Vital Records Can Be Wrong...Especially Death Certificates

Family Historian and Genealogists put a lot of faith into Vital records. But, every Genealogists I know  ensure that an exhaustive search has been made and if possible the data they find is not limited to one single document. Multiple sources are searched to ensure the data, when presented, is accurate. 

Case in point is Georgia Death Certificate #28075 for Frederick Francis Rivers. This single document contains multiple errors. On line 16a the informant looks to be L. E. Rivers. I have no knowledge who L. E. Rivers is!   

The Georgia Death Certificate shows Frederick middle name to be Frederick Francis Rivers. A majority of documents show his middle name to be Franklin. The Rivers family community accepts the fact the Frederick was named Frederick Franklin a long standing name within the Rivers family. However, the Delayed Birth certificate for his daughter, Mary Louise, b. 8 July 1898, shows her Father name to be Fredrick Francis Rivers.

Mr. F. F. Rivers and Mary Eugenia “Jennie” Bennett were married on 18 December 1894 at the Brides Mother’s home in Ansonville, NC by a Baptist Minister named John P. Boyd.

The parents of Frederick Franklin Rivers ARE NOT C. Lemuel Rivers and Mary Elizabeth Davis.

The parents of Frederick Franklin Rivers ARE Calvin Rivers and Louise Gatewood. We can see Frederick AKA Freddy as a 13 year old teenager in the Calvin and Lou Rivers household in 1880 Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

The ONLY C. Lemuel or Lemuel C. Rivers is Lemuel Clyde Rivers who married Mary Eva Tucker plus he was born in 1908 about 43 years AFTER Frederick Franklin Rivers. 

It's important to ensure that a reasonably exhaustive search has been made and that each fact has a complete, accurate source citation.  

Frederick Franklin Rivers is my 2nd Cousin 4X removed.

________________________________

1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  3 March 2012); Memorial page for Frederick Franklin Rivers; (24 April 1866–October 1940); Find a Grave memorial # 73723442, Citing Louisville City Cemetery; Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia, USA.

2. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 5, page 323, dwelling 230, family 230, Household of Calvin Rivers; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archive  Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.

3. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #19, Page: 64B; Line 93, Dwelling 125, Family 126, Household of Frederick F. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.

4. 1920  U. S. Census, Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia, population schedule, Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia, enumeration district (ED) #47, Page: 138, Line 64, Dwelling 165, Family 165, Household of  F. F. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 260.

5. State of Georgia, death no. 28075 (4 November 1940), F. F. Rivers; Georgia Health Department, Office of Vital Records,, Atlanta, Georgia.

6. "North Carolina, Marriages Record, 1741-2011," database, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : Viewed 3 March 2020), Marriage: F. F. RIVERS and Mary Bennett, Marriage Date: 18 Dec 1894.

7. 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lanesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #4, Page 388A; Line 39, Dwelling 83, Family 83, Household of  Mary BENNETT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 0951.

8. State of Georgia, death no. 6057, (8 March 1948), Mary E. Rivers.

9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 6 August 2011); Memorial page for Mary Eugenia Bennett Rivers; (1869–1948); Find a Grave memorial # 73723481, Citing Louisville City Cemetery; Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia, USA.

Sale of Frederick and Siddie Rivers Estate Lands

Frederick F. Rivers, Jr. and his wife, Sarah “Siddie” Boatwright both died within 13 months of each other. First, Frederick died 31 May 1860 then Sarah died on 3 July 1861. Their death left 7 surviving children: 

i. William M. "Billy" Rivers, born 1805, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Anne Eliza Kelley, 27 Dec 1837, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died  Mar. 18, 1891, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Sarah "Siddie" Rivers was born in 1808 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was still living on 23 Jan 1879.
iii. David T. Rivers, born 10 Jun 1810, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Katherine Eugenia Edgeworth, abt 1844, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 8 Feb 1891, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Lewis Rivers, born 6 Nov 1811, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Lenora L. Padgett, 12 Dec 1839, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 11 Feb 1895, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Eliza Rivers, born abt 1815, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John B. Rivers, 1832, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died bef 26 Jan 1870, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Frederick F. Rivers III was born in 1828 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He served in the Civil War and died before 11 Jan 1866 at the age of 38 most likely due to service connected injuries. Frederick had his estate probated on 29 Jan 1866; Probate Folder #103 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. James Calvin Rivers, born 9 Jan 1831, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Louise Gatewood, 5 Jan 1860, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 3 Nov 1907, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Sometime near 11 January 1866, one of the children, Frederick III,  passed away leaving 6 remaining children.

On 28 April 1869, five of the remaining six children, William, Sarah, Lewis, Eliza and Calvin sold their interest in their parents estate lands (162 + acres) to their brother David T. Rivers for $500.00 dollars. [Chesterfield County, SC; Deed Book 4, pages 497 and 498].  

Another Chesterfield Land Deed (DB 4, pages 263 to 265] shows that the six children sold 69 acres to B. F. White for three hundred and sixty seven dollars ($367.00).



Transcription:
by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and released unto the said B. F. White all that tract and parcel of land formerly owned by F. F. Rivers (deceased).




Transcription:
Page 497
Wm Rivers + Others to David Rivers Deed
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Know all men by these presents that we William Rivers Sarah Rives Lewis Rivers Eliza Rivers + Calvin Rivers of the State and County aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of $500 Five hundred Dollars to us paid in hand by David Rivers of the State and County aforesaid have granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do grant bargain sell and release unto the said David Rivers a certain piece or parcel of land lying and being in the State and County aforesaid lying on Jimmey’s Creek bounded on the West by lands of John John Bitels [Bittle??] and Phillip G. Hinson in East by lands of A. J. Edins [Eddins] and others containing 162 1/2 more or less together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging in in <sic> anywise incidents or appertancy [appertaining] to have and to hold all and singular premises above mentioned unto the said David Rivers his heirs and afsigns against ourselves our heirs and against any person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming the same or any p[art thereof. In witnefs whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, the 28 of April Anno 1869.
Signed, Sealed and delivered}                      Lewis Rivers {seal}
In the presence of}                                       Wm. Rivers {seal}
A. J. Eddins}                                                Calvin Rivers {seal}
W. B. Davis}                                 Eliza X her mark Rivers No Seal

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me A. J. Eddins and made oath that he saw Lewis Rivers, Wm. Rivers, and Calvin Rivers sign seal and as their act and deed deliver the within written deed and that he and W. B. Davis witnefsed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me 29^th}                               A. J. Eddins
day of Jany 1879}
Thomas F. Malloy}
Clk}

Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
                  Recorded 29 Jany 1879 in Sales Book “A” page 132
                                                             C. L. Evans
                                                             A. C. C.

Recorded 29 Jany 1879

Orig.l deliv’d to P. Streater

Frederick F. Rivers, Jr.  an his wife Siddie are my 4th Great Grand Uncle and Aunt.

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1. 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 262, Line 7, Household of Frederick RIVERS Jr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M19_172.
2. 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 177B, Dwelling #1213, Family/1213, Household of Frederick Rivers Sr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.


3. Land Deed - Frederick W. Rivers to Frederick Rivers, Jr.; 21 November 1846; Deed Book #DB #1; Page(s) page 186; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 2000.
4. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, DB 4: pages 263, 264 & 265, Wm. RIVERS and Others to B. F. WHITE; 26 January 1870, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.


5. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, DB 5: pages 497-498, William Rivers and Others to David Rivers; 28 April 1869, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
6. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Self-Published, 1995, page 1160. Tombstone of Frederick F. Rivers; 3 November 1779–31 March 1860, Rivers Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed November 2008); Memorial page for Frederick Rivers, Sr.; (3 November 1779–31 May 1860); Find a Grave memorial # # 47259651, Citing Rivers Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
8. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Pvt Frederick F. Rivers, Jr.  (1828–11 January 1866), Memorial # # 47259387.
9. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Self-Published, 1995. Tombstone of Siddie Rivers.
10. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Frederick F. RIVERS; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 21 May 2014); Estate Folder #103.

Amanuensis Monday~Calvin and Frederick Rivers Agricultural Lien

Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.

Today’s subject is an Agricultural Lien Executed by Calvin and Frederick Rivers with Graeser & Smith.

Calvin Rivers & Others to Graeser & Smith Lien

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County }
Memorandum of Agreement, made and entered into the Fifteenth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy between Graeser & Smith of the State aforesaid, of the first part and Calvin Rivers and Frederick Rivers of the second part.
First, the parties of the first part agree with the party of the second part, who is engaged in the cultivation of the soil upon a plantation in Chesterfield County So. Ca., adjoining the lands of Eliza White and others, on Thompson’s Creek to make advances to him during the current year, in manners and provisions(?) to be used and expended in the planting of said plantation and cultivation of the soil, the said advances not to exceed, in all, the sum of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars.
Second, the party of the second part agrees with the parties of the first part, in consideration of the advances so made, and to be made by them to him, that he will expend and apply the whole of said advances in and upon the planting and cultivation of his plantation in Chesterfield County as above described in which he is now engaged; and for and in consideration of the premises, the said party of the second part, hath given and granted, and by these presents doth give and grant to the said parties of the first part, and to the survivor or survivors of them, and the Executors and Administrators or Assigns of such survivor, a lien on the whole of the marketable crops which shall or may be made this current year upon the land, in the cultivation of which the advances so made by the parties of the first part shall be expended in preference to all other liens, existing or otherwise, to the extent and amount of such advances together with interest thereon at the rate of Twelve (12%) per cent, per annum, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of Afsembly of the Sate, entitled “An Act to secure advances for Agricultural Purposes,” ratified on the twenty fifth day of September eighteen hundred and sixty six, and subject to all the powers, conditions and provisions therein contained.
Third, The party of the second part doth herby mortgage to the party of the first part, as an additional security for the fulfillment of the terms of this Lien, all the mules, horses, cattle and farming implements on said plantation, consisting as follows, Viz: This obligation to be void as soon as the terms of this agreement are complied with.
Fourth. The party of the second part covenants and agrees with the parties of the first part in consideration of the advances, so made, and to be made by them to him, that he will send to them, for sale on commifsion the whole of the cotton crops made on said plantation, and in default thereof, that he will pay to them a commifsion of Five (5) per cent, on the estimated value of every bale of cotton not sent to them for sale, And further, the party of the second part gives the party of the first part a lien on the whole of the marketable crops for said commissions, in the same manner as for the advances previously named.
Fifth. The party of the second part obligates to send to the parties of the first part, sufficient cotton to pay all advances prior to the 15^th November next, and acknowledges all advances made as a debt, without further proof, and further agrees that all sums or balances or advances and debt not paid by 15 November next, shall be entitle to interest at the rate of Loan and –a--half per cent, per month, from that date until paid. In testimony whereof, the parties hereto have here under set their hands, in duplicate, the day and year first above written.
Signed and delivered} W. L. T. Reid & Sons Agnt
In the Presence of }                                                                 s/Calvin Rivers
A. T. Gaillard}                                                                        s/Fred Rivers

{U. S. Stamps amounting to}

[Five cents properly cancelled}

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me A. T. Gaillard and made oath that he saw the within named W. L. T. Reid & Sons Calvin Rivers & Fred Rivers sign and as their act and deed deliver the within named written Lien and that I witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me, this Third
Day of March 1870
P. A. Brock, L. W.


After the Civil War times were very tough for everyone in the South. The period between 1865 and 1877 was known as the Reconstruction Era.  After returning from the war, those that did return, found their lands in a very sad state. Their money was useless and ”barter” became a way of life. Those that did have money exacted a “high cost” for those that were able to get a loan and in most cases a “lien” on their assets to enable them to borrow enough to plant and harvest another crop.

The above lien in typical for this time period and almost everyone borrowed money from these “money lenders”. 






_________________________
[1] Land Deed - Calvin and Frederick Rivers to Graeser & Smith, Lien.; 15 February 1870; Deed Book #Book 2; Page(s) 413-415; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC; 31 August 2017.

Sunday’s Obituary – Calvin Rivers

Mr. Calvin Rivers, an old and prominent citizen of Chesterfield County, died , Sunday, at his home, near the town of Chesterfield.  Mr. Rivers married a sister of Mr. Samuel Gatewood, of this county. [The Messenger & Intelligencer, 7 Nov. 1907, Short Locals, Anson Co., NC]⁴


Calvin Rivers was born on 9 Jan 1831 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ¹ He purchased a 100 acres parcel of land from A. J. Eddins (Deed Book 1, Page 80) on 19 May 1866 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He appeared in the census in 1880 and 1900 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{2 3} He died on 3 Nov 1907 at the age of 76 and was buried in the Rivers Family Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ⁴

Calvin Rivers and Louise "Lou" Gatewood were married on 5 Jan 1860 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Louise "Lou" Gatewood, daughter of Phillip Gatewood and Jennie Bailey, was born on 1 May 1838 in Anson County, North Carolina. ^{5 6} She died on 7 Jan 1909 at the age of 70 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina and was buried in the Rivers Family Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{7 8 9}

Calvin Rivers and Louise Gatewood had the following children:

i. Robert Edward Rivers, born 2 Mar 1861, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Flora Smith McRae, 13 Mar 1901; died 31 Oct 1933, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

ii. Ada Norwood Rivers, born 19 Jun 1863, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married James A. Watson, 1899; died 23 Dec 1944, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

iii. Frederick Franklin Rivers, born 24 Apr 1866, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Mary Eugenia Bennett, 18 Dec 1894, Ansonville, Anson Co.,NC; died 4 Nov 1940, Louisville, Jefferson County, Georgia.

iv. Thomas Ebbin Rivers was born on 31 Jan 1868 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{10 11} He died on 18 Nov 1892 at the age of 24 in Cottonton, Russell County, Alabama, USA.¹² He was buried about 19 Nov 1892 in Cottonton, Russell County, Alabama.^{13 14}

v. Charles Hampton Rivers, born 31 Jan 1872, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Mary Delle Ratliff, 1909, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 23 Nov 1942, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

vi. James Calvin "Mr. Jim" Rivers, born 12 May 1876, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Agnes Gertrude Meehan, 14 Mar 1918, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 27 Dec 1939, Florence County, South Carolina.
 
 
 
 
 
___________________________                                                                                                           1. 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 177B, Dwelling #1213, Family/1213, Household of Frederick Rivers Sr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: accessed May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 5, page 323, dwelling 230, family 230, Household of Calvin Rivers; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed July 2011); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
3. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #21, Page 105B, Line 15, Dwelling 381; Family 388, Household of Calvin RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : Viewed 17 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1523.
4. Mr. Calvin Rivers obituary, The Messenger & Intelligencer, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, 7 November 1907, Short Locals,.
5. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED 5, page 323, dwelling 230, family 230, Household of Calvin Rivers.
6. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #21, Page 105B, Line 15, Dwelling 381; Family 388, Household of Calvin RIVERS.
7. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Lou Rivers; (1 May 1842–7 January 1909); Memorial # 38880732; Record of the Rivers Family Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 2 August 2011.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Tom E Rivers; (31 January 1869–18 November 1892); Memorial # 60149006; Record of the Thomas Cemetery; Russell County, Alabama, USA; Accessed on 8 October 2011.
11. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED 5, page 323, dwelling 230, family 230, Household of Calvin Rivers.
12. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 8 October 2011; Headstone for Tom E Rivers; Memorial # 60149006.
13. Ibid.
14. Ibid.