VANDIVER FAMILY CEMETERY, Anderson County, SC A.K.A. Horton Family Version 2.3, 13-Nov-2004, A320.TXT, A320 **************************************************************** REPRODUCING NOTICE: ------------------- These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, or presentation by any other organization, or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Paul M Kankula Seneca, SC, USA Anderson County SC GenWeb Coordinator Anderson County SC GenWeb Homestead http://www.rootsweb.com/~scandrsn/ **************************************************************** DATAFILE INPUT . : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Dec-2003 DATAFILE LAYOUT : Paul M. Kankula at (visit above website) in Dec-2003 G.P.S. MAPPING . : HISTORY WRITE-UP : Kelly Davis at Independent-Mail in Dec-2003 Jerry Vandiver at jerrydvandiver@hotmail.com in May-2004 IMAGES ......... : LOCATION WRITE-UP: TRANSCRIPTION .. : Dianne Brown at brownentp@alltel.net in Dec-2003 **************************************************************** CEMETERY LOCATION: ------------------ > Latitude N x Longitude W CHURCH/CEMETERY HISTORY: ------------------------ In Anderson Co. tax records as belonging to "Neal's Creek Baptist Church. o----------o Vandiver descendent works to restore cemetery By: Kelly Davis, Independent-Mail, December 23, 2003 Edward Vandiver was born Jan. 21, 1753, in Rock Creek, Md. He became a prominent landowner in Anderson County, where he died July 20, 1837, and was buried on an acre of his own estate carved out to be a family cemetery. Innumerable such cemeteries have been lost to wilderness or development, but the Vandiver acre, known locally as the Horton Family Cemetery, has remained intact, and was used as recently as 1946, when Millard Cortez Horton, age 81, was interred there. Since then, however, it has reverted to semi-wilderness. Now an Edward Vandiver descendent has rediscovered the site and is mounting a campaign to clean it up and ensure its future upkeep. Mr. Vandiver's descendents are scattered across the country, and the amateur genealogists among them have been looking for their patriarch's grave site, said Diane Stancil Brown, a great-great-great-granddaughter still living on Vandiver land in Franklin County, Ga. "A lot of people have looked for this cemetery," Ms. Brown said. "It took me a long time to find it."Ms Ms. Brown's branch of the family descends from Mr. Vandiver's son William, who moved across the Savannah River in the 1830s. Although she declined to give her age, Ms. Brown said she became interested in her family's history when she became "a mature woman." She began using the Internet to research and discovered a link to Anderson and to Neals Creek Baptist Church, which Edward Vandiver helped found on three acres of his own land. Knocking on doors near the church this summer, Ms. Brown learned of the little cemetery across U.S. 76, its grass- and brush-choked entrance barely visible from Amity Road. Toward the back, standing above all the other markers, loomed Mr. Vandiver's tombstone. Thrilled, she snapped a few pictures and retreated. She returned this month to explore a little more. Not many of the tombstones in the cemetery are legible. Besides Mr. Vandiver's and Millard Horton's, other readable markers are those of Harriet Vandiver Horton (1827 to 1894), John Calhoun Horton (1821 to 1899) and Oze Enoch Horton (1862 to 1933). All appear to be granite replacements placed sometime in the last century. Billie Billie Jo Hall, a trustee for Neals Creek Baptist Church's main cemetery, said she is not aware of records showing who else may be buried there. Edward Vandiver was born in Prince George's County, Md., in what is now District of Columbia. His family then moved to Loudon County, Va., according to information collected by Larry Warren of Lexington, Ky., who has researched Vandiver in search of his own ancestors. Vandiver married his first wife, Sarah Gorham, around 1772 in Virginia, but she died two years later, possibly in childbirth. He married a Helena Turley around 1775, and they moved to South Carolina's Camden District, where he enlisted in the Revolutionary War. He was at the Battle of Eutaw Springs. The couple moved to the Fairfield District, where Helena died in 1789. Vandiver married Catherine Poole the next year. In 1793 or 1794, he moved to the Pendleton District, in what would become Anderson County. Catherine may be buried in the Fairfield District. Fifteen of Vandiver's children, 12 sons and three daughters, reached maturity. Six of his sons were Baptist ministers. Neals Creek Baptist Church members are interested in restoring the cemetery, but expense is an issue, Ms. Hall said. She is helping Ms. Brown organize a volunteer work party, which probably will meet in January or February. For more information, contact Ms. Hall at (864) 338-5640 or Ms. Brown at (706) 779-3093. o----------o RESEARCH DISCUSSION - PARENTAGE OF GEORGE VANDIVEER There are a large number of individuals named Vandiver (by a myriad of spellings) that are descended from either Edward Vandiver (1753-1837) or his brother George Vandever, Jr. (1764-1833). Many get caught for a while before eventually learning of their father George Vandiveer (c. 1725-1764) who died in Loudoun Co., VA. That is pretty much where it all ends. To date, no one has been able to prove the next generation. In this discussion I'll explain the direction my own research is taking and present what evidence I have uncovered to support my own theories. I have assigned specific spellings of the surname to individuals based on what records may exist. Some are found with several different spellings, I have taken the one that is either most common or that appears in the most "important" records. A full discussion of variants is not appropriate at this time, but it is safe to say that most descendants of George Vandiveer use the spelling Vandiver. What has come of my spelling assignments is the ability to separate each individual from the other without lengthy explanations. This becomes particularly helpful when discussing the many Johns and Jacobs. Comments on Records and References I want to comment very briefly on the validity and credibility of sources. Any source can provide valuable information, but not all are as reliable. The Family History Centers are a great asset, but the IGI and AGI are such a terrible source of misinformation I no longer refer to them even for leads. Family traditions have resulted in nice leads, but often reflect the "creativity" of the individual. This is also true of historical publications and published family histories, their validity being a measure of the author's use of sources. Published transcriptions of original documents are the first credible source, still somewhat dependant on the accuracy of the writer's interpretation of what they are reading. In the end, good research must be based on viewing original documents, copies of which are available through the Family History Centers or directly from the agency holding the documents. Though I often start with lesser sources, where potential controversy exists locating and acquiring copies of originals is my primary objective. In the end, nothing else will do. Brief Progenitor Background After years of pursuing various theoretical progenitors, I can say with some confidence that there were only three whose descendants bear a variant of the surname and arrived prior to the Revolutionary War. The other 5-6 possibilities normally presented by researchers have been shown to either be 1) Van der Veens and not Van der Veers, or 2) they did not have any male children reach maturity. The three we are left with are (chronologically appearing in the colonies) 1) Michael Paulszen van der Voort; 2) Jacop Van der Veer; and 3) Cornelius Jansen "Dominicus" Vanderveer. I have applied the following designations to the three for easy reference: 1) Vandervoort-Vandivers; 2) Delaware Family; and 3) Long Island Family. To explain the generations of these families prior to the subject individuals would take far too long and is not necessary for this discussion. If anyone is interested I would be glad to share whatever information I have accumulated as time permits. It will be helpful for a little bit of trust in my work on the first couple generations for the purpose of this discussion. Predominating Theory The goal of early researchers has always been to prove a link to either the Delaware Family or the Long Island Family. Beginning with the research of Dorothy Renick Luttrel in the late 1960's-early 1970's and the subsequent publication of "The Vandaveer Family of Greene Co., Illinois" by Frederick Ewart Vandeveer, Sr., the popular belief has been that George Vandiveer was related to the Vandervoort-Vandivers. Three separate individuals from that family have been identified as George's father since the 1970's with only the latest making any sense at all - George Vandevour who died in Kent Co., Delaware in 1759. There are only two pieces of evidence to support this proposed connection. While I do not believe the preponderance corroborates this conclusion, it is certainly a possibility. The first piece of evidence is the Will of George Vandevour itself. I should point out that the name on the document has been thoroughly circulated as Vandevour, which may need to be reassessed. Another researcher acquired a copy of the original page from the Will Book and made it very clear that she felt the name was obviously Vandeveer and not Vandevour (I will use the "veer" spelling hereafter). Land transactions between his sons Matthew, Hollingsworth and John, resulting from the settlement of estate also use the spelling Vandeveer. To make a blanket change to this spelling for all of this family, however, may be premature as they also appear in Tax Lists, etc., as Vandeford and Vandevor. In George Vandeveer's Will he leaves property to his sons Matthew, Hollingsworth and John, while leaving only a shilling to each daughter and a fourth son named George. There are a multitude of reasons which may explain why he only left his son George a shilling, but further evidence to explain this does not exist. The two most likely possibilities would be that this son was being "punished" or that he had already received his fair share of the estate. It is possible that George Vandiveer's training as a Goldsmith was considered his fair share. The only problem I have with this revolves around the usual nature of an apprenticeship. Sons were not often bound to tradesmen to learn a craft if the family had means, i.e. property. George Vandeveer and family definitely had means, so why bind a son out to learn a trade? I actually lean towards his son being "punished". Regardless of the reason, nothing about the Will actually helps to specifically identify his fourth son named George. By 1758 when the Will was written, George Vandiveer had been residing in Prince George's County, Maryland for at least 8 years. When an heir was not present in the area a comment was almost always made in a Will to indicate where that heir resided. In the very least, something would have been required to indicate that the son George, receiving only one shilling, was not going to contest the Will. The idea that the time or need for correspondence and/or powers of attorney to administer the estate is apparent. There are no problems indicated in the settlement of estate, which occurred in due time. The second piece of evidence are well circulated letters of Jeptha V. Vandivere to a cousin around 1869 concerning the family history. In his letter, Jeptha identifies Edward (his grandfather) as the son of George and George as the brother of Hollingsworth. If any of the other facts concerning George Vandiveer were accurate, I might be inclined to take Jeptha at this word and end my search there. However, nothing else related concerning George and his family is even remotely accurate. He tells that George and family arrived from Germany and that he spoke little English. Jeptha further relates that George went off to fight in the French and Indian War and never returned. Essentially, Jeptha's own story utterly decimates his credibility with regards to his great grandfather, which is not a point of blame. George had died when Edward was 11 almost 12 years old. What Edward would then relate to his children (i.e. Jeptha's father Rev. George H. Vandivere) would have reflected loosing his father at a young age and would include understandings related to him by others. Based on the simplest facts known, even if George was Hollingsworth's brother, he was not born in Germany. George's family was certainly not from Germany, with Edward being born in Maryland. He did not serve in the French and Indian War and he definitely died at home. Interestingly, there were Indian troubles in 1764 that cut a path from Loudoun Co. through Augusta Co. My ancestors Jacob Slover and Alexander Crawford both died (with much of their families) that same summer, having been attacked by "renegade Indians". Could this be the source of the French and Indian War tradition Jeptha related? Jeptha associating George Vandiveer to Hollingsworth is far too easy to explain. Hollingsworth had left Delaware around 1769 and moved to Rowan Co., North Carolina. Around 1791 he moved into Pendleton District, South Carolina, the portion later divided out to Pickens Co. Looking at maps, they resided towards the northern end of the county near the border of North Carolina. Hollingsworth and his family were well known and respected, as were the families of Edward and his brother Rev. George Vandever. The subsequent assumption of any family members would not require much imagination. Until I learned enough Vandiver family history to know better, I often assumed that anyone I met with the surname was at least a distant relative. This is simply not true since there are probably more Vandiver's descended from the Long Island and Vandervoort- Vandiver families, not to mention further immigration. The real arguments why I discount both pieces of evidence follows, but the most compelling fact of all (to me) is that not a single original document in existence indicates a connection between anyone in either family - EVER. Not a single record links any of George Vandeveer's children to George Vandiveer or any of his children. The only such document is a letter relating a tradition, which was composed a couple generations and just over 100 years later. KNOWN FACTS ABOUT GEORGE VANDIVEER (c. 1725-1764) Before continuing, I'll review key facts and records concerning George Vandiveer - 12 Nov 1750 - "Joshua Harbins of Frederick County, Maryland to George Vandiver of Prince George's County, Maryland ... 50 acres" The property was described as being on the north side of Goose Creek. A couple years ago I discovered an old map that identified the creek, which no longer exists. It actually ran more north-south than east-west, so there was not really a north side. More of an inlet, the creek ran from the Potomac inland between where the White House and Congress now stand. Since there is no mention of the Potomac itself, identifying the location is not perfect, but can reasonably be placed in the heart of modern day Washington, D. C. From this deed we learn that George was born no later than 1729, since English Law required a male to be 21 years of age in order to lease or purchase property. Since neither Joshua nor George are mentioned as having a wife, we know that neither were married. At the time a spouse and child (if any) would have been named. It was a legal manner of insuring the debt and rights of both parties should one or the other die. Joshua would have insisted on it and the law would have required Joshua's wife to relinquish her dower rights. 21 Jan 1753 - "Edward Vandiveer son of George and Ann born." This is a hotly debated record and fact, which I address thoroughly on my website. Edward's date of birth is always given as 1748 and is based on his Federal Pension Application. Not wanting to recount the entire debate, if existing records in Virginia and South Carolina are analyzed with the sole purpose of determining age, everything supports the 1753 date of birth. What is important about this record to this discussion is establishing the time line of events in George's life. Between 1750 when he purchased 50 acres from Joshua Harbin and January 1753 when Edward was born, George married Ann. It is commonly believed that she was the daughter of John Harbin, eldest brother of Joshua (her identity, however, is another discussion). 11 March 1759/60 - "... from Thomas Pritchard of the County of Loudon [VA] ... to George Vandiveere of Prince George's County, Maryland, Goldsmith ... premises ... being in the County of Loudon ... parish of Cameron ... 216 acres ..." & 19 April 1760 - "Edward Villiers Harbins to George Vandiver of Prince George's County, Goldsmith ... for 50 acres ..." I present these two records together because they rather effectively identify when George moved the family from Maryland to Virginia. It is reasonable to believe that he knew people in Loudoun Co. before the move, which occurred in less than a month. Though not copied in full here, George's wife Ann is mentioned in both deeds. This is in contrast to the deed of 1750 where she is absent. That the legal requirement of a wife being included in a deed was the standard is driven home and the fact that George and Ann were not married prior to November 1750 is further emphasized. In these deeds we first learn George's occupation - Goldsmith. From what I have read, references to individuals being Goldsmiths or Silversmiths essentially meant they were "Jewelers". He probably also made dinning ware, etc. An important aspect of this occupation - it would have required an apprenticeship. This is the direction I believe research needs to take - try to discover a mention of his apprenticeship. Whoever paid for it was either related or responsible for George's inheritance [this is a scenario comment]. 13 May 1760 - The Loudoun Co., VA Order Books indicate that a County grand jury was impaneled, which included "George Vandever" There is one thing I take from this entry. Within two months of moving from Maryland to Virginia, George is on a Grand Jury. I believe this further emphasizes the fact that he knew people in the area. He was known, respected and given immediate responsibility. This needs to be kept in mind. 10 February 1761 - George Vandiveer is "licensed for an ordinary ... at his House" George pays for his license each subsequent year to include 1764 (revisited below). In 1762, his wife "Ann Vandiveere" is also mention in connection with the license First, we learn that George had an occupation other than "jeweler". Running a pub was a prosperous business and the local pub was often the meeting center for people of influence at the time. It was not a simple matter to receive a license at the time, which may further emphasize his standing in a community where he had arrived only one year earlier. Second, the licenses indicate that Ann actively participated in running the pub. This was not uncommon most businesses were family affairs in those days. Another interesting aspect of her participation - only a year after George died, Sanford Gorham became licensed in the same area for an ordinary. Without specific addresses it is not possible to determine whether it was the same place or not, but I (and knowledgeable Gorham researchers) have taken this as an indication that George's widow Ann did remarry to Sanford Gorham. 21 Mar 1763 "... from Willoughby Newton of the County of Westmoreland ... to George Vandiveer of the County of Loudon ... parcel ... being in the Parish of Cameron and County of Loudon on the Mountain Road [to Williams Gap] including the Store house ... 3 acres ..." My understanding is that the price paid for this piece of property was rather high for the time. It further helps establish where George resided as it is reasonable to assume the store house was near his own house. He may also have moved his pub operations to this location. Based on descriptions in Fee Books, Sanford Gorham's ordinary was on Mountain Road near Williams Gap. 10 April 1764 - This is the last time George is licensed for a pub. Emphasis is on the date in relation to his Will two entries down. 21 May 1764 - Administration of Estate for Christopher Neale mentions payment to "George Vandeveer for smiths work" Christopher Neale had died in 1659 and the settlement stretched with payments as late as 1767 and included assets in Loudoun Co., Virginia and Prince George's Co., Maryland. This estate becomes an important series of documents later in this discussion. Here the importance is in establishing the chronology for George's life. He moved his family to Loudoun Co., Virginia (near where the Neale family originated in what is now the southern border of Fairfax Co.) only a year after Christopher Neale's death. George performed the work before leaving Maryland. Mentioned in the same document is "William Vandeveer" who was due a share of a crop. There is nothing to indicate that William had ever resided in Prince George's Co., MD, where Christopher Neale's primary residence was located. Yet, he was due a share of a crop! Another side note, Christopher's brother Edward Neale was also a resident of Prince George's Co., MD and was a "smith" by trade. I have yet to learn what type of smith he was, but he and Christopher had dealings in Charles, St. Mary's and Baltimore Co.'s as well. Finally, the document establishes the fact that George was alive and apparently well as late as 21 May 1764. By mid-August he was sick in bed writing his Will. What happened? 16 August 1764 - "In the name of God, Amen, I George Vandiveer of Loudon County, being sick and weak of body but in sound memory do appoint this to be my last will and testament in form following: I give and bequine to my loving wife Ann Vandiveer the land and house where she now lives during her natural life and after her, receive to my son Edward to him and his heirs forever; and as for my Personalty Estate, I give and bequine to equally divided between my four children viz: Edward, Sarah, Tabitha, Amenthia after my last debt paid out of my said Estate. In witness hereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 16 August 1764. Witnesses: William Smith, John Tyler, John Field, Johan Spencer, James Hall." This is the entire Will of George Vandiveer as entered into the Loudoun Co., VA Will Books. There are several things of importance to note here: Between May and August, a relatively short time, George took ill. The Will was proven 9 October, so he never recovered and died within two months of writing his Will. No others in the family died that year and I have not read of any epidemics that year, so the cause cannot be readily theorized. At this point it is estimated that he was between 35-40 years old. Apparently an active individual all his life, this may be viewed as a relatively young age even for the time. George suddenly took ill and died. This may indicate that illness was not the cause. Wording in the Will is not conclusive, since "sick and weak of body" is a generalization not to exclude injury. One of the better known facts, Ann was pregnant at this time with their son George, who was born posthumously and named for his father. An interesting thing about this - there is no mention of the unborn child. That may be an indication that they were not aware of her pregnancy in mid-August. Statements concerning unborn children were not uncommon. Finally, there are at least three names of some significance in the list of witnesses, which will be discussed more. For now it is just important to make note of them and the names which appear in later records. 9 October 1764 - "At a court held for Loudoun County October the 9th 1764. This will was proved by the oaths of William Smith and John Tyler. Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. Ann Vandever widow and relict of the decedent to whom the right of administration belonged relinquished her right thereto in favor of James Lane Gent: and on the motion of the said James who made oath according to law certificate as granted him for obtaining letter of administration on the estate of the said decedent with the said will annotated in due form giving security in which he together with William Carr Lane, Gent; have security entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of two ? hundred pounds conditioned as the law directs." This entry in the Fee Books is very interesting: Ann relinquishes her right to administer the estate to James Lane (Jr. since Sr. was deceased by this time). Also security is given by James and his brother William Carr Lane. We can readily assume that Ann relinquished because she was pregnant. George (Jr.) was born in December, little over two months later. What comes into question, though, is why James Lane? As with witnesses to Wills, the relinquishment would normally go to a relative if one is available. That does not mean the Lane's were relatives, since they were rather significant individuals in the area. But they cannot be ignored in this instance - note: William Vandiveer was resident in the household of the same James Lane (Jr.) in 1760. A final note here, if we are correct in assuming Ann was the daughter of John Harbin, why didn't she relinquish to him or one of her siblings? At that time, John Harbin was resident in Loudoun Co. 9 September 1765 - "Inventory of George Vandiveers Estate> Loudoun Co. Pursuant to an order of Loudoun County Court hereunto ? dated October 9th 1764. We the subscribers being first sworn before Capt. James Lane one of his Majesties trusties for the said County have met and appraised the estate of George Vandivere decedent in current money as followeth viz: ... (various household items) ... [signed by] John Lane, Jacob Remsey, Sr. (his mark) and William Buckley." The administration brings in another Lane - John. Biographical Summary George Vandiveer was born by 1729, a Goldsmith by trade. He was resident in Prince George's Co., Maryland by 1750 when he purchased 50 acres from Joshua Harbin. This property was located along the now extinct Goose Creek, in what is now Washington, D.C. near where Congress now stands. George was married to Ann (possibly Harbin, daughter of John) by 21 January 1753, when their son Edward was born, per the Registry of Rock Creek Church. In the spring of 1760, George moved his family to Cameron Parish, Loudoun Co., Virginia where he purchased 216 acres from Thomas Pritchard. At the same time he sold the property in Maryland to Edward Villiers Harbin, youngest brother of Joshua. This property was located near Mount Hope where the First Episcopal Broad Run Church was located. George acquired a license to operate a pub out of his house in 1761 and paid to renew his license each year including April 1764, a few months before he died. In 1763, he purchased 3 acres with a store house from Willoughby Newton along Mountain Road near Williams Gap. It is likely that he began to operate his pub at a storehouse located on this property (similar in description to the location where Sanford Gorham later operated a pub). George became suddenly ill, writing his Will in August 1764 and died by October. The Will was witnessed by William Smith, John Tyler, John Field, Johan Spencer, James Hall. His widow relinquished her right to administer the estate to James Lane (Jr.), likely because she was pregnant with their fifth known child. Children of George and Ann Vandiveer were: Edward, Sarah, Tabitha, Armenthia and George (Jr.) who was born two months after his father died. Continuing Records Certain records concerning George's widow Ann and children Edward and Tabitha are worth noting. It is believed by many (to include myself) that Ann remarried to Sanford Gorham. In 1765 Ann Gorham appears in additional papers concerning the estate of Christopher Neale as receiving payment. Beginning in 1769 (Edward turns 16) Edward begins to appear as a taxable member of Sanford Gorham's household. Sanford's Will of 1772 leaves a bed to his "daughter Sarah Vandever". He also mentions sons William, Harvin and Lamkin. Many, to include myself, believe this is a reference to Sanford's step-daughter (who also witnessed the Will) and not a daughter married to Edward (which is the more commonly accepted belief). Sarah Vandiver (George's daughter) would have been around 16-20, the only one of Edward's sisters of adult/marrying age. In 1774 (Edward turns 21) Edward Vandiveere and mother Ann sell the property purchased from Thomas Pritchard in 1760 back to him. Then in 1776 (noted in Court Records in 1777 - Edward was present) Edward Vandivere and wife Helena with daughter Sarah lease property from William Lane. The same day Joseph Frost and wife Tabitha (Edward's sister) and Harvin Gorham (identified as orphan of Sanford Gorham) also lease property from William Lane. Witnesses to both leases were James Lane, Charles Clark, Hanson Day (Edward's sister Sarah married Matthew Day), Cornelius Hall, Benjamin Hall and Josiah Frost. Edward also witnessed Joseph's lease and Joseph witnessed Edward's. ANALYSIS OF DATA AND OTHER RELEVANT RECORDS At this point, the predominating theory concerning George Vandevour/veer has already been addressed and available records concerning our topic George Vandiveer have been addressed and discussed. What I now want to address are the two things missing from the George Vandevour/veer theorem - Co-Location and Association. This section will focus our attention back into the late 1600's and may get confusing with the repetition of given names, shifting locations, intertwining relationships, etc. I have tried to make things as clear as possible. Co-Location One subtle rule in research is to initially regard individuals of the same surname in the same area as potentially related, particularly when discussing a surname leans towards the uncommon. Families often moved to new areas together - in groups. This often included members of sister and collateral families. Though a good initial rule to follow, it cannot be treated as an absolute. Looking at known locations for George Vandiveer, if there were no other Vandiver's or collateral families in the area, I would have to accept the George Vandevour/veer theorem with little resistance. That, however, is not the case: Jacob Van Deaver of Baltimore Co., Maryland In April 1717 Jane(Guinn) Gill, widow of John Gill, files administration papers on the estate of her husband. That September the Will of Steven Gill, apparently the only child of Jane and John, is also filed. Steven is approximately 16 at that time, the minimum legal age to write a Will. In Steven's Will he mentions mother Jane Gill, uncle Steven Gill, uncle Peter Bond (uncle Steven Gill's wife was a Bond) and friend Darby Lane. Apparently, Steven's death complicates settlement of his father's estate and additional papers have to be file in November 1718 by "Jane now wife of Jacob Van Deaver." Two more filings in 1719 continue to identify John's widow Jane as the wife of Jacob Van Deaver. It would appear that Jacob died by November 1724 when Jane Vandever paid for the funeral of Mary Cullinder (if Jacob were alive, he would have been mentioned as well). Jane wrote her Will in July 1730 and left everything to "kinswoman Sarah Gambrell", the Will being administered in September. [To date, I do not have anything solid concerning this Jacob, but I do have adequate reason to believe he was the son of Jan Vanderveer (aka John Van de Ver), thus Jacob Van Deaver would be the grandson of the immigrant ancestor Jacop Van der Veer of Brandywine Hundred, Delaware.] Jacob Vandive(e)r(e) of St. Mary's Co., Maryland In 1734 the earliest documents concerning the settlement of estate for a Jacob Vandiver(e) of St. Mary's Co., Maryland begin to appear. His widow, Susannah (Veale?) and her husband Nicholas Green file the papers. Of interest is the mention of relatives Eleanor Asten and Dorothy Neale in the earliest papers dated 1734. Research proves that Eleanor was the daughter of Maurice and Dorothy Veale of Prince Williams Co., Virginia. She was married three times in her life to William Trigg, John Smoot and finally John Asten. How she and two of her brothers, John and William, came to reside in Maryland is something of a mystery since they were born in Virginia. I believe transcription of original documents has inaccurately identified Dorothy Veale as Neale, this may need to be investigated. Jacob and Susannah's children are listed in the additional papers filed in 1736: John, William, Ann and Elizabeth. A final note concerning Eleanor Asten - an Elizabeth Vandean is identified as a witness to her Will. I have not sent for the original documents, but I have taken a hard look and there were no Vandeans in the area that I can identify. It is reasonable to assume that this is Elizabeth Vandivere, "orphan" daughter of this Jacob. This Jacob is certainly the son of the Jacob in Baltimore Co. discussed above. Of this Jacob's children, I believe that Elizabeth may have married John Reed, who settled in western Pennsylvania and that John may have gone to Pittsylvania Co., Virginia. William will be discussed later. John Vandever Sr. and Jr. of Frederick Co., Maryland Beginning with the 1734 Tax List for Frederick Co., Maryland, we have a John Vandiver (Sr.) residing along the Monocacy River. John Sr. has been identified as the son of Jacob Cornelisson Van de Ver by Dr. Peter S. Craig. If accurate, John Sr. was married to Mary Justice, granddaughter of the Swedish immigrant Gustaf Gustafsson (aka Justa Justis). Their children are not all identified as they left Delaware by 1730. They migrated with others to the Monocacy River area including the Hedges (Catharine Vandever , first cousin of John Sr. was married into the Hedges family), Stalcop's, Stille's, Smith's and others that are well known families from the Wilmington, Delaware area. John Jr. served in the French and Indian War for which he received a grant in Washington Co., Maryland (he served in the same unit - Joshua Harbin!). When the younger John died he left the following Will - 11 Aug 1760 "John Vandiver of Frederick County, Maryland, Innholder, August 11, 1760. Sister Rachel Vandiver the plantation and dwelling place of me, John Vandiver, Jr., and likewise of my father John Vandiver, Sr., 50 acres on the Potomac river with 30 acres out of 100 where John Badham lives; to my sister Mary Badham, the remainder of said 100 acres; to my sister Rachel, wheat and corn; residue to sisters Rachel and Mary; Testament William Lyons, John Hearn, William Newell. August 24, 1760." If there were any other siblings (and there may have been) there are no records existing today. It is possible that he had brother's who received their shares of the Senior John's estate long before the Junior died. Not having married and without children, John Jr. left everything to his sisters. Of note, the property was located at Antietam Bottoms, less than 10-15 miles from Rock Creek Church and the area where George Vandiveer own property on Goose Creek in Prince George's Co., Maryland. Catharina Vandevear of Carrol Co., Maryland After a considerable amount of searching, I located the birth record of Catharina Vandevear in Fahlun, Sweden. She was the daughter of Johan Cornelisson Van de Ver who was married to Maria Stalcop. In 1714, Johan and Maria joined Erickus Bjork and his wife Christina Stalcop (Maria's sister) when the Priest returned to Sweden. Catharina was baptized in Fahlun where Bjork had been reassigned having been the Priest assigned to the Christina (Wilmington) congregation in 1696. Bjork had been instrumental in the building of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church and the church at Penn's Neck. Johan died in Fahlun by 1720, when Maria remarried to Hans Jorgen Smit and returned to Delaware. She and Hans had three sons of their own, to include a John. Interestingly, Catharina marries Simon Johnson in 1736 - Simon appears to be a descendant of Henry Johnson (aka Hendrick Janssen van Jeveren - proposed brother of Catharina Jans, wife of Jacop Van der Veer the immigrant ancestor) - in Carrol Co., Maryland. Also resident in Carrol Co. and later in Frederick Co. - "John Smith, Dutchman" who is the son of Hans and Maria (Stalcop) Smidt. I believe his being described as Dutchman was a generalization, much as the Pennsylvania Germans were referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch. John Smith's son William is discussed under Associations. Further research in Fahlun, Sweden may be necessary - there may have been other children. William Vandive(e)r of Hampshire Co., Virginia This is the son of Jacob Vandivere of St. Mary's Co., Maryland discussed above. Other than his father's Will in Maryland, William is first found in Fairfax Co., Virginia Court Records as a resident of Cameron Parish in Loudoun Co. These entries begin as early as 1753 and are fairly consistent until the winter of 1760 when he moves to Frederick Co., Virginia. Between 1769 to 1771, William purchased land and moved on to Hampshire Co., Virginia. Records of note - in 1753 he posted bail and was witness for Charles Tyler - and in 1760 he is found in the Cameron Parish, Loudoun Co., Virginia Tax List as residing in the household of - James Lane (Jr.). In 1764 he is found as receiving a share of a crop in the settlement of estate for Christopher Neale. During the same time frame - 1753 - Frances Vandeveer Veale is "bound to Charles Cornish." in Fairfax Co., Virginia Court Records. To date, I have not been able to specifically identify Frances Veale's parents, but can say with some confidence that they are likely closely related to William's mother Susannah Veale. Association In this section, I will briefly address some of the many families and a few of the key individuals that are consistently associated with Vandiver's and specifically George and Edward Vandiveer. In most cases, I will be working chronologically backwards with the families. The Hall Family In 1776 the brother's Benjamin and Cornelius Hall were witnesses to the lease between Edward Vandivere and William Carr Lane; and the lease between Joseph Frost and William Carr Lane. Though I have learned that Benjamin served in Virginia during the Revolutionary War and later settled in Kentucky, I have not learned anything about Cornelius after this date. What I do know is that their father was James Hall who was born in Baltimore Co., Maryland. In 1764 James is a witness to the Will of George Vandiveer giving a two generation direct association between our subject Vandiver's and the Hall family. As it turns out, James Hall is the son of John Hall of Baltimore Co., Maryland. Though I have not found specific records of John Hall, James is mentioned in the Will of his uncle Edward Hall, who was High Sheriff and a presiding Justice in Baltimore Co. There are several interesting facts concerning Edward, but one of the most interesting to me is that his Will is settled in St. Mary's Co., Maryland! He resided in the same area where Jacob Vandive(e)r(e) died (above). Other interesting facts: Edward's brother John was married to Mary Beedle, daughter of Edward Beedle, who will be discussed further later. In the Will of John Gardiner (of the Gardinier family of New Amsterdam) Edward received land along with Charles Smith. Witnesses to John Gardiner's Will included John Reid (father or grandfather of the John Reed that married Elizabeth Vandiver, daughter of Jacob Vandive(e)r(e) above). Edward's sisters Mary and Susan were married to the brother's Thomas and Charles King (indications are they were members of the Wilmington Swede Keene family). The first of the Hall family was John Hall who married Mary Parker. He arrived in Baltimore Co. in 1640, transported there by Robert Paca. John died in Baltimore Co. in 1660. Where he was from is not certain, but it is known that Robert Paca had dealings in New Amsterdam and later New York, so the possibility exists that John was related to William, George or Thomas Hall of the Dutch colony. The Lane Family My handle on the Lane family is not as strong as it should be, but I am able to point out a variety of connections and associations over an extended period of time and generations. In 1776, William Carr Lane (also found as William Lane Jr.) leased property to Edward Vandivere and to Joseph Frost, Edward's brother-in-law. Named as the lessees in Joseph Frost's Deed, are his wife Tabitha (Vandiveer) and Harvin Gorham, orphan of Sanford Gorham. From what I can tell, William Lane was the brother of James Lane (Jr.). Ann Vandiveer, widow of our subject George Vandiveer, relinquishes her right to administer estate to James Lane (Jr.) in 1764. One question here, if Ann is a Harbin, daughter of John (as most believe), why did she relinquish to James Lane instead of her father John Harbin who was also resident in the area? Also involved in the administration of George's estate are William Carr Lane (who gives security with James Lane) and John Lane (who participates in the inventory). William Vandiv(e)er is found as taxable in the household of the same James Lane Jr. Lane connections are difficult to follow, but what is certain - they were intermarried with the Carr's, Newton's and others that first came into Delaware in the 1670's, when the English took control of New Netherlands once and for all. An interesting note and individual I have not figured out yet, Jacob Van Deaver of Baltimore Co., Maryland's step son Steven Gill mentioned his friend Darby Lane. The Harbin Family John Harbin is believed to be the father of Ann, wife of George Vandiveer. As a side note, I am just as inclined to believe that she was a Lane as I am a Harbin. In any case, he does not appear in any records with any Vandiveer's that I am aware of. However, John Harbin was the son of William Harbin of Prince George's Co., Maryland - is found as a resident in Charles Co., Maryland - removed to Loudoun Co., Virginia around the same time as George Vandiveer - then removed to South Carolina and on to Georgia around the same times as Edward Vandivere. All coincidence? Joshua Harbin sells property in 1750 to George Vandiveer, who at that time was not married if the deed is to be analyzed accurately. In 1760, Joshua's brother Edward Villiers Harbin purchases the property back from George, who has moved his family to Loudoun Co., Virginia. Joshua Harbin also serves in the French and Indian War in the same company as John Vandever (Jr.) of Frederick Co., Virginia. To clarify relationships a bit - John Harbin is the eldest son of William Harbin - Joshua and Edward Harbin were the youngest sons of William Harbin. If Ann was a Harbin and daughter of John, then William was her grandfather and Joshua and Edward were her Uncles. Individuals to Focus On Though there are extensive connections between the families of the following individuals, I feel like focusing on them as individuals is more effective. Further discussion on these families could be a topic in the future. Edward Beedle A very interesting individual to discuss is Edward Beedle. He was first "transported" to Westmoreland Co., Virginia. He arrived in Baltimore Co., Maryland by 1661 and was married to Mary, widow of Garrett Rutgersson before 1670. [Note: There is still some confusion about Garrett, but essentially he is first found in New Amstel in 1661 (the same time Sergeant Jacop Van der Veer is stationed there) before removing to the Patapsco Bay area of Baltimore Co., Maryland.] Edward Beedle is later (1691) found as inventorying the estate of Henry Johnsson (aka Hendrick Janssen van Jeveren). I will discuss Henry Johnsson below. His sister Martha Beedle, widow of George Goldsmith (son of William Goldsmith of Wilmington, Delaware) marries John Hall, father of the James Hall that witnesses the Will of George Vandiveer, grandfather of Cornelius and Benjamin Hall who witness the deeds of Edward Vandivere and Joseph Frost. Edward's estate was inventoried by John Hall and Col. John Hayes in 1697. It is apparent that Edward Beedle had siblings who moved into the Wilmington, Delaware and Salem Co., New Jersey areas. The Beedle's then intermarry with Vandiver's there. Christopher Neale Though there are other connections of a minor nature to the Neale family, the most interesting to me is the appearance of William Vandiv(e)er (1764), George Vandiveer (1764) and Ann Gorham (1765) as receiving payments from Christopher Neale's estate. Christopher Neale and his brother Edward were both residents of Prince George's Co., Maryland and had inherited extensive property in Fairfax/Loudoun Co., Virginia. The Neale's were involved in the early "Iron Works" industries in the areas and records indicate that both brothers may have been Smiths (no specifics as to what kind of Smiths they were, Edward definitely was). Is this all coincidence? As a side note - it appears that Christopher and Edward were the children or grandchildren of Frances Neale who received a grant in Wilmington, Delaware from the Duke of York, but like Robert Carr and John Lane, he moved on to Maryland and Virginia where he received even more property. Henry Johnson (aka Hendrick Janssen van Jeveren) With Henry Johnson, I will be going back to a whole different era in the family history and other theories that I have. The earliest record of Hendrick Janssen van Jeveren place him in New Amsterdam in 1642 at the age of 20, occupation Locksmith. Another Hendrick Janssen who is a Smith also resides in New Amsterdam at the same time, but they can be differentiated by the fact that van Jeveren uses a signature, the other uses a Mark. In 1656 he receives a grant for a lot on Long Island, which he donates to the Reformed Dutch Church in 1659 before removing to New Amstel. Hendrick is found in records of New Amstel in 1662, and then taking the Oath of Alliegence to the English in 1664. In 1667/8 he received a grant from Governor Nicolls at the town of New Castle, Delaware and married in 1668 to Elizabeth Carter, widow of Nathaniel Utie of Spesutia Island, Baltimore Co., Maryland. In 1682, Henry Johnsson purchases 640 acres from Samuel Hedge, the later removing to Salem Co., New Jersey. The Hedges later intermarry with the Vandever's who then move into Frederick Co., Maryland (see John Vandever Sr. and Jr. above). Henry dies in Baltimore Co., Maryland in 1690, his estate inventoried by Edward Beedle discussed above. Here is the most interesting aspect of Hendrick Janssen - I believe he is the witness in the following baptism in the New Amsterdam Reformed Dutch Church Records: 14 December 1653 "Jan Swaen; Catharyn; Hendrick Janszen, Catharina Jans." The Catharina Jans here was later (c. 1654) married to Jacop Van der Veer. Jan Swaen's wife was Marritje Jans, who appears to be the sister of Catharina Jans. It is my belief that Hendrick Janssen van Jeveren was their brother. That would make Jan Vanderveer (aka John Van de Ver) Hendrick's nephew and Jacob Van Deaver of Baltimore Co., Maryland (in the same area as Henry Johnsson) his grand nephew. SUMMATION At this point, I am going to cut this discussion short. A map has been prepared which helps to demonstrate the movements of various individuals and families discussed here. It also demonstrates how NONE of the families associated with George Vandiveer were collocated or associated with George Vandevour/veer of Kent Co., Delaware. The only family with any collocation was the Hollingsworth family, though there was no relationship between any of the Vandiver's in Maryland or Virginia. The Hollingsworths were a large family that spread in all directions, but only became intermarried with the Vandervoort's and Vanderford's of Talbot Co., Maryland and Kent Co., Delaware. By: Jerry Vandiver at jerrydvandiver@hotmail.com in May-2004 o----------o TOMBSTONE TRANSCRIPTION NOTES: ------------------------------ a. = age at death b. = date-of-birth d. = date-of-death h. = husband m. = married p. = parents w. = wife HORTON, Harriet Vandriver, b. 1827, d. 1894 HORTON, John Calhoun, b. 1821, d. 1899 HORTON, Millard Cortez, b. c1865, d. 1946, a. 81y HORTON, Oze Enoch, b. 1862, d. 1933 VANDRIVER, Edward, b. 1748, d. 1837