Inquiries

Inquiries are posted here and printed in our newsletter. If you are looking for information, send it in using our contact form (or email info@ahgs.org). Also, if you have answers or information for these people, contact them. You can also send your responses back to the Society (to info@ahgs.org) and we'll print the answers in the newsletter and post it here. Thanks!

Hello, My name is Shawn Smith and I live in Alexander County NC. I am researching the Dr. John Lacy Smith family of Sparta in the late 1800's. His brother William O Smith of Davie County was my ggggrandfather. I am trying to make contact with someone that knows anything about this family. Also, the article on William C Fields written by Betty Lou Fields in the heritage bookis of interest. Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Shawn Smith, 3724 Church Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681
828-632-6317 Best Time to Call: 8a - 12n, shawnsm@charter.net

Does anyone know a B. Beatrice Holbrook? She wrote some pages in the Alleghany co. Heritage book on my CARSON's. I would like to contact her, or one of her heirs for more information
Kim Wills, 8043 N. Gannett Rd., Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
330-467-4450 Best Time to Call: 12n - 5p, frugalmom1@juno.com

We are the International League of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc. and are looking for any information on descendants of Coaker Triplett of Boone, NC as he will be honored in our upcoming 2010 season. Any information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Gretchen Addison, 55 South High Street, Suite 202, Dublin OH43017
614-791-9300 Best Time to Call: 12n - 5p, office@ilbaseball.com

Just looking for information on my ggg-grandparents: Henry Elijah Osborn born March 1848 in Wilkes N.C. and Elizabeth Roton born in Alleghany in 1848. They were married there on 04 Apr 1869. Henry's father was David Osborn and his mother was Priscilla "Prissey". Anything on this family would be great. Thanks
Damian, 11 Cleavland St., Norfolk, MA 02056
781-858-3094 Best Time to Call: 5p - 9p, dmn1858@gmail.com

Hi, I have been trying to track down a cousin of mine, twice I have found him in Genealogical trees that I have not managed to a responce from the tree owners. My cousin is a David Harrison Reeves and I believe is or was a resident of Sparta NC. Fatther was Harrison Reeves and Mother was Evelyn Carter, my Fathers sister. Any help in tracking him down would be greatly appreciated.
David Carter, 49 Hinckley Road, Sapcote, Leicestershire, UK LE9 4LG
+44145273092 Best Time to Call: 8a - 12n, davec@goldstar.demon.co.uk

I am looking for information on my family. I know my family is from the Alleghany area. my grandfather Lonnie Mack Maines, Sr. His father and my great grandfather was James. James, had several siblings (Jordan J. born 1832 in Virginia,Hyram,Ezra,Susan, Mary Janes & Peter). James sister, Mary Janes Maines was born 1848 in Virginia and died in Lansing, Ashe, NC in 1908. She married a Stephen David Sexton and had 8 children-Sarah, Ellen, Eli, George Garrett, Stephen, Margie May, Jordan Jefferson, and Barry Waggoner. James' (my great grandfather) parents were Jordan Jefferson Maines (born ?1802 in TN and died 1893 in Grayson Co, VA) and Mary Scott ?Sexton (born in ?1804 in?? place and died in 1880 in Grayson County, VA). No further Maines info is known but do know the Sexton side of the family. Can you please help me locate information on Jordan Maines or James Maines that married a Lina Anders. Thank you so much for your help.
Laurie, 467 Jefferson Manor Drive, Forest, VA 24551
434-851-7018 Best Time to Call: Weekends, stonelady1999@yahoo.com

Wondering if you could pass this on to PERSINGER genealogists. I'd like to ask the opinion of those interested in Persinger research as to whether you believe or can prove or disprove a connection of the Alleghany & Botetourt County Persingers to those in Roanoke County. Thanks
Allan Griffith, 1 Jodi Lane, Bloomington, Illinois 61701
309-829-2063 Best Time to Call: Weekends, magrif@verizon.net

I am trying to locate a copy of David Sturgill's Hanks & Fowlkes family histories.
Kathy Bolasini, 3951 N. 43 Avenue, Hollywood, FL 33021
954-989-0221 Best Time to Call: 12n - 5p kbolasini@bellsouth.net

I purchased the book Alleghany County Cemeteries Through 1986, and have used it to find & visit a few family sites, but there are a couple of them that I cannot locate using the location descriptions in the book. If someone might be able to help, the cemeteries that I am looking for are #150, #151, & #277. I have gone out and followed the directions as best I could, but couldn't find them. #277 especially is hard because I can't seem to find a Peden Rd off 13. I thought maybe State Rd 1300 since it leads to the Peden area, or maybe even the next road north, 1304/Blevins Hollow Rd, but I'm not sure, or where on which road. If someone could please help, especially with #277! Thanks you!
Nathan D. Jones, 47 Tannenbaum Circle, Greensboro, NC 27410
nateapp03@yahoo.com

Is Elizabeth Sherrill kin to Agnes Sherrill born 24 Mar 1781 that married a Ballew in Burke County, NC?
Gale
325-798-3019 Best Time to Call: 12n - 5p, galeandgeorge@yahoo.com

My GGGGF is Alexander Richardson born 1805. I am looking for information on him and genealogy. Can you direct me in the right direction? Thanks
Mike Richardson, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-846-3964 Best Time to Call: Weekends, richcastle@carolina.rr.com

I am writing a book about churches in western NC that were built prior to 1800. Do you know if churches dating back to the 1700's are still standing in Alleghany County? Thanks!
Jonathan Flanders, 9208 Tenby Lane, Matthews, NC 28104
704-578-6735 Best Time to Call: 8a - 12n, jjflanders@hotmail.com

I am descended from a Spencer Martin who was hanged in Salisbury on 30 Oct 1795. Looking for any details. Many thanks!
Charles Church, 4995 Dippen Rd., Walkertown, NC 27051
Phone: 336-767-7228 Best Time to Call: Weekends, ChasChurch@aol.com

I am trying to find information about the Poor Farm. My maiden name is Persinger and I was borned in Covington, Va. I will appreciate any help.  Thank you and have a nice day!
Dorothy Totty, 1118 Clover Valley Way, Edgewood Md 21040
410-671-7434 Best Time to Call: 5p - 9p, tlf292@verizon.net

I am a lost McCraw. My name is James Mason Gray, being adopted at birth by James F. & Thelma Gray in Tampa, Florida. My birth mother was Lucille McCraw (Samuels) and my grandfather, her father, was was Mr. Arnie McCraw of Mt. Airy, North Carolina, married to Nina Alma Zigler. My mother’s sister was named Gail, but I don't know her married name. I am now seventy years old and would like to preserve the family history for my grandchildren. I am trying to build a family tree and I am hoping someone can assist.
I need to acquire information on the Arnie McCraw family of Mt. Airy, North Carolina and their ancestors so a genealogy family tree can be put together for my son and five granddaughters. I am also interested to know if any of the family served during the American Civil War.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
James M. Gray (McCraw) 11 Corndale St, Loganholme, Qld., Australia 4129
61 07 3388 0581 Best Time to Call: 12n - 5p jamesmgray@bigpond.com

Trying to locate the burial site for the Scott Family that had a business in Scottville, NC in the 1850-60s. Please use email.
Ron Cochran, 5316 53rd Ave E A-19, Bradenton, FL 34203
ohioron@att.net

I heard that there was a chairlift in Sparta at one time - do you know if this is true? I have a cabin here and am interested in the history of the town.
Carole Campbell, 162 Brady Street, Charleston, SC 29492
843-847-1452 Best Time to Call: 12n - 5p, csquared651@yahoo.com

Trying to locate Elizabeth City Post Office Hampton listed on a 1860 u.s. censue.  My great granddad is listed William H Watts born abt 1859  The father is listed as Same A born abt 1834 Mother listed Louisa born abt 1835.  I have looked on your web site with little luck.  Please help me. I remember everyone saying that he came from Hampton NC
Renee Westbury, 92 Powell St, Conway, SC 29526
dw1355@sccoast.net

Hello,  my name is Jean Starns.  I am a descendant of William Brashears b. ca. 1799/1800 of North Carolina.  He married Mary L. ____.  They moved to Madison Co., AR where they died.  I am trying to find the name of William's parents.  Can you give me any help.
Jean Starns
jeanstarns@pcsauburn.com

I am writing on behalf of Dr. Maurie McInnis, the Director of the American Studies program and Associate Professor in the Art History department at the University of Virginia. She is currently working on her latest book, which deals with the visual and material culture of the slave trade in the South and, specifically, Virginia.  As her research assistant, I wanted to contact you to see whether your society's special collections has any images or artifacts relating to the slave trade (for instance, we located a red flag in the Charleston historical society that was hung outside of auction houses to draw attention to the auction)? We are not so much interested in archival material at this time, but merely images or material culture. If your collection has anything that you think may be of use to us, I would appreciate hearing back from you.
Heather McMahon, 5057 Old Auburn Rd, Warrenton, VA 20187
hnm2f@virginia.edu

I'm looking for some Edwards relatives from great grandad Curtis b.1888 Alleghany Co. and from great-great grandparents William b.29 Jan 1865 Alleghany Co. and Sarah "Jesse" Andrews b. 22 Dec 1867 Ashe Co. They lived in Sparta.
Stephanie McKechnie, 762 Westwood Beach Cir., Panama City Beach, FL 32413
goodgirl35us@yahoo.com

I am looking for information regarding the family of Wes Cheek.  The Cheek Family Chronicles listed the children. My daughter is trying to research the heritage of her father Joel Cheek who is deceased.  In particular if there is any Indian blood(which we were always told) and how much.  Is there a way we could find out this information?  Thank you for you assistance.
Theresa Cheek, 4334 Southworth Road, Delphos, OH 45833
marie45833@peoplepc.com

Need to know general holdings of John Connely in 1798; that means "general" as in, near Ennice area. Have general clues as to property area, Crab Creek, etc. More info on the Connely question: sites mentioned are: Maid's (Mades) Knob, Glade Creek area, Crab Creek & Brush Creek Fork; across Glady Fork into VA, Nathan's Ridge, Hammond's Mill Creek, Brushy and Crab Creek drainages. These were lands held by John Connely and I am seeking the general location now. Later acquired by Passmore, Higgins and Johnson Families. Also, where is the "early Little River Baptist Churchyard?" I have a feeling this is all around Ennice? Thanks for any help.
Mary Jo Gohlke, 3848 Steve Lillie Circle, Stockton, CA 95206
MaryJo.Gohlke@ci.stockton.ca.us

I am trying to locate information on my grandfather Jesse V. Ross. He was born in NC, he married Lucinda Pullum. His son was born in Greensboro, NC.
James Ross 4400 20th St. NE, Washington, DC 20018
yogi_418@verizon.net

This may sound funny but untill now I thought the only Rufty's that lived on this planet were in Los Angeles CA. I've lived in a lot of towns and states and looked in every phone book I got my hands on and NEVER found a Rufty until the internet. My father and uncle have passed away. The only thing I know is they're from North Carolina. My grandfather Jay Rufty isfrom Cabarrus, NC and the Rufty's came throught Ellis Island from Germany. Or Switzerland. No wonder I couldn't find them all hiding in North Carolina. YOU WOULD HAVE MY GREATEST THANKS if you could point me to the site or person for a little HELP. Thank you.
Ted L. Rufty, 501 nw 6 th st, Pendleton, OR 97801
tedrufty88@hotmail.com

My name is Terry Underwood, which is my name as a result of being adopted at birth, and my birth name was Terry Phipps. Since some of my relatives were born in or around the New River area of North Carolina then just maybe some of my relatives will see this and respond.
As anyone who has the history on The Phipps Family would know, we are all descendants of Joseph and Sarah (Binfield) Phipps.They had one son named Isaiah who married Eleanor Smith.
Isaiah and Eleanor Phipps had a son named Isaiah that married a woman named Ann and whose last name I do not know. Isaiah and Ann Phipps had a son who was also named Isaiah and I do not know who he married but he did have a son named Joseph. Joseph Phipps and his wife, who I do not know the name of, had seven sons.
From here I will put my direct bloodline in capital letters. The sons of Joseph Phipps were John, James, Joseph Jr., Benjamin, SAMUEL, Aaron, and Isaiah. Samuel Phipps married Elizabeth Betty Reeves and they had seven sons. They were John, William, Jesse, Isaiah, BENJAMIN (BIG BEN), George, (Devilish), and Joseph. Benjamin (Big Ben) Phipps married Rachel Burnie and they had five sons and two daughters.
They were JEHU, Eli, Alex, Loucinda, Larkin, David and Martha. Jehu Phipps married Lucy Austin and they had two sons and two daughters that were born around New River, N.C.
They were Sarah J., Thomas, Cynthia and SAMUEL EWELL. Samuel Ewell Phipps married a woman whose first name was Frances and whose last name I do not know.
They ended up in Morgan County, Ky. and according the 1900 Morgan County census they had eight children, with seven living. They were Sarah E., Thomas A., Annie, Lou E. (I have been told her name was actually Louella), Lucy J., Samuel E. Jr., and DANIEL BOONE PHIPPS, who was simply known as Boone.
At some time during the early 1900s it is reported that the Samuel and Frances Phipps family moved to some place in Wisconsin and I sure would like to know where. Boone Phipps returned, at some point, to Kentucky and was married twice.
His first wife was a Campbell, and I do not know her first name.
They had two daughters. They were Louella and Irene. His second wife was Nina Wright. They had no children. Boone did father a child out of wedlock with Louise Prodemore and since Louise felt her family would look down on her and disown her for having a child in 1934 when she was married, she let Boone and Nina Phipps adopt her since he was the father.
Her name was Ruby Lee Phipps and she was my birth mother. Ruby Lee Phipps had four children with three of them being adopted out. They were James Steven Phipps, Thomas Anthony (Phipps) Carter, Terry Eugene (Phipps) Underwood, and Jennifer Lynn (Phipps) Duncil. Ruby Lee Phipps was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 28 and that was nine years prior to learning that she was my mother.
If anyone reading this can fill in any of the blanks then please contact me. If anyone reading this is a descendant of anyone mentioned then you are family and I would love hearing from you.
Since 1987, I have recorded nine gospel music CDs and 13 gospel DVDs and if you have a copy of The Phipps Family book that you can send me I will send you some CDs and DVDs. I can be contacted as follows: Terry Underwood, P.O. Box 952, Loyall, KY 40854; (606) 664-2884.
Thank you and God bless you.
Terry Underwood, Loyall, Ky.

Trying to find out the cemetery my g gr mother-in-law is buried in. Have photograph of tombstone but no imformation concerning the cemetery name or location. Interested in Moxley, Douglas(s)and Crouse family histories. Most of my wife's (Moxley) family removed to Harford County Maryland during the late 1910s.
Dave King, 606 Main Street, Delta, PA 17314
daveking56@clearviewcatv.net