Hello Everyone!!! I am looking for information on my gr-gr grandparents, James Edward Roark (b. 1838 - d. 1921) and Tabitha Shields Roark (b. 1836 - d. after 1910). They were married in either 1857 or 1858 and they lived between Hurt and Motley in a town which no longer exists called Jacobsville. His mother's name was Locke y Roark (b. abt. 1805 - d. after 1880) who was listed as head of the household in the 1850 Pitt. census. I have been told that she may have been an unwed mother. I don't know if James had any brothers or sisters. Two relatives have told me that James Edward Roark and Lockey Roark originally came from Halifax County although his death certificate states that both were born in Pittsylvania County. James and Tabitha Roark had ten children - Virginia "Jenny" F. Roark Short (b. 1858 - d. 1937) Ella S. Roark Jacobs (b. 1861 - d. 1899) Dolly A. Roark Walker (b. 1863 - d. 1931) Nancy E. Roark (b. abt. 1865 - 66 - d. before 1900) John Anderson Roark (b. 1868 - d. 1951) James Braxton Roark (b. 1872 - d. 1962) My gr grandfather Sallie H. Roark Adams (b. 1875 - d. 1937) William Roark (b. ? - d. before 1900) Lottie D. Roark (b. ? - d. before 1900) Robert Sherman Roark (b. 1883 - d. 1961) James Edward Roark and Tabitha Shields Roark owned and operated Roark Mill on Sycamore Creek in a town called Jacobsville (which no longer exists and was located between Hurt and Motley) from around 1879 - 1921. As told in Diane Popek's book, Tracks Along the Staunton, the Roark Family "began a community of their own where a mill, tavern, general store, post office, blacksmith's shop, a still, an orchard, and tobacco plantation were operated by their large family." I was told the mill was still standing in the 1940's, but all that remains is the foundation. Across from where the mill stood are remains of where some buildings stood plus there is a barn and a corn crib still standing. (I am hoping someone may have a picture of this mill - I would gladly pay you for a copy of the picture). If anyone has any information on this family and/or the mill, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Cindy Taylor