Richard Wheeler married Catherine Church in Wilkes or Caldwell County, North Carolina in 1829. That same year, he admitted that he had fathered a child by her older sister Rachel (or Rachael). A number of thoughts come to mind.

• What was he thinking?
• What was she thinking?
• What was her sister (either one) thinking?
• Did their mother despair?
• Was their father fit to be tied?

I know there is a story there, and I have no idea what it is, but I'd love to know what was going on, how the families settled what would be done about it and so forth. I know that Richard Wheeler signed a bastardy bond, putting up $200, and promising to pay for the raising of his son, Alfred Church, on May 5, 1829. I know that his son, Andrew Lindsey Wheeler, took some responsibility for the child Alfred and for Alfred's children later in life. There are some great tales in this family, representing interesting history of how people saw the world in the 19th century.

There also exists one letter written by Rachel to her grandchildren in Alabama. She laments the prices of crops and mentions a relative who died three years earlier. That last comment is particularly revealing, showing what a big deal it was to write a letter. Her trials aside, Rachel lived to be 85 years old. Her sister Catherine lived to be around 40.

Rachel and her mother are buried in the cemetery at the Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church in Mulberry, Wilkes County, North Carolina. The church is smaller than the average 7-11, a white frame building on a little rise from the road, with a small cemetery immediately next to it. (From North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, take route 18 north toward Virginia about 8 miles.)

1
Descendants of ?
Generation No. 1
1. ?1
Children of ? are:
2. i. RACHEL2 CHURCH, b. 19 Jun 1736, Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. 30 Jun 1825, East Bloomfield,
New York.
3. ii. JOHN CHURCH, b. Abt. 1734; d. 1805, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Generation No. 2
2. RACHEL2 CHURCH (?1) was born 19 Jun 1736 in Sheffield, Massachusetts, and died 30 Jun 1825 in East
Bloomfield, New York. She married SETH EGGLESTON 28 Nov 1754. He was born 19 Apr 1731 in Westfield,
Massachusetts, and died 20 Mar 1772 in Westfield, Massachusetts.
More About SETH EGGLESTON and RACHEL CHURCH:
Marriage: 28 Nov 1754
Children of RACHEL CHURCH and SETH EGGLESTON are:
i. ANNE3 EGGLESTON, b. 14 Sep 1755, Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. 18 Jul 1829.
ii. MAJOR AZARIAH EGGLESTON, b. 23 Feb 1757, Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. 12 Jan 1822.
iii. JOSIAH EGGLESTON, b. 01 Feb 1759, Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. 1822.
iv. MERCY EGGLESTON, b. 22 Dec 1760, Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. Unknown.
v. ELIJAH EGGLESTON, b. 10 Feb 1764, Sheffield, Massachusetts.
vi. JOHN EGGLESTON, b. 15 Feb 1767, Sheffield, Massachusetts; d. 29 Aug 1822, Charleston, SC.
3. JOHN2 CHURCH (?1) was born Abt. 1734, and died 1805 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married (2)
UNKNOWN STAMPER 1757 in Virginia. She was born 1734, and died 1772. He married (3) JANE ANDREWS
1790, daughter of JAMES ANDREWS and SARAH. She was born 1757 in Rowan County, Virginia, and died Aft.
1825 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Notes for JOHN CHURCH:
He is probably not the same John Church as the one born in 1732 in Massa chusetts.
The part of Rowan County, North Carolina, where he lived is now part of Davie County.
Nothing is known of Jon Church prior to 1758. The first record is a pension application from his son John which
states that he (the son) was born in Virginia in 1758. Some researchers tie this John to a man born in Sheffield,
Massachusetts, in 1732, but there is absolutely no proof that this is the same man and the date of birth does not
match the information in census records. Some descendants called him Yankee John, which would indicate he
came to Virginia from further north. However, there is no evidence of that. There is also no record of residence
in Virginia except for his sons' claims to have been born there.
No land records for John have been uncovered in the Rowan records. However, many early settlers were living on
land considered theirs but land that was never registered at the courthouse. He must have been a landowner. The
colonial custom of putting orphans in the hands of community members required that the overseeing adult be part
of the landed gentry. The court minutes of 15 Apr 1767, record a summons issued to John Church to bring into
the next court Sarah Burch an orphan to be dealt with legally. The 16 Jul 1767 court ordered that Rachal Burch be
apprenticed to John till she attains to the age of 18 years she being 14 years and 5 months old, and the Master is
to give the said apprentice a suite freedom cloath and a colt and calf and a spinning wheel. The last entry relative
to this matter occurred in the 4 Nov 1774 session when John Church was requested to come to the next court and
explain why he had not freed "...his indentured servant Rachel Burch, agreeable to law." John had moved his
family to the New River area of Wilkes County in 1773. Between 1763 and 1778, there was no way to register
2
land. On Jan 2, 1779, Benjamin Cleveland registered land, including the land on which John Church was living.
Later, Cleveland's name was crossed out and John Church was written in.
In the 1790 census for Wilkes County, North Carolina, there is a Jno Church, with 1 male over 16, 2 males under
16, and 2 females. By page, this should be a son or brother of John.
Summary of land:
Date Bought Acres Date Sold Location
6 May 1782 100 16 Aug 1802 Pine Swamp - New River
18 May 1789 100 16 Nov 1795 N. Fork - Lewis Fork
18 May 1789 100 Ft.of Mtn.- Lewis Fork
22 Sep 1785 100 20 Sep 1794 S. Fork - New River
16 Sep 1795 100 31 Oct 1805 N. Fork - Lewis Fork
A 1782 tax list of Captain Cleveland's district of Wilkes County contains the following entries for John Church,
Senr.:
400 acres, value 80 pounds
4 horses and mules: value 24 pounds
13 cattle, value 13 pounds
Total value: 117 pounds
More About JOHN CHURCH:
Name 2: Called Yankee John Church
Died 2: 1806, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Civil 1: 08 Oct 1761, On tax list for Rowan County, North Carolina, certified by court
Civil 2: 03 Oct 1764, Daniel Boone recieved the same payment that John Church did, for presentation of a wolf
scalp.
Civil 3: 03 Oct 1764, In a summary of claims to Rowan County, presented to the county, John Church received
ten shillings bounty money for bringing in a wolf scalp during the year.
Civil 4: 1772, Surry County was formed from Rowan County, and included the area where John lived.
Civil 5: 1778, Wilkes County was formed and incorporated the area of Surry Countywheere John lived.
Civil 6: 1787, On the tax list for Wilkes County, with 100 acres and 1 poll in Captain Vannoy's district
Military service: Revolutionary War
Moved 1: 1750, Moved to Virgina in the mid 1750s
Moved 2: 1760, Rowan County, North Carolina
Moved 3: 1763, Moved to Wilkes County, North Carolina
Property 1: 06 May 1782, Land deieded by North Carolina: New River on the north fork of the Pine Swamp, then
Wilkes County, now Ashe County
Property 2: 1785, Received 100 acres on the New River
Property 3: 12 May 1789, Received 2 grants of 100 acres each on Lewis Fork. One of these tracts began at a
chestnut on the top of the mountain and was located on the North Fork of Lewis Fork
Property 4: 1794, Sold land on New River to David Owen for 200 pounds
Property 5: 1795, bought another tract on Lewis Fork from William Floid for 20 pounds
Property 6: 1795, Sold land on Lewis Fork that began at a chestnut tree to Elijah Church for 12 pounds.
Property 7: 1802, Sold land on Pine Swamp to John Judd for 100 pounds
Property 8: 1805, Sold land he bought from William Floid to Elizabeth Blackburn for 40 pounds
Residence: Bet. 1760 - 1773, Rowan County, North Carolina
Notes for UNKNOWN STAMPER:
In the 1790 census for Wilkes County, North Carolina, there is a listing for John Stamper, who has 2 men over 16
and 2 females living in his home. There is also a listing for Joel Stamper, who has 1 man over 16, 3 males under
16, 3 females and 1 black Jonathan Stamper has 2 white males over 16 and 2 females.
More About JOHN CHURCH and UNKNOWN STAMPER:
Marriage: 1757, Virginia
More About JANE ANDREWS:
Census 1: 1810, Appears with one son and 5 females, probably her son's Gabriel's family and 4 of Yankee John's
daughters
3
Census 2: 1820, Living alone
Civil: 19 Dec 1825, Witness to a court receipt
More About JOHN CHURCH and JANE ANDREWS:
Marriage: 1790
Children of JOHN CHURCH and UNKNOWN STAMPER are:
i. BETSY3 CHURCH.
ii. MASSEY CHURCH.
iii. ANNA CHURCH.
iv. AARON CHURCH.
4. v. AMOS CHURCH, b. 1758, Virginia; d. 19 May 1842, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
vi. JOHN CHURCH, b. 1760, Rowan County, North Carolina; d. 12 Jan 1838; m. NANCY MOORE; d.
Unknown.
vii. BENJAMIN CHURCH, b. 1763; d. Unknown.
More About BENJAMIN CHURCH:
Civil: 1787, Listed in Wilkes County, North Carolina, tax list with no land but 1 poll, in Captain
Judd's district
viii. PHILLIP CHURCH, b. 1767, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1859; m. SARA HANNAH ANDREW; d.
Unknown.
Notes for PHILLIP CHURCH:
While some family researchers list him as born in Rowan County, NC, this is not consistent with
where his parents lived at the time.
In 1790, he is living next to Amos Church, his brother.
More About PHILLIP CHURCH:
Census: 1790, Wilkes County, North Carolina: 1 white male over 16, 1 white male under 16, 4
white females
ix. MARTHA CHURCH, b. 1771; m. JONATHAN PARSONS.
5. x. ELIJAH X. CHURCH, b. 1773, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1860, Wilkes County, North
Carolina.
xi. ELISHA CHURCH, b. 1775, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown; m. SARAH ?; d. Unknown.
6. xii. JOEL CHURCH, b. 1760, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1831, Spruce Pine, Buchanan County,
Virginia.
7. xiii. AARON CHURCH, b. 1786, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1846, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Children of JOHN CHURCH and JANE ANDREWS are:
xiv. ANNA3 CHURCH, b. 1803, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1875; m. ? BYERS; d. Unknown.
xv. DAUGHTER CHURCH.
8. xvi. GABRIEL CHURCH, b. Bet. 1789 - 1794; d. 1880, North Carolina.
xvii. ELIZABETH CHURCH, b. 1795; d. Unknown; m. LEWIS TRIPLETT.
xviii. MASSEY CHURCH, b. 1799; d. Unknown; m. JAMES PARSONS; d. Unknown.
9. xix. CALEB CHURCH, b. Sep 1807, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Aft. 1900.
Generation No. 3
4. AMOS3 CHURCH (JOHN2, ?1) was born 1758 in Virginia, and died 19 May 1842 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina. He married (1) ELIZABETH SWINK 26 Feb 1783 in Rowan County, North Carolina. She died Unknown.
He married (2) REBECCA FOSTER 01 Jul 1835 in By Wallace P. Waugh, Justice of the Peace1, daughter of
GEORGE FOSTER and AMY GREY. She was born Abt. 1805, and died Bef. 1881.
Notes for AMOS CHURCH:
Served in the Revolution under Ben Cleveland.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
WILKES COUNTY
4
On the 19th day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Three personally
appeared before me James Wellborn, a Justice of the Peace and for the County of Wilkes and State aforesaid,
Amos Church, resident in said county who being duly sworn according to law (for the purpose of obtaining a
pension, under an act of Congress pass'd June the 7th 1832). Deposeth and saith that he has no written evidence
of his age but believes that he was born in the State of Virginia in the year 1758, being so informed by his parents.
That at two years old his parents removed to Rowan County, North Carolina where they lived about thirteen years
as this affiant was informed and believes, they then moved to Wilkes County where this affiant has liv'd ever
since. This affiant states that in the Spring of the year 1778, He volunteered and was call'ed into service for three
months under the command of Colonel Benjamin Cleveland, Capt. John Cleveland, and Lieut. Gambill, as a
private, was march'd from Wilkes across the Blue Ridge to the head of New River where a division of the
company took place and Lieut. Gambill took the command of the company to which this affiant was attached as
Capt. We march'd down New River in pursuit of the tories thro' Cox's Settlement, where we captured a tory by the
name of Ingram and executed him, we then pursued them to the Virginia line, and captured several of them, but
did not have any engagements, we then returned home to Wilkes County, where we were discharged having
served about five weeks, which discharge this affiant has long since lost. This affiant further states that in the
Summer of 1778 he was drafted and call'd into service for three months under the command of Col. Benjamin
Cleveland and Capt. Richard Allen, was march'd up the Yadkin River out at its head into Burke County to what
was called Criders Fort in pursuit of a company of Tories under the command of a Tory Col. by the name of
Roberts.
On arriving at the fort we were informed that the Tories had retreated towards the Catawba River, we pursued
them on, when we reach'd the river we continued our march down the river, and we had not gone many miles
before we were fir'd upon by the Tories from the cliffts - the Captain of our light horse, Capt. Larkin Cleveland,
was shot through the thigh, when the Tories retreated we remain'd along said river for several days, scouting and
guarding the country, when we were marched back to Wilkes County and discharged for three months by our
Captain, which discharge this affiant has lost: he further states that in the Month of October 1779 he volunteered
and was call'd into service for three months under the command of Captain Reuben Stringer, and Lieut. William
Brown, we marched from Wilkes County across the Blue Ridge to Cove Creek crossing the Stone Mountain to
the Watauga River in pursuit of the above named Col. Roberts a Tory and his company; The Tories retreated
before us some miles as we understood, when our company arrived at the Watauga River they remain'd there
some days, engaged in scouting expeditions, and guarding the country, when we were march'd back to Wilkes
having served one month which discharge of our captain this affiant has lost: He further states that in the month of
November 1779, he volunteered and was call'd into service for three months under the command of Capt. Robert
Cleveland, march'd across the Blue Ridge to the South Fork of the New River at a place call'd the old fields in
pursuit of a company of Tories: who had captur'd Col. Benjamin Cleveland, we pursued them across the
mountains, near the North fork of Said River, where we overtook them and fir'd upon them, wounded one tory
and made three prisoners, and rescued Col. Cleveland, we then returned to the old fields, and remained a few days
and return'd home in ten days from the time we started. He further states that in the months of July or August he
served a short tour after the Indians, commanded by Capt. Benjamin Greer, and Lieut. William Stringer, that in
the month of August or September he volunteered and was call'd into service for three months, under the
command of Col. Benjamin Cleveland, and Capt. George Morris, march to the Calloway Settlement on New
River in pursuit of Tories, and returb'd to Wilkes, this was in 1780. - He received no discharge: this affiant further
states that in the fall of the year 1730, he volunteered for three months and join'd headquarters at Salisbury, North
Carolina, under the command of Col. Lark and Capt. William Glenn of Virginia, we were stationed at Salisbury,
Rowan County for some time, when an express came on for the troop to march to Mecklenburg County where
there were a number of the British prisoners to guard, we were stationed there for some time, when the prisoners
were taken sick, and several died, we then marched back to Salisbury, guarding the prisoners, where we were
discharged by our Capt. for three months service which discharge this affiant has lost. He further states that he did
not return home to Wilkes before he volunteered, and was called into service for three months under the
command of Capt. William Fletcher, there being no commanding col. as well as I recollect,To guard the tory
prisoners in the stockade or kind of fort in Salisbury where he remained station'd for three months and received a
discharge from Capt. Fletcher, which he has long since lost. This affiant further states that in the Spring or
Summer of 1781 he volunteered and was call'd into service for three months under the command of Capt. Joel
Lewis, and march'd from Wilkes County through Rowan crossing Yadkin at the trading ford below Salisbury,
passing through Randolph County to some creek, as this affiant understood to join Gen. Greene's army, our
company was stationed at Cane's Creek for some time, when news came for them to be marched back to Wilkes,
where we were discharged for three months having served altogether two years and three months under orders
which discharge this affiant has lost.
This affiant further states that he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no living
5
witness to his services except his brother John Church who served several tours with him. He further states that
his name is not upon the pension roll of any state, and that he relinquishes all pension claims whatsoever save that
stated in his declaration.
his
Amos X Church
mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me
a justice of the peace for Wilkes County
and State aforesaid this 19th day of October
A.D. 1833. - J.Wellborn, J.P.
State of North Carolina
Wilkes County We, Hugh Brown and Thomas Fletcher being a clergyman do swear and depose and say that we
are acquainted with Amos Church who lives in our immediate neighborhood, that he has always been reputed to
have been a whig and soldier of the revolutionary war, and we believe he was so, and that his veracity is
unimpeach'd. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of October A.D. 1833.
J.Wellborn,J.P. Hugh Brown
Thomas Fletcher, Clergiman
State of North Carolina
Wilkes County This day came before me, James Wellborn, as justice of the peace in and for the county of Wilkes
and State aforesaid John Church and made oath that his age is about Seventy Three years, that he served in the
revolutionary war with his brother Amos Church, was with him in the expeditions to Cox's Settlement, the
Catawba River and Crider's fort, to Cove creek and the Watauga River, against the indians and to the Calloway
Settlement, that they parted during the service, but he believes said Amos Church was frequently if not constantly
in service to the close of the war.
Sworn to and subscribed this his
19th day of October a.d. 1833 John X Church
mark
More About AMOS CHURCH:
Census: 1790, Wilkes County, North Carolina: 1 white male over 16, 1 white male under 16, 3 white females
Civil 1: 1787, Amos Church appears on the Wilkes County, tax rolls as owning 100 acres, with 1 poll (Captain
Vannoy's list)
Civil 2: May 1801, Cited with fathe and brother Elisha for fighting with Mark Ammons
Civil 3: 03 Aug 1801, Cited for permitting the road "...from the ford of the river Yadkin opposite to Mr. Brown's
to Warrior Creek" to be out of repair as of the 29th day of Jul 1815.
Civil 4: 03 Aug 1801, Lost a suit that resulted from fight of Amos and father John with Mark Ammons
Property 1: Lived most of adult life on 150 acre farm near new dam on Yadkin River
Property 2: 05 Mar 1834, Bought an additional 100 acre tract from Conrad Eller, on the south side of the Yadkin
River
Residence: Bet. 1760 - 1763, Rowan County, North Carolina
More About AMOS CHURCH and ELIZABETH SWINK:
Marriage: 26 Feb 1783, Rowan County, North Carolina
Notes for REBECCA FOSTER:
Soon after the death of Amos, Rebecca begins living with John Wood. They are charged with cohabilitation. By
1850 they are listed in the census as husband and wife.
More About AMOS CHURCH and REBECCA FOSTER:
Marriage: 01 Jul 1835, By Wallace P. Waugh, Justice of the Peace1
Children of AMOS CHURCH and ELIZABETH SWINK are:
10. i. JOHN4 CHURCH, b. Abt. 1783; d. 1875, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
ii. MARY CHURCH, b. Abt. 1785; d. Unknown; m. JAMES CRANE, 24 Jul 1812, Wilkes County, North
Carolina; d. Unknown.
More About JAMES CRANE and MARY CHURCH:
6
Marriage: 24 Jul 1812, Wilkes County, North Carolina
iii. ELIJAH CHURCH, b. Abt. 1790, North Carolina; d. Unknown; m. ANN BLANTON; b. Abt. 1797, North
Carolina; d. Unknown.
Notes for ELIJAH CHURCH:
1860 Census, North Carolina, Wilkes County, Upper Division
Page 60 (Image 260 on Ancestry.com)
Post Office: Wilkesboro
10 July 1860
449/447
Church, Eligah, M, 70, Farmer, $100 personal, *NC, cannot read and write
----------, Anna, F, 63, Farmer, *NC
Foster, Mary, F, 3, *NC
More About ELIJAH CHURCH:
Residence: Lived on a portion of Amos' property lived on a portion of the property on the north side
of the Yadkin River above Fish Dam Creek
iv. ELIZABETH CHURCH, b. Abt. 1792; d. Unknown; m. MICHAEL BUMGARNER.
v. REBECCA CHURCH, b. Abt. 1793; d. Unknown; m. GEORGE MINTON, 24 Nov 1814, Wilkes County,
North Carolina; d. Unknown.
More About GEORGE MINTON and REBECCA CHURCH:
Marriage: 24 Nov 1814, Wilkes County, North Carolina
11. vi. AMOS CHURCH, b. 06 Jul 1797, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 10 Sep 1863.
vii. MARGARET CHURCH, b. Abt. 1800, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown; m. (1) JOSHUA
FLETCHER; m. (2) LEVI LAWS, 14 May 1818, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
More About LEVI LAWS and MARGARET CHURCH:
Marriage: 14 May 1818, Wilkes County, North Carolina
viii. FRANKY CHURCH, b. Abt. 1802; m. LARKIN JONES, 28 Aug 1822.
More About LARKIN JONES and FRANKY CHURCH:
Marriage: 28 Aug 1822
Children of AMOS CHURCH and REBECCA FOSTER are:
ix. THIRD CHILD4 CHURCH.
Notes for THIRD CHILD CHURCH:
Mentioned in a suit filed by Amy in 1881 to recover some unpaid portions of her inheritance from
the estate of Amos Sr.
x. AMY SELENA CHURCH, b. Aft. 1835.
Notes for AMY SELENA CHURCH:
Lived with her maternal grandparents (George and Amy Foster) after the death of Amos Church,
while her mother was living with John Wood and her son.
After the death of Amos 1, Amy had lived with her maternal grandparents, George and Amey
Foster. Rebecca's brother, Thomas H., had been willed their property dependent upon his not
marrying until after their deaths; thus Amy was cared for at length by Thomas H., She later lived
with a half-brother Thomas Davis for at couple of years when she was about 12. At about 19 she m
Jethro Smithey. The court finally awarded her $92.75 in principal and interest due from the estate
of Amos.
xi. ROBERT BURTON CHURCH, b. Aft. 1835.
Notes for ROBERT BURTON CHURCH:
In 1850, he is living with his mother and John Wood, and is called Robert Wood. In 1860, he is still
living with them, but is called Burton Davis.
5. ELIJAH X.3 CHURCH (JOHN2, ?1) was born 1773 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 1860 in Wilkes
7
County, North Carolina. He married (1) CHARITY ROBERTS. She died Unknown. He married (2) CHARITY
CRAFT 1789 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. She was born 09 May 1771 in Virginia, and died 1855 in Wilkes
County, North Carolina.
Notes for ELIJAH X. CHURCH:
While some family researchers list his place of birth as Rowan County, NC, this is not consistent with his parents'
location at the time of his birth.
More About ELIJAH X. CHURCH:
Date born 2: Mar 1773
Died 2: May 1860, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Property: 1795, Paid father 12 pounds for 1 piece of land that began at a chestnut tree and ended at Lewis Fork
Notes for CHARITY ROBERTS:
Some researchers say his wife was named Charity Craft.
More About ELIJAH CHURCH and CHARITY CRAFT:
Marriage: 1789, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of ELIJAH CHURCH and CHARITY CRAFT are:
12. i. WILLIAM B.4 CHURCH, b. 02 Jun 1808, Summit, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 30 Oct 1889,
Wilkes County, North Carolina.
ii. MARTHA CHURCH, b. 1770, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Notes for MARTHA CHURCH:
This Martha is probably not a child of Elijah, but a sister living with the family at some point in time.
iii. CHARITY CHURCH, b. 1790, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
iv. NOAH CHURCH, b. 1792, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
v. SARAH CHURCH, b. 1795, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
vi. MARTHA CHURCH, b. 1798, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
vii. JOEL CHURCH, b. 1800, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
viii. JESSE LEE CHURCH, b. 1802, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
ix. NATHANIEL CHURCH, b. 1805, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
x. LUCY CHURCH, b. 1806, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
13. xi. ELIJAH X. CHURCH, b. 1812, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1854, Wilkes County, North
Carolina.
xii. ALLEN CHURCH, b. 1798, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown; m. NANCY L MITCHEL, 12
Oct 1819, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
More About ALLEN CHURCH and NANCY MITCHEL:
Marriage: 12 Oct 1819, Wilkes County, North Carolina
6. JOEL3 CHURCH (JOHN2, ?1) was born 1760 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 1831 in Spruce Pine,
Buchanan County, Virginia. He married (1) MARGARET ADAMS 1800 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. She
was born 1782, and died 1833 in Buchanan County, Virginia. He married (2) CAROLINA HOBBS 1830. She was
born 1814 in Tennessee, and died 13 Jun 1862 in Buchanan County, Virginia.
Notes for MARGARET ADAMS:
It is obvious that all of these children do not belong to these parents. These 18 were listed by a researcher and
copied. Further work is naturally required.
More About MARGARET ADAMS:
Name 2: Called Peggy
More About JOEL CHURCH and MARGARET ADAMS:
Marriage: 1800, Wilkes County, North Carolina
More About JOEL CHURCH and CAROLINA HOBBS:
Marriage: 1830
8
Children of JOEL CHURCH and MARGARET ADAMS are:
i. ANNE4 CHURCH.
ii. THOMAS CHURCH.
iii. GABRIEL CHURCH, b. 1802.
iv. EMMANUEL CHURCH, b. 1810.
v. JOHN CHURCH, b. 1814.
vi. JOEL CHURCH, b. 1814, North Carolina.
vii. MARY ANNA CHURCH, b. 1818.
viii. ELIZABETH CHURCH, b. 1819.
More About ELIZABETH CHURCH:
Name 2: Called Betty
ix. WILLIAM CHURCH, b. 1822.
x. CELIA CHURCH, b. 1826.
Children of JOEL CHURCH and CAROLINA HOBBS are:
xi. JOSEPH H.4 CHURCH, b. 15 Apr 1836.
xii. NANCY CHURCH, b. Mar 1838.
xiii. MILLS CHURCH, b. 1840.
xiv. MILLEY LOUISE CHURCH, b. May 1842, Tazewell County, Virginia.
xv. MARGARET CHURCH, b. 1844.
xvi. GEORGE CHURCH, b. 1846.
xvii. JAMES CHURCH, b. 1848, Tazewell County, Virginia.
xviii. GEORGE CHURCH, b. 1852, Buchanan County, Virginia.
7. AARON3 CHURCH (JOHN2, ?1) was born 1786 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 1846 in Wilkes
County, North Carolina. He married NANCY OWENS, daughter of BARNARD OWENS and HANNAH. She was born
13 Apr 1783 in North Carolina, and died 1875 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
More About AARON CHURCH:
Burial: Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church, Mulberry, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Residence 1: Wilkes County, North Carolina
Residence 2: Ashe County, North Carolina
Residence 3: May have lived in Kentucky in his early years
More About NANCY OWENS:
Burial: Crossroads Primitive Baptist Church, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Residence: 1860, When she was 89, she was living with her daughter Rachel
Children of AARON CHURCH and NANCY OWENS are:
14. i. ALEXANDER4 CHURCH, b. 01 Aug 1805, Kentucky; d. 05 Jun 1860, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
ii. ENOCH CHURCH, b. 26 Nov 1806; d. Unknown.
iii. MARTIN CHURCH, b. 15 Nov 1809; d. Unknown.
15. iv. RACHEL CHURCH, b. 28 Dec 1810, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 14 Apr 1895, Mulberry,
Wilkes County, North Carolina.
16. v. CATHERINE CHURCH, b. 12 Apr 1812, North Carolina; d. Bet. 1849 - 1852, Gilmer County, Georgia.
vi. LARKIN CHURCH, b. 13 Jun 1814, North Carolina.
vii. ELIZABETH CHURCH, b. 20 Apr 1816.
viii. JESSE CHURCH, b. 02 Mar 1818.
ix. RODA CHURCH, b. 07 Oct 1819.
17. x. MARY ANN CHURCH, b. 30 Jan 1823, North Carolina; d. 23 Oct 1904, Jackson County, Alabama.
8. GABRIEL3 CHURCH (JOHN2, ?1) was born Bet. 1789 - 1794, and died 1880 in North Carolina. He married (1)
MARY BESHEARS. She was born 1797, and died 1840 in North Carolina. He married (2) SARAH BESHEARS. She
died Unknown.
Notes for GABRIEL CHURCH:
In the 1820 census, names are not given except for the head of household. His listing is 2000102000102001001.
That translates to 2 white males under 10, 1 freew hite male 26 to 46, 2 free white females between 10 and 17. It
shows that the family is involved in agriculture.
9
In 1830, names are not given. His record is 1111010000000011010000000. That translates to 1 male under 5, 1
male 5 to 10, 1 male 10 to 15 and 1 male 15 to 20, plus an adult male between 30 and 40. There is 1 adult female
between 30 and 40, 1 girl between 10 and 15 and 1 gril between 15 adn 20.
In the 1870 census, he states he is 81, which would make his date of birth 1789.he is living next to Nathaniel,
aged 62. Sarah, age 55, lives with him, as does John W. Church, aged 12.
More About GABRIEL CHURCH:
Census 1: 23 Jul 1870, Wilkesboro Post Office, Jobs Cabin, Wilkes, North Carolina, Roll M593_1165 Page 306
Image 612
Census 2: 1820, Wilkes County, North Carolina Roll M33_83 Page 503 Image 355
Census 3: 1830, Wilkes County, North Carolina Roll 125 Page 355
Child of GABRIEL CHURCH and MARY BESHEARS is:
18. i. JOEL M.4 CHURCH, b. 08 Oct 1824, Jobs Cabin, Wilkes Coutny, North Carolina; d. 18 Feb 1917,
Pine Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina.
9. CALEB3 CHURCH (JOHN2, ?1) was born Sep 1807 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died Aft. 1900. He
married MARY A. ?. She was born 1808 in North Carolina2, and died Bet. 1880 - 1900.
Notes for CALEB CHURCH:
In the 1840 census, only ages and sex are listed. Listed in a row are John Church, Caleb Church and Gabriel
Church. Caleb's household has 110010000000 2000100000. This translates to Males aged 1 under 5, 1 5 to 10,
1 20 to 30; females 2 under the age of 5 and 1 between 20 and 30. This would correspond to Lindsey, John,
Jane, Patsy, Caleb and his wife.
In the 1850 census, Caleb is living with Polly, a common nickname for Mary. With them are children Lindsey,
Jane, Patsy, John, Leander, Calrton, Milly, and William. They are all clearly identified as born in Wilkes County,
Caleb cannot read or write but everyone else can.
In the 1860 census, Caleb and his wife are living with 6 children: John, Martha, Carlton, Millia, William, and
Tobias. Caleb, his wife and William cannot read or write.
In the 1880 census, Caleb Church is living with his wife Mary and 7 children, next door to William Church.
Caleb is 74 and his wife is 72, but they have children as young as 9. The 1880 census lists relationships and
cearly states that these are his sons and daughters. Most of the family cannot read or write, a difference from the
earlier census.
In 1900, Caleb says he is 92 years old, having lost a couple of years since 1880. He is living with his son
William, who appears to be a widower and 3 of his grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Emma Brown, born
May 1865 is a grand-daughter and William Brown is a great-grandson, born June 1899. Emma is widowed. No
one in the house can read or write.
More About CALEB CHURCH:
Census 1: 05 Jun 1880, Union, Wilkes County, North Carolina, Year: 1880; Census Place: Union, Wilkes, North
Carolina; Roll: T9_987; Family History Film: 1254987; Page: 79A; Enumeration District: 209; Image: 0162.
Census 2: 01 Jun 1840, McNeil's District, Wilkes County, North Carolina, Roll 373, Page 93
Census 3: 31 Aug 1850, Wilkes County, North Carolina Roll M432_649 Page 309
Census 4: 31 Jul 1860, Reddies River, Upper Division, Wilkes County, North Carolina Roll M653_918 Page 153
Census 5: 27 Jun 1900, Year: 1900; Census Place: Union, Wilkes, North Carolina; Roll: T623 1224; Page: 14A;
Enumeration District: 160.
Notes for MARY A. ?:
She was alive at the time of the 1880 census and gone before the 1900 census.
More About MARY A. ?:
Name 2: Called Polly
10
Children of CALEB CHURCH and MARY ? are:
i. LINDSEY4 CHURCH, b. 1833, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
ii. JANE CHURCH, b. 1835, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
iii. PATSY CHURCH, b. 1837, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
iv. JOHN CHURCH, b. 1840, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
v. LEANDER CHURCH, b. 1842, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
vi. CARLTON CHURCH, b. 1845, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
vii. MILLY CHURCH, b. 1847, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
19. viii. WILLIAM CHURCH, b. Mar 1848, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
ix. MARTHA CHURCH, b. 1852, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
x. TOBIAS CHURCH, b. 1857, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
xi. JANE CHURCH, b. 1862, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
xii. SUSAN CHURCH, b. 1866, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
xiii. FOLINA CHURCH, b. 1869, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
xiv. EMILY CHURCH, b. 1871, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
Generation No. 4
10. JOHN4 CHURCH (AMOS3, JOHN2, ?1) was born Abt. 1783, and died 1875 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
He married SARAH BILINGS 29 Oct 1811 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, daughter of JASPER BILLINGS. She
died Unknown.
Notes for JOHN CHURCH:
There are few records left concerning him, but his life seemed to be characterized by quiet, honest labor and love
of family. He divided his farm between three of his sons prior to his death and according to his will devised most
of his personal estate to his other children during his lifetim
By the time he wrote his will, his wife and 3 sons were dead. Two of his sons died in the Civil War.
I give and bequeath to my son John A. Church one black mare, one two horse wagon, one pair of bellows and
smith tools, three head of cattle, eleven head of hogs, two rifle guns, one half of the chairs, two pots, one oven
and lid, one skillet, one crosscut saw, one cupboard, and all farming tools of whatsoever kind, also one large chest
and two beds and furniture, half of a set of pewter plaits, one set of delph plaits, all my grain tubs, one table, one
clock as his part and portion of my estate as his legacy and for services rendered and to be rendered me in my
declining year
To my daughter Sarah Church (single woman) I will and bequeath one cow and calf and one cow with calf, two
head of hogs, four beds and furniture, two bureaus, one kitching-cupboard, two chests and all my house hold and
kitching furniture not otherwise disposed of in this will, whether mentioned or not, one side saddle, all to be to her
own use and benefit forever.
To my son Amos Church I have given and do give and bequeath before his death one mare at one hundred dollars
and one cow and calf at twelve dollar,.
To my daughter Elizabeth Yates I have given of my personal estate to the amount of one hundred dollars.
To my dau Margaret Cardwell I have given and do give and bequeath of my personal and real estate to the
amount of one hundred and eighty dollars.
To my daughter Elmiry Minton I have given and do give and bequeath of my real and personal estate to the
amount of one hundred dollars.
To my son Hiram Church I have given and do give and bequeath of my real and personal estate to the amount of
one hundred dollars.
To my son William Church I have given and do give and bequeath, before his death, of my real and personal
estate to the amount of one hundred dollars.
To my son Alexander Church I have given before his death and do give and bequeath of my real and personal
estate to the amount of one hundred dollars.
John appointed his son Hiram to administer the will. Peter Eller, G. F. McNeil, and William H. Stout were
witnesses.
More About JOHN CHURCH:
Probate: 29 May 1875
Property: 12 Apr 1851, Made deeds as gifts for 246 acres and sold 50 more acres to his son John A.
Residence: Yates Creek, a branch of Lewis Fork
11
Will: 26 Jul 1870
More About JOHN CHURCH and SARAH BILINGS:
Marriage: 29 Oct 1811, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of JOHN CHURCH and SARAH BILINGS are:
20. i. AMOS5 CHURCH, b. 30 Aug 1812; d. 1845.
ii. JOHN A. CHURCH, b. 1814; d. Unknown.
Notes for JOHN A. CHURCH:
Never married
iii. ELIZABETH CHURCH, b. 1816; d. Unknown; m. DAVID YATES; d. 18513.
iv. MARGARET CHURCH, b. 1818; d. Unknown; m. FRANKLIN CARDWELL; d. Unknown.
v. JASPER CHURCH, b. 1820; d. Bef. 1870.
vi. ELMIRA CHURCH, b. 1822; d. Unknown; m. WINBORN MINTON; d. Unknown.
vii. HYRAM CHURCH, b. 1824; d. Unknown; m. MARTHA JANE PAYNE; d. Unknown.
Notes for HYRAM CHURCH:
The Wilkes County, North Carolina Directory - 1883 ilsts an H. Church as a miller in Mulberry,
which is certainly where our Church family settled. H. Chuch is also listed as owning a saw mill.
viii. SARAH CHURCH, b. 1825; d. Unknown.
Notes for SARAH CHURCH:
Listed in her father's will as a single woman (1870)
ix. WILLIAM CHURCH, b. 1826; d. Unknown; m. REBECCA WALSH; d. Unknown.
Notes for WILLIAM CHURCH:
In 1868, a William Church was a Baptist minister in Wilkesboro, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
x. ALEXANDER CHURCH, b. 1831; d. Unknown; m. MARTHA A.; d. Unknown.
Notes for ALEXANDER CHURCH:
Thomson's Mercantile and Professional Directory 1851-1852 lists an Alexander Church as General
Dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, &c.
11. AMOS4 CHURCH (AMOS3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 06 Jul 1797 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 10 Sep
1863. He married ALICE BILLINGS 13 Jan 1820, daughter of JASPER BILLINGS.
Notes for AMOS CHURCH:
Administered his father's estate after his father's death. No will has ever been found.
More About AMOS CHURCH:
Elected: 1855, Justice of the Court
Property: 03 Oct 1842, Paid his brothers and sisters $425, for which they gave him all rights to the Yadkin River
homeplace.
Notes for ALICE BILLINGS:
She was the first member of Shady Grove Baptist Church to die. Her death is noted in the minutes of the church:
"The first to walk through the valley of the shadow of death was Sister Allie Church who was a consistent
member of the church and died in a good old age. Though she was so old and infirm she could feel that her light
afflictions were but for a moment."
More About AMOS CHURCH and ALICE BILLINGS:
Marriage: 13 Jan 1820
Children of AMOS CHURCH and ALICE BILLINGS are:
i. THOMAS JEFFERSON5 CHURCH.
ii. CATHERINE CHURCH.
iii. HAMILTON B. CHURCH.
12
iv. BETHANY ELIZABETH CHURCH.
21. v. JOEL L. CHURCH, b. 1816, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
vi. CALVIN A. CHURCH.
vii. HUGH M. CHURCH.
viii. ALPHA CHURCH.
ix. ALLEY ADELAIDE CHURCH.
x. LAURA A. SARAH CHURCH, b. 24 Feb 1843.
12. WILLIAM B.4 CHURCH (ELIJAH X.3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 02 Jun 1808 in Summit, Wilkes County, North
Carolina, and died 30 Oct 1889 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married SARAH H. LENDERMAN 22 Dec
1825 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. She was born 17 Apr 1808 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died
17 Nov 1876 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
More About WILLIAM CHURCH and SARAH LENDERMAN:
Marriage: 22 Dec 1825, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Child of WILLIAM CHURCH and SARAH LENDERMAN is:
22. i. SELAH ELVIRA5 CHURCH, b. 06 Jun 1846, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 07 Mar 1922, Pine
Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina.
13. ELIJAH X.4 CHURCH (ELIJAH X.3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 1812 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 1854
in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married PHOEBE MATILDA BALL 1831 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
She was born 1811 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 1880 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
More About ELIJAH CHURCH and PHOEBE BALL:
Marriage: 1831, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of ELIJAH CHURCH and PHOEBE BALL are:
i. WILLIAM ELIJAH5 CHURCH, d. Unknown.
ii. SARAH EMALINE CHURCH, d. Unknown.
iii. NOAH CHURCH, d. Unknown.
iv. ELVIRA CHURCH, d. Unknown.
v. JOHN CHURCH, d. Unknown.
vi. JOEL CHURCH, b. 1839; d. Unknown.
vii. ELOISA CHURCH, d. Unknown.
viii. NANCY MATILDA CHURCH, d. Unknown.
ix. ADELINE CHURCH, d. Unknown.
14. ALEXANDER4 CHURCH (AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 01 Aug 1805 in Kentucky, and died 05 Jun 1860 in
Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married MARY POLLY ELLER 28 Feb 1825 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina. She was born 17 Feb 1808 in Ashe County, North Carolina, and died 14 Jun 1898 in Wilkes County,
North Carolina.
Notes for ALEXANDER CHURCH:
Thomson's Mercantile and Professional Directory 1851-1852 lists an Alexander Church as General Dealers in
Dry Goods, Groceries, Hardware, &c.
More About ALEXANDER CHURCH and MARY ELLER:
Marriage: 28 Feb 1825, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of ALEXANDER CHURCH and MARY ELLER are:
i. NANCY MARTHA5 CHURCH.
ii. JESSE F CHURCH.
iii. ADELAID CHURCH.
iv. SARAH JANE CHURCH.
v. JESSE CALVIN CHURCH.
vi. HENRY HARRISON CHURCH.
vii. NANCY MATILDA CHURCH.
viii. LEANDER CHURCH.
23. ix. ANDERSON MITCHELL CHURCH, b. 1830, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 30 Nov 1919, Wilkes
County, North Carolina.
13
15. RACHEL4 CHURCH (AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 28 Dec 1810 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 14
Apr 1895 in Mulberry, Wilkes County, North Carolina. She married (1) RICHARD WHEELER, son of AMOS
WHEELER and SARAH SNOW. He was born Bet. 25 May 1805 - 25 May 1806 in Guilford County, North
Carolina4,5, and died 1856 in Pisgah, Jackson County, Alabama. She married (2) ISHAM B. DANCY6 28 Jul 1831
in Wilkes County, North Carolina, son of EDWARD DANCY and AMELIA VANNOY. He was born 27 Dec 1805 in
Wilkes County, North Carolina6, and died Aft. 12 Jul 1860 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Notes for RACHEL CHURCH:
Rachel Church and Richard Wheeler were not married, but did have a child together. On May 5, 1829, Richard
Wheeler signed a bastardy bond, putting up $200 to guarantee the needs of Alfred Church. Rachel and her family
raised Alfred, but he went to Alabama with the Wheelers when they moved on.
Notes for RICHARD WHEELER:
Richard signed a bastardy bond , acknowledging that he was the father of Alfred Church, the illegtimate son of
Rachel Church, sister of Catherine Church. She later married Isham Dancy. As a child, Alfred Weeler lived with
the Dancy family. Alfred later migrated to Jackson County, Alabama, with the Wheelers. Richard died shortly
after the move to Alabama. Alfred died during the Civil War. His wife Louisa died not long after the war. Two
of their 4 orphaned children moved in with LIndsay Wheeler, as evidenced by census records. While some
researchers indicate this was Andrew Lindsay Wheeler, census records would indicate that there were two
separate people, one named Andrew Lindsary Wheeler and one named Lindsay Wheeler. Louisa Stuart Church is
buried in the Wheeler family cemetery on Sand Mountain, Alabama.
In the 1850 census, Richard and his family are living in District 33, Gilmer County, Georgia when the census is
taken on September 7. He lists his occupation as miller. He says he was born in North Carolina. Catherine says
she is 38, meaning that she was born in 1812. They live near Sarah Wheeler, Amos and Sarah Wheeler (and
Nancy and James, who live with their parents). His wife cannot read and write. Eight children are at home. All
of teh children of school age attended school within the last year, even the child who is 19.
More About RICHARD WHEELER:
Burial: Pisgah, Jackson County, Alabama, family cemetery
Census: 07 Sep 1850, District 33, Gilmer, Georgia, Roll M432_70, Page 368
Moved 1: Bet. 1845 - 1850, From Wilkes County, North Carolina to Gilmer County, Georgia
Moved 2: Bet. 1850 - 1856, From Gilmer County, Georgia to Jackson County, Alabama
Notes for ISHAM B. DANCY:
In the 1860 census, Isham is 54 and Rachel is 49. He is a farmer, with land worth $1200 and other property
worth $712. Everyone in the household is born in North Carolina. Living in the household are Martha, age 33,
David, age 20, Martin, age 18, Calvin, age 15, Caroline, age 11, Jane age 7, and Nancy, age 77. Nancy would be
Rachel's mother. Martha would have been born in 1827 and might be a sister to Isham Dancy.
More About ISHAM B. DANCY:
Died 2: Aft. 12 Jul 1860, He was alive at the time of the census on July 12, 1860.
Census: 1860, Post Office: Wilkesboro, Roll M653_918 Page 133, Upper Division, Wilkes, North Carolina
Residence: 1860, Upper Division, Wilkes, North Carolina6
More About ISHAM DANCY and RACHEL CHURCH:
Marriage: 28 Jul 1831, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Child of RACHEL CHURCH and RICHARD WHEELER is:
24. i. ALFRED5 CHURCH, b. Bef. 05 May 1829, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 23 Nov 1863,
Fairground Hospital #1, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.
Children of RACHEL CHURCH and ISHAM DANCY are:
ii. ALEXANDER B.5 DANCY, b. 1832; d. 1884.
iii. MARY ANN DANCY, b. 1835; d. 1852; m. JENNINGS.
14
iv. DAVID DANCY, b. 1840; d. 1864.
v. MARTIN DANCY, b. 1842; d. 1862.
vi. CALVIN DANCY, b. 1845; d. Unknown.
vii. AMANDA CAROLINE DANCY, b. 1848; d. 1939; m. HIGGINS.
viii. LAURA JANE DANCY, b. 1853; d. 1864.
16. CATHERINE4 CHURCH (AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 12 Apr 1812 in North Carolina7,8, and died Bet. 1849 -
1852 in Gilmer County, Georgia. She married RICHARD WHEELER 03 Mar 1829 in Carter County, Tennessee,
son of AMOS WHEELER and SARAH SNOW. He was born Bet. 25 May 1805 - 25 May 1806 in Guilford County,
North Carolina9,10, and died 1856 in Pisgah, Jackson County, Alabama.
Notes for CATHERINE CHURCH:
in the 1850 census, she is listed as unable to read or write.
Notes for RICHARD WHEELER:
Richard signed a bastardy bond , acknowledging that he was the father of Alfred Church, the illegtimate son of
Rachel Church, sister of Catherine Church. She later married Isham Dancy. As a child, Alfred Weeler lived with
the Dancy family. Alfred later migrated to Jackson County, Alabama, with the Wheelers. Richard died shortly
after the move to Alabama. Alfred died during the Civil War. His wife Louisa died not long after the war. Two
of their 4 orphaned children moved in with LIndsay Wheeler, as evidenced by census records. While some
researchers indicate this was Andrew Lindsay Wheeler, census records would indicate that there were two
separate people, one named Andrew Lindsary Wheeler and one named Lindsay Wheeler. Louisa Stuart Church is
buried in the Wheeler family cemetery on Sand Mountain, Alabama.
In the 1850 census, Richard and his family are living in District 33, Gilmer County, Georgia when the census is
taken on September 7. He lists his occupation as miller. He says he was born in North Carolina. Catherine says
she is 38, meaning that she was born in 1812. They live near Sarah Wheeler, Amos and Sarah Wheeler (and
Nancy and James, who live with their parents). His wife cannot read and write. Eight children are at home. All
of teh children of school age attended school within the last year, even the child who is 19.
More About RICHARD WHEELER:
Burial: Pisgah, Jackson County, Alabama, family cemetery
Census: 07 Sep 1850, District 33, Gilmer, Georgia, Roll M432_70, Page 368
Moved 1: Bet. 1845 - 1850, From Wilkes County, North Carolina to Gilmer County, Georgia
Moved 2: Bet. 1850 - 1856, From Gilmer County, Georgia to Jackson County, Alabama
More About RICHARD WHEELER and CATHERINE CHURCH:
Marriage: 03 Mar 1829, Carter County, Tennessee
Children of CATHERINE CHURCH and RICHARD WHEELER are:
25. i. SARAH ADELINE5 WHEELER, b. 30 Jul 1830, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 27 Nov 1912, Red
River, Texas.
ii. MARTHA A. WHEELER, b. Abt. 1834, Wilkes County, North Carolina11; d. Unknown.
26. iii. JAMES A. WHEELER, b. Abt. 1836, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Aft. 1883.
27. iv. ANDREW LINDSEY WHEELER, b. 26 Jan 1838, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 01 Nov 1932,
Jefferson County, Alabama.
28. v. WILLIAM H. WHEELER, b. Aug 1840, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Aft. 1920, Probably Fayette
County, Texas.
vi. AMANDA J. WHEELER12, b. Abt. 1844, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
29. vii. JOHN VESTAL WHEELER, b. Mar 1845, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 04 May 1924, Pisgah,
Jackson County, Alabama.
30. viii. BETHEL ALEXANDER WHEELER, b. Jan 1850, Gilmer, Georgia; d. Aft. 1920, Alabama.
17. MARY ANN4 CHURCH (AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 30 Jan 1823 in North Carolina13, and died 23 Oct 1904
in Jackson County, Alabama. She married ALFORD A. WHEELER 14 Feb 1841 in Wilkes County, North Carolina,
son of AMOS WHEELER and SARAH SNOW. He was born 25 Jun 1811 in Guilford County, North Carolina, and
died 22 Nov 1882 in Jackson County, Alabama.
Notes for MARY ANN CHURCH:
She is the sister of Catherine and Rachel Church, who were wife of Richard Wheeler adn mother of Alfred Chuch.
15
More About MARY ANN CHURCH:
Name 2: Mary Ann Church
Date born 2: Abt. 1822, North Carolina
Burial: Wheeler Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
Notes for ALFORD A. WHEELER:
This family lives next door to Alfred Church. I'm not sure who they were. Alford Wheeler appears to be in
Wilkes County in 1860.
In 1880, he liives in Jackson County, Alabama.
There are two Alford Wheelers. One married Lydia. The other married Mary Ann Church.
More About ALFORD A. WHEELER:
Name 2: Alford Wheeler14
Name 3: Alford Wheeler15
Name 4: Alford A Wheeler16
Name 5: Alford A Wheeler16
Name 6: Alfred Wheeler
Date born 2: 1811, North Carolina17
Date born 3: 25 Jun 1811, Guilford, NC18
Date born 4: 25 Jun 1811, Guilford, NC19
Date born 5: Abt. 1812, North Carolina
Date born 6: 1812, North Carolina20
Date born 7: 1812, North Carolina20
Died 2: 22 Nov 1882, Jackson21
Burial: Wheeler Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
Census 1: 1860, Lives next to Alfred Church in Rustic Bower, Jackson County, Alabama
Census 2: 1850, Gilmer County, Georgia
Census 3: 1880, Jackson County, Alabama
Residence: 1860, South Division, Guilford, North Carolina22,22
More About ALFORD WHEELER and MARY CHURCH:
Marriage: 14 Feb 1841, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of MARY CHURCH and ALFORD WHEELER are:
i. MARY E5 WHEELER, b. 1840, North Carolina23.
Notes for MARY E WHEELER:
This may be a marriage record for Mary E. Wheeler
PEYTON A. COX
MARY E. WHEELER21 Sep 1864 Guilford NC
ii. MALISSA J. WHEELER, b. 1842, North Carolina23.
iii. LOUSENE WHEELER, b. 1844, North Carolina23.
31. iv. MELVILLE LEANDER WHEELER, b. 1844, Georgia; d. 26 Sep 1916, Jackson County, Alabama.
v. MARGARET E. WHEELER, b. 1847, Georgia; m. THEODORE S. SMITH, 26 Nov 1878, Jackson
County, Alabama Book C page 297.
More About THEODORE SMITH and MARGARET WHEELER:
Marriage: 26 Nov 1878, Jackson County, Alabama Book C page 297
vi. ELIZABETH G. WHEELER, b. 1848, Georgia; m. GEORGE SMITH, 20 Dec 1874, Jackson County,
Alabama Book B page 403.
More About GEORGE SMITH and ELIZABETH WHEELER:
Marriage: 20 Dec 1874, Jackson County, Alabama Book B page 403
vii. EMILY L. WHEELER, b. 1848, North Carolina23.
viii. ALONJO I. WHEELER, b. 1852, North Carolina23.
More About ALONJO I. WHEELER:
16
Name 2: Alonjo l Wheeler24
Date born 2: 1853, North Carolina24
Residence: 1860, South Division, Guilford, North Carolina24
ix. FRANCIS F. WHEELER, b. 1855, North Carolina25.
x. MARY C. WHEELER, b. 1855, Alabama.
xi. LYDIA C. WHEELER, b. 1858, North Carolina25.
xii. SARONA WHEELER, b. Abt. Jan 1860, Alabama.
xiii. LEWIS A. WHEELER, b. 1872, Alabama.
18. JOEL M.4 CHURCH (GABRIEL3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 08 Oct 1824 in Jobs Cabin, Wilkes Coutny, North
Carolina, and died 18 Feb 1917 in Pine Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina. He married RHODA CATHERINE
PAYNE 29 Sep 1844 in Jobs Cabin, Wilkes Coutny, North Carolina. She was born 19 Sep 1825 in Jobs Cabin,
Wilkes Coutny, North Carolina, and died 19 Oct 1912.
More About JOEL CHURCH and RHODA PAYNE:
Marriage: 29 Sep 1844, Jobs Cabin, Wilkes Coutny, North Carolina
Child of JOEL CHURCH and RHODA PAYNE is:
32. i. SQUIRE ALLEN5 CHURCH, b. 05 Jun 1847, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 16 Oct 1909, Pine
Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina.
19. WILLIAM4 CHURCH (CALEB3, JOHN2, ?1) was born Mar 1848 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died
Unknown. He married MARTHA ?. She was born 1848 in North Carolina, and died Unknown.
More About WILLIAM CHURCH:
Census 1: 05 Jun 1880, Union, Wilkes County, North Carolina, Year: 1880; Census Place: Union, Wilkes, North
Carolina; Roll: T9_987; Family History Film: 1254987; Page: 79A; Enumeration District: 209; Image: 0162.,
next to his father Caleb
Census 2: 27 Jun 1900, Year: 1900; Census Place: Union, Wilkes, North Carolina; Roll: T623 1224; Page: 14A;
Enumeration District: 160, living with his father Caleb of 2 of William's children.
Children of WILLIAM CHURCH and MARTHA ? are:
i. RUDAH5 CHURCH, b. 1879, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Unknown.
ii. LIDDIE CHURCH, b. Apr 1885, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
iii. JOHN CHURCH, b. Aug 1887, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Generation No. 5
20. AMOS5 CHURCH (JOHN4, AMOS3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 30 Aug 181226, and died 1845. He married VIOLET
MINTON 30 Jan 1834, daughter of JAMES MINTON and POLLY LOVELACE. She died Unknown.
Notes for AMOS CHURCH:
There is a real question about the parentage of children born after William Amos.
More About AMOS CHURCH:
Civil 1: 1851, James Calloway was appointed administrator of the estate of Amos Church, deceased
Civil 2: 1851, Mr. Calloway was given an order to sell Amos' land
Civil 3: 1851, Mr. Mastin, clerk of the court, was appointed guardian of all of Amos' children: Louisa, Wilson,
Mary, Martha, Allen, Leander, and Amos
Notes for VIOLET MINTON:
In the 1850 census Vicie was obviously having a difficult time managing the family affairs. She must have moved
about considerably and depended upon family help to care for her brood. The census taker picked up and listed
some of the children with Vicie three different times at three different houses in 1850. Other of the children were
listed with their paternal grandparents.
More About VIOLET MINTON:
Civil 1: Aug 1851, Petitioned court for dower
17
Civil 2: Jul 1850, Court subpoenaed her to bring to court Wilson, Mary, John A. and Amos to be bound out
More About AMOS CHURCH and VIOLET MINTON:
Marriage: 30 Jan 1834
Children of AMOS CHURCH and VIOLET MINTON are:
i. LOUISA6 CHURCH, b. 04 Nov 183427; d. 11 Nov 1920, Stanton Township, Wilkes County, North
Carolina27; m. (1) WILLIAM F. LAWS; d. Unknown; m. (2) COLONEL PETER ELLER, 15 Nov 1863; d.
Bef. 19 Nov 1872.
Notes for LOUISA CHURCH:
She was shifted back and forth between relatives after her father's death until sometime in the late
1860's when she went to live and work in the home of Col. Peter Eller. The pressures of her early
disappointments must have taken their toll in her behavior for on 3 Aug 1862 her grandfather John
Church III signed a bond assuring that her newly born son Vance would not become a ward of the
county. The only Vance Church known of during that period grew up in the home of Gabriel Church,
(a cousin of Louisa's grandfather) and his 2nd wife, Fanny Adams. One could only speculate as to
the significance thereof. Perhaps Louisa's child did not survive. Col. Eller was the commanding
officer of the Wilkes County militia and served two terms in the North Carolina legislature,
representing Wilkes County during the Civil War. After the death of Col. Eller's wife, he chose
Louisa as his 2nd wife, and they were m on 15 Nov 1863.
The purchase of the Peter Eller farm by Anderson Mitchell Church and later litigations relative to it
were finally settled many years later by the North Carolina Supreme Court
Louisa told the 1920 census taker that she had 5 children, with 3 still living. Christopher was
probably dead before that.
More About LOUISA CHURCH:
Burial: Parsonville, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Civil 1: Apr 1850, bound to David Yates, husband of Amos' sister Elizabeth.
Civil 2: 19 Nov 1372, court appointed Elijah Dyer and David Huffman to lay off a widow's dower for
Louisa and her two minor heirs, Gaither Alex Eller and Robert Lee Eller
Civil 3: 1851, David Yates was released from the bond of Louisa and died soon after.
Property: 1882, Sold dower rights to Peter Eller farm $750 to a distant cousin, Anderson Mitchell
Church who served as sheriff of the county
More About COLONEL PETER ELLER:
Burial: New Hope Baptist Cemetery, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Military service: Commanding officer of the Wilkes County militia
More About PETER ELLER and LOUISA CHURCH:
Marriage: 15 Nov 1863
ii. JAMES WILSON CHURCH, b. May 1835; d. Bef. Jun 1907; m. MARY ELIZABETH GRIFFITH; b. Mar
1845; d. Unknown.
Notes for JAMES WILSON CHURCH:
Dr.F.H. Gilreath examined him at the time of his pension application (25 Jul 1904) and stated that
Wilson "Is at the ripe age of seventy-one and has a weak-senile heart but otherwise seems in fair
health. I consider a man of his age however healthy to be disabled to the extent of 3/4 for manual
labor."
On a beautiful winter day in Jan of 1981, Ira Pilkenton (87 at the time) and his son served as guide
on a trip up Rendevous Mountain to the home site and graves of WiIson and Mary Elizabeth. Ira
and his family had been neighbors to the Wilson Church family. The Pilkentons still live about 500
yards from the White Oak Baptist Church on the White Oak Church Road. Wilson's farm was about
2.5 miles beyond the church toward the top of the mountain. There is a government issued grave
marker for Wilson indicating his service in the CSA and three other field stone marked graves.
These memorials are about 30 feet to the left of the winding trail on a little ridge which must have
been near the top of their farm. The remains of the old log house can still be seen in the hollow
below the graves next to their long-desrted fields.
More About JAMES WILSON CHURCH:
Military service 1: Apr 1862, enlisted in Company F of the 52nd North Carolina Regular Troops
Military service 2: Jul 1862, Wounded at Gettysburg
Military service 3: 25 Jul 1904, Pension application.
18
More About MARY ELIZABETH GRIFFITH:
Civil: 24 Jun 1907, applied for a pension as the widow indicating Wilson's death during the spring
of 1907
iii. MARY CHURCH, b. 1838; d. Unknown; m. ALFRED MINTON, 14 Feb 1898; b. 1826; d. Unknown.
Notes for MARY CHURCH:
Married late in life. Two of her brothers, John Allen and William Amos served as witnesses
More About ALFRED MINTON and MARY CHURCH:
Marriage: 14 Feb 1898
iv. MARTHA JANE CHURCH, b. 10 Dec 1839; d. Unknown; m. THOMAS HARVEY FOSTER, 21 Sep
1858; b. 27 Jul 1807; d. Unknown.
More About MARTHA JANE CHURCH:
Civil 1: 1845, Martha, an orphan, was bound to John Church
Civil 2: Apr 1850, bound to her grandfather, John Church
Member: 07 Mar 1859, Charter member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, moving their church letters from
New Hope Baptist Church.
Notes for THOMAS HARVEY FOSTER:
The story of the marriage of Martha Jane and Thomas Harvey Foster was made for story books.
Many years before their wedding Thomas Harvey had agreed to remain with his parents, George
and Amey Gray Foster, and to take care of them until their deaths in return for which he would
receive the family farm. When his parents were very advanced in age, and he was over 40 himself,
he watched a young girl playing and remarked to friends that he was going to marry her after he
received his inheritance. On 21 Sep 1858 that marriage took place at his home. Thomas Harvey, b
27 Jul 1807, was 51, and Martha Jane, b 10 Dec 1939,, was almost 18.
More About THOMAS HARVEY FOSTER:
Name 2: Thomas Harvey Foster
Member: 07 Mar 1859, Charter member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, moving their church letters from
New Hope Baptist Church.
More About THOMAS FOSTER and MARTHA CHURCH:
Marriage: 21 Sep 1858
v. JOHN ALLEN CHURCH, b. 1841; d. Unknown; m. ZIBBA HUFFMAN, 02 Aug 1866; b. 14 Feb 1843; d.
23 Aug 1917.
More About JOHN ALLEN CHURCH:
Burial: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery, State Road, Surry County, North Carolina
Military service 1: 30 Jul 1860, County F of the 52nd N.C. State Troop
Military service 2: 01 Mar 1862, Wounded at Gettysburg
Military service 3: 03 Jul 1864, Wounded at Petersburg
More About ZIBBA HUFFMAN:
Burial: Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery, State Road, Surry County, North Carolina
More About JOHN CHURCH and ZIBBA HUFFMAN:
Marriage: 02 Aug 1866
vi. LEANDER CHURCH, b. 1845; d. Unknown.
Notes for LEANDER CHURCH:
The Wilkes County, North Carolina Directory - 1883 lists LL Church as a dry goods merchant.
More About LEANDER CHURCH:
Civil: Apr 1850, bound to his grandfather, John Church
vii. WILLIAM AMOS CHURCH, b. Mar 1845; d. Unknown; m. SUSANNAH HUFFMAN; d. Unknown.
viii. BETHANIA JANE CHURCH, b. 1849; d. Unknown; m. JAMES CALVIN BUMGARNER; d. Unknown.
More About BETHANIA JANE CHURCH:
Civil: 1849, Vicey Church declared John Hamby to be the father of Bethania
19
ix. DELPHA CHURCH, b. 1854; d. Unknown; m. THOMAS CRANE; d. Unknown.
Notes for DELPHA CHURCH:
Benjamin Milam was named by Dicey has Delpha's father in the court Feb term of 1854
x. EMALINE SARILA CHURCH, b. 1858; d. Unknown; m. CHARLES FRANKLIN HALL; d. Unknown.
Notes for EMALINE SARILA CHURCH:
The father of Emaline Sarida (Rilda) is not known at this time. Absent from the family in the 1860
and 1870 census, she and a six year old child were living in Job's Cabin Township in 1880. Copies
are extant of important letters linking Bethania and Rilda. One of them, dated 18 Apr 1896, was
written by Rilda to Bethania and signed "Your Sister". It was posted in Sutherland, N. C., a small
community in west Ashe County.
21. JOEL L.5 CHURCH (AMOS4, AMOS3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 1816 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married
RADA. She was born Abt. 1816 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.
Notes for JOEL L. CHURCH:
In 1860, he is living in the Jobs Cabin part of Wilkes County, North Carolina with his wife and children. He is a
farmer with real estate worth $82 and other property worth $200. Everyone in the family was born in North
Carolina. His wife cannot read and write.
More About JOEL L. CHURCH:
Census: 1860, Jobs Cabin Post Office, Upper Division, Wilkes County, North Carolina, Roll M653_918, Page
148
Children of JOEL CHURCH and RADA are:
i. ALFRED6 CHURCH, b. Abt. 1846, Wilkes County, North Carolina; m. MARY ?; b. Abt. 1847, Wilkes
County, North Carolina.
More About ALFRED CHURCH:
Census: 1870, Gap Creek, Pine Swamp, Ashe, North Carolina, Roll M593_1122, Page 552 Image
524
Notes for MARY ?:
In the 1870 census, she says she can read but cannot write.
ii. ESGR CHURCH, b. Abt. 1850, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
iii. THURMAN CHURCH, b. Abt. 1852, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
iv. MELISSA CHURCH, b. Abt. 1856, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
v. MILLIA CHURCH, b. Abt. 1859, Wilkes County, North Carolina.
22. SELAH ELVIRA5 CHURCH (WILLIAM B.4, ELIJAH X.3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 06 Jun 1846 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina, and died 07 Mar 1922 in Pine Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina. She married SQUIRE ALLEN
CHURCH 16 Jan 1868 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, son of JOEL CHURCH and RHODA PAYNE. He was born
05 Jun 1847 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 16 Oct 1909 in Pine Swamp, Ashe County, North
Carolina.
More About ALLEN CHURCH and SELAH CHURCH:
Marriage: 16 Jan 1868, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of SELAH CHURCH and ALLEN CHURCH are:
i. SALLIE A.6 CHURCH, b. 07 Sep 1874, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 22 Dec 1903, Wilkes
County, North Carolina; m. JOHN V HARTZOG; b. 24 Sep 1863, North Carolina; d. 21 Jun 1927,
Ashe County, North Carolina.
More About SALLIE A. CHURCH:
Burial: Hartzog Cemetery, Wilkes County, North Carolina
ii. COMMODORE AARON CHURCH, b. 28 Mar 1884, Pine Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina; d. 15
Apr 1908, Chatteroy, Spokane County, Washington; m. (1) LAURA BROOKS; m. (2) MARTHA
TIBBETTS, 1906, Spokane, Spokane County, Washington; b. 18 May 1882, Princeton, Mille Lacs
County, Minnesota; d. 12 Feb 1976, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California.
20
More About AARON CHURCH and MARTHA TIBBETTS:
Marriage: 1906, Spokane, Spokane County, Washington
23. ANDERSON MITCHELL5 CHURCH (ALEXANDER4, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 1830 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina, and died 30 Nov 1919 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He married MARY SUSANNAH ELLER 1854 in
Wilkes County, North Carolina. She was born 02 Nov 1836 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died
Unknown.
More About ANDERSON CHURCH and MARY ELLER:
Marriage: 1854, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children of ANDERSON CHURCH and MARY ELLER are:
i. WILLIAM6 CHURCH.
ii. ALICE VIRGINIA CHURCH.
iii. LOUISA CORNELIA CHURCH.
iv. ELLEN C CHURCH.
v. ELLEN SALENA CHURCH.
vi. MARY OCTAVIA CHURCH.
vii. ROBERT LEE CHURCH.
viii. THOMAS W. CHURCH.
ix. WILLIAM HARVEY CHURCH.
24. ALFRED5 CHURCH (RACHEL4, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1)28 was born Bef. 05 May 1829 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina, and died 23 Nov 1863 in Fairground Hospital #1, Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He married LOUISA
J. STUART. She was born Bet. 1831 - 1832 in Tennessee, and died Bet. 1867 - 1870 in Alabama.
Notes for ALFRED CHURCH:
Some researchers list the death as Cobb County, but Atlanta is in Fulton County.Alfred Church was the son of
Richard Wheeler and Sarah Chuch. When Andrew Lindsay Wheeler left North Caorlina, he took Alfred Church
with him to raise. When Alfred Church and his wife died young, Andrew Lindsay raised two of his children as
well. It appears that he married in Alabama, had one child, then returned to North Carolina and had two more
children. In 1860, he had returned to Alabama and was living in Census Division 1, Jackson County, Alabama.
He and his wife died shortly after that.
There is some evidence that Andrew Lindsay Wheeler is not the Lindsay who raised Alfred's children. One
census record shows a different Lindsay with those children. Further research is needed.
1860 census: Living in Rustic Bower, Jackson County, Alabama with his wife and children David, Rachel and
Matilda. About to join the Confederate Army. Next door neighbor is Alford Wheeler. He does not own his home
and he has personal property worth $210. He says that his oldest child was born in Alabama and the next two in
North Carolina. While it is not documented that he returned to North Carolina after moving with the Wheelers to
Alabama, it appears that he did.
There is a different Alfred Church who is listed in the National Park Service records at Andersonville. That is a
different person, from Wisconsin. That Alfred Church was also captured in Virginia and imprisoned and died at
Andersonville, all in 1864 after our Alfred died.
Text of Bastardy Bond.
State of North Carolina
Wilkes County
Know all men by these presents that we, Richard Wheeler Absalom Eller, all of the County and State aforesaid,
are held and firmly bound unto John (Brown?), Esquire, Justices of the Peace of the County aforesaid in the sum
of two hundred dollars money of the State aforesaid; to the which payment well and truly to be made, we bind
ourselves, our heirs & e jointly and severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seals and dated this 5th
day of May Anno Domini 1829.
THE CONDITION OF THE OBLIGATION IS SUCH. That whereas a certain Richard Wheeler si charged with
21
having a certain illegitimate child, begotten on the body of Rachel Church. Now if the said Richard Wheeler his
heirs, executors &e shall provide for the support and maintenance of the said child to the indemnification of the
parish of boy named Alfred Church and the county aforesaid; and perform such order as the Court shall from time
to time make in the premises, then this obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
Executed in open court
R. Martin, Clerk Richard Wheeler
Absalom Eller
This is a printed form of the state of North Carolina, with the county name and the name of the individuals written
in, so this was apparently not uncommon. Richard's brother Absolum, married Elizabeth Eller, so this was
probably a brother-in-law who stood in good stead with Richard.
More About ALFRED CHURCH:
Date born 2: 1828, North Carolina28
Cause of Death: Pneumonia while serving in the Confederate army
Census: 1860, Rustic Bower, Jackson County, Alabama near Alford Wheeler Roll M653_11, page 460
Military service: AL 18th Bn Vol, Company A
Moved: Jackson County, Alabama with the Wheelers
Residence 1: Bet. 1853 - 1854, Living in Alabama when first child is born
Residence 2: Aft. 1854, Returned to Wilkes County, North Carolina
Notes for LOUISA J. STUART:
First Alfred died during the Civil War, then Louisa followed, shortly after the birth of Mollie. Their children
moved in with 3 different familes:
Valentine and Kezia McCollum, who moved from Greene County, Tennessee to Alabama. Kezia's maiden name
was also Stuart, so she may have been Louisa's sister.
Lindsay Wheeler and his wife. There is strong evidence this is not Andrew Lindsay Wheeler.
William and Mary Ann Harris, Big Coon, Alabama
More About LOUISA J. STUART:
Burial: Wheeler family cemetery, Sand Mountain, DeKalb County, Alabama
Cause of Death: Flu or pneumonia
Children of ALFRED CHURCH and LOUISA STUART are:
i. DAVID R.6 CHURCH, b. Bet. 1853 - 1854, Alabama; d. 02 Apr 1883, Pocahontas, Randolph County,
Arkansas.
Notes for DAVID R. CHURCH:
There is no evidence that David married or had children.
Pocahontas, Ark. April 3rd, 1883
Mr. J.C. Stoner
Dear Sir:
I though a stranger have melancholy news to impart to you. David R. Church brother of your wife
died yesterday morning some 11 miles from town. He had gone out in the country to attend a law
suit while there took a severe chill was taken in by one of our worthy citizens. He had all of the
medical and other attention that was necessary for one to have and was nursed and cared for as
well perhaps as if he had been under the supervision of you and his sister. His remains will be
brought to the masonic grave yard of this town this evening for interment. And will further say that
during of Mr. Churches short stay in our county and state that he accumulated a host of varied
friends both old and young all of whom are mourning his death. No young man will ever be missed
more than he will be in our country. He also held out to his religion and died a pious good christian.
Therefore we hope ours and your lost has eternal gain. He leaves plenty of means to pay all
expenses. I have his chattles and moneys in my care as we was officing and rooming together and
have been for some months.
22
Jas. A. Wheeler (his uncle) requested me to see to it as he is not able to attend to it as he is also
sick. I desire to hear from you soon. Be assured that while he has friends in Ala. to mourn his lost
that also there are lasting and good who will mourn the same here in Arkansas. I must close at
once.
Your friend
A.J. Witt
More About DAVID R. CHURCH:
Occupation: 1880, Practicing law in Scottsboro, Alabama.
Residence 1: Aft. 1867, Home of William and Mary Ann Harris in Big Coon, Alabama, after the
death of his mother.
Residence 2: 1881, Moved to Pocahontas, Arkansas
ii. RACHAEL CHURCH, b. Bet. 1856 - 1857, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. Bef. 1870, Madison
County, Alabama.
Notes for RACHAEL CHURCH:
Rachel does not appear in the 1870 census with the other children.
More About RACHAEL CHURCH:
Census: 1860, Jackson County, Alabama, age 3
iii. MATILDA CAROLINA CHURCH, b. 1858, Wilkes County, North Carolina; d. 1942, Jackson, Hinds
County, Mississippi; m. JOE COLLIER; b. 1840, Alabama; d. Mar 1925, Huntsville, Madison County,
Alabama.
More About MATILDA CAROLINA CHURCH:
Residence: Aft. 1867, With Valentine and Kezia McCollum near Pisgah Alabama after the death of
her mother.
iv. AMANDA JANE CHURCH, b. 1862, Jackson County, Alabama; d. 26 Aug 1948, Huntsville, Madison
County, Alabama; m. JOHN CALVIN STONER, 11 Jul 1878, home of Valentine McCollum, Jackson
County, Alabama; b. 16 Apr 1850, Henagar, DeKalb County, Alabama; d. 05 Nov 1920, Huntsville,
Madison County, Alabama.
More About AMANDA JANE CHURCH:
Burial: Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama
Census: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama with
Andrew Lindsay and Elizabeth Wheeler
Residence: Aft. 1867, With Lindsay and Elizabeth Wheeler in Pisgah, Alabama, after the death of
her mother
More About JOHN CALVIN STONER:
Burial: Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama
More About JOHN STONER and AMANDA CHURCH:
Marriage: 11 Jul 1878, home of Valentine McCollum, Jackson County, Alabama
v. MOLLIE CHURCH, b. 28 Jul 1867, Jackson County, Alabama; d. 30 Aug 1949, Jackson County,
Alabama; m. (1) JOHN F. WIGINTON; b. 28 Nov 1864; d. 08 May 1895; m. (2) JOHN R. LACKEY.
Notes for MOLLIE CHURCH:
Mollie was born 4 years after Alfred Church died, so we can safely assume she is not the child of
Alfred Church. It is likely she was born just before her mother died of flu or pneumonia, which is
believed to have occurred by 1867.
After the Civil War, in the South, men were scarce. Women on their own had few rights. It is likely
that Louisa did what she had to do to support her children, which may have involved liaisons with a
man or men.
More About MOLLIE CHURCH:
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
Census: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama with
Andrew Lindsay and Elizabeth Wheeler
More About JOHN F. WIGINTON:
Burial: Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
23
Notes for JOHN R. LACKEY:
On her tombstone at Plesant Hill Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama, her name is Mollie Church
Wiginton Lackey.
25. SARAH ADELINE5 WHEELER (CATHERINE4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 30 Jul 1830 in Wilkes
County, North Carolina29, and died 27 Nov 1912 in Red River, Texas30. She married ROBERT ANDREW GARREN
11 Oct 1850 in Gilmer County, Georgia31, son of JOSEPH GARREN and BERTHA RUSSELL. He was born 23 Sep
1827 in Buncombe County, North Carolina32, and died 12 Mar 1882 in Red River, Texas32.
Notes for SARAH ADELINE WHEELER:
This oculd be Robert A Garren Sarah A Wheeler 11 Oct 1850 from Gilmer County, Georgia. Some researchers
seem to think her middle name is Adeline and some think Ann.
More About SARAH ADELINE WHEELER:
Name 2: Sarah Adeline Wheeler32
Date born 2: 30 Jul 1830, NC32
Notes for ROBERT ANDREW GARREN:
In 1860, he is living in DeKalb County, Alabama, with his wife, who is called Adeline and his daughter Mary,
daughter Ellen and son Joseph.
More About ROBERT ANDREW GARREN:
Name 2: Robert Andrew Garren32
Census: 1860, Dekalb County, Alabama with wife and one child
Moved: Bet. 1853 - 1855, Moved from Gilmer County, Georgia, to Dekalb County, Alabama
More About ROBERT GARREN and SARAH WHEELER:
Marriage: 11 Oct 1850, Gilmer County, Georgia33
Children of SARAH WHEELER and ROBERT GARREN are:
i. MARY6 GARREN, b. 1853, Georgia.
ii. ELLEN GARREN, b. 1855, Alabama.
iii. JOSEPH R. GARREN, b. 17 Mar 1858, Alabama; d. 01 Aug 1891, Texas; m. CARMELITA NUGENT,
12 Dec 1886.
More About JOSEPH GARREN and CARMELITA NUGENT:
Marriage: 12 Dec 1886
iv. WILLIAM THEODORE GARREN, b. 19 Mar 1872, Texas; d. 28 Jan 1953, Texas; m. EMMA LEE.
26. JAMES A.5 WHEELER (CATHERINE4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born Abt. 1836 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina34, and died Aft. 1883. He married CLARINDA HAYES 15 Nov 1855 in Jackson County, Alabama page
261, daughter of CHARLES HAYES and ANN ?. She was born Abt. 1837 in Alabama.
Notes for JAMES A. WHEELER:
A letter to David Church's sisters notes James' presence in Arkansas and his ill health at the time. David had died
and James was unable to take care of his estate.
In the Hite Cemetery in Randolph County, Arkansas are these two stones:
Wheeler, Mr
father of Oscar
died June 1922
(Pocahontas Star Herald)
Wheeler, Juanita
26 Aug 1915 - 22 Dec 1919
Maynard Cemetery
24
Wheeler, Allen Thurman Jr
son of Allen T Sr & Rosa (Coley)
hus of Juanita Toye
12 Nov 1930 - 15 Nov 1999
Spikes Cemetery
Wheeler, Connie (Amick)
dau of Hughey E & Ruby (Damouth)
5 Jul 1948 - 7 Nov 2000
(funeral home marker)
Shiloh Cemetery
Wheeler, Mary Lois (Ford)
dau of Jesse F & Etta (Giles)
wife of Talmage J
8 Aug 1906 - 11 Jan 1999
Wheeler, Talmage J
son of Elmer E & Louisa (Mitchell)
9 Mar 1903 - 7 Apr 1975
Sharum Cemetery
Wheeler, Bell
1882 – 25 Jan 1958
Overby Cemetery Wheeler, Charles Hillard
son of Frank B & Lillian (Hillard)
5 Sep 1902 – 8 Apr 1978
Wheeler, George C
1906 –
More About JAMES A. WHEELER:
Name 2: James Wheeler35
Date born 2: 1835, North Carolina35
Census 1: 1860, Roller Ridge, Benton, Arkansas35
Census 2: 1880, Year: 1880; Census Place: Demun, Randolph, Arkansas; Roll: T9_55; Family History Film:
1254055; Page: 118A; Enumeration District: 258; Image: 0729.
Moved: Bet. 1858 - 1860, Moved from Alabama to Arkansas after the birth of Paulina and before the 1860
census.
Residence: 1883, Pocahontas, Arkansas. He lived there at the same time or shortly after David Church.
Notes for CLARINDA HAYES:
In 1860, they are living in the home of Charlie Hayes, who is in his sixties.
More About JAMES WHEELER and CLARINDA HAYES:
Marriage: 15 Nov 1855, Jackson County, Alabama page 261
Child of JAMES WHEELER and CLARINDA HAYES is:
i. PAULINA6 WHEELER, b. 1858, Alabama.
27. ANDREW LINDSEY5 WHEELER (CATHERINE4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1)36 was born 26 Jan 1838 in Wilkes
County, North Carolina36, and died 01 Nov 1932 in Jefferson County, Alabama36. He married MARY ELIZABETH
JONES36 10 Jan 1866 in Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama36, daughter of WILLIS JONES and OLLIE
25
ARMBRUSTER. She was born 22 Nov 1844 in Coon Creek, Jackson County, Alabama36, and died 04 Jul 1936 in
Jefferson County, Alabama36.
Notes for ANDREW LINDSEY WHEELER:
In the 1870 census, Alexander Lindsay lives in Jackson County, Alabama with his wife, Alice and Ella and two
Church daughters. He and his wife can read and write. He is a farmer. Alex Wheeler (b. 1817) lives nearby with
his family. Hawks Springs District 11, Jackson, Alabama Roll M593_20, Page 60, Image 120
In the 1880 census, Andrew Lindsay's family lives next to his brother Bethel's family.
In the 1900 census, Andew Lindsay and his family live between 2 families of Shoemakers, Henry and Martin.
In the 1910 census, Andrew Lindsay Wheeler lives in the same area as Richard and Jennie, Frank and Retha, and
Joseph and Bessie.
In the 1930 census, Andrew Lindsey and his wife live next door to Walter Nicholson and 3 houses away on the
other side from Hugh Nicholson. Between the Wheelers and Hugh Nicholson are the Chapmans and the
Glasgows. He owns his home, which is worth $10,000. Alice Clendenon, who is a widow, lives with her
parents.
Linda Smith Williams has a picture of her sitting on Andrew Lindsay Wheeler's lap when she was about 3 years
old, so she questions this date of death. She remembers running her fingers through his long beard. She is sure it
was a Wheeler, but is not positive it was Andrew Lindsay.
Name: ANDREW L WHEELER
Land Office: HUNTSVILLE
Document Number: 1832
Total Acres: 171
Misc. Doc. Nr.: 5724
Signature: Yes
Canceled Document: No
Issue Date: September 15, 1883
Mineral Rights Reserved: No
Metes and Bounds: No
Statutory Reference: 12 Stat. 392
Multiple Warantee Names: No
Act or Treaty: May 20, 1862
Multiple Patentee Names: No
Entry Classification: Homestead Entry Original
Land Description: 1 W½SW HUNTSVILLE No 3S 8E 34
2 W½NW HUNTSVILLE No 3S 8E 34
Source Information:
United States. Bureau of Land Management. Alamaba Land Records. [database on-line] Provo, UT:
Ancestry.com, 1997-. Original electronic data from: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Alamaba Pre-
1908 Homestead & Cash Entry Patent and Cadastral Survey Plat Index. General Land Office Automated Records
Project, 1996.
More About ANDREW LINDSEY WHEELER:
Census 1: 10 Jun 1880, In Jackson County, Alabama, next to Bethel A. Wheeler Year: 1880; Census Place: ,
Jackson, Alabama; Roll: T9_16; Family History Film: 1254016; Page: 233B; Enumeration District: 121;
Image:12
Census 2: 1850, Gilmer County, Georgia with his parents and family
Census 3: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama
Census 4: 1900, Jefferson County, Alabama, between two Shoemaker families
Census 5: 1910, Jefferson County, Alabama, next to Richard J and other Wheelers
Census 6: 1930, Apex Frog Pond, Jefferson County, Alabama
Civil: 01 Nov 1932, Jefferson County, Alabama death record Volume 46, roll 3, page 22769
26
Military service: Captain, Company I, 55th Alabama Infantry, CSA
Property: 15 Sep 1883, Homestead: 1 W½SW HUNTSVILLE No 3S 8E 34 2 W½NW HUNTSVILLE No 3S
8E 34
Residence: 1920, Apex Frog Pond, Jefferson, Alabama37
Notes for MARY ELIZABETH JONES:
Linda Smith Williams remembers being 3 years old and standing and looking in her coffin. She thinks that she
would have died in 1935.
In about 1900, Mary Elizabeth started saying she was about 10 years younger than she had claimed earlier.
In the 1880 census, she says her father was born in Virginia and her mother in Alabama.
More About MARY ELIZABETH JONES:
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama (tombstone says Elizabeth Wheeler)
More About ANDREW WHEELER and MARY JONES:
Marriage: 10 Jan 1866, Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama38
Children of ANDREW WHEELER and MARY JONES are:
i. LAURA ALICE6 WHEELER, b. 23 Aug 1867, Jackson County, Alabama; d. 24 Aug 1957; m. JAMES
HENRY CLENDENON; b. 11 Jun 1857; d. 08 Mar 1920.
More About LAURA ALICE WHEELER:
Date born 2: 23 Aug 1867, Jackson County, Alabama
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
Census 1: 1880, Listed as Allis
Census 2: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama
Residence: 1900, She lived with Andrew Lindsay Wheeler and his wife Mary.
More About JAMES HENRY CLENDENON:
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
ii. KATHERINE E. WHEELER, b. 26 Feb 1874, Jackson County, Alabama39; d. Unknown; m. BASCOMB
BENJAMIN GLASGOW; b. 1861, Georgia; d. Unknown.
More About KATHERINE E. WHEELER:
Census: 1880, Listed as Katie
Notes for BASCOMB BENJAMIN GLASGOW:
The 1930 census lists his name as Andrew.
Name: Benjamin B Glasgow
Death Date: 09 Sep 1941
Death County: Limestone
Volume: 42
Certificate: 20554
Roll: 4
In the 1910 census, he says that he and both of his parents are from Georgia.
More About BASCOMB BENJAMIN GLASGOW:
Name 2: Known As Bascomb
Census 1: 1910, Lives near all the Wheelers in Jefferson County, Alabama
Census 2: 1900, Lives near andrew Lindsay Wheeler in Jefferson County, Alabama
iii. JULIA IDA WHEELER, b. 24 Jun 1878, Jackson County, Alabama; d. 03 Aug 1959, West End
Hospital, Birmingham, Jefferson, Alabama40; m. BENJAMIN ALEXANDER CALDWELL41, 1900,
Jefferson County, Alabama; b. 26 Jan 1878, Jefferson County, Alabama; d. 25 Jan 1953, Jefferson
County, Alabama.
Notes for JULIA IDA WHEELER:
She said that when they were in Oklahoma, the wind blew so strong that it blew the plants away as
fast as they could plant crops. She said people went crazy from the wind and its damage.
Her grand-daughter says: She did what all the pioneer women did. She sewed, kept house, kept a
garden, and cooked. Her grand-daughter says that she had such an imagination about cooking.
27
She knew how to take whatever was in the house and make a meal. If it was almost grocery day
and stores were low, she could still figure out a good meal. When everyone was starving and she
needed a quick meal, she would fry fatback, then cook sauerkraut in that same pan. She'd cook a
pan of cornbread while it was cooking, then put that out for lunch with buttermilk and home-made
jelly. (Her grand-daughter Julia Minerva was good at that too.) She sang "Bringing In The
Sheaves" while she mopped the kitchen floor.
Her great-granddaughter says: I remember her Folgers Coffee can. It sat next to her chair. I
guess she dipped snuff and spat into the can. As a child this fascinated me! I remember her as a
kind woman who appeared in my life every once in a while and then disappeared. I am gateful to
my mother for taking the time to write about her so we would all know something about her.
More About JULIA IDA WHEELER:
Burial: 1959, Pleaant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
Notes for BENJAMIN ALEXANDER CALDWELL:
Jenny Payne says he was buried on his 75th birthday.
He married Julia Ida Wheeler before the Caldwells moved to Oklahoma. Ben and Julie rented a
house near the family, who were living in the "McNair Place," a big two-story house (with pecan
groves) owned by an Indian family named McNair. (Jenny Payne, as related to Weldon ).
In the 1900 census, Benjamin and Juie live alone (without kids), between the Goolsbys and the
Spencers. A short distance away there are Rufus Nicholson, his wife, Rufus Linus Nicholson, and
Walter Hugh Nicholson and his family. This is not the house where they lived when their
grandchildren were growing up. This house was on Pleasant Grove Road, about 3 miles away
toward Edgewater. Eventually, after they moved from the house, Ben's brother Jim and his wife
Carrie moved there. The Paynes moved into the house across the road when they came back from
Texas and Oklahoma.
In the 1910 census, the following families live all in a row:
Andrew and Mary Angeline Wheeler
Richard J. and Jennie Wheeler
Kate Wheeler Glasgow and Bascom Glasgow
Frank C. and Retha Anthony Wheeler
Joseph A. and Bessie Wheeler
He should have been back in Alabama for the 1920 census, but I can't find a record of it. He had a
child born in Alabama in 1915, so he should have been in Alabama rather than Oklahoma in 1920.
The 1930 census has Ben and Julia with son Jim and daughter Alice in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Richard Jones Wheeler is listed just before Ben and Julia. Joseph Andrew Wheeler lives nearby
on that same side. Walter Goolsby lives on the other side, then James Goolsby, then John and
Nora Anthony. Ben owns his home, which is worth $6,000. He is a carpenter for a coal and iron
company. He is not a veteran. These census pages do not list the name of the road or the house
numbers.
Death certificate: Jefferson County, Alabama, Jan 25, 1953, Volume 3, Certificate 1117, Roll 5.
More About BENJAMIN ALEXANDER CALDWELL:
Burial: 1953, Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
Census 1: 1930, Year: 1930; Census Place: Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama; Roll: 22; Page: 10A;
Enumeration District: 129; Image: 381.0. next to Richard Jones Wheeler and near Joseph A.
Wheeler
Census 2: 1880, Year: 1880; Census Place: , Jefferson, Alabama; Roll: T9_17; Family History
Film: 1254017; Page: 461A; Enumeration District: 72; Image: With his parents in Jefferson County,
Albaama
Census 3: 1900, Year: 1900; Census Place: Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama; Roll: T623 20; Page:
17A; Enumeration District: 90
Census 4: 1910, Jefferson County, Alabama
Occupation: Carpenter, doing construction work for Tennessee Coal and Iron on their company
houses. He could fix a toof, paint, fix a wall or whatever needed doing. He worked in Edgewater
just before he retired.
More About BENJAMIN CALDWELL and JULIA WHEELER:
Marriage: 1900, Jefferson County, Alabama
28
iv. RICHARD JONES WHEELER, b. 1881, Jackson County, Alabama42; d. 24 Feb 1958, Jefferson
County, Alabama43; m. JENNY SHANKS, Abt. 1903; b. Abt. 1870, Alabama44.
Notes for RICHARD JONES WHEELER:
In the 1930 census, Richard Jones Wheeler and his family lived next door to Benjamin and Julia
Caldwell. A few houses down the street lived Fred Vann, Homer's dad, with his wife Mary In the
other direction a few houses away is Joseph Andrew Wheeler. He owns a house worth $3,000.
Five children and a grandson are living at home. He is a salesman in a retail grocery store. His
son is a farmer. He is not a veteran. Living in his household is his grandson, Herschell Warrick?
aged 7.
More About RICHARD JONES WHEELER:
Name 2: Richard Wheeler45
Name 3: Richard J Wheeler46
Name 4: Richard J Wheeler46
Date born 2: 1881, Alabama46
Date born 3: 1881, Alabama47
Date born 4: 1881, Alabama48
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
Census 1: 1910, All the Wheelers live right in a row
Census 2: 1930, Year: 1930; Census Place: Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama; Roll: 22; Page: 10A;
Enumeration District: 129; Image: 381.0. next to Benjamin Caldwell and near Joseph A. Wheeler
Residence 1: 1910, 7-PCT, JEFFERSON, Alabama48,48
Residence 2: 1900, Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama49
More About RICHARD WHEELER and JENNY SHANKS:
Marriage: Abt. 1903
v. JOSEPH ANDREW WHEELER, b. 09 Oct 1884, Jackson County, Alabama; d. 12 May 1946, Pleasant
Grove, Alabama; m. ELIZABETH ?; b. 1882, Georgia.
Notes for JOSEPH ANDREW WHEELER:
Inthe 1910 census, Joseph, Andrew, Frank (Cot) and Richard all ive very close together. The
difference in their ages does not agree with the 1930 census. In this census they say they are 25
and 26.
In the 1930 census, he stated that he got married when he was 18 and his wife was 24. His wife,
Elizabeth, says she was born in Georgia and her parents were born in Georgia. He lives near
Benjamin Caldwell and other family members.
There is a death certificate for him in 1946, which confirms the cemetery record.
Linda Williams tells the following story. On a Sunday afternoon (she thinks about 2:00), one of his
sons walked down to our house to ask my mother to come stay awhile with Aunt Bessie. He said
that his Daddy choked on a chicken bone and died. Uncle Joe had been having some problems
swallowing previously and had ill health for years.
More About JOSEPH ANDREW WHEELER:
Name 2: Joe49
Date born 2: 1884, Alabama49
Date born 3: 1885, Alabama50
Date born 4: 1885, Alabama51
Cause of Death: Choked on a chicken bone
Residence 1: 1930, Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama52
Residence 2: 1900, Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama53
Residence 3: 1910, 7-PCT, JEFFERSON, Alabama54
Notes for ELIZABETH ?:
Mama said she was always friendly and nice. When mama went to visit there, she put more coal
on the fire because she kept her house cold. She always gave mama something to play with while
the women visited.
More About ELIZABETH ?:
Name 2: Bessie
29
vi. INFANT WHEELER, b. 1885.
vii. FRANK COTNAM WHEELER55, b. 21 Apr 1886, Jackson County, Alabama55; d. 23 Aug 1956,
Atallah, Etowah, Alabama55; m. (1) EURETHA ANTHONY55; b. 31 Aug 188855; d. 03 Sep 1981,
Jefferson County, Alabama55; m. (2) RETHA ANTHONY, Abt. 190656; b. 31 Aug 1888; d. 03 Sep
1981, Jefferson County, Alabama.
Notes for FRANK COTNAM WHEELER:
They named their children alphabetically as they were born, A through E.
More About FRANK COTNAM WHEELER:
Name 2: Franklyn Cotnam Wheeler Called Cot
Census: 1910, Lives in a row with all the Wheelers
More About EURETHA ANTHONY:
Name 2: Called Retha57
More About RETHA ANTHONY:
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
More About FRANK WHEELER and RETHA ANTHONY:
Marriage: Abt. 190658
viii. SAMMIE GERTRUDE WHEELER, b. 22 Jun 1887, Jackson County, Alabama; m. JAMES PRESTON
HARRIS.
Notes for SAMMIE GERTRUDE WHEELER:
Linda Williams tells the following story. Aunt Sam was standing in line in the bank in Fairfield. The
woman ahead of her had 2 little girls with her. Aunt Sam commented about how cute they were.
The mother said, "Would you like to have them?" Of course, Aunt Sam said yes. It was my
understanding from Julia Caldwell that she legally adopted them. At any rate, she raised them from
2 or 3 years old until they graduated from high school. I am not sure where they went after that.
But they were both living at Aunt Sam's when Granny Wheeler (Mary Elizabeth Jones) died,
because I remember them there on the way of her "wake." My brother Jack remembers going to
high school at Hueytown with Stella but does not remember her after that time. Stella was the
younger of the two. They were about 2-4 years of age when Aunt Sam got them, which would have
been about 1930.
ix. MARY ELLA WHEELER, b. 05 Nov 1869, Jackson County, Alabama59; d. 12 Jul 1960; m. WALTER
HUGH NICHOLSON60,61, Abt. 188862; b. Dec 1861, Alabama63,64,65; d. Unknown.
Notes for MARY ELLA WHEELER:
.In the 1910 census, she is listed as "Ella." She says that she bore 3 children, of whom all three
are alive. In the 1900 census she claimed to have 2 children, both living. This is consistent with
everything we know about her children.
Her legal name was apparently Mary Ellen, but she was always called Ella.
More About MARY ELLA WHEELER:
Name 2: Called Ella
Name 3: Mary Ellen Wheeler
Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jefferson County, Alabama
Census 1: 1880, Listed as Ella
Census 2: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama
Notes for WALTER HUGH NICHOLSON:
In the 1900 census, he lists his occupation as carpenter. He lives right next door to Solomon
Smith. Ernest Smith is a boarder in the next house. His parents, Rufus and Caroline, are the next
listed in the census. He and his wife can both read and write.
There is a death certificate in Jefferson County, Alabama
Name: Walter H Nicholson Death Date: Oct 1933
Death County: Jefferson Volume: 41 Certificate: 20113 Roll: 3
More About WALTER HUGH NICHOLSON:
30
Name 2: Walter Nicholson65
Burial: Collinsville Cemetery, Collinsville, Alabama
Census 1: 1910, Series T624; Roll 17; Part 1, page 184A. 7th Precinct, Jefferson County, Alabama
Lives next to Andrew Lindsay Wheeler, Richard J. Wheeler, Bascomb Glasgow, Frank Wheeler
Census 2: 1900, Year: 1900; Census Place: Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama; Roll: T623 20; Page:
17A; Enumeration District: 90.
Residence 1: 1880, Year: 1880; Census Place: , De Kalb, Alabama; Roll: T9_12; Family History
Film: 1254012; Page: 641C; Enumeration District: 58; Image:66
Residence 2: 1900, Precinct 7, Jefferson, Alabama67
More About WALTER NICHOLSON and MARY WHEELER:
Marriage: Abt. 188868
28. WILLIAM H.5 WHEELER (CATHERINE4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born Aug 1840 in Wilkes County,
North Carolina69, and died Aft. 1920 in Probably Fayette County, Texas. He married EMMA TOLLE 1873. She
was born Jun 1854 in Texas.
Notes for WILLIAM H. WHEELER:
In 1860, this same William is living as an apparent boarder in the home of Minerva Lassiter.
In 1870, he is not in the census for Fayette County, Texas. Hoewver, he married, apparently in Texas in 1873, so
this must be about the time he came here.
In 1900, William and his wife and children are living in Texas. His wife was born in Texas, so he apparently
moved there before he was married. He and his wife have had 6 children, all of whom are living. Four are still at
home. They have been married 27 years. Everyone in the household can read and write. They own their home,
free of mortgage.
The 1910 census picture will not open
More About WILLIAM H. WHEELER:
Census 1: 1920, Flatonia, Fayette County, Texas, Roll T625_1803 page 4A, ED 66 Image 0979
Census 2: 1900, Year: 1900; Census Place: Flatonia, Justice Precinct, Fayette, Texas; Roll: T623 1635; Page: 5B;
Enumeration District: 44.
Census 3: 1910, Flatonia, Fayette County, Texas, Series T624, Roll 1552, part 1, Page 190A
Occupation: 1900, Livery stable keeper
Notes for EMMA TOLLE:
In the 1900 census, she says that both of her parents were born in Germany. That would make it likely that her
brother is August Tolle who is sharing their household.
She is not listed in the 1860 census surname index for Fayette County.
More About WILLIAM WHEELER and EMMA TOLLE:
Marriage: 1873
Children of WILLIAM WHEELER and EMMA TOLLE are:
i. KATIE6 WHEELER, b. Mar 1880, Texas.
ii. WILLIE WHEELER, b. May 1883, Texas.
iii. LESLIE WHEELER, b. Sep 1889, Texas.
iv. MARGARET WHEELER, b. May 1892, Texas.
29. JOHN VESTAL5 WHEELER (CATHERINE4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born Mar 1845 in Wilkes County,
North Carolina70,71, and died 04 May 1924 in Pisgah, Jackson County, Alabama. He married (1) CALEDONIA F.
DERRICK 07 Jan 1869 in Jackson County, Alabama page 697 line 1169, daughter of J. DERRICK and NETTIE ?.
She was born Abt. 1849 in Alabama, and died Bet. 1872 - 1878 in Jackson County, Alabama. He married (2)
NANCY ELIZABETH DODD 31 Aug 1876 in Jackson County, Alabama Book C page 46. She was born Jul 1850 in
Georgia.
Notes for JOHN VESTAL WHEELER:
31
In the 1860 census, he appears to be living in the home of Benajmin W. Jones in Jackson County, Alabama. This
would be after the death of his father and before he reached maturity. On the same census page, Amanda Wheeler
is living with another family.
In the 1880 census, John Vestal Wheeler is living in Jackson County, Albama with his wife Nancy and children.
His next door neighbors are Derricks (his first wife was a Derrick and this is probably one of her brothers). Year:
1880; Census Place: , Jackson, Alabama; Roll: T9_16; Family History Film: 1254016; Page: 230A; Enumeration
District: 121; Image: .
In the 1900 census, John Vestal Wheeler is living in Jackson County, Alabama, with his wife and 12 kids.
He apparently had 3 children with his first wife and 12 more with his second wife. However, various researrchers
attribute additional children to this family. I've added all of them, but I don't have confidence in the list.
More About JOHN VESTAL WHEELER:
Name 2: John V Wheeler72
Name 3: John V Wheeler73
Date born 2: 1845, North Carolina73
Date born 3: 1846, North Carolina74
Burial: Pisgah Cemetary, Pisgah, Jackson County, AL
Census 1: 1880, Jackson County, Alabama
Census 2: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama near his brother
Andrew Lindsay, living with a family named Derrick and his wife Calley and son William
Military service: In same unit as Andrew Lindsay Wheeler: 55th Alabama, but Company C
Residence 1: 1850, Subdivision 33, Gilmer, Georgia74
Residence 2: 1900, Pisgah, Jackson, Alabama75
More About CALEDONIA F. DERRICK:
Census: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama with her husband
John, son William, in the home of Isaac Derrick, age 68.
More About JOHN WHEELER and CALEDONIA DERRICK:
Marriage: 07 Jan 1869, Jackson County, Alabama page 697 line 1169
Notes for NANCY ELIZABETH DODD:
Both of her parents were born in South Carolina.
More About JOHN WHEELER and NANCY DODD:
Marriage: 31 Aug 1876, Jackson County, Alabama Book C page 46
Children of JOHN WHEELER and CALEDONIA DERRICK are:
i. LUTHER P.6 WHEELER, b. Alabama.
ii. WILLIAM B. WHEELER, b. 06 Oct 1869, Alabama; d. 24 Feb 1940, Jackson County, Alabama.
More About WILLIAM B. WHEELER:
Burial: Pisgah Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
iii. JAMES T. WHEELER, b. 1872, Alabama.
Children of JOHN WHEELER and NANCY DODD are:
iv. CHARLIE6 WHEELER.
v. WILLIAM BROWN WHEELER, b. 1869, Alabama.
More About WILLIAM BROWN WHEELER:
Census: 1870, Bellafonte Post Office, Hawk Springs District 11, Jackson County, Alabama with his
parents John and Callie, 1 year old.
vi. LEWIS ARTHUR WHEELER, b. Abt. 1875.
vii. SARAH C. WHEELER, b. 1878, Alabama.
viii. VOLNEY BROWN WHEELER, b. Mar 1879, Alabama.
ix. JESSIE H. WHEELER, b. 13 Sep 1882, Alabama; d. 10 Jul 1981.
32
More About JESSIE H. WHEELER:
Burial: Cedar Hill Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
x. JOHN D. WHEELER, b. Apr 1884, Alabama.
xi. HARLEY? A. WHEELER, b. Dec 1885, Alabama.
xii. OLIVE M. WHEELER, b. Apr 1887, Alabama.
xiii. EMMET BEASON WHEELER, b. Apr 1889, Alabama.
xiv. FLORIA WHEELER, b. Mar 1891, Alabama.
xv. MINNIE T. WHEELER, b. Nov 1892, Alabama.
xvi. TILLIE P. WHEELER, b. Dec 1894, Alabama.
xvii. RICHARD LINDSAY WHEELER, b. Sep 1897, Alabama.
30. BETHEL ALEXANDER5 WHEELER (CATHERINE4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born Jan 1850 in Gilmer,
Georgia76, and died Aft. 1920 in Alabama. He married (1) MARIAH F. ?. She was born Abt. 1850 in Alabama77,
and died Bef. 1870. He married (2) JANE ?. She was born Abt. 1848 in Alabama, and died Aft. 1870. He
married (3) MOLLIE V. ? Bef. 1900. She was born 1860 in Alabama, and died Aft. 1920.
Notes for BETHEL ALEXANDER WHEELER:
The 1850 census, taken in early September, lists his age as 8/12. That would mean he was born in January, not
March as stated elsewhere.In the 1880 census, Bethel's family lived next to Andrew Lindsary's family. The
census notes that both of his parents were born in North Carolina. He is also listed as Alexander B. sometimes.
In the 1860 census, he is living in the home of John Nunally. His brother John and his sister Amanda are also
living in the homes of people other than family. This would be after the death of their ffather and before they
reached maturity.
In the 1920 census, there are infants named Maggie and Cornelia. This is certainly a different Cornelia than we
saw earlier. However, the census sheet says she is a daughter, not a grand-daughter and she states her parents are
from Georgia and Alabama, which would be consistent with a child of Bethel and Mollie. He is 70 years old but
claims to work in the cotton mill.
More About BETHEL ALEXANDER WHEELER:
Name 2: Bethel A. WHEELER78
Name 3: Bethel Alexander Wheeler79
Date born 2: Abt. 1851, Georgia80
Date born 3: 1851, Georgia81
Census 1: 1880, Jackson County, Alabama next to Andrew Lindsey Wheeler
Census 2: 1860, Appears to live with John Nunnally in Jackson County, Alabama near Alfred Church and Alfred
Wheeler, living with Mariah J.
Census 3: 1870, Scottsboro, Jackson County, Alabama, living with Jane
Census 4: 1900, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama
Census 5: 1910, West Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama as Bethel A. Wheeler
Census 6: 1920, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama, with Mollie and chidlren
Residence: 1880, Jackson, Alabama81
Notes for MARIAH F. ?:
Both of Mariah's parents were born in North Carolina, according to the census records
More About MOLLIE V. ?:
Census 1: 1900, Wife of Bethel Alexander
Census 2: 1900, Wife of Bethel Alexander
Census 3: 1920, In Huntsville with B.A. and children
More About BETHEL WHEELER and MOLLIE ?:
Marriage: Bef. 1900
Children of BETHEL WHEELER and MARIAH ? are:
i. ADA6 WHEELER, b. Abt. 1871, Alabama82.
ii. HATTIE A. WHEELER, b. Abt. 1873, Alabama83.
33
iii. JOHN T. WHEELER, b. Abt. 1875, Alabama84.
iv. JULIUS L. WHEELER, b. Abt. 1878, Alabama85.
More About JULIUS L. WHEELER:
Census: 1880, Year: 1880; Census Place: , Jackson, Alabama; Roll: T9_16; Family History Film:
1254016; Page: 233B; Enumeration District: 121; Image, age 2
Children of BETHEL WHEELER and MOLLIE ? are:
v. CATHERINE6 WHEELER, b. 1901, Alabama.
vi. LUCY WHEELER, b. 1902, Alabama.
vii. CORNELIA WHEELER, b. 1906, Alabama.
viii. MARGARET WHEELER, b. 1917, Alabama.
ix. CORNELIA WHEELER, b. 1918, Alabama.
31. MELVILLE LEANDER5 WHEELER (MARY ANN4 CHURCH, AARON3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 1844 in Georgia, and
died 26 Sep 1916 in Jackson County, Alabama. He married NANCY A. SMITH 15 Dec 1867 in Jackson County,
Alabama page 560 line 900. She was born 1846 in Alabama.
Notes for MELVILLE LEANDER WHEELER:
In the 1850 census, he is living in Gilmer County, Georgia, where the Wheelers went between North Carolina and
Aalbama. His parents are Alfred Wheeler and Mary Ann, born about 1811-1812 and 1823-1824. He is listed as
Leander M. Wheeler. Margaret E. and Elizabeth are in the household. His parents are born in North Carolina
and all three children are born in Georgia.
1860 census: his parents are Alfred Wheeler and Mary, born about 1812 and 1822. He is the oldest child in the
home, with siblings Margaret E. (13), Elizabeth (12), Mary C. (5), Sarona (5 months). His occupation is listed as
laborer. His mother cannot read and write. Both of his parents are from North Carolina. The oldest 3 children
are from Georgia and the youngest from Alabama. Their next door neighbor is Alfred Church.
1870 census: He is living with his wife and 2 children. His place of birth has changed from Georgia to
Tennessee. He has real estate worth $600 and other property worth $100. His wife is listed as Catherine. This
means that this may not be the right guy, since his wife should be listed as Nancy A. Smith.
So, I'm sure about the person in the 1850 and 1860 census, but I am not sure about the others. He may have been
part of the Civil War (age 16 in 1860 and never returned). This may be an entirely different person. He may
have moved to a distant territory with no census records. Whatever hapepned, he is not showing up in Jackson
County. These may not be hid children.
Death certificate: September 26, 1916, Jackson County, Alabama, Volume 16, Certificate 221, Roll 1.
More About MELVILLE LEANDER WHEELER:
Census 1: 1860, Rustic Bower Post Office, Division 1, Jackson County, Alabama, Roll M653_11, page 460
Census 2: 1850, Subdivision 33, Gilmer County, Georgia, Page 349, Roll M432_70
Census 3: 1870, Stevenson Post Office, District 5 Subdivision 1, Jackson County, Alabama, Roll M593_20 , Page
44, Image 90
Occupation: 1870, Miller
More About MELVILLE WHEELER and NANCY SMITH:
Marriage: 15 Dec 1867, Jackson County, Alabama page 560 line 900
Children of MELVILLE WHEELER and NANCY SMITH are:
i. GEORGE6 WHEELER, b. Abt. 1868, Alabama.
Notes for GEORGE WHEELER:
This could be George Allison Wheeler: George Allison Wheeler 10-20-1869 9-28-1952
ii. MARY OLIVIA WHEELER, b. 1870, Alabama.
iii. WILLIAM A. WHEELER, b. 1872, Alabama; d. 1946, Jackson County, Alabama.
More About WILLIAM A. WHEELER:
34
Burial: Mount Carmel Cemetery, Jackson County, Alabama
32. SQUIRE ALLEN5 CHURCH (JOEL M.4, GABRIEL3, JOHN2, ?1) was born 05 Jun 1847 in Wilkes County, North
Carolina, and died 16 Oct 1909 in Pine Swamp, Ashe County, North Carolina. He married SELAH ELVIRA
CHURCH 16 Jan 1868 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, daughter of WILLIAM CHURCH and SARAH LENDERMAN.
She was born 06 Jun 1846 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 07 Mar 1922 in Pine Swamp, Ashe
County, North Carolina.
More About ALLEN CHURCH and SELAH CHURCH:
Marriage: 16 Jan 1868, Wilkes County, North Carolina
Children are listed above under (22) Selah Elvira Church.
Endnotes
1. Pension application.
2. US Government, 1880 census.
3. Civil court proceedings about Louisa Church.
4. Census, 1880.
5. Census, Gilmer, Georgia 1850, Richard Wheeler was 44 years old, a miller, born in North Carolina. He had a wife and 8
children.
6. 1860 United States Federal Census.
7. Census, 1880.
8. Census, Gilmer, Georgia, 1850, Catherine is 38, born in North Carolina, with 8 children.
9. Census, 1880.
10. Census, Gilmer, Georgia 1850, Richard Wheeler was 44 years old, a miller, born in North Carolina. He had a wife and 8
children.
11. Census, Gilmer, Georgia 1850, She is 16 years old and born in North Carolina.
12. Census, Gilmer, Georgia, 1850, Her name could also be Amanda, but looks more like Armenta. She is 6 years old and
born in North Carolina.
13. Census, South Division, Guilford County, North Carolina, 1860.
14. Family Data Collection - Individual Records.
15. Family Data Collection - Births.
16. 1860 United States Federal Census.
17. Census, South Division, Guilford County, North Carolina, 1860.
18. Family Data Collection - Individual Records.
19. Family Data Collection - Births.
20. 1860 United States Federal Census.
21. Family Data Collection - Individual Records.
22. 1860 United States Federal Census.
23. Census, South Division, Guilford County, North Carolina, 1860.
24. 1860 United States Federal Census.
25. Census, South Division, Guilford County, North Carolina, 1860.
26. Bible of Hiram Church.
27. State of Alabama, Death Certificate.
28. 1860 United States Federal Census.
29. Census, Gilmer, Georgia, 1850, She is 19 years old and born in North Carolina.
30. OneWorldTreeSM.
31. Georgia Marriages, 1699-1944.
32. OneWorldTreeSM.
33. Georgia Marriages, 1699-1944.
34. Census, Gilmer, Georgia, 1850, He is 14 years old and born in North Carolina.
35. 1860 United States Federal Census.
36. Anthony in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.FTW, Date of Import: 5 Jun 2005.
37. 1920 United States Federal Census.
38. Anthony in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.FTW, Date of Import: 5 Jun 2005.
39. Census, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1930, Kate lived with her sons Andrew, Ernest, Milton and Hugh.
40. Linda Smith Williams, Linda Smith Wiliams, Personal knowledge, She remembers that her mother, Ruby and sister,
Minerva were with her grandmother when she died.
41. Census, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1880, Son of Joseph H. and Mary J., age 3.
42. Census, Jefferson County, Alabama, 7th Precinct, 1900, He was 29 years old, born in Alabama. He and Jenny lived next
door to Andrew Lindsay Wheeler.
35
43. State of Alabama, Death Certificate, Volume 14, Certificate 6793, Roll 6 Ancestry.com desth index.
44. Census, Jefferson County, Alabama, 7th Precinct, 1900, She was 30 years old and born in Alabama.
45. 1900 United States Federal Census.
46. 1910 United States Federal Census.
47. 1900 United States Federal Census.
48. 1910 United States Federal Census.
49. 1900 United States Federal Census.
50. 1930 United States Federal Census.
51. 1910 United States Federal Census.
52. 1930 United States Federal Census.
53. 1900 United States Federal Census.
54. 1910 United States Federal Census.
55. Anthony in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.FTW, Date of Import: 5 Jun 2005.
56. 1910 census.
57. Anthony in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.FTW, Date of Import: 5 Jun 2005.
58. 1910 census.
59. 1900 census.
60. Census, 1850 DeKalb County Page 954.
61. 1880 United States Federal Census.
62. 1910 census.
63. Census, 1900.
64. 1880 United States Federal Census.
65. 1900 United States Federal Census.
66. 1880 United States Federal Census.
67. 1900 United States Federal Census.
68. 1910 census.
69. Census, Gilmer, Georgia, 1850, He is 9 years old and born in North Carolina.
70. Census, Gilmer, Georgia 1850, He is 4 years old and born in North Carolina.
71. Census, 1900, Date of birth, 1845.
72. 1850 United States Federal Census.
73. 1900 United States Federal Census.
74. 1850 United States Federal Census.
75. 1900 United States Federal Census.
76. Census, Gilmer, Georgia, 1850, Alexander is 6/12 years old and born in Georgia.
77. Census, Jackson County, Alabama, 1880, The census states that she is 30 years old. She was born in Alabama. Her
father was born in Virginia. Her mother was born in Alabama.
78. 1880 United States Federal Census.
79. Census, Jackson County, Alabama 1880, He is living next to Alexander Lindsay Wheeler.
80. Census, Jackson County, Alabama 1880, Born in Georgia, both parents born in North Carolina. 29 year old armer.
81. 1880 United States Federal Census.
82. Census, Jackson County, Alabama 1880, 9 years of age, born in Alabama.
83. Census, Jackson County, Alabama 1880, She is 7 years old and born in Alabama. Her first name is badly written over
and blurred.
84. Census, Jackson County, Alabama, 1880, He is 5 years old and born in Alabama.
85. Census, Jackson County, Alabama 1880, He is 2 years old and born in Alabama.