SALUTATIONS
Hello, Taliaferros -- this has been a good period. Lots of new information - finally - and - Guess what! We’ve come up with a solution to the back issues problem. One of us has offered to dedicate a new web site to TTT. More later on the specifics. The work we are doing is too valuable to be lost to future searchers so I’m thrilled about this and very grateful that we will be able to do this.
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Recently I’ve attended several newly organized national family reunions
which provided an opportunity for descendants from all over the country
to meet one another, visit local family sites, and learn more about history
through the eyes of a family. These have been splendid occasions,
much enjoyed, and packed with great memories. So I wonder how many
of you might be interested in putting something together for the new millennium
-- that is, Spring 2000 in Virginia.
Let me hear from you on this.
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A couple of different circumstances sparked my creative juices to do
a little editorializing. This is strictly my opinion -
and I hope I don’t step on the toes of someone’s favorite ancestor.
The truth is, our early Taliaferro/Toliver researchers did us an enormous
favor by providing us with information and inspiration. They did
not have our advantages, however, and they did make mistakes which we have
an opportunity to correct.
So here’s my take on how we individuals should go about doing this:
1- Taliaferro has had more written it about it than any colonial family.
2- Taliaferro has had more inaccuracies written about it than any colonial family.
All secondary sources are suspect. Yet they all sound so positive and confident, don't they?
The only way to clearly define a Taliaferro line (any family line) is
to challenge every fact that past researchers state with such absolute
confidence. Much of the information is correct, especially with Taliaferro
because of the distinction of the name. But unless the author practiced
negative search to eliminate other possible ancestors, he or she could
not make a judgment; and unless he or she understood historical signposts,
he wasn’t prepared to reach such positive conclusions. Thus, every
statement of the early researchers has to be tested.
So, what are we to do? Throw out all former work? Absolutely not! These are our guideposts. But we need to go only to original records for our facts, and verify, verify, verify. Several generations ago, family history was as popular as it is now. Many people were scrambling to write the most and the best about their families. And they really had to go to the original record at the family’s home court house or to the State Archives. Often, that wasn’t possible so they depended on what someone said or family traditions.
We don’t have that excuse because we have abstracts of these old court records published by Dorman, Sparacio, and others. So the farthest we have to go to validate a line is to our local public library. They don't have it? Not to worry, order published collections via inter-library loan; and while you're waiting for it to be sent, saturate yourself in the history of the locality and the times.
I find, personally, that unless I build a family history line by line, father by father, mother by mother, I can't remember it. In other words, unless I personally reconstruct a line through the use of abstracted original records, I don't "own" it; but if I do reconstruct it personally, it sits with ease within my brain - details to be extracted on demand - with all the blanks sitting there waiting for me to fill them.
Of course with the Taliaferros, and many of their related lines, one runs into a generation or two which must remain forever speculative because the records needed to define them are no longer extant. This happens, particularly, with the Taliaferros in 18th century counties of the Middle Peninsula: King William, King and Queen and Caroline Counties. Most of these county records were burned during the Civil War. A few family Bibles or other "old" information survived, but not nearly enough details are available to clearly separate the various Williams, Johns, and Roberts of the fourth American generation. So at this point, we have to develop enough familiarity with the details of the 3rd generation and the 5th generation to draw the lines between the two. Often the story is told in the land records. However, we sometimes find that we have little option but to make the best interpretation we can, and openly explain that the conclusion is speculative.
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A great suggestion comes to us from DENNIS SMITH (Nipride@SkyBest.Com), and he amplified by putting it to work. See new section below titled “TALIAFERRO/TOLIVER CENSUS.” Thanks so much, Dennis for this suggestion. You’ll improve TTT by 100%.
***** What do you think of a new category in the Times called"TOLIVER CENSUS"? I think it would be useful if we could build a data base containing every Taliaferro and Toliver listed in every census. This could help with the time lines of Tolivers with the same name. If you were to request that the subscribers send in the census data from their area, in time we would soon have a useful source to cross check. What do you think? . . . . . Sincerely, Dennis Smith
NEW MEMBERS
Thanks to all of you New Members who are sending in your introductions. You will discover that this is the best way to get into a network that benefits your search. In addition, it is also is the best way the full subscriber ship has of looking at new material that be beneficial to them.
We have well over 100 new subscribers who haven’t sent in introductions.
It only takes a few minutes to tell us about the earliest ancestor of whom
you are aware; but it may save you a lifetime of knowing no more than that.
The only way to stimulate receipt of information specifically targeted
for your search is to tell us what your search is all about.
JOSEPH STEPHENS (jrsjas@valkyrie.net)
***** I am new to your Taliaferro Times and am trying to find the parents,
grandparents of Jane Taliaferro. I have corresponded to some of the
people on your distribution list since joining the group. Although
they have not been able to locate any information on Jane, one person thought
that her husband, John Craig (or the Craigs in general) was discussed in
back issues of the Times. I am unable to access the Times for some
reason. Could you check to see if their is any information on the
Craigs in your earlier Times issues or better still, suggest how I can
check this out for myself? The time period for Jane Taliaferro and
John Craig and their son Taliaferro (Toliver) Craig is 1650-1700.
. . . . Sincerely, Joe.
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THE REV. BRADFORD B. TALIAFERRO ( talli@ponyexpress.net)
*****I am new to the Taliaferro research. I am trying to find
information past a sticking point - my GG grandfather.
This is my tree so far:
Isaac Donough Talifaferro - born Maryville, MO 1995
. Bradford B. Taliaferro - born Wilmington,
DE 1965
. John Dale Taliaferro
- born Rosendale, MO 1937
.
John William Taliaferro - born Hannibal, MO 1915
.
Walter Everett Taliaferro - born Saverton, MO 1881
Died Mar 16, 1965
. Hannibal, MO
.
Phillip Howard Taliaferro - born ???
The story is that Walter Everett was raised by another family.
Phillip Howard was supposedly a riverboat captain on the Mississippi.
If anyone can help me get past Phillip Howard
please let me know!. . . . Brad
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RALPH AND KAREN MONTGOMERY (RkMontg342@aol.com)
*****This is all we have so far in our data base on surname Taliaferro.
Martha Montgomery Taliaferro was Ralph's great-grand aunt. We are attempting to pick up the reins from a cousin's research, and see what more we can find out about our "lost" family. Any help is appreciated. . . . . . Thank you, Ralph Campbell Montgomery by sp: Karen Foster Montgomery
[The above message was followed a week later by the following find which
the Montgomerys hope to extend]
Generation No. 1
1. Hardin H.1 Taliaferro died 1863-1865. He married Martha Montgomery, daughter of George Montgomery and Sarah Wells.
George was born Nov 11, 1799, per census: KY, and died June 30, 1891,
buried in Montgomery Cem., Snow Hill, TN, as is, Sarah. They
had a total of ten children, Martha being the seventh born to them.
Children of Hardin Taliaferro and Martha Montgomery are:
+ 2
i. Mary C. "Molly"2 Taliaferro.
+ 3
ii. Houston H. Taliaferro.
Generation No. 2
2. Mary C. "Molly"2
Taliaferro (Hardin H.1)1. She married John J. Carson.
Children of Mary Taliaferro and John Carson are:
4
i. H. L.3 Carson.
5
ii. Mollie Vaughn Carson. She married Wharton.
3. Houston H.2 Taliaferro
(Hardin H.1)1. He married Mary Elizabeth Montgomery. (We don't
know yet where Mary fits into Montgomery line.)
Child of Houston Taliaferro and Mary Montgomery is:
6
i. Nellie Mae3 Taliaferro1. She married
William Lat Holder.
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JANET WESTON (westonj@mbay.net)
*****I recently learned about Taliaferro Times, downloaded the first
15 issues and have just finished reading through them. Please add me to
the list of subscribers.
My connection to this family is twofold:
-- Line A: Mary T. (d/o John T. and Sarah Smith) who m.
Francis Thornton
-- Line B: Sally/Sallie T. who m. Daniel Harvie/Harvey.
There are conflicting theories regarding her parents: Zachariah T. (1730-1811)
who m. Mary Boutwell appears in the sources most often, and are the ones
I am inclined to accept; or Zachariah T. (1759-1831) who m. Margaret Chew
Carter. The latter are named in Sherman's book but there are date problems
which make me reject them.
In TT #6 Jean inquired as to the children of Sallie Taliaferro
and Daniel Harvie. I did not see a response, so perhaps this will help
her. According to "Sketches of Some of the First Settlers of Upper Georgia"
by George R. Gilmer, they had five children:
1. Martha Gaines, m. 1803 to Dr.
John Thornton Gilmer (not Thompson Gilmer as named in Sherman). This is
my line.
2. Mary Boutwell, m. Peachy Ridgway
Gilmer
3. Nancy, m. Thomas Lewis Gilmer
4. Frances, m. _____ Bostwick
5. Daniel, unmarried
Unfortunately, I am sadly lacking in dates for these people.
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LEON BROOKS (Leon Photo@aol.com)
*****Hello, I’m a recent member of the Taliaferro/Toliver Times.
I have traced my family to Randall Taliaferro born in 1810 in King &
Queen County Virginia. Randall married a woman named Rebecca, last name
unknown, who was born in 1820. He was a farmer and landowner, Rebecca
a homemaker. They had five children: William Robert Taliaferro, m-Fannie?
& Anna Wise; George Edmund Taliaferro m-Marie King; Jane Taliaferro
Dean m-Joseph Dean; Elizabeth Anne Taliaferro; and Benjamin Taliaferro.
William Taliaferro was my great Great grandfather, he was married twice, first wife Fannie, last name unknown. He and Fannie had five children, James Randall Taliaferro, Alexander Taliaferro, Sarah Taliaferro Davis, Lien and Phillip Taliaferro. He and his second wife, Anna Wise also had five children, Saint Elizah Taliaferro, Josephine Taliaferro Morris (my grandmother), Pathenia Taliaferro Madden, Martha Taliaferro Reid/Butler and Lena Taliaferro. Would love to hear from anyone that can help add more pieces to my tree.
RESPONSES
(DGUYJOHN@aol.com)
*****In response to PEGGY SAMPLY REEN (explorer@pop.nlci.com)
- relative to your post in Issue No. 46: This might be interesting
to you, I am a Johnson married to a Tolliver. My Johnson's
came from Norway in the early 1900's. Never heard of a Lucy Johnson though.
My wife’s family goes back pretty far here in the states.
My wife’s dad was George Tolliver, born in Soldier, Kentucky, in 1908. George Tolliver’s dad was Bert Tolliver. His wife was Jane Brown.
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WAYNE ROGERS (hcfr@mindspring.com)
*****In response to PEGGY SAMPLY REEN (explorer@pop.nlci.com):
There is little known about the family of Christopher because of the loss
of records in King William County and some confusions in the secondary
sources. My evidence indicates that he was the son of Major William
Taliaferro ca1700-1757 who married Ann Walker, daughter of John Walker
and Clara Robinson of Middlesex County. Major William was a prominent citizen
of Caroline County until his death and his children are believed to be
Walker (d1782) and married Sarah Turner, James, Christopher, William (d
1778 as a POW) Lucy, and perhaps others. All of the above and several of
their close relatives were signers of a petition in 1769 to the Gov for
land in the west.
Major William was the son of (Francis Taliaferro d. 1710) and Elizabeth
Catlett, (d 1716) of Taliaferro Mount. He was the oldest son of the Immigrant
Robert Taliaferro 1626-1671. Their children are listed in the Will of their
son Robert Taliaferro who died in 1726 in Stafford County.
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THE PHANTOM ( VLTP@aol.com)
*****Charles Taliaferro, Jr. ca1703-34 s/o Charles & Mary Carter
had only 3 daughters as proven by will of all three;
--Mary Taliaferro b1726 m Thomas Turner, Jr. s/o Thomas Turner,
--MarthaTaliaferro,
--Sarah "Sally" Taliaferro b10/8/1727 m 1. 1744 Francis Conway 1722-61
m 2.1764 Col. GeorgeTaylor 1710-92 great uncle of President Zachary Taylor
Catherine Taliaferro b1730-63 m 1747 Anthony Thornton , Jr. s/o Anthony
Thornton and Winifred Presley
Charles Taliaferro, Jr. wife Sarah (Thornton) Taliaferro m 2. Thomas
Slaughter s/o Robert Slaughter & Frances (Jones) who was d/o Cadwallader
Jones and Katherine (Dedman) Taliaferro. Sarah was mother to Lucy
1739, Thomas 1738, and Sarah Slaughter.
Christopher Taliaferro who m 1. ........Anderson 2. Elizabeth Pollard
was the son of William Taliaferro 1707-57 and Ann Walker b1707
d/o James Walker and Clara (Robinson) .
William (Caroline Co, VA COB 1755-58 pg 307)s/o Francis Taliaferro and Elizabeth Catlett.
Christopher's children were -1st Marriage
--William Harris b1754-
m .....................had issue
--John 1764-1840 -Rev War claim S19483- m 1. Mary"Nancy" Brooke;
m 2. Nancy Catlett Walker; m Mildred Coleman Ellett had 9 sons, 5 daughters
-- Elizabeth m Augustine Cowne -she and her first baby died together
but Augustine claimed her inheritance; see Cowne vs Taliaferro 1825-file
#71, Fredricksburg District Court
by his 2nd wife Elizabeth Pollard
-- Mary m Camm Garlick 3 children;Ann,John ,Adeline Garlick
-- Lucy m 1821 Temple Walker -no issue
-- Nancy Walker died single-set large number of slaves
free
Children of Walker and Mildred C. Ellett d/o William Ellett and Elizabeth
Turner
1. Elizabeth m Ellis Gravitt Saunders
2. Sarah m 1. Ellis Gravitt Saunders 2. John
Westly Saunders, his brother
3. Mildred m John Westly Saunders [NOTE: having
no dates I am not sure how this worked out with the 3 sisters & 2 brothers.
Must have been very confusing.]
4. Agnes
5 Lucy m William Taliaferro lived Richmond, VA
6. John m 1. Caroline Harrison 2. Mary A. Taliaferro
lived Trenton, Tn
7. Walker m 1. 1811 Frances Goodwin Harris d/o Wm &
Diana 2. Sarah Yancy lived Caroline Co, VA
8. Augustus m Edmonia Harris lived Caroline Co, VA
9.Lewis m .................was a lawyer
lived Tn
10. Dr. Benj. Franklin m Mary lived Tn
11. Dr. Edwin T. 1821-d aft 1885 m Jane B. Pope d/o Rev Harris
Pope & Sarah Howard lived Tn . Note: this seems to be the family
of Robert m Anna(Barriscale) Taliaferro who was the father
of Mable and Edith Taliaferro, Popular Broadway Stars of the late 1800-early
1900's.
12, Dr. Thomas J. m 1851 Elizabeth Taliaferro
lived Texas-was Confederate soldier
13. Dr. Christopher Coleman m ...............Prater lived TX
14. William Ellett m Nancy Brooke Taliaferro d/o Christopher & Frances
Fleet Taliaferro lived VA
TALIAFERRO/TOLIVER CENSUS
This is a new section suggested by DENNIS SMITH (Nipride@SkyBest.Com) and he gets us started with a series of census records from Allegheny County NC. A reminder for those who are new to census work: The Virginia Census’ for 1790 and 1800 are not extant. They were burned with the National Capitol in 1812. However, many Virginia counties have preserved tax records. Following Dennis’ census report, you’ll find a series of tax records for Caroline County, Virginia. We’ll have to use tax records where census records are not available - and than means anything prior to 1790 when the first federal census took place.
In introducing Dennis’ work, it may be important to note that Allegheny County, North Carolina, adjoins Surry County where the family of Dr. John Taliaferro lived, having migrated there in the 1760s. Allegheny was created by the division of Wilkes County, North Carolina.
*****1860 Allegheny County, North Carolina Census. (the number is the
age of the person enumerated)
--Allen Toliver, 25/ Nancy, 28/ William, 6/ Callaway, 3/ ______,
7/12 male
--Hugh Toliver, 45/ Nelly, 40/ William, 18/ Boyden, 16/ Reid, 14/ Nancy
C.,
12/ Craig, 8/
Daniel, 6/ Cloyd, 64/Marion, 2/ _______, 1/12 male
--William Toliver, 70/ Elizabeth, 70
--Eli Toliver, 40/ Elizabeth, 42/ Ira, 4
|
Hello
In reading the census for 1860 Census for Allegheny Co. NC, Ira was 4
years old. I know that it is had to read and it looks like 24 but it is
not. He is my greatgrandfather. He was 4 years old at that time. When
he was 14 he swam the New River and went to Wythe Co. Virginia,
Wytheville. There he raised his family and they are some of the
line still alive and there. My mother just died Oct. 10, 2006 and she was
his granddaughter and use to live with him. In fact she was born in his
home. Thought I would let you know so you could change it on your web
site.
Lana Lucas
|
--Franklin Toliver, 37/ Sallie, 34/ William, 11/ James F., 5/John,
3/James
M., 1
--Finley Toliver, 29/ Orlena, 23/ Angelina, 5/ John R., 3/ ________,
1 male
--James Toliver, 65/ Polly, 56/ Tabitha, 30/ Drury, 21/ Evaline,
19/Emeline,
16/ Noah,
12
--Allen Toliver, 57/ Susan, 60/ J. W., 23/ Tabitha, 25/ Polly, 22/Palina,
20/
Charity, 18
--John M. Toliver, 27/ Matilda, 22/ Felix, 3/ Irenia, 1/ Polly, 25
--Solomon Toliver, 56/ Margaret, 60/ Calvin, 25/ Callaway, 23/Melvin,
22/
Alexander, 21/
Granville, 19/Sarah, 16/ Clark, 13/ Cread, 13
--Jacob Toliver, 28/ Matilda, 30/ Caliadona M., 8/ Rosemond F., 2
--C. H. Toliver, 60/ Patience, 55/ Emaly, 19/ Nelly, 18/ Mazy, 16/Lindy
or
Rondy or Rindy,
6 female/ Rufus, 4/John Toliver, 100
--Jesse Toliver, 30/ Louisa, 30
--Starling Toliver, 54/ Milly, 50/ Andrew, 21/ Solomon, 19/ Polly,
14/John,
12/ Peggy,
10/ Rosanna, 8
*****1870 Allegheny County, North Carolina Census
--Starlin Toliver, 65/ Millie, 57
--John Toliver, 21/ Caroline, 18/ Jerry Spurlin, 89
--Delilah Toliver, 60/ Martha, 23/ Peggy, 17/ Solomon, 16
--Charles Toliver, 69/ Patience, 67/ Clarinda, 15/ Charles R., 13
--John M. Toliver, 38/ Matilda, 33/ Felix, 12/ Isina, 10/Madison,
9/Grandville, 7/ Fielden,
5/Sarah, 3/ Emely, 1
--William Toliver, 85/ Elizabeth, 78/ Byden, 25
--Melvin Toliver, 37/ Mandy, 25/ Nicolas, 3/ Arthur, 2/ Margaret, 9M/Nancy
Jones, 78/
Martha Pope, 12
--Margaret Toliver, 69/ Alexander, 31/ Ellen, 19/ Clark, 24/Sarah Berch,
20
--Allen Toliver, 67/ Susannah, 70/ Bithy or Abitha, 40
--Jesse Toliver, 40/ Louisa, 42/ James, 16/ Sarah, 14/ Ellen, 7
--Jacob Toliver, 40/ Matilda, 40/ Panda or Randa, 17/ Rausey, 13/Clark,
10/
Solomon, 7/
Huston, 4
--Eli Toliver, 48/ and Thomas Toliver, 8/ are listed as domestic servants
of
F.I. McMillan, age
44
*****1880 Allegheny County, North Carolina Census
--Jesse Tolliver, 50/ Louisa, 52
--Melvin Tolliver, 44/ Amanda, 37/ Nicholes, 14/ Arthur, 12/ Maggie,10/Will
G., 8/ Sallie, 6/ James, 4/ Charity, 2/Fred, 1
--John M. Toliver, 49/ Matilda, 45/ Irene, 20/ Madison, 18/ Grandville,
16/ Fieldon, 14/ Sarah, 12/Emaline, 10/ Clemie, 6/ John, 4
--Patience Toliver, 77-widow
--Allen Toliver, 76/ Susan, 80/ Bitha Combs-daughter, 45/John P.
Moxley-grandson, 17
--Alex Toliver, 40/ Ellen, 29/ Ema B., 6/ Minie, 2
--Margarett Toliver, 80 is listed with the family of Hardin and Frances
Toliver Reeves
--Liley Toliver, 50-widow/ Martha, 35-daughter
--Solomon Toliver, 16-servant is listed with the family of Clark Higgins
--Jacob Toliver, 50/ Matilda, 52/ Rose, 21/ Clark, 19/ Solomon, 16/Houston,13
--John Toliver, 31/ Caroline, 28/ Nancy A., 7/ Rose E., 5/ Ann, 1
--Columbus Toliver, 25-servant is listed with the family of J.M.Baldwin
--John Tolliver, 22/ Safronie, 21
--James Tolliver, 48/ Sarah, 48/ Basha, 19/ Sarah, 16/ Jane, 13/ Mary
Ann, 8/
Nancy, 4/ James, 1/James M., 2-grandson
--Thomas Toliver, 17-servant is listed with the family of John Sturgil
--Solomon Toliver, 27/ Louisa, 28/ Martha, 2/ Rufus, 4 months
--Felix Tolliver, 23-servant is listed with the family of Allen Jones
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A real problem in establishing Taliaferro lineages is the loss of most
of the records in Caroline County in VA. One resource is the Caroline
Land Tax Records, accessioned at the Virginia State Archives, which begin
in 1787. Below is a list of Taliaferros who paid Caroline land tax
1787-1814. Only the years in which changes in ownership occur are
listed.
1787 Mary Taliaferro Est. (transferred to Francis Taliaferro). Francis Taliaferro Est. -2300 ac. Harry -300 ac. John -957 ac (a note indicates that part of this land is located in Spotsylvania Co). William -250 ac. Mary Taliaferro Est. trans to Harry Taliaferro-no acreage cited. Robert-500 ac.
1788 John-957 ac (shown as on Snow Cr). William-250 ac. Henry-no acreage (transferred to David Chivis). Francis Estate-2300 ac. Robert-500 ac.
1792 John-957 ac. William-250 ac. Robert’s Estate-500 ac
1793 John-957 ac. William-250 ac. Francis Estate-1600 ac. Robert’s Est (transferred to Robert). Robert-500 ac
1794 John-957 ac. William-250 ac. Francis Estate (transferred to Charles). Charles-1600 ac. Robert-500 ac
1797 John-957. William-250 ac. Charles (altered as follows: 2300 to which added 500 ac from Robert = 2800 ac from which subtract 658-1/2 ac to Robert = 2142-1/2 ac; sold to James Taylor 54-1/2 ac, leaving Charles with total of 2088 ac). Robert (altered as follows: 500 ac to which add 658-1/2 ac from Thomas Alcock, 26 ac from George Holloway, 658-1/2 ac from Charles Taliaferro = 1843 ac, from which subtract 500 ac to Charles Taliaferro = 1343 ac)
1800 John-957 ac. William-250 ac. Charles-1388 ac. Robert (altered as follows: 1343 ac from which subtract 324 ac to James Taylor = 1018 ac)
1805 John-277 ac (the balance now found in Spotsylvania Co). William-250 ac. Charles-1188 ac; Robert’s Estate-1018-1/2 ac
1806 John-277 ac. Charles-1188 ac. William-250 ac. Robert’s Estate (altered as follows - 983-1/2 ac after 35 ac transferred to James Dickinson
1811 John-277 ac. William-250 ac. Charles-1188 ac. Robert’s Estate-959 ac. Frances-209 ac. Norborne (altered as follows - 195 ac to which add 164-1/2 ac from William Buckner = 459 ac)
Beginning in 1814, the location of the land appears.
1814 John-277 adj Jno Battaile, 16 miles
N.E. of Courthouse. William-250 ac adj. R. Taylor, 14 miles N.E.
of Courthouse. Robert’s Estate - widow owns for life - 959 ac adj.
R. Taylor, 10 miles N.E. of Courthouse. Francis - lives in Fredericksburg
- 209 ac adj. L. Battaile, 18 miles N.E. of Courthouse. Norborne
(shown as altered, but no details)
COLONIAL TALIAFERROS
This is a contemporary description of a Nelson home on the Pamunkey and includes an introduction to a young Taliaferro daughter. Chastellux, holding the rank of Major-General, accompanied the army commanded by Lieutenant-General Rochambeau to the United States. His “Travels” is compiled from his letters and journal. In this excerpt, Chastellux is visiting in Hanover County at the temporary home of General Thomas Nelson whose elegant Yorktown home had been virtually destroyed by bombardment. Chastellux legacy to us is a fantastic overview of colonial life and customs at the time of the American Revolution.
Source: Travels in North America in the Years 1780-1781-1782. The Marquis de Chastellux. “Translated from the French by an English Gentleman.” 1827.
“Three miles and a half from Hanover we crossed the South Anna on a
wooden bridge. I observed that the river was deeply embanked, and from
the nature of the soil concluded it was the same during a great part
of its course: it appears to me therefore that would have been a
good defense, if Monsieur de la Fayette, who passed it higher up, had arrived
in time to destroy the bridge. On the left side of the river the
ground rises and you mount a pretty high hill,, the country is barren ,
and we traveled almost always in the woods, till one o’clock, when we arrived
at Offly, and alighted at General Nelson’s, formerly Governor of Virginia.
. . . . Offly is far from corresponding with the riches of General Nelson,
or with his high consideration in Virginia; it is but a moderate plantation,
where he has contented himself with erecting such buildings as are necessary
for the improvement of his lands, and for the habitation of his overseers;
his general residence is at York, but that he was obliged to abandon:
and Offly being beyond the South Ann, and situated far back in the country,
he thought that this lonely house would be at least a safe retreat for
his family. . .
In the absence of the general, his mother and wife received us with
all the politeness, ease, and cordiality natural to his family. But
as in America, the ladies are never thought sufficient to do the honours
of the house, five or six Nelsons were assembled to receive us; among others,
the Secretary Nelson, uncle to the general, with his two sons, and two
of the general’s brothers. . . . . It is worth observing, that on this
occasion where fifteen or twenty people, (four of whom were strangers to
the family or country,) were assembled together, and by bad weather forced
to stay within doors, not a syllable was mentioned about play. How
many parties would with us have the consequence of such obstinate bad weather?
By in America, music, drawing, public reading, and the work of the ladies,
are resources as yet unknown, though it is to be hoped they will not long
neglect to cultivate them; for nothing but study was wanting to a young
Miss Tolliver who sung some airs, the words of which were English and the
music Italian. Her charming voice, and the artless simplicity of
her singing, were a substitute for taste, if not taste itself; that natural
taste, always sure, when confined within just limits, and when timid in
its weakness, it has not been altered, or spoiled by false precepts and
bad examples.
Miss Tolliver has attended her sister, Mrs. William Nelson, to Offly, who had just miscarried, and kept her bed. She was brought up in the middle of the woods by her father, a great fox hunter, consequently could have learned to sing from the birds only, in the neighborhood, when the howling of the dogs permitted her to hear them. She is an agreeable figure, as well as Mrs. Nelson her sister, though less pretty that a third daughter, who remained with her father. These young ladies came often to Williamsburgh to attend the balls, where they appeared as well dressed as the ladies of the town, and always remarkable for their decency of behaviour. The young military gentlemen, on the other hand, had conceived a great affection for Mr. Toliver their father, and took the trouble sometimes to ride over to breakfast and talks with him of the chase. The young ladies, who appeared from time to time, never interrupted the conversation. These pretty nymphs more timid and wild than those of Diana, thought they did not conduct the chase, inspired the taste for it into the youth: they knew however how to defend themselves from fox-hunters, without destroying, by their arrows, those who had the presumption to look at them.
. . . . The difficulty of finding the road still remaining, I luckily met a man in the court-yard, just ready to mount, who relieved us from this anxiety. He was an old captain of the Virginia Legion whom I had seen arrive in the evening in company with two tall young ladies in huge gauze bonnets, covered with ribands, and dressed in a manner as formed a perfect contrast to the the simplicity of the house we were in* [near the Blue Ridge].
*Footnote: The rage for dress among the women in American, in
the very height of the miseries of war, was beyond all bounds; nor was
it confined to the great towns, it prevailed equally on the sea-coasts,
and in the woods and solitudes of the vast extent of country, from Florida
to New Hampshire. In traveling into the interior parts of Virginia
I spent a delicious day at an inn, at the ferry of Shenandoah, or the Catacton
Mountains, with the most enchanting, accomplished and voluptuous girls.
the daughters of the landlord, a native of Boston, transplanted thither;
who, with all the gifts of nature, possessed the art of dress not unworthy
of Parisian milliners, and went regularly three times a week to the distance
of seven miles, to attend the lessons of one de Grace, a French dancing
master, who was making a fortune in the country. In one of my journies,
too, I met with a young Frenchman, who was traveling on the business of
the celebrated M. de Beaumarchais, and was uncommonly successful in his
amours, of which I speak from personal knowledge. On my inquiring
the secret of his success, he assured me, and put it beyond a doubt, that
his ‘passe-partout,’ or master key, consisted in a fashionable assortment
of ribands, and other small articles contained in a little box, from which,
in difficult cases he opened an irresistible and never failing battery.
RESEARCH
JKyrlach@aol.com
I am sending copies of two documents which I received from the National Archives. I hope they fit in your post-Revolutionary War frame. Please feel free to edit if they are too long.
They concern two court appearances regarding a pension for service in the war by Richard Taliaferro (son of Peter and Anne Hackley, son of Richard and Rose Berryman)
The State of Ohio Clermont County Court of Common Pleas held at their November term in the year 1832, held by the honorable George P. Torrence President (Name unreadable) and Robert Harman Israel Whitaker and John Em______ associates.
Personally appeared before said Judges in open
Court Richard Taliaferro a resident of the County aforesaid
aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law on
his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits
of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832.
That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1780 with
Captain Benjamin Roberts and served in the regiment of Colonel George of
the Virginia Line under the following various officers. Colonel George
Slaughter, Captain Benjamin Roberts, Lieutenant William Field (or, Joseph
Sanders) ensign William Asher. That he was discharged from,
the service by the said Benjamin Roberts at Louisville in the State of
Kentucky in the year 1782. That he resided in the lower end of Culpepper
County in the State of Virginia when he entered into the service.
That he was in the battle that was fought with the Indians (the Shawnees)
at a place in the State of Ohio now called Old Town, then called Shawnee
Town. That General Clark then commanded our troops that the
next officer in Command was by the name of Harrod. The Indians were
defeated this battle was in the summer of 1782 in July or August.
Aty the time of his enlistment he resided in Culpeper County, and marched
from thence to the Redstone fort,d that he and 12 others proceeded from
thence to Pittsburgh in order to do continental duty and remained at Pittsburgh
nearly two months. General Broadhead of Gibson commanded. From
thence to the falls of the Ohio and remained there the balance of the time
except when called into actual service. That he obtained his certificate
of discharge from said Benjamin Roberts at the falls of Ohio in the year
1782 that he sent that certificate of discharge to Richmond in Virginia
and obtained a certificate for his pay which he sold to Fields or Roberts,
and has not seen said certificate since or does he know what has
become of it. Ensign Archer was killed below the falls of the Ohio
by the Indians, he was present at the time he was killed and scalped.
He hereby wishes every claim whatever to a
pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is
not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
Sworn to and subscribed
on the year and day aforesaid
5 Nov 1832
Richd Taliaferro
The State of Ohio, Clermont County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for said County Richard Taliaferro who being duly sworn disposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service as a soldier in the Revolution but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grade. For two years and one month I served as a private soldier, the time of enlistment was for two years, but did not get my discharge until one month after the expiration of the term of enlistment and during that month I continued to do military duty) and for such service I claim a pension. That since he made his declaration in Court at the last November Term of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County he has been in some degree induced to believe that his first enlistment took place in the fall of the year 1779, but cannot be certain as to the month or even the year when his service ended, he remembers well that his term of enlistment was for two years and that he served his time and one month over it and received his discharge. He knows of no clergyman or any other person in his neighborhood who can certify as to his reputation as a soldier of the revolution. That none of the persons with whom he served as a soldier reside in this state, but he believes that some of them are in Kentucky to wit Edward Thor_______, Bland Ballard, ______ Foster, William Abbott, Daniel Cowgill all of whom were in Kentucky when he last heard from them..That owing to bodily infirmity he is not able to procure the testimony of any witness and it would be attended with much expense. That he was born in the County of Culpeper in the State of Virginia on the 24th day of September in the year 1762. That he has a bible record of his age which he copied from a bible kept by his father. That the bible kept by his father he believes is now in the possession of Judith Veetch his sister who resides in the State of Indiana. That Colonel Crocket was at the falls of the Ohio commanding some troops that last year that he was in the service. That Samuel Perrin, James McKensie, Esq, Samuel Hill, William Clancy, John Owens, Tibina Williams, and John Tree who reside in his present neighborhood can testify as to his charactre for veracity.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 27th day of May
1833
J W Robinson
JP
Richd Taliaferro
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Richard Taliaferro did receive his pension. It was:
#13316 issued June 25, 1833
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced Mar 4, 1831