EDITH: Gunns/DAR 110 Vols.

Edith GUNN Vaughan

As with most of James' children, I start this story of Edith with an excerpt from her fathers' will that he signed on 3 April 1807. "Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Edith Vaughan, twenty shillings, and all of mine that she has in possession to her and her heirs forever------." From this small bequeath one can assume that Edith had previously been given a more equal share of James possessions, land, or money. I believe that Edith was the second born child of James, being born about 1762. She married Willis Vaughan on 7 February 1778. Her father, James gives Consent. Witness to his consent, Alexander Roberts, and James Vaughan, Surety, Alexander Roberts. Edith was the first of James children to marry, and she was probably about sixteen years of age. On 22 April 1784, Willis Vaughan was named as co-bondsman on Elisha Gunns' marriage bond.

We know that Edith and Willis were alive in 1807, as evidenced by her fathers' will. Although the will does not mention Willis by name, it does state that James gives and bequeaths to his daughter. If Willis were deceased, it would undoubtedly read, "I lend…." Willis Vaughan also shows up in a document in 1810 where he petitions the court to allow Griffin and Gabriel, rather than the Sheriff, to dispose of some of James estate. The problem that arises now is that the 1810 census shows a Willis Vaughan, but, because of the age grouping, it could not be the Willis Vaughan that married Edith Gunn. Marriage records show that on 16 December 1796, Willis Vaughan married Betsy Wright, daughter of Thomas Wright, Senior, who consents. Witness to consent, Reuben Wright and Pleasant Wright, Surety, Reuben Wright. This is plainly not the Willis Vaughan, Edith Gunn couple. It could, however, have been their son, although there is no junior designation. A Bill of Sale document has been found that is dated 27 February 1800. Amelia County, It states that Nicholas Vaughan sold to his son, Willis Vaughan furniture and animals for six shillings. Wm. Wrights was a witness. I feel that this is pretty conclusive proof that the younger Willis Vaughan is not the son of Edith Gunn. However, he might be a relative of the elder Willis.

Any relationship between the Willis Vaughan that married Edith Gunn in 1778, and the Willis Vaughan that married Betsy Wright in 1796 is not proven. It is only speculation on my part. When time permits, I shall try to resolve this, and discover more details concerning the latter years of Edith and Willis' life. I have no evidence that there were any children born of the marriage.

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