Documenting and Proving Another Generation

For quite some time a large portion of my time has been spent researching my paternal lineage,  proving the line back to my 3rd Great Grandmother Charity Dry was quite simple. Pushing back additional generations with solid documentation was somewhat problematic especially the connection between the 4th and 5th generation. But tenacity won out and last year I was admitted into the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) based on my 5th Great Grandfather Charles Dry commitment to his new homeland.  

My next objective was to attempt to push back on Charity’s mothers line; a lady by the name of Catherine Keppel. I had no idea who Catherine Keppel’s parents were but about 6 months ago a young lady (Patty) living near here in North Carolina ask me to assist her in her attempt to join the DAR.  In our exchange of documents she brought to my attention three (3) land deeds that were the key to pushing Catherine Keppel/Koppel’s lineage back another generation. The introduction to these 3 land deeds reads:

“Know all men by these presents that I george Erenhart in Right of my wife Margaret & I John grube in the wright of my wife Elisabeth & I Martin dry in wright of My Wife Catherine & I peter Koppel & John Coppell strikethru & Henry Copple all of us Lawfull Heirs & Legatees of Peter Koppler deceased have remised released  & foreever quit for us our heirs Executors Adm'n and by these presents do remise release & for Ever quit claim unto Killian Kopple of all that tract of land lying & being in the County of Cabarrus & State of No. Carolina on the waters of Little Buffalo Creek...”

That's a lot of family history in one little paragraph and its clearly proved that Catherine Koppler Dry is the daughter of Peter Koppler, deceased.  The land deed names all of the children of Peter Keppel and their spouses. It didn’t mention his wife.

These land deeds can be found in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Deed Book 6, pages 166, 167 and 168.

Next, I received an email from another family historian in Arizona. Amy was researching her Kepley line and sent me this request. 

I’m stuck a bit trying to prove that James E. Kepley is the son of Daniel Kepley, and then trying to tie Daniel Kepley to his parents John Killian Keppel & Sarah Crowell/Krawl, and then try to link to Peter Keppel Sr. and Anna Grobb. 

[Note: All of this was proven and documented.]

Since I was already researching the Kepley line I responded with a big YES I will help. Again in our exchange of documents and emails Amy brought this awesome document to my attention. The Marriage of Peter Kepple and Anna Grob  in 1756, Goshenhoppen, Montgomery County Pennsylvania.      

Transcription:

Item 32
Peter Kepple, single, Lutheran, born 1730 May, son of Paul Keppel. Came to America in 1750. Married Anna Elisabeth, single, Lutheran, 20 years of age, da(ughter) of Johan Grob, from Whitehall township. Banns published (1) on Dec. 28, 1755 in Old Goshahoppen, (2) on Jan 1; (3) on Jan. 4 in Old Gosh. Married January 6, [1756]."

Page 58 of a Marriage Book

Networking with Amy in Arizona we think that we have found the next Generation (Paulus Koppel) with this document and the father name mentioned in the marriage document.

Page 289

List of Foreigners Imported in the Ship Phoenix, John Mason, Master, from Rotterdam Qualified
Sept, 15, 1749
Heinrich Koppel,
Michel Koppel
Jacob  Koppel
Paulus  Koppel
Peter  Koppel

NAMES OF FOREIGNERS who took the OATH OF ALLEGIANCE to the PROVINCE AND STATE of PENNSYLVANIA, 1720-1775 With the Foreign Arrivals, 1786-1808. Edited by WILLIAM HENRY EGLE, M. D.; Clearfield Publishing Company

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t87h1rr72&view=1up&seq=297&q1=mason

I have written very often about the priceless value of Land Deeds in your genealogical research. If you are not doing land deeds research you are rejecting a very valuable resource within your genealogy reach. 

Catherine Keppel Dry is my 4th Great Grandmother.

Peter Keppel and Anna Grob are my 5th Great Grandparents.

Paulus Keppel is my 6th Great Grandfather.

_____________________________________

Note: The Kepley surname has been found as Capley; Keppel; Kapple; Keoppel; Kappley; Cauble, Keppel; Cople; Koppel; 

[1] Land Deed - Division of the Estate of Peter Kapple Sr.; 8 August 1807; Deed Book #6; Page(s) 158; Register of Deeds; Concord, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; 12 December 2020.

[2] https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=loc.ark:/13960/t87h1rr72&view=1up&seq=297&q1=mason

Special THANKS to Patty and Amy and all of the numerous individuals who have shared their research throughout the past years.

Blount Alsobrook~A Brief Summary of His Life

Based on various public records we know that Blount Alsobrook was born about 1794. Where he was born and who his parents are haven’t yet been determined by this researcher.

However, we first find Blount Alsobrook as a young lad under the age of 21 in Marion County, South Carolina on 1 March 1815.

1 March 1815
Then suspended the guardianship of Wm. Alsobrook guardian for Blunt Alsobrook the minor being of age.
South Carolina Probate Re... Bound Volumes, 1671-1977 Marion Minute book and journal, 1800-1825
Image 74 of 157;
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-V993-6R?i=73&wc=M6NW-96D%3A210902901%2C210902902&cc=1919417

Thus, we can project form this probate record that Blount Alsobrook was born about 1 March 1794.

We next find Blount Alsobrook in the year 1822 as a resident of Trigg County, Kentucky. Then sometime before 1830 we find that Blount has found a suitable bride by the name of Mary Susan Cook and they were married before the 1830 census. Blount and Mary Susan were enumerated in the Trigg County 1830 Federal census. It is almost certain they were married in Trigg County, Ky but exactly when between 1822 and 1830 has not been determined.

Mary Susan Cook was the daughter of Daniel Cook (deceased) and Ruth Moultrie Cook. Ruth Moultrie Cook, a widow, left Chesterfield County, South Carolina about 1818 and migrated into Tennessee and Kentucky. Its almost certain that Blount and Mary Susan were married sometime between 1818 and 1830. She was born about 1800.

On 15 October 1835, Blount sold his land to 3 of his Cook’s brother-in-laws and by 1820 he and Mary Susan were in Wilcox County, Alabama. Back in 1818 when Ruth Moultrie Cook moved her Unmarried children from Chesterfield, SC to Kentucky one of her older Sons, Daniel, Jr. married Martha Warren Norwood and moved to Wilcox county, Alabama.

Blount and Mary Susan spent the remaining years of their life in Alabama. Mary Susan (Cook) Alsobrook died October 1879 in Colbert County, Alabama. Blount Alsobrook died February 1880 in Colbert County, Alabama. Both are listed on the 1880 Mortality Schedule (Lines 10 & 13). No tombstones have been found for Blount or Mary Susan Alsobrook.

 

Mary Susan (Cook) Alsobrook is my 1st Cousin 5X Removed.

_____________________

1. 1830, Trigg County, Kentucky, population schedule, Trigg County, Kentucky, Page: 29; Line 9, Household of Blount ALSOBROOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 Aug 2019 ); citing NARA publication M19_42.
2. Land Deed - John Cook, William Cook and Martin Cook to Isaac Futrell; 15 October 1832; Deed Book #10; Page(s) 82; Register of Deeds; Dover, Stewart County, TN; 11 January 2020.
3. 1840 U. S. Census, Wilcox County, Alabama, population schedule, Wilcox County, Alabama, Page: 307; Line 10, Household of Blunt ALSOBROOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 August 2019); citing  National Archives Microfilm M704 Roll 16.
4. 1850 U. S. Census, Franklin County, Alabama, population schedule, District 6, Franklin County, Alabama, Page: 173B(stamped); Line 37, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Blount ALSOBROOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 August 2019); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 5.
5. 1855 Alabama State Census, Franklin County, , Franklin County, Alabama, , Household of Blount ALSOBROOK; FHL microfilm .
6. 1870 U. S. Census, Colbert County, Alabama, population schedule, Township 6 Range 11, Colbert County, Alabama, Page: 71A  (Stamped), Line 9, Dwelling 15, Family 15, Household of Blont ALSOBROOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 14 August 2019); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_10.
7. 1880 U. S.  Census Mortality Schedule, Colbert County, Georgia, mortality schedule, Township 6, Colbert, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) 42, Page 1, Line 10, B. O. Alsobrook; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 August 2019); citing National Archives Microfilm T655_5.

The Re-Location of Isaac Futrell Tombstone

The Land Between the Lakes begin as a Tennessee Valley Authority project building dams to create Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated this area to become a National Recreation Area. Eminent Domain was used to forced many area families to relocate; cemeteries were relocated and entire towns such as Birmingham, Kentucky and Model, Tennessee were either abandon or now under waters.

Long before this project became the dream of modern day man my ancestors [the Cook's, Jackson's, Futrell, Lindsey's] farmed and roamed the hills and forest of this area. It was an area where Iron Furnaces were prevalent. The furnaces were used to produced "pig iron" which was shipped off to nearby factories.  

A causality of this project was the Futrell Cemetery in Stewart County, Tennessee. Interment in the entire cemetery were relocated. Isaac Futrell and his wife Levica Cook Futrell were relocated to the Rushing Creek Cemetery, Stewart County, Tennessee. 

Relocation Card for Isaac Futrell

Transcription of Relocation Card:

Names of Deceased Isaac Futrell                 Grave No.   74   

Date of Birth Dec. 25, 1796   Date of Death Aug 25, 1836  Age   29  

Type & Condition of Marker Com type head stone cond good
Com Type Foot cond good

Inscription on Marker      In memory of Isaac Futrell     

Born Dec 25th 1796  Died Aug 25th  1836
Footstone,   I. F.    

Remarks Reinterred by T.V.A. Same as Grave No. 8 Cem.
No R-65 from Grave No. 8 Cem. No. 127 Kentucky Reservoir.

The relocated grave of Isaac Futrell can be seen by clicking on this link:

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19115620/isaac-futrell

Isaac Futrell married Levica Cook, my 1st Cousin 6X removed, on 21 April 1824 in Christian County, Kentucky. In the twelve short years they were married there were five known children borne to this couple. Their youngest, a son was borne in February 1836 just 6 months prior to the death of his father. 

Levica Cook Futrell, Wife of Isaac, is my 1st Cousin 6X removed. 

_______________________________

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Between_the_Lakes_National_Recreation_Area

[2] https://www.tngenweb.org/stewart/furnace2.htm

[3] https://www.tva.com/environment/environmental-stewardship/land-management/cultural-resource-management/relocated-cemeteries

The Marriage of Joseph M. Cook & Martha “Patsey” Lindsey

Joseph Moultrie Cook was born abt 1790 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He was the eldest son of Daniel Cook, Sr. and his wife Ruth Moultrie. The death of his father is unknown and unproven but believed to have occurred before Joseph reached his teenage years.

At some point in the mid-1800, Ruth Moultrie Cook moved her family to Trigg County, Kentucky. Family folklore says she was on scene at the marriage of her son, Joseph Moultrie Cook in October 1816. She is definitely on the Trigg County, Kentucky 1820 Federal census and a 1820 Trigg County Tax List.  

On 9 October 1816, Joseph M. Cook married Martha “Patsey” Lindsey, daughter of Carlton Lindsey.  

Joseph M. Cook Marriage Transcription

Know all men by these presents that we Joseph M. Cook Jno Holland are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of  £50 the payment well & Truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs & Jointly & firmly by these presents Sealed with our seals & sealed this
9th of October 1816. 
The condition of the above obligation is such that a licensee hath this day ifsued for a marriage shortly intended between Joseph M. Cook & Patsey
Lindsey. Now if there is no lawfull cause to obstruct said marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force & intent.
                                                 Joseph M. l his mark Cook {Seal}
Witnefs:                                    Jno. l his mark Holland {Seal}
Jno. J. Reynolds
I Joseph M. Cook this day made oath that Carlton Lindsey gave his consent for licensee to ifsue for a marriage between him & said Lindsey Daughter Patsey, & that the Sd. Carlton was on [legible word??] for the marriage between them.------
                                                   Jno. J. Reynolds

After 14 years of Marriage, Joseph Moultrie Cook passed away sometime before 22 March 1830, a probate date from his Hinds County, Mississippi probate file. I have failed to determine exactly when Joseph & Martha left Kentucky and moved to Hinds County, Mississippi. We do know that Joseph sold 300 acres of land located in Trigg County, KY  to his Brother-in-Law Blount Alsobrook in January 1824.

No specific death date or tombstone has been found for Joseph Moultrie Cook or his wife Patsey. His wife, Martha “Patsey” Lindsey Cook, survived him and is said to have passed away in Choctaw County, Mississippi. [Not yet proven.]

Joseph Moultrie Cook is my 1st Cousin 6X Removed.

___________________

[1] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9SQ-FYQL?i=26

[2] Trigg County, Kentucky, Deed Book A: page 439, Joseph M. Cook to Blount Alsobrook Deed; Register of Deeds, Cadiz, Trigg County, Kentucky.

When Did Tabitha Cook Lindsey Pass Away

Tabitha Cook was born about 1805 to Daniel Cook and Ruth Moultrie of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Her father died shortly after her birth, some say in 1812, but no actual death date has been found to prove his exact death date.

Her Mother, Ruth Moultrie Cook moved the family to Kentucky sometime around the year 1816. There at a very young age Tabitha married James Lindsey on 18 October 1819.

Transcription:

State of Kentucky}
Christian County)
         I do hereby certify that in pursuance of a Licensee from the Clerk of Sd County I  Solemnize the rites of Matrimony between James Lindsey & Tabitha Cook on the 18th October 1819.----                                      Abner Boyd

The James and Tabitha Lindsey household in the 1820 Census:

1820 CENSUS: Trigg, Trigg, Kentucky; NARA Roll: M33_29; Image: 16; Page: 4; Line 13; Household of James LINDSEY; 1 Male over age 45; 1 Female over age 45; 1 male age 16-25 and 1 Female age 10-15. Also 8 slaves.

I have yet to determine the exact age of both James and Tabitha Lindsey. We do know that Tabitha was James’ 2nd Wife and that he had at least one son, Sackfield Sanford Lindsey, and two daughters from the first marriage. No children have been identified from the 2nd marriage and it is believed that Tabitha Cook Lindsey died quite young.

On 7 November 1825, “James Lindsey and Eleanor his wife sold a tract of land for the good will and affection the Sd. James Lindsey bears to his son, Sackfield S. Lindsey. It is believed that Eleanor is the 3rd wife of James Lindsey. Thus, Tabitha died before this land Deed was executed on 7 Novemeber 1825.   

James Lindsey wrote his will on 3 Mar 1837 in Trigg County, Kentucky. He left everything to his wife, Eleanor, and at her death the two daughters because Sackfield had already received his share. It is not known when James died but it was after the date of this Last Will and Testament.

Tabitha Cook Lindsey is my 1st Cousin 6X Removed.

__________________________

[1] 1820, Trigg County, Kentucky, population schedule, Trigg, Trigg, Kentucky;, Page: 4; Line 13, Household of James LINDSEY; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 January 2020); citing NARA publication M33_29.

[2] "Kentucky Marriage Records, 1783-1965," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 3 February 2019), Marriage: James Lindsey & Tabitha Cook; Marriage Date: 18 Oct 1819.

[3] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-KS9F-R?cat=432792 

[4] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4F-X9MP-B?cc=1804888

[5] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9S7-W7DM?i=397

The Marriage of Joseph M. Honeycutt & Elizabeth “Lizzie” Horne

Joseph M. Honeycutt, son of David M. Honeycutt and Edith Underwood were united in marriage with Elizabeth “Lizzie” Horne, daughter of James Horne and Ella Pigg on 8 April 1914 at Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

An announcement of the marriage appeared in the Messenger & Intelligencer on 9 April 1914, page 5. 

After 20 years of Marriage and 11 childrens; Joseph M. Honeycutt passed away on 21 February 1934 from acute aremie (chronic kidney disease).  

Elizabeth was left a widow with 11 children under the age of twenty one. She next married Jesse Paul Cooper, date and place unknown.  

Joseph M. Honeycutt and Elizabeth Horne had the following children:

i. Annie Christine Honeycutt was born on 18 Feb 1911 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

ii. James Thomas Honeycutt was born in 1915.

iii. Lessie Lee Honeycutt was born on 31 Aug 1916 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

iv. Jesse Lee Honeycutt, born 4 Aug 1914, Anson County, North Carolina; married Lula Mae Craven; died 2 Aug 1980, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

v. Joel Curtis Honeycutt, born 25 Sep 1917; married Mildred Lee; died 9 Oct 1997, Thomasville, Davidson, North Carolina.

vi. Edmond Ingram Honeycutt was born on 16 Dec 1920 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

vii. Rowena Honeycutt, born 19 Dec 1922; married Clayton Alexander Tarlton; died 18 Feb 2009, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

viii. Flora L. Honeycutt was born in 1923.

ix. Rosa L. Honeycutt was born in 1925.

x. Ruby Aileen Honeycutt was born on 21 Mar 1927 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina. She died on 1 Jan 1999 at the age of 71 in Laurinburg, Scotland, North Carolina.

xi. Sarah Louise Honeycutt, born 18 Apr 1930, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina; married William Harris Hildreth, 21 Feb 1944.

Joseph M. Honeycutt is my 1st Cousin 3X Removed. 

_______________________

1. 1870 U S Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, , ; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing National Archive  Microfilm M593, Roll 1160.
2. 1880 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Big Lick, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 206, Page: 309D (stamped); Line 13, Dwelling 65, Family 65, Household of  Joe M. HUNEYCUTT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 November 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 0982.
3. 1900 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0009, Page: 4A/166 (stamped); Line 30, Dwelling 51, Family 51, Household of Joseph HUNNICUTT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 November 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.
4. 1910  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0014, Page: 1B/207 (stamped); Line 55, Dwelling 10, Family 10, Household of  Joe M. HONEYCUTT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 November 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
  5. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 15, Page: 2B/209 (stamped); Line 80, Dwelling 39, Family 41, Household of  Joe HUNEYCUTT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 November 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.
6. State of North Carolina, death no. 47 (21 February 1934), Joe M. Honeycutt; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  4 October 2015); Memorial page for Joseph M. Honeycutt; (27 February 1856–21 February 1934); Find a Grave memorial # 33308797, Citing Tarlton Cemetery; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.

8. "North Carolina, Marriages Record, 1741-2011," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 November 2014), Marriage: Joseph M. Honeycutt & Lizzie Horne, Marriage Date: 8 Apr 1914.

It’s Family Time~The John Franklin Page Family

John Franklin "Frank" Page was born on 20 Jan 1845 a son of of Sion Page and his wife Nancy. They lived in the Furr township of Stanly County, North Carolina. His father was a farmer and Frank followed in his Father’s footsteps.

The maiden name of Nancy Page, mother of Frank Page is unknown at this time. Many say she was Nancy Dove, daughters of  Hugh Fleming Dove and Christian Campbell; others claim her to be Nancy Almond/Allman. At this point in time there is no Proof that either is correct. All we know from the census is that she was called Nancy and was born about 1805 or later. In 1850 she is listed as age 45; thirty years later in 1880 she is listed as age 65. In between she is 35 and 51 years of age. 

John Franklin Page was the eight child of nine borne to Nancy and Sion Page.

On 25 February 1869, at age 21, John Franklin married Elizabeth Huneycutt, age 22, daughter of Ransom Lemuel Huneycutt and his wife Sarah. 

John Franklin Page and Elizabeth S. Honeycutt had the following children:

        i.    Hiram Asbury "Berry" Page, born 10 Aug 1868, Furrs, Stanly, North Carolina; married Laura Catherine Tucker; died 6 Oct 1931, Midland, Cabarrus, North Carolina.
         ii.    Julius William Page, born 30 Mar 1873, Stanly County, North Carolina; married Suffie Prince Huneycutt, 29 Oct 1896, Stanly County, North Carolina; died 18 Jul 1912.
         iii.    Robert Lee Page, born 27 Jun 1874, Stanly County, North Carolina; married Flora Elizabeth Brattain; died 18 Mar 1957, Oakboro, Stanly, North Carolina.
         iv.    Nancy Page was born about 1878 in Stanly County, North Carolina.
         v.    Adam Andrew Page, born 16 Jul 1878, Stanly County, North Carolina; married Bessie F. Hagler, abt 1905; died 15 Sep 1968, Midland, Cabarrus, North Carolina.

John Franklin Page is my 2nd Great Grand Uncle.

________________________

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  6 October 2019); Memorial page for John Franklin "Frank" Page; (20 January 1845–23 January 1926); Find a Grave memorial #154534056, Citing Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery; Locust, Stanly County, North Carolina.
2. 1850 Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Furr, Stanly County, North Carolina, Page: 38A(stamped); Line 16, Dwelling 533, Family 535, Household of Sion PAGE; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 645.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle P.O., Stanly County, North Carolina, Page: 8 (stamped); Line 18, Dwelling 92, Family 92, Household of Sion PAGE; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 914.
4. 1870 U S Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Furr, Stanly, North Carolina, Page: 63A(stamped); Line 1,, Dwelling 74, Family 75, Householf of Frank PAGE; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 October 2019); citing National Archive  Microfilm M593, Roll 1160.
5. 1880 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Furrs, Stanly, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 205, Page: 296D (stamped); Line 1, Dwelling 103, Family 106, Household of John F. PAGE; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 October 2019); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 0982.
6. 1900 U. S. Census, Union County, North Carolina, population schedule, , ; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1220.
7. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, , ; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
8. Frank Page, death certificate (Long) #203 (23 January 1926), NC State Archives., North Carolina Deaths, 1908-67, Raleigh, Wake, North Carolina.
9. "North Carolina, Marriages Record, 1741-2011," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 October 2019), Marriage: John F. Page & Elizabeth Huneycutt, Marriage Date: 25 Feb 1869.

Searching for John Killian Kepley’s Death Date

John Killian Kepley is my 4th Great Grand Uncle. Unsourced on-line trees report that John Killian died in 1812 but that's a bunch of baloney.

John Killian Kepley married Sarah Crowell on 10 May 1798 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. We know that John and Sarah had two sons, Peter and Daniel. The 1800 census for Cabarrus shows them with 2 sons and 2 daughters under 10 years of age. With a 1798 marriage date there are twins in this family's or other visiting children. I have identified 8 children from the minutes of Organ Luthern Church. 

In the below land deed, dated 21 Dec 1812, John Kepley is purchasing 125 acres of land from John Newman. This does not reflect the actions of a man about to die within the next 10 days.  

Transcription:

John Newman to John Kepley

This Indenture made this twenty first day of December in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred and twelve between John Newman of Davidson County & State of Tennessee of the one part and John Kepley of the County of Bedford & State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Newman for and in consideration of five hundred Dollars to him in hand paid by he John Kepley The receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath given granted bargained Sold alien Conveyed & Confirmed unto the Said John Kepley his heirs & afsigns forever a certain tract or parcel of Land Situate lying and being in the County of Bedford & State aforesaid on the North Side of Creek River Beginning at the South West Corner of a Two hundred acres Tract of land deed by said John Newman to William Krowel on the South Boundary line of a five Thousand Acre Survey granted to Anthony Newman by the State of North Carolina this being a part of the Said five Thousand Acre Survey Running West with the said South boundary line one hundred and Sixty poles to a stake thence North one hundred and twenty five poles to a Stake thence east one Hundred & sixty poles to a Stake on Sd William Krowels West boundary line thence with his line South one hundred & twenty five poles to the Beginning (pg 164) containing one hundred & twenty five Acres it being the same more or Lefs To Have and To Hold the aforesaid land with all and Singular the rights profits emoluments hereditament & appurtenances of in & to the Same belonging or in any wise appertaining to the only purpose uses and behoof of him the said John Kepley his heirs and afsigns forever & the Said John Newman for himself his Executors & Administrators doth Covenant & agree to and with the Said John Kepley his heirs or afsigns that the before ???? Land  and bargained premises he will Warrants and forever defend against the Rights Title Interest or Claims of all and every person or persons whatever. In Witness, whereof the said John Newman hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his Seal; the Day and Year above Written Signed Sealed & Delivered in presents <sic> of
Thoms F. Thompson Jurat
George Smith Jurat                                                    J. Newman {LL}
Tho. Brown

State of Tennessee}      December Session 1812
Bedford County}        I, certify that the Execution of the within Deed from Jno. Newman Esq. to John Kepley was proven in open Court by the Clerk Thos. F. Thompson & George Smith two of the Subscribing Witnefses thereto & ordered to be Certified for Registration. Given under my hand at office this 9th day February 1813.---         Ths. Moore Clk

Recorded this 15th February 1813.
                         Edw. Wade, Reg't. 

If you have information concerning the death of John Killian Kepley and/or his wife Sarah Crowell I would love to hear from you.

____________________________

[1] Bedford County, TN Land Deed
Deed Book "D". page 163 & 164
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJD-49PH-K?i=416&cat=298281

Identifying the Parents of Charles Dry

 I started my genealogy research in 1976 by inter-mingling, studying and net-working with genealogist and library employees at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and anyone else willing to teach me the teckniques for successful research. Every opportunity I could manage were spent at the Library for the next 24 years at which time I relocated to North Carolina. In the past 21 years I have made annual trips to visit my son and to do research at the Library 15 of the 21 years since leaving Utah. I am now in my 45th year of genealogical research.

My 5th Great Grandfather is Charles Dry, borne abt 1730 in Pennsylvania. He married Christina Muss about 1756 in Pennsylvania and migrated to Mecklenburg County, NC about 1777 (see Deed Book 7, page 297, Mecklenburg County, NC).

My research shows that the parents of Carll Lodewick Derr (Anglicized to Charles Dry) are Johan Martin Derr and Maria Gertraut Echard.

There are many Dry researchers who disagree with my conclusions and maintained that Johan Georg Dry and his wife Margaretha Clara Augenstein are the parents of Charles.

I hope this land deed puts all those doubts asunder.   

Transcription: 

Deed Gertrout Derr & Ors to Isaak Summony ¹
 
This indenture made the twenty fourth day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred & sixty three Between Gertrout Derr the widow & Relict of Martin Derr late of Marlborough Township and County and County of Philadelphia Yeoman, deceased and Lorentz Derr of Berks County of Long Swamp Township Yeoman with Mary Engle his wife [Philip Smith of Richland Township of Berks County Blacksmith with Catherine his wife; [Henry Keple of Marlborough Township Yeoman with Elizabeth his wife [Carll Lodewick Derr of Marlborough Township Yeoman, with Christina his wife [John Martin Derr of Salisbury Township and County of Northhampton Wheelwright with Anna Ursula his wife [Jacob Dettwiller of Upper hanover Township and County of Philadelphia Yeoman with Margaretha his wife heirs of the said Martin Derr deceased of the one part and Issak Summony of Marlbrough Township and County of Philadelphia Innkeeper of the other part Witnesseth that the said Gertrout Derr, Lorentz Derr with Mary Engle his wife Philip Smith with Catherine his wife Henry Keple with Elizabeth his wife Carll Lodewick Derr with Christina his wife John Martin Derr with Ursula his wife Jacob Detweiller with Margaretha his wife for and in consideration of seven hundred and seventy four pounds correct & lawful Money of the providence of Pennsylvania to them the sayd Gertrout Derr Lorentz Derr & Mary Engle his wife Philip Smith with Catherine his wife (Henry Keple and Elizabeth his wife) Carll Lodewick Derr with Christina his wife John Martin Derr and Anna Ursula his wife Jacob Detweiller & Margaretha his wife will & truly in hand paid by the said Isaack Summony The Receipt whereof is hereby (pg 538) acknowledged and he the sayd Isaack Summony his Heirs & Assigns there from forever Discharged by these presents have granted bargained sold alliened Transferred released and confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain sell alien enfeoff transfer release & confirm unto the said Isaak Summony and to his Heirs and assigns two certain pieces Plantation or Trackts <sic> of Land situated lying & being in Marlbrough Township and County of Philadelphia aforesaid one of them Beginning at a marked Black Oak in a Line of Lodowick Shaffers Land thence by the same North West ten perches to a post and South West to a post Thence by vacant Land North West One hundred & thirty seven perched to a post North East One hundred and Fifty one perches to a Post & South east One hundred and forty seven perches to a post Thence by vacant Land and Land of Henry Entt South West One hundred &forty one perches to the place of Beginning containing One hundreds & thirty Acres and the usual Allowance of six pro cent for Roads & HighWays/The other Trakt <sic> Beginning at a post a corner of Martin Derrs other Land Thence by the sayd Land South West One hundred & sixteen perches to a post Thence by Vacant land North West thirty seven perches to a post Thence Northeast One hundred & sixteen perches to a post and South East thirty seven perches to the place of Beginning Containing Twenty five Acres and the usuall Allowance of Six Acres per Cent for Roads & HighWays It being the sayd two Trackts of Land which Thomas Penn & Richard Penn true and absolute proprietors & Governors in Chieff of the province of Pennsylvania Counties of Newcastle Kent & Sussex on Delaware by their Patent bearing Date the seventeenth Day of July Anno Domino 1761 for the consideration therein mentioned under the Hands of the honorable James Hamilton Esq. their Lieutenant Governor for the time being & proprietaries Commissionary in that Behalf duly Constituted & the Gratt <sic> Seal of thes'd province did for them the said proprietaries  their heirs& Successors give grant release & confirm unto the said Martin Derr his heirs & Assigns Under the yearly Quit Rent of One half penny Sterling for every Acres of the same. On Value thereof in Coin current according as the Exchange shall then be between our said province & the City of London. As in & by the sayd pattent Recorded in Philadelphia in Pattent Book A. V. 2page 341 may more fully & at large appear together also with all and singular the Buildings Improvements Ways Watters Water Courses Woods underwoods Timber & Trees Rights Liberties privileges hereditament & Appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any appertaining And the Reversions &Reminders (pg 539) Rents Issues & Profits thereof and all the Estate Rights  Title Interest use possession  property claim & demand of in and to the above described two Tracts of land or any part or parcell thereof To have and to hold the said above described Two Trakts of Land in the whole One hundred and fifty five Acres & the usuall allowance above sayd unto the sayd Isaak Summony his Heirs & Assigns To the only proper use & Behoof of him the sayd Isaak Summony his Heirs & Assigns for Ever under the yearly Quit rent hereafter accruing for the hereby granted Premises to the Chieff Lord or Lords of the Fee thereof and the sayd Gertrout Derr (Lorentz Derr & Mary Engle his wife (Phillip Smith & Catherine his wife Henry Keple & Elizabeth his wife (Carll Lodewick Derr & Christina his wife John Martin Derr and Ursula his wife (Jacob Detwiller & Margareta his Wife for themselves their Heirs Executors and Administrators doth hereby covenant promise & grant to and with the sayd Isaac Summony his Heirs & Assigns by these presents That they the said Gertrout (Lorentz Derr & Mary Engle his wife (Phillip Smith & Catherine his wife Henry Keple & Elizabeth his wife (Carll Lodewick Derr &Christina his wife John Martin Derr and Anna Ursula his wife (Jacob Detwiller& Margareta his Wife(and their & every of their heirs the above described two Trakts of One hundred and fifty five Acres of Land with the Allowamnce Hereditaments & Premises thereby granted or mentioned so to be with the Appurtenances unto the sayd Isaak Summony his Heirs & Assigns against them the sayd Gertrout Derr and against the said Lorenetz Derr & Mary Engle his wife (Phillip Smith & Catherine his wife & Henry Keple and Elizabeth his wife/Carll Lodwick Derr & Christina his wife John Martin Derr & Anna Ursula his Wife & Jacob Detweiller & Margareta his Wife and their and every of their Heirs respectively and against all and every other person or persons whatsoever lawfully claiming or to claim by from or under him them or any of them shall & will Warrant & for ever Defend by these presents [Excepts in the above mentioned Pattent is except Relating to the Royal Mines and for digging & refunding the same In Witness whereof the sayd parties to these presents have interchangeably sett their Hands & Seals hereunto Datted the day &Year above written Gertrout # her mark Derr (Seal)  Comm B Druu (Seal) Mary & her wife Engle(Seal) [illegible] Seal) Catherina X her mark Smith (Seal) illegible illegible (Seal) Elizabeth x her mark Keple (Seal) illegible illegible (Seal) illegible illegible (Seal) John Martin x his mark Derr (Seal) illegible illegible illegible (Seal) illegible illegible(Seal) Margareta X her mark Dettweiller (Seal) Sealed & delivered in the presents<sic> of us illegible illegible Jogz Teller S. S. be it Remembered That on the second day of September Anno Domini 1763 Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices for the County of (pg 540)  Philadelphia personally appeared the within named Gertrout Derr/ Lorentz Derr & Mary Engle his Wife (Phillip Smith & Catherina his Wife henry Keple & Elizabeth his Wife Carl Lodewich Derr & Christina his Wife / John Martin Derr & Anna Ursula his Wife Jacob Dettwiller & Margareta his (and Acknowledged the within written Indenture to be their Ackt & Deed desiring that it mett be Recorded as such The sayd Gertrout Derr/Mary Engle/Catherina Elizabeth Christina Anna Ursula & Margareta / Thereunto Voluntarily Consenting the being of full Age & apart examined and the Contents of this Writing first made known unto them Witness my Hand & Seal the Day & Datte above written  John Koplin (Seal) S-S. Recorded on the Day of the Datte of the within written Indenture of the within named Isaak Summony the Sum of Seven hundred & seventy four Pound correct Money of Pennsylvania It being the full consideration Money within mentioned we say record per us Gertrout X her mark Derr, [5 illegible names] Martin x his mark Derr, Jacok Detweiller Witness presents at Signing{illegible] Jooz Teller ~~The next above record is illegible according to ye original. C. B.
Recorded ye 23rd January 1764

To those whom still have doubts about the parentage of Charles Dry I submit the following information. The baptism of the two oldest sons of Carl & Christina copied from a narrative on the Family of  Johan Martin Deer and Marie Gertraut.

Old Goshenhoppern Lutheran Family Register, Upper Salford twp., Montgomery co., PA:

Johan Martin Deer, age 60 years, b. 26 Aug. 1691 in Gross Garda near Heilbronn in Wurtemberg (Grossgartach). ... Anno 1717 he married Maria Gertraut, b. 1696... ²

Martin and Gertrout Derr are my 6th Great Grandparents.

_____________________________

[1] Land Deed - Deed Gertrout Derr & Ors to Isaak Summony; 24 August 1763; Deed Book #H-18; Page(s) Page 537; Register of Deeds; Norristown, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; 4 November 2020.

[2] Annette Kunsekman Burgert, Grossgartach, Wuerttemberg, to Pennsylvania:: Some Early Colonial German Immigrants (Myerstown, PA 17067: AKB Publications, 1999), page 16.

[3] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSFB-YS8M-4?i=274&cat=227024

Lawful Heirs of Peter Kopple

I have said many times that a land deed can unlock and prove lineage in your genealogical research. I have spent many hours in land deeds in multiple states and have never been disappointed in my search for answers.

Case in point is proving the children of Peter Kopple//Koppel/Kepler. This is one of three consecutive deeds that list the “Lawful Heirs at Law of Peter Kopple. Peter’s daughter Catherine, who married Martin Dry, is my 4th Great Grandmother.

Transcription:

Page 166
Know all men by these presents that I george Erenhart in Right of my wife Margaret & I John grube in the wright of my wife Elisabeth & I Martin dry in wright of My Wife Catherine & I peter Koppel & John Coppell strikethru & Henry Copple all of us Lawfull Heirs & Legatees of Peter Kopple deceased have remised released  & fore-ever quit for us our heirs Executors Adm'n and by these presents do remise release & for Ever quit claim unto Killian Kopple of all that tract of land lying & being in the County of Cabarrus & State of No. Carolina on the waters of Little Buffalo Creek Beginning at two Small W. O. John Copleys corner & Runs thence with John's line 57 Chains & 25 links to a hickory Juile(?) his corner thence South 5 West 28 Chains to a P. O. Peter Kapleys Corner thence with his line N. 79 Wt. 36 Chs. to a W. O. on a Branch thence with Peters line West 22 Chs. to a Small hicory his Corner thence with his line Nt. 86 Weyt. 22 Chs.. to a Perfsimone & Safsafras in Peter Lences{?} line thence with his line Nt. 62 St. 25 Chs. to a P. O. thence with lences line Nt. to the Beginning containing by Estimation 193 acres be the same more of lefs with all & singular the profits Commodities & appurtenances to the Sd. Mefsuage or tenements & all and Singular the premises with their and Every of their appurtenances herby Remised and released or Intended to be Remised and Released unto the said Killian Kopple his heirs and afsigns forever to the only Proper use and Behoof of him the said Killian Kopple, In Witnefs Whereof we have hereunto Set our hands and Seals this Eight day of August 1807.
Signed Sealed and Delivered In the presence of
Petter Kauble Jurt.}                             Henry Kappel {Seal}
John Kappel}                                      george Erenhart {Seal}
                                                            Martin Dry {Seal}
State of North Carolina}                     John grub {Seal}
Cabarrus County}                               Peter Kapple {Seal}
October Sefsion 1807                          John Kapple {Seal}
Then was this execution of the within Deed quit Claim for one hundred and thirty three acres of land Duly Proven in open Court by the oath of Peter Kauble Recorded and ordered to be Registered.
                                                      Test R. Brandon, Clk. 

Peter Keppel, Sr. (1730-bef Oct 1806) and Anna Elizabeth Grobb (1737-?) had 6 known children. There may be others unknown to this researcher. The children are:

1. Henry Keppel, b. abt 1753
2. Peter Keppel, b. abt 1760
3. Catherine Keppel, b. abt 1761-1770; md. Martin Dry
4. Elizabeth Keppel; md. John Grube
5. John Keppel, b. abt 1755; md Sarah Crowell
6. Margaret Keppel; md. George Earnhart

All six of these children are named in the above land deed.

Peter and Anna Elizabeth Keppel are my 5th Great Grand Parents.

If you have additional information about this Couple I would love to hear from you.

____________________________

[1] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-9967-9C5H?i=528&cat=143999

[2] My thanks to Cousin Patricia in Lexington and Cousin Pricilla in Albemarle for sharing and making me aware of these three land deeds. 

The Last Will and Testament of William Short

William Short was borne about 1815 in South Carolina. His parents are unknown; but, many researchers claims he is a son of Daniel Short, Jr. and Margaret Hinson. Margaret Hinson Short wrote her Will on 12 February 1862 naming the following children's:

• Sarah White
• Eliza Short
• Frances Vick
• Margaret Short
• Ellen Short
• Caroline Short
• Samuel P. Short

Not named but found in various census are Daniel, and Brinkley. No where in the will was there any indication of a daughter named Charity or a son named William Short. Both Charity and William Short were still alive and well on the day that Margaret Hinson Short wrote her Will in February 1862. 

William Short, born 1815 was born in South Carolina. Daniel Short, Jr. lived in Moore County, North Carolina.

William Short married Ailey/Ada White about 1843 in South Carolina, most likely in Chesterfield County. William as a farmer.

William Short and Ada White had the following children:

        i.    Elizabeth Short, born 15 Oct 1840, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married William Harrison Teal Sr.; died 6 Jun 1924, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
         ii.    Daniel Short was born about 1842 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died before 13 Dec 1876 at the age of 34.
         iii.    William Short was born about 1845 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died before 13 Dec 1876 at the age of 31.
         iv.    Mary Short was born on 6 Nov 1848 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She died on 8 Oct 1906 at the age of 57.
         v.    A. Ellen Short, born 15 Oct 1850, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John Ervin White; died 7 Mar 1912, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         vi.    John Calvin Short, born 22 Apr 1854, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Henrietta Parker; died 24 Mar 1919, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         vii.    Sarah Short, born Sep 1856, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married James Haywood White; died 13 Nov 1926, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         viii.    Jane Short was born about 1864 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         ix.    Andrew Jackson Short, born 25 May 1865, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Emma Drucilla White; died 10 Dec 1910, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
         x.    Margaret Short was born about 1853 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

William Short died sometime before 13 December 1876. His estate was probated in 1876 and can viewed by reviewing Probate Folder #343. 

William Short left a Will dated 31 August 1876. No mention of Ailey/Ada, his wife, in the Will suggests that she had predeceased him in death.

The Last Will of William Short

In the name of God, Amen. I, William Short of the county of Chesterfield and State of South Carolina  being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail transitory life do there Male ordain Publish and declare this to be my last Will and testament that is to say first after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged the residue of my Estate I give bequeath and dispose of as follows (to wit) to My Daughter Elizabeth Teal I give one heifer and to My daughter Sarah White I give one Heifer, one sow and five shoats. I give to my Son John Short the balance of my whole estate. I give to Mary, John, Ellen, Jane and Andrew consisting of one Mare cattle Plantation tools House Hold & Kitchen furniture and crop all to remain ion the place for Each ones benefit till Jane and Andrew becomes of Age and then be divided Equally between then share and share alike.
Likewise I make constitute and Appoint My Son John Short and Daughter Mary and H. J. White to be Executors of thus my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In witnefs whereof I have Hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Seal the 31st August 1876.
                                                          William X his mark Short {Seal}

The within written instrument was subscribed by the said William Short in our presence and Acknowledged by him to Each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instruments so subscribed to be his last will and testament and we at the testator request and in his presence have signed our names as witnefses hereto.
Samu'l  D. Timmons Chesterfield, S.C. 
Elisha Davis Chesterfield, S.C.
B. F. Timmons Chesterfield, S.C.

__________________________

[1] South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964
Chesterfield
Probate Court, Estate records
1865-1927
Cases 0331-0383
Image 367 of 1383
Estate #343
"South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:939L-NQ9K-PP?cc=1911928&wc=MPPR-PTP%3A190567401%2C190561002%2C190567402%2C190904401 : 21 May 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > image 366 of 1383; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.

[2] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 180B (stamped); Line 9, Dwelling 1259, Family 1259, Household of William SHORT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 January 2021); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[3] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 128(Stamped); Line 27, Dwelling 493, Family 492, Household of Wm. SHORT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 January 2021); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.
[4] 1870 U. S. Census, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 291A(Stamped); Line 35, Dwelling 76, Family 76, Household of W. SHORT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 1 January 2021); citing National Archive  Microfilm M593, Roll 1491.

The Family of Mathew Sellers; Parents Unknown

Mathew Sellers, borne about 1818 first appears in the 1850 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He was married to Sarah "Sallie" Sellers, age 26 with three children and an elderly woman, age 74, who most likely was the mother of Mathew and the grandmother of the three children.

1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll:  M432_851; Image: 290, Page: 143A(stamped); Line 10, Dwelling 683, Family 683; Mathew SELLERS, Male, age 32, born in SC; Sally SELLERS, Female, age 26, born in SC; Zilpha A. SELLERS, Female, age 6, born in SC; Jerusha L. SELLERS, Female, age 3, born in SC; Sarah SELLERS, Female, age 1, born in SC and Zilpha SELLERS, Female, age 74, born in SC.

Based on the age of the oldest child in the household it looks as if Mathew and Sarah Turnage also known as Sallie were married about 1843 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. There are no early records of this period due to Civil War destruction; so, we have no official marriage document. Sallie's surname was obtained from the Texas death certificate of Jerusha L. Sellers also known as Tossie Sellers.

By 1860 Mathew and Sallie have packed up their children and moved the family to Choctaw County, Alabama.  The family had increased in size with four (4) additional children.

Then in 1861, the Civil War broke out and Mathew enlisted into Company "C", 3rd Reg't Alabama Reserves.

In 1863 the eight and final child, a son, was borne into Mathew and Sallie's family.

In a 1866-67 State Census and Tax List we find the family still in Choctaw County.  At some point after this time-frame and before 9 Aug 1876, Sallie Turnage Sellers passes away. The exact date is still unknown; but, we do know that Mathew Sellers remarried on 9 August 1876 to a young lady by the name of Elizabeth M. Christian.

In February 1879, Mathew and Elizabeth sells their 320 acres home-place to Azariah Abney for three hundred dollars. (DB N, pg 424).

We next find Mathew, his new bride and youngest son, William, in the 1880 Census for Chowtaw County, Alabama. William is 17 years of age.

In his waning years Mathew applied for and received a pension for his service in the Civil War. He died on 1 March 1896 in Choctaw County, Alabama. After his death, his widow, Elizabeth,  applied for and received a pension until her death on 4 March 1927. Elizabeth Christian Sellers is buried in Providence Cemetery, Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. It is not known where Mathew and his 1st wife Sarah "Sallie" Turnage Sellers are buried. 

_____________________________

1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 143A(stamped); Line 10, Dwelling 683, Family 683, Household of Mathew SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 12 September 2015); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. 1860 U. S. Census, Choctaw County, Alabama, population schedule, Northern Division, Choctaw County, Alabama, Page: 534(stamped); Line 29, Dwelling 541, Family 515, Household of M. [Mathew] SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 12 September 2015); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_5.
3. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (https://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 12 September 2015), entry for MATHEW SELLERS, Private; Company "C", 3rd Reg't Alabama Reserves; Confederate.
4. 1866 State Census, Choctaw County, Alabama, population schedule, Alabama, U.S., State, Mathew Sellers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 June 2020).
5. Mathew Sellers, Line 180, , 1867; , Alabama, Property Tax Digests,; Alabama Archives, Montgomery, Alabama.
6. 1880 U. S. Census, Choctaw County, Alabama, population schedule, Beat 4, Choctaw County, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) 017, Page: 204D (stamped); Line 15, Dwelling NL, Family 218, Household of Mathew SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 12 Sept 2015); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 007.
7. 1880 U. S. Census, Choctaw County, Alabama, agriculture schedule, Township 13, Choctaw, Alabama, USA, Page 12, Line 10, Household of Matthews Sellers, Matthews Sellers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 June 2020); citing NARA publication M279, Roll: 27.
8. State of Alabama, "Confederate Pension Applications, 1880-1940" database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2 June 2020), entry for Mathew Sellers, Private; Company "C", 3rd Reg't Alabama Reserves; Confederate.    
9. "Alabama Marriages, 1816-1942," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 June 2020), Marriage: Mathew Sellers & Elizabeth Christian; Marriage Date: 9 Aug 1876.
10. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  3 December 2020); Memorial page for Elizabeth Christian Sellers; (19 May 1840–4 March 1927); Find a Grave memorial # 68176663, Citing Providence Cemetery; Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama, USA.

Who Murdered Robert and Harriet M. Melton?

In the early morning hours of 17 April 1871 Robert and Harriett M. Melton was shot and killed at their home. 

A Corner’s Inquiry took place almost immediately under direction of W. J. Hanna, Coroner. On 18 April 1871, twelve men from the County were empaneled to from an impartial jury of inquest.

Local newspapers throughout the State were having a media frenzy; such as this report from “The Advertiser”, Edgefield, SC, 27 April 1871, Front Page, column 1.

Transcription: 

We regret to hear that a foul and cold blooded murder was committed in our County on Sunday night last. Six  unknown persons approached the house of Mr. Robert Melton in the upper part of the county and hailed, when Mr. Melton, his wife and daughter, went to the door the whole party fired, instantly killing Mrs. Melton mortally wounding Melton, and severely but not dangerously wounding their daughter. There are various surmises as who were the perpetrators of this outrage, some supposing they were members of the Ku Klux organization, some that they were Negroes, many of whom were said to be much enraged against Melton and others suppose they were a body of outlaw from North Carolina. We have never heard of Ku Klux maltreating women when they inflicted punishment  always taking the victims a distance from their families; this, if nothing else, would lead us to the belief that this outrage was the result of personal malice rather than the organized punishment of crime, real or supposed. Our citizens should use every effort to ferret out and bring to justice the authors of this crime.    
     Since writing the above we have received a letter from W. J. Hanna, Esq. Corner from which we learn that Mr. Melton died about sundown Tuesday evening. The family was aroused between 1 and 2 o'clock Monday morning by the barking of the dog, and on going out to see who it was were fired on. Melton received two wounds; one in the stomach and one in the hip. Mrs. Melton received one wound in the breast and died almost instantly; their daughter received one wound in the hip. A hat and pistol were left at the gate; the assailants left going in the direction of the Charlotte and Camden road. The jury of inquest were unable to gain any clue as to the perpetrators of the murder. -- Chesterfield Democrat, 21st.  

Then we have this report from The Charleston Daily News, Charleston, SC, 21 April 1871, Front page, Column  4

Transcription:

---The Columbia Union prints the following story of an alleged cowardly outrage by the Ku-Klux. Until  we have further advices, we prefer to receive the statement with many grains of allowance: "On Sunday night last, the 16th, at about midnight, a party of disguised assassins rode to the house of Mr. Robert Melton, at Old Store, Chesterfield County. Mr. Melton is an elderly man, living on a little farm, which he has just bought and works himself. He had no one within hearing but his wife and daughters in the same house. Hearing someone at his gate calling his name, Mr. Melton appeared outside his house, followed by his wife and one daughter. All three were immediately shot down, without regard to age or sex, by the 'high toned' murders who awaited their victims. Mr. Melton lies in a dying condition, his daughter dangerously wounded--the wife and mother being killed by the first shot. The cause of the deed is well known. Melton is a Southerner, a Union man and republican. Moreover,  he has been lately engaged in collecting delinquent taxes."

The South Carolina State Governor Robert Kingston Scott faced with multiple similar murders' throughout the State during this time period ran this notice which appeared in the  "Anderson Intelligencer", June 1, 1871, Front Page, Column 5. 

Transcription:

---Governor Scott offers a reward of $500 for the apprehension and delivery of any and every person or persons, in any jail of the State, with proof to convict, who aided or participated in the killing of the family of Robert Melton, of Myer Johnson, of Daniel Edwards, Alexander McClan and Peter Lemon, all of whom were killed within a few weeks past.

The empaneled Coroner’s Jury  called several witnesses, mostly family member and took their testimony. One of those witness was their daughter Sarah S. Melton who was also shot.

Daughter Sarah Melton was home the morning of the murder and gave this account at the Coroner's Inquest.**

000180

South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
         Testimony of Sarah S. Melton
Witness sworn says:   
     Just before day yesterday morning was awakened by the front door of the house being opened, just as the door opened some person fired off a gun. After the gun fired I ran out of the house pased <sic> Father and Brother who was in the years, there were five men in the lane they were shooting in the direction of the house. I caught hold of one of them and beged <sic> him not to Kill us, one of them shot me. When I went back to the house I saw Mother (the deceased) lying on the floor next to the front door though. I know one of the persons he laughed and I thought it was Bud Evans, think I may be mistaken but i thought he laughed like Bud Evans. Not certain it was Bud Evans, he was almost too thick for Bud Evans, four of the men were about the same size the other was a tall slim man one of the men had a cloth wraped <sic> around him.  
                 s/Sarah X her mark S. Melton

The Coroner’s report on-line contains the following summary of witness testimonies.  

Transcription:
Witness Sworn Says: I heard yesterday morning that Mrs. Melton was killed. I went to Mr. Meltons and found her dead, she was on the bed. I went out into the lane and found a hat don't know whos hat it is found it about 20 Steps from the door. G. W. Carter

Witness Sworn Says: That on Monday 19th June between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning he heard some guns firing from the direction of Robert Meltons house, thinking there was six or seven guns fired . . .went to Robert Meltons as soon as I heard the firing heard some person hallowing like they were in trouble. I found Harriet Melton, the deceased, lying across the front door dead, heard some persons riding off from Robt Meltons house. I examined the deceased and found a wound on her breast think it was done with a Pistol. Examined the yard did not see any tracks. Saw the track of serval persons in the lane about 20 steps from the front door. I assisted in moving the deceased from where she fell and laid her on the bed. Robt Allen

Witness Sworn Says: Yesterday morning about 2 o'clock heard some persons slaping about thought at first it was some person riding heard some person shoot at the dog, who was barking at them. Witness and his Father went to the door just as Father opened the door a gun fired, and, I think, wounded Father in the hip. Father and myself went out in the lane among the crowd that were shooting, one of the men had a gun or stick in his hand. Father took hold of it and tried to take it from him. Father went back into the house and said he was shot, Witness went back in the house and saw his mother (the deceased) lying on the floor. Saw his mother (the deceased) breathed once. Saw a wound in her heart liked like it was done with a little ball. Did not know mother was dead until I went back into the house. there was several shots fired. did not know any of the party. Went out to the gate and found a Pistol, some of barrels had been fired off. Never saw the pistol before there were six or seven men in the lane don't know when the deceased was shot, think she died immediately.

I can find no evidence in the Coroner’s Inquest that this murder was ever solved. Their finding:

Perpetrator: group of unknown men

My connection to this case is the marriage of my Great GrandAunt Martha Deese to Alexander Melton son of Robert and Harriet Melton.

___________________________________

** A coroner's inquest is a public court hearing where the coroner determines about how, when and where someone died following a post-mortem.

[1] Coroner’s report: https://csidixie.org/inquests/4094

[2] “The Advertiser”, Edgefield, SC, 27 April 1871, Front Page, column 1.

[3] The Charleston Daily News, Charleston, SC, 21 April 1871, Front page, Column  4

[4]  "Anderson Intelligencer", June 1, 1871, Front Page, Column 5. 

The actual coroner’s report can be accessed here: https://csidixie.org/inquests/4094

Copies of all newspapers can be found on https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/

It’s Family Time~Conley C. Melton

Conley C. Melton was born on 3 May 1871, the only son of Alexander Melton and Martha Deese. He was borne  in Anson County, North Carolina. His siblings were  four sisters; three older than he and one that was younger. His two older sisters died while quite young. 

In 1890, at age 19, Conley married Rebecca Williams. Her SC Death Certificate shows her parents to be David Williams and Martha Turner.  The 1880 Marlboro County, SC Federal Census for the Davis and Martha Williams household show's a daughter Rebecca E. Williams, age 14 in the household.

In 1898, Conley Melton enlisted with the Company “M”, 2 South Carolina Infantry to serve in the Spanish American War. The 2 South Carolina Infantry left for Cuba aboard the transport ROUMANiIAN on 3 Jan 1899. The War had ended in December 1898 but the 2 South Carolina Infantry was needed to maintain stability in the region (Occupy Force). The ROUMANIAN was later renamed U.S.A.T. CROOK. (United States Army Transport).

His service to his county allowed both him and his spouse, Rebecca, to received a Military Pension stipend in the waning years of their life.

After the war, Conley safely returned home and became a local farmer, Dealer in Cattle and a taxi Driver in Chesterfield and Marlboro, Counties. 

At age 60, Conley died of a cerebral hemorrhage on 26 May 1931. Rebecca William Melton died on 20 May 1833 from nephritis (kidney failure).

Both Conley and Rebecca Melton are buried in Old St. David’s Cemetery in Cheraw, South Carolina. Conley and Rebecca had no surviving children, so no tombstone can be found for her. Conley‘s service during the Spanish American War enabled Rebecca to receive a tombstone from the Government for his service. It's a shame that the Military Tombstone is now almost buried along with Conley and Rebecca.

(Click to view) https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70382261/conly-c.-melton

The age of this Church should make this Church and its grounds a prime showcase for Chesterfield County.

In the 1910 Census, Conley and Rebecca state that they have been married 20 years and have 1 child who was deceased, In the household is a female, age 5 named Mary JOHNSON shown as their grand daughter. Then in 1920, there is a female named Mary GRAHAM, age 15, listed as boarder.

I have not been able to identify exactly who Mary Johnson and Mary Graham is? I do think they are the same person but I haven’t found them or a child that was borne to this Couple. If you have any information on who Conley & Rebecca’s child was/is or any info about Mary Johnson or Graham please contact me through this blog post with comments.

Conley C. Melton is my 1st Cousin Twice Removed.

_____________________________

[1]. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  3 June 2020); Memorial page for Conly C. Melton; (3 May 1871–26 May 1931); Find a Grave memorial # 70382261, Citing Old Saint David's Episcopal Church Cemetery; Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[2]. Spanish American War Volunteers Index to Compiled Military Service Records, 1898, Record Group 15: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773 - 2007, National Archives Identifier: 76193916 (St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.: Department of Veterans Affairs/Ancestry.com,, 1940), , Private Conley Melton, Company "M";  2 South Carolina Infantry.
[3]. 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0099, Page: 10/286 (stamped); Line 16, Dwelling 184, Family 184, Household of  Cornel MELTON; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1536.
[4]. 1910 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville, Marlboro, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0090, Page: 16B/86(Stamped); Line 65, Dwelling 100, Family 106, Household of C. C. MELTON; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm  T624_1468.
[5]. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 36, Page: 25A/86 (Stamped); Line 4, Dwelling 504, Family 508, Household of Colonel MELTON; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.
[6]. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0007, Page: 2B/198 (Stamped); Line 96, Dwelling 46, Family 47, Household of Conley MELTON; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 2192.
[7]. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Conly C. Melton (3 May 1871–26 May 1931), Memorial # 70382261.
[8]. Conley C. Melton obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 1 June 1931, page 5, column 8.
[9]. Rebecca W Melton, death certificate #6528 (Death Date: 20 May 1933), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
[10]. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Rebecca Williams Melton (February 1866–20 May 1933), Memorial # 70382040.

[11]. https://www.spanamwar.com/2ndsouthcarolina.htm