ONLY/ONLEY FAMILY EVENTS & DOCUMENTATION TIMELINE
UPDATED September 5, 2023
by Helen Hage, Terry Gaskill and Judith Ledbetter
This timeline was originally created in 2010 to create a framework for examining possible Onley family relationships and to trace the descendants of Watt, a slave emancipated by Rev. Edward Folkes, and Betty, a slave emancipated by John Clarke. Thirteen years later it is being updated to include information gathered principally by Only/Onley family members, most notably showing DNA matches to the descendants of Mary “Polly Whitehead.” As of this update, Watt Only Sr. is shown as an ancestor in 76 Family Trees on Ancestry!
The Only/Onleys of Charles City were light-skinned mulattoes who lived in a difficult sort of limbo. Although emancipated they were not free. Indeed, some were subject to arrest and prosecution for remaining in the Commonwealth of Virginia because they were either emancipated or born of a female emancipated after 1806. Although at least three family members were threatened with legal proceedings, only Betty was sold back into slavery. After being sold back into slavery Betty gave birth to at least one and possibly three of her sons, who (depending on their birthdates) may have been legally enslaved by Peter Crew. They could not obtain Free Negro papers (except to leave the state) and they appear to have avoided census takers, at least a number who should appear in the 1850 Census of Virginia are nowhere to be found. Documenting family relationships is made somewhat easier by two facts. The Onley name is uncommon and there were few mulatto Onleys in the mid-19th century in Virginia or anywhere else. When this timeline was constructed, it was unclear whether Betty was the mother of Henry, John Edward, and Charles Joseph. That question was answered by an advertisement published by John Edward in 1865 seeking to locate “his brothers” Henry and Charles Joseph.
The Onley men appear to have been of above average height. A number were carpenters by trade and several had experience as seamen. They appear to have been at least somewhat literate and able to write their own names. The men appear to have been strong characters. Their biological children, for the most part, took the Onley surname. The family survived, and even thrived, in very difficult circumstances. Some members demonstrated substantial intellect and ambition. The obituary of John Edward Onley suggests that family members knew about – and took pride in – ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, at least some of whom must have been Caucasian.
The use of given names in the Onley family suggests strong connections to the Folkes and Clarke families, no doubt generated by the emancipation of Watt and Betty, but also because they likely shared a common kinship. Constructing the family history of enslaved persons necessarily requires first documenting the genealogies of the enslaver families, and for that reason much of this timeline is devoted to tracing the Clarke and Folkes lineages. Mary “Polly” Whitehead, while also white, presents a far different story. Mary’s place of origin remains the subject of research. A Death Certificate for one of her children states that she was born in West Virginia. It seems more likely, however, that Mary was from Southampton, Va., where she may have been the female who disappeared from a household headed by an older Polly Whitehead between the 1830 and 1840 census. The earliest record of Polly in Charles City County comes from an 1840 criminal case in which she was the complainant. According to her complaint, she came home to her cabin and found Henry Pond had broken in and was lying drunk on her bed and holding a skein of yarn. She ran to get the help of neighbors. Mary was a poor, working woman who likely cohabited with Watt, Sr. because he could help provide for her. Her children carried the Whitehead surname possibly because she was never married to Watt Sr., but also because she was white.
Religion stands behind this story of emancipation and failed attempts at emancipation. John Clarke’s first wife, the widow Sarah Ladd, was a Quaker. Ann Leonard, wife of both William and John Clarke was one of the early Methodists. Indeed, a young woman who attended a Camp Meeting in Charles City in 1833 reported that “[T]here were four other ladies in the pulpit with her [–] three widows and an old maid [.] [O]ur Mrs. Clarke was one of them [.] She too delivered a long pray[er.] [D]on’t you think they took a conspicuous station[?]” Rev. Edward Folkes was a founder of Salem Methodist Church. Virginia Quakers were stalwart opponents of slavery, and the Discipline of the early Methodist Church forbade the buying and selling of slaves. When Gabriel Prosser’s planned slave insurrection was uncovered in Richmond in 1813, one person testified that the plan had been to kill all the whites “except the Quakers and the Methodists.”
Sally Ledbetter Crew Folkes, widow of Rev. Edward Folkes, was dismissed from the Society of Friends for her marriage to Edward who was not a Quaker. She and her brother Peter Crew became protectors of the Only family, helping assure their survival as free persons in Virginia and their escape from Virginia to freedom worldwide. Three of Watt and Betsy’s children appear to have lived out their lives in Charles City (Nancy, Watt, Jr. and Saloma Frances). One moved to Hampton at the start of the Civil War (Henry), and three left the county well before the war. William Henry moved to Boston, MA. John Edward settled in Jacksonville, FL., and Charles Joseph stopped traveling only when he landed in Australia.
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1762 John Clarke must have been born by this date for him to have been 21 to marry his first wife in 1783. His mother’s name was Elizabeth, and he had a brother named Benjamin.
09 APR 1781 William Clarke married Ann (Nancy) Leonard, daughter of William and Isabella Leonard. She had a brother named Samuel.
1782 Personal Property Tax List: Sarah Ladd shown as owning slaves named David, Kate, Arthur and Charles. William Folkes is shown as owning slaves named Peter, Lucy, Aggy, Abraham, John, Nana, Daphne and Sucky. John Clarke is shown as owning a slave named Davy.
1783 John Clarke became taxable for 165 acres of land previously taxed to Sarah Ladd, widow of James Ladd, indicating marriage to Sarah between 1782 and 1783. John Clarke also became taxable for slaves previously taxed to Sarah Ladd: Diver (David?), Cate, Arthur, Charles and Anthony. John and Sarah appear to have been the parents of two children who survived to adulthood and who left descendants. These were Micajah Clarke and a daughter of an unknown given name who married Cornelius Egmon.
1785 John Clarke taxed for slaves named Frank, Amey, Charlet, Anthony and Charles. William Folkes taxed for slaves named Lucy, Aggy, John, Abram, Suky, Daphne, Nan, Doll.
1786 John Clarke was taxed for slaves named Frank, Amey, Arthur and Charles.
15 MAY 1792 William Clarke wrote his will in Charles City prospectively emancipating Lucy, Charles, Jenny & Rhoda as they arrive of lawful age after his wife Ann’s death. Will was probated 15 MAY 1792. He gave his wife a life estate in Colesville. After her death the property was to go to William Clarke, son of his brother Edward. William and Ann Clarke did not have any surviving children.
1794 John Clarke was taxed for William Clarke’s land, indicating that he married William’s widow Ann either in 1793 or 1794. John Clarke and William Clarke probably were kin, but their relationship has not been determined.
1795-Watt, Sr. was born according to age provided in 1860 Census. His mother’s name was Sucky and he had later born siblings named Oliver, Diana, Lucy and Billy. If his father was a member of the Folkes family most likely it would have been William Folkes.
1797 Betty was born according to age supplied in her petition to the General Assembly. If her father was a member of the Clarke family, mostly likely it would have been John Clarke. There are some indications her mother might have been Amey.
07 APR 1798 John Clarke purchased 383 acres from Hardyman Irby bordering on Oldman’s (Gunns) Run and Greenway.
07 APR 1801 John Clarke purchased 150 acres from William Cole known as Torbornes and Barnes.
19 APR 1802 John Clarke purchased a property known as Norrells.
23 APR 1805 William Folkes wrote his will in Charles City County. He left to his loving wife Catherine a life estate in slaves Jack, Abram, John, Sucky and her children Watt, Oliver Dianna, Lucy & Billy, Nancy, Moll, Keziah, Judah, Candis, Jamima, Bob, Frank, Hannah, Daphna and her children, Dolly, Adam & Ellis, Hagar, Lucy and Aggy, and their increase. At the death of his wife his estate was to be equally divided among all his children. Will was probated 12 JUN 1805. The children of William and Catherine were named: Ann, William, Joseph, Edward, John, Robert, Elijah, Elisha, Rebecca, and Elizabeth. Will probated 20 JUN 1805.
10 AUG 1805 Inventory of estate of William Folkes valued slaves Aggy 25 ₤, John 100₤, Abram 100₤, Jack 90₤, Sucky 80₤, Daphna 70₤, Nanny 80₤, Molly 80₤, Hagar 80₤, Keziah 60₤, Judah 60₤, Candice 60₤, Jamima 55₤, Watt 45₤, Billey 15₤, Bob 30₤, Frank 25₤, Adam 25₤, Ellis 15₤, Dolly 30₤, Lucinda 20₤, Diannah 20₤, Hannah 15₤, Alley 10₤. (Although Oliver is missing, later estate filings indicate he was hired out to Sally Folkes’ brother Peter Crew.)
17 JUL 1807 John Clarke purchased the 280-acre parcel known as Swynyards from William Cole.
19 OCT 1809 Settlement of William Folkes estate filed by Edward Folkes executor. Settlement reflects that Peter (not listed in the 1805 inventory) was sold, as were Jemima, a girl, Molly and her child Hannah, Keziah, a girl, and Candice, a girl.
08 DEC 1812 Frances Egmon, mother of John Clarke’s son-in-law Cornelius Egmon, wrote her will. Will gives Joan and Simon (the children of Amey) to her granddaughter Francis Fitzhugh Webb. Will was probated 17 NOV 1814.
17 DEC 1813 Cornelius Egmon, husband of ____Clarke, daughter of John Clarke, wrote his will. It is evident from the will that his wife had predeceased him. It also appears that the eldest child (Frances Fitzhugh, wife of Pleasant Webb) was the child of an earlier marriage because Frances is not mentioned in Clarke’s will. The youngest child (Martha Dean) also is not mentioned in Clark’s will, probably indicating she had died. Cornelius Egmon lived at Swynyard Plantation which was owned by John Clarke. The will mentions a slave named Coy who was to be hired out by his brother Christopher with half of his hire being applied to the schooling of son John L. Egmon and the other half to be given to Coy at his brother’s discretion. A mulatto girl Nancy was given to Francis Fitzhugh Webb. His minor children were to reside with his mother Frances Egmon. Will was probated 17 NOV 1814. Cornelius Egmon was the father of Frances, John, Betsy, Sarah/Sally Ann, and Martha. Pleasant Webb and family are listed in the 1850 Census of Lowndes, AL.
03 NOV 1814 Catherine Folkes, widow of William, wrote her will. Will was probated 15 DEC 1814.
1815 A friendly Chancery suit was filed by the heirs of William Folkes against Edward who was the Executor for the purposes of dividing the 32 enslaved individuals in William Folkes Estate. Edward drew lot no. 7 which included Watt, Lillyann and Billy, valued at $692.00. Sucky was in a lot no. 1 which was drawn by John Folkes.
20 JUN 1816 Inventory and Appraisement of the Estate of Micajah Clarke was filed indicating death prior to this date.
18 AUG 1818 Nancy Only, daughter of Betty and Watt, Sr. was born in Charles City County, enslaved to John Clarke. Date according to will of John Clarke.
21 APR 1820 Saloma (surname unknown), possibly a daughter of Betty and Watt, Sr. was born in Charles City County, enslaved to John Clarke. Date according to will of John Clarke. The reason to believe she might be e a daughter of Watt and Betty is that Saloma is a relatively uncommon name and both Watt Jr. and William Henry named daughters Saloma.
26 MAY 1821 John Clarke purchased the 475-acre tract known as Mons Sacre from William Douglas.
24 DEC 1821 Watt Only, Jr., son of Betty and Watt, Sr. was born in Charles City County, enslaved to John Clarke. Date provided by will of John Clarke.
1822 Charles City Personal Property Tax list includes a Free Negro named Sucky Irby. This is the only year in which she appears in the tax rolls. Edward Folkes had a grandmother named Irby and a sister who married an Irby. It looks like Watt, Sr.’s mother may have been emancipated by John Folkes and either died or left the county within a year’s time. No deed or will providing for emancipation has been located and Sucky Irby may not have been Watt’s mother.
04 JAN 1822 John Clarke wrote his will in Charles City County. Will states with respect to Only family members “I lend unto my said Grandson John Joseph Clarke a negro child named Watt born the 24th day of December 1821 to serve my said grandson and be obedient to his lawfull commands until the 24th of December 1842. Then to be liberated, emancipate and set free.” “I give and bequeath to my grand-daughter Sarah Ann Egmon … I also lend her a negro girl named Nancy, to serve her and her heirs until the 18th of August 1836. Then I emancipate and set free the said Girl.” “…immediately after my death the following slaves to be emancipated and set free to wit; Amy, Patty, Betty, Frank alias Harrison and Arthur.” Note the will grants to his granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Clarke a Negro girl named Saloma to serve her and her heirs until the 21st of April 1838, then I emancipate and set her free.
Other enslaved persons emancipated by Clark included three underage girls: Amy, Eliza Ann, and Winney, the last two being daughters of the above-named Patty (Bassett/Green). (It looks like the Amy who was emancipated outright may have been the mother of both Patsy, and Betty, as well and the younger Amy who was to serve until 18. If this interpretation is correct John Clarke was emancipating a woman, her three daughters, four granddaughters, and one grandson.) With respect to other enslaved persons Clark’s will gave his wife a life estate in “Charles, Henry, Abraham, Joshua, Billy, Tom, Jenny, Rhoda, Lucy, Patience, Hannah, Peter and their increase.” A “yellow boy” (meaning a mulatto) named Emanuel was given to his wife Ann until he arrived at the age of 25 when he was to be hired out until his wages totaled $375 and then he was to be emancipated. Peter was to be emancipated on Ann’s death. The slaves given to Ann appear to be the slaves prospectively emancipated under William Clarke’s will, along with their descendants.
The will had other specific provision concerning enslaved individuals. Frank alias Frank Perry was given to John Joseph Clark. Burwell (Webb) was given to John L. Egmon. (Note: this appears to be the 70-year-old, Virginia-born Burwell Webb who heads a household in the 1870 census of Limestone County AL which includes a 50-year-old, Virginia-born woman named Sylvia and a daughter named Nancy. Other AL households with Virginia-born, black Webbs include Easter with a child named Starling, Alexander with a woman named Rhoda and a child named Henry.) Kiah (Leonard) was to be sold. Frank alias Harrison was to receive Clarke’s shop and carpenter tools. Arthur was to receive a sorrel mule colt called “Sterling.” At the death of his wife her man Henry was to be paid $50 for good conduct. The residuary legatees under the will were four granddaughters: Elizabeth C. and Sarah A. Egmon and Ann Rebecca and Elizabeth Sarah Clarke. Will was probated 20 JUL 1826, indicating that John Clarke died before that date.
1822-1826 Douglas, a child of Betty, was born between the time John Clarke wrote his will and it was recorded.
07 SEP 1824 Edward Joseph Folkes, son of William Folkes, wrote the last codicil to his will. The will provided that his wife would have the use of his slaves until his youngest child became 14. If his wife died or remarried before the youngest child became 14 the will provided that the slaves were to be hired out until the youngest child became 14, and “as soon as that takes place, such of said slaves as have attained the age of twenty five years; it is my will that they be liberated. I do hereby give them and those thereafter born their freedom forever, and each of them as then shall be under the age of twenty five years I give each of them and their increase their freedom forever as they shall severally arrive to the age of twenty five years as aforesaid, and provided it be the wish of said liberated slaves or either of them to leave the place of their nativity with a view to better their situation then and in that case It is my will that each one so determined be furnished with a Certificate or register of he, her, or their freedom at the expense of my estate, and I do most solemnly request my dear children to extend to them every aid in their power to render the remaining part of their lives as comfortable as possible.” Will was probated 18 NOV 1824. Edward Folkes and his wife Sally S. Crew were the parents of children named: William, Canellum C., Eliza Ann, Sally Henry, Edward J., and Micajah C.
JUN 1825 Date of birth of William Henry Onley according to Massachusetts Town and Vital Records 1620-1988 (Ancestry.com data base) of Chelsea Births. Place of birth is listed as Charles City, Va . His Death Certificate also places his birth in 1825, although other records place his birth in 1829 (marriage license), 1835 (1880 Census), and (enlistment in US Navy), 1838 (Find-A-Grave listing for his headstone). John Clarke’s inventory of slaves does not list a William unless William Henry is the same person as the child Douglas. Thus, if the date is correct John Clark must have died before June 1825, even though his will was not filed until July 1826, otherwise William Henry would have been born enslaved.
JUL 1826 By this date Betty was a free woman.
11 DEC 1824 Inventory of estate of Edward Folkes, lists one Negro man Watt valued at $400, and a woman Lillyanna valued at $200.
DEC 1826 Inventory of estate of John Clarke filed in Charles City County. Will lists Watt ($150), Betty and child Douglass, Betty emancipated by the will ($250) (indicating that Douglass would remain enslaved), and Nancy ($250). Inventory does not Include Saloma, indicating she may have died. (Inventory also includes slaves prospectively emancipated by William Clark, namely Jenny ($100), Rhoda ($50), Lucy and child Peter ($300) and Charles Cary ($300).) Peter, the child of Lucy born after William Clarke’s death would have been one of the plaintiffs in Ellis v. Jenny & others, 2 VA 623 (Ct. App. 1844), which held that the children born to slaves emancipated by will of William Clarke upon the death of his wife were slaves and not free persons.
26 MAY 1827 Ann Clarke’s deed emancipating Rhoda is filed. The deed states that Rhoda is “one of the slaves held by me during my life under the Will of William Clarke … which said woman (Rhoda) is to be free under the said William Clarke’s will at my death.” Rhoda is described as a “woman of dark complexion about five feet two and a half inches high and about thirty six years of age.” Rhoda’s age is very significant because she would have been only about two years old when William Clarke wrote his will. Clarke’s will made alternate provisions for family members to have Charles, Jenny and Rhoda if his wife died before they came of age (when they might lawfully be emancipated). Thus, it appears that Clarke emancipated one adult (Lucy) and three children (Charles, Jenny and Rhoda). The 1850 Census for the City of Petersburg includes a 60-year-old black woman named Rhoda Green who appears to be the same Rhoda. She has a 17-year-old Mary in her household.
8 DEC 1827 Betty petitioned the Virginia General Assembly for permission to remain in the Commonwealth until her husband and daughter would be free. Petition stated that she was 30 years old (born 1797), that she was emancipated by John Clarke, that she has a daughter also emancipated by Clarke when she arrives at the age of 18 which she will reach in August 1835, that her husband has been emancipated by the will of Edward Folkes and will be free in DEC 1835. Note petition mentions only one daughter. Also note the date of Nancy’s emancipation is different from the date in John Clarke’s will (18 AUG 1836).
Patsy (Green) Bassett, who was also emancipated under John Clarke’s will, also petitioned for permission to stay until her daughters Winney and Eliza Ann were free. She also mentioned an aging mother (probably Amey listed as an old woman and valued at $1 in Clarke’s inventory) and a husband in bondage (probably Burwell Bassett who was not emancipated by Clarke). Her petition was endorsed by most of John Clarke’s heirs and a few influential neighbors. Despite the endorsements her petition was also turned down.
1832 Betty and Patty Green were prosecuted for remaining in the Commonwealth.
20 DEC 1832 Ann Leonard Clark, widow of both William and John Clarke, wrote her will. The long-lived Ann’s will made no reference to the emancipation of William Clarke’s slaves that was to take place on her death. Instead, she left for Jenny 50$ for her good conduct and to Henry, Abraham, Joshua and William, 10$ each. The residuary legatees were the children of her brother Samuel Leonard and John Ellis’s two children Fielding and Mary Ellis.
1833 Charles City List of Free Negroes and Mulattoes does not include any persons with the surname Only/Onley.
1834 Henry Only was born according to the age provided in 1850 Census and date by which he must have been born to be 21 when married in 1856. John Edward and Henry may have been twins.
27 JUN 1834 Betty was convicted of the charge and sold back into slavery. Patsy Green (Bassett) was also convicted and sold.
7 JUL 1834 Peter Crew, brother-in-law of Rev. Edward Folkes, purchased Betty.
OCT 1834 John Edward Onley was born (date according to 1900 Census listing for self) in Richmond, VA (according to and death certificates of sons Nathaniel and John Edward) in Jamestown, VA (according to published obituary) and in Charles City (according to the Editor of the Richmond Planet). As noted above, John Edward and Henry may have been twins. Technically, both also may been born enslaved to Peter Crew.
DEC 1835 Watt Sr. became a free man according to Betty’s petition.
18 AUG 1836 Nancy became free according to the date in John Clarke’s will.
06 SEP 1836 Charles Joseph (also Joseph Charles) Onley was born according to information in his Australian Statutory Declaration for Naturalization signed 05 JUL 1909. His age is listed as 72. His place of birth is listed as Richmond, State of Virginia, Country of America. His Australian residency is listed as 50 years, indicating arrival in 1859. His railway employee record card lists his date of birth as 18 SEP 1837. Other records also place his birth in 1837. Note: Charles Joseph is the only child who clearly was born enslaved to Peter Crew.
15 MAR 1838 Commonwealth v. Nancy Grand Jury Presentment New summons del’d. This note in the Court Minutes suggests that the Grand Jury had issued a Presentment to Nancy for remaining in the Commonwealth.
21 APR 1838 Saloma (surname unknown) became a free person according to the will of John Clarke, assuming she survived to that date.
15 AUG 1839 Commonwealth v. Nancy Prest New Sums del’d (Presentment? New summons delivered?) This note in the Court Minutes suggests that Nancy was found within the county and the summons was delivered to her.
1839 Peter Crew was prosecuted for allowing his enslaved man Daniel Irby to trade as a free person. He was found guilty and fined $39.00.
MAR 1840 Eliza Ann Bassett, daughter of Patsy Bassett, was convicted of remaining in the Commonwealth and was ordered to be sold.
19 JUL 1840 Miss Sally Henry Folkes, youngest daughter of Rev. Edward Folkes, died at 23 at the residence of Robert L. Irby.
24 DEC 1842 Watt Only, Jr. became a free man according to John Clarke’s will. Note this date differs from the date in the Information which is 10 NOV 1844.
28 NOV 1842 Rebecca Clarke of Broomfield, widow of Micajah Clarke and daughter-in-law of John Clarke wrote the codicil to her will. The will leaves “my two old and faithful servants Billy Buck and his wife Milly” to her daughter Ann Rebecca Willcox, with the proviso that they are to remain at Broomfield during their lives “to take care of it, and for them to be well taken care of.” She also gave to her daughter Ann Ellick and Adam for life and then to such child of John J. Clarke as she should determine, with the proviso that she wished Adam to remain at Broomfield with his father and mother for two years. Boys George and Albert to son John for life and then to grandsons John Archer and Micajah. A girl Amey was given to son John and after his death to granddaughter Ann Rebecca. Servants Billy and Milly were to be given “a sufficiency of pork” for life. She also requested that her son John purchase from his brother-in-law Thomas Willcox his right to her “very faithful servant” Jesse so that he might remain with John to whom he was attached. Will was probated 19 JAN 1843.
1844ca. Elizabeth Frances Whitehead is born, a child of Mary “Polly Whitehead and Watt Only, Sr. She died 8 FEB 1896.
1844 Decision entered by the Virginia Court of Appeals in the matter of Ellis v. Jenny & others, 2 VA 623 (Ct. App. 1844), holding the children born to slaves emancipated by will of William Clarke upon the death of his wife were slaves and not free persons.
1844 Watt, Jr. is listed for the first time in the Charles City County Personal Property Tax Roll. He is listed every year thereafter (except in 1847) through 1863.
20 AUG 1845 Commonwealth v. Nancy, Dick & Moses Prests Nolle prosequi entd by leave of the Court (presentments not prosecuted by leave of the court). Note: Nancy was again prosecuted seven years after the first presentment, indicating she was still in Charles City.
NOV 1845 Charles City Grand Jury summons Watt, a free Negro emancipated since the first day of May 1806, for remaining within the Commonwealth of Virginia “to wit in the county of Charles City.”
18 NOV 1845 Information filed indicating that Watt was emancipated by the last will and testament of John Clark (meaning Watt, Jr.) and that he had committed the offense by remaining in Charles City County from 12 months after he turned 21 (10 NOV 1844) until the date of the information. Jacket reads “not guilty” & issue joined & Cont. 18 MAY (1846) Nole prosequi (sounds like he plead not guilty the matter was continued and the next year not prosecuted)
1845 Sarah E. Onley, daughter of William H. Onley and Rose (Wren) was born in Virginia according to her MA Death Certificate. May have been 1846 according to her age in 1850 Census where she is listed as Sally A. E. Wren (evidently the surname of her mother).
1845 William Only is listed for the first time on the Charles City County Personal Property Tax Roll. He is also listed in 1846, but not in following years.
After APR 1846 Commonwealth v. Watt and Tom Johnson 1846 note of John L. Walker Coro(ner) says executed on Tom Johnson, Watt not found.
1847 Frederick E. Onley, son of William H. and Rose Wren was born in Richmond, VA. City according to his enlistment record. Date according to his age in 1860 Census. Date might be 1848 based on age in 1850 census where he is listed as E.F. Wren (evidently the surname of his mother).
5 AUG 1848 John Selden paid Watt $6.00 and Betsy $4.87 as hirelings for the harvest at Westover.
26 AUG 1848 Decatur Whitehead, son of Mary “Polly” Whitehead and Watt Only, Sr. was born. Decatur died 27 JUN 1919.
1849ca Cornelius Whitehead, son of Mary “Polly” Whitehead and Watt Only, Sr. was born. Cornelius died in 1912.
1850 U.S. Census of Charles City County, Watt Only (Watt, Jr.) is listed as 25, head of household including Julia A. Goins (25) and Susan Goins (age 3). (Note: Watt, Jr. might be the father of Susan Goins, however, no marriage record has been located for her to confirm her parentage and in the 1860 Census she is listed with the surname Charles.) Henry Only (16) (born ca 1834) is in the household of Mary Whitehead (37) (a white woman) with her mulatto children Elizabeth (6), Decatur (2) and Cornelius (1). In the 1850 Census it appears that Polly might have been living on land owned by William Folkes, son of Edward.) Mildred Green (20 years old and mulatto) is living in a household headed by Smallwood Bradby, along with children Martha (born 1848) and Mary (2 months old). Not located in the 1850 Census anywhere: Watt, Sr., Nancy, and Charles Joseph.
1850 U.S. Census of Henrico County, VA William Onley is listed as William Armley (22 mulatto carpenter), wife Louisa (25 mulatto) children Sally A.E. Wren (4 mulatto), and E.F. Wren (2 male mulatto). Also in the household is Susan Hill (17 black), possibly a sister-in-law.
1850 U.S. Slave Census of Henrico County, VA. Peter Crew, resident of the Western District of Henrico County, was taxed for 1 female slave aged 56. The appears to be Betty, and none of her children are listed.
1850 U.S. Census of Philadelphia, PA Household of Elizabeth M. Parsons (62 Virginia born) includes Benjamin J. Crew (22 Druggist, Virginia born) Jacob L. Crew (20) and John Onley (14, mulatto and Virginia born). Note age should be 16 according to other records. Benjamin and Jacob Crew were nephews of Sally Folkes, wife of Edward Folkes.
With his brother Jacob (Crew Brothers and Company), he built two chemical manufacturing factories and an oil refinery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Later, they built the Belmont Oil Works, at the time the largest in the United States .
1851 Charles City List of Free Negroes & Mulattoes in the County above the age of 12 years. Watt Only (31) (laborer) is the single person of that surname listed.
1851ca Elijah Whitehead, son of Mary “Polly” Whitehead and Watt Only. Sr. was born. Elijah died before 1880.
DEC 1852 William H. Onley, Jr. (son of William H. and Louisa) born in Richmond, VA according to information in MA death certificate.
1854ca Mary A. Whitehead, a daughter of Mary “Polly” Whitehead and Watt Only, Sr. was born.
1855 Henry Onley married Mary Elizabeth Jackson in Charles City County. Had to be 21 to marry which would have made him born ca 1834. At the time of the 1850 Census 13-year-old Mary Elizabeth had been living in the household of Joseph Folkes, brother of Edward Folkes. Henry and Mary Elizabeth named their children: Willie, Charles D., and Benjamin.
23 FEB 1855 A William H. Onley signed a U.S. Seamen’s Protection Certificate in Philadelphia, PA, attesting that John Smith was a citizen and native of Wilmington, DE. John Smith was described has having a Sambo complexion, indicating he was a black man. If this person was our William Henry, the fact that he was accepted as a witness suggests he might have been a seaman, although no Protection Certificate has been located for him. It also appears that John Edward was a merchant seaman. His obituary stated that he had traveled much before moving to Jacksonville, FL and that he had been to the West Indies and to Central and South America. No Protection Certificate has been found for John Edward, either.
1855 Henry Only appears for the first time in the Charles City Personal Property Tax List. He appears yearly until 1862, indicating that he and family probably moved away in that year.
08 JAN 1856 William H. Onley, Jr., (son of William H. and 1st wife Louisa) age 3 years 11 months, born in Richmond, VA died of smallpox in Boston, MA.
17 FEB 1856 Sally Ledbetter Folkes (nee Crew) died in Henrico County, VA– burial Richmond, Richmond City, Virginia.
24 MAY 1856 Charles (Joseph) Onley, age 19 (1837) 5 foot 8 ½ inches, yellow complexion, dark brown hair, and olive eyes, and born in Richmond, VA was issued a U.S. Seamen’s Protection Certificate at the Port of Philadelphia.
JUL 1856 Martha Onley (daughter of William H. and 1st wife Louisa) was born in Virginia according to her MA Death Certificate. (It doesn’t seem possible that a child would die in Boston in January and another child would be born in Virginia in July. The 1860 Census lists her as born in MA which makes more sense.
19 DEC 1856 Smallwood Bradby, Jr. married Pamela Crawley, demonstrating that he was no longer cohabiting with Mildred Green.
1855-1856 William H. and Louisa left Virginia and moved to Boston, along with children Sarah, Frederick, William H., and possibly Martha. Another child Saloma was born in Boston, MA. All the children except Frederick were dead by 1864 when Louisa also died.
16 MAR 1857 Julia Goins married Jeffrey Charles, demonstrating that she was no longer cohabiting with Watt Only, Jr.
MAR 1857 Commonwealth v. Ben, William, Sollomon, Candis, Henry Only The defendants in these cases appeared in discharge of their several recognizances and on their motion by their attorneys the several indictments proffered vs. them are quashed and the defendants discharged.
12 SEP 1857 Lucinda “Seiny Whitehead, daughter of Mary “Polly Whitehead” and Watt, Sr. was born. She died 22 SEP 1920.
4 OCT 1857 Charles D. Only (son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Jackson) was born in Charles City County. Birth was reported by Watt Sr. “Hd of Fam.” (Note: he is not described as grandfather.) This listing follows immediately after the listing for Lucy Whitehead (born Sep. 1857) whose birth was reported by her mother Mary Whitehead.
NOV 1857 Saloma Francis Green (daughter of Mildred Green and Watt Only, Jr.) was born in Charles City County. Birth month and year confirmed by 1900 census.
DEC 1857 Mildred Green bound out children Martha age 11 and Ely age 5 (born @ 1852) to Robert McCurdy). (Martha and Eli are thought to be the children of Smallwood Bradby, but Elias could be a son of Watt, Jr.)
Ca 1858 Harriet Only (daughter of Mildred Green and Watt Only, Jr.) was born in Charles City County. (She is listed as 1 year old in 1860 census, 13 years old in 1870 census and born in AUG 1846 in the 1900 census.)
18 FEB 1858 Henry Only petitioned the Charles City Court for permission to stay in the Commonwealth. The matter was continued to the next term of court.
20 JUL 1858 John A. Selden of Westover records in his journal that he “Paid Watt Onley’s wife for loading carts 5 days $2 50.”
11 AUG 1858 Watt Only paid by John Selden for 18 days work at $.75 per day.
19 AUG 1858 John A. Selden of Westover records in his journal that he “Paid Watt Onley and wife for same before $16.00.” (Apparently refers to earlier sentence “Paid off rest of my hirelings for threshing wheat.”)
1859 Benjamin Only (son of Henry) born in Charles City County
04 JUL 1859 Sally Henry Only born in Charles City County according to Death Certificate, a daughter of Watt Only and Sally Hampton (rather than Mildred Green).
15 DEC 1859 Ann Green died in Charles City County, listed as born 1859, daughter of Mildred Green. Ann and Sally Henry might have been twins.
04 APR 1859 Benjamin W. Only was born in Charles City County (son of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Jackson), Henry is described as a salesman, birth was reported by the mother.
1860 Census of Charles City County Watt Only, Jr. (48) (instead of 38) is head of household with Mildred Green (28) and children Martha (13), Saloma (3), Elias (10) and Harriet (1). Which of these children were fathered by Watt, Jr. is still being determined based on DNA matches. (Note: Sally Henry is missing, as is Mary who was listed in the 1850 Census. Note also: Household of Robert McCurdy also lists Elias Green (5) and Martha (12).) Mary Whitehead (50) is head of household including her children Betsy (16), Cato (13), Cornelius (10), Elijah (8), Mary A. and (6), Seiny (4), as well as Watt Only (65) (born @ 1795). Henry Only (27 mulatto) is listed with wife Mary and three children Willie (7) (born@ 1853), Charles (5) (born @ 1855), Benjamin (3) (born @ 1857). (Note: this listing shows a child (Willie) born before Henry and Mary were married and whose birth does not appear in the CCC Birth Register.)
1860 Census of Brooklyn, NY John E. Onley (25 and a porter) listed as head of household with wife (Mary) and son Duglas W. Onley (3 and born in New Jersey). John Edward named children by first and second wife: Douglas Watson, Nathaniel B., Anna Mitchell, Frederick A., Joseph and Carrrie.
1860 Census of Suffolk, MA William H. is listed as 26, mulatto and a carpenter. Listed with him are his wife Louisa, and children Sarah (15), Frederick (13) and Martha (4).
20 MAR 1860 Saloma Onley (daughter of William H. and 1st wife Louisa) age 11 months, born in MA died of dropsy of the brain in Boston, MA.
23 JUN 1860 Betsy Onley paid $4.00 for working the wheat harvest at Westover.
AUG 1860 Charles Joseph Onley listed as a deserter from the British cargo ship Edward Thornhill., which had left London 13 FEB 1860 and docked in Adelaide 26 JUN 1860.FEB 1861 Charles Joseph Onley listed as a deserter from the British cargo ship Countess of Fife, which sailed from London 19 SEP 1860 and arrived in Adelaide 03 JAN 1861. It appears that Charles Joseph had signed on to the Countess of Fife in Adelaide, but never boarded and had not commenced as a crew member so he was not a deserter. The record shows that a Charles Only, aged 23, born in the USA, previous ship Edward Thornhill, not literate (he made his mark on the agreement rather than sign his name), signed on at Adelaide 31st January 1861 in the capacity of AB., for a wage of 4 pounds, 10 shillings per month.
24 SEP 1861 Martha Onley (daughter of William H. and 1st wife Louisa), 5 years 2 months old, born in Virginia, died of typhoid fever in Boston, MA.
30 DEC 1861 William H. Onley, age 23 (born 1838) Richmond, VA, light mulatto, carpenter, 5’10” enlisted in US Navy at New York for 3-year term as a landsman. Served on USS Onward.
US Naval Enlistments at New York Tuesday 31st December 1861. William H Onley age 30 years, born Richmond VA, Carpenter. 5’ 10.1/4”. (Birthdate would be 1831).
13 JAN 1862 Charles Joseph Onley married Mary Ann Abbott in Adelaide, South Australia. Marriage license lists age as 24 (born 1837) and father as Watson Onley. No mother is listed. Mary Ann was a white woman and her descendants have identified themselves as white. Charles Joseph worked as a porter on the railways. Charles Joseph and Mary Ann named their children: Maria Elizabeth, Arthur Joseph, Eliza Jane, Ada May, Charles Simeon (called) Henry, Walter Charles, William Albert (called Frederick/Frank), Eva Ethel, and John Watson.
02 APR 1862 Sarah E. Onley (Sally A.E. Wren), daughter of William H. and Rose Wren died in Boston, MA
13-16 JUL 1863 John Edward was rescued by Abolitionist friends during the great Draft/Race Riot in N.Y. City according to his published obituary.
1863 Charles City County Personal Property Tax list shows Watt Jr. as a tithable and shows Watt Only’s estate as including 2 cattle, 3 pigs, and household and kitchen furniture valued at $50. This indicates Watt Sr. died in Charles City in 1863. Note: this is the first time Watt, Sr. is listed in the Personal Property Tax Roll, even though he was listed as a resident in the 1860 Census with $40 in personal property. Henry no longer appears in the tax list indicating he and his family had moved out of the county.
24 JAN 1864 Louisa Onley, (age 39) wife of William H. Onley, died in Boston, MA.
23 SEP 1864 Frederick E. Onley, son of William H., enlisted in 55th Massachusetts Infantry at Boston, MA. Age listed as 21, born Richmond, VA. Age was probably closer to 16 based on his age at the time of the 1860 Census or 15 based on his age at the time of the 1850 Census.
20 JUN 1865 William H. Onley was discharged from US Navy.
12 AUG 1865
29 AUG 1865 Frederick E. Onley was mustered out of the Infantry. (This is the last record for him that has been found.)
25 APR 1866 Case of Henry Onley vs. Thad Fitcher filed in Virginia Freedman’s Bureau Court. Henry, the plaintiff says that the defendant shot at him without cause. A summons was issued and ordered for hearing on the above date. (Note also: this is the last record that has been found for Henry.)
10 AUG 1866 Watson Only, Jr. married in Charles City to Susan Hughes, listed as 46 (born in 1820) and single. Parents listed as Walter and Betsy Only. Watt, Jr. and Susan were the parents of a daughter named Louisa who was born about 1861. It appears that Mildred Green probably died after the census was taken in 1860 and Watt took up with Susan who raised Mildred Green’s motherless children.
30 NOV 1867 William H. Onley married Rachel Lamb in Boston, MA, listed as 38, (born in 1829) carpenter, born in Richmond, VA, father’s name Walt Onley, mother’s name Elizabeth.
22 OCT 1867 Watt Only, Jr. is listed as a Colored Voter in District No. 1 (Harrison District). Somewhat surprisingly, he is NOT listed in the Personal Property Tax List for 1867.
1870 U.S. Census of Charles City, VA Watt Only, listed as 67 (should be 49). Also, in the household wife Susy (40), Sally Henry (11), Harriet (13) and Louisa (9).
1870 U.S. Census of Elizabeth City County, VA the children of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Only (Willie described as black and age 13, Charlie described as black and age 10 and Benjamin described as black and age 6) are in the household of Robert Thomas and Eliza Owens Thomas with the surname Thomas. The boys were probably orphaned and taken in by this couple. The surname Thomas suggests there might be a connection to Charles City, although it’s not clear what that might be. Robert Thomas, age 73 and born in Hampton, VA son of Matthew and Ellen Thomas, was married 09 DEC 1867 in Norfolk, VA to Eliza Owens, age 42 and born in Elizabeth City, VA, the daughter of Ted and Agnie Owens. He was widowed, she was single.
1870 U.S. Census of Chelsea, MA, William H. Onley, listed as 42, (born 1828) white (rather than mulatto) Jour. Carpenter, also in household wife Rachel (34) and William R., age 10 born in Virginia. William R. may have been a child of Rachel’s who was adopted by William H. He is not in their household in the 1880 Census and no further record of him has been found.
1870 U.S. Census of Henrico, VA, 4 Only children are listed in the household of 59-year-old Phillip King, Margaret (15) born about 1855, Mary J. (13) born about 1857, Barbara (11) born about 1859 and Ella (9) born about 1861. The household also includes 58-year-old James Hill. Margaret married James Thomas Dickerson whose descendants DNA match with the Onleys. When Margaret married, she listed her father as William. However, William Henry was living in Boston, MA when most of these children were born. Also, the four children do not appear in earlier census, suggesting they were enslaved. Perhaps they were children of Watt’s sister Lucy who was given to Elisha Folkes or his sister Diannah who was given to Anthony K. Irby.
1870 U.S. Census of Jacksonville, Duval FL. John Edward Onley listed as Edward J Oromly age 33, birth date abt 1837, birthplace Virginia. A carpenter living in Jacksonville, Duval, Florida. Household members Annie M Shanks age 30, Watson Douglas age 13, Reverly M Oromly age 11 and Annie M Oromly age 9.
01 NOV 1870 John Edward Onley married his second wife (Victoria Brown) in Jacksonville, FL.
25 AUG 1878 Harriet Onley married James Jones in Henrico Co. Age listed as 22 (born ca 1856), parents Walt and Susan Onley. (Probably a reference to Sarah Hughes Only, wife of Watt Jr. who raised the children of Mildren Green.)
26 DEC 1878 Saloma Frances Green married Jerry Jones, age 22 (born about 1856). Parents listed as Watt and Mildred Green.
1880 U.S. Census of Elizabeth City County, VA two of Henry and Mary Elizabeth’s children were still living in the household of Robert and Fannie Thomas. In this census they are listed with the surname Harronly and described as sons-in-law (rather than adopted sons). Charles is described as 24, mulatto and a factory worker. Benjamin is described as 22, mulatto and a factory worker.
1880 U.S. Census of Boston, MA William H. Onley, listed as age 45 (born 1835), janitor born in VA. Also in the house is his wife Rachel (40).
1880 U.S. Census of Jacksonville, FL John E. listed as 46, mulatto, with wife Victoria and children Nathaniel B., Anna M., Carrie A., Frederick A., and Joseph.
12 MAR 1880 Douglass Watson Onley (son of John Edward and Mary J. R. Onley) married Ella Louise Drayton in Manhattan, NY
23 FEB 1882 Sally Henry Only married in Charles City, listed as single, age 22 (birth in 1860), father listed as Henry (rather than Watt) and mother listed as Sally (rather than Mildred).
19 DEC 1882 William H. Onley died in Jacksonville, FL where he had been a resident for 5 weeks. Age listed as 57 (1825). William H. presumably moved to Florida to work in John Edward’s construction business or because he knew he was dying. It provides evidence that the two were brothers.
1885 Florida State Census for Jacksonville, FL E. (John Edward) Only listed as age 48 and white (rather than mulatto) with wife Vic, Cami, and John E. (It appears the child named Joseph was later named John Edward, Jr.)
17 JUL 1890 Judith (Saloma Francis) Only Jones married Charles Person (Percy) in Charles City County. She is listed as 34 (born ca 1856), a daughter of Watt & Mildred Only.
09 DEC 1890 Rachel Only, widow of William H. Only, filed for a Navy Widow’s pension. Application lists no dependent children.
23 SEP 1899 John Mitchell, Jr., Editor of the Richmond Planet wrote about his travels in the South. He visited John Edward Onley (whose name is misspelled) in Jacksonville, FL., noting that John Edward owned 23 houses, and hosted guests from Savannah, St. Louis, Chicago, Little Rock, Chicago, Hot Springs, St. Augustine, and Cincinnati whom the Editor met at a gathering at his home.
27 OCT 1894 Harriet E. (Only) Jones married Marcellus James in Henrico County. She is described as a 35-year-old widow and the daughter of Watt Undley and Mildred Undley.
1900 U.S. Census of Charles City County, VA lists Frances (Saloma Francis) Person as black and born NOV 1857. Her children are Joseph H. Jones, Delaware Jones, Emeline Jones, Malachi Jones, Harriet Jones, Mary F. Person, Charles Anna Person, William A. Person, Braxton A. Person, and Thomas B. Person.
1900 U.S. Census of Henrico County, VA lists Harriet (Only) James as black and born in AUG 1846. She is listed with children Elizabeth James, Martha James, David James, James Jones and Charles Jones.
1900 U.S. Census of Jacksonville FL Lists John E, Onley as 65 with a birth in Oct. 1834.
08 DEC 1904 Benjamin Onley (son of Henry) married in Hampton, VA., listed as single, age 45 (birth in 1859) with birthplace as Elizabeth City County, VA (rather than Charles City County).
16 APR 1905 John Edward Onley died in Jacksonville, FL. Obituary states he was born in Jamestown, VA 71 years ago (1834). He was by trade a carpenter and freeborn. He had two uncles who were soldiers in the American Army victorious at Yorktown. He had relatives in the War of 1812, in the Civil War and a son in the Spanish-American War. He was in New York when the Great Race riot broke out in 1863 and was rescued by Abolitionist friends. He had traveled widely to the West Indies and to Central and South America. He had a great tenor singing voice. Internment in Duval Cemetery.
19 MAR 1922 Charles Joseph Onley died in South Australia. The certificate indicates he was 85 years of age, a resident for 65 years and died of a cerebral hemorrhage. His place of birth is listed as South America (possibly southern part of U.S.).
18 MAY 1926 John Edward Onley (son of John Edward) died, listed as 36 (birth 20 OCT 1890), father’s place of birth given as Richmond, VA.
26 APR 1929 Nathaniel Onley (son of John Edward) died in Jacksonville, FL, age 40 (birth in 1889 in Newark), NJ, lists father’s place of birth as Richmond, VA.
27 APR 1936 Sally Henry Only Webb died in Charles City, Death Certificate lists her mother’s maiden name as Sally Hampton (rather than Mildred Green). She is buried in the Gilfield Baptist Church Cemetery.
Individuals who might have been the subject of the commentary in John Edward Onley’s obituary regarding “uncles” who served in the Rev. War, relatives who served in the War of 1812 and the Civil War, and a son who served in the Spanish American War.
Revolutionary War
John Edward Onley’s obituary stated that he had two uncles who served in the Revolutionary War. Many Free blacks and mulattoes from Charles City served in the Revolutionary War, but it is difficult to imagine how they might be related. First, both Watt and Betty were born about 20 years after the war, so the relatives must have been either great uncles or great-great uncles. Second, the men who served were freeborn before 1776 and before it became legal to emancipate slaves in 1782. Thus, it is difficult to imagine how either Watt or Betty, both born of an enslaved woman, would have freeborn relatives unless, for example, it was through a grandfather or great grandfather. The most likely candidates are Isaac Brown, who owned property adjoining the Mons Sacre property purchased by John Clark, Freeman Brown, who may have been a father of Isaac Brown, or William Thomas. The last of these, William Thomas, was a personal servant to Gen. Peter Muhlenburg and was present at the surrender at Yorktown. William Thomas owned property that he sold to Edward Folkes.
Since writing the original timeline an enslaved man who might be the ancestor has occurred to me. In reminiscences delivered at Charles City Court House George Christian mentioned an enslaved man named Billy Bashop (“Uncle Billy) who served as a bodyguard for some general in the Revolutionary War. Billy Bashop was enslaved by Thomas Willcox at North Bend at the time of his death. Previously, I had discounted Judge Christian’s remarks because Billy’s reported age at the time of his death made him too young to have served. I believed that Christian got his “Uncle Billy’s” confused and that the reference was really to William Thomas. However, it occurs to me now that Thomas Willcox was married to John Clark’s granddaughter and Billy might have been earlier enslaved by John Clark. If so, Billy Bashop might be one of the “uncles” who served in the Revolutionary War.
If the reference is to white ancestors these appear to be the most likely ones:
Sgt. John Knibb – father of Catherine Folkes, wife of William Folkes (possible father of Watt Only, Sr.)
Capt. Christopher Roane – father of Rebecca Clarke, wife of Micajah Clarke and daughter-in-law of John Clarke (possible father of Betty Only).
Samuel Leonard –brother of Ann Leonard, widow of both William Clarke and John Clarke (possible father of Betty)
Edward Clarke – brother of William Clarke of Colesville.
War of 1812
John Edward Onley’s obituary also states that he had relatives who served in the War of 1812. This necessarily is a reference to white ancestors because persons of color did not serve in the War of 1812 from Virginia. The most likely reference is to:
Elisha F. Folkes – brother of Edward Folkes. If William Folkes was the father of Watt, Sr., Elisha would have been his half-brother.
Civil War
William Henry Onley – US Navy – brother of John Edward Onley
Frederick E. Onley – 55th Massachusetts Infantry – nephew of John Edward Onley
Spanish American War
Frederick A. Onley –10th U. S. Volunteer Infantry Colored – son of John Edward Onley
Our Family History 