One of the Find-a-Grave photos I sent you was of James Jarrett, Sr. I tried to see if he was in my tree, and he was. I’m not a descendant, and I only had scant information about him, but you might be related and can use this information. Even if I’m not related, I enjoy reading the life stories of the early settlers. The information below was not hard to find on Ancestry.com, so you probably already have it if you’re related. However, other people might enjoy it and find a connection, so I’ll post it here.
Important to note: I am sharing what I found, but I do not have time to verify all the information. Please try to find documentation to make sure you have the right data. His will is on Ancestry.com in the West Virginia wills. That may help.
So, here’s the picture of James Jarrett. I cannot confirm authenticity of the photo or whether the facts are correct. I had Pennsylvania as his birthplace, but I cannot confirm if that is correct.
This is a photo of James Jarrett’s restored house from Saturday Gazette Mail, May 25, 2013.
Source:
The History of West Virginia, Old and New
Published 1923, The American Historical Society, Inc.,
Chicago and New York, Volume II, pp. 643-644
Greenbrier
THE JARRETT FAMILY. In every community there are certain families deserving of particular consideration, some-times because of the prominence of their members, and again on account of the length of time during which the name has been associated with local history. The Jarrett family is one of those of Greenbrier County which can claim distinction on both counts, for it Is one of the oldest in this section, and those bearing the name have been more than ordinarily active along numerous lines.
James Jarrett I came to Greenbrier County in what is now West Virginia, but was then Included in Virginia, in the latter part of the eighteenth century. His first wife be-longed to the Griffith family, and his second one was a Vinson. He was the father of eighteen sons and four daughters born to these two marriages. An extensive land-owner and slave holder, he was a man of large wealth, and the Jarretts of Southeastern West Virginia are descended from him.
From the above brief record of the Jarrett family it is not difficult to determine the reason for classifying it as distinguished. Its members have in each case cited, proven themselves worthy of the approval and emulation of their associates; they have built up large estates and capably managed them; their contributions to the professions have been noteworthy, and as public officials they have been fearless, upright and dependable. In private life they have been equally trustworthy, and the name has become a synonym for integrity and highest ideals.
Source:
Early West Virginia Settlers, 1600-1900's, Greenbrier Pioneers and Their Homes, Old Jarrett House, Page 299-300
Old Jarrett House: The name of Jarrett was early associated with Greenbrier County. The pioneer, James Jarrett I, a French Huguenot, escaping from the Reign of Terror, came from Marseilles France to America, and stopped first in Pennsylvania. Dissatisfied there, he continued on until he had crossed the western mountains into Monroe County (then Greenbrier). There on the banks of Wolf Creek in 1771 he Jarrett's Fort, which on one occasion, during an Indian raid in 1774, had the distinction of being commanded by Daniel Boone. Mr. Jarrett left Wolf Creek in a few years and moved to lands on the banks of Muddy Creek four miles north of Alderson and about a mile from the Blue Sulphur Road, where, on the hillside overlooking the creek, he erected his permanent dwelling. This house, built about 1799, still stands, although its original appearance and proportions have long since been obliterated. The first part of the house was built of logs, followed by a stone wing and the addition of a large stone chimney. Finally it was weather boarded, some of the stone section was covered with plaster, and high above ground a long porch was added across the front.
James Jarrett was twice married, first to Elizabeth Griffey, a devout Presbyterian, who, in spite of Indians still lurking about, was such a conscientious person that her habit was to rise very early on Sunday mornings and walk the twelve miles through the forests, over Muddy Creek Mountain, to church in Lewisburg. She would not ride a horse because she felt the tired horses needed their day of rest--her own day of rest being an unknown luxury no doubt! It is easy to see where some of the characteristics for which the Jarretts are noted were acquired, their perseverance, endurance, and long life. The second wife of Mr. Jarrett was Rosanna Vincent, and, although these wives each bore twelve children, only one son of this enormous family remained in Greenbrier County, James II, who married Ruth Gwinn in 1803. Like his father, he was thrifty and industrious. He added more lands to the large acreage his father had acquired and became even more prosperous. At the beginning of the Civil War he owned over forty slaves, many of whom remained loyal to the family and were given land, and care for some years after the war, until they became adjusted to their new freedom.
The old Jarrett house is still owned by descendants, although by farm tenants, who point out, father up the hill, behind the house, in the vegetable garden, a weathered stone, without name or date, as the grave of the pioneer, James Jarrett I.[rochelleforsytheGED.FTW]
It would be nice to hear more about this settler, so if you have information to add, please comment below.
Karen has supplied further information via email:
Thank you. I am descended from James' sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was my 5th great grandmother on my Snuffer (Schnaufer) line. I have her born in Pennsylvania on Sept. 20, 1753. She married Johann George Snauffer, Sr. about 1770 (his name later became "Americanized" to George Snuffer, Sr.) . She was his first wife. She died on Nov. 22, 1791 and is buried at the Salem Primitive Baptist Church, Copper Hill, VA. George Snuffer, Sr. moved to Claiborne Co., TN and served as a Sheriff there for two terms, but was also listed as a farmer, innkeeper, and stage coach driver! He is buried on what was his farm in Old Town Creek, Claiborne Co., TN. He is listed as a Revolutionary War Veteran and has a Revolutionary Veterans gravestone.
George was born in Renningen, Germany and immigrated with his parents to Pennsylvania in 1751. Presumably that is where he met and married Elizabeth Jarrett. George Snuffer, Sr. and Elizabeth's sons, George, Jr. and Jacob, eventually move to what is now Raleigh County. George, Jr.'s descendants became the Bolt, WV Snuffers and Jacob's became the Glen White/Crab Orchard, WV Snuffers.
I have James Jarrett, Sr. as Elizabeth's older brother, and I also have him born in Berks Co., Pennsylvania, but in abt. 1746 and his death in June, 1822 in Greenbrier Co., VA. I have attached a photo taken from a county history book (unfortunately I have lost the name of it and it's author). It appears to be the same photo as the findagrave photo, but has a bit more info. I also have the following information on James:
James Jarrett left Wolf Creek in 1787 and moved a few miles north on the banks of Muddy Creek, six miles north of Alderson, the house that was built in 1799 still stands and is owned by his descendants. James Jarrett is buried upon the hill in the garden behind the house, a weathered stone marks the grave of the Pioneer James Jarrett.
James and Elizabeth were children of David Jarrett (1712 - 1761) and Margaret Mary O'Conner Jarrett (1715 - 1798). Margaret was born in Ireland and died in Bucks Co., PA. David's parents were John Jarrett (1695 - 1755) and Nancy Foster Jarrett. (no other info available on Nancy Foster.
I am a 2nd great granddaughter of Miriam JARRETT, wife of John Paddy Huddleston. Miriam JARRETT is a sister of James Jarrett, I believe. Laura Morrison