Saturday, December 29, 2012

Surname Saturday–Crowley or Crawley

Surname spelling varied in documents from Crawley to Crowley

John Frank Crowley was born in May 1870 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He appeared in the census in 1900 in Deanville, Coffee, Alabama.1 John died on 22 Jul 1941 at the age of 71 in Florence, Sumter, South Carolina and was buried on 23 July 1941 in Ruby, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

John Frank Crawley and Helen Laura Davis2 were married in 1891 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.3 Helen Laura Davis, daughter of Thomas P. Davis and Nancy Jane Massey, was born on 20 Apr 1870 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.45 6 7 She died on 22 Jan 1902 at the age of 31 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.8 She was named in the Estate of her Mother, Chesterfield County Estate Papers, FOLDER #595, Nancy [Massey] Davis.9 A Memorial has been created for Helen at www.findagrave.com.10

John Frank Crawley and Helen Laura Davis had the following children:

i. Etta R. Crawley was born in Apr 1893 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.11
ii. Gary Evans Crawley was born on 25 Dec 1894 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.12 He died on 17 Sep 1919 at the age of 24 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He served in the military.
iii. Arthur Franklin Crawley was born on 5 Jul 1897 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.13
iv. James F. Crawley was born in Jun 1899 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.14

John Frank Crawley and Dorothy Thurman were married about 1903 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. Dorothy Thurman, daughter of John Aaron Thurman and Elizabeth Copeland, was born in Jun 1869 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She died on 25 November 1951 at the age of 82 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She was buried in Ruby, Chesterfield, South Carolina.









_____________________________
1. 1900 U. S. Census, Coffee County, Alabama, population schedule, Deanville, Coffee County, Alabama, enumeration district (ED) 0045, Page 12B/50B (stamped); Line 75, Dwelling 213, Family 215, Household of Frank J. CROWLEY; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 28 November 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_9.
2. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Nancy [Massey] DAVIS; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 10 October 2012); Estate Papers, folder 595, Image 891.
3. 1900 U. S. Census, Coffee County, Alabama, population schedule, Deanville, Coffee County, Alabama, ED 0045, Page 12B/50B (stamped); Line 75, Dwelling 213, Family 215, Household of Frank J. CROWLEY.
4. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 300. Tombstone of Helen Laura Davis Crawley; 20 April 1870–22 January 1902, Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
5. 1900 U. S. Census, Coffee County, Alabama, population schedule, Deanville, Coffee County, Alabama, ED 0045, Page 12B/50B (stamped); Line 75, Dwelling 213, Family 215, Household of Frank J. CROWLEY.
6. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #005, Page 331C, Line 1, Dwelling 373, Family 376, Household of Thomas P. DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2000); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
7. 1900 U. S. Census, Coffee County, Alabama, population schedule, Deanville, Coffee County, Alabama, ED 0045, Page 12B/50B (stamped); Line 75, Dwelling 213, Family 215, Household of Frank J. CROWLEY.
8. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Helen Laura Davis Crawley.
9. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Nancy [Massey] DAVIS, Estate Papers, folder 595, Image 891.
10. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for Helen L. Davis Crawley; (20 April 1870–22 January 1902); Memorial # 45828879; Record of the Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA; Accessed on 28 November 2012.
11. 1900 U. S. Census, Coffee County, Alabama, population schedule, Deanville, Coffee County, Alabama, ED 0045, Page 12B/50B (stamped); Line 75, Dwelling 213, Family 215, Household of Frank J. CROWLEY.
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid.
14. Ibid.






















Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas To All



MERRY CHRISTMAS from CarolinaFamilyRoots.

Here's wishing all my family, friends and followers a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

My thanks to all for your support, comments and help during the past year.

May this New Year be your best and a new beginning for us all.


Charlie  



Thursday, December 20, 2012

Estate of Joel W. Brock, 1865


On May 15, 2012, I did a post entitled “When Did Joel Brock Die?" The only known source of an actual date is “Broken Fortunes”[1] which lists 1 March 1865 as Joel’s death date. But we know this is wrong because of documents within his estate naming the administrator and appraiser with January 1865 dates of completion or assignment.  Administrator appointed 16 January 1865; appraisal of assets completed 20 January 1865.

I was in the Court House doing some research on 9 December 2012 and found this Land Deed related to Joel’s estate. [2]. 

The below Land Deed shows the sale of Joel Brock, 270 Acres farm as decreed by the Probate Court. It also names all of Joel W. Brock siblings along with the spouses  of those that were married. This is why Land Deeds are so important when doing genealogical research.

Hugh Craig Judge of Probate to John T. Lee Deed[3]

The State of South Carolina
To all whom these presents shall come or be made known or whom the same may in any wise concern I Hugh Craig Judge of Probate for the County of Chesterfield in the State Send Greetings: Whereas James P. Brock on or about the nineteenth day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine [1869] did exhibit his petition on the Court of Probate at Chesterfield Court House, in the county of Chesterfield, and State aforesaid, representing that Joel W. Brock, late of said County deceased, was at the time of his death seized and possessed of a certain tract or tracts of land lying and being in said County on Big Westfield Creek and desiring and praying that a summons in partition do issue to be served, on Sam’l Brock, Sen. Adm. of said Joel Brock, Leonard Davis and Wife Sarah, Wm. P. Brock, Ann Brock, Thomas Brock, Sam’l Brock, Jr., Eli Brock, Eli Whittington and wife Elizabeth and James P. Brock requiring them to appear in the Court of Probate to be held at Chesterfield Court House on the 29th day of November A. D. 1869, to show cause if any they could why the said real estate should not be divided or Sold. And the cause being at issue, before the Honorable Court aforesaid, cause on it to be heard on the Eight day of December one thousand eight hundred and Sixty-nine, where the sad Court, after a full hearing thereof, and mature deliberations on the premises did order, adjudge and decree, that the tract or parcel of land of two hundred and Seventy [270] acres more or less herein after mentioned and described, should be, sold at public auction by the Sheriff of Chesterfield County, on the time and, for the purpose mentioned on said decretal order as by referenced thereto in the Registry of the said Court will appear and the said P. J. Spoffoad, Sheriff of Chesterfield County after having been duly advertised the said tract of two hundred and Seventy [270] acres more or less for Sale, by Public Outcry on the third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, and Seventy, did then, openly and publicly, and according to the customs of auctions, sold and dispose of the said tract of land below described unto Jesse C. Smith who after bidding off the same did transfer Vis Vis for the same, as will appear by and <sic> instrument of writing hereunto annexed for the sum of three hundred and fifty-five dollars being at that price, the highest bidder for the same. Now know all men that I the said Hugh Craig Judge of Probate of Chesterfield County, in consideration of the premises and also in consideration of the sum of three hundred and fifty-five dollars to me paid or secured to be paid me by the said John T. Lee the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged. Have granted, bargained, sold and released and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said John T. Lee and his heirs and assigns all that tract or parcel of land situated in said County on Big Westfield Creek bounded by lands of the Estate of Lucy Hinson, Isham Wallace, Samuel Brock and others sold by virtue of a Decree of the Probate Court as the property of the Estate of Joel W. Brock referenced being had to a deed from Dr. Thomas E. Powe to said Joel W. Brock will more fully appear together with all and Singular the rights, members, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever to the said tract of parcel of land, belonging or in anywise appertaining and the reversions and reminders, rent, issues and profit thereof: and also all the Estate rights, title, interest, dower, possession, property, benefit, claim and demand, whatsoever, both at law and in Equity of the said Joel W. Brock, and of the parties to the said suit and of all other persons rightfully claiming or be claim the same or any part thereof, by, from or under them or either of them. To have and to hold the said tract of land with its hereditaments, privileges and appurtenances unto_ the said John T. Lee, his heirs and assigns forever.In witness whereof I the said Hugh Craig Judge of Probate for Chesterfield County under and by virtue of the said Decree have hereunto set my hand and seal at Chesterfield C. H. this third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and seventy, and in the ninety fourth year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
Sealed and delivered}
In presence of }                                                      Hugh Craig {seal}
Samuel J. Parker}                                                   Judge of Probate
J. C. Smith}
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County}
Personally appeared before me J. C. Smith and made oath that he saw Hugh Craig Judge of Probate Sign Seal and as his Act and deed, deliver the within written deed and
that he with Samuel J. Parker witnessed the execution thereof.
Sworn before me}                                                         J. C. Smith
3 January 1875}
T. F. Mulloy (no seal)}
Clk.
                                                        Recorder 24th Feby 1875
                                                        Original Del’d to John T. Lee


Related Articles:

__________________________
[1] Randolph W. Kirkland Jr., Broken Fortunes: South Carolina Soldiers, Sailors and Citizens Who Died in the Service of Their Country and State in the War for Southern Independence, 1861-1865 (Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina, 1997), page 39. and William J. Rivers, Roll of the dead: South Carolina troops, Confederate States service (Columbia, South Carolina: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, 1994), page 39.
[2] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Estate Folder #55, Joel W. Brock; SC Archives & History, Columbia, South Carolina.
[3] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 2: Pages 323-324, Hugh Craig Judge of Probate to John T. Lee Deed (Joel W. Brock Land); Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

The Mysterious Death of William H. H. Purvis

William H. H. Purvis is a very elusive mysterious person. His parents are unknown; but, I believe I have enough circumstantial evidence linking him to James P. J. Purvis to suggest that they are brothers. The fact that William H. H. Purvis can be found in two census while James P. J. Purvis were found listed as head of Household in no census is significant. We can estimate a year of birth which in the case of William H. H. was about 1813. Therefore,  we decided that James P. J. was born in 1811. Then we have the 1829 Alabama Land Deed.found in this posting where James P. J. was a witness. If James was born in 1811 then he would have been only 18 when he witness the Alabama Land Deed.

Now we need to determine if an 18 year old could be a witness in 1839 or was James P. J. Actually born earlier that 1811.

A timeline for James P. J. Purvis is contained within the posting mentioned above. Here is a timeline for William H. H. Purvis.

William H. H. Timeline


0 Abt 1813 Birth: SC
17 Abt 1830 Marriage: Jemima Magee-39029;
23 1836 Tax: 1836 Tax List; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
25 1838 Tax: 1838 Tax List; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[1]
26 1839 Tax: 1839 Tax List; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
26 25 Nov 1839 Legal_Act: Guardianship
27 1840 Census: Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
28 22 Mar 1841 Legal_Act: Guardianship
28 7 Dec 1841 Legal_Act: Purvis to Gray - Sale of Slave Named Ellis; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States[2]
31 21 Dec 1844 Property: Wm. H. H. Purvis to Shadrach Sutton; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States
37 1850 Census: Polk County, Texas, USA[3]
38 18 Oct 1851 Property: Polk County, Texas, USA[4]
42 2 March 1855 Wm. H. H. Purvis transfer all his property to his wife

Wm. H. H. Purvis to Shadrach Sutton
The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} This indenture made this twenty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousands eight hundred and forty-four [1844] Witnesseth that we William H. H. Purvis and Jemima Purvis, for and in consideration of the sum of Six hundred dollars [$600] to us in hand paid_ the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge_ have this day granted bargained sold conveyed and delivered and by these presents do bargain Sell convey and deliver unto Shadrach Sutton a certain track of land that is, the E ½ SE ¼ of section number 23, Township No. 8 of Range No. 3E containing 80 19/100 acres, and the SW ¼ of SW ¼ & SE ¼ of NE ¼ of Section No. 23 Township No. 3 of Range No. 3E containing 80 19/100 acres. The whole containing one hundred and Sixty [160] acres more or less. To have and hold the said tract of land and all and Singular the tenements thereto belonging or in anywise appertaining unto the said Shadrach Sutton's heirs executors administrators and assigns forever and we do hereby forever warrant and defend all and singular the a fore mentioned premises against ourselves our heirs executors and administrators and against the claim or claims of all person whomsoever unto the said Shadrach Sutton, his heirs Executors administrators and assigns, In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seal this first day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Test’s_Solomon Mangum}                                  William H. H. Purvis
Jesse X Crain}                                                   Jemima X Purvis her Mark

The State of Mississippi}
Rankin County} Personally appeared before me Henry Franklin a member of the Board of the Police for said County the within named William H. H. Purvis and Jemima his wife who has acknowledged that they Signed, sealed and delivered the within deed for the purposes therein witnessed. Given under my hand and Seal this twenty first day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty four.
                                                             Henry Franklin
                                                            Member of the Board of Police for Rankin Co.
The foregoing deed and certificate were filed in my office on the 9th and duly recorded on the 16th day of January A.D. 1845
                                                                                    Jos Bennett Clk., Pro. R. City

In 1844, William H. H. Purvis sold most of his land to Shadrach Sutton as shown above.  Footnote 4 suggests that he received a patent for 320 acres of Land. on 18 October 1851. By this time he had sold all his previously owned land and was living in Polk County, Texas in 1850. I haven’t determine who received the patent land but I assume it was William B.. Harden.

On 2 May 1855 William H. H. Purvis transferred ownership of all his property to his wife Jemima Magee Purvis.

I think that William did this because he knew he was dying and I think he died in 1855 in Polk County, Texas. The Land Deed reads like a Will. 

Guardianship records in Polk County suggests that ale the minor children, three younger – Purdy Jasper, Gabrianna E. and Jemima Angelina were appointed guardian.[5]

Polk County, Texas Probate Record Volume D 1853 - 1857

Purvis, Gabian & Angelina
# 155, Guardianship of
294-295-296, 389 to 391,
& 418-419
Purvis, Jasper
# 154, Guardianship of
292-293-294, & 392-393
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 139, Succession of
208 to 238, 344 to 346,
358-359 & 388
Purvis, W. W. H.
# 152, Guardianship of minor heirs
238 to 245

I’m still trying to determine what happen to William H. H. Purvis?
2. Where is he buried?
3. Who are his parents?
If you have any answers or suggestions I would love to hear from you.


Related Postings:








_________________________
[1]. Simpson County, Mississippi, 1836, 1837, 1839-1843 Tax List, unpaginated entries arranged alphabetical, all years read for William H. H. Purvis,. Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; Simpson County tax rolls, 1838 Tax Year, Image 133 of 276..
[2]. Rankin County, Mississippi, Rankin County Deed Books, Book 6, page 342, Purvis to Gray - Sale of negro boy named Ellis, 17 December 1841; Register of Deeds, Raymond, Rankin County, Mississippi. Transcribed from my notes taken from Book 6, Page 342:
Rankin County, Mississippi
[3]. 1850 U. S. Census, Polk County, Texas, population schedule, Polk County, Texas, Page 188B, Line 3, Dwelling 178, Family 178, Household of W. H. H. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed May 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432_914.
[4]. William H. H. Purvis, 18 October 1851; Texas Land Title Abstracts, ; Texas General Land Office, Austin, Texas. Texas Land Title Abstracts about W. H. H. PurvisGrantee: Wm. B. Hardin
Certificate: 493
Patentee: W. H. H. Purvis
Patent Date: 18 Oct 1851
Acres: 320
District: Houston; Liberty
County: Polk
File: 146
Patent #: 711
Patent Volume: 5
Class: Hou. Bty.
Source Information:Ancestry.com. Texas Land Title Abstracts [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2000. Original data: Texas General Land Office. Abstracts of all original Texas Land Titles comprising Grants and Locations. Austin, TX, USA.
[5]  htttp://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~polkcountytxconnections/ProbateLinkPage.html























Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tombstone Tuesday–John Calvin Deese


John Calvin Deese
10 November 1852 – 2 March 1930

Scan_Pic0038Crop


John Calvin Deese is my 2nd Great Grandfather. My grandmother was one of four daughters born to John Calvin and Louvena Huneycutt Deese. Louvena and the last child Louvena perished during that childbirth and are buried at the Cedar Creek Meeting House, to the left when entering the Church.

After the death of Louvena, John Calvin married Sarah Frances Gathings, daughter of William W. Gathings and Charlotte Jones.

John Calvin and Charlotte also had three daughter; no sons were born to either of these unions.

The NC Death certificate[1] for John Calvin Deese shows he died 2 April 1930; but it’s wrong. His tombstone shows that John Calvin died on 1 April 1930. His Obituary[2] found in the 3 April (Thursday) 1930, The Messenger & Intelligence, Page 10, Morven News states:

Death of J. Calvin Deese Tuesday night at 11 o'clock. Mr. J. Calvin Deese died at his home. He had been a victim of paralysis for a long time and the end was expected at any hour. The funeral was held in the Methodist church Thursday morning at 10 o'clock conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. L. McCain, and interment was in the Morven cemetery where a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives gathered to pay the last tribute to a man who had always la-bored with both heart and hand to do the right thing for his Master, his country and family. Mr. Deese was 77 years of age; he had been a citizen of Morven nearly all his life. He was twice married, first to Miss Lavenia Honeycutt and to this union three children were born, and second to Miss Fannie Gathings, and to them were born three children also. He is survived by his second wife and five daughters. They are: Mrs. Baldwin, of Palestine; Mrs. Jim Purvis, of McFarlan; Mrs. Reuben Philips and Misses Lizzie and Cora Deese of Morven. [The Messenger & Intelligence, 3 April 1930, Page 10, Morven News]

I have a photo of Louvena Huneycutt Deese but have been unable to locate a photo of John Calvin Deese. If you have one that you would like to share; please let me know.



[1] State of North Carolina, death (2 April 1930), Calvin Deere [Deese]; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
[2] John Calvin Deese obituary, The Messenger & Intelligence, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 3 April 1930, Page 10, Morven News.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Military Monday–Luther W. Johns


Luther William Johns
11 April 1917 – 9 August 1985

p006-Luther W. Johns(small)
In Remembrance

The posting today is ”In Remembrance” of my Uncle Luther  W. Johns, an older brother to my Mother. Grandpa Julius Johns was killed in a car accident in 1937 and a year later Grandma Johns died. The seven (7) children were left without any parents and although Uncle Luther and Carl were the oldest, the youngest child was a mere seven (7) years old when his parents died.   

So at 22 years 10 months 12 days, Uncle Luther joined the Army and became a paratrooper. He enlisted on 23 Jul 1940 and was discharged 23 September 1945.[1]  

Not much is known by the family about Uncle Luther’s Army service during World War II; but, we do know he was a paratrooper. During the War he was stationed in Nebraska most likely at the Alliance Army Airfield where he met his first wife - Jeanne Kathryn Sovereign, daughter of Alva W. Sovereign and wife Irma Estelle Burton.

After the war, Jeanne and Luther settled in Box Butte County, Nebraska and had two daughters, and a son.
While I was living in Utah I was able to locate the two daughters and we corresponded for a while. Then in 2000 I retired and moved back to North Carolina and lost contact with them. So cousins where ever you may be today, I’m thinking about you and your Father and would love it if you would send me an e-mail (click envelop on right side, scroll down to bottom of column)  




_______________________________________
[1] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010," [database on-line], Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010 (http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2441 : viewed 12 January 2012), Luther W. JOHNS.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Threats to your Blog

One of the biggest threats to your blog today is spam.  The urban dictionary defines spammer as a clever, diabolical person who gets free non-stop advertisement across the globe in millions of people’s electronic mail boxes. [1]

But, spamming is not limited to just your mailbox. The Comments section of your blog makes it high susceptible to spammers. There is a way to protect your blog from spamming; but be aware these are just temporary roadblocks.   

CAPTCHA is a test used to tell the difference between human and Computers and do it automatically. This is a CAPTCHA:



CAPTCHA is the acronyms for "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart".

It’s used throughout the computing environments to prevent automatic posts to a blog or website. 

CAPTCHA has evolved over time and most CAPTCHA today use a combination of letters and numbers that not a human could decipher. The CAPTCHA prevents “computer bots”, spammer and automated posting to websites such as Wikis and blogs.

The CAPTCHA is nothing more than HyperText Markup language (HTML) coding added to a webpage to create the CAPTCHA. 

I put my first webpage on line in 1995. Back then the term CAPTCHA had not been coined. It was coined, by 4 men in 2000, at the Carnegie-Mellon University.

The biggest problem of that day was the right click and saving of images from webpage. Thus was born the “No Right Click” HTML code to prevent this. No Right Click is still in used today and yes the theft of webpage content is not something new. However, the blazing theft of an entire website and its content,  as in the case Thomas MacEntee’s GeneaBlogger site and others in the blogging community, is new. 

If you are interested in using a CAPTCHA; you can get a free CAPTCHA by visiting captcha.net.

CAPTCHA for Blogger comments are integrated into the Blogger platform and can be implemented by selecting "Show Word Verification for Comments" on your Blogger Dashboard > Settings > Posts & Comments.  I would also mark ALWAYS under "Comment Moderation" while on this page. That way nothing gets posted to your Blog without your approval. 

If you are using BLOGGER as the platform for you web blog I would suggest that you protect posting to the comments section of your blog just for the many reasons stated above. I’m getting some spam comments on my blog and they never get posted because I moderate and delete them before they can be posted.

One of my biggest “pet peeve” about CAPTCHA is the inability to read a lot of the letters/numerals used currently in these web generated CATCHA.

There's a new trend in CAPTCHA that is awesome and I'm looking forward to the day that the alpha letters/numbers disappears and this new captcha takes their place. 

This new trend is called image puzzle captcha. With the new image puzzle captcha you move several pieces around to solve a problem. Most puzzles consist of 4 distinct puzzle pieces. The pieces are larger than letters/numbers and much easier on an “old man” eyes and nerves. 





While these procedures will not prevent you from receiving spam; with the “moderation required” block checked, they do put all  all  Comments  into a holding area for your review. Then you will be able to weed out the good stuff  from other meaningless, unwarranted, unsolicited comments

_____________________________

Saturday, December 15, 2012

The Elusive Parents of James P. J. Purvis

I have written about James P. J. Purvis once before but I think it’s time to take another look and I would like to solicit your help - my followers and readers.

There is power in the assembling of a group to tackle a problem and seek resolution. Today this would be called crowd sourcing.

Crowdsourcing = Crowd + Outsourcing = a process of problem solving involving a large body of interested individuals. (my definition)

In my days of work and occupation it was called – Synergy

Regardless, there is power in a group working together to solve a common problem. I know there are individuals much smarter that I and  very capable of looking at a problem with a different mind set to solve it. So here's the problem -

Who are the parents of James P. J. Purvis?

Timeline for James Purdee J. Purvis 14 December 2012
Age Date Event
0 Abt 1811 Birth:
18 12 Jan 1829 Property: Clarke County, Alabama, United States[1]
Land Deed between Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs
grass Scruggs Deed_G_367

20 1831 Property: Tax Roll; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[2]

21 1832 Property: Tax Roll; Simpson County, Mississippi, United States[3]

21 19 Jan 1832 Marriage: Elizabeth Rose Campbell-2578; Rankin County, Mississippi, United States[4]

24 27 Apr 1835 Residence: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States
25 Feb 1836 Probate: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States[5]

25 9 Feb 1836 Residence: James P. J. Purvis wrote his WILL and stated that he was dangerously ill.; Hinds County, Mississippi, United States

25 9 Feb 1836 Will: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States[6]

25 Aft Feb 1836 Death: Hinds County, Mississippi, United States


I have several clues to the parents of James P. J. Purvis. On the land deed in 1829 between Gilbert Johnson Purvis to Grass Scruggs there were two witness and their signatures are shown above.
James P. J. Purvis and
James X Purvis

Gilbert Johnson Purvis is a son of Gilbert Purvis and his wife Effica Howell Purvis.

James P. J. Purvis is the Grandson of Gilbert Sr & Effica Howell Purvis.

Gilbert Johnson Purvis in his LAST WILL & TESTAMENT made this statement:
”I hereby direct my Executors to file a bill in chancery or commence such other suit as may be necessary & proper to procure from the aforesaid James P. J. Purvis, administrator as aforesaid, the full distribution & share of the estate of my deceased parents to which I am entitled insisting upon the advance made by my deceased father the said Gilbert Purvis to James Purvis the father of the said James P. J Purvis in the lifetime of them both, …”

The uncle of James P. J. Purvis, his Uncle Gilbert J. Purvis states that  the FATHER of James P. J. Purvis is James Purvis.

Comments: I think it’s highly likely that the two signatures on the land deed between Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs is Father and Son

If James Purvis is the father of James Purdee J. Purvis what happen to him?

There are other clues to James P. J. Purvis. My interpretation of records indicate he had a brother William H. H. Purvis. William H. H. Purvis married Jemima Magee. He also migrated from Rankin County, MS around 1850 and can be found in the 1850 Census for Polk County, Texas . He died there sometime around 1855.
Gilbert Purvis, Sr. died sometime between June 1828 and December 1829. Then in august 1834, Effica Howell Purvis passed away leaving a considerable estate mostly consisting of eight slaves.

The division of the slaves from Effica estate provides another clue to identity.

The division of the personal estate of Effica Purvis, made 8 Dec 1835, lists the names of
7 enslaved ancestors in Rankin County, Mississippi.

Enslaved ancestors were listed in groups in the estate inventory. It is unclear whether or
not these were family groups. We have maintained that grouping here.
Listed in the estate were:
· Nancy and her two children
· Delilah
· Sandy
· Margaret & her Child
Nancy and her children, Delilah, Sandy, Margaret & her child to William Purvis and John Purvis which said negroes we valued to the sum of $3400.
· Milly & her two children
· John
· Frances and her child
Milly & her children, John, Frances and her child to J.P.J. Purvis & William Purvis, Jr.which said negroes we valued to the sum of $3100, upon the said William Purvis, John
Purvis paying to the said JPJ Purvis & William Purvis, Jr. each the sum of $150
Efficia Howell Purvis Estate, Pages 7 & 8 (2)
Nancy and her two children, valued @ $1150.
Milly and her two children, valued @ $1350.
Frances and her child $1000,
Delilah $800,
John $750,
Sandy $700,
Margaret and her child $750

The two grouping for division of the slaves is important!

Named in the first group are William Purvis and John Purvis. These two men are thought to be sons of James F. Purvis who was a brother to Gilbert Purvis, Sr.

The next group lists JPJ Purvis & William Purvis, Jr. . These  two men are believed too be Brothers and Grandsons of Gilbert Purvis, Sr. JPJ Purvis is James Purdee J. Purvis and William Purvis, Jr. is the younger William H. H. Purvis and referred to as Jr. to differentiate between the older & younger William so named. 
A review of the 1850 Polk County, TX Census shows that there is an older female named Sarah, age 60, born in SC in the household. Is this the Mother of James Purdee J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

Together these few clues adds up to a possibility that James Purvis and Sarah Purvis are the parents of James P. J. Purvis and William H. H. Purvis.

Another reference source is DAR 115797 the only application submitted  and approved on this ancestral line. 

Summary:
  1. Clarke County, AL Land Deed (DB6:366-367) Gilbert J. Purvis to Grass Scruggs lists two witnesses: James P. J. Purvis and James Purvis
  2. Gilbert Johnson Purvis WILL named James Purvis as the Father of James P. J. Purvis
  3. Efficia Howell Purvis Estate partition points to relationships between James P. J. Purvis and William Purvis, Jr.  believed to be William H. H. Purvis.
  4. The 1850 census, Polk Co., TX; Lists Sarah Purvis, age 60, born in SC who may be the Mother of the head of household – William H. H. Purvis
It’s obvious that further research is needed. Thus the purpose of this posting. While my knowledge is far greater than what is presented here; I would like your comments and suggestions.

Here's another question I would like answered. We see that James Purvis used a “Slanted E” as his mark. Are these marks/signatures recorded in the county/state?

Related Articles:









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[1]. Clarke County, Alabama, Book "G": page 366 & 367, Gilbert J. PURVIS to Grass Scruggs Deed; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, (http://www.familysearch.org; accessed 10 January 2011). Film# 1823073.
[2]. Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FamilySearch, (http://www.familysearch.org: accessed 13 January 2012), Simpson,County Tax Rolls; 1831, Box 3764, Image 57 of 276, entry for James P. J. Purvis. 1831 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; James P. J. PURVIS and Johnson J. PURVIS, are listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 57 of 276.
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30463-20?cc=1919687&wc=13646518]
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Simpson
County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764
Image 57 of 276.
[3]. Entry for Pender J. Purvis, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson, Mississippi. 1832 Tax List, Simpson County, Mississippi; [James] Pender J. PURVIS and Johnson J. PURVIS, are listed on the Tax roll. www.Familysearch.org; Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951, Simpson County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764, Image of 70 of 276.
[https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1951-21381-30463-20?cc=1919687&wc=13646518]
Mississippi State Archives, Various Records, 1820-1951
Simpson
County tax rolls, 1824-1845, Box 3764
Image 70 of 276.
[4]. Mississippi, Rankin County, Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935, , James Purvis & Elizabeth B. Campbell, 19 January 1832; www.ancestry.com, Jackson, Mississippi.
Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935 about James PurvisName: James Purvis
Spouse: Elizabeth B. Campbell
Marriage Date: 19 Jan 1832
County: Rankin
Source Information:Hunting For Bears, comp.. Mississippi Marriages, 1776-1935 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: Mississippi marriage information taken from county courthouse records. Many of these records were extracted from copies of the original records in microfilm, microfiche, or book format, located at the Family History Library.
.
[5]. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb 1836. Hinds County, MS, Probate Court Estates, Old Series, Raymond, MS, MDAH Microfilm #10392, Family History Library Film #1064400, Estate #321, James P. J. Purvis, Feb. 1836.
[6]. Hinds County, Mississippi, FHL microfilm 878728: page 66 WILL of James P. J. Purvis; Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. JAMES P. J. PURVIS WILL
February Term 1836
I James P. J. Purvis of the county of Hinds & the State of Mississippi being dangerously ill in body but of sound mind do make this my last Will and Testament in presence of the undersigned witness-
1. After paying all my just debts, I give, bequeath unto my wife Elizabeth R Purvis one half of my estate to have and to hold during her natural life then to descend unto my two children, James B. M. Pervis & Mary Ann Pervis
2. I give and bequeath unto my two children, James B. M. Pervis & Mary Ann Pervis the remaining one half of my estate whatsoever it may be.
It is my will and desire that my wife shall have the charge, management of the Estate of my children& that she shall act as their guardian & attend to their rearing & education until they arrive at the age of majority. I do hereby constitute and appoint my wife Elizabeth R Pervis & her father Beselia Campbell my Executors to carry this my Last Will and Testament into effect. Signed & sealed the 9th day of February A. D. 1836 in presence of-
Attest: F. E. Plummer James P. J. Pervis {seal}
Attest:
Filed Feby Term 1836
[SOURCE: LDS Family History Library Film # 878728, Page 66 also Hinds County WILL BOOK 1, Page 66. Transcribed by Charles L. Purvis, 1 Dec 2010].



Friday, December 14, 2012

12 Genealogy Mysteries I Would like to Solve

 
On 12/12/2012 Colleen Pasquale posted on her blog – Leaves & Branches- 12 Genealogical Mysteries she would like answered  which was followed by Randy Seaver’s Genea-Musing blog. Randy challenged everyone to post their own mysteries.

Here are twelve genealogy mysteries I'd like to solve:

1. Between 1860 and 1880 my 2nd Great Grandfather, Shadrach Johns (1800-aft 1880) lost his wife (Mary Boan), two daughters (Anna W. & Alice Catherine, a son (Thomas H.)and his son-in-law, Joel Toler. (Location: 1860 – Russell Station, AL > Washington County, FL > Marlboro County, SC in 1880)What happen to his family? [1]

2. How did Shadrach Johns, Joseph Henry Johns and the two grandchildren William Shadrac Toler and Mary Toler survive?

3. Who are the parents of William A. Purvis, b. abt 1834, died in Anson County, NC between Sept. 1899 and May 1900?

3. If David W. Graves is the Father of Sarah Jane Graves who married William A. Purvis, who was his wife and the mother of Sarah Jane?

4. Who was the Husband of Mary Graves, b. 1795 and enumerated in Household #110, page 106A of the 1850 Chesterfield County SC Census?

5. Who were the parents of Shadrach Johns, b. 1800 and died after 1880?

6. On the marriage licensee for Clarence Alexander Morrison, b. June 1873, he lists his parents as Robert Morrison and his wife Jane. I have been unable to find Robert & Jane. Who are Robert Morrison and Jane his wife of Richmond County, North Carolina?

7. Who are the parents of Laura Driggers (1869 -1898) of Marlboro County, SC?

8. Who was Elizabeth “Betsy” Purvis living with William A. Purvis in 1880; married (based on land deed reference to wife) in September 1899? Social security document for her daughter says she was Betsy Prevett.

9. Who are the parents of Sarah “Sally” Morris, b. 27 Jan 1829, d. 21 Oct 1902 in Chesterfield County, SC?

10. Alsey Brock, son of Hezekiah Brock and Sally Morris, was born 25 June 1855; when did Alsey pass away? Last found in 1900 census.

11. Who are the parents of William H. H. Purvis, b. abt 1813 in Chesterfield County, SC ; died after 2 Mar 1855 in Polk County, Texas?

12. When did William H. H. Purvis of Polk County, Texas die?












[1] Sometime between Dec 1866 and 1880, something tragically happened to this family. The whole family signed a deed (DB6:598) in Chesterfield on 3 December 1866. We next find Shadrach, his son Joseph Henry and two grandchildren, Mary & William Shadrac Toler in the 1880 Census for Marlboro County, SC, Hebron township, Family 43. I have yet to find any document that would tell me what happen to Mary Boan Johns, Her daughters, Alice Catherine and Anna W., her son Thomas W. Johns and her son-in-law Joel S. Toler.

















Thursday, December 13, 2012

Brown - Bays Union -1866 - Mississippi


Simon Epps Brown was born on 14 Feb 1838 in AL.1 2 3 He appeared in the census from 1870 to 1920 in Choctaw and Webster Counties, Mississippi.4 5 6 7 8 Simon died on 6 Jul 1928 at the age of 90 in Bellefontaine, Webster, Mississippi and was buried in South Union Cemetery. 9 10

Simon Epps was the son of Frederick Epps Brown and Judith Clarke and the grandson of John H. Brown and Sarah Rivers.  

Simon Epps Brown and Mary Jane Bays were married in 1866 in Webster County, Mississippi. Mary Jane Bays, daughter of Henry Bays and Frances M. Greenlee, was born on 14 Dec 1851 in Webster County, Mississippi.11 12 13 14 15 16 She died on 5 Mar 1938 at the age of 86 in Bellefontaine, Webster County, Mississippi and was buried in the South Union Cemetery. 17 18

Simon Epps Brown and Mary Jane Bays had the following children:

                      i.   Laura Brown was born about 1871 in Sumner Co., MS. 19
                     ii.   Thomas Elisha Brown was born on 21 Oct 1873 in Sumner Co., MS.20 21 He died on 14 Aug 1930 at the age of 56.22
                   iii.   Daisy Emily Brown was born about 1876 in Sumner Co., MS. 23 24
                   iv.   Martha Agnes Brown, born 22 Jun 1878, Webster County, Mississippi; married John Leslie Watson, 8 Dec 1897, MS; died 20 Sep 1965, Bellefontaine, Webster Co., MS.
                     v.   Edward Ranson Brown was born on 18 Apr 1881 in Webster County, Mississippi. 25 He died on 10 Oct 1968 at the age of 87 in Bellefontaine, MS.
                   vi.   William Alonzo Brown, born 26 Aug 1884, Webster County, Mississippi; married Margaret Caledonia Shaw, 23 Dec 1906, MS; died 20 Jul 1943, Leflore Co., MS.
                  vii.   Andrew B. Brown was born in Feb 1886 in Webster County, Mississippi. 26
                 viii.   Frances Vernon Brown was born on 29 Dec 1889 in Webster County, Mississippi.27 28 29 She died on 13 Jul 1983 at the age of 93 in Bellefontaine, MS.
                   ix.   Charles Epps Brown, born May 1893, Webster County, Mississippi; married Irene E Holmes, 1919, MS; died 25 Feb 1964, Bolivar Co., MS.









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        1. www.ancestry.com, www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/, CEMETERIES WEBSTER CO MS (http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mswebst1/southunion.html : Downloaded 6 August 2011), S. E. Brown Tombstone, BIRTH, 14 February 1838.
        2. 1850 Census, Lauderdale County, Mississippi, population schedule, Subdivision 23, Choctaw County, Mississippi, Page: 91A, Line 14, Dwelling/Family 97/97, Household of Fredrick Brown; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 31 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 375.
        3. 1860 U. S. Census, Township 20, Choctaw County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 20, Choctaw County, Mississippi, Page 465, Line 9, Dwelling/Family 1979/1884, Household of Fredrick BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 31 July 2011); citing NARA publication M653, Roll: 579.
        4. 1870 U. S. Census, Township 20, Range 9, Choctaw County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 20 Range 9, Choctaw County, Mississippi, Page: 390B; Line 35, Dwelling 44, Family 44, Household of Simeon E. BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.Ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing NARA publication M593, Roll: 725.
        5. 1880 U. S. Census, Sumner County, Mississippi, population schedule, Sumner County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) #177, Page: 383A; Line 13, Dwelling 3, Family 3, Household of Epps BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing NARA publication T9, Roll: 664.
        6. 1900 U. S. Census, Beat 3, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) #99, Page: 196B; Line 87, Dwelling 31, Family 31, Household of Eppes S. BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing NARA publication T623_833.
        7. 1910 U. S. Census, Beat 3, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) #0108, Page: 188B & 189A; Line 98, Dwelling 129, Family 130, Household of Epps BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing NARA publication T624_756.
        8. 1920 U. S. Census, Mount Vernon, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, enumeration district (ED) #112, Page: 222B; Line 69, Dwelling 104, Family 106, Household of Simon E. BROWN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 August 2011); citing NARA publication T625_899.
        9. CEMETERIES WEBSTER CO MS, S. E. Brown Tombstone, DEATH, 6 July 1930.
        10. Jim Tipton, Find A Grave, digital image, http://www.findagrave.com; Headstone for S. E. Brown; (14 February 1838–6 July 1928); Memorial # 89390058; Record of the South Union Cemetery; Eupora, Webster County, Mississippi, USA; Accessed on 12 December 2012.
        11. CEMETERIES WEBSTER CO MS, Mary J. Brown Tombstone {Wife of S. E. Brown}, BIRTH, 14 December 1851.
        12. 1870 U. S. Census, Township 20, Range 9, Choctaw County, Mississippi, population schedule, Township 20 Range 9, Choctaw County, Mississippi, Page: 390B; Line 35, Dwelling 44, Family 44, Household of Simeon E. BROWN.
        13. 1880 U. S. Census, Sumner County, Mississippi, population schedule, Sumner County, Mississippi, ED #177, Page: 383A; Line 13, Dwelling 3, Family 3, Household of Epps BROWN.
        14. 1900 U. S. Census, Beat 3, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, ED #99, Page: 196B; Line 87, Dwelling 31, Family 31, Household of Eppes S. BROWN.
        15. 1910 U. S. Census, Beat 3, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, ED #0108, Page: 188B & 189A; Line 98, Dwelling 129, Family 130, Household of Epps BROWN.
        16. 1920 U. S. Census, Mount Vernon, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, ED #112, Page: 222B; Line 69, Dwelling 104, Family 106, Household of Simon E. BROWN.
        17. CEMETERIES WEBSTER CO MS, Mary J. Brown Tombstone {Wife of  S. E. Brown}, DEATH, 5 March 1938.
        18. Find A Grave, http://www.findagrave.com, Accessed on 12 December 2012; Headstone for Mary J. Brown; Memorial # 89389993.
        19. 1880 U. S. Census, Sumner County, Mississippi, population schedule, Sumner County, Mississippi, ED #177, Page: 383A; Line 13, Dwelling 3, Family 3, Household of Epps BROWN.
        20. CEMETERIES WEBSTER CO MS, T. E.  Brown Tombstone, BIRTH, 21 October 1873.
        21. 1880 U. S. Census, Sumner County, Mississippi, population schedule, Sumner County, Mississippi, ED #177, Page: 383A; Line 13, Dwelling 3, Family 3, Household of Epps BROWN.
        22. CEMETERIES WEBSTER CO MS, T. E.  Brown Tombstone, DEATH, 14 August 1930.
        23. 1880 U. S. Census, Sumner County, Mississippi, population schedule, Sumner County, Mississippi, ED #177, Page: 383A; Line 13, Dwelling 3, Family 3, Household of Epps BROWN.
        24. 1900 U. S. Census, Beat 3, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, ED #99, Page: 196B; Line 87, Dwelling 31, Family 31, Household of Eppes S. BROWN.
        25. Ibid.
        26. Ibid.
        27. Ibid.
        28. 1910 U. S. Census, Beat 3, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, ED #0108, Page: 188B & 189A; Line 98, Dwelling 129, Family 130, Household of Epps BROWN.
        29. 1920 U. S. Census, Mount Vernon, Webster County, Mississippi, population schedule, Beat 2, Webster County, Mississippi, ED #112, Page: 222B; Line 69, Dwelling 104, Family 106, Household of Simon E. BROWN.

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