It’s Family Time~The John Purvis-Sarah McMillan Family

 

John Purvis was born about 1782 in South Carolina. His calculated birth year of 1782 is verified by his Sworn Statement dated 20 Oct 1851 found within the Pension file of James McMillan, W9559. John stated that he is Sixty-nine (69) years old and is well acquainted with James and Rachel McMillan. (1851-69=1782). If is further confirmed by the 1850 Chesterfield County Federal population census where John Purvis is listed as being  68 years of age (1850-68=1782). His parents are unknown but his Father is believed to have been a John Purvis, son of John Purvis and Sarah Johnson.

John Purvis married Sarah McMillan daughter of James & Rachel McMillan. (See REV WAR W-9559 - James McMillan). This marriage took place about 1810 based on the birth of their 1st born child, Charles G. Purvis in 1811. The Revolutionary War Pension File of Rachel McMillan's father, James McMillan (https://www.fold3.com/image/24228107), identifies all his children and who they married.

Sarah McMillan, born abt 1785, was the daughter of James & Rachel (Chisholm) McMillan. She had 7 siblings; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. James McMillan served in the Revolutionary War and passed away 18 August 1837. Rachel (Chisholm) McMillan died on 25 October 1844.

In 1850, we find John Purvis and his wife Sarah living in the Chesterfield district with 4 of their children and 4 grandchildren.

The grandchildren are children of their daughter, Mary Ann Purvis who married William B. Dickson about 1836. Shortly after their marriage in 1836, Gordon B. Dickson took his young Bride to Hinds County, Mississippi. There he died before 28 Oct 1844 and Mary returned home to Chesterfield to be with her parents.

Shortly, after returning home her Father, John Purvis, passed away in March 1854. Sarah (McMillan) Purvis would pass away in April of 1863. See SC Equity Record.

[#108] Craig, J.C. & wife vs. Charles G. Pervis & others - Bill for injunction & general relief 1866
John Purvis died intestate in March 1854, leaving his widow, Sarah Purvis and children: Mary A., widow of William B. Dickson; Charles G. Purvis; John C. Purvis; and Laura S. intermarried with James C. Craig. Additional information: The children of James C. and Laura Purvis Craig: Sallie P. Craig; John J. Craig; Alexander W. Craig; Laura E. Craig; Mollie A. Craig; Edgar Craig; Irene Craig; Leola Craig and James Craig who died at age 11. Alexander J. Purvis died 3 July 1860, leaving as his heir his mother and brothers & sisters; Sarah Purvis died intestate in April 1863; John C. Purvis died intestate 13 October 1864, leaving as his heirs Laura S. Craig, Mary A. Dickson and Charles G. Purvis.

This is a snapshot of the John & Sarah Purvis household in the 1850 CENSUS.

John Purvis and Sarah McMillan had the following children:

i. Charles G. Purvis, born abt 1811, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Mary E. Douglass; died 13 Jul 1887, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

ii. Mary Ann Purvis, born abt 1813, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married William B. Dickson, abt 1836; died bet 14 Oct 1893 and Jun 1900.

iii. John C. Purvis was born about 1819 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 13 Oct 1864 at the age of 45 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina

iv. Laura Sarah Purvis, born 6 Nov 1824, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Dr. James Chapman Craig, 18 Jan 1848; died 1 Mar 1914, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

v. Alexander J. Purvis was born about 1828 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 3 Jul 1860 at the age of 32 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

In 1860 only Sarah and her son John C. are remaining in the household.

It’s quick to see that a lot of tragedy has transpired with this family

William B. Dickson, husband of daughter Mary Ann, died before 28 October 1844

John Purvis, Father, died  March 1854

Alexander J. Purvis, son, died 3 July 1860

Sarah McMillan Purvis, Mother, died April 1863

John C. Purvis, son, died 13 October 1864

Mary Ann (Purvis) Dickson died between 14 Oct 1893 and June 1900 (Between the execution of a Land Deed contained in Chesterfield County Deed Book 17, page 197-200 and the 1900 Census in June 1900).  

Laura Sarah (Purvis) Craig, age 89, lived until 1 March 1914

The parents of John Purvis, b. 1782 are unknown. I believe him to be related to James and Gilbert Purvis and quite possible a grandson of John Purvis and Sarah Johnson/Johnston. 

____________________________

        1. John Purvis, 17 January 1814; South Carolina Land Grants, S213192, Volume: 0043, Page: 00493, Item: 001; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.

        2. John Purvis, 28 January 1817; South Carolina Land Grants, S213192, Volume - 0044 Page - 00339 Item - 01; Dept. of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.

        3. 1820 Census of the United States, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield District, South Carolina, Household of John PERVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 January 2019); citing  National Archives Microfilm M 33_119.

        4. 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 258; Line 1, Household of John Purvis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 January 2019); citing  National Archives Microfilm M19_172.

        5. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 104B (stamped), Line 7, Dwelling 82, Family 82, Household of John PERVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2014); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

        6. Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files, microfilm publication M804 (Washington, DC: National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), 1974), James McMillan, W-8559.

        7. James C. Pigg, Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865: Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869 (Tega Cay, South Carolina: Self-published, 1995), page 132.

         8. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 176 (stamped); Line 24, Dwelling 1161, Family 1060, Household of Sarah PERVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2014); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.

         9. James C. Pigg, Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865 &: Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869 (Tega Cay, South Carolina: self-Published, 1995), pages 132 & 133.

        10. Land Deed - J. C. Purvis to J. P. Smith; 10 March 1854; Deed Book #15; Page(s) 132; Register of Deeds; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina; 3 January 2010.

        11. SOURCE: #108 Index and Genealogical Abstracts of the Chesterfield District Court of Common Pleas, Equity Side, 1823-1869, page 132-133 as recorded in "Cheraw/Chesterfield District Wills, 1750-1865 & Abstracts from the Court of Common Pleas 1823-1869, Published by James C. Pigg, Copyright 1995.

Treasure Chest Thursday~An October 1848 Lavicy Purvis Letter

Transcription:

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
                 On the fourth day of October Anno Domino, 1848 personally appeared before me the subscriber a magistrate in and for the Said district Mrs. Lavicy Purvis who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is the Mother of the identical Stephen Purvis who enlisted on or about the 27th day of November 1846 at Charleston, So. Ca. Capt. Blanding's Company "F" Palmetto Regiment commanded by the late Col. P. M. Butler and that she has been informed that her son died at Castle Perro [Perote], Mexico on or about the tenth day of June A. D. 1847 in consequence of sickness and while in the service of the United States; and that her husband died on or about the ____ day of _______ in the year A. D. 1824 and that her said son was never married, and that she makes this declaration to obtain his Bounty Land.  
Sworn to before me this}
fourth day of October}                            Lavicy X her mark Purvis {LS}
1848.-----            }   
Wm. A. Mulloy
         Magt.

Lavicy Purvis in the above letters made 4 distinct statements:

1. She is the Mother of Stephen Purvis
2. Her son died at Castle Perro, Mexico 10 June 1847 of sickness
3. Her son was never married
4. Her Husband [Not Named] died in 1824.

Lavicy Purvis maiden name is unknown at present; however, there are some researchers who believed her to be a “Turnage.”

Lavicy was granted 160 acres of Land 9 May 1849; Warrant #57,179.

I have not found the husband of Lavicy Purvis named in any document but many believed him to be a John Purvis, Sr.  We do know he died, according to the letter above, in 1824.
The letter above was created on 4 October 1848. Could her husband have died earlier or later than 1824. Where did he die? Could it have been outside of the State of South Carolina. No date of birth has been found for their son Stephen Purvis. Stephen Purvis, according to the letter above, enlisted 0n 27 November 1846. How old was Stephen? If he was 18, then his birth year would be 1828; if he was 21, then his birth year would have been 1825. Either way, Stephen was a very young lad when his father passed away.

There is a John Purvis born in SC that died in Clarke County, Alabama late 1824 or early 1825. Could this have been Vicey’s husband. There is no doubt that this John Purvis is related to Gilbert & James Purvis, brothers who left Chesterfield County around 1818 and moved first to Clarke County, Alabama, and later on to Mississippi. Did he make a trip to Alabama to see relatives?  Additional research may provide the answers; until then there are many unanswered questions.

Vicey Purvis died in the late 1850’s. She is not listed in the 1860 Census nor the 1860 Mortality scheduled. If she was not missed by the Census enumerator it’s possible her death occurred before 1 January 1859.

A property Deed in the Burnt Book, page 48 shows that she was deceased before 26 February 1861. 





________________
[1] My THANKS goes out to a “Purvis” researcher [Name Withheld] who shared this letter with me. 
[2] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSY6-9W9?i=1321&cat=989192 Frame 1322
[3] Land Deed - Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis; 26 February 1861; Deed Book #Burnt Book; Page(s) 48; Probate Office; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 27 August 2014.   

Treasure Chest Thursday~Marriage of John Purvis

About 1818 many families in Chesterfield County, South Carolina migrated to the open lands of Alabama and Mississippi. Among those leaving was John Purvis, son of James Purvis, Sr.
By 1819, they had traveled to Clarke County, Alabama. Here on 14 December 1819, John Purvis married Mary Parks. 



Transcription:

Marriage record                                               85

John Purvis}             1819
Mary Parks }  December the 14th
the parties being of age License was
granted by taking Bond and Security


_________________
[1] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9HV-3CMX?i=59&cat=105154

Mrs. Mary A. Dickson to George W. Williams + Co. Lien

Mary A. Purvis was the daughter of John Purvis and Sarah McMillian. John Purvis was a large land owner in Chesterfield County.

About 1836, Mary A. Purvis married William B. Dickson. Almost immediately after marriage, they moved to Hinds County, Mississippi. Their first child was born in 1837 and the 1850 Census states that she was born in Mississippi. By 1850, Mary with 5 children is back living with her parents in Chesterfield and she is listed as a widow.

In Mar 1854, her Father, John Purvis passed away.
[#108] Craig, J.C. + wife vs. Charles G. Pervis + others - Bill for injunction + general relief 1866
John Purvis died intestate in March 1854, leaving his widow, Sarah Purvis and children: Mary A., widow of William B. Dickson; Charles G. Purvis; John C. Purvis; and Laura S. intermarried with James C. Craig. Additional information: The children of James C. and Laura Purvis Craig: Sallie P. Craig; John J. Craig; Alexander W. Craig; Laura E. Craig; Mollie A. Craig; Edgar Craig; Irene Craig; Leola Craig and James Craig who died at age 11. Alexander J. Purvis died 3 July 1860, leaving as his heir his mother and brothers + sisters; Sarah Purvis died intestate in April 1863; John C. Purvis died intestate 13 October 1864, leaving as his heirs Laura S. Craig, Mary A. Dickson, and Charles G. Purvis.

When the estate was settled about 1866, Sarah and two more of her children had passed away and only 3 siblings remained -  Laura S. Craig, Mary A. Dickson, and Charles G. Purvis.

On 20 March 1869, Mary A (Purvis) Dickson executed a lien on her property for $150.00 in order to obtain supplies to be used and expended on the planting of said plantation and cultivation of the Soil.

She agreed to pay 12% interest per annum

She agreed that all crops would be sent to the lender (George W. William and Co.) so that he could sell them at a commission.

She agreed to pay the loan/lien off by 15 November 1869.



Transcription:

Mrs. Mary A. Dickson to George W. Williams + Co. Lien

The State of South Carolina
             Memorandum of agreement made and entered into this twentieth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Sixty nine between  George W. Williams, Edward C. Williams, James M. Taylor, William Birarie, Edward Platt, Joseph R. Robertson and James Bridge Jr doing business and trading under the name and style of George W. William + Co. of the State aforesaid of the first part and Mrs. Mary A. Dickson resident of the County of Chesterfield State of aforesaid of the second part.
First, The parties of the first part agrees with the party of the second part who is engaged in the cultivation of the soil upon a plantation in same County and State 4 miles west of Cheraw to make advances to him during the current year in money or supplies to be used and expended on the planting of said plantation and cultivation of the Soil the said advances not to exceeds in all the sum of One hundred and fifty Dollars the said party of the second part first giving to the party of the first part a lien on the Crops which may be made during this year upon the lands in the cultivation of which the advances so made shall have been expended in preference a full liens existing or otherwise to the extent of such advances with interest thereon at the rate of Twelve (12) per cent per annum in accordance with the provisions of the Act of Assembly of the said state in such case made and provided.
Second, the party of the Second part covenants and agrees with the parties of the first part in consideration of the advances so made and to be made by them to him that he will expended and apply the whole of said advances in and upon the planting and cultivation of his plantation in in <sic> which he is now engaged and for and in consideration of the premises the said party of the second part hath given and granted and by these presents doth give and grant to the said parties of the first part and to the Survivor or Survivors of them and the Executors and administrators or assigns of such Survivor a lien on the entire crop which shall or may be made during the current year upon the land in the cultivation of which the advances so made by the party of the first part shall be expended, in preference to all others liens existing or otherwise to the extent and amount of such advances together with interest thereon at the rate of twelve (12) per cent per annum in accordance with the provisions of the Act of Assembly of the said State entitled "An Act to secure advances for agricultural purposes" ratified on the twenty-fifth day of September eighteen hundred and Sixty-Six and subject to all the powers, conditions and provisions therein contained.
Third The party of the second part covenants and agrees with the parties of the first part on consideration of the advances so made and to be made by them to him that he will send to them for sale on commission the entire crop of cotton made on said plantation and in default thereof that he will pay to them a commission of two and one half percent on the estimated value of every bale of cotton not sent to them for Sale And further the party of the second part gives the party of the first part a lien on the entire crop for said commission in the same manner as far advances previously named.
Fourth The party of the Second part obligates to send to the partied of the first part sufficient Cotton to pay all advances prior to 15th November next In testimony whereof the parties hereto have hereunder set their hands the day and years first above written.
Signed and delivered
In the presence of
W. R. Morris                                  Geo. W. William + Co.
J. M. Sell
J. C. Craig                                      M. A. Dickson
C. W. Craig

The State of South Carolina}
Charleston County}
         Personally appeared before me W. R. Morris and made oath that he saw the within named James M. Taylor of the firm of Geo. W. Williams + Co., sign and as their act and deed deliver the within written agreement and that he with J. M. Lee witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me this 9th}                W. R. Morris
Day of March 1869}
J. Murray {LS}}
Notary Public}

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
         Personally appeared before me one C. W. Craig and made oath that he saw the within named Mrs. M. Dickson sign and as her act and deed deliver the within written agreement and that he with J. C. Craig witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me this 23rd}                C. W. Craig
Day of March 1869}
Henry D. Malloy}
Notary Public}

Recorded 5th April 1869
Origl Dlv to D. Malloy

Was this lien redeemed? It's unclear whether it was redeemed. A common practice during this time was to annotate along the edges of the document whether the lien was redeemed or in default. There is no annotation on this lien.

Tomorrow we will look at another land deed and speculate on the impact of this Lien on the circumstance documented within the forthcoming land deed.




_________________
[1] Land Deed - Mrs. Mary A. Dickson to George W. Williams + Co. Lien; 20 March 1869; Deed Book #1; Page(s) pages 407 & 408; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC; 22 November 2018.

Estate of James Purvis, Sr.~Inventory and Appraisement

I have written about James Purvis, Sr. b. abt 1760 several times. About 1818 James along with other brothers, most notably Gilbert  Purvis, moved from Chesterfield County, South Carolina to the Hinds and Simpson County area of Mississippi after stopping off in Clarke County, Alabama for a short time.

James  Purvis, Sr died sometime before 28 November 1836 when an Administrator Bond was issued for the management of his estate. I wrote about the bond here:

https://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2017/05/amanuensis-mondayadministrative-bond.html

Today posting contains a listing of the personal property of the estate and those who purchased items at the estate sale.

James Purvis
A list of sales of the personal Estate of James Purvis decd April 7th 1837.

Double Click to Enlarge

Double Click to Enlarge

A List of Notes by the Administration of James Purvis Senr Dec’d for the personal property of said Dec’d. to Wit,

1 against . Rosannah Purvis + George Purvis for $40.00
1   ditto     George Purvis and John Purvis for $107.00
1   ditto     William Franklin and James Franklin for $60.00
1   ditto     James Moon and Peter R. Taylor for $26.62 ½
1   ditto     Alex Murray and Henry Crook for $52.25
1   ditto     Daniel Taylor and William Rhodes for $20.00
1   ditto     Henry Rhodes and Alexander Purvis for $57.00
1   ditto     Peter R. Taylor and William Rhodes for $13.00
1   ditto     Rebecca Purvis and John Purvis for $44.50
1   ditto     Alexander Purvis and Henry Howell for $146.12 1/2
1   ditto     Joseph Purvis and John Purvis for $22.00
1   ditto     Henry Crook and  Lewis Crook $33.12 ½
1   ditto     John Purvis and Joseph Purvis for $30.87 ½


State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} 1 John Purvis, Adm of the Estate of of <sic> James Purvis Senr Dec’d do hereby Certify the forgoing list of Notes are Correct.
May 27, 1837


I have a strong DNA match to this line but have been unsuccessful in connecting the dots with a paper trail.

___________________
[1] James Purvis, Estates, 1828-72, Chancery Clerk's Office, Raymond, Mississippi

Amanuensis Monday~Sale of James Purvis, Sr. Estate Lands

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 the Sale of James Purvis, Sr. Estate Lands

James Purvis, Sr., age 76, died about November 1836 in Rankin County, Mississippi. Two of his sons, John and George, were assigned as administrators of the estate. Also, as a party on the deed is another son, Alexander.

This land deed (DB 5, page 209 & 210) shows that Daniel Taylor purchased the 80 acres for a sum of four hundred dollars. No explanation is given for waiting two years after the death of James Sr. to sell the property.


Transcription:

Rankin County, MS
Deed Book 5, page 209
Chancery Clerk Office
This indenture made and entered into this the third day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine between John Purvis & George Purvis who is administrators of the estate of James Purvis deceased and also Alexander Purvis whose name is subscribed to this of the County of Rankin and Sate of Mississippi of the first part and Daniel Taylor of the same County and State aforesaid of the second part – Witnefseth that for and in consideration of the Sum of Four hundred dollars to them in hand well and truly paid by the party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have this day bargained sold conveyed and confirmed am doth by these presents Sell convey and confirm unto the said party of the Second and to his heirs and assigns forever the following described land situate lying and being in the county and State aforesaid and described as follow to wit: the N ½ of the E ½ of the South East quarter and the N1/2 of the W ½ of SE ¼ of Section No. 23 in Township No. 5 of range No 5 East containing Eighty acres more or lefs to have and to hold with all and singular the improvements and appurtenances of right belonging to the said premises unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever and we the said party of the first part bind ourselves to warrant and forever defend the title to the above described premises clear of the claim of ourselves our heirs executors administrators or afsigns and that of any other person or persons whatsoever unto the Said party of the Second part in testimony whereof we the party of the first part have hereunto set our hands and affixed our Seals this day and year above written.
George X his mark Purvis {Seal}
John Purvis {Seal}
Alexander X his mark Purvis

The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the peace in and for said county the above named George Purvis and John Purvis also Alexander Purvis whose signature is subscribed to this deed and acknowledged that they signed Sealed and delivered the same as their own act and deed for the Purposes therein specified.}
Witnefs my hand and common Seal this}                        Lewis P. Rhode J.P. {seal}
The 3d day of October 1837}
The foregoing deed was filed November 4^th and duly recorded November 5^th 1839.                                                                                                                                 John Sate, Clk.



______________________
[1] Mississippi, Deed Book 5: pages 209 & 210, John Purvis & George Purvis who is the administrators of the estate of James Purvis deceased; Chancery Clerk, (Rankin County, Mississippi; accessed 2 July 2014).

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.

United in Holy Matrimony~Levina Purvis and Isham Ivey, Jr.

Marriage Licensee courtesy of plrolison

Page 151
The State of Mississippi}
Marion County} To any Judge Justice of the Peace or Minister of the Gospel lawfully authorized to Celebrate the rites of Matrimony in said County.Greetings—
                                You are hereby authorized to celebrate the rites of Matrimony between Isham Ivey and Veney Purvis, and for so doing this shall be your warrant—
Given at office this 5th day of Decr. 1831.
                                  Robert Burtan, Clk.
                                                                                         
I do hereby certify that on the 9th of December 1831 I did celebrate the rights of Matrimony between Isham Ivey and Viney Purvis.
                                                                 William Baines, A Minister
Duly Recorded January 24th 1832---
                                                Robert Burtan, Clk.¹


In 1825, John Purvis, age unknown, died in Clarke County, Alabama. His estate consisted of 44 pages and was quite extensive. ²



A preview of his estate leaves no doubt that John Purvis was related to Gilbert and James Purvis, Sr.,  who had migrated from Chesterfield County, South Carolina in the year 1818.

Among a short listing of some of those names are – Gilbert Johnston Purvis, James “Slanted E” Purvis William Purvis, Rebecca Howl [Howell], Joseph Purvis, Sarah Purvis and Levina Purvis.



One name was unfamiliar with this researcher and led to additional research. That name was Levina Purvis.

Levina Purvis

Image 1394 of the estate states that
Levina Purvis was Borned the 16 Day of March
1807------Wm. L. Thornton


But who is Levina Purvis and why is her birth date and her’s alone spelled out, documented within the estate record of John Purvis?

Is Levina Purvis the daughter of John Purvis?

I have looked for estate laws for this period of time in Alabama but have been unsuccessful. Any suggestions or links are welcomed.

In 1825, when John Purvis died, Levina was 18 years of age. Six years later in 1832, at the age of 24, Levina Purvis married Widower Isham Ivey, Jr.  The marriage licensee above show that this marriage took place in 9 December 1831 in Marion County, Mississippi.
Isham was a widow with small children. His first wife Temperance Gill, had passed away about 1830 at the young age of 25.

Isham and Levina Purvis Ivey would raise eight children of their own. Isham Ivey, Jr. died 10 January 1861 in Clarke County, Mississippi. No record of Levina Purvis Ivey death has been found. 

If you  are related or have any information on Levina Purvis Ivey I would love to hear from you.







_______________________________
[1]  "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V28M-M4L : accessed 12 January 2015), Isham Ivey and Veney Purvis, 09 Dec 1831; citing Marion,Mississippi; FHL microfilm 879,989.
[2] 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.

Amanuensis Monday~Estate of John Purvis, 1825, Clarke County, AL.

 
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 selected documents from the Estate of John Purvis, Clarke County, Alabama, 1825. ¹

John Purvis, died in  Clarke County, Alabama in year 1825. William L. Thornton was assigned administrator of the Estate of John Purvis. But, who is this John Purvis? Based on research up until this point this John Purvis is thought to be a son of Gilbert Purvis and Effica Howell.

Estate Cover Sheet

1825 estate of John Purvis
William L. Thornton, administrator of the estate

Estate – Page 30

Transcription
The Estate of John Purvis Dec’sd dr to James Purvis for services rendered from Jan. 1825 until March---$19.00

This may be a clue that John died in March/April 1825

State of Alabama }
Clarke County} Personally came James Purvis before the subscribing Justice of the Peace who being duly sworn saith that the above aut. As it stands made out is just and true – Sworn to and subscribed this 22^nd of Feb 1826.

 
Joel Bell J. P.

Feb 22^nd 1826 The Estate of John Purvis Dec’d Dr to Joseph Purvis in the just sum of $20.00 In part for a crop of corn fodder & potatoes

State of Alabama}
Clarke County} Personally came Joseph Purvis before the subscribing Justice of the Peace who being duly sworn saith that the above aut. As it stands made out is Just and true and he the said deponent had no other evidence whereby he could establish the same Sworn to and Subscribed this 22^nd of Feb. 1826.
                                                                     Joseph X (his mark) Purvis
Joel Bell J. P.
/End of Transcription





In the first entry on this page, the John Purvis mentioned is John P. Purvis son of James Purvis, Sr. This John was born in 1785 and is the husband of Mary Parks.

The second entry James Purvis is James Purvis, Sr. This is based on older deeds signed with the same mark which would eliminate the son James born in 1809.

Joseph Purvis is the son of James Purvis, Sr. He married Elizabeth Cook, had a large family and died before May 1842 in Rankin County, Mississippi. There was an older Joseph that is a Uncle to this Joseph and brother to James Purvis, Sr. He died between May 1823 and 4 May 1824 in Simpson County, Mississippi.

Bottom Portion of Page 29

Transcription
Reseivd of William L. Thornton Administrator of The Estate of John Purvis Deseast (deceased) Twenty Five Dollars in part of Said Estate as Legitee of Said Estate Resd by mee Levina X (her mark) Purvis.
Eli L. Thornton
Levina Purvis was bornd the 16 Day of March 1807------ Wm. S. Thornton
/End of Transcription


I haven’t figured out where Levina Purvis fits in this family. She married Isham Ivey, Jr.  and raised a large family of seven children. If you know who her parents were  I would like to hear from you.
 
 
__________________________
[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.

Wordless Wednesday~John and Alice Purvis

Amanuensis Monday~Will of Burridge Purvis, Jr.

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 the WILL of Burridge Purvis, Jr.¹

Burridge Purvis, Sr. and his brother William Purvis were merchants in Columbia, South Carolina. They had one of the largest grocery stores on the corner of Richardson Street and Gervais. Richardson Street is know known as Main Street.

In July 1816 , Burridge Purvis, Sr., died on a return trip back to his home in Glassmount, Fifeshire, Scotland. Surviving him were his widow and eight children; 4 sons and 4 daughters. His widower, Mary (Brown) Purvis erected a monument on his grave in Scotland. It can be viewed by clicking here.

Although Burridge maintained a business in the United States his wife and children remained in Scotland. Shortly after Burridge Sr. death on 17 July 1816, his widow Mary also lost her youngest son, Alexander, reported to have perished in a fire on 21 June 1819.

It’s not known, by myself, exactly when his 3 three sons, William, John and Burridge, Jr. came to America; but, after their Father’s death they can be found in Mobile, Alabama, Warren County, Mississippi and Louisiana.

John had land holdings in Mississippi in Warren and Sunflower counties and Burridge, his brother, was very successful in Mobile, Alabama. Sometime around September 1837 Burridge Purvis, Jr. died in Alabama. His closest relative was his brother, John Purvis, in Warren County, Mississippi.

The following document is on file in Warren County, Mississippi.



Probate Court April Term 1841
Copy of Record of B. Purvis Will &c
The State of Alabama    at an Orphan Court  begun and held for Mobile County  I Said State at the Court House in the city of Mobile on the 18th day of October 1837 present the Honorable John J. Everett Judge of the said Court the following preceding in the matter of the Will of Burridge Purvis were  held.  In the matter of the Will of it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the late Burridge Purvis whom Will is now hereby submitted by his brother John for probate has no widower or kindred in this state except the said John and That a portions of his goods and chattel, are in this County It is therefore ordered that the said Will having  been Satisfactorily proven as the last will and Testament of the Said Burridge Purvis be admitted to record as such and it is further ordered that the said John Purvis be appointed  administrator with the Will annexed of the said Burridge Purvis he having qualified according to law and Executed bond in the sun of two hundred dollars with Thomas Rogers and John D. Haynes which bond is now hereby the court approved of and accepted , which will of Burridge  is in the words and figures following to wit:Know all men by these presents that I, Burridge Purvis son of the late Burridge Purvis of Glassmount, Fifeshire, Scotland do make this my last Will and Testament Viz I do hereby give & bequeath to the children of my sister Eliza Blackie One hundred pounds Sterling Sister Ann Blackie One hundred pounds Sterling  I give & bequeath to each of the children of my Sister Mary Spears One hundred pounds Sterling each I give & bequeath to my Brother John Purvis, all my interest in the Estate of Glassmount, Fifeshire, Scotland  I give & bequeath to my said Brother John all my interest in the plantation and Slaves thereon situate in Yazoo County.
Burridge Purvis, Jr. is reported to have died on 1 September 1837. I DO NOT have any documents other than the one above that states that Burridge Purvis died on 1 September 1837.

However, I did find this obituary in the Charleston Courier for 13 September 1843; but, it only confuses the issue. This is 6 years after Burridge was reported deceased in Mobile, Alabama. ²

The Relatives, Friends and Acquaintances of M. William Purvis, and Mr. and Mrs. John Dixon, are [[illegible] respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of BURRIDGE PURVIS, at St. Paul’s Church, This afternoon,[illegible] o’clock.








___________________________________
[1] "Mississippi, Probate Records, 1781-1930," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-30978-28817-5?cc=2036959&wc=M79Z-QM9:344538501,348191201 : accessed 14 Nov 2014), Warren > Wills 1829-1910 vol A-B > image 73 of 894; county courthouses and public libraries, Mississippi. [Warren County, Mississippi, Will Book "A", page 112]
[2] The Charleston Courier, Charleston, South Carolina, 13 September 1843, page 2, column Far Right.

Amanuensis Monday~the Will of Sarah 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 the WILL of Sarah “Sallie” Huggins Purvis, wife of John Purvis.¹
 

Will Book 1, page 313

State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield}
In the name of God Amen
I Sarah Purvis of the County and St aforesaid being weak and feeble in body but of Sound and disposing Mind memory and understanding and being conscious of the uncertainty of this life and the certainty of death do make Ordain publish and declair <sic> this to be my last will and testament in manner and form following
First I will that all my just debts and funeral expenses shall be paid out of my estate as soon after my death as it may be done legally and conveniently.
Second After the payment of my debts and funeral expenses I give devise and bequeath all the remainder rest and residue of my estate to my two children William C. Purvis and Stephen D. Purvis to be equally divided between then sheare and sheare <sic> alike the said estate consisting principally of all that tract of land whereon I now reside the same being all of that track of land Granted by His Excellency Governor Charles Pinckney to one William Grant the third day of September in the Year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety two (1792) except those portions of Said Grant that are now owned by Rolin Kite and the heirs at law of Isaac Hurst.
Third It is further my Will that my husband John Purvis Shall be allowed to occupy use and enjoy the aforesaid premises for his use benefit maintenance and support for and during the term of his natural life and during the term of his natural life it is my w2ill and I so enjoin upon my two Sons William C. Purvis and Stephen D. Purvis that they shal <sic> hold said Real estate in trust for the use benefit and support of my said husband.
Forth I hereby revoke all former Wills at any time by me heretofore made
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and fixed my Seal the sixth day of March and in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Eighty Eight and in the one hundred and twelfth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United State of America Sarah X Purvis {Seal}
 
Page 314
Signed Sealed published and declared by the above names Sarah Purvis as and far her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at her request and in her presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto
Rolin Kite
A. S. Smith
John N. Gardner
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
By H. D. Tiller Judge of Probate
Personally appeared before me J. N. Gardner one of the Subscribing Witnesses to the foregoing Instrument of Writing who made oath on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God that he saw Sarah Purvis Sign Seal publish pronounce and declare the Same to be her last will and testament that she was then of Sound and disposing mined memory and understanding to the best of deponent’s knowledge and belief and deponent together with A. S. Smith and Rolen Kite Signed their names thereto as witnesses at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other at the same time qualified William C. Purvis and Stephen D. Purvis Executors therein named
John N. Gardner
Given under my hand this 15^th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty nine and in the one hundred and foreteenth <sic> yeare of American Independence
H. D. Tiller Judge of Probate {seal}
State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield}
I William C. Purvis and Stephen D. Purvis do solemnly Swear that this writing contains the true last will of the within named Sarah Purvis deceased so far as I know or believe and that we will well and truly execute the same by paying first the debts and then the legacies contained in the Said will so far as her goods and chattles will thereunto extend and the law charge me and that I will make a true and perfect inventory of all Such goods and chattles So help me God.
 
Page 315
Sworn to before me} William C. Purvis
This 15^th day of July A.D. 1889} Stephen D. Purvis
H. D. Tiller}
Judge of Probate}
The State of South Carolina}
County of Chesterfield}
I H. D. Tiller Judge of Probate for County and Sate aforesaid do hereby certify that the last Will and Testament of Sarah Purvis deceased was this day admitted to Probate in common form on the oath of John N. Gardner one of the subscribing witnesses to Said last will and testament and that William C. Purvis and Stephen D. Purvis obtained letters Testamentary
Given under my Hand and Seal this the 15^th day of July A. D. 1889 and in the one hundred and foreteenth <sic> years of American Independence.
H. D. Tiller Judge of Probate {seal}

Sarah "Sallie" Huggins and  John Purvis had  three children. Their daughter Malsey, b. about 1837 died between the 1850 and 1860 Census. John Died in 1888 and Sallie is believed have died in 1889 though I know of no source document for this date.


 
________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Will Book 1, pages 313-315 Sarah Purvis; Probate Office, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
Note: My copy of the Will did not copy well on my scanner so in the interest of space I have only included one of three pages of the WILL. 

Land Deed Confirms Family Composition

When the bonfire had quit burning and the soldiers had marched or ridden off, the good citizens of Chesterfield County retrieved one (1) burned deed book from the burning embers that was once their county courthouse.  That Burned Book is still maintained on file in the present day courthouse. The below deed between Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis can be found on page 48 of that book.

 

Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis
Burned Book page 48
 
Know all men by these presents that we Sarah Sellers and James Oliver of the district of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of to be paid by John Purvis of the same district in the state aforesaid have granted, bargained, sold and release, and by these presents Do Grant, bargain, Sell and release, unto the said John Purvis, all our interest in a tract of land belonging to the Estate of Vicey Purvis, late of the district of Chesterfield, situate lying and being in the District and state aforesaid, which said tract of land was conveyed to the said Vicey Purvis by Edward Burch by deed bearing date 2^nd day of January A. D. 1829 and Recorded in the Register office of said District in Book II, page 393. The tract of land that we have this day conveyed to the said John Purvis contains One Hundred and twenty two acres more or less and is in the North Western portion of the above tract of Three Hundred acres bounded by lands of Sarah Sellers and others—Together with all and singular the Rights, Members, Hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining To Have and To Hold all and singular the premises before mentioned, unto the said John Purvis his Heirs and afsigns forever, And we do hereby bind ourselves our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said premises, unto the said John Purvis his Heirs and afsigns. Against …our Heirs and every other person or persons lawfully claiming or to [Burnt section illegible] or any part thereof--
[Burnt section illegible] Hands and Seals this 26^th day of February in the year of our
[Burnt section illegible] eight hundred and sixty one---
[Burnt section illegible] delivered.                                  Sarah X Sellers {seal}
[Burnt section illegible]                                                   James X Oliver {seal}
[Burnt section illegible]
[Burnt section illegible]
 
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District} Personally appeared before me H. Craig and made oath that he saw the within named Sarah Sellers & James Oliver sign seal and as their act and deed deliver the within written Deed and that he with Thos. Craig witnefsed the execution thereof.
 
Sworn before me this 4^th day of Augst 1862 H. Craig
D. Douglafs
           Mag.                                                          (Recorded Aug. 4^th 1862)

I have previously written about the use of land deeds in family research and what a valuable goldmine Land Deeds can be in your research. 
 
This particular deed, pulled from the ashes and burning embers is one of those “gold nuggets”  because it confirms and verifies the family composition of one Vicey Purvis. 
 
Vicey Purvis appears in three census in Chesterfield County South Carolina. In all cases, she is listed without a husband in the household. 
 
1830 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; NARA Series: M19; Roll Number: 172; Family History Film: 0022506,  Page: 258; Line 15, Vicy Purvis, female, age 40-49, 3 males, age 10-14 and 1 female, age 16-19.
1840 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; NARA Series: M704; Roll Number: 510; Family History Film: 0022508, Image 1338, Page: 362; Line 15, Vicy Purvis, female, age 50-59, 1 males, age 20-29 [Stephen] and 1 male, less than 5 years of age.
1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll:  M432_851; Image: 290, Page: 143A(stamped); Line 19, Dwelling 685, Family 685; Vicy PERVIS, female, age 64, born in SC; Daniel TURNAGE, male, age 12, born in SC and John TURNAGE, male, age 11, born in SC.

In 1850, Vicy states that she was 64 years old; thus born in 1786, which matches the age reported in the other two census. 

In 1830 she had 3 males born between 1816-1820 and 1 female born between 1811-1814.

Two of these males were:
John “Jack” Purvis, born 1814
Stephen Purvis, born 1818
1 male (unknown)
The female born between 1811-1814 was most likely her last born, a daughter named Mary, though the census shows that she was born in 1821. There is also a possibility that the 16-19 year old female was Sarah Purvis just before she married Elijah Sellers.
 
In February 1861, when the above Land Deed was executed we see that this deed was used to transfer land which is now in possession of Sarah Sellers and James Oliver; lands that is the Estate Lands of Vicey Purvis. Those named within this deed are:

Vicey Purvis, (Mother)

• John Purvis, (Son)
• Sarah [Purvis] Sellers (Daughter)
• James Oliver (Son-in-law, Husband of Mary Purvis)
• Stephen Purvis, a son, born 1818 was not named within the deed because he was deceased. Stephen Purvis chose to enlist as a volunteer in the Mexican War. During the Battle of Vera Cruz, he was killed in June 1847.

I’m at a lost as to why Mary [Purvis] Oliver was not named. Also, in many years of research I have not yet identified a Male Purvis as the husband of Vicey [Maiden Name unknown] Purvis. 

If you have any information on Vicy/Vicey Purvis, her children or her spouse I would love to hear from you. In almost 40 years of Purvis research I have not heard from anyone researching this specific line.
_______________________
Land Deed - Sarah Sellers and James Oliver to John Purvis; 26 February 1861; Deed Book #Burnt Book; Page(s) 48; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 27 August 2014.