Individual Details

The History of Western Maryland stated that John W. Breathed was born near Hancock in Washington Co MD. He was appointed by Gen. Jackson to a cadetship at West Point at age 16, but apparently did not pursue a military career. His birth is listed in the records of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, now in Montgomery Co MD. John William Breathard, son of Isaac and Kitty Breathard, b. May 1814.

The name is spelled "Breathard" in the St. Peter's Epicopal records.

John had twelve children by Ann Williams, and six children by his second wife Margaret O. Cullen. He is given credit as being the founder of Breathedsville, MD.

1850 Census. Dist. 1, Washington Co MD, Hh 1259
John W. Breathed, age 36, b. MD. Ann McG.age 30.
All marked as born in Maryland:
Jas. 11, Jno. 9, Precilla 7, Jane 5, Isaac 3, Francis 2 [male], Elizabeth, 1 month.
Jno Berger, 23, laborer, b. in Germany

1860 Census. Williamsport District, Washington Co MD, Hh 774
John W. Breathed, age 46, b. MD. Ann, 40, b. MD
Lists children born in Virginia: John 10, Priscilla 18, Jane 16, Isaac 14, Francis 12.
Born in Maryland: Elizabeth 9, Kitty 4, William Grafton 3, Edward, 10 months.

"The Civil War Diary of Joseph H. Coit", Edited by Jamed McLachlan and printed in the Maryland Historical Magazein, 1965, Vol. 60, Issue 3, p.245f, contains several references to Breathed. Coit was an Episcopal clergyman and instructor at the College of St. James, an Episcopalian preparatory school and college in the path of the maneuvering armies, about six miles south of Hagerstown.
Wed. 17 Jun 1863. A party of scouts from Harper's Ferry had stopped by Mr. Breathed's. All the stores in Hagerstown were closed. Coit was told to open them and take the Southern money. Isaac Breathed joined the confederates. A footnote explains that John W. Breathed was Curator of the College [College of St. James]. He was well-to-do and prominent in local affairs; a strong Southern sympathizer with three sons in the Confederate army. After the war he moved to Virginia, where he became the mayor of Lynchburg. Isaac was his fifteen-year-old son.
Fri, Jun 19, 1863. Mr. Breathed had on an earlier occasion attempted to get passes and engage vehicles, apparently for movement of troops. Coit related that Breathed called on them about 11 AM to say it was useless to attempt to break up.
Sun, 21 Jun 1863 Coit had walked to church at St. Mark's and rode back with Mr. Breathed, but had a disagreeable conversation.
Mon, 22 Jun 1863 Mr. Breathed returned from town and noon and reported the confederates had left for Pennsylvania at 5 AM. They attempted in the afternoon to get to Sharpsburgh but were unable.
Thus, 25 Jun 1863 They had resolved to go on with College work until the 9th of August, although they were down to only 12 students. Dr. Cullen, Mrs. Breathed's brother and two other confederate officers had been there for a few moments.
Sun, 28 Jun 1863 Rode to St. Mark's with Mr. & Mrs. Breathed - a small congregation present. He dined at Mr. Breathed's and said "He is much excited and violent at present".
Tues, 30 Jun 1863 Mr. Brethed told him he had been told by a man from Frederick that Hooker had been removed and McClellan reappointed. The change had been made Sunday - a day or two will tell us the truth.
Wed, 1 Jul 1863 Got a paper in town and Hooker has been removed; Gen. Meade put in his place.

The 1870 census does not show a wife by the name of the 2nd wife given in History of Western Maryland as Stella Cullen. I think the name was misunderstood - she was Margaret.
1870 Census. Lickenhole Twp, Goochland Co Virginia, Hh 64
John W. Breathed, age 56, Farmer. Value of real estate - $58,970. b. MD
Margaret O., age 40, b. Virginia
Francis, 22, overseer on farm, b. VA
Elizabeth, 20, b. MD. William G. 13, b. MD. Edward McG. 11, b. MD
Otellia 6, b. VA. Martha 4, b. VA. Lottie 2, b. VA.

1880 Census. Lynchburg, Campbell Co VA, Hh 96
John W. Breathed, age 66, b. MD, father b. PA, mother b. MD
Margaret O., age 50, b. VA, father b. Ireland, mother b. VA
Margaret O., daughter, age 16, b. MD
Martha C., daughter, age 13, b. MD
Charlotte C., daughter, age 12, b. MD
J. Cullen, son, age 8, b. VA
Lucy J. Grubbs, boarder, age 36, b. VA.

Birth	May 1814	Washington County, Maryland
Marriage	13 Feb 1838	Montgomery County, Maryland - Mary Ann McGill Williams
Marriage		Margaret O. Cullen

Spouse	Mary Ann McGill Williams (1819 - 1862)
Child	Maj. James Breathed (1838 - 1870)
Child	John Breathed (1841 - )
Child	Priscilla Williams Breathed (1843 - )
Child	Jane Breathed (1844 - 1862)
Child	Isaac Breathed (1847 - )
Child	Francis Breathed (1848 - )
Child	Elizabeth Breathed (1850 - )
Child	Kate "Kitty" Breathed (1854 - 1860)
Child	William Grafton Breathed (1857 - )
Child	Edward McGill Breathed (1859 - 1925)

Spouse	Margaret O. Cullen ( - )
Child	Otellia Breathed (1864 - )
Child	Martha Breathed (1866 - )
Child	Lottie Breathed (1868 - )
Child	J. Cullen Breathed (1872 - )

Father	Isaac Breathed (1770 - 1858)
Mother	Catherine "Kitty" Lyles (1793 - 1863)
Sibling	Jane Breathed (1817 - 1847)
Sibling	Elizabeth Breathed (1820 - 1863)