CAPT. SAMUEL SILVEY
Data compiled by Pat McDonald
Letter from Norman Silvey of Pomona, CA, dated Aug 25, 1982, to S. E. Roberts, Oliver Springs, TN
"Several years ago I contacted a Mr. Elmer Hayden Silvey who lived in nearby Ontario, CA. He said he was born in Roane County, TN 29 Feb. 1892. His father was a William A. Silvey (9 Mar 1864 – 1 Apr. 1899) who married Onie Elizabeth Phillips (1867-1893). There was not much else written in the family Bible. ……Between the pages of the big Bible was a yellowed newspaper article about the death of a Samuel Silvey in Roane Co. The source of the article was not indicated, nor was the date. "
In S. E. Roberts work files is a faded copy of the article, and a typewritten transcript, which follows:
In Memory of Captain Samuel Silvey
He was born in Eastern Virginia on the 27th day of June 1791, died at his residence on the waters of Poplar Creek in Roane County, Tennessee, on the thirtieth day of March 1874, age 82 years 9 months and three days.
He was united in marriage to Miss Jenny C. Doughty in Cocke County, TN on the 18th day of June 1808, with whom he lived in perfect peace and unity until the 23rd day of July 1861, at which time his beloved wife, after living a life of usefulness, without an enemy on earth, in perfect peace with mankind, and with perfect resignation commended her soul (through the fate she had long professed) to the God who gave it.
On the 8th day of January, 1873, he married Celia A. Wright, by whom, into the decline of this life, he left a small family of children with but feeble resources for protection. It is to be hoped, however, that in with their dealings with the world, the noble qualities of their deceased father may never be overlooked.
Captain Silvey was one of the earliest settlers of East Tennessee, having removed thereto in the year 1802 and located in Anderson County, in what is now known as Frost Bottom, where few white families had dared to venture. Here, amidst the tall forest of Tennessee (then NC) under the influences of the wild, romantic and exciting scenes incident to a border life, he was partly raised. With his limited social advantages such a thing as an education was out of the question, hence he was raised to manhood with only his brain and muscle for foundation.
It was probably owing to these early impressions of generous hospitality which he received in infancy that his whole life was marked with the warmest impulses of a noble heart. No man ever lived who was more ready to lend a helping hand to the distressed and afflicted; and, although illiterate, in regard to what is termed learning, he was possessed of a most towering mind, the brilliancy of which, under more favorable circumstances would have been ornament to the most gifted statesman. Blessed as he was, with a most retentive memory, his long and eventful life had given him a store of useful information, such as but few men ever possess while his power of discernment added to his native talent made his companionship eagerly sought for by all.
He was one of the few survivors of the War of 1812, having served under the immortal Jackson in 1814, discharging all of the duties of a soldier and patriot, receiving the commendation of his officers and living to receive, although almost too late to be of service to him in his declining years, a due acknowledgement from his country. His outstretched hand was always opened to those around with whom adversity had spread the clouds of woe.
Residing for more than fifty years in the same house in which his soul at last divorced itself from the noble tenement which had for so long been it'’ home on earth. He was known far and near and beloved by all. His house was a home for all without distinction, compensation, or hope of reward.
No one knows better than the writer of this how himself and sainted wife with paternal care and affection, pointed out the honest integrity and youthfulness, the very recollection of which today, fills his soul with emotions of gratitude which language fails to express. No encominuns, [sic] however, are needed to perpetuate the memory of this man as his honest integrity throughout life will live with inscriptions upon marble shall perish beneath the ravages of time. May we all imitate his virtues and may his faults be covered by the mantle of charity, while we leave his ashes to mingle with the dust from which they sprung and command his spirit to the great Architect of the Universe, whose all-seeing eye can fathom the most hidden recesses of the heart; and trust that his faith was well-founded, and, although his hope may have been clouded, that charity (the greatest of the three) will reach beyond the veil of tears, through the boundless rounds of eternity.
Courtesy Robert Bailey, Roane County Historian:
SILVEY, Jane Campbell. Died. CAMPBELL--On the 24th of July, at her residence, on the waters of Poplar Creek, Roane county, Tennessee, in the 71st year of her age, Jane CAMPBELL, consort of Capt. Sam. SILVEY. She left many friends, as well as a disconsolate Husband, to mourn her absence. She was one of the first White settlers in this portion of Tennessee, had long been regarded as a friend to the distressed. In short her example of benevolence and piety had made her beloved by all. Brownlow's Weekly Whig, Knoxville, Saturday, 21 Sep 1861, Vol. XXIII, No. 8.
Other researchers indicate Jane Campbell Doughty was the daughter of Benjamin W. Doughty b April 25, 1769 Loudoun County, VA, died Cocke County, TN, and his wife Elizabeth Carroll Edwards born June 22, 1765 Georgetown, MD. I have not attempted to verify this.
1809 through 1818 Roane Tax Lists - Samuel and William Silvey
1830 Roane Census – page 63 Samuel Sylvy 001001-010001
(nearby is a Samuel Sylvy Senr. in the 60-70 age bracket)1840 Roane Census – page 23 Samuel Silvy 0001000001-00100001
1850 Roane Census – HH#1477
Samuel Silvy 60 farmer VA Jane 61 VA
(In HH# 1483, is Samuel Silvy 85 and Sarah 65)1860 Roane Census p 270/236
Saml. Silvey 69, Jane 69I am personally interested in the SILVEY/SILVY family of Roane County. Please contact me if you have a connection. Pat McDonald mmcdonald3@houston.rr.com