Tombstone Tuesday~Cynthia Ellen Spease

Cynthia Ellen Spease

b. 20  May 1933

d. 13 April 1963

bu. Society Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery

Cynthia Ellen Spease was tragically murdered in a murder-suicide carried out by her ex-husband, on 13 April 1963. She was 28 years old.

Cynthia Ellen is my 3rd Cousin.

_______________________
[1] Find A Grave Memorial# 97068250

Amanuensis Monday~Will of Jacob Ganey

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

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

Today’s subject is the WILL of Jacob Ganey, written in February 1845.[1]

WILL OF JACOB GANEY OF CHESTERFIELD DISTRICT 26 FEBRUARY 1845

State of South Carolina)
Chesterfield District)
In the name of God Amen. I Jacob Ganey of the district of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina, being weak in body but of Sound mind and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last will and Testament this 26th day of February In the year our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-five in manner and form following.
First - I desire that the present crop now on hand shall be made and Gathered after which I desire the sale of my Negro man Nelson, and the proceeds go to the payment of my debts.
Second- I Give and bequeath to my beloved son Lewis Ganey the sum of one dollar.
Third - I give and bequeath to my beloved brother John Ganey the sum of one dollar to be paid unto them respectively so soon as one year after my decease shall be Expired.
FOURTH- I give & bequeath affectionate wife Charlotte Ganey all of my Lands containing about four hundred and twenty five acres with the Exception of Forty Acres off of the South side of the Teel tract of Land including the buildings wherein James Jones now lives- for which I have given a deed to Martha Jones. Also I give and bequeath unto my affectionate wife Charlotte Ganey all the remainder of my Negroes-twelve in number namely Bob, Sucky, Wilson, Sally, Hannah, Sam, Amy, Charlotte, Eliza, Mary, Harriet and Milly. Also I give and bequeath to my aforesaid wife all of my stock of Horses, Hogs, Cattle & Sheep, Also I give and bequeath to my wife all my household goods, Bedsteads, beding, and other furniture and also all the rest and residue of my personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever of what nature, Kind and quality _____ the same may be, and not herein before given and disposed of (after payment of my debts and funeral Expenses) I do give and bequeath unto my beloved wife her Executors administrators and assigns to and for her and their own use and benefit absolutely.
And I do hereby constitute and appoint my said wife Charlotte Ganey sole Excutrix of this my last will and testament. In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.

Signed, Sealed, published and declared by the)
said testator as and for his last will and)
testament in our presence, who at his request )                his
in his presence and in the presence of each)         Jacob P.  X Ganey (seal)
other have subscribed our names as Witnesses )           mark
thereto.)
    Wm. L. Robeson
    John L. P. Boan
    James K. Jones
Proved 14 Apr. 1845 & Recorded in Book No. 1, page 25 17 Apr. 1845.
Also qualified Charlotte Gainey Executrix on the 14 April 1845
(Signed) T. Bryan, O.C.D.


Jacob Ganey was twice married. His first wife was Sarah “Sally” Kendricks, later changed by court order to the surname Jackson. One known child was born to these two unions, a son, called Lewis by his second wife Sally Jackson. Jacob died 4 April 1845 and you can see by the footnotes that there was a legal battle over his estate.
___________________________
* Also spelled Gainey today
[1] Reference- SC Department of Archives, Chesterfield Equity, Lewis Gainey, William H. Gainey et al vs. Charlotte Gainey and The Darlington Flag, Volume 6, No. 3, Summer 1994, Pages 24, 25 & 26]

1815 Chesterfield County Poor House List

A Return of the monies collected by the Board of Commissioners of the Poor for Chesterfield District, and the appropriation of the same to the 1st September, 1815, to JOHN CRAIG, Esq. Clerk of the Circuit Court for Chesterfield , by _______ to ___________.

October 1, 1814                Dr.

The State of South Carolina}
    Chesterfield District}  
Personally appeared before me, JOHN CRAIG, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Chesterfield District, ALEXANDER McNEILL, Secretary of the Board, who being duly sworn, sayeth that the within statement is just and correct.                                      ALEXANDER McNEILL.
Sworn to before me this 26th Sept, 1815.
    John Craig, Clerk


This is a poor house list I found while browsing through local newspapers for the Chesterfield County. It interesting in that these recipients lived on 15-30  dollars of annual income provided by the the Board of Commissioners of the Poor.

Tombstone Tuesday~ Hosick P. Purvis

Hosick P. Purvis

b. 14 Feb. 1885

d. 11 May 1942

bu. Pleasant Hill Cemetery

McFarlan, NC

Hosick P. Purvis was born 14 February 1885 to John P. Purvis and his wife Margaret Gulledge. Hosick died in 1942 after falling from a railroad trestle that he was attempting to cross in Darlington County, South Carolina.

Not much is known of this line and I’m posting it today in hopes of connecting with some descendants from the line. 

There’s another Hossack Purvis born 1866 to John Purvis and Rebecca Parr that may be related to this family. If you have any information on the Hosick/John P. Purvis family please contact me by posting a comment to the blog post.  If you are a direct descendant of this Purvis line and is interested in Autosomal DNA testing of the line I would love to hear from you. 










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[1] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 31 August 2001); Memorial page for Hosick Purvis; (14 February 1885–10 May 1942); Find a Grave memorial # 59015111, Citing Pleasant Hill Cemetery; McFarlan, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.

Amanuensis Monday~WILL of Maggie E. Perkins

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

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

Today’s subject is the WILL of Maggie E. Perkins, written in March 1919.¹



WILL of Maggie E. Perkins
I, Maggie E. Perkins of Chesterfield County, south Carolina, being of sound mind, memory and understanding and desiring to arrange my affairs while I may, do make, ordain, publish and declare the following as my last will and testament, revoking all former wills by me made:-
1. I bequeath unto my daughters Margaret A. Duncan and Eliza Jane Shaw Ten Dollars each, but as to Mary F. Lawson I leave nothing for the reason that I have already given her enough as I see it.
2. I give to the adopted son of Julia E. Rivers, Mayo Moore Rivers as he is called by them, One bedstead, feather bed, mattress and Springs.
3. I give and bequeath the rest of the personal property of which I may die seized and possessed to my children William A. Perkins, Julian B. Perkins, James E. Perkins, John D. Perkins, David R. Perkins, Kate Giles, Iris Jones, Minnie Horton and Julia E. Rivers, share and share alike - it being my desire and intention that after the first and second clauses of this will are carried out that my children named in the clause (3) shall take in equal shares all the personal property of which I may die seized and possessed. I have no real estate now as I have conveyed all the interest I have in any lands in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, in a manner satisfactory to myself.
4. I nominate, constitute and appoint my son David R. Perkins the Executor of this my will.
                                   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
                                   my hand and affixed my seal this 22^nd
                                   March A. D. , 1919.

Signed, sealed, published and}
declared by Maggie E. Perkins as}
and for her last will and}
testament, in the presence of}
us who in her presence and}
at her request and in the presence}
of each other have subscribed}
our names as witnesses this}
22^nd day of March A. D. , 1919.}                     M. E. Perkins (seal)
J. A. Knight
E. J. Moore
F. M. Cannon

 
Maggie E. Perkins was born Margaret Emeline Davis, daughter of William Davis and Julia Thurman. She was their youngest child and was born on 17 October 1840. Maggie married James Franklin Perkins about 1856. The 1910 census shows that James and Maggie had been married for 54 years. 

Margaret Emeline “Maggie E.” Davis Perkins died 18 March 1926. She was buried at Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Maggie E. Davis Perkins is my 1st cousin 4 times removed.


----------------------------------
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-32527-49?cc=1911928&wc=MPP5-N38:190567401,190561002,190567402,191815201 : accessed 22 June 2015), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0980-1052 > image 1310 of 1643; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.

Father’s Day 2015

In Memory of

My Dad

Charles William Purvis

(17 April 1914 – 9 Sept 1993)

Some Pre-Computer Genealogical Research Tools

Many of the on-line genealogical researchers of today have no idea what it was like to do research in the pre-computer days.

Query & Letter Writing

Two of the major ways to solicit data in those days were:
1. Go through telephone books and write everyone with the surname you were interested in soliciting information on their kinfolk
2. Submission of queries to major newspaper and genealogical magazine requesting information.  One of those major genealogical publications of this era was ”The  Genealogical Helper” published by Everton Press out of Logan, Utah. 

http://www.geneamusings.com/2009/05/evertons-genealogical-helper-has-new.html

Courthouse Research
Just as today many hours were spent in Courthouses, Libraries, Archives and other places that housed historical records that may be related to your ancestor.

Family History Library
The family History Library (FHL) that you are familiar with today did not exist when I began my research back in 1976. The current FHL was open to the public on October 1985. ¹

Before the dedication of the current building the Library and office were located in the  East Wing of the Joseph Smith Building on 4 floors.

Back in those days the primary tools used was the Soundex, Census Books, Surname Books, Micro film reader, microfiche reader and many other tools.

Soundex
The Soundex was a phonetic algorithm for indexing names by sound, as pronounced in English.^{2 3}

You would take this little coding guide and convert your SURNAME to a code, i.e. the Davis Surname would convert to D120
D = D
A = Vowel - Strike through
V = 1
I – Vowel – strike through
S = 2
add a 0 to get the code of D120 = DAVIS

This is the soundex card of the 1900 Census (South Carolina) for my Ancestor – Thomas F. Davis



In this soundex image we see the D120 (DAVIS) written across the top left corner of the card.

The soundex card was the key to finding your ancestor in the census. Without the help of the Soundex it was take a look at every named entry to find your ancestor.

The Films of the census year (1900) were filed in cabinet by ED – Enumeration District. To select the proper rolls for finding your ancestor you would focus on the top right Corner of this card. 



For this Card, Thomas F. Davis can be found in ED 21, Sheet 24, Line 35 very much like today except you would take this ED Number and go to the cabinet and drawer that contained  the 1900 census and go through them (organized numerically by ED) until you found the film with ED 21 listed. In some cases there may have been numerous ED and thus would be listed 19-22, for example. 

Surname Books
Another way to find your Ancestor was through the use of the Census Surname Books. This page is from one of those surname books.



The Surname Book were books created from the Census and were printed in Alphabetical order by surname. The first listing in this 1840 Census Book for South Carolina is:
PRESCOTT, Benjamin J.  Sumt 039 No TWP L

So Benjamin J. Prescott can be bound in Sumt (Sumter) County on page 039, no township listed.

and here is the source from Ancestry

Source Citation

Year: 1840; Census Place: Sumter, South Carolina; Roll: 515; Page: 39; Image: 84; Family History Library Film:0022511

These Census Surname books were a “Blessing” back in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Back in those days there were no microfilm copy machines.

You know how you brought that information home; you did it by copying the data to your notes.

Here’s another tool that was provided so that you, the researcher, could accurately copy the information need and bring it home for review.

1860 Census Form 

This is just a small snapshot of the genealogical research process from the past. Many of you can relate to those days; many of you cannot. I can assure you we all are grateful for the advances  that has been made over the past 20-30 years. The development of the GPS – Genealogical Proof Standard, to me, was a giant step in genealogy research.

_____________________
[1]http://www.utah.com/mormon/family_history.htm
[2] http://www.archives.gov/research/census/soundex.html
[3] https://www.google.com/search?q=soundex&oq=soundex&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.2368j0j1&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

Cousin Marriage in Mississippi, 1860

Moses Holifield Jr. was born about 1837 in Jones County, Mississippi, a son of Moses Holifield, Sr. and his wife Emillia “Milly” Rivers Holifield.  He was their last born son. Moses married about 1860, Nancy Elizabeth Rivers, daughter of Luke Rivers and Mary Selina John. The marriage occurred after Luke and Mary moved their family to Jones County, Mississippi. Nancy Elizabeth Rivers was born 6 June 1845 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Luke and Milly Rivers are siblings; thus Moses Holifield and Nancy Elizabeth Rivers were 1st cousins. ^{1 2 3}
 
Moses Holifield and Nancy Elizabeth Rivers had the following children:
i. Emily Jane Holifield was born about 1862 in Jones County, Mississippi, United States. ⁴ MARRIAGE: "WHO MARRIED WHOM". Jones County Mississippi, Patricia N. Edwards & Jean Strickland, 1986, Page 68. Emily Jane HOLIFIELD, b. 1860; married abt 1881, Abner A. HINTON, born abt 1860.
2 ii. Franklin David Holifield, born 26 Jan 1863, Jones County, Mississippi; married Mary Addie Ulmer; died 26 Jan 1931, Laurel, Jones Co., MS.
iii. Warren W. Holifield was born about 1866 in Jones County, Mississippi. ^5 6 MARRIAGE: "WHO MARRIED WHOM". Jones County Mississippi, Patricia N. Edwards & Jean Strickland, 1986, Page 68. Warren W. HOLIFIELD, b. 1865; married Mary C. WHEELER, born abt 1872. 
iv. Catherine Holifield was born about 1868 in Jones County, Mississippi. ^7 8 9 MARRIAGE: "WHO MARRIED WHOM". Jones County Mississippi, Patricia N. Edwards & Jean Strickland, 1986, Page 68. Catherine HOLIFIELD, b. 1868; married George Washington HARPER, born abt 1861. 
v. Evelyne L. Holifield was born about 1869 in Jones County, Mississippi.^10 11 MARRIAGE: "WHO MARRIED WHOM". Jones County Mississippi, Patricia N. Edwards & Jean Strickland, 1986, Page 68. Evelyne L. HOLIFIELD, b. 1869; married abt 1890, John William HILL, born abt 1866.


Nancy Elizabeth Rivers Holifield is my 1st Cousin 5 times removed.




 
___________________________
1. 1850 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 128A; Line 1, Dwelling 186, Family 186, Household of Moses HOLYFIELD; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 374.
2. 1860 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, page 51/709; Line 18, Dwelling 331, Family 331, Household of Moses Holifield; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 584.
3. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 18 November 2013); Memorial page for Elizabeth Holifield; (6 June 1836-Mar. 26, 1913*); Find a Grave memorial # 25189566, Citing Springhill Cemetery; Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, USA.
4. 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, ED 126, Page: 313D (stamped); Line 41, Dwelling 98, Family 98, Household of J. J. HOLIFIELD.
5. 1870 US Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 8, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 202B/203A; Lines 35-41, Family #61, Dwelling #62, Household of Elizabeth HOLIFIELD.
6. 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, ED 126, Page: 313D (stamped); Line 41, Dwelling 98, Family 98, Household of J. J. HOLIFIELD.
7. 1870 US Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 8, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 202B/203A; Lines 35-41, Family #61, Dwelling #62, Household of Elizabeth HOLIFIELD.
8. 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, ED #126, Page 315D; Line 7, Dwelling 127, Family 127, Household of Luke RIVERS.
9. 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, ED 126, Page: 313D (stamped); Line 41, Dwelling 98, Family 98, Household of J. J. HOLIFIELD.
10. 1870 US Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 8, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 202B/203A; Lines 35-41, Family #61, Dwelling #62, Household of Elizabeth HOLIFIELD.
11. 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, ED 126, Page: 313D (stamped); Line 41, Dwelling 98, Family 98, Household of J. J. HOLIFIELD.

Wordless Wednesday~Australians ANZAC War Memorial

Photo by Charles Purvis, 11 March 2005

Photo by Charles Purvis, 11 March 2005

Purchase and Re-Sale of 300 Acres, Benjamin Brock, 1801

On 13 July 1801, John Wright, Sen. sold to Benjamin Brock 300 acres of land in Anson County (DB H2, page 212).  Benjamin Brock wife is Catherine “Caty” Wright, the granddaughter of John Wright, Sr.. The 300 acres was sold for  one hundred and fifty pounds.



Then 3 1/2 months later, on 1 November 1801, Benjamin Brock sells the 300 acres to Richard Knight & William Brooks for one hundred and Seventy pounds. (Deed Book H2, page 269-270)

A profit of 20 pounds.
 



H2-269-0270 DEED TRANSCRIPTION

339 BENJN. BROCK TO WILLIAM BROOK & RICH’D KNIGHT
THIS INDENTURE Made this twenty first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and one between Benjamin Brock of the county of Anson & State of North Carolina of the one part and Richard Knight & William Brooks of the said County & State of the other part WITNESSETH that the said Benjamin Brock for and in consideration of one hundred & seventy pounds current money of the State aforesaid to him in hand paid said Richard Knight & William Brook before the ensealing & Delivery whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself to be there with fully satisfied contented and paid hath granted bargained sold aliened enfoffed conveyed and confirmed by these presents doth fully and absolutely grant bargain enfeoff convey & confirm unto the said Richard Knight & William Brooks all that tract of Land lying & being in the County & State aforesaid on the South West side of Pee [Dee] Rivers Beginning at a pine in the dividing Line Between South & North Carolina running No. 180 poles Crossing the Mecklinburgh road East 270 (N 1074) thence So. 180 West 270 to the Beginning Containing three hundred acres of land joining Frances Parsons land on the No. Wm. Brooks on the East and Benjamin Brock on the South Together with all and singular the right 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 Richard Knight & William Brooks their heirs and assigns forever and I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors & administrators to warrant & forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said Richard Knight & William Brooks their heirs and assigns against myself and my heirs and against every person whatsoever claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof I WITNESS whereof I have set my hand & seal the day & year within written Signed sealed & delivered in the presence of us
Test.
Leuek McKinnon      State of North Carolina                               Ben Brock {Seal}
John Wright, Jur.    Anson County January Sess. 1802 Then the within Deed was duly proved in open Court by John Wright, Jur. & ordered to be registered.
                                                                      Tod Robinson Clk.

Shortly after this transaction, Benjamin Brock sold another parcel of 75 acres for Eighty dollar to Samuel Pratt. No record after 1 November 1801  has been found that names Catherine “Caty” Wright Brock. No record after 15 December 1807 has been found that names Benjamin Brock.

Was Benjamin selling off his land so he could move westward?

The absence  of Benjamin and his wife Catherine “Caty” WRIGHT BROCK is a real mystery. In one deed a witness was Eli P. Brock.  Eli P. Brock migrated to Hinds County, Mississippi and died there in 1844 (Estate Folder #778).

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

A thorough search in Hinds County resulted in no record of a Benjamin and Catherine Brock in that County.

They are listed in the 1800 Census with 4 small children.

1800 CENSUS: Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Series: M32  Roll: 29  Page: 224;  Benjamin BROCK, Age 26- 44 [1756-1774], 2 Males, under 10; 2 Female, under 10 and 1 Female, age 26-44[Wife, Catherine Wright].

What happen to Benjamin and Catherine “Caty” Brock after November 1801? If you have any clues or suggestions please contact me through this blog.








_______________________
[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: DEED BOOK H#2,, Page 212, JOHN WRIGHT SEN. TO BENJAMIN BROCK; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[2] North Carolina, Deed Book: DEED BOOK H#2,, Page 269-270, BENJAMIN BROCK TO RICHARD KNIGHT & WILLIAM BROOKS; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[3] Hinds County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Old Series,, Probate Folder #778: , Eli P. BROCK; LDS Family History Film #1749976.
[4] 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224;, Household of Benjamin BROCK; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.

Using Land Deeds in Genealogical Research

 
Benjamin and Caty Wright Brock were married sometimes before 18 January 1794. This marriage is mentioned in an Anson County Land Deed from BENJAMIN BROCK TO WILLIAM PEGUES, dated 17 January 1794 and contained within Deed Book C2, Page 239.



Another Land Deed found in Deed Book "E", Page 229 from BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT tells us that Caty Brock, wife of Benjamin Brock is the daughter of John Wright, Jr.


Catherine “Caty” Mother and John Wright, Jr. wife Elizabeth are identified in yet another Land Deed found in Deed Book “E” page 109, JOHN WRIGHT TO JOHN AULD, as Elizabeth Baker, daughter of Aaron Baker.



Land deeds are very useful when trying to piece together families. If you are not using land deeds in your research you are missing a great opportunity to maybe break down some of those “brick walls” that we all experience from time to time.







___________________________
[1] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "C2", Page 239, BENJAMIN BROCK TO WILLIAM PEGUES; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[2] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "E", Page 229, BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[3] North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book "E", Page 109, JOHN WRIGHT TO JOHN AULD; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina

Delayed Birth Certificates~A Vital Resource

After an extensive conference throughout July 1935, President Roosevelt signed The Social Security Act into law on 14 August 1935.

This Act required everyone to get a Social Security Number to participate in the program. One problem arose in that Birth Certificates in most states were not mandatory until about 1915. This was a real problem for people already eligible for social security and those that were born before 1915.

Thus we have the Delayed Birth certificate:

Delayed Birth Certificate: a birth certificate that was created by a government entity, after the fact, using data supplied by the requestor to verify his or her age and/or date of birth. (my definition)

In the county I was born in there are many books containing Delayed Birth certificates in the register of deeds office. many of these delayed birth certificates were created because of the Social Security Act; but, there are other reasons why a delayed Birth Certificate may be needed and created. 

In South Carolina, these delayed birth certificates can be found on line at Ancestry.com (paid site). The database is entitled:

South Carolina Delayed Births, 1766-1900 and City of Charleston, South Carolina Births, 1877-1901



The above Delayed Birth certificate was created 15 June 1945 for Laura Clide [Rivers] Smith.¹  Laura was the youngest daughter of Mark Rivers and his second wife Carolina Dean. Laura never knew her Dad. She was born in March 1884 and her father Mark died in May 1884.

But, Laura had the Family Bible passed down to her and she used this Bible to prove her birth, her age and  to obtain a Birth Certificate from the state of South Carolina.
Earlier this week I posted a blog listing the pages from the Mark Rivers Family Bible. That family Bible is the Bible reference in the above Birth Application for Laura Clide Smith.

http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2015/06/treasure-chest-thursdaymark-rivers.html

These delayed birth certificate applications are a goldmine of data for your ancestors. Have you check for delayed Birth Certificates in your county or state. If not, you made be overlooking a vital resource for your research.










__________________
[1] South Carolina, South Carolina Delayed Births, 1766-1900 and City of Charleston, South Carolina Births, 1877-1901, , Delayed Birth of Laura Clide SMITH, 9 March 1884; images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (http://Ancestry.com : viewed 12 May 2015).

Hard Times During and After the Civil War

John B. Rivers and Eliza Rivers were married sometime around 1832. By 1850, when the Census taker arrived they had a total of seven children; six boys and a baby daughter. It wasn’t long before three additional children were added; another son and two daughters with the last daughter arriving in 1857.  It would not be long before the happiness with the home would turn to grief.  In the same year that a new daughter (Eliza) is arriving; Eliza, the mother buried her daughter Siddie Rivers.  That grief would continue  though probably anticipated on the 3rd of June 1859.  

John B. Rivers, the patriarch of this family, passed away on 3 June 1859 from typhoid fever.

Eliza, his wife, was left with nine children ranging in age from 2 to 21 years. There were seven sons and 2 daughters. Two year later, the Civil war started on 6 April 1861 when Fort Sumter were fired upon. 

With seven sons, Eliza knew that she was going to see some if not all of her sons conscripted to fight this war. Her five oldest sons either enlisted or were conscripted into service. Four of these five boys would never see home after the war, only Frederick would return home.

Louis B,. Rivers was the first, succumbing to typhoid fever. The other three were James S., John B and Andrew. This left Doctor W. and Alfred (teenagers)  to assist around the farm and produce the crops needed to sustain the family. 

After war rations of Pork, Corn, Meal and Molasses were provided to families needing assistance. It is not known whether Eliza received these rations but it good to know that they were available if she need them. 

Records were kept of assistance provided by districts. These “Register of Rations” can be found on-line at FamilySearch.

Rations Register

Eliza was a very strong woman and I admire the courage, stamina and perseverance she possess to endure the tragedies in her life.
Loss of a daughter – Siddie 1857
Loss of Husband, John B. – 1859
Loss of 4 sons to the war –1861-1865





____________________
No footnotes.

Treasure Chest Thursday~Mark Rivers Family Bible

MARK RIVERS FAMILY BIBLE
The pages from the Mark Rivers Family Bible consists of eight separate pages with many duplications. I have removed all duplicate entries and listed the remainder. In the case of Mary Ann Rivers there were two different date for her birth. I have listed both. I believe the 22th to be the right date. Peter Wesley was entered both with and without the "J": in his name. Information in brackets [] was made by me based upon my research. The Bible pages were provided by Betty Lee Hefty. Any corrections are welcome. If you know where this BIBLE is today please contact me. My E-Mail addresses is on my Blog page right side.

BIRTHS:
Mary An[n] Rivers was born in May the 25, 1847
Mary An[n] Rivers borne May 22, 1847
William James was borne in October the 6, 1849
Peter J. Wesley Rivers was born  Friday June the 11, 1852
Eliza Jane was born May the 1d 1855
Elizabeth An[n] was born July 2, 1857
Sarah Harit [Harriet] was born September the 9, 1861 on Monday
Mark Rivers was born in November the 22d 1824
George Washington Rivers was borne the 13 day April 1860
Mark Rivers was borne in November 22, 1824
Malachi Franklin Rivers was borne April the 23, 1876 on Sunday [Son
of Mark Rivers & Martha Dean]
Nancy Eler [Ella] Rivers was born September the 19 on Thursday 1878
Carrie [Caroline] Lugenia  Rivers was born December 19th 1880
Laura Clide Rivers was borne March the 9th 1884
John F. Rivers was born November the 1[5], 1867
Joseph F. Rivers was borne January the 28, 1870
Robard Johnson Rivers was born February the 4 1872
Columbus Lafaytte Rivers was borne April 1 day 187[4]

BAPTISMS:
Mary An Rivers was baptized when she was an infant.
William James Rivers was baptized when he was an infinite[infant].
Peter J. Wesley was baptized when he was an infinite[infant].
Elizabeth Jane Rivers was baptized when she was an infinite[infant].
Joseph Lee Rivers was baptized an infant
Robert J. Rivers was baptized an infant.
Joseph an Robd [Robard] were baptized when infants in July 1872
Columbus L. and Mally F. Rivers was baptized when infant

MARRIAGES
Mark Rivers was married January the 13, 1864 [Martha C. Dean]
Mark Rivers was married January the 13, 1867 [Martha C. Dean]
Laura C. Rivers and William Gary Smith was married Nov 6, 1899
Allanta [Atlanta] Nell John Smith and Columbus Lafayette Rivers was
married Dec. 26, 1902 [If you have information on this couples births & death please contact me.]
James and Carrie was married Dec 15, 1895  [ Unable to identify]
Nancy Ella Rivers and Willie Smith was married Sep 26, 1897.
Mattie Viola McGuire and John Broual Quick [?]  were married Jan. 11, 1914 on Sunday.
Mark Rivers was married in January the 23d 1845 to Anny Parker
[Julie] Carrie Smith was married to Milas Eudy April 1920 [Daughter
of Gary Smith & Laura C. Rivers]
Robert [Robard] Johnson Rivers was married to Kinnie Knight Dec the
23 Thursday 1897
Joseph Lee Rivers was married October 13, 1889 to Mary Abigail
Frasier.

DEATHS:
Death of Elizabeth [Betsy] Rivers on 3 of December date 1847
Mary [Brock] Rivers died March the 25, 1852
Aney [Annie Parker] Rivers departed this life on the 28 of January
1864
[Sarah] Hariete [Harriet] Rivers died October 13 1868
Death of William Rivers Senior on the 7 of June 1855. [Mark Rivers father].
Death of John B. Rivers on the 3 of June 1859 [son of William & Betsy Rivers]
Death of John F. Rivers February the 26 1868
Death of Huda [Hulda Rivers] Davis June the 4 1881 [wife of Mike
Davis, my 4 Great Grandmother]
Martha Caroline [Dean] Rivers died May 26, 1906
Mary Ann Rivers Raybon died March 28, 1914. [wife of John Franklin Raybon]
Peter Wesley Rivers died October 4, 1915
William James Rivers died September 5, 1928
Joseph Rivers died January 22, 1931
[Nancy] Ella Rivers Mayes died February 24, 1947 [Wife of
William A. Smith and W. T. Mayes]
Carolina Rivers McQuage died May 8, 1951
Laura C. Rivers Smith died March 4, 1970
Mark Rivers departed this life on March the 9th 1884
Aged 59 years 8 months and 16 days
Columbus Lafayette [Rivers] died Feb. 18, 1911 on Saturday
William McKinley [Smith] died Aug. 26, 1905 on Sat.
William Gary Smith was born March [10]...1880 and died Jan,. 7,
1917 at Badin, NC.

Wednesday’s Child~Louvena Deese

Louvena Deese lived a very short life of one year and one day. Her birth on 15 October 1889 resulted in the death of her mother, Louvena Huneycutt Deese, wife of John Calvin Deese. It also left her three sisters without a mother.

John Calvin, a farmer, was left in dire straits with a baby and 3 other daughters ages 1 through 4 years of age; my grandmother being the oldest at age 4. The two Louvena’s, Mother and daughter were buried side by side in the Cedar Creek Meeting House Cemetery, today known as Lilesvile Cemetery.

On 2 February 1892, John Calvin married Sarah Frances Gathings providing a mother for the surviving three daughters. Together they would live their lifetime together and have three additional daughters. 

Louvena Dees

b. 15 Oct, 1889

d. 16 Oct. 1890

bu. Lilesville Cemetery

Louvena Dees, the mother, was my Great Grandmother.

Louvena Dees, the daughter, was my Great Grand Aunt.





___________________
[1] Find A Grave Memorial# 91319207

Tombstone Tuesday~Cornelia Bounds Purvis

Cornelia Bounds Purvis

b. 5 June 1856

d. 21 July 1941

bu. Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery

Cornelia C. Bounds, was the daughter of William Bounds and his wife Eliza. At the age of 25, she married William J. Purvis, age 30, son of George Washington Purvis and Mary Ann Patrick.¹  Cornelia and William would have five children; four sons and a daughter.

William J. Purvis passed away in March 1917 and 10 months later their youngest son William Vilas Purvis died while in basic training at Norfolk, Virginia. After the death of her husband and son; Cornelia went to lived with her son, Hollis. In 1930 and 1940 censuses she can be found living with her son, Hollis Lee Purvis. ²
On 21 July 1941, Cornelia C. Bounds Purvis passed away and was buried beside her husband at the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. ³


______________________
[1] "Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935," digital index of Mississippi marriages, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 January 2014), Miss C. C. Bounds & W. J. Purvis, Marriage Date: 19 Dec 1881.
[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 30 December 2014); Memorial page for W. J. PURVIS; (28 April 1851–12 May 1917); Find a Grave memorial # 13998651, Citing Antioch Cemetery; Rufus, Rankin County, Mississippi, USA.
[3] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 30 December 2014); Memorial page for Cornelia C. Bounds PURVIS; (5 June 1856-21 July 1941); Find a Grave memorial # 13998613, Citing Antioch Cemetery; Rufus, Rankin County, Mississippi, USA.
Other Sources:
1. 1860 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Rankin County, Mississippi, Page: 989; Line 6, Dwelling 834, Family 885, Household of G. W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M653 Roll 590.
2. 1870 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 4, Rankin County, Mississippi, Page: 62B; Line 17, Dwelling 434, Family 434, Household of George W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M593 Roll 748.
3. 1880, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Cato, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) #078, Page 456A, Line 38, Dwelling 452, Family 452, Household of G. W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 663.
4. 1900 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Cato, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 0084, Page: 14B/259 (stamped); Line 62, Dwelling 254, Family 254, Household of William PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 January 2014); citing NARA publication T623_826.
5. 1910 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Cato, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 0050, Page: 18B/236(stamped); Line 79, Dwelling 348, Family 348, Household of William J. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 February 2014); citing NARA publication T624_758.
6. 1930 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 5, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 16, Page 182A; Line 1, Dwelling 1, Family 1, Household of Hollis PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 February 2014); citing NARA publication T626_1164.
7. 1940 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 61-17, Page: 5A/327(stamped); Line 33, Household #80, Household of Hollis T. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 February 2014); citing NARA publication T627_2062.

Amanuensis Monday~Land Deed from Richard W. Moore & Wife to James Purvis

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 for 80 acres from Richard W. Moore & Wife to James Purvis.¹


Rankin County, Mississippi
Deed Book “I”, page 571
Richard W. Moore & Wife to James Purvis
April 15^th 1848 -- This Indenture made and entered into between Richard W. Moore & Sheba his wife of the state of Mississippi and county of Rankin of the first part and James Purvis of the same state and county of the second part – Witnefseth that for and in considerations of the sum of one hundred and twenty five dollars in hand paid to the party of the first part by the party of the second Part, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and confefed—the party off the first part have granted, bargained, sold and conveyed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, convey and confirm unto the party of the second part, his heirs and afsigns a certain tract or parcel of Land known and designated as the the <sic> NE ¼ of SW ¼ & SW ¼ of NW ¼ of Section No. three of T.4 R.5 East containing Eighty acres, more or lefs to have and to hold said land with the appurtenance thereunto belonging forever, And the Party of the first part do promise and agree with the party of the second part his heirs and afsigns that they will by these presents warrant and defend the above described premises against the claims all person whatsoever.-- In Witnefs whereof the partied of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seal this the years and day first [written] above. Signed sealed and delivered in the Presents <sic> of this the 15^th day of April AD 1848                                                      Richard W. Moore {seal}
                                                   Feba X (her mark) Moore {seal}

BLM Patent Image

The James Purvis in this Land Deed is most likely James F. Purvis, Jr., b. 1809 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Elizabeth Magee.












_____________________________
[1] Rankin County, Mississippi, DEED BOOK "I": page 571, Richard W. Moore & Wife to James Purvis, 80 acres; 15 April 1848, Chancery Court, Jackson, Rankin County, Mississippi. Many Thanks to J. L. Miley for copying this land deed and sending me a copy.

Sunday’s Obituary~John Wesley Bittle

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 7th. 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 almost 72 years old.¹

John Wesley Bittle was married to Ellen Cenora J. Smith daughter of  Ferguson Hale Smith and Catherine Melton. They had 6 children; four daughters and 2 sons.
John Wesley died on 6 April 1911.




_________________
[1] J. W. BITTLE obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 10 April 1911, page 7, column 2.

Surname Saturday~Simpson Davis

Simpson Davis was born on 11 Feb 1821 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.1 He can be found in South Carolina in 1839, Chesterfield County.² He appeared in the census for 1850 and 1860 in Union County, North Carolina.^{3 4}  He married Elva Threatt about 1845 and together they had four children. There were complications with the birth of their 4^th child and Elva died shortly after the baby’s birth.

Simpson served in the Civil War as a Private with Company E, North Carolina 30^th Infantry regiment enlisting on 16 September 1863.⁵Did the death of his wife Elva provide the catalyst that drove him to enlist into the War in September 1863?

After the war Simpson returned to Union county and can be found there in the 1870 and 1880 Census for the County. ^6 7  On his return, he married Reckmar Beaver in 1869.

Simpson died on 28 Aug 1889 at the age of 68 in Union County, North Carolina.^{8 9} At the time of his death he owns 5 tracks of lands totaling 479 acres (Probate image 26 of 39). The land was subdivided amount the survivors. Simpson had left Reckmar a tract of 150 acres with the house.   

His estate file can be found in the Probate office in Union County, North Carolina and on-line at FamaliySrearch.org.10

["North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1979," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-26775-13752-92?cc=1911121&wc=93GR-W4H:185144401,183258601,192703701 : accessed 5 June 2015), Union County > D > Davis, Simpson (1889) > image 1 of 39; State Archives, Raleigh.]

Simpson was buried at Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery in Union County, North Carolina.¹¹

The Two Families:

As stated above, Simpson Davis and Elva Threatt were married about 1845. Elva was born about 1821. ^{12 13} She died after the birth of her 4^th child.

Simpson Davis and Elva Threatt had the following children:

                              i.   James A. Davis was born about 1846. ^{14 15}

                             ii.   Sarah J. Davis, born 19 Aug 1849; married Henry W. Funderburk; died 24 Oct 1925, Monroe, Union, North Carolina.

                            iii.   Henderson Gazaway Davis, born 12 Dec 1852; married Rebecca Jane Mangum, 1873, Union County, North Carolina; died 31 Oct 1934, Union County, North Carolina.

                            iv.   Martha E. Davis, born 24 Feb 1861; married Pierce L. Funderburk, Union County, North Carolina; died 17 Jan 1893.

Reckmar Beaver was born on 15 Apr 1840 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{16 17 18} She died on 14 Dec 1919 at the age of 79 in Buford, Union, North Carolina.¹⁹ She was buried on 15 Dec 1919 at Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery  in Monroe, Union, North Carolina.^{20 21}

Simpson Davis and Reckmar Beaver had the following children:

                              i.   Rebecca Davis was born about 1871. ²²

                             ii.   Samuel E. Davis was born about 1872. ²³ He died on 7 Sep 1891 at the age of 19.

                            iii.   Elizabeth Ann "Lillie" Davis, born 6 May 1875; married Lewis Andrew Deese; died 8 May 1965.

                            iv.   Thomas Burgess Davis, born 14 Nov 1876; married Samantha Godwin; died 24 Feb 1943, Monroe, Union, North Carolina.

                             v.   William Jackson "Jack" Davis, born 28 Dec 1878, Union, North Carolina; married Christine Osborne; died 26 Feb 1952, Monroe, Union, North Carolina.

________________________

        1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  4 September 2011); Memorial page for Simpson DAVIS; (11 February 1821–28 August 1889); Find a Grave memorial # 29266276, Citing Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery; Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, USA.

        2. 1830 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 239; Line 10, Household of Isaac DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing  National Archives Microfilm M19_Roll 172.

        3. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 15, Dwelling 282, Family 282, Household of Simpson DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 647.

        4. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lanes Creek, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 350; Line 2, Dwelling 72, Family 72, Household of Simpson DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 915.

        5. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 14 September 2011), entry for Simpson DAVIS, Private; Co. "E" 30th Reg't NC Troops; Confederate.

        6. 1870 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 499A(stamped); Line 24, Dwelling 22, Family 22, Household of  Simpson DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewe3d 11 sepr 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M593, Roll 1161.

        7. 1880 U. S. Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 211, Page: 359B (Stamped); Line 26, Dwelling 15, Family 15, Household of Simpson DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 0983.

        8. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Simpson DAVIS (11 February 1821–28 August 1889), Memorial # 29266276.

        9. Ibid.

        10. Union County, North Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Simpson DAVIS; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 14 January 2015); 1889 Probate File - Simpson DAVIS.

        11. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Simpson DAVIS (11 February 1821–28 August 1889), Memorial # 29266276.

        12. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 15, Dwelling 282, Family 282, Household of Simpson DAVIS.

        13. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Lanes Creek, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 350; Line 2, Dwelling 72, Family 72, Household of Simpson DAVIS.

        14. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 15, Dwelling 282, Family 282, Household of Simpson DAVIS.

        15. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Lanes Creek, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 350; Line 2, Dwelling 72, Family 72, Household of Simpson DAVIS.

        16. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  7 July 2012); Memorial page for Reckamiah Beaver Davis; (15 April 1840–14 December 1919); Find a Grave memorial # 29266301, Citing Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery; Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, USA.

        17. 1870 Census, Union County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 499A(stamped); Line 24, Dwelling 22, Family 22, Household of  Simpson DAVIS.

        18. 1880 U. S. Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, ED 211, Page: 359B (Stamped); Line 26, Dwelling 15, Family 15, Household of Simpson DAVIS.

        19. North Carolina, death certificate #92 (14 December 1919), Rechamiah Davis; http://www.FamilySearch.org, Union County, North Carolina.

        20. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Reckamiah Beaver Davis (15 April 1840–14 December 1919), Memorial # 29266301.

        21. Ibid.

        22. 1880 U. S. Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Buford, Union County, North Carolina, ED 211, Page: 359B (Stamped); Line 26, Dwelling 15, Family 15, Household of Simpson DAVIS.

        23. Ibid.