52 Cousins~ The Charles Augustus Davis Family

Charles Augustus Davis was borne 19 January 1884, a son of William L.  Davis and Catherine Brock of Duval County, Florida. His parents had married on 2 Mar 1857 in Chesterfield, South Carolina and migrated to Duval County after serving in the Civil War with Pvt., Capt. J. C. Coit's Company, Chesterfield Light Artillery. Based on birth of their children the move occurred in 1869 or early 1870. They can be found in the 1870 Census for Duval County, Florida and their last three children one of which was Charles Augustus was borne in Duval County, Florida. Charles Augustus had 6 sibling; 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Charles was the youngest of the seven children.

About 1903, Charles Augustus Davis married Minnie Roberta Mosley most likely in Duval County. The marriage year came from the 1910 Duval County census where Charles and Minnie stated to the Census enumerator that they had been married 7 years. [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/7884/records/2918582]

A 1905 City Directory show Charles and Minnie living at 1429 East Duval and his occupation as an electrician. By 1910, he had found a new job as a Stevedore for a Steamship Company. He remained in this trade (Stevedore) until his retirement and death. I was interested in the duties of a Stevedore in the early 1900 so I asked Claude.AI to give me details of their duties.

AI response:       

A stevedore on a steamship around 1900 had physically demanding responsibilities centered around cargo operations. Here's what their duties typically included:

Loading and unloading cargo from ships using various equipment like winches, derricks, and cargo nets

Properly stowing cargo in the ship's hold to maintain vessel stability and prevent damage during transit

Securing cargo with ropes, chains, and wooden bracing to prevent shifting at sea

Operating early mechanical cargo-handling equipment when available

Coordinating with ship officers regarding cargo placement and weight distribution

Working in teams to manage heavy loads safely

Keeping track of cargo manifests and ensuring correct items were loaded/unloaded

Preparing cargo holds before loading by cleaning and installing dunnage (wooden platforms)

Stevedores were typically hired at ports as day laborers, working long shifts under difficult and often dangerous conditions. They needed significant physical strength and practical knowledge of cargo handling techniques. The job required skill in properly balancing loads and understanding how different cargo types should be stowed together.

The industrial revolution had begun to transform stevedoring by 1900, with some ports introducing early cranes and other mechanical aids, but much of the work remained manual labor requiring coordination among teams of workers. [Claude.ai]

Charles Augustus Davis and Minnie Roberta Mosley had the following children:

i. Gussie Elizabeth Davis, born 28 Feb 1904, Duval County, Florida; married Charlie Henry Foy; died 11 Oct 1988, Indian River, Florida.

ii. Robert William Davis Sr., born 11 Sep 1905, Jacksonville, Duval, Florida; married Erma Vera Hartley; married Rheda Lois Bass, 11 Mar 1945, Martin, Florida; died 31 Jul 1985, Gulf Breeze, Santa Rosa, Florida.

Charles Augustus Davis is my 2nd Cousin 3X Removed. 

__________________________

1. 1880 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Mayport, Duval County, Florida, enumeration district (ED) #38, Page 642C; Line 45, Dwelling 211, Family 227, Household of William L. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 2008); citing NARA publication Roll: T9, Roll 0126.

2. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed December 2024); Memorial page for Gustav C. Davis; (19 January 1884–21 September 1955); Find a Grave memorial # 97264757, Citing Oaklawn Cemetery; Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida, USA.

3. 1900 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Jacksonville City, Duval County, Florida, enumeration district (ED) #43, Page 181B, Line 79, Family 56, Dwelling 59, Household of James DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 2008); citing NARA publication Roll: T623, Roll 167.

4. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 (Beta) (Jacksonville, Florida, City Directory: Jacksonville, Florida, City Directory, varies), 248, Augustus Davis (Minnie); digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com: online January 2025), https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2469/records/664111036.

5. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 (Beta), 234, Augustus Davis (Minnie).

6. 1910 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Jacksonville Ward 2, Duval, Florida, enumeration district (ED) 0071, Page: #77A(Stamped); Line: #13, Dwelling: #57, Family: #79, Household of Augustus DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: T624_159.

7. U.S. City Directories, 1821-1989 (Beta), 356, Gus C Davis (Minnie).

8. 1920 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Jacksonville Ward 2, Duval, Florida, enumeration district (ED) 0046, Page: #150A(Stamped); Line: #46, Dwelling: #155, Family: #195, Household of and Gus C. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: T625_217.

9. 1930 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Arlington, Duval, Florida, enumeration district (ED) 0082, Page: 6B/119B (Stamped); Line: #60, Dwelling: #141; Family: #143, Household of Gustavas C. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: T626_315.

10. 1940 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Duval, Florida, enumeration district (ED) 16-17, Page: 12A/335A (Stamped); Line: #35, Visit: #255, Household of Gus C. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: T627_xxx.

11. 1950 U. S. Census, Duval County, Florida, population schedule, Duval, Florida, enumeration district (ED) 16-97, Sheet#3; Line: #4, Visit: #25, Household of Gustavus Charles DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: T627_xxx.

12. State of Florida, death (1955), Gustav C. Davis; Florida Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Jacksonville, Florida.

13. Social Security Administration, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 database, http://www.ancestry.com: <online accessed> January 2025), Gus Davis, 8 November 1950 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).

14. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Minnie Roberta Davis (16 April 1885–15 June 1939), Memorial # 97264756.

15. State of Florida, Florida Death Index, death, (1939), Minnie Robetta Davis.

Troop Train To Berlin

 Troop Train To Berlin

The summer of 1971 was a time of adventure for the Purvis family. Charlie Purvis, a Tech Sergeant stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, decided it was the perfect opportunity to take his wife, Mary, and their young son, Charles Jr., on a journey to Berlin. The trip would be a mix of history, culture, and family bonding, all aboard the iconic troop train that connected West Germany to the divided city.

The Journey Begins

 On August 15, the family set off from Ramstein to Frankfurt, where they contacted the Berlin Booking Office (BBO) to secure their train tickets. The train departed Frankfurt on August 11, embarking on a 372-mile journey through the heart of Germany. The route was scenic, winding through lush valleys, quaint villages, and along the Rhine River, where they caught glimpses of vineyards and medieval castles perched on hilltops.

One of the highlights of the trip was passing through the Rhine Valley, where the train slowed to navigate the curves of the river. The family marveled at the Lorelei Rock, a legendary cliff that rose dramatically from the water, and the twin castles of Schloss Sterrneberg and Schloss Liebenstein, known as the "Hostile Brothers," which stood guard over the town of Kamp Bornhofen.

The Crossing at Marienborn

The most tense moment of the journey came as the train approached Marienborn, the heavily guarded border crossing into East Germany. Here, Russian soldiers, clad in olive-green uniforms and carrying AK47 machine guns at the ready, boarded the train. Their presence was imposing, and their stern expressions left no room for conversation. One soldier, a burly man with a weathered face and piercing blue eyes, meticulously examined each passengerʼs travel documents. His movements were precise, his demeanor cold, as if he were a gatekeeper to another world.

The family held their breath as the soldier scrutinized their papers, but after what felt like an eternity, he gave a curt nod and moved on. The train lurched forward, crossing the border into East Germany, and the Purvis family exhaled in relief.

Exploring Berlin

Arriving safely in Berlin, the Purvises wasted no time immersing themselves in the cityʼs rich history and culture. Their first stop was the Berlin Wall, a stark reminder of the Cold Warʼs division. Standing before the concrete barrier, they felt the weight of its significance, knowing that just beyond lay a world vastly different from their own.

Next, they visited Checkpoint Charlie, the famous crossing point between East and West Berlin. The small guardhouse, flanked by sandbags and barbed wire, was a symbol of the tensions that had defined the city for decades. They also marveled at the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic landmark that had witnessed centuries of history, from Napoleonʼs conquests to the rise and fall of the Wall.

The family spent a day at the Zoo Berlin, the oldest in Germany, where Charles Jr. was thrilled to see the pandas and elephants. The zooʼs history, from its founding in 1844 to its survival through World War II, added depth to their visit.

They marvel at the Reichstag Building, its grand architecture a testament to Germanyʼs tumultuous past. Though it was still in disrepair from the war, the buildingʼs significance as the seat of the German parliament was undeniable.

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, a poignant symbol of both history and resilience. Originally constructed in the 1890s in a Neo-Romanesque style, the church was severely damaged during World War II air raids in 1943. Instead of complete demolition, the ruins of the spire were preserved as a war memorial, while a modern octagonal church and hexagonal bell tower were added in 1961. This unique blend of old and new architecture serves as a powerful reminder of the devastation of war and the importance of peace. Today, the church is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a chance to reflect on its historical significance and admire its striking design.

Family Reunion

One of the most heartwarming moments of the trip was visiting Charlieʼs first cousin, Larry Johns, and his family. The cousins had not seen each other in years, and the reunion was filled with laughter, shared memories, and promises to stay in touch.

The Return Journey

On August 21, the Purvis family boarded the train back to Frankfurt. The journey home was quieter, the family reflecting on the experiences they had shared. As the train rolled through the countryside, they felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing they had created memories that would last a lifetime.

"Troop Train To Berlin" was more than just a vacation; it was a journey through history, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of family. For the Purvises, it was an adventure they would never forget.

_______________________________

 ⁂

Footnotes: 

[1] https://www.seat61.com/places-of-interest/rails-down-the-rhine.htm

[2] https://blogs.loc.gov/international-collections/2019/11/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-berlin-wall/

[3] https://www.mauermuseum.de/en/about-us/history/

[4] https://www.zoo-berlin.de/en/about-the-zoo/history

[5]   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reichstag_buildin

[6] https://www.historyhit.com/locations/kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church/

[7] https://originalberlintours.com/discover-the-history-of-kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church-in-berlin/

[8] https://www.berlin.de/en/attractions-and-sights/3561433-3104052-kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church.en.html

[9] https://berlindividedcity.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/kasier-wilhelm-memorial-church/

[10] https://www.introducingberlin.com/kaiser-wilhelm-memorial-church

Researched and experience by Charlie Purvis; with help for Artificial Intellence >  https://www.perplexity.ai/

52 Cousins~The Henry B. Kepley Families

Today's Blog post is somewhat different than all my other Blog posting. I am adding a new assistant - Artificial Intelligence. Many of you know that I have slowed my posting due to sickness in the family. My wife has some advanced medical issues and requires more of my time. As a Novice with AI, I will definitely be providing the data and format for its visual presentation. My partner in this blog posting was: Perplexity.AI

Early Life and Family

Henry B. Kepley was born on June 20, 1836, in Effingham, Illinois, a son of John Kepley and Charlotte Allen. His early life in Illinois shaped his future endeavors and set the stage for his contributions to his community.

Marriage and Children

Henry married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Martha (Colborn) Abel on 15 June 1859 in Richland County, Illinois. There are no known children of this union. Martha died before November 1867, probably a result of some unknown illness or ailment.  

His second marriage was to Ada Harriet Miser on November 7, 1867, in Effingham County, Illinois. Ada was born on February 11, 1847, in Somerset, Perry, Ohio, and later passed away on July 13, 1925, in Effingham, Illinois. She was noted as a lawyer, which was a significant achievement for women in her era. While there is no known children of this union, Henry’s legacy is preserved through historical documents and memorials.

Life and Career of Ada Harriet Miser

Ada Harriet Miser was a remarkable woman for her time. Born in Ohio, she later moved to Illinois, where she built a career in law. At a time when very few women were admitted to the legal profession, Ada’s pursuit of law highlights her determination and intellect. Ada Kepley was the first woman to graduate from law school in Illinois and obtain her license to practice law. She contributed to legal and civic matters in Effingham, alongside her husband. Her efforts in the legal field would have made her a notable figure in her community, paving the way for future generations of women in the profession. Her impact extended beyond her professional achievements, as she   played a role in the social and civic life of Effingham, helping to shape the legal and cultural landscape of her time.

Ada Harriet Miser Kepley was indeed a pioneering figure in the legal profession, but with some important distinctions:

1. She was born to Henry and Ann Miser in Somerset, Ohio [2][4].

2. In 1860, her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri [2].

3. In 1867, she married Henry B. Kepley, who had his own law practice in Effingham, Illinois [4].

4. At her husband's urging, Ada attended the Old University of Chicago's law department (now Northwestern University) from 1869 to 1870[4].

5. On June 30, 1870, she earned her Bachelor of Laws degree, becoming the first woman in the United States to receive a law degree [1][4].

6. Despite her achievement, Illinois state law initially denied her admission to the bar because she was a woman [4].

7. Her husband drafted a bill banning sex discrimination in professional occupations, which became state law in 1872[4].

8. Ada didn't apply for admission to the bar until 1881, when she was easily admitted [4].

9. She was also an ordained Unitarian minister and preached for twenty years at The Pulpit, a former Methodist church that she and her husband purchased [1].

10. After her husband's death in 1906, Ada moved to the Kepley family farm [1].

11. She struggled financially in her later years, losing the farm and eventually dying in poverty at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois, in 1925 [1][4].

Ada Kepley was known more for her work in social reform, particularly in the temperance and women's suffrage movements, rather than for practicing law [4]. She authored an autobiography titled "A Farm Philosopher: A Love Story" and was involved in various social causes throughout her life [1][4].

Military Service

There is no record that Henry B. Kepley served in the military during the Civil War. However, there is a record showing that he registered for service on July 1, 1863, in Effingham County, Illinois. The war represents a crucial chapter in his life, aligning him with the broader history of the United States during one of its most defining conflicts. He was active in helping Civil War “Widows” in obtaining Military pensions for the service of their deceased husbands. 

Career and Public Life

Henry was actively engaged in legal and business affairs. He was listed in the Illinois State Business Directory of 1871-72, which suggests that he had professional standing in Effingham, possibly in the legal field. His involvement in legal matters is further supported by his 1870 will, indicating his engagement in estate planning and financial affairs.

Census Records and Life in Effingham

Henry appeared in multiple census records, which provide a

glimpse into his life over the decades: 

1860: Lived in Township 6 Range 4 E, Effingham, Illinois.

1870: Recorded in Douglas, Effingham, Illinois.

1880 and 1900: Continued residence in Effingham,

Effingham County, Illinois.

These records confirm his long-term residence in Effingham

and suggest a stable presence in the community.

Death and Legacy

Henry B. Kepley passed away on January 1, 1906, at the age of 69 in Effingham, Illinois. His estate was probated, and his final resting place is memorialized on Find a Grave. His contributions, both as a serviceman and a community member, have been preserved in historical documents, ensuring his story remains a part of Illinois' rich history. 

Ada Harriet Miser lived for nearly two more decades after Henry’s passing. She continued to reside in Effingham and remained active in her community. Her legacy as a pioneering woman in law is a testament to her strength and determination. She passed away on July 13, 1925, at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of legal and civic   engagement. 

Historical Context

Henry’s life spanned a period of significant change in American history. Born in the pre-Civil War era, he witnessed the expansion of Illinois, the turmoil of the Civil War, and the subsequent reconstruction and industrial growth of the United States. His community and professional endeavors positioned him within the broader social and economic developments of 19th-century America.

His wife, Ada Harriet Miser, also stands out as a notable figure, given her role as a lawyer during a time when few women pursued legal careers. Together, they contributed to the evolving landscape of their community and left behind a legacy documented through legal and census records.

Conclusion

Henry B. Kepley was a dedicated individual whose life reflected service, family commitment, and professional engagement. Through community service, legal affairs, and his long-standing residence in Effingham, he played a role in shaping the community around him. His wife, Ada Harriet Miser, was a trailblazer in her own right, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and professional achievement. Their story is a testament to the enduring narratives of those who lived through America’s defining 19th-century moments.

Henry B. Kepley is my 2nd Cousin 4X Removed.  

_________________________

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed December 2024); Memorial page for Henry B Kepley; (20 June 1836–1 January 1906); Find a Grave memorial # 89433545, Citing Oakridge Cemetery; Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois, USA.

2. 1860 U. S. Census, Effingham County, Illinois, population schedule, Township 6 Range 4 E, Effingham, Illinois, Page: #xx, Line:#xx,, Dwelling:#1418; Family:#1407, Household of Henry KEPLEY; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: M653_.

3. H B Keply [Henry B Kepley], compiled military record (1 Jul 1863), U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 (Provo, Utah: www.ancestry.com), N/A.

4. 1870 U. S. Census, Effingham County, Illinois, population schedule, Douglas, Effingham, Illinois, Page:#384 (Stamped), Line:#22-23, Dwelling:#4; Family:#4, Household of Henry KEPLEY; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_.

5. Henry B. Kepley (1870), WILL BOOK: Will Book "E"; Page 193; Probate Office, Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois.

6. Illinois State Business Directory, 1871-72 (Chicago, Illinois, USA: Montague T. Platt, 1871), 312, Henry B Kepley; digital image, Ancestry, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/: online February 2025), Lawyers 4th Circuit.

7. 1880 U. S. Census, Effingham County, Illinois, population schedule, Effingham, Effingham, Illinois; enumeration district (ED) 133, Page:#340B (Stamped), Line:#37-39, Dwelling:#347; Family:#354, Household of and H. B. KEPLEY; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: T9_.

8. 1880 U. S. Census, Effingham County, Illinois, population schedule, Effingham, Effingham, Illinois, ED 081, Page:#161A (Stamped), Line:#28-29, Dwelling:#199; Family:#300, Household of H. B. KEPLEY.

9. State of Illinois, death no. Volume 3, Page 67 (1 January 1906), Henry B Kepley; Illinois State Archives, Springfield, Illinois,

10. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Henry B Kepley (20 June 1836–1 January 1906), Memorial # 89433545.

11. Death of Henry B. Kepley obituary, The Altamont News, Altamont, Illinois, 5 January 1906, Page 6, Column 4.

12. Effingham, Illinois, Wills and Probate Records, 1772-1999, Henry B Kepley; digital images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2025); Henry B Kepley.

13. "Illinois, Marriage Index, 1860-1920," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: online December 2024), Marriage: Hemry B. Kepley & Martha Abel; Illinois State Public Record Offices; Marriage Date 1859, Clay, Illinois.

14. " Illinois, U.S., Compiled Marriages, 1851-1900," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed),

15. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Ada Harriet Miser Kepley (11 February 1847–13 July 1925), Memorial # 25453946.

Perplexity Endnotes: 

[1] https://www.monstrousregimentofwomen.com/2015/06/

[2] https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25453946/ada_harriet-kepley

[3] https://www.monstrousregimentofwomen.com/2015/06/ada-kepley-lawyer-who-couldnt-practice.html

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ada_Kepley

[5] https://www.marilynwillison.com/157-the-self-empowered-woman-ada-kepley/

[6] https://www.attorneys-advantage.com/Resources/Americas-First-Women-in-Law

[7] https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/ADA_MISER_KEPLEY_A_woman_of_the_century_(page_444_crop).jpg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjR08amyvGLAxWOIEQIHcrCIXEQ_B16BAgEEAI

[8] https://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2014/07/ada-kepley.html

The Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Ford

In today’s posting we will take an in-depth look at the Last Will and Testament of Elizabeth Ford. But, first let's look at some background information. 

First, I would like to say that I do not know Elizabeth Ford’s maiden name. I have been researching Chesterfield County, SC families for 46+ years. From the Census, probate and deeds, I know that Coleman Ford wife was names Elizabeth, some say she was a McDuffie while others say she was a Wilson. Both groups want you to believe these surnames but offer up no proof. Nor do I know when or where Coleman Ford and Elizabeth [LNU] married. I do know their first borne was Norman M. Ford, born abt 1834 so his parents most likely married in 1833 in the state of Georgia, maybe DeKalb County.  

Coleman and Elizabeth can be found in the years 1840-1860 Census for DeKalb County. Coleman died, most likely unexpectedly, in November 1860, while he was only age 54. 

His wife Elizabeth lived another 27 years dying in 1887. Here again we run into an error. The FindAGrave Memorial contain conflicting death information and Elizabeth Surname is not proven. There is no tombstone. However, there are probate records; but that would require research.  

Probate Record:

The petition of John Rivers & and Sanford Rosser residents of Chattooga and Fulton Counties and nominated Executors of the last will of Elizabeth Ford a resident of DeKalb County who died on the 3rd day of June 1887 owning valuable real and personal estate in said State disposed of by said will amounting to the sum of - dollars and which remains to be administered respectfully showeth that said Elizabeth Ford died testate, that her will is herewith presented for probate at the regular Term of the Court of Ordinary of said County...

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-29JR-P

So, there are two possible errors on this memorial.

1. Elizabeth Ford’ surname is unknown and unproven. Based on the Children of Rev. John White Thurman being named as grandchildren, the McDuffie surname is a possibility.  

2. Her date of death conflicts with probate records. 

Coleman Ford and Elizabeth [Surname Unknown] had the following children:

i. Norman M. Ford, born abt 1834, Panthersville, DeKalb, Georgia; married Nancy Rivers, Dekalb County, Georgia; died 19 May 1862, Lynchburg, Virginia.

ii. Arminda Ford was born about 1838. Died young. 

Elizabeth [Unknown Surname] Ford died on 3 Jun 1887 at the age of 77 in Dekalb County, Georgia. 

Elizabeth Ford grandchildren are children of her son Norman M. Ford and Nancy Rivers.

Norman M. Ford and Nancy Rivers had the following children:

i. Dempsey C. Ford was born about 1853 in Dekalb County, Georgia.

ii. Nancy E. Ford was born about 1854 in Dekalb County, Georgia.

iii. Sarah J. H. Ford was born about 1857 in Dekalb County, Georgia.

iv. Eliza J. Ford was born about 1859 in Dekalb County, Georgia.

Let's take a look at Item 2 of Elizabeth Ford’s Last Will and Testament. 

I give bequeath and devise to my beloved Grand children to wit: Mary E. Quiner, James M. Thurman,  Eliza J. Rivers, Martha A. Rosser, Josephine Higgins, Coleman Thurman,  Laura Thurman Alice Thurman and Julia Thurman all my lands to wit:

1. Mary E. Quinner is Mary E. Thurman md Martin Quinn

2. James M. Thurman 

3. Coleman Thurman

4. Eliza Thurman 

5. Alice Thurman

6. Julia Thurman

7. Eliza J. {Thurman) Rivers, wife of John Wesley Rivers.  

8. Martha A. Rosser is Martha A. Thurman md William S. Rosser.

9. Josephine Augusta (Thurman) Higgins md George W. Higgins 

 

All Children of Rev. John White Thurman and Sarah A. McDuffie.

Page 228, Will Book “B”:

Georgia }

DeKalb County}  I, Elizabeth Ford of said State and County being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament.

Item 1st 

I  desire and direct that all my just debts be paid by my Executors herein after named, 

Item 2nd 

I give bequeath and devise to my beloved Grand children to wit: Mary E. Quiner, James M. Thurman,  Eliza J. Rivers, Martha A. Rosser, Josephine Higgins, Coleman Thurman,  Laura Thurman Alice Thurman and Julia Thurman all my lands to wit: One hundred and one hundred and thirty acres more or less the same being the place where I now reside and being the lands conveyed to me by a deed made by Norman M. Ford  on the 29th of January 1861. except twenty acres sold Mr. Foreacre and one acre now used as a family burying ground also all stock owned by me at the time of my death 

said children to share an Equal division in the same either by sale or division as they may prefer. 

Item 3rd 

I hereby constitute and appoint my Grandsons by marriage John Rivers and Sanford Rosser my Executors of this my last will  

and Testament this the 8th day of October 1883. 

                                                         Elizabeth Ford

Page 229

Signed declared and published by Elizabeth Ford as her last will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said Testatrix at her instance and request and of each other. She signing in our presence and we signing in her presence.                                                                                     J. R. Russell 

                                                                                                                  J. H. Gove 

                                                                                                                 H. C. Jones 

 

Citation:

"DeKalb, Georgia, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://

www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893T-8379?view=fullText : Jan 1, 2025), 

image 357 of 653; Georgia. Court of Ordinary (DeKalb County).

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893T-8379?view=fullTex            

Nancy Rivers, wife of Norman M. Ford is the daughter of Dempsey Rivers descendants of the RIVERS FAMILIES of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

__________________________________

1. 1840 U. S. Census, DeKalb County, Georgia, population schedule, District 636, De Kalb, Georgia, Page: #42B (Stamped) Penciled #19, Line: #24; Coleman FORD, Coleman FORD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: M704_xx.

2. Colman Ford, District 536, page 12, Line 1, 1848; Georgia, Property Tax Digests, 1793-1893; Georgia Archives, Morrow, Georgia.

3. 1850 U. S. Census, DeKalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Pantherville, DeKalb County, GA, Page: 181(Stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of Coleman FORD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 14 June 2022); citing NARA publication Roll: M432_67.

4. 1860 U. S. Census, De Kalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Pantherville Dist., DeKalb County, GA, Page: 349; Line 17, Dwelling 681, Family 681; Coleman FORD, Coleman FORD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: M653_119.

5. Coleman Ford, compiled military record (Private, Company H, 32nd Regiment, Tennessee Infantry), U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 (Provo, Utah: www.ancestry.com), N/A.

6. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed February 2024); Memorial page for Coleman Ford; (1806–November 1860); Find a Grave memorial # #173216901, Citing Terrell-Ford Family Cemetery; Panthersville, DeKalb County, Georgia, USA.

7. 1850 U. S. Census, DeKalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Pantherville, DeKalb County, GA, Page: 181(Stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of Coleman FORD.

8. 1860 U. S. Census, De Kalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Pantherville Dist., DeKalb County, GA, Page: 349; Line 17, Dwelling 681, Family 681; Coleman FORD, Coleman FORD.

9. 1870 U. S. Census, De Kalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Pantherville Dist., DeKalb County, GA, Page: 258; Line: # 5, Dwelling 333 Family 333, Elizabeth FORD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_147.

10. DeKalb County, Georgia, : Will Book "B" Page 228, Elizabeth Ford; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

11. Dekalb County, Georgia, Probate Files & Loose papers, Elizabeth Ford; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: online February 2024); NA.

12. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Elizabeth (unknown) Ford (1811–20 July 1880), Memorial # 177007114.

13. 1850 U. S. Census, DeKalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Pantherville, DeKalb County, GA, Page: 181(Stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of Coleman FORD.

14.  Last Will and Testament--https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-893T-8379

15.  1880 U. S. Census, De Kalb County, Georgia, population schedule, Panthersville, Dekalb, Georgia, enumeration district (ED) 050, Page:386B (Stamped); Line: #9, Dwelling: #248; Family: #252, Household of Elizabeth FORD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2024); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_xxx. 

52 Cousins~Phillip John David Six Family

Phillip John David Six was borne 22 Jan 1843, a son of Asahel Six and Sarah Brock of Hinds County, Mississippi. He was the Grandson of Phillip Six and Charlotte Selser. He had five siblings, 1 older sister; two younger sisters and 2 younger brothers. 

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Phillip John David Six, age 18, enlisted with Company “E”, 6th Regiment Miss Infty. On 4 Jul 1863, he was captured at the Vicksburg Battle and made a Prisoner of War. 

At age 31, he married Sussana Safronia King, age 25, about the year 1874. Sussana Safronia King was the daughter of William King and Nancy L. Nelson of Copiah County, Mississippi. 

The 1910 Census for Franklin, Grant, Arkansas shows the occupation of Phillip J. D. Six to be a Preacher, denomination not listed. 

Phillip John David Six and Sussana Safronia King had the following children:

1. Samuel Stephen Six, born 19 Jun 1876, Sheridan, Grant, Arkansas; married Martha Jane Gill, 10 Sep 1902, Grant Township, Johnson, Arkansas; died 26 Jul 1960, Lubbock, Lubbock, Texas. 

2. Moses P. Six was born on 20 Mar 1880 in Utica, Hinds, Mississippi. He died on 31 Aug 1957 at the age of 77 in Dallas, Dallas, Texas. 

3. Sarah Leonora Six was born on 5 Aug 1884 in Sheridan., Grant, Arkansas. She died on 16 Nov 1963 at the age of 79 in Pine Bluff, Jefferson, Arkansas.

There are many online trees that have Asahel Six dying in 1860’s. That information probably came from this Letter found in the L. C. Draper Manuscript collection.   

Second Letter

Draper Manuscripts-4-96: Letter to L. C. Draper from Phillip Six, Jr., [Son of Asahel Six, written 6 Nov 1870, Cayuga, Hinds, MS, postmarked Vicksburg, Nov 4, 1870]

"My grandfather died near this place in 1859 aged about one hundred, probably more. The oldest son of P. Six was John, who died on the Homochitto, next was David died also on the Homochitto, then my father Asahel who died in 1860 (aged 63). Aunt Rachel Crumpler the oldest living one of the children lives at "Mounty Holly" in Arkansas - The other daughters Lohama Brock who resides near here and Mrs. Agnes Heard also here"

[Transcribed by Phyllis Six-Chambers 20 Mar 1995]

 

A more accurate date for Asahel Six death is 22 December 1866 and can be found in Land Deed Book “CC”, page 618. 

Transcription: 

Warren County Land Deed Book CC, page 618 

Along the right border of Land Deed CC page 618

This is to certify that the reservation of One Hundred Dollars Specified in the Conveyance has been this day paid by Mary Ryan to Mrs. Mary C. Hawks who Witnesseth Mrs. Sarah Six (now White) as per Power of Attorney here presented too be the Chancery Clerk, and affidavit as to decease of Asahel Six on 22 December 1866 at Casons Landing in Bolivar County, Mississippi, all of which authorizes's said Mrs. Mary C. Hawks to vacate the release. Mary C. Hawks, Geo. W. Davenport, Clerk. 

But there is conflicting Information. We also have this Draper document:

Coffin for Asahel Six

16 Aug 1864

Vicksburg, Warren, Mississippi 

Son Phillip stated in one of the Draper letters that his father died in 1864. Six, Phillip, Aug 16, 1864; Mr. Phillip Six; To one coffin-$12; 4 miles from city sold by order of Brig. Gen. Hawkins. (Note: Vicksburg fell 4 Jul 1863)

Phillip John David Six is my 2nd Cousin 4X Removed.

Asahel Six is the husband of Sarah Brock. Sarah Brock is my 1st Cousin 5X Removed. 

__________________________

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed January 2024); Memorial page for Philip John David Six; (22 January 1843–27 June 1910); Find a Grave memorial # 45063012, Citing South Marlow Cemetery; Grant County, Arkansas, USA.

2. 1850 Census, Hinds County, Mississippi, population schedule, Hinds County, Mississippi, Page 158A(stamped); Line 15, Dwelling 591, Family 591, Household of Ahsar [Asahel] SIX; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 3 September 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 

3. 1860 U. S. Census, Warren County, Mississippi, population schedule, Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi, Page: 939, Line 10, Dwelling 391, Family 391, Household of A. SIX; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 6 September 3012); citing NARA publication Roll: M653_592.

4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (https://www.fold3.com/: accessed January 2024), entry for Philip J. D. SIX, Private; Mississippi, Sixth Infantry; Confederate.

5. 1880, Hinds County, Mississippi, population schedule, Utica, Hinds, Mississippi, Page: 222C; Line 49, Dwelling 34, Family 34, Household of Phillip SIX; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 21 March 2013); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 648.

6. 1890 U S Census, Sunflower County, Mississippi, veterans schedule, Beats 2 and 3, enumeration district (ED) 84, page 3, Line 38, House#23, Family#23, Phillip SIX; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 21 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm M123_ (118 Rolls).

7. 1900 U. S. Census, Grant County, Arkansas, population schedule, Franklin, Grant, Arkansas, enumeration district (ED) 0079, Page: #78a (Stamped), Line: #39, Dwelling: #27, Family: #27; William L SHOPTAW, P. J. D. SIX Uncle & his daughter; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online January 2025); citing NARA publication Roll: T624_xxx.

8. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Sussana Safronia King Six (6 January 1849–5 June 1895), Memorial # 45063001.

9. 1880, Hinds County, Mississippi, population schedule, Utica, Hinds, Mississippi, Page: 222C; Line 49, Dwelling 34, Family 34, Household of Phillip SIX.

10. 1880, Hinds County, Mississippi, population schedule, Utica, Hinds, Mississippi, Page: 222C; Line 49, Dwelling 34, Family 34, Household of Phillip SIX.

11. The Draper Manuscript Collection; Lyman Copeland Draper's manuscript collection was bequeathed to the Wisconsin Historical Society.