13cirtiolootai lears

of kcomackCon Vtlinia

ON k'ne of Descent'

Bartholomew Mears

of

Accomack County, Virginia

One Line of Descent

A Family History Commissioned by Xenneth Wayne Mears

Mary Frances Carey Certified Genealogist #237

Introduction

Tracing a Mears family history in Accomack County has been complicated and

time-consuming. While there appears to be little doubt that all lines go back to

the first Bartholomew Mears, most of his descendants lived in the same area and

had large families. Adding to the confusion was their intermarriages and their

practice of giving their children the same first names. Acconack County records do

distinguish between contemporary men of the same name, calling them: "John Mears of

Ilisha"; "John Mears of William"; "John Mears, Sea Side"; etc. Without such help,

separating the various lines would have been impossible. The fact that they inter-

married was not unusual for the period. The Eastern Shore has been relatively

isolated until recent times and most of the old families married locally, often to

people who were related. What is unusual is that, until 1901, this line of

Bartholomew Mears' descendants lived in the area in which he first appeared in the

records in 1655,a period of almost 250 years.

At times, the Mears name has been found as Meares and Meers in local records.

The name comes from the Old English "meee, a topographic name for someone who

lived by a pond. The modern spelling , as Mears, has been used throughout the

following write-up. When a first name was spelled differently by two or more

records, the spelling has been retained as it appeared.

In order to trace the line of descent, a number of Accomack County records have

been used, all housed in the Acconack County Circuit Clerk's Office at Acconac.

These include Deed Books, Will Books, Order Books, Fiduciary Accounts, Orphans

Accounts, Chancery Records, Land Causes, Surveyor's Records, Marriage Rands, Mar-

rige Registers, Register of Deaths (only one book available) and Register of

Births (only one book available). In addition, Federal Census Records, on micro-

film at the Eastern Shore Public Library, have been recorded, from the first for

Accomack County in 1800 to that of 1910, the last one released, with the exception

of 1890, which is missing. No Accomack County line would be complete without a trip

to Snow Hill, Maryland, searching for people who crossed the line into Worcester

County, Maryland, to be married there.

In addition to primary sources, a number of printed materials has also been

studied. A list of these is included. A small discrepancy has been found in Mr.

Whitelaw's Virginia's Eastern Shore. On page 752, he states that John Mears, of

the third generation, died intestate in 1763 (actually 1762), while on page 790,

he skips over the death of this John Nears entirely. It was his son, another John

Mears, who died testate in 1785 (wife Molly).

Of special interest to the researcher has been finding three points of contact

with the Mears family among her own ancestors. Firstly, all known Traders are

descendants of Henry Armitrader, who was a brother to Richard irmitrader and uncle

to Sabra Mars. Secondly, one of the daughters of Rachel (Kellam) and Bartholomew

Mears apparently married Isaiah Baker. Thirdly, Isaiah Baker and his wife were

the grandparents of Asa Baker, who married (1) Elizabeth Mears in 1835. Their

oldest child was Elizabeth Seymour (Baker) Bundick (1836-1904), a maternal great-

grandmother. While the records do not show this as fact, Asa Baker's first wife

had to be the daughter of the second Meshaek Mears, who married Margaret Baker in

1810. There was no other Mears family of the right age in the neighborhood of

Oargatha, where the Bakers resided.

A number of people have helped in giving detailed information on the last

three generations and in loaning pictures for copying. These include: Mrs. Elmer

Thomas of Atlantic, Mrs. Harvey Mears of Chincoteague, the Paul Cowgers of Pocomoke,

Maryland, Mary Ann Ward of Stockton, Maryland, Mr. J.P. Cutler of Oak Hall, Mi..

Terry West of Hallwood, and Mr. Larry Mears of Parksley. My sincere thanks to

each of these.

Mary Frances Carey Star Route, Box 11 New Church, Virginia 23415

November 11, 1989

Contents

Bartholomew Mears, The First Generation

John Mears, The Second Generation

John Mears, The Third Generation 15

John Mears, The Fourth Generation 19

James Mears, The Fifth Generation 21

James Mears of James or James W. Mears, 26 The Sixth Generation

Columbus C. Mears, The Seventh Generation 29

Tully Fisher Mears, The iighth Generation 39

Tully dward Mears, The Ninth Generation 145

Charts 52

References 55

Page

1

8

Bartholomew Mears The First Generation

The first Mears to appear in Eastern Shore of Virginia records was Bartholomew

Mears. His name was given as a headright by William Taylor, when the latter was

granted 300 acres of land near the head of Occohannock Creek on 11 March 1655

(Nugent, Vol. I, p.331). William Taylor was eligible for 300 acres for having

paid the transportation costs of six persons to the Virginia Colony, Bartholomew

Mears being one of these.

On 26 March 1662, William Taylor and Bartholomew Mears were together granted

500 acres for the transport of ten persons (Nugent, Vol. I, p. 419). The land

was located as bounded on the east by land of John Evans and "part of the Beaver

Dams of Matchepungo Creek" and on the west by lands of the head of Occohannosk

Creek. Bartholomew Mears was granted 300 acres in the same area on 5 April 1666,

for the transport of six persons

and William Taylor divided their

by Bartholomew Mears and holding

1671, p. 94). Bartholomew Mears

(Nugent, Vol.', p. 551). On 4 October 1668, he

500-acre patent, Taylor being deeded 300 acres

the remaining 200 acres (Deeds & Wills 1664-

received a new patent on 9 October 1672, for

his entire 500 acres (Nugent, Vol. II, p. 119).

Ralph T. Whitelaw, in Virginia's Eastern Shore (pp. 749-751 and map), locates

this patent as approximately half-way between Painter and Keller, to the east of

present U.S. 13. The land was crossed by Beaver Dam Branch4f Machipungo Creek,

which later became Otter Dam Branch, before being called Mears Branch, and is shown

on present-day maps as Frog Stool Branch.

On 25 October 1679, Bartholomew Nears, planter, bought 355 additional acres

from John Cropper of Somerset County, in the Colony of Maryland, for 1600 pounds

of tobacco, "the plantation whereon John Kellam now dwelleth at head of Occo-

hannock Creek" (Wins & Deeds 1676-1690, p. 167). Whitelaw places this land to the

west of present U.S. 13, south of Pungoteague (p. 600 and map). With this purchase

1

Bartholomew Mears owned 855 acres of land.

On 21 November 1671, Bartholomew Mears, "aged thirty years", gave a deposition

in Aceomack County Court as to the line between the lands of Edward Harmon and those

of Richard Kellam (Orders Wills & c 1671-1673, p. 32). He would, then, have been

born in 1641 and have been only 14 years of age when he same to Virginia. He would

have been 21 when he patented the 500 acres with William Taylor in 1662 and 25 in

1666 when he patented his own land. He had married before 4 October 1668, for the

deed he gave William Taylor at this time was cosigned by his wife, Mary Mears. No

record has been found of her maiden name. She was born circa 1648, for she too

gave a deposition, on 17 November 1688, stating her age as "about forty years"

(Orders 1682-1697, p. 151).

Not only was Bartholomew Mears a large land owner, but the records show he

167 owned indentured servants. On 17 April 7, the Accomack County Court ordered that

Nathenial Mason, "servant to Bartholomew Mears" was to serve his master "one year

more" (Orders 1677-1678, p. 36), and on 20 February 1678, a servant girl of Mears,

Margret Cowley, was judged to be 14 years of age (p. 116).

Bartholomew Mears was appointed "surveyor of the highwaies from John Willis to

ye extent of the County Southerly upon ye Sea Side" on 17 December 1679 (Wills, Deeds

& Orders 1678-16820 p. 147).

Bartholomew Mears made his will on 16 December 1682 and it was recorded on 28

December of the same year (Wills & Deeds 1676-1690, p. 323). He left the 355 acres

at Occohannoek (the land south of Fungoteague) to sons Robert Mears and William

Mears. He left his home plantation, 200 acres on the south side of the branch, to

his eldest son, Bartholomew Mears. The 300 acres above Beaver Dam Branch, he

divided between sons Richard Mears and John Mears, the latter heiring the south-

eastern 150-aere portion. His daughter Elisabeth, the wife of George Freshwater,

was to have no part of his estate and his personal property was not to be divided

2

until his children became of age. He named his wife Mary 22 executrix of his estate.

Mary Mears, the widow of Bartholomew Mears, while only circa 34 years of age

when her husband died, did not remarry. She made her will on 28 July 1703 and it

was recorded on 3 April 1705 (Wills & c 1692-1715, p. 365). She named sons as:

William Mears, John Mears, Richard Mears and Robert Mears. She also named three

daughters as: Elizabeth, Nary and Dorothy. Son William Mears was the executor.

The shildren of Bartholomew Mears and his wife Mary were:

1. Bartholomew Mears. He apparently died between 1682 and 1703 (dates of his

parent's wills), without issue, as his brother, John Mears, owned the "home plant-

ation" when he died in 1747 (Whiteiaw, p. 751).

2. John Mears, born circa 1671. See next section.

3. Richard Mears. Richard Mears, and wife Margaret, sold the 150 acres that

he heired from his father to William Savage on 1 January 1704 (Wills Etc 1692-1715,

part 2, p. 68). With this deed, he disappeared from iscomaek County records.

k. Robert Mears. Robert Mears, and wife Anne, of Northampton County, sold

100 acres to Thomas Window, Senr and 100 acres to Thomas Window, Junr by deeds

dated 11 January 1707 (Wills Etc. 1692-1715, part 2, pp. 25 and 257), He, too, has

not been found again in iscomack County records.

5. William Mears. William Mears died testate by 20 January 1745, when his

will was recorded Oiling & e 1743-1749, p. 133). He had purchased the 200 acres of

land his father left brother Robert in 1709, than owning the entire 355 acres (Wills

Etc. 1692-1715, Part 2, P. 427). We purchased other land during his lifetime and

left 150 acres each to sons Bartholomew Mears, William Mears, and Richard Mears.

Son ilisha Mears heird 130 acres. He also named his wife Mary and two daughters,

Mary Bird and Elizabeth Stringer.

6. Elizabeth Mears. Elizabeth Mears married George Freshwater before 1682.

7. Mary Mears.

8, Dorothy Mears.

3

Will of Bartholomew Mears & Deeds 1676-1690, p. 323)

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6

Transcript of will of Mary Mears (Wills & s 1692-1715, p. 365)

Original will in Wills Its, 1692-1715, p. 144 (see p. 6)

In the Nano of God Amen I Mary Meers of Accomack County in Virginia being of good and

Disping memory and Judgment and being desirous to settel things in order and to dispose

of that Temporall Estate where with it hath pleased God Almighty much above my deserts

ito bless me with do make and ordaine this my Last Will & Testament to be in manner and

forme following

And first above all I bequeath my soul into ye hands of Almighty God who gave it, in

sure and ,•:ertaine hopes of a joyfull resurrection unto Eternall Life in and through

ye Meritts Mediation deeth and Passion of my Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

and my Body to ye Earth to Recieve such decent Christian Buriall as by my Executor!

herein Nominated Shall be thought most fitting and Convenient

Item I Five end bequeath to my loving mn William my feather bed and all appurtenances there

unto belonging, also I give u:to my sd son Wm my Livery Cuppord now standing in his 1

i house and also my Great Chest, together with four Pewter platters end a quart pott two

' Iron pots and two Whales & one Ewe & Lamb to be belonging now in the Custody of my son

John Meers

Item to the rest of my Children Vizt: John Richard Rob Elizabeth Mary and Doruthy I give toi

1 each of them twelve pence and more I give to my son John my small stilliards and appur-

tenances and a set of wedges and Rings and one frying pan And I hereby Constitute and

appoynt my son William Mears to be sole Executor? of this my Last Will and Testament

revokeing and hereby disanulling all other wills and Testaments by me formerly made

In Wittness hereof I have hereunto sett my hand and seale this 28th day of July An°:

DoS: 1703 signum seals Mary M Meers

ained sealed published and declared

to be my Lest will and testament

In presents of signum

Joseph J Aymes

James Maccome

Robert Scott

The within Last Will and Testamt: of Mary Meers was

Presented to ye Court of Accomack County by William

Peers sole Executor for probation and was accordingly

proved by ye oaths of Joseph Aymes and James

two of ye Wittnesses Aprill ye 3d 1705

Testa: Rob Snead Cl: Cur: ) ) Con Accomk

Recorded Aprill ye 20th: 1705 P Bob'? Snead Cl: Cur

Robert Colbin his marke of Cattel & Creaturs scolluped with three noches on

eare & Groped and slitt on ye Right eare

Recorded by ye request of Robert Colbin may ye oth: 1705

Test: Robt Snead: Cl: Cur: Con: Accomak:

7

ye

Maccome'

Left

John Nears The Seeond Generation

John Mears, the second son of Bartholomew Mears and his wife Mary, was born

eirea 1671, according to a deposition he gave on 21 November 1688, stating his age

as 17 years "or thereabouts" (Wills & e Orders 1682-1697, p. 151). He was about

eleven years old when his father died in 1682. John Nears had apparently married

by 1692, when his name first appeared on the tithable (tax) lists for Aecomack

County (Aceo. Co. Tititables, 1663-1695, p. 52). His wife 1123 Margaret Garrison,

the daughter of Richard Garrison, who died testate in 1717, naming a daughter as

Margaret Mears (Wills, Deeds & 1715-1729, p. 61). John Mears was one of the

witnesses to the will and his son, Thomas Mears, was to heir property, if Richard

Garrison's son Jonathan should die without heirs.

John Mears heired 150 acres of land from his father and, as the second oldest

son, the 200 acres his father left John's brother Bartholomew Mears, the "home

plantation", when brother Bartholomew died.

On 6 May 1707, John Mears was indicted by the Accomack County Grand Jury and

"named to appear at ye next Court for Swearing one oath by God" (Orders 1703-1709,

p. 91). On the 7th of June he was ordered to pay a fine for same (I). 94).

On 1 April 1718, John Mears, Senr purchased 170 acres from Major Hitchens for

10,600 pounds of tobacco (Deeds, Wills & Etc 1715-1729, part 1, p. 106). The deed

places the land near the head of "Matchapungo" and explains that it was half of a

340-acre patent on 9 October 1672 to Edward Hitchens, who gave 170 acres to his son,

Jarret Hitchens, on 19 September 1692. Jarret Hitchens left to his son Major

Hitchens. The land was actually half of the 300 acres that had been deeded to

William Taylor by BartholammMears in 166d, three-fifths of their 500-acre patent of

1662, and therefore joined John Mears' other land. The remaining 170 acres had been

sold by Edward Hitchens and wife Elizabeth to their son-in-law, Henry Armitrader, in

1711. He gave it to his son, Arthur Armitrader, in 1719 (Whitelaw, p. 750).

8

On 1 April 1729, John Mears gave to his "beloved" son, George Mears, 50 acres

of land on the north side "of the plantation I bought of Major iitehens (Deeds, Wills

ite. 1715-1729, p. 315). Should son George die without heirs, the land was to

revert to his father. On the same day, John Mears gave son John Nears 150 acres

"near head of Machopungo Creek upon a place called the beaver dam branch Joining

upon Land of John Willis".

John Mears wrote his will on the 14th August 1745. It was recorded on 29

September 1747 (Wills 1743-1749, p. 388). Me left his hone plantation and adjoining

150 acres to son Thomas Mears. Thomas Mears also heired "the Choice of all my Guns",

the biggest table, a snail brass kettle and all the corn, wheat, tobacco, and cider

"that is made or Growing upon my Plantation when I die". Son John Mears heired "the

Plantation whereon he now lives" with 150 acres of Land, It being a Tract of Land

my lather Bartholomew Mears gave to me". John Mears was also left "my hand Mill

Stones and the Choice of all my Beds in my Mouse and my Cellist) Curtains and the

best Rug and Blanket and Sheet", one pewter dish, 2 pewter basin and a gun. Son

Mark Mears heired the land purchased from Major kitchens and 100 acres adjoining.

Mark haired, in addition, a gun, a feather bed and bedstead and a rug. "Wearing

oloaths" were to he equally divided between sons John, Thomas and Mark. Son Barth-

olomew heired only a gun and two small pewter basins. John Mears left 70 acres of

land to he sold to pay his debts. Daughters Elizabeth Major and Mary Ames were to

share the "remainer" part of the estate and sons John and Thomas were named as

ereeutors. John Mears' wife was likely deceased, as she was not named in his will.

From his will, it appears John Mears devised several hundred acres more than

he owned. Me did not mention son George, who had apparently died since 1729, with

his 50 acres reverting hack. The land he left son John was apparently the same

land he had deeded him in 1729, while the land left son Mark seeme to have been

only the entire 170 acres purchased of Major Miteheus.

9

The children of John Mears and his wife, Margaret (Garrison) Mears, were:

1. Bartholomew Mears, born circa 1693. Bartholomew Mears WS declared heir-

at-law of John Mears, when the latter's will was proved, showing he was the eldest

son. Me was left no land by his father. In 1745, when his father wrote his will,

Bartholomew Mears had married, and bought land elsewhere. Me married (lima 1725,

Rachel Kellam, the daughter of Xdward Kellam (Deeds & Wills 1729-1737, p. 111). On

1 January 1723, Bartholomew Mears bought 100 acres of land from Richard Drummond

for 5000 pounds of tobacco (Deeds Wills & Itc. 1715-1729, p. 455). ie bought 60

additional acres from John Nock on 31 August 1743 for 25 pounds (Deeds & c 1737-1746,

p. 365). Xis land was located in the area of Gargatka and south of Modest Town. It

extended up the highway almost to present-day Nelsonia (Whitelaw, p. 1161). This

Bartholomew died testate by 1766 (Wills & e 1761-1767, p. 600). Me devised his

land to son Neshaeh Nears, likely his youngest son, who was to be raised by his wife

Rachel. Other children were; Jonathan Nears, Robert Mears, Susana Mears, Sarah

Mears, Klizaleth Nears, Shadrack Mears and Leah Nears. Mears families in the

Gargatha-Nelsonia-Modest Town area are descendants of Bartholomew Mears' son, *sh-

ack Mears, who died testate in 1794 (Wills & e 1794-1796, p. 42). Son Robert Mears

died unmarried in 1768 (Wills & e 1767-1772, p. 190). Sons Jonathan Mears (died

testate 1796) and Shadrack Mears (no probate record) moved to the upper bayside

area of the county and left descendants in Bloxom, Guilford, Mears, Mearsville, Saxis,

Jenkins Bridge and Sanford.

2. Thomas Mears. Thomas Mears, born circa 1695, died testate in 1775, naming

an only son, Southy Mears, and grandsons Covington Mears and Thomas Nears. *Cousins"

(likely nephews) John Mears and George Mears were names executors & c 1772-

1777, p. 315).

3. John Mears, horn circa 1698. See next section.

10

4. George Mears. George Mears, or eirsa 1700, died unmarried between

1729 and 1716.

5. Nark Mears. Mark Mears, born sires' 1705, died intestate in 1773 (Orders

& e 1773, p. 14). Son George Mears was named as the administrator of his estate and

inherited his land.

6. Ilizabeth Mears, married Major.

7. Mary Mears, married Thomas Ames, Senr.

11

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3.14

John Mears The Third Generation

John Mears, the son of John Mears and Mhrgaret (Garrison) Mears, was born

circa 1698. Be married, circa 1720, Sabra Armitrader, the daughter of Richard

Armitrader and his wife Elizabeth (Chance) Armitrader (Whitelaw, p. 790 and Wills

1752-1757, p. 271).

John Mears was deeded 150 acres in 1729 by his father, as a gift. It appears

this was the same 150 acres his father left him in his will of 1747, saying it was

a tract given him by his father, Bartholomew Mears, and "the Plantation whereon he

(son John) now lives". This land would have been the southeastern half of 300

acres of land that Bartholomew Mears awned, on the northeastern side of Beaver

Dam Branch, located on present-day maps in the Trower-Jrogstool area of Accomack

County, west of Wachapreague.

On 6 November 1761, John Nears "the Elder" and Sabra his wife, for their nat-

ural love and affection for their son, plus 10 pounds, gave to John Mears "the

Younger", 150 acres near "Watchapreague Creek" The deed states this was land

Richard Armitrader devised unto his daughter, Sabra Mears

I, p.161).

John Mears had died intestate by 30 March 1762, when Sabra Mears was named to

administer his estate (Orders 1753-1763, P. 445). On 31 August 1762$ Sabra Mears

returned the inventory of John Mears to court (Wills 1761..1767, P.124). This was

a long list of clothes, household effects, livestock, farm implements and food,

covering four pages of double columns.

Sabra Mears lived some twenty odd years after her husband's death. By this

time she was an old woman and had lost a son, Littleton Mears. Bar will was

written an 20 April 1784 and recorded on 22 February 1785 (Wills & c 1784-J787,

p, 111). She left son John Mears "all my stock of Cattle as A Legacy one large

pair of Steelyards one hand mill one large pewter Dish one bed and furniture the

15

(Deeds 1757-1770, part

bed I now lie an". She gave a granddaughter "one gown and petticoat of Virginia

make first choice", and another granddaughter a bed and"one Virginia linen gown

Striped Cross ways and one white Apron english linen". Son Zorobabel Mears heired

a trundle bed. Daughter Ilizaheth Bell was given "one shilling sterling and no

more". The balance of her estate was to be divided among seven children: William

Mears, Levin Mears, Zoroleahel Mears, Spencer Mears, Margaret Richandson, Rose

Marmon and Siter Bradford. Sons John Mears and Spencer Mears were named executors.

Between the time her will was written and recorded, son John Mears was deceased.

On 29 January 1788, a final accounting of the settlement of Sabra Mears'

estate was made by Spencer Nears, executor (Wills 1788-1794, P. 5). John Mears

had been paid 16 shillings for "making her Coffin and plank", Michael Bonnewell

received 10 shillings "for Reading" (her funeral service?), 10 shillings had been

spent "for Brandy at appraising". John Spiers was paid 5 shillings 7 pence for

writing and witnessing her will. John rilliott received 3 shillings 1 pence as a

witness to the will.

The children of John Mears and his wife, Sabra (.irmitrader) Mears, were:

1. William Mears. As the eldest son and heir-at-law, William Mears inherited

his father's land. Me sold his inheritance on 29 December 1768 to Jonathan Mears,

the son of Bartholomew Mears (Deeds 1757-1770, p.607) and disappeared from Accomack

County records. Nis brother, Spencer Mears, bought the northern 80 acres of this

land in 1779 (Whitlaw, p. 752) and John Bradford bought the southern 80 acres in

the same year.

2. John Mears. See next section.

3. Littleton Mears. Littleton Mears died testate in 1773 (Wills& c 1772-1777,

p. 473). lie left land to son John Mears and named other children as: Levin Mears,

Littleton Mears, Severn Mears, Kendall Mears, Sophia Martin, Betty Mears, Sally

Mears and Shadrack Mears. Littleton Mears married (1) Comfort Richardson, the

daughter of William Richardson, who died testate in 1774 ( Wills & c 1772-1777, p.249).

16

Littleton Mears named his widow as Naomi, who could have bees a Walker. The two

youngest children he spoke of in his will, Sarah/Sally Mears and Shadrack Mears,

were likely Naomi's children.

4. Spencer Nears. As has been stated, Spencer Mears bought half his father's

land in 1779, land that had belonged to his grandfather and great-grandfather. ie

died testate in 1794 leaving this land to kis son, James Mears (Wills & c 1794-

1796, p. 31). Me named his widow as Margaret, who was likely a Bradford, and

other children as: Rachel Mears, Sally Mears, Rosey Mears, Caleb Nears, Robert

Nears, Frances Nears, Klicalleth Nears, and Nancy Nears. James Mears, the son of

Spencer Mears died testate in 1800, unmarried, and left his land to his brother,

Caleb Nears (Wills & c 1798-1800, p. 370).

5. Levin Mears. Levin Mears died testate by 29 February 1808, when his will

was recorded (Wills 1806-1809, p. 471). Ke named his sons as: Arthur Mears, Levin

Mears, Killary Mears and Caleb Nears. Me namad a daughter, Sophia Kelly, but no

wife. She had likely predeceased him. Levin Mears also left personal property

to John Mears Turner.

6. Zorobabel Mears. A record of the death of Zorobabel Mears has not been

found. Kis widow, Nanny Mears, married iillary Turner by marriage bond of 10

September 1807 (MLB 1806.-1832, p. 134). Zorobabel Nears had at least one daughter,

Susanna Nears, who married Isaac Nelson in 1818 (p. 85).

7. Klisaieth Mears, married Bell. ilizabeth Bell died testate in 1800

(Wills & c 1798-18000 p. 368). Apparently she had no children and her husband was

deceased, for she named a number of Mears nieces and nephews among others.

8. Margaret Mears, married Richardson.

9. Rose Mears, married Marmon.

10. Sinah Mears, married Bradford.

17

Will of Sabra (Armitrader) Nears (Wilis & c 1784-1787, p. 111) •A

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;

John Mears The Fourth Generation

John Mears, the son of John Mears and his wife, Sabra (irmitrader) Mears, was

horn circa 1730. Me was called John Mears, the Younger, in the deed of 1761 in

which his parents gave him the Richard Armitrader land. This tract of 150 acres

was located north of the present road from Keller to Wachapreagte, north of

Grangeville and south of Oak Grove Church (Whitelaw, p. 790 and map).

John Mears married circa 1760, Mkry/Maly Beach, the daughter of Joseph Beach.

Joseph Beach died testate in 1772, naming a son Kendall Beach, daughters Sophia,

Mary and Sarah, and grandson Abel Mears (Wills & c 1767-1772, p. 696).

John Hears made his will on 17 December 1784 and it was proved and recorded on

25 January 1785 (wills 1784-1787, P. 99). lie left 100 acres of land to his son,

Richard Hears, and the remaining 50 acres to son, Abel Mears. Me left his still

and worm and 600 "gallons of casks" to these sons. Me gave his wife Molly "one

best bed and furniture one first choice of horse kind one plow and harrow first

choice and as long as my wife lives my widow not to he disturb of my hest dwelling

house". he left "five pounds current money" to son Jcthn Nears. Son Robert Mears

inherited a sorrel yearling and son William Mears a cow and calf. Son-in-law

Frederick Beach was to receive "one shilling sterling and no more of my estate".

Ye directed that slaves he sold. Children, Polly Mears, Betsy Mears, Patience

Mears, Adah Nears, Peggy Mears and James Nears, were to share the remaining part

of the estate. Kendall Beach and John Spiers were named executors.

Mary Mears, as guardian of Betsy, Patience, idah, Margaret, Jams and William

Mears, gave an account of their expenses for 1788 and 178/ (Orphan's Accounts 1780-

1805, p. 77).

The children of John Mears and his wife, Mary/Molly (Beach) Mars, were:

1. Richard Nears. Richard Mears inherited 100 acres from his father in 1785.

Ye made his will on 30 December 1817and it was recorded on 2! December 1824 (Wills

19

1824-1825, p. 357). ke named his wife as Ruth Mears, a daughter Nancy and a son

Richard Mears. ke named a grandson as Thomas Smith Mears and another grandson as

Frederick Mears, whose father was son John Mears, then deceased. James Edmonds

was to be executor. Richard Mears' 100 acres of land was sold to James Edmonds an

6 November 1824 (Deeds 1824-1825, p. 293).

2. Leah Mears, married by 178$, Frederick Beach.

3. Abel Nears. Abel Mears died testate by 2$ October 1841, when his will was

recorded (Wills 1826-1846, p. 412). Me left his land to son Abel Mears and named

daughters as: Tabitha A.B. Mears, Messy Bird, and Margaret Bell. ke had married

(1) Patience (Reg. of Deaths, 1878, when their son Abel Mears died), (2)

1817, Elizabeth Spires (MLB 1806-1832, p. 82).

4. John Mears. This John Mears was spoken of in the records as John Mears

(of ring) and later as John Mears (Neck) to distinguish him from other John Mearses

in the area. John Mears married Mary Bradford circa 1790. Mary (Bradford) Mears

died testate in 1814, leaving 100 acres in Bradford Neck to husband John Mears and

then to son Abel Mears (Wills 1812-1814, p. $00. She also named three youngest

sons (under 13 years) as James Mears, Robert Mears and William Mears. ker husband

died testate in 1819 (Wills 1819-1821, p. 17), He named, in addition to the four

sons in his wife's will, son John Nears and daughters Molly Mears and Elizabeth

Nears.

$. Polly Mears.

6. Robert Mears. Robert Mears married Parmelia/Milly (Graven Stones,

p. 177, inscription on son Thorogood Mears' tombstone). She could have been a

Taylor, since Milly Mears was one of the heirs of Benjamin Taylor, a soldier in

the Revolutionary War (Orders 1836-184U, p. 60). This record gives her children

as: George Nears, Edward Mears, Thorogood Mears and Maria Mears. No account of

Robert Mears' death has been found. Milly Mears had died intestate by 28 January

1817, when Major Savage was appointed guardian to her three younger children

20

(Orders 1815-1817, P.

7. Betsy Mears, married in 1792, Robinson Savage? (MLB 1774-1806, p. 26).

8. Patience Mears.

9. Adah Mears.

10. Peggy Mears

11. James Mears. See next section.

12. William Mears. This William Mears was designated as William Mears (of M)

and William Mears (of Molly) in local records. Be married (1) Bridget Bull, on 7

January 1808 (Mar. Reg. #1, p. 4), (2) Betsy Shurlock, on 24 December 1824 (p. 33).

William Mears (of Molly) died testate by 30 May 1837 (Wills 1828-1846, p. 242).

iis children by his first marriage were: John B. Mears, Patrick B. Mears, Robert

Mears, William B. Mears, and James Mears. By his last marriage he had: Charlotte

Anne Mears, ilizabeth Jane Mears, idward T. Mears, and George W. Mears. is six

younger children were underage when he died (Orphans Accts. 1836-1841, pp. 177,

1761 179, 279).

21

Will of John Mears (Wills 1784-1787 p. 99)

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23

James Mears The Fifth Generation

James Mears, the son of John Mears and Mary/Molly (Beach) Mears, was born

circa 1780, when his father was circa fifty years of age. ie was only about five

years old when his father died in 1755. We was raised by his mother on the

irmitrader land and, after 1810, his name appeared in Accomack County records as

Janes Mears (of M) or James Mears (of Molly) to distinguish him from younger James

Mearses.

James Mears married (1) iiessy N. armon, daughter of John iarmon, by marriage

bond of 10 October 1806 (MLB 1006-1832, p. 82), and (2) Sally Wallace, by bond

dated 28 March 1814 (same page).

James Mears was the only Nears of this name in the 1810 Federal Census of

Accomack County. ie was listed in St. George Parish, aged 26 to 45, with his

wife, under 26 years of age, and two sons under 10 years. In the 1820 census, he

was listed as James Mears (of 4 0 aged 26 to 45, with a wife between 26 and 45

years of age, a son under 10 years, a son aged lu to 16 years, and, again, with-

out daughters. It is apparent that James Mears and his first wife lost a son

between 101U and 1820 or he had moved into another household. Later records

indicate the latter.

By 1830, when James Mears (of M) was 40 to 50 years of age, his oldest son had

married. Two other males were in his household, one aged 5 to 10 years, and another

of 10 to 15 years. us wife was between 40 and 50 years in 1830 and there were two

females under 10 years of age. There was one other female in the household, aged

60 to 70 years.

James Mears was left no land by his father and the records do not show him

buying land. Ae died intestate by 30 October 1837, when David Mears was named to

administer his estate (Orders 1836-1840, p. 245). The inventory and sale of his

personal property occured on 1 November 1837 (Inventories 1837-1839, p. 418). The

list of items cover a little less than three pages. Wousehold furniture included:

two spinning wheels, a square pine table, six Windsor chairs, a flag chair, a small

blue chest, a large blue chest, a walnut table, a pine safe, and other items.

There was no farm equiptment listed. Rather, a number of articles, including. saws,

planes, adzes, hammers, chissels, augers, "a lot of wheel timber", and "a lot of

spoke timber", show that James Mears was a wheelwright. We also owned livestock.

The known children of James Mears were:

1. David Mears, born 27 August 1806, died 17 November 1871. David Mears'

tombstone stands in a family plot northeast of Painter (Graven Stones, p. 172).

iis stone states he was the son of James and Wester Mears. David Mears married

Juliet Ann Imes by marriage bond of 4 January 1830 (MLB 1806-1832, p. 82). ker

tombstone, not only says she was the wife of David Mears, but also the daughter of

Benjamin and Ann Ames. She was born 31 December 1808 and died 21 April 1868.

David Mears died intestate. is son, Alfred J. Mears, was his administrator (Fid.

Accts. 1873-1877, p. 43). The 1850 census gives the children of David Mears and

his wife Juliet as: Alfred J. Mears, Wester A. Mears, krinthia J. Mears, Thomas

Mears, Rositta Mears, and maline Mears.

2. George Nears of James, born circa 1808. Listed as tax delinquient and

insolvent in 1836 (Levy Papers 1836-1838). No other record of this son has been

found. We was not listed in the 1840 census.

3. James Mears of James, born circa 1818. See next section.

Census records indicate an additional son and two daughters, but their names

have not been found.

25

James Mears of James or

James W. Mears The Sixth Generation

James Mears of James, or James W. Mears, was the son of James Mears and his

second wife, Sally (Wallace) Mears. ier marriage record does not give the names

of his mother's parents and a search of Wallace wills has failed to find one

naming a daughter Sally Wallace or Sally Mears. Neither has a probate record

been found for Sally (Wallace) Mears, nor a record of her remarriage after her

husband's death in 1837. At the sale of JameaYars' personal property, on 1

November 1837, there were no items sold to Sally Mears or "the widow", which was

unusual had she been living. James Mears of James bought two articles, his

father's gun for $2.00 and a tea kettle for 960 (Inv. 1837-1839, p. 418).

The 1830 census, while he was still in his father's household, places the

birth of James Mears of James between 1815 and 1820. Later census records, when

ages were not given in a span of years but as an actual figure, do not agree as

to the year in which he was born. The 1870 census appears the most accurate,

when it gives his age as 52, indicating he was born in 1818. On 25 June 1838,

James Mears, orphan of James Mears, chose William W. Oliver as his guardian

(Orders 1836-1840, P. 348). iad he been born before 1818, he would not have

needed a guardian in 1838, for he would have been 21 years old by that time.

On the same day he chose a guardian, James Mears, ward of William W.

Oliver, was issued a marriage bond to marry Mary garrison, widow of Ivans iar-

risson (MU 1832-1841, p. 22). William W. Oliver was his security.

Mary Mears had married Evans iarrison by a bond dated 24 November 1834 (p. 14).

While no one record states this as fact, she was apparently the daughter of

Kendall Mears, son of Littleton Mears, and a second cousin to James Nears of James.

No probate record for Kendall Mears has been found, but James Mears of Kendall died

intestate by 24 November 1834 (same date as Mary Mears' first marriage bond), when

26

Edward Mears, a son, was named to administer the estate (Orders 1832-1836, p. 381).

Evans garrison was one of his securities. When the personal property of James Mears

of Kendall was sold on 9 December 1834, both Molly garrison and Evans garrison made

purchases (Inv. 1835-1837, P. 344). A third son of Kendall Mears, Mikan Mears,

also bought items at the sale.

In 1850, James Mears of James was listed by the census as a 33-year-old

wheelwright in St. George Parish (BM #920). His wife, Molly Mears, was 36 years

of age and there were five children: Bagwell Mears, 10 years; James Mears, 8 years;

Sarah Nears, 6 years; Columbus Mears, 2 years; and George Mears, 1 month.

In 1860, James Mears' age was given as 45 years (HR #880/977). He was still

a wheelwright. Molly Mears was 48 years old. The two older sons were no longer

in the household. Sarah A. Mears was 14 years old, Columbus Mears age was given

as 11 years, George Nears was 10 years, John Mears was 4 years old and Mary Mears

was 2 years of age.

The 1870 census shows James Nears as a 52-year-old farmer, with wife Molly

Mears as 57 years of age (HH 3164/181). Columbus Nears was a 21-year-old farm

laborer, George W. Mears was 19 and daughter Mary Mears was then 12 years old.

In 1880, James W. Mears, with wife Molly, were listed separately (HR #154/

172), but sharing their home with son George W. Mears and his family (HH #154/

173). Son Columbus Mears and his family were living nearby (HH #159/178).

James W. Mears, of Pawellton, died intestate on 19 August 1884, of heart

disease, according to an item in the 23 August 1884 issue of The Peninsula Enter-

prise (p. 3). His widow, Mrs. Mollie Mears, of Powellton, died 6 July 1888

(The Peninsula Interirise, 21 July 1888 issue). The village of Powellton later

became Wachapreague.

The children of James Mears of James, or Janes W. Mears, and his wife, Mary/

Molly (Mears) (Harrison) Mears, were:

21

1. Bagwell Mears, born circa 184U. He likely died young, as he does not

appear in the records after 1850.

2. James Mears, born circa 1842. Apparently also died young.

3. Sarah A. Mears, born circa 1844. No other record.

4. Columbus C. Mears, born 1848. See next section.

5. George W. Mears, born Nay 1850, died intestate 8 July 1888. He died as

the result of being kicked by a horse four days earlier, according to his obituary

(The Peninsula interpriss, 21 July 1888 issue). This article states he was a

thrifty and industrious farmer and as a citizen had the esteem of all who knew him.

He left a wife and four children. George W. Mears had married Elizabeth Susan

Mears, daughter of Abel Mears and wife Llizabeth, on 15 August 1872, at Oak Grove

Chapel (Mar. Reg. #3, p. 34). According to the 1850 census, their children were:

Cora Nears, Arthur T. Mears, and twins George W. Mears and James H. Mears. Xliza-

beth S. Mears, wife of George W. Mears, born 12 August 1841, died 2 March 1927, is

buried at Wachapreagte (Graven Stones, p. 172).

6. John Mears, born circa 1856. Not listed in the 1870 census.

7. Mary C. Mears, born circa 1858. She married James T. Johnson on 4 March

1880, at Locustville (Mar. Reg. #3, p. 62). Her tombstone, at Mount Holly Cemetery,

anancock, states she was born 16 February 1856 and died 14 May 1926 (Graven Stones,

p. 130).

28

Columbus C. Mears The Seventh Generation

Columbus C. Mears, the son of James W. Mears and his wife, Nary/Nellie (Mears)

(Harrison) Mears, was born 18 October 1847, according to his tombstone in the Watts-

vile Methodist Church Cemetery. This date essentially agrees with his age as given

by census reports, which are only considered accurate to within a few years. He was

born at or near Powellton, Virginia, which later became Locustmount and is now

Wachapreagle.

Columbus Nears, farmer, was almost 24 years old when he married (1) on 20

August 1871, lima Kate (Catherine?) Bell, 17, the daughter of James S. Bell and his

wife Alisabeth (Mar. Reg. #3, p. 32). James S. Bell had married Blisabeth Mears on

22 December 1844 (Mar Reg. #1, p. 73).

The 1880 census for iccomack County, gives Columbus Mears as a 37-year-old

farmer, with his family in Pungoteagite District (MN #159/178). His wife, Una K.

Mears, was then 25 and there were four children in the household: Noah C. Mears

at 7 years, Juliet I. Mears at 5 years, Margaret T. Mears at 2 years, and Mary C.

Mears at 8 months. There was also a Patrick W. Mears, aged 18, in the household.

The March 23, 1882 issue of The Peninsula Interbrise reported that Mr. Columbus

Mears, living near Locustmount, had his smokehouse and cornstack burned on Tuesday

night, "the 7th inst.", from spontaneous combustion. The fire resulted from a potato

bed cover that had been recently oiled. The loss to Mr. Mears was about $200, an

amount "being rapidly made up by his neighbors".

John S. Bell, uncle to isma Kate Mears, made his will on 6 February 1894 and it

was probated 20 days later (Wills 1882-1901, p. 275). It is evident that he had no

children, for he left nis extensive property, both personal and realty, to nieces

and nephews. He gave niece IMITU K. Nears' husband Columbus "my farm on Matchopungo

known as 'Bell' land where he at present resides" and 15 acres of woodland. He left

another farm, "called the Betsy Lingo farm where William Harmon resides" to niece

29

Emma Mears, wife of Columbus Mears, for her life, then it was to go to her children.

Mrs. Ehna Kate Mears, born 19 February 1854, died of consumption at her home

on 11 June 1896 at 42 years. She was survived by her husband, Mr. Columbus Mears,

and eight, unnamed, children (Obituary in July 4, 1896 issue, The Peninsula Enter-

prise). Her tombstone stands near that of her uncle, John S. Bell, whose stone

states he was the son of William and Rachel Bell and died 16 February 1894, aged

79 years, 26 days (Graven Stones, pp. 19 and 172). This burial plot is in the

area below Wachapreague, called Piggen on present-day maps.

On 5 December 1897, Columbus Mears, 50, married (2) Ida Lee Elliott, 18, the

daughter of John W. and Margaret Elliot (Mar. Reg. #4, p. 18).

The 1900 Federal Census for Acconack County shows Columbus Mears and his

family still in Pungoteague District (HH #405/448). His age was given as 52, while

his wife was 22 years old. They had been married for 23- years and had one child,

Celia M. Mears, born December 1898. There were three other children in the house-

hold, all children of Columbus Mears by his first marriage to Emma Kate Bell: Tully

F. Nears at 16 years) Kendall J. Mears at 9 years, and Priscilla Mears at 7 years.

On 7 November 1900, Columbus Mears paid $1200 for 100 acres of land near Watts-

ville, Virginia, which he bought from William L. Nock and his wife Blanche (Deeds

76, p. 81). The land was bordered on the north by "the Wallop farm where James

Trans resides", east by Wallops Mill Pond and on the south and west by the Jane

Sickney and Park Handy lots and the county road. This would have been the old

county road from Wattsville to Atlantic. The farm is to the south of the Watts-

vile Methodist Church property and divided from it by a gully of Wallops Mill Pond.

On 22 November 19001 Columbus Mears and his wife, Ida L. Mears, sold 60 acres

between Trower and Keller, on Machipungo Creek, and 15 acres of nearby woodsland, to

Bowdoin Richardson for $700 (Deeds 76, p. 112). The deed reserved the right to

pick strawberries from the land in 1901 and to transplant the same.

30

The census of 1910 shows Columbus Mears, a 63-year-old farmer, in Atlantic

District on Sea Side Road (HH #212/214). His wife Ida was 32 and she had had five

children, all of whom were living with them, as was his daughter Priscill, aged 16,

and Charles Nears, aged 15. Charles Nears was actually a foster son, called Charles

Elliott in the list of heirs of Columbus C. Mears (Deeds 117, p.

Columbus C. Nears wrote his will on 7 January 1920 and it was recorded on 30

March 1920 (Wills 1904-1920, p. 575). He died on 27 February 1920 (tombstone). He

loaned his farm and home and other propery to his wife, Ida L. Mears, until their

youngest son, Alvin D. Mears (born 27 June 1917, according to the will, and under

3 years of age when his father died) became 14 years of age. He left son Kendall

J. Mears and daughter Maggie Rew each $100. He left $100 to Charlie Elliott. He

directed that the rest of his estate be divided equally between children: Priscilla

A. Mears, Cela M. Tindall, Emma K. Mears, Josnua J. Mears, Leonard G. Nears, Harvey

C. Mears, Myrtle M. Mears, and Alvin D. Mears. Columbus C. Mears named Morney

Davis of Wattsville the executor of his will and the guardian of his minor children.

His obituary appeared in the March 6, 1920 issue of The Peninsula Enterprise.

It states that Mr. Mears had been a mail carrier at Wattsville for some years. It

also says he was survived by fifteen children - five others in addition to those

named in his will.

Ida Lee (Elliott) Mears, second wife of Columbus C. Mears, was born 19 April

1880 and died 1 September 1958, according to hertombstone beside that of her first

husband at Wattsville. She married (2) on 27 October 1922, William T. Truitt (Mar.

Reg. #4, p. 30), by whom she had a daughter, Geneva Truitt, and (3) after Mr.

Truitt's death in 1940, Kennie Marshall. Her obituary, in the September 1958 issue

of The Peninsula Enterprise, states she was of Chincoteague and died in the Accomack

County nursing Home. It says she was born at Keller, the daughter of John Elliott

and Margaret Lewis Elliott and that she was a member of Wattsville Methodist Church.

31

She was survived by her husband, Kennie Marshall; two daughters, Mrs. Roy Tyndall

and Mrs. Edgar Matthews of Atlantic; and four sons, Mr. Leonard Mears of Atlantic,

and Joshua Mears, Harvey Mears and Alvah Mears of Chincoteague.

The 100 acres of land belonging to the heirs of Columbus C. Mears was sold at

public auction, at Davis and Justice Store, Wattsville, on 18 April 1924, to John

D. Johnson for $4000 (Deeds 126, p.546).

The birth dates of nine of the children of Columbus C. Mears and his first

wife, Emma late (Bell) Mears, were recorded in the iccomack County Register of

Births, 1862-1896. i list giving the birth dates of ten of these children has

been found in a Mears family Bible (see next section). The Bible birth dates,

being more complete, has been used in the following listing. Accomack County

records gives the birth of two children on the same day but one year later than

the family record. These names have been marked with a star.

1. Mears, born 16 August 1872. Apparently died young.

2. Noah Columbus Mears*, born 9 May 1873, died 10 December 1961, married circa

1906, Marcielene Pearl Gardner, daughter of John L. Gardner (Deeds 119, p. 298).

Helen L.D. Mears, daughter of Noah and Marcielene, was born on 14 July 1908 and

died the next day (Graven Stones, p. 173). Margaret T.W. Mears, daughter of Noah

and Marcielene, was born 25 January 1913 and died 4 August 1914 (p. 175). Noah C.

Mears and his wife, Marcie P. (1888-1959) are buried in the Mount Holly Cemetery

at Onancock (p. 176). Survising children were: Mrs. Douglas sew, Miss fairy Mears,

William Mears, Woodrow Mears, Eddie Mears, Samuel Mears of Keller, Percy Mears of

Wachapreague, Vernon Mears and Isaac Mears of lxmore,(olituary in Peninsula Ent.).

It is doubtful that Noah Mears moved to Wattsville with his father in 1901,

since he was a grown man at that time. It appears more likely he farmed on the

Betsy Lingo land that had been left his mother and her children. It is known he

raised his family at Piggen.

32

3. Juliet X. Mears, born 23 May 1875, died 20 April 1952. Julia Nears, 22,

daughter of Columbus and Emma Nears, married Abel Thomas Mears, 45, on 13 May 1897

(Mar. Aeg. #4, p. 14). He was the son of Abel and Elizabeth Mears. Julia L Mears

is buried in a Mears family plot near Nachapreague, as is A. Thomas Mears (1852-

1932) (Graven Stones, pp. 171 and 174). They had three children according to her

obituary in The Peninsula Enterprise (April 24, 1952 issue): Mrs. Annie Isdell of

Wachapreague, Mrs. Emma Downs of Frederica, Delaware, and Mr. Southy Nears of

Oyster, Virginia.

4. Margaret T. Mears, born 7 October 1877, died 26 April 1965. Maggie T.

Mears, 25, daughter of Columbus and Emma Mears, married John William Rew, 43, at

Wattsville, on 31 July 1902 (Mar. Reg. #4, p. 76). Maggie Rev, 45, widow, daughter

of Columbus and Emma Mears, married Jefferson D. Mears, 59, on 19 December 1920

(P. 284). Jefferson D. Mears ,(1861-1933) was the son of Michell Mears and his wife

Susan. He and his wife Margaret are buried west of Keller at Mitchell's Hill

(Graven stones, p.174). She had only one son, Douglas Rew of Melfa (obituary in

The I/stern ShOre Mews, 29 April 1965 issue).

5. Mary C. Mears, born 7 September 1879, died 29 June 1938. Mrs. George W.

Richardson of Melfa was one of the daughters named in Columbus C. Mears obituary.

George W. Richardson (1875-1939) is buried at Onancock in Mount Holly Cemetery, as

is his wife, Nannie C. Richardson (1882-1938) (Graven Stones, p. 215). They mar-

ried on 7 August 1897 (Wor. Co. Mar. Rec. #3, p. 107). Her obituary (Peninsula

Enterprise, July 1, 1938 issue) states she was survived by her husband and two

daughters, Mrs. Preston Byrd and Miss Yairy Richardson.

6. David D. Mears, born 11 August 1881. His name has not been found in

Accomack County records after his birth was recorded. When his father died in 1920,

he was living in South Carolina. Hartsville, South Carolina, according to the

obituary of Manie C. Richardson.

33

7. Tully Fisher Mears, born 18 October 1883. See next section.

8. Munce 114 Mears*, born 19 July 1885. Apparently died young.

9. Annie M. Mears, born 1December 1887, died five days later (Reg. of Deaths).

10. Kendall James Mears, born 30 June 1890, died 1965, married circa 1915,

Sara Burton (1896-1971). This couple is buried in the Downings Church Cemetery at

Oak Nall. They had one child, Orville B. Mears, who was born and died in 1917.

Kendall J. Mears, apparently named for a grandfather (James Mears) and great,-

grandfather on his grandmother's side (Kendall Mears), had a general store and

was postmaster at Atlantic, Virginia. He was also a wholesale candy salesman.

11. Priscilla A. Mears, born 14 July 1893, died 8 August 1980 (tombstone at

Oak Grove Cemetery - Graven Stones, p. 176). Priscilla A. Mears, 21, daughter of

Columbus and Emma Mears, married Leonard T. Mears, 24, on 11 August 1914 (Mar. Reg.

#4, p. 216). He was the son of Walter Mears and his wife India. According to her

obituary (August 14, 1980 issue The lastern Shore Mews), Priscilla A. Mears spent

her married life in Melfa and was a retired merchant. Family members relate that

she became blind in later years and would trust customers in her store to wait on

themselves and leave the correct cash. She lost her husband on 7 December 1932

(tombstone). She was survided by five children: Mrs. Gladys Stevens of Melfa, Mrs.

Maggie Lou Stevens of Portsmouth, Mrs. India Budd of Melfa, Mrs. Mary Metcalf of

Melfa, and Mr. Garnet Mears of Melfa.

The children of Columbus C. Mears and Ida Lee (Illoitt) Mears were:

12. Cela N. Mears, born 22 December 1898, died 22 August 1985, married 24

December 1916, at the Md./Va. line, Roy L. Tyndall (1893-1960) of Atlantic, son of

LeRoy Tyndall of Wattsville. They are buried in the J.W. Taylor Memorial Cemetery,

Temperanceville. There were two daughters: Louise Mears Tyndall (1922-1926) and

Ruth (Tyndall) Thomas (Mrs. Elmer Thomas) of Atlantic.

13. Una Kate Mears, born 1901, died 1975 (tombstone at Downings), married 3

April 1920, Edgar D. Matthews (1899-1983) of Atlantic (Wor. Co.Hec. of Mar. #5, p.

174). They had an adopted son, Walter L. Matthews (1920- )•

14. Joshua James Mears, born 1903, died 1962 (tomestone at Downings), married

23 December 1926, Carrie Justice of Wattsville (Wor. Co. Rec. of Mar. #5, P• 177)*

They lived at Chincoteague and had two sons: Woodston Mears of Chincoteague and

Carl Mears of Salisbury, Maryland.

15. Leonard G. Mears, born 1906, died 1972 (tombstone at Downings), married

27 March 1926, Corvilla D. Nelson of Assawoman (Wor. Co. Rec. of Mar. #5, p. 180).

They lived at Atlantic and had three children: Page Mears of Delmar, Delaware,

Donald Mears of Chincoteague, and Linda Mears (Stevenson?) who lives out west.

16. Harvey C. Mears, born 1908, died 8 September 1984 (tombstone in Mechanics

Cemetery, Chincoteague), married 16 April 1932, Lillie Bowden of Chincoteague

(Wor. Co. Rec. of Mar. #5, P. 187). They lived at Chincoteague and had three

children: Delmas Mears of Chincoteague, Denver Nears of Chincoteague, and Estelle

Mears Robinson of Wilmington, Delaware.

17. Myrtle M. Mears, born 1912y_died.1939 (tombstone at Downings), married

circa 1932, Norman R. Johnson. She had a daughter, Anna Johnson, who married an

Onley.

18. Alvin D. Mears, born 27 June 1917 (father's will). His tombstone at

Downings states: Alvah D. Mears, born 1918$ died 1974. Alvah Denard Mears, 21,

married 2 March 1940, Jeanette Mary Walker, 21, both of Chincoteague (Wor. Co.

Rec. of Mar. #6, p. 117). They had no children.

In addition to the above children, Columbus C. Mears and his second wife

raised Charles Elliott, who was likely her nephew or younger brother. Apparently

he went by the name of Charles Mears. Charles Mears, 23, of Wattsville, married

May Davis, 19, of New Church, on 14 February 1920 at Pbcomoke City, Maryland

(Wor. Co. Rec. of Mar. #5, P. 174). Charles T. Mears (1894-1972) and wife Mae

35

Ann (1901-1978) are buried in the Wattsville Church Cemetery near his foster

parents. With them is a daughter, Beatrice A. Mears (1932-1932), and a Carlton

W. Mears (1926-1961). Yamily members relate that Charlie Mears lived in Poco-

moke City and had a daughter, Mildred Mears.

36

L.

. Columbus C. Mears (180-1920

37

Ida Lee (illiott) Mears (1880-1958), second wife of Columbus C. Mears

38

Tully Fisher Mears The Eighth Generation

Tully Fisher Mears, son of Columbus C. Nears and his wife, Emma Kate (Bell)

Mears, was born on 18 October 1883. At the time of his birth, his parents were

living below Wachapreague, at Piggen, on land his father had inherited from John

S. Bell, his mother's uncle. Me lost his mother when he was 12 years old. Tully

F. Mears was listed as a 16-year-old in his father's household in Pungoteague

District by the 1900 census. He would have been 17 when his father moved the

family to Wattsville.

Tully Mears of Wisharts Point, 22, married (1) Lida Cutler of near Atlantic,

21, on 4 September 1904, at the Md./Va. line (Wor.Co. Rec. of Mar. #3, p. 78).

Lida M. Cutler was the daughter of James P. Cutler and his wife Elizabeth A. Cutler

(Deeds 171, p. 78). James P. Cutler, 290 son of Delilah (DrueillaT) Cutler, married

Elizabeth A. Taylor 23, daughter of William Taylor and Annie his wife, on 9 Rovem-

ber 1881, at Oak Hall (Mar. Reg. #3, p. 69). Lydia M. (Cutler) Mears was born 13

May 1884 and died 7 January 1942 (tombstone in J. W. Taylor Cemetery).

The 1910 census shows Tully F. Mears, 26, as head of household #316/318, in

Atlantic District, living with his family on the Horntown/Wattsville Road. His wife,

Lida N. Mears, was also 26 and there were three children: Mary E. Mears at 4 years,

Delmas J. Mears at 3 years, and Bruce L Mears, a daughter aged 1 year and 2 months.

Tully Y. Mears was a merchant in 1910.

Family members tell that Tully Mears first kept store in Wattsville in a one-

story building located near the present Delmarva Power Station0with $50 worth of

stock. He later moved into a two-story store building that stood on the southeast

corner of the intersection at Wattsville.

On 6 October 1916, Tullie Y. Mears bought from Edgar Y. Guillette and Docie I.

his wife, an half acre lot for $2400 (Deeds 109, p. 318). The deed states this was

39

"all that part of the 0.W. Byrd store house and lot at Temperanceville". The lot

was bound on the north and west by land of James B. Mears, on the east by J.3.

Bunting, and on the south by the county road leading to Makemie Park. U.S. 13

passed through the eastern edge of Temperanceville in 1916 and after the present

highway was built, he bought a lot 46 feet by 22 feet, on 10 May 1937, from James

B. Mearseson, William i. Mears, extending the store lot to the new road (Deeds 152,

p. 397). Tully F. Mears kept a general store at this location in Temperanceville from

1916. Family members relate that in the early 1930's he built a new building

behind the old one and had it torn down. A second new building behind the store

contained a furniture showroom. The store building has been recently rased and

the northeastern corner of the intersection at Temperanceville is now a vacant lot.

On 20 May 1918, Tully F. Mears bought a two-acre lot at Temperanceville from

James H. Hartman and wife Mary T. for $2400 (Deeds 113, p. 191). Because of the

price, there must have been a house standing on this lot, into which he moved his

family. It was bordered on the north by the road to Makemie Park, on the west by

land of Mrs. Annie Matthews, widow of A.S. Matthews, and on the east by land of

E.W. Smith.

As the years went by, Tully F. Mears bought other lots in Temperanceville,

several on the road to Makemie Park, one on U.S. 13 and one near the Arthur Byrd

farm on the road to Atlantic. On 5 October 1935, he bought the William L. Nock

land, a 204.14-acre tract in Arbuckles Neck, near Assawoyan (Deeds 151, p. 386).

It consisted of 68.09 acres of cleared land, 29.90 acres of woodsland, and 106.65

acres of marsh, gully, etc. The deed also refers to this as three-fourths of the

Penelope Burroughs Farm. Tully F. Mears sold the lot east of his home to his son,

Delmas J. Mears on 18 May 1942 (Deeds 182, p. 399).

Tully F. Mears lost his first wife on 7 January 1942. He married (2) Agatha

Nona Parks, 43, on 14 February 1943 (Mar. Reg. #6, p. 126). She was the daughter

ko

of Noah Davis and his wife, Cecelia (Bloxom) Davis and had been married to Charlie

Parks. His second wife died in early 1949 (tombstone at J.W. Taylor Cemetery) and

Tully F. Mears married (3) Elsie Mock Thomas, on 25 October 1949 (Wor. Co. Rec. of

Mar. #7, p. 118). There were no children of these later marriages. His last wife

survives him. She is a daughter of Albert W. Nock and his wife, Mary M. (Savage)

lock, and had been married to James W. Thomas.

Tully F. Mears wrote his will on 15 February 1962, added a codicil on 4 May

1963, and it was probated an 16 October 1968 (Wills 31, p. 102). He left his home

place, holm furnishings, and automobile to his beloved wife, Elsie Thomas Mears.

He left daughter Mary Mears Rogers the house and lot "where she now resides". He

left the storehouse and lot and other buildings "at U.S. 13 intersection" to son

Delmas J. Mears. He left $6000 to each of three other children and directed that

his remaining property be sold and the proceeds be divided between his wife and

five children. The codocil named B. Drummond Ayres as executor. His obituary, in

The Eastern Shore Mews (October 17, 1968 issue) states that Tully Fisher Mears died

at his home in Temperanceville on 12 October 1968, at 84 years of age. He had been

ill for some years.

Family members recall that Tully Mears' furniture business was highly success-

ful, allowing many local newly-weds to furnish their homes during the depression by

buying furniture "on time". On Saturdays he collected weekly payments in the &axis/

Sanford area and other parts of Atlantic District. He was a member of Temperance-

vile Methodist_Church. On Sunday afternoons he made a practice of visiting the

old and handicapped in the community and taking them for outings. He often visited

his sisters in the lower part of the county. It is knownhe financially assisted

people in the community and family members without public awareness. At the time

of his death, Tully F. Mears had been a director of the Eastern Shore Citizens

Bank at Onancock for over thirty years. Me is remembered as a small man in statue

but very energetic. There were times when he would jump over the counter to wait

on a customer in his grocery store.

The children of Tully Fisher Mears and his first wife, Lydia M. (Cutler) Mears,

were:

1. Mary L. Mears, born at Wisharts Point on 13 June 1905, died 3 October 1984,

married (1) 3 September 1922, Charles W. Mall (1904-1949), (2) circa 1955, Clyde

Rodgers. There were three children by the first marriage: Winnie Grace Hall Martin

of Blamom, Charles W. Hall, Jr., of Richmond, and Mary Ann Hall Ward of Stockton,

Maryland.

2. Delmas James Mears, born at Wisharts Point on 17 January 1907, died testate

15 April 1985 (Wills 44, p. 289), married 16 January 1929, Pearl Nock. Deimos J.

Mears joined his father in the merchantise business at Temperanceville from the time

he was a young man. He and his wife had no children. Nis widow died intestate on

27 September 1986 (Wills 46, p. 117).

3. Bruce E. Mears, born at Wattsville on 27 March 1909, died 4 June 1982,

married 10 April 1926, Francis R. Young of Pocomoke City, Maryland. They had one

son, Francis Mears Young.

4. Tully Edward Mears, born at Wattsville on 28 September 1911. See next

section.

5. Eloise N. Mears, born at Wattsville on 17 January 1914, married 11 November

1933, William Paul Cowger of Pocomoke City, Maryland. They have two daughters:

Shirley Lou Cowger Giordano and Patsy Mae Cowger Sayers.

Note: Undocumented dates of births, deaths, and marriages of this family have been taken from the Tully Y. Mears family Bible, now in the possession of Mrs. Mary Ann Ward of Stockton, Maryland. It also records vital satistics of the Cutler family. The Bible does not give a publisher or a date of printing.

42

Resolutions

RESOLUTION OF RESPECT

The Board of Directors of the Eastern Shore Citizens I3ani: records with profound sorrow the death of Tully F. Mears, which occurred on the 12th day of October, 1968.

In his death we have lost a beloved associate who had been a member of the Board for more than thirty years. He was pos-sessed of business acumen and progressive ideas to an untisua? degree. These talents were of great benefit to the Board in its deliberations.

It is fitting that we should re-cord his personal qualities as they were revealed to the mem-bers of the Board in their daily contact with him. He was a kind man, always ready to help some-one in trouble. Aided by the most uncompromising honesty and the highest samiek_character, he brought to the Bank wise counsel and excellent judgment which will be hard to replace'. He was regular in his attend-ance at all meetings of the Board so long as his lealth would permit and took '.great pride in performing his 'antic with painstaking care.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the foregoing remarks be adopted by the Board in tribute to the memory of our late fellow member, Tully F. Mears; that a copy of the same be spread upon the of-ficial minutes of the Board, a copy published in The Eastern Shore News, and that a cops be mailed to his family to extend to them an expression of on-

, sincere and heartfelt condolence. 4342/19/it_

Public Auction Of Valuable

Real Estate The undersigned Executor of

the estate of Tully F. Mears, de-ceased. by virtue of competer.! authority. will sell at pubic auc-tion,

In Front Of The Storehouse Of

Delmas J. Mears In Temperanceville,

Virginia On Saturday

January 25, 1969 At 2:30 P. M. (E.S.T.)

all that certain valuable tract or parcel of land situate in Ar-buckles Neck„ in Atlantic Magis-terial District, known as a part of the Penelope-Burroughs Farm containing, according to survey og, Fred E. Ruediger, C. S., made in January, 1909, a total of 204.-64 acres, of which 68.09 ale cleared, 29.9 acre:: are woodland, and 106.65 acres are gully marsh and oyster flats.

This is highly productive land and has a long and valuable waterfront.

The aforesaid plat is record-ed in the Clerk's Office for the County of Accomack, in Deed Book 92, at page 546.

TERMS For terms and full and com-

plete description of the property, see posters or the undersigned Executor of the estate of Tully F. Mears, deceased.

B. Drummond Ayres Executor

12 30 4t

Public Auction Of Valuable

Real Estate The undersigned Executor of

the estate of Tully F. Mears, de-ceased, by virtue of' competent authority, will sell at public auc-tion,

In Front Of The Storehouse Of

Delmas J. Mears In Temperanceville,

Virginia On Saturday

January 25, 1969 At 2.00 P. M. (E.S.T.)

114"116 following lot's or parcels of land situate in or near the vil-lage of Temperanceville, towit:

(1) All that certain house and lot situate on the road from Temperanceville to Makemie Park, containing 1 acre, more or less, now occupied by Morney Tyndall, said lot adjoining the land of Thomas Cutler, Clinton Richardson and the Ernest Smith land.

(2) All that certain lot or par-cel of land situate on the afore-said road, having a frontage of 530 feet on the same with a depth of 216 feet, adjoining the Schoolhouse property, the land of Percy M. Nock and others.

(3) All that certain lot or parcel of land sitwte on U. S. Route 13 now occopied by Aus-tin Thomas, adjoining the land of Mattie Gillespie. Katherine Nock, and the Ernest Smith land.

(4) All th,,t. certain vacant lot containing 1 acre. more or less, bounded North, by the Wil-liam Gillespie land; East and South, by the land of Francis 'Byrd; and on the West. by the public highway.

TERMS For terms of sale and other

particulars see posters or the undersigned Executor of the es-tate of Tully F. Mears, decea.-, -ed.

B. Drumm, res' Exet tor

.04t

143

Tully Fisher Mears (1883-1968), and

first wife, Lydia M. (Cutler) Mears (1884-1942).

Tully Edward Mears The Ninth Generation

Tully Edward Mears, the son of Tully fisher Mears and Lydia M. (Cutler) Mears,

was born on 28 September 1911, while his parents were living at Wattsville. Xis

family moved to Temperanceville when he was about five years old. He attended

elementary and high school at Temperanceville.

On 5 November 1933, Tullie Edward Mears, 22, of Temperanceville, married

Carrie Edna Mears, 21, of Saxis, at Pitts Creek Church (Wor. Co. Rec. of Mar. #5,

p. 189). The marriage was performed by Rev. Clay W. Millman, who was then pastor

of Temperanceville Methodist Church. Carrie E. Mears was the daughter of Bruce

Littleton Mears, of Saxis, who had married Verna Marie Ellis, also of Saxis, on

27 September 1910 at the Md./Va. state line ( Wor. Co. Rec. of Mar. #4, p. 78).

Bruce L. Mears (1886-1967) was a son of John Xenry Clay Mears and his wife, Margaret

Ellen ITYler)•Mears. John A. C. Mears was the son of John S. Mears, who had mar-

ried Virginia C. Mears, the daughter of Thomas and Catherine (Justice) Mears, by

a marriage bond dated 4 December 1850 (MLB 1850-1854, p. 8). John S. Mears was

named as a son by George Mears (miller) when he died testate in 1869 (wills 1846-

1882, p. 438). George Mears, born circa 1790, was called "son of Shadrack", when

he was issued a Marriage bond on 11 November 1816, to marry Nancy Shay, daughter of

Teackle Shay and his wife Mary(f4LB 1806-1832, p. 82). Shadrack Mears was named as

a son by Bartholomew Mears, son of John Mears and grandson to the first Bartholo-

mew Mears, in his will written in 1761 (Wills 1761-1767, p. 600). The records are

not clear whether Shadrack Mears, son of Bartholomew, was the father of George

Mears or if he died with no probate record, leaving a son Shadrack, who became the

father of George Mears. There could be a missing generation in this line (see page

10 and Charts I and III).

Three years after their marriage, T. Edward and Carrie Mears opened a gasoline

station and curb service business at the intersection of U.S. 13 and route 175, near

45

Oak Hall. A copy of an article appearing on the front page of the July 30, 1986

issue of The ihstern Shore News, telling of the success of their businesslafter

50 years there, is being included.

In 1939, T. dward Mears and Carrie E. Mears bought two lots, one on each

side of their business location, from The Holt Oil Co. (Deeds 157, p. 505 and 158,

p. 152). The deed to the corner property was not recorded until 6. March 1942 (Deeds

164, p. 497), but it is evident it had been purchased previously, as one of the

1939 deeds refers to it being owned by T. Edward and Carrie Mears. The deed gives

the seller as Paul W. Scarborough and Estelle his wife, of Snow Hill, Maryland, at

a price of $5000. Scarborough had bought it from Harry C. Nash on 10 July 1934.

T. Edward Mears made other purchases of near-by land. Three deeds that were noted

were: one from Wingate M. Holland in 1956 (Deeds 220, p. 154), one from Myth H.

Matthews in 1956 (Deeds 222, p. 124), and another from Wingate M. Holland in 1965

(Deeds 262, p. 152).

T. Edward Mears and his wife, Carrie E. (Mears) Mears, had three sons:

1. Edward Bruce Nears, born 20 October 1935, died 23 February 1989, married

9 March 1957, Jolena Hopkins. This son also had three sons:

A. Edward Bruce Mears, Jr., born 24 May 1959, married 11 September 1969,

Brenda S. Lilliston.

B. Tony Eugene Mears, born 28 March 1961, married 30 November 1979, Linda

Turner. They have 2 son, Tony Eugene Mears, Jr., born 8 June 1980.

C. Darryl Parks Mears, born 22 September 1963, married 14 October 1983,

Tammy Lynn Lillis ton. They have a son, Darryl Parks Mears, Jr., born 19 February

1985.

2. Kenneth Wayne Mears, born 11 July 1942, married 16 September 1963, Bonnie

Figgs. They have four children:

A. Kimberly Wayne Nears, born 29 June 1964.

B. Karen Rene Mears, born 29 December 1966.

C. Kathy Marie Mears, born 28 June 1969.

D. Kenneth Todd Mears, born 3 August 1973.

3. Rodney Glenn Mears, born 24 March 1951, married 10 Nay 19741 Deidra Khu-

maker. They have twin daughters and a son:

A. Ann Marie Mears, born 19 November 1981.

E. Christy Michelle Mears, born 19 November 1981.

C. Ryan Glenn Mears, born 6 September 1983.

147

T's Corner earne By Donna Bradford

Today, Chincoteague is fill-ed with tourists from around the world. They used maps, word-of-mouth, directions and landmarks to find their way to Pony Penning. And perhaps the most used landmark was T's Corner Exxon, now cele-brating its 50th year of business.

It first became a guidepost on July 23, 1936, when T. Edward Mears, now 74, and his wife, Carrie, 72, opened for business.

"It was a Thursday because I remember the week after that was Pony Penning," T. said. (Everybody calls Mears "T"; that's how the store got its name.)

Since that Thursday in 1936, T's Corner has become somewhat famous and T. has seen many

itself spot on the map Eastern Shore landmark celebrates 50 gears changes. Its relative fame is proven by little things like the Trailways and Greyhound national bus schedules. Riders' tickets are marked for Oak Hall, T's Corner.

According to T., riders from New York City don't even ask for tickets to Oak Hall. And when buses pull in-to the hopping parking lot, their marquees say "T's Corner." T. add-ed that during World War II, he was famous around the world because Chincoteague servicemen would talk about him and his business.

During T's first years of

storekeeping, there was nothing around except Mason's filling sta-tion to the left of him and another filling station behind him. The growth of business in the area is only one of the many changes seen by T. and Carrie.

T. said that remodeling in 1947 was the first big change.

"It was $17,000 to $18,000 and that was like $100,000 then," he said.

As he smiled at his memories, he pointed toward the door. "That's the same horseshoe hanging over the door as when I came here."

4

When they first went into business, the couple sold gasoline, some groceries, and sandwiches.

Carrie added that from 1936-1942, they offered curb service. Sodas they served then came from an old-fashioned fountain which they had to replace in 1957. Today, their sodas still come from the '57 fountain.

In 1938, they opened a poolroom with two tables in it.

On Dec. 15, 1941, T. went into the taxi business, and in January of 1942, naval personnel came to Chincoteague. The taxi business picked up then; according to 1'. He said that he had 24-hour service, seven days a week, and that there were three shifts working.

Over the years, T. and Carrie have done well financially, even during

4 r6vstota, :•7

!' ••

the Depression. "You could still make a living," T.

said. "According to what the dollar's worth, business was about the same as it is now. I didn't do that bad."

When T. first went into business, he was driving a 1936 two-door Plymouth. "I was getting a new one each year. The most I paid was $300," he said.

He said that the price changes are unbelievable except to those people who have lived through them. Dur-ing the war, he said, gasoline was 17 cents per gallon, Cokes were a nickel, aspirin were a dime a dozen, a pack of cigarettes cost 15 cents or two packs for a quarter, hot dogs were a nickel, and hamburgers were a dime. He said that a case of Atlan-tic beer cost $1.25, and Budweiser,

re:

. "'" • —

T's Corner as It appeared In Its early days . . . . and as motorists see it now as the landmark to Chincoteague.

the highest beer at the time, cost 15 cents a bottle.

At one point, T. and Carrie had an oyster bar in the store. Even after opening them and furnishing the vinegar and crackers, they charged only a quarter for a small basket. A whole bushel was only $1.25, T. said.

T. pointed out that these prices have to be compared to the money people were making.

"The averge person was making $15 to $16 a week. Of course, you had some exceptions," he said.

T. and Carrie live right next door to the store in a house they had built for them in the early 1940s.

"The best carpenter was getting 50 cents an hour," T. said. "The house didn't cost me $6,000."

(See T's CORNER on A-2)

T. Edward Mears

T's Corner afamiliar landmarkfor many

(Continued from A-1)

Eventually, he had a 12- by 20-foot garage built. He said it cost him $120, "labor, materials and all."

When the servicemen left in '58, everybody thought we'd have to go out of business, but then the Assa-teague project opened up, and I never lost a bit," T. said.

Prices are not the only things that have changed since 1936. T. and Car-rie agreed that the people in and out of their store are different today.

"We had a lot of regulars there for awhile, but now we have a lot of tourists," T. said.

"They've changed a lot. Of course, they all change. Seems everybody's in a big hurry. Not like they used to be. They don't have time to stay and talk to you," T. explained.

He added that people don't seem to be as friendly as they used to be either.

"People around here aren't too bad. A lot of these tourists aren't too friendly, but now I don't say all of them.

"Of course, I'm nice to everybody. There hasn't been a time since I've been here that I haven't thanked everybody, no matter what they spent, even if it was a penny," said T. During the war, a lot of people stopped thanking their customers. I don't know why."

During the war, there were two or three break-ins at T's Corner, T. said. "But they didn't get much because I didn't have much," he ad-ded.

The present T's Corner is one that stirs with activity. Standing behind the counter, T. greets each customer, many by name, as they come and go. Among the T-shirts, souvenirs, groceries, video tapes, snacks and fireworks, is the at-mosphere of the old-fashioned general store. It's a family business through and through, and the mother and father of the business say they have no intentions of leav-ing any time soon. Retirement is not something that appeals to them, even though their 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren might enjoy their company.

"I never had it on my mind," T. said. "As long as I've got my health and strength, I'll still work seven days a week." _

T. Idward Mears and family

50

Above: T. idward Mears and wife, Carrie (Mears) Mears, with her brother, Kenneth Mears.

Below: Bruce Littleton Mears and wife, Verna Marie (Kills) Mears, parents of Carrie Mears and Kenneth Mears.

4 4 , JUL • 64

51

let generation

Bartholomew b. 16141 d.t. 1682 w. Mary

2nd generation

GRANT I

3rd generation hth generation 5th generation

Jonathan Robert Susanna Sarah Elisabeth Leah Shadrack (See Chart III)

Bartholomew Bartholomew b.c. 1 d.t. 1766

John m.c. 1725, Rachel Kellam

Meshack b.c. 1671 d.t. 1747 Richard m.c. 1692, Margaret William Leah

Garrison Abel Thomas John John

Polly Robert

b.c. 1730 d. t. 1785

Richard m.c. 1760, Molly Betsy Beach Patience

Adah

Robert John

Littleton one son Kendall

Peggy James of Molly

b.c. 1780 b.c. 19 Spencer d. int. 1837

William d. int. 1762 1116 1806, Messy N. m.c. 1720, Sabra Levin Marmon

Armitrader (2) 181h, Sally Elisabeth

in. George Freshwater Zorobabel Wallace

(See Chart II) George Elisabeth

in. Bell William

Mary Mark Margaret

In. Riehardson Dorothy Elisabeth

in. Major Rose in. Marmon

Mary in. Thomas Ames, Sr.

Sinah Bradford

5th generation

James of Moll b.c. 17.0 d. int. 1837 m. (1) 1806, itessy

N. Warm= (2) 1814, Sally

Wallace

6th generation

1/471

David

George

James of James

CHART II

7th generation

or James W. b.c. 1818 d. int. 1884 m. 1838, Mary Harrison, widow, dau. of Kendall

Mears

Others?

Bagwell

James

Sarah A.

Columbus C. b. 1 7 d.t. 1920 m. (1) 1871, Emma K.

Bell (2) 1897, Ida L.

Elliott

George W.

John

Mary C.

8th generation

Noah C.

Juliet E.

Margaret T.

Mary C.

David D.

Tully F. b. 1as3 d.t. 1968 m. (1) 1904,

(2) 1943, (3) 1949,

Munce R.

Annie M.

Kendall J.

Priscilla A.

9th generation

Cala M. Emma K. Joshua J. Leonard G. Earirey C. Myrtle M. Alvin/AlvahD.

Lida M. Cutler Agatha Parks Elsie Thomas

Mary X.

Delmas J.

Bruce E.

T. Edward b. 1911 in. 1933,Carrie E.

Mears, dau. of Bruce L. Mears (See Chart III)

Eloise M.

CHART III (continued from Chart I)

4th generation

could be another generation

here

Shadrack Mears

5th or 6th generation

son of Bartholomew and Rachel (Kellam)

b.c. 1744 last record in 1817 w. Esther in 1817 built Messongo Bridge in 1773

41.

John m.(1) 1808, Scarbourgh Smith (2) 1847, tally

Guy

George (miller)

6th or 7th generation 7th or 8th generation

b. 1791 d. 23 Apr. 1869

of asthma m. 1816, Nancy Shay

she d. 6 Nov. 1883 at 85, of old age

? Henry m. 1815, Sally

Hargrave, Wbr. Co.

Robert in. 1824, Nancy/Ann

Stant

Elisabeth in. Daley

Ann W. in. 1847, Wm. B.

Clayville

John S. (millwright)b. 1828 dec'd by Apr. 1866 in. 1850, Virginia C.

Mears, dau. Thomas and Cath. (Justice)

Julius C. b.c. 1831 in. 1853, Susan J. Young

Zadock S. (1833-1/04) in. 1855, Julia A.

Chesser

George b.c. 1840

William E. b.c. 1841 d. young

William E. b.c. 1851 unmarried

John H. C. b. 1..3 d. 1925 m.c. 1884, Margaret

Ellen Tyler

8th or 9th gen.

Mary b.c. 1858

Bruce Littleton (1886-1968) in. 1910, Verna

EL Ellis

Eulah Blake (1889-1965) m. Jim Northam

John Hundley (1891-1954) in. Mary G. Lankford

Charlotte Pearl (1893-1982) in. Daniel Killmon

Percy Talmage b.c. 1895

Melvin Cecil b.c. 1899

Maggie M. b.c. 1901

Earl P. b.c. 1906

Ellis b.c. 1842, unmarried

References

The Eastern Shore News, published weekly at Onancock, Va. On microfilm at the Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomack, Va.

Edwards, Lucy Ames, Ames Mears and Allied Lines of Accomack County, Virginia,Eastern Shore of Virginia Historical Society, op.

Hanks, Patrick and Hodges, Flavia, Dictionary of Surnames, Oxford University Press, Oxford, N.Y., 1988.

Hotten, John Camden, The Original Lists of Persons of Quality, 1600-1700, Genealog-ical Publishing Co., Baltimore, Md., 19E2. Originally printed in London in 1874.

Lewis, Mark, genealogical files at Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomac, Va.

Mihalyka, Jean M. and Wilson, Faye D., Graven Stones of Lower Accomack County, Va., Heritage Books Inc., Bowie, Md., 1986.

Nottingham, Stratton,Accomack Tithables (Tax Lists), 1663-1695, published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1931.

Nottingham, Stratton, Certificates and Rights, published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1929.

Nottingham, Stratton, Land Causes, Accomack Co., Va., 1731-1826, published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1930.

Nottingham, Stratton, Marriage Licence Bonds, Accomack Co., Va., 1774- 1806, published by the author, Onancock, Va., 1929.

Nottingham, published

Nottingham, published

Stratton, Revolutionary Soldiers and Sailors from Accomack, Co., Va., by the author, Onancock, Va., 1927.

Stratton, Wills and Administrations, Accomack Co., Va., 1663-1800, by the author, Onancock, Va., 1931.

Nugent, Nell Marion, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Land Patents and Grants,1623-1666, Vol.I„ The Dietz Press, Richmond, Va., 1931.

Nugent, Nell Marion, Cavaliers and Pioneers, Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants, 1664-1695, Vol. II, Virginia State Library, RichRoWaTri., 1977.

The Peninsula Enterprise, published weekly at Accomac, Va., 1882-1962. On micro-film at the Eastern Shore Public Library, Accomac, Va.

True, Ransom B., ed., The Biographical Dictionary of Early Virginia, 1607-1660, The Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, Richmond, Va., 195.

Turman, Nora Miller, The Eastern Shore of Virginia, The Eastern Shore News, Inc., Onancock, Va., 1964.

Whitelaw, Ralph T., Virginia's Eastern Shore, A History of Northampton and Accomack Counties, Vol. I and II, Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Va., 17;1.

55