52 Cousins~Joseph Moultrie Cook

 Joseph Moultrie Cook was born about 1790 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.  He was the 2nd born child of Daniel Cook and Ruth Moultrie. He has an older sister, Alice, and nine younger siblings; 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

‘His father is said to have died in the War of 1812. I know that he died before 20 March 1815 but have no proof of him serving in the War of 1812 or any war. 

After his death, Ruth (Moultrie) Cook and several of the older children and spouses packed up the family and moved to Christian County, Kentucky.

On 9 October 1816, Joseph Moultrie Cook married Martha H. “Patsy” Lindsay, age 18, daughter of James Carlton Lindsey in Christian County, Kentucky. Family folklore says that Ruth M. Cook was there for that wedding. 

Martha H. "Patsy" Lindsey, age 18, was a daughter of James Carlton Lindsey, was born about 1798 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. Patsy died on 25 May 1862 at the age of 64 in Choctaw County, Mississippi.

 On 25 September 1821 we find Joseph Moultrie Cook and James Lindsey purchasing over 600 acres of land in Trigg County, Kentucky from Spencer Griffin. Ruth Moultrie Cook is there in Trigg County with her son and daughter-in-law. James Lindsey is either Martha H. (Lindsey) Cook’s brother or her father. 

Sometime before 22 Mar 1830 at the age of 40 in Hinds County, Mississippi. Joseph Moultrie Cook was murdered by a man named Thomas Lee. The document I found came from his probate file. No newspaper accounts of this murder had been found. It is not known what caused the altercation that took the life of James Moultrie Cook.  His estate probated in Oct 1836 at Probate Folder #43.

Probate Document#1

Thomas B Taylor's voluntary information is as follows - - Mr. Taylor states that from the first time he heard that Lee had got Cook he said Lee ought to be hung.

Mr. Taylor further states that he did Not recollect Now whether he was sworn in Court to answer questions or Not - - Will C Williams states on oath that the day before Circuit Court commence that he heard Thomas B Taylor state that he had heard William Williams one of the witnesses against Lee state how and in what manner Lee killed Cook And Mr. Taylor stated that if he was one of the jury to try him he should hang. Mr. Williams was asked by the justice of the peace whether or Not he heard Mr. Taylor sworn in Court or Not Mr. Williams states that he did

Not hear Mr. Taylor sworn in Court.

Mr. Joel Pagin states on oath that a few days before Lee tried he was at Mr. Taylors house and heard Mr. Taylor say from what he had heard Mr. William Williams say Lee ought to be hung. Mr. Taylor was asked by the justice of the peace whether Mr. Taylor was sworn in Court Mr. Taylor said yes and heard Mr. Taylor sworn in Court Mr. Taylor stated on oath that he had Not formed or Expressed an opinion Relative to the innocence or guilt of Lee - - - -

Mr. Green Young testifies on oath that some time before the trial of Lee he heard Mr. Taylor say he thought Lee ought to be hung - -

Mr. Young was asked by the justice of the peace did you hear Mr. Taylor sworn in Court to answer questions Mr. Young state he did - and Mr. Taylor did answer

Say that he had Not formed or expressed an opinion Relative to the innocence or guilt of Lee –

Mr. Wm Neely states on oath that sometime in March Last he heard Mr. Taylor say that he thought Lee ought to be hung for he being spoke Mr. Cook was bound (should be hung) for it Mr. Neely was asked if he heard Taylor sworn in Court. Mr. Neely testifies he did Not Mr. Jesse Clifford states on oath that some time before Court he heard Mr. Taylor say Lee ought to be hung. Mr. Clifford was Not in Court on the trial of Lee.

"Mr. Toney states on oath that Mr. Taylor he was at Mr. Alfred's some time before the Circuit Act in April last. And in conversation with Mr. Taylor he heard Mr. Taylor say, that if he was one of the juror on the trial of Lee he would say hang him.

Mr. Toney was asked by the justice were you present in Court when Mr. Taylor was sworn Mr. Toney answer I was and heard Mr. Taylor sworn to answer questions and he was asked have you formed or expressed an opinion relative to the guilt or innocence of the prisoner Lee and Mr. Taylor stated that he did not so that he had and then the question was put to answer in the positive. And Mr. Taylor stated that he had not.

State of Mississippi

Hinds County

I certify that the above contains a true copy of all the proceedings had before me. Given under my hand and Seal this 4th day of September 1838.

James R. Satterfield J.P. [with seal]"

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HV-N3TX-5?view=fullText&keywords=Cook%2CThomas%20B%20Taylor%2CTaylor%2CThomas%20B%2CMississippi&lang=en&groupId=TH-909-88756-100121-59

Document#2

State of Mississippi to any Lawfull officer to Execute

Hinds County and Return - Greeting -

Whereas Joseph C. Williams hath this day Complained on oath before me James W. Satterfield an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County that he hath just Cause to suspect and doth suspect that Thomas B. Taylor of said County hath been guilty of willful and Corrupt perjury in Swearing and Swaring in the trial of the State Against Thomas Lee for murder when Called Upon as juror in the Circuit Court of said County in April term thereof that as oath that he had not formed or Expressed an opinion as to the guilt or innocence of said Lee whereas in truth And in fact Said Thomas B. Taylor had before that time formed and Expressed an opinion as to the guilt of said Lee and hath prayed process against Said Thomas B. Taylor.

These are therefore to Command you to take said Thomas B. Taylor and have him forthwith before me at my office to answer the above Charge and be further Dealt with as the Law Directs.

Given under my hand and Seal this the 16th day of August 1836 -

James W. Satterfield J.P. [Justice of the Peace.

[Note: This document was found by a fellow researcher Julie Hampton, Thank you, Julie and transcribed by Claude.ai on 5 April 2025] 

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3HV-N3L8-2?view=fullText&keywords=Cook%2CThomas%20B%20Taylor%2CTaylor%2CThomas%20B%2CMississippi&lang=en&groupId=TH-909-88756-100121-59

Based on two documents/circumstances, The birth of his last daughter, Josephine Ann Cook, on 7 October 1830 and a probate document dated on 22 Mar 1830, I believe he was KILLED between 1 Jan 1830 and 22 March 1830. That's based on Josephine Ann Cook being a daughter of Joseph Moultrie Cook. 

Joseph Moultrie Cook and Martha H. Lindsey had the following children:

i. Mary Eliza Cook, born 7 Oct 1823, Christian, Kentucky; married John Jackson Hunt; died 6 May 1909, Burrton, Harvey, Kansas.

ii. Daniel Moultrie Cook, born 1828; married Sarah Jane Henderson, abt 1849; died 17 Feb 1863, Greenwood, Mississippi.

iii. Missouri Cook, born 19 May 1827; married Thomas Gray, 19 Dec 1844; died 25 Dec 1890.

iv. Josephine Ann Cook, born 7 Oct 1830; married Meredith Wilson; died 25 Jan 1911.

 Joseph Moultrie Cook is my 1st Cousin 6X Removed. 

_______________________________________

  1. Trigg County, Kentucky, Deed Book "A": page 138 & 139, Spencer Griffin to Cook and Lindsey; Register of Deeds, Cadiz, Trigg County, Kentucky.

2. Trigg County, KY, "Trigg County Tax Year - 1827, 1822, Joseph C. Cook; Page 5 Line 7, County Tax Collector, Cadiz, Trigg County, KY.

3. Trigg County, Kentucky, Book "A", Pages 433.

4. Trigg County, Kentucky, Deed Book A: page 439.

5. Trigg County, Kentucky, Deed Book "A": Pages 438.

6. Joseph M Cook, 9 March 1825, Document Number: 765, Accession Number: MS0090__.249; Mississippi General Land Office Records, 1776-2015 Land Grants, Land Office, Jackson, Mississippi.

7. Joseph M. Cook, 9 March 1825; Land Patents; Land Office, Jackson, Hinds, Mississippi.

8. Joseph M. Cook, 15 March 1825, Mississippi.

9. Trigg County, KY, "Trigg County Tax Year - 1827," Image 76 of 378, Line 19--Joseph M. Cook, Joseph C. Cook.

10. Trigg County, KY, "Trigg County Tax Year - 1827," Image 115, Last Line Joseph M. Cook, Joseph C. Cook.

11. Mississippi, Deed Book Vol 2: page 233, Joseph M Cook and Martha his wife to James Lindsey; Register of Deeds, (Raymond, Rankin County, Mississippi; accessed https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLL-BS84).

12. "Kentucky, Marriages Record, 1785-1979," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: online January 2025), Marriage: Joseph M. Cook & Patsy Lindsay, https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FWRS-B8X.

13. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 2 December 2018); Memorial page for Martha H. “Patsy” Lindsey Cook; (about 1798–25 May 1862); Find a Grave memorial # 22136945, Citing Poplar Creek Nations Cemetery; Kilmichael, Montgomery County, Mississippi, USA.

14. "Kentucky, Marriages Record, 1785-1979," database, Ancestry>, Marriage: Joseph M. Cook & Patsy Lindsay.

15. 1850 U. S. Census, Choctaw County, Mississippi, population schedule, Western Division, Choctaw, Mississippi, Page: #36B (Stamped); Line: #19, Dwelling: #495, Family: #496, Household of Martha COOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: 0nline January 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll.

16. 1860 U. S. Census, Township 20, Choctaw County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 18, Choctaw, Mississippi, Page: 311/121 (penciled); Line 38, Dwelling 870, Family 837, Household of Martha COOK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com: viewed 3 June 2020); citing NARA publication M653, Roll: 579.

17. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Martha H. “Patsy” Lindsey Cook (about 1798–25 May 1862), Memorial # 22136945.

Land Deed Naming John Cook Heirs

This document transcribed and analyzed by Claude.AI shows that John Cook purchased the property and paid for it in 1828 but died before receiving formal title. The current county commissioners are now conveying the title to his numerous heirs, officially transferring ownership of the property to them.

Transcription of Image 1:

"A bargained premises lying and being in the Town of Raymond aforesaid. To have and to hold the aforesaid described lot of ground in the Town of Raymond unto him the said John Cook, his to them their heirs and assigns in fee simple forever.

And we the said Barton & Drow do hereby as Commissioners as aforesaid convey the title of said described lot of ground forever unto the heirs of said John Cook deceased their heirs and assigns from the County of Hinds aforesaid forever.

Given under our hands and seals the 26 day of March 1836

J. C. Barton [seal]

Rich'd Drow [seal]

State of Mississippi

Hinds County

Personally appeared before the undersigned a acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, J. C. Barton & Rich'd D. Drow who acknowledged that they signed sealed and delivered the foregoing deed as their act & deed for the purpose therein contained.

Given under my hand and seal this 26th day of March 1836

Filed 26th March 1836

D. D. Dent clk

Wm. Stuart J.P. [seal]"

Transcription of Image 2:

"The State of Mississippi

Hinds County

Know all men by these presents that whereas Wm. B. Peyton, Abr. H. Fair and John A. Fairchild, John Barksdale & Samuel Ferguson as Commissioners of Hinds County for the purpose of selling the lots in the Town of Raymond in said county, did sell on the 22nd day of Sept. 1828 to the highest bidder No. five in Square No. sixteen in said Town for the sum of sixteen dollars & twenty-five cents to John Cook who has paid the money and is now dead without having received title, and whereas the undersigned present Commissioners with the power to make title to lots previously sold & paid for & therefore by this Indenture Witnesseth that we, J. C. Barton & Richard Y. Drow for and in consideration of the premises do hereby, as acting Commissioners as aforesaid and successors to said Peyton & others do hereby grant bargain sell convey and confirm unto Elijah Cook, Abraham Cook, James Raney and his wife Polly Raney, John Duncan and his wife Lucy Duncan, Thomas Copeland and his wife Anna Copeland, William Purvis and his wife Milly Purvis and Joseph Purvis & Elizabeth his wife, John Cook & Matthew Rushing, heirs being heirs of John Cook deceased their heirs and assigns the aforesaid described lot of ground..."

Summary of the Deed by Claude.ai

Purpose of the Deed:

This document represents a land conveyance finalizing a property transaction that began in 1828. The current commissioners (Barton and Drow) are issuing a formal deed for land that was purchased by John Cook, who died before receiving the title to the property.

Key Parties:

Original Sellers: William B. Peyton, Abraham H. Fair, John A. Fairchild, John Barksdale, and Samuel Ferguson (original commissioners of Hinds County)

Current Sellers/Grantors: J.C. Barton and Richard Y. Drow (current commissioners)

Original Buyer: John Cook (deceased)

Current Grantees (heirs of John Cook):

Elijah Cook (likely son)

Abraham Cook (likely son)

James Raney and wife Polly Raney (likely daughter and son-in-law)

John Duncan and wife Lucy Duncan (likely daughter and son-in-law)

Thomas Copeland and wife Anna Copeland (likely daughter and son-in-law)

William Purvis and wife Milly Purvis (likely daughter and son-in-law)

Joseph Purvis and wife Elizabeth (likely daughter and son-in-law)

John Cook (likely namesake/son)

Matthew Rushing (likely relative)

Property Details:

Lot No. 5 in Square No. 16 in the Town of Raymond, Hinds County, Mississippi

Purchase price: $16.25

Original sale date: September 22, 1828

Deed execution date: March 26, 1836

The document shows that John Cook purchased the property and paid for it in 1828 but died before receiving formal title. The current county commissioners are now conveying the title to his numerous heirs, officially transferring ownership of the property to them.

I am related to:

William Purvis and wife Milly (Cook) Purvis 

Joseph Purvis and wife Elizabeth (Cook) Purvis 

52 Cousins~The John Calvin Futrell Family

John Calvin Futrell was born on 5 Feb 1836 in Stewart County, Tennessee.  He was a son of Isaac Futrell and Levica Cook. He had four older siblings with him being the youngest of the five. 

He can be found in the Stewart County, Tennessee Federal Census for 1850 through 1880.  John Calvin Futrell died without leaving a will. There are documents scattered throughout the Probate Books, Guardian Bond, Year of supplies for widow, etc.  John’s estate was probated on 11 Jan 1898 in Stewart County, Tennessee.  

John Calvin Futrell and Alpha Jane Knight were married on 23 Apr 1859 in Stewart County, Tennessee.

Item 32, Last Entry

Alpha Jane Knight, daughter of Nathan B. Knight and Jane Clayton, was born on 27 Mar 1840. She died on 13 Jul 1909 at the age of 69 in Stewart County, Tennessee. 

John Calvin Futrell and Alpha Jane Knight had the following children:

i. Asa A. Futrell was born on 12 Apr 1860 in Stewart County, Tennessee. He died on 8 Jan 1941 at the age of 80.

ii. Daniel Redden Futrell was born on 25 Apr 1862 in Stewart County, Tennessee. He died on 19 Mar 1935 at the age of 72.

iii. Robert Lee Futrell was born on 11 Oct 1866 in Stewart County, Tennessee. He died on 29 Oct 1953 at the age of 87 at Benton, Saline County, Arkansas. 

iv. Mittie Jane Futrell was born on 12 Feb 1873 in Stewart County, Tennessee. She died on 29 Jun 1950 at the age of 77.

v. James Stokley Futrell was born on 12 Nov 1869 in Stewart County, Tennessee. No further information was found on James Stokley Futrell and he is believed to have died at a young age. 

vi. Marion Futrell was born about 1870 in Stewart County, Tennessee. He died on 23 Mar 1891 at the age of 21. 

vii. Dillie Ann Futrell, born 9 Aug 1875, Stewart County, Tennessee; married Albert King, 18 Aug 1892, Stewart County, Tennessee; died 28 Sep 1955.

viii. Leona Futrell was born on 15 Dec 1877 in Stewart County, Tennessee. She died on 20 Sep 1955 at the age of 77 in Hoxie, Lawrence, Arkansas.

ix. Starkey David Futrell was born on 15 Mar 1880 in Stewart County, Tennessee.  He died on 13 Sep 1955 at the age of 75 in Calloway County, Kentucky. 

John Calvin Futrell is my 2nd Cousin 5X Removed. 

_______________________________

  1. The Calloway County Genealogical Society, Bible records of Calloway County and adjoining counties (Calloway County, Kentucky: The Calloway County Genealogical Society, 1971), pages 115 &116.

2. 1860 U. S. Census, Stewart County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 8, Stewart County, Tennessee, Page: 492 (Stamped); Line 8, Dwelling 1012, Family 1014, Household of John FUTRELL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online January 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 896.

3. 1870 U. S. Census, Stewart County, Tennessee, population schedule, District 8, Stewart County, Tennessee, Page: #325 (Stamped); Line 15, Dwelling 110, Family 108, Household of John FUTRELL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online January 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm M593.

4. 1880 U. S. Census, Stewart County, Tennessee, population schedule, Great Western Furnace, Stewart, Tennessee, enumeration district (ED) 158, Page: #294B (Stamped); Line 5, Dwelling NL, Family 29, Household of J. C. FUTRELL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: online January 2025); citing National Archives Microfilm T9.

5. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed February 2025); Memorial page for John Calvin Futrell; (5 February 1836–15 September 1897); Find a Grave memorial # 27481360, Citing Rushing Creek Cemetery; Stewart County, Tennessee, USA.

6. Stewart County, Tennessee, Wills and Probate Records, 1779-2008, John C Futrell; digital images, Ancestry.com, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com: online February 2025); Administrators Bonds and Letters, 1883-1967.

7. Stewart County, Tennessee, Estate Inventory and acct Sales, John C. Futrell.

8. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, John Calvin Futrell (5 February 1836–15 September 1897), Memorial # 27481360.

9. "Tennessee State Marriages, 1780-2002," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: online January 2025), MARRIAGE: John C Futvill [Futrell] & Alpha Knight, Marriage Date 23 Apr 1859; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/24538:1169.

10. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Alpha Jane Knight Futrell (27 March 1840–13 July 1909), Memorial # 27481369.

11. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Alpha Jane Knight Futrell (27 March 1840–13 July 1909), Memorial # 27481369.

12. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Starkey David Futrell (15 March 1880–13 September 1955), Memorial # 21679587.

The Wives of Williams/Williamson Eddins

[Note:] The Senior William Eddins (1757-Nov 1822) is my 4th Great Grandfather. Williams or Williamson Eddins is his son. There is a lot of misinformation and created information about this family. Forty-five years ago, he was William Eddins, then he became William B. Eddins and today he is William Benjamin Eddins according to many trees. The truth is no document has been presented showing him to be anything other than William Eddins and the maiden name of his first wife Nancy and his second wife is still unknown. Many don’t even know that he was twice married.]  

Williams or Williamson Eddins was borne abt 1781 to William Eddins and his wife Nancy [Last name unknown, LNU]. 

Williams or Williamson was the first borne of nine children borne to William and Nancy. [If it weren’t for a lawsuit no one would know the names of the two wives of William the Elder.] 

About 1808, at age 27, Williams is said to have married Elizabeth Ingram most likely in Chesterfield District, South Carolina. This marriage year is based on the birth of their 1st borne, a daughter, on 23 August 1809. No document has been found and presented as evidence that Williams 1st wife was Elizabeth Ingram. 

NOTE: AS A MATTER OF FACT, NO DOCUMENT HAS BEEN FOUND WITH ELIZABETH INGRAM, WIFE OF WILLIAMS EDDINS NAME ON IT. The only source for her is a created FindaGrave Memorial with no proof, no source, no tombstone. No-one alive today knows when she died or where she was buried. 

After the birth of 5 children, 2 daughters and 3 sons, Williams and his first wife moved their family from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Butler County, Alabama. 

There his 1st wife died, and Williams entered into marriage with Hannah Wilson a daughter of James Wilson & Lydia [last name unknown].  

Williams Eddins was a widow with 6 children. William and Hannah are known to have two children: 

 

Deed:

Williams Eddins, Wilson Eddins and PR Eddins, Pike County, Alabama, Deed Book A, page 83

27 Sep 1832

Pike County, Alabama

Pike county Deed Bk A, Page 83; Top of Page -Deed of Gift from Williams Eddins to grandson Pleasant R Eddins; Bottom of Page - Deed of Gift to children of Williams Eddins named William R, Calvin T, Matilda, Mahala Elizabeth, and Lysian (phonetic spelling for Lizzie Ann). Body of Deed of Gift says "William Eddins", but the Clerk notes the name "Williams Eddins" in the certification and "Williams Eddins" in the signature on page 84.

Deed:

Williams Eddins Deed to Pleasant R. Eddins DB 1, pg 83

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} Know all men by these presents that I, Williams Eddins in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have for Pleasant R. Eddins, my grandson as well as for the consideration of one dollar do this day give grant and warrant unto the said Pleasant R. Eddins the following property to wit one Negro girl by the name of Rachael to have and to hold the above property in his own right and possession forever. I do hereby warrant and defend the said property unto him the said Pleasant R. Eddins against myself my heirs Executors & administrators in testimony whereunto I have set my Hand and seal this Sept 27th 1832.

                                                            Williams Eddins {seal}

Witness: Francis X his mark Williamson, Wilson Eddins 

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} I John D. Curtis Clerk of the County Court of said County do hereby certify that Williams Eddins who signed the within instrument this day personally appeared before me and acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the same on the day and date therein mentioned for the purposes therein expressed. October 1st. 1832

Recorded 5th Oct 1832 John D. Curtis  clk {seal}

Deed:

Williams Eddins Deed to Children DB 1, pg 83-84

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} Know all men by these presents that I, William Eddins in consideration of the natural love and affection which I have for William R. Eddins, my son as well as for the consideration of one dollar do this day give grant and warrant unto the said William R. Eddins the following property to wit one Negro woman by the name of Sarah to have and to hold the above property own right and title forever. I do this day also on conditions of natural love and affections which I have for Calvin T. Eddins my son the following property to wit one Negro boy by the name of John to have and to hold as his own right and property forever. I do also give to Matilda Eddins my daughter the following property to wit two cows and calves also one bay mare worth one hundred dollars to have and to hold as her own property forever. I do also give Mahala Elizabeth Eddins my daughter the following property to wit ten cows and calves to have and to hold as her own property. I do also give my daughter Lysian [Lizzie Ann] Eddins my daughter the following property to wit ten cows and calves to have and to hold as her own property forever. 

Page 84

The State of Alabama}

Pike County} I John D. Curtis Clerk of the County court of said County do hereby certify that Williams Eddins who signed the within instrument this day personally appeared before me and acknowledged that he signed sealed and delivered the same on the day and date therein mentioned for the purposes therein expressed. October 1st. 1832

Recorded 5th Oct 1832 John D. Curtis C. {seal}

https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C3S7-6CL?i=71&cat=73280 [Image 72 of 576]

Children not named are Catherine C. Eddins married Rev. Noah Parker and Wilson W. Eddins, deceased leaving his son Pleasant R. Eddins, grandson of Williams Eddins. 

Both, Williams/Williamson Eddins died after 1860 in Butler County, Alabama. His wife Hannah Wilson died after 1850 and before 1860. No exact birth or death dates have been found for them. 

Williams/Williamson Eddins is my 3rd Great Grand Uncle. 

________________________

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com: accessed 3 November 2018); Memorial page for Williamson Eddins; (1781–1865); Find a Grave memorial # 114811477, Citing Butler County, Alabama, USA; Eddins/Dees Family Cemetery.

2. Alabama, Deed Book:  E, Page 290-291, Moses Jones & Ux to Washington Eddins; Register of Deeds, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.

3. Land Deed - Williams Eddins Deed to Children; 27 September 1832; Deed Book #DB 1; Page(s) pg 83-84; The Chancery Clerk's Office; Troy, Pike County, Alabama; 3 March 2019.

4. Alabama, Deed Book: "P", Page 316-317, William Eddins & wife To Deed Benjamin E. Norris; Register of Deeds, Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.

5. 1850 U. S. Census, Monroe County, Alabama, population schedule, Monroe County, Alabama, Page: 57A(stamped) Line 8, Dwelling 829, Family 829, Household of Wm EDDINS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 8 November 2018); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 11.

6. 1860 U. S. Census, Butler County, Alabama, population schedule, Precinct 3, Butler, Alabama, Page: 143(stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 1053, Family 1053, A. J. CEAVEY [SEARCY]; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com: online January 2024); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_3.

7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Elizabeth Ingram Eddins (1790–1828), Memorial:#114811563.

8. "Alabama, County Marriage Records, 1805-1967," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: online February 2025), Marriage: Williams Eddins & Hannah Dedman, Marriage Date 18 Oct 1833.

9. https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/4192/records/1111274

The Machu Picchu Excursion

In March 2000, I took my fiancée Melba and my son Charles, Jr. on a 7 day excursion to see Machu Picchu. 

Our flight took us to Atlanta then non-stop to Lima, Peru. Our hotels on this excursion were exquisite.

From Lima, Peru we traveled by air to the City of Cusco, Peru. Cusco was an exciting city. Cusco is considered the oldest living city of the Americas. 

Cusco held a profoundly significant role within the Inca Empire. ³ Here's a breakdown of its key functions:   

Capital of the Empire:

Cusco was the political, administrative, and military center of the Tawantinsuyu, the Inca Empire. This meant it was the heart from which the vast empire was governed.   

Religious Center:

It was the most important religious center in the empire. The Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) was a central place of worship. Cusco was considered a sacred city.   

Symbolic Importance:

The city held immense symbolic value. It was seen as the center of the Inca world, and its layout and architecture reflected this.   

Administrative Hub:

Cusco served as the administrative hub, where decisions were made and from where the empire was managed.   

Center of Culture:

It was a center for Inca culture, housing nobles, priests, and skilled artisans.   

In essence, Cusco was the nerve center of the Inca Empire, playing a vital role in its political, religious, and cultural life. [Source: Gemini.ai]

But the true highlight was yet to come. On March 27th, 2000 a bus and train ride transported us to the foot of Machu Picchu. Then, a final, winding bus ascent revealed a sight that stole my breath away.

Emerging from the bus, the view was simply breathtaking.

Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, the ancient Incan village of Machu Picchu unfolded like a hidden gem amidst the clouds. Terraced fields cascaded down the slopes, their lush green hues contrasting beautifully against the rugged stone structures. Each stone building, with its masterful craftsmanship, seemed to whisper stories of an ancient civilization.

The mountains surrounding the site rose dramatically, their peaks shrouded in mist, adding an air of mystery and reverence. The Urubamba River snaked its way far below, glinting in the sunlight and completing the awe-inspiring panorama. The quiet hum of nature filled the air, birds chirping, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the occasional echo of footsteps on the stone pathways.

The entire scene felt like a place frozen in time, where history and nature come together in perfect harmony. It's an overwhelming reminder of the ingenuity and spirit of the Inca people. It's a sight that imprints itself on your soul, leaving you with a deep sense of wonder. It's incredible that such places exist in our world.

After a too-short two hours (plus a history lesson!), we descended for lunch before the four-hour train ride back to Cusco. We bedded down for the night in The Monastery, a gorgeous hotel in Cusco.

Machu Picchu is also referred to as the “Lost City of the Inca”. Its was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

______________________________

1. Personal experience

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machu_Picchu

3, Gemini.ai