Martha Elizabeth Ryburn1

b. circa 1807, d. before 1860
FatherWilliam Ryburn2 b. in 1753 or 1754, d. Oct 1812
MotherMary (?)3 b. 14 Jul 1759, d. 24 Jun 1848
BirthCircacirca 1807 Martha Elizabeth Ryburn was born in Virginia circa 1807.4 
Legatee22 Jul 1812 Martha's father wrote his will in July of 1812, a few months before his death. He referred to his "little daughter Patsey" and left her several items she was to receive at age eighteen. He also "allowed" her six months schooling.2 
Marriage24 Jul 1828 She and Rev. John Houston Wallace, son of Joel Wallace and Esther Houston,were married by Alexander McEwan on 24 Jul 1828 in Washington County, Virginia.1 
Residence Martha and John were married the same year he became a licensed minister. They first settled in Montgomery County, Virginia, where several of their children were born.5 
Occupation In 1838 John became the fourth pastor of Green Spring Presbyterian Church in Washington County, Virginia.6 
Residence There he and Martha established a home between Abingdon and Bristol in an area later to be named Wallace in his honor.7,5 
Cens-185021 Sep 1850 The 1850 census for Washington County recorded John and Martha and four of their children: Louisa F., 17, Frances J. 15, William P., 12 and John H., age four.4 
  Another son, Charles, was born shortly after the official June first census date and therefore was not listed with the family, although he would have been present when the census taker finally made his way to the family home in late September. 
  One source reports that Martha died in 1850; if this is correct she must have died in the months following Charles's birth.8 
5 Nov 1854  Both Charles and his older brother John died in 1854. 
 According to a letter written in 1907 by their daughter Frances, John and Martha also had a sixth child.5 
1840  The 1840 census lists an unaccounted for 10-15 year old female who probably represents this missing child.9 
  She has been identified by one source as Martha Elizabeth, probably born about 1829.8 
1840  The same census indicates that an 80-90 year old female was with the family. This probably indicates the presence of Martha's mother, Mary Ryburn, who died in 1848 at the age of 88. 
Deathbefore 1860 Martha died before 1860 as she is not listed with her husband on the census recorded that year. 
 Following Martha's death John married three more times but did not have other children.5 

Related Links and Images:

Martha's childhood home. Click on camera icon for larger image

Family

Rev. John Houston Wallace b. Oct 1799, d. 7 Mar 1882
Children
ChartsDescendants of William Ryburn and Mary (?)
Last Edited17 Jun 2012

Citations

  1. [S4] D.E. Brown, Marriages of Washington Co., VA 1781-1853, p. 65. John H. Wallace and Martha Ryburn, 24 Jul 1828; minister Alexander McEwen; also p. 90: Sketch of John H. Wallace which refers to wife Martha Elizabeth Ryburn.
  2. [S617] William Ryburn will (1812), Washington Co., Virginia, Will Bk 3: 300. Wlliam's will was dated 22 Jul 1812 and recorded in court in October of the same year. Son Patrick was appointed executor with James Orr, L. Hutton and John Edmondson witnesses.
  3. [S537] Hutton Family Data, authored by Dr. J. B. Hutton. J.B. Hutton was the great nephew of the children of William and Mary Ryburn.
  4. [S367] John H. Wallace household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., 67th District, p. following 174 (stamped), dwelling 1560, family 1560, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2004, image 214 of 289. The enumeration reported: John H. Wallace, 49, b. TN, farmer, owns land valued at $3,900; Martha, 43, b. VA; Louisa F., 17; Frances J. 15; William P. 12; John H. 4; all children b. VA.
  5. [S23] Evelyn T. Rahn, "Reverend John Houston Wallace" in Families of Washington Co. and Bristol, VA, p. 341. Ms Rahn cites a letter written by Frances Jane Wallace Teeter in 1907.
  6. [S4] D.E. Brown, Marriages of Washington Co., VA 1781-1853, p. 90.
  7. [S537] Hutton Family Data, authored by Dr. J. B. Hutton. "Patsy" Ryburn was the great aunt of J.B. Hutton. He states she married "a Wallace" and lived in the vicinity of Wallace's, between Abingdon and Bristol.
  8. [S1193] Samuel Rutherford Houston, Biographical Accounts of the Houston Family, p. 206.
  9. [S679] John Wallace household, 1840 U.S. cens., Washington Co., Virginia, p. 57, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2004, image 113 of 114. Data reported includes: John Wallace; 1 m under 5; 1 male 30-40; 2 females 5-10; 1 female 10-15; 1 female 30-40; 1 female 80-90.
  10. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 362. Abstracted record reads: Edwin Conrod Teeter, sgl, b. & resid Washington Co., VA, physician, s/o Jacob & Sophia Teeter AND Frances Jane Wallace, 22y, sgl, b. Montgomery Co., VA, resid WCV, d/o John H. & Martha Wallace; by Alexander Hogshead; marr 7 Jan 1857.
  11. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 380. Transcription reads: William Preston Wallace, 22y, sgl, b. Montgomery Co., resid Washington Co., VA, farmer, s/o John H. & Martha Wallace AND Sarah Jane Hanby, 20y, sgl, b. & resid WCV, d/o Jonathan T. & Mgt Hanby; marr 8 Nov. 1860.
  12. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 225. Abstract states: John H. Wallace, 8y 10m died 21 Aug. 1854 of flux; parents John H. and Martha Wallace.
  13. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 225. Abstract states: Charles H. Wallace, died 11 Oct. 1854 of flux at 4y 3m 20d; parents: John H. and Martha Wallace.