Person Page - 102

     John SHACKELFORD was born in 1772 in Culpeper County, Virginia. He was an attorney.

John married Lucy Pendleton Tutt circa 1795.¹

John SHACKELFORD died on 26 January 1846 in Culpeper, Culpeper County, Virginia.

     Lucy Pendleton Tutt was born in 1776 in Culpeper, Culpeper County, Virginia.

Lucy married John SHACKELFORD circa 1795.¹

Lucy Pendleton Tutt died on 16 December 1846.

     Mary Catlett GIBSON, daughter of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, was born in 1826 in Culpeper County, Virginia.²

Mary married Milton Fitzhugh on 17 December 1850 in Culpeper County, Virginia. He was the son of John and Lynah Fitzhugh.^1,3

Mary Catlett GIBSON and Milton Fitzhugh appeared on a census in the household of her aunt Frances B. GIBSON enumerated 6 July 1860 in Bristol Station, Prince William County, Virginia. The household was listed as Frances B. Gibson, a 71-year-old widon with real estate valued $27,140 and personal estate $45,000. She was born in Virginia. Also in the household were Susan Storke, 57; Milton Fitzhugh, 22, clerk of circuit court; Mary C. Fitzhugh, 32; and John C. Fitzhugh, 3.

Milton died on 19 August 1861 in Fleetwood, Prince William County, Virginia, leaving Mary Catlett GIBSON as a widow.

Mary Catlett GIBSON appeared on a census, enumerated 19 June 1870, in the household of her sister Lucy Ellen BUCKNER in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia. Mary C. Fitzhugh, 44, and Catlett Fitzhugh, 14, at school.

Mary Catlett GIBSON filed and received a Confederate pension application on Milton Fitzhugh on 15 October 1888 in Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia.⁴

Mary Catlett GIBSON died in 1897 in Virginia.²

     Milton Fitzhugh was born in 1826 in Prince William County, Virginia.

Milton married Mary Catlett GIBSON, daughter of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, on 17 December 1850 in Culpeper County, Virginia. He was the son of John and Lynah Fitzhugh.^1,2

Milton Fitzhugh and Mary Catlett GIBSON appeared on a census in the household of Frances B. GIBSON enumerated 6 July 1860 in Bristol Station, Prince William County, Virginia. The household was listed as Frances B. Gibson, a 71-year-old widon with real estate valued $27,140 and personal estate $45,000. She was born in Virginia. Also in the household were Susan Storke, 57; Milton Fitzhugh, 22, clerk of circuit court; Mary C. Fitzhugh, 32; and John C. Fitzhugh, 3.

Milton began military service on 1 July 1861 in Prince William County, Virginia, as a 2nd lieutenant in Norvell's Company A, 49th Virginia Infantry Regiment. He died of disease on 20 Aug 1861. Mary filed a pension application 15 Oct 1888 in Culpeper.³

On 19 August 1861 Milton died in Fleetwood, Prince William County, Virginia, leaving Mary Catlett a widow.

     Ann Eustace GIBSON, daughter of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, was born in 1830 in Virginia. She was also known as Nannie.

Ann Eustace GIBSON appeared on a census, enumerated 30 July 1850, in the household of her mother Mary Williams GIBSON in Culpeper County, Virginia. She was 20 years old.²

Ann married James Barbour Welch on 2 November 1858 in Talladega County, Alabama. Concerning their wedding, James Mallory writes, "All the relations attended the marriage of Cousin James B. Welch to Miss Ann E. Gibson, the assemblage was large and agreeable, cool weather." The service was performed by Rev. Oliver Welch.^1,3

Ann Eustace Welch and James Barbour Welch appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 12 August 1860 in Mardisville, Talladega County, Alabama. The household was listed as James B. Welch, a 37-year-old farmer, and Ann E. Welch, his 26-year-old wife, both born in Virginia. He had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal property valued at $12,000. Also in the household was their one year old daugher, Mildred, born in Alabama.⁴

Ann Eustace Welch was the mentioned in a letter written from Frances Anne GIBSON to her stepmother Mary Williams GIBSON on 22 April 1863 in Mardisville, Talladega County, Alabama: "I have to write you the sad news of dear little Minnie’s death. She was sick about five weeks, she had whooping cough and pneumonia combined. She suffered a great deal but was so patient during all of her sickness, indeed she was a remarkable child, one of the most intelligent and interesting children I ever saw, and was the life of the household. While sick she asked her mother to sit on the bed and read the Bible to her, and also asked to get her book and sing some for her and joined in with her. She died in a convulsion, but looked beautifully after death. She was dressed in a tucked jacinet that was made for her christening dress, and the little thing was almost covered with white roses and geranium leaves. The services were performed by an Episcopal minister and she was buried at Pa Welch’s. Tim, Nannie’s little boy, was baptized by the side of sister while she was a corpse, of course it was an impressing scene. Nannie and Mr. Welch are deeply grieved for they had made an idol of the child, but N tries to bear it with a great deal of fortitude. She came here from the burial as Pierre was sick, and I could not go. I was anxious she should remain several days, but she thought Mr. W would be too lonely now his dear little Minnie was gone.".^5,6

Ann Eustace Welch and James Barbour Welch appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 September 1870 in Wewoka, Talladega County, Alabama. The household was listed as James B. Welch, a 47-year-old farmer, and Ann E. Welch, his 38-year-old wife. Both were born in Virginia. He had real estate valued at $22,000 and personal property valued at $600. With them were their children: Thomas A. Welch, 8, in school; Lela P. Welch, 7; Susan H. Welch, 5; and Erastus Welch, 3. All were born in Alabama. Also in the household were Mary W. Gibson, 62, and Bessie Gibson, 22, both of Virginia; along with Dick Mitcham, a 19-year-old black farm laborer.⁷

On 12 July 1873 Ann Eustace died in Talladega County, Alabama, leaving James Barbour a widower. She was only 43.

     James Barbour Welch was born on 9 September 1823 in Madison County, Virginia, the son of Nathanel J. Welch, born 1789, Madison county, Virginia and Veranda Newman.

James married Ann Eustace GIBSON, daughter of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, on 2 November 1858 in Talladega County, Alabama. Concerning their wedding, James Mallory writes, "All the relations attended the marriage of Cousin James B. Welch to Miss Ann E. Gibson, the assemblage was large and agreeable, cool weather." The service was performed by Rev. Oliver Welch.^1,2

James Barbour Welch and Ann Eustace Welch appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 12 August 1860 in Mardisville, Talladega County, Alabama. The household was listed as James B. Welch, a 37-year-old farmer, and Ann E. Welch, his 26-year-old wife, both born in Virginia. He had real estate valued at $5,000 and personal property valued at $12,000. Also in the household was their one year old daugher, Mildred, born in Alabama.³

James Barbour Welch and Ann Eustace Welch appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 September 1870 in Wewoka, Talladega County, Alabama. The household was listed as James B. Welch, a 47-year-old farmer, and Ann E. Welch, his 38-year-old wife. Both were born in Virginia. He had real estate valued at $22,000 and personal property valued at $600. With them were their children: Thomas A. Welch, 8, in school; Lela P. Welch, 7; Susan H. Welch, 5; and Erastus Welch, 3. All were born in Alabama. Also in the household were Mary W. Gibson, 62, and Bessie Gibson, 22, both of Virginia; along with Dick Mitcham, a 19-year-old black farm laborer.⁴

Ann died on 12 July 1873 in Talladega County, Alabama, leaving James Barbour Welch as a widower. She was only 43.

James Barbour Welch appeared on a census, enumerated 12 June 1880, in the household of his cousin William A. Welch in Mardisville, Talladega County, Alabama. William A Welch. a 59 year-old physician, his wife Willie A. Welch, 51, both born in Virginia; their daughter, Nannie B. Welch, 33, assisting mother, and son, Samuel W. Welch, 19, a student, born in Alabama; and cousin, James B. Welch, 57, widowed farmer, born Alabama.

James Barbour Welch died after 12 June 1880 in Talladega County, Alabama.

     William St. Pierre GIBSON, son of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, was born circa 1834 in Culpeper County, Virginia. He was also known as Pierre.

William St. Pierre GIBSON appeared on a census, enumerated 30 July 1850, in the household of his mother Mary Williams GIBSON in Culpeper County, Virginia. He was 18 years old and his occupation was listed as farmer.²

William St. Pierre GIBSON appeared on a census, enumerated 16 June 1860, in the household of his mother Mary Williams SHACKELFORD in Homeland, Culpeper County, Virginia. He was listed as W. P. Gibson, 27, commiissioned officer.

William began military service on 20 May 1861 in Culpeper County, Virginia, when he enlisted as a corporal in the "Little Fork Rangers", Company D, 4th Virginia Cavalry, Jeb Stuart's Brigade, Fitz Lee's Division. He was lated promoted to lieutenant. He was captured on July 15, 1862 at Rapidan Station, Virginia, and sent to the Old Capitol Prison in Washington and later exchanged.³

William St. Pierre GIBSON was killed in action on 29 June 1863 in Westminster, Maryland. A report by Gen. J. E. B. Stuart describing the activities of his cavalry preceeding the Battle of Gettysburg includes the following concerning the actions of Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry June 29, 1863: "The head of the column, following a ridge road, reached Westminster about 5 p.m. At this place, our advance was obstinately disputed for a short time by a squadron of the First Delaware Cavalry, but what were not killed were either captured or saved themselves by precipitate flight. In this brief skirmish, two officers of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry (Lieuts. Pierre Gibson and John W. Murray) were killed. Gallant and meritorious, they were noble sacrifices to the cause. The ladies of the place begged to be allowed to superintend their internment, and, in accordance with their wishes, the bodies of these young heroes were left in their charge."

According to Ron Blair of Westminster, and a Civil War buff for 40 years, he discovered that Lt. Gibson was not killed by the 1st Delaware Cavalry, as reported, but by a citizen of Westminster armed with a shotgun loaded with buckshot. Mr. Blair's research showed that in the first rank of four were 1st Lt. John William Murray on the left, James Franklin Lumsden, and John Allen Randolph, all of Company E, with 2nd Lt. Gibson of Company D on the right. Lt. Gibson was shot in the head, killed instantly, and fell in front of the F. A. Sharrer establishment at the corner of Old Washington Road and Main Street. Both Gibson and Murray were buried in a common grave, side by side, on July 1, 1863, in the main cemetery in Westminster. They were re-buried in the Ascension Episcopal Church Cemetery in Westminster on August 13, 1863, where Murray's grave remains. Gibson's body was removed and taken to the Fairview Cemetery in Culpeper, Virginia and re-buried there on May 2, 1867.

Mr. Blair was researching the relationsip between Murray and Gibson. He has a number of letters that Murray wrote to his wife during the Civil War, and in several of them, he mentions Gibson. From the letters he infers that the men were friends both before and during the war. In one of the letters there is something about Gibson being in Richmond and would let Murray's wife know what to do with the tobacco crop. Gibson was a civilian at the time. Gibson lived in Culpeper and Murray lived in Powhatan, and they do not appear to have been related. Mr. Blair is still researching the connection. He sites the book Just South of Gettysburg as a source of information for events in Westminster.^4,3 He was buried on 22 May 1867 in Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper, Virginia.⁵

     Mildred Williams GIBSON, daughter of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, was born on 18 January 1832 in Virginia. She never married.

Mildred Williams GIBSON appeared on a census, enumerated 30 July 1850, in the household of her mother Mary Williams GIBSON in Culpeper County, Virginia. She was 13 years old.²

Mildred Williams GIBSON died on 3 April 1859 in Culpeper County, Virginia, at age 27.³ She was buried in St. Stephen's Church Cemetery.

     Susan Harrison GIBSON, daughter of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, was born circa 1842 in Culpeper County, Virginia. She was also known as Sue.

Susan Harrison GIBSON appeared on a census, enumerated 30 July 1850, in the household of Mary Williams GIBSON in Culpeper County, Virginia. She was eight years old.²

Sue came to Talladega County in 1860 to visit her sisters, and when the War for Southern Independence began she elected to remain in Alabama. She taught at a Cental Alabama Female College in Tuscaloosa for a time. She also spent a year in Talladega County with the family of Gen. Levi W. Lawler.³

Susan Harrison GIBSON appeared on a census enumerated 12 August 1860 in Mardisville, Talladega County, Alabama. She was living in the household of Walker and Hannah E. Reynolds and their five children. He was a prosperous farmer with real estate valued at $62,500 and personal property valued at $330,000. Susan H. Gibson was shown as an 18-year-old student from Virginia. Living next door was the family of Oliver Welch and two houses away was Susan's brother-in-law and sister, James B. and Ann E. Welch. Next door to them was Gen. Levi W.i Lawler.⁴

By 13 September 1860 Sue was an English teacher in the Alabama Central Female College, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Her name appeared in an advertisement for that school in the Southwestern Baptist newspaper. She was listed among the teachers and administration as "Miss Sue H. Gibson, English branch", which suggests that she was head of the English department. She was still there in early 1861.⁵

Confederate soldier, John Magee, whose artillery battery passed through Talladega County between August 6 and August 8, 1862, recorded in his diary the hospitality shown the soldiers by the citizens: "Wednesday Aug. 6, 1862. Started early came 23 miles to Talladega. At a small town by the name of Mardisville, a gentleman by the name of J. C. Burt gave dinner to all who would stop. His most estimable lady, who is a Virginian, assisted by her younger sister welcomed the soldiers in-- acting as ushers from the gate to the table. The young lady's name is Miss [Susan?] Gibson from Culpepper Courthouse, Va. The old gentleman is from N. Carolina. What a difference between Alabama and Mississippi hospitality. I stayed 3 or 4 hours, had a long talk-- read poetry-- heard music on the Piano and enjoyed myself very much."⁶

Sue GIBSON was the mentioned in a letter written from Frances Anne GIBSON to her stepmother Mary Williams GIBSON on 22 April 1863 in Mardisville, Talladega County, Alabama: "Sue left here yesterday. She has been anxious to go to Va in the summer, but I tell her it will not be prudent for her to do so. The Yankees will get her, and that she had better keep as far away as possible. I do not know what is now her conclusion.".^7,8

Susan Harrison GIBSON died on 11 February 1864 in Cahaba, Dallas County, Alabama. James Mallory wrote in his journal about her death, "February 14 (Sabbath), We were all called to the burial of Miss Sue Gibson, she died at Cahawba of Congestion, she was a member of the baptist church and an accomplished lady." She was probably teaching at the Cahaba Female Academy on Vine Street.³ She was buried in Mardisville Cemetery, Talladega County, Alabama.

Mrs. Mary W. Gibson had received this poignant letter of condolence regarding her daughter:


[Note: C. K. Farley appeared on the 1860 Census in Cahaba as a medical doctor, age 37. He lived on First North Street near the Boys Academy].⁹

Her obituary appeared 3 March 1864 in the Alabama Reporter, published in Talladega, Alabama. Miss Sue Gibson -- This gifted and godly young lady, died in Cahaba, Ala. on the 13th of Feb'y 1864. She was the daughter of Col. Catlett Gibson, of Culpeper Co., Va., who died when she was a child. She visited this county about 3 years ago, for the purpose of spending some time with her sisters, and before she could return, the home of her childhood was polluted by our savage foe, so she remained in Ala., and having an independent spirit she chose rather to rely upon her own efforts than remain all the time with her sisters. Consequently she taught in the female college at Tuscaloosa, where she joined the Baptist Church and was baptized by the Rev. Chas. Manley. She then consented to spend a year in the family of Gen'l L. W. Lawley, where she still maintained a christian character, that was spotless and pure as angelic love. She was one of the few, who in all essentials reached the maximum point of true womanhood. Enterprising, studious, modest, pious. Her piety was a thing of glorious reality, as will be ever remembered by those who stood by her as her young soul lost itself in the bosom of her God. For a short time before she expired she engaged in prayer aloud, and closed by saying Amen, Amen; and asked those who stood by why they did not say Amen. She then asked them to sing, and as they closed the song, she said sweet, oh how sweet -- and then she expired.


Her obituary appeared 17 May 1864 in the Richmond Whig, published in Richmond, Virginia. Died, in Cahaba, Alabama, on the 12th February, Sue Harrison Gibson, daughter of the late Col. Catlett Gibson, of Culpeper C. H., Va....

"Sue Gibson, was young, lovely and highly gifted. She strove to be in the world, but not of it. To conquer Earth's pride and meanness, and she strove to win, for in her loveliness bestowed its rarest gifts and crowned them with the peerless jewel of a meek and quiet spirit..." [Note: the rest is omitted here, being only more of the flowery sentimentality of the time and containing no further useful information.]

     Mary Elizabeth BUCKNER, daughter of John Strother BUCKNER and Lucy Ellen GIBSON, was born on 14 December 1847 in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia.²

Mary Elizabeth BUCKNER appeared on a census, enumerated 19 June 1870, in the household of her parents John Strother BUCKNER and Lucy Ellen BUCKNER in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was recorded as Mary E, Buckner, age 21.

     Anne Eustace BUCKNER, daughter of John Strother BUCKNER and Lucy Ellen GIBSON, was born circa 1853.

Anne Eustace BUCKNER appeared on a census, enumerated 19 June 1870, in the household of her parents John Strother BUCKNER and Lucy Ellen BUCKNER in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was recorded as Annie Buckner, age 17.

Anne Eustace BUCKNER died on 12 July 1873 in Talladega County, Alabama.²

     Blanche St. Pierre BUCKNER, daughter of John Strother BUCKNER and Lucy Ellen GIBSON, was born circa 1860.

Blanche St. Pierre BUCKNER appeared on a census, enumerated 19 June 1870, in the household of her parents John Strother BUCKNER and Lucy Ellen BUCKNER in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was recorded as Blanche Buckner, age 13.

     Mary George Shackelford, daughter of Henry Shackelford and Elizabeth E. (?), was born in 1832 in Culpeper County, Virginia.²

Mary George Shackelford appeared on a census, enumerated 30 October 1850, in the household of her parents Henry Shackelford and Elizabeth E. (?) in Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia. She was 18-years-old and listed as Mary G. Shackelford.²

Mary married Jonathan Catlett GIBSON V, son of Col. Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and Mary Williams SHACKELFORD, on 4 January 1870 in Judge Shackleford's residence, Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia. The ceremony was preformed by Rev. George W. Peterkin. It was in her home, known as "Shackelford House" on the main street in Culpeper, that the celebrated gallant Maj. John Pelham died during the war.³

Mary George Shackelford and Jonathan Catlett GIBSON V appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 27 July 1870 in Catalpa township, Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia. The household was listed as Jonathan C. Gibson, a 34-year-old lawyer and Georgia, his 36-year-old wife. Catalpa is located about a half mile north of Culpeper Courthouse.⁴

Mary George Shackelford and Jonathan Catlett GIBSON V appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 9 June 1880 in Culpeper County, Virginia. The household was listed as J. Catlett Gibson, a 44-year-old attorney and his 41-year-old wife, Mary G. Gibson. They had two childen: Edwin age 9 and Felix age 4. Lewis Jane was their 22-year-old cook and servant. They lived at 197 Coleman Street.⁵

Mary George Shackelford and Jonathan Catlett GIBSON V appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 14 June 1900 in Catalpa township, Culpeper Courthouse, Culpeper County, Virginia. The household was listed as J. C. Gibson, a 64-year-old lawyer and M. G. Gibson his 65-year-old wife. They had been married 30 years and had two children, one still living. Living with them were his sister-in-law, Kate Jameson, a 50-year-old widow. They had three black servants: James and Eliza Fields and Mary Green.⁶

     Burtie H. BUCKNER, daughter of Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT, was born on 21 January 1879 in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia.^1,2

Burtie H. BUCKNER appeared on a census, enumerated 26 June 1900, in the household of her parents Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT in Hawthorne, Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was 21 years old and born May 1879 in Virginia.

Burtie married George Strother Davis, son of Alexander H. Davis and Leila Madison Welch, on 31 October 1906 in Washington, District of Columbia.³

Burtie H. BUCKNER died on 24 August 1934 in Washington, D. C., at age 55.¹ She was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper, Virginia.

     John Strother BUCKNER, son of Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT, was born on 7 April 1881 in Culpeper County, Virginia.

John Strother BUCKNER appeared on a census, enumerated 26 June 1900, in the household of his parents Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT in Hawthorne, Rappahannock County, Virginia. He was 19 years old and born Oct 1880 in Virginia. He was in school. Mr. John Buckner of Sperryville had an automobile agency in Culpepper, and opened a branch agency in the little building in Sperryville at the intersection of Routes 600 and 1001. Mr. Aylette Buckner was one of the first Rappahannock citizens to own a Model "T" Ford, which he bought in Culpepper for $675 in 1913.²

John Strother BUCKNER died on 30 January 1973 in Culpeper County, Virginia, at age 91. He was buried in Fairview Cemetery.

     Aylette Hawes BUCKNER Jr., son of Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT, was born on 3 March 1886 in Virginia.²

Aylette Hawes BUCKNER Jr. appeared on a census, enumerated 26 June 1900, in the household of his parents Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT in Hawthorne, Rappahannock County, Virginia. He was 14 years old, at school, and born July 1885.

Aylette Hawes BUCKNER Jr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 January 1920 in Hawthorne District, Rappahannock County, Virginia. The household was listed as Aylette H. Buckner, Jr., a 33-year-old farmer. Living with him was his mother, Anna Buckner, age 65. His father lived next door.

Aylette married Rebecca Elizabeth Kilby, daughter of Walter Bluford KILBY and Margaret Frances Yowell, in 1936 in Rappahannock County, Virginia.

Aylette Hawes BUCKNER Jr. died on 4 March 1980 in Sperryville, Rappahannock County, Virginia, at age 94.² He was buried in Fairview Cemetery, Culpeper County, Virginia.

     Martha Ball BUCKNER, daughter of Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT, was born on 24 November 1888 in Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was also known as Mattie.

Martha Ball BUCKNER appeared on a census, enumerated 26 June 1900, in the household of her parents Aylette Hawes BUCKNER and Anna BURT in Hawthorne, Rappahannock County, Virginia. She was listed as Mattie Buckner, age 11, at school, born November 1888.

Martha married William Meade Fletcher on 30 September 1914 in Washington, District of Columbia.

Martha Ball BUCKNER died on 12 September 1996 at age 107. She was buried in Saint Paul's Episcopal Churchyard, Woodville, Rappahannock County, Virginia.

     John married Elizabeth Taliaferro.¹

John Catlett III died in 1739.²

     Elizabeth married John Catlett III, son of John Catlett II.³

     Edmund married Jane Longhorn.¹

Edmund GIBSON was born in 1633 in England.¹

     Jane married Edmund GIBSON.¹

Jane Longhorn was born in 1633 in England.¹