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Compiled by Emma Lee Bettis and provided to this website by Bruce N. Lee I have come across an unpublished LEE family manuscript
titled "Lee Family of Shropshire, England 1100 AD to 1961 in America -
called the Lee Family of Virginia", compiled by Emma Lee Bettis, Montgomery,
Alabama.
If "I" had written this manuscript, I would be thrilled that people had discovered it, and were making use of it - the parts in question and all. I'm sure Mrs. Bettis would feel likewise. Enjoy,
"Lee Family of Shropshire,
England 1100 AD to 1961 in America
compiled by Emma Lee Bettis
LEE GENEALOGY An honorable ancestry is a gift of God, and should be regarded as such by those who possess it. Position and learning are desirable gifts. Possession of wealth cannot make an ancestry "honorable", unless the rights were gained honorably. Among the "Virginia Lee" ancestors were men of learning and high position. They were bishops of the Church of England, the lords chief justices of England; the sheriffs of Shropshire and London. The name Lee occurs very early in the list of the landed gentry of England, and of the Lord Mayors and Sheriffs of the counties. The name often appears as "de Lee" before the reign of King Henry VI. In that reign the "de" before names began to be left off, and " Knight" and "Squire" took its place. The Lees of England were men of large wealth, as well as distinction. Nowhere is it recorded that they ever wronged man or woman. They won their worldly goods honorably, used them beneficently, and laid them down cheerfully when duty demanded the sacrifice, and when it pleased God to call them out of this world. Col. Richard Lee1, born at Nordley Regis, England in 1613, was the first of this Lee family to settle in Virginia in 1640. Note: The numerals to the right or each name indicate the generations descended from Col. Richard Lee1, who came to Virginia in 1640. Some of the notable descendants of Col. Richard Lee1 in Virginia were
Richard Henry Lee, and his brother, Francis Lightfoot Lee, both Signers
of the Declaration of Independence; President Zachary Taylor; Light Horse
Harry Lee, of Revolutionary War fame, and Governor of Virginia; and his
son, General Robert Edward Lee, of the Confederate States of
General Robert Edward Lee descended from the eldest son, Richard Lee, II2. Col. Thomas Lee3, son of Richard Lee II2, built the fine brick house called "Stratford", which is restored today as it was originally, and a show place of Westmoreland County, Virginia. General Robert Edward Lee was born at "Stratford" in 1807. The house called "Ditchley", is a brick house containing twenty rooms, built by Hancock Lee2 and belongs to his descendants; it is also restored. "Cobb's Hall", also a brick house with twenty rooms, in Northumberland County, Virginia, belongs to some descendants of Charles Lee2, the youngest son. Lilly (Quarles) Lee, mother of Emma Lee Bettis (compiler of this book), was twice of the Richard Lee, II2 family; and Dr. John Andrew Lee, the father of Emma Lee Bettis, was descended from Charles Lee2 , the youngest son of Col. Richard Lee1 and wife Anne (Constable) Lee. LEE FAMILY OF SHROPSHIRE, ENGLAND 1100 AD to 1640 AD IN VIRGINIA 1. Hugo de Lee, 1100 AD
This is the end of the Shropshire Lee pedigree, extracted from the College of Arms by Mr. Charles Townley, York; and John Pomfret, Rouge Croix, August 1850. This is one of the longest and most complete pedigrees in the world. The basis for this Lee history, in detail, is found in "Lee of Virginia", by Edmund Jennings Lee (Philadelphia, 1894); also by (Mrs. M. P.) Emma Lee Bettis, genealogist and historian, who has done twenty years of Lee research. And the Virginia Magazine of History, January, 1954 says: P-3, "Now it is possible to write with assurance, regarding Col. Richard Lee's1 parentage and to trace his career after 1640. (The earliest of the Lee's of Shropshire, known to us was Hugo de Lee in 1100.) Reginaldus de Lee, the Norman, flourished about the year 1201; he was Sheriff, and does not occur after 1210. He appears to have been the first to bear the generic Lee arms: gules, a fess chequy or and azure, between ten billets argent, four in chief and three, two, one in base. The motto: "Ne Incautus Futuri".
P-4. Through successive generations, the descendants of Reginaldus de
Lee prospered, achieving knighthood's, marrying well, acquiring additional
manors. Two sons of the house, both named Roger de Lee, marrying two notable
heiresses: Roger de la Lee, son of Sir John Lee of Roden and Stanton, married
Margaret Astley, daughter of Sir Thomas Astley of Coton and Nordley Regis.
Roger de Lee, son of John de Lee of Lee and Pimhill, married Johanna Burnell;
their only daughter,
From John Lee are descended the Lee's of Coton. "Coton Hall" is the Manor of Nordley Regis in the Parish of Alveley at the southeastern extremity of Shropshire; it is no ordinary English country house. The site is on a high hill overlooking the Severn Valley and has been of special importance since pre-Roman times. P-6. Coton and Nordley Regis became the inheritance of Margaret Astley, who married Roger Lee. In the time of Queen Elizabeth I, lived Sir Humphrey Lee of "Coton Hall" and wife Katherine Blount (of the Baronial Blount family). Sir Humphrey Lee and Katherine's
only son, Sir John Lee, born 1530; he succeeded to the Manor of Nordley
Regis. He married Joyce Romney in 1553, issue eight sons: Thomas;
William; Edward; Gilbert; Jasper; Richard; Ferdinand; and Josias Lee.
P-7. One certain example of Richard Lee's1 use of the armorial bearings
was the inscription and generic arms on a silver tankard, which his son,
John Lee2 presented to Queen's College, Oxford, England; then the well
known wood carving of "Cobb's Hall", which once adorned the emigrant's
home on Dividing Creek, Northumberland County, Virginia; also the Lee
P-10. The parents of Richard Lee1, the emigrant, were Richard Lee, born at "Coton Hall" in 1563 and was a resident of Alveley Parish in 1599, when he married there to Elizabeth Bendy; was still living in 1621. In 1599 he acquired the estates of Stratford Langton in Essex, near London, which Richard Lee1, the emigrant, later possessed. It has been supposed that the emigrant, Richard Lee1 was born in 1600, because of the date of his parent's marriage in 1599; a more likely date is 1613. This is the proven birth date of a Richard Lee, which may have been the emigrant. The date 1613 is more consistent with his appearance in a portrait painted in 1661, which is of a man forty-eight, rather than of a man sixty-one. We conclude that Richard Lee1, the emigrant, was born at Nordley Regis in 1613. P-12. Richard Lee's1 education must have included legal studies. It is notable that Richard Lee went to Virginia to be Clerk of the Quarter Court, and three years later he was appointed Attorney General of Virginia. P-14. Sir Francis Wyatt, the first Royal Governor of Virginia; on his second term, he brought with him, as a member of his household a young lady named Anne Constable. She and Richard Lee1 may have become inter-ested in each other during the long voyage to Virginia; certainly they met frequently in the society at Jamestown. In 1640/41 they were married; presumably in the new brick church at Jamestown, with the Governor giving the bride away. Note: It is possible that Ann's mother was a Hancock, since she named her seventh son, Hancock Lee2. P-22. Richard Lee1 served as Sheriff of York County, Virginia in 1646, as Burgess for York County in 1647. Richard Kemp died in 1649, so Richard Lee1 succeeded him as Secretary of State; thus at the age of thirty-six he became Sir William Berkley's principal lieutenant on the eve of a new crisis in the affairs or Virginia. P-25. It was during this crisis that Richard Lee1 was admitted to the "Council" by Sir William Berkley's appointment. He was granted the title of Colonel at this time. P-23. Richard Lee1 was sent by Sir William Berkley to perform an official
duty with King Charles II. Richard Lee1 found the King at Breda in
the Netherlands. This was a profitable voyage for Richard Lee1; he
freighted a Dutch ship on his own account, and brought back a return cargo
to Vir-ginia, including a number of immigrants; thirty-eight of whom were
unable to pay their own passage. Their services were his for a term
of years, and their headrights were the basis for three new land grants,
which he obtained in 1651: these grants were for 500 acres adjoining
War Captain's Neck; 500 acres on
P-26. By 1650 Richard Lee1 had 2400 acres in the new County of Gloucester. During 1653 Richard Lee1 patented 300 acres on the York River side of Tendall's Neck and another 300 acres on the south side of the Rappahannock at the head of the south branch of Matchepungo. Of more interest than Richard's land transactions in 1653 was the "store", a commercial warehouse; the site of considerable export/import business. P-28. From 1652 Richard Lee1 was owner of a ship, trading between England and Virginia. P-27. In the Spring of 1653 Richard Lee and Anne (Constable) Lee's family
included six sons: John2, now aged eleven; Richard II2 was six Francis2,
four; Willlam2, two; and a twin's name unknown to us was drowned; and the
infant Hancock Lee2. During the year twin daughters were born at
their home, Paradise; their names were Elizabeth2 and Ann2, born between
Han-cock's2 birth, September 1652, and their mother's departure for England
in February 1654. Charles Lee2, the youngest child of Richard Lee1
and Anne (Constable) Lee, was born May 21, 1656 at Dividing Creek, Northumber-land
County, Virginia. Richard Lee1 took out a patent for 4000 acres in
November 1661. One tract of 1000 acres was the site of Mount Vernon;
another 2000 acres was on the south shore of Hunting Creek, opposite to
the site of Alexandria.
P-45. Col. Richard Lee1, accompanied by his son, John Lee2, probably sailed from England immediately after signing his will. He arrived at Dividing Creek a dying man. At the April Session of Northumberland County, Virginia Court 1664 John Lee2 obtained an order for headrights due his deceased father. Col. Richard Lee1 was only fifty-one, and was at the height of his career when death overtook him. Richard Lee's1 will was probated in London in January 1665. His executors were: Thomas Griffith and John Lockey, London merchants, and his eldest sons, John Lee2 and Richard Lee II2. P-45. John Lee2 was twenty-two when his father died; he was left the Macho-doc plantation of 2000 acres, with ten English servants, and ten negroes; also three islands in Chesapeake Bay. As heir-at-law he also inherited 4700 additional acres. John Lee2 served as Militia Captain, Justice, Sheriff, and Burgess for Westmoreland County, Virginia. John Lee2 died unmarried 1673 at the age of thirty-one. Richard Lee II2 was eighteen when his father died 1664; he inherited
Paradise plantation of 1350 acres. After his graduation from Oxford
he went there to live, but at John Lee's2 death, Richard Lee II2 inherited
John's2 lands, and moved to Machodoc; there he married Letitia Corbin,
the daughter of his neighbor, the Councilor, Henry Corbin,
P-47. The younger children: William Lee2 was fourteen years
of age when his father, Col. Richard Lee1 died in 1664; Hancock Lee2 was
twelve; Betsey2 (who later married Leonard Howison) and Ann2 (who became
the wife of Thomas Youell) were eleven in 1664; Charles Lee2, the youngest
child, was eight in 1664 when his father died.
In September 1666 her new husband, Edmund Lister, brought suit against John Lee2 regarding the execution of Col. Richard Lee's1 will. The Dividing Creek lands were eventually divided among the three younger sons. William Lee2 was the first to leave his mother's home: he received 500 acres the Bishop's Neck tract, and the purchased land in Maryland. Hancock Lee2 received 800 acres, which became the "Ditchley" estate. Charles Lee2, the youngest, inherited the old homestead of 600 acres, which became the "Cobb's Hall" estate. The Stratford estate in Essex County, England was sold and the proceeds were divided between the two daughters, Betsey Lee2, and Ann Lee2. "Lee of Virginia." Second Generation, "Cobb's Hall" Line. P-558. Charles Lee2, born on May 21, 1656 at Dividing Creek, Northumberland
County, Virginia; son of Col. Richard Lee and Anne (Constable) Lee. Charles
Lee2 was a Captain in the Colonial Militia, Northumberland County, Virginia;
Justice 1687 - 1699. He died December 17, 170l. Charles Lee2
married Elizabeth Medstand in 1676 (daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth(Lawson)
Medstand of Lancaster County, Virginia.)
l. Thomas Lee3, eldest son, born 1679 at "Cobbs Hall", Northumberland
County, Virginia; married Elizabeth Keene of Maryland.
P-561. "The will of the first Charles Lee2 (son of Col. Richard1 and
Anne Lee), written July 13, 1700; after giving his soul to God and a Christian
burial, and all debts are paid. First, I give to my son, Thomas Lee3, all
my land on Rappahannock River
Next, to my daughter Leeanna Lee3, 200 acres and a child's part. Next, to my son Charles Lee3, the 600 acres whereon I live, and a child's part of my negroes, cattle and household stuff. Next, to my daughter Elizabeth Lee3, a child's part of my negroes, cattle, etc. Lastly, I give to my loving wife all my bedding not set down, and a
child's part of my negroes, and household stuff, and half of my white hands;
my part of the mill and all my sheep and hogs, I make her my Executrix
of this my last will and testament. Witness my hand & seal.
Ref: "Lee of Virginia" P-561. Thomas Lee3 (eldest child of Captain Charles Lee2 and Elizabeth (Medstand) Lee); born 1679 at "Cobb's Hall", Northumberland County, Virginia; married Elizabeth Keene of Maryland. Va. Mag. Vol. 2 pp. 7-8. Thomas Lee3 was Sheriff of Lancaster County,
Will Book #2. page 342 Lancaster County, Virginia: "Last will
of Thomas Lee3, 16, June 1733. To son John Lee4 all that tract of
land on ye head of Corrotomon River, which I had by my wife, where Harvy
now lives, to him and his heirs forever. Unto sons, Thomas Lee4,
Richard Lee4 and Charles Lee4 land I now live on. Executors:
my loving wife, my loving brother Major Charles Lee and William Nicholas
Martin. Thomas Lee3 (seal)"
"Deed Book 13. p 35 Lancaster County, Virginia.
Witness Thomas Edwards, Alex. Campbell. James Scrosby (seal)" "Deed Book 13. p35 Lancaster County, Virginia. 1735-1743
P-91. John Fearn guardian of Richard Lee4 1744, paid by Ezekiel Gilbert, former guardian of Richard Lee4, orphan." Will Book #4, Lancaster County, Virginia.
There was no guardian appointed for John Lee4; it appears that John Lee4 was the eldest child of Thomas Lee3 and Elizabeth (Keene) Lee. No doubt that John Lee4 had married by the time of his father's decrease. When Thomas Lee4 died in 1759 he requested that his brother John Lee4 administer his estate. John Lee4 was living in South Carolina at that date so Rev. John Leland administered the estate of Thomas Lee4 and appointed guardian of Mary Lee5, daughter of Thomas Lee4. Other references found:
The Book, "Expansion of South Carolina", by Dr. Robert L. Meriwether, Professor of History, University of South Carolina, Columbus, South Carolina. (I went to see Dr. Meriwether and asked about this reference.) Dr. Meriwether told me, "John Lee4 appeared before the Governor and Council of South Carolina and made the statement that he had come from Maryland to South Carolina in 1751 and settled on Wateree Creek, where he cleared nine acres of land, and on it build proper conveniences for his family." P-149. "Easy access to the west side of Enoree River was the ford over Broad River, above the mouth of the Enoree, called John Lee's4 ford." P-235. "Lee's ford was at the head of the east fork of Little River in 1769." In 1759 there was no church in Chester County, South Carolina. Four men with their wives organized Catholic Presbyterian Church (a Protestant church) and John Lee, Sr.4 was one of the founders. I drove out eight miles east of the town Chester, South Carolina in 1959 and found this old church in splendid preservation. A large memorial stone has been placed in front of the church, where John Lee's name is listed. Secretary of State's Office - Columbia, South Carolina Index to Land Grants 1695 - 1776 A. K.
Besides these South Carolina grants John Lee, Sr.4 bought much land, which he gave to his children before making his will in 1771: "Richmond County, Georgia, Deed Book A.2:
(Col. Greenberry Lee5 died 1784, three years before the death of his father, John Lee, Sr.4, in 1787.) "Historical Collections, Georgia Chapters D.A.R. Vol.2.p.229 (p.321)
Witness Fritz M. Hunt
"Georgia Roster of the Revolution, by Knight:
Found in the Court House in Camden, South Carolina. Apartment
#39, Package 1436.
To be buried in a Christian manner. After all my debts are paid out of my estate, I give to Mary my dearly beloved wife the plantation whereon I dwell, containing 200 acres, also the mill thereon, the same during her widowhood and then to fall to my son Stephen5 and 100 acres more joining the 200 whereon I dwell, also 75 acres; the whole containing 375 acres at his mother's death, also negroes. Next I give to my daughter Elizabeth5 land on north side of Mill Creek, extending as high as the wagon road, also a negro Hannah. Also unto my daughter Elizabeth's husband, William Marshall, 100 acres joining Robert Coulton on a branch of Rockey Creek. Next I give to my daughter Sarah5 our old place of 250 acres on the Great Wagon road run by Pinson, also negro Phillis. Next I give to my daughter Agnes5 350 acres where she and her husband now dwell; also negro Jen. Next I give to my son John Lee5 300 acres and negro Sam. Next I give to my daughter Rachael5 200 acres joining my daughter Sarah and negro Dise. Next I give to my son Francis Lee5 100 acres run by Jacob Castels and 50 acres adjoining, and negro Prince. Next I give to my daughter Rosanna5 300 acres on Mill Creek and negro Maria. Next I give to my daughter Rebecca5 part of tract run by Jacob Bowers and negro Ceily. Executors: my son John Lee5 and my son-in-law Alexander Gordon.
Deed Book F. Chester County, South Carolina. PP 46-47. Indenture dates 1775 between John Lee4, Providence of
Camden District, South Carolina and John McClerkin of said place. Consideration
150 acres of land on Wateree Creek unto John McClerkin for $100.
Mary Lee was the third wife of John Lee, Sr.4 His first wife's name is unknown to us; she was the mother of sons: Francis Lee and John Lee, Jr., who were old enough to sign deeds in 1755 in South Carolina. The marriage of John Lee4 to Margaret Howard on November 23, 1746 is
recorded in St. John's Parish Register, Harford County, Maryland. Margaret
Howard was the second wife of John Lee, Sr.4, and the mother of Col Greenberry
Lee5, born 1750 in Harford County, Maryland. Col. Nicholas Greenberry
was acting Governor of Maryland when he died in 1697. His and his
wife, Ann's fine tombs are in St. Ann's Parish church yard in Annapolis,
Maryland. Their four daughters married into the following families
in Maryland:
"Mss. Georgia Journal of Augusta Land Court: 0n October 15, 1773 John Lee, Jr.5 came from South Carolina bringing a wife and six children, ages 1-12 years. He was granted 200 acres on Bryer Creek, called Rockey Ford in Richmond County, Georgia." "Vol. 3, Wilkes County, Georgia Records:
"P-l4. On November 9, 1773 Francis Lee5, from North Carolina was granted 200 acres on Bryer Creek, Richmond County, Georgia; he soon resigned his grant, and returned to his home on Beaver Dam, a branch of Rockey Creek, South Carolina. This was in North Carolina at that time." Many South Carolina deeds show that John Lee, Sr's daughters were:
McCall's Roster of Revolutionary Solders in Georgia:
Three Revolutionary soldiers:
Col. Greenberry Lee, William Few, Sr., and Lieut. Col. Thomas Short. Their
female descendants are accepted for membership in the Daughters of the
American Revolution by furnishing following proof:
"STATE OF GEORGIA This is to certify, That William
Few hath steadfastly done his duty, from the time of passing an Act at
Augusta, to wit, on the 20th of August, 1781, until the total Expulsion
of the British from this state; and the said William Few cannot, to my
knowledge or belief, be convicted of plundering or distressing the
country; and is therefore, under the said Act, entitled to a Bounty of
Two Hundred and Fifty Acres of good Land, free from taxes for ten years,
Given under my hand, at the 29th
3rd: Ref. Amelia County, Virginia Order Book 1776-80 p. 424:
In 1784 he with his wife, Dorothy, sold their plantation of 1000 acres in Amelia County, Virginia to John Royal and moved to Wrightsboro, Richmond County, Georgia. Their daughter, Susanna Edmonds Short, married on October 2, 1804 to John Lee, son of Col. Greenberry Lee. John Lee and wife Susanna removed to Giles County, Tennessee in 1815 where he died 1825. Susanna died in Giles County, Tennessee in 1844. "Vol. 3 - Revolutionary Records of Georgia, by Candler:
P-191. Greenberry Lee5 was Justice for Richmond County, Georgia, Jan. 12, 1782 - February 4, 1784. He was a Revolutionary soldier, Colonel of 2nd Battalion, Richmond County, Georgia. Road Commissioner July 29, 1783. Col. Greenberry Lee5 signed certificates for many Revolutionary soldiers to receive bounty land in Georgia. He received 287-1/2 acres in Washington County, Georgia." "World Almanac and Book of Facts, 1959:
After the death of Col. Greenberry Lee5 in 1784, his widow Elizabeth (Few) Lee married 2nd to Benjamin Andrew in 1788; he was a Member of the Continental Congress from Liberty County, Georgia. He died in 1790 in Columbia County, Georgia. Issue: Hannah Andrew and Dr. Moses Andrew, who was a Physician and a Methodist Minister and removed to Montgomery, Alabama, where he built a fine house and was pastor of the first Methodist church built in Montgomery. He willed his home to his granddaughter, who requested President Jefferson Davis to live then when he was inaugurated President of the Confederate States of America. Today this house is called "The First White House of the Confederacy". it is restored as it was in 1861 and a hostess is there five days a week to show people though the building; a confederate flag is unfurled on the lawn each morning. In 1802 Elizabeth (Few) Lee Andrew married as her third husband, Capt. Thomas Bush, a Revolutionary soldier; his will was probated in 1812 in Warren County, Georgia; he willed the home that Col. Greenberry Lee5 left to Elizabeth, to his daughters by his 1st wife. The law at that time gave to a husband the right to do what he pleased with his wife's property. Captain Thomas Bush and Elizabeth (Few) Lee Andrew Bush had three daughters:
"Vol. 2 - Revolutionary Records of Georgia, by Candler.
"Vol. 3 - Wilkes County, Georgia Records:
The heirs of Col. Greenberry Lee5 received 1150 acres, a Colonel's Bounty
warrant in Franklin County, Georgia on May 7, 1787.
Ref. Old Bible. Unto Col. Greenberry Lee5 and Elizabeth (Few)
Lee were born 2 sons, 1 daughter:
Jaster County, Georgia placed a fine memorial stone on the grave of Dr. and General William Lee6 in the Methodist Cemetery, Montecello, Georgia, commending him for his splendid services to the County. John Lee6, the eldest child of Col. Greenberry Lee5 and Elizabeth (Few)
Lee, born July 24, 1775 in Richmond County, Georgia at Wrightsboro, now
a dead town. He married Susanna Edmonds Short on October 2, 1804;
she was the daughter of Lieut. Col. Thomas Short, a Revolutionary soldier
from Amelia County, Virginia, and his wife Dorothy Jones, daughter of
John Lee6 with his family removed to Giles County, Tennessee in 1815,
where he died in 1825; his wife, Susanna, died there in 1844. Issue:
5 daughters, and 2 sons:
Dr. John Andrew Lee8 received degrees from Vanderbilt University, also from the University of Nashville, Tennessee. He married Lilly Quarles on May 7, 1878 at Warsaw, Sumter County, Alabama, where she was born on January 5, 1854. Lily Quarles attended Alabama Central College at Tuscaloosa, Alabama; after she finished there, she continued her music studies under a private German Professor, Pffenslager. She died June 22, 1911 at her home, Pine Hill, Alabama. Dr. John Andrew Lee died May 29, 1914. They are both buried in Shady Grove Cemetery, near Warsaw, Sumter County, Alabama. Issue: 1. Ida Mimms Lee9 born March 28, 1879, died March 13, 1941, Lenoir,
North Carolina. She graduated from Alabama Central College, also
taught there, and at Davenport College, Lenoir, North Carolina. She
married at Pine Hill, Alabama, July 31, 1912 to Charles E. Corperning of
Lenoir, North Carolina. Issue: one son, Charles Lee Corperning10
born July 21,
2. Dr. Frank J. Lee9, 2nd child of Dr. John Andrew Lee and Lilly (Quarles) Lee, born October 24, 1880, married Clara Nichols November 29, 1919. Dr. Frank J. Lee9 is in "Who's Who in the South and the Southwest". He received a special award in May 1958 from the Alabama Medical Association for having practiced medicine for 50 years in Alabama. They lived at Luverne, Alabama, and had no children. Dr. Frank J. Lee died Jan. 4, 1961. 3. Mimms W. Lee9, 3rd child of Dr. John Andrew Lee8 and Lilly
Quarles Lee, born September 17, 1886; received B.S. degree from Mississippi
State University; also A.B., A.M., and B.D. degrees from Yale University,
New Haven, Connecticut. Mimms W. Lee is in "Men of Mark in
Virginia, 1936". He is on the Board of Governors of the Jamestown
4. Emma Lee9, the 4th and youngest child of Dr. John Andrew Lee
and wife, Lilly (Quarles) Lee. Born at Diana, Tennessee, while bar father
was at Vanderbilt University. She was a graduate of Florence University
for Women; degrees: History
Emma (Lee) Bettis was active in her church in St. Louis, taught young women in Sunday School for many years. She was active in St. Louis Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; also the Daughters of the American Colonists in St. Louis. She in now a member of Francis Marion Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution in Montgomery, Alabama. Her National # 111648. She has been a Professional genealogist and Historian for many years. Is a member of the National Genealogical Society; also a member of the Society of the Lees of Virginia. She has done genealogical research in eighteen States, In Archives, State Libraries, and Court Houses. At the request of many of her family, she has consented to make bar findings accessible to others; hence this Virginia Lee family history. Emma (Lee) Bettis lives at 300 Adams Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama. Mrs. Jennie Lee (Scott) Birdsong10, who lives at 214 West Poplar Street Pulaski, Tennessee, contributed the following data of her great grandmother's line: Mary Short Lee7, daughter of John Lee6 and wife, Susanna Edmonds (Short) Lee, who removed from Richmond County, Georgia to Giles County, Tennessee In 1815. Short Lee7, born in Georgia, January 1, 1809; married David Ralston about 1829 In Giles County, Tennessee, She died June 12, 1840; is buried in the private Ralston Cemetery at Diana, Giles County, Tennessee. David Ralston, born July 22, 1810, a tax collector and farmer of Giles County, son of James Raid Ralston and wife, Esther (Shannon) Ralston. In the winter of 1840 David Ralston sold his farm land to his wife's
mother, Mrs. Susanna E. (Short) Lee, and moved to Maury County, Tennessee,
where he died May 25, 1881. Buried in Matthews Cemetery, about two
miles south of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, established in the early 1800's
by the Scott family and others. There were two sons and one daughter
born to David and wife, Mary Short (Lee) Ralston7:
Charles Strong Scott and Calfernia S. E. (Ralston) Scott8 had five children: l. Strong Scott9, born August 22, 1860, died June 13, 1945; Married Rush Johnson; no children. 2. David Lee Scott9, born April 19. 1866, Maury County, Tennessee; died June 12, 1916. Married August 28, 1895 to Jennie Anderson, born November 4, 1865 in Giles County; died June 21, 1940. They are buried in lot #521 Maplewood Cemetery, Pulaski, Tennessee. 3. Harriett Reid Scott9, called Hattie, born June 9, 1869, in Maury County, Tennessee; died September 9, 1940; buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Pulaski, Tennessee. Married William Burr Harwell; called Dee. They had four daughters and two sons. 4. Andrew Edward Scott9, born September 5, 1872, died July 7, 1916, Single. 5. Bertha Scott9, born November 25, 1876 In Maury County. Married Frank Hardy; he died March 21, 1951. Issue: four daughters and two sons. She lives at Seymour, Texas. David Lee Scott9 and Jennie (Anderson) Scott had five children: 1. Esther Scott10, born and died June 15, 1896 near Waco, Texas; 2. Jennie Lee Scott10, born July 19, 1897 in Hill County, Texas; 3. and 4. Edith Ralston Scott10, and Carter Anderson Scott10, were twins, born November 12, 1899 at Waco, Texas; both are single. Edith10 lives at 5656 11th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama; and Carter10 lives in Pulaski, Tennessee. 5. Hallie Margaret Scott10, born December 19, 1901 at Waco, Texas; Hallie10 is single and works for an attorney and lives in her own home: 1516 Sweetbrier Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee. Jennie Lee Scott10, married Clarence Butler Birdsong on January 6, 1925,
1. Clarence Butler Birdsong, Jr,11, born December 25, 1925; married
Jean Zink on August 26, 1950 in Hinsdale, Illinois, where he is employed
by the Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Jean was born in Chicago,
on February, 23, 1930. They have three children:
2. Henry Thomas Birdsong11, born May 18, 1927; married June 10, 1951
to Mabel Doris Hyatt. She was born April 29, 1932 at Paragould, Arkansas.
He is the owner of West End Drugs, Inc., 21st and West End Avenue, Nashville,
Tennessee. They have one daughter:
3. David Scott Birdsong11,
twin to Henry Thomas Birdsong11, born May 18, 1927. David11 married
Norma Jean March, on June 26, 1954. Jean March was born November
29, 1926. They now live in Nashville, Tennessee, where David11 is
a Metropolitan Life Insurance Agent; and Jean teaches.
4. Eugene Logan Birdsong11, born April 23, 1931; died October 31, 1950. Clarence Butler Birdsong, (husband of Jennie Lee (Scott) Birdsong), was born February 24, 1898 at Aspen Hill, Giles County, Tennessee, the son of the late John Thomas Birdsong and wife, Betty Butler Birdsong. Children of (Mrs. W. B.) Hattie Reid (Scott) Harwell9, 1. Eulalia Harwell10 married Tom Blackshear, now living at DeFuniak
Springs, Florida; retired teachers. They had two sons:
2. Lizzie Lee Harwell10, married Robert S. Locke at Ethridge,
Tennessee. They have two daughters
3. Alla Harwell10, married Charles Wesley Fowler. She lives
at Huntsville, Alabama. One son:
4. Hattie Will Harwell10, single, lives in East Chicago, Indiana. 5. Edward Harwell10, married and lives in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
One daughter:
6. Fred Reid Harwell10, married Olathe Flowers; have two children. Children of Bertha (Scott) Hardy9; lives at Seymour, Texas: 1. Kathleen Hardy10, died in May, 1924 at Pulaski, Tennessee. 2. Lucius Hardy10, married Marie Morgan; four children. 3. Louise Hardy10, married Raymond T. Warren, Seymour, Texas. Four children: Kenneth11. John11, Travis11, and Beth Warren11 married a Danforth. 4. Lorene Hardy10, married Lawton
Taylor. She died May 15, 1951.
5. Oneta Hardy10, married Burrel Mills, Seymour, Texas; two children: Patsy Mills11, and Billy Burrel Mills11. 6. Wallace Rutledge Hardy10, born March 10, 1913;
married Pauline Rister. They live at Wichita Falls,
Texas and have two children:
This ends the list of descendants of Mary Short Lee7, (daughter of John Lee6, son of Col. Greenberry Lee5) and her husband David Ralston of Giles County, Tennessee. Miss Nell Aymett10, who lives at 215 South lst Street, Pulaski, Tennes-see, contributed the following data of her great grandmother's line: Harriet C. Lee7, daughter of John Lee6 and wife Susanna Edmonds (Short) Lee. Harriet C. Lee7 was born in Georgia in 1813; died in December or January 1888; married John Ralston, a tax collector in Giles County, Tenn-essee. He was born May 10, 1812; brother of David Ralston, who married Mary Short Lee7, sister of Harriet C. Lee. David and John Ralston were sons of James Reid Ralston and wife Esther (Shannon) Ralston of Davison County, Tennessee. John and Harriet C. (Lee) Ralston7 had three children:
2. Esther Ann Ralston8 , born August 6, 1836, died April 18, 1882; married on January 6, 1864 to Logan D. Harwell, born May 18, 1817, died August 6, 1899. Issue: six daughters. 3. James A. Ralston8, born June 23, 1838, married Cornelia Harwell, born ___??___, died ___??___. He died March 19, 1907. The six daughters of Esther Ann Ralston8 and Logan D. Harwell:
2. Sallie McFerrin Harwell9, born June 27, 1867, married W. M. Montgomery on September 4, 1892. 3. Mary Edmonds Harwell9, born September 5, 1868, died June 18, 1934. Unmarried. 4. Katie Pierce Harwell9, born September 13, 1871, died November 29, 1904. Unmarried. 5. Maggie L. Harwell9, born September 6, 1873, married December 25, 1894 to David C. Elder. 6. Mattie Marvin Harwell9, born September 5, 1876, married Neil C. Bird-song on December 26, 1893. Esther Ann Ralston8 and Logan D. Harwell's eldest child:
2. Annie Nell Aymett10, born October 25, 1900, unmarried. She lives at 215 South First Street, Pulaski, Tennessee. 3. Henry Harwell Aymett10,
born November 14, 1902, lives at 215 South First Street, Pulaski, Tennessee.
Married May 24, 1920 to Naomi Elizabeth Murphy, born September 16. 1905.
She died April 30, 1961. They had two sons:
4th child of Robert Hatte Lee Harwell9 and Henry Walton Aymett was 4. Katherine Louise Aymett10, born December 18, 1904, died March 31, 1925; unmarried. Esther Ann Ralston8 and Logan D. Harwell's second child:
One daughter by Arnie Young;
Second child of Sallie McFerrin Harwell9 and W, M. Montgomery:
Third child of Sallie McFerrin Harwell9 and W. M. Montgomery: 3. Esther Ann Montgomery10, born January 28, 1902, lives at Pulaski,
Tennessee, Route #5; married on September 25, 1930 to Lexie Young, deceased.
Issue one son:
Fifth child of Esther Ann Ralston8 and Logan D. Harwell: 5. Maggie L. Harwell9, born September 6, 1873, died November 6,
1897; married on December 23, 1894 to David C. Elder, born December 31,
1873, died December 6. 1946. Issue:
Sixth child of Esther Ann Ralston8 and husband Logan D. Harwell:
4. Ruth Winstead11, born July 18, 1922; married on July 14, 1943
to Robert E. Lee, Jr.10 , (great grandson of Edward Greenberry B. Lee7
and 3rd wife, Lucy Farrar.) They live at 600 West Jefferson Street,
Pulaski, Tennessee. Issue: Three children:
Second child of Hattie Marvin Harwell9 and Neil C. Birdsong: 2. Logan Hudgens Birdsong10, born August 9, 1904, died May, 1954;
married August 15, ____ to Elsie Grace Schildt. She is Mrs. Logan
H. Birdsong, Sr., Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Box #411. Issue two
children:
This ends the list of descendants of John Ralston and Harriet C. (LOS) Ralston7, daughter of John Lee6, son of Col. Greenberry Lee5. loss Edward Greenberry B. Lee7, son of John Lee6 and wife Susanna Edmonds (Short) Lee; born _____ in Giles County, Tennessee; married five times: lst wife, Miss Abernathy; a son, John William Lee8, who married four
times.
Judge Robert Edward Lee9, married Della Clayton of Lewisburg, Tennessee.
They had three children Robert E. Lee, Jr10, Daniel Clayton Lee10, Lucy
Lee10.
2. Daniel Clayton Lee10, married Betty Sanders of Lewisburg, Tennessee;
one daughter:
3. Lucy Lee10, married Elmer David Davies, Jr., a Nashville attorney.
They have two children:
John William Lee8 son of Edward Greenberry B. Lee7 and first wife, Miss Elizabeth Abernathy, born in Giles County, Tennessee. Married four times: 1st wife, Roena Payne; one daughter Rosa Lee9, 2nd wife, Jennie Rogers, married March 21, 1881 in Sumter County, Alabama.
They had five children:
On December 30, 1853 Edward D. Amason married Mary S. Rogers (sister of Jennie (Rogers) Lee) in Sumter County, Alabama. Their daughter, Alice Amason, married May 10, 1894 as... 3rd wife of John William Lee8, in Sumter County, Alabama. One daughter:
Mary Edward Lee9, married Gordon Topp.
2. Mary Edward Topp10,
born January 20, 1919; married to William Rilay Young, born December 17,
1914. They live at 610 Ocean View Drive, Vandenburg Air Force Base,
California. Issue: Three daughters:
3. Helen Topp10, married Oron P. South, Box 181, Woodley Road, Montgomery, Alabama. 4th wife of John William Lee8, Margaret (Snow) Lee.
----------
"Lancaster County Virginia Deeds and Wills #17.
John Lee was living in South Carolina at this date so his brother, Charles Lee was the assignee to collect this debt. ----------
The consideration of above obligation Whereas James Scrosby had during
his natural life sold and relinquished to said Thomas Lee all rights &
claims of a certain Tract of Land lying in Lancaster County, Parish of
St. Mary's White Chapel, bequeathed by William Keene to his daughter, Elizabeth
(Keene) Lee, Scrosby, late wife of said James Scrosby.
So ends the Emma Lee Bettis Manuscript.
In Emma Lee Bettis' attempt to determine the parentage of Col. Greenberry LEE of GA, it appears that Emma took a leap of faith when she identifies John LEE (Thomas, Charles, Richard) of VA as the John LEE of MD who was in SC 1751. She placed John of VA in SC by assumption -- convenience of association of two people with the same name. Unless it can be proven that John of VA moved to MD, married there, and then moved to SC, I don't see the connection. Thomas, John's brother, wrote his will in 1758. It is unlikely he would make John administrator, if John was living in SC since 1751. This situation does not contribute to a connection. There is a John LEE in MD who married Margaret HOWARD in 1745 in Joppa, Harford Co., MD, but there is no evidence that they went to SC either. William FEW, father of Elizabeth who married Col. Greenberry LEE in GA, was from Harford Co., MD. William FEW (and family) went to NC and then on to Wrightsboro, Richmond Co., GA. It is more likely that the LEEs of Harford Co., MD followed the FEWs to NC then on to GA perhaps with a stop in SC enroute. There is the claim that Greenberry LEE was Thomas Greenberry LEE, Jr. of VA/NC. I have been unable to establish Thomas Greenberry LEE, Jr. by any record. The assertions are strong, but the evidence is weak to nonexistent. In any case, the issue of Greenberry LEE's parentage is not resolved satisfactorily at this point. Best regards,
It is my understanding that this work is not copyrighted. But just in
case someone owns a copyright to this work and we are infringing on their
copyright and they want us to remove this manuscript from our website,
please email me at : Charles L. Lee clee007-at-centurytel.net
or Dennis Merritt demerit-at-comcast.net
and tell us to remove it and I will do so immediately. - Charles,
Dennis and Robert. Thanks! (Replace -at- with the @ sign to complete the
above email addresses).
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