Updated December 24, 2023
Background
Powhatan County was named for the Indian chieftain who ruled the native inhabitants of tidewater Virginia in the early seventeenth century. It was formed from Cumberland County in 1777, and part of Chesterfield County was added later. Its area is 272 square miles, and the county seat is Powhatan.
Parishes
King William Parish, 1777
Saint James Southam Parish, 1777
Overview
James GILLIAM, Jr., of Cumberland County, settled in Powhatan County around 1800. He left a Will dated 1809. For the next century his descendants appear in the records of Powhatan. James' grandson, Richard James GILLIAM, was instrumental in the founding of St. Luke's.
Bibles
John GILLIAM of Maiden's Adventure
Census
1810
James GILLIAM
Free White Males Under 10: 1 [Richard]
Free White Males 26 to 44: 1 [John]
Free White Males 45 and Over: 1 [James]
Free White Females Under 10: 5 [Mary, Martha, Susan, Elizabeth, Lucy]
Free White Females 16 to 25: 1 [Maria]
Free White Females 45 and Over: 1 [Susannah]
Number of All Other Free Persons: 1
Numbers of Slaves: 17
Number of Household Members Under 16: 6
Number of Household Members Over 25: 3
Number of Household Members: 28
1820
Missing
1830
John GILLIAM
Free White Persons - Males - Under 5: 1 [possibly a child of Francis H. and Elizabeth James]
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 2 [Richard, Francis H. James]
Free White Persons - Males - 50 thru 59: 1 [John]
Free White Persons - Females - Under 5: 1 [possibly a child of Francis H. and Elizabeth James]
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 2 [Lucy, Sarah]
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 3 [Martha, Susan, Elizabeth]
Free White Persons - Females - 40 thru 49: 1 [Maria]
Slaves - Males - Under 10: 12
Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 7
Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: 3
Slaves - Females - Under 10: 7
Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23: 6
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 5
Slaves - Females - 36 thru 54: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 4
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 6
Total Free White Persons: 11
Total Slaves: 41
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 52
1840
John GILLIAM
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1 [Richard]
Free White Persons - Males - 60 thru 69: 1 [John]
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 3 [Susan, Lucy, Sarah]
Free White Persons - Females - 50 thru 59: 1 [Maria]
Slaves - Males - Under 10: 7
Slaves - Males - 10 thru 23: 10
Slaves - Males - 24 thru 35: 8
Slaves - Males - 36 thru 54: 4
Slaves - Males - 55 thru 99: 3
Slaves - Females - Under 10: 8
Slaves - Females - 10 thru 23: 6
Slaves - Females - 24 thru 35: 5
Slaves - Females - 36 thru 54: 5
Total - All Persons (Free White, Free Colored, Slaves): 62
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 22
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 4
Total Free White Persons: 6
Total Slaves: 56
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 62
1850
Household 251
John GILLIAM, age 74
Mary J GILLIAM, age 70
Elvira GILLIAM, age 40
Lucy GILLIAM, age 37
Mary F James, age 18
Alice James, age 16
Martha James, age 13
Catherine James, age 90
Wm H Lowry, age 30 [Overseer]
Lucy Lowry, age 37
Household 271
Richard J GILLIAM, age 47
Catharine E. GILLIAM, age 29
John GILLIAM, age 7
Betsey GILLIAM, age 5
Wm T GILLIAM, age 3
James D GILLIAM, age 9 months
Armistead A Whitlock, age 21 [overseer]
1860
Household 351
Catharine E GILLIAM, age 39
John GILLIAM, age 17
Betsy T GILLIAM, age 15
Wm T GILLIAM, age 12
James D GILLIAM, age 10
Pollie James GILLIAM, age 8
1870
Household 2
C E GILLIAM, age 49
Wm T GILLIAM, age 22
James D GILLIAM, age 20
Polly J GILLIAM, age 18
Household 67
John GILLIAM, age 28
Elisabeth GILLIAM, age 35
1880
Household 269
Catherine GILLIAM, age 59
John GILLIAM, age 37
Wm. T. GILLIAM, age 32
Dabney GILLIAM, age 30
Richard J. GILLIAM, age 9
1900
Household 137
John GILLIAM, age 57
Polly O GILLIAM, age 56
Chancery Suits
GILLIAMs are mentioned in the following Chancery Suits:
1817
Plaintiff(s)
THOMAS TABB ETC
Defendant(s)
FRANCIS JAMES ETC
1836
Plaintiff(s)
S C FARRAR & WIFE
Defendant(s)
ADMS OF GEORGE HARDING
1837
Plaintiff(s)
SETH HATCHER
Defendant(s)
ELIZABETH PLEASANTS ETC
1845
Plaintiff(s)
E C FINNEY ETC
Defendant(s)
JOHN GILLIAM
1847
Plaintiff(s)
MARY DUNN
Defendant(s)
WILLIAM W MICHAUX
1850
Plaintiff(s)
ELIZABETH C FINNEY WIDOW ETC
Defendant(s)
RICHARD J GILLIAM
1853
Plaintiff(s)
CATHERINE E GILLIAM WIDOW
Defendant(s)
HEIR(S) OF RICHARD GILLIAM
1857
Plaintiff(s)
MARIAN L LOWRY
Defendant(s)
HAWES & CARDOZO]
1872
Plaintiff(s)
CATHARINE E GILLIAM
Defendant(s)
JOHN SWANN ETC
1877
Plaintiff(s)
JOHN GILLIAM ETC
Defendant(s)
CATHERINE E GILLIAM ADMX ETC
1878
Plaintiff(s)
GDN(S) OF MARY G ROYALL ETC
Defendant(s)
MARY G ROYALL ETC
1884
Plaintiff(s)
H M SMITH & CO]
Defendant(s)
M F SWANN ETC
15 Feb 1901
In Chancery of the city of Richmond, Friday, February 15th, 1901
Present: Hon James C. Lamb, Judge
Swann vs. Gilliam etc and First National Bank vs. Gilliam etc
And
Wilson admr etc vs. Gilliam, Thornton vs. Gilliam etc.
This cause came on this day to be again heard upon the papers formerly read and upon the report and statement of Commissioner Thos M. Miller and exhibits therewith third day filed and were argued by counsel on consideration whereof and it appearing to the court that Augustine Royall and Wm T. Gilliam executors of R J. Gilliam decd deposited in the state Bank of Virginia on the 12th day of October 1900 the sum of twelve hundred dollars to the credit of the court in these causes, being the supposed balance of the purchase money due for the purchase of the dower right of Mrs. Catherine E. Gilliam and 3/5 interest in the fee simple in the dower tract of (289) two hundred and eighty nine acres as set out in the plot filed with the paper of these causes. And id further appearing from the report of commissioners Thomas M. Miller and the exhibits filed with said report that there was a mistake made as to the real and true balance and that the true balance was only five hundred and eighteen dollars and seventy-six cent to the 12th day of October 1900 principal and interest instead of twelve hundred dollars. The court doth by consent of all parties in the interest by counsel, adjudge, order and decree that Augustine Royall and Wm T. Gilliam executors of R. J. Gilliam deceased be and they are hereby directed upon a certified extract from the decree to check upon the funds in the sate Bank of Virginia to the credit of the court in these cases for the sum of six hundred and eighty one dollars and twenty four cents, And the said Thomas M Miller who is hereby appointed a special commissioner for that purpose is directed to grant and convey to Augustine Royall and Wm T. Gilliam executors of R. J. Gilliam decd the two hundred and eighty nine acres which was set apart to Catherine E. Gilliam and the 3/5 fee simple interest in the same purchase by Jon Gilliam, Trustee etc. October 1880 as shown by the papers in these cause to be held by them subject tot he trust and will of Bettie M. Gilliam and R. J. Gilliam decd record in the county court Clerk’s office of Powhatan Co. copies of which wills are filed with the papers in the causes. And it appearing to the court from the report of Commissioners Thos M. Miller that the plot and report of division and partition of the land of Richard J. Gilliam, Sr., filed with the papers of these causes has never been duly recorded and entered up the books of Powhatan County Court as directed by law (this suit having originated in Powhatan Circuit Court and all the land being in that County) the court doth order that said commissioners Thos M. Miller do with draw from the papers in these causes the plot of county survey on Joseph E. Maxey of August 1879 and filed Sept 6th 1879 and have the same recorded in the county court clerk’s office of Powhatan county, Virginia as prescribed by law and made report to court of his actions in this behalf. And it appearing to the court that M. F. Swann, the purchaser of the tract of two hundred and one acres of land (the interest of William T. Gilliam) sold on the 29th day of April 1899 is in default and has filed to comply with terms of sale, it is ordered that he appears her on Monday the 1st day of March 1901 at 11 o’clock am to show cause why the said tract of land should not be resold at his costs and charges for his default aforesaid. And it is further ordered that an extract from this decree be forthwith served on said M. F. Swann.
A copy teste
Chas O. Saville, Clerk.
Virginia, Powhatan County
To wit
I John C. Lawton a notary public for the county aforesaid do certify that D. J. Sledd, George Y. Bradley, E J. Ellett and Thos B. Harrison Commissioners appointed by the Hon Judge Dickinson to divide that land of which Richard J. Gilliam died seized and possessed were duly sworn according to law and that Thos B. Harrison dissented from the within report.
Sig: John C. Lawton, NP
[This cause was heard in Richmond, but was posted here as it involves Powhatan County land.]
1902
Plaintiff(s)
DR WILLIAM H HENNING
Defendant(s)
EXRS OF RICHARD J GILLIAM ETC
1902
Plaintiff(s)
ADMX OF T W WATKINS
Defendant(s)
C C WORSHAM ETC
1908
Plaintiff(s)
MARY E NOBLE ETC
Defendant(s)
LEON RUSKELL ETC
Library of Virginia. Chancery Records.
1 Jun 1853
Estate of Samuel Pleasants of Fine Creek, Powhatan County
Deposition taken before me a Notary Public duly commissioned and Qualified in and for the City of Richmond, state of Virginia, at my office in said City, on the 1 day of June, 1853, between the hours of the A. M. and Sunset to be read as evidence in a certain suit now pending in the Circuit Court of Powhatan wherein Woodfin & als are plaintiffs and Pleasants & als are defendants.
Philip B. Jones admr. of J. Pleasants, decd. and H. Rhodes, Esqr. his Counsell attended this day. Elizabeth Jane Pleasants, a witness for Pleasants admr. being first sworn, deponeth and saith in answer to the following in-torogatories;
1-Question by H. Rhoades Esqr.
Are you a granddaughter of the late Elizabeth Pleasants decd. of Powhatan Co. ?
Answer-Yes, sir.
2-Question by same. Did you reside with her, if so when and how long?
Answer-I did reside with her from infancy to the death of Mrs. Pleasants.
3-Question by same. At the time of the burning of her house in November 1844, and during a year or two after, what was the state of her mind in respect to her capacity to understand and reason? Answer. Well I believe her reason was as good as it ever was, to the date of her death.
4-Question by same. What was her age at the time of her death?
Answer. As near as it could be ascertained, it was between 93 and 94 at the time of her death.
5-Question by same. Who were living with her in the house at the time the house was burned. Besides yourself?
Answer. My mother, my sister, James E. Mayo 's wife and three children, Dr. Edward Mayo and Isaac P. Mayo.
6-Question by same. At whose instance was the house rebuilt?
Answer. My Grandmother's.
7-Question by same. Was the wish to have it rebuilt known to the former members of her family and to her descendants generally residing in the county?
Answer. Oh, Yes, Sir, all of them knew it was her wish.
8-Question by same. Did any of them oppose it?
Answer. I never heard that they did.
9-Question by same. After the house was rebuilt who lived with her in it?
Answer. All lived with her, that had lived with her except Dr. Edward Mayo.
10-Question by same. Who attended to the building of the house?
Answer. James E. Mayo.
11-Question by same. Did you reside with your grandmother in the neighborhood, betwixt the burning and the rebuilding?
Answer. I did, a part of the time. It was my home. I visited for a time in Manchester.
12-Question by same. Where did she live during the interval?
Answer. She lived in a house belonging to Mr. GILLIAM.
13-Question by same. Was her wish that the house should be rebuilt, a very earnest one, or otherwise?
Answer. Yes, very earnest. She never would consent to go anywhere else.
14-Question by same. While it was rebuilding, did you often see her descendants, residing in the County?
Answer. Yes, sir. Right often. They used to come right often.
15-Question by same. Was the building of the house a subject of conversation among them, and was any objection made by any of them to it?
Answer. They very often talked about it. I never heard any objection made by any of them to it, and I never heard of any objection being made by any of them during my life.
16-Question by same. When did you get back into the new house? How long after the burning of the old one?
Answer. I reckon it was about eighteen months from the burning of the old one.
17-Question by same. When was the rebuilding commenced?
Answer. It was in the Spring following the burning of the old one. My grandmother lived in the new house two years after it was finished.
18-Question by same. Do you know whether Dr. Samuel Pleasants was desirous that your grandmother should break up housekeeping and go to live with him?
Answer. Yes. He had often proposed it to her, both before he was curator and afterwards. And afterwards before and after the burning of the house. And further this deponent saith not.
Signed: Elizabeth Jane Pleasants.
Ancestry.com. Valentine Papers (Virginia), Vol. 1-4, 1864-1908. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001. Original data: Edward P. Valentine, The Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers, Vol. 1-4, 1864-1908. Richmond, VA: The Valentine Museum.
Library of Virginia. Chancery Suits.
[In 1840 John GILLIAM of Maiden's Adventure purchases 239 3/4 acres from the Estate of Samuel Pleasants, decd. But the Estate ends up in Chancery and it appears that Sally G. Pleasants Mayo, wife of Edward Mayo is awarded the following: Salley Mayo, Dr. To Lot No. 4, containing 366 1/2 acres highland with 364 3/4 acres middle lot in the Big Island, $6901.70. Cr. By your proportion, $6863.00. Dr. To Balance due, $38.70.—the very tract purchased by John GILLIAM. A suit ensues between John GILLIAM's heirs and Sally Mayo.]
Civil War
Robert E. Lee and the GILLIAMs
William T. GILLIAM
Regiment Name: Capt. Archibald Graham's Company Virginia Light Artillery. (Rockbridge Artillery.)
Side: Confederate
Company:
Soldier's Rank In: Private
Soldier's Rank Out: Private
Film Number M382 roll 21
Name: William Thornton GILLIAM
Residence: Powhatan County, Virginia
Enlistment Date: 1 Sep 1864
Enlistment Place: Richmond, Virginia
Side Served: Confederacy
State Served: Virginia
Death Date: 18 Apr 1927
Death Place: Old Soldiers Home, Richmond, Virginia
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 1 September 1864.
Enlisted in Company 1st,
William Thornton GILLIAM saw the following conflicts:
Fought on 22 Sep 1864 at Fisher's Hill, VA.
Fought on 19 Oct 1864 at Cedar Creek, VA.
Fought on 6 Apr 1865 at High Bridge, VA.
Fought on 7 Apr 1865 at Cumberland Church, VA.
Fought on 9 Apr 1865.
[William Thornton GILLIAM was the son of Richard James GILLIAM and Catherine Elizabeth Thornton of Powhatan]
Historical Data Systems, comp.. American Civil War Regiments [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999.
Original data: Data compiled by Historical Data Systems of Kingston, MA
Correspondences
Miscellaneous Letters, 1810-1819. Folder: 151, 20 items.
Letters written by or addressed to Christopher Anthony, John Baskerville, J. Bolling, David Bondurant, Jeffrey Bondurant, George Booker, Thomas Boulware, William Dunford, Henry Flood, Walter L. Fontaine, Charles Garrote (or Garrott), James T. Hubard, Ben Maxey, Jacob Maxey, Jonathan Maxey, Zachariah Nevit, J. Pittman, Thomas E. Pleasants, Philip Slaughter, John Taylor of Caroline (2 letters written by him), Mutual Assurance Society, Messrs. Scott & GILLIAM, Ca Ira, Va.
[John GILLIAM of Scott and GILLIAM and Company.]
Inventory of the Austin-Twyman Papers, 1765-1939, Collection Mss. 69 Au7, William and Mary Earl Gregg Swem Library
Deeds
Grantor/Grantee Index
18 Dec 1799
Know all men by these presents that I, Robert Gilham, of the county of Jackson and the state of Georgia for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds Specie to him in hand paid by Robert Taylor of the County of Powhatan (and State of Virginia) the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have granted bargained and sold and do hereby grant bargain sell and deliver unto the said Robert Taylor one Negro man by the name of Peter that I bought of John Sandridge in Cumberland County. To have and to hold the said Negro unto the said Robert Taylor him heirs and assigns forever and I do herby oblige myself my heirs, executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend the title of the said Negro unto the said Robert Taylor, against the claims, rights and titles of all and every other person or persons whatsoever, as witness my hand and seal this eighteenth day of April one thousand seven hundred and ninety nine:
Sig: Robert Gilliam
Teste Hughes Taylor
John Lawton
At a Court held for Powhatan County December the 18th 1799. This Bill of Sale from Robert GILLIAM to Robert Taylor was present in open court and proven by the oaths of Hughes Taylor and John Lawton the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 2, page 630In 1804, James GILLIAM of Cumberland makes three land purchases in what is then Powhatan County.
16 Jun 1804
This Indenture made this sixteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and four and of the Commonwealth, the twenty eighth between Joseph McLaurine and Susanna his wife of Powhatan County on the one part and James GILLIAM of Cumberland County on the other; witnesseth that the said Joseph McLaurine and Susanna his wife in consideration of the sum of $946 to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have bargained and sold land by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said James Gilliam, his heirs and assigns a certain tract or parcel of land containing 86 acres more or less, lying and being in the County of Powhatan and bounded as follows
on the north by the Main Road leading form Cumberland to old C. House, to Cumberland Courthouse,
on the west by the lands of Hanse Steger, Senr,
on the south by the lands of John Steger Senior,
and on the east by the lands of Absalom Davenport, Thomas Davenport, and John P. Steger Junior
together with all the houses, barns, orchards, and appurtenances, thereto belonging to have and to hold the said land with all the tenements, hereditaments, and premises herein before bargained or sold with every parts, and parcel thereof unto the said James Gilliam, his heirs and assigns forever. And the said Jos McLaurine and Susanna his wife, for them and their, the said land and all the premises and appurtenances herein before mentioned unto the said James Gilliam and his heirs or assigns from the claim or claims of the said Joseph McLaurine, and his wife or their heirs or either of their heirs and of all and every person or persons, whatsoever, do warrant and forever defend by these presents.
In witness whereof the said Joseph McLaurine and his wife have set their hands and seal the day and year above written.
Sig: Joseph McLaurine
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of
Wit: Samuel Hobson, Mi Montague, John Spears
Rec. 18 Jul 1804
At a court held for Powhatan County the 18th day of July 1804. This indenture of bargain and sale from Joseph McLaurine, and Susanna his wife to James GILLIAM, was presented in Court and acknowledged by the said McLaurine to be his act and deed, and thereupon ordered to be recorded.
Teste James Poindexter
[Witness "Mi Montague" may be should read "Mr." Montague, referring to Thomas Montague whose granddaughter married a grandson of James GILLIAM. However, more than likely it should read Mickleberry Montague. Mickleberry is found in the 1790 Powhatan Personal Property Lists with Elizabeth McLaurine who had a tithable Joseph. This tract when purchased by James GILLIAM contained "houses." One of these houses is now on the National Register. The Report describes renovations likely done by James GILLIAM. James is living on this tract at the time of his death. Susannah is described as living there in the 1815 Landowner's Directory. The heirs of James GILLIAM sell this tract in 1816 to Littleberry H. Mosby, who, in turn, sells it to the Brown family. Susannah's death as recorded in the GILLIAM Bible is 16 Jun 1819.]
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, Page 219-22016 Jun 1804
This indenture made this sixteenth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and four, and of the Commonwealth the twenty-eighth between Thomas Davenport and Fanny his wife of Powhatan County on the one part and James GILLIAM of Cumberland on the other, Witnesseth
that the said Thomas Davenport and Fanny his wife in consideration of the sum of four hundred and forty dollars to them in hand, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained and sold and by this present do bargain and sell unto the said James GILLIAM, his heirs and assigns certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the county of Powhatan containing forty acres, more or less and bounded as follows: viz
on the south the land of John P. Steger, Junior, on the west by the lands of Joseph McLaurine, on the north and easy by the lands of Absalom and John Davenport, together with all houses, buildings, orchards, and appurtenances, thereto belonging
To have and to hold the said land with all the tenements, hereditments and premises herein before mentioned or bargained and sold unto the said James Gillam and his heir forever, and the said Thomas Davenport and Fanny his wife, the said Land unto the said GILLIAM, free from their claims. . .
The original with a commission enclosed to Jas. GILLIAM, August 10th 1804 . . .
[final page was not copied]
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, Page 220
[Absolom Davenport married Elizabeth Steger, the daughter of George Francis Steger.]
15 Dec 1804
John Steger and Francis Steger to James Gilliam
15 Dec 1804
This indenture made the fifteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and four between John Steger and his son Francis Steger of Powhatan County of the one part and James Gilliam of the county of Cumberland of the other part
Witnesseth that the said John Steger and Francis Steger for and in consideration of
Two hundred and twenty-nine pounds, ten shillings good and lawful money of Virginia to them in hand paid by the said James Gilliam the receipt of which they the said John Steger and Francis Steger do hereby acknowledge hath covenanted, granted, bargain’d and sold alien’d, enfeoff’d and confirmed and by these presents do covenant grant bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff and confirm unto the said James Gilliam, and to his heirs and assigns forever one certain tract or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the aforesaid County of Powhatan, containing by estimation (and survey made by John Baughan) ninety acres, which is bound as followeth (to wit)
N 69, W 62 poles to pointers, thence
S 53 1/2, W 43 to pointers on Hanse Stegers thence
S 22, E 12 poles to pointers on a Branch, thence
S 53 1/2, W 82 poles to a red oak on said Hanse Stegers, thence
S 61, E 13 poles to a maple thence
S 15, E 80 poles to corner pointers, thence
N 49 1/2, E 168 poles to a dogwood pointers of said Parrott Steger, thence
N 13, W 41 poles to the beginning
To have and to hold the above granted and sold together with all woods, building, and improvements, whatsoever that belonging or in any wise appertaining and they the said John Steger and Francis Steger for themselves their heirs and assigns do hereby covenant and agree to and with the said James Gilliam the above granted and sold ninety acres of land together with all and singular the appurtenances and privily thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining unto the said James Gilliam and to his heirs and assigns forever, from the claim and demand of all persons or any person whatsoever that will warrant and forever defend by these presents.
In witness whereof they the said John Steger and Francis Steger do hereby set their hands and seals the day and year above written.
Sig: John Steger, Francis Steger
Wit: Joseph McLaurine, Willis Swann, Skipp H. Steger
At a court held for Powhatan County the 19th day of December 1804. This indenture of bargain and sale from John and his son Francis Steger to James Gilliam was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of Joseph McLaurine, Willis Swann, and Skipp H. Steger all the subscribing.
Witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded.
Teste
James Poindexter.
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 3, page 257-25823 Feb 1821
Deed Edward Johnson to John GILLIAM
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book, 8, Page 18
23 Feb 1822
Deed John GILLIAM to Thomas O. Taylor
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book, 8, page 20
8 Jul 1840
Samuel Pleasants, of Henrico Co., deed to John GILLIAM, 239 3/4 acres of land on James River in Powhatan Co., formerly part of the real estate of Samuel Pleasants, decd.
Rec: July 8, 1840.
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 14, p. 428.
Ancestry.com. Valentine Papers (Virginia), Vol. 1-4, 1864-1908. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001. Original data: Edward P. Valentine, The Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers, Vol. 1-4, 1864-1908. Richmond, VA: The Valentine Museum
15 Aug 1851
Deed Robert W. Nelson to Richard J. GILLIAM
15 Aug 1851
Deed Richard J. Gilliam to Lucien Minor and John F. Lay
15 Feb 1852
This deed made the 15th day of February 1852 between Wyatt C. Nice, R. J. Gilliam and John Watkins of the one part all of the County of Powhatan and State of Virginia and Wm B. Ball of the county of Chesterfield of the other part. Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part do grant unto the said William B. Ball the following property viz. one cabinet, one wardrobe, one pine press, two beds, bedding and furniture, two dozen silver spoons, silver ladle and sugar tray, one safe, one set tea china, on set dinner china, one dozen chairs, one clock and pair of candle sticks, two carpets, one sorrel riding horse with saddle and bridle and the following slaves, Charles and Caroline, his wife, it being the property purchased by the said parties of the first part at the sale of J. J. Fleming held on the 14th day of February 1852. In trust to hold the same for the exclusive use, livelihood and support of Mary Fleming wife of the said Jn. J. Fleming and her children free and clear of and from all debts and liabilities of any description whatsoever of her said husband J. J. Fleming whether said debts be now existing or such as may hereafter exist it being intended to convey the said property to the said trustee exclusively and absolutely for the benefit of the said Mary Fleming and her children entirely free from any martial rights whatever of her said husband with power to said trustee to make such and any disposition by and with the consent of the said Mary Fleming as may be deemed advisable it being hereby intended that as such disposition shall be valid but by the join consent of the said trustee and the said Mary Fleming and the said parties of the first part do hereby warrant specially the property hereby conveyed.
Witnesses the following signatures and seals the day and year first above written.
Sig: Wyatt C. Nice, R. J. Gilliam, Jno Watkins.
State of Virginia
County of Powhatan
To wit
I William Ligon a justice of the peace for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that R. J. Gilliam, Wyatt C. Nice and Jno Watkins whose names are signed to the writing above bearing date of the 15 day of February 1852 has acknowledged the same before me in the County aforesaid. Given under my hand this 7th day of April 1852.
Sig: Wm Ligon, JP
April the 7th 1852
This foregoing deed which has been duly acknowledged by the grantors before the magistrate and certified was this day recorded in this office and with the certificate annexed to record.
Teste Wm S. Dance
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 18, page 559[R. J. Gilliam is Richard James Gilliam, the son of John Gilliam and Maria Jefferson James. Richard married Catherine E. Thornton, the daughter of William Mynn Thornton on 13 Apr 1841 in Cumberland. Wyatt C. Nice was born abt 1823. John Watkins it is believed that John Watkins is John Watkins of Powhatan born 1797 who married Mary Jane Finney on 23 Apr 1823. William B. Ball born abt 1816 married Laura A. McRae, the daughter of Colin McRae on 9 Oct 1843 in Chesterfield.The identity of John and Mary Fleming is not known; however, it is likely that they are related to the Flemings of Maiden’s Adventure Farm, Powhatan.]
1 Sep 1877
This deed made this 1st day of September 1877 between Willis J. Dance Trustee etc., of the one part and John Swann of the other part, witnesseth that whereas Wm. T. GILLIAM and James D. GILLIAM by this deed of Trust dated the 6th of July 1874 and duly recorded in the Clerk’s office of the County of Powhatan, conveyed to the said Dance as Trustee all their interest (being one undivided fifth part each) in and to the real estate of which R. J. GILLIAM died seized consisting of 890 1/2 acres lying in the County of Powhatan and an Island in James River and which lies in the county of Goochland in order to secure certain debts herein mentioned and particularly described. And whereas default being made in the payment of the said debts the said Dance as Trustee at the request of the said Swann advertised the said interest for sale at public auction at Powhatan Court House on the 6th day of August 1877 and gave due notice of the same by advertisement at the said Court House and several other public places in the County and on the day and at the place appointed offered the same for sale, when the said John Swann being the highest bidder became the purchaser of the said interests of W. T. GILLIAM and J. D. GILLIAM at the price of thirteen hundred dollars, now therefore the said Willis J. Dance in consideration of the premises and of the said sum of thirteen hundred dollars doth grant with special warranty unto the said Jno Swann all the interest of the said W. T. GILLIAM and James D. GILLIAM which was conveyed by the deed of Trust aforesaid.
Witness the following signature and seal, Willis J. Dance, Trustee
[The Will of Richard James GILLIAM divides his estate into six tracts, one for each for the five children and a dower tract for Catharine. Catherine is to received one-third of land as her dower. The remaining two-thirds was then to be divided into five tracts.
William receives 201 acres, Jack and Polly each receive 181 acres that adjoined Buena Vista Farm and fronted the James River. Catharine retained 289 acres of the Buena Vista tract. James Dabney and Elizabeth received tracts with 82.5 and 89.5 acres or about half of Spring Valley (east of Windsor) and half of Pleasant’s Island. (At the time Pleasant’s Island was known as GILLIAM’s Island). The total acreage of Richard’s estate was 1023.
It appears from several court cases that William’s and James Dabney’s tracts were “drawn by lot” for back pay due John Swann—apparently he had served as Catharine’s overseer. Much ill will follows, for according to the descendants of John Swann, anytime, anything would go “wrong” they would attribute it to the “curse of Mrs. GILLIAM.” Catharine is said to have stood on her porch and said, “I curse you John Swann. I curse you and your children and your children’s children, forever.”]
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 24, page 447
16 May 1895
This deed made this sixteenth day of May 1895 between R. L. Peirce of Powhatan County of the first part and John Gilliam of the same county party of the second part
Witnesseth that the said part of the first part doth grant and convey unto the said part of the second part all of the following personal property to wit:
Four dark born are mules named respectively: Pat, Nina, Lizzie and Sallie
One sorrel mare named Sylvia
One sorrel horse name Star
One black colt named Charlie
One bay cold named Fannie
Three cows,
One farm wagon
One spring wagon
One wood cart
Together with all harness and farming implements
One piano
All household and kitchen furniture owned by him together
with all his crops now growing or seeded upon the Fine Creek property or elsewhere in said County,
and especially the crops of corn, wheat, oats and tobacco now growing and seeded or to be seeded this year upon the Fine Creek and Foundry tracts all of which said property except a portion of said crops is located on the Fine Creek . . .
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 29, page ___.[Robert L. Peirce married Jane Corr, the daughter of Washington who at one time operated the Mill and Post Office at the Foundry, at Fine Creek.]
6 Mar 1901
This deed made and entered into this 6th day of March 1901 by and between Thos M. Miller Commissioner of the Chancery Court of the city of Richmond, VA in the cause of Swann and etc. vs. Gilliam and
First National Bank vs. Gilliam etc. and
Wilson etc. vs. Gilliam and
Thornton etc. vs. Gilliam consolidated, party of the first part and
Augustine Royall and Wm T. Gilliam Executors of Richard J. Gilliam, decd parties of the second part
Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of five dollars in hard paid (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and under and in pursuance of a decree entered in said causes on the 15th day of February 1901 doth grant and convey with special warranty unto the said Augustine Royall and Wm T. Gilliam executors of Richard J. Gilliam, decd parties of the second part
Three undivided fifth (3/5) of the two hundred and eighty nine (289) acres of land more or less lying in Powhatan county, Virginia on James River and Fine Creek and known as the “Dower Tract” of Mrs. Catherine E. Gilliam in the estate of her late husband, Richard J. Gilliam, decd and known as “Buena Vista” and adjoining the land of Robert Lee, Archer Turpin’s estate and others and more fully set out on a plat of partition made by Jas E. Maxey, SP of Virginia filed in the above causes and of record in Powhatan County Clerk’s office to which plot reference is hereby made for a more particular description, the interest hereby ____ being the shares of John Gilliam, Betsy G. Kennon (wife of W. U. Kennon), Wm. T. Gilliam, three of the 5 children of Richard J. Gilliam decd (the widow Catherine Gilliam having departed this life) in the said dower tract of 289 acres as set forth by the proceeding in the above causes to them the said parties of the second part to have and to hold with all the appurtenances and privileges thereto belonging as executors of Richard J. Gilliam, decd and in pursuance of the provisions of the Wills of Bettie M. Gilliam and Richard J. Gilliam of record in Powhatan County, Virginia as provided in said decree February 15, 1901.
As witness the following signature and seal
Sig: Thos M. Miller, Comr
State of Virginia
City of Manchester to wit
I, Clarence Vaden a notary public in and for the city of Manchester in the state of Virginia do hereby certify that Thos. M. Miller Comr. whose name is signed to the forgoing deed bearing date on the 6th day of March 1901 has acknowledged the same before me in my city aforesaid.
Given under my hand this 7th day of March 1901
Sig: Clarence Vaden, NP
In Powhatan County, Court Clerk’s office on the 9th day of March 1901 the forgoing deed of Bargain and sale was this day present in the office and with one dollar and fifty cents in United States Internal Revenue stamps affixed and duly cancelled and with certificate annexed admitted to record at 6 o’clock pm
Teste
James A. Tilman, Clerk
Powhatan County, Deed Book 31, pages 104-1056 Mar 1901
The deed made this 6th day of March 1901 between Augustine Royall and William T. Gilliam executors under the will of Richard J. Gilliam, deceased, parties of the first part and Sally G. Mayo, wife of Samuel P. Mayo of the City of Richmond, State of VA, party of the second part,
Witnesseth that in consideration of the premises as well as the sum of thirty six hundred ($3600) dollars cash in had paid on second ____ be paid the said parties of the first part do grant unto said part of the second part with special warranty four fifths (4/5) undivided interest in that certain piece, parcel or tract of land called Buena Vista, containing two hundred, eight nine (289) acres be the same more or less lying and situate in the County of Powhatan, state aforesaid and it _____ know as the dower tract which was assigned to the Catherine E. Gilliam, widow of the late Richard J. Gilliam, deceased and is more fully set forth and described on a plat survey made by Jas E. Maxey, Surveyor of Powhatan County in the papers in the Chancery suit styled Swann etc vs. Gilliam and the First Nation Bank vs. Gilliam, etc. and Wilson, etc vs. _____ etc Thornton, etc, vs. Gilliam, etc Consolidated and now pending in The Chancery Court of the city of Richmond VA being a chancery cause from the county of Powhatan to be held by the said Sally G. Mayo __ of the second part as her sale separate estate free from the _____ of her present husband or any future husband she may _____ said plat is also recorded in the said County Court of Powhatan County. The said land is bounded as followeth to wit
On the north by James River
South by Fine Creek
East by the land of Robert R. Lee, et al, known as the Windsor Tract and
To the West by the land which was assigned to Polly J. Nelson, wife of Dr. Hugh T. Nelson who was Polly J. Gilliam . . .
[imperfect copy]
. . . Conveyed was deed to John Gilliam trustee under the Will of the late Bettie M. Gilliam dated the 9th day of Feby 1871 and recorded on the 30 day of June 1872 in the said clerks office in Will Book 17, page 236 and to be held by the said John Gilliam as trustee under and in pursuance of an in conformity with the terms provisions and restriction of the will of the said Bettie M. Gilliam, by James A. Tilman and M. A. Tilman, his wife, by deed of March 3rd 1891 and duly recorded in said Clerk’s office in DB Vol.28, page 73, conveying in said deed the interest of James Dabney Gilliam one of the legates of the late Richard J. Gilliam the other three fifths 3/5 interest was deeded to the said Augustine Royall and Wm. T. Gilliam Executors under the Will of the late Richard J. Gilliam, by deed date the 6th day of March 1901 by Thos. M. Miller special Commissioner of the Chancery Court of the city of Richmond, VA in the cause recited above. The said Thos M. Miller, special Commissioner, conveying in said deed the interest of John Gilliam Betsy T. Kennon wife of Wm. U. Kennon (who was Betsy T. Gilliam,) and Wm. T. Gilliam who were children and heirs of the late Richard J. Gilliam, the said deed is duly recorded in said Clerk’s office in DB Vol. 31 page___ [blank in original]. The said Augustine Royall and Wm. T. Gilliam executors parties of the first part conveyed the said land to the said party of the second part by virtue of the power and authority vested in them by the eight (8) item in the Last Will and Testament of the late Richard J. Gilliam deceased, said Will is duly Recorded in the said Clerk’s Office in DB, Vol. 18. To all of which deed and wills reference is hereby made for other and further description of the hereby conveyed premises under the Will of the late Bettie M. Gilliam above referred to John Gilliam her husband was appointed trustee, etc. for the only living child of the said Bettie M. Gilliam, the said Richard J. Gilliam, now deceased and the said John Gilliam has since departed this life, the only heirs therefore remaining are the parties named, in the Will of the later Richard J. Gilliam, in which said Will he said Augustine Royall and Wm. T. Gilliam were named as executors.
Witness the following signatures and seals.
Sig: Augustine Royall, Executor,
William T. Gilliam, Executor
State of Virginia
City of Manchester, to wit
I, Clarence Vaden a Notary Public in and for the city of Manchester in the state of Virginia, do certify that Augustine Royall and Wm. T. Gilliam, executors, whose names are signed to the foregoing deed bearing date on the 5th day of March 1901 have acknowledged the same before me in my city aforesaid.
Given under my hand this 12th day of March 1901
Clarence Vaden, Notary Public
In Powhatan County Court Clerk’s office on the 19th day of March 1901 the foregoing deed of bargain and sale to which was affixed four dollars in United States Internal Rev stamps duly cancelled was this day presented in said office and the certificate annexed, admitted to record at 6:00 o’clock pm.
Teste
James A. Tilman
Powhatan County, Deed Book 31, page 110-1119 Mar 1901
The deed made this 9th day of March in the year 1901 between Sallie G. Mayo and Saml P. Mayo her husband of the city of Richmond, State of Virginia parties of the first part and George E. Gary of the City of Manchester, state of Virginia Trustee, party of the second part.
Witnesseth, that said parties of the first part do, grant unto the said parties of the second part, the following property to wit:
All that certain ____ tract of parcel of land lying and being in the County of Powhatan and state aforesaid know as “Buena Vista” containing (289) two hundred and eight nine acres be the same more or less and known as and called the dower tract which was assigned to the late Mrs. Catherine E. Gilliam, and is fully set forth and shown on a map made by J. E. Maxey surveyor of said County and filed with the chancery papers in the suit styled Swann &c vs. Gilliam &c now pending in the chancery court of the City of Richmond and also recorded in the clerk’s office of said County, the said tract of land is bounded on the north by James River, south by Fine Creek, East by the farm called Windsor now owned by Robert R. Lee and others on the west by the lands assigned to Polly J. Nelson, wife of Dr. Hugh T. Nelson, as shown on the said plot and is the same real estate which was conveyed to the said Sallie G. Mayo (4/5) four fifths undivided interest in the said 289 acres by Augustine Royall and Wm T. Gilliam Exors. of R. J. Gilliams Estate by deed dated March 6th 1901 to be recorded in said Clerk’s office and the other 1/5 one fifth undivided interest in the said 289 acres was conveyed to the said Sallie G. Mayo by Kate Nelson Chamberlain and William Chamberlain her husband by deed dated March 9th 1901 also to be recorded in said Clerk’s office to said plot and deed special reference is hereby made for other and further description of the hereby conveyed premises:
In trust to secure to Wm T. Gilliam and Augustine Royall Exors. of R. J. Gilliam’s Est. (3) three certain negotiable notes for the payment of the sum of $1680 said notes are made by Sallie G. Mayo and payable to the order of the said Gilliam and Royall Exors. at Mechanics and Merchants Bank, Manchester Virginia.
1st note is for the sum of $530 payable one year after date
2nd note for the sum of $560 payable two years after date and
the 3rd note is for the sum of $590 payable three years after date and are given for the deferred payments on the hereby conveyed property and all bear date of the 6th day of March 1901. In the event that default shall be made in the payment of the above mentioned notes as they became due and payable then the trustee on being required so to do by Wm. T Gilliam and Augustine Royall Exors. on their executions, administrations or assigns shall sell the property hereby conveyed . . . .
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book ___, page ____Historical Markers
Here Robert E. Lee, returning from Appomattox, pitched his tent for the last time, April 14, 1865. He stopped here to visit his brother, Charles Carter Lee, who lived at nearby "Windsor". Fearing to incommode his brother, Lee camped by the roadside and the next day ended his ride to Richmond.
(Powhatan Co.: Rte 711, 9.5 miles n. of Powhatan)
[Another marker with same information is placed on Rte. 711, Powhatan Co., 9.8 miles west of Chesterfield County line. From Lee's memiors we know he pitched his tent at the GILLIAMs.]
Virginia Historical Marker
Homestead Act
22 Jul 1870
Under the Homestead Act, Catharine E. GILLIAM files a Homestead deed in the September Court of 1870:
Know all men by these presents that I, Catharine J. [sic] GILLIAM, of Powhatan County, a householder and head of a family, and as such do by these presents in pursuance of an act recently passed by the general assembly known as the Homestead Act, declare my intentions to claim such Homestead the value of $2000 in the following herein after described.
Firstly, all my interest as doweress in all the real estate of which my husband Richard J. GILLIAM died seized and possessed consisting of land in Powhatan County lying on James River, containing about 700 acres lying above the mouth of Fine Creek including the upper portion of Pleasant’s Island.
Secondly, saving and reserving all articles exempt from levy or ___ for rent by the Statutes of Virginia, on the day the present Constitution into effect, I do furthermore claim all the household and kitchen furniture in my possession and all my interest in all the personal property of every description upon the aforesaid land above the mouth of the Fine Creek. All of which claim I do hereby make by deed as prescribed in 4 Section of the Homestead Act aforesaid. In testimony where hereto set my hand and affix my seal his 22 July 1870.
Sig: Catharine E. Gilliam
State of Virginia County of Powhatan
J. R. S. Pierce a Justice of said County do hereby certify that Catharine J. [sic] Gilliam whose name is signed to the writing hereto bearing date on the 22 July 1870, has acknowledged the same before ____ County aforesaid. Given under my hand this 25th day of July 1870.
Sig: R. S. Pierce
In Powhatan County Court Clerk’s Office
August the 3rd 1870
The foregoing declaration of intention to claim the benefit of the Homestead bill was this day received in the said office with certificate of acknowledgement thereon and endorsed and admitted to record
Teste
R. F. Graves
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 21, page 41422 Jul 1870
Know all men by these presents that I John Gilliam of the County of Powhatan and State of Virginia, a homeholder and head of a family and as such entitled to all the rights and benefits secured by the 11th Article of the Constitution of Virginia, do by these presents in pursuance of an Act recently passed by the General Assembly known as the Homestead Act declare my intention to claim such Homestead to the value of $2000 in the property hereinafter described. Saving and reserving all articles of property exempt from levy or distress for rent by Statues of Virginia, in the day the present Constitution of Virginia went into effect. I claim all the personal property in my possession at this time and all my interest in the personal property now upon the tract of land lately seized and possessed by my father Richard J. Gilliam decd lying on James River above the mouth of Fine Creek, which personal property including that in my possession and that of said land is valued by competent Judges as not exceeding $350 in value. I do also claim an interest to the value of $1650 in the real estate of my father, the later Richard J. Gilliam (after deducting there from the interest of my mother Catherine E. Gilliam as her doweress) to which I may be entitled in possession remainder or reversion which real estate consists of two tract of land in Powhatan, lying in James River, one of which lies above the mouth of Fine Creek containing about 700 acres and the other below said mouth containing 180 acres and including the upper portion of Pleasants Island. All of which claim I do hereby make by deed and prescribed by the 4th Section of the Homestead Act aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I do hereto affix my hand and seal this 22nd July 1870.
Sig: John Gilliam
State of Virginia
County of Powhatan
J. R. S. Pierce a justice of said County do hereby certify that John Gilliam whose name is singed to the writing hereto annexed bearing date on the 22nd July 1870 has acknowledge the same before me in my county aforesaid. Given under my hand on this 25th day of July 1870
Sig: R. S. Peirce JP
In Powhatan County Court Clerks Office
August the 3rd 1870
The foregoing declaration on intention to claim the benefit of the Homestead bill was this day received in the said office with the certificate of acknowledgement thereon endorsed and stamp annexed and admitted to record.
Teste
R. F. Graves
Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book 21, page 415Landowner's Directory of 1815
Susanna GILLIAM, Life, Middle Road, 12W
[Directions and distances are measured from the Courthouse.]
James and Susanna GILLIAM lived at Somerset.
Ward, Roger G. 1815 Directory of Virginia Landowners (and Gazetteer) Volume 1, Central Region. Athens, GA: Iberian Pub. Co., 1997.
Legislative
Chap. 87.—An ACT to incorporate the Powhatan troop association.
Approved January 18,1896.
1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the Powhatan troop association, composed of the veteran survivors of company E, fourth regiment of Virginia calvary, second brigade, first division of Stuart's calvary corps, army of Northern Virginia, and their associates and successors be, and they are hereby, made and constituted a body politic and corporate by the aforesaid name.
2. The officers and directors of the association for the first year, or until their successors are appointed, or elected, shall be Joseph Hobson, president; Charles Old, vice-president; Frank D. Hill, secretary; John R. Goode, treasurer; J. H. Harrison, chaplain. Directors—James R. Werth, John GILLIAM. Charles Seldon, W. T. Keunon, B. R. Selden, Milton McLaurine and Augustine Royal.
3. The object of the association is to erect a monument in remembrance of the Powhatan troop, and to provide for the preservation of the same.
4. It shall be lawful for the association to elect and appoint, from time to time, such officers as may be necessary for the proper management of the association's affairs, and thereupon they shall have and exercise all the general powers of a corporation, consistent with the purpose of this act.
5. It shall be lawful for the association to acquire from the judge of the county court of Powhatan county, Virginia, and to hold the fee simple title thereto, to a plat of land forty feet square in and upon the court green of Powhatan courthouse, for the purpose of erecting a monument thereon, and for no other purpose whatever.
6. It shall be lawful for the association to issue to each of its members, or to any descendant of any deceased veteran, a certificate of membership and a descriptive list, and to have the same recorded in a book to be provided by the association, to be placed in the custody of the clerk of the county court, upon the payment to the said clerk of the said county the proper fee for recording the same.
7. This act shall be in force from its passage.
Acts Passed at a General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1895, page 114.
Marriages
23 Apr 1793,
Charles GILLIAM & Elizabeth Woodson, dau. of Lucy Woodson, Sur. Paul J. Carrington, Wit: Martha Cannon & Martha Woodson.
Powhatan County, VA, Marriage Register, Pg. 24
19 Nov 1828
Herbert James and Elizabeth H. GILLIAM, dau. of John GILLIAM who consents. Sur. Thomas J. Goode. Wit. R. J. GILLIAM
Powhatan County, VA, Virginia Marriage Register, Page 106:
7 Feb 1829
John Pemberton and Mary Louisa GILLIAM, dau. of John GILLIAM. Sur. William M. Thornton, Jr. Wit. James H. Dillion.
Powhatan County, VA, Virginia Marriage Register, Page 107
27 Dec 1843
Married at Maiden’s Adventure, in Powhatan County on Dec. 27, by Rev. Wm Norwood, F. M. Lawson, of Richmond, to Sarah Angelina, youngest dau. of John GILLIAM.
Richmond Whig & Public Advertiser, p. 2, c. 5, Friday, December 29, 1843.
Misc.
abt 1828
American Colonization Society, Auxiliary Societies, Powhatan County
Col. James Clark, President
William Old, Rev. Edward Baptist, Vice Presidents.
John B. Tinsley, Secretary
Joseph Davis, Treasurer
Managers: William Pope, Joseph Hobson, Rev. Dan. A. Penick, Thomas Scott, Joseph Davis, John Daniel, William L. Montague, William Sublitt, John GILLIAM.
Slaughter, Philip. The Virginia History of African Colonization, page 13.
Obituaries
abt 11 Feb 1840
Died at the residence of John GILLIAM, of Powhatan County, William Ellison, in his 65th year. no date.
Richmond Whig & Public Advertiser, p. 1, c. 7, Tuesday, February 11, 1840.
26 Jun 1851
Obituary of John GILLIAM of Maiden's Adventure
Tribute of Respect, John GILLIAM
At a County Court held for the County of Powhatan at the Courthouse thereof on Wednesday, the second day of July 1851.
Resolution adopted at a meeting of the members of the Court, the members of the Bar, and the Officers of the Court on occasion of the recent death of John GILLIAM of this County, long a Justice of this County, were presented in County in these words to wit:
First Resolution, that we have heard with emotions, of the most painful regret, of the death of Mr. GILLIAM, whose eminent virtues and great usefulness endeared him to the County in which he lived, and have rendered his death a severe affliction and an irreparable loss to us all.
Second Resolution, that a copy of the foregoing resolution and of our proceedings be communicated to Mr. Richard James GILLIAM in testimony our sincere sympathy with himself and the other members of the bereaved family of the deceased in the affliction.
Whereupon it was ordered by the County that the Resolution aforesaid be entered upon the records of the County, and that, in addition, to sending a copy to the only son of the deceased, a copy be also forwarded to the Editors of the Richmond newspapers for publication.
William Dance
Richmond Enquirer, July 8, 1851, page 4, column 4 and July 18, 1851, page 4, column 6.
26 Jun 1851
Died at Maiden’s Adventure, his residence in Powhatan County, on June 26, John GILLIAM, in his 76th year.
Richmond Whig & Public Advertiser, p. 4, c. 3, Friday, July 4, 1851.
11 Feb 1851
Obituary of Maria Jefferson James GILLIAM
Richmond Enquirer, February 18, 1851, page 2, column 6.
8 Mar 1853
Obituary of Richard J. GILLIAM
Died, In Powhatan County before March 9, Richard J. GILLIAM, a justice of that court.
Richmond Whig & Public Advertiser, p. 2, c. 6, Tuesday, March 15, 1853.
8 Mar 1853
Obituary of Richard J. GILLIAM
Died, In Powhatan County on March 7, Richard J. GILLIAM, in his 51st year.
Richmond Whig & public advertiser, p. 2, c. 6, Friday, March 18, 1853.
[According to tombstone, Richard died March 8]
abt 3 Mar 1857
Obituary of Richard Anderson
Died, Richard Anderson, of Powhatan County, yesterday at the residence of the late Robert GILLIAM in Powhatan County.
Richmond Whig & Public Advertiser, p. 3, c. 1, Tuesday, March 3, 1857.
[Should read Richard GILLIAM, not Robert. Richard Anderson is the uncle of Catherine E. Thornton who married Richard James GILLIAM.]
2 ______
Died, on the evening of the 2d instant, of typhoid fever, at the residence of Mrs. Catherine GILLIAM, in Powhatan county, Virginia, in the twenty-second year of her age, Margaret Lewis Marshall, second daughter of the late John Marshall, of Oak Hill, Fauquier county, Virginia.
Another flower plucked from the Saviour's garden; another light faded from the heart of loved ones' another vacant chair in the broken circle; but another jewel in Emanuel's crown. Oh! Murmur not, ye who are bowed down beneath the stroke, but plead for wisdom to interpret well the sentence so inscrutable. Though no kindred hand soothed her brow, or anxious ear caught the words of parting yet kind friends were raised up unto her, and ere the chill of death had settled on her, and while over her gathered a heavenly throng, her waiting spirit was borne in her Saviour's bosom to her home on high - to a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Oh! Could we with a selfish hand unbind the gleaming coronal upon her brow, and with the dew of earthly sorrow aim its untold lustre? Oh! No, we would not tarnish with an earthly stain its ever growing brightness.
8 Mar 1898
The Late Mrs. GILLIAM
Her Funeral this Afternoon from St. Luke’s Church, in Powhatan
The funeral of Mrs. Catherine E. GILLIAM whose death occurred at her late residence, Buena Vista, Powhatan county, yesterday morning, took place at 2 o’clock this afternoon from St. Luke’s Church and the Interment was in the church yard.
Mrs. GILLIAM was the relict of the late Richard Gillam of Powhatan and leaves five children to mourn their loss. Mssers John, W. T. and Jas D. Gillam, Mrs. Dr. Hugh T Nelson of Charlottesville, and Mrs. W. U. Kennon.
When the end came she was surrounded by her entire family save one, Mrs. W. U. Kennon, who had the misfortune to suffer a fracture of her hip in New York, a short time since.
Mrs. GILLIAM had been a zealous member of St. Luke’s Protestant Episcopal church for a great number of years and was beloved by a host of friends for her many noble virtues.
Charlottesville Daily Progress, March 8 and 9, 1898
[Mounted to the ceiling in one of the bedrooms at Norwood is a large hook. It has been said it was for one of the Kennon girls when she broke her leg is a riding accident. Could it have been for Mrs. Kennon who according to the above was unable to be with her mother due to suffering a broken hip?]
Life of John "Jack GILLIAM
Parishes
Saint Luke's Episcopal Cemetery
1834
"At Bro. R. Gillum's, Feb. 3d -- The Lord, in some measure, has turned my captivity; for, last night, I was burdened, fearing I had broken, or had been the occasion of others breaking the Sabbath. O my God, show me clearly what thou wouldst have me do. Did I transgress in removing yesterday? Thou knowest my design. For the sake of Jesus, forgive, and grant me an increase of grace and a truly enlightened conscience, that it may be 'quick as the apple of an eye,' the slightest touch of sin to feel. I praise thee for the comfort lately experienced both in my soul and body."
"At Bro. M. M. Langhorne's, Feb. 4th -- My mind not so comfortable as usual; but, bless the Lord, I have no reason to complain. I will triumph in the God of my salvation. Keep me this day from danger and accident, both soul and body, and may my mind be stayed on thee."
Life of John Wesley Childs, For Twenty-Three Years An Itinerant Methodist Minister By John Ellis Edwards, Of The Virginia Conference Of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South Richmond, Va., And Louisville, Ky.
[Bro. R. Gillum is Richard James GILLIAM, and Bro. M. M. Langhorne is Maurice M. Langhorne.]
Pensions
Confederate Pension Rolls, Veterans and Widows
Act of 1922 (3 Nov 1922)
GILLIAM, W T, Soldier, $130.00
[W. T. GILLIAM is William Thornton GILLIAM, son of Richard James GILLIAM and Catherine Elizabeth Thornton.]
Library of Virginia. Confederate Pension Rolls, Veterans and Widows
Periodicals
September 21, 1824
Runaway Slave Sought: Cumby
from Powhatan County, Virginia
TWENTY DOLLARS REWARD.
WILL be given for apprehending and delivering to me my negro man CUMBY, about twenty four years of age, of light complexion, about 5 feet 6 inches high, well set, has somewhat of a roman nose—has one or more small scars about the face, not particularly recollected—talks slow, has a pleasing countenance when spoken to, is plausible and ingenious in his manner of excusing himself, when any charge is made upon him. Cumby went off about the 1st of April last, since which I have not heard of him. I have no doubt he will attempt to pass as a free man, and probably has obtained false papers for that purpose. He was a waterman at the time I purchased him of James Cocke of this county, and the head man of a boat, it is probably that he is now at work on the river. And most likely above Lynchburg, or he may have gone out of the State. He carried off clothes of different sorts.
JOHN GILLIAM.
Powhatan, July 30
The Richmond Enquirer
1843
Southern Literary Messenger
Subscriber
Miss Lucy A. GILLIAM, Subletts Tavern, VA
[Lucy is the daughter of John GILLIAM and Maria Jefferson James, his wife. She married Peter Jefferson Archer.]
Southern Literary Messenger
27 Jan 1852
Fifty dollars reward-Ranaway form the subscriber in May last, a Negro man named Edward; calls himself Edward Lewis. His is 22 years old medium size, black though not the darkest hue, always smiles when spoken to. Not particular flesh marks recollected I will give the above reward if delivered to me at the residence in Powhatan, to Messrs Harris and Gibson in Richmond, or $25 if secured in any Jail in the state so that I get him. I think it is probably that Edward is either in some Coal Pit or on the James River Canal above Lynchburg.
Richard J. Gilliam
Sublett’s Tavern Powhatan.
Richmond Whig (Richmond, VA) Volume: 29 Issue: 8 Page: 1, Tuesday, January 27, 1852
18 Mar 1853
At this residence in Powhatan county, on Monday the 7th inst., Richard J. Gilliam in the 51st year of his age.
The deceased was one of the oldest warmest, and most consistent friends that the writer of this notice had upon earth and he believes there are few persons whose character he understood more thoroughly. It was one of the finest, in many respects; he ever had the opportunity to study. Its principal trait was its high-toned manliness—its perfect truth. On any subject, in any emergency, under any circumstances, he was always to be found on the side of truth, honor and justice. His manners the natural offspring of his character, were eminently attractive. They were full of life, gaiety, and good humor, indicating that the entire absence of affectation, and a fund of good will toward all mankind, which not persons possessed in more inexhaustible profusion. Those who have experienced his hospitality know how delightful was a sojourn under his roof. The very air seemed to brighten with his wit and good humor. He acted always, as though he felt that a man by giving him his company, conferred upon him a favor which it taxed all his powers of entertainment to return in a suitable way. It is not wonderful that he was one of the most popular of men in his own neighborhood, for such qualities could hardly fall to command the love and esteem of all who came in contact with him.
Mr. Gilliam was a man of uncommonly true capacity. Indeed, there are few who have risen to eminence in his day that were his superiors in this respect. Nothing was wanting with him but ambition, to have distinguished himself in any walk in life me might have selected. Of this very important element, however, he seemed to have been entirely destitute.
We have never known the death of any individual to occasion deeper or more general sorrow; and well it may, for it is hardly probably that in his neighborhood, his place will ever be supplied. He left a widow and several children to mourn his irreparable loss.
Richmond Whig (Richmond, VA) Volume: 30 Issue: 22 Page: 2, Friday, March 18, 1853
[Richard J. Gilliam was the son of John Gilliam and Mary Jefferson James. His wife was Catherine Elizabeth Thornton.]
Revolutionary War Public Service Claims
James GILLIAM, Certificates, 1, Lists, p 16
Library of Virginia, Revolutionary War Public Service Claims
School Commissioners
The first report filed by the school commissioners of Powhatan was for 1824. This did not mean a free school might not have existed prior to 1824, but a report by the commissioners was not filed before that date . . . . In 1829, the lists of commissioners included John G. Daniel, William Walthall, Thomas Drake, James M. Harris, Richard Moseley, and [Edward] Baptist. The same members served for 1830 with John GILLIAM replacing Drake.
Powhatan: A Bicentennial History by Richard T. Couture, Pages 372-374
[John GILLIAM of Maiden’s Adventure, son of James GILLIAM, Jr.]
Slave Schedules
1860 Slave Schedule
Taxes
Personal Property Taxes
Wills
Will of James GILLIAM, Jr.
22 Dec 1822
Will of William Turpin
Children: Sadlina, Lucy Nice, Polly Smith, Thomas, Elizabeth Jane (dec’d); nephew Thomas Turpin.
Ex: Sons, William and Edwin Turpin, John GILLIAM
Wit: F. B. Deane, David N. Corday, Juliet Powers
Henderson County, KY, Will Book ____, page ___
King, Junie Stewart King. Abstract of Early Kentucky Wills and Inventories, Copied from Original and Recorded Wills and Inventories, Heritage Books, 2007
[John Gilliam married Mary Jefferson James, the niece of William Turpin]
Will of Catherine James
Will of John GILLIAM of Maiden's Adventure
Will of Bettie M. Taylor GILLIAM
Will of Richard James GILLIAM, II
Sources
- Acts Passed at a General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1895, page 114.
- Ancestry.com. 1860 Slave Schedules.
- Ancestry.com. Valentine Papers (Virginia), Vol. 1-4, 1864-1908. [database online] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 2001. Original data: Edward P. Valentine, The Edward Pleasants Valentine Papers, Vol. 1-4, 1864-1908. Richmond, VA: The Valentine Museum.
- Ancestry.com. Historical Data Systems, American Civil War Regiments [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Original data: Data compiled by Historical Data Systems of Kingston, MA.
- Binns Genealogy. 1790/1800 Virginia Tax List Censuses: Reconstructed 1790 and 1800 Federal Censuses. www. binnsgenealogy.com.
- Charlottesville Daily Progress, March 8 and 9, 1898
- Couture, Richard T. Powhatan: A Bicentennial History, pages 372-374
- Freeman, Douglas Southall, “Lee and the Ladies,” Scribner’s Magazine, Volume 78, July-December 1925, p. 468.
- Freeman, Douglas Southall, R. E. Lee: A Biography, Volume 4, New York: Charles Scribner and Sons, 1935, p. 160-161
- Flood, Charles Bracklen. Lee, the Last Years, Houghton Mifflin, 1981, p. 36.
- Inventory of the Austin-Twyman Papers, 1765-1939, Collection Mss. 69 Au7, William and Mary Earl Gregg Swem Library
- King, Junie Stewart King. Abstract of Early Kentucky Wills and Inventories, Copied from Original and Recorded Wills and Inventories, Heritage Books, 2007
- Lee, Robert E. Recollections of General Lee, Doubleday, 1904, p. 176.
- Life of John Wesley Childs, For Twenty-Three Years An Itinerant Methodist Minister By John Ellis Edwards, of The Virginia Conference of The Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Richmond, Va., and Louisville, Ky.
- Library of Virginia. Confederate Pension Rolls, Veterans and Widows
- Library of Virginia, Revolutionary War Public Service Claims
- Library of Virginia. Using Personal Property Tax Records in the Archives at the Library of Virginia - (Research Notes Number 3)
- Powhatan County, VA, Deed Book
- Powhatan County, VA, Marriage Register
- The Richmond Enquirer
- Richmond Whig & Public Advertiser
- Sanborn, Margaret. Robert E. Lee, the Complete Man. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1967, p 240.
- Slaughter, Philip. The Virginia History of African Colonization, page 13.
- “Somerset.” Application to National Register of Historic Places
- Southern Historical Society Papers, Volume 15, p. xxvii.
- Southern Literary Messenger
- University of Virginia Library, Gilliam Bible, Charlottesville, VA.
- Virginia Historical Marker
- Ward, Roger G. 1815 Directory of Virginia Landowners (and Gazetteer) Volume 1, Central Region. Athens, GA: Iberian Pub. Co., 1997.