Charles Willis Buck and the Crystal Fount

In 1873, C. W. Buck was "Editor and Proprietor" of the "Crystal Fount" a newspaper "Devoted to Temperance, Morality, Literature and General Intelligence -- Neutral in Religion and Politics".  This "Family Paper", published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, cost two dollars per year. In the November 3 issue for 1873, C. W. Buck's column (dated October 3) was in favor of prohibition, closing with "Destroy it from the land by forbidding it made and sold; and we shall soon have no drunkards to convert and save."   His column of October 7 was "We make Ourselves" in which he said that God's works are perfect and "man made himself what he is".  This issue also noted publication of the paper would be suspended for one month due in part to "failure of subscribers to pay up" and pleaded for financial support.  "We have done wrong in sending out the paper without the money, and will hereafter strictly abide by the cash system."  The Crystal Fount was intended to be the “Organ of the Grand Lodge of Alabama”. The Grand Lodge of Alabama was part of the Independent Order of Good Templars (IOGT) – a fraternal organization that promoted temperance or total abstinence from drugs and alcohol.    The IOGT was founded in the 19th century and modeled after Freemasonry; however, the IOGT was not part of the Freemasons.  The IOGT still exists today but the Crystal Fount was published for only about two years.

My dad had this copy of Volume 1 of the Crystal Fount.  Although barely readable, it may be the only remaining issue.

William Calmes Buck II

William Calmes Buck II, my great grandfather, was born on March 3, 1861 in Newbern, Alabama to Charles Willis Buck and Susan Croom Sparrow Buck.  

In the U. S. census of 1870, nine year old William is shown as living with his parents in Choctaw County, Alabama along with his brother Charles and sisters Susan, Mary and Miriam.  His father, Charles Willis Buck was a minister.  William is listed as “attending school”.

In the U. S. census of 1880, William is again shown as living with his parents but in Lee County, Brownville and Whittens, Alabama.  The family includes his brothers Charles, Robert, John and sisters Susan, Mamie, Belle, Bessie and Katie.  His father’s occupation had changed from minister to farmer and William is shown as working on the farm.

W. C. Buck and Martha Elizabeth Clardy were married on December 1, 1881 in Russell County, Alabama.  His wife’s name is given as Mattie Clarida on the marriage license – perhaps that is why she was so insistent on the proper spelling as “Clardy” in later years.  The marriage was performed by Charles Willis Buck, Sr., father of W. C. Buck II.

Martha Elizabeth Clardy was the daughter of William Clardy and Sarah W. Kelly.  She was born in November 1859 in Georgia.  In the 1880 census, she is shown as living in Beat 1, Gerard, Russell County, Alabama with her parents.  She worked in a cotton mill along with her father and brother, John.

After marriage, W. C. Buck and Mattie Clardy Buck lived in the Columbus, Georgia area for about eight years where he became a prominent businessman and city councilman.  He was an active member of the Missionary Baptist church.

W. C. Buck and Mattie Clardy Buck then moved to the New Decatur, Alabama area about 1888.  W. C. Buck came to Decatur to fulfill two general building contracts he had won.  His winning bid had beat out the two lumber yards in Decatur and the locals refused to sell to him.  He had to find a lumber supplier and found one in the Yancey family, on Brindlee Mountain, south of Huntsville on U S. 231 in eastern Morgan County.  For several years, lumber was shipped by wagon from the Yancey’s in the Union Grove community to Decatur - a trip of almost 40 miles.  His friendship continued with the Yancey’s for many years.  Two of W. C. Buck’s grandsons, Gordon and Nelson, spent several summers working there with the Yanceys.

In New Decatur, W.C. Buck, and his wife, Mattie, were founding members of the First Baptist Church.  This church was organized on October 3, 1889 with fourteen members.  Elder John Speer was the first pastor.  W. C. Buck was the clerk.  J. J. Sawyers and A. M. Lee were deacons.  When New Decatur became Albany, the church changed its name to First Baptist Church of Albany.  In 1923, Albany became part of Decatur and the church was again renamed to become Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church. 

Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church prior to 1980

W.C. Buck also was listed on the building committee of the Central Baptist Church about 1894.  In 1903, he was awarded the contract to build a house on Fourth Avenue for its pastor.

In New Decatur, W. C. Buck was primarily a building contractor but in the early 1900s he also owned retail stores.

Advertisement in New Decatur Advertiser 6/12/1903

Advertisement in New Decatur Advertiser 12/2/1904

Unfortunately, his retail businesses must not have worked out well because he declared bankruptcy in May of 1908.  After closing his retail businesses, he opened a saw mill and a lumberyard.  He also owned quite a bit of property including various lots in east Decatur, Alabama. 

In 1900, W. C. and Mattie Buck lived on Grant Street in New Decatur along with their children Carlisle, Helen, Lois, Murray, Hubert and Charles.  His occupation was described as a “house carpenter”.

Sometime before 1910, W. C. and Mattie Buck moved to Wolff, Alabama.  Wolff, now known as Union Hill, is on Brindlee Mountain where W. C. Buck was getting his lumber.  The 1910 census lists the family as including Lois, Murray, Hubert, Charles and David.  (His son, Carlisle, had married Susan Elizabeth Masterson in 1910 and remained in Decatur.  His daughter, Helen, had married Harvey Howard Masterson in 1910 and also was still in Decatur.)  William’s occupation is given as sawyer in a saw mill for which he was an employer.  His house was rented and was on a farm.  Several members of the Yancy family lived nearby.

After a few years in Wolff, W. C. and Mattie Buck moved to Birmingham.  His occupation was given as contractor/builder in his own business.  They must have moved to Birmingham before 1913 since the Birmingham City Directory for 1913 includes them as living on North 49 Street.

Sometime between 1920 and 1924, W. C. Buck moved to Florence, Alabama where he continued to be a building contractor.  In the early 1920s, the W. C. Buck house in Florence burned and all of his personal effects, records and photographs were lost.  Knowing that he was dying of cancer, he purchased an annuity for his wife, Mattie, from Metropolitan Life. This was her income during the depression.   W. C. Buck died of cancer on January 28, 1924 in Florence, Alabama.  He was buried in Decatur.

Mattie must have remained in Birmingham when W. C. Buck moved to Florence because she is included in the 1925 City Directory as the widow of W. C. Buck.  However she apparently moved to North 42 Drive.  Her name is also in the 1928 Directory. 

Sometime in the early 1930s, Mattie Buck moved in with her son, Hubert N. Buck.  According to the 1940 census, she lived with his family in 1935 and 1940.

Martha Elizabeth Clardy Buck died on January 12, 1950 in Decatur, Alabama. 

William Calmes Buck and Martha Elizabeth Clardy had the following children:

• William Calmes Buck III (1884-1888)
•  Carlisle Lamar Buck (1887 -1959) ; married Susan Elizabeth Masterson
•  Charles Clardy Buck (1900-1993) ; married Hilda C. Girten
•  Helen Dooley Buck (1891-1958); Harvey Howard Masterson
• David Edgar Buck (1902-1919); died in a boating accident
• Lois Buck (1893-1929)
• Murray Sandlin Buck (1896-1982); married Thelma Black
• Hubert Nelson Buck (1897-1974); married Vivian Eileen Watson. He drew a Buck Family Tree which is still widely used.
• Inez Buck (1890-1890)
• Two unnamed infants.

(to be continued)

William Calmes Buck's Children: Charles Willis Buck (1835-1900) (continued)

continued ...

Charles Willis Buck was

A Baptist minister, like his father.  He served as chaplain to various Alabama regiments during the Civil War, and later as pastor of a number of churches in central Alabama, his eleven children being born in eight different locations.  Most of his descendants reside (or did) in Alabama and Georgia.
                                         -- notes of Hubert Nelson Buck, 1965

Susan Croom Sparrow was a reigning belle of her day.  "A very lovely woman." - (Emma Virginia Buck)                              

Family lore is that C. W. Buck was a dentist.  His tombstone reads "Dr. C. W. Buck".  My dad remembers his father (C. L. Buck) saying that his grandfather pulled teeth.  Miriam Quarles remembered hearing that C. W. Buck developed procedures for "painless" dentistry.

Charles Willis Buck

Susan Croom Sparrow Buck

A letter from Charles Willis Buck to his wife during the Civil War.

Near 2hr Stewarts Div Hospital (Marietta, GA)

June 29, 1864

My Dear Precious Wife

I write again not because I have any news but because I know that you will wish to hear from me.  I wrote on Saturday and again on Sunday but this is Wednesday.  This morning as I was walking through town I saw a man whose face seemed familiar but I could not place him.  I went up to a gentleman who seemed to be acquainted with him and inquired his name and was told that it was Lewis Craig.  I called to him and after teasing him awhile as to myself I made myself known and you may be sure it was a pleasant meeting.  Lewis is the oldest living child of my mother’s sister Ann.  He and his brother Willis, Gid and myself were raised together and our attachment for sure awhile was as strong as brother’s love.   He informed us of the death of ….

(the back of the page was not available)

I consoled several and dressed some of their wounded.  We have been blessed in the last month of fighting as have lost only those killed in the present month, several wounded but none mortally.  I hope Pa and Silas write.  I must again say farewell for the moment.  Kiss my pretty boys for me and tell them Papa says “Howdy”.  Remember me kindly to all friends.  And for yourself my Darling, I send my heart it is ever missing you.  Sleeping or waking my dreams are ever of you and my heart responses only to one sweet face and name.  I sometimes feel that I can bear our separation no longer and must return to my Darling but then duty says “stop” and I obey.  Our meeting will be but sweeter for our long separation and I look forward to the day when in the mercy of God we shall be separated no more in life.  God grant that the day may be near when this dreadful war will be over and the poor soldier be permitted to return to his home again.  My God bless and protect you and our children.  May Angels watch over our family and may your life be as happy as my absence will allow.

Your Aff. Husband,

C. W. Buck

William Calmes Buck's Children: Charles Willis Buck (1835 -1900) continued

continued from previous post ...

In the summer of 1858, C. W. Buck and others met in the Methodist Church to discuss forming a Young Men's Christian Association in Selma, Alabama.  This was the first YMCA in the state of Alabama.

In 1858, C. W. Buck and his brother Giddings attempted to open a school in Sumterville as indicated by their advertisement in the Independent of Gainesville Alabama newspaper of December 12, 1857.  Apparently, this school was not successful as no further mention of it is available.

C. W. Buck and Susan Croom Sparrow Buck must have moved from the Greene county area in late 1859 because "sister Susan Buck" was granted a letter of dismissal the Saturday before the second Sunday of October, 1859.

In the 1860 census, C. W. Buck is shown as a Baptist Minister living in Marion, Perry County, Alabama with his wife.  They appear to be living in a boarding house or hotel.

In lists of Confederate soldiers, Charles W. Buck is shown to be a Chaplain in the 42^nd regiment of the Alabama Infantry.  The 42^nd was organized at Columbus, Mississippi in May 1862.  It participated in the siege of Corinth and the garrison at Vicksburg.

In 1870, Charles and Susan Buck lived in the town of Butler in Choctaw County, Alabama with their young family. Again, he is shown as being a Minister.

An advertisement in the Livingston Journal of September 29, 1871 indicates that C. W. Buck was an agent for the Mississippi Valley Life Insurance Company.

In 1872, the "Tuscaloosa Times", listing the death of his daughter, Mary Emma, referred to Rev. and Mrs. C. W. Buck.

In 1873, C. W. Buck was "Editor and Proprietor" of the "Crystal Fount" a newspaper "Devoted to Temperance, Morality, Literature and General Intelligence -- Neutral in Religion and Politics".  This "Family Paper", published in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, cost two dollars per year. In the November 3 issue for 1873, C. W. Buck's column (dated October 3) was in favor of prohibition, closing with "Destroy it from the land by forbidding it made and sold; and we shall soon have no drunkards to convert and save."   His column of October 7 was "We make Ourselves" in which he said that God's works are perfect and "man made himself what he is".  This issue also noted publication of the paper would be suspended for one month due in part to "failure of subscribers to pay up" and pleaded for financial support.  "We have done wrong in sending out the paper without the money, and will hereafter strictly abide by the cash system."  The Crystal Fount was published for only about two years.

From 1879 to 1881, C. W. Buck served as pastor at the Girard Baptist Church in Russell County, Alabama.

In 1880, He lived in Brownville and Whittens in Lee County, Alabama.  In this census, Charles is shown as being a farmer.  In addition to his family, now numbering nine children, the household includes Lucy Parker as a (white) servant along with her two young children.

By 1884, C. W. Buck had changed his profession from minister to farmer and then to dentistry.  He practiced a form of “painless” dentistry which he called “Electrodentis”.  An advertisement in the Tuskegee News dated October 2, 1884 seems to indicate that he was travelling from town to town and pulling teeth.

In 1897, the Montgomery, Alabama City Directory includes Charles W. Buck as a dentist.

Charles Willis Buck died in Montgomery, Alabama on April 8, 1900 of pneumonia brought on by influenza.

In the 1900 census, Susan C. Buck is shown as a widow and living in Glennville, Russell County, Alabama with her son-in-law A. D. Quarles and his wife Belle Sparrow Buck Quarles.  A. D. Quarles is shown as being a farmer and blacksmith.

Susan Croom Sparrow Buck died in Phenix City, Alabama April 26, 1906 apparently as the result of being thrown from a carriage.

... to be continued

William Calmes Buck's Children: Charles Willis Buck (1835-1900)

Charles Willis Buck was the third son born to William CalmesBuck and his second wife Isabella Miriam Field Buck. He was born on September 26, 1835 in Woodford County, Kentucky "at 5 min. past 7 a.m." according to the memoirs of his father, William Calmes Buck (I).  He was named in honor of his grandfathers Charles Buck and Willis Field.

According to the U. S. Census of 1850, Charles Willis Buck, age 14, was living with his parents and siblings in Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky.  His father, William C. Buck, is shown as being a Baptist Minister.  Charles was attending school.

Although his father was largely self-educated (but even so, referred to as “Dr. Buck” later in his life), Charles Willis received a formal education.  His early school years were in Louisville, Kentucky.  At about age 14, Charles and his younger brother Giddings were enrolled and boarded at Georgetown College in Kentucky.  Georgetown College was chartered in 1829 and was the first Baptist college west of the Allegheny Mountains.  After a few years at Georgetown, Charles and Giddings were enrolled and boarded at Union University in Tennessee after their mother died in 1852.   In fact, they boarded at the home of the president of Union College, Dr. Joseph Eaton.  Charles and his younger brother Giddings attended Union College whereas their sister Emma attended the Female Academy.  Giddings graduated in 1857 and, perhaps, Charles did as well. 

On October 21, 1857, Charles’s sister, Emma, while visiting in Front Royal, Virginia, noted in her diary “Hope Brother Charlie will succeed in getting a situation very soon.”  He was 22 years old.  On November 21, Charles visited Front Royal and the surrounding area.  Charles and Emma left Front Royal on December 9 for Washington D.C. where they visited the Capitol, Rotunda, Library, Senate Chamber and House of Representatives.  They departed for Baltimore on December 11 to visit relatives.  On December 18, they departed for Norfolk, Virginia on the steamer George.  They used railroad and other steamers to travel to Selma, Alabama where their father was living.  In Selma, Emma noted that she met Mrs. Croom (who would become Charles' mother-in-law).

Charles Willis Buck and Susan Croom Sparrow were married on September 13, 1857 in Greene County, Alabama. Susan Croom Sparrow, daughter of Robert J. Sparrow and Nancy E. Croom, was born on July 13, 1838 in Greene County, Alabama. The Sparrows were a well-to-do farming family in Greene County, Alabama.  In the census of 1860, the Sparrow farm, run by her mother, Nancy, after the death of her father, appears to be relatively valuable and in near proximity to other valuable farms.

Charles Willis Buck and Susan Croom Sparrow had the following children:

• William Calmes Buck II (1861-1924); married Martha Elizabeth Clardy, December 1, 1881.  As my great grandfather, he gets his own post in this blog as well as this short summary. 
•  Frances Buck (1862-1863)
•  Charles Willis Buck Jr. (1863-1883); married Martha Mahalia Clay
•  Susan Croom Buck (1866-1906); married William Thomas Quarles
•  Mary Emma Buck (1867-1872)
•  Miriam Field Buck (1869-1936); married Charles Davis Stringer
•  Robert Sparrow Buck (1870-1930); married Lenna Adams
•  John Hickman Buck (1872-1956); married Annie Zerada Johnson
•  Belle Sparrow Buck (1874-1964); married Abram David Quarles
•  Katie Steiner Buck (1878-1957); married Haywood Johnson 
• Elizabeth Davidge "Bessie" Buck (1876-1965) 

(to be continued)

William Calmes Buck: Precepts for My Son

(Continuing posts about William Calmes Buck)

In late November of 1856, Wm. C. Buck gave his son Charles Willis Buck his "Precepts for My Son".  Charles Willis Buck's twenty-first birthday was September 26, 1856 and I've always wondered if the Precepts was perhaps a birthday gift.  I don't have the original but typed the Precepts in a sort of script, added the photo of Wm. C. Buck and also added his signature from another document.

Charles Buck III (1788-1870)

Charles Buck III was born on February 18, 1788 to Charles Buck II and Mary Richardson.  Charles Buck III and Lucy Chilton Bayliss were married in 1817 in Virginia. Lucy Chilton Bayliss, daughter of William Bayliss and Elizabeth Turner was born on April 10, 1798 in Virginia.

He called himself "the third" and so he was in direct lineage, although his cousin Charles, the son of John Buck I, was older. 

                                                               -- notes of H. N. Buck

Sometimes Charles Buck III is referred to as Charles Bayly Buck III but this is probably not correct.  Charles Bayly Buck (1808-1858) was the son of Samuel Buck whose wife was Mary Bayly.  The surname of Lucy Chilton Bayliss is sometimes spelled Baylis, Bayles or Bayless.

Charles Buck III appears to have travelled from his birthplace in Virginia to Kentucky then Mississippi then Louisiana and then returned to Vicksburg, Mississippi.

At the time of the 1850 census, Charles Buck III was a merchant in Vicksburg, Mississippi.   Lucy C. Buck was included in the household.  Their son, Richard Buck, age 17, lived with them and was a clerk – probably in their store.   In a nearby house, another of their sons, John W. Buck, lived with his wife Mary, age 26.  She was born in Kentucky and their son, also named Charles, age 1, was born in Mississippi.  John W. Buck was also shown to be a merchant. 

By the 1860 census, Charles and Lucy are living in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana with J. R. McEvers who was age 27 and born in Louisiana.  His wife was E. J. McEvers who was age 22 and born in Louisiana in Terrebonne Parish.  In the same house was H. R. Buck, age 33, born in Kentucky, a physician, his daughter Annie, age 4 and Lucy C. age 2 both born in Mississippi.

Charles Buck and Lucy Chilton Bayliss Buck had the following children:

• John William Buck (1819-1916); born in Virginia; married Mary Sutton, Kentucky; died of “hypostatic pneumonia” in Kentucky.  A farmer.
• Charles Lundsford Buck (1824-1862); born in Kentucky; married Maria Isabel Barnett, 1852; died in Mississippi.  He was a prominent attorney in Vicksburg and a legislator in the Mississippi Senate.
• Horace Richardson Buck, (1826-1912); married (1) Ellen Herbert, 1855; (2) married Mary Easton, 1859.  Died in Louisiana.  A physician.
• Richard Sutton Buck (1833-1892); born in Virginia; married Juliana Scott Randolph; died in Mississippi.  An attorney and District Attorney in Vicksburg.
• Marion Buck (1840-1847); a son born and died in Mississippi.

Charles Buck III died on October 12, 1870 at the age of 82 in Vicksburg, Mississippi only a few days after his wife, Lucy Chilton Bayliss died on October 5, 1870 at the age of 72 in Vicksburg.

The Family of Charles Buck II

A previous post introduced Charles Buck II, son of Charles Buck I and his second wife, Letitia Sorrell, and provided a few details about his life.  The next several posts will focus on his children.  All of the children of Charles Buck II and Mary Richardson were born in Virginia but some moved to Woodford County, Kentucky.  

Here is a summary list of the children of Charles Buck II and Mary Richardson:

• Letitia Buck (1776 – 1850); married George Catlett.
• Thomas Buck Rev. (1777-1862); married Amelia L. Dawson.
• Sarah Buck (1780-1785).
• Samuel Buck (1783-1841); married Mary P. Bayly.
• John Buck (1785-1857); married Sarah Catlett.
• Charles Buck III (1788-1870); married Lucy Chilton Bayliss.
• William Calmes Buck I (1790-1872); married (1) Maria Lewright, 1815 and (2) Isabella Miriam Field; died in Waco, Texas. Perhaps the most renowned member of the Buck family.
• Mary Richardson Buck (1792-1823); married William Mountjoy Bayly.

In his will, Charles Buck II left their house and surroundings to his wife, Mary, and divided the land equally (by value) to his children.  Some of the land had already been sold (“conveyed”) while other sections continued to be farmed by the inheritor.  

Charles Buck II and Mary Richardson had seven children who reached adulthood and forty-eight grandchildren.

Charles Buck (1774-1831)

There are so many Charles Bucks that it is difficult to keep track of them.  This is about the Charles Buck who was born in January 25, 1774 in Virginia, the son of John Buck and Miriam Richardson.  This is not about Charles Buck III (1788-1870), son of Charles Buck II, who also lived in Woodford County, Kentucky.

Charles Buck (1774-1831) married Mary (Polly) Price (1778-), the daughter of Samuel Price and Elizabeth Richardson on October 12, 1799 in Frederick, Virginia.  Polly Price was the granddaughter of William Richardson and Isabella Calmes whose daughters Ann, Miriam and Mary married the three sons of Charles Buck I.  Therefore, Charles Buck (1774-1831) and Polly Price were first cousins.

Although some sources have the wife of Charles Buck (1774-1831) as Isabella Price, this is not correct.  H. N. Buck noted that “Some records have the name as Isabella (the next oldest sister to Mary) but other records show that Isabella married William Samuels. Churchill M. Buck writes "My father always spoke of her (Charles Buck's wife) as ‘Aunt Polly'".

Charles Buck was one of the first merchants of the town of Versailles, Kentucky. Later he moved to Franklin County, having bought a mill on the Elkhorn river, and was buried there.     

                       

Charles Buck and Polly Price Buck had six unnamed children who died in infancy, a daughter named Miriam who died in infancy, as well as the following who survived to adulthood:

• Elizabeth Buck married John Harris
• Annie Buck ( -1863) married F. Reese.
• Charles Buck, no information available
• Walter Alvis Buck (1824-1870), married (1) Ann Cassandra Hale, (2) Sarah Sneed Harris in 1864.
• Isabella Buck (~1810-~1880) married George Blackburn
• John Price Buck, no information available

Although the death of Charles Buck is shown herein as being November 3, 1831, this may not be correct.  Some sources give his death as being in 1824.  However, there is a record of probate for a Charles Buck in Kentucky for 1832.  Information on the death of his wife, Mary (Polly) Price is not available.

A Letter from Thomas Buck V

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A letter from Thomas Buck V to his nephew, Thomas Buck son of Charles Buck II. (Notice that the nephew is called “Junior” and “cousin” in contrast to current naming and relationship conventions.) This is the same Thomas Buck who was the recipient of a letter, previously posted, from his father. The letter below was delivered by a Mr. English.
.

Mr. Thomas Buck, Jun.,
Rocking County
Belle Air
Jan 16th, 1812

My dear cousin & full namesake:

Having so good an opportunity, I cannot forbear sending you this small token of my regard, though I don’t expect I can be lengthy, as we had a little meeting here tonight its very late, my pen bad, and I can’t see to mend it, and am very clumsy at best. However I want to tell you, I was exceedingly glad to hear from you, and that you were all well, and that Amelia was well satisfied, and expecially that you are not backward in speaking occasionally in behalf of your Master’s cause, for so shall your light shine before men and they wil thereby be made to glorify your father which is in Heaven. I have wished frequently since I parted with you to have an opportunity to enlarge on the hint I then gave you, i.e. that peradventure providence had some wise end in sending you into that place, it may the Lord has much people there, and you may be the instrument designed for calling them into the fold. I must tell you my dear cousin that it was with pleasure, I observed your growth in devine knowledge, since your public profession, and your usefulness in the church became more and more conspicuous, which gave not only myself, but others great hopes concerning you, and I felt very unwilling to part with you on that, as well as other accounts, but when the thought was suggested that peradventure the Lord had wise ends in removing you I submitted cheerfully. I can assure you that these observations are not intended to raise vanity, but to impress on your mind, a sense of duty. That you have talents is evident, and if improved I have no doubt will become useful, and if neglected, or buried in the rubbish of this world, as your poor old useless uncles have been, you will probably repent as he has done when it is too late. But least Satan should seek advantage of you, attempt to make proud, let me remind you, that these talents are not your own, but your Lord’s; and that he will certainly call you to account for them. And now as I am old and you are young, and have never experienced the conflicts, I have, take piece of fatherly advice, after asking you a few questions. 1st – When the plan of salvation through Christ was first revealed to you and indeed at all subsequent times, when faith has been in lively exercise, did not you think it was so plain that you could convince the whole world? And did not your bowels yearn after your fellow creatures? 2ndly – Has not the worth of souls, at times lay heavy on you? And have you not felt as if the Lord would require them at your hands if you did not warn them of their danger? 3rd – Have you not felt convicted for neglecting to reprove sin? 4thly – Does not the loose and untender walk of prossprous grieve you? And do you not wish to see all that name the name of God depart from iniquity? I could ask many more questions, but I find short as I intended to be at first, I shall not have room, I must therefore desist and proceed to the advice I promised and 1st. If you can answer the foregoing introgatories in the affirmative; quench not the spirit, but indulge, and cherish its motions, and follow its dictates, praying to God for assistance and relying on him for support. The enemy of souls will not doubt magnify the office of an ambassador for God and tell you it is too great for you, but tell him hes’ a liar, for if he could qualify a Matthew the publican, a Simon Peter the fisherman etc., etc. in so eminent a manner and could qualify a Fristoe & Mason and the plowmen & a Henderson the tanner in these latter times and can raise up children to Abraham out of stones, he is able to qualify the meanest of his people for any office he is pleased to call them to. But perhaps he’ll try the same temptations he did with Christ, then repulse him in the same manner. If he should persuade you that are qualified for some dignified station in the world tell him your master is King of Kings and Lord of Lords and one the greatest Kings that ever filled a temporal throne, chose rather to be a door keeper to his house than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

But I must desist, my paper, fire and time forbids enlarging. I could now fill another sheet, but perhaps this may suffice at present. Theres no room nor time for news. This leaves in common health, except colds, of which myself and your aunt shares largely. Harry is also sick, Marcus was poorly last letter. Tell cousin Amelia her father was here last Sunday, his wife poorly & the news of Mrs. Wilsons being burnt in theatre afflicts her very much, which you have no doubt heard. The children are also poorly with the hooping cough. Old Mrs. King is here and begs to be remembered to you all. My family are all in bed or I expect they would all send their loves to you. I have turned the back of my pen and must say farewell.
.
Tho. Buck
.

The known characters are:

Thomas Buck -- born 1777, the first born son of Charles Buck II. He was called “Junior” to differentiate him from his uncle Thomas Buck V but will be assigned “VI” to differentiate from all the other Thomas Bucks. He is often referred to as the “Rev. Thomas Buck”.

Amelia – Thomas’ wife, Amelia Dawson Buck, born 1783.

Amelia’s father - Rev. James Dawson.

Marcus – probably Marcus Calmes Buck, son of Thomas Buck V
.

The Death of Charles Buck II

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Charles Buck II died August 2, 1823. In his will, he divided his land into parcels of equal value and distributed them to his children. The house, household possessions and land immediately surrounding the house were left to his wife, Mary Richardson Buck, who survived him.

Charles and Mary Buck were buried in the Buck cemetery near their house. His brother, Thomas, and Thomas’ first wife, Ann, are buried alongside them.

Charles Buck II had inherited the old homestead from his father. His son Thomas bought it from the other heirs after the death of his father and mother. Later the house was owned by John Gill Buck, William A. Buck and Meredeth Helm Buck. The house surrounding land was sold in 1917 and a new house was built. The original chimney remained and was part of the new house.

His son, William Calmes Buck, wrote "My father was an extensive farmer and both of my parents were members of the Baptist Church, having united with the church when young, in the times when Baptists were sorely persecuted in Virginia; and they were models of Christian excellence during their lives.”
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A Letter from Charles Buck II

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This is a letter from Charles Buck II to his son, Thomas Buck VI (Junior in the letter).

Mr. Thomas Buck, Jwr.
Rockingham County
Two miles from Kezeltown

August 12th, 1812

Dear Tommy:

I have been waiting for a favorable opportunity to forward your Dismissions to you, but fearing I might detain them too long, have enclosed them herein and left them with your Brother Sammy to be sent on in the most direct manner he can.

I have the happiness of informing you that we are in usual health as are our connections in this place also, as far as I know of. I heard from Mr. Dawson’s a few days past, at which time nothing uncommon appeared with them.

Br. Hiter has returned to our neighborhood, he preached at Water Lick on Tuesday last, and is to be there again tomorrow, together with Br. Brice and an other Minister.

Charley has been from home better than a week, he went with a young man of the name of Brady, who has been lately Baptized at Bethel. They went towards Dumfries, I suppose the young man was going to be married. William has been talking of going to see you, but I suppose it will not be till after the association, as I have some expectation of going there, If I should be spared.

As I have nothing of a particular nature to write you (tho’ were I to employ my pen which perhaps I ought to do I might find many things necessary) I therefore recommend you and family, to the care of him who is able to protect you from harm, and abundantly to supply all your wants.

Your Mother and sister desires most affectionately to be remembered to you all and I likewise present to yourself, Amelia and the children, my sincere love and affection.

From your Father,


The known characters are:

Thomas Buck -- born 1777, the first born son of Charles Buck II. He was called “Junior” to differentiate him from his uncle Thomas Buck V but will be assigned “VI” to differentiate from all the other Thomas Bucks. He is often referred to as the “Rev. Thomas Buck”.

Sammy – Samuel Mountjoy Buck, brother to Thomas, born 1783.

Mr. Dawson – probably Thomas’s father-in-law, Rev. James Dawson.

Charley – Charles Buck III, brother to Thomas, born 1788

William – William Calmes Buck, brother to Thomas, born 1790. He was licensed to preach only a few days after this letter was written.

Amelia – Thomas’ wife, Amelia Dawson Buck, born 1783.

Children – In 1812, Thomas had three children: Annice, Mary and Samuel.


Places are:

Water Lick – land donated by Charles Buck II for a church, approximately one mile from his house.

Dumfries – the oldest chartered town in Virginia. It dates to 1690 and includes a harbor on Quantico Creek. Charles Buck I owned land there. Dumfries is probably near the land originally owned by Thomas Buck I.

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Silhouettes of Charles and Mary Buck

In 1996, my dad, my son and I visited Front Royal, Virginia to research our roots there. The Warren Heritage Society was one of the main resources that we wanted to investigate. Unfortunately, we were only able to be there a few hours. Even so, we were able to learn a lot about the early Buck family in the Front Royal, Virginia area.

While browsing through some files, I came across one labeled simply “Charles Buck and Mary Richardson” and peeked into it. The file contained only these two silhouettes – no references, no sources, no notes. No one at the Society had any additional information. I took these photos of the silhouettes.

I have no idea whether these silhouettes are authentic or not but I’ve decided to use them to represent Charles and Mary Buck – my great, great, great, great grandfather and grandmother.

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Charles Buck II (1750 - 1823)

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Charles Buck II was born on October 28, 1750 in Frederick County, Virginia to Charles Buck I and Letitia Sorrel, his second wife. Charles II was the second son of Charles I. He lived all his life in Virginia.

Like his father, Charles II was an ardent sportsman but his life was greatly influenced and he was led into the Baptist faith by the Rev. James Ireland, a pioneer Baptist preacher of early Virginia. Charles II donated land near Buckton for the building of a Baptist church and a residence for Ireland. Charles Buck II and his younger brother, Thomas Buck V, were messengers from the Water Lick Church to the Ketoctin Association in 1795. Two of his sons, Thomas and William, became prominent Baptist ministers.

Family lore is that Charles Buck II was a prisoner of war during the Revolution, aboard a British ship in Charleston harbor, but no record has been found of his military service.

Charles BUCK II married Mary Richardson, daughter of William Richardson and Isabella Calmes, April 3, 1774. Mary Richardson was born on Aug 31, 1752.

Charles BUCK II and Mary RICHARDSON had eight children:

William Calmes BUCK I, born August 23, 1790
Letitia BUCK, born in 1776
Thomas BUCK, born November 15, 1777
Sarah BUCK, born in 1780
Samuel Mountjoy BUCK, born in 1783
John BUCK, born in 1785
Charles BUCK III, born in 1788
Mary Richardson BUCK, born in 1792
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The Family of Charles Buck I

Charles Buck I had three sons: John, Charles II and Thomas V. A daughter, Mary, probably died shortly after birth.

John Buck, born December 27, 1748, was the first child of Charles Buck I and Anna Sorrell Earle, daughter of Major Samuel Earle III and Anna Sorrell. He married Miriam Richardson in 1774. He moved to Ohio where he died in 1815.

Mary Buck was born and died in 1749. Her mother, Anna, died that same year. The exact dates and details are unknown but it is probably a good assumption that both died during childbirth.

After the death of Anna Sorrell Earle, Charles Buck I married Letitia Sorrell in 1749. Their first child, Charles II, was born Oct 28, 1750. Charles Buck II married Mary Richardson, sister of Miriam, on April 3, 1774. They lived in Buckton their entire lives. Charles Buck II died in 1823.

The second child of Charles Buck I and Letitia Sorrell (third son of Charles Buck I) was named Thomas. By convention, this Thomas Buck is usually called Thomas V in modern genealogy listings. Thomas V was born June 10, 1756; he also married one of the Richardson sisters, Anne, on December 14, 1774. They lived their entire lives in the Front Royal area. Thomas V died in 1842.

Charles Buck I died in 1771; his will is dated February 4, 1771. His gravesite is unknown; however, a monument to Charles Buck I was placed at Buckton Cemetery by Walter Hooper Buck.

In 1740, Charles Buck I purchased land along the south side of the north branch of the Shenandoah River. This land included the farms called “Clover Hill” and “Cedar Hill”. In his will he gave 780 acres of this land to his son, Charles II. This land became known as Buckton and the Buckton Cemetery, a private cemetery for those family members, is located on the bank of the river.

Charles Buck I -- a Sportsman

In a letter written by his son, Thomas, Charles Buck I was said to be “a great sportsman and used carry me off to the horse races of which I became very fond and in all probability should have followed his example had not the Lord arrested both him and myself in our mad career.”

The race track referenced by Thomas Buck is said to have been located in present day Front Royal. Typically such tracks were about a quarter mile around. The better horses were smaller and their descendants are known as quarter horses today.

Horse racing in colonial Virginia was considered an immoral and sinful activity. Not only were the races rough on the horses, races were often brutal for the jockeys. Horse races were also accompanied by wagering and alcoholic beverages. At the same time, horse racing was reserved for gentlemen only!

Charles Buck I (1710 - 1771)

Charles Buck I was born about 1710 in York County and died in 1771 in the Shenandoah Valley. He first moved from York County into Westmoreland County, but after a short stay there he received a bequest from his uncle Joseph which he used to buy land in the Shenandoah Valley about 1735. Charles prospered there, and became a large landowner near what is now Front Royal, VA. He was a Vestryman of Frederick Parish, Lieutenant of Militia, Trustee for the town of Strasburg, Overseer of Roads, and otherwise active and influential in county affairs.

Charles Buck I married Ann Sorrell Earle in 1747 in Earle Family Chapel, Muddy Run, VA. Ann Sorrell Earle was born in 1728 and died in 1749 shortly after the birth of her daughter Mary who also died. She was the daughter of Major Samuel Earle, a pioneer leader in the valley who was the first delegate from Frederick County to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1744. Charles and Ann had two children: John and Mary.

After the death of his first wife, Ann Sorrell Earle, Charles BUCK I married Letitia Sorrell in 1749. Letitia was the widow of (1) Ambrose Callis and (2) John Wilcox. She was also the aunt of Ann Sorrell Earle, the first wife of Charles Buck I. Her son Thomas wrote of her "She was a strict moralist, and instilled into my mind a great reverence for the Supreme Being". She had children by her previous marriages; perhaps as many as three sons and five daughters. Charles Buck I and Letitia Sorrell had two sons: Charles (II) and Thomas (V).