Who he was…

“Jimmy” Lee’s parents, Rose Gibson and Robert Lee Smith, were married on January 8, 1909 in Loudoun County, VA.

Robert’s parents were Nathan Smith and Jennie Smith.

Rose’s mother was Helen Gibson.

Nathan Smith and Jennie Smith had

Robert Smith (Born 1870 or 1871)

Helen Gibson had

Rose Gibson (Born 1890 or 1891)

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Then, Robert Smith married Rose Gibson

Rose Gibson (pictured here) was born around 1891 and she was just 18 or 19 years old when she got married. Robert Lee Smith was born around 1870 or 1871 and he was around 38 or 39 when they got married. Robert Lee Smith and Rose had 5 or 6 children together, starting in 1909 with Rebecca.

Robert Smith and Rose Gibson had

Rebecca Smith (Born in 1909)
Robert Lee Smith (Born in 1912, but only lived a short time)
Stelma Lee Smith (Born May 24, 1913)
James Lee (“Jimmie Lee”) Smith (Born March 23, 1916)
Jack Smith (Born in 1918)
One other child may have been born

Both Nathan and Jennie Smith, as well as Helen Gibson, were also born in Virginia—along with their children and the grandchildren listed above.

1910 Census

1910 Census - Robert Lee and Rose Gibson - Loudon County, VA

Robert and Rosa show up in the 1910 Census in the Jefferson District of Loudoun County, Virginia (taken in April of 1910)—see line #1.

Both Robert and Rose say that they and their parents were born in Virginia and Robert is listed as a farm laborer, who has worked steadily and cannot read or write, but Rose is listed as being able to read and write. They have one daughter, at this time, Rebecca who is just 1 year and 1 month old.

1916, March 23

James Lee Smith was born on March 23, 1916 in Loudoun County, Virginia. His father is listed as Robert Lee Smith—Negro, 47 years old at last birthday, born in Loudoun County, VA, farm laborer and resident of Purcellville, Loudoun County, Virginia.

His mother is listed as Rosa Gibson—Negro, 25 years old at last birthday, born in Loudoun County, Virginia, housewife and resident of Purcellville, Loudoun County, Virginia.

James Lee was born at 9:55 pm and the delivering doctor was apparently a Dr. Thompson(?).

Of note is that fact that Rose Gibson is listed as having had 5 children (including James Lee), 4 of whom are now alive at this time. We know only of Rebecca, Robert Lee (deceased), Thelma, and James at this time.

World War 2

Jack Smith (Younger Brother)

*The last known child of Rose Smith, is Jack Smith who appears in the 1930 census as being 12 years old. He was born on April 19, 1918 in Purcellville, Virginia.