The county Birth Registers altogether range from 1853 to 1885, and record the birth of every individual in the greater Roanoke area during this time frame, whether white, enslaved African American, or free African American. Typically, less information for enslaved people was recorded. Only first names were recorded and place of birth was recorded with much less specificity. Moreover, the birth registers had a category for “Father’s Name or Owner if Enslaved,” meaning in the case of most enslaved people, the enslaver’s information would be given instead of the child’s father. Nonetheless these records are an important source for connecting enslaved children to their mothers, and providing information about their births that is otherwise not found in other records.
In the appraisement bill of Thomas C. Read's personal property, a value of $650.00 was placed on Eliza and child. This child was most likely related to Eliza but it is not specifically mentioned in the record.
Elias Muney reported the births and deaths of several people enslaved by Fleming James. For Peter and Rose, Muney reported the births and was recorded as "overseer." For James, Betsy, and Peter, Muney reported the deaths and was recorded as the enslaver.
Husband of Elizabeth Breckinridge Watts. Father of William Watts, Ann W. Holcombe, Letitia W. Rives, Alice Watts Morris, Henrietta Carter Watts, James Breckinridge Watts, Mary Scott Watts, Edward Watts Jr., and Emma Gilmer Watts.