The Death of Lawrence W. Ransom “Rance” Dry

Missing births, deaths and baptism dates in our southern states is a given especially in those affected by the War for Independence and those burned counties throughout the Southern States. Finding these dates becomes complexed to impossible in some cases due to destroyed records. Finding a short death notice for Ransom Dry became a "serendipity" moment.  

Lawrence W. “Rance” Dry was alive and well when the 1900 census was enumerated in June 1900. He died at some point after the census was taken in June 1900. But when did he die? 

1900 CENSUS: Furr, Stanly, North Carolina; Roll: 1218; Enumeration District: 0125; FHL microfilm: 1241218; 18 June 1900, Page: 16B/250 (stamped); Line 100, Dwelling 300, Family 303; Lawrence W. DRY, Male, age 57, born 1843 in NC; Betta DRY, Wife, age 30, born Apr 1870 in NC and Traverse DRY, Son, age 15, born May 1885 in NC. 

After days of research I narrowed his death date down to between 1905 and 1907. His FindAGrave Memorial (46878941) say he died in 1900. Based on my research Lawrence W. Ransom “Rance” Dry died on 11 December 1906 and this is his Death Notice and it’s source.  

Big Lick: Ransom Dry died last Tuesday 11th inst. and was buried in St. Paul cemetery Wednesday.
[The Enterprise, Albemarle, North Carolina, 20 Dec 1906, Thu., Page 2, Col. 2.]

Lawrence W. Ransom “Rance” Dry is my 2nd Cousin 4X removed.

______________________

[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Cabarrus County, North Carolina, population schedule, Cabarrus, North Carolina, Page: 483B(stamped); Line 1, Dwelling 1247, Family 1247, Household of Solomon DRY; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 May 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 622.

[2] Cabarrus County, North Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Esther DRY; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 5 May 2016); Will Book 3, page 242.

[3] 1900 US Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Furr, Stanly, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0125, Page: 16B/250 (stamped); Line 100, Dwelling 300, Family 303, Household of Lawrence W. DRY; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2021); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1218.

[4] Ransom Dry death notice, The Enterprise, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, United States, 20 December 1906, Page 2, Col. 2.

[5] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 21 January 2021); Memorial page for Lawrence W Ransom "Rance" Dry; (1838–11 December 1906); Find a Grave memorial #46878941, Citing Saint Paul United Methodist Church Cemetery; Cabarrus County, North Carolina, USA.