Wordless Wednesday~Cruising on the Danube River

 

Melk Abbey

1890 Census--Alcorn, MS, Surviving Soldiers, Sailors and Marines and Widows, Etc.

Hardy Sellers, son of  Richard and Rebecca Sellers, was born in 1822 and died 22 March 1884. He was twice married and Matilda is his surviving widow. He served with Alabama Company: C, 1st Cavalry. Matilda received a monthly pension for his service in the Civil War. She died 6 October 1911.   

Matilda Sellers is listed as the Widow of Hardy Sellers on Line 1, House #55, Family #58. She was living in Alcorn County Mississippi. 

Her deceased husband, Hardy Sellers, is my 1st Cousin 5X Removed.

_________________________________________

1. 1890 U. S. Census, Alcorn County , Mississippi, union veterans and widows of the civil war, Alcorn County , Mississippi, Page NL, Line#1, House#55; Family#58, Matilda SELLERS widow of Hardy SELLERS.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 May 2023); citing NARA publication M123,.

2. https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/2274901:1555

Memorial Day 2023

 In Memory of Those Who Gave Their All

Its Family Time~The Hardy Sellers Family

Hardy Sellers was born in 1822 in Perry County, Tennessee. His father, Richard
C. Sellers, grew up in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. His mother was a native of North Carolina. The Sellers moved from South Carolina to Perry County, Tennessee between 1817 and 1820.  

Hardy was a farmer. He was twice married. By 1845, he had migrated to Alcorn County, Mississippi, where he met and married his first wife, Nancy Johnson. 

Hardy Sellers and Nancy Johnson were married on 7 Dec 1845 in Alcorn County, Mississippi. Nancy Johnson was born about 1831. She died between 1850 and 30 October 1856.

Hardy Sellers and Nancy Johnson had the following children:

i. Benjamin Sellers was born about 1845.

ii. Caroline Sellers was born about 1848.

Hardy Sellers and Matilda Springer were married on 30 Oct 1856 in Alcorn County, Mississippi.  Matilda Springer was born on 23 Sep 1832 in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Hardy served in the Civil War with Company: C, 1st Alabama Cavalry.

Hardy Sellers and Matilda Springer had the following children:

2 i. Christina Paralee Sellers, born 12 Mar 1861, Alcorn County, Mississippi; married Josiah Madison Price; died 31 Oct 1937, Alcorn County, Mississippi.

3 ii. Joseph Thomas "Joe" Sellers, born 12 Dec 1864, Alcorn County, Mississippi; married Emma Idela Chandler; died 14 Feb 1950, Alcorn County, Mississippi.

4 iii. Hardy Sellers, born 24 Nov 1867, Alcorn County, Mississippi; married Dora B. Haynie; died 19 Aug 1946, Alcorn County, Mississippi.

iv. Susan Sellers was born about May 1870 in Alcorn County, Mississippi. She died before 1880.

Hardy Sellers died after 1880. Matilda (Springer) Sellers died after 1910. There are specific death dates on line for Hardy Sellers and Matilda (Springer) Sellers. Their said source is a FindAGrave memorial without a tombstone. Therefore it is not a source but a document that has been created without a valid source. In other words its created fiction.

Hardy Sellers is my 1st Cousin 5X removed.

_________________________________

1. 1850, Tishomingo County, Mississippi, population schedule, Northern Division District 4, Tishomingo, Mississippi, Page: 34B(Stamped); Line#21, Dwelling#461, Family#461, Household of H[ardy] SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 3 May 2023); citing NARA publication Roll: M432_382.

2. 1870 U. S. Census, Alcorn County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 2 Range 7, Alcorn, Mississippi, Page: 331A(stamped); Line#31, Dwelling#11, Family#11, Household of Hardy SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 3 May 2023); citing NARA publication M593, Roll: 720.

3. 1880 U. S. Census, Alcorn County, Mississippi, population schedule, Alcorn, Mississippi, Page: 262D(stamped); Line#1, Dwelling#18, Family#18, Household of Hardy SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 3 May 2023); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 640.

4. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 March 2023); Memorial page for Hardy Sellers; (1820–22 March 1884); Find a Grave memorial # 115600417, Citing ; Juliet, Alcorn County, Mississippi.

5. "Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2023), Marriage: Hardy Sellers & Nancy Johnson; Dodd, Jordan R., comp; Marriage Date: 7 Dec 1845.

6. "Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935," database, Ancestry, Marriage: Hardy Sellers & Matilda Springer.

7. 1890 U. S. Census, Alcorn County , Mississippi, union veterans and widows of the civil war, Alcorn County , Mississippi, Page NL, Line#1, House#55; Family#58, Matilda SELLERS widow of Hardy SELLERS.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 May 2023); citing NARA publication M123,.

8. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Matilda Springer Sellers (23 September 1832–6 October 1911), Memorial # 115600257.

The Tragic Murder of Mary Ellen (Sellers) Jones

Mary Ellen Sellers was born January 1856 a daughter of John M. Sellers and Mary Brooks of Lilesvile, Anson County, North Carolina. It is not known when Mary Ellen married but the SC Death Certificate of her first born Child, May Florence, born 2 February 1880, show Lewis N. Jones as her father and Mary as her mother. If these facts are correct as stated then Lewis N. Jones and Mary Ellen Sellers may have been married before 2 February 1880. The 1880 and 1900 Census for Lilesville, Anson County shows Lewis N. Jones as a single man in both Censuses.

Lewis N. Jones murdered his wife, Mary Ellen, on the night of 14 December 1904 while mostly likely in a drunken rage. 

CHOKED TO DEATH
L. N. JONES IN JAIL CHARGED WITH WIFE MURDER.
Crime Was Committed Wednesday Night of Last Week—Coroner's Jury Charges Husband With the Crime--Jones and His Wife Had Been Having Trouble for Some Time, and Both of Them Are Said to Have Been Intoxicated on the Night Crime Was Committed.
Last Thursday afternoon news reached Wadesboro of, perhaps, the most horrible crime ever perpetrated in the county. This news was to the effect that Mrs. Mary Ellen (Babe) Jones, wife of L. N. Jones, who lived three miles east of Lilesville, on the Diggs ferry road, had been killed the night before and that her husband was suspected of having committed the murder.
Coroner Fenton immediately repaired to the scene of the crime and Thursday afternoon empaneled a jury. Friday morning at I0:30 o'clock the taking of evidence was commenced before the coroner's jury and continued until 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
EVIDENCE BEFORE CORONER'S JURY.
The first witness examined was Dr. J. H. Bennett, county physician, who testified as follows:
"I made an examination of the dead body of Babe Jones and found wounds about the neck, chin and the left side of forehead: these were slight skin wounds. There were many scratches and finger nail marks about the throat. In my opinion, these were made by the hands of some individual. I found several wounds about each hand, fingers and wrists, and slight wounds about each knee joint. It is my opinion that the cause of death' was probably due to strangulation."
J. W. Harris, the second witness, testified as follows:
“I have known that Mary Ellen Jones, the deceased, had been abused by Lewis Jones for over a year. This I know from statements made by her in life to me. I have seen bruises on her cheeks and scratches on her throat at various times."
Martha Robinson, colored, was the next witness sworn. She testified as follows: "I was called to dress the body of Mrs. Jones. Lewis Jones, her husband, forbid me to do so. I washed her face and hands, and I saw bruises on her hands, throat and chin. I saw a little blood near the fireplace, in front. Frances Aycock helped me to put on her waist and skirt; I was called on by Lewis Jones to do this; this was about 11 o'clock a. m., Dec. I5th."
Mrs. A. M. Morton, the next witness, said: "On Wednesday morning before day I heard a woman scream. I spoke to my husband and said, 'I guess it is Lewis beating Babe. I have often heard it before; I heard a man's voice in the fuss. This was Wednesday, the 14th."
Mr. W. M. Morton testified: 'On Wednesday morning I heard a voice like a woman's scream; it was about 2 o'clock a. m.; have often heard creaming in the direction of Lewis Jones' house."
Becky Robinson testified: "I was at Lewis Jones' on the morning of the 15th of December; I was asked to go there by Lewis Jones; I went there with my mother; I saw blood on the floor in front of the fireplace; Mr. Jones was sitting by the fireplace; he said that a job had been put up on him: he said that some would think he did it, but he did not kill Babe; he said that Henry Wall (colored) killed her; he said that he left Henry Wall at the house while he went down to the old house, and that when he came back Babe was dead and Henry Wall was gone. I never heard of Lewis Jones going to sleep at the old house before. I have often heard fussing at Lewis Jones' house."
Green Wall testified: "I passed Lewis Jones' on Wednesday. Dec. 14th, about two hours by sun; Mrs. Jones was out in the yard crying; I heard Mr. Jones say to Mrs. Jones. 'Come on and cook me something to eat.' If I was at Lewis Jones' Tuesday night I do not recollect; I have been drinking for two weeks.”
Mr. J. C. Sellers testified; "About five or six weeks ago Mrs. Jones came to me and asked me for a helping hand; she told me that Mr.Jones intended to kill me; I told her if it was agreeable with Mr. Jones I would move her to my place to a vacant house and care for her."
Alex Lindsey (colored) testified: "I was at Lewis Jones' house about 10 o'clock Thursday, Dec. 15th; I found Ida Wall, Mattie Wall, Frances Aycock, Mary Harris and Mr. Jones; I was at Mr. Jones' house on Tuesday evening; Mrs. Jones was lying in the room on the floor between the beds; Mr.Jones was standing over her crying, 'Babe, get up;' he had his hand on her throat;when he took his hand away she squalled; he then took her by the hand and dragged her to the door and pushed her out with his foot, her head striking the ground first; I left and when I got to the garden I looked back; Green Wall was standing over her. About a month ago I was at Mr. Jones' house; I asked Mrs. Jones where was Mr. Jones; she said he was in the house; I went in and Mrs. Jones came in; they commenced fussing and I walked out; in a short time Mrs. Jones came out with her dress torn off at the waist."
Henry Wall (colored) testified: "Dud Jones came after me to go to Pee Dee after Mrs. Jones' daughter, Mary Harris. On Wednesday evening, Dec. 14th, I was at home and heard the fussing, and brother Pete says,'Listen how they are fighting over there' (meaning the Joneses). I am sure I was not at Lewis Jones' Wednesday night; I stayed at my home that night; the next morning I heard Lewis Jones hollering; he first said that Babe was sick and then said that she was dead; I have heard fussing at Lewis Jones' for some time.
The coroner's jury after hearing the evidence found that"Babe Jones came to her death by strangulation and abuse at the hands of Lewis Jones." Jones was immediately arrested and brought to Wadesboro and placed in jail.
JONES SAYS HE IS INNOCENT
Monday afternoon a representative of the M. & I.visited Jones in jail and asked him if he cared to make a statement. In reply he stated that, acting on the advice of his counsel, he did not care to say anything except that he was innocent of the charges against him. We learn, however,that on the day of the inquest Jones talked to a number of persons about the matter to the following effect;
That he and his wife both were drinking on the night of the snow (Wednesday night of last week), and that he left home and went to an old house nearby where he kept whiskey, and stayed the remainder of the night; that he returned to his home the next morning and made afire and called his wife several times and upon receiving no response from her went to another room and found her lying on the bed dead. Jones also stated that the woman had been killed by someone and the house robbed of $12 in money and that the contents of a jug of whiskey had been drank. Jones, who is about 55 years old, had been, running a blind tiger at his home for years, and it is said that he has been more or less under the influence of whiskey for months. On the day of the inquest, and when he was arrested, he was maudlin drunk and did not in the least seem to realize the serious situation he was in.
Jones has employed Messrs. Jas. A. Lockhart & Son. Messrs. Bennett & Bennett and Mr. T. L. Caudle to defend him.
No day for a preliminary hearing before a justice of the peace has been set, and we do not know that such a hearing will be held.

The Messenger and Intelligencer
Wadesboro, North Carolina
Thursday, December 22,1904
Page 3, column 3 & 4

Mary Ellen (Sellers) Jones had two known children. Those two children May (Mrs. John W. Harris) and Mary, age 12, are named in the following newspaper abstract.

May Jones, the 12-year-old daughter of the prisoner and the deceased, was then examined. She testified that she was away from home the night her mother died; that she had never seen her father strike her mother but one time; that her father usually slept down at the old house; that she saw scars on her mother's neck Monday morning it was brought out on cross examination that May had been living with her married sister, Mrs. Harris,  near Pee Dee, since a few days after her mother's death until Friday before the convening of court on Monday, at which time she bad been staying with Mrs. Rex.

[The Messenger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 23 Feb. 1905, page 2, column 3]

I have found no evidence that Lewis N. Jones ever served time for this murder. Lewis/Louis N. Jones died of Chronic interstitial nephritis on 24 March 1923. His death certificate shows him the widow of Mary Jones, the woman he murdered.

Mary Ellen (Sellers) Jones is my 2nd Cousin 3X Removed.

___________________

1. L. N. JONES IN JAIL CHARGED WITH WIFE MURDER obituary, The Messenger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, United States, 22 December 1904, Page 3, column 3 & 4.

Wordless Wednesday~Furniture Capital and its Surroundings

 

Is John M. Sellers and John W. Sellers the Same Individual

Is John M. Sellers and John W. Sellers the Same Individual?

I think the answer to this question is YES; but, he was married to Mary "Polly” Brooks not Mary "Polly' Diggs or Mary "Polly" Short. 

 John M. Sellers, b. 1825

John M. Sellers was born abt 1825, a son of Roland Sellers and Margaret Eddins. In April 1850, he married Mary “Polly” Brooks, a daughter of Thomas Brooks and Sarah Pratt. The date of their marriage can be found in Mary “Polly” (Brooks) Sellers Civil War Pension File, page 1.  

Mary “Polly" Brooks was born 7 July 1830 a daughter of Thomas Brooks and Sarah Pratt. Thomas Brooks and Sarah Pratt had 4 daughters namely:

i. Mary Elizabeth Brooks, born 1 Aug 1825, Anson County, North Carolina; married Jacob E. Lampley, 2 Dec 1844, NC; died 1 Jun 1852, Rockingham, Richmond, North Carolina.

ii. Mary "Polly" Brooks, born 7 Jul 1830, Anson County, North Carolina; married John M. Sellers, Apr 1850, Anson County, North Carolina; died 26 Dec 1905, Lilesville, Anson, North Carolina.

iii. Martha Ann Brooks, born 16 Aug 1830, Anson County, North Carolina; married Phillip A. Sellers, abt 1844, Anson County, North Carolina; died 27 Dec 1889, Anson County, North Carolina.

iv. Winnifred "Wincy" Brooks, born 1833; married James H. Curtis.

 

The 1886 Probate file for their Mother Sarah (Pratt) (Brooks) Sellers matches the named children above.

Probate Sarah Sellers (1886) Image 10 & 11 of 163 Item 4, Naming the heirs-at-law-- Quote"4th. That the said decedent died leaving the following heirs at law  the heirs of Elizabeth Lampley Dec's who intermarried with Jacob Lampley and was a daughter of the said decedent who died leaving the following named children, Jane Turnage who is about (image 11)  25 years old and intermarried _____________Turnage[,] Thomas Lampley who is 23 years old and Robert Lampley who is 22 years old and Elizabeth Streater who intermarried with William B. Streater and is 20 years old of whom Jane Turnage Thomas Lampley live in Arkansas and John & Robert Lampley reside in South Carolina and Elizabeth Streater reside in Ansco County. N. C. and Mary Sellers who is a daughter of the said decedent and is 41 years of age and Winnie Curtis who intermarried with James Curtis (who died) who is a daughter of said descendant and is age 39 both of Anson County.                                                                                s/P.A. SELLERS

 

By 1860 we can see that John and Mary had grown the family with the arrival of 3 children with their oldest being William [R.] Sellers, aka “Todd” who arrive in 1854.

In a 15 June 1894 Land Deed (DB 30, page 405) we find Mary (Brooks) Sellers executing a land deed to give her son William R. Sellers 28 1/2 acres of land on Jones Creek. This was most likely land from her parents estate. 

Mary Sellers to William R. Sellers {Deed}

This Indenture made and entered into this June 15th A.D.,1894 Between Mary Sellers of the State of North Carolina County of Anson party of the first part, and William R. Sellers, of the same State and County, party of the Second part. Witnesseth: That the said Mary Sellers for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which she has unto the said William R. Sellers, and for the further consideration of One Dollar the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, by these presents does give grant Alien, convey & confirm unto the said William R. Sellers and his heirs Forever all of a certain tract or parcel of land in the County of Anson, N.C. on Jones Creek and bounded as Follows.

We know from history that the Civil War engulfed the South in 1861. John M. Sellers enlisted with Company “B” 31^st Infantry on 8 September 1863. Less than a year later, he was killed on 14 May 1864. His widow, Sarah (Brooks) Sellers would draw a pension until her death on 26 December 1905.

Mrs. Polly Sellers died at her home in Lilesville township Tuesday night, aged 80 years.

The Messenger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 28 Dec. 1905, Page 5, Column 1

 

John W. Sellers, b, 1826

John W. Sellers, b. 1824 is a real mystery. His parents are unknown and not much else is known about him. He first appearance is in the Chesterfield County, South Carolina 1850 Population Census as living Chesterfield.

1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; Roll: M432_851; Image: 290 Page: 143A; Line#41, Dwelling#691, Family#691; John W. SELLERS, Male, age 24, born in SC and Mary SELLERS, female, age 24, born in SC.

Living in close proximity to John and Mary Sellers are six Sellers Family but only one or maybe two old enough to be his parents. There is Matthew Sellers, age 32, William Sellers, age 22, Richard Sellers, age 24, James D. Sellers, age 28, Jane Sellers, age 40 and Flora Sellers age 54. I was unable to connect him to any of these six Sellers.

Compounding the research for John W. Sellers is Ancestry linkage of most of John M. Sellers links to John W. Sellers thus the copy and paste crowd has both families co-mingled.

On-Line trees show that a John Sellers, b. 1826 married Mary (Polly) Short, b. 1826. No marriage date is given. Their first born Martha Jane Sellers was born July 1851. Her death certificate shows that her father is John Sellers and that her mother is Mary Diggs marked through on DIGGS with SHORT added.      

This is all we truly know about John W. Sellers and Mary “Polly” Short. There are 98 trees on Ancestry and I believe they all contain errors and misinformation. One thing certain this John Sellers is not the son of Phillips and Mary Rebecca Sellers. John M. Sellers, son of john and Mary was born in 1810; died 23 Aug 1845 and was married to Jerusha Ann Smith.

I think it quite possible that the John W. Sellers in 1850 is in fact the John Sellers and Mary (Brooks) Sellers found on-line and the death certificate for Martha Jane Harris is still incorrect even after going through one correction. 

John M. Sellers is my 1st Cousin 4X Removed. 

____________________________

1. North Carolina, Deed Book:  DEED BOOK 15, Pages 182 & 183, Sarah & J. W. Sellars to John Pratt; Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

2. 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 279; Line 27, Dwelling 911, Family 876, Household of John SELLERS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 August 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 887.

3. "North Carolina DIGITAL ARCHIVES," NC Dept of History & Archives,  (http://mars.archives.ncdcr.gov/ : viewed 3 August 2019), Civil War Widow's Pension, "John M. Sellers," 2; MARS Id: 5.22.380.66.

4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (https://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 3 March 2020), entry for John W. Sellers, Private; 31st_NC_Infantry; Confederate.

5. 1900 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, , ; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

5. 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lilesville, Anson, North Carolina, Page: 378A(stamped); Line 33, Dwelling 190, Family 190, Household of Mary SELLERS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2018); citing National Archive  Microfilm M593, Roll 1122.

7. 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lilesville, Anson, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 008, Page: 484B(stamped); Line 25, Dwelling 391, Family 400, Household of Mary SELLERS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.

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

9. North Carolina, Deed Book: Deed Book 30: Deed Book 30, pages 405 & 406.

10. Mrs. Polly Sellers obituary, The Messenger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, United States, 28 December 1905, Page 5, column 1.

11. "Death Notice - Mrs. Polly Sellers," Death Notice, The Messenger and Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina,, 28 December 1905, Page 5, column 1; Digital On-Line Archives, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/ : viewed 3 March 2021); https://www.newspapers.com/.

12. 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 143A; Line#41, Dwelling#691, Family#691, Household of John W. SELLERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 January 2020); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

 

The Last Will and Testament of Martha Jane (Sellers) Harris

Martha Jane Sellers was born July 1851, a daughter of John W. Sellers and Mary “Polly” Short of Anson County, North Carolina. Her father, John, was a farmer who was killed during the Civil War. She had two siblings both of which were sisters.

Many on-line trees shows that Martha Jane had a brother William R. Sellers but they are in error.  Martha Jane Sellers’  father is John W. Sellers (wife, Mary Short), born 1824; William R. Sellers’ father is John M. Sellers (wife, Mary Brooks), born 1826.

About 1867, Martha Jane Sellers married William Jasper Harris, a farmer, of Anson County, North Carolina. William Jasper Harris was the son of Benjamin and Rebecca Harris. In the 1900 Census the couple reported they had been married 33 years with 7 children of which 5 were living.

William Jasper Harris died at age 70, on 25 June 1920 in Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina. Martha Jane (Sellers) Harris , age 75, died on 13 January 1927 leaving her Last Will and Testament dated 30 March 1926. Both are buried in the Harris Cemetery in Lilesvile, Anson county, North Carolina.
 

Will of Mrs. Martha Harris
 
State of North Carolina}
Anson County}
          I, Martha Harris, of the aforesaid County and State, being of sound mind, but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and declare this my last will and testament.
          First: My executor hereafter named shall give my body a decent burial, suitable to the wishes of my friends and relatives, and pay all funeral expenses, together with all my just debts out of the first money which may come into his hands belonging to my estate.
          Second: I give and devise to my trusty friend Rosa Ussery, my house and all the land that I possess at my death, until her two children, Ruth Ussery and Demorrow Ussery, becomes twenty one years old, and then it shall be theirs and theirs only, to share and share alike, provided that the said Rosa Ussery shall provide my daughter Hattie Harris a comfortable home, wholesome rations, descent and warm clothing, provide a doctor when needed and pay her funeral expenses, and if the provision is not carried out the said land shall be my daughter Hattie Harris to have and to hold, her heirs in fee simple.
          Third: I give and bequeath unto my beloved grandson Eli Ussery, the large trunk cow and pistol.
          Fourth: I give and bequeath unto my beloved grand-daughter Emaline Jones my round table, two small trunks, and bureau, and my bed and all its belongs.
          Firth: I give and bequeath to my daughter Hattie Harris my stove, clock, safe and dining table.
          Six: I give and bequeath all the rest of my house hold and kitchen furniture  to my daughter Hattie Harris and my two grand-daughters Ora Jones and Emaline Jones to share and share alike.
          Seventh: I give and bequeath to my daughter Alice Harris Ussery the sum of one Dollars, to be paid by Rosa Ussery, at my death.
          Eight: I give and bequeath to my beloved daughter Floda [Flora] Harris Ratliff the sum of one Dollars to be paid by Rosa Ussery at my death.
          Ninth: The said Rosa Ussery shall pay all my funeral expenses, and just debts and the money named in Article 7 and 8, if I am not in possession of it at my death. If Rosa Ussery does not accept the terms of this Will then it is to be paid by Hattie Harris when she comes in possession of said land.
Tenth: Rosa Ussery shall pay all lawful expenses of writing, executing and defending this Will. If Rosa Ussery does not accept the terms of this will then it is to be paid by Hattie Harris when she comes in possession of said land.
Eleventh: I hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend J. G. Williams my lawful executor to all intents and purposes, to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof revoking and declaring void all other wills and testaments by me here to fore made.
          In witness whereof I the said Martha Harris do here unto set my hand and seal, this 30 March 1926.  
                                                               Martha X her mark Harris {Seal}        
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Martha Harris to be her last will and testament in the presence of us, who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other do subscribed our names as witnesses there to.                                                                  
                                                                                      W. P. Porter
                                                                                      W. C. Jones Witness
 

______________________________

1. Anson County, North Carolina, Will Book “F”, pages 248-249; Will of Mrs. Martha Harris; Probate Office, Salt Lake City, Utah.

2. Emma Goodwin, Type Talk of Lilesville Township: Anson County, North Carolina (Charlotte, North Carolina: Herb Eaton Historical Publication, 1990), page 454. Obituary of William Jasper Harris.

3. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 March 2015); Memorial page for William Jasper Harris; (May 1850–25 June 1920); Find a Grave memorial # 49660896, Citing Harris Cemetery; Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina.

4. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 3 March 2015); Memorial page for Martha Jane Sellers Harris; (July 1851–13 January 1927); Find a Grave memorial # 36044612, Citing Harris Cemetery; Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.

It’s Family Time~The Benjamin Brock & Caty Wright Family

The family of Benjamin Brock and Catherine “Caty” Wright is an enigma. They only appear in one Census - The 1800 Population Census for Anson County, North Carolina.

The Family Composition was:

1 Male age 26-44, Benjamin Brock

1 female age 26-44, Catherine Wright

2 Males under 10

2 Females under 10

1800 CENSUS: Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Series: M32  Roll: 29; Page: 224;  Benjamin BROCK, Age 26- 44 [1756-1774], 2 Males, under 10; 2 Female, under 10 and 1 Female, age 26-44 [Wife, Catherine Wright].

Benjamin Brock was born between 1756 and 1774 based on his age as reported in the 1800 Census above. He married Catherine “Caty” Wright sometime before 18 January 1794. This is proven by comments in an Anson County Land Deed – Benjamin Brock to William Peques (Deed Book “E”, page 229).

Benjamin Brock to William Peques
                THIS INDENTURE made this Eighteenth day of January one thousand seven hundred and Ninety Four Between Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife of Anson County in the state of North Carolina of the one part and William Peques of the County of Chesterfield in the state of South Carolina Planter of the other Part Witnesseth that the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife for and in consideration of the sum of fifteen Pounds Current money of the state of South Carolina aforesaid to them in hand Paid by the said William Peques before the unsealing and Delivery hereof the Receipt whereof they the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife doth hereby acknowledge and themselves to be fully satisfied contented and Paid hath granted bargained sold aliened Enfeoffed Conveyed and Confirmed and by these presents Doth freely and absolutely grant  bargain Sell alien Enfeoff Convey and Confirmed unto the said William Peques all that piece or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Anson State aforesaid on Hucklelberry Creek on the South West side of the great Pee Dee river Containing one hundred & twenty four acres being  part of a tract of land Containing four hundred originally granted to John Wright Senr. Beginning at a Stone in the road & runs No 9 West Eighty Nine poles to a small gum on Huckleberry Creek thence North seventy six West one hundred and seventy poles to a post oak thence South Nine West One hundred and forty six poles to a black oak  on the upper line of a Tract of land formerly claimed by Stephen Tomkins thence with the said line to the Beginning Together with all & singular the buildings profits privileged and appurtenances to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining & the reversion and Reversions  remainder &remainders Rents Issues & profit thereof and every part and Parcel thereof &all the Estate right title Interest use trust possession Property profit benefit claim & demand both in law and Equity  whish they the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife now hath or ever had of in and to the premises aforesaid to have And To Hold the said piece or parcel of land aforesaid with every the Premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Peques his heirs and  assigns forever and they the the said Benjamin Brock & Catherine his wife Doth for themselves their heirs Executors administrators and assigns in manner and form following (that is to say) that he the said William Peques his heirs and assigns shall and may from time to time and at all times forever hereafter peaceably and Quietly  have Hold use occupy possess and enjoy the said pierce or parcel of land with Every the Premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging without any manner of Trouble hindrance Molestation Interruption or denial of them the said Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife their heirs or assigns and all and every other person or Persons Whatsoever lastly they the said Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife for themselves & their heirs doth herby promise and agree to and with the said William Peques his heirs and assigns that they the said Benjamin Brock and Catherine his wife their heirs and assigns the above bargained Premises to him the said William Pegues his heirs and assigns from and against then the said Benj. Brock & Catherine his wife & their heirs and from and against all and every person or persons claiming under them shall and will warrant and forever Defend by these Premises_____________In Witness whereof the said Parties to these presents have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals the day and year first above written Signed sealed & Delivered
In the Presence of                                                Benjamin Brock {seal}
John Wright                                                         Caly Brock  {seal}
John X Evans                                       Anson January Court 1794
                                                        Then this deed was duly proved by John
                                                        Wright witness thereto and ordered to,
                                                        be registered
                                                                               Test. Wm. Johnson Clk.

Land Deed “E” page 229 states that Catherine is the daughter of John Wright, Jr.

“Conveyed by John Wright Jur. By Deed dated the 20th day June 1789 to his Daughter Caty Wright now Caty Brock Excepting a Piece Containing________ acres…”

There is a total of 7 Land Deeds in Anson in which Benjamin and Catherine (Wright) Brock, one or the other or both, are parties too in their execution. The specific Deed Book and pages can be found in the footnotes to this web blog. 

The last record we have of Benjamin Brock is Land Deed “W” pages 147 to 148, dated 12 December 1827 – Ben Brock to James Brock.

Ben Brock to James Brock
Known all men by these presents that I Benjamin Brock of the state of South Carolina Chesterfield District for and in consideration of the sum of fifty cents have granted, bargained sold released unto James Brock of the state and district aforesaid and by these presents do grant, bargain sell and  release unto him the said James Brock a certain tract or parcel of land lying and being in the state of North Carolina Anson County on a branch of Westfield Creek containing four hundred acres more or less which I the sd Ben Brock purchased from Jane McIntire Ann McIntyre Duncan Nicholson and James Nicholson reference being had to the deed for a more particular description of said lands…

After this date (12 Dec 1827) no record of Benjamin Brock, Catherine (Wright) Brock; their 2 sons and 2 daughters has been found. If you have any information about this family please contact me through this blog.

____________________________

1. Land Deed - Benjamin Brock to William Pegues; 18 January 1794; Deed Book #C2; Page(s) 239; Register of Deeds; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina; 3 January 2020.

2. Land Deed - BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; Deed Book # E; page(s)229.

3. 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224; Household of Benjamin BROCK; digital images, Ancestry (www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 March 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M32, Roll 29.

4. Land Deed - JOHN WRIGHT SEN. TO BENJAMIN BROCK; 13 July 1801; Deed Book # H2; page(s)212.

5. Land Deed - BENJN. BROCK TO WILLIAM BROOK & RICH’D KNIGHT; 21 November 1801; Deed Book # H2; page(s)269 & 270.

6. Land Deed - BENJAMIN BROCK TO SAMUEL PRATT; 15 December 1807; Deed Book # M; page(s)259.

7. Land Deed - BEN BROCK to JAMES BROCK; 12 December 1827; Deed Book # W; page(s)47 & 48.

8. Land Deed - BENJAMIN BROCK TO JOHN WRIGHT; ; Deed Book # E; page(s)229.

9. 1800 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, Population Schedule, Fayetteville District, Anson County, North Carolina, Page: 224; Household of Benjamin BROCK.

Eli P. Brock's Short Life

Eli P. Brock began his life in 1806. His parents are unknown but, his father may have been the James Brock who lived to be almost 100 years old. While his father may have lived a long life; the life of Eli P. Brock was too short for his time here on earth. 

Eli P. Brock lived his life as a single man; I have found no evidence of any marriage at any time. He first appeared in an Anson County Land Deed, Benjamin BROCK to James BROCK, dated 12 December 1827. Eli P. Brock was age 21, and signed as a witness to this Land Deed ( "W", Page 147-149). James Brock is mostly likely the father of Benjamin and Eli P. Brock.

Eli P. Brock is next found on 4 May 1839 in Hinds county, Mississippi. There he is living among kinfolk who arrived there earlier and is again involved in a Land Deed but not for land. This Land Deed is just a mechanism to document a transaction between William R. Brock & Eli P. Brock who are 1st cousins. 

Whereas, “I William R. Brock, of the State of Mississippi and county of Hinds for and in consideration of the sum of $616.00 dollars to me in hand paid by Eli P. Brock of the same place and at and before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained sold and delivered and by these presents do grant bargain sell and delivered unto the said Eli P. Brock Viz one plow horse at seventy five dollars twenty head of cattle at ten dollars each and twelve head of stock hogs at three dollars each one horse cart twenty five dollars fifty barrels corn at one dollars per barrel and all my individual crops for this year that is about six acres of cotton fifteen acres of corn and all other necessary attachments to said crops and cultivate and gather said crop in favor of Eli P. Brock for the sum of three hundred dollars…”

In 1840 we find Eli P. Brock in the 1840 County Tax Rolls for Hinds County, Mississippi. In that same year, on 2 February 1840, we find Moses Brock selling Eli P. Brock lands which looks as if its parts of the original Land patent of William Brock. The available Land Deed is almost unreadable so I could not determine how many acres were involved in the transaction but $10,000.00 is a lot of money for just 40, 60 or a 160 acre plats.  

2 Feb 1840 - for $10,000, Moses Brock sells to Eli P. Brock S half of SW quarter Sec 14 & N half of W half NE Sec 23 & S half of W half NE quarter & N half of E half Sec 15 & W half of SW quarter Sec 15 & S half of W half NW Sec 23 & E half SE Sec 15 & E half NE Sec 22, Twp 3 R 4W on Tallahala Creek, 2 miles from Utica [Ref: Deed Book 13 p. 70, Hinds Court House, Raymond, MS]
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSR1-Q9L2-B?i=40&cat=134138

Moses Brock  and Eli P. Brock are 1st Cousins. Where did Eli P. Brock get $10,000.00 to purchase land? Eli P. Brock shows up on the Tax Rolls for Hinds County in 1841 and 1843.

Suddenly, in 1844, Eli P. Brock died.

His Estate was Probated on 23 June 1845 in Hinds County, Mississippi.

Estate Notice Runs in Local Paper

The State of Mississippi
Hinds County
In the Probate Court of said County; January Term 1851
To Samuel Brock, Esquire Brock, Benjamin Brock, and all other unknown heirs who are non-residents, and all other persons whatsoever interested in the Estate of ELI P. BROCK, deceased:
YOU are hereby cited to be and appear before our said Court, at the April Term, 1851, thereof, then and there to shew cause if any you can why MOSES BROCK administrator of said estate should not be allowed at that time to make his final settlement and be discharged from all farther liability as such administrator.
WITNESS, Hon. Amos R. JOHNSTON, Judge of our said Court, at its January Term. [L. S.] A. D. 1851, and the seal of said Court attached.
Attest---- W. H. HAMPTON, Clerk
Jan. 23, 1851. ---32-3t.
Hinds County Gazette, Raymond, Mississippi, 23 January 1851. Number 32, Volume 6 

1844 - Moses Brock, adm of the estate of Eli P. Brock, dec'd. Accounts include burial expenses, printer's bill, taxes for 1843 & 1844. 20 Dec 1844 - Auditors for estate report: one lot of sundries $6; one yearling $3. Estate declared insolvent 23 Jun 1846. 17 April 1851 publication of estate brings in no additional money. Heirs listed: Samuel Brock, Esquire Brock, Benjamin Brock (non-residents of the state). [Ref: Eli P. Brock Probate # 778, Hinds Co. Court House, Raymond, MS, 2004]

Samuel Brock, Esquire [Squire H.] Brock, Benjamin Brock (non-residents of the state) are his brothers who remained in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

INSOLVENT NOTICE.

Notice is hereby given that, at the May Term, 1845, of the Hono. the Probate Court of Hinds county. Stale of Mississippi, the undersigned having been appointed Commissioners of Insolvency on the estate of ELI P. BROCK, deceased will meet at the office of P. M. Alston, on the third Monday in each month, for the ensuing six months, for the purpose of auditing claims against said estate; it having been reported insolvent.

June-21-l-6m                                                        P. M. ALSTON} Commr’s

                                                                             A. L. DABNEY}

Hinds County Gazette, Raymond, Mississippi, 1 Aug 1845, 

No tomb or tombstone have been found for Eli P. Brock. His final resting place is unknown. 

Eli P. Brock is a 3rd Great Grand Uncle.

___________________________

1. Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book “W”: Pages 151-152, Jane M. McIntyre to Benjamin Brock; 21 November 1827, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

2. Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book “W”: Pages 147-149.

3. Mississippi, Deed Book 12: page 41, W. R. Brock to Eli P. Brock; Chancery Clerk, (Raymond, Hinds County, Mississippi; accessed 6 August 2015).

4. Hinds County, Mississippi, "Hinds County tax rolls 1831-1848,, 1840, Eli P. Brock; Box 3655; Image 5 of 319, Mississippi State Archives, Jackson, Mississippi.

5. Hinds County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Old Series,, Probate Folder #778: , Estate of Eli P. Brock; LDS Family History Film #1749976.

6. Eli P. BROCK Probate Notice, Hinds County Gazette, Raymond, Hinds County, Mississippi, United States, 23 January 1851, Number 32, Volume 6 .

7. Hinds County, Mississippi, "Hinds County tax rolls 1831-1848,, 1843, Eli P. Brock; Box 10333; Image 74 of 362, Mississippi State Archives, Jackson, Mississippi.

8. Hinds County, Mississippi, "Hinds County tax rolls 1831-1848,, 1941, Eli P. Brock; Box 3647; Image 6 of 33, Mississippi State Archives, Jackson, Mississippi.

Administrator Bond~Valentine Brock

 Valentine Brock, son of Valentine Brock and Elizabeth Lundy, was born on 2 Feb 1815 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Sometime before 1830, Valentine Brock, Sr. husband of Elizabeth Lundy Brock died.  Elizabeth Lundy Brock with her oldest son, James Lundy Brock moved the family, another son and three daughters, to Henry County, Georgia.The 1831 tax roll for Henry County, Georgia has an entry that reads "James Lundy Brock for Elizabeth Brock."  

On 21 July 1836, Valentine Brock married  Nancy W. Vandegriff, daughter of  John Vandegriff and Nancy Crockett.

Valentine and Nancy Brock would become the parents of 2 daughters before his untimely death on 25 April 1850.

Nancy W. Brock would petition the Court and be given Letters of Administration on the Estate of Valentine Brock. Nancy W. Brock & John Vandegriff (her Father)  secured the $16000.00 bond.   

Transcription: 

Page 125
Administrator Bond Valentin Brock Estate
 
Georgia Henry}
County} Know all men by these presents That we Nancy W. Brock & John Vandegriff security are held and firmly bound unto the Justices of the Inferior Court of said County sitting for ordinary purposes and their successors in office in the Just and full sum of Sixteen thousand dollars for the payment of which sum well & truly to be made we bind ourselves our heirs executors and administrators of us and of each of us firmly by these presents subscribed with our hands and seals with our seal <Sic> this  the sixth day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty. The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above bound Nancy W. Brock has this day applied to E. P. Watkins Clerk of the Court of Ordinary for said County for and has obtained Letters of Administration of the goods, Chattels rights and credits of Valentine Brock deceased. Now if the above bound Nancy W. Brock shall carefully collect and  preserve from waste or lofs all the goods chattels and effects of the said Valentine Brock deceased and shall make or cause to be made a true and perfect inventory of all such estate and the same being so preserved do surrender up such estate and effects with the inventory aforesaid unto the hands legal and proper administrators on or before the first Monday in July next or so soon thereafter as the Court of Ordinary shall direct with her other acting’s and doings therein and  faithfully perform the task here Then this obligation to be void otherwise to remain in full force in Law.
Tested and approved by
Attest E. P. Walkins C.C.O                                  Nancy W. Brock {LS}
                                                                            John Vandegriff {LS}

Valentine Brock is a 2nd Cousin 4X Removed.  

_______________________

1. Nancy Brock, District 858, Militia District: Grove, 1859; Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1893; Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.

2. 1860 U. S. Census, Henry County, Georgia, population schedule, Henry County, Georgia, Page: 914(Penciled); Line 20, Dwelling 941, Family 941, Household of Nancy W. BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1 January 2019); citing NARA publication Roll: M653_127.

3. 1870 U. S. Census, Henry County, Georgia, population schedule, Militia District 641, Henry County, Georgia, Page: 470B(stamped); Line 30, Dwelling 631, Family 631, Household of Nancy BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: Viewed, Jan 2019 ); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_157.

4. 1880 U. S. Census, Henry County, Georgia, population schedule, District 567, Henry, Georgia, enumeration district (ED) 70, Page: 235B(stamped); Line 12, Dwelling 59, Family 59, Household of Nancy BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 1 January 2019); citing NARA publication Roll: T9_152.

5. 1900 U. S. Census, Henry County, Georgia, population schedule, Locust Grove, Henry County, Georgia, enumeration district (ED) 0053, Page 12A/ 248 (written); Line 22, Dwelling 211, Family 213, Household of Jas A. VANDEGRIFF; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 25 March 2013); citing NARA publication Roll: T623_0204.

6. Henry County, Georgia, Will Book "C": page 179-180 Mrs. Nancy W. BROCK; Probate Office, McDonough, Henry County, Georgia.

7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 2 January 2013); Memorial page for Nancy W. Brock; (22 March 1817–25 March 1907); Find a Grave memorial # 31618151, Citing Brock Family Cemetery; Locust Grove, Henry County, Georgia.

8. Henry County, Georgia, marriage (21 July 1836), Valentine Brock & Nancy Vandegriff; County Clerks, Henry County, Georgia.

9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Valentine Brock (2 February 1815–25 April 1850), Memorial # 31618167.

10. https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/337006:8635

Wordless Wednesday~Gatlinburg, Tennessee