Carroll County, TN., Land Deed~Heirs of John Sellers

First, let me say that this Land Deed was difficult to read and to transcribe. Any error in transcription are my own and I apologize if any are found.

I am a huge fan of genealogical research in land deeds.  I have solved many problem by spending time in the deeds within the county where my ancestor resided. Such is the case with this particular land deed. John Sellers, deceased, is my 4th Great Grand Uncle. He and his wife Henrietta Norwood had a large family of fourteen; 7 sons and 7 daughters.

John and Henrietta Sellers moved their family from Chesterfield County, SC to Carroll County, Tennessee sometime before Aug. 22, 1835. This date is from a notice on the death of Hardy Sellers, father of John Sellers back in Chesterfield, SC. The Equity notice reads;

“It appearing to the Court that John Sellers, Richard Sellers, Thomas Gaddy and Mary his wife, Elijah Gulledge, James Gulledge and Phoebe Gulledge defendants in the above stated case are absent from and reside without the limits of this State,...”    

Carroll Co., TN, Deed Book L, Page 273

Transcription:

DEED, Heirs of John Sellers

Whereas by descent from John Sellers Dec'd, We John W. Sellers,
Catherine Gulledge, Mary Sellers, Candice Tosh, Martha Sellers,
Henrietta Parsons, formerly Henrietta Sellers but now intermarried with
Vincent Parsons, Hardy S. Sellers, Zelpha Wilson, formerly Zelpha
Sellers, but now intermarried with J. W. P. Wilson, Isaac P. Sellers,
Richard C. Sellers, Wm. R. Sellers, Frances M. Sellers and Candice Tosh,
formerly Candice Sellers, but now intermarried with Arthur Tosh have
divided title to and now hold equal and undivided interest in a tract of
land in the State of Tennessee Carroll County and District No. 13,
Bounded as follows: Beginning at Henrietta Sellers South East corner
near a Branch on the East side of the Road and One Hundred and Twenty
Four poles to Josiah C. Sellers South West corner. Thence West with
John Sellers old line to his corner one hundred and twenty poles.
Thence North with said old line one hundred and twenty four poles to
Mrs. Henrietta Sellers South West corner. Thence one hundred and five
poles East with his line to the Beginning, containing by calculation
Eighty Seven acres and Thirty poles be the same more or less. Now we
have Bargained and Sold and do hereby transfer and convey all our right
title interest in and to said land to Arthur Tosh and his heirs forever
for the sum of Three Hundred and Forty Eight Dollars and Seventy Five
Cents and we covenant and agree for ourselves and heirs and
representatives to warrant and defend the title to our undivided
interest in said land against any claim to be made by and or any person
claiming through or under us but no further, given under our hands and
seals this 28th March 1845. Signed in presents of us
G. I. Faulkner)
Wm. I. Wilson )                               John W. Sellers (Seal)
                                                         Katharine Gulledge (Seal)
                                                         Mary Sellers (Seal)
                                                         Martha Sellers (Seal)
                                                         Richard C. Sellers {Seal}

                                                        Vincent I. Parsons (Seal)
                                                         Henrietta Parsons (Seal)
                                                         J. W. P. Wilson (Seal)
                                                         Zelpha Wilson (Seal)
                                                         Hardy Sellers (Seal)
                                                         William R. X Sellers
                                                         Isaac Sellers (Seal)
                                                         Josiah C. X Sellers (Seal)
                                                         Frances M. X Sellers (Seal)

State of Tennessee )
Carroll County ) Personally appeared before me, W. H. Grans (?)
Clerk of the County Court of said County, G. I. Faulkner one of the
subscribing witnesses to the deed who being duly sworn depose and say
he is well acquainted with John W. Sellers, Katharine & Mary Sellers,
Martha Sellers, Richard C. Sellers, Vincent I. & Henrietta Parsons,
J. W. P. Wilson & Zilpha Wilson, Hardy Sellers, William R. Sellers,
Isaac Sellers, Josiah C. Sellers, and Frances M. Sellers who
acknowledged he signed the above deed for the purposes therein contained
and on the day.

This is a lot of family history in just one land deed. If this is your genealogical family I would suggest  that you look at Land Deed Q:5, Carroll County, Tennessee. 

Happy Hunting to all. 

As stated above, John Sellers, deceased, is my 4th Great Grand Uncle.

____________________________

[1] Carroll County, Tennessee, Deed Book "L": page 273, Heirs of John Sellers; 28 March 1845, Register of Deeds, Huntingdon, Carroll County, Tennessee

[2] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSZF-1TTJ?cat=301931

Widow’s Pension.~John M. Sellers

John Sellers was born about 1825 in Anson County, a son of Rolin Sellers and Margaret Eddins. John enlisted in August 1863 with  Co. B. 31st Regiment North Carolina Troops and was killed in battle at Drury’s Bluff on 14 May 1864.

His Widow, Mary [Maiden Name unknown] Sellers filed, in Anson County,  for a pension based on her husband John Sellers service in the Civil War. Her pension application was dated 7 September 1883.

North Carolina}
Anson County}
Mary Sellers being duly sworn says on oath that she is the widow of John Sellers, who served as a private in Co. B. 31st Regiment North Carolina Troops, and that her husband according to information derived from his comrades at or about that time, was killed in battle at or near Drewry’s Bluff in the month of May 1864.
Sworn to and Subscribed }                                        Mary her X mark Sellers
Before me Sept. 7th 1883}
John C. McLanchlin}
Clerk of Superior Court}
 
North Carolina}
Anson County}
Benjamin P. Liles being duly sworn says on his oath that he served as a private on Co. B 31st Regiment, N. C. Troops that on the___day of May 1864 the said company was engaged as skirmishes near Drewry’s Bluff in Virginia and that while so engages John Sellers was a few paces to the right of this affiant, we were firing upon the enemy and receiving as very destructive fire from them, in the midst of which John Sellers was shot in the head and killed instantly. We were lying down loading and firing and this affiant distinctly heard the thud of the ball when it struck Sellers. We advanced drove the enemy from our forces and afterwards fell back over the same ground, and while so doing this affiant saw the dead body of John Sellers lying upon the spot where he heard the thud of the ball which stuck him.
Sworn and Subscribed}                                          B. P. Liles
Before me Sept. 7th 1883}
John C. McLanchlin}
Clerk of Superior Court}
 
North Carolina}
Anson County}
James T. Bradley being duly sworn  says on his oath that he was captain of Co. B 31st N. C. Troops from May 1863 until the close of the War, that on or about the 14th day of May 1864, said company he being in command of is, was engaged as skirmishes near Drewry’s Bluff in Virginia and exposed to a destructive fire from the enemy during the engagement this affiant was himself wounded, and came off the field, while being carried off the field or soon thereafter he was informed of the casualties that occurred in his company and among others that John Sellers was killed. Saw John Sellers enlisted in this company some time in the year 1863, and sworn in as a private up to the day of his death.
Sworn and Subscribed}                               J. T. Bradley
Before me Sept. 7th 1883}
John C. McLanchlin}
Clerk of Superior Court}
 
North Carolina}
Anson County} I, John C. McLanchlin, Clerk of Superior Court for said county of Anson hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benj. P.Liles and James T. Bradley the above named affiants and know them to be men of good character and entirely trustworthy, and that they have no interest in this claim. Witness my hand and official seal.
At office in Wadesborough, this the 8th day of September 1885.
John C. McLanchlin
Clerk of Superior Court

In June 1901, She completed another Pension Application most likely to increase the stipend she was receiving. 

John M. Sellers and Mary [Maiden name unknown] had 3 known children.

    i.    William R. "Todd" Sellers, born 13 Feb 1854, Anson County, North Carolina; married Rosa Elizabeth Ratliff, 1880; died 20 May 1924, Lilesville, Anson, North Carolina.
    ii.    Mary Sellers was born in 1854 in Anson County, North Carolina.
   iii.    Infant Sellers was born in 1856 in Anson County, North Carolina.

The above document dated June 1901 shows Mary still living at that time. In 1900, she was in the household of her son, William R. “Todd” Sellers and his wife Rosa Elizabeth “Lizzie: Ratliff.

1900 CENSUS: Morven, Anson County, North Carolina; Roll: 1181;  Enumeration District: 0007; FHL microfilm: 1241181, Page: 4B/130 (Stamped); Line 91, Dwelling 76, Family 77; William R. SELLERS, male, age 48, born Apr 1852 in NC; Lizzie SELLERS, Wife, age 37, born Dec 1862 in NC; married 20 years, 6 children, 3 living; Aggie SELLERS, Daughter, age 15, born Aug 1884 in NC; John SELLERS, Son, age 13, born Jan 1887 in NC; Phillip SELLERS, Son, age 11, born Oct 1888 in NC; Jennie RATLIFF, Sister-in-law, age 33, born July 1866 in NC; Elijah RATLIFF, Nephew, age 17, born Jan 1883 in NC and Mary SELLERS, Mother, age 69, born July 1830 in NC, Widow, 3 children, 3 living.

I have no additional information on the Widow of John M. Sellers. If you have information about her I would love to hear from you. There's an e-mail link on this page or you can leave comments.

__________________________________

[1] The Pension application was a 5 page PDF located on NC MARS. I could not find the document ion-line today and had to refer to my archives. The transcribed documents are from that 5 page PDF.

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

Two Successful 1893 Entrepreneurs~Ephraim Honeycutt and His Wife

A WOMAN DISTILLER
She and the Still Both Belonged to Eph. Honeycutt
From the Charlotte News.

For many years Eph. Honeycutt, of Mission, Stanley county, has conducted a brandy distillery, and had a reputation throughout that county for making the best brandy to be had. The distillery was always conducted in an orderly way which is not the case with all of them.
The other day a revenue officer went down to the still to mark up the brandy, and lo, and behold! a woman was attending to things. The officer inquired of the woman as to Honeycutt's whereabouts.
''He's not here; does not stay here replied the woman.
"Well, who runs the still?"
"Why, I do, of coarse. I have been attending to it for these many days, and can make just as good brandy as Eph. Honeycutt can."
"Well, who are you and who does this distillery belong to?" asked the officer in astonishment." "The whole thing including myself belongs to Eph. Honeycutt, for I am his wife. I attend to things for him, because he has the farm and other matters to look after."
And then she went around to "chunk" up the fire, and squeezed the flannel strainer in the  "doubling keg" to see if the "singlings" were strong enough.

The question now becomes which Ephraim Honeycutt and his wife were the successful 1893 entrepreneurs. I have 7 Ephraim Huneycutt’s in my database and it could be anyone of them.

________________________________

[1] "A WOMAN DISTILLER," Local News, The Western Sentinel, (Winston-Salem, N.C.),, 19 October 1893, Image 3, column 5; Digital On-Line Archives, ChroniclingAmerica (https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ : viewed 3 October 2020), Historic America Newspapers.

The William Andrew Jackson Davis Family

William Andrew Jackson Davis was born 23 February 1833 in Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was the third born son and child of Isaac Jacob Davis and Sarah Willis. He had three brothers and two sisters.

At age 23, William Andrew Jackson Davis married Louisa Ann Anderson on 10 February 1857 in Union County, North Carolina. To this union were born 6 children:

William Andrew Jackson Davis and Louisa Ann Anderson had the following children:

        i.    William E. Davis, 25 Nov 1859,  Union County North Carolina; died 7 Apr 1900. .
        ii.    Juliana Davis, born 25 Mar 1866, Union County North Carolina; married D. I. Blackmon; died 5 Jun 1924, Union County North Carolina.
       iii.    James Bedford Davis, born 5 Jun 1869, Union County North Carolina; married Minnie Corinthia Davis; died 18 Apr 1928. (This couple were cousins but probably were unaware that they were at the time of their marriage).
       iv.    Dorinda Davis, born abt 1873, Union, North Carolina; married William S. Tomberlin, 1895; died 31 May 1929, Monroe, Union, North Carolina.
        v.    Clementine Davis, born 19 Dec 1878, Union County North Carolina; married Malcolm Robert Threatt; died 14 Oct 1971.
       vi.    Sarah Glendora Davis, born 31 Oct 1874, Union County North Carolina; married Joshua Louallen Tomberlin; died 11 Nov 1939, Rock Hill, York, South Carolina.

William Andrew Jackson Davis died 8 December 1902; his wife Sarah Willis Davis died 5 May 1904. They are buried in the Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery, Monroe, Union County, North Carolina. 

William Andrew Jackson Davis is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed.

_______________________

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 August 2020); Memorial page for W. A. J. Davis; (23 February 1833–8 December 1902); Find a Grave memorial # 29266056, Citing Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery; Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, USA.
2. 1850 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page 20A; Line 8, Dwelling 281, Family 281, Household of Isaac DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 7 May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 647.
3. 1860 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Union County, North Carolina, Page: 349 (Stamped); Line 19, Dwelling 58, Family 58, Household of William J. DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 August 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 915.
4. 1870 Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lanes Creek, Union, North Carolina, Page: 571B(stamped); Line 4, Dwelling 244, Family 237, Household of William A. DAVIS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 August 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M593, Roll 1161.
5. 1880 U. S. Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lanes Creek, Union, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 213, Page: 406A(Stamped)349; Line 33, Dwelling 180, Family 202, Household of William A. DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 August 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 0983.
8. "North Carolina Marriage Collection, 1741-2004," database, FamilySearch (http://familysearch.org : viewed 3 August 2020), Marriage: William J. Davis & Louiza Anderson; North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1977; Family History Library microfilm #0590485.
9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Louisa Davis (12 April 1833–5 May 1904), Memorial # 29266047.
10. Mrs. Louisa Davis obituary, The Monroe Journal, Monroe, Union County, North Carolina, 10 May 1904, page 3.

Last Will and Testament of John Laton, Sr.

John Laton, Sr., was born abt 1777 in Anson County, North Carolina; parents unknown. (Some say he was born in Virginia). He was twice married. After his first wife passed away leaving him with six children John then married Catherine Dry on 10 June 1824. To this union were borne an additional five children.

John Laton died in July 1852 leaving the below Last Will and Testament. His will was probated during the August Session 1852.

I have provided a link to this will in the footnotes at the bottom of this post; therefore, in the interest of saving loading time; only one of three pages are contained within this blog post.

John Laton Will

            In the name of God Amen. 

I John Laton Senr of the County of Stanly and State of North Carolina doth this the nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four make & publish this my last Will & Testament revoking all other wills & codicils by me previously made being in low state of health but of sound mind & memory blessed be God.
First: calling to mind that man has once to die and considering my worldly affairs & wishing to dispose of time as hereinafter mentioned; first that my body be buried in a Christian like manner.
Secondly: That all my just debts be paid out of my estate by my Executors. 
Third: I lend unto my beloved wife Katharine the plantation on which I now live containing five hundred acres be the same more or lefs on the waters of Clover Fork Creek adjoining the lands [of] Breedy Carter & Thomas Rice & Timothy Ragsdale & Starling McDaniel & others during her life time or widowhood, and after her death to be divided among the following children; Nancy Bullen, Huldah Saunders, Sarah Bullen, William Laton, John Laton.
& Elizabeth Rice, Excepted which I give fifteen dollars to be paid out of my Estate by my Executor.
Also I give fifteen dollars to my son David Laton to be paid out of my Estate by my Executor which moneys shall be paid at the end of two years after my decease. Also I give the stock of all Kind to my wife Katharine on the before mentioned plantation, farming utensils & everything belonging to said plantation, also all the household & kitchen furniture of all description.
Huldah Saunders, Nancy Bullen, Sarah Bullen & William Laton & John Laton they shall pay over to Elizabeth Rice & to David Laton the sum of fifteen dollars to the said David Laton & to Elizabeth Rice to make them equal.
Fourth: I give and bequeath unto my five children not before mentioned all my lands lying on the  waters of Jacobs Creek & Camp branch containing five hundred acres more or less to be equally divided amongst them to, viz. Martin, Franklin, Lydia, Katharine & James Adam.
Fifth: My will & desire is that the property of every description remaining on the plantation where I now live after my wife's death shall be sold at public sale and equally divided among all my children, Elizabeth Rice and David Laton excepted.
Sixth: I will & bequeath unto my beloved wife Katharine four hundred dollars that I have out at interest and after her death to be equally divided amongst her children, to viz: Martin, Franklin, Lydia, Katharine and James Adam, all the rest of my children excepted, viz. Elizabeth Rice, Nancy Bullen, William Laton, Huldah Saunders, John Laton, Sally Bullen, and David Laton.
Further I do appoint my beloved wife, Katherine and my worthy son Franklin Alexander Laton my Executors to this my last will & testament in witnefs whereof I John Laton Sen'r. the Testator have  to this my last will written on one sheet of paper set my hand and seal the day & year first above written.
Signed, sealed & delivered in}
presents <sic> of us.}                           John X his mark Laton {Seal}
Elisha Laton
John F. Miller

North Carolina}
Stanly County}  August Sefsions 1852
         Then the foregoing last will and testament of John Laton deceased was produced in open court and offered for probate, and the execution thereof duly proved by the oaths of Elisha Laton & John F. Miller the subscribing witnefses thereto, and Katherine Laton & Franklin Alexander Laton the Executors & Executrix therein named was duly qualified upon which Letters Testamentary issued to then and the said will & testament ordered to be recorded.
                                                                               R. Harris, Clk.

Katherine Dry, wife of John Laton, is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt making John Laton my 3rd Great Grand Uncle by marriage.

______________________________

[1]Link to Last Will and Testament >>>https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:SQWX-X25Z-9?i=47&wc=32L2-PTG%3A169988501%2C170045501&cc=1867501

UPDATE:~Local Youth Killed by Lightning

Arnold Gardner, the 17-year old son of Mr. John Gardner who lives 2 miles from Chesterfield was instantly killed by lightning yesterday morning about 9 o'clock while hauling a load of oats. One mule was killed, the other badly shocked, and a negro who was on the wagon stunned. The bolt struck the boy on the head, and the crown of his hat was knocked off. The body will be buried at Morven today.

Arnold Calbert Gardner was born on 2 December 1897, a son of John Henry Gardner and his wife Lela Emma Lowry Gardner. No tombstone has been found for Arnold but his many siblings and parents are buried in the Morven Cemetery, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina. He was the fifth born of at least 11 children; ten of which are listed on the parent's FindAGrave memorial.

Arnold was killed by lightning on 6 June 1916 near Chesterfield, South Carolina, and buried in Morven, Anson Co., North Carolina.

UPDATE:

After completing my Blog Post about Arnold Calbert Gardner I received the following note from a dear friend and fellow researcher Julious Burr.   

I saw your post today about Arnold Gardner. I was going to add him to Find A Grave but found a problem. Arnold Calbert Gardner son of John Henry Gardner and Lela Emma Gardner is buried in Fairview Memorial Park in Albemarle with his wife Minnie Streater Gardner. They applied for a license for marriage in Chesterfield on December 9, 1922. There is a Social Security death index for him which lists birth as December 2, 1897 and death as October 11, 1990. Also WWI draft registration at age 20 and father as John Henry Gardner of Chesterfield, S.C. I know his birth index is February 2, 1897. I did find two more children Era May Gardner married a Honeycutt which I requested a link to on Find A Grave and Edna Josephine Gardner never married that I linked to parents. She is in Morven Cemetery. Let me know what you make of Arnold Gardner.

After reviewing this information and some serious research I am convinced that Arnold Calbert Gardner survived the lightning strike, married Minnie Streater in 1922 and raised at least two children; a son, Willis Knox and a daughter, Myra Faith. 

Arnold Calbert Gardner’s Tombstone in Fairview Memorial Park, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina contains the following dates.   

______________________________

[1] The Library of Congress, "Local News," The Pageland Journal (Pageland, S.C.), 7 June 1916, Image 3, Page 3, col. 2; Digital On-Line Archives, Chronicling America ( https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/ : viewed 3 June 2019), Historic American Newspapers; Chronicling America.

The Heirs of Rilah Smith

Rilah Smith was born on 26 August 1788. He married a young lady, said to be Timmey Spencer, about 1809. To this union were born six children; 3 sons and 3 daughters. All the children are named within the below Land Deed. 

Rilah Smith was a faithful member of Deep Creek Baptist Church where he was baptized on 15 March 1817. He was the church clerk at Deep Creek Baptist Church from 1815-1864. He own land in and around Chesterfield.

The Heirs of R. Smith, dec'd to Elisha B. Smith Deed

The State of South Carolina}

Chesterfield District}

Know all men by these presents that we Jerusha Gulledge, Isaac Smith, Ferguson H. Smith, Sarah Duncan, Alfred White and Elizabeth White his wife, being heirs at law of the late Rilah Smith who died intestate and entitled respectively to one undivided Sixth part of his estate for and in consideration of the Sum of twenty dollars to us paid by Elisha B. Smith the receipt whereof we hereby acknowledge do grant, bargain, Sell and release unto the said Elisha B. Smith all our undivided portion in a certain piece parcel or tract of land belonging to Said estate being the inheritance of the Said Jerusha, Isaac Smith, Ferguson H., Sarah and Elizabeth Situate lying and being in thee district and State aforesaid on Jimmys Creek between three and four miles North of the Court House, containing two hundred acres more or less beginning at a small gum in the head of the branch on the dividing line between the said Rilah Smith and A. M. Streaters then South to Duncan Teals line, thence with Duncan Teals line West to W. K. Streater line, thence following W. K. Streaters line in a Northerly direction to his corner and the corner of lands of Rilah Smith, thence West across the creek, following the line between Rilah Smiths and W. K. Streater to Pamelia Crawford line and a corner between Rilah Smith and Pamelia Crawford thence North with Pamelia Crawford and Rilah Smith line to Archibald McQuaige's line, thence East following the line between the said McQuaig and Smith to the mill pond, thence round the pond, northerly to A. M. Streater line, thence East with said line and the line of Rilah Smith to the beginning. Together with all and Singular the rights, members, hereditament and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining. To Have and to hold all and Singular the said premises unto the said Elisha B. Smith his heirs and assigns forever. And we do hereby bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators to warrant and forever defend all and Singular the (pg 98) premises unto the said Elisha B. Smith his heirs and assigns from and against ourselves and our heirs, (and all other persons) lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof.

In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and seal this Fifth day of February A. D. 1866.

Signed Sealed and delivered}                        Sarah Duncan {Seal}

in presence of}                                               Jerusha Gulledge {Seal}

G. R. Boatwright}                                          Alfred White {Seal}

J. C. Smith}                                                    Elizabeth White {Seal}

                                                                        F. H. Smith {Seal}

                                                                        Isaac Smith {Seal}

{U.S. Stamps amounting to}

{Fifty cents properly canceled}

The State of South Carolina}

Chesterfield District}

Personally appeared before me J. C. Smith and made oath that he saw the above named Sarah Duncan, Jerusha Gulledge, Alfred White, Elizabeth White, F. H. Smith and Isaac Smith sign, Seal, and as their act and deed deliver the foregoing deed and the G. R. Boatwright with himself witnessed the execution thereof.

Sworn to before me}                                                 J. C. Smith

30 Nov 1867}

H. Craig, Jr.}

Clk.}

The State of South Carolina}

Chesterfield District}

I, Alfred M. Lowry one of the Magistrates for Said district do certify unto all whom it may concern that the within named Elizabeth White wife of the within named Alfred White did this day appear before me and upon being privately and Separately examined by me did declare that she did at least Seven days before the said examination actually join her husband the within named Alfred White in executing the with[in] release and that she did then and at the time of her examination also voluntarily and with out any manner of compulsion, dread or fear of any person or persons whomsoever renounce, release and forever relinquish all her estate interest and inheritance in the premises mentioned in the written release unto the within named Elisha B. Smith and his heirs and assigns, and she did also declare that the within release was positively and bona fide executed at least Seven days before her Said examination.

Given under my hand and Seal (pg 99) this 26th day of October, A.D. 1866

Alfred M. Lowry {L.S.}                                                     Elizabeth White

Magistrate

Recorded 7th June 1869

Orig'l Delv to Elisha B. Smith

Rilah Smith and Timmey Smith had the following children:

        i.    Jerusha Ann Smith, born 1810, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John M. Sellers, bef Oct 1830, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Rev. Joel Gulledge, abt 1856, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States; died 13 Feb 1885, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         ii.    Isaac Benjamin Smith, born 26 Aug 1811, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Rebecca Jane Boatwright, abt 1847; died 10 Aug 1882, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         iii.    Ferguson Hale Smith, born Sep 1815, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Catherine Melton, abt 1841; married Mary Ann Graves, abt 1867; married Ann Rebecca Powell, abt 1871; died 14 Jan 1902, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         iv.    Sarah Smith, born 22 Jul 1817, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married William B. Duncan; died 15 Jul 1907, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         v.    Caroline Elizabeth Smith, born 9 Dec 1819, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Alfred L. White; died 27 Sep 1882, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         vi.    Elisha Brown Smith Sr., born 11 Feb 1822, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Delilah M. Wallace, abt 1844; died 11 Jan 1873, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Rilah Smith died in 1864; the exact date of his death date is unknown. At his death, there was an estate settlement initiated in Probate Court (Probate Folder #13) but the children came to the above agreement and the Probate action was terminated.

Based on documents in Probate Folder #13; Images 190, 192, 204, and 209 Rilah Smith died before 9 July 1864.  

________________________________

[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 2,: Page 97-99, The Heirs of R. Smith, dec'd to Elisha B. Smith Deed; Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.              [2] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 179A (stamped), Line 31, Dwelling 1237, Family 1237, Household of Riley SMITH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 12 March 2014); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[3] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 129 (stamped); Line 28, Dwelling 499, Family 498; Riley SMITH, Household of Riley SMITH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 12 March 2014); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
[4] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  14 March 2014); Memorial page for Rilah Smith; (26 August 1788–1864); Find a Grave memorial # 50034426, Citing Smith Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.

The Marriage of Adam Eli Harkey and Barbara Dry

My 1st Cousin 5 times removed Barbara Dry was born 19 January 1812 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. She was a daughter and 5th born child of Phillip Wiley Dry and Catherine Köppel. She had three known brothers and a sister; but, there may be other unknown children.

Barbara Dry married Adam Eli Harkey on 7 October 1831 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. After the birth of seven known children, Adam and Barbara Harkey moved their family to Arkansas.

In 1850, they are enumerated in the Cabarrus County census; then in 1860, they can be found in Chickalah, Yell County, Arkansas. 

1860 CENSUS: Chickalah, Yell, Arkansas; Roll: M653_52; Image: 591; Family History Library Film: 803052, Page: 1063(Stamped); Line 2, Dwelling 1133, Family 433; Eli HARKEY, Male, age 53, born in NC; Barbara HARKEY, Female, age 49, born in NC; Abraham HARKEY, Male, age 22, born in NC; Martin HARKEY, Male, age 15, born in NC and Julia[s] HARKEY, Male, age 10, born in NC.

Eli Harkey served his county with the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry and died while serving in Little Rock Arkansas on 4 November 1864. He is buried in Little Rock National Cemetery.

His Widow, Barbara Dry Harkey, passed away on 6 August 1880 in Yell County, Arkansas. She is buried in the Elizabeth Hall Cemetery, Logan County, Arkansas.

Barbara Dry Harkey is my 1st Cousin 5 times removed.

___________________________________

1. 1850 U. S. Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Page: 482B(Stamped), Line 28, Dwelling 1236, Family 1236, Household of Eli HARKEY; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 October 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 622.

2. 1860 U. S. Census, Yell County, Arkansas, population schedule, Chickalah, Yell County, Arkansas, Page: 1063(Stamped); Line 2, Dwelling 1133, Family 433, Household of Eli Harkey; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 Oct 12020); citing NARA publication Roll: M653_48.

3. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (https://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 3 October 2020), entry for Eli HARKEY, Private; Company 'H', 3rd Arkansas Cavalty; Confederate.

4. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 October 2020); Memorial page for Adam Eli Harkey; (24 May 1807–5 November 1864); Find a Grave memorial # 3135005, Citing Little Rock National Cemetery; Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, USA.

5. "North Carolina, Marriages Record, 1741-2011," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 2 October 2020), Marriage: Eli Harkey and Barbara Dry, Marriage Date: 7 Oct 1831.

6. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Barbara C. Dry Harkey (19 January 1812–6 August 1888), Memorial # 63497308.

.

The Death of Mrs. Matt Musgrove

Widow Matthew Mugrove, Mico.
Special to The Times-Democrat.
Mico, Miss., June 5. Mrs. Matt Musgrove, aged about fifty years, dropped dead a few mile south of here while preparing dinner yesterday, from heart disease. No one was expecting her death. Mrs. Musgrove was the wife of Matthew Musgrove, who was killed in Laurel five years ago by G. W. Cowley, in a street fight. She was a devoted Christian and had a multitude of friends. She was buried to-day from Sharon Church.

Mrs. Matt Musgrove was born abt 1840 in Chesterfield County, SC a daughter of Luke Rivers and Mary Selina John. She was the firstborn child to this couple and given the name Flavelia Clarilla Levinia Rivers. In the late 1850s, Luke and Mary Selina moved from Chesterfield County to Jones County, Mississippi joining his two sisters and a brother who had migrated to that area in the 1830s and 1840s.

There Flavella married John Madison “Matt” Musgrove about 1858/59. John Madison and Flavella’s uncle Mark Rivers were close associates and Flavella obviously met Matt through her Uncle Mark Rivers. It also possible she was introduced by her Aunt Millie Rivers or Milly’s husband Moses Holifield.

Matt and Flavella raise a family of 10 children before he was killed on 12 November 1887. Their youngest, another Flavella, was born 12 April 1885. The death of Matt left his widow with 10 children ranging in age from  2 to 27.

Flavella Rivers Musgrove died on 1 June 1896 in Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi and is buried in Sharon Cemetery, Sharon, Jones County, Mississippi.

____________________________

[1] The Times-Democrat, New Orleans, Louisiana, 06 Jun 1896, Sat., Page 1

[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 August 2020); Memorial page for Flavelia Clarilla Levinia Rivers Musgrove; (1840–1 June 1896); Find a Grave memorial # 77628528, Citing Sharon Cemetery; Sharon, Jones County, Mississippi.

Who are the Parents of Sarah Jane, wife of Charles A. Brock?

For years I have sought the answer to 2 questions; one of which I have finally found an answer. The two questions are:

1. Who are the parents of Sarah Jane, wife of Charles A. Brock?
2. When died she die?

Background:

Charles A. Brock, b. 26 November 1836, is the oldest son of Alsey Brock and his wife of Lucy Morris. Charles was a merchant. He served in the Civil War with Company A, 4th Regiment South Carolina Cavalry (Rutledge's). After the War he came home and married Sarah Jane [LNU]. It is not known exactly when Charles and Sarah Jane were married but we know from a Land Deed that they were married prior to August 1866.

Chesterfield County SC Deed Book 1, page 15

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
             I William L. T. Prince Notary and ex off Magistrate do hereby certify unto all whom it may concern that Sarah J. Brock the wife of the within named Charles A. Brock did this day appear before me and upon being privately and separately examined by me did declare that she does freely voluntarily and without any compulsion dread or fear of any person or persons whomsoever renounce release and forever relinquish unto the within named Lewis D. Mowry and William S. Mowry  survivors of S & L. Mowry & Co. and the survivors of them their heirs and assigns all her interest and estate and also all her right and claim of dower of in and to all and singular the premises within mentioned and released.
                                                                                                Sallie J. Brock
Given under my hand and seal this fourth day of August A.D. 1866.
                                                                     William L. T. Prince {Seal}

Charles A. Brock is my 1st Cousin 3 times removed. His father and mother are my 2nd Great Grand Uncle and Aunt. After 40 plus years of research, I have not found a single clue that would help me identify who her parents are.

Sarah Jane [LNU] was born about 1844 according to the 1870 and 1880 Census.

I have found no proof that Charles A. and Sarah Jane Brock had any children. But in 1880, they have a 4-year old female, named Mary Kizzie Brock that is listed as a niece. Charles A. and Sarah Jane did care for Mary Kizzie Brock as evidence by this Cestui Que Trust:

• https://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-cestui-que-trust.html

and this Deed

• https://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2018/06/amanuensis-mondayanother-mary-kizzie.html

For a very long time, I had Sarah Jane [LNU] Brock's death date narrowed down to occur between 2 June 1900 and 23 March 1901. The land deed DB 17:533] posted here helped narrow down her death date.

Sarah Jane [LNU] Brock, widow, of Charles A. Brock, died between 2 June 1900 (1900 Census enumeration) and 23 March 1901, date of DEED A. G. Bright as Trustee To Kizzie M. Bullard [Deed Book 17: Page 533-536, Chesterfield County, South Carolina] 

Just recently after subscribing to Newspapers.com, I found an obituary for Sarah Jane Brock in “The Robesonian”, dated 23 October 1900. Sarah Jane Brock was living with her Niece in Lumberton, North Carolina.

Mrs. Brock, who has been living here with her son-in-law Mr. Geo. T. Bullard died Sunday night. Her remains were carried to Cheraw, S.C. yesterday for burial.

Looking at a calendar for October 1900 we find that the 23 occurred on Tuesday and Sunday night before Tuesday the 23rd is Sunday, 21 October 1900 the actual death date for Mrs. Sarah Jane Brock.

As an added note, The Cestui Que Trust states that Mary Kizzie Brock is the daughter of Irvin S. Brock making her the Niece of Sarah Jane [LNU] Brock. Thus,  George T. Bullard, husband of Mary Kizzie, IS NOT the SON-IN-LAW of Sarah Jane Brock.

Do you know who the parents of Sarah Jane, wife of Charles A. Brock are? If you have any information as to the parentage of Sarah Jane [LNU] Brock, I would love to hear from you.  

___________________

[1] Land Deed - Stephen & Chas A Brock to Lewis D. & W. S. Mowry Mortgage; 4 August 1866; Deed Book #1; Page(s) 15; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC; 1 October 2020.

[2] "Death Notice: Mrs. Sarah Jane Brock," Death Notice:, The Robesonian, Lumberton, North Carolina, 23 October 1900, page 3, Column 1; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/:viewed 1 October 2020).

The Heirs of Stephen P. Jackson

I have written many times about Land Deeds and what a valuable genealogical resource they can be in your research. If you are not using Land Deeds in your research you are definitely missing clues to your family lineage.

The Land Deed presented here today lists the surviving heirs of Stephen P. Jackson. Be mindful that there is a minimum of 4 Stephen P. Jacksons.

Stephen P. Jackson executing this Land Deed was married to Mary Jane Gibson. Stephen P. Jackson is the son of John Jackson and Effa/Effie [LNU], his wife.  

Stephen and Mary had 6 known children; 4 sons and two daughters.

Pg 607

Betsey Ann Whitley,}

Joseph Jackson, Harry}

Jackson, Virgil Jackson,}

Mary Jane Tucker, Mary}

Jane Jackson}

to}

Dorsey Jackson}

State of South Carolina.

Know all Men by these presents that we Betsey Ann Whitley Joseph Jackson, Virgil Jackson, Mary Jane Tucker, Harry Jackson heirs of Stephen P. Jackson & Mary Jane Jackson widow in the State aforesaid, Chesterfield County in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to us in hand paid at and before the sealing of these presents, by Dorsey Jackson in the State aforesaid, County of Chesterfield (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged) have granted, bargained, sold and released and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said Dorsey

Jackson a certain piece or tract of land lying in the County of Chesterfield and State aforesaid on the waters of Little Black Creek on North side beginning on a pine coiner bounded by Dorenson? line South to Lightwood Knot corner on the Road bounded by the Atkinson and Hancock West and North to pine corner thence strait line to another pine corner at head of Branch thence down said branch to the Joplin land to the beginning corner containing seventy five acres more or less. It being a tract of land conveyed to Stephen P. Jackson by John Jackson in the year 1858 and was conveyed to John Jackson by John W. Sellers. Together with all and singular the Rights, members, Hereditament and Appurtenances (pg 608) to the said premises belonging, or in anywise incident or appertaining. To Have and To Hold, all and singular the said premises before mentioned, unto the said Dorsey Jackson his Heirs and Assigns forever. And we do hereby bind ourselves, our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said Dorsey Jackson his Heirs and assigns against ourselves and our heirs, or any person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof.

Witness our hands and seals this 16th day of April in the year of our Lord One thousand nine hundred and _____ and in the one hundred and 23 year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.

Signed, sealed and delivered}                      Betsey Ann X her mark Whitley {L.S.}

in the presence of}                                       Joseph X his mark Jackson {seal}

J. N. Clanton}                                              Virgil X his mark Jackson {seal}

B. C. Jones}                                                  Mary Jane X her mark Tucker {seal}

                                                                      Harry X his mark Jackson {seal}

                                                                      Mary Jane Jackson {seal}

State of South Carolina}

County of Chesterfield}

Personally appeared before me J. N. Clanton and made oath that he saw the within named Betsey Ann Whitley, Joseph Jackson, Virgil Jackson, Harry Jackson, and Mary Jane Tucker & Mary Jane Jackson sign, seal and as their Act and Deed deliver the within written deed and that he with B. C. Jones witnessed the execution thereof.

Sworn to before this}

28th day of April AD 1900}                                            J. N. Clanton

{L.S.} G. R. Sowell,}

Magistrate}

Pg 609

State of South Carolina}

County of Chesterfield}

I, G. R. Sowell, Magistrate do hereby certify unto all whom it may concern, that Mrs. Mary J. Jackson the wife to the within named Stephen P. Jackson, deceased did this day appear before me and upon being privately and separately examined by me, did declare that she does freely, voluntarily and without any compulsion, dread or fear of any person or persons whosoever, renounce, release and forever relinquish unto the within named Dorsey Jackson his heirs and assigns, all her right and claim of Dower, of, in, or to all and singular the premises within mentioned and released.

Given under my hand and seal this 28th day of April A. D. 1900.

{L.D.} G. R. Sowell}                                             Mary Jane X her mark Jackson

Magistrate}

Audited this 26th day of May 1900 in Book H, page 72

Fee $.25 E. F. Mulloy

Auditor Chesterfield County SC

Recorded 26th May 1900

I have spent many hours in Land Deeds this week in SC, NC and Mississippi and the time has been very fulfilling. FamilySearch.org has many of the Sates Land deeds listed and available to research from your Desktop computer. North Carolina and some Counties in South Carolina have their Land Deeds on line. Land Deeds are readily available for research 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

_____________________

[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 16: 607 to 609, Mary Jane Jackson & Others to Dorsey Jackson Deed; 16 April 1900, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

Where is the Last Will and Testament of Rolin Sellers?

Rolin R. Sellers, Phillip A. Sellers, and William R. Sellers are brothers and sons of Rolin Sellers and Margaret Eddins. In this deed, Rolin R. and Phillip A are selling their interest, rights, and claim to the land to their brother, William Riley Sellers.

This is family land; land that had been passed down as stated within the deed. Phillip Sellers, grandfather of the 3 brothers deeded the land to his son, Rolin/Roland Sellers on 8 March 1821.

Rolin/Roland Sellers then WILLED the land to his sons at the time of his death. 

“Situated on the east Side of Cruses Branch conveyed to Rolin Sellers By Phillip Sellers by Deed bearing date of Eighth day of March in the year of Our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and & twenty one which was willed to us by the last will and testimony of our deceased Father Rolin Sellers the said tract of land with all and singular the Rights Members Hereditaments & appurtenances”

Transcription:

Rolin R. Sellers and Phillip A. Sellers to William R. Sellers Deed ¹

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
                                     Know all men by these presents that we Phillip A. Sellers & Rolin R. Sellers of the State of North Carolina, Anson County for & In consideration of the sum Two Hundred & Thirty Dollars to us paid by William R. Sellers of the District of Chesterfield in the state aforesaid, we have granted, bargained Sold and released & by these presents do grant bargain Sell & release unto the said William R. Sellers all our Titles, Claims & Interest of these pieces of land being in the State aforesaid & of Chesterfield District, Situated on the east Side of Cruses Branch conveyed to Rolin Sellers By Phillip Sellers by Deed bearing date of Eighth day of March in the year of Our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and & twenty one which was willed to us by the last will and testimony of our deceased Father Rolin Sellers the said tract of land with all and singular the Rights Members Hereditaments & appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident of appertaining to have and to hold all and Singular the premises before mentioned unto the Said William R. Sellers his heirs & afsigns forever & we do hereby bind our Selves our Heirs, Executors & Administrators’ to warrant and forever defend all and Singular the same premises unto the Said William R. Sellers his Heirs and afsigns against our Selves  and our Heirs & against every Person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the Same or any part thereof Witnefs our hands and Seals this the Seventh of October One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty.

Signed, Sealed and delivered}
In the presence of }                                       Rolin R. Sellers {LS}
R. C. Sellers}                                                 Phillip A. Sellers {LS}
Jas. D. Sellers}
 
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
                                       Personally appeared before me R. C. Sellers and made oath that he saw Rolin R. Sellers and Phillip A. Sellers sign Seal and as their act and deed deliver the within written deed and that he with Jas. D. Sellers witnefsed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me this}                                R. C. Sellers
10th August 1880}
W. A. Mulloy {Seal}}
Notary Public}
 
Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
                      Recorded 10th August 1880. In Sales Book “A”, Page 162.
                                                                      C. L. Evans
                                                                            Auditor
Chesterfield County, SC Deed Book 6, pages 112-113

Rolin/Roland Sellers died 9 March 1848.² The above deed was executed on 7 October 1850 and I have no doubt that there was a Will and that it existed on 7 October 1850. But, since that time we have had a Civil War which burned the Chesterfield County Court House. I have looked extensively for the Last Will and Testament of Rolin/Roland Sellers without success. if you have any ideas or suggestions concerning this Will, please contact me.

Rolin/Roland Sellers is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle; his 3 sons are my 1st Cousins 4 times removed.

___________________________

[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 6: pages 112 & 113, Rolin R. Sellers and Phillip A. Sellers to William R. Sellers Deed; 7 October 1850, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

[2] Ancestry, "War of 1812 Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/:accessed 3 March 2020), entry for Rolen Sellers, Private; Capt. William Welch Company.

The Death of Mrs. Pleas. Brock

There are 5 Pleasant Brock‘s in my genealogical database. In this case, we are talking about the first wife of Pleasant Archie Brock, Sr. son of Michael Hezekiah Brock and his wife Timmie Smith.

Pleasant Archie Brock, Sr. was born on 3 November 1883. On 23 February 1913, Pleasant Archie married Milly Callie Hunter, daughter of William T. Hunter and Catherine Melton.  

On 20 April 1914 their firstborn, a son, called Heyward was born to this couple. A few years later in January 1918 tragedy struck this family. After a short marriage of only 5 years and one child, Millie Callie Hunter Brock passed away. Her death certificate shows the cause of death as heart trouble even though she was only in her mid-twenties.  

Her death notice as posted in The Pageland Journal, 6 February 1918 reads:

Mrs. Pleas. Brock
Mrs. Pleas. Brock who recently moved to Lancaster, died there last Wednesday, and the body was brought back and buried at White Plains Thursday afternoon. She was about 24 years old and is survived by her husband and one child.

As stated, the newspaper is dated 6 Feb. 1918 and states that she died last Wednesday. 

Looking at a February 1918 Calendar online I see that her actual death date, per this death notice, would be 30 January 1918. Yet, her SC Death certificate shows that she in fact died on 28 January 1918 and was buried on 30 Januarys 1918.

Pleasant Archie Brock, the Husband of Callie Hunter, is my 1st Cousin twice removed.

________________________________ 

1. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 17, Page 26A/7A;  Line 10, Dwelling 111, Family 111, Household of Michael BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1523.
2. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Oldstore, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0042, Page 222A/4A; Line 12, Dwelling 47, Family 47, Household of Michael BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.
 3. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Old Store, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 45, Page 284B/15B; Line 56, Dwelling 209, Family 218, Household of Mike BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.
   4. South Carolina, Death Records, 1821-1961,  Images. Ancestry, (https://www.ancestry.com:  4 May 2020), South Carolina, Death Records, 1821-1961, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, Milley C Brock [Milley C. Hunter]; Certificate number 1053, 28 January 1918.
    5. "Mrs. Pleas. Brock," Death Notice, The Pageland Journal, (Pageland, South Carolina), 6 February 1918, Page 7; column 1; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : viewed & transcribed 4 May 2020); https://www.newspapers.com/.

The Heirs of James M. Holifield

James M. Holifield was born abt 1844, a son of John C. “Cow John” Holifield and his wife Mary A. Brown. He was a farmer.

About 1862, James M. Holifield married Sarah Catherine Rivers, daughter of Luke Rivers and Mary Selena John. Sarah Catherine Rivers was born about 1844 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

James M. Holifield and Sarah Catharine Rivers had the following children:

        i.    Almeda M. Holifield, born abt 1866, Jones County, Mississippi; married Andrew Jackson Moss; died 1931.
         ii.    Ira M. Holifield was born about 1872 in Jones County, Mississippi.
         iii.    Mary Jane Holifield, born abt 1874, Jones County, Mississippi; married Charles Matthew Barnes; died 1 Jan 1955, Miami, Dade, Florida.
         iv.    Vincent David Holifield, born 20 Jun 1881, Jones County, Mississippi; married Mattie Page, 1908; died 5 Nov 1930, Gulf Hammock, Levy, Florida.
         v.    Cicero Holifield was born in 1881 in Jones County, Mississippi. He died on 30 May 1899 at the age of 18. Find A Grave Memorial# 48362819.

       vi.    Henry Wyatt Holifield, born 10 Jun 1883, Jones County, Mississippi; married Louise Bertie Speed; died 2 Apr 1965.

Sarah Catherine Rivers Holifield died in 1884 and her widow husband James M. Holifield married Cordelia Azaline Geiger on 26 November 1885.

James M. Holifield and Cordelia Azaline Geiger had the following child:

1. Luanna Holifield,

On 7 October 1887, tragedy struck this family again when James M Holifield the father of the above 7 children passed away.

Two documents, other than censuses, names the heirs-at-law left by the death of James M. Holifield on 7 October 1887. 

Transcription:

Heirs-at-Law of John M. Holifield

Item #5, Page 559
5. Your petitioner would therefor pray the Court that a Summons issue directing all the heirs & distributions of Said Jas. M. Holifield Widow of decedent & her infant child name James Vinson Cicero & Wiatt Holifield minors of Jones County Mrs. Sarah Manasco adult of Wayne Co., to appear before this Court on the first Monday of April 1888, to answer the Allegations of this petitions & that upon a final hearing of the Same may it please the Court, to Enter an order & decree authorizing & commanding petitioner to Sell Said Lands or a sufficiently thereof to pay and satisfy Said Note & interest due thereon, for the purchase money of said Lands & if must (illegible) the relief Sought to grant Such other & further relief as Eighty & good conscience demands & as in duty bound petitioner will ever pray &c. 

Sworn to and Subscribed before me}
the day of March 1888.}                           N. C. Hall for petitioner

page 560
The State of Mifsifsippi}    Chauncey Court
          Jones County}
             To the Sheriff of Jones County Greetings.
You are hereby Commanded to Summons Mrs. A. Holifield & her infant child & Ira, Mary Jane, Vinson  Cicero and Wiatt Holifield minor heirs of James M. Holifield, dec’d if to be found in Your County to be and personally appear before the Chancery Court Jones County, at the Court House of said County in the town of Ellis Ville on the 1st Monday of April 1888, then and there to answer the petition of Moses Holifield Admin of the Estate of James M. Holifield dec'd to Sell lands to pay debts. Herein fail not, and have you then and there this Writ. Issued under my hand and Seal of said Court at Office in the 17th day of March 1888. 
                                                       Jno. H. Bynum, Clk.

                                                          By E. ? Sharp, D. C.
         Sheriff's Returns
Received the 17 day of April 1888. Executed by personal Services and by handing a true Copy of the Within Writ to Azaline Holifield and her infant, Luanna Holifield, Ira, Mary Jane, Vinson Cicero and Wiatt Holifield.
     The Defendant, this 20 day of March 1888.
                                                        B. E. Devall, Sheriff
                                                            By N. V. Walters, D. S. 

            

Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930
Jones County, MS
Final records 1857-1890
page 560; Image 290 of 310

You can see with the exception of Item #5, where we find the name James, that the names of most heirs-at-law matches within this document and with the censuses. Ira is a female and I suspect this should actually be Iva. I have no idea, at present, who Sarah Manasco, in item #5 above, is or how she is related.

Some portions of the above document were not transcribed. The hyperlink for the document is listed in the footnotes. Check all before and after pages for further information about this probate.

James M. Holifield is my 3rd Cousin 3 times removed.

________________________

[1] Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 04 January 2018), memorial page for Cicero Holifield (1881–30 May 1899), Find A Grave Memorial no. 48362819, citing Windham Cemetery, Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, USA ; Maintained by Gene Phillips (contributor 46927046) .

[2] Probate Document-https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Q6-DQCG?i=289&wc=M7MJ-H3D%3A344546601%2C344603201&cc=2036959

[3] 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 126, Page 309C (stamped); Line 36,, Dwelling 22, Family 22;, Household of  James HALIFIELD [HOLIFIELD]; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2015); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 651.
[4] Patricia N. Edwards & Jean Strickland, Who Married Whom (Ashdown Arkansas 71822: Strickland Books, 1986), page 65.
[5] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 168A, Line 6, Family #1065, Dwelling #1065, Household of Luke Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[6] 1860 U. S. Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 705, Line 7, Dwelling #303, Family #303, Household of Luke RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653 Roll 584.
  [7] Strickland, Who Married Whom, page 65.