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Jesse & Eliza Walker Pruitt of Pittsylvania County

Writer: Catherine Gauldin
Catherine Gauldin
Jul 19
10 min read

Updated: Aug 19

Also the family of John Wesley “Pomp” Gauldin and Artelia Perkins

Jesse Pruitt, born around 1809 in Virginia, and Eliza Walker, born about 1812 in Pittsylvania County, belonged to the network of small farming families that defined rural Southside Virginia in the early nineteenth century. Though Jesse’s parentage remains unknown, both he and Eliza emerged from the same agricultural landscape—one shaped by kinship ties, modest means, and the steady labor of farm life.

 

Their lives joined on 19 January 1835, when Jesse and Eliza married in Pittsylvania County. (1) This union marked the beginning of a long-shared life documented across five decades of census records. Like many couples of their era, they built a large household, raising children who remained with them well into adulthood and contributing to the family’s labor economy.

 

By the 1840 census (2), Jesse headed a small household that included a young wife, small children, and an elderly male—likely a relative. He was employed in agriculture and already recorded as unable to read or write, a limitation common among rural farmers of his generation. Eliza’s early life is less documented, but her later records show her deeply rooted in the same farming community.

 

In 1850 (3), Jesse & Eliza Walker Pruitt of Pittsylvania County were living in the Southern District with a bustling household of children: Nancy, Joseph, Jane, Jesse Jr., Sally, Patsy, and infant Christina. The census again noted Jesse’s illiteracy, and Eliza—like many rural women born in the early 1800s—was also unable to read or write. Their home reflected the typical domestic structure of the time: a large family relying on shared labor, with children contributing to household and farm work from a young age.


Jesse and Eliza Pruitt in the 1850 Census, Pittsylvania County (3) 
Jesse and Eliza Pruitt in the 1850 Census, Pittsylvania County (3) 

By 1860 (4), Jesse—now 50—was still farming in the Southern District. They had in their household a six-year-old boy named John W. Gauldin, and he may be John Wesley “Pomp” Gauldin who later married Artelia Perkins. This is not confirmed, however. 


In the 1860 Census (4), John W. Gauldin was living with them.  He may be John Westley “Pomp” Gauldin, but it isn’t known who his parents were.  Jesse and Eliza were taking care of him. 
In the 1860 Census (4), John W. Gauldin was living with them.  He may be John Westley “Pomp” Gauldin, but it isn’t known who his parents were.  Jesse and Eliza were taking care of him. 

In 1870 (5), Jesse and Eliza were living near Chatham, in the Subdivision North of Dan River. Jesse, about 60, was still working as a farmer, with a modest personal estate valued at $150. Several adult children—Nancy, Joseph, Sallie, Patric, Christianna, and John—remained at home, illustrating the extended family structure typical of the era. Eliza, about 55, was listed as “keeping house,” and again recorded as unable to write.


John Gauldin was still living with the family in 1870 (5)
John Gauldin was still living with the family in 1870 (5)

By 1880 (6), the couple had moved to the Tunstall District. Jesse, age 71, was still working as a farmer hand, showing the persistence of labor even in old age. Eliza, about 66, also worked as a farmer hand, contributing to the household economy alongside their daughters Sallie, Patsy, and young Jeannie Pruet. Their home remained multigenerational, with adult daughters continuing to live with and support their aging parents.


The 1880 census shows a multi-generational family living together (6)
The 1880 census shows a multi-generational family living together (6)

Jesse Pruitt 71 – Head

Eliza 66 – Wife

Sallie 30 – Daughter

Patsy 28 – Daughter

Jennie 7 – Granddaughter

Joe Pruitt 35 – Farm Hand

Martha 28 – Wife of Joe Pruitt

Lena 7 – Daughter

William 4 – Son

Joseph 3 - Son

 

Eliza Walker Pruett died on 18 May 1891 (7) at approximately 79 years old, still residing in Pittsylvania County. Jesse Pruitt lived at least until 1880, and likely died in the county sometime thereafter, though no record of his death has yet been found.

 

Together, Jesse and Eliza represent the quiet endurance of rural Virginia families whose lives were shaped by agriculture, limited resources, and strong kinship networks. Their story—preserved through scattered census entries and a single marriage record—mirrors the experience of countless families who lived, worked, and aged within the same community across generations. Their legacy endures through their many children and the extended Pruitt and Walker families who continued to shape Pittsylvania County well into the twentieth century.

 

Children of Jesse Pruitt & Eliza Walker

Child’s Name

Approx. Birth Year

Notes / Records

Nancy Pruitt

ca. 1836

Appears in 1850, 1860, 1870 censuses; adult daughter living at home.

Joseph Pruitt

ca. 1839

Appears in 1850, 1860, 1870 censuses; remained in household as adult.  In the 1880 census he was helping on the farm with his wife Martha and children Lena, William and Joseph. 

Jane H. Pruitt

ca. 1841

Appears in 1850 and 1860 censuses.

Jesse Pruitt Jr.

ca. 1843

Appears in 1850 census.

Sarah “Sallie” Pruitt

ca. 1845

Appears in 1850, 1860, 1870, 1880; unmarried; lived with parents into adulthood.

Martha “Patsy” Pruitt

ca. 1847

Appears in 1850, 1860, 1880 censuses.

Christina / Christianna A. Pruitt

ca. 1849

Appears in 1850, 1860, 1870 censuses.

John Wesley “Pomp” Gauldin

1852

Appears for the first time in 1860 living with Jesse & Eliza; later married Artelia Perkins.  He is also residing with the Pruitt family in the 1870 census.

John Pruitt

ca. 1855

Appears in 1870 census as age 15.

Jeannie Pruett

ca. 1875

Appears in 1880 census as age 7; listed as granddaughter raised in household.

 

Who was John Wesley “Pomp” Gauldin?

Combined Narrative Summary: John “Pomp” Wesley Gauldin & Artelia “Velia” Perkins

John “Pomp” Wesley Gauldin and Artelia “Velia” Perkins built a life that bridged the rural communities of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and Rockingham County, North Carolina—two regions tied together by kinship, labor, and the shared rhythms of farming and mill work in the late nineteenth century.

 

Marriage John Gauldin and Artelia Perkins

 

John was born 9 April 1853 in Pittsylvania County. His biological parentage remains uncertain, though family tradition suggests he may have been the son of John Gauldin and Peggy. What is documented is that he was taken in and raised by Jesse Pruitt and Eliza Walker, becoming part of their large household and functioning as their son. By the 1860 census, eight‑year‑old John was living with the Pruitts in the Southern District of Pittsylvania County—an arrangement typical of rural families who informally fostered children when parents were absent or unable to care for them.

 

Artelia “Velia” Perkins was born 5 March 1860 in Henry County, Virginia, into a large extended family whose roots stretched across the Virginia–North Carolina border. By 1870, she was living in Oregonville, Rockingham County, North Carolina, in a multigenerational household headed by her mother, Louisa Perkins, and including siblings, cousins, and an elderly grandmother. Like many rural girls of the Reconstruction era, Artelia had limited access to formal schooling and was listed as unable to read or write.


Cora Lee Moore Gauldin standing with her mother-in-law Artelea Perkins Gauldin (8)
Cora Lee Moore Gauldin standing with her mother-in-law Artelea Perkins Gauldin (8)

Their lives converged in April 1875, when 22‑year‑old John married 15‑year‑old Artelia in Rockingham County. Their marriage united two families long intertwined through proximity and shared community ties. Together they built a large family, raising nine sons, most of whom survived into adulthood and became well‑known in the Danville and Pittsylvania communities:

  • James Robert Gauldin (1876–1966) - He was born 12 October 1876 and died on 14 Dec. 1966 in Danville.  He and his wife Cora Lee Moore (1886-1960) are buried in the Pelham United Methodist Church Cemetery in Pelham, Caswell, North Carolina.  Their children were Robert Lee Gauldin 1905–1956, Bessie Virginia Gauldin Paschall 1907–1982, Raymond Gaulden 1910–1915 and Edna Gauldin Soto 1917–2000, Lillie Mae Gauldin Atkins 1926–1975. (9)


Robert Lee Gauldin and Lillie Mae Gauldin were brother and sister
Robert Lee Gauldin and Lillie Mae Gauldin were brother and sister

  • John Wesley Gauldin (1877–4 June 1944) - Son of John Wesley Gauldin(died 1917) & Artelia Perkins Gauldin. Married Laila Eanes Sept 22, 1912 in Danville(Lelia died) Married Fannie Graham Nov 23, 1913 in Danville

  • Divorced in 1920 Census. (12) John W. Gauldin died on 4 June 1944.  His obituary reads "John W. Gauldin, aged 67 years, died in the Danville Community Hospital yesterday morning at 5:30 o'clock after an illness of nine days.  Mr. Gauldin was born in Henry County January 3, 1877, a son of Mrs. Artelia Perkins Gauldin and the late Pamp Gauldin.  He was a well-known farmer in Caswell County and at the time of his death was making his home on the Shady Grove Road.  He is survived by his mother and six brothers; Claude Gauldin..Charlie Gauldin, Robert Gauldin and Jesse Gauldin...interment will follow in Mountain View cemetery.." (13)

  • Charles Willis Gauldin (1888–1958) - He was born 8 April 1888 and died 31 March 1959.  He married Lula Mae Eanes 1892-1969 and their children were James Willis Gauldin 1917–1981, Myrtle Mae Gauldin Pruitt, 1919–1974, Artelia Gauldin 1925–1976 and Charles Melvin Gauldin 1931–2007. (14)

  • Lewis Mack Gauldin (1891–1920) - He was born in 1891 in Henry County, Virginia and he died 4 August 1920 in Danville, Virginia.  He is buried in the Mountain View Cemetery in Danville.  He married Mary Cornelia "Neely" Hoskins 1884-1917.  They were married in 1912. (15)

  • William Wade Gauldin (1895–1941) - He was born 17 October 1895 in Pelham, Caswell, North Carolina and he died 18 July 1941 in Danville, Virginia.  He is buried in Highland Burial Park in Danville.  He married Ethel M. Biggs 1895-1985 and their children were James Hugh Gauldin 1915-1991 and Mary Owen Gauldin Gee 1916-2007. (16)

  • Claude Swanson Gauldin Sr. (1898–1968) - He was born 28 Feb. 1898 and died 15 November 1968.  He married Ocey Wood in 1920.  She was born 1900 and died in 1999.  Their children were Claude Swanson Gauldin, Jr. 1921-2014, Barbara Allen Gauldin James 1928-1986 and Lynwood Page "Lynn" Gauldin Pugh 1928-2009.  I corresponded with "Miss Ocey" towards the end of her life and she described her life growing up.  Her father was Mormon.  Charles Swanson Gauldin, Sr. was a Police Officer. (17)

  • Jesse Ernest Gauldin (1898–1965) - He was born on 17 May 1898 and died on 22 June 1965.  He is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville.  He married Minnie Mae Walker 1905-2000, and their children were Luther Odell Gauldin 1928–1954, Mamie Gauldin New 1930–2008, Frances Gauldin Meeks 1932–2002, Hubert Neal Gauldin 1934–1954, Gladys Maxine Gauldin Sparks 1936–2002, Irvin Walker Gauldin 1937–2026, Delores Gauldin Crabb 1939–2019, Leonard Allen Gauldin 1941–2023 and Carolyn Gauldin Ware 1946–2020. (18)

  • Gilbert Clark Gauldin (1902–1959) - He was born 5 June 1902 in Caswell County, North Carolina and he died 25 Jan 1959 in Danville, Virginia.  He is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Danville.  He married Pearl Susie Ware.  There is no stone at his grave. (19)


James Robert Gauldin and Cora Lee Moore early in their marriage.  (20) The baby is probably Robert Lee Gauldin who was born in 1905.
James Robert Gauldin and Cora Lee Moore early in their marriage.  (20) The baby is probably Robert Lee Gauldin who was born in 1905.

Their household moved frequently between Rockingham County, North Carolina, and Pittsylvania County, Virginia, reflecting the mobility of families who lived near the state line and worked in farming, tobacco warehouses, and the rapidly expanding textile mills. By 1898, John was living in Rockingham County; by 1900, the family was in Callands, Pittsylvania County, where many of their children were raised.

 

At some point before Artelia died her family got together for a family reunion and everyone in the family is named.  This is from The Bee, date not given: (21)

 

"The children and grandchildren of Mrs. Artelia Perkins Gauldin held their family reuntion at Mrs. Gauldin's home at Pelham, NC Sunday August 29th.  Dinner was served picnic style.  Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Claude Gauldin, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mabes, Mrs. Artelia Gauldin, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gauldin, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gauldin, Mr. and Mrs. William Gauldin, Mr. and Mrs. Weseley Paschal, Mrs. Lalia Gauldin, Mr. and Mrs. H. Pruitt and Mrs. Paschal: Barbara Lynwood and Patricia Gauldin, Eunice Gauldin, Edna Gauldin, Louise Holbrook, Lillie May Gauldin, Mabel Gauldin, Edith Gauldin, Pauline Gauldin and Hazel Paschal, Swanson Gauldin, Jim Gauldin, Johnny Gauldin, Gilbert Gauldin, Leedy Gauldin, Woodrow Allgood, Silas Gauldin, Ray Mabes, Louis Gauldin, Willis Gauldin and Eddie Paschal."

 

John spent his later years in the mill towns of Rockingham County, where several of his sons worked for Dan River Mills. He died on 14 June 1917 in Leaksville, North Carolina, at about 64 years old from heart disease. His death certificate (22) listed no parents—consistent with his uncertain origins—and was signed simply by “Mrs. John P. Gauldin of Draper, NC.” He was buried somewhere in the Axton, Virginia area, though the exact location is not documented.

 

After John’s death, Artelia moved to Danville, Virginia, where she lived among her adult children. The 1921 Danville City Directory lists her at 895 Lee Street, identified as the widow of John Gauldin. She lived through profound changes in Southside Virginia—from the post‑Civil War recovery to the rise of Danville’s tobacco and textile industries, and into the modern era shaped by two world wars.

 

Artelia died on 4 September 1949 (23) in Danville at the age of 89 and was buried at Mountain View Cemetery. Her long life spanned nearly a century of transformation in the Virginia–North Carolina Piedmont.  Her obituary reads:

 

"Mrs. Gauldin Dies at Age of 89 Years - Mrs. Artelia Perkins Gauldin died at the home of her grandson James Gauldin of 315 Floyd Street last night at 10 o'clock.  She had been active until last Tuesday when she suffered a stroke. She was the mother of Police Officer Claude S. Gauldin.  Mrs. Gauldin was 89 years of age, having been born in Henry County, March 6, 1860, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Perkins.  She moved to this section in 1907, and had lived in and around Danville since that time.  For the past several years she had made her home intermittently with her children.  Her husband John Wesley Gauldin died in 1918. She is survived by six sons, J.R. Gauldin and J.E. Gauldin of Pelham, C.W. Gauldin of Mayfield Road, G.C. Gauldin of Dry Fork, J.T. Gauldin of Paces and C.S. Gauldin of Danville.  She also leaves a number of grandchildren.  .. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery."  This obituary was published 5 September 1949. (24)

Works Cited

2. 1840 United States Federal Census. ancestry.com. [Online] Pittsylvania County, Virginia, Jesse Pruitt, his wife and two children were living near James Elliott. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8057/images/4410827_00236?pId=1913533.

3. 1850 United States Federal Census. ancestry.com. [Online] Pittsylvania County, Virginia, The youngest children were attending school. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8054/images/4206390_00183?pId=15428097.

4. 1860 United States Federal Census. ancestry.com. [Online] John W. Gauldin, an eight year old boy was living with them , Don't know who his parents were. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7667/images/4298865_00368?pId=33818915.

5. 1870 United States Federal Census. ancestry.com. [Online] Virginia, Pittsylvania, Subdivision North of Dan River, John Gauldin was still living with them in this census. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7163/images/4268802_00690?pId=40348281.

6. 1880 United States Federal Census. ancestry.com. [Online] Tunstall, Pittsylvania, Virginia. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6742/images/4244750-00309?pId=13940235.

7. confirmed, Not. [Online]

9. James Robert Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99844528/james_robert-gauldin.

12. John Wesley Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125371332/john_wesley-gauldin.

14. Charles Willis Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/196126788/charles_willis-gauldin.

15. Lewis Mack Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125371339/lewis_mack-gauldin.

16. William Wade Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/143597657/william_wade-gauldin.

17. Claude Swanson Gauldin, Sr. . Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/688416/claude_swanson-gauldin.

18. Jesse Ernest Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/122415855/jesse_ernest-gauldin.

19. Gilbert Clark Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/151153537/gilbert_clark-gauldin.

22. North Carolina, U.S., Death Certificates, 1909-1976. ancestry.com. [Online] Rockingham, June, 1917. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1121/images/S123_72-1105?pId=1711327.

23. Artelia Perkins Gauldin. Find a Grave. [Online] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/125371267/artelia-gauldin.

25. 1870 United States Federal Census. ancestry.com. [Online] North Carolina, Rockingham, Oregonville. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/7163/images/4277633_00662?pId=34470286.

 

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