Ocie Rachel BEAVERS

Notes:

Ocie was the first woman in the family to attend college - Bluefield Business College.

CENSUS RECORDS

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Olie R Beavers
Age in 1910: 3
Birth Year: 1907
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Thomas G Beavers
Father's Birthplace: West Virginia
Mother's Name: Eva M Beavers
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
[The family lived next door to his wife's parents, Thomas C. Christian and Euphemia Allyfair Chambers]

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Ocie Beavers
Age: 12
Birth Year: abt 1908
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Big Creek, McDowell, West Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: T G Beavers
Father's Birthplace: West Virginia
Mother's Name: Eva M Beavers
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes

1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Ocie R Beavers
Gender: Female
Birth Year: abt 1907
Birthplace: Virginia
Race: White
Home in 1930: Bluefield, Mercer, West Virginia
Marital Status: Single
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Father's Name: Thomas G Beavers
Father's Birthplace: West Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Ocie, age 23 in household of her father, T G Beavers, age 49. She is working as a stenographer with the telephone company. Also in household Flora, age 21 who works as a clerk in a grocery store; and Myrtle, age 19 who works as a stenographer with the telephone company.

Ocie married Jesse Frank Kirby. Jesse was born 25 Mar 1901, Virginia. [Group Sheet]

1. Donald Kirby
2. Nancy Amanda Kirby

Other Events:

• _UID: 6DE0DC7865EB45409642BD6CD564886EA6DD

Notes:

According to the records of the U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1866-1938, Thomas served in the Spanish-American War, enlisting 16 Jul 1898 as a private in Co. B of the 3rd Virginia Infantry, being discharged 5 Nov 1898. At the time of his admission he received a pension of $7.30 a month.

His daughter, Ocie R. Beavers, was listed as his closest relative. His medical condition included dental disease, being blind in his right eye with an artificial eye, and defective vision in his left eye. Thomas was admitted 28 Aug 1930 and remained until his death 2 Apr 1931. He is buried at the cemetery of the National Home in Johnson City, TN.

Is is possible that his physical needs were more than his 3 daughters could care for and their having to work as well. So admission to this home was a benefit for all, especially given that Thomas served, he never left the United States or fought in a battle.

The Third Regiment of Infantry, Virginia Volunteers were mustered into service May, 1898 at Camp Lee [today Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA]. In June the regiment moved to Camp Alger [nears Falls Church, VA at Dunn Loring, VA] and remained there through September. This is where Thomas would have been during his enlistment. According to first hand sources from New York Times articles of Aug. 1898, during the existence of this camp the weather was exceedingly hot and some portion of the time very rainy, both of which conditions, with myriads of flies which infested the camp, were the causes of much discomfort to the men.

On August 2nd the Third Virginia was transferred to the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, of the 2nd Army Corps, but with the peace accords being signed on August 12th, a large volunteer army wasn't needed. On September 7th the regiment was ordered to return to Richmond to make preparations to be mustered out of service. The regiment was engaged in the storing of arms, equipment, tents, etc. following which the men of the regiment were furloughed for thirty-days with orders to reassemble at the expiration of that time in Richmond.

With the ending of the thirty-day furlough the men of the regiment reassembled in Richmond and were assigned to quarters in the Old Exchange and Ballard Hotels in the city, to conclude their service. On November 5th, 1898, the regiment was officially mustered out of United States service. So Thomas tasted military life and got to see eastern Virginia and live in Richmond hotels.

1910 United States Federal Census
Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
[The family lived next door to his wife's parents, Thomas C. Christian and Euphemia Allyfair Chambers]
Age: 28
Occupation: Farmer
Estimated Birth Year: 1882
Birthplace: West Virginia
Father's Birth Place: Virginia
Mother's Birth Place: Virginia
Spouse's Name: Eva M Beavers, age 31
Others in household: Ocie, age 3 and Flora, age 1

1920 United States Federal Census
Home in 1920: Big Creek, McDowell, West Virginia
Age: 39
Occupation: Blacksmith, coal mine
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1881
Birthplace: West Virginia
Spouse's Name: Eva M Beavers
Father's Birth Place: West Virginia
Mother's Birth Place: West Virginia
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Sex: Male
Home Owned: Rent
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Also in household Eva M. Beavers, age 42, 3 daughters, Ocie, age 12; Flora, age 11; and Myrtle, age 9.

U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers
Name: Thomas G Beavers
Birth Year: abt 1877
Keyed Birth Location: W. Va.
Birth State: West Virgina
Admitted Year: 1930
Age at Admission: 53
State: Tennessee
County: Washington [Carter]
City: Johnson City
Branch: Mountain Branch

Tennessee, Deaths and Burials Index, 1874-1955
Name: Thomas G Beavers
Birth Date: 4 Aug 1877
Birth Place: West Virginia
Age: 53
Death Date: 2 Apr 1931
Death Place: Gov'T Reservation, Washington, Tennessee
Burial Date: 4 Apr 1931
Cemetery Name: Home, Cem
Gender: Male
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed
Residence Place: Bluefield, W VA
Occupation: Blacksmith
Father's Name: James Beavers
Father's Birth Place: West Virginia
Mother's Name: Rachel Lambert
FHL Film Number: 1876777



Buried:
U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca.1775-2006
Name: Thomas G Beavers
Death Date: 1 Apr 1931
Cemetery: Mountain Home National Cemetery
Cemetery Address: P.O. Box 8 VA Medical Center Johnson City , TN 37684
Buried At: Section J Row 8 Site 5

Thomas married Eva Martilla CHRISTIAN 4 Oct 1903, Tazewell Co VA. Eva (daughter of Thomas Christian CHRISTIAN and Euphemia Alifair CHAMBERS) was born 12 Jun 1877, Tazewell Co VA; died 22 May 1926, Tazewell Co. VA; was buried , Harman, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 8C4F27A727974218A0E131AD9F9BD61D4D7F

Notes:

According to her ggggranddaughter, Eva was partially paralyzed on the right side of her face and her right arm,
possibly as a result of complications/stroke during delivery of her first child

CENSUS RECORDS

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Eva M. Christian
Age: 2
Birth Year: abt 1878
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Daughter
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Thomas Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Name: Euphemia Christian
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Eva Christian
Age: 22
Birth Date: Jun 1877
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: Thos C Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Name: Allie Christian
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Eva M Beavers
Age in 1910: 31
Birth Year: 1879
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 G Beavers
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Thomas G Beavers 28
Eva M Beavers 31
Olie R Beavers 3
Flora E Beavers 1 year 8 months
[The family lived next door to his wife's parents, Thomas C. Christian and Euphemia Allyfair Chambers]

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Eva M Beavers
Age: 42
Birth Year: abt 1878
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Big Creek, McDowell, West Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: T G Beavers
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
T G Beavers 39
Eva M Beavers 42
Ocie Beavers 12
Flora Beavers 11
Myrtle Beavers 9


Died:
Virginia, Deaths, 1912?2014. Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia

Name: Eva Martela Beavers
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age at Death: 48
Birth Date: 12 Jun 1877
Death Date: 22 May 1926
Death Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Registration Date: 24 May 1926
Father: Thos C Christian
Mother: Allie Chambers
Spouse: Thos Beavers
Certificate Number: 1926013448

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: ... Beavers [Thomas G.]
Groom's Birth Date: 1879
Groom's Birthplace:
Groom's Age: 24
Bride's Name: Eva M. Christian
Bride's Birth Date: 1878
Bride's Birthplace:
Bride's Age: 25
Marriage Date: 04 Oct 1903
Marriage Place: Tazewell Co., Virginia
Groom's Father's Name: James
Groom's Mother's Name: Rachel
Bride's Father's Name: Thos. C.
Bride's Mother's Name: A.
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-5
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: P161 L215

Other Events:

• _UID: CD815B5461BD4224BF4ADB14B63EC13361EB

James married Rachel LAMBERT 12 Dec 1857, Tazewell Co. VA. Rachel was born 1840, Logan Co. VA . [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 74C383490B7C48B6A9E47A72C0C0FD068474

Notes:

Birth:
now in WV

Notes:

Married:
Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940
Name: James Beavers
Birth Date: 1832
Birthplace:
Age: 25
Spouse's Name: Rachel Lambert
Spouse's Birth Date: 1840
Spouse's Birthplace: Logan County, Va
Spouse's Age: 17
Event Date: 12 Feb 1857
Event Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Father's Name: John Beavers
Mother's Name: Polly
Spouse's Father's Name: Samuel Lambert
Spouse's Mother's Name: Ann
Marital Status: Single
Spouse's Marital Status: Single
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
GS Film number: 34214
Reference ID: Page 6 line 19

Other Events:

• _UID: AA493B2E5AF745F384A492DF2D6148D42827

Notes:

He lived on Indian Creek, Sinking Waters. Family info from Laura Gaynelle Whitaker has his middle name as Christian.

CIVIL WAR RECORDS

Civil War

Private in Co. H 29th Regiment, Virginia Infantry

29th Infantry Regiment was authorized in November, 1861, and was to contain seven companies under Colonel A.C. Moore and three companies at Pound Gap. However, this organization never took place. Moore's five companies from Abingdon and companies raised in the spring of 1862 evidently made up the nine-company regiment. It was assigned to the Valley District, Department of Northern Virginia, then moved to Kentucky where it was engaged at Middle Creek. Later it saw action in Western Virginia and for a time served in North Carolina under General French. In March, 1863, it totaled 732 men. Attached to General Corse's Brigade the unit participated in Longstreet's Suffolk Expedition and during the Gettysburg Campaign was on detached duty in Tennessee and North Carolina. In the spring of 1864 it returned to Virginia and took its place in the Petersburg trenches north and south of the James River and ended the war at Appomattox. Many were lost at Sayler's Creek, and only 1 officer and 27 men surrendered on April 9, 1865. The field officers were Colonels James Giles and Alfred C. Moore; Lieutenant Colonels Alexander Haynes, William Leigh, and Edwin R. Smith; and Majors Ebenezer Bruster, William R.B. Horne, and Isaac White.

MISCELLANEOUS

Chataigne's Virginia Gazetteer and Business Directory 1888-89 Tazewell County

Mills: Corn and Flour
Pleasant Hill, T. C. Christian

"Her husband, Tom Christian, had a cabinet shop and made caskets of wood."

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census about Thos Christian
Name: Thos Christian [Thomas C. Christian]
Age: 5
Birth Year: abt 1845
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male [in household of Thomas S. and Anna Christian]

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Christain [Thomas Christian]
Age in 1860: 14
Birth Year: abt 1846
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male [in household of Thomas S. and Anna Christian]
Post Office: Baptist Valley

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Christian
Age in 1870: 25
Birth Year: abt 1845
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Knob
Value of real estate: $600 real estate, $200 personal property
Household Members:
Name Age
Thomas Christian 25
Eufema A Christian 19
Lillie B Christian 5

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas Christian
Age: 31
Birth Year: abt 1849
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Euphemia Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Farmer
Household Members:
Thomas Christian 31
Euphemia Christian 25
Lilly Christian 11
Mary E. Christian 9
Sarah E. Christian 6
Eva M. Christian 2
George W. Christian 3 months

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Thos C Christian [Thomas C Christian]
Age: 55
Birth Date: Oct 1844
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: Allie Christian
Marriage Year: 1869
Years Married: 31
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Thos C Christian 55
Ellie Christian 49
Mary E Christian 29
Sarah E Christian 23
Eva Christian 22
Geo W Christian 20
Nancy A Christian 17
Oceania Christian 16
Oklahoma Christian 8
Thos D Christian 1

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas C Christian
Age in 1910: 64
Birth Year: 1846
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1910: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Alafair Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Thomas C Christian 64
Alafair Christian 58
Mary E Christian 37
Emeline Christian 34
Annie A Christian 27
Okla H Christian 18
Thomas D Christian 11
Paul H Christian 3 [The son of Mollie Whitaker Altizer, born too long after Noah Alitzer was killed to be his son. In this census he is listed as an adopted son.]

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas C Christian
Age: 74
Birth Year: abt 1846
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Head
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Alafair Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Home Owned: Own
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Household Members:
Thomas C Christian 74
Alafair Christian 69
Thomas D Christian 21
Harman Altizer 13 [son of Mollie Whitaker Altizer, born too long after Noah Alitzer was killed to be his son. He is now using Altizer as his last name.]



Occupation:
wheelwright

Died:
Virginia, Deaths, 1912-2014. Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia

Name: Thomas J Christian [Thomas C. Christian]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age at Death: 74
Birth Date: 18 Oct 1845
Death Date: 21 May 1920
Death Place: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Registration Date: 22 May 1920
Father: Thomas S Christian
Mother: Anna Altizer
Spouse: Alley Fare Christian
Certificate Number: 1920014379

Thomas married Euphemia Alifair CHAMBERS 20 Mar 1867, Tazewell Co VA. Euphemia (daughter of Thomas GILLESPIE and Emeline S. CHAMBERS) was born 29 Dec 1850, Virginia; died 08 Jan 1923, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 5A26A23830B84E2AA7BB00A63DA39ADB17BB

Notes:

Check marriage date. 1910 census indicated they had been married for 40 years, putting their marriage date in 1870. DOM possibly 1867.

Alafair (Allie) was a large woman. She had a goiter on her neck. She nursed Oscar Elswick. Her husband, Tom Christian, had a cabinet shop and made caskets of wood. Allie lined the caskets and then attached handmade lace. They lived in Harman, near Bandy, VA.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Allefair Chambers
Age: 6 months
Birth Year: abt 1850
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 54, Russell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of her grandmother, Nancy Chambers with her mother Emeline]
Household Members:
Nancy Chambers 38
Lydia Chambers 21
Emeline Chambers 19
Joannah Chambers 15
Hugh Chambers 12
John Chambers 10
Sarah Jane Chambers 9
Davis Chambers 8 months [son of Lydia]
Allefair Chambers 6 months

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Euphemia Chambers
Age in 1860: 11
Birth Year: abt 1849
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Post Office: Cedar Bluff
Household Members:
Emiline J Chamber 28
Euphemia Chamber 11
Elbert W Chamber 7
James B Chamber 1
Chapman Elsick 23 [he later married Emeline]

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Eufema A Christian
Age in 1870: 19
Birth Year: abt 1851
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas C. Christian]
Post Office: Knob

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Euphemia Christian
Age: 25
Birth Year: abt 1855
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Allie Christian [Euphemia A Christian]
Age: 49
Birth Date: Dec 1850
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1900: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thos C Christian
Marriage Year: 1869
Years Married: 31
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother: number of living children: 9
Mother: How many children: 11

1910 United States Federal Census
Name: Alafair Christian
Age in 1910: 58
Birth Year: 1852
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 C Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

1920 United States Federal Census
Name: Alafair Christian
Age: 69
Birth Year: abt 1851
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1920: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas C Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes

Died:
Virginia, Deaths, 1912-2014. Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, Virginia

Name: Allie Fair Christian
Gender: Female
Race: White
Age at Death: 72
Birth Date: 29 Dec 1850
Death Date: 8 Jan 1923
Death Place: Tazewell, Virginia, USA
Registration Date: 10 Jan 1923
Father: Chapman Elswick [stepfather]
Mother: Emeline Chambers
Spouse: Thomas Christian
Certificate Number: 1923003056

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Thos C Christian
Groom's Birth Date: 1846
Groom's Birthplace: Tazewell County, Va
Groom's Age: 21
Bride's Name: Euphemie A Chambers
Bride's Birth Date: 1850
Bride's Birthplace: Russell County, Va
Bride's Age: 17
Marriage Date: 20 Mar 1867
Marriage Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Groom's Father's Name: Thos S Christian
Groom's Mother's Name: A
Bride's Mother's Name: Emaline Z Chambers
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 24Line49

Other Events:

• _UID: E78B3E2927F943C7BFD6FC95D5DC8281DD42

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1830 United States Federal Census
Name: John Beavanrs [John Beavers]
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Tazewell, Virginia
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 2
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 5
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 5

1840 United States Federal Census
Name: John Beavers
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Tazewell, 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 - 40 thru 49: 1
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 5 thru 9: 2
Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 14: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 30 thru 39: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 2
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 7
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 9
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 9

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Jno Beavers
Age: 53
Birth Year: abt 1797
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Family Number: 1056
Household Members:
Jno Beavers 53
Polly Beavers 43
Alexr Beavers 20
James Beavers 18
Margaret Beavers 15
Pheby Beavers 13
Jackson Beavers 11
Jno Beavers 6
Preston Beavers 3

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: John Beavers
Age in 1860: 64
Birth Year: abt 1796
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: District 13, McDowell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Post Office: Gilead Spring
Value of real estate: $250,personal estate $270
Household Members:
John Beavers 64
Polly Beavers 55
Margaret Beavers 25
Phoebe Beavers 23
Jackson Beavers 21
Susannah Beavers 17
John Beavers 16
Preston Beavers 12

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: John Beavers
Age in 1870: 75
Birth Year: abt 1795
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Big Creek, McDowell, West Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Tug River
Value of real estate: $600, personal value $100
Occupation: Miller
Household Members:
John Beavers 75
Polly Beavers 65
Phebe Beavers 32
Laura Beavers 10 [granddaughter]
James Floyd Beavers 6 [grandson]
Charles C Beavers 5 [grandson]

Not listed in 1880 Census

http://www.coalexchange.com/smith/html/d0007/g0000092.html#I1652

"First Families of McDowell Co, West Virginia", Evans, page 2.

"Annals of Tazewell Co, VA", Harman, Vol I, page 69.
Married Polly Dillon 25 Sepember 1821.

"Hertiage of McDowell Co, WV...", The Preston Beavers Family article, page 96.

"McDowell Co, WVGW:Queries 1997", internet site
www.scioto.org/McDowell/MQS/queries1997.html

John married Mary [Polly] DILLON 25 Sep 1821, Tazewell Co VA. Mary (daughter of James DILLON and Martha BELCHER) was born 1805, Virginia; died Aft. 1880, McDowell Co. WV; was buried , Lomax-Yukon Cemetery Yukon McDowell Co. WV. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 804644BE9F384FD0985F5FA7C878C8CC8F74

Notes:

Vital records have her name as Polly. One website had her given name as Mary. Annals of Tazewell Co, VA", Harman, Vol I, page 69. Married Polly Dillon 25 Sepember 1821.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Polly Beavers
Age: 43
Birth Year: abt 1807
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Family Number: 1056
Household Members:
Jno Beavers 53
Polly Beavers 43
Alexr Beavers 20
James Beavers 18
Margaret Beavers 15
Pheby Beavers 13
Jackson Beavers 11
Jno Beavers 6
Preston Beavers 3

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Polly Beavers
Age in 1860: 55
Birth Year: abt 1805
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: District 13, McDowell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Post Office: Gilead Spring
Household Members:
John Beavers 64
Polly Beavers 55
Margaret Beavers 25
Phoebe Beavers 23
Jackson Beavers 21
Susannah Beavers 17
John Beavers 16
Preston Beavers 12

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Polly Beavers
Age in 1870: 65
Birth Year: abt 1805
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Big Creek, McDowell, West Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Tug River
Household Members:
John Beavers 75
Polly Beavers 65
Phebe Beavers 32
Laura Beavers 10 [granddaughter]
James Floyd Beavers 6 [grandson]
Charles C Beavers 5 [grandson]

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Mary Beavers
Age: 75
Birth Year: abt 1805
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Big Creek, McDowell, West Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Mother, widow
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Without Occupation
Household Members:
Phoebe Beavers 42
Laura Beavers 17 [granddaughter]
James Beavers 15 [grandson]
Charles Beavers 12 [grandson]
Mollie R. Beavers 2 [granddaughter]
James Beavers 2
Mary Beavers 75

Source: GenealogieOnline. Coret Genealogie. http://www.genealogieonline.nl/en/

Name: Polly Dillon
Gender: f (Female)
Birth Date: 1805
Birth Place: Virginia
Father: James Dillon/ Jr
Mother: Martha Belcher
Spouse: John Beavers
Children: James Beavers


Buried:
Grave location and cemetery photo:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=32746489&ref=acom

Notes:

Married:
Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940
Name: John Beavers
Spouse's Name: Polly Dillion
Event Date: 25 Sep 1821
Event Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
GS Film number: 34214
Reference ID: Page 57

Other Events:

• _UID: AD97A8231615484E9D5A60783FC158D8CFDA

Notes:

He was a minister, performed many marriages in Tazewell Co Va, especially for family members.

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Thos S Christian [Thomas Skaggs Christian]
Age: 35
Birth Year: abt 1815
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Value of Real Estate: $1000
Household Members:
Thos S Christian 35
Anna Christian 34
Lilly Christian 9
Polly Christian 7
Thos Christian 5
Robbin Christian 3

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas S Christian
[Thomas S Christian]
Age in 1860: 46
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Male
Post Office: Baptist Valley
Value of real estate: $300, personal property $270
Household Members:
Thomas S Christian 46
Ann Christian 46
Thomas Christian 14
Robert Christian 12
Hanah Christian 10
Jackson Christian 9
George Christian 4
Katharine Christian 1
Susan Altizer 74

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Thos S Christian
Age in 1870: 50
Birth Year: abt 1820
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Post Office: Knob
Household Members:
Thos S Christian 50
Annie Christian 55
Jackson Christian 18
George C Christian 14
Catherine Christian 11

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Thomas S. Christian
Age: 66
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Self (Head)
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Ann Eliza Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia

MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENTS

Tazewell County Churches: 1860. Deed Book 13, p. 164.
Hugh S. Bailey conveyed to Thomas S. Christian, William Altizer and Robert McGlothlin, "Trustees of a meeting house built on the land that said Bailey bought of Alexander Christian."  Said lot contains one acre.  Beginning at a white oak a corner of Hugh Bailey, on the east line, thence East thirteen poles to a chestnut oak, thence N.W. 13 poles to a poplar, thence 13 poles to a chestnut tree, thence S. 13 poles to the beginning."  (Vol. 1, p. 312)

LAND GRANTS

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
32 a. On the Belsher ridge of Indian Creek a branch of Clinch River
Grants No. 98, p. 498

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
141 a. On the Belsher spur the waters of Indian Creek a branch of Clinch River
Grants No. 98, p. 499

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
175 a. On the Belsher ridge
Grants No. 98, p. 500

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Mar 1847
Tazewell County
66 a. On the waters of Indian Creek
Grants No. 98, p. 501

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Oct 1849
Tazewell County
214 a. On dividing ridge between Grassy Spring fork of Indian Creek and Left hand fork of Beech fork of Dry fork
Grants No. 102, p. 214

Thomas S. Christian - 1 Oct 1850
Tazewell County
266 a. On the Belsher ridge
Grants No. 104, p. 35

Thomas married Anna Elizabeth ALTIZER 23 Oct 1836, Tazewell Co VA. Anna (daughter of David Riley ALTIZER and Susan SLUSHER) was born Abt 1814, Tazewell Co VA; died Aft 1880, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: C8FAF6FB7954409193A39185DBB486D789B1

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Anna Christian
Age: 34
Birth Year: abt 1816
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas Skaggs Christian]

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Anna Christian
Age in 1860: 46
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas Skaggs Christian]
Post Office: Baptist Valley

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Annie Christian
Age in 1870: 55
Birth Year: abt 1815
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female [in household of Thomas Skaggs Christian]
Post Office: Knob

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Ann Eliza Christian
Age: 66
Birth Year: abt 1814
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Thomas S. Christian
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Occupation: Keeping House

Notes:

Married:
Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940
Groom's Name: Thomas Christian
Bride's Name: Anna Altizer
Marriage Date: 23 Oct 1836
Marriage Place: Tazewell, Virginia
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M01695-4
System Origin: Virginia-EASy
Source Film Number: 34214
Reference Number: Page 132

Other Events:

• _UID: 39FEB522E5614E62BB57485DB3DA159CF951

Notes:

Several sources have come forward with information that the Emeline's first three children was a Gillespie from Pounding Mill or the community of Gillespie" between Pounding Mill (about two miles to the west) and Cliffield in Tazewell Co. Va.

It seems that Emeline was living in Liberty and the gap or short cut over the mountain leads over to Laurel Gap from the Pounding Mill area and then to Liberty. This would have been been less than three miles by horseback.

A granddaughter of Emeline remarked to her grandson as they were traveling through Pounding Mill that Emeline's first children was fathered by a Gillespie, but did not know his first name. Emeline and this man reportedly traveled to see each other.

Why didn't she marry the father of these 3 children? He possibly was married, unwilling to marry her, or he died before they could marry.

Further research is needed, and the key will be maps of the census districts for Tazwell Co. to see exactly which male Gillespies on the 1850 Tazewell Co. Maiden Spring District were living near Laurel Gap in Pounding Mill or the community of Gillespie.

Thomas married Emeline S. CHAMBERS. Emeline (daughter of Thomas CHAMBERS and Nancy CHRISTIAN) was born 18 Jan 1830, Russell Co. VA; died 2 Mar 1898, Tazewell Co. VA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: FFF7D11A2F354377B35F20FA34DF4D6CF7B7

Notes:

CENSUS RECORDS

1840 Census, Russell Co. VA Thomas had two males under 5 [John and Hugh], one male 5-10 [Reese], one female under 5 [Joanna], one female 5-10 [Emeline], and one female 10-15 [Lydia].

1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Emeline Chambers
Age: 19
Birth Year: abt 1831
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1850: District 54, Russell, Virginia
Gender: Female
able to read and write, is living in household number 1250 with her mother Nancy Chambers, along with Emeline's daughter, Allifair, age 6 months.

1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Emiline J Chamber [Emiline J Chambers]
Age in 1860: 28
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1860: Western District, Tazewell, Virginia
Gender: Female
Post Office: Cedar Bluff
Household Members:
Emiline J Chambers 28
Euphemia Chambers 11
Elbert W Chambers 7
James B Chambers 1
Chapman Elsick 23 [farm laborer]

1870 United States Federal Census
Name: Emeline Elswick
Age in 1870: 38
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1870: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Post Office: Knob
Household Members:
Chapman Elswick 38
Emeline Elswick 38
Elbert W Elswick 16
Thomas D Elswick 14
James B Elswick 11
Buenavista Elswick 8
Dellie B Elswick 5
Nancy L Elswick 2

1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Emaline Elswick
Age: 48
Birth Year: abt 1832
Birthplace: Virginia
Home in 1880: Maiden Spring, Tazewell, Virginia
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: Chapman Elswick
Father's Birthplace: Virginia
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Household Members:
Chapman Elswick 43
Emaline Elswick 48
Bunevista Elswick 18
Nancy L. Elswick 13
Lafayette Elswick 10
Mary Elswick 6

MARRIAGE RECORD

"Tazewell County (VA) Marriages", Register #3, Year 1863, transcribed by Pauline Haga.

Chapman S. Elswick, age 26 yr, 7 mon, 19 days, born in Tazewell Co, VA, son of William and Lucinda Elswick, married on 10 Sep 1863 Emeline S. Chambers, age 21, born in Russell Co, VA, daughter of Thomas and Nancy Chambers. Married by Patton J. Lockhart.

STORIES

It was said she was a "red-headed,full-blooded Irish woman," according to contemporary accounts. While her husband, Chapman Elswick, was fighting in the Shenandoah Valley, his family was facing uncertainty and hardships.

Emeline and another lady by the name of Polly Griffiths, wife of Martin Griffiths (29th VA Infantry CSA) dug coal to fill ox carts, and during the summer months, leaving their children behind, drove the carts pulled by oxen and they came down from the ridge [Pleasant Hill, Reynolds Ridge] between Big Creek and Middle Creek from Stinson Ridge to Cedar Bluff, then up to Frog Level, then across the mountain and down the valley to Saltville, Va. (which would have been 40-50 mile), where they traded the coal for salt.

On the way back they would stop and trade the salt for staples and supplies they needed on the farm. They would trade salt for food and vegetables with neighbors who would be able to tend their farms.

It was a long, arduous trip and demonstrated the fortitude and perseverance of women and what they had to do to survive.

Notes:

John McClintock, Jr., a descendant of Emeline and Chapman Elswick, told me the family stories were a Thomas Gillespie was the father of Emeline's children. Thomas would travel over the mountain to visit "Red headed Emmie" at Liberty.

Until the death certificate of Thomas D. Chambers there was no proof of this. Thomas' death certificate is the only one of his three siblings born out of wedlock that give the name of Thomas Gillespie as the father. Alifair Chambers Christian's death certificate gave Chapman Elswick as her father, Elbert Wade Chambers had no names for his parents. For Alifair's descendants, her real father's name was not known, but evidently for the children of Emmeline and Chapman Elswick, the name was known but not talked about outside the family.

When Emeline married Chapman Elswick, she put her marital status as divorced. More than likely, Thomas Gillespie was a married man and was not free to marry Emeline.

Which Thomas Gillespie could be the father? One researcher has William Thomas Gillespie who was in his 60's during the time Emeline's children were conceived. I think a younger man is more likely since he was traveling over the mountain to Liberty on horseback. Here are the candidates from the Tazewell 1850 Census for Thomas or Thos:

Thomas Harrison Gillespie Nov. 19, 1812-Oct. 14, 1891, husband of Mary Ann Radar. In 1850 Thomas was 38 years old.

Thomas Simpson Gillespie 13 Dec 1807-1857,1862 or 1866, husband of Mariah Peery. In 1850 he was 43 years old. Thomas moved to Genry Co. MO in 1854, but later returned and died in Tazewell Co. This Thomas is a possibility based on the ages of Emeline's children. Alifair and Elbert Wade are three years apart, but there is about a 3 year difference between Elbert Wade born in 1853 and Thomas Douglas born about 1856. So it's possible Thomas Douglas was conceived when Thomas Gillespie returned from Missouri. Why did he return to Tazewell leaving his wife and children in Missouri?

Until DNA tests are done, this is all speculation as to which Thomas Gillespie is the father of Emeline's first three children.