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Webb and allied families consisting of Manuscript of John Webb written in 1870 and The Webb family : an article reprinted from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine.

Webb and allied families consisting of Manuscript of John Webb written in 1870 and The Webb family : an article reprinted from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine. Webb, John, 1794-1870. 400dpi TIFF G4 page images University of Kentucky, Electronic Information Access & Management Center Lexington, Kentucky 2002 b92-93-27763135 Electronic reproduction. 2002. (Beyond the shelf, serving historic Kentuckiana through virtual access (IMLS LG-03-02-0012-02) ; These pages may be freely searched and displayed. Permission must be received for subsequent distribution in print or electronically. Webb and allied families consisting of Manuscript of John Webb written in 1870 and The Webb family : an article reprinted from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine. Webb, John, 1794-1870. J.A. Stewart, Louisville, Ky. : [19--] 50 p. : geneal. table ; 23 cm. Coleman Microfilm. Atlanta, Ga. : SOLINET, 1993. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm. (SOLINET/ASERL Cooperative Microfilming Project (NEH PS-20317) ; SOL MN03012.04 KUK) Printing Master B92-93. IMLS This electronic text file was created by Optical Character Recognition (OCR). No corrections have been made to the OCR-ed text and no editing has been done to the content of the original document. Encoding has been done through an automated process using the recommendations for Level 1 of the TEI in Libraries Guidelines. Digital page images are linked to the text file. Webb, John, 1794-1870. Webb family.Stewart, J. Adger (Joseph Adger) The Webb and Allied Families, consisting of Manuscript of John Webb written in 1870 and The Webb Family an article reprinted from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine J. ADGER STEWART 4780 Crittenden Drive LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY 1'i .fl 0 3: -C I- 0 o -2 _r_ 9 be (x m . -161 I E 8- T ! ,.z - .c en E tf) MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB PREFACE At the request of my children, I have consented to write a short history of my life. I do it with a heavy heart, feeling my inability to put anything on paper that may interest the public. My history, though somewhat eventful, as I am now getting to be an old man, I cannot conceive of interesting anyone, unless an immediate descendant or some relation. There is another motive that influences me to write my life history; i. e., perhaps there are few men that have as great a knowledge of their ancestry as myself. I have never kept a journal, but am indebted to tradition and a retentive memory for my information. I have no pride to gratify nor time to waste, yet I feel that if I can accom- plish something for the gratification of others, it is not time spent in vain. Should the sketch not meet the approval of my friends, I hope they will attribute it to my want of capacity and not to any desire on my part to fail to give a full and impartial history of events of my past life. With the above remarks I shall now proceed to the task before me, promising to devote all of my leisure time to the work. Should I live to complete it, I shall present it to my children for their disposal. JOHN WEBB Newborn Newton County, Georgia This page in the original text is blank. MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB My great-grandfather, James Webb, went up the Rappa- hannock and settled in Essex County, Virginia, about eight miles below the county village, then called Hobb's Hole, and within a half mile of the old brick church, on a farm owned those early days by Mr. Newman Brokenbrough. I am not certain whether my great-grandfather and great-grandmother are buried there or in the churchyard nearby. (Note.-This James Webb was born in Virginia in 1705, married Mary Edmonson in 1734, and died in 1771. His will was dated November 26, 1770; proved May 20, 1771.) They had four sons and two daughters to live to adult age. The sons were: James, John, William, and Thomas. One daughter married Philip Voss, settled in Halifax County, and had eight children. Tls daughter's namo was Elizabeth, born 1754; married a second time, a Mr. Thomae 3hepard, of Granville County, North Caroliia, The other daughter, Mary Webb (born 1740), married Samuel S;rth, of North Carolina. Thomas Webb (born 1761, died 17,83) settled in Pennsylvania; followed the mercantile business. Afterwards he moved to one of the West Indian Islands, acquired a large fortune, and died un- married. John Webb (born 1747) married Amy Booker, of Din- widdie County, Virginia, and settled in Person County, North Carolina. William Webb (born 1745) married Francis Young and settled at Tally-Ho, Granville, North Carolina. James Webb, my grandfather (born July 2, 1734), married Mary Smith. a daughter of Colonel Francis Smith, of Essex County, Virginia. She was of English descent. Colonel Francis Smith, my great-grandfather, was twice married. By his first wife, Lucy (daughter of Francis Meri- wether), he had one son and two daughters: Meriwether, Mary, and Nancy; and by his second wife, two sons and one daughter: William, Francis, and Letty. MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Meriwether Smith married a Miss Adams, by whom he had two sons and one daughter. His sons were George and Bathurst Smith. I do not recollect anything in regard to Bathurst Smith or his sister. George Smith, the oldest, was twice married. By his first wife he had several children. I recollect the names of but three: Richard, Meriwether, and John Adams. His second wife was the widow of Meriwether Jones. George Smith was the governor of Virginia at the time of his death. He lost his life in attempting to save his children, whom he supposed were in the theater in Richmond when it burned. Fortunately for them, they were all out. Mary Smith was my grandmother. More of her later. Nancy Smith married a man by the name of Lee, who died shortly after the marriage. I never heard of any children. William Smith married Nancy Belfield. They had five chil- dren: Francis, William, Nancy, Elizabeth, and Alice Smith. Francis married Letty Nuphis, his cousin. William married Sally Throckmorton; his son, James Smith, was in the Conven- tion that framed the present Constitution of the state of Virginia. Nancy Smith married Thomas JeffricE, by whem she had several children; two sons, whom I knew when young, became men of distinction in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Elizabeth Smith married Thomas Walker, a bizotber of my mother, of whom I shall speak in another place. Alice Smith was not married when I left Virginia; she has married sin.ace and gone North to live. Francis Smith, the son of Colonel Francis Smith, came to Georgia previous to the Revolutionary War, and married Miss Lucy Wilkerson. They settled on Fishing Creek, Wilkes County, six miles north of Washington, Georgia. They had nine children: eight sons and one daughter. John Smith, the oldest son, married Miss Walker and moved to Tennessee, later to Missouri; they had one child, Ann Smith, who married David Dedrick, of Mis- souri. Ebenezer Smith married Francis Anderson and settled in Wilkes County, adjoining his father. He had three sons and six daughters: Francis married Julia Wilkerson, and had one son; John and Lucy Smith lived to be adults, but never married; Mary married a Mr. Warren; Ann married a Mr. Thurman; Reuben married a Miss Prather, and lived near the old home place. Of what became of the younger girls of Ebenezer Smith 2 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB I do not recollect. William Wilkerson Smith married Judith Heard, his cousin, and settled near his father, moving after his death to South Carolina, then to Chambers County, Alabama. He had ten children: Ann married Colonel Thornton; Judith married Dr. Thornton; Cynthia married a Dr. Cobb; Susan married James Cade; Lucy married a Mr. Baugh; Thomas was killed by a horse in South Carolina; Francis was killed by a ne- gress in Chambers County, Alabama, who was hung; William Wilkerson, named for his father, married a Miss Baugh and moved to Texas; Jesse and John, the youngest boys, I have not heard from. Thomas Smith was appointed captain of a rifle company in the United States Army about 1806, and was stationed at Fort Hawkins during the War of 1812. He was made brigadier general. After the close of the war he retired from the army, and settled in Missouri. He married Miss Cynthia White, sister of Hugh White, of Tennessee. Francis Smith, con of Francis and Lucy Wilkerson Smith, married a Mrs. Toombs, of Wilkes, formerly Miss Kelsie, of the Northern Neck of Virginia. Francis died in a short time, and his wife married Andrew White, of Ten- nessee. He died, and she married Governor Blount, of Tennessee; all this before she was twenty-one years of age. Reuben Smith married when fifty, and settled in Missouri, then a territory. A Francis and William Smith died when young, so two others had the same names. Nancy Smith, the only daughter of Francis and Lucy Wilkerson Smith, married Peter Early, former governor of Georgia. They had seven children: Augustus, Thomas, Alexander, Francis, Peter, Lucy, and Cynthia Early. Lucy Early married Mr. Richard Jones. Cynthia Early also married a Jones. The Early boys left this state. Nancy Smith married the second time, to Rev. Adiel Sherwood, a Baptist minister, also editor of Sherwood Gazette. MY GRANDFATHER, JAMES WEBB, after he married Mary Smith, settled a tract of land on Piscataway Creek, Essex County, Virginia, five miles from Hobb's Hole and three miles from the Rappahannock River. His will was dated August 20, 1773; proved January 17,1774 (Essex County Records). They had four sons and three daughters: Francis, James, William, George, Mary, Lucy, and Jane Webb. 3 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Francis Webb, my father, was born some time in the year 1759, and married Francis Walker in the year 1786. James Webb, born 1762, was very dissipated in his early days. I am told he spent the entire estate left him by his father, which was considerable. After an unhappy love affair, he applied him- self to his profession of law, having previously been admitted to the Bar, and became very eminent. About 1790, he married Miss Dorothy Throckmorton. Her grandfather gave him a very pretty estate, to which he added and became quite wealthy. They had no children. He made a will distributing his property very partially, leaving us nothing, though he had wronged my brother and me of twenty thousand dollars. Dr. William Webb was born in 1765. He also went through most of his estate when young. He married twice; his first wife was Miss Rousie, a lovely woman, and very wealthy; she died within a year. His second wife was Miss Priscilla Brown, also wealthy. He lived in Essex after his second marriage, had several children; then moved to Kentucky, and later to Indiana. George Webb was likewise wild when young, and spent his estate. He studied law and was admitted to the Bar. Kentucky was then a new state, and George wished to go there, but had no means. My father furnished him with clothes, money, a good saddle horse, and a bridle. After his arrival in Kentucky he be- came steady and engaged in his profession with zeal. He became wealthy, married, and reared a large family. Some of his sons reside in Louisville. Mary Webb married Albion Throckmorton, a Baptist minister. He had but little property when they married, and in a few years he spent most of her estate. They had several children; the oldest daughter, Sophia, I remember well. They moved to Kentucky, and one of their sons became a fine lawyer in Texas. Lucy Webb was very handsome and accomplished. She was called the "Belle of Tappahannock." She married a gentleman named Gray. They also moved to Kentucky. Jane Webb married and moved to Kentucky. My grandfather, James Webb, died previous to the Revolu- tionary War. My grandmother, Mary Smith Webb, died about 1785. 4 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB I shall now proceed with the history of the family of Francis Walker, my mother, as far as I can recollect. Freeman Walker, my grandfather, born September 23, 1734 (son of David and Mary Munford Walker), was of Irish descent. He married Frances Belfield, of the Northern Neck of Virginia, a lady of an English family of high birth, and settled a place called Stephen's Green on Buckskin Creek, in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, ten miles from the courthouse and thirty miles from Petersburg. They had five children: two sons and three daugh- ters. He died in the prime of life, when his youngest daughter was but six months old. His death was caused by lockjaw. My grandmother married again, a Mr. Henry Brodnax. He was a widower with three children: namely, William and Henry Brod- nax, and a daughter who married Mr. Holmes, of Bowling Green, Virginia. By Henry Brodnax my grandmother had four children: one son and three daughters, all of whom lived to be grown. Alexander Walker, the oldest child by Freeman Walker, married Miss Penelope Beckwith, of large fortune and noble family. She died soon after marriage, and he did not get the fortune. He became very intemperate and spent his own large fortune. My grandfather had died under the English law, and thus the largest portion of his estate went to his oldest son. He lived to be very old. Thomas Walker married, when forty, Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Essex, from whom he got some property. He was one of the best classic teachers of his day. They had several children. Mary Walker, the oldest daughter of Freeman and Frances Belfield Walker, married William Brodnax, the elder son of Henry Brodnax by his first wife. They settled in Brunswick County, Virginia, and had three sons. Her first son, General William Henry Brodnax, was a lawyer of high distinction and was con- sidered one of the foremost men in the state. He married and settled in Brunswick County, too; he died in 1834, leaving four sons and two daughters. Mary's second son, Freeman Brodnax, became deranged, was lost and never heard from. Her third son, Meriwether Belfield Brodnax, died in 1832, leaving one son and two daughters. They are all married and living in Petersburg, Virginia. General William Henry Brodnax's oldest son, David W. Brodnax, was a doctor, living near Greensboro, Alabama. 5 - - wr A '41iL b 0 EDCco .C _ -F I FS0 I .1' MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB After the death of William Brodnax, Mary Walker Brodnax married Mr. Albion Adams. There were no children. Frances Walker, my mother; more of her later. Elizabeth Walker married the Rev. Henry Merritt, a Metho- dist minister. She had three sons and one daughter, and died in 1819, being only fifty-three years of age. Their oldest son, Dr. John Freeman Walker Merritt, lives near Vicksburg, Mississippi, and has four children, all grown. Their next son, William Henry E. Merritt, lives in Lawrenceville, Brunswick County, Virginia, and has six sons and four daughters. Dr. Alex. Thomas Belfield Merritt lived in Richmond until a few years ago. I think he now lives on his plantation near Vicksburg, Mississippi. He married a widow with one daughter, and had one daughter by her, called Frances Elizabeth, for his mother, my mother, and grandmother. Frances Elizabeth married a Mr. Rives, son of Judge Rives, of Virginia. Elizabeth Walker Merritt's only daughter married Dr. John Parham, of New Orleans, and died in 1844, leaving four sons and one daughter. John Belfield Brodnax, my half uncle, son of my grandmother's second marriage, married a Miss Maria Woolfork, of Bowling Green, Virginia. He died in 1824, leaving six sons and one daugh- ter. One of their sons, a prominent doctor in Vicksburg, Missis- sippi, died in 1850; issue: five daughters. Rebecca Brodnax, the oldest daughter of my grandmother by her second marriage, died unmarried. Susan Brodnax, the second daughter, died unmarried. Mary Ann Brodnax, the youngest, also died unmarried. Frances Walker, my mother, was born in 1764 and married my father, Francis Webb, in 1786. They had eight children: six sons and two daughters. My mother died in 1808, leaving an infant daughter of six months. She was an affectionate wife, a fond mother, and a kind mistress. The infant daughter died in twelve months. This left but three children living, myself the youngest. Francis Webb, my father, the oldest son of James and Mary Smith Webb, was born in 1759, in Essex County, Virginia, on the place my grandfather first settled. My grandfather died in 1772. My father took the notion to become a sailor, and actually had his 7 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB chest put on board a vessel, when the entreaties of his mother brought him home again. In a short time though he went on a privately armed vessel. This was about the commencement of the Revolutionary War. I have often heard him speak of the first battle: everyone on board their little craft was either killed or wounded, except Captain John Evans and a negro boy. My father was shot in the ankle, which caused one of his legs to be shorter than the other. For his gallantry my father received the appointment of midshipman in the Virginia Navy, and was stationed on the ship "Dragon," where he served the principal part of the war. At the close of the war he returned home. Soon he took his waiting man and several fine horses and went to Georgia, where he purchased a large quantity of land and returned to Virginia. About this time grandmother died, and her children began to scatter. In 1786 my father married. In 1787 brother Bathurst Webb was born and only lived a year. On August 5, 1789, brother Thomas was born. March 31, 1792, brother James Webb was born. I was born March 20, 1794, and named John Webb. In 1796 sister Frances Belfield 'named for our grandmother) was born, and died the same year. In 1798 Richard Walker Webb was born. In 1800 William Meriwether Webb was born. The last two died within two days of each other in 1804, and were buried in the same grave. Frances Walker Webb was born in 1808, and lived only a year. After my father had made his purchases in Georgia and re- turned to Virginia, nearly all of his land was resurveyed, either by what was then known as Head Rights or Soldier's Bounty. To establish his claim, he found, would be attended with consider- able expense and require much time. He asserted his claims in 1799 or 1800. In the fall of 1805 he went to Georgia and re- mained twelve months, securing the titles to his lands and making sale of some tracts that had not been taken up. My father resided in Essex County, Virginia, on the same tract of land on which he was born, but not in the same place. My grandfather had commenced building, previous to his death, on a beautiful mound about one mile from the former place. This new place was known as "Mount Prospect." The construc- tion was sufficiently advanced for grandfather to move in before 8 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB his death. This place was about 100 yards from the road leading from Tappahannock to Urbanna, five miles from Tappahannock, one-fourth of a mile from Piscataway Creek; and three miles from the Rappahannock River. It had a beautiful view of the creek where it entered the river, then a view of the river for five miles. My grandfather, grandmother, mother, three brothers, and two sisters are all buried in the family graveyard, about one hundred yards from the first settlement my grandfather made on the place. My father lost thirty-odd slaves while at "Mount Pros- pect," for, in spite of the beauty of the place, it was unhealthful. My father was left a handsome estate by his father, he being the oldest son, but by sickness, bad management, and unprofit- able speculation, he left his estate in such a condition that, when wound up, there was but little left. Many years before he left the state of Virginia, he purchased some lots in the town of Tappa- hannock from Uncle James Webb, as agent for one Ritchie, for which he gave a mortgage not only on the town property but on the place on which he lived. In a few years he sold the town lots for a profit and canceled the debts by the notes of others, which were perfectly good and received as such. Uncle James promised to destroy the mortgage . . . . Part of John Webb's manu- script was lost, making this land deal far from clear.] My father, Francis Webb, came to Georgia in 1810, and settled in Hancock County, Georgia, where he died in 1811. Brother Thomas Webb was killed by a horse in 1812. He was twenty-four years old, and said to be engaged to marry. He was the administrator of my father's effects. Brother James Webb had a strong liking for books. He com- pleted his education before he was sixteen, and came to Georgia in 1809. He taught school that year, and in 1810 he returned to Virginia. He wrote in the clerk's office in Tappahannock under John P. Lee, and read law in his leisure time. After the death of my father he returned to Georgia and read law in Milledge- ville. That year, 1812, he was drafted and sent to Point Peter. He was appointed clerk for the regiment, served his term, and in April returned home. He married Miss Rachel Lamar, daughter of Colonel Thomas Lamar, formerly of Hancock County, June 24, 1813. That fall he was admitted to the Bar. He was already Justice of the Peace, having been elected shortly after his return 9 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB from the army. He moved to Linton, where he practiced law with Colonel Lowther until 1823. He next moved to Jackson County, Florida. There he was employed in an important land case, which made it necessary for him to go to Washington City. He was appointed Judge of the Southern District of Florida and also Judge of the Admiralty, for the adjustments of claims on the coast. The last appointment made it necessary for him to move to Key West. This was during the administration of John Quincy Adams. He was re-appointed by Jackson and retained by Van Buren. During this administration he resigned and be- came the Secretary of State under Mirabeau Lamar, then presi- dent of Texas. A few years later he was elected Attorney General of Texas, then made minister to Mexico. Afterwards he was offered the appointment of minister to the Court of St. James, but declined. He was again made Secretary of State, held the office for several years, and returned to his profession. In a few years he was elected Judge of the Judicial Circuit in which he lived. This office he held at the time of his death. ........[Many eulogies and resolutions made by the different courts of Texas, many papers, etc., which John Webb copied in his original man- uscript, have been omitted.] James Webb and Rachel Lamar Webb had seven children: four sons and three daughters. Two of the daughters and one son died when young. The two older sons, Thomas Francis and James William, were sent to Mount Benedict in New Hamp- shire for their education. Mary Elizabeth was sent to a school in Cahaba, Alabama, where she became acquainted with Dr. Walter Hubbert, whom she afterwards married. I do not know where the third son, Charles John, received his education: the first news I had of Charles John, my brother and I having let our correspondence slip for several years, was of his brave ex- ploits in the Mexican War under Lamar. After the war Charles John visited me for several months, and, upon his return to Texas, he\ was appointed quartermaster in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Ewell, and died there after a short illness, on December 20, 1852, in his twenty-second year. James William Webb was admitted to the Bar, but his health permitted him to practice but a short time. He then engaged in the mercantile business, and visited me on one of his trips north. 10 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB He died August 11, 1853, at the home of Lewis Webb, in Rich- mond, Virginia, age twenty-six. The oldest son, Thomas Francis, named for our brother Thomas and his two grandfathers, Thomas Lamar and Francis Webb, married Miss Jane Montgomery, of Texas. They had seven children, but only one son and two daughters are living. Thomas studied medicine, but never practiced. His present occupation is farming and stockraising, in which he takes great delight. Mary Elizabeth Webb had two sons and four daughters by her first husband, Dr. Walter Hub- bert. One son and two daughters died. Dr. Hubbert acquired a handsome estate in Alabama and moved to Texas a few years before his death. Mrs. Hubbert later married Colonel Henry Kinney, but he went to South America about a year afterwards, and was never heard from. She, her mother, and two daughters reside in Galveston, Texas. Her son, Walter Hubbert, makes his home on the old farm on the Caney. I have endeavored to give a faithful history of my connections from my great grandfather down to the present day. The most difficult part remains, the history of my own life. I will do the best I can. I, John Webb, was born March 20,1794, at "Mount Prospect," Essex County, Virginia, the residence of my father, Francis Webb. I was called John for one of my father's uncles, John Webb, of North Carolina. In my fifth year I was sent to board with a Mrs. Treble, three miles from home, to go to school. I did not go but two days before I pined myself sick and was sent home. The next year my brothers and I boarded at the same place and went to school. In 1801 I went to school to a Mr. Tucker, an Englishman, who was very cross. In 1803 father employed a Mr. Evans to teach his children; he was a man of fine education, but a poor hand to impart it. In 1804 Thomas Jordan taught us. In October, 1804, Father went to Georgia. My mother and brother Thomas went to Dinwiddie County, Virginia, to visit her mother, and left me with Uncle William Webb, and brother James with Uncle James Webb. 11 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Brother James stayed all of 1805 with Uncle James and went to school, but Thomas and I worked on the farm. The next year we all three boarded with George Chapman in King and Queen County, Virginia, and went to school to William Deshaser, at Millirs Tavern on the edge of Essex Coumty. In 1807 Uncle Thomas Walker took a school near my father's, and James and I went. In 1808 I went to school to Smallwood Nowell, a graduate from Richmond. Shortly afterwards my mother died, and my father moved to Georgia, taking me with him and what negroes he had at that time. That year we farmed. I was fifteen. The next year I went to school. The latter part of the year my father got me a clerk's position with a Mr. Wilkerson, in Screven City. There was a store with mills connected with it. My father died while I was working there. He died suddenly, but he left a will. I went, but my brothers were absent and did not get home for some time. When the will was opened, he had left all he had in Georgia to me. What he had in Virginia he willed to my brothers. They then went to Virginia to look after their property. When they got there, they found their Uncle had gone back on father, and claimed it under the old mortgage. They came back to Georgia, and we destroyed the will, and we had an equal division of what was in Georgia. My brother Thomas was killed soon afterward, so we divided his part. I then went out to fight the Indians, as the following will show . . [Note.-This is after his father's death. There were several leaves missing from his manuscript.] I now found it necessary to remain until brother James re- turned from Point Peter. Consequently I had to abandon all idea of returning to Millhaven. During my sojourn at Millhaven for nearly two years, my associates were not of the best character. My preceptor was a fine man, though he meddled himself little with anything but his own business. Shortly after my brother's return home, I joined a volunteer company of light horse. In the latter part of July, 1813, wewere ordered to prepare for our march. On August 13, 1813, we left 12 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Milledgeville enroute to Fort Hawkins. We arrived at Fort Hawkins on August 15. The next day we crossed the Ochmulgee at a ford, and passed through the place where Macon now stands, and encamped just below Captain Carr's ferry. Next we moved above the ferry and were joined by Captain Erwin's troops from Washington County. We now mustered every day but Sunday; that day we explored the country. As soon as the army became consolidated, Camp Hope was the place of rendezvous. Report had reached us that hostile Indians were in the neigh- borhood of the Flint River, which proved to be a false alarm. When we got there, I was taken sick, and was quite ill before they removed me to the hospital. To Dr. Lee's kind attention I at- tribute my recovery. Dr. Lee told me that when I was able to walk a hundred and fifty yards to where he boarded, he would get me a furlough if I could get an opportunity to go home. During my sickness my horse ran away. Shortly after this I learned that Colonel Hawkins' wagon would go to Milledgeville empty. Ac- cordingly I began to walk a short distance each day, with help, and the day the wagon was to leave, I got up early and made my way to the doctor's quarters, made known my business, and he granted my request. I reached home and surprised my brother's family. They had heard I was dead, wrapped in my blanket, and buried without a coffin. My health continued to improve, and by the latter part of January I had purchased another horse and was enabled to join my company. I belonged to Captain Steel's troop of horse. Our company, Captain Erwin's, and Captain Patterson's had all returned from the nation and were stationed in Twiggs County, Georgia, to recruit both horse and men for a few days. My horse that had left me at Flint River when I was sick, was brought to me. I had to sell him, as I had no use for but one, but got very little for him. In a few days there was a request made for us to volunteer to go on foot, with the object of giving the Indians another battle. One morning we rode to Fort Mitchell, sending our horses back from there. About 120 men joined us there; a part were left there on the sick list, and the rest were a guard for a train of wagons. Our company now amounted to about two hundred foot, and some ten or twelve horsemen. On the second day it 13 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB rained, and our arms were in a bad condition. When within six miles of Fort Hull, we heard the report of fire arms quite plain- ly . . . . The next day the rolls were called, and there were less than 1,208 men reported fit for duty out of an army of over 4,000 men rendezvoused at Camp Hope in October. We now turned our faces homeward. The night of the first day's march, I was very sick and sent for the doctor. He thought I was only tired and would be better in the morning. I continued to march with the army the next day, and by night I had a high fever, and was delirious all night. The next morning I was broken out thick with the measles. My captain offered to let me ride in a wagon, but the idea of being called a bunk major (a name given to those on sick report) and my headstrong disposition prevented my accepting the offer, and I took the road with the other soldiers. Many were the times that day that I was told they would have to prepare a box for me before we got to Flint River. On the fifth day we arrived at Fort Lawrence on the Flint River. I had not eaten anything for six days except two spoonfuls of softie, a preparation made out of corn, similar to hominy, which I got at an Indian hut on the side of the road. When I laid down, I thought for the first time I should take my journey to that Country from whence no traveler returns, before the opening of another day. John McCallister went off and returned with some old peach brandy, and insisted on my taking some. I did, twice I think, which changed my feelings very much. John D. Lunesden (our sutler) had just arrived. He informed me that he had a fine Northern cheese and crackers and asked me if I did not think I could eat some. I ate quite heartily and laid down and slept sound. The next morning the measles were again out on me thick, and from that time I began to mend. I was mustered out of service in Milledgeville, Georgia, on March 12, 1814, and was told that there was no money in the hands of the paymaster, but that we would have notice when to meet, in the County from which we came, to receive our pay. I returned to my brother's without clothes or money. What clothes I left when I entered the army were about gone. On a certain occasion, soon after I left the army, I had busi- ness at Tavern Mills, in Jones County, and on my way, late in 14 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB the evening, I passed a farm where there was a young lady in the yard. She raised her head and looked at me, and as I rode on, I made up my mind to visit her. I stopped at the next house and asked for quarters, which was granted. As soon as I had alighted from my horse, I began to ask about the girl I had seen. The gentleman spoke in high terms of her, and stated that her father was a farmer and one of the most respected citizens. The young lady, Miss Thomason, was of good parentage, very industrious, of good mind, and, I thought, of good appearance. She did not seem to appreciate the motive I had in selecting her, neither did I appreciate my feeling for her, until obtaining her looked doubtful. In my situation I became quite unhappy, and resolved to take another tour in the army as soon as an opportu- nity offered. In a short time there was a regiment at Sparta, Georgia, on their way to Savannah. I went up and became a substitute for Johnson Moss in Captain Pope's company from Oglethorpe County. I had several friends that had joined Captain Mann's company from the same county; accordingly I succeeded in ex- changing into that company. As soon as we reached Camp Jack, 27 miles from Savannah, we learned there would be an appoint- ment made to equalize the companies. I then found the sub- stitutes were not placed on the same footing with the men that came from their own counties. Preference was shown, of which I complained, and I was told that I was not their countryman and, when they returned home, could be of no service to them. I was turned over to Captain Colbert, of Green, and found it was the same case with him. He showed partiality in every case where he had power. But he soon became very friendly with me. My health was good, and I saw a glorious time during may sojourn in Savannah. In February, 1815, peace was made with England, and we returned to Sparta. I left the army before we reached Sparta and went home by way of Sandersville. I passed John Thomason's, but I had given up all hope of ever making his daughter Ann my wife. I went the next day to see an old sweet- heart of mine (Miss Garland). I spent three days with her, yet my thoughts were constantly on Miss T. I left her on Sunday evening for home. My brother and wife were not at home, and I concluded to go to Mr. Thomason's and stay till morning. 15 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB I thought I would never name the subject to Miss T. again. Her father and mother retired, and left her, her brothers. and myself in conversation. We sat until we had talked out. Her brothers left us. I thought it was too good an opportunity to let slip. Accordingly I named the subject to her again; she seemed to re- ceive it more kindly than on any former occasion. A short time afterwards we became engaged. We were married Wednesday, March 29, 1815 (Nancy Thomason and John Webb), by Benjamin Hall, Esq., of Hancock County, Georgia, in the presence of my brother, his wife, Joseph Brantley, and her father's family. As it was now late in the season, arrangements were made for us to live in the house with my brother. By August 10 we moved into our own house. Our aunt Barnett (my wife's mother's sister) gave us a cow, and I purchased another. Mr. Thomason gave me a mare. I made corn enough to do me, but only a truck load of cotton in the seed, which I carried to Sparta and laid out in dress- ing for my wife. When I got my pay for my last service, it was 20.00 in money and United States scrip for 20.77. I traded this in Milledgeville for household necessities. I bought hogs and raised pork and traded my mare and in 1817 was only forty dollars in debt. My brother had very nearly wound up the affairs of my father. There were six slaves; an old woman sixty-five, a negro man about fifty-five, and a girl twelve, and a young woman with two small children. I got the choice and took the woman and the chil- dren. During the year there was an action commenced against us for our land, it being an old survey, which my father had once gained in the Federal Court. I believed we would eventually lose it, which we did in 1817. I planted a very heavy crop for two hands, about twenty-four acres in corn and nineteen in cotton, besides garden and potatoes. The suit pending against our land prevented me from clearing more, and the present farm much injured, I determined to aban- don it. My father-in-law sold his land, and we made our arrange- ments to move to Alabama. Shortly afterward the Seminole Indians broke out and murdered several families, so on the day of the sale my father-in-law took back his land and determined to 16 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB remain. I had rented out the place where I was and was working night and day to save my crop, as I had to move somewhere. While in this situation, Cousin Ebenezer Smith came from Wilkes County to get me to go and manage for his mother. He had seen how hard I worked the summer before. Accordingly we traded for four hundred and fifty dollars per annum, she to as- sist me in moving. My crop brought me eight hundred dollars, but I was miserable because I had not made more. I had labored very hard. At the close of 1817 I moved to Wilkes County and lived three years with my old aunt, Lucy Smith. In some things she was a fine woman; in others she was hard to get along with. Before me she had no manager to live with her more than a year. 1818 was a very dry year, and she supposed she was making scarcely anything, but I made about a third more than she had made the year before. After the third year I secured employment with Mr. William Gilbert, of Washington, and Aunt employed a Mr. Moore. She often sent for me for consultation. I remained with Mr. Gilbert for two years. My health had given away, and I determined to quit the business and settle down for myself. I was making five hundred dollars clear, with him. I was now offered by Andrew Shepherd seven hundred, and William Dearing said he would give me fifty more than any other man in the state. Colonel Faris Carter offered me the management of his affairs, but I stated to him that my health and growing family made it necessary that I provide a home of my own. After I moved to Wilkes County, Georgia, I intended my asso- ciates should be among the best. Although I was then poor, my relatives were wealthy and highly respected. I determined so to conduct myself as to demand respect. I stopped all drinking and card playing in public places. I always kept spirits in my house, and generally took a drink before dinner. After I moved to Wash- ington, I had my wife make me a toddy before dinner each day. I found myself caring more for the toddy than for my dinner, so after 1821 we kept it only for medicinal purposes. While at the Gilbert's I became acquainted with several Masons. I formed a favorable opinion of the Order, sent in my petition, was accepted, and in due time became a Master Mason. 17 MANUSCRIPr OF JOHN WEBB The day after my initiation I purchased the first Bible I had ever owned. I left Washington for my new home in December, 1822, and arrived where the buildings now stand on December 31, without a shelter from the falling sleet. The next day we found an unoc- cupied house, and I had a small, temporary building up in two weeks. Before I left Aunt Smith's, my negro woman had married and wished to remain with her husband. I sold her to his owner, Captain Riddle, for sixteen hundred dollars with her children. I purchased a woman for 450. Captain Riddle could only pay me part, so loaned me a man to work out the interest when I moved. My brother also owed me a considerable sum, which he could not pay, so he loaned me two young fellows. I moved into my new place, having built a corn crib and a horse lot. I found pork very scarce, as I could get only one hog. I now commenced opening up land, and by the last of May I had thirty acres planted in corn. I had purchased this place from Rosannah Jenkins, a widow of Oglethorpe County, Georgia, for 509, which I had paid in cash before I left Wilkes County. In May, Captain Thornton was elected major, which caused a vacancy for the captaincy. My friends solicited me to become a candidate. The District was very large. I consented to run, and was opposed by Mr. Richard Pennington, a very clever man. As I had no time to lose from my crops, I thought, in all probability, that he would defeat me, but my friends were very industrious, so I received 103 votes and he, 50. In the fall the District was divided into three districts, and my house was selected for the court and muster grounds. I now commenced a retail store. Then a Mr. Solomon Worrill got me to take a small assortment of dry goods to sell on a com- mission; I opened this business August 26, 1826. In March, 1827, Solomon Worrill and I entered into partnership in the name of John Webb Co., Worrill purchasing the goods and I selling them. Before opening the new stock of goods, we took an inven- tory of those on hand, which I had received on commission pre- viously, and when they were inventoried after sales, there was not a discrepancy of five cents between sales made and inventory added, and the inventory furnished me, a circumstance seldom 18 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB heard of. I had to employ a clerk as cotton season approached, as I was engaged half of the time at my gin house. In 1824 my brother moved from Linton to Florida and wanted his boy, and Captain Riddle sent me the money he owed me and wanted his boy. This left me without help, with thirty acres of new ground and twenty ready for firing. I hired a white man for a month, and then purchased a negro man, Daniel, from Mr. C. Robinson. I got in my new ground, and the day I rolled logs, I purchased Adams from Mr. W. D. Clayton. From this time I became engaged in many kinds of business. I had wagons and teams driven by hired men and my negro Adams doing public hauling, until the railroad reached Covington and put an end to my wagon business. I established a black- smith shop, hiring a white man, furnishing the shop and the striker, and dividing the profits. I purchased a smith, named Mitchell, and paid 1,510 for him. I kept him three years and sold him for the same, as his wife's master was moving to Ala- bama. After three years I purchased Worrill's interest in John Webb Co. In 1830 I went to Charleston and purchased goods for the first time. The next fall I ordered from New York. New York factors advised me to purchase all of the cotton that I could; cotton declining, I lost 3,000 or 4,000. I had collected most of my debts in cotton, and purchased more negroes to be paid for by Christmas. My situation was unenviable, and reports began to circulate that I was broke. In this situation Mr. A. H. Tarver came to me and informed me that he had two thousand dollars, orphans' money, in his hands, which I could have the use of, for several years if I wished it; I gladly accepted. I went to Augusta, and found 7Ac was the best I could do with the hundred bales of cotton that I had not drawn on. I had been purchasing my groceries from T. I. Parmlee, and went to him for advice. I told him that if I sold my cotton, I would lose money, which made me miserable. He laughed at me, and told me to leave my cotton with him and to write my creditors to send my notes to him, and he would take them up. That spring I purchased my goods in Augusta. I was in co-partnership with J. M. Thomason at Huey's Cross in Harris County, and with Dr. John J. Clark. We sold out the 19 2MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Cross Roads store at a profit, and started another at Long Cain; sold this to T. H. Lightfoot. I did business with Dr. Clark only about six months, when A. W. James and A. Beak took my place. About 1840 I lost over eleven thousand dollars on a stock transaction with the Georgia Railroad and Banking Co. and five thousand by persons taking advantage of the bankrupt law. It was a heavy loss, but in all probability it has been a blessing to me. True, I had had misfortunes previous to this, which only caused me, if possible, to double my exertions. But this stock transaction was of such a nature as to cause serious reflection. Now, if I have any knowledge of my own heart, I have no desire to accumulate faster than prudent care will accomplish. I have had my losses since, in valuable slaves and otherwise, and no man has heard me complain. In 1844 I determined to establish a cotton mill to give employ- ment to many destitute people, made so by the depreciation of the commodities produced by their labors. I found I could not build by subscription, but would have to use my own energy and means. In May, 1845, I commenced building, and went north to engage machinery. In 1846 I admitted Mr. Robert White to equal partnership with me in the mill. We each put in 10,000 and Mr. Whitfield 2,000, the balance to be furnished by me at lawful interest. We began spinning in 1846. White and I did not get along very well, so in 1847 Mr. Whitfield, Anthony Dyer, and I purchased his interest. We were to put in 10,000 each. The business needed 50,000, so the balance was borrowed. I had to manage, the others not taking much interest in it. I then made arrangements for myself and my children to purchase Dyer's interest. Going back to the time of my marriage, I will give a little of the personal history of each of my children. Being the youngest child of my mother that lived to any age, I had had little to do with children, and had formed rather a dis- like for them. After a year of marriage showed no prospect of our having any, I felt perfectly satisfied. If we had had no children, I have an idea we would never have had any property either. I had no desire to make more than necessary for im- mediate wants. 20 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB On March 19, 1817, two years less ten days from the time of our marriage, twins were born, daughters, Mary Smith and Frances Belfield. I had thought I loved my wife, but our attach- ment now was quite different, and the two babes, that I sup- posed I never could love, were in my mind continually. It was my delight to nurse them. It was necessary to raise them by bottle. We each had one; Mary, the large one, was mine. Our neighbors all showed their delight in the twins by showering them with presents. My mind now underwent a serious change. Here were these two infants; they had to be taken care of. So great was the growth of my avaricious spirit, that my mind became absorbed in gain. On May 20, 1818, my wife presented me with another daughter, Lucy. She was a handsome child, like my father's mother, and the picture of health. Shortly after her birth the twins were taken very ill. Frances died on August 4, 1818. On June 27, 1819, Lucy died. It was hard to give her up, for she was only sick a few days, and such a wonderful child. Mary Smith Webb was a very sprightly child, and in 1822 I sent her to school in Washington, Georgia. She finished at a school in Covington. During the examination she was the admira- tion of the Committee. In the summer of 1836 she visited her grandfather and grandmotherThomason in Troup County, Georgia. There she became acquainted with Mr. William S. Lee, to whom she was married February 2, 1837. They lived with us this year. In the summer he and I took a trip to Alabama. As Mary was my oldest daughter, and first married, I thought it would be best to move to the new part of Alabama; then all of my children could settle around me. We purchased a place for Lee in Chambers County, and they moved there. I made a trade with Samuel Pearson for a section and a half, but, before my money got there, he had sold it to another, so I gave up the idea. William S. Lee, after residing six years in Alabama, traded lands with William Clark, Esq., four miles from me, and moved back, where he now resides. On February 5, 1820, my wife gave birth to another daughter. We called her Julia Ann. She was a fine, healthy child and grew so fast that in a few years no one would have supposed we had lost a child between her and Mary. While young, she was sent 21 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB to several country schools, and lastly she boarded with Dr. H. J. Bates, in Covington, and went to school to Miss Dutton. I have no doubt an attachment was then formed between Mrs. Bates, Miss Dutton (now Mrs. Graves), and Julia Ann that will be as lasting as life. Julia Ann was married to Elbert H. Gay, April 15, 1838. Mr. Gay had been engaged in the mercantile business with a Mr. Kolb, and word reached me that they were much embarrassed in their business. I told her the report, and she seemed disposed to leave the matter entirely with me, having such confidence in my judgment, even at the sacrifice of her own happiness. I told her I would decide as soon as I had talked with him. As soon as I saw him, I named the reports. He did not attempt to hide anything from me, but made a full statement of their affairs as near as he could without a memorandum. I saw ftom his candid statement that there was no danger. As soon as they were married, I determined to pay off their principal indebt- edness and turn it over to him. I had resolved to give each of my children three thousand dollars and house furniture. To pay their debts and replenish their stock, required more than this amount, but he did not allow me to wait long for the overplus. He has been quite successful in business of every character up to the present time. On October 31, 1821, my wife gave birth to a fine son. We called his name Augustus James, Augustus after Augustus H. Gibson, a very great friend; and James after my brother. I have ever been watchful of his morals, also endeavoring to give him a good English education, to teach him business habits, and, as soon as he should arrive at a proper age, to take him into partner- ship with me, but he preferred farming. He married Tabitha Wright, daughter of Mr. Robert Wright, May 15, 1845. He settled OD my land, the tract I bought from Alfred Brewer. After ten years, he purchased a place for himself. He seems to have bettered himself, and on the whole has proved a successful farmer. Sarah John-we put John in her name for my wife's father- was married to Rev. W. M. Biggers on October 14, 1841. He was twenty-six and she- eighteen. I was opposed to the match, not because he was poor nor because he was a minister, but because he was too great an enthusiast. His farm and his home had but little weight on his mind. He died September 13, 1860, leaving 22 MANUSCRIPr oF JOHN WEBB her with eight children. I suppose that when his estate is wound up, there will not be more than I gave his wife. She was very pro- ficient in her studies-fine in mathematics. She received her last tuition under Miss Ryan, afterwards Mrs. Joseph Anderson, in Covington. She surmounted any obstacle she wanted to. Martha Ann Elizabeth was born September 9, 1825. She was sent to school quite young, but did not learn as fast as the others, which I attribute mainly to myself. She was a very affectionate child, which caused me to indulge her. The rest would say I spoiled her, which was true. The last years of her tuition were spent at McDonough, Georgia. I boarded her with Dr. Bean and with Dr. Mann. She took piano lessons. She married James H. Robinson January 19, 1843. I could not have been better pleased. There was but one objection-his state of health. We can at- tribute his present health only to his prudent course of living. In his early days he followed the mercantile business until his health gave away. He then traveled, with a view to the restora- tion of his health, and, to make it profitable, he closed up an extensive wholesale business for Alfred Shorter in Augusta. There were but few men of his age who could have taken hold of such a business and have brought it to so successful a termination. After his marriage he devoted himself principally to farming, and he has proved himself equally as well qualified for that business as any other. True, he met with some misfortunes, but on the whole he has been quite prosperous. Narcissa Jane, called Narcissa after her Grandmother Thoma- son, and Jane after my father's sister, was born January 11, 1828. She was sent to school at six, and learned remarkably fast. Her last year was in McDonough under Dr. Mann. She could outspell anyone in her school. She married John B. Lee August 22, 1844. He was about twenty-eight. He had taken good care of the prop- erty left him by his father. Since his marriage he has proved him- self a very successful planter. He has accumulated property fast, and is now what the world would call wealthy. Mariah Louisa was born April 2, 1830. She was always a fine, healthy girl, rather stouter than any of the rest of my child- ren. Her last year of schooling was in McDonough. She had an amiable disposition, but was very determined in her purposes. She married Franklin H. Gay May 3, 1848. I was not pleased 23 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB with this match. His disposition was so different from mine in every respect. I do not know that we have ever agreed on any important measure, politically or otherwise. I feel as strong an attachment for Louisa as for any of the rest of my children. In most things she is more like me than any child we have. Caroline Matilda Bathurst was born November 16, 1832. She differed from all our children. She was very delicate. She had an excellent mind, learned fast, and was easily controlled. Her last tuition she received in McDonough, boarding with Mr. and Mrs. Stillwell. She married William H. Davis March 17, 1852. Adeline Josephine was born August 6, 1835. She had a mild disposition, yet was positive and determined. She was beloved by all of her schoolmates. Josephine was our youngest that lived, so had better opportunities than the rest. After going to Mc- Donough to school she was sent to Culloden to Mr. John Darby. She was married to Dr. Benjamin Chapman, May 22, 1855. The doctor had located in Lithonia, but we persuaded them to come to us. We were not permitted to enjoy their company long. He became dissatisfied. There is no man whose moral character stands higher than Dr. Chapman's. They are settled again in Lithonia, and with his frugality and industry I hope he may make a comfortable support. I found it necessary to do considerably more for him than for any of the rest of my children. I shall now give the names of all my grandchildren, and the date of their birth, taking them by families, beginning with the oldest child, Mary S. Lee. Mary S. Lee is in her forty-fourth year and has nine chil- dren, namely: Margaret Ann, born November 17, 1837 Mary Frances Belfield, born July 9, 1839 John Webb, born April 23, 1841 Augustus James, born September 3, 1843 Julie Jane Josephine, born October 1, 1845 William Bell, born November 21, 1847 Walter Elbert, born January 7, 1852 Sarah Louisa, born July 10, 1854 Eugene Orson, born April 11, 1859 Those marked are dead. 24 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Julia Ann Gay is in her forty-first year and has five children, namely: John Webb Sherod, born March 19, 1839 Augustus Orson Milton, born April 14, 1840 William Franklin Hilliard, born October 10, 1841 Sarah Ann Webb, born February 11, 1847 Mary Louisa Elvina, born October 21, 1848 Sarah John Biggers is in her thirty-eighth year and has eight children, namely: John Robert Ward, born July 5, 1842 James Predaux Webb, born March 1, 1844 Ann Elvira Caroline, born November 2, 1845 Mary Julia Elizabeth, born January 30, 1848 Leroy Theodore, born May 30, 1851 Charles Elbert Stephen, born October 3, 1853 Fletcher Davis, born September 11, 1855 William Morris, born June 22, 1860 Martha Ann Elizabeth Robinson is in her thirty-sixth year and has eight children, namely: Mary Ann, born April 12, 1844 John Webb, born November 2, 1845 Marcellus Augustus, born kugust 19, 1847 Emma Jane, born January 14, 1850 Carrie Julia, born February 19, 1852 Salina Josephine, born February 15, 1854 James Boykin, born September 9, 1856 William Milton, born July 3, 1859 Charles Cornelius, born March 29, 1864 Narcissa Jane Lee is in her thirty-third year and has eight children, namely: Ann Foster, born June 17, 1845 William Augustus, born February 2, 1847 James Washington, born March 31, 1849 John Webb, born June 1, 1851 Elbert Henry, born December 1, 1853 Clarence Dawson, born March 16, 1856 Edgar, born July 14, 1858 Ben, born January 11, 1861 Those marked are dead. 25 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB Mariah Louisa Gay is in her thirty-first year and has five children, namely: Charles Ann Eugenia, born July 22, 1849 Sarah Jane Eveline, born July 7, 1851 Mary Julia Caroline, born November, 1854 John Webb, born May 18, 1857 Martha Louisa Josephine, born January 25, 1860 Augustus James Webb is in his fortieth year, and his wife has six children, namely: James Franklin, born September 5, 1848 John Robert, born October 3, 1849 Julia Antoinette, born October 18, 1851 Columbus Henry, born March 11, 1854 Margaret Ann, born February 29, 1856 Mary Melvina, born November 17, 1859 Caroline Matilda Bathurst Davis is in her twenty-ninth year and has four children, namely: Thomas Charles, born May 21, 1853 Lucy Webb, born July 21, 1855 Nannie Webb, born April 6, 1857 John Burkett, born November 15, 1859 Adeline Josephine Chapman is in her twenty-sixth year and has two children, namely: Ann Hart, born February 16, 1856 Lizzie Rosina, born January 28, 1858 It may be proper here to state that one grandchild, Margaret Ann Lee, is now Margaret Ann Sams; she has three children, and is in her twenty-fourth year. Thus there are twelve children, fifty-five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. My wife's father is yet living, being within a few days of eighty-five years old. As I am not accustomed to writing narrations, my friends will have to pardon the manner in which I have put together this journal. I have not connected the events as they should be. I was elected to. the General Conference of the M. E. Church in May, 1854, in Steubensville, Ohio, and went with Isaac C. Wallace. In June, 1856, I attended the Southern Convention of 0 Those marked are dead. 26 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB the Book Concern in Baltimore. I was again returned as a mem- ber to the General Conference of 1858 in Lynchburg, Virginia, and went in the company of Charles A. McDaniel. I served the Masons twenty-five years as Past Master. I was elected a Judge of the Inferior Court in this county in 1850. I was in the convention that nominated G. W. Crawford for governor. I have ever been opposed to lawyer legislation. In February, 1858, I made a trip to Tennessee on business for our Newton Mills and there contracted pneumonia. For two weeks my life was despaired of. I bought the Union Mills in Beard County with Kinion Adams, just as I was getting stronger. Not liking Adams' management of the mills, I later sold my part to W. P. Phillips, of Griffen. I sold my mill property at fifty cents on the dollar to Wm. F. Davis, J. E. Davis, N. N. Edge, and J. S. Weaver. This seemed to be the only way I could be relieved from the work of it. I was to manage it until June. In the same month that I sold, January, 1861, the Ordinance of Secession was passed in Convention. The delegates of this county were mostly Union men, yet, strange to tell, when they got to Milledgeville, they all voted for Secession. I was opposed to Secession, but, after the State seceded, I would have sacrificed my last dollar for my country. It was the home of my children and my grandchildren. I furnished the soldiers with sixteen hundred dollars' worth of clothing, blankets, and leather goods, and between three and four hundred yards of chambry to make shirts; almost everything you could name in hospital goods; and a barrel of syrup for which I had been offered 484. I furnished Captain Mix with 500, just as a contingent fund for the company. I gave ten horses to the company and one to Colonel W. J. Lawton. I received Confederate securities for all debts due me, until all I had was in Confederate securities. At the time Colonel Stoneman's raiders came through our section, and burned White's mill, I expected to. 'ose all, but they did not visit me. I was too old and feeble to lkght, so took my wagons, slaves, and valuables, and went in a southwest direction to avoid the enemy. I returned home in a week. If I had stayed there, God would have taken care of me, and I would not have lost so much, but I was very distracted. When I came home, I 27 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB was told the Georgia Railroad was to be destroyed to the Oconee River, and the west side abandoned to the enemy, and unless I removed my stock, they would be taken. My stock was large for our country. Under my present excitement, I determined to turn everything into money, except about fifteen slaves, fifty hogs, some ten head of horned cattle, six mules, and one horse; and move into Hancock County, Georgia. As a temporary place, I selected Linton, and rented a house for a year. Before leaving Newton County I sold everything. I sold one tract of land on the river adjoining the factory for 30 an acre. I sold my home place for 16,000 (confederate money). I sold the John Sam's place for 3,000. The morning I left for Linton I learned that Sherman's army was some ten miles above Covington. I now felt what I had would be taken. When I got to Eatonton, I learned from runners that the enemy was in Monticello. I arose and started at midnight. When I got to Little, there was no ferry, so next morning I went up and crossed at Lawrence's Ferry. When I got to the main road again, I learned the enemy was in Greensboro, and at the Long Shoal, some eight miles from us. The next day, though it was very rainy, we left the wagons and went on to find quarters. Wednesday we arrived at Linton, and though we heard of Yankees continually, we saw none. That night I was to receive some bonds, which I never got. The wagons came Thursday. We prepared to kill our pork, and had slaughtered four hogs, when we heard the Yankees were five miles away. We stopped and commenced hiding stock and wagons. I shall relate the circumstances which caused a visit from the Yankees. They were on their way to Sparta, from thence to the shoals of Ogeechee, when they met a negro and asked him if he knew any Rebs in Sparta. He replied, "I don't know what you mean by Rebs." "Are there any Confederate soldiers there" "Law, Massa, the town is full of them." This news was not pleasing to them, so they turned south, and camped two miles below Linton Thursday night, and were in town next day. They searched me, taking two pocketbooks, all of my papers, and about 200 in Confederate money. The bal- ance of my money and other valuables, such as silverware, etc., were hidden out; only my wife knew where they were. One of 28 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB 29 the negroes had told the others that I had a little green trunk full of gold hidden, and I was so afraid the Yankees would hear it. About ten o'clock I saw all of my mules and those of my friends who assisted me in moving, led through the streets. I thought the Yankees would drive off my hogs, so next morning I had them driven to my brother-in-law's, six miles away, and on the way there some of Sherman's soldiers took possession of them. Had I let them remain, I would have lost none; now I had to look for stock to make a little farm. A company of Rangers passed through our village, and I purchased a horse and mule. I purchased an improved lot in the place for 2,400. I rented a place, some forty acres, from Dr. Stone, adjoining the village, the last of March. In April, 1865, I found my resources consisted of 84,000 in Confederate money and bonds. I had not a dime in good money, except the 10,000 note for loaned money. I got 2,800 pounds of cotton at 1.00 per pound. I had an account, something near 800; the balance I got in gold, one dollar for thirty-five. Dr. Chapman, my son-in-law, had determined to go into the war, so Josephine and her three small children came to uc, and remained until July, 1865. Although the war ended in April, the doctor was a prisoner in Illinois until July. I had made my arrangements to remain in Linton, but as soon as Josephine left, my wife became miserable. The nearest of our children were at Newborn, Georgia. Accordingly I went there, rented a house, and made arrangements to move. I returned to Linton and sold my crop, stock, plantation tools, and some house- hold and kitchen furniture. I traded five shares of Georgia Rail- road stock to Mr. Whitfield for a store in Newborn. We moved to Newborn in the spring of 1866. I made ar- rangements with my son-in-law, James H. Robinson, to com- mence the mercantile business with him on a capital of 4,000. I purchased the house and lot I now occupy. I sold the balance of my railroad stock and bought a stock in trade for my store. My widowed daughter, Sarah John Biggers, had seven chil- dren, and had lost all of her property in the war. J. H. Robinson and I purchased a mule and provisions for her, and I purchased a farm of 150 acres, and let her occupy it. By that arrangement, she has had a comfortable home. Three of her children are now 30 MANUSCRIPT OF JOHN WEBB married, leaving her the four youngest, all boys; so she is now doing well. Our business has been quite prosperous. Our resources are ample for our business. I have purchased another farm, a little over four hundred acres. I am now in my seventy-seventh year, and my wife is in her seventy-second. We are both able to travel around and visit our children, and attend to our domestic business, this the twenty- sixth of July, 1870. Note.-John Webb died August 19, 1870. Note.-In the genealogical part of this manuscript the dates in paren- theses were added by John Webb's great-grandson, This page in the original text is blank. THE WEBB FAMILY From Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine, 1986 In the records of the London Company, mention is quite fre- quently made of William Webb, who took an active part in their proceedings. Then in July, 1621, three shares of land were given to Thomas Webb "in consideration of his adventure of his money and person into Virginia." The Webb name was of early and frequent occurrence in Vir- ginia. There was Captain George Webb, who came in the Third Supply in 1609, with Captain Wood, Captain Moore, Captain King, Captain Davies, and "divers gentlemen of good means and great parentage." In 1610 he was appointed sergeant major of the fort at Jamestown by Lord Delaware, and in 1614 he had com- mand of the fort at Point Comfort, and of Forts Charles and Henry at the mouth of Hampton Creek. Probably he belonged to the same family as Conrad Webb, of London, merchant, whose son, George, emigrated to Virginia about 1720 (Va. Mag. of Hist. and Biog., XXV, p. 99). Then there was Thomas Webb, who came in the first ships in 1607 and with another man named Price tried to avoid the tyran- nies of Sir Thomas Dale, but was overtaken and executed. This was known as "Webb and Price's design." Among those who obtained early grants of land in Virginia were John Webb, who leased from the government 100 acres in Accomac; Stephen Webb, who obtained numerous patents for land in Surry County; Giles Webb, of whom further; William Webb, who obtained 400 acres on Attopin Creek in 1668 in Westmore- land County; George Webb, who in 1672 received 50 acres in Elizabeth City County, escheated from David Poole; John Webb, who patented in 1673, with Andrew Davis and John Langworth, 1,900 acres in New Kent County; Elias Webb, who patented in 1677,740 acres in Westmoreland County; Thomas Webb, who pat- ented 260 acres in Princess Anne County in 1693, and Elizabeth THE WEBB FAMILY Webb, who in 1705 patented 700 acres in Nansemond County, escheated land, late in possession of Mr. Thomas Hampton, de- ceased. The general habitat of the Webb family in England was Glou- cestershire and the neighboring counties. In the Visitation of Gloucestershire, 1623, page 244, Alice, daughter of William Webb, of Taterig, married Thomas Damory, of Yatte, and had a son, Gyles Damory, of Cotherington. The Webb arms are given as: "Ermine a cross patee azure." Stephen Webb, who is named among the early patentees of land in Surry County, Virginia, was baptized in the parish church of Bushley, County of Worcester, England, September 1, 1598, and in 1624 is named in the "muster of Capt. Roger Smyth's men over the water," i. e., in the country on the other side of the James River, opposite to Jamestown, as twenty-five years old. In March, 1642-43, and October, 1644, he was a member of the House of Burgesses from James City County, then including Surry. (Hotten's "Emigrants to America," p. 232, Va. Mag. of Hist. and Biog., III, p. 57.) It further appears from the records in Surry County, Virginia, that he was a son of Stephen Webb and Anne, his wife, that his father was a freeholder of several lands within the manor of Bush- ley, which was one mile from Tewkesbury Borough, in Gloucester- shire; that Stephen Webb, the son, left two children, Stephen and Robert, who died without issue before 1659, when William Webb, of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, as brother and heir of Stephen Webb, their father, gave a power of attorney to his son, William, to enter into all lands in Virginia, etc., of which Stephen and Robert Webb died seized. It is probable that William Webb, the son, came to Virginia, but subsequently returned to England, since in 1667 William Webb, of Tewkesbury, in the county of Gloucester, shoemaker, gave a power of attorney to Lot Ricketts, of Bristol, mariner, to dispose of all his estate in Virginia. However, among the land-owners in Surry County in 1705 was a Robert Webb. Among the land-owners of Isle of Wight County, adjoining, was a William Webb, who married Mary, daughter of Major Thomas Taberer, died in 1713, leaving issue: Matthew, Richard, 33 THE WEBB FAMILY Eliza, Thomas, William, Susanna, and Joseph Webb. There was also a William Webb, Jr., who, in his will, dated September 19, 1699, named his cousin, Mary Ricketts; wife, Mary Webb, to whom he left his property. Thomas Story, the Quaker lawyer, tells in his diary in 1705 of meeting at Chuckatuck, in Nansemond County, his "ancient friend," Elizabeth Webb, of Gloucestershire. This lady patented in 1705, 700 acres in Nansemond, formerly the property of Rev. Thomas Hampton, and which had escheated. Giles Webb, with whom and his descendants, this article is more closely concerned, was probably from Gloucestershire, for he lived at Chuckatuck, and there was later a Giles Webb, of Henrico County, who, in his will in 1713, described his brother, Thomas, to whom he left his property, as of the City of Gloucester. John Webb, who patented in New Kent County, had, accord- ing to the parish register, Elizabeth, baptized April 8, 1688; James, born June 25, 1690; John, baptized April 20, 1694; William baptized September 17, 1694; Jane, baptized June 11, 1697; Wentworth, born May 5, 1702; Mary, baptized March 19, 1703-04. There was a numerous family of Webbs in Northumberland County. There is in the Northumberland records the will of Henry Watts, made in 1670, in which he mentions his sons-in- law: Thomas, John, and Francis Webb. Son-in-law was the old term for stepson, and so it would seem that Henry Watts married a widow Webb. "Upon petition of John Webb a pbate is granted of the last will and testament of his deceased mother, Eliza Watts, ye will being proved by the oath of Wm. Underwood, witness to ye sd. will, Thos. Larson, ye other witnesse to ye sd. will (being sicke), to be sworne by ye next justice March ye 22, 1686-87." (North'd Co. Records.) Thomas Webb, in his will, proved in 1702, named his eldest son, Thomas; youngest son, John; his son, Thomas, deceased; grandfather, James Austen; brothers, John and Francis Webb (deceased); daughter, Elizabeth Webb; wife, Anne Webb; friend, Richard Wright, and nephew, Thomas Hobson, overseers of his estate and children, until his son, Thomas, should attain the age of eighteen years. 34 THE WEBB FAMILY 1. GILESI WEBB was a Burgess from Nansemond County in 1658, 1659, and 1660. He resided at Chuckatuck, on the boun- dary of Isle of Wight and Nansemond counties. On December 15, 1659, Giles Webb, "of Chuckatuck," appointed Mr. William Johnson, of Piscataway, Essex County, as his attorney in Rappa- hannock County. In 1667 he patented 681 acres on the north side of Rappahannock River, which had been assigned to him in 1653 by Toby Smith. Unfortunately, the records of Nansemond County have been lost, and we have no record of the will of Giles Webb, but there is a deed of James Webb, of Isle of Wight County, dated No- vember 5, 1706, and recorded in Richmond County (formerly part of Rappahannock County), conveying one-half part of 681 acres of land granted to "Mr. Giles Webb, gent, 16 February, 1667." Another deed, dated November 27, 1715, between the same parties, conveys the other half, and further describes Giles Webb the paten- tee as "grandfather of the said James Webb." The records of Isle of Wight County names a Mr. James Webb, "lately deceased," whose appraisement, dated February 17, 1675, comprises a large estate, and who was probably father of James Webb mentioned in the deeds above. Accordingly Giles Webb, of Nansemond, had probably four sons: 2, James, of Isle of Wight County; 3, John, of Richmond County, of whom more hereafter; 4, Isaac, of Richmond County, who died in 1694, and 5, Giles, of Richmond County, who died about 1692. "The last will and testament of Mr. Isaac Webb being pre- sented to this court for proof by Mr. John Webb, executor, the said will was proved by oaths of Mr. Samuel Peachey and Mr. John Suggett, and probate thereof granted to said executor." "Will of Giles Webb was presented by Mrs. Margaret Webb, executrix, and proved by John Taverner and John Parker, wit- nesses, and probate granted to said executrix 3d Aug., 1692." (Richmond Co. Records.) 3. JOHN2 WEBB (Gilesl) married Mary Sanford and had issue (North Farnham Parish Register): 6, James, born August 9, 1673; 7, Giks, born April 15, 1677; 8, Isaac, born December 18. 1681. 35 THE WEBB FAMILY 7. GILmEs WEBB (John,2 Gilesi) married Elizabeth, and had issue (North Farnham Parish Register): 9, Giles, born August 4, 1714; 10, John Span, born October 9 1705; 11, Betty, born Feb- ruary 1, 1711; 12, Isaac, born September 25, 1709; 13, Mary, born November 11, 1717; 14, Cuthbert, born March 3,1718-19; 15, Winifred (named in his will). Giles Webb made his will in Richmond County, which was proved May 3, 1732, and named sons, John Span Webb, Giles Webb, and Isaac Webb, and daughters, Betty, Mary, and Winifred. 12. ISAAC4 WEBB (Giles,s John,2 Giles,) married Frances Bar- ber, daughter of Captain William Barber, and had issue (North Farnham Parish Register): 16, John, born October 30, 1739; 17, James, born September 11, 1743; 18, Cuthbert, born June 1, 1745; 19, Winney, born November 20,1750; 20, Ann, born June 22,1753; 21, Priscilla, born June 6, 1754; 22, Giles, born January 25, 1756; 23, Frances, born February 6, 1757; 24, Isaac, born November 19, 1758. According to his will, proved July 7, 1760, Isaac Webb had children-John, James, and "seven youngest children": Cud- berth, Elizabeth, Winney, Nancy, Priscilla, Charles, and Isaac. Of these, Isaac Webb, the youngest, has an account in Virginia (Hayden) Genealogies. He is there said to have been the young- est of twelve children, was born January 19, 1758, son of Isaac and Frances Barber Webb (daughter of Captain William Barber), of Farnham Parish, Richmond County; his father was born in Eng- land () in 1710. He enlisted in the Revolutionary Army at seven- teen, married Lucy Ware, daughter of James Ware, of Frederick County, Virginia, and moved to Fayette County, Kentucky. (For descendants see Hayden.) 8. ISAAC' WEBB (John,' Giles,) lived and died in Essex County in South Farnham Parish, and his will, dated 1729, proved Feb- ruary 17, 1729, names wife, Rebecca, and four daughters; Winni- fred, Ann, Sarah, and Mercy, who were all four under age; kins- men John and James Webb, executors. Witnessed by Walter Lenard and William Webb. Probably this was the Isaac Webb who married in Middlesex County Winifred Hipkins, Rebecca being a second wife. 6. JAMEs' WEBB (John,2 Gilesl) lived like his brother across the River Rappahannock in South Farnham Parish in Essex Coun- 36 Tuz WEBB FAMILY ty, and died in 1716. According to his will on record in Essex County Court, he married Sarah , and had issue: 25, John; 26, Jame8; 27, Catherine, and 28, Mercy. WILL OF JAMES WEBB In the Name of God Amen. The thirtyeth day of November Seaventeen hundred sixteen. I James Webb of Southfarnham Parish in the County of Essex being sick weak in body but of sound perfect memory and understanding praise be given to God for the same knowing the un- certainty of this life on earth and being desirous to settle things in order do make this my last will Testamt. in manner form following, that is to say. First principally I comend my soul to Almighty God my Creator assuredly believing that I shall receive full pardon free remission of my sins and be saved by the precious Death merrits of my blessed Saviour Redeemer Christ Jesus my body to the Earth from whence it was taken to be buryed in such decent Christian manner as to my Exrs. hereafter named shall be thought meet convenient, and as touching such worldly estate as the Lord in mercy hath lent me my will meaning is the same shall be enjoyed bestowed as hereafter by this my will is expressed. And first I do revoke renounce frustrate and make void all wills by me formerly made and declare and appoint this to be my last will testa- ment. Item I lend unto my loving wife Sarah during her naturale life my negro man called Jack my negro woman Bess and my negro girl Sukey and after her decease to be equally divided amongst my surviving children their heirs forever. Item I give bequeath unto my son John the planta- tion whereon I now live and all the land belonging to me that lies on the lower side of the main road, to him the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten forever and for want of such issue to my son James and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten forever. Item I give bequeath unto my sd. son John my horse called Fire wth. my saddle holsters sword pistolls. Item I give bequeath unto my son James the remaining part of my lands lying above the road to him the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten forever and for want of such issue then to my sd son John the heirs of his body forever. Item I give bequeath unto my sd son John three negroes called Poll, Dick and Ealse to him and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten for want of such issue to be equally divided between the rest of my surviving children and their heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath unto my sd. son James three negroes called Minto, Sam Sarah to him and the heirs of his body lawfully to be begotten for want of such issue to be equally divided between the rest of my surviving children their heirs forever, and also one iron grey horse three years old next spring comonly called Dragon. Item I give bequeath unto my daughter Catherine three negros called Charles, Billie Winnie and the heirs on her body lawfully to be begotten for want of such issue then the sd. three negros to be equally divided between the rest of my surviving children their heirs 37 THE WEBB FAMILY forever. Item I give bequeath unto my daughter Mercy three negroes called Peter Harvy Jemmy ye heirs on her body lawfully to be begotten for want of such issue then the ad. three negroes to be equally divided between the rest of my surviving children their heirs forever. And farther it is my will desire that if it shall so happen that any of my afore- said negros shall dye before my ad. son James shall arrive to the age of eighteen years that then the increase of the aforesaid negroes by me before given bequeathed shall within the compass of the aforesaid time make good that loss to the party so loseing and also it is my will desire that the increase of my negroes shall be equally divided between my four children the losses by dying till my ad. son James shall arrive at the age of eighteen years as aforesd. first being made good to the party so loseing any of their aforesd negroes within that time. And for the remaining part of my estate not yet given disposed of I do give bequeath the same (goods chattels all moveables) to be equally divided between my loving wife Sarah and my sd. four children and their heirs forever which ad. division amongst my children my will desire is shall not be made untill my sd. eon John shall arrive to the age of eighteen for want of such issue as aforesd. then to the survivors of my children and their heirs forever. And I doe make and ordain my sd. sons of lawful age when they respectively arrive to their severall ages of eighteen to possess enjoy all w'tsoever I have in this my will given them and their heirs as afores'd. But not to barter bargain or sell untill they arrive to the age of one twenty. And lastly I do publish, nominate, constitute declare appoint my beloved brother Isaac Webb w'th my ad. sonns John James Joynt Exrs. or this my will testam't hereby impowering my sd. brother to act do w'tsoever he shall judge meet or convenient towards fulfilling this my will and to act doe what farther he shall judge necessary towards the education maintenance of my sd. children dureing their minoritys. In witness whereof I have hereunto interchangably sett my hand seal to this my sd. will conteyning three sides of paper the day year first above written. Sealed Delivered James Webb [seal). in presence of Giles Webb his Jno X C Callicot mark P. Godfrey At a Court held for Essex County on Tuesday ye 15' day of Janu- ary 1716. The within last will testament of James Webb was proved by the oath of Isaac Webb one of the Exrs. therein named (the other Ezr8. being infants) and was also further proved by the oaths of John Colycote and Peter Godfrey two of the evidences thereto w'ch is ordered to be recorded. Test Tho. Henman D. C. Cur. Examined with ye original by W. Beverley Cl. Cur. A Copy Teste: H. Southworth Clerk. 38 THE WEBB FAMILY 25. JOHN4 WEBB (James,a John,2 Giles') was under eighteen years in 1716 when his father James Webb made his will. Being the older son, he was probably born about 1700, and appears to have married Jane Smith, daughter of Lieutenant John Smith (see Smith pedigree in William and Mary College Quarterly, IX, p. 46). They had issue: 29, Elizabeth, born in 1737. Rice Jones calls her in his will "niece," he being her half-uncle. She married James Edmondson, and was buried in her "grandfather Jones' burial place" (see p. 188). Her grandmother Jane Cook, married (1) Rice Jones, father of Rice Jones, and (2) Lieutenant John Smith. John Webb had also: 30, Catherine, married Peachy, who had: son 31, William; 32, Anne; 33, Sally; Mary. As he named in his will, dated March 14, 1767, proved in Essex, June 15, 1767, a wife, Lucy Anne, it is not entirely certain which wife these children were by. 26. JAMES' WEBB (James,s John,2 Giles,) was born in 1705 and married Mary Edmondson, February 5, 1731, and had issue: 34, William, born February 10, 1732, died March 24, 1733; 35, James, born July 2, 1734; 36, Mary, born October 4, 1736, died September, 1739; 37, John, born April 7, 1739, died August 7, 1745; 38, William, born May 1, 1745; 39, John, born January 18, 1747; 40, Thomas, born February 27, 1751; 41, Elizoe)th, born June 30, 1754. James Webb died about 1771, and was survived by his wife, Mary Edmondson Webb. WILL OF JAMES WEBB In the name of God Amen. I James Webb of the Parish of South- farnham in the County of Essex being of perfect sence memory thanks be to Almighty God for the same do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following to wit: Imprimis I give my soul to Almighty God that gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in such decent and Christian like manner as my executor hereafter named shall think proper. Item I lend unto my beloved wife Mary Webb during her natural life the land and plantation whereon I now live she not debaring my sons William, John and Thomas Webb from settling on and makeing use of the parts which I shall hereafter give them and the following negroes viz: James, Will, Jack, Frank and Hannah and I also give unto my said beloved wife my chair and Harness silver teaspoons and tongs forever. I give and bequeath unto my son James Webb the land on Piscataway Creek and that known by name of Faulkners and my right to the place where he has erected a mill known by the name of Bushs old mill also the Water Mill adjoining the land where he now lives, and a negro man named Gloster, all which are in his possession. And also after the death of my wife the 39 THE WEBB FAMILY negro man Will to him and his heirs forever, but he must pay unto my said wife during her natural life the sum of fifteen pounds pr. annum as con- sideration for the said lower mill and in lieu of any claim which she can sett up to the same. Item: I give and bequeath to my daughter Mary Smith the negroes and their increase in possession of her husband Samuel Smith which I have already delivered him, also after my wifes death the negro Hannah to her her heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to my son William Webb that part of the land whereon I now live which I bought of John Dunn, beginning at the road on Richard Brons line and running along the said Browns line down to the swamp near the said Brown's house and thence up the said swamp to a fork call'd Dickinson's spring branch and so along the said spring branch til it comes to Dickinson's line and the land I obtained a patent for. (known by the name of Edwqrd Hayes) to- gether with the negroes I have delivered him viz: Ben, Milley Davy to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to my son John Webb the land and plantation I purchased of Threesivelus Minor, and the negroes now in his possession to wit Harvy, Megg and Billy son of Meg and Dick to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to my son Thomas Webb the land I purchased of Thomas Newble and remaining part of that I bought of John Dunn that is not already bequeathed to my son William Webb four negroes, to wit Cyras, Cruse, Glass and Patt and my bay horse colt to him and his heirs forever. Item I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Webb the negroes following to wit: Peter, Sarah, Daniel Winney and her side saddle and bridle to her and her heirs forever but in case my said daughter shall die before she arrives to the age of twenty one years or marrys then it is my desire the before mentioned negroes given her be equally divided among all my children. Item those negroes lent unto my beloved wife during her natural life not already devised my will is after her death, that they and their increase be equally divided among my sons William, John, Thomas and daughter Elizabeth, to them and their heirs forever, my desire is that the corn wheat which I have at present in the house and the hoggs which are up for pork shall not be in- ventory'd but be for the use of my said beloved wife and family, as for my personal estate not disposed off, I will that my executor make sale of the same, and after discharging my just debts the balance to be equally divided among my beloved wife and my children to wit: William, John, Thomas and daughter Elizabeth. Lastly I constitute and appoint my son James Webb my whole and sole executor to this my last will and testament. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the 26' day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy. James Webb (Seal) Signed sealed published and declared by the said James Webb as and for his last will and testament in the presence of John Williamson his Thomas x Williamson mark Luke Covington James Booker. 40 THE WEBB FAMILY At a Court held for Essex County at Tappa, on the 20th day of May 1771. This will was presented in court by the executor therein named, who made oath thereto, according to law which being also proved by the oaths of John Williamson and Luke Covington two of the witnesses thereto is admitted to record. Teste John Lee Cl. 35. JAMES' WEBB (James,4 James,3 John,2 Giles') married Mary Smith, daughter of Colonel Francis Smith, of Essex County, and Lucy, his wife, daughter of Francis Meriwether (see "Gene- alogy of Smith Family, of Essex County," William and Mary College Quarterly, VI, pp. 43-51). He had issue named in his will, dated August 20, 1773, and proved January 17, 1774; 42, Francs, of whom hereafter; 43, James, born 1762, married Dorothy Throckmorton, daughter of Captain Gabriel Throckmorton and Judith Edmondson, his wife (no issue); 44, (Dr.) William, married (1) Miss Rousie, (2) Priscilla Brown, moved to Kentucky and then to Indiana; 45, Mary, married Albion Throckmorton. He appears to have become a Baptist preacher. He had several children, of whom the eldest daughter was Sophia. They moved to Kentucky. "One of their sons was in Texas a few years past, a young lawyer of fine talents." - George Webb, removed to Kentucky, and left issue residing in Louisville. - Lucy, "the belle of Tappahannock," married and left for Kentucky. - Jane Meri- wether, married and moved to Kentucky. James Webb, the father of these children, appointed his wife, Mary Webb, brother Thomas Webb, and brother-in-law William Smith, executors of his will. He was a justice of the peace of Essex County, and a signer of the Northern Neck Association against the Stamp Act, February 27, 1766. He appears to have had an interest in several grist mills on Piscataway Creek, near Tappahannock, Essex County. Previous to his death, he began to build a new residence on a beautiful mound and called it "Mount Prospect." This place was about "100 yards from the road lead- ing from Tappahannock to Urbanna in Middlesex Co., five miles from the former place, about one fourth of a mile from Piscataway Creek, and three miles from Rappahannock river, with a beau- tiful view of the winding of the Creek, to where it entered the river with a view of the river for five miles. Yet with all its beauty it was considered very sickly. My grandfather, grandmother, 41 THE WEBB FAMILY three brothers and two sisters are all deposited in the family grave- yard about 108 yards from the first settlement my grandfather made on the place." (MSS. of John Webb, grandson of James Webb.) WILL OF JAMES WEBB In the Name of God Amen. I James Webb of the Parish of South- farnham in the County of Essex being of disposing mind and memory, thanks be to almighty God for the same do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner following to wit: First: I recommend my soul to Almighty God that gave it and my body to the earth to be buried in such decent and Christian Like manner as my executors shall think fit, And as touching such worldly goods as it hath pleased God to bless me with I dispose thereof in manner following Imprimis my will is that if my ex- ecutors shall hereafter think it necessary either for the payment of my debts, the education of my children, or to raise money for any other purpose for the benefit of my estate, that they make sale of my moiety of the schooner Brothers together with her riging c and such part of my personal estate as they shall think proper. Item I lend unto my beloved wife Mary Webb during the minority of my children or their marrying my whole estate both real and personal, she continuing sole and maintaining and educating the children according to the profits of the estate subject to the childrens receiving the parts which I shall hereinafter give them upon their arriving to lawfull age or marrying but if she shall marry or chuse at any time to have any certain part of my estate to herself then my will is that she shall have one third part of the land and plantation whereon I now live and interest in Piscataway Mills and an equal part of the slaves and personal estate with the children (ex- cepting those negroes which I shall hereafter give to my son Francis Webb) during her natural life allotted to her by gentlemen. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Francis Webb the land and plantation whereon I now live and my moiety of Piscataway Mills (reserv- ing to his mother as aforesaid) and my moiety of three negroes to wit: Baker Robin, Scipio and Emanuel also an equal part with my other children of my personal estate (negroes excepted) to him and their heirs forever he paying unto his brothers William and George Webb two hundred pounds current money each when they shall respectively arrive to lawfull age and it is my will that he shall live in the house with his mother and work any negroes that he may have in common with hers, provided there be ground sufficient for them both and not oitherwise and receive and enjoy two parts in three of Piscataway Mills and receive his part of the personal estate upon arriving to lawful age. But in case my said son Francis shall refuse to pay to his brothers William and George the sum of two hundred pounds each as aforesaid then I give the said mills to my said sons William and George Webb in the same manner as devised to my son Francis Webb. 42 THE WEBB FAMILY Item I give and bequeath unto my son James Webb my land and plan- tation called Faulkners and Water grist mill thereto adjoining to him and his heirs forever. Item I give unto my daughter Lucy Webb my negro girl Winney daughter of Lott to her and her heirs forever. Item, all the rest and remainder of my estate not already disposed of I give to be equally divided among my sons James, William and George and daughters Lucy, Mary and Jane.Meriwether Webb and if my wife should be with child, the child she now goes with to them and their heirs forever. It is my will that as my children arrive to lawful age or marry they shall receive their parts of my estate according to the value of it as it then stands to be allotted to them by gentlemen and that the expenses of schooling (and board when it is necessay to pay for boarding them) shall be borne by the whole estate that is those children who are grown up and received their parts shall pay a proportionable part with the others out of their own Estates towards it for the education of the younger children. And it is my will also that if the profits of the estate shall not be sufficient for educating my children that the principal may be gone upon for that purpose, having regard to that which can be most conveniently spared. Lastly I do appoint my beloved wife Mary Webb Executrix my brother Thomas Webb and Mr. William Smith executors of this my last will and testament also guardians to my children. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 20' day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy three. James Webb (Seal) Signed, sealed published and declared by the said James Webb as and for his last will and testament in the presence of John Webb Wm. Edmondson Jr. Amy Webb At a Court held for Essex County at Tappahannock on the 17' day of January 1774. This will was proved by the oaths of John Webb and William Edmond- son Junr. two of the witnesses thereto, which is admitted to record; And at a Court held for the said county on the 21st day of February following this will was again presented in Court by Thos. Webb one of the executors therein named who made oath thereto according to law, which is also ordered to be recorded. Teste. John Lee Cl. 43 THE WEBB FAmiLY 42. FRANCISs WEBB (James,, James,4 James,s John, Gilesl). "My father, Francis Webb, was the eldest son of James and Mary Webb. He was born in Essex County in 1759, on the place my grandfather first settled. My grandfather having died about 1772, my father took it in his head to become a sailor and actually had his chest put on board a vessel, but from the entreaties of his mother, he had it brought home. In a short time he again left her and went on board a private armed vessel (a privateer). This was about the commencement of the Revolutionary War. He was only about 16. Every one on their little craft was either killed or wounded but their Captain John Travis and a negro boy. My father was shot in the ankle, which caused one of his legs to be shorter than the other. Although they were all so disabled, they managed to save their vessel. For his gallantry he received the appointment of midshipman in the Virginia Navy, and was sta- tioned on board the Ship 'Dragon,' where he served the principal part of the Revolutionary War. At the close of the war he re- turned home. But it was not long before he entered a new field. He took his waiting man and several fine horses and came to Geor- gia and purchased a large quantity of land at a very low price. He again returned home to Virginia. About this time grandmother died, and the children began to scatter." (MSS. of John Webb.) In the American Revolution, Francis Webb was a midshipman on the "Dragon," one of the State Navy. During Arnold's in. vasion, the Virginia's fleet, with the exception of the "Liberty," commanded by James Barron, was caught at Osborne's on James River and destroyed. The "Dragon" was one of the vessels destroyed. In 1795, Francis Webb applied to the Virginia Legislature for pay from 1779 to the close of the war. PETITION OF FRANCIS WEBB To the honble the Speaker Members of the House of Delegates. The petition of Francis Webb humbly sheweth: That your petitioner was a midshipman on board the Ship "Dragon," and continued in her until she was destroyed by the British in the Month of April 1781, having been left in her for the purpose of taking care of her, and having been appointed to be turned over to the frigate "Thetis" as an officer, as soon as she should be completed;-that your petitioner was discharged, at the time the said ship was destroyed as aforementioned, by his Commander 44 THE WEBB FAMILY Capt. Travis, until such time as he shouldjpe required to return to his duty, which never happened; that your petitioner has never received any of the wages he was entitled to, since the first of April 1779 to which time he was paid off-nor has he received a warrant for the land he was entitled to as a midshipman; that the Causes why your petitioner never obtained those Rights, were the death of Capt. Travis, his last Commander, and the only Officer on board at the time, older in Command than himself, and also his inability to produce a certificate how long he continued in the Navy, until about twelve months ago, he found a Mr. Thomas Grant who had also been an officer in the Navy. Therefore, your petitioner prays that upon his producing such Vouchers of his Service as were required by the Act of Assembly providing for the settlement of Officers' Claims that the aects of your petitioner as midshipman of the Ship Dragon may be settled by the Auditor of Public Accounts, and that he may be allowed his wages as midshipman aforesaid from the first of April 1779 the depreciation on his back wages from the 3rd of May 1788 (sic) to April 1779 when he was paid off last, and also the Land Commutation to which he was entitled as well as the other officers who served on board the Navy. And your petitioner will ever pray c Francis Webb Octo: 20th 1791 Vouchers enclosed. But this plea was rejected, for some reason not apparent in the record. But in 1835, the following order from the governor, Little- ton Waller Tazewell, and warrant from the register were issued to James and John Webb, heirs of Francis Webb: Executive Department, July 31, 1834. The heirs of Francis Webb are allowed land bounty for his services as Midshipman in the Virginia State Navy for three years. The Register will issue a warrant accordingly if not heretofore drawn. Litt. W. Tazewell. J. B. Richardson. On 24 July 1835, a warrant No. 8173 for 266624 acres was issued to James and John Webb, Heirs of Francis Webb. (Records of Land Office) Francis Webb married in 1786 Frances Walker, born 1764, died 1809, daughter of Freeman Walker and Frances Belfield, his wife, daughter of Thomas Wright Belfield and Mary Meriwether, sister of Lucy Meriwether, who married Colonel Francis Smith. (For Walker family, see William and Mary College Quarterly, XIV, p. 138. For Meriwether, Belfield, etc., see William and Mary College Quarterly, VIII, pp. 96-100, and Jones Family, by Judge Lewis H. Jones.) 45 THE WEBB FAMILY 42. FRANcis' WEBB, and Frances Walker, his wife, had issue: 46, Bathurst, born 1787, died in infancy; 47, Thomas, born August 5,1789, died unmarried, aged 24; 48, James, born March 31, 1792; 49, John, born March 20, 1794; 50, Frances Belfield, born 1796, died the same year; 51, Richard Walker, born 1798; 52, William Meriwether, born 1800 (October 3, 1804, William Meri- wether died, and October 5, 1804, Richard Walker died, and both were interred in the same grave); 53, Francis Walker, born 1808, lived one year. Francis Webb went to Georgia in 1810 and settled in Han- cock County, where he died in 1811. (MSS. Statement of John Webb.) 48. JAMESV WEBB (Francis,G James, James,4 James,3 John,2 Gilesl) rose to much distinction in public life. He had a strong attachment for books as a scholar and, when seventeen years of age, taught school in Georgia in 1809. He returned to Virginia in 1810, and served in the clerk's office of Essex County under John P. Leland; read law, returned to Georgia in 1812, when, war breaking out with Great Britain, he entered the army and was appointed clerk of the Regiment. After the war he practiced law at Linton, Georgia, ten years, and in 1823 he removed to Jackson County, Florida. In 1828 he was appointed by President J. Q. Adams Judge of the Southern District of Florida, and also judge for the adjustment of claims on the coast. He removed to Key West, and was reappointed judge by President Jackson, and was re- tained by President Van Buren. During the administration of Van Buren he removed to Corpus Christi, Texas, and accepted the office of Secretary of State of Texas from Mirabeau B. Lamar, then president of that strug- gling republic. After a few years he was elected Attorney General, and next sent as minister to Mexico. He served again as Secretary of State, and was finally elected judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, in which he lived. On his death, November 1, 1856, the Bar of his District passed resolutions of highly eulogistic character. He married June 24, 1813, Rachel Elizabeth Lamar, daughter of Colonel Thomas Lamar, of Hancock County, Georgia, and had issue: 54, Thomas Francis, who married Jane Montgotnery, of Texas, and left issue; 55, James William, never married, died 46 THE WEBB FAMILY August 11, 1853, at the home of Lewis Webb, of Richmond, Virginia; 56, Charles John, entered the United States Army, was quartermaster, died December 25, 1852, in his twenty-second year; 57, Mary Elizabeth, married (1) Dr. Walter Hubbert, (2) Colonel Henry L. Kinney, of Corpus Christi. Issue by first marriage: two sons and four daughters. 49. JOHN WEBB (Francis,s James,, James,4 James,3 John,' Gilesl) was born March 20, 1794, at "Mount Prospect," five miles from Tappahannock, Essex County, Virginia, the then residence of his father, Francis Webb. He was educated in the country schools, and removed to Georgia with his father in his sixteenth year. Served in the War of 1812, and fought against the Seminole Indians. (See John Webb's Manuscript for issue.) Carrie Julia Robinson, daughter of James H. Robinson and Martha Webb', his wife, married January 30, 1873, Joseph Alex- ander Stewart, and had issue, among others, J. Adger Stewart, manufacturer, Louisville, Kentucky (Stewart, Descendants of Valentine Hollingsworth, p. 14). He married Anna Briggs Carter on April 26,1899. Referring back to the children of 6, James8 Webb (Vol. VII, p. 196), it is found that the copyist made some errors in tran- scribing. The following is a correct statement: 25. JOHN4 WEBB (p. 269) had issue: (1) John, (2) Isaac, (3) Elizabeth, married James Edmondson; (4) Catherine, married Samuel () Peachy, who had son (5) William, (6) Ann, (7) Sally, Mary. 26. JAMES4 WEBB (VII, p. 270) had issue: (1) William, born February 10, 1732, died March 24, 1733; (2) James,' born July 2, 1734, married Mary Smith, daughter of Captain Francis Smith and Lucy Meriwether, of Essex County, Virginia (his line has been given); (3) Mary, born October 4, 1736, died September 8, 1739; (4) John, born April 3, 1739, died September 20, 1740; (5) Mary," born October 18, 1740, of whom hereafter; (6) John, born April 2, 1743, died August, 1745; (7) William, born May 11, 1745, of whom hereafter; (8) John,' born January 18, 1747; (9), Thomas,, born February 27, 1751, of whom hereafter; (10), Elizabeth,' born June 20, 1754, of whom hereafter Of these MARY' WEBB (omitted in the original list) married in May, 1761, Samuel Smith, son of Samuel Smith, Essex County, 47 THE WEBB FAMILT Virginia, and Anne Amis, and grandson of Lieutenant John Smith, whose daughter Jane married John Webb, uncle of Mary Webb Smith. Samuel Smith moved with his wife to Granville County, North Carolina, and died there October 6, 1800. His wife died November 20, 1827. They had issue: (1) Anne, born in Sussex County, May 9, 1762. (2) Mary, born September 18, 1763, mar- ried William Williamson in February, 1800, died March 21, 1814. (3) Samuel, born September 25, 1763, in Virginia, married May 15, 1792, Elizabeth Harrison, born February 28, 1772. He uied June 4, 1816, in Caswell County, North Carolina. She died December 17, 1838. (4) Elizabeth Smith, born April 7, 1767, in North Carolina, married James Downey, died in Granville County, North Carolina, September 17, 1804. (5) Jane Smith, born October 7, 1768, married Alexander Murphy, died in June, 1813. (6) James Webb Smith, born May 18, 1770, in Granville County, North Carolina, married (1) Polly Downey, (2) Polly Webb, died October 2, 1828. (7) William Smith, born June 2, 1774, in North Carolina, married Lethy Eaton, who married (2) Major Pugh, died May, 1831. (8) Maurice Smith, born May 6, 1776, married (1) Francis Goodwin, (2) Amy Webb, daughter John and Amy Booker Webb. He died May 21, 1835. (9) Thomas Smith, born February 9, 1779, in Granville County, North Carolina, died September 27, 1794. (10) Alexander Smith, born February 11, 1781, in Granville County, North Carolina, married Anne Beasley, died December 25, 1827. (See Bible entries in Vol. II, pp. 196- 200, and "The Webb Family," by Robert Dickens Webb, MSS.) 38. WILLIAMS WEBB, son of James and Mary Edmondson Webb, was born May 1, 1745. He married Frances Young in Essex County, and moved to North Carolina and settled at Tally- ho, Granville County, in 1776, where he died April 11, 1809. His wife, Frances, died in 1810. In 1777 there was recorded in Essex County, Virginia, a deed from William Webb and Frances, his wife, of the county of Granville and state of North Carolina, to William Howerton, of the county of Essex and state of Virginia, of the other part. William Webb had nine children, viz: (1) Rachel, born April 25, 1772, married Mark Howard, and had fourteen children. (2) Dr. James, born February 20, 1774, died in May, 1853. He was a physician of note at Hillsboro, North Carolina, for fifty years. 48 THE, WEBB FAMILY He married Annie Alvis Huske. They had eight children. (3) William S. Webb, born February 2, 1776, graduated as A. B. at the University of North Carolina, and M. D. at the University of Pennsylvania. He settled in Williamson County, Tennessee, and practiced till his death August 3, 1866. Married Mildred Turner and had thirteen children. (4) John Webb, born in North Caro- lina January 26, 1778, married Margaret Howard, sister of Mark Howard, April 22, 1802, died April 14, 1858. Issue: eleven children. (5) Thomas Webb, born October 22, 1779, married Martha Dickens in North Carolina, and moved to Alabama, died September 28, 1840. (6) Judge Henry Young Webb, born in North Carolina August 14, 1784, married December 29, 1812, Elizabeth Forney, made by President Monroe Judge of the United States District Court for the Territory of Alabama in 1818. When Alabama became a state, he was selected by the Legislature as one of its circuit judges. He died near Greensborough September 20, 1823. Issue: five children. (7) Mary E., born in North Carolina January 13, 1782 inorried Baxter Davi3, lived in Kentucky, had six sons and three daughters. (8S Fran es Webb, born December 5, 1786, married D.. P.ortia.; Mloore, of North Carolina. No issue. () Samuel Smith Webb, born at Tally-ho, Granville County, North Caro!;na, May , 1791. He married Anne Moore Dickens, granddaughter of Gerneral Stephen Moore, of Mount Tirzah, North Carolina, died in Sumter County, Alabama, May 5, 1864. Issue: twelve children, among whom was Dr. Robert Dickens Webb, the author of the manuscript from which the facts relating to the descendants of William Webb and Frances, his wife, are chiefly taken. He was born in North Carolina November 4, 1824, graduated in medicine at the University of Virginia in 1850, and practiced his profession in Alabama. He married April 27, 1853, Julia E. Fulton, daughter of William Frierson Fulton. Their only child, Elizabeth D. Webb, married Hon. John Sharp Williams, a distinguished member of the United States Senate, from the state of Mississippi. 39. JOHN'S WEBB, son of James Webb and Mary Edmondson, his wife, born January 18, 1747. He married in 1772 Amy Book- er, daughter of James Booker, of Essex County. She was born August 27, 1752 (N. S.), and died March 25, 1835. They moved in early life to Person County, North Carolina. THE WEBB FAmmy The will of James Booker, dated May 3, 1790, and proved in Essex County, June 18, 1793, named his daughter Mary Shep- hard, daughter Joanna Woodson deceased, son Lewis, grand- daughters, Betsy and Nancy Wild, daughters of Anne Wild, daughter Elizabeth Jeffries, son Lewis Booker, and his sons-in-law John Webb and Richard Jeffries. John Webb and Amy Booker, his wife, had issue: six sons and five daughters, viz., (1) Thomas, born December 26, 1776, married Martha Smith, sister of the wife of his brother James, and left issue. (2) John, born April 1, 1786, married Betsy Moomaw, of Virginia, and moved to Breckenridge County, Kentucky. He left issue: William Hayden, John, and Mary. (3) James, born November 17, 1779, married Anne IHunt Smith, daughter of James Smith. (4) William, born October 17, 1778, married (1) Elizabeth Pulliam, (2) Fannie Love, issue. (5) Isaac, born December 29, 1790, married Harriet F. Dickens, daughter of Jesse Dickens, Person County, North Carolina. (6) Lewis Webb, born July 18, 1789, married Anne Nutali, of Lewisburg, Nueth Carolina, and lived in Richmond, Virginia, where he made a Itirge fortune in the wholesale grocery trade. 'le died in 1877. (7) Mary, born June 22, 1782, married Colonel James Webb Smith, ot Jackson, Missis- sippi. (8) Amy, born August 31, 1794, married Colonel Maurice Smith, of Granville County, North Carcr'inr. (9) Anne, born June 24, 1794, married John F. Patillo. (10) Susan, born October 4, 1796, never married. (11) Elizabeth, born March 4, 1773, married Judge Thomas Owen, of North Carolina. 40. THOMAS' WEBB, youngest son of James Webb and Mary Edmondson, was born February 27, 1751. In 1776 he went to the West Indies and engaged in merchandising and amassed a large fortune. He died a bachelor in St. Thomas, 1783, and was buried at Dover, England. His will dated April 30, 1778, and witnessed by John Edmnondson, Jr., and Meriwether Smith, was proved in Essex County, V'irginia, October 19, 1784. He named his sister Elizabeth Webb, nephew Willianm Webb, friend Mr. Overton Cosby, brothers William Webb and John Webb, sisters Mary Smith and Elizabeth Webb, the children of his deceased brother James Webb, and Brother John Webb and Mr. Overton Cosby executors. 41. ELIZABETH' WEBB, youngest child of James Webb and Mary Edmondson, was born June 30, 1754, married Mr. Thomas Shepard, of Granville County, North Carolina. Left issue. 50

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