Buckingham Notables: Talton B. Woodson
After reading “Buckingham County Houses: Ivy Hill, Part I,” Slate River Ramblings follower Judy Kiilehua wondered about the spelling of Talton B. Woodson’s name, which is sometimes recorded as Tarlton. His son, John Talton Lewis Woodson, spelled his name without an “r.” Also, T. B.’s father, Talton Woodson, Jr. (c. 1791 – 1864) likely spelled his name without an “r,” reflecting the local pronunciation of Tarlton.
After supervising the brickmaking and building of Walter L. Fontaine’s Ivy Hill, T. B. Woodson married Buckingham-born Mary Elizabeth Agee. Only months after the birth of their only child, Woodson drown in the James River. According to family tradition, he was collecting sand for brickmaking. This obituary ran in Richmond’s Whig on April 3, 1846:
MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.
On the morning of the 25th, Mr. Talton B. Woodson and three negro men, in attempting to cross the James River, at the mouth of Rockfish, in a small batteau, were all drowned. Several persons witnessed the awful event, but none could rescue them. Search was immediately made for the bodies of the deceased, but none could be found, except that of Mr. Woodson, which was discovered, after having been under water about an hour, some distance below where he was last seen. Every exertion was made to restore life, but without effect. His spirit has fled to the God who gave it. Mr. W. was a man of the highest sense of honor, and beloved by all who knew him. He has left an affectionate wife and child, together with many friends and relations to mourn his untimely end.
While Woodson did not live long enough to become a true “Buckingham Notable,” the drama of his sudden death was reprinted in newspapers across the upper south and northeast, appearing in Baltimore, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. It may have been a slow week for news, though mid-19th century papers were filled with accidents, fires, and drownings. Tragedy sold newspapers, as it still does today.
slate river ramblings . . . . 
I wold be interested in procuring a copy of Mr. Holman’s book
Dear Ms. Black,
Charles Garrott appears to have paid taxes on the Matthias Ayres, Estate and was shown as an executor of that estate. Two of his descendants had the name of Hales–Matthias’ wife’s maiden name. The Garrotts seem certain that Charles married Mary Ayres, daughter of Matthias. An account of this family appears in my forthcoming book: Few First Families of Virginia. It will be going to print later this year, and there will be limited availability of it. Any readers who expect to procure one of these books needs to be in touch with me this month.
Thank you.
Harry,
Thanks for sharing this about Charles Garrott.
Joanne
Dear readers:
This was a major tragedy in the County. There were a lot of families affected by this. The Woodsons were primarily affected: the young widow of about twenty-two years of age and the small child: John T. L. Woodson. Other families affected were the widow’s family: the Agees and her maternal grandparents: William and Patsy Moseley Bransford. She was a sister of Spotswood Moseley of Buckingham and Nancy Moseley of Prince Edward. William Bransford was the brother of Elizabeth B. Ayres, wife of the notable Methodist preacher, Rev. John Ayres of “Edge Hill,” Buckingham County.
Harry Holman
Harry,
Thanks for connecting T. B. Woodson to his Buckingham County in-laws.
Joanne
Aha! Local pronunciation. Makes sense. Thanks!
Judy,
That was my conclusion. If you don’t pronounce that “r” long enough, it gets dropped from the spelling. Thanks, again, for raising the question.
Joanne
Nancy,
Thanks for your comment. I don’t recognize Charles Garrott/Garrett, born c. 1735. Perhaps, another Slate River Ramblings follower will!
Joanne
Charles GARRETT is a DAR-approved patriot (“Furnished Beef”) according to ABERCROMBIE & SLATTEN, VA REV PUB CLAIMS, VOL 1, PGS 170,174. According to DAR records, he was born in Amelia County and about 1755, married Mary AYERS.
On the 1782 Personal Property Tax List of Buckingham County, Virginia there is “Charles GARROTT’s Estate.”
Charles GARRETT is a DAR-approved patriot (“Furnished Beef”) according to ABERCROMBIE & SLATTEN, VA REV PUB CLAIMS, VOL 1, PGS 170,174.
On the 1782 Personal Property Tax List of Buckingham County, Virginia there is “Charles GARROTT’s Estate.”
I enjoyed this posting. The Agee and Ayres families are relatives. I’m hunting for documentation on an Ayres son-in-law, Charles Garrott/Garrett, born c. 1735. His been tied to Buckingham County primarily, but I need to find some official tie. Any leads would be greatly appreciated.
Nancy Black whythere@icloud.com (210) 493-1609
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