John & Mary James, Part II

The 1870 U.S. Census for Chamblissburg, in Bedford County, Virginia, gives us the earliest glimpse into John and Mary’s life together. Conducted on August 29, 1870, John and his wife ran a house they shared with a Mr. Wright and a Miss Harris. John and Mary are each listed as 20 years old, and apparently run a farm, since John’s occupation is listed as ‘farmer’, with both Mr. Wm. Wright and Miss Danise Harris listed as ‘farm laborers’. Mary is keeping house. Their belongings are valued at $210, which is about average for the other families enumerated just before and after them. Both list their birthplace as Virginia.

During the U.S. Census for 1880, the enumerator recorded John and Mary on either June 11 or 12. They continue to reside in the Chamblissburg Magisterial District, in Bedford County, Virginia. John, is reported by the census to be 35, but his actual age is 37. His continues to be employed as a farmer. Also in the home are his wife Mary, also listed as 35, but probably closer to 37; a daughter, Leonetta E, age 9; a son, William F. J., age 6; a son not yet named, born in March, who is 2 months old; as well as a boarder named Julia B. Thornhill, age 57. Although the column for indicating that John is unable to work due to illness or temporary disability is checked, the nature of his illness is not recorded.

The last name of Mary's mother is Thornhill, so Julia B. Thornhill is almost certainly a relative. Possibly an older sister, a cousin, or an aunt.