Tombstone Tuesday~Gilbert Purvis

Gilbert Purvis

b. bef. 1754, , SC

d. betw. June 1828-1829, MS. 

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Gilbert Purvis

S.C. Mil.

Rev. War

The above monument is a cenotaph; not the grave of Gilbert Purvis.

Gilbert Purvis was born about 1754, a son of John Purvis and Sarah Johnson. He married Effica Howell before 1776.

For his service in the Revolutionary War he received several land grants; two of these were received on 15 August 1793 consisting of two tracts, one for 3,215 acres and the other consisting of 1000 acres. In total, Gilbert owned 4 tracts totaling 4815 acres.¹ 

In March 1818, James Purvis died. Gilbert Purvis and two other men provided assets to back the Administrative Bond for Ten thousand dollar. The sum of the bond indicates that James Purvis had substantial holdings.² 

The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound John Johnston and Gilbert Purvis administrators of the goods, chattels and credits of James Purvis deceased do make a true and perfect inventory...

I believe this death was a catalyst that’s set Gilbert and his brothers on a journey westward.

Shortly after the death of James, Gilbert and his family along with brothers Joseph and James Purvis, Sr. and their family sold all their property in South Carolina and migrated down through Georgia to Clarke County, Alabama.

The families spent some time here purchasing land with several of the children getting married in the early 1820’s.  John Purvis died here in 1825. He is believed to be a son of Gilbert and Effica Purvis.

A Land Deed in Clark County exist between William Stringer (Grantor) to Gilbert PURVIS (Grantee), dated 25 December 1821 (Deed Book "A', Page 182-183).³

The families finally settled in Hinds, Simpson, Rankin and Smith counties of Mississippi.

A 1828 Tax list for Simpson County, Mississippi clearly shows that Gilbert and his son, Gilbert Johnson Purvis were both alive in June 1828. 4

1828 Tax List Headings 

Listing for Gilbert Sr and his son

(Click images to enlarge)

Gilbert was not found in the 1829 Tax list nor the 1830 census. It’s almost certain that he died between June 1828 and 1829. ⁵

Gilbert Purvis in 1828 was an old man at least 74 years of age. Do you really believe he made his way back to South Carolina where he had no property and no families to die and be buried in the Rivers graveyard.

Related Articles:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/gilbert-purvis-south-carolina-to.html

______________________________
cenotaph = a monument to someone buried elsewhere, especially someone who died in a war.
[1] Gilbert Purvis & James Purvis, Plat for 3, 215 Acres, 15 August 1793; S213190, Volume: 0032; Page: 00255, Item 0001; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.
[2] Horry County South Carolina, Horry District Administration Bonds 1803-1818 (Conway, Horry County, South Carolina: Probate Office, n.d.), Administration Bond - Gilbert Purvis, page 71.
[3] Land Deed - William Stringer to Gilbert PURVIS; 25 December 1821; Deed Book #A; Page(s) 182-183; Register of Deeds; Clarke County, Alabama; 10 January 2012.
[4] Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2012), Simpson, County Tax Rolls; 1828, Box 3764, Image of 36 of 276, Gilbert PERVIS.
[5] Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2011), Simpson, County Tax Rolls; 1829, Box 3764, Image 46 of 276, Gilbert J. PERVIS. Gilbert Johnson Purvis was found in the 1829 Tax rolls but Gilbert Purvis, Sr. was not found.

Amanuensis Monday~Deed, William Stringer to Gilbert Purvis

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 Deed of Conveyance from William Stringer to Gilbert Purvis.¹

Gilbert  Purvis was a resident of Chesterfield County, South Carolina in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s. There's a tombstone  for Gilbert in the Rivers Cemetery in Chesterfield County.²

Photo courtesy of Julious Burr

But, Gilbert is not buried in South Carolina; Gilbert Purvis migrated about 1818 with his family and brother James Purvis, Sr. to Clarke County, Alabama and then onto Simpson, Hinds and Rankin County, Mississippi.  Not only did the Senior Gilbert Purvis buy land from William Stringer in Clarke County, Alabama as depicted in the land deed within this article; he is also listed along with his son, Gilbert Johnson Purvis in Simpson County Tax List of 1828.³

We know this land deed is between Gilbert, Sr. and William Stringer because Gilbert’s son Gilbert Johnson witnessed the land deed. Gilbert most likely died between 1828 and 1829 in Simpson County, Mississippi. Gilbert Purvis, Sr. is not listed in the 1830 Census but his son (Gilbert Johnson) and his wife (Effica Howell) are listed in the same household. 

1828 Simpson Co., MS Tax List

Clarke Co. AL Land Deed, A:182-183

Page 182
DEED of CONVAYENCE STRINGER
This Indenture made the 15^th Day of December 1821 and in the year of our Lord 1821 between William stringer of the County of Clarke and State of Alabama a of the one part and Gilbert Purvice of the Same County and State of the other part Witnefeth that the said William Stringer for and in consideration of five hundred dollars of good and lawfull Money to him in hand paid by the said Gilbert Purvice at or before the in seating and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged Bargained for and sold and by these presents do bargain sell unto the said Gilbert Purvice his heirs and assigns a certain lot of land or part of ground lying and being in the County of Clarke and state of Alabama (viz) fifty acres more or lefs of the South end of Federal Section No. 36 in Township No. 11 Range No. 2 B. M0 0r West of the Butte and bounded as follows (viz on the North by Creek Cotton Providence and thence up said Creek to the Lik Bluff and thence due East to the said Township and thence due West to the Tombigbee River and thence up said Rivers to the aforementioned Creek ----Together with all and singular the tenements hereditaments and appertainences [appurtenances] thereunto belonging and the revertion an revertions Remainder and remainder yearly and other Rents uses and profits and of every part and parcel thereof To have and to hold the said lot or parcel of land with the Tenements and hereditaments and all and singular other premises herein before mentioned or intended to be bargained for and Sold and every part and parcel thereof with every of these rights members and appertainnences <sic> unto the said Gilbert Purvice his heirs and assigns forever to and for the only proper use and behoof of him the said Gilbert Purvice his hairs <sic> and afsigns forever to and for and the said William Stringer for himself and his hairs the said parcel or lot of ground with all and singular the premises and appertainences <sic>before mentioned unto the said Gilbert Purvis
Page 183 To Purvis
His hairs <sic> and afsigns free from the claim or claims of him the said William Stringer his hairs and afsigns and of all and every person or persons whatsoever shall and will and do warrant and forever defend by these presents.----------
In Witnefs whereof the said William Stringer has hereunto set his hand and seal the day and year first above written. (signed)
William Thornton}                                                           William Stringer (Seal}
Gilbert J. Purvice}                                                            Ann Stringer {seal}
State of Alabama}

Clarke County} Personaly ,<sic>appeared before William Murrell & Thomas Figurs(?), Justice of the peace for said County William L. Thornton & Gilbert J. Purvice subscribing witnefes and being duly Sworn saith they See the oblidigers <sic> Signe and acknowledge the within deed given under our hands and Seals this 2^d Feb ?? (Signed
                                                                                    William Murrell {seal}
                                                                                     Thomas Figurs J P. {seal}
I hereby certify that the above Deed was brought to office and Recorded the 13^th of February 1822.
 
 
 
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[1] Land Deed - William Stringer to Gilbert PURVIS; 25 December 1821; Deed Book #A; Page(s) 182-183; Register of Deeds; Clarke County, Alabama; 10 January 2012. LDS Family History Library Film #1823018 (2).
[2] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 7 July 2011); Memorial page for Gilbert Purvis; (unknown-unknown); Find a Grave memorial # 47258315, Citing Rivers Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[3] Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1828, Box 3764, Image of 36 of 276, Gilbert PERVIS.

Amanuensis Monday~Gilbert Purvis Migration

 
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 Gilbert Purvis and documents related to his departure from South Carolina.
Between Nov 1784 and Aug 1793, Gilbert Purvis was awarded 3 land plats containing 4,315 Acres of land in the Cheraw District.

• 11/11/1784 - PURVIS, GILBERT, PLAT FOR 100 ACRES ON SOUTH WEST SIDE OF GREAT PEE DEE RIVER, CHERAWS DISTRICT, SURVEYED BY ALEXANDER CRAIG.¹
• 8/15/1793 - PURVIS, GILBERT AND JAMES PURVIS, PLAT FOR 3,215 ACRES NEAR NORTH FORK OF BEAR CREEK, CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, CHERAW DISTRICT, SURVEYED BY ERASMUS POWE.²
• 8/15/1793 - PURVIS, GILBERT AND JAMES NORRIS, PLAT FOR 1,000 ACRES ON FORK OF BEAR CREEK, CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, CHERAW DISTRICT, SURVEYED BY ERASMUS POWE.³

In March 1818, an Administrative Bond was recorded in Horry County, South Carolina, naming Gilbert Purvis as administrator of the goods, chattels and credits of one James Purvis, Deceased. ⁴

Recorded March 1818
State of South Carolina }
Horry District } Know all men by these presents that we John Johnston, Gilbert Purvis, Moses Harrelson and Felix Powell are holden and firmly bound unto Henry Durant Esquire Ordinary for aforesaid District in the full and just sum of Ten Thousand to be paid to the said Henry Durant or to his successors of this District or their certain attorney or officers, To which payment will and truly be made, and we bind ourselves and every of us own and every of our heirs, executors, administrators, for the whole and in the whole jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals and dated the Seventeenth Day of July one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and in the 43rd year of America Independence.The condition of the above obligation is such that if the above bound John Johnston and Gilbert Purvis administrators of the goods, chattels and credits of James Purvis deceased do make a true and perfect inventory of all and singular, the goods, chattels, credits of the said deceased, which shall come into the hands of knowledge of the said John Johnston, Gilbert Purvis, or unto the hands of any other person or persons for them and the same so made to which unto the said aunt of ordinary when he shall be hereunto covered and such goods, chattels and credits do well and truly administer according to law and do make a just and true account of their actions and do required by the said Court and all the rest of the said  goods and credits which shall be found remaining upon the amount of the said administration, the same being first allowed by the said Court shall deliver and execute such persons respectively, as are entitled to the same by law and of it shall deliver hereafter appears that any Last Will and testament was made by the said deceased, and the same be proved in Court, and the executors obtain a certificate of the probate thereof, and the said John Johnston, Gilbert Purvis do in such case, if required, render and deliver all the said letters of administration, then this obligation to be void or else to remain full force. Signed
John Johnston {seal}
Gilbert X Purvis {seal}
Moses Harrelson {seal}
Felix Powell  {seal}

We know this is not Gilbert’s brother James Purvis, Sr.  because he went to Mississippi with Gilbert. Was it a son, an uncle or nephew. The bond does not say, and we have no way to know.

Was this the catalyst that started their migration westward and who did Gilbert Purvis sell his 4 thousand 3 hundred and fifteen (4, 315) acres to before leaving South Carolina. 

While doing some newspaper research during the past week I found this notice: ^5.

CAUTION.

I FOREWARN all persons from trading for a note of hand given by me to James Purvis, Senr., late of Chesterfield district, for one hundred dollars dated the first day of January 1818 and payable the first day of January 1819, with conditions thereto providing I get sufficient titles to a tract of land purchased by me from the said Purvis, and as I have failed getting sufficient titles, I am determined not to pay the same unless compelled by Law.
Hayward Todd
Chesterfield C. H. Dec. 29, 1818 44-Y

A portion of this land deed came into my possession this week.


Land deed between James  Purvis and Haywood Todd ⁶
28 chs to a corner, thence S. E. 8-56 Chs to …. Thence N22-50 Chs to a Pine 38 thence NW 4 - 25 Chs to a corner thence SW 76-16 Chs to a corner  thence NW 14-33 Chs to the beginning Pine containing one thousand Eighty one [1081] acres.  Reference being had to the above Plat will more plainer Shew the shape and boundary of the Same, together and with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the sais premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining unto the Said Haywood Todd his heirs  and afsigns forever, and I do hereby bind myself my heirs executors and administrators  to warrant and forever defend against every other Person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witnefs my hand and seal, this the 29th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and seventeen and in the forty seven year of the independence of the United States of America.
Assigned, Sealed  and … in presence of } 
                       
Hugh Craig
Phillip Sellers

I think that the deceased James Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and named after his Uncle James Purvis, Sr.. Still searching for more defined proof.

About this time and due to some unknown reason Gilbert and his brother, James packed up the Purvis families and moved them down through Georgia, into Alabama, stopping for a while in Clarke County, Alabama.  

Two land deeds in Clarke County, Alabama proved their presence there in 1821.

• Book "A', Page 182-183; William Stringer (Grantor) to Gilbert PURVIS (Grantee); Date of Deed 25 Dec 1821 Recorded 12 Feb 1822; LDS  Film #1823018; Witness - William L. Thornton & Gilbert J. Purvis [This deed between Gilbert Purvis, Sr., known because his son Gilbert J. witnessed the deed.]
• Book "G", Pages 366-367; Gilbert J. PURVIS (Grantor) to Grass Scruggs (Grantee) Deed; Date of Deed 12 January 1829; Filed in Office 29 March 1856; Recorded 9 May 1856 Book "G" and pages 366.367; LDS Film # 1823073; Witness, James P. J. Purvis & James Purvis

Gilbert, his wife Effica and brother James Purvis, Sr.  and their extended families all eventually settled in and around Hinds and Rankin County, Mississippi.

The last entry I have found for Gilbert Purvis, Sr. is the 1828 Tax Roll, Simpson County, Mississippi. Here we find Gilbert and his son Gilbert J. Purvis listed. ⁷


It is believed that Gilbert Senior died sometime between 1828 and 1830. Gilbert J. Purvis is the head of household in the 1830 Simpson County census and his mother, Effica Howell Purvis is enumerated within the household.

No death date or tombstone has been found for Gilbert Purvis, Senior.  His wife Effica Howell died Aug 1834 in Hinds County, Mississippi.

No record of the sale of Gilbert’s 4000+ acres has been found.





___________________________
[1] Gilbert Purvis, Plat for 100 Acres, 11 November 1784; S213190; Volume: 0003; Page: 00151, Volume: 0003; Page: 00151, Item 0001; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.
[2] Gilbert Purvis & James Purvis, Plat for 3, 215 Acres, 15 August 1793; S213190, Volume: 0032; Page: 00255, Item 0001; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.
[3] Gilbert Purvis & James Norris, Plat for 1000 Acres, 15 August 1783; S213190, Volume: 0032; Page: 00055, Item 003; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.
[4] Horry County South Carolina, Horry District Administration Bonds 1803-1818 (Conway, Horry County, South Carolina: Probate Office, n.d.), Administration Bond - Gilbert Purvis, page 71.
[5] “The Camden Gazette”, Camden, South Carolina, 28 January 1819, page 2.
[6] Chesterfield County Library: Spencer Family Papers, 1700-1900; http://hdl.handle.net/10827/8910
[7] : Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1828, Box 3764, Image of 36 of 276, Gilbert PERVIS.

Tombstone Tuesday~Gilbert Purvis

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

Gilbert Purvis¹

SC Mil.

Rev. War.

Census data indicates that Gilbert Purvis was born about 1854 in South Carolina. He married Efficia Howell, the exact date unknown, but before going off to serve in the Revolutionary War.

Records indicate that Gilbert served 34 days with  Capt. Thomas Ellerbee and General Marion.²



After the war, Gilbert acquired a massive amount of land and at one time own  four thousand eight hundred and fifteen (4815) acres.³


For some unknown reason, maybe it was the death of James Purvis in March 1818⁴ but Gilbert and his brother James Purvis, Sr.  packed up all or most of their extended families and started a migration to Mississippi. We know they traveled down through Georgia and stopped for some time in Clarke County, Alabama.

Land deeds there in the early 1820 prove their presence in the area. Many of the children have marriage licensees on file in Clarke County. Eventually, they migrated westward finally settling in Simpson, Hinds, Smith and Rankin Counties are of Mississippi. 

The 1828 Tax List for Simpson County⁵ proved that Gilbert Purvis made it to Mississippi and died there sometime between 5 June 1828 and 1829. he is not listed in the Tax list for 1829. His widow, Effica Howell Purvis in the the household of her son, Gilbert Johnson Purvis in 1830 Simpson County, Mississippi. [1 - Females - 70 thru 79: 1  [Effica Howell Purvis]]6



Many claim that Gilbert Purvis died in South Carolina. Folklore, indicates that the Tombstone for Gilbert Purvis in the old Rivers Burying Ground was placed there by the DAR.

The family presence in Mississippi along with a listing for Gilbert and his son Gilbert Johnson Purvis on the 1828 Simpson County Tax Lists clearly makes a positive case for his presence and death in Mississippi; not South Carolina.





______________________
[1] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 7 July 2011); Headstone for Gilbert Purvis; (unknown-unknown); Records of the Rivers Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[2] Dr. Bobby Gilmer Moss, Roster of South Carolina Patriots in the American Revolution.: Volume II, K-Z (Baltimore, Maryland, 21211: Genealogical Publishing Company, 2009), Gilbert Purvis, page 782.
[3] Land Plat for 3215 Acres - Gilbert Purvis & James Purvis, 15 August 1793; S213190, Volume: 0032, Page: 00255; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.
[4] Horry County South Carolina, Horry District Administration Bonds 1803-1818 (Conway, Horry County, South Carolina: Probate Office, n.d.), Administration Bond - Gilbert Purvis, page 71.
[5] Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1828, Box 3764, Image of 36 of 276, Gilbert PERVIS.
[6] 1830, Simpson County, Mississippi, population schedule, Simpson County, Mississippi, Page: 183;, Household of Gilbert [J.] PURVIS; digital images, www.ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 May 2011); citing NARA micro-film Roll: M19-71.

The Elusive Parents of James P. J. Purvis

I have written about James P. J. Purvis once before but I think it’s time to take another look and I would like to solicit your help - my followers and readers.

There is power in the assembling of a group to tackle a problem and seek resolution. Today this would be called crowd sourcing.

Crowdsourcing = Crowd + Outsourcing = a process of problem solving involving a large body of interested individuals. (my definition)

In my days of work and occupation it was called – Synergy

Regardless, there is power in a group working together to solve a common problem. I know there are individuals much smarter that I and  very capable of looking at a problem with a different mind set to solve it. So here's the problem -

Who are the parents of James P. J. Purvis?

Timeline for James Purdee J. Purvis

14 December 2012

Age	Date	Event
0	Abt 1811	Birth:
18	12 Jan 1829	Property: Clarke County, Alabama, United States[1] Land Deed between Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs
20	1831	Property: Tax Roll; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[2]
21	1832	Property: Tax Roll; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[3]
21	19 Jan 1832	Marriage: Elizabeth Rose Campbell-2578; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States[4]
24	27 Apr 1835	Residence: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States
25	Feb 1836	Probate: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States[5]
25	9 Feb 1836	Residence: James P. J. Purvis wrote his WILL and stated that he was dangerously ill.; Hinds County, Mississippi, United States
25	9 Feb 1836	Will: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States[6]
25	Aft Feb 1836	Death: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States

I have several clues to the parents of James P. J. Purvis. On the land deed in 1829 between Gilbert Johnson Purvis to Grass Scruggs there were two witness and their signatures are shown above.
James P. J. Purvis and
James X Purvis

Gilbert Johnson Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and his wife Effica Howell Purvis.

James P. J. Purvis is the Grandson of Gilbert Sr & Effica Howell Purvis.

Gilbert Johnson Purvis in his LAST WILL & TESTAMENT made this statement:
”I hereby direct my Executors to file a bill in chancery or commence such other suit as may be necessary & proper to procure from the aforesaid James P. J. Purvis, administrator as aforesaid, the full distribution & share of the estate of my deceased parents to which I am entitled insisting upon the advance made by my deceased father the said Gilbert Purvis to James Purvis the father of the said James P. J Purvis in the lifetime of them both, …”

The uncle of James P. J. Purvis, his Uncle Gilbert J. Purvis states that  the FATHER of James P. J. Purvis is James Purvis.

Comments: I think it’s highly likely that the two signatures on the land deed between Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs is Father and Son. 

If James Purvis is the father of James Purdee J. Purvis what happen to him?

There are other clues to James P. J. Purvis. My interpretation of records indicate he had a brother William H. H. Purvis. William H. H. Purvis married Jemima Magee. He also migrated from Rankin County, MS around 1850 and can be found in the 1850 Census for Polk County, Texas . He died there sometime around 1855.
Gilbert Purvis, Sr. died sometime between June 1828 and December 1829. Then in august 1834, Effica Howell Purvis passed away leaving a considerable estate mostly consisting of eight slaves.

The division of the slaves from Effica estate provides another clue to identity.

The division of the personal estate of Effica Purvis, made 8 Dec 1835, lists the names of
7 enslaved ancestors in Rankin County, Mississippi.

Enslaved ancestors were listed in groups in the estate inventory. It is unclear whether or
not these were family groups. We have maintained that grouping here.
Listed in the estate were:
· Nancy and her two children
· Delilah
· Sandy
· Margaret & her Child
Nancy and her children, Delilah, Sandy, Margaret & her child to William Purvis and John Purvis which said negroes we valued to the sum of $3400.
· Milly & her two children
· John
· Frances and her child
Milly & her children, John, Frances and her child to J.P.J. Purvis & William Purvis, Jr.which said negroes we valued to the sum of $3100, upon the said William Purvis, John
Purvis paying to the said JPJ Purvis & William Purvis, Jr. each the sum of $150
Efficia Howell Purvis Estate, Pages 7 & 8 (2)
Nancy and her two children, valued @ $1150.
Milly and her two children, valued @ $1350.
Frances and her child $1000,
Delilah $800,
John $750,
Sandy $700,
Margaret and her child $750

The two grouping for division of the slaves is important!

Named in the first group are William Purvis and John Purvis. These two men are thought to be sons of James Purvis, Sr. who was a brother to Gilbert Purvis, Sr.

The next group lists JPJ Purvis & William Purvis, Jr. . These  two men are believed too be Brothers and Grandsons of Gilbert Purvis, Sr. JPJ Purvis is James Purdee J. Purvis and William Purvis, Jr. is the younger William H. H. Purvis and referred to as Jr. to differentiate between the older & younger William so named. 
A review of the 1850 Polk County, TX Census shows that there is an older female named Sarah, age 60, born in SC in the household. Is this the Mother of James Purdee J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

Together these few clues adds up to a possibility that James Purvis and Sarah Purvis are the parents of James P. J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

Another reference source is DAR 115797 the only application submitted  and approved on this ancestral line. 

Summary:

1. Clarke County, AL Land Deed (DB6:366-367) Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs lists two witnesses: James P. J. Purvis and James Purvis
2. Gilbert Johnson Purvis WILL named James Purvis as the Father of James P. J. Purvis
3. Efficia Howell Purvis Estate partition points to relationships between James P. J. Purvis and William Purvis, Jr.  believed to be William H. H. Purvis.
4. The 1850 census, Polk Co., TX; Lists Sarah Purvis, age 60, born in SC who may be the Mother of the head of household – William H. H. Purvis

It’s obvious that further research is needed. Thus the purpose of this posting. While my knowledge is far greater than what is presented here; I would like your comments and suggestions.

Here's another question I would like answered. We see that James Purvis used a “Slanted E” as his mark. Are these marks/signatures recorded in the county/state?

Related Articles:

• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/08/will-of-james-purdee-j-purvis.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/gilbert-purvis-south-carolina-to.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-happen-to-sally-purvis.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/07/gilbert-johnson-purvis.html
• http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/james-f-purvis-sr-and-his-children.html

______________________________________________
[1]. Clarke County, Alabama, Book "G": page 366 & 367, Gilbert J. PURVIS to Grass Scruggs Deed; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (http://www.familysearch.org; accessed 10 January 2011). Film# 1823073.
[2]. Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 13 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1831, Box 3764, Image 57 of 276, entry for James P. J. Purvis. 1831 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; James P. J. PURVIS and Johnson J. PURVIS, are listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 57 of 276.
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30463-20?cc=1919687&wc=13646518]
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Simpson
County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764
Image 57 of 276.
[3]. Entry for Pender J. Purvis, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson, Mississippi. 1832 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; [James] Pender J. PURVIS and Johnson J. PURVIS, are listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 70 of 276.
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30463-20?cc=1919687&wc=13646518]
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Simpson
County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764
Image 70 of 276.
[4]. Mississippi, Rankin County, Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935, , James Purvis & Elizabeth B. Campbell, 19 January 1832; www.ancestry.com, Jackson, Mississippi.
Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935 about James PurvisName: James Purvis
Spouse: Elizabeth B. Campbell
Marriage Date: 19 Jan 1832
County: Rankin
Source Information:Hunting For Bears, comp.. Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: Mississippi marriage information taken from county courthouse records. Many of these records were extracted from copies of the original records in microfilm, microfiche, or book format, located at the Family History Library.
.
[5]. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb 1836. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb. 1836.
[6]. Hinds County, Mississippi, FHL microfilm 878728: page 66 WILL of James P. J. Purvis; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. JAMES P. J. PURVIS WILL
February Term 1836
I James P. J. Purvis of the county of Hinds & the State of Mississippi being dangerously ill in body but of sound mind do make this my last Will and Testament in presence of the undersigned witness-
1. After paying all my just debts, I give, bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth R Purvis one half of my estate to have and to hold during her natural life then to descend unto my two children, James B. M. Pervis & Mary Ann Pervis
2. I give and bequeath unto my two children, James B. M. Pervis & Mary Ann Pervis the remaining one half of my estate whatsoever it may be.
It is my will and desire that my wife shall have the charge, management of the Estate of my children& that she shall act as their guardian & attend to their rearing & education until they arrive at the age of majority. I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Elizabeth R Pervis & her father Beselia Campbell my Executors to carry this my Last Will and Testament into effect. Signed & sealed the 9th day of February A. D. 1836 in presence of-
Attest: F. E. Plummer James P. J. Pervis {seal}
Attest:
Filed Feby Term 1836
[SOURCE: LDS Family History Library Film # 878728, Page 66 also Hinds County WILL BOOK 1, Page 66. Transcribed by Charles L. Purvis, 1 Dec 2010].

Gilbert Johnson Purvis

Gilbert Johnson Purvis was born about 1792 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He is the son of Gilbert Purvis and Effica Howell Purvis. There a lot of confusions differentiating between Gilbert Johnson Purvis and his Father Gilbert Purvis.

Gilbert Purvis Sr. moved his family about 1818 from Chesterfield County, SC to the Hinds-Rankin-Simpson county area of Mississippi. Land deeds in Clarke County, Alabama indicates they spent a few years there before eventually settling down in Mississippi. 

Back in Chesterfield County, they have a tombstone for Gilbert Purvis in the old Rivers Graveyard. Meantime in Mississippi, we find that both Gilbert Purvis, Sr. and his son Gilbert J. Purvis are listed on the Simpson County tax roll for 1828. Gilbert Purvis, Sr. is only found on that single tax roll for Simpson County. 

When you look at the 1830 Population census[1] for Mississippi it is obvious that the listing for Gilbert Purvis is the Listing for Gilbert Johnson Purvis. Therefore, Gilbert Purvis, Sr. died sometime between the 1828 Tax list and the 1830 Simpson County Census. No WILL has been found for Gilbert Purvis, Sr. 

Gilbert Johnson Purvis is listed on the 1827-1829 Tax List for Simpson County, Mississippi.^{[2] [3] [4]}

As stated earlier there is a Land Deed in in Clarke County, Alabama between Gilbert J. PURVIS (Grantor) to Grass Scruggs (Grantee on 12 Jan 1829.^[5]

Gilbert Johnson Purvis made and signed his WILL in Apr 1835.[6] He died in Nov 1835 at the age of 43 in Hinds County, Mississippi.[7] His estate was probated in Nov 1835, Probate Court,  Estate #264, Hinds County, Mississippi.[8]

 

Gilbert Johnson Purvis was never married. He has no descendants. His WILL left everything to two groups of men. One group William H. H. and James P. J. Purvis are his nephews and sons of his deceased brother James. The other group of men, his executor, were his 1^st Cousins John & William Purvis and are sons of James Purvis, Sr. b. 1760.. 

Gilbert Johnson Purvis also left a annual stipend of $150.00 to care for his sister Sally, who was also unmarried.  

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[1] 1830, Simpson County, Mississippi, population schedule, Simpson County, Mississippi, Page: 183; Household of Gilbert [J.] PURVIS; digital images, www.ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com: viewed 11 May 2011); citing NARA micro-film Roll: M19-71. 1830 CENSUS: Simpson County, Mississippi, Page: 183; NARA Roll: M19-71; Family History Film: 0014839. Household of Gilbert [J.] PURVIS
1 - Males - 10 thru 14:        1
1 - Males - 15 thru 19:        1    [James P. J. Purvis]
1 - Males - 20 thru 29:        1     [William H. H. Purvis]
1 - Males - 30 thru 39:        1     [Gilbert Johnson Purvis]
1 - Females - 40 thru 49: 1  [Sally Purvis]
1 - Females - 70 thru 79: 1  [Effica Howell Purvis]
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[2] . Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2011), Simpson County Tax Rolls; 1827, Box 3764, Image 27 of 276, Gilbert J. PERVIS.

[3] . Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, *FamilySearch*, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 14 January 2011), Simpson County Tax Rolls; 1827, Box 3764, Image 27 of 276, Gilbert J. PERVIS.

[4] Gilbert J. PERVIS, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson, Mississippi. 1829 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; Gilbert J. PERVIS is listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 46 of 276.
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-21381-31602-68?cc=1919687&wc=13646518].

[5] Land Deed - Gilbert J. PURVIS to Grass Scruggs; 12 January 1829; Deed Book #G; Page(s) 366-367; Register of Deeds; Clarke County, Alabama; 10 January 2012.

[6] Hinds County, Mississippi, Will Book 1: page 48, Gilbert Johnson Purvis; Family History Library, Film #878728, Salt Lake City, Utah.

[7] Hinds County, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Old Series,, MDAH Microfilm #10391, Family History Library Film # 1738590: Estate # 264, Gilbert Johnson Purvis; died Nov 1835. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10391, Family History Library Film # 1738590, Estate # 264, Gilbert Johnson Purvis, Nov 1835.

[8] Ibid.