Martha Catchem1

b. circa 1810
FatherJames Catchem2
BirthCircacirca 1810 Martha Catchem was born in Virginia circa 1810.3 
Marriage27 Sep 1832 She married Peleg Cole on 27 Sep 1832 in Washington County, Virginia.4 
Cens-185023 Aug 1850  Martha and Peleg were enumerated in Washington County on the first federal census to identify all members of a household by name. Peleg, age 55, owned land worth $4,000. Martha was listed as age 40. Also present were John (21) [Peleg's son from his first marriage], Andrew (15), Rachel (14), Thomas (11), David (9) Francis (3) and Joseph (3 months).3 
WidowedAug 1859  Peleg died in Aug. 1859. 
Cens-Sum  Martha appeared on 3 additional census enumerations following Peleg's death. In 1860 her household included 24 year old Andrew, 18 year old Crockett, 14 year old Frank, 10 year old Joseph and 4 year old George. Martha owned land worth $1,000 while Andrew owned land valued at $1,500. Ten years later Frank was recorded as the head of the family. Laura (19) and H.G. [George] were also present. In 1880 Martha, at age 60, was again recorded as the head of the family. George (22) was her only child still at home. However two granddaughters, Amanda Denny (2_, possibly 23) and Laura Cole (6) lived with her as well. A laborer, Joseph Mason (20) helped George run the farm.5,6,7 

Research Comment:

Martha is probably buried with Peleg at Ebbing Springs Cemetery. His stone, and the stone of his son John, were 2 of only 4 stones still legible when the cemetery was "read" in the 1960s. A 5th stone, which was noted to be broken, read Martha ____ [last name not legible], d. 1882, age 65y. This may have been Martha Cole's stone although the date is not consistent with her age on census records. Regardless, she was no doubt buried at Ebbing Spring. To learn more about the cemetery visit the Ebbing Spring page.

I cannot identify the two granddaughters living with Martha in 1880. Please contact me if you have additional information on either of them.

Family

Peleg Cole b. 5 Mar 1795, d. 15 Aug 1859
Children
  • Andrew Cole (circa 1835 - )
  • Rachel Cole (circa 1836 - )
  • Thomas Vaugh Cole8 (circa 1839 - )
  • David Crockett Cole (circa 1841 - )
  • Francis S. Cole9 (circa 1847 - )
  • Joseph Cole (circa 1850 - )
  • Martha Laura S.A. Cole (23 Oct 1852 - 22 Apr 1934)
  • George W.H. Cole5,10 (20 Oct 1856 - )
Last Edited14 May 2012

Citations

  1. [S2388] William R. Wheeler, Minister's Returns 1828-1853 Washington Co., Virginia Vol. 2C, p. 5. 1832, Sept 27th married Peter [sic] Cole and Martha Catchem; return of John Jones.
  2. [S620] James Catchim will (recorded 1840), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 8: 150. The will, dated 8 Apr 1836, was recorded 23 March 1840. It remembered wife Martha, and Jacob, William, James, and Mary Catchim, John , Jane, Edward, Samuel, Liddy, Elijah Catchim and Marthy Cole; also granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Edmiston. James appointed his "friend" Andrew Edmondson, Jr. as his executor.
  3. [S367] Peleg Coale household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., 67th District, p. after p. 109 stamped, dwelling 641, family 641, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Oct. 2010. Household includes: Peleg Coale, 55, farmer, owns land worth $4,000; Martha 40; John 21; Andrew 15; Rachel 14; Thos 11; David 9; Joseph 3/12; Kenrick, 20, black, laborer, Francis, 3; all b. VA.
  4. [S2388] William R. Wheeler, Minister's Returns 1828-1853 Washington Co., Virginia Vol. 2C, p. 5. 1832, Sept 27th married Peter [sic] Cole and Martha Catchem [sic]; return of John Jones.
  5. [S234] Martha Cole household, 1860 U.S. cens, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Western District, p. 103, dwelling 749, family 726, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Oct. 2010. Household includes: Martha Cole, 41, housekeeper, owns land worth $1,000, pers. prop of $500, cannot read or write; Andrew, 24, farmer, owns pers. prop of $1,500; Crockett, 18, student, owns pers. prop of $100; Frank, 14; Joseph, 10; George, 4; all b. VA.
  6. [S635] Frank Cole household, 1870 U.S. cens, Washington Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Glade Spring township, p. 30 (original script), dwelling 238, family 236, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Oct. 2010. Household includes: Frank Cole, 21, farmer; Martha, 50, owns land worth $8_0 and personal prop of $200; Laura, 19; H.G. (male), 12; Sally Wright, cook; all b. VA.
  7. [S163] Martha Cole household, 1880 U.S. Cens., Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., Glade Spring district, ED 94, p. 58C, dwelling 90, family 91. May 2012. Household includes: Martha Cole, 60, keeping house, b. VA, parents b. NC; George H., son, 22, farmer, b. VA; Amanda Denny, 2_, granddaughter, b. VA/VA/VA; Laura Cole, 6, granddaughter, b. VA/VA/VA; Joseph Mason, 20, laborer, b. VA.
  8. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 65. Thomas Vaugh Cole, 22, sgl, b. & resid WCV, farmer, s/o Peleg & Martha Cole marr Margaret Bishop, 21, sgl, b. & resid WCV, d/o Washington & Jane Bishop; 30 Nov. 1865 by F. Hickerson.
  9. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 64. Francis S. Cole, 26, sgl, b. & resid WCV, farmer, s/o Peleg & Martha Cole marr Margaret Barlow, 21, sgl, b. Smyth Co., d/o John & Martha Barlow; 19 Dec. 1872.
  10. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 26. Entry states: Geo W. Cole born 20 Oct. 1856 to Peleg & Martha Cole.