Surname Saturday~Frederick Rivers, Wife Unknown

A massive potpourri of data can be found about Frederick Rivers on the internet but there are very few actual source documents available  that documents his life. 

You will find that Frederick supposedly married Sarah Purvis and Mary Boatwright. The fact is that – There is no known source document that names the wife of Frederick Rivers. Therefore, any named wife is just a figment of someone imagination. 

Conversely, Frederick parents are also unknown due to a lack of records. 

Frederick Rivers is listed in the Cheraw/Chesterfield District Census for the years 1790 though 1820.

1790 Census1 Frederick RIVERS, age 16+ 1 Male 16+ (Frederick) 2 Male under 16 2 Females

1800 Census2 Frederick RIVERS, age 46+ 2 Male 16-20 1 Male 46+ (Frederick) 1 Female 10-15 1 Female 16-20 1 Female 21-45 (Wife?)

1810 Census3 Frederick RIVERS, Sr. age 46+ 1 Male 46+ (Frederick) 1 Female 26-45 (wife)

1820 Census4 Frederick RIVERS, Sr. age 45+ 1 Male 0- 10 1 Male 45+ (Frederick, Sr.) 1 Female 45+ (wife)

Based upon Census data Frederick was born sometime before 1754 and died between 1820 and 1830. Looking at these 4 censuses we can see that Frederick Rivers and his wife had 2 sons and 2 daughters. We can identify three of these four children:  William Rivers, born 25 Feb 1776; Frederick F. Rivers, Jr. born 3 November 1779 and  Sarah Rivers, born 1 Jan 1782. The other daughter has not been identified as of this writing.


Thus reconstruction of the family is: 

1 Male 46+ ----------Frederick Rivers, bef. 1754; d. 1820 -1830
1 Female 21-45+----His Wife (Unknown), b. 1755-1765, aft 1820
2 Males 10-15------- William Rivers, b. 25 Feb 1776, d. 7 June 1855
---------------- Frederick F, Rivers, Jr., b. 3 Nov 1779, d. 31 May 1860
1 Female 16-20 ----- Sarah Rivers, b. 1 Jan 1782, d. July 1871
1 Female 10-15 ----- Unknown at this time, b. 1785-1790

There are on-line trees that show Nancy Rivers as Frederick’s daughter but known facts do not support this conclusion. The acceptance of this as factual is based on a affidavit by to by William Rivers, son of Frederick, where he states that “Before me personally appeared William Rivers Sr. a resident of Chesterfield District aged 76 years the 25th last month, who being first duly sworn according to law says that he was intimately and personally acquainted with Thomas and Nancy Davis. Since his first recollection, that he was raised within one fourth of a mile from the said Nancy Davis, then Nancy Rivers, deponents aunt and well recollects the time they were married but was not present at the marriage and to the best of his knowledge and belief would say they were married about the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven or eight (1787 or 1788) that the said Thomas Davis lived the year before he was married with his deponents’ father and has known them as husband and wife ever since…” ⁵

6<sup>6

7</sup>

This statement infers that Nancy Rivers is the sister of William’s father Frederick; definitely, she is not Frederick Rivers daughter.

A timeline of Frederick’s life reveals the few documents found after 38 years of research; of which 25 years were performed on site at the LDS Family History Library in Salt Lake City. 



The lines of the three known children of Frederick Rivers – William, Frederick, Jr. and Sarah - are well documented. The two boys stayed in Chesterfield County; but, Sarah Rivers married John H. Brown and migrated to Georgia, then to Lauderdale, Mississippi where John H. Brown died on 4 September 1855.⁸

After John H. died Sarah Rivers Brown moved to ElDorado, Union County, Arkansas to live with her son, Epps Rivers Brown. Sarah Rivers Brown died about 1871 in Union County, Arkansas. No tombstone have been found for either of them even though John’s probate file directs that his tomb be encased in concrete.
  
If you are a researcher of this family line be very aware of the misinformation available and steer away from it. If you haven't familiarized yourself with the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) now would be a good time to take a look at it on the Board of Certified Genealogist website. 

If you read, follow and religiously document your genealogical research to this standard you can avoid these pitfalls. The 5 elements of the GPS are:

• Reasonably exhaustive search
• Complete and accurate citation of sources
• Analysis and correlation of the collected information
• Resolution of conflicting evidence.
• Soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusion.⁹

^{_________________________________________
[1] 1790 U S Census, St Thomas, Cheraws District, South Carolina, population schedule, St Thomas, Cheraws District, South Carolina, page 373, Household of Fredk. Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed January 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm M637, Roll 11.
[2] 1800, Second Census of the United States, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield District, South Carolina, page 109, Household of Frederick Rivers; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed January 2000); citing National Archives Microfilm M 32, Roll 47.
[3] 1810 U S Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, page 555, Household of Frederick Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed February 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm M637, Roll 60.
[4] 1820 Census of the United States, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, page 128, Line 21, about mid-page, Frederic Rivers; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1999); citing National Archives Microfilm M 32, Roll 47.
[5] Affidavit of William Rivers for Thomas Davis Pension Application, compiled military record (5th Co. Capt. Thomas Hall, Marion's Regt. 1779), Rev. War Pension and Land-Bounty Application Files, (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration), NARA microfilm publication M804, Roll 766.
[6] http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/f/r/a/Margaret-R-Frasier/WEBSITE-0001/UHP-0458.html
[7] http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/RIVERS/1999-10/0941223059
[8] Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Filebox 31: No 253, John H. Brown.
[9] http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html}

1858 Alabama Marriage~Brock-Chambers

License granted Benjamin Brock & Martha Ann Chambers Late of full age
The State of Alabama}
Barbour County}To Any Judge Minister or Justice Lawfully qualified to Solemnize Marriage- Greetings – You are hereby authorized to join together in the holy State of Matrimony Benjamin Brock and Martha Ann Chambers which being done you will make return to my office within thirty Days. Given under my hand at office this the 17^th day of February, A.D. 1858.
                                                                                       J. S. Williams, Judge of
                                                                                                                 Probate
I hereby certify that the above named persons were duly Married by me on the 18^th day of July 1858 at J. H. Chambers in the County of Barbour and State of Alabama.
                                                                                                    W. McCormmick, J. P.





_________________________________________
[1] "Alabama, County Marriages, 1809-1950," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-9817-80679-67?cc=1743384&wc=M9WB-H7D:n227193907 : accessed 29 Nov 2013), 1289483 (004539223) > image 63 of 713.
Marriage Book 4, Page 419

Thankful Thursday~Thanksgiving 2013

Happy

Thanksgiving!

Today is a day of Thanksgiving.

• I’m Thankful for my Family.
• I’m Thankful for you “my Readers and Subscribers to my blog”
• I’m thankful; for all who have made comments, offers suggestions and provided help during the past year.
• And on this Thanksgiving Day I send a special thanks to my cousin and friend – Colleen Pasquale of Leaves & Branches and her family.
• Thank you all for you support and may God Bless you in all your endeavors.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Charlie






_______________________
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/3063731135/sizes/o/in/photostream/; Photo downloaded and used under the Creative Commons license.

Wednesday’s Child~Gone by 19

Fannie Lee Johns was born 10 May or 17 April 1936 to Walter Joseph and Ellen Grooms Johns. She was their 3rd child, the two previous children being boys. Fannie died on 31 July 1955.^{1 2}

Her Obituary appeared in the August 1st edition of “The State” newspaper from Columbia, South Carolina. ³

Miss Johns Dies; Services Today
Chesterfield, July 31 (Special) -- Miss. Fannie Lee Johns, 19, of Chesterfield died today in the business the hospital after a short illness. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Johns, two sisters and four brothers.
Funeral services will be at Pleasant Grove Church Monday at 3 PM. Burial will be in the church Cemetery.

Nineteen is such a young age to pass away so I was curious as to the cause of death. Her South Carolina Death Certificate #55-019646 shows the cause of death for Fannie Lee Johns as a cerebral hemorrhage. The due to block is filled with a “?” mark.

There is a conflict in her birth date. Her tombstone and here SC Death certificate shows 2 distinct dates but the year of birth are the same. On her tombstone her birth is recorded as April 17, 1936; the SC Death Certificate (44-019646) shows birth as May 10, 1936. She’s listed as 4 years old in the 1940 census.  .
 

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Fannie Lee Johns was buried on August 1st, 1855 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ⁴

Fannie Lee Johns is my 1st cousin once removed.

-------------------------------
[1] Fannie Lee Johns, death certificate 010646 (31 July 1955), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
[2] Fannie Lee Johns, death certificate 010646 (31 July 1955), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
[3] Fannie L. Johns obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 1 August 1955, page 5-A.
[4] James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, Page 706. Tombstone of Fannie L. JOHNS; 17 April 1936–31 July 1955, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Tombstone Tuesday~Mary Eliza Davis Rivers

Mary Eliza Davis was the youngest daughter of Michael Davis and Hulda Rivers Davis. She had 8 siblings, 4 brothers and 4 sisters.

Mary Eliza Davis Rivers is my 2nd Great Grand Aunt and by marriage her husband Doctor Wesley  “Doctor W.” Rivers is my great grand Uncle.

Mary Eliza Davis Rivers

b. 23 Nov 1853¹

d. 15 April 1917²

bu. Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery ³

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Mary Eliza Davis and Doctor Wesley Rivers were married  about 1870.^{4 5} This date is calculated based on the birth of their know first born child, Lugenia Rivers, born 3 June 1871. 

Mary Eliza Davis and Doctor Wesley Rivers had twelve (12) known children:

i. Lugenia Rivers, born 3 Jun 1871, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married John William Sweat, 26 Dec 1891, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 30 Jun 1955, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. George Washington Rivers, born 24 Sep 1873, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Julia Elizabeth Perkins, abt 1912, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 3 Feb 1951, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iii. James B. "Jim" Rivers, born 29 Nov 1875, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Minnie B. White, 1904; died 1 Nov 1918, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Nancy Jane Rivers, born 9 May 1877, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Elisha Theodore Davis, 1900, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 26 Mar 1947, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Lillie A. Rivers was born in Jun 1880 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She died on 15 Aug 1935 at the age of 55 in Florence, Florence, South Carolina. She was buried on 16 Aug 1935 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Albert Rivers was born in Jan 1883 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 26 Jan 1953 at the age of 70 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Albert was buried on 28 Jan 1953 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. William Alfred Rivers, born 25 Jan 1885, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Nellie Olivia Campbell, 5 Oct 1904, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 1 Apr 1951, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
viii. Charlie D. Rivers, born 23 Apr 1887, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Laura Florence Teal, 26 Aug 1906, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 17 Aug 1938, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ix. Thomas L. Rivers was born on 11 Dec 1889 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Thomas died on 23 Sep 1948 at the age of 58 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was buried on 24 Sep 1948 at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
x. Mary E. Rivers was born on 3 Apr 1892 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
xi. Frederick "Bud" Rivers, born 23 Sep 1894, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Mary Della Liles, abt 1914; died 14 May 1957, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina.
xii. John Calvin Rivers, born 8 Mar 1897, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Lera Hammond, 27 Dec 1922, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 13 Mar 1971, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.


________________________________
1. M. [Mary Eliza] RIVERS, death certificate 006154 (15 April 1917), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
2. Ibid.
3. Mrs. D. W. RIVERS obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 21 April 1917, Page 3, col. 3.
4. During the “Reconstruction Era” the Southern people were very wary of government officials. In 1870, when the Census Taker came around, they rebelled, in most cases, giving only their first name initials to the government census taker. In 1870, there is a 16 year old female listed in Michael & Hulda Davis household. This is believed to be Mary Eliza Davis.
5. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 306B, Line 35, Dwelling/Family #371/371, Household of M[ichael] DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.

Amanuensis Monday~Land Deed-Benjamin Brock to John Wright

 
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 from Benjamin Brock to John Wright that mentioned Ben’s wife Catherine Wright daughter of John Wright, Jr. dates 30 May 1797.

Several land deeds in Anson County, North Carolina show the presence of  a Benjamin Brock that married Catherine Wright, daughter of John Wright, Jr.

Benjamin Brock born between 1756 – 1774 is listed in the 1800 Census for Anson County, NC.
1800 CENSUS: Fayetteville District, Anson County, NC, Series: M32  Roll: 29  Page: 224;  Benjamin BROCK, Age 26- 44 [1756-1774], 2 Males, under 10; 2 Female, under 10 and 1 Female, age 26-44 [Wife, Catherine Wright]. ¹

This Benjamin is believed to have been the son or grandson of Valentine Brock of Switzerland & Germany and his wife Susannah Bleaster, whom he married 11 Nov 1760 in Germantown, Lancaster County, PA.
Proof of Benjamin Brock marriage to Catherine Wright can be found in Anson County Deed Book “H2”, Page 212 & Anson County Deed Book ‘E”, Page 229. ²

Anson County, NC
Deed Book "E"
Page 229
BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT ³
This INDENTURE made this 20th day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Ninety seven Between Benjamin Brock & Caty his wife of Anson County & State of North Carolina of the one part and John Wright Jur. of the County & State aforesaid of the other part Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Brock and Caty his wife for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds to them in hand paid by the said John Wright Jur. the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath Bargained & sold and Do by these presents grant Bargain sell & forever Set over unto the said John Wright Jur. his heirs and assigns forever a Certain Tract or parcel of land in the County aforesaid on Huckleberry Creek being the Lands sold and Conveyed by John Wright Jur. By Deed dated the 20th day June 1789 to his Daughter Caty Wright now Caty Brock Excepting a Piece Containing                   acres sold by said Caty to Richard Edgeworth forty acres to William Pegue one hundred ten acres the Balance is two and Ten acres and the said Benjamin Brook & Caty his wife for themselves & their heirs doth hereby forever warrant and Defend the aforesaid land and every part thereof Except as before Excepted to the said John Wright Jur. his heirs and assigns forever In Witness whereof the said Benjamin Brock & Caty Brock hath hereunto set their hands & seals this day and Date above written
Signed sealed & Delivered
In presence of                                             Benjamin Brock (seal)
                                                                    Caty Brock (seal)
Anson October Court 1797
Then this deed was proved by John Crawford a witness thereto & ordered  to be registered.
Test. Wm. Johnson CLK

Anson County Deed Book C2, Page 239 - Benjamin Brock to William Pegues. Film #018147. Witness John Wright, John Evans. ⁴

Anson County Deed Book “W”, page 147-148  lists Ben Brock, James Brock, Eli P. Brock and Squire Brock. ⁵

These 4 men are believed to be related. I believe that Ben & James listed in the below deed are brothers and that Squire H. Brock & Eli P. Brock are sons of James Brock.

These references are all that are known of Ben & Catherine Brock. . James Brock remained listed in Chesterfield County, SC census through 1840. He died in a house fire at almost 100 years of age on 29 December 1847. 

Eli P. Brock is believed to have migrated to Mississippi where he died abt 1844
1844 - Moses Brock, adm of the estate of Eli P. Brock, dec'd. Accounts include burial expenses, printer's bill, taxes for 1843 & 1844. 20 Dec 1844 - Auditors for estate report: one lot of sundries $6; one yearling $3. Estate declared insolvent 23 Jun 1846. 17 April 1851 publication of estate brings in no additional money. Heirs listed: Samuel Brock, Esquire Brock, Benjamin Brock (non-residents of the state). What relationship is Eli to Moses? [Ref: Eli P. Brock Probate # 778, Hinds Co. Court House, Raymond, MS, 2004] ⁶

From these land deed we know that there is a family relationship between Ben Brock, James Brock, Eli P. Brock and Squire Brock.

• We know that Benjamin Brock and Caty Wright were married prior to 20 May 1797.
• We know that Benjamin is still in Anson County on 12 December 1827, Land Deed Book W:147-Benjamin Brock to James Brock. No wives are mentioned in this deed.  

If you follow all the deeds it looks as if Caty’s grandfather, John Wright, Sr.  gave her and Benjamin some acreage in 1879 probably as a inheritance or marriage gift. Then Ben sold the property to John Wright Jr. but he kept 10 acres of the tract for themselves. Then in 1827 he sold the ten acres plus what Benj had purchased between 1797 and 1827 to James Brock for a minimum sum. It appears he was leaving and wanted to leave the land to James Brock . This James Brock may be the James Valentin Brock that died 29 Dec 1847 at almost 100 years of age. The deal was not signed until Jan 1828.

No trace of Benjamin and his wife Caty Brock has been found after this date (Jan 1828) and it’s almost certain they left North & South Carolina sometime around this time. 

If you have a Benjamin Brock in your line with a wife named Catherine please contact me.



____________________________
[1] 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224;, Household of Benjamin BROCK; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.
[2] North Carolina, Deed Book: DEED BOOK H#2,, Page 212, JOHN WRIGHT SEN. TO BENJAMIN BROCK; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[3] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "E", Page 229, BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[4] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "C2", Page 239, ; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[5] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "W", Pages 147-148, BEN BROCK to JAMES BROCK; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[6] Hinds County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Old Series,, Probate Folder #778: , Eli P. BROCK; LDS Family History Film #1749976.

Sunday’s Obituary~Funeral Invitations

While doing some research in the local newspapers archives I came across this – Funeral Invitation¹



This is the first time I recall seeing or hearing about a funeral invitation so I did a little research and found that this has been a practice since the beginning of our country and most likely originated in our English customs.

Form the http://www.funeralfriend.co.uk/funeral-invitations/ we find the following explanation/definition:

A funeral invitation is a letter or card inviting the recipient to attend a Memorial Service or Funeral Mass to celebrate the life your loved one.  It is written in formal, third person language and is usually sent immediately following confirmation of the Funeral Service date, venue and time.²

The above websites also contains suggestions on what to include in an invitation, size and many others facets to consider.

A search of available South Carolina archived newspapers returned 2145  hits for the words “funeral invitation” in quotes and 6285 without the quotes.

This funeral invitation appeared in the 10 June 1808³




Here are two such invitation from 1844, South Carolina.⁴

All of these invitations were found on the classified page rather than as expected on the deaths and obituaries page.

If you are familiar with this custom or have comments about funeral invitations I would love to hear from you. 






______________________________
[1] Funeral Invitation, Paul Rivers, The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 27 Oct 1931, page 12.
[2] http://www.funeralfriend.co.uk/funeral-invitations/
[3] Funeral Invitation, Edward Millkin, City Gazette and Daily Advertiser, Charleston, South Carolina, 10 June 1808, page 3.
[4] Funeral Invitation, Edward Millkin, Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 27 January 1844, page 3.

Friend of Friends Friday~Distribution of Slaves of Rilah Smith

The “Friend of Friends Friday” blogging theme is to encourage the transcription of records related to enslaved ancestors.

This posting today is a listing of the “slaves” owned by Rilah Smith at his death and their distributions in settling the estate.

This first image is a listing of Slaves by names and their present value.


Transcription of above Image:
                                                        

Individual Slave by name and present value.
Mary & her youngest child, Jack	3000.00
Hariett	2850.00
Esther & Caroline	3250.00
Ned	6000.00
Jim	6000.00
Alexander	5000.00
Elvy	4500.00
Tony	4000.00
Bob	3000.00
Henry	3500.00
Lucy	2500.00
Penny	2000.00
Celia	1500.00
Sarah	1000.00
Joe	2000.00
Nancy	800.00
Jane	1200.00
Dick	3000.00
Tom	3250.00
Jim	6000.00
	64300.00

DISTRIBUTION:
Sarah Duncan
Tom & Elvy
Bob
Celia
F. H. Smith
Hariett & Henry
Tony
Nancy
Alfred White
Esther & child Alex
Penny
Joe
Isaac Smith
Ned
Lucy
Jerusha Gulledge
Dick & Jun
Jane

E. B. Smith
Jim
Mary & 2 children, Sarah and Jack


Rilah Smith Probate File is file #13 and is available for viewing on FamilySearch.org. The first Image in this file can be accessed by clicking here.




____________________
"South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-24355-48?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QR9:n1082819048 : accessed 22 Nov 2013), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0001-0022 > image 211 of 493.

Treasure Chest Thursday~John C. Davis Family Bible

John Calvin Davis Family Bible

 

BIRTHS:

John C. Davis was born December the 14th 1812
Charlotte [Hurst] Davis was born July 9th 1816
Thomas P. Davis was born October the 5th 1837
Nancy J. Davis was born March the 17th 1839
William R Davis was born January the 14th 1841
Eliza A Davis was born February the 24th 1843
John W. Davis was born March the 30th 1845
Isaac Jacob Davis was born February 24th 1848
Julia Ann Davis was born March the 20th 1849
Mary Ann Davis was born October 10th 1851
Margaret Emaline Davis was born Nov. the 2nd 1853
James A. Davis was born March the 1st 1856
Henry P. Davis was born May the 19th 1858
Sarah E. Davis Born March 23rd, 1860
Corine Aline Davis daughter of W. R. Davis and L. M. Davis was born August 4^th 1875
Louise R. Davis was born February 9^th 1878 [daughter of W. R. Davis and L. M. Davis]
William F. Davis was born December 24^th 1880 [son of W. R. Davis and L. M. Davis]

DEATHS:

Thomas Davis died March the 20^th 1845, aged 85 years (exact)
Nancy Davis died December 15^th 1853, age 86 years (exact)
John C. Davis died July the 12th 1865, age 52 years 5 months 25 days
Charlotte [Hurst] Davis died June 2^nd 1888, age 71 years 10 months, 23 days
W. R. Davis died 1 September 1915, age 73 years, 8 months and 4 days
Margaret Wadsworth Davis wife of J. W. Wadsworth Jan 17 & 18, 1837, 84 years. [Correction: Margaret Emaline Davis Wadsworth died 19 January 1938 in Darlington county, SC]

MARRIAGE:

John C. Davis was married to Charlotte Hurst January the 31st 1836
 
 


 
_____________________
[Zeroxed copies of pertinent pages obtained original source materiel owned by Old Darlington Genealogical Society]

Wordless Wednesday~The Leaning Tower of Pisa is Straighter Today

2008-Photo

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1555945/Leaning-Tower-of-Pisa-is-saved-from-collapse.html

Tombstone Tuesday~Elizabeth Rivers Holifield

In the 1850 Census¹ for Chesterfield County, SC, Elizabeth is listed as a 5 year old female (daughter) in the household of Luke and Selina Rivers.

A few years earlier, her Aunt Emily Holifield and Uncle Mark Rivers had migrated to Jones County, Mississippi.^{2 3}

It almost certain that Emily and Mark were encouraging their brother Luke to move his young family to Mississippi. 

Sometime in the mid-1850’s, Luke, Selina and the children, Clarilla, Elizabeth, Catherine and John C. Rivers made the move to Mississippi.

We know that Luke was in Mississippi prior to 1859 because he was a witness at his brother’s Mark divorce proceeding against his wife Irena Catherine Hancock Rivers.⁴
In 1860, Luke and his family has settled down in Jones County and daughter Elizabeth was married to Moses Holyfield, Jr. ⁵

Moses Holifield, Jr. was the son of Moses Holifield, Sr. and his wife Emily Rivers, the sister of Luke Rivers. So Elizabeth Rivers and Moses Holifield, Jr were first cousins. Over the next ten (10) years, Moses and Elizabeth had 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters. Tragedy struck the family in Aug 1870 and their Father and provider was stricken and died of Hepatitis.⁶

The young Mother, Elizabeth then married John J. Holifield  about 1873. To this union, 4 sons and a daughter was born.⁷

Elizabeth Rivers Holified had fourteen (14) children with two husbands. She died on 26 March 1913. She was was 67 years old. The birth date on her tombstone is recorded as 6 June 1836. This date is wrong. Elizabeth was a mere 5 year old in the 1850 Census. She was either born in 1845 or 1846. In 1900, the Census taker was told that she was born in 1845 and the mother of 14 children with 9 living. Elizabeth is buried in Springhill Cemetery, Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi.⁸

Elizabeth’s father Luke and his siblings, Emily and Mark were the children of Mark Rivers and Annie Parker of Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Elizabeth Rivers Holifield

b. 6 June 1845*

d. 26 March 1913

Photo Courtesy of William Tatum, Jr.

Note: Variant Spelling - Holifield, Holyfield, Hollifield
_________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 168A, Line 6, Family #1065, Dwelling #1065, Household of Luke Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] 1850 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 128A; Line 1, Dwelling 186, Family 186, Household of Moses HOLYFIELD; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 374.
[3] 1850 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 129B, Line 13, Dwelling 3194, Family #194, Household of Mark RIVERS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 374.
[4] Jones County, Mississippi, Volume 1 page 31-35 , Mark Rivers vs. Catherine Rivers, Divorce Case, April Term, 1858; Circuit Court Chancery, Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi.
[6] 1860 U. S. Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 705, Line 7, Dwelling #303, Family #303, Household of Luke RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing National Archives Microfilm M653 Roll 584.
[6] 1870 U. S. Census, Jones County, Mississippi, mortality schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Moses Holyfield; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm.
[7] 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 126, Page: 313D (stamped); Line 41, Dwelling 98, Family 98, Household of J. J. HOLIFIELD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 January 2013); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 651.
[8] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 18 November 2013); Headstone for Elizabeth Holifield; (6 June 1836*-Mar. 26, 1913); Records of the Springhill Cemetery; Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, USA.
*Note: Birth year on tombstone is not correct. Elizabeth was born in 1845 based on 1850 and 1900 census listings.
Special thanks to William Tatum, Jr. for supplying the tombstone photo for Elizabeth’s burial in Springhill Cemetery. 

Amanuensis Monday~Nancy Copeland's Will

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 the Will of Nancy Copeland, the wife of John Copeland. I’m not going to speculate on the surname of Nancy; but, I see a lot of misinformation on the internet concerning her surname and death date. I can only say with certainty that Probate proceedings were initiated on 23 April 1874 and the inventory of property was completed on May 22, 1875.

 

NANCY COPELAND WILL
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
    This is the last will and Testament of Nancy Copeland of the State and
County aforesaid.

First: It is my will and desire that my Executor herein after named pay all my Just debts from the proceeds of my stock of cattle and hogs that I may have one hand at the time of my death.
Second: I give and bequeath unto my Daughter Mary Nicholson that part of my land where she now lives Beginning on the road that leads from Chesterfield Court house to Mt Croghan in Philip Rivers line and run with said road to the cross fence in my plantation then with the said fence to where the path crosses it going from Mary Nicholson to my house thence a straight line to Deep Creek thence with said Creek to Philip Rivers line thence with said line to the Beginning to her and her Bodily heirs forever. I also give and bequeath to said Daughter, Mary Nicolson my Cupboard and one half of my household and Kitchen furniture to her and her bodily heirs forever.
Third: I give and bequeath to my Daughter Elizabeth Thurman one half of my household and Kitchen furniture to her and her heirs forever.
Fourth: I give and bequeath to my son Jackson Copeland and my Grandson William Sellers all the Balance of my land in the state and county aforesaid Beginning at the cross fence where Mary Nicholson line run on the road leading from Chesterfield Court house to Mount Croghan thence Down the said road to Deep Creek thence up said creek to where Mary Nicholson's line runs to the creek thence along said line to the beginning to them and their heirs forever.
Fifth: It is my will that the land given to my son Jackson Copeland and my
Grandson William Sellers be Equally Divided between them.
Sixth: I give and bequeath to my son Jackson Copeland all of my stock of
hogs and cows to him and his heirs forever.
Seventh: I hereby nominate and appoint my son Jackson Copeland Executor to this my last will and Testament hereby revoking, all others.
   Witness my hand and seal this the 17th day of November AD Eighteen
hundred and seventy.
                                                       Nancy X her mark Copeland (Seal)
Signed Sealed acknowledged and published to be and contain the true Will
and Testament of the said Nancy Copeland signed in her presence and at her request and the presence of each other.
s/ Joel Baker, s/ Philip Rivers, s/ Sebra Welsh
{U S Stamp amounting to one dollar properly canceled}







__________________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19386-34913-18?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QT2:n757525595 : accessed 11 Nov 2013), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 1408-1460(Case 1444)> image 520 of 831.

Sunday’s Obituary~Three Children Die

May 17th, 1916 was a tragic day for Phillip P. Hurst and his wife Minnie Sellers Hurst. On that day, Angels came down from Heaven and took away three of their young children; William Roy, son, age 8; Annie May, daughter, age 2 and Edna Jane, daughter, age 8 months.



THREE CHILDREN DIE, TWO OTHERS VERY ILL
Family of D. Phillip Hurst  Stricken by Death in Chesterfield Home
Special to The State
Chesterfield, May 20. -- D. Phillip Hurst, who lives near Sugar Loaf Mountain in this county, lost three of his children by death yesterday.The ages of the children ranged from seven months to eight years. They died of an acute stomach trouble. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. W. V. Jerman of Patrick, assisted by the  Rev.  J. D. Harrelson of Marion County. Two other children in the home are not expected to live.


[The State, 21 May 1916, page 5, column 5
D. Phillip Hurst, who lives near Sugar Loaf Mountain in this county, lost three of his children by death last Friday. The ages of the children ranged from seven months to seven years. They died of an acute dysentery that is peculiar to people living on sandy soil. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. D. Harrelson of Marion County. There are four children still seriously ill though all but one have passed the crisis and are apparently recovering. The ages of those sick are 5, 10, 13 and 16 years.
[The Chesterfield Advertiser, May 25, 1916, page 1, Column 3]

The three young children were buried at Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Unfortunately, this was not the end of their loss. Eight months after losing these 3 children; Phillip and Minnie oldest child, a son, named Earl died from acute labor pneumonia on 31 January 1917 at the young age of sixteen.

____________________
[1][ THREE CHILDREN DIE, TWO OTHERS VERY ILL obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 21 May 1916, page 5, column 5.
[2] James C. Pigg, Obituaries from the Chesterfield Advertiser 1892-1926; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 2001, page 9. Obituary: Three Hurst Children; died 17 May 1916, Bay Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Surname Saturday~Atkinson-Huneycutt

Samuel Henry "Sam" Atkinson was born on 22 Apr 1867 in Anson County, North Carolina.^{1 2 3 4 5} Sam died on 8 Nov 1949 at the age of 78 in Landis, Rowan County, North Carolina.⁶ He was buried on 9 Nov 1949 at Palestine Methodist Church Cemetery in Palestine, Stanly County, North Carolina.⁷

Samuel Henry "Sam" Atkinson married Electa Huneycutt about 1901 in Stanly County, North Carolina.⁸ Electa Huneycutt, daughter of James W. Huneycutt and Sarah Elizabeth Page, was born on 3 Nov 1874 in Stanly County, North Carolina. ^{9 10 11 12 13 14} She died on 4 Mar 1949 at the age of 74 in Harris, Stanly County, North Carolina and was buried on 5 Mar 1949 at Palestine Methodist Church Cemetery in Stanly County, North Carolina. ¹⁵

Samuel Henry Atkinson and Electa Huneycutt had the following children:

i. Emma J. Woodward, born 30 May 1890; married Gilliam Coble, abt 1916; died 17 May 1959, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina.

ii. William James Atkinson, born 31 May 1903, Stanly County, North Carolina; married Annie Lee Coley; died 16 Mar 1957, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina.

Electa Huneycutt was the youngest daughter of my 2nd Great Grandparents James W and Sarah Page Huneycutt.

Electa is my Great Grand Aunt.
 
 
 
_______________________
1. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 26524 (8 November 1949), Henry Samuel Atkinson; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
2. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0116, Page 109B/109(stamped), Line 87, Dwelling 130, Family 131, Household of Samuel ATKINSON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 28 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
3. 1920 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 146, Page: 193A(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 640/299, Family 309, Household of Henry S. ATKINSON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 28 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T625, Roll 1323.
4. 1930 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, North Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 17, Page: 141A; Line 28, Dwelling 263, Family 282, Household of Samuel H. ATKINSON; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 28 May 2013); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 1721.
5. 1940 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, East and Southeast Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 84-178, Page: 16B/269(stamped); Line 57, Household #288, Household OF Samuel ATKINSON; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 28 May 2013); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2975.
6. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 26524, (8 November 1949), Henry Samuel Atkinson.
7. Ibid.
8. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 0116, Page 109B/109(stamped), Line 87, Dwelling 130, Family 131, Household of Samuel ATKINSON.
9. 1880 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 002, Page 352A(stamped), Line 39, Dwelling #264, Family #282, Household of James Hunicutt; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.
10. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0019, Page 1A/59(stamped); Line 15, Dwelling 4, Family 4, Household of Sarah E. HONEYCUT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 28 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1523.
11. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 0116, Page 109B/109(stamped), Line 87, Dwelling 130, Family 131, Household of Samuel ATKINSON.
12. 1920 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 146, Page: 193A(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 640/299, Family 309, Household of Henry S. ATKINSON.
13. 1930 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, North Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 17, Page: 141A; Line 28, Dwelling 263, Family 282, Household of Samuel H. ATKINSON.
14. 1940 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, East and Southeast Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 84-178, Page: 16B/269(stamped); Line 57, Household #288, Household OF Samuel ATKINSON.
15. Mrs. Atkinson Taken By Death obituary, The Stanly News and Press, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, 8 March 1949, Page 7, Col 4..