William Witt (abt. 1758 - abt. 1837)

Born about 1758 in Halifax County, Colony of Virginia [uncertain]

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth (Haley) Witt — married 1783 in Henry County, Virginia, USA

Husband of Fanney (Carter) Witt — married 11 Jul 1819 in Patrick County, Virginia, USA

Descendants

Died about Jun 1837 at about age 79 in Patrick County, Virginia, USA

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Raymond Nichols [send private message], Holly Witt [send private message], and Connie Witt [send private message]

Biography

William Witt was likely the son of Elijah Witt and Jane Harbour. He was born about 1758 in Virginia Colony, probably in Halifax County where his father had records. He died about June 1837 based on his probate record below.

William married first Elizabeth Haley about 1783, likely in Virginia based on their children's births. Second he married Fanney Carter on 12 July 1819 in Patrick County, Virginia^[1].

William was in the 1820 and 1830 censuses in Patrick County^[2][3].

Will and Probate

William signed his will on 14 Mar 1834 in Patrick County, Virginia (pp. 344-345)^[4]. He signed a codicil on 10 May 1837 and his will was proved in the June session of court in Patrick County, so he died between those dates. He named in his will: wife Frances; son Saunders (executor and living in Floyd County, Virginia); and an enslaved man, Thomas (who was to be freed following his wife's death; the codicil was specifically for the benefit of Thomas). William did not specifically name other heirs.

Children

All with Elizabeth Haley^[5]:

1. Elizabeth Witt: Married John Hancock, 9 Feb 1804, Patrick Co., VA.
2. Patsey Witt: Married Isham Edwards, 1804, VA.
3. Lucy Witt: Married Samuel Howell, 1810, Patrick Co., VA.
4. Hester Witt: Married James Howell, 1812, Patrick Co., VA.
5. Daniel G. Witt: b 30 Sep 1787, Henry Co., VA., d. 2 May 1855, Chili, Illinois. Married Martha Washington Brewer, 13 May 1816, Henry Co., VA.
6. Saunders Witt: b. ca 1793, VA, d. 30 Mar 1871, Patrick Co., VA. Married Lavina Helm, 20 Jul 1820, Patrick Co., VA.
7. Ruth Witt: b. c 1812, Patrick Co., VA. Married Caleb Griffith. [this person is suspect given her lag in birth].

Sources

1. ↑ "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XR4Z-QZN : 11 February 2018), William Witt and Fanney Carter, 11 Jul 1819; citing Patrick, Virginia, reference 766-110; FHL microfilm 33,351.
2. ↑ "United States Census, 1820", database with images, FamilySearch (ark:/61903/1:1:XHLJ-KT9 : Mon Mar 13 15:57:57 UTC 2023), Entry for William Witt, 1820.
3. ↑ "United States Census, 1830," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH5F-B16 : 20 February 2021), William Witt, Patrick, Virginia, United States; citing 177, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 195; FHL microfilm 29,674.
4. ↑ https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/62347/images/0033330-00398?pId=2033428. [Accessed 24 Jun 2023].
5. ↑ HalcyonDays.com. Accessed 10 July 2018. http://www.halcyondays.com/tng/getperson.php?personID=I3057&tree=Tree1. Unsourced family tree; additional sources recommended