Person:Letitia Strode (2)

"Letia (Letitia) Strode's ancestry has created lively arguments. The issue: who was her father? Some descendants have insisted Letia was the daughter of James Strode, perhaps with the aim of being eligible for membership in the D.A.R. The preponderance of evidence is that her parents were Edward and Elinor. If so, Letia was Capt. James Strode's sister. Elston has persuasive arguments that this is the case. In addition, photocopies of loose papers found inside the 'Arnold Bible' lists Letia as Edward and Elinor Strode's child born 19 August 1725. Records collected by Viola Barr Hughes shows Letia (Letitia) born 30 August 1725. The difference in dates is 'old' style and 'new' style.

"There is agreement that Letia (Letitia) married Jacob Van Meter on 30 August 1741 (in Fredericks County, Virginia) at a young 16 years of age.

The Van Meters, a leading Virginia family, opposed the marriage because of Letia's Baptist religious beliefs and on moral grounds. The Van Meters felt the first born child did not belong to their son, Jacob.

"Jacob and Letia lived in Berkeley County, Virginia until about 1769, then until about 1779-80 near Carmichael, Pennsylvania. They then moved to Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky. The family, except the oldest daughter, Eleanor, had certificates from the Baptist Church 18 September 1779 to leave for Kentucky."

Taken from Strode Family by Vic Ledger: Letitia (or Letia) STRODE was born on 19 August 1725 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Edward Strode and Eleanor Shepard. "Letia (Letitia) Strode's ancestry has created lively arguments. The issue: who was her father? Some descendants have insisted Letia was the daughter of James Strode, perhaps with the aim of being eligible for membership in the D.A.R. The preponderance of evidence is that her parents were Edward and Elinor. If so, Letia was Capt. James Strode's sister. Elston has persuasive arguments that this is the case. In addition, photocopies of loose papers found inside the 'Arnold Bible' lists Letia as Edward and Elinor Strode's child born 19 August 1725. Records collected by Viola Barr Hughes shows Letia (Letitia) born 30 August 1725. The difference in dates is 'old' style and 'new' style. "There is agreement that Letia (Letitia) married Jacob Van Meter on 30 August 1741 (in Fredericks County, Virginia) at a young 16 years of age. The Van Meters, a leading Virginia family, opposed the marriage because of Letia's Baptist religious beliefs and on moral grounds. The Van Meters felt the first born child did not belong to their son, Jacob. "Jacob and Letia lived in Berkeley County, Virginia until about 1769, then until about 1779-80 near Carmichael, Pennsylvania. They then moved to Elizabethtown, Hardin County, Kentucky. The family, except the oldest daughter, Eleanor, had certificates from the Baptist Church 18 September 1779 to leave for Kentucky." She died on 25 December 1799 in Hardin County, Kentucky.

1. ↑ Brad Atherton web page, February, 2000.