JEM Genealogy
Ornes Moore Motley Echols Edwards Fackler Parsons Reynolds Smith Brown Bruce Munger Beer Kern Viele Nims Baker Bondurant Von Krogh Magnus Munthe and others
First Name:  Last Name: 
[Advanced Search]  [Surnames]

John Ward[1]

Male 1708 - 1816  (108 years)


Personal Information    |    Notes    |    Sources    |    Event Map    |    All

  • Name John Ward 
    Birth 1708  , Amherst, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Gender Male 
    Residence 1748  , , Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3
    Residence 1782  , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [4, 5
    Residence 1810  Lynchburg, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [6
    Probate 11 Nov 1816  , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [7
    Death 11 Nov 1816  The Mansion, Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [2, 7, 8
    Burial Altavista, Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    Person ID I27037  Master
    Last Modified 26 Aug 2021 

    Family 1 Anne Chiles,   b. 1726, , Amelia, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1 Jan 1765, The Mansion, Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 39 years) 
    Marriage 1739  Henry Chiles Home, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Children 
     1. John Chiles Ward, Jr,   b. 1743, Sulphur Springs, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 11 Oct 1826, Sulphur Springs, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 83 years)
    +2. Capt William Ward,   b. 1745, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 11 Oct 1826, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 81 years)
     3. Agatha(twin to Ann) Ward,   b. 9 Feb 1750, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 12 Jan 1812, , Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 61 years)  [Father: natural]
    +4. Anne(twin to Agatha) Ward,   b. 9 Feb 1750, , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 8 Aug 1816, , Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 66 years)  [Father: natural]
    +5. Henry Ward,   b. 5 Apr 1751, , Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 12 Apr 1823, The Mansion, Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 72 years)  [Father: natural]
     6. Jeremiah Ward,   b. 1755, , , Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1824, Rutledge, Grainger, Tennessee, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 69 years)
    +7. Thomas Ward,   b. 1764, , Bedford, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 1832, , , Ohio, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 68 years)
    Family ID F6862  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 30 Jul 2019 

    Family 2 Sarah Clark,   b. 1716, , New Kent, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 20 Jan 1792, , Campbell, Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 76 years) 
    Marriage 27 Dec 1766  , , Virginia, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [9
    Family ID F8891  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 7 Jun 2020 

  • Event Map
    Link to Google MapsBirth - 1708 - , Amherst, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - 1739 - Henry Chiles Home, Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1748 - , , Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsMarriage - 27 Dec 1766 - , , Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1782 - , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsResidence - 1810 - Lynchburg, Independent Cities, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsProbate - 11 Nov 1816 - , Pittsylvania, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsDeath - 11 Nov 1816 - The Mansion, Campbell, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
    Link to Google MapsBurial - - Altavista, Campbell, Virginia, USA Link to Google Earth
     = Link to Google Earth 

  • Notes 
    • John Ward - Will probated in Campbell County November 11, 1816
      John Ward attended a county court meeting in Halifax county in August of 1759 and was recommended to the governor as a person suitable for the commission of peace. Also in 1759, he attended court when he produced a commission appointing him captain of the county militia and took the usual oaths. These were the years of French and Indian War. The county militia was called out for active service against the Indians on the war path.

      It is possibe that John Ward served or provided provisions for the French and Indian War. In the online archives for the Library of Virginia, John Ward is listed as serving under Capt. William Leftwich during Lord Dunmore’s war in 1774.

      On or about 1760, he and Benjamin Clement were ordered to lay off a road from the mill place of John Ward to the Pocket Ford. The surveying and building of roads were important to the frontiersman for outlets to the courts, markets and neighbor’s homes. This roadway led from John Ward’s mill place near the mouth of Chiles Creek, and followed the meanderings of the stream to the top of the high bluffs of the Roanoke leading by the Chiles settlement on the mouth of Reedy Creek, near the present town of Altavista. Later he surveyed the road leading to Lynchburg which still bears his name and still remains although with modern improvements.
      Prior to the outbreak of the Revolution on May 23, 1775, Major Ward was chosen as a Committee of Safety Member for the County of Bedford along with Charles Lynch, John Calloway, James Calloway and William Calloway. John’s daughter Anne was married to John Calloway, Charles Lynch was his neighbor and his wife’s son.
      As early as 1769 Major Ward built mills at Sinkler’s Creek and Chiles Creek and raised large yields of hemp on his land.
      Major Ward was active in the development of the county and he owned large acreage in numerous counties. In his tax list of 1777 for Pittsylvania County, he employed three overseers for his property in that county. They were Thomas Hardy, Christopher Sutton and Fielding Robertson.
      Major John Ward received his title of Major of the Bedford County Militia in March 22, 1779. He resigned his position on September 24, 1781 due to his age. In September 1832, he was also listed as a citizen that furnished supplies and arms to the Continental Army. In the Virginia Publick Claims Book For Campbell County, John Ward, Gent. for 51 ½ barrels corn, 32 diets for ditto. In Bedford County, John Ward was the Commissioner of the Provision Law. In the court of Campbell County, held in September 1783, John Ward Gent.- 57 days pasturage for 40 head pulick beaves for Christopher Irvin Com. Provision Law. In the Virginia Magazine of History, page 193, John Ward is cited as provided provisions to the Bedford Militia to guard the lead mines.
      In the Calendar of Virginia State Papers a John Ward and Joseph Childreis were put in charge of canoes ordered by the Quarter Master General. It says the following: He has sent the canoes already purchased to Westham, in charge of Joseph Childreis and John Ward, who are men that have long run this River & such as I would recommend to you, as Honest & Trusty.
      There is nothing to prove that this is our John Ward, but it is the James River they are discussing and Albemarle County.
      In 1778 Major Ward established a ferry across the Staunton having previously kept there a boat free to passengers and in 1810 he obtained permission to erect a toll bridge near his ferry. The General Assembly ordered a ferry from the land of John Ward, in the county of Bedford over Staunton river to the land of the said Ward on the opposite shore, the price for a man sixpence and for a horse the same.
      An Act was passed on November, 1781, for the formation of Campbell County which went into effect on February 7, 1782. A meeting was held in the house of Micajah Terrell on Thursday, February 7, 1782, appointing the commission of the peace to be Samuel Hairston, Richard Stith, Charles Lynch, John Ward, John Calloway, John Fitzpatrick, Francis Thorp, John Ward, John Callaway, John Fitzpatrick, Francis Thorp, John Hunter, Robert Adams Jr., James Callaway, John Talbot, George Stovall, Jr. and William Henderson. John Ward and John Henderson administered the oath of the justice of the peace to Samuel Hairston and then Samuel Hairston administered the oath to all the gentleman above.

      Henings Statutues Volume 10 page 447
      An act for dividing the county of Bedford
      1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly that from and after the first day of February next the count y of Bedford shall be divided into two district counties, by a line to begin at the mouth of Judy’s Creek on James river, thence to Thompson’s mill on buffalo creek, thence to the mouth of Back creek on Goose creek, thence the same course continued to Staunton river, and that part of the said county lying east of the said line, shall be called and known by the name of Campbell; and all the residue of the said county shall retain the name of Bedford. That a court for the said county of Campbell shall be held by the justices thereof on the first Thursday in every month after the said division shall take place, in such manner as is proved by law for other counties and shall be by their commissions directed.
      2. And be it further enacted, That the justices to be named in the commission of the peace for the said county of Campbell shall meet at the house of Micajah Terrill.

      Private Life
      In 1753 John and Jeremiah Ward, of Albemarle, patented 3200 acres of land on the north side of Dan river in Pittsylvania county which was located “in the mountains”. In 1753, Pittsylvania was not yet formed. It was Halifax county until 1767.
      Major John Ward married Anne Chiles Ward on or about 1744. I have yet to find proof of this marriage other than the fact of many articles and the children born of the marriage. In Virginia Marriages by Dorothy Ford Wulfeck, she cites John’s marriage to Anne but does not give a date or a place. I found no marriage license and no tombstone record. Prior to the 1760’s John Ward and his wife made their home close to Anne’s brother Paul Chiles in Halifax County. Her father Henry Chiles died in Amelia County on or around1746 after which her mother lived with her brother Paul.
      Sometime during the year of 1759 he took the oath as vestryman of the Church of England in Antrim Parish located in Halifax County.
      In the 1760’s he began building his new home, The Mansion, east of the mouth of Otter river near its entrance into the Staunton and only a few miles from where Altavista, Virginia, now stands. This house was built on land bequeathed to Anne by her father. Anne’s father’s will was probated in Amelia County, Virginia. John Ward later bought 400 more acres to add to the “Mansion” estate. He completed this house before 1766.

      During his marriage to Anne Chiles, they had the seven children:
      1. John jr. John jr. never married Will was in 1826
      2. William b. 1745 d. 1808 married Mildred daughter of Robert and Penelope Lynch Adams
      3. Agatha married Colonel John Callaway. She died on 1812.
      4. Ann married lst Christopher Lynch son of Charles Lynch and Sarah Clark Lynch on October 15, 1765 by consent of her father John Ward. (Note: John Ward would marry Christopher’s mother in 1766.) 2ndshe married Benjamin Dillard.
      5. Henry born April 5, 1751 died April 12, 1823 married Martha Barbour .
      6. Jeremiah Ward moved to Texas
      7. Thomas Ward married Mildred (Milly), daughter of Richard Walden and moved to Ohio.

      After the death of his wife, Anne, John Ward married Sarah Clark Lynch on December 27,1766. Sarah Lynch was the daughter of Christopher Clark, a fearless frontiersman. Obviously, John had come to know Sarah from the relationship that already been established by the marriage of his daughter Anne to Sarah’s son Christopher in 1765. In the Bedford County marriage books, Sarah Lynch gave consent for the marriage by herself. Sarah Lynch was a Quaker and she was disowned from the church for marrying out of the religion. John Ward was a member of the Church of England. They lived at the “Mansion” until their deaths and there they are buried. Sarah Ward died January 20, 1792 and John Ward died November, 1816. Many of the structures still stand at the location of the Mansion, but the Mansion burned down over one hundred years ago and was not rebuilt.
      John Ward was a father, plantation owner, patriot and community leader. For more information on John Ward see the following dates of this blog. Also for more information I have included my references.
      I started this blog with John Ward. I attached an explanation of tithables on March 8; March the 9th I attached John Ward’s will: March 16, a more detailed description of the Mansion and August 23 more information on Calendar of Virginia State Papers
      I have one last reference which I found many months ago and printed out on my computer ; but alas, I didn’t write down or save the website. It is an excerpt of Samuel Houston’s journal of the expedition under Colonel McDowell against Cornwallis, the British General in North Carolina. I begin on Thursday, March 1, 1781
      Thursday: March 1st - Marched from Lunie’s Creek to a mile beyond Howard’s; total seventeen miles. Drew liquor in the morning. I paid fifteen dollars for beer to Mrs. Brackinridge.
      Friday,2d.- Marched from near Howard’s past Rag Hall, governed by President Slovenly; three or four of our men got drunk in the evening. Our march continued fifteen miles; encamped at Little Otter, Bedford.
      Saturday, 3d – Marched from Little Otter to within two miles of New London; nineteen miles.
      Sabbath, 4th – Marched two miles beyond New London to Mr. Ward’s; in which march we pressed a hog, which was served without scraping. On this day I kept guard No 16. The day’s march was twenty miles.
      Monday, 5th – Marched from Major Ward’s; crossed Staunton river into Pittsylvania. I was on the fatigue to drive steers, but happly they had broken out of the pasture. Our march was eight miles, and encamped.
      Tuesday 6th – Marched from Ward’s about fourteen miles. We were searched, and Mr. Ward’s goods found with James Berry and John Harris, who were whipped. The same were condemned to ten lashes for disobeying the officer of the day on Monday.
      Wednesday, 7th – Marched from near Shelton’s to Col. Williams mill, about twelve miles; crossed Bannister, into which James McElroy fell; John Harris deserted, and James Berry was taken and sent to prison.
      Thursday, 8th – March from Col. Williams’ to near three miles from Dan River. Some of the boys set the woods on fire, which the Major put out. Our day’s journey nineteen miles.
      Friday, 9th – Marched from beyond Dan to the borders of N. C., six miles; we crossed Dan, where Gilmore’s wagon had nearly sunk by the chain of the flat breaking. At this river some mean cowards threatened to return. This morning, Lyle, Hays and Lusk went to Gen. Green and returned. The same day deserted at Dan, Geo. Culwell.

      This is just an excerpt of his journal. Noticed that on March 4 Sunday they marched two miles from New London and arrived at Mr. Wards and then marched 20 more miles to Major Wards. So they stopped at Major Ward’s house “Mansion”, but which Ward was two miles away from New London. John Ward, jr. was situated near Sulphur Springs which is now Gretna, Virginia so it couldn’t be him. William Ward was in Pittsylvania County in a mansion called Edgehill. It is probably Henry Ward.

      References:

      Campbell Chronicles and Family Sketches by Ruth Hairston Early pages 6, 525, 526, 527, 528
      Henings Statutes at Large Volume 10 page 447
      Henings Statutes at Large Volume 9 page 585
      Henings Statutes at large Volume 13 page 151
      Calendar of Virginia State Papers Volume 5 page 1 and page 38
      Calendar of Virginia State Papers Volume IV page 18
      Calendar of Virginia Stat Papers Volume I page 451
      Frontiers Along the Upper Roanoke River by Maude Carter Clement pages 64 through 72
      Halifax Court Minutes Book 2 page 504 (Antrim Parish oath)
      Halifax Court Minutes Book 2 page 467
      Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution 1775-1783 by John H. Gwathmey page 805
      William and Mary Quarterly Volume VIII series 2 page 119, 120, 122, 123.
      William and Mary Quarterly Volume XVI page 285-286
      The Compendium of American Genealogy Volume VII 1942 page 54
      John Ward Will Campbell County Will Book 3 page 462
      Marriage Bonds of Bedford County, Virginia 1755-1800 Compiled by Erle S. Dennis
      Virginia Publick Claims Book page 116, 175, 182
      Virginia Magazine of History and Biography The Virginia Historical Society Volume XV page 193
      Virginia Magazine of History and Biography Volume XXIII page 378
      Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy page 230 and page 1010
      History of Pittsylvania County, Virginia by Maude Carter Clements page 108
      Marriage of Virginia Residents 1607-1800 Dorothy Ford Wulfeck page 168
      Adams Biographical Genealogies by Thomas Tunstall Adams page 32
      Our Quaker Friends of Ye Olden time James Pinkney Pleasant Bell page 47
      Virginia Militia in the Revolution Joseph Thompson McAllister page 189

      Part of http://astoundingpast.blogspot.com/
    • Maj John Ward-Revolutionary
      Event: Military Major, Bedford Militia, American Revolution
      Fact 24 SEP 1781 Resigned from the Bedford Militia.
      Fact Lived to be one hundred five years of age.
      Fact Resided at the Mansion on Staunton River, Campbell Co., VA
      Fact 1758 Executor of his brother-in-law Henry Chiles' will filed at Bedford Co., VA.
      Fact 1 JUL 1760 Gideon Crenshaw of NC, deed to John Ward of Lunenburg Co., on S side Meherrin R., per patent of 10 Aug 1759. 10
      Fact AUG 1760 Lunenburg Co. - Bill of sale to John Ward from Gideon Crenshaw; recorded August Court. 11
      Fact 1761 Named in his brother-in-law Paul Chiles will, recorded at Halifax Co., VA.
      Fact 1761 Pittsylvania Co., VA; 17 tithes. 12
      Fact 9 OCT 1761 John Ward served as executor for will of Paul Chiles, his brother-in-law, at Halifax Co., VA. 13
      Fact ABT 1763 Moved from Albermarle Co. to Pittsylvania Co.,VA. 14
      Fact 1763 Removed to Pittsylvania Co. VA from Albemarle Co., VA.
      1 JAN 1765 His wife, Anne Chiles, died.
      25 APR 1776 John Ward of Bedford Co., VA deeded 500 acres on both sides of Wolf Island in Guilford Co., NC to Hugh Challes (Chiles) of Pittsylvania Co., VA. 15
      Fact 20 SEP 1777 Ensign, VA Militia, Am. Revolution 16
      Fact 22 MAR 1779 Took the Oath of Allegiance, Bedford Co, VA
      Fact 9 AUG 1781 John Ward, testator to will of Thomas Harding of Lunenburg Co., VA. 17
      Fact 20 JAN 1792 His wife, Sarah Clark, died.
      Fact 1816 Will proved, Pittsylvania County, VA.

      "JOHN WARD came to Pittsylvania County from Albemarle County about 1763. He built his home on the north side of Staunton River, now Campbell County, which he called "the Mansion" for its elegance in those pioneer days. It is standing today, a quaint old homestead, with its corner fireplaces and cabinets either side the mante. There are 3 stories and the third story was the ballroom, covering the entire house, and here the daughters of the house were married."
      "JOHN WARD, SR. was appointed Major of the Bedford Militia during the Revolutionary War. He carried the title 'Major John Ward' following that war.

      "Major John Ward lived in Albemarle, Halifax, Bedford, and Campbell Counties in Virginia. He and his brother, JEREMIAH WARD, purchased and sold tracts of land in large volume in many counties in Virginia and North Carolina. In 1753 the two brothers, then living in Albemarle County, patented 3200 acres on the north side of the Dan River in Pittsylvania County, just one of the many tracts."

      "Will of JOHN WARD, SR. (Major John Ward) dated 23 January 1809 and probated 11 November 1816.
      Son WILLIAM WARD all my lands above the mouth of Old Womans Creek adjoining Stanton River and to his three children, ROBERT A. WARD, JOHN WARD, and MILL WARD. Son JOHN WARD the two tracts I purchased of Col. THOMAS DILLARD being 800 acres, my tracts of land in Amherst County near Lynch's Ferry, being 1000 acres, my stone house, and lot in Lynchburg, the tract he purchased of his brother WILLIAM WARD, the tract of 529 acres nown as Talbots Place, the tract known as Johnsons Place which I purchased of EDWARD TERRELL, the 645 acres I ppurchased of FRANK SMITH on Sycamore Creek in Pittsylvania County and the 76 acres adjoining it, and the tract purchased of DAVIS in Campbell County known as Indian Camp. Son HENRY WARD all the lands adjoining the fery on the south side of Stanton River on the Otter River and Cheese Creek and the land purchased of HENRY CHLES known as Jacks Place. Daughter AGATHA CALLAWAY and her 3 children viz DAVID CALLAWAY, HENRY G. CALLAWAY, and MARGARET CALLAWAY. Daughter ANNE DILLARD and her children, my grandchildren, LYNCH DILLARD, LUCINDA DILLARD, and JOHN DILLARD my tract of land on Sycamore Creek above Earlys Mill containing 840 acres. JOHN CALLAWAY and HENRY WARD my back land on the waters of Smithy River in Patrick County and Montgomery County except the lands on Burkes Fork. Executors: JOHN WARD and HENRY WARD. Witnesses; HARTWELL ALLEN, WILLIAM HARRIS, JAMES WILLIAMS, and JAMES LESTER.

      "The Inventory of the Estate of JOHN WARD, deceased, was presented 14 September 1818; the Account of Estate of MAJOR JOHN WARD, deceased, was made 13 September 1819.

      "Some published data states that JOHN WARD, SR. was 100 years old at the time of his death. However, the studies of Wayne Jackson indicate he was 96 years, 2 months, 30 days old at his death. The discrepancy may be due to the fact that there were two children named John in this family. The first son JOHN was born and died in 1716. Mistakenly using the birtdate of the first son John and the death date of the second son JOHN would provide the basis for this published data.

      Halifax Co., VA. Will Book O 1752-1773, "--- 1767 Page 7. Deceased PAUL CHILES, CAPTAIN JOHN WARD, Executor. By Wm. Madlock (Whitlock??) his part of crop, Paul Chiles his attendance on the back surveys 68 das, John Thompson exr. (John Farler Thompson?), John Woodson, Mr. Munfords fees; Thomas Duncan, Mr. Howard, Robt. Dolton (Dalton??) for boarding and schooling two children, MRS. ANN CHILS, her bond, expenses going to Williamsburg, Joseph Whitehead, "sail" of negro Tom, Kendrick for services, Alexr. Gilbert, Henry Chiles, James Lyles for Bumpass, John Bryand. Dated 21 May 1767; signed Thomas Dillard Jr., Benjamin...

      Halifax Co. Orphans/bound children 1760-62 (part 2)March Ct. 1761: TOM a Negro boy belonging to John WARD, Gent.is adjudged May Ct. 1761

      Father: James WARD II b: ABT 1700 in Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, Ireland
      Mother: Sarah Clark LYNCH b: in Ireland

      Marriage 1 Anne CHILES b: ABT 1732 in Amelia Co., VA
      Married: ABT 1743 in Henry Chiles' Home, Pittsylvania Co., VA 18

      Children
      William W. WARD b: 1745 in Albermarle County, VA
      John WARD , Jr. b: ABT 1747 in Virginia
      Agatha WARD b: 9 FEB 1750/51 in (Albermarle or Pittsylvania, VA)
      Henry WARD b: 5 APR 1753 in Lunenburg Co., VA
      Jeremiah WARD b: ABT 1755 in (Albermarle or Pittsylvania, VA)
      Thomas WARD , Colonel b: ABT 1757 in (Albermarle or Pittsylvania, VA)

      Marriage 2 Sarah CLARK b: ABT 1715 in (of Albermarle Co., VA)
      Married: 27 DEC 1766 in Bedford County, VA
      Married: 27 DEC 1766 in Bedford, VA 19

      Children
      Robert A. WARD b: in Virginia
      Mill WARD b: in Virginia


      Sources:
      Title: Reynolds, Georgia H.Publication: 2201 56th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50310
      Repository:
      Note: Jonesborough Library, Jonesborough, TNMedia: Other
      Title: Ward FamilyAuthor: Mrs. William Breckenridge Ardery
      Repository:
      Note: Jonesborough Library, Jonesborough, TNMedia: Manuscript
      Title: Our Ward FamilyAuthor: Norris Wayne Jackson
      Publication: 1995
      Repository:
      Note: Family History Library, SLC, Utah
      Media: BookPage: 5
      Title: DAR Patriot Index, Centennial EditionRepository:
      Note: NSDAR Headquarters, Washington, DC
      Media: BookPage: 3094
      Title: DAR Patriot Index - Centennial EditionRepository:
      Note: NSDAR Headquarters, Washington, DC
      Media: BookPage: 3094
      Title: Bedford Co. VA Will BookRepository:
      Note: Virginia State Archives, Richmond, VA
      Media: Microfilm
      Page: Will proved 11 Nov 1816 (Campbell County, VA) Will of John WardNote: Will
      Title: Bedford County, Virginia Will BookRepository:
      Note: Virginia State Archives, Richmond, VAMedia: Microfilm
      Title: DAR Patriot Index, Centennial EditionRepository:
      Note: NSDAR Headquarters, Washington, DCMedia: Book
      Title: Genealogies of Virginia FamiliesPublication: Family Tree Maker, CD 186 Family History, VA Genealogies #2
      Repository: Media: Family Archive CD
      Title: Edward P. Valentine PapersRepository:
      Note: South Caroliniana Library, Univ. of SC, Columbia, SC 29208
      Media: OtherPage: Vol. 1, Crenshaw Family (Deed Book 6:195)
      Title: Edward P. Valentine PapersRepository:
      Note: South Caroliniana Library, Univ. of SC, Columbia, SC 29208
      Media: OtherPage: Vol. I, Crenshaw Family (Order Book 1759-61, p 204, Lunenburg County)
      Title: Virginia Historical Magazine, Vol 24, # 2Repository:
      Note: Virginia State Library
      Media: MagazinePage: 180
      Title: Genealogies of Virginia FamiliesPublication: Family Tree Maker, CD 186 Family History, VA Genealogies #2
      Repository:
      Media: Family Archive CD
      Page: 740Text: Will of Paul Chiles, dated Sept. 1`761, recorded Halifax Co., VA; names executors: wife, Anne Chiles; brother John Chiles; John Ward, brother-in-law; named his children: Henry, Paul, Rowland, Elizab eth & Frances.
      Title: Virginia Historical Magazine, Vol 24, # 2Repository:
      Note: Virginia State Library
      Media: Magazine
      Page: 180Text: Book of Surveys, Pittsylvania County, VA Records
      Title: Migrations Actual & Implied. Volumes 1-4Author: Caroline Cunningham
      Publication: 1968;
      Repository:
      Note: Sutro Library, San Francisco
      Media: BookPage: p 48 (Deed Book 1:331, Guildford Co., NC)
      Title: Virginia Militia in the RevolutionRepository:
      Note: Barbara ReedMedia: Book
      Title: Edward P. Valentine PapersRepository:
      Note: South Caroliniana Library, Univ. of SC, Columbia, SC 29208
      Media: OtherPage: Vol II, Hardy Family, Lunenburg County Records
      Title: Golden, Gracie StoverRepository:
      Note: 221 S. Lorraine Wichita, KS 67211Media: Letter
      Title: Bedford Co, VA Marriage BookRepository:
      Note: Virginia State Archives, Richmond, VA
      Media: MicrofilmPage: p72
    • Major John Ward, previously of Prince George County (or perhaps Henrico or Goochland), settled in Brunswick County, VA (Pittsylvania County today) about the year 1739. He soon married the beautiful Anne, daughter of Henry and Anne Harrelson Chiles, a descendant of Walter Chiles of Jamestown. John and Jeremiah Ward patented over 3200 acres of land on the north side of the Dan River.

      John initially settled on Reed Creek, south of modern Altavista, but built a second home, "The Mansion," just east of the mouth of the Otto River, near its entrance into Staunton River and only a few miles east of where Altavista now stands. He and Anne raised at least five children, possibly seven, including:

      William Ward m. Mildred Adams
      .....d/o Robert Adams & Penelope Lynch
      Ann Ward m. Christopher Lynch
      .....s/o Charles Lynch Sr & Sarah Clark
      John Chiles Ward never married
      .....(aka John Ward of Sulpher Springs)
      Agatha Ward m. John Calloway
      .....s/o William Calloway & Elizabeth Tilley
      Henry Ward m. Martha "Patsey" Barber
      .....d/o unknown Barber/Barbour
      possibly Jeremiah Ward
      .....who moved to Kanawha County
      possibly Thomas Ward m. Mildred Walden
      .....d/o Richard Walden & Candace Hubbard

      In 1766 shortly after the death of his wife Anne, Major Ward married secondly Mrs. Sarah Clark Lynch, daughter of Christopher Clark and widow of Charles Lynch, Sr. Sarah was the mother-in-law of John's daughter Anne Ward who married Christopher Lynch in 1765.

      As early as 1769 he built mills at Sinkler's and Chile's Creeks and raised large yields of hemp on his lands. He surveyed the road leading to Lynchburg, which still bears his name over 250 years later. He also served as Justice of the Peace in Campbell County, and was designated a major of the Bedford county militia, and office he resigned in 1781 on account of his great age.

      In 1778 Major Ward established a ferry across the Staunton, having previously kept there a boat free to passengers, and in 1810 he obtained permission to erect a toll bridge near his ferry. Just over the river, many years ealier, he built Ward's Tavern, where Locust Hill now stands.

      John Ward's will, written in 1809, was probated November 11, 1816. Included in his estate was a tract called Indian Camps, which received the name from its use by Indians. His home was passed down to his son Col. Henry Ward Adams and wife Annie Pauline Floyd.

      John Ward died in 1816 at the age of 106 and was buried in the family graveyard near the Mansion. John's headstone reads 1708 and 1816, but despite being quite old, the stone does not appear to be the original marker. Unmarked graves around him could be his wives, though it is possible that Anne is buried at the Chiles Riverview plantation, and Sarah is buried at the Quaker Meeting House. Some of John Ward's descendants are also buried at Avoca, the home of Col. Charles Lynch in Altavista.

      Spouses:
      Anne Chiles Ward (____ - 1765)
      Sarah Clark Lynch (1716 - 1792)

      Children:
      Ann Ward Dillard (1751 - 1816)*
      Henry Ward (1751 - 1823)*

      Burial:
      Adams Ward Family Cemetery
      Altavista
      Campbell County
      Virginia, USA
    • Joseph Ward patented 731 acres on the north fork of Little Roanoke in
      Brunswick county in 1739. The next year John Ward patented 40O acres on the south side of Rose's creek; in 1742 Richard Ward patented 17OO acres on Staunton river; in 175O John Ward patented 425 acres on Hunter's branch on the north side of Hunter's creek and a year later patented 55O acres at the head of Jenita creek. Two or more families bearing the Ward name were recorded in Campbell, and the names John and Richard are found among Major John Ward's descendants, but nothing has been found concerning these early patentees.

      In 1753 the two brothers, John and Jeremiah Ward, of Albemarle, patented 32OO acres of land on the north side of Dan river in Pittsylvania county, which were located (as designated) "in the mountains." John then settled at Reed creek; and some years later Jerry moved to Cabell county on the Guyandotte river. John Ward married the beautiful Anne, daughter of Henry and Anne Harrelson-Chiles of Pittsylvania. He built a second home, The Mansion, east of the mouth of Otter river near its entrance into the Staunton and only a few miles from where Alta Vista now stands; here he lived, and, dying (over 10O years old), in 1816, was buried in the family grave-yard nearby. Major Ward married, secondly, 1766, Mrs. Sarah Clark - Lynch, daughter of Christ. Clark and widow of Charles Lynch, Sr., for which she was disowned by the Quakers, Ward not being of the sect. He received his title in 1778 as Major of Bedford county militia, an office he resigned in 1781 on account of his great age.

      In 1778 Major Ward established a ferry across the Staunton, having previously kept there a boat free to passengers, and in 1810 he obtained permission to erect a toll bridge near his ferry. As early as 1769 he built mills at Sinkler's and Chile's creeks; raised large yield of hemp upon his land. Included in his estate was a tract called Indian Camps, which received the name from its use by Indians. He surveyed the road leading to Lynchburg which still bears his name and which, though recently improved by shortening of curves, filling of depressions and sand-clay resurfacing, is not materially changed from its early lines; in providing cross-country passage for his neighbors, Ward builded better than he reckoned, for his road now forms part of a highway which runs through the state, and connects with routes leading north and south.

      Children of John and Anne H. Ward:
      I.—John, Jr., never married, was ensign of Bedford militia in 1781, and
      lieutenant in 1782; he owned a large estate in land, of which he willed (1826) the larger part to his nephew, John, the son of his brother, William. Indian Camps, was part of his inheritance.

      II.—William, born 1745, married Mildred, eldest daughter of Robert and
      Penelope Lynch - Adams, owned land above Leesvtlle; was a justice in
      Pittsylvania in 1777, member of the Committee of Safety in 1775, captain of militia, in 178O was allowed £53.14 for provisions furnished Mrs. Atkinson, the wife of a soldier. Children: Robert Adams m. Betsy, dau. of Charles L. and Sally Lynch-Terrell in 18O7; their son, Robert H., was appointed by Underwood in 187O judge of Campbell county court; a son, Charles, m. Martha K., dau. of Nathaniel and Virginia Woodson-Henry.

      John (3rd of the name),m., in 18O5, Tabitha Hubbard, dau. of Chas. and
      Elizh. M. Wall-Walden, gr.-dau. of Col. Chas. F. Wall, and gr.-dau. of Rd. and Candace Hub-bard-Walden. John Ward was killed in 1838 by a tree falling on him, when he was having ground cleared; his home was Edge Hill, Pittsylvania, near Leesville. He had 12 children of whom
      —Mildred, the eldest, m. (1st wife), Augustine Leftwich and died young;

      — Henry Chiles m. Sally Winston, dau. of Dr. John J. Cabell; their son, Capt. John C. Ward of the C. S, army, was imprisoned at Johnson's Island, where he contracted consumption, and died two years later: m: Elizabeth, dau. of Hugh Roy Scott;

      —William Walden m., 1836, Elizabeth M. Adams; owned 13O2 acres on Staunton river and Cheese creek, along Lynchburg and Pittsylvania turnpike: will recorded 1845;

      -Charles m. Martha A. Dillard, 1835; soldier in Mexican War, remained and died in Texas;

      —Three next sons died unmarried;

      —Dr. David C. went with the gold hunters in 1849; returned to Virginia; died, unmarried, 19O6;

      —Addison Whitfield, m., 1st, Wilmouth W. Adams; m., 2nd, Mary C. Anthony; m., 3rd, Fanny S. Terry;

      —Sally Wilmouth m. Samuel Clark Tardy, Jr., son of Saml. C. and Jane Haden-Tardy, and moved first to Richmond, then to Lynchburg, where he conducted a wholesale grocery. Their daughter, Eva, youngest of a large family of sons and daughters, married Wm. McAdoo, secretary of the Navy under Cleveland;

      —Lucy E. m. James M. Spindle of Wytheville;

      -Alex Tazewell m. Ann, dau. of Wm. Lee. Major Ward devised his lands, above the mouth of Old Woman's creek, adjoining Staunton river, to his son, William.

      III.—Agatha m. (2nd wife) Col. John Callaway, and lived near Evington, died in 1812. To her Major Ward gave his lands on Smith river in Patrick, Franklin and Montgomery counties, jointly with his son Henry.

      IV.-Ann m., 1st, Christopher, son of Charles Lynch; m., 2nd, Benjamin Dillard, to whose 3 children their grand-father bequeathed 85O acres on Sycamore creek above Early's mill.

      V.—Major Henry, a commissary during the Revolution, was active in providing for the American troops and was also issuing commissary to the Catawba Indians from February 21st till April 2O, 178O. It is probable that these were the Indians who occupied the Camps and whose friendship Henry Ward gained by acts of kindness to them. After his death they came back to make him a call and were distressed to learn that their friend had passed away. In remembrance of his service to them they performed certain religious ceremonies to obtain by favorable sign the assurance that Ward had passed to the happy hunting grounds; this was effected by knocking heads together till the blood flowed from their nostrils and was caught in straws which they then held to the sun to discover if light showed through, thus indicating that he had reached the desired goal,—the
      perception of a favorable sign gave them much satisfaction.

      Henry Ward received from his father, the land adjoining the ferry on the south side of Staunton river, land and the home place on the north side of Staunton and Otter rivers and Cheese creek, the mill and tract on Old Woman's creek, the tract on the south side of the Staunton purchased of Henry Chiles and known as Jack’s Place. Children of Henry Ward: Matilda Callaway, born 18OO, m. Thomas Tunstall Adams of Pittsylvania; — Lucinda Dillard, born 18O1, m. 1823 Dr. John Biddle Rutledge of Maryland, their daughter, Martha Henry m. James Carter, whose daughter, Maud, married Nathaniel K. Clement, a member of the House of Delegates from Pittsylvania, who has served two terms, also as state senator. Dr. Rutledge built Monteflora and resided there; after his death Major Henry Adams bought the place and lived there until it was burned, when he moved to the old Mansion home which was also burned down seven or eight years ago. Monteflora was rebuilt by H. W. Adams, a son of Major Henry W. Adams, but the Mansion has not been rebuilt.—Juliana, born 18O8, m. John Wheeler Rutledge and moved to Maryland;—Henrietta, born 181O, m. 1828, Dr. William J. McIlheiny of Baltimore: moved to St. Louis;—William, born 1814, moved to Missouri:—Robert A. born 1817;—^-Edwin Jeremiah, born 1821 moved to Arkansas.

      VI.—Jeremiah Ward, Jr., moved to Texas.

      VII.-Thomas Ward m. Milly, daughter of Richard Walden, and moved to Ohio.

      Three families of Wards located in Campbell county at different periods. The second to come was Seth Ward, 5th or 6th in family line bearing that full name.

      Seth Ward of Henrico county, in 1632 was granted 60 acres of land in Varina; he died in 1677. His son, Richard Ward, had four sons, the eldest of whom was Seth, who lived at Sheffield and who died in 1732. The third of these brothers was Joseph (who died in 1743) and he had six sons, the second of whom was named Seth.

      In 1823 David J. Thompson sold Seth Ward the "Buffalo Mills," and distillery on Buffalo creek (reserving the carding machine) near the town of New London on the east side of Turner's branch. Seth, son of Seth and Mary Goode-Ward, born between 172O and 173O in Powhatan county, married Martha, the sister of Captain William Norvell of Lynchburg and settled in New-London. Episcopalian in faith, he built Chax creek church near Trinity, and was instrumental in building St. Stephen's church, a brick church still standing and not far from Forest depot. His son, Seth Ward, married Ann Hard wick in 1818. The family of Seth and Martha Norvell-Ward moved to Tennessee. Rev. William Norvell Ward, an Episcopal clergyman, was a son of this Seth Ward; the daughters were Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Kerr and Miss Ward.

      Giles Ward, who made his home in Lynchburg, was the third of the name to
      settle in Campbell, coming to Virginia from Connecticut. He possessed
      considerable dramatic talent and started in Lynchburg the Thespian Society, of which he was made the president. Giles Ward married Adeline, the daughter of Major James Risque, and his wife, Elizabeth Kennerly, and their son, James Beverley Ward married Harriet Emmaline, daughter of John Buford and Angeline Brown-Otey; they resided on a farm near Forest but moved to Lynchburg. Of this family only two daughters, Mrs. Emory McVeigh and Mrs. Will Johns, remained in the locality; other sisters and brothers moving south; daughters—Ella, Addie (m. McVeigh), Annie, Julia (married
      Johns); sons: John, Otey, Charles (m. Helen Cartmell of Lynchburg). Ferdinand Ward went West. Harriet, eldest daughter of Major Risque and sister of Mrs. Giles Ward, married Major George Hutter, of Sandusky.
    • In 1753 the two brothers, John and Jeremiah Ward, of Albemarle, patented 3200 acres of land on the north side of Dan river in Pittsylvania county, which were located (as designated) "in the mountains." John then settled at Reed creek; and some years later Jerry moved ty on the Guyandotte river. John Ward married the beautiful Anne, daughter of Henry and Anne Harrelson-Chiles of Pittsylvania. He built a second home, The Mansion, east of the mouth of Otter river near its entrance into the Staunton and only a few miles from where Alta Vista now stands; here he lived, and, dying (over 100 years old), in 1816, was buried in the family grave-yard nearby. Major Ward married, secondly, 1766, Mrs. Sarah Clark - Lynch, daughter of Christ. Clark and widow of Charles Lynch, Sr., for which she was disowned by the Quakers, Ward not being of the sect. He received his title in 1778 as Major of Bedford county militia, an office he resigned in 1781 on account of his great age. DAR A 120573, Major, Patriotic Service, Civil Service; Sheriff, VA

      In 1778 Major Ward established a ferry across the Staunton, having previously kept there a boat free to passengers, and in 1810 he obtained permission to erect a toll bridge near his ferry. As early as 1769 he built mills at Sinkler's and Chile's creeks; raised large yield of hemp upon his land. Included in his estate was a tract called Indian Camps, which received the name from its use by Indians. He surveyed the road leading to Lynchburg which still bears his name and which, though recently improved by shortening of curves, filling of depressions and sand-clay resurfacing, is not materially changed from its early lines; in providing cross-country passage for his neighbors, Ward built better than he reckoned, for his road now forms part of a highway which runs through the state, and connects with routes leading north and south.

      Sources
      Campbell chronicles and family sketches : embracing the history of Campbell County, Virginia, 1782-1926.
      U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900; Name: John Ward; Gender: Male; Spouse Name: Sarah Clark; Spouse Birth Year: 1716; Number Pages: 1.
      Will and Testament of John Ward, 23 Jan 1807.
      U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900; Name: John Ward; Gender: Male; Spouse Name: Ann Chiles; Number Pages: 1.
      Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly; John Ward, 300a, Albemarle Co, on S. side James R. on both sides of Hollyday R., bounded by Henry Chiles's c. (p.6) 1 Dec 1748.
      Annals of Southwest Virginia, 1769-1800; Name: John Ward.

  • Sources 
    1. [S761] Yates Publishing, Ancestry Family Trees, (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members.), Ancestry Family Tree.
      http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=107315963&pid=49

    2. [S751] Ancestry.com, U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current, (Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.) (Reliability: 3).
      Name: Maj John Ward
      Birth Date: 1708
      Birth Place: Amherst County, Virginia, United States of America
      Death Date: 1816
      Death Place: Campbell County, Virginia, United States of America
      Cemetery: Adams Ward Family Cemetery
      Burial or Cremation Place: Altavista, Campbell County, Virginia, United States of America
      https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=60525&h=67967329&tid=167141933&pid=172171883281&hid=1035265848641&usePUB=true&_phsrc=PFA12&_phstart=default&usePUBJs=true

    3. [S103] Ancestry.com, Virginia Genealogical Society Quarterly, (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2002).

    4. [S36] Jackson, Ron V., Accelerated Indexing Systems, comp., Virginia, U.S., Compiled Census and Census Substitutes Index, 1607-1890, (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999.) (Reliability: 3).
      Name: John , Jam. Ward
      State: VA
      County: Pittsylvania County
      Township: 00 16
      Year: 1782
      Record Type: Continental Census
      Page: 41
      Database: VA Early Census Index
      https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?_phsrc=PFA35&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&indiv=1&dbid=3578&gsfn=John&gsln=Ward&cp=12&_83004003-n_xcl=f&mssng=Anne&mssns=Chiles&mssng1=Sarah&mssns1=Clark&mscng=John%20Chiles&mscns=Ward&mscng1=Capt%20William&mscns1=Ward&mscng2=Agatha(twin%20to%20Ann)&mscns2=Ward&mscng3=Anne(twin%20to%20Agatha)&mscns3=Ward&mscng4=Henry&mscns4=Ward&mscng5=Jeremiah&mscns5=Ward&mscng6=Thomas&mscns6=Ward&msbdy=1708&msbpn__ftp=amherst,%20amherst,%20virginia,%20usa&msbpn=22905&msddy=1816&msdpn__ftp=campbell,%20virginia,%20usa&msdpn=477&msrpn__ftp=virginia,%20usa&msrpn=49&msrpn1__ftp=lynchburg,%20virginia,%20usa&msrpn1=24278&msrpn2__ftp=lynchburg,%20virginia,%20usa&msrpn2=24278&msrpn3__ftp=campbell,%20virginia,%20usa&msrpn3=477&msgdy=1739&msgpn__ftp=henry,%20franklin,%20virginia,%20usa&msgpn=23346&ssrc=pt_t167141933_p172171883281&qh=55a06dc8be2398c838cc024af112678c&new=1&rank=1&uidh=roj&redir=false&gss=angs-d&pcat=35&fh=13&h=33634700&recoff=&ml_rpos=14&queryId=f35c50a8327a5bcd3e298e855bed0e2c

    5. [S1163] Ancestry.com, Campbell chronicles and family sketches : embracing the history of Campbell County, Virginia, 1782-1926, (Ancestry.com Operations Inc) (Reliability: 3).
      https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/30023/dvm_LocHist013644-00278-0?pid=531&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D30023%26h%3D531%26tid%3D167141933%26pid%3D172171883281%26hid%3D1035265848804%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DPFA6%26_phstart%3Ddefault%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue&treeid=167141933&personid=172171883281&hintid=1035265848804&usePUB=true&_phsrc=PFA6&_phstart=default&usePUBJs=true

    6. [S248] Ancestry.com, 1810 United States Federal Census, (Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.), Year: 1810; Census Place: Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia; Roll: 68; Page: 12; Image: 00028; Family History Library Film: 0181428 (Reliability: 3).
      Name: John Ward
      Home in 1810 (City, County, State): Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia
      Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over: 2
      Free White Persons - Females - 16 thru 25: 1
      Free White Persons - Females - 45 and over : 1
      Number of All Other Free Persons: 1
      Numbers of Slaves: 46
      Number of Household Members Over 25: 3
      Number of Household Members: 51
      https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&dbid=7613&h=810484&tid=167141933&pid=172171883281&hid=1035265848635&usePUB=true&_phsrc=PFA10&_phstart=default&usePUBJs=true

    7. [S859] Ancestry.com, Virginia, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1900, (Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.), Will Books, 1814-1867, 1880, 1943-1947 ; Indexes to Wills, 1767-1965; Author: Virginia. County Court (Pittsylvania County); Probate Place: Pittsylvania, Virginia.

    8. [S1133] Ancestry.com, North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000, (Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.), Book Title: Lineage Book : NSDAR : Volume 159 : 1920.

    9. [S533] Earle S. Dennis and Jane Estelle Smith, Marriage Bonds of Bedford County, Virginia, 1755-1800 ..., (Genealogical Publishing Company, Baltimore, MD, 2007, Original Date, 1932) (Reliability: 3).
      https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/10625/dvm_LocHist000281-00039-0?pid=50&backurl=https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv%3D1%26dbid%3D10625%26h%3D50%26tid%3D167141933%26pid%3D172171883281%26hid%3D1035265848686%26usePUB%3Dtrue%26_phsrc%3DPFA19%26_phstart%3Ddefault%26usePUBJs%3Dtrue&treeid=167141933&personid=172171883281&hintid=1035265848686&usePUB=true&_phsrc=PFA19&_phstart=default&usePUBJs=true