It’s Family Time~Annie Jane Graves

Annie Jane Graves was the firstborn child of David W. Graves and Mary Ann Gulledge. She was born in November 1873 according to the 1900 Census for the Mary Ann Graves household,. Mary Ann was a widow in 1900; her husband David had passed away in November 1898.

The other birth date of 29 Oct 1867 is recorded on Annie Jane's South Carolina Death Certificate. Annie Jane could not have been born on this date because her mother Mary Gulledge is unmarried, living in her parents' household in 1870.
Image

1870 United States Federal Census for Mary Gullage

South Carolina > Chesterfield > Cole Hill

She is also listed as age 7 in the 1880 Census in David and Mary's household. 

Annie Jane Graves never married. She was living in a semi-invalid home in Lee County, South Carolina when she passed away on 17 February 1958. Based on the 1873 birth year she was 84 years old at her passing.

Annie Jane Graves's death certificate says her body was returned to Chesterfield and she was buried in the Chesterfield Cemetery. Her grave is unmarked.

Annie Jane Graves is my second Great Grand Aunt.





______________________
1. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #19, Pages 64B & 65A, Line 98, Dwelling 127, Family 128, Household of Mary A. Graves; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.
2. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #4, Page 309C, Line 7, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of David W. GRAVES; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archive  Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
3. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of  [Archibald] James GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.
4. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #37, Page 107B, Line 68, Dwelling 132, Family 133, Household of Archie J. GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.
5. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 266A&B; Line 49, Dwelling 153, Family 157, Household of  Archibald J. GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_2192.
6. 1940 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13-13, Page 185B/16B; Line 62,, Household #248, Household of A. J. GRAVES; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 15 May 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 3799.
7. Annie Jane Graves, death certificate #58 007309 (Death Date: 17 Feb 1958), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.

It’s Family Time~Archibald James Graves

Archibald James Graves was born on 12 Apr 1878 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was a son of David W. Graves and his wife, Mary Ann Gulledge. His mother, Mary Ann, was the daughter of  Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson.


Archibald was a life-long farmer in Chesterfield County.


Archibald James had three sisters and a brother. After the death of his father, David, in Nov 1898; it fell on Archibald James to care for his Mother and three unmarried sisters. His Mother, Mary Ann, passed away in April 1921. 


Archibald James died on 25 May 1947 at the age of 69 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was buried with his parents and siblings in Saint Mary’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old) near Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He was survived by his brother, Daniel Gulledge Graves and his baby sister, Mary Hannah Graves.


Archibald James Graves is my 2nd Great Granduncle. 









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      1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed  12 May 2015); Memorial page for Archibald J. Graves; (12 April 1878–25 May 1947); Find a Grave memorial # 47923023, Citing Saint Mary’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old); Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
     2. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #4, Page 309C, Line 7, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of David W. GRAVES; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 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, Pages 64B & 65A, Line 98, Dwelling 127, Family 128, Household of Mary A. Graves; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.
     4. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of  [Archibald] James GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.
     5. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #37, Page 107B, Line 68, Dwelling 132, Family 133, Household of Archie J. GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.
     6. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 266A&B; Line 49, Dwelling 153, Family 157, Household of  Archibald J. GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_2192.
     7. 1940 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 13-13, Page 185B/16B; Line 62,, Household #248, Household of A. J. GRAVES; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 15 May 2015); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 3799.
     8. South Carolina, Death Records, 1821-1961, Images. Ancestry, (https://www.ancestry.com:  15 May 2015), South Carolina, Death Records, 1821-1961, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, Archibald J. Graves; Certificate number #005819, 25 May 1947.

Census Sunday~Mary Graves Household

For many years I have studied and puzzled over the composition of the Mary Graves Household in the 1850 Chesterfield County Census. Her household is Dwelling 110, Family 110 on page 106. ¹

 



Within this family is my 2nd great Grandmother Sarah Jane Graves, age 16, just a few years before she and my 2nd Great Grandfather William A. Purvis were married.
All of us who have researched our ancestors for a  while knows that censuses before the 1880 Census provides no reference to relationships of  individuals that are enumerated within a household.

The relationship of these four individuals are not given. I think we can safely say the Sarah Jane, age 16, and [William] Thomas Graves, age 14, are siblings.  But, whose siblings?

Are they children of David and maybe a deceased wife? David is listed here as age 32, making his birth year to be 1818. His tombstone in the St. Mary’s Presbyterian Church cemetery shows that he was born 22 January 1812. So David may be older than was reported to the Census taker. ²

David and Mary can be found in the 1860 census. Sometime after 1860 Mary Graves died. Then around 1871 David W. Graves at age, 59 or 53 married Mary Anne Gulledge. They had five children; three daughters and two sons.³

I just don’t believe this is the fist marriage for David W. Graves thus the two children in Mary Graves household are David’s from a previous marriage and he is the Father of Sarah Jane, age 16, and [William] Thomas Graves, age 14.

Nor do I believe that Mary Graves had two small children at age 39 and 42 years of age. Census data confirms this in that Mary Graves is listed as a widow in both the 1830 and 1840 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ^{4 5}

Mary Graves is the Grandmother of the two children and the Mother of David W. Graves. 

To my readers, given the facts as presented do you think the children are the son and daughter of David W. Graves or do you have other thoughts. I’m open to suggestions concerning this family. 
  










______________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 1 January 2008); Memorial page for David W. Graves; (22 January 1812–21 November 1898); Find a Grave memorial # 47922854, Citing Saint Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old); Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[3] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 171A, Line 6, Dwelling 1083, Family 1081, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.
[4] 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 243, Household of Mary Graves; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2008); citing National Archives Microfilm M19_172.
[5] 1840 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 347, Line 15, Household of Mary Graves; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 January 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M740_Roll 510.

52 Ancestors: #40, David W. Graves

 

Amy Johnson Crow of No Story To Small has started a challenge of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.
From her blog “The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. Not only should this get me blogging more, but also to take a deeper look at some of the people in my family tree.”

The focus of my blog post today is David W. Graves, prime candidate for 3rd Great Grandfather.
 
One of the biggest challenges and disappointments in my 38 years of research is that my direct Purvis line has been “frozen in times” at my 2nd Great Grand Parents William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves. For years I have searched with no obvious advancement. 

Many of the ideas, suggestions, conclusions espoused in this article are the opinion and thought process of the author of this blog. Solid, concrete proof prior to Civil War is almost non-existent in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

With the advances in DNA it made sense that I should test in an effort to extend these two lines.  My male Y-DNA-67 test and Family Finder results gave me two clues on the Purvis line.¹

• I matched with a descendant of James F. Purvis b. 1760 in Chesterfield, son of John Purvis and Sarah Johnston; James F. Purvis, b. 1760 is a brother to Gilbert Purvis.²
• I also have almost a “prefect” match with Joseph Purves, (1770 – 1841) born 13 May 1770 in Chirnside, Berwickshire, Scotland.³

Sarah Jane Graves Purvis, age 16, b. 1834
Sarah Jane Graves is my 2nd Great Grandmother. She married William A. Purvis sometime before 1860; mostly the later part of the 1850’s. In the 1850 Census for Chesterfield County, she is enumerated in the household of Mary Graves, female, age 55, born in SC. ⁴



As genealogist we all know that census prior to 1880 shows no relationship other that head of Household  thus labeling each individual within the household as either male or female.
Thus, looking at the above image of the 1850 census for Household #110 , we have no idea about relationship of the four individuals listed.  

David W. Graves is listed as age 32 making his year of birth to be 1818. But his tombstone at St. Mary’s  Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old) in Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina shows his date of birth as 22 January 1812.

• David W. Graves, b. 1818  (1850 & 1860 Census)
• David W. Graves, b. 1825  (1880 Census)
• David W. Graves, b. 22 January 1812 (Tombstone)

I think it safe to say that David W. Graves is a son of Mary Graves age 55. If he was in fact born in 1812 then Mary would have been 17 at time of  David’s birth, which is a possibility.
  
Thomas Graves, age 16, b. 1836
Thomas Graves is William Thomas Graves. He married Mary Gilley Lassiter on 26 July 1857.
MARRIAGE: St. David's Parish, South Carolina; Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832; Parish register 1819-1924, Page 105, by Brent H. Holcomb, C.A.L.S., Southern Historical Press, Greenville, SC 1991. July 26, 1857 at the residence of James Hewitt, William Graves and Mary G. Lassiter, both of the district.⁵

Their first born daughter, Clarinda was born on 23 October 1859. Their next child, also a daughter, Nancy Jane was born in 1862. 

NAME: "St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832, Parish Register 1819-1924" by Brent H. Holcomb, 1991. Page 67-68.(1) 1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Clara Edna Green[Clarinda], aged 14, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte, page 67.  (2)1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Nancy Jane, aged 12, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte (Page 68).⁶

William Thomas Graves died 15 October 1862 at Charlestown Hospital, Virginia from pneumonia.⁷
Based upon the the ages of the two children in the above listing, Sarah Jane, age 16 and [William] Thomas, age 14; it’s logical they are siblings. 

So, we are at a point where we have two siblings living in the household of an Older woman who may be and is most likely their Grandmother with a young man, age 32+ that could be their father. 

Mary Graves, age 55, b. 1795

Mary Graves is old enough to be David's mother and the grandmother of the two children, Sarah Jane and [William] Thomas Graves. She lived through the 1860 census and died sometime between 1860 and 1870. No obituary, estate file or tombstone has been found for her. ⁸



After the death of Mary Graves, David W. Graves  married Mary Ann Gulledge about 1872. She was a daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson. 

One of the major reasons that I think that David W. Graves is the father of Sarah and William Thomas is this marriage after the death of Mary Graves, whom I believe to be his Mother.

I believe that David was previously married to an unknown wife and they had Sarah Jane and William Thomas before the wife/mother passed away. I don’t believe that David waited until he was age 60 (1872-1812) to find a wife and marry Mary Ann Gulledge, Thus, Mary Ann Gulledge would be a second wife. 



In conclusion, this is David W. Graves and his two children, Sarah Jane and William Thomas in the household of His Mother, Mary Graves. 

I’m open to suggestions from you, my readers, on how I can use DNA to prove or reject the suppositions made within this blog. Any comments greatly welcomed and appreciated. Sometimes, I think I have developed a case of “tunnel vision” when contemplating this line. 






_______________________________
[1] http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/purvis/results
[2] https://my.familytreedna.com/family-finder/matches.aspx
[3] http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/15610355/person/442821121?ssrc=
[4] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[5] Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), page 105.
[6] Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), pages 87-68.
[7] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
[8] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 171A, Line 6, Dwelling 1083, Family 1081, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.

Amanuensis Monday~David W. Graves to Malcolm Decker Land Deed

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 a Land Deed from David W. Graves to Malcom Decker, dated 28 March 1877.¹
The State of South Carolina
                                                     Know all men by these presents that I David W. Graves of the County of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid in consideration of the sum of two hundred ($200) dollars to me in hand paid at and before the Sealing of these presents by Malcolm Decker of the County of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid (the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged) have granted, bargained,  Sold and released and by these presents do grant, bargain, Sell and release unto the said Malcolm Decker all that certain piece, parcel or tract of land Situate lying and being in the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina containing 217 acres more or less bounded on the North by Thompkins  line and on the East by the Public Road and the Thomas land on the South by a small Branch or brook and only West by the McIntyre land and has such form, marks and bounds  as is represented by a platt of resurvey made by Randal McDonald and certify by him on the 23rd day of the December  one thousand eight hundred and twenty two (1822)  a copy of which plat is hereunto annexed Together with all and singular the Rights, Members, Hereditaments  and Appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to have and to hold all and Singular the said premises performed mentioned unto the said Malcolm Decker his heirs and Assigns forever, And I do hereby bind myself, my heirs Executors and Administrators to warrant and forever against all and singular the said premise unto the said Malcolm Decker his Heirs and Assigns against myself and my heirs and all other persons lawfully claiming or to claim the Same or any part thereof.  Witness my hand and seal this twenty eight (28th) day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven (1877) and in the one hundred and first (101st) year of the Sovereignty of the United States of America
                                                                       David W. Graves
Signed, Sealed and delivered}
in the presence of }
T. G. Blue}
P.J. Stafford}
The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
                                                                    Personally appeared before me P.J. Stafford and made oath that he Saw the within named David W. Graves, Sign, Seal and as his act and deed deliver the within Written deed and that he with Thomas G Blue witnessed  the execution thereof.
Signed before me}                                             P. J. Spofford
the 4th day of October 1880}
Thomas F. Mulloy
Clk
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
                           I, Donald Matheson a Notary Public duly commissioned and qualified do certified unto all whom it may concern that Mrs. Mary Ann Graves the wife of the within named D. W. Graves did this day appear before me and upon being privately and Separately Examined by me did declared that she was freely, voluntarily and without any compulsion, dread or fear of any person or persons  whomsoever renounce, release and forever relinquish unto the within named Malcolm Decker his Heirs and Assigns all her interest and Estate and also all her right and claim of dower of, in or to all and Singular the premises within mentioned and released given under my hand and Seal this 25th day of December Anno Domenici Eighteen hundred and Seventy Seven.
D Matheson  (LS)}                                   Mary Ann Graves
Notary Public}
Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
                            Recorded in the Sales Book “A”, Oct.  4, 1880
                page 165                     C. L.  Evans, Auditor
                           Recorded 4th  Oct. 1880
          Origin’l dlvd to Malcolm Decker
Chesterfield County Deed Book 6, pages 151-153
David W. Graves married Mary Anne Gulledge abut 1872, Mary Ann was the daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson. about the same time Malcolm Decker married Catherine Gulledge, the sister of Mary Anne.
On the same day the above action took place, Catherine Decker “release unto the said David W. Graves all my third interest in one track of one hundred seven (107) acres of land more or less in Chesterfield County, situate on Bay branch and bounded on the North, West and the South by lands of M. G. TANH? and W. W. Knight, and on the East by Estate lands of Daniel Gulledge,…”²
These two transaction seems to be a consolidation of the 2/3 interested (Mary Ann & Catherine) in land formerly belonging to Daniel Gulledge and the selling of the consolidated parcel to Malcolm Decker. 
David W. Graves is my 3rd Great Grandfather.
________________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 6: pages 151-153, David W. Graves to Malcolm Decker; Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
[2] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 5: pages 327-328, C[atherine] Decker to the D. W. Graves Deed; Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Surname Saturday~Graves

Sarah Jane Graves is my 2nd Great Grandmother. She married William A. Purvis sometime before 1860. Sarah and William A. were living as a couple in 1860  Anson County. My Great Grandfather, their only child had not yet been born or conceived.
 
1860 CENSUS: Morven, Anson County, North Carolina; Roll: M653_887;  Image: 160; Family History Library Film: 803887; Page: 300; Line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188; William A. PURVIS, age 34, Shoemaker, born in NC; Sarah PURVIS, female, age 26, born in SC; Joseph WHITE, age 33, Cooper, born in NC and Laura WHITE, age 30, born in NC. ¹

Sarah first appeared in the 1850 Chesterfield County Census as a 16 year old female in the household of Mary Graves, age 55, born in SC.
 
1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Roll: M432_851; Image: 216, Film #0444814, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110; Mary GRAVES, age 55, born in SC; David W. GRAVES, age 32, Tailor, born in SC; Sarah J. GRAVES, age 16, born in SC and Thomas GRAVES, age 14, born in SC. ²

The composition of this household is:
Mary Graves, age 55, born in SC  (Born 1795)
David W. Graves, male, age 32 (born 1818)
Sarah J. Graves, female, age 16 (born 1834)
[William] Thomas Graves, male, age 14 (born 1836)

I have studied, pondered, agonized and struggled over this family composition for many years with one thought in mind – Who are the parents of Sarah J.. Graves?.

Is this Grandma Mary Graves with her son David W and two grand children?
or
Is Mary the Mother of the the three living with her?

Another cog in this conundrum is the correct age of David W. Graves. His tombstone in the Old St. Mary’s Presbyterian Church shows that he was born 22 January 1812. If this date is correct and if Mary was also born as stated in 1795 then Mary would be 17 years old when her son David W. Graves was born.³

My thoughts are that Mary is Mother of David W. Graves and Sarah J. and William Thomas are her grandchildren. I also believed that David W. Graves is the father of Sarah J. and William Thomas Graves. Now I just need a way to proved or disproved this information. 

After the death of Mary Graves, David W. Graves married Mary Ann Gulledge about 1872. To this union 5 children were born 2 sons and 3 daughters.  David reported his age as 42 in 1860 and age 55 in 1880.

What do you think with the facts as presented here: Was David previously married and the Father of Sarah Jane and William Thomas Graves or is there inadequate evidence to draw a conclusion?





_____________________
[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 300, line 34, Dwelling 1238, Family 1188, Household of William A. Purvis; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 887.
[3] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 1 January 2008); Headstone for David W. Graves; (22 January 1812–21 November 1898); Records of the Saint Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old); Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.

Land Deed~Decker to Graves

 
C. Decker to the D. W. Graves Deed¹
The State of South Carolina
Know all men by these presents that I Catherine Decker of the County of Chesterfield in this State aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five ($25) dollars to me in hand paid and before the sealing of these presents, by David W. Graves of the County of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid (the receipt whereof is hereby and knowledge) have granted, bargained, sold and released, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said David W. Graves all my third interest in one track of one hundred seven (107) acres of land more or less in Chesterfield County, situate on Bay branch and bounded on the North, West and the South by lands of M. G. Tanh? and W. W. Knight, and on the East by Estate lands of Daniel Gulledge, the same being an undivided one third interest in the above described tract of land Together with all and singular the Rights, Members, Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the said interest Premise belonging or in any wise incident are appertaining. To Have and to Hold, all and singular the said Interest in the said premises before mentioned unto the said David W. Graves his heirs and Assigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said Interest in the said premises unto the said David W. Graves, his Heirs and Assigns against myself and my Heirs and all other persons lawfully claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof. Witness my Hand and Seal this twenty eight (28) day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven (1877) and in the one hundred and first (101^st) year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
                                                                      Catherine X Decker {seal}
Signed, Sealed and Delivered}
in the presence up}
P. J. Stafford}
E. M. Wells}
 
The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
Personally appeared before me P.J. Stafford and made oath that he saw the within named Catherine Decker Signed, Sealed and as her Act and Deed. Delivered the within written deed; and that he with E. M. Wells witness to execution thereof.
                                                                                 P. J. Stafford
Sworn to me will before me, this 14^th}
day of January 1878,}
Thomas F. Malloy}
Clk }
Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
Recorded in Sales Book “A” 15^th Jany 1878 page 119
                                                                                C. J. Evans
                                                                                A.C. C.

Recorded 15^th Jany 1878

Origl delivered to D. W. Graves.

David W. Graves is my 3rd Great Grandfather. His first wife is unknown; but, census indicates that they had 2 known children – Sarah Jane and William Thomas Graves.  

His Mother, Mary Graves (1795- after Aug 1860) died sometime after the 1860 census were enumerated. After her death, David W Graves married Mary Ann Gulledge, daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson. 

David W. and Mary Ann Gulledge had 5 children; 3 daughters and 2 sons. 

In 1910, Catherine DECKER, the Grantor in the above mentioned Land Deed was living in the household of Archibald James Graves, with Archie’s Mother Mary Ann and two sister. Catherine is listed as his Aunt.²

1910 CENSUS: Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: T624_1455; Enumeration District: 0034; Image: 830; FHL Number: 1375468; Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, [Archibald] James GRAVES, age 29; Mary [GULLEDGE] GRAVES, his mother, age 67;  Annie Jane GRAVES, his sister, age 31; Mary H. GRAVES, his sister, age 24 and Catherine DECKER his aunt, age 65.

Catherine Gulledge Decker and Mary Ann Gulledge Graves are sisters.

David W. Graves died  21 Nov 1898 and is buried in the Old St. Mary’s Presbyterian cemetery.³

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[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 5: pages 327-328, C[atherine] Decker to the D. W. Graves Deed; Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

[2] 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of [Archibald] James GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.

[3] James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Self-Published, 1995, page 943. Tombstone of David W. GRAVES; 22 January 1812–21 November 1898, Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Surname Saturday~Graves

My great, great Grandmother is Sarah Jane Graves, b. abt 1833 in Chesterfield, South Carolina and died 31 Dec 1893 in McFarland, Anson County, North Carolina.[1]

Sarah Jane Graves married William A. Purvis just prior to the 1860 census year where they are listed as a  married couple. The marriage most likely took place about 1859 since Sarah Jane is listed as age 16 in the 1850 Census. [2]

The early life of both Sarah Jane and William A. Purvis are obscure and unknown to this researcher. This in part is caused by a major lack of historical documents and records for pre-civil war Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

William A. Purvis has been a major brick wall for over 37 years. The Graves family is just as obscure as the Purvis.

Sarah Jane Graves is found in the the 1850 census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina. [3]



The extracted family information, enumerated 10 August 1850, is:

Family/Dwelling: 110/110
*  Mary Graves, age 55, Female, born in SC
*  David W. GRAVES, Male, age 32, tailor, born in SC
*  Sarah J. Graves, Female, age 16, born in SC
*  Thomas Graves, Male, age 14, born in SC

After studying this family for 30 plus years my take on this family is that Mary Graves, age 55 is the Mother of David W. Graves and grandmother of Sarah J. Graves and Thomas Graves.

Sarah J, and Thomas are children of David from an unknown Wife. After this Census David W. served in the Civil War and after the war and death of his Mother Mary, he married Mary Ann Gulledge about 1872.

Based on the reported dates in the Census David W. Graves was at least 54 years old when he married Mary Ann Gulledge.

However, there  some conflict of the actual age of David W. Graves. This chart reflects his reported age in the following Census:

1850	1860	1870	1880
32 (1818)	42 (1818)		55 (1825)

He enlisted into the Civil War on August 25, 1861 and reported his age as 40 years old. [4]

His tombstone in the Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery had his Birth date recorded as 22 January 1812. So there a question as to the exact birth year for David W. Graves; is it 1812, 1818 or 1825? [5]

David W. Graves died 21 November 1898 according to his tombstone.

Looking at family composition  in census and attempting to discern relationship is problematic at the best.
Looking at the 1850 census it’s obvious that Mary Graves, age 55 is head of Household and David W., Sarah and Thomas are subordinates within the household.

Also based on census data in the 1830 and 1840 census for Chesterfield County, Mary is head of household; thus it very unlikely that the two younger children are her children and a good possibility they are grandchildren.

I also think  that it’s very unlikely that David W. Graves, b. 1812 or 1818 waited until 1872 before he was married. I think that he was previously married about 1833 when he was around 20 or 21 years of age (This assumes he was born in 1812).  

Mary was born in 1795 based on reported age; if David W. was in fact born in 1812 it’s safe to assume that David W. Graves is her oldest child and was born shortly after her marriage to an unknown Graves man.

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on the position and assumptions I have made within this posting. If you have suggestions on how to proceed I would also welcome those comments. 









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[1] Sarah Jane Graves Purvis obituary, Messenger-Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 4 January 1894, page 3, McFarlan News.
[2] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 3 March 2009), entry for David W. Graves, Private; Company G, Capt. Kelly's Company, Light Artillery; Confederate. http://www.fold3.com/image/#77197010
[5] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for David W. Graves; (22 January 1812–21 November 1898); Memorial # 47922854; Record of the Saint Mary’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old); Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 1 January 2008.

Mary, David and Sarah –Oh No!! Another Brick Wall

David W. Graves is my 3^rd great Grandfather if he is the father of Sarah Jane Graves and William Thomas Graves. There is conflicting information on David’s birth date thus his age.  He died 21 November 1898 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. David W. Graves’s tombstone in the Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery[1] records his birth as Jan 22, 1812.[2]

David married Mary Ann Gulledge about 1872 in Chesterfield County, SC. She was the daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson. Mary Ann was born on 15 May 1842.

In 1872 when it is believe that David W. and Mary Ann were married; David was 60 years old and Mary Ann was 30 years of age.  

Do you believe that David W. Graves lived to be 60 years of age before he found a young lady that would agree to marry him? I don’t either.

Now, In 1850 David is enumerated with an older lady whom I believe is his mother – Mary Graves.[3]

1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Roll: M432_851; Image: 216, Film #0444814, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110;

Mary GRAVES, age 55, born in SC; birth year = 1795.

David W. GRAVES, age 32, Tailor, born in SC;

Sarah J. GRAVES, age 16, born in SC and

Thomas GRAVES, age 14, born in SC.

The first problem with this listing is that it does not support the birth date on David W. Graves’s tombstone. If he was 32 in 1850 then his birth year would be 1818 maybe dropping about 6 years from his actual age. His military Service record indicates he was 40 year of age when he enlisted into the Civil War on 25 August 1861.[4]

The other question I have about this listing is the family composition.  Records before the Civil War are few and far in between in Chesterfield County.  Based on actual practice for this time I think it unlikely that David W. Graves’s first marriage took place when he was 60 years of age. Therefore, I believe this Census listing is a listing of two families:

Mary Graves[5], age 55; Mother of David W. and grandmother to the two younger children.

                David W. Graves, age 32 or 38,

                                Sarah Jane Graves, granddaughter, age 16, b. 1834

                                William Thomas Graves, grandson, age 14, born in 1836

That would imply an unknown Wife and a marriage year around 1832/1833 for David W. Graves.

This is another one of my recurring “brick walls.”

I wrote a lengthy article back in 2008 on this line that can be viewed here:

http://www.gravesfa.org/gen558discussion.htm

Scroll down to the section about mid page and see the section entitled:

Additional Comments andInformation Relating to the Connection Between Genealogies 558 and 270

I would greatly appreciate your feedback on this family.

•         Do you that Mary is the Mother of the others in the household?

•         Do you think the younger children may be grandchildren?

•         Any other feedback you care to make.

Thank you for reading my blog and for your comments.

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[1] James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Self-Published, 1995, page 943. Tombstone of David W. GRAVES; 22 January 1812–21 November 1898, Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

[2] Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for David W. Graves; (22 January 1812–21 November 1898); Memorial # 47922854; Record of the Saint Mary’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old); Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 1 January 2008.

[3] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

[4] http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|77197010

[5] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 171A, Line 6, Dwelling 1083, Family 1081, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.

Tombstone Tusesday - David W. Graves

Tombstone Photo Courtesy of Jason Cockfield

Inscription:

DAVID W. GRAVES./ BORN/ January 22, 1812,/ DIED/ November 21, 1898./ --/ Blessed are the pure in/ heart; for they shall see/ God./

David W. Graves was born on 22 Jan 1812 in NC. ^{1 2 3} He died on 21 Nov 1898 at the age of 86 and was buried at Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Patrick, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{4 5} He served in the military Civil War in 1861–1865. His brother Thomas died in the Civil War.

Census data indicates that David was previously married prior to his marriage about 1872 to Mary Ann Gulledge. No data has been found naming David first wife; but, the 1850 census for Chesterfield County shows David, Sarah and Thomas living the household of Mary Graves, age 55, believe to be the Mother of David and grandmother to Sarah and Thomas. David W. Graves and Unknown were married in 1833.

David W. Graves and his  Unknown Wife had the following children:

             i.   Sarah Jane Graves, born abt 1833, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married William A. Purvis, abt 1859; died 30 Dec 1893, McFarlan, Anson County, North Carolina.

             ii.   William Thomas Graves, born May 1838, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married 1^st, Mary Gilley Lassiter, 26 Jul 1857, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married 2^nd, Mary E. Gainey, abt 1863, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died aft 1900.

David W. Graves and Mary Ann Gulledge were married about 1872. Mary Ann Gulledge, daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson, was born on 15 May 1842 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.⁶ She appeared in the census in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{7 8 9} She died on 25 Apr 1921 at the age of 78 and was buried at Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

David W. Graves and Mary Ann Gulledge had the following children:

           i.   Annie Jane Graves was born in Nov 1873 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ^{10 11 12 13 14}

           ii.   Margaret I. Graves was born on 18 May 1875; died on 2 Sep 1883 at the age of 8  in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ¹⁵  

           iii.   Daniel G. Graves, born 27 Jan 1877; married Eula Lee Holley, Georgia; died 17 May 1955, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

           iv.   Archibald James Graves was born on 12 Apr 1878 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ^{16 17} He appeared in the census in 1910 -1940 Census in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{18 19 20} He died on 25 May 1947 at the age of 69 and was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

           v.    Mary Hannah Graves was born on 22 Oct 1881 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. ^{21 22 23 24} She died on 23 Mar 1953 at the age of 71 in Lynchburg, Lee County, South Carolina and was buried at Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

David W. Graves is my third great grandfather. His daughter Sarah Jane Graves is my second great grandmother. 

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        1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851. 1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Roll: M432_851; Image: 216, Film #0444814, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110; Mary GRAVES, age 55, born in SC; David W. GRAVES, age 32, Tailor, born in SC; Sarah J. GRAVES, age 16, born in SC and Thomas GRAVES, age 14, born in SC. Mary age 55 makes her birth year to be about 1795.

        2. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 171A, Line 6, Dwelling 1083, Family 1081, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653-1217. 

        3. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #4, Page 309C, Line 7, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of David W. GRAVES; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archive  Microfilm T9, Roll 1225. 

        4. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Self-Published, 1995, page 943. Tombstone of David W. GRAVES; 22 January 1812–21 November 1898, Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina. BIRTH- 22 Jan 1812; Death 21 Nov 1898.

        5. Ibid.

        6. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #4, Page 309C, Line 7, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of David W. GRAVES. 

        7. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #19, Pages 64B & 65A, Line 98, Dwelling 127, Family 128, Household of Mary A. Graves; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.

        8. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of  [Archibald] James GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455. 1910 CENSUS: Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: T624_1455; Enumeration District: 0034; Image: 830; FHL Number: 1375468; Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, [Archibald] James GRAVES, age 29; Mary [GULLEDGE] GRAVES, his mother, age 67;  Annie Jane GRAVES, his sister, age 31; Mary H. GRAVES, his sister, age 24 and Catherine DECKER his aunt, age 65.

        9. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #37, Page 107B, Line 68, Dwelling 132, Family 133, Household of Archie J. GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.

        10. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #4, Page 309C, Line 7, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of David W. GRAVES. 

        11. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #19, Pages 64B & 65A, Line 98, Dwelling 127, Family 128, Household of Mary A. Graves.

        12. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of  [Archibald] James GRAVES.

        13. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #37, Page 107B, Line 68, Dwelling 132, Family 133, Household of Archie J. GRAVES. 

        14. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 266A&B; Line 49, Dwelling 153, Family 157, Household of  Archibald J. GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_2192. 

        15. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #4, Page 309C, Line 7, Dwelling 193, Family 193, Household of David W. GRAVES. 

        16. Ibid.

        17. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #19, Pages 64B & 65A, Line 98, Dwelling 127, Family 128, Household of Mary A. Graves. 

        18. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of  [Archibald] James GRAVES. 

        19. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #37, Page 107B, Line 68, Dwelling 132, Family 133, Household of Archie J. GRAVES. 

        20. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #13, Page 266A&B; Line 49, Dwelling 153, Family 157, Household of  Archibald J. GRAVES. 

        21. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #19, Pages 64B & 65A, Line 98, Dwelling 127, Family 128, Household of Mary A. Graves.

        22. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of  [Archibald] James GRAVES. 

        23. 1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #37, Page 107B, Line 68, Dwelling 132, Family 133, Household of Archie J. GRAVES. 

        24. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED #13, Page 266A&B; Line 49, Dwelling 153, Family 157, Household of  Archibald J. GRAVES.