Daniel was the son of Daniel Updike and Ruth Heaton. He married Rebecca Ann Odor and Penelope "Nellie" Johnson. Daniel was a farmer.
Courtesy of Bryan S. Godfrey:
The following letter was written around 1888 by Daniel Updike, Jr. to Charles Wilson Opdyke (1838-1907), author of "The Opdyck Genealogy," and his statements in it, as well as YDNA testing mismatches between the Virginia Updikes and the proven male-line descendants of Louris Jansen Opdyck of New York, are the basis for the current conviction that Daniel's grandfather John Opdike/Updyke was descended from the Rhode Island Updikes, descended from Gysbert Opdyck, born 1605 in Wesel, Germany.
From Daniel, son of John's son Daniel:
"I am now 74 years old, and can yet handle the plow better than the pen. I have three sisters living, older than myself; and one younger. I have taken some pains to learn what I can about our ancestors, and I give you the following notes of what I have gathered.
"My grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was said by my father and uncles to have been born in Rhode Island about 1717. His father was shot by accident when young; I don't think I ever heard his name or that of his wife or of any sister of his. John and his brother were put to trades; John to the tailor's trade, and the brother to the shoemaker's. During his time of service, John went to Long Island, was moved almost every year, and got about Philadelphia and Bordentown, N.J. He never had any positive knowledge of his brother after they were parted; he heard of a man who called himself Opdike, or Obdike, whose age and description agreed with that of his brother. I have always thought that this brother's name was William. but I have just received a letter from my sister in Ohio saying that his name was Asa. This is probably so, as my grandfather named a son Asa. We have always supposed that this brother, William or Asa, died unmarried, but we have no certain account.
"Our family belief that our grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was born in Rhode Island and resided in Long Island, may be a mistake. The various members of our family differ in their recollections in other points. It has been fifty years or more since the death of our uncles and aunts. My sister thinks that the name of our great-grandfather (father of John Updike) was Albert; but it is not certain that she is correct. The only name connected with my grandfather's family, that I recollect with any certainty, is Edith. I have heard my father and uncle say that a legacy was coming to the family, --but that Edith had been dead so long that they would never make any effort to get it. I also recall that they mentioned a name something like Roderick, as one of the family, and as engaged in a naval action. But a boy of my age then had a very imperfect idea as to whom they meant. My conclusion is that our ancestor, my grandfather, John, was born fifty years or more after the capture (of New York) by the English; that his father died young in Rhode Island, leaving only the two boys; that these boys went, with their mother or guardian, to Long Island, and probably were members of the family that settled there. If there was any record, it was destroyed by the burning of the court House in the (Revolutionary) war, as it was in the same locality.
"My grandfather John grew to man's estate about 1740, married his first wife, who was a Farnsworth, and resided in or about Bordentown, N.J. His first wife was mother of his three children, --Amon, Edith, and Samuel. After her death, John came to Loudoun Co., Virginia. His children Amon and Edith came with him, but Samuel remained in Bordentown, New Jersey. John married again; I have always thought that the name of his second wife was Sarah Brown, but my sister thinks it was Sarah Carker. (Her mother was married to both a Brown and a Carker and hence the confusion). Her parents lived in Pennsylvania. The oldest child of this marriage, Rufus, was born in 1753. Amon settled in Bedford Co. and Edith went with him.
"My grandfather had only a limited education; was a man of reserved habits; depended on labor for support; was fond of sport, horse-racing and cock-fighting. In his time, the work of a tailer was much in buckskin, and the tailor went from house to house. After he came to Virginia, John was often from home at work or taking in work. he owned land in Loudoun, Campbell and Bedford Counties, but lived and died in Loudoun.
"Many of the family held membership in what they called the Church of England. Others were of the Quaker order, and on that account few of the name ever owned many slaves.
"In Virginia, it is seldom that land or any other property remains in the same family through three generations. Changes of ownership and family cause sometimes even changes in churches. Almost all families have a burial-ground, but after changes of owners these family burial-grounds are neglected and go to waste. Village graveyards too suffer from neglect. I have seen few tombstones 100 years old. Families that owned large tracts of land are all gone, and so is their memory. Much land here was held under bond from what they called the British Lords, --perhaps for 99 years; this makes titles uncertain.
"The occupation of the Updike family in Virginia has been agriculture. At present they are engaged in almost all occupations, as the younger members try to keep pace with the age.
"My father, Daniel Updike, married Ruth Heaton, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Heaton. Nancy Heaton was by birth Nancy Jackson; her brother, Richard Jackson, married my father's sister, Phebe Updike; Nancy's sister Sarah married Elijah Houghton, and her sister Phebe married a Hart. The mother of these four Jacksons was Abigail Haskins; and Abigail Haskins' mother was mother also of Sarah, the second wife of John Updike the tailor. The name Abilgail has in this way become frequent in our family Bibles and has been mistaken for Sarah Farnsworth, the first wife of John Updike the tailor. The families above named all came from New Jersey and settled together in Virginia, and were connected by marriage.
"My eyes are growing weak. One of my age can have but a short time to remain before he goes to his ancestors."
"UPDIKE REUNION"by Verla C. Mauck. The third annual Updike Reunion held at the Lutheran Church in Browntown, Va., on Sunday, June 28, 1942, was well-attended, considering the gas rationing, tire shortage and other inconveniences confronting the nation in his day and hour. The folks - in a way - seemed to enjoy this family gathering as immensely as they did last year and the year before. However, with our U.S.A. in the thick of another horrible war, it is the writer's sincere belief that many of us who were in attendance, actually - in spirit - were absent. Not that each and everyone did not do their utmost to mingle with the crowd and help make the occasion a glowing success. We most assuredly did! Yet - when the quaint little organ in that quaint little village church softly chimed, and Miss Eleanor Updike of Washington, D.C., sang sweetly, Francis Scott Key's 'Star Spangled Banner' - it was then that we who have loved ones in or going in our Country's Service were, beyond a doubt, miles away from the Updike Reunion. In fact, the entire congregation in that moment appeared to realize the seriousness of the war situation. At 11:00 A.M., the reunion members attended church services conducted by the Rev. Kenneth M. Hayes, after which they assembled on the lawn of the Browntown Union Church, where music was furnished by the Warren County High School Band. Prayer was offered, and a bounteous luncheon was served picnic-style on tables arranged in the Lutheran Churchyard. The 'sweet'rationing, apparently did not affect the cakes, for there were cakes a-plenty - big ones and little ones - and all appeared to have sugar on the surface as well as within. Even the iced-tea boasted of sugar - not saccharin. Mr. R.W. Updike of Bentonville, Va., was master-of-ceremonies and gave the welcome address. A very interesting reading was given by Mr. Julian Updike of Front Royal, Va. Other speakers on the afternoon program included the Messra. V.C. and L.O. Updike of Bentonville, Mr. Giles Updike of Browntown, former Sheriff R.F. Collins of Front Royal, and Mrs. Angie Barbee Graht of Covington, Va. Several lovely quartets were rendered by members of the Updike family with Mrs. R.C. Uping at the organ. Special recognition was given Mrs. S. Booten Updike, aged 83 years, of Bentonville, and Mr. J.B. Updike, who is past 80, of Washington D.C. The latter's granddaughter, Miss Eleanor Updike, talented vocalist, favored the audience with several outstanding selections, and very beautifully recited "The House By The Side Of The Road" - a poem that never fails to charm those interested in ... Dr. E. H. Updike of Mill Creek, W.Va., was unable to attend the reunion, which was held in Powell's Fort, owing to the fact that his automobile - a marcon-colored coupe - could accommodate only three passengers. Consequently, the Dr.'s wife and their two daughters, Misses Jewell and Mary Updike, attended the......."
(Article from "Warren Sentinel," Volume 74, Number 15, 9 July 1942.)
Courtesy of Bryan S. Godfrey:
The following letter was written around 1888 by Daniel Updike, Jr. to Charles Wilson Opdyke (1838-1907), author of "The Opdyck Genealogy," and his statements in it, as well as YDNA testing mismatches between the Virginia Updikes and the proven male-line descendants of Louris Jansen Opdyck of New York, are the basis for the current conviction that Daniel's grandfather John Opdike/Updyke was descended from the Rhode Island Updikes, descended from Gysbert Opdyck, born 1605 in Wesel, Germany.
From Daniel, son of John's son Daniel:
"I am now 74 years old, and can yet handle the plow better than the pen. I have three sisters living, older than myself; and one younger. I have taken some pains to learn what I can about our ancestors, and I give you the following notes of what I have gathered.
"My grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was said by my father and uncles to have been born in Rhode Island about 1717. His father was shot by accident when young; I don't think I ever heard his name or that of his wife or of any sister of his. John and his brother were put to trades; John to the tailor's trade, and the brother to the shoemaker's. During his time of service, John went to Long Island, was moved almost every year, and got about Philadelphia and Bordentown, N.J. He never had any positive knowledge of his brother after they were parted; he heard of a man who called himself Opdike, or Obdike, whose age and description agreed with that of his brother. I have always thought that this brother's name was William. but I have just received a letter from my sister in Ohio saying that his name was Asa. This is probably so, as my grandfather named a son Asa. We have always supposed that this brother, William or Asa, died unmarried, but we have no certain account.
"Our family belief that our grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was born in Rhode Island and resided in Long Island, may be a mistake. The various members of our family differ in their recollections in other points. It has been fifty years or more since the death of our uncles and aunts. My sister thinks that the name of our great-grandfather (father of John Updike) was Albert; but it is not certain that she is correct. The only name connected with my grandfather's family, that I recollect with any certainty, is Edith. I have heard my father and uncle say that a legacy was coming to the family, --but that Edith had been dead so long that they would never make any effort to get it. I also recall that they mentioned a name something like Roderick, as one of the family, and as engaged in a naval action. But a boy of my age then had a very imperfect idea as to whom they meant. My conclusion is that our ancestor, my grandfather, John, was born fifty years or more after the capture (of New York) by the English; that his father died young in Rhode Island, leaving only the two boys; that these boys went, with their mother or guardian, to Long Island, and probably were members of the family that settled there. If there was any record, it was destroyed by the burning of the court House in the (Revolutionary) war, as it was in the same locality.
"My grandfather John grew to man's estate about 1740, married his first wife, who was a Farnsworth, and resided in or about Bordentown, N.J. His first wife was mother of his three children, --Amon, Edith, and Samuel. After her death, John came to Loudoun Co., Virginia. His children Amon and Edith came with him, but Samuel remained in Bordentown, New Jersey. John married again; I have always thought that the name of his second wife was Sarah Brown, but my sister thinks it was Sarah Carker. (Her mother was married to both a Brown and a Carker and hence the confusion). Her parents lived in Pennsylvania. The oldest child of this marriage, Rufus, was born in 1753. Amon settled in Bedford Co. and Edith went with him.
"My grandfather had only a limited education; was a man of reserved habits; depended on labor for support; was fond of sport, horse-racing and cock-fighting. In his time, the work of a tailer was much in buckskin, and the tailor went from house to house. After he came to Virginia, John was often from home at work or taking in work. he owned land in Loudoun, Campbell and Bedford Counties, but lived and died in Loudoun.
"Many of the family held membership in what they called the Church of England. Others were of the Quaker order, and on that account few of the name ever owned many slaves.
"In Virginia, it is seldom that land or any other property remains in the same family through three generations. Changes of ownership and family cause sometimes even changes in churches. Almost all families have a burial-ground, but after changes of owners these family burial-grounds are neglected and go to waste. Village graveyards too suffer from neglect. I have seen few tombstones 100 years old. Families that owned large tracts of land are all gone, and so is their memory. Much land here was held under bond from what they called the British Lords, --perhaps for 99 years; this makes titles uncertain.
"The occupation of the Updike family in Virginia has been agriculture. At present they are engaged in almost all occupations, as the younger members try to keep pace with the age.
"My father, Daniel Updike, married Ruth Heaton, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Heaton. Nancy Heaton was by birth Nancy Jackson; her brother, Richard Jackson, married my father's sister, Phebe Updike; Nancy's sister Sarah married Elijah Houghton, and her sister Phebe married a Hart. The mother of these four Jacksons was Abigail Haskins; and Abigail Haskins' mother was mother also of Sarah, the second wife of John Updike the tailor. The name Abilgail has in this way become frequent in our family Bibles and has been mistaken for Sarah Farnsworth, the first wife of John Updike the tailor. The families above named all came from New Jersey and settled together in Virginia, and were connected by marriage.
"My eyes are growing weak. One of my age can have but a short time to remain before he goes to his ancestors."
"UPDIKE REUNION"by Verla C. Mauck. The third annual Updike Reunion held at the Lutheran Church in Browntown, Va., on Sunday, June 28, 1942, was well-attended, considering the gas rationing, tire shortage and other inconveniences confronting the nation in his day and hour. The folks - in a way - seemed to enjoy this family gathering as immensely as they did last year and the year before. However, with our U.S.A. in the thick of another horrible war, it is the writer's sincere belief that many of us who were in attendance, actually - in spirit - were absent. Not that each and everyone did not do their utmost to mingle with the crowd and help make the occasion a glowing success. We most assuredly did! Yet - when the quaint little organ in that quaint little village church softly chimed, and Miss Eleanor Updike of Washington, D.C., sang sweetly, Francis Scott Key's 'Star Spangled Banner' - it was then that we who have loved ones in or going in our Country's Service were, beyond a doubt, miles away from the Updike Reunion. In fact, the entire congregation in that moment appeared to realize the seriousness of the war situation. At 11:00 A.M., the reunion members attended church services conducted by the Rev. Kenneth M. Hayes, after which they assembled on the lawn of the Browntown Union Church, where music was furnished by the Warren County High School Band. Prayer was offered, and a bounteous luncheon was served picnic-style on tables arranged in the Lutheran Churchyard. The 'sweet'rationing, apparently did not affect the cakes, for there were cakes a-plenty - big ones and little ones - and all appeared to have sugar on the surface as well as within. Even the iced-tea boasted of sugar - not saccharin. Mr. R.W. Updike of Bentonville, Va., was master-of-ceremonies and gave the welcome address. A very interesting reading was given by Mr. Julian Updike of Front Royal, Va. Other speakers on the afternoon program included the Messra. V.C. and L.O. Updike of Bentonville, Mr. Giles Updike of Browntown, former Sheriff R.F. Collins of Front Royal, and Mrs. Angie Barbee Graht of Covington, Va. Several lovely quartets were rendered by members of the Updike family with Mrs. R.C. Uping at the organ. Special recognition was given Mrs. S. Booten Updike, aged 83 years, of Bentonville, and Mr. J.B. Updike, who is past 80, of Washington D.C. The latter's granddaughter, Miss Eleanor Updike, talented vocalist, favored the audience with several outstanding selections, and very beautifully recited "The House By The Side Of The Road" - a poem that never fails to charm those interested in ... Dr. E. H. Updike of Mill Creek, W.Va., was unable to attend the reunion, which was held in Powell's Fort, owing to the fact that his automobile - a marcon-colored coupe - could accommodate only three passengers. Consequently, the Dr.'s wife and their two daughters, Misses Jewell and Mary Updike, attended the......."
(Article from "Warren Sentinel," Volume 74, Number 15, 9 July 1942.)
Daniel was the son of Daniel Updike and Ruth Heaton. He married Rebecca Ann Odor and Penelope "Nellie" Johnson. Daniel was a farmer.
Courtesy of Bryan S. Godfrey:
The following letter was written around 1888 by Daniel Updike, Jr. to Charles Wilson Opdyke (1838-1907), author of "The Opdyck Genealogy," and his statements in it, as well as YDNA testing mismatches between the Virginia Updikes and the proven male-line descendants of Louris Jansen Opdyck of New York, are the basis for the current conviction that Daniel's grandfather John Opdike/Updyke was descended from the Rhode Island Updikes, descended from Gysbert Opdyck, born 1605 in Wesel, Germany.
From Daniel, son of John's son Daniel:
"I am now 74 years old, and can yet handle the plow better than the pen. I have three sisters living, older than myself; and one younger. I have taken some pains to learn what I can about our ancestors, and I give you the following notes of what I have gathered.
"My grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was said by my father and uncles to have been born in Rhode Island about 1717. His father was shot by accident when young; I don't think I ever heard his name or that of his wife or of any sister of his. John and his brother were put to trades; John to the tailor's trade, and the brother to the shoemaker's. During his time of service, John went to Long Island, was moved almost every year, and got about Philadelphia and Bordentown, N.J. He never had any positive knowledge of his brother after they were parted; he heard of a man who called himself Opdike, or Obdike, whose age and description agreed with that of his brother. I have always thought that this brother's name was William. but I have just received a letter from my sister in Ohio saying that his name was Asa. This is probably so, as my grandfather named a son Asa. We have always supposed that this brother, William or Asa, died unmarried, but we have no certain account.
"Our family belief that our grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was born in Rhode Island and resided in Long Island, may be a mistake. The various members of our family differ in their recollections in other points. It has been fifty years or more since the death of our uncles and aunts. My sister thinks that the name of our great-grandfather (father of John Updike) was Albert; but it is not certain that she is correct. The only name connected with my grandfather's family, that I recollect with any certainty, is Edith. I have heard my father and uncle say that a legacy was coming to the family, --but that Edith had been dead so long that they would never make any effort to get it. I also recall that they mentioned a name something like Roderick, as one of the family, and as engaged in a naval action. But a boy of my age then had a very imperfect idea as to whom they meant. My conclusion is that our ancestor, my grandfather, John, was born fifty years or more after the capture (of New York) by the English; that his father died young in Rhode Island, leaving only the two boys; that these boys went, with their mother or guardian, to Long Island, and probably were members of the family that settled there. If there was any record, it was destroyed by the burning of the court House in the (Revolutionary) war, as it was in the same locality.
"My grandfather John grew to man's estate about 1740, married his first wife, who was a Farnsworth, and resided in or about Bordentown, N.J. His first wife was mother of his three children, --Amon, Edith, and Samuel. After her death, John came to Loudoun Co., Virginia. His children Amon and Edith came with him, but Samuel remained in Bordentown, New Jersey. John married again; I have always thought that the name of his second wife was Sarah Brown, but my sister thinks it was Sarah Carker. (Her mother was married to both a Brown and a Carker and hence the confusion). Her parents lived in Pennsylvania. The oldest child of this marriage, Rufus, was born in 1753. Amon settled in Bedford Co. and Edith went with him.
"My grandfather had only a limited education; was a man of reserved habits; depended on labor for support; was fond of sport, horse-racing and cock-fighting. In his time, the work of a tailer was much in buckskin, and the tailor went from house to house. After he came to Virginia, John was often from home at work or taking in work. he owned land in Loudoun, Campbell and Bedford Counties, but lived and died in Loudoun.
"Many of the family held membership in what they called the Church of England. Others were of the Quaker order, and on that account few of the name ever owned many slaves.
"In Virginia, it is seldom that land or any other property remains in the same family through three generations. Changes of ownership and family cause sometimes even changes in churches. Almost all families have a burial-ground, but after changes of owners these family burial-grounds are neglected and go to waste. Village graveyards too suffer from neglect. I have seen few tombstones 100 years old. Families that owned large tracts of land are all gone, and so is their memory. Much land here was held under bond from what they called the British Lords, --perhaps for 99 years; this makes titles uncertain.
"The occupation of the Updike family in Virginia has been agriculture. At present they are engaged in almost all occupations, as the younger members try to keep pace with the age.
"My father, Daniel Updike, married Ruth Heaton, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Heaton. Nancy Heaton was by birth Nancy Jackson; her brother, Richard Jackson, married my father's sister, Phebe Updike; Nancy's sister Sarah married Elijah Houghton, and her sister Phebe married a Hart. The mother of these four Jacksons was Abigail Haskins; and Abigail Haskins' mother was mother also of Sarah, the second wife of John Updike the tailor. The name Abilgail has in this way become frequent in our family Bibles and has been mistaken for Sarah Farnsworth, the first wife of John Updike the tailor. The families above named all came from New Jersey and settled together in Virginia, and were connected by marriage.
"My eyes are growing weak. One of my age can have but a short time to remain before he goes to his ancestors."
"UPDIKE REUNION"by Verla C. Mauck. The third annual Updike Reunion held at the Lutheran Church in Browntown, Va., on Sunday, June 28, 1942, was well-attended, considering the gas rationing, tire shortage and other inconveniences confronting the nation in his day and hour. The folks - in a way - seemed to enjoy this family gathering as immensely as they did last year and the year before. However, with our U.S.A. in the thick of another horrible war, it is the writer's sincere belief that many of us who were in attendance, actually - in spirit - were absent. Not that each and everyone did not do their utmost to mingle with the crowd and help make the occasion a glowing success. We most assuredly did! Yet - when the quaint little organ in that quaint little village church softly chimed, and Miss Eleanor Updike of Washington, D.C., sang sweetly, Francis Scott Key's 'Star Spangled Banner' - it was then that we who have loved ones in or going in our Country's Service were, beyond a doubt, miles away from the Updike Reunion. In fact, the entire congregation in that moment appeared to realize the seriousness of the war situation. At 11:00 A.M., the reunion members attended church services conducted by the Rev. Kenneth M. Hayes, after which they assembled on the lawn of the Browntown Union Church, where music was furnished by the Warren County High School Band. Prayer was offered, and a bounteous luncheon was served picnic-style on tables arranged in the Lutheran Churchyard. The 'sweet'rationing, apparently did not affect the cakes, for there were cakes a-plenty - big ones and little ones - and all appeared to have sugar on the surface as well as within. Even the iced-tea boasted of sugar - not saccharin. Mr. R.W. Updike of Bentonville, Va., was master-of-ceremonies and gave the welcome address. A very interesting reading was given by Mr. Julian Updike of Front Royal, Va. Other speakers on the afternoon program included the Messra. V.C. and L.O. Updike of Bentonville, Mr. Giles Updike of Browntown, former Sheriff R.F. Collins of Front Royal, and Mrs. Angie Barbee Graht of Covington, Va. Several lovely quartets were rendered by members of the Updike family with Mrs. R.C. Uping at the organ. Special recognition was given Mrs. S. Booten Updike, aged 83 years, of Bentonville, and Mr. J.B. Updike, who is past 80, of Washington D.C. The latter's granddaughter, Miss Eleanor Updike, talented vocalist, favored the audience with several outstanding selections, and very beautifully recited "The House By The Side Of The Road" - a poem that never fails to charm those interested in ... Dr. E. H. Updike of Mill Creek, W.Va., was unable to attend the reunion, which was held in Powell's Fort, owing to the fact that his automobile - a marcon-colored coupe - could accommodate only three passengers. Consequently, the Dr.'s wife and their two daughters, Misses Jewell and Mary Updike, attended the......."
(Article from "Warren Sentinel," Volume 74, Number 15, 9 July 1942.)
Courtesy of Bryan S. Godfrey:
The following letter was written around 1888 by Daniel Updike, Jr. to Charles Wilson Opdyke (1838-1907), author of "The Opdyck Genealogy," and his statements in it, as well as YDNA testing mismatches between the Virginia Updikes and the proven male-line descendants of Louris Jansen Opdyck of New York, are the basis for the current conviction that Daniel's grandfather John Opdike/Updyke was descended from the Rhode Island Updikes, descended from Gysbert Opdyck, born 1605 in Wesel, Germany.
From Daniel, son of John's son Daniel:
"I am now 74 years old, and can yet handle the plow better than the pen. I have three sisters living, older than myself; and one younger. I have taken some pains to learn what I can about our ancestors, and I give you the following notes of what I have gathered.
"My grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was said by my father and uncles to have been born in Rhode Island about 1717. His father was shot by accident when young; I don't think I ever heard his name or that of his wife or of any sister of his. John and his brother were put to trades; John to the tailor's trade, and the brother to the shoemaker's. During his time of service, John went to Long Island, was moved almost every year, and got about Philadelphia and Bordentown, N.J. He never had any positive knowledge of his brother after they were parted; he heard of a man who called himself Opdike, or Obdike, whose age and description agreed with that of his brother. I have always thought that this brother's name was William. but I have just received a letter from my sister in Ohio saying that his name was Asa. This is probably so, as my grandfather named a son Asa. We have always supposed that this brother, William or Asa, died unmarried, but we have no certain account.
"Our family belief that our grandfather, John Updike the tailor, was born in Rhode Island and resided in Long Island, may be a mistake. The various members of our family differ in their recollections in other points. It has been fifty years or more since the death of our uncles and aunts. My sister thinks that the name of our great-grandfather (father of John Updike) was Albert; but it is not certain that she is correct. The only name connected with my grandfather's family, that I recollect with any certainty, is Edith. I have heard my father and uncle say that a legacy was coming to the family, --but that Edith had been dead so long that they would never make any effort to get it. I also recall that they mentioned a name something like Roderick, as one of the family, and as engaged in a naval action. But a boy of my age then had a very imperfect idea as to whom they meant. My conclusion is that our ancestor, my grandfather, John, was born fifty years or more after the capture (of New York) by the English; that his father died young in Rhode Island, leaving only the two boys; that these boys went, with their mother or guardian, to Long Island, and probably were members of the family that settled there. If there was any record, it was destroyed by the burning of the court House in the (Revolutionary) war, as it was in the same locality.
"My grandfather John grew to man's estate about 1740, married his first wife, who was a Farnsworth, and resided in or about Bordentown, N.J. His first wife was mother of his three children, --Amon, Edith, and Samuel. After her death, John came to Loudoun Co., Virginia. His children Amon and Edith came with him, but Samuel remained in Bordentown, New Jersey. John married again; I have always thought that the name of his second wife was Sarah Brown, but my sister thinks it was Sarah Carker. (Her mother was married to both a Brown and a Carker and hence the confusion). Her parents lived in Pennsylvania. The oldest child of this marriage, Rufus, was born in 1753. Amon settled in Bedford Co. and Edith went with him.
"My grandfather had only a limited education; was a man of reserved habits; depended on labor for support; was fond of sport, horse-racing and cock-fighting. In his time, the work of a tailer was much in buckskin, and the tailor went from house to house. After he came to Virginia, John was often from home at work or taking in work. he owned land in Loudoun, Campbell and Bedford Counties, but lived and died in Loudoun.
"Many of the family held membership in what they called the Church of England. Others were of the Quaker order, and on that account few of the name ever owned many slaves.
"In Virginia, it is seldom that land or any other property remains in the same family through three generations. Changes of ownership and family cause sometimes even changes in churches. Almost all families have a burial-ground, but after changes of owners these family burial-grounds are neglected and go to waste. Village graveyards too suffer from neglect. I have seen few tombstones 100 years old. Families that owned large tracts of land are all gone, and so is their memory. Much land here was held under bond from what they called the British Lords, --perhaps for 99 years; this makes titles uncertain.
"The occupation of the Updike family in Virginia has been agriculture. At present they are engaged in almost all occupations, as the younger members try to keep pace with the age.
"My father, Daniel Updike, married Ruth Heaton, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Heaton. Nancy Heaton was by birth Nancy Jackson; her brother, Richard Jackson, married my father's sister, Phebe Updike; Nancy's sister Sarah married Elijah Houghton, and her sister Phebe married a Hart. The mother of these four Jacksons was Abigail Haskins; and Abigail Haskins' mother was mother also of Sarah, the second wife of John Updike the tailor. The name Abilgail has in this way become frequent in our family Bibles and has been mistaken for Sarah Farnsworth, the first wife of John Updike the tailor. The families above named all came from New Jersey and settled together in Virginia, and were connected by marriage.
"My eyes are growing weak. One of my age can have but a short time to remain before he goes to his ancestors."
"UPDIKE REUNION"by Verla C. Mauck. The third annual Updike Reunion held at the Lutheran Church in Browntown, Va., on Sunday, June 28, 1942, was well-attended, considering the gas rationing, tire shortage and other inconveniences confronting the nation in his day and hour. The folks - in a way - seemed to enjoy this family gathering as immensely as they did last year and the year before. However, with our U.S.A. in the thick of another horrible war, it is the writer's sincere belief that many of us who were in attendance, actually - in spirit - were absent. Not that each and everyone did not do their utmost to mingle with the crowd and help make the occasion a glowing success. We most assuredly did! Yet - when the quaint little organ in that quaint little village church softly chimed, and Miss Eleanor Updike of Washington, D.C., sang sweetly, Francis Scott Key's 'Star Spangled Banner' - it was then that we who have loved ones in or going in our Country's Service were, beyond a doubt, miles away from the Updike Reunion. In fact, the entire congregation in that moment appeared to realize the seriousness of the war situation. At 11:00 A.M., the reunion members attended church services conducted by the Rev. Kenneth M. Hayes, after which they assembled on the lawn of the Browntown Union Church, where music was furnished by the Warren County High School Band. Prayer was offered, and a bounteous luncheon was served picnic-style on tables arranged in the Lutheran Churchyard. The 'sweet'rationing, apparently did not affect the cakes, for there were cakes a-plenty - big ones and little ones - and all appeared to have sugar on the surface as well as within. Even the iced-tea boasted of sugar - not saccharin. Mr. R.W. Updike of Bentonville, Va., was master-of-ceremonies and gave the welcome address. A very interesting reading was given by Mr. Julian Updike of Front Royal, Va. Other speakers on the afternoon program included the Messra. V.C. and L.O. Updike of Bentonville, Mr. Giles Updike of Browntown, former Sheriff R.F. Collins of Front Royal, and Mrs. Angie Barbee Graht of Covington, Va. Several lovely quartets were rendered by members of the Updike family with Mrs. R.C. Uping at the organ. Special recognition was given Mrs. S. Booten Updike, aged 83 years, of Bentonville, and Mr. J.B. Updike, who is past 80, of Washington D.C. The latter's granddaughter, Miss Eleanor Updike, talented vocalist, favored the audience with several outstanding selections, and very beautifully recited "The House By The Side Of The Road" - a poem that never fails to charm those interested in ... Dr. E. H. Updike of Mill Creek, W.Va., was unable to attend the reunion, which was held in Powell's Fort, owing to the fact that his automobile - a marcon-colored coupe - could accommodate only three passengers. Consequently, the Dr.'s wife and their two daughters, Misses Jewell and Mary Updike, attended the......."
(Article from "Warren Sentinel," Volume 74, Number 15, 9 July 1942.)
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