Joseph Purvis and Elizabeth Cook were married about 1823. I have not found a marriage record for them and this marriage year is based on the belief that their first born was Caroline or Nancy Jane Purvis born about 1823.
In the 1830 census for Rankin County the Family composition consisted of Joseph (30-39) and his wife Elizabeth (30-39)
- 1 Male under 5
- 1 Female under 5
- 2 Females 5-9
- 2 Females 10-14 (1816-1820)
Joseph was a farmer and had a total of 160 acres with 80 acres in Section 23, Township 4, Range 5 and another 80 acres in Section 26, Township 4, Range 5.
On 15 November 1841, Joseph and Elizabeth sold all their land to John Dunagan of Newton County, Mississippi. A total of 160 acres more or less.
I’m convinced they took this action because they knew that Joseph was ill and his life expectancy was very short. Failure to sale the land would leave Elizabeth burden with 160 acres of farmland and six or seven children under 15 years of age.
Between 15 November 1841 and May 1842, Joseph Purvis passed away. This timing is devised based on a statement from the estate of Gilbert Johnston Purvis.
Transcription:
By a note of G. J. Purvis paid by Jos. Purvis dec’d. which said admins are bound to pay to Sd. Jos. Purvis or his heirs.
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Q8-895S?i=688&wc=M7M1-WWL%3A344538201%2C345915201&cc=2036959
With a household full of very young children Elizabeth Cook Purvis had no choice but to re-marry. We know that she married Richard Odom, son of Isaac Odom and his wife Millie Breland. The date of marriage and location is documented all over the Web as 22 January 1844, Smith County, Mississippi; However, this cannot be confirmed or verified as a correct date and place. [Data said to be sourced from War of 1812 Pension File]
After Richard’s death about 1854; Elizabeth move her family to Rapides Parish, Louisiana.
1860 CENSUS: Rapides Parish, Louisiana; Roll: M653_423; Image: 31; Family History Library Film: 803423; Page 31, Line 36, Dwelling 226, Family 227; Elizabeth ODUM, female, age 60, born in SC and Alexander PURVIS, Son, age 20, born in MS.
She died there sometime before the 1870 census were enumerated. I haven’t identified the under 5 male in the 1830 census but her last three sons, James, Joseph and William Alexander ALL died in the Civil War. I don’t know her death date so I don’t know if she was alive long enough to receive word that her 3 babies were gone.
Elizabeth suffered much grief in her lifetime.
The Land Patent and Deed below shows the sale of the Joseph Purvis land.
Transcription:
DEED BOOK 6, page 326 & 327
Rankin County, MS
This indenture made and entered into this the 15th day of November in the year of our Lords one thousand eight hundred and Forty One by and between Joseph Purvis and Elizabeth Purvis his wife of the County of Smith and State of Mississippi of the first part and John Dunagan of Newton County and State aforesaid of the second part Witnesseth that the Said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of Six Hundred Dollars to them in hand will and truly paid by the party of the second part receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged hath this day granted bargained and sold and by these presents do grant bargain sell and convey and make over unto the said party of the Second part all that certain tract or parcel of Land Situate lying and being in the County of Rankin and State of Mississippi and described as follows to wit: the E ½ of NE ¼ of Section No. 26 and Township No 4 of range No 5 East and the W ½ of SE ¼ of section No 23 and Township No 4 of range No 5 East containing in all one hundred and sixty acres more or less to have and to hold with all and singular the above described tract of Land with the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining to the same and we the party of the first part do by these presents bind ourselves to warrant and forever defend the title to the Said Land clear of all Claims whatsoever from us our heirs executors and administrators unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns forever . Witness our hand and Seals the day and year above first written.
Joseph X his mark Purvis {seal}
Elizabeth X her mark Purvis {seal}
State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} Personally appeared before me Lewis P. Rhode an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County Joseph Purvis whose name is subscribed to this Indenture and acknowledged that he signed Sealed and delivered the same as his act and deed and at the same time was present Elizabeth Purvis wife of thee said Joseph Purvis whose names is also subscribed to this Indenture and after being questioned separate and apart from her Said husband and the nature of the deed fully explained to her She acknowledged that She Signed Sealed and delivered the same freely and voluntarily without any fear from threats of from compulsion of her Said husband as her own lawful act and deed.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this the 15th day of November 1841. Lewis P. Rhode, J. P. {Seal}
_________________
[1] Land Deed - https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS4Y-4Y5Q?i=500&cat=253106
[2] https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9Q8-895S?i=688&wc=M7M1-WWL%3A344538201%2C345915201&cc=2036959
