Massey Chrisman Medaris (4) (John Thomas 3, Charles 2, Domingo 1) was born in Essex County, Virginia around 1752; died 21 January 1843.  His will was recorded. May 10, 1843.  Massey’s father, John Thomas Medearis (3) must have died in the 1760’s.  Massey writes in his will that his father died when he was young, and he was brought to North Carolina by his brother. 

Massey enlisted into the service in the summer of 1780 in Chatham County, North Carolina.  He was a private during the Revolutionary War where he fought against the British as well as against the Indian threat to the colonists. Massey filed a pension from his service in the Revolution. This document details his service in the Continental Army.

Massey was a Blacksmith by trade according to his will, where he leaves his tools to his son John Wesley. 

It was originally thought that Massey’s middle name was Christmas.  His name is recorded as “Massey Chrismus Medearis” on the will of John Jenkins, where Massey appears as a witness, 20 Feb. 1790 (Orange County, NC). There was a family in early census records living near the Medaris’s with the last name Christmas.  Massey, however, appears to have been named after his grandmother, Jane Chrisman.  Research has not found Christmas to be a common name in early Virginia and the census record may be a phonetical error in spelling.  Chrisman, however, is a very common name in colonial records and remains in Virginia today.

Massey was married twice, but nothing is known about his first marriage.  The wife’s name is unknown, but we know that he had at least two children by this marriage.

  1. Elizabeth Medaris (5) b. 1796 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married Henry Knott.
  2. Massey Medaris Jr. (5) b. abt. 1800 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  Appears to have died before 1840. Was found in the 1830 Guilford County, North Carolina Census.  Nothing further is known about him at this time.  One must wonder if his mother died from complications of his birth.  His father appears to have remarried within a year or less after his birth, which was not uncommon.

Massey married 2) Celia Bell, on 12 Aug. 1800 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Celia is possibly the sister-in-law of Sarah Hicks Bell, wife of Massey’s brother John (4). Celia is listed as Selah on their marriage bond.

Massey and Celia had 2 children:

  1. Delaney Medaris (5) b. August 26, 180l in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. April 15, 1869. She married Caleb Jones.
  2. John Wesley Medearis (5) b. 1806 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 1880 in Guilford County, North Carolina. He married 1) Nancy Oliver, 2) Nancy Jones, 3) Mary Cummings.

(CR: 1820, 1830, 1840 Guilford Co., North Carolina)

Generation 5

Elizabeth Medaris (5) (Massey 4) b. 1796 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married Henry Knott the son of Justain and Amy Clark Knott.  Henry apparently died before 1850 as Elizabeth is found in the Guilford County census of 1850 living alone, next door to her brother John Wesley.  Later in the 1880 census, she is living with John and his family at the age of 84.

Elizabeth and Henry had two children:

  1. Lucy Knott (6)
  2. Alfred Knott (6)

Delaney Medaris (5) (Massey 4) b. August 26, 180l, d. April 15, 1869. She married Caleb Jones, 24 Sept. 1822 in Guilford, North Carolina. Caleb was b. March 25, 1790, d. April 16, 1862. Delaney and Caleb died in Forsyth County, NC and are buried at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, Guilford County, NC.

Caleb’s sister Nancy, married Delaney’s brother John Wesley.

Delaney and Caleb had four children.

  1. Nancy Ellis Jones (6) b. 12 Dec. 1823, d. 04 Feb. 1898. She married John Fletcher Pegram.
  2. Elizabeth Tyson Jones (6) b. 22 June 1826, d. 17 April 1889. She married Rev. Thomas Howard Pegram.
  3. Sallie B. Jones (6) b. 1833 (never married)
  4. Celia B. Jones (6) b.1835 (never married)

(credits 13, 18, 28, 42)

John Wesley Medearis (5) (Massey 4) b. 1806 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 1880 in Guilford County, North Carolina. John was married three times. John married 1) Nancy Oliver in 1824 and she died in childbirth. John then married 2) Nancy D. Jones, the sister of Delaney’s husband Caleb, daughter of Travis and Polly Pegram Jones. They were married on the 17 March 1826 in Guilford County, North Carolina.

John and Nancy had the following children:

  1. William Malcolm Medearis (6) b. 27 Feb 1827 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 03 Nov 1903 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He married Mary Barrow.
  2. John Fletcher Medearis (6) b. 1834 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 03 May 1863 in Chancellorsville, Virginia, KIA.  He was a Private, Company E, 22nd North Carolina Infantry.  He enlisted on 24 Dec 1861. He was killed in Action at Chancellorsville, Virginia.
  3. Marion Dennis Medearis (6) b. 16 Aug 1836 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 20 Apr 1915 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina. He married Jenetta Josephine Linville.
  4. Francis Massey Medearis (6) b. 16 Jun 1839 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 10 Sept 1902 in Summerfield, Guilford County, North Carolina.  He married Emma M. Hoskins.
  5. Celia Ann Medearis (6) b. 26 Feb. 1844 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 24 Jun 1917 in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  She married Madison Caswell Crews.
  6. Pinkney Jones Medearis (6) b. July 1847 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 1923 in Cass County, Iowa.  He married 1) Minerva Jane Patterson, 2) Laura E. Howe

Nancy died in 1856, also in childbirth in her 40’s. John then married 3) Polly Cummings on 24 Oct. 1859. They had no children between them.

John was employed in Agriculture according to the Census Records. John ran a Buggy and Blacksmith shop at their home which still stands. It is located at the entrance to Pepper Road.

Practically all of John and Nancy’s children fought for the Confederacy in the War for Southern Independence. John and Nancy are buried in the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in North Carolina.

Supporting Documents

Excerpted Will of Travis Jones, father of Caleb and Nancy Jones.

TRAVIS JONES   Patty Jones   Etal.     Book C.   P. 17

Dated: Oct 1, 1833   Probated:  Aug. 1838

Wife- Patty Jones {?} her own property

Son-   Caleb Jones {?} 1/5 personal estate.

Son-in-law-   James J. Ragsdill and daughter, Fanny his wife {?} $1.00

Friend and neighbor, Chas. Benbow

Children of daughter, Elizabeth Peoples, wife of Wyatt Peoples {?} 1/5 of

property to be divided among them.

Son-in-law-  Jno. W. Medearis and Nancy M. his wife, 1/5 of property

Son-  Travis Jones {?} 1/5 of property

Sons-  Caleb & Travis {?} land

Exr:   Son, Caleb Jones

Witnesses-   Jno Pegram, Geo. Pegram

(CR: 1830, 1840, 1860, 1870, 1880 Guilford Co., North Carolina)

Findagrave: John Wesley Nancy Oliver Nancy D. Jones Mary Cummings

(credits 13, 17, 18, 28, 42, 59)

Generation 6

Nancy Ellis Jones (6) (Delaney 5, Massey 4) b. 12 Dec. 1823, d. 04 Feb. 1898. She married John Fletcher Pegram who was b. 05 Sept. 1824, d. 08 Feb. 1882.

Nancy and John had the following children:

  1. Miranda C. Pegram (7) b. 01 May l854, d. 27 April 1925, married Robert Lindsay Mustin b. 27 Feb. 1863, d. 10 Sept. 1947.
  2. Elizabeth “Beth” Pegram (7) married William “Bud” Branson.
  3. John William Pegram (7) b. 1858, married Maida Browning.
  4. Francis M. Pegram (7) married Mary Elizabeth Pegram. Mary was the daughter of Allen W. Pegram.

(credits 13, 18, 28, 42)

Elizabeth Tyson Jones (6) (Delaney 5, Massey 4) b. 22 June 1826, d. 17 April 1889. She married Rev. Thomas Howard Pegram who was b. 11 Jan 1825, d. 24 March 1906.

Elizabeth and Thomas had the following children:

  1. Leander Whitaker Pegram (7) b. 1852.
  2. Lenow Pegram (7) b. 1852
  3. Thomas Howard Pegram, Jr. (7) b. 185l, married Sallie Mae Coleman. Thomas was an attorney and living in  Iredell Co., NC at the time of his death.
  4. Josephine Pegram (7) b. 1864

(credits 13, 18, 28, 42)

William Malcolm Medearis (6) (John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 27 Feb 1827 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 03 Nov 1903 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He married Mary Barrow, who was born in 31 Oct. 1830 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 05 Feb 1915 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina. They were married 25 Jan. 1855 in North Carolina. She was the daughter of Moses and Sallie Warren Barrow.

William owned a big farm on Piney Grove Road stretching from Goodwill Church area down to highway 158. This was the Belews Creek Township, Kernersville, North Carolina area in Forsyth County.  He last appears in the census records in 1900 at the age of 73 along with his wife Mary and his daughter Victoria.

William and Mary had 5 Children:

  1. Newton Harris Medearis (7) b. 04 Nov. 1855 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 21 Jan 1928 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  He married Laura Frances Roberson.
  2. Sallie Davis Medearis (7) b. 19 Dec 1857 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 27 Jan. 1933 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Julius Alonzo Linville.
  3. Martha Adeline Medearis (7) b. 27 May 1859 in North Carolina; d. 18 Dec 1908 in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Dewitt W. Carter, on 18 Dec 1888 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  He was born 22 Nov 1859 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 04 Apr 1934 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  It does not appear that they had any children from this marriage. They are buried at Goodwill Baptist Church Cemetery, Kernersville, North Carolina.  Findagrave:  Martha, Dwitt
  4. John Henry Medearis (7) b. b.13 April 1861 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 07 Jun 1923 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. He married 1) Mary L. Coe; 2) Rena Goff.
  5. William Fletcher Medearis (7) b. 28 Aug 1866 in North Carolina; d. 25 Oct 1935 in Morehead Township, Guilford County, North Carolina. He married 1) Margaret Freeborn, 2) Olive Vesta Coe.
  6. Mary Victoria Medearis (7) b. 08 April 1871, Forsyth Co., NC, d. 19 Feb. 1960, Belews Creek, Forsyth Co., NC. She married John Dean.

William is buried in the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Guilford Co., NC.

(CR: 1860, 1870, 1880, 1900 Forsyth Co., North Carolina)

(credits 00, 18, 28, 39, 42, 138)

John Fletcher Medaris (6) (John Wesley 5, Massey 4) was born in 1834. Little is known about John as of yet. John fought as a Private, in Company E, 22nd NC Infantry , formerly the 12th NC Infantry, Volunteers. John was Killed In Action at Chancellorsville, Virginia on 3 May 1863.

Dr. Marion Dennis Medearis (6) (John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 16 Aug 1836 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 20 Apr 1915 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Marion fought in the in the 22nd North Carolina Infantry, Company D.  He enlisted on 23 May 1861 at Greensboro.  He was wounded at the Siege of Richmond Virginia in July 1862.  The report says he was “cut on the head by a piece of shell, but rejoined company next morning”.  He was captured during the Siege of Petersburg, Virginia on 03 Apr 1862 and was sent to a Hart’s Island POW camp in New York Harbor.  He only spent 2 months before being released on 17 Jun 1865 back to Guilford County, North Carolina.

 He married Jeannette Josephine Linville in 1868 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  She was born 26 Nov. 1844 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; died 20 Jan. 1909. 

Marion and Jeannette are buried at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.   Findagrave:  Marion, Jeannette

Marion and Jeanette had the following children:

  1. Laura Alice Medearis (7) b. 19 Feb 1870 in Belew’s Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 19 Oct 1952 in Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Gideon Hill Barrow.
  2. Louisa D. Medearis (7) b. 22 Aug. 1872 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 23 Jun 1949 in Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Cornelius A. Boone.
  3. Minnie Amelia Medearis (7) b. 10 Nov 1874 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 29 Oct 1955 in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Eli Washington Branson.
  4. Oscar Smith Medearis (7) b. 10 Nov. 1874 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 08 Oct. 1947 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. He married Lillian Marie Oliver.
  5. Webster B. Medearis (7) b. 08 Oct 1877 in Forsyth County, North Carolina, d. 28 Jun 1903 in North Carolina.  He married Hattie Jordon.
  6. Pernelia C. Medearis (7) b. 08 Jul 1880 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 03 Jan 1959 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married James Blackwell Browning.
  7. Mary Medearis (7) b. 1882 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 1894 at age 12.  She is buried at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Guilford County, North Carolina.  Findagrave: Mary
  8. Mattie J. Medearis (7) b. 22 Jun 1885 in North Carolina; d. 19 Oct 1964 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Carvel Adrenius Nelson. 

(CR: 1870, 1880, 1900 Forsyth Co., North Carolina)

(credits 00, 245)

Francis Massey Medearis (6) (John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 16 Jun 1839 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 10 Sept 1902 in Summerfield, Guilford County, North Carolina. Francis was interested in Genealogy and is probably our first real genealogist. Francis was a tobacco manufacturer in Kernersville, North Carolina for some time.  He traveled for a tobacco company in South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia before, before and after the War for Southern Independence. During the war he was stationed in Smythe County, Virginia in the Quarter Master Corps under Col. Morgan, who lead a Cavalry Unit.  His rank was Assistant Forage Master.  His stories were passed down through generations to his granddaughter Margaret, daughter of John Fletcher Medearis. These stories provide the earliest connections to Domingo.

Francis married Emma M. Hoskins on 18 Apr 1871 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  Emma was born 23 Sept 1852 in North Carolina; died 11 Mar 1949 in Morehead City, Guilford County, North Carolina.  They were married 18 April 187l in Guilford County and they lived in the area of Summerfield nearly all their lives.

Francis was a postmaster for Stokesdale, in Guilford County, from 1897 until his death in 1902. After his death, Emma, his wife, was appointed in his place from 1902 to 1914.  Francis is buried at Flat Rock Methodist Church Cemetery in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Francis is buried at Summerfield Baptist Church, Summerfield, North Carolina.  Findagrave:  Francis, Emma

Francis and Emma had Six children:

  1. Minnie O. Medearis (7) b. 13 July 1872 in Bruce, Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 15 Mar 1952 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Edward Gilmer Sherrill
  2. John Fletcher Medearis (7) b. 05 Dec 1874 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 27 Dec 1951 in Granville County, North Carolina.  He married Mamie Velma Smith.
  3. Lydia Emma Medearis (7) b. 11 Mar 1875 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 15 Jan 1921 in Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Frederick Fletcher Baynes on 03 Jun 1908 in Guilford County.  They are buried at Summerfield Baptist Church in Summerfield, North Carolina.  She filled in as Postmaster of Stokesdale when her fathers was ill, but her mother Emma was appointed the job after he died. It appears that Lydia and Frederick has no children.
  4. Jasper Iva Medearis (7) b. 17 Apr 1882 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 08 Jun. 1978 in Guilford County, North Carolina. He married Hattie Elizabeth Wharton.
  5. Mattie H. Medearis (7) b. 03 Nov 1887 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 27 Jun 1961 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  She was married twice 1) Harry Moore. Nothing is known about Harry Moore, but no children have been documented form this marriage.  She married 2) Samuel Ellington, who was born 09 Sept 1876 in North Carolina; died in 1954.  No children were found from this marriage as well. Mattie went by “Mat” and appears in many records by that nick name. Mat was the postmaster of Summerfield, North Carolina after her father, then her mother.  She served as Postmaster for 25 years retiring in July 1955.  Mat and Samuel are buried at Westminster Gardens Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Findagrave: Mattie, Samuel
  6. Claude Medearis (7) b. 24 Apr 1890 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 01 Mar 1981 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married to Dr. Newton Graves Wilson on 23 Dec 1914 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He was born 01 Apr 1876 in Rockingham County, North Carolina; died 14 Aug 1954 in Rockingham County, North Carolina.  No children apparently resulted from this marriage.  Claude and Newton are buried at Comers Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Rockingham County, North Carolina.  Findagrave:  Claude, Newton

Supporting Documents

The Greensboro Patriot
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 1902
Mr. F. M. Medearis, aged sixty-three years, died suddenly last Wednesday evening of congestion of the liver at his home at Summerfield and was buried Thursday evening at Flat Rock church, the funeral services being conducted by his pastor, Rev. W. C. Kennett. Mr. Medearis had been postmaster at Summerfield for over four years and stood well in his community. At one time he was a manufacturer of tobacco at Kernersville. For several months prior to his death his health was poor, after having suffered a stroke of paralysis. A wife and six children survive him. His daughter, Miss Lily Medearis, who has acted as assistant postmaster for some time, has entire charge of the post office since her father’s death. It is likely that her mother will succeed to the office. Mr. Ira Medearis and Mrs. F. M. Sherrill, of this city, are children of the deceased.

     Several articles appear in newspapers from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that discusses the use of a “Medearis Mad-Stone” for the treatment of rabies.  This Medearis Stone belonged to Francis Massey Medearis.  A Mad-Stone is stony concretion, usually a hair ball, removed from the stomach of a white deer.  The stones are boiled in sweet milk or alcohol and while still hot are applied to the wound.  The stone softens and becomes sticky and if rabies is present, it will adhere to the wound.  The stone will draw out the rabies, and when filled with poison will drop from the wound.  It is said that the stone is then again boiled in the milk and the milk, this second time, turns green.  The process is repeated until the stone will no longer adhere to the wound, meaning all of the rabies has been removed.  It’s success is well documented.

The Union Republican
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

30 May 1889, Thu

Twin-City Mad-Stone — On Tuesday of last week a 10 year old son of Mr. Jas. L. Wagoner, living some 10 miles west of Yadkinville, was bitten by a mad-dog at least, so supposed. the same animal also bit Mrs. Thos. Royal of the same county. Mr. Wagoner brought his son to the Twin-City to the mad-stone at Cheap John’s, in possession of the auctioneer, Mr. John L. Beard. the stone was applied to the wound and adheared 32 hours, and giving to all appearance effectual relief. Mrs. royal went the Medearis mad-stone, at Belew’s Creek, this county and that stone upon application adhered 15 hours. the stone Mr. B. has came from Florida and was presented to him by Dr. Bahnson who has two of he same substance. The stone is of a light grey color, is as hard as marble, and is pronounced genuine.

The Western Sentinel
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

23 Mar 1893, Thu

Summerfield, N.C., March 13, —  Mr. Jenkins, of Wilkes, has been in our town at Mr. F. M. Medearis’, with his son, who was bitten by a dog at his home some weeks ago.  the mad-stone adhered to the wound for nine days and refused to stick longer.  The gentleman returned home las week seemingly satisfied.  Some people sneer at the mad-stone, but can they explain why it will thus adhere to this wound and not to others of a different character?

CR: 1850-1900 Guilford Co., North Carolina

(credits 13, 18, 42)

Celia Ann Medearis (6) (John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 25 Feb 1844 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 24 Jun 1917 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Madison Caswell Crews in 1869.  Madison was b. 27 July 1834, d. 9 Dec. 1901.

Celia, as she was known, and Madison had the following children:

  1. Sallie Crews (7) b. 17 Jan 1870 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 21 Jan 1942 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  She married Eralious Grant Davis. They ran the Davis Hotel in Kernersville, NC and had six children
  2. George M. Crews (7) b. 27 Mar 1872 in Forsyth County, North Carolina;  d. 31 Dec 1919 in Moore County, North Carolina
  3. William H. Crews (7) b. 11 Oct 1873 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 05 May 1923 in Wilkes County, North Carolina.  He married Irma O. Turner.
  4. Baxter Crews (7) b. 24 Sept 1886 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 01 Sept 1955 in Norfolk, Virginia.  He married Annie Mae Ridgewell.
  5. Pearle Virginia Crews (7) b. 15 May 1897 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 25 July 2000 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  She married Linnie Columbus Jones.

Celia, Madison, George and William H. are buried in the Kernersville, NC, Main Street Methodist Church Cemetery.

Madison was married 1) Sallie Hannah Sullivan and they had two children:  James Walker Crews and Thomas Albert Crews.

(credits 18, 138)

Pinkney Jones Medearis (6) (John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. July 1847 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 1923 in Cass County, Iowa. He fought in the War for Southern Independence along with his brothers. He was in the 4th Battalion, North Carolina Jr. Reserve, Company A. 

Pinkney married 1) Minerva Jane Patterson, on 21 Mar 1871 at Ottumwa, Wapello, Iowa.  She was b. in Ohio, Oct 1845; d. 02 Mar 1901 in in Franklin Twp, Cass County, Iowa.

Pinkney and Minerva had the following children:

  1. Della Myrtle Medearis (7) b. 01 Feb 1872, Van Buren County, Iowa; d. 06 July 1949 in Los Angeles, California.  She married Samuel Scharff.
  2. Robert Franklin Medearis (7) b. 17 Feb 1876, Van Buren County, Iowa; d. 04 Feb 1945 in Los Angeles, California.  He married 1) Bertha Telene Aldrich; 2) Mabel June Sweney.
  3. Bertha May Medearis (7) b. Jan. 1879, in Iowa; d. July 1962 in Anita, Cass County, Iowa. She married Homer Christopher Koob.
  4. Maud M. Medearis (7) b. July 1887 in Brayton, Iowa; d. 03 Oct 1954 in Skagit County, Washington.  She married 1) Fred D. Dorsey; 2) Frank Riedell
  5. child unknown (7) b. & d. between 1880 and 1900.

After Minerva’s death, Pinkney married 2) Laura E. Howe on 27 Feb 1902 in Greenfield, Adair County, Iowa.

Pinkney and Minerva are buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Cass County, Iowa.

Findagrave: Pinkney, Minerva

(CR: 1850-1860 Guilford County, North Carolina; 1880, 1900 Cass County, Iowa)

(credits 18, 28, 42)

Generation 7

Photo courtesy of Phineas and Bunny Horton

Newton Harris Medearis (7) (William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 04 Nov 1856, in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 21 Jan. 1928 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina. He married Laura Frances Roberson, b. 02 April 1861 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 14 Aug 1936, in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC. They were married 17 Jan. 1882. Laura was the daughter of Israel A. and Mary Vance Roberson.

Newton and Laura lived in Winston-Salem and had a General Merchant and Grocery Store for many years.  He became a business partner with George W. Henshaw in 1887 after the retirement of his partner Wade H. Bynum.  Henshaw & Medearis built a large edition to their store in 1887 and created quite a retail business in Winston.  The Medearis family became quite prominent in the Belews Creek, Winston-Salem communities and appear quite frequently in the newspaper social events.

Photo: Back Row: Mary, Annie, Pearl, Noble; Seated: Newton and Laura; Front seated: William and Frances. Taken January 1912. 

Newton and Laura had the following children:

  1. Mary Medearis (8) b. 31 March 1883, Winston, Forsyth County, NC., married William Seaton Snipes.
  2. Emma Pearl Medearis (8) b. 13 May 1885, She married Hilliard Frances Chreitzberg, Jr. 08, Oct. 1913.  He was born 27 Nov. 1881, and died in Columbia, SC.
  3. Sadie Bright Medearis (8) b. 03 July 1887, Winston, Forsyth Co, NC, d. 29 Sept. 1888, Winston, Forsyth County, NC. She is buried in Salem Cemetery, Winston-Salem, NC.

Obituary:

Medearis – On Saturday morning Sept. 29th, 1888, the angel of death come to the home of N. H. and Laura Medearis, in Winston. N. C., and took away their dear little girl, Sadie Bright, aged one year two months and twenty-six days.   This precious little flower bloomed in beauty to continue only for a short season.  The early frost came unexpectedly, and touched the little bud with his icy breath, and the earth part faded and died, but the angel of God caught up the spiritual part, the living part, that part over which death has no power, and transplanted it to the garden of God in heaven, there to grow, and bloom, and expand, and glorify God forever.  Father, mother, dear little sisters, Mary and Pearlie, you will not hear the prattle of dear little Sadie in your home again, but remember she is forever with the Lord, and her rest is sweet.  She will wait our coming. A FRIEND.

  1. Noble Roberson Medearis (8) b. 29 July 1889 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 17 Jan 1961 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  He married Grace Virginia Fisher.
  2. Newton Harris Medearis Jr. (8) b. 30 Nov. 1891, d. 23 May 1893.
  3. Annie Lillian Medearis (8) b. 09 Oct. 1894, d. Aug. 1983, married Albert Louis Butler.
  4. Laura Frances Medearis (8) b. 12 Dec 1899in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 10 Dec 1984 in Winston Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  she married Phineas Edgar Horton, Jr. of Winston-Salem on 02 May 1925.  He was born 28 April 1900 in Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina and died 09 Feb 1971 in Stokes County, North Carolina. Laura is buried at Salem Cemetery, Phineas is buried at God’s Acre, Old Salem, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Findagrave:  Laura, Phineas
  5. William Fields Medearis (8) b. 31 Mar. 1902 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 25 Aug. 1965 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, NC.  He married Helen Elizabeth Lethco.

Most of the members of this family are buried in the Salem Cemetery, Winston-Salem, NC, located on the edge of Old Salem, adjoining God’s Acre.

The receipt at the right is dated May 15, 1892, Hinshaw & Medearis & Co., “Dry good, Notions, and Groceries of Every Description”. Geo. W. Hinshaw, President, N. H. Medearis, Vice-President. Fourth Street, Winston, N. C.

The receipt was for a purchase by Mr. J. H. Grubbs

actual receipt in possession of Kelly Madaris
  • To 177# Bacon 11.15 / 13.05
  • ………..50# Lard ???? 9 / 4.50
  • …………..1 Bag Salt / 70
  • ……..1-1/4# Paint .65 / .81
  • ………2 Doz Corn 1.00 / 2.20 21.26

Findagrave:  Newton, Laura

CR: 1860-1920 Forsyth County, North Carolina

(credits 00, 18, 28, 39, 42, 138)

Please visit the Web Page of Phineas and Bunny Horton

 for more Medearis information.

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Sallie Davis Medearis (7) (William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 19 Dec 1857 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 27 Jan. 1933 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Julius Alonzo Linville, on 27 Sept 1880 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  He was her cousin, the son of Smith and Louise King Linville.  Sallie is buried at Goodwill Baptist Church Cemetery, in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina.   

Sallie and Julius had the following children:

  1. Lula Atlanta Linville (8) b. 26 Dec 1883 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 12 Jun 1885 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina.
  2. Ira A. Linville (8) b. 18 Jun 1885 in North Carolina; d. 31 Oct 1924 in Alaska.
  3. Sallie Medearis Linville (8) b. 23 Jan 1887 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 09 Feb 1970 in Highpoint, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Albert Oscar Neal.
  4. Daniel Byron Linville (8) b. 07 Nov 1888 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 12 Mar 1969 in Santa ana, Orange County, California. He married Edna V. Lasley.
  5. Estella Mae Linville (8) b. 31 May 1892 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Findagrave:  Sallie

John Henry Medearis (7) (William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b.13 April 1861 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 07 Jun 1923 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  He married 1) Mary L. Coe on 31 Oct 1888 in Stokes County, North Carolina.  She was born Jan 1871 in North Carolina; d. 12 Feb 1902 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of Henry C. and Elizabeth Caroline Spainhour Coe. 

John lived in Greensboro, North Carolina and was a Track Supervisor for the Atlantic and Yadkin railroad.  John died in a train collision in Greensboro, North Carolina on 07 June 1923.  He stayed aboard the fateful train trying to warn a stalled train on the track of the impending collision, his selfless act cost him his life, but perhaps saved others by his actions.

John and Mary had the following known children:

  1. Viola Eva Medearis (8) b. 23 Aug 1892 in North Carolina; d. 05 Mar 1931 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married Lonnie Holland on 16 Dec 1884 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He was born 19 Nov 1881 in North Carolina; died 13 Sept 1953 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  He was a Conductor for the railroad.  It does not appear that any children resulted from this marriage.
  2. Sula Beatrice Medearis (8) b. 18 Aug. 1895 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 29 Dec 1963 in Staunton, Augusta County, Virginia.   She married Thomas Hume Edwards on 21 Dec 1920 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  Thomas was born 30 Mar 1894 in Virginia; d. 05 Dec 1948 in North Carolina.  He was a conductor for the railroad in Richmond, Virginia.  Sula and Thomas had one child:
    1. Virginia Medearis Edwards (9) b. 08 Aug 1921 in Pittsylvania, Virginia; d. 08 Oct 2014 in Hopewell, Virginia.  She married Alvin Zack Cox on 01 Mar 1947 in Danville, Virginia.  He was the son of Alvin Zack and Louise Agnes Williams Cox, Sr. 

After Mary’s death, John married 2) Arrena Ellen Goff on 10 Nov 1903 in Stokes County, North Carolina.  She was born 15 Sept. 1879 in Stokes County, North Carolina; d. 07 Dec 1935 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of Squire M. and Nancy Kreegar Goff.

Rena and John had one child:

  1. Pauline Medearis (8) b. 05 Oct 1905 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 06 Nov 1982 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  Pauline never married and is buried next to her parents in Green Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  Findagrave: Pauline

John and Mary are buried in the Green Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., NC.

 The Landmark
Statesville, North Carolina
June 11, 1923

TWO KILLED IN TRAIN WRECK.

Engineer and Supervisor Are Killed in Freight Train Collision in Greensboro — Six Jump and Escape

Greensboro, June 8. — John H. Medearis, of 356 West Lee Street, track supervisor, and Samuel Laughon, 527 North Edgeworth, engineer, were killed yesterday when local freight No. 160 from Mount Airy collided with a switch engine about 1:15 yesterday afternoon on the Atlantic and Yadkin railroad directly in front of the Murray Construction Company plant about three quarters of a mile northwest of the city pumping plant.

    Both met death almost instantly.  The engineer was crushed in his cab of the switch engine when the coal tender was jammed against the engine; the supervisor, who was in the cab of the freight, was either killed in the cab at the moment of the collision or was crushed to death when the engine itself fell off the track to the left, rolled down an embankment of a few feet and imprisoned him beneath the huge weight.  It was more than an hour later when his body was dug out.

    Six other men were in the cabs of the two engines.  All jumped and none was seriously injured, though each sustained minor injuries, bruises, scratches, wrenched backs, wrenched hips and the like.  They were George C. Critz, engineer of the freight, who lives at 415 south Edgeworth, Paul Coble, fireman, Phil Headen, brakeman; and the switch engine, J. R. Bilbro conductor, 363 west Lee; C. D. Tolley, brakeman, 916 Asheboro Street.

     All the men who jumped escaped with their lives; the two who remained were killed.  Investigation has not yet revealed why Medearis and Laughon, on the two approaching engines, did not jump.  Both almost certainly saw the collision coming.  Medearis was frantically waving at the switch engine, which was standing still, or almost still to get out of the way.  Laughon, according to all indications, was making a desperate effort to start his engine again.  Both stuck, and both died.

Findagrave: John, Mary, Arrena

CR: 1870-1880 Forsyth County, North Carolina; 1900-1920 Guilford County, North Carolina

(credits 00, 01, 18, 138)

William Fletcher Medearis (7) (William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 28 Aug 1866 in North Carolina; d. 25 Oct 1935 in Morehead Township, Guilford County, North Carolina. He married 1) Margaret Freeborn on 22 Mar 1900 in Henderson County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Carroll Freeborn. Margaret was born in Stratford, Ontario, Canada on 06 Dec 1971; died 09 Nov. 1914 in Greensboro, Guildford County, North Carolina.  There were no children born to this union.

    William ran Medearis Furniture Company on Market Street in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was on the corner of modern-day East Market and South Davies Streets. He sold it in 1916 and the name was changed to Greensboro Furniture Company.

    William and Margaret are buried in Green Hill Cemetery, Greensboro, Guilford Co., North Carolina.  

    Margaret’s mother remarried after her father Robert died.  She married Sydney Betts. Some researchers thought that Margaret’s maiden name was Betts because of this.

    After Margaret’s death, William married 2) Olive Vesta Coe on 25 Apr 1917 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She was born 24 July 1878 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 06 May 1963 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  No children were born to this union.  After William’s death in 1935, Vesta remarried to Lacy Wilson Jobe.  She is buried at Forest Lawn in Greensboro.

Findagrave:  William, Margaret, Vesta

CR: 1900 Vance Co., North Carolina

(credits 138)

Mary Victoria Medearis (7) (William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 08 April 1871 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 11 Feb 1960, Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married John Allen Dean who was a prominent salesman and store owner on Vance Road in Kernersville, North Carolina.

Mary and Dean had two children, both who died at or just after birth.

  1. Infant Son Dean (8) b. unk; d. unk
  2. Infant Son Dean (8) b. 01 Apr 1904; d. 07 May 1904

“Mrs. Dean Dead at 88“

“Mrs. Mary Victoria Dean, 88, of Winston-Salem, Rt. 3, died at 7:10 p.m. yesterday at the residence of Mrs. Blanche Douglas, Belews Creek, Rt. 1. where she had lived for the past several years. She was born April 3, 1871, in Forsyth County, a daughter of William and Mary Barrow Medearis. She had been in declining health the past ten years, and seriously ill for the past two weeks. She was a wife of the late John A. Dean. She was of the Methodist faith. Surviving are a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow at Brooks-Vanhoy Funeral Home in Stokesdale.  The Rev. J. C. Gross will officiate. Burial will follow in Loves Methodist Church cemetery of Walkertown. Body will remain at the funeral home until the funeral.”

This family is buried at Love’s Methodist Church Cemetery, Walkertown, NC. 

Findagrave:  Mary; John;, Inf son; Inf son.

CR: 1880-1920 Forsyth County, North Carolina.

(credits 138)

Laura Alice Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 19 Feb 1870 in Belew’s Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 19 Oct 1952 in Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina. She died of a “Cerebrial Thrombosis” (stroke) and is buried in the Bethel Church Cemetery, Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Gideon Hill Barrow, on 23 May 1893. He was born 12 Feb. 1871 in Belew’s Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 30 Sept. 1928 in Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina.  He was the son of Charles Marion and Mary Elisabeth Cummings Barrow.  He was a Farmer by trade.

Laura and Gideon had the following children:

  1. Infant Son Barrow (8) b. 23 Jan. 1895 and died the next day 24 Jan 1895, in North Carolina.
  2. Minnie Bryant Barrow (8) b. 17 Jun 1896 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 28 Feb 1897 in Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina, at 8 months old.
  3. Mary Ruth Barrow (8) b. 29 Jun 1902 in Goodwill, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 20 July 1977 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Charles Thomas Howerton on 24 Jan 1942 in Chesterfield, South Carolina.
  4. Jeanette Webster Barrow (8) b. 03 Feb 1905 in Goodwill, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 20 Oct 1979 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married John Paddison Brown.
  5. Martin Luther Barrow (8) b. 26 May 1906 in Goodwill, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 03 July 1983 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  He married Alice Lula Case.
  6. Charles Marion Barrow (8) b. 09 Mar 1908 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 05 May 1976 in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina. He married Beulah Elizabeth Crutchfield.
  7. Woodrow Gideon Barrow (8) b. 09 Mar 1912 in Goodwill, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 26 Dec 1976 in Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina. He married Flora Lou Nelson.

(credits 245)

Louisa D. Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 22 Aug. 1872 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 23 Jun 1949 in Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Cornelius Alson Boone in 1896.  He was born 16 Mar 1871 in Rockingham County, North Carolina; d. 03 Nov 1936 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina. 

Louisa went by the name “Lula”.  Her and Cornelius had the following children:

  1. Ina Mae Boone (8) b. 26 May 1897 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 18 Apr 1986 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married Herbert F. Moore.
  2. Ruby Boone (8) b. 11 Sept 1900 in North Carolina; d. 15 Jun 1991 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  She married ???? Cruse.
  3. Daniel Franklin Boone (8) b. 19 Jul 1904 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 30 Jun 1989 in Horry County, South Carolina.

(credits 245)

Minnie Amelia Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 10 Nov 1874 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 29 Oct 1955 in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Eli Washington Branson on 30 Oct 1898 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  Eli was born 14 Sept 1874 in Stokes County, North Carolina; died 28 Aug 1948 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  They are buried at Goodwill Baptist Church, Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina. 

Minnie and Eli had the following children:

  1. Carrie J. Branson (8) b. 27 Nov 1900 in North Carolina; d. 06 Jul 1966 in Walkertown, Forsyth County, North Carolina
  2. William Branson (8) b. abt 1903 in Stokes County, North Carolina; d. 06 Aug 1985 in Moore, North Carolina.  He married Eunice Bell Priddy on 14 Feb 1929 in Guilford County, North Carolina.
  3. Alta Mae Branson (8) b. 28 Dec 1905 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 28 Dec 1958 in Stokesdale, Guilford County, North Carolina.
  4. Neal Marion Branson (8) b. 06 Jan 1909 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 30 Mar 1993 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  He married Sadie McGee on 31 Mar 1934 in Guilford County, North Carolina.
  5. Cornelius Branson (8) b. 1810 in North Carolina.
  6. Hellen E. Branson (8) b. 19 Oct 1916 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 22 Mar 2002 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married ???? Wagoner.

Findagrave: Minnie, Eli

Oscar Smith Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 10 Nov 1874 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 08 Oct. 1947 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. He married Lillian Marie Oliver, who was born 11 Nov 1882 in North Carolina; died 07 Jan 1967 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina. They are buried at Summerfield Baptist Church in Summerfield, NC.

Oscar and Lillie had the following children.

  1. Bessie Bohnson Medearis (8) b. 25 Nov. 1903 in Goodwill, Forsyth, North Carolina; d. 20 Oct. 1987 in Summerfield, Guilford, North Carolina. She married George Wilson, and they are buried at Summerfield Baptist Church.
  2. George Dennis Medearis (8) b. 15 May 1907 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 06 Dec 1991 in Greensboro, Guilford, North Carolina. He married Thelma Lane.  They are buried at Lakeview Memorial Park, in Greenville, North Carolina.
  3. Olive “Ollie” Medearis (8) b. 10 Jun 1912 in North Carolina; d. 20 Feb 2004 in Colonial Heights, Virginia.  She married 1) W. R. Duncan, then 2) Earle Harvey.  Olive and W.R. are buried at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.
  4. Annie Irene Medearis (8) b. 09 May 1914 in Guilford County, North Carolina, d. 16 July 1963. She married Joseph Curtis Deaton.  They are buried at Guilford Memorial Park, Greensboro, North Carolina.
  5. Eva Medearis (8) Twin b. 29 May 1920 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Died before 1930. Found listed on a birth index for Guilford County.
  6. Neva Medaris (8) Twin b. 29 May 1920 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  Died before 1930. Found listed on a birth index for Guilford County.
  7. Clyde Smith Medearis (8) b. 15 Oct. 1922 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He married Ann Troxler.
  8. Marjorie Medearis (8) b. 15 Apr 1924. She married Cecil Kale.

(CR: 1900 Guilford Co., North Carolina)

(credits 28, 42, 245)

Webster B. Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 08 Oct 1877 in Forsyth County, North Carolina, d. 28 Jun 1903 in North Carolina of Typhoid Fever.  Webster married Hattie Jordan on 06 Mar 1902 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Hattie was b. Mar 1882 in North Carolina and d. 06 Dec 1952 in North Carolina.

Webster and Hattie had one child:

  1. Percy Willard Medearis (8) b. 24 Apr 1903 in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 19 Sept 1940 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He never married. He was living with his Aunt, Mary Ruth Barrow in the 1930 census, in Oak Ridge, Guildford County, North Carolina.

After Webster’s death, Hattie married Gid Parrish and had three children.

This Webster and Percy are buried at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Guilford County, North Carolina. 

Findagrave:  Webster, Percy

CR: 1880 & 1900 Forsyth County, North Carolina

(credits 28, 42)

Pernelia C. Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 08 Jul 1880 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 03 Jan 1959 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married James Blackwell Browning on 03 Oct 1909 in Guilford County, North Carolina. James was born 14 Nov 1874 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 25 Aug 1932 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  He was a farmer his entire life.

Pernelia and James had he following children:

  1. Jewell G. Browning (8) b. 1913 in North Carolina.
  2. Bernice Fay Browning (8) b. 19 Aug 1914 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 21 Mar 2000 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.  She never married.

Pernelia is buried at Guilford Memorial Park Cemetery in Greensboro, North Carolina.  James is buried at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.  

Findagrave: Pernelia, James

CR:  1880 & 1900 Forsyth County, North Carolina; 1910-1940 Guilford County, North Carolina

Mattie J. Medearis (7) (Marion Dennis 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 22 Jun 1885 in North Carolina; d. 19 Oct 1964 in Forsyth County, North Carolina. She married Carvel Adrenius Nelson.  He was born 06 Dec 1880 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 13 Mar 1938 in Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina. They are buried at Goodwill Baptist Church, Belews Creek, Forsyth County, North Carolina. 

Mattie and Carvel had the following children:

  1. Paul B. Nelson (8) b. 1906 in North Carolina.
  2. Ola J. Nelson (8) b. 1910 in North Carolina.
  3. Justice Nelson (8) b. 03 May 1912 in North Carolina; d. 23 Jan 1973 in Forsyth County, North Carolina.
  4. Walter W. Nelson (8) b. 1920 in North Carolina.

Findagrave: Mattie, Carvel

Minnie O. Medearis (7) (Francis Massey 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 13 July 1872 in Bruce, Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 15 Mar 1952 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina. She married Edward Gilmer Sherrill on 15 Jun 1893 in Guilford Coiunty.  Edward was born 22 Sept 1873 in Catawba County, North Carolina; d. 05 Aug 1940 in Madison, Rockingham County, North Carolina. 

The occupations of this family varied.  Edwards occupation in 1900 was working with the Railroad.  In 1920 is listed as “Train dispatcher” for the railroad and Minnie was a “Manager” of a Tea Room.  In 1930 Edward is listed as the City Clerk and Minnie is listed as “Manager of School Cafeteria.  In 1940 Edward was listed as “Artist” in the “Engineering Industry”.

Minnie and Edward had the following children:

  1. Myrtle Sherrill (8) b. 18 Jun 1895 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She married Fitzhugh E. Dudley.  Nothing else is known about this family.
  2. Edward Gilmer Sherrill, Jr. (8) b. 07 Dec 1898 in Catawba County, North Carolina; d. 11 May 1962 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Minnie and Edward are buried at Summerfield United Methodist Church, Summerfield, Guildford County, North Carolina. 

Findagrave:  Minnie, Edward

CR: 1880 Guilford County, North Carolina; 1900 Orange County, North Carolina; 1920-1940 Guilford County, North Carolina

John Fletcher Medearis (7) (Francis Massey 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 05 Dec 1874 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 27 Dec 1951 in Granville County, North Carolina.  He married Mamie Velma Smith on 20 Nov 1901 in Guilford County. She was born 24 July 1882 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 08 Nov 1964 in Summerfield, Guilford County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of George J. and Ellen Adaline Ross Smith.

John’s occupation in 1900 was Horse and Cattle Trader; 1910 Stock Trader. By 1930 he owned a general store in Bruce, North Carolina.

John and Mamie had one child:

  1. Ellen Margaret Medearis (8) born 25 Sept. 1902 in North Carolina; d. 08 Feb 2001 in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.  She married Alvin C. Metz. 

They are all buried at Summerfield Baptist Church, Summerfield, North Carolina. 

Findagrave:  John, Mamie, Ellen

CR: 1880 Guilford County, North Carolina; 1900 Rockingham County, North Carolina; 1910 & 1930 Guilford County, North Carolina.

Jasper Iva Medearis (7) (Francis Massey 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 17 Apr 1882 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 08 Jun. 1978 in Guilford County, North Carolina. He married Hattie Elizabeth Wharton in 1910, daughter of Willam David and Jane Spencer Gilmer Wharton. Hattie was born 08 Dec 1882 in Gilmer, Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 06 Dec 1952 in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.

Jasper was a Merchant and operated a store in Guilford County.  In 1907 this business was The Ricks-Donnell-Medearis Company, a men’s outfitters.  He and Hattie were members of the N. C. Buffalo Presbyterian Church, where they are buried along with their son Francis.

Jasper and Hattie had one son:

  1. Francis Wharton Medearis (8) born 30 Apr 1911 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 31 Jan 1919 from pneumonia, following influenza, in Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina.  He was just 7 and a half years old.  He is buried with his mother at Buffalo Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Greensboro, North Carolina.  The Greensboro Daily Register, Obituary of Francis Wharton says that he was buried in Greene Hill Cemetery, but his headstone has been located at Buffalo Presbyterian Church.  Findagrave: Francis 
  2. John William Medearis (8) b. 04 Apr. 1913 in Guilford County, North Carolina; d. 13 May 2002 in Davidson, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  He married Pauline Grace McGee on 06 Nov 1939 in Guilford County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of Robert J. and Mattie Murphy Ramsaur McGee.  She was born 13 Oct 1915 in Elberton, Elbert County, Georgia; d. 17 Dec 2009 in Davidson, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

On 27 Jan 1914, Francis and John were playing with a child of W. C. Ogburn, with a small wagon.  A train was coming, and the small children were not moving.  Lizzie Reid, described as “a negro woman”, saw what was about to happen and dropping her bundles, ran towards the children.  The threw one of the children to the side of the track then grabbed up the other one and jumped to safety.  The train struck the wagon destroying it, but she had saved the children.  She then took the children home, and she was seen as a hero by the people of Greensboro.

Findagrave: Jasper, Hattie

Supporting Documents

The Greensboro Daily News
Greensboro, North Carolina Friday,

Jun 9, 1978

Jasper I. Medearis

     Jasper Iva Medearis, 96 of Rt. 3, Summerfield, died Thursday at his home. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Hope View Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Jesse Bledsoe officiating. Burial will be at Buffalo Presbyterian Church Cemetery. He was a lifelong resident of Guilford County, a self-employed tailor and a life elder of Buffalo Presbyterian Church. Surviving are son, John W. Medearis of Greensboro; sister, Mrs. Claude Medearis Wilson of Summerfield; one grandchild; two great-grandchildren. The family will be at Lambeth-Troxler Funeral Home 7-9 p.m. today.

Greensboro Daily Record
Greensboro, North Carolina

Wednesday, January 22, 1919

Wharton Medearis Was Buried This Afternoon

The funeral of little Wharton Medearis, seven and a half years old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Medearis, was held at the residence at 1 o’clock this afternoon. Many friends of the family in the city and in the northeastern section of the county attended. The family church membership is at Buffalo Presbyterian church and a number of the officers and members of that church were present. The interment was made in Greene Hill cemetery.

The Greensboro Patriot
Greensboro, North Carolina

23 Jan 1919, Thu

Master Wharton Medearis died Tuesday Afternoon.

     Wharton Medearis, the seven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. I. Medearis, of 657 Chestnut Street, died at 3 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, after a 10-day illness with influenza at the home of his parents.  He had been in the best of health until the time he fell victim to the epidemic, and his cheerful nature had made a deep inroad into the love of his community, the member ow which will extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved parents.
     The child had many friends who lived in Greensboro and the immediate vicinity, who were related to him through both his father and mother.  The immediate members of the family who survive him are his parents and a younger brother, John William Medearis.
    Funeral services were held from the residence at 1 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. O. G. Jones.  The pall-bearers were close friends: Joseph Phipps, Will Wharton, George DeBoe and Harry Donnell.

CR: 1900 Rockingham County, North Carolina; 1910-1940 Guilford County, North Carolina

(credits 181)

Della Myrtle Medearis (7) (Pinkney J. 6, John W. 5, Massey 4) b. 01 Feb 1872, Van Buren County, Iowa; d. 06 July 1949 in Los Angeles, California.  She married Samuel Scharff, 31 Dec 1890 in Brayton, Audubon County, Iowa. They lived in Canada during the 1910’s.

Della and Samuel had one known child:

  1. Harry B. Sharff (8) b. Aug 1894 in Iowa

Robert Franklin Medearis (7) (Pinkney J. 6, John W. 5, Massey 4) b. 17 Feb 1876, Van Buren County, Iowa; d. 04 Feb 1945 in Los Angeles, California.  He married 1) Bertha Telene Aldrich, 28 Nov 1908, Cass County, Iowa.  She was born in 1883, Atlantic, Iowa.  It is unclear if Robert had any children.  The 1920 census lists Joe Medearis, age 27, living in the home, born 1893 in Iowa.  But he does not show in this family in 1910, now does he show with Robert in 1900.  I am also unable to locate him after 1920.
    Something happened to Bertha after 1920, death or divorce, and Robert married 2) Mabel June Sweney, who shows in the 1930 census.  She was born 14 Jun 1882 in Atchison County, Kansas; d. 14 Apr 1955 in Los Angeles, California.

Bertha May Medearis (7) (Pinkney J. 6, John W. 5, Massey 4) b. Jan. 1879, in Iowa; d. July 1962 in Anita, Cass County, Iowa. She married Homer Christopher Koob, 21 March 1900, Cass County, Iowa.  Homer was b. 19 Jan. 1876 in Cass County, Iowa; d. 21 Mar 1931 in Anita, Cass County, Iowa.

Bertha and Homer had the following children:

  1. Pluma Koob (8) b. 04 Oct 1901 in Grand, Cass County, Iowa; d. 09 Jan 1983 in Los Angeles, California
  2. Lelah Bernice Koob (8) b. 1903 in Anita, Iowa.  She married William Frederick Stockham, on 01 Nov 1923 in Greenfield, Adair County, Iowa.
  3. Kenneth Gail Koob (8) b. 17 Jun 1909 in Anita, Cass County, Iowa; d. 02 Feb 1964 in Sigourney, Keokuk, Iowa.  He married Evelyn Maxine Freeman, 10 Apr 1928.

Generation 8

Mary Medearis (8) (Newton Harris 7, William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 31 March 1883, Winston, Forsyth County, NC., d. 14 July 1959, Durham County, NC.  She married William Seaton Snipes 23 Jan. 1912. He was born 14 Oct. 1866 and died 23 May 1954.

Mary and William had one child:

  1. Mary Medearis Snipes (9) b. 18 Sept. 1916, d.Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC.

Supporting Documents

Mary’s obituary reads:

“Mrs. Mary Medearis Snipes, 76, of 817 Melrose Street, widow of William S. Snipes, died at the John Umstead Hospital near Durham at 3 a.m. today.  She had been in declining health for some time and seriously ill for the past week. She was born in Winston-Salem, March 31, 1863, a daughter of N. H. and Laura Roberson Medearis. Mrs. Snipes spent here early life in Winston-Salem.  She attended Salem College and Woman’s College at Greensboro.  She taught in the Winston-Salem schools until her marriage in January 1912, to Mr. Snipes.  Then they moved to Fayetteville where she taught school for 10 years.  She also taught at Dunn and Newton.  In 1931, the moved back to Winston-Salem.  She taught schools in Forsyth County until her retirement. She was a member of Centenary Methodist Church. Her husband was superintendent of the Winston-Salem Schools for several years.  He died May 23, 1954. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Claude M. Pearce of 817 Melrose Street; two grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. H. F. Chreitzburg of Spartanburg, S. C., Mrs. Albert Butler of 2515 Bitting Road and Mrs. Phin Horton Jr. of 715 S. Main Street; and two brothers Noble Medearis of 1055 Wendover Circle, Dr. W. F. Medearis of Charlotte. Funeral services will be conducted at Voglers Chapel at 4 p.m. Wednesday.  The Rev. J. C. Auman will officiate.  Burial will be in Salem Cemetery.”

(credits 138)

Noble Roberson Medearis (8) (Newton Harris 7, William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 29 July 1889 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 17 Jan 1961 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.

     Noble was injured in an accident in March 1912 in Greenfield, Massachusetts at age 22.  He fell from an apple tree and was paralyzed from the waist down.  His mother went to Massachusetts and brought him home.

Despite his disability, around 1920, Noble started the Medearis Stamp and Printing Company in Winston-Salem.  His advertisement lists him as a Kiwanian.  He married Grace Virginia Fisher on 28 Aug 1937 in Manhattan, New York.  Grace was born 25 May 1904 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; died 19 May 1987 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina.  She was the daughter of Oscar H. and Mittie Fisher.  No children apparently resulted from this marriage.

Annie Lillian Medearis (8) (Newton Harris 7, William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 09 Oct. 1894, d. Aug. 1983, Winston Salem, Forsyth County, NC. She married Albert Louis Butler, 06 June 1916 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC. He was born 11 Nov. 1893, and died May 1971 in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC.

Annie and Albert had the following children:

  1. Albert Louis Butler Jr. (9) b. 26 May 1918.
  2. William Medearis Butler (9) b. 20 Aug. 1919.
  3. Hugh Chatham Butler (9) b. 11 Oct. 1923.

(credits 138)

William Fields Medearis (8) (Newton Harris 7, William Malcolm 6, John Wesley 5, Massey 4) b. 31 Mar. 1902 in Forsyth County, North Carolina; d. 25 Aug. 1965 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  He married Helen Elizabeth Lethco 28 Jan. 1928 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  She was b. 03 Feb. 1901 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; d. 03 Oct 1961 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

They had the following children:

  1. Mary Ann Medearis (9) b. 28 Aug 1930 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  She married John Atwell Troutman on 16 Sept 1950 in Mecklenburg County, South Carolina.
  2. William Fields Medearis Jr. (9) b. 1933 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.  He married Elizabeth Carroll Martin on 11 Oct 1957 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

To be continued, watch for updates !