This manuscript is a compilation of various early records of Lee County, Virginia. It is suggested that you use the index liberally for your searches which starts on page 152. Surnames will appear under a variety of spellings so be sure to check them all.
John Short, born in 1826 in Roane County, Tennessee, moved to Stone County and became a respected farmer and stockraiser. He was raised in a hardworking family, with roots in early Tennessee settlement. Married to Lydia Coleman in 1850, they had multiple children. After an arduous journey to Missouri, where he faced significant challenges including a cyclone and guerrilla attacks during the Civil War, Short persevered. His wife Lydia, a devoted partner, died in 1886. A Methodist, he is regarded as a valued community member.
M. C. Reynolds, born December 30, 1844, in Tennessee, moved to Douglas County, Missouri, in 1856. After engaging in agriculture, he established a successful mercantile business in Ava, becoming the county’s leading merchant. Reynolds held various political roles, including county treasurer and postmaster. A prominent community member, he was also the president of the Bank of Ava, which he helped develop since its inception in 1890. Married to Elizabeth Hailer, they had three children and were active members of the Baptist Church.
Thomas L. Viles, born on October 3, 1850, in Roane County, Tennessee, became a prominent figure in Stone County, Missouri. Raised on a farm, he served in the Civil War at age fifteen before transitioning into public service. Viles held various roles, including sheriff and deputy county collector, before being elected as the prosecuting attorney, a position he has maintained with distinction. Active in the Republican Party and local organizations, he is well-respected in both professional and social circles, alongside his wife, Elmira Gideon.
James Harlin Hale, born on October 10, 1832, in Washington County, Tennessee, exemplifies determination and industriousness. A blacksmith by trade and successful farmer in Stone County, Missouri, he navigated multiple relocations throughout his life, including his marriage in 1855 to Nancy Margaret Estes. Hale served in the Civil War, attaining the rank of corporal, and was wounded and captured briefly. He was a devoted Baptist and a respected community member, leaving behind a legacy of eight children and significant contributions to his region.
Hon. John L. Greene, born in 1835 in Roane County, Tennessee, was a significant figure from Pike Creek Valley. The son of Theodrick and Mary Greene, he migrated to Arkansas in 1857. Greene served in the Civil War, sustaining injuries that led to his discharge in 1862. He later settled in Carter County, Missouri, where he farmed and held various local offices, including probate judge and justice of the peace. Greene was a Mason and a lifelong Republican, marrying twice and fathering numerous children. He died in 1888.
Andrew J. Farmer, born in 1824 in Roane County, Tennessee, was a key figure in his community after moving to Missouri around 1845. He distinguished himself as a public-spirited citizen and county assessor, respected for his character and agricultural expertise. Married to Nancy Preston, they had five children, four of whom survived him. Farmer’s legacy includes his contributions to local governance and agriculture, embodying the values of integrity and hard work. He passed away in 1862, leaving a lasting impression on the county.
Andrew P. Miller, born in Roane County, Tennessee, on May 26, 1833, was an early pioneer in Douglas County, Missouri. Educated in Tennessee, he moved to Missouri at twenty-one to pursue farming. During the Civil War, he served in the Home Guards and the Missouri State Militia, enduring hardships that affected his health. In 1867, he acquired a successful 120-acre farm. Engaged in local politics as a Republican and an educational advocate, he was also an Odd Fellow. He was married to Mary J. Brazeale, who passed away in 1863.
Judge George F. Chilton, born on February 1, 1836, in Roane County, Tennessee, emerged as a prominent figure in Shannon County, Missouri. His distinguished legal career, marked by diligent study and sound judgment, began after he was admitted to the bar in 1874. He held multiple elected positions, including sheriff, state legislator, and county judge. The Chilton family has deep roots in Missouri’s history, with George’s ancestors among the region’s early settlers. His legacy reflects dedication to public service and community involvement.
James E. Webb, born in 1825 in Roane County, Tennessee, built a successful farming career on his 400-acre farm along the Sylamore River in Stone County, Arkansas. After moving with his family to Bradley County and then to Arkansas, he cultivated the land from 1859 onward. A dedicated farmer and community member, Webb served in the Third Arkansas Cavalry during the Civil War and raised nine children with his wife, Mary Davis. He is a deacon in the Missionary Baptist Church and affiliated with the Masonic Lodge.
Isaac Preston Looney was born in 1831 in Roane County, Tennessee, and later moved to Franklin County, Alabama. He relocated to Arkansas in 1852, where he developed a successful 130-acre farm. Looney served as a lieutenant in the Civil War with Schalers regiment and participated in significant battles without injury. After the war, he rebuilt his life from scratch, marrying Mary Ham in 1853 and raising eleven children. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and identifies politically as a Democrat.
George B. Durell, born on September 27, 1861, in New Jersey, was the son of Edward H. and Hannah A. Woodward Durell. He graduated from Princeton University in 1885 and married Generiere Hill in 1893. Durell held various leadership roles, including secretary and general manager of the Chattanooga Tool Co. and president of the Harriman Hoe Tool Co. He also served as president of the Manufacturers National Bank and was involved with multiple organizations, exemplifying his significant contributions to manufacturing and banking in Tennessee.
The Cherokee Indians, whose name origins are uncertain, are historically significant Native Americans predominantly residing in the southern Appalachian region. They speak an Iroquoian language and were divided into three dialect groups linked to separate settlements in Tennessee and neighboring states. The tribe has a complex history marked by early contact with European settlers, significant migrations, and cultural adaptations, such as the creation of a written language by Sequoya. Over time, they faced numerous challenges, including disease and forced removal, yet they have maintained a notable cultural and historical presence.