Treasure Chest Thursday~Land Deed, Simpson to James P. J. Purvis

State of Mississippi}
Hinds County}           This indenture made and entered in to this the 15th day of July in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred thirty thre between Thomas G. Simpson and James Simpson of the county and State are foresaid of the one part and James P. J. Purvis of the other part of the County and state are foresaid. Witnesseth that the said Thomas G. Simpson and James Simpson does here by sell release set over and convey to the said James P. J. Purvis  for and in consideration of the some<sic> of two hundred dollars paid in hand for all that tract or part of land lying and being in the county of Hinds known and designated and known as the East half of the North West quarter of Section No. Eight Township  Six in Range Two East containing eighty acres and 3/100 of an acre we the said Thomas S. Simpson and James Simpson do warrant and will ever defend the same from any other person or person whatsoever to the said James P. J. Purvis his heirs and assigns forever in witnefs whereof we have hereunto set out hands and seals this the day and year written written<sic>
Test                                        Thomas G. Simpson {seal}
Hiram Coffer                           JaP. Simpson {seal}
Jas. L. Rutherford                    Mary (X her mark) Simpson {seal}

The State of Mississippi}
Hinds County} Personally appeared before me J. Isbell Justice of the Peace in and for said county Thomas G. Simpson and James Simpson who acknowledged that they signed, sealed and delivered the above deed as their act and deed for the purposes and contents theare <sic>  in contained the day and year above written.
                                               J. C. Isbell, J. P. {seal}

The State of Mississippi}
Hinds County } Personally appeared before me J. C. Isabell a justice of the peace in and for said county Mary Simpson who being duly examined separate and apart from her said husband acknowledge that she signed the within deed as her own voluntary act and deed freely without fear or compulsion of her said husband for the purpose and contents therein contained on the day and date theare<sic> in written. Given under my hand seal this 12th day of December A. D. 1833
                                               J. C. Isabell, J. P. {seal}
Filed 19th June recorded 29th July 1834.         C. H. Bankston, Clk.

 James P. J. Purvis was the grandson of Gilbert and Effica Howell Purvis. He married Elizabeth Rose Campbell in January 1832 and they had three children, a daughter and two sons, before his unexpected death in 1836.







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[1] Mississippi, "Mississippi Deed Books," land deeds, Family Search.org, family Search (http://www.FamilySearch.Org : Viewed 6 August 2015), Hinds County, Deed Book 4, pages 8 & 9; FHL Film #878973.

Amanuensis Monday~1829 Land Deed~Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs

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 1829 Land Deed between Gilbert Johnson Purvis and Grass Scruggs of Clarke County, Alabama.¹
 
These Purvis are very important to my research and since receiving DNA results in April 2014 that showed a connection I have refocused my research in this area.

From previous research we know that a large contingency of Purvis families moved from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to Mississippi through Georgia and Alabama. We talked about this migration and some of the clues in this posting.

I spent the last week of July through the first week of August, in Utah visiting my son and doing some research. I made a point to acquire two deeds that I knew existed in Clarke County, Alabama. Today’s deed between Gilbert Johnson Purvis and Grass Scruggs is one of those deeds.

Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs

 
This indenture made the 12 day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Twenty-nine, Between Gilbert J. Purvis of the County of Simpson and state of Mississippi of the one part and, Grafs Scruggs of the County of Clarke and state of Alabama, of the other part Witnefseth that the said Gilbert J. Purvis for and in consideration of the sum of One hundred Dollars good and lawful money to him in hand paid by the said Grafs Scruggs at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, have granted and sold, and by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said Grafs Scruggs his heirs and afsigns a certain lot or parcel of ground lying and being in the County of Clarke and the state of Alabama, namely Sixty Acres of the South end of fractional section No. 36, in the Township No. 11 Range No. 2 West of the Basis Meridian and bounded as follows, viz. On the east by the line of said Township on the North by fractional section No. 25. On the West by the Tombigbee Rivers, on the South by North Township line, Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging and the revisions and revisions remainder and reminding yearly and other rents or money and profits thereof and of every part and parcel thereof. To have and to hold the said lot or parcel of land with the tenements, hereditaments and all and singular other … promises herein before mentioned or appurtenances thereunto intended to be bargained and sold and every part and parcel thereof with every of the rights members and appurtenances unto the said Grafs Scruggs to his heirs and afsigns forever to and for the only proper use and behoof of him the said Grafs Scruggs his heirs and assigns forever and the said Gilbert J. Purvis for himself and his heirs the said lot or parcel of ground with all and singular the promises and appurtenances before mentioned unto the said Grafs Scruggs to his heirs and afsigns free from the claim or claims of him the said Gilbert J. Purvis his heirs and of all and every person or persons, whatsoever shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents In Witnesefs whereof the said Gilbert J. Purvis has hereunto set his hands and seal the day and year above written.
Signed sealed and delivered in presence}              Gilbert J. Purvis {seal}
of William Howell Justice Peace}

Filed in Office 29 March 1856. Recorded 9 May 1856, Book G on pages 366.367 M.M. Coats Judge P. Court
 
No evidence has been found to show that Gilbert J.[ohnson] Purvis was ever married. His Will is posted on this site and no wife was named within that Will. We know that James P. J. Purvis is a nephew but James “his Slanted E mark” Purvis relationship had not been determined.  His mark has been found in three separate Land Deeds but he has not been found in any other documents. 



 
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[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; 1August 2014. LDS FHL Film#1823018.

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

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[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].

Will of James Purdee J. Purvis

James P. J. Purvis married Elizabeth Rose Campbell on 19 January 1832.[1] She was the daughter of John Beasley Campbell and Mary Rosa Franklin.

James and Elizabeth had 3 children:
1. Mary Ann Purvis, b. 24 October 1834, d. 5 August 1916; married Col. Alexander Campbell
2. James B. M. Purvis, b. 1835, d. young
3. William R. Purvis, b. 1836, d. Jan 1882; married Mary J. Gillespie

James P. J. Purvis died abt 1836 in Hinds County, Mississippi. James P. J. left a WILL and his estate was probated 9 February 1836.[2]

JAMES P. J. PURVIS WILL[3]
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]

What this Will does not revealed is the at the time of James Purdee J. Purvis’ death in 1836, his wife Elizabeth Rose was pregnant with their son, William R. Purvis, who was born that same year.

Elizabeth Rose sold the land that she and James owned (80 acres) on 24 March 1836 to James Simpson. (DB 6, pages 220-221, Hinds County, MS) [4]

Elizabeth Rose remarried on 7 March 1839 to Joseph Edward Miller in Rankin County, Mississippi.[5] He died sometime before 1850 and Elizabeth Rose remained unmarried until her death on 19 September 1906 in Brooke County, West Virginia. 

Elizabeth Rose and Joseph had two sons. In total Elizabeth had 5 children (4 sons and a daughter) by two husbands. This is borne out in the 1900 Brooke County West Virginia Census.

“R. MILLER, Mother-in-law, age 85, born Nov 1814 in LA; Father born in South Carolina, Mother born in LA; Widowed; 5 children, 2 living; Eight other individuals in household listed as SERVANTS and BOARDERS.”[6]

The parents of James Purdee J. Purvis are unknown; but there are some conflicting clues. DAR application 115797 shows his father as Johnson Purvis.[7] His uncle Gilbert Johnson Purvis states in his WILL that “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…”. This suggests that the father of James Purdee is James Purvis and then there is the 1831 &1832 Tax List for Simpson County, Mississippi that lists a Johnson J. Purvis along with James P. J. Purvis. Is this father and son?

If you have any info on individuals listed within the posting please send me an e-mail or post your comments here on this blog. Thanks.

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[1] Mississippi, Rankin County, Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935, , James Purvis & Elizabeth B. Campbell, 19 January 1832; www.ancestry.com, Jackson, Mississippi.

[2] 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.

[3] Hinds County, Mississippi, FHL microfilm 878728: Book 1, page 66 WILL of James P. J. Purvis; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.

[4] Hinds County, Mississippi, Deed Book "6": pages 220 & 221, Elizabeth R. Purvis to James Simpson; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, http://www.familysearch.org. Film #876974.

[5] Mississippi, Rankin County, Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935, , Jo E. Miller & Elizabeth Purvis, 7 March 1839; www.ancestry.com, Jackson.

[6] 1900, Buffalo, Brooke County, West Virginia, population schedule, Buffalo, Brooke County, West Virginia, enumeration district (ED) #12, Page: 287B; Line 95, dwelling 72, family 74, Household of Alex CAMPBELL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed December 2010); citing National Archives T623_1756.

[7] DAR Application 115797 - Mary Virginia Watson.

Related articles

• Gilbert Johnson Purvis
• Strife in the Family
• John Purvis, Deceased, Clarke Co., AL
• Friend of Friends Friday - Purvis to Gray