Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 87

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 87

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

David L. Clayton who lived and died near Cedar Grove, Frederick County, erected the large brick mansion now occupied by his son John.

Mr. Clayton came to the County from Western Virginia in 1817, when only 16 years old. For many years he was a ruling elder in the old Kent Street Presb. Church. He was highly re- spected and had a wide acquaintance. He taught vocal music in several neighborhoods. The writer remembers Mr. Clayton, and the losses he sustained as surety on a sheriff's bond. He died in 1854, leaving six children. One son, Elisha P., married and removed to Ohio about 1861. One daughter is the wife of Capt. George W. Kurtz; one son, David L. Clayton, lives in Cumberland, Md. The others died many years ago. John H. C. Clayton has served his sec- tion as Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Roads and other offices of trust. He married Mary George daughter of Lewis George, of Fred- erick County. Five children were born of this union. The three sons died several years ago. One daughter became the wife of J. Perry Pur- cell (now dead). Rebecca J. is the wife of Phil. H. Gold.

The Littler Family

This family that Isaac Wood intermarried with, was one of the old English colony that secured a minor grant Nov. 12, 1735. This grant was to John Littler and Thomas Rees for 1735 acres; and the survey describes the tract as extending up the Yorkshireman's branch, sometimes called Littler Run.

A similar grant embraced the land where the Stephenson station is. One of the grandsons lived at that point, and is credited with the erection of "Kenilworth" prior to 1800. The name frequently appeared during the 18th Cen- tury. Several members were of that old class known as the Tavern Keepers; several were millers ; some farmers-all active business men. But 'ere the first quarter of the 19th Century closed, the name was extinct; some finding homes in Ohio and other Western free soil States. They owned slaves in Virginia, but were opposed to the extension of slavery, as one of the name stated to the writer many years ago. John Lit- tler the founder died in 1748, and left a will. His sons were: John, Samuel, Nathan. Samuel died in 1778. He mentions son Elijah and daughters in his will. John, Jr., died in 1818, leaving sons Elisha, John, Joshua, Laban, Nathan, and daugh- ters Mary, Rosanna and others. He owned land also in Ohio.

The Hott Family

This family made its first appearance in the Shenandoah Valley just prior to the Revolu- tionary War. This was George Hott, who leased a tract of land from John Painter, 1772; and in 1776 he purchased the whole tract from Painter ;

484

CARTMELL'S HISTORY

and this farm has never passed out of the Hott family. There they raised a large family. From the many children we can trace lines of Jacob F. Hott and his wife Jane. Mr. Hott was a Minister of the Gospel, a member of the U. B. Church. One of his sons was Bishop James W. Hott, whose brother Elkana Hott was a minis- ter in the same church. One other son Charles Martin was also a Minister; one son-in-law M. F. Keiter who was also a minister. One son George P. has been principal of Shenandoah In- stitute, at Dayton, Va. One other son Jacob W. is a merchant in Frederick County. Another line of the old stock brings us to David F. Hott, living near White Hall and owning a handsome estate. He is an intelligent and prosperous far- mer; was born 1830, a son of Jacob Hott. The Hott family of this branch lived at one time in Berkeley County. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Hancher. They had born of this union nine children, viz : Mrs. Fannie Sincindiver, Mrs. Ann R. Randall, Lucy E., Laura L., John T., Arie A., David F., and Franklin E. They have always been classed with the German immigra- tions. This was because the original French family had been driven from their native coun- try, escaping into Germany; followed the emi- grations to America, and settled in Pennsylvania sometime about 1700. David F. is a devout mem- ber of the U. B. Church.

The Brown Family

One of the well-known old homesteads North of Winchester is Mulberry Grove, where we find two unmarried sisters, Elisan and Catherine Brown, who are very familiar with the history of their family. Their brother Wilson L. Brown died a few years ago. The trio made one of the quaint pictures such as we sometimes read about in Dickens, but seldom see. They are Friends in the strictest sense. The two sisters are conducting their affairs as their Quaker an- cestors did from 1774, and at the same place. Their great-grandfather was Daniel Brown, who settled at this point about 31/2 miles from Win- chester. Isaac Brown their grandfather was born in Chester County, Penna., in 1746. He came with his father to this farm, and there lived and died, following out in detail his father's mode of living. Family history says he married Margaret, daughter of Col. John Hite, grand- daughter of Joist Hite. One son by this union, viz : John Brown. Isaac's second wife was Sarah Ballinger, of Maryland. She lived 90 years, and died 1842. They had five children by this mar- riage : Wm. H., Isaac, Samuel, Margaret, Esther and Cassandra.

Wm. H. Brown was the father of Jane C., Rebecca W., Eliza, Wilson L., Elisan and Cath-

erine. He died at the old place in 1865. He was twice married. His first wife was Sarah, dau. of Lewis and Rachael Neill, with two daugh- ters by this marriage, long since deceased. His second wife was Martha Rees, dau. of Thomas and Jane. She was the mother of Wilson L. and the sisters above named.

The Jolliffe Family

This is one of the old families. They have a complete family history, prepared by Mr. William Jolliffe, of Buchannon, Va., several years ago. The writer recommends this to the Jolliffe fam- ily and numerous connections, for study. He remembers when several families of the name owned fine farms. Joseph N. has been mentioned elsewhere. Meredith H. lived on the Martins- burg Turnpike; Dr. E. C. Jolliffe near the site of Clear Brook. One sister married Samuel Hop- kins, brother of Johns Hopkins. Then there were John, Amos and James, all long since dead. Very few of their descendants can be found in the old County. This family have generally ad- hered to the Society of Friends. In sketches of several other families, this name will appear.

The well-known Tanquary family belongs to the 19th Century class; also the Timberlakes, and old Daniel Wright family of brothers and their descendants. Daniel Wright at one time was the owner of more fertile farms than any other person in the county. He parceled them out between his nephews and nieces. The Swim- leys, Cunningham, Jefferson, Shaull, Duvall, Chamberlaine, Jordan, Smoke, Silver, Hancher, Seevers, Horton, Jobe, Harman, Boyles, Daugh- erty, Hiett, Randall, Pitzer, Ebert, Payne, Lewis, Myers, Stine, Hardesty, Huntsberry, Heterick, McCormack families were all in active life dur- ing the period that witnessed the wonderful de- velopment of the county. The Throckmorton, Hackney, Rees, Bryarly, Bruce, Berry, Doster, Fitzsimmons, Dumas, Farrell, Daugherty, Silver and McCormick names belong to the 18th Cen- tury, and may receive special notices.

John Bruce, mentioned above, was the founder of Brucetown; he died there in 1748, leaving a large family. Several children lived near his home,-two sons, George and James, and two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Allen and Mrs. Rich- ard Carter; and thus the settlement became known as Bruce's village. Many descendants of the Irish emigration can be found. Very few, however, bear the names of the old ancestors.

The Ebert Family

This family became part of Frederick County during the 19th Century, when Martin Ebert

485

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

came from Adams County, Penna., in 1841 and settled near Greenspring. His family comprised his wife, Mary Myers, two sons and three daugh- ters. John E. died Dec. 5, 1841; William H. married Anna R. Ridgeway, dau. of Jonas Ridge- way of Berkeley County, whose ancestors came from Berks County, England, about 1750. Wil- liam H. lived and died in an old Colonial house, the site of the present handsome home of his son John Ebert on the Welltown Turnpike. His other two sons, Martin and Charles, are success- ful farmers and live on farms near the old home- stead. The father of these sons died in 1900, respected by his neighbors. He and his sons accumulated valuable property. Two daughters, Mary and Rebecca, died respectively in 1848 and 1867. The other daughter, Harriet, became the wife of George W. Brent in 1844. She sur- vived her husband who died in 1899, and died Feby. 5, 1908. Martin the father, died 1862; his wife in 1870. The Ebert ancestry came from Wurtemburg, Germany, early in the 18th Cen- tury, and settled near York, Penna.

After the din of battle ceased, and the Civil War clouds had drifted by, the Northern part of the county derived much advantage from an emigration from Maryland and Pennsylvania, composed of well-to-do farmers, most of whom became splendid citizens, many of them holding places of trust. Of this number can be men- tioned Jas. K. McCann, the Byers, Metz, Zinn, Mellinger, Staddon and other families. James K. McCann served one term in the Virginia Legislature, and was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the County for several terms. He is also a large landowner.

The author feels inclined to extend these per- sonal sketches over the section of the county North of Winchester, among the people with whom he has had such intimate acquaintance and warm friendship; but we must now briefly mention some of the pioneers South of Win- chester.

The Kline Family

The pioneer of this family was Jacob Kline, who always signed his name in German. We find it frequently translated as Clyne, Cline, Klein, Klyne. He was one of the German immigra- tion who landed in Pennsylvania 1735; and then in 1764 joined several other families and set- tled in Frederick County East of Middletown, erecting a large flax-seed oil mill where Kline's Mill now stands. After about twenty years of experience, this was abandoned, and the build- ing enlarged and used for making flour, and serving as a residence for the family, where his twelve children were reared. Anthony, who was

born in 1777, erected the present log mill in 1794, while his father was living. He married Je- mima, dau. of James Russell, of Fredk. County. Children by this union were: James R., Eliza, Anthony M. and Martha. James R. was born May 1, 1805. One of his sons, James O. Kline, has a large clock made by Anthony and started to run on his son's birthday. The date May I, 1805, is legibly written on the inside by the maker. This clock keeps perfect time at this writing, giving days of week and month, changes of moon, etc. We may add at this point that the maker was doubtless one of the famous clock- makers found in Middletown in 1797 and prob- ably connected with the manufacture of wheat threshers. James R. Kline's children were James O., Samuel A., Francis, Alcinda, Mary, Ellen. James O. married Ann Dinges : children, Hugh B., Clara (Mrs. Wise), Harvey married Miss Stickley; Octavia and Howard, single. F. Estes married Miss Stickley.

Samuel A. Kline's children : Russell and Eliza- beth (Mrs. Gruber).

Francis Kline married Wm. Powers, of Fredk. County. Their son, William Powers, lives in Clarke County.

Alcinda married Rev. Daniel Baker: children, Quinter, Daniel.

One daughter married Edward Stickley, another married L. R. Dettra; one is Mrs. Kimble; Effie is single.

Mary Kline married C. Milton Peery; children : Lloyd, Charles, Lulu and Fannie. Lloyd married Miss McLeod; Lulu married Saml. Miller; Fan- nie is Mrs Frazier.

Ellen Kline married Amos Guard: one son, Atwell.

Anthony M., son of James R., born 1816, mar- ried Emily B. Muse, dau. of Major Robert B. Muse, of Back Creek, in 1836. Children by this union : Snowden B., Charles O., Petara J., Mary, Rigdon, Lucy, Thomas L., and Martin Trone.

Olivia V. married Jno. Sperry, of Middletown. Anthony M. has been mentioned elsewhere as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.

Daniel W. Kline, who was well-known as the faithful superintendent of the Court House, etc., during the latter part of his life, was the son of John I. Kline, of Middletown, who died in Mar- tinsburg. Daniel served in one of the fighting Confederate batteries, and treasured a memory of his war experiences. He was a great sufferer from a serious malady, and underwent trying operations that produced no permanent relief. He died 1907. His mother Eliza Kline, brother C. N. Kline and sister Mrs. Kilmer survive him; also his widow and several children. She was a daughter of Harry Hoover.

John G. Senseny married a daughter of James

486

CARTMELL'S HISTORY

R. K. One daughter Ann married Rev. J. Spes- sard.

Much confusion has arisen concerning this name. Another family always bearing the name of Cline, living chiefly in Hampshire County, are sometimes regarded as a branch of the Klines who preceded them. The well-known gun and locksmith Cline, of Winchester, doing business in the old building of John I. Baker on South Main Street until his death some years ago, knew no connection between the families.

Anthony Kline and Kezziah Russell emanci- pated negro Sam, in 1823 (see Deed Book). We also find an Adam Kline at an early date. He mentions his children John, Mary Gilham, Bar- bara Grapes, Susana Green, Michael, Elizabeth Evans, and two other daughters.

The Senseny Family

This family belonged to the sturdy people who did so much during the 18th Century to develop the Southern section of Frederick County. Dr. Peter Senseny was the progenitor. He was born 1738; and settled in that section when a young man. From him we trace several branches, who chiefly lived in and around Middletown. His daughter Catherine married George Wright. Of this family who entered the Confederate Army was, C. W. Senseny, found in Co. D, 18th Va. Cavalry, now resides in Bloomington, Ills. Jacob Senseny, mentioned frequently in Sketches of Winchester, was a son of Dr. Peter. He lived in Winchester from his boyhood until his death in 1860. He owned the land South of Mt. Hebron Cemetery, and erected the large brick house at the East end of Cork Street, for many years occupied by M. and T. Conway, now the home of Geo. W. Haddox. He was the father of George E. Senseny, Editor of the Winchester Republican for many years prior to his death in 1869, and also father of Edgar Senseny who has lived in Missouri for forty years, and of Mrs. Kate Needles, whose tomb can be seen in Mt. Hebron.

The Wright Family (Middletown)

Geo. Wright was the first of his family to appear in Middletown, which was in the Sum- mer of 1819. He was born in England, near York, Sept. 11, 1792. On his arrival, he soon set his skill and genius to improve upon the ma- chines made by Ridings and Mckeever; and pro- duced a threshing machine that won favor with the wheat growers. He married Catherine daughter of Dr. Peter Senseny, Oct. 17, 1820.

Peter Senseny Wright, a son by this marriage, was born in Middletown March 21, 1834; died Feby. 16, 1885. He was by education and tem-

perament well fitted for his life work, which was devoted to the growth of fruit and orna- mental trees, shrubbery, etc. His well-kept nur- sery was one of the institutions of the Middle- town section for years. His love for plants and flowers, was gratified by his intelligent knowl- edge of them, having made botany his careful study. He married his cousin Maud Wright. She was the daughter of John and Sarah Wright. John Wright came from England in 1827, and became a successful farmer. He married Sarah Kercheval (daughter of Samuel Kercheval, au- thor of the History of the Valley). Their only child was Ethel, who became the wife of Jos. Watson a few years ago.

The Larrick Family

The pioneer of this family was George Lar- rick, who first appeared in Frederick County about 1755. His name appears in a lease assigned by Hite and Mckay. The name is written in the body of the paper as Laruck. Fairfax's agent reported a list of persons unlawfully oc- cupying his lands, George Laruck being one. Pro- cesses for ejectment were served, and rents de- manded. Some of the parties compromised with Fairfax and paid their rents, George Laruck being one; and in 1760 Fairfax made them lease and release deeds. The pioneer secured part of the tract where he had erected his buildings; and it is claimed by the descendants, that the original homestead was preserved and additions made from time to time. This name has undergone several changes. The family that landed at New Castle, Delaware, came over with what was des- ignated as an Irish emigration. They were reg- istered in the ship's lists as Laroque, natives of France. By the grace of her Majesty Queen Anne, their abode was Ireland. The ships were met by agents, who escorted a large number to the new country. The identity seems clear. The writer has been informed by members of the family, that family tradition claimed them as Huguenots. One son of the pioneer was George Larrick, who was born 1770. He married Re- becca Brinker, dau. of George Brinker, whose wife, as will be seen in the Hite Sketches, was the grand-daughter of Joist Hite. Their chil- dren were: Rebecca, Asaph, Manly, Pamelia. Catherine, Mazey, George B., Killesta, Elizabeth, Cealta, Rachael, Isaac, Mary Ann and Jacob B.

Catherine married Alfred Rust, Cealta wife of Silas Simmons of Ill. Isaac moved to Missouri, and served in a Missouri Company during the Mexican War. From the lines of the children named, could be traced large families, for which we have not room; but we will mention briefly the names of the well-known family of Jacob B. Larrick, who was born Mch. 12, 1826, in the

487

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

old homestead, and spent his useful life there, dying Oct. 22, 1887. He married in 1851 Mary Ann dau. of George B. and Sarah Scaggs, of Maryland. Their children were: Geo. W., Lucy R., (widow of James F. Faulkner, of Winches- ter), Sarah E. (wife of Samuel Williams), E. Olin, James I., Jacob B., Cora L. (married P. A. Scaggs), Robert A., and Herbert S. George W. became a prominent physician in the Middletown section. He first practiced at Toms Brook; but forming a partnership with Dr. John S. Guyer, he returned to Middletown in 1879. Although suffering with a diseased leg, he held out under his large practice for more than twenty years, when he was compelled to succumb to the in- roads of his old enemy. Dr. Larrick was a genial-hearted gentleman, very pronounced in his opinions, a Democrat in politics and a Methodist in religion. His widow was M. Louise McGee, of Baltimore. E. Olin and James I. compose the widely known firm of Larrick and Larrick, at their large warehouses near the railroad station. E. Olin has been very active for several years as member of the School Board. J. B. lives in Washington, D. C. Robert A. lives at the old homestead. Herbert S., now Commonwealth's Atty. for the County, has resided in Winchester for several years, enjoying a lucrative practice with his partner, Senator Robt. M. Ward. The father, Jacob B. Larrick, was prominent in his church (M. E. South) and always took an ac- tive part in the old campmeeting experiences of the Methodist Church. The writer recalls with pleasure the unbounded hospitality Mr. Larrick offered to visitors at his splendid tent during those seasons at the old camp ground near Stickley Springs. Mr. Larrick was a Confed- erate soldier.

Another branch of the Larrick family found in the vicinity of Middletown, during the writer's knowledge, were the three brothers, Jacob H., Geo. B., and James S. Jacob H. Larrick was the proprietor of the Larrick Tavern for many years. George B. was sargeant of Company B., 11th Va. Cavalry. While this company was in the 17th Bat- talion, he was desperately wounded near the Yellow House North of Winchester. He sur- vived the War; married Miss Briggs of Win- chester and removed to Lexington, Va., where he died about two years ago.

The other brother, Capt. James S. Larrick, living near Middletown and generally known in the county as a surveyor of lands, was one of the Cadets at the Virginia Military Institute during the early part of the Civil War, and par- ticipated in the celebrated Battle of New Mar- ket. The three brothers have children, but the writer has been unable to secure their names.

The Ridings Family

Some confusion has arisen as to the date when this family settled in Southern Frederick. Some writers claim they were in that section prior to 1800. This seems to be a mistake. James Ridings and two sons were on the tax lists in 1817; but James became a landowner for the first time in 1829, when he purchased a house and lot in Middletown. It appears, however, that he was a mechanic of the village some time prior thereto, having come from Baltimore. He later on established a factory and fullers mill East of Middletown, and organized what was known as Ridings Chapel. There was a Dr. Peter Ridings near Winchester in 1812; who took the oath of allegiance to the United States and re- nounced his allegiance to England, he being a native of that country. What relation he was to James, if a brother, is not definite. He, too, is found later on living East of Middletown, having married in England prior to 1800. They reared a large family. John W. Ridings who lived on his fine estate on the Middle Road, was of this line. It is well known that Dr. Rid- ings was connected with a woolen factory in that section. Edwin B. Ridings son of Dr. Peter and father of John W. Ridings, was born in Eng- land 1798; and died in Frederick County, 1878. He owned the old woolen factory, grist mills, etc. Though a member of the M. E. Church, he gave the ground for the U. B. Chapel (men- tioned elsewhere). His first wife was Lydia Rhodes, the mother of Jacob, Peter and John W. In 1828 he married his second wife Susan Pain- ter, who died in 1834, leaving James R. (a mute), Sarah A. and George E.

During the Civil War, this family suffered, as did many others; but two instances of special- ly brutal treatment may be mentioned: Peter was taken from his home and family and shot dead by a squad of Union soldiers, within a half mile of his home; while at another time, John W. Ridings' wife was killed in her own home on the Middle Road, West of Newtown. A large squad of Sheridan's Cavalry, led by - Brown, a renegade Frederick County man, made a rush upon the house, firing many volleys. Mrs. Ridings was killed. Both cases were without excuse. William Ridings, her son, lives in the vicinity at this writing; and several other chil- dren survive. E. C. Ridings, James W. (now Notary Public) and other members of the two families mentioned, live at Middletown and vi- cinity. The writer hopes to receive matter from them pertaining to their lines.

In connection with the Ridings family, we will mention for convenience the Smith family, found in the same section and intermarried with

488

CARTMELL'S HISTORY

them. Isaac N. Smith, it has been shown, served in the War of 1812. He was the father of John W. Smith, Thomas Smith, Benjamin F. and several other children. Benjamin F. served through the Civil War, a member of Company A., First Virginia Cavalry. He married Mary C. Ridings. The brothers are all dead. John W. was a prosperous farmer and a most honorable man. His daughter Mrs. Hiram O. Craig, lives on his old homestead near the Front Royal Turn- pike; while his son James W. Smith lives on part of the home farm, which he has improved with handsome buildings, orchards, etc. One of James' sons, Clark, is in the S. V. N. Bank; Arch lives on Dr. Bell's farm. Isaac N. a brother of James lives in the county. Several other families of this name are found in other parts of Frederick County. Manson P. Smith on Cedar Creek, the prosperous farmer and mil- ler, while a son of Benjamin Smith and family names similar, connection is not traceable. The latter will be mentioned in connection with the Affleck family.

The Stickley Family

This is one of the German families that emi- grated from Pennsylvania in the latter part of the 18th Century. The first of the name to ap- pear in the Shenandoah Valley was David Stick- ley, who made large purchases of land on both sides of Cedar Creek. Several large tracts were owned by his descendants in Shenandoah County, through several generations. The progenitor, however, fixed his home on the Frederick side, where the old mansion can be seen in good repair.

David married Miss Harman, and was the father of three sons and two daughters. One son Levi lived on a large tract in Shenandoah County; he married Eliza Dosh. She was the mother of Dr. Silas M. Stickley, who is the popular physician at Stephens City. He mar- ried Lucy J. Jenkins. They had 7 children. Abram Stickley, his youngest son, was born in 1792. His wife was Rachael Murphy who was the mother of four children : Benj. F., Wm. M., Annie E. and David A. They were all raised at what was called the Chrisman Spring place, the old stone house built by Chrisman, which Abram purchased in 1816 together with 600 acres of land. The neighborhood is now designated as Vaucluse Station. The sons all married and lived in the vicinity. The old house where Abram lived, was known at one time as the homestead of George Chrisman, son-in-law of Joist Hite, which was erected near the once cel- ebrated spring. The great mass of limestone rock that the first settler found surrounding the spring, is being reduced by the extensive lime-

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants: A History of Frederick County, Virginia., Part 87

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