John D. Ward1,2

b. 21 January 1834, d. 1904
FatherAlexander Ward1 b. 19 Apr 1805, d. 23 Jun 1858
MotherMary Brandon Buchanan1 b. abt 1810, d. 6 Mar 1892
Birth21 Jan 1834 John D. Ward was born on 21 Jan 1834 in Virginia.3 
  John's place of residence at the time of the 1850 census enumeration has not been determined at this time. Three of his younger siblings, Mary, Sarah and James were all living with their maternal grandparents, John and Mary (Ryburn) Buchanan in Washington County, Virginia. However, John's parents, as well as his brothers Ballard and Mathew were not present and have not been located elsewhere. 
Fath-Death23 Jun 1858  John's father, Alexander Ward, was killed by John's uncle George Crenshaw following a family dispute on June 23, 1858. The shooting was ruled an act of self-defense. John's grandfather, John Buchanan, had written his will 3 days earlier. In it he specified that that the 6th share of his estate which would typically have passed to his daughter Mary (and been controlled by her husband Alexander Ward, John's father) instead pass directly to Mary's children. He also left $50 to Mary, which was also not to be used by her husband.4,5 
Marriage7 Dec 1859 He married Margaret McCready on 7 Dec 1859 in Smyth County, Virginia.6 
Cens-188023 Jun 1880  John and Margaret lived in Smyth County, Virginia. There they were enumerated in 1880 as John (45, working as a laborer), Margaret (50, wife) and Birdie (19), Edward (16), Lovie [Lovetta](13), Jennie (10) and "Pokie" [Pocanontas](8).7 
Cens-190012 Jun 1900  Twenty years later the census enumeration included additional detail. The family's place of residence was described as the Rich Valley district of the county. John was 66 and was renting his home. Margaret was recorded as the mother of 6 children, 5 of whom were living. The couple's youngest daughter, 24 year old "Pokie" was still living at home. Son Edward, along with his wife and family were also enumerated as a separate family living in the same household.8 
  The 1900 census lists Pokie's birth information as April 1876 in Kentucky. However, the 1880 census record, which was created closer to her birth suggests she was born about 1872 in Virginia. 
Death1904 John died in 1904 in Smyth County, Virginia.9,3 

Family

Margaret McCready b. abt 1838
Children
ChartsDescendants of John Buchanan and Ann Ryburn
Descendants of William Ryburn and Mary (?)
Last Edited21 Jun 2007

Citations

  1. [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).
  2. [S1742] Judy B. Anderson, Virginia Connections - A Genealogical History of the Thompson-Ward Family, p. 393 citing family records; author uses John (Buck) Ward.
  3. [S1742] Judy B. Anderson, Virginia Connections - A Genealogical History of the Thompson-Ward Family, p. 393 citing family records.
  4. [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.
  5. [S849] John Buchanan will (recorded 1858), Smyth Co., Virginia Will Book 3: 123. John's will was dated 20 June 1858 and recorded 21 Sept. 1858.
  6. [S60] Thomas Hockett and Shelia Steele Hunt, Smyth Co. VA Marriages 1851-1891 & 1860 Census, p. 173. Record abstracted as: John D. Ward, 25, s/o Alex & Mary AND Margaret McCrady; marr: 7 Dec. 1859.
  7. [S521] John B. Ward household, 1880 U.S. cens., Smyth Co., Virginia, pop sched., 84th District, ED 99D (stamped), page 421, dwelling 448, family Oct. 2004, image 46 of 55. Enumeration includes: John B. Ward, 45, laborer, marr; Margaret, 50, wife; Birdie, 19, dau; Edward, 16, son; Lovie, 13, dau; Jennie, 10, dau; Pokie, 8, dau; all b. VA;, viewed online at Ancestry.com.
  8. [S682] John _ Ward household, 1900 U.S. cens., Smyth Co., Virginia, pop. sched., Rich Valley District, ED 83, sheet 15A (p. 97 stamped), dwelling 240, family 247, viewed online at Ancestry.com, Sept. 2006, image 29 of 50. Enumeration includes: John _ Ward, 66, b. Jan. 1834, marr 41 yrs, farm laborer, rents home; Margaret, wife, 66, b. May 1834, marr 41 yrs, mother of 6 children, 5 living; both b. VA, parents b. VA; Pokie, dau, 24, b. Apr. 1876 Kentucky, parents b. VA.
  9. [S932] Lester, "Descendants of Alexander Ward and Mary Buchanan."