Amanuensis Monday~Last Will and Testament of Mary Pitts, 1858.

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 Last Will and Testament of Mary Pitts, 1858.

On 21 September 1883, Mary Smith, Margaret J. Robeson with William L. Robeson presented the Will of Mary Pitts to the Probate Court for disposition. Mary Pitts had written her Will back in February 1858 leaving everything to her two daughters, Catherine and Flora. She also had a son Alexander, age 30, that was enumerated in her household in 1850 but had evidently died by February 1858. He is not mentioned in the Will and two of his sons are living in Mary’s household in 1860 Census.


Mary did not name an Executor for her estate so the Probate Court had to appoint an Administrator to manage and dispose of both real and personal property within the estate. 

There is no document within the estate folder naming an administrator but in all probability William L. Roberson was the Administrator. 

I have no record of this family after the 1860 Census other than the probate of this Will. I have not checked land deeds. 
 


Transcription:
South Carolina} Febry 7^th 1858
Chesterfield Dist.}
In the name of God Amen whereof I Mary Pitts (the wife of John Pitts decd of said district-) being of Sound mind and disposing memory make and constitute thus my last Will and testament – having Some personal & real Estate I desire after my death the following distribution be made of the Same- to wit I desire my Real Estate to remain in the possession of my two Daughters – Catherine and Flora so long as they or Egher <sic> [either] of them remains unmarried after the marriage of Either of them – and the one married desiring a divididend <sic> of my estate – my wish is that the Land be so divided as to give the (Single) or remaining daughter the residence in which I now live ------ Should the Daughter be married have no increase my desire is (after her death that the said Land be and is here by the Right of the Daughter Still remaining Single -- Should they both be married the last daughter of the two claiming as above written – should one of them died without heirs my wish is that the Other Daughter should have and receive her portion of my Real Estate.
My intent and meaning is that my two Daughters Catherine & Flora be my sole heirs to my Real Estate and the heirs of their bodies – if none then they distribute of the same at their pleasure.
As to my personal Estate my wish and desire is that it be equally divided between the two above mentioned daughters – Catherine & Flora.
Signed Sealed and acknowledged}           Mary X her mark Pitts
In the presence of us --------------}
Mary Smith
Margaret J. Robeson
W. L. Robeson
 
 
 
 
 
 
________________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-48261-12?cc=1911928 : 21 May 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0331-0383 > image 1364 of 1383; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.

Amanuensis Monday~The Will of Charity Johns

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 Chesterfield County WILL of Charity Johns, 1902. ¹



Transcription:
 
(State of South Carolina}
(County of Chesterfield}
 
I Charity Johns of Mt. Croghan township State and county above mentioned, make this my last Will: that is to Say:
I give unto the heirs of my son
1. Wesley Johns, dec’d $15.00
Also
2. Unto my daughter Mary Jane Jordan $15.00
Also
3. Unto unto <sic> my daughter Sarah Elizabeth Watkins $15.00
Also
4. Unto the the <sic> heirs of my daughter Eliza Baker $15.00
Also
5. Unto my daughter Matilda Meyers $15.00
Also
6. Unto my grandson Willie Whiteford John $15.00
The above amounts to be paid unto the heirs or their legal representatives in three annual installments of five dollars each by my son Smilie and my daughter Martha Ann, without interest which shall become due and payable on the 15^th day of December each year, in the office of the probate Judge of the County.
And unto my son, Smilie Johns and my daughter Martha Ann Johns I give all my estate both real and personal, consisting of household and kitchen furniture and two tracts of land, situated in this township, containing respectively 57 and 85 acres, to hold and enjoy during the term of their natural lives, share and share alike, and at the death of either, without heirs, to go to the heirs of the other.
In witness whereof I sign, seal and publish this as my last will, at my home, on this the 3^rd day of May, A. D. 1902.                                    Charity X (her mark) Johns {seal}
In the presence of
Witnesses
J. D. Watt
E. R. Robertson
T. M. Scruggs


Charity Johnson Johns was the wife of Eli Johns. Seven of their children, 2 sons and 5 daughters, are named within this Will. In addition to these seven, Eli and Charity had another son, called Levi, and according to the 1900 Census a daughter, Connie Johns.
In the 1850census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina we find the family listed on Line 28, Dwelling 1118, Family 1118:  ²



Levi John is not found after this entry and is presumed to have passed away as a young child. 

Then in 1900 we find, in the household of Charity, a female named Connie that is listed as a daughter. Also listed are 3 grandsons and a son. Connie, the daughter say she is a widow with 3 children, 3 living.  Charity also states that she is the mother of eight children with 4 living yet only 7 are listed in her Will with one of these seven identified as deceased. ³



Her Will states that “I give unto the heirs of my son 1. Wesley Johns, dec’d $15.00”

• Is Connie and the 3 grandson the heirs of her son Wesley?
• Is Connie a daughter or daughter-in-law; the census has her as a Single daughter.

___________________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Will Books:#2, pages 424 & 425 CHARITY JOHNS; Probate Office, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
[2] 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, , page 171A(Stamped), Line 28, Family 1118, Dwelling 1118, Household of Eli JOHN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 March 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[3] 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Mount Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0024, Page: 2B/135 (stamped); Line 75, Dwelling 36, Family 37, Household of Charity JOHNS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 6 March 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523.

Amanuensis Monday~David Coble Will, 1841

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 Stanly County Will of David Coble, November 1841









The Will of David Coble

In the name of God, Amen.--I, David Coble this 27th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, being of sound mind and memory, beloved by God, make and publish this my last will and testament in manner following
Viz-First, I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Martha Coble five of my negroes viz Charles and his wife Pol and her child Mary and Patience and John during her lifetime or Widowhood.
2nd. I give and bequeath  unto my beloved wife Martha Coble two feather beds and furniture and one stead and one dark bay Mare by the name of Snip and one no horned pale brown milch cow and two hogs such as she chooses and the first choice of my sheep and ten geese, all the above willed property to remain hers during her natural lifetime or widowhood and at her decease or marriage the above named negroes and other property what is left to be valued and divided equally among my children i. e. Jacob Coble, John Coble, David Coble, Grete Efird and Ephraim Coble, my Grandson and Mary Huneycutt, to be hers during her natural lifetime and her decease to be divided among her bodily heirs that is younger than Catherine Efird, her daughter.
I also will that the balance of my negroes, Gil, Chloe, Eleanor, Lewis, Joe, Ellick, Allen, Riley & Edmund be valued and for the legatees to draw for them, i.e. Jacob Coble, John Coble, David Coble, and Ephraim Coble, my grandson and Grete Efird and Mary Huneycutt and for them that draws for greater value to pay over to them that draw one of lesser value until all be made equal as to negroes.---
I give and bequeath unto my grandson, Ephraim Coble, the tract of land I now live on to have and enjoy full rights and title to my said land and premises whereon I now live, consisting of three hundred and seven [307] acres land with all an everyone of the improvements there unto belonging, to himself, his heirs and assigns forever.
I give and bequeath unto my Granddaughter, Iphama Cagle, fifty dollars in money.-- I also will that my beloved son Jacob Coble, shall have, hold and possess all the property of every kind which he holds and claims in my possession or on my premises. -- I also will that all my personal property that I have not disposed of other ways, of every description shall be sold according to the laws of North Carolina relating to interstates Estates and equally divided among Jacob Coble, John Coble, David Coble, Greta Efird, Ephraim Coble, my Grandson and Mary Huneycutt.--- All above named property which I have willed my daughter, Mary Huneycutt, is to remain hers during her natural lifetime and at her decease, I will that it be divided equally among her bodily heirs that is younger than Catherine Efird --- and I hereby make and ordain my beloved son Jacob Coble, and Alexander McLester, Executors of this my last will and testament----In testimony whereof I the said David Coble Sr. have to this my last Will & Testament set my hand and affixed my seal the day and year first above written.

Signed, sealed & published}                               David Coble {seal}
in the presence of}
Benjamin Mauldin}
Henry Kimmer}

North Carolina}
Stanly County}  February Session 1842
Then the foregoing last Will and testament of David Coble deceased was brought into open court and proven by the oath of Benjamin Mauldin and Henry Kimmer the subscribing witnefses thereto. The said Will and Testament was admitted to probate and ordered to be recorded.
                                                 D. Hearne, Clk

Mary Coble, daughter of David Coble and Martha Horn,  was the second wife of Levi K. Huneycutt.  












___________________________________
[1] "North Carolina Probate Records, 1735-1970," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-194-396391-1-28?cc=1867501 : accessed 21 November 2015), Stanly > Wills, 1841-1865, Vol. 1 > image 4 of 160; county courthouses, North Carolina. Will Book 1, pages 4, 5 and 6; Stanly County, NC; Probate Office.

Second Family of Isaac Hurst, b. 1804

It no surprise to any active researcher to find data on allied families while researching our direct lines. So over the years we collect this data and one day we may reach out and do some research on that line. Such is the case with one of several Isaac Hursts in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Until this past week, I had not actively researched Isaac Hurst and his family. However, over the years I had collected data that shows that Isaac Hurst, was born in 1804 and died 30 September 1884. Isaac was twice married; his 1st wife was Henrietta “Ritta” Rivers and his 2nd wife was Sarah Ann “Sally . (LNU). His 1st marriage resulted in 8 children based on census data. His second marriage bore  what was thought to be two additional children; but, is actually one child, a daughter.  

Isaac Hurst and Henrietta Rivers had the following children:
i. Sarah Ann Hurst, born 10 Mar 1826; Samuel Boatwright.
ii. William Monroe Hurst, born 25 Dec 1828; married Mary E. Powell.
iii. Lauretta Hurst, born 1831; married George R. Boatwright.
iv. Isaac Hurst, born on 15 Jan 1837.
v. Nancy J. Hurst, born 20 May 1838; married William Alfred Davis.
vi. Phillip James Hurst, born 22 Jan 1840; married Mary Ann Gainey.
vii. Polly Hurst, born in 1841.
viii. Jacob Hurst, born in 1843.

Isaac Hurst and Sarah Ann had the following children:
i. Nora Hurst was born about 1868.
ii. Mary C. Hurst, born Jun 1870; married James W. Douglass.

The 1880 Chesterfield County Census is the last census in which Isaac Hurst appears. It shows Isaac, age 79, with his 2nd wife, Sally and their daughter - Nora Hurst.¹ 




This is a good start but lets take a look at my favorite record set – The County Probate Files.
In the Chesterfield County Probate files we find that Probate Folder #493 is for Isaac Hurst and it turns out to be quite interesting.²

The major surprise in this folder was Isaac Hurst Will and it’s contents. The will made no mention of his first family, no mention of his current wife and a legacy was only left to his daughter. His daughter, Nora, in the 1880 census turns out to be – Christain McNona Hurst, aka Nora. ³





Transcription of Isaac Hurst Will ⁴

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
In the name of God Amen – I Isaac Hurst of the County and State aforesaid, being of sound mind, and memory and understanding, do make, ordain, publish and declare this to be my last Will and testament in manner and form following – viz –
I give, devise and bequeath to my daughter Christian McNona Hurst, one tract or parcel of land, lying and being in said County of Chesterfield, on the waters of Deep creek, known as the Rainey place, containing one Hundred and fifteen acres more or lefs [less], bounded by lands of Samuel Sellers, Clement Griggs, Dr. McBride Estate land, the Pruit land and others, it being a tract of land purchased by me from Edward Mulloy, to her, her heirs, and afsigns forever – and also Two Cows and calves to her, her heirs and afsigns-
I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint David Douglafs Executor of this my last will and testament.
In witnefs whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty eight day of August Anno Domino one thousand eight hundred and seventy five -
Signed, Sealed, published & declared}
By the Testator as&for his last will &}               Isaac X(his mark) Hurst {seal}
Testament in our presence who at his}
request have witnesfed the same}
A. W. Davis
E. F. Mulloy
Hugh Craig

After, thoroughly researching this family it’s clear that Mary C. Hurst and Nora Hurst ARE NOT  two distinct individuals but is the only child born to Isaac Hurst and his second wife, Sarah Ann and that her given name is Christian McNona Hurst. The daughter who married James W. Douglass.

Rationale:
If there had been two daughters born, both would have been listed in the 1880 census.
Two, The Will only names one Child – Christian McNona Hurst. If there had been two children they would have been named in the WILL. Why the wife is not named is unknown. She passed away in April 1892.⁵

In subsequent Census James W. Douglass wife is listed as:
1900 – Manona Douglass ⁶
1910 – Mary C. Douglas ⁷
1920 – Mary C. M. Douglas ⁸





_________________________
[1] 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page 321C; Line 11, Dwelling 186, Family 186, Household of Isaac HURST; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 August 2011); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
[2] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19388-17508-65?cc=1911928&wc=MPPB-C68:190567401,190561002,190567402,191054401 : accessed 05 Jun 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0470-0553A > image 499 of 1550.
[3] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Isaac HURST; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 1 June 1014); Probate File #493, Image 505.
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 29 August 2011); Memorial page for Isaac Hurst; (1804 - Sep. 31, 1884); Find a Grave memorial # 43479105, Citing Hurst Family Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 29 August 2011); Memorial page for Sarah Ann Hurst; (25 January 1824–3 April 1892); Find a Grave memorial # 43479165, Citing Hurst Family Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
[6] 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0020, Page: 2B/74(stamped); Line 71, Dwelling 34, Family 34, Household of James W DOUGLASS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_1523.
[7] 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0036, Page 20A/123 (stamped); Line 30, Dwelling 346, Family 349, Household of James W DOUGLAS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm  T624_1455.
[8]  1920 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 39, Page: 5A/130 (stamped); Line 23, Dwelling 76, Family 81, Household of James W DOUGLAS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 1 June 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm T625_1690.

Treasure Chest Thursday - Philip Gathings, Sr. Will

Gathings, Philip Sr., Cheraw District Equity Records, John Gathings et al vs Nancy Gathings Executrix of Philip Gathings, page 159.
 

Philip Gathings, Sr. Will

In the name of God Amen,
1st, Philip Gathings Senr. of Anson County being of sound mind and memory do make and declare the following to be my last Will and Testament, 1st my will is that my whole estate both real and personal be kept together under the discretion and management of my executors hereinafter named for ten years from the time of my death or during the life of my wife and that all my just debts be paid out of the profits arising from. (???)

2nd I give to my wife one Negro man named Jim and Selah his wife to her and her heirs forever.

3rd I give to the heirs of my son Charles Gathings ten shillings to be paid out of my estate.

4th I give to my son John Gathings one Negro woman named Short Pat to be delivered to him at the expiration of the ten years or the death of my wife.

5th I give to my son Philip Gathings, Junr. one Negro boy named Fadmouth to be delivered to him or his heirs at the expiration of ten years or the death of my wife. I also give him the tract of land whereon he lives which I purchased from May to him and his heirs forever.

6th I give to my son James one Negro boy named Stephen to be delivered to him or his heirs after the expiration of ten years or the death of my wife.

7th I give to my son Sampson a Negro boy named Harry to be delivered to him or his heirs at the expiration of ten years or the death of my wife.

8th I give to my daughter Judy Gatewood a Negro woman called Long Pat to be delivered to her or her heirs after the expiration of ten years or the death of my wife.

9th I give to my daughter Sally a Negro boy named Ben to be delivered at the expiration of ten years or the death of my wife.

10th I give to my daughter Lucy a Negro girl named Rose which she has now in possession to her and her heirs forever.

11th I give to my daughter Polly Smith a Negro girl named Pheobe which she now has in possession to her and her heirs forever. After the expiration of ten years my will is that the lands and plantation and mills whereon I now live to be equally divided between my two sons James and Sampson to them and their heirs forever. After payment of all my just debts my will is that the profits of my Estate including the profits of the lands whereon I now live to be to the use of my wife and her heirs forever. The residue of my estate not before willed away my will is that at the expiration of ten years from my death or at the death of my wife to be equally divided amongst my six youngest children to wit, Philip, James, Sampson, Polly, Lucy and Sally or their legal representatives to them and their heirs forever. Lastly I appoint my wife Haney Executrix of this my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 9th day of October 1807.
Signed sealed & published }                                           Philip Gathings {Seal}
pronounced and declared by the }
Testator to be his last will & }
testament in our presence who }
at his request and in his }
presence & in the presence }
of each other subscribed }
our names }
Duncan McRae
William Johnson

I do hereby certify the proceeding to be a true copy of the original will of Philip Gathings deceased now on file in my office.
Ordinaries Office William Pegues, Ordinary
Chesterfield District November 25th 1814

____________________
[1] 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 57.

WILL of KINCHEN PRIVETT

Kinchen Privett was born abt 1810 in South Carolina and died in the early part of 1878. He married Mary Vaughn about 1837. The only known child of Kinchen and Mary is their daughter Sarah Jane who married a Tucker. Sarah Jane had three children that were named in Kinchen's  Will  probated in 1879. Sarah Jane Tucker had two additional children not mentioned in her Father's Will.

State of South Carolina }

Chesterfield County }    In the name of God Amen. I Kinchen Privett of the County and State aforesaid being of sound mind and disposing memory do hereby make ordain publish and declare this to be my Last Will and Testament [1]in manner following:

1st It is my will and desire that all my just debts remaining unpaid at the time of my death be paid out of the proceeds of the sale of enough of my personal property to paid said debts.

2nd I will and bequest all of the Estate real and personal of which I may die seized and possessed unto Franklin A. Tucker, Mary Jane Dorcas Tucker and Ellwell Tucker children of Sarah Jane Tucker to be equally equally [sic] divided amongst them whenever whenever [sic] the said Franklin A., shall become twenty-one years of age. It is also my will that the Sarah Jane shall have a home and support on my land and out of my property as long as she conducts herself properly and with good behavior and no longer.

3rd  It is my will that my wife Mary shall continue to reside on my lands after my death as long as she may live and be supported off of my lands and out of my personal property. It is also my will that the above mentioned children shall continue to reside on said lands and have the use of the same as well as my personal property after my death till the division of said property as provided in section 2nd above.

It is also my will and desire that my friend George F. Boatwright[2] act as my Executor and see to carrying out the provisions of this my last Will and Testament. I hereby revoke all other Wills heretofore by me made declaring this to be my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I have signed my name and affixed my seal this third day of November in the year of our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy-one.

Signed sealed published and declared}                                         his

By the Testator to be his last Will}                                   Kinchen  X  Privett

And Testament who in presence of us}                                          mark

signed the same & at whose request}

& in the presence of each other}

we in the presence of the Testator}

Signed the same as witnesses to the}

same.    }

McLean McFarland}

James C. Chapman}

M. J. Hough}

Appraisers for the estate were A. J. Eddins, W. A. Davis and M. Davis. Petition for final discharge of the estate was made by Thomas F. Mallory on 6 Dec 1880.

---

[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Family Search (https://www.familysearch.org/ : Viewed March 2012), microfilm of original, "Kinchen Privett Estate File (0371) and Will," Images 1124-1125.

[2] George F. Boatwright is most likely George R. Boatwright.

Sarah Ann Hurst Boatwright Will & Estate

Sarah Ann Hurst was born on 10 Mar 1826 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina[1].  Sarah Ann [Hurst] Boatwright Will is dated 1 March 1904. Sarah died before 18 October 1909 at the age of 83 and was buried in the Boatwright Family Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.[2]

Sarah Ann Hurst and Samuel Boatwright were married in late 1850. Samuel Boatwright, son of Lewis Boatwright and Elizabeth Rebecca Davis, was born on 5 Aug 1832 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 19 Feb 1863 at the age of 30 and is buried in the Boatwright Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Sarah Ann Hurst and Samuel Boatwright had the following children:

1. William Manley Boatwright[3] was born on 13 Dec 1852 in died on 23 Jun 1937 at the age of 84 in Anson County, North Carolina. William was buried on 24 Jun 1937 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States.

William Manley Boatwright and Julia Ann Davis were married about 1870. Julia Ann Davis, daughter of John Calvin Davis and Charlotte Hurst, was born on 20 Mar 1849 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.[4]    She died at the age of 62 on 27 September 1911 and was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

William Manley Boatwright and Lottie May Williams were married on 1 Jul 1912 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Lottie May Williams, daughter of Reason Williams and Jane Ricketts, was born on 4 Jul 1888 and died on 1 Sep 1920 at the age of 32 in Anson County, NC. She was buried on 3 Sep 1920 in Anson County, North Carolina, United States.

William Manley Boatwright and Susan Davis were married on 15 Sep 1920 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Susan Davis, daughter of Isham Davis and Mary, was born on 20 Aug 1872 and died on 1 Nov 1957 at the age of 85 in Florence, Florence, South Carolina. She was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

2. John Calvin "Cally" Boatwright was born about 1855 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died in 1938 at the age of 83 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida.

John Calvin "Cally" Boatwright and Henrietta E. Hurst were married. Henrietta E. Hurst, daughter of William Monroe Hurst and Mary E. Powell, was born about 1855 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States.

John Calvin "Cally" Boatwright and Elizabeth were married about 1896. Elizabeth was born about 1879 in FL.

3. Isaac James Boatwright was born in Mar 1860 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 1 Sep 1928 at the age of 68 and was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Isaac James Boatwright and Mary Jane Lampley were married about 1894. Mary Jane Lampley, daughter of Jacob Lampley and Mary McLauren, was born in Jun 1864 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.  She died on 29 Aug 1926 at the age of 62 and was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

4. Nancy Boatwright was born in 1858 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

5. Mary Lucinda Boatwright was born in 1862. She died on 19 Jul 1918 at the age of 56 and was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Mary Lucinda Boatwright and Repsey Edward Tucker were married. Repsey Edward Tucker, son of Repsey Tucker and Nancy Hurst, was born in 1856 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States. He died before 1910 at the age of 54.

Sarah Hurst Boatwright died in 1909 and left this WILL[5].

South Carolina}

Chesterfield County} I, Sarah Ann [Hurst] Boatwright of said County and State do make this my last will and testament revoking any and all former wills by me made.

1.   I give, devise and bequeath unto my daughter Mary Lucinda Tucker all of my property of every kind whatever that I may be seized of and possess at the time of my death, it being my intention that the said Mary Lucinda Tucker shall [have] all the property I have at my death. In witness whereof I hereunto sign my name and affix my seal 1st March A. D. 1904

Signed, Sealed and Published and declared by the above named Sarah Ann Boatwright as and for her Last Will and Testament in the presence of us, who in her presence and in the presence of each other and at her request have here unto subscribed our names as witnesses.

Witness                                                                                            her

B. F. Funderburk                                                            Sarah Ann X Boatwright {seal}

J. A. Threat                                                                                     mark

W. C. West

Her will (estate #1141) wad probated on 18 October 1909 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Note: FindAGrave Memorial #83583139 has her death date recorded as 8 June 1910. This is obviously wrong. Her Will was probated on 18 October 1909.

Sarah had 3 sons still living at her death but she left her entire estate to Mary Lucinda Tucker, her daughter. No record has been found of her other daughter, Nancy, after the 1870 Census. She is presumed to have died young.

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[1] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 174A, Line 20, Dwelling #1162, Family 1162, Household of Isaac HURST; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 August 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851. 1850 CENSUS: Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: M432_851; Image: 352, Film #0444814, Page 174A, Line 20, Dwelling #1162, Family 1162;  Isaac HURST, Farmer, age 46, born in SC; Ritta HURST, wife, age 50, born in SC; Sarah HURST, age 21, born in SC; Lauretta HURST, age 19, born in SC; William HURST, age 17, born in SC; Isaac HURST, age 15, born in SC; Nancy HURST, age 13, born in SC; Phillip HURST, age 11, born in SC; Polly HURST, age 09, born in SC; Jacob HURST, age 07, born in SC.

[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 137A, Line 35, Dwelling #613, Family 613, Household of Isaac HURST; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 August 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_1217. 1860 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: M653_1217; Image: 277; Family History Library Film: 805217, Page 137A, Line 35, Dwelling #613, Family 613;  Isaac HURST, Farmer, age 46, born in SC; Ritta HURST, wife, age 50, born in SC; Sarah HURST, age 21, born in SC; Lauretta HURST, age 19, born in SC; William HURST, age 17, born in SC; Isaac HURST, age 15, born in SC; Nancy HURST, age 13, born in SC; Phillip HURST, age 11, born in SC; Polly HURST, age 09, born in SC; Jacob HURST, age 07, born in SC.

[3] 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page: 318A; Line 45, Dwelling 154, Family 154, Household of William Boatwright; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing National Archive  Microfilm T9, Roll 1225. 1880 CENSUS: Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Series: T9_Roll: 1225; Family History Film: 1255225; Enumeration District: 5;  Page: 318A; Line 45, Dwelling 154, Family 154; William Boatwright, Male, age 26, born in SC; his wife Julia Boatwright, age 39, born in SC; Samuel Boatwright, Son, age 10, born in SC; Sarah E. Boatwright, Daughter, age 8, born in SC; John V. D. Boatwright, Son, age 6, born in SC; Lewis L. Boatwright, Son, age 4, born in SC and James R. Boatwright, Son, age 2, born in SC.

 [4] Ibid.

 [5] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Chesterfield County Estate Records, Estate #1141 - Sarah Ann Boatwright (18 October 1909), Last Testament & Will, Book 2, page 167, 1 March 1904; South Carolina State Archives, Columbia, South Carolina | www.familysearch.com.

WILL of JOHN CALVIN DEES

Today posting is the WILL of my Great Grandfather John Calvin Dees (10 Nov 1853 – 2 April 1930). John Calvin was twice married; first, to Louvena Huneycutt on 9 April 1884 in Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina. John Calvin and Louvena had 4 daughters the latter one dying at age one.  Louvena, the mother, died the day after her daughter was born. The children were: Lucy Pearl (My Grandmother), Theresa, Etta M and Louvena. Next, John Calvin married Sarah Frances Gathings on 4 February 1892 in Lilesville, Anson County, North Caroline. They had three children: Winnie Elizabeth, Cora Lee and Callie Blanche.

John Calvin died testate, having written a will dated 14 March 1908, which was probated on 27 June 1930 at Court in Wadesboro, North Carolina. A full transcription of the WILL is provided below. It was transcribed in 1995 from FHL Microfilm 018,161 and is on filed in the Anson County Probate Office in Will Book "F", page 423.

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WILL[1] OF JOHN CALVIN DEES

STATE of NORTH CAROLINA-- Anson County

I, J. Calvin Dees, of the aforesaid County and State, being of sound mind and memory, but considering the uncertainty of my earthly existence, do make and declare this my last will and testament:

Item I. My executor, hereinafter named, shall give my body a decent burial, suitable to the wishes of my friends and relatives, and pay all funeral expenses, together with all my just debts, out of the first moneys which may come into his hands belonging to my estate. 

Item II. I give and devise to my beloved wife, Fannie [Gathings] Dees, for the term of her natural life, the following described tract of land lying and being in the County of Anson on the south side of Big Jones Creek, Beginning at a black gum on Caple Branch and runs N. 38 E. 22 chs. to a stake, thence East 14 chs. to a stake on Short Branch, thence N. 17 1/2 W. 28 chs. to a stake at Jones Creek, thence up said creek, the various courses thereof, 24 chs. to the mouth of Caple Branch, thence up the various courses of said branch 25.38 chs. to the beginning, containing seventy-seven (77) acres, more or less; it being the same tract of land conveyed to me by J. C. Cox and Wife by deed of January 21, 1903, which deed is recorded in Deed Book 36, Page 460, etc., reference to which is hereby specially made.

Item III. I give and devise to my children, Winnie Elizabeth Dees, Cora Lee Dees, and Callie Blanche Dees, the tract of land described in the foregoing item, subject to the life estate of my said wife as set out in said item, to them and their heirs forever, share and share alike.

Item IV. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Etta Dees, the sum of Five Dollars ($5.00).

Item V. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Lucy Pearly Purvis, the sum of One Dollar ($1.00). 

Item VI. I give and bequeath all the residue of my personal estate to my wife, Fannie Dees, to be hers absolutely.

Item VII. I hereby constitute and appoint my trusty friend, Marcus L. Ham, my lawful executor to all intents and purposes, to execute this my last will and testament according to the true intent and meaning of the same.

In witness whereof, I, the said J. Calvin Dees, do hereunto set my hand and seal this the 14^th day of March, 1908.

                                                                                                               his
                                                                                                 J. Calvin X Dees {Seal}
                                                                                                              mark

Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said J. Calvin Dees to be his last will and testament in the presence of us, who, at his request and in his presence, do subscribe our names as witnesses thereto.

Fred J. Coxe.
Walter E. Brock.
Lena Rivers Smyth.

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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA :: IN THE SUPERIOR COURT.

ANSON COUNTY :: PROBATE OF WILL.

The foregoing paper writing, purporting to be the last will of the late J. Calvin Dees, of said County and State, in this my propounded for probate in our said Superior Court by Marcus L. Ham, the executor named therein, and the due execution thereof is proven by the oath and examination of Fred J. Coxe and Walter E. Brock, two of the subscribing witnesses thereto, who being severally duly sworn according to law, to depose and say, and each for himself deposeth and saith, that at the date therein named the said J. Calvin Dees signed his name at the end of said paper writing, and declared the same to be his last will and testament, to the presence of these witnesses, and that thereupon these witnesses signed their names thereto as witnesses, in the presence of the testator, and at his request; and that, at the time of the execution thereof as aforesaid by the testator, and the attestation thereof by these witnesses, the said J. Calvin Dees was of sound mind and memory, of full age to execute a will, and was not under restraint to the knowledge, information or belief of these witnesses. Therefore let said paper writing be admitted to probate and recorded as the last will and testament of the said J. Calvin Dees, deceased.

Done at office in Wadesboro, this, the 27^th  day of June, A.D. 1930, when and where Mrs. Fannie Dees qualified as administrator c.t.a., and letters of administration c.t.a. issued to her.

W. K. Boggan,
Clerk of the Superior Court.

My lineage is through John Calvin daughter Lucy Pearl Dees who married James Francis Purvis.  I have not found a marriage licensee for Grandma Pearly; but, I do know that when this WILL was written (14 March 1908) Grandma Pearly was already married because she is referred to in this will as "my daughter Lucy Pearl Purvis".

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[1] Anson County, North Carolina, Probate Office, Will Book "F", page 423, FHL microfilm 018161: page 423 Will of John Calvin Dees; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah.