Gracey Smith Oldham

Gracey Smith Oldham was born December 10th, 1775 in St. Stephens Parish, Northumberland County to Thomas Oldham and Ann. Her birth date was recorded in the Parish registry.

Gracey married Christopher Dameron on August 16th, 1792. His security was provided by William Dameron (his father or brother).

Gracey's uncle, Leroy Oldham, died in 1804 and left much to Christopher and Gracey's children:

Wife Betty Oldham-use of all my estate both real and personal during her natural life, and at her death to Leroy Oldham Dameron, son of Christopher Dameron and Gracey S. Dameron his wife-the plantation I now live on. To Polly Christopher Dameron, daughter of the above Christopher and Gracey-negro girl Maria. To Thomas Oldham Dameron, son of the said Christopher and Gracey his wife-negro boy Jerry. To Lucy Smith Dameron, daughter of the said Christopher and Gracey-negro girl Frank. To my brothers daughter, Nancy Tarpley Oldham-negroes Jane and Nelly. To Lucy Oldham, daughter of my brother Thomas Oldham-negroes Sarah and Isaac. To Molly Draper Dameron, who now lives with me-negro girl Ann. Rest of my estate to be equally divided between Leroy O. Dameron, Polly C. Dameron, Thomas O. Dameron, Lucy S. Dameron, Nancy T. Oldham, and Lucy Oldham. Brother Thomas Oldham, friends Christopher Dameron, and Samuel Cralle, executors. Witness: Luke Dameron, William Dameron, and Roger Dameron.

The 1810 census lists 12 Dameron's as heads of families in Northumberland County. All Dameron names were spelled as Damron. Christopher Dameron is listed. His household is two males under 10, one male 26-45, three females under 10, one female 10-16 and one female 26-45. No slaves were listed for Christopher. The census takers were instructed to ask about manufacturing and noted 10 gallons of brandy for Christopher Dameron.

The 1820 census return for Northumberland County shows Christopher listed with - males; one under 10, one 16-26, one 26-45 and one over 45. Females; two under 10, one over 45. Two people working in Agriculture. One male slave under 14.

On the 1830 census Christopher is listed as Christo Dameron. His household members are one male 50-60, one female 20-30, one female 30-40, one female 60-70 and no slaves listed.

Christopher died intestate before November 26th, 1835. Gracey's name is not mentioned in any of his estate paperwork, she appears to have predeceased him.