It’s Family Time~The Johnston James Purvis Family

In 1915, Mary Virginia Hagerman Watson was inducted into the DAR as a descendant of Gilbert Purvis. She was assigned DAR #115797. She is the only descendant of Gilbert to be successfully inducted into the Daughters of the American Revolution based on his participation in the Revolutionary War.  Her lineage is shown in the below snippet from the DAR Lineage Books.



In her application she states “Effica Purvis (Wife of Gilbert) grandmother to James P. J. Purvis afterwards lived with her Grandson James & from her Elizabeth R. Purvis learned the particulars of their experiences during the war & her husband being wounded at the battle of Eutaw Springs.”
To summarize the above lineage we have:

• Mary Virginia Hagerman Watson daughter of Mary Anna Purvis,
• Mary Anna Purvis daughter of Elizabeth Rose Campbell & James P. J. Purvis
• James P. J. Purvis son of Johnson Purvis and his wife Sarah
• Johnson Purvis oldest son of Gilbert Purvis and Effica Howell
• Gilbert Purvis, Revolutionary Soldier

Elizabeth Rose Campbell Miller was born 16 July 1814 in St. Tammany Parrish, Louisiana, Her 1st husband James Purdee J. Purvis was born about 1811 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. They met and were married on 19 January 1832. Their daughter Mary Anna was born in 24 October 1834.
Gilbert Purvis, Sr. died sometime late 1829 or early 1830 in Rankin County, Mississippi. It was at this time that Efficia Howell Purvis went to live with her Grandson James P. J. Purvis.

When Effica Howell died in July 1834, James P. J. Purvis petitioned the County for Letters of administration stating “That your petitioner is the grandson of the said deceased being the oldest son of her oldest son James.”

So, why did James P. J. Purvis, the grandson, petition the Court and not her son Johnson Purvis? I believe the answer to this question is because Johnson Purvis had passed away sometime before the death of his Mother, Effica Howell Purvis.

There’s a James Purvis that died in 1818 back in South Carolina and the Administrative Bond is on file in Horry County, South Carolina. For years I thought this James Purvis was the Father of James P. J. Purvis. Further research however shows that J. J. Purvis (Johnston James or James Johnston) made the trip to Mississippi and appears in three Tax List for Simpson County, Mississippi (1831, 1832 and 1833).

In this 1832 Simpson County Tax list we find both Father and son listed.









Gilbert Johnston Purvis, a uncle of James P. J. Purvis, states in his WILL ”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, …”

Gilbert Johnson Purvis makes three  important statement in the above comments:

1. That James Purvis is the Father of James P. J. Purvis
2. That James Purvis is his brother
3. That Gilbert Purvis is the father of James and Gilbert Johnston

The thorough analysis of all of these documents show that Johnston James Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and father of  James P. J. Purvis.

NOTE: Johnson/Johnston
For years the name has been shown to be Johnson because Gilbert Purvis parents are John Purvis and Sarah Johnson. But we can see from the tax list above that Johnston is correct and I have a land deed from SC that shows the Gilbert Johnson correct middle name is Johnston
. 


The DAR application along with the probate and Wills of Effica Howell Purvis, James P.J. Purvis and Gilbert Johnston Purvis all  states that the Father of James P. J. Purvis is either James or Johnson Purvis. The two tax list shows that Johnston Purvis is Johnston J. Purvis hence Johnston James Purvis.

Piecing together the clues within the above documents and we have a clear case that:

Johnston James Purvis is the father of James P. J. Purvis

So who is his Mother of James P. J. Purvis?
This one was a little tougher to answer; but, I believe with about 99% certainty that we have also found his Mother.

In  August 1834, Effica Howell Purvis, grandmother of James P. J. Purvis died Hinds County, Mississippi leaving a sizable estate of slaves and personal property.

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-30941-1653-18?cc=2036959.

Image 152 from Effica Purvis estate is partially transcribed below:
"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, it being equal half of the difference in the valuations of the afs'd negroes when divided between said heirs. All of which is respectfully submitted to the Hon. Henry…"

Gilbert Johnson Purvis made the following 2 statements in his WILL:
"all of my property is now in dispute between myself & James P. I. [or J.] Purvis and William Purvis and in consequence thereof upon the advance made by my deceased father the said Gilbert Purvis to James Purvis the father of the said James P. I. [or J.] Purvis in the lifetime of them both, and after my Executors"
and
“I do hereby nominate my friends and relatives John Purvis & William Purvis of Hinds County my executors to this my last will and testament”

Close examination of the estate documents and Wills shows that the estate was left two groups of men:

J. P. J. Purvis and William Purvis
and
John Purvis and William Purvis (relatives)

I believe that  William Jr. and James P. J. Purvis are in fact sibling and children of James Purvis. I also believe that William Jr. is  William H. H. Purvis  and was referred to as Jr because he had an older Uncle William mentioned in the 2nd group of men with John Purvis. I have no document proving this but I have researched this line for 41 years and I base my conclusions on all the data and research I have done in those 41 years.

William and John Purvis are referred to in the WILL as"my friends and relatives John Purvis & William Purvis of Hinds County my executors to this my"
(note: William & John are two sons of James F.  Purvis, Sr. a brother of Gilbert Purvis)

William H. H. Purvis married Jemima Magee about 1830. After the death of  Effica Howell Purvis (Grandmother) in August 1834 and brother James P. J. Purvis in 1836;  William H. H. Purvis gather up his Mother, Wife Jemima and their 3 children and moved to Polk County, Texas. There William H. H. and Jemima would add two additional children to their family.

There also, came the first clue to the Mother of William H. H. Purvis and his brother James Purdee J. Purvis.



Line 10, Sarah Purvis, widow, age 60, born in SC. The Purvis left Chesterfield County, SC about 1818, migrated to Clarke County, Alabama and them on to Hinds , Simpson and Rankin County, Mississippi.

I think there is enough direct and circumstantial evidence to show the reconstructed composition of this family to be:

• Johnston James Purvis, male, b. 1784-1790, d. aft 1833, Simpson Co., MS
• Sarah [LNU], born 1790, d. aft 1850, Polk Co., TX.
• James Purdee J. Purvis, son, b. abt 1811, d. bef 22 Feb. 1836, Hinds Co., MS.
• William H. H. Purvis, b. abt 1813, d. June 1855, Polk Co., TX.

Related Readings:
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-elusive-parents-of-james-p-j-purvis.html
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/04/clues-to-parents-of-william-h-h-purvis.html


____________________________
[1] "Mississippi, Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-31017-15069-8?cc=2036959&wc=M79W-ZNP:344538201,346634901 : accessed 7 December 2014), Hinds > Wills 1832-1917 vol 1-2 > image 53 of 624; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.
[2] Hinds County Chancery Court, MS, Mississippi, Probate Court Estates, Old Series,, MDAH Microfilm #10391, Family History Library Film # 1738590: Estate # 264, Gilbert Johnson Purvis; died Nov 1835.
[3] "Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-30941-1632-13?cc=2036959&wc=M7M1-WWL:344538201,345915201 : accessed 31 August 2015), Hinds > Estates (series 1) 1838-1843 no 234-283 > image 683 of 1719; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.
[3] "Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-30941-1653-18?cc=2036959 : 21 May 2014), Hinds > Estates (series 1) 1838-1843 no 234-283 > image 132 of 1719; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.
[4] "Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30365-21?cc=1919687&wc=M6J9-YWL:211953101,211963301 : accessed 27 Apr 2014), Simpson > County tax rolls 1824-1845, Box 3764 > image 57 of 276; citing Government Records, Jackson.
[5] "Mississippi, State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30272-71?cc=1919687&wc=M6J9-YWL:211953101,211963301 : accessed 27 Apr 2014), Simpson > County tax rolls 1824-1845, Box 3764 > image 70 of 276; citing Government Records, Jackson.
[6] "Mississippi, State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-21381-31596-87?cc=1919687&wc=M6J9-YWL:211953101,211963301 : accessed 27 Apr 2014), Simpson > County tax rolls 1824-1845, Box 3764 > image 86 of 276; citing Government Records, Jackson.
[7] "Mississippi, Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-31017-15011-30?cc=2036959&wc=M79W-ZNP:344538201,346634901 : accessed 7 December 2014), Hinds > Wills 1832-1917 vol 1-2 > image 62 of 624; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.
[8] "Mississippi Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-30999-25361-1?cc=2036959&wc=M797-F3D:344538201,346502101 : accessed 1 September 2015), Hinds > Estates (series 1) 1835-1845 no 283-322 > image 1473 of 1703; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi.
[9] DAR APP#115797 shows Johnson Purvis as a son of Gilbert and Effica Howell Purvis, born before 1792 and died 183x in Mississippi. Wife named Sarah.

Purvis Family Migration to Alabama and Mississippi

Sometime around 1818, Gilbert Purvis and brothers James and Joseph migrated their family from Chesterfield County to Clarke County, Alabama.

It was there in 1824 that John Purvis passed away and his Estate was probated in Clarke County by one William S. Thornton.

I haven't figured out exactly where this John Purvis fits into the Gilbert, James F., Joseph Purvis family lineage but there is no doubt that he is in facts connected to these families.

This land deed was conveyed by James “his mark E Purvis” on 28 December 1817 to Haywood Todd.  This Slanted E mark is unique for this James Purvis.

This Land Deed was convey in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.  Move forward 7 years to Clarke County, Alabama and the Probate of John Purvis Estate.

Now we have James “His mark E” Purvis present at the probate proceedings with this document as proof.

Resd of Wm S Thornton adm of the Estate
of John Purvis Deseast Forth Nine dollars
In part of said estate as Legitee of Said Estate
This 4^th or 11^th of March 1826
John W. Thornton | James “his mark E” Purvis

I had a real problem transcribing this document from the Probate file but my intent was to show that James “his mark E” was present during the probate as indicated by this document.
 

The final document showing James Purvis (his mark E) migrated along with the Gilbert Purvis families to Clarke County, Alabama is this file from the Probate Folder:
 


John Purvis Sen de’d do to Wm. Munell
Jan 12 Z 8 Sugar  $1.00
           Z 2 Coffee   0.66
                                $1.66
Clarke County
Alabama State} personally cane James Purvis before Robert Taylor a Justice of the Peace for said County and being duly Qualified Sates that he did purchase the above articles for W. Munell for his Brother John by request –
Sworn to and subscribed James “His mark E” Purvis
Before me the 26^th day
of February 1825.
Robt. Taylor Jus. Pec.


Other indicators within the Probate Files is the known men and women related to these Purvis families.
Gilbert Johnston Purvis – son of Gilbert Purvis
Rebecca (her mark E) Howl [Howell] – Rebecca Purvis, wife of Henry Howell
William Purvis
Sarah Purvis
James H. Purvis
James Purvis
Joseph Purvis
Levina Purvis
John Purvis
Gilbert Purvis

These families stayed on for a while in Clarke County, Alabama but eventually moved on settling in Simpson, Hinds and Rankin Counties, Mississippi.









________________________________________
[1]  Clarke County, AL,Clarke County, Alabama, estate case files, 1810-1915; Probate Court, Grove Hill, Alabama, LDS Family History Library Film # 2229240, Frame 1365, John Purvis, 1825, Estate, Box 22, Folder 68, Frame 1365.

Gilbert Purvis, Revolutionary War Patriot

Gilbert Purvis grew up in the Cheraw District of South Carolina prior to the Revolutionary War.  This part of South Carolina was up state near the North Carolina State line.

1769-1784 ¹

Gilbert served as a soldier in the War as shown by this Stub indent for payment of 34 days.







STUB INDENT
No.632  } Issued 18 April 1785 to Mr. Gilbert Purvis for
Lib N     }Two pounds 8/6 3/4 Sterling: 34 days duty done
               in the Militia in 1782 ... account audited----------
                                       Principal £2. .10---- Interest £0..3..4

Gilbert’s service in this war qualifies his descendants for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  

This is a very large family consisting of thousand of descendants; yet, only one person in the past 127 years has applied for entry into the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) organization.
Some of this may be due to loss of records in Chesterfield County, South Carolina during the Civil War and other sundry reasons.

In 1915, Mary Virginia Hagerman had her DAR Application #115797 approved accepting her into the DAR organization as a descendant of Revolutionary War Patriot – Gilbert Purvis.

Much has been learned about Gilbert since this application was submitted; yet, many still leave out a complete generation when documenting the lineage of Gilbert Purvis and his wife Effica Howell.
Gilbert and Effica Purvis were only known to have two children Gilbert Johnston Purvis and Sarah “Sally” Purvis. DAR Application #115797 was the first document to show another child; that child being Johnson Purvis. This Johnson Purvis whose wife was called Sarah had two children – James P. J. Purvis and his brother William H. H. Purvis.



That portion of the lineage can be seen here in this snippet from Mary Virginia Hagerman application.

For years no other document could be found naming a Johnson Purvis but he did exist. Even today researchers have no knowledge that there are other documents.

Johnson J. Purvis or J. Johnson Purvis was alive and well in 1831, 1832 and 1833. He can be found in the Tax records for Simpson County, Mississippi. I have posted the 1833 Tax list here:

Johnson J. Purvis was not found after 1833 and is believed to have passed away.Johnson J. Purvis and his wife Sarah had two sons; James P. J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

James P. J. Purvis married Elizabeth Rose Campbell daughter of  John Beasley Campbell and Mary Rosa Franklin on 19 January 1832.  Four years after his marriage to Elizabeth, James P. J. Purvis passed away leaving Elizabeth Rose pregnant and with two children.

Elizabeth Rose Campbell Purvis then married Joseph Edward Miller. Elizabeth Rose Campbell was born 16 July 1814. Mary Virginia Hagerman was Elizabeth Rose Great Granddaughter. Her mother Mary Ann Purvis Campbell  was Elizabeth Rose Granddaughter. Mary Virginia was born in 1882 and Mary Ann was born in 1856. Elizabeth Rose died in 1906 and Mary Ann died in 1912 so you can see that both the grand daughter and the great grand daughter spent many days of their lifetime under the arms of their grandmother and Great Grandmother.

After the death of Johnson and his son James P. J. Purvis; Sarah, his wife and remaining son, William H. H. Purvis along his wife Jemima Magee packed up their family and moved to Polk County, Texas.  

William H. H. and his mother Sarah Purvis can be found in the 1850 census for Polk County, Texas. 

1850 CENSUS: Polk County, Texas; Roll: M432_914; Page: 188B; Line 3, Dwelling 178, Family 178; W. H. PURVIS, male, age 36 [1814], born in SC; Jemima PURVIS, female, age 39 [1811], born in MS; William PURVIS, male, age 17 [1833], born in MS; Mary PURVIS,female, age 14 [1836], born in MS; Purdy PURVIS, male, age 8 [1842], born in MS; Gabrian PURVIS, female, age 3 [1847], born in TX; Jemima PURVIS, female, age 6 mo. [1850], born in TX and Sarah PURVIS, Female, (widow), age 60 [1790], born in SC.







______________________________
[1] County Chart courtesy of http://www.archivesindex.sc.gov/guide/CountyRecords/1769.htm
[2] DAR App #115797
[3] 1833 Tax List - Simpson County, Mississippi, Purviff, Johnson J.
"Mississippi, State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-21381-31596-87?cc=1919687&wc=M6J9-YWL:211953101,211963301 : accessed 27 Apr 2014), Simpson > County tax rolls 1824-1845, Box 3764 > image 86 of 276; citing Government Records, Jackson.

When and Where Did Gilbert Purvis Die?

Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

This Tombstone in Chesterfield County, South Carolina suggests that Gilbert Purvis died and was buried in the Rivers Cemetery. But, it’s not so.

Gilbert Purvis at one time owned 4815 acres of land in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He sold all of this land, some to Heywood Todd,  and with several brothers, James F. and Joseph known, moved his wife and family along with other families (Howells) to Clarke County, Alabama and finally settled in Simpson County, Mississippi.¹
 
I believe this move occurred between 1818 and 1820. In Mar 1818, Gilbert was a party named in an administrative bond for the death of one James Purvis. I haven’t determine yet how this James Purvis is related.²

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…

Checking the 1820 Census for Chesterfield County reveals no trace of many Purvis families that were listed in 1810. Gilbert Purvis is missing from the 1820 Census for Chesterfield County. We next find a trace of Gilbert in the tracks of his son Gilbert Johnston Purvis on 25 December 1821.³

On that day (25 Dec 1821)  in Clarke County, Alabama, Gilbert Johnston Purvis purchased land from William Stringer (Book ‘A', Page 182-183). 

The next listing of Gilbert Purvis, Sr. is in the 1827 and 1828 Tax Roll for Simpson County, Mississippi. ^{4 5}

1828 Tax List - Simpson Co., MS

In the 1829 Tax List the only Purvis listed is – Gilbert J. Purvis.

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-21381-31602-68?cc=1919687&wc=M6J9-YWL:211953101,211963301 

In 1830 Census, Effica Howell Purvis, widow of Gilbert Purvis is listed in the household of her son Gilbert Johnston Purvis. Tragically, Effica and Gilbert Johnston Purvis would both die before the next census; Effica in Aug. 1834 and Gilbert Johnston in Nov 1835.⁶ 

Gilbert Purvis, Sr. died sometime between June 1828 (1828 Tax List) and 11 June 1829 (1829 Tax List) in Simpson County, Mississippi. He is buried in an unmarked cemetery in that county.









 
_______________________________
[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] Brent H. Holcomb, Horry District Administration Bonds 1803-1818 (Columbia, SC 29221: Brent H. Holcomb, Vol. X, Winter 1982), page 10.
[3] 1820 Census of the United States, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, , ; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed ); citing National Archives Microfilm M 33_119.
[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; 1827, Box 3764, Image of 27 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 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.

1814 Land Deed-Gilbert Purvis to Gilbert Johnston Purvis

The 3 pages of this Land Deed has been reduced to 66% in order to display within this blog. The deed is on-line, at the link provided in the footnotes, as a very large PDF file.¹


Click for larger images


South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
Know all men by these presents that I Gilbert Purvis of the State and District aforesaid in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to me in hand paid by Gilbert Johnston Purvis of the state and district aforesaid, HAVE granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do grant bargain sell and release unto the said Gilbert Johnston Purvis All that Tract or Tracts of Land situate lying and being in Chesterfield district and State aforesaid on the southwest side of Thompson Creek and in part on Indian Creek containing Two hundred Acres more or Lefs, as per Plats to the original Grant annexed reference thereunto being had will appear Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining. To have and to hold all and singular the premises before mentioned unto the said Gilbert Johnston Purvis and afsigns forever, and I do hereby bind myself my Heirs Executors and Administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said Gilbert Johnston Purvis his heirs and Afsigns against myself & my Heirs and against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof.---------
Witnefs my hand and seal this sixth day of September In the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fourteen.---
Signed sealed and delivered}              
In the presence of}
John Lowry
Wm. McKerall


South Carolina}
Chesterfield District} Personally appeared before me the subscribing Justice William McKerall who being duly sworn, deposeth and sayeth that he was present and did see the above named Gilbert Purvis, signed, seal & deliver the above implement of writing a s his act & deed for the use & purpose therein contained and that he did also see the above named John Lowry sign the same as a subscribing witnefs with himself.---
Sworn & Subscribed}                                   Wm. McKerall
To before me the}
6th day of Sept. 1814}
Peter L. Roberson, J. P.


Chesterfield District} Received Dec., 16, 1814 &
B. M. C. Office} recorded Jany 27th, 1815 in
Book No C Pages 94 & 95
Certified & Examined by
John Craig, R. M. C

In this transaction Gilbert Purvis, Sr. is selling off 200 acres of land to his son Gilbert Johnston Purvis.

The deed was signed on 6 September 1814 and recorded on 27 January 1815. It’s somewhat puzzling in that we know that sometime around 1818 Gilbert and his brothers packed up their families and moved to Clarke County , Alabama  and finally settled in and around Hinds, Rankin, Smith and Simpson Counties, Mississippi.

Gilbert Sr. and Gilbert Johnston both appear on the 1828 Simpson County tax list. Gilbert Sr. is not with the family in the 1830 Simpson County. At his advance age, his absence from the family clearly suggests that between the 1828 tax List and the 1830 Census enumeration that Gilbert, Sr. had passed away.  Sadly, his wife, Effica Howell Purvis, would pass away in August 1834 followed by his son, Gilbert Johnston in November 1835.  ^{2 3}

Click to enlarge

________________
[1] http://dc.statelibrary.sc.gov/handle/10827/8799
[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 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1828, Box 3764, Image of 36 of 276, Gilbert PERVIS.
[3] 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.

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.
 
 
 
____________________________________
[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~1814 Land Deed–Gilbert Purvis to Gilbert Johnston 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 1814 Land Deed between Gilbert Purvis and Gilbert Johnston Purvis; from Father to Son. ¹
 
South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
Know all men by these presents that I Gilbert Purvis of the State and District aforesaid in consideration of the sum of two hundred dollars to me in hand paid by Gilbert Johnston Purvis of the state and district aforesaid, HAVE granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do grant bargain sell and release unto the said Gilbert Johnston Purvis All that Tract or Tracts of Land situate lying and being in Chesterfield district and State aforesaid on the southwest side of Thompson Creek and in part on Indian Creek containing Two hundred Acres more or Lefs [less], as per Plats to the original Grant annexed reference thereunto being had will appear Together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments to the said premises belonging or in any wise incident or appertaining. To have and to hold all and singular the premises before mentioned unto the said Gilbert Johnston Purvis and afsigns [assigns] forever, and I do hereby bind myself my Heirs Executors and Administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises unto the said Gilbert Johnston Purvis his heirs and Afsigns [assigns] against myself & my Heirs and against every person whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same or any part thereof.---------
Witnefs my hand and seal this sixth day of September In the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fourteen.---
Signed sealed and delivered}
In the presence of}
John Lowry
Wm. McKerall

South Carolina}
Chesterfield District} Personally appeared before me the subscribing Justice William McKerall who being duly sworn, deposeth and sayeth that he was present and did see the above named Gilbert Purvis, signed, seal & deliver the above implement of writing a s his act & deed for the use & purpose therein contained and that he did also see the above named John Lowry sign the same as a subscribing witnefs with himself.---
Sworn & Subscribed}                              Wm. McKerall
To before me the}
6^th day of Sept. 1814}
Peter L. Roberson, J. P.
Chesterfield District} Received Dec., 16, 1814 &
B. M. C. Office} recorded Jany 27^th, 1815 in
Book No C Pages 94 & 95
Certified & Examined by
John Craig, R. M. C.

This Land Deed is extraordinary in that it’s available for our peruse today. Very few pre Civil War deeds exist for Chesterfield County. This particular deed is part of the Spencer Family Papers held by the Matheson Library of Cheraw, South Carolina. The actual deed can also be viewed on line at:  http://dc.statelibrary.sc.gov/handle/10827/8799
 





 _______________________
[1] 1814 Land Deed, Spencer Family Papers, 1700-1900; held by Matheson Library, Cheraw, South Carolina, 2014. Gilbert Purvis to Gilbert Johnston Purvis.

Untangling Clues to James Purvis, Sr.

 
On 15 December 2012 I wrote a post about the elusive parents of James P. J. Purvis

http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-elusive-parents-of-james-p-j-purvis.html

In Clarke County, Alabama there is a Land Deed between the Gilbert J. Purvis and Grass Scruggs – Deed is dated 12 Jan 1829 and Can be found in Deed Book “G”, pages 366-367. Witnessing this deed are these two men:  James P. J. Purvis and James (his mark) Purvis.¹  



I believe these two men to be a brother & nephew of Gilbert Johnson Purvis. Gilbert Johnson Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and Effica Howell.

Now a partial copy of another Land Deed between this James Purvis has been found in the Spencer Family papers of Chesterfield, South Carolina. ²



Transcription of Chesterfield County Land Deed:
Land deed between James Purvis and Haywood Todd
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 said 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


The signatures of James Purvis

29 December 1817


12 January 1829


In Horry County, South Carolina we find an Administration Bonds stating that Gilbert Purvis was one of the administrators of the estate of James Purvis, 17 July 1818. ³

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, …

Then we have this notice in The Camden Gazette, 28 January 1819. ⁴

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

I say that the same James Purvis signed both of these Land Deeds with his special mark – A Slanted E

These independent facts, by themselves, doesn’t mean so much; but; taken together as a composite they paint a picture of a man named James Purvis, Sr. who bought some land from Haywood Todd and shortly thereafter James Purvis, Senior passes away.

But, there's always a but. If James Purvis, Sr, signed the Deed in December 1817, passed away in 1818; who signed the Deed in January 1829. Did James Purvis, Jr. take his father mark as his own and sign the 1829 Land Deed in Alabama?

Your comments greatly appreciated.

______________________________
[1] 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.
[2] http://mobile.dc.statelibrary.sc.gov/handle/10827/8910?show=full
[3] 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.
[4] “The Camden Gazette, Camden, South Carolina, 28 January 1819, page 2

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.