Archibald Bailey (1798 - 1876)

Born 10 May 1798 in Wythe, Virginia, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Elizabeth Ann (Lusk) Bailey — married 6 Sep 1820 in Tazewell, Virginia, United States

Descendants

Died 14 Nov 1876 at age 78 in Mercer, West Virginia, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Cary Richards [send private message]

Biography

Archibald Bailey was born in 10 May 1798 (see research note re: birth date) in Wythe County, Virginia (see research note re: birth location) to John Bailey and Nancy Davidson^[1].

On 6 September 1820 Archibald married his first cousin Elizabeth Lusk in Tazewell County, Virginia^[2]. Elizabeth was born in 1802 in Tazewell County, Virginia to David Lusk and Chloe Bailey^[3]. Archibald's father and Elizabeth's mother were siblings, children of Richard Payton Bailey Sr. and Elizabeth Anne (Belcher) Bailey.

On 1 June 1827 a land transaction was begun that would formalize Archibald's ownership of 183 acres located on the North Fork of Brush Creek, a tributary of the Bluestone River^[4]. These 183 acres were first acquired by his grandfather Richard Bailey Sr. in 1793 via a Land Office Treasury Warrant^[5]. This transaction confirmed that Archibald had acquired the 183 acres from the heirs of Richard Bailey Sr.^[4] (see 183 Acres on Brushy Creek of Bluestone River for more details). It would take nine years for this transaction to finally be recorded as complete - not being recorded into the Tazewell County deed book until 3 November 1836^[4]. Today this land is located in Mercer County, West Virginia.

In the 1830 Census, Archibald and his family lived in Tazewell County, Virginia^[6] (see research note re: 1830 Census). In his household are nine people (including Archibald):

• One male age 5 - 9 years.
• One male age 30 - 39 years (this is probably Archibald).
• One male age 40 - 49 years.
• Two females age under 5 years (these are probably his daughters Rebecca and Martha).
• Two females age 5 - 9 years (these are probably his daughters Surilda and Chloe).
• One female age 10 - 14 years.
• One female age 20 - 29 years (this is probably his wife Elizabeth).

On 20 April 1835, in Bluestone, Tazewell, Virginia, Archibald's father, John Bailey, "signed and sealed" his last will and testament^[1] (see transcription on his father's profile). This will was accepted by the Tazewell County court on 30 March 1836^[1]. This will named all of the children of John Bailey, including Archibald^[1].

In the 1850 Federal Census, Archibald and Elizabeth lived in Mercer County, Virginia^[7]. Archibald's occupation was "farmer"^[7]. Also in their household were five children^[7].

In the 1860 Federal Census, Archibald and Elizabeth continued living in Mercer County, Virginia^[8]. Also in their household was their daughter Elizabeth, their son James, Archibald's nephew George - future husband of their daughter Elizabeth, and a ten year old girl named Juletta Lusk (relationship unknown, but her surname Lusk is the same as the maiden name of Archibald's wife, Elizabeth)^[8].

In the 1870 Federal Census, Archibald and Elizabeth continued living in Mercer County, now part of West Virginia^[9]. Also in their household is their daughter Nancy, and Nancy's daughter Eddie Jane^[9].

Archibald was 77 years old when his wife passed away in December of 1875^[3].

On 14 April 1876, Archibald signed his own will^[10] (see research note re: Will of Archibald Bailey). Archibald passed away on 14 November 1876 in Mercer County, West Virginia^[11]. His will was accepted in Mercer County, West Virginia court on 12 December 1876^[10]. Archibald is buried in a family cemetery located near Bluefield, Mercer, West Virginia^[12].

Based on Archibald's will, he and Elizabeth had eight children together:

1. Surilda (Bailey) Morgan b. 1822 d. ?^[10]
2. Chloe (Bailey) Morgan b. 1824 d. 1900^[10]
3. Rebecca (Bailey) Bailey b. 1827 d. 1918^[10]
4. Martha (Bailey) Godfrey b. 1829 d. 1914^[10]
5. Alexander Bailey b. ~1834 d. ?^[10]
6. Elizabeth (Bailey) Bailey b. 1836 d. 1920^[10]
7. James K. Bailey b. 1838 d. 1899^[10]
8. Nancy Jane (Bailey) (Wilson) Saunders c. 1842 d. 1927^[10]

Research Notes

Birth Date

A birth record for Archibald has not yet been located. Other sources provide evidence for when he was born:

• Estimated birth year of 1798^[7][8].
• Estimated birth year of 1800^[9].
• 10 March 1798 is what has been entered on his Find-a-Grave profile^[12], but that is different than the birth date engraved on his grave marker.
• 10 April 1798 is the result of subtracting the age given on his death record (78 years, 7 months, 4 days) from his death date^[11].
• 10 May 1798 is the birth date that is inscribed on his grave marker^[12].

Birth Location

Tazewell County was formed in December 1799 from portions of Russell and Wythe Counties^[13]. Since Archibald was born prior to the creation of Tazewell County, he would have been born in what was Wythe County, Virginia, in a location that would today be part of Tazewell County, Virginia, very near the border with Mercer County, West Virginia.

1830 Census

A search of the 1830 Census for men named "Arch* Bail*y" who lived in Virginia produces only two results:

1. Archibald Bailey living in Logan County, Virginia. His age was 50 -59 years. This is Archibald, son of Richard Bailey Sr., and uncle of the Archibald Bailey described on this page.
2. Archibald Bailey living in Tazewell County, Virginia. This is the Archibald Bailey described by this page, son of John Bailey and grandson of Richard Bailey Sr.

Will of Archibald Bailey

An image of Archibald Bailey's will can be found in Mercer County, West Virginia Will Book #2 pages 164 - 166 (contained on two images beginning on image 86 of 246). An attempt to transcribe the image of his will is as follows - do not hesitate to improve upon this transcription:

I, Archibald Bailey of the County of Mercer and State of West Virginia being of sound mind and disposing memory, but aware of the uncertainty of life and desiring to dispose of my property in that way that seems equitable and just to my children, do make this my last will and testament hereby revoking any and all wills that may have heretofore been made by me.

First. I direct the payment of any just debts that may be against me though I know such to be few and of little amount.

2dly I desire to be buried decently and in a christian-like manner, the expenses thereof to be paid out of my personal estate.

3rdly Whereas by deeds executed by me which are of record in the Clerks office of Mercer County Court, I have made full provision for the following named children to wit, Alexander Bailey James K Bailey and my daughter Elizabeth Bailey; there being embraced in the deed to Alexander Bailey that portion of my estate that would have been allotted to my daughter Martha Godfrey; the said Alexander Bailey having become the owner thereof by agreement and purchase of said portion of said Martha Godfrey; and there being embraced in the deed to James K. Bailey that part that would have been allotted to my daughter Chloe Morgan wife of Anthony Morgan that said James K. Bailey and George P. Bailey having paid Four hundred dollars towards the land now owned by Anthony Morgan and it being my intention in consideration of such payment to give to the said James K. Bailey the interest in my estate intended for the said Chloe Morgan I do therefore will and direct that said Martha Godfrey, Chloe Morgan and Alexander Bailey are not to have ot receive any further part of my estate except that I bequeath unto Martha Godfrey a bond of $100.00 that has been executed to me by my son Alexander Bailey and except also that I devise to my daughter the said Martha Godfrey my part, being one half, of the land owned by myself and son in law John D. Godfrey lying on wide Mouth Creek and the waters thereof in the County of Mercer and except as herein after provided in regard to James K. Bailey George P. Bailey and Elizabeth Bailey.

4th I devise to my daughter Rebecca Bailey wife of Leland Bailey the following parcel of land. Beginning on the orchard fence a little below the main head of the lower spring thence a straight line across the valley to the top of the Stoney ridge the parcel herin devised lying west of the line aforesaid and adjoins the land of John B. Higginbotham.

5th Whereas I have laid off and marked out a parcel or boundary of land in my home tract, that I had intended for my daughter Jane, and whereas since that my son James K. Bailey and son in law George P. Bailey bought a tract of land on the middle fork of Brush Creek for which they have executed to me their title bond which I now hold to be in lieu or exchange for the lot referred to, that I had intended for my daughter Jane. Now I hereby devise to my said daughter Elizabeth Bailey the said lot of land in my home tract lying adjoining and west of the parcel I have deeded to James K. Bailey. And I devise the said middle fork land as follows to wit: One half thereof to Eddie Jane the daughter of my said said daughter Jane by her first husband Edward Wilson to be laid off at the east end, and to my said daughter Jane for and during her natural life the other half of said land to be laid off at the west end and at the death of my said daughter Jane said half of said land willed to her for life as aforesaid in to go and pass to her children (except Eddie Jane) living at the time of her death and if any of her children be dead at that time leaving child or children then the child or children of said child that may be dead shall take the share respectively of the father or mother. And I hereby direct that said James K. Bailey and George P. Bailey shall relinquish to Eddie Jane and Jane Sanders respectively the said Middle Fork land and my devise to Elizabeth Bailey of the tract or parcel of land in the home tract is upon the condition of their so relinquishing in accordance with the provisions of this clause.

6th I devise to my son James K. Bailey and son in law George P. Bailey a piece of parcel or land of my home tract being the parcel adjoining the land herein devised to Rebecca Bailey, and containing about sixty six acres. And the said James K. Bailey and George P. Bailey are to pay to the children of my daughter Cerilda Morgan Four hundred dollars one half payable in two years and the residue in three years from my death and I hereby create a charge and a lien upon said piece or parcel of land for said Four hundred dollars.

7th I bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Bailey all of my household and kitchen furniture of every description including beds, bedding, and cooking utensils and all my farming utensils.

8th I bequeath all the residue of my personal property to James K. Bailey and George P. Bailey and wife.

9th I hereby nominate my friend David E. Johnston to be the Executor of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 14th day of April 1876.

A. Bailey

Witnesses

Signed and acknowledged in our presence by the testator we being present together at the same time

John A. McKenzie

Wm. A. Cooper

West Virginia, in Mercer County Court the 12th day of December 1876 The last will and testament of Archibald Bailey deceased was proven by the oaths of William A. Cooper and John A. McKinzie the subscribing witnesses thereto and is ordered to be recorded. And on motion of David E. Johnston the executor named in said will who made oath according to law and together with George P. Bailey and James K. P. Bailey his securities entered into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $200.00 conditioned as the law directs which bond is approved and ordered to be recorded. Certificate is granted him for obtaining a probate of the said will in due forms. And on further motion of said Executor it is ordered that John Higginbotham Joseph Davidson and John Tuggle be appointed appraisers of the personal estate of said Archibald Bailey decd who being first duly sworn will appraise said estate in current money and return their appraisement under their hands to the court or to the Clerk of this court in vacation.

A???? Teste. B. G. McNutt Clerk.

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} FamilySearch; United States, Virginia, Tazewell County, Probate Records; Will books, 1800-1932; general indexes to wills, 1800-1985 (Catalog #366527); Will book, no. 2, 1832-1850 -- Will book, no. 3, 1850-1866.; DGS #7645849; Pages 66-67; Image 63 of 654.
2. ↑ "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRS1-C2V : 29 January 2020), Archibald Bailey, 1820.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, database
   FamilySearch Record: NMJQ-2YN (accessed 15 December 2023)
   Associated Image: http://images.wvculture.org/804477/00052.jpg (Line #1)
   Arch Bailey in death record for wife Elizabeth Bailey 11 Dec 1875 in Mercer, West Virginia, United States.
   citing Mercer, West Virginia, County Records, 16, county courthouses, West Virginia; FHL microfilm 804,477.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} Tazewell County, Virginia, Deed Book, Volume 6 (years 1834-1838); Pages 327-329; Filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah; Catalog #399488; DGS #8191612; Images 197-198 of 682.
5. ↑ Land grant 27 February 1793. Bailey, Richard. grantee.; Virginia. Land Office. Register.; Library of Virginia. Archives. Location: Montgomery County. Source: Land Office Grants No. 27, 1792-1793, p. 575-576 (Reel 93). This Land Office Treasury Warrant spans two pages in the original document (pages 575 and 576) and digital images of each page are hosted at the Library of Virginia website. A single JPG that combines these two images into a single image can be viewed here.
6. ↑ "United States Census, 1830," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH5J-9RY : 20 February 2021), Archibald Bailey, Tazewell, Virginia, United States; citing 195, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 200; FHL microfilm 29,679.
7. ↑ ^{7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3} "United States Census, 1850," database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8DD-5RR : 23 December 2020), Archibald Bailey, Mercer, Virginia, United States; citing family , NARA microfilm publication (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).
8. ↑ ^{8.0 8.1 8.2} "United States Census, 1860", database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M416-2K1 : 18 February 2021), Archibald Bailey, 1860.
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} "United States Census, 1870", database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MZ45-65M : 29 May 2021), Archibald Bailey, 1870.
10. ↑ ^{10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9} "West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJD5-FXMS : 12 March 2018), Archibald Bailey, 1876; citing Mercer, West Virginia, United States, Will book, v. 02 1870-1886, page 164, Jackson County Clerk, West Virginia; FHL microfilm 801,900.
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1} West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, database
    FamilySearch Record: N9CX-JSW (accessed 15 December 2023)
    Associated Image: http://images.wvculture.org/804477/00052.jpg (Line #38)
    Archibald Bailey death 14 Nov 1876, son of Hohn Bailey & Annie Bailey, in Mercer, West Virginia, United States.
    citing Mercer, West Virginia, County Records, item 1 p 16 e 38, county courthouses, West Virginia; FHL microfilm 804,477.
12. ↑ ^{12.0 12.1 12.2} Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 6 Jan 2022), memorial page for Archable Bailey (10 Mar 1798–14 Nov 1876), Find A Grave: Memorial #200169457, Archibald Bailey Family Cemetery, Bluefield, Mercer County, West Virginia, USA ; Maintained by Maria Bailey (contributor 48967881).
13. ↑ “State and County Maps of Virginia.” MapofUS.org. Year: 1799. Accessed February 8, 2022. https://www.mapofus.org/Virginia/