Late 1700s–1832 · Draper and Maria
The early Travers history begins with Draper, born around 1773, and Maria, born around 1784. These dates are approximate. Maria’s 1832 freedom certificate describes her as freeborn and identifies her mother as Nel.
The Travers families associated with Taylor’s Island, Hoopersville, and the Lakes District should not automatically be joined into one line. A common surname alone does not establish a relationship.
1860s–1880s · A community of neighbors
Travers households became part of the working and family life of the Lakes District. Peter Travers’s story includes nearby households of Silas and Emily, and Major Washington and Elizabeth, as well as sawmill work in 1880.
Major Washington Travers and Elizabeth Cornish stand at the center of several later connections. Their daughter Eliza Jane Travers married Josiah Phillips in 1886. Their daughter Rachel married Grief Spicer.
1890s–early 1900s · Family connections deepen
After Rachel Travers Spicer died in 1899, her parents and other relatives helped care for her children. Harvey and Oneta lived with their grandparents, while Cora lived with Eliza Travers Phillips and Josiah Phillips. These shared households show the practical strength of extended family.
Education carried descendants beyond the road. Enous attended public school in Lina’s Road and later participated in church life in Baltimore. Migration brought new opportunities while family connections continued.
Twentieth century · Faith and service
Mary Catherine Cornish’s life illustrates the breadth of community leadership connected to these families. At John Wesley she served as communion steward, usher, lay speaker, church clerk, treasurer, and lay delegate. She also belonged to the Singing and Praying Band and community organizations. Her funeral was held at John Wesley in April 1985.
Today · Memory carried forward
The Travers story continues through descendants and the relationships joining neighboring families. Recollections of ancestral objects, places, and people remain part of this inheritance, while uncertain ancestry and relationships remain open questions.