RESEARCH NOTES on WILLIAM WILLIAMS by Jane Snidow Lloyd:





WILL OF JOSEPH TERRY dated 1785 [Lucy Terry Williams’ father]

 

Source: Deed and Will Book II, Page 148 - Pittsylvania County, Virginia

 

In the name of God, Amen, I Joseph Terry Sen of the County of Pittsylvania being at present of a sound and disposing memory and in health of body, but calling to memo the uncertainty of this mortal life and the necessary of setting my House in Order before my death, do hereby make and ordain this to be my last Will and Testament. First, I do humbly recommend my Soul into the hands of God, my maker hoping for pardon of all my Sins thru the manifold Mercies of God, my maker, through the merit of Christ my Redeemer and my Body I resign to the Dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executors. And as touching what Worldly Estate I have been blessed with, I give and dispose thereof as followth. Item, I give to my Son David Terry, one Negro woman named Kate and her ___ which he has been possessed with some time and one named Sarah and her ___ hereafter to him and his heirs forever. Item, I give to my Son Thomas Terry, one Negro named Peter and one named Lucy and her ______ also one Mulater boy named Harry during his and his wife's natural life and after their death to be equally divided among their children and their heirs forever. Item, I lend to my son Joseph Terry one Negro man which he has in possession likewise one Negro boy named Jackson and Girl named Grace and her increase during his and his wife's natural life then to be equally divided among their children and thir heirs for ever. Item, I give to my daughter Anna Barksdale one Negro Woman named Zilpha and one Mulatter Girl named Anna to her and her heirs for ever. Item, I also give to my daughter Anna Barksdale one Mulatter woman Named Sarah Martain for the term of six years and then she is to go free but if she should have any children, they shall remain and belong to the said Anna Barksdale and her heirs forever. Item I lend to my daughter Lucy Williams one Negro boy named Abram during her natural life and then to descend to her youngest Son, Doctor Crawford Williams and his heirs for ever. Item, I give unto my Grandson, Thomas Terry, Son of David Terry, one Negro Girl named Fillace to him and his heirs for ever. Item, I give my daughter Elizabeth Oliver twenty shillings. Item, I give to my Son Champness Terry's heirs twenty shillings. Item, I leave two hundred and thirty acres of Land lying on the branch of Jeramins fork and one Negro boy named George to be sold. As for the rest of my worldly Goods, after burying and debts is paid to be equally divided among my three sons, David Terry, Thomas Terry and Joseph Terry and two daughters Lucy Williams and Anna Barksdale. I do hereby constitute and appoint Beverley Barksdale, Thomas Terry and David Terry to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament and do revoke all other Wills and therefore do declare this to be my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this 4th day of December one thousand and seven hundred and eighty five.

Joseph Terry S. S.

Test

 

Charles Terry, Samual Sloan, John Terry

 

At a Court held for Pittsylvania County the 19th day of December 1785 The within last Will and Testament of Joseph Terry Sen deceased was exhibited into Court by Beverley Barksdale, one of the Executors therein named, and proved by the oaths of two of the witnesses thereto and Ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of the said Executor who made Oath according to Law, Certificate is granted him for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form of Law on giving Security. Whereupon he together with William Ryburn and Isham Farmer his securities entered into Bond as the Law directs and acknowledges the same. And leave in reserve the other Executors therein named to join in the probate when they shall think proper.

Teste

Will Tunstall CS

 

 

 

 

WILL OF WILLIAM WILLIAMS

Will Book II, Page 114, Pittsylvania County, VA

 

In the Name of God, Amen, I William Williams of the County of Pittsylvania in the Colony of Virginia being in a weak loe condition but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be given to Almighty God for the same, and knowing that it is appointed for all Men once to die do make and Ordain this my Last Will and Testament and principally and first of all I do recommend my Soule into the hands of God who gave it nothing doubting but at the general resurrection by his almighty power I shall receve the same. And as touching what worldly Estate it hath ____? please God to bless me with in this life, I do hereby give and dispose of in manner and form following Imprinciss my Will and desire is that all my just debts and funeral charges may be first paid by my Ex. hereafter to be named Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Son Lewis Williams the Eighth part of my Land and Ten pounds Cash to be paid at the division of my Estate. Item, I give and bequeath unto my loving Daughter Susannah Williams twenty pounds Cash to be raised out of my Estate as soon as may be Item, I give and bequeath unto my dearly beloved wife Lucy Williams the use of all the remainder of my personall and real Estate to be in her peaseable possession untill my Son Thomas Terry Williams shall arive to the age of twenty one years, or in case he should die before that time my Will and desire is that at that period of time that remaining part of my Land and all my Estate not before given should be equally divided between my loving wife and her seven sons, to witt, Joseph Terry Williams, John Williams, James Mastin Williams, Thomas Terry Williams, David Chamness Williams, William Mastin Williams, Doctor Crawford Williams either by a Division or Saile of the said Estate both real and personal as may be most convenient for the said Legates. I do also heareby nominate my beloved wife, Mr David Terry and Joseph Terry Williams my Executrix and Executors to this my last Will and Testament revoking all former Testaments, Wills or Legaseys by me maid or given pronouncing this and no other to be my last Will and testament in Testimoney whereof I have heareunto set my hand and Seal this tenth day of December one thousand seven hundred and Seventy seven.

his

William iW Williams SS

mark

Test

David Given, David Terry, Champness Terry

 

(Page 115)

At a court held for Pittsylvania County the 16th day of May 1780

The within last Will and Testament of William Williams deceased was exhibited into court by Lucy Williams and Joseph Terry Williams the Executrix and Executor therein named and proved by the Oaths of two of the witnesses thereto and Ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of the said Exrx and Exor who made Oath according to Law Certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate thereof in due form of Law, on giving security Whereupon they together they together with David Terry their security entered into Bono (?) and ask the same according to Law

Teste

Will Tunstall CS

 

 

ESTATE DIVISION OF WILLIAM WILLIAMS (11-27-1786)17:

 

Account Current Book 2, p 54 Pittsylvania Co, VA Wm Williams Division

In obedience to order of Pittsylvania Court bearing date Sep Court 1786, we the subscribers, after alloting agreable to his Will of William Williams decd. the following land and negroes to wit--

Negro woman Phillis to Lucey Williams the widow of sd. William Williams paying #25  to the legetys.

Joseph Terry Williams one negroe girl named Amey on his paying #10

John Williams one negroe girl named Amey on his paying #10

James Mastin Williams negroe boy named Druer receiving #20

Thomas Terry Williams negroe boy named Jack on his paying #20

David Champness Williams #50 gold or silver

William Martin Williams negro girl named Sis on his paying #35

Doctor Crawford Williams #50 gold or silver to be paid in 12 months with interest from this date.

Each lot of land pays to William Mastin Williams #4.7.0 gold or silver.

Finally settled. 

Given under our hands this 27 Nov 1786-

Rawley White, Ben. Terry, James Farmer

Recorded: 18 August 1788

 

 

 

 

Will of LUCY TERRY WILLIAMS (dated 6-25-1788)

Will Book Pages 163-164

 

In the Name of God Amen, I Lucy Williams of the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia being in a weak low condition but of perfect mind and memory, thanks be to Almighty God for the same, knowing it is once appointed for all persons to die I do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament and as touching what worldly Estate it hath pleased God to bless me with I do dispose of in manner and form as followth, my Will and desire is that all my just Debts and funeral Charges shall be first paid by my Executors hereafter to be named

Item I give and bequeath to my beloved Son David Champness Williams one Negro Girl named Lottie and her issue to him and his heirs forever

Item I give and bequeath to my six sons, to wit, Joseph Terry Williams, John Williams, James Mastin Williams, Thomas Terry Williams, William Mastin Williams and Doctor Crawford Williams all the remainder of my Estate to be equally divided between them either by Sale or division which is most convenient for the said Legatees.

I do hereby name James Mastin Williams and Thomas Terry Williams my Executors to this my last will and Testament, revoking all former Testaments, Wills or Legases made by me or given pronouncing this and no other to be my last Will and Testament In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this twenty fifth day of June one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight.

Test

John Fitzgerald, David Terry Lucy Williams S.S.

John Terry

 

At a court held for Pittsylvania County the 21day of July 1788

The within last Will and testament of Lucy Williams decd was proved by the Oath of one of the witnesses thereto and ordered to be Certified, And afterwards, to wit, At a Court held for the said County the 18th day of August in the year aforesaid the same was further proved by the oath of one of the other witnesses thereto and Ordered to be Recorded James M Williams, one of the Executors therein named took the Oath agreeable to Law, and on the motion of the said Exor. Certificate is granted him for obtaining a Probate thereof in due form of Law, on giving security Whereupon he together with Joseph Terry Williams and Thomas Williams, his securities entered into bond as the Law directs and acknowledged the same.

Teste

Will Tunstall CS

 

 

 

ESTATE INVENTORY OF LUCY TERRY WILLIAMS17:

Account Book 2, p 40  Pittsylvania County

 

Inventory of estate of Lucy Williams decd. taken 21 Aug 1788 by Wm Walrond, John Fitzgerald, Thomas Shaw

 

Bed, furniture & sted, 3 chears, water can & piggon, cotton wheel, table, old case, tea kettle & tribett, spit, iron spoon, flat iron, candlestick & snuffers, knife box & 10 forks, corner cubbard, parcel crockely ware, 3 basons, dish, 3 spoons, earthen pott, chest, Dutch oven, skillet, pr. pot hooks, negro woman, negro child, old ax

Recorded 19 Aug 1789      Total #67.6.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESTATE INVENTORY for THOMAS TERRY WILLIAMS17

Accounts Current Book 2,, p 183  Pittsylvania Co, VA

Inventory of the estate of Thomas T. Williams, decd 2 Jun 1794

 

Negroes:  Peter, Jack, Vilot, Juday, Lucy and her child Nancy, Silley, James, Cupit Bay horse, mare and colt, cow and bell, cow and yearling, cow and calf, one ditto, cow, cow and calf, ditto, 3 young cattle, 4 ditto, 3 beds and furniture, 27 hogs, red sow, 2 sows and 8 piggs, 4 shotes, 4 fat hoggs, 2 chests, table, 2 butter potts, ?toster, 6 chairs, cup board, cotton wheel, mans saddle, womans saddle, cask, case and bottles, Bible, flax wheel, cart whele box, flat iron, 4 axes, 10 pewtwer plates, 2 basons, old pewter, 2 small chairs, parcel earthen ware, sythe and cradle, coffee pot, skillet, dutch oven and hooks, churn, barrel, pott, tub, pail, pr. cards, 3 razors & case, 2 pr chain traces, haims, 2 cleviss, collar bridle & trace, 4 grubbing hoes, 5 hilling hoes, 2 wedges, clevis, plow, bridle bit, plow, old bell, old table, swingle tree &irons, parcel tobacco, sow & piggs, chest of drawers.

 

We the subscribers have appr'd the movable estate of Thomas T. Williams, decd

--William Irby, John Fitzgerald, Robert Clapton, Wm Waldron

Recorded 19 Jan 1795                       Total #523.1.2

 

 

 

WILL OF JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS, Sen December 16, 1836

Will Book 1, page 353-356, Pittsylvania County, VA

 

In the name of God Amen I James M Williams Sen of the County of Pittsylvania and state of Virginia, being of infirmed body but of sound mind and disposing memory and knowing that it is appointed for all men to die. Therefore being desirous of Disposing of the worldly estate I have do make and ordain this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit. First I give my beloved wife Wilmoth Williams which she may dispose of among my children and Grand children as she may hereafter think proper the following negro Slaves and other property six negro slaves named Bob, Tom, Kenny, Paulina, Quthzan? Jinny and the increase of the families. Also the stock of ____ every description all the household and Kitchen furniture of every kind and Description a Double Rigg Harness ?, the money due me from Philip G Williams as his home ? and Interest amounting to about six hundred and fifty Dollars. I also Loan to her during her natural life the use and ____ of the Tract of Land upon which we now live Lying upon both sides of Sandy Creek of Banister river including the ____Land sold by M. Geo. K Gilmer commissioner from _____ by John Terry, Jr. Containing in all about eighteen hundred and thirty acres Reserving however one acre to be laid off around the family Grave Yard. I also loan her the use of four slaves to wit. Will, Cain, Abram and Amey together with all the stock of hogs, sheep and cattle work oxen, Carts and waggons plantation tools and all the crops of every Description with the stock of provisions which may be on hand at the time of my death. Item In addition to the property already given to my son John Williams, I give to him a debt due me from Robert Townes which is Secured in a Deed of Trust to me & others ( the Bond and papers are now in the hands of John Williams) also two shares of stock in the Roanoke Navigation Company. Item I give to my son Thomas Williams and to his heirs, one Tract of land lying and being in the County of Pittsylvania upon Gaities Creek near Staunton River and adjoining the land of William McAlister and others containing four hundred and sixteen acres. Also a Small Tract of Eleven Acres lying upon the waters of Sandy River and adjoining the land of the heirs of Ellis Wilson Decd. Also another Tract of ____ Acres lying and being in the County of Dinwiddie Va and which was sold for D__ Taxes and bought my me Also a debt of about $2.500 dollars due me from George T (?) Sansdown. Item I give to my Daughter Sarah C Leftwich in addition to the property given her The sum of one thousand dollars cash, which has been paid by Jm and RW Williams to the order of her husband Maj William Leftwich. Also I give to my Grandson Thomas D Neal the sum of Five hundred Dollars which he has received of Jm & R W Williams being a part of money due me from them. Item I give to my Daughters Wilmoth M Motley and Martha McAlister each the sum of five hundred Dollars to be paid to them by my Executor hereafter named as early as convenient after my Death without Int. I also desire after the death of my wife, that if Martha McAlister should be living or may have an Heir of her body that the sum of five hundred Dollars more be paid to her or to the Heirs of her body. Item My wish and desire is that my Executors shall pay in consideration of moneys advanced to Mr. James Bruce a Security for William M Williams to Stephen C Townes the sum of five hundred Dollars to William Motley the said sum of five hundred Dollars to John McAlister the sum of five hundred Dollars to Robert W Williams the sum of five hundred Dollars and to James M Williams Jr the sum of five hundred Dollars making in all the sum of Two thousand five hundred . Item It is my will and Desire that after my Death my Ex will proceed to Collect all moneys due to me upon Bond accounts and after paying my just debts and all proper ___ together with the several ____ of money given and desired paid herewith, that the balance shall remain in their legal interest untill the death of my wife, Wilmoth Williams and after her death then to sell all the property both real and personal which I have loaned to her upon Such credit as ____ may think proper. And out of the proceeds of Such Sale together with the monies and interest thereon accumulated pay to my __Legatees? as follows to wit To William W? Hurt, Mary Jackson and Gra---- Hurt heirs of Polly W Hurt Decd the sum of two hundred Dollars each.

To Mary W Clopton, Wilmoth M Sydnor, Susan I Jones, ____ Bibb Terry Heirs of Elizabeth Terry decd the sum of two hundred dollars each.

To the heirs of Catherine K (?) Townes the Sum of one hundred dollars each to be paid to them as they become of age or shall marry and need the Same.

To James M Motley Sam K Williams, Thomas Williams and Thomas Williams son of Thomas each the sum of one hundred dollars. Item 8 The Balance of my Estate in cash remaining in the hands of the Executors to be divided between my nine children in named Thomas Robert James William Wilmoth Catherine Sarah Martha or the heirs of their body and with this specification as it regards Williams part that it shall remain in the ___ of J M Williams, Jr. and if not applyed for in two years after____division to be equally made between the nine children ____ then it shall be retained by James M Williams, Jr. in ____partnership ____ actions with Said W M Williams, Jr.

Lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint Thomas Williams James M Williams Jr and Robert W Williams as Executors to this my last will and Testament with a desire of the worshipful ____ county of Pittsylvania after my ___ to permit them to qualify as Executors to Law and not to require Security of them because of the confidence reposed in them nor do I wish an appraisement of the Estate untill after the death of my beloved wife Wilmoth Williams

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this 16th day of December 1836.

J M Williams Sr (SEAL)

Signed, Sealed and acknowledged

in presence of

R A Clopton

James Terry Sen

William Owen

 

 

Codicil to the Will of James Mastin Williams, Senior

 

January 9, 1838. I James M Williams Sen being in a Sour state of health do make and ordain this codicil to my last will and Testament. Having sold the Tract of Land upon Partial Creek of 416 (?) acres and which I had intended to give to my son Thomas Williams do now revoke the same and Direct that my Executors shall use the money arising from said Sale to the payment of the Several legacied bequeathed in money in my Said will, and having recently purchased a negro woman Margaret with her five children named Charles, Billy, Anna, Sopha and Matilda I desire that they shall remain in the possession of my wife Wilmoth Williams and to her use with the increase of the females, until her death, and then to be sold by my Executors with all the other property Loaned to my Said wife both real and personal, together with the balance of my Estate not otherwise disposed or divided between my nine children named and divided (?) in the 8" Item of the Said will in Testimony of which I have hereto Subscribed my hand and Seal the day and year first above written.

J M Williams Sr (SEAL)

In presence of

James Terry

James Banes

R A Clopton

 

At a court held for Pittsylvania County the 16th day of April 1838 This Last will and Testament of James M Williams Sr Decd was presented in Court and with the codicil thereto annexed was proved by Robert A Clopton a Subscribing witness to be the act and Deed of Said Decedent and at another day to Wit at a Court held for Said County the 22nd day of May 1838 the Same was further proven by the oaths of James Terry Sen and Wm Owen two Subscribing witnesses thereto and the Codicil by the oath of the said Terry and James Baynes, witnesses Item _____ ordered to be recorded and on the motion of James M Williams Jr one of the Excors in Said will named also according to law and entered into and acknowledged bond in the _____ of thirty two thousand dollars conditioned as law ____ Certificate as granted him for obtaining a probate of the _____ in due form Security and being required by the will and liberty ______reserved to the other executors in Said will named to join in the probat thereof when they shall think of it.

 

NOTE: There are 8 more lines written in his Will – very difficult to read.

 

 



Revolutionary War Pension Applications
Joseph Terry Williams and James Mastin Williams

(both dated September 1832)






REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSION APPLICATION #S32604
FOR Joseph Terry Williams

State of Illinois, Jackson County

On the 3rd day of September, 1832, personally appeared in open court before the County Commissioners Court of Jackson County now sitting, Joseph T Williams, a resident of the said county in the state of Illinois, aged 76 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That in the year 1776 as near as he the deponant can recollect, he was a resident of Pittsylvania County in the State of Virginia and on the 2nd day of April of said year he turned out as a volunteer to go against the Cherokee Indians. The Captain of the company to which he belonged was of the name of John Donelson under the command of Irwin (?) Shelby on a tour of three months. The force marched to the Long Islands in the River Holston. To this place a great many of the Cherokees came and there they made a treaty with the Americans, then the force was discharged and sent home. In this expedition against the Indians his assignment was an orderly sergent.

In the month of February 1779 this deponant was called out for a five months tour as a drafted militia man in a company commanded by Captain William Witcher in a regiment commanded by David Mason and was immediately marched ---?--- south and joined the continental troops under General Linkhon at a place called --?- a place southwest of Charleston not long before the battle at ---?---. He and the militia with him were attached to and served with the regular troops during the whole campagn. He was discharged at Camden SC by a written discharge by his captain which said discharge he still has, of which the following is a true copy--- Camden SC This is to certify that Joseph Terry Williams a Sergeant in my company of militia from Pittsylvania has served his tour of duty and is discharged. Given under my hand this 23rd day of July 1779. --- Wm Witcher, Capt.

In the winter of 1780 and of which Gen Green was retreating through the country before the approaching British under the command of Lord Cornwallis, Green called on the militia for a tour of duty. This deponant turned out as a volunteer in a company commanded by Capt Steven Coleman under the command of Col Peter Perkins and joined the army of regulars under Gen Green at Davis (?) River in the state of Virginia. Green continued close to the enemy during the whole tour but saw no battle but some slight skirmishes and as the one Whitsill's Mill and was discharged a copy of which is as follows and the original still remains in his hands. Jos Terry Williams is hereby discharged from my company of militia - given at Camden, Guilford County North Carolina 12 Mar 1781 ---Stephen Coleman, Capt.

During the last mentioned tour this deponant served as quarter master sergent. During the year 1781 or 1782 this deponant was called out on a tour of duty and put to driving public wagons and teams transporting public stores to and from Halifax old town, was regular and constant in the said employment, subject to the order of the deputy quartermaster in the regular service, served the tour out of three months as he believes and was regularly discharged by Wm McGraw the said deputy quartermaster but whether he received from said officer a written discharge or not the deponant cannot say. If he did it has been lost. It might have been in this as in his first tour that he never thought it worth his while to apply for a written discharge as the officer who would give it lives in his immediate neighborhood. This is all the service this deponant did and he has no documentary testimony then to offer in proof of such service. The original of the discharges he has herein copied are still in his hands subject to the inspection of anyone and the deponant says he has no one now within his power by whom he could prove his actual service as there are so few of the old Revolutionary soldiers yet living and they so scattered over this widely extended country. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any state.



Interrogatories propounded by the court:

QUESTION 1 Where and in what year were you born?
ANSWER I was born in the county that was afterward Pittsylvania but at the time it was Halifax Co, in the year 1756.
QUESTION 2 Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
ANSWER I have it was on a leaf of my father's Bible and the book was about to fall pieces. I took out the said leaf and now have it in my possession. It is in my father's handwriting and I have no doubt it is correct.

QUESTION 3 Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
ANSWER In the county of Pittsylvania Virginia when first called out. From thence he moved to Tennessee, Sumner Co. Thence to Wilson Tennessee thence to Jackson Co Illinois where I now live.
QUESTION 4 How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute and is so for whom?
ANSWER He volunteered three tours and was drafted for one to wit his tour of five months above mentioned.
QUESTION 5 State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental and militia regiments as you can recollect] and the general circumstances of you service.
ANSWER General Green commanded in the west before Lord Cornwallis in his tour. In his second tour his commander-in-chief was General Linkhon. He was at Salsberry soon after the defeat at Briar Creek and saw some of the men who were in the battle one by the name of Frost a citizen of Salsbery.
QUESTION 6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.
ANSWER He refers to the former part of this his declaration in answer to this question.
QUESTION 7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
ANSWER He refers to and gives up Green Lindsey a clergyman and Conrad Will a citizen of this county.

Subscribed and sworn to in open court the day and year aforesaid.
Joseph T Williams
attest J Manning, clerk

We Green Lindsey, a clergyman residing in the county of Jackson and Conrad Will, residing in the same place hereby certify that we are all well acquainted with Joseph Terry Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy-six years of age and that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur with the deposition. Sworn to and subscribed

Green Lindsey
Conrad Will

In open court the day and year aforesaid. Attest
J Manning, clk

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the interrogation of the matter and after fielding the interrogation prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Green Lindsey who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman, resident in the county of Jackson and that Conrad Will who has also signed the same is a resident in the same county and is a reliable person and the their statement is entitled to belief.
Benj H Conner
George Creath
Alexander Cochran

State of Illinois Jackson County. I Joel Manning, clerk of the county commissioners and of Jackson County Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joseph T. Williams for a pension. On testimony of which I have hereunto set my name and seal of office this twenty third day of August one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
Joel Manning, clerk
State of Illinois Jackson County
I Joel Manning, clerk of the county commissioners court of Jackson County do hereby testify that George Creath, Alexander Cochran and Benjamin F Conner who have signed the foregoing certificate , were at the time of signing the same and still are the three judges of the said court duly elected and qualified. Given under my hand and seal of office at Brownsville in the said county this twenty third day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
J Manning, clerk

From Rev War Pension Application Film at the National Archives, Federal Center, Denver CO

Brownsville Oct 19 1833

Sire,
I send enclosed the original discharges of Joseph T Williams hoping that this will remove every objection to the allowance of his claim. An early attention to the subject desirable as the old gentlemen is in a low state of health probably the effects of old age and hard labour and really is in much need of the discharge of that debt which the country has so long owed the Revolutionary soldiers.

There is a case in this neighborhood of the following description:
Peter Golliher was drafted to stand in readiness for a six months tour of duty and greatly often was called out and was marched toward Yorktown (at the time Cornwallis was there) to join the army at that place and when within a few miles of the army was taken sick (of the scarlet fever) and so ---?--- for some time then not fit for duty received a furlough on account of his ill health and was by his friend taken home before the expiration of the six months for which he was drafted but remained sick and unable to perform any business for nearly a year. Without putting the department to the trouble of investigating a claim which can be of no benefit to the claimant I wish you to inform me whether in case the facts were made out as above stated the said Peter Golliher could be allowed as for six months service.

With much respect, your obedient servant
Joel Manning

Rev War Pension File of Joseph T Williams - Viewed at National Archives, Federal Center, Denver CO

Brownsville Jackson Co Illinois - Feb 7, 1834


Dear Sir,
You will recollect that sometime since I made an application for a pension for an old gentlemen of our county by the name of Joseph T Williams.

This declaration was in the first instance returned with objections. These were obviated or attempted to be and the Declaration returned to the Department. I then received a communication requiring that his original discharges from service mentioned in his declaration should be sent to the Department. I accordingly obtained them from the old man, copied them, enclosed the originals and directed them to the Department. This was about the middle of October last since which time I have heard nothing upon the subject. I however expected mail after mail a communication supposing the delay was ---?--- by the press of business until the last mail brought me the allowance of the pension of ---?--- Lipe whose declaration was sent long after the original discharges of Mr Williams. This circumstance incurs me to think that the delay cannot be occasioned by the theory of business as I before supposed. I therefore write this for information upon the subject.

I wish to make an inquiry concerning the application for a pension of Jesse Gordan also of our county. His declaration was just returned with objections, was amended and sent back. It as a second time returned with the note --"The claimant must produce or at least make an effort to produce some evidence of his service as a non-commissioned officer and as to his service as a Lieut. The regulation of the department is imperative. Must produce his commission or satisfactory evidence he was duly commissioned and served in that capacity for the time alleged.

Mr Gordon claims to have served ---?--- or nearly so as a Lieut and also a long time in the capacity of sergent ---?---. He has not given up his claim but is still searching for evidence. He has found where a brother of his resides of whom he has not heard for many years. By him he hopes to be able to make satisfactory proof of his services as a non-commissioned officer. Now the question I wish to ask is this, in case he able to make such proof by his brother and should wave for the present his claim for service as Lieut and be allowed a pension as non-commissioned officer whether hereafter after making satisfactory proof of his service as Lieut his pension could be increased to what it would have been in case he had made such proof in the first instance.
His age, infirmity and poverty will at once suggest the reason for this inquiry. I mentioned in a former communication a case of a person of this county by the name of Peter Golliher. Will you please in our answer to this to answer my inquiry in that case also.

Your servant with much regard
Joel Manning

To J L Edwards, Esq - Commissioner of Pensions
(Rev War Pension File of Joseph Terry Williams --- Viewed at National Archives, Federal Center, Denver CO)

Camden South Carolina
This is to certify that Joseph Terry Williams a sergant in my company of militia from Pittsylvania has served his tour of duty and is discharged. Given under my hand this 23rd day of July 1779.
--- Wm Witcher, Capt

Joseph Terry Williams is hereby discharged from my company of militia given at Camden, Guilford County North Carolina 12th month 1781.
Stephen Coleman Capt --?--
(Joseph Terry Williams’ Rev War Pension File - Viewed at National Archives, Federal Center, Denver CO)


Brownsville Jackson County Illinois


Sir,
I return to the department the application of Joseph T Williams, Robert Hiatt (?) and Hesekiah Davis with the accompanying briefs after having made such amendments as appeared to me to be sufficient from instructions. I have altogether refrained from medling with any other part of the application as that would disarrange the examination which has been made by the department.

I drew the conclusion that the only defect in the ---?--- referred to in Ques XVI was that the sheet of paper which contained the seals was not attached in the manner subscribed in the explanatory note to the said ques and I was confirmed in this opinion by the particular direction in the brief accompanying Joseph T Williams application. If I have misapprehended the objection, I shall of course be informed. The other applications will probably be returned after the next term of our court. The delay in this matter has been occassioned by my absence for a long time and it is hoped that the department has by this time so far relieved itself from the great throng of business that has been thrown upon it as to be able to soon to act upon these applications.
Your obedient servant
Joel Manning

J L Edwards, Esq.


(Rev War Pension File of Joseph Terry Williams - Viewed National Archives, Federal Center, Denver CO)



REVOLUTIONARY WAR PENSION
W. 6505 for James Mastin Williams


State of Virginia
Pittsylvania County, to wit,

On this sixth day of September 1832 personally appeared before me Stokley Turner a Justice of the Peace for the County of Pittsylvania and State aforesaid James M Williams a resident of said county and state aforesaid, aged 69 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - - -
That he entered the Service of the United States as a volunteer, and marched from Peytonsburg, in the County of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia, in a Company which was commanded by Capt Stephen Coleman in the month of February 1781 to Halifax Old Court House, and from there we crossed Dan River at Irbins (? Illegible) Ferry and soon after joined Genl' Greens Army and marched in the State of N. Carolina and continued with him until some time in the month of March 1781. Capt Coleman and the most of his Company were discharged at the high rock in Rockingham County N.C. after which I entered the Service of the United States as a substitute for my Brother John Williams who was a drafted soldier in Captain William Dix's Company, attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Nathaniel Cook (? Illegible) in Genl' Stephens Brigade, Genl' Stephens was wounded in the Battle at Guilford. The Americans were defeated and retreated to Troublesome Iron Works and rendezvoused at that place. I marched from there in the said company with Capt. Dix. Commanded by Colo. Cook (? Illegible), Genl' Green - & I believe Genl' Lawson, to Ramsey's Mill on Deep River where many of the Militia were discharged. I was discharged near that place, about the last of March 1781 Then joined Captain Mortons Company - and came as a guard with some British Prisoners that were taken at the said mills to Halifax Court House and delivered them to the Jailer of Halifax County Virginia. The time of service rendered was at least 6 or 7 weeks. My discharges are lost and cannot be found I have no documentary evidence but the service rendered is proved by Robert Ferguson and (blank) who were soldiers with me in the service at the same time.

In the month of July 1781 I enlisted with William McCraw, Deputy Quarter Master for the Southern Army at Peytonsburg, Pittsylvania County Virginia for twelve months and was employed the whole time as a carrier of Public Dispatches & after the term for which I enlisted, had expired, I still remained in the public service for some time. I was employed to take 56 horses from the County of Cumberland in the state of Virginia and carry them to Ashley Hill, in the State of South Carolina. I did so, and delivered them to Edward Carrington, who was Quarter Master General, for the Southern Army. The whole time of service rendered in the Revolutionary War was at least fifteen months. I have no discharge that can be found but the service rendered under this enlistment is proved by Robert Ferguson who enlisted in the service with me.
I was born in the County of Pittsylvania in the State of Virginia in the year 1763. My age is recorded in a Family Bible, that is now in my possession. I lived the County of Pittsylvania when I entered the service of the United States, I lived in the same county when the war ended, and have lived in that county ever since. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
(Signed) JMWilliams

(Rev.War Pension Application viewed at Nat’l Archives Regional Facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts; transcribed by J.P. Snidow Lloyd)







DESCENDANTS OF WILLIAM WILLIAMS


Generation No. 1

1. WILLIAM WILLIAMS
b. ca. 1728 Brunswick County, VA, d. between 12/10/1777 and 5/16/1780 Pittsylvania Co. VA.
It was previously noted here that William Williams first married MARY LEWIS, dau. of John Lewis of "The Byrd" on the Dan River (son of Charles Lewis of "The Byrd" of Goochland, b. 1696 and grandson of Col. John Lewis of Warner Hall, Gloucester & Elizabeth Warner, dau. of Col. Augustine Warner. But that is not correct. We don't know who his first wife was. But William next married LUCY TERRY November 21, 1755 in Halifax County, VA, daughter of JOSEPH TERRY and JUDITH CRAWFORD, 2nd-great-granddaughter of the Earl of Ayeshire, Scotland. Lucy Terry Williams was born ca. 1737, and died by July 21, 1788 in Pittsylvania County, VA.
Children of WILLIAM WILLIAMS and _______?:
i. LEWIS WILLIAMS, b. Bef. 1755.
ii. SUSANNAH WILLIAMS, b. Bef. 1755.

Children of WILLIAM WILLIAMS and LUCY TERRY:
iii. JOSEPH TERRY WILLIAMS, b. 1756, lived in Tennessee for 20 years, d. in Illinois - date unknown.
iv. JOHN WILLIAMS, b. 1756 to 1759 (signed Oath of Allegiance 1777--had to be atleast 18 yrs. old).
v. JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS, b. 9-22-1763, d. 1-12-1838.
vi. THOMAS TERRY WILLIAMS, d. June 02, 1794.
vii. DAVID CHAMPNESS WILLIAMS.
viii. WILLIAM MASTIN WILLIAMS.
ix. DOCTOR CRAWFORD WILLIAMS, d. bef. May 01, 1857 in Todd Co. Kentucky.



Generation No. 2

2. JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS2 (WILLIAM WILLIAMS1)
born September 22, 1763 in Pittsylvania County, VA, died January 12, 1838 in Pittsylvania County, VA. He married WILMOTH WALKER, daughter of Col. James & Catherine Walker of Brunswick County, VA. She was born October 1768, and died 1850 in Pittsylvania County, VA.   (James Mastin Williams is pictured to the right)
Children of JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS and WILMOTH WALKER:
i. POLLY W. WILLIAMS, b. 1786. 12
ii. SUSANNA WILLIAMS.
iii. BENJAMIN W. WILLIAMS.
iv. COL. JOHN WILLIAMS.
v. ELIZABETH W. WILLIAMS.
vi. MARTHA W. WILLIAMS.
vii. SAMUEL CARTER WILLIAMS.
viii. SARAH C. WILLIAMS.
ix. THOMAS TERRY WILLIAMS.
x. WILMOTH MOTLEY WILLIAMS.
xi. CATHERINE WILLIAMS, b. September 18, 1797.
xii. JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS, JR., b. 1802. 12
xiii. ROBERT WALKER WILLIAMS, b. 1807, Pittsylvania County, VA.
xiv. WILLIAM M. WILLIAMS, b. March 28, 1809; d. 1859.


Generation No. 3

3. ROBERT WALKER WILLIAMS (JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS2, WILLIAM WILLIAMS1)
born 1807 in Pittsylvania County, VA. He married ELIZABETH POCAHONTAS MARTIN October 1841 in Henry County, VA. She was the daughter of Col. Joseph Martin, granddaughter of General Joseph Martin, for whom Martinsville, VA is named. Elizabeth was born ca. 1824 in Henry County, VA (probably), and died 1896.

Children of ROBERT WILLIAMS and ELIZABETH MARTIN:

i. BENJAMIN W. WILLIAMS (BY 1ST WIFE), b. ca. 1836.
ii. ROBERT W. WILLIAMS (BY 1ST WIFE), b. ca. 1838.
iii. SALLIE WILLIE WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1842.
iv. ANNA E. WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1844.
v. JOSEPH M. WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1846.
vi. SAMUEL WALKER WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1848, d. 1921. 16
vii. WILLIAM M. WILLIAMS, b. 1849.
viii. THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, b. 1852.
ix. MARY ALICE WILLIAMS, b. Abt. 1853.
x. ELIZABETH R. WILLIAMS, b. 1855; d. June 05, 1857 13
xi. MARTIN WILLIAMS, b.9-25-1858, Pittsylvania Co., VA; d.8-27-1934, Pearisburg, Giles Co., VA.
xii. ARCHER WILLIAMS.

Generation No. 4

4. MARTIN WILLIAMS (ROBERT WALKER WILLIAMS 3, JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS 2, WILLIAM WILLIAMS 1)
Martin Williams was born September 25, 1858 in Pittsylvania County, VA, and died August 27, 1934 in Pearisburg, Giles County, VA. He married NANCY BELLE MUSTARD June 27, 1883, daughter of WESLEY MUSTARD and ELIZABETH NEWBERRY. She was born October 04, 1863 in Bland County, VA, and died December 06, 1948 in Pearisburg, Giles County, VA.

(5) Nancy Belle Mustard (10/4/1863 Bland County, d. 1948 Pearisburg) m. Martin Williams 1858-1934
(4) Wesley Newton Mustard (1834-1910) married to Elizabeth Newberry.
(3) William Mustard (1793-1878) married to Anna Patterson.**
(2) James Mustard Jr. married to (Munsey?) Patterson.
(1) James Mustard Sr. married to Sallie Brown.

The above info is from my grandfather's genealogy notes and he did not list any dates. I found those dates online and therefore they may not be accurate. Here is some more info I found online:

**William & Anna Mustard's children:
Harvey Mustard
Wesley Mustard
John Mustard
Matilda Mustard
Joseph Mustard
Nancy Mustard
Estel Mustard
Sarah Mustard
James Mustard
William Mustard
Samuel Mustard

Children of MARTIN WILLIAMS and NANCY MUSTARD (Judge Martin Williams is pictured to the right):
i. MARGARET LUCILLE WILLIAMS 5,
  b. Sept. 20, 1884, Bland County, VA; d. Oct. 13, 1952, Roanoke ? VA.
ii. CAROLINE ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, b. December 1885; d. about 1961, Pearisburg, VA.
iii. ANNIE NEAL WILLIAMS, b. September 01, 1888; d. June 04, 1958.
iv. NANCY WILLIAMS, b. 1890.
v. MARTIN WILLIAMS JR., b. August 09, 1891.
vi. ROBERT BUFORD WILLIAMS, b. March 18, 1893, d.ca. 1984 Salem, VA.
vii. WALKER WILLIAMS, b. April 29, 1897.

Generation No. 5

5. MARGARET LUCILLE WILLIAMS 5 (MARTIN WILLIAMS 4, ROBERT WALKER WILLIAMS 3, JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS 2, WILLIAM WILLIAMS 1)

Margaret Lucille Williams was born September 20, 1884 in Bland County, VA, and died October 13, 1952 in Roanoke VA. She married JOHN JACOB SNIDOW, b. February 11, 1888, d. June 27, 1942 in VA.



EXTENDED RESEARCH ON THE DESCENDANTS
OF WILLIAM & LUCY TERRY WILLIAMS OF
Pittsylvania County, Virginia



Marriages/descendants of the children of William Williams

Children of WILLIAM WILLIAMS and _____??:

i. LEWIS WILLIAMS, b. Bef. 1755. Married Parthenia ______? 17
            Children of Lewis & Parthenia Williams 17:
            i. Susannah Williams m. ____? Medlock.
            ii. Mastin Williams
           iii. Deloney Williams
            iv. Elizabeth Williams m. _____? Stone.
ii. SUSANNAH WILLIAMS, b. Bef. 1755; still living & unmarried in 1777 as she is mentioned in William's will.


Children of WILLIAM WILLIAMS and LUCY TERRY:

iii. JOSEPH TERRY WILLIAMS, b. Halifax County, VA 1756; Went to Sumner & Wilson Co. TN for about 17 years (approx. 1798-1815); Apparently went to Illinois after that and died there.

iv. JOHN WILLIAMS ('brick wall')

Birth: In both the wills and in the estate inventories/divisions of his parents, he is listed between brothers Joseph & James. Do those documents list the children in birth order (???) If so, that would indicate that John was born between 1757 and 1762.

Marriage questions:
-There is a Pittsylvania County marriage bond 7-16-1792 for a John Williams and Elizabeth Williams (R. Williams is noted as the father), married by Rev. Dodson, as were John's brothers Thomas Terry Williams, David Champness Williams and Doctor Crawford Williams. Is this our John??? Was this Elizabeth was the dau. of Robert Williams* and Sarah Lanier-(dau. of Thomas Lanier of North Carolina)? In the division of Robert's estate in 1799, Col. John Williams and wife Elizabeth; received 617 acres incl. Manor Plantation on Sandy Creek. I think this John Williams may have been Col. John Williams of NC who commanded the 9th Continental NC Regiment, a brother of Robert Williams.

-From Pitts.Co. VA Marriages 1700-1799 there is an entry for 12-15-1798 showing a John Williams m. a Betsey Gray. Who is this John Williams? (Jeremiah Gray's will mentions dau. Elizabeth Williams but it doesn't specify her husband's name.)

-VA. GenForum 4/20/2000 posting by Wayne Bolger lists John as having married an Elizabeth Betsy Williams 7-16-1792 and he lists her death 5-23-1854 in Grayson Co. VA. ????

Military service: John is mentioned in his brother's (James Mastin Williams) R.W.P.A. John was a drafted soldier in Capt. William Dix's company - 1781.

More questions: Did John eventually leave Pittsylvania County, perhaps to follow his brother Joseph to Tennessee?

2. v. JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS, b. September 22, 1763, Pittsylvania County (then Halifax Co.), VA;
d. January 12, 1838, Pittsylvania County, VA. Married Wilmoth Walker, dau. of Col. James & Katherine Walker of Brunswick Co. 11-15-1784).

Children of James Mastin Williams & Wilmoth Walker (in next section below).

vi. THOMAS TERRY WILLIAMS, b. after 1757, d. June 02, 1794 . Married Tabitha Walker (probably Wilmoth's sister) 5-24-1787 consent of Stephen Coleman; Surety: JMW; m. by Rev. Dodson.
(Thomas Terry Williams was not yet 21 yrs. of age as of 12-10-1777 as noted in his father's will of that date.) Estate Inventory for Thomas Terry Williams above.
(Joseph Terry Williams & David Champness Williams were appointed guardians of Thomas Terry Williams in 1786 Court Order Book 5, page 380.)

          Children of Thomas Terry Williams & Tabitha Walker 17:
          i. William Williams.
          ii. Anne B. Williams, m. John Hutching 11-16-1811 (grandson of John Donelson). 23
          iii. More children??

vii. DAVID CHAMPNESS WILLIAMS (m. Lucy Terry, dau. of David & Elizabeth Luck Terry 1-26-1792).
(Will of DAVID CHAMPNESS WILLIAMS WB1, page 425 dated 6/21/1841) 17
          Children of David Champness Williams & Lucy Terry 17:
          i. Thomas T. Williams d. bef. 1841; (children: William C., David, Samuel C. Was there a dau. Mary J. who married ____ Parker?)
          ii. Matthew B. Williams.
          iii. Judith C. m. ___ Marr.
          iv. Sarah L. m. ____ Marr; Sarah L. d. bef. 1841, had a dau. Sarah E. Marr.
          v. Elizabeth D. m. ____ Akins
          vi. Lucy L. m. ____ Adams.
          vii. Ann m. ____ Ferguson
          viii. More children??

viii. WILLIAM MASTIN WILLIAMS, (m. Elizabeth Adams 7-11-1789 dau. of John Adams; surety-Caen Adams).

(In June 1785, Jos.Terry Williams & David Terry were appointed guardians for William M.Williams and Doctor Crawford Williams, orphans of William Williams, decd.; Court Order Book 7, page 180)
         Children of William Mastin Williams & Elizabeth Adams:
         i. Jackson Williams m. Lucy Lewis 6
         ii. Elizabeth A. Williams m. William H. Shelton 8/17/1829 6.
         iii. More children???
         iv.

ix. DOCTOR CRAWFORD WILLIAMS, m. Nancy Wisdom, granddaughter of Francis Wisham (Wisdom?); they were married by Rev. Dodson; Doctor Crawford d. bef. May 01, 1857 in Todd County, Kentucky. Commissioned 2nd LT. of Troop of Cavalry, 1st Reg., 1st Div. of Militia of VA. From Court Order Book 8, pg. 222 July 1796

         i. Francis Williams (went to Caswell County NC); Children of Francis: Robert W.and Joseph T. Williams who was decd. by 1857 (this is NOT Joseph Terry Williams above).

= = = = = = = =

Marriages/descendants of the children of James Mastin & Wilmoth Walker Williams

i. POLLY W. WILLIAMS, b. 1786 12 ; m. 1-16-1804 Robert Hurt who was apparently a minister (surety: Jas. M. Williams) 6,15,19
children of Polly & Robert Hurt:
William W. Hurt (maybe), Mary Jackson Hurt and ___? Hurt; Polly was deceased by December 1836. 15
ii. SUSANNA WILLIAMS (This is not the Susanna who married Wm. McCraw 11-17-1782; James & Wilmoth, Susanna's parents, were not married until 1784)
iii. BENJAMIN W. WILLIAMS. 14
iv. COL. JOHN WILLIAMS, m. Elizabeth Wooding 11-13-1815, dau. of Thos. H. Wooding. John & Elizabeth moved to Louisiana. Their dau. married into the Madison family. 20
v. ELIZABETH W. WILLIAMS m. William L. Terry 6-20-1808.
They had a son John B. Terry m. Martha C. Terry 12-31-1836-dau. of Jeremiah Terry. 21
Elizabeth & William Terry also had a son Nathaniel R. Terry m. Sarah Vader 12-11-1844. 17
vi. MARTHA W. WILLIAMS m. John McAlister 11-11-1824. She may have been called Miss Patsy? 22
vii. SAMUEL CARTER WILLIAMS. (b. before 1807) 16
viii. SARAH C. WILLIAMS m. Major William Leftwich, Jr. 11-22-1820. 23
ix. THOMAS TERRY WILLIAMS may have been an attorney; had a son David Thomas.
x. WILMOTH MOTLEY WILLIAMS m. Thomas H. Neal 2-18-181, then _____ Mattox. Had at least one child, Thomas D. Neal. 15
xi. CATHERINE WILLIAMS, b. 9-18-1797, d. 6-4-1876 in Ringgold; m. Stephen Coleman Townes
1-3-1815, son of Halcott Townes & Anney Coleman. 24 Catherine & Stephen's dau. Sally C. Townes m. Robert W. Carter. 25
xii. JAMES MASTIN WILLIAMS, JR., b. 1802 12, d. 1864, m. Ann Elsa Motley 5-3-1820.
Surety: Wm. Motley; J.M.Williams, father of James, consents. Henry Motley guardian & brother of Elsa consents. 23 James M. Williams, Jr. kept a tavern at the south end of Main Street in Danville. 22
The children of James Mastin Williams Jr. and Ann Elsa Motley Williams:

James M. Williams III 14
Martha W. Williams 14 m. Jim Calloway. She was called Miss Mack 22
Sarah W. Williams (not born by April 1850 14); married _____Bainman (sp?). 17
Alice14 married ____Gravely. 17
Mary Lemuel 14
William D. (not born by April 1850 14)
More children??? According to the Garrett letter, there was a Miss Virginia who married ____Anderson, and a Miss Bettie, single. 22


3. xiii. ROBERT WALKER WILLIAMS, b. 1807, Pittsylvania County, VA, married first to ____ Watkins (and had 2 sons: Benjamin and Robert);
Robert Walker Williams next married to Elizabeth Pocahontas Martin October 1841 in Henry County, VA. She was the daughter of Col. Joseph Martin & Sally Hughes (Sally was the dau. of Col. Archelaus Hughes and Mary Dalton). Elizabeth P. Martin (granddaughter of Gen. Joseph Martin and Susannah Graves) was born ca. 1824 in Henry County, VA (probably), died 1896.
Robert died in Tazewell during the Civil War. 16
The children of Robert Walker Williams & Elizabeth P. Martin are below.

xiv. WILLIAM M. WILLIAMS, b. March 28, 1809; d. 1859 in Texas. 17

= = = = = = =

Marriages/descendants of the children of Robert Walker & Elizabeth P. Williams

Captain Robert Walker 3 Williams (James Mastin 2, William 1) was born 1807 in Pittsylvania County, VA. He married Elizabeth Pocahontas Martin October 1841 in Henry County, VA. She was the daughter of Col. Joseph Martin born ca. 1824 in Henry County, VA (probably), and died 1896.
Robert Walker Williams: 1st marriage to ____ Watkins (2 sons). 2nd marriage to Elizabeth P. Martin.

Children of ROBERT WILLIAMS and ELIZABETH MARTIN (the approx. birth dates below were estimated from the 1860 census):
i. BENJAMIN W. WILLIAMS (BY 1ST WIFE), b. ca. 1836.
ii. ROBERT W. WILLIAMS (BY 1ST WIFE), b. ca. 1838.
iii. SALLIE WILLIE WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1842, m. Captain David Thomas Williams of Danville, son of Thomas Terry Williams, Robert Walker Williams' brother.
(David & Sallie lived in Richmond. Their dau. Annie Ruffin Williams m. ____ Gilbert. 26)
iv. ANNA E. WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1844.
v. JOSEPH M. WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1846.
vi. SAMUEL WALKER WILLIAMS, b. ca. 1848, d. 1921; Went to Bland Co.VA around 1872, practiced law in Tazewell Co. until he died. Commonwealth Attorney for Bland County for many years, served a term in the VA Senate, Judge of the Circuit Court of Tazewell for years, Democratic nominee for Congress 1896, Attorney General of VA for 4 years; m. Miss Grayson of Bland County and then m. a daughter of Maj. R.R.Henry of Tazewell. 16
vii. WILLIAM M. WILLIAMS, b. 1849.
viii. THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, b. 1852.
ix. MARY ALICE WILLIAMS, b. Abt. 1853; married Buck (?) Oglesby, the High Sheriff. 22
x. ELIZABETH R. WILLIAMS, b. 1855; d. June 05, 1857 13.
4. xi. MARTIN WILLIAMS, b. Sept. 25, 1858, Pittsylvania Co., VA; d. Aug. 27, 1934, Pearisburg, Giles Co., VA.
xii. ARCHER WILLIAMS 17 "Archie" (prob. born after 1860). 11

= = = = = = = = =

Marriages/descendants of the children of Martin Williams & Nancy Mustard:
5. i. MARGARET LUCILLE WILLIAMS 5, b. Sept. 20, 1884, Bland County, VA; d. Oct. 13, 1952, Roanoke ? VA. m. John Jacob Snidow.
ii. CAROLINE ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, b. Dec. 1885; d. ca. 1961, Pearisburg, VA; ("Aunt Tick").
iii. ANNIE NEAL WILLIAMS, b. September 01, 1888; d. June 04, 1958;
m. Frank Peck Snidow (brother of John Jacob Snidow). Annie & Frank's children:
Frank Peck Snidow, Jr.
Martin W. Snidow m. June Hendricks of California.
Harvey Chapman Snidow
Nancy Ellen Snidow m. Robert McIntosh of California.
Neal Williams Snidow 1919-1998 Redondo Beach, California.
Caroline Lucille Snidow 1926-1996; m. Charlie Andrews.
Mary Ann Snidow b. 1929; m. Stewart Atherton of California.
iv. NANCY WILLIAMS, b. 1890, d. 1901.
v. MARTIN WILLIAMS JR., b. 9-9-1891; Artist; died young in an auto accident.
vi. ROBERT BUFORD WILLIAMS, b. March 18, 1893; d. ca. 1984 in Salem, VA ("Uncle Boots").
vii. WALKER WILLIAMS, b. April 29, 1897 in Pearisburg, VA; Disappeared.

= = = = = = =

Biographical Notes

Captain Robert Walker Williams [great-great-grandfather], born in Pittsylvania Co. in 1807, son of James Mastin Williams & Wilmoth Walker Williams. Robert served Pittsylvania county in the Virginia legislature and was a farmer and tobacco manufacturer.
(In the 1860 Pittsylvania census, he is listed as a Tobacconist)
He first married a Miss Watkins, a sister of Mr. William Watkins who lived in Tazewell County VA. (Their son Benjamin Watkins Williams went to Tazewell as a young lawyer.) In October of 1841 in Henry County VA, Robert married Elizabeth Pocahontas Martin, the daughter of Col. Joseph Martin and Sally Hughes Martin, granddaughter of Gen. Joseph Martin of Revolutionary fame.
Some of Capt. Williams' accomplishments:
7th mayor of Danville 12
Master of the Roman Eagle Lodge 12
Builder & proprietor of the Arlington Hotel in Danville. 12
He helped form Buchanan County in 1858 16
Appointed the first Commonwealth's attorney of the county of Buchanan 16 Robert Walker Williams evidently died in Tazewell during the Civil War and was buried at Cedar Bluff. 16


Martin Williams [great-grandfather], born in Pittsylvania County VA in 1858 and went to Bland County at a young age. He qualified to practice law in Tazewell Co. in 1878 and practiced there until he moved to Giles County. He married Nancy Belle Mustard (10/4/1863-12/6/1948) of Bland County on June 27, 1883.
Served on the Board of World's Fair Managers from Virginia in 1893.
Elected Member of the House of Delegates 1913.
Represented Bland and Giles Counties in the Virginia Legislature for 10 years.
Floor Leader of the House for 6 years.
Authored many bills and acts.
Commonwealth Attorney of Giles County.
Martin died August 27, 1934 in Pearisburg, Virginia. 8, 16

= = = = = =

Other Pittsylvania County Williamses as noted in various documents.
Relationship to William & Lucy Terry Williams line, if any, is unknown:


Permenas Williams (brother ? of Francis); Permenas' dau. Polley m. Stephen Coleman 9-3-1799*
Francis Williams m. Margaret ______?
i. Leonard Williams (probably no issue)
ii. Bennett Williams

(this information derived from the will of Leonard Williams, dated 11-21-1800
- PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VIRGINIA - WILL BOOK 11, Page 231.
James Williams was one of the witnesses.
http://searches.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/va/pittsylvania/wills/willbk11.txt)

------------------------------------------------------

Will Book 2 Clerk of Court Pages 537-538
Will of Jeremiah Gray dated 5-23-1820
names dau. Elizabeth Williams
http://searches.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/va/pittsylvania/wills/wills01.txt

------------------------------------------------------

Luke Williams b. 1779 Halifax Co.
http://www.williamspage.com/DATAVA.HTM

------------------------------------------------------

The following is from 'Marriages of Pitts. County VA 1767-1805' (found at TSLA F232 .P7K6)*

Charles Williams' dau. Susannah m. John Crouch Oct. 1794. (also see note below - Charles Williams**)
Mary Williams m. Matthew Clay 12-3-1788. Surety: Walter Samuel. Married by Rev. James Hilton. Signs her own consent.
Benjamin & Anne Williams:
dau. Sibbe m. William Elliott 1794
dau. Nancy m. Jeremiah Gray 1793
dau. Sarah m. ___? Frizell 1788

Constance Williams m. Simon Elliott 4-23-1805 Surety: Thomas Allsup.
Judith Williams m. John Elliott 12-21-1803. Surety: Thomas Allsup.
NOTE: I wonder if Constance & Judith Williams might also have been daughters of Benjamin & Anne Williams their dau. Sibbe also married an Elliott (see above).
Susannah Williams m. Washington Shelton 5-1-1805. Surety: John Williams. Married by Rev. Thomas Payne.
Lucinda Williams m. John Call 10-18-1790. Surety: Richard Veneble. Married by Rev. Laz. Dodson.
Nancy R. Williams m. Thomas Keatts 7-25-1801. Surety: William Williams. Married by Rev. Thomas Payne.
Rebecca Williams m. Edmund Irby 12-18-1792 by Rev. Laz. Dodson.
Martha Williams m. John Henry 12-23-1805. Surety: John Williams. Married by Rev. John Atkinson.
-----------------------------
**From History of Pitts. County by M.C.Clement, page 195: Captain Charles Williams - his home on the Dan River; will proven October 1805, names wife Sally, sons Peter and Charles, dau. Nancy and Susannah, wife of John Crouch.
----------------------
Philip G. Williams is mentioned in the will of James Mastin Williams (owed money to JMW). No relationship specified.
-----------------------------
Doctor C. Williams & Jno Williams, Jr. were named Executors in the will of Charles Anderson (Will Book 1, p. 97)
Elsa B. Williams was a witness.
Coleman Williams was a witness.
Crawford ____? was a witness.

WILLIAMS in the 1850 Pittsylvania Census
on pages 86A-88B-91B-97A-116B-121B-142A-143B-144A-147B-155A-155B-162B-164A-164B-165A-169A-198A-221B-222B-249A-249B

= = = = = = =


Misc. Notes ....


WHERE THEY LIVED:

John Williams & wife Elizabeth acquired Manor Plantation on Sandy Creek from her father (?) Robert Williams. 1799 was the division of the assets. NOTE: I do not know who this John & Elizabeth Williams was but suspect that Robert was the attorney from NC who moved to Pitts. County VA. That Robert had a brother, Col. John Williams.

William Williams (and Lucy) had a grant 1748 for 1550 acres - Notes from Barbara F. Bonham at http://searches.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/va/pittsylvania/wills/wllms1.txt: MAGAZINE OF VIRGINIA GENEALOGY: Vol 30, Feb 1992, No 1; Land Patent Book 28: Page 470, 10 Jan 1748) Lunenburg Co. on the br at Stoney Cr. on John Parker's line on the Great R on Howell's line. Lunenburg Co., VA DB 6, page 94-96 dated 03 Jun 1760: William Williams and wife Lucy of Cumberland Parish, Lunenburg Co. to William Taylor of same for 13 pounds, 200 acres; Lunenburg Co., on branches Miless's Creek., part of sd Williams's grant 16 Aug 1756.

HALIFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA DEED BOOK 6, Compiled by Marion Dodson Chairito: Page 398 02 Mar 1767: William Williams of Halifax Co. to Daniel Truehart of Hanover Co. for 125 pounds, 266 acres on the S side of Banister R., whereon sd Williams now dwells, granted him by patent 26 Sep 1764, the limits & bounds will more fully appear...all woods, underwoods, ways; /S/ William Williams, Wit: Jno. Donelson, Patr. Garland, Leonard Cheatham. Lucy Williams, wife of William relinquished her right of dower rights. Recorded 21 May 1767.

David Champness Williams & wife Lucy had land on Elkhorn Creek.

Jas. & Wilmoth lived on a tract of land which was on both sides of Sandy Creek of Banister River. There was one acre there around the family Grave Yard as mentioned in James' will.


MILITARY NOTES

William served in the Revolutionary War in the 13th. Virginia Regiment as a Lt. (Book 21, Page 9: 16728, 17299, 17304, 17309) was born circa 1727. He married ______ ______* before 1755. He married Lucy Terry, daughter of Joseph Terry and Judith Crawford, on 21 November 1755 at Halifax County, Virginia, VIRGINIA MARRIAGES, EARLY TO 1850, Compiled, extracted, and transcribed by Liahona Research and edited by Jordan R. Dodd.

*We now know William Williams first married Mary Lewis, dau. of John Lewis of "The Byrd" on the Dan River. (Source="History of Pittsylvania County Virginia" by Maud Carter Clement, p.105)

Joseph Terry Williams and James Mastin Williams both served at or near the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, as evidenced by their Rev. War Pension applications. Their brother John Williams apparently was supposed to serve in that battle but James was substituting for him. 3

James Mastin Williams entered service as a Private in 1775 - as a Messenger Boy. Served in Captain Stephen Coleman's Co. in 1781. Made Lt. - 1st Bat. 42nd Reg. 11th Brigade 1st Div. VA December 1797 (from Court Book 8, 442.)

In 1777, James Mastin Williams, Joseph Terry Williams and John Williams signed Oaths of Allegiance in Pittsylvania County. All three were on Stephen Coleman's list. 18



__________________________________________________________________

SOURCES



1.       Will of William Williams (dated 1777)
2.       Will of Lucy Terry Williams (dated 1788)
3.       Rev. War Pension Application of James Mastin Williams (dated 1832)
4.       Revolutionary War Pension Application of Joseph Terry Williams (dated 1832)
5.       1782 Census of Pittsylvania County, VA
6.       Pittsylvania County, VA Marriages 1700-1799
              (http://searches1.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/va/pittsylvania/vitals/marriages/1700-1799
7.       Mixed Probate Records-Pittsylvania County, VA Book 2, 1788-1797
              (http://searches1.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/va/pittsylvania/court/ordbk02.txt)
8.       DAR papers of Aunt Carrie Williams, Pearisburg, Virginia.
9.       History of Pittsylvania County Virginia by Maud Carter Clement
10.     1850 Pittsylvania County Census page 86a
11.     1860 U. S. Census – Pittsylvania County, Southern District, Whitmell P. O.
12.     Article from the Danville Register & Bee, 2-14-1992 "Danville's Roots Remembered"
13.     Pittsylvania County VA Death Register
14.     Will of Wilmoth Walker Williams
15.     Will of James Mastin Williams (dated 1836)
16.     Annals of Tazewell County, Virginia, Vol. II
17.     Gayle Austin’s notes
18.     1777 Pittsylvania County VA Oaths of Allegiance (http://www.rootsweb.com/~vapittsy/Oaths.html)
19.     Marriages of Pittsylvania Co. VA 1767-1805 (a TSLA book - #F232 .P7K6)
20.     Letter dated 10-16-1933 from Harry Wooding Jr., Attorney, Danville, VA to my great-grandfather
              Martin Williams of Pearisburg, Va. Elizabeth Wooding Williams was Harry Wooding's great aunt.
              Mentions nephew Mastin Collie.
21.     Mike Terry's notes: http://www.terry-family-historian.com/TFHDEC1982.htm
22.     Letter in my possession from Lessie Madison Garrett dated 10-26-1933 to a Mrs. Dunn.
23.     Pittsylvania Co. VA marriages 1806-1830 (www.rootsweb.com/~vapittsy/marriage.htm)
24.     Notes of Bob McLean of Murphreesboro, TN (www.tennkin.com)
25.     Pittsylvania Co. VA wills at http://searches1.rootsweb.com/usgenweb/archives/va/pittsylvania/wills.txt
26.     Family History including Hughes Dalton Martin Henderson
            - All Originally of Virginia - And Many Kindred Branches
            by Lucy Henderson Horton
            [NOTE: Some inaccuracies have been found in this book]



______________________________________

Danville's Roots Remembered


This article, written by Adrian O'Connor, appeared in the
Danville Register & Bee (Danville, Virginia) on Friday, 2-14-1992.
(Reprinted with permission from the Danville Register & Bee)
(http://www.registerbee.com)


He was a messenger boy in the Continental Army of Nathaniel Greene; she was the daughter of a colonel. Together, they conceived 14 children--and a city at the falls of the Dan. Thus it is only fitting on this Valentine's Day that we, their descendants & the citizens of this city, honor Danville's first couple-James Mastin Williams Sr. and Wilmoth Walker Williams.

When I say "first couple", I mean precisely that. As Frank Carroll scarcely hesitated to inform me-and Frank knows this family the way Kinney Rorrer knows the "Old 97" -James Sr. and Wilmoth were the first husband and wife to inhabit what we now call Danville. And their descendants-folks with names like Hurt, Terry, Wooding, Townes, Neal and Collie-would fill many a line on the roster of Danville's "first families"...If such a roster existed.

A native of Halifax County, James ventured into the world at the tender age of 13 when he entered the Continental service as a private. Entrusted this boy, barely a teenager, was the task of delivering messages. These duties, as Carroll conjectures, not only hardened James' body to the harsh realities of the world, but also sharpened his mind. Traveling from encampment to encampment exposed him to men of means and intelligence. "He learned so much," says Carroll. "He became an encyclopedia on horseback of what was happening in the Revolution." Then, with a grin, Carroll adds, "He would have been great on the cocktail circuit."

Fortunately, the circuit Williams did take often carried him across the Dan at one of its shallowest points, right where the Main Street Bridge spans the river today. When the war was over, he-and many other veterans, who thought it an ideal spot to hold reunions-returned to this ford, this natural gathering place near the Falls of the Dan. In November 1784, James brought a wife-16 year old Wilmouth, daughter of Col. James Walker, a Revolutionary War soldier from Brunswick County-to the banks of the river. Less than two years later in 1786, a child, Polly, was born to the young couple. Thirteen more would follow.

A quick study, young James promptly seized upon the advantages of settling in virgin territory. He established the first business in Danville, then called Wynne's Fall-an ordinary, or tavern, which catered to the weary traveler. As Carroll notes, James was "a great listener and, thereby, a great storyteller." These talents he utilized to the utmost; many a tired sojourner had his funny bone tickled by Williams' tales. There was the one, for example, about the foggy night when a violent storm washed out a bridge, save for two planks just wide enough for wagon wheels. Somehow, a wagon made it across the bridge, Williams said. What his listeners neglected to ask was how the horse drawing the wagon made it across.

Williams, fortunately did not live by storytelling alone. Along the way, he operated the first ferry across the Dan and built the first storehouse, grist mill and sawmill at Wynne's Falls. He also became one of the area's largest landowners; in fact, a substantial portion of present-day Danville is built on Williams’ land. The one-time messenger boy, says Carroll, "had his hand in more pies than Jack Horner." His children, particularly James Mastin Jr. and Robert Walker, were equally enterprising. James born in 1802 transformed his parents' tavern, that port-in-the-storm for wayfaring strangers, into the Exchange Hotel, a two-story wooden hostelry hard by the ferry and across a muddy Main Street from the family grist mill.

A giant of a man, at 6-4, the blue-eyed, dark haired James cut a wide swath around Danville, then a mere toddler of a town. While nurturing a growing mercantile business and running the Exchange Hotel, he also served as a deacon at First Baptist Church. However, his weakness for spirits led the keepers of things spiritual at First Baptist to question his place on this board.

(Regarding James Mastin Williams Jr.).... After sending his son James III off to war-the youngest Williams, a member of Capt. William P. Graves' Danville Blues, was wounded at Gaines' Mill and later discharged-James Jr. aided the Confederate cause as the government's local tax collector.

One day in 1864, James Jr. and his son-in-law rode out to the home of Moses Echols in Pittsylvania County. Williams had a deal to buy a piece of property from Echols for $26,000 in Confederate money. Or so he thought. When the two men arrived at the Echols place, James Jr. discovered that Moses had raised the price by $1000. But Williams refused to be swayed and walked to his horse to remove the $26,000 from his saddlebags. Echols, thinking perhaps that Williams was going for a gun, shot James Jr. dead-and then ran away. Williams' son-in-law pursued Echols to a barn, where upon the latter turned the pistol on himself. He died four days later in jail.

Robert Walker Williams (another son of James Mastin Williams Sr.), though every inch the rustic boulevardier that his brother was, lived a tad more staidly. But his accomplishments-seventh mayor of Danville, Master of Roman Eagle Lodge, and builder and proprietor of the Arlington Hotel-were myriad. His second wife, Elizabeth Pocahontas Martin, was the granddaughter of Gen. Joseph Martin, for whom Martinsville is named.

To this day, the descendants of old James Sr. and Wilmoth are much in evidence about Danville. To name just a few, F. W. Townes III is funeral director and longtime city councilman; Thomas Mastin Collie, Jr. is the former vice chairman of First Virginia Bank-Piedmont; and Dr. Della Williams is a local physician.

Not a bad legacy for a messenger boy and a colonel's daughter who opened an ordinary on the banks of a river and, in their lifetimes saw a town grow around their establishment and up the hill overlooking the Dan.