was
born 22 February 1744, in Essex County, Virginia, between the
Rappahanock and the Dragon according to the Bible Records of George
Washington Davis Medearis (6). Dragon Run, which runs through
Dragon Swamp, runs parallell to the Rappahanock. (Click Here to go to John's Parents)
John Medearis (5) was
born 22 February 1744, in Essex County, Virginia, between the
Rappahanock and the Dragon according to the Bible Records of George
Washington Davis Medearis (6). Dragon Run, which runs through
Dragon Swamp, runs parallell to the Rappahanock.
John is referred to in various family charts as Capt. John or John Thomas Washington. Capt. John comes from his rank in the Revolutionary Army. The names Thomas Washington was added from an unknown source. However there is no evidence to support these names. No documents have ever been found with anything other than John Medearis.
John enlisted into the Revolutionary Army in the North Carolina Continental Line. He made 1st. Lieutenant. 3rd NC 15 Apr 1777, Eaton's Company. Was promoted to Capt. 23 Dec. 1777 in charge of the Medearis Regiment, transferred to the 1 NC 06 Feb. 1782, and was promoted to Brevet Major, 30 Sept. 1783.
(brevet = increase in rank without increase in pay)
John gave 
a lot to the war effort and was instrumental in
obtaining supplies for George Washington's Army during the harsh
winter on the Potomac. Pensions and payment for services were
issued in land grants to officers, based on their time of service
and rank. John obtained a great deal of land for his service.
Including the land in Tennessee that he retired on after the
Revolution. He called this plot of land "Liberty".
There is a Historical Marker on the site in Liberty where the old
home site still sits. According to letters written between John
and his son George, John was forced to move to Tennessee in 1809,
in order to claim his right to this land.
(photo by Doug Willis)
There are transcripts of letters that John wrote in the "Colonial Records of North Carolina". These documents can be found at the Archives in most states.
John married Sarah Hicks Bell, the daughter of Robert and Sarah Reeves Hicks of Granville County, NC. Their marriage bond is dated 21 Nov. 1780 in Wake County, NC. They were likely married on 20 Dec. 1780, as their sons George Bible records state. His military activity could explain the delay. Sarah was born in Essex County, VA in 1746.
She married Thomas Bell of Scotland in 1763 and had children: Barbara Bell, Robert Bell, Margaret Bell, George Bell, Matilda Bell, Thomas Bell and Charity Bell. Thomas apparently died in the Revolutionary War.
John and Sarah had 4 children:
- George Washington Davis Medearis (6) b. 20 Sept. 1783
- Benjamin Whitehead Hicks Medearis (6) b. 25 Jul 1784
- Martha Jerusha Medearis (6) b. 22 Jul 1786, married Maj. William Phillips, c1800
- Mary "Polly" Medearis(6) b. 18 Aug, 1788 in Raleigh, NC, d. 18 Feb 1876 in Lisbon, Dallas County, Texas. She married Thomas M. Smith on the 15 Feb 1810 in Rutherford County, Tennessee. Thomas was born 7 July 1784 and died 1 Apr 1866. They had 3 children.
John died on 31 March 1834 in Tennessee at the age of 90. He is buried on the land that he called "Liberty" in Petersburg, Tennessee. The grave was marked with a large granite monument by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Captain John Medearis Orders
(contributed by Joel Justiss)
To see the actual document click here to visit Joel Justiss' web site
The following is a transcript of letter orders to Captain John Medearis issued by Col. Nicholas Long, Deputy Quartermaster General at Halifax, North Carolina.
Halifax, September 23d, 1781
Sir:
You will immediately proceed to Harrisburg th[ence to] Hillsborough, thence to Colo. Morris, Caswell County, thence by Salisbury, to all the Western Posts of the different Quarter Masters, or Places whereat Stores may be deposited. Give Orders to forward all Stores, or other Articles Suitable to Maj. Ge[n. Gre]ene's Camp. All such Stores or Articles not requisite [y]ou will order here; except such Things as may be n[eeded t]o be kept at the different Stations. An Account of the Stores, and the Proceedings of the different Quarter Masters, accurately to be returned by you.
You will also give such Orders or Directions at the different Posts as you may think Necessary; the Circumstances [there are unknown to me. Inquire] of Maj. Latunes [c]oncerning a Hogshead of Molasses left between Hillsborough & Wake Courthouse. All Public Hides put in the Han[ds of] Different People to be tanned; the Leather of which, belonging to the Public, you will have forwarded here.
After completing [y]our Business, return to this Place & give an an Acct. of the Same to
Sir
- your hble Servt
- Nicholas Long DQMG
- Capt Jn Medearis
- H.Q. Mess
The following notation appears on the reverse:
- orders Sellers
- and accots, of
- Maj Own
The following articles were located detailing John's attempt to recover moneys owed him from the Revolutionary War. It is unclear if this is for expenses that John paid for supplies out of his own pocket, or to compensate him for his Brevet position.
Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1797-1801
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 1798.
"A petition of John Medearis was presented to the House and read, praying the liquidation and settlement of a claim for services as an assistant deputy quartermaster to Nicholas Long, deputy quartermaster general for the State of North Carolina, during the late war."
Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1804-1807
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1805.
"Also, a petition of John Medearis, praying compensation for military services rendered in the quartermaster's department, during the Revolutionary war with Great Britain."
Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1804-1807
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1806.
"Ordered, That the petition of John Medearis, presented to this House on the ninth of December, one thousand eight hundred and five, be referred to the committee appointed, on the eleventh instant, to inquire "whether any, and, if any, what, description of claims against the United States are barred by the statutes of limitation, which, in reason and justice, ought to be provided for by law." "
Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1804-1807
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1806.
"Ordered, That the Committee of Claims be discharged from the consideration of the several petitions referred to them, during the present session, of Samuel Brooke Beall; of James Bonnell; of Ebenezer Blake; of Daniel Bissell; of William Barton; of Reuben Colbourn; of Seth Chapin; of Hannah Crawford; of Ishmael Giddens; of Hannah Douglass; of Lemuel Coffin; of John and James Glenny; of Mary Grisham; of Nathaniel Irish; of Ludwig Kuhn; of Martin Keiphart; of William Love; of Ann Ledyard; of John Leaman; of John Medearis; of Robert Mabry; of Alexander Roxbourgh; of James Robinson and Catharine his wife; of John Riley; of Joseph Stroud; of Cuthbert Syms; of Philip Wilson; of Jacob Whitzal; of Andrew Walker; and of Moses Young; and that the said petitions be severally referred to the Committee of the Whole House, to whom was committed, on the twentieth instant, the bill making farther provision for distinguishing the debts due from the United States."
Journal of the House of Representatives of the United States, 1797-1801
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1798.
"Mr. Dwight Foster, from the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred, on the twenty-second ultimo, the petition of John Medearis, made a report; which was read and considered: Whereupon,
Resolved, That the prayer of the petition of the said John Medearis, cannot be granted."
Acts of Tennessee 1796 - 1830 : M
Name Date Serial No Chapter Section Description Medaris, John 1807 14 57.6 Made an entry for a land warrant
TN Genealogical Records-Records of Early Settlers from State & County Archives
#1771 JOHN MEDEARIES issued 20 May 1793 for his service as a captain in the NC Line. The 3840 acres were in Davidson Co. on the west fork of Stones River, adjoining the land of William Gill.
Generation 6
George Washington Davis Medearis (6) (John 5) born 20 Sept 1783 most likely in Wake County, NC. He married Elizabeth Sharp Woodward on 18 June 1809 in Amelia County, Virginia. Their marriage bond is dated 12 June 1809. She was the daughter of Thomas Woodward and was born 5 Feb 1793.
All documents indicate that George W.D. went by Washington and rarely used the name George. It appears that Washington died sometime in 1838. There are documents in Marshall County, Tennessee regarding the estate and appointing Elizabeth as the guardian of Washington's minor children.
Washington is listed as a Captain in Records of Commissions of Officers, 1796-1815, Page # : 197. We do not yet know his official position or regiment.
They had 12 known children:
- Rachael Davis Medearis (7) b. 3 Mar1811; d. 3 Apr 1899.
- Sarah H. (7) b. 24 Dec 1814. Married James D. Loyd, 5 Aug 1835. "They settled near Cheneyvile, La. where her husband became a prosperous planter. Their old home, Loyd Hall, still stands, a fine example of Louisiana plantation architecture. According to the tradition, James Loyd, while not in the army, was killed trying to aid the Confederate Troops during the Civil War. Sarah and James had no children." (From Doug Willis' book "Some Yancey Medearis and Hicks Descendants" 1973)
- Margaret B. Medearis (7) b. 10 Feb 1816.
- Mary "Polly" Medearis (7) b. 23 May 1818; d. 12 Mar 1896.
- Catherine (Kitty) Medearis (7) b. 01 Sept. 1820; d. 1845.
- L.C. Medearis (7) The only information we have on this child is the mentioning in a court document (see below)
- George Washington Medearis (7) b. 5 Mar 1823. He married Kate Blakemore. He died soon after their marriage. They had no children. (CR: 1850 Marshall Co., Tennessee)
- William Green Medearis (7) b. 10 Aug 1825. Is said to have died young.
- John Thomas Medearis (7) b. 5 Apr 1828.
- Elizabeth S. Medearis (7) b. 6 Feb 1830. died young.
- Martha Francis Medearis (7) b. 16 Oct 1832. Married William Lodowick Pearce. They had 6 children.
- Wiley Woodward Medearis (7) b. 28 March 1836. Married Mary Lipscomb in 1858. They had one child.
George died in 1838. It is believed he is buried near his father at Liberty. It appears that Elizabeth remarried to Joel Yowel, 24 Jan. 1842 in Marshall County, Tennessee. There is a record of a marriage for Joel to an Elizabeth S. Medaris. The daughter of George and Elizabeth would have been too young to be this Elizabeth. There is also mention of Joel in the court records regarding the estate of George.
Elizabeth Sharp Woodward Medearis is buried in a small cemetery in Shelby County, Ohio. The cemetery is situated on the south side of Dingman-Slagle Road between Jackson and Pasco-Montra Roads, across a small stream and atop a steep hill, in Perry Township.
MARSHALL COUNTY TENNESSEE COURT MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 1838 TERM
Page 177
It having appeared to the satisfaction of this Court that Washington D. MEDEARIS of this county having departed this life leaving no last Will and Testament and it further appearing appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that David YANCY hath a right to administer on said Estate thereupon the said YANCY appeared in open Court and executed his bond in the sum of Twenty Thousand Dollars conditioned as the Law directs with H. S. BLAKEMORE, Elizabeth MEADOWS and Joab BAGLEY
His securities and was qualified as such.
Page 180
Ordered by the Court that Joel YOWELL, Griffith LEONARD and Stephen PORTER be appointed commissioners to lay off one years provision for Elizabeth MEDEARIS widow of Washington D. MEADEARIS Decd. and report to the next Term of this Court,
MARSHALL COUNTY TENNESSEE COURT MINUTES
OCT 1838 TERM
Page 186
State of Tenn. The Commissioners appointed at a former term of this Court to lay off provisions for Elizabeth MADEARIS widow of Washington MADEARIS Decd, made the following report to wit,
- State of Tennessee)
- Marshall County)
Pursuant to an order to us directed by the Honorable the County Court for Marshall County Sept. term 1838. The undersigned convinced at the late residence of of Washington MEDEARIS Decd. and proceeded to lay off and set apart one years sustenance for the use and benefit of Elizabeth L. MEDEARIS (widow of the said W. D. MEDEARIS and six minor heirs. That is to say
- 100 barrelds corn -
- 2000 Pork with lard of hogs that make it.
- 50 Bushels wheat
- 100 lbs. Coffee or $20.00
- 200 Lb. Brown sugar or $28.00
- 2 lbs. of Tea or $4.00
- 20 lbs loaf sugar
- 600 lbs. of salt or $15
- 250 lbs of Beef
- 125 lbs of gind cotton or $21.00
- 28 lb. of wool
- 35 lb. of Tallow
- 2 best Cows & Calves
- 200 lbs of soap
- 14 paur of good shoes suited to the family use. All of which we submit to the consideration of your Honorable boddy. Done and subscribed this 13th of Sept. 1838.
- Joel YOWELL
- Stephen PORTER
- Griffith LENARD
MARSHALL COUNTY TENNESSEE COURT MINUTES-MAY 1839
May term 1839.
Page 263
Elizabeth MEDARIS appeared in Court and was thereupon appointed guardian of Catherine, L. C. George W. John L., Martha Francis & Wilie MEDARIS minor heirs of Washington MEDARIS decd. She having Executed her bond in the sum of Twenty five thousand dollars with Wm. C. SWANSON, H. S. BLAKEMORE, Richard SANDIFER & John WOODWARD her securities which bond was accepted by the Court.
Benjamin Whitehead Hicks Medearis (6) (John 5) was born in Wake County, North Carolina on 25 July 1784. Benjamin married Elizabeth "Betsy" Grady on 12 Nov 1805, in Wake County. Elizabeth was the daughter of Dennis Grady.
Benjamin and Elizabeth had 10 children:
- Abigail Yancey Medearis (7) b. 18 Sept. 1806 in Wake County, NC, d. 31 July 1896 in Bollinger, Co., MO. She married Josiah Stephens.
- Margaret Rachel Medearis (7) b. abt. 1808 in Wake Co., NC. She married Samuel Reynolds
- Mary Ann (7) b. abt. 1812 in Bedford Co., TN, d. abt. 1820. (reference: Bedford County TN Deed Book R, p. 267, where Benjamin sold his land minus the "place where Mary Ann is buried")
- Sarah Hicks Medearis (7) b. 18 Feb. 1813, she married Thomas Benton Laurence.
- Frederick Davis "Fayette" Medearis (7) b. abt 1815, d. bfr 1827. The only mention found of Frederick is a court record where as agent and admr B. W. H. Medearis sold two slaves belonging to "Frederick Davis Medearis, Decd."
- Dennis Grady Medearis (7 ) b. 7 May 1817 d. 15 Apr 1857.
- Mary "Polly" Ann Medearis (7) b. abt. 1822 she was apparently named after the daughter who had recently died. Mary married Jasper Pope Laurence.
- John Washington Medearis (7) b. 1823, TN, married 09 Nov. 1842 in Carroll Co. TN to Jacky C. Simpson.
- Elizabeth Grady Medearis (7) b. 03 Dec. 1825, Madison Co. TN, died 9 Apr 1897. She married 02 Oct 1847, Samuel Arnold. She is buried Hurricane Grove Cemetery, Bedford Co. TN.
- Benjamin Whitehead Hicks Medearis Jr. (7) b. abt. 1827.
- Joel Bug Medearis (7) b. abt. 1828 in TN. He married Mary H. Butler.
- Martha "Mattie" Jerusha Medearis (7) b. abt. 1830. She married Tillman L. Butler, license issued, 02 Feb 1850 in Carroll Co. TN.
There is a reference in Goodspeeds "History of Madison County, Tennessee" to B. W. H. Medearis. This reference says that he was convicted of Larceny in 1838 and sentenced to serve three years in the penitentiary. However there is more to the story. In the Madison County, Minute Book of the Circuit Court for the late 1830s more of the story was found. What the records showed is as follows:
On Friday, April 21, 1837 the case, referred to as "State Versus B.W.H. Medearis" was put off by the Judge until the next term of court. On Thursday, April 27, 1837 Bond was set for B.W.H. Medearis at $500. On Saturday, August 26, 1837, the case of the State Vs. B.W.H. Medearis, referred to here as the case against him for Hog Stealing, and was put off by the Judge until the next term of Court and the State was ordered to pay Medearis' costs todate. On Thursday Dec. 21, 1837, the case was again put off by the Judge until April 3, 1838. Finally, the trial was held on April 19, 1838. B.W.H. Medearis plead Not Guilty but the jury found him Guilty of Petit Larceny and Hog Stealing. He was sentenced to One year in the State Penitentiary. However, Goodspeed, one of the most respected historians of the South, missed what happened next. On Friday April 20, 1838, the next day after the trial, the Judge set aside the Jury's verdict and granted B.W.H. Medearis a new trial.
Obviously, his attorneys had found some irregularity in the trial or the jury's conduct and had applied to the court for a new trial. Medearis had to again post a $500 bond. The new trial was held at the December, 1838 term of court, however, the jury could not agree on a verdict after a reasonable time of deliberation and the Judge declared a Mistrial. However, the prosecution did not give up and they scheduled a third trial for Friday April 26, 1839. This trial was held and the jury found B. W. H. Medearis "Not Guilty" and the matter was finally over with.
Benjamin died on the 15 March 1841 at 7 o'clock in the morning. Elizabeth died 16 July 1832 in Madison County, Tennessee. As early as 1837, Thomas B. Laurence and Dennis G. Medearis were at different times appointed guardians of Polly Ann, John W., Elizabeth, Joel B., Martha J., children of Benjamin W. H. Medearis. Benjamin W.H. Jr. may be the youngest. He is not mentioned in the guardian records until 1842 and the younger children are given in this order: Elizabeth G., Benjm. W.H., Joel B., and Martha J.
(CR: 1820 Bedford Co., Tennessee; 1830 Madison Co., Tennessee, 1840 Carroll Co., Tennessee)
(credits:
11,18, 20, 35, 36, 37, 55, 182, 184)
(special thanks to Harold L. Ogden for the information on the trial)
Generation 7
Rachael Davis Medearis (7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 3 Mar1811 d. 3 Apr 1899. She married David Yancey on the 14 May 1829. David was a grandchild of Abigail Hicks Yancey, sister to Rachel's grandmother Sarah Hicks Bell Medearis.
Sarah inherited "Liberty" from her grandfather John. This was a deal made between John and his son George for naming his first daughter after John's mother. However Sarah and David sold the farm in 1860 and moved to Titus County, Texas.
They are both buried in Yancey (Center Grove) Cemetery, Titus County, Texas. Their headstones state: D. and R.D. Yancey.
They had the following children:
- William Hines Crawford Yancey (8) b. 19 Aug 1831, d. 22 June 1911 married (1) Mary Ann Hicks on 14 May 1856 (2) Permilia Jane Manning Ammons.
- John Medearis Yancey (8) b. 21 Feb 1833, d. 16 Dec 1909, married Nancy M. Woodward on 7 June 1857.
- David Yancey Jr. (8) b. 26 July 1835, d. 22 June 1917, married Margaret Emmaline Woodward on 5 June 1856 sister to Nancy above. She was born 15 June 1839.
- Sarah Elizabeth Yancey (8) b. 28 Sept 1837, d. 9 May 1911, married (1) William Holiday Noblitt who was b. 24 Jan 1837 d. 4 July 1864. She married (2) James Porter Norwood in Oct 1866
- Thomas Washington Yancey (8) b. abt 1839, d. 1898, married Elizabeth Madora Brown.
- Catherine Yancey (8) b. 10 Mar 1841, married John Justiss.
- Mary C. Yancey (8) b. 22 Nov 1843, d. 13 Aug 1890, married James Washington Traylor.
- Benjamin Franklin Yancey (8) b. 2 Dec 1848, d. 22 May 1910, marriedJennie Brown.
- James Henry Yancey (8) b. 31 Oct 1851, d. 8 Mar 1932, married (1) Jo Ann Godsey (2) Adria Tennessee Rhea b. 6 Nov 1873, married 29 Sept 1889.
- Rachel A. Yancey (8) b. & d. 18 Sept 1858.
Margaret B. Medearis (7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 10 Feb 1816. She married Henry S. Blakemore on 5 Aug 1835. They had the following children:
- Sarah Elizabeth Blakemore (8)
- Sue Catherine Blakemore (8) b. 24 Nov 1839
- Mary Davis Blakemore (8)
Mary "Polly" Medearis (7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 23 May 1818 d. 12 Mar 1896. She married William Russell Yowell on 26 Jan 1840 in Marshall County, Tenn. They are both buried in Lone Oak Cemetery, Lewisburg Tenn. They had 7 children.
- Lucy Elizabeth Yowell (8) b. 15 Nov 1840
- Joel G. W. Yowell (8) b. 18 Feb 1843
- William G. J. Yowell (8) b. 17 May 1846
- Martha T. Yowell (8) b. 25 Sept 1849
- Mary Pierce Yowell (8) b. 28 Mar 1853
- James Albert Yowell (8) b. 14 Nov 1856
- J. Wiley Yowell (8) b. 14 Jan 1861
Catherine (Kitty) Medearis (7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 1 Sept. 1820. d. 1845 in Tennessee. It is believed that she is buried in the Medearis cemetery. She married Thacker Vivian Griffin 22 Jul 1841 in Marshall County, Tenn.
Catherine and Thacker had the following children:
- Elizabeth Griffin (8) b. abt 1842
- Joseph M. Griffin (8) b. 2 Dec 1844
John Thomas Medearis (7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 5 Apr 1828. He married Francis Eveline Dean on 22 Mar 1849. They had the following children:
- Mary Elizabeth Medearis (8) b. 22 Feb 1850
- Lucy Catherine Medearis (8) b. 16 Feb 1852, d. 29 Sept 1947.
- Harvey Dean Medearis (8) b. 9 Feb 1854, d. at Polaski, Tennessee 3 June 1935.
- Washington Davis Medearis (8) b. 13 Apr 1856, d. 20 Jan 1931
- Martha Francis Dean Medearis (8) b. 11 Nov 1858, d. 18 Mar 1881.
Francis died 31 Oct 1859 in Sevier County, Arkansas while the family was traveling to Texas. He then married Harriet Jane Noblitt and they had the following children:
(CR: 1850 Bedford Co., Tennessee; 1880 Lincoln Co., Tennessee)
- Nancy Thomas Medearis (8) b. 28 Aug 1861 d. 20 Aug. 1879, never married.
- Anna Belle Medearis (8) b. 4 May 1863 d. 14 Sept 1916
- Wiley Alice Medearis (8) b. 26 Mar 1856 d. 1 Feb 1945, never married.
- William Robert Medearis (8) b. 26 Mar 1867; d. 05 Dec. 1929 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee.
- Sallie Lenore Medearis (8) b. 11 Nov 1869
- Ethel May Medearis (8) b. 6 Aug 1872 married Dr. John Overton Cummins on 22 June 1919.
- Lily Myrtle Medearis (8) b. 20 July 1875, d. 14 May 1961
- Gertrude Medearis (8) b. 21 Aug 1877 d. at 3 months.
- Emma Medearis (8) b. 5 Oct 1878, married William Edward Saxon on 31 Dec 1917. They had no children.
- Nellie Decima Medearis (8) b. 17 Nov 1880
- Hattie Lee Medearis (8) b. 12 Mar 1884
Martha Francis Medearis (7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b.16 Oct 1832. Married William Lodowick Pearce. They had the following children:
- William Eugene Pierce (8) b. 1852 d. 16 Mar 1932 married Charlcie Emma Leadbetter on 12 Jan 1876. She was b. 24 Mar 1854 d. 15 Oct 1942.
- Esther Pearce (8) married Dr. T. M. Brentz.
- Austin Pearce (8) married Mattie Ready.
- Sally Pearce (8) married James Calton.
- Joshua Pearce (8) married Esther Hymes.
- Catherine Pearce (8) died at age 16.
Dr. Wiley Woodward Medearis 
(7) (George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 28 March 1836, d. 21 Jan. 1908 in Travis
Co., Texas. Wiley married Mary Lipscomb in 1858. They had
a farm in Bluff Springs, Tx. She died 30 Oct. 1859 in Sevier
County, Arkansas.
Wiley and Mary had one child.
- John Lipscomb Medearis (8) b. 30 June 1859 d. 24 July 1942 at age 83. He married Frances Octavia Nite.
Wiley served in the Confederacy during the Civil War as a Corporal, Surgeon, Co. G, 16th Texas Infantry. Wiley married Kate Smith, daughter of William Stark Smith and Nancy A. Roundtree of Tennessee.
Wiley and Kate had the following children:
- William Smith Medearis (8) married Elizabeth Nancy Miles who was from Georgia. (Laura ????.) They had the following children:
- Albert Medearis(9) b. 1891 on the farm in Bluff Springs, TX. He married Ruby Irene Willingham, b. 1896, Indian Territory, Ok.
- Thomas Washington Medearis (8) b. 12 Feb 1866 d. 17 Dec 1947
- James Smith Medearis (8) b. 12 Sept 1867 d. 16 Nov 1946.
- Sarah Annie Medearis (8) b. 25 May 1870 married George Washington Fritts. George was born 30 Mar 1867 and was the son of Levi J. V. and Ailey Simpson Beasley Fritts.
- Edna Medearis (8) married Henry Gassaway.
- Alice Medearis (8) married Albert Campbell.
Wiley lived in the home of his son Thomas W. at the time of his death in Travis County, Texas. Wiley left a Will describing his possessions.
(CR: 1880 Travis Co., Texas)
(credits: 00, 01, 11, 18, 20, 35, 36, 48, 92, 110)
Abigail Yancey Medearis (7) (Benjamin W.H. 6, John 5) b. 18 Sept. 1806 in Wake County, NC, d. 31 July 1896 Bollinger Co., MO. She married Josiah Stephens in 11 Nov. 1823, in Gibson Co., Tennessee. Josiah was b. nov. 1801, d. 25, Nov 1870 Bollinger Co., MO.
Shortly after the family of Benjamine Medearis moved to Madison County, Tennessee, Abigail and Josiah were married. Benjamine and Josiah Stephens show up numerous times in the records of Madison County for the next few years. Then, in about 1838 Josiah and Abigail moved to Kentucky where one of their son John was born. They then moved back to Gibson County, Tennessee. That is where their daughter Abigail was born. In 1841 Josiah and Abigail moved to Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, and were still listed there in the 1850 census. In 1851, Bollinger County, Misouri was formed partially from Cape Girardeau County and the place where Josiah and Abigail lived became part of Bollinger County. Both Josiah and Abigail are listed in the 1860 and 1870 census of Bollinger County.
After Josiah died Abigail is listed as living in the household of Jonas M. and Sarah Snider; her daughter and son-in-law in the 1880 census of Bollinger County, Missouri. Abigail died on Aug. 3, 1894 at age 87.
Abigail and Josiah had the following children:
- Joseph Benjamin Stephens (8) b. 20 Mar. 1830 in Gibson City, Tenn., d. 09 Oct. 1907 in Ellsinore, Carter Co., MO
- Francis Marion Stephens (8) b. 29 Sept. 1824 in Gibson City, Tenn, d. June 17, 1865 Bollinger Co., MO
- Craven Stephens (8) b. 15 Mar. 1826 in Gibson City, Tenn.
- Betsy Ann Stephens (8) b. 01 Apr. 1828 in Gibson City, Tenn., married William Runnels.
- Sarah Margaret Stephens (8) b. 27 Mar. 1832 in Gibson City, Tenn.
- Keziah Jane Stephens (8) b. 08 Jan. 1835 Gibson County, Tennessee d: June 08, 1883 Bollinger County, Missouri. She married William Morris Welch in 1856 in Bollinger Co. William was b. 25 Nov. 1820, in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, d. 03 July 1898 Bollinger County. (Credits 132)
- John Stephens (8) b. 19 June 1837 in Marble Hill, Missouri, married Nellie Ann Snider.
- Abigail Stephens (8) b. 09 July 1839 in Gibson County, Tenn. and moved with her family when she was about 3 years old to Bollinger Co., Mo. She first married George Spencer abt. 1859, however, he was killed in the Civil War very early in 1860 and left Abigail widowed with one son, Bennett Linsey Spencer. Next, Abigail married Christian Sander abt. 1862. Christian Sander had immigrated from Prussia to the United States arriving in the port of New Orleans on Oct. 6, 1852 aboard the ship "Gagern" arriving from Bremen, Germany. (More information about Christian Sander is available if any one is interested.)
In 1889 Christian and Abigail Sander chartered a train box car and moved to Texas with all of their furniture, barrels and jars of food they had cured, preserved and canned, their chickens, milk cows and horses, farming tools, peach trees and bushes for planting and lumber to be used to build a house. Bennett Linsey Spencer rode in the box car to care for the live stock and the rest of the family took a separate passenger train. They arrive in Amarillo, Texas and had to camp out for two weeks while waiting for the box car to arrive. Some relatives who had already moved to Texas met them in Amarillo with covered waggons to take them all to Plainview which was their destination, about 87 miles away. Christian Sander died Sept. 24, 1900. By 1910 Abigail Sander had moved into her son's house where she is listed in that year's census. She died on August 8, 1913 and is buried in the Plainview, Texas cemetary.
- Ransome Stephens (8) b. 23 May 1841 in Marble Hill, MO.
- George Harris Stephens (8) b. 12 April 1843 in Marble Hill, MO, d. 14 Nov. 1927. Married Margaret A. Proffer.
- Nicodemus Stephens (8) b. 20 Sept. 1845, d.1853 Cape Girardeau Co., MO at age 8 yrs old.
- Louisa Stephens (8) b. 24 Feb. 1848 in Marble Hill, MO, d. 29 Mar. 1924, Married Solomon Shanks, 26 April 1871 Bollinger Co., MO
- Cincinnaitus Stephens (8) b. 18 Feb. 1850.
(Credits 132, 152, 157 & info obtained on the Family Tree Maker CD#7, WFT #4096, original contributor unknown)
Margaret Rachel Medearis (7) (Benjamin W.H. 6, John 5) b. abt. 1808 in Wake Co., NC. She married Samuel Reynolds, 19 Aug. 1829 in Madison Co., TN.
Margaret and Samuel had the following children listed in the 1850 Madison Co., TN census.
- Mary A. Reynolds (8) b. 1832
- Eliza J. Reynolds (8) b. 1834
- Frances Reynolds (8) b. 1836
- George W. Reynolds (8) b. 1838
- Jackson V.B. Reynolds (8) b. 1842
- Martha H. Reynolds (8) b. 1846
- Samuel T. Reynolds (8) b. 1849
Sarah Hicks Medearis (7) (Benjamin W. H. 6, John 5) b. 18 Feb. 1813 in Wake County, North Carolina. Sarah married Thomas Benton Laurence, 16 Nov. 1834 in Gibson Co. TN. Thomas was b. 20 Nov. 1805 in Granville County, North Carolina.
Sarah and Thomas had the following children:
- Elizabeth Laurence (8) b. 1836
- Mary Bassid Laurence (8) b. 04 Oct. 1838 in Carroll County, TN. She married William Joseph Smith who was b. 1846 in Dongola, Jackson County, Illinois. They were married on 09 March 1870 in Bollinger County, Missouri.
- Haywood Laurence (8) b. 1845
- Manerva (8) b. 1847
- Fidelia (8) b. 1849
Dennis Grady Medearis (7) (Benjamin W. H. 6, John 5) b. 07 May 1817 in Bedford, Tennessee; d. 15 Apr 1857. He married Mary Elizabeth Smith on 21 Apr 1836 in Davidson County, Tenn. She was b. 1818; d. 26 July 1846.
Dennis and Mary had 3 children.
- Elizabeth Martin Medearis (Lizzie) (8) b. 8 Feb 1838 d. 30 May 1920. She married Davy Crockett Norvell.
- Susan Hicks Medearis (8) b. 10 Sept 1840 married Henry H. Butler, 24 May 1840.
- Mary Ann Medearis (8) b. 14 mar 1843, married (1) Thomas A. Huffman, 6 Oct 1861. (2) Mr. Green.
Dennis married 2) Sarah Crite Banks on 17 Jul 1851 at Williamson, Tennessee and they had one child:
- Thomas Benjamin Medearis (8) b. 30 Jan 1855 d. 24 Dec 1937. He married Flora E. Butler on 31 Jan 1884.
Sarah died 25 Mar 1890.
(CR: 1840 Carroll Co., Tennessee; 1850 Warren Co., Tennessee; 1860 Anderson Co., Tennessee; Widow in 1880 Warren Co., Tennessee)
Mary "Polly" Ann (7) (Benjamin W.H. 6, John 5) b. abt. 1822, Bedford Co. TN, married 27 Nov. 1839 in Carroll Co. TN to Jasper Pope Laurence, Mary died about 1852. In the 1850 Benton Co. Tn Census they had the following children:
- John Laurence (8) b. 1841
- Amanda Caroline Laurence (8) b. 1844
- Martha Laurence (8) b. 1846
- Mary Laurence (8) b. 1848/49
Joel Bug Medearis (7)
(Benjamin W.H.
6, John 5) b. 1828 in in Madison County, Tennessee; d. 20
Sept. 1964 in Savannah, Georgia. He married Mary H. Butler, 27
Oct 1845.
Joel and Mary had 7 children:
- Martin Grady Medearis (8)
- Elizah Stout Medearis (8)
- John Thomas Medearis (8)
- Columbus Lafayette Medearis (8)
- Emerson Ethridge Medearis (8)
- Benjamin Washington Medearis (8) b. 6 April 1859
- unnamed infant (8) (died about 1860 at birth).
Joel fought and died in the Civil War in 1861. He fought as a Private in Company E. 7th Tennessee Cavalry Regular, USA. He joined on July 6, 1861. His muster records states he was "He was 5'10" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, auburn hair, born in Madison Co, TN, a farmer".
On December 20, 1862, he was captured near Trenton in Gibson County, Tennessee.
He spent time in parole camp at Camp Chase, Ohio awaiting exchange. He returned to the regiment and was recaptured on March 24, 1864 at Union City, TN and spent time in Andersonville Prison.
When Sherman was marching through Georgia, the Confederates moved soldiers out of Andersonville to smaller prisons. Joel died in Savannah, GA. He died on September 20, 1864 from disease contracted while a prisoner of war.
Mary received a pension in 1865. She was living near the Buena Vista Post Office in 1890.
Generation 8
Mary Elizabeth Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 22 Feb 1850 married A. W. Feeney on 5 Apr 1868. Mary was one of our early genealogist, and in her writings are great stories of her family.
Mary and A. W. had the following children:
- Mattie Evelyn Feeney (9) died as infant.
- John Mark Feeney (9) married Mollie Johnson.
- Lula Feeney (9) married Lon Gilliam.
- Rosa May Feeney (9) married Roy O'Neal.
- Robert P. Feeney (9) married Pearl Morrin.
- Annie Bell Feeney (9) married Wade Hampton.
- Clarence Feeney (9) married Emma Jones.
- Raymond Feeney (9) married Mena Schiele of Henderson, TN and had three children.
- Mary Feeney (9) married Hugh Kirkpatrick.
- Fan Feeney (9)
Lucy Catherine Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 16 Feb 1852 in Richmond, Bedford County, Tennessee, d. 29 Sept 1947. Married John David Neeld on 15 Aug 1869. John was b. 15 Nov. 1845, d. 22 Dec 1881.
Known variously in her branch of the family as "Lou," "Aunt Lou" or "Granny", she lost her mother and her cousin during an aborted move to Texas in 1859 when she was seven years old. She was married at age 17 and widowed by 29. Thus, at the end of 1881, Lucy was left with five children of her own to raise as well as William Medearis Smith, the son of her younger sister Martha Frances Medearis Smith (8) who had died in childbirth 08 March, 1881. Her only income came from doing alterations and fine mending on men's clothing.
They had the following children:
- Jesse Irwin Neeld (9) b 24 Jan. 1871, married Elbert Oliver Green, on 21 Aug. 1902. Oliver Green died 23 Nov. 1923. "Aunt Jess" died 13 August, 1963.
- Emma Evalyn Neeld (9) b. 29 June 1872, d. 14 June 1971. She married James Augustus Moores 9 Sept 1897. James was 03 June 1871. "Eva" Moores lived in Fayetteville, Tennessee where she worked for her uncle as one of the first telephone operators. "Hello Central." She lived just two weeks short of her 99th birthday. The Bell system had recently honored her as the oldest living telephone operator but she was prouder of her close relationship with her two younger sisters and brother, "all of whom were living and were in robust health and had all their marbles" at the time of her death. Jim Moores was an entrepreneur who helped bring electrical power to the Elk Valley, sold buggies and then Ford motorcars. He became a successful banker and founded a tobacco warehouse. He died 9 March, 1950.
- Bertha Neeld (9) b. 22 Mar 1875, d. 27 Oct. 1974. She married Robert Duff Dryden 15 June 1904. Robert died May 1932.
- James Harvey Neeld (9) b. 22 Dec 1878, married Nellie Bruce Yoest 26 Apr 1899 of Columbia, Tennessee. Bruce died 19 Aug. 1945. "Harvey" lived to be 103. He died in Yazoo City, Mississippi, which had been his home for many years. In his youth, Harvey had been a lineman for the telephone company in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and he enjoyed recounting his adventures. He had known Jack Daniels (of the Whiskey fame) and remembered him as a tiny man with a high pitched voice and a love for fast horses.
- Mary Neeld (9) b. 24 Feb 1881, d. 04 June 1974. She married Hiram Clay Higgins 15 June 1904. Hiram d. 10 Feb. 1955. Hiram owned and operated the Higgins Funeral Home which is still in operation, under family ownership, in Fayetteville, Tennessee.
Lucy later married (2) Hugh Douglas Smith her brother-n-law, widower of Martha Frances Medearis Smith. He was b 24 Feb. 1852; d 26 June 1921. Interestingly, this second marriage took place in either 1910 or 1913-some thirty years after their mutual bereavement.
Harvey Dean Medearis Sr. (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 9 Feb 1854, d. at Pulaski, Tennessee 3 June 1935. Married Bettie Dean, his first cousin, 10 May 1882. She d. 13 June 1956. Harvey owned and operated a Coca-Cola bottling plant from 1911 unti lhis death.
They had the following children:
- John Mannon Medearis (9) b. 20 Dec 1883, married Gertrude Pierce. They had no children.
- Frances Medearis (9) b. 27 Jan 1887, married Bennett Eslick.
- Harvey Dean Medearis Jr. (9) b. 16 Dec 1891, d. 12 Aug 1936, married (1) Mary Elizabeth Thomison; (2) Mary Lucille Holly.
(CR: 1900 Lincoln Co., Tennessee)
Washington Davis Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 13 Apr 1856, d. 20 Jan 1931, married Lucy Ann Allen who was b. 6 Aug 1863, d. 20 Apr 1948. Their address was 213 Piedmont Avenue, Kingsport, Tennessee in 1941.
They had the following children:
- Leland Davis Medearis (9) b. 6 Oct 1901, d. 17 May 1941. married Maymie Sue Franklin who was b. 5 Sept 1901.
- Frank Lipscomb Medearis (9) married Gladys Wheatley. He lived in Nashville, Tennessee in 1941.
The Kingsport Times
Kingsport, Tennessee
May 23, 1941
Leland Medearis
(From Times State News Services)
Fayetteville, Tenn. -- Funeral for Leland Davis Medearis, 39, brother of Frank L. Medearis of Kingsport, was held at the residence here.
Mr. Medearis was prominent in business circles here. He was manager of the Coca Cola plants here in Columbia and a member of the Church of Christ.
Surviving are his widow; one daughter, Jane Medearis; one brother, Frank of Kingsport; the mother, Mrs. Lucy Allen Medearis of Fayetteville.
(CR: 1900 Lincoln Co., Tennessee)
Martha Francis Dean Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 11 Nov 1858, d. 18 Mar 1881 in childbirth. She married Hugh Douglas Smith who was b. 24 Feb 1852, d. 26 June 1921. After Martha's death Hugh married Lucy Catherine Medearis Neeld, Martha's sister.
Hugh and Martha had the following child:
- William Medearis Smith (9) b. 16 Oct 1878, d. 18 Aug 1956. He was raised by his Aunt Lucy who became his stepmother also. William married Thomas Josephine Lauderdale who was b. 11 Dec 1888.
Anna Belle Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 4 May1863 d. 14 Sept 1916, married Willis Franklin Holman on 4 Dec 1881 in Fayetteville, Tennessee. He d. 14 Sept 1916. They had the following children:
- Mamie Holman (9) b. 9 Sept 1882
- Annie Belle Holman (9) b. 25 Oct 1884, d. 1969.
- Beulah Holman (9) b. 26 Dec 1886 d. at abt 1year.
- Maude Medearis Holman (9) b. 17 Feb 1889
- Alice Holman (9) 17 July 1892
- Willis Franklin Holman (9) b. 6 Nov 1894, d. 26 July 1957.
- Elizabeth Holman (9) b. 10 Jan 1897.
None of the Holman children ever married.
William Robert Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 26 Mar 1867; d. 05 Dec. 1929 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. He married Nana Elizabeth Burton on 23 Nov 1898.
William and Nana had the following children all born in Nashville, Tenn.:
- Virginia Ann Medearis (9) b. 8 Mar 1900, d. Nov 1970 married Lester Charles Mitchum on 28 Dec 1921. He was b. 16 Jan 1896.
- Helen Mae Medearis (9) b. 7 Oct 1901 married James Barrow Simmons on 28 Aug 1922. He was b. 27 June 1899.
- William Robert Medearis Jr. (9) b. 21 May 1904, married Mabel Louise McMillan on 31 Dec 1941.
(CR: 1900 Davidson Co., Tennessee)
Sallie Lenore Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 11 Nov 1869, married Dr. William Somon Vertrees on 1 Jan 1890 in Nashville. He d. 1908. They had the following children:
- Martha (Mattie) Belle Vertrees (9) b. 22 Oct 1890 m. (1) Stephen Moore (2) T. Hugh Snell.
- Woodford Mitchell Vertrees (9) b. 30 Dec 1892 d. 6 May 1941, married Annie Warren Peyton on 26 Dec 1916.
- Robert Medearis Vertrees (9) b. 3 Nov 1894 married Marguerite Patton Hash on 25 Nov 1933.
- Duncan Eve Vertrees (9) married Martha Francis Knowles on 19 Mar 1919.
Lily Myrtle Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 20 July 1875, d. 14 May 1961, married William Harry Winnett on 4 Oct 1894. They had the following children:
- Martha Lucile Winnett (9) b. 25 Sep 1896 married John Lovick Turner Jr. on 4 Oct 1917 in Thomasville, Ga.
Lily married (2) Dr. James Levick Foster on 9 May 1902. They had the followig children:
- Edward Levick Foster (9) b. 28 Dec 1903, married Margaret Baker in 1925.
- Jane Neblitt Foster (9) b. 7 May 1905, married Laurence Clay Sullivan on 18 Aug 1930.
Nellie Decima Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 17 Nov 1880, married Romain Tallman on 21 June 1904. He d. 19 Oct. 1955 and is buried at Mr. Olivett Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn. They had the following children:
- Albert Romain Tallman Jr. (9) b. & d. 6 Aug 1907.
- Ruth Romain Tallman (9) b. 6 Aug 1907, married Joseph William Cato on 15 Sept 1929.
- Richard Medearis Tallman (9) married Helen Rothenberg on 3 Oct 1935.
Hattie Lee Medearis (8) (John Thomas 7, George W. D. 6, John 5) b. 12 Mar 1884, married William Bradford on 20 Sept 1905. They had the following children:
- Sara Clare Bradford (9) b. 4 Aug 1908 married Joseph Albert Saunders on 14 Sept 1934.
- Harriet Locke Bradford (9) b. 30 Jan 1911, married Noah Jefferson Nesbitt on 12 Sept 1946
- Marian Medearis Bradford (9) b. 2 Nov 1913, married Ernest Greene.
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Martin Medearis (8) (Dennis Grady 7, Benjamin W. H. 6, John 5) b. 8 Feb 1838 d. 30 May 1920. She married Davy Crockett Norvell. He was b. 4 July 1838, d. 6 Oct 1902. They had the following children.
- Mary Jerusha Norvell (9) b. 10 June 1860 d. 25 Apr 1873.
- Anna Beecher Norvell (9) b. 21 Sept 1862 d. 9 Oct 1928. Married Winfield Decatur Barton b. 10 Nov 1862 d. 26 June 1934. Both buried at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Jonesboro, Arkansas.
- Elijah Grady Norvell (9) b. 13 Feb 1865 d. 4 July 1954. Married Ida Florence Boggs Williams.
- Margaret Morris Norvell (9) b. 18 Mar 1868, married Dr. Charles S. Hale, 25 July 1893.
Susan Hicks Medearis (8) (Dennis Grady 7, Benjamin W. H. 6, John 5) b. 10 Sept 1840 married Henry H. Butler, 24 May 1840. They had the following children:
- Lovey Ann Butler (9) b. 7 Aug 1861
- Joyce Butler (9) never married
- Grady Butler (9) died young
- Mollie Butler (9)
- Frank Butler (9)
- Ida Butler (9)
- Lulu Butler (9)
- Billy Butler (9)
- Lizzie Butler (9)
Thomas Benjamin Medearis (8) (Dennis Grady 7, Benjamin W. H. 6, John 5) b. 30 Jan 1855 d. 24 Dec 1937. He married Flora E. Butler on 31 Jan 1884 in Davidson, Tennessee. They moved to Daugherty County, Georgia, City of Albany by the 1900 census.
Thomas and Flora had the following known children:
- Mary Eleanor Medearis (9) b. 23 Jan 1887 in Tennessee
- Grady Benjamine Medearis (9) b. 10 July 1891 in Tennessee, d. 1958 married Bertha Sumner in 1916.
- Margaret Butler Medearis (9) b. 10 Sept 1895 d. 19 Jan 1906.
Benjamin Washington Medearis (8) (Joel Bug 7, Benjamin W.H.6, John 5) b. 6 Apr 1859 married Ida V. Huffman of Cottonwood Point, Missouri on 06 Dec. 1879.
They had one son:
It is unknown what happened to Ida, but Benjamin married 2) Martha J. Nix, who was b. Apr 1861.
- W. E. Medearis (9) was the proprietor of the Central Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Benjamin and Martha had the following children:
at age 83. He married Frances Octavia Nite b. 19
Oct. 1860, d. 19 July 1935. Her two brothers were outlaws that
rode with the Dalton Gang.