SHERIFF’S SALE~The Real Estate of Mark Rivers, Deceased

 

SHERIFF’S SALE

By Order of the Court of Ordinary will be sold at Chesterfield Court House on the first Monday in June next within the legal hours the real estate of Mark Rivers deceased, in said District consisting of one tract of land containing forty acres, more or less, lying on Clay Creek, bounded on the North by the state line, west and south by Wm. Carter, and east by lands belonging to the estate of Thomas Horne.
Conditions: - As much cash as will pay the expense of this sale, with a credit until the first day of January next on the balance, purchaser giving bond bearing interest from the day of sale, with good personal security and mortgage, if required to the Ordinary. Purchases paying for necessary papers. 
                                                            John Evans
                                                                        Shff. C. D.
Chesterfield C. H. May 11, 1841
[Farmers’ Gazette, and Cheraw Advertiser, May 26, 1841, Page 112, Image 4]

By notice in the local newspaper, the real estate of Mark Rivers will be sold on the 1st Monday in June 1841. Looking at a June 1841 calendar we can see that Mark Rivers land will be sold on 7 June 1841.  The newspaper notice does not say how many acres of Land would be sold and all deed and plat books for that time period were destroyed during the Civil War.   

We do know that this Mark Rivers was born abt 1781 and died about January 1831. The parents of this Mark Rivers are unknown. We know that his wife was Annie and that she before marriage was a Parker. Annie (Parker) Rivers survived Mark and lived until sometime after 1860 and before 1870.

We can identify most of Mark and Ann children's by a lawsuit filed in 1831. 

SOUTH CAROLINA,
            Chesterfield District.                    John B. Rivers applicant vs Ann Rivers (Widow), Wm. Rivers and wife Elizabeth, Moses Holifield and wife Amelia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rivers and Samuel Rivers Defendants.  

It appearing to my satisfaction that Ann Rivers, Moses Holifield and wife Amellia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rivers and Samuel Rivers reside without this State, it is ordered that they do appear and object to the division or sale of the Real Estate of Mark Rivers deceased on or before the 12th day of April next, or their consent, will be entered off record.
                                                                                    T.,Bryan
                                                                                    O. C. D.
January 27, 1831
[Farmer Gazette and Cheraw Advertiser, February 03, 1841, page 47, image 3]

Using these newspaper clipping and the census we can reconstruct Mark and Annie family.

_____________________________

1. SHERRIF’S SALE-Mark Rivers Estate Lands obituary, The Daily Press, Newport News-Hampton, Virginia, United States, 26 May 1841, Page 112, Image 4. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/.

2. John B. Rivers applicant vs Ann Rivers (Widow), Wm. Rivers and wife Elizabeth, Moses Holifield and wife Amelia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rives and Samuel Rivers Defendants. obituary, The Daily Press, Newport News-Hampton, Virginia, United States, 3 February 1841, page 47, image 3. http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/.

1797 Land Deed~Frederick Rivers to William Rivers

This 1797 Land Deed has been passed down from generation to generation in the Rivers Family by descendants of Frederick Rivers. 

The Land Deed was transcribed by Minnie Sanders Rivers in the 1920’s. The first page of her transcription is here. 

This hand written Copy was passed to Betty Lee Hefty and her 1st Cousin Thelma Larson in the 1970’s. I acquired a copy of this Deed in the 1980’s while stationed at Hill AFB, Utah and began a search for the original Land Deed.  After moving back to North Carolina in 2000 I found the current Rivers owner of this deed and acquired a copy of the original Deed. I shared a copy of the original deed in March 2015 with Betty Lee. She died 5 months later.

My transcription of this 1797 Land Deed.

Land Deed between Frederick Rivers and William Rivers
State of South Carolina
This indenture made the eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven
hundred and ninety-seven and of the Independence of the United States of North America the
twenty first between Frederick Rivers of Chesterfield County and state of South Carolina of the
one part and William Rivers of the same county and State parties of the other part.
Witnesseth that the said Frederick Rivers for and in consideration of the sum of Fifty pounds
lawful sterling money to him in hand well and truly paid by the said William Rivers the receipt
whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself to be therewith fully contented satisfied and
paid. He the said Frederick Rivers hath granted bargained sold aliened empraffed conveyed and
confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell alien empraff conveyance confirm unto
the said William Rivers and to his heirs and assigns forever all of a certain Plantation parcel or
part of a tract of land containing three hundred and fifty acres be the same more or less being
part of a tract of two hundred acres of land granted unto the said Frederick Rivers on the second
day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and part of a tract of one thousand
acres granted unto the said Frederick Rivers on the sixth day of November in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. Situate and being in Chesterfield County on
Abrams Creek and is bound by Gilbert Purvis land Druery Lunday’s land Peter Hays land,
Barnebe Wells land John Frantain land and Mark Rivers land being land sold by the said
Frederick Rivers to the aforesaid persons out of the aforesaid two tracts or plantations of land.
Together with all and singular the Houses out houses yards Gardens woods under woods timber
and timber trees ways waters and water courses passages privileges profits commodities
advantages hereditaments rights members and appurtenances to the said land belonging or in any
wise appertaining and the aversion and aversions and remain unto issues and profits thereof and
of every part and parcel thereof and all deeds evidences and writings touching or concerning the
same to have and to hold all and singular the said three hundred and fifty acres of land with the
premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Rivers his heirs and
assigns in manner and form following that is to say that the said Frederick Rivers stands seizes of
a good sure and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee simple of in and to the aforesaid land and
premises and every part and parcel thereof and that he hath good rights and lawful and absolute
authority to sell and convey the same and every part and parcel thereof and that free and clear
and freely and clearly and sufficiently kept harmless from all and all former and other debts
grants bargains sales titles leases executions judgments dower or title of dower or any other
encumbrances whatsoever to other changes or determine the same or any part or parcel thereof
and that he the said William Rivers and his heirs and assigns shall and lawfully may from time
and at all times forever hereafter peaceably and quietly into have hold (sic) use occupy possess
and enjoy the aforesaid land and premises and every part and parcel thereof without the suit let
trouble hindrance molestation interruption or denial of him the said Frederick Rivers or of his
heirs and assigns or any other person or persons whomsoever and lastly that he the said Frederick
Rivers and his heirs and assigns the aforesaid tract of three hundred and fifty acres with the
premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Rivers and to his heirs
assigns against him the said Frederick Rivers and his heirs and assigns and against all person or
persons whomsoever claiming or to claim the same shall warrant and forever defend by virtue of
these presents In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first
above written.
Signed, sealed and delivered}
In the presence of }
John Johnston }
John Craig }
Memorandum that on the day of the date the within written. Indenture full and peaceable
possession and seizure was made by the within named Frederick Rivers of the land and premises
within mentioned to have and to hold to the said William Rivers and to his heirs and assigns
forever according to the form and effect of the within written
Indenture.
In the presence of }
John Johnston }                                                                              Frederick Rivers
John Craig }
Received the day of the date of the within written Indenture from the within named William
Rivers the sum of Fifty ... pounds lawful money being the consideration money within
mentioned to be paid by him or Issues received by me.
Witness
John Johnston }
John Craig }
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me Alexander Craig Clerk of the County Court of Chesterfield
County John Craig who being dully sworn make plain that he was present and did see the within
named Frederick Rivers sign seal and as his act and deed deliver the within Instrument of writing
unto the within named William Rivers for the uses and purposes therein contained and that he
saw the said Frederick Rivers sign the Memorandum and receipt thereon endorsed and that he
saw John Johnston subscribe his name as a witness to the same together with himself.
Sworn before me }
15th day of March 1797}
John Craig
Alex. Craig }
Chesterfield County Clerk Office recorder in Book No. 3, Pages 24 to 26 this 16th day of March
1797 and examined by Alex. Craig Clk, C.C.

________________________

The Marriages of Irena Catherine Hancock (1822-1903)

Irena Catherine Hancock, parents unknown, was borne about 1822 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. In February 1840, Irena Catherine Hancock and Mark S. Rivers were married in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Mark S. Rivers, born abt 1808 was a son of Mark Rivers and Annie Parker.  Shortly after his marriage, Mark along with his sister Amelia “Milly Rivers and her husband Moses Holifield and Elizabeth Rivers and her husband John Dryman migrated from Chesterfield to Rankin County, Mississippi. Later their brother Luke Rivers and his wife Salena Johns also left Chesterfield and joined their siblings in Mississippi.   

At some point between 1842 and 1850, something tragically happen  John Dryman and  Elizabeth Rivers, his wife, leaving their 5 children's as orphans.  Jasper Newton Dryman, the youngest, born 9 Feb 1842 became a ward of Mark and Catherine Rivers. He remained in their household until his marriage to Louisa Caroline Donald on 17 December 1860.

During that time, Mark and Catherine went through a divorce which was granted. Although nether of them abided by the terms and continuing to live together as husband and wife. Mark S. Rivers died before September 1879 in Choctaw County, Alabama.

After the death of her husband, Mark Rivers, Irena Catherine (Hancock) Rivers married George S. Fagan, a Widow, on 8 September, 1879. George was 72; Catherine was 57 years of age. At this time Catherine sold the 80 Acres that she and Mark had in Choctaw County, Alabama to her nephew Jasper N. Dryman.

Catherine Fagan to Jasper N. Dryman Deed

Transcription:

Catherine Fagan}
To}     Deed
J. N. Dryman }                               Filed For Record April 3rd 1880
The State of Alabama}
Choctaw County }  Know all men by these presents that in consideration of the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars to me in hand paid by J. N. Dryman the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged I do Grant bargain sell and convey to the J. N. Dryman the Following described real estate to wit: the West half of the Northwest quarter of fractional section twenty two Township ten north of range five West containing Eighty acres more or less. To have and to hold to the said J. N. Dryman his heirs and assigns forever Witness my hand and seal this 24th day of March A. D. 1880.
                                                                 Catherine X (her mark)  Fagan {Seal}
 
The State of Alabama}  
Choctaw County } I,  J. W. Watkins a Justice of the Peace in and for our county hereby certify that Catherine Fagan whose name is signed to the foregoing conveyance and who is known to me acknowledged before me on this day that being informed of the contents of the conveyance, she executed the said voluntarily on the day the said record dated. Given under my hand this 24th day of March 1880.                            J. W. Watkins J.P.
Recorded April 5th 1880
B. H. Warren Probate Judge
 
George S. Fagan died between 1880 and 1900. Catharine Fagan can be found in the household of her Nephew Jasper Newton Dryman and wife Louisa in the 1900 Census for Robertson County, Texas. Irena Catherine (Hancock)(Rivers) Fagan died about 1903.

 

____________________
[1] Choctaw County, Alabama Deed Records;  Vol. N p. 533; Family History Library;  Microfilm# 1788067…>>>>https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-SSP8-S?i=134&cat=519515 Many thanks to Jean Larson for her contribution.

 

It’s Family Time~Amelia Emily "Milly" Rivers

Amelia Emily "Milly" Rivers was born about 1800 in Chesterfield, SC to Mark Rivers and one of his three wives. Milly married, about 1817-1818, Moses Holifield of Anson County, North Carolina. Shortly after 1830, Milly and her sister Elizabeth who married John Dryman migrated to Jones County, Mississippi.

A few years later, her brother Mark and his wife Irena Catherine Hancock joined the Holifield's and Dryman's in Mississippi. Then in late 1850, abt 1857, their brother Luke Rivers and his wife Mary Selena Johns also migrated from Chesterfield to Jones county, Mississippi.

Moses Holifield and his wife Milly raised a family of eight children; seven sons and a daughter.

Children of Moses Holifield Sr. and Amelia Emily "Milly" Rivers are:

i. Joshua Holifield was born 15 MAR 1818 in Chesterfield District, SC, and died 29 JAN 1894 in Jones Co, MS.

ii. Bay or Ray Holifield was born bet 1819-1825 in Chesterfield District, SC.

iii. Charlotte Holifield was born 4 Mar 1826 in Chesterfield District, SC, and died 14 JUN 1902.

iv. John C. Holifield was born 1827 in Chesterfield District, SC.

v. Mark Holifield was born ABT 1830 in AL.

vi. Jonathan Holifield was born ABT 1833 in Green Co, AL, and died in Jones Co, MS.

vii. James Holifield was born 1835 in Green Co, AL.

viii. Moses Holifield Jr. was born 1837 in Jones Co, MS, and died BEF 1872.

Recently while networking and corresponding with a fellow researcher I came across this photo of Milly Rivers Holifield and obtained permission from the owner to use the photo (made from a tintype) in one of my blog posts. I want to congratulate and thank “tholifield” for the use of this photo. Mr. Holifield inherited the Tintype from his great grandfather Bart Bradford Holifield.

Photo Courtesy of tholifield

Based on this notice that I found back in January 2017, I’m pretty certain that Samuel Rivers, brother to Milly, Elizabeth, Luke, and Mark Rivers was out of State may have been in Mississippi though I have not yet found him. 

Transcription:

SOUTH CAROLINA,

Chesterfield District.

John B. Rivers applicant vs Ann Rivers (Widow), Wm. Rivers and wife Elizabeth, Moses Holifield and wife Amelia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rives and Samuel Rivers Defendants.

It appearing to my satisfaction that Ann Rivers, Moses Holifield and wife Amellia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rivers and Samuel Rivers reside without this State, it is ordered that they do appear and object to the division or sale of the Real Estate of Mark Rivers deceased on or before the 12th day of April next or their consent, will be entered off record.

T. Bryan

O.C.D.

January 27, 1831

[Farmer Gazette and Cheraw Advertiser, February 03, 1841, page 47, image 3]

Milly Rivers Holifield died about 1865/1867; an exact date has not been found.

After the death of Milly, Moses married  Nancy M. Sumrall (nee McCary). She was the widow of J. Elisha Sumrall. Moses and Nancy had three children; two sons and a daughter.

Moses Holifield, Sr died sometime after 3 August 1872. His Widow, Nancy McCary Sumrall Holifield, re-married on 23 September 1883.

Amelia Emily "Milly" Rivers Holifield is a distant cousin.

_____________________

[1] Land Deed - Moses Holifield to Mrs. Kitty Sumrall; 3 August 1872; Deed Book #A1; Page(s) 571; The Chancery Clerk's Office; Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi; 3 September 2020.

[2] Chronicling America website - http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
[Farmer Gazette and Cheraw Advertiser, February 03, 1841, page 47, image 3]
[Farmers’ Gazette, and Cheraw Advertiser, May 26, 1841, Page 112, Image 4]

[3] Special Thanks to my fellow researcher “tholifield” for the use of this proto of his Great Great GrandMother passed to him by his grandfather (Bart Holifield). After his death (Bart) the tin type was lost. 

The Divorce That Never Took Place

Mark Rivers and Irena Catherine Hancock were married in Feb 1840 either in Chesterfield County, SC or Anson County, North Carolina. After their marriage, they migrated to Hinds County, Mississippi joining his two sisters, Elizabeth Rivers wife of John Dryman and Amelia “Milley” Rivers and her husband Moses S. Holifield, Sr.

Then in mid to late 1850 another brother, Luke Rivers, migrated from Chesterfield to Hinds County, Mississippi with his family.

In early 1859, Mark filed for divorced from Catherine claiming marital infidelity. The divorce was granted on 9 April 1859. 

Published in Mississippi Genealogical Exchange of 1979, Court case for a Divorce in Jones Co., Miss. of MARK RIVERS Versus CATHERINE RIVERS. 'Mr. RIVERS stated that he and CATHERINE HANCOCK married in the State of North Carolina in Feb. 1840 and lived together until 15 Nov 1858(?)
Witnesses:
LUKE RIVERS, J. M. MUSGROVE, J. C. BRYANT, and SEABORN McGEE
Divorce action filed on 1 Jan 1859 and granted on 9 April 1859.
Snippet of Court Docket:

Mark Rivers
vs.     Divorce
Catherine Rivers
 
Be it remembered that the plaintiff in the above stated case did on the first day of January A.D. 1859 file his bill of complaint in the clerks' office of said court which is in the words and figures following to wit
 
The State of Mississippi
Jones County
 
Circuit Court Chancery  ? of the Docket  April Term AD 1858 (sic)


Even though Mark and Catherine were granted a divorce in April 1859 it's obvious from public records they continue to live together as husband and wife.

Here in 1860:

1860 CENSUS: Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi; Roll: M653_584; Image: 127;  Family History Library Film: 803584, 17 Oct 1860, Page 705, Line 11; Dwelling 304, Family 304; Mark RIVERS, age 52, Farmer, born in SC (1808); Arena C. RIVERS, age 46, born in SC (1814); J. H. DRIMAN, age 17, born in MS (1843)

Here in 1868:

The State of Alabama}                   Probate Court
Choctaw County }
Milley  Holifield }                              Minors for Apprenticeship of
Ranson Holifield }
Miles Holifield }
 
This day came Mr. Rivers who is a resident of  said County and brought with him Milly Holifield Ranson Holifield aged twelve years Ransom Holifield aged ten years and Miles Holifield aged eight years and makes known to the County, that they orphans and destitute of the necessary means of support and makes application to the Court to have the, apprenticed to him until they respectively attain full age of twenty one years and the said Rivers consenting to taker the said Milly, Ransom, & Miles Holifield and that they shall be so…
Page 4
January the 5th 1868
The State of Ala Chtaw County
To all hoom this may concern wee the Signed have bound ourselves to have bound to Mark Rivers and his wife Catherine Rivers two of our children Elie and Miley until thay ar 21 years of age the sade Rivers and his wife Dus agree to...

Here in 1870:

1870 CENSUS: Township 10, Choctaw, Alabama; Roll: M593_7;  Image: 363;  Family History Library Film: 545506; Page: 412B; Line 27, Dwelling 162, Family 163; Martin RIVERS, age 60, born in NC; Amanda RIVERS, age 47, born in NC; S. HOLIFIELD, Female, age 19, born in Mississippi; M. [Mary C.] HOLIFIELD, Female, age 13, born in Mississippi; Robt. HOLIFIELD, Male, age 10, born in Mississippi and Monroe HOLIFIELD, Male, age 08, born in Mississippi; three houses away Page: 413A; Line 1, Dwelling 165, Family 166; we find Jno. [Jasper] DRYMAN, age 25, born in Mississippi; Laura DRYMAN, age 22, born in Mississippi; John DRYMAN, age 4, born in Alabama; Eliza DRYMAN, age 4, born in Alabama and James DRYMAN, age 5/12 born in Alabama. 

Then on 22 March 1878, Mark Rivers signed a Deed of Gift-giving his wife Irena Catherine Hancock Rivers 198 acres of land he owned in Section 14, Township 10, Range 5 West of Choctaw County, Alabama.

Mark Rivers}
To}         Deed of Gift
Catherine Rivers}
                                                             Filed August 14th 1878
The State of Alabama )
Choctaw County}  Know all men by these Presents that I Mark Rivers of the county + State aforesaid do this day. Bequeath to my wife Katherine Rivers the following property, to wit; four cows + calves and one workhorse (her choice of my horses and the following Lot on parcel of land to wit: Known and described as the W 1/2 of NW 1/4 + East l/2 of SW 1/4 + SE 1/4 of NW 1/4 in Sec 14 T 10 R 5 West containing 198 acres more or less. To have and to hold unto her the said Katherine Rivers as long as she lives on during her natural life for her own special use + benefit. I hereby give and Bequeath said property To my wife Katherine Rivers free from all my Debts as I have other property to settle said debts +c. ln Testimony whereof I hereunto sign and fix My seal this the 22nd day of March 1878.
Witness J. J. Refshur}                        Mark X (his mark) Rivers {Seal}
J. B. Refshur}
J. C. Moody}
 
The State of Alabama}
Choctaw County}.   Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace in + for the said County J. J. Refshur, J. B. Refshur and J. C. Moody who acknowledged that they Signed the foregoing Deed of Gift as subscribing witnesses in the presence of each other and in the presence of the Said Mark Rivers and that he signed the same for the purposes therein stated on the day and year therein stated. Witness my hand and seal this the 31 day of July A.D. 1878.                                   D. N. Hassan, J. P. {Seal}
                                                                                  B. H. Hammer, Probate Judge
Recorded, August 15th, 1878.     

Mark Rivers signed a Deed of Gift (DB "N", page 381-382) in Choctaw County, Alabama on 22 March 1878. Irena Catherine Hancock Rivers married George S. Fagan on 8 September 1879; Mark could not be found in the 1880 Census. 

Mark Rivers died sometime between 22 March 1878 and 8 September 1879 in Choctaw County, Alabama.

It’s quite possible that Mark Rivers died between 22 March 1878 and May 1879. The 1880 Mortality Schedule should have documented all deaths between June 1879 and June 1880 when the Census was enumerated. He is not listed on the 1880 Mortality Schedule. 







_________________________________________
[1] SOURCE CITATION:
Mark Rivers to Catherine Rivers; Deed of Gift
Choctaw County, Alabama Deed Records
Vo. N. pp. 381-382
Family History Library Microfilm # 1788067
Copied at the Library on 13 September 2015
Transcribed 25 September 2015
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSLX-SSPV-9?i=56&cat=519515
provided by Jean Larson and Jimmie Vernon.
[2] https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9Q6-DQMQ?i=21&cc=2036959
[3] Choctaw County, Alabama, Volume 1 page 31-35 Roll# S2005-0347, "Apprenticeship Records (1823-1924), Index - Adams, Judge - Young, Mattie", Minors for Apprenticeship-Milley, Ransom, Miles Holifield, 5 January 1868; Clerk of Probate, Butler, Choctaw County, Alabama. [Thanks to Bennie + L. franklin of Alabama].
[4] 1860 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Ellisville, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 705, Line 11, Dwelling 304, Family 304, Household of Mark RIVERS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 584.
[5] 1870 U. S. Census, Choctaw County, Alabama, population schedule, Township 10, Choctaw, Alabama, Page: 412B; Line 27, Dwelling 162, Family 163, Household of Martin RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 June 2011); citing NARA publication M593_7.

Tombstone Tuesday~Martha Caroline Dean Rivers

Martha Caroline Dean Rivers

b. Jul 1841

d. 25 May 1906 (aged 64)

bu. Spears Cemetery

Mark Rivers and Martha Caroline Dean were married on 13 Jan 1864 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Martha Caroline Dean was born in Jul 1841 in Anson County, North Carolina. She died on 25 May 1906 at the age of 64 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. She was buried on 27 May 1906 at Spears Cemetery in Marlboro County, South Carolina.

Mark Rivers and Martha Caroline Dean had the following children:

i. John F. Rivers was born on 15 Nov 1867 in Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina. He died on 26 Feb 1868 at the age of 0 in Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina.

ii. Joseph Lee Rivers, born 28 Jan 1870, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Mary Abigail Frasier, 13 Oct 1889, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina; died 22 Jan 1931, Wilson, Wilson County, North Carolina.

iii. Robert Johnson Rivers, born 4 Feb 1872, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Ida Kinnie Knight, 23 Dec 1897; died 23 Nov 1933, Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida.

iv. Columbus Lafayette "Buck" Rivers Sr., born 1 Apr 1874, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Atlanta Nell Smith, 26 Dec 1902, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina; died 18 Feb 1911, Marlboro County, South Carolina.

v. Malachi Franklin Rivers was born on 23 Apr 1876 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. He died on 28 Feb 1885 at the age of 8 in Marlboro County, South Carolina. He was buried in Mar 1885 at Spears and Edens Cemetery in Marlboro County, South Carolina.

vi. Nancy Ella Rivers, born 19 Sep 1878, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married William Angus Smith, 26 Sep 1897, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married Walter Thomas Mayers, bef 1910; died 24 Feb 1947, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

vii. Caroline Lugene "Carrie" Rivers, born 19 Dec 1880, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married James Marion McQuage, 15 Dec 1895, Marlboro County, South Carolina; died 10 May 1951, Marlboro County, South Carolina.

viii. Laura Clide Rivers, born 9 Mar 1884, Marlboro County, South Carolina; married William Garland Smith, 6 Nov 1899; died 4 Mar 1970, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia.

Martha Caroline Dean Rivers, 2nd wife of Mark Rivers is my 3rd Great GrandAunt by marriage.

____________________________________________

[1]. Family data, Mark RIVERS Family Bible, Holy Bible: 8 Xeroxed page from Original Bible, (New York: n.p., n.d.); original owned by [address for private use].
[2]. 1880 US Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Adamsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina, ED #104, Page: 359A; Line 39, Dwelling 6, Family 6, Household of Mark Rivers. 1880 CENSUS: Adamsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina; Roll: 1235; Family History Film: 1255235; Enumeration District: 104; Page: 359A; Line 39, Dwelling 6, Family 6; Mark Rivers, Male, age 56, born in SC; Martha C. Rivers, Wife, age 36, born in NC; Elizabeth Rivers, daughter, age 21, born in SC; Joseph Rivers, Son, age 10, born in SC; Robert J. Rivers, Son, age 8, born in SC; Lafayette Rivers, Son, age 6, born in SC; Franklin Rivers, Son, age 4, born in SC and Nancy Rivers, Daughter, age 2, born in SC. .
[3]. 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Smithville Township, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #99, Page 277, Line 1, Dwelling 1, Family 1, Household of William SMITH; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 22 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1536. 1900 CENSUS: Smithville Township, Marlboro County, South Carolina, Roll: T623_1536; Enumeration District: 99; Page 277, Line 1, Dwelling 1, Family 1. LDS FHL Film #1241536. William SMITH, age 46, born February 1854 in SC; 6 children, 2 living; Ella R. SMITH, born Sept. 1878, age 21, 0 children, 0 living; Atlanta SMITH, Daughter, born Sept. 1886, age 13; Caroline RIVERS, Mother-in-Law, Widowed, born July 1841, age 58, 1 child, 1 living.
[4]. Elizabeth C. Drake, Cemetery Records of Marlboro County, South Carolina; Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984, Page 132. Tombstone of Martha Caroline Dean Rivers; Ju;y 1841-25 May 1906, Spears & Edens Graveyard, Marlboro County, South Carolina.
BIRTH-DEATH-BURIAL: Tombstone, Spears & Edens Graveyard as recorded in "Cemetery Records of Marlboro County, South Carolina", Second Edition, Page 132, By Elizabeth C. Drake, Published by Marlboro County Historical Society, Copyright 1984. Date of death recorded as 25 May 1906 in this book. Death (26 May 1906) recorded in Mark Rivers Family Bible. Copies of Bible pages in possession of Charles L. Purvis. Tombstone shows May 25, 1906. Spears Cemetery.
[5]. Mark Rivers & Caroline Dean Rivers Family Bible, Birth: - 15 Nov 1867, John F. Rivers. BIRTH: Birth (15 Nov 1867) recorded in Mark Rivers Family Bible.
[6]. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey; Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984, page 132. Tombstone of Mallie Franklin Rivers; 23 April 1876–28 February 1885, Spears & Edens Graveyard, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina.
BIRTH-DEATH-BURIAL: Tombstone, Spears & Edens Graveyard as recorded in "Cemetery Records of Marlboro County, South Carolina", Second Edition, Page 132, By Elizabeth C. Drake, Published by Marlboro County Historical Society, Copyright 1984. Date of Birth recorded in this book as 23 Apr 1876, date of death as 28 Feb 1885. Name recorded as Fallie Franklin Rivers, known as Mallie Franklin.

Amanuensis Monday~Deed of Gift: Mark Rivers to Katharine Rivers, 1878.

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 Gift: Mark Rivers to Katharine Rivers, 1878.

Mark Rivers}
To} Deed of Gift
Catharine Rivers} Files August 14^th 1878
The State of Alabama}
Choctaw County} Know all men by these present that I Mark Rivers of the county & State aforesaid do this day, Bequeath to my wife Katharine Rivers the following Property to wit: four cows, calves and one work horse (her choice of my horses) and the following Lot or parcel of land to wit: Known and described as the W ½ of NW ¼ & east ½ of SW ¼ & SE ¼ of NW ¼ in Sec 14 T. 10 R. 5 West containing 198 acres more or lefs. To have and to hold unto her the said Katharine Rivers as long as she lives or during her natural life for her own special use & benefit. I hereby give and bequeath said property to my wife Katherine Rivers free from all my Debts as I have other Property to settle said debts&c. In Testimony whereof I hereunto Sign and fix my Seal this the 22^nd day of March 1878.
Witness: J. J. Repshur                   Mark X his mark Rivers {Seal}
J. B. Repshur
J. C. Moody

The above land given to Catharine Rivers by her husband Mark is shown as allotted to Charles J. Ivey on the BLM Government  Land Record site - https://glorecords.blm.gov/search/.

Mark Rivers, b. 1808 is the son of Mark Rivers and Annie Parker. Mark along with his sisters, Milly Rivers Holifield and Elizabeth Rivers Dryman  migrated to Simpson-Hinds County, Mississippi. After 1850, their brother Luke and his family joined them in Mississippi.

Mark Rivers married Irena Katherine Hancock in February 1840 before leaving Chesterfield County, South Carolina.



____________________
[1] Source: Special THANKS to Jean Larson for the Land Deed and transcription. (Mark Rivers to Katharine Rivers, Choctaw County, Alabama, Deed Records Volume “N”, pages 381-382; LDS FHL Film #1788067).

A Reasonably Exhaustive Research is Never Complete

The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is standard for genealogist and family historian developed in the late 1990’s to ensure credibility in the research process and lineage documentation.

There are 5  elements to the Genealogist Proof Standard. The Standard can be read in it’s entirety at: http://www.bcgcertification.org/resources/standard.html

The first element of the GPS is - a Reasonably exhaustive research

I have been researching my family surnames for 40 years and spent a great amount of this time researching the Davis-Rivers families of South Carolina. Over those 40 years I have collected a massive amount of data and documents on these families and I would say that I have definitely completed a Reasonably exhaustive research of theses families.

Yet after all the effort over the past 40 years, yesterday on-line I found a key document related to the Rivers families and it’s been available for the past 176 years. When I think of the number of individuals doing research on these Chesterfield County families I cannot fathom how this newspaper notice had not been found prior to my find yesterday. It’s just totally unbelievable and why I say: A Reasonably Exhaustive Research is Never Complete. 

A little background and history. In 1975 when I first became interested in my ancestors I had just arrived via the Air Force at the local Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. I had never heard of the LDS Library and knew absolutely nothing about Genealogy. I quickly learned that I had a 3rd Cousin twice removed, a descendant of Mark Rivers, b. 1824 in Chesterfield, South Carolina living in the local area. Betty Lee and I became dear friends until her death in August 2015.

Her researched help jump start my Rivers research and for the next 39 years we shared all our research.
Sometime between 1830 and 1840 several families migrated from Chesterfield to Hinds County, Mississippi.  Among those families with Moses Holifield and his wife Amelia Rivers. Along with Moses and Amelia was her brother Mark S. Rivers and his wife Irena Catherine Hancock.   Also among the group was a Dryman family. Mark, Elizabeth, and Amelia Rivers were joined by their brother Luke Rivers and his family between 1850 and 1860. For years I have known that this family was related to the Rivers families but it wasn’t until yesterday that I learned the Mother of this family was Elizabeth Rivers and her husband John Dryman. Elizabeth Rivers Dryman is the sister of Amelia  and Mark Rivers.

Yesterday, while browsing Chronicling America newspaper I found this newspaper clipping on these families.



SOUTH CAROLINA,
Chesterfield District.
John B. Rivers applicant vs Ann Rivers (Widow), Wm. Rivers and wife Elizabeth, Moses Holifield and wife Amelia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rives and Samuel Rivers Defendants.
It appearing to my satisfaction that Ann Rivers, Moses Holifield and wife Amellia, Matthew Rivers, John Dryman and wife Elizabeth, Mark Rivers, Luke Rivers and Samuel Rivers reside without this State, it is ordered that they do appear and object to the division or sale of the Real Estate of Mark Rivers deceased on or before the 12^th day of April next or their consent, will be entered off record.
T. Bryan
O.C.D.
January 27, 1831
[Farmer Gazette and Cheraw Advertiser, February 03, 1841, page 47, image 3]

SHERRIF’S SALE
By Order of the Court of Ordinary will be sold at Chesterfield Court House on the first Monday in June next within the legal hours the real estate of Mark Rivers deceased, in said District consisting of one tract of land containing forty acres, more or less, lying on Clay Creek, bounded on the North by the state line, west and south by Wm. Carter, and east by lands belonging to the estate of Thomas Horne.
Conditions: - As much cash as will pay the expense of this sale, with a credit until the first day of January next on the balance, purchaser giving bond bearing interest from the day of sale, with good personal security and mortgage, if required to the Ordinary. Purchases paying for necessary papers.
John Evans
Shff. C. D.
Chesterfield C. H. May 11, 1841
[Farmers’ Gazette, and Cheraw Advertiser, May 26, 1841, Page 112, Image 4]

This is the Estate lands of Mark Rivers, b. between 1780-1784 and married 3 times, Sarah Brown, Elizabeth York and Annie Parker.  The children mentioned above are children of Mark Rivers and Annie Parker.

Is this the last piece of information in a lengthly exhaustive search. I think not, there more to be found making a Reasonably exhaustive research never ending. 

___________________
[1] Chronicling America website - http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/
[Farmer Gazette and Cheraw Advertiser, February 03, 1841, page 47, image 3]
[Farmers’ Gazette, and Cheraw Advertiser, May 26, 1841, Page 112, Image 4]

It’s Family Time~ The Nancy Elizabeth Rivers Holyfield Family

In 1850 Luke Rivers and his wife Mary Selina Johns were living in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

1850 Chesterfield County, SC

Luke was  a son of Mark Rivers and Annie Parker and a few years earlier his sister Millie and brother Mark had migrated to Mississippi. Evidently Mark and Millie were in contact with Luke and convinced him between 1850 and 1860 to move to Mississippi. Luke and his wife moved with their four children, 3 daughters and a son, to Jones County Mississippi arriving before 1859. Their arrival was early enough in the 1850’s for their daughter Nancy Elizabeth to meet and fall in love with Moses Holyfield, Jr. Moses and Nancy Elizabeth were married in 1859. In 1860, they are enumerated as a family unit.  

1860 Jones County, MS

1860 Jones Co., MS

Moses Holyfield, Jr. and Nancy Elizabeth Rivers were first Cousin. Moses, Jr. was the son of Luke’s sister Millie and her husband Moses Holyfield, Sr. 

1860 Jones County, MS

Moses Holyfield, Jr. and Nancy Elizabeth Rivers had the following children:
 
I. Emily Jane Holyfield, born abt 1862, Jones County, Mississippi; married Abner A. Hinton.
ii. Franklin David Holyfield, born 26 Jan 1863, Jones County, Mississippi; married Mary Addie Ulmer; died 26 Jan 1931, Laurel, Jones Co., MS.
iii. Warren W. Holyfield, born abt 1866, Jones County, Mississippi; married Mary C. Wheeler.
iv. Catherine Holyfield, born abt 1868, Jones County, Mississippi; married George Washington Harper, Jones County, Mississippi.
v. Evelyne L. Holyfield, born 18 Apr 1869, Jones County, Mississippi; married John William Hill, Jones County, Mississippi; died 27 Apr 1941.
 
Moses Holyfield, Jr. is my 1st Cousin 5 times removed.
Nancy Elizabeth Rivers is my 1st Cousin 5 times removed.
 
 









 
_______________________________
Sources:
1. 1850 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 128A; Line 1, Dwelling 186, Family 186, Household of Moses HOLYFIELD; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 374.
2. 1860 Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, page 51/709; Line 18, Dwelling 331, Family 331, Household of Moses Holyfield; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 584.
3. 1870 U. S. Census, Jones County, Mississippi, mortality schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Moses Holyfield; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm.
4. 1870 U. S. Census, Jones County, Mississippi, mortality schedule, Jones County, Mississippi, Moses Holyfield; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 January 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm.
5. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 168A, Line 6, Family #1065, Dwelling #1065, Household of Luke Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
6. 1870 US Census, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 8, Jones County, Mississippi, Page 202B/203A; Lines 35-41, Family #61, Dwelling #62, Household of Elizabeth HOLIFIELD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2009); citing NARA publication M593_733.
7. 1880, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Pinelville, Jones County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 126, Page: 313D (stamped); Line 41, Dwelling 98, Family 98, Household of J. J. HOLIFIELD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 January 2013); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 651.
8. 1900, Jones County, Mississippi, population schedule, Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) 60, Page 101B, Line 67, Dwelling 347, Family 350, Household of John HOLIFIELD; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 January 2013); citing NARA publication T623_Roll: 813.
9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 18 November 2013); Memorial page for Elizabeth Holyfield; (6 June 1836-Mar. 26, 1913*); Find a Grave memorial # 25189566, Citing Springhill Cemetery; Laurel, Jones County, Mississippi, USA.
Holyfield is also spelled Holifield.

It’s Family Time~William James Rivers

William James Rivers was born 6 October 1849 in Chesterfield South Carolina, a son of Mark Rivers and his  wife Annie Parker. William James joined an older sister Mary Ann born two years earlier in May 1847. 

In January 1864, William James, age 14, and his six sibling lost their Mother. Their Father, Mark Rivers was a soldier in Co. B 26th Regiment, SC Volunteers.
In early 1880’s Mark and his new wife Caroline moved from Chesterfield County across the Pee Dee Rivers to Marlboro County. It was there that William James Rivers met Sarah Ella Spears daughter of  Harris N. Spears and Mary Ann Frazier.
On 20 Dec 1883 William James Rivers and Sarah Ella Spears were united in Holy Matrimony in Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina. 

William James Rivers and Sarah Ella Spears had the following children:

I. Willie Harris Rivers was born on 2 May 1890 in Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina. He died on 19 Apr 1913 at the age of 22 in Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina. Unmarried
ii. Porter Rivers, born 25 Aug 1895, Bennettsville, Marlboro, South Carolina; married Ruth Helen Allen, 4 Apr 1923, Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina; died 2 Nov 1973, Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina.
iii. Edgar Spears Rivers, born 6 May 1899, Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina; married Pearl Davis, 9 Oct 1931, Summerton, South Carolina; died 11 Sep 1993, Florence, Florence, South Carolina.
iv. Fred Mark Rivers was born on 17 Jun 1902 in Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina. He died on 16 Jun 1968 at the age of 65 in Wahiawa, Honolulu, Hawaii. FindAGrave Memorial# 94940116
v. Ruby Annie Rivers, born 7 Aug 1905, Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina; married Johnny C. Johnson, 14 Feb 1931, Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina; died 21 Feb 1988, Alcolu, Clarendon, South Carolina.
vi. Beulah Alice Rivers, born 31 May 1908, Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina; married John Nathaniel Calhoun, 7 Sep 1941; died 1 Jun 2007, Sumter County, South Carolina.
vii. Essie Mabel Rivers was born on 16 Mar 1912 in Sumter, Sumter, South Carolina. She died on 8 Oct 2010 at the age of 98 in Sumter County, South Carolina. Find A Grave Memorial# 132225275

 
 
William James Rivers is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed.









_______________________
SOURCES:
1. Mark Rivers & Caroline Dean Rivers Family Bible Holy Bible, (New York, New York: n.p., n.d.); Obtained from Betty Lee Hefty, 8 Xeroxed page from Original Bible. BIRTH - 6 Oct 1849, William James Rivers.
2. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 179B, Line 25, Dwelling 1243, Family 1243, Household of Mark Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 22 June 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
3. 1900 U. S. Census, Marlboro County, South Carolina, population schedule, Red Hill, Marlboro County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #97, Page 252A, Line 01, Dwelling 161, Family 164, Household of William J. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 8 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1536.
4. 1910 U. S. Census,  Sumter County, South Carolina, population schedule, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0119, Page 136A, Line 13, Dwelling 5, Family 5, Household of William J. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 8 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T624_1465.
5. 1920 U. S. Census,  Sumter County, South Carolina, population schedule, Providence, Sumter County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #139, Page 177B, Line 61, Dwelling 164, Family 165, Household of William J. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 8 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm  T625_1712.
6. Mark Rivers & Caroline Dean Rivers Family Bible, DEATH - 5 Sept 1928, William James Rivers.
7. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey; Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984, page 133. Tombstone of William James Rivers; 6 October 1848–5 September 1928, Spears & Edens Graveyard, Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina.
8. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey, Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984. Tombstone of Sarah Ella Spears Rivers.
9. Sallie S Rivers, death certificate 012063 (15 September 1949), Vital Records, Department of Health, Austin, Travis County, Texas.
10. Elizabeth C. Drake, Marlboro County Cemetery Survey, Marlboro County Historical Society, 1984. Tombstone of Sarah Ella Spears Rivers.
 

Tombstone Tuesday~Mark Rivers

Mark Rivers

b. 22 Nov. 1824

d. 9 May 1884

bu. Spears Cemetery

Mark was the son of William and Elizabeth 'Betsy' Rivers. He was twice married; his 1st wife was Annie Parker whom he married on 23 January 1845. His second wife was Martha Caroline Dean and they were married on 13 January 1864. 

You can find a very lengthy article about Mark and his two families here:

http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2012/01/mark-rivers-22-nov-1824-9-may-1884.html

Mark and his wife Martha Caroline Dean Rivers are buried in the Spears cemetery, Marlboro County, South Carolina. <sup>1 2 












___________________________
[1] Find A Grave Memorial# 37942003
[2] Find A Grave Memorial# 159009334</sup>

Amanuensis Monday~1797 Land Deed between Frederick Rivers and William Rivers

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 1797 Land Deed between Frederick Rivers and William Rivers.¹



 

Land Deed between Frederick Rivers and William Rivers
Revised & Corrected 22 October 2013
Transcribed by Charlie Purvis
State of South Carolina
This indenture made the eleventh day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-seven and of the Independence of the United States of North America the twenty first BETWEEN Frederick Rivers of Chesterfield County and state of South Carolina of the one part and William Rivers of the same County and State parties of the other part.

WITNESSETH that the said Frederick Rivers for and in consideration of the sum of Fifty………. Pounds lawful sterling money to him in hand well and truly paid by the said William Rivers the receipt whereof he doth hereby acknowledge and himself to be therewith fully contented satisfied and paid. He the said Frederick Rivers hath Granted bargained sold aliened empraffed conveyed and confirmed and by these presents DOTH grant bargain sell alien empraff conveyance confirm unto the said William Rivers and to his heirs and assigns forever ALL of a certain Plantation parcel or part of a tract of land containing three hundred and fifty acres be the same more or less being part of a tract of two hundred acres of land granted unto the said Frederick Rivers on the second day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and part of a tract of one thousand acres granted unto the said Frederick Rivers on the sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. Situate and being in Chesterfield County on Abrams Creek and is bound by Gilbert Purvis land Druery Lunday’s land Peter Hays land, Barnebe Wells land John Frantain land and Mark Rivers land being land sold by the said Frederick Rivers to the aforesaid persons out of the aforesaid two tracts or plantations of land. Together with all and singular the Houses out houses yards gardens woods under woods timber and timber trees ways waters and water courses passages privileges profits commodities advantages hereditaments rights members and appurtenances to the said land belonging or in any wise appertaining and the aversion and aversions and remain unto issues and profits thereof and of every part and parcel thereof and all deeds evidences and writings touching or concerning the same TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all and singular the said three hundred and fifty acres of land with the premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Rivers and to his heirs and assigns to the only proper use benefit and behalf of him the said William Rivers and of his heirs and assigns forever and for no other use intent or purpose And the said Frederick Rivers his heirs and assigns doth covenant promise grant and agree to and with the said William Rivers heirs and assigns in manner and form following that is to say that he the said Frederick Rivers stands seizes of a good sure and indefeasible estate of inheritance in fee simple of in and to the aforesaid land and premises and every part and parcel thereof and that he hath good rights and lawful and absolute authority to sell and convey the same and every part and parcel thereof and that free and clear and freely and clearly and sufficiently kept harmless from all and all former and other debts grants bargains sales titles leases executions judgments dower or title of dower or any other encumbrances whatsoever to other changes or determine the same or any part or parcel thereof AND THAT he the said William Rivers and his heirs and assigns shall and lawfully may from time and at all times forever hereafter peaceably and quietly into have hold (sic) use occupy possess and enjoy the aforesaid land and premises and every part and parcel thereof without the suit let trouble hindrance molestation interruption or denial of him the said Frederick Rivers or of his heirs and assigns or any other person or persons whomsoever AND LASTLY that he the said Frederick Rivers and his heirs and assigns the aforesaid tract of three hundred and fifty acres with the premises and appurtenances thereunto belonging unto the said William Rivers and to his heirs assigns against him the said Frederick Rivers and his heirs and assigns and against all person or persons whomsoever claiming or to claim the same shall warrant and forever defend by virtue of these presents In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written.

Signed, sealed and delivered}
In the presence of }
John Johnston }
John Craig }
Memorandum that on the day of the date the within written. Indenture full and peaceable
possession and seizure was made by the within named Frederick Rivers of the land and premises within mentioned to have and to hold to the said William Rivers and to his heirs and assigns forever according to the form and effect of the within written Indenture.
In the presence of }
John Johnston }                                                                 Frederick Rivers
John Craig }
Received the day of the date of the within written Indenture from the within named William Rivers the sum of Fifty ... pounds lawful money being the consideration money within mentioned to be paid by him or Issues received by me.
Witness
John Johnston }
John Craig }
State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me Alexander Craig Clerk of the County Court of Chesterfield County John Craig who being dully sworn make plain that he was present and did see the within named Frederick Rivers sign seal and as his act and deed deliver the within Instrument of writing unto the within named William Rivers for the uses and purposes therein contained and that he saw the said Frederick Rivers sign the Memorandum and receipt thereon endorsed and that he saw John Johnston subscribe his name as a witness to the same together with himself.
Sworn before me }
15th day of March 1797}                                               John Craig
Alex. Craig }
Chesterfield County Clerk Office recorder in Book No. 3, Pages 24 to 26 this 16th day of March 1797 and examined by Alex. Craig Clk, C.C.
 
Comments:
This land deed mentions three men - William, Frederick and Mark Rivers - thought to be the sons of William Rivers. We have Frederick, who received three land grants for his service during the Revolutionary War, selling three hundred and fifty (350) acres of land to William Rivers. [a tract of land containing three hundred and fifty acres be the same more or less being part of a tract of two hundred acres of land granted unto the said Frederick Rivers on the second day of January one thousand seven hundred and eighty six and part of a tract of one thousand acres granted unto the said Frederick Rivers on the sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six]. 
 
I first learned about this land deed back in the mid-1980’s when a hand transcribed copy of the Deed came into my possession provided by a very dear departed 2nd Cousin, twice removed. Her presence in my life has been a real blessing since that time.  I took her a copy of the Deed in 2014 during my visit with her and she was thrilled to at last see a copy of the actual Deed.  She passed away this past August a day after my last visit with her.
 
I found a copy of the deed locally through a friend and fellow Chesterfield researcher in the fall of 2013. Just this week, I made contact with another researcher that had a copy of this Deed in her possession.