Elizabeth (?)1

b. circa 1822
BirthCircacirca 1822 Elizabeth (?) was born in Tennessee circa 1822.1 
Cens-18501850  The 1850 household of Baldwin Johnson of Washington County, Virginia, included 28 year old Elizabeth Riche [Ritchie]. Two "Riche" children were also present: 8 year old Lafayette and a 1 year old recorded as Isaac M.2 
Cens-186021 Aug 1860  However by 1860 Elizabeth was enumerated as the head of her own household. She owned personal property valued at $50. Living with her were 19 year old James [Lafayette], 12 year old Columbus [same as Isaac M. of the 1850 census?], 4 year old Madison and 4 month old Mary.1 
Cens-18802 Jun 1880  In 1865 James married and became the head of the family. The 1880 census recorded Elizabeth living with James (who was employed as a tax collector), his wife Rosanna, and their 10 children. Also present was Elizabeth's son Madison.3 

Research Comment:

Elizabeth presents a research challenge. She was enumerated in the household of Baldwin Johnson in 1850 but no proof has been located establishing that she was his daughter. The 1924 death certificate of son Madison lists his mother as Mary Elizabeth Ritchie and his father as John Ritchie. It is not clear if Ritchie was Elizabeth's maiden name or a married name. No sign of a John Ritchie in association with Elizabeth has been located to date. He was not enumerated with her on the 1850 or 1860 census yet she gave birth to children who carried the Ritchie name in the intervening years. Elizabeth was stated to be a widow on the 1880 census.4

Family
Children
Last Edited22 Jul 2013

Citations

  1. [S234] Elizabeth Ritchie household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Western District, p. 205 original script, dwelling 1523, family 1468, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2010. Household includes Elizabeth Ritchie, 38, housekeeper, owns property worth $50, b. TN; James, 19, D Laborer; Columbus, 12; Madison, 4; Mary 4/12; all b. VA.
  2. [S367] Baldwin Johnson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., District 67, p. after p. 148 stamped, dwelling 1174, family 1174, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Feb. 2010. Household includes Baldwin Johnson, 64, cooper, Catherine 28; Bushrod 35, laborer; Elizabeth Riche 29; Lafayette [Riche] 8; Isaac M. [Riche] 1; all b. VA.
  3. [S162] James L. Ritchie household, 1880 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Abingdon District, ED 93, page 26D (stamped), dwelling 36, family 36, viewed online at www.Ancestry.com, Jan. 2005, image 28 of 56. Enumeration includes: James L. Ritchie, 38, marr, tax collector; Rosanna, 36, wife, keeping house; James W., 14, son, farmer; Frank T. 13, son, farmer; Wm C. 11, son, farmer; Martha F.J., 10, dau; Margaret H., 9, dau; Armenia C., 8, dau; David G., 7, son; Mary __, 5, dau; Amelia C., 3, dau; Benj C., 2, son; Elizabeth, 59, mother, widowed ["single" marked first and then scratched] out; Madison M., 22, brother, farming; Lida L. Brooks, 22, hired/house work; all b. VA; all parents b. VA.
  4. [S462] M.M. Ritchie, Commonwealth of Virginia death certificate no. 26285 (1924). Personal information provided by Ben Ritchie who stated MM Ritchie's parents were John Ritchie and Mary Elizabeth Ritchie, both born Scotland. This death certificate was shared by Craig Ritchie.
  5. [S162] James L. Ritchie household, 1880 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Abingdon District, ED 93, page 26D (stamped), dwelling 36, family 36, viewed online at www.Ancestry.com, Jan. 2005, image 28 of 56. Enumeration includes: James L. Ritchie, 38, marr, tax collector; Rosanna, 36, wife, keeping house; James W., 14, son, farmer; Frank T. 13, son, farmer; Wm C. 11, son, farmer; Martha F.J., 10, dau; Margaret H., 9, dau; Armenia C., 8, dau; David G., 7, son; Mary __, 5, dau; Amelia C., 3, dau; Benj C., 2, son; Elizabeth, 59, mother, widowed; Madison M., 22, brother, farming; Lida L. Brooks, 22, hired/house work; all b. VA; all parents b. VA.