Marriage record to Emily Jones can be found in Pineville, Wyoming Co., West Virginia courthouse; Register of Marriages, Book #1, page 3., No 18. Married 16 Oct 1856 by G. J. Sizemore. He was 26 and she was 19.
He was born in Tazwell Co., VA. She was born in Ohio. His parent are A. H. Lester. Her parents are John Jones and Lucinda.His death record found same place; Register of Death, Book #1, page 68.
Glenn Lester has a copy of the death record in his possession.
His death record says that he died on 27 August 1903 and that he was born on 20 March 1830. His gravestone has on it his birthdate as 10 Mar 1830 and his death as 27 Aug 1901. Glenn Lester has a picture of Mathias Harmon Lester's gravestone in the Lester Graveyard on Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV.Batch #: 8122501, Sheet #: 99, Source Call #: 1260949
"Elder Mathias Harmon Lester, (information given to L.L. Shannon from Rev. G.P. Goode), was the son of Abner H. Lester, Sr. and his wife, Rebecca Whitt Lester. The Whitts were half breed Cherokee Indian, and the Lesters, many of them, had the resembalance, features and even the habits of the Indian. The Lesters were noted for good, native common sense, however, they were generally uncouth and uncultured. On reaching manhood, M.H. Lester, married Emily Jones, to whom were born five sons and one daughter: Geroge T. Lester, John W. Lester, Thornsbury Lester, J. Samp Lester, Burrell Franklin (Tice) Lester, and Cozbi Lester, the daughter, married Bryd Lester. M.H. Lester evidently entered the ministry soon after the close of the Civil War, as a Primitive Baptist. By faith or occupation he was a roving farmer, living in pole or log cabins, and was considered a firstclass gunsmith and always kept a blacksmith shop. Lester was cinsidered a good horse trader. As a horseback rider he traveled at a slow gate and carried with him a pair of old fashioned saddle-bags which he himself made, I thik he also made saddles. I understand the old Lester family settle on Elkhorn, just above present Welch, and it is said, that old Mrs. Lester was accidently shot and killed at a hunting and senging camp at some point in Elkhorn Creek."
"Elder Lester traded in land and moved about from on locality to another, living on Elkhorn, McCajah's Ridge, Slab Fork Creek at the mouth of Measel Branch, on Cabin Creek at he Hen Sarver place, the finally settling on Shop Branch of Indian Creek, where he died. He has some education and was quite a logician, and often in line of logic and reasoning he could carry his audience to a position that was foreign to their belief in the scriptures. Lester knew his bible as few men of his day. On occasion he became eloquent but his voice was rather harsh and did not carry well in the open air."
"These old preachers often preached in the grove, for the lack of a church. Lester had some tone in his delivery. He was noted for the suddenness of the rising and falling inflection in his voice, he often reminded me of two hoot owls in a family row over the female member of their respective families, when you were a quarter of a mile from the stand where he was preaching."
"Lester has a Calvinistic leaning in doctrine, and by many was regarded as the ablest preacher in this section, in his day, Lester always affilliated with the Old Elkhorn Primitive Baptist Association."
The writer, (Rev. Goode), recalls that in 1884, Elder Lester administered baptism to Uncle Nathan Perdew, when asked why he did not let Drury Halsey baptise him, Uncle Nathan replied, "I was afraid the doggoned old Rebel would drown me."Mathias was a farmer, gunsmith, and a blacksmith. The Lesters of Raleigh County have the story in their family that "Harm" Lester use to dress up like an Indian - wrapped up in a blanket plus a head band with a feather stuck in it He was also the "dentist" for that area and would pull teeth in his blacksmith shop.
1830 - VA, (Birth) Mathias Harmon born Mar 20th Source Rev. G. P. Goode.
1856 - WV, Wyoming (Marriage) Married Oct 16th to Emily Ann Jones (b. 1837 Wyoming Co., d. 12 Jan 1894. Children according to Rev. Goode: George T., Thornsbury, J. Samp, B. F. Tice, and Cozbi who m. Byrd Lester.
1860 - WV, McDowell (Census) Age 30, Emily 23, and Lewis 1 - lived on Meade Creek
1880 - WV, Wyoming (Census) Age 50, (wf not with family), Geo T. 18, Burrill 17, Jno Wm. 14, Richard T., Sampson J. 5, and Sallie Bailey 19
1884 - WV, Wyoming (Residence) Baptized Uncle Nathen Perdew, when Nathan was asked why he did not let Drury Halsey baptize him, Uncle Nathan replied " I was afraid the doggoned old rebel would drown me" Source: Personal recollection of Rev. Goode.
Rev, Goode wrote that Rebecca Whitt, first wife of Abner H. Lester Sr. was a half-breed Indian. Harmon was a Primitive Baptist Minister and was always affiliated with the old Elkhorn Primitive Baptist Association.1900 - WV, Wyoming (Census) Mathias Harmon Lester b. 1830, Burrill 1864, John 1965, and Mary A. 1878 (D-I-L).
1901 - WV, Wyoming (Death) Died Aug 27th. on Shop Branch of Indian Creek. Source Rev. Goode.
Marriage record to Emily Jones can be found in Pineville, Wyoming Co., West
Virginia courthouse; Register of Marriages, Book #1, page 3., No 18. Married 16
Oct 1856 by G. J. Sizemore. He was 26 and she was 19.He was born in Tazwell Co., VA. She was born in Ohio. His parent are A. H.
Lester. Her parents are John Jones and Lucinda.His death record found same place; Register of Death, Book #1, page 68.
Glenn Lester has a copy of the death record in his possession.
His death record says that he died on 27 August 1903 and that he was born on 20
March 1830. His gravestone has on it his birthdate as 10 Mar 1830 and his
death as 27 Aug 1901. Glenn Lester has a picture of Mathias Harmon Lester's
gravestone in the Lester Graveyard on Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV.Batch #: 8122501, Sheet #: 99, Source Call #: 1260949
"Elder Mathias Harmon Lester, (information given to L.L. Shannon from Rev.
G.P. Goode), was the son of Abner H. Lester, Sr. and his wife, Rebecca Whitt
Lester. The Whitts were half breed Cherokee Indian, and the Lesters, many of
them, had the resembalance, features and even the habits of the Indian. The
Lesters were noted for good, native common sense, however, they were generally
uncouth and uncultured. On reaching manhood, M.H. Lester, married Emily Jones,
to whom were born five sons and one daughter: Geroge T. Lester, John W.
Lester, Thornsbury Lester, J. Samp Lester, Burrell Franklin (Tice) Lester, and
Cozbi Lester, the daughter, married Bryd Lester. M.H. Lester evidently entered
the ministry soon after the close of the Civil War, as a Primitive Baptist. By
faith or occupation he was a roving farmer, living in pole or log cabins, and
was considered a firstclass gunsmith and always kept a blacksmith shop. Lester
was cinsidered a good horse trader. As a horseback rider he traveled at a slow
gate and carried with him a pair of old fashioned saddle-bags which he himself
made, I thik he also made saddles. I understand the old Lester family settle
on Elkhorn, just above present Welch, and it is said, that old Mrs. Lester was
accidently shot and killed at a hunting and senging camp at some point in
Elkhorn Creek.""Elder Lester traded in land and moved about from on locality to another,
living on Elkhorn, McCajah's Ridge, Slab Fork Creek at the mouth of Measel
Branch, on Cabin Creek at he Hen Sarver place, the finally settling on Shop
Branch of Indian Creek, where he died. He has some education and was quite a
logician, and often in line of logic and reasoning he could carry his audience
to a position that was foreign to their belief in the scriptures. Lester knew
his bible as few men of his day. On occasion he became eloquent but his voice
was rather harsh and did not carry well in the open air.""These old preachers often preached in the grove, for the lack of a church.
Lester had some tone in his delivery. He was noted for the suddenness of the
rising and falling inflection in his voice, he often reminded me of two hoot
owls in a family row over the female member of their respective families, when
you were a quarter of a mile from the stand where he was preaching.""Lester has a Calvinistic leaning in doctrine, and by many was regarded as the
ablest preacher in this section, in his day, Lester always affilliated with the
Old Elkhorn Primitive Baptist Association."The writer, (Rev. Goode), recalls that in 1884, Elder Lester administered
baptism to Uncle Nathan Perdew, when asked why he did not let Drury Halsey
baptise him, Uncle Nathan replied, "I was afraid the doggoned old Rebel would
drown me."Mathias was a farmer, gunsmith, and a blacksmith. The Lesters of Raleigh County
have the story in their family that "Harm" Lester use to dress up like an
Indian - wrapped up in a blanket plus a head band with a feather stuck in it He
was also the "dentist" for that area and would pull teeth in his blacksmith
shop.1830 - VA, (Birth) Mathias Harmon born Mar 20th Source Rev. G. P. Goode.
1856 - WV, Wyoming (Marriage) Married Oct 16th to Emily Ann Jones (b. 1837
Wyoming Co., d. 12 Jan 1894. Children according to Rev. Goode: George T.,
Thornsbury, J. Samp, B. F. Tice, and Cozbi who m. Byrd Lester.1860 - WV, McDowell (Census) Age 30, Emily 23, and Lewis 1 - lived on Meade
Creek1880 - WV, Wyoming (Census) Age 50, (wf not with family), Geo T. 18, Burrill
17, Jno Wm. 14, Richard T., Sampson J. 5, and Sallie Bailey 191884 - WV, Wyoming (Residence) Baptized Uncle Nathen Perdew, when Nathan was
asked why he did not let Drury Halsey baptize him, Uncle Nathan replied " I
was afraid the doggoned old rebel would drown me" Source: Personal
recollection of Rev. Goode.Rev, Goode wrote that Rebecca Whitt, first wife of Abner H. Lester Sr. was a
half-breed Indian. Harmon was a Primitive Baptist Minister and was always
affiliated with the old Elkhorn Primitive Baptist Association.1900 - WV, Wyoming (Census) Mathias Harmon Lester b. 1830, Burrill 1864, John
1965, and Mary A. 1878 (D-I-L).1901 - WV, Wyoming (Death) Died Aug 27th. on Shop Branch of Indian Creek.
Source Rev. Goode.
Death record can be found in the County Clerks Office, Wyoming Co., WV., Death Record, Book 2, page 13.
Glenn Lester has a picture of the gravestone of Emily Ann Jones who is buried in the Lester Graveyard as Emily Lester, next to Mathias Harman Lester her husband, Wyoming, WV.
Her birthdate on the gravestone is 8 Jun 1839.Batch #: 8318802, Sheet #: 39, Source Call #: 1395582
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Death record can be found in the County Clerks Office, Wyoming Co., WV., Death
Record, Book 2, page 13.Glenn Lester has a picture of the gravestone of Emily Ann Jones who is buried
in the Lester Graveyard as Emily Lester, next to Mathias Harman Lester her
husband, Wyoming, WV.Her birthdate on the gravestone is 8 Jun 1839.
Batch #: 8318802, Sheet #: 39, Source Call #: 1395582
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
18. Perry Bailey "Pleasant" Lester
Marriage record to Sarah L. Johnton can be found at Pineville, Wyoming Co., West Virginia, courthouse; Marriage Register, Book #1, page 20.
Married 2 Feb 1871. He was 22 and she was 21. His parents are Pleasant Lester and Lucinda. Her parents are George Johnton, and Mary. Married by Minister H. L. Odell.Batch #: 8318802, Sheet #: 30, Source Call #: 1395582
Glenn Lester has a picture of Perry B. Pleasant Lester who was buried in the Lester Graveyard as Pleasant Lester on Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV. He was known as Pleasant most of his life. Information about his name was given to me by Fred Lewis Lester.
Marriage record to Sarah L. Johnton can be found at Pineville, Wyoming Co.,
West Virginia, courthouse; Marriage Register, Book #1, page 20.Married 2 Feb 1871. He was 22 and she was 21. His parents are Pleasant Lester
and Lucinda. Her parents are George Johnton, and Mary. Married by Minister H.
L. Odell.Batch #: 8318802, Sheet #: 30, Source Call #: 1395582
Glenn Lester has a picture of Perry B. Pleasant Lester who was buried in the
Lester Graveyard as Pleasant Lester on Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV. He was known
as Pleasant most of his life. Information about his name was given to me by
Fred Lewis Lester.
Glenn Lester has a picture of the gravestone of Sarah L. Johnston who was buried in the Lester Graveyard as Sarah Lester, Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV.
Batch #: 8318802, Sheet #: 29, Source Call #: 1395582
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
1850 Census Wyoming, Virginia
This record shows the family name as JohnsonGlenn Lester has a picture of the gravestone of Sarah L. Johnston who was
buried in the Lester Graveyard as Sarah Lester, Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV.Batch #: 8318802, Sheet #: 29, Source Call #: 1395582
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
1850 Census Wyoming, Virginia
This record shows the family name as Johnson
Mentioned on marriage record of his son John Letcher Barrett. His name on the license is Harvey Barrett, his full name is Robert Harvey Barrett.
The family is from Tazewell Co., Virginia.
Information found on several U.S. Census record of Tazewell, Co. Va. (1850 $ 1870 census)
Found Marriage record in the Tazewell, Tazewell Co., Virginia Courthouse in Marriage register book 2, page 24.
Served as a Lieutenant in the military. Served in the 29th VA Infantry, Company H.
Batch #: 7905803, Sheet #: 39, Source Call #: 1126492
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Mentioned on marriage record of his son John Letcher Barrett. His name on the
license is Harvey Barrett, his full name is Robert Harvey Barrett.The family is from Tazewell Co., Virginia.
Information found on several U.S. Census record of Tazewell, Co. Va. (1850 $
1870 census)Found Marriage record in the Tazewell, Tazewell Co., Virginia Courthouse in
Marriage register book 2, page 24.Served as a Lieutenant in the military. Served in the 29th VA Infantry,
Company H.Batch #: 7905803, Sheet #: 39, Source Call #: 1126492
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Barrett is not her maiden name. She is married to Harvey Barrett and mentioned as Mother on the Marriage license of their son John Letcher Barrett Her last name is either Brewster or Bruster.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Barrett is not her maiden name. She is married to Harvey Barrett and
mentioned as Mother on the Marriage license of their son John Letcher Barrett
Her last name is either Brewster or Bruster.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
22. James Blain "Dink" Jackson
Family is from Wyoming Co., WV. He is mentioned on his Daughter Elizabeth Jackson's marriage license.
1860 Census Russell, Virginia
Batch #: 7116704, Sheet #: 89, Source Call #: 0538845
Family is from Wyoming Co., WV. He is mentioned on his Daughter Elizabeth
Jackson's marriage license.1860 Census Russell, Virginia
Batch #: 7116704, Sheet #: 89, Source Call #: 0538845
Jackson is not her maiden name. She is mentioned on her daughter Elizabeth Jackson's marriage license.
Glenn Lester has a picture of Mariah Ford's gravestone who is buried in the Barrett Graveyard as Mariah Jackson on Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Jackson is not her maiden name. She is mentioned on her daughter Elizabeth
Jackson's marriage license.Glenn Lester has a picture of Mariah Ford's gravestone who is buried in the
Barrett Graveyard as Mariah Jackson on Indian Creek, Wyoming, WV.From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Information on marriage can be found in the Smyth Co., VA, Courthouse; in Marriage Register 1, page 58, line 24.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Information on marriage can be found in the Smyth Co., VA, Courthouse; in
Marriage Register 1, page 58, line 24.
27. Sarah Ellen "Sallie" Cregger
Batch #: 7011910, Sheet #: 80, Source Call #: 538437
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Information on marriage can be found in the Smyth Co., VA, Courthouse; in Marriage Register 1, page 58, line 24.
Batch #: 7011910, Sheet #: 80, Source Call #: 538437
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Information on marriage can be found in the Smyth Co., VA, Courthouse; in
Marriage Register 1, page 58, line 24.
1850 Census Wyoming, Virginia
Batch #: 7200625, Sheet #: 47, Source Call #: 820074
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
1850 Census Wyoming, Virginia
Batch #: 7200625, Sheet #: 47, Source Call #: 820074
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Her name can be found on her daughters marriage certificate in the possession of Glenn Lester. It appears as Mahulda Carter.
From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.
Her name can be found on her daughters marriage certificate in the possession
of Glenn Lester. It appears as Mahulda Carter.