I talked to the Via researcher Harold Via in St. Petersburg, FL in about 1967. At that time, he told me there were two Via brothers and a sister that immigrated to Virginia from France. Has anyone been able to review his research papers to verify or discount his statement? Jim Via

Dear Judy, No, not at all did I intend to imply that I thought there was but one immigrant ancestor of ours, Amor Via. I do believe that we all descend from him. I intended to explain perhaps why some of the Vias and Maupins who left Hanover began to attach the name William to Amor's name, but the Vias who remained in Hanover never did append Amor's name to include William. The Albemarle families had moved away from the original home and this was a way to stay connected to the patriarch by combining Amor's name with son, William. The Hanover Vias were there where Amor and wife lived and died. They knew and could visit and even be buried in the same location as Amor and wife, Mary or Margaret. It's just an idea, an explanation, a theory. I know for certain that there is no documentation that includes William as part of Amor's name. I surely have no objection if it is the truth, but regardless of who or how often I ask for source for this William Amor or Amor William business, it has never been forthcoming, and I think the reason for such is that it does not exist. Janelle

In a message dated 2/8/2006 6:03:33 AM Pacific Standard Time, leoncviaiii@yahoo.com writes: I have tried to find the land. Has anyone identified the particular tract of land that Amor lived on? Hi Leon, No, no one has identified Amor's land at this point. Judy

In a message dated 2/2/2006 2:51:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, Janvm1030@aol.com writes: If you think about it and the consistency of the abbreviations, generally the first three letters of a person's name are spelled out, and then the fourth letter is generally the last letter. If her name was Margaret, then the last letter would be a "t." Janelle, You're right and that's something I never gave much thought too, the last letter raised if the name was abbreviated. The name very well could have been Mary. At some point I may see if I can get some copies of the Parish records where it refers to Mary. I'd like to see if the last letter is raised or not. It is understandable that the Maupins and William Via families would attempt to identify themselves with Amor, the patriarch, who was dead and buried in Hanover Do you have other thoughts as to who the father of the Albemarle County Via's could be? Do you think they were from someone other than Amor? Judy

Hi everyone, We got some NEW DNA results today. They are VERY special to our member #46715. Before he joined our DNA project, he wasn't 100% sure who his grandfather was, he just knew his first name. I went through a lot of Census and Via families. And with lots of help from my email friends, we believe we found his grandfather - William Vincent Via. We are still working hard on the paper tail. It looks like the DNA is telling us that we have the right Via family line. And here is his family line. Robert William Via, William Vincent Via, Lois Overton Via, James "Jim" Smith Via, Overton Via, Roland Via, Micajah Via Sr., William Via Sr., Amos "Amer" Via. #46715 had an Exact 12 Marker match with: #43838, #41915, #43157, #41120. They ALL have the SAME common ancestor, Micajah Via Sr. #46715 had an Genetic Distance of 1 (one marker off) with: #41313, #N6276, their common ancestor was Micajah Via Sr. #46715 had an Genetic Distance of 1 (one marker off) with: #45276, #43766, their common ancestor was William Via Sr. (father - Micajah Via Sr.) http://www.familytreedna.com/(msqid3550jcldo553wnxu145)/public/ViaSurnameProject/index.aspx Please check out our results on our website. The DNA Family Tree has changed our home page a little. At the top of our home page you can click on: Background - Goals - News - Results - Y Results - mt Results. And on the Left side of the home page, you can join our group and have some FUN with us ALL. Elaine =^..^=

I am also very interested in the Hanover Via Family. I have spent a lot of time in St. Peter's Parish. I am been to the church many times, at the county office and I have tried to find the land. Has anyone identified the particular tract of land that Amor lived on? Leon Via III Jlmaupin@aol.com wrote: In a message dated 2/1/2006 10:54:03 AM Pacific Standard Time, Janvm1030@aol.com writes: Anyhow, if I can help you with any of the Hanover Via data, please let me know. I am always happy to share with a serious Via researcher. We must discuss sometime whether or not you think Amor's wife was Mary or Margaret based on Chamberlayne's transcription. I tend to think it was Mary based on Chamberlayne's other abbreviations. Janelle, I am very interested in the Hanover and Henrico County Via's. All of our lines should go back to this group. Not to Robert, of course, (most on our list I believe are through William) but still of the same family. As you can tell I've done very little researching in Hanover and Henrico counties. I know the records are very scarce. However I do plan on getting deaths, etc for Henrico in the near future. I'll continue to dig and see if I can find other early records in some of the historical societies. I hold out great hope for discoveries in the future with more information and records becoming available through use of the Internet and particularly through published indexes. Interesting observation about the name Margaret or Mary. I'll have to look back over the records. I don't believe the name Margaret was ever spelled out. Judy --------------------------------- Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail - it's free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

I am glad to say we have a NEW member in our Y-DNA Via Surname Project. His Kit# is 52700 and his family line is; George Benjamin Via Jr., George Benjamin Via Sr., John Franklin Via, Benjamin Franklin Via, James Burnett Via, Jonathan Via, Micajah Via Sr., William Via Sr., Amos "Amer" Via. Welcome to our project. Elaine =^..^=

Dear Judy, As far as I can remember, I have never seen her name spelled out. The only times I have seen it at all are those in Chamberlayne's Vestry Book of St. Paul's Parish. If you think about it and the consistency of the abbreviations, generally the first three letters of a person's name are spelled out, and then the fourth letter is generally the last letter. If her name was Margaret, then the last letter would be a "t." However, it appears to me that the letter is a "y" or "g." If it is y, then the name is Mary. A closed "y" appears to be a "g" and by the same token an open "g" appears to be a "y." The reason I lean toward Mary is that would appear to follow Chamberlayne's interpretation of the abbreviations, first three letters of a person's name, then the last letter placed a littler higher than the first three and was generally the last letter of the name. Robert is always Rob(t). What thinks? As an observation about this business of William Amor or Amor William. No Hanover Via that I am aware of ever perpetuated this name combination. It was always Amor. Only the Albemarle Via families that I have seen ever suggest that the name is appendaged with "William." It is understandable that the Maupins and William Via families would attempt to identify themselves with Amor, the patriarch, who was dead and buried in Hanover, hence "William" Amor or Amor "William." Again, never have I seen a Hanover Via attach William to Amor. I think that probably speaks for something. Janelle

In a message dated 2/1/2006 10:54:03 AM Pacific Standard Time, Janvm1030@aol.com writes: Anyhow, if I can help you with any of the Hanover Via data, please let me know. I am always happy to share with a serious Via researcher. We must discuss sometime whether or not you think Amor's wife was Mary or Margaret based on Chamberlayne's transcription. I tend to think it was Mary based on Chamberlayne's other abbreviations. Janelle, I am very interested in the Hanover and Henrico County Via's. All of our lines should go back to this group. Not to Robert, of course, (most on our list I believe are through William) but still of the same family. As you can tell I've done very little researching in Hanover and Henrico counties. I know the records are very scarce. However I do plan on getting deaths, etc for Henrico in the near future. I'll continue to dig and see if I can find other early records in some of the historical societies. I hold out great hope for discoveries in the future with more information and records becoming available through use of the Internet and particularly through published indexes. Interesting observation about the name Margaret or Mary. I'll have to look back over the records. I don't believe the name Margaret was ever spelled out. Judy

Hi Everyone, There is a GREAT article about DNA testing in the February 6th Newsweek magazine. IN OUR BLOOD pages 46-55. It answers a lot of questions that people ask me all the time. If you are thinking about joining our Y-DNA Via Surname Project, this article might help you to decide to join us. Sincerely, Elaine =^..^=

From: Thomas Nester To: Elaine Via Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2006 3:49 PM Subject: Vires Obit LILLIAN ROSE VIRES KING DRAPER - Lillian Rose Vires King, 90, of 5052 Clark Ferry Road, Draper, Va. died Monday, Sept. 22, 2003 in the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Radford. She was born on Sept. 7, 1913 in Graysontown, Montgomery County, Va. and was the daughter of the late Ephraim Gleen Vires and Elizabeth Ada Stone Vires. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Jesse G. King and by two sisters, Mildred Vires Carroll Moxley and Ellamae Vires Hedge. Mrs. King was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy at Delton. Surviving are: her daughter, Virginia Louise King Ezzell, Draper; sons, William Greer King, Draper, James Thomas King, Draper, Travis Dale King, Manassas; sisters, Elsie June Vires Boothe, Snowville, Carrie Vires Hurt, Pulaski, Lima B. Vires, Kalamazoo, Mich.; grandchildren, Robert David Ezzell, Virginia Ann Ezzell, Brenda Ann King Castro, James Jonathan King, Tracy Lynn King, Kelly McMahon King, Amanda Rae King, Brittany Sue King; great-grandchildren, Tracey Lee King, Santana Lynn Castro, Carlos Alberta Castro, Mark Alen Shamron Castro, Destiny Shyann Castro, and twins: Brendin and Breann; very special friend, Marlene Eller; many other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. from Stevens Funeral Chapel with Pastor Diane Stanley officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin. Visiting will be Wednesday evening at Stevens Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Pulaski.

Hi Everyone, We have a NEW member in our Y-DNA Via Surnames Project. Kit 51699, his family line is; Lester Claiborne Via Sr., Elmer Guy Via Sr., Charles Hunter Via, Charles Franklin Via, Reuben Via, William Via, Micajah Via Sr., William Via Sr., Amos "Amer" Via. Last year was a GREAT year for our Surname Project. I am praying we will have another great year this year. I know there is MANY males Via's out there who is THINKING about joining our group, but hasn't yet for one reason or other. For our project to be successful, we need Via's from ALL different lines to join our group. I don't think we can ever have to many members. The more members, the better results we get. I truly hope we have 200 or more in our project this year. If anyone has any questions about our Y-DNA Via Surname Project, just email me and I'll do my BEST to answer them. ElaineVia@comcast.net. Please come and join the FUN!! Sincerely, Elaine =^..^= Use the link below to join the project and purchase your DNA test. http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=T42950

From: Thomas Nester To: Elaine Via Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 5:29 AM Subject: http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapulask/cemeteries/Burials/V.html Via, Chaffin Alton 02/18/1929 04/05/1974 Thornsprings Church Via, Charles A. Thornsprings Church Via, Doris Dora Cemetery Via, E.D. 05/08/1830 03/11/1904 Oakwood Cemetery Via, Edith 03/16/1905 07/03/1968 Thornsprings Church Via, Hazel 07/27/1904 Thornsprings Church Via, Hubert Wade 07/01/1896 04/15/1969 Thornsprings Church Via, Iris Aker 01/19/1919 06/19/2004 Thornsprings Cemetery Church Via, Isaac Wesley 02/24/1875 09/07/1943 Thornsprings Church Via, James Douglas 06/21/1925 07/08/2000 Highland Memory Gardens Via, John Oakey 11/03/1930 08/01/1937 Dora Cemetery Via, Kelly Dora Cemetery Via, Lisa Denise 1963 Oakwood Cemetery Via, Lulu 05/10/1910 Oakwood Cemetery Via, Myrtle Q. 02/16/1878 10/17/1958 Thornsprings Church Via, Nancy 10/27/1830 04/14/1892 Oakwood Cemetery Via, Nancy Marie 1911 1968 Newbern Christian Via, Robert James 09/28/1903 04/28/1975 Thornsprings Church Via, Sarah 02/23/1892 03/21/1976 Thornsprings Church Via, Vergie 05/27/1901 02/04/1939 Thornsprings Church Via, William 1962 Oakwood Cemetery Via, William M. 10/17/1888 Not Listed Via, William Thomas 1916 1976 Thornsprings Church Viar, Carl Raymond 03/26/1927 04/17/2004 Highland Memory Gardens Viar, Douglas William 11/28/1921 06/29/2003 Highland Memory Gardens Viars, Ethel Gaye Worrell 04/30/1932 11/04/2003 Memorial Christian Viars, Frances Gilmore 03/09/1912 05/28/2001 Sunrise Burial Park Viars, George E. 07/25/1981 Highland Memory Gardens Viars, James Thomas 04/09/1888 Not Listed Viars, Raymond Buford 08/01/1913 09/16/2002 Highland Memory Gardens Viars, Rose Marie 03/01/1928 03/06/1998 Highland Memory Gardens Viars, Roy Henderson 1918 06/15/2005 Highland Memory Viars, Thelma Hodge 1923 05/28/2005 Westview Cemetery Rad

Hi Everyone, I got another web site for you all to check out. Thanks to Bill Wilson and his hard work for us all to enjoy. I got OVER 30 pictures of headstones on Via's, and other family lines. HAVE FUN!! Elaine =^..^= ----- Original Message ----- From: Wwdj104@aol.com To: ElaineVia@comcast.net Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2006 4:21 AM Subject: Re: Madison Via Genealogy Elaine - I thought about the easiest way for you too look at all of these pictures and am going to direct you to a website that I am in the process of creating. The site is www.friendsofallencounty.org Once you get to the site in the first column go to Indiana and other states scroll down and you will see some of the Augusta/Rockbridge Cemeteries that I have photographed and cataloged. There is an interesting technical note, Madison and Lucinda are buried right behind Bells Valley Church, however the sign at the cemetery states that it is called Andrews Cemetery, Bells Valley Cemetery is actually down the road about 1/2 a mile. I am in the process of trying to photograph and catalog Augusta, Rockbridge, Bath, and Rockingham cemeteries. The problem is I live about 4 hours away so the visits are not real frequent. However, here is the important part, when I go I photograph the ENTIRE cemetery, (I never know who is going to end up being related and who isn't so I get everyone.) The onl! y reason the you will not see a name is if the tombstone has deteriorated to the point where I can no longer read the inscription. I am finding that over and over the familles in this area continue to intermarry so the family tree gets larger and larger. I have been as far south as Covington, and can recall some Via's at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Covington as well, the problem is that I have not photographed that cemetery at this point. Additionally, there are more images being added to this site all of the time. The site is for the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne Indiana, this library is the largest genealogy library in the United States outside of the Mormons in Utah and the Library of Congress. The manager of the genealogy section is a friend and we are in the process of creating this site to place all of these images for everyone to be able to access for genealogy assistance. Hopefully this helps, and let me know if you make any additional discoveries. Bill Wilson

Dear Judy, I'm so happy that you are interested in the Hanover Via families. It has been a lonely research project especially because I have had no one with whom I can discuss ideas and theories. I do know my Hanover Vias, especially until about 1880, but fresh thoughts and exchanges are so welcome. I am in a state of confusion about why Carter Via and Louisiana Via's marriage bonds were published in Henrico. Of course they lived near the Henrico line, although the Henrico Courthouse is in Richmond. Louisiana's mother, Mary, died about the time Louisina was 20 (1827/8), and Louisiana was considered a minor at that time. Her father had died some years earlier. Samuel Quay, an attorney in Henrico, was appointed her guardian, not because of her tender years but because she would inherit a small parcel of land that had been her father's, a descendant of the original Robert whose land it had been. I just realized that Fanny Ann and Robert Via's children were closely related to Louisiana. Robert would have been Louisiana's great grandfather; her grandfather (recipient of the deed of gift) would have been the half brother of the Fanny Ann/Robert children. As far as I know, Louisiana, whose father was a Robert also, had one brother perhaps whose name was Mitchell (see marriage record for Mitchell and Dicey Via). Anyhow, if I can help you with any of the Hanover Via data, please let me know. I am always happy to share with a serious Via researcher. We must discuse sometime whether or not you think Amor's wife was Mary or Margaret based on Chamberlayne's transcription. I tend to think it was Mary based on Chamberlayne's other abbreviations. Janelle

We have some MORE new results on our Y-DNA project tonight. Kit 45276 has done his 37 marker test. This is the most markers you can do at this time. Kit 45276 is only ONE marker OFF from Kit 41120, Kit 41331 and Kit N6276. This is a very important results, since Kit 45276 only went back to John Via b. c. 1710. And the other members who has done their 37 marker test, Kit 41120, Kit 41331 and Kit N6276 each of their family line goes back to William Via, the son of Amer Via. So far, the DNA is telling us, that these members are on the SAME family line. The DNA is also telling us in comparing 37 markers, the probability that these members shares a common ancestors within the last....... 4 - generations is a 59.03% 8 - generations is a 89.06% 12 - generations is a 97.48% 16 - generations is a 99.46% 20 - generations is a 99.89% 24 - generations is a 99.98% It looks like the common ancestor to these members is William Via, the son of Amer Via. Please check out our results: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/ViaSurnameProject/ Elaine =^..^=

In a message dated 1/17/2006 1:22:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, Janvm1030@aol.com writes: Is this the Martha about whom you inquired? Janelle, Thank you for this information. Yes, that is the Martha I was asking about. I hope to be able to do some more research on Hanover and Henrico counties in the near future. I'm not sure if some of the Chancery cases can help or not but I'll try to see what I can find. You are so knowledgeable about the Hanover Via's and I appreciate your input and help. Judy

Hi Everyone, We got some NEW results on our DNA project. Kit 43157 got his 25 marker test done and he matches all but ONE marker to Kit 41120 (my twin brother). So Kit 43157 is a 5th cousin 2 times removed to my brother, Kit 41120 & I. Our common ancestors are Micajah Via Sr. & Phillipi Burnett. The DNA results & the research documented on paper seem to be matching. Elaine =^..^=

Dear Judy, Martha, wife of William Via, brother of Edmond, Margaret, etc., was Martha Wicker, possiby daughter of Benjamin (their lands were adjacent). William and Martha's marriage is recorded in Reverand Talley's Register January 1, 1825. She was at least a second wife and not the mother of William's son, William. For life the son was given 23 1/2 acres of his father's land. He died about 1830 leaving two children, Thomas and Margaret, who inherited the 23 1/2 acres. This is also the year that Edmond Via died. I misspoke when I said that James was a son of Edmond; he was not; he was a grandson and nephew of this William, Sr. The Bible page that shows the names and birth dates of all of Edmonds children is a negative image, and I can barely read it. Somewhere, I do have the parent of James, William's nephew, but I'm still wading through paper. I believe I set that negative image aside to try to copy it so that it is legible, but of course, I must first find it. William died about1842 (last on land tax roll in 1841). Is this the Martha about whom you inquired? Janelle

Dear Judy, I have turned on this computer for the first time since before Christmas. I have been ill with high fever, and my poor brain still feels rather fried. However, I shall do the best I can abut Martha without digging out all her notes. I feel certain I have the name of her parents but I shall have to dig through additional files. Do you have or do you have access to the Official Atlas to Accompany The Official Records of the Civil War? I do not know where you live, but I know there is at least one copy in LVA. In dear old burned Hanover, those maps are a real blessing. Both my widowed gread grandmothers are noted on them. Anyhow, without actually knowing if you refer to Martha Via of Hanover County . . . She was married to William Via. son of Edmund Via son of Gideon Via (The Negro slave, Rubin, is still in her possession; that is one reason I know of whom we speak) I believe she was William's second wife (at least). She outlived him for decades. William had a son, but he must have died before he reached his majority. William's will is extant. He leaves everything to Martha (plantation and abut 100 acres and a slave or two if the two have no children). They didn't. Upon her decease, all goes to William's nephew, James, youngest son of Edmund if I remember correctly. The land is in and around Studley, near Bethesda Church and there was a pitched battle there during the Civil War. If you look at one of the maps, she is always referred to as Widow Via or Mrs. Via (not my widow Via). She lived near Gilson Via, closer to Old Church. If you have heard from no one about Martha, let me know, and I will concentrate on looking for data. Martha and William had no children. That is the reason James inherited the land. Janelle