Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 85

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 85

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Samuel Jackson, oldest son of Josiah, born on Back Creek in 1760 and died 1845, spent nearly his entire life in the same section. He married Miss Mcveigh of Loudoun County, Va.

Issue of this union: Benjamin F., Margaret A., Jonathan and Ruth G. Jonathan married Janie S., dau. of Archibald and Lydia Robinson, in 1873. One child by this marriage is the well- known Llewellyn Jackson-farmer, merchant and telephone operator. To his enterprise is largely due the good service their line gives to the Back Creek and other sections. Jonathan Jack- son was born June 27, 1832; consequently he may be regarded as an old man, but he is still hale and hearty, and has his second wife. Mr. Jackson has always taken an interest in politics, being a Democrat. His parents were Friends, and enjoyed the esteem of the community.

The Robinson Family

From the very earliest settlement of the Val- ley, this family name appears. Some trace of their entrance to this Shenandoah section, from the head springs of Robinsons River, which are found East of the Blue Ridge, referred to in Lord Fairfax's grant as his starting point. The family is of Irish origin; and some have thought they came with the immigration that came direct from Ireland through the influence of the Scotch- Irish element that settled in the Valley in 1734-8. The ancestor of this branch of the family was James Robinson, who was a noted Irish weaver. There are so many descendants of this old emi- grant, that we will only mention a few names familiar in the Back Creek section during the 19th Century, commencing with Andrew A. Rob- inson, who was born in this section 1781. He was father of Archibald, Jackson, James, Jonathan, Mary Jane, David, Josiah, Joseph, Andrew A., and William, and perhaps more. Following the various lines, we find the name quite numerous. Nearly all those named are dead, having filled out their useful lives principally as farmers, noted for their good management. Their homes were attractive and unstinted hospitality pre- vailed. Connected with the Society of Friends, they were non-combatants during all wars, though several of this name appear during the Revolu- tionary War as soldiers. During the Civil War, they were for the Union. Mr. A. A. Robinson was an exception. He died at an advanced age in 1907. He had served several terms as Com- missioner of the Revenue for the Northern Dis- trict, and Assessor of Lands. The neatness of his work as found in the records of the County Clerk's Office have often attracted attention. The generation following, show some very enter- prising men as farmers, fruit-growers and mer- chants. Wm. T. Robinson the well-known far- mer near Clearbrook being one; James W. Rob- inson living near Winchester on the Pughtown Turnpike, so well known for his marvelous suc- cess as an orchardist, with his fine apple orchards

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on either side, which tell of great results accom- plished. His orchards in 1907 yielded full $20,000 in gross receipts. This family intermarried with the Steer, Jackson, Clevenger and other well- known families. Several years ago Mr. Frank Clevenger, of Wilmington, Ohio, a well-known lawyer, married Miss Robinson, daughter of Jona- than Robinson. Her two brothers, D. A. and J. W., live in Frederick County.

The Clevenger Family

This family, though not one of the oldest, has continuously resided in Frederick County for over one hundred years. They have been found in several sections of the county, chiefly in what is now known as Stonewall Magisterial District. The Gainsboro District had the John Clevenger branch. East of Stephens City may be found at this writing John W. Clevenger and his fam- ily. The well-known families of Alfred, Thomas, Asa and others North of Winchester, are well represented. James T. Clevenger, son of Al- fred, and his sons, are large land-owners, and very successful farmers. James T. married Con- stance, dau. of Chas. E. Evard, in 1861. His wife inherited one-half the Hackwood farm; their children being Louie R., Robt. G., Ernest B., and Carrie I. Mr. J. T. Clevenger's sister married John W. Mckown.

Chas. E. Clevenger has been mentioned as one of the Supervisors of Frederick County. He lives on the Opecquon, as does his brother, B. Frank. Both have been successful farmers. The home of the former was formerly owned by Mr. Richard Hardesty.

The Mckown Family

This well-known family was one of the old Irish families to settle in Old Frederick, now Berkeley County, West Va. There the name grew numerous; and large influential families have been prominent residents in the rich farm- ing sections of that county. The monuments standing in the old Gerardstown Churchyard show where many of them lived and died. Mr. John W. Mckown the highly esteemed citizen at the village of Grimes, represents the Fred- erick County family. His father was Warner Mckown, who removed from Berkeley County and lived on one of the celebrated Applepie Ridge farms. He was the son of Samuel Mckown, whose father was one of the Irish immigrants prior to the Revolutionary War.

John W. was born in Berkeley County in 1838, and came to Frederick with his father when two years old. He married Fannie, dau. of Al- fred Clevenger : issue by this marriage, Wm. A., Clara A. and Ada G. Mr. Mckown ren-

dered efficient service as Commissioner of Roads in Stonewall District for several terms.

The Bailey Family

This name comprises the three families of John W., Jesse R., and Charles P. Bailey, and their children, all well known in Frederick. John W. lives near Whitehall; Charles P. at Greenspring, merchant and farmer. His two sons ate popular merchants conducting the store on the Hitching Yard property; while Jesse R. owns the Alfred Parkins property on the Front Royal Turnpike. All are prosperous men and highly esteemed by their friends. They are sons of William Bailey, whose father was Wm. P. Bailey, who came from Loudoun County in the early part of the 19th Century. He was the owner of the Greenspring Woolen Factory, and there conducted a thriving business up to the time of his death in 1834. Then William conducted the factory until 1861, when it was destroyed by fire.

The Barrett Family

The Barrett name has been familiar in the county records since 1749, when Arthur Barrett, an English Quaker, settled on Applepie Ridge. The farm has never gone out of the Barrett family. This was the home of Joel Barrett at the time of his death a few years ago. The writer knew the splendid old men of the third generation, Jonathan, Joel and Benjamin-all now dead. Some of their sons and daughters are well-known citizens of the county.

The Yeakley Family

The progenitor of this family was John Yeak- ley, who settled in Frederick County at the close of the Revolutionary War, in 1783; then de- clared his intentions to become a citizen of the county; took the oaths required, and was listed for taxation. He married a daughter of Michael Fries; issue six daughters and three sons. One of the sons, George, married a daughter of Ab- ner Babb: children by this union were John A., James H., Wm. R., Rees B., Martin F. Among those who married and left children we men- tion Wm. R. who married Rachael dau. of Mar- tin Fries : issue, Laura V., Geo. H., Martin L., Molly C., John W., Robt. D., and Taylor B. He lived and died on his farm North of Win- chester, adjoining the old Cooke "Glengarry" farm on the West. He was a Confederate sol- dier, and was wounded. Mr. Yeakley was an honorable, upright man. He was born 1831. John A. and James H. Yeakley left children. Martin F. Yeakley was born 1835. He was a Confederate soldier. In 1872 he married Mar-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

tha A. daughter of Rev. William Hodgson (see mention of his life in connection with sketch of Round Hill M. E. Church). By this union they have William Holmes, a popular physician in Cumberland, Md., who married Miss Ransom, of Staunton, and Catherine E. who is now the wife of Dr. J. A. Richard, a dentist in Win- chester.

The Bond Family

The first of this family to appear in Frederick County was John Bond, who was living on Cacapon River about 1816. He previously lived in Shenandoah County, where his son Abner was born Oct. 10, 1801. They settled on what has been known as the Lost Stream farm, taking its name from two streams flowing from springs near the house. These streams suddenly dis- appear, following a subterranean channel to an outlet a half mile distant. John L. Bond, son of Abner, owns the fine place, where he enjoys all the comforts that his splendid home affords. He married Ann M., dau. of Jonah H. and Lydia Lupton, in 1873. Mr. Bond has been one of the Commissioners of Elections for many years. The members of the Bond family have always been consistent members of the Society of Friends. John L. Bond's only sister, Rachael, married Jacob Harman and removed to Indiana many years ago. The old homestead was set- tled by Wm. Lupton. His son Samuel built the Colonial house which stands near the modern structure of brick.

George Ruble lives in the large brick house about one mile North, built by David Lupton prior to 1800.

In this connection we will add that George Ruble's ancestor, Peter, Ist, was one of the oldest settlers in the North end of Frederick, and con- trolled large tracts of land. He saw service in the Revolutionary War.

It may be of interest to many readers to men- tion in this connection, that a great many tracts of land were parceled out by Alexander Ross for settlement of a number of families; and as he was a Quaker, that section lying North of Winchester became known as the Quaker settlement. This does not imply that all such settlers were Friends or Quakers; for we find the names of such old families as Babb, Mercer, Gerard, Bryan, Bryant, O'Farrell, O'Roke, Cheno- with, Beeler, Rouse, McCormick, Beesons, Haines, Littler, Bowen, Quinn, Daugherty. Denton and many others-none of whom had any connec- tion with the Society of Friends. It has been asserted by several writers-Hawks in 1836, and Norris in 1890, that Ross had a grant for 40,000 acres of land dated 1730. This statement is not sustained by any record. This matter has

been fully treated elsewhere; but it may be well to say here that the first grant received was dated 22nd November, 1734, for 2,373 acres (See MS Journal of Governor's Council, Land Office, Richmond, Va.) And Ross was not fully pre- pared to legally seat families for about ten years after he secured his order to make sur- veys, etc. The first deed made by Ross to any settler was to Joseph Bryan for 214 acres, dated Apl. 13, 1744. Many of his surveys were con- tested by Lord Fairfax; and some of the set- tlers paid the quit rents demanded rather than litigate the claims. Ross obtained several other grants for such land upon which he could seat settlers, but very few ever matured, as he was enjoined by Joist Hite.

The Hackney, Jolliffe, Neil, Rees and other old families of this section referred to, may re- ceive fuller notice if space permits. We turn aside for the present to mention a few fami- lies in Gainsboro District. The Smith family of Back Creek Valley has been given space to show their large connection with other families. Many of the old families living in that section prior to 1800, are well represented at this writ- ing by their descendants, while others have en- tirely disappeared. Of the former we have the Whitacres, Rinkers, Braithwaites, Bakers, Browns, Allemongs, Brannons, McIntyres, Pughs, Shades, DeHavens, Heironimous and McIlwees. Conrad Heironimous was there in 1758, though he did not become a land owner until 1767.

There was a time in the history of that sec- tion and within the memory of the writer, when names that are now silent exerted great influence in shaping the affairs of that section of the county, and whose names 'ere another decade is gone, will seldom be mentioned there, or their splendid traits and acts be recalled by the rising generation-a sad commentary upon the families that continually fall away after their strength is spent !

The Cather Family

James Cather who lived and died at his home "Flint Ridge" situated in Western Frederick, was well known to the writer and enjoyed his hospi- tality often. Mr. Cather was largely above the average farmer in intellect. Possessed with rare physical strength and wonderful energy,-these qualities gave him many advantages over weaker men. Always informed on the current topics of the day, his conversational qualities were admir- able. Young men were always 'benefited by having him as a friend. Mr. Cather was born in 1795, in Frederick County, of Scotch-Irish par- ents, in the house where he spent his long life of eighty years. He married Ann Howard, a daughter of that Irish family so well known in that section a half century ago. From the

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old home, they sent out into the world a large family of sons and daughters, well equipped for the affairs of life, some of whom became promi- nent in their several walks and struggles in life. All are now gone; their places are fast becoming shadows of the past. But it is a pleas- ure to be able to record here, that some of the descendants are maintaining the principles taught by their elders, and have adhered to lessons of integrity that went with them from the old home. The children were: Perry, John, William, Clark, J. Howard, Adaline, (who was Mrs. John Pur- cell) and Sidney (who was the wife of Mahlon Gore.)

John Cather once lived on Hogue Creek, but removed to Missouri; and there reared several children. His two daughters returned to Fred- erick County after the father's death, and re- ceived their education in Winchester. One, Fan- nie, married her cousin, Jonah Cather. Miss Addie was the well-known teacher in Fairfax College. She afterwards became the second wife of Dr. John S. Lupton. William the third son lived in Frederick County until about 1880, when he and his family removed to Nebraska. He was appointed Sheriff by the Military government after the Civil War. His two sons George and Charles were his deputies. William erected the large brick house on the N. W. Turnpike near Back Creek, and there lived for several years.

Clark Cather the fourth son of James, married Margaret A., daughter of Jonah Lupton (see Lupton Sketch). He was a prosperous farmer, and lived and died in the brick house where his son James now lives. He was a consistent Christian gentleman; was an Elder of the Lou- doun Street Presb. Church and Round Hill Church. Two of his sons James and Clark, as stated elsewhere, are members of the Board of Supervisors of Frederick County. J. Howard, the 5th son, married Millicent Lupton, and lived for many years on the old Major White property near Hogue Creek. No children. He was an Elder and devout member of the Hayfield Presb. Church.

Mrs. Sidney Gore, widow of Mahlon Gore, who was the merchant of the only store in Back Creek Valley prior to his death in 1860, was one of the most remarkable women in her day. She was left with three young sons, dependent upon her own resources, which comprised intel- lect, endless energy and unswerving integrity. She chose her 'task to support the young family and fit her sons for the future-both as to this life and that beyond. How well she did the work is attested by the "Valley Home" and its many adjoining acres, and the useful lives of her sons, who adorned their professions. Two of them became scholars of national reputation.

Prof. Joshua W. Gore, of the University of North Carolina, where he died in 1907, after long years of service. Professor J. Howard Gore, the other, of Washington, D. C., well known for his lit- erary work, as author of text book on Geological and Geodesy Surveys, "Handbook of Technical German," etc. He married in 1889 Miss Sarren- dahl, of Sweden, having one child, now dead. Perry C. Gore, the oldest brother, for many years during the latter part of his life, was identified with the affairs of the county. He served sev- eral terms as high sheriff, filling his office ac- ceptably to all. His life was an example for good. His courteous manners, firm purpose, strong will, supported by his integrity and Chris- tian life, reflected credit upon the Mother for whom he bore the tenderest filial affection. In 1877 he married Laura C. Campbell. (See Old Homestead Sketch.)

Mrs. Sidney Gore's work embraced every walk in life-helping the needy; educating young men who became prominent ministers of the Gospel.

Adaline J. dau. of James Cather married John Purcell, of Frederick County, upon his re- turn from the gold fields of California, he being one of the old Forty-Niners who made the over- land trip with wagons and pack mules. Mr. Purcell's family is not one of the old settlers; but a brief sketch at this point may properly appear in connection with the Cather family.

The Purcell Family

This family came from Loudoun County, Vir- ginia. Purcell brought with him his young chil- dren : Pleasant, Mary, Joseph, Mordecai, Thomas, "Lott," Lydia Ann, Rosanna, Priscilla, John, Rebecca and Elias. Possibly several of the younger children were born in Frederick. Their mother was Mary Jane dau. of Joseph Janney, of Loudun County. The Purcell ancestors were Irish. Not one of the children named are liv- ing. As already stated, John married Adaline Cather, whose Christian life should be as "bread cast upon the waters." Her family and the com- munity in which she lived, may find it as their days roll by; and it is hoped they may emulate her example. Mrs. Purcell was a devout Pres- byterian. She was the mother of six children, four of whom are living: Anna L. wife of Edw. Foreman, Mary I., wife of Dr. Mac Janney, Clark H., and J. Perry. Both parents died several years ago.

Clark H. is one of the most prosperous business men in Frederick County, owning several fine farms, orchards, etc. His home was one of the Colonials; became the property of the Byrarly family, known as "Long Green." This is in the Applepie Ridge section. There Clark's father lived and died, who was noted for his unbounded

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hospitality. Being a prosperous man, he in- dulged his generosity to such an extent, that it became known as the Wanderers Home. The writer had many persons to tell him of the kind acts of John Purcell and his estimable wife. His son Clark continues to keep the latch string on the outside; and as his acquaintance is large, his guests are numerous and of all types. Clark has been High Sheriff since the death of Perry C. Gore, and is an efficient officer. His wife was Miss Bertha Siler. No children.

J. Perry, at this writing, is in business in Win- chester. He married a daughter of J. H. Clay- ton and has two children. Pleasant P. daughter of John Purcell married Stacy J. Tavenner, who will be mentioned as one of the old citizens on the Opecquon. Lott married and his children and their children are well known in the county. Mr. T. V. Purcell and his family live East of Winchester, engaged in trucking, etc. He was once a merchant in Winchester. Samuel M. Pur- cell of Brucetown has been the "undertaker" for that section for many years. Mordecai never married. Rebecca became the wife of William Lodge. Elias was married. His only dau. mar- ried Dr. J. E. Janney, who left two children, Elias and Rose to inherit the two estates.

The Wood Family of Back Creek

William Wood who once owned the farm the home of Jonah Tavenner, was a prominent man in the early part of the 19th Century. He was one of the old Justices; and when Senior Jus- tice, became High Sheriff of the county. It is not known what connection he was to several other families who bore his name. One of his daughters Martha A. married Edwin S. Baker in 1845. One Selena became the first wife of Wm. H. Gold. Algernon was a lawyer and moved further South. Mary Jane married Capt. Pugh of Hampshire County. There were three other sons, David, William and Joseph. All died years ago, single.

The Lovett Family

This name has been familiar to the writer his entire life; for he knew Mahlon S. Lovett the county surveyor prior to the Civil War. He was 6 feet 8 inches in height with a large muscular frame. Mr. Lovett's home was near the ford where the old Indian Hollow Road crosses Back Creek. The large brick house seen there to-day was where Mr. Lovett delighted to enter- tain the dignitaries of the County. He had quite a literary vein; wrote many interesting articles on politics, agriculture, etc., and wrote many poems of rare sentiment and choice expression. Mr. Lovett's wife was Miss Muse, who became the mother of a large family, all of whom are

probably dead. The sons were Byron, Julian, Winfield S., Fannie, Cornelia and Ida E. Fan- nie was the wife of Capt. Hatcher, of Loudoun. Their children were R. Fred, lives in Washing- ton City, engaged in the real estate business. His wife was Miss Hall. Lind another brother, and Ada, married and lives in Washington.

Ida E. became the wife of James C. Pugh, 1886. Byron Lovett married Miss Bryarly. They had two children, James B. Lovett, principal of the Shen. Valley Academy for several years. His sister married and removed South.

The Denver Family

This family has been fully mentioned in sketch of Wm. Campbell's family, Patrick, Jr., having married his daughter in 1817. Within a few years thereafter, they established a home on Hogue Creek and named it "Selma" (The home mentioned in the Mahlon S. Lovett Sketch) ; and there continued to live until their removal to .Ohio about 1840. Patrick Denver, Jr., was a son of Patrick Denver who was one of the leaders in the Irish Rebellion in the latter part of the 18th Century; and for this reason, doubt- less, he emigrated to America, landing in 1799, on the day that witnessed the funeral of George Washington. He loitered some time along the Atlantic coast; for his first appearance in Fred- erick County was not until 1803. He located his family on a farm now known as the old Nathaniel Lupton farm on the N. W. Turn- pike. There he lived until his death March 31, 1831, when his body was laid to rest in the Old Catholic Cemetery at the East end of Pic- cadilly Street, Winchester, Va. His remains were removed a few years ago to the New Catholic Cemetery, South Market and Kent Streets. What composed his family, is not definitely known. He had three sons, however, who were Arthur, Daniel and Patrick. Arthur was a seafaring man. The writer was informed by his father when a boy, that Arthur was always called Cap- tain Denver on his occasional visits to his father; and was regarded by those who knew him as one of the privateers, who sailed the ocean from 1812 to 1824, and found the trade profitable. The Captain's last visit was just be- fore his father's death. At that time he furn- ished cash to pay a mortgage on the farm. He was never heard from after this visit. Daniel the other brother, lost his eyesight as he grew older, and was amply provided for by his nephew General Denver. He resided in the neighborhood of Mr. James Cather, who was the General's agent to look after his uncle until his death. The writer knew Daniel Denver. He was an in- telligent man, and remembered his arrival in Virginia, and why the family left their home in

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County Down, Ireland. Such recollections call to mind many incidents pertaining to the lives of the families mentioned in this sketch, but they do not properly belong to this work.

The Lockhart Family

This was once a large family in Gainsboro Dis- trict; but the name no longer appears in that part of the county. The old homestead of this family as known by the writer, was where two very old buildings now stand on the West side of the N. W. Turnpike near Gore; the store of John W. Parish being the next building on the same side of the road. This old group of build- ings was the celebrated Lockhart Tavern. Here the writer saw Genl. Josiah Lockhart. In later years after the marriage of his children and death of his wife, he turned over the tavern and farm to his son Robert, and removed his home to another farm Southward on Timber Ridge, now the home of Thomas E. Morrison. Two of his sons John and Thomas went to Missouri; Samuel to Western Virginia. Two daughters married and moved to Ohio. One was Emeline who married Mr. Lovett; the other, Margery, married Mr. Gore, an engineer who assisted in the survey of the N. W. Turnpike. As already stated, Rebecca A. married R. M. Campbell; and the youngest Margaret B. married Joshua S. Lupton. Mary Jane married Sydnor McDonald.

Robert V. Lockhart continued the tavern business until his death. He was a man of remarkable traits ; was intelligent, generous, and wielded a large influence in the neighborhood. He was true to principles and friends; but having general inter- course with all classes, he occasionally incur- red the displeasure of some evil-minded men who never dared confront him on equal footing. Two such bided their time, and securing the services of a gang of Yankee soldiers and scouts, hunted him down during the Civil War and shot him to death in his ice house, where they found him secreted. These two men whom he had helped in many ways, were strongly condemned by their neighbors for the dastardly act; and after the war sought other places to end their days. Rob- ert V. married Mary dau. of Col. James B. Hall, and was the father of a large family, that are too scattered to attempt further mention. Genl. Lock- hart was a tall, muscular man, of dignified style and manners. He was at one time General of the Militia Brigade of this District; and was an officer of the War of 1812, as was also his brother Samuel Lockhart, who was commissioned Captain May 22, 1811. They were the sons of Robert, Sr., who had a grant for large tracts.

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Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 85

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