John MacNeil James & Mary Elizabeth Amos

John MacNeil James and Mary Elizabeth Amos were grandparents of Chester Carson.

John MacNeil James and Mary Elizabeth Amos
->Maude Deleilah James and William Bernard Lloyd Carson
-->Chester Carson

On February 16, 1843, John MacNeil James was born in Roanoke County, Virginia. His parents were Maston and Delilah James.

Mary Elizabeth Amos was born to Wilson and Elizabeth Amos in April of 1843. Her birth location is unknown.

On August 7th, 1850, John was a seven year old living with his parents in Roanoke County, Virginia. Also in the home were his eight siblings, as well as two laborers, who likely helped with work on the family farm.

His siblings were: sisters Betsy A James, age 18, Sarah J James, age 16, Nancy M James, age 14; brothers Richard P James, 13, and Frederick D James, 11; sister Susan, 9; and young brothers Isaac, and Lewis H, ages 5, and 2.

All member of the James family listed Virginia as their state of birth.

John's maternal grandparents, Frederick Thrasher and his wife Nancy, live next door.

That same day John's future wife Mary and her parents were also enumerated. They too lived in Roanoke County, Virginia. Did they live close by? You bet! John's family was only eight households away! Chances are James and Mary knew each other, played together, and may have been childhood sweethearts!

In Mary's home were here parents, one older brother (William L.) and two younger sisters (Nancy and Lucy). Once again, each family member lists Virginia as their place of birth.