Friday Funny~Jumping Over the Broom

Dateline: 27 June 1853
Cheraw, South Carolina


 
Marriage Ceremony in South Carolina.---A case of bigamy was recently tried in Cheraw county, South Carolina, and discharged. In the charge of his honor, Judge Frest, to the jury, he remarked that there was no law in the State of South Carolina prescribing a marriage ceremonial.  If Mr. A and Miss B jumped over a broom, the former saying I take this woman to be my wedded wife, and the latter I take  this man to be my wedded husband, and go to housekeeping, they are legally married, have entered into a bond of union which cannot be annulled, so long as they both do live.[The Newfoundlander - Jun 27, 1853, page 1, column 1]
 




__________________________
[1] "Marriage Ceremony in South Carolina," The Newfoundlander, St. John's, Newfoundland, 27 June 1853, page 1, column 1, No law in the State of South Carolina prescribing a marriage ceremonial.; digital image, Google News (http://news.google.com/ : viewed 27 February 2014).<http://goo.gl/t4TToI>
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_the_broom

Treasure Chest Thursday~Family Bible of My Great Grandparents

I knew of the William J. Purvis Family Bible for many years but was always unsuccessful in getting the keeper of the Bible to give me access to it or copy the pages and send them to me. I was living in Utah and was seldom back home in North Carolina. In a last ditch effort, I solicited a fellow classmate and he was successful. I will be eternally grateful for his success in acquiring these Bible pages for me.  

PURVIS FAMILY BIBLE

BIRTHS:
W. J. PERVIS born Sept. 25, 1863
M. H. PERVIS born Jan 5, 1861
J. W. PERVIS born Dec. 31, 1880
M. E. PERVIS born Aug 10th, 1883
J. F. PERVIS born Nov. 7th,1885
O. P. PERVIS born July 10th, 1888
S. F. PERVIS born June 16th 1891
L. A. PERVIS born Oct. 18th, 1894
Violet E. PERVIS born May 25, 1899
J. F. PERVIS Jr.born Aug. 25, 1911
C. W. PERVIS born April 17th, 1914
J. C. PERVIS born May 18th, 1917
C. B. PERVIS born June 18th, 1920
Nancy Elizabeth WALLACE PURVIS born April 21th, 1881
Sarah Kelson PURVIS GATHINGS was born June 26th 1902
Maud PURVIS WATTS was born July 12th, 1904
Next Page, some names and dates repeated.
Sarah Kelson PERVIS was born in the year 1902, June 26
Maud PERVIS was born in year 1904, July 12th
[John] William PERVIS, Jr. was born in 1906
Ross PERVIS was born in the year 1908, Dec. 11.
Violet Huldah PERVIS was born in the year 1912, Jan 19
John W. PERVIS was born in the year 80, Dec 31
Nancy E. Pervis was born in the year 80, April [21]

Another Page.Julia Martin Purvis born June 10, 1929
James Ernest GATHINGS born 1929, March 24th
William Frances GATHINGS born July 18th 1936
Betty Jean PURVIS born June 2, 1937

DEATHS:
Violet PERVIS died Oct. 2, 1899
Mrs. W. J. PURVIS died July 29, 1938
Mr. W. J. PURVIS died June 8th, 1941
Mr. John W. PURVIS died August 10th, 1956
James Edward GATHINGS died Feb 6th, 1938
Maud PURVIS WATTS died Sept 18, 1962
Nancy Elizabeth WALLACE PURVIS died July 19, 1968

MARRIAGES:
Maud PURVIS married to Lonnie WATTS Jan 6, 1922
John William PURVIS, Jr. married to Edna DAVIS May 23rd 1927
Sarah PURVIS married to Ed GATHINGS November 24, 1927
Ross PURVIS married to Lula LEE Aug. 19, 1936
Violet PURVIS married to Welton DERRICK June 26, 1927
John William PURVIS married to Nancy E.WALLACE August 25, 1901

52 Ancestors~#9, Elizabeth “Bette” Davis

Amy Johnson Crow of No Story To Small has started a challenge of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.

From her blog, “The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. Not only should this get me blogging more, but also to take a deeper look at some of the people in my family tree.”

The star of my blog today is Elizabeth "Bette" Davis, my 2nd Great Grandmother.

Elizabeth "Bette" Davis, daughter of Michael Davis and Hulda Rivers, was born in 1841 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹
 
Elizabeth "Bette" Davis and John Washington Previtte were married about 1856 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.²
 
Their first child, a son, was born 30 June 1857. Next to arrive was Mary Hulda “Sis” Previtte, my Great Grandmother on 5 January 1861. Ironically, Mary Hulda arrived  just weeks after South Carolina succeeded from the Union on 20 December 1860 and just a few months before the attack on Fort Sumter on 12 April 1861.³
 
Needless to say, the South was in turmoil and I’m sure this was some troubling times for this young family; married 5 years and with 2 children.

I have found no evidence that John Washington Previtte served in the Civil War but I feel certain that he did serve. Between Jan 1861 and March 1866; John and Elizabeth had one child, a daughter, in September 1863. From March 1866 to November 1881; John and Elizabeth would have 8 more children for a total of eleven (11); 6 sons and 5 daughters.  

The time period in the South was known as the Reconstruction Era, (1865-1877). It was truly a transformational time. The times of the Carpetbaggers (Northern) and the Scalawags (native whites in the South). It was also a time of panic with the Depression of 1873. The times gave rise to the Klan. Southern money was worthless and useless.⁴
 
Amidst all of this my 2nd Great Grandparents raised a family of 11 children on a modest farm in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Needless to say, Great Grandma Elizabeth was definitely a “stay at home mom” at least until their youngest Michael Davis Previtte achieved manhood.

About 1879, John and Elizabeth oldest daughter, Mary Hulda, no doubt shocked her parents when she told them she wanted to marry the only son of William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves of Anson County. Young William James was just a lad of age 16 and I’m sure this revelation must have given her parents a mild shock.  History shows that they must have approved because in 1880 William James and Mary Hulda are enumerated next door to his parents.⁵
 
 
 
Elizabeth “Bette” Davis Previtte died in Feb 1900 at the age of 59 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was buried at Zoar United Methodist Church cemetery.⁶ 
 

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

____________________________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page 179B, Line 3, Dwelling/Family 1240/1240, Household of Michael DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page 128B, Line 35, Dwelling/Family 494/493, Household of John Previtt; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
[3] 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 291B, Line 36, Household 85/85, Household of J. W. PRIVETT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_Era
[5] 1880 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #2, page 350B, line 40, Dwelling 234, Family 253, Household of William J. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archive Microfilm T9-0951.
[6] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 29 January 2010); Headstone for Elizabeth Davis Previtt; (Unknown-Feb 1900); Records of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.

Tombstone Tuesday~Waterman John "Dub" Davis

Waterman John Davis was born on 19 Feb 1922 in Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina.¹ He was the son of Waterman Jacob Davis and Ada Elizabeth Watson. After graduation from school he enlisted and served in the Army during World War II. He served as a Gunner on a B-29 stationed in Saipan.²
 
 

He died on 25 Dec 2011 at the age of 89 in Oklahoma.³ Waterman was buried on 29 Dec 2011 at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery  in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Oklahoma.⁴
 
Waterman John Davis was twice married. He and his first wife, Peggy had the following children:

i. Dorothy Ann Davis was born (date unknown).
ii. Roy John Davis was born (date unknown).
iii. Glenn Davis was born (date unknown).

Waterman John Davis and Nina Thorpe were married on 1 May 1965. Nina Thorpe was born on 15 Feb 1923.

The FindAGrave Memorial and tombstone of Waterman Jacob Davis can be viewed at:⁵

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=82455489










___________________________________
[1] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 24 February 2014); Headstone for Waterman John "Dub" Davis; (19 February 1922–25 December 2011); Records of the Resurrection Memorial Cemetery; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, USA.
[2] National Archives and Records Administration, "U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946," database, Ancestry.com, http://www.ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 24 February 2014), Waterman J. Davis; citing National Archives and Records Administration.
[3] Social Security Administration, Social Security Death Index database, Ancestry.com, (http://www.ancestry.com : <viewed|accessed> 24 February 2014), Waterman J. Davis, , South Carolina (Before 1951) derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File,database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).
[4] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 24 February 2014); Headstone for Waterman John "Dub" Davis; (19 February 1922–25 December 2011); Records of the Resurrection Memorial Cemetery; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, USA.
[5]  Ibid.
[6] http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/index.html

Mystery Monday~The Wife of Joseph Henry Johns

Joseph Henry Johns is my Great Grandfather. He was born in April 1949 and died 8 April 1929 in McFarlan, Anson County, North Carolina.^{1 2} In 1882 Joseph Henry Johns was married.³ Available records in Marlboro and Chesterfield County, South Carolina and  and Anson County, North Carolina indicates that he and his wife were the parents of eight children; 5 daughters and 3 sons.

Those children in order of birth are:
i. Walter Joseph Johns Sr., born 2 Aug 1883, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; married Arletha Quick, 2 Feb 1914, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; married Blanche Scott, 10 Aug 1927, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; married Ellen Grooms, 22 Aug 1933, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 31 Jan 1964, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Julius Johns, born 4 Mar 1887, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; married Mary Catherine Brock, 16 Jun 1912, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 16 May 1937, Monroe, Union, North Carolina.
iii. Annie Bell Johns, born May 1888, Marlboro, South Carolina; married Robert Roller, abt 1914; married William Ellis Boan, abt 1919; died 22 Jul 1923, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Samuel Johns was born about 1890 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He appeared in the census in 1920.⁴
v. Nellie Johns, born Jul 1891, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married George Washington Heustess, Oct 1909; died 18 Jan 1928, Columbia, Richland, South Carolina.
vi. Fanny Belle Johns, born Jul 1892, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Julius Jones, 12 Nov 1912, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina.
vii. Ida B Johns was born about 1893 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. She appeared in the census in 1900. ¹³
viii. Mamie Johns was born in Jul 1898 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. ¹⁴ She died before 1910 at the age of 12 or less.

 

We can see from the above matrix that we had death dates for 4 of the eight known children. Only three of the 4 death certificate were available for reviews. Only one death certificate contained the name of the mother; the death certificate for daughter Nellie Johns Heustess.⁵
Obituaries has been found for Walter Joseph and Joseph Henry but contained no information on the names of their parents within the obituary.^{6 7}

No death dates has been found for:
Samuel Johns
Fanny Belle Johns
Ida B. Johns
Mamie Johns

So we have one document that says that the wife of Joseph Henry Johns was/is Laura Driggers. Based on the 1900 census, it looks as if the mother of the family perished with the birth of Mamie John in 1899.⁸ 



Joseph states that he is a Widower and had been married 18 years having married in the year 1882.



If we go back to the 1880 census we find that there is a Laura Driggers enumerated next door to the family of Shadrach and Joseph John but the girl is only a child and Joseph Henry John/Johns is a mature man. Did he marry this child? ⁹



I have still have many unanswered questions on exactly who was the wife of Joseph Henry Johns, my great grandfather. This is a great mystery; if you have any suggestions or recommendations I readily welcome them.





_____________________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 109A, Line 11, Dwelling 161, Family/161, Household of Shadrach JOHN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] North Carolina, death # #1929 (8 April 1929), Joseph Johns; http://www.Ancestry.com, Anson County, North Carolina.
[3] 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 87, page 55A, dwelling 365, family 383, Household of Joseph John; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1536.
[4] 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #36, page 95B, Line 99, dwelling 735, Household 736, Household of Joseph Johns; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.
[5] Nellie Huestes, death certificate 000520 (18 January 1928), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
[6] Walter Johns obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 31 January 1964, page 3-C.
[7] FATAL HIGHWAY ACCIDENT - Julius Johns obituary, The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, South Carolina, 20 May 1937.
[8] 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 87, page 55A, dwelling 365, family 383, Household of Joseph John; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1536.
[9] 1880 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #108, page 460A, Line 22, Dwelling # 43, Family #43, Household of Shade JOHN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T9_1235.

Sunday’s Obituary~Laura Boatwright Davis

Laura Boatwright Davis
b. May 4, 1857
d. Aug. 8, 1940

MRS. LAURA DAVIS - In the death last Thursday night of Mrs. Laura Davis, Chesterfield lost one of its fine old ladies. She was 83 years old, born and lived here all her life, where her beautiful Christian character will ever be remembered. Funeral services were held in the Zoar Methodist church, Saturday morning. Services were in charge of the Rev. W P. Way, a former pastor. He was assisted by the Rev. Paul Whitaker and the Rev. F. M. Cannon. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Boatwright and was married to Mr. I. J. Davis, Sr., who died in 1917. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Sally Freeman and the following stepchildren: J. C., B. F.,W. J. and Eugene Davis: Mrs. Willie Campbell, Mrs. M. S. Watson,  Mrs. N. P. Watson, Mrs. L. L. Boatwright and Mrs. J. C. Eddins.¹ 

Laura Boatwright, daughter of George R. and Lauretta Hurst Boatwright was the second wife of Isaac Jacob Davis. He married Isabella Jane Teal on November 20, 1867. Isaac and Isabella had ten (10) children, 6 sons and 4 daughters. After the loss of his wife Isabella on 28 March 1893; Isaac married Laura Boatwright on December 26, 1894. They had one child that died in infancy.

Laura Boatwright Davis is my 2nd cousin 3 times removed. 





________________________
[1] MRS. LAURA DAVIS obituary, The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 15 August 1940.
[2] Find A Grave Memorial# 63689101

Surname Saturday~Rivers-McQuage

Caroline Lugene "Carrie" Rivers was born on 19 Dec 1880 in Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina.^{1 2 3 4 5 6} She was the daughter of Mark Rivers and Martha Caroline Dean. Carrie died on 10 May 1951 at the age of 70 and was buried on 12 May 1951 at McQuage Cemetery in Marlboro County, South Carolina.^{7 8 9 10} 
 
Caroline Lugene "Carrie" Rivers and James Marion McQuage Sr. were married on 15 Dec 1895 in Marlboro, South Carolina.^11–12
 
James Marion McQuage Sr., son of Henry Thomas McQuage and Winnie Elizabeth Autry, was born on 6 Dec 1871 in Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina.^13–14 James and his family are enumerated in the 1900-1940 Censuses for Marlboro County, South Carolina.^{15 16 17 18 19}
 
James died on 25 Jan 1952 at the age of 80 in Richland County, South Carolina.²⁰ He was buried on 27 Jan 1952 in Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina.^{21 22 23}
 
James Marion McQuage and Caroline Lugene Rivers had the following children:
 
i. Anna Winnie McQuage, born 21 Nov 1896, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married James Hoyt Thompson, 8 Apr 1920; died 28 Nov 1966.
ii. Mattie Viola McQuage, born 1 Mar 1899, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married John B. Quick; died 27 Apr 1969, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iii. Lance Graham McQuage was born about 1902 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. ^{24 25}
iv. Lena Marion McQuage, born 25 Feb 1904, Bennettsville Marlboro, South Carolina; married James Laban Brown; died 13 Jul 1993, Longwood, Seminole, Florida.
v. Rachel Lome McQuage was born about 1906 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. ^{26 27 28}
vi. Lugene Carolyn McQuage was born about 1908 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. ^{29 30}
vii. Sue Elizabeth McQuage, born 23 Dec 1911, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Ernest Livingston Webster; died 30 Dec 1980.
viii. Henry Lafayette McQuage was born about 1912 in Marlboro County, South Carolina, United States. ^{31 32}
ix. Mildred Rivers McQuage, born abt 1920, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Wilbur D. Haley.
x. James Marion McQuage Jr. was born about 1924 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. ^{33 34} He was educated at Wingate College in 1946–1947.
 
Caroline Lugene "Carrie" Rivers is my 1st cousin 4 times removed.






 
___________________________
1. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey; Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984, page 210. Tombstone of Carrie Lugene Rivers McQuage; 19 December 1880–10 May 1951, McQuage Cemetery, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina.
2. 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #99, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 13 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1536.
3. 1910 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro Caunty, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #90, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 13 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T624_1468.
4. 1920 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #132, Page 293B; Line 96, Dwelling 10, Family 10, Household of J. M. MCQUAGE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 14 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625, Roll: 1703.
5. 1930 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #42, Page 265A, Line 46, Dwelling 81, Family 82, Household of James M. MCQUAGE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 14 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_2205.
6. 1940 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 35-40, Page: 7A; Line 11, Household #84;, Household of James M. McQuage [Oiegey]; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 21 February 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm T627_3826.
7. Carrie McQuage, death certificate 008993 (10 May 1951), Vital Records, Department of Health, Austin, Travis County, Texas.
8. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey, Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984. Tombstone of Carrie Lugene Rivers McQuage.
9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 14 September 2011); Headstone for Carrie Lugene Rivers McQuage; (19 December 1880–10 May 1951); Records of the McQuage Cemetery; Marlboro County, South Carolina, USA.
10. Mrs. James M. McQuage obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 12 May 1951, page 7A, col 4.
11. 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #99, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE.
12. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey, Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984. Tombstone of Carrie Lugene Rivers McQuage.
13. James McQuage, Richland County, South Carolina death certificate 000933 (25 January 1952).
14. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, James Marion McQuage (6 December 1871–15 December 1895), Memorial # 39299217.
15. 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #99, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE.
16. 1910 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #90, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE.
17. 1920 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #132, Page 293B; Line 96, Dwelling 10, Family 10, Household of J. M. MCQUAGE.
18. 1930 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #42, Page 265A, Line 46, Dwelling 81, Family 82, Household of James M. MCQUAGE.
19. 1940 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro, South Carolina, ED 35-40, Page: 7A; Line 11, Household #84;, Household of James M. McQuage [Oiegey].
20. James McQuage, Richland County, South Carolina death certificate 000933 (25 January 1952).
21. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey, Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984. Tombstone of James Marion McQuage.
22. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, James Marion McQuage (6 December 1871–15 December 1895), Memorial # 39299217.
23. Obituary for J. M. McQuage, Marlboro County; Rites Set Sunday, The State, 26 January 1952.
24. 1910 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #90, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE.
25. 1920 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #132, Page 293B; Line 96, Dwelling 10, Family 10, Household of J. M. MCQUAGE.
26. 1910 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #90, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE.
27. 1920 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #132, Page 293B; Line 96, Dwelling 10, Family 10, Household of J. M. MCQUAGE.
28. 1930 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #42, Page 265A, Line 46, Dwelling 81, Family 82, Household of James M. MCQUAGE.
29. 1910 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #90, Page: 283, Line 15, Dwelling 123, Family 123, Household of James MCQUAGE.
30. 1920 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #132, Page 293B; Line 96, Dwelling 10, Family 10, Household of J. M. MCQUAGE.
31. Ibid.
32. 1930 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #42, Page 265A, Line 46, Dwelling 81, Family 82, Household of James M. MCQUAGE.
33. Ibid.
34. 1940 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Wilson, Marlboro, South Carolina, ED 35-40, Page: 7A; Line 11, Household #84;, Household of James M. McQuage [Oiegey].

Feb 21 - 52 Ancestors: #8, Shadrach Johns

Amy Johnson Crow of No Story To Small has started a challenge of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.

From her blog, “The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. Not only should this get me blogging more, but also to take a deeper look at some of the people in my family tree.”

Shadrach Johns is my 2nd Great Grandfather on my maternal side of the family.  This side of the family seems to have experience much more sadness in life as compared to other family lines.
Shadrach was born about 1800 in South Carolina. His parents are unknown/unproven. Research points to a connection with the Ephraim Johns family of South Carolina. He married Mary Bone/Boan about 1842.  To this union four (4) children were born. Their children are:

• Alice Catherine “Katie” Johns, b. abt 1844
• Thomas H. Johns, b. 1847
• Joseph Henry Johns, b. Apr. 1849
• Anna W. Johns, b. abt 1854

The family were enumerated in the 1850 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ¹



By 1860, the family had migrated to Alabama and can be found in the 1860 Census for Seals Station, Russell County, Alabama. ²



Not much is known about the family between 1860 and 1880. We do know that Alice Catherine Johns married Joel S. Toler, on 30 September 1869 in Bullock County, Alabama.³

We also know that Shadrach, at age 61,  served in the Civil War with Co. K, 24th Alabama Infantry. ⁴
We know that between 1861 and 1864 he moved from Russell County, Alabama to Washington County, Florida. In Florida, Shadrach Johns served with the Florida Militia.⁵ We know that as a member of the Florida Militia that Shadrick Johns was captured near Marianna, Florida, 27 September 1864; Sent from Ship Island, Miss to New York on November 5, 1864 by Capt. M. R. Marston; Imprisoned at Elmira, NY; He was released from Elmira on 29 May 1865. ⁶

He returned to Washington County, Florida. On 3 Dec 1866, the family signed a Chesterfield County Land Deed transferring property inherited by Mary Boan Johns to William T. Goodwin. (Chesterfield County Deed Book 5, Pages 598-599 and Deed Book 6, page 177).⁷

At this time Shadrach, Mary and the four children are named within the deed and acknowledged their presence with their signature or marks. 

I have not determined what happened to this family between their presence for the signing of this deed and the 1880 Census. But between that time period, Alice and Joel had two children and Mary, Alice, Joel, Thomas, and Anna W. Johns disappeared and is presumed to have died most likely from some pestilence.  

Shadrach and Joseph Johns are found in the 1880 Census ⁸ with two grandchildren in the household, William Shadrac Toler and Mary Toler. 



We know that Shadrach Johns died after 1880 but no obituary, death certificate or tombstone has been found.  Joseph Henry, the only surviving son, is my great grandfather.  





___________________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 109A, Line 11, Dwelling 161, Family/161, Household of Shadrach JOHN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Russell County, Alabama, population schedule, Seals Station, Russell County, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 893, Line 7, dwelling 238, family 227, Household of Shadrick Johns; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_22.
[3] Bullock County, Alabama, marriage (30 September 1869), Joel S. Toler to Catherine Johns; Montgomery, Alabama, USA, State of Alabama Center for Health Statistics, Record Services Division.
[4] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 23 January 2013), entry for Shadrack JOHN, Private; Co. H, 24th Alabama Infantry; Confederate.
[5] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 23 January 2013), entry for Shadrick Johns, Private; Capt. Parson's Company; Confederate.
[6] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 23 January 2013), entry for Shadrick Johns, Private; Florida Home Guard; Confederate.
[7] Land Deed - S. Johns & Others to Alice Goodwin Deed; 3 December 1866; Deed Book #6; Page(s) 177; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 1999.
[8] 1880 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #108, page 460A, Line 22, Dwelling # 43, Family #43, Household of Shade JOHN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T9_1235.

No Posting~Remainder of This Week

 

For the next 4-7 days I will be off my computer attending a wedding. Will definitely be back in sync by Monday, 17 Feb 2014.

52 Ancestors: #7, Sarah Jane Graves

Sarah Jane Graves is my 2nd Great Grandmother. She was born about 1834.¹ She first appeared in the 1850 census for Chesterfield, South Carolina.²



After many years of research, I believed the relationship of individuals in this household are:

• Mary Graves, age 55, Mother of David W.; Grandmother of Sarah & Thomas
• David W. Graves, son of Mary and Father of Sarah and Thomas
• Sarah J. Graves, daughter of David W. Graves
• [William ] Thomas Graves, son of David W. Graves.

While the 1850 census shows that David is 32 years of age; his tombstone in Saint Mary’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old) lists her birth as  Jan. 22, 1812. If this date is correct then in 1850 his age would have been 38. 

David served in the Civil War and sometime around 1859 Sarah Jane Graves was married to William A. Purvis. They can be found in the 1860 census for Anson County, North Carolina, married and without any children.³ 



Sarah Jane and William A. Purvis had only one child, a son , William James Purvis born 25 September 1863 in Anson County, North Carolina. 

In 1870, William James is in the home and listed as age 7. ⁴



And finally in 1880, the family was found also in Anson County, North Carolina.⁵
 


The above entries are enlightening and very puzzling. The puzzle is -  Who is Betsy Purvis and Mary J. Purvis. The enlightenment comes from the revelation that Great Grandpa married Great Grandma when he was only 15-16 years old. 

Then on 31 December 1893  tragedy strikes and Great Great Grandma Sarah Jane died after battling cancer for the past fifteen months.⁶
 
The funeral of the wife of Mr. Wm. PERVIS was preached by this writer in the M. E. Church of this place last Sunday [31 Dec. 1893]. She was a good old woman. She had suffered intensely for fifteen months from cancer. She was a member of the M. E. church about 20 years. Messenger-Intelligencer issue of January 4, 1894,  page 3, McFarlan News

No tombstone has been found for Sarah Jane Graves Purvis. The nearest Methodist Church to their farm was Zoar United Methodist Church. Their only son and his wife are buried at Zoar; it mostly likely that William A. and Sarah J. Purvis are also buried there in an unmarked grave. 







_________________________
[1] Based on age reported in 1850-1860 Census.
[2] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[3] 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.
[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.
[5] 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) # 2, Page 350B, Line 36, Dwelling 233, Family 251, Household of William A. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.
[6] Sarah Jane Graves Purvis obituary, Messenger-Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 4 January 1894, page 3, McFarlan News.

Tombstone Tuesday~Baby Levina Purvis

While working in my database this week I realized that a Find A Grave Memorial did not exist for one of the children of my paternal grandparents.

My Grandparents, James Frances “Jim”  Purvis and Lucy Pearl “Pearly” Deese Purvis had  7 children but only 6 were known. Many in our family knew that Jim and Pearly had a daughter that had died as an infant; but, the child was always known as baby Purvis. Their first born was a daughter, named Levina. While we knew the exact location of Baby Levina grave; I have found no documentation that proved her exact date of birth and death. A single note exist in my database stating that “Levina died at birth as told by my Grandmother Lucy Pearl Purvis.” She is buried in the Morven Cemetery beside her parents.

Her grave contains no marker but is outlined in  a circle of stones. The flowers in above photo are at the head of her grave.

Levina now has her own memorial.



















______________________________
[1] Find A Grave Memorial# 124910885

Amanuensis Monday~Land Deed, Ben Brock to James Brock

 

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 subject is a 400 acre tract of land , located in Anson County, North Carolina, being sold to James Brock.

Anson County Land Record

 Ben Brock to James Brock ¹
Know all men by these presents that I Benjamin Brock of the State of South Carolina Chesterfield District for and inconsideration of the sum of fifty cents have granted, bargained sold released unto James Brock of the State and district aforesaid and by these present do grant, bargain, sell and release unto him the said James Brock a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the state of North Carolina Anson County on a branch of Westfield Creek containing four hundred acres more or less which I the sd Ben Brock purchased from Jane McIntire Ann McIntyre Duncan Nicholson and James Nicholson reference being had to the deed for a more particular description of said lands. To have and to hold unto the said James Brock his heirs Execrs, Adms and assigns to the sd bargained premises forever and I the sd Benjamin Brock for myself and my heirs exers Adms. and assigns the above named premises will forever warrant &defend. Now if I the above named Benjamin Brock my execs, Adms and assigns shall and do will & truly pay unto the sd James Brock his heirs execs adms and assigns the full & just sum of fifty dollars good and lawful money on the first day of January 1832 with lawful interest of the state of South Carolina for the same. Then this indenture to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue and lastly it is covenanted and agreed that the said Benjamin Brock shall remain in the possession of the above named premises and all the privileges thereof necessary to the enjoyment of the same and shall receive all the rents profits in the premises until default be made in the proviso herein contained. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 day of December 1827.
                                                                                          Benjamin X Brock
Signed & sealed in presence}
of Eli P. Brock }   Anson Jany SC 1828
Squire Brock }     
Dun Nicholson}  Then this Deed was proven in open Court by Eli P. Brock and ordered to be registered.                                                            W. Dismukes Clk

The above land deed took place in December 1827 between Benjamin Brock  and James Brock. There are several Benjamin Brock’s in This area at this time. The Benjamin that initiated this deed is believed to be Benjamin Brock married to Catherine Wright. Shortly after this transaction Benjamin and Catherine left the area and as of today it is not known where they migrated.

The James Brock in this deed, the purchaser, is the James Valentine   Brock, b. 13 Sept 1749, Switzerland and died 15 Dec 1847 in a house fire in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He is the son of the original Valentine Brock and his first wife Anna Margretha Lischer.  Eli P. Brock and Squire Brock are the sons of this James Brock.

Mississippi Probate Record
 
Eli P. Brock migrated to Hinds County Mississippi. Eli P. died in Hinds County in 1844. ²  
The State of Mississippi
Hinds County
In the Probate Court of said County; January Term 1851
To Samuel Brock, Esquire Brock, Benjamin Brock, and all other unknown heirs who are non-residents, and all other persons whatsoever interested in the Estate of ELI P. BROCK, deceased:YOU are hereby cited to be and appear before our said Court, at the April Term, 1851, thereof, then and there to shew cause if any you can why MOSES BROCK administrator of said estate should not be allowed at that time to make his final settlement and be discharged from all farther liability as such administrator.
WITNESS, Hon. Amos R. JOHNSTON, Judge of our said Court, at its January Term. [L. S.] A. D. 1851, and the seal of said Court attached.
Attest---- W. H. HAMPTON, Clerk
Jan. 23, 1851. ---32-3t.
Hinds County Gazette, Raymond, Mississippi, 23 January 1851. Number 32, Volume 6

You can see that the Mississippi Probate Record for Eli P. Brock lists some of the same men named in the 1827 Anson Land Deed (DB W:147) and ALL are listed as non-residents of Mississippi.



______________________
[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "W", Pages 147-148, BEN BROCK to JAMES BROCK; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[2] Eli P. BROCK Probate Notice, Hinds County Gazette, Raymond, Hinds County, Mississippi, United States, 23 January 1851, Number 32, Volume 6.

Sunday’s Obituary~P. A. Sellers

Phillip A. Sellers is my 1st cousin 4 times removed. He was born 3 May 1818, a son of Roland Sellers and Margaret Eddins. He married Martha Ann Brooks about 1844.



While out in his field yesterday morning Mr. Phillip A Sellers, of Lilesville township, very suddenly yielded to an attack of heart failure and expired when he fell. Anson County had no more worthy citizen. He was 82 years old and was loved, honored and revered by every one who knew him. His death will be deplored by the entire county. ¹

Phillip A. Sellers and his wife are buried at Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery, Cairo, Anson County, North Carolina. ²









_____________________________
[1] Mr. Phillip A. Sellers obituary, The Charlotte Observer, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States, 3 July 1902, page 4. Three Deaths.
[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 1 January 2013); Headstone for Phillip A. Sellers; (3 May 1818–2 July 1902); Records of the Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery; Cairo, Anson County, North Carolina, United States.

52 Ancestors: #6, J. Calvin Deese

John Calvin Deese is my Great Grandfather. John Calvin was a son of  Samuel Deese and Sarah Hill. Three different dates have been found for John’s birth; 10 November 1852 (calculated from age given on NC Death certificate 77y, 2m, 22d and a death date of 1 Apr 1930), 10 November 1854 (Tombstone) and 11 Dec 1853 (NC Death Certificate). ^{1 2 3}

John and his brother Henry Harrison married sisters, daughters of James W. Huneycutt and Sarah Elizabeth “Sallie” Page. 

Henry Harrison married Nellie Isabelle Huneycutt  and John Calvin married Louvena Huneycutt on 9 April 1884. Louvena was twenty eight years old when she married John Calvin. ⁴

John Calvin and Louvena had 4 daughters born between 1885 and 1889. These children were: Lucy Pearl, Theresa Sara, Etta M and Louvena Deese. 

The 1889 birth of Louvena on 15 October resulted in the death of both Mother and child. The Mother died the following day after the birth of her child. The Child, Louvena died 1 year later on 17 October 1890. ^{5 6} 

This left John Calvin, a farmer, with 3 small babies to care for as well as his farm.On 4 February 1892, John Calvin Deese and Sarah Frances Gathings were united into Holy Matrimony.⁷  Sarah Frances “Fannie” Gathings was 32 and John Calvin was 39. Between 1989 and 1897 John and Fannie would add three more daughters to the three from John’s first marriage. These three children were Winnie Elizabeth, Cora Lee and Callie Blanche Deese. 

Of these seven girls, six would live to adulthood; five of the six would marry and have families of their own. Cora Lee would remain unmarried her entire life. 

John Calvin wrote his Last Will and Testament on 14 March 1908. He died in April 1930. ⁸



John’s daughter Lucy Pearl is my Grandmother. This Will is the earliest document I have that indicates she was married to my Grandfather. She is named in this Will dated 14 March 1908 as Mrs. Lucy Purvis (Item V) so I know she married Grandpa sometime before 14 March 1908.
 
The NC Death Certificate for “Calvin Deere” shows that he died 2 April 1930.  Actually, he died about 11pm Tuesday night, 1 April 1930 as stated in his obituary. ^{9 10} 

Death of J. Calvin Deese.
Tuesday night at 11 o'clock Mr. J. Calvin Deese died at his home. He had been a victim of paralysis for a long time and the end was expected at any hour. The funeral was held in the Methodist church Thursday morning at 10 o'clock conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. L. McCain, and interment was in the Morven cemetery where a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives gathered to pay the last tribute to a man who had always labored with both heart and hand to do the right thing for his Master, his country and family. Mr. Deese was 77 years of age, he had been a citizen of Morven nearly all his life. He was twice married, first to Miss Lavenia Honeycutt and to this union three children were born, and second to Miss Fannie Gathings, and to them were born three children also. He is survived by his second wife and five daughters. They are: Mrs. Baldwin, of Palestine; Mrs. Jim Purvis, of McFarlan; Mrs. Reuben Phillips and Misses Lizzie and Cora Deese of Morven.
[John Calvin Deese, found under Morven News, The Messenger & Intelligence, 3 April 1930, Page 10.]
 
John Calvin Deese was buried in the Morven Cemetery, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina.
I have looked for quite some time for a photo of my great grandfather John Calvin Deese. If you are related or know someone who has a photo, I would be eternally grateful if you would contact me and share the photo.  








_____________________
[1] 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 337B; Line 15, Dwelling 97, Family 97, Household of Sam DEES; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 March 2013); citing National Archive Microfilm M593, Roll 1122.
[2] State of North Carolina, death (2 April 1930), Calvin Deere [Deese]; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
[3] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 2 January 2010); Headstone for John Calvin Deese; (10 November 1854–1 April 1930); Records of the Morven Cemetery; Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.
[4] State of North Carolina, marriage (9 April 1884), John Calvin Deese & Louvenia Honeycutt; https://www.ancestry.com, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[5] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on June 2011); Headstone for Louvena Huneycutt Deese; (10 November 1857–16 October 1889); Records of the Cedar Creek Meeting House Cemetery; Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.
[6] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on June 2011); Headstone for Louvena Deese; (15 October 1889–16 October 1890); Records of the Cedar Creek Meeting House Cemetery; Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.
[7] State of North Carolina, marriage (9 April 1884), John Calvin Deese & Lavinia Honeycutt; https://www.ancestry.com, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[8] Anson County, North Carolina, LDS FHL microfilm #018161: page 423 Will of John Calvin Dees; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.
[9] State of North Carolina, death (2 April 1930), Calvin Deere [Deese]; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
[10] OBITUARY: John Calvin Deese obituary, The Messenger & Intelligence, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 3 April 1930, Page 10, Morven News.

Wordless Wednesday~San Francisco 2001

____________________________________
From the photo archives of Charles L. Purvis

Tombstone Tuesday~Baby Henry

HENRY DEESE

b. 5 March 1942

d. 19 May 1942

bu. Morven Cemetery

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Henry was the son of Edward W. Deese and Mary Eliza Brock. Henry was 2 months and 2 weeks old when he passed away. His NC death certificate shows he died at 9 p.m. on 18 May 1942, no medical aid. He was buried on the 20th of May 1942 in Morven Cemetery, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina. 

Note: The tombstone shows birth as 3 March 1942 and death date as 19 May 1942. NC Death certificate #18 shows Birth as 5 March 1942 and death date as 18 May 1942. 


 

Little Henry is my 2nd Cousin.
________________________________
[1] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 3 December 2009); Headstone for Henry Deese; (3 March 1942–19 May 1942); Records of the Morven Cemetery; Morven, Anson County, North Carolina.
[2] State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 18 (18 May 1942), Henry Deese; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

Amanuensis Monday~George R. Boatwright 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 subject is the WILL of George R. Boatwright written in July 1888.¹



George R. Boatwright Will
The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
In the name of God Amen
I, George R. Boatwright of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and memory do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following. That is to say:
1st. It is my will and desire that all my just debts and funeral expenses be paid.
2nd. I give and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth McBride three hundred and fifty dollars in addition to what I have already given to her and her heirs forever.
3rd. I give and bequeath to my daughter Lauretta Boatwright four hundred and fifty dollars in money. One bed and furniture and one cow and calf. I also give, devise and bequeath to my said daughter Lauretta, fifty-two acres of land to be laid off so as to include the Homestead.
4th. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah C. Boatwright all the remainder of my land, and four hundred and fifty dollars in money and one cow and calf or the value of a cow and calf.
5th. I give and bequeath to my grandson Ervin Brock one hundred dollars, in addition to what I have already given him or his mother.
6th. It is my will and desire and I so direct that all the corn, fodder, and stock that I have at my death be sold and the proceeds of such sale be divided among my heirs at law, the child or children of any deceased child to take the share to which their parent would have been entitled to, if living.
7th. The residue of my property, of whatever kind, real and personal I give, bequeath and devise unto my son Drury L. Boatwright to him and his heirs forever.
8th. I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my son Drury L. Boatwright Executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this 10th day of July AD 1888.

Signed, Sealed and acknowledged
By the said George R. Boatwright as
and for his Last Will and Testament                                G. R. Boatwright
in our presence who at his request
in his presence and in the presence of
of each other have subscribed our names
as witness to the same.
W. J. Hanna
W. W. Hursey
E. G. King

George R. Boatwright was born 19 Jan 1819, a son of Lewis Boatwright and Elizabeth Rebecca Davis. He married Lauretta Hurst about 1852, Their first born Child Elizabeth was born in 1853.^{2 3} 

Lauretta was the daughter of Isaac Hurst and Henrietta “Ritta” Rivers. She was born about 1831 and died 8 August 1863.⁴  

In the ten (10) short years they were married George and Lauretta had 6 children, 2 sons and 4 daughters. Their oldest son, Lewis died at age three; the remaining children all lived to adulthood, married and had families of their own. His daughter Harriett, aka Hennie, wife of Ervin Samuel Brock, Sr. also passed away before his demise. The exact date of her death has not been found. The surviving 3 daughters and son are named within the Last Will and Testament.  

George R. Boatwright died 9 April 1894 at the age of 75 having survived his wife passing 31 years past. He never remarried after the loss of his Lauretta.

 

George and I are 1st cousins 4 times removed.

 

____________________________
[1[ South Carolina, Probate Records and Loose Papers, 1732-1964; Chesterfield, SC; Probate Court, Estate records 1865-1927; Cases 0758-0829; Probate File #781, George R. BOATWRIGHT,  Image 743 & 744 of 1603; FHL Film #2166628; Folder #781, Images 742-760
[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 3 June 2012); Headstone for George R. Boatwright; (19 January 1819–9 April 1894); Records of the Hurst Family Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[3] 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 177B, Line 31, Dwelling 1214, Family 1214, Household of Lewis BOATWRIGHT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[4] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 174A, Line 20, Dwelling #1162, Family 1162, Household of Isaac HURST; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.