1. Hans Leonard1 NEFF 628, born 8 Mar 1725 in Michelfeld, Baden, Germany; died abt May 1778 in Hampshire, Virginia, son of Johann Michael NEFF 829 and Anna Dorothea SAUR 830 .
He married on 17 Dec 1747 in Tulphocken, Lancaster, Pennsylvania Elizabeth Magdalena FEG 828, born abt 1726 in of, Tulpehocken, Lancaster, Pennsylvania; died abt May 1816 in Hardy, Virginia, daughter of Leonard FEG or FAEG 2278 and Anna Catherine SCHUTZ 2392 .
(Leonard Neff/Nave was brother of Anna Catherine Neff who married Michael Stump in Tulpehocken, Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1739.
The Michael Neff family was from Michelfeld, Baden, Germany and they arrived on 11 Sep 1728 on the James Goodwill and settled in the Tulpehocken Valley. The first Virginia record of Leonard is found in a diary of George Washington. George Washington was only 16 years of age and working on a survey team for Lord Fairfax. According to the diary, they were camped on Michael Stump's place on the South Fork and surveyed 20 lots. On 2 Apr 1748 they surveyed Lot 11 for Leonard Nave (Neff) and Lot 12 for Michael Stump. Since Leonard had just married in late 1747, he and his bride obviously traveled to the South Fork soon after they married. Whether Leonard picked out his land before he married is something we don't know. It appears that Michael Stump arrived as early as 1746, as his name appears on an Augusta County road survey. It is conceivable that Leonard went with Michael and picked out his land and returned to get married. Possibly, the two men went alone. They could have selected their land and built small cabins. Then both could have returned for Leonard's marriage. It is estimated that such a journey between the Tulpehocken valley and the South Fork by horseback and pack animals would take about a week to ten days. Since many of the early settlers of Hampshire County were from the Tulpehocken area and many had family there, there was obvious two-way traffic between the settlements in Virginia and Pennsylvania. --JWNeff)
Children of Hans Leonard NEFF and Elizabeth Magdalena FEG were as follows: (The boys names are found in Leonard Neff's will, however his 2 daughters are unnamed. We get the daughters names from the Yoakum and Alkire family genealogists. We have not seen documentary evidence to prove that these are the daughters. -JWN
(The Alkire family researchers believe that Susannah Neff married John Alkire. They also believe that she belongs to this family. Susannah and John gave at least one son the middle name of "Nave" and "N" for the middle initial for others.The Alkires have a record that shows the maiden name of Susannah that looks like "Naffen", the feminine form for Naf. The handwriting is difficult to read. -- JWN)
Children of John Leonard NEFF were as follows:
(Henry died intestate. He left 11 children who are identified by deeds where the children sell their 1/11th interest to Abel Seymour and Michael Neff. We have no deed for Michael Neff selling his 1/11th, but he is assumed to be son of Henry and Elizabeth. Several of Henry's children went to Bourbon County, Kentucky, including Michael. Michael and Rebecca are found in the 1850 Bourbon County Census. -JWN)
Children of Henry NEFF and Elizabeth (---) were as follows:
4. Michael2 NEFF 632 (Hans Leonard1), born abt 1750 in South Fork, Frederick, Virginia; died 12 Oct 1826 in , Hardy, Virginia. He married abt 1773 in Of, Hampshire, Virginia Mary REED 634, born abt 1754 in Of, Hampshire, Virginia; died abt 1833 in , Hardy, Virginia, daughter of Jacob REED 2401 and Ann or Nancy (---) 2402.
Michael Neff had 6 children living when he died in 1826 without a will. Five of these children are identified through deeds selling their 1/6th.interests in their father's lands. Elizabeth is identified as the sixth as she was an unmarried sister living with her brother Jacob and his wife Amelia. 1840, 1850, 1860 Hardy Census -The 1850 Census shows Elizabeth Neff with $1000 in property. (Perhaps the remains of the $1500 paid to her for her 1/6th. It is interesting that, Michael and his brother, Jacob each had children named Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Elizabeth. It is easy to get these first cousins mixed up as they are close to the same age. It has been suggested that this was a plot to confuse future genealogists. JWN)
Children of Michael NEFF and Mary REED were as follows:
5. Magdalene2 NEFF 683 (Hans Leonard1), born abt 1756 in , Hampshire, Virginia. She married abt 1777 in , Hampshire, Virginia John YOAKUM 2086, born abt 1752 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died abt 1842, son of Phillip Paul YOAKUM (II) 2095 and Elizabeth HARNESS 2096 .
(Information on the Yoakum family was obtained from Everett Yoakum's The Yoakum Book. This well written book has excellent documentation.. -JWN)
Children of Magdalene NEFF and John YOAKUM were as follows:
6. George2 NEFF (I) 630 (Hans Leonard1), born abt 1758 in South Fork, Hampshire, Virginia; died abt 1840 in , Pickaway, Ohio. He married abt 1778 in , Hampshire, Virginia Unknown (---) 694, born abt 1759 in Of, Hampshire, Virginia; died abt May 1816 in , Hardy, Virginia.
(George was a minor in his father's will. He was devised the land that was surveyed for his father by George Washington [I wonder why he was so favored especially over his younger brother, who received no land.] We have estimated his date of birth from the 1872/84 Census and the birth dates of his children. We have been unable to identify George's wife. He left a will but it does not identify all of his children. He sold his Hardy County property in 1838 and died in 1840. His will is recorded in both Hardy and Pickaway counties. We have no firm information on where he died. Some say Hardy County others Pickaway County. We presume his wife predeceased him as she was not mentioned in his will. -JWB)
Children of George NEFF (I) and Unknown (---) were as follows:
7. Jacob2 NEFF 110 (Hans Leonard1), born abt 1760 in South Fork, Hampshire, Virginia; died Jan 1849 in , Hardy, Virginia. He married abt 1779 in , Hampshire, Virginia Margaret JONES 111, born abt 1762 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died before May 1860 in , Hardy, Virginia.
(Jacob was a minor in his father's will. We calculate his age based on him having a household of 4 in 1784 Census and on the age of his children. We get his wife's maiden name from the Biographical Sketch pub. 1899 of Fleming Neff, a grandson.
Fleming said his grandmother Neff was a "Miss Jones" We have not been able to find additional documentation or proof of this name. He also says that his grandmother was captured by Indians and escaped and made her way home barefoot. This was probably meant to be his great grandmother that escaped from the Indians and was the Mrs. Neff that was captured about 1754 during the Indian wars. Jacob left a will and names all ten of his children. He appointed his sons Abraham and Washington to be administrators of his estate. However they renounced the burden and John Alkire, husband of daughter Elizabeth was then appointed as administrator. When he failed to perform the Hardy County Court appointed the Sheriff to settle the affairs of Jacob Neff. Margaret was still living in 1850 Hardy Census.
Several of Jacob's children moved to Franklin County before 1820. Susanna and her husband moved to Franklin County where her first husband died, she remarried and was buried in Alton, Franklin, Ohio. Jacob's will says that his son, Abraham, remained on his lands, so he stayed in Hardy County; Isaac, Jacob and John G are all in 1820 Franklin County Census. All three bought farms near each other in Prairie Township. Later Jacob and John G bought property in other parts of Franklin County and became prosperous. Jacob and John G Neff are buried near one another in the Cline Cemetery, Franklin County, with their wives Emily and Dorothy. Ann Craigen was married in Franklin County in 1817. She later returned to Hardy County where she filed a copy of her marriage with the county clerk. Margaret was living with her mother in 1850 Census. We did not find Elizabeth and John Alkire in 1850 Hardy Census. However, they were there when the Court appointed John as administrator of the will. Washington also remained in Hardy County. There is no evidence that he or Margaret, his sister, married.-JWN)
Children of Jacob NEFF and Margaret JONES were as follows:
349 Margaret3 NEFF 231, born abt 1804 in , Hardy, Virginia.
8. Susannah2 NEFF 684 (Hans Leonard1), born abt 1768 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died 12 Jul 1832 in Greenview, Menard, Illinois. She married in 1782 in of, Hampshire, Virginia John ALKIRE 3234, born 1759 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died 1 Oct 1836 in Greenview, Menard, Illinois, son of Harmonas ALKIRE (II) 3245 and Lydia PATTON 3246 .
(It has not been proven that Susannah is a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth Magdalena Feg. Information on this family has been provided by the Alkire family.)
Children of Susannah NEFF and John ALKIRE were as follows:
Children of Leonard NEFF and Lydia (---) were as follows:
21. Abraham3 NEFF (Sr) 633 (Michael2, Hans Leonard1), born 22 Jan 1775 in Of, Hampshire, Virginia; died 30 Apr 1846 in Salt Rock Twp, Marion, Ohio. He married (1) abt 1808 in , Hardy, Virginia Rachel Corbin WILSON 713, born 12 Jul 1780 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died bef 1830 in Pleasant Twp, Madison, Ohio, daughter of Charles WILSON 860 and Esther (---) 861 ; (2) on 1 Apr 1831 in , Madison, Ohio Margaret OSBORNE 2431, born 2 Mar 1794; died 22 Feb 1849 in Salt Rock Twp, Marion, Ohio.
Children of Abraham NEFF (Sr) and Rachel Corbin WILSON were as follows:
22. Isaac3 NEFF 637 (Michael2, Hans Leonard1), born 4 Apr 1780 in Of, Hampshire, Virginia. He married on 25 May 1806 in , Hardy, Virginia Jane WILSON 641, born 5 Nov 1784 in , Hardy, Virginia, daughter of Charles WILSON 860 and Esther (---) 861 .
Children of Isaac NEFF and Jane WILSON were as follows:
23. Jacob3 NEFF 908 (Michael2, Hans Leonard1), born abt 1783 in Of, Hampshire, Virginia; died 14 Jun 1864 in , Hardy, West Virginia. He married abt 1808 in , Hardy, Virginia Amelia STUMP 922, born 14 Mar 1791 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 11 Mar 1860 in , Hardy, Virginia, daughter of George STUMP (I) 845 and Elizabeth WILSON 852 .
Children of Jacob NEFF and Amelia STUMP were as follows:
24. Catherine Jane3 NEFF 638 (Michael2, Hans Leonard1), born 21 Aug 1785 in Hampshire, Virginia; died 24 Jun 1846 in White Post Twp, Pulaski, Indiana. She married in 1807 in , Hardy, Virginia George STUMP (II) 921, born 5 Apr 1787 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 26 Jul 1863 in Medaryvill, , Indiana, son of George STUMP (I) 845 and Elizabeth WILSON 852 .
Children of Catherine Jane NEFF and George STUMP (II) were as follows:
35. George3 NEFF (II) 666 (George2, Hans Leonard1), born 6 Apr 1786 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 25 Sep 1859 in Of, Pickaway, Ohio. He married (1) abt 1805 in , Hardy, Virginia Magdalene STUMP 919, born 4 Mar 1781 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died 22 Jul 1829 in , Pickaway, Ohio, daughter of George STUMP (I) 845 and Elizabeth WILSON 852 ; (2) on 4 Oct 1829 in , Madison, Ohio Elizabeth DOUGLAS 742, born 3 Apr 1790 in Of, Pickaway, Ohio; died 4 Nov 1854 in , Pickaway, Ohio.
Children of George NEFF (II) and Magdalene STUMP were as follows:
Children of George NEFF (II) and Elizabeth DOUGLAS were as follows:
37. Sarah3 NEFF 2146 (George2, Hans Leonard1), born 17 Apr 1795 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 26 Feb 1880 in , Vermilion, Illinois. She married on 4 Jun 1814 in , Hardy, Virginia John STUMP 923, born 18 Jan 1795 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 26 Apr 1871 in , Vermilion, Illinois, son of George STUMP (I) 845 and Elizabeth WILSON 852 .
Children of Sarah NEFF and John STUMP were as follows:
38. Elijah3 NEFF 665 (George2, Hans Leonard1), born abt 1798 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 1855 in , Pickaway, Ohio. He married on 17 Jun 1829 in , Hardy, Virginia Mary Ann NEFF 914 (see 87), born 26 Feb 1812 in , Hardy, Virginia, daughter of Jacob NEFF 908 and Amelia STUMP 922 .
Children of Elijah NEFF and Mary Ann NEFF were as follows:
39. Absalom A 3 NEFF 1119 (George 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1797 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 9 May 1861 in London, Madison, Ohio. He married (1) in 1822 in , , Virginia Jane REAY 2825, born abt 1797 in , , Virginia; died 5 Jan 185?; (2) Mary GROVES 2843, born abt 1817 in Of, Pickaway, Ohio.
Children of Absalom A NEFF and Jane REAY were as follows:
Children of Absalom A NEFF and Mary GROVES were as follows:
40. Peter 3 NEFF 667 (George 2, Hans Leonard 1), born 3 Jan 1803 in Of, Hardy, Virginia; died 3 Jun 1877 in Melrose, Rockingham, Virginia. He married abt 1825 in Of, Hardy, Virginia Lydia KRATZER 1009, born 28 Nov 1804 in Of, Hardy, Virginia.
Children of Peter NEFF and Lydia KRATZER were as follows:
41. Enoch H.3 NEFF 664 (George 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1808 in Of, Hardy, Virginia; died aft 1880 in Darby Twp, Pickaway, Ohio. He married on 27 Nov 1828 in , Hardy, Virginia Rebecca Catherine JEFFERSON 673, born abt 18 Jul 1806 in Of, Hardy, Virginia; died abt 25 Jul 1880 in , Pickaway, Ohio.
Children of Enoch H. NEFF and Rebecca Catherine JEFFERSON were as follows:
43. Susanna 3 NEFF 225 (Jacob 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1781 in , Hampshire, Virginia; died 2 Jun 1867 in Alton, Franklin, Ohio. She married (1) on 1 Aug 1805 in , Hardy, Virginia Edward HOPPER 233, born abt 1787 in , , Ireland; died Nov 1820 in , Franklin, Ohio, son of Alexander HOPPER 1607 ; (2) on 6 Feb 1823 in Of, Franklin, Ohio Henry SLY 1605, born abt 1780 in Of, Franklin, Ohio.
Children of Susanna NEFF and Edward HOPPER were as follows:
44. Abraham 3 NEFF 227 (Jacob 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1784 in, Hampshire, Virginia; died abt 1860 in , Hampshire, Virginia. He married abt 1808 in, Hardy, Virginia Elizabeth SHOOK 239, born abt 1790 in Of, Hardy, Virginia; died bef 1860, daughter of Hermonius SHOOK (Sr) 1056 .
Children of Abraham NEFF and Elizabeth SHOOK were as follows:
45. Isaac 3 NEFF 82 (Jacob 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1786 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 3 Oct 1850 in Alton, Franklin, Ohio. He married on 9 Feb 1812 in , Hardy, Virginia Phebe STUMP 83, born 1789 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 18 Aug 1862 in Alton, Franklin, Ohio, daughter of Leonard STUMP (Jr) 739 and Elizabeth SEE 1086 . (Isaac and his brother John G. married sisters. Phebe and Dorothy were daughters of Leonard Stump, Jr. and Elizabeth See Stump. --JWN)
Children of Isaac NEFF and Phebe STUMP were as follows:
46. Jacob 3 NEFF 655 (Jacob 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1790 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 17 Feb 1862 in , Franklin, Ohio. He married abt 1816 in Of, Hardy, Virginia Emily ATHEY 234, born abt Oct 1799 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 24 May 1870 in , Franklin, Ohio.
Children of Jacob NEFF and Emily ATHEY were as follows:
47. John G 3 NEFF 226 (Jacob 2, Hans Leonard 1), born 1792 in , Hardy, Virginia; died 9 Oct 1875 in Jackson twp, Franklin, Ohio. He married (1) on 3 Jun 1813 in , Hardy, Virginia Dorothy STUMP 235, born Jun 1796 in, Hardy, Virginia; died 15 Oct 1826 in , Franklin, Ohio, daughter of Leonard STUMP (Jr) 739 and Elizabeth SEE 1086 ; (2) on 25 Nov 1846 in , Franklin, Ohio Elizabeth S TRIPLET 973, born abt 1829 in , Franklin, Ohio; buried in , Franklin Co.
Children of John G NEFF and Dorothy STUMP were as follows:
Children of John G NEFF and Elizabeth S TRIPLET were as follows:
48. Ann 3 NEFF 228 (Jacob 2, Hans Leonard 1), born abt 1800 in , Hardy, Virginia; died abt 1854 in , Hardy, Virginia. She married on 9 Sep 1817 in, Franklin, Ohio George See CRAIGEN 236, born abt 1797 in Of, Hardy, Virginia; died abt Jan 1827 in , Hardy, Virginia, son of John CRAIGEN 1246 and Mary Ann SEE 1123 .
Children of Ann NEFF and George See CRAIGEN were as follows:
Sources:
Hardy County is bounded on the north by Hampshire County, on the east by
Shenandoah & Frederick Counties, on the south by Rockingham and Pendleton
counties and on the west by Grant county. Hardy County was formed in1786
from the southern part of Hampshire Co., which was formed in 1754 from
Frederick and Augusta Counties. Both Frederick and Augusta counties were
formed in 1738 from Orange County. The county was named after Samuel Hardy,
President of the Continental Congress. Moorefield, the County seat, was
named after Conrad Moore.
Marriage Records
copied at Moorefield, Hardy Co., WV. 7 Feb 1963:
Marriage records beg with 1795:
p 19 Neff, Susanna to Edward Hopper 1 Aug 1805 by Ferdinand Lair
p 24 Neff, Isaac to Jane Wilson 25 May 1806 by Ferdinand Lair
p 47 Neff, Michael to Rebeccah Yoacum 18 Nov 1813 by Gerard Morgan
p 52 Neff, Sarah to John Stump 4 Jun 1814 by Gerard Morgan
p 55 Neff, John to Mary Wilson 3 June 1813 by Ferdinand Lair
p 76 Neff, Ann to William Miller 25 Apr 1821 by Benedict Reynolds
p 83 Neff, Adam to Harriett Bamal 15 May 1823 by John Miller
p 100 Neff, Enoch to Rebecca Catherine Jefferson 27 Nov 1828 by John Bowen
p 103 Neff, Elizabeth to John Alkire 23 Aug 1825 by W. N. Scott
p 107 Neff, Elijah to Mary Ann Neff 17 June 1829 by W. N. Scott
p 107 Neff, Mary Ann to Elijah Neff 17 June 1829
p142 Neff, Ann to George S Craigen* 9 Sep 1817 by Joseph Gateen, P P
(Ed note Ann & George S Craigen were md. in Franklin Co., Ohio
P 142 record of marriages 1795, Hardy Co., "State of Ohio, Franklin Co.,
"I Certify that on the 9th Day of September last I joined together in the
holy bonds of matrimony George S. Craigen and Ann Neff, given under my hand
this 27th day of October 1817. /s/ Joseph Gateen, Justice Peace
"The state of Ohio, Franklin County- - - -
I Abram McDowell clerk of the court of common pleas for said county do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the certificate of marriage between George S. Craigen and Ann Neff now recorded in the marriage records in my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of
office at Columbus this 12th day of September A. D. 1833
/s/ A. J. McDowell clk
"October 28th 1875 recorded at the request of Ann Neff"
Mar Bk. 2
p20 26 Sep 1877 George E Neff, age 23b Hardy Co. md Lillie F Stickley, age
21 b Hardy Co.
p9 23 Oct 1872 Mary A V Neff , age 21 b Hardy Co md Augustus C Beirkamp, age
24 b Hanover
md at Moorefield
p34 13 Jun 1883 Albertine Josephine Scott Neff, age 23 b Hardy Co. md. James
Daniel Wood, age 25 b
Rockingham Co md at Moorefield by Jas. Beaty
p142 9 Jan 1916 Nittie May Neff age 32 b Hardy Co. md. Robert V See, age 29
b Hardy Co.
md at Parren Parson's res by J D Saville
Register of Deaths: Hardy Co., WV.
p14 Bk 1 Neff Amelia d 10 Mar 1860 age 68, b Hardy Co, wife of Jacob Neff,
info furnished by George Neff, son.
p 154 Neff, Mortimer W. d 30 Mar 1922 at Moorefield, WV. age 83 yrs 7 mo 14
days, b Hardy Co.
p232 , Harriett d 22 Sep 1927 at Moorefield age 88 yrs. 110 mo. 17 days, b
in Maryland.
p248 Neff, Mrs Lillie d 8 June 1928 at Moorefield age 71 yrs 8 mo
b WVa.
p262 Neff, Wm R d 14 Dec 1929 at Moorefield age 8 mo 5 dys b W Va.
Register of Birth:
NEFF, Ella Bell b Apr 1871 Hardy Co., Father M W Neff, mother Harriett Neff
Cemetary Inscriptions: Hardy Co
Olivet Cemetary, Moorefield
NEFF
Son-William 1895-1899
Dau-Kittie 1867-1917
Father- Mortimer W. 1839-1922
Mother-Harriett M 1838-1927
Son-Harry A. 1873-1958
Neff Cemetary on Neff farm near Moorefield
Elizabeth Neff died June 13, 1865
Jacob Neff died 14 Jul 1864
Amelia Neff wife of Jacob Neff died 11 March 1860
J. N.
1.. N.
Wills in Hardy County
NEFFS in Hardy Co. index
Neff, Arthur 15-240
Neff, Elizabeth Sr 2-226
Neff, George 7-138
Neff, George E 15-189
Neff, Jacob 8-259
Neff, Jacob 11-170 & 181
Hardy County Wills
Book 1 (Mar 1781-Jan 1814)
p 91 Catherine Stump-sons Michael and Leonard; and daughters Magdaline,
Yoakum Catherine Brake and Elizabeth Welton-Wits:John Hays and Catherine C.
Hays- (undated and no probate date but probably between 15 Apr 1795 and 13
Jan 1796 by placement in will book.)
(Note-Catherine Stump was widow of Michael Stump, Sr and was sister to Leonard Neff, Sr. Catherine and Leonard Neff were born in Michelfeld, Baden, Germany)
p 227 . Leonard Neff administrator for Henry Neff estate. Sold personal estate to the following: Jacob Neff, Leonard Neff, George Neff, Cornelius Neff
p 270. Estate of Henry Neff -- Leonard Neff administrator, balance due heirs of said Henry Neff (not listed)
p 469 George See-wife Christiana; sons George and Adam; children of son John, dec'd; and daughters Phebe Couchman, Mary and her husband John Craigen, and Elizabeth and her husband Leonard Stump, and Katie Paul and her daughter Clara-John Craigen and Adam See-George Harness, Jr., John Hay, William Bullitt, Edward Williams and James Machir-11 Jun 1811-469 (Elizabeth See married Leonard Stump, Jr, son of Michael Stump II and Sarah-JWN)
Circuit Court Book A
p9 George Stump-wife Elizabeth; Sons George and John; daughters Emilia,
Magdalene, Catherine Crook, Elizabeth Nicholas, Charlotte Philips and Sarah,
wife of Peter Alcaire-Administrators: Elizabeth Stump and James
Machir-Wits:George Neff, Godfrey Wilkins and George Neff, Jr.-8 May 1805-
refers to land in Harrison County.
Book 2 (Oct 1812-Jan 1819)
p226 Will of Elizabeth Neff,-left all possessions to Son,George.
Administrator John Wilson-Wits:Jacob Stover and Michael Neff-12 May 1816-226
Book 3
pg 47. Bill of sale- Adam Neff deceased. dated 20 Dec 1815. Sold to Geo
Stump, No Neffs listed. Adam Hoffman Administrator.
Book 4 (Feb 1825-May 1829)
p 142. Bill of Sale of estate of Michael Neff, dec., Oct 12 1826.
p 144. Bill of sale of Michael Neff's estate, dec., 13 Oct 1826, personal
property sold to Peter Neff, Jacob Neff, Isaac Neff, Abraham Neff, Mary
Neff, widow.
p164 John Craigen-wife Mary; sons George See and Jacob Israel; and daughters
Evelina, Kitty, Emily, Adalina Louisa, and Susan Perrin- Administrators:
Mary Craigen-Adam See, Sr., John Cleaver, Elizabeth Stump and Abraham Neff,
Sr-9 Jan 1827-164
Book 5 (May 1829 - Jan 1833)
p 50. Michael Neff's estate, Dr. William Miller admin. Statement of Acct. 12
Oct 1826. Widow died without a will. Balance to be divided $470. Each heir
receiving a share of $78.35 1/6 cents. Balance owed George Stump $80.
"George Stump has received more than his share owes $1.64" (Dr. William
Miller was son-in-law, hus. of Mary Ann Neff-JWN)
p112. Bill of sale of the estate of Michael Neff, deceased, made after the death of his widow. Sold pers property to A. Neff, Peter Neff, Jacob Neff, George C. Craigen, Adam Neff, John Neff, Elijah Neff, John Stump, Issac Neff, Mary Ann Neff, Elizabeth Neff.
Book 7 (Jun 1839-Jun 1845)
p 138. George Neff, deceased. Made 24 Feb 1838 proven 30 Nov 1840
"I George Neff of the County of Hardy and State of Virginia do publish and declare this to be my last will and testament.
It is my will that after the payment of all my just debts all my estate both real and personal be equally divided between my children and the children of my daughter Elizabeth Willson, decd., who shall be entitled to one portion jointly except my son George Neff, he having already secured by way of advancement a reasonable share of my estate.
I desire that in the division of my estate aforesaid none of my said children shall be charged with any advancements made by me in my lifetime or any money due from them, except my son Peter Neff, who I direct shall be charged with the sum of $300 and account for the same without interest before he be admitted to an equal participation in my said real and personal estate.
Lastly, I constitute and appoint my sons Enoch Neff and Elijah Neff executors of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 24th day of Feb 1838. George Neff by his mark.
In presence of William Seymour, Dan Alexander, George S. Cunningham
(Will does not list all children of George-JWN))
Book 8
p 259. Will of Jacob Neff dated 7 Aug 1839, proven 5 Feb 1849, Hardy Co.,
Va.
"In the name of God, Amen, I, Jacob Neff of the County of Hardy and State of Virginia do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testaments as follows:
FIRST, I direct that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid by my executors herein mentioned. SECOND, I give and bequeath to my beloved wife the use of my home and kitchen for and during her natural life, and also the one third part of my plantation and the use of so much of my household and kitchen furniture and stock as she may deem necessary for her support: and it is my will that my estate be equally divided amongst my children, share and share alike, and that my executors hereinafter make sale of my estate both real and personal, that so much of my personal property as may not be kept by my wife as above discussed may be sold at the discretion of my executors, that my executors have a sound discretion as to the manner of the sale of my land, so that it be not sacrificed, making title to the purchasing or purchase thereof.
It is further my will that such of my children as has been advanced by me heretofore, that they must bring the same into (account?) in order to obtain an equal division of my estate. My daughter Susan has received the sum of $130. My son Isaac has received the sum of $130. My son John has received the sum of $100. My son Jacob has received the sum of $130. My daughter Elizabeth has received the sum of $130. My son Washington has the sum of $130. My daughter Margaret has $130. My son Abraham has lived a long time on my lands, and it is my will that he is not to be charged with any rent, but he is not entitled to any advancement until a divide of my property with the rest of my children. And, it is further my will that my executors hold in trust for the use of Ann Craigen, her proportion of my estate hereby willed and intended for her, making use of the interest only for her use and support but not breaking on the principle unless they be satisfied that her situation requires the principle money for her support and maintenance, but on this subject my executors are entrusted with a sound discretion so that said estate be made to contribute to my said daughters comfort; that after the death of my said daughter, that of said estate that may remain be paid by my executors to the children of the said Ann Craigen. That my son Leonard having departed this life, I give and bequeath to his children such portion of my estate as would have accrued to him under the provisions of this my will, and direct that my executors herein after named pay over to said children said estate when they become of age ? estate at interest ? that period. That my son Leonard also receive the sum of $100. It is further my will that no sale be made of my lands until after my wife's death at which time the personal property held by my wife during life or so much thereof as may remain together with lands may be sold at the discretion of my executors so as not to sacrifice my estate. It is further my will that if there is none of my family able to become the owners of my slaves so that they will have to be sold, that my said slaves have the liberty of choosing their masters and, lastly, I do hereby constitute my sons Abraham and Washington Neff, executors of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made and acknowledging to be my true last will and testament, Given under my hand and seal this 7th day of August 1839."
/s/ Jacob Neff
Will Proven 5 Feb 1849
(1830 & 1840 census shows 4 slaves)
(Abraham and Washington renounced the burden of administering their father’s will and the court appointed John Alkire, husband of Elizabeth. When he failed to perform, the court released him and appointed the Sheriff to sell the property. It was eventually sold to Godfrey and Charlotte Neff See for $4000.-JWN)
Book 8.
p 360 Inventory of personal estate of Adam Nave, made 4 Apr 1850
p 362 Bill of sale of Adam Nave personal estate, M Wood Admin.
(This Adam Nave/Neff was not a relative of the Leonard Neff family.-JWN)
Book 10
p 502 Estate of Abraham Neff dec.1860 (Bal of $826.20 into 5 parts)
Mentions the estate of Margaret Neff, dec'd share of decedent in the estate of the said Margaret Neff, dec'd rec'd 26 Apr 1860.
(1/5th to Catherine Stump) Abraham Neff dec in account with George Stump who
in sight of his wife Catherine, late Catherine Neff, is one of the
distibutees of the said Abraham Neff, dec'd.
p503 (1/5th to Elizabeth Ann Tevebaugh) in account with George Tevebaugh,
who is sight of his wife, Elizabeth Ann, late Elizabeth Ann Neff is one of
the distributees of said Abram Neff dec'd
p 503 1/5 to Jacob S. Neff or $138.44
p 504 1/5 due. The same in account with James Mc Vicon, who is in sight of
his wife Pricilla, another distributee of said decedent.
p504 1/5 of 1/5. The same in account with James A. Neff, a son of John Neff,
deceased late of Franklin Co, Ohio, who was a son, him at law, and
distributee of the same Abraham Neff, dec'd.
The remaining 4/5 of the said John Neff's fifth, part of the said estate is due to the 4 infant children of the said John Neff, who reside in Pike, Illinois, to wit: ($27.69 to each)
Jacob S. Neff; Elizabeth J. Neff; Clarissa J. Neff; Caroline V. Neff
... "and find that George Stump, a distributee in sight of his wife has been paid off in full, that to George Tevebaugh, James McVican, and Jacob S. Neff there are balances of $2.09 due each--That there is a balance of 36 cents due to James A. Neff, a son of John Neff, dec;d and there is due to the other 4 children of the said John Neff dec'd the sum of $27.69 each all to bear interest from the 2nd of May 1860."
Book 11
p 170 Will of Jacob Neff dated 6 Jul 1864, proven 1 May 1865.
Mentions son George S. Neff
Children of daughter Athaliah Powell, dec'd, late wife of Jacob Powell (Children not named)
Daughter Charlotte See, wife of Godfrey See to receive one-third; to son
George S. Neff the remaining 2/3rds. One-third for his own use and the
remaining 1/3rd in trust for Mary Ann Neff, wife of Elijah Neff, said 1/3rd
to be paid her at the discretion of said George S. Neff.
p 181 Will of Jacob Neff, same as p 170
p 195 Bill of Personal estate of Elizabeth Neff, George S. Neff, admin.
Inventory made 23 Jun 1866. (This Elizabeth Neff was unwed sister of Jacob
Neff and daughter of Michael and Mary Neff-JWN)
p 195 Sale of Elizabeth Neff to George S. Neff, Mortimer Neff.
Book 12
p 135 Inventory of pers property of George S. Neff, dec'd made 24 Aug 1874
p 140 Notes due to George S. Neff _ day after death M. W. Neff, May A. Neff, Augustine
Bierkamp,
p698 George Neff
1 m 10-16 1 f 10-16
3 farmers 1 m 16-18 1 f over 45
3 m 16-26
1 m over 45
p698 John Neff
1 m under 10 2 f under 10
1 m 26-45 1 f 10-16
1 f 26-45
p698 Jacob Neff
1 m 16-18 1 f 10-16
3 farmers 3 m 16-26 1 f 16-26
3 slaves 1 m over 45 1 f over 45
p698 Adam Nave
2 m under 10 1 f under 10
2 farmers 1 m 16-26 1 f 26-45
10 slaves 1 m 26-45
p698 Michael Neff
1 m 16-26 2 f 16-26
farmers 1 m over 45 1 f over 45
8 slaves
p698 Jacob Neff
1 m under 10 2 f under 10
farmer 2 m 26-45 1 f 10-16
1 f 26-45
1830 Hardy Co Census
p 94 Abraham Neff
1 m 10-15 1 f under 5
1 m 20-30 1 f 10-15
1 m 40-50 1 f 15-20
p94 Enoch Neff
1 m 20-30 1 f under 5
1 m 70-80 1 f 20-30
p95 Jacob Neff
1 m 20-30 1 f 20-30
1 m 30-40 1 f 60-70
1 m 60-70
(+ 4 slaves: 2 m 10-24, 2 f 10-24)
p95 John Neff
2 m under 5 1 f under 5
1 m 5-10 1 f 5-10
1 m 15-20 2 f 10-15
1 m 40-50 1 f 20-30
1 f 40-50
p95 Elijah Neff
1 m 30-40 1 f 15-20
p95 Peter Neff
1 m under 5 1 f under 5
1 m 20-30 1 f 20-30
p95 Adam Neff
1 m under 5 2 f under 5
1 m 30-40 1 f 5-10
1 f 30-40
p95 Jacob Neff, Jun
1 m 15-20 2 f 5-10
1 m 30-40 1 f 15-20
1 f 30-40
(Slaves - 1 m under 10, 1 m 24-36, 2 f 10-24, 1 f 24-36, 1 f 36-55)
1840 Hardy Co Census
p115 Abraham Neff
1 m 50-60 1 f 15-20
agriculture 1 f 30-40
1 f 40-50
p115 Jacob S. Neff
1 m 20-30 1 f 15-20
agriculture
p115 Jacob Neff
1 m 30-40 1 f 1 f 30-40
(4 slaves) 1 m 70-80 1 f 70-80
p124 George S. Neff
1 m under 5 1 f 20-30
(1 slave) 1 m 20-30
p127 Thompson M. D. Neff
1 m 20-30 1 f 15-20
1 f 20-30
p137 Jacob Neff
1 m 50-60 1 f 15-20
(4 slaves) 2 f 20-30
2 f 50-60
(Note the two f 50-60, one was probably Amelia, Jacob's wife, the other,
Elizabeth Neff , the unwed sister of Jacob-JWN)
p137 Elijah Neff
1 m under 5 1 f under 5
1 m 5-10 1 f 20-30
1 m 40-50
1850 Hardy Co Census
9 61 63 Jacob Neff 67 M Farmer $1300 Va
Amelia 60 F Va
Elizabeth Neff 60 F $1000 Va
16 194 195 George S Neff 36 M Farmer 4000 Va
Mary 32 F Va
Mortimer D 11 M Va
Amzella 8 F Va
Laura 5 F Va
Sarah Cath 2 F Va
17 203 208 Abraham Neff 66 M Farmer 650 Va
Elizabeth 59 F Va
Priscilla 42 F Va
Jacob L 31 M Farmer Va
Elizabeth D 29 F Va
17 204 209 Margaret Neff 88 F 1333 Va
Margaret 46 F 400 Va
Washington H 44 M 400 Va
32 410 411 Isaac Christman 39 M Farmer 8000 Va
32 404 411 Leah Neff 70 F 2000 Va
Fredrich Mowrey 30 M Laborer Va
35 443 450 Jake Vaughn 27 M Laborer Va
Margaret Vaughn 33 F Va
Charles W. Neff 16 M Laborer Va
194 199 Mary Ann Craigen 49 F
Louis E Craigen 29 F
Elizabeth Meyers 12 F
Jane Meyers 2 F
211 216 Elizabeth Stump 77 F
Sarah Catherine Shook 15 F
1860 Hardy County Census
97 659 665 George S. Neff 45 M Farmer 10,000 Va
Mary A 42 F Va
Mortimer W. 20 M Va
Laura 17 F Va
Sallie C 12 F Va
Adaline 8 F Va
George 5 M Va
Jennie L 2/12F Va
96 652 658 Jacob Neff 77 M Farmer 2500 Va
Elizabeth 70 F Va
96 658 664 Margaret Neff 57 F 1000 Va
Sarah C 12 F Va
24 159 163 Armantha Neff 21 F Va
1870 Hardy Co Census
45 74 73 Neff, Margaret 68 F Weaver Va
45 79 76 Neff, Emily 55 F Housekeeper Va (color Black)
79 76 Neff, Margaret 18 F Housekeeper Va (color M)(?)
54 193 195 Neff, Mortimer 30 M Farmer 500 Va
Harriett 31 F Maryland
James C. 8 M Va
William 5 M WV
Mary C 2 F WV
Annie H F WV
63 315 316 Neff, Washington 66 M Farm laborer Va
65 339 340 Neff, George 55 M Farmer 11,500 Va
Mary A. 52 F Va
Sallie 22 F Va
Adaline 9 F Va
George 16 M Va
Alberta 9 F Va
Fout, George 9 M Va
1880 Hardy Co, WVa Census
69 133 136 Neff, David M 58 Farm laborer Va Va Va
Avis F 45 Wife Oh Va Eng
Catharin F 18 dau Va Va Ohio
Robert M 11 son Oh Va Ohio
Armistead M 8 son Oh Va Ohio
112 150 157 Neff, George M 26 Farmer WV WVa WVa
Lillie F F 23 wife WV WVa WVa
Arthur M 1 Son WV WVa WVa
Mary F 62 mother WVa WVa
Bertie F 20 sister WV WVa WVa
126 104 107 Neff, M. W. M 40 Farmer WV WVa WVa
Harriett F 42 wife Md Md Va
James E. M 18 son WV WVa WVa
William M 16 Son WV WVa WVa
Mary K F 13 dau WV WVa WVa
Annie H F 10 dau WV WVa WVa
Addie E F 9 dau WV WVa WVa
Harvey A M 6 son WV WVa WVa
Geo Jacob M 5 son WV WVa WVa
From History of Grant and Hardy Counties.
For many years Hardy County was a part of Hampshire, and it was not until in October 1785 that a separation was made effective as of February 1, 1786
p24 Hardy County Land Book Entries 1786
Neff, George 432 acres
Neff, Henry 146 acres
Neff, Michael 446 acres
Stump, George 910 acres
Stump, Leonard 366 acres
Stump, Michael 400 acres
p 35 Mrs. Brake and Mrs. Neff
"Among the bravest of the brave in the days of Indian massacre were two
women of South Fork--Mrs. Brake and Mrs. Neff.
"According to tradition Mrs. Brake and another woman massacred some Indians in the old Baron's Castle at Brake' Falls. A small band of Indians determined to enter the house through a man-hole in the wall, and from one to seven Indians were killed by the women, and after the slaying the remaining Indians took to their heels.
"Later Mrs. Brake and Mrs. Neff were captured, and Mrs. Brake was killed because she could not travel as fast as Mrs. Neff.
"Traveling with her two Indian captors, Mrs. Neff escaped at Town Fort Run, a mile and a half from Moorefield.
"The probability of the Indians letting her go purposely to give the alarm at Fort Pleasant so as to draw the Fort men out to face the Indian band of sixty or seventy, does not take from Mrs. Neff's bravery.
"Alone in the dark she made her way from Fort Run to Fort Pleasant, not knowing when an Indian band would fall upon her. She told the men about the sleeping Indian she had left, and of the one that had gone a-hunting.
"Soon followed the Trough Battle, one of the bloodiest and bravest ever fought by the White Men and the Indians."
(p 205 lists Mrs. John Brake, South Fork as one of a number of people killed
by Indians. p206 lists following as taken prisoner:
Brake, Jacob, South Fork
Neff, Mrs. Jane, South Fork)
(The Battle of the Trough has been reported to have taken place sometime around 1754-56. The only Mrs. Neff in Hampshire County at that time was Leonard Neff's wife Elizabeth Magdalena Neff. The Mrs Brake that was killed was Mrs. Johan Jacob Brake. Brake family tradition is that she was pregnant and was killed because she couldn't keep up. Jacob Brake then married Catherine Stump, daughter of Michael and Catherine Neff Stump. JWN)
p45 Census of 1790
"The first Census of the United States, including Virginia, was taken in
1790, but the census returns for Virginia are missing from the files of the
Bureau of the Census.
"Before the heads of families for the Census of 1790 were published, a special agent for the Bureau was sent to Richmond, Virginia, to examine their archives for the missing schedules.
"He found certain state enumerations and tax lists for 37 of the 78 counties, including Hampshire for the years 1782 and 1784, and they were published by the Census Bureau in lieu of the Federal Census for Virginia.
"Officials who secured the information were designated as 'Gentlemen.'"
Michael Stump was the reporter for what is now Hardy County. He includes the following in his enumeration of 140 families:
Naaff, George 6 Nave, George 5
Naaff, Henry 6 Nave, Henry 7
Naaff, Michael 8 Nave, Michael 8
Nave, Jacob 4
(Ed note: I believe these are the same families, presumably the Naaff spelling from the 1782 Census, Nave from 1784. Leonard Neff used the Nave spelling, which was adopted by some Neff families. Most of his descendants used the more common Neff spelling of the name. Notice that George Neff had 6 in his household in the 1782 listing and 5 in the 1784 listing. Possibly his brother Jacob was living with him in 1782 and moved out by 1784.-JWN)
Stump, Catherine 1
Stump, George 9
Stump, Leonard 7
Stump, Michael 7
p 59 Abraham Johnson was also a reporter for part of Hampshire Co. His list includes:
Nave, Henry 10
Neiff, Henry 10
(Also assumed to be the same family listed twice because of different spellings. This family is not thought to be related to the Leonard Nave/Neff family. This Henry Neff family lived on Patterson Creek in Hampshire County. Note the Henry Neff, son of Leonard is on Michael Stump's list.-JWN)
p234 War of 1812
Captain David VanMeter muster roll in 6th Regt, Va Militia, commanded by Lt. Col Henry E. Coleman, Jul 29, 1814 to Aug 28, 1814, and a few later.
Capt David VanMeter,Lt. Nathan Perril, Lt. Solomon Alkire lists: George Stump, Cpl,Leonard Neff, Cpl, Elias Stump, Musician among the privates are found Flemming Stump(sic probably Flemmon son of Clarissa Stump) and George Stump.
p 235 in Captain John Cunningham's Co, pay roll in 16th Regt of Va Militia, Spotsylvania Co, in the service of the US, commanded by Col Aylett Waller, from 31 Aug to 29 Sep 1814 is listed Jacob Neff, First Corporal.