Frederick F. Rivers, Civil War Soldier

Frederick F. Rivers was born about 1828 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Frederick F. Rivers and Siddie Boatwright.

In the 1850 Census[1] for Chesterfield county, SC he is listed in the household of his Father & Mother along with his brother Calvin and sister Sarah Rivers.

His Father died on 31 May 1860 and was buried in the Rivers Cemetery[2] in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Frederick and his brother Calvin both served in the Civil War. Calvin, his brother, enlisted on 2 June 1862[3]. Frederick did not join right away, probably staying home to care for his Mother. On 19 February 1863, Frederick enlisted as a private in Company D, Aiken's Regiment, South Carolina Calvary, later known as the Sixth (6^th) Cavalry at Chesterfield, South Carolina[4]. The 6^th Calvary was known as the DIXIE RANGERS.

By March of 1863, the 6^th Calvary and Frederick was at Adams Run[5]. Adams Run is located about 20-25 miles West of Charleston, SC. It's a rural area and basically a crossroads. The road through the community was once known as Old Kings Highway.

They participated in The Wilderness and Cold Harbor operations[6].

The muster roll for July-Aug. 1863 showed Frederick was furlough sick for 30 days from 8 August 1863[7]. He returned back to duty on 1 September 1863 and was present throughout the rest of 1863. Most of 1864 was uneventful except for unserviceable horses until December 1864. By December 1864 his unit was near Stoney Creek , Tennessee. The Stony Creek Raid took place on 7-12 December 1864. Frederick never participated in the raid. He was captured on 1 December 1864 near Stoney Creek and was interred at Point Lookout, Maryland until his released on 17 June 1865. Many of his fellow soldiers were also incarcerated at Point Lookout and many died there including Andrew Rivers, son John B. & Eliza Rivers of and my great great grandfather Hezekiah Brock. Fredrick F. Rivers died shortly after returning from the war. There has been much publicity about the conditions of the Andersonville Prison in Georgia and the treatment of Yankee soldier. I can assure you that conditions at Point Lookout in Maryland for Southern prisoner of war were just as horrendous. Fredrick died 11 Jan 1866[8], 1 year 5 months 24 days after being released from Point Lookout, Maryland. There is no evidence that he ever married. His grave is marked with a Confederate tombstone[9] in the Rivers Cemetery.

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[1] 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 177B, Dwelling #1213, Family/1213, Household of Frederick Rivers Sr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851

[2] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Frederick Rivers; (3 November 1779–31 May 1860); Memorial # # 47259651; Record of the Rivers Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on November 2008.

[3] http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|65078201

[4] http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|65078249

[5] http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|65078280

[6] http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/regiments.cfm

[7] http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|65078300

[8] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Chesterfield County Estate Records, Folder #103 (29 January 1866), Frederick F. Rivers, Died 11 Jan 1866; South Carolina State Archives, Columbia, South Carolina | www.familysearch.com.

[9] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Pvt. Frederick F. Rivers; (1828–11 January 1866); Memorial # # 47259387; Record of the Rivers Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on November 2008.

WILL of KINCHEN PRIVETT

Kinchen Privett was born abt 1810 in South Carolina and died in the early part of 1878. He married Mary Vaughn about 1837. The only known child of Kinchen and Mary is their daughter Sarah Jane who married a Tucker. Sarah Jane had three children that were named in Kinchen's  Will  probated in 1879. Sarah Jane Tucker had two additional children not mentioned in her Father's Will.

State of South Carolina }

Chesterfield County }    In the name of God Amen. I Kinchen Privett of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and disposing memory do hereby make ordain publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament [1]in manner following:

1st It is my will and desire that all my just debts remaining unpaid at the time of my death be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of enough of my personal property to paid said debts.

2nd I will and bequest all of the Estate real and personal of which I may die seized and possessed unto Franklin A. Tucker, Mary Jane Dorcas Tucker and Ellwell Tucker children of Sarah Jane Tucker to be equally equally [sic] divided amongst them whenever whenever [sic] the said Franklin A., shall become twenty-one years of age. It is also my will that the Sarah Jane shall have a home and support on my land and out of my property as long as she conducts herself properly and with good behavior and no longer.

3rd  It is my will that my wife Mary shall continue to reside on my lands after my death as long as she may live and be supported off of my lands and out of my personal property. It is also my will that the above mentioned children shall continue to reside on said lands and have the use of the same as well as my personal property after my death till the division of said property as provided in section 2nd above.

It is also my will and desire that my friend George F. Boatwright[2] act as my Executor and see to carrying out the provisions of this my last Will and Testament. I hereby revoke all other Wills heretofore by me made declaring this to be my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have signed my name and affixed my seal this third day of November in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

Signed sealed published and declared}                                         his

By the Testator to be his last Will}                                   Kinchen  X  Privett

And Testament who in presence of us}                                          mark

signed the same & at whose request}

& in the presence of each other}

we in the presence of the Testator}

Signed the same as witnesses to the}

same.    }

McLean McFarland}

James C. Chapman}

M. J. Hough}

Appraisers for the estate were A. J. Eddins, W. A. Davis and M. Davis. Petition for final discharge of the estate was made by Thomas F. Mallory on 6 Dec 1880.

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[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Family Search (https://www.familysearch.org/ : Viewed March 2012), microfilm of original, "Kinchen Privett Estate File (0371) and Will," Images 1124-1125.

[2] George F. Boatwright is most likely George R. Boatwright.

Short Break from Blogging

After my posting on Monday, the wife and I decided to go to the beach for a few days. So we took off for Myrtle Beach, SC.

Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort, SC 

Having just returned home today I don’t feel like writing tonight so this short posting will have to suffice until tomorrow.   

Perils of War, Heartbreak of Parents

Albert M. Smith was the first born son of Ferguson Hale smith and his 3^rd wife, Catherine Melton. He was born about 1842. When the Civil War broke out Albert M. Smith volunteered and enlisted on 25 August 1861. He was twenty years old. He signed on with Capt. Kelly Company, Chesterfield Artillery, SC Light Artillery formerly Coit's Co., Light Art'y, S.C. Vols.[1]

On 11 December 1861[2], not yet 21 years of age, Albert M. Smith died in service to his country.  Currently, it is not known how Albert M. Smith died but its most likes as a result of disease; nor, has a tombstone been found for him or his place of burial.

On 4 February 1862, Ferguson Hale Smith submitted a letter [3] registering a claim with the War Department for any pay due his son, Albert M. Smith, deceased.

Ferguson Hale Smith Letter to War Department, image 7, partial page

The War Department received his claim on 14 February 1862. They determined that Albert M. Smith was due $71.36 in back pay and issued directive No. 327.[4]

Albert M. Smith Civil War Service Record, image 12, partial page

Albert M Smith's full military record from the Civil War consists of 18 pages. Seventy-one dollar is such a small price for a budding young man life. Certainly, he deserved a Memorial, somewhere near the place he grew up in Chesterfield County, SC.

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[1] IArchives, "Civil War Service Records" database, (http://www.fold3.com : accessed 25 March 2012), entry for Albert M. SMITH, Pvt.; Capt Kelly's Light Artillery; Confederate.

[2] IArchives, "Civil War Service Records" database, (http://www.fold3.com : accessed 25 March 2012), entry for Albert M. SMITH, Pvt.; Capt Kelly's Light Artillery; Confederate, images 3, 6 & 12 of 18.

[3] IArchives, "Civil War Service Records" database, (http://www.fold3.com : accessed 25 March 2012), entry for Albert M. SMITH, Pvt.; Capt Kelly's Light Artillery; Confederate, image 7 of 18.

[4] IArchives, "Civil War Service Records" database, (http://www.fold3.com : accessed 25 March 2012), entry for Albert M. SMITH, Pvt.; Capt Kelly's Light Artillery; Confederate, image 12 of 18.

Mystery Child – Mary Kizzie Brock

A search of Ancestry.com for Mary Kizzie Brock provided no results; it's as if Mary Kizzie never existed. Very limited information has been found that proved Mary Kizzie Brock truly existed and very few people are aware of her existence. 

 Mary Kizzie was born about August of 1876. Her father was Irvin Samuel Brock.  In the Cemetery of Old Saint Davids Episcopal Church in Cheraw, South Carolina you will find the tombstone for her Mother – Mary K. Brock. [1]

The tombstone reads - Mary K. Proboff  Brock, Birth: Apr. 25, 1858, Anson County, North Carolina, USA; Death: Aug. 18, 1876; Wife of Irvin Brock. Daughter of Z. and Mary Proboff. 

There is no family with the surname – Proboff- listed in the 1860 census or any census for Anson County, North Carolina. This may not be the correct surname; the tombstone has deteriorated significantly since 1876 and is almost unreadable.

Irvin Samuel Brock (18 Oct 1849 – 5 Oct 1931) was a son of Alexander Brock and Timmrah White. He married Mary K. Proboff about 1875. Mary Kizzie Brock was their only child; Mary K., the mother, died as a result of this childbirth as indicated on the tombstone above – 18 August 1876.

I know so far you have proved that Irvin Samuel Brock married Mary K. Proboff? And she died and you say it was due to child birth.  Where is the proof?

In the 1880 census[2] for Chesterfield County we find, M. K. Brock, niece, age 3 in the household of C. A. Brock and his wife S. J. Brock. 

1880 CENSUS: Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, FHL Film 1255225,National Archives Film T9-1225, Page 294B; C. A. BROCK, age 43, born in SC, Retail Merchant, Parents born in SC; S. J. BROCK, Wife, age 36, born in NC, parents born in NC; M. K. BROCK, Niece, age 3, born in SC, father born in SC, mother born in NC; E. THOMAS, Other, female, age 22, born in SC; Wm. BROCK, Other, male, single, age 27, Clerk in Store, parents born in SC.

This is the first reference to this child and without further proof we still cannot determine her parents.  Charles A. Brock (26 Nov 1836 – 23 Sept 1898) is a son of Alsey Brock and Sarah Morris.

Well, we have gone through the entire census and this is all we know. There are no extant newspapers for this time period; the Court House was burned by General Sherman forces on 3 March 1865. Where do we go next?

Back on 7 February 2012[3], I wrote about the importance of land deeds to your research. In the Register of Deeds Office at the Courthouse in Chesterfield is a key deed containing vital clues to this mystery. It can be found in Deed Book 5, Pages 782-785. 

 DEED: Chesterfield County, SC; Register of Deeds, Book 5, Page 782-785, Lucy BROCK to W. T. POWELL. Lucy puts all of her property in trust with W. T. POWELL to hold the same for the benefit of her children. She refers to the natural love for her son Charles A. BROCK and his wife Sarah J. BROCK and Mary Kerry BROCK the child of Irvin S. BROCK. Ten ($10.00) dollars paid to W. T. POWELL and 3 lots (Lot #156, 157 and 158) in the Town of Cheraw to be placed in trust. One was the lot where her son Pleasant A. BROCK resided at the time of his death (d. 28 Feb. 1873). W. T. POWELL shall hold the same for the use and benefit of Charles A. BROCK, his wife Sarah J. BROCK and Mary Nezzie BROCK, the child of Irvin S. BROCK, living with Charles A. BROCK and Sarah J. Brock.

If Charles and Sarah should not have children then at their death to pass to Mary Kezzie BROCK, and if she is not living to pass to SARAH BROCK, the widow of Hezekiah BROCK (remember Hezekiah died as a result of his imprisonment in a Yankee prison at Pt. Lookout, Maryland).

[Note: Sarah Sallie Morris Brock wife of Hezekiah BROCK and Lucy Morris BROCK, mother of Charles A. & Pleasant A. BROCK, are believed to be sisters. Hezekiah Brock & Sarah Sallie Morris are my 2^nd  great grandparents.]

Though we now know a little about Mary Kizzie Brock; she is still a mystery. What happen to her later in life, beyond the 1880 Census? Did she change her name?  Maybe? Let add a little more to this mystery!

Back in May 2009 I read an on-line request[4] for information on Irvin Brock Boan. Now I have researched the Brock's in this area for 35 years. All the Irvin's I have in my database (8) are men. There are NO FEMALES name Irvin; yet, here is a NC death certificate that says Irvin Brock Boan. Now this certificate was really a big left curve.  Irvin Brock Boan death certificate shows her Father as Irvin Brock and Mother as Ann Pigg. I do not have any of the 8 Irvin/Ervin Brock's in my database married to an Ann Pigg.

Irvin Brock Boan has 3 different birth dates:

1900 Census Chesterfield, SC – Mar 1881

NC Death Certificate – Irvin Brock Boan, 10 Mar 1876

Tombstone, Bethesda UMC Cemetery/ Find A Grave Memorial# 38269099 – 23 Mar 1875

Irvin Brock Boan, NC Death certificate

So I ask you, my readers, are Mary Kizzie Brock and Irvin Brock Boan the same person. I really don't think we have enough info to say for certain; but, I have a gut feeling that these two women are the same person.

If you have any information, suggestions or corrections to this posting please contact me at the email.

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[1] http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=80864519

[2] 1880 U S Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #003, Page 294B; Line 18, Dwelling 88, Family 94, Household of C. A. BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed March 2008); citing National Archives Microfilm T9-1225.

[3] http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/02/land-deeds-overlooked-genealogical.html

[4] http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.brock/2957/mb.ashx

Another Elusive Ancestor

Nancy Ann Davis is another one of my elusive ancestors. Nancy was born 11 May 1864 to Thomas P. Davis and Nancy Jane Massey. She should first appear in the 1870[1] and she is not listed. The 1870 Census in Chesterfield is very problematic and almost useless as a research aid. After the Civil war the residents of the county were very leery of the federal government. As sort of a protest, when the 1870 census was taken they would only give INITIALS for names and in most cases only the first initial. In 1870, Thomas & Nancy had at least 8 known children that should have been on the Census and a daughter born in April 1870 that may have been; yet, there are only 6 listed. Nancy Jane Davis is missing. 

Then in the 1880 Census[2] we find Nancy Ann Davis listed as a daughter. She is listed as Ann Davis, daughter, age 14, born in South Carolina. There is a gap in census due to the loss, by fire, of the 1890, so  it's 1900, she married and lost with no clue as to her married name. 

At this point Nancy Ann became a "brick wall" or in detective terms a "cold case" and it remained there until a clue was found in 2004. In 2004 a local genealogist, published a booklet of obituaries from the local newspaper for the years 1932-1936. Among those obituaries was one for Nancy Ann brother John Nelson Davis[3] containing this info, "he is survived by seven sisters all of this county, among that list was the name Mrs. Ed Driggers".  John Nelson died in Chesterfield, South Carolina and while Mrs. Ed Driggers may have been there in September 1932 when John Nelson died; but, she was not there now, nor was a tombstone or death certificate found.   

My next clue came from a researcher in Florida that was researching the Davis family. She informed me that Nancy and her husband moved to Florida. Now I had a name and a place. 

Nancy Ann Davis married John Walter Driggers (Not Ed Driggers) in 1898[4]. Their first child, a daughter named Pauline was born 6 Nov 1899[5] in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. By 1900, Walter and Ann were in Coffee County, Alabama. While there they had two additional children - Florence, b. 1901 and James Marvin, b. 1905. They them moved to Crestview, Florida and from there to Jacksonville, Florida in 1916. 

Nancy died 26 May 1936 in Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida; John Walter died on 10 Jul 1966.

OBITUARY: Mr. Nancy Ann Driggers, 72, of 1704 Swift Street, died about noon yesterday following a brief illness, Mrs. Driggers was born at Chesterfield, S. C., moving here from Crestview, Fla., about 20 years ago. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Mrs. Driggers is survived by her widower, Walter W. Driggers; two daughters, Mrs. Pauline McKee and Mrs. Florence Huff; and a son. James M. Driggers, residing here; also six sisters, Mrs. Ella Oliver, Ruby, S. C.; Mrs. Mary Therrell. Mrs. Hattie Rivers, Mrs. Minnie Johnson, Mrs. Lottie Driggers and Mrs. Sarah Pitts, and a brother, Jeff Davis, all residing at Chesterfield. Funeral services will be held In the chapel of the Seashole Funeral Parlors at 2 P. M. Thursday the Rev. Ira Sanders, pastor of Grace Baptist Church, and the Rev. Robert G. Witty, pastor of Faith Temple, officiating. Pallbearers will be: Carl Cesery, George McCormick, E. L. Dorsey, P. L. McCloud, W. C. Outler, Ray Permenter. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. [Jacksonville Newspaper, 27 May 1936]

OBITUARY: DRIGGERS- John Walter Driggers, 86, who lived at 1712 7th St N. in Jacksonville Beach died at a Jacksonville Hospital. Mr. Driggers was born in Chesterfield, S.C. and had lived in Jacksonville Beach for 50 years coming here from Crestview. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville Beach. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Pauline McKee and Mrs. Florence Ruff of Jacksonville Beach, one son, J. M. Driggers of Jacksonville and 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Giddens-Griffith Beach Funeral Home with Rev. W. T. Everson of the Baptist Church of Jacksonville Beach officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Giddens-Griffith Beach Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement.

Researchers don't overlook obituaries for your ancestor. They can provide the clue you need to find your elusive ancestors. 

If you have any information, suggestions or corrections to this posting please contact me at the email.

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[1] 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 302A; Line 20, Dwelling #289, Family #289, Household of T.[Thomas] Davis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2004); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.

[2] 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #005, Page 331C, Line 1, Dwelling 373, Family 376, Household of Thomas P. DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.

[3] James C. Pigg, Obituaries from the Chesterfield Advertiser 1932-1936; Self-Published, 2004, pages 20 & 21. Obituary of Mr. J. N. DAVIS; June 1872–29 September 1932, Chesterfield Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Chesterfield Advertiser, October 6, 1932, page 1, col. 4.

[4] 1900 U. S. Census, Coffee County, Alabama, population schedule, Parker, Coffee County, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) #43, Page 24B; Line 73, Dwelling 234, Family 242, Household of Maston DRIGGERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 2004); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_9.

[5] Pauline Inez Driggers, South Carolina Delayed Birth Certificate #11146 (6 November 1899), Ancestry.com | http://www.ancestry.com, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Serendipity - Finding Catherine Brock Davis

I started my family research in 1976. The Brock surname is one of my Maternal direct lines. My maternal grandmother was a Brock. In the early days of research there was no searchable database for census and Ancestry.com didn't exist. You found people on the Census by converting your Surname to a Soundex Code and then searching the soundex to determine your Census ED, city and state. Then you pulled the roll of film for your state and county covering the ED found on the soundex and searched the Census film for your ancestor. It took a while to do census research in those days.


Back then I would have never found William L. Davis and Catherine Brock.  Oh, I knew about them, they were in the 1860 Census, married, with one child but I never could find them in the censuses beyond 1860, the 1870-1920 census. So you move on thinking they met with an unfortunate accident, they all died or they moved. Sometime around 2000, I corresponded with a fellow Brock researcher in Florida. His ancestors were also Brock's from Chesterfield County. It was while searching for his ancestors that the serendipity moment happen and I found William & Catherine.


William L. Davis was born in 1834 in NC. He appeared in the census in 1860 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States.¹ He served in the military J. C. Coit's Chesterfield Light Artillery in 1861–1865 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States.² William  is listed in the 1870 & 1880 Census for Duval County, Florida, United States.^{3 4} Catherine in her Civil War pension application states that William died on 3 Jul 1891 at the age of 57 in Woodtown, Duval Co., FL^5.  after being struck by lightning. 


William L. Davis and Catherine Brock were married either on 6 Jan 1856  or 2 Mar 1857 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States.^{6 7} Catherine Brock, daughter of Squire H. Brock and Rachel Parker, was born in Mar 1837 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States. ^{8 9 10 11 12} She appeared in the census in 1900 & 1910 for Duval County, Florida, United States.^{13 15} She applied for a Civil War Pension for Service of William L. Davis on 7 Nov 1903 in Duval County, Florida, United States.¹⁴ . She died on 2 Jul 1917 at the age of 80 in Jacksonville, Duval, Florida, United States. A Memorial has been created for her at www.findagrave.com.²³

Note: On two different pages in Catherine Civil War pension application she lists two distinct different dates for her marriage to William L. Davis.

William L. Davis and Catherine Brock had the following children:

           +2              i.   Theodore Manly Davis, born 1858, SC; married Mildred King.

              3             ii.   Cecelia J. Davis was born in 1860. ¹⁶

              4            iii.   Richard M. Davis was born in 1866 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States. ^{17 18}

              5            iv.   Louisa Ann "Lucy Ann" Davis was born in 1869 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States. ^{19 20}

              6             v.   Willie Davis was born in 1872 in FL. ²¹

              7            vi.   James Davis was born in Jun 1874 in Duval County, Florida, United States. ²²

           +8           vii.   Charles Augusta "Gussie" Davis, born Jan 1880, GA; married Minnie Roberta Mosley.

 

        1. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 118; Line 15, Dwelling #343, Family #342, Household of Wm. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2007); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_1217. 1860 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Roll: M653_1217;  Image 239; Family History Library Film #0805217, Page 118; Line 15, Dwelling 343, Family # 342, Wm. DAVIS, age 25, born in NC; Catherine [BROCK] Davis, age 20, born in SC; Manley DAVIS, age 2.
        2. "Civil War Service Records, South Carolina," digital images, iArchives, Fold3 (http://www.fold3.com/image/77193666 : viewed March 2012), William L. Davis; citing M267, Civil War Service Records, South Carolina; Capt. J. C. Coit's Company, Chesterfield Light Artillery.
        3. 1870 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398, Household of  William L. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2007); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_129. 1870 CENSUS: Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Roll M593_129; Image 291; Family History Library Film 545628, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398. William L. DAVIS, age 40, Laborer, born in NC; Catherine DAVIS, age 35, born in SC; Theodore M. DAVIS, age 12, born in SC; Cecilia J. DAVIS, age 10, born in SC; Richard M. DAVIS, age 05, born in SC; Louisa A. DAVIS, age 02, born in SC.
        4. 1880 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, enumeration district (ED) #38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227, Household of William L. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2008); citing NARA publication Roll: T9, Roll 0126. 1880 CENSUS, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, FHL Film 1254126, National Archives Film T9-0126, Enumeration District 38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227; William L. DAVIS, age 46, born in NC, Occ:Fisherman, Fa: NC, Mo: NC; Catharine DAVIS, Wife, age 36, born in SC; parents born in SC; Amander DAVIS, Son, age 22, born in SC; Robert DAVIS, Son, age 14, born in SC; Lucy Ann DAVIS, Daug., age 11, born in SC; Willie DAVIS, Son, age 8, born in FL., Jimmie DAVIS, Son, age 6, born in FL., Gussie DAVIS, Son, age 5 months, born in FL.
        5. Florida, "Confederate Pension Applications," digital images, floridamemory.com (http://www.floridamemory.com: accessed 2012), Application of Catherine B. Davis, 24 July 1909, widow's pension application no. A03212, for service of William L. Davis, (J. C. Coit's Chesterfield Light Artillery); citing National Archives microfilm
publication "M267, Civil War Service Records, South Carolina.".
        6. Ibid.
        7. Ibid.
        8. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield District, South Carolina, Page 168A, Line 18, Dwelling 1068, Family 1068, Household of Squire H. Brock; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 31 July 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851. 1850 CENSUS:  Chesterfield District, South Carolina, Roll: M432_851; Image: 340, Page 168A, Line 18, Household 1068/1068, Film #444814. Squire H. BROCK, male, age 45, born in SC; Rachel BROCK, Wife, age 35, born in SC; Mary A. BROCK, Daughter, age 21, born in SC; James A. BROCK, Son, age 19, born in SC; Elizabeth  BROCK, Daughter, age 17, born in SC; Sarah J. BROCK, Daughter, age 9, born in SC; Samuel BROCK, Son, age 7, born in SC and John W. BROCK, Son, age 4, born in SC.
        9. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 118; Line 15, Dwelling #343, Family #342, Household of Wm. DAVIS. 1860 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Roll: M653_1217;  Image 239; Family History Library Film #0805217, Page 118; Line 15, Dwelling 343, Family # 342, Wm. DAVIS, age 25, born in NC; Catherine [BROCK] Davis, age 20, born in SC; Manley DAVIS, age 2.
        10. 1870 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398, Household of  William L. DAVIS. 1870 CENSUS: Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Roll M593_129; Image 291; Family History Library Film 545628, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398. William L. DAVIS, age 40, Laborer, born in NC; Catherine DAVIS, age 35, born in SC; Theodore M. DAVIS, age 12, born in SC; Cecilia J. DAVIS, age 10, born in SC; Richard M. DAVIS, age 05, born in SC; Louisa A. DAVIS, age 02, born in SC.
        11. 1880 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, ED #38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227, Household of William L. DAVIS. 1880 CENSUS, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, FHL Film 1254126, National Archives Film T9-0126, Enumeration District 38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227; William L. DAVIS, age 46, born in NC, Occ:Fisherman, Fa: NC, Mo: NC; Catharine DAVIS, Wife, age 36, born in SC; parents born in SC; Amander DAVIS, Son, age 22, born in SC; Robert DAVIS, Son, age 14, born in SC; Lucy Ann DAVIS, Daughter, age 11, born in SC; Willie DAVIS, Son, age 8, born in FL., Jimmie DAVIS, Son, age 6, born in FL., Gussie DAVIS, Son, age 5 months, born in FL.
        12. 1900 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Jacksonville City, Duval County, Florida, enumeration district (ED) #43, Page 181B, Line 79, Family 56, Dwelling 59, Household of James DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2008); citing NARA publication Roll: T623, Roll 167. 1900 CENSUS, Jacksonville City, Duval County, Florida, T623, Roll 167, Enumeration District 43; FHL microfilm 1240167; Page 181B, Line 79, Family 56, Dwelling 59; James DAVIS, age 25, Single, born June 1874 in FL, father born in NC, mother in SC;  Catherine DAVIS, Mother, widowed, age 63, born Mar 1837 in SC, 7 children, 7 Living; Gus DAVIS, Brother, age 20, born Jan 1880 in FL., parents born in FL, father born in NC, mother in SC.
        13. Ibid.
        14. Florida, "Confederate Pension Applications," digital images, floridamemory.com (http://www.floridamemory.com: accessed 2012), Application of Catherine B. Davis, 7 Nov 1903, widow's pension application no. A03212, for service of William L. Davis, (J. C. Coit's Chesterfield Light Artillery); citing National Archives microfilm publication "M267, Civil War Service Records, South Carolina.".
        15. 1910 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Jacksonville Ward 2, Duval County, Florida, enumeration district (ED) #0072, page 6B, Line 86, Dwelling 337, Family 395;, Household of  Catharine DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2008); citing NARA publication Roll: T624_159. 1910 CENSUS: Jacksonville Ward 2, Duval County, Florida, Roll T624_159;  Enumeration District: 0072; Image: 202; FHL microfilm: 1374172, page 6B, Line 86, Dwelling 337, Family 395; Catharine DAVIS, age 71, Widower, born in SC; parents born in SC; Willie DAVIS, Grandson, age 22, born in FL., parents born in FL.; Mabel  DAVIS, Granddaughter, age 18, born in FL., parents born in FL.
        16. 1870 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398, Household of  William L. DAVIS. 1870 CENSUS: Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Roll M593_129; Image 291; Family History Library Film 545628, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398. William L. DAVIS, age 40, Laborer, born in NC; Catherine DAVIS, age 35, born in SC; Theodore M. DAVIS, age 12, born in SC; Cecilia J. DAVIS, age 10, born in SC; Richard M. DAVIS, age 05, born in SC; Louisa A. DAVIS, age 02, born in SC.
        17. Ibid.
        18. 1880 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, ED #38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227, Household of William L. DAVIS. 1880 CENSUS, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, FHL Film 1254126, National Archives Film T9-0126, Enumeration District 38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227; William L. DAVIS, age 46, born in NC, Occ:Fisherman, Fa: NC, Mo: NC; Catharine DAVIS, Wife, age 36, born in SC; parents born in SC; Amander DAVIS, Son, age 22, born in SC; Robert DAVIS, Son, age 14, born in SC; Lucy Ann DAVIS, Daug., age 11, born in SC; Willie DAVIS, Son, age 8, born in FL., Jimmie DAVIS, Son, age 6, born in FL., Gussie DAVIS, Son, age 5 months, born in FL.
        19. 1870 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398, Household of  William L. DAVIS. 1870 CENSUS: Mandarin, Duval County, Florida, Roll M593_129; Image 291; Family History Library Film 545628, Page 572A, Line 11, Family 470, Dwelling 398. William L. DAVIS, age 40, Laborer, born in NC; Catherine DAVIS, age 35, born in SC; Theodore M. DAVIS, age 12, born in SC; Cecilia J. DAVIS, age 10, born in SC; Richard M. DAVIS, age 05, born in SC; Louisa A. DAVIS, age 02, born in SC.
        20. 1880 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, ED #38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227, Household of William L. DAVIS. 1880 CENSUS, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, FHL Film 1254126, National Archives Film T9-0126, Enumeration District 38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227; William L. DAVIS, age 46, born in NC, Occ:Fisherman, Fa: NC, Mo: NC; Catharine DAVIS, Wife, age 36, born in SC; parents born in SC; Amander DAVIS, Son, age 22, born in SC; Robert DAVIS, Son, age 14, born in SC; Lucy Ann DAVIS, Daug., age 11, born in SC; Willie DAVIS, Son, age 8, born in FL., Jimmie DAVIS, Son, age 6, born in FL., Gussie DAVIS, Son, age 5 months, born in FL.
        21. Ibid.
        22. Ibid.
        23. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://findagrave.com; Headstone for Catherine B. Davis; (1837–2 July 1917); Memorial # 57125615; Record of the Old Jacksonville City Cemetery; Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA; Accessed on March 2012.

    

3 Sons Killed, A Mother’s Anguish

Joseph Purvis (1790/1800–1842),[1] son of James F. Purvis married Elizabeth Cook[2] about 1822. In the Rankin County 1830[3] Census they had 4 children, 2 females 10-14; 1 female less than 5 and a son less than 5.

Sometime before April 1842, Joseph died. At the time of Joseph's Death we know that is family was large leaving 11 children, 4 boys and 7 daughters[4]. After Joseph's death his wife Elizabeth Cook Purvis married Richard Oldham. This marriage is said to have taken place on 22 Jan 1844 in Smith County, Mississippi. I have not found a record of the marriage but they are listed in the 1850 Census as a family.

1850 CENSUS: Simpson County, Mississippi;[5]

Richard OLDHAM, male, age 61, born in SC;

Elizabeth OLDHAM, female, age 50, born in SC;

Elizabeth OLDHAM, female, age 20, born in MS;

James Pervis OLDHAM, male, age 13, born in MS;

Joseph PERVIS, male, age 11, born in MS

Alexander PERVIS, male, age 9, born in MS.

James Pervis Oldham is really James Purvis, son of Joseph & Elizabeth. 

Sometime around 1854, Richard Oldham died leaving Elizabeth and the three boys, the oldest around 17 and the youngest about 13.

About this time Joseph Purvis, the middle son, marries Martha Miranda Viney. They are living in Rapides Parish, Louisiana.

In 1858, James Purvis the oldest son married Marina Catherine Bush[6]. They are living in Simpson County, Mississippi.

By 1860[7], Elizabeth and her youngest son, Alexander has moved to Rapides Parish, Louisiana.  

In 1861, the Civil war began. Joseph and Alex Purvis enlist into Company B, 9^th Louisiana Infantry on 27 February 1862 at Alexandria, Louisiana[8].

James Purvis enlisted into Company B, 39^th Mississippi Regiment[9] on April 1, 1862.

All three boys are off to war, leaving their Mother and wives back home. Remember there is an older son/brother but he has not been identified through research. He is listed as less than 5 years of age in the 1830 Rankin County, MS Census. It's possible that he died young.  

           

The first son to be killed in the war was Alexander. Alexander died on 28 August 1862[10] at Manassas, Virginia. Based on his death date he was killed at the Battle of Second Manassas.

Then 20 days later on 17 September 1862, Joseph Purvis was killed at Sharpsburg, Maryland[11].  This was known as The Battle of Antietam also known as The Bloodiest One Day Battle in American History. 

In 20 days, Elizabeth Cook Purvis Oldham has lost two sons to the Civil war; but, her anguish is not over, her son James Purvis is still on the Battlefield. 

The Civil War record for James Purvis, simply says he was killed on 8 Aug 1864[12] with no other explanation. The 39^th Mississippi Regiment Infantry participated in the Battle for Mobile Bay and it took place during this time period. 

12 April 1865 – The war is over. Back home the women, widows of the war, are left to pick up the pieces.  James Purvis wife Marina Catherine Bush Purvis married Elisha Summerfield Bateman [13]9 December 1866.

Joseph Purvis wife Martha Miranda Viney married Martin L. Boone bout 1866.

No information has been found on Elizabeth Cook Purvis Oldham after the 1860 Census for Rapides Parish, Louisiana. 

I have never lost a child, but I know Elizabeth went to her grave with a heavy heart over the loss of her two husband and children who were just a short part of her life.

If you have any information, suggestions or corrections to this posting please contact me at the email.

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[1] ESTATE: James Purvis, Estate dated April 1835, on file in Rankin County, Ms. and Gilbert  Johnson Purvis Estate, Pg 14; By a note of G. J. [Gilbert Johnson] Purvis paid by Joe Purvis , dec'd  which said admins are bound to pay to Sd. Jos Purvis or his heirs. Dated 27 April 1842; so Joseph Purvis died before 27 April 1842]

[2] Hinds County, Mississippi, Deed Book 9, pages 531-532, William Purvis and his wife Milly Purvis, and Joseph Purvis & Elizabeth his wife,, being heirs of John Cook deceased 26 March 1836; Chancery Court Files, Raymond, Mississippi

[3] 1830 U S Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Rankin County, Mississippi, Page 168, Joseph Purvis Household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M19_Roll 71.

[4] 1840 US Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Rankin County, Mississippi, page 183, Household of Joseph Purvis; digital images, www.ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing NARA micro-film Roll: M704_217.

[5] 1850, Simpson County, Mississippi, population schedule, Simpson County, Mississippi, Page: 289A; Line 9,, Dwelling 27, Family 27 Richard OLDHAM, Household of Richard OLDHAM; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 25 July 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: M432_381.

[6] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Marina Catherine Bush Bateman; (10 March 1840–1 March 1913); Memorial # 43392293; Record of the ; ; Accessed on 2011.

[7] 1860 U.S. Census, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, population schedule, Rapides Parish, Louisiana, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page: 31, Line 36, dwelling 226, family 227, Household of Elizabeth ODUM; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 2010); citiing nara publication Roll: M653_423.

[8] www.fold3.com

[9] Ibid.

[10] www.fold3.com/image/#72010472

[11] www.fold3.com/image/#72010495

[12] www.fold3.com/image/#88670602

[13] http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~bateman/reconstruction.html.html