DESCENDANTS OF JEREMIAH AND MARY (GARST) WILLIAMS

By Nyla CREED DePauk

Jeremiah Williams, the Elder, settled on Doe Creek in the part of Montgomery County, Virginia, that became Giles County, Virginia, in 1806. His date and place of birth and the names of his parents have not been proven; however, he could possibly have been born about 1750. We do know that he died about May 1824 in Giles County. He married Mary Garst about 1770. She was born about 1750 on a vessel sailing to America, according to tradition. Mary most likely died in Giles County. The will of Jeremiah Williams was dated May 7, 1819; however, the will was not proved until May 30, 1824, in Giles County. Jeremiah leaves one-third of his estate to his wife, Mary Williams, during her natural life and makes the following bequests: - To my son Abram Williams, one dollar. - To my son John Williams, one dollar. - To my son David Williams, one dollar. - To my son-in-law Randall Lucas, one dollar. - To my son-in-law John Rice, one dollar. - To my son Alexander Williams' widow, Lisha Williams, one dollar. - To my son Andrew Williams, a track of land joining the land of Joseph Williams, Jacob Alberts, Christian Smith, Randal Lucas, and David Collins. - To my son Joseph Williams, a track of land adjoining the land of Randal Lucas, Collins' corner and Albert's corner. - To my sons Hugh and James Williams, all the rest of my land. - To Margaret and Rebecca Williams, my daughters, all my personal property, household furniture and kitchen furniture except one horse to James Williams, my son. Jeremiah appointed his friends, Christian Snidow, Sr., and George Williams, Jr., as the executors of his will. The will was signed with his 'X' mark. William Porterfield and Eliza Williams were witnesses. I suspect George Williams, Jr., was a member of the Heinrich Wilhelm family since he was listed as a friend rather than a family member or kinsman. Eliza Williams is probably Lisha Williams, widow of Alexander Williams. Based on Jeremiah’s will, they had 12 children: - Hugh Williams was born about 1770, probably in Montgomery County. Hugh’s wife was named Tabitha. - Patience Williams was born about 1772, probably in Montgomery County. Patience married Randall "Old Rans" Lucas. - Abram (Abraham) Williams, born about 1775, probably in Montgomery County; died about 1840. He married Mary "Polly" Brians.

- David “Lonesome Dave” Williams, born about 1776 in Montgomery County, died September 18, 1860, at Cirtsville, Raleigh County. David married Elizabeth "Betsy" McGriff. See below. - Molly Williams, born about 1779 in Montgomery County, married John Rice on July 31, 1799, in Montgomery County. - John S. Williams, born about 1780 in Montgomery County, died 1850-1860, at Hoges Chapel, Giles County. John married Mary "Polly" Griffith. - Alexander Williams, born about 1782 in Montgomery County, died January 1, 1815, in Norfolk, Virginia. He married Eliza “Lisha”______ in 1802. She was born about 1780. See below. - Joseph Williams was born about 1784 in Montgomery County. He married Mary Nichols. - Andrew Williams born about 1788, Montgomery County, Virginia; died in December 1828 in Giles County. He married Nancy Albert about 1804 probably in Giles County. She was born about 1787 and died after 1850, most likely in Fayette County, Virginia. See below. - James A. Williams, Sr., born about 1792 in Virginia; died before 1850. He married Sarah "Sallie Piles. - Margaret Williams was born about 1794. - Rebecca Williams was born about 1796.

David “Lonesome Dave” Williams, son of Jeremiah and Mary

As a young man, Dave was a hunter and a trapper. By the time he was 17 in 1793 and 1794, he was serving as an ensign in the Second Battalion of Augusta County, Virginia. David served in the War of 1812, receiving many acres of land granted for his war services. At least two accounts exist of how "Lonesome Dave" got his nickname. The first account is from Lara M. Blake, a Fayette County historian and school teacher. According to this account, "Lonesome Dave" got his nickname from the habit he had of continuously whistling some lonesome melody. He became so well know by this name that he used it himself. "Lonesome Dave" even placed his money in the bank under that name. The second account of how the name "Lonesome" came about was Dave supposedly obtained the name during the Revolutionary War. It is possible, if this event actually happened, it was during the War of 1812. According to this account, he was a healthy young man full of spirit, song, and dry humor. Often when the soldiers would get "blue

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and low", Dave would boast in a loud voice, "I guess the folks back home are lonesome for Dave". As a result, his companions called him "Lonesome Dave". This is misleading since Dave was born about 1776, which was during the American Revolutionary War period. Both accounts of how the nickname originated are interesting; however, we will probably never know the true origin of his nickname. David married Elizabeth “Betsy” McGriff on November 16, 1801, in Knox County, Tennessee. Elizabeth was born bout 1781 at Sinking Creek in Montgomery County. The marriage record lists her name as “Betsy.” "Dave" was one of the first settlers of Upper Paint Creek. He first settled on Maple Fork in Raleigh County about 1811, but moved to Dothan, near Mossy, in Fayette County. It seems Dave and Elizabeth were living in Kanawha County when their last child was born about 1830. They had settled in Fayette County (now Raleigh County) by the time the 1840 census was taken. I suspect Dave's son John settled in the area prior to his father's settling there. Elizabeth died in Raleigh County on October 4, 1858, at age 77, from dropsy. Elizabeth was the daughter of Thomas and Susan (Atkins) McGriff. Thomas McGriff was a son of John McGriff. Dave died from dropsy on September 8, 1860, at the age of 84 in Raleigh County. David’s death record shows his age as 84; however, the 1860 census shows his age as 85.

Alexander Williams, son of Jeremiah and Mary Alexander Williams died on January 1, 1815, in Norfolk, Virginia, while serving in the War of 1812. His wife’s name was Lisha or Eliza. On July 30, 1816, Eliza Williams applied for a widow's pension. She certified that she had married Alexander Williams 14 years earlier (which would have been in 1802), and that they had six children, all under the age of 16. She names the children and gives their ages: (1) Polly Williams, 11 years old on January 29 last (born 1805); (2) John Williams, nine years old on October 6 last (born 1806); (3) Jeremiah Williams, eight years old on December 25 last (born 1807) (See below.); (4) Parker Williams, six years old on December 20 last (born 1809); (5) Jane Williams, three years old on October 18 last (born 1812); and (6) Betsy Williams, one year old on March 23 last (born 1815). Upon payment of $25 bond, Eliza Williams was appointed administrator of the estate of her deceased husband Alexander Williams. George Williams, M'Cager Bradley, and Christian Smith were appointed to appraise the estate. Results of the appraisal do not appear to have been recorded. Based on the above information, it would seem that Alexander and Eliza's youngest daughter Betsy was born almost two months after Alexander's death in 1815.

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Andrew Williams, son of Jeremiah and Mary

Andrew Williams was born about 1788 in Giles County. Andrew married Nancy about 1804 in Giles County. Nancy’s maiden name is thought to be Albert. Andrew died about December 1828 in Giles County. Andrew's will was prepared in December 1828, and it was presented to the court at the January 1829 court session. Nancy Williams and some of their children settled in both current-day Fayette County and Raleigh County after Andrew’s death. Nancy was born about 1787 and died after 1850, probably in Fayette County. Their children: - John Williams was born about 1805 - 1810 in Giles County. About 1848, John married Eve who was born about 1825. - Philip Williams was born about 1806 Giles County. - Lenny (Linnie) Williams was born about 1808 Giles County. - A daughter was born about 1809 in Giles County. - Ryley (Riley) Williams was born about 1810 Giles County. - Elizabeth Williams was born about 1811 in Giles County. - Amanda Williams was born about 1815 in Giles County. Amanda and Alexander Watts were married on November 5, 1859, in Fayette County. She was buried at McCreery, Raleigh County, at the mouth of Piney River. Alexander Watts was born about 1795. He died before 1880. - Isaac Williamswas born about 1817 in Giles County. Isaac married Abigail Scarbrough on November 26, 1840, Fayette County. They were married by John Johnson. Abigail was born about 1826 in Monroe County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Robert "Robin" Scarbrough and Mary Ann "Polly" (Foldin). - Anderson Williams was born about 1820 in Giles County. He died June 4, 1906. Anderson married Judah Hodge on March 30, 1843, in Fayette County. The Rev. Matthew Ellison performed the ceremony. Judah was born about 1830 in Virginia. She died about 1899. - Mattison (Madison) Williams was born about 1821-1825 in Giles County. He died on December 25, 1893, in Raleigh County. He probably was buried at the Williams Cemetery, Cirtsville, Raleigh County. About 1846, Mattison married Mahala Lafferty who was born about 1826 and died January 18, 1904. Mahala was probably buried at the Williams Cemetery, Cirtsville, Raleigh County. Her parents were John Lafferty and Mary "Polly" Williams. - Lucinda Williams was born about October 1823 in Giles County. Lucinda married James Williams who was born about October 1817. They were married on

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January 6, 1842, in Fayette County by the Rev. Matthew Ellison. Lucinda and James are buried at the Thompson Cemetery, Bub Davis Road at Sand Branch, Raleigh County. His parents were David "Lonesome Dave" Williams and Elizabeth "Betsy" McGriff. - Malinda Williams, born December 23, 1828, probably in Giles County, died May 19, 1893, at Roseville, Fayette County. In Fayette County, on May 6, 1847, Malinda married Rufus Lively who was born on May 23, 1823, at Lindside, Monroe County. Martin T. Bibb performed the marriage ceremony. Rufus died March 14, 1879, at Roseville, Fayette County. Both Malinda and Rufus are buried at the Lively Cemetery, Fayette County. Rufus was the son of Joseph Lively and Mary "Polly" Pack.

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Jeremiah "Jerry" Williams, son of Alexander and Lisha (Eliza)

Jeremiah "Jerry" Williams was born December 25, 1807, in Giles County. He was the son of Alexander and Lisha (Eliza) Williams. Jerry died after 1860 in Raleigh County. On September 8, 1804, Susannah "Susan" White was born in Giles County. She died after 1860, probably in Raleigh County. Jerry and Susan were married on August 31, 1826, in Giles County. Tradition gives James K. "Jimmy" White and Mary (Campbell) White, as her parents. Jerry and Susan’s children. - Mary Ann Williams was born about 1827 in Giles County. Mary Ann seems to be the mother of Alexander Williams who was born March 16, 1858, in Raleigh County. This child may have died young. On January 25, 1860, in Raleigh County, Mary Ann married Thornton Kelly who was born about 1797 in Culpeper County, Virginia. They were married by Alfred Beckley. The parents of Thornton were Jacob Kelly and Margaret "Peggy" (Gore) Kelly. Mary Ann and Thornton Kelly were living in Fayette County by 1870. - Ballard P. Williams was born approximately 1829-1832 in Giles County. Ballard married Eliza Godbey who was born about 1840 in Pulaski County, Virginia. They were married by Rev. Claiborne Curtis on April 27, 1856 in Raleigh County. Eliza’s parents were Archibald Whitt Godbey and Susanna Matilda (Taylor) Godbey. I have no further information on this couple. - A daughter was born about 1832 and died before 1850. - Christopher "Chris" Williams was born in Giles County. See below. - A son was born about 1836. He probably died young. - Guy D. Williams was born about April 13, 1837, in Giles County. Guy died about 1865. On May 21, 1861, Guy married Elizabeth "Betz" Harper in Raleigh County. She was born about January 1825, in Fayette County. Her parents were Joseph Harper, Sr., and Frances "Fannie" Stover. Elizabeth married first Samuel Wills on December 6, 1845, in Fayette County. She married John Arnold, Jr., on April 10, 1868, in Raleigh County,

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- Rosa Belle Williams, born July 1837, in Giles County died before 1865. She married Jeremiah "Jerry" Daniel, born July 8, 1834, in Carroll County, Virginia. Jerry died on April 1, 1909, at Surveyor, Raleigh County. Their marriage date was December 25, 1859, in Raleigh County. They were married by M. A. Davidson . Jerry was the son of William R. Daniel and Chloe Jane "Clovy" (Guynn) Daniel. - Elizabeth Williams, born about 1839 in Fayette Co, married John Pettry, born about 1838 in Mercer County, Virginia. John died on June 29, 1864, in the Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. Elizabeth and John were married on November 6, 1859, in Raleigh County, by Rev. Matthew Ellison. John was the son of Martin Pettry and Sarah (Davis) Pettry. Elizabeth was married second to Thomas A. Arnold, born about May 1839 in Henry County. Thomas died in November 1907, in Raleigh County. Thomas and Elizabeth were married on July 23, 1869, in Raleigh County. He was the son of John Arnold, Jr., and Nancy (Griffith) Arnold. - Adam J. Williams, born in January 1844 in Fayette County, died after 1900. He married Amanda Lucinda Arnold on September 17, 1873, in Raleigh County. James F. Webb performed the marriage ceremony. Amanda was born on November 13, 1856, in Raleigh County. Amanda was the daughter of John Arnold Jr. and Nancy (Griffith) Arnold. - John Williams was born about 1849 in Fayette County and died before 1860. No further information is known about John.

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Christopher Williams, son of Jeremiah “Jerry” and Susan (White) Williams

Christopher “Chris” Williams

Sina E. (Arnold) Williams

Christopher "Chris" Williams was born in Giles County on November 30, 1833. His death record lists his birth date. Chris died on April 4, 1902, at The Marshes in Raleigh County, from severe burns of the legs. His occupation was listed as a farmer. His

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daughter-in-law, Bettie Williams, is listed as the person reporting his death. Sina E. Arnold was born May 18, 1835, in Henry County, Virginia. She died October 18, 1898, in Raleigh County. Chris and Sina were married February 25, 1858, in Raleigh County. Her parents were John Arnold, Jr., and Nancy Griffith from Henry County. Chris and Sina’s children: - Henry Jahue "Jehu" Williams was born April 11, 1860, in Raleigh County. Jehu married Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" McGary who was born May 17, 1868, in Fayette County. See below. - Thomas William "Tom" Williams was born October 2, 1861, in Raleigh County. Tom married Nancy Virginia "Nan" Atha who was born September 5, 1867, in Monroe County. See below. - A daughter was born December 22, 1858, in Raleigh County. She probably died young. - John H. Williams was born about 1863 in Ohio. I have no further information on John. - Nancy E. Williams was born about 1864 in Ohio. I have no further information on Nancy. - Harriett Frances Williams was born January 14, 1872, in Raleigh County. Harriett married Peter "Pete" Clay in Raleigh County. See article on Peter “Pete” Clay and Harriett Frances (Williams) Clay.

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Henry Jahue “Jehu” Williams

Henry Jahue "Jehu" Williams was born April 11, 1860, in Raleigh County to Christopher and Sina (Arnold) Williams. He died May 23, 1940, in Raleigh County. Jehu married Sarah Elizabeth "Betty" McGary who was born May 17, 1868, in Fayette County. Betty died on August 26, 1943, in Raleigh County. On January 12, 1885, in Raleigh County, they were married by William Turner. The person providing the information for the marriage permit was Jehu’s uncle, Ferd L. Arnold. Jehu and Betty are

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buried at the Clyburn (Cantley) Cemetery, on Mattsville Road, Sandlick, Raleigh County. Betty’s parents were Joseph McGary and Elizabeth (Dean) McGary. Betty was a mid-wife on Sandlick. Children of Jehu and Betty: - Joseph Christopher Williams was February 2, 1886, in Raleigh County. He died February 16, 1886, in Raleigh County. - Thomas Lendon Williams was born April 12, 1887, in Raleigh County. He died about 1958. Lendon married Rosa "Rosy" Arnold on February 4, 1909, in Raleigh County. Rosa was born October 18, 1891, in Raleigh County. - Charlotte "Lottie" Williams, born April 9, 1889, in Raleigh County, died December 26, 1963. Lottie married Granville Lee Dillon on May 8, 1909, in Raleigh County. They were married by Rev. Harry L. Walton. Granville was born March 15, 1880, in Raleigh County. He died on September 28, 1963, at Mattsville, Raleigh County. - Walter Raleigh Williams, born December 23, 1892, at Clear Creek, Raleigh County, died April 28, 1914, as a result of the Eccles #5 coal mining explosion, at Eccles, Raleigh County. - Lydia Elizabeth Williams, born on January 12, 1895, died in March 1978 in Raleigh County. About 1919, she married Eldridge Bartley Williams who was born on October 14, 1886. He died in January 1967 at Harper Creek, Raleigh County. - Louisa Frances "Icie" Williams, was born on October 8, 1896. Icie died on October 4, 1937. About 1915, Icie married William French Atha. Records show several different dates of birth for French. The Social Security Death Index lists his birth as March 6, 1890. French died February 18, 1983. - Edith Blanche Williams, born June 8, 1901, in Raleigh County, died on July 18, 1901, at Mattsville, Raleigh County. - Solie "Sollie" Williams, was born July 12, 1902 at Harper, Raleigh County. He died on November 3, 1978, at Beckley, Raleigh County. Sollie Williams was married first to Wavie Allen about 1919. Wavie was born August 5, 1899, in Naoma, Raleigh County. She died October 3, 1983, in Beckley, Raleigh County. Solie’s second marriage was to Della ______ about 1940. Wavie married Mont Pettry second after 1940.

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Thomas William "Tom" Williams was born October 2, 1861, in Raleigh County, to Christopher and Sina Williams. Tom died February 24, 1933, at his home on the head of Sandlick, Raleigh County. He is buried at the Harper Cemetery, Harper, Raleigh County. On August 28, 1884, in Raleigh County, Tom married Nancy Virginia “Nan" Atha who was born September 5, 1867, in Monroe County. Nan died December 5, 1952, at Mount Hope, Fayette County. She is buried at the Charley Athey Cemetery, Sandlick, Raleigh County. Lorenzo Dow Atha and Mary Jane (Wiseman) were Nan’s parents.

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Some records show Thomas W. and others show William T. (1880 census). It would seem he was probably named William Thomas Williams; but, as he matured, he changed the name to Thomas William Williams, going by "Tom" or by the initials "T. W." He was also called Squire Tom Williams. Family tradition is that he was a magistrate and a school teacher. The school where Thomas taught was located across the road, down the creek, from the old home place at Sandlick.

“Squire” Tom and Nancy Virginia “Nan” (Atha)

Williams

The Charleston Daily Mail

Charleston, WV February 27, 1933

Funeral services for Thomas Williams, 71 years old, a retired farmer, who died at his home in the Sand Lick section Friday night following a stroke of paralysis, were held from the residence Sunday afternoon. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Nan Atha Williams, and the following sons and daughters: Mrs. Bertha Maynor, of Maynor; Mrs. Myrtle Hurt, of Mount Hope; Mrs. Gertrude Bostick, of Winding Gulf; Ward Williams, of Premier, and W. J. Williams, of Hemphill. A sister, Mrs. Peter Clay of Surveyor, and a brother, J. Hugh Williams of Hemphill, also survive.

Children of Tom and Nan: - Elbert Williams was born on November 5, 1885, at Mattsville (Sandlick), Raleigh County. Elbert died as a result of a mining accident on April 3, 1921, at Cranberry, Raleigh County. Elbert married Leota Matilda Frances Dickens, born May 30, 1886, at Mattsville (Sandlick), Raleigh County. Leota died on September 27, 1971, at Prosperity, Raleigh County. They were married December 14, 1904, at Mattsville, Raleigh County. Leota was the daughter of John Henry "Long John" Dickens Jr. and Mary Jane (Turner) Dickens.

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- Macie Pearl Williams, was born on March 24, 1887, at Mattsville (Sandlick), Raleigh County. She died on November 20, 1976, in Vineland, New Jersey. Macie married Elliott Turner Harper who was born May 12, 1885, in Raleigh County, and died on December 9, 1932, in Raleigh County. They were married October 17, 1905, at her parents' home at Sandlick. The ceremony was performed by H. E. Sumner, Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Elliott was the son of James Benjamin “Jim” Harper and Victoria Alice (Vaughn) Harper. About 1942, Macie married Gordon Meador who died about 1952. - Bertha Williams, born February 6, 1888, in Raleigh County, died March 26, 1983, in Raleigh County. Bertha married Rufus Swinfield Maynor who was born either August 8, 1873, or September 26, 1873, in Clear Fork, Raleigh County. Rufus died about July 1932 at Cirtsville, Raleigh County. They were married about 1918 at Sandlick, Raleigh County. Rufus was the son of Joseph W. “Buck” Maynor and Mary Elizabeth (Feazell) Maynor. - Myrtle Williams, born August 1891, at Powellton, Fayette Co WV, died either May 28, 1967, or May 30, 1967, at Beckley, Raleigh County. Myrtle married Wyatt Porter Hurt who was born February 11, 1890, at Prosperity, Raleigh County. Porter died May 4, 1969, at Mount Hope, Fayette County. They were married October 6, 1909, at Cranberry, Raleigh County. Porter was the son of William Jordan Hurt and Martha J. “Mattie” (Evans) Hurt. - Gertrude "Gertie" Williams, born February 9, 1892, at Powellton, Fayette County. She died July 4, 1965, at Prosperity, Raleigh County. Gertrude was married first on May 24, 1911, to John A. Hurt. John was born July 25, 1891, in Raleigh County. He died on August 11, 1920. John’s parents were William Jordan Hurt and Martha J. “Mattie” (Evans) Hurt. Gertrude was married second about 1922 to Oral Conklin Bostick who was born on February 28, 1880, and died May 19, 1943, at Skelton, Raleigh County. Oral was the son of Lewis Margrove Bostick and Sarah M. (Porterfield) Bostick. - Ward Howard Williams was born about in February 1895 or 1897 in Raleigh County. Ward died on October 20, 1969, at Charleston, Kanawha County. Ward married Mamie Laura Loving who was born November 13, 1902, at Minden, Fayette County. Mamie died on September 1, 1996, at Iaeger, McDowell County, at the home of her daughter. Ward and Mamie were married on October 22, 1919, in Raleigh County, by J. G. Godbey. Mamie was the daughter of Mashall Loving and Dollie Margaret (Shanklin) Loving. - Wirt James Williams, was born on February 9, 1897, at Sandlick, Raleigh County. He died on May 28, 1980, at Oak Hill, Fayette County. Wirt married Elva Evaline Massey on September 15, 1915. Elva was born on March 21, 1900, at Winifrede, Kanawha County, and died on December 22, 1958, at Montgomery, Fayette County. Elva was the daughter of Thomas Hansford Massey and Ernestine (Price) Massey. Wirt was married second to Priscilla Jane Bryant who died on January 14, 1987, at Oak Hill, Fayette County. Priscilla was the daughter of the Rev. Tom Bryant and Amanda (Brown) Bryant.

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Sources: Obituaries 1840-1930 Federal Census Records Giles County, Virginia, Wills Raleigh County Births, Deaths, Census, and Marriages transcribed by Pauline Haga, Ronald Ray Turner, and David Anderson Turner Original Records on file at the Raleigh County Court House Records from Family Members Family Traditions Personal Knowledge

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