Aunts & Uncles~William Thomas Graves~His Life and Legacy

 

Willaim Thomas Graves is my 2nd Great GrandUncle

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1. Infographic Courtesy of NotebookLM, A powerful AI Image tool. 

After The War: The Wm. Thos. Graves Family

 
I have written about William Thomas Graves entry into the Civil War and the fact that he didn’t survive the war. This article is about William Thomas and his family.  
 
William Thomas Graves was born about 1836 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{1 2} He appeared in two censuses (1850-1860) prior to his enlistment into the Civil War.³ He enlisted on 13 August 1862 and served with Co. C, 8th SC Infantry.⁴ William died on 15 Oct 1862 at the age of 26 at Charlestown Hospital, Virginia in Charlestown, Virginia.^{5 6 7}
 
William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter were married on 26 Jul 1857 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.⁸
 
Mary Gilley Lassiter, the daughter of Eli Lassiter and Mary Gainey, was born in 1839 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ⁹ After the loss of her husband, she was found living in a POOR HOUSE on 3 Aug 1866. She died sometime after Aug 1866.¹⁰
 


William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter had the following children:
 
i. Clarinda G. Graves, born 23 Oct 1859, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Christopher Wesley Teal, 25 Nov 1878, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 1 Aug 1933, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
 
ii. Nancy Jane Graves was born in 1862. Nancy was baptized on 1 January 1874, age 12; after that date nothing more is known about Nancy Jane Graves.¹¹
 
Only one of the two children born to the union between William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilly Lassiter survived. 
 
Clarinda Graves married Christopher Wesley Teal in 1878 and they had eight children; six sons and two daughters. It is not known whether her Mother was still living on her marriage date. We do know it was struggle caring for two children with no spouse to help and provide support.  
 
Teal descendants, of this couple, are still living in Chesterfield County today. A friend and great grand daughter of William Thomas and Mary Gilly recently passed away in Brementon, Washington.  


 William Thomas Graves is the brother of my 2nd Great Grandmother Sarah Jane Graves Purvis. 










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1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. Ibid.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
5. Ibid.
6. Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), pages 87-68.
7. The South Carolina Genealogical Society, "Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book: May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina," The Carolina Herald (Summer Issue 2003): Page 27.
8. Holcomb, St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,, page 105.
9. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES.
10. "South Carolina, Freedmen's Bureau Records, 1865-1872," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-36671-7806-5?cc=2127881&wc=M9HH-D8P:1937351358 : accessed 22 Dec 2013), Cheraw (agent) > Roll 64, Registers of rations issued, vol 1-2, Apr-Sep, no year listed > image 121 of 199.
11. Holcomb, St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,, page 68.

52 Ancestors: #40, David W. Graves

 

Amy Johnson Crow of No Story To Small has started a challenge of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.
From her blog “The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. Not only should this get me blogging more, but also to take a deeper look at some of the people in my family tree.”

The focus of my blog post today is David W. Graves, prime candidate for 3rd Great Grandfather.
 
One of the biggest challenges and disappointments in my 38 years of research is that my direct Purvis line has been “frozen in times” at my 2nd Great Grand Parents William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves. For years I have searched with no obvious advancement. 

Many of the ideas, suggestions, conclusions espoused in this article are the opinion and thought process of the author of this blog. Solid, concrete proof prior to Civil War is almost non-existent in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

With the advances in DNA it made sense that I should test in an effort to extend these two lines.  My male Y-DNA-67 test and Family Finder results gave me two clues on the Purvis line.¹

• I matched with a descendant of James F. Purvis b. 1760 in Chesterfield, son of John Purvis and Sarah Johnston; James F. Purvis, b. 1760 is a brother to Gilbert Purvis.²
• I also have almost a “prefect” match with Joseph Purves, (1770 – 1841) born 13 May 1770 in Chirnside, Berwickshire, Scotland.³

Sarah Jane Graves Purvis, age 16, b. 1834
Sarah Jane Graves is my 2nd Great Grandmother. She married William A. Purvis sometime before 1860; mostly the later part of the 1850’s. In the 1850 Census for Chesterfield County, she is enumerated in the household of Mary Graves, female, age 55, born in SC. ⁴



As genealogist we all know that census prior to 1880 shows no relationship other that head of Household  thus labeling each individual within the household as either male or female.
Thus, looking at the above image of the 1850 census for Household #110 , we have no idea about relationship of the four individuals listed.  

David W. Graves is listed as age 32 making his year of birth to be 1818. But his tombstone at St. Mary’s  Presbyterian Church Cemetery (old) in Patrick, Chesterfield County, South Carolina shows his date of birth as 22 January 1812.

• David W. Graves, b. 1818  (1850 & 1860 Census)
• David W. Graves, b. 1825  (1880 Census)
• David W. Graves, b. 22 January 1812 (Tombstone)

I think it safe to say that David W. Graves is a son of Mary Graves age 55. If he was in fact born in 1812 then Mary would have been 17 at time of  David’s birth, which is a possibility.
  
Thomas Graves, age 16, b. 1836
Thomas Graves is William Thomas Graves. He married Mary Gilley Lassiter on 26 July 1857.
MARRIAGE: St. David's Parish, South Carolina; Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832; Parish register 1819-1924, Page 105, by Brent H. Holcomb, C.A.L.S., Southern Historical Press, Greenville, SC 1991. July 26, 1857 at the residence of James Hewitt, William Graves and Mary G. Lassiter, both of the district.⁵

Their first born daughter, Clarinda was born on 23 October 1859. Their next child, also a daughter, Nancy Jane was born in 1862. 

NAME: "St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832, Parish Register 1819-1924" by Brent H. Holcomb, 1991. Page 67-68.(1) 1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Clara Edna Green[Clarinda], aged 14, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte, page 67.  (2)1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Nancy Jane, aged 12, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte (Page 68).⁶

William Thomas Graves died 15 October 1862 at Charlestown Hospital, Virginia from pneumonia.⁷
Based upon the the ages of the two children in the above listing, Sarah Jane, age 16 and [William] Thomas, age 14; it’s logical they are siblings. 

So, we are at a point where we have two siblings living in the household of an Older woman who may be and is most likely their Grandmother with a young man, age 32+ that could be their father. 

Mary Graves, age 55, b. 1795

Mary Graves is old enough to be David's mother and the grandmother of the two children, Sarah Jane and [William] Thomas Graves. She lived through the 1860 census and died sometime between 1860 and 1870. No obituary, estate file or tombstone has been found for her. ⁸



After the death of Mary Graves, David W. Graves  married Mary Ann Gulledge about 1872. She was a daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson. 

One of the major reasons that I think that David W. Graves is the father of Sarah and William Thomas is this marriage after the death of Mary Graves, whom I believe to be his Mother.

I believe that David was previously married to an unknown wife and they had Sarah Jane and William Thomas before the wife/mother passed away. I don’t believe that David waited until he was age 60 (1872-1812) to find a wife and marry Mary Ann Gulledge, Thus, Mary Ann Gulledge would be a second wife. 



In conclusion, this is David W. Graves and his two children, Sarah Jane and William Thomas in the household of His Mother, Mary Graves. 

I’m open to suggestions from you, my readers, on how I can use DNA to prove or reject the suppositions made within this blog. Any comments greatly welcomed and appreciated. Sometimes, I think I have developed a case of “tunnel vision” when contemplating this line. 






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[1] http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/purvis/results
[2] https://my.familytreedna.com/family-finder/matches.aspx
[3] http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/15610355/person/442821121?ssrc=
[4] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
[5] Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), page 105.
[6] Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), pages 87-68.
[7] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
[8] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 171A, Line 6, Dwelling 1083, Family 1081, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.

52 Ancestors: #33, William Thomas Graves

 


Amy Johnson Crow of No Story To Small has started a challenge of 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.
From her blog “The challenge: have one blog post each week devoted to a specific ancestor. It could be a story, a biography, a photograph, an outline of a research problem — anything that focuses on one ancestor. Not only should this get me blogging more, but also to take a deeper look at some of the people in my family tree.”

The focus of my posting today is my 2nd Great Grand Uncle and brother of my 2nd Great Grand Mother.

William Thomas Graves was born about 1836 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.^{1 2 3} He enlisted for the Civil war on 13 August 1862, serving with Company C, 8th SC Infantry.⁴ William died from pneumonia on 15 Oct 1862 at the age of 26 while admitted to the Charlestown Hospital, Virginia in Charlestown, Virginia.^{5 6}

William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter were married on 26 Jul 1857 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.⁷

Mary Gilley Lassiter, daughter of Eli Lassiter and Mary Gainey, was born in 1839 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ^{8 9} She was last found living in the POOR HOUSE on 3 Aug 1866.¹⁰ Her fate is unknown after 3 Aug 1866. ¹¹

In their short life and marriage William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter had two children:
i. Clarinda G. Graves, born 23 Oct 1859, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Christopher Wesley Teal, 25 Nov 1878, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 1 Aug 1933, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Nancy Jane Graves was born in 1862.¹² She was baptized on 1 Jan 1874 in Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹³ Her fate after 1 January 1874 is unknown.

 
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1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. Ibid.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
5. Ibid.
6. Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), pages 87-68.
7. C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,, page 105.
8. 1850 U S Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 108A (stamped); Line 30, Dwelling 147, Family 147, Household of Eli LASSITER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 17 May 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
9. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES.
10. The South Carolina Genealogical Society, "Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book: May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina," The Carolina Herald (Summer Issue 2003): Page 27.
11. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 259A(stamped); Line 39, Dwelling 164, Family 170, Household of M. LASITER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 January 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
12. Ibid.
13. C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,, page 68.

Surname Saturday~Lassiter

My Great Grandmother Sarah Jane Graves Purvis had a brother named William Thomas Graves. William Thomas, born in 1836, was two years younger than his sister, Sarah Jane.

On 26 July 1857,  William Thomas married  Mary Gilley Lassiter, daughter of Eli Lassiter and Mary Gainey. On 23 October 1859 their first child, a daughter, was born. They named her Clarinda G. Graves. Three years later, another daughter, Nancy Jane was born in 1862.^{1 2} 

From our history we know that the Civil War started in 1861 and William Thomas Graves was of prime age for service as a soldier. He enlisted on 13 August 1862 into Company “C”, 8th. South Carolina Infantry. Too months and two day later on 15 October 1862 he passed away from a bout with pneumonia. ^{3 4}

This left his young bride at home with two small children to raise. Sometime after the enumeration of the 1870 censuses. ⁵






Individuals in the household are:

• Mary Gainey Lassister
• Mary Gilley Graves
• Clarinda Graves
• Nancy Jane Graves

Family tradition of the oldest daughter, Clarinda who married Christopher Wesley Teal says that the children were orphans and in their teen years were raised by a Lasiter woman, who was the widow of a Civil War soldier, buried in Lynchburg or Gettysburg. They also said that the Lasiter woman lived to be over 100.

In 1866, Mary and the children are listed in the “Poor House”.
Rations issued to poor and infirmed persons, etc. - 3 August 1866 - Entry 211. Mary Graves, white widow, is 27 years old. Has two children under 7. Has a mother named Mary Laster [?] 52 years old. Lives in Cheraw on Abner Struther's lot. Has a small garden, sews & washes for a living. Has a free ticket on R. R.  from MacFarland Pres. Is directed to bring references. Issued for three days to all. (Shows reference from D. McIver, W. L. T. Prince & others of Cheraw.)  [Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book, May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina Transcribed by Scott Wilds of Philadelphia, PA, an Old Darlington District Chapter, SCGS member. [The Carolina Herald, Summer Issue 2003, Page 27.] ⁶

Mary Graves is listed as age 27 in the Poor House recording and H. Graves in the 1870 census is listed as age 30. The 1870 census is most definitely Mary Graves and her daughters in the household of Mary’s mother, Mary Gainey Lassiter.

By 1880, no trace of Mary Gainey Lassiter, Mary Gilley Graves or Nancy Jane Graves can be found. Clarinda G. Graves married Christopher Wesley Teal on 25 November 1878 and is enumerated in the 1880 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Christopher Wesley and Clarinda raised a family of 6 sons and 2 daughters. ⁷





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[1] Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), page 105.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
[3] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
[4] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
[5] 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 259A(stamped); Line 39, Dwelling 164, Family 170, Household of M. LASITER; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 4 January 2009); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491..
[6] The South Carolina Genealogical Society, "Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book: May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina," The Carolina Herald (Summer Issue 2003): Page 27.
[7] 1880 U S Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 005, Page: 328A(stamped); Line 1, Dwelling 311, Family 311, Household of C. W. TEAL; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 17 January 2014); citing National Archives Microfilm T9-1225.

Surname Saturday~Graves - Lassiter

William Thomas Graves was born about 1836 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.¹ He appeared by name, in two censuses, the 1850 & 1860 Census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina.^{2 3} He enlisted for service in the Civil War with Co. C, 8th SC Infantry in 1861.⁴ William died on 15 Oct 1862 at the age of 26 at Charlestown Hospital, Virginia in Charlestown, Virginia^{5 6 7}
 
William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter were married on 26 Jul 1857 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States.⁸
 
Mary Gilley Lassiter, a daughter of Eli Lassiter and Mary Gainey, was born in 1839 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.⁹ She was listed in the Poor House on 3 Aug 1866.


Rations issued to poor and infirmed persons, etc. - 3 August 1866 - Entry 211. Mary Graves, white widow, is 27 years old. Has two children under 7. Has a mother named Mary Laster [?] 52 years old. Lives in Cheraw on Abner Struther's lot. Has a small garden, sews & washes for a living. Has a free ticket on R. R.  from MacFarland Pres. Is directed to bring references. Issued for three days to all. (Shows reference from D. McIver, W. L. T. Prince & others of Cheraw.)  [Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book, May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina Transcribed by Scott Wilds of Philadelphia, PA, an Old Darlington District Chapter, SCGS member. [The Carolina Herald, Summer Issue 2003, Page 27.]
 
William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter had the following children:
 
i. Clarinda G. Graves, born 23 Oct 1859,¹⁰ Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Christopher Wesley Teal, 25 Nov 1878, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 1 Aug 1933, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States.

Baptism: "St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832, Parish Register 1819-1924" by Brent H. Holcomb, 1991. Page 67-68.
(1) 1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Clara Edna Green[Clarinda], aged 14, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte, page 67.

ii. Nancy Jane Graves was born in 1862. Only one record of Nancy Jane's existence has been found and it is assumed she died at a young age.

Baptism: "St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832, Parish Register 1819-1924" by Brent H. Holcomb, 1991. Page 67-68.
(2)1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Nancy Jane, aged 12, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte (Page 68).



William Thomas Graves is the brother of my 2nd Great Grandmother Sarah Jane Graves Purvis; thus, William is my 2nd Great Grand Uncle. 





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1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. Ibid.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
5. Ibid.
6. Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), pages 87-68.
7. The South Carolina Genealogical Society, "Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book: May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina," The Carolina Herald (Summer Issue 2003): Page 27.
8. C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,, page 105.
9. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES.
10. Ibid.

Military Monday~William Thomas Graves

William Thomas Graves was born abt 1836 to David W. Graves and an unknown Wife. 

William Thomas married Mary Gilly Lassiter on 26 July 1857 in Cheraw, Chesterfield County, SC. 
Their marriage is recorded in the St. David's Parish, South Carolina; Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832; Parish register 1819-1924, Page 105.

“Married July 26, 1857 at the residence of James Hewitt, William Graves and Mary G. Lassiter, both of the district.”

We find Thomas and Mary in the 1860 census with one child – Clarinda shown as Clay G. Thomas’ father is believed to be David Graves, Line 7 and his Grandmother Mary Graves, Line 6.



Out of this union 2 children were born, Clarinda G. Graves, 23 Oct. 1859 and Nancy J. Graves abt 1862. 
Clarinda G. Graves married Christopher Wesley and lived until 1 August 1933 when she passed away at the age of seventy-three years.

In Aug 1866, we find Mary listed in the Poor House.

3 August 1866
Rations issued to poor and infirmed persons, etc. - 3 August 1866 - Entry 211. Mary Graves, white widow, is 27 years old. Has two children under 7. Has a mother named Mary Laster [?] 52 years old. Lives in Cheraw on Abner Struther's lot. Has a small garden, sews & washes for a living. Has a free ticket on R. R.  from MacFarland Pres. Is directed to bring references. Issued for three days to all. (Shows reference from D. McIver, W. L. T. Prince & others of Cheraw.) 

[Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book, May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina Transcribed by Scott Wilds of Philadelphia, PA, an Old Darlington District Chapter, SCGS member. [The Carolina Herald, Summer Issue 2003, Page 27.]

NOTE: The Poor House statement above clearly shows that Mary Lassiter GRAVES, the wife of Thomas GRAVES was a Widow in August 1866.

Mary Graves is a widow, what happen to her husband? Did he die in the Civil War? I will discuss this more later. There is no doubt, Mary is alive in August 1866, she named her Mother as Mary Laster and she is a widow.

I have not found Mary in an censuses after the 1860 census for Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
So, again we will take a look at the St. David's Parish, South Carolina; Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832; Parish register 1819-1924, pages 67-68 where we find the following:

1 January 1874: 
(1) 1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Clara Edna Green[Clarinda], aged 14, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte, page 67. 

(2)1874-Jany 1st Fest. Circumcision. At St. David's Church, after the Last lesson at Morning Prayer, Nancy Jane, aged 12, daughter of Mary and Wm. Thos. Graves. Sponsors Jacob Gainey, Miss R. A. Reddy & Revd. Jno W. Motte (Page 68).

We can see at this time that both Clara Edna and Nancy Jane are alive at this point in time.
Back to William Thomas Graves, the Civil War military record show that a Thomas GRAVES enlisted into Co. “C” 8th SC Infantry 13 August 1862 and that he died of pneumonia on 15 October 1862. The record further shows that his Widow, Mary received all his due compensation.

http://www.fold3.com/image/20/77411037/

At this point in time there were only two Thomas Graves’ in the area of Chesterfield County, Thomas J. Graves and William Thomas Graves. Thomas J. Graves was/is the Uncle of William Thomas Graves. Neither man returned from the War. Thomas J. Graves was married to Eliza Mollie Rivers.

In conclusion, there are many unanswered questions about this family. 

What happen to Mary and Nancy after January 1874. Why can’t we find them in the Census?
Where is William Thomas Graves buried? Is his body buried near the Charlestown Hospital in Virginia?  
If you have any information about this family; please contact me (E-mail).





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1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. Ibid.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
4. Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/ : accessed 13 October 2013), entry for Thomas GRAVES, Private; Co. C, 8th SC Infantry; Confederate.
5. Ibid.
6. Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), pages 87-68.
7. The South Carolina Genalogical Society, "Freedmen's Bureau Ration Book: May - September 1866 Darlington, South Carolina," The Carolina Herald (Summer Issue 2003): Page 27.
8. C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,, page 105.
9. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES.

W. Thomas Graves, A Mystery

William Thomas Graves is the brother of my 2nd great grandmother Sarah Jane Graves Purvis. William Thomas Graves is in some ways a mystery man even though we know he was married twice. Only two known children were born to these unions and one of those children is presumed to have died young since no records could be found for her.

William Thomas Graves was born in May 1838 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ¹ His father is believed to be David W. Graves; his mother is unknown. He appeared in the census in 1860 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.²

William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter were married on 26 Jul 1857 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.³ Mary Gilley Lassiter, daughter of Eli Lassiter and Mary, was born in 1839 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. ⁴ She died about 1862 at the age of 23 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

William Thomas Graves and Mary Gilley Lassiter had the following children:

i. Clarinda G. Graves, born 23 Oct 1859, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Christopher Wesley Teal, 25 Nov 1878, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 1 Aug 1933, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Nancy Jane Graves was born in 1862. (Presumed to have died young)


If you have any information on the parents and families of William Thomas Graves please contact me.






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1. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 106A, Line 8, Dwelling 110, Family 110, Household of Mary GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
2. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
3. Brent H. Holcomb C.A.L.S., St. David's Parish, South Carolina Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832,: Parish Register 1819-1924 (Greenville, South Carolina: Southern Historical Press, 1991), page 105. MARRIAGE: St. David's Parish, South Carolina; Minutes of the Vestry 1768-1832; Parish register 1819-1924, Page 105, by Brent H. Holcomb, C.A.L.S., Southern Historical Press, Greenville, SC 1991. July 26, 1857 at the residence of James Hewitt, William Graves and Mary G. Lassiter, both of the districts.
4. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 171; Line 3, Dwelling 1082, Family 1080, Household of [William] Thomas GRAVES