"The Stith Family" by C. R. Stith

The Stith Family --
A Living History
August 1988
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Crest from John Paxton Stith

FOREWORD

The author began compiling his data in 1963. All names included in the history have been identified by U. S. Census, identification in Christopher Johnston's History of the Stith Familv, and other voluminous documents published by individuals. Not all lineages have been resolved; however, these fine loyal people have contributed their time and talents in creating The Stith Family--A Living History..

For those who have been overlooked or forgotten, please forward identity with appropriate documentation to the author at the address listed below:

Charles R. Stith
2610 Berkley Hills Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

The following individuals gave the author assistance that he found invaluable in bringing voluminous and fragmentary information into a factual, understandable, literary endeavor. This task could not have been performed without them.

Cleo Stith Giza
Iris Stith Reed
Joyce Morrison Stith
Dr. Lee S. Stith
Carl McIntire, Jr.
Estie Stith Crabbe
Mickey Espey Stith

A History of

The Stith Family

in America

"Stuth, Stuyth, Stwyth or Stwythe. Thomas Stwyth, V. Styrch. Argent a chevron engraved between three fleurs de lis sable. Afton Co. Devon. Aston, Cornwall, Aughton, Co. Devon." It appears by this extract from Papworth's Ordinary that the name "Stith" has, like the English language, undergone a period of semantic evolution. The original form of the name and what it stood for i.e., Stithy--a farm or a farmer--also a strong, hard, man, can only be conjectured about because no definite facts are available regarding the original name. The family crest is the only thing that has remained unchanged through the eons of time and, therefore, it is essential that this symbol of the family remain unaltered and unadorned. Argent is silver and silver, according to experts on heraldry, was usually represented by white. Again, the same experts all agree that sable is represented by black. The family colors are, and have been for centuries, black and white. Though Reverend William Stith (1707-1755) enlisted the services of an artist who elaborated on the design, the fact remains that the crest's true beauty is enhanced by its simplicity.

Why a crest? Is it a false attempt to indicate nobility? Is it an attempt to attain a social status as was once the custom in the early centuries of American history? It might be for one or all of these reasons or it might be for none. The

simple fact is that a crest exists as a family symbol and each person can adopt his own reason. For those of you who accept the crest no rhyme or reason is necessary.

Some of the family historians have conjectured that the original family members came to England from France, and there may be some truth to this hypothesis in view of the fact that the Kings of France used three fleurs-de-lis as their symbol. However, there is no proof of this; well, as least not as of this writing. Anthropologist would probably agree that "Continental" origins would hold for many of the people in England. Historians would also agree that many came from Normandy (descendants of Norsemen) in 1066 with William the Conqueror or earlier with the Romans. The earliest account of a Stith in England is contained in the following excerpt (unverified as of this writing) from a letter written by Miss Jeanette Douglas of New York. Miss Douglas, who has thirty literary works by the Stith concerned, writes "Harriet Randolph Parkhill states that the following is from an old manuscript which has been in her family for years--The Stiths seem to have a disposition to literature, and one of them either in Queen Elizabeth's reign, or perhaps before, wrote a romance called Lost Island which the Queen admired, and from which Shakespeare took the story of his play--The Tempest. The fact is mentioned in the notes in the first edition of Shakespeare. The author of the romance married Rebecca Bohlen." Additional evidence of

Stiths in England has been personally attested to by Dr. Lee S. Stith, University of Arizona, who writes of having met an English gentleman from Nottingham, England. The gentleman advised Dr. Lee Stith that there were many Stiths living in Nottingham. The author, however. is not an Anglophile and prefers to leave the English Stiths to the English. The task of compiling information on the American Stiths appears to be, per se, a life's work.

This account of the Stith family will be divided into sections on the Early American Stiths, the East Coast Branch, The Kentucky Branch, the Southern Branch, and the Western Branch. In some cases the information is brief and unrelated and doesn't provide good continuity. The author believes, however, that every bit of information should be included lest some Stith be forgotten. Also, it is hoped that someone among the family will maintain the future history for all who care.

The addition of the " Civil War Section," as a separate part of the history, was necessitated by the widespread location of the family members and the fact that some have not been connected to the family tree. This is a good challenge for a younger Stith.

Early American Stiths

It seems that all accounts point to immigrant John Stith (1638-1693) as the father of the Stith family in America. The mother's name was Jane. Her last or maiden name will probably be a mystery forever as early records that might have contained a clue, were destroyed. All bloodline Stiths in American owe their being to this courageous and adventurous man and his wife. Some might say that there's nothing daring or adventurous about a farmer, however, few farmers today have to cross a vast ocean to a savage wilderness in order to find free and open land. The author firmly believes that each bloodline Stith in America owes a great deal of respect to the name of that distant ancestor, John Stith, and his wife, Jane, who gave their descendants the opportunity to live in a free and greatly prosperous country.

Dr. Christopher Johnston (1856-19--) of Baltimore, Maryland (himself a Stith descendant) stated as follows in an article written in Volume 21W(1), William and Mary Quarterly "The Stith family appears to have been long settled in the parish of Kirkham, in Lancashire and both the parish registers and the wills show that the Stiths were quite numerous in that locality. A careful search, however, fails to show any unmistakable trace of the Virginia immigrant, and it is probable that his immediate family had moved elsewhere, perhaps to London." Dr. Johnston was an amazing man himself in that he was not only a physician but was also a very highly esteemed master of Oriental languages. If these achievements were not enough, he was a

historian and contributed to a historical rendition on England. The author has seen a collection of these works in the home of a personal friend, Joseph H. Williams, Major (retired army) who resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Johnston gives the following historical and genealogical account of the early Virginia Stiths:

"1. MAJOR JOHN STITH came to Virginia before 1656, and had a grant to himself and Samuel Eale, of 500 acres of land on the north side of James River, in Charles City County, 15th February, 1663 (l'a, Land Rec., Book 5, p. 268). He also had grants of 550 acres 29th July, 1664, and 636 acres 11th May, 1675 (WILLIAM AND MARY QUARTERLY, X., 249; XIII., 121). Other tracts he acquired by purchase, and at this death left a very considerable landed estate. In 1656, he was lieutenant, according to some existing fragments of the Charles City records. In 1676, he was a captain in the Charles City County militia, and was actively engaged, on the government side, during Bacon's Rebellion (Va. Magazine, III., 251; IV., 6). In June, 1676 an act was passed by Bacon's House entitled: "An Act to disable John Stith and Edward Hill from holding office. (Hening, II., 364). The preamble recites that Col. Hill and Lieut. (sic!) Stith took advantage of their positions as officers and magistrates to create misunderstandings between the governor and people, and were the cause of oppressive taxes and other grievances. They were therefore disqualified from holding office, either civil or military. This partizan act was sub

sequently repealed. In May, 1677, John Stith was one of the persons commissioned to take depositions in regard to the grievances of the people of Charles City County (Cal. St. Pap. Colonial, 1677-1680), Nos. 267-297). In 1680 he was major of the Charles City County militia, one of the magistrates of the county, and a practicing lawyer. and, 1685-1686, he represented his county in the House of Burgesses (Va. Magazine, I., 226-252; XV., 322). Under date of 10th Nov., 1893, Mr. R. A. Brock writes: "I have gleanings from the despoiled Charles City County records establishing that Lieut. John Stith married, in the latter part of 1656, Jane, the widow of Joseph Parsons (his, parsons', second wife, since he had an infant child by a former marriage). Jane's was also a second marriage, her first husband having been Thomas Gregory. In 1663, John Stith was made the guardian of Judith Parsons, the orphan of Joseph Parsons, vice Edward Mosby deceased." Mrs. Jane Stith was living in 1686, and it is probable that John and Jane Stith had a daughter who married Thomas Hardaway, since there is a patent in 1686 to John Stith endorsed by John and Jane Stith to Thomas Hardaway, and the name Stith Hardaway descended regularly in the family.

The author would like to insert the following excerpts from Virginia Colonial Abstracts, Vol. 11-15 These are facts as they were enacted and recorded:

Page 105 Abstract: In the difference between Charles Latham and John Stith, Latham ordered to pay 500 lb. tobacco, etc.,

Page 7 needs to be rescanned and inserted here.

Page 399-Abstract: Ordered that Lawrence Biggins render a/c of estate of John Hardaway dec'd at Orphans Court, Aug. 20,and pay John Stith what is due him. (Author's comment: "John" Hardaway passed away; however, the reader will note that "James" Hardaway committed himself, or was committed to, the care of John Stith.

Page 500 Abstract: John Stith fined 350 lb. tobacco for absence from court when called. (Author's comment: The judge must have been the ancestor of "Hanging Sam.")
Page 505 Abstract: In full settlement of difference between James Hardaway, plaintiff and John Stith defendant. Stith disclaims all right and title to Hardaway land at Kermishes, etc. (Author's comment: Regardless of whether James or John Hardaway passed away, John Stith had been paid for his services from the estate. This is legal terminology and does not imply the sometimes hard feeling when someone has differences with a person today.)

Page 441 Abstract: The deposition of Anthony Gasse aged 34 years or thereabouts saith--that he sold one man called William Rogers unto John Stith for three years and furthermore and with all delivered him indentures for three years and further agreeth that the said John Stith took the said indentures before him and tore them into pieces and said he would make the said servant serve him five years, and his reason that he gave me for it, that he had heard he had left the indentures which I gave him in England, which was a countersuit of those that I

gave the said Rogers in England and further saith not. (Author's comment: Well, the Stith temper has a short fuse on certain points. John Stith was a hard working man and maybe he was right and maybe he was wrong. You just have to look at his record which isn't anything to be ashamed of. Yes, he was against "Bacon's Rebellion" because John Stith was a member of the "colonial aristocracy. " He was a member of the House of Burgess and a lawyer. He was loyal to the King of England and his mother country until such time as he began to see differences in opinions and treatment.)

Major John Stith was probably living in 1692 when his son is called John Stith, Jr., but must have died very soon after. Major John Stith and Jane, his wife, had issue with perhaps others:

2. i. Capt. John Stith, mar. Mary Randolph.
3. ii. Lieut. Col. Drury Stith, d. 1741. mar. Susanna Bathurst.
4. iii. Anne Stith, mar., 1681, Col. Robert Bolling.

2. Capt. JOHN STITH (John) had patents, 29th April, 1692, for 470 1/2 acres in Charles City County made out to "Capt. John Stith, Jr. (Va. Land Patents, Book 8, p. 240) and (of same date) for 595 acres on the south side of Chickahominy River, in James City County (ib., p. 237), addressed to "John Stith, Jr. " 21st April, 1695, "Capt. John Stith" had a patent for 595 acres on the south side of Chickahominy River (ib., p. 110), probably a confirmation of the preceding

patent issued 29th April, 1692. Capt. Stith was High Sheriff of Charles City County in 1691 (Palmer's Calendar, I., 27), and he was a Burgess for the county 1692-1693 (Col. Va. Register). The date of his death is uncertain. He was living in 1714 (W. & M. QUARTERLY. V., 178) and, according to the statement of the Rev. Hugh Jones, he died before 1724, when his widow was matron at William and Mary College. Capt. John Stith married Mary, daughter of Col. William Randolph of Turkey Island, and Mary (Islam) his wife, and they had issue. (See Genealogical Charts.)

3 . LIEUT. COLONEL DRURY STITH (John) had a patent, 24th April, 1703, for himself and Samuel Eale, for 680 acres in Charles City County (Patents, Book 9, p. 539). He was one of the Justices of the county in 1714 (Va. Magazine, II., 3), was High Sheriff 1719, 1724-1725 (Palmer's Cal., I., 195-6; VA. Magazine, III., 251), and was commissioned county surveyor 1st March, 1720 (Palmer's Cal., I, 198). He married, probably about 1694 or earlier, Susanna, daughter of Lancelot Bathurst, of New Kent County, son of Sir Edward Bathurst of Lechlade, Gloucestershire, England. Susanna's brother, Lawrence Bathurst, mentions in his will (dated 29th December, 1704, proved 11th February, 1705) his three brothers-in-law William Tomlin, Francis Meriwether and Drury Stith. The Order Book of Charles City County has the following: "January Court 1741:--The last will and testament of Lieut. Col.

Drury Stith, deceased, was presented in court by Susanna Stith and William Stith two of the executors therein named, and was proved by the oaths of the witnesses" etc. Evidently the two executors were the widow and a son of the testator. Unfortunately the will no longer exists, having been lost through the destruction and spoliation of the Charles City County records during the Civil War. Mrs. Susanna Stith is mentioned in the Charles City records in 1744 and in 1745 (Order Book, 1737-1750, pp. 310-352). Lieut. Col. Drury Stith and Susanna (Bathurst) his wife had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

4. ANNE STITH (John) became, in 1681, the second wife of Robert Bolling, the immigrant ancestor of that family in Virginia. He was born 26th December, 1646, arrived in Virginia 2d October, 1660, and in.1675, married for his first wife Jane, daughter of Thomas Rolfe and granddaughter of Pocahontas. By this marriage he had a son, John Bolling, born 27th January, 1676. Robert Bolling died 17th July, 1709 (WM. & MARY QUARTERLY, V., 275-'6; Bolling Memoirs; Slaughter's History of Bristol Parish). By his second wife, Anne (Stith), he had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

5. REV. WILLIAM STITH (John2, John1) was born in 1707, and died 19th September, 1755. He matriculated, 21st May, 1724, at Queen's College, Oxford and is entered in the register as 17 years old and the son of "John Stith of the Virgin Islands" (Foster's Alumni Oxonienses). He received

the degree of B.A., 27th February, 1727/8, and that of M.A., 20th November, 1730 (ibid.). After his return to Virginia, he was elected, in 1731, Master of the grammar school of William and Mary College and Chaplain to the House of Burgesses. In June, 1738, he was called to the parish of Henrico, in Henrico County, and while residing at the parsonage there, near Varian, he wrote his History-of-Virginia which was printed and bound in the city of Williamsburg. In August, 1752, he was elected President of William and Mary College over which he presided until his death. A sketch of his will will be found in The -Vestry Book of Henrico-Parish, editor, R. A. Brock (p.180). See also Old Churches and Families of Virginia: Campbell's History of Virginia; WILLIAM AND MARY QUARTERLY, I., 136; V., 244; V1., 127, etc. He married, 13th July, 1738, his cousin, Judith Randolph, daughter of Thomas Randolph, of Tuckahoe. They had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

6. LIEUT. COL. DRURY STITH3 (Drury2, John1 ) was probably born about 1695 and lived for some time in Prince George County; later in Brunswick County. 10th September, 1722, Robert Bolling of Prince George County, and Anne, his wife, convey to "Drury Stith, Jr.," of said county 892 acres of land on the north side of Sappony Creek, the consideration being 5 shillings and " the natural affection he bare unto the said Stith" (Prince George County, Book 1, p. 557). This expression implies close relationship and is therefore

a valuable bit of evidence. Drury Stith appears to have acquired a very considerable amount of land. 21st November, 1724, "Mr. Drury Stith Jun'r" has surveyed for him 1,200 acres on Sappony Creek. And again, 11 February, 1725/26 "Capt. Drury Stith. has survey for him, including his old land, 3,496 acres, Prince George County, Book 1, pp. 816, 1025). A patent soon followed, 13 October 1727, there is a patent for 3,596 acres on Sappony Creek, Prince George Co. to Drury Stith, Jr., of the same county (Va. Land Patents, Book 13, p. 192). In this year, his wife Elizabeth (Buckner) joins him in a deed. 5 June 1927, Drury Stith, Junior, of Prince George County, and Elizabeth his wife, give to Henry Harrison, of the County of Surry, Gent., a mortgage of 600 acres on Sappony Creek, part of a tract on which said Drury lives, and which was conveyed to him by Robert Bolling, of Prince George County, Gent. (Prince George County, Book I, p. 1027). In 1726, Drury Stith was a Justice of the county (ibid., I, 940), and also in 1720 (I's. Magazine, XX., 90). In 1727, he was still captain (Chamberlaine's Bristol Par., p. 35); but he was colonel (or rather lieutenant-colonel) before 1735 (ibid., p. 83). The records of Brunswick County show that he produced his commission as Clerk of the County and qualified for the position at a court held 11th of May 1732, and the same year he was the county surveyor holding both positions until his death (Va. Magazine, XIII., 281). He was also interested in copper mining, and Col. William Byrd, in his History of the Dividing Line (II., 3), gives a

humorous account of Col. Drury Stith and his mine. The Brunswick records show that at a court held 6th June, 1740, an attachment obtained by Drury Stith, Gent. and Clement Read " abates by the death of the said Drury," and at this term Sterling Clack qualifies as clerk. At a court held 3d July, 1740, letters of administration on the estate of Drury Stith, Gent., were granted to Drury Stith, Gent., who entered bond and qualified. Lieut. Col. Drury Stith married, about 1717, Elizabeth, daughter of Maj. William Buckner (d.1716) of Yorktown (WM. & MARY QUARTERLY, VII., 57). They had issue (dates of birth from Bristol Parish Register): (See Genealogical Charts.)

7. LIEUT. COLONEL JOHN STITH3 (Drury2, John1 ), like his brother Drury, acquired a considerable amount of land in Prince George County. 13th July 1719, Richard Smith, of Prince George County, conveys to John Stith, of Charles City County, 370 acres of land on Sappony Creek (Prince George County, I., 352). Again, 8th October, 1723, Robert Bolling, of Prince George County, and Anne, his wife, convey to John Stith, of Charles City County, 1,019 acres on Sappony Creek, adjoining the tract on which Drury Stith, Jr., lives (ibid., I, 646). In 1725, a chapel is to be built on the plantation of Mr. John Stith upon Sappony Creek (Chamberlaine's Bristol Par., p. 23). He was Burgess for Charles City County 1718, 1723, 1726 (Col. Va. Reg.), and in May, 1737, he took the oaths as

Lieut. Colonel of Charles City County (Order Book, 1737-50, p. 2). On account of the fragmentary condition of the records the date of Col. John Stith's death does not appear, but he was living in 1740, and was certainly dead in 1759. He married Elizabeth, daughter and coheir of Rev. Charles Anderson, rector of Westover Parish, Charles City County, 1694-1718, as appears by the following extract from the Charles City Order Book, 1737-50 (p. 152); March Court 1740--A bond from John Stith and Elizabeth his wife, one of the daughters and coheirs of Rev. Charles Anderson deceased, to Thomas Pinkard and Frances his wife, Jane Anderson (afterward second wife of Ellyson Armistead) and Charlotte Anderson, also daughters and coheirs of said deceased, proved on the oaths of Wm. Stuart and John Bales, and ordered to be recorded. In 1759, James Pleasants has a suit against Anderson Stith.(son of John Stith, of Charles City County) and Booth Armistead. executors of John Stith. This would seem to indicate that Lieut. Colonel John Stith had died not long before, probably in 1757 or 1758, and Booth Armistead, one of his executors, may have been his son-in-law (see WM. & MARY QUARTERLY, VII., 182). In any case, Lieut. Colonel John Stith and Elizabeth (Anderson) his-wife had, with probably other issue, a son: (See Genealogical Charts.)

8. COLONEL DRURY STITH4 (Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born about 1718 and died in 1770. In 1740 he was administrator of his father's estate, and his parentage is shown by the follow-

ing extract from the records of Lunenburg County: 5th February, 1746, Drury Stith, of Brunswick County, Gent., and Martha his wife, convey to Robert Jones a tract of land formerly granted to said Stith's father Drury Stith, Gent., on 27th September, 3 George II. (i.e., 1729). Drury Stith qualified, 5th June, 1740, as Surveyor of Brunswick County, and gave bond for the same office in December, 1751 (Brunswick County Records). He was High Sheriff of the county 1757, and was a Justice 1747, 1756, 1765, etc. (ibid.). He qualified as Major of Horse 3d July, 1746, was commissioned Colonel of Foot in 1753, and was Colonel of the county militia in 1759 (ibid.). He represented his county in the House of Burgesses 1748-1754 (Va. Magazine, VIII., 251-255). Col. Drury Stith died in 1770, leaving a will dated 25th June, 1770 and proved 25th February, 1771. He was twice married. His first wife, Martha, joins him in a deed in 1746; his second wife was Elizabeth (Jones) widow of Thomas Eldridge, of Prince George County. The marriage contract of Col. Stith and Mrs. Eldridge, dated 5th December, 1762, is recorded in Brunswick County. The will of Mrs. Elizabeth Stith, who had no children by this marriage is dated in January and was proved 25th February, 1771. Col. Drury Stith and Martha, his first wife, had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

9. GRIFFIN STITH4 (Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born 28th November, 1720, and died in 1784. He produced his commission and qualified as Clerk of Northampton County 9th August, 1743

(Northampton County Records), retaining the office until 1783, when he was succeeded by his son William. He was elected, 3d December, 1774, a member of the Committee of Observation for Northampton County (WM. & MARY QUARTERLY, V., 247), and was also a member of the County Committee in 1775 (Va. Magazine, XIV., 54). His will, dated 24th March, 1783, was proved 10th November, 1784. Griffin Stith married, 19th August, 1743, Mary Blaikley (b. 17th January, 1726/7), daughter of William Blaikley buried 30th May, 1736), of James City County, and Catherine Kaidyee (b.1698; d. 25th October 1771) his wife, daughter of William (d. 1718) and Martha Kaidyee, of York County. Griffin Stith and Mary (Blaikley) his wife, had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

10. CAPT. BUCKNER STITH4 (Drury3, Drury2 , John1 ), of Rock Spring, Brunswick County, was born about 1722 and died in 1791. The Brunswick records show that he qualified, at August Term, 1753, as captain in the county militia. He was the author of an elaborate essay on tobacco culture, republished in Richmond in 1824. His will, dated 18th May, 1789, was proved 25th July, 1791. Capt. Buckner Stith and Susanna his wife, had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

Susanna, widow of Captain Buckner Stith, died in October or November, 1810. Her will, dated 4th October, was proved 25th November, 1810.

11. MAJ. THOMAS STITH4 (Drury3, Drury2, John1 ), of Brunswick County, was born 29th December, 1729, and died in

1801. He was a Burgess for Brunswick 1769-1774 (Col. Va. Reg.), was one of the Justices of the county, 1765-1784, and was county surveyor in 1783 (Brunswick County Records). He qualified, 27th April 1772, as Major of the county militia (ibid.). He married Holly Baily, the marriage bond being dated 5th August, 1780; it is possible, however, that she was not the mother of all his children, but that he had been previously married. His will dated 2d June, 1796, was proved 27th July, 1801. Maj. Thomas Stith had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

12. MAJ. ANDERSON STITH4 (John3, Drury2, John1 ) was a practicing lawyer in Charles City County in 1755, and he qualified as Major of the county militia 10th April, 1756 (Charles City County Records). Be married Joanna Bassett, daughter of William Bassett, of Eltham, New Kent County, and died in 1768 in King William County. His executrix, Joanna, advertised for sale his late dwelling place on the Pamunkey, in the Virginia Gazette, 3 March, 1768. His widow, Joanna, was living in 1774. Maj. Anderson Stith and Joanna (Bassett) his wife, had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

13. CAPT. DRURY STITH5 (Drury4, Drury3, Drury2, John1) , of Brunswick County, qualified 27th April, 1772, as captain in the county militia, and was a vestryman of St. Andrew's Parish in 1780 (Brunswick County Records). He married, in September, 1788, Fanny, daughter of Allen Love, and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

14. LIEUT. COL. BUCKNER STITH5 (Drury4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ), of Brunswick County, qualified as a Justice of the county 27th September, 1784. He took the oaths as Major of Militia, 28th September 1789, and as Lieut. Col, 26th September, 1794. He married Anne Dade, sister of Major Langhorne Dade, of Litchfield, Ring George County and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

15. DRURY STITH5 (Griffin4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born in Northampton County 19th July, 1755, and died in Brunswick County 16th July, 1789. He qualified as clerk of Brunswick County 26th March, 1781, and took the oaths 23rd March, 1789, only a few months before his death, as clerk of the District Court for the counties of Brunswick, Greenville, Lunenburg, and Mecklenburg (Brunswick County Records). He married Mary Jacobs of Northampton County and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

16. SUSANNA STITH5 (Griffin4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born in 1759 and died 31st March, 1838. She married, in 1779, Christopher Johnston (b. October, 1750; d. 6th March, 1819), of Baltimore, Md.. They had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

17. COL. JOHN STITH5 (Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born 24 March, 1755, and died in 1808. He entered the service as Lieutenant, and was promoted in the course of the war to the rank of Major taking part with distinguished gallantry in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. He was captured at Charlotte in 1780, but was

exchanged and returned to duty with his command. He is usually styled Colonel, but this was probably a brevet rantk. Col. John Stith and Ann, his wife, who died in 1824, daughter of Lawrence Washington of Chotank, King George County had issue. (See Genealogical Charts.)

18. COL. ROBERT STITH5 (Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) died in 1791. His will, dated 14 May 1788, was proved 6 October 1791. He married Mary Townshend Washington, daughter of Lawrence Washington, of Chotank, King George Co., and sister of his brother, Col. John Stith's wife. They had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

19. RICHARD STITH5 (Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) of Brunswick Co., died in 1819. His will, dated 18 July 1818, was proved 18 October 1819. He married Jane Maclin and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

20. BRUCKNER STITH5 (Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) died in the latter part of 1800, probably in December. His will, dated 20 June 1796, was proved 26 Jan'y 1801. Buckner Stith married one, Feb'y 1786 Elizabeth Jones, and two, 1788, Nancy Walker. Issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

21. CATHERINE STITH5 (Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) died 9 Aug 1795. She married, 4 Nov. 1790, Robert Bolling of Centre Hill, Petersburg, and has issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

22. DAVID STITH5 (Thomas4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) died in 1806. His will, dated 2 Feb'y 1806, was proved 28 July

following. By his wife Ariana he had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

23. ROBERT STITH6 (Drury5, Drury4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) of Brunswick Co. married Mary Goodwyn and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

24. ANNE DADE STITH6 (Buckner5, Drury4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born in 1780, and died April 1846. She married, 23 Nov. 1796, Robert Bolling of Centre Hill, Petersburg, and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

25. MAJ. TOWNSHEND STITH6 (Buckner5, Drury4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was consul to Tunis in 1823. He married Katerine, daughter of Cheslyn Potter of Philadelphia, and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

26. DRURY STITH6 (Drury5, Griffin4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) was born 1782, and died 4 February 1843. He married, in 1802, Mary Ann, daughter of Christopher McConico, a prominent merchant of Petersburg and its Mayor in 1784, by his first wife Ann Bacon. Drury Stith and Mary Ann (McConico) his wife had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

27. JOHN STITH6 (Drury5, Griffin4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) of Petersburg, was a wealthy tobacco merchant, but ultimately failed in business and died about 1823. He married, 3 May 1807, Nancy Cary, daughter of Col. Miles Cary and Griselda Buxton his wife of Bonny Doon, Southampton Co., Va. She was born about 1787-88, and married, secondly,

Belfield Starke of Greenville Co., Va. John Stith and Nancy (Cary) his wife, besides other children who died young, had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

31. PUTNAM STITH6 (John5, Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) mar. Mary Poythress Epes, daughter of Col. Francis

Epes, of Nottoway, and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

32. LAWRENCE WASHINGTON STITH6 (John5, Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) mar. Anna Laval Montgomery, daughter of Gen. Jacynth Laval Montgomery of Charleston, S. C., and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

33. DR. FERDINAND STITH6 (Buckner5, Buckner4, Drury3, Drury2, John1 ) married Cornelia Dickenson and had issue: (See Genealogical Charts.)

This is the end of Dr. Johnston's history. It is hoped that the new genealogical charts correct his errors; however, the author asks that all readers check the information in the new charts.

The following is included to explain the Stith family relationship to the Washington family. It will be noted that Lawrence Washington was a brother of the John Washington who was the father of the great George Washington. Col. John Stith married Anne Washington who was a descendant of Lawrence Washington, not John. The brief lineage is as follows:

WASHINGTON

Two sons of Rev. Lawrence Washington of Burleigh, in England, came to Virginia, according to Dr. Lyon G. Tyler in 1656, other authorities in 1667, John and Lawrence. General George Washington was descended from John, and Lawrence Washington, of Chotank, King George County, from Lawrence, as follows:
GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON'S LINE:
I. John
II. Lawrence
III. Augustine
IV. George

LAWRENCE WASHINGTON OF CHOTANK:
I. Lawrence
II. John. Born April 2, 1671; married, March 15, 1692, Mary, daughter of Robert Townshend of Stafford County, and granddaughter of Richard Townshend, Esq., of York County, Member of Council. (Va. Mag. History, Vol. 22, p. 313, and Hayden's Genealogies, p. 732, and note).
III. John. Married Mary Massie.
IV. Lawrence of Chotank. Born March 31, 1727; died 1804. Lawrence Washington, IV, of Chotank married Elizabeth Dade, July 31, 1751, (St. Paul's Parish Register, King George County, page 209, Virginia State Library) and had a daughter,

Anne Washington, who died in 1824. She married Major John Stith December 11, 1783. (David Stuart, Minister, St. Paul's Parish Register, page 224.) The author advises that Colonel Robert Stith (----1791) married Anne's sister, Mary Townshend Washington in 1788. Also, Griffin Stith, a third son of Buckner Stith (1776-1801) married Fanny Townshend Washington who married, first, her cousin, Samuel Washington. As of this writing the Stith-Washington line is located mainly in Winston-Salem and New Bern, North Carolina.

ADDITIONAL BRIEF SKETCHES OF EARLY AMERICAN STITHS

With reference to Drury3 Stith (Drury2, John1 ) the following is an extract in part of Col. William Byrd's account of his visit to Drury's copper mine (in Brunswick Co.). "By the way, I sent a runner half a mile out of the road to Col. Drury Stith's, who was so good to come to see us. We cheered our hearts with three bottles of pretty good Madeira, which made Drury talk very hopefully of his copper mine. We easily prevailed with him to let us have his company upon condition we would take the mine in our way. From thence we proceeded to Meherin River which lay eight miles beyond the courthouse. " Col. Byrd describes Drury Stith's mine operator as one of the scrawniest persons that he had ever seen. He also blames Drury for the mining fever in that part of Virginia. (Author's note: History indicates that Colonial American was very short on "hard" money so it is not difficult to comprehend why the mining of metals was so important.)

Many of the Stiths in Virginia were either related to some of the families of great Americans or were their contemporaries.

A Miss Virginia Washington Stith who lived Washington, D. C. in 1940, writes, that she was a descendant of Captain John4 Stith (Buckner3, Drury2, John1 ) and Anne Washington, a

cousin of George Washington. She advises that John and Annie lived on land adjoining the Mount Vernon tract and that later George Washington acquired this tract when John and Anne died. This tract, according to Miss Stith, is now a part of the Mount Vernon Estate and is still known as "Stith's Field" and that George Washington's diary contains frequent references to Capt. John Stith and his wife Anne (nee Washington).

The fact that Captain John Stith (1668-16--) and Reverend William Stith3 (1707-1755) both married ladies from the historically famous Randolph family of Virginia gives some indication of the status attained by that particular branch of the Stith family.

The following biographical sketch of Reverend William Stith's life is extracted from the National Cyclopaedia (copies on file at the University of Alabama library):

STITH, WILLIAM, the third president under the charter of William and Mary College, was born in Virginia in 1707, the son of William Stith and Mary Randolph, "daughter of William Randolph, gentleman," from whom Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Robert E. Lee were descended. He studied first in the grammar school of William and Mary College, and subsequently passing to England, he matriculated at Queen's College, Oxford, May 21, 1724, and received from the university Feb. 27, 1727, 28, the

degree of B.A., and in 1730 that of M.A. He also studied for the ministry and was ordained a minister of the established church. In the year 1731, he was elected Master of the grammar school , in William and Mary College, and Chaplain of the House of Burgesses. Before this latter body he preached, in 1752, a sermon on the "Sinfulness of Gaming," which was published at the request of the General Assembly. Previous to this, in June 1738, he was called to the charge of Henrico parish in the county of Henrico. He married his cousin, Judith, a daughter of Thomas Randolph of Tuckahoe, the second son of William Randolph of Turkey Island, and resided at the Blebe near "Varina," the seat of justice for the county of Henrico. There he wrote his history of Virginia, which was printed on the only printing press then in the colony, in the city of Williamsburg. He qualified as President of William and Mary, Aug. 14, 1752, but owing to a difference with the governor, Dinwiddie, he was not appointed Commissary as his predecessors had been. He served, while President, as Minister of York-Hampton parish, in York county. The full title of his book is a History of Virginia from the First Settlement to the Dissolution of the London

Company (Williamsburg, 1747; new edition, with bibliographical notices by Joseph Sabin, limited to 250 copies, New York, 1866). Hilliard praises his "accuracy," and Dr. Robertson pronounces him "the most intelligent and best-informed historian of Virginia." Jefferson, on the other hand, censures him for want of taste, and De Toqueville complains of his "diffuseness." His work, as he acknowledge in his preface, was not wholly original. He died Sept. 19, 1755.

Additionally, a Frances M. Smith (Eleanor Lexington) writes that the book plate of Reverend William Stith has been preserved and also a deed is extant, dated May 4, 1738, with the seal bearing the Coat of Arms. This material is located at William and Mary College, Williamsburg, Virginia.

The following information was co-discovered by the author and Joyce Stith, Joyce being one of the main contributors to this history "From The LISTS OF EMIGRANTS TO AMERICA by Hotten under parish registers, burials, St. Michaels, page 436-Barbados, burials July 19, 1679; Martin Stith.. The author has searched many sources and has not been able to learn anythingmore about a Martin Stith. This does create a problem because we have another Stith in Virginia at the same time as the original "John Stith." He died before John Stith (d. 1693).

The following is an extract from the Vestry Book of Henrico Parish, editor, R. A. Brock: "Next to Col. William Byrd (ancestor of Senator Byrd and Admiral Richard Byrd), the Reverend William Stith was the most accomplished man in the colony. He was at this time living at Varina and preparing his admirable history of Virginia for the materials of which he was confessedly greatly indebted to Col. Byrd."

It is interesting to note that the portraits of Reverend William and his wife, Judith, are still located on the second deck of the Wren Building, William and Mary College (bldgs. No. 295 and 296).

The following briefs were extracted by the author from records published by the U.S. Army. No effort has been made to trace the background of these Stiths. They are offered for genealogical purposes:

"STITH, DAVID B. Va. 2d Lieutenant 35 Infantry 31 Mar 1813; 1st Lieutenant 1 Sep 1814, honorable discharge 15 June 1815. (This is David B. Stith, a son of Buckner Stith, 1761801, and Elizabeth Jones, DS13-4)

STITH, DRURY, Va. Ensign 20th Inf 10 May 1814; 3d Lieut 1 Oct 1814; honorably discharged 15 June 1815.

STITH, JOHN, Md. Corporal 1st Light Drgs 24 Aug 1814, honorably discharged 15 June 1815.

STITH , JOHN W. Va. 1st Lieut. 5th Inf 3 May 1808, Capt 30 Sep 1810; honorably discharged 15 June 1815.

STITH, DONALD CHESTER, Turkey, Maryland. Cadet Military Academy 1 Sep 1846 (44) brevet 2d Lieut. 5th Inf 1 July 1850; 2n Lieut. 30 Apr 1853; 1st Lieut 18 Oct 1855; Capt 8 Aug 1861; dismissed 25 Sep 1861 (Colonel Aig CSA War 1861 to 1865).

No other information can be found on these particular Stiths. One can not help but wonder about the West Point graduate who joined the Conferate forces. There must have been quite a story about his life, but it appears to have been lost.

Additionally, the author has often tried to image the story that might lie behind historical family gleanings such as:

Elizabeth Stith who married Henry Herndon who was a descendant of William Lewis Herndon who explored the Amazon River.

Townshend Stith, son of Buckner Stith and Anne Dade Townshend. Townshend was counsel to Tunis in the 1800s and brought an Arabian horse back to Virginia.

Robert Stith, son of Drury Stith and Fanny Love, who was a surgeon in the Mexican War. (The reader is advised that Henry Bynum who married Amanda Stith, daughter of Robert Stith and wife Mary Goodwyn, was killed in the Mexican War at Cerro Gordo, Mexico, 1847.)

Dr. William Stith, son of Robert Stith and Mary Townshend Washington, who was killed in a duel in Mississippi. For an example of a story behind an event read the account of James Stith's duel in Mobile, Alabama.

Mary Blaikley Stith, daughter of Griffin Stith and Mary Blaikley who married Thorowgood Smith, Mayor of Baltimore.

The author did not seek to prove or disprove the following: It was submitted in 1933 to Dr. M. Chandler Stith, Washington, D. C. by a Miss Janie Rosselle, Tallassee, Fla. "A Mr. Stith ( ) married a Betsy or Janette McLaurie; their daughter, Miss Stith married a General Sam Smith, officer in revolution, Foreign Attache, and Senator). Gen Sam and his wife (Miss Stith) had a daughter named Dorcas Smith. Dorcas married a William Patterson of Baltimore. They had a daughter Elizabeth Patterson. Elizabeth married Gerome Bonaparte of France. Gerome was a brother to Napoleon Bonaparte. " The author has been able to verify Elizabeth Patterson, her mother Dorcas and the father General Smith. (This remains unsubstaniated as of August 1987.)

It is interesting to note that some of the Tidewater Stith families advertised as follows in the Virginia Gazette: (SOURCE: 35 mm microfilm of the Virginia Gazette contained in microfilm files maintained by the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.)

"Six hundred acres of land with a good apple orchard of choice grafted fruit, a good dwelling house 25 by 30 with a brick chimney and a cellar. Two large barns, 40 x 20 with several other convenient houses lying in Prince George Co on Sapponey Creek are to be sold by Drury Stith. " 17-24 June 1737

"Ran away from one of the subscribers quarters (1751) on Sapponie in Prince George Co., 14 or 15 weeks ago, a mulattoe man slave named Tom. Escaped after being chained. John Stith."

"For sale - 800 acres of valuable land lying on Shining Creek in Brunswick about 45 miles from Petersburg. The land is remarkably level. W. Stith" 10 October 1776

"A box marked R.S.L. with a crows foot below the S, number 1, containing Irish linen (agreeable to Mr. Samuel Gift of London). Box was lodged in Petersburg. If anyone know where the box is please notify undersigned. Richard Stith" 6 Jan 1776

"Those gentlemen who have been so kind as to take subscription papers for my History of Virginia are directed to contrive them to Mr. Parks in Williamsburg or to myself at Varina in Henrico County by the last of next April General Court which will be an additional favour to the most humble servant William Stith, Varina, March 2, 1744 "

In view of the above it is considered correct to assume that some of the Stiths were thoroughly involved in the day-to-day activities of the tobacco plantation set as well as intellectual pursuits limited to members of the gentry.

The author also found the following item in a William and Mary Quarterly (Volume I, all volumes on file at William and Mary College): "Will of ROBERT STITH,of King George County, gent.: wife, Mary Townshend Stith, all his household and kitchen furniture, coach and four horses, four negroes, cook and house servants for life, with power to will to any of my children she pleases; also one-third of all my negroes for life. To son, Putnam Stith, four hundred and fifty acres at majority, to be laid off in that part of my plantation called Watts Fields, bounding on Nathaniel Washington, Col Henry Fitzhugh, and myself. To son, John Stith, remainder of plantation containing six hundred and sixty-four acres. To my daughters an equal part of slaves with my sons (including those slaves now in my Aunt Stith's possession at her death; also my wife's third at her death), they to make choice from the whole, each of a waiting maid; also the same proportion of cattle and sheep; residuary legatees, my sons; executors, his wife, Mr. Law 'ce Washington, Sen., Mr. William Storke, Mr. Thomas Washington. Dated May 14, 1788; Proved October 1791."

From this point on one might conjecture that the Stith family, having become quite numerous within the local populace, became very concerned with the day-to-day task of living and less with recording family history. The reader will note that previous mention was made of some Stiths who served in the War of 1812 and later Stiths are written about in the Civil War

Section. It is hoped that someone may possibly be able to enlighten all of the family on the histories of these relatives. As of this writing little is known of their lives. There is evidence of Stiths in Virginia from the arrival of our founder to the present day; however, little is known by the author about the present day Stiths in Virginia possibly since they never left Virginia they might say "we're not the ones who are lost. " It is hoped that the situation will soon be corrected through the assistance of all Stiths concerned. The author does not knowingly intend to omit any bloodline Stith.

East Coast Stith Family

Again the author must apologize for the scarcity of information on the families in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania (Philadelphia). Letters were written to many and answers, including information received were very meager. The writer will specifically mention those Stiths who contributed. Others will be listed or referred to in general.

The author has also corresponded briefly with the following East Coast Stiths:

Mary V. Stith, an accountant, in Richmond, Virginia, who is quite a lady and the author hopes to make further contact and obtain additional information on her personal accomplishments. Her letters have an air of the old aristocratic Southerner that this country has learned to honor and cherish. Mary is from the Thomas Stith (1731-1801) branch of the family. She tolerates no one who "rides" on the family name. Her father was Frederick Edward Stith and her mother Mary Elizabeth Hawthorne. Frederick's father was Littleton Ezra Stith and his mother was Mary Jane Hawthorne. Littleton's father was Obediah Stith, and his mother was Mary Hunnicut. (See Genealogical Charts.)

North Carolina Stiths

Iris Stith Reed advises that her father was long in the clothing business in Winston-Salem. From numerous newspaper articles the author has condensed the following:

Frank A. Stith opened his own clothing store in 1911 in Winston-Salem, N.C. It is an amazing fact that he was able to keep his store open during the market crash of 1929 and the depression of the 30s. He also managed to send his three children to college during that era. In 1931 the store was incorporated and Frank became president and general manager. He also found time to serve on the County Board of Education for twelve years, ten of which were served as the chairman. He was, at one time, the vice-chairman of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1955, Governor Hodges presented Frank with a State Retailers' Award and in 1956 he was elected "Retailer of the Year" by the North Carolina Merchants' Association. Frank was also a charter member of the Winston-Salem Kiwanis Club. A Memoriam issued by the club in 1964 when Frank passed away, reads in part, ". . . he was much loved by all the members. He had the respect of all who knew him. He served his generation well. and " His unfailing courtesy, integrity, and honor made him a standout among us and anywhere. A gentle wit and genteelity of action marked Mr. Stith." Under Frank Stith's personal supervision the

company expanded in 1961 and opened two additional stores in Winston-Salem.

In 1910 Frank married Viola Daub, daughter of a postman and Methodist preacher. Viola's progenitors arrived in this country before the Revolutionary War. They were educators and churchmen. Her great grandfather, Michael, and great uncle, Peter Daub, helped found Trinity College (now Duke University), Greensboro College, and the largest Methodist Church in Greensboro and Winston-Salem,

Iris writes of her father, "He was a little man in stature only, with a merry twinkle in his eyes and a marvelous sense of humor. He was a friend to man, but in such an unobtrusive manner, that after his death we learned of many of his deeds of kindness that we had never known. . . I had been told by some of his contemporaries that he had a talent for bringing order out of chaos and harmony out of discord."

Iris Stith Reed, Frank A. Stith's eldest daughter, graduated from the Uni. of North Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music. She taught in the public schools in Winston-Salem for ten years. Briefly, she worked for the FBI in Washington, D. C. during World War II and then went into the American Red Cross as a recreation worker in army convalescent hospitals. She did theraputic recreation under the supervision of the doctors. In Daytona Beach, Florida, at the Welch Convalescent Hospital she met Harry Reed, a U. S.

Army Finance Officer. The army lost a good finance officer and Frank Stith gained a son-in-law. Iris and Harry returned to Harrisburg, Illinois, after the war ended, having lived there when first married. From there they moved to Daytona Beach, where they first met, and Harry continued in banking in that city until such time as he was called upon to enter the family business as secretary-treasurer.

Harry Reed worked in a bank as a teenager and while his mind has been in banking practically all of his life, his heart has always been in music. He organized the first kid band in his hometown and eventually became director of a band program in the city schools. He was a DeMolay advisor and received the Cross of Honor. He is a Kiwanian and has been President of his club and a Lt. Governor. He has also served in numerous organizational and advisory capacities for Symphony Orchestras and Concert Series. The piano duo of Iris and Harry continue to play in loving harmony in many groups--civic, church, and cultural. On solos, Iris is the accompanist for Children's Choirs at her church while Harry plays in the Salem Band which gives concerts on the Salem square in the 18th Century Village during the summer.

Iris and Harry, now that he has retired, spend much time working a flower garden. Harry says, "After all I never promised her a rose garden--I just agreed to play her a simple melody of love, sweet love."

Frank A. Stith, Jr., a graduate of Duke University, followed in the footsteps of his father. He assumed the position of president and board chairman after Frank, Sr. passed from the scene. His task is not easy but he married Lucy Ferne Vaughn to make his life more pleasant. And that she did by giving him five wonderful children. Frank,Jr. like his father, is very civic and churchminded. He has been on many boards and has been chairman of the official board at his church. He has been president of the Merchants Association, the T.B. Association, and on the board of the Kiwanis Club. Lucy Ferne has served on many official boards of the church, in the Red Cross, and the school whenever the children volunteered her services. Her favorite hobby is ceramics at which she excels.

Their oldest son, Frank, was an Angie B. Duke Scholar in undergraduate school. He remained at Duke for his training in Divinity School and is now an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. He is married to Mary Elizabeth Hunt. They have two children Elizabeth Rose and Michael Hunt Stith.

Joellen Vaughn Stith, Frank Stith, Jr.'s eldest daughter, graduated from Greensboro College which her maternal great grandfather helped found. After teaching in Alexandria, VA., she married Hubert B. Parks, a widower with five children, . . ranging in ages from 9 to 15. As of late September, when

not yet 31 years old, she will be the mother of six children. The author must pause to advise the reader that he has not been attempting to edit the letter on the Frank A. Stith family written by Iris Stith Reed. Instead he is copying her word for word because her style is so much better than what he could write. The author's plan is for the history to be a living history about one of America's first families.

"Lucy Ferne Stith, Frank Jr.'s second oldest daughter, graduated from Pheiffer College, a Methodist school. She is a teacher and is unmarried at-this-time.

Frank Jr.'s two youngest children are attended the Univ. of N.C. at Greensboro. Christine Daub is a junior and David is a sophomore. The best of luck to the "young" Stiths.

Iris writes that "her sister, Mary Stith Childs is the youngest child of Frank Stith, Sr. She attended Davenport Junior College and the Univ. of N.C. at Greensboro where she took a secretarial course. She decided after five months in the business world that marriage was "her thing." Her husband, Jack Hyams Childs went to the Uni. of N.C. at Chapel Hill. He became a salesman for the United Paper Co. Their oldest son, Jack Stith Childs, earned a degree in Journalism from Univ. of N.C., Chapel Hill. He was first a reporter on a newspaper in Danville, VA. as well as Public Relations Director of a small college in Danville. Next, he was a Political Analyst on a

newspaper in Raleigh, N.C. Then an assistant News Director of the News Bureau, Duke University. Presently, he is Press Secretary and speechwriter for the Governor of North Carolina. Jack is married to Elizabeth A. Throckmorton of Danville, Va. They have two children, Jane Stith Childs and John Patrick Childs. Their youngest son, Robert Michael Childs, did his undergraduate work at the Uni. of N.C., Chapel Hill and then went on to Harvard Law School. After a stint in the Navy mostof it served in Washington, D. C. where he married Pamela Gay Waggoner, "he" now became "they" and "they" moved to Charlotte, N.C. where he is a partner in a law firm. Mary and Jack are both deceased and are buried in the cemetery on Walsa. They have two chidren Matthew Jack and Catherine Waggoner Childs."

Iris Stith Reed brought a total of sixty-six Stiths into the family fold covering most of the Stiths in North Carolina, and some in South Carolina and Georgia. Prior to this sub mission, very little was known about the Stiths in these areas. Iris also advised of a Mary Jarvis Stith and her brother Dr. Lawrence Stith who lived in a beautiful mansion called "Stithwyck," in New Bern, N.C. It is now known that these Stiths are the descendants of Dr. Buckner Stith, a brother of Dr. George Washington Stith, the grandfather of Frank A. Stith, Sr. There was also a brother, John Stith. These Stiths are the three older half-brothers of Gerard Stith, the Mayor of New Orleans. All four brothers were sons of Griffin Stith, a son of Buckner Stith (1722-1791) and descendants of Lawrence Washington. There was also a grandson of Dr. George Washington

end of page 41 The following was inserted between pages 41 and 42.

Mattie Orilla Stith

Was born to Julius B. and Octavia Wilson Stith in Sampson County on November of 1888. She was their youngest child and only daughter. At an early age, probably 6 or 7, the family moved to Winston-Salem where she remained for the rest of her life. She had a keen mind, doing well in her studies. There is a story that she and her best friend were in competition to be the valedictorian of their graduating class. Neither one was willing to defeat the other, so they relaxed in their studies, letting a third person win. Perhaps this wasn't very smart, but it exemplifies loyalty to a friend, which seems to be a family trait. Incidentally, she was the class poet and read the poem at graduation. After marriage she did much church work and sang in the choir. Orilla sewed beautifully, making many of her daughter Hazel's clothes. Her handwork was the joy of her relatives who were the recipients of her creative talents at Christmastime.

Her sense of humor often brought a twinkle to her eyes, even in later years when she was an invalid and became blind.

Her cheerful spirit was a hallmark of her beautiful character. Her husband Will was an invalid for 13 years. For many of them he was bedfast. Rilla tended him lovingly and made their home bright and sunny with bouquets of flowers she had grown and the aroma of a good meal in preparation to tempt his appetite. Orilla died in 1969.

Rilla's husband William Tucker Bradford was born in 1884. He was a printer by trade but he had several talents that he nourished to some degree. At one time before marriage he and Frank Stith who later became his brother-in-law were members of a vocal quartet called The Jolly Boys Quartet. Will dabbled in water color, leaving several still life paintings for posterity. He also wrote poetry and had at least one book of poetry published. He was an avid checker and chess player, entering in competition and often winning.

After a lengthy illness Will died in 1960.

Four children were born to this union Hazel Louise, Robert, Jack who died in infancy, and William.

was born June 8, 1912 in winston-salem, NC the first child of Mattie Orilla Stith Bradford and William Tucker Bradford. (Somewhere I heard a story that mom was named "Mattie" to honor relatives named Mary, Martha, and Matilda. Since I never knew any of my grandparents' sisters, I haven't been able to verify this.) My mother named me Hazel after a character in a book she was reading and my father named me Louise after his mother. Mistakenly, as he learned later, he never heard her called anything other than Lou and didn't know it was a nickname for Louella.

My three brothers followed in due time. Robert was born three years later and Jack followed a couple of years after that. (Jack died in infancy or early childhood of whooping cough. I'm not sure of my facts here. Maybe Bill's information is better than my memory. One of my earliest memories is of Robert getting lost. We were all in the yard when he disappeared. The whole neighborhood (8th Street) turned out to look for him. He hadn't been walking very long so he couldn't have gone very far. Suddenly someone saw him looking through one of the glass panels that flanked the front door. There was an umbrella stand there and he had crawled on top of it. Either he didn't hear everyone calling or was playing possum. William Stith Bradford was born when I was a senior in Reynolds High School. I dubbed him His Majesty Sir William because he had all the family at his beck and call and because he was cute and got away with behavior Robert and I weren't allowed.

After we moved to Chestnut Street several childhood memories stand out. One was watching the children on the school playground across the street doing exercises. The whole school lined up and the principal called them. It was during the war and physical fitness was being stressed. My fondest memory is of mom walking us to the library where we signed out as many books as we could carry. Then we went by Dewey's Bakery and got oatmeal cookies to eat while we read. I still love to read. Another memory that I cherish is the time the Frank Stith family lived with us until their new home was finished. The oldest cousin (Iris) and I forged a bond that has remained with us all our lives.

I loved school all my days, all my schools! I was probably the only graduate from high school whose parents had to get a baby sitter. I really don't remember too much about the graduation proceeding because just before the ceremony started the Frank Stith family had given me a wrist watch and all I did was stare at it. I attended Salem College as a town student - and lucky to be able to because the depression had hit us hard. After graduation I taught school in Forsyth County for five years.

In 1937 I married Fletcher Smith Flynn who worked for Dillard Paper Co. in Greensboro, N.C. We lived there for about a year before he was transferred to Charlotte, N.C. as manager for a budding branch office. After about a year's phenominal growth of sales and personnel he decided he would rather be a salesman. He continued selling until his death in 1968. He was a loving end supportive father and a diligent church member. The fellowship hall at our church is named Flynn Hall for him.

Before marriage he a friend had played the small parts in the plays put on at UNC-G. He also loved sports and was a good golfer and baseball player. Also had a good voice and sang in the church choir.

On Feb. 14, 1942 Alice Teresa Flynn was born. She was named Alice after her fraternal grandmother and Teresa after my best friend's mother. I wanted to name her Orilla Alice but mom wouldn't let me. She said it sounded like "aurora borealis"! However, she became known as Terry so it wouldn't have mattered. She is a "people person" never having met a stranger. She enjoyed camp while growing up and loved partying. She left UNC-G to get married at age 19. She had met Francis Lewis Wyche III at Davidson College. They lived in Petersburg, Va after he finished law school. They had three children, Francis Lewis Wyche IV, Martha Bradford Wyche and Fletcher Flynn Wyche. The marriage lasted about 17 years. After several years as a single mother she marreid Leavenworth McGill Ferrell and lives in Richmond, Va.

Fletcher Smith Flynn, II came along in May 1945. We knew that the correct name was Jr. but we were afraid he might be called Junior. Not to worry he became Smitty. He enjoyed all sports while growing up - especially baseball. He also liked music and played with a dance band in High School and College. After graduating from Wake Forest he and Jill Stewart of Charlotte were married. They tried law school and then several years in Young Life. When Jill wanted to try a job at First Union Bank in Charlotte where she is now an executive, Smitty went back to music and now has a band. They have two daughters Angela Carol who is sixteen and Kathryn Stewart who is four.

I have remained a widow and still live in Charlotte where I do volunteer and church work and a little baby sitting.

Stith who lived in Mullins, S. C. He was Dr. Boyd Stith and he had two sons, Dr. Robert Stith and Dr. Julian Stith. These Stiths have been connected to the Stith-Washington line by Iris Stith Reed of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.(See Genealogical Charts.)

There are many more Stiths along the East Coast states, however, it is an almost insurmountable task to write each one. It is considered appropriate that they be made aware of the Stith family history and be advised to submit information to the author for inclusion in a sequel to this history. There has to be a descendant willing to assume such a task.

Leaving the present-day Stiths we again pick up the strings of the past as a means of developing other branches of the family. As previously written, Drury Stith married Elizabeth Buckner. It was from this union that five prolific sons came. They were Drury4, Griffin5, Buckner6, Richard7, Thomas8 . With the exception of one other branch (John Stith and Mary Randolph) most Stiths in America stem or issue from these five sons of Drury Stith. Bathurst Stith (1729--) was reported to have died without issue, however, the author doesn't accept such information as final. John (1724-1773) deeded his land in Ring George County to Robert Stith, son of Buckner Stith and Susanna Field.

The author's information on three of the brothers is very sketchy and the most valid portion of their history lies in the previously written sections on Early American Stiths. Mary V.

Stith, Richmond, Virginia writes that her great-great grandfather, Thomas Stith (1731-1801) stated in his will that he had been visiting his brother Richard Stith in Charlotte (1727-l802), became ill, returned home and died not long afterwards. This is very possible because there is documented evidence of Stiths in Campbell County which lies to the west of Charlotte County, Va. She also has a copy of Thomas Stith's will, and she states that it verifies much of the information contained in the Genealogical charts of this history.

Fortunately, the Tyler Quarterlv Magazine published a will executed by Richard Stith of Campbell County. Richard Stith married Lucy Hall, a Stith-Bolling-Hall descendant, and had 12 children. His will was executed as follows:

Will of Richard Stith
(1782)

"In the name of God, Amen, I, Richard Stith, of Campbell County, aged fifty-four,--being now in good health, and in full exercise of my senses and memory,--my labours and care having been blessed with a competency of this World's Goods-and calling to mind that it is good for the surviving part of the Family, that a Man should set his House in Order before he leaves this World to go to a Better, do make my last Will and Testament in manner and form following:

I must be decently and plainly buryed--funeral Sermon etc., paid. I leave in possession of my well beloved wife,

to her own command, use, benefit and comfort, my Whole Estate-- to be delivered to the Children agreeable to the succeeding paragraphs hereof, but her full and quiet profession of this land, and Plantation where we live, and the 80 acres at the mouth of Lick Creek, and an uncertain number of negroes, to remain to her during her lifetime, instead of other manner of Right of Dower.

I give and bequeath of my Son Joseph my Land on Jumping Run, including Mount Hermon in Bedford County, by Patent 1150 acres.--This is since conveyed by Deed.

I give and bequeath to my Son Benjamin all my Land on the Stoney Fork of Goose Creek, by Patent 1150 acres, including Buck Mountain; to him and his heirs forever.

I give and bequeath to my Son Thomas, my Land on the South side of Goose Creek, opposite to the Flat-top Mountain, by Patent 1100 Acres, including Harpeth and Shalum; to him and his heirs and assigns forever. I give and bequeath to my Sons, John and William, all my Land on both sides Molly's Creek inclusive works lodged in the Registers Office for 1460 acres, and my Land on Branches of the South Fork of Falling River contiguous to the long Mountain by Paten 1200 acres, also my Land near the head of Little Falling River, on Mulberry Creek and including the head of Narrow-passage Branch, Works lodged in the Register's Office 1400 Acres; three Tracts to be equally divided between them by their own consent or other

wise-to each of them and his heirs and assigns since is otherwise given.

I give and bequeath to my Son Richard, my Land on Lick Creek inclusive Works 1054 Acres including the old Seat, Jacob; and 80 Acres on Falling River at the mouth of Lick Creek,-to him, his heirs and assigns forever: but Richard is not to possess any part of it in the lifetime of his Mother without her consent.

I leave my well-beloved Wife, Lucy, in full possession of my whole Estate,--which Estate (except Lands being already directed) must be divided at future times, as followeth (viz) a Son at age, or a Daughter married or at age, and demand made my Will is that such Son or Daughter shall have two negros of such age and size as can be spared--and some Stock and Household Goods, if can be spared--and so on--during the lifetime of my wife--after her decease then a final division of my slaves and other personal Estate to take place, viz. those of our children that have received, and those who have not received to be made equal--not taking into the account the increase or decrease of those part-portions that go out--or have gone out -- but to be considered as they were when they went out, and if a married daughter after receiving part or all of her portion, die without a child, or she and her child or children die, that I judge it unreasonable that her portion should go out of my Family--wherefore I declare, and it is my Will that the portion of such deceased Daughter shall

checked to here 18 Dec 01 1056

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