The Last Will and Testament of Delilah (Edmunds) Gandy

Delilah Edmunds was born about 1775 in South Carolina. She married Maximillian Booker "Maxwell" Gandy  about 1797. Booker and Delilah had eleven children between 1798 and 1816. One of those children was said to be a daughter, Nancy Gandy, who married Jeremiah Polson/Polston about 1828. However, Nancy (Gandy) Polson/Polston is not named in either Booka or Delilah's Last Will and Testament.  

The State of South Carolina}                                       

Darlington District}
                              I Delilah Gandy of the District of Darlington and State aforesaid being of Sound and disposing mind memory and understanding do make and declare the following as my last will and Testament, viz
Item 1st It is my will and desire that All my just debts be paid from the money on hand & the debts that may be due me at the time of my death. 
Item 2nd I give and bequeath to each of my Children hereafter named to wit: Darius Gandy, Max B. Gandy, Abel Gandy, Elizabeth Tolson, Eleanor Fort, Darius Gandy, Jane [H]owl[e], Damarius Johnson, Delilah Mercer & Aaron Gandy the sum of five Dollars, to be paid by my Executor hereafter named after my debts are paid.
Item 3rd All my Estate Real and personal including the portion due me of my Husband, Bookey Gandy’s Estate except as herein before deposed of I give devise and bequeath to my Son John E. Gandy to him and his heirs forever.
Item 4th I nominate constitute and appoint my Son John E. Gandy the executor of this my Last Will and Testament.
In testimony whereof and Revoking all former Wills and testaments I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal this the fourteenth day of January in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty-five.
Singed Sealed published and declared as
and for the Last will and Testament of                            Delilah X Gandy {Seal}
Delilah Gandy the testatrix in the presence
Of us who Subscribed our names hereto as
Witnefses in the presence of said Delilah
Gandy in the presence of each other.
The words due me between 1st  2 lines of 3 clause underlined
before signing.
John F. Ervin
C. H. Nettles 
J. A. Dargan
 
The State of South Carolina}
Darlington District}
                              Personally appeared before me the subscribing officer – J. A. Dargan one of the subscribing and after being duly sworn Says that he was present and did see Delilah Gandy the within named Testatrix Sign seal and publish the within instrument of writing as and for her Last Will and testament and that she was at the Same time of Sound and disposing mind memory and understanding as this deponent Doth believe and that he together with John F. Ervin and C. H. Nettles witnefsed the due Execution of the Same at the same time in the presence of each other and the testatrix.
Sworn to before me                                             J. A. Dargan
This 2d day of January 1860
John J. Rufsell
 
The State of South Carolina}
Darlington District}
                    John E. Gandy was this day duly qualified Executor to the within Last Will and Testament of Delilah Gandy, January 2d 1860
                                                           John J. Rufsell
                                                           D. D. D.

In this Will, Delilah named 11 individuals as her children, to wit: “Darius Gandy, Max B. Gandy, Abel Gandy, Elizabeth Tolson, Eleanor Fort, Darius Gandy, Jane [H]owl[e], Damarius Johnson, Delilah Mercer & Aaron Gandy and my Son John E. Gandy".

There are over 200 Trees online at Ancestry and the FamilySearch World Tree that are explicit in stating and naming Nancy Gandy, daughter of Booker Gandy and Delilah Edmonds, as the wife of Jeremiah Polson/Polston. This is very concerning, but with the lack of sources and the massive copying by “Desk Chair” family history enthusiast it’s not a surprise. Yet, no mention of a daughter, Nancy Gandy or Polson/Polston, was mentioned in the above Last Will and Testament.

So if there is no Nancy Gandy in the Booker & Delilah Gandy Family; Who is the Nancy (b. abt. 1815 - d. bef. 1870) married to Jeremiah Polson/Polston?  Who are Nancy's parents? 

From a DNA perspective, I have a total of 122 matches that say the Nancy Gandy and her Father Maximillian "Booka" Gandy are my 3rd and 4th Great Grandparents.

I have not found a death date or source for Nancy (Gandy) Polston; but, there are hundreds of trees on-line stating she died in 1870 and 1880. If she passed away, it was before 1870 because Jeremiah Polson/Polston had a wife named Ausby, age 63, living in his 1870 household. 

Is Delilah (Edmunds) Gandy my 4th Great Grandmother? I think more research is needed to conclusively prove that she is my 4th Great Grandmother.

___________________

1. Delilah Gandy (1845), WILL BOOK: Will Book 11; page 9; Probate Office, Darlington, Darlington County, South Carolina

Bridge of Remembrance, Christchurch, New Zealand

Photo Captured by C. Purvis, March 2005

Honoring those who “Gave Their All” in World War I and World War II.

Tombstone Tuesday~Robert A. Brock, Killed in Action

ROBERT A. BROCK

B. 25 Mar. 1895 

D. 18 Oct. 1918

Robert A. Brock  was born 22 March 1895, a son of William Tillman “Bill” Brock (1854-1913) and Martha Parker (1860-1936). He was the 5th of seven children borne to Bill and Martha.  

Robert A. Brock was drafted and called to serve his country in World War I.
He reported to mobilization County on September 14, 1917.
He was Killed-in-Action (KIA) during battle on October 16, 1918 in France.
His memorial is at Zoar United Methodist Church in Brock’s Mill, Chesterfield South Carolina.

 In the Casualty List.
Casualty list of this morning contains the following: W. J. West, Kershaw; T. J. Langley, Lancaster; F. O. Gaskins, Chesterfield; H. P. Terrell,  Cheraw; R. B. Coward, McBee; Robert Brock, Chesterfield, killed in action.
Newspapers.com - The Lancaster News - 3 Dec 1918 - Page 7, column 1

I feel certain the Robert’s body was returned home and buried here with his family. A check of the  Somme American Cemetery and Memorial found no Memorial for Robert. This cemetery contains the bodies of American Soldiers killed during battle in France.

Robert A. Brock was my 1st Cousin twice Removed.

___________________________

1. Info provided by M. Rodgers

2. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 March 2023); Memorial page for Robert Brock; (25 March 1895–16 October 1918); Find a Grave memorial # 32096748, Citing Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA

3. "WWI Causality List - Robert A. Brock," Battle, wounded and killed, The Lancaster News, Lancaster, South Carolina, 3 December 1918, Page 7, column 1; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : viewed, transcribed 3 March 2023); https://www.newspapers.com/.

4. Tombstone photos Curtesy of Julious Burr. 

Mystery Monday~Did Dan and John Turnage Change Their Surname?

In the 1850 household of Vicy Pervis, age 64 for Chesterfield County can be found two young boys, namely,

• Daniel Turnage, age 12
• John Turnage, age 11

These two boys are not her children or grandchildren; but, Vicy is believed to have been an Aunt or Grand Aunt of these two children.

By 1860, ten years later, these two boys have disappeared from the Census and Vicy Pervis has passed away.

What happened to these two boys?

It is the contention of this blog post Author that two boys took on the Surname Purvis and recreated themselves. Let’s look at these two boys separately. 

 Dan Turnage/Daniel J. Purvis,  

• Dan Turnage born 1838
• Dan Turnage is age 12 in 1850 Census for Chesterfield County thus his birth year is 1838
• Dan Purvis cannot be found in 1850
• Dan Purvis was found in 1860 Census married to Zilpha Ann Sellers.
• Dan Purvis is age 23 in the 1860 Census thus his birth year is 1837
• Dan Turnage cannot be found in 1860 or later.
• Dan Purvis wife is Zilpha Ann Sellers, age 16. Zilpha Ann Sellers is the daughter of Matthew Sellers and Sarah “Sally” Turnage.
• Dan Purvis and his wife are found after 1860

·        Matthew Sellers and Sarah “Sally” Turnage, are living very close to Dan Turnage in 1850 Census. Now they are very Close to Daniel J. Purvis in the 1860 Choctaw County, Alabama census.

John Turnage/John J. Purvis,  

• John Turnage born 1839
• John Turnage is age 11 in 1850 Census for Chesterfield County thus his birth year is 1839
• John J. Purvis cannot be found in 1850 or 1860 Census
• John J. Purvis was found in 1870 Census married to Henrietta Welsh. He was previously married to Roxanne Gibson.
• John J. Purvis is age 31 in the 1870 Census thus his birth year is 1839
• John Turnage cannot be found in 1850/1860 census but is in Census from 1870 till his death in 1892.   

No record of Dan and John Turnage have been found before 1850 and No record of them has been found after 1860.

Records after 1850 had been found for a Daniel J. Purvis and a John J. Purvis both of similar age to the Turnage boys and both living near families they were familiar with in 1850.

While I have no document, in hand, saying that Dan and John Turnage changed their Surname to Purvis I find it very compelling for many reasons.

In 1850, no record can be found for Daniel J. Purvis or John Jackson Purvis.

In 1860 and afterwards no record of Dan Turnage and John Turnage can be found.

Daniel Turnage/Purvis lives near Matthew Sellers while in Chesterfield County and he is again living nearby in Choctaw County, Alabama. This is to be expected since he married Matthew's daughter. 

John Jackson Turnage/Purvis remained in Chesterfield County near families he grew up knowing.

These two families are a real mystery. DNA can solve the mysteries of these two families, and I would encourage their descendants to participate in DNA study to determine whether their ancestors were from the Purvis or the Turnage families of Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

 

 

 

Dr. John Rowland Deese, Local Veterinarian, Dies

 Dr.  Rowland Deese, 65, died in a local sanatorium today at 2:05 p.m. after a critical illness lasting since Monday with euremic poisoning and angina pactoris.

Funeral services will be conducted from the home Friday at 10 A.M. by Dr. C. H. Durham, pastor of the First Baptist church, of which deceased was a member and internment will be made in Meadow Brook Cemetery.

Born in Lumberton, December 24, 1870. Dr. Deese was a son of the late Robert C. and Julia Deese and lived all his life here. He had been a practicing veterinary physician for 40 years. 

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Frances Hall Deese, a son, Edgar, of Greenville, N.C.; 2 brothers, Durham and O. C. Deese, both of Lumberton; 3 sisters, Mrs. J. M. Jones, Misses Ellen and Mary Deese, all of Lumberton.¹  [The Robesonian, 2 July 1936] 

Dr. John Rowland Deese passed away on 2 July 1936 in Lumberton, Roberson County, North Carolina. He was born 24 December 1872, a son of Robert Clinton Deese and Julia Best. His grandparents were James Deese and Alice Bethea who lived long enough to welcome his arrival and his four brothers. 

Rowland Deese married Lena Frances Hall on 10 May 1898 in Roberson County, North Carolina. Frances was born 30 June 1881, a daughter of Mrs. M. J. Hall.

Rowland and Frances had five children; all sons.

Dr. Rowland Deese died  2 July 1936, His wife, Lena Frances (Hall) Deese passed away on 31 Dec 1955.

Dr. John Rowland Deese is my 2nd Cousin twice removed.

__________________________

1. "Dr. Rowland Deese Dies Here Today," Obituary, The Robesonian, Lumberton, North Carolina, 2 July 1936, Page 1, column 8; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/:viewed & transcribed 13 May 2023).

It’s Family Time~The Edward W. Deese Family

Edward W. Deese was born 28 December 1891, a son of John W. Deese and Harriett A. Sellers. Edward was the eleventh of twelve children borne to John and Harriett. He was a farmer, as his parents and grandparents before him.

On 24 Jul 1923 in Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, Edward married Mary Eliza Brock, age 19. 

Mary Eliza Brock was borne 12 June 1904, a daughter of Ervin Samuel Brock, Jr. and Martha Elizabeth “Sis” Purvis.  Mary Eliza was their first-borne child.

Both Edward and Mary Eliza were children of a very large family. Like their parents, Edward and Eliza raised a large family of ten children; 6 sons and 4 daughters.

The Children of Edward W. Deese and Mary Eliza Brock were: 

 i. Edward W. "June" Deese Jr., born 3 Oct 1923, Anson County, North Carolina; married Mary Ann Miller; died 11 Jan 2003, Rockingham, Richmond, North Carolina.

 ii. Melvin Deese, born 2 Dec 1925, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Mildred Dixon; died 28 Apr 2017, Concord, Cabarrus, North Carolina.

 iii. Ruth Deese, born 10 May 1927, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Henry Sidney Charlton, 5 Jan 1944, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 23 Mar 2023, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

 iv. Lockhart Deese, born 2 Sep 1928, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Mabel Lou Gulledge; died 19 Aug 1981, Monroe, Union, North Carolina.

 v. Bertha Lee Deese, born 12 Jul 1932, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Joe Harry Wood Sr., 19 Sep 1953, Mecklenburg, North Carolina; died 17 Dec 2006, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

vi. Benjamin Franklin Deese was born on 12 Aug 1935 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina. He died on 15 Jun 1975 at the age of 39 in Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was buried on 16 Jun 1975 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.

vii. Robert Lee Deese, born 2 Dec 1936, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Maria; died Apr 1960, Duval County, Florida.

viii. Martha Elizabeth Deese, born 14 Jun 1939, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Ernest Heath Moser; died 18 Jan 2008, West Columbia, Lexington, South Carolina.

ix. Henry Deese was born on 5 Mar 1942 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina. He died on 18 May 1942 at the age of 2 months and was buried on 20 May 1942 at Morven Cemetery in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.

 x. Virginia Mae Deese, born 4 Jul 1943, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Robert Tyson; died 19 Oct 2018, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

Edward W. Deese is my 3rd Cousin twice removed.  

Mary Eliza Brock is my 1st Cousin once removed.  

___________________________________

1. State of North Carolina, death (10 September 1948), Ed W Deese; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

2. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 19 February 2013), Edward W Deese; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, Roll: 1765558.

3. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 19 February 2013); Memorial page for Edward W Deese; (28 December 1894–10 September 1948); Find a Grave memorial # 38315173, Citing Morven Cemetery; Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.

4. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 7, Page: 8A/134A (stamped), Line 31, Dwelling 135, Family 136, Household of John DEESE; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 19 February 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

5. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0011, Page 13B/164B (stamped); Line 59, Dwelling 183, Family 191, Household of John W. DEESE; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 19 February 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.

6. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com, Edward W Deese.

7. 1920 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13, Page 18B/198B (stamped); Line 78, Dwelling 231, Family 231, Household of Harriett DEESE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 19 February 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.

8. 1930 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 18, Page: 9B/30B (stamped); Line 79, Dwelling 167, Family 168, Household of Edwin DEESE; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 19 February 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T626, Roll 1672.

9. 1940 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 4-19, Page: 5A/230A(stamped); Line 27, Household #80, Household of Edwin W. DEESE; digital images, 1940 Census (www.ancestry.com: viewed 19 February 2013); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2871.

10. Mr. Ed W. Deese obituary, The Messenger & Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 16 September 1948, Section 1, Page 6.

11. State of North Carolina, Department of Health, Record of marriage; Edward Deese age 28 to Mary Eliza Brock, age 19; digital image, North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979, (24 July 1923) https://www.familysearch.org/, Morven, Anson, North Carolina, Citing Family History Library Film # 1689086.

12. Social Security Administration, Social Security Death Index database, Ancestry.com, (http://www.ancestry.com : <viewed, accessed> 7 April 2013), Mary Deese, SSN: 237-86-2069, 1966 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).

13. State of North Carolina, death, (17 November 1973), Mary [Eliza Brock] Deese.

14. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Mary E Brock Deese (1904-), Memorial # 38315178.

15. "Social Security Death Index,"Ancestry.com, entry for Mary Deese, SSN: 237-86-2069.

16. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 18, (18 May 1942), Henry Deese.

17. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Henry Deese (3 March 1942–19 May 1942), Memorial # 38315147.

The Shocking Truth~Sarah, wife of Samuel Deese, Is Not a Daughter of John Hill and Huldah Jackson

 There are 138 Public trees on Ancestry claiming that Samuel Deese married Sarah Hill, born 1811 or 1815 the daughter of John Hill and Huldah Jackson. I believe all those trees are in error. Samuel Deese did marry a young lady by the name of Sarah but her maiden name is unknown. The only source giving “Sarah Hill” as the wife of Samuel Deese is the death certificate of four of their 9 children; three daughters and one son. 

Individual pages of the John Hill Family Bible are contained within his Revolutionary Pension File (W-18014).

The Family Bible:

She supposes her husband kept no date of their Marriage till after the birth of her first Child then a Register was kept of the family in a large Bible belonging to a family & the following is a true statement from the family Register,

John Hill was born February the 4th day 1749, Huldah Jackson now the wife of John Hill was born February the 7th day 1764, Married in the year 1780,

The following is correct from the family Register of the names & births of the Children of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife,

John Hill the son of John Hill &Huldah Hill was born the 9th day of January 1781,

Sara Hill the Daughter of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 23rd day April, 1783

Abraham Hill the son of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 22nd day of July 1786,

Isaac Hill the son of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the ninth day of January 1788,

Jacob Hill the son of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 21st day December 1790

Elizabeth Hill the Daughter of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 12th day of November 1793

Jonathan J. Hill the son of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 9th day of January 1795,

Jonathan Hill the son of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 27th of February 1797,

Huldah Hill the Daughter of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 6th day of October 1799,

William Hill the son of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 7th day of September 1804,

Rebehah Hill the Daughter of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 23rd day of April 1809,

That her husband John Hill died the 14th day of August 1817,

Sworn & subscribed before me the day of February 1839.

S/ J. Gordon, JP                                             Huldah Hill, X her mark

It’s clear to see that John Hill and Huldah Jackson did indeed have a daughter named Sara Hill; but. she was borne in April 1783 NOT 1811 or 1815 and that she died in October 1789. 

Sara Hill the Daughter of John Hill & Huldah Hill his wife was born the 23rd day April, 1783

Clearly, the Family Bible Extract and copies of the actual pages show that Huldah (Jackson) Hill last borne child, was her daughter, Rebecca, on 23 April 1809.

The following 4 images are from the transcribed Pension Application for John Hill (W-18014) transcribed by Will Graves, 3/15/08, rev'd 12/29/15.

The location of this Family Bible today is unknown.

John Hill died 14 August 1817. His wife, Huldah (Jackson) Hill died 28 August 1840. If her daughter Sarah (Hill) Deese was borne in 1815 she would have been 25 years of age in 1840 when her mother passed away. 

The following pleas and quarters document was executed upon the death of Huldah (Jackson) Hill. Sarah (Hill) Deese did not pass away until 6 Sept 1881.

By Norfleet D. Boggan Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Anson County certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said court that Huldah Hill widow of John Hill died on the 28th day of August 1840 and left John Hill, Isaac Hill, Jacob Hill, Jonathan J. Hill, Huldah Hill and William Hill who survived her.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name is 15th day of July 1845.
                                                                                                   s/ N. D. Boggan

If  the said Sarah (Hill?) Deese had been a daughters of Huldah (Jackson) Hill she would have been named in the above sworn statement. 

No daughter of John Hill and Huldah Jackson married Samuel Deese. Samuel married a young lady named Sarah about 1830 in Anson County. Her surname is unknown.  

_________________________________

1, Ancestry, "Revolutionary War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (https://www.fold3.com : accessed 2 March 2023), entry for John Hill, Pvt; Captain Jonathan Jackson; Revolutionary War W18014.

2. https://www.fold3.com/image/23267350

The Death of Minnie Brock Congdon

 Minnie Brock was born 26 May 1878, a daughter of Irvin Samuel Brock and Mary Ann Stubbs. She was the first-born of five children to be born to this union; three daughters in succession and then two sons. One son, Harold, died at the age of 5.

On 12 September 1900, Minnie Brock and Charles Seavey Congdon were united as husband and wife.”The State” headlines of September 14, 1900 read:

 Congdon-Brock. A Georgetown Gentleman Weds One of Cheraw's Fair Bellas

No Children was born to this union. After 46 years of marriage, Charles Seavey Congdon, age 72, passed away on 25 February 1947 in Florence County, South Carolina. Minnie lived another 2 years and passed away at age 70 on 23 March 1949, in Georgetown, South Carolina.    

Mrs. C. S. Congdon Dies Wednesday

Mrs. Minnie Brock Congdon, widow of Charles Seavey Congdon, of Georgetown, died unexpectedly at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at her home Boxwood Manor. She had been in declining health for some time.

Funeral services were held at the Chapel of the Mayer Funeral home at 11 a. m. Thursday, with the Rev. H. D. Bull, rector of Prince George Winyah, Protestant Episcopal church officiating.

Following the services, the body was sent to Jacksonville for cremation. The ashes will be placed in the family vault in Prince George churchyard at a time to be announced lately later.

Mrs. Condon, the former Miss Minnie Brock, was born in Cheraw May 26, 1878, and was a daughter late Irvin S. Brock and the late Mrs. Mary Ann Stubbs Brock. She received her education at Winthrop College, and came to Georgetown in 1898, to teach in the schools here.

For a number of years, Mrs. Congdon taught in the primary department of the Winyah schools, and retired in the summer of 1945.

Until her health began to fail Mrs. Congdon was active in various social and civic organizations, as well as in the activities of her church, Prince George, Wynyah Protestant Episcopal Church.

Her husband, the late Charles Seavey Congdon, who died in February 25, 1947, was a business man of Georgetown for a number of years.

Surviving are a brother Leon C. Brock, of Asheville; two sisters, Mrs. George F. Rogers, of Orlando, Fla. and Mrs. Lillian B. McDonnell, of Georgetown, and a niece Mrs. Clarice C. McGruder of Orlando.

Charles and Minnie (Brock) Congdon are buried in Prince George Winyah Cemetery, Georgetown, Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Minnie (Brock) Congdon is my 2nd Cousin twice removed.

______________________

1. Obituary was transcribed from posting on Minnie’s  FindAGrave memorial. It appeared in ”The Georgetown Times”, Nov 24 1949; FindAGrave memorial #36699756]

In Remembrance~To All Fallen Mountaineers

Photo by C Purvis, July 2007

Photo by C Purvis, July 2007

John Lentz Deed to Benjamin Earnhart

 

John Lentz Deed to Benjamin Earnhart

For and in consideration of Six hundred dollars $600.00 to me paid, I, John Lentz have this day bargained and sold and do hereby transfer sell & convey to Benjamin Earnhart his heirs and assigns forever and convey to Benjamin Earnhardt all the right title claim and interest, I have in and to the following Tract of land Situated in Civil District No.18^th Bedford County on Duck River and bounded as follows to wit:-Beginning at a (illegible), on the South bank of Duck River, Henry Browns N. E. Corner running thence West with his North Boundary line. North 86 degrees West 53 poles to a stake, thence North 75 degrees West 80 poles to a Walnut; thence North 89 degrees West 124 poles to two White Oak; thence North 38 ½ poles and 15 links to a stake West of a hickory and North of a poplar in Benjamin Lentz South Boundary line; thence South 89 degrees East with said line 103 poles to a hornbeam; thence North 19 ¼ poles to a Walnut; thence South 86 degrees east 50 7/10 poles to a hickory; thence South 15 poles to a Mulberry stump; thence east 13 ½ poles to a stake and elm; thence South 2 degrees West 19 8/10 poles to a stone planter John L. Thompson’s corner; thence South 69 degrees east 11 poles and 9 links to another stone planted; South 78 degrees east 82 poles to a Box Elder and Elm on the bank of the River; thence South 29 8/10 poles to the beginning containing 59 acres and 120 poles be the same more of lefs to have and to hold the same to the said Benjamin Earnhart his heirs and assigns forever. I do further covenant with the said Benjamin Earnhart that I have a good title to said Land and have a good right to convey the same and that I will forever warrant and defend the title to said Land to the said Benjamin Earnhardt his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claim of any and all persons whatever. Given under my hand May 4^th 1868.

Witnefs Thomas R. Myers                                          John X his mark Lentz

State of Tennessee}

Bedford County} Personally appeared before me R. C. Couch Clerk of the County Court of said County John Lentz bargainer to foregoing deed of conveyance with whom I am personally acquainted and acknowledged the same to have been executed by him & for the purposes therein contained. Given under my hand at Office this 4^th day of May 1868. R. C. Couch, Clerk

Notice, May 4^th 1868 at 4 o’clock p.m.

Registered May 7^th 1868 H. H. Hold, Reg. B. C.

This Land Deed created quite a stir and the lawsuit was decided by the Supreme Court of Tennessee. John Lentz, old and feeble, alleged that Benjamin Earnhart deceived him to acquire the land and then re-sold it for a profit. Ironically, one was born on 1804 and the other in 1805. Unfortunately, the clause “I do further covenant with the said Benjamin Earnhart that I have a good title to said Land and have a good right to convey the same and that I will forever warrant and defend the title to said Land to the said Benjamin Earnhardt” didn’t mean a thing to the Court. Benjamin Earnhart lost the case, was fined and paid all court cost.   

Benjamin Earnhart is my 1st Cousin 5X Removed.

______________________________

1. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3QY-F9Y2-L?i=43&cat=298281

2. Bedford County, TN Deed Book GGG, page 80

Last Will & Testament of Edward Dease

Edward Dease was born 12 March 1812, a son of John Burke Dease and Bridget (Gillard) Burke. Bridget was the widow of William Burke. Edward was the 3rd of five children identified as the children of John and Bridget Dease.

Edward was twice married. His first wife Margaret [LNU] produced 7 children named within his Will and the 2nd marriage to Lucinda Stephens produced 4 children named within his last Will.

Edwards Last Will and Testament can be found here:

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99Q6-494N-T?i=33&cc=2036959&cat=246220

Transcription:

Page 28
Petition for Probate of Will
Probate E. Dease Will.
To the Honorable S. W. Jones Judge of the Probate Court of Jasper County, State of Mississippi.
           Respectfully showed the petition of James J. Shannon of said County that on or about the 30th day of June last Edward Dease departed this live at his residence in this County that in his life time and but a few days before his death he made and published his last will and testament duly executed for possessing both real and personal estate and therein and thereby devised and bequeathed all of his estate both real and personal to sundry persons therein named which last well and testament is herewith presented to your honor for Probate and Record – That said will is subscribed by Oliver C. Dease  G. J. Bohem and A. D. Cook as witnesses to the execution thereof all of whom are present to testify in that behalf that said testator appointed your petitioner as Executors and that he is willing & ready to accept and undertake the performance of the affirmed trust of executor of said Will.—Your petitioner therefore prays your honor that in hearing the testimony of the witnesses to the Execution of said Will you will admit the same to Probate & Record an your petitioner prays your honor at a proper time grant him letters testamentary on his entering unto bond for the amount of the (pg 29) full value of the present estate which your petitioner supposes to be about twenty thousand Dollars with such securities as may be approved of by your honor and that your honor will appoint to value and appraise the goods chattels and personal estate of said testator and make such other orders as to your honor may seem neat and proper in the premises and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray &c.
Sworn to in Open Court this                                          James J. Shannon
9th July 1860
                    Thomas W. Grayson, Clerk
 
Proof of Will
The State of Mississippi}
Jasper County}             In the Probate Court of said County July term A. D. 1860.
In the matter of a certain instrument of writing purporting to be the last Will and testament of Edward Dease Deceased. Be it remembered that at a term of the Probate Court of the County of Jasper in the state aforesaid begun and held at the courthouse in and for said County on the second Monday inJuly A. D. 1860 personally appeared in open Court Oliver C. Dease G. J. Bohem & A. D. Cook subscribing witness to a certain instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Edward Dease late of said county deceased bearing gate the 22nd day of June A. D. 1860, who being first duly sworn deposes and said that said Edward Dease signed sealed published and declared said instrument is his last will and testament in the presence of these deponents on the day of the date thereof, that said testator was then of sound disposing mind and memory and more than twenty one years of age and that these deponents subscribed said instrument as witnesses thereto, at this instance and request and in the presence of said testator, and also in the presence of each other, on the say and year aforesaid.
Sworn to and subscribed in}                                           O. C. Dease        
Open Court the 9th July A.D. 1860}                                G. .J. Bohem       
           Thomas W.Grayson, Clerk}                                  A. D. Cook
Files July 9th 1860.                                                Thomas W. Grayson
                                                                                                Clerk
 
The WILL
The last Will and testament of me Edward Dease of Jasper County, State of Mississippi.
           I Edward Dease being in Sound and disposing mind, memory and understanding but feeble in body knowing the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life do make publish and ordain this as and for my last Will and Testament revoking all others by me previously made.
Item. It is my will that the following named negroes- Amy, Aaron, Bob, and Wiley that belong to and came by (pg 30) my first wife be equally divided among and between my children by my first wife to wit: Bridget Cooper, Margaret C. Bryan, Mary Ann Dease, James P. Dease, Oliver Dease and Charley P. Dease and Edward J. Dease share and share alike.
It is my will that all the balance of my estate real and personal of every kind and description be equally divided between my beloved wife Lucinda and my children share and share alike.
It is my will and desired that my beloved wife Lucinda Dease be Guardian of the persons and estates of my children Sarah Elizabeth, Gillie J., Thomas H. and Martha L. that she manage their share of my estate as she may deem best keeping it together till they arrive at the age of twenty one years when each one will obtain his or her share with out giving bond for the same.
I appoint James J. Shannon Executor of this Will.
Given under my hand and seal this 22nd June 1860.
                                                                                       Edward Dease {Seal}
Signed, Sealed, published and declared as and for the last will and testament of Edward Dease, who in our presents <Sic> and in the presence of each other signed the same.
                                                                                                 O. C. Dease
                                                                                                 A. D. Cook
                                                                                                 G. .J. Bohem
Admitted to Probate the 9th day of July A.D.1860. 
                                                                    S.W. Jones Judge of
                                                                    Probate of J. C.
 
Renunciation of Bequest of E. Deese Will
By Mrs. L. S. Dease the Widow &c.
 
To The Honorable S. W. Jones Judge of the Probate Court of Jasper County State of Mississippi-
I Lucinda Dease Widow of Edward Dease late of said County deceased do hereby renounce and quit all claim to any bequest or devise made tome by the last will and testament of my husband exhibited and proved according to law, and I elect to take in lien thereof my dower in legal share of the estate of my said husband.
Signed in the presence of}                                           Lucinda S. Dease
                    J.J. Shannon}
Filed July 9th 1860.
                                                                                      Thomas W. Grayson
                                                                                                             Clerk

Edward Dease is my 1st Cousin 4X Removed.

________________________

1. Jasper County, Mississippi, Will Book 1, pages 28-30 Edward DEASE; Chancery Clerk Office, Paulding, Jasper County, Mississippi.

It’s Family Time~The James Arnold Sellers Families

In 1844, my 2nd Great Grand parents William Eddins Sellers and his wife Elizabeth Parsons decided to relocate from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Madison County Tennessee. There 10 years later in 1854, family folklore says he fell from the rafter of a church that was being erected and was killed by the fall. The family consisted of two children when leaving Chesterfield and 4 additional children were born in Madison County, Tennessee of which one, the baby, Alonzo, died at age 6 in April 1860. The baby, Alonzo was born in 1854 but since we don’t know it birth nor his father's death date we don’t know whether he saw his 6th child before his death. After William's death in 1854, Elizabeth, his wife, packed the family back to Chesterfield where she remained until her death on 30 May 1899.

I not aware of how long the trip was from Chesterfield, County, SC to Madison County, Tennessee but on line mileage calculator says its a total of 606.5 miles. A fully loaded wagon with one horse can travel on average, between 10-30 miles a day. A lot depends upon the terrain, hot or cold weather and other factors.

I have no proof but it looks as if William’s brother Noah and his wife Timmey Parson were also traveling with them during this trip. Noah’s wife Timmey and William's wife Elizabeth were sisters. As stated above, Elizabeth returned home to Chesterfield, Noah and Timmey stayed in Tennessee until after Noah death in 1894; Timmey moved to Texas to be with her son, William and died there in Ellis County, Texas on Christmas Eve, 1899. 

William and Elizabeth increased their family with the addition of 4 more children while in Tennessee. Their first borne in Tennessee was a son, James Arnold Sellers borne 16 September 1846. After James came two additional daughters and a son, the baby Alonzo who died at age 6 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.  

Today’s focus is on James Arnold “Buck” Sellers. James had two older brothers. He was mere lad of 7 or 8 when his father was killed in 1854. At age 16 year and 5 months, he enlisted on 20 February 1863 with Company D, 6th Regt. Calvary. Between 11 June  and 1 July, 1864, James Arnold was wounded at Trevilian Station and hospitalized then furloughed.

After the War, James returned home and married Sarah Jane Pittman. Sarah Jane was born 15 December 1845, a daughter of Kenneth Pittman and his wife Nancy Campbell. James was a farmer.

James Arnold Sellers and Sarah Jane Pittman had the following children:

i. William Kenneth Sellers, born 10 Mar 1868, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

ii. Francis Marion Sellers was born on 5 May 1870 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

iii. James Aaron Sellers was born on 14 Jun 1872 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

iv. Annie E. Sellers was born on 31 Jul 1874 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

v. Nellie Sellers was born on 25 Jun 1876 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

vi. Jesse Washington Sellers was born on 7 May 1880 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

vii. Alfred Dudley Sellers was born on 1 Oct 1882 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

viii. Hardy Lee Sellers was born on 1 Feb 1887 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

On 13 February 1896, Sarah Jane (Pittman) Sellers passed away leaving a husband and 8 children surviving; the youngest a lad 9 years of age. 

James Arnold Sellers then married Nancy Jane “Jennie” Johnson. Nancy Jane was a daughter of Stanmore P. Johnson and Sarah J. Dabbs. They were married in 1896 based on the 1900 census entry and had one child in 1900.

James Arnold Sellers and Nancy Jane Johnson had the following children:

i. Stanmore Sellers was born on 1 Jan 1898 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. 

ii. Lizzie Jane Sellers, born 3 Aug 1900, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

iii. Mary Bell Sellers was born on 1 Aug 1903 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

James Arnold Sellers died 14 March 1904. His death left Nancy Jane with three small children. She next married William Henry Moore in 1907. Nancy Jane (Johnson) (Sellers) Moore died on 29 Sep 1956 at the age of 94 in Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina.

James Arnold Sellers is my Great Grand Uncle.

___________________________

1. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for James Arnold Sellers; (16 September 1846–14 March 1904); Memorial # 31354711; Record of the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 3 March 2007.

2. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/: accessed 1 October 2012), entry for James Arnold Sellers, Private; 6th Reg't., Calvary; Confederate.

3. Brock Family Bible Family Bible Holy Bible, (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), DEATH DATE - 14 Mar 1904; J. Arnold SELLERS, Obtained from [name withheld.]

4. The ONLY KNOWN SOURCE for James Arnold Sellers death date is a Brock Family Bible owned by my Mother. If anyone knows of a source for his death and birth; please contact me through this blog by posting the information or send me a private e-mail.

5. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 296. Tombstone of James Arnold SELLERS; 16 September 1846–14 March 1904, Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

6. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 3 March 2007; Headstone for James Arnold Sellers; Memorial # 31354711.

7. Interview with a Confederate Veteran obituary, The Chesterfield Advertiser, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, 7 April 1932. Sellers, Confederate Veteran (conducted by Nellie Bristow, Florence Morning News, reprinted Chesterfield Advertiser, April 7, 1932).

8. 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 179A; Line 17, Dwelling 1235, Family 1235, Household of Kenneth PITTMAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http:://www.ancestry.com:Viewed 22 May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

9. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 129, Line 29, Dwelling 507, Family 506, Household of Kenneth PITTMAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http:://www.ancestry.com:viewed 22 May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.

10. 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #003, Page 361B, Line 1, Dwelling 9, Family 9, Household of Stanmore JOHNSON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 11 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.

11. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 20, Page 3A/75A (stamped), Line 29, Dwelling 44, Family 44, Household of James A. SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com: viewed 4 March 2007); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1523.

12. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0041, Page 215B; Line 15, Dwelling 267, Family 267, Household of William H. MOORE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 1 October 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1455.

The Death of John Dease

John Dease, son of Mark Deese and his wife Nancy [Maiden named unknown] lived his life on America frontier in a place called the Mississippi Territory. John and his brother, Mark  moved into this area in 1800.

I John Dease do upon Oath say that in the year eighteen hundred I became an inhabitant of Washington County in the Mississippi Territory... s/John Dease

By the end of 1805, John had married the Widow Bridget Burk/Burke and by pre-emption acquired 320 acres upon which he built his home. His marriage to the Widow Bridgett Burk added another 360 acres to their holdings. No Last Will has been found for John but the 1820 U. S. Population Censuses indicates that he and Bridgett had 5 sons between 1805-1820; and 1 daughter between 1810-1820.

Bridgett is last listed on the 1830 Census with her husband, a son and a daughter. Her date of death is unknown but is believed to be between 1830 and 1840. John is enumerated  alone in the 1840 U. S. Population Census and we know he passed away on 22 October 1846. His Obituary was printed in the “True Democrat Newspaper” whose Editor is believed to be his oldest son, Oliver Cromwell Dease. Sadly, the obituary makes no mention of wife and family.

[COMMUNICATED]

Departed this life, on the 22d inst., JOHN DEASE, aged 77 years, a native of West Meath, Ireland. Mr. Dease was well and extensively known to the people of East Mississippi, having been the first settler of that section of country lying between the Pascugoula and Pearl rivers; and, amid all the privations and discouragements incident to an entirely new country, he succeeded in amassing a considerable fortune, in raising a large and highly respectable family, and constantly preserved the reputation of an honest, independent and generous hearted man. He proved his zeal for the general good of the country by many liberal donations, the chief of which was con- tribute towards the erection of the orphan asylum of Mobile. All who knew Mr. Dease have ample reason to respect and revere his memory. His numerous friends and relatives have wept over the loss which heaven, in its inscrutable judgment, has called upon them to bear, but not as those without hope. It pleased God to grant him, in his last hours, the full and abundant consolations of his church, which he received, nothing wavering, but with triumphant pace and joy. May his children, and children's children, emulate his virtues, and terminate their earthly career, as he did, in the confident hope of a blissful immortality.

Note & Comments: In John’s  Public Lands Pre-emption Case No. 76 he made the following sworn statement:

That he was twenty-one years of age on the 3d March, 1803.That would make John Dease birthdate to be 3 March 1782.

Now we have his obituary in October 1846 stating that he is 77 years of age. Substracting 77 from 1846 would make John Dease birth year to be 1769.

No Obituary has been found for Bridget and no tombstone has been found for John or Bridget.

John Dease is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle and by marriage, Bridgett is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt.

________________________________

1. "John Dease," Death notice, Obituary, True Democrat, Paulding, Mississippi, 28 October 1846, Page 2, column 2; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/:viewed & transcribed 9 March 2023); https://www.newspapers.com/.