Land Deed Confirms Family Composition

When the bonfire had quit burning and the soldiers had marched or ridden off, the good citizens of Chesterfield County retrieved one (1) burned deed book from the burning embers that was once their county courthouse.  That Burned Book is still maintained on file in the present day courthouse. The below deed between Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis can be found on page 48 of that book.

 

Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis
Burned Book page 48
 
Know all men by these presents that we Sarah Sellers and James Oliver of the district of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of to be paid by John Purvis of the same district in the state aforesaid have granted, bargained, sold and release, and by these presents Do Grant, bargain, Sell and release, unto the said John Purvis, all our interest in a tract of land belonging to the Estate of Vicey Purvis, late of the district of Chesterfield, situate lying and being in the District and state aforesaid, which said tract of land was conveyed to the said Vicey Purvis by Edward Burch by deed bearing date 2^nd day of January A. D. 1829 and Recorded in the Register office of said District in Book II, page 393. The tract of land that we have this day conveyed to the said John Purvis contains One Hundred and twenty two acres more or less and is in the North Western portion of the above tract of Three Hundred acres bounded by lands of Sarah Sellers and others—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 premises before mentioned, unto the said John Purvis his Heirs and afsigns forever, And we do hereby bind ourselves our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises, unto the said John Purvis his Heirs and afsigns. Against …our Heirs and every other person or persons lawfully claiming or to [Burnt section illegible] or any part thereof--
[Burnt section illegible] Hands and Seals this 26^th day of February in the year of our
[Burnt section illegible] eight hundred and sixty one---
[Burnt section illegible] delivered.                                  Sarah X Sellers {seal}
[Burnt section illegible]                                                   James X Oliver {seal}
[Burnt section illegible]
[Burnt section illegible]
 
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District} Personally appeared before me H. Craig and made oath that he saw the within named Sarah Sellers & James Oliver sign seal and as their act and deed deliver the within written Deed and that he with Thos. Craig witnefsed the execution thereof.
 
Sworn before me this 4^th day of Augst 1862 H. Craig
D. Douglafs
           Mag.                                                          (Recorded Aug. 4^th 1862)

I have previously written about the use of land deeds in family research and what a valuable goldmine Land Deeds can be in your research. 
 
This particular deed, pulled from the ashes and burning embers is one of those “gold nuggets”  because it confirms and verifies the family composition of one Vicey Purvis. 
 
Vicey Purvis appears in three census in Chesterfield County South Carolina. In all cases, she is listed without a husband in the household. 
 
1830 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 172; Family History Film: 0022506,  Page: 258; Line 15, Vicy Purvis, female, age 40-49, 3 males, age 10-14 and 1 female, age 16-19.
1840 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; NARA Series: M704; Roll Number: 510; Family History Film: 0022508, Image 1338, Page: 362; Line 15, Vicy Purvis, female, age 50-59, 1 males, age 20-29 [Stephen] and 1 male, less than 5 years of age.
1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll:  M432_851; Image: 290, Page: 143A(stamped); Line 19, Dwelling 685, Family 685; Vicy PERVIS, female, age 64, born in SC; Daniel TURNAGE, male, age 12, born in SC and John TURNAGE, male, age 11, born in SC.

In 1850, Vicy states that she was 64 years old; thus born in 1786, which matches the age reported in the other two census. 

In 1830 she had 3 males born between 1816-1820 and 1 female born between 1811-1814.

Two of these males were:
John “Jack” Purvis, born 1814
Stephen Purvis, born 1818
1 male (unknown)
The female born between 1811-1814 was most likely her last born, a daughter named Mary, though the census shows that she was born in 1821. There is also a possibility that the 16-19 year old female was Sarah Purvis just before she married Elijah Sellers.
 
In February 1861, when the above Land Deed was executed we see that this deed was used to transfer land which is now in possession of Sarah Sellers and James Oliver; lands that is the Estate Lands of Vicey Purvis. Those named within this deed are:

Vicey Purvis, (Mother)

• John Purvis, (Son)
• Sarah [Purvis] Sellers (Daughter)
• James Oliver (Son-in-law, Husband of Mary Purvis)
• Stephen Purvis, a son, born 1818 was not named within the deed because he was deceased. Stephen Purvis chose to enlist as a volunteer in the Mexican War. During the Battle of Vera Cruz, he was killed in June 1847.

I’m at a lost as to why Mary [Purvis] Oliver was not named. Also, in many years of research I have not yet identified a Male Purvis as the husband of Vicey [Maiden Name unknown] Purvis. 

If you have any information on Vicy/Vicey Purvis, her children or her spouse I would love to hear from you. In almost 40 years of Purvis research I have not heard from anyone researching this specific line.
_______________________
Land Deed - Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis; 26 February 1861; Deed Book #Burnt Book; Page(s) 48; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 27 August 2014.

52 Ancestors: #35,William Shadrac Toler

 


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 post today is William Shadrac Toler.
 

Older Couple-William S.Toler and Missie

 Toler**

William Shadrac Toler is my 1st cousin twice removed. He and his family and my parents and siblings lived within 20 miles of each other growing up, yet, I never knew he and his family existed until I started doing genealogical research. 
 
His parents and most of his Mother’s family just disappeared between 1860 and 1880 and though he was young when this happened he may have had some knowledge of their demise passed down from his Grandfather, my 2nd Great Grandfather or by his Uncle, Joseph Henry Johns my Great Grandfather.

   

I have previously written about this mystery, which can be read here:
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2014/01/treasure-chest-thursdaythe-shadrach.html

William Shadrac Toler was born on 5 Apr 1874 in Seal Station, Russell, Alabama. ^{1 2 3 4} William died on 19 Jun 1955 at the age of 81 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.⁵ He was buried on 20 Jun 1955 at Society Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Society Hill, Darlington, South Carolina. ^{6 7}

William Shadrac Toler and Margaret Alice "Missie" Linton were married on 27 Dec 1896 in SC.
 

Margaret Alice "Missie" Linton, daughter of Alexander Linton and Victoria Kelly, was born on 8 Sep 1881 in Chesterfield County, SC. ^{8 9} She died on 6 Nov 1964 at the age of 83 in Society Hill, Darlington, South Carolina. She was buried at the Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Society Hill, Darlington, South Carolina. 
 
William Shadrac Toler and Margaret Alice Linton had the following children:
i. William Dewitt Toler, born 11 Sep 1897, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 16 Jan 1971, Vancouver, Clark, Washington.
ii. Shadrac Hudson Toler was born on 22 Oct 1898 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 1 Jan 1899 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iii. Gary Boggan Toler was born on 22 Dec 1899 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 12 Feb 1900 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Sandy Alexander Toler was born on 3 Mar 1901 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 14 Apr 1901 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Sidney Alvin Toler, born 27 Feb 1902, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 8 Aug 1976, Bishopville, Lee, South Carolina.
vi. Anna Kathryn Toler, born 12 Dec 1905, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 13 Jan 1980, Society Hill, Darlington, South Carolina.
vii. Harry Toler was born in May 1906 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died in May 1906 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
viii. Susan Roberta Toler, born 30 Jun 1907, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 6 Aug 1992, Society Hill, Darlington, South Carolina.
ix. Edward Evans Toler, born 30 Jan 1909, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 17 Mar 1984, Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina.
x. Lewis Lafayette Toler was born on 27 Jan 1911 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 8 Jun 1974 at the age of 63 in Society Hill, Darlington, South Carolina.
xi. Simpson Ellison Toler, born 18 Jan 1916, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, died 29 Jun 1976.
xii. Jacob Daniel Toler, born 9 Jan 1918, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 4 Aug 1963, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
 
I regret not knowing William S. Toler but when he died in 1955, I was a young teenager with no interest in family history. If you are related to William Shadrac and Missie Linton Toler I would love to hear from you. 
 
 
 
 
____________________
**- names of other individual in photo withheld to maintain privacy. 
1. 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.
2. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Steerpen, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0028, Page 8A/194A (stamped), Line 30, Dwelling 148, Family 157, Household of William TOLER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 23 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1523.
3. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Steer Pen, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0045, Page 13A/282A (stamped); Line 7, Dwelling 164, Family 164, Household of William TOLER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 23 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.
4. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 August 2014), William Shadrick Toler; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, Roll: 1852504.
5. William Shadrac Ioler [Toler], death certificate 008717 (19 June 1955), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
6. William Shadrac Tolar obituary, The Cheraw Chronicle, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 23 June 1955.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 25 August 2014); Memorial page for William S. Toler; (5 April 1874–19 June 1955); Find a Grave memorial # 97068255, Citing Society Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery; Society Hill, Darlington County, South Carolina, USA.
8. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Steerpen, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED 0028, Page 8A/194A (stamped), Line 30, Dwelling 148, Family 157, Household of William TOLER.
9. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Steer Pen, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED 0045, Page 13A/282A (stamped); Line 7, Dwelling 164, Family 164, Household of William TOLER.

Tombstone Tuesday~Vanishing Tombstones

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and the two photos in this posting speaks volumes about the future of our ancestors grave markers. 

The two photos are of the same marker taken approximately 25 years apart by the same individual. The photo on the left was taken with an 35mm camera using color film. The photo on the right was taken in 2008 with a digital camera. 

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr ca 1983

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr ca 2008

The Rev. Joel Gulledge died in December 1861, his tombstone survived through the early 1980’s when the first photo was taken. What happen to cause the deterioration shown in photo #2 between 1980 and 2008 is unknown. But, the fact remains that tombstone are not forever making the old adage “If it’s written in Granite, it’s forever”, a cliché. Yes, I know the above tombstone is not granite; but, it has deteriorated significantly in the past 25 years.

In addition to the malicious destruction by vandals, theft, plowed over family cemeteries by farmers, the modernization of vast open lands and now just plain deterioration over time and many “old cemeteries and tombstone” are becoming ruble on the ground or hauled away to dumps. 

Is this a prelude to the future of your Ancestor’s monuments? Maybe a forewarning that we need to get involved to protect and preserve these monuments for future generations. 

I can think of several ways that you can get involved and help preserve these monuments for future generation.

• Become a member of FindAGrave. and/or BillionGraves. 
• Become a photo volunteer for FindAGrave. and/or BillionGraves. 
• Be an advocate of protecting all cemeteries, the old “Family Plot” as well of the modern day Memorial or Memory Parks.
• Get you local societies involved. Perform cemetery surveys and documents these surveys with pictorial books created by the Society.
• Does you state have a Cemetery Preservation Program. If not campaign to establish one.
• Are Historic Cemeteries preserved? If not, why not. Cemeteries and tombstones are historical resources that shows patterns in our economic and social lifestyle. Get you older cemetery preserved by adding them to the local Historical Register.

Today photos may be all that left of your ancestor's monuments  25, 50 or 100 years from today. 

Amanuensis Monday~1846 Land Deed–A. S. W. Alpin to Rolin R. Sellers

 
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 an 1846 Land Deed from A.S.W. Alpin to Rolin R. Sellers.¹
 


ALEXANDER S. W. ALPIN to ROLIN R. SELLERS
State of North Carolina}
Anson County} This indenture made on the 24^th day of November in the yarn of our Lord 1846 between Alexander S. W. Alpin of the county of Anson & State of North Carolina on the one part and Rolin R. Sellers of the County and state aforesaid on the other part witnesfeth that the said Alexander S. W. Alpin hath this day sold to Rolin Sellers a tract of land being situate in the County of Anson and sate aforesaid containing Two Hundred and thirty-six acres in and for the consideration of the sum of Two Hundred and twenty Dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged the said Lands Begins at a white oak Parsons corner and runs with Pratt’s line No. 23 W, 29 Chains and 68 links to a Hickory thence So. 37 W. 89 chains & 51 links to a stake in Jarman’s line 3 pines pointer thence So. 30 E 29 chains and 60 links to a stake 4 black jacks and pine pointer thence No. 37 E 92 chains to the beginning which I the said Alexander S. W. Alpin do warrant and defend the Right & Title of the said land unto the said Rolin R. Sellers his heirs and afsigns forever against the lawful claim of any and all persons whatsoever In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal the date above written ---Signed Sealed and delivered                                                        A. S. W. Alpin {seal}
In the presence of}  State of North Carolina}  Jany term 1848
Vincent Parsons Junr} Anson County} Then the execution of this deed was
James Britt} duly proved in open Court by Vincent Parsons, Junr and ordered to be Registered.                                               N D Boggan Clk

This piece of property was purchased by Rolin R. Sellers after his marriage to Widow Sarah Pratt Hinson on 25 December 1844. The property was purchased in November 1846. Sarah and Rolin had two children, a son and a daughter.

The property, ideal for growing corn or cotton, would provide a good start for his new bride and their children. . 




 
___________________
[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: #12, page 314, ALEXANDER S. W. ALPIN to ROLIN R. SELLERS; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

Sunday’s Obituary~Pvt. John Wesley Bittle

Pvt John Wesley Bittle
Birth: Oct. 15, 1839
Death: Apr. 6, 1911

J. W. Bittle
Special to The State.
Chesterfield, April 9.-J. W. Bittle, who lived near town, died on Thursday and was buried in the family burying ground on the 7^th. Mr. Bittle served through the war in Company A Fourth cavalry, S.C.V. He had been in bad health for several years. He was about 72 years old.
 
John Wesley Bittle married Ellen Senora Smith (1853 - 1929) daughter of Ferguson Hale Smith and Catherine Melton. He was the son of John Bittle. 

He served with both the 10th and 12th Battalions until their integration into the 4th Cavalry, SCV where he was attached to Company A. His wife, Ellen, applied on April 14, 1919 for a pension based on John Wesley service to his country with Company A, 4th Cavalry, S.C.V. 



 
_______________
[1] The State, Columbia, South Carolina, 10 April 1911, Page 7, col 2.
[2] http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=50834687

Surname Saturday~Eddins-Previtte

 
William Washington Eddins was born on 3 Nov 1863 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. William was enumerated in the 1880-1920 censuses for Chesterfield County, SC and Anson County, NC.^{1 2 3} William lived his life as a day laborer, farmer and store keeper. He died on 20 May 1924 at the age of 60 and was buried in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^4 5 

William Washington Eddins and Martha E. Previtte were married in 1882. Martha E. Previtte, daughter of John Washington Previtte and Elizabeth "Bette" Davis, was born on 5 Sep 1863 in Anson County, North Carolina.^{6 7 8 9 10 11 12} She died on 21 Apr 1934 at the age of 70 and was buried in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{13 14 15 16}
 
William Washington Eddins and Martha E. Previtte had the following children:
 
i. Infant Eddins was stillborn and buried on 2 Sep 1888 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Fanny J. Eddins, born 29 Jul 1889, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 23 Nov 1965, Rocky Mount, Nash, North Carolina.
iii. Ila Violet Eddins, born 7 Oct 1891, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 23 Jul 1971, Concord, Cabarrus, North Carolina.
iv. Henry Thomas Eddins, born 3 Sep 1893, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 20 Sep 1956, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.
v. William Benjamin Eddins, born 12 Oct 1898, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died Apr 1975.
 
Martha E. Previtte Eddins is my Great Grand Aunt.









 
_______________________
1. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #21, Page 20A/102A, Line 43, Dwelling 368, Family 375, Household of William EDDINS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 2 June 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523.
2. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0012, Page: 14B/189 (stamped); Line 85, Dwelling 151, Family 151, Household of William W. EDDINGS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 August 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
3. 1920 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 15, Page: 18A/225 (stamped); Line 31, Dwelling NL, Family 268;, Household of William EDDINS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 8 August 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T625, Roll 1283.
4. State of North Carolina, death no. 47 (20 May 1924), William W. Eddins; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
5. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 2 June 2011); Memorial page for William W. Eddins; (3 September 1864–20 May 1924); Find a Grave memorial # 47277353, Citing Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
6. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Martha Privett Eddins (5 September 1863–21 April 1934), Memorial # 47277397.
7. 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.
8. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page: 326B, Line 43,, Dwelling 291, Family 291, Household of John PRIVOTT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
9. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #21, Page 20A/102A, Line 43, Dwelling 368, Family 375, Household of William EDDINS.
10. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED 0012, Page: 14B/189 (stamped); Line 85, Dwelling 151, Family 151, Household of William W. EDDINGS.
11. 1920 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, ED 15, Page: 18A/225 (stamped); Line 31, Dwelling NL, Family 268;, Household of William EDDINS.
12. 1930 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 23, Page: 7A/97 (stamped); Line 19, Dwelling 119, Family 119; William B. EDDINS, ; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing National Archives Microfilm T626, Roll 1672.
13. State of North Carolina, death no. 44, (21 April 1934), Martha Privatt Eddins.
14. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Martha Privett Eddins (5 September 1863–21 April 1934), Memorial # 47277397.
15. Ibid.
16. Mrs. W. W. EDDINS, The Messenger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, 26 April 1934, page 5.

Will of Mary Sellers, Probated 1875

The below posted will is the will of Mary E. Gulledge wife of Phillip Sellers, Jr. and the daughter of the Rev. Joel Gulledge. Philip, her husband, died before 1850 and no Will has been found for him. As indicated in the Will, Philip and Mary had 3 sons and a daughter. The Will was written in 1854 and there is no indication that the Will was updated before her death. Some records indicate that her son Elijah died in the Civil War. 

MARY SELLERS WILL¹
 


In the name of God, Amen. I, Mary Sellers of the county of Anson and state of North Carolina being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainly of this frail and transitory life, do therefore make and ordain, publish and declare this to be my last will and Testament that is to say:
First, after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, the tract of land where I am now living containing two hundred and Sixty-eight acres, lying on the South side of the middle prong of Jones Creek, adjoining the lands of Robert Huntley and others, to be equally divided at my decease between my three Sons, viz: Phillip, Elijah and Joel Sellers, after the land shall have been divided, Phillip to have the first choice in lots, Elijah the second and Joel the third, the remainder of my property to be equally divided between Phillip, Elijah, Joel and Martha Sellers.
In witnefs whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal, the twenty-third day of November in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty-four.
William D. Webb (signed)                      Mary ( her X mark) Sellers
William Webb

State of North Carolina}
Anson County} In the Probate Court October 5^th 1875
Then a paper purporting to be the the Last Will and Testament of Mary Sellers, late of said County, is propounded for Probate before me, and the due examination thereof is proven by the affidavits of W. D. Webb, and William Webb the subscribing witnesses thereto, who being duly sworn say each for himself, that the said proper writing was signed in their presence, by the said Mary Sellers and that she declared the same to be her Last Will and Testament, that they signed said instrument of writing as witnefses, in the presence of the said Mary Sellers, at her request, and in the presence of each other, and that at the time of the signing, publishing and attestation thereof, the said Mary Sellers was of sound mind and disposing memory. 
 
Therefore let the said paper writing be recorded as the Last Will and Testament, of the said Mary Sellers.
John C. McLanchlin
Judge of Probate


Mary E. Gulledge Sellers was the wife of Phillip Sellers, Jr., my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.



 
___________________________
[1] Anson County Deed Book "D". page 42 & 43
"North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19432-12107-75?cc=1867501&wc=MDRC-TM9:169763901,169851601 : accessed 21 Aug 2014), Anson > Wills, 1868-1905, Vol. D > image 43 of 361.

Treasure Chest Thursday~Eye Witness Account of the Death of John Sellers

John Sellers was born about 1825, the last born child of Philip Sellers (1774-abt 1834) and Mary LNU (1774-bef 1850). John married Mary LNU before 1850 and in their short marriage had 3 children; one son and two daughters. On Sept. 8. 1863, John enlisted into Co. "B", 31st Regiment, also known as the O-K BOYS. Eight month later, on 14 May 1864, John was killed in action during a skirmish at Drewry’s Bluff, Virginia.

In 1883, Mary his wife submitted necessary paperwork for a “widow” pension for the service of her husband John Sellers to his country. Mary Sellers pension is on file in the NC state Archive in Raleigh, NC. The information below is a transcription of 3 of these page from her 5 page pension application.¹



North Carolina}
Anson County}
Mary Sellers being duly sworn says on oath that she is the widow of John Sellers, who served as a private in Co. B. 31^st Regiment North Carolina Troops, and that her husband according to information derived from his comrades at or about that time, was killed in battle at or near Drewry’s Bluff in the month of May 1864.
Sworn to and Subscribed }                                                               Mary her X mark Sellers
Before me Sept. 7^th 1883}
John C. McLanchlin}
Clerk of Superior Court}

North Carolina}
Anson County}
Benjamin P. Liles being duly sworn says on his oath that he served as a private on Co. B 31^st Regiment, N. C. Troops that on the ___day of May 1864 the said company was engaged as skirmishes near Drewry’s Bluff in Virginia and that while so engages John Sellers was a few paces to the right of this affiant, we were firing upon the enemy and receiving as very destructive fire from them, in the midst of which John Sellers was shot in the head and killed instantly. We were lying down loading and firing and this affiant distinctly heard the thud of the ball when it struck Sellers. We advanced, drove the enemy from our front and afterwards fell back over the same ground, and while so doing this affiant saw the dead body of John Sellers lying upon the spot where he heard the thud of the ball which stuck him.
Sworn and Subscribed}                                                                             B. P. Liles
Before me Sept. 7^th 1883}
John C. McLanchlin}
Clerk of Superior Court}

North Carolina}
Anson County}
James T. Bradley being duly sworn says on his oath that he was captain of Co. B 31^st N. C. Troops from May 1863 until the close of the War, that on or about the 14^th day of May 1864, said company he being in command of is, was engaged as skirmishes near Drewry’s Bluff in Virginia and exposed to a destructive fire from the enemy during the engagement this affiant was himself wounded, and came off the field, while being carried off the field or soon thereafter he was informed of the casualties that occurred in his company and among others that John Sellers was killed. Saw John Sellers enlisted in this company some time in the year 1863, and sworn in as a private up to the day of his death.
Sworn and Subscribed}                                                                             J. T. Bradley
Before me Sept. 7^th 1883}
John C. McLanchlin}
Clerk of Superior Court}

North Carolina}
Anson County} I, John C. McLanchlin, Clerk of Superior Court for said county of Anson hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benj. P. Liles and James T. Bradley the above named affiants and know them to be men of good character and entirely trustworthy, and that they have no interest in this claim. Witness my hand and official seal.
At office in Wadesborough, this the 8^th day of September 1885.
John C. McLanchlin
Clerk of Superior Court

John Sellers is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle.






________________________________
[1] State Archives of North Carolina .., NC Manuscript and Archives Reference System (http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/ : viewed 2 August 2014), digital Image of Pension Application, "Pension Bureau: Act of 1885 Pension Applications - John Sellers," MARS Id: 5.21.49.61 (Folder); Call Number: Box 6:162.

52 Ancestors: #34, Thomas J. Graves

 


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 post today is Thomas J. Graves, my 3rd Great Grand Uncle

Thomas J. Graves was born in 1820 in Anson County, North Carolina.¹ Thomas and his family were enumerated in 3 censuses; 1840 Anson County, NC; 1850 Chesterfield County, SC and 1860 Anson County, NC. ^{2 3 4}




These two censuses show the family composition prior to the Civil War. You will note that there are some inconsistencies in the children listed in the two censuses. Martha Graves married Elisha B. Smith and Eliza, the Mother of Martha can be found enumerated with them in 1880 Chesterfield County.

The Civil War that broke out in 1861, caught up with Thomas in August 1862. On 13 August 1862 he was conscripted into service with Co. C, 8th SC Infantry at Columbia, South Carolina.⁵ A year and two months later on 15 October 1862 he died of pneumonia at the age of 42 at Charlestown Hospital in Winchester, Virginia.⁶


Another paradox is that Thomas’s wife is referred to as Mary Graves in his Military Service Record. 



Thomas J. Graves and Eliza “Mollie” Rivers were married about 1837. Eliza Mollie Rivers was born on 13 Jun 1823 in SC. ^{7 8 9 10} She died on 29 Oct 1898 at the age of 75 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was buried in the Smith Cemetery on the State line near Jackson Road West.

Thomas J. Graves and Eliza Mollie Rivers had the following children:
i. Mary Ann Graves, born 1838, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married William F. Rivers, abt 1859, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Ferguson Hale Smith, btn 1863-1867; died abt Nov 1870, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Eliza Graves was born in 1840 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ¹¹
iii. Martha Jane Graves, born 7 Oct 1841, Anson County, North Carolina; married Elisha B. Smith; died 24 Mar 1905, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
 






____________________________
1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 176B, Line 19, Dwelling 1196; Family #1196, Household of Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. 1840 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 86; Line 17, Household of Thomas J. Graves; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 June 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M704, Roll 354.
3. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 176B, Line 19, Dwelling 1196; Family #1196, Household of Thomas GRAVES.
4. 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge Township, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 230A, Line 6, Dwelling 1067, Family 1027, Household of Thomas GRAVES; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 887.
5. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 20 June 2011), entry for Thomas J. Graves, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
6. Ibid.
7. 1840 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 86; Line 17, , Household of Thomas J. Graves.
8. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 176B, Line 19, Dwelling 1196; Family #1196, Household of Thomas GRAVES.
9. 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Gulledge Township, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 230A, Line 6, Dwelling 1067, Family 1027, Household of Thomas GRAVES.
10. 1880 U S Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Mount Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 007, Page 368C(stamped), Line 49, Dwelling 293, Family 293, Household of Elishue SMITH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm T9-1225.
11. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 176B, Line 19, Dwelling 1196; Family #1196, Household of Thomas GRAVES.

Tombstone Tuesday~Elmira Gathings Atkinson

Elmira Gathings Atkinson

1 May 1835

7 Oct. 1897

Elmira Gathings is the daughter of Charles Gathings and Clarasea “Clary”  Bailey.  She was the 9th born of 12 children; five sons and seven daughters. 

Shortly after the civil War Elmira married Jerry M. Atkinson about 1865. Their first born, a son named James Richard,  was born 19 November 1866. In the 1870 census, Jerry is listed as Kennie; by 1880 Elmira is listed as a “Widow”.  

Elmira died on 7 October 1897. She was buried in the Family Cemetery near Jones creek on the old home place. Back in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s many tombstones were present in this cemetery. Five years ago when I took the above photo; Elmira’s tombstone was the only one present. Sunken ground now identifies the many graves that once were marked with marble or granite headstone.
 
Elmira Gathings Atkinson is my wife’s Great Grand Aunt.

Amanuensis Monday~1829 Land Deed~Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs

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 1829 Land Deed between Gilbert Johnson Purvis and Grass Scruggs of Clarke County, Alabama.¹
 
These Purvis are very important to my research and since receiving DNA results in April 2014 that showed a connection I have refocused my research in this area.

From previous research we know that a large contingency of Purvis families moved from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Mississippi through Georgia and Alabama. We talked about this migration and some of the clues in this posting.

I spent the last week of July through the first week of August, in Utah visiting my son and doing some research. I made a point to acquire two deeds that I knew existed in Clarke County, Alabama. Today’s deed between Gilbert Johnson Purvis and Grass Scruggs is one of those deeds.

Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs

 
This indenture made the 12 day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty-nine, Between Gilbert J. Purvis of the County of Simpson and state of Mississippi of the one part and, Grafs Scruggs of the County of Clarke and state of Alabama, of the other part Witnefseth that the said Gilbert J. Purvis for and in consideration of the sum of One hundred Dollars good and lawful money to him in hand paid by the said Grafs Scruggs at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted and sold, and by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said Grafs Scruggs his heirs and afsigns a certain lot or parcel of ground lying and being in the County of Clarke and the state of Alabama, namely Sixty Acres of the South end of fractional section No. 36, in the Township No. 11 Range No. 2 West of the Basis Meridian and bounded as follows, viz. On the east by the line of said Township on the North by fractional section No. 25. On the West by the Tombigbee Rivers, on the South by North Township line, Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging and the revisions and revisions remainder and reminding yearly and other rents or money and profits thereof and of every part and parcel thereof. To have and to hold the said lot or parcel of land with the tenements, hereditaments and all and singular other … promises herein before mentioned or appurtenances thereunto intended to be bargained and sold and every part and parcel thereof with every of the rights members and appurtenances unto the said Grafs Scruggs to his heirs and afsigns forever to and for the only proper use and behoof of him the said Grafs Scruggs his heirs and assigns forever and the said Gilbert J. Purvis for himself and his heirs the said lot or parcel of ground with all and singular the promises and appurtenances before mentioned unto the said Grafs Scruggs to his heirs and afsigns free from the claim or claims of him the said Gilbert J. Purvis his heirs and of all and every person or persons, whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witnesefs whereof the said Gilbert J. Purvis has hereunto set his hands and seal the day and year above written.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence}              Gilbert J. Purvis {seal}
of William Howell Justice Peace}

Filed in Office 29 March 1856. Recorded 9 May 1856, Book G on pages 366.367 M.M. Coats Judge P. Court
 
No evidence has been found to show that Gilbert J.[ohnson] Purvis was ever married. His Will is posted on this site and no wife was named within that Will. We know that James P. J. Purvis is a nephew but James “his Slanted E mark” Purvis relationship had not been determined.  His mark has been found in three separate Land Deeds but he has not been found in any other documents. 



 
______________________________
[1] Land Deed - Gilbert J. PURVIS to Grass Scruggs; 12 January 1829; Deed Book #G; Page(s) 366-367; Register of Deeds; Clarke County, Alabama; 1August 2014. LDS FHL Film#1823018.

Sunday’s Obituary~Gen. William Little Thomas Prince, A Good Man Gone

Gen. William Little Thomas Prince

9 May 1823

25 Oct. 1893

A Good Man Gone

Sudden Death of. Gen. W. L. T. Prince,

of Cheraw

Special to The State

CHERAW, S. C. Oct. 25.-Gen. W. L. T. Prince, of

Cheraw, died suddenly this morning, of heart disease.

A few hours before his death he seemed as well as

usual and in good spirits. He was about seventy years

old. Gen. Prince was a man of ability, and a good man

and good citizen. he leaves five daughters and two sons.¹  

Another short obit has been posted by Julie Ather on the FindAGrave Memorial for Gen Prince and can be read there. [Source: Julia Ather, FAG#45291883] ²

The Charleston News and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 26 October 1893, page 1, column 4 contains another lengthy obituary. ³
 
Col. Prince, State Representative was present at the parade and Succession Meeting held in Cheraw,on 15 November 1860. 
 
“Last Thursday was parade day for the upper battalion. There was quite a large turnout. After the parade, the people were addressed by the Hon. J. W. BLAKENEY, our Senator and by our Representatives Colonels MACFARLAN and PRINCE, and also by Col. S. JACKSON. At the close of Col. JACKSON’S speech he submitted the question of submission, or of resistance by immediate Secession, to a vote of the battalion; upon requesting all in favor of the latter to advance four paces, the whole battalion advanced four paces, leaving not a solitary man for submission. The course of our Senator and Representatives was unanimously and most enthusiastically endorsed.” ⁴
 
The county and state lost a great Statesman, Orator, General and Lawyer. 





 
______________________
[1] The State, Columbia, South Carolina, October 26, 1860, Page 3, Column 2.
[2] Obituary posted by Julia Ather on http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=45291883
[3] The Charleston News and Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 26 October 1893, page 1, column 4
[4] http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/01/chesterfield-sc-home-of-succession.html








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Saturday Night Genealogy Fun -- Genea-Bucket List

 
Randy Seaver of  Genea-Musings has given us this Saturday Night Genealogy Fun assignment:
What is on your Genealogy Bucket List?  What research locations do you want to visit?  Are there genea-people that you want to meet and share with?  What do you want to accomplish with your genealogy research?  List a minimum of three items - more if you want!

Number 1 - on my Bucket list is a burning desire to break through the brick wall of my 2nd Great Grandparents William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves. The major problem here is a lack of record due to destruction of records during the Civil War.
Number 2 – on my list would be a research visit to Chirnside, Berwickshire, Scotland. DNA results show a connection to a Joseph Purves born here in 1770; married to Anges Cockburn.
Number 3 – is my desire to have the Chesterfield County, SC research I have done in the past 40 years preserved for future generations.
Number 4 – I would like to be able to personally thank each and every person that has assisted me in my research journey during these past years.

Sibling Saturday~The Children of Phillip and Mary Sellers

Philip Sellers (1774- abt 1834) and his wife Mary (1774-bef 1850) are my 4^th Great Grandparents. They were married prior to 1790 in Cheraw District, South Carolina.

Those of you who follow this blog know the challenges of research in this County where Gen Sherman and his men burned the courthouse and every civil document they could find. Thus many of the children of Phillip and Mary are still unknown today.

Early census (1790-1810) shows that they had seven sons and five daughters with only four of these seven sons being identified while none of the daughters being identified.

One land deed in Anson County (M:214) provides the only known source of his wife’s Mary given name.

The following seven boys have been identified as children of Philip Sellers and his wife, Mary and even here there is controversy.

i. William "Old Frozen Bill" Sellers, born 1790, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Roland Sellers, born 1794, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iii. Elijah Sellers, born 1800, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.;
iv. Philip Sellers Jr., born abt 1806, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Abram Sellers was born about 1820 or 1830 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Pvt. Hardy Sellers, born 13 Dec 1823, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
vii. John W. Sellers, born abt 1825, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

The late Tony Smith and my dear departed friend Marie Gulledge Wiggins bantered back and forth on whether John W. Sellers was a child of Phillip and Mary.

Tony thought that John Matthew Sellers was the son of Phillip and Mary and Marie thought that John W. Sellers was their son.

Marie offered up these reason for why she thought John W. Sellers was the proper son.
1. John M(atthew) Sellers (called Matthew) was stabbed to death in 1849. He was married to Jerusha Smith and they had children born before 1840.
2. In the 1850 Census, John W. is married to Mary LNU and lived near the Sellers in and around Hopewell church.
3. In 1860, John W. is in Anson County.
4. Many have tried and no one has been able to place him with any other Sellers family.
5. John Matthew was born in 1810, much too early to be one of the 3 young lads in Philip and Mary’s household in 1830.

1830 United States Federal Census about Philip Sillers
Name: Philip Sellers]
1 Males - Under 5; John W.
2 Males - 5 thru 9; Hardy, Abram
2 Males - 10 thru 14;
1 Male - 40 thru 49: Phillip SELLERS, [1781-1790];
1 Female - Under 5;
1 Female - 5 thru 9;
1 Female - 30 thru 39; Mary SELLERS [1791-1800]
Source Citation: 1830 US Census; Census Place: , Chesterfield, South Carolina; Page: 262; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 172; Family History Film: 0022506.

I’m in agreement with Marie and feel certain that John W. is in fact a child of Phillip and Mary. Only a DNA test or more data will proved this case beyond any reasonable doubt. Meanwhile the search continues.






________________________
1. 1790 U. S. Census, Cheraw District, South Carolina, population schedule, St Thomas, Cheraws District, South Carolina, Page: 373; Line 936, Household of Phillip SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 11 January 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M637_11.
2. 1800 U S Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 106; Line 16, Household of Hardy SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication M32, Roll 47.
3. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 10 January 2011); Memorial page for Phillip Sellers; (1774–1835); Find a Grave memorial # 57564492, Citing Sellers Family Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
4. North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book M, page 214, Phillip Sellers to James Ratliff, M:214; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
5. Ibid.