Sally Powers Curtis of Mecklenburg County, d. 1851

According to Courtney Dunn's "Notes Concerning Elbethel Methodist Church, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, c. 1824-1930," housed at the Virginia Historical Society, Sally was a member of El Bethel in 1835.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, page 311:
"Know all men by these presents that we Robert A. Walker and Richard E. Walker are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of $1,200.00 to pay which we bind ourselves, our heirs +c. jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 21st day of July 1851. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Robert A. Walker who has this day qualified as executor of Sally Curtis, deceased shall faithfully discharge the duties of said executor according to law then the above obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. R. A. Walker, Richard E. Walker.

Mecklenburg County Court July term 1851. This bond was acknowledged by the obligors thereto and ordered to be recorded. Teste. R. B. Baptist, c."

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, page 315:
"In the name of God amen I Sally Curtis of the County of Mecklenburg and state of Virginia do make constitute and ordain this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following. (To wit.) My will and desire is that all my just debts be punctually paid. 2nd I give and bequeath to my daughter in law, Faithy Curtis widow of my deceased son Chesley Curtis one half of all my money and property of any and every description including the present growing crop or money arising from it or anything which I may hereafter acquire to her and her heirs forever and the remaining half I wish equally divided between all my living children except Patsey Cumba whom I wish to have only two dollars of my entire estate and lastly I appoint my friend Robert A. Walker executor to this my last will and testament revoking all others. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 16th day of April 1851. Sally Curtis. In presence of Benjamin O. Johnson, George Bing, James M. Hawkins.

Mecklenburg County July Court 1851. The foregoing last will and testament of Sally Curtis, deceased was this day produced in Court and proven by the oaths of George Bing and James M. Hawkins two of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the motion of Robert A. Walker the executor therein named who made oath thereto and together with Richard E. Walker his security entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $1,200.00 conditioned according to law. Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of said will in due form. Teste. R. B. Baptist, c."

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, page 415:
On October 28, 1851 an inventory and appraisal for the estate of Sally Curtis, deceased was recorded by Paschal H. Bowers, William Bowers and Joseph A. Lett. Her estate was valued at $484.20 and included many items such as a lot of dried fruit, 9 1/4 yards of flannel, a crop of 3,000 pounds of tobacco ($120.00), 53 pounds of long corn ($212.00), a garden of cabbage and many other kitchen, household, plantation items and foodstuffs. The report was returned to Court in April of 1852.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, page 415:
On October 28, 1851 an account of sales for the estate of Sally Curtis, deceased was recorded by R. A. Walker, executor. The sale brought a total of $385.96 with purchases being made by the following: W. Sulivan, R. A. Walker, James Hayes, Jr., C. Curtis, Thomas Winn, Thomas Coleman, G. Curtis, James Nash, Alexander Johnson, J. W. Edmondson, M. C. Gill, James M. Hawkins, James Johnson, Z. Curtis, Dr. Peter Lett, W. K. Johnson, Edward T. Cole, William Winn, Samuel S. Crow, James Stone and George L. Hayes. A large amount of butter, 42 pounds, was purchased between G. Curtis and James Nash. The report was returned to Court in April of 1852.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, page 601:
On February 19, 1853 Commissioner J. J. Daly accepted an account of transactions of R. A. Walker, executor of Sally Curtis, deceased. As of January 1, 1853 the estate's administrator held $284.04 in his hands which remained after all debts had been paid. Debts were paid to Rachel Andrews, Zach Curtis (listed once as an overseer), C. R. Edmondson, John H. Arnold for coffin ($5.00), Martha C. Cumbey for legacy ($2.00), Edmondson & Drumwright, James W. Edmondson, C. D. Whittle, Gilliam Chavis, taxes, money paid to revolutionary legatees of Zach Curtis for rent of land and hiring of Negroes supervisions in 1851 ($111.30) and Court fees, in all totalling $224.61. Money was also collected from three hogsheads of tobacco sold in Petersburg ($138.65) and from the previous account sales ($385.96). On April 18, 1853 the estate was considered settled and ordered to be recorded with the $284.04 remaining.

Peter Puryear d. 1849, Mecklenburg County

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book 17, p. 106:
"In the name of God amen I Peter Puryear do make ordain + constitute this to be my last will and testament hereby cancelling and revoking all former wills by me made. First it is my will and desire that all my just debts to be paid and that all my estate real and personal be sold by my Executors, my Lands on a credit of one two and, three years, and my perishable estate on such terms as they may think proper. Secondly I give to my Daughters Patsy Keeton and Sally Willis, one hundred and fifty dollars each to them and their heirs forever. Thirdly I give to my Grandson William Roffe one hundred dollars to him and his heirs forever. Fourthly, all the rest and residue of my Estate I wish equally divided among all my children to wit. Hezekiah Puryear, Patsy Keeton, Sally Willis, Peggy Roffe and Eliza Wilde and I give it to them and their heirs forever. Lastly, I nominate constitute and appoint my friends Alfred Boyd and Harrold Tucker Executor of this my last will and Testament. In testimony of all and singular I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the 21st day of September 1842. Peter Puryear (seal). Singed, sealed + acknowledged to be his last will and testament before us: H. H. Burwell, Dam A. Daly, Edwd. R. Chambers.

Mecklenburg County November Court 1849. The foregoing last will and Testament of Peter Puryear decd. was this day produced in Court and proved by the oath of Edward R. Chambers a witness thereto and H. H. Burwell another subscribing witness thereto being a nonresident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. J. J. Daly being sworn says that he is well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Burwell and he verily believes the said signature to be in the own proper hand writing of the said therewith and thereupon the said will is O. R. And on the motion of Alfred Boyd who made oath thereto and together with Frans. W. Boyd and Henry C. Moss his securities entered into + acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $20,000 conditioned according to Law. Certificate is granted him for obtaining probate of said will in due form. Teste. Richard. B. Baptist Clk."

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book 17, pp. 124-125:
On December 19, 1849, an inventory and appraisal of the estate of Peter Puryear, deceased was made by William G. Tarey, Peter Puryear and John Mackasey and was returned to court in January of 1850. Peter's estate included many household, kitchen and plantation items as well as livestock and foodstuffs. Noteworthy items included a two-horse wagon, two slave women named Vilet and Judith and a tract of land supposedly containing 1,200 acres valued at $4.00 per acre. Interestingly, whosoever ended-up with the slave woman Judith would be paid an estimated $100 for her upkeep, likely because of her age or health. In all, Peter Puryear's estate was valued at $5,162.93.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, pp. 165-167:
On December 20, 1849, an account of sales for property belonging to the estate of Peter Puryear, deceased was made by Alfred Boyd, executor and returned to court in August of 1850. The sale brought a total of $619.14 with $100 [sic.] being paid to W. E. Roffe for taking the old slave woman Judith. Purchases were made by the following individuals with notable items in parenthesis: George L. Hayes, Alfred Boyd, R. Tisdale, H. Puryear, W. E. Roffe, J. H. Dodson, L. B. Wiles, Tho. R. Moss, P. Puryear, W. Stewart, Thomas Williams, Jno. Daw, Jno. H. Burnett, Jno. Mackasey, Leroy Puryear, G. R. Puryear, J. Moody, Edwd. Davis, John Rogers, J. W. Butler and W. E. Roffe as trustee (Negro woman Vilet $225.00).

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, p. 271:
On October 11, 1850, Alfred Boyd, executor of Peter Puryear, deceased, made an accounting for the sale of the landed estate. Lots were sold on credit for one, two and three years, with a one-third payment due annually. One lot, containing 274 acres, was purchased by Heza. Puryear for $685.00. One lot, containing 257 acres, was purchased by Wm. G. Burton for $1079.40. Another lot, containing 238.5 acres, was purchased by L. B. Wiles for $536.62. Lastly, a lot containing 106.25 acres, was purchased by W. E. Roffe for $191.25. This report was presented in court on April 2, 1851.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, pp. 316-317:
In June of 1851, Alfred Boyd, executor of Peter Puryear, deceased, created and returned to court an accounts current for 1849-1851. Monies were paid on accounts with the following entities: Wm. E. Roffe, a bond with Joel T. Watkins adm., Pleasant Burnett, L. C. Puryear (chain carrier), Peter E. Lett (likely Peter Puryear's doctor), T. R. Moss (auctioneer?), Eliza J. Puryear (for boarding the surveyor), various clerk's tickets, Geo. Rogers, Danl. Meddagh (surveyor), B. B. Goode (chain carrier), Williams & Land, taxes, Boyd, Stone and Wimbush bonds and Commissioner Daly (reports). Wm. E. Roffe was also paid a legacy of $100, left to him in the will. Money was credited to the account for cash on hand, tobacco sold, items sold at the estate sale and debts owned to Peter Puryear's estate. In all, the debts equaled $1257.08 and were satisfied with the aforementioned credits. A total of $656.03 was due to the executor. As a note, on this particular document, Peter was designated as the Peter Puryear who lived on Allen's Creek.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #17, p. 436:
In May 1852, Alfred Boyd, executor of Peter Puryear, deceased, created and returned to court an accounts current for 1851-1852. Monies were paid on accounts with the following entities: interest, taxes, Thos. H. Land bond and account, clerk's tickets, Ro. A. McNeal, Walker & Co., Henry A. Wood and Commissioner Daly (reports). Money was credited to the account for payments received of the four individuals who purchased land on credit, totalling $830.75. In all, the debts equaled $830.75 and were satisfied with the aforementioned credits. A total of $35.66 was due to the executor. As a note, on this particular document, Peter was designated as the Peter Puryear who lived on Allen's Creek.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book #18, pp. 187-188:
In June of 1854, Alfred Boyd, executor of Peter Puryear, deceased, created and returned to court an accounts current for 1853-1854. Monies were paid on accounts with the following entities: L. B. Wiles (surveying land), taxes, alienation of land, Commissioner Daly (reports) and recording and papers. Money was credited to the account for interest, second and third payment of Hez. Puryear for land purchased, second land payments for Wm. G. Burton, Leroy B. Wiles and Wm. E. Roffe. In all, the debts equaled $1751.26 and were satisfied with the aforementioned credits. A total of $1645.75 remained in the hands of the executor. As a note, on this particular document, Peter was designated as the Peter Puryear who lived on Allen's Creek.

Chancery Causes, Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Wiles, etc. v. exr. of Peter Puryear, dec., etc., index no. 1872-011, LVA:
There was a chancery suit brought in 1872, asking for a final division of Peter Puryear's estate. Apparently, the division was halted because no one knew if their sister, Sally Willis, died without issue. Apparently, her portion of the estate had been held in escrow until it was discovered she died without an heir. There was also some argument concerning Hezekiah Puryear and a piece of land. Perhaps it was this land being held in Sally's name for which Hezekiah held a bond. The cause was a little confusing but was easily settled. The remaining Puryear heirs each received a small portion of this inheritance and everyone was appeased.

Book Review: "Mecklenburg County, Virginia Marriages 1765-1853" with Last Name Index A-M

The following is a summary of the last name index, N-Z, for John Vogt and T. William Kethley, Jr.'s "Mecklenburg County Virginia Marriages 1765-1853." Entries show both bride and groom's names, marriage bond or license date and sometimes witnesses, consents and other items of interest. This is a soft cover reprint by New Papyrus Co. of a 1989 original, contains 302 pages plus figures, appendices & fold-out map. Mecklenburg County was formed in 1764 from the portion of Lunenburg County which had previously been set aside as St. James' Parrish. This book contains a total of 4,123 marriage records including bonds, licenses and/or minister's returns.

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, let me know.

Here are two sample entries from the book:

• "Wilkes Benjamin F & Elizabeth C Lacy 24 Jan 1826; b - Shadrach Lacy"
• "Garland Landon C & Mary Cole Burwell 27 Oct 1831; b - Hugh A Garland con - Armistead Burwell, father min - William Steel - (Episcopal) -"

Albernathy Adams Aigner Akin Alderson Aldridge Alexander Allen Allgood Almand Alston Alvis Ambrose Anderson Andrews Apperson Archer Armistead Arnold Arrington Arthur Ashton Atkins Atkinson Avary Averett Avery Avory Baber Bacon Bagley Bagwell Bailey Baird Baisey Baker Ballard Baptist Barbee Barber Barbour Barham Barker Barlow Barnard Barner Barnes Barnett Barron Barrow Barry Basey Baskervill Baskerville Bass Batte Baugh Baynham Beasley Beauford Beaver Beckley Beckwith Beddingfield Bedford Belcher Bell Benford Bennett Bently Berry Bevil Bevill Bigger Bignal Bilbo Billups Binford Bing Birchett Birtchett Bishop Black Blackbourn Blackbourne Blacketter Blackwell Blair Blake Blanch Bland Blane Blankenship Blanks Blanton Bolling Booker Booth Boothe Boswell Bottom Bouldin Bowen Bowers Bowler Bowman Boyd Boyland Boynton Bozwell Bracey Bracy Bradley Bradshaw Bragg Brame Branch Brandon Brasley Brawner Bressie Brewer Bridgewater Bridgforth Briggs Brightwell Broadfoot Brodie Brogdon Brook Brooke Brooking Brooks Browder Brown Brummell Brydie Buckner Buford Bugg Bullington Bullock Burger Burks Burnes Burnett Burney Burns Burrows Burrus Burt Burton Burwell Butler Butterworth Byasee Byassee Byers Cabaniss Cabiness Callis Calloway Calltharp Camp Campbell Cannon Cardin Cardwell Carles Carleton Carlin Carlton Carpenter Carrier Carrington Carroll Carter Cary Cater Cattiler Caveniss Caviness Cazy Certain Chamberlain Chambers Chambliss Chandler Chappell Charlton Chatman Chavous Cheatham Childers Childress Chilrey Childrey Childry Christian Christmas Christopher Church Cirkes Clack Claiborne Clanch Clardy Clark Clarke Claunch Clausel Clay Clayton Cleaton Clements Clemmonds Clemonds Cliborne Cobb Cobbs Cocke Cogbill Cola Cole Coleman Coles Coley Colley Collier Collins Comer Conley Connaway Connell Conner Cook Cooper Copley Coppendge Corn Corpier Couch Courtney Coursen Cousins Couzens Covington Cowan Cowen Cox Craddock Crafton Craig Crawley Creath Creedle Crenshaw Crew Crews Crook Crow Crowder Crutcher Crutchfield Crute Crymes Culbreath Cumbia Cunningham Curtis Cutts Cypress Dabbs Dacus Dailey Daley Daly Dance Daniel Daves Davis Daws Day Degraffenreid Degraffenreidt Decker Dedman Delk Delony Dennis Denton Dew Dewes Dickerson Dickins Dixon Dodson Doggett Dortch Douglas Doyle Draper Drew Drummond Drumwright Duffee Dugger Duncan Dunn Dunnavant Dunnavon Dunnington Dunston Dupree Duprey Durham Duty Earles Easley Easter Eastham Eastland Eaton Eddins Edmonds Edmondson Edmonson Edmunds Edmundson Edwards Elam Elder Elibeck Ellington Elliott Ellis Elvin Emery Epperson Eppes Epps Erby Erskine Estes Eubank Evans Ezell Fagins Fain Fargeson Farley Farmer Farrar Farris Faulkner Fausett Feagins Feagons Featherston Feggin Feggins Feild Feilder Fennell Ferguson Ferrell Field Fielder Finch Finn Finney Fisher Fitts Fitzackerly Fleming Flinn Flood Floyd Flynn Flynne Fontaine Foote Fore Forliness Forman Foster Fowler Fowlkes Fox Francis Franklin Frasar Fraser Frazer Frazier Freeman French Fuller Furham Gabard Gafford Gaines Gardner Garey Garland Garner Garrett Garrott Gary Gayle Gee Geoghegan George Giles Gill Gillespie Gilliam Glasgow Glasscock Glidewell Glover Gober Godsey Goen Goff Gold Gooch Goode Goods Goodwin Gordon Graham Granger Grasty Graves Gray Green Greenwood Greer Greffies Gregory Gresham Griffin Griffith Grigg Grimes Grymes Guy Gwaltney Hagerman Hagood Haile Hailestock Hailey Hailstock Haley Hall Halm Halton Hamblen Hamblin Hamilton Hamlett Hamlin Hamme Hammond Hamner Hanbury Hancock Hansard Hanserd Hardie Hardin Hardy Hargrove Harper Harria Harris Harrison Harriss Harwell Harwood Haskins Hasten Hastin Hasting Hastings Hatch Hatchell Hatcher Hatsel Hatsell Hawkins Hawks Hawthorne Hayes Hayles Haynes Hazelwood Hazlewood Hearn Heathcock Hedderly Heggie Helm Hendrick Henly Henry Hepbourne Hepburn Hester Hethcock Hewes Hickman Hicks Higgerson Hightower Hill Hilton Hines Hinton Hite Hix Hobsin Hodge Hoges Hogan Hogwood Holcomb Hollins Holloway Holmes Holt Holtsford Homes Hood Hooper Hopkins Hord House Howard Howerton Hubbard Huddleston Hudgins Hudson Hughes Hull Humphress Humphries Hundley Hunt Hunter Hurst Hurt Hutcherson Hutcheson Hutson Hutt Hutton Hyde Hynt Inge Ingram Insco Irby Isham Ivey Ivy Jackson James Jarrott Jefferson Jeffress Jeffreys Jeffries Jenkins Jerman Jeter Jewell Jiggetts Johns Johnson Johnston Jones Jordan Joyce Justice Keeling Keen Keeton Kelley Kelly Kendrick Kennedy Kennon Kersey Keys Kidd Kimball Kimbrough King Kinker Kirk Kirkland Kirks Kiser Kittrell Knight Knott Knowell Knox Lacy Ladd Laffoon Laine Laird Lamay Lamb Lambert Lamkin Land Langford Langhorne Langley Lanier Lark Lawrence Lawson Lawton Leneve Leach Leaker Lear Leckie Lee Leftwich Leigh Leneve Lester Lett Leverman Lewis Lidderdal Lifford Light Lightfoot Ligon Lindley Lisk Lloyd Loafman Lockett Loftis Lollis Lomax Lonnon Love Lovingston Lowery Lowry Loyd Lucas Lukes Lumpkin Lumsdon Lunsford Lydick Lyle Lynch MacCarter MacGowan Mackecy Maclin Major Mallett Mallory Malone Manley Mann Manning Marable Markam Marks Marriott Marshall Martin Mason Massey Matthews May Mayes Mayfield Maynard Mayne Mayo McAden McCargo McCarter McCraw McCutcheon McDaniel McDearman McDowell McGowan McHarg McKinney McLaughlin McLin McNeal McQuie McRilon Meacham Mealer Mealey Mealler Medley Meldrum Meredith Merritt Merryman Michaux Middagh Miller Mills Mimms Mims Minor Mise Mitchell Mize Monday Monroe Montague Montgomery Moody Moon Moore Morgain Morgan Morris Morton Moseley Moss Mountcastle Mullins Munford Murdock Murfey Murphey Murray Murrell Murrill Mustian

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, let me know.

Book Review: "Mecklenburg County, Virginia Marriages 1765-1853" with Last Name Index N-Z

The following is a summary of the last name index, N-Z, for John Vogt and T. William Kethley, Jr.'s "Mecklenburg County Virginia Marriages 1765-1853." Entries show both bride and groom's names, marriage bond or license date and sometimes witnesses, consents and other items of interest. This is a soft cover reprint by New Papyrus Co. of a 1989 original, contains 302 pages plus figures, appendices & fold-out map. Mecklenburg County was formed in 1764 from the portion of Lunenburg County which had previously been set aside as St. James' Parrish. This book contains a total of 4,123 marriage records including bonds, licenses and/or minister's returns.

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, let me know.

Here are two sample entries from the book:

• "Wilkes Benjamin F & Elizabeth C Lacy 24 Jan 1826; b - Shadrach Lacy"
• "Garland Landon C & Mary Cole Burwell 27 Oct 1831; b - Hugh A Garland con - Armistead Burwell, father min - William Steel - (Episcopal) -"

Naish Nance Nanney Nash Neal Neathery Neathry Neblett Neely Nelson Nethery Newman Newsom Newton Nicholas Nicholson Nipper Noblin Noel Nolley Norman Norment Northcross Northington Norvell Norwood Nowell Nuckols Nunn Nunnelly Nunnery O’Brian O’Briant Ogburn Oliver Organ Orsby Osborn Osborne Oslin Osling Outland Overbey Overby Overton Owen Pace Page Paine Palmer Parham Paris Parish Parker Parrish Parrott Parsons Paschall Patillo Patrick Patterson Paul Paulette Paull Paylor Payne Pearce Pearcy Pearson Peebles Peek Peete Penn Pennington Pentecost Penticost Peoples Perkins Perkinson Perry Persize Pescud Pettiford Pettipool Pettus Pettway Petty Pettyford Pettypool Phillips Piemont Pierce Piller Pinson Pitts Plummer Poarch Poindexter Pointer Pool Poole Pope Portwood Potter Potts Powell Power Powers Poynor Poythress Prather Preston Prewitt Price Prichett Pride Pritchett Pryor Puckett Pugh Pulliam Pulliam Pully Puryear Quarles Quincey Quinchett Quincy Rachael Ragland Ragsdale Rainey Ramsey Ransom Ravenscroft Read Reader Reagan Reamey Reams Reamy Reaves Redd Redding Redford Reekes Reese Renn Reynolds Rhodes Rice Richards Richardson Richeson Ricks Ridley Ridout Riggans Riggin Riggins Ripley Rives Roach Robards Roberts Robertson Robinson Roffe Rogers Rook Roper Rose Ross Rottenberry Rottenbury Rowland Rowlett Royal Royer Royster Rudd Rudder Ruffin Russell Ryan Ryland Sadler Salley Sally Sammons Samuel Sandifer Sands Sandys Saulsberry Saunders Savage Scott Scruggs Sculthorp Selden Seward Shackelford Shackleford Shanks Sharp Shaw Shearer Shell Shelton Short Simmons Simpson Sims Sinclair Singleton Sizemore Skelton Skinner Skipwith Slate Slaughter Small Smelley Smith Smithson Snead Somervill Somerville Somervill Soward Spain Sparks Speaks Speed Spence Spencer Spraggins Spurlock Stainback Stalcup Stamps Standley Stanfield Stanley Steagall Steel Stegall Stembridge Sterling Stevens Stewart Stigall Stiner Stith Stokes Stone Stovall Strange Straub Stroud Strum Stuart Sturdivant Suggett Sullivan Sullivant Swepson Sydnor Tabb Talley Tandy Tanner Tansley Tarry Tarwater Tatum Taylor Temple Terrell Terry Thacker Tharp Thellis Thomas Thomason Thomerson Thompson Thomson Thornton Threadgill Throgmorton Thrower Tibbs Tillotson Tindal Tinsley Tisdale Tompkins Toone Totty Towler Townes Townsend Travis Traylor Trice Tucker Tudor Tunstall Turnbull Turner Tutor Underwood Vaden Valentine Vaughan Venable Vercer Vowell Wade Wagstaff Walden Walker Wall Wallace Waller Walthall Walton Ware Warren Wartman Wartmen Watkins Watson Watts Weatherford Weaver Webb Webster Weekes Wells Wesson Westbrook Westmoreland Whitby White Whitehead Whitlow Whitt Whittemore Whittle Whitworth Whoberry Whobry Wiggins Wilborn Wilbourn Wilbourne Wilburn Wiles Wiley Wilkerson Wilkes Wilkins Wilkinson Willard Williams Williamson Willis Wills Wilmoth Wilson Wiltse Wimbish Winckler Winfield Winfree Wingfield Winkfield Winkler Winn Winstead Wood Woodall Woodruff Woodson Woody Wootton Worsham Worthahm Wray Wrenn Wright Wyatt Wynn Wynne Yancey Yates Yeargen Young

If you would like to purchase a copy of this book, let me know.

Edward Jackson Cole Family Cemetery, Highway 658, North View, Mecklenburg County, Virginia

The Edward Jackson Cole family cemetery is located off Highway 658 near North View in Mecklenburg County, Virginia. From South Hill go west on Highway 47 to Old Cox Road. Turn right onto Cox and take the first left onto Highway 658, now called Northside Road. The cemetery is located at the end of a field on the right, along its tree line. The coordinates for the cemetery are 36 47.026' N, 78 15.572' W. There are five marked tombstones and upwards of ten unmarked fieldstone markers.


1) Emma Cole Simmons - June 18, 1868 - February 27, 1933.

2) Thomas H. Cole - July 21, 1868 - December 26, 1917. Stone reads: "He died as he lived A Christian" and is engraved with a Mason emblem.

3) Edward J. Cole - November 11, 1834 - May 15, 1898. Same stone as #4.

4) Athaliah D. Cole - March 23, 1843 - February 23, 1888. Stone is engraved with the words “Father” and “Mother.” There are foot stones which are engraved "EJC" and “ADC."

5) John H. Cole. The stone has no dates and is a government military stone inscribed ss follows: Co. D., 2 Virginia Artillery, CSA. The stone also has an engraved type of cross.

6) William T. Cole - The stone has no dates and is exactly the same as that of John H. Cole except that he served in Co. C., 21 Virginia Infantry, CSA.


As a note, between Edward J. Cole and the next grave is space for at least two graves. There is a set of field stones in that area. It is believed his parents, Edward Thomas and Ann Eliza Beal Cole are buried in the cemetery. These stones may mark their grave. The land on which the cemetery is located was marked on the 1864 Gilmer map as belonging to Mrs. Cole.

John Henry Lett, Sr. Family of Mecklenburg County, Virginia

This is an article I wrote a few years ago for "The Heritage of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, 1765-2006." The first image was provided by Hilda Hood.

John Henry Lett, Sr. (6 November 1844-28 April 1910), son of Joseph A. and Jane C. Lett, married Margaret Ingram Rolfe (27 May 1838-21 January 1911), daughter of Edward Roffe (c. 1786-bef. 1860) and Margaret Puryear (c. 1798-bef. 1860), 13 February 1867. Margaret was the paternal granddaughter of Edward Roffe and Miney Burton and the maternal granddaughter of Peter Puryear and Phebe Burton.

According to his obituary, John was “a thoroughly good man, affectionate husband and father, kind neighbor and successful farmer. He was a courageous soldier of the Confederacy, and faithful soldier of the Cross. Being an honored and useful member of El-Bethel Methodist Church for many years.” He served Virginia as a private in Co. B., 4th Heavy Artillery and later in Co. B., 34th Infantry. John was described as having a fair complexion, light hair, blue eyes, standing five feet and ten inches.

The Letts settled on approximately 130 acres, located on the North side of Saffolds Road, two miles North of Stony Cross. This tract was formerly owned by John's grandfather, Pennington Lett. Their lifestyle was that of subsistence farmers but the Letts produced tobacco and butter for sale at market. John was also involved in various social movements. By 1885, he was a member of the "Baskerville Grange" which aimed to improve the social, economic, and political status of local farmers. He was also president of the local Farmer's Education and Protective Association.

John and Margaret had seven children, four boys and three girls. Joseph Edward Lett (30 January 1868-29 June 1953) married cousin Martha Washington Rolfe (November 1870-1921) on 5 March 1893 and Alice Pearl Winn (7 February 1898-8 February 1984) on 26 November 1924. Thomas Shelburne Lett (16 September 1869-11 December 1947) married Brelia Ann Cole (February 1873-bef. 1905) on 2 July 1893, Sarah Francis Davis (26 February 1869-25 March 1918) on 14 June 1905 and Emma Elizabeth Sullivan (28 April 1880-28 June 1964) on 20 November 1918. Beulah Lee Lett (27 January 1872- 23 January 1930) married Melville Peterson Walker (2 October 1868-16 August 1945) on 17 March 1893. Gertrude Witt Lett (30 August 1874-2 April 1962) married Charles Alexander Smiley (11 March 1874-1 June 1931) on 31 January 1897. Maude Ingram Lett (7 September 1877-20 August 1913) married Isaiah Albert Johnson (21 November 1864-3 March 1920) on 7 February 1900. John Henry Lett, Jr. (11 July 1879-5 October 1931) married Mary Elizabeth Cole (30 July 1877-22 October 1967) on 5 June 1901. Luther William Lett (26 June 1883-20 February 1958) married Emma Iola Sculthorp (13 January 1889-11 December 1960) on 19 January 1908.

The Lett home place still stands along highway 675. The brick structure is a facade over the old wooden home and the family cemetery is to its North. This photo was taken at the home c. 1890. Left to right, top row: Gertrude, Joseph, Maude, Thomas and Beulah Lett. Middle row: Sally Ann Rolfe, John, Sr. and Margaret Lett. Bottom row: Luther and John Lett, Jr.

Dr. Benjamin Fennell of Greensville & Mecklenburg Counties

Religious Herald, Richmond, Virginia, August 4, 1864:

"Died, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, Dec.30th, 1863, of congestive chills, Dr. Benj. Fennell, in the 67th year of his age. In recording this tribute to the memory of the deceased, the writer feels incapable of portraying the many noble and lovely traits of character he possessed and the heart-felt piety which a Christian only enjoys. The heart yields to sadness as we record the death of those we loved. True, memory brings back a thousand things causing us to mingle afresh with the scenes that united our hearts here, until we almost forget that we do not live together still. But the sad reality soon returns. Death loves a shining mark and has claimed its victim: and he who lived and moved for the good of others is here only in our affections. The hand that never tired in acts of kindness to those around him has eased to move, and the spirit that ever yielded meekly to his Master’s chastisements has fled to the God who gave it. His death creates a painful vacuum in the deeply Bereaved family which God alone can fill. He was a loving husband, a devoted and affectionate father, and a good citizen. The presence of a cruel enemy separated him unavoidably from a devoted son, of whom he often spoke, and from others near and dear to him, for several days previous to his death, when, indeed, there was hope that death might now come. But kind friends were around and ministered to his every want. The tenacity with which his wife and children clung to him, and almost frantically implored him not to leave them, serves in some measure to attest the strength of the tie that bound them together. But their loss is his gain. His spirit dwells now in heaven, and he enjoys that boon which God alone can bestow. Dr. Benjamin Fennell was the son of Capt. Isham Fennell, of Greensville County, Va. He came to Mecklenburg County and settled in 1831, where he resided until his death. He was not taken by surprise. He seemed to look with calm resignation at his approach for several months previous, and in his last hours exhorted his children to love each other; and as the lamp of life was flickering, he exclaimed to his weeping wife, 'I am ready -- I can go.'"

Bowers Obituaries of Mecklenburg County

The South Hill Enterprise, Thursday, July 31, 1947:
"W. J. EVANS DIES AT AGE OF 84 YEARS - Willie Jackson Evans, 84, of Union Level, died Saturday at his home. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. S. C. Sculthorpe, of Union Level, and Mrs. Allen Thompson, of LaCrosse; and four sons, Wesley E. Evans of Jacksonville, Fla.; E. L. and Earl Evans, of Union Level; and W. H. Evans, of Emporia. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the graveside in Zion Methodist Church Cemetery, at Union Level."

Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 9, 1951:
"MRS. DEWIT BOWERS - SOUTH HILL, VA., Jan 8 - Mrs. Dewit Bowers, 58, of Union Level, died Monday in a Richmond hospital. She is survived by three sons, Marvin and Herman Bowers, both of Union Level, and Wilson Bowers, of South Hill, and one sister, Mrs. Henry Snead, of Union Level. A funeral service will be held at 1 P. M. Tuesday at the home. Burial will be in the family cemetery near Union Level."

According to Paul Snead, the Bowers cemetery is located in a fenced area on the old Robert Day Robertson farm, about one mile from Buckhorn School on Union Level Road. This used to be the Bowers farm.

The South Hill Enterprise, July 19, 1928:
"UNION LEVEL ... We are sorry to hear of the death of little Edna Bowers, who departed this life Monday evening, July 9th."

The South Hill Enterprise, April 25, 1946:
"ELA SNOW BOWERS - Ella Snow Bowers, 54, died unexpectedly at her home in Union Level early Sunday. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Dewit Bowers, Union Level, and Mrs. Henry Snead, South Hill. Funeral rites were held on Monday at the family cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Jack Taylor."

The South Hill Enterprise, January 11, 1978:
"EULA SNEAD - SOUTH HILL - Mrs. Eula G. Snead, 82, widow of Henry H. Snead, died Wednesday, Jan. 4, 1978, in the hospital here. She is survived by two sons, Gerald M. Snead of South Hill and Floyd C. Snead of Rocky Mount, N.C.; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at Crews Funeral Home, with burial in Crestview Memorial Park."

The following article is a clipping from the South Hill Enterprise sent to me by cousin, Hilda Hood:

"Mrs. M. M. Dunn departed this life November 27, 1922, and was buried the following day at her home, witnessed by a large gathering of friends and relatives. Four ministers were present and all took part in the services - Revs. Poe, Kline, Bowden and Powell. She had been blessed with a long and useful life. She was born in 1838, and was twice married. Her first husband was Giles Bowers and from this union there were two children, William and Jennie. These preceded her to that long home. Her second husband was Charles Dunn, and from this union there were five children, whom she left behind, Richard, Rufus, Herbert, Harvey and Mrs. John Bing. She loved her children and bore the burden and heat of the day for their benefit. She was an exception. She knew how to produce and save. She was Semper Fidelis in whatsoever she set her hands to. The late R. M. Hutcheson said to me, referring to the deceased, 'Ned, I don't know a woman I think deserves as much as she.' She was a sister of the late William Curtis, who was so long clerk of Mecklenburg County. The deceased was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. J. E. Powell. January 15th, 1923."

Obituary for Mrs. Lennis Lett "Duckie" Hall of Lacrosse

One of my cousins, Duckie Hall, passed away on Wednesday. I am copying her obituary from the funeral home's website. I will be going to the funeral on Saturday and have been asked to serve as a pallbearer. My grandfather, Walter Lett, was her uncle.

"Mrs. Lennis Lett “Duckie” Hall, age 80, of Marengo Rd., Lacrosse , died Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at her residence. She was a former nurse’s aid at Community Memorial Healthcenter in South Hill.

“Duckie” is survived by her husband of sixty-one years (61) Frank R. Hall, two daughters; Pattie Allgood and husband Sam of Newport News and Gloria Moody and husband James Earl of Cartersville, Ga., three sons; Frank R. “Ray” Hall and companion Janet of Thomasville, NC, Charles A. Hall and wife Judy of LaCrosse and John Miles Hall also of LaCrosse, nine (9) grandchildren, five (5) great grandchildren, six (6) half-sisters , one (1) half brother and her caregiver Rebecca Wilson. She was predeceased by a sister, half-sister and half-brother.

A funeral service will be conducted Saturday at 11:00 A.M. in Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home and Crematory with interment in the LaCrosse Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. a the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rehoboth United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be sent to www.crowderhitecrews.com."

My Lett Ancestors -

I thought I would share this little collage that I made a few years ago. I need to ad my son to the beginning but you get the idea. It is six generations of Lett men, starting with myself and going back in time to my great-great-great-grandfather. It took me many years of digging and meeting people to find all of these photos. It is a great collection!

The men in this photo are as follows:

Kevin T. Lett (1978- )
Earl M. Lett, Sr. (1939- )
John Walter Lett, Sr. (1907-1951)
John Henry Lett, Jr. (1879-1931)
John Henry Lett, Sr. (1844-1910)
Joseph A(eperson) Lett, Sr. (1810-1864)

All of these men were born in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, except for myself. I was born in Henrico County.

Family Tree Maker 2008 is breaking my heart – a little

Family Tree Maker 2008 is breaking my heart – a little. I want to use it and I even volunteered to be a beta tester. The program should be great but I just cannot get into it. I cannot get excited about the new format for a few reasons, none of which have to do with bugs or errors with the program. I think the software engineers have ironed out most of the problems but I cannot get over the feel of it. I just do not feel comfortable with the program yet and do not know if I will ever feel good about it.

When I used to sit down with Family Tree Maker 16, I could burn through a stack of documents to enter within an hour or two. Family Tree Maker 2008 is so complicated, or maybe detailed is a better word, that it takes five times as long to get anything done. I find myself spending more time entering data than I actually spent at the archives looking for the stuff!

There are so many screens to enter data, sometimes the same information in more than one spot. I feel like I have to be diligent and enter everything but there is so much stuff! If you scan and document the source, the repository, the actual data and maybe a media item, you just spent an hour. That would take only a few minutes in FTM 16.

With FTM 16, things went faster because the layout was simple. I could use the tab and alt keys to jump all over the screen with little effort. It is as if FTM 2008 gives you too many options and I am overwhelmed.

Don’t get me wrong, I love FTM 2008. I think it is a great program, and it is probably the future of genealogy, but it is dense. I am a young guy – only 30 – and I consider myself to be pretty computer savvy. I know that older, less computer-literate individuals have got to be having a hard time with it.

I have honestly lost interest in genealogy over the past few months, largely because of FTM 2008. It is so bulky and slow, I dread sitting down and spending hours with it. I probably have not touched it in over a month. I hate to go back to FTM 16 because I have made changed to my file in FTM 2008 that will not go backward. I am almost stuck with 2008 now and that is somewhat depressing.

I think I am going to try and give it another shot in the next few days. One evening, after the wife and kids go to bed, I will pull out a few documents and maybe time myself on how long they take to enter. I am honesty in a funk right now and have almost no interest in even trying. I wish I could find a document that I have been looking for a long time, something to stimulate my interest again...Does anyone out there have a copy of Francis Lett’s will from Brunswick or Mecklenburg County, Virginia? As far as I know, it does not exist, but that might re-spark my interest enough to give FTM 2008 another try.

eBay - a great place to find family documents and artifacts

I stumbled upon something a few years ago that changed my life – at least the genealogy portion of it. There is a place in your eBay account where you can set up a favorite search and have the results e-mailed to you on a schedule. Most people do not like subscribing to anything but trust me, this is not spam! I have found many valuable family documents and items because of this service.

All you have to do is log into your eBay account and go into “My eBay.” Click on the “All Favorites – Searches” link and then “Add new Search.” From there you can add or remove words, pricing, location or other parameters from your search. When you are finished, it would look something like this:

“+lett +(virginia, VA) -beantown -looney -jazz -funk -beer -killian -killians -"della reese" -"lett-lopi" -lopi -engine -baseball -music -songs -football -leon -dallas -cowboys -bronze -canada -latvia -benchwarmer -italy –mail Sort: Ending First, Located In: United States, Currency: U.S. dollars”

This is my search for the name Lett. I had to specify that I wanted Virginia only. I also removed a lot of terms that do not interest me. For example, I do not want to see items about the Dallas Cowboy’s Leon Lett nor do I want to see anything to do with the singer Earl Lett on Beantown Records. This search allows me to find only items that interest me. It might seem confusing but eBay makes it quite simple to set up, just follow the on-screen instructions.

Every day I get an e-mail from at least one of the many searches I have set up. It lets me know when an item of interest has been posted. Sometimes it might be a reference in the index of a book. Other times it might be an old Bible or family photo. I recently bought a collection of original estate papers, including a handful of family photos, concerning my great-great-great-grandfather, Edward Thomas Cole of Mecklenburg County, Virginia. I have also purchased various old letters, envelopes and even a few newspapers from the communities in which my ancestors lived.

Without the favorite search function on eBay, I would probably have missed out on a lot of neat items that I was able to pick up. The service is free and takes only a few minutes to sign up for. There is no reason not to sign up for it today! You obviously have to have an eBay account but that is free as well.

The only thing you will have to do is bid on the items and hope that you win! Be careful not to get carried away with the bidding process, although I understand that it is almost impossible to pass on a potential family heirloom. I paid over $500 for the estate papers I mentioned earlier, simply because I slipped and let the seller know that I was desperate to get them. Play it cool, bid with confidence and let me know if you find something good!

Comments on life in Union Level, Virginia from June 1892

The Mecklenburg News, Boydton, Virginia, June 24, 1892:

"Union Level, Va. Mr. Editor: - I saw in your last issue that you complained of not having but one letter from your correspondents, I started a long letter don't see why it did not reach you, unless the one I sent it to the Office by, failed to hand it in. I try this evening to give you some few items of this vicinity. I will say first that we are very dry but the prospect at writing very good for a shower, oats are suffering more than any other crop save the want of season to replant tobacco of which there is much complaint of those who planted on the last season, some have commenced to lay by their corn, though quite small for this season of the year. Wheat harvest is pretty near over, and a tolerable yield, some commenced harvesting oats sown in the fall and which are good: the spring not so good. Gardens are very good with plenty of vegetables, soon have roasting ears.

Yesterday was Children's day at Shiloh, everything passed off well, all seemed to enjoy the occasion and were well pleased, Rev. C. R. James the Pastor conducted it, and you know that anything he takes hold of, he makes it a success.

Tommie Drumright son of the late Frank and Mary Drunright died of Dropsey on Wednesday the 7th inst. he had been an invalid all of his life, suffering with Chronic Diarrhea: he was a member of Tabernacle Church.

Mrs. Nancy Crowder wife of the late Harrison Crowder died last Friday at 10 o'clock P. M. at a very advanced age.

Robt. Chappell, died yesterday the 19th inst. at his fathers residence after being a great sufferer for a long time with a chronic disease, which went into Typhoid fever, his remains were carried over to the family Cemetary to be laid to rest by the side of his Mother and Brother. Bob had a good many friends to sympathize with his much respected Father. We truly sympathize with the bereaved father. Bob was one of our greatest favorites.

Mrs. Isaballa Evans wife of the late Jas. Evans died last Saturday the 18th and was buried at the old burying grounds at James Cole's, on yesterday. She was well advanced in years.

There is a good deal of complaint of Dysentery, several deaths I have heard of in the lower district. South Hill, several deaths among children, and the colored.

From the looks of E. L. Petty's lot of tobacco of about 30,000 I shall have to crown him King of Buckhorn, it is the finest lot of tobacco I ever saw at this season of the year, Eddie seems to have some power over the weed, that, but few of his neighbors have, in making it good he is a tobacco grower beyond a doubt.

The Alliance had quite an enjoyable meeting last Saturday. They were addressed by Mr. Hobson, the District Lecturer, and H. C. Smith Esq., our popular, young and talented lawyer of this vicinity, which was a surprise to them.

Mrs. Alice Jackson is in Chase City for the benefit of her health. She has improved from the use of mineral water there.

Had a good rain.

Alif."

Mrs. Nancy M. Crowder of Mecklenburg County, Virginia d. 1892

The Mecklenburg News, Boydton, Virginia, June 24, 1892

"DIED - On Friday [June] 17th 1892, at the residence of her son, Geo. W. Crowder Sr. at the ripe old age of some 80 or 90 years, Mrs. Nancy M. Crowder. Mrs. Crowder was well known to us in our childhood, and in maturer years was our neighbor and friend. A better woman we have never known, and we doubt not but that our Heavenly Father has taken her home to rest. May we meet her in Heaven is our earnest prayer."

Edward Thomas Cole of Mecklenburg County, Virginia d. 1855

Edward and his family have not be located on the 1830 census.

According to the 1840 census, Edward and his family were living in the Eastern district/98th regiment of Mecklenburg County, Virginia. Included in the household were one white male under five, two between five and ten, two between ten and fifteen and one between forty and fifty. There was one white female between fifteen and twenty and two between thirty and forty. The Cole family did not own any slaves and three of them were working in agriculture, most likely Edward and his two oldest sons.

At the time of the 1850 census, Edward and his family were living in the 98th regiment of Mecklenburg County, Virginia. He owned $664 worth of real estate.

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book 18, p. 410:
"Know all men by these presents that we Ann E. Cole and William Evans are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of $1,000 to pay which we bind our heirs and jointly and severally firmly by these present. Sealed with our seals and dated this 19 day of December 1855. The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound Ann E. Cole administratrix of Edward T. Cole, deceased shall faithfully discharge the duties of said administratrix according to law then the above obligation be void otherwise to remain in full force and virtue. Ann E. Cole, William Evans.

Mecklenburg County Court December Term 1855. This bond was acknowledged by the obligors thereto and ordered to be recorded. Teste. R. R. Baptist."

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book 18, p. 449:
An inventory and appraisement of Edward's estate was returned to court in February 1856 by Alex Johnson, William Evans, Hartwell Johnson and Ann Eliza Cole. Included were stocks of corn, tobacco, fodder and oats as well as a looking glass, book case, black mare and other items of household and plantation usage. They were valued at $505.

Edward died six days after his son James was married.

A Cole family cemetery is located off Hwy. 658 in North View, Mecklenburg County, Virginia. From South Hill go west on Hwy. 47 to Old Cox Road. Turn right on Cox and take the first left onto Hwy, 658, now called Northside Road. The cemetery is located at the end of a field on the right along its tree line. The coordinates for the cemetery are 36 47.026 North and 78 15.572 West. There are five marked tombstones and upwards of ten unmarked fieldstone markers. It is believed that Edward and Ann are buried in one of the unspecified graves. Several of the children are buried at the site. The land on which the cemetery is located was marked on the 1864 Gilmer map as belonging to Mrs. Cole.

Hardaway Lett will of Mecklenburg County, Virginia

Mecklenburg County, Virginia Will Book 17, Page 450

In the Name of God amen I Hardiway Lett do make this my last will + Testament in manner and form following. Item It is my will and desire that after my death all my just debts and funeral expenses be well + truly paid. Item 2nd The remainder of my Estate real + personal + perishable I loan to my beloved wife during her natural life and at her death my Landed estate to be equally divided between my three sons Peter E. Lett Drury H. Lett + Joseph H. Lett to them and their heirs forever all the residue of my estate at the death of my widow to be divided into four equal parts one of which I give and bequeath to my son Peter E. Lett one other part to my son Drury H. Lett one other part to my son Joseph H. Lett to them and their heirs forever one other part I loan to my Daughter Fatha H. Curtis during her life and at her death it is my will and desire that she properly loaned her be equally divided between the lawful piece of her body but should it become absolutely necessary during the life time of my Daughter that any portion of the property loaned her should be sold for the support of her self and children. I hereby direct that the Court do sell such part thereof as may be thought nescessary. Lastly I appoint my son Peter E. Lett Executor to this my last will + Testament this first day of June 1852_
Hardiway Lett (Seal)
TestChas. S Hutcherson }
James Hayes Jr }
Green Curtis }
Mecklenburg County June Court 1852 The foregoing last will and testament of Hardiway Lett Deceased was this produced in open court and proved by the oath of Charles S. Hutcherson and Green Curtis two of the subscribing witnesses (illegible) and ordered to be recorded And on the motion of Peter E. Lett the Executor therein named who made oath (illegible) and together with Charles S. Hutcherson, Robert M. Hutcherson and James Connelly his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of Eight thousand Dollars conditioned according to law. Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate thereof in our form--
Teste
R. B. Baptist

Pennington Lett obituary, December 2, 1847, Richmond Advocate

The following was taken from the Thursday, December 2, 1847 edition of the Richmond Advocate:

"Died, at his residence in Mecklenburg County, 29 October 1847, Mr. Pennington Lett, of a disease which at the end rendered him speechless and sensless. And yet another of the same name gone! Only three days had passed since the above death when Miss Angelina Lett, daughter of Joseph Lett, Sr., and niece of the above, was taken."

Pennington Lett m. Frances Pennington was the son of Joseph Lett, Sr. and Faithy Hubbard. The Angelina mentioned was the daughter of Pennington's brother Joseph Lett, Jr. and wife Mary "Polly" Jeffries Burnett. (As a note the name in the obituary, Joseph Lett, Sr., is used because he had a son of the same name and his father was deceased. With that in mind he was the Senior Joseph at the time thus who I know as Joseph Lett, Jr. was Joseph Lett, Sr. in the obituary.

The Richmond Advocate was a publication of the Methodist Episcapol Church, South.

James Marvin Lett of Mecklenburg County, 1910-1978

Richmond Times-Dispatch, c. September-October 1978:
"LETT - James Marvin Lett, 67, of South Hill, died Friday, September 29, 1978 in a South Hill Hospital. He was a retired grocer. Mr. Lett is survived by his son, James Lett, San Antonio; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Jackson, Richmond; five sisters, Mrs. Irma Hightower, Petersburg; Mrs. Hazel Wall, Mrs. Amy Williams and Mrs Delle Roberts all of South Hill and Mrs. Lenis Hall, LaCrosse, Va.; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 2 PM, Sunday at, Farrar-Crowder Funeral Home, South Hill with interment in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Saturday 7 to 9 PM."

South Hill Enterprise, October 4, 1978:
"JAMES LETT - SOUTH HILL - James Marvin Lett, 67, of South Hill died Friday, Sept. 29, 1978, in Community Memorial Hospital, here. He was a retired grocer. He is survived by his son, James Lett of San Antonio, Texas; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Jackson, of Richmond; five sisters, Mrs. Irma Hightower of Petersburg, Mrs. Hazel Wall, Mrs. Amy Williams and Mrs Delle Roberts, all of South Hill, and Mrs. Lenis Hall of La Crosse; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Farrar-Crowder Funeral Home, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery."

Estelle Hart Tucker Lett of Mecklenburg County, 1910-1976

South Hill Enterprise, June 16, 1976:
"ESTELLE LETT - Mrs Estelle Tucker Lett, 66, died Monday, June 14, 1976, in a Richmond hospital. Mrs. Lett was recently retired from Burlington Industries after thirty-four years of service. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Lett; one son, James H. Lett of San Antonia [sic.], Texas, one daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Jackson of Richmond; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, James Tucker of Keysville, Horace Tucker of South Hill and Robert Flippen of Chase City; three sisters, Mrs. Ercelle Andrews, Mrs. Audrey LaRochelle, both of South Hill and Mrs. Nita Young of Baskerville. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 16, at 3 p.m. in the Herbert L. Farrar Funeral Home, South Hill, with burial in Oakwood Cemetery. If desired, Memorial contributions may be made to the church of your choice."

Pattie Lenis Lett Thomas of Mecklenburg, 1905-1928

South Hill Enterprise, May 1928:
"Mrs. Lennis Lett Thomas, wife of Clarence Thomas, died Sunday night and was buried Monday afternoon in the South Hill cemetery. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Lett. Beside her parents to mourn her loss she leaves a husband and two small children."

Unknown newspaper clipping, c. May 1928:
"LENIS LETT THOMAS - On Sunday, April 29, 1928, our beloved one, Lenis Lett Thomas, was called from life and labor to enter the eternal in the heavens where God the Father watches over all. Lenis was only sick a few hours, that's why it grieved us so. She always had been blessed with health and strength to bear her troubles through life. All that medical skill, appreciative people and fond parents could do was done; but God had larger service for her and took her. Lenis joined the Methodist Church at an early age, and with the influence of Christian parents she was led to walk in their footsteps in following God's teaching. She was married to Clarence Thomas of South Hill, December 19, 1924. Just a few years of this union, but God saw fit to take her in early life so she wouldn't suffer any more hardship, for up yonder is heaven. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Lett of South Hill, and was only 23 years old. She leaves to mourn her passing a husband, two precious babies, Elizabeth and Lenis Lett, also devoted father, mother, four sisters, Hazel, Amy Lee, and Dell Lett of South Hill and Mrs. J. B. Hightower of Boydton; two brothers, Walter and Marvin Lett of Richmond. Funeral service was held by Rev. B. E. Hudson. The burial was in the family cemetery near South Hill on Monday afternoon, April 30, at 3:00 o'clock. Multitudes of friends are grieved and sympathize with her beloved family. A Devoted Cousin."