Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Tombstone Tuesday~Pvt. Graham Gathings


Pvt. Graham Gathings
b. 1825
d. 4 July 1864
bu. Hollywood Cemetery
Richmond, Va.

DSC_3463-Graham Gathings(S)
Photo from archives of Charles L. Purvis
Graham Gathings was the son of Charles Gathings and Clarasea Bailey. Graham enlisted into the Civil War on 15 February 1863 at Wadesboro, North Carolina. He reported sick to Winder Hospital on 13 June 1864. He died on 4 July 1864.

Two of his brothers also died in the War; Charles Gathings on  27 October 1862 at Petersburg, Virginia and Thomas C. Gathings on 1 July 1863 at Gettysburg, Virginia.

Graham was married to Ann Haynie and had 4 children, a son and 3 daughters. His youngest daughter, Martha Ellen, was born after his death and the other 3 children were ages 11 and under.
 
On 5 October 2004, I along with my cousin M. T. Gathings visited Graham’s grave site at the Hollywood Cemetery. The grave was identified as Grave U-290. 

M. T. Gathings, the grand nephew of Graham, submitted the documents and paperwork to have a Military Tombstone placed on his grave in the Hollywood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. 

M. T. and I again visited Graham’s grave site in September 2006 to take photos of the grave marker in place. The photo above is one of those taken on that day in September 2006.










____________________
[1] Find A Grave Memorial# 16871004
[2] http://www.fold3.com/image/49424811/

Monday, December 30, 2013

Amanuensis Monday~Estate of William A. Thurman


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 posting is several documents from the Estate folders for William Aaron Thurman. 

Documents from the estate of William Aaron Thurman can be found on FamilySearch.org. There are two Probate Folders related to his estate, Probate Folder #60 and Probate Folder #590.

Probate Folder #60 consists of 10 images (Images 556-566). 
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-29862-58?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QRS:n1226274935

Probate Folder #590 consists of 6 images (Images 816-822); two of which are a complete Inventory of his estate. A. J. Eddins was the administrator of his estate.
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19427-39569-10?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QRK:n1082589171

W. A. Thurman, Image 565

State of South Carolina
County of Chesterfield
Ex parte
A. J. Eddins
In Re The estate W. A. Thurman deceased
A. J. Eddins by his petition shoes to this court
1. That W. A. Thurman late of Chesterfield County State of South Carolina died intestate  on the ___ June 1893.
II. That petitioner is the son in law of the said deceased and has been requested to act ass administrator of Said Estate.
III. That he left and <sic> Estate amounting to about________
                    Wherefore he prays that the court do grant him letters of Administration of the Estate of the Said W. A. Thurman deceased and he will ever pray &C.
Agt 8 1893
                                                                               A. J. Eddins

W. A. Thurman, Image 563

State of South Carolina
County of Chesterfield
I do solemnly swear that W.. A. Thurman deceased died without any Will as far as I know or believe and that I will will <sic>  and truly administer all and singular the goods and chattels rights and credits of the said decease and pay all his just debts as far as the same will extend and the law require me and that I will make a true and perfect inventory of all the said goods and chattels rights and credits and return a just account thereof when where unto required So help Me God.
Sworn to before me}
Augt 29 1893}                                                     A. J. Eddins
A. D. Tiller}
Judge of Probate}

The Reverend Andrew Jackson Eddins married Dorothy “Dolly” Thurman, daughter of William Aaron and Nancy Copeland Thurman. William and Nancy had 5 sons and 3 daughters.







_________________________
[1] https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-29862-58?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QRS:n1226274935
[2] https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19427-39569-10?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QRK:n1082589171

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Surname Saturday~Purvis-Watts


Maude Purvis was born on 12 Jul 1904 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.1 2 3 4 5 She died on 18 Sep 1962 at the age of 58 and was buried on 20 Sep 1962 at Morven Cemetery, Morven, Anson, North Carolina.6 7 8 9

Maude was the daughter of John William Purvis and Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. 

Maude Purvis and Lonnie Messenheimer Watts were married on 6 Jun 1922.10

Lonnie Messenheimer Watts, the son of Daniel J. Watts and Elizabeth Jane Mclaurin, was born on 10 Dec 1904 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.1112 13 14 15 16

Lonnie died on 11 Feb 1974 at the age of 69 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina and was buried on 13 Feb 1974 at Morven Cemetery in Morven, Anson, North Carolina. 17 18 19 20

Lonnie and Maude had no children. After Maude died Lonnie married Lillie McKenzie.

Maude Purvis Watts was my 1st cousin once removed.










_________________________
1. State of North Carolina, death no. 25825 (18 September 1962), Maude Watts; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
2. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0011, Page 158B, Line 87, Dwelling 96, Family 97, Household of John W. PURVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
3. 1920 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 192A, Line 13, Dwelling 109, Family 109, Household of John W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.
4. 1930 U. S. Census, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 16, Page: 5B/7B (stamped); Line 95, No Dwelling/Family Numbers, Household of Lonnie WATTS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 29 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 1672.
5. 1940 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 4-17, Page 3B/201B (stamped); Line 42, Household #51, Household of Lonnie WATTS; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 29 January 2013); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2871.
6. State of North Carolina, death no. 25825, (18 September 1962), Maude Watts.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 29 January 2013); Headstone for Maude Purvis Watts; (12 July 1904–18 September 1962); Records of the Morven Cemetery; Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.
8. Maude Purvis Watts obituary, The Anson record, Wadesboro, North Carolina, .
9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Maude Purvis Watts (12 July 1904–18 September 1962), Memorial # 65152880.
10. William J. Purvis Family Family Bible Holy Bible, (N.p.: n.p., n.d.), MARRIAGE - January 6, 1922; Lonnie M. Watts & Maude Purvis, Obtained from T. Gathings , Wadesboro, North Carolina.
11. State of North Carolina, death no. 03B891, (11 February 1974), Lonnie Missnheimer Watts.
12. "World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1947," on-line digital images, ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 29 January 2013), Lonnie M. WATTS; citing World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64: 1940-1947; Birth Date: 10 Dec 1904.
13. 1920 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED 13, Page 8A/188A(stamped); Line 3, Dwelling 136, Family 136, Household of Elizabeth J. WATTS.
14. 1930 U. S. Census, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED 16, Page: 5B/7B (stamped); Line 95, No Dwelling/Family Numbers, Household of Lonnie WATTS.
15. 1940 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED 4-17, Page 3B/201B (stamped); Line 42, Household #51, Household of Lonnie WATTS.
16. "World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1947," on-line digital images, ancestry.com, Lonnie M. WATTS.
17. State of North Carolina, death no. 03B891, (11 February 1974), Lonnie Missnheimer Watts.
18. Ibid.
19. Social Security Administration, Ancestry database, Ancestry, (http://www.ancestry.com : <viewed|accessed> 29 January 2013), Lonnie Watts, SSN: 242-48-7412, before 1951 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File,database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).
20. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Lonnie Misenheimer Watts (10 December 1904–11 February 1974), Memorial # 65152736.


























Friday, December 27, 2013

Friend of Friends Friday~SC, Freedmen's Bureau Records, 1865-1872

 
During the Holidays, FamilySearch posted some very interesting records related to South Carolina families.
The series is called the "South Carolina, Freedmen's Bureau Records, 1865-1872” and consists of over 200 pages of data.

The below document is typical of the documents found in this series. It’s an excellent treatise on the “fatherless families in the county after the Civil War”. In many ways it’s a sad commentary on the effects of a civil war on families.

 
Elizabeth Parsons Sellers

This record is for my 2nd Great Grandmother Elizabeth Parson Sellers. In the late 1840, she and her husband moved to Tennessee. While there, her husband, my Great Grandfather, William Eddins Sellers, was killed while helping to build a church. She and the children returned to Chesterfield County.  In 1867, she was 45 years old and it shows that her son, James Arnold Sellers, age 21, was wounded in the hip. He was born on 16 Sept 1846.

I highly recommend you take a look at records at this hyperlink:

Rations

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-36671-8735-26?cc=2127881&wc=M9HH-D8P:1937351358

Based on the age of individuals listed the records represent the year 1867. 

There are 199 pages with 6 families listed on each page. The documents contain both white and black families and are co-mingled together by surname.








_____________________________
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-36671-8735-26?cc=2127881&wc=M9HH-D8P:1937351358











Monday, December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas 2013


Merry Christmas
&
Happy New Year
to Everyone


DSC_2124Resized

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Surname Saturday~Gathings-Purvis

 
Sarah Kelson Purvis was born on 26 Jun 1902 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.1 23 4 5 6 7 She died on 15 Mar 1979 at the age of 76 and was buried on 17 Mar 1979 at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.8 9 10 11 12

Sarah Kelson Purvis and James Edgar Gathings Sr. were married on 24 Nov 1927.


James Edgar Gathings Sr., was the son of William Francis Gathings and Mary Jane Grooms. He was born on 3 Nov 1894 in Morven, Anson, North Carolina.13 14 15 He served in the military during World War I. 16 17 18 James died on 6 Feb 1938 at the age of 43 and was buried on 8 Feb 1938 at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.20 21 19 20 21 22

James Edgar Gathings and Sarah Kelson Purvis had the following children:

 i. James Ernest Gathings Jr., born 24 Mar 1929, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Pauline Eddins; died 2 Dec 1993, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

 ii. William Francis "Billy" Gathings, born 18 Jul 1935, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; married Clara Ann Livingston, 5 Apr 1958, Morven, Anson, North Carolina; died 1 Jan 2002, Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.

Sarah Kelson Purvis is my 1st cousin once removed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_____________________________
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 14 December 2012); Headstone for Sarah K. Purvis Gathings; (22 June 1902–15 March 1979); Records of the Mount Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery; Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.
2. State of North Carolina, death (15 March 1979), Sarah Kelson Gathings; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
3. Sarah Kelson Gathings obituary, The Anson Record, Wadesboro, North Carolina, .
4. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0011, Page 158B, Line 87, Dwelling 96, Family 97, Household of John W. PURVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
5. 1920 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 192A, Line 13, Dwelling 109, Family 109, Household of John W. PURVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 11 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.
6. 1930 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #18, Page 23B/2B; Line 64, Dwelling 39, Family 40, Household of James E GATHINGS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T626, Roll 1672.
7. 1940 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 4-18, Page: 9A/216A (stamped), Line 5, Household #132;, Household of J. W. PURVIS; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 14 December 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2871.
8. State of North Carolina, death, (15 March 1979), Sarah Kelson Gathings.
9. Obituary for Sarah Kelson Gathings, The Anson Record, .
10. Ibid.
11. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Sarah K. Purvis Gathings (22 June 1902–15 March 1979), Memorial # 47220314.
12. Social Security Administration, Social Security Death Index database, Ancestry.com, (http://www.ancestry.com : <viewed|accessed> 14 December 2012), Sarah Gathings, 250-12-8913, South Carolina; Issue Date: 1952 derived from U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File,database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, 24 July 2011).
13. Mr. James E. Gathings obituary, The Messenger & Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 6 February 1938.
14. 1900 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Lilesville, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) # 6, Page 126A; Line 49, Dwelling 245, Family 245, Household of William F. GATHINGS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T623, Roll 1181.
15. 1910 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0012, Page 184A/9A; Line 25, Dwelling 59, Family 59, Household of William F. GATHINGS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 12 April 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
16. "World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918," on-line digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 14 December 2012), Jas E. Gathings; citing Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration. M1509, 4,582 rolls, FHL Roll Number: 1765558.
17. 1920 U. S. Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #13, Page 195A/15A; Line 24, Dwelling 165, Family 165, Household of William F. GATHINGS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 13 April 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm Series: T625, Roll: 1283.
18. 1930 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, ED #18, Page 23B/2B; Line 64, Dwelling 39, Family 40, Household of James E GATHINGS.
19. State of North Carolina, death certificate, (6 February 1938), James E Gathings.
20. Ibid.
21. Obituary for Mr. James E. Gathings, The Messenger & Intelligencer, 6 February 1938.
22. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, James Edgar Gathings (3 November 1894–6 February 1938), Memorial # Find A Grave Memorial# 47220284.








































Friday, December 20, 2013

Land Deed~Decker to Graves

 
C. Decker to the D. W. Graves Deed1
The State of South Carolina
Know all men by these presents that I Catherine Decker of the County of Chesterfield in this State aforesaid, for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five ($25) dollars to me in hand paid and before the sealing of these presents, by David W. Graves of the County of Chesterfield in the State aforesaid (the receipt whereof is hereby and knowledge) have granted, bargained, sold and released, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said David W. Graves all my third interest in one track of one hundred seven (107) acres of land more or less in Chesterfield County, situate on Bay branch and bounded on the North, West and the South by lands of M. G. Tanh? and W. W. Knight, and on the East by Estate lands of Daniel Gulledge, the same being an undivided one third interest in the above described tract of land Together with all and singular the Rights, Members, Hereditaments and Appurtenances to the said interest Premise belonging or in any wise incident are appertaining. To Have and to Hold, all and singular the said Interest in the said premises before mentioned unto the said David W. Graves his heirs and Assigns forever. And I do hereby bind myself, my Heirs, Executors and Administrators to warrant and forever defend all and singular the said Interest in the said premises unto the said David W. Graves, his Heirs and Assigns against myself and my Heirs and all other persons lawfully claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof. Witness my Hand and Seal this twenty eight (28) day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven (1877) and in the one hundred and first (101st) year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.
                                                                      Catherine X Decker {seal}
Signed, Sealed and Delivered}
in the presence up}
P. J. Stafford}
E. M. Wells}
 
The State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
Personally appeared before me P.J. Stafford and made oath that he saw the within named Catherine Decker Signed, Sealed and as her Act and Deed. Delivered the within written deed; and that he with E. M. Wells witness to execution thereof.
                                                                                 P. J. Stafford
Sworn to me will before me, this 14th}
day of January 1878,}
Thomas F. Malloy}
Clk }
Auditors Office}
Chesterfield County}
Recorded in Sales Book “A” 15th Jany 1878 page 119
                                                                                C. J. Evans
                                                                                A.C. C.

Recorded 15th Jany 1878
Origl delivered to D. W. Graves.

David W. Graves is my 3rd Great Grandfather. His first wife is unknown; but, census indicates that they had 2 known children – Sarah Jane and William Thomas Graves.  

His Mother, Mary Graves (1795- after Aug 1860) died sometime after the 1860 census were enumerated. After her death, David W Graves married Mary Ann Gulledge, daughter of Daniel Gulledge and Jane Henderson. 

David W. and Mary Ann Gulledge had 5 children; 3 daughters and 2 sons. 

In 1910, Catherine DECKER, the Grantor in the above mentioned Land Deed was living in the household of Archibald James Graves, with Archie’s Mother Mary Ann and two sister. Catherine is listed as his Aunt.2

1910 CENSUS: Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: T624_1455; Enumeration District: 0034; Image: 830; FHL Number: 1375468; Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, [Archibald] James GRAVES, age 29; Mary [GULLEDGE] GRAVES, his mother, age 67;  Annie Jane GRAVES, his sister, age 31; Mary H. GRAVES, his sister, age 24 and Catherine DECKER his aunt, age 65.

Catherine Gulledge Decker and Mary Ann Gulledge Graves are sisters.

David W. Graves died  21 Nov 1898 and is buried in the Old St. Mary’s Presbyterian cemetery.3







___________________________
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Deed Book 5: pages 327-328, C[atherine] Decker to the D. W. Graves Deed; Register of Deeds, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
[2] 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #0034, Page 88B, Line 92, Dwelling 105, Family 107, Household of [Archibald] James GRAVES; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 20 November 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.
[3] James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Self-Published, 1995, page 943. Tombstone of David W. GRAVES; 22 January 1812–21 November 1898, Old St. Mary's Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.


































Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Tombstone Tuesday~Zachariah T. Deese

Zachariah T. Deese
    b. abt. 18481
    d. Jun. 22, 1923

    b. Morven Cemetery
Zachariah T. Deese is my Great Grand Uncle. Zack and Clare had 5 children, 3 daughter and 2 sons.

Note: Zack is listed as age 2 in the 1850 Census. The Oct. 1854 date on his tombstone is incorrect. 

Zack Dees







______________________________
[1] 1850 Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Sandy Point, Anson County, North Carolina, Page 188A; Line 8, Dwelling 428, Family 428, Household of Mary DEAS; online database, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 16 June 2010); citing National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, Roll 619.
[2] Find A Grave Memorial# 38280274

Monday, December 16, 2013

Mappy Monday~Chesterfield County Townships

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
Chesterfield County was named for the British statesman Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) or as some suggests Chesterfield County, Virginia.1 The County Courthouse is located in the town of Chesterfield;  the county seat. 

The oldest town in the county is the town of Cheraw, founded and settled in 1748.

The county was settled by Welsh settlers from Pennsylvania and Delaware that moved into this region in the mid-eighteenth century, and they were later joined by Scotch-Irish and English.

During the Civil War, General Sherman's troops passed through this area burning the Courthouse in Chesterfield and destroying most pre-civil war records. 
Parent County/Boundary Changes2
  • 1785 - Thirty-three counties were created within existing South Carolina Districts. Chesterfield was created within Cheraws District.
  • 1800 - Chesterfield was re-christened a district and Cheraws District was abolished.
  • 1868 - Chesterfield and all other districts became counties.
 
The County is divided into 9 distinct townships:3 
  • Alligator   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Cheraw   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Cole Hill   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Court House / Courthouse   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Jefferson   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Mount Croghan   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Old Store / Pageland  =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
  • Steerpen   =  1870-Census, 1880-Census
The following map depicts the locations of these townships within the County.4
Scan_Doc0009A

Current population of the County is 46,103 (2012).5







________________________
[1] "Chesterfield County, South Carolina (http://www.carolana.com/SC/Counties/chesterfield_county_sc.html : accessed 12 December 2013).
[2] https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Chesterfield_County,_South_Carolina
[3] http://rootsweb.ancestry.com/~scoconee/townships.html
[4] Chesterfield County Genealogical Society, "Chesterfield County Township Map," Chesterfield District Chronicle, Fall 2002, Newsletter , Chesterfield County Genealogical Society (https://www.facebook.com/groups/131108983604237/), Back Cover.
[5] http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/45/45025.html









Sunday, December 15, 2013

Obituary Sunday~Martha Ann Moody Brown


Mrs. Martha Ann Moody Brown Dies

Mrs. Martha Ann Moody Brown, 82, route 3, wife of the late N. B. Brown, died in a local hospital at 11:30 yesterday morning, following a two-week illness.
Born August 17, 1866 in Calhoun county to Tom and Martha Lambert Moody, she moved to Union county at the age of six and had lived here all her life.
She was a member of the Union Baptist church and is survived by four sons, E. M., A. L. and Bill Brown of El Dorado, and Grady T. Brown,Waldo; one daughter Miss Susie Brown of El Dorado; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Her body will remain at the home until time for services to be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, with the Rev. Sam Reeves officiating, assisted by the Rev. Ed Harris.
Active pallbearers will be Ed Baker, Ed Doss, Louie Obarr, Henry G. West, Julius Miller, Milton Snodgrass, Burney Wilson, Grover Pratt and Grady Wooley.
Burial will follow in the Shady Grove cemetery under the directions of the Rumph Mortuary.

Martha Ann Moody was the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte “Nap” Brown, the son of Epps Rivers Brown and Dorinda Adair. She died 1 August 1949 in Union County Arkansas.

Martha Ann, AKA “Missie” was the daughter of Tom Moody and Martha Lambeth.

Napoleon Bonaparte “Nap” Brown, is my 2nd cousin 4 times removed.




____________________________
[1] FrontPage of the “El Dorado Daily News” paper, dated Tuesday, August 2, 1949, in El Dorado, Arkansas. (Obituary copied from microfilm and provided to Charles Purvis by V. R. Bickle on 18 October 2011; Transcribed on 19 October 2011)

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Surname Saturday~The Family of William Alfred Davis


William Alfred Davis was born on 11 Nov 1834 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.1 2 3 William Alfred was a School Teacher. 4 5 6 He died on 29 May 1888 at the age of 53 and was buried at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.78 910 11 12

His estate was probated in May 1888 and can be found in Estate Folder #73, William A. Davis.13

William Alfred Davis and Nancy J. Hurst were married about 1864 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Nancy J. Hurst, the daughter of Isaac Hurst and Henrietta Rivers, was born on 20 May 1838 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.14 15 16 17 18 She died on 8 Feb 1888 at the age of 49 and was buried on 9 Feb 1888 at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.19 20 21

William Alfred Davis and Nancy J. Hurst had the following children:

i. Henrietta Elizabeth Davis, born 7 Sep 1865, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married William Kenson Previtte, 1882, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 23 Jul 1945, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Michael M. Davis, born 20 Sep 1867, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Magnolia R. Morris, 1895; died 5 May 1930, Kaufman County, Texas.
iii. Infant Davis was born in 1868 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She died on 23 Aug 1868 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Hulda Davis, born 12 Jul 1869, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married John Carroll Davis, abt 1888, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 23 Jul 1931, Cheraw, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Isaac Davis, born Oct 1871, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Lillie Ida Teal, abt 1891; died 7 Mar 1954, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Laura Jane Davis, born 28 Dec 1871, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married James Samuel Rivers, abt 1890, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 11 Apr 1964, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. Lessie Ida Davis, born 13 Apr 1873, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married James Franklin Teal, 1891, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 27 Feb 1940, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
viii. George W. Davis was born on 23 Apr 1874 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. He died on 7 Jan 1875 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ix. James Alfred Davis Sr., born 1 Jan 1876, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Fannie Rivers, 10 Dec 1893, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Martha Ellen McLaurin, 15 Sep 1912, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 19 Jun 1954, Richland County, South Carolina.
x. Infant Davis, born on 16 Jun 1878 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. She died on 16 Jun 1878 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.


William Alfred Davis & Nancy J. Hurst Davis are my 2nd Great Grand Uncle and Aunt. The children are my 1st cousins 3 times removed.
 
 







 
 
______________________
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 29 August 2011); Headstone for W. A. Davis; (11 November 1834–29 May 1888); Records of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brock's Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
2. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page 179B, Line 3, Dwelling/Family 1240/1240, Household of Michael DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.
3. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 94, Line 1, Dwelling/Family 1/1, Household of Michael DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 August 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
4. Ibid.
5. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page 288B, Line 20, Dwelling/Family 17/17, Household of W. A. DAVIS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
6. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina;, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page 327C; Line 7, Dwelling 293, Family 293, Household of W. A. DAVIS; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
7. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, W. A. Davis (11 November 1834–29 May 1888), Memorial # 48051277.
8. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Chesterfield County Estate Papers, William A. Davis; "Chesterfield County Estate Papers," digital images, LDS Church, Family Search (https://www.familysearch.org/: viewed 29 August 2011); Chesterfield County Estate Folder #73 William A. Davis, Died 29 May 1888.
9. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, W. A. Davis (11 November 1834–29 May 1888), Memorial # 48051277.
10. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey; Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995, page 833. Tombstone of W. A. DAVIS; 11 November 1834–29 May 1888, Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
11. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, William A. Davis; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: Viewed 12 July 2012); Estate Folder #73.
12. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, W. A. Davis (11 November 1834–29 May 1888), Memorial # 48051277.
13. Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, William A. Davis; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: Viewed 12 July 2012); Estate Folder #73..
14. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Nancy J. Hurst Davis (20 May 1838–8 February 1888), Memorial # 48051309.
15. 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 174A, Line 20, Dwelling #1162, Family 1162, Household of Isaac HURST.
16. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page 137A, Line 35, Dwelling #613, Family 613, Household of Isaac HURST.
17. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED No ED, Page 288B, Line 20, Dwelling/Family 17/17, Household of W. A. DAVIS.
18. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina;, ED #5, Page 327C; Line 7, Dwelling 293, Family 293, Household of W. A. DAVIS.
19. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Nancy J. Hurst Davis (20 May 1838–8 February 1888), Memorial # 48051309.
20. James C. Pigg, Chesterfield County Cemetery Survey, Chesterfield County Genealogical Services, 1995. Tombstone of Nancy J. DAVIS.
21. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Nancy J. Hurst Davis (20 May 1838–8 February 1888), Memorial # 48051309.







































Friday, December 13, 2013

Laney-Gulledge Marriage


LANEY-GULLEDGE


Special to The State
Jefferson, April 5. – Mr. W. B. Gulledge of this place was married to Miss Susie Laney of Union county, N.C., Sunday Afternoon, April 2 [1905]. The Ceremony took place at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Laney, and was performed by Rev. Mr. Allison, evangelist for Mecklenburg presbytery. It was a quiet affair, only a few relatives and friend being present.
Mr. and Mrs. Gulledge arrived here yesterday and will be at home on north Hampton street.
[The State, Columbia, SC, 6 April 1905, page 3]

Laney-Gulledge




____________________________
[1] The State, Columbia, SC, 6 April 1905, page 3
[2] www.ancestry.com - http://goo.gl/H14GmP






Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Tombstone Tuesday~Pvt. William Alfred Rivers


“IN MEMORY”
WILLIAM ALFRED RIVERS
b. abt 1828
d. 17 Aug. 1863, Civil War

This posting is “IN MEMORY” of William Alfred Rivers. William was born abt 1828 to William Rivers and Elizabeth “Betsy” Rivers.

About  June 1851, William A. Rivers married Mary A. Brock, daughter of Squire H. Brock and Rachel Parker. 

Mary Brock Rivers died during or shortly after the birth of their son Squire James Rivers on 13 March 1852.
After the death of Mary A. Brock, William next married Eliza Ann Turnage about 1852.

William A. Rivers and Eliza A. are enumerated in the 1860 census1 for Chesterfield County, SC.

1860 CENSUS: William A. RIVERS Household, 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, page 100,  Line 9, dwelling 82,  family 82; National Archives micro publication Series: M653  Roll: 1217. Family History Library  Film #0805217. Household includes, William A. RIVERS, Male, age 31, born in SC; Eliza RIVERS, Female, age 30, born in SC; Emily RIVERS, Female, age 7, born in SC; Nancy J. RIVERS, Female, age 2, born in SC and  William L. RIVERS, Male, age 4/12, born in SC.

Their child, Squire is enumerated in his Grandfather Squire Brock household.2

1860 CENSUS: Chesterfield County, South Carolina; Roll: M653_1217; Image: 239; Family History Library Film: 805217; page 118A, Line 25, Dwelling 346, Family 345; Squire BROCK, Male, age 55, born in SC; Rachel BROCK, wife, age 50, born in SC; Sarah J. BROCK, Daughter, age 15, born in SC; Samuel O. BROCK, Son, age 14, born in SC; John W. BROCK, Son, age 12, born in SC; William W. BROCK, Son, age 07, born in SC and Squire RIVERS, age 08, male. [Squire Rivers is the son of Squire & Rachel's oldest daughter Mary A. Brock who married William Alfred Rivers, Mary died at child birth].

January 1861 was the start of the Civil War, William A. Rivers left his son, Squire James Rivers with his Brock grandparents and enlisted for the Civil War. Most of his young life Squire James was known as Squire James Brock rather than his real name Squire James Rivers.

In “Broken Fortunes” by Randolph W. Kirkland, Jr., reports that W. A. Rivers was a member of the Palmetto Sharpshooter (PSS) and died on 17 August 1863 at Petersburg, Virginia.3   

Secondary evidence indicates that William Alfred Rivers died at Petersburg, Virginia in August 1863. However, I have not found his military service record on Fold3 or any other evidence that proves his death. No tombstone has been found for William A. Rivers. If you have any information about  William’s military service, please contact me through this blog by posting your comments.

However on October 1866, Eliza Ann Turnage Rivers filed to have her husband estate inventoried and settled. This document provides primary proof that William A. Rivers died before 29 October 1866.4

Wm A. Rivers- Probate #241.jpg 









_____________________________
[1] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 100, Line 9, dwelling 82, family 82, Household of William A. RIVERS; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 27 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
[2] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, page 118A, Line 25, Dwelling 346, Family 345, Household of Squire BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 7 October 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
[3] 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: Univ. of South Carolina, 1997), Page 298.
[4] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Family Search (https://www.familysearch.org/ : viewed 3 August 2011), Estate Folder #241,, "Wm. A. RIVERS, Probate Case #241," Images 342-353.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Amanuensis Monday~Will of Nancy W. Vandigriff Brock


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 posting is the Will of Nancy W. Vandergriff1who married Valentine Brock on 21 July 1836 in Henry County, Georgia. 

Valentine died2 on 25 April 1850. His death left Nancy with 2 young daughters to raise on her own. Having family in the area made a big difference in her life and she never re-married after the loss of her husband.

Nancy died on 25 March 1907** leaving one surviving sister3. Her oldest daughter Margaret P. Brock died in 1892. I have not found a death date for Mary Ann Brock but since she is not named in her Mother’s will it indicates that she too may have not survived.
 
N. W. Brock Will, pg 1
 
N. W. Brock Will, pg 2

Georgia Henry County
I, Mrs. N. W. Brock being of sound and disposing mind and memory do make this my last will and testament.
Item 1st I give and bequeath and devise to my sister M. A. Kimbrell all my lands and house hold and kitchen furniture. To wit Forty-five (45 1/2} and 1/2 acres of land more or less known as my home place during my lifetime and Bounded on the North by lands of J.V. Goss, on the east by lands of Mrs. Dora Bostwick, on the West by lands of C.V. Williams and on the South by lands of A.D. Tingle.

Item 2nd I have given to my nephew Jim Vandigriff to him five ($5.00) Dollars being all I expect for him to have of my estate.
Item 3rd I hereby give this to my sister M. A. Kimbell to have & to use as ….without any process of law. This October 19, 1904
N. W. Brock
 
Signed sealed and delivered in presence this being my last will and testament in presence of us the subscribers who subscribed our names hereto in the presence of said testator and of each other, she signing in our presence and we signing in her presence.
W. W. Duffy
A. F. Moss
J. W. Middlebrooks, N. P.

Georgia Henry County
The petitioner Mrs. M. A. Kimbell shows that Mrs. N. W. Brock late of said County departed this life on the 26th day of May 1907** after having made her last will and testament wherein your petitioner is the beneficiary. Your petitioner produced said will in Court and prays that the same may be admitted to record upon the proof thereof in common form, and that letters testamentary issue to in terms of law. And your petitioner will ever pray &c. June 25, 1907 M. A. Kimbell

Henry County Ordinary July Term 1907
The foregoing petition of Ms. M. A. Kimbell beneficiary of the last will of Ms. N. W. Brock deceased having duly files said alleged Will & the same having been supported by proper proof W. W. Duffy a subscribing witness to said Will of Ms. N. W. Brock deceased as shown in affidavit of Probate attached to said will, It is ordered by the court that Will with aforesaid affidavit be admitted to record as having been satisfactorily proven in common form.
G. G. Weems, Ordny

Before me in person came W. W. Duffy as a witness to within writing purporting to be the last will of Ms. N. W. Brock who been duly ….deposes and says that he with J. W. Middlebrooks and A. F. Moss did on the 19th day of October 1904 attest as witnesses the within writing in the presence of Ms. N. W. Brock who in their presence voluntarily signed and published the same answer last will and testament and that the said Ms. N. W. Brock at the time the signing of same was of sound and disposing mine & memory.
Sworn to & subscribed before me W. W Duffy
July 1, 1907
G. G. Weems, Ordny

Will Book “C”, page 179-180



 
_____________________________
[1] "Georgia, Probate Records, 1742-1990," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1971-30354-8859-66?cc=1999178&wc=M946-1Z9:n1773628724 : accessed 17 Nov 2013), Henry > Wills 1834-1917 vol A-C > image 496 of 609.
[2] 1850 U. S. Census Mortality Schedule, Henry County, Georgia, mortality schedule, Militia District 42, Henry, Georgia, Page 304, Line 1, Valentice Brock [Valentine Brock]; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 2 January 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T655.
[3] Find A Grave Memorial# 31618151
**Note: Death Conflict. FindAGrave lists her death date as 25 May 1907; her sister states in the above document that Nancy died 26 May 1907.

























Saturday, December 7, 2013

Surname Saturday~Previtte

 
William Kenson "Billy" Previtte was born on 30 Jun 1857 in Anson County, North Carolina. 1 2 3 4 5 He died on 24 Jul 1907 at the age of 50 and was buried at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.6 7 8

William Kenson "Billy" Previtte and Henrietta Elizabeth Davis were married in 1882 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.9

Henrietta Elizabeth Davis, daughter of William Alfred Davis and Nancy J. Hurst, was born on 7 Sep 1865 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.10 11 12 13 14 15 Henrietta died on 23 Jul 1945 at the age of 79 and was buried at Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery in in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.16 17

William Kenson Previtte and Henrietta Elizabeth Davis had the following children:

i. Nancy Jane "Nana" Previtte, born 31 Jul 1882, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Robert Lee Webb; died 22 Oct 1947, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. John Washington Previtte, born 3 Apr 1886, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Allie Freeman, 17 Jul 1921, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; died 29 Jul 1957, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iii. Frances Elizabeth Previtte, born 28 Aug 1887, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John Nelson Davis; died 12 Apr 1951, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iv. Mary Anne Previtte, born 4 Jul 1889, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Clarence Dupree Stroud; died 11 Apr 1964.
v. William Alfred Previtte, born 10 Oct 1890, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Mary Belle Sellers, 29 Dec 1912, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 29 Mar 1951, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Laura Ella Previtte, born 12 Dec 1892, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married William Eli Sellers; died 29 Dec 1928, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vii. Hannah Elizabeth Previtte, born 1 Jan 1900, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married William Daniel Hinson, 8 Aug 1920, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; died 1 Oct 1991, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
viii. Isaac Quin Previtte was born on 12 Sep 1902 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He died on 30 Sep 1902 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
ix. James L. Previtte was born on 1 Jan 1904 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. He died on 6 Jan 1904 at the age of 0 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

William Kenson "Billy" Previtte and Henrietta Elizabeth Davis are my Great Grand Uncle and Aunt.
 









____________________
1. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, digital image, (http://www.findagrave.com : Accessed on 4 June 2012); Headstone for William Kenson Previtt; (30 June 1857–24 July 1907); Records of the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery; Brocks Mill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.
2. 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) No ED, Page 128B, Line 35, Dwelling/Family 494/493, Household of John Previtt; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M653_1217.
3. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 291B, Line 36, Household 85/85, Household of J. W. PRIVETT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
4. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) #5, Page: 326B, Line 43,, Dwelling 291, Family 291, Household of John PRIVOTT; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 21 July 2011); citing National Archive Microfilm T9, Roll 1225.
5. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 21, Page 107A, Line 16, Dwelling 422, Family 429, Household of William K. PRIVETT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 4 June 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T623_Roll: 1523.
6. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, William Kenson Previtt (30 June 1857–24 July 1907), Memorial # 47251020.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED 21, Page 107A, Line 16, Dwelling 422, Family 429, Household of William K. PRIVETT.
10. Henrietta Privett, death certificate (long) 007741 (23 July 1945), Vital Records, Department of Health and Environmental Control, Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina.
11. 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED No ED, Page 288B, Line 20, Dwelling/Family 17/17, Household of W. A. DAVIS.
12. 1880 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Population Schedule, Chesterfield County, South Carolina;, ED #5, Page 327C; Line 7, Dwelling 293, Family 293, Household of W. A. DAVIS.
13. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, ED 21, Page 107A, Line 16, Dwelling 422, Family 429, Household of William K. PRIVETT.
14. 1910 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0037, Page: 10A/136A(stamped); Line 39, Dwelling 170, Family 170, Household of Henrietta PRIVETT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 30 August 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T624_1455.
15. 1930 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Court House, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 17, Page 6B/47B(stamped); Line 64, Dwelling 96, Family 103, Household of Nannie WEBB; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 30 August 2012); citing National Archives Microfilm T626_Roll: 2192.
16. Henrietta Privett, Chesterfield County, South Carolina death certificate 007741 (23 July 1945).
17. Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database, "Record, Henrietta Previtt (7 September 1865–23 July 1945), Memorial # 47184548.


































Thursday, December 5, 2013

Thriller Thursday~The Last Hanging


It all started with this entry from Aaron Weaver Knight Journal:

John Harper was hanged Dec 16 18981

Who was John Harper and why was he hanged? 

The accused, John Harper was charged with the killing of Alex “Sandy” Campbell, a well respected white man near Cheraw about June 1st 1898.

When arrested and brought in by Sheriff Douglass, Harper “claimed that the killing was accidental as the shot was intended for a drunken negro with whom he was fighting.”2

Harper’s trial took place before Judge Ernest Gary in August 1898. W. P. Pollack was appointed, by the court, to represent the prisoner, John Harper.  Harper was found guilty of “murder in the first degree and sentenced to be hanged.”3  Mr. Pollock did all in his power to save his client and was granted a delayed of 30 days in November 1898 for all concerned to review the case.

In the end, Governor William H. Ellerbe refused to interfere and allowed the hanging to proceed as ordered.

A misunderstanding arose as to the exact execution date.  The law required that execution be carried out 30 days from receipt of the respite. The respite was sent to Lawyer, W. P. Pollack. Thirty days from respite was set as 16 December,  but local newspapers were reporting that the 26th was to be the date of execution.

On December 16, Sheriff Douglass sent Governor Ellebre a request for clarification. The Governor replied “Today is the time set for execution of John Harper. Will send you former respite.”4 The confusion resulted in absence of John Harper’s family at his hanging.

On 16 December 1898, John Harper walked confidently to the gallows, with a Bible and hymn book in his hands. After reading the hymn “I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say”; he asked the crowd to join him in signing, knelt in prayer and told the Sheriff he was ready.

John Harper was hung at 2 O’clock, 16 December 1898, at the Chesterfield Courthouse.  He “died with a smile on his face.”5

This hanging* was to my knowledge, the last hanging to occurred in Chesterfield County. Prior to the hanging of John Harper, the last hanging took placed in 1855 when a white man was hanged for forgery.












_________________________________
[1] The Journal of the Rev. Aaron Weaver Knight (1810 - 8 Jul 1888)  was started by the Reverend and continue by his son, Rev. Sidney Thomas Knight (1 Dec 1846 - 28 Aug 1921).<http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sclancas/records/misc_awknightjournal.htm>
[2] The Evening Post, Charleston, SC, June 21, 1898, page 6
[3] The State, Columbia, SC, 30 June 1898, page 2, column 2.
[4] The News and Courier, Charleston, SC, 17 December 1898, page 2, col 3
[5] The State, Columbia, SC, 17 December 1898, page 3, column 2.
[6] The State, Columbia, SC, 30 June 1898, page 2, column 2.
*Hanging = lawful execution to differentiate from lynching = unlawful execution.