Archive | July 2009

Happy Anniversary Larry and Darlene

Jul24

Larry, you share this anniversary date with your 4th great grandparents…
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200 Years Ago Today
July 24, 1809

Joseph Runyan, from Montgomery County, VA, married Nancy Jacobs, from Tazewell County, VA. They are my 3rd great grandparents. Two of their children were:

  1. Nancy Moore Runyan (my 2nd great grandmother)
  2. Charity H. Runyan

On This Day in 1851

Jul22

158 Years Ago Today
July 22, 1851

My 2nd great grandparents were married. Mary Jane Daugherty (John L.,John, John) and Daniel Parham Gregory (John Keatts, William, John, Thomas III, Thomas II, Thomas, Richard). They had six children and were laid to rest at the Daniel Gregory Cemetery in Clear Fork, Tazewell County, VA. Mary Jane was the granddaughter of Tazewell County pioneer, David Ward. Her brief obit is preserved in an old scrapbook belonging to her namesake granddaughter, Mary Jane Davidson.

Daniel Parham Gregory October 2, 1819 – May 16, 1859
Mary Jane Daugherty May 24, 1826 – April 13, 1897

In March of 1859, Daniel & Mary Jane Gregory’s last child was born, a boy named Lewis H. Barely two months later, Daniel was dead. cause of death Scrofula {tuberculosis of the lymphatic glands, at only 39 years old. Browne Hollowell
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Wikipedia says, “Scrofula is the term used for tuberculosis of the neck, or, more precisely, a cervical tuberculous lymphadenopathy. Scrofula is usually a result of an infection in the lymph nodes, known as lymphadenitis and is most often observed in immunocompromised patients (about 50% of cervical tuberculous lymphadenopathy). About 95% of the scrofula cases in adults are caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but only 8% of cases in children. The rest are caused by atypical mycobacterium (Mycobacterium scrofulaceum) or nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM). With the stark decrease of tuberculosis in the second half of the 20th century, scrofula became a very rare disease. With the appearance of AIDS, however, it has shown a resurgence, and presently affects about 5% of severely immunocompromised patients. Signs and symptoms…The most usual signs and symptoms are the appearance of a chronic, painless mass in the neck, which is persistent and usually grows with time. The mass is referred to as a “cold abscess”, because there is no accompanying local color or warmth and the overlying skin acquires a violaceous (bluish-purple) color. NTM infections do not show other notable constitutional symptoms, but scrofula caused by tuberculosis is usually accompanied by other symptoms of the disease, such as fever, chills, malaise and weight loss in about 43% of the patients. As the lesion progresses, skin becomes adhered to the mass and may rupture, forming a sinus and an open wound.”
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Note the 1850 Census for Tazewell Co., VA, Western District, p. 179, 24 Sept.

27 Chas. H. Greever age 44 male Farmer Real Est. 4,000 b. Va
28 Eliza 28 female “
29 Alexr 12 male “
30 Blair 10 male “
31 Chas 2 male “
32 Mary Daugherty 20 female ”

Next door is:
33 Jno D Peery 62 male Farmer Real Est. 5,000 b. Va
34 Mary 20 female “
35 David P. 10/12 male ”

Mary is Mary Clay Gregory, the younger sister of Daniel Parham Gregory. I would say this is how Daniel and Mary Jane Daugherty met. (speculation Browne Hollowell) And I would bet that living in Chas. H. Greever’s house as probably a servant or helper to Eliza Greever, that Mary Jane named her next daughter after a woman who had been kind and a friend to her. Were they related? I don’t know.

Charles and Eliza are buried at the Greever Cemetery at Five Oaks in east Tazewell. Eliza J., wife of Chas H. Greever, died Nov. 9, 1881, age 62 y & 7 D. I think that would make her born Nov. 2, 1819. So actually she was 31 (Lacking one month) in 1850. So a 31 year old married woman with three children, could have welcomed young 20yr old Mary Daugherty, and been a friend and mentor. As you know, it was very common in 18th and 19th centuries, for a young girl to leave her family and go live with another family, not necessarily as a servant but more as a mother’s helper. Perhaps it was a way of dealing with adolescent attitudes which can be a little difficult between mother and daughter sometimes, but would have been tempered by being in another woman’s house.

On 22 May 1852, twins were born. This was not unusual in the Gregory family to have twins.
These twins were named John K. L. and Elizabeth H. John K. L. died the next day, 23 May 1852, but he was named for Daniel’s father, John Keatts Gregory. I do not know what the L stands for. Elizabeth H. is most probably named after Daniel’s mother, Elizabeth Holland Corder Gregory. This was a strong custom to name the first after the father’s family.

Next, in March, 1854, Nancy Ward Gregory is born. She is named after Mary Jane’s mother, Nancy Ward Daugherty. Again, a strong custom to name after the mother’s family at the next birth. Then Eliza Greever Gregory is born June 1856.

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109 Years Ago Today
July 22, 1900

Erastus Wiley Davidson (John Adams, Erastus Granger, Robert W., Joseph, John Goolman) was born to John Adams Davidson and Lillie Emma Bette Riggle. Erastus Wiley was my 2nd cousin, 2x removed.

Etiquette of the Era

Jul21

Calling cards or visiting cards were first used in China in the 15th century. They became popular in Europe during the 17th century, and soon traveled across the Atlantic to the social elite in the Americas.

Calling cards became an essential accessory for the rounds of reciprocal visits that played a significant role in genteel social life. They were used in accordance with an elaborate set of rules, according to which a would-be visitor would first leave her card with a new acquaintance at the acquaintance’s home. The visitor would not expect to be admitted into the house, but would hope to receive a card from the acquaintance in response, as a sign that a face-to-face meeting would be welcomed. If the visitor did not receive a card in response, or if she received a card sent in an envelope (as opposed to one delivered personally by the acquaintance or her servant), she would know that she had received a social snub, and be discouraged from pursuing a face-to-face meeting.

During the 19th century the middle classes, in imitation of more privileged society, adopted the practice of using calling cards. The purpose of the cards changed, however, when fewer servants were available to deliver them, and they evolved as a precursor to the modern-day business card. Calling cards during this period were generally smaller than today’s business cards, and usually consisted simply of a name engraved on glossy cardstock.

Emily Post, writing early in the 20th century, suggests that in certain social groups, calling cards could replace informal party invitations, contain messages of condolence or celebration, be used as endorsements, or be sent by mail. Even for Post, however, there are times when custom dictates that a calling card must be left. First, a guest must always leave a card after dining at someone’s house for the first time, or if they were invited to a dinner but were unable to attend. Another occasion that requires a calling card, according to Post, is the return of a first visit. Post also considers a calling card essential when sending an invitation for the first time, and says that a card should always accompany the inquiries and expressions of sympathy that occur in the case of bereavement or illness in a family.

The following summary reflection from Emily Post conveys the social utility of calling cards, which lasted well into the 20th century: “Who was it that said—in the Victorian era probably, and a man of course—’The only mechanical tool ever needed by a woman is a hair-pin?’ He might have added that with a hair-pin and a visiting card, she is ready to meet most emergencies” (Post). http://gslis.simmons.edu/henty/callingcards.htm

A William Harrison was married to my 3rd cousin, 4x removed, Anna Eliza Harman. This was 3rd cousin, 2x removed, from Grandmother Buckland.

Some folks from Falls Mills, VA will remember Mrs. Mammie Lee Harry who lived beside and probably owned the land where the current day Harry Cemetery lies on Mudfork Road near Falls Mills Christian Church.


The above calling cards were from a scrapbook belonging to my grandmother, Mary Jane (Davidson) Buckland. Sadly enough, hospitality and good manners seem to be a lost art in our generation.

On This Day in 1867

Jul19

142 Years Ago Today
July 19, 1867 – August 12, 1954

Captain Greenlee Davidson Letcher was one of eleven children born to Governor John Letcher and Mary Susan (Holt)in Rockbridge County, VA.

  1. William Holt Letcher
  2. Samuel Houston Letcher
  3. Andrew Holt Letcher
  4. John Davidson Letcher
  5. Margaret Kinney Letcher
  6. Mary Davidson Letchr
  7. Virginia Lee Letcher
  8. Captian Greenlee Davidson Letcher (2nd cousin, 4x removed)
  9. Fannie Wilson Letcher
  10. Elizabeth Stuart Letcher
  11. Mary Susan Letcher

Captain Letcher married Katherine Seymour Paul on May 31, 1898 and they had 3 children:

  1. Greenlee D. Letcher
  2. John Letcher
  3. General John Seymour “Buzz” Letcher

Captian Letcher rests in the Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, VA.


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110 Years Ago Today
July 19, 1899 – May29, 1959

Lacy Clemons Gregory was one of five children born to William Benton Gregory and Elizabeth Ann Ruble.

  1. Callie Susie Gregory
  2. Lacy Clemons Gregory (2nd cousin, 2x removed)
  3. Barbara Virginia Gregory
  4. Cecil Lloyd Gregory
  5. George William Gregory

Lacy married Edith Lucille Peery and had seven children:

  1. Louise Gregory
  2. Pauline Elizabeth Gregory
  3. James William Gregory
  4. Norman Gregory
  5. Lacy Clemons Gregory, Jr.
  6. Jack Lee Gregory
  7. Thomas Edward Gregory

Lacy married a second time to Rhoda Alien Jewell and they had a daughter
Edith June Gregory. Edith married Homer Ray Patrick
68 Years Ago Today, July 19, 1941.
Edith was my 3rd cousin, 1x removed. They had one son and one daughter who are probably still living, so I will not post their information.

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126 Years Ago Today
July 19, 1883

Robert Charles Walker was one of nine children born to Rev. John Randolph Walker and Mary Jane Brown. He and his siblings were my 2nd cousins, 2x removed.

  1. Alexander Philip Walker
  2. John Kahle Walker
  3. Marvin N. Walker
  4. Harriet Reaves Walker
  5. Robert Charles Walker
  6. Louise Laura Alice Walker
  7. Thomas Frank Fowler Walker
  8. Maybelle Stuart Walker
  9. Eleanor Stuart Walker

On This Day in 1849

Jul18

160 Years Ago Today
July 18, 1849

My 2nd great grandparents, Thomas Jefferson Davis and Sarah Ann Combs, were married. T.J. was the son of Caleb Davis and Lydia Bartley. Sarah was the daughter of John Combs and Miss Bowman. It is speculated that Sarah is of Indian descent, but I have no proof. Thomas J. and Sarah had fifteen children. Thank you to Betty Campbell Yates for this picture of our ancestor and the great historical information she has passed on so generously.

  1. Jessee Davis
  2. John Davis
  3. Doctor Caleb Davis (my great grandfather)
  4. Charles Henry “Charley” Davis
  5. Elizabeth Ann Davis
  6. Hannah J. Davis
  7. Sarah Catharine Davis
  8. Martha E. Davis
  9. Thomas Jefferson Davis, Jr.
  10. James A. Davis
  11. Lucy B. Davis
  12. Hugh C. Davis
  13. Margaret Davis
  14. Lydia “Liddy” Davis
  15. Virginia Jane “Jennie” Davis

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129 Years Ago Today
July 18, 1880 – April 2, 1910

Nannie Maryanne Jessee was one of ten children born to John Counts Bull Jessee and Margaret Peggie Cross in Russell County, Virginia.

  1. Susan Helen Jessee
  2. Wm Robert Jessee
  3. Dora Laura Jessee
  4. Charles Benson Jessee
  5. Asa Jeter “Acie” Jessee
  6. Orpha Catharine Narcissus (?) Jessee (2nd wife of my g-gf Wm Brooks)
  7. Virthie Jessee
  8. Sally Jessee
  9. Nannie Maryanne Jessee (my 2nd cousin, 4x removed)
  10. Andrew J. Jessee

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127 Years Ago Today
July 18, 1882 – May 24, 1960

James Artrip Kiser, my 6th cousin, 2x removed, was one of ten children born to Rev. Lilburn Hendricks Kiser and Frances Sutherland. See June posts for siblings. James married Elizabeth L. (last name unknown).

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85 Years Ago Today
July 18, 1924

My 1st cousin, Lacy Clarence Davis, Jr. was one of three children born to Lacy, Sr. and Okie Grubb. If anyone has more information on my cousin, his children, pictures, etc., please contact me sherrykelly@comcast.net

On This Day in 1873

Jul18

136 Years Ago Today
July 18, 1873 – March 9, 1916

Samuel W. Gregory, my 1st cousin, 3x removed, was one of ten children born to Thompson Edward Gregory and Martha J. Steele.

  1. Emma E. Gregory
  2. George R. Gregory
  3. Ella L. Gregory
  4. Perlina Belle Gregory
  5. Samuel W. Gregory
  6. Martha J. Gregory
  7. Mary N. Gregory
  8. Obed E. Gregory
  9. Grover Cleveland Gregory
  10. Edward S. Gregory

On This Day in 1812

Jul14

197 Years Ago Today
July 14, 1812

My 3rd great grandaunt, Martha Gregory married William Pickeral in Pittsylvania County, VA. She was one of nine children born to William and Martha (Tucker) Gregory.

  1. John Keatts Gregory (my 3rd great grandfather)
  2. Maryan Polly Gregory
  3. William Gregory, Jr.
  4. Lowry Gregory
  5. Elizabeth Gregory
  6. Richard Dennis Gregory
  7. Nancy Gregory
  8. Martha “Patsy” Gregory
  9. Robert T. Gregory

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184 Years Ago Today
July 14, 1825 – October 22, 1885

My 2nd great grandaunt, Permelia Clement Gregory was one of fifteen children born to John Keatts Gregory (above) and Elizabeth Holland Corder. See previous posts for sibilings.

On This Day in 1892

Jul14

117 Years Ago Today
July 14, 1892

My great grandaunt, Lucy B. Davis, married James M. Castle (Cassell?), son of Scott Castle in Russell County, VA. I do not know of their children. Lucy was one of fifteen children born to Thomas Jefferson and Sarah Ann (Combs) Davis.

  1. Jessee Davis
  2. John Davis
  3. Doctor Caleb Davis (my great grandfather)
  4. Charles Henry Davis
  5. Elizabeth Ann Davis
  6. Hannah J. Davis
  7. Sarah Catharine Davis
  8. Martha E. Davis
  9. Thomas Jefferson Davis, Jr.
  10. James A. Davis
  11. Lucy B. Davis
  12. Hugh C. Davis
  13. Margart Davis
  14. Lydia Davis
  15. Virginia Jane “Jennie” Davis

Hope Your Day is Overflowing with Blessings!

Jul12

Happy Birthday Brian Alexander!


Meet the parents, sister Carson & brother Will.

Thank you Lord – What a gift!

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180 Years Ago Today
July 12, 1829 – 1880

My 2nd great granduncle, George C. Daugherty, was one of four children born to John L. and Nancy (Ward)Daugherty. He is the grandson of Virginia pioneer David Ward.

  1. Mary Jane Daugherty (my 2nd great grandmother)
  2. Isaac W. Daugherty
  3. George C. Daugherty
  4. David Allen Daugherty

George married Mary J. Gillespie on December 25, 1856 in Tazewell County, VA and they had one child that I know of, John L. Daugherty who married Flora Wheeler. George died in Dade County, MO.

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83 Years Ago Today
July 12, 1926

Fay Gregory Yost, my 3rd cousin, 1x removed, was one of three known children born to William Paris Yost and Jenetta Fay Steele Gregory. (1) Fay Gregory (2) Mary Frances (3) William Paris, Jr. Wm Paris, Sr. and Jenetta were first cousins. Fay married Ermil Osburne on December 27, 1947 in Greenville, SC.