The Reed (Reid) Family from VA to Barbour Co, WV

Reeds at War: Starling Clyde Reed

2011-07-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

USS LST-933 (Source: navsource.org)

USS Albemarle (source: Wikipedia)

Starling Clyde Reed, oldest son of Austin Clyde Reed and Salinda May Reed, served in the US Navy during World War II. He was an Aviation Machinist's Mate, First Class and served on the USS Lst-933 in 1944 and the USS Albemarle in 1945.

William E. Bartlett

2010-12-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

William E. Bartlett, the husband of Sarah F. Reed, was born to Daniel Bartlett and Sarah Cole in Barbour Co. in 1828. His grandparents included Eppa Bartlett and Rebecca Barron.

He was a farmer and a Democrat. During the Civil War he was listed as part of the Barbour Light Horse and as a Lieutenant in the 169th WV Militia, although he was never called into service.

William's grandfather Eppa was living in Harrison Co., WV as early as 1810.

(Note: Above information derived from "Union and Confederate Soldiers and Sympathizers of Barbour County, West Virginia" by John W. Shaffer and Census Records)

Sarah F. Reed Bartlett

2010-12-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Sarah F. Reed, the second youngest daughter of William and Lucinda, married a William E. Bartlett on June 4, 1863 in Barbour Co. Sarah and William lived in Barbour Co., WV before settling in Upshur Co., WV Sarah was widowed by 1879 when William died in some sort of accident, according to the death record. In 1880, Sarah and two of her sons, Charles and Opha, were living next to Sarah’s father in the town of Buckhannon. By 1900, Sarah is found living with her son Opha in the borough of Jeanette in Westmorland Co., PA, according to the census. The census record gives a birth date of August 1841 for Sarah and September 1865 for Opha, and lists that Sarah owned their home and farm. In 1910, Sarah is working as a seamstress and is a boarder at the home of W. and Frances Dornes at 357 Morgantown St, Uniontown, Fayette Co., PA. She was still living there with then widowed Frances in 1920. Sarah would have died in between 1920 and 1930, probably in Pennsylvania.

R.S. Welch

2010-12-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

R.S. Welch was a pastor of a Methodist Episcopal congregation and officiated the marriage between Benjamin F. Reed and Sarah Weaver in Barbour Co., WV on December 11, 1857.

Elias Bennett

2010-12-19T07:28:00.001-08:00

Elias Bennett performed the marriages between Lucinda Reed and Simon P. Radabaugh on November 25, 1855 and between Sarah F. Reed and William Bartlett on June 4, 1863 in Barbour Co., WV.

(Photo Source: The History of Upshur County, West Virginia: From Its Earliest Exploration, by William Bernard Cutright)

1810 Orange County, VA Tax List

2010-03-16T06:39:00.000-07:00

William Reed, was the only Reed listed in the 1810 Orange County, VA Tax List, as shown above. Unfortunately, if this is our William Reed, this record does show him as having one slave above the age of sixteen. William appeared to have two houses on his property, along with two stud horses or mules. His tax obligation was 1 pound 24 shillings.

William's wife Dicey Rumsey, was likely the daughter or sister of William or Elijah Rumsey, as listed below. The Rumseys apparently had more money as they had 3 to 5 slaves, and paid taxes of 2 pounds 12 shillings and 3 pounds 36 shillings respectively. It is possible that Elijah was the father of William and Dicey given that he had the larger amount of resources that included two houses and three stud horses or mules. Of course, Dicey may be the daughter of the only Rumsey listed on the tax records for Orange Co. in 1800, Thomas Rumsey.

Interestingly, there are no entries for a Crayton/Creighton family, which may likely indicate that William Read, Jr.'s wife Lucinda Crayton's family did not arrive in Orange County until after 1810.

(Source: http://www.binnsgenealogy.com/FreeSample/CDR-000457/1810/index.htm)

William Reed of Stafford County

2010-03-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to stop by the Orange County, VA Courthouse on 12 March 2010, where I saw the original county copies of the marriage bonds for William Read and Dysa Rumsey and their son William Read and Lucinda Crayton.

The only other possible reference to our Reed family was the below deed. Once I can determine the exact location as described in the deed, I hope to find grave sites and other potential sources of information that can help us to overcome this roadblock in discovering the true origins of our family.

Exd. & Deld. to sd Reed Octr 1788
This indenture made xxvith day of October 1786 between William Threlkeld of County of Stafford an Margaret his wife of one part and William Reed of County aforesaid ...Witnesseth that in consideration of sum Sixteen pounds current money of Virginia have granted unto William Reed 105 acres in Orange County bounded Beginning at large Read oak by the side of the New Road being one of the old corners now corner to William Cave and William Peches to three white oaks near the head of the White Oak Branch corner to George Bledsoe to a white oak by the side of the lawyers old road corner to William Peches up the said raod to a white oak in the forks new and (lawyers) old road corner to Wm. Piches to the beginning ...

William Threlkeld
Margaret Threlkeld
At a court held for Orange County
26th October 1786 This Indenture was acknowledged
by William Threlkeld and Margaret his wife
she being first privately examined and ordered to be recorded.

(Source: Orange County Deeds 1786 - 1791, Book 19 Page 4)

Reed Household

2009-12-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Mike Ballard)

Unknown (Possibly Eugene Francis Reed on Right)

2009-12-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Mike Ballard)

Ida L. Reed and Friend ?

2009-12-03T11:06:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Mike Ballard)

Lucy Reed, James Lee Reed, and Isadora Reed

2009-12-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Mike Ballard)

Nancy Jane Lillard Reed, James Harrison Reed, and Hampton Homer Reed

2009-12-03T10:48:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Mike Ballard)

Benjamin F. Reed/Reid (b. c1805)

2009-03-05T05:37:00.000-08:00

1850 Augusta Co. District Two and a Half Census

Benj Reid - 45 yrs - Carpenter
Sally [Sarah Payne] - 46 yrs
William [A.] - 21 yrs - Carpenter
Magdaline - 18 yrs
[George] Washington - 16 yrs - Carpenter
John - 12 yrs
Matilda - 11 yrs
Nancy - 9 yrs

1860 Augusta Co. North Subdivision Census - Burke's Mill P.O.
Benjm Reed - 64yrs [54] - Carpenter
S[ally] E. - 66yrs [56]
G[eorge] W[ashington] - 26yrs - Carpenter
J[ohn] W. - 22yrs
N[ancy] E. - 18yrs

1870 Augusta Co. District 3 Census - Mount Sidney P.O.
John W. Reed - 32yrs - Merchant
Benjamin - 64yrs - Carpenter
Sarah - 60yrs [66]
Nancy E. - 24 yrs

Matilda may have married a Francis E. Johnston, living in Augusta Co. District 1 in 1860 with child Samuel Johnston (b. c1859). A Jane Reed was living with them at the time.

Orange Co. Location

2009-03-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

When James Harrison Reed's widowed grandmother Dicy remarried to Henry Teel in 1813, the minister was a John Goss. During this time period, Rev. Goss preached at the Blue Run Baptist Church near Somerset, Orange Co., VA, which was about six miles southwest of the Orange Co. Courthouse. As such, I am thinking that the family likely lived in the southwestern portion of Orange Co.

Furthermore, Dicy's son Benjamin married a Sarah Payne in Orange Co., and the Payne family, which included President James Madison's wife, Dolley, lived in the vicinity of Orange Courthouse and Montpelier.

Lastly, a lot of Newman family lived in this area and Benjamin had a grandson named Walter Newman Reed, which of course could be for some relation to the Newmans in southwest Orange Co. [Note: Walter was born c1859 in Augusta Co. to Benjamin Reed's son William A. Reed (b. c1829), his mother was Martha E. Smith (b. c1827).]

Rockingham Co. Reed Land

2009-03-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

From the following record, we may be able to identify the general location of Reed property in Rockingham County, perhaps even that which may have been granted for service during the Revolutionary War. Per below, it appears that William G. Reid may have sold at the very least the mineral rights to his property. It would make sense, as the oldest son, he would have likely inherited, at least the largest portion of, the land that his father owned. We know that his younger brother James Harrison Reed lost his holdings due to the Civil War, but it isn't certain whether or not this land was connected. Of course, it is mere speculation that the tract mentioned below is the land of William G. and James' father and grandfather. It is right on the border of Greene County, which was part of Orange County until 1838. As William G. and James were both born in Orange Co. and their parents were married in Orange Co., it is plausible that they lived right on the border of Orange and Rockingham Co.

Based on the neighbors of William Reed listed in the 1840 Rockingham Co. Census, it appears that the family was already living in the town of McGaheysville. Also there were no Reed/Reid/Read names listed in the 1840 Greene Co. Census. Finally, in 1830, William's mother Dicy and brother Benjamin were in Orange Co. and William was in Rockingham Co. [Note: Dicy was born between 1770-1780.]

Also a certain tract of land containing one hundred and five A 105 acres No 20 lying between Swift Run gap and Simmon's gap on the Blue Ridge mountains adjoining the lands of Asa Baugher, Albert Shillett and others the same being conveyed by William G Reed to the National Security and Improvement Company and by said company to the Royal Land Company of Virginia which said deeds are duly recorded in the clerk's office of Rockingham county in book 13 of deeds The Royal Land Com'y of Virginia Its Purposes and Charters: Its Anthracite Coal, Iron Ore, Other Mineral Timber Lands: and Its Narrow-guage Railroads Form Chesapeake Bay to Pittsburg and the West. Their Condition, Advantages and Prospects as a Security for Its First Mortgage Seven Per Cent. Gold Bonds. With Information in Relation to the Bituminous and Anthracite Coals, Hematite, Specular and Magnetic Iron Ores ... By Royal Land Company of Virginia

Tracts 16-64 aggregating 5,652.5 acres of iron and timber lands on the Blue Ridge and Massanutton mountains and their slopes in Rockingham county Virginia leased for ninety nine years with privilege of renewal for mining purposes for a royalty of ten cents per ton of 2,240 pounds on all minerals removed The Royal Land Com'y of Virginia Its Purposes and Charters: Its Anthracite Coal, Iron Ore, Other Mineral Timber Lands: and Its Narrow-guage Railroads Form Chesapeake Bay to Pittsburg and the West. Their Condition, Advantages and Prospects as a Security for Its First Mortgage Seven Per Cent. Gold Bonds. With Information in Relation to the Bituminous and Anthracite Coals, Hematite, Specular and Magnetic Iron Ores ... By Royal Land Company of Virginia

McGaheysville

2009-03-03T11:39:00.000-08:00

According to the "Virginia: A Guide to the Old Dominion", McGaheysville in the early 19th century was a manufacturing center that provided local needs for clothes, shoes, hats, furniture and wagons. This may have been the attraction to our William Reed, who was himself a carpenter.

Hampton Homer Reed and Virginia Isner Reed

2009-02-25T15:46:00.001-08:00

After careful facial recognition consideration and estimating the date of the photo that this image was cropped from to be early-to-mid 1880s, I have concluded that these two individuals are most likely Hampton Homer Reed and his wife Virginia Isner. While I am 95% sure of this, can anyone confirm or disprove my conclusion?

If anyone has old photos of Reed or Reid family, or unknown photos from Barbour CO., Upshur Co., Taylor CO., WV and/or Rockingham Co., VA, please send them my way.

John W. Reid Confusion

2009-02-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

It appears there is some confusion in the Civil War Records regarding John W. Reid, since it appears that two John W. Reid's fought with the Captain Carpenter's Alleghany Artilery. One was a Sargeant and the other a Private. First, Sergeant John William Reid was from Stephensburg, Frederick CO., VA, who transferred to the Alleghany Artillery after his battery led by Wilfred E. Cutshaw merged with Carpenter's in Sep 1862. John William Reid was living in Stephensburg, Frederick Co., VA in 1860 and toiled the land as a farmer, so he was clearly not a carpenter in Augusta Co., VA. Sergeant John W. Reid was living with his family in Opequon, Frederick Co., VA after the war in 1870 through at least1880, and likely lived the rest of his life in Frederick Co., not Grottoes, Rockingham Co., VA. John William Reid apparently sometimes went by the name William, and was listed on the 1880 census as J. William Reed.

I believe Private John W. Reid to be the son of William and Lucinda, or possibly a nephew. It became clear that the two John's were separate given that the Civil War Records showed event dates that conflicted with one another. For example, Private John W. Reid was imprisoned at Fort Delaware while the Sergeant was still in service. I used the Civil War Records to construct the following timeline of some of Private John W. Reid's key Civil War events.

16 Jul 1861 - Enrolled as a Private for 1 year service with Captain Edward M. Dabney’s Company C “Lechter Guard” of the VA 52nd Infantry of the Virginia Volunteers in Staunton, Augusta Co., VA. Company C was based in the Mossy Creek area.

30 Jul 1861 - Mustered in by Major M.G. Harper in Staunton.

15 Aug 1861 - Absent without leave.

Nov – Dec 1861 Absent without leave.

13 Apr 1862 - Drafted from the Augusta Militia, enlisted as a Private for 3 years of service by Captain Joseph Carpenter into the Allegheny Rough Artillery in New Market,

17 Apr 1862 - Deserted near Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA.

30 Nov 1863 - Arrested by U.S. Troops in Beverly Co., WV.

6 Dec 1863 - Listed as a POW at the Atheneum Prison in Wheeling, WV. He was listed as a carpenter who last resided in Augusta Co., VA, 27 years of age, 5’10”, fair complexion, blue eyes, and dark hair. He was listed as Private of Captain Joseph Carpenter’s Company.

7 Dec 1863 - Sent by Captain W.C. Thorpe to Camp Chase in Columbus, OH.

8 Dec 1863 - Arrived at Camp Chase.

29 Feb 1864 - Transferred to Fort Delaware, Delaware.

4 Mar 1864 - Arrived at Fort Delaware.

20 Apr 1865 - Paroled by Major General E.B. Parsons near Newtown, VA.

Finally, a word on the sourcing of Private John W. Reid's birth/death information was taken from the Virginia Regimental Histories Series.

John Reid Found?

2009-02-11T07:45:00.000-08:00

I am not certain I have found William and Lucinda's son John, but the information that I will lay out now does give me some hope.

Civil War Records indicate that a John W. Reid (b. 28 Jun 1833 - d. 6 Oct 1899) was enlisted in the Alleghany Rough Artillery on 13 April 1862 in Augusta Co., VA where he was residing and working as a carpenter. Supposedly, he deserted four days later in Harrisonburg, Rockingham Co., VA. At the time of his death he was living in Grottoes, Rockingham Co., VA. Another record indicates that in Staunton, Augusta Co., VA he enlisted in Company C of the Virginia 52nd Infantry on 16 Jul 1861.

Now this birthdate is off from the 1827 date given in the 1850 census, but we all know that it seems back then it was hard to have a consistent burthdate from record to record. That said, it still muddies the water a bit.

The rest of the information, however, is what got me excited. First, we know that William was a carpenter, so his son would likely pick up the trade.We also know that Reid/Reed family members resided in the Staunton area of Augusta Co., like Walter Newman Reed's family. Next the fact that he deserted in Harrisonburg and then died in Grottoes is significant given their proximity to McGaheysville.

Any thoughts?

Missing Children of William and Lucinda Reed

2009-02-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Well, now, with the probable discovery of the path of Benjamin Franklin Reed, we are down to three children of William and Lucinda whose histories are missing. From Lucinda's obituary, at the time of her death, we know that one child was still in Virginia (William Grey Reid), one child was in New Orleans (Maggie Stockton), one was in Arkansas (?), four were in West Virginia (James, Benjamin, Sarah Bartlett, and ?), and one had died prior to Lucinda (?).

The three left were Lucinda Radabaugh, Elizabeth, and John.

Since Lucinda Radabaugh's husband, Simon, remarried in 1878 in West Virginia, and we know from census records that Lucinda Radabaugh was living in 1870 in Upshur Co., we can assume that if she were living still in 1873, which we do not yet know, she can be counted as one living in West Virginia. So Lucinda was either the deceased child or living in West Virginia.

So if Lucinda Radabaugh was still living in 1873, either John or Elizabeth were the deceased child, and either John or Elizabeth was living in Arkansas. If Lucinda was deceased, of course, of John and Elizabeth...one would have been in West Virginia and one in Arkansas.

Anyone out ther have additional clues?

Benjamin Franklin Reed

2009-01-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

Photo courtesy of Bruce Reed.

It appears that the Benjamin Franklin Reed who married Rachel Weaver on 11 December 1857 in Barbour Co. is James Harrison Reed's brother, who was listed as Franklin in the 1850 census. This is based on Banjamin's marriage certificate naming his parents as William and Lucinda Reed. Also because Benjamin was said to have been born on 8 Nov 1835 in Rockingham Co., VA, where the Reed family resided before coming to Barbour Co. Benjamin and family eventually made their way to Ritchie Co., and he died on 13 Oct 1884 in Harrison Co., WV. He was buried there at the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Reed Homestead 3D Rebuild

2008-12-20T19:47:00.000-08:00

Since the James Harrison Reed homestead, where Ida L. Reed resided, in the Arden area of Barbour County was burnt down, I decided to use Google's Sketchup program and Google Earth to make a 3D replica of the home, based on the few photographs that I have (which have been posted to this blog). For those of you who use Google Earth and would like a copy of the .kmz file with the 3D rebuild of the Reed homestead, please let me know.

I was just guessing on the paint colors, since I probably only saw the house once, if at all, before it was burnt down, and I would have just been a small boy at that. So if anyone who saw the home and remembers paint details and any other things I may have missed, please let me know.

From my model, I am guessing that the cleared land across the road from the house, was the land cleared and owned by James Harrison Reed. It would be nice to have some land records that detail the extent of their holdings.

William Reed(e) Died 29 May 1882 in Upshur Co., WV

2008-08-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

A William Reede, who was a farmer in Upshur Co., died at the age of 79 on 29 May 1882. Given his residence and birth year of c1803, this may be the same William Reed who was married to Ceny Adams and perhaps previously to Lucinda Creighton, as mentioned previously.

DNA Revisited

2008-07-11T05:48:00.000-07:00

I currently have DNA experts trying to verify results and determine why first cousins twice removed have at least seven markers that are off by at least one. We can at least safely say that our Reed family belongs to the R1B1 haplogroup, confirming Celtic origins. However, we need more males (who have the Reed/Reid surname) in the family to participate in the DNA projects to help narrow in on our origins. I would especially encourage descendants of Hampton Homer Reed to participate, given the DNA discrepancies between two Hampton descendants. If you have the funds, I would recommend getting a test from FamilyTreeDNA and participating in the Reed project. If your money is tight, I would recommend the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), which is free to participate (you just have to provide four generations of your genealogy along with swished mouth wash, which they provide. When I did it postage was also covered by SMGF. would be glad to help anyone put their four generation genealogy together.) Please note that the various DNA projects protect your identity, so please do not this keep you from participating. I am very security minded and I participated. Thanks ahead of time for your participation, which will greatly help our efforts to discover our roots. Send me any questions that you might have.

Creighton (Crayton) Connection

2008-01-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

The above was written by Ida L. Reed, and for awhile, based on this I had thought that her grandfather William Reed's mother was named Sarah Creighton, however, I recently questioned this as it appears that William's mother was probably a Diana Rumsey. I believe, now, that what Ida meant was that Sarah was Lucinda's mother. I have seen from census records that a Sarah Crayton lived in Rockingham Co., VA in the early 1800s, where are Reed family was living. It is certain to me that Sarah is Lucinda's mother, especially since a Sarah Crayton is giving permission for Lucinda to marry in the following marriage record from Orange County Marriages, 1747-1850 by John Vogt and T. William Kethley, Jr.:

Lucinda Crayton & William Read married 15 May 1826; witnesses - P.S. Fry and Ezekiah Richards, bondsman - Ezekiah Richards, permission to marry - Sarah Craton

(Ezekiah Richards was likely related to a Richard Richards and Richard Richards, Jr. of Orange Co. This is based on the fact that all three, together, took inventory of Johnathan Lancaster's estate in 1852.)

According to a 16 Sep 1875 Harrison Co., WV marriage certificate of William Reed and "Seney" Adams, William was listed as a widower who was born to a William and Diana Reed in Orange Co., VA. Seney was listed as having been born to an Eva? Adams in Harrison Co., WV (father was unknown). Our William Reed's wife Lucinda died on 22 Feb 1873, which would allow for our William to be a widower in 1875. Additionally, William and Seney lived next door to James Harrison Reed's sister Sarah in the Elk district of Barbour Co. for awhile. This is enough for me to believe that this was our William. Based on the marriage certificate, I also believe that Benjamin Read was the brother to William, and that Diana (Dysa, Dicy) was the mother to William. I offer up the following marriage records from the same Orange Co. book as further evidence (note that Benjamin was married 5 days before William):

Benjamin Read & Sarah Payne married 10 May 1826; witnesses Francis Badger, Benjamin Hume, P.S. Fry, bondsman - Daniel Young, son of Dyannah Teal

William Read & Dysa Rumsey married 22 Oct 1802; bondsman -Henry Teel

Dicy Reed & Henry Teel married 26 Apr 1813; widow, witness - Richard Chapman, bondsman - George Herndon, performed by minister J. Goss - 5 May 1813

Based on these records I would say that Diana (Dicy) married her bondsman Henry Teel after the death of her husband William Read.

The following record, given the witness name, may be a sister or cousin to William and Benjamin Read:

Nancy Reed & William Dunaway married 17 Dec 1827; witness - P.S. Fry, bondsman - John Read. (From other records: Nancy A. Reed, born 1808 in Virginia, USA; died 09 Mar 1856 in Shelby, IL)

The witness P.S. Fry may have been a Philip S. Fry from Loudoun, Co., Va, and chief executive of Orange Co. from 1844-1859. It appears P.S. Fry witnessed many marriages in Orange Co., so it is likely that he was somehow associated with the court.

Walter Newman Reed of Augusta Co., VA

2008-01-17T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ida L. Reed mentioned a Walter Newman Reed as being a relative that visited the family in West Virginia and had shared genealogical information with her. This post is to aid in the discovery of how he might be connected to our Reed family, and thus further the Reed lineage.

Walter Newman Reed was born to a William A. Reed (b. c1829 in VA) and Martha E. Smith (b. c1838 in VA) on 19 Feb 1858 in the Burke’s Mill area (Churchville) of Augusta Co., VA, an area just across the border from Rockingham Co., where our Reed family was living in the early to mid-1800s. William A. Reed was a carpenter, and was likely the son of a Benjamin Reid (b. c1805 in VA) and Sarah "Sally" E. (b. c1804 in VA), who was also a carpenter. Martha Smith Reed was most likely the daughter of a George Smith (b. c1803 in VA), who was living in Augusta Co. in 1850. There was a William Reed who was b. c1829 in Orange Co., VA to a Benjamin Reed and Sarah E. Paine. There was a Sarah E. Paine b. c1804 in Orange Co., VA. Benjamin and Sarah E. lived in the Burke's Mill area of Augusta Co. and then in Mt. Sydney with their son John W.

Walter was living with his wife Mary B. (b. c1869 in MO), at a home near the intersection of Spring Hill Rd and Roman Rd in Spring Hill Village north of Staunton, Augusta Co., during 1910-1920. Walter and Mary married c. 1882 and had one child, a daughter named Elva, born c.1891. Walter, listed as Newman W., was working as a farmer.

Elva may have been the Elva K. who was married to a Herbert B. Brown on Swoope Rd. in the Pastures area of Augusta Co. in 1920. The one divergent information is that her mother is listed as being born in VA instead of MO. Elva K. may have actually been an Elva Keracofs (b. c1889 in the Pastures area). At any rate, Herbert and Elva had three children by 1920: Norwood (b. c1914), Willa Belle (b. c1916), and Virginia (b. c1918). Elva Reed was not the wife to William Brown Craig, who was living in the South River area of Augusta Co. in 1920.

Benjamin Reid, the probable grandfather of Walter, may likely have been brother to William Reid, the father of James Harrison Reed. If that is correct, Walter would have been Ida’s second cousin. The following represent that which I base this conjecture. A William Reed (b. c1800/05 in VA) was living in Barbour Co., WV in the late 1800s and lived next to one of the sisters of James Harrison Reed. This William, who was remarried to a Ceny Adams, according to others’ research, was said to have been the son of a William Reed and Diana and was born in Orange Co., VA. According to others’ research, a Benjamin Reed (b. c1805 in Orange Co., VA) was the son of a William Reed and Diana Ramsey. According to marriage records, a William Read married a “Dysa Rumsey” on 22 Oct 1802 in Orange Co., VA. A Dicy Reed was a head of household in Orange Co., VA in 1830. The problem lies in that Ida says here great-grandmother's name was Sarah Creighton. So unless William was married twice, there is an error some place.

Ida L Reed also mentioned that her great-grandfather Reed fought in the Revolutionary War, so he would've probably been born in the 1760s. There was a William Read (b. c1766 in Culppeper Co., VA) who was the son of a John and Mary Read, who could be a match. His father John, descended from the Colonel George Reade who came over from England in the mid-1600s and died in Yorktown, VA. This is the same George Reade who was an ancestor of President George Washington. This would be a close match to Ida's claims that are Reed family sprung from a Captain George Reed, who came to America from Scotland in 1645. Ida had also claimed that George Washington's grandmother Elizabeth Reed was of our line. John's father's name was Joseph, and others had said that our James Harrison Reed's grandfather or great-grandfather was named Joseph.

Reed/Reid Homes in Rockingham and Augusta Co., VA

2007-10-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

Eugene Francis Reed Home

2007-06-26T20:07:00.001-07:00

Eugene Francis Reed married Lizzie A. Gatrell on 8 May 1882. Eugene and Lizzie settled in the Troy District of Gilmer Co., WV for a while, and that is where they had their six children. Sometime before 1910, however, Eugene had picked the family up and moved them to Elbridge Township in Oceana Co., MI. By 1930, Eugene had retired with his wife to Decatur, Benton Co., AR, while their children and grandchildren remained in Michigan. Eugene lived in Arkansas until his death on 24 February 1940.

Eugene's daughter Abbie married a Walter Kohns, the son of Eugene's neighbor Charles F. Kohns.

Another daughter, Millie, married Eugene's neighbor Otho Howard.

Nancy J. Reed Headstone

2007-05-16T19:27:00.000-07:00

Mariah's United Methodist Chapel Cemetery, Clemtown, WV

James Harrison Reed Headstone

2007-05-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

James H. Reed
Born
Sept. 25 1823
Died
Aug. 31 1892
----
He hath arrived into peace.
??????????? lived and died,
???????????? never cease.
For beyond earth's dark???
He hath entered into peace,
Into ????????? eternal rest.
He from ??? hath found release,
Mid the mansions of the blessed.

Mariah's United Methodist Chapel Cemetery, Clemtown, WV

Hubert E. Reid Headstone

2007-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McGaheysville, VA

Sarah E. Reid Headstone

2007-05-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McGaheysville, VA

Bessie C. Reid Headstone

2007-05-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McGaheysville, VA

Harry M. Reid Headstone

2007-05-16T18:54:00.000-07:00

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McGaheysville, VA

William Gray Reid and Sarah E Woolford Reid Headstone

2007-05-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McGaheysville, VA

Lucinda Creighton Reid Headstone

2007-05-16T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our Mother

In this cold ground is
the remains of our Mother
Mrs Lucinda Reed
woman of Virginia
who departed this life on
22nd Feb 1873
in the 73rd year of her life

She bore her afflictions ????
??????
To her last moments???
??? peace of mind she said ??
_______

Be still our hearts for hers ???
as this ??????
And none has ??????????
With all its ??????emotions gone
Her spirit float on noiseless wing
Beyond the clouds of earth and sky
To relms in here one eternal Spring
Forever blooms no more to die.
_______

Precious in the sight of the Lord
Are the death of his saints
_______

Mt. Olivet Cemetery, McGaheysville, VA

Obituary: Departed this life on the 22nd of February (1873), at the residence of her son, William Reid in McGaheysville, Rockingham County. Mrs. Lucinda Reid, in the 78th year of her age. She received a few days previous to her death, a very severe stroke of paralysis, and seem to be unconscious at the time of what had happened; but she soon regained her presence of mind, which she retained until her final departure from the world. Her physical strength gradually gave way without any sign of recovery, until "the silver cord was loosed", and her spirit returned unto God who gave it. She had been a member of the Methodist church for a number of years, and was entirely confident that she was ready to enter into that rest prepared for the children of God. Her devoted son enquired of her during her illness if she was reconciled. Her answer was, "I feel that my work is done".She was the mother of eight children, seven of whom are still living--one in the city of New Orleans, one in Arkansas, and four in West Virginia. Weep not for her, ye sorrowing friends, as those who have no hope; for your loss is her eternal gain.

(Obituary courtesy of Margaret Kyger Miller.)

Appeal for Reed (Reid) Participants in DNA Genealogy Study

2007-04-30T18:22:00.000-07:00

For those of you willing to share some DNA via mouth wash, please send away for a free DNA test from the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (http://www.smgf.org). As I said no charge to you, just a little bit of your DNA and at least a four generation pedigree chart. If you don't know your family tree to four generations, contact me and I will be glad to fill in any gaps that I can.

Why is this important? Well in short, it adds a new tool to genealogical research. It provides potential links that might not be discoverable otherwise. Also, it would seem that two descendants from Hampton Homer Reed would appear to have not a close of match as would be expected. If more people participate, it could help clear up this anomaly.

Thanks for your participation!

Note: There are also paid programs, such as Family Tree DNA (http://www.ftdna.com), which will mail you your results. SMGF does not provide results, and could take up to a year to post results online.

Another Unknown Girl

2007-04-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Unknown Girl

2007-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Unknown Boy

2007-04-01T07:00:00.001-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Eugene Roy Reed

2007-03-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

(Photo Courtesy of Jack Reed)

Austin Reed, circa 1910

2007-03-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

(Photo Courtesy of Jack Reed)

Possibly Thomas "Tot" Reed and wife Winnie Mae Weaver

2007-03-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

(Photo Courtesy of Jack Reed)

1903 Moatsville School Group

2007-03-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is photo shows a 1903 Moatsville school group in front of the Moatsville Mill on Teter Creek. It is likely that some of Hampton Homer Reed's children are in this photo. Unfortunately, it is too blurry to make out anyone, unless maybe if you knew them ahead of time.

(Photo Courtesy of Rose Frey and Joe Mattaliano - Barbour County History)

More Barbour Co. Miners - Any Reeds?

2007-03-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

(Photo Courtesy Jane Mattaliano - Barbour County History)

Orley "Farmer" Reed

2007-03-17T14:29:00.000-07:00

The book "Barbour County History" contained this photo along with the following caption:

Miners in Arden-Moatsville area include Elihu and Walter Mitchell, Noble Marsh, Andy Carpenter, Andy Shanabarger, and Andy "Farmer" Reed (Photo Courtesy of Patty Marsh)

I believe that given the previous two Andy's, the Andy "Farmer" Reed could have easily been misidentified. I think that Andy is in fact our Orley "Farmer" Reed. To support this conjecture, I would note that all of the men were born around the same time in the mid-1880s, like Orley. In the census records, Orley lived in the same area as the other men pictured, and there is no Andy Reed who lived in Barbour Co. working as a miner. Actually Orley, was not listed as miner in the census records either, however in 1942 on his WWII draft registration, his employer was listed as the Mountain Fuel Company. This company ran the Glen Cambria Mine in Barbour Co.
Finally he looks like a one of our Reeds, so for now I will call the man with the pipe Orley. Can any of you who had met Orley confirm this?

Answer: Orley's great-grandchildren said that their mother Shirley Semmelman, Orley's granddaugther, confirmed that this was indeed Orley.

Austin Reed and His Garden

2007-03-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Austin Reed and Family

2007-03-06T19:21:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Austin and May Powell Reed

2007-03-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Kenneth B. Reed Baby Picture

2007-03-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Ida L. Reed Standing Portrait

2007-03-04T18:01:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Another Ida L. Reed Portrait

2007-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

James Melville Reed, Sr's Children

2007-02-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jeff Woolsey)

Mel McVicker and Maggie Reed Family

2007-02-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Evelyn McVicker Kelley)

Austin Reed and Powell Nephews

2007-02-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Austin Reed Portrait

2007-02-11T05:48:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Virginia and Hampton, Later Years

2007-02-11T05:46:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Roy, James Melville, and Hampton on Horses

2007-02-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Hampton Reed and Steed

2007-02-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Jack Reed)

Hampton Homer Reed and Virginia Isner Reed

2007-02-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy Jack Reed)

Hampton Reed with Family Members in Front of Home

2007-02-11T05:36:00.000-08:00

Hampton Homer Reed and Wife Virginia Isner

2007-02-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

Hampton Homer Reed (b. 7 Jun/Jul 1855, d. Feb 1934), the second son and third child of James and Nancy, married Virginia Isner (b. 20 Jul 1860 in Valley Furnace, Barbour Co., WV) on 1 Sep 1879 in Barbour Co., WV. They settled close to home near Moatsville, WV. There Hampton toiled away as a farmer.

Hampton lost his wife, Virginia, on 29 Aug 1927, who died of cardio-renal vascular disease. He also died of cardio-renal vascular disease on 1 Feb 1934 and was laid to rest in Mariah’s Chapel Cemetery in Clemtown on 3 Feb.

(Photo courtesy of Virginia McVicker)

May Stockton

2007-02-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Maggie Reid Bucktrout with Niece May Stockton in New Orleans, 1888

2007-02-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Maggie A Reid Bucktrout

2007-02-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Eugene Reed Family

2007-02-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Ida L Reed and Unknown Near Tygart River

2007-02-10T13:43:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Ida L Reed and Friend Near Tygart River

2007-02-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Isa Dora Reed Ball

2007-02-10T13:41:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Ida Lillard Reed

2007-02-10T13:40:00.000-08:00

Ira Milton Reed

2007-02-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Isa Dora Reed, George Ball, and Ida Lillard Reed

2007-02-10T13:38:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Ira M Reed with Friends

2007-02-10T13:36:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Ira Milton Reed Studio Portrait 2

2007-02-10T13:34:00.002-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Ira Milton Reed Studio Portrait

2007-02-10T13:34:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

James Lee Reed

2007-02-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

James Lee Reed Studio Portrait

2007-02-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Lucy Virginia Reed

2007-02-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Siblings - Isa Dora, Ira, and Ida L Reed

2007-02-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Maggie Reid Bucktrout (maybe) in Front of James H. Reed Home

2007-02-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

James Harrison Reed Posterity

2007-02-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

From rear left: Lucy, (Hampton?), ? , Isadora, and Ida in front of James Harrison Reed home.

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

James Harrison Reed and Wife Nancy Jane Lillard

2007-02-10T05:23:00.000-08:00

At the age of 26, William Gray’s younger brother James Harrison ran Good’s Mill, which was a grist mill located near Port Republic in Rockingham Co., VA, about six miles southeast of Harrisonburg and four miles southwest of McGaheysville. At the time, James lodged with the William Warner Carpenter family at their farm on Pineville Road, which was within a mile or two of Good’s Mill. James had worked from an early age and willingly parted with his earnings to help his family.

James married Nancy Jane Lillard, who was born 26 Feb 1829 in Virginia to Hedgeman Lillard and Margaret “Patsy” Bradley, likely in Rockingham Co., on 19 May 1851. According to the 1850 census a Jane Millard, who was born in 1829, was living at the Jacob Barley farm, which was located in same district as the Carpenter farm. Jacob Barley’s wife Phebe was a Henton and related to William Carpenter’s wife. If this were in fact Nancy Jane Lillard it would explain why James and Nancy would have been easily acquainted.

Ida L. Reed, James’ second daughter, indicated that James had been encouraged to invest in the frontier of Western Virginia, so in 1859 James and Nancy picked up their young family and moved from the valley below the Massanutten Mountain to Barbour Co., West Virginia, where James had purchased some uncleared land. This trip would have been over 140 miles. There they resided in Pleasant Township just north of Arden across the scenic Tygart River. According to the 1860 census, James was a farmer with land valued at $1500 and home valued at $282. The 1860 census also indicated that James belonged to the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. He may have joined while living with William Carpenter in Rockingham Co., VA, as they lived very close to the Mt. Olive Brethren Church.

James supposedly lost much wealth after a bank collapse during the Civil War. The bank was probably in Elkton, Rockingham Co., VA. James lost all of his holdings in Virginia at the time and he struggled the rest of his life to regain what he had lost.

James was a devout Christian, which bolstered his spirits against his worldly troubles. He would often entertain preachers and missionaries of various faiths in his home. His home library included a book on the world’s creation, “The Book of Nature” by John Mason Good, and a copy of a “Life a Christ” by Rev. Williams Hanna. These books, which he refused to sell to those visitors who wished to have them, James instead gave the books away to them. One of his favorite things to say was, “We must look up through Nature to Nature’s God.” It is no wonder that one of his daughters became a famous hymn writer, and one of his sons a preacher.

In addition to the spiritual references, the Reed library included copies of “Graham’s Magazine of Literature and Art,” a periodical which included the works of great writers such as Edgar Allen Poe and Jules Verne. Their daughter Ida treasured these books, and they attest to the fact that they were a learned family.

James died on 31 Aug 1892, a little less than a month before his 69^th birthday. He most certainly died from some lung disease associated with his work in the mills. The following is the account from Ida’s autobiography:

My father had been ill for long years with lingering consumption, or tuberculosis, and was at this time slowly dying. He had never recovered fully after leaving the mill in Virginia, but the change to open air work no doubt prolonged his life for many years. Like many others who suffer from this disease in this form, he clung to his work as long as a strong will could drive his frail body to do its bidding and when he could no longer do even the light tasks to make the days seem less long, he went feebly about the house, lying down more and more often to rest as he grew weaker.

James was laid to rest in Mariah’s Chapel Cemetery in Clemtown, a few miles from his home.

(Photo courtesy of Edwin Ball)

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Reid

2007-02-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Judy Reid Brill)

Harry "Ace" Reid

2007-02-10T05:18:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Judy Reid Brill)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:17:00.002-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:17:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:16:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:15:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:14:00.002-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:14:00.001-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:13:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:12:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:11:00.001-08:00

(Photo coutesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:08:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Unknown

2007-02-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Jacob Holmes Kyger (maybe)

2007-02-10T05:05:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Jacob Holmes Kyger (probably)

2007-02-10T05:03:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Ellis Harley Reid (maybe)

2007-02-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)

Clarence Russell Reid

2007-02-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

(Photo courtesy of Margaret Betty Smith)