James Barnes

In the 1850 census James was listed as a farmer, age 35, with an estate worth $600. He was marked as being born in Virginia and as unable to read or write. His wife Emeline was marked as being born in Maryland. In addition to four children already listed, John and Molly Thomas were listed as living with them, ages 70 and 74 respectively, both born in Maryland. The census location is Accomack Parish in Accomack County.

In the 1860 census James was still listed as a farmer, his real estate was valued at $800 and personal property was worth $150. Three more children had been born since the last census. His wife's mother, age given as 90, is still living with them her name is written as Mary Thomas instead of Molly this time. They are shown in Accomack Parish nearest Metompkin post office.

By 1870 James was no longer listed as farming, he was listed as a carpenter. His estate was valued at $500 and personal property at $100. His three sons all worked as oyster men. The census placed them in Metompkin township of Accomack nearest the Modest Town post office.

In the 1880 census all of the children had moved on except the youngest, Missouri. James' occupation was given as ship carpenter. The form put them in the 7th enumeration district of Accomack County.

James died on December 29th, 1896. His place of death was given as Hopkins in Accomack and his age as 82. The cause of death was given as "Paralysis of Brain." His parents names were listed as Arthur and Famie and his occupation listed as a mechanic. His death was reported by his son James.

James appears to be the first in his Barnes family line to move from the Eastern Shore's seaside to the bayside.