George Parker Kidwell

The headstone of George Parker Kidwell (1813-1883) in the Kidwell/Robertson Family Cemetery, Fairfax, VA. The inscription reads "Our Father/Blessed are they that mourn
for they shall be comforted."

According to the 1850 Federal Census, George was a blacksmith, was living with his wife, Jane Robertson, and his seven children, Martin (14), Angeline (12), Charles (10), Almedia Kidwell (8), John (4), Mary (3) and Senora (2 months). All individuals were born in Virginia.

According to the 1860 Federal Census, George was a farmer, was living with his wife, Jane, and his seven children, Almedia Kidwell (19), John H (17), Mary (15), Isabella (11), John K (9), Susan (7), and Georgeanna (5 months). His real estate was valued at $200 and his personal estate at $150.

According to the 1870 Federal Census, George was a farmer, was living with his wife, Jane, and his six children, Senora (18), Isabella (16), Sara (14), J Randolph (13), Georgeanna (8), and William (6). All individuals were born in Virginia. His real estate was valued at $1000 and his personal estate at $300. 

According to the 1880 Federal Census, George was a grocer, was living with his wife, Jane, and his son W.M. (18), who was listed as a laborer. 

The last will and testament of George Parker Kidwell. It states that all of his estate and belongings are to be left to his beloved wife, Jane Ellen Kidwell. Also in the will he requests a half an acre to be reserved as a burial ground for himself, any members of his family, or heirs to be buried within, establishing the Kidwell/Robertson Family Cemetery that still exists today. The last bit of the document it states Jane E Kidwell is firmly bound to the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of 1,000 dollars.

The small amount of information on this biographical record includes: George obtained his marriage license on July 20, 1839, owned 3 dogs in 1855, was a butcher and blacksmith in 1856, voted at Fairfax Courthouse in 1859, and died on Oct. 10, 1883 of an ulcer on his leg at the age of 70.

An 1860 census map of a section of Fairfax County, including George Parker Kidwell's land and its surrounding area. At the time George owned 13+ acres. This location is the present day location of the Kidwell/Robertson Family Cemtery.