SHERIFF’S SALE~The Real Estate of Mark Rivers, Deceased

 

SHERIFF’S SALE

By Order of the Court of Ordinary will be sold at Chesterfield Court House on the first Monday in June next within the legal hours the real estate of Mark Rivers deceased, in said District consisting of one tract of land containing forty acres, more or less, lying on Clay Creek, bounded on the North by the state line, west and south by Wm. Carter, and east by lands belonging to the estate of Thomas Horne.
Conditions: - As much cash as will pay the expense of this sale, with a credit until the first day of January next on the balance, purchaser giving bond bearing interest from the day of sale, with good personal security and mortgage, if required to the Ordinary. Purchases paying for necessary papers. 
                                                            John Evans
                                                                        Shff. C. D.
Chesterfield C. H. May 11, 1841
[Farmers’ Gazette, and Cheraw Advertiser, May 26, 1841, Page 112, Image 4]

By notice in the local newspaper, the real estate of Mark Rivers will be sold on the 1st Monday in June 1841. Looking at a June 1841 calendar we can see that Mark Rivers land will be sold on 7 June 1841.  The newspaper notice does not say how many acres of Land would be sold and all deed and plat books for that time period were destroyed during the Civil War.   

We do know that this Mark Rivers was born abt 1781 and died about January 1831. The parents of this Mark Rivers are unknown. We know that his wife was Annie and that she before marriage was a Parker. Annie (Parker) Rivers survived Mark and lived until sometime after 1860 and before 1870.

We can identify most of Mark and Ann children's by a lawsuit filed in 1831. 

SOUTH CAROLINA,
            Chesterfield District.                    John B. Rivers applicant vs Ann Rivers (Widow), Wm. Rivers and wife Elizabeth, Moses Holifield and wife Amelia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rivers and Samuel Rivers Defendants.  

It appearing to my satisfaction that Ann Rivers, Moses Holifield and wife Amellia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rivers and Samuel Rivers reside without this State, it is ordered that they do appear and object to the division or sale of the Real Estate of Mark Rivers deceased on or before the 12th day of April next, or their consent, will be entered off record.
                                                                                    T.,Bryan
                                                                                    O. C. D.
January 27, 1831
[Farmer Gazette and Cheraw Advertiser, February 03, 1841, page 47, image 3]

Using these newspaper clipping and the census we can reconstruct Mark and Annie family.

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1. SHERRIF’S SALE-Mark Rivers Estate Lands obituary, The Daily Press, Newport News-Hampton, Virginia, United States, 26 May 1841, Page 112, Image 4. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/.

2. John B. Rivers applicant vs Ann Rivers (Widow), Wm. Rivers and wife Elizabeth, Moses Holifield and wife Amelia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rives and Samuel Rivers Defendants. obituary, The Daily Press, Newport News-Hampton, Virginia, United States, 3 February 1841, page 47, image 3. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/.

Wordless Wednesday~Trinity Site, New Mexico

 

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1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity_(nuclear_test)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

 My thanks to all of my

Carolina Family Roots blog readers

and

my Wish to each of you is a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

___________________________

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The Last Will & Testament of Abraham Mastin Cook

The last will and testament of me Abraham Mastin Cook, of the County of Wilcox and State of Alabama, being of sound mind at the time of making and publishing this my last will and testament, I give and devise to my beloved wife, Eliza Cook, the lands known as the McBryde lands together with all appurtenances thereunto belonging, including my present residence; Also one hundred and sixty acres of land, to wit The North east Quarter of Section Eight in Township eleven and range nine, being part of the lands known as the "Daniel tract" to have and to hold the said lands to her separate use for the term of her natural life, and at her death the above described lands to revert to my children hereinafter named, I also give and devise to my said wife, Eliza Cook, the following personal property to wit: All my household and Kitchen furniture, ten head of cattle and two horses, such as she may elect of my stock, and the sum of five hundred dollars  in money, for her separate use and behoof. I also give and devise such family supplies, provisions and provender as she may deem necessary for the support of herself and family for the space of twelve months from the date of the probate of this my last will and testament. The balance of my estate, real and personal monies and choses inaction, whereof I may die seized and possessed, I give and devise to my beloved wife Eliza Cook and to my friend and brother John Miller to have and to hold the same to themselves their heirs and assigns forever upon the uses and trust following namely:

              Intrust to pay all my debts and funeral expenses.
Secondly, the balance of my said estate equally to divide between my four children to wit: Albert, Elizabeth Knox, Tabitha Jane, and Mary Caroline. If either of my children shall have died before such division leaving lawful issue, such issue to receive the parents share but if there be no issue then such share to fall into the general fund to be divided among the survivors in the manner before directed.
       And I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint my said Trustees Eliza Cook and John Miller, Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament confiding fully and firmly in the full integrity and honesty of my said Executrix and Executor I do hereby direct that they be not required to give bond or held responsible to any Court for the correct and proper performance of their duties as said Executrix and Executor of this my last will and testament.
              In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seals this the thirtieth day of November A.D. Eighteen hundred and sixty-seven.    
                                                                                           A. M. Cook {Seal}
 
Signed sealed and published and declared by the said A. M. Cook (page 372) as and far his last will and testament in the presence of us who at the request of the said A. M. Cook, and in his presence and in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. This the 30th day of Nov. A. D. 1867.
                                                                                           E.D. M. Daniel
                                                                                           Jas H. Pressly
                                                                                           F. A. Dulany
 
State of Alabama}  Probate Court of said County.
Wilcox County}
 
In the matter of Probate} 

of the last will and Testament} 

 of A. M. Cook, deceased} Before me J. H. Burdick Judge of the said Court, personally appeared in open Court, E.D.M. Daniel and F. A. Dulany who having been by me first respectively sworn and examined, did and do depose and say on oath that they are each subscribing witnesses to the instrument of writing now shown to them and which purports to be the last will and testament of A. M. Cook deceased, late an inhabitant of this county that said A. M. Cook since deceased, signed and executed said instrument on the day the same bears date, and declared the same to be his last will and testament, and that affiant set their signature thereto, on the day the same bears date as subscribing witnesses to the same in the presence of said testator; That said testator was of sound mind and disposing memory, and, in opinion of deponent, fully capable of making his last will at the time the same was so made, as aforesaid. Affiant further state that said testator was, on the day of said date of said will of the full age of twenty-one years and upwards.-----

Subscribed and sworn to before me}                         E.D.M. Daniel
on this the 25th day of March 1868}                           F. A. Dulany
                     J. H. Burdick
                     Judge of Probate
 

Abraham Mastin Cook was born 16 April 1812 in Chesterfield, SC, a son of Daniel Cook and Ruth Moultrie. He married Eliza Pressly on 20 May 1846 in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Abraham and Eliza had four children. He died 16 January 1868 in Wilcox County, Alabama.  

 Abraham Mastin Cook is my 1st Cousin 6X Removed. 

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https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8799/images/007651228_00396?usePUB=true&_phsrc=Iou211&_phstart=successSource&usePUBJs=true&pId=2686789

Will Book 5, Pages 371 & 372; Wilcox County. Alabama

It’s Family Time~The John Purvis-Sarah McMillan Family

 

John Purvis was born about 1782 in South Carolina. His calculated birth year of 1782 is verified by his Sworn Statement dated 20 Oct 1851 found within the Pension file of James McMillan, W9559. John stated that he is Sixty-nine (69) years old and is well acquainted with James and Rachel McMillan. (1851-69=1782). If is further confirmed by the 1850 Chesterfield County Federal population census where John Purvis is listed as being  68 years of age (1850-68=1782). His parents are unknown but his Father is believed to have been a John Purvis, son of John Purvis and Sarah Johnson.

John Purvis married Sarah McMillan daughter of James & Rachel McMillan. (See REV WAR W-9559 - James McMillan). This marriage took place about 1810 based on the birth of their 1st born child, Charles G. Purvis in 1811. The Revolutionary War Pension File of Rachel McMillan's father, James McMillan (https://www.fold3.com/image/24228107), identifies all his children and who they married.

Sarah McMillan, born abt 1785, was the daughter of James & Rachel (Chisholm) McMillan. She had 7 siblings; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. James McMillan served in the Revolutionary War and passed away 18 August 1837. Rachel (Chisholm) McMillan died on 25 October 1844.

In 1850, we find John Purvis and his wife Sarah living in the Chesterfield district with 4 of their children and 4 grandchildren.

The grandchildren are children of their daughter, Mary Ann Purvis who married William B. Dickson about 1836. Shortly after their marriage in 1836, Gordon B. Dickson took his young Bride to Hinds County, Mississippi. There he died before 28 Oct 1844 and Mary returned home to Chesterfield to be with her parents.

Shortly, after returning home her Father, John Purvis, passed away in March 1854. Sarah (McMillan) Purvis would pass away in April of 1863. See SC Equity Record.

[#108] Craig, J.C. & wife vs. Charles G. Pervis & others - Bill for injunction & general relief 1866
John Purvis died intestate in March 1854, leaving his widow, Sarah Purvis and children: Mary A., widow of William B. Dickson; Charles G. Purvis; John C. Purvis; and Laura S. intermarried with James C. Craig. Additional information: The children of James C. and Laura Purvis Craig: Sallie P. Craig; John J. Craig; Alexander W. Craig; Laura E. Craig; Mollie A. Craig; Edgar Craig; Irene Craig; Leola Craig and James Craig who died at age 11. Alexander J. Purvis died 3 July 1860, leaving as his heir his mother and brothers & sisters; Sarah Purvis died intestate in April 1863; John C. Purvis died intestate 13 October 1864, leaving as his heirs Laura S. Craig, Mary A. Dickson and Charles G. Purvis.

This is a snapshot of the John & Sarah Purvis household in the 1850 CENSUS.

John Purvis and Sarah McMillan had the following children:

i. Charles G. Purvis, born abt 1811, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Mary E. Douglass; died 13 Jul 1887, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

ii. Mary Ann Purvis, born abt 1813, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married William B. Dickson, abt 1836; died bet 14 Oct 1893 and Jun 1900.

iii. John C. Purvis was born about 1819 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 13 Oct 1864 at the age of 45 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina

iv. Laura Sarah Purvis, born 6 Nov 1824, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Dr. James Chapman Craig, 18 Jan 1848; died 1 Mar 1914, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

v. Alexander J. Purvis was born about 1828 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 3 Jul 1860 at the age of 32 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

In 1860 only Sarah and her son John C. are remaining in the household.

It’s quick to see that a lot of tragedy has transpired with this family

William B. Dickson, husband of daughter Mary Ann, died before 28 October 1844

John Purvis, Father, died  March 1854

Alexander J. Purvis, son, died 3 July 1860

Sarah McMillan Purvis, Mother, died April 1863

John C. Purvis, son, died 13 October 1864

Mary Ann (Purvis) Dickson died between 14 Oct 1893 and June 1900 (Between the execution of a Land Deed contained in Chesterfield County Deed Book 17, page 197-200 and the 1900 Census in June 1900).  

Laura Sarah (Purvis) Craig, age 89, lived until 1 March 1914

The parents of John Purvis, b. 1782 are unknown. I believe him to be related to James and Gilbert Purvis and quite possible a grandson of John Purvis and Sarah Johnson/Johnston. 

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        1. John Purvis, 17 January 1814; South Carolina Land Grants, S213192, Volume: 0043, Page: 00493, Item: 001; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.

        2. John Purvis, 28 January 1817; South Carolina Land Grants, S213192, Volume - 0044 Page - 00339 Item - 01; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.

        3. 1820 Census of the United States, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield District, South Carolina, Household of John PERVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 January 2019); citing  National Archives Microfilm M 33_119.

        4. 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 258; Line 1, Household of John Purvis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 January 2019); citing  National Archives Microfilm M19_172.

        5. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 104B (stamped), Line 7, Dwelling 82, Family 82, Household of John PERVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2014); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

        6. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, microfilm publication M804 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 1974), James McMillan, W-8559.

        7. James C. Pigg, Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865: Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869 (Tega Cay, South Carolina: Self-published, 1995), page 132.

         8. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 176 (stamped); Line 24, Dwelling 1161, Family 1060, Household of Sarah PERVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2014); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.

         9. James C. Pigg, Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865 &: Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869 (Tega Cay, South Carolina: self-Published, 1995), pages 132 & 133.

        10. Land Deed - J. C. Purvis to J. P. Smith; 10 March 1854; Deed Book #15; Page(s) 132; Register of Deeds; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina; 3 January 2010.

        11. SOURCE: #108 Index and Genealogical Abstracts of the Chesterfield District Court of Common Pleas, Equity Side, 1823-1869, page 132-133 as recorded in "Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865 & Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869, Published by James C. Pigg, Copyright 1995.

Tombstone Tuesday~William & Ruth Sellers

 

William Winfred Sellers

B. 31 Aug. 1925

D. 3 Sept. 1867

Wanda Ruth (Garner) Sellers

B. 7 April 1929

D.  3 Sept. 1867

Married: 13 August 1958

William and Ruth (Garner) Sellers were married 13 August 1958 in Pittsburg, Oklahoma. William Winfred Sellers was the son of Grover Cleveland Sellers and Mary Ann Pruitt. Grover Cleveland Sellers was a grandson of Noah Sellers and Timmey Ellen Parsons. Ruth (Garner) was the daughter of William Marion Garner and his wife, Eva Cleo Cassity.

On the weekend of 3 September 1967, William and his wife Ruth along with 2 others couples decided to fly down to McAlister, Oklahoma and attend the Oklahoma prison rodeo. Traveling with William and Ruth Sellers was another couple and the third couple were in their own plane. The other plane took off first on 3 September 1967 for the return trip to Cassville, Missouri. Eye witness accounts related that the Sellers plane, with the two couple's, somehow came in contact with the undercarriage of the first airplane. Both planes crash landed. The Seller's crash was horrific and all aboard perished. The other plane faired much better and the two individuals on board survived. The Sellers had two daughter under twenty-one who were left orphans. The other couple left a surviving son. 

William Sellers was the director of the Barry County, Missouri, health unit and the other Couple were a prominent farmer. He had served and survived World war II as a SSgt. with the 491 BOMB GP AAF. 

William Winfred Sellers is my 3rd Cousin once removed.

_______________________________

[1] Tombstone Photo courtesy of “RockTalker”

[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 1 December 2021); Memorial page for William Winfred Sellers; (31 August 1925–3 September 1967); Find a Grave memorial # 37920712, Citing Oak Hill Cemetery; McAlester, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, USA.

It’s Family Time~The Martin Archibald Teeter Family

One thing I have learned in my 46+ years of family research is that the past was very difficult for our ancestors. Leaving established towns and communities and moving westward with the growth of a young America was brave considering the perils along the way. Then, after determining where to settle you are faced with a lack of Doctors, Medicine and other worldly goods needed in your daily life. It wasn’t easy.

The Martin Archibald Teeter family was one of those pioneering families. Martin Archibald Teeter was born abt 1812 in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. He was the middle child and son of Peter Teeter and Ann Elizbeth Dry. He had 4 siblings; 3 brothers and a sister. 

The Teeter’s, Peter and Ann and children and their families, moved to Pope County, Arkansas sometime between 1838 and 1840 Census.

Their son, Martin Archibald Teeter had married a young lady named Sarah Jane ‘Sallie” Petray, daughter of  John Petray and Catherine Carriker. This marriage took place on 19 October 1830 and by 1838 when the Teeter’s made their move westward, Martin and Sallie had a growing family of three children. After arriving in Pope County, Arkansas they would add five more children to their growing families.  

Martin Archibald Teeter and Sarah Jane Petray had the following children:

 i. Susannah Elvina Teeter, born abt 1831, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Patrick H. Talley, 16 Oct 1851, Pope County, Arkansas.

 ii. Jacob Wilson Teeter, born abt 1835, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Ellen Touchstone, 17 Oct 1888, Drew County, Arkansas; died 16 Jan 1923, Drew County, Arkansas.

 iii. Daniel Marion Teeter, born 5 Oct 1838, Cabarrus County, North Carolina; married Cynthia A. Braly; died 21 Apr 1928, Alameda County, California.

 iv. Sarah Jane Teeter, born abt 1843, Pope County, Arkansas; married Francis Marion Reed, 13 Oct 1859, Conway County, Arkansas.

 v. Jonah Allen Teeter, born 18 Mar 1845, Pope County, Arkansas; married Celia Ann Loupe; died 22 Dec 1917, Johnson County, Texas.

 vi. Ransom Alexander Teeter, born 24 Mar 1848, Pope County, Arkansas; married Nancy Cooper; died 5 Jan 1932, Pope County, Arkansas.

 vii. James Lawson Teeter, born 15 Jun 1850, Pope County, Arkansas; married Sarah Ellen Brooks, 7 Jul 1870, Pope County, Arkansas; died 23 Jan 1900, Pope County, Arkansas.

viii. George Washington Teeter was born on 30 Sep 1853 in Pope County, Arkansas, United States. He died on 15 May 1930 at the age of 76 in Butte County, California. probated.

Their last born child, George Washington Teeter arrived on 30 September 1853. Sadly, his mother, Sarah Jane ‘Sallie’ (Petray) Teeter did not survive. Martin Archibald Teeter was left a widower with a newborn baby and 6 other children's ranging in age form 3 to 18 to care for. Their oldest daughter, Susannah Elvina Teeter was married and out of the household with her husband, Patrick H. Talley.

Sadly, this was not the end of tragedy for this family.  

In late 1857 to early 1858, sometime before 20 May 1858 Martin A. Teeter died. Martin was a single parent with 8 children; 4 of them under the age of twenty-one until he remarried on 20 April 1856. 

Martin had lost his first wife back on 30 September 1853 with the birth of his eight child, a son named, George Washington Teeter.

In Court on 20 May 1858, Brice McIver a Uncle of the minor children - Jonah A. Teator, Ransom A. Teator, James L. Teator and George W. Teator – petition the Court for the Guardianship of the minor children.
Mary Ann ‘Polly’ Petray was the wife of Brice McEver. She was also a sister to Sarah Jane ‘Sallie’ Petray Teeter the mother of the four minor children.
Tragically, the children's Uncle, Brice McEver, died of pneumonia in December 1860.

After the death of Brice McIver, the maternal grandparent took in several of the boys in 1860 & 1870 until they reached adulthood.

Transcription:
State of Arkansas}
County of Pope} In the Probate Court of Pope County, May 20th 1858 before the Clerk thereof in vacation.
Brice McEver, Ex Parte
To} Petition for Guardian for
Jonah A. Teeter et all
At this day comes Brice McEver, and files his petition, the object and prayer of which are for the appointment of a guardian for Jonah A. Teator, Ransom A. Teator, James L. Teator and George W. Teator children of Martin A. Teator dec. And it appearing to the County, that said minors are without father or mother, or any other person legally authorize to support, protect and control them, that they have no means of subsistence, and it also appearing that said petitioner is the uncle to said minors, and that it is necessary a guardian should be appointed said minors. It is order that said Brice McEver be and he is hereby appointed guardian for said minors, the said McEver having filed his bond, as required by law.
Roof H. Harrell, Clk.
State of Arkansas}
County of Pope}
In the Pope Probate Court, in vacation, before the clerk thereof May 29th 1858.

Martin Archibald Teeter is my 1st Cousin 4X Removed.

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1. "Arkansas Probate Records, 1817-1979," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99W3-2Q76?cc=2061549&wc=M7QZ-SP8%3A353223101%2C353240401 : 22 May 2014), Pope > image 573 of 719; county courthouses, Arkansas.

2. 1850 U. S. Census, Pope County, Arkansas, population schedule, Pope, Arkansas, Page: 288A (stamped); Line 33, Dwelling 661, Family 661, Household of Martin A. TEETER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 12 January 2017); citing NARA publication Roll: M432_29.

3. Pope County, Arkansas, Probate Files & Loose papers, Teeter Children Guardianship; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: Viewed on-line 3 June 2020); Estate of Martin A. Teeter.

4. "North Carolina, Marriages Index, 1741-1868," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 June 2020), Marriage: Martin A. Teeter & Sally Petry, Bond #: 000010344; Bond Date: 19 Oct 1830.

5. "Arkansas Marriage Index, 1837-1957," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 June 2020), Marriage: Martin A. Teter & Josephine Woods; Arkansas Division of Archives and History, 1977; Marriage Date: 20 Apr 1856.

End of an Era~One of the Last Gunfights of the West

Three Men Killed in Personal Difficulty.

Vicksburg, February 13. A difficulty occurred yesterday at Johnsville, Mississippi, between Colonel Holman, Dr. Lowry, Dr. Walker and Mr. Arnold. The fight began by Holman shooting Lowry. Arnold shot Holman, wounding him, then shot and killed Walker, and was himself in turn shot by Holman. Arnold and Lowry have since died. Holman was arrested.

The next transcription of the event came from an obituary posted by “backroad traveler” on the FindAGrave memorial for William Lownds Lowery. I had others but this particular account of the events was the best.  

THE MISSISSIPPI TRAGEDY
Details of the Lowry-Holman Bloodshed at Johnsonville
In the annals of deadly affrays in this State we know of no occurrence so fatal in its results as that which occurred on board the steamer Sunflower, while lying at Johnsonville, the county seat of Sunflower county. The particulars, as near as we can gather them, are about as follows: About ten days ago Col. D. A. Holman, while in Johnsonville, on entering Dr. W. L. Lowry's store, was accosted by Dr. Lowry, who ordered Holman out, remarking, it is said, that Holman was no gentleman, and did not keep his word, or something to that effect. Holman departed, saying in substance he would see Lowry again. On the morning of the affair Col. Holman engaged passage on the steamer Sunflower, for Vicksburg, accompanied by his father-in-law. Dr. G. C. Walker. The boat arrived at Johnsonville somewhat earlier than usual, and Col. Holman and Dr. Walker together wont on shore, but in a short time returned. Perhaps a half hour later Dr. Lowry, as was usual with him, came on the boat to transact his business, and while entering the cabin, was caught so it is said, by the left armor back, by Col. Holman, who turned Lowry halfway around, and putting his pistol to his breast, fired. Lowry. started down the cabin, but instantly turned, and seeing his clerk, John C. Arnold, start from his chair (being shaved at the time), said "kill him, John, kill him, he has shot me. "Arnold ran out of the cabin to attack Holman, and Lowry, walking to the cabin door, cocked his pistol and fired at Holman. At the same instant of time, perceiving Dr. Walker with a pistol in hand, pointed his pistol at Walker with deadly effect, Walker falling and expiring almost without a struggle. Lowry then walked back in the cabin staggering, and fell, and in about two minutes expired also. In the meantime, Arnold and Holman were fighting outside the cabin, Arnold receiving a wound in the chest, and died shortly after being removed from the boat, Colonel Holman being wounded in the left arm and side, but to what extent could not be ascertained, as the boat left shortly afterwards. The affair is deeply regretted, us all the parties engaged are very highly respected. Dr. Lowry was a brother of Gen. Robert Lowry, and leaves a widow and six children. Arnold was a brother of Judge Arnold, of Columbus, Miss., Colonel Holman being a prominent and talented lawyer, and respected in the community in which he lives. Dr. Walker was one of the oldest residents of the county, and we believe had no enemies. Colonel Holman, the only survivor, was immediately arrested and will have a preliminary examination before Justice Toney next Saturday.
 

Dr. W. L. Lowry was William Lownds Lowry, son of Robert T. Lowry and Jemima Mary Rushing. He was born 26 February 1831 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. William was 47 years old when he was shot and killed in the above described gunfight. Dr. Lowry was married to Sallie Flowers about 1865-1866. After has death, she was appointed Postmistress on 29 May 1890 for the town of Baird, Sunflower County, Mississippi. She died 27 October 1909 at Bessemer, Jefferson, Alabama. 

___________________

[1] Chronicling America, Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.), February 20, 1879, Image 2, column 4.

[2] Obituary: Courtesy of Backroad traveler. Savannah morning news. Savannah, Ga., February 25, 1879, Image 1
Added by: Backroad traveler on 9 Mar 2020

[3] Johnsville is a misprint in the newspaper clipping. It should have read Johnsonville, Mississippi.

Amanuensis Monday~1853 Lawsuit, Yarbro & Luton vs Holden Rushing & Others

 Amanuensis Monday is a Web Blog theme started by blogger John Newmark. You can access his blog here.

A full explanation of the Amanuensis Monday blog theme can be found here.

Today's Amanuensis Monday subject is a transcription of an 1853 Lawsuit between children's of David Rushing and a firm called Yarbro & Luton. ¹

AT Rules holden in the Office of the Register and Master of the Court of Chancery for the Third Chancery District of the Southern Chancery Division of the State of Alabama, at Livingston, On the 3rd Monday (being the 17th day) of January, A. D. 1853.

 
Samuel J. Yarbro and Jonathan Luton, }
partners, under the firm name, and style,}
of Yarbro & Luton,         Comp's, 411 v.   }   In Chancery.
Holden Rushing; Cornelius White}
adm'or of the estate of Enoch D.}
Rushing William G. Rushing }
Calvin Rushing; Rebecca Jackson}
Richmond White; Egbert White;}
Emily J. White, Nancy White; }
Tillman White; Haywood White;}
Sarah White; Mary White;}
Alexander Lowry; Robert H. Lowry;}
William Lowry; Amanda Lowry;}
and Martha Lowry, Def'ts.}
 
The Bill in this cause alleges in substance, that deft, Holden Rushing, on the 27th Dec. 1851, made his promissory note to Compl'ts, for $88 38-100, due one day alter date; that judgment was recovered by them on said note, on the 28th August, 1852, for 96 08-100; and execution issued thereon and returned "no property found, "that said Rushing is insolvent; that on the ___ day of____, 1850, one Enoch D. Rushing, brother of said Holden, died in Sumter County, Ala., leaving $804, in money, and other property, worth $1200; that letters of administration upon said estate have been granted by the Probate Court of and County to said Cornelius White; that said Enoch died intestate and left no wife or child, he never having been married; that his heirs at law are the said Holden, William G., and Calvin Rushing, brothers, and Rebecca Jackson, sister of said Enoch and widow of John Jackson, each over 21 years of age; said Richmond, Egbert, Emily J., Nancy, Tillman, Heywood, Sarah, and Mary White, children of' Martha White, dec'd, who was a sister of said Enoch and in her life time the wife of Albert White---all of whom are minors; and said Alexander and Robert H. Lowry--over 21 years of age--- and William, Amanda,and Martha Lowry, under 21, all children of Jemima Lowry, dec'd, who, in her life time, was the Wife of Robert Lowry and sister of Said Enoch; all of said heirs residing in or near Decaturville, Decatur County, Tennessee.
The Bill prays, insubstance, a reference to ascertain what is due from said Holden to Compl'ts; what said Holden is entitled to, and will be entitled to, as heir of said Enoch; that said adm'or be decreed to pay Compl'ts the am't, or so much thereof as may be necessary for that purpose, of said Holden’s share in satisfaction of what may be found due them; and that an injunction be issued to said adm'or, restraining him from paying over said Holden's said share of said estate to him or any one else.
And it appearing from the Bill, which is sworn to, that all of the Def’ts, except White, the adm’or, reside in or near Decaturville, Decatur County, Tenn, that said Holden, William G. and Calvin Rushing,  Rebecca Jackson, Alexander and Robert H. Lowry, are of full age; and that said Richmond, Egbert, Emily J., Nancy, Tillman, Haywood, Sarah & Mary White, and William, Amanda, and Martha Lowry, are minors.
It is, therefore, on motion of said Complainants, by their Solicitor, ordered, by the Register and master of said Court of Chancery, that publication be made in the "Sumter County whig," a public newspaper, printed and published, weekly, in Livingston, afore said, for four consecutive weeks, requiring said non-resident defendants to appear and answer or demur to said Bill within sixty days from the date of this order; or in default thereof, the same will be taken as confessed by said def'ts, of age, and Guardians ad litem will be appointed to defend on behalf of said minors.
And it is further ordered, that a Copy of this order be furnished said newspaper; another be posted upon the Court-house door of said County of Sumter; and another be sent, by mail, to each of said non-resident defendants, to their respective address, as aforesaid all within forty days from this time.
           A Copy
           Teste. GEO B. SAUNDERS, R. & M.
Jan. 17th 1853
J. O. Williams, Sol. For Comp’s

The defendants in this case are all children of David Rushing and Nancy Rebecca Deason of Anson County, NC.  Seven children were named; two were omitted, Darling and Jane, their first borne and last borne. 

________________________________

1. "Holden Rushing & Others," Lawsuit, Sumter County Whig, Livingston, Alabama, 25 January 1853, Page 3, Column 3; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : viewed 29 November 2022); https://www.newspapers.com/.

2. Sumter County Whig, Livingston, Alabama ·  Tuesday, January 25, 1853, Page 3, Column 3

It’s Family Time~The Holden Rushing Family

Holden Rushing was born about 1802 to David Rushing and and Nancy Rebecca Deason of Anson County, North Carolina. He was their second born child arriving after the birth of his brother, Abraham Darling Rushing, a year earlier in 1801. Holden was a member of a large family.

Sometime before April 1827, Holden Rushing married Delilah Burch Jackson, daughter of Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Delilah Meadows. 

Note: Anson County, NC Land Deed W:281 contains the following statement:  

Deed dated 21th day of April 1827; witnessed by Geo. Duran and J. Rushing Signed by H. Rushing and Delilah Rushing certified by the following statement: Agreeable to a order to us directed to take the private examination of Delilah Rushing the wife of Holden Rushing that she signed the within deed free & willingly without the control of her husband, acknowledged before us. 

After the birth of two children in Anson County, Holden and Delilah migrated to Perry County, Tennessee. There on 15 January 1839, Delilah gave birth to her third child, a daughter, they named Elizabeth Elander Rushing. By 1845 Holden and Delilah are in Decatur County, Tennessee and a son, Enoch Deason is born. By 1860, Holden and Delilah are in Union County, Illinois.

1860 CENSUS: Township 12 S Range 2 W, Union, Illinois; Page:#191/835 (Penciled); Line#4, Dwelling#1419, Family#1387; Holden RUSHING, Male, head, farmer, age 58, born in NC; Delia RUSHING, Female, Wife, age 45, born in NC; Enoch RUSHING, Male, Son, age 16, born in TN; Martha RUSHING, Female, Daughter, age 12, born in TN and David  RUSHING, Male, Son, age 11, born in TN and Wm. RUSHING, Male, Son, age 7, born in TN. [Listed as [Ruthin] on Ancestry.]

This Census is the last document in which I have found  Delilah Rushing to be listed within. Nor have I found any other document naming her within its content. 

[Note; Beware of on-line trees they have her dying in 1849, 1896 and other dates.]

Holden Rushing and Delilah Burch Jackson had the following children:

i. Robert H. Rushing, born abt 1829, Anson County, North Carolina; married Johana F. Nance, 8 Apr 1852.

ii. John J. Rushing was born about 1830 in Anson County, North Carolina.

iii. Elizabeth Elander Rushing, born 15 Jan 1837, Perry County, Tennessee; married Artentious Stinson, 20 Jun 1852, Cherokee, Texas; died 31 May 1878, Cherokee County, Texas.

iv. Delilah Burch Rushing, born abt 1840; married Martin V. Powell, 30 Oct 1859, Union, Illinois; died 1883.

v. Enoch Deason Rushing, born abt 1845, Decatur County, Tennessee; married Cindona Matilda Flaugh; died Apr 1870, Jonesboro, Union, Illinois.

vi. Nancy Ann Rushing, born abt 1847, Decatur County, Tennessee; married Pvt. Joshua Lafayette Misenhimer, 31 Dec 1865, Union, Illinois; died 3 Jun 1933, Portland, Washington, Oregon.

vii. David B. Rushing, born 14 Oct 1848, Decatur County, Tennessee; married Mary L. Lookinbee; died 21 Jul 1915, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California.

viii. William Pinkney Rushing, born 1 May 1852, Decatersville, Tennessee; married Malvina Overbay, 19 Dec 1877; died 5 Sep 1938, Jonesboro, Union, Illinois.

Holden Rushing died on 7 September 1878 in Jonesboro Pct, Union, Illinois. The death of his wife occurred sometime between 1860 and 1878. No record of her death or tombstones for either Holden or Delilah has been found.

____________________

1. Land Deed - Holden Rushing to James Ratliff; 21 April 1827; Deed Book #W; Page(s) 281; Register of Deeds; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina; 3 January 2019.

2. Land Deed - Holden Rushing to Calvin Rushing; 2 June 1828; Deed Book #W; page(s)262.

3. 1830 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, Page#70(Penciled), Line#12, Household of Holden RUSHING; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 November 2022); citing National Archives Microfilm M19, Roll 118.

4. Tennessee, United States, "Early Tax List Records, 1783-1895, 1837, Perry County, Tenn, Holden Rushing; Image 7 of 21, Tennessee Archives, Nashville, Tennessee.

5. 1850 U. S. Census, Decatur County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 4, Decatur, Tennessee, Page:#419A(Stamped); Line#32, Dwelling#150, Family#150, Household of Holden RUSHING; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 November 2022); citing National Archives Microfilm M432.

6. 1860 U. S. Census, Union County, Illinois, population schedule, Township 12 S Range 2 W, Union, Illinois, Page:#191/835 (Penciled); Line#4, Dwelling#1419, Family#1387, Household of Holden RUSHING; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 November 2022); citing NARA publication Roll: M_.

7. 1865 Illinois, Union County, Illinois, population schedule, Jonesboro, Union, Illinois, USA, Holden RUSHING; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing Illinois, U.S., State Census Collection, 1825-1865.

8. Select Deaths Index, 1877-1916, Images. Ancestry, (https://www.ancestry.com: 1 November 2022), State of Illinois, , Holden Rushing; Certificate number NL, Volume #1, Page 13, 7 September 1878.

Antioch Woman, Cornelia Bounds Purvis, Passes Away

Funeral services will be held from the Antioch Baptist church at 11 o'clock this morning for Mrs. Cornelia Bounds Purvis, 85, who died Monday morning. Mrs. Purvis death at her home at Antioch, which is near Pelahatchie, came after an Illness. Rev. D. W. Moulder will recite the final rites. Taylor funeral home has charge of arrangements.

Survivors Include a daughter, Mrs. Clara Purvis Dear, and three sons, A. G. Purvis, H. M. Purvis and H. L. Purvis.

Cornelia Bounds Purvis was born 5 June 1856 in Rankin County, Mississippi, a daughter of William Bounds and Eliza Abercrombie.

On 19 December 1881, she and William J. Purvis were married in Rankin County, Mississippi. William was born 28 April 1851, a son of George Washington Purvis and Mary Ann Patrick. William J. Purvis was a farmer and his wife stayed home and cared for their growing family.

Cornelia and William shared 35 years 2 months 21 days before his death on 12 March 1917. She lived another 24 years 4 months 9 days, as his widow, until her death on 21 July 1941. Cornelia and William are buried in Antioch Cemetery, Rufus, Rankin County, Mississippi. While on a trip to Texas a few years ago, the wife and I stopped and visited the graves of many of our Purvis ancestors.

William J. Purvis and Cornelia C. Bounds had the following children:

i. Albert Guy Purvis, born 19 Oct 1882, Rankin County, Mississippi; died aft Jul 1941.

ii. Hulon Morris Purvis, born 28 Apr 1885, Rankin County, Mississippi; married Ella M. Patrick, 9 Jan 1910, Rankin County, Mississippi; died 18 Apr 1977.

iii. Hollis Lee Purvis was born on 7 Jan 1888 in Rankin County, Mississippi. Hollis died on 3 Jan 1953 at the age of 64 in Rankin County, Mississippi.

iv. Clara E. Purvis, born 20 Mar 1890, Rankin County, Mississippi; married Walter Simpson Dear Sr.; died 15 Feb 1963.

v. William Vilas Purvis was born on 30 Jun 1893 in Rankin County, Mississippi. He died on 17 Jan 1918 at the age of 24 in Norfork, Virginia. On active duty, died Naval Hospital, Norfork, Virginia.

Note: The Virginia Marriage licensee for Albert Guy Purvis b. 1882 shows his parents to be William Jennings Purvis and Cornelia Bounds. This is the only known document that shows a middle name for William; all others simply lists him as William J. Purvis.  

Cornelia Bounds is the wife of my 2nd Cousin 5X Removed.

__________________________________

1. 1900 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Cato, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 0084, Page: 14B/259 (stamped); Line 62, Dwelling 254, Family 254, Household of William PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 January 2014); citing NARA publication T623_826.

2. 1910 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Cato, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 0050, Page: 18B/236(stamped); Line 79, Dwelling 348, Family 348, Household of William J. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 February 2014); citing NARA publication T624_758.

3. 1930 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 5, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 16, Page 182A; Line 1, Dwelling 1, Family 1, Household of Hollis PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 February 2014); citing NARA publication T626_1164.

4. 1940 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 61-17, Page: 5A/327(stamped); Line 33, Household #80, Household of Hollis T. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 February 2014); citing NARA publication T627_2062.

5. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 30 December 2014); Memorial page for Cornelia C. Bounds PURVIS; (5 June 1856-21 July 1941); Find a Grave memorial # 13998613, Citing Antioch Cemetery; Rufus, Rankin County, Mississippi, USA.

6. "Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935," digital index of Mississippi marriages, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 January 2014), Miss C. C. Bounds & W. J. Purvis, Marriage Date: 19 Dec 1881.

7. 1860 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Rankin County, Mississippi, Page: 989; Line 6, Dwelling 834, Family 885, Household of G. W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M653 Roll 590.

8. 1870 U. S. Census, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 4, Rankin County, Mississippi, Page: 62B; Line 17, Dwelling 434, Family 434, Household of George W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm M593 Roll 748.

9. 1880, Rankin County, Mississippi, population schedule, Cato, Rankin County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) #078, Page 456A, Line 38, Dwelling 452, Family 452, Household of G. W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 663.

10. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, W. J. PURVIS (28 April 1851–12 May 1917), Memorial # 13998651.

11. "Funeral Today For Antioch Woman," obituary, Clarion-Ledger, Jackson Mississippi, 22 July 1941, Page 9, column 2; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : viewed November 2022); https://www.newspapers.com/.

Irish Ties Between New Zealand Purvis and Chesterfield County, SC Purvis Families

While I haven’t broken down the “Brick Wall” of who the parents of my 2nd great
grandfather William A. Purvis are; I have made progress. In all cases DNA has been the key to breaking down these barriers.

For 46 years I have documented every known Purvis in Anson County, NC and Chesterfield County, SC the roots of my Purvis Line. Around  1818 there was a large migration of Purvis’ and other families from Chesterfield County SC, to Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. A majority, if not all, of those Purvis’ have been added to my database and connected as families. 

My first DNA break when a Miley Cousin contacted me and wanted to know what I knew about his Purvis 3rd great grandparents, William James Purvis and Millie Cook. He wanted to know because he and I shared 12.3 cM of Chromosome 9 DNA. His ancestor, William James Purvis and I are most likely 1st Cousin 6 times removed. My Great Grandfather is a William James Purvis.

William James Purvis husband of Millie Cook is the son of James Purvis, Sr. born 1760 and an unknown wife.

The next DNA break came from New Zealand from another Purvis cousin. She reported that she also was related to me through DNA. This week Miss Purvis  informed me that she, her brother, I and a cousin by the surname “JOSEPH” are all  related.  This connection travels back to a male Purvis who left Chesterfield, SC and migrated to Alabama about 1818-1819. He was likely with all the other Purvis’ who migrated during this time period.

His name was Alexander Purvis, born abt 1790 in Chesterfield County, SC to parents currently unknown.  He is reported to have married Elizabeth Johnson, 11 Nov 1819 in Madison County, Alabama. Like so much misinformation this too has not been confirmed. As matter of fact, my research shows Alexander in Chesterfield County, SC and Conecuh County, Alabama and no where else. He did marry Elizabeth as shown in 1850 Census but her surname of Johnson has not been confirmed. Alexander was a farmer.

The 1850 Census shows five children in The Alexander and Elizabeth Purvis household. Six children have been identified.

The children of Alexander and Elizabeth (LNU) Purvis are:

i. Beady Purvis was born about 1821 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

ii. Thomas Franklin Purvis, born abt 1824, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Eleanor Hilliard, abt 1847; married Mary Elizabeth Newberry, 1871; died 4 Jan 1889, Jay, Santa Rosa, Florida.

iii. Malakiah Purvis was born about 1832 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

iv. David Purvis was born about 1835 in Conecuh County, Alabama.

v. Elizabeth Purvis was born about 1837 in Conecuh County, Alabama.

vi. Sarah Purvis, born Jan 1845, Conecuh County, Alabama; married William A. Cobb, 27 Aug 1888, Escambia, Alabama; died aft 1910.

The Death dates of both Alexander and Elizabeth (Maiden name unknown) Purvis are unknown. No record of their demise like death notices, obituaries or tombstones have been found.

The “Joseph” surname researcher and I are 5th – 8th Cousin sharing 13 CM of DNA.

Most of the Purvis' who left Chesterfield I know are related but the destruction of records by Gen. Sherman’s  Army makes it almost impossible to reconstruct families in the county.

The New Zealand connection ties us all together back in the original homeland of the Purvis’. We share DNA but her line has never been to America. Miss Purvis ancestors originated in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland.  Her ancestor emigrated on 2 Jan 1841 from Northern Ireland to Port Phillip, Australia.

________________________

1. 1850 U. S. Census, Conecuh County, Alabama, population schedule, Conecuh County, Alabama, Page 346B, Line 31, Dwelling 237, Family 237, Household of Alexander PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 September 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 3.

Thanksgiving 2022

 Wishing all my subscribers and readers a very special Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to each and every one for your continued support of 

Carolina Family Roots.

____________________________

[1] Thanksgiving Image Courtesy of https://pixabay.com/illustrations/thanksgiving-happy-thanksgiving-1063759/

Amanuensis Monday~Last Will and Testament of William Davis, b. 1809

 Amanuensis Monday is a Web Blog theme started by blogger John Newmark. You can access his blog here.

A full explanation of the Amanuensis Monday blog theme can be found here.

Today's Amanuensis Monday subject is the Last Will and Testament of William Davis, b. 1809, son of Samuel Davis, Sr. and Lucinda R. Munsey. ¹

Last Will

Transcription:

Page 602
Will
Estate of William Davis, Deceased
In the name of God, Amen;
I make this my last Will and testament, First, I resign my soul to Almighty God hopeing and believing in the remission of my Sins by the merits of Jesus Christ, my body I commit to the earth to be buried, with as little expense as possible.- I appoint my wife Priscilla Davis, my Sole Executrix, the 1st duties to pay all debts, which is unpaid. My Goods of every kind to remain in her possession, and under her control, and management So long as she remains unmarried for the purpose of raising and educating my children, Should any of my children get married my will is that my Executrix, give each one a negro and such an outfit as she may think proper, at a fair valuation of Eight per cent Interest, until the final division, at which time each one to have an equal share, no deduction for Board or Education. Should my lands prove insufficient for the benefit of the Heirs, my Executrix may sell or purchase more as she may think proper . No division of the property is to take place until my youngest arrives at the age of eighteen or married. At that time, I want each one to have their share.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this the 28th March in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & Sixty one. 
Signed, sealed and declared}                 William Davis {L.S.}
By the said testor in the}
Presents <sic> of us, who at his}
request and in his presence}                    Harrison P. Donald
have subscribed our names}                    Robert S. Clark
as witnesses thereto. March 28, 1861}     Edwd. Davis
 
The State of Mississippi} In the Probate Court of said County
Attala County} At the May Term A,D, 1861
Probate of Will
In the matter of a certain instrument of writing purporting to be the last Will and testament of William Davis Deceased) Be it remembered that at a term of the Probate Court of the county of Attala in the Sate aforesaid begun and held at the Court House in and for said County on the third Monday (20th) in May in the year of our Lord, one thousand Eight Hundred and sixty one personally appeared in open Court  Edward Davis, Harrison Donald and Robert Clark, Subscribing Witnesses to a certain instrument of (pg 603) writing purporting to be the Last Will and testament of William Davis late of Said County deceased, bearing date the 28th March 1861, who having first been duly sworn, deposes and Said that Said William Davis, Signed sealed published and declared said instrument as his last will and testament in the presence of these deponents, on the day of the date thereof.That said testator was then in Sound mind and memory and more than twenty one years of age and that these deponents Subscribed said instruments as Witnesses thereto at the instance and request of said Testator, in his presence and also in the presence of each other on the day and year aforesaid.
Sworn to and Subscribed before]
Me in open Court this}                     Edw. Davis
20 day May A.D. 1861.}                   H.P. Donald
                   Sam Young}                  R. S. Clark
                              Judge}
Examined and ordered to be recorded May 20th,1861.
                                                           Sam Young, Judge
Recorder June 4th A.D. 1861
                    T.D. Sallis Clk
                    By S. E. Wilson Deputy

William Davis, born 1809, was a farmer and son of Samuel Davis and Lucinda Munsey. About 1818-1819, Samuel moved his family from South Carolina to Warren County, Tennessee. William was age 9 or 10 when this move took place. At age 24, William left Tennessee and migrated to Jackson County, Alabama. There between 1835 and 1845 he married his wife Priscilla.

William Davis died unexpectedly between 28 Mar 1861(Last Will Written & dated) and 17 May 1861 (Administrative Bond date for the William Davis estate).  

The last known location of his Widow was the 1880 Census for Limestone County, Texas.

1880 CENSUS: Freestone, Texas; Enumeration District:#056; Page#594 (Stamped), Line 6, Dwelling#533, Family#533; Prissilla DAVIS, Female, age 68, born in SC; Lucinda A. DAVIS, Daughter, age 38, born in AL and John DAVIS, Nephew, age 31, born in MS.

William Davis is buried in the Yockanookany Baptist Church Cemetery, McVille, Attala County, Mississippi. No record of Priscilla's death or burial has been found. 

William Davis is my 1st Cousin 5X Removed. 

It’s Family Time~The William and Priscilla (Bryant) Davis

William Davis was born 1809 in South Carolina, a son of Samuel Davis and Lucinda Munsey Davis. This was a highly mobile family for the times and thus is a works-in-progress. About 1818-1819,  Samuel relocated his family from South Carolina to Tennessee, arriving first in Warren County. Between 1818 and 1835, Samuel lived in Warren, Dickson, Madison, Davidson and back to finally settling in Warren County. 

Sometime between 1835 and 1840, William married Priscilla Bryant. Where this marriage took place is unknown. There is a report that William migrated to Jackson County, Alabama about 1835 and it may have taken place within the State of Alabama. No record of the marriage in Jackson County can be found with records available on-line. 

William and Priscilla's first born child, a daughter they call Nancy, arrived in 1840 suggesting a marriage about or before 1839. The couples would have a total of six children before William Davis’s untimely death in the early 1860”s.  

The Children of William and Priscilla (Bryant) Davis are:

i. Nancy A. Davis was born about 1840 in Alabama, United States.

ii. Lucinda A. Davis was born about 1842.

iii. Sophia Davis was born about 1844.

iv. Sarah J. Davis was born after 1847.

v. William W. Davis was born about 1851.  

2 vi. Alabama Davis, born 29 Apr 1859, Mississippi; married Henry Lyons Hall Sr., 1879; died 24 Jan 1918, Mexia, Limestone, Texas.

William Davis wrote his Last Will and Testament on 28 March 1861. Probate record for Atalla County, Mississippi shows that William Davis died before 17 May 1861. I believe he died on 5 April 1861 and here is how I arrived at that date. There is a very old, broken tombstone for a William Davis, b. 13 Oct 1809. This tombstone  shows his age to be 51 y 5 m 23 d.

You can view the tombstone here: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14388189/unknown-davis

That's 51 years, 5 months and 23 days. This tombstone shows he was born 13 October 1809. A 5 April 1861 death date would be 51 years, 5 months and 23 days. This date is also compatible with him having written his Will on 28 March 1861, making this date to be 10 days before his death.  

His Probate Files shows that the Administrative Bond on the William Davis Estate was Executed 17 May 1861.

There were 3 William Davis’ in Atalla County in 1861 but only one of those William Davis was born in 1809.

If you have any information on this family please contact me thru this blog.  

William Davis is my 1st Cousin 5X Removed. 

_____________________

1. 1850 U. S. Census, Pickens County, Alabama, population schedule, Southern District, Pickens, Alabama, Page 49A(Stamped), Lines 42+1-5, Dwelling #560; Family #582, Household of William DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm M432.

2. 1860 U. S. Census, Attala County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 13 Range 6, Attala, Mississippi, ; Page 217/477 (Penciled), Lines 6-13, Dwelling #1564; Family #1492, Household of Wm. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 June 2020); citing NARA publication Roll: M653.

3. Attala County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Volume B:: page 354-356, Images 198, 199, 200, William Davis; LDS FHL Film#1953994.

4. Attala County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates Volume C: 45: page 355, Images 714.

5. Attala County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates Bonds and Letters of Administrators, Executors, Guardians, 1858-1895: page 235, Images 160.

6. Attala County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates Volume C: 45: page 45, Images 714.

7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 6 June 2020); Memorial page for William Davis; (1809–1 May 1861); Find a Grave memorial # 48067565, Citing Yockanookany Baptist Church Cemetery; McVille, Attala County, Mississippi, USA.