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Boat(w)right Family Genealogy in America

BOATRIGHT FAMILY PRIMARY DOCUMENTS

COMPILED BY

NORMAN HURD RICKER, JR.

A description of Reuben Boatwright Sr. which was written by his grandson,
Rev. Reuben Baker Boatwright:

Family History written by Rev Reuben Baker Boatwright about 3-17-1905 at Gold Hill, VA for Dr. 
Frederick W. Boatwright, which was in the possession of John B. Boatwright (1881-1965) at 
Buckingham, Buckingham Co VA on 5-21-1964 and which was copied by LtCol William E. Boatright, 
AUS, Ret., and extracted from his typed manuscript The Boat(w)right and Allied Families.


"He bought land near New Canton and moved on it in 1788 and raised five boys and five girls.  
He had a sixth son, whose name is Daniel, who died before reaching maturity.  By industry and 
good judgment he accumulated a considerable amount of property and with it he helped his sons 
to settle around him in close proximity -- the fartherest one not more than four miles distant.  
He was positive, and regarded by some as stern -- when he said no, he meant it, but one of the 
kindest and most hospitable men in all the country around.  His home acquired the appellation 
of travelers rest.  Nearly all the preachers at Mt. Zion Church, of which he was a member and 
a deacon, on passing through the neighborhood, by direction or instinct found out where Deacon 
Boatwright lived.  He served a term in the Revolutionary War, was wounded by a bomb at 
Yorktown, and was present when Lord Cornwallis surrendered.  He was fond of having his family, 
his boys and girls, and grandchildren, around his festive board.  Always, as was the custom of 
those days, setting out before dinner his decanter of good whiskey, or brandy distilled from 
his own fruit, and inviting his company to have a toddy with him, and then he would set it back 
in his sideboard and lock it up. He and his wife visited all the sick in the neighborhood, 
carrying them something to eat.  He always carried his lancet and bled them if he thought they 
deeded it, and his wife prescribed Epsom salts to the children, and worm seed stewed in 
molasses if she thought they had worms.  Very few things could keep them from the house of 
worship.  His word had more weight in their church meetings than all the balance of their 
members together.  He and his wife died up in 70 at his own home, surrounded by all his family.  
All the boys of Reuben Boatwright Sr., were members of Mt. Zion Church, highly esteemed as 
citizens and honored and loved as Christians, and frequently met around their father's board, 
and always showed honor, respect and love for their parents, and attachment for each other.  
They dwelt together in unity.  All the daughters were good and substantial women and women of 
piety and industry."

URL: http://www.boatwrightgenealogy.com

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