Martha Clark

b. 22 August 1798, d. 30 September 1854
FatherRobert Clark1,2 b. Jul 1756, d. May 1821
MotherMartha Harvie1 b. 15 Nov 1764, d. aft May 1821
Baptism22 Aug 1798 Martha Clark was baptized on 22 Aug 1798 in the Parish of Killean & Kilchenzie, County of Argyll, Scotland. The baptismal record states that the family was living in Tangy.1 
Migrationcirca 1817  About 1817, Martha, along with her parents and siblings, left Scotland and migrated to America, settling in Washington County, Virginia. 
Legatee15 May 1821  Martha's father wrote his will in 1821. He allowed Martha a horse worth $100, 3 cows and 6 sheep in 1826 - to be paid by her brothers. They were also to pay her $100 if she remained on the farm with the family until it was paid for. However, if she married she was not to be deprived of her dowry which was to be paid in 1829.2 
Marriage27 Aug 1829 She married James Watson, son of (?) Watson, on 27 Aug 1829 in Washington County.3 
Legatee14 May 1847  Martha's sister Catharine did not leave a written will, but on the day of her death she left instructions that Martha was to receive $20 from her estate along with any other monies that might be left after paying expenses. The settlement of Catherine's estate on 23 May 1848 showed a payment of $40 to Martha Watson.4,5 
Cens-185030 Aug 1850 In 1850, 21 years after their marriage, Martha and James were recorded on the first federal census to list all members of a household by name. Five children were recorded with them, ranging from 20 year old Margaret to 11 year old James. The family farm was valued at $1,600.6 
Death30 Sep 1854 Martha died of consumption on 30 Sep 1854 in Washington County, Virginia, at age 56.7 

Family

James Watson b. abt 1803, d. 1863
Children
  • Margaret Watson+6 (31 May 1830 - 9 Oct 1899)
  • Martha Watson6 (circa 1832 - )
  • Robert Watson8,6 (circa 1835 - 11 Jun 1854)
  • Catherine Watson9,6 (circa 1837 - )
  • James Watson6 (circa 1839 - )
ChartsDescendants of Robert Clark and Martha Harvie
Last Edited2 May 2011

Citations

  1. [S110] Old Parochial Register, Co. of Argyll, Parish of Killean & Killchenzie, Scotland; FHL microfilm 1041070, item 1. Notes for this entry: "Martha Lawful daughter to Robt Clark & Martha Harvey in Tangy Aug 22 [1798]". Entry does not clarify if it is a birth or baptism record, but the page is titled "Registration of Baptisms.
  2. [S618] Robert Clark Will (1821), Washington Co., Virginia, Will Book 5: 10. Robert's will was dated 15 May 1821 and proved in court 19 June 1821 with Peter Clark and John Clark taking the oath of executor. They posted bond in the amount of $2,000 with John Galliher and Mathew Ryburn security.
  3. [S4] D.E. Brown, Marriages of Washington Co., VA 1781-1853, p. 66.
  4. [S680] Catharine Clark settlement (1848), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 11: 93.
  5. [S701] Catharine Clark Nuncupative will (1847), Washington Co., Virginia Will Book 10: 356. Catharine's last wishes were expressed on 14 May 1847, about an hour before her death, to John Clark, Rosannah J. Clark, Jane White and Martha White. They were recorded by John Clark on 18 May 1847 and signed by the above witnesses. The will was recorded on 28 Sept. 1847 with John Clark serving as administrator.
  6. [S367] James Watson household, 1850 U.S. Census, Washington Co., VA, pop. sched., District 67, p. 121 stamped, dwelling 803, family 803, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2008, image 107 of 289. Household includes: James Watson, 50, farmer, b. Scotland, real estate valued at $1,600; Martha 52, b. Scotland; Margaret 20; Martha 18; Robert 15; Catharine 13; James 11; children b. VA.
  7. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 225.
  8. [S3] Moore and Stephens, Washington Co., VA Birth and Death Records, p. 226. Death record lists parents as James and Martha Watson.
  9. [S6] Thomas Colley, Washington Co. VA Marriages 1853-1880, p. 303. Bride's parents listed as James C. & Martha Watson.