William D Ennis (1765 - 1859)

Born 9 Jul 1765 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford, Virginia

Ancestors

Husband of Frances (Martin) Ennis — married 27 Jan 1795 in Albermarle County, , Virginia

Descendants

Died 11 Mar 1859 at age 93 in Westmoreland County, Virginia

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Myrtle Mandane Ennis [send private message] and Tammy Green [send private message]

Biography

Category: Ennis Name Study

Research of descendant The first probable sign of William (Billy D.) Ennis is in the Stafford County (adjacent to Fredricksburg County), Virginia tax list. In 1787 and 1789, William Innis is a white male over 21 with no dependents. It was after this time frame that William Ennis began his family. Through miscellaneous records, documentary evidence is available to confirm William Ennis as an ancestral grandfather. One record is a Nelson County, VA Deed of Trust, discovered by Loretta Midkiff and Carol Beattie that names the wife of William as Fannie. Taking this further, Melba Purkey discovered that William Ennis married Frances Martin on 27 Jan 1795 in Albemarle County, VA. Additionally, another Deed record and the Will abstract of Sherrod Martin, verifies the Martin and Ennis family ties. Information provided by various Ennis cousins relayed an interesting accounting of William (Billy) Ennis family information passed down through the years. After arriving from Edinburgh, the Ennis family settled on the Rock Fish River in Nelson County, VA. They had a large southern estate and a great number of slaves to operate it. Through some misfortune, the William Ennis family lost their wealth through bad debt and scattered prior to the Civil War, settling in different areas. The four known sons of William were John, James, Marshall and Sherrod. John is said to have settled in Bowling Green, Kentucky, James in Kanawha County,West Virginia, Marshall in Bath County, Virginia and Sherrod in Greenbrier and Fayette Counties, West Virginia. The oldest known son of William, Marshall Ennis, lived his entire adult life in Bath County, Virginia with his wife Mary Nally Ennis whom he married in 1831. Marshall and Mary had no children of their own. Another William Ennis son, James, lived in Charleston, Virginia. He married Jane (Ruth) Newhouse, in 1834. James had a Cooper Shop, making salt barrels for the Kanawha Valley Salt Industry. By 1850, James’s father, William, lived in the same household and is shown in the 1850 census report. Legend has it that James Ennis was struck down by a cholera epidemic that came to the Kanawha Valley. When he was placed in a coffin for burial, he moved his hand and woke up—recovering from the disease and living for many years more. Records from the Warren County area of Kentucky where Bowling Green is seems to indicate that the John that first settled there would have been much older than a son of William’s would be – it seems probable that John may have actually been an older brother to William (or even possibly his father). If William did have a son named John he was born some time after the 1810 census was taken in Nelson County, VA. I have not been able to locate William in an 1820 or 1830 census to verify the fourth son, John Ennis. William’s son, Sherrod Ennis, is my fourth great-grandfather. Sherrod first settled in Greenbrier County, Virginia by the time of his January 26, 1833 marriage to Esther Crookshanks Price. Esther Crookshanks was the daughter of John Crookshanks and Mary Cloverfield (1787 - John Kirk, surety for John Crookshanks & Mary Cloverfield). John Crookshanks was reported to be a Hessian soldier hired by the British to fight the Colonists. There is a record of a new adjutant to Lt. Col Campbell by the name of John Crookshanks, of the Queen's Rangers, who was "dangerously" wounded and taken prisoner, in 1781, at Georgetown. Although the Hession soldier story is not confirmed the wound at the Battle of Georgetown matches with other information gathered on John Crookshanks revolutionary war service. John Crookshanks came from Germany, but after the Revolutionary War, he made his home in America. His daughter, Hester (Esther) Crookshanks married Tillery Price on 6 January 1827 in Greenbrier County – their family can be found in the 1830 Greenbrier County, VA census. The same William Irvin Ennis' notes that alluded to family fortune in Scotland (from an interview with Sherrod Ennis, Jr.), also mentioned that Esther Ennis had at least 2 children by Tillery Price prior to her 1833 marriage to Sherrod Ennis, Sr. Ennis – pg. 6 Sherrod Ennis, Sr. of Sewell, in Fayette County, West Virginia, died on February 4, 1882. William D (Billy D) Ennis/Innis

WILLIAM (BILLY) D. ENNIS (GEORGE2, JOHN1 INNIS) Born 9 Jul 1765 in STAFFORD CO, VA, Overwharton Parish Died 11 March 1859 in res. KANAWHA CO, W.VA. / Westmoreland County, Virginia Married FRANCES (FANNY) MARTIN 27 Jan 1795 in ALBEMARLE CO, VA, daughter of SHEROD MARTIN and MARY MARTIN*. She was born in VIRGINIA, and died Bef. 1850 in VIRGINIA.

Children of WILLIAM ENNIS and FRANCES MARTIN are: i. DECCA ENNIS 1782. ii. JOHN ENNIS, iii. MARSHALL ENNIS, b. 1797, NELSON CO, VA; d. Bef. 1870, res. BATH CO, VA; m. MARY (POLLY) NALLY, 31 May 1831, BATH CO, VA; b. 1800, ALBEMARLE CO, VA; d. Aft. 1850, res. BATH CO, VA. iv. SARAH (SALLY) ENNIS, m Puckett - b. 15 Jul 1798, VIRGINIA; d. 22 May 1893, GREENBRIER CO, W.VA. v. JAMES (COOPER) ENNIS, b. 1802, VIRGINIA; d. 19 Jul 1876, KANAWHA CO, W.VA. vi. SHERROD ENNIS, b. 1807, FAYETTE CO, VA; d. 4 Feb 1882, FAYETTE CO, W.VA (Sewel

{Marshall Ennis 1796–1868 James Cooper Ennis 1808–1876 Sally Ennis 1822}

Will Records

Will abstract of Sherod Martin

SHEROD MARTIN -- Book 4, Page 147 -- May 3, 1803, written; June 18, 1804, probated. Witnesses: ELIJAH L. WILLIAMS, CHAS. SMITH, WM. FOX. Son, SHEROD; son, GEO., and his oldest son, JOS. MARTIN, and his son, THOS., when they are of age; my gun, commonly called "Jeoffrey"; my son, JOS., and his two oldest sons, SHEROD and JAS. - land near Irving's Road and Rockfish Gap Road to widow HENDERSON's. Grandson, MARSHALL INNIS****, son of WM. INNIS - mountain plantation next to RICH. RICHARDSON and where my son, SHEROD, and WM. INNIS built a warehouse last year - line of CHAS. SMITH; granddaughter, DECCA INNIS - slaves to stay with her parents as long as either of them lives****; grandson, JEOFFRY MARTIN, son of MOLLY MARTIN; daughter, SALLY, where she lives and at her death to grandson, JEOFFREY MARTIN. My ux (wife), MARY - land to where JAS. SHIELDS lives from top of Stoney Hill. Our son, ELISHA's, child or children. Mare bought of THOS. D'PRIEST. Grandson, RUEBEN MARTIN, son of ELISHA MARTIN; my four grandchildren: JOS. , GEO., ELISHA, and SHEROD MARTIN. Executors: friends, CAPT. AZARIAH MARTIN and HUDSON MARTIN and my sons, SHEROD and GEO. MARTIN.

Will abstract of Sherod Martin Book 4, Page 174 -- Inventory -- June 14, 1805; CHAS. SMITH, CHAS. BRIDGWATER, RO. HENDERSON. Book 4, Page 396 -- Administrator's Bond -- GEO. and HUDSON MARTIN and THRUSTON DICKERSON, December 17, 1804, for GEO. MARTIN. This is indexed for THOS. MARTIN, but in document it appears to be SHD. MARTIN.

Daughter: Name: Sarah Ennis Birth: 17 Jul 1798 in Virginia Death: 22 May 1893 in Greenbrier, West Virginia

Residence: 1850 District 18, Greenbrier, Virginia Residence: 1860 District 2, Greenbrier, Virginia Residence: 1880 Meadow Bluff, Greenbrier, West Virginia

Father: William D Ennis b: 9 Jul 1765 in Overwharton Parish, Stafford, Virginia, USA Mother: Frances Martin b: BEF 1778

Marriage 1 William Crawford Puckett b: 01 Jul 1799 in Amherst, Virginia Death: 10 Sep 1848 in Greenbrier County, Virginia Married: 12 Mar 1825 in Nelson, Virginia

Children 1 Sarah Ann Puckett b: 4 Apr 1828 in Greenbrier County, Virginia Death: 14 Jan 1907 in Summers, West Virginia

2 James Marion Puckett b: Oct 1829 in Virginia Death: 11 Nov 1913 in Greenbrier, Virginia

3 Mary Jane Puckett b: 31 Dec 1831 in Craig, Greenbrier, Virginia Death: 14 Sep 1906 in Little Sewell, Greenbrier, West Virginia

4 Ana C Puckett b: 1834 in Virginia

5 Amelia Puckett b: 1836 in Greenbrier, West Virginia Death: 1864 in Fayette, West Virginia

6 William Crawford Puckett b: 1837 in Craig, Greenbrier, Virginia

7 Amanda Puckett b: 30 Mar 1838 in Greenbrier, Virginia Death: 12 Apr 1916 in Greenbrier, West Virginia

8 Samuel T Puckett b: 1839 in West Virginia Death: 2 Mar 1899 in Greenbrier, West Virginia

9 Betsy Puckett b: 1845 in Meadow Bluff, Greenbrier, Virginia Death: 13 Jan 1880

SARAH (SALLY) ENNIS (WILLIAM (BILLY) D., GEORGE, JOHN INNIS) was born 15 Jul 1798 in VIRGINIA, and died 22 May 1893 in GREENBRIER CO, W.VA. She married WILLIAM CRAWFORD PUCKETT 17 Mar 1825 in NELSON CO, VA. He was born 1 Jul 1799 in AMHERST CO, VA, and died 10 Sep 1848 in GREENBRIER CO, VA.

Children of SARAH ENNIS and WILLIAM PUCKETT are:

i. MARTHA PUCKETT. ii. MARY (POLLY) BROCKETT PUCKETT, d. 13 Jan 1880. iii. WILLIAM C. PUCKETT, JR., b. Abt. 1825. iv. JAMES MARION PUCKETT, b. 25 Oct 1826; d. 11 Nov 1913. v. MARY JANE PUCKETT, b. 1831. vi. AMELIA PUCKETT, b. 1836. vii. AMANDA PUCKETT, b. 30 Mar 1838, GREENBRIER CO, VA; d. 12 Apr 1916, GREENBRIER CO, W.VA. viii. SAMUEL T. PUCKETT, b. Abt. 1839. ix. ELIZABETH (BETSEY) PUCKETT, b. Abt. 1841.

Virginia, Compiled Marriages, 1660-1800 Name William Jennis (William D Ennis) Spouse Frances Martin Marriage Date 27 Jan 1795 Marriage Location Albemarle County, Virginia Household Members Name Age William Jennis (William D Ennis) Frances Martin

1810 United States Federal Census Name William Ennis Home in 1810 (City, County, State) Albemarle, Nelson, Virginia Free White Persons - Males - Under 10 2 Free White Persons - Males - 10 thru 15 1 Free White Persons - Males - 45 and over 1 Free White Persons - Females - 10 thru 15 2 Free White Persons - Females - 26 thru 44 1 Numbers of Slaves 4 Number of Household Members Under 16 5 Number of Household Members Over 25 2 Number of Household Members 11

1850 United States Federal Census Name William Ennis Age 87 Birth Year abt 1763 Birthplace Virginia Home in 1850 Cople Parish, Westmoreland, Virginia, USA Gender Male Family Number 70 Household Members Name Age William Ennis 87 Jane Ennis 23 Mary Ennis 9 William Ennis 5 Thomas Ennis 3

William D was born in 1765. He was the son of John Ennis Sr. and Mary Ann (Whitlock) Ennis.

Marriage

Billy D. married Frances (Martin) Ennis 27 Jan 1795 in Albemarle Co., Virginia: ^[1]
Marriage Bond for William Ennis to Frances Martin:
"Know all men by these presents that we William Innis and Lewis Mackwane are held and firmly bound unto Robert Brook Esq. Govenor or chief majestrate of the state of Virginia in the just and full sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to be paid to the said Brook and his successors to which payment will and truly to be made we bind our ____. jointly and severally and each of our joint and several ????? Extrs. and ????? firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and oaths this 27th day of January 1795. The bondshow of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage suddenly intended to be true and solemn in between the above bound William Innis and Francis Martin now if thou shall be no lawful cause or impediment to obstruct the said marriage then this obligation to be void else to run under full force and virtue." teste: William Innis (his mark)

1. Alex Garrett
2. Lewis Mackwane (his mark)
   

Deed Records
Wm. Innes to Deed of Trust I.M. Smith Jr.
This Indenture made and entered into this twelfth day of February one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven between William Innes & Fanny his wife of the County of Nelson and State of Virginia of the first part, John M. Martin of the second and John M. Smith Jr. of the third part: Witnesseth that whereas the said William Innes & Fanny his wife stands justly indebted to Jno. M. Smith Jr. for the sum of ninety five dollars and sixty nine cents by bond bearing even date with this deed, which debt with the legal interest thereon accruing the said William Innes and Fanny his wife is willing and desirous to secure. Now for and in consideration of the premises and the further consideration of the sum of one dollar in hand paid at and before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby and fully acknowledged by the said William Innes and Fanny his wife they the said William Innes and Fanny his wife, have bargained and sold and by these presents doth bargain sell unto him the said John M. Martin his heirs executors, administrators for ever the following property to wit: Parey, Ned (a boy in the possession of Noth Harlow) Pamelia a Girl with their future increase, two beds of furniture, fourteen head Hogs, two wheels 1 door and apparatus, two plows, four hoes, two axes, two shot guns, one handsaw one rule, one skillet, three pots & one Cow. To have and to hold this said property to him the said Jno. M. Martin his heirs, executors & administrators forever. and the said William Innes and Fanny his wife for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators will warrant and for ever defend the right of the property aforesaid together with its increase against the claim of themselves, heirs executors, administrators, and all persons whatsoever, upon this special trust. Nevertheless that if the said William Innes & Fanny his wife shall pay the debt aforesaid with its interest and costs attending this trust, on or before the first day of September next then This Indenture to be void and of no effect, but in case the said William Innes & Fanny his wife, make default in the premises and shall fail to pay any part or the whole of the debt aforesaid with its interest, and costs attending this executing of this deed, then in that case it shall be lawful for the said Jno. M. Martin or his legal representative to advertise the property aforesaid ten days previous to the sale at some public place in the neighborhood of said William Innes and Fanny his wife, and sell at public auction the property aforesaid, for cash, or so much thereof as will pay the debt aforesaid with its interest accruing and all costs attending this deed, and the balance if any pay to the said William Innes & Fanny his wife. In testimony whereof the parties have hereunto set their hands and affixed their seals the day and year aforesaid.
Witness:

1. Joel Smith
2. George Neese
3. John B. Spiece

1. William Innes (seal)
2. Fanny Innes (seal)
3. John M. Martin (seal)
4. John M. Smith Jr. (seal)
   

At a Court for Nelson County the 26 "day of February 1827.

This Deed of Trust was presented in court and proved by the oath of one of the subscribing witnesses thereto and ordered to be for further proof, And in the Clerk's office of said County the 23rd day of April 1827. This Indenture or Deed of Trust was further proved in said office by oath of two other subscribing witnesses thereto and admitted to record. Teste: Sp. Garland, Ck

Children

1. Sarah "Sally" Ennis b: 15 Jul 1798
2. Sherod Ennis b: 1807 ^[2]

Death

Billy D. passed away in 1859.

Father-in-Law

Will Records abstract of Sherod Martin SHEROD MARTIN [59] -- Book 4, Page 147 -- May 3, 1803, writtten; June 18, 1804, probated. Witnesses: ELIJAH L. WILLIAMS, CHAS. SMITH, WM. FOX. Son, SHEROD; son, GEO., and his oldest son, JOS. MARTIN, and his son, THOS., when they are of age; my gun, commonly called "Jeoffrey"; my son, JOS., and his two oldest sons, SHEROD and JAS. - land near Irving's Road and Rockfish Gap Road to widow HENDERSON's. Grandson, MARSHALL INNIS, son of WM. INNIS - mountain plantation next to RICH. RICHARDSON and where my son, SHEROD, and WM. INNIS built a warehouse last year - line of CHAS. SMITH; granddaughter, DECCA INNIS - slaves to stay with her parents as long as either of them lives; grandson, JEOFFRY MARTIN, son of MOLLY MARTIN; daughter, SALLY, where she lives and at her death to grandson, JEOFFREY MARTIN. My ux (wife), MARY - land to where JAS. SHIELDS lives from top of Stoney Hill. Our son, ELISHA's, child or children. Mare bought of THOS. D'PRIEST. Grandson, RUEBEN MARTIN, son of ELISHA MARTIN; my four grandchildren: JOS. , GEO., ELISHA, and SHEROD MARTIN. Executors: friends, CAPT. AZARIAH MARTIN and HUDSON MARTIN and my sons, SHEROD and GEO. MARTIN. Book 4, Page 174 -- Inventory -- June 14, 1805; CHAS. SMITH, CHAS. BRIDGWATER, RO. HENDERSON. Book 4, Page 396 -- Administrator's Bond -- GEO. and HUDSON MARTIN and THRUSTON DICKERSON, December 17, 1804, for GEO. MARTIN. This is indexed for THOS. MARTIN, but in document it appears to be SHD. MARTIN. Note: The Will of Sherod Martin; Amherst County, Virginia; Will Book 4; page 147. Refers to "my grandson Marshall Innis, son of Wm. Innis."

Notes

1850 census Name William Ennis Age 87 Birth Year abt 1763 Birthplace Virginia Home in 1850 Cople Parish, Westmoreland, Virginia Gender Male Family Number 70 Household Members Name Age William Ennis 87 Jane Ennis 23 Mary Ennis 9 William Ennis 5 Thomas Ennis 3

Sources

1. ↑ Albemarle County Marriages, 1780-1853; by John Vogt & T. William Kethley; vol. I; page 172
2. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132469032/sharad-ennis: accessed 04 August 2022), memorial page for Sharad Ennis (1807–4 Feb 1882), Find A Grave: Memorial #132469032, citing Ennis Cemetery, Greenbrier County, West Virginia, USA; Maintained by Walter Pack Family (contributor 47557175).