John Alford

   Another name for John was "Irish John Alford."

  General Notes:

Information from the Alford American Family Association

There was a John Alford with son Benjamin and John Jr., who was evidently over 21, in Rockingham County, VA in 1788. In 1792, John Alford was listed with sons Robert and Benjamin still living at home. John, Jr. was no longer listed. John Alford, Sr. owned 180 acres of land in 1789 which seems to have been on Mill Creek just north of the town of Cross Keys. The will of this John Alford, dated or probated 25 October 1809 in Rockingham County, VA seems to have burned and is no longer available, however several deeds referring to the will help determine some of the members of this family. Census records, tax records and these deeds suggest John's wife was Nancy and that they had the children listed who are not necessarily in the order of birth.

The family seems to have come from Ireland to Augusta County, VA by 1774 at which time John Alford donated shoe buckles, whisky, compasses and buttons to the cause of the American patriots. It is not known which children were born in Ireland, but sons of Thomas and George claimed their fathers were foreign born in the 1870 census. The family seems to have several members who were weavers (John Sr.) or tailors (John Jr. and Thomas). All of the sons seem to have owned land at some time. He is commonly referred to a "Irish John Alford" by members of the Alford American Family Association.

John married Nancy Unknown.