World War I Letters of Russell County, January 31, 1919

The following letter originally appeared in the January 31st issue of the Lebanon News:

"A Lebanon Boy Writes From Germany

American Expeditionary Forces,
Office of Assistent Provost Marshal
42 Division
Ahrweider Germany, Dec. 25, '18

Mr. E. R. Combs,
Lebanon, Va.

Dear Uncle,

Your letter of November 20th, just received, and I agree with you in regard to the end of the war. Of course, we came over here with only one aim - to win the war and talk about it afterwards, but I, as well as everybody I know over here, am glad that it is all over and that we got off with as few casualties as possible. I was very sorry to hear that Lawrence Robinson had been killed, but some of us had to pay the price.

I understand that the President is now in France, but I do not think he has ever been in Germany. I have heard that he does not intend coming up here. I am glad he came over and feel sure that peace terms will be drawn up much quicker with him present, and that's what I'm looking for, as I am of the opinion that the "Rainbow" is bilted with the Army of Occupation until everything is straightened out. Since the march and the hardest part of the work is over, I am glad we were put in the Third Army, or Army of Occupation, as most of us would have felt slighted had we been left out and sent back in France to await the final wind-up. We had a pretty long march from Bugency France through Belgium and Luxembourg into Germany, but most of the time we had good weather and very good roads. We were thirty days on the march, of course we rested at a few places five or six days, but I guess Sherman has nothing on us for marching. We started November 14th and finished up here on December 16th.

I have heard a good deal of stuff about the 10th C. A. C. expecting to come over here to do guard duty, while we were being sent back home and mustered out, but I'm afraid they are guessing too much, as I feel sure we have enough troops in this country to do the guard duty, even if all of the Divisions that were in the front lines were sent home. Out of the 60 Divisions, not more than one third of them every got close enough to hear the guns, much less get into action. Looking at it in this light, I guess C. D. and Bill will have to put off their trip to France and Germany. Am expecting to receive a letter every day saying they have been mustered out of the service. They are perfectly welcome to the trip and the guard duty also, but I guess it isn't reasonable.

So far, I have not heard of any friction between US and the German civilians. They do as they are told and tell us how glad they are that the Americans are occupying this particular part instead of the French or English, and on the French and English from they are tell them the same thing. I don't care how much they say they like us, I won't believe it, as I do not see how I could like an invading Army, no matter how considerate. We are treating them better than I ever thought we would. We do not ask for anything unless we pay them for it. Of course we requisition, but they will get their money. Almost all of the men have returned, that is the ones that live on this side of the Rine, and we do not bother them so long as they leave off their darned old green uniform. But I guess we don't love our enemies like we ought to.

Have been hearing all kinds of dope about coming home and every time the date set comes around is just 40 days more. The latest date for sailing is Jan. 17th. Have heard that we are to go on down the Rine and sail from some port in Germany and that we were going back through France also. I don't care which, so long as we go. My, but I would feel like a millionaire on one of those Hommer 40, Chevaus 8 ([...] long), again. Last spring and summer re rode them so much that it was almost a second nature and I guess I am going to hunt up a real box car to come one on. Passenger cars are not in my line any more. we have some real box cars over here with two wheels under each end and U. S. A. in big red letters on them. They make me homesick every time I see one.

Talking about making me homesick, but while we were at Apremont, just before the final showdown, and American train came into a town about four or five miles back that had a real N. & W. passenger train whistle on it. I'g get up anytime to see that train it had been a little closer. I'd dear that whistle and immagine No. 8 comin' in.

Your nephew
ELLIS HARGIS

P. S. Stanley Hargis and Pete Shomaker are both stirring and are as usual."

World War I Letters of Russell County, January 31, 1919

The following letter originally appeared in the January 31st issue of the Lebanon News:

"RECOVERING FROM WOUND

General Hospital No 2

Fort McHenry,
Baltimore, Md. Jan. 14 1919

Dear Sister,

Your letter received today, was glad to hear from you and glad to know you are all well. As for myself I am O. K. and I think I will be out soon. I don't think I will be discharged before February or March, but if I don't get my discharge soon I will try to get a pass and come to see you all.

Well Mary, I did not get hurt very bad, just got my fingers broken and blood poison set up and I had a lot of trouble. I came very near losing my hand, but I am about well now. Sister I don't know how bad Craig was hurt, I saw him the day that I was going into the lines in September. I got hit the 30th day of September and I have been in the hospital ever since I landed in U. S. A. the 11th day of December.

Mary, many thanks for the $5.00 because I haven't any pay since July and I haven't had any mail since about the first of August. I went into the lines the 1st of August, at Albert, France, and then to the Verdun front. I was in the town of Verdun and it is all shot down, just like all towns in the war zone - they are all shot to pieces. I had some things to bring back with me but they were stolen from me. Tell Bob I intended bringing him a helmet, but could not as everything that I had was stolen.

Your brother,
G. G. Worsham"

Settlement of the Accounts of Joel Campbell, Deceased, 1851

Settlement of the Estate of Joel Campbell dec'd

The Accounts of William Campbell administrator of the Estate of Joel Campbell deceased being before me for settlement, and having advertised at the Courthouse door according to law, the following statements of his accounts is made.

Receipts.

Balance in his hands and standing against him by previous settlement of his administration accounts, June 27 1845 $17.79

Various other debts collected for the estate as per list herewith filed 160.87 3/4

Amount of an account settled with Wilson Elliott 15.31 1/2

                                                    $193.98 1/4

Disbursements.
Account paid J. H. S. Fugate a Constable for serving warrants	1		60
Account allowed Wilson Elliott (see above)	2	15	31 1/2
Account paid James Presley	3	9	9
Tax ticket for land for 1849	4		45
Debt paid Isaiah Fuller, as per receipt	5	14	13
Tax ticket for land 1848	6		45
Commissioner' ticket for transfer of land to heirs	7		75
Account paid Scoffield Maddox	8	1	50
Sheriff's ticket paid J. F. McElhenney	9		75
Note executed to James Gilmore, paid Cummings Gilmore	10	18	19
Receipt from Cummings Gilmore for money collected on a receipt for notes, by intestate	11	14	89
Amount paid on Constables receipt from Joel Campbell to D. Sergant, paid J. F. McElhenney	12	48	50
Balance of a note paid Henry Campbell senr.	13	10	30
Account paid same	14	3	70
Clerk's ticket paid	15		18
Account paid John W. Hendricks	16		16
Receipt for money paid N. B. Gray	17	9	71
Account paid Anderson Hendricks	18	4	82
Receipt for money paid Jesse Vermillion	19	1	17
Account paid James W. Hendricks	20	10	00
Tax Ticket paid J. F. McElhenney for 1845	21		45
Account paid Joseph Tod, as per receipt	22	8	08
Do do	23	9	09
Amount of Disbursements forwarded		$182	27 1/2
Account paid Richard T. Fields	24		80
Account paid Henry Harman, as per receipt	25	2	17
Tax ticket paid Johnston Howard S. R. C. for 1846	26		45
Clerk's ticket paid	27		18
Cash paid John C. Ferguson on Constable's receipt executed to him by intestate.	28	42	037
Cast paid Hopkins & McElhenney, as per receipt	29	10	00
Amount paid on a Receipt to John Scott	30	8	78 1/2
Account of tax paid on a deed admitted to record	31		50
Receipt for money paid Charles H. Monk on Account of Obedience Elliott's Estate	32	8	09
Account due Dickenson & Kernan	33		75
Cast paid on a note to Andy F. Hendricks	34	24	58
Cash paid J. F. McElhenney on a note executed to Snider V. Caldwell	35	4	87
Cash paid Thos. J. Riley on a Constables Receipt	36	2	57
Account paid Green C. Fields	37		83
Cash paid on a receipt for notes put into hands of dec'd to collect for Boyd & Vermillion	38	15	00
Cash paid on a similar receipt to T. C. M. Alderson & Co.	39	63	02
Tax ticket paid R. Boyd D. S. for 1850	40		45
Do do paid same	41		76
One half fee for recording deed to John & H. Campbell			75
		$369	82 1/2
Recapitulation		$369	82 1/2
Amount of Disbursements		193	98 3/4
Leavning an Amount paid behond his receipt of		$175	83 3/4

Given under my hand this 22d day of September 1851.

James P. Carrell, Commissioner

Russell County, to wit: This day James P. Carrell made oath before me a justice of the peace of said County, that he has been engaged four hours in taking the above account. Given under my hand this _____ day of ____ 1851. J. P.

At Russell October Court 1851.

This Settlement of the Administration accounts of William Campbell on the Estate of Joel Campbell deceased was reported to the Court, and there being no exceptions thereto, it is ordered that the same be recorded.    Teste,

James P. Carrell, C. R. C.

World War I Letters of Russell County, February 14, 1919

The following letter originally appeared in the February 14th issue of the Lebanon News:

"SOLDIERS WRITE HOME.

Somewhere in France,
January 7, 1918.

Mr. E. B. Sutherland,

Dear father:

I will write you a few lines as I have some time. I received your letter two days ago and was some glad to hear from home again. I just came back from the hospital but I am all o. k. and feeling fine.

I had a fine Christmas, also a fine Thanksgiving dinner. We are on our way to the coast but don't know when we will sail for the U. S.

I received a letter from Douglas a few days ago and was glad to hear from him. I was close to him once but didn't know it. One of our company boys met him and brought me a letter from him. He was o. k. I was glad to hear you were all well. I hope the creek is on a boom.

Denny Grizzle, Sherman Parson and I are together now.

You asked me if I was in the battle where Lafayett Sexton was killed. I was there and it was some battle. Rufus Kiser was wounded in the same battle. We are in good hopes of being home soon. I know it will be sad for us there, so many friends dead, but I have lost some friends here too.

We have some time with the French girls. I will try to see Douglas soon. You would not know me now, I weigh 170 pounds and still going up like a reed. We just received a compliment from Richmond, Va., wishing us good luck a safe arrival home. Well I will close as we are ready to move. Answer soon. I remain your son.

DEWEY JACK SUTHERLAND"

Death Mentions in County Court Law Order Books, August 1854 Through December 1854

Russell County's official death records date from 1853, however not all deaths were reported. Additional death information can be gleaned from several sources, including newspapers, cemetery records, and other civil records.

The following information related to deaths in Russell County from August 1854 through December 1854 come from the County and Circuit Court Law Order Books. These excerpts are all mentions of the words executor, deceased, and guardian from the records.

See the full transcriptions on my other site for more details.


August, 1854 County Court Order Book

On motion of William Salyer who took the oath of an administrator prescribed by law & entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of $400.00 with Jacob Dorton as his security, a certificate is therefore granted him as administrator of David Salyer deceased in due form.

Ordered that Charles C. Gibson, Shanklin Salyer, and Nimrod Elam after first being duly sworn do appraise all the personal estate to them produced of David Salyer deceased by the administrator and return such appraisement under their hands, signed by the administrator to the Court.

Ordered that Robert Boyd be appointed guardian to Celia Lavina Mutter infant daughter of _____ deceased and thereupon he entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of Seven hundred dollars with Wm. B. Aston as his security, conditioned as the law directs, which bond is ordered to be recorded.

Ordered that John F. McElhaney be appointed guardian to Mary F. Carothers infant daughter of John F. Carothers deceased and thereupon he entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of $200.00 with Wm. B. Aston Robert Boyd as his security, conditioned as the law directs, which bond is ordered to be recorded.

Ordered that Andrew C. Ferguson be appointed guardian to James H. Ferguson infant son of Andrew C. Fergusons, and thereupon he entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of Two hundred dollars with David C. Ferguson as his security, conditioned as the law directs, which bond is ordered to be recorded.

This cause came on this 10th day of August 1854, to be heard upon the bill and exhibits filed in the cause the answer of the infant Defts. by their guardian ad litem and

From an estimate presented by the Clerk of the Court of a debt due from the County to the estate of Aaron Hendricks deceased, it appears that the amount including interest, till the 8th of this month, is $3002.61 for money loaned to build the new Courthouse, and supposing that there may be in the Sheriff's hands from collection of the County levy of 1852 & 1853 a sufficiency to pay off said claim no allowance for the present is made, on account thereof.

George W. Hopkins vs. Andy F. Hendricks, guardian &c.    In Case.

September, 1854 Circuit Court Order Book

Samuel Smith surviving admr. of John Smith deceased who sues for the benefit of Isaac Vermillion admr. of Joseph Jessee deceased      Plt.

Johnson P. Gibson admr. of Thomas Gibson deceased &c. defts.

September, 1854 County Court Order Book

A writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of John Owens, deceased, was proven in Court by David Jessee senr. and Abram Nordyke the subscribing witnesses.

Ordered that Wm. Salyer be appointed guardian of Johnathan Salyer whereupon he executed bond in the penalty of $600. with John  H. S. Fugate as his surety conditioned according to law.

J. F. McElhaney surety of Johnson P. Gibson administrator of Thos. Gibson deceased declare in Court that he will not longer remain surety, the said John P. Gibson also being present in Court & refusing to give other surety his office aforesaid is made vacant. On motion of Jesse Wampler & Jefferson Bannion who made oath and together with Aaron H. Nash & J. F. McElhaney their sureties entered into and acknowledged bond in penalty of 600$ conditioned according to law. Certificate is granted them for obtaining administration de bonos non. on the estate of said decedent in due form.

Larkin J. Samples, infant of James Samples deceased being of full age for that purpose in open Court made Choice of Elizabeth Samples, his mother as his guardian which is approved by the Court whereupon Elizabeth Samples with E. Ferrell as her surety entered into and acknowledged a bond in the sum of $2000. conditioned according to law. Ordered that Elizabeth Sophia their mother be appointed guardian for Celia Lavina Samples, Elizabeth, Nancy Jane, Sarah Ellen, & Elbert Severe Samples infants of James Samples deceased thereupon Elizabeth Samples & E. Ferrell as her surety entered into the

Penelope E. and Henry Lewis Fletcher infants of Basil Fletcher deceased being of full age for that purpose in open Court made Choice of Sarah Fletcher their mother as their guardian which is approved by the Court - whereupon Sarah Fletcher with E. Ferrell and Gabriel Jessee as her sureties entered into and acknowledged bond in the sum of $1000. conditioned according to law.

Ordered that Sarah Fletcher their mother be appointed guardian for John Larkin, Leah Jane, Nancy Howard, Charles Lilborn, Ruben Lee, Mary Rogers Fletcher infants of Basil Fletcher deceased thereupon Sarah Fletcher with E. Ferrell and Gabriel Jessee as her surety entered into the aforesaid bond.

October, 1854 County Court Order Book

On motion of the plts by their Counsel it is ordered that Dale Carter be appointed guardian ad litem to the infant defendants to defend them in this suit, thereupon he made oath to and filed his answer.

On the motion of George W. Candler who took the oath of administration prescribed by law and entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of eight hundred dollars with Robert Boyd and Vincent Jessee as his securities, conditioned as the law directs, a certificate is therefore granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of William Necessary deceased in due form.

...the personal estate to them produced of William Necessary deceased and return such appraisement under their hands signed by the administrator to the Court.

This cause came on this day to be heard on the bill of Complainant and the answer of the infant defendants by D. Carter their guardian ad litem and was argued by counsel and it appearing to the court that the Spa. in the cause has been duly served on the resident defendants and that an order or publication has been duly made posted and published against James Samples the absent Deft. and they failing to appear & answer to bill the same as to them is ordered to be taken for confessed. And it pearing to the court that the salve in the bill mentioned cannot be divided between the heirs of James Samples in kind. It is hereby ordered adjudged and decreed that Stephen G. Samples who is hereby appointed a Comr. for that purpose do sell said slave to the highest bidder at the front door of the Court house of Russell County after having advertised the time and place of sale for one month by an advertisement at the front door of the Courthouse of said County. And that the he be take bond with good security from the purchaser payable to himself as commissioner and the he reports his proceedings to this court at its next term, till when this cause is continued.

November, 1854 County Court Order Book

On the motion of John D. Alderson who took the oath of admr. prescribed by law and entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of two hundred dollars with N. E. Burdine as his his security conditioned as the law directs, a certificate is therefore granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Andy Harvey deceased in due form.

Ordered that William Frick, Abel Alderson, N. E. Burdine and John W. Dorton or any three of them being first sworn before a justice for that purpose do view and appraise in current money all the personal estate to them presented of Andy Harvey deceased and return such appraisment under their hands signed by the administrator to this Court.

On the motion of William Campbell senr. who took the oath of administration prescribed by law and entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of 500$ with Wilson Elliott as his his security conditioned as the law directs, a certificate is therefore granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Nathaniel Monk deceased in due form.

Ordered that Wilson Elliott, Isaiah Cumbo, & Henry Campbell being first sworn before a justice for that purpose do view and appraise all the personal estate of Nathaniel Monk deceased and return such appraisment under their hands signed by the admr. to this Court.

Henry Samples who being of full age for the purpose appeared in Court and made choice of William Samples as his guardian who was accordingly appointed, and thereupon he entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of $800.00 with Ira Reynolds as his security, conditioned as the law directs, which bond is ordered to be recorded.

The last will and testament of James P. Carrell, deceased was exhibited in court and proven by the oaths of Samuel W. Aston & William B. Aston the subscribing witnesses there to, and ordered to be recorded.

And on the motion of Charles Carrell, executor therein named, who made oath thereto and with Henry Dickenson, James Dickenson, William B. Aston and Samuel W. Aston as his sureties, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $75,000.00 conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining a probat of the said will in due form.

Resolved that these resolutions be entered among the records of this Court, and a copy be furnished by the clerk to the widow of the deceased, and another to the Abingdon Virginian & Democrat for publication.

Geo. W. Hopkins vs. Andy F. Hendricks Guardian &c. In case.

On the motion of Vincent Browning who took the oath of administrator prescribed by law, and entered into and acknowledged his bond in the sum of three thousand dollars with Robert Burk as his security conditioned as the law directs; A certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate Enas Browning deceased in due form.

December, 1854 County Court Order Book

Ordered that Edward J. Culbertson be allowed the recording fee on the following deed and deeds of trust to wit John Gillum to Charles F. & Abram J. Bond, Jesse Davis to Linkhorn Blevins, Charles F. & Abram J. Bond to John Gillum, Samuel Taylor jr. to Samuel Taylor sr., John D. Alderson & wife to Joseph Combs, Elizabeth Meade to A. W. & Wm. B. Aston, Joseph Eastep to Hiram Eastep, Benjamin A. Warder & others to William Clark, James F. Litton to John Morrison, Isaac Fields & wife to Robert Stinson, Jacob Combs to Elexious Musick, Joseph McReynolds to Harvey Gray, George A. Pruner & wife to John F. McElhaney, all of said deeds were recived for record before James P. Carrell late Clerk of this Court died but was not admitted to record till since his term of office expired, therefore as Edward J. Culbertson C. pro tempore has to record said deeds he is allowed the recording fee & said Carrells Executor is allowed the tax on said deeds.

On the motion of James H. Bays who came forward and qualified as Committee for Joseph Bays a person of unsound mind, acknowledged his bond in the sum two hundered & fifty dollars, with William Bays as his surety the bond conditioned as the law directs, therefore he granted the power act as guardian for said Joseph Bays.

Ordered that Andrew Fraley be appointed as Commissioner to make partition of the lands of ARcher Jessee deceased in the room of Nathaniel Dickenson.

Ordered that James P. Carrell's executor be allowed twenty five dollars for the services of the said James P. Carrell late clerk for examining and certifying the Commissioners' Books for the current year, which is ordered to be certified to the auditor of public accounts.

1844 Letter of Samuel Sergent to his Brother Jesse

The following letter appears in the September 9, 1927 issue of the Lebanon News. According to the article the letter was written by Samuel Sergent, living in Bloomfield, Indiana to his brother Jesse Sergent, living in Lebanon.


Greene County, Ind.
November 8th, 1844.

Dear Brothers and Sisters and inquiring friends, I once more take my pen in hand to write to you to let you know that we are all well at present hoping these few lines may find you in the same state of health. I can inform you that my old father and family got to my house on the 29th of September well and hearty, and after would return his sincere thanks to God for his kind mercies toward him. He seemed perfectly satisfied with the country, and sold his wagon and one mare for winter provisions, and David Cowan, myself and William began to prepare a house for them to live in. I took them all in my house to live with me until his house was built.

They all seemed well pleased and especially father and the negroes, as they were now free in spite of all their enemies. But alas his stay with me was short; on the 31st day of October he died having but nine days sickness and made but very little complaint of anything being the matter with him only that he had accomplished all the work the Lord had left for him to do; that he had lived long enough for all the good he had done, and he told us not to grieve for him but to prepare to meet him for he was going to rest. We had the house nearly bout finished for him, and when Soo told him the house was almost ready he told hir that hir and William and Esther and the children could live in it, that he never should go to it. He appeared in his perfect senses the most of his time. He was extremely hearty until nine days before he died, and often stated that he felt stouter than he had for several years, that the Almightly had preserved and blessed him in his undertaking, and he had accomplished his ends, in spite of all their threatnings, but he said if the Lord would forgive them he would, and that he wanted them all to try to meet him in Heaven.

A few nights after he took sick after all the family was gon to bed except Soo and myself I went to the bed and asked my father how he felt. He said he felt no particular misery but that he was not long for this life that he had been studying about his will and that it was not to his notion. He then told me how it was and how he wished it to be. I told him I would fix it for him, and immediately put out for two of my neighbors and David Cowan and when I had brought them to my house I then told him I was ready to write his will, and told him to tell these men how he wanted it written. He then told them that he wanted all his personal property after his death to be for William and that the three black children should be bound to William until they were twenty-one years of age, and provided he should die, that they would be left under my control until they were free, and that Soo and Esther should live with them until death, although they are at liberty to do as they please. I do not feel the least doubt but they will do according to his will. They are now living in their own house and seems well satisfied. Esther and hir mother is getting the offers of more work than they can do, and they are daily employed in doing all they can. As you have heard so many different tails about their freedom, I will tell you I made inquiry of one of our smartest lawyers concerning the matter and he told me if they were brought here with the intention of freedom that they were free as soon as they came into the state, but that there was a limited time for slaveholders to take their slaves through the state. He also told me that the children would have to be bound to some one until they were of age. Mr. Lasting and his wife is living about 1 mile from us. Esther and Sosanah wishes to be remembered to all inquiring friends. Tell Ferdenen am well and hope he will not grieve after me. I shall add no more but hope that if we never shall be permitted to see each others faces here on earth that we shall meet around the dazzling throne of God, where sighing and trouble, pain and distress and parting will be no more.

Yours
SAMUEL SERGENT

New Obituaries Added to Index

New Obituaries Added to Index

Over on my Russell County History site, I've added over 800 new obituary and death notices to the Master Obituary Index. These additions to the index come from several Bristol papers that have recently been made available online. I've also identified 70 new obituaries for my Civil War website. I will resume updating both sites in the near future to get these additional resources available.

The new obituaries and death notices can be located by searching the Master index for the following papers: Bristol Herald, Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Evening News, and the Bristol News Bulletin.

If you are interested in a particular obituary, let me know, I can usually get a copy of the full obituary or death notice.

New Website

Apologies for not updating this blog in a few months, I've been working on another Civil War Project, The Civil War in Howard County, Maryland, which is my home county. I will get back to regular updates in the near future.

Joel R. Campbell to William Elbert Campbell, April 27, 1906

The following letter was written by Civil War veteran Joel R. Campbell to his son William Elbert Campbell in 1906. Mentioned in the letter are Joel's other sons Marcellus and George W. Campbell.


4 - 27 - 6

Dear Elbert

I have with held writing to you, thinking I would get to go to your house have no spare horse now they are harrowing & commenced planting this morning. Bird has a colt & it came very near getting drowned. Just found it in time to save it.

I saw Marcell Sunday he had sold as he thought the Balance of the goods took invoice of goods $23.00 & something out side of Stone fixtures $2.60 when it come to Paing & fixing note he only wanted to pay $4 00 down & the remainder about $1 00 a month I didn't think that would be agreeable with you and Harve (it is not with me). Am looking for a letter today from W. M. C. don't know whether I will get it or not. Am going to your House as soon as I can and want to stay a few days when I go if I can.

Will have to close as it is mail time.

J. R. C.

George has sold his mare for $1.10 to Billy Alexander.

1866 Letter of Elizabeth C. Carter to Former Slave

1866_9_10 

Home. 

Lebanon, Russell Co., Virginia 

September 10^th 1866 

My Dear “Dark”[1]former female slave of Dale Carter. Dale Carter owned dozens of slaves...

I wrote to you for Clara[2]Former slave of Dale Carter, gave birth to child Rachel on May 10, 1853. A Clara Carter, age 50, appears in the 1870 Census for Carroll County, KY. Henry L. Giltner (see below) was living in Carroll County. several months

ago but we have heard nothing from you since. I know

you are anxious to hear all the news we have in Russell

and I will not wait longer to write. Charlie & Mary

Fulton[3]Charlie and Mary Fulton - Lizzie Carter's brother, Charles Dale Carter married Mary Taylor Fulton daughter of Creed and Mary (Taylor) Fulton. were married in June. We gave a big Party

here a few days after the wedding. I wrote to you

to come out to it and was sorry you were not here.

The house was full for two nights & a day. We did

not ask any body about here but Kate Wagoner[4]Kate Wagoner - Rachael Catherine Wagoner, daughter of William D. and Nancy (Munsey) Wagoner. Born ca. 1844. Married Harvey Sawyers on 12/12/1870. See Lizzie Wagoner below.. She

was here the night of the Party and looked mighty nice.

We have had a door cut in the little room, over the old

dining room leading into the passage in the min.[?] stairs.

We had a carpet made for it and the bride & groom

stayed in it when they were over. Aunt Nance &

Ib were here helping in the kitchen. Sallie[5]Sarah Preston Carter, daughter of Dale Carter, sister to Lizzie Carter. Born Jan 21 1843, died Jan 1 1910. Sally Carter, age 26, RC 1870 Census, HH 110 (household of Charles A. Smith, John T. and Margaret Lampkin also living there.) & I went

over to the wedding and I waited on them. Every

Young lady & gentleman in Abingdon came home

with us to the “Infair”. Soon after the Party here

sister Marge[6]Margaret Crockett Carter Lampkin. Daughter of Dale Carter (see below.) Born 8/27/1839. Sister of Elizabeth C. Carter. Married to John T. Lampkin. went home and had a son. She was dread-

ful sick and her baby was dead born. It was a fine

large boy. We thought for a long time Sister Marge

would die. Sallie, Mother & myself were all there

while she was sick. Cousin John & Mag[7]John T. Lampkin and Margaret C. Carter. See above. are both very

Page 2 of original letter

much distressed at the loss of their baby. It would have

been named “William A Stuart” if it had lived.

Miss Pug Leece[8]Margaret Leece, (b. ca. 1837), daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Thompson) Leece, married George Sandoe (b. ca. 1838), son of George & Rebecca Sandoe, on August 29, 1866 in Russell County. married Mr Sando[9]George Sandoe, see above.. See above. from Abingdon

she was married one morning soon at Sam Leece’s[10]b. ca. 1801, RC Census, 1860, HH 296, age 59 with daughter Margaret (Pug), age 23 and son Samuel, age 24. See https://russellvets.org/soldiers/l/Leece_Samuel.html &

went to Abingdon that day. People think she has done

very well. She did not have any wedding.

Alice Dotson[11]Martha T. Aston, daughter of Samuel W. and Louisa Aston, married George W. H. Gray, son of Napoleon Bonaparte and Rebecca Gray, 9/5/1866 in Russell County. [Writer apparently confused Alice with her sister Mattie, see below.] married one of Bone Gray’s sons[12]George W. H. Gray, see above. See also: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/g/Gray_George_William_James.html last

week. Mattie Aston[13]Mary Alice Aston, daughter of Samuel W. and Louisa Aston, married Thomas McCleary Vermillion, son of Issac and Martha (Boyd) Vermillion. See https://russellvets.org/soldiers/v/Vermillion_Thomas_McCleary.html & Ike Vermillion’s son ran

away and married about six weeks ago. Hopkins &

his wife[14]unknown came up to see us not long ago and stayed

all night. They are living out in Wise. Israel[14]unknown & his

wife live with them. Israel has a child named Eliza.

Lizzy Wagoner[15]Mary Elizabeth Wagoner, daughter of William D. and Nancy (Munsey) Wagoner. Born ca. 1842. Married Benjamin Frank Bickley, 9/12/1865. Bickley was the son of Sebastian and Fannie (Haburn) Bickley. & Frank Bickley are living up above

town. They are doing well, but from all accounts will

have to look around for a cradle soon.

Holden Davis'[16]Holden Davis (b. 5/22/1792 in Wilkes Co., NC.) Married Rachel Harmon ca. 1817. Moved to Russell County between 1840 and 1850. Married (#2) Delpha Martin (b. ca. 1842) on 8/3/1864. She is listed as the daughter of Sarah Minick (1850 Tazewell census has Delpha Martin, daughter of Sarah Martin.) Holden died around 1866. wife has a nigro child and old Davis

gave lb & Dave Leece[17]free African Americans, Dave Leece (b. ca. 1820) and Ibby (b. ca. 1818), 1870 RC Census, HH 54, living with Mary (age 3) and Maggie (age 3). Ibby was formerly a slave of Dale Carter. Gave birth to child Ellen, March 23, 1861 as slave of Dale Carter. a cow & calf to take &

raise it as their own. Aunt Margaret Lampkins[18]Margaret B. (Smith) Lampkin, married to John Lampkin 11/6/1839. Mary Elizabeth Lampkin (b. 1853), daughter of John and Margaret.

& Mary Lizz came out from Lynchburg and

stayed several weeks. They were here about a week

Aunt Margaret fell one day while she was at Uncle

Henry’s[19]probably Henry Smith Lampkin. See: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/l/Lampkin_Henry_Smith.html & broke her arm. It did not get well before

she went home. Miss Lucy Dennis[20]unknown and a lady from

Richmond came down and spent a week with us

not long ago. They are nice ladies. Martha Jessee[21]Jefferson Jessee had three female slaves in 1850, ages 16, 15, and 11. In the 1860 census, he had one female aged 23, and five male slaves.

that used to belong to Jeff Jessee is our cook. Ive

have a white girl to do the house work and get

along very well. I get my clothes done up tol-

Page 3 of original letter

erably well, but always wish for some of your

washing when I get on a big dike.

Mrs. Giltner[22]Martha Griffith Young Giltner. Married to Henry L. Giltner, see below. writes to us some times. She is at

home. The baby[23]of above. Emma M. Giltner (b. 1865), died 6/22/1866. Buried in Carroll County, KY. that was born soon after she left

here died not long ago with whooping cough. They

were much distressed at its death. In Mrs. Giltner's

last letter she said Giddy[24]Gideon Giltner (b. 1862), son of Henry L. and Martha Giltner (see elsewhere.) got on the arm of the

rocking chair every day and took a ride to see

“Dark” & Grandpa Carter[25]letter recipient, probably a former slave of Dale Carter. Grandpa Carter is Dale Carter.. I know you would

be as glad to see him. Adjt Freeman[26]Terah Major Freeman - "Adjutant Terah Major Freeman (HLS, 1860, LLB), was born Apr. 5, 1839 in KY. He studied law at UVA, 1858-59...and giving his home as Frankfort, KY...On July 5, 1861, he enrolled for the war, as pvt. in...2nd KY Mtd. Inf....During fall 1862, he transferred ot the staff of Col. Henry Liter Giltner, 4th KY Cav...He was appt. lt., adj. on Giltner's staff, Jan. 3, 1863..." - Crimson Confederates: Harvard Men who Fought for the South By Helen P. Trimpi has

married his cousin. The Giltners are all sin-

gle and still at home. Major Nounnan[27]James H. Nounnan "Nounnan was born about 1834 in Virginia. He enlisted as a private in Company H of the 22nd Virginia Infantry on May 8, 1861. In Augusts of 1861 Nounnan was transferred to Capt. James Corns' Cavalry Company, attached to a temporary organization known as the 2nd Kanawha Regiment. This company was known as the Fairview Rifle Guards and eventually became Company K of the 8th Virginia Cavalry. He probably served in this unit until October of 1862, when he left to form his company of cavalry in Ferguson's Battalion. Nounnan rose to the rank of major in the 16th Virginia Cavalry and led part of the regiment at various times. Nounnan was one of the officers who remained with Gen. John McCausland and rode through the Union lines instead of surrendering at Appomattox. In May, 1865, McCausland, Ferguson, Nounnan and 13 others marched to Charleston, West Virginia, and were paroled. Nounnan died at the Lee Camp Soldiers' Home at Richmond on October 1, 1900." - 16th Virginia Cavalry, Jack L. Dickenson is liv-

ing in Texas. He writes to us right often. Dave

Bowls[28]unknown married soon after he went home but died

not very long ago. Poor fellow! I wonder if he will ever

get forgiveness for all the big tales he has

told in his life. Aunt Nance is still living

with George. She does not look well now, but I

think the cause of it is, she don’t get as much coffee

as she wants to drink. She had a letter from Charles

not long ago. He is well and is still anxious to come

out to Russell. I am sorry to tell you Georges Fleck[?][29]unknown, possibly "George's Fleck", Fleck, the son of George?

died with the flux about two months ago. He

suffered a great deal but talked a great deal about

dying. He was such a fine sensible little boy.

Hannah & Jord[30]unknown have a boy. I suppose you have

heard old Uncle Jordan[31]unknown is dead, and old Uncle Job[31]possibly unknown father of Job Wadron, 1870 RC, age 23. A Samuel Wadron is living with Ibby and Dave Leece (see above.) too.

Old Jeff Jessee[32]Jefferson Jessee, b. 1802, married Nancy J. Counts, ca. 1824. Died May 6, 1866. is dead, also Antony Puckett[32]b. ca. 1805, Halifax County, VA. Married 1/17/1833 to Hannah Holt in Patrick County, VA. Father of Dosh (below)..

Page 4 of original letter

Dosh Puckett[33]Theodocia Puckett, b. ca. 1843, daughter of Anthony (above) and Hannah Puckett. Married Joseph Ashby, 3/6/1866. married one of the Ashbys[34]Joseph Ashby, son of John and Valey (Hackney) Ashby, b. 2/5/1847, married Dosh (above). Died 2/8/1936. See: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/a/Ashby_Joseph_Cummins.html. Jim

Puckett[35]James M. Puckett, b. ca. 1841, son of Anthony (above) and Hannah Puckett. Married Nancy Stamper, 8/9/1866. See: https://russellvets.org/soldiers/p/Puckett_James_M1.html is married too to some girl over on the

river. Ann Barton[36]Angeline Barton, Age 3, 1860 RC Census, HH 294 (William and Metilida Smith). Age 13, 1870 RC Census, HH 229 (living with William and Margaret Barton.) Mother: is here. She is a smart girl and

Mother has taken her to raise. Mrs Barton[37]Ruth Barton, age 37, 1860 RC Census, HH 294 (William and Metilida Smith). Wife of John Barton, 1850 RC Census, HH 371. lives

about at different places. We went to Camp

Meeting last week. It is going on yet. Jim Gib-

son[38]Possibly James Gibson, 1870 RC Census, Copper Creek, HH 127, age 39. and several others professed religion.

Henry, Dale & Johnny[39]Possibly brothers of Eliza Carter (unknown, John Taylor Carter, Charles Dale Carter.) John Taylor Carter went by "Jack". Alternately, Henry was a slave of Dale Carter. have been staying

over here a great deal. They are all fine boys

and Dale talked a great deal about “Dark”

I wish you could see them again.

You must try to come out to see us. I

would be glad to see you and I know every

body else out here would be as well as my-

self. Mother and Sallie are well and look

about like they did when you left.

The old house yard is grown up with weeds

three feet high and the doors & windows gone

out of the old kitchen. Our servants live in Aunt

Nance’s old house. I have not been down there

since you all left. It is the saddest looking

place you ever saw and I know you would

cry over it sometimes if you could see it.

Sallie sends her love and says tell you when

she marries she is going to send for you to

do up her wedding clothes.

The yard is full of pretty roses now but the frost

and snow will soon scatter their leaves.

You must let me hear from you soon. Let me know.

If you have many troubles these days.

Written at the top of the first page above the greeting

We never hear

from Andy[40]probably former slave of Dale Carter. these

days. I reckon

he is dead.

Ike[41]probably former slave of Dale Carter. is still

living at

John Lampkins.

Clara and all

are well up

there. Rach[42]probably former slave of Dale Carter, daughter of Clara (see above). has

gotten to be a

great big woman.

I reckon it will

not be long be-

fore she thinks

about marrying.

I forgot to tell

you Charlie & Mary

are living at old

Cousin Mary Fulton’s

I must close

Yours affectionately

Lizzie C. Carter

Lebanon

Russell Co

Virginia

World War I Letters of Russell County, January 24, 1919

The following letter appears in the December 20th issue of the Lebanon News:

"LAUDATORY OF FALLEN RUSSELL COUNTY HERO

Headquarters, Co. M, 317th Inf.
American Expeditionary Forces,
December 9th, 1918

Mrs. Sam Bartee,
St. Paul, Va.,

My Dear Madam,

I am in receipt of your letter stating that you have been officially notified of your son's death.

John Williams was one of the old men of my company, having been with it from its organization. From the first day he came to Camp Lee he was always willing and enthusiastic to do his full duty and was in every way a fine soldier. When my company went into the drive north of Verdun on Sept. 25th, he was a Platoon Runner, one of the most important positions in a platoon organization. A runner must be strong, reliable and willing to go any where at any time that duty calls him, thus your son was. From the 29th to October 1st when we came out for a short rest John Williams cheerfully did valuable work for his platoon.

While in reserve on the night of October 3rd, my company was under rather severe artillery fire. One shell struck near where he was sleeping, wounding him in the head and two of his comrades who were sleeping near by. I saw him shortly afterward and he seemed to be suffering no great pain. I remained with him while his wounds was dressed and saw him put in an ambulance about twenty minutes later. It was with the deepest regret that a few days later I learned that he had died Oct. 5th.

I can assure you that your son was liked and admired by all his officers and fellowmen, and that it was with the greatest sorrow that they heard of his death.

Your son was one of those noble American soldiers who gave his life for his country in the greatest of all wars.

I remain sincerely yours
THOS. C. BARTON,
Captain 317 Infantry."

Chloe Fraley Lee Osborne Civil War Letter

Chloe Fraley was born in Russell County 1809, the daughter of William and Nancy Smith Fraley. On June 23, 1830 she married James Lee. They had at least 8 children before James Lee died in 1851. Including among her children were James M., Alexander M., David Fletcher,  Tivis P., and William E. Lee, who all served in the Civil War (see Alexander M. Lee Tries to Get a Substitute and Five Civil War Veterans Who Survived the War Only To Be Murdered).

After James Lee's death, Chloe married Samuel Osborne on May 18, 1852. Chloe had one known child with Samuel, a daughter Frances S. Osborne.

Chloe's son James M. Lee was stabbed to death while on leave in Russell County on December 26, 1862. Incensed, Chloe placed the following advertisement in the Abingdon Virginian:

$200 REWARD.
I WILL pay the above reward for the apprehension of SQUIRE OSBORNE, who wilfully murdered James M. Lee, in Castles Woods, on Friday, the 26th of December, 1862. Said Osborne is about 36 years of age, about six feet high, blue eyes, dark hair, round or stoop shouldered, has one little finger cut off, (hand not recollected.) He also has fresh wounds on his left arm, is quick spoken, and has a small round face, with a scar below one eye.
CHLOE OSBORNE

The above advertisement ran for several months, but it does not appear that Squire Osborne was ever tried for the murder of James M. Lee. Squire Osborne served in the Civil War and died in 1907 in Wise County.

In 1863 Chloe wrote the following letter to one of her sons. The letter was probably written to her son David F., as James M. was dead, Tivis and Alek (Alex) are mentioned in the letter, and the letter mentions "Mary" who was David's wife. David would eventually divorce his wife Mary in 1868.

Rusel Co virgina
August the 18th 1863

Dear Son I now take my pen in hand to writt to you to let you Know we are in
tolerable health Frances still keeps poorly and eats nothing hardly, I hope
when these lines comes to hand they may find you in good health, I received
a letter from you last Saturday and was truly glad you had come out of your
battle without being hurt I have bad news to write to you Mary lost 140
dollars stole out of her pocket Book and dont Know how it was taken and no
wonder she carried it about with her from place to place and lete other
people count it She has brought the rest of it here Six hundred Dollars
I am taking care of it for you
I am halling in your wheat to day though it is half destroyed I got a
letter from Tives the other day he writes he is very poorly he has been sick
a week or two little Bill was well and seting over a fine pot of chicken
helping himself I have a letter from Tives. I am going to send to you
he writes that he is out of clothing and I am going to send him some by Alek
Alek wants you to get a furlow and go with him I am mighty glad he is such
a brave Soldier tell him the next horse he captures I want him to bring to
me. nomore at present but remain your true mother until Death

Cloey Osborne.


Tivis P. Lee died at the Battle of the Wilderness on May 5, 1864.

Alexander M. Lee died in 1894.

Chloe died in 1898.

David F. Lee died in 1926.

Old Man Brackett

The following article is from the February 9th, 1894 edition of the Clinch Valley News.


DECOYED TO HIS DEATH

It is reported that a sensation has been created among the people of Copper Ridge, Russell county, by the arrest of Bill Baker. an illicit distiller, for the murder, four years ago. of an old man by the name of Brackett, and the murder would, in all probability, have remained a secret forever but for the statement of a woman who thought she was on her dying bed. She was the only living witness.

Baker was indicted for illicit distilling four years ago and taken to Abingdon for trial before the United States Court. The trial was postponed and the prisoner released on bond. Old man Brackett was the principal witness against him, and was on hand ready to testify at the trial.

INVITED TO HIS HOME.

When Baker started home that night he asked Brackett to go with him and spend the night. The unsuspecting old man did so, and the world never saw him again.

The woman who divulges the secret was living with Baker as his wife at the time. Next morning she went down in the cellar for something, and a sight met her eyes which made her blood run cold and filled her with horror. There, under a quilt, lay a man with his throat cut from ear to ear.

"IT'S OLD MAN BRACKETT."

She hurried up stairs and asked Baker what it all meant, and who the man was. "It is old man Brackett, who was going to give me away for making liquor." said Baker, "and I cut his throat with this knife, and will cut yours if you ever tell it." She stood in fear of him, and never told till a few days ago, when she learned that that dreaded disease, consumption, would soon carry her away from earth. She thought she had to tell it if she wished to gain entrance into the better world.

Baker will be tried for murder. He is now under arrest.

From the April 8th, 1894 issue of the Tennessean:

BILL BAKER KILLED.

Had Recently Been Acquitted of the Murder of Dr. Brackett.

Bristol, April 7.--[Special.] Bill Baker, a notorious character, who was recently acquitted of the murder of Dr. Brackett, four years ago, was instantly killed on Copper Ridge, near Nickelsville, Va., yesterday evening by Jas. Minton. Three shots took effect, one passing through Baker's head and two through his body. The killing was the result of a quarrel caused by Baker's intimacy with Minton's step-mother. Minton surrendered to the authorities.

From the April 19th, 1894 issue of the Big Stone Gap Post:

JAMES MINTON

Fires Two Shots With His Little "Pop" and Bill Baker Gives Up the Ghost.

On last Friday James Minton shot and instantly killed Bill Baker, at the home of the former on Castle Run, Russel county. The particulars of the killing as near and we can learn as as follows:

The property of Minton and Baker joined one another, the latter by one of his rascally schemes having come in possession of the dower of Mrs. Phillip Minton with whom he was intimate, proceded to the house of her step-son and demanded that he sign a paper in which a trespass upon his own (Minton's) property was stipulated; Minton refused and told Baker to leave his house. Baker pulled a gun and with an oath to the effect that he would make him sign it - but Minton was too quick and fired two shots, one through his body and the other his head. Baker fired one but missed his mark. The two were unfriendly, carried arms to kill one another, and the meeting that resulted in the death of one was inevitable.

Minton is said to be a peacable citizen, while Baker has a wide spred reputation as on of the vilest, meanest men that ever hardened a community. It will be remembered that he was recently jailed for murder of Dr. Bracket, who was a witness against him in the U. S. court, but as usual was let out upon the evidence of an accomplice in crime. At the recent session of this county court he was indicted in five cases and among them one indictment stood for the above mentioned murder. He is gone without regret and the comunity in which he lived is in gain rather than loss by his death. - Coeburn Herald.

The World War II Letters of Billy J. Campbell, Letter 9

Tokyo
Oct 17 [1945]

Hello Everybody

Its after bed time now but maybe I can say hello before they turn the lights out.

We are still fooling around trying to train pull guard and details. I have never had more than two men of my section with me at once when we were working on the machine guns. There is 8 men in the section but some of them are always on detail or something. I think ever time they get a new eight ball they send him to my section. Maybe nobody else can get them on the ball like me!

We had retreat parade this evening for the first time and we have 3 parades in the next 4 days. I hope they think we look too well to stay in Japan. I think they could use a good outfit like the 1st Cav back in the States for xmas parades and so forth.

Some of the boys were telling tonit that 40 point men were going home, according to the records that gets ever man in this division. If thats true they will change our point score back down to what it is supposed to be. They have been talking about making this outfit over strength but so far we just got enough men from the 43rd to replace the last bunch that went home. It will take another 20 men to make it up to strength.

I heard from Doris yesterday. I think they are both homesick. Maynard, Sam & Lissie all wrote me and sent me a picture yesterday.

Its about time for somebody to come around raising heck about the lights so I had better get in bed. I don't want to lose these 3 stripes this quick.

Love
Bill

World War I Letters of Russell County, Feburary 14, 1919

The following letter originally appeared in the February 14th, 1919 issue of the Lebanon News:

"Mount Mayen, France Jan. 1.

Mr. E. B. Sutherland.

My Dear father:

as this is the dawn of a new year and I have bid goodbye to the old year, again I am pleased to be able to write you. I am glad and thankful I am well and permitted to write and live through another year and I welcome the New year with gladness and pray that I may never see another year of war. Oh the suffering that men and women have gone through with. Sherman said "war was hell," but I say it is worse than that, but thanks to the Lord it is all over now, the victory won. American people must not think too highly of ourselves and think that we alone won the victory. We must remember our brave allies and our brave women who did their part. Of course the soldiers did their part but the good people back home, the church, the fathers and mothers prayers, these turned the tide of battle for us. Some may think strange of this but I really believe it.

Well father, I am glad you heard from brother Dewey. Hope the boys are alright. I was sorry to hear of Lafayett Sexton's death but we must remember that if any soldier is killed, he has paid the supreme sacrifice and died a heroes' death for his country.

I received three Lebanon papers and saw where several of our Virginia boys were killed and wounded over here.

We are back a few miles from the railroad and I think they are determined to starve us out. I haven't had enough to eat since I came to the company. You know I hate to write this but the whole company will back me up. The trouble is we can't buy anything to eat where we are now.

Well father, I saw a boy from Co. L. 116 U. S. Infantry, who said he knew brother Dewey. He is in the 29th Division. I think that division is booked for home.

I received my Christmas box the 28th of December. It certainly was fine and I cannot say enough for the Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. You know they are doing a good work.

I expect to be in the U. S. soon as I learn they are going to take us to the coast. I would like to received a letter from all my friends in the United States. I think I will close for today. I remain as ever your son,

PVT HENRY DOUGLAS SUTHERLAND,
Co. K 54 U. S. Inft. Reg."

Death Mentions in County Court Law Order Books, August 1853 Through July 1854

Russell County's official death records date from 1853, however not all deaths were reported. Additional death information can be gleaned from several sources, including newspapers, cemetery records, and other civil records.

The following information related to deaths in Russell County from August 1853 through July 1854 come from the County Court Law Order Books. These excerpts are all mentions of the words executor, deceased, and guardian from the records.


August 2nd 1853

On the motion of Edward D. Kernan who made oath and together with John F. McElhenney and William B. Aston his sureties entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of One thousand dollars conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Simeon Kiser deceased in due form.

Ordered that Ephraim Kiser, Abraham Childers, Nimrod Kiser, and Jefferson Jesse, or any three of them being first sworn before a justice of the peace for the purpose, do appraise in current money the personal estate of Simeon Kiser deceased, and return the appraisement to the clerk of this court for record.

On application of William Vermillion surety of Jacob H. B. Miller, administrator of Elijah Miller deceased, it is ordered that, the said Jacob H. B. Miller be summoned to appear here at the next court and show cause why he should not give other security or be removed from his office.

Ordered that Patton G. Keen be appointed guardian of Sarah, Absalom, Cynthia and Minerva infant children of Absalom Hurt and who are devisees of William Samples deceased, and thereupon he, together, with John C. Ferguson, Henry D. Smith and Silas B. Hurt his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of One thousand dollars, conditioned, according to law.

Ordered that John G. Herndon be appointed guardian of Mary A. Herndon infant of James H. Herndon deceased, and thereupon he together with James Deskins his security entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $800.00 conditioned according to law.

August 3rd 1853

This cause came on to be heard on this 3rd day of August 1853 upon the bill and exhibits filed in cause, the answer of the infant defendants, Wilson, Milly, Biddy, Joel and William Campbell by their Guardian ad litem William Campbell and was argued by counsel, and it appearing that the subpoena in this case, has been duly served on the defendants David Alexander & wife, James H. Campbell, Rachel Campbell as widow of Joel Campbell deceased and in her own right, and they failing to appear and answer the bill the same as to them is taken for confessed, and it further appearing that an order of publication has been duly made and posted against the defendant Jesse Elliott who is not an inhabitant of this Commonwealth and more than one month having elapsed, since the execution of said order, and he still failing to appear and answer the bill the same is as to him also taken for confessed. And it appearing to this court that the complainants is the owner of five individual shares in the land in the bill mentioned, and that defendants Alexander & wife, James H. Campbell, and Wilson, Milly, Biddy, Joel and William Campbell, heirs of Joel Campbell deceased are the owners of seven undivided shares or interests in said land, and Rachel Campbell and Jesse Elliott are each of them owners of one undivided share in said land, (there being fourteen shares in all.) It is adjudged, ordered and decreed, that Daniel J. Ayres, Vincent Jesse and Calvin T. Fields, who are hereby appointed Commissioners for that purpose, go upon the land in the bill mentioned, and having regard to quantity and quality, and partition the same as follows, to wit; to complainant five shares or interests; to the heirs of Joel Campbell deceased seven shares or interests, and to Jesse Elliott and Rachel Campbell each one share, and that they make said partition in such manner as will best suit the convenience and interest of all concerned, and that they make report to the next term of this court of their proceedings, to which time this cause is continued.

September 6th 1853

William H. Dean produced in Court a Commission from the Governor of this Commonwealth appointing him a Justice of the Peace in the 8th district of the County in place of David Gentry deceased; and thereupon the said William H. Dean took the oath of fidelity to the Commonwealth, an oath to support the Constitution of the United States, the oath prescribed by the act against deulling, and the oath of office.


On the motion of Thomas W. Davis and Basil Fletcher who made oath and together with Elijah Ferrell and Gabriel Jessee their sureties entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of five thousand dollars conditioned according to law, they are appointed administrators, de bonni non on the estate of Larkin Herndon deceased, with his will annexed.

On the motion of Stephen G. Samples and James M. Cecil who made oath, and together with Henry D. Aaton and Thomas W. Davis his sureties, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $3000.00 conditioned according to law, certificate is granted them for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of James Samples deceased, in due form.

Ordered that Silas B. Hurt, Thomas W. Davis, John T. Howard and Zadok N. Gardner or any three of them being first duly sworn for the purpose before a justice of the peace, do appraise in current money the personal estate and slaves of James Samples deceased, and return the appraisement under their hands to the Clerk of this Court for record.

Ordered that Stephen Benner be appointed Guardian of Margaret, John, Mary, and Cowan Jessee infant children of Archibald Jessee deceased; and thereupon he took an oath faithfully to execute the duties of his trust, and entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $2500, with Isaac Vermillion and James Dickenson his sureties, conditioned according to law.

Zadok N. Gardner is appointed by the Court School Commissioner in the 11th district of this county in place of James Samples deceased.

Samuel W. Aston security for Vincent Jessee administrator of the estate of John T. Cowan deceased, requiring of him additional security and the said Vincent Jessee being in Court and refusing to give other security the said Vincent Jessee is discharged from further action as administrator of said estate.

September 7th 1853

A Settlement of the executorial accounts of Silas B. Hurt on the estate of James P. Hurt, deceased;

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Silas B. Hurt on the estate of James H. Herndon, deceased;

A Settlement of the executorial accounts of Robert Johnson on the Estate of William Browning deceased;

A Settlement of the Executorial Accounts of Edward D. Kernan on the estate of John Kiser, deceased;

A Settlement of the administration accounts of George Cowan on the estate of John Burk deceased; and,

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Robert Fugate on the estate of Robert Dickenson deceased,

October 5th 1853

Ordered that Origan Dickenson be appointed guardian of the two infant children of Martin Lee deceased, and thereupon he together with George W. Dickenson his surety entered into and

On the motion of Isaac Vermillion who made oath, and together with John Jessee and Richard L. Mead his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $1000.00 conditioned according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Joseph Jessee deceased in due form.

Ordered that Jesse Browning, Isaac McReynolds, George L. Jessee and Jefferson Jessee or any three of them being first sworn before a justice of the peace for the purpose, do appraise the personal estate of Joseph Jessee deceased, and return the appraisement to the Clerk of this Court for record.

On the motion of John Jessee who made oath, and together with Isaac McReynolds his surety, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of One hundred dollars conditioned according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Rebecca McReynolds deceased in due form.

Ordered that Archer Jessee senr, Archer Jessee jr, and Thomas Owens, being first sworn before a justice of the peace for the purpose, do appraise in current money the personal estate of Rebecca McReynolds deceased, and return the appraisement under their hands to the Clerk of this Court for record.

November 8th 1853

William Samples, Minerva Samples and Joshua Samples, infant children of Lewis Samples deceased, being of full age for the purpose came into Court and made choice of Ann Samples, their mother for their Guardian who thereupon executed a bond according to law in the penalty of $5000.00 and took an oath faithfully to perform the duties of her trust; and time is give to Joshua Redwine security named in said bond to execute the same on his part.

Joshua Redwine security for Ann Samples in a guardian bond yesterday entered into by her, came into Court, subscribed and acknowledged the same.

November 10th 1853

The executors of Aaron Hendricks dec'd    defendants

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Origan Dickenson on the estate of Martin Lee deceased;

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Samuel Robinson on the estate of James H. Webb deceased;

And a Settlement of the Administration accounts of J. F. McElhenney and Wm. B. Aston administrators of the estate of James M. McFarlane deceased;

December 6th 1853

This Court certifies that Susannah Riley was the widow of Daniel Riley deceased, that both of them are dead, the said Susannah having died about the 10th of October 1853 and her said husband many years previously, and that Jackson Riley and Thomas J. Riley are the only heirs and children of said Susannah Riley deceased.

February 7th 1854

The last Will and Testament of Edmund Hubbard decd was exhibited in Court and proven by the oaths of John Belcher and Alexander McFarlane two of the subscribing witnesses thereto, and ordered to be recorded: And on the motion of Wilson Cox executor therein named who made oath, and together with Randolph Hubbard his security, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of three hundred dollars conditioned according to law certificate is granted him for obtaining probat of the said Will in due form.

Ordered that John T. Smith, Rolling R. Redwine, Alexander McFarlane and John Belcher or any three of them being first sworn before a justice of the peace for that purpose, do appraise in current money the personal estate of Edmond Hubbard deceased, and return the appraisement to the Clerk of this Court for record.

It appearing from a certificate signed by John Isaacks a Justice of the peace on this County that Jane Moore and Easter Moore infants of William Moore deceased have chosen Absalom Elam for their guardian, the said Absalom Elam here in Court with Joab Wilson his security, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $200 conditioned according to law.

Emeline Elliott who is of the age of 14 years came into Court and made choice of George W. Vermillion for her guardian which is approved of by the Court, and thereupon the said Geo. W. Vermillion

A Settlement of the accounts of Susan A. Hurt, guardian of her infant children:

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Valentine Bush and Marion T. Bickley on the estate of Austin Bush deceased:

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Samuel P. Fogleman on the estate of Barbara Fogleman deceased; and

A Settlement of the administration accounts of Isaac Vermillion on the estate of James P. Rasnick deceased,

March 7th 1854

Ordered that James Dickenson guardian of the infant children of Robert Dickenson deceased be authorised to make sale of a land warrant issued to them for their Ancestors services in the late war with Great Britain.

On the motion of Sally Fletcher widow of Basil Fletcher deceased and of Mose Hurt, who made oath, and together with Gabriel Jessee and Zadok N. Garnder their sureties entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of fifteen hundred dollars conditioned according to law, certificate is granted them for obtaining letters of administration on the said decedents estate in due form.

Ordered that Lorenzo D. Fletcher, Gabriel Jessee, John G. Herndon and Elijah Ferrell or any three of them being first sworn before a justice of the peace for the purpose, do appraise in current money the personal estate of Basil Fletcher deceased, and return an Inventory thereof to the Clerk of this Court for record.

March 8th 1854

John Sutherland administrator of Henry Sutherland deceased   defendant

Elizabeth Miller is appointed by the Court guardian of Mary Elizabeth her infant daughter, orphan of Elijah Miller deceased; whereupon she, together with Jacob Owens her surety, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $300.00, conditioned according to law.

On the motion of Isaac Vermillion who made oath, and together with James P. Carrell his surety, entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $500.00 conditioned according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of Martha Bush deceased in due form.

This cause came on this 8th day of March 1854, to be heard upon the bill and the answer of the infant defendants by their guardian ad litem, and exhibits filed, and was argued by Counsel; and the other defendants having failed to answer, the bill as to them is taken for confessed. Whereupon it is ordered, adjudged and decreed that the land in the bill mentioned be partitioned amongst the plaintiffs and defendants according to their several rights in the same, by first assignment to Nelly Jessee, the wife of Daniel Jessee one full third part in value of the land, as her dower, including the mansion house, and also assigning to James H. Dickenson who appears to

This cause came on again to be heard on this 8th day of March 1854, upon the papers formerly read in the cause, and upon the report of Daniel J. Ayers, Vincent Jessee, and Calvin T. Fields Commissioners appointed to make partition of the lands in the bill mentioned, to which there is no exception; it is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed that the same be affirmed; that mutual conveyances be executed by the parties except by Jesse Elliott and the infant defendants, heirs of Joel Campbell deceased; and

April 4th 1854

A Deed of bargain and sale for land from Andrew. S. Fulton surviving executor of John H. Fulton, to Augustus W. and William B. Aston, dated the 22nd of March 1854, and admitted to record the 1st of April 1854.

Ordered that Squire V. Holbrook, John Bickley, Stephen Benner and Jefferson Jessee or any three of them being first sworn before a justice of the peace for the purpose, do appraise in current money the personal estate of Josiah D. Bush deceased, and return an Inventory thereof under their hands to the Clerk of this Court for record.

This cause came on to be heard this 4th day of April 1854 upon the bill and exhibits filed in the cause, the answer of Henry D. Smith guardian ad litem for the infant defendants, and was argued by counsel.  And it appearing to the Court that the land in the bill mentioned was divided by the parties interested during the life time of Harry Smith but that no conveyance was ever made by the said Harry Smith to said Complainant; it is therefore ordered, adjudged and decreed, that Henry D. Smith who is hereby appointed a commissioner for that purpose, convey to Complainant or to any one she may direct, with covenants of special warranty against himself and his heirs, all the right, title and interest of the said infant defendants, Henry S. Preston, Robert A. Preston, and Mary J. L. Preston to the land in the bill mentioned, according to the division as made by the parties in the lifetime of the said Harry Smith, and that he report his proceedings to this Court at its next term, to which time this cause is continued.

This cause came on to be heard this 4th day of April 1854, upon the bill and exhibits filed in the cause, the answer of the Defendants by their guardian ad litem Wm. J. Dickenson and was argued by counsel. And it appearing to the Court that Robert Dickenson the ancestor of the defts was bound to make Complainant a title to one moiety of the lands in the bill mentioned, when the purchase money should be fully paid, and that the same has been paid accordingly; And it also appearing to the Court that Complainant had sold his interest in said land to one Thomas C. McCleary who sold the same to one Samuel Leece; it is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed, that William B. Aston who is hereby appointed a Commissioner for the purpose, convey to said Samuel Leece with covenants of special warranty against himself and his heirs, the interest of the Defendants in and to the land in the bill mentioned, and that he make report to the next term of this Court, till which time this cause is continued.

Henry & Mary Dickenson, infant children of Robt. Dickenson deceased, Defendants

This cause came on to be heard this 4th day of April 1854 upon the bill and exhibits filed in the cause, the answer of the infant Defendants by William J. Dickenson their guardian ad litem, and was argued by Counsel; and it appearing to the Court that Robert Dickenson the ancestor of said Defendants, was bound to make to complt. a title to one half of the land in the bill mentioned; and it further appearing that the purchase money for the same has been fully paid; it is adjudged, ordered and decreed that William B. Aston,  who is hereby appointed a Commissioner for the purpose, convey to Complainant with covenants of special warranty against himself and his heirs, the interest of said infant Defendants in the said land, in the bill mentioned, and that he report his proceedings to the next term of this Court, to which time this cause is continued.

It is ordered to be certified by this Court to all whom it may concern, that it approves of the sale of a United States Land Warrant issued to Henry Dickenson and Mary P. Dickenson minor children of Robert Dickenson dec'd private in Capt Harrison's Co., Virginia Militia, War 1812 for Eighty One Acres of the Public Lands, as made by James Dickenson their guardian appointed by this Court, and transferred as by endorsement made by him on said Warrant under date of February 7th 1854.

May 2nd 1854

A Deed of Partition of land between Wilson Elliott and others and the heirs of Joel Campbell, deceased, dated the 29th of March 1854, and admitted to record the 27th of April 1854;

James F. Litton, John W. Litton and Martin D. Snider heirs at law of John Litton deceased being present in Court, and admitting that the deceased departed this life without having legally made and last Will and Testament;

On the motion of John T. Smith who made oath, and together with Edward D. Kernan and Robert Boyd his sureties entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $5,000.00 conditioned according to law, certificate is granted him for obtaining letters of administration on the estate of John Litton deceased in due form.

Ordered that Wilson Elliott, John Morrison, William Cromwell and James S. Browning or any three of them being fist sworn before a justice of the peace for the purpose, do appraise in current money the slaves and personal estate of John Litton deceased, and return an Inventory thereof to the Clerk of this Court for record.

This cause came on this 2d day of May 1854 to be heard upon the bill and exhibits filed in the cause, the answer of the infant defendants by their guardian ad litem William J. Dickenson and was argued by counsel; and the said Elizabeth Miller, widow of Elijah Miller deceased having failed to answer, and more than two months having elapsed since the service of the summons on her, the bill as to her is taken for confessed;  And it appearing to the Court that partition should be made of the lands in the bill mentioned and that dower ought to be assigned to said Widow. It is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed that William G.  McConnell, Robert Fugate and John W. Dorton or any two of them do go upon the land in the bill mentioned and assign unto the said Elizabeth Miller widow of said Elijah Miller one third part of said land including the dwelling house is she so desires, and divide the said land into three equal portions, having regard to quantity and quality, and assign one equal portion to Jacob H. B. Miller the Complainant, one to Nancy Jane, and one to Mary E. Miller the infants, and that they report their proceedings to the next Term of this Court, till which time this cause is continued.

This cause came on this 2d day of May 1854 to be heard upon the bill and exhibits filed in the cause, the answer of the infant defendants by their guardian ad litem William J. Dickenson and was argued by counsel; and it appearing to the Court that the Complainants have fully paid the amount of the purchase money for the land in the bill mentioned, and it further appearing that Robert Dickenson Defendants' ancestor was bound to make Complainants a right to one half of the land in the bill mentioned, which he failed to do in his lifetime; It is therefore adjudged, ordered and decreed that James P. Carrell who is hereby appointed a Commissioner for the purpose, convey the interest of the said infant defendants in the land in the bill mentioned being one moiety in the same to the Complainants, with covenants of special warranty; and that he make report of his proceedings to the next term of the court till which time this case is continued.

A Settlement of the Executorial Accounts of Elijah Beverly on the estate of Barnett Bowman deceased, was reported to the Court, and there being no exception thereto it is ordered that the same be recorded.

June 6th 1854

The last Will and Testament of Daniel Price senr. deceased was exhibited in Court and proven by the oaths of Charles D. Boyd and Christian Easterly the subscribing witnesses thereto, and Ordered to be recorded.

And on the motion of Oliver H. Price who made oath and with J. F. McElhenny & Wm. B. Aston his sureties entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $150, conditioned according to law, administration is granted him on the estate of Daniel Price deceased with his will annexed.

July 4th 1854

This cause came on this 4th day of July in the year 1854 to be heard on the bill of Complainants, the answer of the infant defendants and the exhibits filed, and was argued by counsel; and it appearing that the summons in this cause has been duly served upon the Defendant Susan A. Hurt, and she having failed to appear and answer, the bill as to her is taken for confessed. It is therefore ordered adjudged and decreed, that the assignment of dower heretofore made to the Defendant Susan A. Hurt be set aside, and that Henry D. Smith, John T. Smith and Henry Vincell who are hereby appointed Commissioners for that purpose to go upon the tract of land in the bill mentioned lying in Russell County and lay off and assign to the widow Susan A. Hurt, one full equal third part of said tract including the mansion house as her dower in said tract of land, and as the tract in Washington County appears to have been sold by the executor of James P. Hurt's Will, and no objections having been taken to its sale the same is left undisturbed. And it is further ordered, adjudged and decreed that the Commissioners aforesaid do assign to the said Widow Susan A. Hurt, out of the money for which said tract of land was sold, taking that to be the true value of the land, the full value of one equal third part of said tract of land during her life, as her dower in the same; and that they report their proceedings to this Court at its next term, till when this cause is continued.

The administration accounts of Martin Fraley, the admrs on the estate of George Wright deceased was reported to the Court with a certain change made thereon by the Consent of the parties interested, and there being no exception thereto the same is affirmed and ordered to be recorded.

The administration accounts of Absalom Elam on the estate William Moore deceased was reported to the Court, and there being no exception thereto the same is affirmed and ordered to be recorded.

The administration accounts of Edward D. Kernan on the estate of John Kiser, deceased was reported to the Court, and there being no exception thereto the same is affirmed and ordered to be recorded.