All states have title companies it's just a matter of when they where established and how long records counties have been records. I know some individuals who still have the original land grants which their ancestors where given. Numerous county courthouses where destroyed by fire for numerous reasons. I live in TN and know of one court house was burned by the county clerk to hide the fact he stole tax monies. Because of the Civil War numerous courthouses where burnt as soldiers invaded communities. Many occurrences in the Civil War were not the result of the Generals in charge, but so called self righteous men. In Michigan they are referred to as an abstract company. One large company was "Burton Abstract". The owner and founder was very interested in genealogy and had a massive personal library which was donated to the Detroit Library (main branch) upon his death. Hope this helps. Patti

In a message dated 6/25/04 4:01:02 AM, [email protected] writes: << Date: 24 Jun 2004 12:56:53 -0600 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] Subject: Re: Clare / Kessler Research I just ran across a 2002 post about the Clare family of Botetourt, VA. I am researching the Jacob Clare line. He was the son of George Clare and Susannah Kessler. Can you share information with me? >> Hello I don't know have much but I will share what I have on this line. George Clear was born ca 1738 d. Apr 1790. Family tradition says he came to America in 1750, laid out the town of Fincastle, VA and was one of its first trustees however no record on early history of Fincastle has ever been found so we doubt that it is correct. This name is spelled Clear and Clare in records. He was married first to a Miss Cox and had 7 known children; 1 M: Thomas CLEAR 2 M: John F CLEAR 3 F: Margaret CLEAR Birth: 14 Aug 1776 Botetourt Co., VA Death: Apr 1857 Botetourt Co., VA Spouse: Benjamin KESSLER 4 F: Mary CLEAR Spouse: Christian KESSLER Marriage: 26 Oct 1793 Botetourt Co., VA 5 M: Allen CLEAR Birth: 1783 Death: 1845 6 M: George CLEAR Jr Birth: ca 1784 7 M: Francis CLEAR Birth: 1785 Death: 1813 On 10 Jul 1787 Botetourt Co., VA George Clear/Clare married Susannah Kessler. She was the daughter of Johannes Kessler 1728-1823 and Eva Dorothea Lehman 1734-1798. Susannah Kessler was b. 9 Sep 1758 Montgomery Co., PA. Baptized 22 Oct 1758 at Augustus Evangelical Lutheran Church, Trappe, New Providence Twp., PA. On 21 Feb 1797, Daniel Kessler (Susannah's brother) was appointed guardian of her two sons, Jacob Clare and Daniel Clare and her two step sons George Clare Jr and Allen Clare (from minutes of Botetourt County Court 1769-1800.) Eight years after the death of George Clear/Clare Susannah Kessler Clare married 21 Apr 1798 Botetourt Co., VA Jacob Howry. There were no issue from this marriage. All I have on your Jacob Clear/Clare is he was b. 1799 Botetourt Co., VA married 28 Dec 1815 Botetourt Co., VA Mary Simpkins daughter of James Simpkins and Sarah Lawrence. Children of Jacob and Mary Clare were; Thomas Clare John Clare Susanna Clare Calvin Clare Francis (Frank) Clare Sarah Clare Harriet Clare Henry Clare Hope some of this helps. I have more on Kessler and a little about Jacob's brother Daniel and half siblings line if you need it. Karen Kessler Cottrill WV Kessler/Kesler/Keslar Family Historian I am making no claims that the above information is correct and should not be posted as so. This is being given as personal information to be used for further research and not all has been documented.

The records for "Greenfield" are in our Botetourt County Courthouse. Records are intact to 1770 when the county was formed. The land records are in the deed books, located in the vault to the left near the copier. Also survey records may be of some help. those records are to the right along the wall near the antique desk. Several books in the county also have information about "Greenfield".

Please contact Rena Worthen for ordering details. [email protected] "The Craig - Botetourt Genealogy Club is happy to present this CRAIG COUNTY VIRGINIA HERITAGE BOOK 1770-2003 and in doing so leave its mark in the "Footprints of Time". The committee endeavored to compile this work as a guideline for many researchers. The "people stories" will hopefully give a starting place for many researchers." "The topical section was compiled from Birth, Death and Census Records, which were donated by members of the club. Submitters wrote stories based on the FAMILY BIBLE, COURT RECORDS, FAMILY STORIES AND OTHER RECORDS." Table of Contents: Craig-Botetourt Genealogy Club Photo Tribute to the Memory of Dr. Walton Fuqua Mitchell Criag County History Historical Marker Community of Captain Road Markers in Craig Craig Births 1885-1896 Craig County Schools Organizations Miscellanious Paint Bank Community New Castle Old New Castle Historic Craig Photos Craig County 1916 Craig Families Index 136 pages Sarver-Miller-Anderson-Brickley-Abbott Homeplace; Ellis Monroe & Letha May Brickley Abbott; Sallie Custer Abbott & Her Horse Old Tom; Sally Custer Abbott and the Indians; Marjorie Smith Anderson; William Berlin & Helen Irine Humphreys Baker; Roy R. Bell; Samuel T. Bell; Boitnott Family; James Forrest Bostic; James, Sue & Jake Bostic;John Herman & THelma Raeburn Helms Bowers; Bowers-Simpson; Willie Mildred Brickley; Adam Britz/Britts;Otis Givens Bradley; Ralph Miller Bradley; Dewey & Mable Bradley;Laybourn & Elizabeth Eans Brizendine; Hilda & Mary Brizendine;John Robert Brizendine; Mary Zadok Rowan Brizendine and many more families too numerous to mention.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/846.1.1 Message Board Post: I sent a reply to your query to your email address, please advise if you didn't receive it. Cheers, Ron

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/GBC.2ACI/846.1 Message Board Post: I just ran across a 2002 post about the Clare family of Botetourt, VA. I am researching the Jacob Clare line. He was the son of George Clare and Susannah Kessler. Can you share information with me?

Craig County Heritage Book sponsored by the Craig - Botetourt Genealogy Club is nearing completion. This update has been long awaited by many of you. I want to thank everyone who helped with this project, and give you the opportunity to make a last minute preprint purchase. This will be the last time this book is offered at this price. Once the book is printed the price will go up. For details Please contact me privately < [email protected] >

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/1061 Message Board Post: I'm looking for any information on William Monroe Fitch (11/17/1825-11/24/1890). He was married to Eliza Ann Hammond and when she died married her sister Elizabath. He is buried at St Andrew's Chapel across from the old Hammond homestead in Botetourt County. I am also looking for any additional infomation on the Hammods as well. Thanks

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: HANNAH HOLLAND THOMAS Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/1059 Message Board Post: I know very little on this branch of my family and am looking for any suggestions or information you may have. 1) According to Botetourt County records, my gggrandmother Julia P. HANNAH b 27Sep1870 Eagle Rock, Botetourt County -- d/o George B. and Edna J. HANNAH (from the certificate of birth) -- was married 25Sep1883 at "Gallie on James River", Botetourt County VA. by Rev. Abraham Buhrman to John James HOLLAND b abt1862 Goochland County (from certificate of marriage). This made my gggrandmother married on the day BEFORE her 13th birthday! 2) At the time of this marriage, the husband John James HOLLAND's occupation was listed as a miner on the certificate; s/o Thomas R. and Martha S. HOLLAND age 21 b Goochland County VA (b abt 1862). 3) According to the 4Jul1866 marriage certificate of Julia's parents on file in Botetourt County, her father George B. HANNAH (s/o Wm. and Mildred HANNAH) -- age 25 (b abt 1841 Charlotte County) occupation is listed as carpenter and he is noted as widowed at the time of his marriage to Edney J. THOMAS -- age 27(b abt 1839 Botetourt County) and future mother of Julia - Botetourt County 1866. Marriage performed by George C. Thrasher; reported by R. D. Stoner. Mechanic listed as occupation of father George B. HANNAH on daughter Julia's birth certificate - Botetourt County 27Sep1870. 4) Edney J. THOMAS is listed as the daughter of Samuel S. and J. A. THOMAS on her marriage certificate. My best guess is that this J. A. THOMAS is possibly Julia Ann Camper; I would appreciate any information reguarding my HANNAH, HOLLAND or THOMAS ancestors. Any reply would be appreciated. Tom THUMM

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: MOORE Classification: Cemetery Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/1058.1 Message Board Post: My mother, Stephen Taylor and I did a reading of the Oriskeny Cemetery and my records show Margaret J. Moore 1850 - 1912 There are no other MOORE markers in the cemetery that I have listed. Many graves there are rither unmarked, or marked with small fieldstones, or unreadable. Information about this cemetery, and 54 others are listed in Botetourt County Cemeteries Vol 3 by Rena Worthen, Margarette Tynan & Stephen Taylor. P O B 1002 Buchanan, Va 24066

Greenfield was the home of William Preston though I'm not sure how much the boundaries of the original Preston land overlaps with the current Greenfield Education Center/Industrial Park. The Prestons were a prominent family in Botetourt/Montgomery and there is quite alot on the web about them. My ggggrandparents, Thomas and Nancy Sesler, owned land adjoining Greenfield and the Great Road as did Edward McDonald and the Gish family (after 1790 and until at least 1823). Phyllis Yoshida

Thanks to all who responded to my recent query about the history of the land on which the new Greenfield Education Center has been built in Botetourt Co on Rt. 220. While playing around on the web - I found this wonderful site - check it out. The answers lie within!! http://www.cstone.net~pit/greenfield/ Lynn

Ooops, I made a mistake. The correct date for Herron "Harry" Edward CROW(e) is "born abt 1889" Sorry for the confusion as I have two dates for him in the earlier e-mails ----- Original Message ----- From: Erin T. Crowe To: Ann Avery Hunter ; Dottie Himes ; Virginia Roots Mailing List ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] ; [email protected] Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 3:02 PM Subject: A Murder of Crows(e)' In VA & OH Alrighty Listers, Since I am up to my eyeballs behind a brick wall, I thought I would ask for a bit o'help. My ggg grandfather was James E. CROW(e) married to Mary (?). James was born abt 1830-1840 in Washington, Rockingham or some nearby county VA. They had several children. John E. b. abt 1850, William b. abt 1852, Samuel born abt 1854 (my gg grandfather), George b. abt 1856, Julia b. abt 1858, Mary brn abt 1860, James b. abt 1864, Eliza b. abt 1867 (JAMES JR. MIGHT REALLY HAVE BEEN NAMED WILLIAM, AND ELIZA MIGHT HAVE BEEN REALLY SUSAN) I am making this assumption off of a later census. The above name and dates were taken off of the 1870 census for Rockingham County, Ashby District, VA. Samuel H. CROW(e) (my gg grandfather) was born as I said abt 1854. He was married to Ida Belle Gardner, born abt 1860. They had serveral children this is taken off the 1900 Rockingham Census. Herron E. born March 1889 (my great grandfather) Earnest born May 1892.......I know that Earnest married a Shifflett. Annie born April 1896 Jospeh born August 1897 I also believe they had a son Earl born abt 1908. He is on the 1920 census. Herron "Harry" Edward CROW(e) born abt 1854, my gg grandfather then left VA and moved to Dayton OH. He was married to Emma Caroline Ahlers born abt 1888. She was first having children with some guy named Clyde Willis. AKA Harry Clyde Cox, AKA Clyde Harry Cox. I see them on the 1910 Miracode census. It says that Leona, Elmer & Emma were not related. Though apparently on this same census Leona used his last name. Well at least the Cox last name. His wife was named Vera & a brother-in-law named Henry Biddle. Emma married Herron & they had two children named Ralph Edward Crowe & Thelma Crowe. Ralph being my grandfather. If anyone has any info on any of these families I would greatly appreciate it as I am stuck at the brick wall of James. And well the Leona & Elmer thing is quite a mystery. Thank you kindly, Erin T. Crowe IBSSG Let my kisses fall, Upon your starry eyes, The windows of your soul, Where all true beauty lies.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Moore, Mayes, Mays Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/1058 Message Board Post: I am seeking documentation of the place and DOD of Mathias L. Moore. His Confederate Pension papers of 27 Jul 1916 indicates his PO was Oriskany, Botetourt Co, VA. I found his wife, Margaret J. on Roots Web, USGenWeb, located in Oriskany Cemetery (Copied by Ruth G. Hale in 1991). She was born 1850 and died 1812 (Mother). A 1870 Census of Pocahontas Co, WV indicates that Thomas Mays was her father and Elizabeth E. was her mother. I have their children listed as John, Bill, and Effie and have no idea where I got this information some years ago. Would appreciate any help you can give me.

Alrighty Listers, Since I am up to my eyeballs behind a brick wall, I thought I would ask for a bit o'help. My ggg grandfather was James E. CROW(e) married to Mary (?). James was born abt 1830-1840 in Washington, Rockingham or some nearby county VA. They had several children. John E. b. abt 1850, William b. abt 1852, Samuel born abt 1854 (my gg grandfather), George b. abt 1856, Julia b. abt 1858, Mary brn abt 1860, James b. abt 1864, Eliza b. abt 1867 (JAMES JR. MIGHT REALLY HAVE BEEN NAMED WILLIAM, AND ELIZA MIGHT HAVE BEEN REALLY SUSAN) I am making this assumption off of a later census. The above name and dates were taken off of the 1870 census for Rockingham County, Ashby District, VA. Samuel H. CROW(e) (my gg grandfather) was born as I said abt 1854. He was married to Ida Belle Gardner, born abt 1860. They had serveral children this is taken off the 1900 Rockingham Census. Herron E. born March 1889 (my great grandfather) Earnest born May 1892.......I know that Earnest married a Shifflett. Annie born April 1896 Jospeh born August 1897 I also believe they had a son Earl born abt 1908. He is on the 1920 census. Herron "Harry" Edward CROW(e) born abt 1854, my gg grandfather then left VA and moved to Dayton OH. He was married to Emma Caroline Ahlers born abt 1888. She was first having children with some guy named Clyde Willis. AKA Harry Clyde Cox, AKA Clyde Harry Cox. I see them on the 1910 Miracode census. It says that Leona, Elmer & Emma were not related. Though apparently on this same census Leona used his last name. Well at least the Cox last name. His wife was named Vera & a brother-in-law named Henry Biddle. Emma married Herron & they had two children named Ralph Edward Crowe & Thelma Crowe. Ralph being my grandfather. If anyone has any info on any of these families I would greatly appreciate it as I am stuck at the brick wall of James. And well the Leona & Elmer thing is quite a mystery. Thank you kindly, Erin T. Crowe IBSSG Let my kisses fall, Upon your starry eyes, The windows of your soul, Where all true beauty lies.

I hope you'll post your responses to this question on the list. I wonder if Botetourt County has what we here in California call a "title company". These companies usually have a complete list of the title of ownership of a piece of land in the county, from original landowner down to current landowner. You could follow up through deeds at the court house, too. Good luck with your research. Joanne ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, June 19, 2004 7:22 PM Subject: Greenfield land history > I was wondering if anyone has information about the land in Botetourt Co, > which the new Greenfield Educational Center is located on. I specifically want > to know what families lived on that land. There is an old house (log bottom > with an upstairs addition added later) and another building nearby that is > located on a hill, down the paved road from the Education Center. Does anyone know > what family(ies) lived there? > > Or does anyone know of a place to obtain this information? > Thanks for your help! > Lynn >

I was wondering if anyone has information about the land in Botetourt Co, which the new Greenfield Educational Center is located on. I specifically want to know what families lived on that land. There is an old house (log bottom with an upstairs addition added later) and another building nearby that is located on a hill, down the paved road from the Education Center. Does anyone know what family(ies) lived there? Or does anyone know of a place to obtain this information? Thanks for your help! Lynn

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Lavender - Campbell - Britt - Taylor - Trenor Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/458.462.464.1.1 Message Board Post: Not sure but I may be of some help to you since I come down from Seaton Campbell and Harriet Lavender - daughter of Thornton and Philadelphia. Steve

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/GBC.2ACI/904.1.1.2 Message Board Post: Irene Gertrude Eakin married James William Frank Steele, he was a son of William H. Steele & Cornelia W. Arnold. Irene was a daughter of John Josiah Eakin & Mariah Louise Caldwell. I can offer more information on the Eakin & Caldwell lines - but nothing on the children or Steele line. Steve