Tombstone Tuesday~In Memory~Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivers

Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivers

b.  btw. 1780-1790

d. 3 Dec 1847

bu. Unknown

Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivers is my 4th Great Grandmother. Based on census data and an Affidavit by William Rivers, husband of Elizabeth Rivers I calculated her birth as occurring between 1780 and 1790. I do have an exact death date for Elizabeth documented in the Family Bible of Mark Rivers. Since both Elizabeth and her husband's death date are recorded in this Family Bible it is my opinion (I have no other proof) that Elizabeth might be the daughter of Mark Rivers and Sarah Brown.

Death of Elizabeth [Betsy] Rivers on 3 of December date 1847

Death of William Rivers Cenery on the 7 of June 1855

[Cenery is a misspelling of Senior.]

William Rivers in his affidavit stated that Thomas Davis and Nancy Rivers's youngest son was born in Dec 1812.

“...the youngest of whom was born in the month of December 1812 which fact he knows from the birth of his own son Malachi who was born the 22nd day of August 1812 which record is now before him.”                                                                             s/William Rivers

William Rivers in his affidavit stated that Thomas Davis and Nancy Rivers youngest son was born in Dec 1812.

“...the youngest of whom was born in the month of December 1812 which fact he knows from the birth of his own son Malachi who was born the 22nd day of August 1812 which record is now before him.”

                                                                             s/William Rivers

The loss of records in Chesterfield County makes it very difficult to research early families in the County. There is much misinformation and false information published about Chesterfield County families. If you don’t have proof in the form of a historical document it most likely didn't happen the way you have been told. 

There is very little information about Elizabeth Rivers. In every document I have concerning Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivers only these three names – Elizabeth, Betsy & Rivers- have been tied to her. The marriage was a “Rivers” marrying a “Rivers”. For over 40 years most researchers have William and Betsy marrying about 1810. This is based on the birth of what is believed to have been their firstborn son Malachi b.22 August 1812. William Rivers stated that Malachi was born 22 August 1812 and was his son but, he never said that Malachi was his firstborn as many believed.    

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[1] Mark Rivers Family Bible, 9 pages.

[2] Affidavit of William Rivers for Thomas Davis Pension Application, compiled military record (5th Co. Capt. Thomas Hall, Marion's Regt. 1779), Rev. War Pension and Land-Bounty Application Files, (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration), NARA microfilm publication M804, Roll 766.