Carolina Family Roots: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Amanuensis Monday~Land Deed-Annie Gathings & Mary Lear to Eli Rivers

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 North Carolina Land Deed where Annie Gathings and Mary Lear (sisters) are selling 88 Acres of Land located in Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Eli Rivers. This land was their share of the estate lands of Harvey Haynie that the two sisters inherited after the death of their Father.

Annie Gathings & Mary Lear to Eli Rivers
This indenture made and entered into this the 27th day of January one Thousand Eight hundred and Eighty One between Annie Gathings and Mary Lear of the state of North Carolina and County of Anson of the first part and Eli Rivers of the State of South Carolina and County of Chesterfield of the second part. Witnesseth: that the parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of Sixty dollars in hand paid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged has bargained, sold, and conveyed, and by these presents doth bargain, sell and convey unto the said party of the second part, his heirs and assigns forever their individual interest in and to a certain tract or parcel of land lying on the waters of Thompson Creek in the county of Chesterfield and state of South Carolina, adjoining the lands of W. A. Thurman, Isaac Hurst & Others, containing Eighty Eight acres, more or less, and known as the Estate lands of Harvey Haynie, our part and interest being one third of said Eighty Eight acres--to have and to hold the said tract or parcel of land to the said parties of the second part, his heirs & assigns forever. And the said parties of the first part doth hereby covenant to warrant and defend the aforesaid land to sd party of the second part his heirs & assigns forever. In witness whereof we hereunto set our hands and seal.
Signed in the presence of} Annie Gathings
S. Myers Mary Lear
J. H. Gathings [James H. Gathings]

State of North Carolina}
Anson County} I, John C. McLancklin, Clerk of Superior Court, for the said county of Anson hereby certify that the due execution of the foregoing deed of conveyance by Annie Gathings and Mary Lear, was proven before me this day by the on hand examination of S. Meyers, a subscribing witness thereto. Let the deed of conveyance with this certificate be registered. This the 9th day of April, A.D. 1883.
John C. McLancklin
Clerk of Superior Court

April 10th, 1883. Then the foregoing Deed and Certificate came into my hands and was duly registered.
P.J. Coppedge
Register of Deeds

Annie Gathings was the wife of Graham Gathings. Graham died at a Richmond Hospital on 4 July 1864 while serving during the Civil War. Annie and Graham had 4 children; one son and three daughters. James H. Gathings witness to above deed is the son of Annie Gathings one of the parties executing the deed. Mary Lear mentioned above is Annie Gathings sister. Annie and Mary are daughters of Harvey Haynie, deceased.
________________________
[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book 22, page 408, Annie Gathings & Mary Lear to Eli Rivers; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sunday’s Obituary~Walker Rivers

[Hugh] Walker Rivers
Special to The State
Chesterfield, March 16. --Walker Rivers, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Rivers, died yesterday morning at his home three miles west of town. Mr. Rivers had been sick with rheumatism for several weeks, however; blood poisoning, due to a deep seated abscess, was the immediate cause of his death. Mr. Rivers was born in 1889, and was a young man with a bright future. About six years ago he was married to Hulda Gulledge, daughter of William Gulledge of this county. Besides his wife and two children, Mr. Rivers is survived by his father and mother and the following brothers and sisters; W. T. Rivers, J. H. Rivers, R. Y. Rivers, Fred C. Rivers, J. C. Rivers, Mrs. M. L. Lisenby, Mrs. J. D. Purvis, Mrs. O. I. Pittman, and three younger sisters.
Mr. Rivers was a consistent member of the Methodist Church. The funeral services were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Paul T. Wood, assisted by the Rev. B. D. Smith of the Baptist Church.
Walker and Hulda had 3 boys between their marriage on 7 January 1912 and Walker’s death on 14 March 1916. After Walker passed away Hulda married J. Edd Allen and had an additional three children; a son and two daughters.

Hugh Walker Rivers is my 3rd cousin twice removed.

_____________________
[1] Walker Rivers obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 16 March 1916, Page 3, Col 5.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Surname Saturday~Massey

Rosa Caroline Massey, daughter of William Lawrence Massey and Huldah Meadows married my 2nd great Grand Uncle Thomas Franklin Davis.

Rosa Caroline was born 24 March 1845. She came from a large family of 14 siblings and was one of the younger children. She and Thomas were married about 1865, most likely just after Thomas Franklin returned from the Civil War and they would also raise a large family.

Between 1865 and 1890 Rosa and Thomas would have 14 children; 11 of which would live to be adults. Three of their children, a daughter and a son passed away just after childbirth and one daughter lived to age 3.

The following are children of Rosa Caroline Massey and Thomas Franklin Davis:

Mary Huldah Davis

Amanda J. "Mandie" Davis

William Michael Davis

Emma Susanna Davis

James Thomas Davis

John Robert Davis Sr.

Rebecca Frances "Fanny" Davis

Samuel Thomas Davis

Rose Ella Davis

Infant Davis

Charlie Lester Davis

Dora A. Davis

Nancy Elizabeth Davis

Reuben Nathan Davis

SOURCES___________________________________

Ancestry.com

Memoirs of the War of Succession

Military Service Records

Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865: Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869

Ancestry.com

Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey

Find A Grave

Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865

Find A Grave

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

52 Ancestors: #13, Luther William Johns

Luther William Johns, Sr. was born 11 April 1917 in Chesterfield, South Carolina, a son of Julius Johns and Mary Catherina “Mamie” Brock. He had two older siblings and 4 younger siblings.^{1 2}
In May 1937 his father was stuck and killed on Highway #9 near Chesterfield. One year, one month and one day later his Mother passed away while being cared for in the Doctor's Office. Their sudden death left 7 orphan children; the oldest age 25 and the youngest age 8. Luther was 21 when his Mother passed away.^{3 4} .
Shortly after the death of his parent Luther joined the Coast Artillery Corps or Army Mine Planter Service on 13 January 1941⁵

Later in the war he became a paratrooper and was assigned to an Army-Airfield in North Western Nebraska. While stationed here, he met and married Jeanne Katherynne Sovereign on 6 August 1943 in Chadron, Dawes County, Nebraska. Luther and Jeanne had three children, two daughter and a son.

After the War, Luther found employment with the railroad and continued working with the railroad until his retirement. In 1954, Luther and Jeanne were divorced.

My Mom loved her brother Luther. In the late 1950’s Mom had not heard from Luther and became concerned. She wrote the local police in the City he was last known to live in and it wasn’t long until Mom received a letter from her brother.

Sometime between 1954 and 1960, Uncle Luther remarried to a lady named Viola Marie “Vie’ Wooldridge.

In January 1961, after completing basic training in the Air Force I was assigned to Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Illinois. I knew that Uncle Luther and his wife Vie were living in the Chicago area. It wasn’t long before I called them and scheduled a visit with my Uncle and his wife. My last visit with them in the simmer of 1961 was the last time that I saw my Uncle.

In the late 1990’s I reconnected briefly with two of my cousins from this marriage. In 2000, after the loss of my wife in 1998, I decided to move back home to the Carolina's to help care for my Mother. I learned from my cousin that their Mom was living in Williamston, North Carolina. I visited with Aunt Jeanne in Williamston shortly after returning to North Carolina.

I have lost contact again with my cousins from this union. So if anyone out there reads this and recognizes names from this posting please contact me.

Luther William Johns died 9 August 1985. Viola Marie “Vie’ Wooldridge Johns died 22 December 1993 and Jeanne Katherynne Sovereign Johns Martindale died 19 February 2002. May they rest in Peace with their Savior.

Luther William Johns is my Uncle.

________________
[1] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010," [database on-line], Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 (http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2441 : viewed 12 January 2012), Luther W. JOHNS.
[2] 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 40, Page 16B/172B (stamped), Line 83, Dwelling 292, Family 300, Household of Julius JOHN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.
[3] FATAL HIGHWAY ACCIDENT - Julius Johns obituary, The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, South Carolina, 20 May 1937.
[4] James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 842. Tombstone of Mamie Johns; 21 September 1889–17 June 1938, Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_Coast_Artillery_Corps

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Tombstone Tuesday~Henry Epps Brown

In 1800 Sarah Rivers, daughter of Frederick Rivers, turned 18 on her birthday and married John H. Brown. Family folklore and public records indicates that shortly after their marriage John and Sarah migrated to Georgia. Their first born son, Frederick Epps was born about 1802 in Chesterfield, South Carolina. Their next son, William Lafayette Brown was born in Georgia about 1807. By the 1820’s they have migrated further west and settled in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. ¹

Sarah and John would go on to rear 9 children, seven (7) sons and two daughters. Their son, Henry Epps Brown was born in Alabama. Henry married Frances A. “Fannie” Shelton abt 1855.² This is the same years that John H. Brown, the patriarch, died on 14 September. Henry was granted Letters of Administration on his Father’s Estate. After the death of John, Henry, his family and Mother Sarah moved to Arkansas. Living in Arkansas were two other sons, Frederick Epps Brown and Epps Rivers Brown. Sarah can be found enumerated in the Epps Rivers Brown family home in 1860 and 1870. In the late 1880, brother Stephen and his 2nd wife, Rosa would also move to Arkansas to live with his son, John Hancock Brown in Carroll County, Arkansas. ^{3 4}

Henry and Fannie settled in Howard County, Arkansas where he served as Lawyer and Judge for many years.⁵ They would raise 4 daughters and a son. You can read about him here:

http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-distinguished-life-reduced-to-words.html

Henry Epps Brown Tombstone⁶

b. May 22, 1820
d. Mar. 11, 1889, Howard Co. AR

Age 68Yrs, 9Ms, 11Ds

bu. Center Point Cemetery, Howard Co., AR

_____________________________
[1] 1840, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, population schedule, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Page: 47; Line 13, None, Household off John H. BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 8 June 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication Roll M704_216.
[2] Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Filebox 31: No 253, John H. Brown; Died 4 Sept 1855.
[3] 1870 U. S. Census, Union County, Arkansas, population schedule, Franklin, Union County, Arkansas, Page: 523B; Line 26, Dwelling/Family 107/108, Household of Epps R. Brown; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 24 July 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_65.
[4] 1870 U. S. Census, Township 20, Range 9, Choctaw County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 20, Range 9, Choctaw County, Mississippi, Page 390B; Line 12,, Dwelling/Family 40/40, Household of Fredrick BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 31 July 2011); citing NARA publication M593, Roll: 725.
[5] 1860 U. S. Census, Union County, Arkansas, population schedule, EL Dorado, Union County, Arkansas, Page 316, Line 30, Dwelling/Family 704/652, Household of Henry BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 31 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653 Roll 51.
[6] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 31 July 2011); Headstone for Henry Brown; (22 May 1820–11 March 1889); Records of the Center Point Cemetery; Center Point, Howard County, Arkansas, USA.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Amanuensis Monday~SC Rev War Pension List

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 South Carolina Revolutionary War Widows Pension List.

Nancy Davis, last entry on this list, is my 4th Great Grandmother. She was born 15 Dec 1767 and died 15 Dec 1853. Her husband Thomas Davis served as a Private during the Revolutionary War. She received $13.66 1/2 per month commencing 20 March 1845 until her death 8 years, 8 months and 25 days later.

________________________
[1] Ancestry.com. U.S. Pensioners, 1818-1872 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. <http://goo.gl/8bG37W>
Original data: Ledgers of Payments, 1818-1872, to U.S. Pensioners Under Acts of 1818 Through 1858 From Records of the Office of the Third Auditor of the Treasury, 1818-1872; (National Archives Microfilm Publication T718, 23 rolls); Records of the Accounting Officers of the Department of the Treasury, Record Group 217; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Sunday’s Obituary~Mr. Fred Davis, Sr.

Mr. Fred Davis was Richard Frederick Davis, son of Robert Richard Davis and his wife, Sarah Rivers. Fred, as he was known, was born 21 October 1837. He died on 7 November 1915.

Fred was twice married. His first wife, Elizabeth McBride, bore his two sons, J. Fred and John W. Davis; his second wife, Lucy Hardy White bore him another son, Robert L. Davis.

--Obituary--

Mr. [Richard] Fred Davis, Sr., an aged man of the Zoar section of the county died last Monday night and was buried at Zoar church cemetery at 4 PM Tuesday. Mr. Davis saw four years' service in the war between the states. He was a life long member of the Methodist church and leaves besides his wife, three children, Messrs. J. Fred, John W. and Robert Davis, a brother Mr. John W. Davis of Hartsville and one sister, Mrs. Hannah Grant of McFarlan, NC.

---------------------------
[1] James C. Pigg, "Obituaries from the Chesterfield Advertiser 1892-1926, Chesterfield County, SC "; Self-published, 2001. Obituary of [Richard] Fred Davis Sr.;[The Chesterfield Advertiser,10 November 1915, page 1, col. 5, Chesterfield County, SC.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Surname Saturday~William L. Brown and Sinai Brown, Are They Siblings?

In the mid-1800’s (1830-1880) there were two distinct “BROWN” families living in Lauderdale County, Mississippi. One was the family of JOHN H. BROWN and his wife, SARAH RIVERS BROWN (my ancestors). The other family were descendants of a early settler named George Brown.

In my research I have found that siblings in these two families are often mixed up when in fact these families are two distinct families and are unrelated.

Take for instance this paragraph from “The First Hundred Years of the Pine Springs Community of Lauderdale County, Mississippi”, page 22.

John and Sarah had more children born in Alabama before they moved to Jasper County, Mississippi and then, later on, to Lauderdale County. Not all of the names of their large family are known. They had a daughter Sinai who married Thomas J. Hamrick in 1834 in Alabama. It is thought that Henry, born 1821, and Stephen P., born 1823, were their sons, but this has not been proven. ¹

The most obvious error I have found is that William L. Brown and Sinai Brown are siblings. I have found NO EVIDENCE that they ARE SIBLINGS and are only related through their marriage into the Hamrick Family.

William Lafayette Brown married Martha Hamrick, on 25 Dec 1828 and Sinai Brown married Thomas Jefferson Hamrick, 18 Nov 1834. Martha Hamrick and Thomas Jefferson Hamrick are siblings and children of Capt. John C. Hamrick and Katherine Myers.

Sinai Brown was born abt 1817 in Alabama. She married Thomas Jefferson on 18 November 1834 in Monroe County Alabama, Marriage Book “A”, page 12. Her parents are unknown. ²

William Lafayette Brown was born about 1807 in Georgia to John H. Brown and Sarah Rivers Brown. He was their second born son.

John H. Brown died 4 September 1855 in Lauderdale County, Mississippi and his estate was probated there. John and Sarah had the following known children: ³

Frederick Epps Brown, b. abt 1802
William Lafayette Brown, b. abt 1807
Epps Rivers Brown , b. abt 1810
John R. Brown, b. Oct 1813
Martha Brown, b. abt 1818
Henry Epps Brown, b. 22 May 1820
Stephen Brown, b. abt 1823
Nancy Brown, abt 1831
James L. “Jim” Brown, b. abt 1838

When John H. Brown passed away in 1855 his estate named the following survivors/heirs:⁴

Frederick Brown
William Brown
E. R. Brown

Heirs of John R. Brown – Martha, Nancy, Catherine, Thomas, Timothy

[Note: John R. Brown and his wife Elizabeth Pigford both died unexpectedly in the early 1850’s and left their 5 minor children orphans. Their oldest daughter was already married.]

Martha Matthews
Stephen Brown
J. L. Brown
Martha L. Smith
Henry Brown

Note: Clearly one of the Martha’s listed above is an error and should have read Nancy.

The heirs/distributee list for John H. Brown Estate matches the known children of John H. Brown. Sinai Brown Hamrick died about 1846 leaving her husband and 6 children. If she was the daughter of John and Sarah there would have been a line in the heirs/distributee list that read – “Heirs of Sinai Brown Hamrick”; the absence of this line clearly indicates there was no relationship between the John H. Brown family and Sinai Brown.

Conclusion:
It is the opinion of this researcher that there is no sibling link between William Lafayette Brown and Sinai Brown. Sinai Brown’s parents are currently unknown. John Wesley Brown, Jr. and his wife Eliza Davison had a daughter named Sinai born 18 Mar 1841. Is Sinia Brown born 1817 a sister to John Wesley Brown, Jr. and the Aunt of Sinai Brown born in 1841?

If you have any information on the parents of Sinai Brown, born about 1817 in Alabama, please contact me.

________________________
[1] Mary Ellen New White, The First Hundred Years of the Pine Springs Community: of Lauderdale County, Mississippi (Meridian, Mississippi: LCDA&H, Inc., 1992), page 22.
[2] "Alabama Marriages, 1809-1920," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 March 2014), Miss Cinai Brown & Thomas Hambrick, married 18 Nov 1834; Dodd, Jordan R., comp; Monroe County, Alabama, Marriage Book “A”, page 12.
[3] Lauderdale County, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Filebox 31: No 253, John H. Brown; Died 4 Sept 1855.
[4] Ibid.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Petition of Martha Hamrick Brown

William Lafayette Brown, Sr. was born about 1807 in Georgia to John H. Brown and Sarah Rivers. About 1802 John H. Brown and Sarah Rivers Brown migrated from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Georgia and then onto Lauderdale County, Mississippi.

William L. Brown married Martha Hamrick, daughter of John and Katherine Hamrick, on December 25, 1828. The marriage is recorded in the Family Bible of John C. and Katherine Myers Hamrick. Between 1828 and 1853, ten (10) children were born to this union.

On 19 August 1853 in the prime of his life, William L. Brown, at age 46, died. His widow, Martha Hambrick Brown, and oldest son, John L Brown petition the courts for Letters of Administration. ¹

The State of Mississippi}
Lauderdale County}         To the Honorable Jubal B. Hancock Judge of Probate court Lauderdale County and said county. The petition of Martha Brown & John H. Brown residents of said county respectfully shows that William Brown late of said County departed this life the 19^th August and leaving no will so far as your petitioner knows or believes. That said intestate died possessed of real Estate and about 6 negro slaves and a stock of horses, cattle & hogs, some farming utensils, some debts due him. That your petitioners are the Widow and sone <sic> of said deceased. That beside your petitioner the said deceased left nine other heirs, distributes to wit; Catherine Dear wife of John Dear and Sarah Jane wife of John Warner, William L., Martha, Almira, Emeline, Margaret, Frances, one an infant not named [Dorothy], children of said deceased. Your petitioner therefore prays that letters of administration may be granted then and they offer Arthur Brown and Thomas Hambrick securities on their bond, John Malone, Isaac Luttles and John Gillespie they name as … and again duly bound your petitioner will ever pray & etc.
                                                                                    Martha Brown
                                                                                    John Brown
Sworn to and subscribed Sept. 12, 1853
J. B. Hancock, Judge of Probate
Filed 12^th Sept. 1853, Recorded 13^th Sept. 1853
Benj. L. Parke, Clerk

William Lafayette Brown is my 1st cousin 5 times removed.

____________________
[1] Mississippi, Probate Records, 1781-1930, Lauderdale, Probate records 1851-1855 vol D-E; Image 351 of 632, Book "E", page 28, 29 & 30.
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-31039-18154-75?cc=2036959&wc=MMY2-7WD:1213286456

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Treasure Chest Thursday~Civil War Pension Application, Catherine J. Brock

Marriage dates prior to 1911 in the up country of South Carolina are almost none existent. To find a marriage date prior to 1911 in Chesterfield County is a real rarity. So the marriage date of James P. Brock and his wife Catherine Josephine Smith is a real gem.

                                                   Class No…………………………………..
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA}
County of Chesterfield}                       HONOR ROLL

TO THE COUNTY PENSION BOARD:

The undersigned applies for enrollment under the Act of 1919. I am the Widow of Jas. P. Brock … who enlisted in Company I Regiment First of SC Artillery Battalion of …..Captain Charles Ouglesly on the 15 day of April 1864, and served in that command until the first day of March 1865, and was at that time a member of Company I, Regiment of First SC Artillery Battalion of …Captain Charles Ouglesby.
I was married to him the 2 day of September 1869. My husband did not desert the service of the Confederate States nor of this State. My husband died on 2 day of Febry 1919. My income from all sources does not exceed $500.00-does not exceed $1000.00. I am 66 years of age. I reside at B. A. Brocks in Chesterfield County, S.C. and have lived there since the First day of January 1910.
I have not been on the pension roll of South Carolina, nor any other State, nor of the United States. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30..}
Day of Oct…..1919..}                                 Catherine X Brock {her mark}
D. F. Brock, Magst
Probate Judge

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA}
County of Chesterfield}
Personally appeared before me W. H. Teal & S. W. Brock who being duly sworn, each of them deposes and says they knew Catherine J. Brock who is an applicant for a pension, and they have read the said application; that they know of their own knowledge that her husband, named…James P. Brock, was a private in Company I Regiment of First SC Artillery, and that he rendered services as therein stated; that she had resided in this State … 66….years.
Day of Oct…..1919..}                |          W. H. Teal
D. F. Brock, Magst                    |          Company I Regiment 1^st N. C.
Probate Judge                          |          S. W. Brock
                                                     |         Company C Regiment 5th

I was married to him the 2 day of September 1869. My husband did not desert the service of the Confederate States nor of this State. My husband died on 2 day of Febry 1919. My income from all sources does not exceed $500.00-does not exceed $1000.00. I am 66 years of age. I reside at B. A. Brocks in Chesterfield County, S.C. and have lived there since the First day of January 1910.

James P. Brock is my 1st cousin 4 times removed.
______________________________
[1] "Confederate Pension Applications," SC Department of Archives and History, SC Archives Database (http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/onlinearchives/search.aspx : viewed 30 March 2009), Confederate Pension Applications, Catherine J. Brock, "S126088: BROCK, CATHERINE J. OF CHERAW, CHESTERFIELD COUNTY APPLICATION FOR PENSION FOR SERVICE OF JAMES P. BROCK IN COMPANY I, FIRST S.C. ARTILLERY.," S12608802441a & S12608802441b.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

52 Ancestors: #12, William Sellers

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 focus of my blog today is William “Old Frozen Bill” Sellers, my 3rd Great Grandfather.

The car stopped on the highway just below Bannockburn where a man sat on the plazza of a farm house set well back from the road.

"Can you tell me where Mr. Andrew Sellers lives?"

"Yes, ma’am," and the man rose and came down the steps, meeting the visor about half way the long walk.
"I’m looking for Mr. Andrew Sellers, an old Confederate veteran."
"Yes, Ma’am, that’s me."
"You? You’re not Mr. Sellers?" incredulously.
"Yes ma’am, --won’t you come in?"
And this old fellow, eighty-eight years young, walked briskly up the steps, went in the house and brought out a heavy, upholstered chair for his visitor to sit in while he talked reminiscently of old days.
Mr. Sellers was born in Chesterfield county in 1844, son of Bill Sellers and Elizabeth Parsons. His grandfather was known as "Old Frozen Bill" Sellers, whose wife was Gilly Edens [Eddins]. He says his parents, with several of his father’s brothers and sisters, seven families in all, took a great notion to go west in the forties, and very shortly after he was born they made the trip and settled out there. But a few years later his father died, and when an uncle from South Carolina came out to visit them in 1854, his mother and her children returned with him to Chesterfield.¹

This is the only document I have found that refers to my 3rd Great Grandfather, William Sellers, as “Old Frozen Bill Sellers.

My 3rd Great Grandfather William Sellers was the son of Phillip Sellers and his wife Mary LNU. William was the 3rd born of eight known children, all boys. he was born between 1791-1800 and according to an Equity Court Record died in July 1844.

#17 Ratliff, Susannah T. & Nancy vs. Gilly Sellers Exe. of Wm. Sellers Sr. - Bill for injunction & c 1846
William Sellers, Senior died July 1844, testate. Widow, Gilly Sellers; William Sellers, Senior and Gilly Eddings married before 1830, present was his brother, Hardy Sellers and her sister, Temperance Eddings who later married Moses Knight.²

As indicated above William Sellers married Gilly Eddins. They had 3 known children, 2 sons and a daughter. They may be other unknown children. The above Equity Court Record indicates that William Sellers died testate(with a Will) in July 1844; but no Will has been found.That’s most likely due to loss of pre-civil war records.

Gilly died shortly after the death of her husband, sometime between July 1844 and November 1850. The exact date of her death is unknown but she cannot be found in the 1850 census.³

_______________
[1] Chesterfield Advertiser, April 07, 1932, page 3, col. 3-5: Andrew Washington Sellers, By Nellie Bristow, Florence Morning News.
[2] James C. Pigg, Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865: Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869 (Tega Cay, South Carolina: Self-published, 1995), page 130.
[3] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Tombstone Tuesday~Lewis Charlie Rivers

Lewis Charlie Rivers

b. 12 Feb. 1860

d. 30 Oct. 1927

bu. Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery

Photo Courtesy of Sharon F. Corey

There’s conflicting information on the death date of Lewis C. Rivers. South Carolina Death Certificate #19982 shows that Lewis died on 27 November 1927 and was buried on 28 November 1927 at Elizabeth Church.¹

This death certificate is in error. Lewis died on 30 October 1927. Obituaries published in “The State” newspaper on 2 November 1927 and “The Chesterfield Advertiser” on 3 November 1927 states that he died on the previous Sunday and was buried on Monday.^{2 3}

“L. C. Rivers, 67, only brother of J. Clifton Rivers, state warehouse commissioner, died Sunday at his home near Ruby, and was buried Monday in the family cemetery near his home.” [The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 3 November 1927, page 1, col. 5.]

Lewis was survived by his widow, Mary Emily Sellers Rivers and seven children, three daughters and fours sons. One daughter and one son predeceased their father.

_____________________
[1] Lewis C Rivers, death certificate 019982 (27 November 1927 [Should read 27 October 1927]), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
[2] L. C. Rivers obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 3 November 1927, page 1, col. 5.
[3] L. C. Rivers obituary, The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 3 November 1927, page 1, col. 5.
[4] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 15 March 2014); Headstone for Lewis Charlie Rivers; (12 February 1860–30 October 1927); Records of the Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery; Mount Croghan, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[5] Calendar-http://luirig.altervista.org/calendar/index.php?year=1927

Monday, March 17, 2014

Amanuensis Monday~1841 Land Deed

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 copy of the Land Deed where Hardy Sellers, Jr. deeded 2 acres of land to the Trustee’s of “The Hopewell Baptist Church of Chesterfield” for the purpose of building a church in October 1841. ¹

HARDY SELLERS TO HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
            Know all men by these presents that I, hardy Sellers of the District and State aforesaid for and in the consideration of the love I have to God, and the interest I take in his cause on earth and to the Baptist denomination in particular, have given, granted, bargained, and released unto Edw. Burch, Theophilus Guy, Rollen Sellers, Joel Gulledge, Junr., John Jordan, William M. Burkley, Levi Johnson, John P. Sellers, Matthew Atkinson, William A. Mulloy and others, who now members of "THE HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH OF CHESTERRFILED," & by these presents do give grant, bargain and release unto the said individuals above enumerated, others who are now members of the said "The Hopewell Baptist Church of Chesterfield" all that certain piece, parcel or tract of land whereon the meeting house of the said The Hopewell Baptist Church of Chesterfield now stands, containing two acres more or less, having such shapes and marks & boundaries as the plat hereunto annexed will more fully show, a reference being had thereunto, beginning at a pine corner xiii n thence N 3.16 links to a stake xiii thence E. 5 chains to the beginning, nearly parallel with the public road, together with all & singular the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all & singular the premises before mentioned unto the said Edward Burch, T. Guy, R. Sellers, J. Gulledge, Junr., J. Jordan, Wm. M. Burkley, L. Johnson, J. P. Sellers, M. Atkinson, W. A. Mulloy & others who are now members of the said THE HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH of Chesterfield and their Successors forever. And I do hereby bind myself, my heirs, Executors, Administrators and assigns to warrant & Forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said individuals as before named and others who are now members of the said THE HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH of Chesterfield and their successors against myself, my heirs, and assigns and against every other person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof.
    Witness my hand and seal this the 30th day of October, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and forty-one and in the sixty sixth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of}              Hardy Sellers {seal}
Test: Carrol W. Davis
Test: George F. Roberson

South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
            Personally appeared George F. Roberson before me and duly made oath that he was present and saw Hardy Sellers sign, seal & deliver the within deed and that he, with Carol W. Davis witnessed the due execution thereof.
Sworn to before me}                                                                               George F. Roberson
1 Nov. 1841}
T. Bryan}
    C.C.P.}

Recorded 1 March 1888

Land Deed transcribed by Charles L. Purvis 12 February 2014.

The Hardy Sellers named within this deed is Hardy Sellers, Jr. son of Phillip Sellers, Sr. The wife of this Hardy Sellers was Mary E. Hancock. We know it wasn't the original Hardy Sellers, Sr. because he died 13 January 1835.

This Deed was actually recorded twice due to the Civil War; back in October/November 1841 when executed, it was duly recorded and then after the Courthouse and all records were destroyed in March 1865, the Deed was again recorded in March 1888.] [DEED BOOK 9, Page 388-389]

Hardy Sellers, Jr. is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.
___________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 9: pages 388 & 389, HARDY SELLERS TO HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH; Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

52 Ancestors: #11, Nancy Rivers Davis

Nancy Rivers Davis is my 4th Great Grandmother. All the data we have on Nancy came from 3 census records, a family Bible, her Revolutionary Pension Record and the Revolutionary Pension Record of her husband – Thomas Davis.

Nancy was born 15 Dec 1767 in South Carolina. She married Thomas Davis in 1787/1788.^{1 2}

Nancy and Thomas had eleven (1) children; 6 sons and 5 daughters. I wrote about them here.

Nancy Rivers Davis died 15 December 1853. I have not found her listed anywhere is the 1850 Population Census. ³

She and Thomas are buried in the family cemetery in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ⁴

Her parents are unknown. There are many unsourced documents that claims that she is a daughter of William Rivers and Temple Dempsey. These reports are strictly family folklore and unreliable.

A Family History of the “The Davis Family of Wales and America” by Harry Alexander Davis states that “He married July 1786 Nancy, daughter of Frederick Rivers,* and Mary Boatwright, born 15 Dec. 1767.” Again this is unreliable information and this author for the past 37 years has been been unable to confirm it. The wife of Frederick Rivers in unknown and any information otherwise is pure speculation. ⁵

State of South Carolina }
Chesterfield District }
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 in which relation they were respectable members of the Methodist Church up to the time of his said Thomas Davis death and lived within two miles of deponent where his widow is still living and raises nine children and had ten issue of their said marriage the youngest of whom was born in the month of December 1812 which fact he knows from the birth of his own son Malachi who was born the 22nd day of August 1812 which record is now before him.
Sworn to and subscribed this 16th day of February 1852 in Open Court.
William Rivers ⁶

This William Rivers is the first born child of Frederick Rivers, he was born 25 February 1776. He states that Nancy Rivers is his AUNT. That would make Nancy a sister to Frederick, not a daughter as concluded in the Davis Book.

I don’t expect to solved this in my lifetime, the destruction of pre-civil war records makes this a daunting endeavor.

_____________________
[1] Family data, John C. Davis Family Bible Family Bible, Holy Bible, (New York: n.p., 1844); original owned in 2004 by Old Darlington District Genealogy Archives, [address for private use], Hartsville, Darlington County, South Carolina.
[2] Thomas DAVIS and W-8655, compiled military record (1779-1783), Rev. War Pension and Land-Bounty Application Files, (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration), NARA microfilm publication M804, Roll 766.
[3] Family data, John C. Davis Family Bible Family Bible, Holy Bible, (New York: n.p., 1844); original owned in 2004 by Old Darlington District Genealogy Archives, [address for private use], Hartsville, Darlington County, South Carolina
[4] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 5 June 2012); Headstone for Nancy Rivers Davis; (15 December 1767–15 December 1853); Records of the Davis Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[5] Harry Alexander Davis, The Davis Family (Davies and David) in Wales and America: genealogy of Morgan David of Pennsylvania (Washington, D.C.: n.p., 1927), Pages 54.
[6] 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.
[7] 1810, 1820, 1830 Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

52 Ancestors: #10, Capt. Benjamin Thomas Davis

In January 1850, Benjamin and Mary J. are a young newly married couple, without any children, trying to eke out a living farming the land. By 1860, Census records indicates that Benjamin and Mary J. are still childless.^{1 2}

In early 1861 with threat of all out war on the horizon Benjamin Thomas Davis formed what was known as the “Capt. B. T. Davis’ Company, South Carolina Volunteers”.³

As the company was integrated with other companies it was designated the 21st SC Volunteers, Infantry. Capt. Davis was 33 years of age in 1861 when he formed this company.

The 21st Regiment reported heavy casualties in May 1864, in front of Petersburg, at Drewery’s Bluff and the Battle for Bermuda Hundred.

On 28 May 1863, Capt. Benjamin Thomas Davis was killed in action (KIA) while fighting at Bermuda Hundred. He was 36 years old at the time of his death. ⁴

Capt. Benjamin Thomas Davis is buried at Ft. Stevens, Virginia, A “Cenotaph” was erected in his memory in his home county and can be viewed here. ⁵

It is not known what happen to Capt. Davis’ young wife, Mary Jane Knight. If you have any information on Benjamin or Mary Jane Knight please contact me here.

Benjamin Thomas Davis is my 1st cousin 4 times removed. He set a proud tradition of military service and sacrifice.

___________________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 178A, Line 6, Dwelling 1218, Family 1218, Household of Benjamin F. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 139A, Line 2, Dwelling 636, Family 635, Household of B. T. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.
[3] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 15 May 2012), entry for B. Thomas Davis, Capt.; Co. "E'. 21st SCV; Confederate.
[4] Randolph W. Kirkland Jr., Broken Fortunes: South Carolina Soldiers, Sailors and Citizens Who Died in the Service of Their Country and State in the War for Southern Independence, 1861-1865 (Columbia, South Carolina: Univ of South Carolina, 1997), page 87.
[5] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 15 May 2012); Headstone for B. Thomas "Tom" Davis; (); Records of the Chesterfield Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Tombstone Tuesday~Emma Francis Previtt Boatwright

Emma Francis Previtt Boatwright

b. 8 July 1878

d. 9 July 1947

bu. Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Emma Frances Previtt, is the daughter of John Washington Previtt and Elizabeth "Bette" Davis. She was born on 8 Jul 1878 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.¹

Emma Frances Previtt and Eugene Thomas Boatwright were married in 1900. To this union were born 9 children; 7 sons and 2 daughters.²

She died on 9 Jul 1947 at the age of 69 and was buried on 11 Jul 1947 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in McFarlan, Anson, North Carolina.³

Emma Francis Previtt Boatwright is my Great Grand Aunt.

^{___________________________}
^{[1] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 3 June 2012); Headstone for Emma Francis Previtt Boatwright; (8 July 1878–9 July 1947); Records of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery; McFarlan, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.}
[2] 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #21, Page 107A, Line 30, Family/Dwelling 424/431, Household of John W. PRIVETT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.
[3] State of North Carolina, death no. #14165 (9 July 1947), Emma Francis Previtte Boatwright; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Amanuensis Monday~Chesterfield County Land Deed

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 Land Deed between William J. Purvis and T. F. Meisenheimer.¹

William J Purvis}
To
T. F. Meisenheimer}   Deed

The State of South Carolina
                       Know all men and by these Presents that I William J. Purvis of the County of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid, in consideration of the sum of ninety [$90] Dollars to me in hand paid at and before the sealing of these presents by T. F. Meisenheimer of Anson County in the State of North Carolina (the receipt or is hereby acknowledge) have granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do grant bargain sale and release unto the said T. F. Meisenheimer all that piece parcel or tract of land situate lying and being in the County of Chesterfield State of South Carolina on the North side of Big Westfield Creek and bounded on the North by the North and South Carolina State line on the east by Isham Wallace and James Lewis lands on the West by lands belonging to the Estate of George Gardner and lands belonging to John Mulholland and on the South by Big Westfield Creek containing thirty [30] acres more or less being the tract of land deeded to me by William A. Purvis by deed dated 6 December 1866 and deeded to the said W. A. Purvis by Joseph P. Smith together with all and singular the Rights Members Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the said Premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining. To Have and To Hold all and singular the said Premises before mentioned unto the said T. F. Meisenheimer his Heirs and Assigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself my Heirs Executors and Administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said T. F. Meisenheimer and his Heirs and Assigns against myself and my Heirs and all other persons lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my Hand and Seal this 7th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty eight [1888] and in the twelfth [12] year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed sealed and delivered}
in the presence of}
E. T King}                       W. J. Purvis {seal}
Alfred Johnson}
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me E. T. King and made oath that he saw the within name W. J. Purvis sign, seal, and as his act and deed, deliver the within written Deed and that with Alfred Johnson witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me this 7th}
day of January A.D. 1888}                                        E. T. King {Seal}
W. J. Hanna}
Clerk of Court}
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
I W. J. Hanna, Clerk of Court do hereby certify unto all whom it may concern that Mrs. M. H. Purvis wife of the within named William J. Purvis did this day appear before me and upon being privately and separately examined by me did declare that she does freely, voluntarily and without any compulsion, dread or fear of any person or persons whomsoever renounce, release and forever relinquish unto the within named T. F. Meisenheimer his heirs and assigns all her interests and estate and also all her right and claim of dower of, in, or to all and singular, the premise within mentioned and released.
Given under my Hand and Seal, this}
7th day of January Anno Domini 1888}
{official seal} W. J. Hanna}                                      M. H. X Purvis (her Mark}
Clerk of Court}
Recorded this 7th day of January 1888 and Book C, page 228
                                                            T. M. Kirkley
                                                            Auditor, Chesterfield County, SC
Recorded 7th Jany 1888
Land Deed, dated 7 Jany 1888 – William J. Purvis to T. F. Meisenheimer, Chesterfield County Court House, Register of Deeds, Deed Book 9, Pages 284-286. Certified Copy of Deed on file

This 30 Acres of land was purchased from John P. Smith by William A. Purvis 6 Dec 1866. Shortly, after the purchase, John P. Smith died. The boarder of North and South Carolina has changed several times in the history of the two states. William A. Purvis lived in Anson County and the Deed was recorded in Anson County. It’s possible that in 1866 the land was in North Carolina. In early 1868 the Wadesboro Court House burned along with this recorded land deed.

The heirs of John P. Smith took my 2nd Great grandfather to Court to recover money for the purchase of the land that my 2nd great grandfather had not fully paid.

The lawsuit is contained within this posting:
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/05/treasure-chest-thursday39-years-in-life.html

My 2nd Great Grandfather lost the case. I have no idea what he agreed to originally pay for this land but his total court cost was $235.00 for the 30 acres.

I have no idea why William James Purvis sold this land. At one time he and his Father, William A. Purvis owned over 200 acres. By 1888 most of that land had been sold. By the turn of the century, Great Great Grandpa had passed away and Great Grandpa and Grandma were sharecroppers.

______________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 9: pages 284-286, William James Purvis to T. F. Misenheimer; 7 January 1888, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.