Clipped from US, Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore Sun , October 15, 1905
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VIRGINIA EEBALDBYProminent Families Of The OldDominion.STEPTOE LINEAGE AND ARMSLons And Honorable Deaeent—Ted dlnfton Hell, On Tbe James Letter* On Genealogy.Bt Jan* OixrrrTH Kara* Tfc* knight'* rword is rust;HI* bone* are dtut.Hi* aoul is with the Mints, we trust.Id tbe Southern Literary Messenger of 1841 Is a most charming old-world sketch, by the historiaa Campbell, entitled, “Christmas Holidays at Teddington.”Teddington Hall, on the James river, was once the seat of Sir Philip Steptoe. His tombstone is still to be seen in the old graveyard in the garden. Engraved on It is the Steptoe coat of arms, with the motto. “8pe» Mea lt;n Deo,” It bears the following Inscription:THIS TOMS IS SAC BED TO TH* MEMOBT OPThb Honokabl* Philip Steptox, Esqui**,In various aEoploymenta of public trust, an exampls of loyalty to bis King and affsrtlon to his country. In ths several relations of life a pattern worthy of Imitation. An equanimity of which few are capable conducted him with eucoess through the various icmti of life. * • • Not imperious with advancement, he rose almost to ths highest honor* of his country. His rank and fortune made himmost extensively useful. He was descended of an ancient family is England, which came over to Virginia in a genteel and honorable character.ON TH* THCBTIBTH DAT OT MAT, SBTXNTUN HUNDRED AND TOBTT-BIOMT IN THE irrr-NIXTH TEAR OT HIS AO*, HIS SPIRIT RETURNED TO THB OODWHO OAV* IT,AND HIS BODT REPOSES HEBBIN.Modern Teddington house is * frame structure. In tbe yard near It stood the ancient family seat of the Steptoea, Teddlng-ton Hall, long since gone to ruin. It was a large brick structure, Inherited by a fanciful, superstitious old lady, who believed it to b« haunted and wonld not live in It. Thus it went to decay. Brick are found underground there at this day.The historian goea on quaintly to describe the old-time games in the evening at Teddington : “How Do You Like It? “Air, Heir,” “Tulips, etc.. ending with an old Virginia reel; silver plate at Teddington, arms of the Steptoes, eresf, grlffln’s head ; family portraits In the drawing room, “The Captain and His Lady,” by Tully, the elder ; an old lady In hoops, with a child In her lap. That child was tbe mother of an old bachelor of great wealth, who lived across the river. There is a fine portrait of one of the Steptoes, by Sir Joshua Reynolds, In rich court dress, trimmed with gold lace. He has a fine face. In the dining room la an erect old gentleman in a wig and graydoublet. *The Lancaster county records show that Anthony Steptoe located there about 1697, with John Coasena. There is a deposition of Anthony Steptoe, aged 44 years, and others recorded In Lancaster county in 1697, showing that one John Eustace came to Virginia In 1676 in company with bis first wife, Sarah Jauneey, and her parents, William and Mary Jauneey. They were attracted to the colony by the estate left Mr#. Jaun-cey by her brother, John Cossens, of Virginia, who came from Cudrig, England, near a place called Bishop's Walton, in Hampshire county.Sarah Jauneey, wife of John Eustace, died in 1682, leaving two sons—William and John. After the death of hia first wifeJohn Eustace married Elizabeth . JohnEustace died In 1702 and soon afterward his widow, Elizabeth Eustace, married Capt. John Steptoe, son of Anthony, who came to Virginia with Mr. John Cossens. Ths children of Capt. John Steptoe and hia wifeElizabeth were:(1) William, who married Ann (will probated in Northumberland county in 1759). Their children were William and Mary(2) John, who married Joan Lawson June12 1727.lt;S James, who lock ted In Westmoreland eoupty and lived at Hominy Hall, one of the ancestral homes of the Steptoe family. He was a vestryman of Cople Parish, Westmoreland county. In 1755.Col. James Steptoe married, first, Elisa beth Eskridge, daughter of George, by whom be had two daughters—Elizabethand Anne. Elisabeth married, first, Philip Ludwell Lee; second, P. R. Fendall. Anne married, first. Willoughby Allerton ; second, Samuel Washington.Col. Samuel Washington, who was born in 1784 ih Stafford county, Virginia, was a brother of President George Washington and third child of Augustine Washington by his second wife. Col. Samuel Washington for his fourth wife married in 1772 Anne, daughter of Col. Jamee Steptoe. of Hominy Hall, and widow of Wlllougbby Allerton Colonel and Mrs. Washington resided at ilarewood. in Berkeley county, Virginia. Col. Samuel Washington died In 1781. Theirchildren were: (1) Ferdinand, born at Hare-wood in 1773; (2) George Steptoe, borp at Harewood in 1775; (8) Lanrence Augustine, born in 1777j (4) Harriet Parks Washington, born in 1780.George Steptoe Washington was a favorite nephew with his uncle, General W aah-lngton, and was at one time his secretary. General Washington left him a handsome legacy in his will and, among other things, a valuable sword, which is now in tbe national collection at Washington. George Steptoe Washington married, in 1796, Miss Lucy Payne, of Virginia. Their children were: George Washington, born 1797: Sam-nel Walter Washington, born 1799: William Temple, born 1800; George Steptoe,born 1806. 'Col. James Steptoe married, second. Mrs.Elizabeth Aylett, widow of Capt William Aylett, by whom be bad four sons—Geo., James, Thomas and William.Janies Steptoe 2d, son of Col. James and Elizabeth Steptoe, was born at* Hominy Hall, in Westmoreland county, in 1750. In later years he moved t® Bedford county and became tbe founder of the family in that county, leaving numerous descendants. James Steptoe was educated at William and Mary College, and while there was a fellow-student of Thomas Jefferson, a few years his senior. They formed a very close friendship, which continued throughout life. It is said that James Steptoe was much Influenced by the opinions of Jefferson, both on public and religious questions. It was through the Influence of Jefferson that James Steptoe was appointed to an office unde* Secretary Nelson, after which he was transferred in 1772, at the age of 22, to the clerkship of the District Court at New London, in Bedford county, which he held until his death, having been 54 years In office. James Steptoe married Miss Calloway, of Bedford county, daughter of Colonel Calloway, who was a son of Sir William Calloway, who married three times and left 22 children, whose descendants are scattered over the SouthwesternStates. *James Steptoe built a manor house InBedford county, where he spent his useful life surroBuded by his family and noted for his hospitality. This mansion was situated about three miles from Poplar Forest, the abode of bis friend, Thomas Jefferson, who loved to seek rest and seclusion there during his Intervals of rest from public service. Upon one occasion when Gen. Andrew Jackson, on his way to Washington just after the battle of New Orleans, had stopped to dine with his friend, Mr. Steptoe, be met Mr. Thomas Jefferson Just at the gateway. Tfle two great men dismounted from their horses and exchanged salutations with each other and with their host, who awaited them within, upon the lawn. Mr. Jefferson, with his eourtly manner, waving hia hand, stood back for “Old Hickory” to pasa before him; but that gallant soldier, bowing low, said: “Surely, Mr. Jefferson, does not think that I would go before an ex-President of the United States.” To which Mr. Jefferson graciously replied: “It would ill become me to take precedence of the hero of New Orleans.” Thus these two distinguished men stood bowing and scraping to each other in the roadway while Mr. Steptoe waited for them with, I am sure, amused impatience; until, at length, General Jackson threw his arms about Mr. Jefferson and gently lifted him quite over the thresh old, and there the General’s aid and the other gentry coming up, we may be sure they hsd a Jolly, good time—a “feast of reason and a flow of soul,” not forgetting Mrs. 8teptee’s bountiful dinner, served on tbe famous Steptoe silver, which cost several hundred pounds sterling—a veritable feast of “wines on the leas,” which to read about makes us long more than ever for a return of the good old times. Mr. Steptoe was not only noted for his hospitality, but alao for his charity. Driving along in his coach and four one day, he passed the house of a certain Mrs. Chaffee. Upon no tic in a acrowd gathsred around, he sent bis coach*man, Ben, to inquire tbe cause. Hearing that the poor woman was being aoid out for debt he descended from his carriage, stopped the auction, paid the mortgage and addedone more noble act of charity to hia record.Mr. Steptoe was beloved by everyone, and especially so by bis slaves, whom he bad taught different trade* that they might support themselves after his death when, by his will, they were all set free. Mr. Steptoe died In 1826. A handsome monument In the old family burying ground in Bedford county bears the following inscription: “James Steptoe, born 1750, died 1826. For 54 years the Clerk of Bedford County.” Tbe office of Clerk of the Court of Bedford County has been held by tbe Steptoe family in its lineal and collateral branches for more than a hundred years. Mr. Steptoe was commissioned justice of the peace by Gov. Patrick Henry, of Virginia. -There is a fine oil painting of Mr. Steptoe In possession of one of his descendants, painted by Harvey Mitchell In 1826, which waaused as tbe original of “The Old Virginia Gentleman” In Dr. Bagley’s admirable lecture, “Bacon and Greens.”Mr. Steptoe left five sons and four daugh-ters: (1) James L. Steptoe, wbo succeeded his father as Clerk of the Court of Bedford County; (2) William Steptoe, who became an eminent physician; (3) George, whose son, John R. Steptoe, was the fifth Clerk of Bedford County; (4) Robert C. Steptoe, who married Elizabeth Leftwlch, whose children were: (1) James P. Steptoe, (2) Elizabeth, who married Mr. Quarles #Dd was the mother of Robert Steptoe Quarles, late Clerk of the Court of Bedford County;(3) Sarah, who married Mr. W’ard; (4) Marian, who married Mr. Earheart; (5) Annie; (6) Cornelia: (7) John G. W’alter; (5) Thomas; (6) Elizabeth, who married Charles Johnston; (7) Frances, who married Henry L. iJinghorne ; (8) Lucy, who married Robert Penn; (9) Sally, who mar ried William Mangle, whose son. Thomas J, Maesle, waa third Clerk of Nelson County. Bishop James Steptoe Johnston, of Western Texas, is a descendant of Elizabeth Steptoe, who married Charles Johnston. Col. Edward I. Steptoe, United States Army, wasalso a descendant of Col. James Steptoe, of Hominy Hall. Coi. Edward I. Steptoe fought with distinction in the Indian and Mexican Wars. Gen. Samuel Blackwell married Elizabeth Steptoe. Their daughter. Sarah, married Mr. Armiatead Churchill. Dr. William Steptoe Christian, of 5j|ddle-sex county, is also a descendant of James Steptoe, of Hominy Hall.Dr. Christian has In his possession many valuable relics and Information about the family and also a picture of Hominy Hall. Miss Bettie Steptoe Christian married Dr.Azanmi(2)miElMlt;HInoMtincKlmCaDoDaEllPeMuAnHekitkirOtiMarieMeW1CbSn:Le:noi:colsirha'EnMtIyoisotfev1da i ofmaJolnolastblchiCoiviito s lachiAnterrl©Jaiginllv!sonterG©BamaCaiofmaNkofNkBalterThlt;ByNoiPhitheyeamaYoiwhageIongraTHE STEPTOE ARMSHuntington. They had one daughter, Nannie, who married the Hon. W. L. Wilson, Postmaster-General during the Cleveland administration. He is now a professor at Washington and Lee University.Among the numerous descendants of theSteptoe family may be mentioned Miss Nannie Steptoe Eskridge, of Lynchburg, Va.; Mr. William dellertburn, Washington ; Miss Letitla M. Burwell, of Bedford county, Virginia ; Mrs. W. L. Wilson, Virginia; Mrs. Charles Dana Gibson, the Misses Langhorne, of Mirador, and Mr. Langhorna.MeIBalancterPeiColal»tioirlelt;, Vtrfflnla Letter Bex.f Cosmonnlcati or.» from readers of Thb 8 UN on •objects relating to Virginia geneakw should be addressed to Virginia Heraldry. Bon offloa. to insure their prompt appearance# Such commtmic*-tions will be published without chargs. Tbe mi»—and addreaaes of tbe writer* ahould always accompany the ocmnunicationa Write on one rids ofthe paper only and be careful to write names distinctly.]Messrs. E diton:In reply to tbe questions of “8. E. T.” in last week’s paper, would say that Burr Harrison, who married Ann Barnes July 31, 1722, was a son of Thomas Harrison, of Chappawamsic, and grandson of Burr Harrison, the immigrant to Virginia prior to 1670. who was baptized in 1637 and died in 1706, and who married Mary, widow of Edward Smith. I do not know anything about the Barnes and Slocomb families in question, but have Burr lt;the immigrant) line back in England to 1500.Thomas Harrison, of Chappawamsic, born In 1665 and died 1746, is my ancestor. Can you or any of the descendants tell me whom he married? He had two sons— Burr and Cuthbert—and daughters. One of his daughters married a McMillan or McMlllian, of Prince William county. Her given name and hts unknown, but she hadtwo daughters, named Frances McMillan and Elizabeth McMillan (my ancestors), who m*rried George Briscoe and Dr. John Briscoe, who removed from St Mary’s county, Maryland, to Frederick county, Virginia. when the Valley of Virginia was first settled. Anyone supplying this much-de-alred information will greatly oblige me. So far, I can find no record of this McMillan family. Can anyone give name# of all of Thomas Harrison's daughters?A sister of this McMillan married Col. Gerard Briscoe, and I have record In an old Bible of death of Capt. John McMlllian, who departed this life 31st day of October, in the year 1811 ; born In 1784.JCLIBT H. O.youiel(Hj.IntiWoBnPaiGeibraIMespcinBiefrograbe!maniebyliaiLult;netJaitheFaiBelofconweihisofFoi(thdaitaliare«ilt;diemasonHaof ‘ Ga1adlt;me(F.terhnjsidamtheMe1dalSclt;Me*$r$. Edit on:In reply to questions of Olivia C. Powell Patterson and Mary G. Powell, wish to say that Crozier, in hia General Armory, gives the following:“Harrison, Virginia; Burr Harrison, Chappawamsic — Azure, three deml-lions rampant or. Crest, a deml lion rampant argent, holding a laurel branch vert.This Burr Harrison was the father of the Thomas whose wife's name I wish to know; also name of his daughter, who married McMillan, hia (McMillan's) full name and to what family he belonged. I shall be glad to exchange information through these columns. The second son of Thomas Harrison was Cuthbert, a familiar family name in this family.Thomas Harrison (son and heir of Sir Thomas Harrlaon. Viscount in 1652, Knight Lord Mayor of the City of York In the alnsty (or county) of York, England, in 1575) ; married Jane, daughter of Adam Haperson of Haperson, and granddaughter of Cuthbert Fleming, of Charleston, who died in 1624.The old home of Thomas Harrison of Chappawamsic had a mantel In It upon which was carved his coat of arms. The house was destroyed by fire. Have any of the descendants a photo of It or of any of the family. If so, would like to obtaincopies. Hoping to hear from some of thedescendants, Juli*t H. Q.hislstlt;16)hisenj8cfquibrctotywa;brctinin19”IdaihatsueHoty.lt;•)MrterCl*tavJotwh(■)ant(5)burThlt;ciaItesnn. Edi ton:“A. II. M. can secure picture of Soldier’s Rest” by writing to the “Secretary of the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond,Vs., and asking him for tbe April (1904) number of the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography. There Is a pen-and Ink sketch of “Soldier’s Rest” In that number of the above magazine. C. M. Bauca.ing feri bur Ale da® of :rlelt;(«)AlephjMenvrt. Editon:”Veritaa” in Sunday’s paper asked for the descent of Annie Baker, who married Zacbariah Waters, of Montgomery county. My family records give her descent as follow*: Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey and Duke of Norfolk, born 1473, had a son, Henry Howar^ born 1520, Earl of 8urrey, Knight of tbe Garter, ete., who left two sons and three daughters. From one of these sons descended Sir Henry Howard, whose wife was Lady Judith Howard, of Howard Hall, England. Their daughter, Susanna Howard, married Peter W’ood and moved to Charles county, Maryland (she afterward vlalted her old home, Howard Hall, and letters are in existence now from her to her family in America); their daughter, Judith Howard Wood (“Little Jnde,” buried In Shepberdstown with her husband In the old Episcopal churchyard), married John Baker, of Berkeley. Their fifth child.*ReiDItyea211IThlt;terty,couwh!De*1MeIthechiSmISat
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