Person Page - 47

     Matilda ALEXANDER, daughter of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born circa 1815 in Oglethorpe County, Georgia.

     Martha Susan ALEXANDER, daughter of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born on 1 May 1817 in Georgia.

Martha married Dr. John Asa Whetstone, son of Rev. Jacob Whetstone and Martha A. Jones, on 20 December 1832 in Lowndes County, Alabama. At the time the Civil War broke out eleven of the thirteen children of this family were living and three of them enlisted in the confederate service. Edmond A., the eldest, was killed at the Battle of Oak Hill, Missouri. The other two served through the end of the war and survived.¹

Martha Susan ALEXANDER and Dr. John Asa Whetstone appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 25 October 1850 in Coosada, Autauga County, Alabama. The household was listed as John A. Whetstone, a 47 year old physician, real estate valued $2000, born Alabama, and implied wife, Martha S. Whetstone, age 35, born in Georgia. Their implied children, all born in Alabama, were: Virginia, 16; Mary, 14; Martha, 12; Louisa C., 11; Adaline M., 8; Carolne S., 7; Eliza E., 1; John A., 15; Edmond, 9; Wm. D., 3; and Jacob, 5. Their neighbors included teacher Edwin Fay and planter Bolling Hall, so they lived in the Rocky Mount area near the present day Elmore county line.

Martha Susan ALEXANDER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 20 June 1860 in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana. The household was listed as M. S. Whetstone (Martha Susan), a 43 year old farmer, born Georgia, with real estate valued $10,000 and personal estate valued $48,000. With her were implied children: Martha, 21, female; Louisa C., 20; Edmond P., 18; J. A., 16, male; A. M., 15, female; Wm. D., 13; T. C., 12, female; Robinson, 8 and A. H., 3, male. All were born in Alabama, except A. H. who was born in Louisiana.

Martha Susan ALEXANDER died on 17 October 1865 in Bastrop, Morehouse Parish, Louisiana, at age 48. She was buried in Whetstone Cemetery, Bastrop, Texas.²

     Sarah Elizabeth ALEXANDER, daughter of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born in 1806 in Greene County, Georgia.

Sarah married Absolum G. DOSTER Sr. circa 1826 in Georgia.

Henry Harrison HUNT bought land from Absolum G. DOSTER Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth ALEXANDER on 14 May 1847 in Autauga County, Alabama. This was for 80 acres of the east half of the nortwest quarter of section 29, township 18, range 16. This was located about three miles north of Prattville.¹

Sarah Elizabeth ALEXANDER and Absolum G. DOSTER Sr. appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1850 in Washington, Autauga County, Alabama. The household was listed as Absalom Doster, a 53-year-old farmer born in North Carolina and Sarah, his 43-year-old wife from Georgia. Living with them were their children: Charles S. G., 20-year-old student; A. Victora, 12; A. Medora, 10; and Martha S., 5. Living next door was another son, Dr. Edmund Doster.²

Sarah DOSTER appeared on a list of pensioners on 1 January 1883 in Autauga County, Alabama. She received a monthly allowance of $8.00 as a War of 1812 widow. The date of the original allowance was August 1882.³

Sarah Elizabeth ALEXANDER died in 1893 in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama.⁴ She was buried in Doster-Abney Cemetery, Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama.

     Mary Adeline ALEXANDER, daughter of William Edmund ALEXANDER and Mary GRAVES, was born circa 1822 in Montgomery (now Lowndes) County, Alabama.

     Lewis Myers WHETSTONE, son of Rev. Henry Whetstone and Elizabeth Houser, was born on 10 October 1808 in Orangeburg District, South Carolina.

Lewis married Sophia Murph on 28 September 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama.^1,2

Lewis married Sarah D. Campbell on 5 October 1847 in Autauga County, Alabama.^1,3

Lewis married Mary Jane Herrmann on 17 August 1852 in Autauga County, Alabama.^1,3

Lewis married Mary F. S. Bryant on 17 November 1873 in Autauga County, Alabama.²

Lewis Myers WHETSTONE died on 11 November 1881 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 73.¹ He was buried in Houser-Whetstone-Debardeleben Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.

     Sophia Murph was born on 12 September 1809. Date was calculated from headstone which listed her as "age 37 yr. 14 days. Consort of L. M." She was the daughter of John Randolph Murph and Jane E. Stoudenmire.¹

Sophia married Lewis Myers WHETSTONE, son of Rev. Henry Whetstone and Elizabeth Houser, on 28 September 1830 in Autauga County, Alabama.^1,2

Sophia Murph died on 26 September 1846 in Autauga County, Alabama, at age 37. She was buried in Dutch Bend Cemetery, Autauga County, Alabama.¹

     Abraham ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON, was born on 7 September 1655 at St. Mary's Parish in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.^1,2

Abraham ABNEY was baptised on 12 September 1655 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON.^3,4,5,6

Abraham ABNEY died on 28 May 1689 at St. Bennett Frincke in London, England, at age 33.^7,8

Abraham left a will dated 28 June 1689 in London, England. He was listed as a haberdasher in London. A haberdasher is a person who sells small articles for sewing, such as buttons, ribbons, needles and cloth, or a men's outfitter.^9,10 His estate was probated on 28 June 1689 in London, England.⁸

     George ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON, was born in February 1657 at St. Mary's Parish in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.

George ABNEY was baptised on 22 February 1657 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, England, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON.^1,2,3

As of 1689, George ABNEY was living in London, England.⁴

George ABNEY died in 1696 in London, England.

     Lt. Paul ABNEY, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON, was born on 14 January 1653 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England.^1,2

Lt. Paul ABNEY was baptised on 22 January 1653 at St. Mary de Castro Church in Leicester, England, son of George ABNEY and Bathshua STRATTON.^3,4,5 Paul benefitted by the influence of his kinsman, Sir Thomas Abney, to become a merchant in the Virginia trade, and then lieutenant of the sloop Josiah under Captain Bartholomew Sharpe on 15 Sep1679. It was engaged in trade with Virginia. On 3 Jun 1686, "about a day's sail out of Virginia" the ship was seized by a Spanish Man-O-War of the Barlo Vento Fleet. The cargo was pirated and Paul was forced to sign a receipt. On 26 June 1686, Paul Abney was deposed in England. On 28 Oct 1687 Gov. Richard Coney writes a letter to the deputy governor, Sir James Russell, begging that Lt. Abney not be imprisoned. This was the last record found on Lt. Paul Abney.

Some believe Paul stayed with Sharpe and died, buried on the island of St. Thomas where Sharpe died.^1,6,7

Lt. Paul ABNEY died in 1698.

     George ABNEY, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, was born between 1692 and 1695 in Henrico County, Virginia.¹ He was a farmer.

George married Unity Meredith circa 1728 in Virginia.

George ABNEY was granted land between 1728 and 1760 in Hanover, Henrico, Lunenburgh, and Halifax Counties, Virginia. He lived (or held land in) Hanover County from ca.1728 to ca.1735; in Henrico County from ca.1735 to ca.1745; in Lunenburg County. from ca.1746 to 1754; and in Halifax County from 1754 until his death.²

George ABNEY, Dannett ABNEY Jr., Dr. Abraham ABNEY and Mary ABNEY moved from Spotsylvania county  to Henrico County, Virginia, in June 1733. After Dannett, Sr. died in March 1733 in Spotsylvania Co. three of his sons, Dannett, Jr., Abraham & George moved to this area just below Richmond City (sons Paul & Abner went west). Their mother Mary Lee Abney soon followed. She died in this timeframe but her burial location is unknown.³

George ABNEY was mentioned in the land patent of Dr. Abraham ABNEY and Dannett ABNEY Jr. on 20 June 1733 in Henrico County, Virginia. Dannett and Abraham bought a land patent bordering the land of George on north side of James River on southern branch of Gilly Creek.^4,3

George ABNEY witnessed the deed of Dannett ABNEY Jr. and James Hunt on 6 April 1752 in Lunenburg County, Virginia. James Hunt of Lunenburg sold Dannett Abney of Lunenburg land on the north side of the Staunton River that was part of a larger tract of land granted to John Ellis in 1736 and 1745. George Abney, William Glass and Jacob Robinson (Roberson?) witnessed the deed.

George ABNEY sold a tract of land to Mattox MAYS on 16 March 1762 in Halifax County, Virginia. George Abney of Hallifax county to Mattox Mays of same, for £40, 200 acres on both sides of Mayses corner, beginning at a red oak thence north along Abraham Abney's line... the Saplin Ridge... Witnesses were Nat'l Abney, Sam'l Abney, William Hill, and Joseph Mayes. Unity, wife of George Abney relinquished her right of dower. Recorded 20 May 1762.⁵

George left a will dated 13 October 1765 in Halifax County, Virginia. "...weak in body & in perfect mind & memory..." To my son Dennat Abney 240 acres adjoining John Fuquas in Sherlot County. To my well beloved wife the plantation whereon I now dwell with the stock & furniture & empliments thereon during her life it being part of 400 acres & is to contain 200 acres. To my well beloved son Samuel Abney 200 acres & being part of sd. 400 adjoining Captain Spragons land & James Norell, Junr.'s land on the Great Creek. To my well beloved son William Abney 200 acres adjoining William Glass & Charles Harroway. I give the plantation & stock with moveables at his mothers deceasse unto my well beloved son Michael Abney. Executors: sons Samuel Abney & William Abney my soal executors. Witnesses: Nath'l Barksdale, Thos. Spragen, James Norrell, Senr., William Hill. The will was probated 16 Oct 1766.^1,6

George ABNEY died on 1 October 1766 in Halifax County, Virginia.⁷

His estate was probated on 16 October 1766 in Halifax County, North Carolina. Among the items listed in his inventory and appraisement were cattle, hogs, heifers, one bull, mares, horses, household goods, and plantation tools. Appraisers were Nath'l Barksdale, Thos. Spragen, and Mattox Mays. It was completed 18 Dec 1766.⁸

     Martha ABNEY, daughter of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, was born circa 1705 in King William County, Virginia.¹

Martha ABNEY died on 15 March 1759 in Halifax County, Virginia. She was buried in Clarkton Cemetery, Clarkton, Halifax County, Virginia.²

     Abner ABNEY, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, was born circa 1711 in Virginia.¹

Abner ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Dannett ABNEY Sr. dated on 5 February 1732 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He and his brother, Paul, were to receive the plantation upon their mother's death.²

Abner married Anne Key, daughter of John Key, circa 1739 in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

Abner ABNEY left a will dated on 25 September 1751 in Albemarle County, Virginia, leaving 100 acres of land on the Mechams River to be shared equally by his daughter Milly, and sons Elisha and John.²

Abner ABNEY died on 11 June 1752 in Albermarle County, Virginia. One source said that he died aboard a ship while returning from England and was buried at sea.³

     Paul ABNEY was baptised on 24 December 1699 in Abington Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE.¹

Paul ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Dannett ABNEY Sr. dated on 5 February 1732 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. He and his brother, Abney, were to receive the plantation upon their mother's death.²

Paul married (?) Unknown. He bought land from Anthony Pounay on 2 March 1742 in Goochland County, Virginia. It was a parcel of 100 acres. This part of Goochland Count became Albemarle County in 1744.³ After 1744 when Albemarle County was created, in part from Goochland County, Paul's land became part of the new county.²

Paul ABNEY sold a tract of land to John Graves on 2 March 1750 in Albemarle County, Virginia. It read: "Paul Abney of Albemarle, Planter, to John Graves, Planter for £300, 100 acres bounded beginning at a white oak in Chas. Lynches line running thence on same W. to pointers, thence SW to pointers on the Cr. side, thence down sd Cr. to a white Oak, thence E. to a white Oak in the bank line, thence on the same N. to the beg. /s/ Paul Abney /w/ Davis Stockton, Adam Goudylock, Robt. Benton, Wm. Whiteside."^2,4

Paul was still living on 10 October 1751 in Albemarle County, Virginia. He is mentioned in a deed of John Graves: "John Graves & wife Lucy to Willam Gouge of Hanover Co. for L40, 350 acres of land in 2 parcels... in Albemarle... at a Steep Rock by side of the N. Br. of James R., thence E. on the Rock Ridge to Jn. Morris Corner White Oak, thence NE to a white Oak Corner to Paul Abney's, thence West on Abney's line to a White Oak in Wm. Randolphs line on Mt. Falls Cr.... lease of 100 a. of the tract adj. Chas. Lynch, Wm. Randolph. /w/ Jno. Morris, Francis Graves, Mary Morris, Wm. Gooch, Jr."⁵ On 13 November 1760 William Gouge sold the land he purchased of John Graves to Benjamin Sneed. The land was still adjacent to Paul Abney's land in Albemarle County: "Wm. Gouge to Benj. Sneed for L25, 350 a. adj. Jno. Morris, Paul Abney, Wm. Randolph, Mt. Falls Creek. 100 a. adj. Chas. Lynn, Wm. Randolph. /s/ Wm. (his X mark) Gouge; /w/ Jno. Lobban, Wm. Carroll, Sam'l Henderson."⁶

In 1761 Amherst County was created from Albemarle. Paul's land, which had originally been in Goochland, then Albemarle, was now in Amherst County. Amherst Parish was established in 1781. In 1807 this area became Nelson County.⁶ He had a land survey for 76 acres of land on 24 April 1767 in Amherst County, Virginia.⁷ He was buried in Saint Lukes Episcopal Church Cemetery, Pedlar Mills, Amherst County, Virginia.⁸

Paul ABNEY died on 30 September 1786 in Amherst County, Virginia, at age 86.⁹

     Mary ABNEY, daughter of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, was born circa 1714 in Virginia.¹

Mary married John BERNARD Sr. on 2 May 1729 in Albermarle County, Virginia.²

John BERNARD Sr. and Mary ABNEY purchased 200 acres of land on Horseley Creek in Fluvanna County, Virginia, in 1739. It was here and in this vacinity that they lived the remainder of their lives.²

     Unity married George ABNEY, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, circa 1728 in Virginia.

Unity ABNEY was named an heir in the will of George ABNEY dated 13 October 1765 in Halifax County, Virginia. To my much beloved wife the plantaiton whereon I now dwell with the stock, furniture and farm impliments during his lifetime. It contained 200 acres.^2,3

     Anne Key, daughter of John Key, was born on 10 May 1704 in Augusta Springs, Augusta County, Virginia.

Anne married Abner ABNEY, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, circa 1739 in Fluvanna County, Virginia.

Anne Key died in 1755.

     The Bernards with other Hugenots migrated from France to England during the latter half of the sizteen hundreds seeking religious freedom. Some of these Hugenots including Peter Bernard, John's father, came to America about 1700.

John married Mary ABNEY, daughter of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, on 2 May 1729 in Albermarle County, Virginia.¹

John BERNARD Sr. and John BERNARD Sr. purchased 200 acres of land on Horseley Creek in 1739 in Fluvanna County, Virginia. It was here and in this vacinity that they lived the remainder of their lives.¹

     Dr. Abraham ABNEY was baptised on 27 December 1702 in Abington Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE.¹ He was a physician.

Abraham married Cassandra MEREDITH circa 1724 in Hanover County, Virginia.

On 2 May 1729 the Virginia Council granted a petition to "take up waste land" to Dennet Abney, Junr., Abraham Abney, Richard Hickman, Edwin Hickman, Thomas Graves and John Key for 12,000 acres in Goochland County, beginning at the mouth of Mechamp's Creek on the north side of the north branch of the James River, and upon both sides of said Creek.²

Abraham Abney and Thomas Claborne petitioned for a grant of 500 acres of land lying on the head of the sourth fork of Gillies Creek in Henrico County which was surveyed in about 1716 for John Robertson who neglected to take out a patent. On 11 Jun 1730 the Virginia Council ruled in favor of their petition when Robertson failed to appear when summoned.³

George ABNEY, Dannett ABNEY Jr., Dr. Abraham ABNEY and Mary ABNEY moved from Spotsylvania county  to Henrico County, Virginia, in June 1733. After Dannett, Sr. died in March 1733 in Spotsylvania Co. three of his sons, Dannett, Jr., Abraham & George moved to this area just below Richmond City (sons Paul & Abner went west). Their mother Mary Lee Abney soon followed. She died in this timeframe but her burial location is unknown.⁴

Dr. Abraham ABNEY and Dannett ABNEY Jr. purchased a government land patent 20 June 1733 in Henrico County, Virginia. Daniel (Dannett, Jr.?) and Abraham Abney 570 acres new land, north side James River white oaks being formerly John Robinsons corners, bounded by corner of George Abney and west side of Hell Garden Path adjoining the said George Abney, other land of Daniel and Abraham, south branch of Gilly's Creek and crossing the main road..^5,4

He sold a tract of land to Isaac Breeding on 4 October 1745 in Hanover County, Virginia. The deed was recorded 1 November 1745 as follows: Abraham Abney of Hanover County to Isaac Breeding of Blissland Parish, New Kent County, for 27 pounds sterling, 10 shillings, all that plantation which Edward Dean now lives on, part of a greater tract formerly belonging to said Abney, 172 acres bounded by Gilleys Creek. Signed Abra. Abney and Casan. Abney. Witnesses: William Bruce, Edward (his + mark) Dean, William (his g mark) Gadbry. Cassandra, wife of Abraham, relinquished her dower right.⁶

Dr. Abraham ABNEY was named an heir in the will of Dannett ABNEY Jr. dated 3 November 1756 in Hanover County, Virginia. I give and bequeathe unto my brother Abraham Abney a tract of land in Hallifax County on the lower side of __ Cotobah Creek containing four hundred and fifty acres being the entry I bought of George Machan.⁷

Dr. Abraham ABNEY witnessed the sale of land from George ABNEY to Mattox MAYS on 16 March 1762 in Halifax County, Virginia. George Abney of Hallifax county to Mattox Mays of same, for £40, 200 acres on both sides of Mayses corner, beginning at a red oak thence north along Abraham Abney's line... the Saplin Ridge... Witnesses were Nat'l Abney, Sam'l Abney, William Hill, and Joseph Mayes. Unity, wife of George Abney relinquished her right of dower. Recorded 20 May 1762.⁸

He moved with his family to South Carolina about 1769 and settled in the Old Ninety-Six District. He tended the wounded, furnished supplies, and assisted the Continental Army during the Revolution. He later migrated to Camden District and lived in that part which later became Chester County.

In Halifax County, Virginia Deed Book 9, p. 385....it states: "Feb. 18, 1775 from Abraham Abney and Nathaniel Abney of Lone Cane Mills, S.C. and 96th District..........Lucy, the wife of the said Nathaniel, personally appeared in court and relinqished her right of dower....." March 16, 1775. [Note: Long Cane Creek is near Abbeville which in 1775 was in Old 96 District]

Dr. Abraham ABNEY died after 1783 in South Carolina.

     Cassandra MEREDITH She is the sister of Mary Meredith, Dannett Abney, Jr.'s wife.

Cassandra married Dr. Abraham ABNEY, son of Dannett ABNEY Sr. and Mary LEE, circa 1724 in Hanover County, Virginia.

Cassandra MEREDITH witnessed the sale of land from Dr. Abraham ABNEY to Isaac Breeding on 4 October 1745 in Hanover County, Virginia. The deed was recorded 1 November 1745 as follows: Abraham Abney of Hanover County to Isaac Breeding of Blissland Parish, New Kent County, for 27 pounds sterling, 10 shillings, all that plantation which Edward Dean now lives on, part of a greater tract formerly belonging to said Abney, 172 acres bounded by Gilleys Creek. Signed Abra. Abney and Casan. Abney. Witnesses: William Bruce, Edward (his + mark) Dean, William (his g mark) Gadbry. Cassandra, wife of Abraham, relinquished her dower right.¹

Cassandra MEREDITH was granted land 1 January 1787 in Orangeburg District, South Carolina. (an unknown value.)²

     James married Ann (?).

James MATHEWS died in 1773 in Halifax County, North Carolina. He left a will on 12 November 1773 in Halifax County, North Carolina, naming wife Ann, and children: James, Susanna, Richard, Jeremiah; grandaughter, Delilah Mathews; son-in-law, William Pulley; and grandson Thomas Pulley. This will was probated in 1775.

     Serena Jane WILSON, daughter of John WILSON and Harriett BROWN, was born on 21 June 1831 in Alabama.¹

Serena married John Anson MORRIS on 10 October 1861 in Texas.¹

Serena Jane WILSON died on 6 April 1867 in Sabine County, Texas, at age 35.¹

     John Anson MORRIS was born on 28 November 1834 in Sabinetown, Sabine County, Texas.

John married Serena Jane WILSON, daughter of John WILSON and Harriett BROWN, on 10 October 1861 in Texas.¹

John Anson MORRIS died on 8 July 1919 in Sabine County, Texas, at age 84.¹

     Minnie Lee GILLILAND, daughter of Hugh McClure GILLILAND and Nancy Catherine Fulmer, was born on 8 October 1875 in Elmore County, Alabama.¹

Minnie Lee GILLILAND was said to be half Cherokee Indian.

Minnie married William Lewis WATTS, son of Daniel Henry WATTS and Dorothy Elizabeth WEAVER, on 26 March 1893 in Bibb County, Alabama. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's father.^2,3

Minnie Lee GILLILAND and Lewis WATTS appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 15 April 1910 in Parsons Precinct 12, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. The household was listed as Lewis Watts, a 38-year-old coal miner and his 33-year-old wife, Minnie. They had been married 17 years and Minnie was the mother of seven children, six still living. They owned their home. Their children were Cratha, age 16 and working dumping coal in the mines; Early, 12; Lester, 10; May, 7; Cleon, 4; and Bertha, 2. Everyone was born in Alabama.⁴

Minnie Lee GILLILAND appeared on a census, enumerated 8 January 1920, in the household of William Lewis WATTS and Dock Beavers in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County.⁵

William Lewis WATTS filed for divorce from Minnie Lee GILLILAND circa 1922. The story is that Lewis accused his wife of cheating on him and divorced her. His children went with their mother and did not come around much after that according to Phyllis Stovall.⁶

Minnie married second Nathan "Buster" Logan on 31 May 1925 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama.^7,8

Minnie Lee GILLILAND died on 25 December 1963 in Abernant, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 88. The cause of death was pneumonia. The informant listed on her death certificate was her daughter, Dorothy Beaver.^7,1 She was buried in Old Hepzibah Cemetery.¹

     Katie Jane WATTS, daughter of William Lewis WATTS and Minnie Lee GILLILAND, was born in 1913 in Alabama.¹

Katie Jane WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 8 January 1920, in the household of William Lewis WATTS and Dock Beavers in Parson Precinct, Tuscaloosa County.¹

Katie Jane WATTS died on 9 June 1923 in Abernant, Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. She died of leukemia.²