Mary Ann Dabney

Other Events and Attributes:

• Name: Mary Dabney
• Birth: 1685, Hanover County, Virginia, USA
• Death: 6 Mar 1760, Hanover County, Virginia, USA

Mary married Isaac Winston about 1706 in Virginia, USA. Isaac (son of William Winston and Sarah) was born in 1681 in New Kent City, Hanover, Virginia, USA; died on 6 Mar 1760 in New Kent City, Hanover, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Donald after 1747 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married John Coles in 1733 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. John (son of Walter Coles and Alice Philpot) was born in 1705 in Enniscorthy, Ireland; died in Oct 1747; was buried in St John's Church, Richmond, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anthony married Alice Thornton Taylor on 27 Feb 1746/47. Alice (daughter of James Taylor and Alice Thornton Catlett) was born on 21 May 1730 in Caroline County, VA; died on 24 Oct 1764. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married William Coles after 1738 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. William (son of Walter Coles and Alice Philpot) was born about 1700; died about 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married Cornelius Dabney about 1710 in Hanover, VA. Cornelius (son of James Dabney and Ann Sherwood) died before 1745. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 1715
• Death: 1766

Isaac married Mary Anne Fontaine about 1740 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. Mary (daughter of Peter Fontaine and Elizabeth Ward Fourreau) was born in 1718 in Charles City County, VA; died in 1786. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Probate: 1 Dec 1784, Amherst County, Virginia, USA

Sarah married John Syme after 1728 in Virginia, USA. John was born about 1710 in Virginia, USA; died in 1731 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married John Henry after 7 Oct 1732 in Studley, Hanover County, Virginia, USA. John (son of Alexander Henry and Jean Robertson) was born about 1704 in Foveran Par., Aberdeenshire, Scotland; died in Feb 1773 in Studley, Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Lt. William "Langloo Billy" was named in the will of his father, Capt. Isaac Winston, in his will of 1760. He fought in the French and Indian War. He was the Uncle of Patrick Henry. (See more in the Winstons of Hanover Co. and Related Families by Alfred Winston Sumner III.)

William married Sarah Dabney about 1730 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. Sarah (daughter of George Dabney and Elizabeth Anderson) was born on 16 May 1695 in King William County, Virginia, USA; died on 17 Apr 1767 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Volume I
IV--Burgesses and Other Prominent Persons

Name: Walter Coles
son of John Coles, a merchant of Richmond, who emigrated from "Enniscorthy," Ireland, by his wife Mary, daughter of Isaac Winston, of Hanover county, Virginia, was born November 14, 1739, in Hanover county; was colonel of the militia and burgess for Halifax county in 1765, 1766-1769 and 1769-1771. He married, February 28, 1767, Mildred Lightfoot, daughter of William Lightfoot and his wife, Mildred Howell. He died in Halifax county, November 7, 1780.

Died:
"Mildendo", Halifax Co., VA

Walter married Mildred Lightfoot on 28 Feb 1767. Mildred was born on 11 Feb 1752; died on 1 May 1799. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Volume V

Name: Thomas Jordan Coles (cont.)

Colonel Isaac Coles, son of John (1) and Mary (Winston) Coles, was born in Richmond, Virginia, March 2, 1747, died on his plantation in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, June 3, 1813, and is there buried. He was educated at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia, was a colonel of militia during the revolutionary war, and was a member of the Virginia legislature in 1783-84-85-87. He was a member of the convention which met in Richmond in June, 1788, to ratify the new Federal Constitution, and there voted against its ratification. He was a member of the first United States Congress which met in New York City in 1789 and there "voted against the adoption of the Constitution as it came from the hands of its framers, for he saw the poison under its wings." It is also on record that he voted to "abolish the slave trade," although a large land-owner and slave-holder himself, while his brother-in-law, Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, voted to continue it. He held his place in Congress until 1797, and while a member of the Philadelphia Congress he voted "to locate the seat of government on the banks of the Potomac. "He was twice married, (first) in 1771, to Elizabeth, died in 1781, daughter of William Lightfoot, of Charles City county, Virginia. They had three children, only one of whom lived to maturity, Isaac (2), who built and lived at a place called Springwood, near Houston, Halifax county, Virginia, and was the grandfather of the late Hon. Paul C. Edmunds and Captain Henry Edmunds, of Halifax county. Colonel Isaac Coles, Sr., married (second) in January, 1790, Catherine Thompson, a "New York belle and beauty," whom he met while attending the New York Congress. She was a daughter of James and Catherine (Walton) Thompson, of New York, and a descendant of the Beekmans. Her sister, Ann, had previously married Elbridge Gerry, of Massachusetts, an old bachelor at the time of his marriage. Elbridge Gerry was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, governor of Massachusetts, member of Congress, vice-president of the United States at the time of his death in 1814, and was once sent abroad on an important diplomatic mission with Pinckney and Marshall. Catherine Thompson, second wife of Colonel Isaac Coles, Sr., was born in New York City in 1767, died in Pittsylvania county, Virginia, in 1848. being buried by the side of her husband. They were the parents of a large family, of one of whom, Walter, further mention is made. Colonel Isaac Coles, Sr., during his political career, lived on the plantation in Halifax county, Virginia, inherited from his father, located at Coles' Ferry on the Staunton river, and about 1800 moved to Pittsylvania county, Virginia. His home in this locality was a plantation of five thousand and fifty-seven acres, which land he had purchased from Philip Lightfoot, a cousin of his first wife. His reason for disposing of his Halifax property was two-fold; because of the malarial conditions there prevalent, which affected both his health and that of his family, and because of financial embarrassment, for the political positions that had taken such a large share of his time had been honorary or with small remuneration attached and wide inroads had been made upon his finances during his long public service. Colonel Isaac Coles, Sr. was known as a great wit and entertaining raconteur, and in the declining years of his life prominent men from all parts of the country journeyed to his home to enjoy his unmatched hospitality and the gleams from the intellect that time had not deprived of its luster.

Died:
"Coles Hill", Pittsylvania Co., VA

Isaac married Elizabeth Lightfoot on 1 Apr 1771. Elizabeth (daughter of William Lightfoot and Mildred Howell) died in 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Catherine Thompson on 2 Jan 1790 in New York City, New York, New York, USA. Catherine (daughter of James Thompson and Catherine Walton) was born in 1767 in New York City, New York, New York, USA; died in 1848 in Pittsylvania County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Henry Tucker on 17 Feb 1765 in Norfolk, VA. Henry died in of Norfolk, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Enniscorthy", Albemarle Co., VA

Died:
"Enniscorthy II", Albemarle Co., VA

John married Rebecca Elizabeth Tucker on 9 Feb 1769. Rebecca died in 1826. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George Muter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alice married Edmund Winston on 27 Oct 1771 in Buckingham, VA. Edmund (son of William "Langloo" Winston and Sarah Dabney) was born about 1745 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA; died in 1818 in Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married George Cabell in Jul 1792. George (son of John Cabell and Paulina Jordan) was born on 1 Nov 1766 in Green Hill, Buckingham County, VA; died in Dec 1823. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anthony married Keziah Jones on 11 Mar 1776. Keziah was born in Feb 1760. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Coles Hill", Hanover, Virginia, USA

Lucy married Isaac Winston on 2 Jun 1770 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. Isaac (son of Isaac Winston and Mary Anne Fontaine) was born about 1745 in Henrico County, Virginia, USA; died in 1821 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Coles Hill", Hanover, Virginia, USA

Mary married John Payne in 1761 in Guilford County, NC. John (son of Josias Payne and Mary Anna Fleming) was born on 9 Feb 1739 in Goochland County, Virginia, USA; died on 24 Oct 1792 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
"Coles Hill", Hanover, Virginia, USA

Walter married Mary Darricott about 1768 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Philadelphia Gwathmey. Philadelphia (daughter of Richard Gwathmey and Diana Moore) was born on 10 Dec 1722 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA; died on 15 Mar 1812 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Peter married Elizabeth Povall on 9 Dec 1767 in Virginia, USA. Elizabeth (daughter of Jr. John Povall) was born on 21 Aug 1751 in Virginia, USA; died on 1 Aug 1782 in Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Probate: 19 Nov 1821

Isaac married Lucy Coles on 2 Jun 1770 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. Lucy (daughter of William Coles and Lucy Winston) was born on 2 Jun 1751; died about 1826 in Lauderdale County, AL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Susanna Smith about 1765. Susanna (daughter of Obadiah Smith and Mary Burks) was born on 28 Apr 1746; died before 1769. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Smith. Elizabeth (daughter of Obadiah Smith and Mary Burks) was born on 28 Nov 1750 in Chesterfield County, Virginia, USA; died before 7 Aug 1769. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Member of the House of Burgesses and of the Convention of 1775.

Family/Spouse: Mildred Meriwether. Mildred was born about 1730. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married Valentine Wood on 3 Jan 1764. Valentine (son of Henry Wood and Martha Cocke) was born on 2 Sep 1724 in Goochland County, Virginia, USA; was christened on 23 Oct 1724; died in Sep 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Thomas Thomas. Thomas was born in of Bristol, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Sarah Scarborough in 1734. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Thomas Madison. Thomas was born in Augusta County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married William Campbell on 2 Apr 1776 in Studley, Hanover County, Virginia, USA. William was born in 1744 in near Stanton, VA; died in 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Jr. William Russell in 1783. William was born in 1735; died about Jan 1793 in Shenandoah County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

His father gave him 723 acres in Fluvanna May 1777.
Indicted for bribery 7 Aug 1777.
Appointed one of first Justices of the Peace 4 Sep 1777.
Appointed Lieutenant of Fluvanna 9 Nov 1779.
Acquitted of Bribery charges

William Henry was a rowdy boy. His father exiled him to a patch of unoccupied land 50 miles west on Fluvanna Creek in Fluvanna County. There he became a farmer, married and ultimately turned into a prosperous, solid citizen. "The Bulletin of the Fluvanna County Historical Society" No. 1-12, September 1965 - April 1971, LH 975.5 BUL Page 14 "William Henry, brother of the Governor, Patrick Henry, had lands on the Hardware (River)." No. 9, October 1969 Page 6 "The list of petitioners for Flubanna County to be separated from Albemarle County includes . . . W. Henry . . ." No. 16, April 1973 Page 24 Upper James River Seven Islands Post Office Seven Islands was important -- Fluvanna's first river port. It's most famous resident was William Henry, who represented Fluvanna in the General Assembly during the same period his brother, Patrick, was Governor. Perhaps William Henry was instrumental in the formation of Seven Isles Church. Page 26 Hardware -- Vallena Post Office. So named because "It was a hard way to go." A Post Office named Hardware opened in July 1838. Closed in 1840 and then 2 years later an office opened at Seven Islands. William Henry's father gave him a large tract of land on the Hardware River and the James Rivers. The first minutes of the County note that "Wm. Henry, Gentleman," applied for permission to dam the Hardware to erect a water grist mill. late, Hardware became one of the important river ports for the trans-shipment of farm produce. No. 22, Page 4 The first Justices of the Peace of Fluvanna County, appointed by Governor Patrick Henry, took oath of office on August 7, 1777: . . . William Henry . . . Page 78 The first man to sign the petition to form Fluvanna was William Henry, brother of new Governor, Patrick Henry. Page 10 In 1767, John Henry of Hanover gave his son William Henry 723 acres of land on the Hardware and James Rivers. He was the first lieutenant of the county militia in 1777 and became sheriff in 1781. He was active in county government until his death in December 1784. Page 12 In May of 1778, three of the original justices (who were passed over and given no special office) banded with a small group of citizens to have Roger Thompson, William Henry and Jesse Burton indicted for bribery. They stated that they were guilty of injustice, partiality, and bribery as justices of the peace when they appointed John Cobbs clerk of Fluvanna County in August 1777. In their counter-petition, R. Thompson, William Henry and Jesse Burton claimed that one of their delegates had set the petition for their indictment into motion and fomented the differences that produced it, and that they had testified against them at the House hearing. This delegate, they said, had personal contests and misunderstandings with several of the accused, and the three justices were sorry the House should be troubled with their private differences. A notation by the House on November 9, 1779 states they were acquitted with "the greatest honor," and the three men recouped their losses. No. 23, Page 14 William Henry, Esq. appointed Lieutenant of the County of Fluvanna by Commission from the Governor and was sworn into his office accordingly on September 4, 1777. No. 24, Page 8

Henry's Track was a road between Fluvanna and Louisa named for Patrick and William Henry. They used the road frequently during the years that Patrick lived in Louisa. You can still follow sections of this road through the woods of Fluvanna. It crossed Kent's Brach of the Byrd Creek near Holland's Mill, near the junction of Routes 608 & 629. Byrd Ordinary was located on Henry's Track, North east of Palmyra, very close to the Louisa County Line. The Hardware & James Rivers are located at the southern end of Fluvanna County, near Buckingham County Line. No. 30, Pages 17-19 Methodist circuit ride came to organize the Fluvanna Circuit in 1777 -- Philip Gatch. Upon returning from the Green Mountains, Gatch stopped to preach on the Hardware River and then spent the night with William Henry. William Henry's Seven Islands estate was later owned by John Pettus and then in 1832 by Adam and Appolonia Harrison.

1790 Census -- Heads of Families -- Virginia 1782 Page 12 Henry, William 3 whites 19 blacks.

We are still having trouble tracking down William Henry's son. In the Marriage bonds of Fluvanna County, Virginia, complied by the Misses Curry: Henry, William & Polly Burton were married on May 6, 1779 Consent: Polly Burton Bond: John Thompson Could this be William Henry's son who later moved to Pennsylvania? This needs to be investigated further. Mary McNair was Col. William Henry's second wife.

William married Mary McNairVirginia, USA. Mary was born in 1736 in Scotland; died in 1828 in Mercer County, KY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Alice Taylor. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George William Christian. George was born in 1732 in Virginia, USA; died on 8 Apr 1786 in Louisville, Jefferson County, KY. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Jun 1779, Henry County, VA

Notes:

Patrick married Dorothea Spotswood Dandridge on 8 Oct 1777 in Fork Church, Hanover County, VA. Dorothea (daughter of Nathaniel West Dandridge and Dorothea Spotswood) was born on 25 Sep 1755 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA; died on 14 Feb 1831 in Halifax County, Virginia, USA; was buried . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Patrick married Sarah Shelton in Oct 1754 in Studley, Hanover, Virginia, USA. Sarah (daughter of Jr. John Shelton and Eleanor Parks) was born in 1738 in Rural Plains, Hanover, Virginia, USA; died in Apr 1775 in Scotchtown, Hanover, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Luke Bowyer. Luke was born in Augusta County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jr. Samuel Meridith. Samuel (son of Samuel Meredith and Margaret) was born in 1732 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Dec 1808. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married John McDowell about 1760. John was born in 1729 in Studley, Hanover County, Virginia, USA; died in 1767 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Walker. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
"Beaverdam", Hanover County, Virginia, USA

Elizabeth married Jr. Peter Fontaine, Jr on 20 Apr 1749 in Hanove County, Virginia, USA. Peter (son of Peter Fontaine and Elizabeth Ward Fourreau) was born on 15 Sep 1724; died in 1772; was buried in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edmund married Alice Winston on 27 Oct 1771 in Buckingham, VA. Alice (daughter of Anthony Winston and Alice Thornton Taylor) was born on 20 Mar 1753; died in 1784. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edmund married Dorothea Spotswood Dandridge after 1799. Dorothea (daughter of Nathaniel West Dandridge and Dorothea Spotswood) was born on 25 Sep 1755 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA; died on 14 Feb 1831 in Halifax County, Virginia, USA; was buried . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

DAR # 593761 and # 502396 - calls her Mrs. Pouge, also; prob. a second marriage.

Birth:
"Mildendo", Halifax Co., VA

Died:
"Sylvan Hill", Charlotte Co., VA

Mildred married Jr. Paul Carrington on 24 Aug 1786 in Halifax County, VA. Paul (son of Paul Carrington and Margaret Read) was born on 20 Sep 1764; died on 8 Jan 1816. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married James Bruce on 1 Aug 1799. James was born on 20 Mar 1763; died on 12 May 1837 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA; was buried in St Andrews churchyard, Philadelphia, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Mildred Lightfoot Carrington on 7 Feb 1811. Mildred (daughter of Jr. Paul Carrington and Mildred Howell Coles) was born on 9 Apr 1792; died on 10 Mar 1820. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Isaac Howell Carrington on 19 Apr 1853. Isaac (son of Paul Sydenham Carrington and Emma Catherine Cabell) was born on 7 Mar 1827; died on 30 Jan 1887. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Louisa Woodson Payne. Louisa (daughter of Philip Payne and Elizabeth Dandridge) was born on 11 Oct 1807; died in 1821/1901. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Catherine married Baldwin Matthews Payne in 1827. Baldwin (son of Philip Payne and Elizabeth Dandridge) was born on 11 Dec 1796; died in 1832/1887. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Catherine Patton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married James M. Whittle in 1834. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Eliza Patton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

DAR # 593761 and # 502396

Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Volume V

Name: Thomas Jordan Coles (cont.)

Walter Coles, son of Colonel Isaac, Sr. and Catherine (Thompson) Coles, was born in December, 1790, died at Coles Hill, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, in November, 1857. He was first a lieutenant and later a captain in the American army in the war of 1812, and for ten years held a seat in the Virginia legislature, from which body he was sent to Congress, of which he was a member from 1835 to 1845, his father having preceded him to both law making institutions. He was a man of practical wisdom, unblemished honor and patriotism, and successful in all his undertakings. The Democratic party claimed his allegiance throughout his entire career. He married Lettice P., who died in 1875, youngest daughter of Judge Paul Carrington, Sr. Judge Paul Carrington, Sr., was a son of George Carrington, a member of the Virginia house of burgesses. George Carrington, when a youth of nineteen years, assisted Colonel William Byrd in running the boundary line between Virginia and North Carolina, and in his mature years was a personage of influence and power in his colony. Judge Paul Carrington, Sr. was a member of the Virginia house of burgesses from 1765 to 1775, in which latter year it was replaced by the conventions of the people. In 1765 he voted against Patrick Henry's resolutions in regard to the Stamp Act, considering that the colonies had too few munitions of war with which to oppose a mighty kingdom grown old in waging victorious wars on land and sea. In the journals of the house of burgesses Paul Carrington's name is found as a member of every important committee appointed between 1765 and 1775 He was a member of each of the three conventions of 1775 and was appointed one of the eleven members of the celebrated committee of safety, which at that time held the supreme executive power in the colony. He also sat in the famous Virginia convention of 1776, and on the organization of the new government took a seat in the house of delegates, from which he passed to the bench of the general court and thence to the court of appeals. He was a judge of this latter court until 1811, when, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, he resigned, being succeeded by his nephew, Governor William H. Cabell, and died in 1818, aged eighty-five years. Apart from the invaluable service he rendered his state and country he gave three youthful sons to the Colonial army in the war for independence. Walter and Lettice P. (Carrington) Coles were the parents of: Lettice, died aged fourteen years, and is buried in the Congressional Cemetery, Washington; Isaetta, died in childhood, buried at Coles Hill, Pittsylvania county, Virginia; Isaac, died in childhood, buried at Coles Hill, Virginia; Walter, of whom further; Helen C., died at Coles Hill in 1897; Mildred H., married Colonel Stanhope Flournoy, died in Missouri, in 1901; Agnes C., married Dr. J. G. Cabell, of Richmond, and died January 31, 1901.

Died:
"Coles Hill", Pittsylvania Co., VA

Family/Spouse: Lettice P. Carrington. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Colonial Fams. of the US, Vol. 7, p. 454 (from Ancestry.com)
DAR # 593761 and # 502396

Died:
"Oak Hill", Halifax Co., VA

Sarah married George Carrington on 6 Apr 1784. George (son of Paul Carrington and Margaret Read) was born in 1756; died in 1809. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Juliana Stricker in 1830. Juliana was born in 1796; died in 1876. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Louisa Nevison in 1823. Louisa was born in Norfolk, VA; died in 1824. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Helen Skipwith. Helen (daughter of Peyton Skipwith and Jean Miller) was born in 1789; died in 1864. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Illinois; Governor

Notes:

Dear George,

As a direct descendant of both Thomas Jefferson and Edward Coles, I am a perfect example of the complexities of life our founding fathers experienced, that all Americans experience, except that in my case it is a direct family experience. President Jefferson, slave owner; Governor Coles, anti-slavery son of Virginia. Ultimately they became relatives through the marriage of my mother and father.

In 1819 Edward Coles left his family home 'Enniscorthy' in his beloved Albemarle County, Virginia, selling his possessions. In April, Coles and his slave Ralph Crawford managed the exodus of about 20 slaves, traveling in covered wagons to Brownsville Pennsylvania, where the group boarded boats for the trip down the Ohio River. Near Pittsburg, he informed his slaves they were free and that they could either leave or continue on with him. After arriving in Illinois, he gave to the head of each family 160 acres of land as a gift for their service.

In October, 1821, Edward Coles ran for and was elected second governor of Illinois on an anti-slavery platform. Three pro-slavery candidates also ran which split the electorate and allowed Coles a slim margin of victory...167 votes. In 1822, Governor Coles asked the General Assembly to ban slavery and enact laws protecting free blacks. Instead, the pro-slavery legislature presented the electorate with a referendum calling for a Constitutional Convention to make Illinois a slave state. On August 2, 1824, the Convention was defeated by a vote of 6, 640 to 4, 972. After the Convention was defeated and in this process he made many political enemies who emerged during his run for Congress; he was badly beaten.

However, controversy was not a stranger. Let us not forget the times...Edward was born into a slave-holding family. Yet while attending William and Mary College he developed his anti-slavery attitude resolving that 'he would not hold slaves or live in a state which upheld the institution of slavery.'

At the conclusion of his second term as Governor, after being sued for bringing his slaves to Illinois, and losing his home to fire, in 1832 Edward Coles went to Philadelphia and met and married Sally Logan Roberts. Ironically, many years later, their son Roberts Coles left Pennsylvania and became the Commander of Company I(2), The Green Mountain Grays of the 46th Virginia Infantry. Captain Roberts Coles was killed on the 8th of February, 1862, during the first days of the Battle of Roanoke Island. As a further irony, the attending Confederate surgeon turned out to be his cousin, Walter Coles, who is presently buried in the family graveyard at Enniscorthy.

Edward Coles is my paternal fifth-great-grandfather. My grandfather, father and I are all named for Captain Roberts Coles, his son. My mother is Thomas Jefferson's fourth-great-granddaughter. Further, Thomas Jefferson and Edward Coles were friends. In 1814, while private secretary to President Madison, he wrote to Jefferson regarding his views on slavery. Many believe Jefferson is responsible for the extension slavery in Virginia; as well, many believe Coles responsible for preventing Illinois from becoming a slave state. I do not think even Roger Wilkins can imagine some of the fire-side conversations which occur on a cold winter's night among members of my family.

Rob Coles (electronic mail, July 10, 2001)
http://www.meetthomasjefferson.com

http://www.rootsweb.com/~ilhistor/governors/coles.html

Edward Coles, second Governor of Illinois, 1823-6, was born Dec. 15, 1786, in Albemarle Co., Va., on the old family estate called "Enniscorthy," on the Green Mountain. His father, John Coles, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary War. Having been fitted for college by private tutors, he was sent to Hampden Sidney, where he remained until the autumn of 1805, when he was removed to William and Mary College, at Williamsburg, Va. This college he left in the summer of 1807, a short time before the final and graduating examination. Among his classmates were Lieut. Gen. Scott, President John Tyler, Wm. S. Archer, United States Senator from Virginia, and Justice Baldwin, of the United States Supreme Court. The President of the latter college, Bishop Madison, was a cousin of President James Madison, and that circumstance was the occasion of Mr. Coles becoming personally acquainted with the President and receiving a position as his private secretary, 1809-15.

The family of Coles was a prominent one in Virginia, and their mansion was the seat of the old-fashioned Virginian hospitality. It was visited by such notables as Patrick Henry, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, the Randolphs, Tazewell, Wirt, etc. At the age of 23, young Coles found himself heir to a plantation and a considerable number of slaves. Ever since his earlier college days his attention had been drawn to the question of slavery. He read everything on the subject that came in his way, and listened to lectures on the rights of man. The more he reflected upon the subject, the more impossible was it for him to reconcile the immortal declaration "that all men are born free and equal" with the practice of slave-holding. He resolved, therefore, to free his slaves the first opportunity, and even remove his residence to a free State. One reason which determined him to accept the appointment as private secretary to Mr. Madison was because he believed that through the acquaintances he could make at Washington he could better determine in what part of the non-slaveholding portion of the Union he would prefer to settle.

The relations between Mr. Coles and President Madison, as well as Jefferson and other distinguished men, were of a very friendly character, arising from the similarity of their views on the question of slavery and their sympathy for each other in holding doctrines so much at variance with the prevailing sentiment in their own State.

In 1857, he resigned his secretaryship and spent a portion of the following autumn in exploring the Northwest Territory, for the purpose of finding a location and purchasing lands on which to settle his negroes. He traveled with a horse and buggy, with an extra man and horse for emergencies, through many parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, determining finally to settle in Illinois. At this time, however, a misunderstanding arose between our Government and Russia, and Mr. Coles was selected to repair to St. Petersburg on a special mission, bearing important papers concerning the matter at issue. The result was a conviction of the Emperor (Alexander) of the error committed by his minister at Washington, and the consequent withdrawal of the latter from the post. On his return, Mr. Coles visited other parts of Europe, especially Paris, where he was introduced to Gen. Lafayette.

In the spring of 1819, he removed with all his negroes from Virginia to Edwardsville, Ill., with the intention of giving them their liberty. He did not make known to them his intention until one beautiful morning in April, as they were descending the Ohio River. He lashed all the boats together and called all the negroes on deck and made them a short address, concluding his remarks by so expressing himself that by a turn of a sentence he proclaimed in the shortest and fullest manner that they were no longer slaves, but free as he was and were at liberty to proceed with him or go ashore at their pleasure. A description of the effect upon the negroes is best described in his own language:

"The effect upon them was electrical. They stared at me and then at each other, as if doubting the accuracy or reality of what they heard. In breathless silence they stood before me, unable to utter a word, but with countenances beaming with expression which no words could convey, and which no language can describe. As they began to see the truth of what they had heard, and realize their situation, there came on a kind of hysterical, giggling laugh. After a pause of intense and unutterable emotion, bathed in tears, and with tremulous voices, they gave vent to their gratitude and implored the blessing of God on me."

Before landing he gave them a general certificate of freedom, and afterward conformed more particularly with the law of this State requiring that each individual should have a certificate. This act of Mr. Coles, all the more noble and heroic considering the overwhelming pro-slavery influences surrounding him, has challenged the admiration of every philanthropist of modern times.

March 5, 1819, President Monroe appointed Mr. Coles Registrar of the Land Office at Edwardsville, at that time one of the principal land offices in the State. While acting in this capacity and gaining many friends by his politeness and general intelligence, the greatest struggle that ever occurred in Illinois on the slavery question culminated in the furious contest characterizing the campaigns and elections of 1822-4. In the summer of 1823, when a new Governor was to be elected to succeed Mr. Bond, the pro-slavery element divided into factions, putting forward for the executive office Joseph Phillips, Chief Justice of the State, Thomas C. Browne and Gen. James B. Moore, of the State Militia. The anti-slavery element united upon Mr. Coles, and, after one of the most bitter campaigns, succeeded in electing him as Governor. His plurality over Judge Phillips was only 59 in a total vote of over 8,000. The Lieutenant Governor was elected by the slavery men. Mr. Coles' inauguration speech was marked by calmness, deliberation and such a wise expression of appropriate suggestions as to elicit the sanction of all judicious politicians. But he compromised not with evil. In his message to the Legislature, the seat of Government being then at Vandalia, he strongly urged the abrogation of the modified form of slavery which then existed in this State, contrary to the Ordinance of 1787. His position on this subject seems the more remarkable, when it is considered that he was a minority Governor, the population of Illinois being at that time almost exclusively from slave-holding States and by a large majority in favor of the perpetuation of that old relic of barbarism. The Legislature itself was, of course, a reflex of the popular sentiment, and a majority of them were led on by fiery men in denunciations of the conscientious Governor, and in curses loud and deep upon him and all his friends. Some of the public men, indeed, went so far as to head a sort of mob, or "shiveree" party, who visited the residence of the Governor and others at Vandalia and yelled and groaned and spat fire.

The Constitution, not establishing or permitting slavery in this State, was thought therefore to be defective by the slavery politicians, and they desired a State Convention to be elected, to devise and submit a new Constitution; and the dominant politics of the day was "Convention" and "anti-Convention." Both parties issued addresses to the people; Gov. Coles himself being the author of the address published by the latter party. This address revealed the schemes of the conspirators in a masterly manner. It is difficult for us at this distant day to estimate the critical and extremely delicate situation in which the Governor was placed at that time.

Our hero maintained himself honorably and with supreme dignity throughout his administration, and in his honor a county in this State is named. He was truly a great man, and those who lived in this State during his sojourn here, like those who lived at the base of the mountain, were too near to see and recognize the greatness that overshadowed them.

Mr. Coles was married Nov. 28, 1833, by Bishop De Lancey, to Miss Sally Logan Roberts, a daughter of Hugh Roberts, a descendant of Welsh ancestry, who came to this country with Wm. Penn in 1682.

After the expiration of his term of service, Gov. Coles continued his residence in Edwardsville, superintending his farm in the vicinity. He was fond of agriculture, and was the founder of the first agricultural society in the State. On account of ill health, however, and having no family to tie him down, he spent much of his time in Eastern cities. About 1832 he changed his residence to Philadelphia, where he died July 7, 1868, and is buried at Woodland, near that city.

From: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887

Birth:
"Enniscorthy", Albemarle Co., VA

Edward married Sally Logan Roberts on 28 Nov 1833 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Robert Hill Carter. Robert was born in 1778; died in 1809. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Richard Singleton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Rutherfoord. John was born in 1792; died in 1866. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Emily married John Rutherfoord in 1816. John was born in 1792; died in 1866. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From "History of Albemarle County", by Rev. Edgar Woods, 1901, page 172:

COLES

John Coles' father, John, came to this country from Enniscorthy, Ireland, and established himself in Hanover County, Virginia, where he married Mary Winston. His children were Walter, Sarah, Mary, the wife of John Payne, and mother of Dorothy, President Madison's wife, John, and Isaac, who lived in Halifax County, and was a member of Congress from that district. John settled in Albemarle on the land above mentioned. He married Rebecca E. Tucker, who first drew the breath of life in the historic city of Jamestown. His children were Walter, John, Isaac, Tucker, Edward, Rebecca, the wife of Richard Singleton, of South Carolina, Mary Eliza, the wife of Robert Carter, Sarah, the wife of Andrew Stevenson, Elizabeth, and Emily, the wife of John Rutherford, of Richmond. John Coles died in 1808, and his wife in 1826.

John married Selina Skipwith, of Mecklenburg. His home was Estouteville, where he died in 1848. He left three sons, John, who lived near Warren, Peyton, who married his cousin Isaetta, and succeeded his father at Estouteville, wher he died in 1887, and Tucker, whose present residence is Viewmont.

Birth:
"Enniscorthy II", Albemarle Co., VA

Died:
fire at hearth/"Estouteville", Albemarle County, Virginia

John married Selina Skipwith about 1825. Selina (daughter of Peyton Skipwith and Jean Miller) was born on 30 Jul 1793 in Prestwould, Mecklenburg, Virginia, USA; died on 9 Aug 1870 in Esmont, Albemarle, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Enniscorthy II", Albemarle Co., VA

Died:
"Woodville", Albemarle Co., VA

Family/Spouse: Eliza Fauntleroy Cocke. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sally Thompson Craig. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Andrew Stevenson on 8 Jan 1816. Andrew was born on 21 Jan 1784 in Culpepper County, VA; died on 25 Jan 1857. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
at birth

Family/Spouse: Carolyne Wyatt. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Bennett W. Moseley. Bennett was born in of Bedford, VA; died in 1811. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Dorothea Spotswood Henry on 3 Jul 1795. Dorothea (daughter of Patrick Henry and Dorothea Spotswood Dandridge) was born on 2 Aug 1778; died on 17 Jun 1854 in Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee, USA; was buried in Elmwood Cem., Memphis, TN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alice married Frederic Cabell in 1800 in Buckingham County, Virginia, USA. Frederic (son of Nicholas Cabell and Hannah Carrington) was born in 1775 in Buckingham County, Virginia, USA; died on 5 Mar 1841 in Green Hill, Buckingham County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Jones. John was born in of Buckingham, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paulina married Alexander Spotswood Henry on 8 Feb 1814 in Campbell County, VA. Alexander (son of Patrick Henry and Dorothea Spotswood Dandridge) was born on 2 Jun 1788 in Pleasant Grove, Prince Edward, Virginia, USA; died on 6 Jan 1854 in Aspenwall, Charlotte, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Landon Rose Cabell. Landon (son of Landon Cabell and Judith Scott Rose) died in Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Eliza Garland in 1829. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alice married Walter Coles Carrington on 15 Nov 1817. Walter (son of Jr. Paul Carrington and Mildred Howell Coles) was born on 4 Mar 1794; died in 1858. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Martha Bickerton Bouldin. Martha was born about 1805; died in 1862. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
Consumption

William married Eliza Daniel in 1828. Eliza (daughter of William Daniel and Margaret Baldwin) died before Oct 1830. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married Peter Fontaine Armistead in 1810. Peter (son of Bowles Armistead and Mary Ann Fontaine) was born in 1778 in Virginia, USA; died in 1866 in Mississippi. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Thornton. Mary (daughter of John Thornton and Jane Augusta Washington) was born about 1785. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: S. F. Dade. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Walter married Lucinda Summerville Dade on 7 Aug 1810. Lucinda was born on 9 Apr 1792 in Culpeper, Culpeper County, VA; died on 4 Oct 1849 in Columbus, Lowndes County, MS. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Mary Howson Wallace on 2 Sep 1813. Mary was born on 16 Oct 1796 in Ellerslie, Stafford County, VA; died on 9 Nov 1853 in Culpepper County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Beckwith. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married John George Jackson in 1800 in Montpelier, Orange County, VA. John (son of George Jackson and Elizabeth Brake) was born on 22 Sep 1777 in near Buckhannon, WV; died on 29 Mar 1825 in Clarksburg, Harrison County, WV. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Clara Wilcox. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

BIOGRAPHY: The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans: Volume VII M. Madison, George page 214

BIOGRAPHY: MADISON, Dorothy (Payne) Todd, wife of President Madison, was born in North Carolina, May 20, 1767; daughter of John and Mary (Coles)Payne and granddaughter of John and Hannah (Fleming) Payne, and of William Coles of Coles Hill, Va. Her paternal grandfather emigrated from England to Virginia early in the 18th century and her paternal grandmother was a granddaughter of Sir Thomas Fleming, one of the pioneer settlers of Jamestown. Her parents removed to Philadelphia while Dorothy was a child and joined the Society of Friends, in which faith she was reared. She was married in 1786 to John Todd, a young lawyer of Philadelphia, Pa., who died in 1789 leaving her with an infant son. She made her home with her widowed mother in Philadelphia and assisted her in keeping a boarding house. She was married secondly in 1794 to James Madison, one of her mother's boarders, in attendance as representative from Virginia in the 3d congress. The ceremony was performed at "Harewood," Jefferson county, Va., the home of her younger sister Lucy, the wife of George Steptoe Washington. They resided at "Montpelier," Mr. Madison's summer home, until 1809 when he was appointed secretary of state and they removed to Washington, D.C. Mrs. Madison became the centre of Washington's social circle, and upon the elevation of her husband as President of the United States, she filled the position of mistress of the White House brilliantly and successfully. In 1814 the British army marched against the national capital and the President and his cabinet fled to Virginia, but Mrs. Madison remained at the White House where she packed many important cabinet papers into trunks which were put into a carriage, and as an afterthought she removed Stuart's portrait of Washington from its frame and saw it in a place of safety before leaving. She was rejoined by Mr. Madison in Washington and together they fled to Virginia. [p.214] A few days later she returned to Washington, where she found her home in ashes. The President followed the next day and they rented the house called the "Octagon" owned by Colonel Taylor, where they resided until the White House was rebuilt. In 1817, upon the expiration of President Madison's second term, they returned to Montpelier, where she lived in retirement. Congress conferred on her the franking privilege and voted her a seat upon the floor of the senate. She removed to Washington one year after her husband's death and again entered society. She died in Washington, D.C., July 12, 1849.

Dorothea married John Todd on 7 Jan 1790 in Philadelphia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, USA. John (son of John Todd and Mary Duburow) was born on 17 Nov 1763 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; died on 24 Oct 1793 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Dorothea married Jr. James Madison on 15 Sep 1794. James (son of James Madison and Eleanor Rose (Nelly) Conway) was born on 16 Mar 1751 in Port Conway, King George, Virginia, USA; died on 28 Jun 1836. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

She as a Widow married Thomas Todd of Kentucky, a widower whose first wife was Elizabeth Harris

Birth:
"Coles Hill", Hanover, Virginia, USA

Lucy married George Steptoe Washington on 20 May 1793 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. George (son of Samuel Washington and Anne Steptoe) was born on 17 Aug 1771; died on 10 Jan 1809 in Augusta, Columbia, Georgia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lucy married Thomas Todd on 29 Mar 1812 in The White House, Washington, DC. Thomas was born on 23 Jan 1765 in King and Queen, Virginia, USA; died on 7 Feb 1826 in Frankfort, Franklin, Kentucky, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anna married Richard Cutts on 31 Mar 1804 in Virginia, USA. Richard (son of Thomas Cutts and Elizabeth Scammon) was born on 22 Jun 1771 in Cutts Island, Saco, York, Maine, USA; died on 7 Apr 1845 in Washington City, District Of Columbia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Thornton Augustine Washington. Thornton was born in 1758 in Stafford, Stafford, Virginia, USA; died on 26 Jun 1787 in Jefferson, Alexandria, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

From Family Tree Maker, CD 174 Virginia Vital Records # 1, 1600s- I 800s, Virginia Will Records, The Wills of the Reverend Patrick Henry and Walter Coles of Hanover County, Va., (C) Broderbund Software, Inc., Banner Blue Division

Walter Coles, of Coles Hill, Hanover County, Virginia (only child of Walter and Mary [Darracott] Coles) was born 18 November 1769, seven months after his father's death, and died at Coles Hill between 9 November and 27 December 1815. He was a member of the County Court of Hanover for a number of years and as such an active participant in the fight between the Republican and Federalist members of the Court over the nominations made for that body in 1810. In politics he was a Federalist. He resided at Coles Hill, a very beautiful, if isolated, estate on the South Anna of the Pamunkey, which adjoined the Doswell estate known as Allen's Creek and which was separated from Rocky Mills and Mount Brilliant by the South Anna. It also lies in the general neighborhood of Chilton which was owned by Hugh Nelson and was later the home of Col. Nathaniel Pope, and of Aldingharn, the home of Col. Charles Dabney. Walter Coles owned numerous slaves and was fairly wealthy for his time.

Died:
"Coles Hill", Hanover, Virginia, USA

Walter married Mary Randolph Price on 27 Dec 1792 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. Mary (daughter of Thomas Price and Barbara Overton Winston) was born on 6 Oct 1776 in Cool Water, Hanover County, VA; died on 16 Jan 1847. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ann Hill. Ann was born on 11 Jul 1749 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA; died on 14 May 1827 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Smelt. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Cornelius married Elizabeth Smith on 20 Aug 1763 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. Elizabeth was born on 11 Jul 1744 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA; died on 14 May 1831 in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Sarah Gwathmey. Sarah (daughter of Owen Gwathmey and Hannah Temple) was born in 1766 in King and Queen County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Diana Gwathmey. Diana (daughter of Owen Gwathmey and Hannah Temple) was born on 1 Nov 1755 in King and Queen County, VA; died on 14 Aug 1824 in King and Queen County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Gwathmey married Elizabeth Maddox after 15 Jun 1786 in Goochland County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Benjamin Mosby. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Susan Austin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Alexander Jones. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Burton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Mosby. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Martha Mosby. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Jones. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Anderson Grubbs. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married Hezekiah Mosby on 3 Jun 1794 in Henrico County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Hezekiah Jones. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Cornelius Dabney. Cornelius was born on 7 Jun 1756 in King William County, Virginia, USA; died on 13 Oct 1821 in Louisa County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Martha Cocke. Martha was born about 1766. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married Peter Johnston on 16 Jun 1788 in Goochland County, Virginia, USA. Peter was born on 6 Jan 1763 in Osbornes Landing, Prince Edward County, VA; died on 8 Dec 1831 in Ponecille, Washington County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Edward Carter. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Gertrude Spencer. Gertrude was born in "Mechunk", Albemarle Co., VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married Stephen Southall in 1784. Stephen (son of Turner Southall and Martha Vanderwall) was born in 1757 in Henrico County, Virginia, USA; died in 1799. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married George Frederick Stras about 1801. George was born in Alsatsia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Mary Ann Williams. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Edward married Martha Catharine Henry in 1798. Martha (daughter of Patrick Henry and Dorothea Spotswood Dandridge) was born on 3 Nov 1781 in Leatherwood, Henry, Virginia, USA; died on 22 May 1801 in Fleets Bay, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1840, Washington, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Birth:
"Aspenvale", Smyth Co., VA

Died:
Age: 68

Sarah married Francis Smith Preston on 10 Jan 1793 in Rockbridge County Virginia. Francis was born on 2 Aug 1765; died on 26 May 1836 in Columbia, Richland, South Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: William P. Thompson. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Joseph married Polly White in 1804. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 30 Sep 1754, Augusta, Virginia, USA

William married Polly Burton on 6 May 1779 in Fluvanna, VA. Polly was born about 1755. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Ann Wesley. Ann was born in 1778. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Robert Campbell about 1797, and was divorced. Robert was born in 1763/1783; died in 1797/1869. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Sarah married Alexander Scott on 18 Jul 1813. Alexander was born in 1762 in Fauquier County, VA; died on 29 Jun 1819 in Seven Islands, Fluvanna County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Martha married Edward W. Henry in 1798. Edward (son of James Henry and Sarah Scarborough) was born in 1753/1781 in of Northumberland County, VA; died in 1803/1868. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Augusta Co., VA Land
Book and Page: 14:109
Date Made: 19 Nov 1767
Property: Mortgage of the tracts described in Remarks.
Remarks:
200. Tracts patented to mortgagor 16 Aug 1756: A, 650 acres on the waters of Clinch River; B, 1400 acres on a branch of Clinch called Mockison Creek; C, 940 acres on the Middle Fork of Indian River; D, 995 acres on the Indian River; E, 155 acres on south side of the Indian River; F, 1,000 acres on two branches of the Clinch River; also one undivided share of a patent to Col. James Patton and Others, of which the above lands are a part. Delivered to Ephraim Dunlap, 30 Sep 1772.
Name Title Description Residence
Dunlap, Ephraim Mentioned Augusta Co., VA
Henry, Patrick Jr. Mortgagee Louisa Co.
Jefferson, Thomas Witness Augusta Co., VA
Patton, James Colonel Landowner Augusta Co., VA
Shelton, John Mortgagor Hanover Co.

Augusta Co., VA Land
Book and Page: 15:212
Date Made: 3 Aug 1768
Property: All equity of redemption in three tracts: A, 940 acres on Middle Fork of Indian River; B, 995 acres on Indian River, C, 1400 acres on Mockeson's Creek of Clinch River, which Patrick is to sell or otherwise dispose of.
Remarks:
Delivered to Ephraim Dunlap, 30 Sep 1772.
Name Title Description Residence
Dunlap, Ephraim Mentioned Augusta Co., VA
Henry, Patrick Sr. Grantee Augusta Co., VA
Shelton, John Grantor Hanover Co.
Shelton, John Jr. Witness Augusta Co., VA
Shelton, Wm. Parks Witness Augusta Co., VA

Patrick married Elvira Ann Cabell on 9 Feb 1804 in Buckingham, Buckingham, Virginia, USA. Elvira (daughter of Jr. William Cabell and Anne Carrington) was born on 10 Sep 1783 in Union Hill, Nelson, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Oct 1858 in Richmond City, Virginia, USA; was buried in Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Red Hill", Charlotte, Virginia, USA

Died:
"Red Hill", Charlotte, Virginia, USA

John married Elvira Bruce McClelland on 19 Oct 1826 in Lynchburg, VA. Elvira (daughter of Thomas Stanhope McClelland and Margaret Ann Cabell) was born on 23 Apr 1808; died in 1871. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Alexander married Paulina Jordan Cabell on 8 Feb 1814 in Campbell County, VA. Paulina (daughter of George Cabell and Sarah Winston) was born in 1796 in Lynchburg, VA; died in Dec 1833. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _MILT: 1812, USA
• Residence: 1 Jan 1813, Frederick County, Virginia, USA

Nathaniel married Virginia Ann Woodson in 1812 in Cumberland County, Virginia, USA. Virginia (daughter of Miller Woodson and Mary Baker de Graffenreid) was born about 1796 in Cumberland County, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Oct 1838 in Eden, Rockingham, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Red Hill", Charlotte, Virginia, USA

Dorothea married George Dabney Winston on 3 Jul 1795. George (son of Edmund Winston and Alice Winston) was born on 2 Aug 1771 in Virginia, USA; died on 15 Jul 1831 in Rockingham County, NC. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Red Hill", Charlotte, Virginia, USA

Died:
"Red Hill", Charlotte, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Died:
"Red Hill", Charlotte, Virginia, USA

George married Ann Elcan on 16 Mar 1807 in Buckingham County, Virginia, USA. Ann was born on 17 Feb 1788; died on 1 May 1808 in Charlotte County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
"Winston", Charlotte, Virginia, United States

Edward married Jane Randolph Yuille on 19 Oct 1817. Jane was born in 1790/1810; died in 1831/1894. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Graves. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

They are second cousins.

Martha married John Smith Fontaine on 2 Oct 1773 in Scotchtown, Hanover, Virginia, USA. John (son of Jr. Peter Fontaine, Jr and Elizabeth Louise Winston) was born on 6 Aug 1750 in Beaverdam, Hanover, Virginia, USA; died on 14 Apr 1792 in Leatherwood, Henry, Virginia, USA; was buried in Martinsville, Henry, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anne married Spencer Roane on 7 Sep 1786. Spencer was born in 1741/1767; died in 1791/1855. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Susannah Walker in 1778/1817. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
"Fontainebleau", King William Co., VA

Elizabeth married Philip Aylett on 12 Oct 1786 in Virginia, USA. Philip (son of William Aylett and Mary Macon) was born on 12 Mar 1767 in of "Montville", King William County, VA; died on 11 Sep 1831. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Jane married David Shepherd Garland in 1795. David (son of William Garland and Anne Shepard) was born on 27 Sep 1769 in New Glasgow, Amherst County, VA; died on 7 Oct 1841 in Clifford, Amherst County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: William Armistead. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Breckinridge. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Probate: 9 Sep 1835, Marion County, IN

Family/Spouse: Elizabeth Burgess. Elizabeth was born in 1763 in Blue Licks, Bourbon County, KY; died on 5 Apr 1846 in Marion County, IN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Between 1774 and 1775, Scotchtown, Hanover, Virginia, USA
• Residence: Between 1779 and 1786, Leatherwood, Henry, Virginia, USA
• Residence: Between 1786 and 1791, Locust Grove, Prince Edward County, Virginia, USA

Notes:

They are second cousins.

Died:
malaria

John married Martha "Patsy" Henry on 2 Oct 1773 in Scotchtown, Hanover, Virginia, USA. Martha (daughter of Patrick Henry and Sarah Shelton) was born in Jun 1755 in Fork, Hanover, Virginia, USA; died in Oct 1818 in Leatherwood, Henry, Virginia, USA; was buried in Martinsville, Martinsville City, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obvious error here! He couldn't have died at age 5. Perhaps a second son was named Edmund too?

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Notes:

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Sarah married Charles Rose about 1773 in Virginia, USA. Charles was born about 1751 in Virginia, USA; died in Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Mary married Bowles ArmisteadVirginia, USA. Bowles (son of William Armistead and Mary Bowles) was born in 1752 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA; died before 21 Jun 1785 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mary married John LewisVirginia, USA. John was born in Virginia, USA; died in 1825 in Kentucky. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James was a Major of a volunteer regiment of Cavalry in Kentucky and was mortally wounded in an engagement with the Indians there after the close of the Revolutionary War.

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Notes:

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Notes:

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: Between 1776 and 1781, Virginia, USA; Commanded a company in the 2nd Virginia regiment, and, 1779-81, served as lieutenant colonel of the Convention Guards.

Notes:

Spotsylvania Co., VA Land
Book and Page: O
Date Made: 21 Nov 1794
Property: 2 negroes.
Remarks:
Novr. 21, 1794. John Lewis of Spots. Co. to Wm. Fontaine of Hanover Co. and John Spotswood of Orange Co., Executors of Bowles Armistead, Decd., to indemnify them, conveys to them 2 negroes, etc., etc. Witnesses, Will.
Frazer, R. Frazer. Jany. 6, 1795.
Name Title Description Residence
Armistead, Bowles Deceased Spotsylvania Co., VA
Fontaine, Wm. Grantee Hanover Co., VA
Frazer, R. Witness Spotsylvania Co., VA
Frazer, Will. Witness Spotsylvania Co., VA
Lewis, John Grantor Spotsylvania Co., VA
Spotswood, John Grantee Orange Co., VA

Birth:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

Died:
"Beaverdam", Hanover Co., VA

William married Anne Morris in 1789 in Hanover County, Virginia, USA. Anne (daughter of William Morris and Elizabeth) was born on 14 Apr 1766 in St Martins Par., Hanover County, VA; died on 21 Jul 1852. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Walter married Alice Cabell on 15 Nov 1817. Alice (daughter of George Cabell and Sarah Winston) was born in 1800; died in 1846. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

no children by her marriage to William Booker Green

Anne married Charles de la Boulay Fontaine on 29 Dec 1810. Charles (son of John Smith Fontaine and Martha "Patsy" Henry) was born on 30 Jan 1779 in Richmond City, Virginia, USA; died in Jan 1818 in Halifax County, Virginia, USA; was buried in Centerville, Halifax, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Anne married William Booker Green about 30 May 183. William was born in 1789 in Prince Edward County, VA; died in 1870. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
"Berry Hill", Halifax Co., VA

Edward married Elizabeth Henry Preston on 15 May 1820. Elizabeth (daughter of Francis Smith Preston and Sarah Buchanan Campbell) was born on 11 Aug 1796 in Salt Works, Washington, Virginia, USA; died on 11 Jan 1876 in Charlottesville, Virginia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Paul married Emma Catherine Cabell on 9 May 1826 in Richmond, Virginia, USA. Emma (daughter of William H. Cabell and Agnes Sarah Bell Gamble) was born on 10 Mar 1808; died on 31 Mar 1887. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Sarah (Sara) Embry Scott on 8 Jun 1819 in Halifax County, VA. Sarah was born in Jan 1800; died on 12 Aug 1872 in Staunton, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
"Sylvan Hill", Charlotte Co., VA

Died:
"Springwood", Halifax, Halifax Co., VA

Mildred married Isaac Howell Coles on 7 Feb 1811. Isaac (son of Isaac Coles and Elizabeth Lightfoot) was born on 16 Dec 1777 in of "Springwood", Halifax County, VA; died on 28 Sep 1820. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Sarah Embrea Read on 7 May 1834. Sarah was born on 28 Sep 1811; died on 12 Sep 1855. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Eliza D.. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Elizabeth married William Joel Watkins on 11 May 1831. William was born on 4 Jan 1808; died on 9 Aug 1884 in St. Augustine, FL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Isaac married Frances Keeling Green on 7 May 1840. Frances was born on 24 Mar 1824; died on 17 Jul 1881. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Mildred married John Richard Edmunds in Jan 1836 in Virginia, USA. John (son of Henry Edmunds and Martha W. Morton) was born on 26 Aug 1812; died on 8 May 1873. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Cabell says died 1869 Read & Rel.-258 says 1884

Family/Spouse: Roger Arkinson. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Volume V

Name: Thomas Jordan Coles (cont.)

Captain Walter (2) Coles, son of Hon. Walter (1) and Lettice P. (Carrington) Coles, was born August 12, 1825, died November 11, 1914. He was educated at Benjamin Hallowel's celebrated school at Alexandria, Virginia, and at the University of Virginia. He entered into the practice of law, but the declining health of his father and mother made it necessary for him to abandon his chosen profession to assume the responsibilities of the management of the Coles Hill estate. With the breaking out of the war between the states he was assigned to a high position in the quartermaster's department with the rank of captain, having charge of much government property and large sums of money. Evidence of the faithfulness of his war record is evinced by personal letters which he had in his possession addressed to Captain Walter Coles, from Quarter Master-General A. C. Myers, Major-General James G. Paxton and Major Johnson. Just before the close of the war he was commissioned to furnish the army of General Lee with all necessary horses but before he could assume charge of this position together with its promotion in rank the surrender came. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Democratic conventions which met in Charleston, South Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland. In 1869-71 he was a member of the Virginia state legislature, and although he was urged to again become a candidate for re-election, he refused, pleading pressing duties and private responsibilities. For many years after the close of the civil war he was a member of the Democratic committee of Pittsylvania, and during the reconstruction period he worked tirelessly to restore the South to its former high standard and to secure white supremacy in place of ignorant dominion. In public office, in private business transactions, in all occasions of life causing contact with his fellow-men his actions were marked by unfaltering honor and an integrity that left no room for doubt or question. He resided on the home plantation, Coles Hill, Pittsylvania county, Virginia, and despite the weight of almost ninety years took an active interest in the affairs of the day and the home acres. At his death there passed away a splendid type which will soon disappear from our land, a man, a noble gentleman and devoted churchman, a lifelong resident of the county who filled a large and honorable place in its history, full of years and the recipient of the regard and esteem of his countrymen.

He married, in 1862, Lavinia Catherine Jordan, born in Luray, Page county, Virginia, August 3, 1833, died January 20, 1906, daughter of Gabriel and Elizabeth Ann (Sibert) Jordan. Her father, born in 1792, died in 1862, was a patriotic citizen, devoting his life to the improvement of the section of the country in which he lived; a man of many affairs, who had accumulated considerable wealth at the outbreak of the war between the states. Her father fitted out a cavalry company at his own expense, her youngest brother, Macon, being made captain; it being known as Jordan's Cavalry. Her maternal grand-uncle, a Mr. Withers of South Carolina, served with distinction on the staff of General Sumpter. Her Jordan ancestors were of English origin and related to the Washingtons of England. Her grandfather, Thomas Jordan, fought in the revolution, associated with the Marquis De Lafayette. In a letter written years afterward, in 1824, to her father, Gabriel Jordan, of Luray, Virginia, the Marquis De Lafayette regrets his inability to visit him, "The worthy son of my gallant old Comrade in arms, Thomas Jordan." Her brother, Francis, was a captain on General Beauregard's staff. Her brother, Colonel Gabriel Jordan, was a prominent railroad man in the South, being at different times vice-president and general manager of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and the Houston & Texas Central Railroad.

Her eldest brother, General Thomas Jordan, for whom Thomas Jordan Coles was named, was a West Point graduate in 1840, two of his classmates having been General U. S. Grant and William T. Sherman, the latter having been his room-mate. General Thomas Jordan entered service at once and early distinguished himself in Florida in the Seminole uprising, 1841 to 1843. While still a lieutenant he served in the Mexican war, his company with three others being the first battalion to cross the Rio Grande, as a cover to the crossing of General Taylor's whole army into Mexico. Later, he was made captain on General Taylor's staff and was assigned to the quartermaster's department, and finally, owing to the illness of his senior, he had charge of all the quartermaster's arrangements, and was the last American soldier to leave the soil of Mexico. His efficiency in this service was especially mentioned by General Twiggs, the commander at Vera Cruz. From 1852 to 1860 he served on the Pacific coast during the suppression of an Indian insurrection in the present state of Washington. In May, 1861, under a sense of superior obligation, he resigned his commission in the United States army and offered his sword and life to his native state, Virginia. He was appointed lieutenant-colonel on the staff of General Phillip St. George Cocke. Colonel Jordan became convinced of the strategic importance of Manassas Junction and the critical necessity of immediately occupying it in force. He successfully commended the movement to General Lee, by whom Colonel Jordan was complimented in a personal letter and assigned as adjutant-general of the forces which were thereupon ordered to assemble there. On June 3rd General Beauregard took command and on July 21st the first battle of Manassas or Bull Run was fought. After the battle Colonel Jordan suggested to General Beauregard that the Federal surgeons be released without parole to which General Beauregard acceded, this being the first time in war that an enemy's surgeons were thus treated as non-combatants. During the Shiloh and Corinth campaigns Colonel Jordan was the adjutant-general of the Confederate army, and then promoted a brigadier-general.

In 1869 General Jordan consented to direct the revolutionary forces of Cuba and was commissioned by the Cuban government commander-in-chief. The odds against him in that campaign are now well known. Spain valued his services against her one hundred thousand dollars which she placed upon his head. General Beauregard in his history pronounced General Thomas Jordan as one of the ablest military organizers living. After the civil war and prior to his services in Cuba, General Jordan had been for a time editor of the "Memphis Appeal." After his return from Cuba to New York he founded the "Financial and Mining Record," and was recognized as an authority on the silver question. General Thomas Jordan was born 1819 in Luray, Virginia, died in New York City, 1895.

Children of Walter (2) and Lavinia Catherine (Jordan) Coles: 1. Walter (3), born July 25, 1863; manager of the Coles Hill farm; married Miss Wooding, of Virginia, and has a son, Walter (4). 2. Russell Jordan, born December 31, 1865, for twenty-five years identified with the tobacco trade of Danville, Virginia. 3. Agnes Cabell, born April 17, 1868; married Edward B. Ambler, of Monroe, Virginia. 4. Lettice Carrington, born September 17, 1870, died in 1882, aged twelve years. 5. Harry Carrington, born February 26, 1873; living in New York City, connected with the United States civil service; married Miss Marshall, of Fauquier county, Virginia, a great-granddaughter of Chief Justice Marshall. 6. Thomas Jordan, of whom further.

Walter married Lavinia Catherine Jordan in 1862. Lavinia was born on 3 Aug 1833 in Luray, Page County, VA; died on 20 Jan 1906. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Grattan Cabell. John (son of William H. Cabell and Agnes Sarah Bell Gamble) was born on 17 Jun 1817. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Died:
"Coles Hill", Pittsylvania Co., VA

Mildred married Thomas Stanhope Flournoy on 22 Jul 1852. Thomas (son of John James Flournoy and Ann Carrington Cabell) was born on 15 Dec 1811 in Prince Edward County, Virginia, USA; died on 12 Mar 1883 in Halifax County, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Papers of Harriet V. Miller.
DAR papers for Mary E. Miller; also #548112
Colonial Fams. of the US, Vol. 7, p. 454 (from Ancestry.com)

Emily married Paul Carrington Venable on 29 Jul 1824. Paul (son of Samuel Woodson Venable and Mary Scott Carrington) was born on 16 Oct 1794; died on 4 Apr 1876 in Bedford Springs, VA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]