GENERATION 1
Joshua L. Deaver
Obituary
“One among the oldest of our citizens was called to rest on Tuesday evening, the 4 th inst, in the
person of JOSHUA L. DEAVER. He was an enterprising and industrious man, and for many years
carried on the business of boot and shoe-making in this place, and even after he became old,
reaching four score, his life’s work never become distasteful to him, and up to a few weeks before
his death worked in the shop of his son, Thomas H. Deaver. Blessed with a strong physical
constitution he seemed impervious to disease, and at last, withered in ripeness, Old Time mowed
him down.”
Source: Lexington Gazette; January 8, 1881; Vol 12, page 3 (Rockbridge Regional
Library)
Will
I, Joshua Lewton Deaver, now being in tolerable good health and of sound mind
do make this my last will and testament.
First I bequeath to my only daughter Sally the house and lot I now reside in with
all the apertanances thereto affixed. I also give her my house and lot at the Point now in
the occupancy of Mer (??) W. Hughs, same as above to have and to hold as her own
forever. I also give her of my personal property whatever she may chose either part of
all. the balance of my Real Estate (after my debts are paid out of it) I give to my three
sons T. H. Deaver, T. A. Deaver, and C. E. Deaver equal with one exception in the part
of T. A. Deaver my oldest son I hold the deeds given by Mcamy (??) and John Witherow
for the 2 tracts of land which makes up the place on which he now resides. I wish
$200.00 two hundred Dollars deducted from his share of the divide that is 25 hundred
less. I also wish him to have good deeds made him for the both places as bought from
the above parties named.
I also make Thomas H. Deaver, my Executor to carry out the above will to its
letter. I do not wish him to give security. I having full faith that he will do what is right. I
also wish him to have a small fee sufficient to pay him for any trouble he may have. as
evidence the above is my own will and testament I affix my hand and seal.
Joshua Lewton Deaver
January 1, 1877
Witnesses
William Dold
E.P. Dold
Source: Rockbridge County Will Book 23. Page 334. Rockbridge County Courthouse,
Lexington, Va.
Buried
Joseph is buried at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, VA very near to where
Stonewall Jackson is buried. He shares a tombstone with his wife, Ann; his daughter,
Sallie; and his sons who died early in age, Joseph H. and Joshua N. He is also buried
nearby his two sons, Charles E. Deaver and Thomas H. Deaver.
According to the tombstone, he died on Jan. 4, 1881 at the age of 77.
Source: Eyewitness
Children
Joshua’s children are as follows:
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




Theo A. Deaver “Sam”
Thomas H. Deaver
Charles E. Deaver
Joshua Deaver
Joseph Deaver
Sarah Deaver
Children were verified via Census Records (1850 census – Rockbridge County) and
Joshua’s will. Details are included below.
Ann A. Deaver (wife of Joseph)
Obituary
Fell asleep in Jesus, August 29th, 1875, MRS. ANNA DEAVER- beloved wife of J. L. Deaver – aged
71 years.
“She’s gone from every pain,
And every trouble free,
On high, among the saints to reign,
Through all eternity.”
Source: Lexington Gazette; September, 3 1875; Vol 7, No. 36, page 3 (Rockbridge
Regional Library)
Buried
Ann is buried next to her husband, Joseph, at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington,
VA. According to the tombstone, she died at age 72 on August 28, 1875.
GENERATION 2
Theodore A. Deaver “Sam”
War Record
While at Rockbridge County Regional Library in Lexington, VA, a record was found for
Theo in the civil war infantry listings for VA. indicating that he participated in the Civil
War. The excerpt reads:
DEAVER (DERER), THEDORE A. “Sam”: Pvt., 2nd Co. H. b. Charles Town, Jefferson Co., W.Va.,
12/29/25. Exempt 3/15/62, disease of the heart. Exempt 3/?/64, shoemaker. Desc.: age ?, 5’7”,
dark comp., dark hair and blue eyes, a resident of Brownsburg. Enl. Rockbridge Co., 10/25/64.
Ab., 2nd Co. D, 11/1/64-12/31/64, on detached service, making shoes at Div. Shoe Shop. Transf.
from 2nd Co. H, by order of Co. Witcher, Comdg. Brigade. Paroled Appomattox CH, 4/9/65. A
shoemaker, residing at Rockbridge Baths, 1872. d. Brownsburg, 6/9/97. Bur. New Providence
Church Cem., Rockbridge Co.
NOTE: Ab = abscent, Enl = enlisted, d = Died
Source: 25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry. 1st Edition. Armstrong,
Richard L. Copyright 1990. Located: Rockbridge Regional Library.
Buried
According to the above source (25th Virginia Infantry and 9th Battalion Virginia Infantry),
as well as the Rockbridge County, USA Cemetaries. South River and Walkers Creek
District (pg 136), Sam was buried at New Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetary. I
drove out there but was unable to locate grave because, at the time, I did not have the
exact location of the grave. The later source states that he and his wife, Sarah, are
located on Row 12 and that the tombstones indicating the following life spans:
Sara Ann: 12/21/1828- 8/12/1909
Theodore: 12/9/1825-1/9/1897 (dates slightly inconsistent with first source)
The church is located about 30 minutes away from Lexington in Brownsburg, VA. The
address is: 1208 New Providence Rd.; Raphine, VA. Phone: 348-5881.
Thomas H. Deaver
War Record
While at Rockbridge County Regional Library in Lexington, VA, a record was found for
Thomas in the civil war infantry listings for VA. indicating that he participated in the Civil
War. The excerpt reads:
DEAVER, THOMAS HENRY: Pvt., Co. H (2nd). b. Charlestown, Jefferson Co. 1/31/28. Shoemaker,
Lexington 1860 census. Enl. Lexington 7/31/61. Discharged by order of Gov. Letcher 8/7/61.
Exempt for disease of the heart, Lexington 3/13/62. Pvt. of Patrol, Lexington 12/62, 12/63, and
12/64. Exempt Lexington 2/8/64. 5’8”, dark complexion, black eyes, dark hair. Shoemaker for the
C.S.A. throughout the war. Shoemaker, Lexington 1870 census. Boot and shoemaker, Lexington
1872. Lumber Merchant, Lexington 1889. d. 1/18/06. Bur. Stonewall Jackson Cem.
Source: 27th Virginia Infantry. 1st Edition. Reidenbaugh, Lowell. Copyright 1993, H.E.
Howard, Inc.. Located: Rockbridge Regional Library.
Marriage
Thomas H. married Sarah Ann Chittum (according to the source: Rockbridge County
Marriages 1778-1850. pg. 65. Kirkpatrick, Dorthie and Edwin. Book located at TN
Archives). Sarah Ann is also listed on his tombstone. They were married on December
18, 1849 in a Methodist church. The minister was Joseph Spriggs.
Will
Buried
Thomas is buried at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, VA near his parents
(near Stonewall Jackson) (Plot/Row 227). According to his tombstone, he was born on
Jan 31, 1828 and died on January 18, 1906. Next to his grave, is a marker indicating
that fought in the Civil War (Confederacy); the marker states “BEG VINDICE 1861
1865.” His wife, Sarah A. Deaver, is buried with him. Her tombstone states that she
was born on January 5, 1838 (or 1833 - year is difficult to read) and died on February
14, 1901.
Charles E. Deaver
General Notes
Charles Edward Deaver was born July 20, 1830 (confirmed via tombstone) in Charles
Town, VA. He was married to Rebecca Frances Powers of Monroe County, VA on Nov.
10, 1854 (place of birth, unconfirmed). Rebecca was born on July 2, 1839
(unconfirmed).
According to his obituary (below), he was engaged in the shoe business with his father,
Joshua Lewton Deaver, who owned and operated a large shoemaking establishement.
Also according to the obituary, he was detailed at Lewisburg to make shoes for the
Government and in 1866 he returned to Lexington where he afterward made his home.
Obituary
MRS. CHARLES E. DEAVER DIED FRIDAY MORNING AT ADVANCED AGE
Mr. Charles E. Deaver, well known resident and former businessman of
Lexington, died last Friday morning, Aug. 8 1919 shortly before seven o’clock after a
lengthily illness at the advanced age of four score years and ten. For some months he
had been at the home of his son, Mr. Charles R. Deaver on South Main Street. He had
been in failing health for some years.
The funeral was held from the home Saturday afternoon at 5 O’clock, conducted
by his pastor, Rev. G.G. Martin of Trinity Methodist Church. Interment was made in the
family square in the Lexington cemetery. The active Pallbearers were relatives as
follows:
Messrs. O. C. Jackson, Mason C. Deaver, Earl E. Deaver, Burton F. Deaver,
Fred T. Deaver and R. Glen Fitch. The Honorary Pallbearers bore the floral tributes
which were numerous and beautiful.
Mr. Deaver was born in Charles Town, now West Virginia, July 30. 1830. He
came to Lexington about the year 1857 and engaged in business with his father, Mr. J.L.
Deaver, who operated a large shoe making establishment. During the Civil War he was
detailed at Lewisburg to make shoes for the Government and in 1866 he returned to
Lexington where he afterward made his home. For many years he was successful in the
operation of a shoe factory and later engaged in General Merchandise business. For
years he conducted a branch store at Rockbridge Alum Springs during summer
seasons. Some years ago on account of failing health, he returned from active
business.
Mr. Deaver was a Republican in politics and during the stormy period of
settlement of the State debt he was aligned with the Readjusters. At that time he was
associated with Mr. James A. Frazier in the establishment and publication of the
“Rockbridge Interpise” which was the Readjuster organ in the County. In 1882 he was
appointed Postmaster of Lexington.
Mr. Deaver married Miss Rebekah F. Powers of Lewisburg. She died about eight
years ago. Thirteen children were born from this union, nine of whom are living. They
are: Messrs. J. Ed. Deaver, Charles R. Deaver, Harry A. Deaver, Mrs. Mamie Charlton,
wife of C.R. Charlton, Mrs. Minne Garing wife of Mr. Percy C. Garing, Mrs. Sallie Fitch
wife of Mr. Ralph I. Fitch, of Lexington. Mssrs. J.L. Deaver, W.P. Deaver and Mrs. Nettie
Dominick, wife of G.J.Dominick of Knoxville, Tenn also by a daughter in law Mrs. George
Deaver of Lexington and one sister Mrs. S.E.Marston of Baltimore.
At the time of his death Mr. Deaver was the oldest resident of Lexington. He was
a man of sunny disposition, accommodating and kind hearted and during his long
business career in the community had formed large acquaintances and many friendships
in town and Country.
SOURCE: Lexington Gazette. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 1919. VMI Library.
Buried
Charles is buried at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, VA on the row (Plot/Row
211) right next to his father and mother (near Stonewall Jackson). He shares a
tombstone with his wife, Rebecca Frances Deaver (died July 2, 1839 according to the
tombstone).
According to the tombstone, he was born July 20, 1830 and died on August 3 (or 8th,
can’t read my writing), 1919.
In addition, there is a tiny, crooked tombstone right next to his tombstone with the initials
“LPD” on it and the years: “1888 (or 1898) – 1900” which is probably the grave of his
child, Leonard Deaver.
Source: Eyewitness
Joshua N. Deaver
General Notes
Joshua N. Deaver shows up on the 1850 Rockbridge County Census. However, there is
no trace of him after that point. I located his tombstone (buried at Stonewall Jackson Plot/Row 227) that indicates he died in October 1860 at the age of 25. In addition, there
is a marker near his grave that contains the initials “L.F.D” and a firefighter symbol
indicating that he may have been a member of the Lexington Firefighters. This has not
yet been verified.
According to another source, Rockbridge County, Virginia Deaths 1912-1917, however,
a Joshua L. (vs. N.) Deaver, Jr. is listed as dieing in October, 1861 (vs. 1860) of
consumption, aged 28. The death was reported by his father. Source: Rockbridge
County, Virginia Deaths 1912-1917. Page 112. Compiled by Angela M. Ruley, Iberian
Publishing Company, Athens, GA 1991. This is slightly different that his tombstone but
most likely the same person.
He shares a tombstone with his brother, Joseph (who also died young), and his parents,
Joshua and Ann.
Joseph H. Deaver
General Notes
Joseph Deaver shows up on the 1850 Rockbridge County Census, but not after that
point. His tombstone, located at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery in Lexington, VA
(Plot/Row 227), indicates that he died on January 29, 1851 at the age of 11. Cause of
death is unknown.
He shares a tombstone with his brother, Joshua, and his parents, Joseph and Ann.
Sallie Elizabeth Deaver