FREDERICK COUNTY, VA - HISTORY - Homesteads and Biographical Notices
                    --------------¤¤¤¤¤¤--------------

Shenandoah Valley Pioneers and Their Descendants

A History of Frederick County, Virginia

(ILLUSTRATED)

From its Formation in 1738 to 1908

Compiled Mainly from Original Records of Old

Frederick County, now Hampshire, Berkeley,

Shenandoah, Jefferson, Hardy, Clarke,

Warren, Morgan and Frederick

T. K. Cartmell Clerk of the Old County Court

p. 186-205

CHAPTER LII

Homesteads and Biographical Notices

Walnut Grove (so called in 1804) is now the property of Jno. S. Lupton, who
purchased it from his father-in-law Mr. Patrick Smith, who was son-in-law of
the founder Joshua Lupton, who died about 1845 at the age of eighty-six.
Tradition, however, gives this place an interesting antiquity: That the
founder was Joshua's father, John Lupton, who settled the place in 1750, and
that he was on friendly terms with the Indians who frequently visited his fine
spring, and never molested him during all the Indian massacres. Be this as it
may, Joshua spent his entire life al this place, and had the credit of being
the builder of the stone house which was an addition to the Colonial log house
that was in good repair in 1880. The present owner removed the old log
building and erected on its site the handsome stone addition with bow windows.
John the father of Joshua, lived on this tract which he acquired in 1754. His
mansion-house that is mentioned in his will, was situated near a spring "on
the edge of a meadow" just Northeast from the present barn. The old house has
long since disappeared. It was pointed out to the writer as one of the old
land-marks. The will disposed of a large tract of land; Joshua falling heir to
the homestead in 1805, which embraced nearly 600 acres, upon which he then
resided with his family. In 1845, Joshua by his will, divided his estate
between his three children, Amos taking the stone house and 259 acres, John
(familiarly known as Quaker John) taking the tract of 143 acres where he
resided during his long life, N. W. from the homestead; the daughter Sarah,
wife of Patrick Smith, taking 176 acres to the Southeast. Mr. Smith was then
living on the Cloverdale farm, but removed to their own place and there lived
until he acquired the home tract after the death of Amos Lupton. The latter,
in his incumbency of the home place, erected a large barn West of his
residence, and entered largely into the production of silk. His many mulberry
trees, cocoons and silk-worms, were the wonder of the neighborhood for many
years after his untimely death, He was survived by his wife and four young
children, viz: Mary Janney, afterwards the wife of Thos. N. Lupton, Joshua,
Nathan and Henry. The sons when young men found homes in Ohio. We are not
sufficiently informed to give details of their families. Thomas N and his wife
Mary Janney had two children, Jonah and Alice. Jonah died when a child; Alice
married Rev. W. H. Woods, D.D., and is the mother of the following children:
Leslie, Mary and Joseph.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith reared an interesting family of five daughters on the old
homestead: One daughter Margaret married Dr. Jno. S. Lupton the present owner.
She has been dead for several years. They had four sons; only two survive:
Lucien S., and Edward Lupton. Lucien S. represented this District in the
Virginia State Senate two terms. Dr. John S. the father is a confirmed invalid
at this writing, about 79 years old. Lydia the second daughter married H. R.
Lupton. Both died several years since. Two children survive, Harry and Nellie.
Both live in Winchester. Harry is married. Mr. Smith after the marriage of his
two daughters and the death of his wife, changed his residence in 1861, to the
home opposite the Cumberland Valley R. Rd. station, where his two lovely
daughters Sarah and Mary died with dyphtheria shortly thereafter. Mr. Smith
soon followed, and the other daughter Elizabeth married Jno. W. Brown. Both
died many years ago, leaving no children. In this connection, we may properly
extend a sketch of this branch of the Lupton family. The name has been so
numerous in the County, that much difficulty meets the enquirer. The most
reliable information gathered, places the family name in the Valley about
1743. Joseph Lupton coming from Pennsylvania, secured what has been termed a
minor grant for a large tract of land West of the Village of Winchester, and
then brought his wife and eight children and settled near the homestead before
mentioned; and from this family has sprung all the Luptons found in the Lower
Valley. A brother of Joseph settled on Capon River a few years later. Joseph
had a son John, who was the founder of the branch we have already mentioned,
married Sarah Frost. By this marriage he had seven children. We have already
mentioned his son Joshua, who married Lydia Reese. John the son of Joshua
married Margaret Smith sister of Patrick. They had the following children:
Joshua S., John R., Margaret B. and Thomas. All are now deceased except
Thomas; he owns the father's homestead. The three sons were faithful soldiers,
members of the 39th Batt., scouts, guides and couriers at Genl. Lee's
headquarters. Only one of the family married; this was Joshua S., who married
Margaret daughter of Genl. Josiah Lockhart. She died many years ago, leaving
three children: Ida, married James Gather, no children; John K, married Mamie
daughter of M. Harvey Albin. They have one child Bessie. Charles married a
sister of John's wife.

Having briefly mentioned all of Joshua's branch, we will take next his full
brother John Lupton, who married Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Cartmell, as
already shown in notes on Greenfield Farm, and where he lived. By this
marriage were John, Nathaniel C. and one daughter.

John lived on the hill near the Round Hill Presbyterian Church; married
Rebecca daughter of Wm. Campbell. They had six sons. Only one member of this
family is living to-day: Wm. M. the oldest was a successful physician; married
Josephine Kerfoot—both long since dead. Three children survive: Madge,William
and Kerfoot; 2nd, Hal. R., married Lydia Smith, both dead; two children
survive, Nelly and Harry. 3rd, John C, died in Richmond Hospital during Civil
War, buried in R. H. Graveyard. He was member of 3t)th Batt. at Genl. Lee's
headquarters. 4th, Nat C, died from heart trouble about 1863. 5th, J. Frank,
married Emily Shull and moved to Missouri. She died leaving one son. Her
husband was a member of the 39th Batt.—has been an inmate of the Confederate
Veteran Home in Mo. 5th, Robert M., died several years ago. Nathaniel C.
Lupton married Elizabeth Hodgson. They lived and died at their home on the
Northwest Turnpike about two miles from Winchester. They had eight children,
all dead: 1st Rebecca A., married and died childless; 2nd, Abner W., died when
about 30 years of age; 3d, Samuel R., practiced his profession in Romney and
died there many years since. Two children survive him, Fred and Mrs. Kate
Shaffer. 4th, Elizabeth C., married Jas. H. Campbell; two grandchildren
survive, Thos. W. and Lena Gore. 5th, Nathaniel C., married Ella Allamong;
both died several years ago leaving two children. 6th, Dr. Frank, married
Louise Blueboth dead. John of Greenfield Farm was married three times. After
the death of his first wife (Miss Cartmell) his second wife, Miss Williams,
was the mother of Joshua, William and Marinda. Joshua married Mary Hodgson.
Marinda married Thomas Morrison. They left four children, Silas, Mick, Snowden
and a sister, who married Henry C. Glaize. The three sons married three
sisters daughters of Martin Snapp. 2nd: William son of John, married Miss
Snapp; both dead many years ago; two sons survive them: John and Joseph. Both
were good soldiers in the 39th Batt. at Genl. Lee's headquarters. John
married; left one William Lupton surviving him. Joseph is a highly-respected
citizen of Winchester. The third wife of John was Mary Williams. She was the
mother of two sons and three daughters, none of whom married; and only one,
Thomas, is living; he is about 80 years old. John the father of Joshua and
John, mentioned above, after the death of his first wife Sarah Frost, married
Mrs. Ann Rees. By this marriage they had two children Elizabeth and Jonah.
Elizabeth married Joseph Carter and lived North of Winchester; they had three
children: Jonah, married Miss Smith, sister of Patrick Smith. It will be
understood that Jonah was the half-brother of Joshua and John, and lived at
his home Rock Harbor. Children of Jonah and Mary '(Smith) Lupton were (i)
Margaret A., (2) Sarah J., (3) Thomas Neil, (4) Mary, (5) John S., (6)
Millicent, and (7) Jonah W., Thomas N. and John S. have been mentioned in this
connection. Margaret A. married Clark Gather. Their home West of Winchester is
now owned by their son James Gather. The latter married Ida Lupton as
previously stated. Next son Jonah married Fanny Gather. They have several
children, John, Howard and Russell. Annie, married Jno. W. Lupton son of
Nathaniel C. Lupton; Betty married James W. Whetzel; they have several
children. Clark married twice—two sisters, daughters of David Shaull. One son
by first marriage, David, is a surgeon in the U. S. Navy. Harry his other son
in home. William Gather a brother of James died recently. Sarah Gather married
Mr. Leatherman; live in Winchester, and have two sons and one daughter.
Another brother Howard died several years ago. Sarah J. and Mary, daughters of
Jonah and Mary A. Lupton, married two brothers, J. Richard, and John H.
Simpson, of Loudoun County. Children of Sarah J.—Jonah L, Blanche, Jno. S.,
Emily, and Sarah wife of Dr. Jennings of N. Y.; Margaret married J. Wesley
Larrick. They live at Retirement, where they have raised a large family.
Children of Mary: Jonah, Lucy, Julia Henley, and Floyd. Millicent, the fourth
daughter, married J. Howard Gather son of James Gather—both long since dead;
no children. Jonah W. the youngest child, married Julia R. daughter of Rev,
John McCluskey, D.D., of Penn. He is familiarly known as Rev. Jonah Lupton,
D.D., a Presbyterian Minister. His first service was rendered to the Old Round
Hill Church during the closing period of the Civil War and Reconstruction
years, also assisting Rev. A. A. H. Boyd, D.D., in the Lou-doun Street Church;
next a long term at Lees-burg; then at Clarkesville; then returned to
Leesburg, and now, having retired from active work, resides in Winchester with
his second wife who was Mrs. Lottie Eichelberger. Dr. Lupton with his highly-
esteemed wife Julia, spent several years of their early-married life at Rock
Harbor the home mentioned in connection with Greenfield Farm. There several of
their children were born. Children of Rev. Jonah W. and Julia Lupton: (i) Mary
Hall now the wife of Rev. J. T. Cannon, D.D., Pastor of Grand Ave. Pres.
Church, St. Louis, Mo. They have three children, Julia, now the wife of James
Smith of 111. (the mother of Elizabeth) and John and Mary. '(2) Wm. Bailey,
married Mary Henderson of Tenn., and live at Franklin. (3) Carrie L. now the
wife of Rev. Walter L. Caldwell, pastor of 3rd Presbyterian Church, Memphis,
Tenn.; have one child Paul. (4) James S. married Imogene Smith of Clarksville,
Tenn. (5) Henry McC., married Emma Higgins; live in Clarksville, Tenn; have
one son Henry 12 years old. (6) Stuart K., unmarried; in Consular Service in
Chile. (7) Millicent L., now the wife of Rev. C. T. Caldwell, D.D., pastor of
1st Presbyterian Church, Waco., Texas. (8) Julia L., died at the age of 25
years. (9) Lydia McC, at the age of 5, and John McCluskey at the age of 3.
This brief sketch is intended to embrace that branch of the Lupton Family
commonly called the Presbyterian Luptons, often mentioned as the Round Hill
branch. The other branch was designated as the Applcpic Ridge Luptons and
known as the Quaker Luptons. This family will appear in separate sketch.

Cloverdale. This well-known plantation has been in the Miller family for full
sixty years. It has the reputation that its owner never at any time lived on
the estate; and this accounts tot the indifferent dwelling-house seen there at
this time,—supposed to be, and do doubt is, the house built there about 1744.
The original grant for this land was to Branson and Thomas in 1735, who
assigned it to Martin Cartmell Jany. 14 1740, who bequeathed it to his two
sons Nathaniel and Edward. The great grant embraces the farms adjoining,—the
Stribling farm on the Northeast (now Walter A. Miller's), and the Greenfield
farm on the West. The tract was divided into several farms when Gerard Briscoe
became the owner. He never lived there, however. His heirs, Mrs. Elizabeth
Holmes, Mrs. Alex. G. Baldwin and others, sold their undivided interests to
Abraham Miller. Hugh Holmes owned and controlled Cloverdale for a number of
years prior to 1825; and tradition gives him the credit for building the
largest barn then in Frederick County. He also held some shares in the
Stribling farm in 1813. Financial embarrassment compelled a sale of all his
interests; and in 1837 the two farms became the property of the Miller family,
and it has never changed owners since. The writer has been informed that Judge
Hugh Holmes lived in the old house, the remnant of which is now habitable.

Robinson's Spring was the Lyles Robinson farm, now owned by Mr. James B.
Russell. The old stone mansion-house about one mile West from Winchester, in
full view from the Northwestern Turnpike which is the Northern boundary of the
magnificent estate, was erected by Mr. Robinson about 1800. (This must have
been the father, since Lyles was only 45 at the time of his death.) He there
reared his large family of ten children, their mother being the daughter of
Dr. Richard Goldsborough of Maryland. After his death in 1834, the estate
passed to the Merryman family. One of his sons, Richard A. Robinson, who by
his liberality and tender regard for his native county, endowed the present
Shenandoah Valley Academy,—had not attained the period of manhood. The family
disposed of the large real and personal estate and sought homes elsewhere.
Several of the sons became prominent in business circles in Louisville, Ky.,
and elsewhere. At this writing (1908) one of the name is enquiring for
authentic incidents pertaining to the history of this family while residents
of Frederick County. We may add that Mr. Russell has divided the large tract
into two farms; and has erected a dwelling house, etc., near the turnpike,
directly opposite the site of the large mansion-house erected by Alexander
Tidball about 1840, afterwards the well-known property of Geo. W. Ward,
deceased,—"Elmwood." The latter notable structure was destroyed by fire during
the latter years of Mr. Ward's life. The large farm is now the property of his
two sons, Dr. Julian F. Ward and State Senator Robert M. Ward.

Wending our way towards Winchester, the traveller finds himself on historic
ground as he stops to slake his thirst at the Old Town Spring; for on his
right is an old brick mansion-house almost hidden from view by vine-clad
walls, and a miniature forest of tall trees, of the Colonial period, while out
on yonder hill above the Spring to the left, standing out in bold relief, is
seen a large square brick-house. Fifty years ago it was surrounded by a
beautiful grove of ornamental trees. Both these places have an interesting
history;—the old homestead first mentioned, hoary with age, and of Ye Olden
Style, impresses the beholder. This is Glen Burnie, now the home of Col.
William Wood Glass. This property has been known to the generations which have
come and gone for one hundred years as the Old Wood estate. At some point on
the great lawn lived James Wood the first owner to build habitations on the
virgin soil. No white man had trodden there who could call it his. Lord
Fairfax had not then seen what he afterwards claimed. Wood came with his order
from the Virginia Council "to measure out and settle families on such tracts
that he surveyed of lands on a branch of the Opeckon Creek, not heretofore
settled." As Mr. Wood failed to make report of surveys, he lost his right to
many thousand acres of the ungranted land. He was content to take what he
reported as tracts he had chosen for his settlement, estimated to be 1200
acres. (In 1758 Fairfax gave him title to 1241 acres within the survey.) This
embraced the present site of Winchester; and extending Westward, included what
are now known as the Edward M. Tidball and Aulick farms, and what has been
known as the Steele Lot Company land, starting from the Spring and extending
West to the Tidball farm.

We find James Wood living at this place in 1743, when he qualified as Clerk of
the first court held in Frederick County; and evidence has been shown in this
volume that the Court held its first sessions "at the house of Mr. Wood," and
also that the Clerk's Office was there for about two years; as it appears from
orders of court that James Wood had allowances for use of his house for court
purposes, and also an order for him to "transfer the records of the Court to
the Clerk's Office at the Court House." The Glen Burnie mansion-house was
erected by James Wood the Clerk prior to 1755—exact date unknown. The brick
were brought from England to Alexandria as ballast on sailing ships, thence by
wagons to the plantation. The structure has durability stamped on every
feature; the style is Colonial in everything, lacking the portico and large
pillars. The porch now over the front was erected by the present owner. The
old doorway, of antique style, was familiar to many dignitaries of the tSth
Century. The old justices composing the Old County Court, had right of way to
Col. Wood's spacious hall and dining-rooms. Their Clerk had their profound
regard; Lord Fairfax and Col. Wood had many transactions, and much evidence
appears of their intimate relations; and he, too, enjoyed the hospitality of
Glen Burnie; and many eminent men assembled there in council—aspirants for
political office. George Washington, with his first military commission,
deemed it wise to counsel with the Glen Burnie politician, when a candidate
for the House of Burgesses, and securing favor, he was elected. Col. Wood was
well versed in the arts and tactics of bold leaders in civil and military
life. He was no novice. When he first appeared in the Court of 1743, the
announcement was made to the Court that he desired to dedicate a portion of
his land to the new county, as a site for her public buildings. We have
already shown how well he succeeded. This in itself, made him ever after a
conspicuous figure in the Lower Valley. Upon this first act, he erected an
imperishable monument, marking him the founder of Winchester. The Colonel was
prominent in Orange County affairs; and previous to his settlement on his
Frederick County tract, was the owner of several tracts of lands elsewhere.
Mentioned in the Court Order books as Col. of horse and foot in the Colonial
Line, "and as County Surveyor in 1734;" special order appears in the minutes
of 1742 in connection with Col. John Lewis, Major Morgan Morgan, Captains
Andrew Campbell, Thos. Rutherford, Lewis Neill, Lt. Jacob Hite, Thos.
Swearingcn, and many others who became prominent in Frederick County when the
first court was organized. Col. Wood was a conspicuous figure during his
entire life. As clerk of the celebrated Court for about seventeen years, his
official life was of high order, as the records of the old office fully
attest. As County Surveyor, and as one of the commission to ascertain and
settle claims of officers and men of the French and Indian Wars, he left a
record of marked ability. He is also credited with service in the House of
Burgesses, acting as proxy for Washington when engaged in the French and
Indian War. (See Hayden's Virginia Genealogy.) Family records show that he
came to his new home with his wife and four children of tender age. As he
states in his will, written in 1746, "they are under age." The writer, being
aware that the name of Wood appears often in records, in connection with
several other families long resident of Frederick County and the Lower Valley,
deems it desirable to show in this sketch, who comprised the Glen Burnie Wood
family and their descendants.

James the founder married Mary the daughter of Captain Thomas Rutherford, the
first Sheriff of Frederick; and as Col. Wood and Capt. Rutherford were living
in Old Orange County in 1738, we assume the marriage was solemnized in that
County. The following is copied from an old note-book of James Wood, now in
possession of one of his descendants, daughter of Col. Glass:

Children of James Wood Jr. and Mary Rutherford—

(I) Elizabeth, born Sept. 20, 1739

(2) James " Jany. 28, 1741

(3) Mary " Sept. 23, 1742

(4) John " Jany. 1, 1743—44

(5) Robert, " July 27, 1747.

The following is taken from the family records: Elizabeth married Hon.
Alexander White —no children.

James married Jane Moncure, leaving no descendants. He was Col. of a Regt.
during the Revolutionary War; promoted Brig. Genl. for gallant services, and
Governor of Virginia 1799— 1802. At that date he was president of the Virginia
Society of Cincinnati at Richmond (See Va. Mg. of Hist., Vol. i, pp. 95—6—7.)

Mary Wood married Col. Mathew Harrison, an officer in the Revolutionary Army.
They have many descendants. The writer regrets his inability to give an
intelligible list, owing to the failure on the part of some well-known
descendants to furnish their respective lines. We can at present give in part
the line of one daughter, Mary Ann Harrison, who married Obed Waite, a
prominent official in Winchester for many years. Their daughter Maria
Antoinette, married Washington G. Singleton, member of the Winchester Bar in
its palmy days. Their town residence was on Cork Street between Washington and
Stewart Streets. It has been shown in Gleanings from the Old Courts, that
during the War of 1861—65, court was held in Mr. Singleton's residence. The
writer knew the sons Obed W., Caldwell, and Wm. Allen, during their school
days, at the old Winchester Academy. There were several daughters, one, Miss
Mary Singleton, married Henry St. George Of-futt; and their daughter, Eleanor
Offutt, is now Mrs. Eleanor Barton, of Flushing, New York. John Wood, son of
James was a physician; he married Susannah Baker, and left many descendants.

Robert Wood, youngest son of James Wood and Mary Rutherford, married Comfort
Welch. List of their children as follows:

James, Mary, Robert, William, Sarah Ann, Comfort, Catherine, Harriet and
Julia. This large family lived at Glen Burnie. Mary Rutherford, widow of
James, held her dower in the homestead as provided for in the will of her
husband, which was probated 1760; and at her death, about forty years
thereafter, her son Robert became sole owner. Only three of the nine children
married:

Mary married Lawrence A. Washington.

Comfort married Robert Dailey, of Romney, W. Va., their children being: Doct.
Robert, who married a Miss Taylor, his children, Benjamin, James, Judge
Robert, C. Wood, Doct. Griffin, Howland and Thomas. Doct. Griffin is located
in Romney. C. Wood is a lawyer; he has several children; Judge Robert Dailey
lives in Romney—has several children. Doct. Robt's daughter Jane married Chas.
Lobb. Thomas died single. One daughter married Mr. Baird. She left several
children, one of her daughters is a teacher at Fort Loudoun.

Catherine married Thomas Glass, son of Samuel Glass and Elizabeth Rutherford.
There were two children by this marriage, Ella and Wm. Wood Glass. The
daughter died many years ago in blooming womanhood. William Wood married
Nannie R. Campbell, daughter of R. Madison Campbell of Stony Mcade. They lived
for many years at his father's old homestead Rosehill on the Opecquon. Later
on, Col. Glass inherited Glen Burnie by the will of his Aunt Julia, the
survivor of the large family; but during her latter years he removed his
family to the old ancestral home; and there his family of seven children were
reared, viz:

(1) Katherine R., the owner of Fort Loudoun Seminary. Her accomplishments are
of that high order and attractive style, that as principal of this renowned
institution of learning, she is favorably known to a large circle at home and
abroad.

(2) Thomas is married, and at present resides in the new State, Oklahoma.

(3) Hattie W. G., now the wife of Mr. Davis, an official in one of the
Departments at Washington, D. C.

(4) William married Miss Louise Baker of Winchester; is a lawyer and lives in
Waynesboro, Va.; has one son Wm. Wood, Jr.

(5) Susie married Harry Strider of Jefferson County, W. Va. She and her
daughter survive her husband.

(6) Robert McC. is a prominent physician; resides in Winchester—married Miss
Kate Cover, daughter of Thomas Cover, Esq. They have one child.

(7) Wood married Mrs. Embrey; lives in Indian Territory, a lawyer in active
practice.

This brief sketch gives only an outline of the activities of Glen Burnie life.
The old homestead has afforded a resting place to many members of the several
generations, as these activities ceased. We find a small plat of ground
sheltered from storms by ancient cedars—the family burial place of the Wood
family. Here may be found the graves of Robert Wood and his wife Comfort Welch
Wood, and their children Dr. James, Dr. Robert, Sarah Ann, Harriet, William
and Julia Wood. Mrs. Comfort Dailey and Mrs. Catherine Glass, and her husband
Thomas Glass. Two granddaughters of Robert have their mounds here, Ella Glass
and Harriet Dailey. His daughter Mrs. Lawrence Washington, the record shows,
was buried in Wheeling, W. Va. Gov. James Wood was buried at Chelsea near
Richmond. There is no positive evidence that James, the first Clerk, and his
wife Mary are in the unmarked graves seen in the family plot. Some have
thought that his prominence and vast possessions would have prevented his
grave being unmarked by those who placed him there; and for this reason, some
doubt has fallen over his last resting place. This should not be; for it was
not the custom in that early day to distinguish graves as is now done. For
instance, the Old Episcopal graveyard once on Main Street: if those graves
were marked, what has become of the marks? The same can be said of the Old
Lutheran and Presbyterian graveyards on the hill; also that Old Chapel in
Clarke, where it is well known that wealthy and distinguished persons were
buried prior to 1760. But where are the slabs to distinguish them? Family
tradition in the Judge White family says that Hon. Alex. White, son-in-law of
James Wood was in one of the unmarked graves. Governor James Wood must have
been a frequent visitor to his old home; for the deed books from 1796 to 1811
make frequent mention of his presence to acknowledge instruments of writing.
His last appearance was in i8ir, when he released a mortgage held by him on
the Lawrence A. Washington farm, when Alfred H. Powell purchased 350 acres
adjoining the Town Spring, from Lawrence A. Washington and wife, then living
in Jefferson County, Va. She was daughter of Robert Wood. Tradition says he
presented her the Hawthorne homestead as a bridal present. Washington had in
1803 placed a mortgage of $13,-420.00 on 570 acres of this tract in favor of
Genl. James Wood of Chelsea, Henrico County, Va. This fixes his residence at
that point; and there it may be he was laid to rest.

The writer will add in this connection that the Washington tract was part of
the Wood tract; also the old Academy tract of 5 acres due West from the
Memorial Hospital, and the Judge Hugh Holmes lot or square, now the old Byrd
property. Governor Wood, while Colonel in the Virginia Line, was ordered to
Charlottesville to "superintend the Convention prisoners" and was there June
14, 1780. In 1781, his accounts for provisions and care, were settled.

Col. James Wood, as already stated, held his commission as Colonel and County
Surveyor in Orange County in 1734. In 1758 he was acting as County Lieutenant
in Frederick, though no record of this fact appears in our Order Books. The
Secretary's Office has the original of the following copy: "Williamsburg,
Sept. 28, 1755. To Col. James Wood: The Bill for adding your lotts to
Winchester, has been and I make no doubt will pass into law, Thomas Rutherford
is sick * * * 20,000. is voted for payment of yr. Regimt. to ye first of Dec.
Yr. Humble Servt., Thos. Walker, Secy."

This proves clearly that he was regarded as the County Lieutenant. The law
required this officer to receive the pay for the County Regiments, and to
disburse the fund; and there is nothing to show that his commission as Colonel
was withdrawn. The Colonel was a favorite, it seems; for we find that Gov.
Gooch issued him a commission dated April 28, 1739, as Collector for Orange
and Prince William Counties. This embraced duties on all skins and furs
exported and liquors imported,—to hold the office at pleasure. This might
imply that Col. Wood was yet a resident near the Orange Court House. As
Surveyor of Orange County, he surveyed a tract of land for Abram Hollingsworth
in 1735, and signs the report, and that he was on the tract—the number of
acres being 1250—being within the limits of Alexander Ross's patent for
100,000, and that it adjoined the tract where Hollingsworth lived. We find him
again in 1736 making a survey for John Lilley (or Tilley) for 293 acres on
West side of Opecquon, on Lick Run, part of Ross tract. Again we find him in
1738 surveying lands in Augusta County, for Reuben Rutherford, 400 acres,
adjoining Jno. Bell and others. At this time he was locating the numerous
tracts for which he had obtained orders for himself, six of these being styled
the New River Patent, aggregating 934 acres. He also had several large tracts
on South Branch. The latter gave him trouble with Fairfax. This will be shown
in Chapters on Fairfax suits.

Col. Wood accomplished much in his short life, for he was only 52 years old
when he died Nov. 6. 1759. This is proven by an interesting incident, being an
inscription on a mourning ring possessed by the family through the after
years.

Hawthorn, familiarly known as the home of Thomas Allen Tidball, the third
clerk of the county court. As previously stated, it was part of the Glen
Burnie plantation, passing from that estate to Alfred H. Powell, who sold 331-
1/2 acres to Joseph Tidball the father of Thomas A. Subsequently Alexander S.
and Thomas A. purchased this tract from their father, and Thomas A. having
purchased his brother's interest, became sole owner, and after his marriage in
1813, Hawthorn was his residence until his death in 1856. In Sept., 1856, his
executors sold the mansion house and 60 acres to Col. Angus W. McDonald, who
became a prominent officer in the Confederate States Army. During the Civil
War the old homestead was shorn of its beauty—the buildings became a wreck,
and the handsome lawn despoiled by wanton destruction of the great ornamental
trees, and the magnificent estate was left a dilapidated ruin. The vandalism
of certain well-known Federal Brigadiers and their commands, was without the
pale of civilized warfare. After the war, the McDonald family sold it to Henry
Laughlin of St. Louis, who did much to reinstate what had been destroyed.
Passing from his estate to Wm. R. Alexander, a member of the Winchester Bar,
it subsequently passed to the present owners, Mr. Edmunds and wife. Under
their artistic treatment, we see the New Hawthorn. May it never cease to
attract the admiration of the small number who knew and admired the old
homestead. The Old Town Spring on the roadside, with brick house and walls,
became the property of Winchester by a deed from Mr. Tidball June 15, 1840,
with reservations for the use of owners of Hawthorn. Thomas A. Tidball was
Deputy-Clerk for James Keith from 1804 to 1824. Upon the death of Judge Keith,
Mr. Tidball was appointed Clerk. When the office was made elective by popular
vote, he was elected, and continued his long term of 52 years as deputy and
clerk without opposition. His official life has been a guide to his
successors. None, however, ever felt they could equal their model. The
systematic and perfect work found in the old office is easily recognized as
that of the man who had the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. Mr.
Tidball married Susan Hill, a daughter of Rev. William Hill, D.D., Nov. 18,
1813. They had three children, Joseph, Scott and Bettie. Mr. Tidball was
elected and ordained a ruling elder in the Loudoun Street Presbyterian Church,
Winchester, Va., the 14th day of Jany., 1855. While the writer knew Mr.
Tidball and his family, and could draw from memory many incidents of interest,
he prefers to insert here the language of another, taken from a sketch
published in "Memorials of Virginia Clerks," written by James Carr Baker,
Esq., member of the Winchester Bar, and Mr. Tidball's deputy for many years.
"Indulge the writer in a reminiscence of the family of Mr. Tidball. When the
writer, in his fourteenth year, entered the family, it consisted of Rev.
William Hill and wife, Mr. Tidball and wife, and their three children: Joseph,
Alexander Scott, and Bettie Morton. William Marshall of Happy Creek and Lewis
Arms lead of Fauquier became members soon after. Bettie Morton (now Mrs.
Thurston) of Cumberland is the only living member of the family. Joseph was an
accomplished scholar; became a lawyer; removed to California, and left the
impress of genius on the country of his adoption. Alex. Scott had gone to the
same State before his brother, and became in that new country an artist of
some note. William Marshall died before completing his education. Lewis
Armstead graduated at West Point, and espoused the cause of the Confederacy,
and at the Battle of Gettysburg was killed in his saddle."

The author must add that the writer just quoted and Mrs. Thurston, have long
since gone beyond the River to join the family circle referred to. Mrs.
Thurston's daughter, Miss Helen, married Edward M. Tidball. One daughter (now
Mrs. Samuel Barton) survives both parents. One other daughter—is now Mrs.
Hunter Boyd of Cumberland, wife of the Judge of the Supreme Court of Maryland.

Joseph married Mary M., daughter of Dr. Stuart Baldwin. Two children survive
them: William A. Tidball, of Texas, married Miss Swartzwelder; and Susan
married Ed. M. Tidball.

Alex. Scott married in California, and had an interesting family when the
writer visited them in 1879.

Selma, the palatial home of Alex. R. Pendleton, Esq., a retired member of the
Winchester Bar, located on the lofty eminence just East of Hawthorn, occupies
the site of Senator James M. Mason's old home Selma. The old mansion was
destroyed during the War by Federal troops, because of Mr. Mason's mission
abroad as representative of the Confederate States Government, to secure
recognition of the Confederacy. This was known as the Mason and Sltdell
mission. Senator Mason had sons and daughters: James M., Jr., who has been
prominent as a lawyer and politician in West Va., his home being at
Charlestown, Jefferson County, being one.

John, another sou, also lived in the new State. The oldest son, George, lived
in Galveston many years, where the writer saw him last. One of the daughters
married the Hon. John Ambler; the other daughters removed to Alexandria, and
established a seminary for young ladies.

Judge Edmund Pendleton and his wife erected the present mansion, and lived
there in regal splendor during their latter days. They are survived by their
only son, A. R. Pendleton.

Hollingsworth Homestead. On the Southeast side of Winchester can be seen an
old homestead known as the first settlement of the Hollingsworth family.
Tradition gives a much earlier date than is justified by any evidence recorded
concerning their arrival. The writer has been assured by the survivors that
very much that has been written about this family is without foundation.
Suffice it to say, however, that their first grants fix the family at the old
place about 1736. The three survivors, Mary, Jonah and Anna Hollingsworth are
children of David, who lived in the stone house now occupied by his
children—the oldest being full seventy-five years of age. David the father
died many years ago (1859). He was the son of Jonah Hollingsworth. The house
was erected prior to 1800. The Hollingsworths intermarried with the Parkins,
Lytle, Jolliffe, Robinson, Houghton, Lupton, Griffith and many other families,
which makes the lines so intricate and the descendants so numerous, that it
would require a large volume to enumerate them;—it being positively asserted
that the name appears in Census Reports of every State in the Union save
three. The old mill, the remains of which are now used for the power house and
pumping station of the new water works, was operated by David and doubtless by
his father. The family were reputed as good millers. The large stone mill on
the Valley Turnpike one mile South of Winchester, was erected by Isaac
Hollingsworth in 1827; who always took pleasure in stating that he himself was
the stonemason who built the corner next the water-wheel. This was the mill
site for a mill that stood there many years before the stone building went up.
The proof of this is interesting to the antiquarian citizens of Winchester;
for it establishes two important facts, as will be seen: There is a deed
recorded in the County Clerk's Office dated 1746 from William Dobbins, for a
lot of ground in Winchester, using this language: "South of Cork Street out
towards Mr. Isaac Parkins residence and mill, upon which there is a stone
house and other buildings, and the said Dobbins reserves a room in said stone
house for his own use." This shows that Winchester had one stone house as
early as 1746, and the Parkins mill was a landmark near the village that was
slowly rising in the virgin forest. Until recently, the date of erection of
the present mill was plainly seen from the Valley Turnpike. The old house on
the hill, part stone and part logs, was the residence of Isaac Parkins when he
operated the mill in 1746, and later on was a member of the House of
Burgesses. This property passed from the old Isaac Hollingsworth estate to
Festus Hahn subsequent to the Civil War. He built the substantial brick
residence East of the Pike now owned by R. M. Henry. After Mr. Hahn's death,
the mill and old house property on the hill became the share of Robert Hahn;
and, by some misunderstanding with two purchasers, R. M. Henry and Saml. M.
Chiles, the old "Milltown Mills" was worn to a frazzle in our courts, so far
as Robert was concerned, Mr. Chiles prevailed finally, and is now the owner of
the historic mill site. The brick house on East side of the Pike was Mr.
Hahn's residence during his latter years. Festus Hahn was miller at this mill
during the Civil War; and often told the writer his experiences and
observations of the movements of both armies passing this place, and of
several severe engagements in the old mill yard between cavalry scouting
parties. Mr. Hahn amassed a snug little fortune subsequent to the war, when
milling was profitable. The large brick mansion, just South of the mill, now
the home of Mrs. Annie Hack and daughter, was the residence of Isaac
Hollingsworth, and was built by him long before he built the stone mill. He
operated the old Parkins mill, which stood closer to the mill dam; his widow
and son Isaac surviving him many years. The son married Alcinda Gibson, of
Clarke; and there at Willow Lawn reared their family. Mrs. Hollingsworth and
her family removed to Cumberland after they sold the property to Andrew Hack,
of Baltimore. Isaac, Jr., in his lifetime, gave the old homestead a reputation
for Virginia hospitality; and his accomplished wife was fitted for any of its
demands. Willow Lawn during the incumbency of its present owners, has had many
attractions added; and their guests' enjoyment while under its roof-tree,
affords pleasure to the mother and daughter, who know so well how to bring out
all the charms of their typical Virginia home. Isaac Hollingsworth, son of
Zebidae and Lydia Allen, born Nov. 6, 1771; died Nov. 24, 1842. He married
(first) Hannah Parkins, Jany. 10, 1799. She was born 1781, died 1824. Their
children were: Eliza, born 1800; died 1860—married Alfred Parkins March 14,
1820.

(2) Joseph P., born 1802; died 1870; married (first) Louise Holliday, 1823;
second wife Ann E. Osborne, 1856.

(3) Eleanor, married David Hollingsworth 1833; died 1846.

(4) John, born 1807; died 1860; married Dorathea Ayres.

(5) Mary P., born 1809; married Aaron H. Griffith.

(6) William, married Caroline Tuck; died 1878.

(7) Lydia Ann, married James Richards in 1835; died 1845.

(8) Isaac Milton, is mentioned elsewhere.

(9) Cyrus, died 1860—no issue. Charles, Henry C. and Alexander, unmarried, and
long since deceased.

Isaac Hollingsworth had two sons by a former marriage; one Joseph, who lived
on his farm near the Glebe lands mentioned. He married, and by said marriage
had a daughter and son. Harriet was adopted by Mrs. Isaac Hollingsworth, Sr.
She married twice,—first, Mr. Sowers, second, Mr. Culler. Joseph married a
second wife. She and her two daughters survive him and resided in the large
stone dwelling on South Main Street, Winchester. James the son married Miss
Gibbons, of Dayton, Ohio.

Isaac Milton, the other son, married Mary Pritchard, and lived for many years
near his father, as fully shown in sketch of the Cartmell family.

Isaac Hollingsworth married a second wife, Harriet Holliday in 1828. She died
May, 1873. She had one son Isaac, born 1831; died 1873; married Alcinda
Gibson, as shown elsewhere— six children by this marriage, viz: Hattie,
Gibson, Royd, Ida, Delia and Holliday. Hattie married Glisson Porter, 1877;
Gibson married Chloe Birch, 1880; Boyd married G. Lemley.

The writer has on his table a genealogical memoranda of the Hollingsworth
family prepared especially for family use, that is remarkable for its
systematic plan; and the traditions of the family are adhered to,—that the son
of Valentine Hollingsworth the emigrant, who settled in Pennsylvania, and who
first appeared in Frederick County, Va., was Thomas; and that he died near
Winchester in 1732 or 1733. This is only given as family tradition. No record
evidence appears of this. The location of the mill just described, is
mentioned in other pages of this volume as being on Abrams Creek. A short
distance below stood what was commonly called the Nathan Parkins Mill. Nathan
was the youngest son of the Isaac who founded the mill mentioned. His home,
now occupied by Geo. W. Hillyard, is one of the oldest buildings to be found
South of Winchester—certainly the old stone part. Mr. Parkins was an honorable
and upright man; and attained an old age, leaving two children surviving him,
Jany. 5, 1830: John Henry, died in Augusta County, Dec. 26, 1901; left eight
grown children, seven of whom are now living, as follows: (Children of John
Henry Parkins and Ella Moorman his wife.)

(1) Nathan Parkins, farmer and lawyer, Staunton, Va.

(2) Thomas M. Parkins, physician, Staunton, Va.

(3) Rosabelle, wife of Ernest Keesel, of Richmond, Va. They have one child,
Thomas, born Aug. 10, 1905.

(4) C. V. Parkins, Fort Defiance, Va.

(5) Mary E. Parkins.

(6) Roberta Parkins.

The two daughters live with their mother near "Willow Spout" farm, the home of
their father at his death.

(7) John H. Parkins, Jr., Chemist with Comr. of Agri., Richmond, Va.

The Nathan Parkins Mill was destroyed by Genl. Hunter during the Civil War;
rebuilt by Jacob Keckley 1872—3, with turbine wheel power. This failed, and
system changed to present style.

Thomas T. T. Fauntleroy lived in the old Parkins house for a number of years.
There he and his happy family enjoyed the many advantages of the old homestead
until his elevation to the Bench of the Court of Appeals of Virginia.

On the Opecquon Creek, several miles below, was the home of Alfred Parkins,
known as "Parkins Mill," though the homestead name has always been Frederick
Hall, where he reared a large family. All are now dead except Milton, who
married a sister of the late Capt. Van Fossen. Had only one daughter, who
married Freeman Birthright, living in Washington.

One of his sons, Rev. Alexander, died from wounds received in Battle of Bull
Run. He was a brave Confederate soldier. A daughter Caroline, married David J.
Miller, long since dead. A son, Parkins Miller, lives in St. Joseph, Mo., with
a large family.

Second daughter Maria, married Capt. J. Harvey Bitzer, who organized a company
of scouts for Genl. Jackson, but was disbanded before seeing much service. The
writer knew Capt. Bitzer well. He and his wife died many years ago. Their
young family struggled with broken fortunes for several years. At this
writing, however, the surviving children are well-to-do. Rev. Geo. L. Bitzer,
pastor of Presbyterian Church, Corsicana, Texas; Dr. J. Harvey Bitzer, a
dental surgeon, in Alexandria. The former married Miss Ralston, and after by
second wife had three children. Dr. J. H., married Miss Turner, and has two
sons and one daughter. The two daughters of Capt. Bitzer, the Misses Annie F.
and Eliza P. never married; live at Tacoma Park. The latter conducts a
profitable stenographic business in Washington City.

One son, J. William Parkins, lived and operated the Parkins Mill for many
years, ending his upright life near the old place not many years since. He had
two daughters and one son: Maggie was the first wife of Jno. M. Silver; died
several years ago; the other, Carrie B., is the wife of Jesse R. Bailey, 1880,
who purchased the old mill property—all of which is so changed that the
passer-by could scarcely realize that the writer remembers when it was one of
the most profitable mill properties in the County. J. Walter Parkins survives
both parents, nnd lives in Loudoiin County, and married.

Joseph, second son of Alfred, died with lockjaw ; left widow and two children.
The widow married Mr. Heironimus, merchant, in Winchester. Both dead.

Alfred, son of Alfred, Sr, married Miss Walter, 1867. Children: Robert B.;
Geo. W.; Alfred ; Henry D.; Eliza H.; Albin L. and Neil R. The father died in
1887, at Tacoma Park, D. C, their home.

Want of space forbids further mention of this family, who belonged to the
first settlers.

Greenwood Mills, the home of the McCalister family, located on Abrams Creek,
has been mentioned in previous pages. The large woolen mills in this vicinity,
have also received attention. Here was the residence of Aaron H. Griffith, who
intermarried with the Hollingsworth family, his wife being Mary P.
Hollingsworth. The attractive old homestead bears its early name "Brookland."

The residence and part of the plantation is owned by the family.

Aaron Griffith was a Quaker of the strictest class; maintained his enviable
reputation for integrity and charitable acts throughout his long life. The
writer recalls many of his generosities. He rigidly adhered to the customs and
style of the Sect of Friends. Friend Griffith reared a large family.

(1) Elizabeth B. became the wife of H. B. Bailey, of Ohio, 1856.

(2) Hannah P., died 1839. J. Clarkson, married Mary R. Dilks of Philadelphia,
1859.

(3) Martha, became the wife of Henry O. Ott, of Wheeling, W. Va., 1864.

(4) Harriet II., became the wife of Wm. T. Ellis, of Massachusetts, 1865.

(5) Isaac H., married Katie Cochran, 1879.

(6) Aaron H., born 1843, died 1863.

(7) Richard Ed., married Viola Hunt, of Ind., 1887, One son Richard Edward,
born Dec. 24, 1886.

(8) Mary A., unmarried.

(9) John, unmarried. The Griffith family have innumerable relations in
Frederick County, in direct lines of descent from brothers and sisters of
Aaron H.; and by the marriage in the Hollingsworth family. They start with the
celebrated Steer family, that filled the Lower Valley with their descendants.
Joseph Steer appeared in Frederick County with the first settlers. His
children intermarried with the Jackson, Saxton, Parkins, Lupton and
Hollingsworth families; and we find in studying the genealogy of this family,
the second generation produced men and women who became important factors in
the development of the material resources of the old County. We find the
second generation inter-marrying with the Baldwin, Burnett, McVeigh, Walker,
Brown, Robinson, Taylor, Sowers, Richie, Harlan, Rood, McPherson, Moore,
Hough, Wood, Russell, Haines, Whitacre, Lovett, Williams, Roberts, Shields,
Burden, Randall, Patterson, Wright, Clevenger, and many other well-known
families. Want of space forbids fuller mention of these families. They show a
good history. The voluminous notes of the writer may tempt him to furnish
sketches of the second and third generations of the families referred to.

Mr. R. Ed. Griffith, son of Aaron H., resident of Winchester, has in his
possession some valuable genealogical matter;—so much so, that he has been
urged to contribute it to the Handley Library Collection, when its shelves are
ready. Mr. Griffith is a graduate of Swarthmore College, once Old Haverford,
and has considerable literary talent. He has been identified with Winchester
affairs for nearly 55 years, and was City Postmaster at one time. Although he
had the misfortune to lose an arm when a lad, he has never ceased from the
activities of the busy man. He resides in Winchester.


___________________________________________________________________

	Copyright.  All rights reserved.
	http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm

	This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives 
	by:  Joy Fisher <sdgenweb@yahoo.com>
___________________________________________________________________