Person Page - 8

     Frances MILLER was born circa 1785 in North Carolina.¹

Frances married James CHISM, son of "Blind John" CHISHOLM and Sarah HARRIS, circa 1809 in Jefferson County, Tennessee.¹

Frances MILLER appeared on a census, enumerated 5 November 1850, in the household of her son John CHISM in Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as 65 years old and born in North Carolina.²

Frances MILLER died between 1860 and 1870 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Frances MILLER appeared on a census, enumerated 1 August 1860, in the household of her son John CHISM in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was recorded as Frances Chism, age 75.³

     "Blind John" CHISHOLM, son of James CHISHOLM and Barbara Estes, was born on 1 January 1756 in Hanover County, Virginia.¹

"Blind John" CHISHOLM moved from Virginia to Charleston, South Carolina, 1769.

"Blind married Sarah HARRIS in 1774 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina.¹

"Blind John" saw military service in the South Carolina Militia under general Albert Pickens and Nathaniel Green during the American Revolution. His name came from wounds received in service of Roebuck's regiment of mounted spies during the Battle of Charleston.

"Blind John" CHISHOLM died on 15 June 1829 in Madison County, Alabama, at age 73.

"Blind John" CHISHOLM and Sarah HARRIS moved from Virginia to South Carolina circa 1845 John steadfastly refused to use any spelling of the name other than “Chisholm”. The other variations were adopted after word got back to the Colonies that the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 had failed, and the Earl of Buckingham was slaughtering most men of the clans that he could catch, following the Battle of Culloden Moor. At that time, the Chisholms’ left Eastern Virginia, for the most part and resettled in the Carolinas’, Kentucky, and Tennessee, some venturing even further out.

     James CHISHOLM, son of John CHISUM II and Ellender Gillentine, was born circa 1734 in St. Margaret's Parish, Caroline County, Virginia.^2,1

James married Barbara Estes circa 1755 in Caroline County, Virginia.³

James CHISHOLM died in 1786 in White County, Tennessee.

     John CHISUM II, son of John CHISUM and Elizabeth Bradley, was born circa 1704 in St. John's Parish, Amelia County, Virginia.^1,2

John married Ellender Gillentine in 1730 in St. Margaret's Parish, Caroline County, Virginia.³

John CHISUM II died on 9 October 1792 in Amelia County, Virginia.

     Linnie Ross YEAGER was born on 11 February 1890 in Bibb County, Alabama, daughter of Martha Jane YEAGER.^2,1 The identity of Linnie's father is not known.

After the death of her mother, Linnie Ross YEAGER was adopted by Eustace Pierre BURT circa November 1892 Bibb County, Alabama. His children had urged him to adopt Linnie and they welcomed her into the family and treated her as a sister.

Linnie Ross YEAGER was possibly adopted by Wesley M. Kellum on 7 August 1894 in Bibb County, Alabama. Probate Court records state: "I W. M. Kellum of said county and state being desirious of adopting a female child named Linnie Rassie Yeager aged about four years so as to make the said Linnie Rassie (Rossie?) Yeager capable of inheriting my estate both real and personal in all respects as if she were my own child in law and I publicly --?-- the adoption of such child by me as my own child in law and I futher declare that it is my desire that the name of the said Linnie Rossie Yeager be changed to Linnie Rossie Kellum by which latter name she may hereafter be known and called. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of August 1894". W. M. Kellum (Seal). Witness: S. D. Logan, V. A. Stewart. The adoption was certified by M. Y. Hayes, Judge of Probate, 8 August 1894.^3,4

Linnie Ross YEAGER appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of Frank YEAGER in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama.⁵

Linnie married Elgin Taylor CLARK, son of James T. CLARK and Martha T. (?), circa 1910 in Bibb County, Alabama.

Linnie Ross YEAGER and Elgin Taylor CLARK moved from Coalburg, Alabama to West Frankford, Knox County, Illinois, in 1920 where Elgin worked in the coal mines.

Linnie Ross YEAGER died on 20 January 1951 in West Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois, at age 60.¹ She was buried in Tower Heights Cemetery.

     Arrie KEADLE, daughter of George Washington KEADLE and Martha L. Mattox, was born circa 1842 in Richmond County, Georgia.

Arrie KEADLE appeared on a census, enumerated 19 September 1850, in the household of George Washington KEADLE and Martha L. Mattox in Division 59, Meriwether County, Georgia.¹

Arrie KEADLE appeared on a census, enumerated 21 July 1860, in the household of George Washington KEADLE and Martha L. Mattox in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama.²

Arrie married George Wesley YEAGER, son of Ezekiah Everett YEAGER and Mary Polly Lee, on 4 March 1866 in Bibb County, Alabama. The bond was posted that same day by George W. Yeager and D. Langston. The wedding service was performed by Isham R. Arnold.^3,4

George died in 1879 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama, leaving Arrie KEADLE as a widow.

Arrie YEAGER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 June 1880 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Arra Yeager (widow), age 40, born Georgia, parents born South Carolina; Martha J. Yeager (dau.), age 12; Enos A. Yeager (son), age 11; William R. Yeager (son), age 7; Maggie T. Yeager (dau.), age 5; and James Frank Yeager (son), age 1. All the children were born in Alabama, while their father was born in South Carolina and their mother in Georgia.⁵

Arrie YEAGER died after 1880 in Bibb County, Alabama. She was buried in Vernontown Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Enos Abner YEAGER, son of George Wesley YEAGER and Arrie KEADLE, was born on 26 June 1869 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ He was a farmer.

Enos Abner YEAGER appeared on a census, enumerated 10 June 1880, in the household of his mother Arrie YEAGER in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was listed as Enos A. Yeager, age 11, farm labor.²

Enos married Martha E. Wood on 12 December 1895 at the home of A. J. Wood in Bibb County, Alabama.³

Enos Abner YEAGER and Martha E. Wood appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 11 June 1900 in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Enos Yeager (head), June 1867, age 30, farmer; Martha E. (wife), May 1879, age 21; and George L. Yeager (son), July 1898, age one. Enos and Martha had been married four years. Martha was the mother of two children, one of them still living.⁴

Enos Abner YEAGER and Martha E. Wood appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 19 April 1940 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as Enos A. Yeager, a 70 year old farmer; his wife Martha E. Yeager, 62; son Oliver K. Yeager, a 32 year old school bus driver; daughter Elnora M. Yeager a 29 year old teacher; and son Walton W. Yeager, a 19 year old student. They were living on the West Blocton Road.

Enos Abner YEAGER died on 5 February 1954 at his residence in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 84.^5,1 He was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     William R. YEAGER, son of George Wesley YEAGER and Arrie KEADLE, was born circa 1873.

William R. YEAGER appeared on a census, enumerated 10 June 1880, in the household of his mother Arrie YEAGER in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was listed as William R. Yeager, age 7.¹

     Maggie Docia YEAGER, daughter of George Wesley YEAGER and Arrie KEADLE, was born circa 1875. She was also known as Maggie.

Maggie Docia YEAGER appeared on a census, enumerated 10 June 1880, in the household of her mother Arrie YEAGER in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. She appeared as Maggie T. (or L.) Yeager, age 5.¹

At a family reunion 26 July 2003 Wynell Burt Welsh recalled that the Burt kids always referred to Maggie Yeager as "Aunt Maggie" and that Maggie would often visit the family of Irby L. Burt, Wynell's father. Aunt Maggie liked to chew tobacco and would sometimes send Wynell into town to purchase it for her. Wynell said that she was embarrassed to buy the chewing tobacco, but couldn't pass up the dime that Maggie paid her for the service. She also remembered Maggie's love of blackberry pies, and that she would annouce, "Irby, we need us a blackberry pie for breakfast." Wynell recalled how she hated having to go pick the blackberries because of her fear of snakes.²

Maggie Docia YEAGER died on 31 July 1966 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama.³

     James Frank YEAGER, son of George Wesley YEAGER and Arrie KEADLE, was born in July 1879 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ James Frank YEAGER was commonly known as Frank.

James Frank YEAGER appeared on a census, enumerated 10 June 1880, in the household of his mother Arrie YEAGER in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. He appeared as James Frank Yeager, one year old.²

Frank YEAGER appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 11 June 1900 in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as James F. Yeager (Head), born July 1879, age 20, farmer; and Linnie R. Yeager (sister), born February 1890, age 10. They and their parents were born in Alabama. [Note: Linnie is his niece and not his sister]. Living next door was Eustace P. Burt, her adopted father.³ Frank was a tenant farmer for his brother-in-law, Eustace P. Burt. He was said to have been an excellant worker during the season, but given to drinking and gambling during the off-season. He would disappear for long periods, then return broke and looking for work. Eustace Burt always gave him his job back on his return. The last time he was seen was at the end of the a harvest when Mr. Burt loaned him his best coat, horse and saddle. Frank left and was never seen again. He is believed to have been murdered by robbers.

     Vincent Astor BURT, son of Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS, was born on 6 February 1927 in Cedar Grove, Bibb County, Alabama. Vincent Astor BURT also went by the name of Skeeter.

Vincent Astor BURT appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1930, in the household of his parents Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS in Beat 2, Bibb County, Alabama. He was recorded as Vincent A. Burt, age 3.¹

Vincent Astor BURT appeared on a census, enumerated 17 April 1940, in the household of his parents Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. He was listed as Vincent Burt, age 13, with 6 years of school.

Vincent was registered for the draft during World War II on 12 February 1945 while living in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. He was 18 years old and attending high school. He was discribed as 5' 10", 157 lbs., with gray eyes, black hair and a ruddy complexion.²

Vincent Astor BURT was mentioned in the obituary of George Edsel BURT on 12 April 1945 in the Centreville Press. There was no mention of him in service and he was living in West Bloction at that time.³

Vincent began military service at age 18 on 8 June 1945 in Fort McClellan, Alabama. He served as a private guarding prisoners of war for the U. S. Army during the occupation in Germany. He was sent overseas after the surrender of Japan when he was only 18 years old. He earned $17.50 per month in the Army and was able to visit the Rhine River and other sites while in Germany.

Vincent was a logger in I. L. Burt & Sons, West Blocton, Alabama. Later he retired from a brick company in Birmingham.

Vincent Astor BURT was mentioned in the obituary of George Edsel BURT on 28 October 1948 in the The Centreville Press. He was back in West Blocton, but was said to have been with the Army overseas and had visited his brother George's grave in Holland.⁴

Vincent Astor BURT was mentioned in the obituary of Mallory McCoy BURT on 2 February 1999 in the Birmingham News.⁵

Vincent Astor BURT died on 4 March 2020 in Bibb County, Alabama, at age 93. He was buried in Burt Family Cemetery, West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Birdie Wynell BURT, daughter of Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS, was born on 12 January 1931 in Cedar Grove, Bibb County, Alabama. She was generally known as Wynell. But Birdie Wynell BURT was known to her family and friends as Nell.

Birdie Wynell BURT appeared on a census, enumerated 17 April 1940, in the household of her parents Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. She was listed as Birdie Burt, age 9, with 2 years of school.

Birdie Wynell BURT was mentioned in the obituary of George Edsel BURT on 12 April 1945 in the Centreville Press. She was unmarried and living at home in West Blocton with her parents at the time.¹

Circa 1950 Nell BURT was Bibb County's Maid of Cotton while a student at Livingston University, Livingston, Alabama. Before finishing college she took a job with First National Bank in Birmingham. It was there that she met her future husband, Vernon Welsh.

She appeared in a newspaper article August 1951 in the Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Wynell was chosen Bibb County Maid of Cotton on 9 Aug 1951. She would complete in the state competition the first week of October in Birmingham. The articale said thet she was a student at Livingston State Teacher's College and a graduate of West Blocton High School.

Wynell married Althea Vernon WELSH III on 31 January 1953 in Alabama. The couple and their children lived for various times in Ozark and Huntsville, Alabama and in Lincoln, Nebraska before settling in Rainbow City, Alabama.²

She appeared in a newspaper article 12 February 1953 in the Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Burt-Welsh Wedding at West Blocton -- Mr. and Mrs. A. Vernon Welsh, Jr., are honeymooning in New Orleans following their marriage January 31. The bride is the former Wynell Burt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burt. Mr. Welsh is the son of Mrs. A. V. Welsh.

The ceremony took place at the First Methodist Church, West Blocton, with the Rev. G. L. Armstrong officiating. Music was presented by Mrs. M. C. Davie and Miss Evelyn Finnen. The bride given in marriage by her father, wore a white chantilly lace and net dress. Her veil was caught to a half hat of lace edged with seed pearls. She carried a prayer book marked with an orchid and stephanotis. Mrs. Homer Lincoln of Birmingham was matron of honor. Bridesmaid and matron were Miss Laura Parker of Leeds and Mrs. Billy Groggins of Birmingham. Sandra Jane Dale of Cordova, a niece of the bride, was flower girl. Their ankle length dresses were of blue satin and net, except for the matron of honor who wore pink. Their flowers were pink carnations. Tom Mandy of Birmingham was best man for his nephew. Ushers were Vincent and Varner Burt, brothers of the bride. A reception followed at the bride's home. Mrs. Burt wore a blue crepe dress and Mrs. Welsh was in black. Their flowers were carnations. For traveling the bride wore a blue suit with matching hat. The bridal couple will be at home at 1032 28th Pl. S., Birmingham.

Nell BURT and Vernon WELSH were divorced before 1980 in Gadsden, Alabama. She is sales and office manager of a cemetery monument company. She retired in 2007. in Gadsden, Alabama.

Birdie Wynell BURT was mentioned in the obituary of Mallory McCoy BURT on 2 February 1999 in the Birmingham News.³

Birdie Wynell BURT died on 12 December 2022 in Spring Branch, Comal County, Texas, at age 91.

Her obituary appeared 20 December 2022 in the The Gadsden Times, published in Gadsden, Alabama.

     Billy Eugene BURT, son of Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS, was born on 24 August 1934 in Cedar Grove, Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Billy Eugene BURT appeared on a census, enumerated 17 April 1940, in the household of his parents Irby Leon BURT and Birdie Clyde WATTS in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama. He was listed as Billie Burt, age 5.

Billy saw military service between 1954 and 1957 when he served as a first sergeant in the U. S. Army. He entered the Army in February 1954 and completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He was a squad leader in Company A of the 71st Infantry Division's 53d Regiment at Fort Richardson, Alaska. For two years he was stationed in Alaska where he became a cross-country skier. He and three other men were members of the 53rd Infantry Regiment's championship ski team.^1,2

Billy had graduated West Blocton High School before joining the Army. After his discharge he attended the University of Alabama in 1957 and Shelton State Technical School where he studied to be an electrician.^1,3

Billy Eugene BURT and Anita LaRue TIBBS appeared in a newspaper article 31 July 1958 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Tibbs-Burt Wedding Planned for August 15th -- Mr. and Glenn L. Tibbs of Woodstock, announce the engagement of their daughter, Anita LaRue, to Billy E. Burt, son of Mr. and Mrs. I. L. Burt of West Blocton.

The wedding will be in the Woodstock Methodist Church on Friday, August 15th, at 8 P. M. The Rev. Amos Murphree of Birmingham will officiate.

Miss Marilyn Tibbs, cousin of the bride-elect, will be her only attendant. Mr. Vincent Burt will serve his brother as best man. Ushers will be Mr. Steve Davis and Mr. Edward Philpot of West Blocton. Linda Nelson, niece of the bride-elect, and Jane Dale, niece of the groom, will light the candles.

After a wedding trip, the couple will be at home in West Blocton.

Billy married Anita LaRue TIBBS on 15 August 1958 at the Methodist Church in Woodstock, Bibb County, Alabama. They had met in the church choir.^1,4

Billy was a farmer and electrician. Billy worked for many years as an electrician for his father, I. L. Burt, and his brothers in the lumber business in West Blocton. In December 1969 he and LaRue purchased a 675 acre farm on the Little Cahaba RIver near Six Mile and he became a full-time farmer. They raised soybeans, wheat, and grain sorghum along with several acres of timberland. In May 1972 they moved from Woodstock to their new house on the farm.⁵

Billy Eugene BURT died on 18 November 1984 in Brierfield, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 50. Bill, while helping in the search for two little lost girls, was murdered by a person he did not know. Someone had slain Bill's dog and when he called the sheriff to investigate, someone approached his car and shot him through the car window.^6,5 He was buried in Community Baptist Church Cemetery.

     Lillian Hulette WATTS, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 3 October 1883 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹ Lillian Hulette WATTS also went by the name of Lillie. She became sick with a high fever at an early age and almost died. The fever caused brain damage.

Lillie WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of her parents George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was listed as age 15.²

Lillie WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 15 April 1930, in the household of her parents George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Beat 2, Bibb County, Alabama. She was 45 years old and could read and write.³

Lillian Hulette WATTS died on 19 June 1952 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 68.⁴ She was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

Her obituary appeared 28 June 1952 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Miss Lillie Hullett Watts Dies in Tuscaloosa -- Miss Lillie Hullett Watts, age 68, died Thursday afternoon, June 19th at the home of a sister, Mrs. J. C. Skinner in Tuscaloosa where she has made her home for several years.

Miss Watts is the daughter of the late George and Adelia Watts of Scottsville.

Surviving her are two sisters, Mrs. J. C. Skinner, Tuscaloosa; Mrs. I. L. Burt, West Blocton; two brothers, Charlie Watts, Centreville, and Talmadge Watts, West Blocton. She also leaves a host of Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services were held at West Scottsville Methodist Church with the Rev. Stewart of West Blocton officiating.

Pallbearers were: Otis Watts, Marvin Watts, A. J. Watts, Van Watts, Varner Burt, Vincent Burt, all nephews of the deceased. Collins Funeral Home of West Blocton in charge.

     Charlie McCoy WATTS, son of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 16 April 1885 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

Charlie McCoy WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of his parents George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was fifteen years old and attending school.²

Charlie married Martha Jane KINNARD on 12 September 1906 at the home of J. E. Kinnard in Bibb County, Alabama. L.^1,3

Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 3 May 1910 in Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C. M. Watts, a 24-year-old whose occupation was hauling logs, and his 21-year-old wife, Martha. This was the first marriage for each and they had been married five years. Martha was the mother of two children, both living. Both could read and write, and were renting their home. Their children were Craythern [Crathon], 2, and Otis, 8 months old. They were mistakenly listed as female. Living next door were Martha's parents, J. E. and S. S. Kinard. Mr. Kinard operated a general store.⁴

With no end in sight for World War I, the United States instituted it's third and final registration. It included all men who were between the ages of 18 and 21, and 31 to 45 years of age. This added younger men than the previous registrations, those who were born between September 12, 1897 and September 12, 1900; and added an older group of men, born between September 12, 1873 and September 12, 1888. Charlie filled out a draft card on 12 September 1918 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was 33 years old and living in Centreville. He was employed as a teamster by D. A. Reed of Eoline in Bibb County. He was of medium height and build with blue eyes and black hair. E. P. Burt was the registar.⁵

Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 7 February 1920 in James Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C. M. Watts, a 32-year-old blacksmith, and his wife, Martha, age 31. Their children were Craythan, 12; Otis, 10; Pascal, 6; Cecil, 3 years 9 months; and Eldridge, 8 months old. They lived on the Scottsville road.

They purchased a small farm near Centreville in 1923. Charlie worked as a foreman for Roland Belcher Lumber Co. while his wife and children operated the farm.⁶

Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane KINNARD appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 April 1930 in James Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as C.M. Watts, 44-year-old woods forman for a saw mill; Martha, his 42-year-old wife; and their six children: Otis M., 20; Pascal, 16; Cecil, 14; Eldridge, 10; Wayne, 7; and Gesner, 1 year, 6 months. Otis ran the family farm and his brothers, Pascal and Cecil worked for him.⁷

Charlie McCoy WATTS and Martha Jane WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 16 August 1945 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama.

Charlie McCoy WATTS was identified as her surviving husband in Martha Jane KINNARD's obituary in the Centreville Press newspaper, dated 26 July 1962, published in Centreville, Alabama.

Charlie McCoy WATTS died on 27 August 1970 in Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 85.⁸ He was buried in Brent Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     John Cleveland WATTS, son of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 1 September 1890 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama.¹

John Cleveland WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of his parents George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was nine years old and attending school.²

John married Mae Leah STEWART, daughter of Virgil Albert STEWART and Jo Ella Murphy, on 25 December 1915 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Due to a need for men to serve during World War I, the United States instituted a draft. The first registration was for men between the ages of 21 and 31. As a result, this first registration included men born between June 5, 1886 and June 5, 1896. John filled out a draft card on 5 June 1917 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. He was 27 years old and living in Centreville. He was married with one child. His occupation was logging and he was employed by the Cahawba River Lumber Company in Brent. He was discribed as stout and of medium height with brown eyes and black hair.³

John Cleveland WATTS and Mae Leah STEWART appeared in a newspaper article 27 February 1919 in the Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Route Four Items-- Mr. and Mrs. John Watts and children spent Thursday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. V. A. Stewart.

John Cleveland WATTS and Mae Leah STEWART appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 8 January 1920 in the Lomax Beat, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as John C. Watts, 29, and his wife, Mae L. Watts, 20. Living with them were their sons, Marvin O. Watts, age 3 years and two months, and Albert J. Watts, age one year and 8 months. They were renting their house on the Centreville and Marion Road. John worked as a woods foreman for a lumber mill.⁴

John Cleveland WATTS died on 6 December 1928 in Brent, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 38.^5,6 He was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Willie Norma WATTS, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 6 February 1897 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Willie Norma WATTS appeared on a census, enumerated 11 June 1900, in the household of her parents George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed in Precinct 2, Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama. She was two years old.²

Irby Leon BURT, Birdie Clyde WATTS and Willie Norma WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 7 March 1912 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Scottsville News-- Miss Etta Reach entertained on last Saturday evening in honor of her guest, Miss Emma Lewis, of Lucile. The following couples spent a delightful evening with her: Mr. Irby Burt, Miss Birdie Watts, Mr. Louis Clark, Miss Stella Grimes, Mr. J. H. Stewart, Miss Emma Lewis, Mr. Jewell Wooley, Miss Beatrice Bice, Mr. Herbert Murphy, Miss Grace Lewis, Mr. Marion Bice, Miss Gertrude Wooley, Mr. Fred Bice, Miss Eva Lou Clark, Mr. Bunyan Stamps, Miss Georgia Pierson, Mr. Grady Murphy, Miss Lillie Pierson, Mr. Luther Reach, Miss Hazel Snyder, Andrew Woods, Miss Norma Watts, Mr. Otis Pierson, Miss Diana Hall, Mr. Andrew Blake. After indulging in various amusements, refreshments, consisting of hot chocolate and cake, were served by Misses Reach and Lewis. At a late hour the guests took their departure, each voting Miss Reach an ideal hostess.

Willie married Luke P. YOUNG, son of Zachariah YOUNG and Edpsey Caroline Yates, on 26 December 1915 at the home of George and Adelia Watts in Bibb County, Alabama. The wedding service was performed by Rev. Westinger. Luke's mother is thougt to be Cherokee Indian.³

Willie Norma WATTS died on 8 February 1941 in Bibb County, Alabama, at age 44.³ She was buried in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

     India Ellen WATTS, daughter of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 11 December 1900 in Brent, Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Birdie Clyde WATTS and India Ellen WATTS appeared in a newspaper article 27 April 1911 in the The Blocton Enterprise, published in West Blocton, Alabama. Scottsville Items-- Misses Etta Reach, Birdie Watts, Eva Lou Clark and India Watts spent Sunday with Miss Beatrice Bice.

India married Jesse Carey SKINNER, son of David Skinner and Minnie Lee YOUNG, on 11 March 1923 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ She was described as having dark brown eyes and brown hair. She loved to work in her flower and vegatable gardens.

India Ellen WATTS and Jesse Carey SKINNER appeared in a newspaper article 15 March 1923 in the The Centreville Press, published in Centreville, Alabama. Mr. J. C. Skinner and Miss India Watts were married at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Watts of Scottsville, on Sunday. The young couple will make their future home in Blocton. The young man called in and had The Press sent to his future address, as he is leaving the old home to establish one of his own, and he started out right, by wanting to keep uo with the news of his home county.

India Ellen WATTS died on 28 April 1971 in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, at age 70. Her death was a result of a stroke. She was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

     Otis George Talmadge Van Buren WATTS, son of George Weaver WATTS and Adelia Reed, was born on 19 October 1906 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama.¹ Otis George Talmadge Van Buren WATTS was commonly known as Talmadge. He was a truck driver.

Talmadge married Hettie Marvin KORNEGAY on 13 September 1925 at the home of Ed Kornegay in Bibb County, Alabama. Wood Stewart, J. P. officiated the ceremony.^1,2

Talmadge WATTS and Hettie Marvin KORNEGAY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 4 April 1930 in Centreville, Bibb County, Alabama. The household was listed as George T. Watts, 23, a laborer in a saw mill; his wife H. Marvin, 25; and their three children: Van B., 3; James W., 1; and Adelia, 3 mths old. Talmadge and Marvin had been married four years, he had married at 19 and she at 21. Both could read and write. They rented a house on Aldine Street in Centreville.³ He died on 19 April 1954 in Scottsville, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 47. His burial record lists his survivors as his wife, Mrs. Marvin Kornegay Watts; three sons, Van Buren, James Willard, John Clyde; three daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Grey, Yvonne, and Delores. Also, nine grandchildren, one brother and one sister.^4,5,6 He was buried in Scottsville Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     Jonathan Catlett GIBSON II, son of Jonathan Catlett GIBSON and (?) Longhorne, was born circa 1740 in Virginia.

Jonathan married Susannah HARRISON, daughter of Thomas HARRISON and Ann Grayson, circa 1760 in Virginia.¹ He was a very wealthy planter in Fauquier County, Virginia. He was assessed for thirty slaves.²

Jonathan Catlett GIBSON II was named an heir in the will of Thomas HARRISON dated 25 January 1774 in Fauquier County, Virginia.²

Jonathan left a will dated 22 July 1788 in Fauquier County, Virginia. The will names his three youngest children: Jonathon Catlett Gibson, Susann Grayson Gibson, and Mary Gibson. It also names sons Thomas and John Gibson, daughter Ann Grayson Blackwell, niece Margaret Adie, grand daughters Margaret Catlett Gibson and unnamed child of Ann Grayson (Gibson) Blackwell. Executors were Benjamin Harrison and sons, Thomas, John and Jonathon Gibson. Witnesses were John Mauzey and Matthew Harrison, Jr. It was recorded 26 Sep 1791.³

     Jeduthan BALL, son of Maj. James BALL and Mary Conway, was born on 9 July 1724 in Lancaster County, Virginia.^1,2 He was also known as Jonathan.

Jeduthan married Elizabeth BURGESS, daughter of Charles BURGRESS, circa 1748 in Virginia.³

On 5 March 1749 Jeduthan died in Virginia at age 24 leaving Elizabeth a widow.² He was buried in Saint Mary's Whitechapel Episcopal Churchyard, Lancaster, Lancaster County, Virginia.⁴

     Elizabeth BURGESS, daughter of Charles BURGRESS, was born in 1730 in Lancaster County, Virginia.

Elizabeth married Jeduthan BALL, son of Maj. James BALL and Mary Conway, circa 1748 in Virginia.¹

Jeduthan died on 5 March 1749 in Virginia at age 24 leaving Elizabeth BURGESS as a widow.²

Elizabeth married second Robert Burwelll Armistead in 1750 in King George County, Virginia. On 2 Jan 1752 Robert Armistead, gentleman, presented his commission to be clerk of King George County. He had married circa 1750. Elizabeth Burgess Ball, rich young widow of Jonathan Ball, and thus, by right of courtesy hekd a laarge landed estate in King George County.^3,4

Elizabeth BURGESS died in 1790 in Augusta County, Virginia.

     Maj. James BALL, son of Capt. William BALL Jr. and Margaret Mary WILLIAMSON, was born on 15 October 1678 in Bewdley, Lancaster County, Virginia.¹

James married first Elizabeth Ann Howson on 15 June 1699 in Northumberland County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Leonard Howson and Elizabeth Lee.²

Elizabeth died on 22 January 1704 in Bewdley, Lancaster County, Virginia, leaving Maj. James BALL as a widower.

James married second Mary Conway on 18 April 1707 in Lancaster County, Virginia. She was the daughter of Col. Edwin Conway and the wdiow of John Dangerfield.^3,4,5

Mary died on 15 September 1730 in Whitechapel, Lancaster County, Virginia, at age 44 leaving Maj. James BALL as a widower.⁶

James married third Mary Ann Bertrand on 25 April 1742 in Lancaster County, Virginia. She was married 3 times. Her first husband was Charles Ewell whome she married in 1705. Husband number 2 was William Ballentine whom she married in 1724. Husband 3 was Maj James Ball whom she married in 1742.⁷

Maj. James BALL died on 13 October 1754 in Lancaster County, Virginia, at age 75.⁸ He was buried in Saint Mary's Whitechapel Episcopal Churchyard, Lancaster, Lancaster County, Virginia.⁸

His estate was probated on 15 November 1754 in Lancaster County, Virginia. His will was written 15 Jul 1754:

"In the name of God Amen I James Ball....

"Item I give to my Grand Son Burgess Ball all my lands in King George, Spootsilvania and Stafford Counties during his Natural life & at his decease I give it to his child or children as he shall think fit and to their heirs.

"Item I give to my Said grand son Twenty one Slaves viz. Dick, Brister, Adam Rawleigh, & Alice, I bought of my son James, Lucy & her four children and her three grand children, Letty and her Seven children and all their future increase when he [grandson Burgess] shall arrive to the aforeaid age or have lawful issue, that he be possessed and entitled to ye the said slaves and their increase as also what shall arrive from the profits of the said slaves, but in case my said Grand Son die before he come tothe age of twenty one and without lawful issue then I give the Said Slaves and profits to be eqully divided among my Son and five Daughters and their heirs.

"Item I give to my Said Grandson my clock and my two mares Blase and Francy & what stock I shall have on the land before given him and all their incrase when he shall come to the age aforesaid or have lawful issue.

"Item I give to my Daughter Sinah and my four grand Sons viz Jesse Ball, son of my Daughter Frances, James Ewell and James Ewell [sic] son of eve Ewell and John Selden and their heirs five thousand acres of land inPrince Wm County be laid off at the upper end ofmy mountain ract to them and their heirs equally amongst them.

"I give to my Daughter Eve one Slave named Sarah and all her Encrease which she has now only the use of.

"Item I give to my daughter Selden and her heirs ye land I bought of Benjamin Taylor. I give to my grandson Jon Taylor Fifty pounds Sterling to be paid him when he shall come to the age of twenty one but if he should die before that age then I give it to his Mother it being part of her portion.

"Item I give to my five Daughters all my household goods except my plate. The best bed and furniture which I give to my Son James.

"Item I give to my Grand Son Tobey Downman Thirty pounds to be laid out in land or a Slave and no otherways.

"I give to my grandson James Downman my watch and Silver Buckles.

"Item I give to my son James the use of all the remainder of my estate including my Slaves in his possession which he has now the use of all during his natural life and at his death to dispose of as he shall think fit.

"Item I do appoint my Son Exr of this my last will and testament and guardian to my grandson Burgess Ball and my will is that my estate be not appraised. In witness my hand and seal this 15th day of July 1754. JAMES BALL [Seal]. At a Court held for Lancaster County on the 15 Day of November 1754 This will was presented in Court by James Ball Gent Excr therein named who made Oath thereto and the same was ordered to be recorded. teste, Thos. Edwards, Jr. C.L.C. A copy Attest Benj'n M. Walker C. C. 1830 Dec 3d.⁹

     Col. William BALL, son of William BALL and Alice WALTHAM, was born in 1615 in England.¹ He was a planter.

Col. married Hannah ATHEROLD on 2 July 1638 in London, England.¹

Col. William Ball came from England in 1657 and settled on the Rappahannook River in St. Mary's Parish, Lancaster County, Virginia. His estate was called "Millenback".

Col. William BALL died in November 1680 in Virginia.¹

     Hannah ATHEROLD was born circa 1619 in Staffordshire, England. She was the daughter of Thomas Atherold of Burgh, Stafford County, England.

Hannah married Col. William BALL, son of William BALL and Alice WALTHAM, on 2 July 1638 in London, England.¹

Hannah ATHEROLD died on 25 June 1695 in Virginia.²