Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, December 16, 1826

[Peggy Bradfute [at or near New London, Virginia], to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, Rose Mills,] Nelson County, Virginia, December 16, 1826. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                                     December 16 1826
Dear Sally

I have just time to write a few lines as I only received your Letter at knight [night]; I was much pleased to hear that Mr. Massie's Health is better & sorry to hear you are still crazy as to Blair Sermons I have not seen nor heard of them; but hope you will not think about them, or get me another as they may cast up; if not I only value them for the giver's Sake.

I now inclose [enclose] you a receipt [recipe] for your Mama. Give my very best love to her & I was very Sorry to hear she had pas'd such a hard sentance [sentence] upon my expression; as to ingratitude I hope I have not a particle. [T]o convince her I ever bear you all in mind I now send her the receipt [recipe] promis'd her; never being able to obtain it until now; tell her if noth[ing] happens perhaps I may still pay Nelson a visit & to have the pleasure of tasting some of the Cake made by this receipt [recipe].

I feel much indebted to my Nelson Friends for their great kindness; & the only compensation I can offer is my . . . constant intercession at a throne of grace for their Present & future wellfare [welfare].

Grace has just returned home sends her love to you all.

I heard from Frances a few days ago she was well; but some of her children were sick. I see her but seldom to my sorrow as it is rather far to walk.

[Y]ou surprise me much when you speak of Sally Rice as Fanny Housekeeper as I have never heard of any but Miss Endee.

I heard Lucy say Frances wanted to get Miss R. I fear I am too late that the jentlemen [gentlemen] is gown [gone].

                            love to every Body
                                               P Bradfute 

[Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Peggy Bradfute = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), a daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816). Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) was one of her sisters. Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), one of Peggy's brothers, married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg. Alexander Tompkins (1784-1864) acquired Davidson Bradfute's house, in the vicinity of New London, Virginia, after the latter's death, and was Head Cashier at the same bank. Among these folks would have been possible candidates for portraits by Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866).

Because the Bradfutes keep showing up in letters from this period, here is an additional overview. All years approximate.

Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) from Scotland, married Sarah Irvine (1757-1807).

Their children included: 

Elizabeth Bradfute (1779-1861)
Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831)
Lillias Bradfute (1781-1849)
Archibald Bradfute (1786-1865)
Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (1788-1833)
Grace Bradfute (1792-1855)
Robert "Bob" Bradfute (1794-1861)
James Hamilton Bradfure (1803-1865).

Blair Sermons = presumably Sermons, by Hugh Blair (1777, 1790). Hugh Blair (1718-1800) was a Scottish clergyman.

Your Mama = Sarah Cocke Massie (1760-1838), Sally's mother-in-law. 

Grace = Grace Bradfute (1792-1861). She married Peyton Leftwich (1768/9-1859) at Lynchburg in 1831.

Frances = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818. Their only surviving daughter was Elizabeth Johnston(e) Langhorne (1821-1888). Two other brothers also lived: James (1822-1905) and Thomas (1828-1889).

Sally Rice = not sure who this is.

Miss Endee = not sure who this is. 

Lucy Penn = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814. Their Bedford County, Virginia, estate was named "St. Helena."]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, November 20, 1826

[Peggy Bradfute [at or near New London, Virginia], to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, Rose Mills,] Nelson County, Virginia, November 20, 1826. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

Dear Sally                                        Nov the 20 [or 26] 1826

your letters always bring pleasure to hear from you; is like hearing from one of my Sisters; I have know [now] before me a  letter written ten days past; but hearing you were coming over did not send it; the contents was to let you know how your Sister was. I was to see her on Saturday for the first time Since she move[d]. She is very well as to Health. But quite Blind & I think in worse spirits than I have ever seen her; she has another Daughter it is the least thing you ever saw; but [a] very plump sweet thing; she is devoted to it says she don't know but she would rather loose [lose] any one of the others than that.

Lucy Penn was down last week she spent part of a day with us, she was in good Health & spirits, was in great hopes of seeing you; I tryed [tried] to Persuade her to go & see you; she said she would but had no one to go with her she Proposed to Tom; but his Business was such he could not leave home. I told Lucy that whenever she would go if nothing prevented I would go with her.

Mrs. Ward moved in October & have a good many Boarders she is not well. Grace has been among her relations for one month.

Betsy Robertson & her Brother have made Friends, good knews [news], she has been down & stay'd there a fortnight; her Brother from the West affected a reconciliation. 

I could give you a great deal of knews [news]; but as you may see this is the only peice [piece] of paper. Mr. Massie said you told him to but me some; I presume you will think it will be very acceptable. I thank you very kindly as any present is very welcome at my hand & I will endeavor to appreciate.

[Y]ou wish to know how our Presbytery ended we had a delightful meeting a good many converts & Persons are still very much engaged; my Prayer is for its continuance. I now my dear Friend invite you to our Synod Next October; I hope you will not fail to come to it; it is to be in this place.

[I]f you don't think worth while to come & visit the High Church & hear the Grand 12 [?] Organ; & perhaps it may do great good; you will be able to draw the contrast between the Preacher & the Organ.

I was very much sorry & amazed to see Mr. Massie so much altered; I laught [laughed] at him for in his hand was a bad one as I had often predicted that you would outlive him; I pity you this winter if he is as impatient & fretful as he says he is. I told him I hope his affliction had made him; somewhat like patient Patient Job but he says not.

[G]ive my love to Elizabeth & tell her I am truly sorry to hear of her affliction & glad to hear of her regard for her mother.

I know you will be tired if this miserable epistle nothing but Blunders. Please to Burn it as I am ashamed of it if you have read Blair Sermons please send by the first chance a great many Wed[d]ings on hand except [accept] my best wishes for your present & future welfare [welfare]
                                            Peggy Bradfute 

[Sarah = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828), who married William Massie (1795-1862) in 1814.

Peggy Bradfute = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (circa 1788-1833), a daughter of Robert Bradfute (1749-1816). Grace Bradfute (circa 1792-1855) was one of her sisters. Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831), one of Peggy's brothers, married Maria Byrd (1786-1854) in 1809, and served as Cashier for Farmer's Bank of Lynchburg. Alexander Tompkins (1784-1864) acquired Davidson Bradfute's house, in the vicinity of New London, Virginia, after the latter's death, and was Head Cashier at the same bank. Among these folks would have been possible candidates for portraits by Harvey Mitchell (1799-1866).

Because the Bradfutes keep showing up in letters from this period, here is an additional overview. All years approximate.

Robert Bradfute (1749-1816) from Scotland, married Sarah Irvine (1757-1807).

Their children included: 

Elizabeth Bradfute (1779-1861)
Davidson Bradfute (1781-1831)
Lillias Bradfute (1781-1849)
Archibald Bradfute (1786-1865)
Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (1788-1833)
Grace Bradfute (1792-1855)
Robert "Bob" Bradfute (1794-1861)
James Hamilton Bradfure (1803-1865).

Your Sister = Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818. Their only surviving daughter was Elizabeth Johnston(e) Langhorne (1821-1888). Two other brothers also lived: James (1822-1905) and Thomas (1828-1889).

Lucy Penn = Lucinda “Lucy” Steptoe Penn (1795-1878), who married Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1854) in 1814. Their Bedford County, Virginia, estate was named "St. Helena."

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Mrs. Ward = not sure who this is. 

Grace = Grace Bradfute (1792-1861). She married Peyton Leftwich (1768/9-1859) at Lynchburg in 1831.

Betsy Robertson = possibly related to Archibald "Archy" Roberston, a Lynchburg merchant who corresponded with Thomas Jefferson. Some of his papers are held by the Library of Virginia, link here; and the College of William & Mary, link here.

Elizabeth = not sure who this is. 

Blair's Sermons = presumably Sermons, by Hugh Blair (1777, 1790). Hugh Blair (1718-1800) was a Scottish clergyman.]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

Elizabeth Ann Macon Heath to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, November 11, 1826

James Ewell Heath (1792-1862) from the Edgar Allan Poe Society

[Elizabeth Ann Macon Heath at Richmond, Virginia, to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia, Nelson [County, Virginia]. November 11, 1826. "Martin" [courier]. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                      Richmond November 11th 1826
Dear Sally,

Yours by Martin was safely received on Wednesday last, and the account he brought of you all being in tolerable health, was cause of much pleasure to us.

You will be sadly disappointed to learn from Mr. Saunders that the servant he had selected, & even purchased for you, was sold by the owner, the day before he intended taking her away; after the man having promised most sacredly to keep her for him. I was much concerned to hear this, as I liked the appearance of the girl, & from her account, as well as the woman who owned her, she would have suited you very well. I thought she was rather young, being about 16 years of age, but as her other qualifications were good, Mr. S concluded it would be the safest chance to get her.

I hope however he will be able to purchase another for you, which Martin can take up. I have not seen him since Wednesday, he told me then it was his intention to go to Powhatan, & endeavor to get someone there, whose character he had heard highly recommended. [S]hould he succeed, I hope she will prove as valuable as the former.

I have executed your commands, tho' not with the same dispatch I could have wished; the day I received your letter, I went ot Mrs. Blackgrove & enquired of her what would be the shortest possible time she could make a spencer[?]; I was informed that in consequence of having promised to finish some work, which was to go in the country, she could not possibly [finish] yours until yesterday, so that I might have it on Saturday morning.

I accordingly sent word to Mr. Saunders, that Martin would be detained a day longer if he waited for your articles, & desired to know whether he thought it would be agreeable to you for him to do so; he returned for answer that he must by all means wait. I accordingly sent the silk to Mrs. Blackgrove, & this morning I received the spencer. I hope you will like it; the cape which is attached to it, I think you will find comfortable; they are at present all the rage; no kind of dress is worn, without a cape of some sort; yours is nearly pasted on the spencer, you can wear it with, or without, as may be agreeable. 

It took two yards of silk at 6/9 per yard, which amounts to $2.25 cents leaving in my hands $2.75 to defray Mrs. Blackgrove's bill. She sent me word this morning, she had not time to make out the bill, so that I do not know what her charge is. I will tho' ascertain & whatever money may remain I can send by the Doc't when he comes down -- if however Mr. Saunders keeps Martin in town to day, I can send it by him.

I told Martin I should be ready for him by 10 O'clock this morning, but as he had not made his appearance yet, I think it probably he may be detained to day.

I suppose the arrival of the Doct's company has quite enlivened your neighborhood; & doubt not but you spent a very agreeable day with them; I presume they have in turn visited you and conclude you put your best foot foreward [forward] to entertain them.

I am very sorry to hear Mr. Massie is still indisposed. I have been more fortunate than he has; for since the attack I had shortly after my arrival home my stomach has been quite free from complaint, & my health has been better for some weeks past, than I have known it for many months. I have not doubt that my visit to you has contributed greatly to my recovery -- the inducements to repeat it, I assure you would at all times be sufficiently strong, if it were in my power to do so.

Mr. Heath continues pretty much as when he saw[?] you. O hope his ankle is gaining strength, but it is hardly perceptible -- his general health is good, he desires to be remembered to you all.

We received a long letter from Mr. Cocke, three weeks ago; they were well and in Paris; but expected tp proceed to Italy in a few days.

Sarah desires to be remembered to you, & says she will write very soon.

My respects to Mr. Massie & love to the boys; tell them that I felt much pleased they should remember my children, & they are very thankful for the whips[?]  

It gives me so much pleasure to hear from you, that I hope you will frequently indulge me in this way.

Farewell & believe me your sincerely attached friend -- EAH

[Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of "Papa," James Steptoe (1750-1826). Their son Thomas James Massie (1817-1877) was born on March 23, 1817.There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Elizabeth Ann Macon Heath (1801-1868), spouse of James Ewell Heath (1792-1862), Virginia state (commonwealth) auditor, author and editor.

Martin = courier. 

Mr. Saunders = not sure who this is.

Mrs. Blackgrove = not sure who this is.

The Doct. = probably Dr. Thomas Massie (1783-1864).  

Mr. Cocke = not sure which of the Virginia Cockes this is (yet).

Sarah = <update November 3, 2017. Sarah = Sarah Maria Massie (circa 1810-1844),  daughter of Dr. Thomas Massie II (1782-1864) and stepdaughter of Sarah Ann Carrington Cabell Massie (1795-1831) since 1826.>

My children = William (1821-1836), Richard (1822-1856) and Ellen Heath (1837-1860).]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, April 29, 1826

[Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne at Lynchburg, Virginia to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, April 29, 1826. "Attention of Doct. G. Rose." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

                                                         Lynchburg April 29^th 1826

 Dear Sally

I have received a letter from Mr. Mead informing me that he could not in consequence of previous arrangements preach your father’s funeral. I have sent the letter on to your Brother James in order that he may make some other choice. I have written to him by tomorrow’s mail that you feared the uncertainty of the weather would prevent you being with us on the occasion.

I suppose he will he will have the preaching of the funeral put off untill [until] June, as soon as I hear from him will inform you.

I have had great thoughts of going to Botetourt to live, but am entirely at a loss to know, if ever when, as it will depend, first, on the sale of my land & secondly on the purchase of another tract.

We regret very much you cannot attend the convention, & still hope you may be enabled to do so, as we expect all the talents of the church will be assembled.

Mr. Turner has preached a sermon at the Academy lately & made allusions to your father which has given great offence in the neighborhood – he has been told of it by many & to all he has emphatically denied having intended any allusion to him – from his text which was taken from the parable of the fig tree, & a description of his daughter’s last moments (. . . seriously lost one[?]) which he consigned to everlasting bliss & immortality, he said two of his congregation had died since he last had preached to them, & where have they gone god only knows.

Your Brother William heard the sermon & does not think Mr. Turner intended any thing personal.

Mr. Edmund Reid was the other person supposed to be alluded to.

It would require a volume to tell you all that has been said on the subject; suffice it at present to say that if the old man had intended any allusion to your father that he is sincerely sorry for it, & has been heard to say as much as that he would make any atonement. . . of apology that the relations & friends could make.

Frances sends . . . regards to Mr. Massie & yourself your affectionate

                                          H. L. Langhorne

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry "Harry" Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818.

Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). Their son Thomas James Massie (1817-1877) was born on March 23, 1817.There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here

Mr. Mead = minister. Probably the Right Reverend William Meade (1789-1862).

Your father = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827).

Mr. Turner = minister. 

Your Brother William = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862). 

Edmund Reid = not sure who this is.]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

The Names of Enslaved People in James Steptoe, Jr.'s Will, February 27, 1826

James Steptoe by Harvey Mitchell in Memorials of Old Virginia Clerks (1888)

[Based on transcription made by Michele Stepto from Part IV--Abstracts of Steptoe Wills & Deeds recorded in Bedford County, 1826-1848. This is particularly important information, in that the names of enslaved people are rarely mentioned in Steptoe family correspondence. Thirty-three given names are listed below.]

DATE: 27 Feb 1826

PARTIES: James STEPTOE & heirs (STEPTOE and PENN)

DOCUMENT TYPE: Will

SOURCE: Bedford County Courthouse, Bedford VA, Will Book F-6

SLAVES NAMED IN DOCUMENT:    

"Winney & her five children, to wit, 

Reuben
Winston
Osman
Wyatt  
Sophia" 
(bequeathed to son James Calloway [aka Callaway] Steptoe). 

"[O]ld Winney
Alice
Killy[?] 
Billy
Caesar
Sam
Bob 
Lucy & her child Julius 
Jerry 
Juddy
Milley
Tom
Anna
James
Dennis
Burwell
Tom
Maria and her child Ellen" 
(bequeathed to son Thomas Steptoe). 

"Anna and her five children, to wit, 
Mary
Suckey
John
Ben

Kitty
Also Stephen (a son of Hannah)" 
(bequeathed to grandson James S. Penn). 

[Note: Additional names are mentioned in documents dated 1827, 1828, and later. These will also be posted, tagged with the appropriate year.] 

[James Steptoe (1750-1826).

James Callaway Steptoe (1781-1827).

Thomas Steptoe = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

James S. Penn =  James Steptoe Penn (1817-1854), son of Lucinda "Lucy" Steptoe Penn (1795-1878) and Robert Cowan Penn (1789-1856).]

[Many additional thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, February 1826

Federal Hill, New London, Virginia. Home of James Steptoe. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie [at Pharsalia, Nelson County, Virginia,] [probably early February 1826]. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading. Fanny's eyesight was deteriorating.]

My dear Sally

This is the only peice [piece] of paper I can find but it is all sufficient to inform you what I wish, Papa is in bed and has been very sick tho he was much better last night when I left him; he has exposed himself and Doctor Cabell and Brother Billy told him when they saw him riding on horseback he should be in bed.

Mr. Langhorne has gone for Doctor Cabell.

Papa wanted to see if he sanctioned Brother Billy's modes and agreed with him in every thing; he thinks Brother Billy is affraid [afraid] he has not confidence in him and they both wish to see Cabell; he sent Tom for me and stayed by himself and felt lonesome and rode every day which was very wrong; he has relapsed and his fever has been suffered to linger two [too] long he seems willing to have blisters or be bled or do any thing Brother Billy directs; his cough is exceptionally distressing a good deal of blood at times.

[I]f you should feel anxious to come you had better do so; Tom thinks and brother Billy that he is much better but a few days will determine better.

Miss Peggy is with me she desires her best love.
                                               yours truly
                                                  Frances 

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818. Other children included Elizabeth Johnston(e) Langhorne (1821-1888) and James Steptoe Langhorne (1822-1905). 

Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of "Papa," James Steptoe (1750-1826). Their son Thomas James Massie (1817-1877) was born on March 23, 1817.There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).

Dr. Cabell = probably Dr. John Jordan Cabell (1772-1834), who had a large house in Lynchburg. The largest Cabell house in Lynchburg, however, must have been "Point of Honor," still standing. There were other doctors in the family. 

Brother Billy = Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862).

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Miss Peggy = Margaret "Peggy" Bradfute (1788-1833).]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, January 1826

Dr. John Jordan Cabell house, Lynchburg, VA (Jones Memorial Library collection). Built 1809, photo circa 1900.

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne [at or near Lynchburg, Virginia] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie at [Pharsalia,] Nelson County, Virginia, [late January 1826]. "By Robin." Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

My dear Sally

I will steal a few moments to write you. Bill will be going down to let you know what a great hoedown there is to be here to morrow night a party given to the two brides Mrs. Cabbell [Cabell] and Fanny Royall all of the Doctor's Relationes [relations] have given him a party, there will be a very large dancing party at Doct. John Cabbell's [Cabell's] next week we all are making great preparations for the grand wedding of Judge Daniel & Mrs. Paulina Cabbell [Cabell] which is to take place on Tuesday next. 

Lynchburg bids fair to be very gay this winter, I wish very much that you could be up here to enjoy the pleasure of going to some of these parties which I think you find very agreeable.

I have not heard from papa for several weeks and therefore cannot give any information concerning his health.

[Y]ou must write to me and let me know how you all are it is late so I must bid you adieu for the present; you must know this . . . as I cannot see well and am very busy. [W]e are all tolerable well, once more adieu dear Sally.
                                        I remain yours sincerely
                                             Frances Langhorne
Mr. L sends his love to you 

[Frances "Fanny" Callaway Steptoe Langhorne (1798-1832) married Henry Scarsbrook Langhorne (1790-1854) on March 13, 1816. Their son John Scarsbrook Langhorne (1817-1896) was born on June 1, 1817 (in later years, sometimes changed to 1818 or 1819). Their son William Maurice “Wee” Langhorne (1818-1900) was born on June 30, 1818. Other children included Elizabeth Johnston(e) Langhorne (1821-1888) and James Steptoe Langhorne (1822-1905). 

Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of "Papa," James Steptoe (1750-1826). Their son Thomas James Massie (1817-1877) was born on March 23, 1817.There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Bill = probably Dr. William Steptoe (1791-1862).

Fanny = Frances “Fanny” Steptoe Johnston (1807-after 1850). She married Dr. James Townes Royall (1797-1860) on December 27, 1825.

Dr. John Cabbell = Dr. John Jordan Cabell (1772-1834), who had a large house in Lynchburg. The largest Cabell house in Lynchburg, however, must have been "Point of Honor," still standing. 

Judge Daniel & Mrs. Pauline Cabbell = Judge William Daniel, Sr. (1770-1839) married Paulina Cabell (1780-1840) on or about February 2, 1826. Both had previously been married; Margaret Baldwin Daniel (1786-1824), the Judge's first wife, died on October 11, 1824.

Papa = James Steptoe (1750-1826).]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]    

Robert Callaway Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, June 2, 1826

[Robert Callaway Steptoe at Lynchburg, Virginia, to Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie at Pharsalia [by Roses Mills, Nelson County,] Virginia, June 2, 1826. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.]

Dear Sally

I have this moment slipt [slipped or stepped] into Mr. Brown’s store & met with Mr. Massie’s wagoner he says you were all well when he left home by him I drop you a line in great hast[e] having never until this day had it in my power to give you the desired information your welcome letter required had I received the information at home or had time I would write you a long letter but expecting to see you in a few weeks must make this note suffice.

Mr. Holt Tom’s overseer tells me here today the funeral of our poor old father will be preached at the Academy the third Sunday in the month by the Rev’d Nicholas Cobbs when I hope you will attend if your health permits then we will talk over the contents of your letter and everything else in the meantime receive the assurance of regard of your Affectionate brother

                                                          Rob. C. Steptoe

[Robert Callaway Steptoe (1791-1870); his wife was Elizabeth Leftwich Steptoe (1800-1840).

Sarah Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

Tom = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Rev’d Nicholas Cobbs = Nicholas Hamner Cobbs (1796-1861).]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]   

Thomas Eskridge Steptoe to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, May 24, 1826

[Thomas Eskridge Steptoe [at New London, Virginia, as postmarked on May 24, 1826] to Sarah "Sally" Tate Steptoe Massie, at [Pharsalia], Rose Mills, [Nelson,] Virginia, May, 1826. Massie Family Papers, Virginia Historical Society. This is my rough, annotated transcription from a copy graciously provided by William Myers. Extra paragraph breaks inserted for easier reading.] 

D’r Sally

I have just received a letter from brother James saying that he had engaged Mr. Cobbs to preach the funeral on the 3d Sunday in next month and requesting me to inform you of it by the first mail.

I should have been down to see you before now had I not expected this to have been sooner, as it would, but it was thought best to put it off till good weather would suffer you come up with less danger.

I may visit you before then but if I don’t, will be sure to go down with you.

You hemmed me some ruffles last year and I must beg you to make the same present again as I have nobody to do such a favour for me. The stage is waiting. God bless you all

                                                T. Steptoe                                                   

[Sally = Sarah “Sally” Tate Steptoe Massie (1796-1828) was married to William Massie (1795-1862) and was the daughter of James Steptoe, Jr. (1750-1826). There is a massive Massie collection at the University of Texas here.

T. Steptoe = Thomas Eskridge Steptoe (1799-1880).

Brother James = James Callaway Steptoe (December 10, 1781-October 24, 1827) was married to Catherine Mitchell Steptoe (1780-1858); they had at least two children: Frances Callaway Steptoe (1810-1880) and Edward Dillon Steptoe (1811-1854). James served for a time as Clerk of Bedford County, in which capacity he mentored Robert Crump Mitchell (1807-1872), a nephew. Upon the death of James, Robert was elected (on November 27, 1827) the new County Clerk.

The funeral = for James Steptoe (1750-February 9, 1826), who had lived at Federal Hill.

Mr. Cobbs = Nicholas Hamner Cobbs (1796-1861).]

[Many thanks to Sue Davis, William Myers, Mary Davy and Sally Young for their ongoing research collaboration.]