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Welcome! I have had an overwhelming response to the first issue of the Watts newsletter. Many of you have sent in your connections and I will try and print as many as I can each week. If you don’t see yours in this issue, it will be in a future issue. I have also had many of you contribute some of your research. The best part is I have had several of you message me letting me know you made a connection and found a new “cousin”. Last week I sent everyone on my list an issue of the newsletter and I am doing it again this week but next week the newsletter will only go to those who have responded and let me know they are interested in receiving it. If you sent me a message and I did not respond to it...don’t worry...I probably received it and you are on the list for future newsletters. If you ever do not receive a newsletter please message me and I’ll get one right out! ****************************************** Contents: 1. Members
lines ***************************************** MEMBERS LINES 1. Dennis M. Beckham - dmbeckha@sprynet.com My great-great-grandparents, George M. WATTS and Judith B. SHELTON were married in Montgomery County, TN, January 15, 1846. They were in Todd County, KY in 1850 and migrated to Collin County, TX near the town of McKinney in 1855. They had 9 children: John S., Mary A., Mattie, Sarah Fannie, Georgie, William, Jesse, Thomas, & Charlie H. George died in Collin County in 1904 and Judith died there in 1919. John S., their first born, was my great-grandfather. He served as a Private in the 2nd Texas Partisan Ranger Cavalry during the Late Unpleasantness. After the war, in 1865, he married Martha Pickett who bore him 8 children: Nellie B., Minnie Evelyn, Judy, Georgia, Elmo, Mattie Idella, & Johnnie Ella. Martha died prior to 1889. John moved to Upshur County, Texas and remarried Eliza Augusta RASH in 1889. She bore him 7 children: One Unknown, Charley, Lillian, Annie E., Johnnie R., Arris Georgia, & Malcom Ozelle(my grandfather). John S. died in 1918 in Upshur County and Eliza died there in 1964. Malcom married Jessie Opal DAVIS who bore him one child: Maxine, who married Julious Wayne Beckham(my parents). My current objective is to gather all the history I can on these families in Texas. I have a primary interest in Civil War history as it relates to them. Why did they come to Texas, what hardships did they encounter, how did they make a living, etc. I eventually want to trace their history back to KY, TN and beyond. 2. John W Boring - jwb@virginia.edu Edwin Watts b 1905, md Anna Lee Hukle; John Watts b 1859, md Jane Huff; Andrew Jackson Watts b 1830, md Elizabeth Devine; John Watts b 1801, md Lydia Booth; William Watts b 1774, md Sally Devine. These people all lived in Mercer Co, KY and my principal interest is in finding where the above William Watts came to KY from and who his parents were. I suspect that he derives from the Watts group that came from Culpeper and Albemarle Cos, VA but I don't know an exact connection 3. Barb Boese - barbwire@midusa.net As far as I know now I am not a Watts descendant but...since so many records of my family and the Watts of SE Indiana - re Ripley co - are together I have collected lots on them and I don't know if there is a relationship back in Virginia that I haven't found yet or if Judge John Watts and my family - re Connell's and Ross's just happened to meet up in Boone co KY or SE Indiana or what but since I have collected quite a bit on the family would dearly love to get the newsletter each week and hope I can add something to it someday. Have sent Paul Allred quite a bit so far with more to go if I ever get done sending stuff to Lori Hoffman for the Ripley co GenWeb site. WE are putting lots of records on it to help people. Thanks. Barb Boese Dodge City, Ks Barbara - Do you have a address for the GenWeb site? 4. Sean Furniss - SeanBarry@aol.com I have been working on the Watts families and related lines for Bradford County, Pennsylvania. My Bradford County records for these families go from 1796 to about 1910. Generally during this time period, most of the Watts families in Bradford Co. belong to this line. If anyone is working on Bradford County, Pennsylvania, Watts families or allied lines, I would be happy to exchange information. 5. SAMMIE SDW@aol.com My Watts connection comes from my father's side of the family. Joshua Watts my g-g-g grandfather lived in Pittsylvania County, VA until c. 1830 when he and his wife Sarah moved to Wilkes County, NC. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas and Hannah Wright. I know factually that Joshua and Sarah had children named George, James and John. I have reason to believe other children to be Thomas, Mariah, and Elizabeth and there are others that I have not identified. Joshua and Sarah were married c. December 3, 1794 in Pittsylvannia County, Va. My goals are to identify all children and go at least one more generation prior to 1794. George Watts married Rebecca Parsons 6. Barbara Goggans Waldrop - User181801 I started researching in 1970 and have acumulated lots of Watts information especially in Georgia. In the process I have become interested in all of the Watts/Watt families. I am decended from Thomas Watts who in 1790 Wilkes Co GA left a deed of gift to sons Jacobus, Littleberry, Harrison, Archibald, Pleasant, and Jubal Watts. (Mine is Littleberry) There is a lot of evidence that he was of Bedford Co Virginia (Probably the one who was accused of treason . The charges were dismissed) Were there two Thomas Watts in Bedford I am searchng for his father and his wife or wives. The names of some of his children are Early names and some were names found in the Gresham family. One wife was Sarah? who? I'm also interested in finding the names of children of his sons. Have some but not all. ****************************************** I will be interested in checking out the information in "The Virginia Genealogist" I already have a lot of information on the Keys. I am interested in finding out if all of this information is about one Thomas Watts or if there were two. My Thomas' children were born in the 1770's. I think his wife was probably an Early because the names of four of his children are Early names. Husband: Thomas WATTS Children... 1. M Child: Jacobus WATTS --------------------------------------------- 2. M Child: Littleberry WATTS --------------------------------------------- 3. M Child: Harrison WATTS --------------------------------------------- 4. M Child: Archibald WATTS --------------------------------------------- 5. M Child: Pleasant WATTS --------------------------------------------- 6. M Child: Jubal E WATTS Husband's Notes... --------------------------------------------- Notes: Some say that our Thomas Watts' father was John and his grandfather was Edward but this has not been proved. The earliest record that we have of what we presume to be our Watts family is the List of Tythes of Lunenburg County Virginia where one Thomas "Wats" paid one tithe in 1750 and 1751. Also on the tithe list for 1751 was Richard Wats, but he did not pay a tithe. Edward Watts paid a Tythe for himself and four sons, Edward Jr, William, George, and John Watts in 1752.19 In 1754 Bedford Co Va was formed from Lunenburg In 1755, Thomas Watts was appointed surveyor of a road from the Peak to the James River. In the November Court of Bedford Co. Virginia of that same year, he was ordered to pay the church warden fifteen shillings for not keeping the road in repair" whereof he was surveyor" There are numerous references to the Watts, Thomas, Richard, Edward, John, William, and George. In the early Court Order Books of Bedford County. On February 24, 1778, Thomas Watts was recommended "as a proper person to act as Militia Captain of Bedford County" and on March 23, 1778. it was recorded that he Qualified according to law. He also qualified as a member of the Commision of the Peace. On June 26, 1780 , he was paid four hundred and thirty five shillings for his services in receiving the Grain Tax and storage. It is evident that Thomas Watts was active in the service of his country; so it was something of a shock to read that "A Court was held at Bedford Courthouse for the exanination of Thomas Watts for high treason." The charge was that he had taken the oath of allegiance to the king of Great Britain after the year 1776. The prisioner being led to the Barr in custody and charged with treason saith he is not guilty whereupon the Court proceded to the examination of sundry witnesses and the prisoner heard in his defence. On consideration whereof it is the openion of the Court that the said Thomas Watts ought to be tried for the same before the Judges of the General Court therefore it commanded the Sheriff that he remove him back to the Gael of this county and from thence to the Publick Gael" In 1780, the Commonwealth of Virginia passed An Act for Granting Pardon to Certain Offenders". Thomas Watts was among the list of those who would receive a pardon by taking the oath of Allegiance to the Commonwealth.21
The witnesses who appeared against Thomas Watts were Jesse Meadows and John Richards. The charge of high treason against Thomas Watts was dismissed at the May Court 1787. (My note BGW - Could there be two Thomas Watts here? I have a copy of pages from" Ancestor Hunting" pg 824 through 831.Two lists of early Bedford County Virginia were published. The lists were provided by the Col William Preston Chapter of DAR. Roannoke VA. One "A list of those haven taken and subscribed the oath of affermation as directed by an Act of the General Assembly Aug 9 1777" Jacob Early, John Morton, John Watts, William Daniel, and many others.(Thomas Watts not listed) The other list was compiled for a Bedford newspaper in 1922 includes soldiers from Bedford Co who fought in the VA militia a long list with Calloways, 1st Lt Jacobus Early. Capt.Jacob Early, Col Jeremiah Early, Lt Col William Leftwich, Capt THOMAS WATTS, Aaron Watts a lot of Leftwich and many others. There are many Watts land transactions recorded in the deed books of Bedford Co Virginia . (Note BGW I have abstracts of Watts deeds early Bedford also of Watts in early Tax digests of Bedford) Richard and Thomas Watts closely connected in the deeds.There was an Edward Watts and John Watts in the early deed records. Earliest Watts deed record 1754 Edward Watts -to King George Bond22 1757 Richard Woodward to George Watts, 1757 Edward Watts to Edward Watts Jr, 1757 Edward Watts Sr to Alexander Mackie of Chesterfield Co .George Watts one of witnesses. Mentions purchase of land recorded in Lunenburg Va. , deed from Edward Sr to Edward Jr (1757)., deed August 1758 Edward Watts Jr to Richard Stith and Benj Howard, Witnessed by Wm Irvine, Saml Drake, James Calloway, Henry Bell and GEORGE RUST,. deed 1761 Edward Watts to JEREMIAH EARLY ,. 1762-Edward Watts Jr to John Tolbert land next to EARLY -JEH. EARLY signed as a witness., Deed 1765 George Watts and wife Frances to William Calloway , The Watts deeds then skip to 1772 -1786 William Holloway to Richard Watts, 1772 William Watts to JOHN HURD of Pittsylvania, 1774 John Hurd and wife Mary sold to THOMAS WATTS 125 acres on the south side of Staunton River land conveyed to Heard by William Watts and in 1777 Thomas Watts and his wife Sarah sold this land to Peter Wood for 75 pounds.In1778 Deed Peter Holland to Thomas Watts. 1778 William Heard abd Isham Tolbert to Thomas Watts. In 1179 Josiah Bradshaw to Thimas Watts In 1779 Thomas Watts conveyed to Richard Watts 200 acres of land on both sides of the Black Water Road. He had bought this land from Peter Holland for 130 Shillings.24 On Dec25, 1784 Thomas and Sarah his wife sold to John Hooks 346 acres on the south side of the Staunton River. Sarah relenqoished her right of dower March 1, 1785.25 In 1785 THOMAS WATTS and SARAH his wife to Peter Woods, Richard Watts to William Drake, David Crew and wife Ann to John Watts., Josiah Bradshaw to Thomas Watts, 1785 Thomas Watts to JUBAL EARLY, in 1779 THOMAS WATTS conveyed to Richard Watts 200 acres of land on both sides of the Black Water Road for 130 Shillings. He had bought this land from Peter Holland.24 Many other Watts deeds. Thomas , Richard , William and Edward Watts were on the Bedford Co Tax list 1782 to-1785 Thomas reported only one white male over 21 each year. Thomas and Richard were not on the tax list after 1785. (The Keys and the Earlys were also in Bedford . See Jeremiah Early family. Richard Watts' son and daughter married into the Key family. In 1785 one Thomas Watts was on the Tax list of Wilkes Co Ga in Captain Hogans Dist and paid tax on 300 acres of land and one poll. On March 17, 1786 Thomas Watts received a land grant of 172 acres in Wilkes County Ga. The land adjoined that of John Kelly, ????Hamett, Watts , Richard Watts and Peters. Georgia Land Grant Book III Pg 634 In 1787 one Thomas Watts received a grant of 43 acres in Green County Georgia Grant Book MMM page 320. The line changed between Wilkes and Green and some people who had lived in the lower part of Wilkes were now in Green.
Deed of Gift made June 20 1790 Thomas Watts of Wilkes County Ga to his sons Jacobus, Littleberry, Harrison, Archibald, Plesant, and Jubal Watts for love and affection and five shillings. He gave them nine slaves,five horses,four feather bedsand furniture, all household kitchen furniture cattle hogs and corn. D Roberts and A Bedell J P signed the deed. There were several Thomas Watts in Wilkes, Green, Oglethorpe and Morgan Counties Ga but from tas and Land Lottery reports I believe that our Thomas was the one with 136 acres on Littke River, Green Co . I believe also that he was the one who died 1813 in Green Co GA After 1813 Thomas of Little River no longer appears on the tax digest and Jubal Watts returns 136 acres. The only record that we have of his death is a newspaper report. "Georgia Journal" June 9, 1813. "Died on tha 29th of May last. Mr Thomas Watts, an aged and respectable inhabitant of Green County. Although not a proffesor of Christianty, he met death with a smile in the full assurance of an approving consience." Wife's Notes... --------------------------------------------- Notes: In Bedford co Virginia Sarah Watts signed deeds with
Thomas Watts in 1777, and in 1784 when she relenquished her right of
dower. Last Modified: 24 Aug 1996 Reference Note 16 Reference Note 19 Reference Note 21 Reference Note 22 Reference Note 24 Reference Note 25 Submitted by Barbara Waldrop user 181801@aol ******************************************* MISCELLANEOUS THE RIDGE RUNNERS. Vol. XII (Part One) 1979. Would like to hear from descendants of Fredrick William Wills d Jan 1796, m Frances Durrett d 1831, both Clark Co KY. He was Corporal in Independant Co of Volunteers in Williamsburg. Son Thorton Wills b 1781 m nancy Bruce dau Benj. Bruce d 1809 and Mildred Watts who was b 26 Mar 1753 Clark Co Ky. Associated families that migrated from KY, VA, OH, Ill, and to Mont are: William Battershell b 11 Oct 1811 KY, m Eliz Wills. Son Sanford Battershell b 1840 Lexington KY, m Letha Naylor dau Parker naylor and nancy Tucker, Chanute Kan. Walter Tucker b 1738, d 1824, m Sallie Branium. Son Osborn Tucker b 1768, m Betsy Branium. Rev. Jacob Watts b 1730 Orange Co VA, m Eliz Durrett, dau of Richad Durrett. Mrs. Larry Miller, Rt 1, Box 266, Cataldo, ID 83810 (note by Bill---This above is quite old...I had a note to write, but never did) THE RIDGE RUNNERS. Vol. XIII (1981) Another list dated 26 February 1835 lists the heirs of Washington Watts: B. Watts, Joseph Graves, malinda Graves, Jas. Gaines, Wm Gaines, nancy Sandford, virginia Gaines, Jinnelly Gaines, Washington Watts, Robert Sandford, William Watts. (page 459) THE RIDGE RUNNERS. Vol. XIV. (1981) "Boone County, Kentucky Probate Abstracts, Will
Book D, 1837-1846" Estate of Elizabeth Watts: Division of Property to Anderson B. Watts; to Sehreshley allen and Polly his wife; to John H Crawford and Lucy his wife; to David Hogan and Virginia his wife; to William T Winston and Lucetta his wife; to Washington Watts and nancy his wife. 1 December 1848 (page 187) Estate of Nathan Watts:
Division of Lands Submitted by William E. Ikerd - weikerd@juno.com ****************************************** WATTS MARRIAGES IN VIRGINIA - PART 1 OF 6
******************************************** DAR FILES 1. Subj: DAR 52743 - John Watts & John Sebree of Virginia MRS. LULU ALLEN SCHROEDER. Born in St. Louis, MO. John Sebree (1749-81) enlisted as a soldier in the Virginia Line, and died at the siege of Yorktown. His brother Richard aslos served in the ranks. He was born in England. See Also DAR Nos. 4954, 5073, 10454. 2. DAR #6445 - Capt. John Watts of Virginia MISS ALBERTA BANCROFT Born in California. Samuel Bancroft was a private at the Lexington Alarm; 1776 served as lieutenant in Capt. William Cooley's company, Col. John Moseley's regiment, in the Northern army. John Watts, 1776, was cornet in the first Regiment of Light Horse, commanded by Col. Teodrick Bland, and in 1778 had risen to the rank of captain. He was wounded at Eutaw Springs and received a land warrant for seven years' service. See Also DAR Nos. 2668, 4305, 5073 Source: RE 202.5 A.15 Volume 7 - California State Archives, Sacramento, CA Submitted by: Paul Watts Allred, 8660 Nash Way,
Sacramento, CA 95828 - ******************************************** I've been deep into searching the northern Virginia counties for Moores, partly because it's an interesting family, partly because it hooks into the Daltons, partly because it's probably one of my Moore families, partly because it's an interesting family. When I saw that you were doing Watts family, I thought I'd send the following as some of these Watts probably went with half (so it seems) of Northern VA to the NC counties where the Daltons were. One of them, Rodham Moore, married Elizabeth Gallahue, sister of Charlotte who married Samuel Dalton, Jr. Source: Beginning at a White Oak . . . Patents and Northern Neck Grants of Fairfax County Virginia; by Beth Mitchell; published by Fairfax County VA; 1977. P. 95: 24 Jan 1715. Richard Watts and William Harrison received a grant for 1340 acres. P. 145: 30 January 1776. Richard Chichester purchased 5 ac on Long Branch, a branch of the Accotink, adjacent to Richard Watts. P. 277: Map Block 64. Owned by Richard Watts and William Harrison. 384 ac granted 22 January 1715. Between Difficult and Accotink Creeks. Map Block 67. Owned by Richard Watts and William Harrison. 2032 acres granted on 25 Jan 1715. Northern Neck Grant Book 5, page 49. Fairfax Deed G2: 398-405 dated 9 September 1806, recites that representatives of Richard Watts conveyed to John Courts one fourth of this grant. John Courts conveyed to Richard Scott Blackburne who conveyed to Richard Ratcliff. Ratcliff conveyed 600 acres to Jeremiah Moore. A chancery suit cleared the title in Moore's favor 5 June 1805. Jeremiah Moore in his will of 1814 devised to his son John Moore portions of the tract. For further details see DiBacco, "Moorefield." Richard Watts and Anne, his wife, of Fairfax County, sold for 838 pounds sterling to Richard Chichester 528-1/2 acres, part of tract sold by William Harrison to Richard and John Watts, uncle and father to said Richard Watts, by deed 2 November 1717 in Stafford County for 1016 acres, half of the patent granted Richard Watts, grandfather of said Richard. (Fairfax Deeds M:28. 6 Dec 1774). P. 280: 23 December 1706. Owners John West, William Harrison, Thomas Harrison, Thomas Pearson. 4639 acres listed in Northern Neck Grant Book 3, page 153. Located on Great Hunting Creek, Main Run, south side, one half mile below great fork. This grant was divided into eight parts by Richard Watts of Westmoreland County 22 March 1714. A copy of the plat shows that John West, Thomas Harrison, and William Harrison each received two 1/8 sections. One 1/8 section is marked Thomas Pearson and the remaining section is marked Ragans. Note: Richard Watts sold 600 acres in Fairfax County to Jeremiah (see P. 277 above). Jeremiah Moore was an early Baptist preacher of great passion. He established a church on Difficult Run and was forced to close it by Virginia's colonial government shortly before the Revolutionary War. He continued to preach without obtaining a license from Virginia and was eventually arrested and jailed in Alexandria. There he continued to preach through the latticed jail door attracting great crowds. He was released and, by unconfirmed tradition, was defended by Patrick Henry. Jeremiah Moore worked with Thomas Jefferson and George Mason as they developed new laws governing the practice of religion in Virginia and in the new United States. The Jeremiah Moore home, "Moorefield," is the oldest house in Fairfax County and stands in a small dedicated park in Vienna, Virginia. Submitted by Joyce Brown - Jbrown7169@aol.com ******************************************** Watts’ Online:
compiled from E-mail and other sources.
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