52 Cousins~ Biography of John William Wadsworth (1856–1938)

Biography of John William Wadsworth (1856–1938)

Early Life and Family Background

John William Wadsworth was born on February 21, 1856, in Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He was the son of Lewis H. Wadsworth (1832–1910) and Mary Ann Freeman (1829–1901). John grew up in a large family with several siblings, including:

Eliza Jane Wadsworth Hunt (1853–1920)

Susan Wadsworth Teal (1854–1936)

Nancy A. Wadsworth Odom (1859–1937)

Effie Wadsworth Rivers (1866–1935)

Jesse Thomas Wadsworth (1869–1940)

By 1860, four-year-old John was living in Chesterfield with his family, where his father was likely engaged in farming. Growing up in post-Civil War South Carolina would have exposed John to major societal and economic changes as the state rebuilt after the war.

Marriage and Children

John married Margaret Emaline Davis around January 1878, likely in Chesterfield County. Margaret was born in November 1853 and passed away in 1938, shortly after John.

Together, John and Margaret had five children:

J. Monroe Wadsworth (1878–1888) – Died young, just 10 years old.

Julia Ada Wadsworth (1880–1941) – Sometimes recorded as "Ida," she remained close to her parents, appearing with them in later censuses.

Mettie Jane Wadsworth (1882–1960) – Later became Mettie McKenzie.

James L. Wadsworth (1885–1921) – His death led to John being named administrator of his estate in 1921.

W. Carl Wadsworth (1892–1976) – Lived a long life and served as a surety for John during probate proceedings.

Life and Work

John was a farmer by trade, consistently recorded as such in census records from 1880 through 1930. His family moved around South Carolina over the decades, as shown in census records:

1880 – Living in Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, with wife Margaret and their young children. 

1900 – Residing in Stokes Bridge, Darlington County, where he continued farming.

1910–1930 – Settled in Hartsville, a town in Darlington County, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

In Hartsville, the household often included daughter Ada (Julia), who remained unmarried and lived with her parents into adulthood. His work in agriculture placed him in the center of rural South Carolina life during a time of transition from Reconstruction into the 20th century. The census records reflect his steady life and close-knit family.

Legal and Civic Duties

John took on responsibilities beyond his farm. In 1921, following the death of his son James, John was appointed administrator of James’s estate, as recorded in the probate files of Darlington County. He also served as a guardian to a minor (also named John William Wadsworth) the same year, providing financial security and oversight for the child’s upbringing. These duties speak to his reputation and trustworthiness within the community and family.

Later Years and Death

John lived a long life, reaching the age of 82. He died on March 10, 1938, in Darlington County, South Carolina, and was buried two days later at Hebron United Methodist Church Cemetery in Bishopville, Lee County. His wife Margaret died later that same year, marking the end of a long partnership that spanned six decades.

Legacy

John William Wadsworth left behind a legacy of family, hard work, and dedication. His descendants included farmers, caretakers, and community members who continued to live in South Carolina. His burial at Hebron United Methodist Church places him within a community of kin and neighbors, reflecting his deep ties to the region.

This biography is based solely on the genealogical details and records provided, without embellishment or addition of unverified facts.