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.

________________________

It’s Family Time~Hawley Rivers

Sometimes research is simple; at other times it’s very complex. Such is the case here.  Not much is known of Hawley Rivers, her marriage and the birth of her children. What I have been able to find is presented here. Two things are certain; she led a difficult life and she was a very resourceful woman.

Hawley Rivers was born about 1815, a daughter of William Rivers and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivers.

Hawley Rivers and Robert Rivers were married about 1834 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Robert Rivers, son of Isaac Rivers and Nancy Parker, was born (date unknown).

Robert Rivers and Hawley Rivers had the following children:

        i.    William Rivers was born in 1835 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
        ii.    Nancy Rivers died before 1850. She was born in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

In 1880, Hawley age 66, is enumerated within the Household of Michael Davis. This may seem illogical until you realized the Michael wife’s Hulda is the sister of Hawley Rivers.

The exact date of Hawley's passing is unknown but is believed to be sometime in the mid-1880s. No tombstone or grave has been found for Hawley Rivers. 

Hawley Rivers is my 3rd Great Grand Aunt.













_______________________



1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 179B, Line 29, Dwelling/Family 1244/1244, Household of Hawley Rivers; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 August 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 126, Line 32, Dwelling 460, Family 460, Household of George A. PARKER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 27 July 2015); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
3. 1860 Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 126, line 37, Poor House Household, dwelling 460, family 460;, Hawley Rivers; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed July 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M653, Roll 1217.
4. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page 316B, Line 28, Dwelling 129, Family 129, Household of Michael DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archive  Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.

Estate Claim of Thomas J. Rivers

Transcription:

William Rivers (Killed in War) (Written in)
Thomas J. Rivers to Frederick Rivers Alfred Rivers, D. W. Rivers Deed

The State of Texas}
Grayson County}
Know all men by these presents, that I Thomas J. Rivers of the County and State aforesaid being entitled to an undivided interest in the real and personal estate of my deceased Grandmother Eliza Rivers late of the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina in consideration of the sum of two hundred and ten dollars to me paid by my Uncles Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers of the county and state last aforesaid the receipt whereby is hereby acknowledged has granted, bargained, Sold and released and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, release and forever quit claim unto the said Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers all my right title claim and interest of into and out of the real and personal Estate of the said Eliza Rivers in pofsession or expectancy in law and in Equity or by any means whatever Together with all and singular the rights, members, hereditaments or appurtenances to the said lands belonging or in any wise incident or pertaining and with full power and authority to collect and receive the said personally. To have and to hold all and singular the said premises unto the said Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers their heirs and assigns and the survivor or survivors of them and the heirs and assigns of such survivor or survivors forever. And I hereby warrant and forever defend the interest herein conveyed unto the said Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers their heirs, executors administrators and assigns and the survivor of survivors of them and the heirs executors administrators and assigns of such survivor or survivors from and against myself my heirs executors administrators and all other persons claiming by through or under me. Witness my hand and seal this 2^nd day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty one in the one hundred and fourth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed, Seal and}                                              Thomas J. Rivers {seal}
Delivered in presence of}
H. B. Nichols}
Charles Reynolds}

The State of Texas}
County of Grayson}
Personally comes before me H. B. Nichols who makes oath that he saw the above named Thomas J. Rivers sign seal and as his act and deed deliver the above written deed and that he with Charles Reynolds witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me}                                                          H. B. Nichols
This 2^nd day Feby 1880}
J. M. Wilson, J.P. {seal}
And Ex Officis Notary Public}

The State of Texas}
County of Grayson}
I, G. A. Dickeman clerk of the county and for said state and County, do hereby certify that J. M. Wilson whose signature in his own hand writing is subscribed to the proceeding proof of above written deed was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public of said state and county and his official seal is stamped thereon, according to due form of law. Given under my hand and seal of office this 13^th day of March 1880.
                                                                               G. A. Dickeman Clerk {seal}
                                                                               By H. N. Guck Deputy
Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
Recorded 5^th April 1880 in Sales Book “A”, page 156
                                                                      C. L. Evans
                                                                       Auditor

Recorded 5^th April 1880

Orign’l Dlv’d to Frederick Rivers

Thomas J. Rivers was the son of William Rivers and Mary Ann Graves. William Rivers died in the Civil War. After Mary Ann was notified of his death she married Ferguson Hale Smith between 1864-1867 in Chesterfield. 

Ferguson Hale and Mary Ann had two sons. Mary Ann died about November 1870 and her widow husband married Ann Rebecca Powell about 1871.

Thomas is listed twice in the 1870 Chesterfield Censuses; one as T. J. Graves and another time as T. W. Graves.  

Thomas J. Rivers is my 2nd Cousin 3 times removed.

__________________

[1] Land Deed - Thomas J. Rivers to Frederick Rivers Alfred Rivers, D. W. Rivers Deed; 2 February 1881; Deed Book ##5; Page(s) 798 & 799; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC; viewed.

Sale of Frederick and Siddie Rivers Estate Lands

Frederick F. Rivers, Jr. and his wife, Sarah “Siddie” Boatwright both died within 13 months of each other. First, Frederick died 31 May 1860 then Sarah died on 3 July 1861. Their death left 7 surviving children: 

i. William M. "Billy" Rivers, born 1805, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Anne Eliza Kelley, 27 Dec 1837, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died  Mar. 18, 1891, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Sarah "Siddie" Rivers was born in 1808 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was still living on 23 Jan 1879.
iii. David T. Rivers, born 10 Jun 1810, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Katherine Eugenia Edgeworth, abt 1844, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 8 Feb 1891, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Lewis Rivers, born 6 Nov 1811, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Lenora L. Padgett, 12 Dec 1839, Mt. Croghan, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 11 Feb 1895, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Eliza Rivers, born abt 1815, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John B. Rivers, 1832, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died bef 26 Jan 1870, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Frederick F. Rivers III was born in 1828 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He served in the Civil War and died before 11 Jan 1866 at the age of 38 most likely due to service connected injuries. Frederick had his estate probated on 29 Jan 1866; Probate Folder #103 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He was buried in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. James Calvin Rivers, born 9 Jan 1831, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Louise Gatewood, 5 Jan 1860, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 3 Nov 1907, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Sometime near 11 January 1866, one of the children, Frederick III,  passed away leaving 6 remaining children.

On 28 April 1869, five of the remaining six children, William, Sarah, Lewis, Eliza and Calvin sold their interest in their parents estate lands (162 + acres) to their brother David T. Rivers for $500.00 dollars. [Chesterfield County, SC; Deed Book 4, pages 497 and 498].  

Another Chesterfield Land Deed (DB 4, pages 263 to 265] shows that the six children sold 69 acres to B. F. White for three hundred and sixty seven dollars ($367.00).



Transcription:
by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and released unto the said B. F. White all that tract and parcel of land formerly owned by F. F. Rivers (deceased).




Transcription:
Page 497
Wm Rivers + Others to David Rivers Deed
The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Know all men by these presents that we William Rivers Sarah Rives Lewis Rivers Eliza Rivers + Calvin Rivers of the State and County aforesaid for and in consideration of the sum of $500 Five hundred Dollars to us paid in hand by David Rivers of the State and County aforesaid have granted bargained sold and released and by these presents do grant bargain sell and release unto the said David Rivers a certain piece or parcel of land lying and being in the State and County aforesaid lying on Jimmey’s Creek bounded on the West by lands of John John Bitels [Bittle??] and Phillip G. Hinson in East by lands of A. J. Edins [Eddins] and others containing 162 1/2 more or less together with all and singular the rights members hereditaments and appurtenances to the said premises belonging in in <sic> anywise incidents or appertancy [appertaining] to have and to hold all and singular premises above mentioned unto the said David Rivers his heirs and afsigns against ourselves our heirs and against any person or persons whomsoever lawfully claiming the same or any p[art thereof. In witnefs whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, the 28 of April Anno 1869.
Signed, Sealed and delivered}                      Lewis Rivers {seal}
In the presence of}                                       Wm. Rivers {seal}
A. J. Eddins}                                                Calvin Rivers {seal}
W. B. Davis}                                 Eliza X her mark Rivers No Seal

The State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me A. J. Eddins and made oath that he saw Lewis Rivers, Wm. Rivers, and Calvin Rivers sign seal and as their act and deed deliver the within written deed and that he and W. B. Davis witnefsed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me 29^th}                               A. J. Eddins
day of Jany 1879}
Thomas F. Malloy}
Clk}

Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
                  Recorded 29 Jany 1879 in Sales Book “A” page 132
                                                             C. L. Evans
                                                             A. C. C.

Recorded 29 Jany 1879

Orig.l deliv’d to P. Streater

Frederick F. Rivers, Jr.  an his wife Siddie are my 4th Great Grand Uncle and Aunt.

_________________________
1. 1830 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 262, Line 7, Household of Frederick RIVERS Jr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M19_172.
2. 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 177B, Dwelling #1213, Family/1213, Household of Frederick Rivers Sr.; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.


3. Land Deed - Frederick W. Rivers to Frederick Rivers, Jr.; 21 November 1846; Deed Book #DB #1; Page(s) page 186; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; 2000.
4. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, DB 4: pages 263, 264 & 265, Wm. RIVERS and Others to B. F. WHITE; 26 January 1870, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.


5. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, DB 5: pages 497-498, William Rivers and Others to David Rivers; 28 April 1869, Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
6. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Self-Published, 1995, page 1160. Tombstone of Frederick F. Rivers; 3 November 1779–31 March 1860, Rivers Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed November 2008); Memorial page for Frederick Rivers, Sr.; (3 November 1779–31 May 1860); Find a Grave memorial # # 47259651, Citing Rivers Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
8. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Pvt Frederick F. Rivers, Jr.  (1828–11 January 1866), Memorial # # 47259387.
9. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Self-Published, 1995. Tombstone of Siddie Rivers.
10. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Frederick F. RIVERS; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 21 May 2014); Estate Folder #103.

Mystery Monday~Thomas J. Rivers~Land Deed Proves Lineage

For many years I have had two entries in my database for two men known as William Rivers.

The first entry showed that John B. Rivers and his wife Eliza Rivers (Same Surname) oldest son was William Rivers born 1835.

The second entry was for William Rivers, b. 1831, died 15 July 1864 in Battle leaving behind a wife, Mary Ann Graves and a son, Thomas born May 1860. 






1860 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Roll: M653_1217; Page: 137; Image: 277; Family History Library Film: 805217; Line Line 22, Dwelling 612  Family 611; Household includes, William F. RIVERS, age 29, Farmer, born in SC; Mary A. RIVERS, age 20 and Thomas RIVERS, age 1/12.

The below land Deed makes it’s evident that William Rivers son of John B. Rivers is the same William Rivers that married Mary Ann Graves and had a son names Thomas J. Rivers.

When her husband William Rivers failed to return from the war, Mary Ann Graves Rivers married Ferguson Hale Smith who raised her young son Thomas Rivers.

Thomas Rivers can be found in 1860 with his Father and Mother and in 1870 in the Household of Ferguson Hale Smith, his step father where he is listed as T. J. Graves.

What happen to Thomas J. Rivers, aka Thomas J. Graves after 1870 was unknown until the below Land Deed (Chesterfield County DB 5, 798-799)was found  this past week.

In 1880/1881 Thomas J. Rivers aka Thomas J. Graves was in Grayson County, Texas per Chesterfield County Deed -
William Rivers (Killed in War)
Thomas J. Rivers  to Frederick Rivers Alfred Rivers, D. W. Rivers Deed






William Rivers (Killed in War)
Thomas J. Rivers  to Frederick Rivers Alfred Rivers, D. W. Rivers Deed

The State of Texas]
Grayson County]
         Know all men by these presents, that I Thomas J. Rivers of the County and State aforesaid being entitled to an undivided interest in the real and personal estate of my deceased Grandmother Eliza Rivers late of the County of Chesterfield in the State of South Carolina in consideration of the sum of two hundred and ten dollars to me paid by my Uncles Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers of the county and state last aforesaid the receipt whereby is hereby acknowledged has granted, bargained, Sold and released and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, release and forever quit claim unto the said Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers all my right title claim and interest of into and out of the real and personal Estate of the said Eliza Rivers in pofsession or expectancy in law and in Equity or by any means whatever Together with all and singular the rights, members, hereditaments or appurtenances to the said lands belonging or in any wise incident or pertaining and with full power and authority to collect and receive the said personally. To have and to hold all and singular the said premises unto the said Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers their heirs and assigns and the survivor or survivors of them and the heirs and assigns of such survivor or survivors forever. And I hereby warrant and forever defend the interest herein conveyed unto the said Frederick Rivers, Alfred Rivers and D. W. Rivers their heirs, executors administrators and assigns and the survivor of survivors of them and the heirs executors administrators and assigns of such survivor or survivors from and against myself my heirs executors administrators and all other persons claiming by through or under me. Witness my hand and seal this 2nd day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty one in the one hundred and fourth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Signed, Seal and}                                                             Thomas J. Rivers {seal}
Delivered in presence of}
H. B. Nichols}
Charles Reynolds}

The State of Texas}
County of Grayson}
             Personally comes before me H. B. Nichols who makes oath that he saw the above named Thomas J. Rivers sign seal and as his act and deed deliver the above written deed and that he with Charles Reynolds witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn to before me}                                                          H. B. Nichols
This 2nd day Feby 1880}
J. M. Wilson, J.P. {seal]}
And Ex Officis Notary Public}

The State of Texas}
County of Grayson}
             I, G. A. Dickeman clerk of the county and for said state and County, do hereby certify that J. M. Wilson whose signature in his own hand writing is subscribed to the proceeding proof of above written deed was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public of said state and county and his official seal is stamped thereon, according to due form of law. Given under my hand and seal of office this 13th day of March 1880.
                                                                                  G. A. Dickeman Clerk {seal}
                                                                                  By H. N. Guck Deputy
Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
             Recorded 5th April 1880 in Sales Book “A”, pager 156
                                                                                   C. L. Evans
                                                                                   Auditor

Recorded 5th April 1880
Orign’l Dlv’d to Frederick Rivers

Still, a quick on line search of the Census found no Thomas J. Rivers in Grayson County even though the land deed above places him there at that time.








_________________________
1. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, page 137; Line 22, dwelling 612 family 611, Household of William F. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 July 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.
2. National Park Service, "Soldiers" database, Civil War Soldiers & Sailor System (http://www.nps.gov/civilwar/search-soldiers.htm : accessed 8 October 2011), entry for William Rivers, First Sergeant; 8th Regiment, South Carolina Infantry; Confederate.
3. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 176B, Line 19, Dwelling 1196; Family #1196, Household of Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 September 2011); citing  National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
4. 1870 U. S. Census, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page 294B, Line 28, Dwelling 143; Family 143, Household of F. H. SMITH; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 15 July 2011); citing National Archive  Microfilm M593, Roll 1491.

Amanuensis Monday~Affidavit of William Rivers for Thomas Davis Revolutionary War Pension Application

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 Affidavit of William Rivers for Thomas Davis Revolutionary War Pension Application


Transcription:

State of South Carolina }
Chesterfield District }
Before me personally appeared William Rivers Sr. a resident of Chesterfield District aged 76 years the 25th last month, who being first duly sworn according to law says that he was intimately and personally acquainted with Thomas and Nancy Davis. Since his first recollection, that he was raised within one fourth of a mile from the said Nancy Davis, then Nancy Rivers, deponents aunt and well recollects the time they were married but was not present at the marriage and to the best of his knowledge and belief would say they were married about the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven or eight (1787 or 1788) that the said Thomas Davis lived the year before he was married with his deponents’ father and has known them as husband and wife ever since in which relation they were respectable members of the Methodist Church up to the time of his said Thomas Davis death and lived within two miles of deponent where his widow is still living and raises nine children and had ten issue of their said marriage the youngest of whom was born in the month of December 1812 which fact he knows from the birth of his own son Malachi who was born the 22nd day of August 1812 which record is now before him.
Sworn to and subscribed this 16th day of February 1852 in Open Court.
                                                                                William Rivers
J.C. Craig
Judge of the Court of Ordinary

Thomas Davis is my 4th Great Grandfather.




_____________
[1] Affidavit of William Rivers for Thomas Davis Pension Application, compiled military record (5th Co. Capt. Thomas Hall, Marion's Regt. 1779), Rev. War Pension and Land-Bounty Application Files, (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration), NARA microfilm publication M804, Roll 766.
[AFFIDAVIT from Thomas Davis Revolutionary War Pension File, W-8655.]  https://www.fold3.com/image/246/15484620

Family Folklore~Separating Facts From Fiction!

My paternal line goes back to a Frederick Rivers, b. bef 1754 and died aft 1820, said to be the son of William Rivers and Temple Dempsey.

No document has been found in my 40 plus years of research that names the parents of Frederick Rivers or the name of his wife. 

Folklore is that William Rivers and Temple Dempsey were the parents of Frederick. This has not been proven. In fact not a single document has been produced for the era (pre-1800) by anyone with the name Temple Dempsey or Temple Rivers mentioned within the document.

In early 2000 this folklore gained some legs when someone published a note on the internet claiming that William Rivers baptism date of 30 November 1718 is recorded in Droxford, Hampshire, England and claimed that Temple Dempsey was from the nearby village of Bramshot, 20 miles away. It also stated that Temple Dempsey was born in 1720.

Most of the above data came from a LDS Church IGI Extraction.

There was a William RIVERS, christened 30 November 1718, Droxford, Hampshire
Father WILLIAM
( Source IGI, Extracted)
Siblings;
THOMAS, 23 November 1712
JOHN, 17 December 1709
WILLIAM, 27 December 1710 ( may have died and other William born c 1718)

But, there is no proof that he migrated to America and that he is the Father of Frederick Rivers.
As a result of all this misinformation I wrote the Hampshire Record Office asking for confirmations. Letter posted here:














The Hampshire Records Office replied that the only William Rivers marriage occurred on:

20 May 1730 William Rivers and Mary Dunce married by banns



At the time of this writing, no one has found a single document that supports the claim that William Rivers and Temple Dempsey are the parents of Frederick Rivers.

No one can prove who Frederick Rivers married. No documents has been found that names his wife.
There was a William Rivers that served in the Cherokee War under Col. George Gabriel Powell whose men were mainly from Cheraw and Georgetown Districts of old Craven County. But, there is no proof connecting this man to Frederick Rivers or the Rivers Family. 















The search continues to determine who Frederick Rivers married and who his parents were.  If you have source documents relative to the marriage and parentage of  Frederick Rivers I would love to see your data and discuss the issue with you.










________________
folk·lore; the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth.
1. synonyms:
mythology, lore, oral history, tradition, folk tradition;

1. 
   

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.

Wedding Wednesday~McRae-Rivers

McRae-RiversSpecial to The State
Chesterfield., Mar. 19.—Miss Fannie McRae and William Rivers were married Sunday evening at the Methodist parsonage by the Rev. Gobe Smith.
The bride is the daughter of Mrs. Duck McRae of the Westfield section and graduated at the Zoar high school last June.
The bridegroom is a young farmer of the Zoar section. He is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Rivers, formerly of Chesterfield.
The young couple are now at home with Mr. Rivers’ parents at Zoar.

____________________________

[1] Wedding - McRae-Rivers obituary, The State, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, 20 March 1932, page 3, column 2.

[2] Image courtesy of Google Images.