Probate Folder #161~Nancy Janet Davis Perkins

Nancy Janet Davis Perkins died October 1st 1887 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. She was a daughter of William Davis and Julie Thurman. She married John H. Perkins sometime prior to the 1850 census most likely around 1849.

Her husband John H. Perkins died  8 November 1885 preceding her in death by almost two years. Her estate can be found on FamilySearch.org at:

• South Carolina, Probate Records and Loose Papers, 1732-1964, Chesterfield, Probate Court, Estate records, 1865-1927, Cases 0153-0227, Image 283-304 of 1550 [1]

Nancy and her husband John had 14 children. Her son, John Henry Perkins qualified as her estate administrator.


State of South Carolina} In Court of
County of Chesterfield} Probate

Ex Parte John H. }    Petition of to obtain
Perkins in re}            letters of
Estate of Nancy}       Administration
Jane Perkins}

The humble Petition of your Petitioner shows to this honorable court:
1. That Nancy Jane Perkins late of Chesterfield County died testate therein on or about the 1^st
day of October A.D. 1887.
2. That previous to her death she made her last will and testament of which she left of force wherein she made, constitute and appointed Henry D Malloy in this sole executor of said Will
3. That said will was duly admitted to Probate and the executor thereof before named duly qualified thereon, but who has since his qualifications decline to act as such executor.
4. That said Nancy Jane Perkins left an estate both real and personal in Chesterfield County the personal amounting to about to about five hundred dollars.
5. That said estate is wholly un- administered and has no personal representative
6. That your Petitioner is a son of the said Nancy Jane Perkins Wherefore your Petitioner Prays that letters of Administration Cum Testamento annexo may be granted him in order that said estate may be settled up and your Humble Petitioner will ever Pray
                                                                                   John H Perkins
John H Perkins being}
duly sworn does state}
the above petitioner is there}
of his own knowledge}
Sworn to before me the}
28^th day of Feb. AD 1888}
W. W. Hursey}
Trial Justice}
 

 
 
State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield}
I do solemnly swear that the annex paper purporting to be the will of Nancy J. Perkins is her last will and Testament so far as I know or believe and that I will well and truly administer the same all and singular the goods chattels rights and credits of the said deceased and pray all pay all her just debts as far as the same will extend and the law charge me and that I will make a true and perfect inventory of all the said goods and chattels rights and credits and return a just account thereof when require so help me God
Sworn to before me
this 22^nd them March 1888}                    John H Perkins
D. M. Barentine}
Judge of Probate}

Nancy Janet Davis Perkins is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed. 

_______________________
[1] https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-33972-13?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QRW:2087306444

Treasure Chest Thursday~39 Years in the Life of William A. Purvis, part 1

I became interested in genealogy in 1976 after reading Alex Haley's “Roots.” One of my big disappointments over the past 37 years is that I have not determined the origin or parents of my 2nd Great Grandfather William A. Purvis.

For the next few weeks, whatever it takes, I will share the information I have on William A. Purvis in hope that if I have overlooked something important that one of you, my readers, will point it out and make some progress on this line.

Background:
As you know in genealogy you start with yourself and work you way backward. For the past 37 years I have researched my great great grandfather. This series will explore the information found and hopefully provide some clues to break down the brick wall of his life prior to 1860 Anson county.

1860 Census:
The earliest known record for my great great grandfather William A. Purvis is the 1860 Census, Anson County, North Carolina.



The extracted information for the family, with an enumeration date of 6 August 1860 by Wm. M. Hammond reads:

*  William A. Purvis, age 34, Male, white, Shoe Maker, $150 in real property, $275 in personal property, born North Carolina.
*  Sarah Purvis, age 26, Female, white, born North Carolina, cannot read or write.
*  Joseph White, age 33, Male, white, Cooper, $0 in real property, $27 in personal property, born North Carolina.
*  Laura [Brock] White, age 30, Female, white, Domestic, born North Carolina, cannot read or write.

We can see that by August 6th 1860 William A. Purvis was married and his wife was named Sarah. We know from the death certificate of their only known child William James shows that Sarah is Sarah Jane GRAVES.  William and Sarah were married sometime before 1860; no marriage information has been found for this couple.

In 1860 William A. Purvis made his living as a “Shoemaker”



and for this time period, he seems to be doing quite well.

The other couple in the household is Joseph White and his wife Laura. No information has been found connecting these two couples prior to or after this Census. Death certificates of known children of this couple shows that Laura is Laura Brock, parents unknown.

No data has been found for the marriage of William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves. This is before requirements for Vital Records, Newspapers and church histories are non-existent.

3 April 1863
William A. Purvis is listed as a creditor to the estate of C. W. Davis, owing $16.47 due April 3rd 1867. Note issued April 3rd, 1863.. SOURCE: Chesterfield County Estate Papers, folder #66, C. W. Davis, SC Archives, Columbia, SC.

27 April 1863
W. A. PURVIS was a buyer at the Lewis Boatwright Estate Sale in Chesterfield Co., SC. [Bill of Complaint and Supporting Papers (1864) Smith vs Boatwright, SC Archives, Chesterfield County Equity Court, Roll 94].

25 September 1863
William James Purvis, my Great Grandfather was born. This would be the only known child of William A. and Sarah Jane Graves Purvis.

6 Dec. 1866
Land Deed - Joseph P. Smith to William A. Purvis Chesterfield Co., SC,
I haven’t found a copy of this Deed but we know about the land from the transfer of the parcel from William A. Purvis to his son, William J. Purvis in December 1885. Obviously it was lost, misplaced or destroyed between 1866 and 1885.

The parcel consisted of 30 Acres and reads: “all that piece, parcel and tract of land situate lying and being in the District of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina, on the North side of Big Westfield's Creek and bounded on the North by the North and South Carolina State line, on the east by Isham Wallace and James Lewis lands, on the West by lands belonging to the Estate of George Gardner and land belonging to John Mulholland and on the South by Big Westfield Creek, containing thirty acres more or less, which said tract of land was purchased by me from Joseph P. Smith.”

Joseph P. Smith died shortly after selling this land to my 2nd great grandfather,  William A. Purvis. 
The heirs of Joseph P. Smith, W. G. Smith and Samuel Smith brought suit against my 2nd Great Grandfather.

Spring Term
1867
William A. Purvis
Court Case - Abram Conlin to the use of W. G. Smith & Saml. Smith Jr., Exc. of J. P. Smith Dec’d VS William A. Purvis.
ANSON COUNTY, NC. MINUTE DOCKET, SUPERIOR COURT, 1868-1884, C.005. 30003
PAGE 24: EXECUTORS OF J. P. SMITH, DEC'D. VS WILLIAM A. PERVIS,
1868.
Page 2
Abram Conlin to the}
use of W G Smith & }
Saml Smith Jr Exec }
of J P Smith Dec'd }
vs
William A Pervis
NO. 27 Judgt Docket Petition to reinstate a burned record.
Upon the notice proved and evidence in this case it is declared by the court that a writ in Debt was duly signed and issued by the clerk of the Superior Court of law for Anson county at the initialed of the plaintiff against the Defendant for the sum of One hundred & fifty dollars and one hundred and twenty-five dollars damages for the detention thereof returnable to Spring Term 1867, that said writ was duly executed upon the defendant and returned that the Defendant did appear but said nothing in bar of plaintiff
actions, that said suit was continued from said Term until fall Term 1867 when judgment final by default was rendered in favor of said plaintiff against said Defendant for the sum of $150, and $73 damages for the detention thereof beside the further sum of $12 for costs in that behalf expended that the record thereof was lodged in the office of the Clerk of the Superior Court of Law for the County aforesaid and that the said office containing the said
record was destroyed by fire on the 2nd day of April, A.D. 1868. 
It is therefore ordered by the Court, in accordance with the provisions of an Act of Operably in said case made & provided that the above recited cause be reinstated on the judgment docket.
Judgment of the Court, that the plaintiff pay the cost of the petition to be taxed by the Clerk of the County.
$150.00
$73.00
$12. 00
$235.00

Without the original deed I have no idea what Joseph P. Smith sold the land for but based on the court case above; in the long run it cost him $235.00 for these 30 acres of land.

By December 1866, it seems obvious that William and Sarah are ready to make a transition in their lives. While no specific documents has been found that states they are making a transition it’s quite obvious by the purchase of 30 acres of land that the family was transitioning. It’s a big move from shoemaker to farmer.  As we shall see in forthcoming documents, farming wasn’t too kind to them either. 

1870 Census
William A., Sarah Jane and William J. Purvis are enumerated in Morven Township, Anson County, NC.



The extracted information for the family, with an enumeration date of 23 August 1870 by J. P. McRae, Ass’t. Marshal:

*  W. A. Perris [Purvis], age 46, Male, white, Farmer, $300 in real property, $75 in personal property, born North Carolina.
*  Sarah J. Perris [Purvis], age 37, Female, white, born North Carolina.
*  William J.  Perris [Purvis], age 6, Male, white, at home, born North Carolina. [Spelled Perris on Ancestry]

In the next follow-on article we will look at the 1870’s and it’s impact on the family

_________________________
[1] 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 300, line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188, Household of William A. Purvis; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 887.
[2] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 8: Page 284-286, Joseph P. Smith to William A. Purvis; 6 December 1866, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
[3] Wadesboro, Anson County, NC, Minute Docket, Superior Court, 1868-1884 C.005. 30003, Abram Conlin to the use of W. G. Smith & Saml. Smith Jr., Exc. of J. P. Smith Dec’d VS William A. Purvis, William A. Purvis, Spring Term 1867; NS State Archives, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
.[4] 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 403A, line 38, Dwelling 178; Family 178, Household of William A. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archive Microfilm M593, Roll 1122. 

Wordless Wednesday~Grandma Pearly and Uncle Fred

Grandma Pearly and Uncle Fred

Tombstone Tuesday~Catherine P. Wallace Sellers

Catherine Pinkney Wallace Sellers

b. 24 April 1842

d. 30 December 1912

b. Zoar Church Cemetery

Inscription:
A loving wife and mother and a friend to all.

Catherine Pinkney Wallace was born on 24 Apr 1842 in Anson County, North Carolina, United States.¹  She died on 30 Dec 1912 at the age of 70 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.² Catherine was buried at Zoar Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.³ A Memorial has been created for Catherine at www.findagrave.com.⁶

The Partition of the Lands of Jesse and Frances Wallace, her parents, and their estate can be found in Anson County, NC in Deed Book 28.^4 5

Catherine Pinkney Wallace and Andrew Washington Sellers were married on 27 Dec 1865 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Andrew Washington Sellers, son of William Eddins Sellers and Elizabeth Parsons, was born on 24 Nov 1844 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ^{7 8} He served in the military Civil War in 1861–1865. 

He died on 12 Jan 1935 at the age of 90 in Florence County, South Carolina. He was buried on 13 Jan 1935 at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina⁹ A Memorial has been created for him at www.findagrave.com.¹⁰

Andrew Washington Sellers and Catherine Pinkney Wallace had nine children; 5 sons and 4 daughters.

Catherine P. Wallace is my great grand Aunt by her marriage to my great grand Uncle Andrew Washington Sellers, a brother to my great grand Mother Louise Ellen Sellers who married Benjamin Franklin Brock.









_______________________
1. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 835. Tombstone of Catherine P. Wallace Sellers; 24 April 1842–30 December 1912, Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Anson County, North Carolina, Book 28: Page 35-40, Partition of the Lands of Jesse and Frances Wallace; , Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
5. Interview with a Confederate Veteran, The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 7 April 1932. Sellers, Confederate Veteran (conducted by Nellie Bristow, Florence Morning News, reprinted Chesterfield Advertiser, April 7, 1932).
6. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Catherine Pinkney Wallace Sellers; (24 April 1842–30 December 1912); Memorial # 32166142; Record of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 27 May 2013.
7. 1850 U. S. Census, Madison County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 10, Madison County, Tennessee, Page 305B; Line 1, Dwelling 244, Family 244, Household of Wm. E. SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 889.
8. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 130B; Line 28, Dwelling 0522, Family 0521, Household of Elizabeth SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
9. Mr. Andrew Washington Sellers, The Chesterfield Advertiser,, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 24 January 1935, page 1, col 5:.
10. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Andrew Washington Sellers; (24 November 1844–12 January 1935); Memorial # 32166062; Record of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 26 May 2013.

Military Monday~Lest We Forget

Remembering our Military Heroes

_________________
All photos. property of the owner of this blog.

Sunday’s Obituary~James Brock

James Brock was born between 1743 and 1750. He is listed in the 1830 census for Chesterfield County, SC as age 70-80 and in 1840 as age 90-99. [1] [2]

James BROCK died in a house fire on 29 December 1847, Cheraw District, South Carolina.

He is thought to be the father of these 4 men; his wife is unknown.
Benjamin Brock, b. 1790
Samuel W. Brock, b. 1796
Squire H. Brock, b. 5 Feb. 1805
Eli P. Brock, b. abt 1806

DISTRESSING CASUALTY
On the night of the 29th ult., the house of Mr. James Brock, of Cheraw District, S. C. a Revolutionary soldier, aged nearly one hundred years, was consumed by fire and horrid to relate, its owner with it.  Mr. Brock had no family living with him. ["The Mississippi Free Trader", (Natchez, MS), Wednesday, January 12, 1848, Page 2] [3]

Fold3 shows a James Brock served in the Fifth (5th) South Carolina Regiment
Volume 9, page 35, enlisting on September 18, 1776. [4]



DNA testing of descendants is needed to determine if the 4 men thought to be sons of James Brock are in fact brothers.






__________________________
[1] 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, No Twp Listed, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 235, Line 19, Household of James Brock, James Brock; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 29 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm M19_172.
[2] 1840 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, South Carolina, page 338, Line xx, Household of James Brock, James Brock.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm M740_Roll 510.
[3] James BROCK obituary, The Mississippi Free Trader, Natchez, Adams County, Mississippi, 12 January 1848, Page 2.
[4] Ancestry, "Revolutionary War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 21 March 2013), entry for James BROCK; Fifth (5th) South Carolina Regiment; America.

Surname Saturday~Jonathan, Son, Thomas Davis Family

This is an ongoing series on the children of Thomas Davis and his wife Nancy Rivers. Thomas Davis and Nancy Rivers are my 4th great grandparents.They had 11 known children that lived to adulthood.

This is a summary of the articles on Thomas, Nancy, Samuel, William, Susannah and Isaac Jacob:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/thomas-davis-revolutionary-soldier.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/06/surname-saturday-thomas-davis-4th-great.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/04/surname-saturdaythomas-davis-family.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/surname-saturdaywilliam-son-of-thomas.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/surname-saturdaysusannah-daughter.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/surname-saturdayisaac-son-thomas-davis.html

Thus far we have taken a look at 4 of the 11 children of Thomas and Nancy Rivers Davis. Those four are Samuel, William, Susannah and Isaac Jacob.

Today posting on is child number 5 & 6 – Hulda & Jonathan Daniel  Davis. 

Very little information is known about these two children of Thomas and Nancy Rivers Davis. The only place where Hulda is named is in a book published in 1927 by Harry Alexander Davis.





The 1800 Census shows that Thomas and Nancy had two daughters under the age of 10.  These two females have been identified as Susannah (whom we have already discussed) and Hulda Davis born in 1797. ¹



All that is really known is that in 1800 Thomas and Nancy had two daughters under 10, names unknown because they are not named in the censuses.

Jonathan Daniel Davis was born about 1800 in Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.² He appeared in the census in 1830 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States. ³ Jonathan appeared in the census in 1839 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{4 5 6} He is not  listed in the 1840 census and most likely died between 1839-1840.

Jonathan Daniel Davis and Sarah LNU* were married in 1818 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.⁷ Sarah LNU* was born in 1795 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. She appeared in the census in 1830-1870 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^8 9 10 11 She died after 1870.

Jonathan Daniel Davis and Sarah LNU* had the following children:

i. Infant Davis was born in 1818 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 
ii. Jonathan Daniel Davis, born 1819, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Elizabeth Parker, 1836.
iii. Robert Richard "Ricks" Davis, born 1821, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Sarah Rivers, abt 1836, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
iv. Jerusha Davis, born 1823, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married James or William McBride, abt 1840, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
v. Elisha Davis, born abt 1824, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Elizabeth Knight, abt 1850, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died bet 1871 and 1880, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Mary A. Davis was born about 1826 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. Infant Davis was born in 1830 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

One additional document has been found that contradict and adds confusion to what is known about Jonathan Daniel Davis. That document is a 1837 Newspaper Notice on the division or sale of the Real Estate of George Parker.

There are two Jonathan Davis’ in Chesterfield County. They are Father and Son.

Jonathan Daniel Davis, Sr. born about 1800 and died between 1839-1840.
Jonathan Daniel Davis, Jr. born about 1819; listed as Daniel Davis in 1850 in his Mother Sarah household. 



SOUTH CAROLINA
Chesterfield District
Mary Parker, Applicant,
    VS
Wm. Parker, Jonathan Davis and wife Elizabeth, Jesse Parker,  T. Parker, George Parker, Lewis Parker, Elizabeth Parker, Joseph Parker & Phoeba Parker, Defendants
It appearing to my satisfaction that Jesse Parker one of the Defendants, resides without the State, it is therefore ordered, that he appear and object to the division or sale of the Real Estate of George Parker, deceased, on or before the 28th day of March next, or his consent will be entered on record.
                        TURNER BRYAN, O.C.D.
Jan. 23, 1837
[Reference- CHERAW GAZETTE, 14 February 1837]¹²

This documents suggests that Jonathan Davis was married to Elizabeth Parker, daughter of George & Mary Parker. 

It’s obvious from data presented that additional research is needed. The major loss of records, in this county, for this time period will most definitely make this a challenging endeavor. I spent may hours in the Salt Lake City Family History Library  looking for those answers. Thus far they have eluded my search.




____________________________
*LNU - Last Name Unknown
1. Harry Alexander Davis, The Davis Family (Davies and David) in Wales and America: genealogy of Morgan David of Pennsylvania (Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1927), page 54.
2. 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 239; Line 16, Household of Jonathan Davis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 7 July 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M19_172.
3. 1839 Election Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, election census, , enumeration district (ED) Chesterfield County, Jonathan DAVIS; printed booklet, (: viewed 7 July 2012).
4. Ibid.
5. "Division or Sale of Real Estate of George Parker", Cheraw Gazette (Cheraw, South Carolina), 14 February 1837.
6. Harry Alexander Davis, The Davis Family (Davies and David) in Wales and America: genealogy of Morgan David of Pennsylvania (Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1927), pages 124 & 125.
7. Harry Alexander Davis, The Davis family (Davies and David) in Wales and America :: genealogy of Morgan David of Pennsylvania (Washington, D.C.: Lancaster Press Inc, 1927; reprint, Lancaster, PA: n.p., n.d.), page 124.
8. 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 239; Line 16, , Household of Jonathan Davis.
9. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 180B, Line 38, Dwelling 162, Family 1262, Household of Sarah DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 28 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
10. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 129A; Line 19, Dwelling 498; Family 497, Household of Sarah DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 28 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
11. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 288A; Line 10,, Dwelling 2, Family 2, Household of Sar[ah] Davis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 10 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
12. "Division or Sale of Real Estate of George Parker", Cheraw Gazette (Cheraw, South Carolina), 14 February 1837.

Quick Update

I know some of you are wondering where I have been for the past few days.

Monday morning I was notified by a sister in South Carolina, that her only child,  my nephew, had been taken to the local hospital. A few hours later the same sister, informed me that he had been moved to Carolinas Hospital in Florence and they wanted her to come to the hospital.

I  left home to take her to the hospital and learned that my nephew had a massive heart attack an wasn't expected to live. Life support was removed on Tuesday morning and he passed away about 11:30, Tuesday, May 21, 2013. 

A Memorial Service was held yesterday in South Carolina and today the wife and I are back home.

Military Monday~Ervin Brock

Ervin Samuel Brock, Jr. is my second cousin twice removed. He is also my Grand Uncle having married my Grand Aunt Martha Eliza Purvis.

As indicated on the below WWI draft card, Ervin was born March 6, 1880, the only child of Ervin Samuel Brock, Sr. and Harriett “Hennie” Boatwright.



The left card shows that Ervin was 38 years of age when he registered and at the bottom he signed his name with a mark indicating he was unable to write.

The other side shows that he was tall, slender built, gray eyes and dark hair and the card was dated 12 September 1918.

Ervin Samuel married Martha Eliza Purvis, daughter of William James Purvis and Mary Hulda Previtte  about 1903. Their firstborn child – Mary Eliza Brock – was born on 12 June 1904 in Morven, Anson County, North Carolina. Great Uncle Ervin died in May 1954 and Great Aunt Martha died  in December 1966.

To my knowledge Ervin Samuel, though registered for the draft, never served during the WW I conflict.








_________________
[1] "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 27 August 2012), Ervin Brock; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, FHL Roll Number: 1852503; Birth Date: 6 Mar 1880.as

Sunday’s Obituary~Martha A. Gathings

Martha Ann Chambers was born 29 March 1823 to Wilson Chambers and Jemima Powell, She married Sampson Gathings on April 21, 1840 in Anson County, North Carolina. Martha and Sampson had two children, a daughter named Jemima Victoria and a son, Sampson before moving from Anson County, NC to Monroe County, Mississippi where they are enumerated in the 1850 census. 

Martha Ann died at the age of 34 on April 17th, 1859.



Obituary: Mrs. Martha A. Gathings
Mrs. Martha A. Gathings, wife of Sampson Gathings, and daughter if A. Wilson Chambers, of Anson co., N.C., died near Aberdeen, Miss., on 17th inst. in her 34th years.
Sister G. has long been a consistent member of the M. E. Church, and though she has left husband, children and friends to mourn their loss, yet they have the consolation that she departed life joyous and full of the Christian's, hope.                                                                             H. A. C.


After the loss of his wife at such an early age and with two children to raise, Sampson remarried on June 9, 1861 to Susan Natalia Williamson. Sampson and Susan raise a family of five additional children.

Martha’s childhood home in Anson County is still standing today. A few years back, the wife and I attended a Christmas party at the home.







________________________
[1] Obituary: Mrs. Martha A. [Chambers] Gathings obituary, Southern Christian Advocate, Wofford College Archives, Spartanburg, South Carolina, 29303-3663, 5 May 1859.
[2] 1850 Census, Monroe County, Mississippi, population schedule, Western Division, Monroe County, Mississippi, Page: 80B, Line 4, Dwelling 240, Family 240, Household of Sampson GATHINGS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 378.

Surname Saturday~Isaac, Son, Thomas Davis Family

This is an ongoing series on the children of Thomas Davis and his wife Nancy Rivers. Thomas Davis and Nancy Rivers are my 4th great grandparents. They had 11 known children that lived to adulthood.

This is a summary of the articles on Thomas, Nancy, Samuel, William and Susannah:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/thomas-davis-revolutionary-soldier.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/06/surname-saturday-thomas-davis-4th-great.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/04/surname-saturdaythomas-davis-family.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/surname-saturdaywilliam-son-of-thomas.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/surname-saturdaysusannah-daughter.html

Thus far we have taken a look at 3 of the 11 children of Thomas and Nancy Rivers Davis. Those three are Samuel, William and Susannah.

Today posting on is child number 4 – Isaac Jacob Davis. 

Isaac Jacob Davis was born on 18 Aug 1795 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.¹ He appeared in the census in 1840-1870 Census for Union County, North Carolina.^2 3 4 He died on 13 Jun 1877 at the age of 81 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.⁵ Isaac was buried at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.⁶

Isaac Jacob Davis and Sarah (LNU) were married about 1820.⁷ Sarah (LNU) was born on 17 Aug 1796 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.⁸ She is enumerated with Isaac Davis in the Census. ^{9 10 11} She died on 24 May 1875 at the age of 78 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹² Sarah was buried at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹³

Isaac Jacob Davis and Sarah (LNU) had the following children:

i. Simpson Davis, born 11 Feb 1821, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States; married Reckamiah Beaver; married Elva Threatt; died 28 Aug 1889, Union County, North Carolina, United States.
ii. Josiah Davis, born Aug 1829, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, United States; married Cassia (LNU); died 8 May 1904. Josiah and cassia are buried at Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery, Monroe, Union County, North Carolina.
iii. William J. Davis was born about 1833 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ¹⁴
iv. Mary C. Davis was born about 1837 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ^{15 16}
v. M. L. Davis was born about 1840. ¹⁷
vi. William C. Davis was born about 1846 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ^{18 19
 
 
 
 
 
 
_______________________________}
1. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 857. Tombstone of Isaac [Jacob] Davis; 18 August 1795–13 June 1877, Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
2. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 8, Dwelling 281, Family 281, Household of Isaac DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 7 May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 647.
3. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 349(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 70, Family 70, Household of Isaac DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 7May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 915.
4. 1870 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) Page: 499A; Line 29, Dwelling 23, Family 23, Household of Isaac DAVIS, viewed; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : 7 May 2011 ); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M593, Roll 1161.
5. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Isaac [Jacob] Davis.
6. Ibid.
7. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Sarah [LNU] Davis.
8. Ibid.
9. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 8, Dwelling 281, Family 281, Household of Isaac DAVIS.
10. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 349(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 70, Family 70, Household of Isaac DAVIS.
11. 1870 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, ED Page: 499A; Line 29, Dwelling 23, Family 23, Household of Isaac DAVIS, viewed.
12. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Sarah [LNU] Davis.
13. Ibid.
14. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 8, Dwelling 281, Family 281, Household of Isaac DAVIS.
15. Ibid.
16. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 349(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 70, Family 70, Household of Isaac DAVIS.
17. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 8, Dwelling 281, Family 281, Household of Isaac DAVIS.
18. Ibid.
19. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 349(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 70, Family 70, Household of Isaac DAVIS.

Amanuensis Monday~Did He Know?

Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Today’s posting is a Land Deed between W. H. H. Purvis and Jemima Magee Purvis.
William H. H. Purvis died about January 1855. I have narrowed the time period for his death to after Mar 2, 1855 and before Jan 28, 1856. He most likely died in the county of his resident in Polk County Texas. 

William H. H. Purvis was alive on 2 March 1885 and signed a DEED (DB E, Page 558-559) on this date. The structure of the Deed and the transfer of all his assets to his wife indicates a forewarned knowledge that his life on  earth was about to end.

The State of Texas}
Polk County} Know all whom it may concern that I William H. H. Purvis of the County and state above written for and in consideration of the love and affection I bear to my wife Jemima Purvis have this day given granted confirmed and confirmed and do by these presents give grant convey confirmed and set over & deliver to my said wife in fee simple forever the following property to wit:
First the following named Negroes slaves for life and now owned and held by me as my separate property to wit: Ann about seventeen years old. Camile about sixteen years old. Green about twelve years old. Suange about twenty-eight years old. Peter thirty-eight years old. Sam about ten years old. George about ten years old. Nathan about eight years old. Alfred about nineteen years old. Linza about fifteen years old. Erma about seven years old. Sanfin about nine years old. Dorcas about six years old. Ewing about eight years old. Maneruse about three years old. Carolin about two years old.
Second the following tract or parcel of land situated and being in said Polk County containing One Hundred acres more or less a part of the headright league of R. W. Russell and which 100 acres tract was conveyed to me by deed executed by Marshal Holcomb and Alfred Holcomb dated on the 8^th day of December A.D. 1851 & …. which deed reference is here made for a more perfect description of the land here conveyed by its metes and bounds and which deed was recorded in the Office of the County Clerk of said County in Book C, Pages 105 & 6 on the 12^th day of April 1852.
Third also the following promissory notes to wit: two notes executed by Nancy Williams payable to W. H. H. Purvis or bearer on the 7th day of February 1855. One note for the sum of five hundred dollars payable on or before the first day of January 1856; the other made for the sum of two thousand $2000.00 payable on or before the first day of January 1858 also a third promissory note executed by R. T. Walker on the 19^th December 1854 payable on or before the first of January 1856 to W. H. H. Purvis or order for the sum of Sixty-eight and 19/100 dollars also a promissory note executed by W. J. F. Purvis and J. R. Jones on the 14^th Dec. 1854 payable to W. H. H. Purvis on or before the 1^st day of June 1856 for one hundred and sixty dollars.
Fourth also five head of horses and one Jack now in my possession and my entire stock of horned cattle branded with the letters W P thus marked with a crop and two splits in the right ear and a hole in the left ear split out.
To have and to hold the above and foregoing described property consisting of Slaves, Land, Promissory notes, Horses and Jack and Cattle together with all rights and privilege’s as belonging or pertaining to the same with full right forever and dominion over the same to my said wife Jemima as her separate property in fee simple her heirs and assigns forever.
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and scroll for seal this 2^nd day of March A. D. 1855.
W. H. H. Purvis {seal}
illegible
illegible
illegible
W. R. Moore
The State of Texas}
Polk County} Personally appeared before me W. J. Knight County Clerk of Polk County W. R. Moore one of the subscribing witness to the foregoing deed and on oath says he saw W. H. H. Purvis sign seal and deliver the same and acknowledged the same to be his act and deed for the consideration therein stated and expressed and that he requested him to witness the same.
Given under my hand and seal of office this the 5^th day of March A. D. 1855.
{seal} W. J. Knight
Clk. P.C.C.
The State of Texas}
Polk County} I certify that the foregoing deed of gift & certificate thereto was this day by me recorded in Record Book of Deeds &c “E” pages 558 & 9 at 10 O’clock Am. Witness my hand and seal of office this the 27^th day of Jn A. D. 1855.
{Seal} W. H. Dukes Clk @ PCC


Then in Probate Minutes Book D; 1853-1857 we find court action related to guardianship of the minor heirs of William H. H. Purvis.

Purvis, Gabian & Angelina
# 155, Guardianship of
294-295-296, 389 to 391,
& 418-419
Purvis, Jasper
# 154, Guardianship of
292-293-294, & 392-393
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 139, Succession of
208 to 238, 344 to 346,
358-359 & 388
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 152, Guardianship of minor heirs
238 to 245

And then there appears some other guardianship records in Probate Minutes Book F; 1858-1860.
Purvis, Angelina
# ___, Guardianship of
212
Purvis, Gabrianna
# ___, Guardianship of
212
Purvis, W. H. H.
# 139, Succession of
105 to 111

Jasper is reported as dying sometime around Jan 1858. Not confirmed by this author.

The three children remained with their Mother, Jemima Magee until her death in Oct 1870 at which time all but the youngest child had reached the age of majority. Back in 1856, Jesse R. Riggs and and William J. Florney Purvis were appointed, by the courts, as legal guardian of the minor children. William was their older Brother and Jesse, their Uncle, having married Mary Ann Savilla Purvis, the oldest daughter of William H. H. Purvis and Jemima Magee Purvis.   

To date, I have been unable to find a specific death date for William H. H. Purvis. However, an exhaustive search has not been conducted and it may be found with additional research. If you have any information related to William H. H. Purvis of Polk County, Texas, please contact me through this blog.
 
 





 
______________
[1] Polk County, Texas, Polk County Deed Records, BOOK E, Page 558 & 559, William H. H. Purvis to Jemima Purvis, 2 March 1855; Register of Deeds, Livingston, Polk County, Texas. My thanks to B. Harris for providing a copy of the above Land Deed.
[2] http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~polkcountytxconnections/ProbateD1853-57.htm

Sunday’s Obituary~Cynthia Sellers Graves

 
Mrs. Cynthia [Sellers] Graves, widow of the late Bennett F. Graves, died at the home of her son, Mr. E. J. Graves, near Mt. Croghan, last Wednesday. She had been in an almost helpless condition for about two years, and suffered much with rheumatism. She was about 82 years old and [had] been a member of Cross Roads Church for a long time and was a good woman. She is survived by the following children: J. W., E. J. and B. V. Graves of this County; W. S. Graves of Wadesboro, and Mrs. J. W. Stegall of Union County. The body was buried at Providence Thursday about noon. Rev's J. D. Purvis and J. M. Sullivan conducted the service.[1]

Cynthia was born about 1832. Her husband died on April 10, 1862 at a hospital in Richmond, Virginia.[2] They were married in 1851 and to this union were born 6 children; five named in the obituary above.

Benjamin Bennett Graves and Cynthia Sellers had the following children:

i. John Wilson Graves, born 22 Dec 1852, Montgomery Co., NC; married Ellen Emeline Horton, abt 1871, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Mary E. Nicholson; died 19 Sep 1928, Pageland, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Zilpha Della Graves, born 6 May 1854, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Alex Taylor; married Wilson J. Stegall; died 3 Jan 1934, Union County, North Carolina.
iii. Rose Anna Graves, born 25 Dec 1855, North Carolina; married William Matthew Jordan, abt 1874; died 18 Jan 1914, Anson County, North Carolina.
iv. William Smiley Graves, born 26 Dec 1858, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Mary Emaline Gaskins; died 5 Feb 1917, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.
v. Edward Jackson Graves, born 9 Jul 1861, North Carolina; married Mattie W. Welsh, abt 1882, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Lillian Gregory, 17 Jan 1912, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 26 Feb 1929.
vi. Benjamin Franklin Graves, born 20 Jul 1862, Montgomery Co.,NC; married Mary Jane Stegall, abt 1883; died 13 Jun 1947, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

Cynthia Sellers Graves died 26 May 1915. Just a year previously, she had lost here youngest daughter, Rose Anna Graves Jordan who died on 18 January 1914 in Anson County, North Carolina.









_______________________
[1] James C. Pigg, Death Notices from The Pageland Journal: Chesterfield County, South Carolina (1910-1935) (Tega Cay, SC 29715: Self-published, 1996), page 31.
[2] http://www.fold3.com/image/20/87055675/

Surname Saturday~Susannah, Daughter, Thomas Davis Family

Over the forthcoming Saturday for the next two to three months I will be highlighting and documenting the 11 children of Thomas Davis and his wife Nancy Rivers.

Thomas Davis and Nancy Rivers are my 4th great grandparents. I wrote about Thomas and Nancy here:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/thomas-davis-revolutionary-soldier.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/06/surname-saturday-thomas-davis-4th-great.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/04/surname-saturdaythomas-davis-family.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/surname-saturdaywilliam-son-of-thomas.html

At this point Thomas and Nancy had been married about 7 years and had two sons; their first born Samuel and then William. Now we have the birth of their first daughter – Susannah. I know it must have been a delightful times in my 4th great grandparent's home the day she was born.

Susannah Davis was born between 1795-1799 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.¹ No record of an actual birth date has been found and this date is calculated based on her reported age in the 1850-1880 Census for Chesterfield County, SC.[1] [2] [3] [4]

She died sometime between 1870 and 1880. No death notice or tombstone has been found.
Susannah Davis married John H. Wadsworth about 1819-1820. Population census shows John Wadsworth with a family from 1820 till his death in early 1880.

Both John & Susannah were still living when the census were enumerated in 1870. John listed his age as 78 and Susannah’s age was listed as 80.



At present only two known children have been identified as children of John and Susannah but census for 1820-1860 indicates there were several others.

The two known children of John H. Wadsworth and Susannah Davis are: [5]

i. Lewis H. Wadsworth, born 13 Sep 1832, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Mary Ann Freeman, 28 Dec 1849, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Elizabeth A. Crawford, abt 1902; died 7 Mar 1910, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States.

ii. Mary Elizabeth Wadsworth was born about 1835 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.  This Mary E. Wadsworth is not the one that married Amaniah Lee in 1845 in Chesterfield District. Mary E. Wadsworth, age 15, is living with her Mom and Dad in Family 488, Page 130 of the 1850 Census. Amaniah Lee and his wife Elizabeth, age 21, is listed in Family 820, Page 151B.

The 1880 Census shows that John H. Wadsworth remarried after the passing of Susannah. In 1880, he had in his house a young bride by the name of Mary WADSWORTH, Wife, age 28, born in SC, parents born in SC and a new daughter Sarah C. WADSWORTH, 8 months old, born in SC.



No record has been found to identify the surname of his new bride Mary, listed in the 1880 Census.

There is a Land Deed in Anson County between Alexander Martin to Sarah C. Wadsworth & Susannah Wadsworth, dated 4th January 1886. Alexander Martin is selling 97 acres of land to Sarah & Susannah for $500.00. [6]

This is very puzzling because Susannah Davis Wadsworth is deceased and the only Sarah C. WADSWORTH known is the new 8 months old daughter listed in the 1880 census.

After John H. Wadsworth died; Sarah C. Wadsworth his daughter was found living in the household of her half-brother Lewis H. Wadsworth and his wife, Mary Ann Freeman Wadsworth and is listed as Lewis’s step-sister. [She is in fact Lewis H. Wadsworth half-sister]. 

Looking for information on this Family. There is still much work required to identify all the Children of John and Susannah and to identify who the two ladies named in the Anson County Land Deed.








______________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 130A, Line 16, Dwelling 488, Family 488, Household of John H. WADSWORTH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 115; Line 37, Dwelling 302, Family 302, .Household of John H. WADSWORTH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.
[3] 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 287A; Line 10, Dwelling 210, Family 210, Household of John H. WADSWORTH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
[4]1880 U S Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0004, Page 307A Line 25, Dwelling 107, Family 107, Household of Jno. H. WADSWORTH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T9-1225.
[5] Harry Alexander Davis, The Davis Family (Davies and David) in Wales and America: genealogy of Morgan David of Pennsylvania (Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1927), page 125.
[6] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 8: pages 536 & 537, Alexander Martin to Sarah C. Wadsworth & Susannah Wadsworth; 4 January 1886, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

Many clues, but still no conclusion

I’m continuing to collect circumstantial evidence that indicates Johnson J. Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and the father of James Purdee Purvis. 

James Purdee J. Purvis married Elizabeth Rose Campbell on January 19, 1832.



She was twice married, first to James Purdee Purvis, on the 19th of January 1832. By this marriage, she had three children, James, who died at ten years of age; Mary Anna, widow of the late Alexander Campbell, who survives her,and William R. Purvis, who died at Roseland, La. in January, 1882. [1]

First, there is DAR application 115797, submitted by Mary Virginia Hagerman Watson. Mary Virginia is a 3rd great granddaughter of Gilbert Purvis. This is the only known application submitted for Gilbert Purvis service in the Revolutionary War. It was submitted in 1915.[2]



When Mary Virginia submitted her application she said that James P. J. Purvis was a son of Johnson Purvis,  a son of Gilbert Purvis

In 1831 and 1832 we find Johnson J. Purvis located in the tax list for Simpson County, Mississippi.  Gilbert Gilbert, Sr. and his wife Effica Howell had migrated from Chesterfield County, SC about 1818, down through Georgia into Clarke County, Alabama and finally settling in and around Rankin, Hinds, Smith and Simpson Counties.

1831 Simpson County, Ms Tax List [3]


1832 Simpson County, Ms Tax List [4]


Another clue is the Will of Gilbert Johnson Purvis. Gilbert Johnson Purvis, son of Gilbert Purvis, stated in his will[1] that “the estate of my deceased parents to which I am entitled insisting upon the advance made by my deceased father the said Gilbert Purvis to James Purvis the father of the said James P. J. Purvis in the lifetime of them both,".[5]



In the DAR Application we have James P. J. Purvis father named as   Johnson Purvis.
But, in Gilbert Johnson Will the same man is named as James Purvis.

Now we have the Father of James P. J. Purvis  listed as Johnson Purvis and James Purvis. We also have the 1831 and 1832 Simpson County Tax list where James P. J. Purvis is listed along with Johnson/Johnston J. Purvis.

Is this Father and Son; I think so and I think Johnson/Johnston  J. Purvis is Johnson Purvis and also James Purvis.

There are other clues but so far I have not accumulated enough data to say without doubt that James P. J. Purvis is the son of Johnson J. Purvis. Just circumstantial evidence connecting these two men.

I welcome your comments and suggestions on how to proceed with proving or disproving that James P. J. Purvis is the son of Johnson J. Purvis.

 Previous Related Articles: 

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/03/sunday-obituary-mrs-e-r-miller.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/04/clues-to-parents-of-william-h-h-purvis.html

---

[1] Obituary found in a Bethany College Scrapbook by Janice Garrison Shepherd. This is a KEY Document in the research of the Campbell-Purvis-Miller line; credit for it’s  find is attributed to Janice Garrison Shepherd. Printed here with their approval; not to be used without approval. ©2012.
[2] "DAR Ancestor Search," Application Files, DAR Genealogical Research System (GRS) (http://services.dar.org/public/dar_research/search/?Tab_ID=1 : accessed on-line 9 May 2013), DAR Application: 115797; Mary Virginia Hagerman Watson.
[3] Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 13 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1831, Box 3764, Image 57 of 276, entry for Johnson J. Purvis. <http://bit.ly/HjD1pp>
[4] Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 13 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1832, Box 3764, Image 70 of 276, entry for Johnson J. Purvis. <http://bit.ly/IMCs66>
[5] Hinds County, Mississippi, Will Book 1: page 48, Gilbert Johnson Purvis; Family History Library, Film #878728, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wordless Wednesday~Grandma Mamie

Grandma Mamie Brock Johns with Uncle Luther (top right),
 Aunt Mary (Left) and  Uncle Carl (sitting in lap)

Tombstone Tuesday~Henry Perkins Davis

Yesterday I was doing some census work on the Henry P. Davis family and decided to feature him on today’s Tombstone Tuesday posting.

Henry Perkins Davis

b. 19 May 1858

d. 26 Sept. 1909  

Photo Courtesy - Find A Grave Volunteer

Henry Perkins Davis was the son of John Calvin Davis and Charlotte Hurst. He was the 11th child of 12 born to his parents.[1] [2] [3]

Henry married 1st Eugenia Cordelia Davis, b. Sept. 1862, a daughter of  David Richard Davis and Mary Cornelia McNair. Eugenia died 21 June 1898. Henry was left was a daughter (age 8) and a son (age 6) to care for after the loss of his wife. Henry then married, Martha Ellen Jones on 24 May 1899. [4]

Before his death in Sept. 1909; Henry and Martha had 4 children. She (Martha)  was pregnant at his death and their daughter Helen Vermelle Davis was born on 1 April 1910.

Henry and Eugenia Cornelia are buried at Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery, Florence, Florence County, South Carolina. Martha Ellen Jones and Helen Vermellle Davis are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery, Florence, Florence County, South Carolina.







_____________________________
[1] Family data, John C. Davis Family Bible Family Bible, Holy Bible, (New York: n.p., 1844); original owned in 2004 by Old Darlington District Genealogy Archives, [address for private use], Hartsville, Darlington County, South Carolina.
[2] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Henry P. Davis; (19 May 1858–26 September 1909); Memorial # 74813565; Record of the Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery; Florence, Florence County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 16 August 2012.
[3] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Charlotte [HURST] DAVIS; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 20 July 2012); Estate Records #160.
[4] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Eugenia C. Davis; (September 1862–21 June 1898); Memorial # 74813481; Record of the Pisgah United Methodist Church Cemetery; Florence, Florence County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 16 August 2012.

Mappy Monday ~ Some Maps for Genealogy

Maps are an essential element of any genealogical research. This blog will touch on three types of maps used in your research. They are: 

Plat and land ownership maps

Plat maps are designed to shows the metes and bounds of a parcel or section of land. [1] 

Chesterfield County, SC - DB 6:151-153

Whereas the ownership map is designed to show ownership, the map below is a: Chesterfield County 1825 Landowner Map surveyed by John Lowery in 1819. [2]

County Boundary Maps

The best example of County Boundary Maps are contained within “The Handybook  for Genealogist”  published by The Everton Publishers, Inc. [3] 

Another example:

Source: Google Images

You can view an interactive county boundary map that will redraw based on the data you enter here: http://randymajors.com/p/maps.html [4]

Show U.S. county boundaries near  as of   

Mind-Mapping

Mind mapping is a new phenomenon in genealogy research that I believe will continue to rise in use and popularity as genealogists become more innovative in using this tool. 

One of the nation leading genealogist Elizabeth Shown Mills did an article on mind mapping that can be found here - Quick Lesson 6 [5]

I did an introductory article that can also be found here - Mind Mapping

This blog mentioned three types of maps used in your genealogical research. There are others that you may find useful in your search such as Topographical maps. Regardless don’t limit yourself to just new maps; over time place name change and an old map may be the only resource for verifying an ancestor location many years ago.  

Ancestry has several listing for maps on their website.

They can be found under - Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

A listing of their holding; you must be a subscriber to the website to view.

·                     U.S., Indexed County Land Ownership Maps, 1860-1918

·                     Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases, 1507-2000

·                     U.S. Map Collection, 1513-1990

·                     Germany, Topographic Maps, 1860-1965

·                     Meyers Konversations-Lexikon

·                     U.S. Gazetteer, 1854

·                     Lippincott’s Gazetteer of the World, 1913

·                     Cassell's Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland

·                     Gazetteer of the state of New York : embracing a comprehensive   view of the geography, geology, and general history of the state

There are also many free websites with access to Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers. Do a Google search using these three words - Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers - sit back with a glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy the Maps. 

__________________________

[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Land Deed - Book 6: pages 151-153, David W. Graves to Malcolm Decker, 28 March 1877, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Short Footnote:
[2] David Rumsey Historical Map Collection - http://www.davidrumsey.com/
[3] George B. Everton Jr., The Handybook for Genealogist: United States of America, Eight Edition (Logan, Utah 84321: The Everton Publisher, Inc., 1991), M-37.[4] Historical U.S. County Boundary Maps - http://randymajors.com/p/maps.html
[5] Elizabeth Shown Mills, “QuickLesson 6: Mindmapping Records,” Evidence Explained: Historical Analysis, Citation & Source Usage (http://www.evidenceexplained.com/content/quicklesson-6-mindmapping-records : [1 May 2013])