James Doyle
b. c1825 Ireland
d. December 1887 Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA of pneumonia
buried: Phipps Cem., Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA

m. Elmiera Carolyn Bishop 19 Sept 1855, Smyth Co., VA
b. c1833 Smyth Co., Virginia
d. 6 May 1896 Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA
buried: Phipps Cem., Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA
her father: "father unknown" according to the marriage certificate
mother: Mary Ann Bishop
his father: William ?Dile/Doyle
his mother: Mary
Children
Margaret Jane Doyle b. 1852 VA d . m.
James Jackson Doyle b. Nov 1858 VA d. 1928 Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA*
buried Phipps Cem., Smyth Co., VA
1m. Clementine Walton
(b. c1857 VA d. 1898*)
dau. of Loftin Walton & Nancy
2m. Mollie Fortner 1898 Smyth Co, VA at age 36(b. c1855 NC d.1957*) father: John Fortner and Elizabeth Swin
Sarah Francis Freelove Doyle b. 21 July 1860 Seven-mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA d. 25 Sept 1901 Grinnell, Iowa m. William Nichols Grubb
Elmirea C. V. Doyle b. 1861 VA d. (alive 1910 Smyth Co., VA)
may also be buried in Phipps Cem. but some markers destroyed
m. Peter Phipps 30 May 1878 Smyth Co., VA(married 31 yrs in 1910)
may also be buried in Phipps Cem. but some markers destroyed.
son of Hiram Phipps and Catherine Wheeler

Mary E. S. Doyle b. 1863 VA d . m.
Andrew "Andy" C. Doyle b. 2 Nov 1866 VA d. 27 Mar 1911* Smyth Co., VA m. apparently never marries
Eunice M. Freelove Doyle b. 21 or 23 Apr 1869 VA d. 29 Sep 1949 Smyth Co, VA*
m. (possibly W. M.) Lee
(b. 19 Apr 1863  d. 8 Apr 1927*)
John C. Doyle b. 1873 VA d. m. Anne E. Burchall 8 Sept 1899 Smyth Co., VA
Charles (?Clint) N. Doyle b. 1876 VA d . m.
 J. W. Doyle listed in the Phipps Cem. has a birth and death date that may be for John C. Doyle above,
 J. W. was b. 28 Apr 1874 and d. 20 Aug. 1901
*all buried in Phipps Cem., Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA

Actually, we still don't know much about the origin of James Doyle. He is Irish according to the census records but some sources have said he came from County Cork and another said that he came from Limerick, Ireland.

Although there are perhaps hundreds of Doyles, only so many of these fit the profile of our James Doyle because of his age. The James Doyle that we have identified as the closest fit came to the port of Philadelphia on the ship Saranak on 30 May, 1849. He may have come, possibly, from Limerick Co., Ireland with a possible brother or cousin Martin Doyle also on the same boat. [ship manifests of Phil., National Archives, WA, DC]

The ship Saranak was found on an earlier trip came from Liverpool. Cork would certainly be an easier port to make than Limerick but they could still have come from Limerick and gone overland to catch a boat from Cork. Historically the Doyles are centered in Leinster, Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow according to the [Clans and Families of Ireland]. [Clans and Families of Irelandp. 104]

James apparently had previously received the trade as a gardner while in Ireland and worked for a "Lady Massie".
"James William did not come directly to Smyth County. He peeled potatoes in New York. and very likely was in Washington County Virginia before coming to work for the Prestons of Seven Mile Ford.

This piece was written about the Prestons of Seven Mile Ford in Smyth County may give some clue about the relationship that they must have had. 

       "Rev. W. V. Wilson conducted services in an outbuilding on Capt. John M. Preston's place at Seven Mile Ford.  A church was built on land donated by Captain Preston and dedicated on July 4, 1880.  The first elders of the Seven Mile Ford Church were Capt. John M. Preston, Capt. C. H. C. Preston, and William Alexander.  The first deacons were Robert Humphrey and John A. Copenhaver.  Among the minsters who served as supply for the church are: D. E. Frierson, W. H. Groves, and F. E. Eversole.  Pastors have been I. O. Sullivan, F. T. McFaden, C. D. Waller, J. McD. A. Lacy, M. M. McFerren, J. M. Sedgewick, G. A. Wilson, Jr., and John H. Grey.

       Capt. John M. Preston, one of the first and for years the sole elder of the Seven Mile Church, was a lovable and beautiful character whose life was a benedition to his community.  Mrs. Preston's Christian service, especially in teaching the children of the community, is a far-reaching influence.  Captain Preston's funeral was conducted in the little church he loved and served so well, on Sept., 29, 1928, his body was laid to rest in the historic Preston graveyard in the ninetieth year of his age.  His son, John M. Preston, III, and Gilbert McCormack, grandson of John A. Copenhaver, of the first deacons, are now elders."   [Wilson pp. 126-127]

1850- We have not been able to find James Doyle in Virginia to this date.

James Doyle is said to have worked on the construction of a railroad from Norfork,Virginia to Bristol, Tennessee shortly after his arrival. Since the railroad ended in Bristol this is where they made their home. The railroad didn't get to Chilhowie, Virginia until 1853 which does not necessarily prove the story.

1855, Sep 19 - "James Dile" marries "Mary Ann Bishop". He is listed as 25 years old and she is listed as 25 years old. He gives his parents as "William and Mary" and her parents are listed as "Mary Ann Bishop" "father un-none". In a note on the back of the marriage license states

We have a strange spelling for Doyle here, we think coming from the Irish broug as the name was pronounced to the clerk as "Dile". We believe that whoever filled out the Marriage Certificate also entered the wrong name in for the spouse of James Doyle. It should have been Elmiera Caroline Bishop instead it listed her mother's name, "Mary Ann Bishop". The other peculiarity about this is that the 1860 census lists the couple with an eight year old daughter, Margaret Doyle. This implies that they had a child two -three years old when they married. [marriage certificate, Sept 19, 1855. Smyth County, VA]

1860- Smyth County, VA US Census has James Doyle listed

1860, July 21st - [Births 1857-1885, Smyth Co., VA] We have little idea what the Doyle family did during the Civil War.  Smyth County was a hot bed of Confederate support with several key military elements including a saw and grist mills, a saltwork, iron smelter, forge and railroad.  This may give some idea of the attitudes that prevailed at the time.  Aunt Mary Poole told a story at the age of ninety that she remembers that
"at the beginning of the war the Confederates had a company of soldiers drilling on the lands in front of Capt. Charlie Preston's , the present home of Mrs. H. L. Morgan.  She says the "Marse Jeems" was captina of that company and Capt. John M. Preston was lieutenant and that every day she used to carry big hamper of "vittles" to them on horse back.  She remembers vividly an occasion when a flag was presented to the company by Mrs. Arthur Campbell Cummings, sister of Captain Preston, and there was big speech making.  This flag was made from Mrs. Cummings' wedding dress and is now in possession of Mrs. E. L. Greever.  Aunt Mary also recalls vividly the departure of the company when the mothers, wives, and sweethearts, weeping, told the soldiers goodby.
     For several years after the war, a detachment of Federal soldiers was quartered at Marion in barracks located south of Lee Highway between the Colored Methodist Church and Mr Henry A. Pruner's residence."   [Wilson 258-259]

"On Wednesday evening, December 19, Stoneman, having discovered that the Confederates were gone, put his forces in motion for Saltville. Burbridge's division halted in the middle of the day at Seven Mile Ford to feed and rest.  Gillem's bivouacked that night west of Chillhowie, his camp fires extending through the Greever farm and on towards the Huff place.  Genersl Stonemen and Gillem spent the night in Colonel Greever's house.  On Tuesday, the twentieth, they captured Saltville, Gillem's division approaching from Glade Spring and Burbridge's through Lyon's Gap.  The forts at Saltville were defended by about four hundred men under Col. Robert Preston, three fouths of them old men and boys.  some the defenders of Saltville were killed and some were captured but most escaped to the mountains and evetually rejoined Breckenridge's army.  The Yankees burned the works at Saltville on Truesday night, December 20, and spent Wednesday breaking salt kettles and stopping up the wells.  Thursday morning, the twenty-second they evacuated Saltville, Gillem returning to Tennessee and Burbridge reentered Saltville.  According to official reports of the Federal generals the destruction at Saltville was complete, all the kettles were smashed to bits and the wells so effectually choked that it would be easier to dig new ones that reopen them.  Accoring to General Breckenridge's report, corroborated by Mr. Alex Stuart, owner of the works, about one-third of the kettles were destroyed and the damage to wells could be repaired in a few weeks." [Wilson 251]



1869, April 21 - [Births 1857-1885, Smyth Co., VA] 1870 - He is found working as a gardner for the wealthy Preston family. He could have worked for the estate in Virginia or Tennessee since the border is right here.

1880 - James Doyle is still living in Marion Township, Smyth County, Virginia. He seems to be living next door to a niece or his daughter with two children and his son James with a wife and daughter.

1880 - US Census, Marion Twp., Smyth Co., VA. page 32c (this is Elmiera C. V. Doyle, just married)

At some point in his career, according to a family story, James Doyle had planned a trip to Ireland. He asked Mr. Preston while planting pototoes, "Who will help you plant your potatoes next year when I've gone back to Ireland?"
Preston replied, "Jimmy, you're not going back to Ireland."
"Yes, I am, too."
"No, you're not. I'm not going to let you have the money to go... " and James Doyle never went back. [Records of Joy King, 5 Mar 2002]

1887- December, James Doyle Sr. dies in Smyth County, Virginia. James Doyle's Death Certificate gives the following information.

1898, Nov. 26, - James Jackson marries for the second time.  This record seems misplaced.  He shows up as widowed in 1900 and with a wife Mollie in the 1910 census.

another John W. Doyle marries but he is 1899- Sept 8, - We believe this to be John C. Doyle. 1900 - James Jackson Doyle Jr. is still living in Marion township, Seven Mile Ford, Enum. Dist. 79, sheet 7.
He is widowed but caring for several children. He remarries shortly after this to a Mollie Fortner, who shows up in 1910 with four more children of their own.

On this same estate working as a carpenter is William Nicols Grubb. A. C. Beatie, the mayor of Chilhowie, VA visited James Doyle and looked at the bible record in 1942. This document was needed to provide a birth certificate for Henry Cochran Grubb at age 53 "to qualify for a new defence job." It is a hand written note about 8.5 x 5.5" apparently completely by A. C. Beatie.

1910 - US census, [Seven Mile Ford Precinct, Smyth Co., VA p. 57]. Here is the Peter and Elmire Doyle Phipps, dau of James Doyle. He is living next door to John M. Preston, age 71 with his wife, Mary, age 69. Also in the household is her brother Andrew C. Doyle.

US Census, Seven Mile Ford, Smyth Co., VA  enum. dist 84, sheet 1a, p. 49  This is the son of  James and Caroline Elmira Doyle
Doyle, James C.   head m w 37 mar 12yrs                  Virginia           Ireland         Virginia                farmer     general farming
          , Anne E.     wife   f w 33 mar 12yrs                   N. Carol.         N. Carol.      Virginia
          , Mary E.     dau.  f  w  11 s                                 Virginia          Virginia        N. Carol.
          , Neddie J.   dau   f  w  8  s                                  Virginia          Virginia        N. Carol.
          , Charles W. son m w 7 s                                     Virginia          Virginia        N. Carol.
          , Nannie   M. dau f  w  5 s                                   Virginia          Virginia        N. Carol.
          , Lyddie B.   dau  f  w  4 s                                    Virginia          Virginia        N. Carol.
          , John D.      son  m w  2 s                                    Virginia          Virginia        N. Carol.

1920 - US Census, Marion Dist, Seven Mile Fornd District, Smyth Co., VA, enum dist. 112, sheet 1a, page 57, all on the same page

Next door
Phipps , Peter             head           m  w   66     mar                            Virginia       Virginia      Virginia               farming  general farming
             ,  Chathern     wife            f    w  56    mar                             Virginia        Virginia     Virginia
             , Robert          son              m  w  35   mar                             
Virginia        Virginia     Virginia
             , Lillie M.    dau. in law    f   w  33   mar                             
Virginia        Virginia     Virginia
             , Virginia     grand dau.     f  w.  13  s                                  
Virginia        Virginia     Virginia
             , Stella          grand dau.     f   w  12  s                                 
Virginia        Virginia     Virginia
              , Annie V.    grand dau.    f  w   10  s                                  
Virginia        Virginia     Virginia
             ,  John A.     grandson       m  w  8   s                                   
Virginia        Virginia     Virginia

1928- James Jackson Doyle dies and his obituary gives a good deal of information on his family.

In this obituary is stated that James Doyle, the elder worked on the estate of "Lady Massie" in County Cork, Ireland.  So far we have not found a confirming record of the estate but have found various Massey family members in Cork considerably before James Doyle left for the states.   We are still trying to confirm that this in fact was the county of origin for James Doyle.  

Source:

George and Kelly Stevens  email 5/28/2008  , georgeandkellystevens@yahoo.com
Wilson, Goodridge. Smyth County, history and traditions. Kingsport, Tenn.: Kingsport Press, 1932
Grenham, John.Clans and Families of Ireland, The Heritage and Heraldry of Irish Clans and Families. Wellfleet Press, Book Sales, Ince. 110 Enterprise Ave, Secaucus, NJ 07094, pub 1993
Hitchings, Dorothy. of Roanoke, VA or Blue Ridge, phone interview , 1995
King, Joy. records and emails - JKing14234@aol.com
marriage certificate, Sept 19, 1855. Smyth County, VA
Smyth County History Traditions, Virginia. Pub. 1932
US Census records, Smyth County, VA

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