1. "Births Wyoming Co, Wv.." Haga, 1858
2. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Rockview PO, taken on 29 Jun 1860, Page 667, Family # 106.
Listed as William W. Brinegar, age 1, born in VA, in household of father, Jacob Brinegar.
3. 1870 Census, Wayne Co, WV, Court House PO, taken on 7 Aug 1870, Page 46A, Family #47.
Listed as William Brenger, age 10, born in VA, in household of father, Jacob Brinegar.
4. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Center Township, taken on 9 Jun 1880, Page 503B, Family #62.
Listed as William Brinegar, age 21, born in WV, in household of father, Jacob Brinegar.
5. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 2, No 82, Haga, page 13.
William W. Brinegar, age 23, married on 9 Dec 1882 Elizabeth Green, age 21,
at E. Green's.
1. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Center District, Rock View, Family 64.
2. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 717.
Center Township, page 017
Listed as Elizabeth Green, age 17, in household of father, Alfred Green.
3. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 2, No 82, Haga, page 13.
William W. Brinegar, age 23, married on 9 Dec 1882 Elizabeth Green, age 21,
at E. Green's.
1. "Births of Wyoming Co, WV...", Haga, 1883.
Nancy C. Brinegar was born on 15 Sep 1883 to William and Elizabeth Brinegar.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, VA, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed as head of household as a farmer.
2. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, pages 30 and 31.
Married first Julia Mandaville, daughter of James and Chloe Mandaville, on
29 Aug 1866; second on 25 Aug 1875, Nancy M. Brooks, age 40, born in
Monongahela Co, PA.
3. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 57.
4. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 701.
Oceana Township, page 018.
Listed as William H. Cozart, age 57, head of household, a farmer.
5. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Oceana District, Family #90.
Listed as William H. Cozart, age 71, in household of son, John Cozart.
6. Ancestry.com Web Site, Julia Mandaville search, 20 Jan 2002, submitted by
Sonja Black, sonja71628@cs.com.
William Harrison Cozart; born 0n 30 Apr 1829 in Person Co, NC; served in CSA,
Co G, 22nd Reg, VA Infantry; son of John Haywood and Anne (______) Cozart;
married first Julia Mandaville; second Nancy M. Brooks.
1. 1860 Census; Wyoming Co, VA (WV); Craney PO; taken on 27 Jul 1860; Page 70_; Image 52 of
73; Family #262/316.
Listed as Nancy M. Brooks; age 26; born in PA; in household of husband, William R. Brooks.
2. "Wyoming Co, WV, Hertiage...", page 87.
3. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Oceana Township; Oceana PO; taken on 12 Jul 1870; Page
596A; Image 19 of 20; Family #128/128.
Listed as Nancy M. Brooks; age 34; born in PA; keeping house; head of household.
4. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 701.
Oceana Township, page 018.
Listed as Nancy M. Cozart, age 46, in household of husband, William H.
Cozart.
2. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, pages 30 and 31.
William H. Cozart married first Julia Mandaville, daughter of James and Chloe
Mandaville, on 29 Aug 1866; second on 25 Aug 1875, Nancy M. Brooks, age 40,
born in Monongahela Co, PA.
1. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 24.
2. "Marriage Records of Wyoming...", Vol 1, Haga, page 2.
Robert D. Acord married Sarah V. Brooks on 11 Dec 1879.
3. "Reference Book of Wyoming County History", Mary K. Bowman, page 408.
Robert D. Acord married Sarah Brooks.
4. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 687.
Slab Fork Township, page 010.
Listed with his wife, Sarah V., in household of his mother, Sarah Oliver
Acord, age 18, as a laborer.
5. 1900 Census, Fayette Co, WV, Fayetteville District, page 115A, Family #933.
Listed as R.A. Acord, age 37, born in Sep 1862, in WV, married 20 years,
6 children, 4 living, head of household.
1. 1860 Census; Wyoming Co, VA (WV); Craney PO; taken on 27 Jul 1860; Page 70_; Image 52 of
73; Family #262/316.
Listed as Sarah V. Brooks; age 5; born in VA; in household of father, William R. Brooks.
2. "Births Wyoming Co, WV...", Haga, 1856.
3. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, page 2.
Married Robert D. Acord, age 18, born in Wyoming Co, WV.
4. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV; Oceana Township; Oceana PO; taken on 12 Jul 1870; Page
596A; Image 19 of 20; Family #128/128.
Listed as Sarah V. Brooks; age 14; born in VA; in household of mother, Nancy McClure Brooks.
5. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 687.
Slab Fork Township, page 010.
Listed with her husband, Robert Acord, in household of his mother, Sarah Oliver Acord, age 24.
6. 1900 Census, Fayette Co, WV, Fayetteville District, page 115A, Family #933.
Listed as Sarah V. Acord, age 44, born in Jan 1856, in WV, married 20 years,
6 children, 4 living, in household of husband, Robert Acord.
1. 1900 Census, Fayette Co, WV, Fayetteville District, page 115A, Family #933.
Listed as Laura J. Acord, age 18, born in Mar 1882, in WV, in household of
father, Robert Acord.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed as head of household as miller.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 82.
3. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 698.
Slab Fork Township, page 001.
Listed as W.S. Brown, age 60, head of household, a carpenter.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of husband, Wilson Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 82.
3. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 698.
Slab Fork Township, page 001.
Listed as Cynthia A. Brown, age 55, in household of husband, W.S. Brown.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of father, Wilson Brown.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of father, Wilson Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 82.
1. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 82.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of father, Wilson Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 82.
3. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, page 14.
J.J. Brown, age 21, married on 25 Aug 1876 Agga Trump, age 19.
4. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Slab Fork Township, page 001.
Listed as James J. Brown, age 24, head of household.
1. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 132.
2. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, page 14.
J.J. Brown, age 21, married on 25 Aug 1876 Agga Trump, age 19.
3. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Slab Fork Township, page 001.
Listed as Aggie Brown, age 22, in household of husband, James J. Brown.
4. 1860 Census, Raleigh Co, WV, Coal River Marshes, taken on 7 Jul 1860, Page 961, Family #241.
Listed as Aggy Trump, age 2, born in VA, in household of father, Floyd Trump.
1. "Births of Wyoming Co, WV...", Haga, 1877.
William J. Brown was born on 10 Apr 1877 to James and Agga Brown.
Reported by Floyd Trump. (Agga's father).
2. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Slab Fork Township, page 001.
Listed as William T. Brown, age 3, in household of father, James J. Brown.
1. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Slab Fork Township, page 001.
Listed as Aden T. Brown, age 9 months, in household of father, James J.
Brown.
1. "Births of Wyoming Co, WV...", Haga, 1882.
Crocket H. Brown was born on 6 May 1882 to James B. and Aga Brown.
2. Wyoming Co, WV; WW I Draft Registration Card #1339; Pineville, WV Draft Board, 12 Sep 1918.
Crockett Hurst Brown; age 36; born on 6 May 1882; living at Maben, Wyoming Co, WV; night
watchman on engine for W.M. Ritter lumber Co, Maben; nearest relative, James J. Brown, Maben,
WV; medium height with stout build; brown eyes and Black hair; "hearing very bad".
1. "Births of Wyoming Co, WV ...", Haga, 1884.
Stella Brown was born on 9 Sep 1884 at McGraws to J.J. and Agnes Brown.
1. "Deaths of Wyoming Co, WV", Haga, 1890.
Vida T. Brown died 3 Jun 1890 at age four years, daughter of J.J. and Aggie
Brown.
1. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, taken 20 Jul 1850, page 119, Family #17.
Listed as William P. Brown, age 26, head of household, a farmer
2. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed as head of household as farmer.
3. "Marriage Records of Wyoming...", Vol 1, Haga, page 15.
William P. Brown, widowed, son of James and Mary Brown, married on 2 Apr
1862 Nancy Manor, daughter of Mary Manor.
4. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 34.
Listed as William P. Brown, age 47, head of household.
5. 1870 Census, Logan Co, WV, Tridelphia Township, Page 552B, Family #154.
Listed as William Brown, age 46, head of household.
It appears this family has been listed in Wyoming and Logan Co's.
6. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Oceana Township, page 007.
William's daughter is listed as Sarah Brown, age 22, in household of cousin,
Jasper Brown.
From the "cousin relationship" it is concluded that William Jasper Brown's
father, Mathias Brown, was a brother to Sarah Brown's father, William P.
Brown.
7. "Marriage Records of Wyoming...", Vol 6, No 195, Haga, page 12.
Adam Brown, age 27, son of Patton and Nancy Brown, married on 28 Nov 1902
Eva May Brown , age 16, daughter of C.L. and Mary A. Brown.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of husband, William P. Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 34.
Not listed here. Husband had remarried in 1862.
3. "Reference Book of Wyoming County History", Mary K. Bowman, page 391.
Children of Reuben and Sallie Ball Roach listed. Daughter Rebecca Roach
Brown was listed as a child.
4. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, taken 20 Jul 1850, page 119, Family #17.
Listed as Rebecca Brown, age 25, in household of husband, William P. Brown.
1. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, taken 20 Jul 1850, page 119, Family #17.
Listed as Mary Ann Brown, age 3, in household of father, William P. Brown.
1. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, taken 20 Jul 1850, page 119, Family #17.
Listed as Joseph H. Brown, age 1, in household of father, William P. Brown.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of father, William P. Brown.
1. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, page 53.
Tinsley Mason, age 24, born in Logan Co, a resident of Boone Co, WV, married
Sarah Brown, age 23, born in Wyoming Co, WV.
Marriage is listed twice, again at Vol 2, No 7.
2. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
205B, Family #142.
Listed as Tinsley Mason, age 42, born in Mar 1858 in WV, farmer, married 19
years, head of household.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, transcribed by Pauline Haga.
Listed in household of father, William P. Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 34.
3. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Oceana Township, page 007.
Listed as Sarah Brown, age 22, in household of cousin, Jasper Brown.
From the "cousin relationship" it is concluded that William Jasper Brown's
father, Mathias Brown, was a brother to Sarah Brown's father, William P.
Brown.
4. "Marriage Records of Wyoming Co, WV...", Vol 1, Haga, page 53.
Tinsley Mason, age 24, born in Logan Co, a resident of Boone Co, WV, married
Sarah Brown, age 23, born in Wyoming Co, WV.
Marriage is listed twice, again at Vol 2, No 7.
5. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
205B, Family #142.
Listed as Sarah Mason, age 39, born in Aug 1860 in WV, married 19 yrs, 7
children, 5 living, in household of husband, Tinsley Mason.
1. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
206A, Family #142.
Listed as Edward Mason, age 18, born in Nov 1881 in WV, in household of
father, Tinsley Mason.
1. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
206A, Family #142.
Listed as Rosa B. Mason, age 16, born in Feb 1884 in WV, in household of
father, Tinsley Mason.
1. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
206A, Family #142.
Listed as Ada E. Mason, age 6, born in Sep 1893 in WV, in household of
father, Tinsley Mason.
1. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
206A, Family #142.
Listed as Mary F. Mason, age 2, born in Jun 1897 in WV, in household of
father, Tinsley Mason.
1. 1900 Census, Boone Co, WV, Sherman District, taken on 15 Jun 1900, page
206A, Family #142.
Listed as Catherine Mason, age 10 months, born in Jul 1899 in WV, in
household of father, Tinsley Mason.
1. Ancestry.com Web Site, William Brown search, 6 Nov 2001, submitted by K. Mazor.
George Riley Vance; born on 26 Dec 1859 in Logan Co, WV; died on 2 Feb 1925 in Logan Co, WV;
married Frances Brown, daughter of William P. and Rebecca Roach Brown, on 5 Mar 1884 in
Logan Co, WV.
2. 1860 Census, Logan Co, VA (WV), Mouth of Buffalo (Creek) PO, taken on 27 jun 1860, Page 238,
Family #248.
Listed as George R. Vance, age 1, born in VA, in household of father, Eli N. Vance.
3. 1870 Census, Logan Co, WV, Triadelphia District, Rich Creek PO, taken on 6 Jul 1870, Page 552B,
Family #152.
Listed as George R. Vance, age 10, born in VA, in household of mother, Nancy Brown Vance.
4. 1880 Census, Logan Co, WV, Tridelphia District, Page 308B, Family #77.
Listed as George Vance, age 22, born in WV, farmer, in household of mother, Nancy Brown Vance.
5. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as George Vance, age 42, born in WV in Apr 1858, married 16 years, farmer,
head of household.
6. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 22 Jan 1920, Page 237B, Family #224.
Listed as Riley Vance, age 63, born in WV, farmer, head of household.
7. Logan Co, WV Death Certificate #2014; WV Archives Web Site.
Geo. Riley Vance; age 66; born in 1859in Logan Co, WV; widowed; farmer; son of Eli and Nancy
Brown Vance; died on 24 Feb 1925 at Davin, Logan Co, WV; information provided by Mike H. Vance,
Davin, WV.
1. "Births Wyoming Co, WV...", Haga, 1858.
Mary A.F. Brown was born on 27 Jan 1858 on Milam Fork to William P. and Rebecca Brown.
Even though this birth record clearly shows her name to be Mary apparently she was known as
Frances Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 34.
Listed as Francis Brown, age 13, in household of father, William Borwn.
3. 1870 Census, Logan Co, WV, Tridelphia Township, Page 552B, Family #154.
Listed as Mary Brown, age 10, in household of father, William P. Brown.
(It appears this family has been listed in Wyoming and Logan Co's.)
4. Ancestry.com Web Site, William Brown search, 6 Nov 2001, submitted by K.
Mazor, csspencer14@yahoo.com
Frances Brown; born in 1857 in Wyoming Co, WV; daughter of William Patterson
and Rebecca Roach Brown; married George Riley Vance on 5 Mar 1884 in Logan
Co, WV; children: Martha Ann, James Millard, and Wiley Vance.
George Riley Vance was born on 26 Dec 1859 in Logan Co, WV.
5. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as Frances Vance, age 41, born in WV in Sep 1858, married 16 years, 9 children, 6? living,
in household of husband, George R. Vance.
6. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 22 Jan 1920, Page 237B, Family #224.
Listed as Francis Vance, age 63, born in WV, in household of husband, George R. Vance.
7. Wyoming Co, WV Death Certificate #2714; WV Archives Web Site.
Frances Vance; age 66 yrs, 9 mons, 19 days; born on 20 Mar 1857 in Wyoming Co, WV; married;
daughter of Paten and Rebecka Roach Brown; died on 9 Jan 1924 at Cyclone, Wyoming Co, WV of
"cancer of nose"; buried on 11 Jan 1924 in Harless Graveyard.
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as William A. Vance, age 23, born in WV in Sep 1876, in household of father, George R. Vance.
2. Logan Co, WV Death Certificate #3163; WV Archives Web Site.
William Anderson Vance; age 74 yrs, 5 mons, 13 days; born on 24 Sep 1876 at Davin, WV; widowed;
son of G. Riley and Frances Brown Vance; died on 9 Mar 1951 in Logan General Hospital, Logan WV
of head injury from being struck by a car; lived 7 days; buried on 11 Mar 1951 in Claypool Cemetery;
informant, Moses Vance.
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as Elvira Vance, age 16, born in WV in Nov 1883, in household of father, George R. Vance.
2. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 22 Jan 1920, Page 237B, Family #224.
Listed as Eluria G. Vance, age 35, born in WV, in household of father, George R. Vance.
(There is a Virgil Brown, age 12, grandson of George Riley Vance, listed here. Is this Elvira's son?)
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as Blackburn Vance, age 14, born in WV in Jun 1885, in household of father, George R. Vance.
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as Ulysses G. Vance, age 15, born in WV in Oct 1895, in household of father, George R. Vance.
2. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 22 Jan 1920, Page 237B, Family #224.
Listed as Ulie Vance, age 22 (sic), born in WV, in household of father, George R. Vance.
1. 1900 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 21 Jun 1900, Page 276A, Family #219.
Listed as George W. Vance, age 2, born in WV in Feb 1898, in household of father, George R. Vance.
2. 1920 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana District, taken on 22 Jan 1920, Page 237B, Family #224.
Listed as Wiley Vance, age 19, born in WV, in household of father, George R. Vance.
1. "Reference Book of Wyoming County History", Mary K. Bowman, page 399.
James Brown married Millie Vance, daughter of Abner Vance, Sr.
Abner Vance, Sr. married in Russell Co, VA and settled on the Tug River near
the present Logan Wyoming Co line. His children were: James, John, Richard,
Abner, Jr, Millie, Bettie and three other daughters who married (______)
Perry, Francis Browning, and John McCloud.
Abner, Sr was hanged for killing (_______) Horton.
2. "Timothy Vance's Homepage", internet.
Abner Vance born abt 1763, died 16 Jul 1819, married Susannah Howard in
1779.
3. Familysearch.com, LDS Web Site, 29 Feb 2000, Abner Vance search.
Abner died on 16 Jul 1819 in Abingdon, Russell Co, VA.
4. Facebook Posting by Barbara Vance Cherep; 16 Feb 2019.
"An interesting story on Abner Vance, I wrote and Ezra Stiles Ely. I found this information to write this story nearly a year ago, though just now had time to write it. Hope we have some relatives on this site besides myself.""Abner Vance and Dr. Rev. E.S. Ely
Religion and the Newspapers
By Barbara Vance Cherep""As a researcher and relative of Abner Vance many times I’ve wondered about the story of Abner Vance, the man who was hung in Washington County, Virginia, in July 16, 1819 for murder. I wrote a well-documented event of his case some years ago giving those accounts of trial and life. We happen to know many things about his life due to the county court records and his trial records in both Russell and Washington Counties. Further from the book of court transcripts gathered and printed by William Brockenbrough, with cases overseen in the book by Mr. Benjamin Watkins Leigh who was later Attorney General of Virginia. William Brockenbrough was printer for the state of Virginia which his book included 1815 to 1826 court cases, which one case was the transcripts of Abner Vance trial in this book called Virginia Cases, Decisions of the General Court. Later in 1836, Leigh compiled a book called Reports of the Court of Appeals and General Court. We know many other tidbits through newspapers. Such as the one I will write about written by a Doctor and Minister from New York, Dr. Rev. Ezra Stiles Ely.
"So, let’s start with some background of what we know about the case of a man who confessed to the murder of Lewis Horton - though his case was slanted by an unruly indiscriminate judge and a plea of “temporary insanity” which had not been heard in the court. This case went on for two long years and set new precedence of a new law by Congress where a trial can be heard in another county when reasons appear that if a case cannot be remedied in the acting county, in this case its Russell County. The case came into court to be heard where Abner was found guilty. Under a set back and proven prejudice, a second trial was ordered. The people of Russell County didn’t want to sit on this second jury to hear this case against a man who was one of their own. Where it was written that many people whom had already formed an opinion and would not sit on this jury for reasons of their own and unknown.
"Abner Vance is seen in the records as a family man. He was asked to be a road surveyor in Russell county, paid his taxes, raised children and even sit on a jury ..."
Page 1"of another case of John Elliot for murder in April of 1817, where it was said Abner fought for Elliot not to be hanged. Elliot was sentenced to the brig on half ration and for nine years. In a song written by Abner, its intimated that Abner was asked by Sheriff Thompson and Judge Johnson to sit on that jury. By June of 1817 William Horton, (brother to Robert, Lewis and Daniel Horton) gave bond as county constable, and by July 1817, Abner was arrested for murder.
"When Abner went to trial, he wasn’t a young man. We believe because of a Pittsylvania County record when he is found with Matthew Vance, his father, in 1777, that he was born in 1760, being at least 16 years of age to sign his name to any record. Given that timeline, Abner was about the age of 57, or a bit older during his murder trial. That record was his allegiance to his country during the revolutionary war before moving to Surry County, North Carolina, where he later married his wife Susanna Howard. During his life in Surry, Abner was found to supply grain to the army of independence.
"Abner and Susanna moved to Russell county about 1789, where he can be found in many tax poles and purchasing land. After many years and many children, they settled down into that normal life in a county where little religious means were met according to Rev. Ely.
"The trial told us that Horton had threatened to kill Abner as the reason Abner shot Horton. Others believed through family lore Abner killed Horton over a daughter, which she was to have been carried off and taken advantage of, then publicly scorned in the community in which they lived by Lewis Horton. That was never proven in trial records specifically. It was proven that a daughter, not Elizabeth, but Tabitha Vance Browning wanted to testify to prove her fathers insanity during the shooting of Horton. Tabitha was married to Francis Browning. Either way, whatever the truth may be, Abner said in court he shot Horton, but death was to harsh a punishment for his crime. Judge Johnson had written Congress to make a new law to move the case to Washington, because the sheriff couldn’t procure enough jurors to fill his venire during an overturned ruling in Russell after his first trial. The ruling found that Abner had not been heard in his defense and later finding out Judge Johnson secretly had written a newspaper article condemning Abner during his trial, in The Political Prospect, calling him a savage. His trial was overturned because Judge Johnson would not allow that insanity ..."Page 2
"defense or allow his daughter to take the stand in the first trial. Johnson wrote that Abner had an unfounded cause of insanity and needed a new law, a bill, or he would go free. Hence, Congress passed a law called “Change of Venue”. Congress passed that law, and Abner was sent to Washington County where his first conviction of guilty in Russell was upheld, Abner was sentenced to hang.
"The hanging of Abner had been written describing Abner as a man of words proclaiming the injustice of the death penalty, where nearly 4000 people had attended. The newspapers telling us that Abner talked for one and half hours to those people attending that hanging.
"Now we can’t tell what a person was like 200 years ago, their personality, their homelife, their temper or composure since we weren’t observers in his real life. We can only look at the records, in which Abner admitted and took responsibility for in the killing of Horton. He never denied shooting Horton, but always maintained the Horton brothers lied in court as to what happened in order to convict for a hanging. I’m not a fan of the newspapers during their “yellow” journalism days in the later 1800s. But, in this much-much earlier 1800s time period the newspaper articles of this case relate and proven significantly atoned to the court records and newspapers in this case. As so, we can describe Abner and his community through them.
"Dr. Rev. Ezra Stiles Ely of New York had just a week after the July hanging had been on a crusade to spread the word of the Gospel. He wrote about his travels going into many counties and courthouses in order to give sermons. Ely explains that during his travels, that many areas, including Abingdon, in Washington County, that religion was scarce in these parts of the south. That there were no churches in some areas of the Appalachians. And no ministers to preach. That many had not heard a sermon in years they were extinct in that part of which he traveled. Which is why he would give sermons in the court-houses where Gods word could be spread. To give people a chance to hear his sermons. And they did.
"He explains that in Abingdon, in the court-house he preached to a room full of people just one week after Abner had been hanged. Rev. Ely is a well-documented man where his writings and books can be found mentioned in newspapers for sale, such as found in The Christian Magazine; A Sermon for the Rich to buy that they may benefit themselves and the poor. Others are “A New ..."Page 3
"Edition of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America”, containing confessions of Faith, the Catechisms, and the directory for the Worship of God: together with the plan of Government and Discipline, as amended and ratified by the General Assembly in Philadelphia, May 1821. Printed under the discretion of the Rev. Dr.’s. J.J. Janeway, E.S. Sly, and W. Neil, a committee appointed by the Assembly. He also put into print papers on “the World of Spirits” and “A Synopsis of Didactic Theology”, among others.
"Dr. Rev. Ely tells of that journey in declaring little faith throughout the south and men preaching. Here is why he believed as he did. Written in the Hartford Current and the Christian Monitor, Ely tells of those travels and what he heard when he preached in Abingdon. He tells by date that he preached in Giles County, where he employed a drunken Blacksmith. That Blacksmith asked the minister to give a sermon. After which he was approached by two men who confessed that they were the only men who professed a religion in the area. He believed them when they told him of seeing a Presbyterian Minister was very great. After dinner the people of the town flocked to the court-house to hear his sermon. Others afterwards told that they had heard a Methodist Minister traveling through but no Presbyterian minister.
"After, he preached in a bar-room in Newbern which had no church. Following he went to Wythe County, preached at the court-house once again. Telling of fifty to sixty houses but no church. Finally, on July 24th, he reached the court-house of Abingdon and preached to as many people as it would hold, where he said Colored people filled the space by the doors where everyone was eager to hear his sermon. July 25th his sermon took him six miles outside Abingdon to the church of Reverend Mr. McEwen. He went onto Blountville where again he said there were no churches. From there he traveled to Jonesborough where he addressed a congregation in a brick Presbyterian Church. His article made comparisons to the people in Jonesborough to those in Giles, Blountville and Newbern intimating that Jonesborough was far ahead in those religious tones. Stating it was like people who worshipped God to people who worshipped not. Stating those three towns were in great need and prayed for a church of ministry in each.
"Rev. Ely goes on and talks about the county of Russell. He says, “Russell ought to attract our Board of Missions or the Synod of Virginia; for Mr. McEwen informed ..."Page 4
"me that no regular religious discourse was ever delivered in that county by any minister of the Gospel.” McEwen stated he was prevented from preaching there.
"What does this have to do with Abner Vance? Rev. Ely’s last paragraph talks about a hanging in which happened, he believed in Russell. The hanging was that of Abner Vance. We have been told Abner was hung in Abingdon by other newspapers and court records. Ely writes that on July 16th that a man named Vance was hanged and the ignorant people were so eager to obtain a piece of the rope, by which he was suspended, that they offered three to five dollars for two or three inches of rope and some actually purchased it. From a superstitious belief that the rope would cure them and their horses of all manner of diseases. That they substitute an inch of the hangman’s rope in place of the providence of the infinitely wise and powerful God.
"Ely writes we are saved from such follies, is to be ascribed to the light of the glorious gospel. May you or all your people walk in it with great delight! Thus, prayers your friend and pastor. Signed it as; E.S. Ely.
"What we think we know of history can be seen differently from many eyes. Some believe Abner to be a religious Baptist Minister. I believe Abner was a man who found God under circumstance of his trial. We know that his daughter Mary Vance Brown married James Brown in the home of Abner Vance by a Methodist Circuit rider as stated in their pension papers.
"After Abner was hung, newspapers printed that Abner talked for an hour and a half telling that death was too hard a punishment for his crime of passion. Those newspapers were the Richmond Enquirer August 31, 1819, the Lynchburg Press on July 27, 1819. Stating that Abner was hung July 16, at Abingdon. Those newspapers said that Abner died with the most perfect composure and heroic fortitude. That Abner said that some persons were guilty of giving false evidence against him. That if the truth had been told imprisonment would have been appropriate sentence against him.
"We have documented proof of the trial, but to read from a Dr. Rev. Ely’s account that religion was scarce and even more scarce were the churches, was not a revelation, but important to understand the period. I will take Ely’s word for it ..."Page 5
"that the hangman’s rope was cut into pieces and sold. He had no reason to exaggerate his travels."
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1. "Reference Book of Wyoming County History", Mary K. Bowman, page 399.
James Brown married Millie Vance, daughter of Abner Vance, Sr.
Abner Vance, Sr. married in Russell Co, VA and settled on the Tug River near
the present Logan Wyoming Co line. His children were: James, John, Richard,
Abner, Jr, Millie, Bettie and three other daughters who married (______)
Perry, Francis Browning, and John McCloud.
Abner, Sr was hanged for killing (_______) Horton.
2. "Timothy Vance's Hompage", internet.
Abner Vance born abt 1763, died 16 Jul 1819, married Susannah Howard in
1779.
3. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, page 153, Family #484.
Listed as Susannah Vance, age 83, in household of son-in-law, Frances
Browning.
4. Familysearch.com, LDS Web Site, 29 Feb 2000, Abner Vance search.
Susannah Howard Vance was born in 1767 in Russell Co, VA; died after 1850 in
Logan Co, WV.
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, VA (WV), Oceana District, taken on 15 Jun 1860, Page 65?, Family #43.
Listed as Mathias Brown, age 27, born in VA, farmer, head of household.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 35.
Listed with second wife, Mary.
3. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Oceana Township, page 007.
William P. Brown's daughter is listed as Sarah Brown, age 22, in household of
cousin, Jasper Brown.
From the "cousin relationship" it is concluded that William Jasper Brown's
father, Mathias Brown, was a brother to Sarah Brown's father, William P.
Brown.
4. 1880 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, compiled by William A. Marsh, Vol 4, page 697.
Oceana Township, page 007.
Listed as Mathias Brown, age 52, head of household, a farmer.
5. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, page 119, Family #15.
Listed as Mathias Brown, age 19, in household of father, John Brown.
6. "Logan Co, WVGW:Queries 1999", internet site
www.rootsweb.com/~wvloagan/lquery99.htm
Tom Muncey, 23 May 1999, tomm@ramlink.net
Mathias Brown, Jr, was son of Mathias and Polly Mason Brown. Mathias died in
mine accident on 25 Jan 1925. He married Vicie Burgess in April 1899/1900.
7. Familysearch.com, LDS Internet Web Site, 29 Feb 2000, Mathias Brown search.
Mathias "Matthew" Brown born in 1831 on Huff Creek, Logan Co, WV; son of
James and Millie Vance Brown
1. 1860 Census, Wyoming Co, VA (WV), Oceana District, taken on 15 Jun 1860, Page 65?, Family #43.
Listed as Amanda E. Brown, age 23, born in VA, in household of husband, Mathias Brown.
2. 1870 Census, Wyoming Co, WV, Oceana Township, Family 35.
Not listed in this census. Husband Mathias listed with second wife, Mary.
3. Ancestry.com Web Site, Noah Brown search, 19 Nov 2001, submitted by K,
Mazor, csspencer14@yahoo.com
Mathias Brown; son of James and Mary Amelia Vance Brown, Jr; born in
1831 on Huff Creek in Logan Co, WV; married Amanda Paynter.
5. 1850 Census, Logan Co, WV, taken 20 Jul 1850, page 119A, Family #18.
Listed as Amanda Painter, age 13, born in VA, in household of father,
Charles Painter.