The Stinson Book

Indentured Servitude in Virginia

2011-10-17T09:15:00.001-04:00

Page 20 of "So Obscure A Person” begins the tale of Alexander STINSON's adventures as an Indentured Servant in Williamsburg, Virginia, even to his bequeathal in the will of his Tavern-keeper owner to her heirs or to be sold at public auction. So what exactly was this Indentured Servitude that our forebear was subjected to?

Indentured Servitude was commonly practiced in the early settlement days of America, especially in the Tidewater Colonies of Maryland and Virginia. The use of indentured servants for labor was practiced long before the arrival of slaves to Virginia, as the very-intensive labor required to raise crops such as tobacco need a large scale importation of farm laborers. The scheme was invented to pay the ocean passage for an immigrant, and then for that new laborer to be bound by an indenture contract for five to seven years. Even after the importation of slaves began, indentured service continued. The British crown even used the scheme to export undesirables, including debtors and criminals from Great Britain. In 1681, more than twice as many plantation laborers were indentured whites than black slaves.

"Servant in the colonial era meant about the same as employee in ours; and within the class there was as wide a variation as today between a migrant farm laborer in California and a master electrician. In the English colonies, a servant was usually a person whose passage was paid, or assisted, in return for working for a certain number of years--usually four or five for an adult. When released from this apprenticeship, the servant became a freeman like any other. Servants in Virginia might be of any class, from poor gentleman, to convicted felon. The average servant was a respectable young person who wished to better himself in the New World but could not afford the cost of outfit and passage. During the four or five years he worked for his master, he became acclimated, learned how to grow tobacco and corn, and in many instances learned a trade. During this term of service the servant received only food and clothing; but at the end, the former servant could set up as a yeoman farmer, vote, and even be elected to the assembly."
Morison goes on to say that the range of membership in the servant class varied from respectable young men and women; to Scottish and Irish prisoners taken in the civil wars; to boys and girls that were kidnapped and sold to ships' masters who then resold them on arrival in the New World; to convicted felons. These latter in turn might vary from people imprisoned for nothing worse than stealing a loaf of bread, to hardened habitual criminals." (Samuel Eliot Morison, "The Oxford History of the American People," Oxford University Press, New York, 1965, page 82)

Typo - Page 63

2011-09-22T10:08:00.001-04:00

There is a Typo on page 63 of "So Obscure A Person.” The typo is "died (81) c1787" and should be removed. The reference (81) which appears at the bottom of the page refers to the death date of December 1850, which follows "died (81) c1787."

Slaves of the Cabell Family of Nelson County

2011-07-25T12:39:00.003-04:00

Derek Nicholas has created a webside and CD documenting his research on the slave descendants of the CABELL family of Nelson County, Virginia. Slave Descendants of the CABELL Family is his website and it includes the NICHOLAS, VENABLE, ALLEN, WOODSON, and MAYO families of the Warminster, Lovingston, Midway Mills area of Nelson County, Virginia.

The early CABELL family of Virginia and its connections with the STINSON family of Buckingham County, Virginia is documented beginning on page 173 of "So Obscure A Person.”

Jesse and Eliza TONEY of Buckingham

2011-03-15T21:32:00.002-04:00

I have received information from a reader who has found his grandmother on page 97 of "So Obscure A Person” as "Eliza TONEY," implied daughter of Cary and Martha STINSON of Buckingham County, Virginia. His Buckingham County, Virginia grandmother had told him that her grandmother was an Eliza Irvine STINSON who married Jesse F. TONEY. "Jesse F and Elisa TONEY" appear on the 1850 Census of Buckingham County, Virginia, with a family of children, ages 1 to 16 years. "Elisa TONEY" was born about 1820 and, if all of the children are hers, it implies that she and Jesse married about 1834, according to their births.

The children in their household of 1850, were descendants of the first Alexander STINSON of Buckingham County, Virginia. Their names were:

Martha J Toney F 16y
John O Toney M 14y
Samuel E Toney M 12y
William F Toney M 10y
Penella Toney F 9y
Stephen W Toney M 7y
George M Toney M 6y
James Toney M 5y
Ann E Toney F 1y

Robert STINSON, Abbeville, Alabama

2011-02-10T11:16:00.003-05:00

Robert STINSON was born 12 May 1862, and died at the advanced age of 82, on 10 July 1944, at Abbeville, Henry County, Alabama, according to his death record. His parents and his ancestry back to Alexander STINSON of Buckingham, Virginia are documented on page 100 of "So Obscure A Person."

James STINSON of Alabama

2011-02-10T09:10:00.004-05:00

I have received the following email, which I will answer below:

Edna, I found info about your book on the Buckingham Va Stinsons. I am looking for information about a James Stinson who was born in 1803 in Va. He may have lived in South Carolina for a while, but he settled in Pickens Co, Al where I have found him in 1840, 1850, and 1860. He married Nancy Cotton, daughter of Abner Cotton, in 1836 in Nohubee, Miss. He was a cotton broker, along with Drury Miller, my husband’s 2gtgrandfather’s brother, and a James Chalmers. He may have been related to Robert Stinson who lived in Lancaster/Kershaw SC ( married to Martha George). Any help with this man’s identity would be greatly appreciated. I am not finding much..
Carol

ANSWER: Carol - I do not know about this James STINSON (1803-p1860), nor the Robert STINSON of South Carolina. They may be descendants of the STINSONs from Buckingham County who went to Wilkes County, Georgia. "The Lincoln County, Georgia Land Lottery of 1805, listed Archibald STINSON, Joseph STINSON, Alexander TINSON and the orphans of Edmund ADCOCK." These people are cited beginning on page 79, through Generation 3, of my STINSON genealogy - "So Obscure A Person.”

Perhaps someone reading here may be able to give you some clues or information. For example, please see this previous comment about a STINSON family of North Alabama: September 1, 2009 10:34 PM

$10 Off Book Sale

2011-01-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

The hardback edition with dust cover of "So Obscure A Person” is temporarily on sale for $10.00 off. This could be a wonderful gift for a Stinson descendant.

Phoebe Barksdale

2010-11-30T10:56:00.004-05:00

Phoebe (BARKSDALE) STINSON appears on pages 56 and 76 of "So Obscure A Person.” Her children were descendants of Alexander STINSON of Buckingham County. Her father Hickerson BARKSDALE (page 77) was a Revolutionary War soldier in the South Carolina militia under Captain John Cowan. He has been proved as a DAR Patriot Ancestor #A006165.

Her husband was George STINSON who appears on pages 43, 76-79. Although no one has yet proved him as a DAR Patriot, he signed a Virginia petition in 1780, that is now housed at the Library of Congress: Buckingham County Stinson Patriots.

Sarah Stinson & William Killgore

2010-09-20T21:25:00.001-04:00

Sarah C. STINSON, born 23 December 1814, at Wilkes County, Georgia is a descendant of Alexander STINSON of Buckingham County, Virginia. She married William KILLGORE on 7 January 1836, at Perry County, Alabama. Her KILLGORE descendants settled in Texas. Sarah died at Lisbon, Claiborne Parish, Louisiana on 26 October 1895.

The parents of Sarah STINSON, Dudley and Susannah STINSON, are featured on page 82 of "So Obscure A Person” where their ancestry is documented back to the STINSON family of Buckingham County.

Robert J. Stinson Family, 1870

2010-08-17T15:39:00.003-04:00

The lineage of the Robert J. STINSON family is documented back to Alexander STINSON on pages 124, 125 of So Obscure A Person.

Robert J. Stinson family, 1870 Census of Buckingham County, Virginia (James River District)

Admire “Ad” Creed Stinson, 86, of 147 Second Street, Madison Heights, died Thursday, Oct. 1, 1998 at Camelot Hall Nursing Home. He was the husband of Lelia Morris Stinson. He was born in Buckingham County, June 4, 1912, the son of the late Robert Lee Stinson and Minnie Bryant Stinson. He retired from Glamorgan Foundry and was a member of Madison Heights Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons and their wives, Raymond and Joyce Stinson of Lynchburg, Steve and Cynthia Stinson of Madison Heights; one daughter, Eleanor Geraline Evans of Monroe; seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a special friend, Donald Tyree of Madison Heights. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Whitten Monelison Chapel by Dr. Timothy Madison. Burial will follow in Briarwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home and other times at the residence. The family requests memorials be made to the Madison Heights Baptist Church Building Fund or the Monelison Rescue Squad. (Lucy H. M. Baber, Marriages and Deaths from Lynchburg, Virginia Newspapers 1794-1836, 1993, F234.L9 B3)

Louisa Stinson's Six Sons

2010-01-28T13:47:00.003-05:00

"Luisia STINSON" first appears on the 1860 census at Buckingham Courthouse, Virginia, as a seamstress and implied "single mother" with four young sons, Robert STINSON, Samuel STINSON, Charles M. STINSON and James STINSON. John STINSON (born about 1862) and Edward STINSON appear as her sons on succeeding censuses. Edward STINSON was born in Virginia in September 1871, and in 1896, he married Eva who was born December 1872, in Virginia. Mother Louisa STINSON probably died before 1900, as she is not found in Buckingham County after that date.

Louisa STINSON is descended from Alexander STINSON of Buckingham County and appears with her STINSON parents on page 101, of "So Obscure A Person.”

Stephen Stinson, War of 1812 Soldier

2010-01-08T19:52:00.003-05:00

On the fifth of August 1814, Stephen STINSON was amongst a group of young Buckingham County, Virginia soldiers who marched from New Canton to fight during the War of 1812. The genealogy of Stephen STINSON is documented on page 95 of "So Obscure A Person.”

A Stinson Merry Christmas

2009-11-25T12:48:00.001-05:00

If you are planning to give "So Obscure A Person” as family Christmas gifts this year, the casewrap handcover version is available for $29.95 plus shipping only at Lulu.com. It is the best value of the various Stinson book cover editions, but you must order early for Christmas arrival. Here are the Christmas shipping deadlines: http://www.lulu.com/en/help/shipping_faq

I was pleased today, 25 November 2009, to see "So Obscure a Person" in paperback was ranked #50 amongst all Virginia genealogy books at Amazon.com.

The image, Stinson Book at Amazon, was originally uploaded by Edna Barney. It is posted here from her account.

George Presley Stinson

2009-10-14T23:29:00.003-04:00

The following obituary is for George Presley STINSON of Buckingham County, Virginia, who was a son of George W. STINSON. Their lineage back to Alexander STINSON is documented in "So Obscure A Person” on pages 127, 128.

BUCKINGHAM - George Presley Stinson, 92, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at the Medical Care Center. Born Oct. 4, 1912, he was a son of the late George William Stinson and Sarah Elizabeth Via Stinson. He was a member of Appomattox Pentecostal Holiness Church and a retired timber cutter. He is survived by one sister, Lorine S. Bryant of Wingina, numerous nieces and nephews; and devoted friends who cared for him, Oscar and Ida Bryant. He was preceded in death by four sisters, Mamie Florence Stinson, Ester Mae Stinson, Gertrude Stinson and Thelma S. Ford. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, 2005, at Robinson Funeral Home, by Buck Bryant, Buddy Bryant and the Rev. Oscar Bryant. Burial will follow in the Bryant Family Cemetery. (Newspaper Obituary - Lynchburg, Virginia)

Ebook Version of "So Obscure A Person"

2009-08-19T09:16:00.002-04:00

The genealogy of Alexander STINSON's descendants, "So Obscure A Person," is now available as an Electronic Document, an EBOOK.

So Obscure A Person

Correction to David STINSON, pages 64, 68

2009-08-17T12:36:00.015-04:00

I have examined an electronic photograph of a 1796 handwritten court document from Cumberland County, Virginia, which was not available to me when I gathered STINSON materials in the 1960s and 1970s. At that time, viewing microfilm, I made an assumption for the name of the wife of my ancestor David STINSON from my interpretation of the film. I confused a handwritten ampersand next to the letter "C" as the letter "M." A modern and more detailed photograph shows the phrase to be actually written as "&Cary," not "Mary" as I had read. Therefore, instead of referring to the wife of David STINSON, it was referring to David's brother, Cary STINSON. In books purchased before this date, on pages 64 and 68, of "So Obscure A Person," the wife of David STINSON should be described as "Unknown," not "Mary."

The Hoopers of Frome, Somersetshire

2009-06-03T08:40:00.000-04:00

Church of Saint John the Baptist

The HOOPER ancestors and cousins of the STINSONs of Buckingham and Cumberland Counties, Virginia, were recorded at the Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist in old England. They appear on pages 176 through 194, of "So Obscure A Person,” under "The Hooper Excursus." This image of the HOOPER's English church is from the 1895 publication of "The Cabells and Their Kin" by Alexander Brown. The CABELLS were cousins of the HOOPERS, the CARRINGTONS and the STINSONS.

The ancient parish church of the HOOPERS is located on Bath Street, in Frome and continues to be used for Anglican worship. It was founded in 685 AD by Saint Aldhelm and the present building was constructed in the middle ages on a Saxon site. Although it was restored in the mid-19th Century and a choir vestry added, there have been no substantial additions to it since the 15th Century. The architecture is a mixture of Norman, medieval and Gothic.

If you are curious as to how to pronounce the name of your ancestral home, here it is: Frome - the Audio.

Gertrude Paulin Stinson (1919-2004)

2009-05-24T21:52:00.011-04:00

The parents of Gertrude Paulin STINSON, George W. and Sarah Elizabeth STINSON, appear on page 127 of "So Obscure A Person,” where her father's lineage to Alexander STINSON is documented. "Girty" and her husband were first cousins and they grew up living next door to their STINSON grandfather. Charlie's father, Thomas M. STINSON appears with him on page 127.

The following obituary is from The Farmville Herald.

GLADSTONE, May 11 -Gertrude Paulin Stinson, 85, of Gladstone, died Friday, May 7, 2004.

She was born February 16, 1919 in Buckingham County, a daughter of the late George W. Stinson and Sarah Elizabeth Via Stinson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie T. Stinson, whom she was married to for 66 years.

She is survived by her children, Melvin Stinson, Dale Stinson, David Stinson and his wife, Jeanne all of Gladstone and Peggy Stinson dark of Schuyler; grandchildren, Carrie Stinson, Bud Stinson, Brenda dark Roberts and Theresa dark Harris; great-grandchildren. Jenny Roberts, Richie Roberts, Whitney Harris, Chad Harris and Spence Harris; a sister, Lorene Stinson Bryant of Wingina and a brother, George P. Stinson of Appomattox. She was preceded in death by a son, Charles Stinson.

Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday at the Dunkum Funeral Home, Dillwyn, with interment in the Bryant Family Cemetery.

Jordan B. LeSUEUR

2009-05-19T09:51:00.006-04:00

Two LeSUEUR brothers, James and Jordan B. LeSUEUR, married into the STINSON family of Buckingham County, Virginia. The STINSON wife of JORDAN B. LeSUEUR, was his first cousin. The mother of the LeSUEUR brothers, Martha LeSUEUR, is cited on pages 60 and 62 of "So Obscure A Person.” Martha's sons, James and Jordan B., are on pages 59 and 63.

STINSONs with Indian Ancestry

2009-05-04T00:31:00.004-04:00

The STINSONS of Georgia and Alabama who claim Indian ancestry are descendants of George STINSON on page 99, of "So Obscure A Person,” who married Matilda McINTOSH, of the Coweta Creek nation or tribe. This information was provided by a descendant who purchased my book.

See the post "George and Matilda STINSON."

Thomas Cary STINSON

2009-05-02T18:14:00.002-04:00

For those descendants who are asking about Thomas Cary STINSON and his wife Mary Alice, they are documented amongst the STINSONs of Buckingham County on pages 123, 124, of “So Obscure A Person.”

Buckingham County Stinson Patriots

2009-04-06T16:17:00.016-04:00

On page 11 of my book, "So Obscure A Person,” I transcribed a petition that was signed in 1785, during the era of the American Revolution, by the STINSONs of Buckingham County. I mentioned another similar petition, pictured above, from Buckingham County, Virginia, on pages 77, 78 of "So Obscure A Person.” Copies of both original petitions are available on-line at the Collection of the Library of Congress. There is much more information as to the relationship between these Virginia petitions and the quest for freedom that birthed a new nation, the United States of America, at the Library of Congress site. I have written more about this petition and the people who signed it at "Patriots of Buckingham County."

Following is a transcript of the 1780 document that was made by Ginger Adams and Edna Barney:

To the Hon’ble the General Assembly of Virginia

The Memorial of the inhabitants of the County of Buckingham Representeth. That they conceived it to be a Fundamental principle of Government that, protection and Allegiance are reciprocal and that however policy and Humanity may induce a Legislator, to yield the protection of the Laws to men who refuse to give some proof of their allegiance to the State, yet Your Memorialists conceive it to be unwise to suffer them to injoy the same Privileges with those Citizens who have given every proof of their attachment which has been required of them. The Exercise of any of the learned pro- fessions gives their Professors an influence which improperly apply’d may prove dangerous to the State. It has been urged in defense of the Indulgences Granted to Nonjurors within their State; that the Test Oath is no proof of Attachment. It is true that the Test Oath may have been taken by artful men as a Cloak for the most infamous designs; but a true Whig can never refuse to take it as it only binds him to do that which his own principles would Naturally lead him to do. Your Memorialists with pain see men professed Enemies to the State, permitted to exercise the holy Function of Preachers of the Gospel; as they apprehend that the influence which that sacred Character gives to its possessor will prove dangerous to the Liberty of the Commonwealth. Your Memorialists actuated by the foregoing Considerations Pray, that proper Laws may pass to Silence all Nonjuring Preachers of every Denomination be deprived of their benefices such as have them; to prohibit such men who refuse to give proof of their attachment to the present Government from the Exercise of either the professions of Law or Physic, and to Levy double taxes upon all Nonjurors, as your Memorialists conceive it to be just, that those who are exempted from rendering personal service as Soldiers: should yield a Larger proportion of their Wealth; their property enjoying the protection of the Laws, Equally with that of the Rest of the Citizens.

(FIRST COLUMN)
E__. ___ Stinson
James Asley
John Wilson
Matthias Ayers
John Tayler
Thomas Word
George Carter
George Stinson
Boaz Ford
Wm. Wadmore
David Stinson
John Moseley
Saml Allen
William Walker
Jesse Johns
(SECOND COLUMN)
William Low
Cheatham Puck
Cary Stinson
Archibald _____
George _____
John Welsh
Anthony Deboll
Michael Jones
Joseph Bondurant Sen
Thed. _____
Wilson Brown
(THIRD COLUMN)
Wm. Perkins Junr
_____ Jeffress
_____ _____
_____ Agee
Thomas Kitchen
Wm Curd
John Drew

The image, Petition of 7 December 1780, is subject to copyright by barneykin. It is posted here with permission via the Flickr API by barneykin.

William Stimpson of 1703

2009-04-03T09:17:00.008-04:00

In Stafford County, Virginia Liber Book Z 1699-1709, pages 222, 223, is a gift deed of livestock dated 19 March 1703: "MARY STIMPSON do by this present do give to WILLIAM STIMPSON son in law to me the aforesaid MARY STIMPSON ..." I found this at Stafford County Courthouse where the book is still extant.

A WILLIAM STINSON of Stafford County, is cited 1699/1700, on page 3, of "So Obscure A Person.”

Betty Ann Burkes Stinson of 1781

2009-03-22T13:59:00.016-04:00

The image above is a snippet from Cumberland County, Virginia Order Book 1779-1784, page 55, dated 23 April 1781. You may see an image of the entire page HERE. I cited a transcription of this record on page 44 of "So Obscure A Person.” At that time I did not have access to this original, which shows the final statement to read: "and proved as to the other parties thereto subscribed by the witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded."

Who was the person mentioned in this indenture, Betty Ann Burkes Stinson, of Buckingham County, Virginia, 1781? She is obviously related to Alexander Stinson, Senior and his children, when they all seemingly made an indenture to her in 1781.

Was she a daughter of Alexander Stinson, Senior, who did not share in the inheritance that he and his children had already obtained? Is this why she was named in this Indenture? Was she from a different mother than the rest of his children? If so, who was Alexander Stinson Senior's second wife?

Betty Ann Burkes Stinson seems to be named for Elizabeth Burk, wife of Doctor William Cabell, who are cited on page 197 of "So Obscure A Person.” In my book, I show how Doctor Cabell was related to the wife of Alexander Stinson. How was Betty Ann Burkes Stinson related to Elizabeth Burk Cabell?

The image, Stinson Indenture 1781, was originally uploaded by barneykin. It is posted here from Flickr. Thanks to Ginger Adams for sending this image to me.

A STINSON of the War Between the States

2009-03-15T18:12:00.004-04:00

I heard an interesting bit of family history on #74, JAMES STINSON (James Bryant STINSON), page 100 of "So Obscure A Person.” Descendant RUSSELL REEDER, mentioned that JAMES was a soldier during the War Between the States. Once when home on a visit, his uniform was in such tatters that the women in the household stayed up all night spinning and sewing to get him properly clothed again. Things were indeed hard for the boys who fought on the losing side of that battle.

I had noted that when the STINSON family was counted on the 1870 Census in Abbeville, Alabama (illustrated on page 99), the family was living next door to two black STINSON families also born in Virginia: ALEX and SARAH STINSON, and SAM and MARIAH STINSON. Mr. REEDER told me that when the STINSON family travelled from Virginia to Georgia in the early 1800s, they took a number of slaves with them, and the surnames of those slaves were STINSON. He said that one slave was the same age as GEORGE STINSON who was born about 1796.

Joseph C. STINSON of Buckingham

2009-02-23T19:16:00.005-05:00

The family of Joseph C. and Mary Jane STINSON of Buckingham County, Virginia are on pages 139-141 of "So Obscure A Person.” "Memoirs of Buckingham County and Along the James" by Emily Maxey Jenkins, 1985, lists some additional children for this family: John STINSON who never married, and Lee STINSON who retired as an Army officer. In addition, one daughter who never married was known as "Aunt Puss," smoked a corn cob pipe and was an old maid. That is news you can use.

Joseph S. Stinson of Buckingham

2009-02-23T18:55:00.009-05:00

Joseph S. STINSON and his wife of Buckingham County, Virginia are on page 164 of "So Obscure A Person.” I listed only one child for them. On the 1880 Census at James River District, I see additional children for them: Lillian STINSON, born about 1875; Clide STINSON, born about 1877; and a baby girl born 1879.

This same family appears on page 245 of "Memoirs of Buckingham County and Along the James" by Emily Maxey Jenkins, 1985, with children Parrish STINSON and Clyde Milton STINSON.

Ms. Jenkins' book has Clyde STINSON married to Edna Clive PAYNE of Buckingham County with daughters Mary and Christine STINSON. Clyde was a veteran of the Spanish-American War and died during the 1918 influenza epidemic. She includes a portrait of Clyde's wife and daughters.

UPDATE March 2009, Clyde Johnson wrote me at Facebook:

"I was adopted by Mary Stinson Johnson in 1952. I remember her sister Christine. Edna lived with us and passed away at our house in 1967. I have a portrait of Clyde.

"I only know as far back as Clyde and Edna Stinson and they were from Buckingham. These were my grandparents. I do know Clyde died in 1918 from the flu epidemic. Edna remarried Gordon Gentry I believe. My mother Mary Stinson Johnson lived in Richmond VA. Her sister Christine Stinson Rynerson lived in Washington DC. They had one child Charlotte."

Colonel John Mayo II

2008-10-25T15:40:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, while touring the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, I spotted a portrait of JOHN MAYO. Photography was not permitted inside and I was too tired to take any notes, so I have only my "Vanishing Memories" to remind me of what I saw.

I found online a listing of "Artists and Artisans Represented in the Julian Wood Glass Jr. Gallery," which lists the portrait I saw as "Colonel John Mayo II (1760-1818)" and the artist as "Charles B. J. F. de Saint-Mémin (1770–1852)."

This Colonel JOHN MAYO II seems to be a descendant of the JOSEPH MAYO and ELIZABETH HOOPER on page 182 of "So Obscure A Person.” ELIZABETH's HOOPER family were the ancestors of the HOOPER wife of ALEXANDER STINSON, who appears on pages 40, 41, 194, 206 and 207 of my book.

David Washington STINSON

2008-10-25T14:38:00.008-04:00

This post is in answer to the email following, received today. On pages 73 through 76, of my STINSON genealogy book, "So Obscure A Person,” I explain that when I encountered the will of David STINSON, brother of my ancestor Archibald STINSON, at Buckingham County courthouse, I was able to understand many relationships of my STINSON family. The will itself mentioned family members, but there were other documents in the extensive and complicated Estate Settlement, which helped in piecing together cousins, spouses, and others. These additional documents may have been loose papers, however, they were not hidden anywhere, as I was easily able to find them by using the courthouse index to the old records.

If these documents are no longer in the courthouse, I find that troubling, but not surprising. My experience in searching for documents in courthouses in Virginia is that many have disappeared. In the case of Buckingham County courthouse, there is the hope that these documents may have been "misplaced" during recent renovations, and will eventually be found. Unfortunately many documents are pilfered out of Virginia courthouses by "so-called" genealogists who feel they have a right to their ancestors' papers. "True" genealogists realize how harmful such pilfering is to the heritage of one's own ancestral family.

Hello, Edna,

I’m writing to ask for some research guidance, but first want to tell you how much I enjoy reading and using "So Obscure a Person.” It’s my #1 reference tool as I continue my Stinson research. I also want to thank you for including me in your citations. I’m very flattered!

On page 144 you write that on 24 April 1884 D. W. (David Washington) Stinson signed a receipt for the money he received from his Uncle David’s estate, and you quote the receipt’s text. You also state that the receipt is on file at the Buckingham C.H. Unfortunately, that may no longer be true. Three weeks ago I spent the day a the courthouse pressing the Clerk, Malcolm Booker, and his staff to please locate D.W.’s receipt. The problem seems to be that when the staff moved back into the renovated Courthouse from their temporary quarters in 2002 (I think) they did not refiled many of the older documents. I was told that many old documents are simply piled up in the basement. I had to return to Virginia Beach that day but offered to compensate anyone on the staff who could find the receipt for me. When I called several days later I was told that Mr. Booker had “spent days” searching for the receipt but had failed to find it. They concluded that it’s not there.

Of course, I believe the receipt IS there, just as you say on page 144. Brenda Kitchens offered to try again if I could provide her with more clues about its possible location. Edna, can you offer any advice about where they could look to find D.W.’s receipt?

Gratefully, Kathy Stinson Hessmer

Virginia Beach

Mary STINSON, 1662

2008-10-18T18:25:00.004-04:00

"JNO. LEWIS & THOMAS MICHELL, 1680 acs. New Kent Co., 15 Jan. 1662, p. 84 (565). Beg. At Mr. Michells land, N.N.E. by Westover path, thence to Coll. Gooch’s cor. tree &c. Trans. of : Wm. Thornton, Rich. Boyne, Thos. Shugge, Law. Baker, Tho. Walder, Ellen Harwood, Mary Stinson, Jane Mayson, Rich. Saucer, Jno. Tillett, Geo. Catleton, Bryan Hazlewod, Ann Lulow (?), Eliz. Palmer, Joane Madd, Hugh Davis, Jno. Gunne, Wm. Colvert, Eliz. Gittins, James Ridly, Mary Taylor, Eliz. Smith, Ann Norton, Bridg. Black, Nich. Hart, Nich. Flower, Wm. Pearce, Rich Overton, Ann Shilooe (?), Tho. Hanson, Sarah Russell." ("Cavaliers And Pioneers Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants 1623-1666," Volume One, Abstracted and Indexed by Nell Marion Nugent, Virginia Land Office, Richmond, Virginia)

I cannot place this Mary STINSON of New Kent County, Virginia with anyone connected with Alexander STINSON of "So Obscure A Person” who was born about 1710.

Thomas BRYANT of Cumberland County

2008-09-30T19:18:00.005-04:00

The Thomas BRYANT on page 43 of "So Obscure A Person,” was married before 1783, according to source #75 on page 60, which references the will of his father James BRYANT.

According to the 1783 will of James BRYANT, Thomas BRYANT had daughters Elizabeth BRYANT and Fanny BRYANT, both born before 1783.

**UPDATE: Please read the comments as to whether Elizabeth and Fanny were one person or two.

George and Matilda STINSON

2008-09-28T17:21:00.012-04:00

Chief William McINTOSH was a Coweta Creek Indian whose sister married into the STINSON family of Georgia and Alabama. The father of McINTOSH was Scottish. This image of a hand-colored lithograph is from the McKenney-Hall History of the Indian tribes of North America (1858), after the 1825 painting by Charles Bird King.

The George STINSON on page 99 of "So Obscure A Person”, was married to the sister of Chief William McINTOSH, before 1824. According to "The Politics of Indian Removal," Michael D. Green, 1985, pages 61, 62, 68, George STINSON was heavily involved in Indian trading and affairs with his brother-in-law Chief William McINTOSH. STINSON was arrested, his goods confiscated, and he was indicted at U.S. District County, Savannah, in August 1824. At the trial it was stated that George STINSON was married to a Creek woman and therefore an "adoped ... citizen of the Creek Nation." His defense rested upon his not being subject to trade restrictions of United States law, as he was an adopted Indian. Amazingly, STINSON was aquitted by the jury. William McINTOSH had a half brother from Savannah named John McINTOSH. From the 1850 Census, we see that the wife of STINSON was named Matilda.

Russell REEDER, a descendant of George and Matilda STINSON said that his mother knew the granddaughters of Matilda and they related that she was always proud of her native American ancestry.

On 26 December 1833, there is a land grant of 40 acres to George STINSON, 19th district, Section 2 lot #677, in Cherokee County, Georgia (George STINSON Papers, Georgia College and State University Library).

James Bryant STINSON

2008-09-28T15:19:00.009-04:00

This is basically some additional information for #74, James STINSON on page 100 of "So Obscure A Person.”

According to descendant RUSSELL REEDER, the full name of JAMES was "JAMES BRYANT STINSON." This seems to continue the inferred BRYANT name from his grandmother Anne, the wife of Cary STINSON. This discovery also lends further credence to the inferred father of Anne on page 62 of my book. I had found him as "James R. STINSON" in the following "transcribed" marriage record. That was probably a misreading of the letter "B" by the transcriber.

The information for his marriages came from “Marriage Records 1838-1859 Barbour county, Alabama,” by Helen S. Foley, 1990: "James STINSON and Martha SENN, 14 apr 1859, by J.G. McLendon, JP" (page 100) and "James R. STINSON and Emily Talbot, 5 Octr 1859, at Wm. King’s by Jack Hardman, J.P." (page 102).

Descendant RUSSEL REEDER told me that James and his brother Alexander W. STINSON married sisters, who would have been the TALBOT wives who appear on page 100 of my book.

Page 126 - Typo

2008-07-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

On page 126 of "So Obscure A Person” (Hardcover), the last sentence should begin: "He is believed ...," not "evHE" as printed.

George HOOPER of Buckingham County

2008-05-30T13:23:00.008-04:00

I have found that the George HOOPER on pages 204 through 206 of "So Obscure A Person,” signed a Virginia Religious Petition in Buckingham County to silence non-juring preachers. This petition was dated 7 December 1780, and the signature of Joseph HOOPER appears also, along with his STINSON first cousins, David, George and Cary STINSON.

On pages 66 and 67, of the above book is an image of David STINSON's signature on the petition and more information about the 1780 petition.

The original scan of this petition, including all of the signatures may be viewed at the Library of Congress web site: Early Virginia Religious Petitions.

Page 193 - Typo

2008-05-20T13:07:00.002-04:00

On page 193 of "So Obscure A Person” (Hardcover), the phrase in the first paragraph "the following month, January 1751" should read "the following year, January 1751."

Page 191 - Typo

2008-05-12T18:35:00.002-04:00

On page 191 of "So Obscure A Person” (Hardcover), there is a typographical error. In the third paragraph the word "once" should have been written as "one."

Page 42 - Elizabeth STINSON

2008-05-01T21:21:00.005-04:00

On page 42 of "So Obscure A Person” (Hardcover), "Elizabeth HOOPER" should be written as "Elizabeth STINSON."

So Obscure a Person

2008-05-01T21:13:00.005-04:00

"So Obscure A Person" is the story of a man who wanted too much, and his Virginia descendants, who were the beneficiaries of his quests. He was ALEXANDER STINSON Senior of Williamsburg and Buckingham County, Virginia and his lifetime spanned almost the entire eighteenth century of Colonial Virginia. He first appeared in the court records of Virginia as a bound servant boy, “a slave without shackles.” The title of this book comes from the reply of the Virginia Council at Williamsburg in May of 1741, when, as an overly ambitious young man, he made an official petition for land to fulfill his dream of becoming a Virginia planter. After years in bondage, his hopes must have seemed shattered when President JAMES BLAIR and the Council denied his plea, explaining that it was "too much land for so obscure a person.”

As his childhood had been passed being owned by tavern keepers along Williamsburg’s Duke of Gloucester Street, young SAWNEY seemed not easily discouraged. He allied himself with some of Virginia’s finest families, and went on to win his Virginia land and much, much more.

Eighteenth century Virginians muddled through life much as we do today. They lived each day, one at a time, the same as do we, but they did so much more during those one hundred years of history. Alexander STINSON moved upcountry from Tidewater Virginia to a place called Willis’s on the branches of Cattail, in what is now the center of Virginia, Buckingham County. He saw the land when it was a wilderness, and he settled it, and built a home for himself and his family. His dream of working the land he had won came true, as he became a Virginia planter. He cleared and built his own roadways, he taught his children, and he helped create a society where there had been no community at all. He and his children rebelled against a tyrannical government, fought a war, and created a brand new nation. While living through it all, he kept intact the faith of his fathers. After having accomplished all that he did, his children moved on to new places to pioneer as he had done.

"So Obscure A Person” is a family history and genealogy of ALEXANDER STINSON Senior of Buckingham County, Virginia and his Virginia descendants. ALEXANDER STINSON is the progenitor of the STINSON family of Buckingham County, including those who went further South after the Revolutionary War. This book is the result of years of research at courthouses and libraries in Virginia and elsewhere. It is extensively documented with both embedded sources and footnotes, and is fully indexed. There is an excursus on the HOOPER family which includes the CABELL and MAYO cousins, relatives of the STINSONs.

Photograph from Flickr