siblings also adopted out and has managed to find all but one of them. That is why I write this letter. Since I have access to the great world wide web, I promised her to help search for the last brother. Here is all we know: Jennings, baby boy was named Terry Wayne, but that probably changed by adopted parents as well as last name. He was a white male born July 26.1958 in Bristol, Va./Tenn. at 12:01 A.M. weighing 7LBS. 3 OZ. He was adopted out between the age of 1 and 2 years old. He was last seen by an Uncle wearing a little white suit. I suppose since he was born in Va. that he like my sister was adopted out in that sate to someone, and perhaps right in town or nearby. If anyone recognizes this, or by some miracle recognizes himself, you have siblings searching for you, especially Sandy. Thanks to all. Connie

This is the John Shaffer referred to as son-in-law in Kelknar will. Circuit Court Sept. Term l832 State of Tn. Sullivan Co. John Shaffer a resident and citizen of Washington County age 76 on September 23, l832 personally appeared in open court in order to obtain benefit of the Act of Congress passed Jun3 7th. l832. He said, "I entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated: At time I entered I was a citizen of Shenandoah County, Va. and was drafted sometime in the year between Cornwallis surrender (the precise time not recollected) and placed under the command of Capt. Jacob Benewit, was marched to Woodstock or Millardtown in said county and State, and verbally discharged after being in the service about 2 months. I was again drafted in the same year and marched under Capt. Lawrence Snapp to Fredericksburg nearly 3 mo. and was discharged. I was again drafted for 3 mo. while still a resident of Shenandoah County but do not remember the year or month correctly. I was on this occasion placed under the command of Capt. All, whose company joined the Army under Command of General Stephens, near Williamsburg, and with his Army went to Yorktown, Before my arrival at Yorktown I had become sick and was so dangerously ill, that in about 2 weeks after arriving at Yorktown I was placed in the Hospital and received a discharge from the physician of the Hospital a few days before the surrender of Cornwallis. I was in actual service on this occasion about 5 months and the whole period of service was about l0 months. He was born in Bucks Conty Penn. June l0, l755 and emigrated to Virginia when a boy. He lived in Shenandoah County until after the peace was made and then moved to Whthe where he lived about 20 years and then come to Wash. Co. Va. where he has resided ever since. His reason for making the declaration in Sullivan County is that he is acquainted here and then Bluntville is l3 miles nearer to him than Abingdon Va. /s/ John Shaffer John Shaffer was also German and is buried at Zion Lutheran Church in Sullivan Co., Tn.

In a message dated 1/22/2001 6:18:16 AM Central Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > Gordon Aronhime, now deceased, did a lot of research on SW Virginia and put > many articles in the Bristol Newspaper. A collection of these articles is > in > the Washington County Historical Society. He wrote much on forts > (stations) > and early pioneers as did Emory Hamilton, now deceased. Wilma Smith > Yes, and his "cards" on each individual he wrote about are able to be viewed through the digital collection at the Library of Virginia. Diane

This application was taken in Hawkins County, Tn but he was living in household of his son William B. in l840 in Washington Co. census. You have to see the census on microfilm to see the Rev. War soldiers in that census. In this case his file number was listed as Sl93l or I would never have found it. On this 26th day of September l832, personally appeared before me Lewis Click one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter session for Hawkins County, John Smith, aged 72 years last March who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act ofCongress passed 7 June l832-- That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as there in stated by that in theyear l780 in the fall of that year, he thinks in the month of September about the first this declarant entered the services of the United States, by being drafted in Burke County, North Carolina and served in the company of militia under the command of Captain Mordecai Clarke the name of the colonel not now recollected. That from Burke County this declarant was marched to General Morgan's headquarters at a place called Grindells Shoals on Pacolet River in South Carolina, from thence the Army moved, under General Morgan towards Gilbert Town near the edge of North Carolina and after marching one day, encamped for the night about a mile from the Cowpens and on the ensuing morning information was brought to General Morgan by one of his spies, named McDonald, that Col. Tarleton was within 5 miles of his encampment thencefore General Morgan retreated back about a mile in order to prepare for the enemy by choosing a more favorable situation which place was called the Cowpens, and after being at said place about 2 hours, the enemy came up and the battle commenced which resulted in the defeat of said Tarleton with great lost and who retreated leaving a great number killed and taken prisoners. This declarant states he was in the battle during the whole time it lasted which was fought about the middle of January l78l. From the Cowpens this declarant was marched to Salisbury passing over Broad River at the Cherokee ford and marched on towards Cherells ford, but before reaching Cherells ford the regiment to which declarant was attached was discharged and he received a written discharge sometime about the lst of March l78l, having served fully 6 months. Said discharge has been lost sometime ago. That again in the Spring of l78l he thinks sometime in April he entered as a volunteer under Col. Robert Holmes in Burke County and was marched into Lincoln County against the Tories and came under the command of General McDowell and after remaining there about 2 months or more the declarant was marched back to Burke by Col. Holmes and on his way back took the small pox and lay sick better than 2 months having served about 3 months when he was taken sick, his Col. furloughed him for 40 days which expired sometimehe thinks in the month of July which the service including the time he was furloughed amounted to 3 months. Again in the latter end of September l78l this ceclarant again entered the service for 3 months under Captain Stringfield and was marched to the Head of Catwaba at Davisons fort where this declarant with others was discharged by Captain Stringfield but which discharge has been lost. He thinks he was discharged in the later part of December l78l having served inthe whole l2 months. Declarant relinquishes every occasion to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agenc of any state. Sworn to Lewis Click (J.P.) /S/ John Smith This John Smith was listed as John Dutch Smith on tax records. He was German and came from N. C. with the Hunsuckers and Shellys. Marriage records Guilford Co. N.C. l0 Aug l779 John Smith to Katherine Shelly d/o Adam Shelly Minute Book was found by Mary Carter of Kingsport in Scott Co. Minute Book l0 p. l5 l2 Oct. l847 Ordered that it be certified that it was this day proved in open court by the oaths of Elkanah Derting and John Barker that John Smith deceased was a pensioner of the United States of America at the rate of $40 per year that he resided in Scott Co., Va. at his death and died in said County on the 30th day of June l847 that the said John Smith left no widow but left the following children to wit: Elizabeth, Aggy, Polly, Henry, Anthony, William & Rebecca Smith Mary(Polly m. Nathan Hobbs confirmed by d.c. of dau. Aggie Carter d. ll/l7/l9l4 at age l02 states mother was Mary Smith and father Nathan Hobbs bu. farm of Jacob Hoover in Arcadia, Tn.; Anthony m. 6 Aug l822 Elizabeth Fletcher, William B. m. Barbary Hunsucker, Rebecca m. Dulaney Carter. William B. Smith is buried in Shelly Cem. near Route 58 in Scott Co. His son John W. Smith m. Eliza Ann Baker d/o Levi Baker whose will is listed. John and Eliza are buried on the family farm in Scott Co. as well as their son William and his first wife.

Book 5, p 530 State of Virginia , County of Scott February 7th l867 The will of LEVI BAKER made on the day and date above written, I LEVI BAKER do will and bequest all of my real estate and personal property in the following way to wit that MARY BAKER my wife shall have all of my land and property and one third of my money and notes now on hand all of this she shall have and hold so long as she remnains my widow or dont change her name by marriage and if she should marry she shall be reduced to one third of my estate as the law would direct in that case and that JOHN SMITH shall have the farm that he lives on or all that he makes on the said farm by paying the tax that he shall have the said farm so long as MARY BAKER shall remain my widow or dye. The balance of the money and notes is to come in to the hands of Administrator for collection of the same and eakel disterbution is to be made to each heir when collected. At the death of MARY BAKER my wife all of my personal property and real estate shall be eakely divided between all of my heirs as follows. To wit ELIZA ANN SMITH, ISAAC BAKER and JAMES BAKER & JACOB BAKER & SARAH BAKER & JOHN BAKER all my legal heirs of mine all of this I will and bequest all of my real estate and personal estate, the above is holy my will and to this i set my name and affix my seal this 7th day of February l867. Attest: John M. Barker, Elcanah Derting, John Derting, Jacob Groves /S/ Levi (his mark X) Baker will proved Apr. 9, l867

Virginia, Washington County p 246 sorry again no wb no I ABRAM HUNSUCKER of and in the cty aforesaid, being in sound mind and disposing memory, do hereby make my last will and testimony, hereby revoking all former wills by me heretofore made in manner and form, that is to say First. After my death: I desire all my just debts and funeral expenses to be paid out of my estate Secondly. I will and bequeath to my oldest daughter ELIZABETH the wife of ElLIJAH FLEENOR one dollar together with all I have heretofore given them for their portion of my estate Thirdly. I will and bequeath to my daughter SALLY the wife of ELIJAH RINGLY one dollar together with all they have received of me heretofore for their portion of my estate. Fourthly. I will and bequeath to my daughter NANCY HUNSUCKER one dollar and all that I have heretofore given for her portion of my estate Fifthly. I will and bequeath to my daughter MALINDA HUNSUCKER one dollar together with what I have heretofore given her for her portion of my estate. Sixthly. I will and bequeath to my daughter MARY the wife of LEVI BAKER one dollar and all that I have before given them for their portion of my estate. Seventhly. I will and bequeath to my daughter REBECCA the wife of JAMES FLEENOR one dollar and all that I have before given them for their portion of my estate. Eighthly. I will and bequeath to my daughter CATHERINE the wife of MICHAEL SHELLY one dollar and all that I have before given them for their portion of my estate. Ninthly. I will and bequeath by my daughter MATILDA, the wife of ADEN RINGLEY one dollar and all that I have before given them for their portion of my estate. Tenthly and last. I will and bequeath to my son JAMES HUNSUCKER all my lands together with all the property of every description that I own or may own at my death with this injunction, should my wife BARBARA survive after my death, the above named JAMES HUNSUCKER and his wife Elizabeth binds themselves to keep feed and comfortably and decently clothe the said BARBARA HUNSUCKER and so to provide for her that she is never to suffer want for anything they can conveniently do for her welfare during her natural life and if they fail on their part to comply with the above injunction they shall pay her fifty dollars yearly for her support during her natural life. Signed, sealed and declared before us to be his last Will and Testament this 22 day of Oct l857. Teste: Francis Ellington, A. Child, Daniel Fleenor /S/ Abraham Hunsucker proved Mar 22, l858

Please take note of the iron stoves (no of plates) and cooking utensils brought by the Germans who usually settled near limestone and were superb farmers. Wilma Smith

In the name of God Amen. I, HENRY KELKNAR of the County of Washington State of Virginia being weak in body but of perfect mind and memory make this my last will and testament in the manner following. First I leave and bequeath unto my daughter BARBARY what she has received in full shall be her share and no more than I leave and bequeath unto my son-in-law J. SHAFFER two hundred and fifty acres of land being and lying in the county of Shenandoah, State of Va., then I leave and bequeath unto my said son-in-law J. SHAFFER all my outstanding debts both my bonds and notes and any other accounts by sundry persons, then I leave and bequeath unto my son MICHAEL KELKNAR the plantation that he lives upon all this shall be his part - then I leave and bequeath unto my son-in-law JOHN SHAFFER one ten plated stove - then I leave and bequeath unto my grandson THOMAS SHAFFER one bay more, then I leave and bequeath unto my son-in-law JOHN HARSHBARGER one wagon - one horse and his gears and forty pound that he has received for his share - then I leave and bequeath unto my said son-in-law JOHN HARSHBARGER two hundred dollars out of five hundred and seventy three dollars that the said HARSHBARGER is due - then I leave and bequeath unto my grandson HENRY SHAFFER fifty dollars of a note due to me by said JOHN HARSHBARGER the said note demanding seventy three dollars - then I leave and bequeath unto my said son-in-law J. SHAFFER the balance of that note and three other notes each note one hundred dollars the notes due me by said HARSHBARGER - then I leave and bequeath unto my son-in-law HENRY SLAGLE a piece of land lying on the head of Holston which he has received to the full value of fifty five pounds in full for his share, then I leave and bequeath unto the said HENRY SLAGLE one iron kettle that the said SLAGLE has received - then I leave and bequeath unto my son HENRY KELKNAR three hundred and twenty dollars whichhe has received one wagon and tow horses and their gears for his share - then I bequeath unto my son-in-law J. SHAFFER one jack screw the jack screw is now in my son HENRY KELKNAR hands - then I leave and bequeath unto my son MICHAEL two iron pots and skillet and two iron ovens that are all in his hands now shall be his one five plated to my grandson GEORGE SHAFFER that is now at MICHAEL KELKNARS - then I leave and bequeath unto my son-in-law J. SHAFFER three fifty pound bonds that are due to me by JOHN AIRHART - one bond WINDLE TWECHER the balance what is due on said bond and is my full devise that my son-in-law JOHN SHAFFER, ADAM MILLER may be appointed for my executors to this my last will and testament. I revoking all my former wills by me made. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th day of January, l8l6 . Attest: Christian Beard, John Beard, John Dishner /S/ Henry Kelknar will proved Feb. 20, l8l6

In a message dated 1/22/01 9:57:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: > Can someone direct me to a site to search for my adopted sister's natural > brother? Is it proper to ask on the genealogy list when you are searching > for > adopted people? > Thanks, > Connie > Connie, as a recently reunited birthmother (I found my son one year ago > tomorrow) it is my probably highly prejudiced opinion that anywhere that > gets you results is a proper place to search for relatives separated by > adoption. If this isn't a genealogy-related question, I don't know what > is!! > > Like any other search, there are some avenues that are more profitable than > others, of course. Your search needs to begin in the geographical area in > which the adoption took place (if known). > > The DC Metro CUB (Concerned United Birthparents) site was a good starting > place for me. Here's a link: <A HREF="http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Village/6789/first.html">DC Metro CUB Main Page</A> Even if you're not in that area, they have information on national registries and support groups that I'm sure you'll find most helpful. AOL has an Adoption board, with groups for adoptees as well as birthparents and siblings who are searching. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of more help. I owe a debt to all those who helped me find my son. (BTW, it has been a happy reunion. I'm really glas I didn't let the "what-ifs" get in the way of the wonderful outcome) Laura Alsdorf Bobbitt [email protected]

Proved Lewis Pitts for Pioneer Certificate through Washington County Historical Society. From Lewis to son Elisha who m. Sarah Grant d/o Aaron and Susannah Grant of Dinwittie County, to Sarah Pitts who m. John Fleenor s/o Isaac and Margaret Fleenor, through Robert Fleenor m. Julia Ann (Fleenor) Fleenor d/o John S. and Dorothy Ann Davison Fleenor, through Louvenia Fleenor m. James Lacy Barbe, through Vernadeen Barbe m. Robert J. McGarry to me. Washington Co., Va. p 220 again don't have book no. In the name of God Amen, I LEWIS PITTS of the County of Washington and State of Virginia being weak of body but of perfect sound mind and memory thanks be to God for his mercies, do make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament in manner and form following, First I order and direct that all my just debts be paid and my body decently burried then I give & bequeath to my loving wife, MARY PITTS the land and premises whereon I now live and dwell during her natural life and widowhood also all my household and kitchen furniture, sheep, cattle hog and horses farming utensils also my negro man AMBRIS also it is my Will and desire that my Executor shall make unto my son ELIJAH and ELISHA PITTS a clear and indisputable right and title to the lands I have already laid off for them which they now have in possession and at my said wife's decease the said land and premises with all the moveable property to be sold and equally divided amongst my children & lastly I do hereby appoint JAMES SPROLES Executor and my wife Executrix to this my last will and Testament in the presence of EPHRAIM SMITH, SR, GEORGE HALSTONE, EPHRAIM SMITH, JR. /S/ LEWIS (HIS MARK P ) PITTS March l9th, l82 No number after the 2. It was proved l5 Mar. l825

Good afternoon, Diane, just wondering if you knew that there is a wonderful outlet store between Hillsville and Galax, VA - Harmon's. It is a large operation, which I visit each time that I make the journey south. The owner has a large museum area in the back of the store dealing with local history that is a must see for anyone with roots in that area. So considering your query - and what I know of the place I would contact these people. Not sure if the founder is still living - but reckon that the store is still in family hands. <grin> if you are kin you might even get a discount. Good luck, @[email protected] At 11:01 PM 1/21/2001, [email protected] wrote: >I am wondering about the ancestry of a HARMON: > Susan Harmon born about 1900 and married to a Cadle in Bristol, VA >She died about five years ago. Unfortunately, I never got to meet her. I >believe the family said that they thought she was from the Cherokee, NC area. > > I know this is a long shot, but I would love any information on Susan >HARMON Cadle. > >Thank you, Diane Costello

p 28 ?book no. In the name of God amen--I JOHN SPROLES of the county of Washington in the State of Virginia being very feble and weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory-- First - I recommend my soul in the hands of almighty God that gave it and my body to the earth from whence it came to be buried in a decient christianlike manner, and I do hereby constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament-- 2d It is my wish and desire that my plantation be divided between my two sons JONATHAN 7 SAMUEL by and agreeable to a division line that has been run through my plantation the north side of the division line. I give and bequeath to my son JONATHAN SPROLES and he is to have the use of the spring in the swamp on the south side of the division line and he is to pay fifty dollars to my daughter LETTICE MOORE after my decease. 3d. I give and bequeath to my son SAMUEL SPROLES that part of my plantation on the southside of the said division line and he is to pay sixty dollars to my daughter ELIZABETH FLEENOR and seventy dollars to my daughter POLLY SMITH and twenty to my daughter LETTICE MOORE after my decease. 4th I give and bequeath to my son JAMES SPROLES a debt of sixty dollars with its interest which debt he has owed me for several years. 5th I give and bequeath to my step son JOHN RINGLAND thirty dollars in property to be paid him by my executor after the death of my wife MARGARET. 6th I give and bequeath to my wife MARGARET SPROLES one third of my plantation for her support while she lives and a sixty dollar horse beast and all my household and kitchen furniture during her natural life and after her death it is my wish that my executor shall divide by persons to be chosen by my daughters which these persons as chosen shall value all the property that may be left after the death of my wife or if my daughters shall prefer my executor shall sell the said property and divide the money equally between them. And lastly I constitute and appoint my friend, ABRAM NORDYKE my Executor of this my last Will & Testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand and seal this 28th day of October l840 Signed sealed in the presence of us ABRAHAM FLEENOR, JACOB FLEENOR /S/ JOHN(his mark x) SPROLES Will proved in Washington Co. 22d day of November l84l

The Library of Virginia online also has a collection of Gordon Aronhime's work, on a card index. Very interesting reading - it takes a little time to research, but worth it. Judy ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 22, 2001 6:14 AM Subject: Cox's Station > Gordon Aronhime, now deceased, did a lot of research on SW Virginia and put > many articles in the Bristol Newspaper. A collection of these articles is in > the Washington County Historical Society. He wrote much on forts (stations) > and early pioneers as did Emory Hamilton, now deceased. Wilma Smith > > > ==== SW_VA Mailing List ==== > #4 Chain letters, gossip, non-genealogical notes, commercial ads, pleas for help, etc. are > PROHIBITED on this List. -sysop > > ============================== > Add as many as 10 Good Years To Your Life > If you know how to reduce these risks. > http://www.thirdage.com/health/wecare/hearthealth/index.html > >

In the Name of God.. Amen. That I Frederick Leonard of the county of Washington and State of Virginia being weak in body but of sound and perfect mind and memory, blessed be almighty God for the same do make and publish this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following that is to say - First - After all my just debts is paid and also all my funeral expenses I do give unto my grand son Frederick B Leonard son to my daughter Elizabeth Sourbeer deceased one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Mahaly Wickens formerly Mahaly Leonard the sum of one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my grand son Jefferson Sourbeer the sum of one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Mary Ann Sourbeer one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my grand son George Sourbeer one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Catherine Sourbeer one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my eldest living daughter Christener Malone formerly Christener Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Harr formerly Mary Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my eldest son Frederick Leonard the sum of one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my second son John Leonard the sum of one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my third son Henry Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my 5th son George Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my 6th son William Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my 7th son Gasper Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my 8th son Samuel Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Nancy Green one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my daughter Peggy Green one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my fourth son Michael Leonard one dollar, I do also give and bequeath unto my grand daughter Eliza Jane Leonard a daughter of my son Henry Leonard and Elizabeth his wife my bedstead and bed and all its furniture after my decease the sum of which said several Legacies or sum of money, I will and order shall be paid to the said respective Legatees within six months after my decease provided that my heirs that is mentioned in this my last Will is all become to the age of twenty years or as soon as they shall come to that age after the six months has expired, I further give and dense(?) to my two sons Henry Leonard and William Leonard their heirs and assigns all that my ? or tenement ? lying and being in the county of Washington and State of Virginia where on I now live and dwell one half of said land to each of them, that is to say 93 acres to Henry Leonard whereon he now lives and dwells and also 93 acres to William Leonard whereon he now lives and dwells so that the division line is drawn equally between them with all its appurtenances unto the said Henry Leonard and William Leonard and their heirs & assigns forever for and in consideration of them the said Henry Leonard and William Leonard agreeing to maintain me the said Frederick Leonard Senr descent and comfortable on the said above mentioned tract of land during my natural life and after my decease then the said Henry Leonard and William Leonard to enjoy the said above mentioned land peacibly both for themselves their heirs and assigns forever and lastly as to all the rest residue and remainder of my personal estate, goods and chattels of what kind and nature so ever if any after my decease to be sold and divided equally amongst all my heirs that is mentioned in this Will twelve months after my decease for whom I hereby appoint my sons Henry Leonard and William Leonard sole executors of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made - In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal the 24th day of September in the year of our Lord 1840. Signed sealed published and declared by the above named Frederick Leonard to be his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses to the same attest. Wilson F Goff, Jacob Claman, Jacob G. Stoffle