Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Although Edison was not likely referring to genealogical research when he said this, I think it applies – especially as a I begin my search for John Sims, my newly-discovered 5th great grandfather.
According to the 1850 census, John’s son, Alexander Sims, my 4th great grandfather, was born in “Virginia”. In the 1860 census, his birthplace was recorded as “Tennessee”. In the 1880 census, which was the first year the birthplace of each person’s parents was recorded, his birthplace “reverted” to “Virginia” (in the entry for his son, William Barnet(t) Sims). Thus, in looking for John Sims’ whereabouts at the time of Alexander’s birth – sometime between 1780 and 1785, I am reasonably sure that I should be looking in either Virginia or Tennessee. The latter is a bit problematic as Tennessee had not achieved statehood when Alexander was born. Virginia ultimately seems like the most logical place to look for John Sims.
But where in Virginia should I start looking? That is the question I must now answer. In 1787. the Commonwealth of Virginia undertook a state-wide census that included an “accounting of every white male tithable over 21 years” – this taken from the title page of the three volume set of said census which I have in my possession. (As a side note, the 1787 census of Virginia is of great importance since the 1790 and 1800 federal census records of Virginia did not survive.)
There are 12 men named John Sims who appeared in the 1787 census of Virginia – one of them, hopefully, is my 5th great grandfather. And much like Edison, I must eliminate 11 of them who “won’t work” as Alexander’s father. (If I eliminate all 12, then I must turn my attention to Tennessee before 1790 – YIKES!)
One or more men named John Sims resided in each of the following Virginia counties in 1787: Brunswick (2), Charlotte (1), Cumberland (1), Hanover (4), Harrison (1), Louisa (1), and Monongalia (1) and Westmoreland (1).
The next step is research all 12 of them in hopes of finding a will. I know that my John Sims died before 1806 when his children collectively purchased a piece of land in Montgomery County, Tennessee for their mother. My gut tells me that this was stipulated in John’s will which is why they purchased the land as “the Heirs of John Sims”. We’ll see.
If you need to find me this winter, chances are I’ll be at the Library of Virginia looking through countless roles of microfilm in my hunt for John Sims.
Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relationship: 5th great grandfather
Common ancestors: John’s parents, my 6th great grandparents, are unknown
My 3gg grandfather is Edward R Sims, born 1817, and we believe to be brother of Alexander Sims, and son of John Sims. We are also searching for information and currently are having the Chesterfield Historical Society to help us. I have found Alex. in 1850 census and again in 1870 with same children and a John Sims (age 79).In 1850, Alex., Edward R., sister Mary Jane Sims Flournoy, and sister Elizabeth Sims Forsee all in same neighborhood and only 8 houses apart. Please contact me for information, etc.
The Chesterfield HS determined John Sims to be the father of Edward Sims, brother of Alexander.
Hi, Catherine
Thanks for visiting my blog. I apologize for the delayed response. Congratulations on finding information on your ancestors. I can tell you with certainty that we’re dealing with two sets of men named John and Alexander Sims. My John Sims had died by 1806 which is when all of his living children (the “heirs” of John Sims) bought land for the use of their mother in Montgomery County, Tennessee. Obviously, Edward born in 1817 wasn’t listed among them. Trying to sort through folks who have the same name is one of the challenges of genealogy. Trying to sort through folks with the same name AND who lived in close proximity to one another is an added challenge. (I’ve lost track of the number of John Borens lived in Kentucky and Tennessee before 1820!) Good luck with your research!