Ephriam Witcher

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1840, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Pettis, Missouri, USA
• Residence: 1860, Heaths Creek, Pettis, Missouri, USA

Ephriam married Nancy Young in 1820 in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Nancy was born in 1803 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1869 in Sedalia, Pettis, Missouri, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Julia Ann Witcher was born in 1822 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died in 1849 in , Saline, Missouri, USA.
2. Elizabeth C Angeline Witcher was born in 1825.
3. William Patrick Witcher was born on 18 Jul 1827 in Gretna, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Sep 1908 in Wanamaker, Saline, Missouri, USA.
4. Peyton Oglesby Witcher was born in Feb 1833 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 27 Sep 1900 in , Pettis, Missouri, USA.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1782, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1820, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

Residence:
23 slaves

William married Mary Polly Dalton on 1 Apr 1782 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Mary (daughter of Robert Dalton and Mary Key) was born in 1764 in , Albemarle, Virginia, USA; died on 29 Sep 1852 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1830, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1840, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA
• Residence: 1850, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1782, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA

Notes:

William Witcher was living in Pittsylvania Co VA by 1762, and in 1763 he was serving as a vestryman of Camden Parish. (He may have been a vestryman as far back as 1747) Pittsylvania Co and Camden Parish were organized in 1767. He was one of two people who let the contract for a church near Snow Creek Chapel, and also one of two who let the contract for the Chapel of Ease. He was one of four ordered to let the building of the "hull of a Courthouse thirty two by twenty four Shingled Ruff" -- the first courthouse in Pittsylvania Co. He was appointed a Justice of Peace for Pittsylvania Co on December 12, 1769.

1767 First List of Tithables of Pittsylvania Co. VA
William Witcher and negro Sawney 2 100
Daniel Witcher 1 191
John Witcher 1 190

William Witcher took the oath of Vestryman 1768. Was member of County Committee of Safety. Appointed Captain of Militia in 1775. Commanded a Company of Militia in Indian Expedition of 1776. When the Regiment under Col. Christian pushed on into Tenn., a force of 200 men were left under the command of Capt. Witcher to guard Fort Patrick Henry. (Pittsylvania Pension Papers).

From Brunswick Co., VA deed files...
8-D, Peter Copeland, 380 acres, Little Beaver Creek, 23 Apr 1768, land now in Pittsylvania County, VA [#226].
Peter Copeland, 51 acres, brs. of Daniel's Mill Creek, 9 Feb 1769, land now in Pittsylvania County, VA [#182].

3 May 1775. Order to Peter Copeland and William Witcher to examine Frances Hicks, the wife of James Hicks, Jr., in their deed to Thomas Claiborne 25 Nov 1772 for 638 acres in Meherrin Parish. She was examined in Pittsylvania County 23 May 1776. Returned to Court 26 Aug 1776.

Brunswick County, Virginia, Deed Book 12, 1776-1777, page 42 (74).
William Witcher was a member of the Pittsylvania Co. Committee of Safety, which was organized in 1775 to carry out the instructions of the Continental Congress to boycott trade with England.

In claims on govt. for property taken for public use in Pittsylvania Co., Va in 18 March 1782 are many claims for William Witcher. Also for James, James, Jr., John, Thomas, and Cain Witchers. 17 May 1784

On September 27, 1775, William Witcher, Sr. was appointed a Captain of the Pittsylvania militia. He raised a company of soldiers in Pittsylvania Co., VA. Captain Witcher took part in the Indian Expedition of 1776. When the Regiment under Col. Christian pushed into Tennessee, a force of 200 men under the command of Capt. Witcher was left to guard Fort Patrick Henry.

WITCHER, William. Capt.-Col County Militia. Indian Expeditions
1776-1777. Member of the Committee of Safety. Vestryman, Justice; led Company to Stono Inlet. S.C. 1779. Led Co to Hillsboro to support Gen. Green Winter 1780. Fought with Col. Campbell's riflemen at Guilford.

Indian outrages continued, and Capt. William Witcher's company was one of two that rendezvoused at Pittsylvania Old Courthouse in March, 1777. In April they marched to Fort Patrick Henry (today the site of Kingsport, TN) and there searched for Indians, ranging the woods in all directions. In July a treaty was drawn up, and the men were dismissed to make their way home.

When Gen. Nathaniel Green assumed command of the Southern Continental Army in 1780, Capt. Witcher and his company marched from Pittsylvania Co. to Salisbury, North Carolina, as reinforcements. They also marched to Stone River in South Carolina, where they joined Colonel David Mason's regiment. Captain Witcher participated in the Battle of Stans under General Lincoln, and his company also joined General Greene in Halifax Co., South Carolina. In addition, he fought at Guilford Courthouse under Col. Lynch and at Hutaw Springs under Stephens. Captain Witcher was later promoted to Major and made Colonel by brevet.

(In the month of February 1779 this deponant was called out for a five months tour as a drafted militia man in a company commanded by Captain William Witcher in a regiment commanded by David Mason and was immediately marched south and joined the continental troops under General Linkhon at a place southwest of Charleston not long before the battle at
---?---. He and the militia with him were attached to and served with the regular troops during the whole campaign. He was discharged at Camden SC by a written discharge by his captain which said discharge he still has, of which the following is a true copy---

"Camden SC
"This is to certify that Joseph Terry Williams a Sergeant in my company of militia from Pittsylvania has served his tour of duty and is discharged. Given under my hand this 23rd day of July 1779.
Wm Witcher, Capt.

After the war, he was one of several trustees appointed by the Virginia General Assembly to improve the navigation on the Staunton River, from Brooker's ferry to the mouth of Pigg River.

William Witcher died in June 1808. His will was recorded and probated at the Court of Pittsylvania Co., VA. His executors were his sons, John and William, and they were bonded for thirty thousand dollars.

A Chapter of the DAR in Cedartown, GA is named for William S. Witcher.

The Last Will And Testament Of William Witcher
In the name of God amen. I, William Witcher Sr., of the County Pittsylvania being of weak body but of sound memory, and knowing that it is appointed for all men to once to die, do make and declare this my last Will and Testament (revoking all others) in manner and form as follows:
ITEM: My will and desire is that all my just debts should be paid out of my estate hereafter mentioned by my executors of a perishable kind.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, John Witcher, my negroes, Sarah, and her children, Sinda, Ceala, and Anna, in addition to what I have already given him, which I give to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I lend to my son, Daniel Witcher, my negroes Stephen and Anderson during his lifetime, and after his decease my will and desire is that his heirs should inherit them forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, William Witcher Jr., my negroes Tamer and her children Phebe, Betsy, and Peyton in addition to what I have heretofore given him, all of which I give to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, Ephriam Witcher, my negroes Bob, Abraham, Sam, Phillis, Jacob, and Will; also the land I possess in the County of Pittsylvania aforesaid on the North side of the Pigg River whereon I now live, bounded by the lines of John Smith, John Witcher, Daniel C. Edwards and William Swanson Jr. and Pigg River, all of which property both real and personal I give to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, James Witcher, my negroes Hannah, and Sellar her child to him and his heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, Caleb Witcher, one hundred pounds for the purpose of discharging a Judgment obtained against him by John Smith in the County Court of Pittsylvania, also to discharge his bond to George Herndon, both of which sums my will and desire is for my to pay them out of the sum specified and the surplus if any to go to my son Caleb Witcher and to his heirs forever. Also I lend to my son Caleb Witcher during his natural life, my negro girl,
Bethsheba and after his decease my will and desire is that his eldest child Thillada should inherit the negro girl Bethsheba with her increase forever, and in the case that Thillada should decease without lawful heirs of her body, then my will and desire is that the rest of my son Caleb's should inherit her (Bethsheba) with her increase forever.
ITEM: I lend to my daughter Elizabeth Razer during her natural life my negroes Edmond and Rose and after her decease I give them to her heirs forever.
ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter Rachel Morrison and her heirs forever all my tract of land whereon William Morrison (her husband) now lives on the South side of the Pigg River, bounded by Pigg River, Herman Cook's lines and William Parker's lines containing one hundred acres more or less all of which land I give to her and her heirs forever. Also two cows and calves I give to her and her heirs forever.
ITEM: My will and desire is that what money is in hand at my decease, after discharging my debts, my will and desire is that it be equally divided between my sons, John Witcher, William Witcher Jr., Daniel Witcher, Ephriam Witcher, and James Witcher.
ITEM: My will and desire is that after my decease all my stock of every kind, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture, with the crop on hand, be sold to the highest bidder on a credit of twelve months, and after the later is finished, the money arising therefrom be equally divided between my sons, John Witcher, William Witcher Jr., Daniel Witcher, Ephriam Witcher, and James Witcher
And lastly I do constitute, appoint and ordain my two sons, John Witcher, and William Witcher Jr., the whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament in witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and six.

William Witcher (seal)
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Joseph Matchett, Donald (illegible), Peyton Graves

Probate of Will
At the court of Pittsylvania County the 18th day of July, 1808, the last will and testament of William Witcher (deceased) was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of Joseph Matchett and Peyton Graves two of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of John Witcher and William Witcher Jr., the executors in the said will named, who made Oath according to law, and together with Peyton Graves, William Swanson., Ephriam Witcher,
William Witcher Jr., and their securities, entered into and acknowledged their
bond in the penalty of Thirty Thousand Dollars for that purpose conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Fiske Will Lemstall--(?)
(signature illegible)

Seal A copy teste: E.E. Friend Clerk
Pittsylvania Circuit Court
Chathem, Virginia

Listed in DAR patriot index:
WITCHER Sr, William
Birth: EN 1724
Rank: Capt PS
Service: VA
Death: VA 8 Jun 1808
Patriot Pensioned: No
Widow Pensioned: No
Children Pensioned: No
Heirs Pensioned: No
Spouse: (1) Anne X

WITCHER, William. Capt.-Col County Militia. Indian Expeditions
1776-1777. Member of the Committee of Safety. Vestryman, Justice; led
Company to Stono Inlet. S.C. 1779. Led Co to Hillsboro to support Gen.
Green Winter 1780. Fought with Col. Campbell's Riflemen at Guilford.

From: An Abbreviated History of Pittsylvania County, Virginia Chapter Six: Pittsylvania's Military History By Maud Carter Clement , Chatham, Virginia, ca. 1952

In the summer of 1776 the Cherokee Indians attacked the western frontiers, and Virginia sent a force of 1600 men against them. We know of four companies of Pittsylvania Militia which marched with this force, commanded by Captains Jesse Heard, Peter Perkins, William Witcher, and Joseph Martin. When General Nathaniel Greene assumed command in the south, Virginia at once sent reinforcements. From Pittsylvania in the fall and winter of 1780-81 marched companies of militia commanded by Captains John Winn, James Brewer, William Witcher, Isaac Clements and Joshua Stone.

Mr. T. A. Witcher,
Brownwood, Texas

Dear sir:

In reply to your favor of recent date, and in answer to your enquiries:

At the creation of this County in 1767, one Wm. Witcher qualified as a vestryman for the Parish of Cambden. He was afterwards Capt., Justice of the Peace, and Maj. in the Continental Army. His will is dated in 1808. His sons were Caleb, Ephraim, John, Daniel, and William, His daughters-Ann, who married a Razor and other daughter married Morrison. I know nothing of them and descendants. William and John died in this County. Ephraim and Caleb move to Surrey and Nash Counties, N.C. Daniel moved to Kanawha County, West Va., on Witcher Creek. He was the Ancestor of Gen. J.L. Witcher of Salt Lake City, who was in the Yankee Army. I am a grandson of Vincent Witcher who was a son of Wm. I did meet Toliver Witcher when a boy, at the Columbia Hotel in Richmond. He was then Georgian. Seemed to be reticent, and as I was a mere boy I talked and saw but little of him. There is a family of Witchers in Clark and Oglethorpe Georgia; and I learn there is another family near Marietta. Vincent Witcher was for 29 years a Representative from this County. Also President of Richmond and Danville R.R. Came in one vote of being elected Governor and 3 votes of U.S. Senate. Had 3 sons N.M. Capt. V.O. and Col. W.A. Witcher of 21st Va. Regiment. V.O. died in 1869. Belonged to 57th If. I am a son of N.M. and commanded the 34th Va. Cav. I was at the battle of Gettysburg, and out of 432 men, lost all but 96. Was sent to East Tenn, and participated in all campaigns there. ________ and after Lee I surrendered. Was introduced to President Davis by Gen'l Jno C. Breckenridge, as the bravest of the brave, the truest of the true.

I am a farmer. On a good farm, and am 69 years old. Never held a Civil office, and told the President two years ago, wanted Elective or appointed: and have been for many years dissatisfied with both the centralizing tendencies of the Republicans, and the demagogary and insincerity of the Democrats, who seem to have no great underlying principles. Hence I am allied with the Populist and am a member of both the National and State Committees. Feel little interest any way.

Your mother was educated at a grand, noble Institution. My first wife was also educated at Salem. My present wife has a niece in your City who was formerly a Mrs. Rucker. I think she married a McCormick. I would be pleased to write to you any time, and give you all the information I can. There are James Witcher at Bells that Sen. Bailey has told me of. Mrs. Nancy Langhorne Astor, her grandmother was a Witcher. During the War I met Mrs. Dr. Ewing ______Cumberland Gap, and she said Wm. L. ______ and Ben Hill were Cousins of ours. The Daltons-- she was daughter of James Witcher.

Very truly and respectfully,
(signed V.A. Witcher)


William Witcher came to the American colonies from England. He served in the Virginia Militia during the American Revolution. He led his company into the battle of Stono Ferry, SC, in 1779. He also fought in the battle of Guilford Courthouse, NC, in 1781. During the Indian Expeditionary Wars he became a Brevet Colonel.



WITCHER, William. Capt.-Col County Militia. Indian Expeditions 1776-1777. Member of the Committee of Safety. Vestryman, Justice; led Company to Stono Inlet. S.C. 1779. Led Co to Hillsboro to support Gen. Green Winter 1780. Fought with Col. Campbell's riflemen at Guilford.


The Last Will and Testament of William Witcher:

In the name of God amen. I, William Witcher Sr., of the County Pittsylvania being of weak body but of sound memory, and knowing that it is appointed for all men to once to die, do make and declare this my last Will and Testament (revoking all others) in manner and form as follows:

ITEM: My will and desire is that all my just debts should bepaid out of my estate hereafter mentioned by my executors of a perishable kind.

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, John Witcher, mynegroes, Sarah, and her children, Sinda, Ceala, and Anna, in additionto what I have already given him, which I give to him and his heirsforever.

ITEM: I lend to my son, Daniel Witcher, my negroes Stephen and Anderson during his lifetime, and after his decease my will and desire is that his heirs should inherit them forever.

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, William Witcher Jr., my negroes Tamer and her children Phebe, Betsy, and Peyton in addition to what I have heretofore given him, all of which I give to him and his heirs forever.

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, Ephriam Witcher, my negroes Bob, Abraham, Sam, Phillis, Jacob, and Will; also the land I possess in the County of Pittsylvania aforesaid on the North side of the Pigg River whereon I now live, bounded by te ines of John Smith, John Witcher, Daniel C. Edwards and William Swanson Jr. and Pigg River, all of which property both real and personal I give to him and his heirs forever.

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son, James Witcher, my negroes Hannah, and Sellar her child to him and his heirs forever.

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my son,, Caleb Witcher, one hundred pounds for the purpose of discharging a Judgment obtained against him by John Smith in the County Court of Pittsylvania, also to discharge his bond to George Herndon, both of whh sums my will and desire is for my to pay them out of the sum specified and the surplus if any to go to my son Caleb Witcher and to his heirs forever. Also I lend to my son Caleb Witcher during his natural life, my negro girl, Bethsheba and after his decease my will and desire is that his eldest child Thillada should inherit the negro girl Bethsheba with her increase forever, and in the case that Thillada should decease without lawful heirs of her body, then my will and desire is that the rest of my son Caleb?s should inherit her (Bethsheba) with her increase forever.

ITEM: I lend to my daughter Elizabeth Razer during her natural life my negroes Edmond and Rose and after her decease I give them to her heirs forever.

ITEM: I give and bequeath to my daughter Rachel Morrison and her heirs forever all my tract of land whereon William Morrison (her
husband) now lives on the South side of the Pigg River,bounded by Pigg River, Herman Cook?s lines and William Parker?s lines
containing one hundred acres more or less all of which land I give to her and her heirs forever. Also two cows and calves I give to her and her heirs forever.

ITEM: My will and desire is that what money is in hand at my decease, after discharging my debts, my will and desire is that it be equally divided between my sons, John Witcher, William Witcher Jr., Daniel Witcher, Ephriam Witcher, and James Wiher.

ITEM: My will and desire is that after my decease all my stock of every kind, plantation utensils, household and kitchen furniture, with the crop on hand, be sold to the highest bidder on a credit of twelve months, and after the later is finish, the money arising there from be equally divided between my sons, John Witcher, William Witcher Jr., Daniel Witcher, Ephriam Witcher, and James Witcher.

And lastly I do constitute, appoint and ordain my two sons, John Witcher, and William Witcher Jr., the whole and sole executors of this my last will and testament in witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this eighth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and six.

William Witcher (seal)

Sealed and delivered in the presence of
Joseph Matchett, Donald (illegible), Peyton Graves

Probate of Will

At the court of Pittsylvania County the 18th day of July, 1808, thelast will and testament of William Witcher (deceased) was presented in Court and proved by the oaths of Joseph Matchett and Peyton Graves two of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded, and on the motion of John Witcher and William Witcher Jr., the executors in the said will named, who made Oath according to law, and together with Peyton Graves, William Swanson., Ephriam Witcher, William Witcher Jr., and their securities, entered into and acknowledged their bond in the penalty of Thirty Thousand Dollars for that purpose conditioned as the law directs, certificate is granted them for obtaining a probate of the said will in due form.

Fiske WillLemstall--(?)
(signature illegible)

The History of Pittsylvania County Virginia By Maud Carter Clement
Various excerpts related to William Witcher:

In 1776 Pittsylvania County and Camden Parish were organized and at the first meeting of the vestry, held June 21, 1776, at the courthouse, there were present the following vestrymen, 'who subscribed in the Vestry to be comfortable to the doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England as by law Established: John Donelson, John Pigg, Hugh Innes, George Rowland, Crispen Shelton, John Wilson, Peter Perkins, Abram Shelton, Theophilus Lacy, Robert Chandler, and William Witcher.

While the Virginia troops were still in their entrenchments at Gwynn's Island an express arrived from the governor ordering them to march at once against the Indians along the western frontier. The inciting of the Indians to their barbarities against defenseless frontiersman is the darkest blot on England's fair name during the Revolutionary War.

Virginia sent a force of 1,600 men against the Cherokees, while North and South Carolina sent out expeditions at the same time. Virginia's troops rendezvoused at Long Island in the Molstein River, where in the early summer a fort had been erected and named Patrick Henry in honor of the newly elected governor.

The Cherokees lived on the Tennessee river, and all things being in readiness on October the 1st, the troops set out from Fort Patrick Henry for the march of 115 miles through the wilderness to the Indian towns. Captain William Witcher was left with a guard of 200 men for the Fort.

Indian outrages continuing along the frontier, the states forces were ordered to take the field in another Indian expedition in 1777. Two companies from Pittsylvania marched in this campaign, one commanded by Captain John Donelson, ... ; the other was commanded by Captain William Witcher. Both rendezvoused at Pittsylvania Old Courthouse (Callands) in the month of March 1777.

General Nathaniel Greene assumed command of the Southern Continental Army in the autumn of 1780 at Millsboro, North Carolina, and Virginia at once sent re-inforcement's. Several companies of militia marched from Pittsylvania that autumn and winter. Captain John Winn commanded a company ... Captain James Brewer a company ... Captain William Witcher a company ... Captain Isaac Clements a company ... Captain Joshua Stone a company ... "

William married Anna Rachel Majors in 1745 in , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. Anna was born in 1725 in Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA; died on 28 Apr 1776 in Chatham, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Robert married Mary Key in 1748 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA. Mary was born in 1732 in , Goochland, Virginia, USA; died on 28 Jan 1799 in , Albemarle, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Elizabeth Price. Elizabeth was born on 24 Apr 1715 in Clerkenwell, London, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Timothy married Elizabeth Ann Talbot. Elizabeth (daughter of John Talbot and Sarah Lockyear) was born on 13 Jan 1715 in , Lunenburg, Virginia, USA; died on 24 Apr 1775 in , Bedford, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

William married Margaret Newman Breckenbaugh. Margaret was born in Feb 1667 in , Gloucester, Virginia, USA; died on 22 Feb 1733 in Farnham, Richmond, Virginia, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Sarah Lockyear on 2 Feb 1696 in Saint Johns Piscataway Parish, Prince Georges, Maryland, USA. Sarah was born in 1676 in , Prince Georges, Maryland, USA; died in 1762 in Piscataway, Prince Georges, Maryland, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]