When Robert Bailey left Mr. Brooken, he was fifteen years of age. He was accompanied by a friend for the first day on horses. But the next day the friend returned with the horses and Robert had then to walk. His objective was to go to Maryland to see his mother. As he walked, Robert was cautious for he was afraid that he might be taken up as a run away apprentice. In Leesburg, he stayed with Rev. Littlejohn, a friend of his mother.
Robert crossed over to Montgomery Co., Maryland, by ferry and was reunited with his mother and sister (actually two sisters) after an absence of almost six years. His mother wanted Robert to stay and help with crops. Robert agreed to do so. The labor was supplied by Cropwood, Robert, and his sister. They raised tobacco, corn, and oats. Whenever there was a break for wet weather or just resting the horses, Robert studied with help by his mother. The crops did well and Robert sold his share for $400 with which he bought a horse, saddle, bridle, watch, and clothes.
There was a dancing school which held a dance. Robert met a Miss Nancy Vears, the daughter of Col. Vears. They visited at home, went to church, and continued to see each other. At time they were sixteen and fourteen years of age. They spoke of marriage and Robert raised the question with her father but was rebuffed completely, especially because of Robert’s poor economic status. The “children,” to use her father’s phrase, discussed eloping but Robert saw he was in no position to undertake marriage.
Robert agreed to stay one more year with Cropwood. There was a fine crop and Robert forgot about marriage. One day his mother had a quilting party to which Cropwood objected violently. He beat Robert’s mother which Robert saw and he fell upon Cropwood and drubbed him severely. Cropwood left, taking the horses and selling his share of the crop but without paying the rent on the place. The neighbors helped Robert get the crop in which was sold. Robert bought a horse and pursued Cropwood. He found him and Cropwood agreed to return Robert’s horse. At home, everything had been attached to pay the rent. They were left with two horses and their clothing. Robert sold the better horse and packed what they had and left for Virginia to Frederick County.
There, they met a Mr. Cartmill who was a well-to-do elderly widower. He married the elder sister of Robert and the mother and younger sister lived with the Cartmills. Robert went to Rockbridge County where his two brothers lived and were doing well. For one year, Robert was an overseer for Major John Hays but he considered this as too degrading. He resolved then to go to Staunton where he hoped to enter into some business.
(29 Sep 06)
We gratefully acknowledge the work of John Blankenbaker who published over 2,500 Germanna History Notes via the Germanna-L@rootsweb.com email list from 1997 to 2008. We are equally thankful to George Durman (Sgt. George) for hosting the list and republishing the notes via rootsweb.com.