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.
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| 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
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No footnotes.
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