Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 84

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607

USA > Virginia > Frederick County > Frederick County > Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia. > Part 84

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(1) Aaron H., born March II, 1802.

(2) Mary, born May 27, 1804; mar. David Wright; no issue.

(3) Martha Ann, born Feb. 22, 1807; mar. Samuel F. Balderson. They reared a large fam- ily.

(4) Joseph H., born Dec. 14, 1809; died Mch. 3, 1870, unmarried.

(5) James H., born Feb. 3, 1812; mar. June 6, 1841, Jane R., daughter of David and Ann Lupton. He died 1899, and she in 1905. Issue : David L., Virginia, John McPherson, Rachael Anna, mar. Edwin Griffith in 1882; had several sons and daughters. Hannah, married Geo. D. Stone in 1875.

(6) Lydia H., born 1814, married Jesse Wright, 1842. Issue: John D. Wright, mar. Anne Coch- ran (two daughters by this marriage: Alice, mar. Benjamin Byers; Nellie, mar. Wilmer T. Hoff- man). Rachael, unmarried. Mary Susan, mar. Frederick A. Cochran; his only son, Dr. F. A. Cochran, mar. Etha Clevenger. Martha E., mar. Wm. D. Bishop, 1887, Rebecca T., married Sam- uel R. Baldwin. Issue: Wm. W., Mary, Saml. R., and Joseph R. Joseph Richard married Annie E. Clagett. Samuel B. Wright, born 1859; died Sept. 29, 1893; married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Mellinger (Issue: Daniel. Jesse and Frederick C.)

(7) John W. Griffith, born Oct. 17, 1816, mar. Keziah, dau. of Seth and Mary Smith. He left several children.

(8) Richard Sidwell Griffith, born 1819, mar. Mary L. Newbold, of New Jersey; one daughter, Anna T.

(9) Robert D. Griffith, born 1821, never mar- ried.

(10) William P., born Mch. 8, 1824; mar. Mary V. Barnny. Issue: Fannie L., mar. E. T. Holt in 1887 (Issue son Harry) ; John B., Lulu, mar. W'm. McCarroll, and Anna T., mar. - Dunn.

(11) Aaron Hackney Griffith, born in Fred- erick County, Va., Mch. 11, 1802; died there in his old home Brookland, Feby. 8, 1877; married Apl. 15, 1830, Mary Parkins, dau. of Isaac and Hannah (Parkins) Hollingsworth. She was born July 15, 1809; died July 23, 1896. She became the mother of ten children, five sons and five daughters and lived to see several great-great- grandchildren. Mrs. Griffith was spared many of the infirmities of old age. She enjoyed unusual health and strength, and was thus enabled to maintain her reputation for good deeds, and a living example of the Virginia matron of ye Olden time. May her large posterity emulate her well-spent life. The names of the children of this family may be found under the head of Colonial places. See Brookland, etc.

The Griffith name once so numerous in the County, at this writing has been reduced to two children of Aaron H., viz: Richard Ed. and his sister Mary Ann (and Richard Ed. son of

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Richard Ed., Sr.) The name was identified with the Applepie Ridge section. They were all Qua- kers and non-combatants in time of war. But in the study of the family history, the writer has found several of the family doing good service in the Union and Confederate Armies: one being H. H. Griffith, Capt. Ist Iowa Battery, which signalized itself in the 15th Army Corps, Genl. John A. Logan, commander.

On the Confederate side, several of the name distinguished themselves as soldiers; of this number perhaps Joseph T. Griffith, who has made Berryville his home since the War, may be men- tioned as an example. He lived in Maryland until 1858, when he moved to Duffield, Jefferson County. When the storm of 1861 came, he for- sook business and entered the Confederate Army, under Genl. Joseph E. Johnston, and served in the campaigns of Tenn. and Miss. This indi- cates that all the Griffiths were not non-com- batants.

The Snapp Family

John Snapp, the progenitor of the large fam- ilies found in the well-known "Snapp Neighbor- hood," about 7 miles S. W. from Winchester, owning their own homes, where many of the name have lived since John number I settled there about 1747 on one of the Minor Grants. He had three sons, John, Joseph and Henry. We find a lease from Lord Fairfax dated July 23, 1750, to John Snapp (No. 2) for 400 acres of land on the "East side of Little North Moun- tain, adjoining the tract of his father John Snapp on the South." (Known in later years as the Bengie Frye place). John, Jr., had three sons and two daughters, viz: John (3rd), Sam- uel, Joseph, Leah and Sally. Leah married Henry Wisecarver; Sally married - Saun- ders. Henry Snapp's children were: John, Ed- ward, Elisha and Henry. John went to Ohio and raised a family. Edward's sons were: Jo- seph, Camillus and Henry. Elisha's children : Joseph H., Camillus, James W., Mary J. who married Eli Ashwood.

Henry's sons were: Cornelius, John E., Ca- millus and James. Joseph Snapp, grandson of John, Sr., was the father of John William, Jo- seph H., Morgan and Amanda who married John Henry Snapp; Catherine married Elijah Ru- dolph (no children). Jno. Wm.'s only child, Charles W. Snapp, lives on his father's home- stead on the Cedar Creek Grade.

Joseph H. Snapp's children were Edward J., Benton, Tilden, Laura, Christina and Caroline.

Morgan W. Snapp's children were: Milton, Simon, Lloyd (dead), Albert, Alberta, Harriet and Jerusha. Alberta married H. C. Womel- dorff. Harriet married Jno. Lamp. Jerusha mar- ried E. Smoke.

Children of John Snapp No. 3: John Henry, Martin, Mary who married Wm. Wilson, Cath- erine became the wife of Wm. Lupton. She had two sons, Joseph and John. The latter married and left one son, Wm. Lupton of Winchester, Va. Jane died single. John Henry's children were: Joseph (Dody), Josephine mar. Henry White, Victoria mar. Francis Peery. She lives at the old place of John Snapp, Sr. Dody mar- ried Martha, daughter of Joseph P. Richard, and lives at the home of his father, who died many years ago.

Martin Snapp, the great grandson of John, Sr., married Elizabeth Rudolph and was the father of Joseph M., who married Irene Cunningham. Issue: Catherine, Robert and Ethel. Jno. A. R., son of Martin Snapp, mar. Helen Snapp, daugh- ter of Sydnor Snapp-no children. Martin's daughters were: Catherine mar. Silas Lupton; Mary B., mar. Mick Lupton : issue, son Charles ; Jane mar. Snowden Lupton : issue, daughter, Ver- non, mar. Jno. B. Bywaters; Mary, unmarried.

Alice, daughter of Martin, married Ed. Lup- ton; issue : Bettie, Harry and Rebecca.

Samuel Snapp, grandson of John No. I, was the father of John William, Addison, Sydnor, Elizabeth, who became the second wife of Amos Pierce; no children; Rachael, married Wm. Te- valt ; issue Strother and Morgan.

Joseph Snapp, grandson of John No. I, was the father of Jacob and James, who has one son, Harvey.

Leah Wisecarver, daughter of John Snapp No. I, had born by her marriage with Henry Wise- carver, the following children: Samuel, Abram, Joseph, Henry, Martin. Samuel and Abram were unmarried and died many years ago. Henry was twice married, leaving children by both wives.

Joseph was the father of William Henry, Jos. T., and James W. Wisecarver.

William Henry died in prison, having been captured by Federal scouts the night of his mar- riage.

Joseph T. and James have large families.

Martin, son of Henry Wisecarver, Sr., mar- ried Miss Bayliss; their one son S. Marion, married Miss Cuningham; now living in Camp- bell County, Va., and have children. Martin mar- ried for his second wife Miss Frye, daughter of James Frye, the gallant Confederate veteran who conducts a profitable market garden on South Main Street. Martin owns the old Wisecarver homestead in the "Snapp Neighborhood," but has retired from business and lives in his handsome home on Amherst Street. Mrs. Sally Saunders, granddaughter of John Snapp No. I, had one son, Joseph, who moved to West Virginia. One daughter married Hiram Roe; her sister married

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Robert Roe; both left children. Henry Wise- carver, Sr., died in 1858, aged 74 years. Con- siderable effort has been made to enumerate all the descendants of John Snapp, the first settler ; but so far one line is not complete.

The Snapp family of Winchester will receive attention under another sketch, as it is believed the two families have no known connection. Neil, John B., James and Cornelius Snapp in the Rosenberger P. O. neighborhood, and the Snapps West of Middletown, are descendants of the pioneer Snapp family.

The Calmes Family

The founder of this family in the Shenandoah Valley when it was embraced in the territory of Spottsylvania County, was Marquis Calmes, who was forced to leave France in 1724, together with several hundred persons, by reason of their pro- nounced views on religious questions. This and other similar emigrations were known as Hu- guenots, who sought temporary asylum in Eng- land. Two colonies sailed for America in 1726; landed at Old Point Comfort, Virginia, and sought homes in that section. There was at that time a small colony of French emigrants in North Carolina, who induced a number of families to join their colony. Calmes and others founded homes near the James River below Richmond. The low lands, however, proved unhealthy for the French; and in 1734 they dis- posed of their holdings, some going to the moun- tain regions of Carolina, while others chose the mountain section of Virginia. Marquis Cal- mes secured one of the Minor Grants for land West of the Great Mountains, which Lord Fair- fax confirmed by a deed, when he took up his abode at Greenway Court. As shown in the first chapters of this volume, Calmes was one of the justices composing the first court held in Frederick County, and is shown elsewhere as an officer of the Virginia Line Militia. He died just prior to the Indian and French War, and is supposed to have been buried on his farm known to this day as the Vineyard Plantation. His wife was Winifred Waller, of Lower Vir- ginia. An old slab in Old Chapel Cemetery, bears this inscription: "Here lies the body of Winifred, the wife of Major Marquis Calmes. They were joined in wedlock 26 years and had six children. She departed this life Oct. 6th, 1751."

One of the sons, William, married the daugh- ter of Capt. George Neville. From this mar- riage, sprang a number of distinguished descend- ants. One of his sons, Marquis, was a dis- tinguished officer in the Revolutionary War. Many persons have confounded this Marquis Cal- mes with his grandfather. Another son, Harry,

was an officer in the War of 1812. Both of these brothers removed to Kentucky. One brother, Fielding Calmes, lived and died in Old Fred- erick County, Va. (now Clarke). He was born Aug. 30, 1766; married the daughter of William Helm, the son of Meredith Helm, an old set- tler. His homestead was known as "Helmly," which remained the home of succeeding gener- ations. One of the sons, Geo. F. Calmes, died there in 1873; two of his sons, Fielding H. and Marquis, both were Confederate soldiers-Mar- quis a private in Company D., Sixth Va. Cavalry, was killed 1864. Fielding H. was born at the old Homestead 1832; was twice married. His first wife was the dau. of A. Moore, of Clarke County : two sons by this marriage are George G. and A. M. Calmes. Their father was the well- known Major Fielding Calmes who was a famil- iar figure to those who so often saw him with his lame arm, the result of a wound received in service. He enlisted as a private in Company D., First Va. Cavalry; was wounded near Charlestown, 1863; was then promoted Major and assigned to the 23rd Va. Cavalry. Major Cal- mes died a few years ago. Other branches of the Calmes family will receive notice, if data is received in time.

The Helm Family

This name appears in Virginia about 1700, when we find Leonard Helm in the territory that was soon to be known as the Shenandoah Valley. His will was probated in Frederick County, Va., Dec. 5, 1745. He mentions his children : Meredith, Leonard, Mayberry, Joseph, Christopher and his youngest daughter, Bridget Madison. Meredith and Leonard qualified as executors. Doubtless the founder of the Valley family left his native country, England, with other members of the older set, landing on Long Island 1675. Thomas Helm was a resident there for several years, and is supposed to be the father of the Leonard named. "A history of the Parochial Chapelry of Goosnargh, Lanca- shire, England, by Henry Fishnick, F. H. S." gives interesting facts relating to the Helm fam- ily, who were prominent during the 16th and 17th Centuries. The family names, appearing in America far into the 18th and 19th Centuries, bear unmistakable evidence that this Leonard Helm was one of this English family. Meredith Helm who appears as one of the Justices of the first court held in Frederick County, 1743, and Sheriff in 1753, and who frequently appears in public life until his death in 1768, lived near Winchester at one time. His plantations were in that part of the county known at this writing as Clarke. He died intestate; but the settle- ment of his estate shows two of his sons, Mere-

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dith and Thomas, as his administrators. Mere- dith married Margaret Neill; and Thomas mar- ried Elizabeth Neill. The descendants of these marriages are too numerous to mention in this connection. The author is in correspondence with the line of Thomas Helm, the co-admr. of Meredith. He was a Justice of the Peace when the Revolutionary War began. Thomas had four sons, and probably more: William, Joseph B., Thomas and Meredith. One of Joseph's de- scendants, Mrs. John T. Doneghy, lives in Ma- con, Mo. Many of the name live in Kentucky.

Capt. Leonard Helm commanded a company in the George Rogers Clarke expedition to old Fort St. Vincent, and obtained land bounty for his services. (See list of Companies in this Vol.)

The Glaize Family

The first recorded evidence we have of this family in Frederick County, was in 1784, . when the pioneer George Glaize-name written in Ger- man "Kloess" was "listed a resident who de- sired to become a citizen, he having been admin- istered the oaths." He was the son of Frederick Kloess of Pennsylvania. He purchased a tract of land West of Winchester in 1786, on what was known then as "Title Bond," which guar- anteed a deed of conveyance when the last pay- ment was made. The tract was what has been referred to several times in this volume as the Hessian Prisoners farm. The pioneer was set- tled there in 1790, as a taxpayer. He was mar- ried to Catherine Hetzel before he left Pennsyl- vania. They lived at this place until his death in 1823, and there raised five sons and one daugh- ter, viz : Sampson, Henry, Solomon, George, John H. and Joannah. Sampson married Elizabeth Renner, having three sons and several daugh- ters by this marriage. George F., the oldest son, was born 1827. He entered the Confederate Army in 1861; was Ist Lt. in the 23rd Va. Cav- alry, serving faithfully through the entire war; then resumed the lumber business that he had started in 1854, which he successfully conducted up to his death. He married Alice E., daughter of Henry Stine, of Fredk. County, in 1875. One son by this marriage, Frederick L., born 1876, succeeded his father and conducted business at his father's well-known place near the B. &. O. Railroad station. His thrift, energy and intel- ligence has been rewarded in extensive improve- ments showing at this writing-planing mills, sash and door factory, and all ornamental work for modern buildings, and heavy stock of lum- ber.

George F. Glaize's two brothers were Isaac N. and Henry W. Isaac N. Glaize entered the Con- federate Army in the 2nd Va. Infantry, and was killed in the first battle of Manassas, July 21,

1861. He was found dead after Stonewall Jack- son's first bayonet charge, lying dead beside two dead Union soldiers-all three having fatal bay- onet thrusts, telling the mute story that he had killed his two antagonists before he fell. Isaac was a fine specimen of the Valley soldier-a large muscular man and an adept in bayonet drill. Henry W. was a member of the 12th Va. Cav- alry, serving faithfully until Lee's surrender. He was wounded in the Battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864.

Solomon Glaize, the second son of the pioneer, was born Jan. 21, 1796. He was twice mar- ried; his first wife being Elizabeth Streit, in 1825; she died in 1837. His second wife was Elizabeth Fries, married 1839; she died July 6, 1875. He had 7 children. We can recall the fol- lowing who survived him: John W., Mrs. Henry Stine, Mrs. Isaac Stine, Miss Rachael and David S. Glaize. The last named was born Aug. 23, 1842. He was a Confederate soldier; was cap- tured in Feby., 1862; was a prisoner in Camp Chase, Ohio, for 7 months, when he was ex- changed at Vicksburg, Miss. He was deputy Sheriff for two years after the war, deputy county treasurer for about 10 years, and was ap- pointed Treasurer in 1888 to succeed John H. Wotring who died in office. He married Eliza- beth B. Baker, daughter of J. Milton Baker, Feb. 26, 1885. One son was born to them May 31, 1888, David Brevitt Glaize, whose life-sized statue marks his grave in Mt. Hebron Cemetery.

Henry Glaize, the third son of George the pioneer, was born 1794. His wife was Miss Yeak- ley. They had a large family, only three of whom can be recalled by the writer, viz: John Glaize, George F. and Mrs. Vance Bell. John was the Capt. John Glaize, the well-known Quar- termaster of Stonewall Jackson's Corps. He was largely engaged in the steam sawmill busi- ness before the war, which he resumed after peace was declared. He was a Justice of the Peace prior to the War, and Sheriff 1867-68. At one time he was President of the City Coun- cil of Winchester. He married Selina G., daugh- ter of Edwin S. Baker, issue by this marriage, five children. One son is now clerk in the Win- chester postoffice.

George F. Glaize, brother of Captain John, was a successful farmer, and lived for years near Gainsboro. He was the father of several chil- dren. One son, Henry C., a prosperous farmer lived South of Opecquon postoffice. One daugh- ter became the wife of Joseph O. Bywaters; one is the wife of W. S. Hiett; and one the wife of Albert Williams. Two sons, Luther and Jeffer- son left Frederick County several years ago.

Henry C. married Ellen, daughter of Joshua

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Lupton : two sons by this marriage are Conly and Harry Glaize.

Henry Glaize, the father, was a soldier in the War of 1812.

The Fries Family

This family boasts of unnumbered descendants. The "Family Reunions" have their long list in- creased by the reports from the scattered tribe. They have been noted for their thrift and indus- try. The pioneer of this family was Martin Fries, a German, who emigrated from Pennsylvania dur- ing the latter part of the Revolutionary War, bringing with him sons and daughters, viz : Eliza- beth, Mary, Michael, Catherine, David, Rebecca, Anne, and Jacob. From this family have sprung many branches; intermarrying with numerous other families, their progeny is too extensive to follow. The writer has repeatedly solicited many of the name to furnish him data to com- prise an intelligent sketch of the family. The old records show the names of Martin, Jacob, John, Abraham, Isaac, George of the older set; while the familiar names of the next generation show that Martin, Josiah, George Y., David, Jesse and others figured; while another gives the names of some of their children: David A., George M., John B., sons of Josiah. J. Courcy and brothers, sons of George Y .; and also sons of George C., Edward, etc. This family was noted for their loyalty to the Union cause dur- ing the Civil War, Josiah being a single excep- tion. He lived and died an ardent friend of the South, and also a Democrat in politics, as was also his son David A. The son owned the large brick house near Back Creek on the North side of the N. W. Turnpike. On his way home a few years ago, he was drowned in attempting to ford "Gap Run," where the turnpike crossed it. About two years thereafter, the roadway was changed to the North bank of the stream, to avoid the crossing.

The old pioneer settled near the site of the present village of White Hall; and the numerous families have chiefly lived in what is known as the Applepie Ridge section, gradually extending towards Winchester. Some of them own splen- did farms, Jesse being one of the largest land- owners in that section.

The Branson Family

Three brothers of this name, viz: David W., Nathaniel B. and Jonathan W. were well known to the writer. They were honorable and up- right men; who lived on their own farms near Clearbrook, Frederick County, and were pros- perous farmers. They and their ancestors were members of the Old Hopewell Meeting, where the Society of Friends have held their service since 1755. Their grandfather Abraham Bran-

son resided in Stafford County, Virginia, where he was born in 1754. He married Catherine Reese, daughter of Henry Reese, of Frederick County, Oct. 22, 1779, where the pair lived and died. One son by this marriage Reese Branson (his mother dying a few years after his birth). His father Abraham afterwards married a Miss White, of Frederick County. Issue by this mar- riage: Mary (who became the wife of Joseph Fawcett) and six sons: William, Nathaniel, Isaac, Thomas, Joseph and Benjamin, all of whom removed westward except Thomas and Joseph. Thomas lived and died in Frederick in his eighty- third year. Joseph married Tacy, daughter of Jonathan and Hannah Wright, of Frederick County, Apl. 11, 1827. They lived and died in the home their father had enjoyed so long, and became the parents of the three brothers first named above. David W. married Ann, daughter of Wm. E. and Sarah Bailey of Chester County, Penna., and spent their lives in the old home. One son, William E., survives the parents and lives on the old homestead. David W. made many surveys of lands for his neighbors.

Nathaniel B. Branson married Nancy, daughter of Elijah and Elizabeth Holmes, of Loudoun County, Va. Two children survive the parents, Joseph H. and Mary E. The son is a successful physician in Washington, D. C.

Jonathan W. Branson married Caroline, daugh- ter of Edward L. and Elizabeth R. Cunningham, of Harford County, Md. They had two chil- dren, Tacy and Lillian. This surviving brother lives on part of the old homestead, and while in good health and prospering in business, has had his full share of sorrow and trials.

These brothers had one sister, Ruth Hannah, who married Samuel H., son of Joshua and Mary Mathews, of Baltimore City, Sept. 11, 1860. The issue of this marriage: Tacy B., Joshua H., and Mary M. Mathews.

The Adams Family

This was one of the families to settle on Back Creek, Frederick County, about 1755, the pioneer being William Adams, who came from West Jersey with several sons and daughters. We can trace but one son, Thomas Adams, who was born in Virginia in 1772. There is evidence that he was a son of the second marriage. He became the father of the well-known men who have been enterprising farmers in the section where the grandfather settled; they were W. Wash Adams, Martin M., James H., Thomas J., and John Dean. They had two sisters, Ellen A. and Albena. Wm. Wash. was born Mch. 6, 1815, and married Sarah C., daughter of Wm. Brown : issue from this union, T. Carson Adams, who married Bertie, dau. of Wm. H. Ander-

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son. T. Carson is the well known J. P. who has served in this office for several terms. Mar- tin M., son of Thos. Adams, was born July 30, 1817. He never married until 1862, when he married daughter of Alfred Garrett, of Fredk. County, who came from Loudoun County, Va., and lived on Back Creek. Mr. Garrett was one of the Old Ironside Baptists, and took pleasure in expressing his views on religious subjects. Two sons, Ernest W. and Thomas G., survive their father, Martin M. May they emulate his good principles and deeds. The writer was as- sociated with Mr. Adams when he was a mem- ber of the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County, and could point to many of his splen- did traits. Martin M. was a prisoner with the Rev. Dr. Boyd (notice of which has been made).

John Dean Adams, one of the sons of Thomas, was born in 1832. He married Hannah, daughter of Gideon Zirkle of Shenandoah County: issue by this union, Wm. Z., Chas R., Gertrude M. and John S., who survive their father, who died about 1905 on his fine farm near Whitehall, Frederick County. The Adams brothers were ardent sympathizers in the South's great struggle, Capt. Jack Adams attesting this in many severe engagements. He was Captain of Company K, 23rd Regt. of Va. Cavalry. His home for many years after the war was in Shenandoah County, where he died in 1906. His grave is in Stone- wall Cemetery, Winchester, where his remains were placed by his surviving comrades with mil- itary honors.

Cotemporary with the Adams family, were the Jackson, Robinson, DeHaven, Clark and other well-known families. If space will permit, special notice will be given them, as being of the number who have been found on Back Creek below Gains- boro for 150 years.

The Jackson Family

This once numerous family in Back Creek section, has gone with other changes. Mr. Jona- than Jackson and his son now living near the Gainsboro village, are holding on as landmarks of their busy ancestors of that name. The pio- neer of the family was Josiah Jackson, the same who married into the family of Joseph Steer, already mentioned as one of the first settlers. There were six sons and four daughters born of this union. The descendants became numer- ous; and several of the name found along the Opecquon and vicinity of Winchester, trace their lines from Josiah.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 84

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920 Publication date: 1909 Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.] Number of Pages: 607

Author: Cartmell, T. K. (Thomas Kemp), 1838-1920
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: [Winchester, Va.] : [Printed by the Eddy Press Corp.]
Number of Pages: 607