Welcome

Ancestors of Juanita Victoria Bumgarner

Generation No. 1

        1.  Juanita Victoria Bumgarner, born 01 January 1923 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 24 April 1980 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, Mountlawn Cemetery.  She was the daughter of 2. Augustus Elijah Bumgarner and 3. Lottie E Price.  She married (1) McKinley R. Moore.  He was born 19 May 1921 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and died 19 February 1994 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, Mountlawn Cemetery.  He was the son of Martin Edward Moore and Alice Adeline Marlow.

Notes for Juanita Victoria Bumgarner:

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

The following was copied from the Wilkes Journal-Patriot newspaper, published in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Date: Friday, May 2, 1980

Mrs. Juanita Bumgarner Moore 57, of Wilkesboro Route 3, died Friday at home

She was the wife of McKinley Moore, and was born in Alexander County January 1, 1923, daughter of Elijah A and Lottie Price Bumgarner. She was a member of Hinshaw Street Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Len Moore of the home(I built a house next to mom and dad); four sisters, Mrs. Wilmouth Wyke and Mrs. Maggie Sue Cook of Taylorsville, Mrs. Mary Jo Childress of Hiddenite and Mrs. Marie Bumgarner of of New York City (should be Geneva, New York); five brothers, Roe and Ray (should be Roy) Bumgarner of Taylorsville, Larry Bumgarner of Hickory, James Bumgarner of Gastonia and Tommy Lee Bumgarner of New York City (should also be Geneva, New York).

Funeral services was conducted at 11 am today at Hinshaw Street baptist Church by the Reverend Harvey White, the Reverend Frank Blevins, and the Reverend Robert D Wilson. Burial was in Mountlawn Memorial Park.

By: Noma Wike,

Alexander County Birth Records 10/239

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

SSN 242-22-2846

Notes for McKinley R. Moore:

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Taken from the "Miller's North Wilkesboro City Directory" dated 1939-1940 found the Wilkes County Public Library, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Mckinley Moore, student, r

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Taken from the "Mullin-Kille North Wilkesboro City Directory" dated 1959 found the Wilkes County Public Library, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

McKinley R Moore, (Juanita B) Trucker Southern Railway, r Route 3 Telephone 3617W

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Taken from the "Miller's North Wilkesboro City Directory" dated 1962-1963 found the Wilkes County Public Library, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

McKinley R Moore, (Juanita B), Trucker Southern Railway, r Route 3

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Taken from the "Mullin-Kille North Wilkesboro City Directory" dated 1977 found the Wilkes County Public Library, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

McKinley R Moore, Route 3, Wilkesboro, Telephone 973-3444

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

The following was copied from the Wilkes Journal-Patriot newspaper, published in Wilkes County, North Carolina

McKinley Moore, 72, of Route 3, Wilkesboro,died Saturday, February 19, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, 11 am, at Hinshaw Street Baptist Church with the Reverend James Horton officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 10:30. Burial will be at Mountlawn Memorial Park.

Mr. Moore was born in Wilkes County, May 19, 1921 to Martin and Alice Marlow Moore. He was a member of Hinshaw Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Burchette Moore;one son, Len Moore of Wilkesboro; two step daughters, Paulette Wood of Winston Salem, and Suzette Curry of North Wilkesboro; one brother, one brother, Virgil Moore of North Wilkesboro; and four grandchildren.

The family will be at Reins Sturdivant Funeral Home from 7 until 8:30 tonight.

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

The Birth Certificate is found in the Register of Deeds Office in Wilkes County, North Carolina

Volume: 7

Page: 257

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Dad served in World War II in a tank destroyer as the driver, or I should say three tank destroyers. Three were shot out from under him and he was burned real bad. He had nightmares about this as long as I can remember and up until his death. Below is a little information about these machines.

Tank Destroyer Forces

Robert Capistrano and Dave Kaufman

Confirming the rule that armies always prepare to fight the previous war, the idea of tanks fighting tanks was an anathema to the U.S. Army of the 1930s, just as it had been to the combatants of the First World War, who used tanks supported by infantry to assault positions held by infantry, not to fight other tanks. Defense against massed enemy armor was just that - defense. Aggressive anti-tank tactics was a doctrine forced on the American army by the Wehrmacht's romp across Poland in September 1939. Within nine months of the Polish campaign, German armor had breached the antiquated defenses of the Low Countries and France, rolling up their forces and precipitating the British withdrawal to, and evacuation from, Dunkirk. The German triumph owed much to the Wehrmacht's successful application of the heretofore discounted theories of Fuller, de Gaulle and others, combined with the lessons learned by panzer leaders over years of maneuvers. The German's success forced the Americans to build from scratch an anti-tank capacity, which culminated in the formation of the Tank Destroyer Forces.

Pushed by Army Chief of Staff General George C. Marshall and Lt. General Leslie J. McNair, head of General Headquarters, each a proponent of the concept of anti-tank forces, the U.S. Army's response to blitzkrieg was the formation of separate battalions specially trained and equipped to fight tanks. Three months after the partitioning of Poland, the U.S. Army constituted the 94th Infantry Anti-tank (AT) Battalion at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Expansion of the nascent tank destroyer force, however, proceeded at a snail's pace. By June 1940, on the eve of the fall of France, only two other battalions had been formed: the 93rd, at Ft Meade, Maryland, and the 99th, at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Mobilization of the National Guard added battalions 101 through 105 in January and February of 1941.

Although these units were assigned to the infantry, in keeping with their fundamental mission of supporting the foot-slogger, many of the cadre for these formations were drawn from field artillery units orphaned by their elimination from the new triangularized regular army divisions or by the conversion of National Guard cavalry regiments to field artillery. Their initial armament, after all, was the 37-millimeter gun used by the two types of AT organizations: those that used towed guns and those that used self-propelled guns. This artillery background was commemorated in the red shields of the coats of arms of many tank destroyer (TD) battalions.

Tank Destroyer Command

After being tested in the Fall 1941 maneuvers, the anti-tank concept won a certain independence from the infantry and field artillery. This independence was limited due to a continuous and rancorous debate of the doctrine and use of AT forces. While there was agreement on the necessity of such formations, the head of each of the existing combat arms, except Armor, wanted responsibility for these new units.

In early December 1941, putting an aggressive spin on the "anti-tank" function, the battalions were renamed Tank Destroyer, and a Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center was activated at Ft. Meade, Maryland. The Center was moved shortly thereafter to Camp Hood, Texas, where it was enlarged in March 1942 to form the Tank Destroyer Command, whose mission was to coordinate the creation and training of the new units.

The existing anti-tank battalions adopted the new title and a new numbering scheme. Since future tank destroyer battalions would be numbered in the 600, 700 and 800 series, the 93rd, 94th, and 99th Infantry Anti-tank Battalions became the 893rd, 894th, 899th Tank Destroyer Battalions; and the 101st through the 105th Infantry Anti-tank Battalions became the 801st through 805th Tank Destroyer Battalions.

Enamored with the practice of the German army of attaching an anti-tank battalion to each infantry division, the U.S. Army toyed a similar structure. This began in 1941 with the assignment 3rd and 5th Infantry Anti-Tank Battalions (Provisional) to, respectively, the 3rd Division at Ft. Lewis, Washington, and the 5th Division at Ft. Custer, Michigan. The new Tank Destroyer battalions were activated with this structure in mind, and renumbered 601 through 609 if based on the same posts as the 1st through 9th Divisions of the Regular Army. Those attached to the mobilized National Guard divisions were numbered 626th through 645th. These battalions, however, were not organic division units, and in most cases the early division associations were soon lost. Still, infantry and armored divisions at the front lines in the European Theater almost always had a tank destroyer battalion attached, and in some cases, the associations lasted through multiple campaigns.

Believing that concentrated armor attacks would require concentrated tank destroyer formations, Group Headquarters were formed for the command and control tank destroyer battalions. Experience in North Africa, where battalions were attached to infantry divisions and were parceled out in platoon strength to support small units, led to the abandonment of this concept. Only a few of the Group or Brigade Headquarters served overseas.

The attrition of Germany's armored capacity also led the U.S. Army to scale down the number of tank destroyer battalions. While over 200 TD battalions were anticipated, by 1944 only 78 were active: the rest had been broken up or converted, with many troops assigned as infantry replacements. Many of the first TD units to be converted were those that comprised black GIs.

Arming the Tank Destroyer Force

The aggressive spin that attached to the title "Tank Destroyer" was based on the mobility, speed, and tactics these units possessed in theory. Often, however, the practical function of motorized TD units was reconnaissance, a function inconsistent with two-thirds of their "Seek, Strike, Destroy" motto. Initially, lack of adequate firepower posed an unwarranted liability to the success of these units' primary mission of combating enemy armor, and the Army's Ordnance Department never ceased its efforts to improve the armament of Tank Destroyer forces. (1)

There were many high-level discussions of "light" and "medium" versions of tank destroyer vehicles and weapons. With their low velocities and small calibers, both the 37-mm and 57-mm rounds were totally inadequate against enemy armor; German armor, in particular, which was specially designed to resist larger-caliber penetrating rounds. Ordnance test results were embarrassing: the tiny 37-mm shells were unable to pierce relatively thin wood even at a range of less than 100 yards, yet 37-mm guns were ordered in large quantities, probably to appease influential congressmen. The 37-mm and 57-mm guns had limited success against Japanese armor. Incredibly, the 37-mm guns were installed in the rear decks of M-6 trucks ("Fargos"), which were little more than stretch Jeeps. North Africa proved how vulnerable and unsuccessful these armed M-6 trucks were. Ordnance even experimented with a 37-mm half-track jeep, but that combination never left the proving grounds. Towed-gun battalions were subsequently armed with 76-mm cannons.

Ultimately, a French 75-mm gun was installed in a half-track. The 75-mm gun was woefully outclassed by the infamous German 88-mm gun, which featured a 28" to 30" high-velocity round. The thinly-armored half-tracks were not as fast as German armor, and they presented very high silhouettes as targets. Additionally, the half-track had to face the target during firing: its gun could not traverse.

Gen. Lucian Truscott, who rose from command of the 5th Cavalry Regiment to command of the 5th Army during the war years, used the Kasserine Pass debacle to underscore the inadequacy of the TD units' firepower:

"My Tunisian experience also provided me with an outstanding example of how American soldiers can be indoctrinated in training. Our tank destroyer battalions, organized only a few months previous, with no historical prototype, equipped with an improvised weapon - an almost unarmored half-track mounting an entirely inadequate 75-mm gun - had been taught during their training that it was their duty to seek out and destroy enemy tanks. The number of half-tracks which these gallant units left on the Tunisian deserts was mute testimony to the superiority of German armor, and antitank guns. It was also evidence of the efficacy of their indoctrination, a mark that I was to note among these units throughout the war." (2)

The performance of the half-tracks, nick-named "purple-heart boxes" by their crews, forved the Ordnance Department to look for a solution to the problem in the inventory of the Armored Force. Sherman tank hulls and chassis were accordingly used in the development of the M-10 and M-18 tank destroyers. The M-10s were armed with the 75-mm gun; the M-18s were armed with the higher velocity 76-mm gun, and were called "Hellcats" by their crews. The 76-mm gun fired tungsten-carbide-cored HVAP ammunition. The number of guns fielded by both towed and self-propelled TD battalions was also increased, from 24 in 1942 to 36 by 1944. (3)

Because of the design of German armor, the range of their 88-mm gun, and the low velocity of the 13" 75-mm rounds, TD units were as vulnerable as tank battalions. To be effective, the 75-mm and 76-mm guns of U.S. units had to operate at only 200-300 yards - well within the range 3,000-yard range of the German 88. Initially, U.S. tanks and tank destroyer guns fired from greater distances, aiming high and hurling their rounds in looping trajectories. Frontal assaults against German armor were extremely high-risk; consequently, TD units and tank battalions learned to use encircling movements and tactics of distraction, and to rely on first-shot accuracy against the sides and rear of German tanks. One advantage that the tank destroyer crews had over the tankers was that their M-10s, M-18s, and M-36s were diesel-fueled.

The finest contribution of Ordnance, the 90-mm gun of the M-36, was installed on the M-26 tank, which arrived in the ETO in limited numbers during the last weeks of the war. The M-36s were the best weapons supplied to the TD units. A new chassis, wider treads, improved engines and hull designs supported powerful 90-mm guns, which were versions of anti-aircraft cannon and were modeled after the infamous German 88. The guns fired very high velocity rounds in flat trajectories. The M-36s were very popular with their crews.

Due to their appearance, the M-10, M-18, and M-36 tank destroyers were often considered to be "tanks" by friendly forces. Massed German armor attacks never occurred, but because of the success of the TD units, the fear of German armor by GIs was reduced. The TD forces' ingenuity, courage and success against enemy armor proved, if indirectly, that a tank was the best weapon against another tank. (4)

The War in Europe

Given the limited use of tanks in the Pacific, it can be said that the deployment of Tank Destroyer battalions was relegated almost exclusively in the Mediterranean and European Theaters. TD battalions were first employed in North Africa, where four Tank Destroyer battalions landed with the invading forces at Casablanca and Oran in Vichy-held French Morocco and Algeria in November 1942. Sweeping into Tunisia, the US Army finally went head to head against the Germans. In February of 1943, occupying some of the forward positions at Kasserine Pass, three TD battalions - the 601st, 804th and 894th - were roughly handled and rudely evicted from their positions by Rommel's Afrika Korps. The units learned from the experience, and the next few weeks saw the 601st and 899th battalions blunting German assaults, including one near El Guettar, where these units destroyed 30 enemy tanks. The loss of dozens of towed guns in the battle demonstrated that such units were often as vulnerable as the self-propelled formations.

As the war wore on, Tank Destroyer battalions and companies were only occasionally employed as integral units. Usually assigned temporarily to a division, small teams of four or six tank destroyers were parceled out to battalions, or even to companies, as needed. A good example of their use was the action of a platoon of the all-black 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion (Colored) (Towed) in the Vosges Mountains campaign in France in late 1944.

On the morning of 14 December, as the leading elements of Task Force Blackshear rounded a curve in the road leading into Climback from the south around La Schleife hill, they came under fire by 88-mm dual-purpose guns and tanks of the 21st Panzer Division, arrayed in the surrounding 1,300 to 1,600 foot heights. For most of the day, the gunners of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion fought from an exposed position south of the town, sustaining 50 percent casualties and losing three of their four 76-mm guns. While the Germans focused their attention on the American guns, Task Force Blackshear's infantry (from the 411th Regiment, 103rd Division) outflanked the German defenses and, moving forward behind a rolling artillery barrage, seized the town. (5)

This battle, which won the 614th a Presidential Unit Citation, was out of the ordinary in another respect: by this late in the war, most TD battalions - unlike the 614th - had been converted to self-propelled units that used M-10, M-18 or M-36 tracked vehicles. This "penny-packet" type of action was repeated many times throughout the Northern European and Mediterranean campaigns.

The War in the Pacific

A few TD battalions saw service in the Pacific, where they were used primarily as highly mobile field artillery against entrenched enemy positions. With their ability to bring firepower close to bear on Japanese positions, the contributions of the TD battalions were necessary and successful. Tank against tank operations did not occur until the Americans reached the Luzon plain, where the lightly armored and armed Japanese tanks proved no match for U.S. armor and tank destroyers.

The U.S. Army TD units were armed with towed 37-mm guns, M-10s and M-18s, while the U.S. Marine Corps TD elements were armed with M-3 half-tracks and the towed 37-mm. Unlike their counterparts in the ETO and MTO, Army TD battalions in the Pacific were attached to infantry divisions and, for the most part, remained with the same division for the duration of the war, fighting as integral units.

Although Marine elements employing M-3s and 37-mm guns and drawn from Marine special weapons platoons fulfilled TD roles in support of various Marine operations, there were no Marine TD units per se.

Demise of the Tank Destroyer Forces

With the exception of Lt. Gen. Leslie J. McNair, no senior officer of the Army Ground Forces really understood, supported, or provided tactical leadership and direction for the use of TD forces. This lack of understanding of the objective of TD units (coupled with the inadequate firepower Ordnance provided initially) led to early high losses and to much debate concerning their use. General McNair was the only staff officer who remained firmly committed to the role of TD forces, and he was challenged continually by Armored Force Headquarters. Following General McNair's death in Normandy in July 1944, a 'friendly-fire' victim of a disastrous bombing, one of several, conducted by our own Air Corps, no other high-ranking officer stepped forward to champion the TD forces. By 1946, all TD units had been inactivated.

INSIGNIA OF THE TANK DESTROYER FORCE

Branch Insignia

Befitting their assignment to the infantry, the first anti-tank units wore crossed muskets, differentiated from those of the Infantry by the addition of an "A" and "T" on either side of the angles created by the muskets, or in the lower angle when a unit number was added to the upper angle. (6)  With the change in designation to "Tank Destroyer", the letters "TD" replaced "AT." (8)  There also exists an enlisted man's disc featuring cavalry sabres and the "AT" designation. (7)

In March 1943, the Tank Destroyer Force finally received a new branch insignia. This depicted the profile of a M-3 half-track mounting a 75-mm gun. Although only the version for left-side wear was authorized (M-3 facing to the right, or honorable, side), the insignia were occasionally worn in pairs; more rarely with the unit numbers added. (9)

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

Approved on September 22, 1942, the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) for the Tank Destroyer Force was created by the staff of General Andrew Bruce, its first commanding officer. The colors of the force were black and orange. Hence, the TD patch featured a powerful black panther crushing a tank in its jaws, all on an orange disk. The tank, which in the original version of the patch had eight bogie wheels, typified an American tank, not a German version. Insignia manufacturers had problems breaking numerous needles while completing all the bogie wheels, necessitating the four-wheel variation of the SSI, most common version.

More About McKinley R. Moore:

Date born 2: 19 May 1921, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Died 2: 19 February 1994, Wilkes Regional Medical Center

Burial: 22 February 1994, Mountlawn Memorial Park

Generation No. 2

        2.  Augustus Elijah Bumgarner, born 07 May 1893 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; died 03 July 1960 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  He was the son of 4. Tobias Alexander Bumgarner and 5. Martha "Mattie" Victoria Barnes.  He married 3. Lottie E Price 26 April 1914 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

        3.  Lottie E Price, born 03 November 1893 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; died 16 February 1931 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of 6. James Kelly Price and 7. Susan W Kerley.

Notes for Augustus Elijah Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 40/385

More About Augustus Elijah Bumgarner:

Name 2: Elijah Bumgarner

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Notes for Lottie E Price:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 18/91

More About Lottie E Price:

Name 2: Lottie Price

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for Augustus Bumgarner and Lottie Price:

By:  Noma Wike, Texas monowike@fivearea.com

Book 6, Page 236

More About Augustus Bumgarner and Lottie Price:

Marriage: 26 April 1914, Alexander County, North Carolina

Children of Augustus Bumgarner and Lottie Price are:

                           i.    Sue Lucile Bumgarner, born 15 May 1916; married Fred Childress.

                          ii.    Wilmoth Sue Bumgarner, born 23 April 1919 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; died 23 February 1993; married Edward Attie Wike; born 29 May 1917 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 17 June 1991 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Wilmoth Sue Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Catawba County Cemetery Records 79/1110

More About Wilmoth Sue Bumgarner:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Notes for Edward Attie Wike:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 93/149

More About Edward Attie Wike:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

                         iii.    James "Jim" Bumgarner, born 11 February 1921 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; died 20 January 2005 in Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, North Carolina; married Lela Boyd.

Notes for James "Jim" Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 19/173

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

JAMES A. BUMGARDNER

GASTONIA  James Jim Alexander Bumgarner, 83, of 5407 Candlewick Trail, died January. 20, 2005, at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia.

He was born Feb. 11, 1921, in Taylorsville, son of the late Augustus Elijah Bumgarner and Ladie Price Bumgarner.

FUNERAL: 11 a.m. Saturday in Chapel of Howell Funeral Home

INTERMENT: Gaston Memorial Park

VISITATION: 7-9 tonight, Magnolia Room of funeral home

He was a welder and sheet metal fabricator at Jenkins Metal with over 20 years of service and retired from Herman-Reeves Sheet Metal. He was a welding instructor at Gaston College and was once a ship builder in the shipyards of Norfolk, Va., where he participated in the construction of the United States Liner, which was the American equivalent to the renowned Queen Mary, passenger cruise vessel.

SURVIVORS: His wife of over 60 years, Lela Boyd Bumgarner; son, James A. Bumgarner Jr. of Gastonia; daughters, Janice B. Austin and husband Randy of Mount Holly, North Carolina, Martha Susan Messick and husband James, Donna B. Lee and husband Jodie, all of Gastonia; sisters, Marie Bumgarner and Maggie Sue Bumgarner; brothers, Rowe Bumgarner and Roy Bumgarner; five grandchildren, Rhonda Carpenter, Alex Wiggins, Jonathan Austin, Jodie R. Lee and John Lee; five great-grandchildren, Casey Alexander Wiggins, Jon David Austin, Donna Ruth Austin, Susana Kate Queen, Corbin Grace Wiggins

PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Juanita B. Moore, Lucille B. Childers, Wilmoth B. Wike; brothers, Tommy Lee Bumgarner and Larry Bumgarner

OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Jerry Gwaltney

Condolence messages may be shared with the family at howellfuneral@aol.com

ARRANGEMENTS: Howell Funeral Home, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia

        1               iv.    Juanita Victoria Bumgarner, born 01 January 1923 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 24 April 1980 in Wilkes County, North Carolina, Mountlawn Cemetery; married McKinley R. Moore.

                          v.    Mary Josephine Bumgarner, born 30 September 1924 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; married Howard Childress.

Notes for Mary Josephine Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 11/239

                         vi.    Tommy Lee Bumgarner, born 19 January 1929 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Tommy Lee Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 16/191

                        vii.    Oleta Marie Bumgarner, born 12 February 1931 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; married (1) Pruett; married (2) Carmen Mungo.

Notes for Oleta Marie Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 18/287

Generation No. 3

        4.  Tobias Alexander Bumgarner, born May 1868 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 29 July 1947 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina.  He was the son of 8. Christian Autustus Bumgarner and 9. Julie Catherine Daniels.  He married 5. Martha "Mattie" Victoria Barnes 18 June 1893 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

        5.  Martha "Mattie" Victoria Barnes, born 01 October 1873; died 09 June 1950.  She was the daughter of 10. Elijah Barnes and 11. Nancy E Watts.

Notes for Tobias Alexander Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 33/41

More About Tobias Alexander Bumgarner:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for Tobias Bumgarner and Martha Barnes:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Mariage Records 2/16

More About Tobias Bumgarner and Martha Barnes:

Marriage: 18 June 1893, Alexander County, North Carolina

Children of Tobias Bumgarner and Martha Barnes are:

        2                 i.    Augustus Elijah Bumgarner, born 07 May 1893 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; died 03 July 1960 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married (1) Ola Childers; married (2) Lottie E Price 26 April 1914 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                          ii.    Zeb Alexander Bumgarner, born 31 October 1900 in Taylorsville, Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Zeb Alexander Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 2/377

                         iii.    Maude Loular Bumgarner, born 18 April 1903 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 11 February 1931 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Daniel Kerley 05 June 1921 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Maude Loular Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records  1/60

More About Maude Loular Bumgarner:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for Maude Bumgarner and Daniel Kerley:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 8/43

More About Daniel Kerley and Maude Bumgarner:

Marriage: 05 June 1921, Alexander County, North Carolina

                         iv.    Thomas Paul Bumgarner, born 16 September 1905 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 30 April 1932 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Paula M Deal 25 October 1931 in Alexander County, North Carolina; born 18 August 1912 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Marriage Notes for Thomas Bumgarner and Paula Deal:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 9/604

More About Thomas Bumgarner and Paula Deal:

Marriage: 25 October 1931, Alexander County, North Carolina

                          v.    Alice Dara Belle Bumgarner, born 19 December 1909 in Taylorsville, Alexander County, North Carolina; married Homer Deal 27 December 1931 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Marriage Notes for Alice Bumgarner and Homer Deal:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 9/604

More About Homer Deal and Alice Bumgarner:

Marriage: 27 December 1931, Alexander County, North Carolina

                         vi.    Grafton Bumgarner, born 14 October 1913 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; married Ethel Pauline Bebber 06 March 1934 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 15 May 1991 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Grafton Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 1/189

Notes for Ethel Pauline Bebber:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Death Records 93/24

Marriage Notes for Grafton Bumgarner and Ethel Bebber:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 10/371

More About Grafton Bumgarner and Ethel Bebber:

Marriage: 06 March 1934, Alexander County, North Carolina

        6.  James Kelly Price  He was the son of 12. Levi Price and 13. Elizabeth Phillips.  He married 7. Susan W Kerley.

        7.  Susan W Kerley, born 23 December 1860; died 21 November 1926.  She was the daughter of 14. Wilson Kerley and 15. Lydia Watts.

Children of James Price and Susan Kerley are:

        3                 i.    Lottie E Price, born 03 November 1893 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; died 16 February 1931 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Augustus Elijah Bumgarner 26 April 1914 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                          ii.    Oilie Price, born 04 August 1896; married Clearence Alexander.

Generation No. 4

        8.  Christian Autustus Bumgarner, born 1847 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 08 January 1930 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  He was the son of 16. Simon Bumgarner and 17. Elizabeth Kesler.  He married 9. Julie Catherine Daniels 21 January 1867 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

        9.  Julie Catherine Daniels, born 18 February 1851 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 22 March 1922 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of 18. Eli Daniels, Dr and 19. Mary E Chapman.

Notes for Christian Autustus Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Death record Bood 17/145

Notes for Julie Catherine Daniels:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 9/127

Marriage Notes for Christian Bumgarner and Julie Daniels:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Marriage Record Book 1/1398

More About Christian Bumgarner and Julie Daniels:

Marriage: 21 January 1867, Alexander County, North Carolina

Children of Christian Bumgarner and Julie Daniels are:

        4                 i.    Tobias Alexander Bumgarner, born May 1868 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 29 July 1947 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina; married Martha "Mattie" Victoria Barnes 18 June 1893 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                          ii.    Luzene Bumgarner, born 23 March 1871 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 11 March 1964 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Thomas W Jolly 24 December 1889 in Alexander County, North Carolina; born 23 January 1871 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 02 October 1947 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

More About Luzene Bumgarner:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Notes for Thomas W Jolly:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 3/46

More About Thomas W Jolly:

Burial: Jolly Family Cemetery, Alexander County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for Luzene Bumgarner and Thomas Jolly:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 1/1398

More About Thomas Jolly and Luzene Bumgarner:

Marriage: 24 December 1889, Alexander County, North Carolina

                         iii.    Eli Sherman Bumgarner, born 31 March 1874 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 02 January 1968 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married (1) Nancy Barnes; born 02 June 1871 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 12 May 1913 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married (2) Carrie Munday.

Notes for Eli Sherman Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 55/152

Marriage Notes for Eli Bumgarner and Nancy Barnes:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 1/1398

                         iv.    Daniel T Bumgarner, born 05 April 1876 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 11 March 1877.

                          v.    Amanda (Liz) Bumgarner, born 1878 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                         vi.    Charley Monroe "Dugan" Bumgarner, born 30 March 1881 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Emma Margaret Deal 26 November 1914 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Charley Monroe "Dugan" Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Birth Records 5/538

Marriage Notes for Charley Bumgarner and Emma Deal:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 6/235

More About Charley Bumgarner and Emma Deal:

Marriage: 26 November 1914, Alexander County, North Carolina

                        vii.    Iler A. Bumgarner, born July 1886 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                       viii.    Texie Alice Bumgarner, born July 1889 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 17 November 1925 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Texie Alice Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 12/88

                         ix.    Choncy Coyd Bumgarner, born March 1893 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 09 August 1986 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Sadie Helen Deal 16 November 1910 in Alexander County, North Carolina; born Abt. 1890 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 16 February 1972 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Choncy Coyd Bumgarner:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 87/15

Notes for Sadie Helen Deal:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 9/132

Marriage Notes for Choncy Bumgarner and Sadie Deal:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 5/194

More About Choncy Bumgarner and Sadie Deal:

Marriage: 16 November 1910, Alexander County, North Carolina

        10.  Elijah Barnes  He married 11. Nancy E Watts.

        11.  Nancy E Watts, born 1837.  She was the daughter of 22. John Watts and 23. Sallie Barnes.

More About Nancy E Watts:

Name 2: Nancy Watts

Child of Elijah Barnes and Nancy Watts is:

        5                 i.    Martha "Mattie" Victoria Barnes, born 01 October 1873; died 09 June 1950; married Tobias Alexander Bumgarner 18 June 1893 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

        12.  Levi Price  He married 13. Elizabeth Phillips.

        13.  Elizabeth Phillips

Child of Levi Price and Elizabeth Phillips is:

        6                 i.    James Kelly Price, married Susan W Kerley.

        14.  Wilson Kerley  He was the son of 28. Abner Kerley and 29. Elizabeth Teague.  He married 15. Lydia Watts.

        15.  Lydia Watts, born 1828.  She was the daughter of 30. Magness Watts and 31. Margaret Steele.

Marriage Notes for Wilson Kerley and Lydia Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived on Wilkesboro Highway

Children of Wilson Kerley and Lydia Watts are:

                           i.    Thomas Kerley, born 03 June 1850; died 13 February 1903; married (1) Charlotte Poindexter; met (2) Martha Burgess; born 02 April 1852; died 28 March 1921.

Notes for Thomas Kerley:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Thomas had a son out of wedlock by Martha Burgess. Lived in Charlotte, North Carolina

                          ii.    Artemia Kerley, born 1853; married Finley Kerley.

Marriage Notes for Artemia Kerley and Finley Kerley:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Artemia Kerley and Finley Kerley were first cousins

                         iii.    James Edward Kerley, born 24 March 1858; died 30 August 1926; married Victoria Phillips.

Marriage Notes for James Kerley and Victoria Phillips:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived in Watauga County, North Carolina

                         iv.    Elizabeth Kerley, born 15 January 1859; died 21 November 1938; married Reverand W. Jefferson Bumgarner 24 January 1883.

Marriage Notes for Elizabeth Kerley and Reverand Bumgarner:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived in Little River Township, Alexander County, North Carolina

More About Reverand Bumgarner and Elizabeth Kerley:

Marriage: 24 January 1883

        7                v.    Susan W Kerley, born 23 December 1860; died 21 November 1926; married (1) James Kelly Price; married (2) John B Phillpis.

                         vi.    Margaret Kerley, born 30 November 1862; died 26 July 1947; married Partee Russell.

Marriage Notes for Margaret Kerley and Partee Russell:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived on Wilkesboro Road

                        vii.    Lawson Kerley, born 1866; married Julia Cook.

More About Julia Cook:

Name 2: J. D. Cook

Marriage Notes for Lawson Kerley and Julia Cook:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived in Catawba County, North Carolina

                       viii.    Wilson Kerley, born 1866; died 21 November 1934.

Notes for Wilson Kerley:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Wilson never married

                         ix.    Loyd Kerley, born 1868; married Frances Webster.

                          x.    David Kerley, born 1874; died 13 December 1935; married Pearly Robinette.

Marriage Notes for David Kerley and Pearly Robinette:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived on Highway 16 (Alexander County, North Carolina).

Generation No. 5

        16.  Simon Bumgarner, born 01 November 1805; died 25 August 1898 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  He was the son of 32. Thomas G. Bumgarner and 33. Mary Anderson.  He married 17. Elizabeth Kesler 15 July 1830 in Iredell County, North Carolina.

        17.  Elizabeth Kesler, born 09 August 1805; died 05 June 1890 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of 34. Christian Kesler and 35. Elizabeth Eller.

Notes for Simon Bumgarner:

By: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Simon and Eliza Bumgarner were Lutherans and were charter members of the Salem Lutheran Church in the Sugar Loaf Community of Alexander County, North Carolina, and lived nearby. Census of that period indicate that Simon Bumgarner was a farmer, but oral family tradition states he was a gunsmith and a blacksmith.

By:  Noma Wike, Texas monowike@fivearea.com

confirmed in the E.L. Church in Iredell Co (I   have not investigated this, but  it is possible his parents could be found). Simon is buried at the Salem Lutheran Church in Alexander County North Carolina.

More About Simon Bumgarner and Elizabeth Kesler:

Marriage: 15 July 1830, Iredell County, North Carolina

Children of Simon Bumgarner and Elizabeth Kesler are:

                           i.    Elizabeth L Bumgarner, born 27 April 1831 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 31 May 1908 in Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina; married Daniel Baker in Alexander County, North Carolina; born 1837.

More About Daniel Baker and Elizabeth Bumgarner:

Marriage: Alexander County, North Carolina

                          ii.    David L. Bumgarner, born 1833 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died in Civil War, Gains Mill, Virginia; married Amanda M. Childres; born 1835 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for David L. Bumgarner:

All are invited!

Memorial Dedication & Service

In Honor Of

Pvt. David L. Bumgarner (1833-1862)

Co G, 37th NC Inf.

One of the "Alexander Soldiers"

Sunday, November 27, 2005

3:00 p.m.

Salem Lutheran Church

Taylorsvile, NC

Sponsored by the Bumgarner Descendants & the Rocky Face Rangers (SCV)

This stone was installed last month. It sits between the gravestones of

David's momma and poppa, Simon Bumgarner (1805-1898) and Eliza Kesler

(1809-1890). On the back, the following inscription:

"In Memory

Killed Gaines Mill, VA

June 1862

Never Forgotten"

Best, Rev. John F. Crossen

G-G-G-Grandson of David & Amanda (Childers) Bumgarner

BY: Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Part of the Correspondences(That I have on file) that mention Branch's Brigade that included the 37th North Carolina during the time that during the time David L Bumgarner born 1833 died 1862 was in the 37th North Carolina

GENERAL ORDERS No. 75.

 HDQRS. ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

June 24, 1862.

I. General Jackson's command will proceed to-morrow from Ashland toward the Slash Church and encamp at some convenient point west of the Central Railroad. Branch's brigade, of A. P. Hill's division, will also to-morrow evening take position on the Chickahominy near Half. Sink. At 3 o'clock Thursday morning, 26th instant, General Jackson win advance on the road leading to Pole Green Church, communicating his march to General Branch, who will immediately cross the Chickahominy and take the road leading to Mechanicsville. As soon as the movements of these columns are discovered, General A. P. Hill, with <ar13_499>the rest of his division, will cross the Chickahominy near Meadow Bridge and move direct upon Mechanicsville. To aid his advance, the heavy batteries on the Chickahominy will at the proper time open upon the batteries at Mechanicsville. The enemy being driven from Mechanicsville and the passage across the bridge opened, General Longstreet, with his division and that of General D. H. Hill, will cross the Chickahominy at or near that point, General D. H. Hill moving to the support of General Jackson and General Longstreet supporting General A. P. Hill. The four divisions, keeping in communication with each other and moving en échelon on separate roads, if practicable, the left division in advance, with skirmishers and sharpshooters extending their front, will sweep down the Chickahominy and endeavor to drive the enemy from his position above New Bridge, General Jackson bearing well to his left, turning Beaver Dam Creek and taking the direction toward Cold Harbor. They will then press forward toward the York River Railroad, closing upon the enemy's rear and forcing him down the Chickahominy. Any advance of the enemy toward Richmond will be prevented by vigorously following his rear and crippling and arresting his progress.

II. The divisions under Generals Huger and Magruder will hold their positions in front of the enemy against attack, and make such demonstrations Thursday as to discover his operations. Should opportunity offer, the feint will be converted into a real attack, and should an abandonment of his intrenchments by the enemy be discovered, he will be closely pursued.

III. The Third Virginia Cavalry will observe the Charles City road. The Fifth Virginia, the First North Carolina, and the Hampton Legion (cavalry) will observe the Darbytown, Varina, and Osborne roads. Should a movement of the enemy down the Chickahominy be discovered, they will close upon his flank and endeavor to arrest his march.

IV. General Stuart, with the First, Fourth, and Ninth Virginia Cavalry, the cavalry of Cobb's Legion and the Jeff. Davis Legion, will cross the Chickahominy to-morrow and take position to the left of General Jackson's line of march. The main body will be held in reserve, with scouts well extended to the front and left. General Stuart will keep General Jackson informed of the movements of the enemy on his left and will co-operate with him in his advance. The Tenth Virginia Cavalry, Colonel Davis, will remain on the Nine-mile road.

V. General Ransom's brigade, of General Holmes' command, will be placed in reserve on the Williamsburg road by General Huger, to whom he will report for orders.

VI. Commanders of divisions will cause their commands to be provided with three days' cooked rations. The necessary ambulances and ordnance trains will be ready to accompany the divisions and receive orders from their respective commanders. Officers in charge of all trains will invariably remain with them. Batteries and wagons will keep on the right of the road. The chief engineer, Major Stevens, will assign engineer officers to each division, whose duty it will be to make provision for overcoming all difficulties to the progress of the troops. The staff departments will give the necessary instructions to facilitate the movements herein directed.

By command of General Lee:

 R. H. CHILTON,

 Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS,

Near Richmond, July 29, 1862.

COLONEL: In obedience to Confidential General Orders, No. 75,() and previously arranged plans, the divisions of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill and my own were put in march, the former at 2 the latter at 3 a.m. on the 26th for the Mechanicsville turnpike, to await the progress of the commands of Major-Generals Jackson and A. P. Hill. The two divisions were in position in front of Mechanicsville Bridge at 8 a.m., but some unavoidable delay in the movements of the troops on the other side of the Chickahominy kept us in waiting until about 3 p.m., when the advance of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's command was discovered. The divisions were put in readiness to cross at any moment, and at 6 o'clock the enemy had been turned and driven back far enough to enable the head of our column to pass the bridge.

Brigadier-General Hampton volunteered to give directions and positions to our heavy batteries opposite Mechanicsville, now become useless, and to follow the movements of our army down the river. The battery followed our movements and played upon the enemy's lines with good effect. Ripley's brigade, of D. H. Hill's division, was thrown forward and soon became engages in a sharp fight with the enemy at Beaver Dam Creek, a stream from 12 to 20 feet wide, with perpendicular banks from 6 to 8 feet high. The enemy being very strongly posted behind this creek, with the bridges destroyed, these gallant troops could accomplish but little before night. A very handsome effort was made by them, however, to take the enemy's batteries. Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill's report will give particulars of the conduct of his troops at this point.

Some time after dark the rear brigade of my own division succeeded in crossing the Chickahominy, and Pryor's and Featherston's brigades were ordered to Beaver Dam Creek to relieve the portion of Maj. Gen. D. H. Hill's division in position there, the balance of the division remaining near the bridge in bivouac.

At early dawn on the 27th the battle was renewed with artillery and infantry. The brigade of General Wilcox and a battery was sent to the support of the brigades on Beaver Dam Creek, and were engaged principally with artillery until 7 o'clock, when the enemy abandoned his trenches and retired. The columns were delayed about an hour repairing the bridges, when the general advance was resumed. Three of my brigades (Wilcox's, Pryor's, and Featherston's), under Brigadier-General Wilcox, were put in advance to move, when the ground would permit, in line of battle, supported by Pickett's brigade, the other two (Anderson's and Kemper's) some distance behind.

It was soon discovered that the enemy had fallen back rapidly from his right, burning and otherwise destroying most of the property that he could not remove. The pursuit was steadily continued until l o'clock, when the enemy was discovered strongly posted behind Powhite Creek. The three brigades under Wilcox were advanced to the edge <ar13_757>of the creek to feel the enemy, and ascertain as far as practicable his strength. It was soon found that he was in full force. A message to this effect was received from Brig. Gen. D. R. Jones a few moments previous. The troops were halted in position to await the arrival of the other divisions.

Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill soon repaired the bridges at the mill, crossed the Powhite Creek, and took position for the attack.

The columns under General Jackson, having a longer march, were not in position for some time after. Finally these columns were reported in position, and the commanding general directed my brigades to be put in position on the right to co-operate. In front of me the enemy occupied the wooded slope of Turkey Hill, the crest of which is 50 or 60 feet higher than the plain over which my troops must pass to make an attack. The plain is about a quarter of a mile wide; the farther side of it was occupied by sharpshooters. Above these and on the slope of the hill was a line of infantry behind trees, felled so as to form a good breastwork. The crest of the hill, some 40 feet above the last line, was strengthened by rifle trenches and occupied by infantry and artillery. In addition to this the plain was enfiladed by batteries on the other side of the Chickahominy. I was, in fact, in the position from which the enemy wished us to attack him.

The attack was begun by Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's division. My troops were drawn up in lines, massed behind the crest of a hill, and behind a small wood, three brigades in each position, and held in readiness as the reserve. We had not been in position long, however, before I received an urgent message from the commanding general to make a diversion in favor of the attacking columns. The three brigades under Wilcox were at once ordered forward against the enemy's left flank with this view. Pickett's brigade, making a diversion on the left of these brigades, developed the strong position and force of the enemy in my front, and I found that I must drive him by direct assault or abandon the idea of making the diversion. From the urgent nature of the message from the commanding general and my own peculiar position I determined to change the feint into an attack, and orders for a general advance were issued. General R. H. Anderson's brigade was divided, part supporting Pickett's in the direct assault and the other portion guarding the right flank of the brigades under Wilcox.

At this moment General Whiting arrived with his division, put it into position at once, and joined in the assault. The opportune arrival of this division occupied the entire field and enabled me to hold in reserve my rear brigade (Kemper's). Our gallant officers and men were moved forward in the face of three lines of infantry fire, supported by batteries from both sides of the Chickahominy. The troops, moving steadily on under this terrible fire, drove the enemy from his positions one after another, took his batteries, and finally drove him into the swamps of the Chickahominy.

No battle-field can boast of more gallantry and devotion. The severest trials were encountered by Wilcox's, Featherston's, and Pryor's brigades. These were skirmishing all day, and under a most annoying fire of artillery a great part of the time. They were the first, too, to make the assault and receive the terrible fire of infantry from the enemy's lines. The enemy's left was forced, and his position was thus partially turned, several of his batteries and many prisoners and regimental standards falling into our hands. As our troops reached the crest but a moment before occupied by the enemy re-enforcements <ar13_758>advanced and were engaged with our troops for a few moments. Soon discovering, however, that they must give way, they fell back in some confusion, leaving their dead to mark their line of battle. This was the last opposition encountered by our troops, further than a show of resistance as the enemy was pursued. The firing along other portions of the line was continued until dark.

General Whiting, having finished his work in our front with his own division, asked for a brigade of General Jackson's command, which happened to be near me, and put it in position on our left, where he did other handsome work. After driving the enemy from his last position many of our men continued the pursuit beyond in a rather straggling condition. The enemy's cavalry, covering his retreat, seeing this, attempted a charge, but our troops coolly awaited their approach, and drove them back after delivering a few rounds into their ranks. A little after dark the firing ceased, and the enemy left upon the field surrendered or straggled through the woods.

Up to the moment of gaining the enemy's position our loss was greater than his, but the telling fire of our infantry upon his lines as he retired and' returned again to attack thinned his ranks so rapidly that his dead soon outnumbered ours.

There was more individual gallantry displayed upon this field than any I have ever seen. Conspicuous among those gallant officers and men were Brig. Gens. R. H. Anderson, [W. H. C.] Whiting, [C. M.] Wilcox, and [George E.] Pickett (the latter severely wounded), Colonels Jenkins, Withers (severely wounded), Lieutenant-Colonels Hale (severely wounded), Slaughter (severely wounded), and Major Mullins (severely wounded). The gallant Colonel Woodward, of the Tenth Alabama Volunteers, fell at the head of his regiment in the assault on the enemy's position.

My personal staff- Majors Sorrel, Manning, Fairfax, and Walton, Captain Goree, and Lieutenant Blackwell- displayed great gallantry, intelligence, and activity. They have my warmest thanks and deserve much credit of the Government.

Major Haskell, of General D. R. Jones' staff, volunteered his services to me for the day. Upon his first field, his conduct would have done credit to any distinguished veteran. After gallantly bearing the colors of one of the regiments to the enemy's breastworks and planting the standard upon them he lost his right arm by a cannon-shot.

The gallant Captain Ochiltree, of the Adjutant-General's Department, volunteered his services, and was very active and energetic in the discharge of duties assigned him.

General Wigfall and Cole. P. T. Moore and W. Munford kindly offered their services, and were active and useful in transmitting orders, &c.

Early on the following day (Saturday) parties were sent forward to find the enemy. It was soon ascertained that he was not in force in my front and had destroyed the bridges across the Chickahominy immediately in front of me. It was supposed, however, that we would be able to draw him from his intrenchments by cutting his base. While other portions of the army were occupied at this work, my artillery was opened with such long-range guns as I could use against the enemy on the other side of the river. The range was so great, however, that we could do but little more than annoy him. The fire of one of the batteries in front of General D. R. Jones, however, made him feel exceedingly uncomfortable.

The effort to draw the enemy out by cutting his base was entirely <ar13_759>unsuccessful, and on Sunday morning it was ascertained that he had abandoned his fortifications and was in full retreat toward his gun-boats on the James River. I was ordered, with my own division and that of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill, to march via New Bridge and the Darbytown road to intercept his retreat. After a forced march our troops reached a point that night within easy striking distance of the enemy.

The march was resumed on Monday morning. Soon after taking up the line of march I was joined by the commanding general. Our forces came upon the enemy at Frazier's farm about noon, when the enemy's skirmishers were reported as advancing. Colonel Jenkins, commanding the Second Brigade, was directed to ascertain the condition of the enemy. Afar driving in his pickets it was found that he was in force and position, ready for battle. My own division was put in position for attack or defense at once, and one of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's brigades (Branch's) ordered forward to support my right flank, the rest of Hill's division being left for the time on the road to secure the right or to move up to support the front.

About this time information was received that Major-General Ma-grader was in rear in easy supporting distance ; but as information was also received that the enemy was in force in front of Major-General Holmes, it was deemed advisable to order Magruder's forces to join Holmes, about 3 miles off to our right.

After getting into position artillery fire was opened about 3 p.m. upon the enemy, apparently from the Charles City road. Taking this for Huger's attack, and thinking that his troops (rather fresh)would expect early co-operation, I ordered several batteries forward hurriedly in order to assure those troops that we were in position. The enemy's batteries returned the fire immediately and with great rapidity. One battery was found to be so near our front line that I ordered Colonel Jenkins to silence it. The enemy was found to be in such force there, however, that the engagement was brought on at once (4 o'clock). Troops were thrown forward as rapidly as possible to the support of the attacking columns. Owing to the nature of the ground that concert of action so essential to complete success could not obtain, particularly attacking such odds against us and in position. The enemy, however, was driven back slowly and steadily, contesting the ground inch by inch. He succeeded in getting some of his batteries off the field, and, by holding his last position until dark, in withdrawing his forces under cover of night.

The troops sustained their reputation for coolness, courage, determination, and devotion so well earned on many hotly contested fields.

Branch's brigade, of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's division, did not render the prompt support to our right which was expected, and it is believed that several of our officers and men were taken prisoners in consequence. The other brigades of this division were prompt, and advanced to the attack with an alacrity worthy of their gallant leader. They re covered and secured the captured batteries from some of which the troops of my division had been compelled to retire for want of prompt support. The odds against us on this field were probably greater than on any other.

Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill deserves much credit for the condition of his new troops and the promptness and energy displayed in throwing his forces forward at the proper time and to the proper points.

I would also mention, as distinguished among others for gallantry and skill, Brig. Gens. R. H. Anderson, Kemper, Wilcox, Pryor, and Featherston (the latter severly wounded), and Colonels Jenkins, Corse, <ar13_760>Strange, Patton, Perry (severely wounded), Lieutenant-Colonels Marye, Coppens, Royston, and Major Caldwell (both wounded); Captain Field, commanding Eleventh Alabama, and Captain King, commanding Ninth Alabama (both wounded); Captain Otey, commanding Eleventh Virginia, and Captain Kilpatrick, of the Palmetto Sharpshooters.

The country and the service mourns the loss of Lieut. Col. J. G. Taylor, of the Second Mississippi Battalion; Lieut. Col. D. W. Baine, commanding Fourteenth Alabama Regiment; Lieut. Col. J. V. Scott, commanding Third Virginia Regiment, and Maj. William Anderson, of the Palmetto Sharpshooters. These brave and valuable officers fell at the head of their commands in a desperate charge on the enemy's batteries.

Majors Sorrel, Manning, Fairfax, and Walton, Captain Goree, and Lieutenant Blackwell, of my personal staff, displayed their usual gallantry and alacrity. After five days of night and day work, they kept up with undiminished zeal and energy. My volunteer aide, General Wigfall, remained with me also, conspicuous for his courage, coolness, and intelligence.

Major Meade and Lieutenant Johnston, of the Engineer Corps, were assigned to duty at my headquarters at the beginning of the campaign, and were very energetic and untiring in their efforts to discover the various positions of the enemy.

I desire to render my thanks to the medical staff of my command, of which Surgeon Cullen is chief, for their humane and protracted efforts in the care of the wounded. The most untiring and unremitting attention was displayed by these officers, both after the actions of the 27th and 30th, and I refer to the report of Chief Surgeon Cullen for especial mention of the conduct of the subordinates.()

For the details of the operations of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's division I respectfully refer to his official report.

Early on the following day the troops of Major-General Jackson were reported approaching the late battlefield, also Armistead's brigade, of Huger's division. The entire force was concentrated around this field about 10 a.m., and Jackson's command advanced by the commanding general on the route of the enemy's retreat. It was soon ascertained that the enemy was in position and great force near Malvern Hill, at Crew's farm. Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's and my own division, having been engaged the day before, were in reserve.

A little after 3 p.m. I understood that we would not be able to attack the enemy that day, inasmuch as his position was too strong to admit of it.

About 5 o'clock, however, I heard the noise of battle, and soon received a message from Major-General Magruder calling for re-enforcements, and understood from his staff officer that the enemy was attacking his position. I ordered the division of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill to his immediate support, and put my own in position to secure his right flank, which was the only one that could be at all exposed.

One of Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's brigades became engaged about night; no other portion of the two divisions.

On Wednesday those two divisions were thrown forward again to pursue the enemy, but after marching 2 miles through a very severe rainstorm they were halted for the night near Dr. Poindexter's house.

On Thursday morning the pursuit was resumed, and the command of Major-General Jackson moved forward, but by a different road. Both commands arrived near the new position taken by the enemy before night. <ar13_761>

On Friday morning I rode forward to examine the position of the enemy. He was found to be strongly posted under his gunboats. Major-General Jackson placed his command in front of the enemy, drove back the enemy's pickets, and made the necessary disposition of his troops. Some complaint was made that the troops were not in proper condition to attack the enemy under his gunboats. I ordered, therefore, that no advance should be made, and wrote to request that the commanding general would ride forward at his earliest convenience.

Brig. Gen. D. R. Jones, in command of his own brigade and that of General Toombs, reported to me just before the arrival of the commanding general. These brigades were put in position on Jackson's left, and Maj. Gen. A. P. Hill's division on his right, at Crenshaw's farm.

After consultation further offensive operations were not deemed expedient.

Some days were occupied in collecting the arms and other property thrown away and abandoned by the enemy, when our forces were withdrawn to their present positions near Richmond.

Respectfully submitted.

 JAMES LONGSTREET,

Major-General, Commanding.

 Col. R. H. CHILTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, LONGSTREET'S DIVISION,

July 17, 1862.

MAJOR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the recent operations of my command:

This brigade left its camp on the Williamsburg road about dawn on the morning of Thursday, the 26th ultimo, numbering 1,433 muskets, and provided with three days' rations, which were carried by the men in their haversacks.

The division being marched left in front during the late operations on the north side of the Chickahominy, the First Brigade brought up the rear of its line, and was not ordered into any of the actions which occurred prior to Monday, the 30th ultimo. It was held in reserve, however, in immediate proximity to the battle-fields of the 26th and 27th ultimo as well as that of the 1st instant, in readiness to be thrown into action at a moment's notice.

Upon the 30th ultimo the division was halted in the vicinity of the enemy on the road leading through Frazier's farm, and under the <ar13_763>orders of Brig. Gen. R. H. Anderson, commanding the division, I formed my command in line of battle on the right and nearly perpendicular to the road, one regiment of the Second Brigade being posted in line between my left and the road. My command constituted the extreme right of our general line of battle and was posted upon the rear edge of a dense body of timber, the Seventeenth Virginia Regiment (Col. M.D. Corse) occupying the right; the Twenty-fourth Virginia Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel [Peter] Hairston commanding) the left; the First Virginia (Capt. G. F. Norton commanding) the center; the Eleventh Virginia (Capt. K. Otey commanding) the right center, and the Seventh Virginia (Col. W. T. Patton) the left center.

Soon after getting into position I received orders from Major-General Longstreet to use the utmost care in guarding against any movement of the enemy upon my right, and I at once caused Colonel Corse, of the right regiment, to change front to rear on his left company, so that his regiment formed an obtuse angle with the line of the brigade and fronted obliquely to the right. I also caused two companies of this regiment to move forward from Corse's new front as skirmishers, under command of Captain Simpson. After advancing several hundred yards these skirmishers were halted upon the rear edge of an open field, a good view of which was commanded from their position. I also posted Rogers' battery of four pieces upon an open eminence near the right of my line and in supporting distance of Corse's regiment, the position being such as to command an extensive field upon my right.

About 5 p.m. an order being received from Major-General Longstreet to advance my line, I immediately in person ordered Colonel Corse to change his front forward, so as to bring the right of his regiment up to the brigade line, and sent my staff along the line toward the left, so as to insure the simultaneous advance of the entire line. The brigade advanced in line of battle steadily and in good order, notwithstanding the unevenness of the ground (which in places was almost precipitous), the entangled undergrowth which filled the woods, and the firing of one of the enemy's batteries located directly in front, which rapidly threw shell and round shot over and almost in the midst of my command.

The advance continued to be conducted in good order until, very soon coming upon the pickets of the enemy and driving them in, the men seemed to be possessed of the idea that they were upon the enemy's main line, and in an instant the whole brigade charged forward in doublequick time and with loud cheers. Nothing could have been more chivalrously done and nothing could have been more unfortunate, as the cheering of the men only served to direct the fire of the enemy's batteries, and the movement in double-quick time through dense woods, over rough ground, encumbered with matted under-growth and crossed by a swamp, had the effect of producing more or less confusion and breaking the continuity of the line, which, however, was preserved as well as it possibly could have been under the circumstances. But a single idea seemed to control the minds of the men, which was to reach the enemy's line by the directed route and in the shortest time; and no earthly power could have availed to arrest or restrain the impetuosity with which they rushed toward the foe, for my orders, previously given with great care and emphasis to the assembled field officers of the brigade, forbade any movement in double-quick time over such ground when the enemy were not in view. The obstructions were such as to make it impossible for any officer to <ar13_764>more than a few files of his men at one view, and it was apparent that any effort to halt and reform the entire brigade would be futile, and would only serve to produce increased confusion. But whatever the error of the men in advancing two rapidly in disregard of previous orders to the contrary, it was an error upon the side of bravery.

After advancing in this way probably 1,000 or 1,200 yards, crossing two bodies of woods and a small intermediate field, the lines suddenly emerged into another field, facing a battery of the enemy, consisting of not less than eight pieces, distant but a few hundred yards, while the enemy's infantry were found protected by an imperfect and hastily constructed breastwork and a house near by. At the same time it became apparent that another battery of the enemy was posted a considerable distance to our left. These two batteries and the enemy's infantry poured an incessant fire of shell, grape, canister, and lead upon my line, and did much execution; still there was no perceptible faltering in the advance of these brave men who rushed across the open field, pouring a well-directed fire' into the enemy, driving him from his breastworks and the battery in our front. The guns of the battery were abandoned to us for the time being, and my command was in virtual possession of the chosen position of the enemy. A more impetuous and desperate charge was never made than that of my small command against the sheltered and greatly superior forces of the enemy. The ground which they gained from the enemy is marked by the graves of some of my veterans, who were buried where they fell; and those graves marked with the names of the occupants, situated at and near the position of the enemy, show the points at which they dashed against the strongholds of the retreating foe.

It is proper to be stated here that the left of my line was entirely unsupported, and greatly to my surprise and disappointment, for I had supposed that the movement of my brigade was part of a general advance of our entire lines. Up to this time no firing was heard upon my left except the firing of the enemy, which was directed upon my line with telling effect.

More About Amanda M. Childres:

Name 2: Amamda M Childres

                         iii.    Tobias Bumgarner, born 1835 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 24 July 1862 in Civil War; married Sarah Emaline Childres; born 1839 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 19 December 1914 in Little River Township, Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Sarah Emaline Childres:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 1/105

                         iv.    Susan Adeline Bumgarner, born 1837 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died Abt. 1903 in Avery County, North Carolina; married Jacob Loudermilk; born 1837 in Wilkes County, North Carolina; died Abt. 1903 in Avery County, North Carolina.

                          v.    Nora Christiana Bumgarner, born 1839 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married (1) Bowles; married (2) James L Davis 27 February 1870.

More About James L Davis:

Name 2: James Lee Davis

More About James Davis and Nora Bumgarner:

Marriage: 27 February 1870

                         vi.    Rachel M Bumgarner, born 14 May 1842 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 16 February 1925 in Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina; married Daniel T Davidson 23 November 1867 in Alexander County, North Carolina; born 12 August 1847 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 19 May 1914 in Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina.

More About Daniel Davidson and Rachel Bumgarner:

Marriage: 23 November 1867, Alexander County, North Carolina

        8              vii.    Christian Autustus Bumgarner, born 1847 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 08 January 1930 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Julie Catherine Daniels 21 January 1867 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                       viii.    Barbara L Bumgarner, born 04 November 1848 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 15 April 1887 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married (1) Alexander Mitchell; married (2) William Alexander Mitchell 21 November 1878 in Alexander County, North Carolina; born 07 October 1854; died 16 November 1925 in Sugar Loaf Township, Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Barbara L Bumgarner:

By:  Noma Wike, Texas monowike@fivearea.com

Barbara Bumgarner had several children who took the Bumgarner name prior to her marriage to William Alexander Mitchell.  She had four Mitchell children

More About Barbara L Bumgarner:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

More About William Alexander Mitchell:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for Barbara Bumgarner and William Mitchell:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Marriage Record Book 1/650

More About William Mitchell and Barbara Bumgarner:

Marriage: 21 November 1878, Alexander County, North Carolina

        18.  Eli Daniels, Dr, born Abt. 1820; died 09 July 1863 in Alexander County, North Carolina.  He was the son of 36. Yerby Daniels and 37. Jane Stewart.  He married 19. Mary E Chapman.

        19.  Mary E Chapman, born Abt. 1824; died 09 May 1900 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

More About Eli Daniels, Dr:

Burial: Daniels Family Cemetery, Alexander County, North Carolina

More About Mary E Chapman:

Burial: Daniels Family Cemetery, Alexander County, North Carolina

Children of Eli Daniels and Mary Chapman are:

                           i.    Martha Daniels, born 1838.

                          ii.    D Austin Daniels, born 1840.

                         iii.    Sally Daniels, born 1842.

                         iv.    Phrona A Daniels, born 27 December 1846 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 11 January 1930 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Tobias Barnes.

Notes for Phrona A Daniels:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 1/104

More About Phrona A Daniels:

Burial: New Salem Presbyterian Church, Alexander County, North Carolina

                          v.    Alexander A Daniels, born 1849.

                         vi.    Marinda Daniels, born 1849.

                        vii.    William Emerson Daniels, born 16 January 1849 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 27 December 1916 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Buena Vesta Bowles 31 March 1901 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

More About William Emerson Daniels:

Burial: Salem Luthern Church, (Hwy 16), Alexander County, North Carolina

More About William Daniels and Buena Bowles:

Marriage: 31 March 1901, Alexander County, North Carolina

        9             viii.    Julie Catherine Daniels, born 18 February 1851 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 22 March 1922 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Christian Autustus Bumgarner 21 January 1867 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

                         ix.    Jane Elizabeth Daniels, born 15 November 1855 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 14 November 1938 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Silas Winfred Harrington 03 May 1875 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Jane Elizabeth Daniels:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 1/36

More About Jane Elizabeth Daniels:

Burial: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Alexander County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for Jane Daniels and Silas Harrington:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Marriage Records 1/447

More About Silas Harrington and Jane Daniels:

Marriage: 03 May 1875, Alexander County, North Carolina

                          x.    Eli Boston Daniels, born 10 August 1856 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 22 September 1931 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Ida E Daniels 03 December 1892 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for Eli Boston Daniels:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 1/33

More About Eli Boston Daniels:

Burial: Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Alexander County, North Carolina

More About Eli Daniels and Ida Daniels:

Marriage: 03 December 1892, Alexander County, North Carolina

                         xi.    Elisha Daniels, born 1857.

                        xii.    C E Daniels, born 1858.

                       xiii.    John Henry Daniels, born 1861 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 1935 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Martha L Durmire 04 April 1897 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

Notes for John Henry Daniels:

By: Noma Wike, PO Box 56, Sudan, Texas, 79371

Alexander County Cemetery Records 3/104

More About John Henry Daniels:

Burial: Sulpher Springs Baptist Church, Alexander County, North Carolina

More About John Daniels and Martha Durmire:

Marriage: 04 April 1897, Alexander County, North Carolina

                       xiv.    Mary M (twin) Daniels, born 14 April 1863 in Alexander County, North Carolina; died 15 June 1901 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Alfred Partee Jolly.

More About Mary M (twin) Daniels:

Burial: Daniels Family Cemetery, Alexander County, North Carolina

                        xv.    Thomas F (twin) Daniels, born 14 April 1863 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Mary Jane Davidson 19 March 1898 in Alexander County, North Carolina.

More About Thomas Daniels and Mary Davidson:

Marriage: 19 March 1898, Alexander County, North Carolina

        22.  John Watts, born 13 November 1816.  He was the son of 44. Thomas Watts and 45. Mary Teague.  He married 23. Sallie Barnes.

        23.  Sallie Barnes  She was the daughter of 46. Major John Barnes and 47. Nancy Brown.

Marriage Notes for John Watts and Sallie Barnes:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived at the I A Barnes old home place.

Children of John Watts and Sallie Barnes are:

                           i.    Thomas Watts, born 02 January 1838; married (1) Rebecca Barnes 25 August 1868; married (2) Clementine Wilkem 06 October 1873.

More About Thomas Watts and Rebecca Barnes:

Marriage: 25 August 1868

                          ii.    Archibald Watts, born 1840.

Notes for Archibald Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Killed by a tree

                         iii.    James Watts, born 1843.

                         iv.    Mary Watts, born 1844; married (1) Doctor A Daniels; married (2) Eli Murphy 12 May 1868.

More About Eli Murphy and Mary Watts:

Marriage: 12 May 1868

                          v.    Sion Watts, born 17 November 1847; married Mary C Ingram 02 September 1867.

More About Sion Watts and Mary Ingram:

Marriage: 02 September 1867

                         vi.    Smith Watts, born 1848; married (1) Sally; married (2) Lena Matheson; married (3) Rachel Coffee.

        11            vii.    Nancy E Watts, born 1837; married Elijah Barnes.

        28.  Abner Kerley  He married 29. Elizabeth Teague.

        29.  Elizabeth Teague

Child of Abner Kerley and Elizabeth Teague is:

        14               i.    Wilson Kerley, married Lydia Watts.

        30.  Magness Watts, born 24 August 1800; died 27 May 1875.  He was the son of 60. James Watts and 61. Lurana Teague.  He married 31. Margaret Steele.

        31.  Margaret Steele  She was the daughter of 62. James Steele.

Notes for Magness Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Magness lived near the Silk Mill on Wilkesboro Road #16. He was buried in the Harrington graveyard.

Indenture of Apprenticeship signed by Magnus Watts Sr. on April 20, 1872.   This document is filed in the Archives in Raleigh, North Carolina.    

This Indenture made the 20th day of April in the year of our Lord  One Thousand Eight hundred and seventy two in the 96th year of the independence of the said state between the state of North Carolina & Magnus Watts in witnesseth that the Court of Probate for the county of Alexander doth put _________  bind unto the said Magnus Watts Robert B. watts aged about ten years with the said Magnus Watts to live after the manner of an apprentice and servant until the said apprentice shall attain the age of twenty one years during all which time the said apprentice Magness Watts faithfully shall serve and all lawful commands gladly obey and he shall not at any time absent himself from said Magnus Watts service without leave but in all things as a good and faithful servant behave towards the said Magnus Watts and the said Magnus Watts doth promise and agree to and with the said State of North Carolina that he will teach and instruct or cause to be taught & instructed the said Robert B. Watts in the art and ________of farming and shall teach or cause him to be taught to read and write and a knowledge of arithmetic and pay him six dollarsin cash give him a new suit of clothes and a new bible at the end of his apprenticeship and that he will constantly ______and provide for the said apprentice during the term afore said sufficient diet washing lodging and __________fitting for an apprentice and also all other things necessary both in sickness and in health.  In witness whereof the said Magnus Watts & M Stevenson Judge of Probate both here unto set their hands and seals the day of years first above written

Magness Watts     SEAL

E M Stevenson      SEAL

                                        Judge

Marriage Notes for Magness Watts and Margaret Steele:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Magness and Margaret were first cousins

Children of Magness Watts and Margaret Steele are:

                           i.    J Wilson Watts, born 1822; married Elizabeth Powell.

Notes for J Wilson Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Moved to Mississippi

Notes for Elizabeth Powell:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Elizabeth was from Caldwell County, North Carolina

Marriage Notes for J Watts and Elizabeth Powell:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Moved to Mississippi

                          ii.    Andrew Culberson Watts, born 11 April 1824; died 24 December 1895; married Bettie McRee 03 December 1844.

Marriage Notes for Andrew Watts and Bettie McRee:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived near the Watts old mill

More About Andrew Watts and Bettie McRee:

Marriage: 03 December 1844

        15             iii.    Lydia Watts, born 1828; married Wilson Kerley.

                         iv.    Martha Watts, born 25 June 1831; died 08 September 1912; married (1) Lawson Walker 1855; married (2) Sion Rogers 31 March 1872.

Marriage Notes for Martha Watts and Lawson Walker:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived on Hwy 90 and Hwy 16

More About Lawson Walker and Martha Watts:

Marriage: 1855

                          v.    Dr. Thomas Watts, born 1833; married Annis H Watts; born 11 September 1840.

More About Annis H Watts:

Name 2: Annis Watts

Marriage Notes for Dr. Watts and Annis Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Thomas and Annis were first cousins

                         vi.    Elizabeth Watts, born Abt. 1835; married Abner Kerley.

Marriage Notes for Elizabeth Watts and Abner Kerley:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Had one child who died in infancy

                        vii.    Aseneth E Watts, born 14 March 1837; died 04 September 1859; married John Kerley.

Marriage Notes for Aseneth Watts and John Kerley:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

They moved to Mississippi

                       viii.    Mary Watts, born 21 August 1847; died 09 December 1860.

                         ix.    Joseph Watts, born 29 December 1869; died 26 March 1934; married Jane Watts 28 December 1895.

Marriage Notes for Joseph Watts and Jane Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived near Stony Point, North Carolina

More About Joseph Watts and Jane Watts:

Marriage: 28 December 1895

Generation No. 6

        32.  Thomas G. Bumgarner, born 1774; died 1850.  He was the son of 64. John Bumgarner and 65. Nancy.  He married 33. Mary Anderson.

        33.  Mary Anderson

Children of Thomas Bumgarner and Mary Anderson are:

        16               i.    Simon Bumgarner, born 01 November 1805; died 25 August 1898 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Elizabeth Kesler 15 July 1830 in Iredell County, North Carolina.

                          ii.    Amon Davidson Bumgarner, born 1794 in Lincoln County, North Carolina; died 1845; married Sarah Miller; born 1795; died 1852.

        34.  Christian Kesler, born 30 June 1783 in Pennsylvania; died 30 September 1843 in Rowan County, North Carolina.  He was the son of 68. John Kesler.  He married 35. Elizabeth Eller.

        35.  Elizabeth Eller, born 20 August 1785; died December 1843.

Children of Christian Kesler and Elizabeth Eller are:

        17               i.    Elizabeth Kesler, born 09 August 1805; died 05 June 1890 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Simon Bumgarner 15 July 1830 in Iredell County, North Carolina.

                          ii.    Mary M Kesler, married John Roseman.

                         iii.    Barbara Kesler

                         iv.    Rachel Kesler, married Benjamin Duncan 1842.

More About Benjamin Duncan and Rachel Kesler:

Marriage: 1842

                          v.    Samuel Kesler, married Matilda Miller.

                         vi.    Christina Kesler, born 1810; died 1880; married James M Conter 1847.

More About James Conter and Christina Kesler:

Marriage: 1847

                        vii.    William Kesler, born 1813; married Elizabeth Biggers 1836.

More About William Kesler and Elizabeth Biggers:

Marriage: 1836

                       viii.    Tobias Kesler, born 20 September 1814; died 05 March 1897; married Nancy Roseman.

                         ix.    Isaac Kesler, born November 1817; died 1857; married (1) Matilda Mnu; married (2) Elizabeth Lynn.

                          x.    Alexander Kesler, born 1821; died 1850; married Catherine Lyerly 10 May 1843.

More About Alexander Kesler and Catherine Lyerly:

Marriage: 10 May 1843

                         xi.    Cornelius Kesler, born 1825; died March 1893; married Anna Hartman 1845.

More About Cornelius Kesler and Anna Hartman:

Marriage: 1845

        36.  Yerby Daniels  He married 37. Jane Stewart.

        37.  Jane Stewart

Child of Yerby Daniels and Jane Stewart is:

        18               i.    Eli Daniels, Dr, born Abt. 1820; died 09 July 1863 in Alexander County, North Carolina; married Mary E Chapman.

        44.  Thomas Watts, born 16 April 1783; died 26 March 1860.  He was the son of 60. James Watts and 61. Lurana Teague.  He married 45. Mary Teague.

        45.  Mary Teague

Notes for Thomas Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived near where Loyd Herman once lived.  He aquired a large tract of land including the land of I. A. Barnes, Charlie Walker, LoydHerman, Magness Watts and others. 

Marriage Notes for Thomas Watts and Mary Teague:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Mary and Thomas were first cousins

Children of Thomas Watts and Mary Teague are:

                           i.    Patty Watts, born 12 November 1805; married Billie Russell.

                          ii.    James Watts, born 16 June 1809; died 21 July 1880; married (1) Rachel Russell; married (2) Lee Anna Kerley; married (3) Cloe Brown 24 May 1831.

More About James Watts and Cloe Brown:

Marriage: 24 May 1831

                         iii.    Nellie Watts, born 22 June 1811; married Jesse Starnes.

Marriage Notes for Nellie Watts and Jesse Starnes:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived at Whittenburg Township, Alexander County, North Carolina

                         iv.    Miriam Watts, born 27 May 1814; died 22 February 1872; married Calvin Jones 21 February 1833.

Marriage Notes for Miriam Watts and Calvin Jones:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived on the Egypt Farm and J M Jones Homeplace. Calvin left Taylorsville, North Carolina with a caravan of 51 covered wagons in October 1869. Some stopped in Illinois, some stopped in Clearwater , Kansas, some in Cherokee, Kansas. All stayed except for Milton Jones; he came back to Taylorsville.

More About Calvin Jones and Miriam Watts:

Marriage: 21 February 1833

                          v.    Mary Watts, born 13 October 1815; died 11 July 1832.

        22             vi.    John Watts, born 13 November 1816; married Sallie Barnes.

                        vii.    Betsy (Bettie) Watts, born 09 April 1821; married (1) William Teague; married (2) Roy Mullins.

                       viii.    Elijah Watts, born 20 April 1824; died 07 December 1861; married Lee Anna Kerley.

Notes for Lee Anna Kerley:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Married her brother in law after her husbands death

        46.  Major John Barnes  He married 47. Nancy Brown.

        47.  Nancy Brown

Marriage Notes for Major Barnes and Nancy Brown:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Nancy and John were from Ashe County, North Carolina.

Child of Major Barnes and Nancy Brown is:

        23               i.    Sallie Barnes, married John Watts.

        60.  James Watts, born 1762.  He was the son of 120. Thomas Watts and 121. Elizabeth Harrington.  He married 61. Lurana Teague.

        61.  Lurana Teague  She was the daughter of 122. William Teague and 123. Elinor Teague.

Notes for James Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

When James Watts and Lurana came to Wilkes County, now Alexander County in 1796, he received a State Grant for 100 acres of land on Long Branch on March 2, 1803 Also one for 150 acres on Beaver Dam Branch on December 3, 1806.  His last domicile was on the west side of Lower Little River overlooking a fertile valley.  The first Watts reunion was held near the old home site in 1925.  A beautiful spring was at the end of the long table walled with rock 100 years before by James Watts. One of his grandsons, Joseph Watts, was present weighing more than 330 lbs.  One of James' great, great, great grandaughters, Mrs. Gladys Kerley, now owns this land at this date, 1966, address Taylorsville, N. C., Route #2.  The clan has been holding annual reunions since 1925 at Three Forks Baptist Church, the old burying ground for the clan.  There are more than 15,000 direct descendents of James and Lurana.  250 or more buried in this cemetery.  It is the oldest community cemetery in Alexander County, begun in 1800.  The first tomb with an epitaph is James Watts', as follows: "Farewell my dear and loving wife, my children and my friends, I hope in Heaven to see you all when all things have their end. The writer is living in his 75TH summer, would be glad to see and clasp hands before I am called to go, or a letter would be grand.

A very interesting story about a walnut tree that grew in James' yard.  It became very large when a strong wind blew it down.  One of James' grandaughter's husband, Hamilton Brookshire, took the first cut of the tree and rived some legs from it, as there were few saw mills in those days and made a wooden table with wooden pegs.  It is a treasured heirloom.  Can be seen at Wilson D. Brookshires.  The writer has a walnut table made by James third son, Benjamin.  My great, great grandfather possibly made from the same tree. Thus ends the VI generation from James Watts and Lurana Tegue beginning with the VII.

Children of James Watts and Lurana Teague are:

                           i.    William Watts, born 26 December 1780; died 12 December 1862; married Elizabeth Barnes 12 February 1808.

Notes for William Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

 William had two sons out of wedlock by Nancy Milstead.

More About William Watts and Elizabeth Barnes:

Marriage: 12 February 1808

                          ii.    Thomas Watts, born 16 April 1783; died 26 March 1860; married Mary Teague.

Notes for Thomas Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived near where Loyd Herman once lived.  He aquired a large tract of land including the land of I. A. Barnes, Charlie Walker, LoydHerman, Magness Watts and others. 

Marriage Notes for Thomas Watts and Mary Teague:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Mary and Thomas were first cousins

                         iii.    Isaac Watts, born 1785; married Sallie Loudermilk.

Notes for Isaac Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived near Roundtop Mountain. Had 412 acres of land.  Sold it to his brothers William and Benjamin in 1838 and went to Tennessee. 

                         iv.    Mary Watts, born 02 February 1791; died 04 November 1854; married John Teague.

Marriage Notes for Mary Watts and John Teague:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

John and Mary were first cousins.

Lived at the Jefferson Teague old home place , now the R S Barnes homeplace.

                          v.    James Watts, Jr., born 01 November 1793; died 09 January 1832; married Rebecca Jones 15 December 1813.

Marriage Notes for James Watts and Rebecca Jones:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Lived at the Johnie Watts old homeplace

More About James Watts and Rebecca Jones:

Marriage: 15 December 1813

                         vi.    Nellie Watts, born 1794; died 1804; married Silar ?.

                        vii.    Bettie Watts, born 1796; married Andrew Steele, Sr.

Notes for Andrew Steele, Sr:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Settled at the Rufus Brown homeplace on the Caldwell County line (North Carolina)

                       viii.    John Watts, born 1798; died 16 May 1855; married Asseneth Steele.

Notes for John Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Settled at the Alonzo Johnson old home place

        30             ix.    Magness Watts, born 24 August 1800; died 27 May 1875; married (1) Margaret Steele; married (2) Jane Miller Clodfelter 24 November 1868.

                          x.    Moses Watts, born 10 August 1803; died 03 September 1859; married Celia Laxton.

        62.  James Steele

Child of James Steele is:

        31               i.    Margaret Steele, married Magness Watts.

Generation No. 7

        64.  John Bumgarner  He married 65. Nancy.

        65.  Nancy

Child of John Bumgarner and Nancy is:

        32               i.    Thomas G. Bumgarner, born 1774; died 1850; married Mary Anderson.

        68.  John Kesler

Children of John Kesler are:

                           i.    John Kesler, Jr, born in Pennsylvania.

        34              ii.    Christian Kesler, born 30 June 1783 in Pennsylvania; died 30 September 1843 in Rowan County, North Carolina; married Elizabeth Eller.

                         iii.    George Kesler, born 23 January 1794 in Pennsylvania; died 03 March 1844 in Rowan County, North Carolina; married (1) Christina Eller October 1814; died Bef. 27 July 1825; married (2) Rosannah Basinger 12 April 1826 in Rowan County, North Carolina; born 1808; died 1858.

More About George Kesler and Christina Eller:

Marriage: October 1814

        120.  Thomas Watts  He was the son of 240. Thomas Watts and 121. Elizabeth Harrington.  He married 121. Elizabeth Harrington.

        121.  Elizabeth Harrington

Children of Thomas Watts and Elizabeth Harrington are:

                           i.    Benjamin Watts, born 10 February 1789; died 01 January 1872; married (1) Mary E Dotson; married (2) Mary E Dodson; married (3) Sarah Medows; married (4) Frances Teague.

Notes for Benjamin Watts:

From the book "Facts and Events of the Watts Family" by W.C. Watts. A soft back book published by Taylorsville Business Forms with no publication date copied by Len Moore, Wilkes County, North Carolina

Benjamin was the largest slave owner in the county, having 26 when the Emancipation Proclamation was proclaimed. Tradition has it that he had a pot of gold and blindfolded one of his slaves and led him until he was lost and had him to bury it. It has never been found as anyone knows about.

By: Len Moore, WilkesCounty, North Carolina

I have been told by family members that this gold and silver was buried at the base of the Sugar Loaf Mountain in Alexander County.

        60              ii.    James Watts, born 1762; married Lurana Teague.

        122.  William Teague  He married 123. Elinor Teague.

        123.  Elinor Teague

Child of William Teague and Elinor Teague is:

        61               i.    Lurana Teague, married James Watts.

Generation No. 8

        240.  Thomas Watts, born 1728; died 1774.  He married 121. Elizabeth Harrington.

        121.  Elizabeth Harrington

Child of Thomas Watts and Elizabeth Harrington is:

        120             i.    Thomas Watts, married Elizabeth Harrington.