Family of John and Sarah McDade Greathouse

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Edward Greathouse 1807 to 1897

Although Edward was born in what was probably Mason County Virginia, since his parents were married there the year before, he was probably born in the small portion that later became Jackson, Wirt and finally Roane County in 1856. His obituary says that he was the father of 14 children, but we have only identified 12. He was a farmer, but we don't know much more about his daily life. It appears most of his life was spent in what is now Roane County West Virginia. We know from his obituary that he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and and became a member of the Baptist Church at the end of his life when he was living with his daughter Mahala, who married George Washington Webb . It appears that as the oldest son of John, he was appointed to act as the administrator of his father's estate.

The relationship of Edward as son of John and Sarah McDade is established through the estate settlement for his father:

Edward Greathouse served as administrator of his father's estate. Edward presented a report to the County Commissioners 24th day of August 1872.
Report and estate settlement papers are on file at Spencer WV at the Roane County Court House. Since John died without a will his estate was distributed equally among his natural children.
Edward is listed as an heir along with his siblings and the children of his deceased siblings.

The birth date of Edward is stated in his obituary as November 17, 1807. Although the birthplace is listed as Roane County, it is believed that his birth would have been in Mason County, VA. This is where his parents were married the year previously, and Roane County had not yet been established as a county.

His marriage to Matilda Elizabeth Blosser is said to have occurred on December 31, 1833. She is believed to be the daughter of Henry and Isabella Stewart Blosser. Edward's obituary states "In 1833 he (Edward) was married to Elizabeth Blosser". According to Rick Greathouse, the marriage is also recorded in Dodd, Jordan R., et al.. Early American Marriages.
Virginia to 1850 per Rick Greathouse.

We know that his nickname was "Neddie" per his obituary, but we do not have a middle name for him.

He and his family are listed in five known census reports. He is listed as head of household in each report.

1840 Census Jackson Co, VA
1 males age 20-30
1 female age 20-30
1 female age 0-5
1 male 0-5
2 males 5-10

1850 Census Wirt County, VA District 70
Edward Greathouse 41 VA Farmer
Matilda 36 VA
Isabel 16 VA
John M 14 VA
Henry 11 VA
Robert 10 VA
Isaac9 VA
Samuel7 VA
Jane S5 VA
James3 VA

1860 Census Reedyville, Roane County VA
Household Members: Name Age
Edward Greathouse 51 born in Virginia
Matilda Greathouse 43
Robert Greathouse 20
Samuel Greathouse 16
Isaac Greathouse 18
Jane Greathouse 14
James K Greathouse 12
Mahala Greathouse 4
Mary Greathouse 2

1870 Census Spencer, Roane County, West Virginia
Household Members: Name Age
Ed Greathouse 62
Matilda Greathouse 55
Robert Greathouse 29
Marion Greathouse 11
Mahala Greathouse 13

1880 Census Smithfield, Roane County, West Virginia
Edward Geathouse71
Matilda Geathouse65
Father's birthplace:Virginia
Mother's birthplace:Virginia
Occupation:Farmer
Marital Status:Married
Race:White
Gender:Male

Death information for Edward is established through his obituary:

Obituary: November 17, 1897

Uncle "Ned" Greathouse, one of the oldest citizens of the county died on last Sunday at Linden at the ripe old age of 90 years. The remains were brought here and buried in the Spencer cemetery on Monday. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. J. Harris of M. P. Church. A more extended notice will appear next week. November 24, 1897

AN OLD PIONEER GONE.

Edward Greathouse, born November 17, 1807; died November 12, 1897. John Greathouse, father of Edward, left Harrison county at the beginning of the present century came to what is now Roane county, settling a short distance below Spencer on Spring Creek near where John Walsh now lives. Here
in this almost unbroken wilderness the boy Edward was born and grew to manhood. His father's home was one of hospitality and good will. All travelers might shelter under his roof and be fed from his table without thought of a charge. All denominations worshipped at their home, for churches there were none, and the congregations were always pressed to remain for meals. "Uncle Ned" as he was familiarly known grew up with the impress of his surrounding stamped in his character. Genial, generous and honest; no charge to the contrary was ever made; but all who knew respected him.

In 1833 he was married to Elizabeth Blosser. Of this union 14 children were born, most of whom are still living and known to BULLETIN readers.

He was for many years a member of the M. P. Church but in later years moved to Linden and made his home with his daughter, Mrs. G. W. Webb. Here he became a member of the Baptist church and died in its fellowship. Peace to
his ashes.

Known children of Edward and Matilda are Isabelle, John M, Henry, Robert C, Isaac Benjamin, Samuel A, Jane S, James K, Edward, Mahala, Irvin Marion and Mary.