Marty and Karla Grant
[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]
William Cathey (bef 1762-aft 1826) and Margaret (—) Holeman of Shenandoah Co., VA and Kanawha and Cabell Co., VA (now WV)
[Cathey Home] - [Table of Contents] - [Shenandoah River Catheys] - William
Jump to Children’s section | Jump to Family Group Sheet
I don’t know how I’m related to this William Cathey. He is probably a 1st cousin many times removed.
William Cathey was born before ca 1762 in Virginia. I base that birth year on him first appearing on the 1783 tax list which would mean he was at least 21 then. He was not listed in 1782 so perhaps just turned 21 between early 1782 and early 1783.
Many of his early records list him as William Cathey “Jr” or “Junr” in order to distinguish him from William Cathey (1750/54-1812), his older cousin who lived in the same county for awhile. Some have incorrectly assumed the older William was the younger William’s father, but that is not right. I believe the two Williams were probably 1st cousins, though we can’t prove that at present. The older William married Rebecca Holeman in 1772. He is a son of George Cathey (c1725-1790). George would likely be the younger William’s uncle.
I don’t know who the younger William’s parents were, but John Cathey would be the prime candidate. If correct, that would probably make William a sibling to Henry, George, Archibald Cathey and Elizabeth Cathey Sehorn of Shenandoah Co., VA. (See John Cathey’s page for more on the others.)
There was only one William Cathey listed on the 1782 tax list for Shenandoah Co., VA and that is almost certainly the older one. However, by 1783 both Williams are listed. The younger William is living with Jacob Holeman, who happens to be the brother-in-law of the older William.
1783 |
White Tithes |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves -16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
William Cathew Senr Slaves: Bill, Peters, Jarnes?, Luck, Doll, George, Jo |
1 |
5 |
2 |
5 |
21 |
Jacob Holdman & Will Cathey Slaves: Boatswain, Nan, Tom, Jack, James, Mary, Reuben, Sarah, Sue, Winny, Doll, Ann, George and Jenny |
2 |
8 |
6 |
18 |
21 |
There is an alternate 1783 tax list that was published as a replacement for the lost 1790 census. Only one William Cathey is listed in Shenandoah on that list, which is probably the older one since the younger one wasn’t a head of household then. He is probably one of the nine whites in Jacob Holeman’s household.
1783 from “First Census of The United States 1790 Records of The State Enumerations: 1782 to 1785 Virginia”
William Cathey 8 whites, 8 blacks
Jacob Holeman 9 whites, 14 blacks
On 26 Oct 1783, Jacob Holeman made his Will in Shenandoah County, naming his wife Margaret and several children. Witnesses were Samuel Mills, Thomas Lewis and William Cathey. This is probably the younger William since we know he was residing with him. Jacob Holeman was dead by May 1784.
Both William Catheys were listed on the 1784 tax list in Shenandoah. The younger William was with Margaret Holeman, Jacob’s widow.
1784 |
White Tithes |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves -16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
Wm Cathey & Jno Camper |
2 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
22 |
Margaret Holeman & Wm Cathey & Thomas Edgell |
2 |
7 |
6 |
19 |
23 |
On 4 Aug 1784 Reuben Dobkin(s) and wife Elizabeth of Shenandoah deeded land to Jacob Steigel of Woodstock for 100 pounds, it being land Elizabeth inherited from her father Jacob Holeman. Witnesses were William Cathey Jr and William Cathey Senr. It isn’t stated in the deed, but Jacob Steigel was married to Rachel Holeman, also a child of Jacob Holeman. William Cathey Sr was married to Rebecca Holeman, sister of Jacob Holeman, and very shortly, William Cathey Jr would be married to the widow Margaret Holeman. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book D, p. 421).
On 13 Dec 1784 William Cathey obtained a marriage bond in Shenandoah Co., VA to marry Margaret Holeman (listed as Holman). John Taylor was the bondsman. They probably married that same day or not too long after obtaining the bond.
Margaret was born prior to 1746 by my reckoning, using the approximate birth dates of her Holeman children as a guide. Her oldest, Daniel Holeman was born prior to 1762. If we say he was born in 1762, and assume his mother was at least 16 then, you see how I came to before ca 1746 as her birth. She could be much older than that of course.
I don’t know what Margaret’s maiden name was.
Both Williams are on the 1785 tax list in Shenandoah.
1785 |
White Tithes |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves -16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
William Carthey Senr |
4 |
~ |
1 |
4 |
16 |
William Carthey Junr |
6 |
~ |
6 |
8 |
17 |
They are also listed on the alternate 1785 tax list used in the published 1790 census substitution:
1785 from “First Census of The United States 1790 Records of The State Enumerations: 1782 to 1785 Virginia”
List of Evan Jones
William Cathey Senr 5 white souls, 1 dwelling, 2 other buildings
William Cathey Junr 11 white souls, 1 dwelling, 6 other buildings
They are both on the 1786 tax list.
1786 |
Whites 21+ |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves -16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
William Carthy Sen |
3 |
3 |
1 |
7 |
26 |
William Carthy |
2 |
2 |
3 |
8 |
14 |
On 8 Aug 1786, one of the Williams witnessed a deed in Shenandoah Co., VA between Reuben Moore of Orange Co., VA to John Branner of Shenandoah. No suffix was used so I don’t know which William it is. Richard Branham and William Branham were the other witnesses. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book F, p. 312)
Both Williams are listed on the 1787 tax list. These are the same records used in the published 1787 “census” of Virginia.
1787 Name of white males over 21 |
Whites 16-21 |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves -16 |
Horses |
Cattle |
William Cathey Jr, Jno Collins |
1 |
5 |
4 |
10 |
12 |
William Cathey Sr |
~ |
4 |
~ |
5 |
22 |
The older William Cathey returned to North Carolina sometime in 1787, leaving William “Jr” as the only William in Shenandoah. Thus, he didn’t have to use the suffix after that, though he did at least once more.
On 28 Oct 1787, William Cathey, Richard Branham, Isaac Goare and Abraham Savage, witnessed a deed between George and Mary Ruddle of Rockingham Co., VA to Mounce Byrd of Shenandoah. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book F, p. 518).
William Cathey is listed on the 1788, 1789, 1790 and 1791 tax lists in Shenandoah. As noted, his older cousin was now gone from the county (and state). In 1788, William was also responsible for the taxes of John Martin (who married his step-daughter the next year), and Original Young, which is a distinctive name! I don’t know who he is. In 1789, 1790 and 1791, William Cathey was also responsible for the tax for his step-son Andrew Holeman.
1788 Name of white males over 21 |
Whites 16-21 |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves -16 |
Horses |
William Cathey, Original Young, John Martin |
2 |
5 |
1 |
8 |
1789 Taverner Beale’s list |
Whites |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey & Andrew Holeman |
2 |
6 |
1 |
5 |
1790 Taverner Beale’s list |
Whites |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey & Andrew Holeman & Toby Baster? |
3 |
3 |
~ |
4 |
1791 Taverner Beale’s list |
Whites |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey & Andrew Holdman |
2 |
3 |
1 |
3 |
On 23 Sep 1791, William Cathey “Junr” witnessed a deed from Elizabeth Holeman, widow of Daniel Holeman, deceased, to Andrew Holeman. Jacob Steigle and John Young 3rd also witnessed. All three of the witnesses acknowledge the deed in court on 27 Apr 1792. This time he was listed as William Carthy, no suffix. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book H, p. 368).
Daniel and Elizabeth Holeman were the parents of Jacob Holeman, first husband of Margaret, then wife of William Cathey.
William Cathey was listed on the 1792 through 1796 tax lists in Shenandoah, and had his own list those last two years as Captain William Cathey.
1792 Taverner Beale’s list |
Whites |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1793 Taverner Beale’s list |
Whites |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey & Edward Canter |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1794 Taverner Beale’s list |
Whites |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey & Edward Canter |
2 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
1795 William Cathey’s list |
Whites 16+ |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1796 William Cathey’s |
Whites 16+ |
Slaves 16+ |
Slaves 12-16 |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
On 19 Jan 1795, William Cathey, Joseph Hawkins, Jacob Woltz, Zachariah Shugart, Isaac Goare and John Hup witnessed a deed between William and Ealce McDowell of Rockingham Co., VA to John Bunner of Shenandoah. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book L, p. 346).
On 1 Sep 1796, William Cathey and wife Margarett, “late Margaret Holeman” of Shenandoah Co., VA, deeded 420 acres to Andrew Holeman (her son) for 555 pounds, being the same two tracts that Jacob Holeman left the said Margaret in his Will who was then his wife. William Cathey signed, Margaret made a mark. Witnesses were William Byrd and John Taylor. The deed was acknowledged by Margaret Cathey on 13 Sep 1796. (Shenandoah Co., VA Deed Book K, p. 322).
The deed above represents the Catheys about to move away. This was the last record found for them in Shenandoah Co., VA. Indeed, a couple of days later, Andrew Holeman sold the same land and other land he’d inherited, and he too vanished from the county, soon moving to Kentucky.
There were no Cathey or Holeman entries on the 1797, 1798 or 1799 tax lists for Shenandoah Co., VA.
The Catheys went to Kanawha Co., VA (now WV). At the time, Kanawha was a very large county. However, it seems they lived in the part that is still Kanawha today.
The 1797, 1798, 1799 and 1800 tax lists are lost for Kanawha, as is the 1800 census, but William Cathey is listed there on the 1801 tax list and in 1802.
1801 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12+ |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
1802 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12+ |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
William also had an Ordinary License in 1802, meaning he had a license to sell alcohol, food and lodging, so he was probably running an Inn. He may have been in Charleston, the county seat.
In an undated Deed (1803), William Cathey of Kanawha sold a slave named Mary to John Reynolds and John Morris Junr. Witnesses were Fleming Cobb and W. Blain. (Kanawha Co., WV Deed Book B, p. 277).
The 1803, 1804 and 1805 lists are missing for Kanawha. The 1806 list is extant, but William Cathey is not listed on it, so he may have moved away for a time. However, he is “back” for the 1807 tax list and is joined by John Cathey, his son, who is listed on his own.
1807 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
John Cathey |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
The state of Virginia didn’t collect taxes for the year 1808 so there was no tax list that year.
On 2 Jun 1808, William’s son, John H. Cathey, deeded his right and title to a house and lot in Charleston to John Baker. The deed was witnessed by George Steele. On the same day and same page, John Baker deeded the same right back to John H. Cathey. This one was witnessed by William Cathey and William Pinkney. (Kanawha Co., WV Deed Book C, p. 327).
I’m not sure what the point of the above transaction was, unless the second deed was for a different house and lot.
That is the last record I found for William Cathey in the Kanawha deed books. However, he did remain in the county for many more years, but apparently owned no property.
He is not listed on the 1809 tax list, so perhaps had moved away again. John Cathey isn’t listed either, so maybe both were gone, or just missed somehow.
The 1810 census is lost for Kanawha Co., VA, unfortunately. However, William Cathey is on the tax list for that year as well as each subsequent year through 1815.
1810 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
2 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1811 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
John Cathey |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1812 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
2 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1813 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
1814 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
1815 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 9-12 |
Blacks 12+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
In 1812, William Cathey brought a suit against Charles Brown and others regarding slaves that had been part of the Jacob Holeman estate. In the suit, the Jacob Holeman family is outlined and it is stated that William Cathey married Margaret, the widow of Jacob, etc. Much Holeman family data is given. The only Cathey data is that William’s son John Cathey is mentioned in a statement by Charles Brown who relates how in 1799 he was heading to Kentucky with the slaves when William’s son, John Cathey Jr overtook him in order to prevent him from taking them out of state and selling them. While that is interesting in and of itself, it’s very curious why Mr. Brown referred to him as John Cathey Jr. Was there an older John Cathey around he needed to be distinguished from? I don’t know of any at that time. This case is in the Virginia Chancery Cases if you want to read it.
William Cathey is not listed on the 1816 tax list in Kanawha. He apparently moved to neighboring Cabell Co., VA where is listed in 1816. (Thanks to Kyle Wear for finding that.)
1816 Cabell Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
1 |
I didn’t find William Cathey on the 1817 tax list in Cabell nor back in Kanawha.
I did check earlier Cabell County tax lists to see if any other Catheys were there prior to or after 1816. I found none 1809-1815, or 1817-1820.
William was back in Kanawha by 1818.
1818 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 9-12 |
Blacks 12+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
He was not listed on the 1819 tax list in Kanawha, nor in Cabell.
William Cathey is listed on the 1820 census for Kanawha Co., VA, which is his first census entry. Of course he probably was actually listed on the 1790, 1800 and 1810 censuses, but those were lost for the places he lived at those times, unfortunately.
1820 Census - Kanawha County, Virginia
Page |
Name |
M0-9
|
M10-15
|
M16-17
|
M16-25
|
M26-44
|
M45+
|
F0-9
|
F10-15
|
F16-25
|
F26-44
|
F45+
|
126 |
William Cathey |
1 |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
1 |
~ |
2 |
~ |
1 |
~ |
|
No slaves |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My analysis (who each person *might* be):
1m 45+ (before 1775) William Cathey (bef 1762)
1m 0-9 (1810/1820) Son? Grandson?
1f 26-44 (1775/1794) Wife? Daughter?
2f 10-15 (1804/1810) 1. Daughter?
2. Daughter?
One thing becomes apparent while looking at his 1820 census entry. William’s wife Margaret had died before then. The oldest woman in the household with him is born ca 1775/1794 which couldn’t be her. The presence of young children suggests she’s a second wife. However, it could be a widowed daughter and her children instead. There is no way to be certain without other records to compare.
William Cathey is listed on the next three tax lists.
1820 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1821 Kanawha Co., VA |
Slaves 12+ |
Horses |
|
|
William Cathey |
0 |
1 |
|
|
1822 Kanawha Co., VA |
Slaves 12+ |
Horses |
|
|
William Cathey |
0 |
1 |
|
|
William Cathey is not listed on the 1823 tax list, but is back for the 1824, 1825 and 1826 lists.
1824 Kanawha Co., VA |
Whites 16+ |
Blacks 12-16 |
Blacks 16+ |
Horses |
William Cathey |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1825 Kanawha Co., VA |
Slaves 12+ |
Horses |
|
|
William Cathey |
0 |
1 |
|
|
1826 Kanawha Co., VA |
Slaves 12+ |
Horses |
|
|
Wm Cathey |
0 |
1 |
|
|
William Cathey is not listed on the 1827, 1828, 1829 or 1830 tax lists, nor on the 1830 census as far as I could find. This suggests he died in 1826 or early 1827 or left the area for parts unknown.
I don’t know what became of his widow or any other children he might have had.
William Cathey and wife Margaret only had one child as far as I’ve identified. Margaret had seven with her first husband, Jacob Holeman, some of whom were as old as William Cathey.
John H. Cathey was born ca 1785 (an estimate since parents married in Dec 1784).
If William’s father is named John as I suspect, then this son was probably named for him in part. I don’t know what the “H” initial stands for. “Holeman” springs to mind, but that wasn’t his mother’s maiden name, but her married name, so not the most likely middle name for John.
Unfortunately John H. Cathey left very few records. I already mentioned him in relation to the Charles Brown suit in 1812 that relates something John did in 1799. Also the 1808 deed and his few tax list entries, the last in 1811. Those are basically all we have for him.
I don’t know if he ever married or had any children.
For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for William Cathey and Margaret. Also see Jacob Holeman and Margaret.
Revised: September 8, 2023
Copyright © 1996-2023 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.
[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]