James W. Keith Sr (1734 - 1824)

Born 1734 in Hamilton Parish, Fauquier County, Colony of Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Rebecca Norid (Reed) Keith — married 1760 in Ingles Ferry, VA

Descendants

Died 15 Oct 1824 at about age 90 in Alexandria, Virginia

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James Keith Sr resided in the Southern Colonies in North America before 1776. Join: US Southern Colonies Project Discuss: southern_colonies

Biography

James Keith Sr is Notable.

James A. Keith was the oldest son of James Keith and Mary Isham Randolph and was born in 1734 in Hamilton Parish, Prince William County, Virginia. He was educated in the law at Williamsburg and admitted to practice in the Frederick County Court March 15, 1757. From 1761 to 1762 he sat in the Assembly as Burgess for Hampshire County, vacating his seat in November, 1762, because he had accepted the office of clerk of a county. On May 4, 1762 he had qualified as Clerk of Frederick County Court, a post he continued to hold for sixty-two years. ^[1]

After the Revolution, Keith moved to Alexandria, VA, where he was Mayor in 1784^[2] and presided at a dinner for Lafayette. Thenceforth, his name appears often in the acts relating to the organization of turnpikes, industries and towns arising out of Alexandria's commercial activities at this period. Keith was a consistent supporter of the various plans for improving the navigation of the Potomac. One of the Fredericktown Adventurers of 1762, he was also one of the earliest subscribers to the shares of the Patowmack Company^[3], and served on various committees of the stockholders before he was elected a director and president in 1798. This was done, doubtless, on the recommendation of Washington who had great confidence in his business ability.

In his Recollections, George Washington Parke Custis mentions Keith as one of the guests at the last dinner party Washington attended in Alexandria in 1799, and it appears that he planned to attend the last dinner Alexandria gave to Lafayette on October 16, 1824; but, being then in his ninetieth year, he died that same day. His will, dated May 19, 1814, was approved November 15, 1824, and mentions his property in Berkeley as well as in Alexandria, and names seven children. ^[4]

The County Court from 1757 for about eight years, was continually called upon for assistance to protect outlying settlements. The Indians in every foray approached nearer the county seat, and the exposed places were calling for aid to build crude forts and stockades. Protection was given, but massacres continued to occur. Roving bands carried away not only many scalps, but many prisoners. (Cartmell's History p 72) About this time. 1762, James Keith married Nancy Ann Hacker, daughter of William Hacker and Ann Turner Dillon. They had sons James, born April 8, 1763, and Thomas Randolph born before 1765.

During Pontiac's war, prior to 1765, James Keith was taken prisoner by the Indians, but his wife escaped. He was carried to Ohio and from there was sold from tribe to tribe until several years afterwards, when peace was made with the Indians, he came home. He had heard nothing from his wife during the years of his captiviitiy, but he evidently expected to see her again. Great was his disappointment when, upon arriving at his old home, he learned that she had long ago given him up as dead; had married again and had several children. He did not seek revenge, but accepted the situation. (History of Hampshire County, VA)

Nancy Hacker Keith had married John Claypool. In 1755 John Claypool bought land in Hampshire County and became one of the leading men. His first wife was Rachel Scott, daughter of Alexander Scott. The Claypools were distinguished people. They were of the bluest blue blood of Virginia and able to trace their ancestry back in unbroken line to the time when English history was little more than tradition. (Descendants of James Claypool)

The first divorce granted in Hampshire County was a peculiar affair. If the law had been strictly interpreted, it probably would not have been declared a lawful divorce; but it is designated a divorce on the face of the record, and without doubt it was so considered by all interested parties. (History of Hampshire County, VA) Divorce was a rare thing at this early date. The population was small and it is highly unlikely that four first initials that would fit the circumstances, would apply to anyone else. Unfortunately, this record no longer exists. The following record was made February 19, 1773, except that the names were left blank.

"To all whom these presence may come or may concern: Whereas, My wife hath sometime left me and hath intermarried with J___C___, I do hereby certify that I do freely acquit and discharge the said J___C___ from all trouble or damages, and I do consent that they may dwell together as husband and wife for the future without any interruption from me. Given under my hand and seal this XIX day of February, 1773." J___K___ (Note: given under my hand and seal....James was Court First Clerk of Frederick County)

It is supposed that James Keith married Elizabeth Contee sometime after the date of this divorce document. Elizabeth was the daughter of Col. John Contee and Margaret Snowden of Maryland. John Contee was a signer of the Declaration of the Association of Maryland Freemen. James and Elizabeth Contee Keith had children: Mary Elizabeth, John Contee, Margaret Snowden, Jane Ann and Catherine. (Colonial Families of the United States p 203)

With the start of the Revolutionary War, the English excited the Indians on the frontier to attack the settlements. One settlement that came under attack by the Cherokees in South Carolina was Oolney, a site that the Hites had purchased from the Indians. John and Thomas Hite were the leaders of this group. In 1776, the militia of South Carolina was engaged with Tories and could not come to the assistance of this group. Cornellius Keith, a cousin or uncle of James A. Keith, organized and led a band of Keiths to assist this settlement. They defeated the Cherokees and forced them to treaty. (Billy Ray Keith) (Hites were killed by Indians in South Carolina. James Keith was executor of their wills.)

At some time during the Revbolutionary War, it is believed that James A. Keith served as an officer. When he came to Harrison County, Virginia in 1797, he is referred to as Capt. Keith. He came to the area where his son, James, Jr., had been an early pioneer and landowner. His home stood in the Collins settlement under the Camden-Collins cemetery--a site now on the shore of Stonewall Jackson Lake. (Billy Ray Keith and The Allegheny Passage p 67)

In 1810, James A. Keith, his son James, and his grandson Emanuel Keith, go to South Carolina where they discover that Cornellius is dead and that Oolney is then Pumpkintown. James A. and his grandson, Emanuel, seem to reside there for awhile while James, Jr., returned to Virginia. Emanuel appears to be a favorite grandson of James Keith. This admiration must be two-way because this is the only family line through which the story of the South Carolina Indian battle survived. Emanuel ends up with the property James A. Keith is buried on, apparently caring for him in his old age. (Billy Ray Keith)

The first court in the newly formed Lewis County, Virginia, was held March 10, 1817. The Rev. Henry Camden, Elijah Newlon, James Keith, Samuel Jones, Jacob Lorentz, Payton Byrne, George Bozarth, John Hardman, Abner Abbott, Wm. Peterson, Wm. Simms, Wm. Hacker, John Mitchell, John Jackson, Daniel Stringer, John Bozorth, Wm. Powers, John Hacker, Thomas Cunningham and Philip Regar each a Justice, met at Westfield and resolved themselves in the first court. How many trips James Keith made back to Winchester, Frederick Co, Virginia from Lewis County is not known. He seems to maintain the position with the court in Winchester until his death, although another James Keith (probably a nephew) is actually there for day-to-day operation. (Sutton's History p. 92 and Billy Ray Keith)

James decided to make out his will in 1814, but it was not filed until November 13, 1824 in Fairfax County, Virginia. Thompson Simpson, Richard S. Windsor and Benjamin Burkes were probably from the Fairfax County law firm in which James Keith left his will while he was still alive. (Billy Ray Keith)

From stories told to Billy Ray Keith from the recollection of William Warren Keith, great-grandson of James A. Keith. Compiled from notes of Billy Ray Keith by Judy Keith McMichael

. http://bellsouthpwp.net/b/p/bprest/famous.htm James Keith, Jr ., eldest child of Rev. James and Mary (Randolph) Keith: James KEITH (b. ca 1734); was educated in the law at Williamsburg; was admitted to practice in Frederick, VA Court in 1757, and was Clerk of the County Court for 62 years; practiced law in Alexandria, VA; was officer with the Patowmack Company for many years.

d. 16 Oct 1824 [“Descendants of William Randolph of Turkey Island” says that this James KEITH m. 2nd to Charlotte ASHMAN.][obituary in 30 Oct 1824 issue of the "Intelligencer" (Lexington, VA), it is reported that James KEITH was Mayor of Alexandria when the citizens gave a public dinner (ca 1783) for General LaFayette] (information provided by Veronica on GenForum).

Although James was a prominent man, he was not discussed much in family materials and seemed to not have associated with his siblings according to Keith researcher Larry Keith. See Chapter 1: Marshall's Virginia Heritage of the book "John Marshall: Definer of a Nation" by Jean Edward Smith, regarding parents of James Jr.

James Keith, Jr., son of Rev. James Keith and Mary Isham Randolph, was born circa 1734 at Prince William (now Fauquier), Virginia. He married Catherine Contee, daughter of John Contee and Margaret Snowden. He had military service in the Rev. War. He studied law at Williamsburg and was sworn as an attorney in Prince William County. In 1760 he purchased 1,025 acres and 8 slaves, and was a non-resident of Fairfax and lived in Frederick County. James Jr. was qualified as Clerk of Frederick County Court for 62 years, 1762-1824. He was President of the Patowmack company from 1798-1807.

In 1784 he was the Mayor of Alexandria. ^[5]

This is probably the James Keith who President George Washington corresponded with between 1789 and 1796, concerning Washington's business matters. The letters are in the Library of Congress and can be viewed on line. PDL 2009. ^[6]

His death was reported on 30 October 1824: KEITH: James, Esq. Aged 90 years, at Alexandria. Was Mayor of the city when the citizens gave a dinner to Lafayette 40 years ago. He died the day the General revisited the city. ^[7]

Will of James KEITH, Jr. dated May 19, 1814 proved November 15, 1824 in Fairfax County, VA. Book 1 p 294. Residue equally to seven children: Elizabeth Contee, John Contee, James, Margaret Snowden, Jane Anne Contee, Catherine Contee and Thomas Randolph. ^[8]

Executors: sons John Contee, James and Thomas Randolph

Research Notes

Per Lois Tilton: The children attached to this profile of James Keith, mayor of Alexandria, are not his. The Will of James Keith lists his children as: Elizabeth Contee, John Contee, James, Margaret Snowden, Jane Anne Contee, Catherine Contee and Thomas Randolph.

It appears that James Keith married twice - first, to Catherine Contee (1744-1760), who seems to have died giving birth to James Contee Keith. Secondly, perhaps, to Elizabeth Contee, who was born in 1761, which needs figuring out, and gave birth to five other children, according to the 1820 Will of her sister Jane: "John Contee Keith, Elizabeth Contee Keith, Margaret Snowden Keith, Jane Ann Contee Keith and Catharine Contee Keith, the son and daughters of my sister." This doesn't yet add up.

A Biographical Dictionary of the Maryland Legislature 1635-1789 by Edward C. Papenfuse, et. al. Vol 426, p. 231. Maryland State Archives Contee Richard Alexander (1753-?), who married first, in 1785 Mary (1768-1787), daughter of David Craufurd (ca. 1738-1801), and second, Elizabeth Gassaway, daughter of Gassaway Rawlings, of Anne Arundel County. Richard was declared insane in 1799. DAUGHTERS. Elizabeth (1746-1827), who married James Keith, of Virginia; Jane; Anne (1758-?), who married in 1779 Dennis Magruder, Sr.; and Mary, who married in 1785 Alexander W. Ma- gruder.

There is clearly another James Keith around to whom these children, and perhaps the odd wife, rightly belong.

Sources

1. ↑ Landmarks of Old Prince William: A Study of Origins in Northern Virginia (1964). Harrison, Fairfax. Chesapeake Book Company, p. 58
2. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mayors_of_Alexandria,_Virginia
3. ↑ https://ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXoypizjW3WknFiJnKLwHCnL72vedxjQkDDP1mXWo6uco/wiki/Potomac_Company.html
4. ↑ (Landmarks of Old Prince William p 58)
5. ↑ The Political Graveyard: Keith Archive
6. ↑ [1]
7. ↑ Vital Record of Rhode Island: Providence Gazette Deaths. p. 22. Rhode Island, U.S., Vital Extracts, 1636-1899 Vol. 14: Newspapers: Marriages, Deaths Ancestry
8. ↑ Abstract [2]

• Recollections of George Washington Parke Custis, p. 76
• http://bellsouthpwp.net/b/p/bprest/famous.htm

(Billy Keith says there are 2 James Keiths about the same age; wives named Elizabeth; sons named James, John. Don't know whether all of this paragraph applies to James A. Keith CFC Frederick County or James Keith CC Frederick County.) (Billy Keith thinks the James Keith admitted to the law in 1757 was Rev. James Keith...that he quit the ministry in 1757 and did not die until 1760.) .

• http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~warejamesbakercalder/genealogy/keith0001.htm#id248
• Landmarks of Old Prince William: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Landmarks_of_Old_Prince_William/eptTtB5CqcwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Will+of+James+Keith+1824&pg=PA558&printsec=frontcover
• https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/04-06-02-0047
• https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I27126&tree=Tree1