CLARY Benjamin Milton

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: educated at the Blackwater Academy
• Census: 1860, Sussex County, VA
• Military: Abt 1861; Civil War - Southampton Greys
• Occupation: 1880, Prince George County, VA; Farmer
• Residence: 1880, Prince George County, VA; Brandon District

Notes:

Aug 2007,According to Kenneth Coker, there is a Clary cemetery on the farm property previously owned by Robert Bishop, now owned by Patsy Westbrook Jenkins, on Beaverdam Rd. (Old Rt. 40) outside of Waverly. Kenneth has a photo of Benjamin Clary,Sr. Elizabeth Frances Baird was Ben. Sr. 3rd wife.

Name : B. M. Clary 1880 Census
Residence : Prince George, Virginia, United States
Gender : Male
Age : 37
Birth date : 1843
Birth place : Vir
Relationship to head-of-household : HD
Occupation : Farmer
Father birth place : VA
Mother birth place : VA
Marital status : Married
Race or color : W
Census city :
Census township : Brandon District
Census county : Prince George
Census state : VA
NARA film number : T9-1384
Page : 436
Film number : 1255384
Collection : 1880 United States Census

BENJAMIN M. CLARY SURRENDERED APPOMATTOX 3RD VA.INF.,CO.D,PVT. PG.81

Military:
Co D. 3rd Virginia Infantry, Southampton Greys
surrendered at Appomottax (April 9, 1865)

Thomas and Benjamin did not join the Surry or Sussex units, as most of these were cavalry units; enlistees were required to provide horse, rifle & certain other equipment.

Family/Spouse: BAIRD Elizabeth Frances. Elizabeth (daughter of BAIRD Alexander Peter, Jr. and BOOTH Rebecca Ann) was born on 4 Sep 1862 in Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States; died in 1892; was buried in Surry County, VA (Lois Goodrich Cemetary on Rt 612). [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. CLARY Lelia Alice was born in 1884; died in 1936.
2. CLARY Nettie was born in 1885; died in 1936.
3. CLARY Alexander Thomas was born on 22 Apr 1886; died on 5 Jan 1953.
4. CLARY Benjamin Franklin was born on 1 Feb 1888; died on 28 Jan 1967.
5. CLARY Nell Mae was born on 1 Aug 1890; died on 7 Apr 1966 in Williamsburg, VA; was buried on 9 Apr 1966 in Richmond, Virginia, USA.

Family/Spouse: FIGG --Unknown--. --Unknown-- and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. CLARY Susan Florence

Family/Spouse: BISHOP Henriette. Henriette (daughter of BISHOP H. S. and BISHOP Virginia, daughter of BISHOP H. S. and BISHOP Virginia --LNU--) was born cal 1851; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. CLARY Deceased Daughter

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alt. Marriage: 1839
• Occupation: 1850, Sussex County, VA; Farmer
• Residence: 1850, Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States
• Census: 1860, Sussex County, VA
• Occupation: 12 Sep 1918; Lumber Inspector - Surry Lumber
• Residence: 12 Sep 1918, Dendron, Surry County VA

Notes:

Poss Thomas Clary and Jenny Presson (m:1794) may be parents - from an old relative - not verified

Lived in Sussex, near Waverly, in an area they called Blackwater. They are burried in this area

Virginia Slave Births Index, 1853-1865 By Alexandria Library:
Clary, Alexander T; Emaline: 25 jul 1860, Sussex

Sketches of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South
By John James Lafferty
REV-MILTON LAFAYETTE BISHOP
A SINGLE leaf can contain a recital of deeds which have blessed thousands of hearts, the Church and the
Commonwealth, and more, made heaven glad. The simple narrative that follows these lines are without
ornament, but tells the unvarnished story of a useful life. 'We have little doubt that the readers of this brief
sketch will receive good from the perusal:
I was the third child of my parents\emdash Anna Ellis, daughter of Benjamin Ellis, and John D. Bishop, son
of Thomas Bishop, all of Surry county, Virginia. There were six children of us, two sons and four
daughters, all now living except the oldest, who died in 1847. I was born in 1824, August 22d. I never
knew any of my ancestry to follow anything but farming as a vocation. My father died when I was about
twelve years of age, and my mother in 1865, having been a Methodist from one year after I joined the
church. From my earliest recollections I was trying to be a Christian, mainly from the influence of
Christian slaves, as neither of my parents professed religion. My mother was always a pious woman. I
read my Bible regularly and prayed up to the session of the Virginia Conference held in Petersburg in
1843 (perhaps in 1842), when I openly sought conversion at the altar in Washington street church.
Though I realized a change in all my feelings and views of life\emdash a change that entered at once into all my
plans for life\emdash I did not accept such as conversion, simply because of the extravagant experiences I had
often heard related by the old slaves of my father. Nor did I become satisfied of my conversion till some
months after. I had read the Old Testament through in the last eight months, and the New Testament eight
times, sitting up late at night to read after I had prepared my school studies, and so was at no loss in
making up my mind as to what Church I should join. I joined at Carsley's church, Surry County, Virginia,
then served by Rev. G. M. Andross, who baptized me by pouring just as I received the Holy Ghost. He
appointed me class-leader. I had formed my ideas of the doctrines of the Bible before I joined the church,
and to this day have not had to change those views. I had read with prayer to be guided, and I believe I
was directed by the Spirit of all Truth. With the change of heart in Petersburg, I received the conviction of
my call to the ministry, and my studies at school were all conducted in view of that calling; yet my mind
was not satisfied on that subject for years after. I had my heart on farming\emdash a sort of inherited
proclivity\emdash nor did I consent to quit it until "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel" had shut me up to
preaching or ruin. From the time of my conversion I went to school in Surry; Little Town, in Sussex;
Emory and Henry, and Randolph Macon College, up to the year 1848, May 17th, when my health forced
me to leave school. I was licensed as an exhorter in 1847, October 5th, by William A. Smith, D. D.,
Presiding Elder; was licensed to preach in April, 1848, by Rev. J. H. Davis. Presiding Elder; joined the
Virginia Conference in the fall of 1848, at Elizabeth City, and was sent as a helper under Rev. G. N.
Winfree, on the Amelia circuit, then embracing all of Amelia and about half of Dinwiddie. I traveled but
five months of this year, in consequence of the work\emdash eighteen appointments being too large for my
feeble health. Yet I preached much in my native county, and held several very successful protracted
meetings. The next year, 1850, I was sent to Bedford circuit under Rev. A. Wiles, but as his health failed
him in the spring, he left the circuit, and I fell in charge; and here I did the hardest year's work of my life,
and I realized the greatest success in the way of revivals\emdash -over three hundred professing conversion. The
next year, 1851 and 1852, I was on the Staunton circuit\emdash part of South Bedford and Campbell counties;
in 1853 and 1854 on the Amherst circuit; in 1855 and 1856, the Charlotte circuit: in 1857, the
Mecklenburg circuit; in 1858, the Murfreesboro circuit; in 1859, the Fincastle circuit, Botetourt county; in
1860, the Nelson circuit, in all of which I had a successful work. By this time my health had become very
bad, and by the urgent advice of my Presiding Elder and physician, I took a supernumerary relation,
which I sustained until the fall of 1865, when I located. My health improved so much that I joined
Conference again in the fall of 1868, and was sent to Fluvanna circuit four years. I rested one year there,
or a part of one year, my throat being badly diseased. I then was sent to the Rappahannock circuit, where I
travelled three years; from which I was sent to the South Bedford circuit, where I am now serving out my
fourth year. On all my fields of labor I had good revivals\emdash an average of not less than one hundred and
fifty conversions a year. Some twenty of these are in the ministry, mostly the Methodist.
The Virginia conference annual
By Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Virginia Conference
SIXTH DAY.
TUESDAY, November 20th, 1883.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK P. M.
Conference met according to adjournment. L. S. Reed (by appointment of Bishop Kavanaugh)
in the Chair.
Divine service was conducted by J. D. Hank.
The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.
On motion of P. Whitehead, the report of the Committee on Memoirs was made the order of
the day for half-past 10 o'clock A. M. to-morrow.
T. McN. Simpson, from the Committee of Investigation in the case of M. L. Bishop, made the
following report:
The Committee of Investigation, to whom was referred the case of Rev. Milton L. Bishop, beg
leave to report that they regard the reports reflecting upon the character of Rev. Milton L. Bishop
of such gravity as to demand an investigation, but as the accused is not present, nor any
witnesses, they respectfully ask that the case be remanded to the Presiding Elder of the
Lynchburg District for investigation.
(Signed) T. McN. SIMPSON, J. C. REED, W. G. WILLIAMS.
Which on motion was adopted, and the case of Brother Bishop remanded accordingly

Census:
1860 United States Federal Census
about Benja M Clary
Name:Benja M Clary          
Age in 1860:18          
Birth Year:abt 1842          
Birthplace:Virginia          
Home in 1860:District 1, Sussex, Virginia          
Gender:Male          
Post Office:Sussex Court House          
Value of real estate:View image          
Household Members:NameAge               
Alexander T Clary 51               
Ann E Clary 38               
Thos L Clary 20               
Benja M Clary 18               
Joseph A Clary 16               
Sidney S Clary 14               
Winfield S Clary 12               
Binns W Clary 10               
Ella A Clary 7               
Alexander T Clary 1               
Roberta J R Bishok 40               

Other Events and Attributes:

• Alt. Name: Anne Elizabeth Bishop
• Alt. Marriage: 1822
• Alt. Birth: 6 Mar 1822
• Census: 1870, Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States

Notes:

Roberta J. Bishop, wife's sister was living with them during the 1850 and 1860 census
Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 1
1. Thomas Bishop-1.
Thomas Bishop and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:
2. i. John D. Bishop was born in 1794. He married Anna Ellis on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry,
Virginia, USA. He died in 1836.
Generation 2
2. John D. Bishop-2 (Thomas-1) was born in 1794. He died in 1836.
Anna Ellis daughter of Benjamin Ellis and Sarah Jones was born in 1793. She died in 1865.
John D. Bishop and Anna Ellis were married on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry, Virginia, USA. They had the
following children:
i. Roberta J Bishop was born in 1820. She died after 1860.
Notes for Roberta J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
1860 census living in Sussex with Alexander T Clary
3. ii. Ann Elizabeth Bishop was born on 06 Mar 1822. She married Alexander Thomas Clary in
1839. She died after 1870.
4. iii. Milton Lafayette Bishop was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA. He married
Susan Lambeth Smith on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell, Virginia, USA. He died on 29 Jul 1892
in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Albert J Bishop was born in 1827.
Notes for Albert J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
v. India Seymore Bishop was born in 1833 in Surry, Virginia, USA. She married John Holt
Rice on 10 Feb 1853 in Campbell, VA. She died on 02 Jul 1890 in Cave Spring, Roanoke,
Virginia, USA.
Notes for India Seymore Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census, living in Sussex Co with Alexander T Clary
vi. Julia Bishop was born in 1834.
Notes for Julia Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
Page 1 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM
Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 3
3. Ann Elizabeth Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 06 Mar 1822. She died after 1870.
Notes for Ann Elizabeth Bishop:
General Notes:
1870 census living with son, Thomas L Clary and his wife Ann
Alexander Thomas Clary son of Thomas Clary and Jenny Virginia Presson was born on 19 Feb
1809. He died on 26 Apr 1868.
Alexander Thomas Clary and Ann Elizabeth Bishop were married in 1839. They had the following
children:
i. Thomas L Clary was born in 1841.
4. Milton Lafayette Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA.
He died on 29 Jul 1892 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Notes for Milton Lafayette Bishop:
General Notes:
1874? widower? involved in church sex scandal
Church trial 1883
Susan Lambeth Smith was born on 03 Jul 1834 in Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia, USA. She died on
18 Jan 1908.
Milton Lafayette Bishop and Susan Lambeth Smith were married on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell,
Virginia, USA. They had the following children:
i. Ann V Bishop was born in 1852 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
ii. Eloisa L Bishop was born in 1856 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iii. Ludie Bishop was born in 1854 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Corrine L Bishop was born in 1858 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
v. Milton L Bishop was born in 1860 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Page 2 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM

Census:
Living with son Thomas L. Clary and his wife Ann

Notes:

Married:
Married by the Rev. Thomas J. Drumwright

Alt. Marriage:
Kennth Coker had this date

Notes:

John Clary; Our Immigrant Ancestor
Added by mdclary1 on 7 Apr 2008
Originally submitted by wriddles1942 to Shadows and Dust to Dust ,The Arlie Thelma Norris Family Tree on 12 Sep 2007
John Clary b. 1660 reached the shores of Maryland in October, 1677. Seventeen years old, John was among 39 persons transported to Maryland by a Captain Thomas Taylor which entitled said captain to a large tract of land in the colony.
Many early settlers including John Clary probably paid for their passage to America by a period of service being 4 to 7 years. The employer then owed the "indentured servant" his freedom and 50 acres of land. This was very often the only method whereby those with little money could pay for the expensive voyage to the new world. Many of these people were well educated, highly skilled and most became respected, useful citizens.
In Maryland, the majority of the colonists were working people; indentured servants by whose hands and upon whose backs lay the tremendous task of the cultivation, socilization and development of civilization in the marshy regions of the colony of Maryland.
Work was hard, luxuries were few and amusements homemade. The large plantation owners lived in comfort, with slaves and other servants to perform most of the drudgery but these owners comprised only a small portion of the colonial population.
Little is known of this first John Clary in Maryland. His port of entry must have been either St.Mary's or Annapolis,.....the only towns in the colony at that time. After working several years to repay travel costs: he would then have received 50 acres of land for his own use and would likely have engaged in farming as well as some other trade or occupation to meet his needs for survival. He and his off-spring flourished; this much is self-evident as the descending Clary families included many enterprising, highly motivated and productive individuals.



Surry County Deed Book 13 1788-1792 LVA Reel #18
p
p. 202\endash James Judkins of Surry frees Negro boy David aged abt 13\endash when 21\endash reserves guardianship--23 Feb 90\endash rec 22 June 1790
p. 266\endashThomas Clary of Surry\endash freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc frees Ben aged 20 yrs\endash when 21 in May 1789\endash 26 May 88\endash rec 26 April 91


Surry County Deeds No.1 1792-1799 LVA Reel # 19
p. 347\endash John Warren of Surry\endash freedom is natural right so emancipates Pleasant aged abt 30; Joe and Dick abt 28 yrs old; and Jesse aged 22; and 6 in their minority viz; Effy, Tempy, Dick, Judah, Nat and Amy when males 21 and females are 18\endash 31 Dec 95\endash rec 23 Feb 1796
p. 373\endashThomas Clary of Surry\endash freedom is natural right and doing unto others etc-frees Negro man Moses aged 28\endash 28 May 1796\endash rec 28 June 96

Library of Virginia Microfilm Reel #35 Surry County Order Book (23 May 1804 - 26 March 1807) pp. 1-523:

Moses a negroe man liberated by Thomas Clary having been registered in the Office of this court appeared before the Court and he having been Viewed by the court and the said Register examined the same is ordered to be certified as duly made.

Thomas married PRESSON Jenny Virginia on 13 Jan 1794. Jenny (daughter of PRESSON Thomas and WHITE Sarah) was born in 1733; died in 1785. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

There is some doubt on her DOB due to the large age difference and her marriage being listed as 1/13/1794, which is after her date of death (Gene Harris)

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States
• Will: Wills

Notes:

Sketches of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South
By John James Lafferty
REV-MILTON LAFAYETTE BISHOP
A SINGLE leaf can contain a recital of deeds which have blessed thousands of hearts, the Church and the Commonwealth, and more, made heaven glad. The simple narrative that follows these lines are without ornament, but tells the unvarnished story of a useful life. 'We have little doubt that the readers of this brief sketch will receive good from the perusal: I was the third child of my parents\emdash Anna Ellis, daughter of Benjamin Ellis, and John D. Bishop, son of Thomas Bishop, all of Surry county, Virginia. There were six children of us, two sons and four daughters, all now living except the oldest, who died in 1847. I was born in 1824, August 22nd. I never knew any of my ancestry to follow anything but farming as a vocation. My father died when I was about twelve years of age, and my mother in 1865, having been a Methodist from one year after I joined the
church. From my earliest recollections I was trying to be a Christian, mainly from the influence of
Christian slaves, as neither of my parents professed religion. My mother was always a pious woman. I read my Bible regularly and prayed up to the session of the Virginia Conference held in Petersburg in 1843 (perhaps in 1842), when I openly sought conversion at the altar in Washington street church. Though I realized a change in all my feelings and views of life\emdash a change that entered at once into all my plans for life\emdash I did not accept such as conversion, simply because of the extravagant experiences I had often heard related by the old slaves of my father. Nor did I become satisfied of my conversion till some months after. I had read the Old Testament through in the last eight months, and the New Testament eight times, sitting up late at night to read after I had prepared my school studies, and so was at no loss in making up my mind as to what Church I should join. I joined at Carsley's church, Surry County, Virginia, then served by Rev. G. M. Andross, who baptized me by pouring just as I received the Holy Ghost. He appointed me class leader. I had formed my ideas of the doctrines of the Bible before I joined the church, and to this day have not had to change those views. I had read with prayer to be guided, and I believe I was directed by the Spirit of all Truth. With the change of heart in Petersburg, I received the conviction of my call to the ministry, and my studies at school were all conducted in view of that calling; yet my mind was not satisfied on that subject for years after. I had my heart on farming\emdash a sort of inherited proclivity \emdash nor did I consent to quit it until "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel" had shut me up to preaching or ruin. From the time of my conversion I went to school in Surry; Little Town, in Sussex; Emory and Henry, and Randolph Macon College, up to the year 1848, May 17th, when my health forced me to leave school. I was licensed as an exhorter in 1847, October 5th, by William A. Smith, D. D., Presiding Elder; was licensed to preach in April, 1848, by Rev. J. H. Davis. Presiding Elder; joined the Virginia Conference in the fall of 1848, at Elizabeth City, and was sent as a helper under Rev. G. N. Winfree, on the Amelia circuit, then embracing all of Amelia and about half of Dinwiddie. I traveled but five months of this year, in consequence of the work\emdash eighteen appointments being too large for my feeble health. Yet I preached much in my native county, and held several very successful protracted meetings. The next year, 1850, I was sent to Bedford circuit under Rev. A. Wiles, but as his health failed him in the spring, he left the circuit, and I fell in charge; and here I did the hardest year's work of my life, and I realized the greatest success in the way of revivals\emdash -over three hundred professing conversion. The next year, 1851 and 1852, I was on the Staunton circuit\emdash part of South Bedford and Campbell counties; in 1853 and 1854 on the Amherst circuit; in 1855 and 1856, the Charlotte circuit: in 1857, the Mecklenburg circuit; in 1858, the Murfreesboro circuit; in 1859, the Fincastle circuit, Botetourt county; in 1860, the Nelson circuit, in all of which I had a successful work. By this time my health had become very bad, and by the urgent advice of my Presiding Elder and physician, I took a supernumerary relation, which I sustained until the fall of 1865, when I located. My health improved so much that I joined Conference again in the fall of 1868, and was sent to Fluvanna circuit four years. I rested one year there, or a part of one year, my throat being badly diseased. I then was sent to the Rappahannock circuit, where I travelled three years; from which I was sent to the South Bedford circuit, where I am now serving out my
fourth year. On all my fields of labor I had good revivals\emdash an average of not less than one hundred and fifty conversions a year. Some twenty of these are in the ministry, mostly the Methodist.

The Virginia conference annual
By Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Virginia Conference
SIXTH DAY.
TUESDAY, November 20th, 1883.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK P. M.
Conference met according to adjournment. L. S. Reed (by appointment of Bishop Kavanaugh)
in the Chair.
Divine service was conducted by J. D. Hank.
The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.
On motion of P. Whitehead, the report of the Committee on Memoirs was made the order of
the day for half-past 10 o'clock A. M. to-morrow.
T. McN. Simpson, from the Committee of Investigation in the case of M. L. Bishop, made the
following report:
The Committee of Investigation, to whom was referred the case of Rev. Milton L. Bishop, beg
leave to report that they regard the reports reflecting upon the character of Rev. Milton L. Bishop
of such gravity as to demand an investigation, but as the accused is not present, nor any
witnesses, they respectfully ask that the case be remanded to the Presiding Elder of the
Lynchburg District for investigation.
(Signed) T. McN. SIMPSON, J. C. REED, W. G. WILLIAMS.
Which on motion was adopted, and the case of Brother Bishop remanded accordingly

Possible Connections - Needs further research:



Notes about Families - Virginia

Subject: Jacob Bishop Date: 11 Feb 1998 From: Barbara Bishop barbiluv@erinet.com
Seeking information on Jacob Bishop b. 25 Nov 1825, married Elizabeth
Catherine Sumpter in April 1871, Floyd Co, Va. Any help always appreciated.
----

Subject: Bishop wills, Sussex Co. VA Date: 23 Feb 1998
From: Linda Russell Lewis cityslic@ix.netcom.com
Wills not fully proved (due to unavailability of witnesses, etc.) or in
Sussex County, VA:
David BISHOP, Nov. 23, 1828. To son Austin Bishop and daughters Meriah
and Mary Bishop, each 15 schillings. To sons Thomas and David and
daughter Lewisey Bishop all the balance of the estate at death of my
wife. Executrix: wife Elizabeth. To Edwin W. Brockwell a young mare
called his. Witnesses: Harrison Bishop, Richard Bishop, Edward W.
Brockwell, Edward (X) Marks. Proved 26 April 1830 by Brockwell and
continued; Augustin Bailey qualified as administrator.
Mary BISHOP, Aug. 18, 1759. To son David Bishop what is left after debts
are paid; daughter Mary to have a quiet living in the estate while
single and at her marriage David to have the whole estate. Executor:
David Bishop, with my son Joseph Bishop. Witnesses: Dan Ellis, Thomas
Bishop, James (X) Bishop. Proved March 1760 by one witness and continued.
----

Subject: Bishop wills, Sussex Co. Va. Date: 23 Feb 1998
To: Linda Russell Lewis cityslic@ix.netcom.com From: sschrum@juno.com (Sidney B Schrum)
The 1759 will of Mary Bishop, proved March 1760 in Sussex County, appears
to be the will of Mary Moss Bishop, widow of John Bishop of Surry County
Virginia. The Ellis family and James Bishop were neighbors of Mary and
John. Dan Ellis and James Bishop witnessed her will along with Thomas
Bishop, a son who lived in Surry County. John's will, probated in 1758
in Surry County, was witnessed by James Bishop and Caleb Ellis, and
mentioned sons David and Joseph. Three other sons of Mary and John lived
in Sussex County - William, Harmon, and John, Jr. No doubt she was with
one of them at the time of her death.
Thank you for sharing. I overlooked this one when researching the
family. I had checked Sussex County wills for a later time period hoping
to find other members of the family, but did not expect to find Mary in
Sussex also. Mailande Schrum
----

Subject: James and Ann Bishop - c. 1800 Date: 09 Mar 1998
From: Donna Jo Bishop Wright iwright@erols.com
I've been looking for my ggggrandparents, James W. and Ann Bishop for some
time with no luck. I know they were in Prince George, Virginia in 1836,
because my gggrandfather, Joseph A., was born here on June 30th of that
year. Both Joseph's Confederate military records and his marriage
license in Sussex, VA, state he was born in Prince George, Virginia, so
I have no reason to doubt that he was.
Linda Lewis (thanks again, Linda!) was nice enough to check the
Broderbund 1850 VA census CD's for all the counties in Virginia, and my
James W., Ann and Joseph do not show up anywhere in the state (Joseph
would have been 14 years old in 1850). I know Joseph enlisted in the
Sussex Light Dragoons on 4/25/1861 in Waverly (Sussex), Virginia and
that he listed his occupation as a farmer but where was he and his
family in 1850? Do any of you have earlier or later census data which
show this family in Virginia? Any help or advice would be greatly
appreciated! Donna Jo Bishop Wright
----

Subject: Joseph A. Bishop - b. Prince George, VA 1836 Date: 23 Mar 1998
From: "Irving H. and Donna Wright" iwright@erols.com
Well, after a year of looking, I have come full circle in my search for
Joseph's parents, James W. and Ann Bishop. Last May, when I first went
on-line and started my search, I got a lead from a wonderful, helpful,
local Bishop researcher; however, I was too much of a genealogy novice
to understand the significance. A year later (this weekend) he
mentioned it to me again and it is beginning to take shape and make
perfect sense.
Of late, I've focused attention on why my James W., Ann, and Joseph did
not show up on Prince George County censuses in the mid-1800's when they
should have since Joseph was born in Prince George in 1836. The 1850
census which lists all members of a household did not reflect them
anywhere in Virginia (Joseph would have been 14 at this time). My
great-uncle told me years ago that Joseph and his brother boarded the
train from somewhere (perhaps NC?) and Joseph got off in Disputanta
(Prince George County) or Waverly (Sussex County) and his brother
continued westward. I'd begun to think this story was not true because
if Joseph was born in Prince George, why would he hop a train to the
adjacent county? I thought perhaps the story applied instead to his
father, James, but this theory was not plausible because the train did
not come through this area until 1854-58.
My friend reminded me Friday that my Joseph does show up on the 1860
Sussex County census living in the household of a George W. Ellis.
Joseph was 25 by then and he and George are both carpenters (George was
36). At that time, I did not understand the significance of household
census information. Now, I realize this is an important clue and can
follow up on this Ellis connection. The Ellis family, by the way, shows
early roots in America - they came to Virginia aboard the "Mary
Margrett" between 1610-1620 and originally settled in James City
County. Perhaps they shared the acquaintance of our Capt. John Bishop!
My friend just reviewed his 1850 census notes and noticed that George
Ellis (26) was then living with three Bishop's! They were Erastus
Bishop (22), Louisa V. Bishop (27), and Sarah A. Bishop (24). My Joseph
named one of his daughters Louisa V. Bishop so he must be directly
related to this group and came back to Virginia to join up with them
when he came of age, or perhaps because his parents died. These Bishops
could be cousins or even older siblings of my Joseph.
Here's my hypothesis:
1) James W. Bishop (born c. 1800) marries Ann (?) in Prince George, VA c. 1830.
2) Joseph born in Prince George, June 30, 1836 (verified through CSA
records, family Bible and Joseph's marriage license).
3) James W., Ann, Joseph, Joseph's sibling(s) leave Virginia.
4) Joseph returns to VA in late 1850's via new train line, brother
continues on, perhaps to other Bishop relatives further down the line.
My great-uncle once met a Bishop from Roanoke, VA area whose grandfather
told him a story similar to ours - two brothers board a train, etc.
This is why I think Joseph's brother may have gone on to western Va.
5) Joseph moves in with George Ellis in Sussex, Va. Ellis somehow
connected to the Bishop family - perhaps Joseph's mother was an Ellis,
perhaps George's mother was a Bishop.
6) Joseph names his children: Ida Ann, Joseph Emmett, Louisa Virginia,
Edward W., and Georgie A. (girl-died in infancy). Are one of these
children named after his brother?
So. . . I'm a little closer but not there yet. I'll be able to find out
more at the Sussex courthouse with this new Ellis lead to follow. But,
perhap one of you can now tell me which state James W., Ann, and Joseph
went to in the mid-1800's by reviewing your census data. Or, perhaps
you are the ancestor of Joseph's brother who continued west (I'm
assuming) on the train whose name could possibly be James, Emmett,
Edward, or W? There is also a Thomas in the next generation. I'm
determined to solve this!
Sorry for the long dissertation. If I'm off in my guess work, I hope
one of you will set me straight. And if you're new to this genealogy
ride - review your notes often in case something jumps out at you that
has been there all along! Donna Jo Bishop Wright
----

Subject: Success Story Date: 27 Mar 1998 From: Barbara barbiluv@erinet.com
Persistence does pay off. I have recently found relatives in Va and have
obtained the names of the parents of Jacob Bishop.
Abraham ( Abel ) Bishop b. 30 May 1801 in Montogomery Co, Va.
Married 11 Aug 1821 to Mary Jane (Polly) Hornbarger b. 02 Jan 1807.
Jacob b. 25 Nov 1852
Asa b. 25 Dec 1846.
Asa fought in the civil war, enlisted 26 May 1862, wounded in 1863, was
awarded The Southern Cross Of Honor in June 1906.
Also a John Bishop mentioned. b. 1728, d. 1820 Montgomery Co, Va.
Anyone know this family?
I was given information on a book, "John Bishop, The Settler", by George W.
Brysan Jr. I ordered the book this morning, but I'm so impatient. Thought I
would see if I can find cousins with this new information.
----

Subject: Re: Bishop family VA-SC-TN-IL Date: 18 Apr 1998
From: sschrum@juno.com (Sidney B Schrum) To: see@accessus.net
Gladys, I found the information you posted on Benjamin Bishop and family
very interesting since I have done a lot of work on Bishops of Prince George
and Surry Counties. Cabin Point is in Surry County near Otterdam Swamp
where some of the Prince George Bishops moved in the seventeen hundreds.
Nathan Bishop of Surry County (later moved to Sussex) had a son named
Benjamin who could have been born about 1750. I see from your
information that Benjamin had a grandson named Nathan. The place, time
frame, and names all make it seem likely that your Benjamin is this son
of Nathan and a descendant of Capt. John Bishop. My line is through
Nathan's brother John.
I have a copy of the will of a Benjamin Bishop of Chatham County dated
March 21, 1799. His wife was Hanna and sons Richard and Henry were
legatees. I am wondering if this is your Benjamin with a second wife.
The sons you named had moved on by 1799, and therefore most likely would
not be named in the will . A daughter named Lucy Hatley was also
mentioned.
Nathan Bishop died in Sussex County Virginia in 1792. In 1793 Benjamin
inventoried the estate of his father. Possibly he could have traveled
from Edgecomb County to Sussex since the distance is not great. Other
members of this family had moved into counties near Edgecomb, and one of
them witnessed a deed of a relative in Sussex after they had moved from
there. My ancestor John was in Hertford County and his brother (also
Nathan's brother), William was in Halifax County, N.C.
Did your information come from a family history? Mailande Schrum
[Submitted by William F Bishop, May 1998]
[Bishop Genealogy, Friends of] [Return]

Webpages/Copyright Bishop Computing 2008
Date last modified: 06/20/08
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Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 1
1. Thomas Bishop-1.
Thomas Bishop and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:
2. i. John D. Bishop was born in 1794. He married Anna Ellis on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry,
Virginia, USA. He died in 1836.
Generation 2
2. John D. Bishop-2 (Thomas-1) was born in 1794. He died in 1836.
Anna Ellis daughter of Benjamin Ellis and Sarah Jones was born in 1793. She died in 1865.
John D. Bishop and Anna Ellis were married on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry, Virginia, USA. They had the
following children:
i. Roberta J Bishop was born in 1820. She died after 1860.
Notes for Roberta J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
1860 census living in Sussex with Alexander T Clary
3. ii. Ann Elizabeth Bishop was born on 06 Mar 1822. She married Alexander Thomas Clary in
1839. She died after 1870.
4. iii. Milton Lafayette Bishop was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA. He married
Susan Lambeth Smith on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell, Virginia, USA. He died on 29 Jul 1892
in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Albert J Bishop was born in 1827.
Notes for Albert J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
v. India Seymore Bishop was born in 1833 in Surry, Virginia, USA. She married John Holt
Rice on 10 Feb 1853 in Campbell, VA. She died on 02 Jul 1890 in Cave Spring, Roanoke,
Virginia, USA.
Notes for India Seymore Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census, living in Sussex Co with Alexander T Clary
vi. Julia Bishop was born in 1834.
Notes for Julia Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
Page 1 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM
Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 3
3. Ann Elizabeth Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 06 Mar 1822. She died after 1870.
Notes for Ann Elizabeth Bishop:
General Notes:
1870 census living with son, Thomas L Clary and his wife Ann
Alexander Thomas Clary son of Thomas Clary and Jenny Virginia Presson was born on 19 Feb
1809. He died on 26 Apr 1868.
Alexander Thomas Clary and Ann Elizabeth Bishop were married in 1839. They had the following
children:
i. Thomas L Clary was born in 1841.
4. Milton Lafayette Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA.
He died on 29 Jul 1892 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Notes for Milton Lafayette Bishop:
General Notes:
1874? widower? involved in church sex scandal
Church trial 1883
Susan Lambeth Smith was born on 03 Jul 1834 in Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia, USA. She died on
18 Jan 1908.
Milton Lafayette Bishop and Susan Lambeth Smith were married on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell,
Virginia, USA. They had the following children:
i. Ann V Bishop was born in 1852 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
ii. Eloisa L Bishop was born in 1856 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iii. Ludie Bishop was born in 1854 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Corrine L Bishop was born in 1858 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
v. Milton L Bishop was born in 1860 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Page 2 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM

Will:
John D. Bishop (father)
Wills, Etc. 7, 1834-1840, p. 247-250 -- system #000547299
Wills, Etc. 7, p. 647-648 -- system #000547300

John married ELLIS Anna on 12 Dec 1818 in Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States. Anna (daughter of ELLIS Benjamin and JONES Sarah (Sally)) was born in 1793 in Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States; died in 1865. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 464

Notes:

Sketches of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South
By John James Lafferty
REV-MILTON LAFAYETTE BISHOP
A SINGLE leaf can contain a recital of deeds which have blessed thousands of hearts, the Church and the
Commonwealth, and more, made heaven glad. The simple narrative that follows these lines are without
ornament, but tells the unvarnished story of a useful life. 'We have little doubt that the readers of this brief
sketch will receive good from the perusal:
I was the third child of my parents\emdash Anna Ellis, daughter of Benjamin Ellis, and John D. Bishop, son
of Thomas Bishop, all of Surry county, Virginia. There were six children of us, two sons and four
daughters, all now living except the oldest, who died in 1847. I was born in 1824, August 22d. I never
knew any of my ancestry to follow anything but farming as a vocation. My father died when I was about
twelve years of age, and my mother in 1865, having been a Methodist from one year after I joined the
church. From my earliest recollections I was trying to be a Christian, mainly from the influence of
Christian slaves, as neither of my parents professed religion. My mother was always a pious woman. I
read my Bible regularly and prayed up to the session of the Virginia Conference held in Petersburg in
1843 (perhaps in 1842), when I openly sought conversion at the altar in Washington street church.
Though I realized a change in all my feelings and views of life\emdash a change that entered at once into all my
plans for life\emdash I did not accept such as conversion, simply because of the extravagant experiences I had
often heard related by the old slaves of my father. Nor did I become satisfied of my conversion till some
months after. I had read the Old Testament through in the last eight months, and the New Testament eight
times, sitting up late at night to read after I had prepared my school studies, and so was at no loss in
making up my mind as to what Church I should join. I joined at Carsley's church, Surry County, Virginia,
then served by Rev. G. M. Andross, who baptized me by pouring just as I received the Holy Ghost. He
appointed me class-leader. I had formed my ideas of the doctrines of the Bible before I joined the church,
and to this day have not had to change those views. I had read with prayer to be guided, and I believe I
was directed by the Spirit of all Truth. With the change of heart in Petersburg, I received the conviction of
my call to the ministry, and my studies at school were all conducted in view of that calling; yet my mind
was not satisfied on that subject for years after. I had my heart on farming\emdash a sort of inherited
proclivity\emdash nor did I consent to quit it until "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel" had shut me up to
preaching or ruin. From the time of my conversion I went to school in Surry; Little Town, in Sussex;
Emory and Henry, and Randolph Macon College, up to the year 1848, May 17th, when my health forced
me to leave school. I was licensed as an exhorter in 1847, October 5th, by William A. Smith, D. D.,
Presiding Elder; was licensed to preach in April, 1848, by Rev. J. H. Davis. Presiding Elder; joined the
Virginia Conference in the fall of 1848, at Elizabeth City, and was sent as a helper under Rev. G. N.
Winfree, on the Amelia circuit, then embracing all of Amelia and about half of Dinwiddie. I traveled but
five months of this year, in consequence of the work\emdash eighteen appointments being too large for my
feeble health. Yet I preached much in my native county, and held several very successful protracted
meetings. The next year, 1850, I was sent to Bedford circuit under Rev. A. Wiles, but as his health failed
him in the spring, he left the circuit, and I fell in charge; and here I did the hardest year's work of my life,
and I realized the greatest success in the way of revivals\emdash -over three hundred professing conversion. The
next year, 1851 and 1852, I was on the Staunton circuit\emdash part of South Bedford and Campbell counties;
in 1853 and 1854 on the Amherst circuit; in 1855 and 1856, the Charlotte circuit: in 1857, the
Mecklenburg circuit; in 1858, the Murfreesboro circuit; in 1859, the Fincastle circuit, Botetourt county; in
1860, the Nelson circuit, in all of which I had a successful work. By this time my health had become very
bad, and by the urgent advice of my Presiding Elder and physician, I took a supernumerary relation,
which I sustained until the fall of 1865, when I located. My health improved so much that I joined
Conference again in the fall of 1868, and was sent to Fluvanna circuit four years. I rested one year there,
or a part of one year, my throat being badly diseased. I then was sent to the Rappahannock circuit, where I
travelled three years; from which I was sent to the South Bedford circuit, where I am now serving out my
fourth year. On all my fields of labor I had good revivals\emdash an average of not less than one hundred and
fifty conversions a year. Some twenty of these are in the ministry, mostly the Methodist.
The Virginia conference annual
By Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Virginia Conference
SIXTH DAY.
TUESDAY, November 20th, 1883.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK P. M.
Conference met according to adjournment. L. S. Reed (by appointment of Bishop Kavanaugh)
in the Chair.
Divine service was conducted by J. D. Hank.
The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.
On motion of P. Whitehead, the report of the Committee on Memoirs was made the order of
the day for half-past 10 o'clock A. M. to-morrow.
T. McN. Simpson, from the Committee of Investigation in the case of M. L. Bishop, made the
following report:
The Committee of Investigation, to whom was referred the case of Rev. Milton L. Bishop, beg
leave to report that they regard the reports reflecting upon the character of Rev. Milton L. Bishop
of such gravity as to demand an investigation, but as the accused is not present, nor any
witnesses, they respectfully ask that the case be remanded to the Presiding Elder of the
Lynchburg District for investigation.
(Signed) T. McN. SIMPSON, J. C. REED, W. G. WILLIAMS.
Which on motion was adopted, and the case of Brother Bishop remanded accordingly

Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 1
1. Thomas Bishop-1.
Thomas Bishop and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:
2. i. John D. Bishop was born in 1794. He married Anna Ellis on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry,
Virginia, USA. He died in 1836.
Generation 2
2. John D. Bishop-2 (Thomas-1) was born in 1794. He died in 1836.
Anna Ellis daughter of Benjamin Ellis and Sarah Jones was born in 1793. She died in 1865.
John D. Bishop and Anna Ellis were married on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry, Virginia, USA. They had the
following children:
i. Roberta J Bishop was born in 1820. She died after 1860.
Notes for Roberta J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
1860 census living in Sussex with Alexander T Clary
3. ii. Ann Elizabeth Bishop was born on 06 Mar 1822. She married Alexander Thomas Clary in
1839. She died after 1870.
4. iii. Milton Lafayette Bishop was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA. He married
Susan Lambeth Smith on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell, Virginia, USA. He died on 29 Jul 1892
in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Albert J Bishop was born in 1827.
Notes for Albert J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
v. India Seymore Bishop was born in 1833 in Surry, Virginia, USA. She married John Holt
Rice on 10 Feb 1853 in Campbell, VA. She died on 02 Jul 1890 in Cave Spring, Roanoke,
Virginia, USA.
Notes for India Seymore Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census, living in Sussex Co with Alexander T Clary
vi. Julia Bishop was born in 1834.
Notes for Julia Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
Page 1 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM
Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 3
3. Ann Elizabeth Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 06 Mar 1822. She died after 1870.
Notes for Ann Elizabeth Bishop:
General Notes:
1870 census living with son, Thomas L Clary and his wife Ann
Alexander Thomas Clary son of Thomas Clary and Jenny Virginia Presson was born on 19 Feb
1809. He died on 26 Apr 1868.
Alexander Thomas Clary and Ann Elizabeth Bishop were married in 1839. They had the following
children:
i. Thomas L Clary was born in 1841.
4. Milton Lafayette Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA.
He died on 29 Jul 1892 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Notes for Milton Lafayette Bishop:
General Notes:
1874? widower? involved in church sex scandal
Church trial 1883
Susan Lambeth Smith was born on 03 Jul 1834 in Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia, USA. She died on
18 Jan 1908.
Milton Lafayette Bishop and Susan Lambeth Smith were married on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell,
Virginia, USA. They had the following children:
i. Ann V Bishop was born in 1852 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
ii. Eloisa L Bishop was born in 1856 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iii. Ludie Bishop was born in 1854 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Corrine L Bishop was born in 1858 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
v. Milton L Bishop was born in 1860 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Page 2 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM

Other Events and Attributes:

• Land: Aug 1748; Granted Land

Notes:

Land:
1/2 was his father's

Thomas married WRENN Mary in 1769. Mary (daughter of WRENN Thomas and ANDREWS Elizabeth) and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Thomas married WHITE Sarah. Sarah and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States
• Will: wills

Notes:

Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 1
1. Thomas Bishop-1.
Thomas Bishop and unknown spouse married. They had the following children:
2. i. John D. Bishop was born in 1794. He married Anna Ellis on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry,
Virginia, USA. He died in 1836.
Generation 2
2. John D. Bishop-2 (Thomas-1) was born in 1794. He died in 1836.
Anna Ellis daughter of Benjamin Ellis and Sarah Jones was born in 1793. She died in 1865.
John D. Bishop and Anna Ellis were married on 28 Dec 1818 in Surry, Virginia, USA. They had the
following children:
i. Roberta J Bishop was born in 1820. She died after 1860.
Notes for Roberta J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
1860 census living in Sussex with Alexander T Clary
3. ii. Ann Elizabeth Bishop was born on 06 Mar 1822. She married Alexander Thomas Clary in
1839. She died after 1870.
4. iii. Milton Lafayette Bishop was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA. He married
Susan Lambeth Smith on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell, Virginia, USA. He died on 29 Jul 1892
in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Albert J Bishop was born in 1827.
Notes for Albert J Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
v. India Seymore Bishop was born in 1833 in Surry, Virginia, USA. She married John Holt
Rice on 10 Feb 1853 in Campbell, VA. She died on 02 Jul 1890 in Cave Spring, Roanoke,
Virginia, USA.
Notes for India Seymore Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census, living in Sussex Co with Alexander T Clary
vi. Julia Bishop was born in 1834.
Notes for Julia Bishop:
General Notes:
1850 census living in Surry with mother
Page 1 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM
Register Report for Thomas Bishop
Generation 3
3. Ann Elizabeth Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 06 Mar 1822. She died after 1870.
Notes for Ann Elizabeth Bishop:
General Notes:
1870 census living with son, Thomas L Clary and his wife Ann
Alexander Thomas Clary son of Thomas Clary and Jenny Virginia Presson was born on 19 Feb
1809. He died on 26 Apr 1868.
Alexander Thomas Clary and Ann Elizabeth Bishop were married in 1839. They had the following
children:
i. Thomas L Clary was born in 1841.
4. Milton Lafayette Bishop-3 (John D.-2, Thomas-1) was born on 22 Aug 1824 in Surry, Virginia, USA.
He died on 29 Jul 1892 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Notes for Milton Lafayette Bishop:
General Notes:
1874? widower? involved in church sex scandal
Church trial 1883
Susan Lambeth Smith was born on 03 Jul 1834 in Lynchburg, Campbell, Virginia, USA. She died on
18 Jan 1908.
Milton Lafayette Bishop and Susan Lambeth Smith were married on 21 Aug 1851 in Campbell,
Virginia, USA. They had the following children:
i. Ann V Bishop was born in 1852 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
ii. Eloisa L Bishop was born in 1856 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iii. Ludie Bishop was born in 1854 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
iv. Corrine L Bishop was born in 1858 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
v. Milton L Bishop was born in 1860 in Campbell, Virginia, USA.
Page 2 of 2 Thursday, September 30, 2010 8:49:19 PM

Sketches of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, South
By John James Lafferty
REV-MILTON LAFAYETTE BISHOP
A SINGLE leaf can contain a recital of deeds which have blessed thousands of hearts, the Church and the
Commonwealth, and more, made heaven glad. The simple narrative that follows these lines are without
ornament, but tells the unvarnished story of a useful life. 'We have little doubt that the readers of this brief
sketch will receive good from the perusal:
I was the third child of my parents\emdash Anna Ellis, daughter of Benjamin Ellis, and John D. Bishop, son
of Thomas Bishop, all of Surry county, Virginia. There were six children of us, two sons and four
daughters, all now living except the oldest, who died in 1847. I was born in 1824, August 22d. I never
knew any of my ancestry to follow anything but farming as a vocation. My father died when I was about
twelve years of age, and my mother in 1865, having been a Methodist from one year after I joined the
church. From my earliest recollections I was trying to be a Christian, mainly from the influence of
Christian slaves, as neither of my parents professed religion. My mother was always a pious woman. I
read my Bible regularly and prayed up to the session of the Virginia Conference held in Petersburg in
1843 (perhaps in 1842), when I openly sought conversion at the altar in Washington street church.
Though I realized a change in all my feelings and views of life\emdash a change that entered at once into all my
plans for life\emdash I did not accept such as conversion, simply because of the extravagant experiences I had
often heard related by the old slaves of my father. Nor did I become satisfied of my conversion till some
months after. I had read the Old Testament through in the last eight months, and the New Testament eight
times, sitting up late at night to read after I had prepared my school studies, and so was at no loss in
making up my mind as to what Church I should join. I joined at Carsley's church, Surry County, Virginia,
then served by Rev. G. M. Andross, who baptized me by pouring just as I received the Holy Ghost. He
appointed me class-leader. I had formed my ideas of the doctrines of the Bible before I joined the church,
and to this day have not had to change those views. I had read with prayer to be guided, and I believe I
was directed by the Spirit of all Truth. With the change of heart in Petersburg, I received the conviction of
my call to the ministry, and my studies at school were all conducted in view of that calling; yet my mind
was not satisfied on that subject for years after. I had my heart on farming\emdash a sort of inherited
proclivity\emdash nor did I consent to quit it until "Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel" had shut me up to
preaching or ruin. From the time of my conversion I went to school in Surry; Little Town, in Sussex;
Emory and Henry, and Randolph Macon College, up to the year 1848, May 17th, when my health forced
me to leave school. I was licensed as an exhorter in 1847, October 5th, by William A. Smith, D. D.,
Presiding Elder; was licensed to preach in April, 1848, by Rev. J. H. Davis. Presiding Elder; joined the
Virginia Conference in the fall of 1848, at Elizabeth City, and was sent as a helper under Rev. G. N.
Winfree, on the Amelia circuit, then embracing all of Amelia and about half of Dinwiddie. I traveled but
five months of this year, in consequence of the work\emdash eighteen appointments being too large for my
feeble health. Yet I preached much in my native county, and held several very successful protracted
meetings. The next year, 1850, I was sent to Bedford circuit under Rev. A. Wiles, but as his health failed
him in the spring, he left the circuit, and I fell in charge; and here I did the hardest year's work of my life,
and I realized the greatest success in the way of revivals\emdash -over three hundred professing conversion. The
next year, 1851 and 1852, I was on the Staunton circuit\emdash part of South Bedford and Campbell counties;
in 1853 and 1854 on the Amherst circuit; in 1855 and 1856, the Charlotte circuit: in 1857, the
Mecklenburg circuit; in 1858, the Murfreesboro circuit; in 1859, the Fincastle circuit, Botetourt county; in
1860, the Nelson circuit, in all of which I had a successful work. By this time my health had become very
bad, and by the urgent advice of my Presiding Elder and physician, I took a supernumerary relation,
which I sustained until the fall of 1865, when I located. My health improved so much that I joined
Conference again in the fall of 1868, and was sent to Fluvanna circuit four years. I rested one year there,
or a part of one year, my throat being badly diseased. I then was sent to the Rappahannock circuit, where I
travelled three years; from which I was sent to the South Bedford circuit, where I am now serving out my
fourth year. On all my fields of labor I had good revivals\emdash an average of not less than one hundred and
fifty conversions a year. Some twenty of these are in the ministry, mostly the Methodist.
The Virginia conference annual
By Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Virginia Conference
SIXTH DAY.
TUESDAY, November 20th, 1883.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
HALF-PAST THREE O'CLOCK P. M.
Conference met according to adjournment. L. S. Reed (by appointment of Bishop Kavanaugh)
in the Chair.
Divine service was conducted by J. D. Hank.
The minutes of the morning session were read and approved.
On motion of P. Whitehead, the report of the Committee on Memoirs was made the order of
the day for half-past 10 o'clock A. M. to-morrow.
T. McN. Simpson, from the Committee of Investigation in the case of M. L. Bishop, made the
following report:
The Committee of Investigation, to whom was referred the case of Rev. Milton L. Bishop, beg
leave to report that they regard the reports reflecting upon the character of Rev. Milton L. Bishop
of such gravity as to demand an investigation, but as the accused is not present, nor any
witnesses, they respectfully ask that the case be remanded to the Presiding Elder of the
Lynchburg District for investigation.
(Signed) T. McN. SIMPSON, J. C. REED, W. G. WILLIAMS.
Which on motion was adopted, and the case of Brother Bishop remanded accordingly


Library of Virginia Microfilm Reel #35 Surry County Order Book (23 May 1804 - 26 March 1807) pp. 1-523:
Upon the petition of Stephen Lucas for leave to open a new Road, the persons appointed to view the way proposed returned their report in these words to wit, "Agreeably to an order of the worshipful Court of Surry County hereto annexed We Edward Marks, Robert Booth, Thomas Bishop and Herman Bishop hath viewed the way proposed to open a Road from the Otterdam meeting house in the Huntington road opposite to Stephen Lucas's plantation, and we find that no inconvenience can result in consequence of opening the said Road, and believe that the publick will be much benefitted by the same" (signed) "Edward Marks, Robert Booth, Thomas Bishop, Herman Bishop" The same being read and considered it is ordered that leave be granted to open the said Road from the Otterdam meeting house to the Huntington Road, that the same compose a District to be denominated the Otterdam Meeting house Road, that Robert Booth be surveyor thereof and that he, with the male labouring tithables of himself, Stephen Lucas, Nicholas Hite, Thomas Bishop, Robert Davis, James Bishop, Jonathan Richards, and
[p.401] Abraham Freeland do keep the said Road in constant good repair.
Ordered that Littleberry Chappell be appointed Surveyor of the Road in [blank] precinct in the room of Stephen Lucas who is discharged to work thereon do keep the said Road in constant lawful repair. [The Otterdam Meeting house Road/District/Precinct?]

Will:
Wills, Etc. 6, 1830-1834, p. 223- 225 -- system #000547307
Wills, Etc. 6, p. 466-468 -- system #000547309
Wills, Etc. 6, p. 548-554 -- system #000547308

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 454
• Land: 17 Sep 1754
• Religion: 1782, Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States; History of the Ellis Preaching House
• Will: 15 Aug 1808, Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States

Notes:

On September 17, 1754 Benjamin bought 130 acres of land on Abram's Branch adjoining his brother Caleb Jr.'s land from their father Caleb. By 1768 he bought his brother Stephen's land (inherited from father) and in 1792 he bought his brother Dann's land (inherited from father.) To establish his marriage to Elizabeth Warren, Surry County Deed Book 7, page 473 states: On February 12, 1759, Mary Warren of Surry County, a widow, deeded the following, for love of my daughter Elizabeth and her husband Benjamin Ellis, planter, one Negro girl, Lidia." This was witnessed by John Cooper, Stephen Ellis, and Richard Cooper.
Elizabeth was living in1764 when she and Benjamin were listed as plantiffs in a court suit in that year against Peter and Lucy Warren, also of Surry County. She lived until the late 1770s.

Children of Benjamin and Elizabeth Warren Ellis:
(1) JOSEPH ELLIS - born ca. 1763. Received a gift of 130 acres of land from his father in 1791 on AbramTs Branch, in Surry County. He married September 28, 1785 to Susanna Atkins in Surry County by the Rev. Henry John Burges, rector of Southwark Parish Episcopal Church. Died ca. 1804. No further research included on this branch of the family.
(2) Ephraim ELLIS - born August 2, 1765. Married Jane Heath on December 25, 1786 in Sussex County, Va. They had several children, including Augustin. Ephraim died ca. 1807 in Prince George County, Va. 'l:vhere he was residing. His widow Jane appeared on the 1810 Census as head of a household in the same county with three daughters and five sons.
By 1820 this family had moved to Dinwiddie County (Petersburg Township). This is where Augustin shows up in the 1820 Census. No further research included on this family.

On September 10, 1780, some years after Elizabeth's death, Benjamin Ellis married Martha Caseley with Michael Caseley as surety. Research thus far has shown no children were born from this marriage. Martha died before 1791.

On May 13, 1791 Benjamin Ellis married the third time to Sarah Jones, daughter of Thomas and Jane Jones. They
were married by the rector of Southwark Parish Episcopal Church, the Rev. Samuel Butler
Children of Benjamin and Sarah Jones Ellis:
(1) ANN ELLIS - married John D. Bishop December 28,l8l8.
(2) MARY (POLLY) ELLIS - married William Carsley on December 19, l8ll.
(3) SARAH (SALLY) ELLIS - married Samuel Booth on December 26,l816.
These three daughters are named as heirs in their father's will which reads as follows:
I Benjamin Ellis of Surry County, lend to my wife Sarah Ellis the use of all my land and plantation whereon I now live lying on the south side of the boIling alley road as also seven Negroes as follows: Harry, his wife Sal and her five children Lucy, Darby, Beck, Jesse, and Bon, one sorrel mare named Jenny, two cows, and calves and three of my newest feather beds and furniture during her natural life or widowhood and at her death or marriage I give all the
aforementioned property both real and personal to be equally divided among them to my three daughters Anne Ellis, Polly Ellis, and Sarah Ellis eight Negroes to be equally divided among them as followeth: Ned, Hal, fvlilly, Hannah, Jacob, Sook, Tempey, and Lendrick. TIt is desire that my old Negro woman Lydia may have the privilege of living with my wife or any of my children that she may make choice of. "I desire that all my swamp land known by the name
of Indian Island and all the remainder of my estate be sold and out of the money arising therefrom pay all my just debts and funeral expenses. The remainder divided among my three children Anne, Polly, and Sarah Ellis. I appoint my friends John Velvin and James Hill as executors. This the 15 day of August in l8O8. Signed Benja Ellis.

With 16 slaves in his estate, it can be assumed that Benjamin was fairly wealthy. His will was proved at a court of quarterly sessions for Surry County on November 26, l8ll, .which was probably the year of his death.
SARAH Jones Ellis's will (See Surry County Wills, No.7, l838-1SL!-0, page 397) names daughters Anne Bishop, Sally Booth, and grand-daugh-ter Sally Cars ley . No death date available as to Sarah T s death.

Father's Will:

Will
Also from the McCrary book, page 28, concerning Caleb's will:
My son Richard: my Island Land lying in Blackwater Swamp
My son Stephen: my land and Plantation whereon I now live He allowing his Mother Peascable and Quiet Possession thereof During her Natural Life
My son Caleb: my Negro Girl Named Beck to him and his Heirs forever he allowing his Mother the Labour thereof During her Natural Life
My son Benja (the a is in superscript): my Negro Girl Named Tabb to him and his Heirs forever. He likewise allowing her Mother the Labour thereof During her Natural Life
My loving Wife Amelia: all the Remainder of my Estate after my Just Debts be paid thereof During her Natural Life and at her Deceease I desire it to be Equally Divided amongst my Five Children Vizt (t in superscript) Richard Ellis, Dann Ellis, Stephen Ellis, Mary Cooper, and Amelia Shell and in Case any one of them........
He names sons Caleb and Benjamin as Executors.
Witnessed by William Shell, John and Richard Cooper.
It is dated May 17, 1762.

Land:
On September 17, 1754, Benjamin bought 130 acres of land on Abram's Branch adjoining his brother Caleb Jr. 's land from their father Caleb. By 1768 he bought his brother Stephen's land (inherited from father) and in 1792 he bought his brother Dann's land (inherited from father.)

Religion:
Asbury visited the William Ellis family for the first time on August 20, 1775.
The Methodist Conference met at the Ellis Preaching House on April 27, 1782.
The exact date the Ellis Preaching House was constructed is uncertain. It was built no later than 1781, since Asbury preached there January 15, 1782. A date earlier than 1781 is suggested by the 1794 Will of William Nicholson, which provided for repairs in the preaching house. The deed for the property was recorded at Sussex Court House on May 15, 1783. Trustees named in the deed (William Nicholson, Caleb Ellis, Emanuel James, Stephen Andrews, Daniel Rogers, Stephen Pepper, Issac Ellis, Benjamin Ellis, and William Ellis, Jr.). They were neighbors. They and their children were registered in the Parish Registrar of the established church (Albemarle Parish). The trustees were plantation owners, many of whom freed their slaves as requested by John Wesley.
At William Ellis' death in 1795, he left his property to his wife Elizabeth Wright Ellis and then to their son Wright Ellis after her death. Wright Ellis was Deputy Clerk of Sussex County. At Wright Ellis' death, he did not have a Will but settlement in court gave the partial of land where the Ellis Preaching House was located to his daughter, Mary W. Ellis. It is not known when the Ellis Preaching House ceased to exist.
Nearby churches attribute their beginnings to the Ellis Preaching House:
Carsley, Rocky Hock, Owen's Grove, Ellis Chapel, Oak Grove, and Coker's Well Methodist Churches.

Will:
"I Benjamin Ellis of Surry County, lend to my wife Sarah Ellis the use of all my land and plantation whereon I now live, lying on the south side of the boIling alley road as also seven Negroes as followeth: Harry, his wife Sal and her five children Lucy, Darby, Beck, Jesse, and Bon, one sorrel mare named Jenny, two cows, and calves and three of my newest feather beds and furniture during her natural life or widowhood and at her death or marriage I give all the aforementioned property both real and personal to be equally divided among them to my three daughters Anne Ellis, Polly Ellis, and Sarah Ellis eight Negroes to be equally divided among them as followeth: Ned, Hal, Milly, Hannah, Jacob, Sook, Tempey, and Lendrick."

"l desire that my old Negro woman Lydia may have the privilege of living with my wife or any of my children that she may make choice of."

"I desire that all my swamp land known by the name of Indian Island and all the remainder of my estate be sold and out of the money arising therefrom pay all my just debts and funeral expenses. The remainder divided among my three children Anne, Polly, and Sarah Ellis. I appoint my friends John Velvin and James Hill as executors. This the 15 day of August in 1808. Signed Benja Ellis."

With 16 slaves in his estate, it can be assumed that Benjamin was fairly wealthy. His will was proved at a court of quarterly sessions for Surry County on November 26, 1811, .which was probably the year of his death.

Benjamin married JONES Sarah (Sally) on 4 May 1791 in Dendron, Surry, Virginia, United States. Sarah (daughter of JONES Thomas and JONES Jane --LNU--) died in 1834. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 455
• Alt. Marriage: 13 May 1791

Notes:

On September 17, 1754 Benjamin bought 130 acres of land on Abram's Branch adjoining his brother Caleb Jr.'s land from their father Caleb. By 1768 he bought his bY'other Stephen's land (inherited from father) and in 1792 he bought his brother Dann's land (inherited from father.) To establish his marriage to Elizabeth Warren,
Surry County Deed Book 7, page 473 states: On February 12, 1759, Mary Warren of Surry County, a widow, deeded the following, for love of my daughter Elizabeth and her husband Benjamin Ellis, planter, one Negro girl, Lidia." This was witnessed by John Cooper, Stephen Ellis, and Richard Cooper.
Elizabeth was living in1764 when she and Benjamin were listed as plantiffs in a court suit in that year against Peter and Lucy Warren, also of Surry County. She
lived until the late 1770s.

Children of Benjamin and Elizabeth Warren Ellis:
(1) JOSEPH ELLIS - born ca. 1763. Received a gift of 130
acres of land from his father in 1791 on AbramTs Branch, in
Surry County. He married September 28, 1785 to Susanna
Atkins in Surry County by the Rev. Henry John Burges, rector
of Southwark Parish Episcopal Church. Died ca. 180~. No
further research included on this branch of the family.
(2) EPrnAIM ELLIS - born August 2, 1765. Married Jane
Heath on December 25, 1786 in Sussex County, Va. They had
several children, including Augustin. Ephraim died ca.
1807 in Prince George County, Va. 'l:vhere he was residing. His
widow Jane appeared on the 1810 Census as head of a household
in the same county 'l:vith three daughters and five sons.
By 1820 this family had moved to Dinwiddie County (Petersburg
Township). This is where Augustin shows up in the 1820
Census. No further research included on this family.
On September 10, 1780, some years after ElizabethTs
death, Benjamin Ellis married Martha Caseley \\vith
Michael Caseley as surety. Research thus far has shmvn no
children were born from this marriage. Martha died before
1791.
On May 13, 1791 Benjamin Ellis married the third
time to Sarah Jones, daughter of Thomas and Jane Jones. They
were married by the rector of Southwark Parish Episcopal
Church, the Rev. Samuel Butler.
22
Children of Benjamin and Sarah Jones Ellis:
(1) ANN ELLIS - married John D. Bishop December 2S,lSlS.
(2) MARY (POLLY) ELLIS - married William Carsley on December
19, lSll.
(3) SARAH (SALLY) ELLIS - married Samuel Boo-th on December
26,lS16.
These three daughters are named as heirs in their
fatherTs will which reads as follows:
Ttl Benjamin Ellis of Surry County, lend to my wife
Sarah Ellis the use of all my land and plantation whereon I
nmv live lying on the south side of the boIling alley road
as als 0 seven Negroes as follmveth: Harry, his wife Sal and
her five children Lucy, Darby, Beck, Jesse, and Bon, one
sorrel mare named Jenny, two cows, and calves and three of
my newest feather beds and furniture during her natural life
or widowhood and at her death or marriage I give all the
aforementioned property both real and personal to be equally
divided among them to my three daughters Anne Ellis, Polly
Ellis, and Sarah Ellis eight Negroes to be equally divided
among them as followeth: Ned, Hal, fvlilly, Hannah, Jacob,
Sook, Tempey, and Lendrick. n
TTl desire that my old Negro woman Lydia may have
the privilege of living with my wife or any of my children
that she may make choice of.'~
"I desire that all my swamp land known by the name
of Indian Island and all the remainder of my estate be sold
and out of the money arising therefrom pay all my just debts
and funeral expenses. The remainder divided among my three
children Anne, Polly, and Sarah Ellis. I appoint my friends
John Velvin and James Hill as executors. This the 15 day of
August in lSOS. Signed Benja Ellis.tt
With 16 slaves in his estate, it can be assumed
that Benjamin was fairly wealthy. His ~vill was proved at a
court of quarterly sessions for Surry County on November 26,
lSll, .which was probably the year of his death.
SARAH Jones EllisTs will (See Surry County Wills,
No.7, lS3S-1SL!-0, page 397) names daughters Anne Bishop, Sally
Booth, and grand-daugh-ter Sally Cars ley . No death date
available as to Sarah T s death.
23

Will:
SARAH Jones Ellis's will (See Surry County Wills, No.7, 1838-1840, page 397) names daughters Anne Bishop, Sally Booth, and grand-daughter Sally Carsley . No death date available as to Sarah's death.
page 23

Notes:

Married:
On May 13, 1791 Benjamin Ellis married the third time to Sarah Jones, daughter of Thomas and Jane Jones. They were married by the rector of Southwark Parish Episcopal Church, the Rev. Samuel Butler.

page 22