Myrtle Zarilda WHITAKER

Other Events:

• _UID: E5B07EF834E84D32B91900B43F74F5E2B667

Notes:

She was named by Dr. James D. Whiteaker of KY who visited the week of her birth. Zeralda was the name of his wife. She and her husband were first cousins. By all accounts Mertie was colorful, petite and pretty.

After her husband's death, Mertie lived in house provided for her by her father, Dock. Was foster mother to two Altizer boys, Curtis and Ulysses, Tom's grandsons. (children of Nannie Whitaker and Grover Altizer.) Ulysses inherited everything after her death including the land where the cemetery was located.

CENSUS RECORDS

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Mertie S Whitaker
Age: 13
Birth Date: Aug 1886
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: D L Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Name: Lou Whitaker
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Mirtie S Whiteaker
Age in 1910: 23
Birth Year: abt 1887
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas W Whiteaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Thomas W Whiteaker 28
Mirtie S Whiteaker 23
Henderson Whiteaker 11
Celia Whiteaker 9
Nannie Whiteaker 6
Doak Whiteaker 4
Ray Whiteaker 2

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Myrtle Whitaker
Age: 33
Birth Year: abt 1887
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Jeffersonville, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas Whitaker
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Thomas Whitaker 38
Myrtle Whitaker 33
Alice Whitaker 18
Nannie Whitaker 16
Doak Whitaker 14
Ray Whitaker 11

1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Myrtle S Whitaker
Gender: Female
Birth Year: abt 1887
Birthplace: Virginia
Race: White
Home in 1930: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Marital Status: Widowed
Relation to Head of House: Head
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Name Age
Myrtle S Whitaker 43
Doak E Whitaker 24
Ulys Whitaker 5 [step-grandson]
Dock Whitaker 74 [father-in-law]

1940 United States Federal Census
Name: Myrtle Whittaker
Respondent: Yes
Age: 53
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1887
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Virginia
Marital Status: Widowed
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Street: County Road 627
Farm: Yes
Inferred Residence in 1935: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Residence in 1935: Same House
House Owned or Rented: Owned
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: $800
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 7th grade
Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: Yes
Household Members:
Myrtle Whittaker 53
Doak Whittaker 35
Erivas Whittaker 15 [Ulysses]
Curtis Whittaker 18

Died:
West Virginia Vital Records
http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view.aspx?Id=4682572&Type=Death

Myrtle married Thomas W. WHITAKER 29 Jun 1904. Thomas (son of John Henry WHITAKER and Nancy NUCKLES) was born Nov 1883, Tazewell Co. VA; died 6 Dec 1922, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Thos. Whitaker
Groom's Birth Date: 1877
Groom's Birthplace:
Groom's Age: 27
Bride's Name: Marty Whitaker [Mertie]
Bride's Birth Date: 1887
Bride's Birthplace:
Bride's Age: 17
Marriage Date: 29 Jun 1904
Marriage Place: Tazewell Co., Virginia
Groom's Father's Name: John
Groom's Mother's Name: Nancy
Bride's Father's Name: D. S.
Bride's Mother's Name: L. C.
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-5
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: P 165 L 109

1. Doke Elmer WHITAKER was born 22 Apr 1905, Tazewell Co. VA; died 06 Aug 1972, Vallscreek, McDowell Co. WV; was buried , Hartwell, McDowell Co. WV.
2. Ray WHITAKER was born ca 1909, Tazewell Co. VA; died Bef 1930, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Whitaker Ridge, Tazewell Co. VA.

Other Events:

• _UID: E18D3009D9144A0E95252C0C1A4E42FD8594

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Snead Whitaker
Age in 1860: 4
Birth Year: abt 1856
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male [in household of James and Nancy Whitaker
Post Office: Baptist Valley.

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Doctor S. Whitaker
Age: 22
Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male [in household of his brother, Hiram Whitaker]
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: D L Whitaker [D S Whitiaker]
Age: 44
Birth Date: Jan 1856
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Lou Whitaker
Marriage Year: 1881
Years Married: 19
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
D S Whitaker 44
Lou Whitaker 39
Nettie Whitaker 18
Fannie C Whitaker 15
Mertie S Whitaker 13
Peery B Whitaker 12
Jas R W Whitaker 9
Nannie R Whitaker 7
Hobart M C Whitaker 4
W L G Whitaker 2

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Dock S Whiteaker
Age in 1910: 52
Birth Year: abt 1858
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Dock S Whiteaker 52
Peery B Whiteaker 20
James W Whiteaker 18
Nannie R Whiteaker 16
Hobert M Whiteaker 14
William G Whiteaker 12
Tanesy R Whiteaker 10
Elsie J Whiteaker 7

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Dack S Whitaker [Dock S Whitaker]
Age: 64
Birth Year: abt 1856
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Father
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
James W Whitaker 27
Sophia Whitaker 27
Charles Whitaker 2 years 9 months
Dock S Whitaker 64

1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Dock Whitaker
Gender: Male
Birth Year: abt 1856
Birthplace: Virginia
Race: White
Home in 1930: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Marital Status: Widowed
Relation to Head of House: Father-In-Law
Father's Birthplace: Kentucky [Virginia]
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Myrtle S Whitaker 43
Doak E Whitaker 24
Ulys Whitaker 5 [Ulysses]
Dock Whitaker 74


Birth:
Hufford Whitaker was the informant for the death certificate. He had Dock's POB as Washington Co. KY, which is not true.

Buried:
Grave Location:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=111227317

Died:
West Virginia Death Certificate
http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view.aspx?Id=2674421&Type=Death

West Virginia Vital Records
http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_view.aspx?Id=4655957&Type=Death

Names is spelled Whittaker in this record.

The information of Dock's death record is a good example of how this record is only as good as the informant's knowledge providing the information. His son, Hufford Whitaker, provided the information. He gives is mother's maiden name as Butts, not Petts, and has his father born in Washington Co. KY, not Tazewell County VA.

Dock married Louisa Catherine BURK 9 Feb 1881, Tazewell Co. VA. Louisa was born 18 Aug 1862, Tazewell Co. VA; died 24 Feb 1902/3, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 31636AD6C2EF4CC48DDCFC6A19F8D9D523F9

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Docker Snead Whittaker
Groom's Birth Date: 1860
Groom's Birthplace: Tazewell Co., Virginia
Groom's Age: 21
Bride's Name: Louisa C. Burk
Bride's Birth Date: 1860
Bride's Birthplace: , Russell, Virginia
Bride's Age: 21
Marriage Date: 10 Feb 1881
Marriage Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Groom's Father's Name: J. Whittaker
Groom's Mother's Name: N
Bride's Father's Name: J. Burke
Bride's Mother's Name: Catharine
Groom's Marital Status: Single
Bride's Marital Status: Single
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: Page 57 Line 17

Other Events:

• _UID: FA120F381C8E4B7A93B74E79FCD9E53DCA46

Notes:

From Smythe County, moved to Tazewell Co. VA in 1850. Bought 246 acres at Belshee Ridge between Indian Creek and Beech Fork from Thomas and Anna Christian.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Jame Whitaker [James Whitaker]
Age: 30
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Proprery valued: $2000
Family Number: 1151
Household Members:
Jame Whitaker 30
Nancy Whitaker 33
Helen Whitaker 11
Jame Whitaker 6
Jno Whitaker 4
Gerry Whitaker 3
Alex Whitaker 0

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Jas Whitaker
Age in 1860: 45
Birth Year: abt 1815
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Post Office: Baptist Valley
Value of real estate: real estate valued at $1,200, personal property at $1,500
Household Members:
Jas Whitaker 45
Nancy Whitaker 47
Helen Whitaker 21
James Whitaker 16
John Whitaker 14
Jeremiah Whitaker 12
Alexander Whitaker 9
Hiram Whitaker 7
Jane Whitaker 5
Snead Whitaker 4
Nancy Whitaker 1

James enlisted, along with his sons William James and John to fight for the Confederacy. in Co. C of the 34th Virginia Cavalry under Col. W. A. Witcher. He is listed as Whitaker, Sr. J. with the rank of private.

James was killed by Union marauders or bushwackers at his gate. He lived on Belcher Ridge, later known as Whitaker Ridge, which straddled Tazewell County VA and McDowell Co. WV. This area was a battleground between Confederate and Union sympathizers, pitting neighbor against neighbor and sometimes splitting families. All of his neighbors supported the Confederacy, but the area wasn't immune from raiding parties of Union soldiers or Union partisans.

One piece of family lore that has been handed down is that he taught singing by notes and using a pitch pipe to get the key.

James married Nancy PETTS 27 Feb 1843, Smyth Co. VA. Nancy (daughter of Adam PETTS and Delilah Fanning) was born Jul 1824, Wythe County, VA; died Bef 1910. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: ED2CD93C2F07480CBA89EC9E907E8F6A8C7A

Notes:

from Bristol, VA area Moved family to KY after husband was killed in 1863. Went in a wagon with all her children and belongings. She returned after the war. Some of her children remained. Alex remained, living in Morgan Co., KY. He spelled his name Whiteaker and so did his children.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Whitaker
Age: 33
Birth Year: abt 1817
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Household Members:
Name Age
Jame Whitaker 30
Nancy Whitaker 33
Helen Whitaker 11
Jame Whitaker 6
Jno Whitaker 4
Gerry Whitaker 3
Alex Whitaker 0

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Whitaker
Age in 1860: 47
Birth Year: abt 1813
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of James Whitaker]
Post Office: Baptist Valley
Unable to read or write.
Household Members:
Name Age
Jas Whitaker 45
Nancy Whitaker 47
Helon Whitaker 21
James Whitaker 16
John Whitaker 14
Jeremiah Whitaker 12
Alexander Whitaker 9
Hiram Whitaker 7
Jane Whitaker 5
Snead Whitaker 4
Nancy Whitaker 1

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Nancy Whitaker
Age: 75
Birth Date: Jul 1824
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Mother [in household of her son, Hiram Whitaker]
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia



Birth:
1900 Census Tazewell Co. VA, District 100. Listed in the household of Hiram Whitaker as mother age 75, birthdate listed as July, 1824.

Notes:

Married:
One record puts marriage in 1838, and another the month of Dec. 1843.

Source:
Virginia Marriages, 1740-1850

Groom Name: James S. Whitaker
Bride Name: Nancy Petts
Marriage Date: 27 Feb 1843
County: Smyth
State: Virginia

Original data: Dodd, Jordan R., et al.. Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850. Bountiful, UT, USA: Precision Indexing Publishers.

Other Events:

• _UID: A83A2F134419468ABAD03F571343A52E9A82

Notes:

Benjamin Whitaker reported in the above report that he was from a family of nine [9] children. Five sons and four daughters.  Other research  by John Weldon Whiteaker states the Bible of Absalom Rufus Whitaker, son of Moses Whitaker  lists in his handwriting "My grandfather, Richard Whitaker had 11 boys and three girls - Giles, Aaron, John, James, Moses, Benjamin and Thomas. [7 named] and Rachel [Catherine] who married Adam Fudge, Mary [Polly] who married Harry Webb and Elizabeth Whitaker who did not marry."

Born c 1787/1790..[60 years old in 1850 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Census

James processed and sold salt from his property on the Elk Horn Branch of the North Fork of the Holston River, three miles east of Saltville. Apparently Alexander inherited the farm. James, Sr.'s land extended toward other Whitaker property which included Broadford to Big Tumbling, a stream cascading down from Laurel Bed Lake to end up in the town of Saltville. Professor J. Williams of Emory and Henry College, said the Whitakers operated a barge from Smyth Co. VA to Kingsport, TN carrying salt.

CENSUS RECORDS

1810 Census Washington Co. VA has 1 male 16-25 (presumably James) living beside Richard Whitaker.

1840 United States Federal Census
Name: James Whitaker
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Smyth, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 2
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 4
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 11
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 11

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: James Whitaker
Age: 60
Birth Year: abt 1790
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 60, Smyth, Virginia
Gender: Male
Family Number: 347
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
James Whitaker 60
Elizabeth Whitaker 56
Alexander Whitaker 25 [student]
Jane Whitaker 22
Jeremiah Whitaker 20 [laborer]
Joseph Whitaker 17 [laborer]
Susannah Whitaker 15
Elizabeth Whitaker 14
Thomas Whitaker 11

PROPERTY RECORDS AND TAX LISTS

Washington Co, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840  James Whitaker first shows up in the 1810 Tax List.  He is listed each year through 1832.  [Note: It was about this time he purchased property in Smyth Co., VA.]

Aug 15, 1816 WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA Deed Book 6, page 363, Index p 312.. Deed was made selling to James Whitacre from James Dolen, Jr, both of Washington Co.VA for $250. "and which I purchased from William Mitchell and which was conveyed to me by Robert Whitley by indenture, bearing date of 3 August 1804, being in Washington Co.VA adjoining the land of Charles Scott, Jacob Lyon and Mrs. Elizabeth Russell and supposed to contain 100 acres." proven 15 April 1817.

Sept 12, 1834 Smyth Co., VA Deed Book 1, page 334 Deed between William C. Preston of the state of South Carolina and James Whitaker of Smyth Co., VA for $800. conveying to James Whitaker 245 acres on the North Fork of Holston River, part of the land once sold and conveyed to Elizabeth Russell to Jacob Lyon. Recorded June 16, 1835.

May 15, 1838 Recorded Smyth Co., VA Land Grant Book. James Whitaker and Solomon McReynolds by virtue of part of a land office exchange treasury warrant for 20,000 acres No 2622, dated Dec 19, 1832, which warrant was obtained in exchange for Warrant No 1089 and issued to John McKettera Jan 3, 1795 enters 420 acres of land in Smyth Co. on Beaver Creek, a branch of the North Fork of the Holston River adjoining a 1600 acre survey made in the name of William King on the east; a 425 acre survey in the name of the Robert Preston on the south and southwest; a 100 acre survey made in the name of William King and the lands of Issac Poston on the north.

1840 ..James Whitaker named executor of Richard Whitaker's will. He and his son-in-law, John P. Ayres were at the sale of personal property of Richard Whitaker, Jr. [Will Book 8, page 194/195.]

Sept 28, 1841 Smyth Co, VA Deed Book 3, page 134..An indenture made bet. John Scott of the first part and James Whitaker, Jr of the second part and James Whitaker, Sr of the third part. Whereas the said John Scott is justly indebted to the said James Whitaker, the sum of $100. to be paid Jan 1, 1842, the same being for two hundred bushels of salt, the said John is willing and desirous to secure. Debt is paid with one black horse, 3 years old, one rifle gun and crop of corn & oats. [Recorded Smyth Co. Virginia.]

Sept 19, 1846 Deed Book 5, page 62, Smyth Co., VA. James Whitaker and Elizabeth deeded land to John P. Ayers on the North Fork of the Holston River, dated 21 July 1848.

Washington Co, VA Personal Property Tax Lists 1782-1840 - James Whitaker is listed 1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813,1814, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829 1830, 1831, 1832. [Ref: Jack Hockett]

MARRIAGE RECORDS

James married his second wife, Nancy McReynolds on Dec 15, 1832 in Smyth Co., VA Nancy McReynolds, born c 1804 [Smyth Co. Marriage Index 1832-1853 Book A, page 1]  

James married his third wife, Elizabeth Johonson on Feb 24, 1843 in Smyth Co., VA [MR Book A, page 18]

WILL AND ESTATE

At the time of his death he was living on the Elkhorn Branch of the North Fork of the Holston River in Smyth Co., a few miles east of Saltville, in Rich Valley. 

His will is dated Aug 4, 1854, with Codicil #1, dated Dec 7, 1854 and Codicil #2, dated Jan 18, 1856.

Children named in his will probated 19 Feb. 1856, recorded in Will Book 2, pp. 9-12, Smyth Co., VA, were Alexander, John, James, Jeremiah, Joseph, Thomas C., Polly, Jane, Elizabeth, and Susannah. Feb 19, 1856. In his will another child is listed: Rachie D. Johnston, who is probably a daughter of third wife, Elizabeth from a previous marriage.

March 29, 1856, Book 2, page 60, Smyth co., VA  Sale Bill of James Whitaker's estate is dated Mar 29, 1856 and the Appraisement dated May 21, 1856. Sale Bill Recorded May 21, 1856 in Will Book 2, page 664, Smyth Co., VA. [Ref: Family and Court Records of Washington and Smyth Co.,  VA.  Research by Joseph E. Williams, Emory, VA and Census records of WASHINGTON COUNTY, VA.

It is possible James, Jr. sold his share of the land and moved to Tazewell Co. VA.

Where James, Sr. and Elizabeth Johnson Whitaker are buried are not known at this time.,

James married Elizabeth PARSLEY 6 Feb 1810, Washington, Co. VA. Elizabeth (daughter of Moses Parsley and Obedience (Biddy) Ryburn) was born Abt 1790, Saltville, Washington Co., VA; died 27 Jul 1832, Washington, Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 901152037F014BF29B70F98DDFD180F36772

Notes:

They were married by Nicholas Regan.

She was the mother of 7 children before she died.
Buried in Elizabeth Cemetery, Saltville, VA,
Headstone for Elizabeth gives her age as about 36 years.

1810 Washington County VA Census, living close by Richard Whitaker, one male 16-26, 1 female 16-26.

Birth:
Now in Smyth Co. VA. Smyth County was formed on February 23, 1832, from Washington and Wythe counties.

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1740-1850
Groom Name: James Whiteacre
Bride Name: Betsy Parcely
Marriage Date: 6 Feb 1810
County: Washington
State: Virginia
Source: Dodd, Jordan R., et al.. Early American Marriages: Virginia to 1850. Bountiful, UT, USA: Precision Indexing Publishers.

Other Events:

• _UID: 6DA2E77C288443F899228E033B2CF6393BCC

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1840 Census
Name: Adam Petts
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Tazewell, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 14: 2
Free White Persons - Males - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 40 thru 49: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 4
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 6
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 8

Birth:
1840 Census for Tazewell Co. VA. listed as male between ages of 40-49.

Died:
He is listed on the 1840 Census for Tazewell Co. VA, but does not appear on the 1850 census as his wife is listed as widowed and living in the home of her son, Hosea Petts.

Adam married Delilah Fanning. Delilah was born ca 1800, Virginia; died 09 Mar 1883, Tazewell County, Virginia. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: A5ABD75E18FD4DE385E62F4C3814BD09C280

Notes:

Some sources give her maiden name to be Fanning. Adam Petts and family appear on the census records beginning in 1820 in Wythe Co. VA. Delilah's age is the female age 10-15. They have 1 child under the age of 5. 1810 Census for Wythe County has John Fanning with 2 females under the age of 10. This is the right age, same location, so it may be a clue to proving this was her maiden name.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 Census
Name: Delilah Petts
Age: 47
Birth Year: abt 1803
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia, USA
Gender: Female
Family Number: 584
Household Members:
Name Age
Hosy Petts 23
Delilah Petts 47
Cathrine Petts 18
Peggy Petts 9

1860 Census
Name: Delila Petti [Delila Petts]
Age: 60
Birth Year: abt 1800
Gender: Female
Birth Place: Virginia
Home in 1860: Eastern District, Tazewell, Virginia
Post Office: Burks Garden
Family Number: 686
Value of real estate: View image
Household Members:
Name Age
HoseA Petti 33
Delila Petti 60
Margaret Petti 18
Bure Harman 10

1870 Census
Name: Delila Petto [Delila Petts]
Age in 1870: 65
Birth Year: abt 1805
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Rich Valley, Smyth, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Chatham Hill
Occupation: Retired housekeeper
Household Members:
Name Age
Harvey Petts 48
Eliza Petts 35
Alfred B Petts 15
Andrew J Petts 13
Eldridge H Petts 11
Louisa M Petts 9
Harvey Petts 5
Delila Petts 65
with a mark indicating she cannot write, but can read.

1880 Census
Name: Delia Pets [Delia Petts]
Age: 80
Birth Year: abt 1800
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Jeffersonville, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Boarder
Household Members:
Name Age
Wm. B. Edmonds 44
Margaret Edmonds 39
Mary C. Edmonds 19
Wm. H. Edmonds 15
Alice M. Edmonds 13
Hosea B. Edmonds 10
Alvin or Alvir P. Edmonds 6
Olie D. Edmonds 3
Delia Pets 80

Died:
Virginia Deaths and Burials, 1853-1912
Name: Bellia S. Petts [Delilah F. Petts] transcription error
Gender: Female
Burial Date:
Burial Place:
Death Date: 09 Mar 1883
Death Place: Pen Valley, Tazewell, Virginia
Age: 80
Birth Date: 1803
Birthplace: Wythe, Virginia
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: Unknown
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Unknown
Mother's Birthplace:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B07568-8
System Origin: Virginia-EASY
Source Film Number: 2048586
Reference Number: e 13