The Wives of Williams/Williamson Eddins

[Note:] The Senior William Eddins (1757-Nov 1822) is my 4th Great Grandfather. Williams or Williamson Eddins is his son. There is a lot of misinformation and created information about this family. Forty-five years ago, he was William Eddins, then he became William B. Eddins and today he is William Benjamin Eddins according to many trees. The truth is no document has been presented showing him to be anything other than William Eddins and the maiden name of his first wife Nancy and his second wife is still unknown. Many don’t even know that he was twice married.]  

Williams or Williamson Eddins was borne abt 1781 to William Eddins and his wife Nancy [Last name unknown, LNU]. 

Williams or Williamson was the first borne of nine children borne to William and Nancy. [If it weren’t for a lawsuit no one would know the names of the two wives of William the Elder.] 

About 1808, at age 27, Williams is said to have married Elizabeth Ingram most likely in Chesterfield District, South Carolina. This marriage year is based on the birth of their 1st borne, a daughter, on 23 August 1809. No document has been found and presented as evidence that Williams 1st wife was Elizabeth Ingram. 

NOTE: AS A MATTER OF FACT, NO DOCUMENT HAS BEEN FOUND WITH ELIZABETH INGRAM, WIFE OF WILLIAMS EDDINS NAME ON IT. The only source for her is a created FindaGrave Memorial with no proof, no source, no tombstone. No-one alive today knows when she died or where she was buried. 

After the birth of 5 children, 2 daughters and 3 sons, Williams and his first wife moved their family from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Butler County, Alabama. 

There his 1st wife died, and Williams entered into marriage with Hannah Wilson a daughter of James Wilson & Lydia [last name unknown].  

Williams Eddins was a widow with 6 children. William and Hannah are known to have two children: 

 

Deed:

Williams Eddins, Wilson Eddins and PR Eddins, Pike County, Alabama, Deed Book A, page 83

27 Sep 1832

Pike County, Alabama

Pike county Deed Bk A, Page 83; Top of Page -Deed of Gift from Williams Eddins to grandson Pleasant R Eddins; Bottom of Page - Deed of Gift to children of Williams Eddins named William R, Calvin T, Matilda, Mahala Elizabeth, and Lysian (phonetic spelling for Lizzie Ann). Body of Deed of Gift says "William Eddins", but the Clerk notes the name "Williams Eddins" in the certification and "Williams Eddins" in the signature on page 84.

Deed:

Williams Eddins Deed to Pleasant R. Eddins DB 1, pg 83

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} Know all men by these presents that I, Williams Eddins in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have for Pleasant R. Eddins, my grandson as well as for the consideration of one dollar do this day give grant and warrant unto the said Pleasant R. Eddins the following property to wit one Negro girl by the name of Rachael to have and to hold the above property in his own right and possession forever. I do hereby warrant and defend the said property unto him the said Pleasant R. Eddins against myself my heirs Executors & administrators in testimony whereunto I have set my Hand and seal this Sept 27th 1832.

                                                            Williams Eddins {seal}

Witness: Francis X his mark Williamson, Wilson Eddins 

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} I John D. Curtis Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Williams Eddins who signed the within instrument this day personally appeared before me and acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the same on the day and date therein mentioned for the purposes therein expressed. October 1st. 1832

Recorded 5th Oct 1832 John D. Curtis  clk {seal}

Deed:

Williams Eddins Deed to Children DB 1, pg 83-84

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} Know all men by these presents that I, William Eddins in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have for William R. Eddins, my son as well as for the consideration of one dollar do this day give grant and warrant unto the said William R. Eddins the following property to wit one Negro woman by the name of Sarah to have and to hold the above property own right and title forever. I do this day also on conditions of natural love and affections which I have for Calvin T. Eddins my son the following property to wit one Negro boy by the name of John to have and to hold as his own right and property forever. I do also give to Matilda Eddins my daughter the following property to wit two cows and calves also one bay mare worth one hundred dollars to have and to hold as her own property forever. I do also give Mahala Elizabeth Eddins my daughter the following property to wit ten cows and calves to have and to hold as her own property. I do also give my daughter Lysian [Lizzie Ann] Eddins my daughter the following property to wit ten cows and calves to have and to hold as her own property forever. 

Page 84

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} I John D. Curtis Clerk of the County court of said County do hereby certify that Williams Eddins who signed the within instrument this day personally appeared before me and acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the same on the day and date therein mentioned for the purposes therein expressed. October 1st. 1832

Recorded 5th Oct 1832 John D. Curtis C. {seal}

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3S7-6CL?i=71&cat=73280 [Image 72 of 576]

Children not named are Catherine C. Eddins married Rev. Noah Parker and Wilson W. Eddins, deceased leaving his son Pleasant R. Eddins, grandson of Williams Eddins. 

Both, Williams/Williamson Eddins died after 1860 in Butler County, Alabama. His wife Hannah Wilson died after 1850 and before 1860. No exact birth or death dates have been found for them. 

Williams/Williamson Eddins is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle. 

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1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 3 November 2018); Memorial page for Williamson Eddins; (1781–1865); Find a Grave memorial # 114811477, Citing Butler County, Alabama, USA; Eddins/Dees Family Cemetery.

2. Alabama, Deed Book:  E, Page 290-291, Moses Jones & Ux to Washington Eddins; Register of Deeds, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.

3. Land Deed - Williams Eddins Deed to Children; 27 September 1832; Deed Book #DB 1; Page(s) pg 83-84; The Chancery Clerk's Office; Troy, Pike County, Alabama; 3 March 2019.

4. Alabama, Deed Book: "P", Page 316-317, William Eddins & wife To Deed Benjamin E. Norris; Register of Deeds, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.

5. 1850 U. S. Census, Monroe County, Alabama, population schedule, Monroe County, Alabama, Page: 57A(stamped) Line 8, Dwelling 829, Family 829, Household of Wm EDDINS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 8 November 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 11.

6. 1860 U. S. Census, Butler County, Alabama, population schedule, Precinct 3, Butler, Alabama, Page: 143(stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 1053, Family 1053, A. J. CEAVEY [SEARCY]; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com: online January 2024); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_3.

7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Elizabeth Ingram Eddins (1790–1828), Memorial:#114811563.

8. "Alabama, County Marriage Records, 1805-1967," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2025), Marriage: Williams Eddins & Hannah Dedman, Marriage Date 18 Oct 1833.

9. https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/4192/records/1111274

The Machu Picchu Excursion

In March 2000, I took my fiancée Melba and my son Charles, Jr. on a 7 day excursion to see Machu Picchu. 

Our flight took us to Atlanta then non-stop to Lima, Peru. Our hotels on this excursion were exquisite.

From Lima, Peru we traveled by air to the City of Cusco, Peru. Cusco was an exciting city. Cusco is considered the oldest living city of the Americas. 

Cusco held a profoundly significant role within the Inca Empire. ³ Here's a breakdown of its key functions:   

Capital of the Empire:

Cusco was the political, administrative, and military center of the Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire. This meant it was the heart from which the vast empire was governed.   

Religious Center:

It was the most important religious center in the empire. The Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was a central place of worship. Cusco was considered a sacred city.   

Symbolic Importance:

The city held immense symbolic value. It was seen as the center of the Inca world, and its layout and architecture reflected this.   

Administrative Hub:

Cusco served as the administrative hub, where decisions were made and from where the empire was managed.   

Center of Culture:

It was a center for Inca culture, housing nobles, priests, and skilled artisans.   

In essence, Cusco was the nerve center of the Inca Empire, playing a vital role in its political, religious, and cultural life. [Source: Gemini.ai]

But the true highlight was yet to come. On March 27th, 2000 a bus and train ride transported us to the foot of Machu Picchu. Then, a final, winding bus ascent revealed a sight that stole my breath away.

Emerging from the bus, the view was simply breathtaking.

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, the ancient Incan village of Machu Picchu unfolded like a hidden gem amidst the clouds. Terraced fields cascaded down the slopes, their lush green hues contrasting beautifully against the rugged stone structures. Each stone building, with its masterful craftsmanship, seemed to whisper stories of an ancient civilization.

The mountains surrounding the site rose dramatically, their peaks shrouded in mist, adding an air of mystery and reverence. The Urubamba River snaked its way far below, glinting in the sunlight and completing the awe-inspiring panorama. The quiet hum of nature filled the air, birds chirping, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the occasional echo of footsteps on the stone pathways.

The entire scene felt like a place frozen in time, where history and nature come together in perfect harmony. It's an overwhelming reminder of the ingenuity and spirit of the Inca people. It's a sight that imprints itself on your soul, leaving you with a deep sense of wonder. It's incredible that such places exist in our world.

After a too-short two hours (plus a history lesson!), we descended for lunch before the four-hour train ride back to Cusco. We bedded down for the night in The Monastery, a gorgeous hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu is also referred to as the “Lost City of the Inca”. Its was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

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1. Personal experience

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

3, Gemini.ai