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Sunday, July 31, 2016

Chesterfield County SC Estates~Estate Folder #922–Petition for Guardianship-B. H. and Rufus Thurman

 
This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlook this valuable resources if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
Today we will be looking at the following Estate folders:
Folder #922
B. H. and Rufus Thurman Guardianship
This estate folder begins at image #612 and ends with image #618. (images 612-618)
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-9914-44?cc=1911928

On 29 November 1904, Dr. Benjamin Hill Thurman passed away leaving surviving him his wife and three sons. His wife, Mrs. Laura Virginia Perkins Thurman petitioned the courts for guardianship of her two youngest sons Benjamin H. and Rufus Thurman. 

Laura Thurman Petition for GuardianshipLaura Thurman Petition for Guardianship2

Transcription:
State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield} In Probate Court
Ex Parte}
Laura V. Thurman}
In Re}
Guardianship of}
Benjamin H. Thurman}
and Rufus Thurman}
The Petition of your Petitioner shows to the Court.
1. That Benjamin H. Thurman and Rufus R. Thurman are infants of the ages following ages to wit- Benjamin H. Thurman was fourteen years old on the 7th day of November 1904 and Rufus R. Thurman was Eleven years of age on the 16th day of July 1904.
2. The deponent is the mother of said infants and their father ids dead and deponent is the natural Guardian and the most suitable person to act as their legal Guardian.
3. That said infants have an interest in certain persona; property the exact amount of which deponent does not know; but she supposes the same will be when collected about five hundred Dollars for each one.
Therefore she prays that she may be appointed their Guardian to take charge of their said property and collect same and convert it to money and invest it for her said sons and she will ever pray &C.
                                                                           Laura V. Thurman
State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield}
Personally appears Laura V. Thurman who being duly sworn says the above Petition is true of her own Knowledge.
Sworn before me}                                              Laura V. Thurman
Jany 13, 1905}
D. Matheson {Seal}
Notary Public}
 
Letters of Guardianship were granted to the Mother (Laura V. Thurman) on 19 January 1905 by M. S. Hough, Judge of Probate.
 
The two infants are my 3rd cousins twice removed.
 
_____________________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-9914-44?cc=1911928 : 21 May 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0900-0951 > image 612 of 1318; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.


























Saturday, July 30, 2016

It’s Family Time~Phillip Wiley Dry


It's Family Time













Phillip Wiley Dry is my 4th Great Grand Uncle

Phillip Wiley Dry was born on 10 Jul 1759 in Upper Hanover, Montgomery, Pennsylvania, a son of Karl Charles DUERR and his wife Christina Muss. Their surname was anglicized to DRY after arriving in the United States.  

Phillip Wiley had two older brothers one of which was my 4th Great Grand father and a younger brother and sister; four siblings.  

They migrated from Pennsylvania and settled in Mecklenburg County prior to the first US Census. Phillip Wiley and his wife is enumerated in the 1790 census for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina;

1790 CENSUS: Mecklenburg, North Carolina; Series: M637; Roll: 7; Image: 543; Family History Library Film: 0568147, Page: 370; Line 4; Phillip DRY, Male over 16 years of age and 1 Female {Wife Catherine ?? [LNU]]. 

The 1820 Census shows that Phillip and Catherine had 5 sons and 3 daughters.  I have identified four of these eight children but some trees' on-line have names listed for all 8 children. 

Phillip Wiley Dry and Catherine [LNU] had the following children:
 
i. Joseph Dry was born on 10 Oct 1797.
ii. Solomon Dry, born abt 1798; married Esther Melchor, 11 Dec 1821, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; died bef Oct 1857, Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
iii. Abraham Dry, born 19 Oct 1804, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Mary Catherine Harkey, 27 Feb 1830, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; died 3 Apr 1865, Mount Pleasant, Cabarrus, North Carolina.
iv. Barbara Dry, born 19 Jan 1812, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Adam Eli Harkey b: 7 Oct 1831, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; died 6 Aug 1888, Yell County, Arkansas.
 
These 4 children are also listed as children of Phillip and Catherine but as of today I have found no proof for this connection.
  • Lawrence Dry
  • Mathias Dry
  • Sally Dry
  • Mary Dry
Phillip Dry died 14 December 1837 according to the date on his tombstone (Find A Grave Memorial# 123888267). Phillip is buried at Cold Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery in Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina. This is the only source known for the death of Phillip Dry. 

Catherine Dry was enumerated with Phillip in the 1830 census for Cabarrus County. No death date has been found for her. 













________________________________
Sources:
1. 1790 U S Census, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, population schedule, Mecklenburg, North Carolina, , Page: 370, Line 4, Household of Phillip DRY; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 August 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M637, Roll 7.
2. 1800 U S Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Salisbury, Cabarrus, North Carolina, Page: 691, Line 2, Household of Phillip DRY; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 August 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.
3. 1810 U S Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Page: 372, Line 23, Household of Phillip DRY; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 August 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M252, Roll 39.
4. 1820 U S Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Page: 155, Line 13, Household of Phillip DRY; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 August 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M33, Roll 80.
5. 1830 U S Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, , Page: 202, Line 3, Household of Phillip DRY; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 August 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M19, Roll 119.
6. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 11 August 2015); Memorial page for Phillip Wiley Drye; (10 July 1759–14 December 1837); Find a Grave memorial # 123888267, Citing Cold Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery; Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA.












Friday, July 29, 2016

Military Veteran~Pvt. Henry Riley Dry


Henry Riley Dry was born on 5 Oct 1828, a son of Solomon Dry and Esther Melchor. He was the fourth child of nine born to Solomon and Esther. He had 4 brother and 4 sisters.
Henry Riley is enumerated with his dad in 1850 and listed as a farmer and in 1860 his occupation is that of a day laborer.

On 6 January 1852, Henry Riley married Leah Hurlocker, born abt 1829, daughter of David B. Hurlocker and Catharine Mayer.

When the Civil War broke out Henry waited a while before finally enlisting on 6 July 1862 with Company ‘H’, 57th Regiment North Carolina Infantry led by Capt. Wm. H. Howerton. He became sick and was admitted to the Hospital at Richmond on October 11, 1862. His military records shows that he died from  Vesicular Bronchitis* on 16 October 1862.

Henry Riley Dry deathH. R. Dry-Fold3_Page_12_Compiled_Service_Records_of_Confederate_Soldiers

When writing about a NC Civil War veteran I always check North Carolina Troops, 1861-1865: A Roster  is see what it has to say about the soldier. Here is the Henry Riley Dry Entry from Volume 14, page 184.

DRY, HENRY R. Private
Resided in Cabarrus County and was by occupation a day laborer prior to enlisting in Cabarrus County at age 31, July 6, 1862, for the war. Hospitalized at Richmond, Virginia, October 8, 1862. Died in hospital at Richmond on October 16, 1862, of “vesicular bronchitis.”
 
No document has been found that shows where Private Henry Dry was buried but in most cases, soldiers who died in hospitals in Richmond were buried in the Confederate portion of Hollywood Cemetery. 

It is not known what happened to Henry’s wife Leah and his children. I looked but was unable to find them in the following census. I suspect she remarried to have someone to help her care for the children. If you know what happen to Leah Hurlocker Dry after the Civil War please contact me or leave a comment here on this blog post. 

 Henry Riley Dry is my 2nd Cousin 4 times removed.

__________________________
*Vesicular Bronchitis – is basically a term used to define the extent of inflammation of Bronchitis or pneumonia. 
[1]  https://www.fold3.com/image/20/54689973
[2] 1850 U. S. Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Cabarrus, North Carolina, Page: 483B(stamped); Line 1, Dwelling 1247, Family 1247, Household of Solomon DRY; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 May 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 622.
[3] 1860 U. S. Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Subdivision East of NC RR, Cabarrus, North Carolina, Page: 87(stamped); Line 7, Dwelling 179, family 879, Household of Henry R. DRY; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 16 July 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 890.
[4] Matthew Brown Editor, BOOK: NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS:1861-1865: A Roster (Raleigh, NC 27699-4622: Historical Publications Section, 1997), Henry Riley DRY, Volumn 14, page 184.


Thursday, July 28, 2016

Treasure Chest Thursday~Has McCarroll & Joseph B. Sellers Mother Been identified?


In 2002 James C. Pigg published a book on the descendants of Hardy Sellers my 4th Great Grandfather. The book entitled “DESCENDANTS OF HARDY SELLERS: BORN MARCH 2, 1757 IN JOHNSTON COUNTY, NC, DIED JANUARY 12, 1835 IN CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, SC”. The book contains 424 pages with lineage details on many of the descendants of Hardy Sellers down to modern day. 

While doing research for this book it was realized that at least two known Sellers families did not seem to fit within the Hardy Sellers blood line.Those two families were:
  • Joseph B. Sellers and his wife Edarkis Jane Mungo 
and
  • McCarroll Sellers and his wife  Eliza Louisa Jordan
Up until this month no one has come forward with any additional information on the parentage of these two individuals – McCarroll and Joseph B. Sellers.

In my preparation to write an article for my July 17 posting I chose to write on the estate file of Flora Sellers. Prior to opening this folder on FamilySearch I had no idea how Flora Sellers would fit within the Sellers Lineage.  I wrote about her estate folder here:

http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2016/07/chesterfield-county-sc-estatesestate_17.html

The folder #454 turned out to be a possible turning point in the research of McCarroll and Joseph B. Sellers. One document within this folder shows that Flora McNair Sellers had two surviving distributees – McCarroll and J. B. Sellers. 

J. B. Sellers








If Flora McNair is the mother of McCarroll and Joseph B., then who were their father?  Further research is needed to identify the male Sellers that was Flora’s husband. Finally, we have someone to research that is most likely the mother of these two men.













______________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Flora Sellers; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 16 July 2016); Estate Folder #454-Flora Sellers.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Tombstone Tuesday~William Alexander Dry


William Alexander Dry
b. Apr. 26, 1875
d. Nov. 27, 1965
bu. Eastview Cemetery

46961047_126416609681
Tombstone Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr


William Alexander Dry was born on 26 Apr 1875 in Stanly County, North Carolina. William Alexander Dry and Dora Tarlton were married on 27 Jan 1902 in Anson County, North Carolina.

William Alexander Dry and Dora Tarlton had the following children:
i. Elizabeth T. Dry was born in 1903.
ii. William P. Dry was born in 1905.
iii. Daisy Mae Dry, born 15 May 1910.
iv. Clayton Dry was born in 1913.
v. Effie Dry was born in 1915.
vi. John B. Dry was born in 1917.

Dora Tarlton was born on 22 Oct 1875. She died on 23 Dec 1927 at the age of 52. After her death and sometime after 1930 William Alexander married Hattie Jarrell. Hattie Jarrell was born on 7 Dec 1894 in North Carolina. She died on 20 Sep 1975 at the age of 80 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina. William Alexander Dry died om 27 November 1965 at the age of 90 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

William Alexander and Dora are buried at Eastview Cemetery and Hattie Jarrell Dry is buried at Anson Memorial Park.
 
William Alexander Dry is my 3rd Cousin 3 times removed.








Monday, July 25, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~James L. Edwards to W. A. Purvis, Land Deed, 60 Acres.


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 from James L. Edwards to W. A. Purvis, Land Deed, 60 Acres.1

In the 1860 census for Anson County, North Carolina we find William A. Purvis and his wife Sarah Jane [Graves] Purvis with no children and his occupation listed as a Shoemaker. In 1870, same county, he is listed as a farmer. 

The first piece of land that I have found purchased by William A. Purvis was a 30 acre tract sold to him by  Joseph P. Smith on 6 December 1866. Description of that parcel is as follows:
“that piece parcel and tract of land situate lying and being in the District of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina on the North Side of Big Westfield Creek and bounded on the North by the North and South Carolina State line on the East by Isham Wallace and James Lewis lands on the West by lands belonging to the Estate of George Gardner and lands belonging to John Mulholland and on the South by Big Westfield Creek. Containing thirty [30] acres more or less which said track of land was purchased by me from Joseph P. Smith Reference being had to a plat hereunto attached will fully show the corners distance and &c. of said tract of land….
 
The second tract of land purchased by William A. Purvis was this 60 acres tract from James L. Edwards on 21 December 1871.  William A. Purvis owned land located on the state line. In the plat below the bottom wide line is the state line. The land was located west of Westfield Church Road as you cross the state line going into North Carolina toward McFarland. (see Blue Square, NC Side, west of 1837 Road)

Land Location

DB 22, pg 531-532




Transcription:

James L. Edwards to W. A. Purvis
State of North Carolina}
Anson County} This indenture made this the 21st day of December in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-one between James L. Edwards of the first part and W. A. Purvis of the second part, both of the county of Anson and State of North Carolina. Witnesseth:
The said James L. Edwards in and for the consideration of the sum of two hundred and forty seven and 80/100 dollars ($247.80) to him in hand paid the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged hath bargained and sold and by these present do bargain, sell and convey to W. A. Purvis a certain tract
of land lying being and situate in the county of Anson and State of North Carolina and bounded as follows, to wit: Beginning at a stake in the state line 4th corner of  R. Gaddy's tract and runs No. 15 W. 38.35 chains to a stake in McGugan's line 3rd comer of the Gaddy tract then No. 88 W. 11.40 chs. (chains) to a stake one pine pointer then south 37.50 chains to a stake in the State line. Then with State line East 21 chains to the beginning containing Sixty (60) acres. And the said James L. Edwards doth hereby warrant and defend unto the said W. A. Purvis his heirs Executor and assigns forever, the right and title to the said land together with all the rights and appurtenances thereunto belonging, against myself, my heirs Executors or assigns, and against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed my seal the day and date above mentioned.
Signed, Sealed and Delivered
in presence of
Jesse Edwards                                              James L. Edwards {Seal}
                                                                     By S.J. Edwards Agent


State of North Carolina}
Anson County} I, Jack C. McLancklin Clerk of Superior Court for said county
of Anson, hereby certify that the due execution of the foregoing deed of Conveyance to W. A. Purvis by James L. Edwards through S. J. Edwards his agent was proven before me this day by the oath and examination of Jesse Edwards the subscribing witness. Let it with this certificate be registered. This September 28th A.D. 1883.
                                                                    John C. McLancklin
                                                                    Clerk of Superior Court


October 1st 1883 then the foregoing Deed and certificate came into my hands and were duly registered.
                                                                C. J. Coppedge


Deed Plat
Land Plat for above 60 Acres


William A. Purvis purchased 4 tracts of land totaling 145 acres between 1866 and 1879.
Three (3) parcels in Anson County, NC and one in Chesterfield, County, SC. 
  • 1st - Land Deed (30) - Joseph P. Smith to William A. Purvis,  (This land in Chesterfield, SC and immediately sold to William James Purvis) 
  • 2nd - Land Deed  (60 acres)- James L. Edwards to W. A. Purvis, Deed Book 22, Page 531-532.
  • 3rd - Land Deed  (30 Acres) - W. P. Brantley to Wm. Purvis, Deed Book 21, Page 404-405.
  • 4th - Land Deed (25 Acres) - Mary, Sarah & Martha Gardner to W. A. Purvis (DB 20, Pages 584-585)
He farmed the land above until he died sometime between Sept 1899 and May 1900 in Anson County, North Carolina.

_______________________________
[1] Anson County, North Carolina, Land Deed Book 22: Page 531-532, James L. Edwards to W. A. Purvis; 21 December 1871, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Chesterfield County SC Estates~Estate Folder #653–Mrs. A. E. Smith

 

This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlook this valuable resources if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
Today we will be looking at the following Estate folders:
Folder #653
Mrs. A. E. Smith
This estate folder begins at image #253 and ends with image #300. (images 253-300)
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-12888-29?cc=1911928

Mrs. Abigail Elizabeth Smith, widow of William B. Smith died on  29 July 1900. Her youngest son, D. F. Smith, was administrator of her estate. 

A. E. Smith Req for Letters

Transcription:

South Carolina}
Chesterfield County} In Probate Court
Ex Parte

D. F. Smith
The Petition of D. F. Smith shows that his mother Mrs. A. E. Smith late of this County departed this life in testate on July 29, 1900 intestate and left an estate in personal of about Six hundred…………..dollars.
That petitioner is her Son and desires that letters of administration be granted to him.
Wherefore he prays that letters may be granted to him and he will ever pray &c.
Aug. 6, 1900                                                                    D. F. Smith
 
Mrs A. E. Smith Estate #2
 
Transcription:
South Carolina} In
Chesterfield County} Probate Court
On hearing the petition of D. F. Smith Administrator on the Estate of Mrs. A. E. Smith deceased, is hereby ordered that he have leave to sell the personal property belonging to said Estate for cash at public action after having given public notice for fifteen days by posting said notice ion at least three public places in the neighborhood .
Given under my hands this Sept. 22nd 1900.
                                                                    T. L. Huntley
                                                                    Judge of Probate


 





Abigail Elizabeth Crawley Smith was born 29 September 1827. She married William B. Smith about 1850. To this union were born twelve children. She lost her husband fifteen years previously on 26 May 1885.









_____________________________
[1] Probate Folder #653 - "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-12888-29?cc=1911928&wc=MPP5-3TT:190567401,190561002,190567402,191220701 : accessed 12 Aug 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0638-0757 > image 253 of 1623.
















Saturday, July 23, 2016

It’s Family Time~Benjamin ‘Bennie’ Franklin Johns


It's Family Time
Benjamin ‘Bennie’ Franklin Johns was born on 4 Mar 1927, a son of Julius Johns and Mary Catherine “Mamie” Brock. He was the 7th child born to this union and join his living siblings, three brothers and two sisters.  

At age 10, his Father, Julius, was killed while walking home from work. Thirteen months later at age 11, he lost his Mother. His older brothers and sisters, but mainly his older sister Mary, cared for him until the age of majority. 

On 21 March 1952, Bennie married Ottis Faye Lee, a young divorcee with two young daughters. This union ended in divorce on 19 June 1972. No children were born of this union. 

Sometime after his divorce from Ottis Faye, Bennie met and married Sarah Clementine Robinson Mobley. They lived in Lexington, South Carolina. To date I have not found a marriage date for their marriage. I suspect that it took place somewhere in South Carolina most likely in Lexington, South Carolina. No known children were born to this union.

On 1 May 2001, at the age of 74, Benjamin Franklin ‘Bennie’ Johns died in Lexington County, South Carolina. Both he and Sarah are buried at Grandview Memorial Park, Rock Hill, York County, South Carolina. 

Benjamin Franklin ‘Bennie’ Johns is my Uncle.





_________________________
Sources:
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 16 July 2015); Memorial page for Bennie F. Johns; (1927–2001); Find a Grave memorial # 53015606, Citing Grandview Memorial Park - Hollis Lakes; Rock Hill, York County, South Carolina.
2. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 17, Page 16B/57B (stamped), Line 93, Dwelling 274, Family 280, Household of Juliane [Julius] JOHNS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_2192.
3. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13-10, Page: 7B/126(stamped); Line 42, Household #107, Household of Mary E. JOHNS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 2 August 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_3799.
4. Social Security Administration, Ancestry database, Ancestry, (http://www.ancestry.com : (Viewed| June 2015), Bennie F. Johns, <SS#_withheld>, Died 1 May 2001 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File,database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).
5. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Bennie F. Johns (1927–2001), Memorial # 53015606.
6. Bennie Johns obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 2 May 2001, page B4.
7. 1940 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13-10, Page: 21B/140 (stamped); Line 44, Household #220, Household of Lillie Mae LEE; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 5 June 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 3799.
8. Mrs. Ottis Faye Lee Hagler obituary, The Richmond County Daily Journal, Rockingham, Richmond County, North Carolina, 29 April 2007.
9. "Social Security Death Index,"Ancestry, entry for Ottis F. Hagler, SS # withheld.
10. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Ottis Faye Lee Hagler (31 August 1931–29 April 2007), Memorial # 127524765.








Friday, July 22, 2016

Chesterfield County Military Veterans~Returning Home from WWI


Today’s posting is a news article from The State, a Columbia, SC newspaper. Two men from Chesterfield were presented with Distinguished Service Crosses during the event. 

Chesterfield Men -WWI
CHESTERFIELD MEN WELCOMED HOME
Thousands Present for Exercises in Cheraw
TYSON MAKE SPEECH
General Quotes Pershing to Prove that Thirtieth Division Broke Hindenburg Line.

Special to the State
Cheraw, July 13 – All roads led to Cheraw Thursday and thousands of people came to welcome home Chesterfield’s boys who served in the army or navy in the world war. At 9 o’clock all these registered at Civic league Hall and were given free tickets to all events of the day. At 10 o’clock the moving picture shows began, and showed continuously until 11 o’clock Thursday night. Hall’s band gave a concert on the green and a game of baseball was played at the ball park between Marion and Cheraw, Cheraw winning, 4 to 1.
The principle feature of the day was the speaking which began at 11:30. After prayer by the Rev. A. S. Thomas, ex-senator W. P. Pollock, welcomed the soldiers and the people and introduced Congressman W. F. Stevenson, who decided to forgo the pleasure of hearing the president’s peace treaty message to be here to welcome the boys of Chesterfield County home to their firesides. He outlined the history of Chesterfield County in every war that this country has ever had and showed that in patriotism, valor and efficient service the men of Chesterfield County always went over the top.
General Tyson Speaks.
Senator Pollock then introduced Maj W. L. Gillespie, who, bring in his home town, excused himself from speaking and introduced Brig. Gen. L. D. Tyson of the famous Thirtieth Division. Gen Tyson told of the deeds of this division in breaking the Hindenburg lines; how they massed 5,000 guns and 50 tanks and were told to go forward; how they went forward in the face of hell, and went through it, and miles beyond the line. He gave the testimony of General Pershing and of a British officer that it was the Thirtieth Division that first broke this line, and not the Twenty-seventh (of New York) as New York papers would have us believe.
Brigadier General Faison had been delegated by the Washington authorities to present distinguished service crosses to Sergt. Robert M. McDonald of Cheraw and Corp. Lawrence Caulder of Kollock, both members of Company I, One Hundred and Eighteenth Infantry, for extraordinary heroism near Brancourt [France].
Dinner on Green.
At 2 o’clock a basket dinner was served on the Green by the Red Cross chapters of Chesterfield County. Although nearly every basket and lunch box contained some meat, 2,000 pounds of beef and pork had been barbecued for the occasion by R. J. Little.
The afternoon was given to dancing, baseball and a band concert on the Green. Ice cream was also served to the soldiers by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
At 9:30 p.m. a complimentary dance was given the ex-service men which was attended by large crowds from North Carolina towns and from Bennettsville.
The Chiquola Club rooms had been reserved as a rest room for ladies and were in charge of the local U. D. C. chapter.
The day passed off smoothly and all were pleased with the success of the program.
 

Not only were the men welcomed home but I want you to focus on two home town hero’s that were honored during the festivities.  
 
General Faison… delegated…to present distinguished service crosses to Sergt. Robert M. McDonald of Cheraw and Corp. Lawrence Caulder
 
While these men were honored and given a very fine homecoming; Lest not forget those from Chesterfield County who also “Gave Their All” in service to our nation.
IN MEMORY
Chesterfield County WWI Deaths
Click Image for Larger View
 
______________________________________
[1] CHESTERFIELD MEN WELCOMED news article, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 14 July 1919, Page 5, columns 1 & 2.

















Thursday, July 21, 2016

Treasure Chest Thursday~Delayed Birth Certificate~Lizzie Jane Sellers


While many of the New England states had procedures for documenting births, marriage and death such a system was not in use in  many of the newly formed states as they were admitted to the union. Thus laws were enacted in the early 1900 to formally documents these events. 

In South Carolina, officials started documenting marriage in 1911 followed by birth and death in 1915. Procedures were also implemented to obtain a delayed birth certificate. This ‘Delayed Birth Certificate’ was issued when sufficient proof was provided showing that a birth occurred. Rarely was there a need for a birth certificate but with the development of our Military and implementation of the Social Security Act the birth certificate became a vital document.    

The Delayed Birth Certificate shown here is for Elizabeth Jane ‘Lizzie Jane” Sellers Huneycutt daughter of James Arnold ’Buck’ Sellers and his wife Nancy Jane ‘Jennie’ Johnson. Elizabeth Jane ‘Lizzie Jane” Sellers Huneycutt  applied for the delayed birth certificate and it was issued on 16 Oct 1956. The application contains significant genealogical data.  

Elizabeth Jane ‘Lizzie Jane” Sellers Huneycutt  was born 3 August 1900 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC. Her parents were James Arnold sellers who died at age 54 and Nancy Jane Johnson who was 95 when she passed. Both parents are deceased. Her birth was proven by the oath of Spencer Sellers and Luther Baker. With today’s rules this would be insufficient to prove the birth of Elizabeth Jane Sellers.  

DBC _ Lizzie jane Sellers

The South Carolina, Delayed Birth Records, 1766-1900 and City of Charleston, South Carolina, Birth Records, 1877-1901 is one of my favorite databases. Generally, I just plug in a surname and county of birth and search away. I have found some wonderful information in this database. 

It’s available on-line at Ancestry which is a paid account website. If you have an account it can be accessed here:

http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=1239


Elizabeth Jane ‘Lizzie Jane” Sellers Huneycutt is my 1st cousin twice removed. 


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[1] South Carolina, South Carolina Delayed Births, 1766-1900 and City of Charleston, South Carolina Births, 1877-1901, 32-1528, Lizzie Jane Sellers Huneycutt, Birth Date: 3 Aug 1900; images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (http://Ancestry.com : viewed 3 May 2015).

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Tombstone Tuesday~Cora Jean Deese


Cora Jean Deese
b. May 21, 1957
d. June 4, 1957
bu. Morven Cemetery

DSC_0712R

Baby Cora Jean Deese was the the daughter of Abner L. Deese and Annie Elizabeth Chewning. She was survived by her parents and 7 siblings; 3 brothers and 4 sisters. 

Cora Jean Deese is my 2nd cousin.

Monday, July 18, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~Inquisition over the Death of Dempsey Honeycutt, 1853.


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 Inquisition over the Death of Dempsey Honeycutt, 1853.1

Dempsey Honeycutt, pg 1
State of North Carolina
Union County
I, W. H. Simpson, coroner pro tem of said Count bounded to Summon a jury of Good and Lawful men freeholders of said County to hold a Inquisition over the dead body of Dempsey Honeycutt in said County Viz No 1 Enoch Williams 2 B D Austin 3 Jno Simpson 4 Carswell Helms 5 Leggit Jenkins 6 W M Austin 7 Joab Griffin 8 Jourdan James 9 Lewis Griffin 10 John D Williams 11 Mofs Helms 12 Erwin Williams who after being duly sworn according to law we find upon our own Examination of the Dead body of Dempsey Honeycutt and the Testimony of Elisha James & A. G. Price that the aforesaid Dempsey Honeycutt came to his death by a Lick struck on the left side of said Honeycutt head just above the ear with a common siz’d hand Spoke which Lick or blow was Struck by one John E. Presley on said County of Union.
Given under our hand and seals this the 18th day of April 1853.
Sworn to & Subscribed to before me 
                                                              E. Williams{seal}
                                                              B. D. Austin {seal}
                                                              John Simpson {seal}
                                                              Caswell Helms {seal}
Test                                                        J. D. Williams {seal}
W. H. Simpson Coroner pro tem            Moses Helms {seal}
                                                               Jourdan S. James {seal}
                                                               Leggit Jenkins {seal}
                                                               W M Austin {seal}
                                                               Joab Griffin {seal}
                                                               Lewis Griffin {seal}
                                                               Erwin Williams{seal}
 
Dempsey Honeycutt, pg 2A
State of North Carolina} Be it Remembered the <sic>
Union County} on the 18th April Instant
Personally come before me, W. H. Simpson Coroner pro tem for the county of Union Andrew G. Price & Elisha James & John S. Stegall and Severally acknowledged themselves Indebted to the State of North Carolina in the Sum of two hundred dollars each to be levied on the Goods & Chattels, Lands & Tenements to be void on conditions that they appear before the Judge of our next Superior Court to be held at the Court house in Monroe on the 6th Monday after the 4th Monday in March 1853 to give evidence in behalf of the State against John E. Presley and not depart the court without Leave this 18th April 1853.
Acknowledged before me                    W. H. Simpson Coroner pro tem
 
 
Dempsey Honeycutt, pg 2B
State of North Carolina) Be it Remembered that on the
Union County} the 7th May 1853 personally
Came Dr. Tho. C. Caldwell before me W. H. Simpson coroner pro tem, for the said County and acknowledged himself indebted to the Sate of North Carolina in the Sum of One Hundred dollars to be levied on his Goods & Chattels, Lands & Tenements to be void on conditions that they appear before the Judge of our Superior Court at the Court house in Monroe on the 6th Monday after the 4th Monday in March 1853 to give evidence in behalf of the State against John E. Presley and not depart the court without Leave
Acknowledged before me                     W. H. Simpson Coroner pro tem
 

Young Dempsey Honeycutt, son of  William Riley Honeycutt and Mary Love, was just a mere 21 years of age when he was struck down by John E. Presley on 18 April 1853. He left surviving him, his mother, 5 sisters and one brother. His father, William Riley, had died just a few years earlier.
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[1] North Carolina Archives, C. R. 097.928.1; Union County Miscellaneous Records, Dempsey Honeycutt Coroner's Inquest, 1853.





























Sunday, July 17, 2016

Chesterfield County SC Estates~Estate Folder #454–Flora Sellers

 

This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlook this valuable resources if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
Today we will be looking at the following Estate folders:
Folder #454
Flora Sellers
This estate folder begins at image #1439 and ends with image #1460. (images 1439-1460)
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19420-62491-99?cc=1911928

On 14 November 1884, Flora Sellers, age 86, died in Chesterfield County, South Carolina leaving a small personal estate. 

While Flora had at least two sons, Calvin B. McNair requested Letters of Administration from the Probate Courts.  

Flora Sellers Letters

Transcription:
State of South Carolina } Court of Probate
County of Chesterfield}
In the Matter Petition for
of Letter of
The Estate of Flora Sellers Administration
Deceased
The petition of Calvin B. McNair Respectfully shows to this Court that Flora Sellers departed a resident of the County and state aforesaid departed this life on or about the 14th of November 1884 leaving a small Personal Estate and Letters of Administration upon Said Estate is necessary in order that Said Estate may be settled the Debts paid and the remainder of Said Estate if any be Distributed among her heirs at law and your petitioner will Ever pray&c.
                                                                            C. B. McNair

The Estate folder consists of 21 images. Image 1450 of the estate names two distributees, sons of Flora Sellers – McCarroll Sellers and J. B. Sellers.  
 
Flora Sellers Distributive Shares.







Transcription:
By amt paid E. S. Davis afc 10.21
‘’ “ “ J. B. Sellers in full
of my distributive share of Estate 5.00
“ “ paid McCarroll Sellers his
distributive share of Estate 5.00
“ “ paid State & county taxes 6.49
 
For many years, Sellers researchers have looked for the parents of McCarroll Sellers without any success.  Clearly this probate folder indicates that Flora Sellers could be the mother of both McCarroll and J. B. Sellers. 
 
Since Flora was born about 1798 and her administrator Calvin B. McNair was born in 1842 it very likely that Flora was a McNair and his aunt.  She may also be a sister to his father Alexander McNair. 
 
This is the first clue this writer has ever found that would suggest a connection to McCarroll Sellers. McCarroll married  Eliza Louisa Jordan and is believed to have passed away between 1880 and 1900. 

Image 1440 shows that a tombstone was purchased for Flora Sellers’ grave yet in all the surveys done in Chesterfield County, SC no tombstone has been documented for Flora. 

Image 1440









If you have any information about Flora or McCarroll Sellers please contact me.



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[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19420-62491-99?cc=1911928 : 21 May 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0384-0469 > image 1439 of 1665; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.


















Saturday, July 16, 2016

It’s Family Time~Ella Frances Purvis

 

clip_image001

http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2016/07/its-family-timemary-jane-purvis.html

In the above posting I introduced you to the concept that William A. Purvis was twice married; discuss his second wife – Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Purvis – and documented the family of her oldest daughter, Mary Jane Purvis Lang.  
 
Remember that in the 1880 Census, Betsy and her daughter Mary J. was listed as Family 252 in the same Dwelling  233 as William A. and Sarah J. Purvis (Family 251). No husband was present nor has a husband been identified for Betsy prior to the September 1899 Land Deed (DB 33, pg 370). 
 
Purvis 1880

We do know that the Anson County Land Deed (DB 33, pg 370) identified Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Purvis as the wife of William A. Purvis. We also know that William A. married Sarah Jane Graves on 19 June 1852 and that Sarah Jane died on 31 December 1893. 

Therefore, if William did in fact remarry it had to occur between 1 Jan 1894 and 23 Sept. 1899. Yet, in the 1900 census, we find Betsy with another daughter, Ella Frances Purvis, b. 25 September 1881.  

1900 Census - Anson County



This little snippet from the 1900 Census contains significant information; but, there is also conflicting information.
  • Elizabeth Purvis is was Widow (the census date is 28 June 1900
  • Elizabeth had 2 children 1 living; Mary J. and Ella Frances Purvis
  • Elizabeth was born in Oct. 1860; Ella Frances was born in Dec. 1886
We still find no mention of any husband prior to the 1890’s so Who is the father of Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ children – Mary J. and Ella Frances. 

When was Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ born in 1880 she is age 30; in 1900 she is age 39, born Oct. 1860.  Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ was still living on the Purvis farm in 1900.

On 14 August 1904, daughter Ella Frances married  Thomas T. Tarlton in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

On 30 September 1900, Betsy gives up her life estate in the 19 acres William A. Purvis left her selling the land to J. D. Rhyne for a measly $50.00 dollars. (DB 34, Page 491-492, Betsy Purvis to J. D. Rhyne, Anson Co., NC). Betsy moves in with Tom and Ella Tarlton. 

In the 1920 Census we find Ellen and Tom with 5 children and her Mother, Elizabeth Purvis, age 75, in the household all living in Rockingham, Richmond County, North Carolina.  Elizabeth in 1900 said she was born in October 1860; now in 1920 she is 75 years of age. That computes to a birth year of 1845. Elizabeth ‘Betsy” Purvis died on 18 October 1926. To add to the confusion her obituary states that she is 90 years old, a birth year of 1836. 

Mrs. Betsy Purvis
Mrs. Betsy Purvis, aged 90, died Oct. 18th in Great Falls village. The interment was at Mizpah the same day.


Tom and Ella had seven children; 2 daughters and 5 sons. I spent a lot of time talking on the phone and corresponding with the two daughters. 

While my family and Ella Frances family were from the same Grandparent it was as if neither knew anything of the other family. I can’t help to believe that William A. Purvis only son, my Great Grandfather William James Purvis, disapproved of his father’s remarriage, if a marriage occurred and kept it a family secret. 

I just had a 92 year old Aunt who passed away and she knew nothing of this family and great aunts that I talked to claimed to have no knowledge of what I was talking about. 

If you have any information om Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Purvis and her two daughters, Mary Jane Purvis wife of Charlie Franklin Lang and Ella Frances Purvis, wife of Thomas T. Tarlton I would love to hear from you.

_____________________
1. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #7, page 145, line 20, dwelling 337, family 338, Household of Elizabeth Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.
2. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Steer Pen, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0028, Page 18B/204 (stamped); Line 57, Dwelling 353, Family 364, Household of Malcom DECKER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : Viewed 22 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523.
3. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #6, Page 81A, Line 21, dwelling 170, family 172, Household of Tom TARLTON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
4. 1920 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 6, Page: 1A/73 (stamped); Line 4, Dwelling 2, Family 2, Household of Tom TARLTON; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 10 June 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.
5. Thomas T. Tarlton obituary, Evening Herald, Rock Hill,, 16 May 1964, page 2.
6. Anson County, North Carolina, Short Locals, , Tom Tarlton & Ella Purvis, 14 August 1904; Messenger-Intelligencer Issue of August 18,1904 page 3, Wadesboro.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 2 January 2013); Memorial page for Ella Frances Purvis Tarlton; (25 September 1881–27 October 1971); Find a Grave memorial # 52220581, Citing Waxhaw Baptist Church Cemetery; Waxhaw, Union County, North Carolina, USA.
8. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 39499 (27 November 1971), Ella Frances Tarlton; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
9. Social Security Administration, Ancestry database, Ancestry, (http://www.ancestry.com : <viewed|accessed> 2 January 2009), Ella P. Tarlton, 1965 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File,database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).
10. Mrs. Betsy Purvis obituary, The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Rockingham, Richmond County, NC, 21 October 1926, Page 6, Column 2. Deaths.