From information provided by J Edward Starr:

A certificate documenting his military commission reads:


"The Commonwealth of Virginia, To Jacob G. Sperry, Greeting:
Know You, That from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our GOVERNOR, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by the Constitution and Laws of this Commonwealth, doth commission you a Colonel in the One hundred and twenty-first Regiment of the 26th Brigade and fifth Division of the VIRGINIA MILITIA, to rank as such from the 30th day of March, 1861.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 20th day of May 1861.
(seal) (signed) John Letcher."


On the reverse, at one end, is written:

"Bot. Co. to wit
On the 23rd day of May 1861 J.G. Sperry came before me and took the several oaths prescribed by law for military officers given under my hand this day and date first above written.
(signed) Henry M. Bowyer, J.P."


and on the other end is written:

"Transferred to Confederate Service June 12th 1862 By Order of the Gov."



HE WAS THE HUSBAND OF MY 4TH COUSTIN 3 TIMES REMOVED.
WAR DEPARTMENT - THE ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE - WASHINGTON - January 11, 1937
Respectfully returned to
Mr. Floyde D. Sperry
Urbana, Illinois
There are no rolls on file of the 121st Regiment Virginia Militia, Confederate States Army, but other records show that Jac G. Sperry served as Colonel of that Regiment, though the date of commencement and date of termination of his service has not been found. Subsequently he performed the duties of Enrolling Office of Botetourt County, Virginia and on October 13, 1863, to rank from September 16, 1863, was appointed 2nd Lieutenant, Confederate States Army, for service with the Conscript Bureau, but the President Declined to nominate.
(signed) E. J. Conley, Major General, The Adjutant General (By na)

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The following information was sent by Darryl Winger (from the Virginia Room in the Roanoke City Library, 706 Jefferson St., Roanoke, VA (540) 853-2073):

Jacob G. Sperry - Col. 121st Regt. Mil. Records on the Militia are very limited to say the least. His full services records may be somewhere, but there may also have never been any records. The Militia was the home guard or carried out spying, espionage, ambushing and basically anything covert. Most things the Militia did were secret when they were doing it and that is why records are limited. The best way to find out about a member of a Militia is to hope someone has written a book on that group and follow their movements and hope for a reference.



The following citation appears on p. 31 in "The Virginia Home Guards" by Jeffrey C. Weaver, H. E. Howard, Inc., Lynchburg, VA, 1996 (this book is one of a many-volume series available in the Staunton, Virginia public library, call number R 973.7455 W):



Botetourt County
Burke's Regiment Local Defense Troops
The Botetourt Home Guard Regiment was raised under the October 13, 1862, act of the Confederate Congress authorizing companies to be formed for local defense. This regiment was formed in Botetourt County in the late summer of 1863 and seems to have completed its organization in early October. The regiment supposedly consisted of eleven companies, as follows:
Amsterdam Company, reported to have been organized as an artillery company under the superintendency of Colonel J. G. Sperry. Sperry was commander of the 121st (Botetourt County) Militia. This company was commanded by Captain Robert G. Miller.



[Note: The other companies were: Botetourt Cavalry, scouts and couriers; Buchanan Company; Catawba Company; Dagger Spring Company; Fincastle Cavalry Company; Fincastle Company; Junction Store Company; Mill Creek Company; Pattonsburg Company; Roaring Run Home Guard; and Waskey's Mills Company.]
[Note: Amsterdam, Virginia is on US Highway 220 between Interstate 81 (exit 150) and Fincastle.]



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The following two items are printed side-by-side on heavy stock. Judging from the first paragraph, the first item presumably appeared in the Roanoke Herald; one assumes the second did also:

A DISTRESSING DEATH
Run Down by a Shenandoah Valley Passenger Train.
COL. J. G. SPERRY
While Walking Along he Track Near Cloverdale He Was
Struck by an Engine and Instantly Killed--The Trainmen
Blameless--No Inquest Was Held
Yesterday morning intelligence reached the city that Col. J. G. Sperry, one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of Botetourt Co., had been run over and killed at Cloverdale, six miles north of this city, by the south-bound Shenandoah Valley passenger train. A representative of the Herald at once went to the office of Capt. Bransford, the trainmaster, but he had gone to the scene of the accident. On his return we were placed in possession of the following particulars of the distressing affair.
Col. Sperry, who was very deaf, was en route to this city. He stopped at the Cloverdale depot and in answer to an inquiry learned that the south-bound train was late. He remarked that he would walk up to Nininger's, about three hundred yards south of the station. There are two short trestles between the depot and Mr. Nininger's, and while crossing one of these Col. Sperry saw some school children just ahead of him leave the track quickly. He turned to see the cause of their apparent fright and was, no doubt, horrified to see a rapidly moving engine right on him. He attempted to get off the trestle, but in vain. The iron monster dashed against his body, hurling it in the air and breaking his back about the middle. His head fell upon a rock and was cut. Death was instantaneous.
The awful news spread through the neighborhood rapidly, and a large number of his friends and neighbors hastened to Cloverdale. His devoted wife was made acquainted with her husband's fate as gently as possible, but the suddenness of the blow completely prostrated her. Her grief was a pitiable sight, and strong men turned away with tears in their eyes. At her request no inquest was held, it being clear that the trainmen were not to blame.
As a writer, Col. Sperry was strong and graceful, and a frequent contributor to agricultural journals. For several years he was the principal Virginia correspondent of the Agricultural Department at Washington, and his opinions had great weight there. The editor of this paper owes a part of the success he has attained to the watchful care and good advice of Col. Sperry, and valued his friendship very highly.
Deceased leaves a wife and several children, who will have the sympathy of thousands of people in their great loss and sorrow.
JANUARY TWENTY-SIXTH, 1891
- - -
Obituary
COL. J. G. SPERRY, OF BOTETOURT, VA.
A large circle of friends were inexpressibly shocked and grieved, and the general public startled, when on the 26th of January last, the sad news sped over the wires that Col. Jacob G. Sperry, of Botetourt Co., Va., had met a sudden death of the rail. Walking for a short distance upon the track at Cloverdale Station, and being quite deaf, a belated train rushed unheeded upon him, tossed him from the track, his head striking a stone, and causing instant death.
It was then that a good man went to join the great majority, and a lifelong friend who knew him well would pay a brief tribute to his memory and at the same time furnish a lesson that may profit others.
Col. Sperry was a ruling elder in the churches at Amsterdam and Mount Unionfor thirty years, having been chosen to the eldership in 1860, soon after he joined the church. Though born and reared in another communion, he was as thorough and rounded a Presbyterian as the writer ever knew, which was one illustration of the force of his convictions. The people of the congregation to which he attached himself understood him well enough when he said "I am a Christian and a Presbyterian," to know that he meant it, and with the advice of their wise and able pastor, the late Rev. Dr. John S. Grasty, at once invited him into the Session. He did credit to their judgement and served the people wisely and devotedly through many pastoral changes and trying intervals of no pastorate, up to the time of his death.
Being at the time about 38 years old and Dr. Grasty removing to another state, some of the younger brethren in the ministry who came to serve that congregation had the advantage of Col. Sperry's matured counsel and unwavering support. Among these were Rev. Dr. H. M. White, now of Winchester, Va. and Rev. Dr. J. P. Smith, of Fredericksburg, who were followed by Rev. R. R. Houston, who ministered in this congregation for many years and was Col. Sperry's last pastor, much loved and revered by him, baptizing and receiving several of his children into the church of their father. He was the last survivor of the venerable eldership of this church who ruled it so long and faithfully. William and George McDonald, William B. Morton and Peter Copeland, all lived to old age, and one by one crossed over the river before him, and we can imagine their waiting for him and welcoming him on the other shore.
The subject of this sketch was a man of rare faith. It was indeed childlike; no reverse could cloud it, no dispensation of Providence could weaken it after it had been matured by Christian living and Bible study, and the writer has had his own strengthened again and again by contact with him and his trustful love. He was as true to his friends as the needle is to the pole, indeed there was not as much variation. His friends always knew they could depend on him, and were never disappointed, and his heart was as tender as a woman's. No appeal for aid or sympathy ever failed of a response from this good man, who would rather have been deceived into helping the unworthy than run the risk of neglecting those who deserved his good offices.
Col. Sperry's kindness of heart and sociable disposition tended to make him one of the most hospitable of men, and he never seemed happier than when entertaining his friends, especially his Brethren in Christ and ministers of the Gospel, for whom he always manifested peculiar love and respect, and seemed always by his consideration for them to be associating them with their sacred calling and the common Master they serve. He was, many years ago, one of the Justices of Botetourt County and filled other positions of honor and trust. Well educated, endowed with a strong mind, sympathetic and helpful at all times, he was often resorted to by neighbors who desired assistance or advice and never in vain. He was fond of young people, particularly young men just starting in life, or struggling under adverse circumstances, and his clear head and sound judgement always piloted them through their troubles. Strong in his convictions, but slow to reach conclusion, he did not often err in his estimate of men or measures. His friendship once won could be depended on at all times and under all circumstances as long as its possessor did not abuse his confidence. But it was as husband and father that the warmth of his heart most strikingly manifested itself. For his wife and children his love surpassed that of woman.
The night before his death he seemed to have a presentiment of the coming separation and was more tender even than usual. Clasping his wife to his bosom, he said, "Precious wife, what does make me love you so? I am too happy. I fear it is the harbinger of some trouble." Who can doubt but that his Father was tenderly preparing him to come home? The next morning he left his earthly home, and all in it so dear, to enter straightway upon his Heavenly. God pity the widow and the fatherless.
T. C. M.

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THE LATE COL. J. G. SPERRY (Written for the Herald)
The announcement of the fearful catastrophe, which occurred at Cloverdale, January 26th, 1891, and which hurled into eternity one of our most worthy and highly esteemed citizens--Col. J. G. Sperry--was hailed with sorry by everyone who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. His name and face are familiar to almost every citizen of our county, and it can be truly said that Botetourt had few such men as he. He was a God-fearing man, who did not shrink from duty, was a loving husband, a devoted and benevolent father. He spent an honorable lifetime in our community, covering the period of sixty-seven years, and having lived a devoted life in this world of sin, we trust that he has received the reward of the "faithful servant," and entered into that joy "that remaineth for the people of God." For many years he was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and was an earnest admirer of her Holy doctrines and a Christian character; and though he has passed from our midst, his deeds live to speak his praise in language more forcible than any we can pen. He was married three times and leaves a large family of children and a grief stricken wife to mourn his untimely loss. O, tearful eyes and bleeding hearts we would gladly have you feel:-

That he whom ye call dead,
In Unspoken bliss instead
Lives and loves you; lost 'tis true,
By such light as shines on you.
But in light you cannot see
of unfulfilled felicity--
In enlarging paradise
Lives a life that never dies.


Daleville, Va. 2-27-1891 ONE WHO KNEW HIM

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Catherine C. "Kate" Langhorne (daughter of George P. Callaway Langhorne and Agnes Lewis White) [Jacob's 3rd wife] was born on 17 September 1851 in Cloverdale, Botetourt, Virginia. She died on 29 October 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was buried on 31 October 1930 in Bellfountaine Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. She lived on a plantation as a girl where they had many servants, and her maid used to stay up to tuck her in when she went to parties. She was a graduate of Hollins College, Virginia as a teacher.

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Barbara Ann Sperry Phillips provided a copy of the following letter:


Salem, Virginia, August 29, 1935
Dear Mr. Sperry, There are some younger relatives about Salem who might tell you later things of your grandfather than I can, but of him as a neighbor of my father I remember him well. The home stood back from the road in a grove and was a substantial dwelling place such as many well to do people had at that time. Later he moved to a small town nearer our home, Amsterdam by name. He was a 'gentleman farmer', riding about directing the work. His first wife died, leaving him with five almost grown children of all of which I could give some details. The second wife was your grandmother, a very handsome woman, a social leader and mother of many children. I remember her bright, animated face and soft white hands. She was a Miss Johnson and Laura, her step¬daughter, married her brother, thus uniting the family another way. Colonel Sperry as he was called, perhaps as a war record or only an old custom, was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, had a fine voice, taught singing to the young people. He was a constant attendant at all church affairs, an outstanding man in public events and highly respected by all. Several years ago when living in Atlanta, your Aunt, Mrs. Bessie Costello, if I remember correctly, came to me for information about him as a Mason, but I could only suggest visiting the Masonic Lodge in Fincastle, Virginia. His last wife was a Miss Langhorne, and I hear that their only child was a handsome boy and went to the same Sunday School with me as all the others did. My recollections of the whole family are so pleasant as the older ones came and went at my home and later others of my age. You may be proud of your people as they were in those years and while some of them went to the 'far country', I think all came back to their early training. Colonel Sperry's death was tragic, being instantly killed by a train. He was very deaf in his old age.
Sincerely, Mary Graybill Logan



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From information provided by Sharon Hohmann:

Colonel Jacob Gish Sperry was born in Botetourt Co., Virginia. Fincastle, seat of Botetourt Co., was established in 1772 on land donated by Israel Christian. Botetourt Co. was named for Norborne Berkeley, Baron De Botetourt, then Governor of Virginia. Colonel Sperry's first wife, Maria (Cassy Vinyard) Wenger, was his first cousin. Their marriage is recorded in FHL Film #820408, citing the Botetourt Co., VA Marriage Registrations, Part 1, 1770-1853. I have a copy of that record from the book of that name as well. A recent note from Ed Starr states that this marriage was on May 25, 1841, though I have it listed as May 20.

Jacob's family was farmers in the rolling hill country of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some members of the family had gristmills in the area, one of which still exists. Jacob had a reputation as a youth and throughout his life as being a congenial, hard working and devoted man. He would do anything for his neighbors and was often sought out for his expertise in various areas.

THEODOSIA C. JOHNSON [Jacob's second wife]

Theodosia was born July 12, 1835 in Campbell Co., Virginia. Her parents, William and Mary Ann Farmer Johnson, were also born in Campbell Co. Little is known about Theodosia's childhood. Her family were farmers and she remained in the same area all of her life.



THEODOSIA AND JACOB SPERRY

Big Lick, Roanoke Co., Virginia was the site of Theodosia and Jacob's marriage in August 1858. It was her first marriage and his second, his first wife, a first cousin, having died in 1855. Theodosia was just 22, and yet she accepted a family of seven children, and went on to have ten children of her own. Maurice, Jack's grandfather, was her youngest living child. He was only one year old when his mother passed away. Jacob owned a considerable amount of land in the southern area of Botetourt Co. around Amsterdam and Daleville. His acreage was on Tinker Creek, with additional lots in the village of Amsterdam. He served in the Civil War in the 121st Regiment of the Virginia Confederate Militia. This was a home guard unit, the Amsterdam Militia, with spying, ambush and espionage their main purpose. Thus, there are no records of the regiment's activities. Jacob was known as Colonel to his neighbors and family, and was the commander of these Botetourt Co. forces. Jacob lived a very active life, apparently planting crops for the Department of Agriculture and keeping records of crops for that department in all of Botetourt Co. He was considered an intelligent, well-educated man in the community and a good businessman. In his later years he became quite deaf, leading to his untimely death at the age of 67 when he was hit by the Shenandoah Valley passenger train at Cloverdale.



Lynchburg, April 10, 1878:

I have had the pleasure of acquaintance with Col. J. G. Sperry of Botetourt Co. for many years, and have the honor to state that where he is known, he is esteemed as a gentleman of the highest personal qualities, and of most excellent business attainments. For probity, punctuality, and energetic devotion to whatever he undertakes, and for capacity as a man of (?), his standing is exceeded by none; and I should deem any house fortunate in securing his valuable and trustworthy service. Most Respectfully, Jno. W. Daniel (member of the Senate of Virginia and later a U.S. Senator)



Law Office of Thomas D. Houston, Fincastle, Botetourt Co., VA: Will Practice in the Courts of Botetourt, Rockbridge, Craig and Roanoke Cos., VA: April 21, 1878:

Having been well acquainted with Col. J. G. Sperry of Botetourt Co., VA for many years past, I feel justified in giving expression to my opinion of him, as a gentleman of unusual intelligence, first-class business qualifications (which last time I understand as embracing integrity, energy, perseverance, discretion and success) and good social position. In this County, he is generally esteemed as a man of worth and prominence; while in the State at large, in which he has a very general acquaintance, he enjoys the reputation of being a citizen of high character. It is seldom in my intercourse with my fellows that I have encountered any one possessed of more general information than Col. Sperry. Signed: Thomas E. Houston (Judge Houston of VA)



Letter to Col. J. G. Sperry: Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C., January 1, 1886:

Dear Sir: I desire to express to you my hearty appreciation of your untiring and patriotic effort in the interest of agriculture in your county. Your promptness, without which reports would have been valueless, is worthy of all commendation. I believe you aim to be accurate in your estimates and to improve with experience in the exercise of your difficult duties. The services of an increasingly effective corps of correspondents are employed at the present time, and improvement in the work of the coming year is assured. It is believed that the personnel of this service was never so reliable nor so efficient. In acknowledgement of your gratuitous services, for the information of your own section and the country at large, I shall be happy to afford you any facilities, or grant any favors within the resources of the Department. Wishing you success in your personal enterprises, and satisfaction in your continued labors for the public good. I am very respectfully, Norman J. Colman, Commissioner of Agriculture



References to Jacob Gish Sperry in "A Seed-Bed of the Republic: Early Botetourt" by Robert Douthat Stoner, Kingsport Press, Inc. Kingsport, TN, 1962, available at the Botetourt Co. Historical Museum, Courthouse Square, Fincastle, Virginia:

Page 386 (from Deed Book 31, page 389): The site for what may have been the second Brethren Church was conveyed by Jacob Sperry in 1851 to trustees of Valley Dunker Church, and contained one acre. Page 454: Commissioners of Revenue, Botetourt County: Those serving between 1870 and 1875 were: Amsterdam: Jacob G. Sperry, Francis M. Kessler and John Ammen (Commissioners of Revenue were tax collectors.). On January 28, 1853, Jacob Gish Sperry signed as a witness to a codicil to the will of his great uncle Abraham Gish.



Botetourt Co., Virginia Land Records, Film 0030716: Book 31, page 378:

This deed, made December 29, 1851, between Jacob G. Sperry and Cassa, his wife, of the first part and Samuel Moomaw of the second part, all of Botetourt Co., Virginia, witnesseth, that in consideration of the sum of one dollar to them in hand paid, etc. containing by survey 20 1/4 acres, being part of the tract of land on which said parties of the first part now reside, lying and being in the county of Botetourt on the waters of Tinker Creek and is bounded as follows to wit: Beginning at a white oak and hickory corner to Firestone and said Sperry and running thence with the former north 65 feet east, 45 ? to a locust in Firestone's field by a fence north 75, east 58 poles crossing a branch to a stake on the north side or bank of another branch, south 11, west 76 poles crossing said branch and the road to a white oak on Moomaw's line by a fence and with the same leaving Firestone's land north 54 feet, west 71 poles, crossing the branch and passing Nininger's corner and with his line to a black oak corner to Nininger's at ? 54 west, 24 poles to three white oaks on a hillside and thence north 7 1/2 feet, west 10 poles with Sperry's line to the beginning. Together with all etc. J. G. Sperry and Cassa Sperry, Botetourt Co. Clerk, December 29, 1851. (etc Cassa examined stuff)



Book 31, page 389: (Sperry, et al, to trustees of Dunker Church) (delivered to Peter Nininger June 23, 1853) (This 1851 date is generally considered the accepted date for the erection of the Old Valley meetinghouse in Botetourt Co., the predecessor of the present day Daleville Church (of the Brethren, I presume) Source: The Brethren in Virginia: The History of the Church of the Brethren in Virginia.):

This deed, made December 25, 1851, between Jacob G. Sperry and Cassa, his wife, and Catherine Sperry of the first part, and Peter Nininger and Benjamin Moomaw, trustees of the Valley Dunkard Church of the second part all of the county of Botetourt state of Virginia, witnesseth that, in consideration of the sum of one dollar to them in hand paid the said parties of the first part do grant unto the said Peter Nininger and Benjamin Moomaw, trustees, a certain piece or parcel of land, containing by survey one acre, 3 rods and 5 poles, being part of the tract of land on which said parties of the first part now reside, lying and being in the county of Botetourt on the waters of Tinker Creek and is bounded as follows to wit: beginning at a stone near the road and near Moomaw's shop and corner to Moomaw and Sperry and thence, new lines south 32 1/2 feet, east 30 poles crossing the road to a double white oak on his line and Peter Nininger, corner to 155 poles, which said Sperry sold to Peter Nininger, and with the same west 24 poles, crossing the road to a stone on Moomaw's line, and with the same, north 17 feet east 25 2/3 poles to the beginning together with all and singular the appertanences thereunto belonging; and the said parties of the first part covenant with the said Peter Nininger and Benjamin Moomaw, trustees, that they will warrant generally the property hereby conveyed - that they have the right to convey the said land to the grantee -and that they will execute such further assurances of the said land as may be requisite. Witness the following signatures and seals: J. G. Sperry, Cassa Sperry, and Catherine Sperry (her mark) Botetourt Co. Clerk, January 16, 1852. This deed was this day exhibited in said office, etc. (as with the next document).



Book 37, page 271: (Isaac W. Vinyard and J. G. Sperry) Botetourt Co., VA Microfilm #1906427:

This deed made this January 16, 1868 between Isaac W. Vinyard and Dealia Vinyard his wife of the first part and Jacob G. Sperry of the second part. Witnesseth: That in consideration of $2400. in hand paid, the said Isaac W. Vinyard and Dealia Vinyard, his wife, do grant with general warranty unto the said Jacob G. Sperry 87 acres 58 poles of land in two tracts, both tracts lie in Botetourt Co. on the waters of Tinker Creek, a branch of Roanoke River, the first tract contains 5 acres 108 poles and is bounded as follows: beginning at two white oaks corner to the land of the said Sperry and runneth thence with his line n 74 w 188 poles, crossing a branch at 35 poles to a stake in the road thence s 22 p. w 48 poles to a rock s 68 e 6 poles to two white oaks s 6 e 54 poles to a rock corner to the land said Vinyard sold to Wrightsman and thence with the same n 77 e 191 poles, crossing a branch to the beginning. The second tract contains 29 acres and 110 poles and is bounded as follows: beginning at a white oak and black oak on the side of a ridge comes to Nininger and runneth thence with his line n 45 e 119 poles to two black oaks come to John W. Gish thence with his lines n 18 w 50 poles to two chestnut oaks on the west side of a high hill comes to James Johnston thence s 48 w 108 poles to a small white oak corner to said Sperry and thence s 62 e 47 poles with Wrightsman to the beginning. Witness the following signatures and seals: Isaac Vinyard, Dealia Vinyard County of Roanoke to wit January 16, 1868 has acknowledged before me in my county aforesaid, given under my hand, John Trout, J. P. (In margin, says delivered to J. G. Sperry, July 14, 1878).



Book 37, page 313, Botetourt Co., VA Microfilm #1906427: Delivered to Caleb Nininger, July 19, 1874 F. T. Reid, by C. S. Reid, his attorney in fact, and F. Johnston, trustee, and J. G. Sperry:

This deed made August 18, 1873 between Frank T. Reid and Catharine S. Reid, his wife, and Frederick Johnston as trustee in a deed executed by the said F. T. Reid on November 1859 and of record in the clerk's office of Botetourt County to hold as such trustee any estate real and personal that may belong to Mrs. Catharine S. Reid by purchase, ?, or inheritance of the first part and Jacob. G. Sperry of the second part. That in consideration of one dollar, the said parties of the first part do hereby grant unto the said Jacob G. Sperry a certain tract of land lying in Botetourt Co. on both sides of Tinker Creek adjoining the land of Thesdruy Denton, and William Nininger, three hundred forty acres, conveyed to the said B. S. Reid by her mother Mrs. Catharine Langhorne by her deed dated on September 6, 1867 and recorded at the Clerk's office of the county court of Botetourt. In trust to secure to Caleb Nininger the sum of $1200. due to him from Catharine S. Reid for money loaned her, evidenced by her hand dated June 1, 1873 and payable on June 1, 1876, with interest thereon until paid at the rate of 8% per annum. And it is covenanted that the said Catharine S. Reid may remain in peaceable possession of the land hereby conveyed until the June 1, 1876, at which time or at any time thereafter should the sum of money due to the said Caleb Nininger or any part thereof remain unpaid, the said Jacob G. Sperry, trustee, as aforesaid, is authorized to take possession of said land and after reasonable notice of the time and place of sale to be published in a newspaper in Botetourt Co. to sell the said land to the highest bidder for cash and after paying the expenses of executing this trust, to pay to the said Caleb Nininger such sum as may be due and unpaid on the land aforesaid. If there be any surplus, will pay the same to Catharine S. Reid, her heirs or assigns. Witness: F. T. Reid, by C. S. Reid, his attorney in fact, Catharine S. Reid and F. Johnston.



I, Frederick Johnston, a notary public in Roanoke, Virginia, that Mrs. Catharine S. Reid, wife of F. T. Reid, parties to the foregoing and annexed deed on August 18, 1973, personally appeared before me, examined etc. (the usual). (She signed for her husband as his attorney in fact and for herself as well. Interesting!)



James Langhorne Sperry writes that his grandfather, Jacob, wrote a letter to his wife, addressed to Mrs. Col. J. G. Sperry, from the Hotel Felix in Roanoke, Virginia:

"Darling Kitty, George positively refuses to let me off till all of the preliminaries of his matter are arranged, so I will stay till that is consummated. Tell dear boy to be good, and take good care of mother dear. Lovingly, Husband". The letter was actually postmarked January 27, 1891 in Lewiston, West Virginia. His wife made the following notation on the back of the letter. "Last lines from my precious husband. No letters, 2 days and 1 night, being the longest separation in all our married life."



From the book "Places Near the Mountains" by Helen Prilliman, page 141-2:

Dalewood Farm is located in Botetourt County historical area, being part of the large land holdings of Robert Breckenridge. James C. Langhorne sold the property June 16, 1894. It is on Tinker Creek, with considerable frontage on Route 220 and borders on the Daleville Cemetery land. Dalewood Farm is comprised of three tracts and belonged to the estate of Jacob G. Sperry: one tract of 203 acres, the Sperry home tract; a 35 acre tract of timber adjoining; and 148 acres on Tinker Mountain which was known as the Murray tract. It is interesting to find that an old road from Cloverdale to Troutville came near the house and followed Tinker Creek. The house, thought to have been built by Jacob G. Sperry, had two rooms down and two rooms up, with a wide hall in the center. The kitchen was in the basement. The house was built facing Tinker Creek which no doubt meant that it faced the road. This home has been improved and remains today (1980). Local history has it that Jacob G. Sperry came into possession of this property as a result of his marriage to Kate Langhorne. William Langhorne was a large landowner and when he died he left his property to his wife, Catherine. She lived in the dwelling that was later to be known as Meadow View Inn. Mrs. Catherine Langhorne deeded 339 1/2 acres on Tinker Creek to her son George C. Langhorne, his wife Agnes and their children by deed dated October 18, 1860. James D. Langhorne was the son of George C. Langhorne and it is thought that Sperry's wife, Kate Langhorne, was his daughter. (Since Kate married Jacob in 1878, I believe she must have been George's daughter, brother to James D. Langhorne.)



I found no Sperry Will or Probate Records on Film #1906455. However, he is named in both Nininger's will and that of an Alice Boyd Johnston, a guardian of Miss Marianna Johnston. He is also listed as either owing or receiving money in 1891. In the same document, a Jno. W. Johnston is mentioned and sounds like a relative of the woman above. A second listing is a settlement of a sale bill and an appraisement of Alice Boyd Johnston, with a settlement of both Alice and a Walter Johnston.

Jacob Gish Sperry was appointed by the County Court, with John Ammen, to be two of three assessors serving between 1870-75 for Botetourt Co. (Comm. of Rev., Botetourt Co.) Thus, the Ammens and Sperrys remained closely associated.

1850 Virginia Census, taken in Botetourt Co., Western District, Virginia on August 13, 1850, page 110/266 double pages (Microfilm Roll 936, 8th District, page 93):

Jacob G. Sperry, age 27, farmer, birthplace Virginia; Capa, female, age 36 (Cassie Vinyard, first wife and Jacob's first cousin); Minda, age 8, attended school; John, age 6, attended school; Charles W., age 6, attended school; Ann H., age 4; Laura P., age 1; Isaac, age 21, farmer; James Depree, age 13. None of these children are listed in the 1870 listing, though they might have all been grown and left home by then. Interestingly, there was a Thomas E. Sperry listed in the 8th District as well, on page 104. Jacob's value on this census is shown to be $5037. Census information from Ancestry.com on page 110/266 for the area of Botetourt Co. The 1850 Slave Schedule shows Jacob G. Sperry owned four slaves, all females, one age 40, and three girls ages 9, 7 and 3. The 7 year old girl was a mulatto. Jacob was living next door to the Noffsinger family and two pages later are the Niningers.



1860 Virginia Census, taken in Botetourt Co. on August 23, 1860, page 172 or 290.

Dwelling and family #1176. All family born Virginia: Jacob G. Sperry, age 35, farmer, real estate value $13,800., personal property value $9,840.; Theodosia, age 24; Jno., age 14; Charles W., age 14; Ann H., age 12; Laura, age 10, Robert M., age 8; Mozart, age 6; Edward M., age 1. Next house had: Catherine Sperry, age 64, personal property, $600., and Elizabeth Sperry, age 30 (Jacob's mother and sister). Four families further were the following: Jal Johnson, age 87, farmer, property value $2000., personal property $685.; Elizabeth, age 65; Mary, age 40; Harriet, age 30; and Sarah, age 25. On one side of the Sperrys lived the Moormans, about twenty more families and then Isaac Vineyard, with near neighbors Kinzies, Bessie Gish and a very large George Gish family. At dwelling #1053 lived the George Langhornes, with Catherine a nine year old daughter. (I read this census report as having a Margaret, age 6. Jodie Huffaker doesn't have a Margaret, but has a Mozart. In John Thomas Sperry's 1916 obituary, it mentions a Laura Sperry Johnston and a Mozart Sperry as John's surviving siblings.) A Jacob Sperry is shown on the 1860 Slave Schedule as owning two slaves, one male and one female, ages 46 and 39. Bonsack, Stoner, and Vinyard on the page. Page 158/210. Neighbors were Peter Nininger, real estate value $40,000., personal value, $21,078. and MG or WG Nininger, a miller. Peter Nininger's wife was a sister of Jacob's first wife.



1870 Virginia Census: August 6, 1870 (date census taken): PO Amsterdam Township, Botetourt Co., Virginia:

Jacob G. Sperry, age 46, farmer, all family members born in Virginia, value, $5500., $12,000.; Theodocia, age 34, keeps house; Robert M. age 17, dry goods clerk (son of Cassy); Mozart, age 15, works on farm (no mention in 1880; son of Cassy); Edward, age 10, at home (no mention in 1880); Jacob, age 8, at home; Rosa, age 6, at home; Frank, age 4, at home; Harry, age 3, at home; Bessie, age 2, at home; Warren, 4 months, at home; Amanda Williams, age 56, bond domestic servant, black; Samuel Johnston, age 21, works on farm, black; 1 slave over 21 years. Page 87/95. John Moomaw a near neighbor.



The 1880 Virginia Census, Amsterdam, Botetourt Co., taken June 4, 1880; page 9/51:

Jacob G. Sperry, age 56, born in Amsterdam, Botetourt Co., Virginia, a farmer; Kate L., wife, age 28, Virginia (this is the third wife, Kate Langhorne); Robert M., son, age 28, a teacher; Jacob J., son, 18, a farmer; Mary R. (I believe Mary Rosa), daughter, age 16, at home; Frank, son, age 15, attended school; Harry S., son, age 13, attended school; Bessie L., daughter, age 11, attended school; Warren, son, age 9, attended school; Maurice, son, age 7 (which would have him born in 1873 instead of 1875); James L., 2 months (Kate's son); Judy Neal, age 41, married, a servant, mulatto; Mary Day, age 23, single, cook, mulatto. All members of the family were born in Virginia, as were the parents of all family members. Near Neighbors John Gish and Joseph Moomaw.



I have copies of the appraisement and sale of Jacob's estate from the Fincastle Courthouse (June 2003):

The only person mentioned besides Kate Langhorne Sperry is a $250. gift given to Miss Bessie Sperry following the sale of personal property. There was no will, and no mention of any of the names or places of residence of any of the children. These pages are in my backup file.



June 13, 1891: A sale of Jacob G. Sperry's property was conducted in Daleville, Botetourt Co., VA. The following are some of the items and values from that sale (some items I'm unable to decipher):

1 old runner, $7.; 1 buggy, $30.; 1 double plow and old irons, $2.; 1 wagon, $10.; 1 wagon, $20.; 1 brown mare, $60.; 1 grey mare, $40.; 2 grain cradles, $1.; 2 horse harnesses, $12.; 1 walnut bed, $5.; 1 walnut bed, $3.; 12 chairs and 1 pair tables, $11.; 2 chairs, $15.; 1 pair tables $5.; 1 sofa, $2.; 1 walnut dresser and bed, $18.; 1 poplar bed, $2.; 1 cherry dresser, $5.; 5 straw beds, $5.; 2 feather beds, $10.; 3 blankets, $5.; etc. Apparently, the amount of the sale went to pay any debts outstanding. A second list continued with more farm implements listed. The largest items on this second list were: 1 set harnesses, $10.50; 1 stove, $2.; 1 cookstove, $3.50; 1 saddle, $8.; 1 spring wagon, $4.75; 2 hay wagons, $9.; 1 plow, $4.; 1 mower, $11.60; 1 buggy, $27.50; 1 wagon, $8.50; 1 drill, $15.50; plates, pitchers, set of dishes, etc., a few dollars; ticks, blankets, comforter, pillows, curtains and carpets, a few dollars; a rifle, $1.75; sideboard, $6.50; several bedsteads. Total of the sale was $385.48, recorded by J. W. Matheny, Clerk. September 21, 1892.



Jacob Gish Sperry served in the Civil War in the Virginia Militia, 121st Regiment, Confederate States Army, as a Colonel. "Then he was the enrolling Officer of Botetourt Co., Virginia, and on October 13, 1863, to rank from September 16, 1863, was appointed 2nd Lieutenant, Confederate States Army, for service with the Conscript Bureau, but the President declined to nominate." In searching for these records on the internet, David found the following: J. G. Sperry, 2nd Lieutenant, General and Staff Officers, Corps, Division and Brigade Staffs, Non-com. Staffs and Bands, Enlisted Men, Staff Department, C.S.A.; Film #818 Roll 22. I found this information on Ancestry.com.

Sperry Family Genealogy by Hurst:

The history of the Sperry family beginning with Peter Sperry who received a land grant in Winchester in 1753 and lived in Frederick Co., Virginia. M # 1306075, Item 4 and 5. This included an index. This is the often confused but unrelated, as far as we can tell, Frederick Co. Sperrys. I should re-read this since the Jacob Sperry born to Thomas, son of Thomas, was to have been born in Frederick Co. in abt 1778 and died in 1797. This is the only Jacob Sperry that I have found who claimed to be dead by this date.




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From the DLW Database:

MAF CGV JES Born Botetourt Co., VA. western dist. in 1850[?] Married Maria (Cassy) (Vinyard) Wenger, 1817 1854+, his first cousin on May 20, 1841 in Botetourt Co., VA. Married Theodocia C. Johnson, 1835 on Aug. 16, 1858. Married Catherine C. (Kitty) Langhorne, 1851.9.17 1930.10.29,, ^ on Sept. 23, 1878 in Botetourt Co., VA. Children from the 1850 Botetourt Co., VA. Western Dist. 1860, 1870, 1880 Amsterdam Twp., Botetourt Co Va. census.
DW (121st Regt. Mil.) (Gen. & Staff 2nd Lt) (the Mil. did covert activities and records are limited)

From JES: Jacob was married before his marriage to Catherine Langhorne and had other children including John A. Sperry in Melber, Kentucky and Donald Sperry in Urbana, IL. He served in the Civil War. He was struck and killed by a train on 26 January 1891. On 21 January 1891 he wrote a letter to his wife (Addressed to Mrs. Col. J. G. Sperry) from the Hotel Felix in Roanoke, VA: "Darling Kitty, George positively refuses to let me off till all of the preliminaries of his matter are arranged, so I will stay till that is consummated. Tell dear boy to be good, & take good care of mother dear. Lovingly, Husband." The letter was actually postmarked 27 Jan 1891 in Lewiston, WV. His wife made the following notation on the back of the letter: "Last lines from my precious husband. No letters, 2 days & 1 night, being the longest separation in all our married life