Person Page - 6

     Dorothy was born at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 21 January 1736. She married George Dudley , Jr. at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 7 September 1758. Dorothy died in 1794.

     Lewis was born at Essex County, Virginia, on 21 May 1754.¹ He married Judith Dudley on 7 February 1788.¹ His body was interred in December 1814 at Essex County, Virginia, at 'Laurel Grove'. Lewis died on 23 December 1814 at Essex County, Virginia, at age 60.¹

     Judith was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 1 January 1765.¹ She married Lewis Booker on 7 February 1788.¹ Her body was interred in October 1817 at Essex County, Virginia, at 'Laurel Grove'. Judith died on 16 October 1817 at Essex County, Virginia, at age 52.¹

     Joseph was born at Middlesex County, Virginia, in 1739.¹ He married Martha Tabb at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 3 September 1761.^2,3 Joseph died on 17 June 1802 at Virginia.¹

     Martha died. Martha was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 8 March 1744.¹ She married Joseph Mayo at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 3 September 1761.^2,1

     William died at "Green Valley", Berkeley County, Virginia.¹ He married Joanna Tompkins.¹ William was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 9 November 1745.

     She married William Tabb.¹ Joanna was born. Joanna died. She married Kempe P. Elliott.¹

     "He was quite wealthy and willed his estate to three of his nephews, viz: - Edward Tabb Eldest son of Uncle George Tabb (who married one of his wife's nieces), John Leeland Tabb, (my Father), and Uncle William Tabb, my fathers' brother. Uncle Ed always had a great horror of being buried in the grave, so 2 or 3 years previous to his death, he had a vault made for his last resting place. The making of that vault led to an unhappy coldness between the brothers Edward and George - Uncle George regarded the whole procedure as not only unwise but really sinful; he remonstrated with his brother in such warm terms - urging him at the same time to seek a preparation for a "Mansion with the redeemed in Heaven." That Uncle Eddy was hurt and highly offended at his brothers' rebuke, which he considered very intrusive, his brother being the youngest. I heard that they were not on speaking terms for many months previous to Edwards death, which was very sudden; he died of apoplexy, or, as many thought and believed - of cholera, inasmuch as he had chastised one of his Negro men but a short time before he died. It appears that he reprimanded the servant for some misdemeanor, when he made insolent recriminations, which the high spirit of a Tabb could not brook. He struck the man, repeatedly perhaps, with a whip, after which he walked into the house, and in less than an hour he was in eternity - Aunt said he died 20 minutes after he came in. When I was in Berkeley last, I visited the Vault, and in company with several of our cousins entered the "dream abode", where rested the mortal remains of Uncle and his Wife, who only survived him three years. The Coffins stood upon stone pillars, but alas! After all his care and pains - Death's insignia was there - Darkness; dust and desolation. I was forcibly impressed with the sentiment of the Poet -
     "An Angels arm can't snatch me from the grave
     Legions of Angels can't confine me there". "

He died childless.

Source: Letter written by Elizabeth Tabb Mitchell to Robert Mayo, Esq. Copied by S. Callie Wolfe, in 1886. Recopied by Barbara J. Wolfe Foran in 2001-2002. The letter is dated October 11th 185? from Springfield, Illinois. Edward was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 28 September 1748. He married Ruth Walker in 1806. His body was interred in 1813 at Berkeley County, Virginia, at 'Rural Hill'. Edward died in 1813.

     Ruth died. Ruth was born at Prince George's County, Maryland, circa 1742.¹ She married Edward Tabb in 1806.

     What follows is the honorable discharge of William and George Tabb from the Continental Army.

By order of His Excellency, George Washington, esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Army of the United Colonies.

Whereas the bearers, William and George Tabb, riflemen in Major Stevenson's Company, having served with courage and fidelity all the time of their continuance in the Army, and with due obedience to their officers, but by the unfortunate death of their elder brother* it is necessary for the settlement of their private affairs and for the assistance of the widow and children of their deceased brother that they should be gratified in having their discharge and permission to return to their home, they are here by discharged. Given at the camp before Boston, October 3, 1775.

By his Excellency's command, to all it may concern.

Horatio Gates, Adj. General

Source: Virginia Historical Magazine, Year Ending December 31, 1914, Vol. XXII, by the Virginia Historical Society.

*The brother referred to was John Tabb, a child of William and Susannah Tabb. His family did not remain in Berkeley County.


"Uncle George was religious and a Baptist preacher of the old school; he was twice married; his first wife was Miss Ann White, sister to Judge White of Winchester Va. She died early leaving 4 children, Edward, Ann John, and George. His second wife was Ann Eliason. Their children are Bailey - Seaton Elliott, Mary, Eliza, Mildred and Harriett, and all living but Harriett. The first wife's children are all dead except Cousin George, he lives at Mansfield Va. with one of his daughters. Uncle George lost his reason during the last 8 years of his life, he was, I understand a mono - maniac on the doctrinal theories of Religion. I was much grieved when I heard the details of his deep mental sufferings and his pathetic calls to "The Throng" for help, he would often wander away by himself, and was most always found preaching, or weeping and praying. Poor Uncle! I hope he found rest in Heaven. I was very partial to him, he was so truly kind and affable to everyone, and distinguished for his generous hospitality. I considered him a fine specimen of our Old Virginia Gentleman. There are so many theories afloat in the World, all claiming the Scriptures of Truth for their basis, that the human mind has no safe anchorage but in a sound religious experience, accompanied by the consciousness Job had, when he exclaimed - "I know that my Redeemer livith."."

Source: Letter written by Elizabeth Tabb Mitchell, To Robert Mayo Esq. Copied by S Callie Wolfe, in 1886. Re-copied by Barbara J. Wolfe Foran in 2001-2002. The letter was written from Springfield, Ilinois and was dated Oct 11th 185? George was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 14 November 1750. He married Anne (Nancy) White on 6 January 1777.^1,2 He married Anne Eliason at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 7 January 1796. George died on 1 August 1829 at 'Green Valley', Berkeley County, Virginia, at age 78.¹ His body was interred after 1 August 1829 at Berkeley County, Virginia, at 'Green Valley'. George's will was probated at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 9 November 1829.

     Anne was born at Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia, on 3 March 1761. She married George Tabb on 6 January 1777.^1,2 Anne died on 27 November 1794 at age 33.

     (---?---) died. (---?---) was born. He married Frances Tabb.

     She married (---?---) Todd. Frances died. Frances was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 29 July 1753.¹

     Robert was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, on 23 January 1737.¹ He married Elizabeth Elliott in 1758. Robert died on 11 September 1775 at Jefferson County, Virginia, at age 38.^2,1,3 His body was interred after 11 September 1775 at Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia, at Old Episcopal Graveyard.³

     Elizabeth Elliott Tabb was a patriot, furnishing seven "diets" for part of the First Regiment of Light Dragoon of the Continental Army for which she was paid seven shillings by the State of Virginia, Berkeley County, Public Service Claim. She married James Kearney. Elizabeth was born at Gloucester County, Virginia, in 1740.¹ She married Robert Tabb in 1758. Elizabeth died on 23 September 1799 at Berkeley County, Virginia.¹ Her body was interred after 23 September 1799 at Shepherdstown, Jefferson County, Virginia, at Old Episcopal Graveyard.¹

     George died. George was born.

     Edward died. Edward was born.

     He married Nancy Moss. Bailey was born at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 10 August 1762.¹ Bailey died in 1787.²

     She married Bailey Seaton Tabb. Nancy died. Nancy was born.

     Robert Tabb's will reads as follows.

Know all men by these presents that I, Robert Tabb, of Hardin County, State of Kentucky, being in my right senses and sound mind, do make this my last will and testament in the following manner:

I do bequeath to my dearly beloved wife, Mary Tabb, two negroes, Jason and Sally, also a sorrel mare and such furniture as the said Mary may think proper to take for her and during her natural lifetime and then to be divided among the heirs.

I do bequeath to my son, John Tabb, one sixth part of the land in the most convenient part to his dwelling, also one sixth part of the timber land. The negro I lent John was sold by my consent to M. Ready. John received in Commonwealth money two hundred dollars for same. It is my wish that John have my wagon with the big stretcher, the hind gears and what pertains thereto, with a sixth part of my personal property after mine and my wife's death and my lawful debts paid.

I do also bequeath to my daughter, Elizabeth VanMetre, wife of Abisha VanMetre of this County and State aforesaid, the land designed for her, being a sixth part of the land held by me by mutual consent was sold to Jonathan VanMetre by the said Abisha and Elizabeth, the title of the aforesaid land to be made good to the heirs of Jonathan VanMetre. The said Abisha and Elizabeth, his wife, shall have the negro woman Anna and her increase, also one sixth part of my personal property after mine and my wife's d eath.

I do also bequeath to the heirs of Robert H. Tabb, deceased, the sixth part of the land I now hold, the land, being sold to VanMetre. It is my wish the said Jonathan VanMetre's heirs have a good title for the same. I do bequeath to the heirs of Robert H. Tabb one negro by the name of James, after my death, and a sixth part of my personal property after mine and my wife's death and my debts paid. It is my wish the salt should be sold for the benefit of the children's schooling, etc.

I do also bequeath to my daughter, Mary C. McNeill, and her heirs one sixth part of my landed property to be a ded to the shares purchased by Jonathan VanMetre--the whole comprising two hundred fifty acres, with an equal share of timber land, the said beginning at the Northeast corner running on the east line so as to include two hundred and fifty acres. it is my wish that the negro woman Charlotte and her increase shall be for the benefit of the said Mary C. McNeill and her heirs with an equal share of m y personal property after mine and my wife's death and my debts paid. The bond in Mary C. McNeill's hands against me for the benefit of Jonathan VanMetre's will be paid out of my personal estate.

I do also bequeath to my son, Edmond Tabb, one sixth part of my landed property, the same he having sold to his brother, Bailey Tabb. It is my wish it may stand good. The negro man Jack that the said Edmond has in possession I bequeath to him with an equal share of my personal property after mine and my wife's death and my debts being paid.

I do also bequeath to my son, Bailey Tabb, one sixth part of my landed property with an equal share of timber land and it is my wish that the said Bailey have as much of my property at my decease as thirty dollars to make up a defiency for the loss of a negro: also that the said Bailey shall have the fifth chain, little stretcher and Jackscrew. The fanning mill, I give to my sons, John and Bailey: also the said Bailey to have an equal share of my personal property after mine and my wife's death and my d ebts paid.

I also have in my possession the sum of twenty dollars due to the heirs of Robert Tabb, which will be paid out of my personal property.

Having, my dear children, done everything that is in my power for your worldly comfort, it is my wish that you avoid disputes among yourselves and live in brotherly love and unity. Should any account be brought by any of the heirs, it is my wish it may be paid out of their own part. It is my wish to have Abisha VanMetre Executor to this Will signed the tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty.

ROBERT TABB (Seal)


Witnesses:

John B. Morgan
Ruth VanMetre (Her X mark)

At a Court held for Hardin County at the Court house in Elizabethtown on Monday the 21st day of February 1831, the foregoing instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of Robert Tabb was produced in Court and proven as the law requires by the oaths of John B. Morgan and Ruth VanMetre the subscribing witnesses thereto and was ordered to record. Whereupon I have truly recorded the same in my office, this 28th day of February 1831.

SAMUEL HAYCRAFT, Clerk

A COPY ATTEST: R. N. SPRIGG, Clerk (1932)

Recorded, Will Book D, Page 169. Robert was born at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 29 November 1763.¹ He married Mary Buckner Chisman at York County, Virginia, on 21 February 1785.^2,3 Robert immigrated, in 1812. Destination:. Robert died on 4 February 1831 at Hardin County, Kentucky, at age 67.³ His body was interred after 4 February 1831 at Hardin County, Kentucky.

     Mary Chisman Tabb was of distinguished parantage through both her paternal and maternal lines. Among other things she was a third cousin of George Washington and great, great granddaughter of Col. George Reade of Royal descent. Mary was born at Charles Parish, York County, Virginia, before 20 October 1765.¹ She was christened at Charles Parish, York County, Virginia, on 20 October 1765. She married Robert Tabb II at York County, Virginia, on 21 February 1785.^2,1 Mary died on 13 January 1832 at Hardin County, Kentucky.¹ Her body was interred after 13 January 1832 at Hardin County, Kentucky.

     William died. He married Martha McAllison. He married Martha Kirkpatrick. William was born at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 6 June 1766.¹

     Thomas died at Kentucky. "Thomas was a wild and reckless man. He always lived in Berkeley and possessed the most indomitable resolution of any man in those parts. I presume if the Giant Goliath had appeared on earth and happened to offent cousin Tom, as we called him, I don't think he would have hesitated to have given the Giant a demonstration of his Valor."

Source: Letter written by Elizabeth Tabb Mitchell to Robert Mayo, Esq. Copied by S. Callie Wolfe, in 1886. Recopied by Barbara J. Wolfe Foran in 2001-2002. The letter is dated October 11th 185? from Springfield, Illinois. Thomas was born at Berkeley County, Virginia, circa 1776. He married Elizabeth VanMetre at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 29 December 1796. He married Mary (Poly) VanMetre at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 3 December 1812.¹

     Elizabeth was born at Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia, circa 1784. She married Thomas Tabb at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 29 December 1796. Elizabeth died circa 1809 at Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia.

     Mary died. Mary was born. She married Thomas Tabb at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 3 December 1812.¹ Mary (Poly) VanMetre married Jacob V. Gorrell on 15 September 1831 at Berkeley County, Virginia.

     He married Elizabeth Tabb. Col. was born at Skippack Creek, Germantown, Philadepphia County, Pennsylvania, circa 1714. He married Sarah Eltinge circa 1736 at Kingston, Ulster County, New York. Col. died in 1792 at Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia.

     She married Col. John Hite. Elizabeth died. She married Thomas White. Elizabeth was born at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 3 June 1759.¹

     Samuel died. Samuel was born in 1740. He married Mary Tabb at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 26 June 1783.

     Mary died at Berkeley County, Virginia.¹ Mary was born at Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, Virginia, on 20 February 1768.² She married Samuel Hedges at Berkeley County, Virginia, on 26 June 1783.

     His body was interred at Berkeley County, Virginia. John Kerney first enlisted in the Continental Army on 2 August 1776, in Col. Hugh Stephenson's company of riflemen. Shortly after his enlistment Colonel Stephenson took ill and died. Capt. Abraham Shepherd took over then Sgt. John Kerney's company.

His company of riflemen were ordered to help with the defense of Fort Washington on the northern tip of Long Island. The battle that took place there on 15 Novemger 1776, was a serious military defeat for Gen. George Washington and the Continental Army. John Kerney's company along with approximately 3,000 soldiers and officers surrendered the following morning of 16 November 1776. For the next two years JohnKerney suffered a long and painful inprisonment at the hands of his British captors.

After his release in 1778 he returned to Berkeley County where he married Susanna Tabb. You would think that after fighting and bleeding for his new country, he would now stay in Berkeley County with his new bride and begin to raise a family. But John Kerney didn't do that, he enlisted in the Virginia State Line regiment of Joseph Crockett and was given the rank of captain.

Col. Crockett's regiment marched from here (Berkeley County, Virginia) to the forks of the Ohio River and down the Ohio River to help Col. George Rogers in the defense of the Northwestern Territories. There were many battles fought there, the most notable being the battles of Kaskaskia and Vincennes in February 1779.

At the conclusion of peace in 1783, Capt. John Kerney was stationed at the falls of the Ohio River. After the war he returned to Berkeley County, where he held the position of Justice of the Peace, predecessor of our current magistrate system, and was a member of the county court. John Kerney died on 27 December 1805.

Source: The Evening Journal, Friday, August 3, 1990, page A-4, Published in Martinsburg, West Virginia. John was born at Berkeley County, Virginia, in 1745. He married Susanna Tabb at Berkeley County, Virginia, in 1778. John died on 27 December 1805 at Berkeley County, Virginia.