E. W. Twyman - Yancey Family Genealogyyanceyfamilygenealogy.org/BOOK_Twyman_by_William_T_Lockett-51-100.pdfE. W. Twyman Twyman's Mill Madison County, ... most excellent man, a second

37

E. W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l

Madison County, Virginia

November 18, 1916

Mrs. Paul A. Klayder

My dear Madam:

I hardly know what to write you. First I w i l l t e l l you something of myself. I am 63 years old, was l e f t poor after the C i v i l War, so my l i f e has been an arduous one. I am l i v i n g uoon a farm which has been in the Twyman family since 1732 as facts demonstrate by w i l l of George Twyman I I , dated 12 of April , 1732. His wife was Agatha Buford. This w i l l i s now in the possession of F. W. Twyman, Charlottesville, Virginia, given him by myself. He is a most excellent man, a second cousin of mine, and with whom I have been warmly associated since his boyhood. Write to him asking for a cony of the w i l l .

I have been practicing medicine 42 years. I am prematurely old. I was unfortunate with children, as my wife and self are closing our terrestrial stay here together.

I w i l l say that I have received numerous letters concerning the Twyman family. You are closest in point of relationship of any letter I ever received from outside of Virginia. Judging from the names you mention, I have given away nearly, in fact, a l l papers relating to the family. Yet, I w i l l do the best I can.

George Twyman, mentioned heretofore, as w i l l shows, 4 children: George, William, Mary and Agatha.1 William was my great-great-grandfather and married Winnie Cowherd, and had, i f my memory serves me right, 4 children: Anne, Reuben, Robert and William. 2 I am not writing facts that can be proven, but I believe my great-grandfather, William, was a bro+^er of your great-great-grandfather, You write to F. W. Twyman, Charlottesville, Virginia, and John Twyman or his brother, Sam, Virgiland (?), Buckingham County, Virginia. I'd suppose they know much more than I do. Sam or John Twyman descended from George I I .

I suppose you have heard of the Twyman fortune. Johnston Barbour, John Walker and Reuben Twyman, when young men, purchased in Pike County, Kentucky, on the Big Sandy River, 77,777 acres of land.3 I did have the deed to said land in my possession. Knew I was not an heir, so gave i t to a man named "Twyman," and he never returned i t — a copy of which, I believe, could be obtained in Richmond, Virginia. At one time t i t l e was good, but I think Kentucky passed a law debarring such t i t l e s by the Statute of Limitations. I honestly believe you are of the family who could have secured property had you known of i t s existence, but, alas, too late now. Such is l i f e . No one has ever given me

Incorrect. 5 children: George, William, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine. 2Incorrect. William Twyman and Winifred Cowherd had nine children according to manuscript of George Twyman I I I , brother of William; none was named "Robert." -'incorrect. Should read "Jo' n Walker, Robert Johnston and Reuben Twyman;" and "7,537 acres" instead of "77,777 acres."

3S

- 2 -

Letter, dated November 18, 1916, to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder from E. W. Twyman, M.D,

anything, but I am glad to be able to state I have enough of the world's goods to last me. b

My father was James W. Twyman. He married Sallie W i l l i s . His father was Anthony who married Sallie Davis. Anthony's father was William who married Betsey Garnett. William's father was William who married Winnie Cowherd. William's father was George who married Agatha Buford. Your great-great-grandfather ,^Reuben Twyman, was named "Reuben" for Reuben Clark who was one of William's warmest friends and a co-executor of his estate.

Tell these two young men, Sam and F. W. Twyman, to give you their addresses, and to be sure and reply to your letters.

The Twymans have taken great interest in public affairs—most of them useful men. Tnree (3) of us now are practicing medicine. I am trying to help other young men.

I have told you nearly a l l I know of our family in a rambling way, which I was glad to do. I am truly sorry that I am unable to give you (*) would be delighted to have the book, and i f F. W. Twyman w i l l give you his store of knowledge, and our immediate families are mentioned, w i l l buy a book certainly.

Wishing you success in your family history, and wishing you a nleasant journey in l i f e , I am,

Most cordially,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman, M.D.

(*) One or more i l l e g i b l e words

39

Dr. E. W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l , Virginia

December 15, 1916

My dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter received. Was glad to hear from you.

F. W. Twyman, while attending school, spent two and a half years at my house, so he almost feels as i f he was a boy of mine. He and his family spent Sunday the 10th at my house. I think he came to discuss our family history with me, but there happened to be two other gentlemen and two ladies present, and we had no opportunity after they l e f t . I was called hastily to see a case of confinement, and he was gone when I returned home, which I regretted ever so much. My wife t e l l s me he examined the family record of my greatgrandfather's Bible. My great-grandfather married Betsy Garnett, and my grandfather Atnhony was named for his father, Anthony Garnett. F. W. Twyman was told where to write by me, and I believe he w i l l get some valuable news.

One of William Twyman Jr.'s daughters, named Anne Twyman, married a Willis and went to Kentucky. William Twyman's w i l l is recorded in Clerk's office of my (Madison) County, Virginia. I shall not give you any data u n t i l I v i s i t our courthouse and examine William Sr.'s and William Jr.'s w i l l s . I do not think a l l of William Sr.'s children are mentioned in his w i l l . He married, as you say, Miss Winifred Cowherd, he having given some of them their share of his estate during his l i f e . You shall hear more from me after examining county record,

Reuben Twyman, Anthony's eldest brother, is not the Reuben you are anxious to learn about, I believe he was a nephew. In fact, I know this, and he died at Ruckersville, Greene County, Virginia, 1829. I don't know any of his descendants. He had one son, Alfred Twyman, and Alfred had two sons—Frank Twyman and Travis Twyman, both now dead. Their children spent their patrimony and are scattered I know not where. I shall advise F. W, Twyman to hunt them up. You and he must do the work, and I w i l l read your book when finished.

I want you to write to Mrs. Anna L. Major, Locust Dale, Virginia, whose grandmother was a Twyinan, and t e l l her to give you a l l the information she has. I would also advise you to get someone to copy the Twyman names and their addresses in the Louisville directory.

There are Twymans l i v i n g in Winchester, Kentucky. A Miss Twyman, a very intellectual woman, who had been a great. . . .

Forty years ago I was invited to the Willard Hotel (Washington, D. C.) to meet Buford Twyman, an eminent lawyer. I made his acquaintance when I was at school in Louisville, I found a letter from him expressing his regret, but had been called unexpectedly to Frankfort on business. He died soon afterward, so I never saw him.

40

- 2 -

(Letter dated December 15, 1916, from Dr. E. W. Twyman, Twyman's M i l l , Virginia, to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder)

There are also Twymans l i v i n g in Ghristianburg, Kentucky. I never met any of them, but knew a Dr. Williams l i v i n g there who married a Miss Twyman, a most excellent gentleman. He is now dead.

There i s also a George Twyman li v i n g in Ritchie County, West Virginia, whom I have met, but I hope he i s no kin to either of us. I met him once, and he wrote to me that he had l e f t his wife, and wanted me to select another wife for him in Virginia. I never answered his letter.

After I get matters straight, I shall write to you regarding the wil l s I alluded to heretofore, giving you f u l l data of the Twyman family (*).

(NOTE: PAGE 5 IS MISSING. PAGE 6 OF THIS LETTER FOLLOWS BELOW.)

(*) and regret my in a b i l i t y to be more specific in my information so I could have the relationship. Well, I w i l l close. Shall l e t you hear from me again, and w i l l be glad to hear from you, and promise to make F. W. Twyman give you a l l the help he can. My wife joins me in kindest regards.

Cordially yours,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman, M. D.


41

Dr. H. W. Twyrnan Twyman's M i l l , Virginia

January 24, 1Q17


Dear Cousin:

When I wrote to you last, I told you I'd v i s i t my county seat, search records and give you any information I m^ght gather therefrom. I learned nothing of any importance. My county was cut off of Culpeper County in 17Q2. The Culpener offices were burned a few years later, and the records were lost.

You w i l l find a letter from Sam Twyman to me which might interest you. You can return the letter at your leisure. . . .

Write to John A. Twyman, same post office as given in Sam's letter to me. He is Superintendent of Public Schools. He is a man of more leisure and greater literary attainments. His father was Dr. Iverson Twyman, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I858. I. C. Twyman's address was 610 South Broadway, Louisville, Kentucky.

I received a letter from F. W. Twyman a few days ago. He is coming to my house soon to spend a day and night, and we w i l l get the Twyman family data straight as far as we can. He is a fine man.

(Compiler's note: The remainder of this letter is missing.)

42


(Undated Postscript to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder)

Since thinking this matter out, I am of the opinion that William Twyman's and Winifred Cowherd's children have their names given in the typewritten pamphlet that F. W. Twyman was going to send to you. If not, write to William Field, attorney-at-law, Orange, Virginia. He is not at Orange, Virginia, address. Write him in care of M. G. Field, his brother, who w i l l forward your letter to him.

Reuben Twyman once owned a farm in this county, so some of my correspondents told me.

(Compiler's note: Most of the following letter is i l l e g i b l e . The letter was written by Dr. E. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder, June 20, 1917.)

Dear Mrs. Klayder and Relative :

Your welcome letter came last night. As I never advocate procrastination, I w i l l reply at once. I am truly sorry to learn of your ill n e s s , but hope ere this you are well again.

If the New York and Pennsylvania people would cease trying to persuade my kind help to leave me and come North—they offer them large inducements— my vexations would be few. I had forgiven them for the emancipation of my slaves, thinking i t was best both for me and the slaves. . . .

He (F. W. Twyman) overrates my knowledge. What I know is from association with my father. I would like to go to Spotsylvania County, Virginia. I bel'eve I could learn a good deal, but i t would have to be warm weather before I could do so. When F. W. Twyman comes, we w i l l write you again.

With kindest regards, and bidding you God's speed in the work upon your book, I am sincerely,

Your cousin

(signed)

Dr. E. W. Twyman

43

Dr. E. W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l , Virginia September 25, 1917


Your letter received. Was ever so glad to hear from you, and delighted to learn of your progress with the book. You need no stimulus from me. I can see from your letters you are a businesswoman. But I am anxious to read the book, and I am going, soon, to be an old man.

Have just visited a section of West Virginia where I lived 41 years ago. My friends wanted to know when I was coming again. I told them the 3rd of October, 1928, the day I would be 75 (*). It w i l l be your dance and we w i l l have only the old Virginia Reel (*).

There is either in West Virginia or (*) House, a delegate bv name of Twyman. Write to him and find out i f he knows anything. I am (*) "Travis" appears as f i r s t or a given name. I had a great-uncle, two f i r s t cousins and one second cousin of that name.

F. W. Twyman i s a relative of whom we a l l can be proud. He and I have been the warmest of friends since his boyhood.

I am sending a letter from Mrs. Handy in 1908. She i s s t i l l l i v i n g and I think in Washington, D, C. If Mrs. Handy i s unable to give you the desired information regarding William Twyman's nine children, I don't know where you can obtain i t . Mrs. Handy is greatly interested in such work.

I wish I could t e l l you more. My father was a man of fine (*) information and often spoke of his Twyman ancestors whom. I regret, owing to my youth, I paid very l i t t l e attention to the (*) said.

I am greatly interested in your book, so w i l l simnly say, work on i t unceasingly so I can read i t before . . . my terrestrial departure.

This i s a sad war. Our best young men are leaving. Our privileges are being taken from us. But, as yet, I enjoy a mint julep in summer and eggnog in winter as I always have done. Have no use for the Prohibitionist Party.

Write again when you feel l i k e i t . Always enjoy your letters. My wife joins me in most sincere regards, wishing you a long and happy l i f e .

Your cousin,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

(*) Illegible words

44

E. W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l , Virginia

November 20, 1917


Dear Cousin:

I regret not giving you the P.O.. of Mrs. J. M. Clacomb, as well as her husband. Her great-grandmother was a Twyman (Mary Twyman), daughter of William Twyman I. Married, I think, Reuben Garnett. They are grandniece and nephew (sic) of Tabitha Garnett whose mother was a Twyman, a sister of William Twyman I I . Mr. and Mrs. Garnett inherited their home from Tabitha Garnett who lived to be very old. Mrs. Florence Garnett married Frank Garnett, a nephew of, Tabitha Garnett.

There ought to be a family Bible at one of these places showing you something. Their P.O. is Rapidan, Virginia, R.F.D. Larkin W i l l i s , Locust Dale, V i r g i n i a — h i s grandmother was a Garnett, a sister of Tabitha Garnett. I t seems as i f Garnetts and Twymans intermarried twice, William Twyman II marrying Betsy Garnett, and Reuben Garnett marrying, I think, Mary, a daughter of William Twyman I. Now you haye a nucleus to work unon to get the desired information out of these people.

Now, in confidence, they are good people, staunch Baptists, teetotalers—a l i t t l e on the Quaker order, and i t w i l l depend upon their moods whether they answer your letters. But you must in s i s t upon their looking up that Bible, and you may possibly hear from them. Write to a l l of them, also to Dr. William Gordon, Bascom Ford, Virginia. He is of the same stock. You can also write to James S. W i l l i s , Rapidan, Virginia, a man of same tr a i t s of character of a l l the others and married a f i r s t cousin of mine, Jennie Twyman.

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

k5

Twyman's M i l l , Virginia February 22, 1918

Mrs. Paul Klayder:

My gear Cousin: Glad to hear from you. You are right. L. W i l l i s * grandmother, Mary by name, was a sister of William Twyman 2nd and my great-grand-aunt. My father told me she had a brother, named George, who went to Kentucky. I heard him speak also of George and Reuben who went also to Kentucky. In I875 I examined the directory of Louisville, Kentucky, one page of which was f i l l e d with the name of Twyman.

When the Twymans settled in this County Madison, i t was Essex. (The) two have had several subdivisions since. F. W. Twyman and I are going to Tidewater, Virginia, sometime in the spring and examine the records of a l l counties of which Madison was once included, and see i f we can find any conveyance of real estate to the heirs of William Twyman 1st to his children.

It i s almost useless to write to different people, as a good many of this generation don't even know who was their grandmother and have no desire to learn anything of their ancestors.

F. W. Twyman wrote me he was going to write to Mrs. John M. Garnett. He also wrote me he was going to spend a Sunday at my house soon as roads would allow him to use his car. He is s t i l l at work getting a l l the information he can, but appears to me you and he are both ( i l l e g i b l e word) at the same place. To wit: What were the names of William Twyman ls t ' s children? You might write to John Coward, Gordonsville, Virginia. I would have mentioned his name sooner, but was of the opinion he was l i v i n g somewhere in your state. Recently I heard he returned and purchased property near Gordonsville. You might also write to Miss Katherine Scott, Gordonsville, a most excellent young woman. She is an up-to-date woman, and a relative (of) his Cowherd family.

The Albemarle and Buckingham Twymans are descendants of George Twyman but, I believe, you and I are from William Twyman 1st. I regret ray i n a b i l i t y to give you more information, and believe i f this question i s not solved by examination of records in Tidewater counties, we are going to have trouble. I f I were younger I would go and see now, but I am trying to take care of myself although I do not think I am very valuable asset to this world.

I am always glad to hear from you and w i l l t e l l F. W. Twyman to write to you when he comes. He is not well, has to avoid exposure to cold, but a very active man.

My wife joins me in her ( i l l e g i b l e word) regards. Sincerely, your relative,

(signed)

E, W, Twyman

46


June 22, 1918


Dear Cousin:

Your very interesting letter has been received. As usual, I was glad to hear from you, but I am afraid you w i l l not get your book published during my lifetime. I am now 65 years old, and more feeble than I was 12 moons ago..

Mr. F. W. Twyman, wife and son spent last Sunday at my house. His health is better. He is a fine man. We commenced discussing our family history when other guests arrived. So we refrained for the time.

My mother was Sallie A, W i l l i s , daughter of James W i l l i s . Her mother was Susan Harwood, of Charles City County, Virginia. She is distantly connected with the family of Willis you wrote to some time ago. Dr. Hilary Willis's mother, Jennie Twyman, my f i r s t cousin, lives at Hyattsville, Maryland. He is closely connected with the Garnett Willises. You write to him, t e l l i n g him what you want to know, stating I told you to write, and ask him to get his wife, who was a Miss W i l l i s , whose great-great-grandmother was a Twyman, to write and you possibly find what you want to know.

You also write to Miss Susan Claycomb, Hyattsville, Maryland. Her father i s my f i r s t cousin—Sheriff Travis J. Twyman, of Madison County, Virginia, and ask her to get her husband to give you the names of two Twyman captains in the Federal army during the C i v i l War. Both are now dead. They were from Greensburg, Kentucky. Her husband, Mr. Claycomb, w i l l gladly write you. You t e l l them I told you to write.

I am glad Miss Katherine Scott was so courteous. I knew she was a fine woman.

This is a sad war. No t e l l i n g how long i t w i l l last. Crops (wheat) in my section, a dismal failure. No farmer w i l l make any money this year. Labor<is scarce, t r i f l i n g and high. I have an abundance of i t , such as i t i s . Our gardens are worthless?— f i r s t rain, yesterday, since April 26.

F. W. Twyman and myself w i l l take our Tidewater t r i p , i f nothing prevents, in July. I would like to read your papers. I know I would enjoy them. I am always glad to hear from you. My wife joins me in most sincere regards to yourself and husband.

Your cousin

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

47


January 31, 1919

(NOTE: Most of this letter i s i l l e g i b l e . )

My dear Mrs. Klayder and Relative:

F. W. Twyman's family has had a fearful time with influenza; a l l better now, so came down and spent last night and today at my house. I wish ever so much that you could have been here and joined in our conversation. He says that he sent you a record of Madison County Clerk's office relating to Twyman family—that he i s going to write to you soon. His health is better, but his business (*) doubled the work for him (*).

We had Davis Twymans (*). Eddie, son of Granville, of William, of Robert Davis Twyman. William E. Twyman (*), son of (*). The parents of James S. W i l l i s , who married Virginia T. Twyman, daughter of Isaac S. Twyman, were James Willis and Elizabeth Gordon. He was a f i r s t cousin of (*). Larkin's wife was a Miss (*) of Richmond. Larkin's father married a Garnett and had 21 children. Larkin (*), Albert, William (*), Charles (*). I did not know them as they lived 30 miles from me. If I remember correctly, his paternal great-grandmother was Mary Twyman, daughter of William Twyman 1st. They are (*) people, staunch Baptists, and think (*) myself, who enjoy a cool mint julep and a fox hunt, Hell-doomed, and I have very l i t t l e to do with them, and when a young man did not v i s i t them (*).

They are distant relatives of my grandfather who had (*). Alexander Willis married Elizabeth Twyman (*) not related to any of our Willis family (*).!/

Well, I w i l l close. Hoping you proceed with your work (?). My wife joins me in sending most sincere regards. Am always glad to hear from you.

Sincerely, your relative,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

(*) Illegible word(s) l/ Elizabeth Twyman who married Col. Alexander W i l l i s , was the granddaughter of

William Twyman 1st and his wife, Winifred Cowherd. It is not improbable that Col. Alexander Wi l l i s was related to Col. Henry Wi l l i s and his f i r s t wife, Ann Alexander. By his second wife, Mildred Washington—aunt of George Washington—Col. Henry Willis had Col. Lewis Willis whose son, Major Byrd Charles W i l l i s , married Mary Willis Lewis. These latter two were the parents of Catherine Baingerfield Willis who married Charles Lewis Achille Napoleon Murat, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.

48


March 5. 1919

Mrs. Paul Klayder:

Dear Cousin:

Your very interesting letter received this P.M. While your questions are fresh in my mind, I w i l l reply.

Mrs. Mark Cal l , nee Fannie Twyman, was a f i r s t cousin of F. W. Twyman, he having descended from Horace D. Twyman, and she from William Twyman who were brothers. Both Mrs. Call and F. W. Twyman are grandchildren of Robert Davis Twyman who married Eli z a Booton. I f you w i l l write to Mark Cal l , P.O., Stanardsville, Greene County, Virginia, he w i l l gladly send you a biographical sketch of his son, Willis C a l l , who was k i l l e d in France, and some comments regarding his son, Twyman C a l l . At least these sketches a l l were published i n Greene County Record, and I'd suppose the family has preserved the papers.

If you w i l l write to Miss Annie Walters, Orange, Virginia, a most excellent young lady, in whose family I was their physician for twenty-five years, I would think you could get almost a complete history of the Walkers of Virginia. I f Miss Walters, whose mother was a Miss Walker, has not the data of the Walker family, she ought to be able to get same from Miss Delia Walker, Madison M i l l s , Virginia, whose sister married Dr. Lee Taliaferro, of same P.O. Dr. Taliaferro's mother was Sarah Frances Twyman, an aunt of F. W. Twyman and Fannie C a l l , daughters of Robert D. Twyman and Eliza Booton. These people are warm, personal friends of mine and have the records of Walker family, and the capacity to give i t to you in good form. Dr. Taliaferro is a very busy man (*).

The f i r s t clerk of Madison County was John Walker, a relative of the aforesaid Walkers, Walters and Taliaferros, but not as closely related as John and Sam(?) Davis(?) Twyman, of Wingina, Buckingham County, Virginia.

The Kirtleys, of County, have a l l died and moved away years ago. They are related, as you said, to the Walkers and Bootons. The Bootons were at one time very numerous in this county—not one here now, but l i v i n g at Orange are four Booton g i r l s , to wits Lucy, Kate, Alice and. Georgia—most excellent young ladies, warm friends of mine who should be able to give you most any information regarding the Booton family. They are next-door neighbors of the Walters family. A l l used to be close neighbors of mine, but owing to scarcity of help, and having no male members in their families, sold their fine country estates and moved to the town of Orange, Virginia. You write to some of these people and when I meet them, I w i l l urge them to give you a l l information they may be able to get together.


- 2 -

(Letter, dated March 5, 1919, from Dr. E. W. Twyman, of Twyman M i l l s , Virginia, to Mrs. Paul Klayder)

I shall send your letter to F. W. Twyman. When he was a boy, as I have doubtless told you, he stayed at my house while attending the Academy. We have been very intimate during his early boyhood. He usually comes to see me twice a year, and i f he hears I am sick, he comes down to see what i s the trouble. I am proud of him, and my wife thinks he i s wonderful. Now I wish you could have driven ut> to my front gate and been here during his last v i s i t .

Sheriff Twyman, as you know, is my (*) cousin, a good fellow, but li k e (*) officers, i s lazy, I know well he never copied any records. But you write to him that you wish records copied; secondly, to bring the b i l l for doing same to me before sending you the copy, and I w i l l take pleasure in paying same, and i t shall cost you nothing.

Hurry up with your book, i f you please. I am fresh in the morning, but worn completely out by 4:00 P.M. i f I am the least busy. I sometimes think I do too much, but don't li k e the idea of s i t t i n g down and wasting away. We are getting to feel l i k e we are old people.

Well, I w i l l close, hoping you may learn a l l you wish to find out. As always, glad to hear from you, and trust you may be able to read this hurriedly written le t t e r . My wife joins me in her most sincere regards to you and yours. Your cousin.

Sincerely,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

(*) One or more i l l e g i b l e words.

50

Dr. B. W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l

Virginia March 27, 1919


Dear Relative:

Some time ago I advised you to write to James C. Twyman, Louisville, Kentucky. You wrote hut received no reply. The address given was erroneous. I am sending notice of death—also, a narrative of Gall boys.

Hoping you are well. With kindest regards, your relative,

E, W. Twyman

(signed)

51

Dr. E. M. Twyman Twyman's M i l l , Virginia

June 14, 1919

(Compiler's note; Much of this letter is i l l e g i b l e , and much is garbled.)

Mrs. Paul Klayder

Dear Relative:

F. W. Twyman has sent me some of your letters to him to read. Assertions without evidence are not trustworthy. Yes, I am satisfied that William Twyman I's sons were George, Robert and Reuben—Robert being the eldest. 1/ I never heard my relatives ever speak of them. A l l of them went to Kentucky and settled near Christianburg.

I wish you would write to J. M. Garnett who lives where Tabitha Garnett lived. He inherited her property. Find out i f (*). James Garnett married a Garnett, sister of Tabitha Garnett whose mother was a Twyman. I think the mother of these two women was the daughter of William Twyman I. I think you are correct in a l l you wrote to Mr. F. W, Twyman. Larkin W i l l i s , Locust Dale, Virginia, might possibly give you some information, or possibly (*).

I am glad you are getting along so nicely. Write to Mrs, John M. Garnett asking her to peruse Aunt Tabitha's Bible (*).

(*) But I know them well enough to know that they prefer ferreting out their problems without the suggestions or knowledge of other people. So you must write to each individual as i f you had not written other members of the family. I have given you their idiosyncrasies, but you must never l e t i t be known. They are good, thr i f t y and intelligent. You must not l e t these people know I gave you their names. They are, as I said, t h r i f t y , business people and zealous in their church work. I don't think they are very proud of me as their kinsman, as I take an interest in p o l i t i c s , take a drink when I feel like i t , and am not a Baptist. I like them very well. When younger, I was the family physician of some of them.

My father told me of Twymans going to Christianburg, Kentucky. I hope you w i l l soon get things straight (*) of Reuben, Robert and George.

Years ago I answered an advertisement of peafowls for sale in your State. (It originated with) a lady whose post office, I think, i f my memory serves me right, was Ripley, Missouri. She stated in her letter that her grandfather, a physician, was a man of my name, that her father's doctor was a Twyman, and now her son's doctor was Dr. Twyman. And I concluded that for three generations .

K Incorrect. There was no Robert Twyman. ) One or more i l l e g i b l e words

FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY 35 NORTH WEST TEMPLE SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84150

52

- 2 -

(Letter, dated June 14, 1919, from Dr. E. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul Klayder)

there had been a Dr. Twyman in her section. You might gain some information from this source. I think i t was Ripley Post Office, but I regret that I am not positive.

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

P. S. The land grant was issued to Reuben Twyman, John Walker, 16 December, 1789, by G o v e r n o r Beverly Randolph. Kentucky was admitted as a State on June 1, 1792.

(Addresses) James W. Wiggington, 1149 East 14th Street, Oakland, California Lucio H i l l , Locust Dale, Virginia.

53

Dr. E. W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l

Virginia November 15, 1919

Mrs. Paul C. Klayder

My dJear Cousin;

Your favored letter was received, and I can truthfully say I was delighted to get your photo, and proud that I had such a fine looking cousin.

My apology for not replying i s simply this. An old friend of mine was a candidate for clerk of the c i r c u i t court. He was rendered unpopular for doing his duty as a member of the Draft Board. He came to see me and told me I must get busy, asking me to manage the three precincts in lower end of my county. I told him I was too old. So I had to get busy, and did not relax my efforts for at least 40 days. They claimed the precincts, but thanks to m y (*)» I carried them a l l by 169 majority. So the old man was elected Clerk again. I t was the bitterest fight I ever witnessed, and the most expensive on both sides. I t i s the last p o l i t i c a l contest, I think now, I w i l l ever contend with, but I am glad I did and proud I won.

(*) J. A. Twyman was or not?

P. W. Twyman came to my house two weeks ago, spending two nights with several other gentlemen, and said he was going to write to you, but he was very busy or he would have done so ere this. He i s looking better than for several years, but he i s overworked.

During his stay we had several roasted geese, a good many fried chickens, most excellent beefsteak, and we had some very fine Virginia apple brandy, and very old rye whisky—some of the stock I l a i d by when I saw that cruel wave of prohibition coming. I do not believe in saloons but enjoy a toddy in my own yard and at homes of my friends when we meet.

I am glad you w i l l try to complete your work by Christmas or at least in the next 12 months. You have been at so much expense, I do not intend to allow you to give me a book, but w i l l gladly buy three of them. Just as soon as I can get to a place where good photos are taken, I shall send you one.

I know you have worked hard. You deserve great credit for making the effort to give us a history of our family, and I believe i t i s as near perfect as i t can be gotten. It i s true there may be one or two missing links, but owing to the f i r e at Culpeper, can never be corrected.

Wil l pay for books whenever you wish me to, or you can simply enroll me for three copies which w i l l be taken whether I am deceased or alive. My health is f a i r l y good. I am now i n my 67th year. Am hoping to live slowly and not eat too much, for I hope to remain here many years yet.


54

- 2 -

(Letter, dated November 15, 1919, from Dr. E. W. Twyman, of Twyman's M i l l , Virginia, to Mrs. Paul C. Klayder)

I shall send your letter to P. W. Twyman and t e l l him to take time to write

to you. He i s greatly interested I well know.

With kindest regards from Mrs. Twyman. and myself.

Sincerely, your cousin,

E. W. Twyman

55


(Letter probably written about 1920.)

My dear Cousin: (Mrs. Paul Klayder)

Captain Isaac Davis, i f my memory is not faulty, was my great-grandfather. Tne reason Wood's history says so l i t t l e of him is that he lived in that part of Orange County which is now Greene, taken from Orange County in 1838. Mrs Sallie Chapman (?), wife of John Chanman (?), attorney-at-law, Stanards-v i l l e . Virginia, a daughter of Isaac Davis, Jr., a relative of mine whose mother was an Early, and Senator S. (?) B. Early, Dawson's V i l l e (?), Greene County, I think, could give you the desired information. You can state to each of them that I referred you to them.

Mv place (Twyman's Mill) is only a'part of the original Twyman tract of land, f t has only 325 acres in i t . I am unable to trace authentically i t s being in the Twyman family since 1732.

My father was ruined by the C i v i l War. I was l e f t without anything. I bought a piece of Twyman's M i l l at my father's sale, my two brothers each buying a portion of my father's land.

As to Sarah Twyman's witnessing the w i l l , i t might possibly be Anthony Twyman's wife. She was called both "Sarah," and " S a l l i e . " They lived in one-half of a mile of William Twyman's house i n one of my fields. I don t know anything of his second marriage—Miss Smith. There were rose bushes in his yard, a l though the land has been cultivated more than 100 years. Tne roses are not obliterated. Call my attention to i t , and I ' l l send you a bouquet when they bloom again.

Hone you received Dr. Sims1s-notes.

Sincerely,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

P S Thomas Davis, of Grtene County, Virginia, a great-uncle of mine, who, I*think, was Captain Isaac Davis's son, served 30 years consecutively i n the Virginia Legislature. Tradition says that at the end of each session he purchased a negro boy and brought him home with him.

I have more relatives in Greene County than anywhere else—the Durretts, Blakeys and Davises. So, you might write to Elijah Durrett or J. B Durrett, both of whom are mixed up with Early blood, or Mrs. Mollie Garth-all of

56

- 2 -

Stanardsville. When I see J. M. Garnett, I w i l l have him cony Aunt Tabitha Garnett's notes from her Bible.

You might write to George Henshaw of Stanardsville. I w i l l write to the old Kentucky women soon.

William Twyman, of Kentucky, was too fond of whiskey. I doubt his educating his children, so tradition says.

My wife's health is not good. I am aware that I am receding in bodily strength. I do not sleet) well. If you delay getting your book out, I am afraid I w i l l not have a chance to read i t .

Wishing you success, with most sincere regards to you and yours from us both,

Sincerely,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

(Compiler's note: It i s not known whether the following l i s t of names prepared by Dr. E, W. Twyman belongs to the letter above.)

Larkin W i l l i s , Locust Dale, Va. Mrs. A. H. Morris, Locust Dale, Va. Mrs. H. F. Twyman, Locust Dale, Va. Mrs. L. W. H i l l , Locust Dale, Va. Mrs. Anna L. Major, Locust Dale, Va. Mr. R. D. Twyman, Crig l e r s v i l l e , Va, Mr. Mark Gall, Stanardsville, Va. Mrs. Susan Claycomb, Hyattsville, Maryland Mrs. Eliza Whittingdon, Winston-Salem, N. C. Dr. Hillary W i l l i s , Hyattsville, Maryland L. M. Twyman, Rapidan, R.F.D., Va. Mrs. Horace Grismond, Fredericksburg, Va. Dr. B. (?) W. Twyman, Appomattox Dr. W. J. Shepherd, Charleston, West Va. Edwin H i l l , Charleston, West Virginia John M. Garnett, Rapidan, Va. Miss Mildred Browning, Orange, Va. Miss Lucy Twyman, Crigersville, Va. Dr. Harry W i l l i s , Gordonsville, Va.

57


Virginia March 20, 1920

Mrs. Paul Klayder

My Dear Cousin:

Your welcome letter would have been answered sooner, but I have been in the throes of influenza for past f i f t y days, which has handled me very roughly. Yesterday was my f i r s t outing. I think I am now convalescing rapidly. For my recovery;, I thank my Maker, and having stored away some very fine grape brandyI I am under no obligations to the Prohibition Party or Anti-Saloon League.

I t seems as i f my a b i l i t y to r e c a l l past data or events i s somewhat benumbed. William Twyman, son of William Twyman and Betsy Garnett, was born in the year 1820, emigrated to Kentucky, married there and died young— about twenty-eight years old. He l e f t children, I have heard. The one-armed William Twyman, of Louisville, Kentucky, from some source, I learned of him years ago.

I regret not learning more of my ancestors from my father. He could have told me most everything we wish to know. I do not think that i t i s egotistical of me, as he i s dead, to say my father was a very intelligent man, well informed on a l l subjects and proud of his family. And he would have taken great pleasure in t e l l i n g me about his people, and what l i t t l e I do know he told me. But I was like the young people of this day, caring very l i t t l e about past h i s t o r y — a very sad mistake. If I had my l i f e to do over, I would he somebody, know something, but the l i f e of everyone i s f i l l e d with regrets I suppose.

Well, I hope you are getting along nicely with your book and w i l l finish same while I s t i l l have the a b i l i t y to read i t .

I received a letter from F. W. Twyman last week. He i s an overworked man. I am afraid his energy w i l l shorten his days.

You must excuse my long silence, but I have been too feeble to write. My wife waited on me fine, and I was in no way neglected. Had such not. been the case, my opinion i s that my doom would have been (*).

With the most sincere regards from wife and me to yourself and husband, and assuring you of the welcomeness of your lett e r , your cousin

(signed) E. W. Twyman


58


September 20, 1920

Mrs. Paul Klayder

My Dear Cousin:

Your letter received. Glad to hear from you and am very thankful to say my health i s as good as usual. In fact I think I am i n better shape than twelve months ago.

P. W. Twyman i s not well. He has diabetes. Recently has had influenza. He recently spent eight days at my home. Rallied wonderfully while here. He works too hard. Commenced l i f e poor, and has amassed a fine estate. It is business a l l the time with him. I do wish he would try and take l i f e as I am trying to do, as I am proud of him as a relative. His grandfather was my father's brother.

He has been very busy. Is President of Albemarle Telephone Company, as well as the Manager, which is a large company, besides occupying a similar position with a movie company of his c i t y , and many other enterprises with which he i s connected. He takes no time much for pleasure but works a l l the time. He said that owing to this War, so much business had fallen on his shoulders that he had been unable to give any time to the genealogy of the Twymans, and that he was greatly interested in your book, and thought you ought to type the same and l e t us read i t before publication. I f you conclude to do so, he would be the proper man i n Virginia.

I am truly sorry that the War hinders you in your work, as I am afraid i t w i l l not be published in my lifetime. Twymans are not long-lived here in Virginia. They a l l are too fond of high l i v i n g — i n fact, a l l good things. The man who lives long has to be moderate i n a l l things.

I sincerely hope your husband w i l l not be drafted. You and the children should keep him at home.

I know you have gotten l i t t l e information from the Willis family.

We did not take our Tidewater t r i p as F. W. Twyman could not leave his business. I am truly sorry that I can give you no further information regarding Twymans. The Culpeper f i r e , prior to 1792, destroyed our record, so I am unable to see

- 2 -

59

(Letter, dated September 20, 1920, from Dr. E. W, Twyman, Twyman's M i l l , Virginia, to Mrs. Paul Klayder)

how we can get any new data. I am glad to hear from you whenever you write— take pleasure in answering your letters.

My wife joins in most sincere regards to you and yours. With best wishes, your relative,

Sincerely yours,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

I appreciate the tapers sent.

60


Virginia January 28, 1921


My d-ear Cousin:

I have not heard from you for a long time.

James Wiggington, our kinsman of California, writes me you have had bereavements in your family. Accept my heartfelt sympathy. We a l l have our troubles.

I am enclosing a clipping of my f i r s t cousin's death. We were reared a mile apart. Was boy of my boyhood, being a l i t t l e younger than I am. I had much to do i n his training.

I hope you are doing some work on your book, and w i l l finish i t during my lifetime.

P. W. Twyman was to see me just before Christmas. Told me he was going to write to you. He has too much business for any one man. I f you have not heard from him lately, write to him. He is a fine man, but in the rush of business sometimes neglects what he intends to do.

Excuse this paper. Write to me when you feel like i t . Glad to hear from you. My wife joins me in love to you and your people.

Your cousin,

(signed)

Dr. E. W. Twyman

61

Dr. E . W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l

V i r g i n i a

(No date)

Mrs. Mark Call (nee Fannie Twyman)

Dear Fannie:

Your letter received. Mrs. Klayder knows a l l about your family, for I wrote her last night, so i t would be simuly a repetition to write her again about the Twyman family. You wait and get one of her books. But I wish you would send her a copy of Greene County Record containing the picture of your boy, Willie, and a l l you know of him—his regiment, what battle k i l l e d i n , and his reputation as a soldier; also a l l the information you can get regarding Twyman (*) what battles they both fought. I have written to Mrs. Klayder to ask you for this information.

Was glad to hear from you. Would be glad to come up, but we are getting old, so w i l l say that you, children and Mark dome down. Will be glad to see you. Tell Mark to get Bernard (?) and come down to see us. Again, w i l l be glad to see any of you. Ada joins in love to a l l .

(signed)

Dr. E. W. Twyman

Your cousin, Addie, continues unwell (*) her this A.M. and she is in bed again.


62

Dr. E . W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l , V i r g i n i a

July 22, 1922


My dear Cousin:

It has been a long time since I heard from you. I sincerely hope no i l l luck has befallen you. F. W. Twyman, Charlottesville, Virginia, visited me not many days ago. We talked about you, and he said he was going to write to you. (He is such a man of business, working himself into premature old age.) I am doubtful i f he has done so. My health i s f a i r l y good, eat and sleep much too much, head is almost white.

I am afraid you w i l l not finish your work during my remaining stay here which w i l l .necessarily be brief. I have outlived most of my people. My family of Twymans are short lived. Yet we miss as few things in l i f e as most of T)eoT)le who attain greater age. I have my own ice house and mint bed. Am far from being a prohibitionist, and this hot weather, move out under the maples i n my yard, and enjoy a julep with my (i l l e g i b l e word) headed friends when they come to see me. F. W. Twyman and myself dine frequently ( i l l e g i b l e word) under the maples. I am afraid my 1915 supply of wine w i l l not last, but w i l l not worry, hoping (illegible word) that time the Volstead Act w i l l at least be modified.

Write me a l l about your book, how you are progressing, expected date of completion. Wishing you and yours health and prosperity. With love from my wife and me.


(signed)

E. W. Twyman

63


November 6, 1922

Mrs. Mary Twyman Klayder

My dear Cousin:

Your very interesting and welcome letter was received yesterday. I wrote to Dr. Sim s'this A,M, requesting him to give you the desired records at once. Dr. Sims's great-grandmother, Mary Davis, was a sister of my grandmother, Sallie Davis. About the time I retired from practice he entered the profession. I never met him. I knew his father, ( i l l e g i b l e word) Angus Smith and his uncle, Edgar (?) Sims; his mother, a l l his aunts and his great-grandmother. It seems strange I never met him, l i v i n g only eighteen miles apart.

I am enclosing some data found in Miss Tabitha Garnett's Bible. She, i f l i v i n g , would now be something li k e 120 years old in my opinion; her mother, I think, was Mary Twyman. You must return the envelope and data after copying i t .

I am now in my 70th year. Farming i s worrying beyond endurance; labor is so unreliable.

My wife is getting a l i t t l e better after a siege of gallstones ( i l l e g i b l e word).

F. W. Twyman pays me three or four v i s i t s a year. He is now 4-9 years old, a fine businessman, a man of whom we can be proud. We talk of you whenever he comes. He told me he was going to write a long letter to you.

Before Reuben Twyman II l e f t here he owned a farm near Locust Dale upon which Mrs. Ames L. Major now resides. The place i s called "Glendalien." Reuben sold his farm to Anthony Twyman, my grandfather. The above is not sustained by any record. I have simply heard i t a l l my l i f e . I never heard of the date of Reuben's leaving the county. My grandfather was a brother of Reuben who died at Ruckersville, Greene County, Virginia, when about 36 years old—named for Reuben I, I presume. Reuben is also found frequently in the Garnett family.

I am always glad to hear from you. Our country is retrograding in every way. It is sad. My wife joins me in the most sincere regards. We both bid you speed and success in your work.


(signed)

Dr. E. W. Twyman

64


March 6, 1923

Dear Fred: l /

Well, I know you had a fine time on your t r i p , but these trips should be taken early in l i f e . As we advance in years, we tir e even of having what we term a good time. You must come down and t e l l me a l l about your t r i p .

From what I can learn, Bessie i s not doing well, It i s sad. She i s badly needed in her family.

I consider your sketches good.

I have been very sick—vertigo and extremely heavy sweats for several hours. I f e l t as i f I could live only a few moments. I have r a l l i e d very much but s t i l l have vertigo at times.

Realizing that Mrs. Klayder w i l l not finish her work during my lifetime, I am losing interest. I w i l l be 70 in October, so I am getting to be an old

man.

Again, come down when you f e e l l i k e i t .

Ada joins me i n sending love to cousin S . , Jimmy (?) and yourse l f .

A f f e c t i o n a t e l y ,

(signed)

E. W. Twyman

I think I s h a l l come up th is spring and soend a night , i f I possibly can, with you.

1/ F. W. Twyman's grandfather and Dr. E . W. Twyman's fa ther were brothers.

65

Dr. E . W. Twyman Twyman's M i l l , V i r g i n i a

Aumist 4, 1924

Mrs. Mary T. Klayder

Dear Cousin:

Your combined letter to our cousin, James W., and myself has been received. I was ever so glad to hear from you. Cousin James carried a Kodak wherever he went. The pictures of myself looked so old and feeble I made a mental resolution never to appear before a camera again. I regret not having a photo of my wife and myself to send to you.

Cousin James W. undoubtedly has a Twyman strain in him as I made several mint juleps. When brought i n , his eyes began to sparkle, and the juleps were received with a broad smile.

F. W. Twyman promised last night he would spend today with me, but I told him to defer his v i s i t a week as my wife was suffering with severe cramps. I enjoy his v i s i t s and w i l l have him next Sunday. He is greatly interested in your book—always wants to know when I think you w i l l publish i t .

I am enclosing a small l i s t of persons who, I think, w i l l probably buy your book. I f Bootons, Walkers and Garnetts are included, you w i l l probably increase the number.

Farmers here are hard up. They have to pay 300 percent more for labor than in 1913, and receive about the same price for their products as they received in 1913. Corn w i l l be almost a total failure, wheat crop below average, but we have the biggest hay crop I ever saw.

You must hurry your work on your book as I am anxious to read i t . I w i l l soon be 71 years old. Am worried with my farming operation, so I realize I have not many years in store for me.

Wishing you success in a l l your undertakings, may your work prove both profitable and satisfactory. With love from wife and me,


(signed)

E. W. Twyman

66

There follows an undated newspaper article—apparently taken from a newspaper published in Charlottesville, Virginia—regarding Mr. F. W. Twyman, a resident of Charlottesville, VirginiaJ

"Brief sketches of those who^have been instrumental in the upbuilding of the Community, together with a resume of their business a c t i v i t i e s .

'No town or city in the country can claim superior citizenship to Charlottes-v i l l e .

"The personnel of i t s businessmen may consistently be classed far in excess of most communities. Of course, there are some drones in the hive of busy workers—this is the case everywhere—but, fortunately they are in the minority and the work of developing the town and widening her influence is being pushed forward with vim and vigor by those who want a bigger and more prosperous city , and who have the good of the community always at heart. They are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel and exert every effort that greater things may be accomplished.

"Conspicuous among this latter class is Mr. Twyman, a gentleman of broad views, s t r i c t integrity and a relentless worker. That he has been prominent in the affairs of the city i s vouchsafed by the things he has done, not from a personal, or selfish motive, but because he knew there were great p o s s i b i l i ties for Charlottesville, and they could not be accomplished except through ceaseless labor, and putting into effect the most resourceful plans along industrial lines, and that the things which may justly be accredited to his endeavors, constitute an important part in the town's l i f e and enterprise are too plainly shown to be disputed.

" M r . Twyman was born in Madison County, Virginia, July 10th, 1872, and received his early education at private schools, after which he attended the Locust Dale Academy. In 1891 he began his business career, starting in as collector and bookkeeper for the (two or three i l l e g i b l e words) for this city through the maintenance- of The> Jefferson.

"Mr. Twyman was one of the promoters of the Michie Grocery Company which soon became one of the most prominent and successful wholesale houses in the c i t y , i t s business constantly growing and the reputation i t bears as a house of r e l i a b i l i t y i s not surpassed in the country. He i s now secretary and one of the directors of the company.

"When the establishment of the Martha Jefferson Sanitarium was conceived by some of the leading physicians of Charlottesville, some years ago, Mr. Twyman was called to assist and complete i t s financial direction. For several years he acted in the capacity of treasurer and also as one of i t s directors.

- 2 -

67

(Newspaper art i c l e regarding Mr. F. W. Twyman, of Charlottesville, V i r g i n i a — continued)

"When the National Bank of Charlottesville was organized, he was elected a director, and i s serving on the board at the present time, taking an active interest in a l l i t s affairs.

"Soon after the Charlottesville Ice Co. was organized he was promptly elected director of that enterprise and i s s t i l l associated with i t as director.

"Mr. Twyman has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the c i t y , and while associated with the Peoples National Bank he was elected to the office of councilman. This was in 1904. When Mr. G. W. Olivier was mayor, when recognizing his a b i l i t y , appointed him chairman of the Finance Committee notwithstanding the fact there were older men in the body, and whose experience was much riper i n councilmanic matters. He served the city f a i t h f u l l y (several i l l e g i b l e words). He has continued his membership as councilman almost uninterruptedly for the past fifteen years. His record has been one of ac t i v i t y and progressiveness. At the September 1916 election (several i l l e g i b l e words), and that the things which may justly be accredited to his endeavors constitute an important part in the town's l i f e and enterprise are too plainly shown to be disputed.

"Mr. Twyman was born in Madison County, Virginia, July 10, 1873 and received his early education at private schools, after which he attended the Locust Dale Academy. In I891 he began his business career, starting in as collector and bookkeeper for the Peoples National Bank of this c i t y . He remained with this institution u n t i l July, 1907, serving as an efficient employe for more than sixteen years. The stockholders of the Albemarle Telephone Co., realizing his aptitude, progressive spirt and loyalty to his business pursuits, elected him in 19C4, to the office of president of the company. It was seen that the business of this company was growing so rapidly that i t needed the whole and undivided time of i t s president; therefore, in order to devote a l l his time to the affairs of the company he resigned his position with the bank and assumed active charge of the telephone company's business. Since that time he has managed the affairs astutely, economically and satisfactorily. In 1907 he became interested in the Rex Moving picture theatre and gave this new business venture as much of his time as possible. Later he acquired the Lyric and Art theatres and gave the citizens s t r i c t l y high-class productions. It was soon seen, however, that a growing city like Charlottesville demanded a larger and more up-to-date place of amusement, and he turned his attention to the erection of the Jefferson Theatre which was built in 1918, and today stands as a monument to his business sagacity and his faith in the city's development. It h as been operated successfully by him as a theatre and motion picture house for the past eight years, giving the citizens a place of entertainment and recreation that is unsurpassed in the country. Some of the best

- 3 -

63

(Newspaper art i c l e regarding Mr. F. W. Twyman, of Charlottesville, V i r g i n i a -continued)

theatrical companies on the road are booked.

• . • • At the September 1916 election Mr. Twyman was chosen president of the city fathers, and no one can question his loyalty, f i d e l i t y and unswerving devotion to his city and a l l matters pertaining to the u p l i f t and promotion of the community. New endeavors always find in him a responsive cord, for he not alone devotes his time and mind to matters of civi c betterment, but his nurse is open to the furtherance of any good cause, and to make Charlottesville worthy of the name, 'the best l i t t l e c i t y in America.'

"In the person of Mr. F. W. Twyman the city has a staunch advocate, a ceaseless worker and an astute business man, which together with many other admirable t r a i t s , gives him conspicuous recognition by the citizenship of the town and community."

69

Albemarle Telephone Company F. W. Twyman, President

Charlottesville, Virginia

December 4, 1916

Mrs. Paul A. Klayder Armstrong, Missouri

Dear Mrs. Klayder:

I am sending you, under separate cover, Crozier's County Records. This book w i l l give you some information. I am also enclosing some letters from John A. Twyman and Samuel R. Twyman.

I think I can get a complete record from Mr. William Twyman (who resides in Madison County) down to the present date. I am writing around for this information. You w i l l observe that after George Twyman, the second, the Twymans branches into three branches. There are a great many records in Spotsylvania, Middlesex, Albemarle, Madison and Greene Counties.

After you have copied these data, w i l l you kindly send me the Crozier book and, also, the letters of the two Twymans.

I want to do a l l in my power to effect this record. From time to time advise me. I may be able to supply what is missing of the data.

Yours very sincerely,

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GAP

70



January 6, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter of December the 11th has been received.

I have not had an opportunity to answer this on account of the press of business. The Crozier record may be wrong, and i t i s d i f f i c u l t to straighten out the generations back at that period. I want to begin with William Twyman, born May 22, 1727, and follow him to date. George Twvman, born March 29 1731 is a brother as indicated by the material which I sent you. The Twymans of ' Albemarle and Buckingham counties are descendants of George. The Twymans of Madison are descendants of William Twyman. I am not quite sure but I think probably your branch starts with George. (Compiler's note: Incorrect starts with William.)

You spoke of Mrs. Baughman. I do not know where she i s now. I met her only once, and I have lost her address.

In order to get these old records straight, i t w i l l be necessary to get i n formation from Essex, Spotsylvania, Madison and Greene counties. I have the most recent data worked up but w i l l now have to go back into the seventeenth century for information.

I w i l l be glad i f you w i l l copy the Crozier record and return i t to me as I shall need i t for my original research.

I am a descendant of (*) lived in Albemarle for the past twenty years.

As soon as I get these data arranged and copied;, I w i l l send them on to you.

I should like to know how you propose to compile this information. Are you going to get i t uo in book form? After is is assembled, there may be a great deal of missing data which can be secured. I w i l l be glad i f you let me know how far you have progressed with your details and plans, as I wish to help you out a l l that I can.

We have never had a Twyman reunion.

(*) Illegible words

71

- 2 -

(Letter, dated January 6, 1917, from F. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder


(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GAP

Mr. Crozier i s dead,-so I w i l l not be able to get any other information from that source.

72

Albemarle Telephone Company F. W, Twyman, President


January 17, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter of the 11th, as well as Crozier's Records, have been received.

The father of these nine children, William Twyman, seems to be the second William Twyman. 11/ The William Twyman referred to in Crozier's Records. who was born in 1754 and married Elizabeth Garnett of Essex County, and whose w i l l was probated July 5, 1765, could not have been the father of the nine children referred to. He evidently had a son by the name of "William" who moved to Madison County and who was the father of the nine children—a l i s t of which I am enclosing and which corresponds to the Crozier's Records. Crozier's Records refers to a William Twyman and gives as his issue these nine children. However, his w i l l was probated before any of them was born.

The typewritten record which I am sending to you was copied from an old Bible of Dr. E. W. Twyman, and i t corresponds with the Crozier's Records in every particular.

The William Twyman to whom you refer was born May 20, 1727, and was evidently the father of William Twyman who settled in Madison County and who had nine children referred to in this l i s t .

You also refer to William Twyman who was born in 1754. This is evidently the William Twyman that I have treated under my head as William Twyman the second.

The data that I am working on i s the William Twyman who was born in 1754. I want to complete a l l data from his generation down to the present. This I have pretty well in hand. '

As soon as I get a l l the data in hand, I am going down to see Dr. E. W. Twyman, so that we may have other than the dates. Dr. E. W. Twyman and my father were f i r s t cousins, and Anthony Twyman, who was born February 2, 1779 and died May I858, was their grandfather.

1/ William Twyman, the f i r s t , born 1727, had nine children per manuscript of his brother, George Twyman.

73

- 2 -

(Letter, dated January 17, 1917, from F. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder)

It appears that your line starts with the f i r s t William Twyman, a son of George Twyman the third. (*)

I have also written Middlesex and Madison counties, but I am afraid that the clerks are not going to get any information, even though I am willing to pay for i t .

I have been pretty busy for the past few weeks with annual meeting, et cetera. However, I am going to help you accumulate these missing data as promptly as possible.

I am certainly interested in your efforts, and I feel that the data accumulated w i l l be compiled by you so that i t w i l l be of interest to the future generation as well as to the present generation.

Dr. E. W. Twyman i s also very much interested, but he is getting rather old to go after such details. He loves to talk about the old Twymans, and he has a great many instances (sic) in the lives of the Twyman family which have not been recorded but should be.

Yours very truly

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GAP

(*) Incorrect. The f i r s t William Twyman was the son of George Twyman, the second, and Agatha Beauford.

74



February 14, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter of January 10th has been received.

I have written to quite a number of the clerks of the counties, but they are not inclined to respond to my letters. I have written to Essex and Middlesex Counties, and neither has replied.

I had a letter from Dr. E. W. Twyman several days ago, and he said that the two Twymans listed on the Revolutionary War records were from Culpeper County. I am going to make arrangments to go over the Culpeper records. Madison County was taken out of Culpeper County in 1792. Therefore, the records of those two counties are necessary. I can very easily get the records from Madison County. I have not had an opportunity to follow up this work on account of sickness in my family, and on account of the weather which has made the roads bad.

The two Twymans to whom you refer are my mother and brother. Therefore, the information you might get would only be what I have.

Miss Margaret Huff, of this county, said that she had given you a l l the information that she had. I know that her mother had a great deal of informatioi and I called up a few weeks ago.

I think with that information you have, and what I can gather, the data can be compiled—with a few exceptions—quite accurately.

I am very glad to know that you are determined in your purpose to get a definite record, and I wish to give you my help in any possible way.

Yours very truly

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GAP

75

Albemarle Telephone Company

F. W. TWYMAN, PRESIDENT Charlottesville, Va. , March 20, 1917



Your letter of March 7th has been received.

I have not made a great deal of progress on account of the bad roads and thus my in a b i l i t y to get to the different places which I want to go. Since January i t has been such a wet winter that the roads are impassable.

I do not want to duplicate the work that you may be doing. I have written the clerks of Essex and Middlesex offering to pay for these records in these two counties, but I have not even heard from the clerks. I have a letter from the clerk of Culpeper offering to get f u l l data for $10.00 and I have written him to furnish this. Orange and Greene Counties' records I want to examine myself. There should be quite a good deal of information in Spotsylvania but I have made no effort to get this—from William Twyman to the present date.

I am glad to know that you are making good progress. As you stated in your le t t e r , I am afraid you are not going to be able to link William Twyman, who married a Miss Cowherd, with the generation which I am lining up.

As stated above, i f you could give me a general outline of the points and information that you are working on, then I would not be trying to get the same information.

Sincerely yours,

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GAP

(in handwriting) Mrs. Twyman is now well and we are enjoying good health. We have only one boy—two and one-half years old. I am enclosing you a small picture taken in his Indian suit which does not do him justice. I wish we had several more. It is characteristic of the Twymans to be fond of children. I wish we were nearer each other so that the Twyman data might be discussed at length. I hope one day you may find i t convenient to come to Virginia.

F. W. T.

76

Albemarle Telephone Company P. W. Twyman, President


June 5, 1917

Mrs, Paul A. Klayder Armstrong, Missouri


I am sorry to hear that you have been sick, and I trust that you are now well and can continue your work.

I have accumulated quite a good deal of data. There are a few missing dates in connection with William Twyman who f i r s t settled in Madison County, I have now on record a l l of the descendants of William Twyman I I , except Reuben Twyman who settled in Orange County. (I want to make a t r i p to Orange County and, also, to Greene County where, I think, I can secure the necessary data.)

I w i l l be ready in the course of a few weeks to f i l e with you a l l the data which I have, and then supplement such other data that I may be able to secure from time to time.

I am glad to know that you are s t i l l pushing the Twyman record, because I know what an endless job i t i s . So many have begun, then wearied of i t . Did you get any information from Miss Beale of Winchester, Kentucky? She spent a lot of time on this work, but I have never heard what success she may have had. I have my data in good shape. It is only a question as to how much space you wish to a l l o t to each one for a biographical sketch.

Yours very truly,

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/MVD

7?



September 3, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter of recent date has been received.

As complete as I can get them, I am sending you the data on William Twyman 1st who settled in Madison County.

From William Twyman 2nd, to date, is absolutely correct with the exception of Reuben Twyman. I have secured some l i t t l e information on him, but what became of his descendants I do not know. I can find mention of two sons, Jonathan Twyman and Alfred Twyman.

I have some confusing records which are as follows:

Katie Twyman, who married Henry Lewis, December 10, 1794; Tabitha Twyman, who married Colby Cowherd, February 28, 1798.

These records were taken from Madison County and are correct; yet, I cannot connect them with the family Bible of William Twyman 2nd.

There is a marriage record in Culpeper of Reuben Craig and Frances Twyman, March 7, 1787. George Twyman married Ann Twyman on January 9, 1790. These two contracting parties I cannot place.

There is an impression that William Twyman 1st had a daughter named Ann, but William Twyman's w i l l makes no mention of her.

Crozier's Records bears out the marriage record taken from Madison County of Tabitha Twyman's marriage to Colby Cowherd. However, the Crozier's Records are mixed to some extent.

I find Samuel Twyman's w i l l was probated October 23, 1823, Orange County, with the following children: 1. John Twyman; 2. Elijah Twyman; 3. Paschal Twyman; 4. Mordica Twyman; 5. Iverson Twyman; 6. Judah White Twyman; 7- Nancy (Twyman) Thornton; 8. France (or Francis) Rogers. Executors: Anthony Thornton, son-in-law; Isaac Davis.

- 2 -

78

(Letter, dated September 3, 1917, from F. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder)

Samuel Twyman evidently was George Twyman's son, and from this branch were Iverson Twyman, John Twyman, etc. I sent you these data, some time ago. The only information I have of Reuben Twyman is the reference made in William Twyman's w i l l of his grandsons, Jonathan Twyman and Alfred Twyman. I also find that William Twyman 2nd purchased the estate of Samuel Twyman—the estate was located in Orange County—and after 1823 gave i t to his two grandsons, Jonathan Twyman and Alfred Twyman.

I w i l l be glad i f you w i l l check these data of the two William Twymans with what you have, as i t may clear up some of the missing discrepancies. None of these data has been prepared as nicely as I should have liked. However, i t has been a tremendous job to collect i t .

I am absolutely correct on a l l data recited from heirs of William Twyman 2nd, down.

I hope to have an early reply from you.

Yours very truly,

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GAP

You may have information which w i l l enable me to clear up the records of William Twyman 1st (*) containing these data were burned in Grandfather Davis's home some years ago.

(*) Illegible words

79

KENDLER-ZIMMERMAN CO. INCORPORATED

P. W. TWYMAN, Treasurer

The Jefferson Theatre Seating Capacity 1,000

Charlottesville i s an

Playing Pictures and Theatrical Attractions

educational centre. The Univ. of Va., Jefferson School for boys and St. Anne's for young ladies are located here. I t has a drawing population of 20,000, and i s the junction of two railway trunk lines - C. & 0. and Southern.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA., September 15, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter of the 12th has been received and the contents carefully noted.

I am answering this letter immediately for I feel sure that in the summing up of this data you have the two Williams mixed. The Crozier's Records are mixed and are confusing on the two Williams. The data which Mrs. Huff of Albemarle also confuses the two Williams. 1 a& absolutely certain of my data relating to the two Williams, because I examined the records carefully at Madison, Orange and Culpeper, and they prove conclusively that William 2nd had nine children, as list e d in my data. On William 2nd, I am sorry that I haven't the date of birth and death of William 2nd. His old family Bible was burned in my grandfather Davis' home; his w i l l i s recorded i n Madison County and i t recites the nine children which he had.

William 1st married Miss Cowherd. However, his w i l l relates to only one son, William 2nd. However, I am of the opinion that Frances who married Craig, and Ann who married George Twyman; Katie (Madison County) who married Lewis and Tabitha who married Cowherd were, doubtless, the children of William Twyman 1st. The marriage licenses of the f i r s t mentioned are in Culpeper County and plainly state that they were daughters of William Twyman, but inasmuch as William Twyman 2nd's children are accounted for, these were evidently the daughters of William Twyman 1st. The last two mentioned were taken from Madison County records. After the year of 1790 Madison County was cut from Culpeper County. Therefore, the inference i s that they are also the daughters of William Twyman 1st.

80

- 2 -

Letter dated September 15, 1917 from F. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder

The records of the children of William Twyman 2nd were taken from an old family Bible now in the possession of Dr. E. W. Twyman, and i t was William Twyman 2nd's family Bible.

There is no question that William Twyman 1st is the son of George Twyman 2nd as well as his brother, George, who settled in Albemarle County, and that Mrs. Huff is a descendant of George Twyman 3rd.

Reuben Twyman was the son of William Twyman 2nd and was the eldest brother of Anthony Twyman. William Twyman 2nd is recorded in Crozier's Records as having married Elizabeth Garnett and the children as recorded would indicate that their mother's name was Elizabeth.

However, William Twyman 2nd's wife signs her name as Sarah to deeds, w i l l s , et cetera, as is shown by the records of Madison and Orange counties. This is confusing to some extent and the only way that I can explain i t i s that she may have dropped one of her names or interpreted Elizabeth as being the same as Sarah. The analysis which Mrs. L. G. Handy gives you is absolutely correct, and i f you follow this i t w i l l contradict your f i r s t analysis. Reuben Twyman, son of William Twyman 2nd, married Miss Drucilla Cowherd as the records of Orange County plainly show.

My trips to the different county seats have been made hurriedly. Therefore I did not have an opportunity to examine the Madison records as well as the Orange records, as I should likedtto ; have-:done.

It may be that Dr. E. W. Twyman can help me with these discrepancies.

For your ancestors, i t would appear that you want to trace the children of Reuben Twyman who married Miss Drucilla Cowherd. A l l the dates and statements which I have made have been proved without a question of doubt to my mind.

I omitted data of James Twyman 3rd, son of William Twyman 2nd. Please attach.

There are two descendants of William Twyman 2nd who went West, and I have no records of Reuben, son of William Twyman 2nd, and William Twyman 3ra, son oi William Twyman 2nd.

81

- 3 -

Letter dated September 15, 1917 from F. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder

(Children of William Twyman and Winifred Cowherd)

Frances Twyman, born October 12, 1768, married, March 7, 1787» Reuben Craig. Anne Twyman, born 1765, married, January 9, 1790, George Twyman. Katie Twyman married, December 10, 179^, Henry Lewis. 1/ Tabitha Twyman married, February 8, 1798, Colby Cowherd. Mary Twyman married Reuben Garnett. They had Tabitha Garnett. William Twyman married Elizabeth Garnett. Reuben Twyman, born October 27, 1758, married Margaret Griffin. George Twyman never married. Robert Twyman. Zj George Wayt. of Albemarle County, Virginia, married. He had a son, Twyman Wayt. 1/

I think I w i l l f i n a l l y have data of William Twyman 1st complete in every detail with the exception of Reuben Twyman. I want to make another t r i p to Madison county courthouse this f a l l .

Yours very truly

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

1/ Catherine Twyman married (l) George Wayt of Albemarle County, Virginia, and had: Twyman Wayt, Tabitha (Wayt) Kennerly, Catharine (W,yt) Garth; Frances Wayt, Sarah Wayt, Judith Wayt and Elizabeth Wayt; (2) Elijah Garth. (History of Albemarle County. Virginia by Rev. Edgar Woods: 0. J. Carrier Commny, Harrisonburg, Virginia; copyright 1901.) 2/ The existence of Robert Twyman is questioned.

82



October 20, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your letter of October 4th has been received.

I want to take up, f i r s t , the questions you have raised. I think you are right that Betsy G arnett was a daughter of Anthony Garnett, inasmuch as her second son was named Anthony. In this instance I copied the information from Crozier's Hecords.

I believe that Mr. Cowherd i s wrong: in fact, I know he i s . Drucilla Cowherd married Reuben Twyman, the eldest son of William Twyman 2nd and Betsy Garnett. I looked this record up in Orange County and found the original marriage bond. The Orange County records make mention of only two sons of Reuben Twyman— Alfred Twyman and Jonathan Twyman. The Twymans intermarried several times with the Cowherd family: Fi r s t , William Twyman 1st married Winifred Cowherd, and Drucilla Cowherd married Reuben Twyman, a grandson of William' Twyman 1st. Tibathia (sic) Twyman was, evidently, a daughter of William Twyman 1st who married Colby Cowherd.

I Have no record whatever of the Spotsylvania Twymans. The Albemarle Twymans' record has been made up by Mrs. Huff, to a certain period. This branch began with George Twyman who was a brother of William Twyman 1st, both of whom were sons of George Twyman 2nd.

I w i l l be glad i f you w i l l give me a brief sketch of your lineage. I am eager to know from what braneh of Twymans you are a descendant—after leaving George Twyman 2nd. I think that a l l Twymans can be traced from the 1st and 2nd George Twymans.

I have recently heard of several Twymans in Botetourt County, but I think they are near descendants of John Twyman and Iverson Twyman of Buckingham County, of whom," doubtless, you have heard.

I t seems to me that Miss Beale, about whom I have written you, should be able to give you a great deal of data, as she has spent some time in looking this matter up; just what she has accomplished I do not know.

83

- 2 -

(Letter, dated October 20, 1917, from F. W. Twyman to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder)

I am s t i l l puzzled to know what became of Reuben Twyman's descendants. I am going to supplement my data from time to time whenever an opportunity presents i t s e l f . However, I w i l l be glad i f you w i l l write me regarding any data that you may feel that i s missing and is essential to connect a link.

You have a big job on your hands. In the publication of these data, what arrangements have you made as to expense, et cetera, of the book, and what plan have you adopted for getting i t out?

With best wishes, 1 am

Very sincerely,

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

84

Albemarle Telephone Company . F. W, Twyman, President Charlottesville, Virginia

November 10, 1917


Dear Mrs. Klayder:

Your last letter, giving me your lineup, has been received.

In addition to William Twyman 2nd and the three daughters, there aprear to be several other children according to the marriage records which I found.

Dr. E. W. Twyman always has said that William Twyman, f i r s t , had more than one son; however, his w i l l only mentions one son. Can you give me any dates in reference to Reuben Twyman, the son of William Twyman, f i r s t , and where he settled, when he l e f t Madison County, or any data that you may have relating to your line? Their movements after leaving Madison County would enable me to locate other data in Virginia. Now that, we have everything pretty well located, a second examination of Madison and Culpeper County records might lead to additional information. The fact that a part of the Culpeper records was burned during the C i v i l War, has caused some of the trouble. I, personally, never have been over the records in the Clerk's office in Culpeper County, but I want to make an examination of them the f i r s t opportunity I have.


(signed)

F. W. Twyman

85



November 18, 1918



I must apologize for my seeming neglect in not answering your letter sooner, but with the epidemic of influenza to contend with, and the excitement of the War, I have not had the opportunity.

I am very glad to know that you are progressing so nicely with your work, and I should like to see you publish your book as early as possible. However, I would like to see i t as complete as possible, and the haste might cause you to leave out some important data. Therefore, you w i l l have to be sole judge as to which i s the best course to pursue. You, evidently, now have the two Reuben Twymans straight, and I hoie you have located a l l of the descendants of William Twyman 1st. I have been eager to make a tr i p to Madison and Culpeper Counties in hopes that I would get some more data, but i t seems impossible for me to get away.

I do not know the Mrs. Eva C. Wood to whom you refer, but I have intended to make inquiries of the people who live near Earlysville, Virginia.

Dr. Twyman has not been sick. However, he does not move around as freely as he used to.

You have certainly accumulated an immense amount of data to cover 800 pages, and this proves that you have given i t an endless amount of time.

If I can be of any further help to you, please write to me.

I am enclosing the names of two Twymans which were copied from the War record in Washington, and were handed to me by Dr. Twyman. I have no way to connect them with anyone else.

With best wishes for yourself and family, I am

Yours very truly,

(signed)

F. W. Twyman

FWT/GG

86

Albemarle Telephone Company F. W, Twyman, President


March 8, 1919

Mrs. Mary T. Klayder Armstrong, Missouri


Your interesting letter to Dr. Twyman has been forwarded to me. You certainly have the staying qualities to get together a l l these data. Even after the data are gotten together, i t w i l l be no easy job to assemble i t .

In reference to the book for Madison County, I wish to say that I do not think there ever has been any such issue. Madison County is rather isolated, being located along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now as to the records of the clerk's office of Madison County, I do not think you w i l l find anything there which w i l l help you very much. I sent you copies of the wills of the two William Twymans. There are a number of other wills and records of estates which have been closed, but they are of l i t t l e interest. I have intended to go to Madison for a day and carefully review again a l l of the marriage licenses. I did this once, but only had a few hours, and i t was done very hurriedly.

The Fannie Twyman to whom you refer, who married Mr. C a l l , is a daughter of William Twyman who was the son of Robert D. Twyman; and Robert D. Twyman was a son of Anthony Twyman. If you w i l l refer to the typewritten report which I sent you, you w i l l find her li s t e d , but I did not give the names of her children. The enclosed s l i p w i l l give you a l i s t and dates of a l l of them. If I should come across any Virginia works of any kind which w i l l be of interest to you, I w i l l forward them.

I hope you w i l l have the good luck to finish your book during the present year. I f by any chance anything should hapten to you, a l l your e f f o r t — a t any rate a great part of it—would be lost. I do not feel that anyone else would take the interest that you have i n a work of this nature.

Why don't you make a t r i p to Virginia this summer so that you might v i s i t the different families and places, for I feel sure you would, by personal contact, gather a great deal of information that could not be obtained otherwise? Besides the information that you might obtain, the t r i p would be a very interesting one for you. We would be glad to see you at any time.

Documents

E. W. Twyman - Yancey Family Genealogyyanceyfamilygenealogy.org/BOOK_Twyman_by_William_T_Lockett-51-100.pdfE. W. Twyman Twyman's Mill Madison County, ... most excellent man, a second