Alexander Ward1

b. 19 April 1805, d. 23 June 1858
FatherWilliam Ward2
Birth19 Apr 1805 Alexander Ward was born on 19 Apr 1805 in Tazewell County, Virginia.3 
Marriage11 Apr 1833 He married Mary Brandon Buchanan, daughter of John Buchanan and Mary Ryburn, on 11 Apr 1833 in Smyth County, Virginia.1 
1850 Three of Alexander and Mary's children were living with Mary's parents in 1850 in Smyth County.4 
  Alexander and Mary's whereabouts on the same census (and that of their other three children) has not been determined. 
Death23 Jun 1858 Alexander died on 23 Jun 1858 in Smyth County, Virginia, at age 53.5,2 
 Alexander's death in 1858 was apparently the result of a family disagreement as he was shot by his brother-in-law, George Crenshaw. However, the shooting was later determined to be in self defense. The incident occurred three days after the men's father-in-law, John Buchanan wrote his will.5 
Probate Recd20 Jul 1858 An order was issued in Smyth County Court on 20 Jul 1858 directing that an appraisal be made of Alexander Ward's personal property. The document included a short list of items, including two beds (valued at $30), a clock, some books, a few household items and several farm animals.6 
Probate Recd7 Aug 1858  On 7 Aug 1858 Alexander's personal property was sold. Mary Ward bought the beds, paying $6 for each. She also purchased a brown mare for $10. The books went unsold.7 

Related Links and Images:

Newspaper article about shooting incident between George Crenshaw and Alexander Ward. Click camera icon for larger image8

Family

Mary Brandon Buchanan b. abt 1810, d. 6 Mar 1892
Children
Last Edited28 Oct 2011

Citations

  1. [S943] Smyth Co., Virginia Marriage Register 1832-1853: 2. The marriage register entry states that Alexander Ward and Polly Brandon Buchanan received a license on April 1, 1833 and were married on the 11th by Alex. McEwen.
  2. [S1985] Alexander Ward entry, Smyth Co., Virginia Death Register Vol. 1: 3 (1858). Line 15.
  3. [S1742] Judy B. Anderson, Virginia Connections - A Genealogical History of the Thompson-Ward Family, p. 393 citing Thompson family records.
  4. [S465] John Buchanan household, 1850 U.S. cens, Smyth Co., VA, pop. sched., p. 165b, dwelling 132, family 134, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Oct. 2002, image 20 of 169. Enumeration records: John Buchanan 65 farmer, real estate $3,000; Mary 65; Ann 42; Jane 36; Sarah 34; Alexander 22; Mary I or J. Ward 10; Sarah F. Ward 8; James F. Ward 7; Jesse Davis 50 Black; all born Virginia.
  5. [S932] Lester, "Descendants of Alexander Ward and Mary Buchanan". Peggy cites as her source for the information about Alexander's death "The Richmond Whig and Public Advisor", dated July 2, 1858, a copy of which she obtained from the Virginia State Library.
  6. [S849] Alexander Ward appraisal (1858), Smyth Co., Virginia Will Book 3: 126. The appraisal was completed on August 7, 1858 and recorded at court on November 16th, 1858.
  7. [S849] Alexander Ward sale bill (1858), Smyth Co., Virginia Will Book 3: 171. The personal property was sold on August 7, 1858. The document was recorded in court on August 17th.
  8. [S1376] Image courtesy of Peggy (Stringer) Lester.
  9. [S60] Thomas Hockett and Shelia Steele Hunt, Smyth Co. VA Marriages 1851-1891 & 1860 Census, p. 173. Abstract states: John D. Ward, 25, s/o Alex & Mary AND Margaret McCrady; 07 Dec. 1859 (author of book annotated entry to add that John Ward's mother was "Polly" Brandon Buchanan).
  10. [S1144] Pauline Haga, Tazewell Co., Virginia Marriage Book 3, p. 19. Record states that W.B.P. Ward, 23, b. Tazewell Co., son of Alexander and Mary B. Ward, resident Smyth Co. married Sally Thompson, 19, b. Tazewell Co., dau of Stephen and L.M. Thompson on 28 Sept. 1858.
  11. [S60] Thomas Hockett and Shelia Steele Hunt, Smyth Co. VA Marriages 1851-1891 & 1860 Census, p. 149. Record abstracted as: Thompson R. Shepord [Shepherd], 26, s/o Frances AND Mary J. Ward, 22, d/o Alex and Mary B., marr: 16 Sept. 1860.
  12. [S1742] Judy B. Anderson, Virginia Connections - A Genealogical History of the Thompson-Ward Family, p. 394.