General Notes

[coosa1.ged]
William Waldrip was born in 1799 in Spartanburg Co., SC, at his parents'
plantation on the Emoree River.
The 1840 census of Chambers County, Alabama, shows two sons born
between 1825 and 1830 and a daughter born between 1820 and 1825.  His
real estate in Chambers County  was valued at $675 in 1850.
William was a Methodist minister and farmer. The family moved to
Central, then in Coosa Co., AL, just after 1850. There are a number of
marriages in Coosa records which were performed by William. They lived
near Central until 1860.
In 1860, they moved to Jackson Parish, Louisiana. Family and
belongings were reportedly moved in 15 covered wagons. The family at this
time, consisted of Asa Melton, James F. and Elisa Victory. Sanford Byrd
had married Elizabeth Sears and settled in Wetumpka. Betsey and Rebecca
had also married and settled around Central. After the Civil War, Asa
Melton also settled in Coosa Co., AL.
In Jackson Parish, they lived in the community of Vernon. William
continued to preach and farm. Margaret must have died before 1872 because
William entered a second marriage at that time. His second wife was said
to be about twenty years younger than William.
Letter in the possession of Madge (Waldrip) Arnold indicate that in
his later years, William shared residence with his daughter Elisa Victory
(Waldrip) Graham and her family. Byrd and Asa are known to have made at
least one visit to see their family in Louisiana..
Under Alabama State law, a minister was required to secure a license from
the county, prior to performing a marriage ceremony.  Early Chambers
County records reveal that William Waldrip was licensed by the said
county on 14 January 1847 as a Methodist.  Researched by Ron Bridges on
28 Jul 1999.