Genealogy of the descendants of John Walker of Wigton, Scotland, with records of a few allied families : also war records and some fragmentary notes pertaining to the history of Virginia, 1600-1902
“Threads of Ancestors: Telford – Ritchie – Mize: A Link Among the Days Which Binds the Generations Each with Each,” authored by Leila Ritchie Mize and Jessie Julia Mize, explores the intricate tapestry of family lineage and migration across continents and centuries. Tracing roots back to Alexander Telford Sr., who settled near Rockbridge, Virginia around 1760, this book delves into the journeys and settlements of his descendants across the United States. Highlighting the Scotch-Irish origins of these families, the authors meticulously draw upon an extensive array of sources, including family Bibles, historical records, and personal diaries, to provide a detailed account of the Telford, Ritchie, and Mize families. Their narrative not only charts the genealogical paths of these families but also illuminates their substantial roles in the historical and cultural development of the regions they inhabited. This work stands as a testament to the enduring bonds and shared heritage that link successive generations, forming a foundational piece for both family members and historians interested in the Scotch-Irish contribution to American history.
James W. Miller was born on May 14, 1823, in Augusta County, Virginia. He worked as a clerk in various stores before becoming a partner in a mercantile firm in Greenbrier County. In 1854, he moved to Missouri, where he farmed and served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. After the war, he focused on farming and later became a salesman in Gallatin. He married Harriet P. Allen in 1847 and had six children. Miller was active in the Old School Presbyterian Church and local Masonic organizations.
Edward Payson Allen, a prominent figure in Southern Kansas, passed away on November 27, 1915. A Civil War veteran and pioneer of Montgomery County, he held various public offices and managed one of the state’s largest banks. Born in 1843 in Kentucky, he moved to Kansas in 1870, where he embarked on a successful career in finance after early hardships as a farmer. Allen was known for his civic involvement, business acumen, and strong moral character, leaving a lasting impact on his community.
Robert M. Bronaugh, born in 1844 in Illinois, was a significant figure in Kansas history and a descendant of French Huguenots. He participated in the Civil War as a soldier, later transitioning to farming and eventually becoming a merchant in Baileyville. Over the years, he held various community and political positions, including vice president of the Baileyville State Bank. Married in 1866, he and his wife had four children, contributing to the local fabric of life while actively engaging in civic and church activities.
James William Bell, born December 18, 1854, in Greenbrier County, Virginia, relocated to Topeka in 1885, where he established a successful business as a horse dealer and exporter. With roots in a Scotch-Irish family, Bell was educated at Louisburg Academy and initially pursued a career in merchandising. His expertise in high-class horses led to substantial success, including notable dealings in draft and war horses. Over three decades, he developed a national and international reputation in the equine industry, showcasing a remarkable career and resilience.
Charles B. Murray, born on April 6, 1866, in Worcester, Massachusetts, was a distinguished chemist and metallurgist. He earned his B.S. degree from the Polytechnic Institute in 1887 and later held positions at various steel companies. Notably, he served as chief chemist at Eliza Johnson Works of Carnegie Steel Co. from 1893 to 1904 before establishing a commercial laboratory in Pittsburgh. In 1907, he partnered with Benedick Crowell, forming a prominent firm in Cleveland. Murray was also active in numerous professional societies and enjoyed tennis, squash, and bowling.
This post presents a comprehensive alphabetical abstract register of names from over six hundred wills recorded in several Virginia counties before 1799. The wills, sourced from the Court House Records of Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Loudoun, Prince William, and Rockbridge Counties, are organized by surname. This resource serves as a useful tool for genealogical research and historical inquiry into the lives and legacies of Virginians prior to the turn of the 19th century.
Illiam A. Firebaugh, born on November 24, 1848, in Rockbridge County, Virginia, to David and Margaret Firebaugh, was the fourth of eight children with limited education. In 1870, he began his farming career in Cedar County, Virginia, before relocating to California in 1872, where he purchased and improved land near Newport. He married Fanny Jamison on July 25, 1877, and they had five children: Larine, Gertrude, Lee, James, and Roy. Firebaugh has since thrived in general farming and stock-raising.
A. T. Armstrong, born in 1844 in Augusta County, Virginia, managed his family’s farm after his father’s death in 1853. He served in the Confederate Army from 1864 to 1865 before returning to farming. In 1867, he relocated to Rockbridge County and continued farming until moving to California in 1871. After renting land, he purchased a ranch near Newport, where he initially engaged in general farming and stock-raising, later shifting to dairying. He married Mattie Firebaugh and had four children.
Henry E. Jones, M.D., born in 1837 in New York, faced challenging early circumstances as one of nine children. Despite limited educational opportunities, he pursued self-improvement while working on a farm. His ambition led him to enlist in the military during the Civil War, where he rose through the ranks due to his valor. After the war, he studied medicine, eventually establishing a successful practice in Oregon, particularly in surgery. Dr. Jones is noted for his dedication to patient care and significant contributions to St. Vincent’s Hospital and academia.