Wordless Wednesday~First Flight, Kitty Hawk, NC

Photo Courtesy of Robin Purvis

Photo Courtesy of Robin Purvis

Photo Courtesy of Robin Purvis

 

Wordless Wednesday~Whitewater Falls, NC

Click to Enlarge

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[1] Image from my personal archives.

Wordless Wednesday~Biltmore - America's Largest Home

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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltmore_Estate

Chesterfield County Snippets from Local Newspapers

For those doing research in Anson and Chesterfield County I highly recommended you spend some time on this website:

http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers.html

All entries below are from this website.

Thursday, January 2, 1868 N.C. ARGUS (Wadesborough, Anson County, NC)
-On Monday evening last, little James CRAIG, about eight or nine years old, son of Capt. James C. CRAIG, rode from his father’s residence, some three miles from town, to the post office for the mail. On his return, in the upper end of Market street, his horse took fright and ran against a tree inflicting a wound on the little fellow’s head, from the effects of which he died in some two hours afterwards. Our whole community deeply sympathizes with the stricken and bereaved family. Cheraw Advertiser, 25^th.
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1867-1869.html

Tuesday, December 22, 1903, THE MONROE JOURNAL (Union County, N.C.)
Rosa Vick Blakeney
-Mrs. Rosa BLAKENEY, widow of the late well known Jack BLAKENEY of Chesterfield county, and mother of Messrs. W. S. BLAKENEY, R. E. BLAKENEY and P. B. BLAKENEY, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Victoria SLOAN, in Monroe, at seven o’clock last night. She had been sick but a few days, of pneumonia. She had been living in this county less than a year, and in Monroe but a few weeks. She was 72 years old and a native of Chesterfield county… the remains will be buried here… For a number of years Mrs. BLAKENEY had been living with her son, Mr. W. S. BLAKENEY… Mrs. BLAKENEY was a member of the Methodist church at Five Forks in Chesterfield county, and was a woman of strong character and pious life. Not only were her children and grandchildren much attached to her, but a large number of friends and neighbors as well.
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1900-1903.html

November 20, 1892, CHARLOTTE OBSERVER (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC)
-A very fatal accident is reported to have taken place on the plantation of Mr. F. P. LOWERY, about 18 miles from here, in Chesterfield county, S.C., yesterday. The boiler of an engine which was used for ginning and sawing exploded with terrific force utterly demolishing the building. John HUNTER and F. P. LOWERY were instantly killed and another man seriously injured, though it is thought he will recover. The cause of the explosion is not known, though it is supposed the water in the boiler got too low.
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1891-1899.html

Wednesday, April 14, 1897 PLOW BOY (Wadesboro, Anson Co, NC)
-Mr. James A. DAVIS of Chesterfield and Miss Maggie JOHNSON of Morven, were married on Wednesday of last week, Rev. E. L. SILER officiating.
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1891-1899.html

Tuesday, October 20, 1903, THE MONROE JOURNAL (Union County, N.C.)
-Telegrams today announced the death of Mr. J. Spofford MOORE, at St. Louis, Mo., yesterday, of pneumonia. Mr. MOORE is a son of Mr. D. F. MOORE of Chesterfield. He had just gone to St. Louis, where his brother is in the stock business, having been for some time at his father’s on account of bad health. The deceased was about 26 years old. Young Mr. Eu. MOORE, who is a student at Greenville, came up this morning in response to a telegram from St. Louis saying that the body would be here tomorrow morning.
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1900-1903.html

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1909, MONROE JOURNAL (Union Co, NC)
-Mrs. Mariah KING, wife of Rev. M. C. KING, died on the 6^th instant at her home in Chesterfield county. Mrs. KING’S maiden name was KNIGHT and she was born in Chesterfield county, S.C. April 12, 1837 and was therefore over 72 years old. For many years she made her home in this county…. Four sons survive: J. E. & W. T. KING of Chesterfield county, R. L. KING of Vidalia, Ga., R. M. KING of Concord…. Sister Tressie BLACKMON of this county…
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1904-1909.html

Tuesday, November 15, 1904, THE MONROE JOURNAL (Union County, N.C.)
-Drowned While On A Duck Hunt. Wadesboro Messenger and Intelligencer. Mr. C. Ross MULLOY, a well known young man of Chesterfield Court House, S.C., was drowned in Grant’s mill pond, in Chesterfield county, last Friday afternoon….. Mr. MULLOY was about 23 years old and was a clever, popular young man, who had many friends. He was a son of Mrs. L. E. MULLOY, who ran a boarding house here some eight or ten years ago, but who is now dead. [lengthy article]
http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1904-1909.html

Monroe Journal, Tuesday, February 20, 1923

-Mrs. J. A. Watson died suddenly late Friday afternoon, while sitting in her chair in her home at Wingate. Two of her children who live nearby came to the home about the same time and found their mother sitting peacefully in her rocking chair where she had just died, her glasses on and a paper in her lap. Surviving are Mr. Watson, one son, Mr. L. J. Watson of Wingate, and four daughters, Mrs. J. J. Perry of Wingate, Mrs. C. W. Perry of Norfolk, Va., Mrs. Raymond McIntyre of Baden and Miss Hope Watson of Norfolk. These were all present at the funeral. There are eight grandchildren and they were as much at home at grandmother’s as in their own homes. Only one sister survives, Mrs. Adeline Rayfield of Mt. Croghan. Ex-Sheriff R. J. Lowery of Anson county, who died two years ago, Frank Lowery of Taxahaw, who died last year, and Charles Lowery of Altan, who died a number of years ago, were brothers of the deceased…. Interment was in the Wingate cemetery…. Mrs. Watson was seventy years of age, a daughter of the late Jackson Lowery, and was born in Chesterfield county. Mr. and Mrs. Watson moved to Wingate a number of years ago and soon became prominent in the upbuilding of that community. Mrs. Watson was a devoted wife and mother, and a useful member of the Baptist church.

Mrs. J. A. Watson is Ann Eliza Lowery Watson

http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers1923-feb.html

All these pages are searchable for specific surnames. If all else failed; use Control F to search the pages for specific names. 

Special thanks to J. Ganis for her time and effort creating these webpages and for her continuing help and friendship over the years. 





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[1] http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~jganis/genealogy/unionco/newspapers.html

Wordless Wednesday~Thomasville, NC

Wordless Wednesday~“World's Largest Chest of Drawers, Updated.

World's Largest Chest of Drawers has a new look. 

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[1] https://www.visitnc.com/listing/9SZB/world-s-largest-chest-of-drawers

Wordless Wednesday~Sand Art, Barbecue Festival, Lexington, NC

1816-The Edgeworths

Tucked away on page 3, column 2, of the Tuesday, November 26, 1816 edition of the "Telescope", Columbia, SC newspaper is this little story entitled:

The Edgeworths.--Maria Edgeworth  is one of a constellation of female geniuses, which now adorns England and illumines the literary world. She probably holds an equal rank with Jane Taylor, and is second only to Hannah Moore. We are informed that a Brother of hers, named Rich'd  Lovel Edgeworth (the name also of their father) resided a few years since in Lancaster or Chesterfield District in this State (South Carolina)-- and that his widow now lives in Anson county, N. C. He appears to have been an imprudent and dissipated man, whom parental authority could not govern, nor sisterly affection restrain.  Several of maria's letters to him are now in possession of his widow, who is said to be a worthy and amiable woman, in straitened circumstances. The family is rendered more interesting to us, from the circumstances, that Maria Edgeworth is the daughter of celebrated Honora Sneyd (afterwards Mrs. E.) who inspired the unfortunate Major Andre with a passion which she was not permitted to reward; and which is considered by common fame, the cause of his having become a soldier. The fact of this lady's being the mother of Miss Edgeworth, the reader will find authenticated in an appendix note to her admirable treatise on female education, where she corrects an alleged misrepresentation in Miss Seaward's monody on the death of Major Andre. Mr. E. founded a town in N. C. at the head of navigation of the PeDee, which, in honor of Maria's mother, he named Sneydsborough. 

Sneydsborough: A Ripple in the River Outdoor Drama is produced annually in the Anson County area by the South Piedmont Communtity College. The main setting is the Knox Inn a local landmark during the existance of the town and the drama narrator is the ghost of Richard Edgeworth, who died in 1796. 

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[1]Story transcribed as it appeared in the "Telescope", Columbia, SC, 26 November 1816, Page 3, column 2

[2] monody--- mon-o-dy - noun, - a poem lamenting a person's death. 

Friend of Friends Friday~Granny Sela, Slave

Died.

In Union county, on the 12th of March, GRANNY SELA, (a slave, the property of Mrs. Jane Gathings,) 110 years of age.
Granny Sela said she was a grown woman in the Revolutionary war, and had three children when in Independence was declared. She enjoyed remarkable good health and retained the faculties of her mind up to the time of her death. Her conversation was interesting and instructive. She was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, and died in the triumphs of the christian faith.                                          D. A. C.















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[1] Unknown newspaper, 1 April 1861, Union County, NC. Among some loose Gathings Family papers.

Amanuensis Monday~Will of Benjamin Graves

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 Benjamin Graves written in April 1871.¹



BENJAMIN GRAVES WILL

I Benjamin Graves of the County of Montgomery and State of North Carolina, Being of sound mind and memory but considering the uncertainty my earthly existence do make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following that is to say:
First – That my executor hereinafter names shall provide for my body a decent burial suitable to the wishes of my relations and friends and pay all fines al expenses together with my just debts however and to whom severe owing out of the money that may first come into his hands as a part or parcel of my estate
Item. I give and devise to my youngest daughter Queen Graves now a single woman all of my lands the tract I now am living on containing three hundred acres be it the same more or lefs. And all the cows calves steers and Bulls that I may have at my death. And all the sheep And all the hogs together with all the household and Kitchen furniture bedding and bed clothing And all the wheat corn fodder straw hay &c together with all the poletry <sic> And all other property of every description that I may be in possession of at my death to have and to hold to her and her heirs in fee simple forever.
And lastly I do hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend Calvin Cagle my lawful executor to all intents and purposes according to the true intent and meaning of the same and every part and clause thereof hereby revoking and declaring utterly void all other wills and testaments by me heretofore made. In witnefs I the said Benjamin Graves do hereunto set my hand and seal this 14^th day of April A. D. 1871.
Signed sealed published and }
Declared by the said Benjamin Graves}
To be his last Will and testament in the}
Presence of us who at his request and in}             Benjamin X Graves
His presence do subscribe our names }
As Witnefses thereto }
M. J. Cox }
Calvin Cagle}


Montgomery County} In the Probate Court
A paper in writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Benjamin Graves deceased is exhibited before me the undersigned Judge of Probate in and for said County By Micajah Cox one of the subscribing witnefses thereto and the due Execution thereof by the said Benjamin Graves by the oath and examination of Micajah Cox and of Calvin Cagle the subscribing witnefses thereto; who being duly sworn doth depose and say and each for himself deposeth and saith that he is a subscribing witnefses to the paper writing now shown him purporting to be the last will and testament of Benjamin Graves That the said Benjamin graves in the presents <sic> of this deponent subscribed his name at the end of said paper writing which is now shown as aforesaid and which bears date on the 14^th day of April A.D. 1870 And the deponent further saith that the said Benjamin Graves the testator aforesaid did at the time of subscribing his name as aforesaid declare the said paper writing so subscribed by him and exhibited to be his last will and testament and this deponent did thereupon subscribe his name and at the end of said will as an attesting witnefs thereto, and at the request and in the presence of the said testator And this deponent further saith, that at the said time when the said testator subscribed his name to the said last will as aforesaid and at the time of the deponents subscribing his name as an attesting witnefs thereto as aforesaid the said Benjamin Graves was of sound mind and memory of full age to Execute a will and was not under any restraint to the knowledge in form action or belief of this deponent and further these deponents say not M. J. Cox
Severally sworn                                                Calvin Cagle
And subscribed 22^nd day
Of August 1871 before me
C. C.Wade, Probate Judge
Deponent Calvin Cagle excepts to that portion of the above affidavit that states “Benjamin Graves was of sound mind & memory at the time of signing the Same                                                           Calvin Cagle
C. C. Wade
Probate Judge

Benjamin Graves was the son of Richard Graves and Hannah Fincher. He was born about 1794 in Randolph County, North Carolina. He was twice married; first to Elizabeth (LNU) and second to Nancy Woolever. Queen mentioned in his will is his daughter by his second wife – Nancy Woolever.
Benjamin Graves died  prior to 22 Aug 1871, the date of the above document signed by Calvin Cagle. You will find this date on-line as his death date. It is not his death date; he died sometime prior to this date. His actual death date would be between the date of the will 14 April 1871 and Calvin Cagle statement on 22 August 1871.  




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[1] "North Carolina, Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1941-20061-22388-98?cc=1867501&wc=MDRJ-T38:169766801,170505702 : accessed 28 Sep 2014), Montgomery > Wills, 1868-1905, Vol. 2 > images 36 & 37 of 278.

Surname Saturday~Oscar Philmore "O.P." Purvis

My Grandfather, James Francis "Jim" Purvis, had 2 brothers and 4 sisters. His two brothers were John William and Oscar Philmore "O P" Purvis. 

 I never knew my Grand Uncle  O. P. or  my Grand Father Jim Purvis; they both died before I was born. I did know their brother John William Purvis. Grand Uncle John died in  August 1956. I was just short of my fourteenth birthday. 

Grand Uncle Oscar Philmore "O P" Purvis¹ was born on 10 Jul 1888 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.^{2 3 4 5} His World War I Draft Registration Cards, shows he registered for the draft in 1917–1918.^{6 7 8} He died on 20 Apr 1931 at the age of 42 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina and was buried on 21 Apr 1931 at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^9–10-11-12

Oscar Philmore "O P" Purvis and Roxie Carolyn Brock were married on 2 Feb 1913 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹³ Roxie Carolyn Brock, daughter of Samuel Stonewall Jackson Brock and Laura Cornelius Teal, was born on 3 Sep 1895 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{14 15 16 17 18 19} She died on 17 Jan 1967 at the age of 71 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina and was buried on 20 Jan 1967 in Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^20-21-22

Oscar Philmore Purvis and Roxie Carolyn Brock had the following children:

              i. Christina Geneva "Teenie" Purvis, born 13 Jan 1914, Anson County, North Carolina; married Clayton William Jarman, abt 1933; died 29 Feb 1980, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

             ii. Sarah Elizabeth Purvis, born 3 June 1916, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Henry Lee Hanna; married John Belk Helms; married Frank Paul; died 6 Jan 1992, Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina.

            iii. Oscar Philmore Purvis, born 24 June 1925, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Jerallene C. Patrick, abt 1969, Pasquotank County, North Carolina; married Mary Louise , 16 May 1945, Anderson, South Carolina; died 15 Jul 1979, Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia.

            iv. Unnamed Purvis was born on 5 May 1928 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina. She died on 6 May 1928 at the age of  0  and was buried on 7 May 1928 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.

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        1. Oscar Philmore Purvis, death certificate (long form) 170 (20 April 1931), Dept. Health and Human Services, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

        2. William J. Purvis Family Family Bible Holy Bible, (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), BIRTH; Oscar P. PURVIS, born 10 July 1888,  Obtained from Tammy Gathings Swearengin, Wadesboro, North Carolina.

        3. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 25 August 2011), O P Purvis; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, FHL Roll Number: 1765559; Birth Date: 10 Jul 1889.

        4. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 8, page 149B, line 79, dwelling 15, family 15, Household of William J. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

        5. 1910  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven Twsp., Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #012, page 184, line 64-67, Dwelling 65, Family 65, Household of William Purvis; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.

        6. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com, O P Purvis.

        7. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 188B, Line 60, Dwelling 146, Family 146, Household of Oscar PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 23 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.

        8. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13-10, Page 237A, Line 8, Dwelling 92, Family 92, Household of Osker P. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 25 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 2192.

        9. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 45 (25 April 1931), O P PURVIS; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

        10. Oscar Philmore Purvis, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina death certificate 170 (20 April 1931).

        11. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 45, (25 April 1931), O P PURVIS.

        12. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Oscar Philmore Purvis; (10 July 1889–20 April 1931); Memorial # 78318969; Record of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 25 August 2012.

        13. Oscar Purvis, age 21, and  Roxanna Brock, age 18,, (2 February 1913), SC Marriage Index Book: ; Probate Office, Chesterfield , South Carolina, South Carolina.

        14. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 153. Tombstone of Roxie Brock Reid; 3 September 1895–17 January 1967, Brock's Mill Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

        15. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 8, Page 7B/155 (stamped); Line 87, Dwelling 114, Family 114, Household of Samuel J. S. BROCK; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 31 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.

        16. 1910  U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0037, Page 138B/12B; Line 75, Dwelling 212, Family 212, Household of [Stonewall Jackson] Jack BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 March 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1455.

        17. 1920  U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #13, Page 188B, Line 60, Dwelling 146, Family 146, Household of Oscar PURVIS.

        18. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina, ED #13-10, Page 237A, Line 8, Dwelling 92, Family 92, Household of Osker P. PURVIS.

        19. 1940 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 4-21, Page: 9A/255A(stamped), Line 37, Household #159, Household of Roxie Purvis; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 26 August 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2871.

        20. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 2271, (17 January 1967), Roxie Brock Reid.

        21. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Roxie Brock Reid.

        22. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 25 August 2012; Headstone for Roxie Brock Reid;  Memorial # 78326283.

Data Analysis - William A. Purvis, 1880 to 1926

Yesterday, we ended the review with the Anson County, NC 1880 Census [1]where we find Betsy Purvis and her daughter Mary J. Purvis, age 13, enumerated in the household of William A. and Sarah Purvis.  

Two of the three families’ shown in this 1880 census snippet are my 2nd Great Grandparents – William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves Purvis and William James Purvis and his wife Mary Hulda Previtte Purvis; the relationship of  and to the 3^rd family, Betsy Purvis and Mary J. Purvis are unknown.

In the 1870, there is also an unmarried Female Purvis with children living next door to William and Sarah Purvis.

1870 CENSUS: Morven Twp, Anson County, North Carolina. Series: M593  Roll: 1122, Microfilm # 552,621, Pg. 403A, Line 1, Dwelling 179, Family 179. S.[arah] PERVIS, age 49, Elizabeth PERVIS, age 17, William PERVIS, age 15; John PERVIS, age 12 and Caswell PERVIS, age 10, all born in North Carolina.[2] [3]

Could the Elizabeth Purvis, age 17 in this Household also be the Betsy Purvis in W. A. Purvis household in 1880?

In February 1880 and March 1881, William A. and his son William J. Purvis borrowed money in order to buy the necessary supplies to plant a crop.

                Note: I’m not quite sure how a 17 year lad can sign a mortgage borrowing money to plant a crop.

Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis & W. J. Purvis to Marshall & Richardson, Anson Co., NC, Book 11, Page 529.

Trust Deed - W. A. Pervis to Marshall & Richardson, Anson Co., NC, Book 13, Pages 107.

On 3 March 1881, the same day that William A. Purvis borrows $200 from Marshall & Richardson; he also sells of 30 acres (DB 21:401) of his land for a sum of $125.80 which I suspect was to pay off past debts. This land was the 30 acres he purchased from W. P. Brantley 21 Dec 1873. [4]  

Now the Trust Deeds (mortgages) are getting more frequently with:

16 Jan 1882 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis & others to J. D. Harden, Anson Co., NC, Book 15, Pages 23-24. [Others are William J., Sarah J., and Mary H. Purvis]

18 April 1882 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis to J. D. Harden, Anson Co., NC, Book 15, Page 157

September 1882 – It was about this time that William A. and Sarah Jane learned that Sarah Jane had Cancer.

7 March 1883 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis to Thompson & Moore, Anson Co., NC, Book 16, Page 158.

28 September 1883 - Trust Deed - Jefferson D. Rhine to Wm. A. Purvis, Anson Co., NC, Book 16, Page 428.

Also on 28 September 1883 we have a sell-off of the 60 acres parcel purchased from James L . Edward in 1871 to Jefferson D. Rhyne. [5]

Bad times are turning to more bad times with a continuing cycle of borrowing money to purchase seed to plant the Crop, toil and labor on the farm all year to find that the crops were not enough to pay everything off and continuing the same cycle year after year after year.

15 January 1884 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis to Thompson & Moore, Anson Co., NC, Book 16, Pages 561-562.  ($225.00)

2 July 1884 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis & wife to Thompson & Moore, Anson Co., NC, Book 18, Pages 63-65.

3 Dec 1884 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis & wife to Thompson & Moore, Anson Co., NC, Book 18, Pages 202-203.

25 February 1885 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis to C. C. Moore & Co., Anson Co., NC, Book 18, Pages 546-547.

22 April 1886 - Trust Deed - W. A. Purvis to J. T. Moore, Anson Co., NC, Book 20, Page 611.

And then tragedy struck on 31 December 1893, Sarah Jane [Graves] Purvis passes away after suffering from cancer for the past fifteen months. (Sept 1882-Dec 1893)

DEATH: Messenger-Intelligencer issue of January 4, 1894, page 3, McFarlan News - The funeral of the wife of Mr. Wm. Pervis was preached by this writer in the M. E. Church of this place last Sunday [31 Dec. 1893]. She was a good old woman. She had suffered intensely for fifteen months from cancer. She was a member of the M. E. church about 20 years. [Source: Steve Bailey]

The M. E. Church referred to here is most likely Zoar United Methodist Church and though no tombstones have been found for William and  Sarah Jane; they are most likely buried at Zoar. Their only child, my Great Grandfather William James Purvis and his wife are buried in the cemetery.

Five years after burying his wife Sarah Jane we have William A. Purvis selling more of his property to Jefferson D. Rhyne. The land deed for this parcel is titled - W. A. Purvis and wife Elizabeth Purvis to J. D. Rhyne, Anson County, NC, Book 33, Page 370.[6]

This indicates to me that William A. remarried after Sarah Jane died in 1893 and his new wife is Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis.  

“NORTH CAROLINA} This deed made this 23rd day of September, Anson County, 1899 by W.A.Purvis and wife Elizabeth Purvis of Anson County and State of North Carolina of the first part and J.D. Rhyne of said county and state of the second part witnesseth that said W.A. Purvis and wife in consideration of fifty four dollars to them paid by J.D. Rhyne. The receipt of which is hereby acknowledged has bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain, sell and convey to said J.D. Rhyne and his heirs a certain tract or parcel of land in Morven Township, Anson County, State of North Carolina. Adjoining the lands of Jms. Davis, Jms. McGugan, Dr. W.J. McLendon and J.D. Rhyne. Bounded to follows. Beginning at McGugan's corner in McLendon line and running east six chains to Rhyne's corner. Then with Rhyne's line south to a corner in his line 392 yds. Thence west to Davis line 7 1/2 chains. Thence direct to the beginning corner containing twelve acres more or less”. [7] [Book 33, Page 370]

If we go back about 15 years we see that this tract of land is part of a 30 acre tract that William A. Purvis and his wife Sarah Jane purchased. Now on 23 September 1899 it is being broken up into a 12 and 18 acres parcel. William A. and his new wife Elizabeth is selling off 12 acres to J. D. Rhyne. At this point J. D. Rhyne now owns every acres of land that William A. and Sarah Jane Purvis purchased except for 18 acres.

28 June 1900, the Census taker is checking off the houses in Anson County and is at the door of Household 337, Family 338. At home is Elizabeth Purvis, age 40, Widower, born Oct 1869 in NC and her daughter Ella Purvis, age 13, born Dec 1886 in North Carolina. Elizabeth tells the Census taker that she 2 children but only one is living.

1900 CENSUS: Morven Twp, Anson Co., NC; Series: T623, Roll: 1181, Page: 145, Line 20, Household 337/338; Elizabeth PURVIS, age 40, Wd., born Oct 1869 in NC; Ella PURVIS, daughter, age 13, born Dec 1886 in NC.

Elizabeth Purvis did have two children:

1.        Mary Jane Purvis, b. abt 1873, married Charlie Franklin Lang, abt 1888, had 4 children. Ella died during or shortly after giving birth to her 4^th child – Frances Elizabeth Purvis, b. March 1895 in Marshville, Union County, North Carolina.  
2.        Ella Frances Purvis, b. 25 September 1886, Anson County, NC; married Thomas T. Tarlton, 14 Aug 1904, Anson County, NC. They had 8 children. Ella Frances Purvis Tarlton died 27 November 1971 in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC.

a.       Ella Frances Tarlton Social Security Form shows her parent as Billie Purvis and Betsy Prevett.

The obvious point here is that Elizabeth is a Widow indicating that between 23 September 1899, when William A. Purvis signed with his mark on a Land Deed (DB 33:370) and today 28 June 1900 that he, William A. Purvis has passed away and Elizabeth and Ella are carrying on with their lives.

The 1900 Census shows Elizabeth [Line 20] living next door to Jeff D. Rhyne and we see other names mentioned in the land deeds, i.e. McGugan.

The final land deed shows that William A. Purvis ensured that Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis, his wife, had a place to live for her natural life. But, daughter Ella married Thomas T. Tarlton and so Elizabeth had a choice. Stay all along at her age out on the farm or moved in with her daughter and new son-in-law.

On 30 September 1900, Betsy sold the final acreage (18 acres) to Jefferson D. Rhyne retaining six (6) acres and a house as a life estate.[8]

BETSY PURVIS

TO

J. D. RHYNE - DEED

State of North Carolina}

Anson County} This deed made this 30th day of September 1900 by Betsy Purvis of Anson County and State

of North Carolina of the first part to J. D. Rhyne of Anson County and State of North Carolina of the second part.

Witnesseth: That said Betsy Purvis in consideration of Fifty Dollars to her paid by J. D. Rhyne the receipt of which is hereby acknowledge, has bargained and sold and by these present does bargain, sell, and convey to said J. D. Rhyne and his heirs, and assigns a certain tract or parcel of land in Morven Township, Anson County, State of North Carolina, adjoining the lands of J. D. Rhyne, and others. Bounded as follows: Beginning at a white oak in the state line running with state line and east to a comer of J. D. Rhyne land thence North course to a comer of land bought by said J. D. Rhyne from Billy Purvis then a North course to a comer on the Gardner land thence direct to the beginning comer containing 18 acres more or less. Save and except that said Betsy Purvis reserves from this land Six Acres being the lot upon which is situated her house. She to retain said Six Acres for & during the time of her natural life and at her death the said lot of six acres to go with this other land as herein described to have and to hold the aforesaid tract or parcel of land and all privileges and appurtenance thereto belonging to the said J.D. Rhyne, his heirs and assigns to their only use and behalf forever and the said Betsy Purvis covenants to and with the said J. D. Rhyne, his heirs and assigns that she seized of said premises in fee and has a right to convey the same in fee simple. That the same are free from all incumberances and that she will warrant and defend the said title to the same against the claims of all persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof the said Betsy Purvis has hereunto set her hand and seal the day and year above written.

Attest: W.E. Pennington                                                                                          Betsy X Purvis (Seal)

Jefferson D. Rhyne has finally acquired ALL of the land previously owned by my 2^nd Great Grandparents William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves Purvis.  

By 1910, Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis had abandon the “farm” and life estate and moved in with her daughter Ella and son-in-law Tom Tarlton. [9]

On 18 Oct 1926, Betsy Purvis died in Rockingham, NC while living with Ella and Tom Tarlton. She was buried at Mizpah Cemetery. No tombstone marks her grave and little was said about her in the final hours.[10]

Mrs. Betsy Purvis, aged 90, died Oct. 18th in Great Falls village. The interment was at Mizpah the same day.

[The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Richmond County, NC, Thursday, October 21, 1926, Page 6, Column 2 - Deaths] [11]

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[1] 1880 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) # 2, Page 350B, Line 36, Dwelling 233, Family 251, Household of William A. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.

[2] 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 403A, line 38, Dwelling 178; Family 178, Household of William A. Purvis; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 1976); citing National Archive Microfilm M593, Roll 1122.

[3] 1870 U S Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven Twp, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 403A, Line 1, Dwelling 179, Family 179, Household of S.[arah] PERVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 22 November 2012); citing National Archive Microfilm M593, Roll 1122.

[4] Anson County, North Carolina, Book 21: Page 404-405, W. P. Brantley to Wm. Purvis; 21 December 1872, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

[5] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 22: pages 532-533, Wm. A. Purvis and wife [Sarah J. Purvis] to Jefferson D. Rhyne; 28 September 1883, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

[6] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 33: page 370, W. A. Purvis and wife Elizabeth Purvis to J. D. Rhyne; 23 September 1899, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

[7] Ibid

[8] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 34: pages 491-492, Betsy Purvis to J. D. Rhyne; 30 September 1900, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

[9] 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Gulledge, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #6, Page 81A, Line 21, dwelling 170, family 172, Household of Tom TARLTON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.

[10] State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 351, (18 October 1926), Mrs. Betsy Purvis; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

[11] Mrs. Betsy Purvis obituary, The Rockingham Post-Dispatch, Rockingham, Richmond County, NC, 21 October 1926, Page 6, Column 2. Deaths.