“The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor.”
This is entry #27 in Amy Johnson Crow’s Challenge: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.
Hard to believe that we are halfway through the year and beginning the 2nd half of the challenge this week.
#27 Mary E. “Polly” DOSS ~ An Unwed Mother, Not a Spinster
My 3rd great-grandmother Polly never married. She wasn’t a spinster. She couldn’t have been since she was my ancestor. She was the mother of eight children all from a bond she had with one man, my 3rd great-grandfather William CLONCH.
Polly was the daughter of Levina DOSS. Period. One unmarried mother in my family tree would be easy to take. But two is a bit harder. Polly’s mother Levina had up to seven children and left no trace of who the father of these children may have been. Or maybe she did leave something to identify the father(s) but it hasn’t been found [yet]. Why did these ladies, mother and daughter, never marry? Did they want to avoid total dependency on a husband?
Single Woman vs. Married Woman
Although life may have been harsh, Polly possessed more rights as a single woman than a woman who was married. A single woman had a say over certain matters in her life. She could own property, enter into contracts, act as executor of an estate, or serve as a guardian. A married woman’s legal identity essentially ceased to exist when she married. A husband owned whatever belonged to his wife with the exception of personal items such as clothes and jewelry.
Levina or Lavina
Polly was born in Pittsylvania County around 1816. Per her mother Levina DOSS’s 1820 and 1830 census details she was the 6th of 7 children in the household.1,2 The censuses are the only documents I have seen with Polly’s mother’s name – Levina. No documents have been found for Polly’s mother’s name being spelled Lavina. I believe, that since Polly named a daughter “Lavina” after her mother, others have assume that her mother’s name was also spelled this way.
Roots in Pittsylvania County, Virginia
The DOSS family has strong roots in Halifax and Pittsylvania County, Virginia. In 1762 Levina’s grandfather James DOSS received a land grant for 272 acres in Halifax County, an area soon to become part of the newly created Pittsylvania County in 1767. This land grant was located on Valentines Creek of Staunton River and shared a line with land James DOSS already owned.3 The land granted to James DOSS was surveyed for him in 1755.4
Pittsylvania County lies in south midland Virginia, bordering on the North Carolina line. Bordering counties are Bedford (northwest), Campbell (northeast), Halifax (east), Caswell in North Carolina (southeast), Rockingham in North Carolina (southwest), Henry (west/southwest), and Franklin (west/northwest). The neighboring counties are important as we find marriages of Polly’s brothers, Thomas DOSS in Caswell in 1827 and Phillip DOSS in Campbell in 1835.
Early Census Analysis
In 1820 Polly is the youngest female in Levina’s household. Other members are four brothers, an older sister, her mother, and most likely her grandmother Elizabeth DOSS née LESTER who was widowed in 1812.5
1820 U.S. Federal Census
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Enumeration Date: August 7, 1820
Levina Doss
Free White Persons – Males – Under 10: 2 (William b. abt. 1811 & Phillip b. abt. 1814)
Free White Persons – Males – 10 thru 15: 1 (unknown son b. bet. 1804-1810)
Note: no males 16-18 yo (therefore Thomas was 19 & under 26 yo)
Free White Persons – Males – 16 thru 25: 1 (Thomas b. abt. 1801)
Free White Persons – Females – Under 10: 1 (Mary E. b. abt. 1816)
Free White Persons – Females – 16 thru 25: 1 (unknown daughter born bet. 1795-1804)
Free White Persons – Females – 26 thru 44: 1 (Levina b. abt. 1775)
Free White Persons – Females – 45 and over : 1 (poss. mother Elizabeth b. abt. 1750)
Number of Persons – Engaged in Agriculture: 2
Free White Persons – Under 16: 4
Free White Persons – Over 25: 2
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total All Persons – White, Slaves, Colored, Other: 8
Can you tell that I love to do these?
By 1830 Polly and her younger sister Elizabeth were the only children living with their mother Levina. Next door was Polly’s brother William and her uncle Eben ANGEL, a Baptist minister and husband of Levina’s sister Elizabeth.
1830 U.S. Federal Census
Pittsylvania County, Virginia
Page No. 348
Levina Doss
Free White Persons – Females – 5 thru 9: 1 (Elizabeth bet. 1821-1825)
Free White Persons – Females – 10 thru 14: 1 (Mary E. b. abt. 1816)
Free White Persons – Females – 50 thru 59: 1 (Levina, b. 1771-1775)
Free White Persons – Under 20: 2
Total Free White Persons: 3
Total – All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 3
Polly’s Siblings
• Sib. 1: Thomas DOSS (abt.1801-1881) was born about 1801 in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He married(1) Elizabeth EADS (abt.1802-bet.1860-1867) on 6 March 1827 in Caswell County, North Carolina.6 He married(2) Martha Forbes GORDON (1824-1881) on 28 April 1867 in Chariton County, Missouri.7 Thomas died on 1 April 1881 in Chariton County and was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in the same county.8
• Sib. 2: _____ (female) DOSS born bet. 1795-18049
• Sib. 3: _____ (male) DOSS born bet. 1804-181010
• Sib. 4: William DOSS (abt.1811-1888) was born about 1811 in Pittsylvania County. He married(1) Elizabeth BARBER (abt.1814-1898) on 12 May 1828 in Pittsylvania County.11 He married(2) Elizabeth HENRY on 28 December 1837 in Mason County.12 William died on 22 November 1888 in Mason County, West Virginia.13
• Sib 5: Phillip Valorius “Phil” DOSS (abt.1814-aft.1880) was born about 1814 in Pittsylvania County. He married Elizabeth BAILESS (abt.1815-aft.1880) on 25 December 1835 in Campbell County, Virginia.14 Phillip died after 1880.
• Subject of this post: Mary E. “Polly” DOSS born about 1816 in Pittsylvania County, died bef. 1892 in Mason County, West Virginia
• Sib. 7: Elizabeth “Betsy” DOSS born bet. 1821-1825. She married(1) John CLONCH (abt.1810-bet.1844-1847) on 15 February 1842 in Gallia County, Ohio.15 She married(2) John William STEED (abt.1806-aft.1880) on 26 October 1848 in Gallia County, Ohio.16 Betsy died after 1880.
DOSS Families Move to Mason County, (West) Virginia
In the 1830s Polly and her siblings, with the exception of Phillip, moved to Mason County in what would later become West Virginia. The DOSS siblings were a tight bunch. It is not known if their mother Levina was still living and made the move with the group or if she had died and the children moved on.
William CLAUNCH (aka CLONCH), with whom Polly DOSS was living, was enumerated between her brothers William and Thomas in 1840 in Mason County.17 In William DOSS’s household was a young lady who fits the age group of their sister Elizabeth. None of the households had an older woman, and neither did their brother Phillip, who remained in Pittsylvania.18 It is believed that Levina DOSS died between 1830-1840.
1840 U.S. Federal Census
Mason County, (West) Virginia
Page 214
Thomas Doss
Free White Persons – Males – Under 5: 3 (Philip, Charles & unknown)
Free White Persons – Males – 15 thru 19: 1 (too old to be a son from this marriage)
Free White Persons – Males – 30 thru 39: 1 (Thomas)
Free White Persons – Females – 10 thru 14: 1 (Judah)
Free White Persons – Females – 30 thru 39: 1 (Elizabeth)
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 2
Free White Persons – Under 20: 5
Free White Persons – 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 7
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 7
William Claunch
Free White Persons – Males – 30 thru 39: 1 (William)
Free White Persons – Females – 5 thru 9: 1 (Mariah J.)
Free White Persons – Females – 20 thru 29: 1 (Polly)
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 2
Free White Persons – Under 20: 1
Free White Persons – 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 3
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 3
William Doss
Free White Persons – Males – Under 5: 1 (James)
Free White Persons – Males – 5 thru 9: 2 (William & unknown)
Free White Persons – Males – 10 thru 14: 1 (John)
Free White Persons – Males – 20 thru 29: 1 (could this be John Clonch?)
Free White Persons – Males – 30 thru 39: 1 (William)
Free White Persons – Females – 15 thru 19: 1 (sister Elizabeth)
Free White Persons – Females – 20 thru 29: 1 (wife Betsy)
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
No. White Persons over 20 Who Cannot Read and Write: 2
Free White Persons – Under 20: 5
Free White Persons – 20 thru 49: 3
Total Free White Persons: 8
Total All Persons – Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 8
Polly’s Life with William CLONCH
In 1850 Polly DOSS is seen in William CLONCH’s household with their four children enumerated with the DOSS surname.19 The fourth child, Jeremiah age 2, is believed to have died before the 1860 census as he is not listed in that census or later mentioned in the will of William CLONCH. Jeremiah was the name of William’s grandfather.
During the 1850s Polly’s oldest brother Thomas moved with his family to Chariton County, Missouri. Her brother William and sister Elizabeth remained in Mason County.
By 1860 Polly was no longer using her nickname and is seen as Mary CLAUNCH (CLONCH). She is in William’s household with their children John W., Alex, Luvina, Elizabeth, Thos. E., Joel, and Charles H. Also in the household was John W. CLARK age 64 whose relationship to the family has not been determined.20
Mary E. DOSS and her partner William CLONCH had four children before and four after the 1850 census. They are listed here with the surnames they were known to have used in later years.
• John William CLONCH (1840-1919) was born in December 1840.21
• Alexander CLONCH (1842-1910), husband of Tabitha Ann “Tobitha” COOLEY, was born on 2 March 1842.22
• Lavina Ann DOSS (1846-1945) was born about 18 March 1846.23,24,25 Note: Inconsistency concerning the date of birth is discussed in footnotes.
• Jeremiah DOSS (1847-1850) was born abt. 1847 and died bet. 1850-1860.26
• Elizabeth Jane “Betsy” CLONCH (1851-1899) born abt. 1851.27
• Joel CLONCH (1852-1910) was born abt. January 1854. 28
• Thomas Eli CLONCH (1852-1913) was born in November 1852.29
• Charles Henry CLONCH (1855-1925) was born in November 1855 (on 10 November 1855 per death record).30,31
The American Civil War period (4 Feb 1861-23 Jun 1865) brought changes for Mary E. DOSS and her family. Mary’s oldest son John William CLONCH married Sarah Jane FOSTER (1840- ) on 20 February 1862 in Gallia County, Ohio.32
Less than a year later the father of her children, William CLONCH, died on 20 January 1863.33 William had the foresight [or maybe Mary influenced him] to write a will leaving his land to Mary and her children.34
There was a bit of trouble caused by his will. Mary’s step-daughter Mariah Jane also brought forward a will which was not admitted as and her husband contested the last will and testament. The will was admitted to probate and John and Mariah Jane PATTERSON were ordered to pay the expenses of Mary DOSS and the other legatees. The will found in the Will Book is not an original, only a copy. William left his mark on the will and Matthias LONG must have been the person who wrote the will for William. On the 1840 and 1850 censuses, both adults in the household of William CLONCH could not read and write.
Life After William
I can’t imagine what Mary’s life would have been like if William had not left her the land that her children farmed. In 1863 Mary’s daughter Lavina Ann married James William PATTERSON (1836-1911) in Point Pleasant and her son Alexander married Mary Ellen LEMASTER (1847-1921) in Gallia County, Ohio.35,36 Alex’s marriage did not last as Mary Ellen was involved with her brother-in-law John whose marriage ended in divorce in 1864 when John and Mary Ellen moved in together. [A Little “Peyton Place” (Part II)]
By 1870 only three children were living at home with Mary: Joel, Elizabeth, and Charles Henry [who was mistakenly listed as Francis].37 Next door was her sister Elizabeth DOSS with her second husband John STEED. Mary’s daughter Lavina was living with her husband in the same district several households away.
John W. and Mary Ellen and children; Alexander and Mary Ellen’s sister Rebecca and children; and Thomas Eli, who was single, were not located in the 1870 census. John’s son Emanuel was born in February 1870 in Mason County per his death register entry which places him in the county in 1870.38 How could it be that Mary’s three sons were missed? Could they have been omitted when the census was copied? Are they on the original census?
Life may appear to have been quiet during the 1870s for Mary and her family. There were no marriages but thirteen grandchildren were born. Her daughter Elizabeth Jane “Betsy” had two children out of wedlock. Alexander [who was still legally married to Mary Ellen] fathered two more children with Rebecca LEMASTER. John fathered five children with Mary Ellen. Only Lavina’s four children born in the 1870s were legitimate.
A Divorce and Three Marriages
The 1880s began with a divorce and three marriages.
Alexander CLONCH finally divorced Mary Ellen LEMASTER in March 1880 in Mason County, West Virginia.39 I wonder if he might have taken advice from his mother. Mary may have wished that William had done the same with his wife Ann Eliza HILL so that she could marry the father of her children.
At about the same time, Charles Henry CLONCH married Nancy Susan WOODS (1864-1928) on 24 March 1880 in Gallia County, Ohio, and Thomas Eli CLONCH married Missouri Catherine SCHULTZ (1862-1942) on 14 May 1880 in Gallia County, Ohio.40,41
In 1880 Mary and all of her children except for John are enumerated on Sheet No. 245A+B in households 195-200 (Lavina), 197-202 (Alex), 198-203 (Thomas), 202-207 (Joel and Charles with their mother Mary) and 203-208 (Elizabeth Jane).42 Only Mary’s oldest son John W. CLONCH was in Cabell County with Alex’s ex-wife Mary Ellen LEMASTER with whom he now had seven children.43
Mary’s son Alexander married Tabitha Ann “Tobitha” COOLEY (1861-1913) on 19 August 1880 in Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio.44 He was the last of her children that she would see getting married.
Mary E. DOSS died before 1892 when her children are seen selling the land left to her in William CLONCH’s 1863 will to their sister Lavina.45 All of Mary’s children, except for young Jeremiah, survived her.
Joel who had remained single finally married in 1893 at the age of 41.46 John W. at long last married his Mary Ellen in 1895.47 Betsy who had a third child out of wedlock in 1884 married a man half her age in 1899 and disappeared [I have not been able to trace her after the marriage].48
Mary E. DOSS’s children continued “to be fruitful and multiplied” bringing the total grandchildren to 60. The youngest and last surviving died in 1994.49
This Post Was Updated on 3 July 2022: Missing source citations were added, images were scaled, and some corrections were made to the text and format.
© 2014, copyright Cathy Meder-Dempsey. All rights reserved.
- 1820 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7734/), citing Fourth Census of the United States, 1820 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M33, 142 rolls, NARA Roll: M33_140, Virginia, Pittsylvania County, page 827, sheet 75 (76 stamped on next page), line 33, Levina Doss (accessed 3 July 2014). ↩
- 1830 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8058/), citing Fifth Census of the United States, 1830 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C. NARA microfilm publication M19, 201 rolls, Nara Roll M19_201, FHL Film: 0029680, Virginia, Pittsylvania County, page 348(double-page spread), line 18, Levina Doss (accessed 3 July 2014). ↩
- “Land Office/Northern Neck Patents & Grants” (index and images from microfilm), Library of Virginia Archives (https://lva-virginia.libguides.com/land-grants), Virginia State Land Office, Grants A-Z, 1-124, reels 42-190; Virginia State Land Office, Grants 125- , reels 369-. The collection is housed in the Archives at the Library of Virginia, Patents No.34, 1756-1765, (VOL.1, VOL.2, VOL.3, & VOL.4), page 1084, Reel 033_0572, James Doss land grant, 25 September 1762, 272 acres on Valentines Creek of Staunton River in Halifax County. (https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990007479520205756 : accessed 28 June 2022) Note: incorrectly indexed as Boss. ↩
- Halifax County (Virginia). County Surveyor, “Survey and plat books, 1746-1901, 1975-1976; general indexes, 1747-1966,”, FamilySearch, citing microfilm of original records at the Halifax County Courthouse in Halifax, Virginia, Film 31940, DGS 8151700, Survey book, v. 1 1751-1901, image 167 of 288, page 132, 25 April 1755 survey of 272 acres for James Doss. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSKJ-9SLN-M?i=166&cat=367219 : accessed 28 June 2022). ↩
- “Virginia, Wills and Probate Records, 1652-1983,” (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62347/), citing original data of Virginia County, District, and Probate Courts, Pittsylvania > Accounts Current, No 5-7, 1812-1824 > image 83+84 of 769, Book 5, pages 139-140, Inventory of James Doss dated 16 November 1812 pursuant to an order of the Pittsylvania Court bearing date of September Court 1812. (https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9085/images/007646034_00083 : accessed 9 June 2019). ↩
- “North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch, citing North Carolina State Archives Division of Archives and History, FHL microfilm 478485, Caswell > Marriage bonds, 1780-1868, vol D > image 202 of 273. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-D14N-JB?cc=1726957&wc=QD8P-6KH%3A1588772755%2C1588773214 : accessed 1 July 2022). ↩
- “Missouri Marriage Records, 1805-2002,” database with images, Ancestry, citing original data: Missouri Marriage Records. Jefferson City, MO, USA: Missouri State Archives, Chariton > Record images for Chariton > 1821-1888 > image 141 of 435 > page 111. (https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/8814536:1171? : accessed 27 December 2012). ↩
- Find A Grave, database and images. (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11078817/thomas-doss : accessed 01 July 2022), memorial page for Thomas Doss (1801–1 Apr 1881), Find a Grave Memorial ID 11078817, citing Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Musselfork Township, Chariton County, Missouri, USA; maintained by Vivian Pattee (contributor 46577214). ↩
- 1820 U.S. Federal Census analysis seen in this post under the heading, “Early Census Analysis.” ↩
- Ibid. ↩
- “Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940,” database with images, FamilySearch, FHL microfilm 33326, Marriage bonds book, 1767-1861; Marriage bonds book, no. 1, 1767-1861, page 91, William Doss and Betsey Barber, 12 May 1828; citing Pittsylvania, Virginia. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99LX-MHDP?i=143 : accessed 1 July 2022). ↩
- West Virginia Vital Research Records Project (database and images), West Virginia Division of Culture and History citing county records in county courthouses, West Virginia (A collaborative venture between the West Virginia State Archives and the Genealogical Society of Utah to place vital records online via the West Virginia Archives and History Web site accessible at https://archive.wvculture.org/vrr), West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 567389, image 20, Mason County marriages, page 32, line 2, William Doss and Elizabeth Henry 28 Dec 1837. (http://images.wvculture.org/567389/00020.jpg : accessed 26 October 2019). ↩
- Ibid., West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, FHL microfilm 567384, image 381, Mason County Register of Deaths, page 26 (stamped, double-page spread), entry 77, William Doss, died 22 Nov 1888, age 77. (http://images.wvculture.org/567384/00381.jpg : accessed 15 November 2018). ↩
- “Virginia, Marriages, 1785-1940,” database with images, FamilySearch, FHL Film Number: 31050, Book 1, page 44, line 17, Phillip Doss and Elizabeth Bailiss married 25 Dec 1835 in Campbell County, VIrginia. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89XF-V6Y7?i=268&cat=281365 : accessed 1 July 2022). ↩
- “Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016,” database with images, FamilySearch, citing digital images of originals housed at the county courthouses in Ohio, Gallia > Marriage records 1803-1843 vol 1 > image 213 of 240 > Record of Marriages of Meigs County, page 400 (stamped), 4th entry, 15 Sep 1842, John Clonch and Elizabeth Doss. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RMD-S2Q4?i=212&cc=1614804 : accessed 21 June 2022). ↩
- Ibid., Gallia > Marriage records 1843-1862 vol 2 > image 53 of 238, page 123, entry 3, Steed, John md. Clontch, Elizabeth on 26 October 1848 in Gallia County, Ohio. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRMD-S2TC?cc=1614804&wc=ZRCJ-T38%3A121350101%2C121462701 : accessed 1 July 2022). ↩
- 1840 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8057/), citing Sixth Census of the United States, 1840 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M704, 580 rolls, FHL Film 0029689; NARA Roll M704_571, Virginia, Mason; image 4+5 of 69, Sheet 214A+B, line 8-10, William Doss, William Claunch, and Thomas Doss (accessed 13 January 2019). ↩
- Ibid., NARA Roll: M704_573, FHL Film: 0029691, Virginia, Pittsylvania, Regiment 107, page 91 (double-page spread), line 22, Phillip Doss (accessed 5 May 2009). The official enumeration day of the 1840 census was 1 June 1840. “.” ↩
- 1850 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/8054/), citing Seventh Census of the United States, 1850 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M432, 1009 rolls, Roll: M432_959, West Virginia, Mason County, District 38, Sheet No. 422A, lines 18-23, household 842-853, William Clonch (accessed 13 January 2019). ↩
- 1860 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7667/), citing Eighth Census of the United States, 1860 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls, Roll: M653_1361, FHL Film: 805361, West Virginia, Mason County, District 2, Page No. 46, lines 21-30, household 345-316, Wm Claunch (accessed 13 January 2019). ↩
- 1900 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7602/), citing Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication T623, 1854 rolls, Roll: 1756, FHL microfilm: 1241756, West Virginia, Cabell County, Barboursville, enumeration district 2, sheet 4B, lines 83-90, household 78-82, John W. Clonch (accessed 15 March 2019). ↩
- Clonch Family Cemetery, Mount Olive, Fayette County, West Virginia (photos of gravemarkers taken by Heather Manley-Duncan), gravemarker of Alex Clonch Mar 2, 1842 – June 3, 1910, and Tobitha Cooley His Wife Feb 11, 1861 – Dec. 16, 1913, photographed 31 May 2014. ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, FHL microfilm 1983804, image 290, Certificate of Death 9284, Lavina Patterson b. 18 March 1838 (sic) d. 1 Aug 1945. (http://images.wvculture.org/1983804/0000290.gif : accessed 20 June 2022). ↩
- 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Roll T623_1765, FHL microfilm: 1241765, West Virginia, Mason County, Clendenin, enumeration district 50, sheet 14A, lines 9-14, household 230-231, Luvina Patterson (accessed 20 June 2022). ↩
- When Lavina died the family added several years to her age at death on her death records and in a newspaper article. She was tooted as the oldest person in Mason County when she died at the age of 109 years! An exaggeration of 10 years as she was not quite 100 at the time of her death. The 18 March 1838 date seen on her death certificate is incorrect and off by 8 years. Lavina Ann Doss consistently gave her true age on the census except in 1930. In 1900 she gave March 1846 as her month and year of birth. Her date of birth has been estimated at about 18 March 1846. ↩
- He was enumerated with his family on the 1850 census as a 2-year-old. No records of birth or death have been found. ↩
- She was seen in the census: 1850 age 9, 1860 age 15, and 1880 age 29. ↩
- He was seen in the census: 1860 age 6, 1870 age 14, 1880 age 25, 1900 age 46 born Jan 1854 (indexed as 1864 however calculation of age would be 1854), and 1910 age 60. ↩
- 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Roll T623_1765, FHL microfilm: 1241765, West Virginia, Mason County, Arbuckle, enumeration district 49, sheet 10B, lines 55-66, household 189-189, Thomas Clonch (accessed 7 February 2020). ↩
- WVculture.org, West Virginia Births, 1853-1930, FHL microfilm 1855007, image 129, Register of Births for Mason County, page 18 (double-page spread), line 3, Nov 1856, Charles Clonch. (http://images.wvculture.org/1855007/00129.jpg : accessed 20 June 2022). ↩
- “Ohio Deaths, 1908-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City, citing digital images of originals housed at the Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Ohio, Film 1992616, DGS 4001611, Deaths, file no. 11801-14700, 1925, image 2895 of 3251, Certificate of Death 14375, Charles Henry Clonch. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GPKX-K36?i=2894&cc=1307272 : accessed 7 February 2020). ↩
- Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, Gallia > Marriage records 1862-1874 vol 3 > image 14 of 276. John W. Clonch and Jane Foster, 20 Feb 1862. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GRMD-SKRT?cc=1614804&wc=Q6SP-7R2%3A121350101%2C121498701 : accessed 18 Dec 2013). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, FHL microfilm 567384, image 168, Mason County Register of Deaths, 1862-1863, line 24, William Clonch, 20 Jan 1863, typhoid fever, parents not known, born Kanawha County, Va., gunsmith, consort of Mary Clonch. (http://images.wvculture.org/567384/00168.jpg : accessed 15 December 2009). ↩
- “West Virginia Will Books, 1756-1971” (database with images), FamilySearch (digital images of originals housed at local county courthouse in West Virginia), FHL Film #567420, Item 2; DGS 4715359; Mason Will book, v. 01A 1833-1875, image 104 of 165, page 166-167. Last will and testament of William Clonch. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-18256-40179-14?cc=1909099&wc=10916722 : accessed 12 January 2019). Transcribed by Cathy Meder-Dempsey, 25 September 2011. ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 567389, image 218, West Virginia, Mason County Register of Marriages, page 120, James Wm Patterson and Lavina Ann Doss, 16 July 1863 at the Virginia House in Point Pleasant. (http://images.wvculture.org/567389/00218.jpg : accessed 25 January 2019). ↩
- Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, FHL Film 317653 > Gallia > Marriage records 1862-1874 vol 3 > image 19 of 276, page 23 (stamped), entry 7, Alexander Clonch and Mary Ellen Lemaster married 10 November 1863 in Gallia County, Ohio. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RMD-SVR3?cc=1614804&wc=Q6SP-7R2%3A121350101%2C121498701 : accessed 19 February 2019). ↩
- 1870 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7163/), citing Ninth Census of the United States, 1870 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication T132, 13 rolls, Roll: M593_1692, West Virginia, Mason County, Clendenin, page 32, sheet 147B, household 228-230, lines 30-33, Mary Clonch (accessed 5 July 2014). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Deaths, 1804-1999, FHL microfilm 559881, image 101, Mason County Register of Deaths, page 96 (stamped, double-page spread), line 11, Manuel Clonch, died 10 Aug 1894, born Mason County. (http://images.wvculture.org/559881/00101.jpg : accessed 14 November 2007). ↩
- “Mason County, West Virginia, Circuit Court, Chancery orders, 1831-1929” (database with images), FamilySearch (Microfilm of originals at the county courthouse, Point Pleasant, West Virginia.), Film 1861962 Item 1, DGS 7615569, Chancery orders, Vols. 4 1877-1880, image 321 of 899, Folio 274 and 275, March Term 1880. 1880 Divorce of Alexander Clonch from Mary Ellen Lemaster. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99VP-2SNQ?i=320&cat=659762 : accessed 6 January 2019). ↩
- Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, FHL microfilm 317655, Gallia > Marriage records 1878-1884 vol 5 > image 114 of 352, page 156 (stamped), No. 463, Clonch, Charles H. md. Woods, Nancy F. on 24 March 1880 in Gallia County, Ohio. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-22512-70651-21?cc=1614804 : accessed 29 June 2014). ↩
- Ibid., FHL microfilm 317655, Gallia > Marriage records 1878-1884 vol 5 > image 120 of 352, page 168 (stamped), No. 500, Clonch, Thomas E. md. Shultz, Missouri C. on 14 May 1880 in Gallia County, Ohio. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-22512-71421-72?cc=1614804 : accessed 29 June 2014). ↩
- 1880 U.S. Federal Census (index and images), Ancestry (https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/6742/), citing Tenth Census of the United States, 1880 population schedule, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., NARA microfilm publication T9, 1,454 rolls, Roll: 1408, West Virginia, Mason County, Clendennin, enumeration district 93, page 22, sheet 245A+B in households 195-200 (Lavina), 197-202 (Alex), 198-203 (Thomas), 202-207 (Joel and Charles with their mother Mary) and 203-208 (Elizabeth Jane) (accessed 13 August 2007). ↩
- Ibid., Roll: 1401, West Virginia, Cabell County, Guyandotte, enumeration district 18, sheet 175C, lines 1-9, household 24-24, John W. Clonch (accessed 15 March 2019). The official enumeration day of the 1880 census was 1 June 1880. ↩
- Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, Marriage records (Gallia County, Ohio), 1803-1955 ; index, 1803-1950 > Marriages, v. 5 1878-1884 > image 132 of 352 > page 193 > no. 576 > Alexander Clonch and Tabitha Cooley, 19 August 1880. (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9RMD-SV3N?cc=1614804&wc=M94Q-V7T%3A390869322 : accessed 18 December 2013). ↩
- “Mason County, West Virginia, County Clerk, Deed books, 1803-1901,” database with images, FamilySearch (Microfilm of original records at the Mason County Courthouse), Film 567368, DGS 8293095, Deed book, v. 53 1892-1893, image 160+162 of 382, pages 202-204. 1892 Heirs of William Clonch to Lovinia Patterson. (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSR7-Z9XS-2?i=159&cat=76718 : accessed 12 January 2019). ↩
- Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016, FHL microfilm 317657, Gallia > Marriage records 1890-1895 vol 7 > image 214 of 339, page 342 (stamped), No. 1026, Joel Clonch and Emma Ames, 08 Feb 1893; in Gallia, Ohio. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-22512-98081-62?cc=1614804 : accessed 27 March 2014). ↩
- Ibid., FHL FIlm 317658, Gallia > Marriage records and index 1895-1899 vol 8., page 5 (stamped), No. 15, John W. Clonch married Mary Lemasters on 7 May 1895 in Gallia County, Ohio. (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-22447-41148-85?cc=1614804&wc=M94Q-VH7:315901437 : accessed 13 Nov 2013). ↩
- WVCulture.org, West Virginia Marriages, 1780-1970, FHL microfilm 567394, image 35, Mason County marriage license, certificate, and return, page 31, Joseph White and Betsy J. Clonch married 14 Dec 1899. (http://images.wvculture.org/567394/00035.jpg : accessed 11 September 2011). ↩
- “New Jersey, U.S., Death Index, 1901-2017,” index only, Ancestry, citing original data: Death Indexes. New Jersey State Archives, Trenton, New Jersey, Year Range: 1994; Surname Range: A-F; Title: New Jersey, Death Indexes, 1904-2000; Name: Sylvia V Clonch, Age: 84, Birth Date: 20 Aug 1909, Death Date: 23 May 1994, Death Place: New Jersey, USA. ↩
Share this:
Opening Doors in Brick Walls 
Those “ticked” censuses drive me nuts! I don’t have the patience to sit down and figure them out like you do. But your post is very pertinent as a couple days ago I discovered my 3-g-grandpa, who I had always assumed was the oldest child, had an older sister according to one of those “ticks” in an 1840 census.
LikeLike
It’s not alway easy to interpret the “ticks” in the pre-1850 census. Congratulations on discovering that your 3-g-grandpa had an older sister. If she fits in the time period for the parents’ marriage this may help with your research. You can search for a marriage bet. 1840-1850 for a lady with the surname. She may even show up on the 1850 in the immediate area of the family. If she lived long enough to leave a death record with parents’ names then you are home free. Good luck!
LikeLike
Thanks, great suggestions.
LikeLike
You’re welcome. Don’t know which county or state they were but hope that it was one that has images online for the marriage and death.
LikeLike
Uh, no. And unfortunately was about 3 decades before the State required registrations. But there are other avenues!
LikeLike
Would love to hear what avenues you use when you get results. I’ll be looking for a post. 🙂
LikeLike
Yes. Well. I’m trying to get back into genealogy research, let alone posting. Very busy summer, but worthwhile as making memories with living relatives.
LikeLike
Make the memories! Look forward to seeing new posts when you aren’t so busy.
LikeLike
Please contact me. Have been looking for parents of Elizabeth (Bettie) Frances Doss, born Chariton Co., Mo in 1864. Parents from Virginia. In 1870 census she’s with John Hambrick/Hamrick family in Mason Co. WV. In 1880. she’s listed as a servant. in Robert Dabney’s household in Mason Co. (John Hambrick dies & his widow, Lucretia Pickens married Robert Dabney.), After that, Bettie married Andrew Lambert & lived in Mason Co. till death.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sally. I will be in touch with you.
LikeLike
First I want to thank you for this guideline! Genealogy is my obsession so I know the countless hours, days, weeks, months and possibly years that went into your research. Bravo! I have spent the last 3 years researching my mother in laws maternal ancestry. I am still not finished with her family but I just could not hold off any longer researching my own. My great grandfather George W Dunlap married Alexander & Tobitha’s daughter Frances Clonch. Their grand daughter Helen Lorriena Dunlap was my mother. Thanks again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Dreama. Was Helen Lorriena Dunlap the daughter of Earl Lawrence Dunlap and Thelma Mae Pritt? Let me know if you need any help with the Clonch line. Thank you for commenting.
LikeLike
I often see your posts appear on FB and click Like, meaning to get back to them when I have more time, and then I lose track of them. So this one just reappeared in my feed. Do you think there was no stigma for adultery and having children out of wedlock in that community? Is that a more recent phenomenon? Or was divorce more stigmatizing than either adultery or having out of wedlock children?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m seeing a lot of these shenanigans in Mason County from the time it was formed until the turn of the century (1900) so it seems to be a community thing. Polly was raised by a single mother. Maybe she never thought to marry.
Many couples of Mason County went across the state line to marry in Gallia County, Ohio. I’ve wondered about this. The Clonch family lived in the Clendennin district and Gallipolis was between their home and Point Pleasant. For them it was just the closest courthouse.
I’ve been seeing your posts and NOT clicking Like meaning to get back to them as well. Time just seems to fly by and things don’t get done. Thank you, Amy, for taking the time to read this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep—where is all that time going? And I wonder what all those self-righteous Americans would think of your rebellious ancestors!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I’ll have to answer that privately. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person