Sunday, January 31, 2016

Chesterfield County SC Estates~Estate Folder #13–Rilah Smith


This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlook this valuable resources if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.  

Today we will be looking at the following Estate folder:


Folder #13

Rilah Smith

The estate folder begins at image 183 of 493. There are 29 images within the estate folder. (images 183-211)

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-24055-35?cc=1911928

The very first image (184) after the title page states that:
These papers are copies not to be recorded----The heirs settled the Estate by compromise among themselves.
Rilah Smith Image 184
Rilah Smith was born  Aug. 26, 1788, in the Cheraw District of what is now Chesterfield County. His parents are unknown. He married Timmey Spencer about 1809. This date is based on the birth of their first born Jerusha Ann Smith in 1810 followed by Isaac Benjamin Smith in 1811 and for whom we have a more precise birth date of 26 August 1811.

Rilah Smith and Timmey Spencer had the following children:

i. Jerusha Ann Smith, born 1810, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, United States; married Rev. Joel Gulledge, abt 1856, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married John Matthew Sellers; died 13 Feb 1885, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
ii. Isaac Benjamin Smith, born 26 Aug 1811, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Rebecca Jane Boatwright; died 10 Aug 1882, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
iii. Ferguson Hale Smith, born Sep 1815, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Catherine Melton, abt 1841; married Mary Ann Graves, btn 1863-1867; married Ann Rebecca Powell, abt 1871; died 14 Jan 1902, Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
iv. Sarah Smith, born 22 Jul 1817, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married William B. Duncan; died 15 Jul 1907, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
v. Caroline Elizabeth Smith, born 9 Dec 1819, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Alfred L. White; died 27 Sep 1882, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.
vi. Elisha Brown Smith, born 11 Feb 1822, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina; married Delilah M. Wallace, abt 1844; died 11 Jan 1873, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina.

Rilah was a wealthy man when he died in 1864. The exact date of his death is unknown; but, based on the probate of his estate we know that he died in 1864. 

Inventory-Rilah Smith

According to his FindAGrave Memorial the Deep Creek Church Minutes also states that Rilah Smith died in 1864.
 
His wealth was primarily in land and slaves. I wrote about his slaves and their distributions back in November 2013. That article can be access through this link. 
 
http://carolinafamilyroots.blogspot.com/2013/11/friend-of-friends-fridaydistribution-of.html

The slaves along, without any other property, was valued at $64,300.00 (Image 211). This left his children well off provided they didn’t take all the cash in Confederate notes.  

Appraisers of the Rilah Smith estate were:
Kenneth Pittman
Welsey K. Streater
John W. Swinney

Executor of the Estate was Elisha Brown Smith, son of the deceased. Shortly after closing his Father’s estate in October 1866; Elisha Brown Smith passed away on 11 January 1873.





_____________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-24055-35?cc=1911928&wc=MMBR-QR9 : accessed 02 Jun 2014), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0001-0022 > image 183 of 493.
[2]  Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 14 March 2014); Memorial page for Rilah Smith; (26 August 1788–1864); Find a Grave memorial # 50034426, Citing Smith Cemetery; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, USA.






Saturday, January 30, 2016

It’s Family Time~Squire Lafayette Brock and Mary M. Silas


Family TimeSquire Lafayette Brock was born on 7 Sep 1857 in Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina. 1 2 3
He was the son of James Albert Brock and Mary Jane White. James Albert Brock was the son of Squire Brock and Rachel Parker of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. Mary Jane White was the daughter of Samuel White of Chesterfield County, South Carolina. James Albert and Mary Jane White Brock were married about 1855 in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 
 
Between 1857 and 1860, James Albert and Mary Jane White Brock migrated to Levy County, Florida. 
 
Squire Lafayette Brock and Mary M. Silas were married about 1884. Mary M. Silas, daughter of Nathaniel Silas and Roxie Ann Driggers, was born on 23 Jun 1867 in Madison Co., FL.
 
Squire Lafayette Brock and Mary M. Silas had the following children:
 
i. Orlando Brock was born after 1883.
ii. William James Brock, born 9 Oct 1885, Levy Co., FL; married Ray Grace Doke; died 12 Sep 1970, Levy Co., FL.
iii. Lonnie B. Brock, born 16 Oct 1887, Levy Co., FL; married Greta ; died Aug 1964.
iv. Alice Jane Brock, born 1 Nov 1889, Levy Co., FL; married William H. Stockman; died 7 Jan 1973.
v. Sidney Carlyle Brock, born 27 Aug 1892, Levy Co., FL; married Annice Gay Swilley, 1 Jun 1910, Levy Co., FL; died 24 Jan 1966, Levy Co., FL.
vi. Eddie L. Brock, born 10 Mar 1894, Levy Co., FL; married Lois M. Layfield; died 17 Jan 1969.
vii. Moses Ephraim Brock, born 24 Aug 1896, Levy Co., FL; married Ruby Mae ; died 6 Sep 1964, Trenton, Levy Co., FL.
viii. Della Jane Brock, born 24 Mar 1899, Levy Co., FL; married H. Gordan Ward; died 18 Jun 1983.
ix. Nannie Rea Brock, born 11 Apr 1901, Levy Co.,FL; married Charlie Albert Garner; died 26 Mar 1964, Chiefland, Levy Co.,FL.
x. Squire Lafayette Brock Jr., born 29 Aug 1905, Levy Co., FL; married Annie Belle , 7 Nov 1929, Levy Co., FL; died 15 Jan 1993, Tampa, Hillsborough Co., FL.
xi. Eva Mae Brock, born abt 1908, Levy Co., FL; married Jessie A. Dey, 13 Feb 1926, Trenton, Gilchrist Co., FL; died 19 Jul 1992.
Squire Lafayette died on 19 Feb 1934 at the age of 76 in Chiefland, Levy, Florida and was buried in Pine Grove, Levy County, Florida.
Mary M. Silas Brock died on 25 Jan 1927 at the age of 59 in Gilchrist Co., FL and was also buried in Pine Grove, Levy County, Florida. 
 
Squire Lafayette Brock is my 2nd Cousin 3 times removed.









 
___________________________________
1. 1860 U. S. Census, Levy County, Florida, population schedule, Township 12 Range 15, Levy County, Florida, Page: 104, Line 30, Dwelling 108, Family 102, Household of James A. BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: M653_108.
2. 1870 U. S. Census, Alachua County, Florida, population schedule, Gainesville PO, Alachua County, Florida, Page 190B, Line 9, Dwelling 3454, Family 3434, Household of John BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: M593_128.
3. 1880 U. S. Census, Alachua County, Florida, population schedule, Precinct 10, Alachua County, Florida, enumeration district (ED) #003, Page 73B, Line 08, Dwelling 454, Family 453, Household of S. L. BROCK; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 9 May 2011); citing NARA publication Roll: T9_125.





















Friday, January 29, 2016

Chesterfield County Military Veterans ~ Sgt. Lenson C. Graves


In Remembrance

Many of our young men have served their country, their state and this county. Some of these men gave their lives that you and I might enjoy the freedom we have today. Some of these men gave their all in defense of our nation. Their names can be viewed on the Honor Roll Monument near our local courthouse.  One of those men was:

Lenson C. Graves, born 8 December 1896, son of James William and Catherine Annetta Mangum Graves served in World War I (28 July 1914 - 11 November 1918). 

On 8 October 1918, Lenson C. Graves was killed in France while serving as a Sergeant with the 118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division.  He was two months shy of his 22nd birthday. 

Sgt. Graves is buried in Plot A Row 14 Grave 5, Somme American Cemetery, Bony, France 

Sgt. Lenson C. Graves

His tombstone can be viewed by clicking on the link below

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=56098381










____________________________
[1] Image courtesy of ancestry.com --http://search.ancestry.com/search/collections/abmc/29186/printer-friendly?gss=angs-c&new=1&rank=1&msT=1&gsfn=Lenson+C.&gsfn_x=0&gsln=Graves&gsln_x=1&msbdy=1896&msddy=1918&cp=0&MSAV=1&uidh=972&pcat=39&recoff=11+12+13&ml_rpos=1

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Treasure Chest Thursday~SC Death Certificate~Samuel Dunlap Belk


Samuel Dunlap Belk was born 2 August 1851 to Jefferson Belk and Sarah Rebecca Graves of Lancaster County, South Carolina. He was the only son of six children borned to this couple. 

Samuel married Arista McManus about 1872 according to the 1900 Census for Flat Creek, Lancaster, South Carolina. He died 20 September 1937 at 86 years of age. 

DC - Samuel D. Belk

The death certificate for Samuel Dunlap Belk reports that his parents were Jefferson Belk and Sarah Graves. It is my interests in Sarah Graves Belk that has led to my research of this family.

My 2nd Great Grandmother was Sarah Jane Graves and Sarah’s Mother was a lady named Mary Graves, born about 1795. I think that Sarah Graves Belk, Sarah Jane Graves and Mary Graves are all related. 

Jefferson Belk tombstone shows that he died in 1862, I can find no record of service in the Civil War so how he died is not known. There a specific date of 17 December 1862 but no tombstone photo. I am very doubtful of this date. No one seems to have any proof that it is a factual date. 

If you have any information on Jefferson or his wife Sarah Graves I would like to hear from you. If you are related and have done DNA testing; please lets compare results.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Tombstone Tuesday~John W. Purvis, Jr


John W. Purvis, Jr.
b. 20 May 1906
d. 11 Aug 1985
bu. Morven Cemetery

65087282_129679145333
Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr
65087282_129669481985
Photo Courtesy of Julious Burr

John William Purvis, Jr. is the son of John William Purvis, Sr. and his wife Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. John Jr. married Elma Davis, daughter of Charles Lester Davis and Fannie Mae Boatwright on 23 April 1927 in Bennettsville, Marlboro County, South Carolina. 

John and Elma had two children; one son, one daughter.

John William Purvis, Jr. is my 1st Cousin once removed.











__________________________
[1] Find A Grave, Inc., Find A Grave, database and digital images, (http://www.findagrave.com : accessed 29 January 2013); Memorial page for John W. Purvis, Jr.; (20 May 1906–11 August 1985); Find a Grave memorial # 65087282, Morven Cemetery; Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, USA.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~Anson County Land Deed Between William A. Purvis and wife to Marshall and Richardson, 1881


Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog. 

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.


Today’s subject is an Anson County Land Deed Between William A. Purvis and wife to Marshall and Richardson, 1881.

DB 21, page 401






DB 21, page 402

William A. Purvis, Wife to Marshall & Richardson
North Carolina}
Anson County} This indenture made and entered into 3rd day of March 1881 between William A. Purvis and wife Sarah J. Purvis parties of the first part and James C. Marshall and John S. Richardson partners trading under the name and style of Marshall & Richardson parties of the second part all of the county and state aforesaid. Witnesseth that the parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred and twenty-five and 80/100 dollars to them in hand paid by the parties of the second part at or before the signing and delivery of these presents receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged by them do by these presents bargain, sell, alien, assign and convey to the parties of the second part the following tract of land situate and being in the county and state aforesaid adjoining the lands of said William A. Purvis and others lying on Westfield Creek and bounded as follows, to wit, Beginning at a rock in the state line, comer of said Purvis' North Carolina tract three pines pts runs with state line to a white oak comer of Gardner's tract three pines pts then in a north west direction with said Gardner's line to a stake in the McGugan line thence with said line East to three pines in said line thence in a South course to the beginning containing thirty acres more or less. To have and to hold said tract of land to them the said parties of the second part, their heirs and assigns forever together with all the rights and appurtenances thereto belonging and the said William A. Purvis doth for himself, his heirs, executors and administrators, covenant and agrees to and with the said parties ofthe second part their heirs and assigns to forever warrant and defend the title of said tract of land against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever. In witness whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto put their hands and seals, day and date first above written.
                                                                  William X A. Purvis {Seal}
                                                                         His Mark
                                                                  S. J. Purvis {seal}


Signed, Sealed & Sworn in presence of Tho. J. Hardison

State of North Carolina}
Anson County} I John C. McLancklin, Clerk of Superior Court for Anson County do hereby certify that the due execution of the foregoing deed of conveyance was proven before me this day by the oath and examination of Thomas J. Hardison the subscribing witness. Let the deed of conveyance with this certificate be registered this the 3rd day of March AD 1881.
                                                                         John C. McLancklin
                                                                         CSC and Judge of Probate
March 9th 1881 then the foregoing deed and certificate came unto my hands and were duly registered.

                                                                        P. J. Coppedge
                                                                        Register of Deeds

This was the first sell-off of land owned by William A. Purvis and Sarah Jane Graves Purvis. These years after the Civil War were very unkind to the little farmer. Year after year William and Sarah mortgaged their farm to obtain funds in order to plant the following years crop. These loans had to be re-paid before they could claim any part of the crop for the year. 

Sarah would only live another short 12 years succumbing to cancer at the age of 59 on 31 December 1893.  

DEATH: Messenger-Intelligencer issue of January 4, 1894,  page 3, McFarlan News - The funeral of the wife of Mr. Wm. PERVIS was preached by this writer in the M. E. Church of this place last Sunday [31 Dec. 1893]. She was a good old woman. She had suffered intensely for fifteen months from cancer. She was a member of the M. E. church about 20 years. [SOURCE: Steve Bailey]


William and Sarah Purvis are my 2nd Great Grandparents.











______________________________
[1] Text of deed between W. A. Purvis, wife and Marshall & Richardson recorded in book 21, page 401, Anson County and NC. Grantor index to deeds, page 97, film #018131. Text of deed found on film #296737.
[2] Anson County, North Carolina, Deed Book 21: page 401, William. A. Purvis and wife [Sarah J. Purvis] to Marshall & Richardson; 3 March 1881, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.
[3] Sarah Jane Graves Purvis obituary, Messenger-Intelligencer, Wadesboro, North Carolina, 4 January 1894, page 3, McFarlan News.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Chesterfield County SC~Estate Folder #24 – Guardianship-Thomas P. Davis Estate


This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlook this valuable resource if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.  

Today we will be looking at the following Estate folder:
 
Folder #24

W. D. Davis

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-29278-16?cc=1911928
 
Folder #24 is in regards to the estate of Thomas P. Davis in which petitions are being made to appoint J. W. Davis as guardian of the under aged children of Thomas P. Davis and Nancy [Massey] Davis, his wife.

The estate folder begins at image 41 of 709. There are 6 images within the estate folder. (images 41-46). There are two key documents within this folder; the other four are just legal documents required by the probate system.

Image 42
 

#24-42-record-image_939L-N39S-2J

Transcription of Image 42
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
Ex Parte J. W. Davis for M. D. Davis H. L. Davis J. N. Davis T. C. Davis
1. That M. D. Davis H. L. Davis J. N. Davis & T. C. Davis are Infants over the age of fourteen years and is entitled to an interest in the said estate of about five Dollars each.
2. That said M. D. Davis H. L. Davis J. N. Davis & T. C. Davis has no guardian in this state with which the administrator can settle and from whom he can get a final discharge and petition is desirous of having a Guardian appointed for them and J. W. Davis is a suitable person for such Guardian wherefore petitioner prays that J. W. Davis be appointed Guardian of said M. D. Davis H. L. Davis J. N. Davis & T. C. Davis with all the powers and liabilities incident there to and your petitioner ever prays.
M. D. Davis
H. L. Davis
J. N. Davis
T. C. Davis

The children named within this document are: Minnie D. Davis (daughter); Helen Laura Davis (daughter); John Nelson Davis (Son) and Thomas Colson ‘Coke’ Davis (Son).
I believed the guardian chosen for these children was their uncle John Wesley Davis.

Image 44
 
#24-44-record-image_939L-N39S-HP 
Transcription of Image 44
State of South Carolina
Chesterfield County
In Re Estate T. P. Davis
Ex Parte Nancy Davis for J. M. Davis Hattie Davis & W. J. Davis – The petition of Nancy Davis
1. That she is the Mother of the above named children and that that she has the care of them and that J. W. Davis is a suitable person to act as Guardian.
2. That J. M. Davis Hattie Davis & W. J. Davis are Infants under the age of fourteen years and is entitled to an interest in the said estate of about five Dollars each.
3. That the said J. M. Davis Hattie Davis & W. J. Davis has no guardian in this state with which the administrator can settle and from whom he can get a final discharge and petition is desirous of having a Guardian appointed for them and J. W. Davis is a suitable person for such Guardian wherefore petitioner prays that J. W. Davis be appointed Guardian of said children with all the powers and liabilities incident there to and your petitioner ever prays.
s/Nancy Davis

The children named within this document are: James Murray Davis (Son); Hattie Davis (daughter) and William Jefferson Davis (Son).
 
Nancy was left as a widow with seven children, under the age of 21, to care for when her husband Thomas P. Davis died on  13 November 1885.
 
 
 
 






-------------------------------------
[1] Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Probate Files & Loose papers, Thomas P. "T. P." DAVIS; digital images, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org: viewed 12 December 2012); Probate Folder #24 for Thomas P. DAVIS.
[2] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-29278-16?cc=1911928 : accessed 23 January 2016), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0023-0064 > image 41 of 709; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.




























Monday, January 18, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~Land Deed, Mrs. Sallie Gathings to Mrs. Pearly Purvis


Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.



Today’s subject is a Land Deed, Mrs. Sallie Gathings to Mrs. Pearly Purvis.1

Deed Book 118, page 371Deed Book 118, page 372

MRS. SALLIE GATHINGS  -TO-  MRS. PEARLY PURVIS

NORTH CAROLINA
RICHMOND COUNTY
THIS DEED, made this 30th day of March, A. D. 1936, by Mrs. Sallie Gathings, widow, of Richmond county and State of North Carolina of the first part, to Mrs. Pearly Purvis, widow, of Anson County and State of North Carolina pf the second part:
WITNESSTH, That Mrs. Sallie Gathings, in consideration of Twenty-five and no/100 Dollars, to her paid by party of the second part the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, have bargained and sold, and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell and convey to said party of the second part, her heirs and assigns, a certain tract or parcel of land in Anson County, State of North Carolina, adjoining the lands of and others, and bounded as follows,viz:
Being Lot no. 5 of a subdivision according to a plat and survey made by James Stewart, Surveyor, April 27th, 1936, said plat being referred to for a more full and complete description.
This being a part of the tract of land conveyed to Mrs. Sallie Gathings by her children by deed dated March 23rd, 1936.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the aforesaid tract or parcel of land, and all privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging, to the said party of the second part, her heirs and assigns, to their only use and behoof forever.
And the said party of the first part, for herself and her heirs, executors and administrators, covenant with said party of the second part, her heirs and assigns, that she is sized of said premises in fee and has right to convey in fee simple; that the same are free and clear from all encumbrances, and that she does hereby forever warrant and will forever defend the said title to the same against the claims of all persons whomsoever.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the said Mrs. Sallie Gathings has hereunto set her hand and seal, the day and year first above written.
                                                                              Mrs. Sallie Gathings {seal}


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
ANSON COUNTY
I, Jno. P. Boyd Notary Public, do hereby certify that Mrs. Sallie Gathings, widow, personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the due execution of the Annexed Deed of Conveyance; and the said Mrs. Sallie Gathings being by me  privately examined, separate and apart from her said husband,  touching her voluntary execution of the same, doth state that she signed the same freely and voluntarily, without fear or compulsion of her said husband or any other person, and that she both still voluntarily assent thereto.
Witness my hand and notarial seal, this 30 day of April, A.D. 1936.
(N. P.)                                                        Jno. P. Boyd   {seal}
(Seal)                                                          N. P.
My commission expires Feby. 15, 38


STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
ANSON COUNTY

The foregoing certificates of Jno. P. Boyd, a Notary Public of Anson County., State of North Carolina, is adjudged to be correct. Let the instrument, with the certificates, be registered.
Witness my hand and official seal, this 12 day of Jan., A.D. 1953.
                                                                  Nannie Lee Horne, Asst.
                                                                  Clerk Superior Court
January 12th, 1953, at 3:00 o’clock P. M.
Then the foregoing instrument, with the certificates thereon, came into my hands and were duly registered.
                                                                  Frances E. Liles
                                                                  Register of Deeds


Mrs. Pearly Purvis is my Grandmother Lucy Pearl Deese Purvis, daughter of John Calvin Deese and his 1st wife, Louvena Huneycutt. Mrs. Sallie Gathings is Sarah ‘Sallie’ Katherine Pratt Gathings, daughter of Daniel Pratt and Mary J. ‘Mollie’ Braswell. Sallie was married to Thomas C. Gathings. The original deed was in possession of my grandmother at the time of her death. 

I have been told that this Deed was for a “Cemetery Plot” for the Purvis Family in the Morven Cemetery, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina. 

This deed can be accessed at - http://www.ansonncrod.org/





________________________
[1] Anson County, North Carolina, 118: 371 and 372, MRS. SALLIE GATHINGS -TO- MRS. PEARLY PURVIS; 30 March 1936, Register of Deeds, Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Chesterfield County SC~Estate Folder #55 – Joel W. Brock

This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlooked this valuable resources if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. 

Today we will be looking at the following Estate folder:

Folder #55
Joel W. Brock

 
The estate folder begins at image 477 of 709. There are 48 images within the estate folder. (images 477-524) 1


https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-30710-28?cc=1911928

Joel W. Brock was a son of Samuel W. Brock and his wife Martha [LNU]. He was born in 1829. He was a bachelor farmer and in the 1860 Census was living near Alexander Brock and my 2nd Great Grandfather Hezekiah Brock. 

From the research I have done it’s looks as if Joel stayed home and tended his farm until he was CONSCRIPTED on 11 May 1864. This same J. W. BROCK, 1st Regiment SC Artillery, Co. J. died of disease, at Mt. Pleasant General Hospital on 29 Nov 1864.

Broken Fortunes, page 39 and the Roll of Dead have a Joel W. Brock, Private, 21st SCVI, CD (Chesterfield), died 03/01/65, Charleston, SC Prob Co. C, ROH (Roll of Honor). The roster for the 21st SCVI shows no Joel W. Brock as a member of that unit.2 3

The earliest date that I can find in Joel’s Probate Folder (#55) is 16 January 1865 when authority was granted for appraisement of the goods of Joel W. Brock.(see image 500 & 522) Thus the March 1865 death date cannot be for Joel W. Brock of Chesterfield since his estate was already in Probate.4  

Image 508 names all the heirs at law of the estate. Named are his brothers and sisters and the children of deceased brother Samuel Brock. His brother Samuel as well as Thomas and Calvin lost their lives in the Civil War. Four sons from this one family.  

There are some interesting tidbits within this file; a suit brought by James Paul Brock, the younger brother of the family. The names of buyers at the estate sale and what they bought is interesting. The estate was finally settled in 1872. 

Deed Book 2
Pages 323-324
Chesterfield Courthouse – Register of Deeds
Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., SC
Transcribed by Charles L. Purvis, 9 December 2012

Hugh Craig Judge of Probate to John T. Lee Deed [5]
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 [Brock] 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

Joel Washington Brock is my 1st Cousin 4 times removed.







 

___________________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-30710-28?cc=1911928 : accessed 16 January 2016), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0023-0064 > image 477 of 709; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.
[2] Ancestry, "Civil War Service Records" database, Military Service Records (http://www.fold3.com/image/#20|67715655 : accessed 4 September 2013), entry for J. W. BROCK, Private; 1st Regiment SC Artillery; Confederate.
[3] 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 6.
[4] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-30531-31?cc=1911928 : accessed 16 January 2016), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0023-0064 > image 522 of 709; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.
[5] Land Deed - Hugh Craig Judge of Probate to John T. Lee Deed (Joel W. Brock Land); 19 November 1869; Deed Book #2; Page(s) 323 & 324; Register of Deeds; Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, SC; 9 December 2012.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

It’s Family Time~Gilbert Johnston Purvis


I have been tied up with handing the estate for my Aunt that passed away at age 92 on 20 December 2015. For the next few weeks it will keep me busy working to get the estate inventoried, disposed of and the property put up for sale; so please bear with me for I know I will not be able to post as often as I would like.

Today's family time article will be a short one about Gilbert J. Purvis. 

There is no doubt that Gilbert J. Purvis is the son of Gilbert Purvis and his wife Effica Howell. Gilbert J. was not their first born; that honor goes to a daughter called Sally. Gilbert J. also had an older brother names James; quite possible James J. Purvis or James Johnston Purvis. 

Gilbert J. Purvis was born about 1792 and died November 1835 in Hinds County, Mississippi. He never married.

Much speculation has been espoused about his middle name; some says the J represents Johnson while others say it represents Johnston and a lot of individual say he was married but it is not so. 

A partial land deed found within the Spencer Family Papers, 1700-1900 should put an end to this speculation for it clearly shows that Gilbert J. Purvis is Gilbert Johnston Purvis.

20160112_201543-1 

My thank to Gary Purvis for providing this snippet from a land deed between Gilbert Purvis and William Turnaage. A search of the SC Library system will find this page.1


________________________
[1] http://dc.statelibrary.sc.gov/handle/10827/8798

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

2016 Ancestor Score


This past Saturday night, (Jan 9) Randy Seaver posted a participation blog entitled “Saturday Night Genealogy Fun - Your Ancestor Score for 2016.”

I didn’t get a chance to participate in the fun on Saturday night but I did calculate the advances made in my genealogy research and established a baseline number for 2016. 

10 Generations

For 10 generations, my "Ancestor Score" is:
Number of known ancestral names = 260
Number of possible ancestral names = 1,023
10 generation Ancestral Name Number = 260/1,023 = 25.42%


I have made some significant progress on my paternal line this past year. One probate file, found by a close friend, helped to move my Huneycutt line back 3 additional generations.  
I feel good about the progress I have made knowing that pre civil war records for Chesterfield County are very rare. I’m looking forward to many more “surprises” throughout thee forthcoming months.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Amanuensis Monday~Heirs at Law–William B. Duncan


Amanuensis Monday is a genealogy blogging theme. It was started by John Newmark who writes the TransylvanianDutch blog.

His definition of Amanuensis is:
Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another.


Today’s subject is the Heirs at Law of the Estate of William B. Duncan. 


William B. Duncan married Sarah Smith daughter of Riley Smith and Timmey Spencer. Their first born Elizabeth was born in 1849 suggesting a possibly marriage about 1848. They had 5 children; four daughters and one son.1
 
1860 Census, Family 500
1860 Census, Chesterfield County, SC










Image 340 – Request for Guardianship
Sarah Duncan Probate

Transcription:

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}
To Hugh Craig Sen. Esq. Ordinary
The Humble Petition of Sarah Duncan—
Sheweth that Wm. B. Duncan late of said district deceased, lately died intestate, having in his lifetime and at the time of his death divers goods & chattels, rights & credits amounting to about Six hundred dollars [Insert] Confederate Currency, and leaving the following children Viz – Elizabeth Duncan about 17 years of age , Delilah J. Duncan about 15 years of age, Orry M. Duncan about 11 years of age, -- Mary C. Duncan about 9 years of age and William B. Duncan about 7 years of age, each one of whom has an undivided interest in said Estate. Your petitioner therefore prays that she may be appointed guardian in Chief for the said minor children.
April 2nd 1866                                              S/Sarah Duncan
It is ordered that Mrs. Sarah Duncan be appointed guardian in Chief for the above named minor children upon her giving bond & Security in the sum if Six hundred Dollar and that she be authorized to receive the amount due said Estate from the hands of the Adm.
Apr. 2nd 1866                                         Hugh Craig, Sen.
                                                                O. C. D.
We conscent <sic> that Mrs. Sarah Duncan be appointed our guardian in chief as above stated.
Apr. 2nd 1866                                        S/Elizabeth Duncan
                                                              S/Delilah J. Duncan
It is ordered that Mrs. Sarah Duncan be appointed guardian in Chief for the other minor children.
Apr 2nd 1866-                                       Hugh Craig, Sen
                                                              O.C. D.
I don’t have an explanation for the name discrepancy between the 1860 Census and the 1866 Guardian letter by Sarah Duncan. In 1860, one daughter was named as Sarah A. Duncan; this same daughter seems to be referred to as Orry M. Duncan in the 1866 Request for Guardianship.
 
 
 






 
_______________________
[1] 1860 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 129 (stamped); Line 35, Dwelling 501, Family 500, Household of W. B. DUNCAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 6 January 2016); citing National Archives Microfilm M653-1217.
[2] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19383-30966-30?cc=1911928 : accessed 10 January 2016), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0023-0064 > image 340 of 709; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.





















Sunday, January 10, 2016

Chesterfield County SC~Estate Folder #167 – Charles J. Boan


This is a new series of posting, appearing every Sunday, on selected Estate Folders from the Estate files of Chesterfield County. No known estates exist for the period before the Civil War. They were destroyed with the burning of the Courthouse. There are a few “Equity Records” in the State Archives. Do not overlooked this valuable resources if you are looking for ancestors in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.  

Today we will be looking at the following Estate folder: 

Folder #167
Charles J. Boan
The estate folder begins at image 439 of 1550. His entire folder consists of 4 images (439-442)


Image 1 & 2  – are Title Pages

Image 3 - J. L. P. Boan Document1
record-image_939L-NQ97-GH

Transcription of above document:

State of South Carolina}
Chesterfield District}  Personally appeared John L. P. Boan before me and duly made oath that he made a action to the Ordinary of the Chesterfield District in the year 1863 of the account of sales of the goods and chattels of Charles J. Boan deceased, as also the appraisement of said estate, all of which he has been informed were destroyed or lost by the destruction by fire of the Court House by the Northern Army – and that to the best of his recollection and belief the sale of said Estate amounted to about Three hundred and seventeen dollars and 89 cents.- and that when he as administrator of said Estate paid over to Martha Boan for herself and as Guardian of Kendrick Boan that the sums paid [illegible word] all that was then due to them as heirs of said Charles J. Boan—and that the within account exhibits a full true & perfect statement of all the monies received and paid out by him as administrator of said estate.    John L. P. Boan
Sworn to before me}
Jany 19th, 1867}
Hugh Craig, Sen.
Ordy C. D.


Image 4 – Estate Accounting2
Estate Charles J. Boan-image 442

Charles J. Boan was born about 1838, a son of John Lewis Percy Boan and his wife Abigail Therrell. 

Charles was married to Martha whose last name I haven’t found in any documents up until this time. They had one known child, a son, Kendrick born about 1851.  This is based on information reported in the 1870 Census but the dates just doesn’t tract; Kendrick birth in 1851 would make his Father Charles to be age 13 at the time of his birth.3  

Martha & Kendrick

Charles J, age 11, can be found in 1850 Census with his parents. No record of Charles can be found after this Census. He is believed to have died sometime before the 13 April 1863 date on Image 4 above.

If you have any information about this family, please contact me.














______________________________________
[1] "South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-32168-45?cc=1911928 : accessed 19 May 2015), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0153-0227 > image 441 of 1550; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.
[2]"South Carolina Probate Records, Files and Loose Papers, 1732-1964," images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-19384-32168-45?cc=1911928 : accessed 19 May 2015), Chesterfield > Probate Court, Estate records > 1865-1927 > Cases 0153-0227 > image 442 of 1550; county courthouses, South Carolina, and South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia.
[3] 1870 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, Page: 287B (stamped); Line 12, Dwelling 223, Family 223, Household of Martha BOAN; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 19 May 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M593_1491.
[4] 1850 U. S. Census, Chesterfield, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Chesterfield, Chesterfield, South Carolina, Page: 123A(stamped); Line 31, Dwelling 385, Family 385, Household of John L. P. BONE; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 3 May 2015); citing National Archives Microfilm M432 Roll 851.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

It’s Family Time~Lecty Huneycutt Adkinson


Family Time
Lecty Huneycutt was born on 3 Nov 1874 in Stanly County, North Carolina.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lecty died on 4 Mar 1949 at the age of 74 and was buried on 5 Mar 1949 at Palestine Methodist Church Cemetery, Stanly County, North Carolina.8 9 10
 

Lecty Huneycutt Atkinson obituary in the Stanley Press News of Press, 8 March 1949, states that she was buried in the Palestine Cemetery. I have search this cemetery twice and as of yet have not found a tombstone for either her or Samuel.
 
Final rites were held Saturday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock at the home, conducted by the Rev. Edwin Bailey. Burial was in the Palestine Cemetery.
She is survived by her husband, Sam Atkinson, and two children, Mrs. Gillam Coble of Albemarle and, route 2, and Willie Atkinson of Eldorado. [The Stanly Hews and Press, Tuesday, 8 March 1949, page 7, Column 4.]
 
Lecty Huneycutt married Samuel Henry "Sam" Adkinson on 8 May 1902 in Wadesboro, Anson, North Carolina.11
 
Samuel Henry "Sam" Adkinson, was a son of James H. Atkinson and Nancy Gathings, was born on 22 Apr 1867 in Anson County, North Carolina.12 Sam and Lecty can be found in the Stanly County Census for the years 1910 through 1940.13 14 15 16 Sam died on 8 Nov 1949 at the age of 78 in Landis, Rowan, North Carolina.17 He was buried on 9 Nov 1949 at Palestine Methodist Church Cemetery in Palestine, Stanly, North Carolina.18

Samuel Henry Adkinson and Lecty Huneycutt had the following children:
i. Emma J. Atkinson, born 30 May 1890, Chesterfield County, South Carolina; married Gilliam Coble, abt 1907; died 17 May 1959, Albemarle, Stanly, North Carolina.
ii. William James Adkinson, born 31 May 1903, Stanly County, North Carolina; married Annie Lee Coley; died 16 Mar 1957, Albemarle, Stanly, North Carolina.

 
Lecty Huneycutt Adkinson is my Great Grand Aunt.
 
 
 
 






_______________________________
1. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 6383 (4 March 1949), Mrs. Electa Honeycutt Adkinson; https://www.ancestry.com, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
2. 1880 US Census, Anson County, North Carolina, population schedule, Morven, Anson County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 002, Page 352A(stamped), Line 39, Dwelling #264, Family #282, Household of James Hunicutt; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 26 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T9, Roll 951.
3. 1900 U. S. Census, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, population schedule, Cole Hill, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0019, Page 1A/59(stamped); Line 15, Dwelling 4, Family 4, Household of Sarah E. HONEYCUT; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://ancestry.com : viewed 28 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm  T623_1523.
4. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 0116, Page 109B/109(stamped), Line 87, Dwelling 130, Family 131, Household of Samuel ATKINSON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 28 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T624, Roll 1096.
5. 1920 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 146, Page: 193A(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 640/299, Family 309, Household of Henry S. ATKINSON; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : viewed 28 May 2013); citing National Archives Microfilm T625, Roll 1323.
6. 1930 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, North Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 17, Page: 141A; Line 28, Dwelling 263, Family 282, Household of Samuel H. ATKINSON; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 28 May 2013); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 1721.
7. 1940 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, East and Southeast Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, enumeration district (ED) 84-178, Page: 16B/269(stamped); Line 57, Household #288, Household OF Samuel ATKINSON; digital images, 1940 CENSUS (http://1940census.archives.gov : viewed 28 May 2013); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 2975.
8. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 6383, (4 March 1949), Mrs. Electa Honeycutt Adkinson.
9. Ibid.
10. Mrs. Atkinson Taken By Death obituary, The Stanly News and Press, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, 8 March 1949, Page 7, Col 4..
11. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly, North Carolina, ED 0116, Page 109B/109(stamped), Line 87, Dwelling 130, Family 131, Household of Samuel ATKINSON.
12. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 26524, (8 November 1949), Henry Samuel Atkinson.
13. 1910 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly, North Carolina, ED 0116, Page 109B/109(stamped), Line 87, Dwelling 130, Family 131, Household of Samuel ATKINSON.
14. 1920 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 146, Page: 193A(stamped); Line 32, Dwelling 640/299, Family 309, Household of Henry S. ATKINSON.
15. 1930 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, North Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 17, Page: 141A; Line 28, Dwelling 263, Family 282, Household of Samuel H. ATKINSON.
16. 1940 U. S. Census, Stanly County, North Carolina, population schedule, East and Southeast Albemarle, Stanly County, North Carolina, ED 84-178, Page: 16B/269(stamped); Line 57, Household #288, Household OF Samuel ATKINSON.
17. State of North Carolina, death certificate no. 26524, (8 November 1949), Henry Samuel Atkinson.
18. Ibid.