Contributed by Linda Stufflebean dstuf@worldnet.att.net
(She has more data on other lines)
This family history will attempt to piece together several generations of the Williams family traced back to its earliest point in Cumberland County, Virginia in the pre-Revolutionary War years with some clues pointing to earlier residence in New Kent, Hanover and Goochland Counties, Virginia. As early as the 1760’s, marriages were occurring in counties surrounding Cumberland between Williams men and their brides. These families remained in Cumberland County for most of the 1700’s. However, a great migration began to take place in the years just after the close of the American Revolution, when families headed westward through Virginia to Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky and points beyond.
It is possible to identify the nucleus of the western settlers by examining Cumberland County land deeds, probate, census and court records. There were three men born between 1712 and the late 1720’s who lived in Cumberland County. Roger Williams was the first. Little is known of this man, except that he gave a tract of land to Roger Jr. in 1773, stating "me hereunto moving."1 The relationship of the other two, Thomas and Matthias Williams, is certain because of a land transaction from Thomas to his brother, Matthias, in 1763.
There are many families who have a folklore-type of tradition of three brothers coming to America. That same story has also been handed down among the Williamses. However, in this case, there are pieces of information that indicate that these three men might have been part of a family of a Roger Williams, b. in the late 1600's.
First, Harriet Williams Pryor was the subject of a biographical sketch in the late 1800's in one of Goodspeed's books. Her sketch said she was descended from Roger Williams, although it identified Roger as Roger Williams of Rhode Island. While there is no indication that she fit into any New England group, she may, indeed, have been descended from a Roger Williams.
There are a number of names common to early Hanover County, Virginia that later appear in Goochland County. Several families appear to have moved in the same era to the area that later became Cumberland County, Virginia. Virginia land patent records show a Roger Williams receiving 200 ac. of land adjoining John Johnson and Robert Allin (sic) on the north side of Chickahominy Swamp in New Kent County, VA as early as 1719. By Sept 1723, John Johnson received 250 ac. on Chickahominy Swamp, now in Hanover County, on the lines of John Hogg and Roger Williams.
There is a land deed dated Feb 1728/9 with Bouth Napier of Goochland selling land to Phillip Webber of King William County. The land was part of Thomas Mims' patent on Tuckahoe Creek. This sale was witnessed by Elizabeth Napier and William and Mary Williams. A William Williams d. intestate in Cumberland Co. in 1761. It is not known whether this is the same man. However, later Williamses owned land on Tuckahoe Creek.
The Vestry Book of St. Paul's Parish in Hanover Co. mentions in 1730 that the tithes of Capt. Thomas Anderson are to assist Roger Williams in clearing the road of which he is surveyor.8 The will of one Thomas Anderson was written 25 Oct 1757 and recorded 9 Mar 1758 in Albemarle County, Virginia.14 He named daughter Susannah Williams, among others, with witnesses shown to be John Gannaway Jr., John Gannaway Sr. and Roger Williams Sr. It is believed that this Susannah Anderson was the wife of Thomas Williams of Cumberland County. Thomas Anderson and Roger Williams in Hanover Co. may be the same men as those in Albemarle.
In Aug 1731, Michael Holland received 6,350 ac. in Hanover Co. The land was adjacent to many men, including Roger Williams, John Johnson, Robert Allen and Thomas Lacy Jr.
On 6 Nov 1734, one Thomas Williams was a witness noted in the Hanover Co. court minutes.10 Samuel's father, Thomas, was b. 1712 according to the Bible record. If the same man, Thomas would have been 22 and of legal age in 1734.
In addition, there are numerous records in Goochland County naming other Williams men along with surnames connected to the Williamses by marriage. Some of those early Williamses were Edward, John, William, Samuel and Robert. All are given names appearing in the Cumberland County group a generation later. Associated surnames with these Williamses in land deeds, wills or court records include Womack, Holman, Witt, Crouch, Woodson, and Wright. Those same names are also closely associated with the families of Roger, Thomas and Matthias Williams in Cumberland County.
In the adult lifetimes of Roger, Thomas and Matthias Williams, there are several records which indicate a relationship among Roger and Thomas’s family and Roger and Matthias’s family.
Thomas Williams sold land in 1765 that was adjacent to Richard Randolph's property. Roger Williams’ land also bordered Richard Randolph’s. Additionally, Cumberland Co., VA court orders for 28 August 1787 record Roger and Samuel Williams as administrators of the estate of Thomas Fitch, deceased. They had sued David Meade Randolph and Richard Randolph as executors of the estate of Richard Randolph, deceased. The relationship between Thomas Fitch and the Williamses is unknown, but perhaps he was a neighbor and there was a dispute over land ownership. On this particular day, the judgment against the Randolph defendants was set aside. Later, on 27 Mar 1788, Roger and Samuel Williams, administrators for Thomas Fitch, won another judgment against the Randolphs and Thomas Williams was paid 75 lbs. Of tobacco for three days as a witness.
Halifax/Pittsylvania court records show that one Thomas Williams, son of Roger, entered land in Pittsylvania Co. in 1752. Court pleas note in 1754 that Thomas Williams was the executor of Roger Williams, deceased. These records, if related to the Cumberland group, may actually refer to the earliest Roger in New Kent Co. in 1719 and Thomas later of Cumberland County.
Thomas Williams was a witness on behalf of Roger Williams in a 1755 lawsuit against Williams Hudgens in Cumberland County.
In Cumberland County Court in 1763, Thomas Williams was sued for debt. His bondsmen were John Gannaway and Charles Williams (probably the Charles who lived in Halifax Co., later Pittsylvania Co). A son of this Charles, also named Charles, married Susannah Williams, daughter of Roger Williams and Cassie Ann Blair in 1797. This third Roger was the son of Roger b. in the 1720’s.
Thomas Williams, son of Matthias Williams, married Esther Morrow on 6 Aug 1780 in Prince Edward County. Roger Williams was the surety.
In Jan 1788, Thomas Williams sold land to Archibald Wright. The 200 ac. were part of a tract conveyed to Samuel Williams, bounded by lands of said Samuel, Alexander Trent and Seymore Scott. Thomas noted the sale took place because of the 5 shillings received by Thomas, plus the 200 lbs. current money paid in hand to Roger Williams. Witnesses were John Lee, Saymer Scott and Creed Taylor.
By Nov 1790, Samuel Williams had been named guardian to Samuel, Nancy, Benjamin, Hannah and Saymour Scott, infant children of Saymour Scott, deceased, for the purpose of defending them in a suit in chancery brought by Benjamin and Sally Whitehead for the division of the decedent’s estate. In addition, Samuel and Mary Williams, William and Elizabeth Gannaway, John Wright, Saymour Wright, John and Ann Holman and Benjamin Wright sued Hannah Scott, administrator of Saymour Scott, deceased.
Apparently, the dispute arose because Saymour Scott had been the administrator of John Wright, deceased and the Wright heirs felt that additional money was owed to them. Interestingly, Saymour Wright married Frances Williams, daughter of Elvira Woodson Williams in Campbell Co. on 11 Aug 1788. Saymer Scott and John Woodson were bondsmen. Elvira’s apparently deceased husband and his relationship, if any, to the Cumberland Co. Williamses has not been discovered.
By Mar 1798, Samuel Williams was appointed to appraise Hannah Scott’s estate, along with Richard Gorden, John Lancaster and Peter Francis.
Several citizens’ petitions that were generated and signed in Cumberland County survive, giving further evidence as to the time period that the Williams family lived there. On 10 May 1777, one petition was begun urging that Cumberland County be divided in two. Roger Jr., Thomas, Samuel and Roger Williams Sr. all signed. On 10 Nov 1780, a petition was circulated regarding rights of clergy who do not sign allegiance to the state. Samuel, Roger Jr. and Matthias Williams' signatures are found. This Matthias must be the Revolutionary War pensioner because his father's will was probated about the same time. A similar petition with the same date showed Thomas and Roger Williams Sr.'s signatures. On 14 May 1784, rights of pecuniary legatees and residual legatees were questioned. John, Roger, Samuel and Nathaniel Williams signed. Lastly, opposition to the act incorporating the Protestant Episcopal Church on 9 Nov 1786 included Thomas, Samuel, Nathaniel, Roger and Matthias Williams.
The above details are included in this introduction so that, perhaps in the future, someone may use this information to determine if the eldest Roger found in New Kent and Hanover Counties is indeed the father of Roger, Thomas and Matthias Williams and, thus, the immigrant progenitor of this line of Williamses.
John3 (Samuel2, Thomas1) was b. c1773, prob Cumberland Co., VA; d. bef Oct 1853, Roane Co., TN, when his will was probated. He m. Mary Lee, dau of Joseph Lee, bef 1 Dec 1794, Cumberland Co. In his will, he named only three sons. However, there are several females who appear to be daughters in the 1830 census household who are gone by 1840. Perhaps John gave his daughters their shares of his estate when they married as dowry. It is also possible that because the girls moved to Kentucky they may have received something when they left. There are also several male Williamses who m. in Roane Co. before 1840 who might be children of this couple. Therefore, this family unit is open to further research, with the exception of William, Richard and Edward who were named in the will.
Children:
Charles3 (Samuel2, Thomas1) was b. c1775, prob VA; d. between Aug 1825, when his will was written and Jan 1826, when it was probated in Morgan Co., TN. He m. (1) Unknown and (2) Elizabeth (Goddard?) Cobb, bef Aug 1825, prob Morgan Co. Elizabeth appears to have been the mother of Susannah Williams (probably should be "Cobb") who m. Ethelbert Ezell, 6 Apr 1846, White Co., IL and Frances W. Cobb who m. Thomas G. Rattorree and moved to Tallahatchie Co., MS bef 1850. Widow Elizabeth Williams d. 25 June 1843. The following children are listed in Charles’ will: (Susannah Ezell and Frances Rattorree are not in the will.) The 5 June 1833 issue of the "Western Chronicle" newspaper listed a sheriff’s sale in Morgan Co. Julian Scott was authorized to sell the interest of Nathaniel M. Goddard in 30 ac. On the Emory and the interest of John Stallcup in 50 ac. adjoining Henry B. Goddard and Elizabeth Williams.
Children:
Reuben3 (Samuel2, Thomas1) was b. c1777, prob Cumberland Co., VA. He m. Elizabeth Butler, 25 June 1801, Campbell Co., VA. She was the dau of Thomas Butler who d. Anderson Co., TN in 1814. Death dates are unknown for Reuben and Elizabeth, although Reuben was last mentioned in court records in July 1828. His nephew, Reuben, son of Charles, is called "Junior" in 1834, which would seem to indicate that Reuben Sr. was still living. There is no proof that Reuben is the father of any of the later Williamses, but there is also no evidence to prove that this couple had no children. It is possible that Reuben and Elizabeth had more daughters than sons and, thus, with lost records in Anderson and Morgan Cos., evidence is gone. There are two girls in the marriage records of Roane Co., where Reuben was apparently living, who may be daughters of this couple. Amanda and Amelia (prob should be "Permelia", per name on her gravestone) married cousins George and Thomas Gallaher. Robert Williams is often linked with the Gallahers in land transactions, although his children did not marry into this family. There is no documentation found so far linking the Gallahers to the John/Matthias branch of the family. The fact that George and Amanda Gallaher went to Coles Co., IL, where William Ligon Williams (brother of Robert, Reuben, etc.) had moved also indicates a possible tie to Robert's side of the family. These girls m. in 1823, prob at least 15 when they married, putting their birth years no later than 1808. Of the Virginia Williams brothers in Tennessee, children of Robert and Charles are accounted for, per Bible or will records. Benjamin appears to have married the first time in 1815, so he is too young to be their father. John who married Polly Lee could be their father. However, three Williams girls who appear to be sisters (Parmelia Jane, Frances Jane and Mary Ann) married three Fritts brothers. Parmelia and Frances Fritts moved to Kentucky with Richard Williams, a son of John and Polly Lee Williams. That appears to rule out John as the Gallaher wives' father. The remaining brother is Reuben, who m. Elizabeth Butler in 1801. Now, Amanda Williams Gallaher had several children. One of her daughters, Lalelia Parmelia, d. 1916 in Cedar Co., NB. Her death certificate identifies her father as George Gallaher and her mother as a Butler, b. TN. Amanda d. as a young woman c1836, so it is not surprising that her grandchild might not know her maiden name. However, the relative apparently knew there was a Butler connection. If Amanda was the daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth Williams, then the connection is apparent - Elizabeth was the Butler. Amanda naming her dau "Lalelia Permelia" also lends credence to the idea that Amanda and Amelia/Permelia were sisters. Evidence of the parentage of these girls is very circumstantial, but until more information is found, it appears that they may belong in this family.
Children:
Benjamin3 (Samuel2, Thomas1) was b. c1785, VA; bef 22 Mar 1855, Anderson, TN. A Roane County marriage record for 4 June 1815 shows Benjamin marrying "Cizire", no last name given. He m. (2) Nancy McCormack , 23 June 1851, Roane Co., TN. It appears that the "B. Williams" who died in testate and insolvent in Anderson Co., TN before the 22 March 1855 court record is Benjamin. Benjamin seems to have had difficulty managing financial affairs. His father, Samuel, in his will wrote "Ben Williams 150 lbs. It is my will and desire that, that part of my estate in money which may fall to my son Benjamin Williams part after accounting as my other children do for the amount which I have thought just and proper to charge each one with in order to as equal division among them all as possible to be paid by my executors over to my two sons Namely Reubin and Robert in trust for the benefit of my son Benjamin and family to be in their discretion laid out in property for the use of him and family, and by no means subject to his wast(e) or control to the prejudice of him and family but entirely discretionary with the above named Reubin and Robert Williams during the life of my son Benjamin Williams and at his death to be equally divided among his children or their representatives." In 1830, William Staples, sheriff of Morgan Co. sold the interest of Benjamin Williams in 80 acres on the Little Emery, so he appeared to continue to have financial problems. Nancy survived Benjamin and years later filed for a widow’s pension based on Benjamin’s War of 1812 service, as a corporal under Capt. Lunsford Oliver. In the application, Nancy stated that Benjamin’s first wife was "Kersa Williams" and that she had died long ago. "Cizire" and "Kersa" could be corruptions of the name "Keziah". If so, and from Nancy’s statement, his first wife’s maiden name was also Williams, then Benjamin may have married a Williams cousin. The name "Keziah" occurs in the family branch of Matthias Williams. This Keziah could have been a daughter of either Matthias the Rev. War pensioner or John, also a Rev. War pensioner. This is all speculative, but if Benjamin only married twice, then "Cizire" appears to be the mother of all his children.
Children:
Robert3 (Samuel2, Thomas1) was b. 15 Aug 1786, prob. Cumberland Co., VA, d. 26 July 1865, prob Roane Co., TN. He m. Sarah Ann Manley, b. 19 July 1787; d. 23 Mar 1875, dau of Ancil Manley, a Rev. War pensioner, and Elizabeth Butler, in Anderson Co., TN, on 6 Sept 1803, in Tennessee. Robert was a Methodist minister. The family Bible states that he began preaching in 1810. Robert opposed the division of the Methodist Church and didn’t want to be associated with the south branch. He was a strong Union man during the Civil War and was an old line Whig, politically. According to the family Bible of his son, Robert and Sarah were the parents of only two children. Their graves are reported to be at Eatons Cross Road, Loudon County behind a house that belonged to Samuel M. Williams. The graveyard is behind the house.
Children:
MATTHIAS2 2 (Matthias1) was b. 14 Nov 1755, Cumberland Co., VA; d. after the 1840 census, prob in Morgan Co., TN; m. Sarah Butler, dau of Aaron Butler, c1776, prob in Cumberland Co. In the spring of 1776, Matthias (Jr. or Sr.?) sold a tract of land with Aaron Butler in Cumberland Co. In the fall of 1776, Aaron’s will was written and probated in Cumberland Co. with Matthias Williams as a witness and Aaron’s dau, Sarah Williams, named as an heir. It is possible that Aaron Butler's wife was Susannah Williams. Aaron Butler was b. c1725 and d. 1777, Cumberland Co., VA. This Susannah may have been a sister of Thomas (b. 1712)and Matthias Sr. and the land transaction of 1776 may have involved Matthias Sr. More research needs to be done on this relationship. Matthias Jr. was a Rev. War pensioner.
Children:
JOHN2 (Matthias1) was b. 30 June 1761, Cumberland Co., VA; d. aft 1855, prob Anderson, TN, where he filed for a bounty land grant, according to his Rev. War pension application (S3577). However, like brother Matthias and brother-in-law Henry DeShazer, John gave no family information in his record. In looking at the 1830, 1840 and 1850 censuses, it appears that John m. (1) Unknown, c1782, prob VA; b. 1750-1760, prob closer to 176, as John was b. 1761; d. aft 1830, prob Morgan Co., TN.
Children:
WILLIAM2 (Matthias1) was b. c1760-65, prob Cumberland Co., VA; d. 1830-40, prob Marion Co., TN; m. Judith Saunders bef 12 Nov 1788, Cumberland Co. Their marriage bond is only dated by the name of the governor, fixing the date as noted above. Judith was b. c1765, VA, but her parents have not been identified. Judith survived him and was living in Marion Co. in 1850 with her dau, Nancy. She apparently d. before 1860. William bought land in Marion Co. in 1825. Shiloh Church minutes in Roane Co. show that the petition of a William Williams for a letter of dismission on 26 Mar 1825 was granted. The church record probably refers to this William.
Children: