Early Letters concerning Yancey Research & Genealogy

Most of these letters were transcribed and included in the

"Genealogy of Yancey - Medearis and Related Lines"
 By William H Norwood and Olivia Yancey Lacy - 1958.

and represent some of the early research and inter-exchange
of genealogical information among the family.

 

Date:  26 November 1955
To: Mr. Joe Justiss, Omaha, Texas [1]
From Mr. L. R. Yancey, China, Texas [2]

Yours of a recent date received.  In regards to my kin to your  mother, I can’t say.  No doubt we are related, as I see you spell the name Y-a-n-c-e-y as we do.

My father came from Lynchburg, Va.  His  father was Robert Yancey, attorney at law of Lynchburg, Va [3].  His dad was General Joel Yancey [4] under General George Washington in the war of 1776 U.S. against Great Britain.

In the beginning this high tempered wandering high strung bunch came from Wales in the 16th century.  Always when you met one, if he didn’t have a gun on his shoulder, he was sure to have a chip. There were four Yancey boys and three Jenning boys, all first cousins ran away from their home in Wales and stowaway on a ship for the U.S. and settled in Va. And Penn. [5]  The names of the Yancey boys Robert, Charles, Joel, John.

 The old Yancey homestead is a few miles out from Lynchburg, Va [6].  My Dad’s dad was Robert Yancey, Attorney at Law of Lynchburg, Va.  He had four sons and four daughters.  The boy’s names:  Joel, my dad, Robert, Charles – attorney at law of Piedmont, Missouri, V. R. Yancey of Wynona, Miss.  Their dad, Robert Yancey, moved to Patterson, Missouri before the war between the states in 1863.   His daughter’s names:  Martha, Jenny, Harriett, Cathron.

He had sixty five slaves and worked them on a large farm he bought at the foot of Clark’s Mountain, eight miles from Patterson, Mo. His slaves were all freed and driven away after the close of the War between the States – the North & the South.  He died there and was buried at Patterson, Missouri and there his daughters Jennie, Harriett, Catherine.

My Father Joel Yancey had five sons and two daughters – Jenny and Mary. The sons: Charles R., John S., William L., Jessie Burton, and Lawrence Ross, named after our grand dad Lawrence Sull Ross, a governor of Texas. [7]

My Dad Joel Yancey bought a large farm just across the St Francis River from Greenville, Missouri, the County Seat of Wayne County, Mo.  He was county surveyor of the county for many years. He also ran a ferry on the St Francis River for some twenty years and one of the leading ferries of southeast Mo.   His wife, our mother, was Alice Taylor of Butler County, Kentucky.  She died when I was two weeks old.  Our Aunt Mat as we called her was a school teacher.  After mother’s death she came home and took charge of Father’s children and no mother could have taught them any better.  But as we grew up to 16-18, each boy headed for Texas.  Our dad married again. I was the youngest and the worst and I headed for Texas December 29 1893. I was born March 16 1876 and will be eighty if I live [till] March 16.  All my brothers and one sister, Jennie are gone on.  Just sistr Mary and I left.  She is eighty-seven, completely helpless and blind.  So years later Dad sold out and came to Texas also.  His second family and Aunt Mat both died here and are buried at China, our home town. I landed in Dallas, Texas, at midnight the beginning of 1894 with three dollars left in my pocket.

Got a job on a ranch for some time and finally came to the Beaumont country and have lived here most all the time since.  I went  then to the big Spindle Top and Sour Lake boom and the big East Texas boom near Longview, Texas with the Yountice Oil Co. as a foreman [8]. They sold out to Stanilian Oil in August 1935.  So I came back to my farm, three miles North of China, built a new house and lived here ever since. I came back November 22, 1935.   My wife was Rosa Sadler of Joplin, Missouri.   We have had ten children, three boys and seven girls.  Six are living doing well. Our youngest John Perrishen Yancey, M. L. G. was in World War II and is still in the army. He spent eight years in Alaska, three in Takoma, Washington and now in La.  Was home in October. My other son, Lawrence Ross is with Humble Oil Co., Baytown, Texas. Our daughters are all married and gone. So we are all alone. Please write soon.

L. Ross Yancey

 

[DJY:  Notes concerning the above letter]

[1] -  Mr. Joe Justiss’s Yancey line of descent was as follows:  Joe Justiss, Rachel Catherine Yancey, David Y., Thomas Y., William Y., Richard Y., Charles YANCEY.  Some of his family research was incorporated into the book “Yancey Medearis & Related Lines]

 [2] -   Lawrence Ross Yanceys line of descent was as follows:  Lawrence Ross Y., Joel Y., Robert Jennings Y., Joel Y., Joel Y., Archelaus Y., Charles YANCEY.

 [3] -  Robert Yancey (1797-1861) see information here.

 [4] -  It seems apparent that Joel Yancey did not serve under General Washington – the origin of this family belief is not clear.  Joel Yancey most certainly died in 1773 even before the Revolutionary War broke out – as will records of Virginia document.

 [5] -  The validity of the exact details of this entire paragraph are very questionable. It would appear the first Yanceys came to America at the end of the 17th century (1600’s). There is no clear evidence for a group of four immigrant brothers. Charles Yancey was probably the immigrant ancestor – but he did have sons named John, Robert, Charles and and among his many grandchildren a Joel Yancey all born here in America. There is no real evidence to indicate that the Yanceys were stowaways.  But no clear evidence about the exact details of their immigration to America has been found – so who knows. The Yanceys first settled in Virginia.  There is no evidence of the early Yanceys ever being in Pennsylvania.  Family Tradition is that the Yanceys came from Wales – but no proof has been found.  There were a group of Jennings that did come to Virginia about the same time as the Yanceys – no proven old world connection has yet been found – though there was some intermarriage into the Jennings family by Yanceys of the 1700’s in Virginia.

 [6] -  This was apparently Rothsay – originally the estate of Joel Yancey.

 [7] -  See More Information Here

 [8] -  Oil was discovered in Texas in 1901

 

Date: 7 Feb 1957
From: Lawrence Ross Yancey – Beaumont, Texas [1]
To: Mr & Mrs. Freeman Lacy – Ft Worth, Texas [2]
 

My Kind Dear Cousin:

Yours of a recent date received.  Was glad to hear from you.

Now in regard to this old Va. Wandering Yancey bunch, who hailed from Wales in the year 1642, we’re all chips off the old block.[3]  Now I don’t know but little about my grandfather’s brothers or sisters.  My grandfather was Robert Joel Yancey and his father was Majr General Joel Yancey of the Revolutionary War of 1776 and no doubt he was the [father] of General Joel Yancey who fought in the War of 1812.  Now my grandfather, Robert Joel Yancey – he had the sword of this Major General Yancey and when he died he gave it to my father, Joel Yancey, his eldest son [4].  And when he died he gave it to my oldest brother, C. H. Robert Yancey.  He gave him his uniform, his hat, sword, boots, spurs and rifle the old flintlock.

Now I’ll tell you about this Joel Yancey’s complete uniform.  Now, I know what I am writing about.  This complete uniform was to be given to the oldest son, Yancey son, as time passed on. So he gave it to my grand dad Robert Joel Yancey and he gave it to my father Joel Yancey, his oldest son.  And he gave it to his oldest son Charles Robert Yancey my oldest brother.  He put it on many times to show us younger brothers  and sisters.  We used to play war and felt big Injin many a moonshine night.  He was an artist and he had two . . . in Alexandria La.  And around the age of 68 his eyes were failing him bad.  So he sold out and stored all his furniture and the old uniform in a storage house and he and his wife Alma went to Heber Springs to rest.  And the building caught fire and burned up all the goods, uniform and all.

So he and his wife Alma died in 1928. I was at the funeral in Bremen, Texas. Where they were married 40 years to a day before his death in 1928. They had only one child, Colonel Ross Sterling Yancey of World War I, retired, New York City, was never married.  I haven't heard from him in a long time.

I would have written you sooner but I'm trying to find the Old Mission History that my father and Aunt Mat, his sister had which gave a complete history of the Yancey and Ross families of Lynchburg, Va.   My grandfather, Robert Joel Yancey married Mattie Ross. They had eight children, four boys and four girls.  The oldest son, Joel Yancey, my dad and Robert, Charles D., and V. R. the youngest son, and mother Mat, and Jennie and Harriett and Cathron.  I believe I gave Mr. Joe Justiss of Omaha, Texas, the history of all the rest, including my brothers and sisters.

Now my grand dad Robert Joel Yancey came from Lynchburg Va. before the War Between the States, 1863, and bought a large tract of land at the foot of Clarks Mountain and settled there.  He had sixty five slaves and were freed at the close of the war. I was up there at the old homestead in 1951. Some of the old poplar logs are still there yet that he built his house of.  It is a beautiful track of land where he worked his slaves.   He died just after the war. His home was eight miles from Patterson, Mountain at the foot of Clarks Mountain.   He was a lawyer, also his son, Charles Donaphana Yancey of Piedmont, Missouri.  Joel, my dad, his oldest son came to Texas.  He and Aunt Mat, his oldest daughter 1896 and died in Aug 7 1907. Also Aunt Mat died here in 1893 and both of them are buried in China, Texas. His son Robert was killed in the battle of Vicksburg, Miss. In 1863.  V. Rhodes Yancey his youngest son died in Miss. At the age of 68.  Also Aunt Jennie, Harriett, also Cathron.  I can’t give you the dates, but all of them except father, Aunt Mat, and V. R. Y. are buried at Patterson, Missouri.   Grand dad Robert Joel and grandmother, his wife.

Well thanks to the Lord I have found the Old Mission History I've told you about in my old cedar chest.  So I’ll give you the correct address in St Louis, Mo.  So please write for it. I will too.  I’ll also write Mrs. Bertha Jensen in Blackfoot, Idaho.  Also Miss Alice Yancey in Los Angeles and Mr. Joe Justiss in Omaha, Texas. Also Mr. Norwood in Arlington, Texas. [5]  The St Louis library would be a good place to write also.

Now I get the old Hist. and give you the correct address:

“History of the Great West and the Commercial Metropolis – comprising the business and the businessmen of St Louis, Mo” vii. Richard Edwards Editor and Publisher – corner of 3rd and Pine, St Louis Mo. [6]

Now the reason I'm writing to get this book my Bro. C. R. Yancey tore out the complete record of the Yancey and Ross families and sent the record to his son, Colonel Ross Yancey in New York City, to have an old Spanish grant in Texas, of our great grand dad Reuben Ross proved up which we were heirs to the grant of 4400-44 acres at Victoria Texas. He sent the records to uncle Charley D. Yancey, attorney at law, Piedmont, Mo. And he came to Texas, had it surveyed and went back to Mo and died not long after. So nothing has been done since. Now if we can get the book we’ll have a good plain record from the time of 1642 up to about 1888.

Aunt Mat, Father’s oldest sister, was well up on the record.  She was a school teacher  but when mother died, I was but two weeks old. So she came home and took care of all of father’s children many years. She was with me when she died in Texas 3 Jan 1903 at the age of 63. She never was married but spent her money to the last dollar and her life , not for herself, but others, a noble woman.

I am so glad to hear from you all and hope to meet you in Greenville in June.

Now may the great secret ever guide, bless and protect you all. [7]

Your cousin

L. Ross Yancey

[DJY:  Notes concerning the above letter]

[1] -  Lawrence Ross Yanceys line of descent was as follows:  Lawrence Ross Y., Joel Y., Robert Jennings Y., Joel Y., Joel Y., Archelaus Y., Charles YANCEY.

[2] Mrs. Freeman Lacy's line of descent was as follows: Olivia Burnett Yancey (Lacy), David Y., David Y., Thomas Y., William Y., Richard Y., Charles YANCEY.  Some of her family research was incorporated into the book “Yancey Medearis & Related Lines]

[3]  It would appear the first Yanceys came to America at the end of the 17th century (1600’s).  It seems the reference to 1642 may have arisen over a confusion with the Crawford Family - that did came over to America about 1642, did have associations with Sir William Berkeley, and had two female descendants who married into the very early Yanceys.  

[4]  The sword and epaullets are mentioned in the will of Col. Robert Leighton Yancey of Louisa - as he bequeathed it to Joel Yancey - but he referred to Joel as "my friend and relation" and not as "his son".

[5]  Bertha & Alice Yancey were sisters: ancestry:  Berta/Alice Y, Adam Y., Hiram J. Y., Hiram J. Y., Austin Y., William Yancey;

[6] This citation has created much confusion over the years.  Such book - does NOT contain any information on the Yanceys.  It would appear as if the book that was really being referenced is the book "History of Southeast Missouri, by the Goodspeed Press, page 1152 - Biographical Sketches of Wayne County, Missouri. 1888.

[7]  Possibly alludes to phrases used by members of "freemasonry" organizations.

 

 

J. L. Yancey [1]

Dear Cousin:

I can call you that as you are the grandson of my Uncle Lewis..  Our kin people are the same.  My Father was James, the oldest child of Richard and Mary Yancey.   Father  died 20 years ago.  He has one son, James Yancey, living in this county in a few miles of the old Yancey place.  I have two sisters living in Clarksville, Virginia;  Mrs. Hicks and Mrs. Gee.  My Sister Jennie Yancey died about 18 months ago.  Uncle John died a few weeks since he was about 80 years old. He has two sons and a daughter.   One son Robert lives in South Hill in this county, Mecklenburg.  Hugh, his youngest son lives at home with his mother and sister.   His post office is Skipwith Mecklenburg, Virginia.   Uncle Richard died some four years ago.  He lived in Granville Co., N.C.   He has one son who lives near Hillsboro, N.C. and one daughter Mrs. Gordon who has a son living in Clarksville, Va., Herbert Gordon.   She sometimes stays with him.  Aunt Emily died years ago.  She has one son living in Broakneill, Campbelll County, Virginia, Amos Pool.   He has a daughter living near South Boston in Halifax Co., Va. Louisa Pool.  She married her cousin a Mr. Pool and is a widow. Uncle Simeon lived in Georgia but all of his family have been dead for years except his son William.  He was living the last I heard from him but I do not know his address.  Aunt Ann and Mary lived in Kentucky and I have not heard from them in years.  I think they lived in Christian Co., Ky.   They both had quite a number of children.   I have a brother living who was born in Kentucky, W. L. Yancey who cold give you some information about our kin people out there.  Uncle Lewis visited his old home soon after the war.  I remember him with pleasure.  He was very jolly.   If you come to the Jamestown Exposition you must come and see us.   I am the youngest daughter of James Yancey and married W. A. Jamieson.   I am living at the old home near Buffalo Junction.

Sincerely

Helen A. Jamieson. [2]

 

[DJY:  Notes concerning the above letter]

[1] Ancestry of J. L. Yancey:  John Lewis Y., Rufus P. Y., Lewis N. Y.,  Richard Y.,   Robert Y., Richard Y., Charles Y., Charles Yancey

[2] Ancestry of Helen A Jamieson:   Helen Y.,  James Y., Richard Y., Robert Y., Richard Y., Charles Y., Charles Yancey
Helen compiled the book "Jamieson and O'Callaghan Ancestors" published in 1978 containing a good amount of Yancey Material not found elsewhere. She lived in Mecklenburg County, Virginia.

 

 

 

My Dear Mr. Yancey [1]

You ought to write a book yourself for you write such an interesting letter.  I am so glad you like the “Vanishing Virginian” and are willing to claim him for a relation.   I think from your letter you must be a relative, because your taste are so much the same as those of my own family.

I do not know much about genealogy myself, but I do kow all the Yanceys in this country are descended from three brothers of that name who settles first in Virginia, about the year 1674.  James Yancey, grandson of Charles (the first settler) found in the Revolution. And was a major under General Greene.  After the Revolution he settled in South Carolina, married there and was the grandfather of William Lowndes Yancey noted orator and statesman.

There was a colonel Robert Leighton Yancey who was on General Washington’s staff during the Revolution.  This Colonel Yancey left his sword and epauletts to my great grandfather Joel Yancey who was a major in the War of 1812.  This particular sword is supposed to be in the possession of the Missouri branch of the family.  I wonder if you could be of this family.

My mother’s book contains a short sketch of the Yancey family.  It is called “Lynchburg and Its Neighbors” by Rosa Faulkner Yancey.  I think you can still get a copy by writing to the publishers at the following address:  JW Fergusson – 105 N Fourteenth St – Richmond, Va.

I am sorry to say that my mother died in 1935.   She would have undoubtedly been able to clear up the connection of your family with the Yanceys of this state.   I know very little except what is contained in her book. But I do know there is a Yancey coat of arms and history to be had but where I do not know.  I should think you could get this information by writing the Librarian of Congress at Washington.  They might refer you to the place they could be obtained.

It is hard for me to believe Mr. Yancey that the erect and young looking gentleman in this picture is a man anywhere near eighty.  Why you don’t look fifty.  I am sure I do claim you for a relative and hope I look that young when I get to be your age.

Thans for your letter – and the snap shot.

With sincere good wishes to you and yours.

 

Most Cordially

Rebecca Yancey Williams [2]

 

[DJY:  Notes concerning the above letter]

[1]  It is a little unclear who the writer here was.

[2] Rebecca Yancey Williams was the author of "The Vanishing Virginian"  and daughter of Capt. Robert Davis & Rosa Faulkner Yancey.  Here book is quite interesting as to the life of the Yancey in the early 1900's in Lynchburg, VA - after the era of the Civil War.  Her mother also published the book "Lynchburg and Its Neighbors".

 


 

To: Mrs. Varina Woods – Holly Springs, MS   [1]
From: Jack Watkins – Clarksville  Furniture, Clarksville Virginia

Date: 12 Feb 1957

Mrs. L. L. Woods
Holly Springs Mississippi

Dear Mrs. Woods

While in Boydton today [Mecklenburg County, Va] I had a few minutes to spare so I went by the Court House and found the will of Richard Yancey 1781 which named his wife, Mary and his brother James Yancey, as executors.

Richard left one daughter Keziah Nuckolls and nine sons namely:  Lewis, William, Absalom, Richard, Charles, Hezekiah, Joseph, and Zachariah.  The real estate described in Richard’s will is approximately six or sevne miles from Clarksville, partly in Virginia and in North Carolina.   I assume that his brother, James, lived near him in North Carolina and I will try to locate some of the Yancey family cemeteries before your next visit to Virginia.

Very Sincerely

Jack Watkins  [2]

PS Since writing the above I went out in the coutry to see Mr. Roger Yancey, age 77, who lives on the North Carolina state line and owning property in both states.  His father was Charles A. Yancey (born 1854) – his grandfather was William “Buck” Yancey his great grandfather was Charles Yancey – his great great grandfather was Richard Yancey (brother of James) mentioned in above will.

His grandfather William or “Buck” Yancey was one of eight boys.  William being the only one that stayed at home  - - the other two brothers moving to Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana.  The original Yancey settlement in this part of Virginia and North Carolina is the present location of his residence.  An old chimney still stands near the cemetery bearing the initials “C” Yancey 1791.  He said that his grandfather told him that several generations of Yanceys were buried there.  The cemetery covers approximately one half acre, however the oldest marker there bears the date 1854.  Mr. Yancey told me that his grandfather told him that when this place was settled his two nearest neighbors were the Talleys – about five miles away , and the Chandlers about eight miles away.

Apparently all the Yanceys came from this settlement.  The “Vanishing Virginian” was published in 1940.   It is the history of the Yanceys of Lynchburg, Virginia but does not got back any further than the Civil War.   These Yanceys moved from New Kent County, Virginia to Bedford County about 1810. I do not believe they are your Yancey Branch.

  

[DJY:  Notes concerning the above letter]

[1] Varina Woods ancestry:  Varina Y., Bartlett H. Y., Archibald H Y., Joel C. Y., Philip Y., James Y.,  Charles Y., Charles Yancey

[2]  Jack Watkins ancestry: