David Athya

My research into David Athya began quite unexpectedly—one of those rabbit holes that you fall into with genealogy. I hadn’t set out to research David or his family, but the records I discovered drew me in. If you know, you know. I haven’t yet linked David to my husband’s family but have learned that when the surname Athya appears, it almost always leads back to our tree. So, although I didn’t plan this, I don’t feel it was a wasted effort.

David was born on May 22, 1811, in St. Bees, a village in Cumberland, England, to Isaac Athya and Mary Skelly. Isaac originally came from Glasgow, and in earlier English birth registers, the surname appears as “Athye.” David was christened in Kirklinton, Cumberland on November 7, 1814—three years after his birth.

By 1834, David was working as a grocer at 77 Park Lane in Lancashire. Seven years later, on October 21, 1841, he married Elizabeth Griffiths, the spinster daughter of Robert and Martha Griffiths, at St. Peter’s Church on Church Street in Liverpool. At the time, David lived in Rose Place and worked as a bookkeeper. His father was listed as an engine fitter, and Elizabeth’s father was a miller. The ceremony was conducted by Thomas MacGill, a curate (essentially an assistant clergyman), and the witnesses were Thomas Holding and Ann Hughes. 

Marriage record for David and Elizabeth

St Peter’s Church, Liverpool looking West along Church Street
towards Lord Street in 1800. Drawn by W. H. Watts, engraved by
W. Green. Reproduced in the book “Bygone Liverpool.”
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

David and Elizabeth had at least two children: Aaron, born in 1838 in Flintshire, Wales (Elizabeth’s hometown), and Robert, born in October 1842 in West Derby. Sadly, Robert died on November 16, 1843, at just 14 months old and was buried on November 20 at the Liverpool Necropolis, also known as Low Hill Cemetery, near Everton Road, close to the family’s residence on Beresford Street.

 

Robert recorded in the Liverpool Necropolis burial register

By 1843, city directories listed David as a tallow chandler, living at 9 Beresford Street in Everton. This trade—making and selling candles from animal fat—would become his lifelong profession. It was practical work, serving the lighting needs of working-class homes. He likely dealt in related items like soap and lamp oil, and his daily workspace would have carried the heavy smell of rendered suet.

I came across an entry in the 1849 city directory which listed David as a grocer rather than a tallow chandler. This could have been a time of transition for him, changing occupations from grocer to tallow chandler. In 19th-century Liverpool, many tradesmen sold a mix of goods, and candles were often found alongside soap, lamp oil, and dry items—all common stock in a grocer’s shop so the directory compiler may have simply went with the most visible or familiar label. The directory also showed that David had moved to 42 Islington and worked as a tallow chandler. Electoral records described the property as a “home and shop,” which suggests he ran the business from the ground floor and lived above it—a common arrangement in Liverpool at the time. Everyone needed candles, so it is safe to say business kept him busy.

A few years later, David moved to other addresses on the same street—48 Islington and then 24 Islington—before eventually settling at 33 Prescot Street in West Derby around 1859. At that point, he and Aaron were both working as tallow chandlers, and records show two shops in operation: one at Islington and one at Prescot. The Prescot location was sometimes described as a “warehouse,” possibly used for storing supplies. The 1851 census revealed that David had two employees in the shop, while Aaron, just 13, was listed as a scholar. By 1859, Aaron was actively involved in the business.

1851 England census

In the early 1860s, the records get a bit confusing. David and Aaron were each associated with both shop locations at different times (33 Prescot Street and 48 Islington), and it is unclear who operated which.

The 1861 census listed David at the Prescot home, living with his wife and son, and a niece named Anne Williams, age 23. Both men were still listed as chandlers, and Anne worked as an assistant.

1861 England census

On May 26, 1861, Aaron married Anne Williams, at St. Philip’s Church in Liverpool. Anne was the spinster daughter of Israel Williams and Margaret Griffiths. Her father worked as a mine agent. I feel it a strong possibility that this is the same young woman living with the Athya family but have not been able to confirm that yet. 

Marriage register for Aaron and Anne

Disaster struck the morning of January 9, 1866 when a fire started in the Clifford Street workshop of piano-forte maker Mr. W. Bond, reportedly due to an apprentice’s careless handling of shavings and a stove. What started as a small blaze quickly turned into a raging fire, stoked by strong winds and flammable materials.

The fire spread to David’s Islington Street shop, David Athya & Company, located in the rear of the building. Fueled by his soap and candle stock, it was quickly engulfed. Working against thick clouds of smoke, neighbors rushed in to help salvage his stock as the fire threatened the entire block.

Fire brigades from Islington, Norton Street, and St. Anne Street managed to control and subdue the fire, yet the damage was done. Bond’s shop and home were gutted and David’s property and stock partially destroyed. 

Records show that not long after the fire, David relocated to 42 Seymour Street in Liverpool, a move which may have been spurred by the fire.

Tragedy struck the Athya family in the spring of 1869 and again in 1870. David’s daughter-in-law Anne passed away and was buried on March 17, 1869. Just weeks later, his son Aaron also passed away and was laid to rest on April 12. Both were still young and left behind four children: Edward, Elizabeth, Margaret Ellen, and baby David Israel—whose ages ranged from seven years to just one month. Their deaths, occurring so close together, were likely caused by illness. Aaron and Anne were buried in the same grave—section 8, grave 383—at Anfield Cemetery in Merseyside.

Aaron’s loss would have deeply disrupted David’s business. Aaron had been running one of the family’s two shops, and now David and Elizabeth found themselves not only mourning their son and daughter-in-law, but also responsible for raising their grandchildren.

Heartbreak returned the following summer. David Israel—the youngest of Aaron’s children—passed away and was buried on July 26, 1870 at just 17 months old. David was buried with his parents at Anfield Cemetery.

The 1871 England census records reflects Aaron’s three surviving children living with David and Elizabeth in West Derby. Over the next few years, David moved to Stafford Street and finally to 25 Seymour Street, where he lived out his remaining days. It appears he maintained his Prescot Street shop, although I am not sure for how long.

David passed away at home on October 6, 1878, at the age of 67. The Liverpool Mercury printed his death notice two days later, and his funeral was held at Anfield Cemetery on October 10, where he rests in section 8, grave 346, near his family.

Anfield Cemetery burial register

Anfield Cemetery certificate for David’s grave

His will was proven in Liverpool on November 7, 1878 by his wife Elizabeth. He left a personal estate under £5,000, which would have been a considerable amount in those days—roughly equivalent to £760,000 today, or about $24,300 U.S. dollars in 1878.

David would probably have been proud to know his grandson Edward carried on the Athya family legacy as a tallow chandler. Unfortunately, Edward’s life was cut short at age 25 in 1886.

References

• Aaron Athya, England and Wales, Death Registration Index 1837-2007, FamilySearch; https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2JN8-7HG, 1869. 
• Aaron Athya, Liverpool, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754–1935.
• Alarming Fire in Islington, Liverpool Mercury, Liverpool (Merseyside), England, January 10, 1866.
• Alarming Fire in Liverpool, The Ormskirk Advertiser, West Lancashire, England, January 11, 1866.
• Alarming Fire This Morning, Liverpool Mercury (2nd edition), Liverpool (Merseyside), England, January 9, 1866.
• Anfield Cemetery, Court Orders, 1878, image 1045, FamilySearch.
• David Athya, England and Scotland, Select Cemetery Registers, 1800–2024.
• David Athya, England and Scotland, Select Cemetery Registers, 1800–2016.
• David Athya, England and Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858–1995.
• David Athya, England, Select Marriages, 1538–1973.
• David Athya, Lancashire. Directories 1851, 1853, 1849; Liverpool. Directories 1851, 1853, 1849, image 30, FamilySearch.
• David Athya, Liverpool, England, Electoral Registers, 1832–1970.
• David Athya, U.K., City and County Directories, 1600s–1900s.
• David Athya, UK, City and County Directories, 1766–1946.
• David Athye, England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538–1975.
• David Atkyns, Lancashire, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754–1936.
• Deaths, Athya, Liverpool Mercury, October 8, 1878.
• Israel Williams, England and Wales, Non-Conformist and Non-Parochial Registers, 1567–1936.
• Liverpool, England Parish Records 1878–1884, Burial Registers 1878–1884, Anfield, England Parish Records 1878–1884, Burial Registers 1878–1884, Walton on the Hill, England Parish Records 1878–1884, Burial Registers 1878–1884, image 26, FamilySearch.
• Liverpool, Lancashire, England census, 1851.
• Robert Athya, England and Scotland, Select Cemetery Registers, 1800–2024.
• Robert Athya, England and Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837–1915.
• Robert Athya, England and Wales, Death Registration Index 1837–2007.
• West Derby, Lancashire, England census, 1861, 1871.

Lucinda and Delsey, servants of Dr. Martin and Bro. Haygood

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records. 

Colored Church, Oct. 13th 1861.

Letters of dismission were granted to Lucinda, servant of Dr. T. D. Martin, and Delsey, servant of Bro. F. M. Haygood.

 Reference

Penfield Baptist Church Minutes: 1839 – 1885, p. 288, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia, Mercer University Libraries.

Samuel Alexander Wright

At first glance, the title may seem misleading—this sketch is not about one individual named Samuel Alexander Wright, but two. In fact, a third person of that name exists in the family’s history, though his story is not told here.

The lives of these two infants begin with their parents, Samuel Wright and Christina Braidwood, who together welcomed eight children: Christina Martin Wright (1891), the two Samuels (1893 and 1894), James Braidwood Wright (1896), Hugh McDougall Wright (1897), Alexander Braidwood Wright (1900), Thomas Wright (1902), and Joseph Wright (1904).

These children are 2nd cousins 2x removed from my husband. Their closest shared ancestors are Andrew Braidwood and Mary Liddell—great-grandparents to the children and third great-grandparents to my husband.

On May 8, 1893, the couple welcomed their second child and first son, Samuel Alexander Wright, born at home at 249 Main Street in the Bridgeton district of Glasgow. In keeping with Scottish naming conventions, they named him after his paternal grandfather, Samuel Alexander Wright, born in 1823 in the Gorbals district of Glasgow.

Birth register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 1)

At the time, Samuel and Christina had been married for two and a half years, with a young daughter already in their home. Father Samuel worked as a coachman, a respected domestic servant who drove horse-drawn carriages for a private employer. 

Tragically, the child’s life was brief. Twelve days after his birth, little Samuel died at home on May 20, the recorded cause being debility—a term often used for failure to thrive.

Death register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 1)

He was laid to rest on May 22 in Lair 4964 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery. 

Eastern Necropolis Cemetery burial register for infant number 1

Just under 11 months later, on April 8, 1894, Christina gave birth to another son at their new residence: 3 Polmadie Road in Hutchesontown, a densely populated working-class district south of the River Clyde.

To honor their first son and continue traditional naming patterns, they named this child Samuel Alexander Wright—a practice not uncommon in 19th-century Scotland.

Father Samuel had now transitioned to work as a carter, transporting goods by horse-drawn cart. While less prestigious than his earlier coachman role, carters were vital to Glasgow’s industrial economy. Records show that his own father was listed as a master carter in 1881, suggesting this path was a generational trade, likely taught through family instruction.

Birth register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 2)

By 1895, Samuel Wright had advanced again—employed as a bailie’s vanman, likely responsible for moving goods, supplies, or official documents under the direction of a municipal officer or magistrate, known in Scotland as a bailie. This role hints at growing trust and standing within civic circles.

But tragedy returned. The second Samuel died at just 10 months old on February 17, 1895, after a 21-day battle with pneumonia. The death was recorded at 11 Polmadie Road, suggesting the family had moved to a new flat within the same tenement building.

Death register for Samuel Alexander Wright (infant number 2)

He was buried two days later, on February 19, in the same lair as his older brother.

Eastern Necropolis Cemetery burial register for infant number 2

Lair 4964, held by Andrew Braidwood, the infants’ maternal great-grandfather, became a resting place filled with generational connection. Though neither infant appeared in census records—taken in 1891 and 1901, they are preserved in birth, death, and burial registers, so are not forgotten.

Lairs 4963 and 4964, held by Andrew Braidwood,
Eastern Necropolis Cemetery

The Wrights endured further loss when their infant son James died of pneumonia in Bridgeton on September 14, 1896, at just three months old. He was buried the next day in Lair 5045 at Eastern Necropolis Cemetery.

Interestingly, no record so far shows a middle name or initial for the infants’ father, Samuel Wright. One wonders if he, too, bore the full name Samuel Alexander Wright—perhaps tying all four Samuels together in a meaningful tradition.

References

• Alexander Braidwood Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/2 7, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Christina Martin Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/11 1890, National Records of Scotland, 1891.
• Eastern Necropolis Cemetery Records, Daily Interment Book, Glasgow, Scotland, film no. 008685205, images 499, 625, and 724, FamilySearch.
• Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Scotland, Burial Records 1893–1897, image 79, FamilySearch. 
• Hugh McDougall Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 961, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• James Braidwood Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/11 1123, National Records of Scotland, 1896.
• James Braidwood Wright, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 964, National Records of Scotland, 1896.
• Joseph Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/2 1687, National Records of Scotland, 1904.
• Kreft, Karen, The Coachman, Ticknall Life Community Magazine, February 10, 2021; https://www.ticknalllife.co.uk/the-coachman/. 
• Lair 4964, Glasgow, Burial Records 1800–1970, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, image 40, FamilySearch.
• Lair 5045, Eastern Necropolis Cemetery, Glasgow, Cemetery Records 1861–1995, image 93, FamilySearch.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Old Parish Registers Births 644/2 Gorbals, National Records of Scotland, 1823.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/1 658, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/11 822, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Samuel Alexander Wright, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 570, National Records of Scotland, 1893.
• Samuel Wright, Govan, Lanark, Scotland census, 1881.
• Samuel Wright, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/11 259, National Records of Scotland, 1895.
• Smith, Sarah, What Is a Carter?, Genealogy, Old Occupations, Scotland, Unlock Your Past, June 21, 2024; https://www.unlockyourpast.co.uk/old-occupation-carter/. 
• Thomas Wright, Statutory Registers Births 644/2 1306, National Records of Scotland, 1902. 

Caesar and Shadrach: servants of Bros. Northen and Sanders

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records.  

Penfield Baptist Church Minutes: 1839–1885

Penfield, April 21st 1850 

The African Branch met in conference and received unto fellowship by letter, Caesar a servant of Bro. Northen’s and Shadrach a servant of Bro. Sanders’. 

Adj. 
Dews, mod.

Reference

Penfield Baptist Church Minutes: 1839 – 1885, p. 145, Penfield, Greene County, Georgia, Mercer University Libraries.

John P. Daugherty

John P. Daugherty was born around 1800 in County Derry, Ireland, which likely refers to modern-day County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. He was one of at least 10 children born to William Dougherty and his wife Nancy, both natives of Ireland. John’s siblings included Nancy, Catherine (Katy or Katie), Lavina, William Jr., Robert, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, and Henry.

John is my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather, with their closest shared ancestor being John’s daughter, Nancy, who married Samuel C. Murphy.

When researching this surname, you need to be creative as the name appears in various forms across records, including: Doherty, Doughtry, Dougherty, Doughtery, and Daughtery. There may be others as well.

Researching John’s life enabled me to trace this branch of our family tree back another generation to his father, William Dougherty, and a confirmed connection to Ireland.

Evidence suggests that the family immigrated to the United States before 1808, as John’s brother Robert was born in Pennsylvania that year. It seems they lived in Pennsylvania briefly before settling permanently in Virginia, where they spent the rest of their lives.

On April 17, 1823, John married Catherine Brannon in Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia, in a ceremony officiated by clergyman Thomas Daken.

Ohio County marriage register

John and Catherine had a large family, with 11 children: Mary, Nancy, William H., Elizabeth, Margaret, John W., Catherine, Rachel A., Robert H., Emmeline, and Laura Ann. Many of their children shared names with John’s siblings. All his children were born in Virginia.

A long-term resident of Ohio County, Virginia John’s consistent presence in Ohio County is well documented through personal property tax records, which span across two decades:

• 1823 and 1825: John paid taxes alongside his father William. Also present was Charles Daughtry, whose link to the family remains unclear.
• 1827 and 1828: John continued to be listed in the county tax rolls with his father and brother William Jr. Census records from this period confirm his residency in Ohio County.
• 1831: Tax records now included John’s father, and brothers Henry, Robert, and William Jr. The name Allen Daughtry also appears in both 1828 and 1831, though his connection to the family has not been determined.
• 1833: John is recorded again, paying taxes alongside William, Henry, and Robert.
• 1835: John’s name appears with William, William Jr., and Robert, maintaining a strong family presence in local records.
• 1838: John and Robert are listed once more, with Allen Daughtry reemerging in the records.

John began acquiring land in Marshall County, Virginia, through a series of land warrant assignments, an early method of claiming unsettled property. His first known purchase came in 1834, when he bought 100 acres on Maggoty Camp Run from Hugh and Mary Gill. Today, this land would most likely be found near the present-day town of Cameron.

In November 1839, John was indebted to Absalom Ridgely for $90.60, payable by April 1, 1841, with interest. To secure the debt, John transferred ownership of his Maggoty Camp Run property, along with various livestock, farming equipment, household goods, and leased land on Middle Wheeling Creek, to Humphrey Boon as trustee. John retained possession of the land unless he failed to pay, in which case Boon would sell the land and assets at public auction, with proceeds covering Ridgely’s debt and remaining funds returned to John. If John paid in full, the deed would be void, and ownership restored. 

In August 1840, John and his wife Catherine sold the 100-acre tract along Maggoty Camp Run back to Hugh Gill for $200. Whether the sale was prompted by financial necessity or part of a broader exchange remains unclear.

At the same time, the 1840 U.S. census records indicate that John’s father, William Dougherty, had moved to Marshall County, Virginia, where he later pursued U.S. citizenship. On September 21, 1840, William appeared in court and formally applied for naturalization. A native of County Derry, Ireland, William presented sworn testimony from Jacob Keller and Benjamin Blodgett, confirming that he had resided in the United States since before June 18, 1812 and had lived there continuously for over five years. In fact, based on the birth of his son Robert in Pennsylvania around 1808, William had clearly been in the U.S. for at least three decades. Keller and Blodgett attested to William’s good moral character and his support for the principles of the U.S. Constitution. In open court, William formally renounced all allegiance to foreign powers, including Queen Victoria of Great Britain and Ireland, and pledged loyalty to the United States. The court accepted his declaration and granted him citizenship.

By February 1841, less than a year after the original sale, Hugh Gill and his wife Mary sold 150 acres to John. While it’s uncertain whether this tract was entirely new or included the previously sold acreage, the transaction suggests the return of the original 100 acres, perhaps along with an additional 50 acres, either via subdivision or as part of a larger tract.

Around 1843, John expanded his holdings by acquiring 150 acres along Valley Run, a stream feeding into Fish Creek, through the assignment of Land Office Treasury Warrants. These warrants originated from Alexander Newman and Henry Lockman, and passed through multiple parties before reaching John. This property was likely located near modern-day Moundsville, West Virginia.

In September 1844, a formal survey established the boundaries of the tract, and in 1845, the Commonwealth of Virginia issued a land patent, securing John’s legal ownership. In February 1845, John identified an additional five-acre surplus within the tract—originally part of Henry Lockman’s 1835 grant—which was formally assigned to him through Lockman’s attorney.

Finally, in September 1845, John was officially granted 155 acres in Marshall County, Virginia, through two separate Land Office Treasury Warrants: No. 12908 (issued to Lockman in 1835) and No. 12486 (issued to Newman in 1837). The gradual chain of transactions and careful surveying culminated in John’s acquisition of the entire property.

John's land grant

The survey for the land was originally conducted on September 2, 1844, and was formally surveyed with markers like white oaks, dogwoods, and stone piles.

Land survey for John’s 155 acres

In 1847, the Marshall County List of Taxable Property shows that two males over the age of 16 lived in the household of John. He owned one horse or mule and paid $10 in personal property tax that year.

The corresponding Land Tax records list John as owning:

• 155 acres on Valley Run, valued at $155; he paid $16 in land tax
• 150 acres on Maggoty Camp Run, valued at $150; he paid $15 in land tax

John’s father, William, also appeared on the 1847 land roll, owning 100 acres on Whetzell’s Run.

In 1848, records show John was the only male over age 16 residing in his household. He was again taxed $10 for one horse or mule. Other Daugherty’s listed in the Personal Property Tax record for Marshall County that year included William Sr., William Jr., Henry, and Robert, reflecting the family’s ongoing presence in the region.

By February 1849, John faced mounting financial obligations totaling $139.10, divided into three separate bonds:

• $49.10 dated August 5, 1847
• $31 dated January 30, 1849
• $58 dated February 10, 1849

To secure these debts, John and Catherine entered into a deed of trust, pledging the 155-acre Valley Run parcel granted to him by the Commonwealth in 1845 as collateral. The creditors were Benjamin and Vincent Cockayne, partners in the firm B & V Cockayne. Acting as trustee was Governor M. Price (not a title — Governor was his given name).

Per the agreement, Price held the land in trust with conditions: John could continue to possess the land unless he defaulted. If repayment was not made within six months, Price would be required to publicly auction the property after 30 days’ notice in a local newspaper. Any surplus proceeds would be returned to John, but if he paid off the full debt in time, the deed would be voided and ownership returned. Catharine formally relinquished her dower rights, indicating her full consent to the transaction.

Land tax records for 1849 show that John continued to own both parcels:

• 150 acres on Maggoty Camp Run, valued at $150; tax paid: $15
• 155 acres on Valley Run, valued at $155; tax paid: $16

Marshall County land tax (1849)

In November 1849, Absalom Ridgely Sr. filed a legal action against John in Marshall County to recover an outstanding debt. According to court records, Ridgely appeared with legal counsel, while John—though formally summoned—did not attend the hearing. The court ruled in Ridgely’s favor, awarding him $76.85, plus interest dating back to January 30, 1848, along with reimbursement for court costs.

That same month, John purchased 20 bushels of corn for $11.25 from the estate of Andrew Jenny, a transaction noted in Marshall County records.

In 1850, John continued to pay personal property tax in Marshall County, specifically in the Fishing Creek District. As in previous years, he was listed as the only male over age 16 in his household and taxed $10 for owning one horse or mule.

His father, William Sr., along with brothers William Jr., Henry, and Robert, were all recorded on the same Marshall County Personal Property Tax list that year, reinforcing the family’s continued presence in the area. Notably, Charles Daugherty appeared once again in proximity to several family members, though his relationship to the household remains uncertain.

On June 12, 1850, Laura, the youngest child of John and Catherine, was born in Wheeling, adding another member to an already sizeable household.

By July 1850, John had defaulted on the 1849 deed of trust, triggering the sale of his 155-acre Valley Run property. The land—including the formal patent and full ownership rights—was sold to Isaac Hoge for $260. Upon finalizing the sale:

• $155 was paid to Benjamin and Vincent Cockayne, settling John’s outstanding debt.
• $100 was paid directly to John.
• $5 was paid to Governor M. Price, who had acted as trustee in the transaction.

By October 25, 1850, the Daugherty family was recorded in the census for District 33, Marshall County, Virginia. Their home housed 11 individuals, including six adults. John worked as a farmer, with his son William contributing to farm labor. Both Catherine and daughter Mary were marked as unable to read. Living just four households away was the John Piles family, whose daughter, Amanda Piles (then age 12), would later become John and Catherine’s daughter-in-law.

In 1851, John continued to be listed on the Marshall County property tax rolls, reflecting his ownership of two substantial landholdings:

• 150 acres at Maggoty Camp Run, with buildings valued at $300; taxed at $36
• 155 acres at Valley Run, with buildings valued at $310; taxed at $37

On July 9, 1851, John and Catharine, along with other involved parties, finalized the deed transfer of the 155-acre Valley Run parcel to Isaac Hoy, formalizing the transaction that had been initiated earlier following John’s financial difficulties. The deed was:

• Acknowledged before the Clerk of the Court by Benjamin and Vincent Cockayne, the original creditors
• Certified by two Justices of the Peace
• Officially admitted to record, sealing the transfer of ownership to Hoy

In the fall of 1851, John, along with James Maloney, was formally charged with felonious riot—a serious offense involving violent public disorder by a group, elevated to felony status due to its severity. On October 6, John appeared in Marshall County court having previously posted recognizance—a legal pledge to return for trial. He was arraigned, entered a plea of not guilty, and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. He was then remanded to jail to await trial.

The court ordered the sheriff to summon 24 eligible male freeholders—male citizens who owned land—to appear the next morning to form a jury. On October 7, the jury found both men not guilty on the first count, but guilty on the second. John was fined $50, and James $35; both were returned to jail.

On October 13, John was brought back to court for final judgment. When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, he offered no defense or delay. Though originally charged with felonious riot, John was ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor—a lesser offense. The court confirmed the $50 fine and added $5 in court costs.

John was to be imprisoned without bail until noon on November 10, and after that, held until the fine and costs were paid or he was otherwise released. However, this imprisonment could not exceed six months from November 10.

In addition, John was required to post a recognizance bond—a legal promise to maintain good behavior—for $50, with one or more sureties backing the bond. The bond ensured John would keep the peace and be of good behavior for 12 months.

In the image below, you see John recorded in the General Index to Law and Chancery Records in Marshall County for this case. 

Although the case closed in 1851, related expenses—like juror fees—were processed months later. On May 13, 1852, the sheriff submitted a claim of $24 to the state auditor to cover jury payments, a routine procedure funded by the Commonwealth, not by John.

In the fall of 1853, Absalom Ridgely, acting as an executor, filed a debt claim against John for $115, plus interest starting from April 1, 1853, and legal costs. Since John failed to appear in court, the judge ruled by default in favor of Ridgely, allowing the debt to be levied on John’s estate assets. A partial payment of $20 was recorded on March 27, 1857, but John remained responsible for the balance.

In April 1856, when John’s father signed his Last Will and Testament, item number five specified a bequest of $10 to ‘his son’ John.

On December 22, 1858, John’s son, John W., married Amanda M. Piles, daughter of John and Hannah Piles, in Marshall County.

On September 6, 1860, John, Catherine, and their children Rachel, Robert, Laura, and Catherine lived in Marshall County. John now worked as a Turner, someone who worked with a lathe, shaping wood, metal, or bone into objects like furniture, tools, or decorative items. It was a skilled trade. He had real estate valued at $100 and a personal estate worth $50. His son John lived next door, along with his wife Amanda (Piles), and one month old son Harry. His daughter, Nancy, her husband Samuel Murphy, and children Mary, Martin, and Margaret lived five houses away. 

On September 30, 1861, John, having declared his loyalty to the United States, enlisted as a private in Company H of the 11th Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, commanded by Colonel C. Rathbone. His enlistment marked his commitment to the Union cause during the turbulent years of the Civil War. Fighting alongside him was his son, John (W.), who served in the same company.

In late summer of 1862, while John was still in active service, his father William passed away in Marshall County. His will was proven and recorded in county court on August 8, 1862. Interestingly, neither John nor his brothers were named as executors—likely because they were serving in the military or otherwise unavailable. Instead, John Winters was appointed executor, with Albert Davis and James Campbell serving as sureties under a $2,000 bond to ensure the proper administration of the estate.

William bequeathed his entire estate to his wife Nancy, stipulating that upon her death, both real and personal property would be equally divided among their three daughters: Nancy, Katy, and Lavina. He directed that each of his other children—John, William, Robert, Elizabeth, Mary, and Margaret—receive $10, while Henry was to receive $40, a slightly larger sum that may hint at special circumstances or needs.

John had enlisted for a term of three years, but tragically, his service lasted just one. He remained in good health throughout his time in uniform until August 31, 1862, when he received what would be his final payment from Major Cowen.

Just one month later, on September 30, 1862, while serving as company cook, John was suddenly stricken with what was described at the time as “brain fever.” No military surgeon was present with the detachment, so John—speechless and gravely ill—was transported to a hospital in Parkersburg, Wood County, Virginia. At age 45, he died shortly after arrival. Physicians later diagnosed the cause of death as meningitis.

Captain George W. Parriott of Company H spoke of John as a man of temperate and steady habits, both in civilian life and during his military service, underscoring the character he carried to the very end.

John’s remains were brought home and laid to rest at Greenfield Ridge Cemetery in Marshall County, where his family and community could honor his sacrifice.

Photo by Evelyn (Murphy) Bailey

Military headstone application

Visit John’s Find a Grave memorial to see a photo of his military grave marker.

At the time of John’s death, his daughter Laura, then about 12 years old, was the only child under age 16 still living at home. This detail suggests that her sister Emmeline, who would have been approximately 14, may have predeceased John. 

In May 1863, Catherine, then 58 years old and residing near Belton in Marshall County, formally filed for a Civil War widow’s pension. Her application was approved at a rate of $8 per month, retroactive to September 30, 1862, the date of John’s death. Notably, the pension index contains an error, mistakenly listing Catherine as John’s mother rather than his wife.

Just over two months after his father’s passing, John (W.) was discharged from military service at Parkersburg in December 1862. The discharge was due to a disability resulting from an accidental pistol wound to his left hand, sustained during service.

Despite this injury, John’s commitment to the Union cause remained unwavering. On August 30, 1864, he reenlisted with Company A of the 17th Regiment, West Virginia Infantry in Wheeling, and officially mustered in on September 2.

Military records describe John (W.) as having blue eyes, dark hair and complexion, and standing 5 feet, 10¾ inches tall—a personal detail that offers a glimpse into his appearance, and hints at the physical traits of his father, John (P.).

In connection with Catherine’s widow’s pension application, on July 24, 1866, Ephraim Banning and David C. Pyles appeared before a Justice of the Peace to testify regarding their personal acquaintance with her husband, John. Both men attested to knowing John well, describing him as a man of sober and industrious habits. They also stated they were present at the hospital at the time of John’s passing, affirming firsthand knowledge of both the date and location of his death.

In October 1881, likely during a filing or renewal of a pension application by John (W.), military officials raised a question regarding the identities of ‘John P.’ and ‘John W.’ Daugherty, both listed as having served in Company H of the 11th Regiment. The records were carefully reviewed and ultimately confirmed that they were two distinct individuals who had served in the same unit.

Catherine’s widow’s pension, awarded following her husband’s death, continued for several years until her final payment of $12 on December 4, 1889, the date corresponding with her passing.

On May 17, 1920, Mrs. Laura Bogard, daughter of John and Catherine, sent a letter from her home in Moundsville, West Virginia, inquiring about any unpaid pension benefits that might still be owed from her father’s Civil War service. In her correspondence, she also requested official confirmation as to whether her mother, Catherine, had received the full amount due to her as a widow.

After review, it was confirmed that Catherine had received all pension payments to which she was entitled under her husband’s service record. No outstanding balance remained.

References

• Catharine Brannon Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Widows’ Pensions, 1861–1910, Fold3.
• Ephraim Banning and David C. Pyles, U.S., Civil War Service Records (CMSR) - Union - West Virginia, 1861–1865, Fold3.
• John P. Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861–1934.
• John P. Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861–1865.
• John P. Dougherty, Virginia, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1740–1850.
• John P. Doughtery, Compiled Service Records of Volunteer Union Soldiers Who Served in Organizations from the State of West Virginia.
• John P. Doughtery, Headstones Provided for Deceased Union Civil War Veterans, 1879–1903.
• John W. Dougherty, U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865.
• Land Office Grants Book 97, 1845–1846, State of Virginia: Virginia. Land Grants 1845–1846, image 110, FamilySearch. 
• Land Office Surveys Upon Which Grants Issued Book Z, 1844–1846, State of Virginia: Virginia. Land Grants 1844–1846, Surveyor’s Books 1844–1846, image 121, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Appraisal Records 1835–1845, 1851–1859, 1858–1865, image 155, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Coroner Records 1901–1926, Homestead Records 1879–1939, Land Grants 1836–1865, Sale Records 1910–1915, Surveyor's Books 1836–1878, images 55, 57, 61, 65, 66, and 136, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1835–1843, images 410–411 and 438, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1835–1862, 1924–1926, images 560–562, 565–566, 577, and 611, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1835–1936, image 168, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Court Records 1843–1853, images 391 and 501, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deed Books 1837–1843, images 129–130 and 217–218, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deed Books 1843–1847, images 640–641, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deed Books 1849–1853, images 242 and 256, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Deeds 1833–1835, image 127, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Land Records 1836–1852, images 307, 375, and 437, FamilySearch. 
• Marshall County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Records 1836–1850, images 395, 454, and 566, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Vital Records 1853–1860, image 69, FamilySearch.
• Marshall County, Virginia, Will Indexes 1835–1971, Will Books 1835–1871, 1837–1878, image 354, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, Virginia, Deed Books 1838–1841, images 280–281, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Records 1832, 1833, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1839, 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1849, 1850, images 82–83, 240–241, and 329, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, Virginia, Personal Property Tax Records, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1826, 1827, 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831, images 321, 401–402, 481, 523, and 675, FamilySearch.
• Ohio County, West Virginia, Vital Records 1790–1899, image 128, FamilySearch.
• U.S. Federal Census, District 33, Marshall County, Virginia, 1850.
• U.S. Federal Census, Marshall County, Virginia, 1840, 1860.
• U.S. Federal Census, Ohio County, Virginia, 1830.
• William Dougherty, West Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1724–1985.

Amy, property of Benjamin Howard

This post is part of an ongoing project to record names of enslaved people of Greene County, Georgia I find in historical records. 

Georgia Journal, Madison, Georgia, May 29, 1827

Before the court-house in the town Greenesborough, Greene county, will be sold on the first Tuesday in June next, within the usual hours of sale, the following property, to wit:

40 acres of land, be the same more or less, whereon Thomas P. Findley formerly lived, adjoining Thomas Ligon and others, levied on as the property of Wm Waggoner to satisfy 2 small fi fas issuing from a magistrates court in favor of P. T. Biddle vs. said Waggoner.

One negro woman by the name of Amy, levied on as the property of Benjamin Howard to satisfy sundry small fi fas issuing from a magistrates court in favor of the adm’rs of Thomas Greenwood, dec’d. vs. John Kitrell and Benjamin Howard.

WILLIAM GREER, Sh’ff.

Reference

Georgia Journal, Madison, Georgia, May 29, 1827. 

Eliza Jane O’Neill

Eliza Jane O’Neill was born on January 5, 1900, in Kinning Park, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Her parents, Matthew O’Neill and Bridget Hynes, were originally from Ireland and raised a large family together. Eliza was the fourth of seven children: Mary, Matthew and Ellen (twins), Eliza, James, Rose, and Ambrose. Eliza is the wife of my husband’s 1st cousin 2x removed, James Athya. 

The O’Neills had settled in Kinning Park by at least 1894—Mary, the oldest, as well as the twins, were born there. Located just a mile west of Glasgow on the south bank of the River Clyde, Kinning Park was an active industrial neighborhood, with soap factories, engineering shops, and biscuit manufacturers. 

Eliza’s father, Matthew, worked as a soapworks laborer, which meant long days doing tough, hands-on jobs in soap production. He probably mixed raw ingredients, cut and packed soap bars, and worked in hot, steamy conditions.

Before Eliza was born, the family went through a heartbreaking time: both twins passed away as infants. Matthew died on November 2, 1898, at just one year old, from diarrhea and convulsions. Less than a year later, Ellen died on August 18, 1899, at 22 months, after suffering from measles that led to fatal convulsions. Both children died in Bridgeton, a district in Glasgow, and while records confirm their deaths, the burial site for the twins has not been found.

By 1901, the O’Neills had moved to 20 Greenhead Court in the Calton neighborhood of Glasgow. Records show they lived in a single-room home—small, but with at least one window, which was noted as a sign of basic living standards at the time. Eliza’s father, Matthew, was still working as a soapworks laborer, and six-year-old Mary had started school.

1901 Scotland census

The O’Neill family was still living at their Greenhead Court home in 1902 when James was born. By 1904, they had moved to 42 Green Street, still within the Calton area of Glasgow, where Rose was born. They remained at that address when Ambrose arrived in 1907.

By 1911, the family had returned to Kinning Park, settling at 22 Keyden Street. 

That year’s census recorded Eliza as “Elizabeth,” a common name variation. Her mother, Bridget, was listed as having had seven children, with only four still living. Eliza’s father, Matthew, was still working in soap production, now serving as an assistant soap boiler, a skilled job which likely involved managing the boiling process during soapmaking.

Meanwhile, Mary had started work as a trunk liner, helping build or finish the interiors of large travel trunks that people used for long-distance journeys by train or sea. Eliza and Rose were still in school at the time.

1911 Scotland census

On December 15, 1915, Eliza lost her younger sister Rose, who died at just 11 years old in Pollokshields, Glasgow. The cause was listed as cardiac vascular disease and lung congestion. Rose was laid to rest on December 17 in Lair 96 at St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery in Lambhill, about six miles north of Kinning Park. At the time, Eliza was 15 years old, and the family had settled into what would become their permanent home at 35 Keyden Street.

By 1921, the O’Neills were still living on Keyden Street. Eliza was 21 and still at home with her parents, her younger brother Ambrose, and her older sister Mary. Their living space was likely a typical Glasgow tenement—multi-story stone buildings with shared stairwells and outdoor toilets. Their two-room flat probably included a main room used for both living and sleeping, plus a separate kitchen. (If you watch period dramas like I do, you have probably seen this style of home.)

Eliza’s parents, Matthew and Bridget, were both working as scrapwork laborers for Thomas Reid and Son, a company known for boilermaking and metal founding. Ambrose, age 14, was still in school. Mary, age 26, had a job as a trunk hirer for the Saratoga Trunk Company, which meant she likely handled the renting, upkeep, and preparation of large travel trunks used for long journeys.

Eliza herself worked as a syphon labeler, apparently for someone or a company named J. B. Barrie. From what I can gather, this job involved applying printed labels to heavy glass siphon bottles used for carbonated water—making sure each bottle was clean, properly labeled, and ready for delivery to shops, hotels, or pubs.

1921 Scotland census

Eliza’s father passed away at the age of 52 on November 24, 1924. He died at home, though by then the area was known as Pollokshields. His cause of death was listed as post-influenza encephalitis, which he battled for 10 days, along with cardiac failure. He was buried on November 27 in Lair 96 at St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery in Lambhill, the same resting place as Rose.

On October 5, 1928, Eliza married James Athya, son of John D. Athya and Helen Dempster, at Calton Parish Church in Glasgow. The marriage took place “after banns” under the rites of the Church of Scotland—a traditional notice of intention to marry. Eliza was listed as a spinster, and while the marriage record shows she was employed, the exact occupation is not legible (at least to me). At the time, she was still living at the Keyden Street home with her mother, Bridget.

James was working as a machineman in tubework, which likely involved operating machines used to shape, cut, or refine metal tubing—perhaps in shipbuilding or heavy industry, both common in Glasgow at the time.

Marriage register for Eliza and James

Eliza and James welcomed two sons into their family: John Athya, born in 1933 in Calton, and Ambrose O’Neill Athya, born in July 1938 in Camlachie.

In 1942, Eliza experienced a major loss when her mother Bridget passed away at age 70 on December 26, at their longtime home on Keyden Street—now part of Tradeston, Glasgow. Bridget’s death was caused by arteriosclerosis, myocarditis, and heart failure. Eliza, then living at 270 Tobago Street, was listed as the informant on the death register. Bridget was laid to rest on December 28 in Lair 96 at St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery in Lambhill, joining Matthew and Rose.

Just six months later, Eliza lost her sister Mary, who died at age 48 on June 6, 1943, in Govan, Glasgow. Mary’s cause of death was also myocarditis, with complications from a uterine myoma. She passed away at 1301 Govan Road, but had still been living at the family home on Keyden Street. Eliza was again listed as the informant, and Mary was buried with her family on June 8 at St. Kentigern’s.

Despite these personal losses, life moved forward. In 1958, both of Eliza’s sons were married: Ambrose to Jean Rice Rattray in Pollok, Renfrewshire, and John to Mary Carlin in Provan. 

Eliza’s husband, James Athya, passed away on August 11, 1962, at Belvedere Hospital in Glasgow’s Bridgeton District. He died from chronic bronchitis, having lived with emphysema for 20 years, and cor pulmonale—a form of heart failure caused by high blood pressure in the lungs—for two years. These conditions were the result of long-term lung disease, which would have greatly affected his quality of life.

At the time of his passing, Eliza and James were still living at the Keyden Street home in Kinning Park. James was working as a tram car cleaner.

Their son John was the informant listed on the death record. He was living at 12 Middlesex Street, about three miles from his parents, and no doubt remained closely connected to them. The location of James’ burial is unknown.

On the first anniversary of James’ passing, Eliza and her family placed a memoriam in the Evening Times, honoring his life and memory.

IN MEMORIAM ATHYA—In loving memory of my dear husband and our father, JAMES ATHYA, died 11th August 1962. Oh for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still. —Inserted by his Wife, 35 Keyden Street. Not just today, but every day. In silence we remember. —Inserted by sons John and Ambrose, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren.

The first line (Oh for the touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice that is still) is from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem Break, Break, Break, written in the 1830s and published in 1842. Tennyson, Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1850 to 1892, composed it as an elegy for his friend Arthur Hallam. It may have held special significance for Eliza.

Eliza herself passed away just a few years later, on May 22, 1966, at Victoria Infirmary in Langside, southeast Glasgow. She was 66 years old and had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer; the immediate cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. Her passing was announced in the Evening Times the following day.

DEATHS—ATHYA—At an infirmary, Glasgow, on 22nd May, 1966, ELIZABETH O’NEILL (late of 35 Keyden Street, Glasgow, C.5), wife of the late James Athya. Funeral tomorrow (Tuesday) from 12 Middlesex Street, C 5 (at the residence of her son), to St. Kentigern’s Cemetery; friends desirous of attending please meet cortege at cemetery gate at 3:15 p.m.

Eliza was laid to rest on May 24 in Lair 394, Section 12 at St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery in Lambhill. 

Burial register for Eliza, her mother Bridget,
and sister Mary at St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery

In the cemetery’s Register of Interments, her name was recorded as “Elizabeth”—one of only two instances where her name appeared that way. In every other record I found, she was known as Eliza.

Eliza listed as ‘Elizabeth’ in the register of interments

References

• Bridget O’Neill, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/16 454, National Records of Scotland, 1942.
• Bridget ONeill, Census 644/18 33/11, National Records of Scotland, 1911.
• Burial register, St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery, Lambhill, 1966.
• Deaths, ATHYA, Evening Times, August 13, 1962.
• Deaths, Athya, Evening Times, Glasgow, Scotland, May 23, 1966.
• Eliza Jane Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 645/2 522, National Records of Scotland, 1966.
• Eliza Jane O’Neil, Statutory Registers Births 644/14 66, National Records of Scotland, 1900.
• Eliza Jane O’Neill, Census 644/18 35/27, National Records of Scotland, 1921.
• Eliza Jane O’Neill, Statutory Registers Marriages 644/3 570, National Records of Scotland, 1928.
• Eliza Jane ONeil, Census 644/452/4, National Records of Scotland, 1901.
• Ellen O’Neil, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 880, National Records of Scotland, 1899.
• In Memoriam, ATHYA, Evening Times, August 12, 1963.
• James Athya, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/2 492, National Records of Scotland, 1962.
• James O’Neil, Statutory Registers Births 644/4 477, National Records of Scotland, 1902.
• Mary O’Neill, Statutory Registers Births 644/14 986, National Records of Scotland, 1894.
• Mary O’Neill, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/17/575, National Records of Scotland, 1943.
• Matthew O’Neil, Statutory Registers Births 644/14 895, National Records of Scotland, 1897.
• Matthew O’Neil, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/1 1262, National Records of Scotland, 1898.
• Matthew O’Neill, Statutory Registers Deaths 644/18 402, National Records of Scotland, 1924.
• Register of Interments in Lairs and Vaults, St. Kentigern’s Catholic Cemetery, Lambhill, Glasgow, Scotland, 1966.
• Rose O’Neill, Statutory Registers Births 644/4 1069, National Records of Scotland, 1904.
• Scotland’s People, Birth Index.
• St Kentigern’s, Glasgow, Scotland, Grave Registers 1937–1990, image 188, FamilySearch.
• Thomas Reid and Sons, Grace’s Guide to British Industrial History; https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Thomas_Reid_and_Sons.